White Horse Inn
399 episodes - English - Latest episode: 16 days ago - ★★★★★ - 2K ratingsDo all paths lead to God? Is the Bible history or mythology? Are we saved by grace or good works? Featuring conversations with Christians from a variety traditions, this program is designed to give you a better understanding of what you believe and why you believe it.
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Episodes
Recovering the Fear of God in the Church
August 28, 2022 06:00 - 33 minutes - 15.5 MBWhen we’re living in constant emergency mode, can we turn it all off on Sunday? Can we come together with our different backgrounds and experiences and sing the same songs, hear the same prayers, make the same confession? In this episode, the WHI hosts diagnose the problem underlying the lack of fear of the Lord: a weak view of sin and a mediocre appreciation for God’s holiness. They consider how Sunday worship serves to remind us of who God is and who we are before him. In his church, Chris...
Overcoming the Fear of the Other
August 21, 2022 06:00 - 35 minutes - 16.2 MBPsalm 27:1 says, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” In this episode, the WHI hosts explore what happens when this verse is not a reality for us. Trapped in a blame game that goes back to the garden, we fear each other—not the Lord. We confuse the kingdom of Christ with Caesar’s Rome and begin to use, exploit, and oppose the “other,” rather than seeing people made in God’s image. But when we live in the fear of the Lord, we in turn love our neighbors, worshipping toge...
Fear Not: Moving From Terror to Trust
August 14, 2022 06:00 - 30 minutes - 14.2 MBAll our fears can be encapsulated in three words: security, life, and justification. But the Bible repeatedly tells us, “Fear not!” So how do we live without fear? In this episode, the WHI hosts consider how fear can shift from terror to trust, from law and gospel. They examine the biblical promises that undergird the commands to fear not, celebrating the comfort found in facing our fears united to Christ. __________ If you’ve already picked up Mike’s newest book, Recovering Our Sanity -...
Losing Our Sanity: What We’re Afraid Of
August 07, 2022 06:00 - 30 minutes - 13.8 MBPeople today are living in a constant state of fear. The fight or flight instinct has become a routine way of life, subverting fact gathering and fact checking, and causing careful deliberation, logical thought, and empathy towards others to take a holiday. In this first episode discussing Michael Horton’s new book, Recovering Our Sanity: How the Fear of God Conquers the Fears That Divide Us, the WHI hosts consider both the gift of fear and its manipulation. They discuss what we fear and why...
Word-Saturated Prayer
July 31, 2022 06:00 - 29 minutes - 13.6 MBScripture has much to say about prayer, both in its teaching about who God is as the one who enables and receives our prayers, and in the way it gives language for every human circumstance and emotion. In this episode of White Horse Inn, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Adriel Sanchez look beyond the Lord’s Prayer to other biblical passages that give shape to how we approach God in prayer, allowing us to communicate with praises, laments, statements of intention, and questions. __________ ...
Pitfalls on Our Path to Prayer
July 24, 2022 06:00 - 30 minutes - 14.2 MBPrayer is one of God’s greatest gifts to his people. And it’s also one of our biggest sources of guilt, confusion, and frustration. In this episode of White Horse Inn, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Adriel Sanchez talk about some pitfalls on our path to prayer, bringing biblical and theological reflection, help, and wisdom to this area of the Christian life. __________ Get our free download about prayer. Just go to whitehorseinn.org/offers. __________ Sign up for our newsletter and ...
Our Confessions on Prayer
July 17, 2022 06:00 - 30 minutes - 14.1 MBThe different traditions emerging from the Protestant Reformation each bring helpful tools and perspectives to cultivating a life of prayer. In this episode of White Horse Inn, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Adriel Sanchez reflect on the differences and similarities regarding prayer within the Anglican, Lutheran, and Presbyterian traditions, sharing how their tradition’s history, liturgy, and resources have shaped their approach to and practice of prayer. __________ Become a partner and...
Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread
July 10, 2022 06:00 - 31 minutes - 14.6 MBThough not a strict model for prayer in all situations, the Lord’s Prayer is a rich resource for learning how to pray—a summary outline given by Jesus as a general guide. In this episode of White Horse Inn, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Adriel Sanchez work through the remaining petitions of the Lord’s Prayer and what it means to cast our cares upon the Lord, believing that he cares for us. __________ Get our free download about prayer. Just go to whitehorseinn.org/offers. __________ ...
Our Father in Heaven
July 03, 2022 06:00 - 32 minutes - 15.1 MBAlthough prayer is something we do, the way we pray reflects our understanding of who God is. In this episode of White Horse Inn, Justin Holcomb and Bob Hiller are joined by special guest pastor Adriel Sanchez as they unpack the first part of the Lord’s Prayer, asking questions like, what is the theology that undergirds our practice of prayer? What is the ordinary and gospel-shaped reality of prayer? And what are we actually saying when we pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. ...
Binding the Strongman
June 26, 2022 06:00 - 31 minutes - 14.3 MBSatan is defeated, but he’s clearly still active today. How do we reconcile these two realities? In this episode of White Horse Inn, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and David Cassidy conclude our series on spiritual warfare, considering what it looks like to rest in Christ’s victory, stand firm on Christ’s word, and look for Christ’s return. __________ Our magazine, Modern Reformation, has been newly redesigned and it comes with a special price: whatever you can afford! To find out more, he...
Worship Is Warfare
June 19, 2022 06:00 - 31 minutes - 14.6 MBHaving considered Satan’s power and influence today, how do we avoid being gripped by fear? How do we stand firm? How do we fight? In this White Horse Inn episode, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and David Cassidy look at the armor of God and other biblical passages to understand the right posture for Christians as they engage in spiritual warfare. __________ To receive our new book, 30 Years Closer: Essays for a Modern Reformation, for a gift of $50 or more, go to whitehorseinn.org/closer. ...
The Pervasive Influence of Darkness
June 12, 2022 06:00 - 31 minutes - 14.3 MBWhen we start talking about spiritual warfare, we immediately think of the serpent in the garden, of New Testament confrontations between Jesus and the demon-possessed, and of chaotic exorcisms depicted in TV and movies. But what kind of power does Satan have, and what are we supposed to do about it? On this episode of White Horse Inn, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and David Cassidy trace the biblical encounters with Satan and consider how he works today, reminding believers to be alert but no...
Your Adversary the Devil
June 05, 2022 06:00 - 30 minutes - 14.1 MBWho is the devil? Where does he come from, and how do modern perceptions of him line up with biblical teaching? On this episode of White Horse Inn, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and special guest Pastor David Cassidy discuss the idea of personified evil and the way caricatures of Satan and his origins have transformed through the ages and are reflected on the pages of Scripture. __________ To receive our new book, 30 Years Closer: Essays for a Modern Reformation, for a gift of $50 or more,...
Courage in the Ordinary
May 29, 2022 06:00 - 29 minutes - 13.6 MBHave you noticed that words like “extreme” and “revolutionary” have ironically become part of our “ordinary” vocabulary, even in the world of contemporary Christianity? We’re constantly being encouraged to “transform the world,” to pursue “radical discipleship,” or simply to do “big things for Jesus.” But what is the cost of this continual use of superlatives? The hosts, with the help of Tish Harrison Warren, discuss this issue and point to a recovery of “ordinary discipleship” in a world of...
The Given Life
May 22, 2022 06:00 - 31 minutes - 14.6 MBSometimes the church hinders our experience of the good life by packing our schedules, heaping on burdens, or trying to be cool and relevant. But the church can also help us cultivate the good life by pointing us to a kingdom that we receive—not build. In this episode of White Horse Inn, Eric Landry, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller celebrate the ordinary ministry of Word and Sacrament that leads to rest and flourishing, and they unpack how the gifts of justification and union with Christ cont...
Made for Another World
May 15, 2022 06:00 - 31 minutes - 14.5 MBThis series has helped us to see that we can enjoy God’s creational gifts without guilt. But God also gives us eschatological gifts that prepare us for our heavenly home. So what happens when we have an over-realized or under-realized eschatology? In this episode of White Horse Inn, Eric Landry, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller talk about life between the “now” and the “not yet,” considering the role of virtue in the Christian life and how the law gives shape to the good life as we’re conforme...
Finding God in the Muck and the Mire
May 08, 2022 06:00 - 33 minutes - 15.3 MBIn a life filled with suffering, is a good life truly possible? In this episode of White Horse Inn, Eric Landry, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller ask the hard questions about sin, suffering, and real life. Just because this life can be hard doesn’t mean that we should embrace a dualism that places the body and soul in opposition to each other. Instead, we need to acknowledge a certain realism about how the world functions on this side of the fall, being honest about what is evil—and even just ...
What Is the Good Life?
May 01, 2022 06:00 - 31 minutes - 14.4 MBDo you ever feel behind in life? In a culture that endlessly calls us to hustle, climb, and improve, we’re bound to feel guilty for settling with “ordinary.” But is the good life built from all that striving? In this episode of White Horse Inn, Eric Landry, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller consider what kind of lives we should expect according to Scripture. How is our experience of the good life shaped by our own experiences as sinful humans who now live under God’s benediction in Christ? They...
Life in His Name
April 24, 2022 06:00 - 33 minutes - 15.2 MBIf Christ really rose from the dead, then it must have major ramifications for our lives. So how does the resurrection shape us? In this episode of White Horse Inn, Eric Landry, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Doug Powell discuss the impact of Christ’s resurrection at the cosmic level, institutional level, and personal level. They consider what it means that Christ is victorious over Satan, sin, hell, death, and the grave; they unpack what it means to say “Jesus is Lord”; and they celebrate ...
Christ Is Risen Indeed
April 17, 2022 06:00 - 33 minutes - 15.6 MBWhat kind of sermon did you hear today? In this episode of White Horse Inn, seasoned pastors Eric Landry, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller are joined once again by apologist Doug Powell to discuss the essential elements of an Easter sermon—and describe some of the “misses” you might have experienced. This Easter, they hope you heard a sermon that was historical, preaching good news from outside of you; that was grounded in the Scriptures, showing Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament;...
Resurrection Objections
April 10, 2022 06:00 - 32 minutes - 15 MBHaving established the minimal facts of the resurrection, how do we respond when people suggest alternative theories for explaining the missing body, the empty tomb, and Christ’s post-resurrection appearances? Did Jesus simply faint on the cross? Was his body stolen? Did the women go to the wrong tomb? Did the disciples make up the resurrection story, or did it grow and develop over the years? In this episode of White Horse Inn, Eric Landry, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Doug Powell evalua...
The Six Minimal Facts
April 03, 2022 06:00 - 32 minutes - 14.9 MB“If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain,” writes the apostle Paul (1 Cor. 15:14), situating the resurrection as the central claim of Christianity—the foundation for the entire biblical worldview. But why is it so important? In this episode of White Horse Inn, Eric Landry, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Doug Powell discuss Christ’s resurrection as a unique claim among world religions. They also work through “The Minimal Facts” put forward by Ga...
The Baptist Tradition With Guest Dr. Matthew Hall
March 27, 2022 07:00 - 39 minutes - 18.1 MBThis series has highlighted the substantial overlap between the traditions seated at the White Horse Inn table while also honestly examining the differences between them. In this episode, Justin Holcomb sits down with Dr. Matthew Hall, provost and senior vice president for academic administration of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. They look at the historical development and complexity within the Baptist tradition and what it means to be confessional and congregational. In the proc...
The Reformed Tradition
March 20, 2022 07:00 - 28 minutes - 13.3 MBMichael Horton walked the path into Reformed theology through the book of Romans. As he studied Paul’s words, he was gripped by the doctrine of justification by faith alone, and by other distinctives he would come to understand as Reformed—high views of creation, the Fall, the dignity of humanity, God’s sovereign will, and God’s mercy. In this episode of White Horse Inn, Justin Holcomb interviews Michael Horton about the Reformed tradition. They consider how the creeds and confessions testif...
The Lutheran Tradition
March 13, 2022 08:00 - 29 minutes - 13.6 MBWhen it comes to discussing our differences, there is a lot of value in a genuine conversation. Rooted in humility, we have much to learn from each other, and we may find we have more in common than we realize. In this episode of White Horse Inn, Michael Horton interviews Pastor Bob Hiller about the distinctives within the Lutheran tradition. As they discuss the great debates that often arise between Lutherans and Presbyterians, they also explore the pastoral nature of Lutheran theology. Hol...
The Anglican Tradition
March 06, 2022 08:00 - 35 minutes - 16.4 MBFor 30 years, White Horse Inn has aimed at conversational theology, exploring a shared Reformation history and defending a common set of convictions. But what are the differences we bring to the table? In this episode of our new series, “Different, Not Divided,” Michael Horton sits down with Justin Holcomb to learn about the Anglican tradition—its history, confession, and polity, and what led Holcomb to be ordained as an Anglican minister. He shares some of the challenges within the Anglican...
Faithful Endurance
February 27, 2022 08:00 - 31 minutes - 14.6 MBThe famous “Hall of Faith” is found in Hebrews 11, but how did these heroes possess such great faith? And what exactly is faith? How is it related to obedience and endurance and fruitfulness? In this final episode of our White Horse Inn series examining the book of Hebrews, Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Nick Brennan look at the last few chapters of the book and its call for perseverance. They consider the role of suffering and discipline in believers’ sanctification and ref...
Jesus, Our Hope
February 20, 2022 08:00 - 35 minutes - 16.2 MBThe Book of Hebrews contains some of the most difficult passages in Scripture—warnings that cause people to feel fearful and lack assurance. How—in the face of such grave warnings—is Jesus our hope? In this episode of White Horse Inn, Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Nick Brennan look closely at two particular warning passages in Hebrews 5–6 and 10, considering what the writer intended and what implications these passages have for the church today. In the process, they discuss...
Jesus, Our Great High Priest
February 13, 2022 08:00 - 29 minutes - 13.5 MBWhy would you want to go back to types and shadows when the real thing is here? The author of Hebrews poses this question as he highlights Jesus’s work as our great high priest—a priest who passed not just through an earthly curtain but through a heavenly one, who descends from the line of Melchizedek, who far surpasses the priesthood of the Jerusalem temple. In this episode of White Horse Inn, Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Nick Brennan continue their discussion of the book...
Jesus Is Better
February 06, 2022 08:00 - 30 minutes - 41.9 MBWhat’s better than Jesus? What about the angels, Moses, the Levitical priesthood, and the blessings and promises of the old covenant? In the first few chapters of Hebrews, the author highlights these contrasts, pointing to the glory of Christ and his work on our behalf. His claim that Jesus is better sets the groundwork for what the rest of the sermon unpacks: a better covenant with better promises and a better mediator. In this new White Horse Inn series examining the book of Hebrews, Micha...
Soli Deo Gloria
January 30, 2022 08:00 - 37 minutes - 17.2 MBAccording to Robert Schuller, the problem with the reformation was that it was God-centered rather than man-centered. We live an age of self-esteem and self-help. Therapy has triumphed over theology. On this episode of the White Horse Inn our hosts help to recover the reformation slogan, “to God alone be the glory.”(originally aired 01-27-91)
Justice & Mercy
January 23, 2022 08:00 - 32 minutes - 15.1 MBScripture teaches that God is just. He must punish sin. On this episode of the White Horse Inn our hosts help us to understand that God’s mercy must be understood against the background of his justice and wrath in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ (originally aired 01-20-91).
The Sovereignty of God
January 16, 2022 08:00 - 33 minutes - 15.5 MBScripture teaches that God is sovereign. Yet many struggle both to understand and reconcile God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. On this episode of the White Horse Inn our hosts explain that God’s sovereignty taught in scripture helps us to recognize God’s transcendent glory reflected in his works of providence and salvation (originally aired 1-13-91).
The Holiness of God
January 09, 2022 08:00 - 32 minutes - 14.8 MBWe live in an age where God is trivialized. God is seen as a friend, one whom I can have a personal relationship with, and although God is a friend of sinners, has the church lost sight of the significance of this truth? Has the Evangelical Church taken God’s kindness for granted? On this episode of the White Horse Inn our hosts discuss the Holiness of God showing that though God is a friend to sinners who have trusted in Jesus for their salvation, God is still Holy and wrathful against sin....
Reforming the Church
January 02, 2022 08:00 - 32 minutes - 15.1 MBOn this classic episode of the White Horse Inn, Michael Horton, Kim Riddlebarger and Rod Rosenbladt discuss many of the problems facing contemporary Christianity and call for a return to the insights of the sixteenth-century Protestant Reformation. In particular, they focus on the five “Solas”: Scripture alone, Christ alone, grace alone, faith alone, and glory to God alone. This episode was the eighth program of our weekly live broadcast, which began on KKLA in Los Angeles in early November ...
The Jewish Gospels
December 29, 2021 08:00 - 42 minutes - 19.7 MBWHI Classic • There was a time in which Judaism & Christianity had many more beliefs in common. As it turns out, many ancient Jews before the time of Christ actually expected the coming of a divine messiah who would appear in bodily form in order to atone for sin and accomplish redemption. In fact, some Jews even spoke of this messiah as a kind of second divinity who was distinct from the Ancient of Days, and whose relationship to God was like that of a son to a father. Shane Rosenthal discu...
Alistair Begg on Life in a Post-Christian World
December 26, 2021 08:00 - 17.8 MBIn our increasingly secular culture, Christians are beginning to feel like strangers and aliens in their own land. Perhaps, however, we’ve felt much too at home in this world in the first place. As it becomes more apparent that we live in Babylon, confusing the gospel with the American dream may become less plausible. But will we be able to stand if and when our faith is tested? On this episode, Shane Rosenthal talks with Alistair Begg about the insights into these issues he has gleaned from...
Joy to The World!
December 22, 2021 08:00 - 15.9 MBWhen the angels appeared before the shepherds in Bethlehem, they came bringing a message of “good news” rather than tips for improving our life or the world around us. On this program, the hosts will discuss the nature of the Christian gospel and its roots in the Old Testament promises of a coming redemption. They’ll also discuss the relationship between good news and the “great joy” that we experience in response (originally aired 12-24-17). __________ For a gift of $50 or more, request...
The Theology of Christmas Carols
December 19, 2021 08:00 - 15 MBHave you ever taken the time to really listen and think about the lyrics of the various Christmas carols that you hear on the radio and in the shopping malls at this time of year? On this program, the hosts will do just that as they consider popular songs like Jingle Bells and Santa Claus is Coming to Town, to more traditional carols such as Away in a Manger and Silent Night. Finally, they’ll explore the theology expressed in the world’s first Christmas carols recorded for us in the first ch...
What Child Is This?
December 15, 2021 08:00 - 13.9 MB“What child is this, who laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping?” This wonderful hymn reminds us every Christmas of the sublime mystery of the incarnation. But what does it really mean to confess that Jesus is God in human flesh? On this edition of the program, the hosts will continue their discussion of The Meaning of Christmas by taking a look at the two natures of Christ and his threefold office as prophet, priest, and king (originally aired 12-17-17). ___________ For a gift of $50 o...
The Theology of Christmas Movies
December 12, 2021 08:00 - 20.2 MBWhat’s the true spirit of Christmas? That’s the question at the heart of countless Christmas movies that clutter the airwaves and cable listings at this time of year. But the answer one typically receives from films of this genre is not merely a departure from the biblical narrative, but rather is a kind of anti-gospel that turns our attention completely away from the redemption provided by the incarnate Son of God. The hosts will discuss this topic by walking through memorable lines from mo...
O Holy Night
December 08, 2021 08:00 - 13.1 MBHow do the angelic announcements of Mary’s conception and of the birth of Christ relate to the Old Testament promises concerning the coming messiah, and what do they reveal about Christ’s forthcoming mission and work? On this program, the hosts take a closer look at the Annunciation (originally aired 12-10-17). __________ Sign up for our Free Account and gain access to the 12 most recent extended-length episodes of the White Horse Inn as well as other free content. Just head over to whit...
Atheism on Trial
December 05, 2021 08:00 - 20.1 MBIn today’s rapidly changing culture, atheism and agnosticism appear to be on the rise. But what reasons do people typically give for adopting this kind of worldview, and are these ideas reasonable? How should we respond to an unbelieving friend or family member who asks, “If God really exists, why is there so much evil and suffering in the world?” On this episode, Shane Rosenthal discusses these questions and more with Mark Lanier, author of, Atheism on Trial: A Lawyer Examines the Case for ...
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
December 01, 2021 08:00 - 12.4 MB“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” reminds us each year of the deep longing and hopeful expectation for the fulfillment of all the messianic promises revealed throughout the history of the Old Testament. This Emmanuel, or “God with us,” would come in the fullness of time to “ransom captive Israel.” (originally aired 12-03-17). __________ For a gift of $50 or more, request your copy of Michael Horton’s new book, Recovering Our Sanity - How the Fear of God Conquers the Fears That Divide Us, go to...
Greg Koukl on The Problem of Evil
November 28, 2021 08:00 - 20.6 MBWhenever you watch the news, it becomes increasingly clear that the world isn’t the way it’s supposed to be. But how did things go so wrong in the first place? And if something has gone wrong, does this imply that God is either indifferent to our plight or powerless to do anything about it? How are we to reconcile the existence of a good and all-powerful God with the problem of evil? On this episode, Shane Rosenthal discusses these questions and more with Greg Koukl, founder and president of...
Greg Koukl on The Problem of Evil
November 28, 2021 08:00 - 19.7 MBWhenever you watch the news, it becomes increasingly clear that the world isn’t the way it’s supposed to be. But how did things go so wrong in the first place? And if something has gone wrong, does this imply that God is either indifferent to our plight or powerless to do anything about it? How are we to reconcile the existence of a good and all-powerful God with the problem of evil? On this episode, Shane Rosenthal discusses these questions and more with Greg Koukl, founder and president of...
Guilt, Grace & Gratitude
November 24, 2021 08:00 - 12.6 MB“Grace is the essence of theology and gratitude is the essence of ethics.” It sounds so simple but we often find it difficult to arrange our thoughts, affections, convictions, and actions around these two poles. On this edition of The White Horse Inn, the hosts show how doing so gives us a pattern for repentance, faith, and service to God and neighbor (Originally aired 11-20-94). __________ For a gift of $50 or more, request your copy of Michael Horton’s new book, Recovering Our Sanity -...
The False Gospel of Fascism
November 21, 2021 08:00 - 29.9 MBOn this episode, Shane Rosenthal talks with Dr. Gene Veith about a book he wrote back in 1993 titled Modern Fascism: Liquidating the Judeo-Christian Worldview. Recently Dr. Veith wrote an essay reflecting on the observations he had made in that volume about the rise of fascism, its philosophical and worldview assumptions, and how many of those beliefs later morphed into what we now call “post-modernism” In fact, in his recent article, Dr. Veith observes that “Much of what I predicted and war...
Do I Have to Go to Church to Be a Christian?
November 17, 2021 08:00 - 17.1 MBMany Christians in our time seem to think that church attendance is optional, particularly in an age like ours with so many online options. But is this a healthy outlook? Is it even biblical? On this program, the hosts discuss this question and offer numerous reasons why it is not only important but also crucial for Christians to be under the care and supervision of pastors, teachers, and elders at a properly-ordered church (originally aired 08-20-17). __________ For a gift of $50 or mor...
What Happens When We Deny Original Sin?
November 14, 2021 08:00 - 17.9 MBIn the early 1800s, a man by the name of Robert Owen began to challenge the concept of original sin. “None are or can be bad by nature,” he mused, “and it must be a gross error to make him responsible for what nature and his predecessors have compelled him to be.” As a result, Owen attempted to establish a utopian socialist community in New Harmony, Indiana. And even though his project utterly failed after only three years, his views would later greatly influence thinkers such as Friedrich E...