White Horse Inn

Should grace impact the workplace? How does Guilt, Grace, and Gratitude impact our vocations, relationships, and society? In this episode, Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb discuss practical scenarios in which Christians can wisely—and sometimes unwisely—lean on these categories.

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:

Become a Sola Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org.

Featuring: Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Walter R. Strickland II, Bob Hiller

How we respond to our great salvation can be called “the Christian life.” In this episode, Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb discuss how gratitude shapes and embodies the Christian’s sanctification, good works, and pursuit of holiness.

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:

Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org.

Featuring: Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Walter R. Strickland II, Bob Hiller

Few doctrines are as sticky as nature and grace. But when we are talking about how God saves us from the power of sin, few things are more important to understand. In this episode, Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb thoroughly examine the nature of grace and how it sets us free from our guilt and misery.

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:

Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org.

Featuring:  Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Walter R. Strickland II, Bob Hiller

How does the law convict us? Does it shame us? Does it tell us our being is ontologically deficient? In this episode, Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb dive into the first section of the Heidelberg Catechism to examine a biblical view of guilt and sin.

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:

Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church.

For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org.

Featuring: Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Walter Strickland, and Bob Hiller.

What is the theology of Brené Brown? And why have so many people replaced pastors and priests with therapists and psychologists? Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Walter Strickland, and Bob Hiller discuss the popular teachings of researcher and professor, Brené Brown. Dr. Brown’s podcasts, TED Talks, and books have been consumed by millions of people. The hosts try to identify what kind of theology is implicit in her teachings and why her work resonates with people around the world. 

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:

BOOKLET - Law and Gospel

Become a Sola Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org.

Featuring: Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Walter Strickland, Bob Hiller

What is the theology of Elon Musk? Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Walter Strickland, and Bob Hiller discuss the work and views of serial entrepreneur and richest man in the world, Elon Musk. The hosts try to unravel many of Mr. Musk’s claims and identify what kind of theology is implicit in his views on humanity, consciousness, and the cosmos. 

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:

BOOKLET - Law and Gospel

Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org.

Featuring: Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Walter Strickland, Bob Hiller

While modern critical theories seek to deconstruct society and reveal its injustices, Dr. Christopher Watkin makes the case that Christianity gives us the best resources to critique culture.

What is the theology of Andrew Huberman? And why are so many people craving a rule of life from a neuroscientist? Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Walter Strickland, and Bob Hiller discuss the rise of the popular podcaster and tenured professor at the Stanford School of Medicine, Andrew Huberman. While Dr. Huberman is known for speaking about science and self-optimization, what kind of theological views permeate his public work? 

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:

BOOKLET - What Is God's Will For Me

Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org.

Featuring:  Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Walter Strickland, Bob Hiller

What is the theology of Jordan B. Peterson? And why are millions of people, especially young men, flocking to hear Dr. Peterson give three hour lectures on philosophy and life? Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Walter Strickland, and Bob Hiller discuss the meteoric rise of the popular author, psychologist, online educator, and Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto, and try to discern what kind of theology he espouses in his teachings on the bible and mythology.

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:

BOOKLET - Law and Gospel

Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church.

For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org.

Featuring: Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Walter Strickland, and Bob Hiller.

Michael Horton and Adam Smith are joined by special guest Dr. Elizabeth Mburu, Associate Professor of New Testament and Greek at Africa International University, Kenya. In this episode, the hosts discuss the impact of culture on biblical interpretation, the challenges and opportunities of doing theology across cultures, and the global church's need to collaborate for a fuller picture of God’s word.

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:

BOOKLET - What Is God's Will For Me

Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

African Hermeneutics by Elizabeth Mburu

For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org.

Featuring: Michael Horton, Elizabeth Mburu, Adam Smith

Hosts Michael Horton and Justin Holcomb travel to Nairobi, Kenya, for Sola Media’s annual Theo Global Symposium and are joined by David Tarus and Joseph Byamukama.

The conversation explores the challenges of theological education in Africa and the importance of addressing real-life questions with sound biblical theology, ensuring that theological institutions remain grounded in their mission to serve the local church.

David Tarus is the executive director of the Association for Christian Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA) and Joseph Byamukama is the founder and team leader of Veracity Fount in Uganda and is pursuing a PhD in Isaiah's influence on Luke's portrayal of Jesus as Lord in the book of Acts.

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:

BOOKLET - What Is God's Will For Me

Become a Sola Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

Association for Christian Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA)

Veracity Fount - Researching & Resourcing for Church Renewal: Equipping the Ugandan Church

For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org.

Featuring: Michael Horton, Joseph Byamukama, David Tarus

Hosts Michael Horton and Justin Holcomb travel to Nairobi, Kenya, for Sola Media’s annual Theo Global Symposium and are joined by Dr. Frew Tamrat and Dr. Seble Daniel. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in advancing theological education and deepening the church's understanding of the gospel in the region.

They also discuss an early reformation in Ethiopia and how the church has grown in East Africa as well as the importance of integrating theology with missions to reach certain African contexts. 

Dr. Frew Tamrat is the President of the Evangelical Theological College in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Dr. Seble Daniel serves as the director of East Africa Sending Office, SIM, and is a part-time faculty member at the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology. 

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:

BOOKLET - What Is God's Will For Me

Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

Christianity in Ethiopia: an interview with Dr. Frew Tamrat at Modern Reformation

An Interview with Seblewengel Daniel at Modern Reformation

Evangelical Theological College in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

SIM, East African Office

Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology

For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org.

Featuring: Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Seble Daniel, Frew Tamrat

Hosts Michael Horton and Adam Smith travel to Nairobi, Kenya, for Sola Media’s annual Theo Global Symposium. While there, they met with local pastors Ken Mbugua and Joshua Lemaiyan from Emmanuel Baptist Church. 

In this discussion, the hosts and guests explore the unique challenges and commonalities of pastoring in Nairobi and America and delve into the need to integrate theology and worship in order to build solid foundations in the local church.

Ken Mbugua is the managing director of Ekklesia Afrika and Joshua Lamaiyan is a lecturer at the Nairobi Institute of Reformed Theology. 

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:

BOOKLET - What Is God's Will For Me

Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Ekklesia Afrika

Nairobi Institute of Reformed Theology

For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org.

Featuring:  Michael Horton, Adam Smith, Ken Mbugua, Joshua Lemaiyan

Earlier this summer, Hosts Michael Horton and Justin Holcomb spent two weeks in Egypt and Kenya with Theo Global, another project of Sola Media. This trip was part of Theo Global's annual efforts to gather leading theologians and biblical scholars from across the Middle East and then from East Africa to do theology together—so that the theological roots of the global church can grow strong. 

The first episode of this series was recorded onsite in Kenya, where Mike and Justin sat down with Adam Smith, a PCA minister and the Chief Operating Officer at Sola Media who has led the Theo Global project since it began in 2015. This is Theology by and for the Global Church.

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:

BOOKLET - What Is God's Will For Me

Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church.

For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org.

Featuring: Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Adam Smith

We are ending our historical tour with what may be the most famous episodes of White Horse Inn. Our 1992 conversation with the founding pastor of what was the Crystal Cathedral, Robert Schuller. This conversation is full of astounding and surprising moments.

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:

Bible Studies from Sola Media

Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church.

For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org.

In this episode from 1996, classic hosts, Michael Horton, Kim Riddlebarger, and Rod Rosenbladt discuss the topic of “pragmatism” in the church. The ultimate question of pragmatism is not, “Is this true, good, or beautiful?,” but rather, “Will it work?” On this program, the hosts trace this pragmatic spirit throughout the history of American Christianity.

While pragmatism may look different today, we encourage you to use this conversation to help identify what pragmatism is, what it looked like in history, and how you can identify it in its different shapes and forms today. 

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:

Bible Studies from Sola Media

Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org.

We are going back to May 1, 1994, where the classic White Horse Inn hosts discussed the ecumenical statement, Evenagelicals and Catholics together. In this episode the hosts are joined by Patrick Madrid, a Roman Catholic author and apologist. Now that Evangelicals and Catholics Together is 30 years old, we hope that this conversation serves as a helpful look into the history and reception of this document.

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:

Bible Studies from Sola Media

Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Evangelicals and Catholics Together: A Critical Review by Michael Horton

For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org.

Featuring: Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb

We are going back to February 3rd, 1991 where the classic hosts of White Horse Inn talk about the search for spirituality in the 90s. If you heard our recent conversation with Dr. Horton about his new book on the origins of the “spiritual but not religious,” you will hear clear connections and echoes about the trends were we talking about 33 years ago and the things we see today.

So what does it mean to be spiritual? On this episode of White Horse in our classic hosts, Michael Horton, Kim Riddlebarger, and Rod Rosenbladt, discuss true spirituality showing that the Reformation directs us back to scripture where faith and practice are centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ.

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:

Bible Studies from Sola Media

Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church.

For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org.

Featuring: Michael Horton, Kim Riddlebarger, and Rod Rosenbladt

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” - Matthew 5:10-11. In this episode Michael Horton, Walter Strickland, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller discuss how the proclamations of Christ renders even the most persecuted as “blessed.” Listen in as the hosts unfold how we share in Christ’s sufferings—and how this suffering is a remarkable blessing for all Christians.

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:

Bible Studies from Sola Media

Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church.

For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org.

Featuring: Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” - Matthew 5:9. In this episode, Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb discuss how belief in Jesus divides earthly families and relationships, but brings us into communion with a new family. 

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:

Bible Studies from Sola Media

Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church.

For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org.

Featuring:  Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” - Matthew 5:8. How can sinners be “pure in heart”? In this episode, Michael Horton, Walter Strickland, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller consider how Christians are refined in the crucible of God’s sanctification—shaped through trials, strengthened in their daily struggles with sin, and fully made perfect by God’s grace when faith becomes as sight.

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:

Bible Studies from Sola Media

Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church.

For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org.

Featuring: Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” - Matthew 5:7. In this episode, Michael Horton, Walter Strickland, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller discuss what it means to be a people who model God in their character, acting as those who are slow to anger, quick to forgive, and who are eager to give mercy.

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:

Bible Studies from Sola Media

Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church.

For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org.

Featuring: Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” - Matthew 5:6. What does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness? Is righteousness about right relationships or justice—is it about one’s standing before God? Or does it include all three? Through this beatitude, Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Walter Strickland, and Bob Hiller dive into the various theological debates around “righteousness” in the Bible. In this episode, the hosts examine claims from N. T. Wright and the New Perspective on Paul. Together, we’ll consider why the imputation of Christ’s righteousness to sinners is an essential doctrine for the church.

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:

Praying with Jesus: Getting to the Heart of the Lord's Prayer by Adriel Sanchez.

Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church.

For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org.

Featuring:  Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the Earth” - Matthew 5:5. Who are the meek? And what does it mean that they will “inherit” the Earth? Does this mean that it’s wrong for Christians to seek prominence? In this episode, Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb discuss the many tensions of the Christian life on display in Christ’s statement. Together, we’ll consider what it means to avoid both an under and an over-realized eschatology—what it means to live faithfully in the already-and-not-yet. 

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:

Praying with Jesus: Getting to the Heart of the Lord's Prayer by Adriel Sanchez.

Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church.

For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org.

Featuring: Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” - Matthew 5:4. But how? In this episode, Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb take a look at Jesus pronouncement of “blessing” to those who mourn—how Christ’s kingdom uniquely, and utterly, transforms our grief. 

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:

Praying with Jesus: Getting to the Heart of the Lord's Prayer by Adriel Sanchez.

Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

At God’s Mercy: Psalm 88 - Justin Holcomb

The Comfortable Words Series

For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org.

Featuring:  Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb

In this special episode concluding our White Horse Inn series on vocation, Michael Horton and Justin Holcomb sit down to discuss the call to vocational ministry. Drawing on their experiences as ordained ministers and seminary professors, they answer questions like: What are the qualifications for pastoral ministry? How do you know if you’re called to ministry? When should you go to seminary? And how can we encourage those in our midst we think may be called?

During the Reformation, “the priesthood of all believers”—considered one of the most important discoveries of the Reformation—countered the clericalism of Rome and restored the dignity of ordinary vocations. So what does the daily office of “Christian” look like today? And how are laypeople meant to engage in the work of ministry? In this episode of White Horse Inn, Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and special guest Walter Strickland discuss the priesthood of all believers, considering its different expressions and implications in the Reformed, Anglican, Baptist, and Lutheran traditions.

The apostle Paul tells us that in light of Christ’s resurrection and in view of our own, our work is not in vain. It has meaning and purpose. So how do we navigate the goodness and the promises of work in the context of a world where sin has plagued our vocations? What does the doctrine of vocation say to a generation of people who are unsatisfied, burning out, and just plain tired? Listen to Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and special guest Walter Strickland continue their discussion of vocation in this episode of White Horse Inn.

Is there a distinctly Christian way to go about our day jobs? In this episode of White Horse Inn, Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland consider what makes our work valuable. They challenge the human tendency to search for ultimate significance and satisfaction in our work, pointing listeners to God’s design for believers to live out their vocations under God’s pleasure, in the power of the Spirit, and within the rhythms of work and rest that he provides.

When we talk about work, it’s easy to jump right to the Fall and consider how work is frustrated by sin. But how does the pre-Fall creation narrative shape our understanding of vocation? And what does that mean for a post-Fall reality? In this episode of White Horse Inn, Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller are joined by special guest Walter Strickland in a new series examining the doctrine of vocation. This episode looks at the goodness inherent to work, what it looks like to image God in our vocations, and how the Sabbath shapes our approach to the work week.

Concluding our series on the intersection of faith and science, White Horse Inn hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller venture into the social sciences, considering how disciplines like psychology and sociology fit within the Christian faith. As they do, they examine topics like primary and secondary causes, mental illness, and what happens when we have an over-realized eschatology.

What happens when our understanding of the Bible’s creation narrative contradicts current scientific theory? In this episode of White Horse Inn, Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller continue their discussion of faith and science by considering God’s two ways of speaking in creation: divine fiat and providence. As they consider the compatibility of various scientific views with the biblical account, they also outline what is essential for Christians to affirm when it comes to creation.

The first few chapters in Genesis are some of the most hotly debated in Christian circles. What did Moses intend for his readers to understand when he penned the Bible’s creation narrative? What did he know about the creation myths of the surrounding nations, and how might that impact our understanding today? In this episode of White Horse Inn, Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller model charitable disagreement as they represent and discuss different interpretations of Genesis 1 and 2.

Though faith and science are often pitted against each other, this wasn’t always the case. In fact, in the Middle Ages, theology was known as “the queen of the sciences.” So, what’s changed? White Horse Inn hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller are kicking off a new series examining the relationship between faith and science. In this episode, they consider the historical relationship between these disciplines, examining what has caused growing skepticism towards the sciences among Christians.

When 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, Christ ministers to us through word and sacrament, and as we lift our eyes to heaven, our sanity can be restored.

__________

Throughout the month of August, for a gift of $30 or more, you can get a copy of my newest book, Recovering Our Sanity - How the Fear of God Conquers the Fears That Divide Us. To request your copy, go to whitehorseinn.org/fearofgod.

__________

Become a partner and you will receive all of the White Horse Inn extended episodes, access to our extensive archive as well as a subscription to our magazine, Modern Reformation. Head over to whitehorseinn.org/podcastpartner.

Psalm 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 together in anticipation of the feast around the Lord’s table with the diverse community for whom Christ died—people from every tribe, tongue, and nation.

__________

Throughout the month of August, for a gift of $30 or more, you can get a copy of my newest book, Recovering Our Sanity - How the Fear of God Conquers the Fears That Divide Us. To request your copy, go to whitehorseinn.org/fearofgod.

__________

If you would like to lead a bible study or want a reliable resource to help you study the Bible on your own, consider using Core Bible Studies. Just head over to corechristianity.com/studies.

All 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 - How the Fear of God Conquers the Fears That Divide Us, be sure to get our free study guide to go with it. To request your copy, go to whitehorseinn.org/offers.

__________

If you would like to lead a bible study or want a reliable resource to help you study the Bible on your own, consider using Core Bible Studies. Just head over to corechristianity.com/studies

People 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, and how the gospel of Christ offers an alternate perspective on what threatens us. Michael Horton also reflects on how his emergency heart surgery earlier this year has continued to shape his thoughts on fear and its antidote.

__________

Throughout the month of August, for a gift of $30 or more, you can get a copy of my newest book, Recovering Our Sanity - How the Fear of God Conquers the Fears That Divide Us. To request your copy, go to whitehorseinn.org/fearofgod.

__________

Become a partner and you will receive all of the White Horse Inn extended episodes, access to our extensive archive as well as a subscription to our magazine, Modern Reformation. Head over to whitehorseinn.org/podcastpartner.

Scripture 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.

__________

Our magazine, Modern Reformation, has been newly redesigned and it comes with a special price: whatever you can afford! To find out more, head over to modernreformation.org/subscribe.

__________

Become a partner and you will receive all of the White Horse Inn extended episodes, access to our extensive archive as well as a subscription to our magazine, Modern Reformation. Head over to whitehorseinn.org/podcastpartner.

Prayer 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 receive our free digital download collection on Justification - whitehorseinn.org/newsletter.

The 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 you will receive all of the White Horse Inn extended episodes, access to our extensive archive as well as a subscription to our magazine, Modern Reformation. Head over to whitehorseinn.org/podcastpartner.

__________

Our magazine, Modern Reformation, has been newly redesigned and it comes with a special price: whatever you can afford! To find out more, head over to modernreformation.org/subscribe.

Though 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.

__________

Sign up for our newsletter and receive our free digital download collection on Justification - whitehorseinn.org/newsletter.

Although 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. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”?

__________

Our magazine, Modern Reformation, has been newly redesigned and it comes with a special price: whatever you can afford! To find out more, head over to modernreformation.org/subscribe.

__________

Become a partner and you will receive all of the White Horse Inn extended episodes, access to our extensive archive as well as a subscription to our magazine, Modern Reformation. Head over to whitehorseinn.org/podcastpartner.

Satan 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, head over to modernreformation.org/subscribe.

__________

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.

Having 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.

__________

Sign up for our newsletter and receive our free digital download collection on Justification - whitehorseinn.org/newsletter.

When 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 not afraid.

__________

Our magazine, Modern Reformation, has been newly redesigned and it comes with a special price: whatever you can afford! To find out more, head over to modernreformation.org/subscribe.

__________

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.

Who 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, go to whitehorseinn.org/closer.

__________

Download our free booklet, Can the Devil Read My Mind?, by David Cassidy. Just head over to whitehorseinn.org/subscribe.

Have 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 hype (originally aired 09-01-13).

__________

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.

__________

Listen to our extended length series, Ordinary, for free! Just head over to whitehorseinn.org/offers.

Sometimes 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 contribute to our experience of the good life now.

__________

Listen to our extended length series, Ordinary, for free! Just head over to whitehorseinn.org/offers.

__________

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.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” - Matthew 5:3. What does it mean that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to the poor in spirit? In the beatitudes, Jesus subverts the wisdom of his our day with the wisdom of his kingdom. Listen in as Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Walter Strickland, and Bob Hiller discuss the first of the beatitudes and how, in God’s kingdom, the poor in spirit are considered “blessed.”

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:

Praying with Jesus: Getting to the Heart of the Lord's Prayer by Adriel Sanchez.

Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org.

Featuring: Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb

The story of the Bible is a story of mountains. From the Garden-temple of Eden to Ararat, Horeb, Sinai, and Zion—mountains play an important role in the story of the Bible. Time and time again, God chooses mountains as the place of special communion with his people. In this episode, Michael Horton, Walter Strickland, Bob Hiller, and Justin Holcomb survey the biblical mounts and consider the unique role that Christ’s Sermon on the Mount plays in the biblical story.  

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:

Praying with Jesus: Getting to the Heart of the Lord's Prayer by Adriel Sanchez.

Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church.

Subscribe to Modern Reformation magazine. Our May/June issue is “This Isn’t the Reformation You’re Looking For,” where we feature essays and articles about the “New Apostolic Reformation” (NAR) and how its vision of revivalism and enthusiasm is not the kind of renewal the church and culture needs. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Meredith Kline, "God, Heaven, and Har Magedon: A Covenantal Tale of Cosmos and Telos"

Jon Levinson, "Sinai and Zion"

For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org.

Featuring: Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb

Caleb Wait, Sola Media’s Director of Content, interviews Michael Horton on his new book, “Shaman and Sage: The Roots of “Spiritual but Not Religious” in Antiquity. Many preachers today appeal to headlines that announce a surge in spirituality as if this news offers the church encouragement. We tend to think of modern secular culture as hostile to spirituality—an atheistic world of soulless materialism. So if modern people now want spirituality, Christians often think, that must mean people will find their way toward Christianity. This thesis, among many others, is challenged by Horton in the first volume of his new series on the Divine-Self. 

Listen in as Horton shares how this new intellectual history of “spiritual but not religious” as a phenomenon in Western culture is the biggest project he’s ever undertaken. Horton shows how ancient shamanist practices and philosophies appear in Plato, schools in Alexandria, the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, and more, revealing to us that modern practices and beliefs are far more ancient than we think. 

SHAMAN AND SAGE: THE ROOTS OF “SPIRITUAL NOT RELIGIOUS” IN ANTIQUITY: https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802877116/shaman-and-sage/

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:

FREE DOWNLOAD - Secular Spirituality: A Brief History

Praying with Jesus: Getting to the Heart of the Lord's Prayer by Adriel Sanchez.

Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church.

Subscribe to Modern Reformation magazine. Our May/June issue is “This Isn’t the Reformation You’re Looking For,” where we feature essays and articles about the “New Apostolic Reformation” (NAR) and how its vision of revivalism and enthusiasm is not the kind of renewal the church and culture needs. 

For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org.

Featuring:  Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb

Where does the spirituality of enthusiasm and the New Apostolic Reformation ultimately lead? Hosts Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb show how ecstatic shaman-like spirituality wrought in enthusiasm results in an isolated life. While autonomous spiritual practices may free us from the external structures and authorities of religion, the hosts share how the ordinary means of grace is the only place where we find true freedom and rest in our spiritual lives.

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:

Praying with Jesus: Getting to the Heart of the Lord's Prayer by Adriel Sanchez.

Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church.

Subscribe to Modern Reformation magazine. Our May/June issue is “This Isn’t the Reformation You’re Looking For,” where we feature essays and articles about the “New Apostolic Reformation” (NAR) and how its vision of revivalism and enthusiasm is not the kind of renewal the church and culture needs. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

The Triumph of the Therapeutic: Uses of Faith after Freud by Philip Rieff

The Sixties Spiritual Awakening by Robert Ellwood

The Narcissism Epidemic with Jean Twenge and Michael Horton 

Generation Me with Jean Twenge and Michael Horton 

For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org.

Featuring:  Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb

German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said that there’s an old illusion, and “it is called good and evil.” Throughout the ages, people have either thrown out the idea of evil, like Nietzsche, or attempted to rationalize it with their belief system. So, if everyone in some way gives an account for real evil and suffering in the world, what do Christians have to say about it? In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland tackle the historical reasons for evil and suffering and what resources we have, as believers, to face this fallen world.

In this bonus episode of White Horse Inn, Michael Horton interviews Aaron Renn about his aim of helping the church in America rise to the challenge of finding success in the 21st century.

The secular world sees our identity as something that we achieve instead of receive. They take the brokenness of a fallen world and fashion it into identities in everything but Jesus Christ. So, how do we stand firm when the world pulls us to adopt these broken identities? How do we understand our natures in light of the God who carefully made us? In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland break down what it means to live in Christ’s identity, not our own, and how we can firmly walk against the grain of our culture. 

In this bonus episode of White Horse Inn, Caleb Wait interviews Kendra Dahl about her article in Modern Reformation, "Restoring Eve." Listen in as they discuss potential interpretations of the woman's desire in Genesis 3:16 and its implications for the church today. 

Individualization seems to be ingrained into Western culture. Personal experience, self-proclaimed identity, toleration, and relative truth are the reigning figures of society. While God gives wisdom through his Scriptures, the norms and nature he has set for us are at constant odds with these prevailing cultural narratives. So how do we not fall prey to social stereotypes? In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland discuss the challenges of today’s culture of relativity and gender stereotypes and how we can stay truthful to what God’s word says about our nature.

If God made both man and woman in his image as partners in the good work of filling up and caring for the earth, why does society seem to pit men and women against each other? Both in the church and in broader secular culture, men and women seem to be in competition rather than working in partnership. Could this be the reason why so many people are steeped with anxiety, gender confusion, or addiction? In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland wrestle with the challenges of today’s culture, misconceptions within the church, and how to get back to the truth of God’s word.

The conversation of gender identity seems to have swept into every crevice of our culture. From debating gender “norms” to questioning the concept of biological gender completely, society has demanded to have a say in how men and women should understand themselves and the roles they play. But what are the ramifications of allowing the world to tell what we are to be instead of Scripture? In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland untangle the narrative of creation as male and female and the importance of the differences we have been given by our Creator.

In the beginning, God spoke the world into existence. He made man and woman the crown of his creation, image-bearers of the Almighty God. Humans have a special place in God’s created order. But as we know, it didn’t take long for sin to enter the world, corrupting this image and changing our relationship to our Creator. In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland consider our true nature as those created by God and why it’s important for us to understand our origin story. 

From disciple to betrayer, Judas Iscariot is a figure with whom not many would choose to associate. It’s hard to imagine how someone could walk with Jesus and yet betray him. So why would Christ choose someone like Judas? Are we all just like him in more ways than we realize? In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland discuss what we can learn from the story of Judas Iscariot and his kiss of betrayal.

Though the Israelites recalled the monarchy as their “glory days,” even their most noteworthy kings were messy, complicated, and oftentimes disappointing in their actions. So why do we need their stories? In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland wrestle with the challenges and significance of the first three monarchs in Israel’s history: Saul, David, and Solomon.

All Bible stories are really just one story repeated over and over again, describing the intersection between our sinful condition and God’s relentless faithfulness. So it should come as no surprise when even the heroes of the story seem to be the most flawed. In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland consider the shocking narrative of Samson, explaining how all stories, like Samsons’, lead us back to the glory of God.

Called by God to lead his people to the promised land, Moses is heralded as a prophet like no other—one with whom God spoke face to face. But between his murderous past, bursts of anger that ultimately kept him from entering the promised land, and his own record that he was the most humble man to ever live, is he the hero we think? In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland tackle the complicated details of Moses’s life, reflecting on how God works in and through sinners.

When new converts are brought into the church, they are often loaded up with the need to read the Bible, pray, practice repentance, and get into the community—but equally vital to spiritual health is a right understanding of and participation in the means of grace. In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland discuss how the means of grace are used for our sanctification and why they are central to life and identity in the church.

Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper and commanded the church to “do this in remembrance of me.” But why? In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland compare the unique views of the Lutheran, Baptist, Reformed, and Anglican traditions of this sacrament and what it means to participate in our union with Christ by “eating his body and drinking his blood.”

From his own baptism by John the Baptist to his last commission to his followers to go and make disciples from all nations, Jesus’s ministry is marked by this sacrament. But what does it mean? What are its biblical origins? And who should receive it? In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland discuss the traditional Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, and Reformed views on the sacrament of baptism.

What are the differences between Reformational, Roman Catholic, and Anabaptist sacramental views? And what are sacraments for? In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland discuss the common impressions and misconceptions of the sacraments in a society prone toward unmediated spirituality.

Soteriology precedes eschatology—but how? And what will the judgment of the risen Christ look like? In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland examine different views of the end times as they consider our hopeful future—one where the work of Christ finally culminates in the new heavens and new earth.

The ascension seems like a really bad plan. Why would Christ leave his disciples? Is the indwelling Spirit truly better than Christ in the flesh? In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland discuss Jesus’s gifts to the church through his intercession and his continuing priestly office in which he acts as our advocate and intercessor.

Many people struggle with the concept of atonement. What do we make of a God who demands the sacrifice of his own Son? And what exactly is happening in Christ’s work on the cross? In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland consider the covenantal context for Christ’s passive obedience and speak to some of the harmful ways this doctrine has been misapplied.

Most Christians know about the forgiveness of sins, but not the doctrine of active obedience. But how do we become righteous if not through imputation? In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland explain what is meant by the active obedience of Christ and why there’s no hope without it.

Christ’s incarnation immediately sets Christianity apart from other religions and disrupts the expectations of religious leaders. So, what is this important doctrine and what do we lose if we deny it? In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland consider Christ’s divine and human natures and what Christ’s incarnation means for us.

Throughout this series, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland have talked a lot about the need to distinguish law from gospel, but what happens when there’s not only a distinction but a division between the two? In this episode of White Horse Inn, the roundtable considers various distortions of the law-gospel distinction and their implications for the church.

Proponents of the law-gospel distinction have often emphasized the need for them to appear in the right order. But how important is that order? In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland discuss what’s at stake if the law and gospel are out of order or confused.

Is the gospel something that we do? Is it something—like a law—that we can execute or abide by? In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland unpack the covenant of grace throughout Scripture, considering the counterintuitive nature of God’s unilateral kindness to us in the gospel.

We are no strangers to the category of “law,” but how is God’s law different from man-made laws and rituals? In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland discuss the importance of the law-gospel distinction and dig into the definition of the law and its impact on God’s people today.

We have a remedy to our sin problem, declared in 1 John 2:1-2, the fourth and final Comfortable Word. Because Jesus was our sacrifice, he is now our advocate. In this conclusion to our series on Thomas Cranmer’s Comfortable Words, White Horse Inn hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller reflect on the doctrine of propitiation, the order of the words, and the comfort found in remembering that Christ is our advocate.

The third word (1 Timothy 1:15) diagnoses our human condition, revealing not just the subjective feeling of burden but also the objective consequences of violating God’s law. So how is this a “Comfortable Word”? In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller consider the doctrine of sin and the concept and comfort of simul justus et peccator—“simultaneously justified and sinner.”

The second of the Comfortable Words, John 3:16, demonstrates God’s desire and initiative to save his people. In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller unpack this familiar verse and consider its implications for how we think about salvation, fellow image-bearers, and our Christian freedom.

As Christians, we often struggle to view God as one who wants to meet us with words of comfort and good news. But understanding God’s heart towards sinners is not just a therapeutic exercise, it’s our only hope in the midst of our spiritual fatigue. In this episode, White Horse Inn hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller discuss the first of the Comfortable Words, Matthew 11:28, exposing our weariness and longing while exploring the rest that Christ offers.

Do Reformational people read their Bibles? Do they have daily “quiet times”? Is it important for them to pray every day? Sometimes we can give people the sense that all God really cares about is public worship, but what happens in our public assembly should flow down into our families and then into our individual spiritual lives as well. In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller discuss the role private piety plays in our Christian life, considering how we can reclaim spiritual disciplines for our churches.

Many of us were raised in churches that downplayed the clergy-laity distinction. Every member, we were told, was a minister. Now, we’re in churches that take ordination seriously and that sees the biblical rationale for “office.” Maybe we’re even relieved to find that these churches don’t fill our calendars with a busy week of “ministry activities,” but instead prioritize Sunday worship. But where does that leave the laity? And where is the spiritual formation that happens when we live in community with one another? In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller consider how the liturgy of our worship pushes back against the liturgies of the world. And they discuss the responsibility of members to exercise their spiritual gifts alongside their freedom to receive and rest on the Lord’s day.

Many churches preach that your biggest problem is that you’re not living your best life now. Rather than calling people to repentance, they call them to “try harder, do better” so that they can be fulfilled, healthy, and happy. Reformed theology provides a doctrine to help counter this wrong diagnosis of our true problem: total depravity. But sometimes, this doctrine sounds much more like “utter depravity,” leaving nothing good or redeemable about humanity. In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller consider how we hold total depravity in tension with the goodness of humanity.

Is Christianity really as intellectually driven as some of us seem to think? Sermons are lectures. Bible studies, book groups, and theology discussions take on an outsized role in the life of the church. We have difficulty talking to people who don’t know our jargon. In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller discuss how we can push back against an overly intellectual approach to the faith and embrace a holistic church ministry and spiritual life.

Martin Luther once said, "Prayer, study, and suffering make a pastor." Few things can better describe the life and ministry of Tim Keller. In this episode, Michael Horton is joined by Tim Keller to discuss how his cancer diagnosis has affected his spiritual practices, why forgiveness is essential in life and society, the church's resilience amidst increasing secularization, and more.

In this final episode for the 2022 Christmas series, White Horse Inn hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller unpack the beloved Christmas text, Isaiah 9:6, considering how each phrase is truly good news of great joy: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

"Before I draw nearer to that stone to which you point," said Scrooge, "answer me one question." In this special episode, Michael Horton shares how the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come in Dickens's 'A Christmas Carol' points us to our need for a transformation, but how only the gospel can move us from behavioral change to living a new life of gratitude and joy.

What did Jesus accomplish in his first Advent? In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller consider the effects of the incarnation of the Son of God—sin is atoned for, exile is over, and his reign reaches “far as the curse is found.”

"Come in! and know me better, man!" In this special episode, Justin Holcomb shares how the Ghost of Christmas Present in Dickens's 'A Christmas Carol' teaches us about grace and peace and the invitation to feast in the Christian life.

As we wait for Jesus to come again, what exactly are we waiting for? What kind of kingdom will Jesus bring? In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller look back to the expectations surrounding the Messiah’s coming and consider what Christ’s rule and reign look like now and in the future.

“Oh! But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone, Scrooge! a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner!” In this special episode, Bob Hiller shares how the Ghost of Christmas Past in Dickens's 'A Christmas Carol' teaches us about guilt, the law, and how we are freed from its condemnation through Christ.

The Advent season reminds us that we’re still waiting. But as we long and wait for God’s promised peace and redemption, we’re tempted to take matters into our own hands. On this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller discuss what Advent is and what faithful longing for God’s peace and redemption looks like.

In this episode, David VanDrunen advocates for the Two-Kingdoms view, which Michael Horton shares. Though they are not uniform in their approaches, this beneficial conversation examines the view of the Two-Kingdoms, the criticisms against it, and its practical application in the church and society.

In this special Thanksgiving episode of the White Horse Inn, Justin Holcomb interviews Trevin Wax about his new book, The Thrill of Orthodoxy: Rediscovering the Adventure of Christian Faith.

In this episode, Gary DeMar advocates that America once had a Christian heritage that can and should be recovered and that some of Israel’s civil laws should indeed govern American and Western society.

In this episode, Susannah Black Roberts advocates for the view of “Christian post-liberalism,” defending her position that “the purpose of earthly government is to bring those governed to their natural end: to be virtuous men and women with justice in their souls, who participate in the common good of the city; it also has the purpose of directing us to our final supernatural end, according to its own methods, in a humble way and without stepping on the toes of the church.”

In this episode of White Horse Inn, Peter Leithart advocates for what some describe as “Constantinianism,” where the church is knit into the civic order, and where civic responsibilities are also carried out by the church and its clergy.