Welcome to Episode 35 of Deformed Theology—the final episode of Season One. Somehow, without planning it, we landed on the perfect place to pause, reflect, laugh, and give thanks for what God has done over the past year.
This episode is part season recap, part theological reflection, and part Christmas conversation, all wrapped in classic Deformed Theology fashion. From debating Santa Claus and intentional parenting, to revisiting the most impactful testimonies and conversations of the year, to finally settling whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie (it is), this episode captures the heart of what this show has been about from the beginning.
We didn’t script this season. We didn’t map it out. We simply showed up, opened the Bible, hit record, and trusted God with the conversation.
Over 35 weeks, Deformed Theology has been about honest, real-time conversations rooted in Scripture and shaped by grace. Not lectures. Not debates. Not outrage—just faithful exploration of theology as it’s actually lived out.
In this episode, we reflect on the moments that defined Season One: conversations with guests from different traditions that showed disagreement doesn’t have to mean division; testimonies that reminded us of the power of God’s grace; and recurring themes that kept pointing us back to the importance of discipleship and knowing why we believe what we believe.
Because it’s Christmas, we start with Santa Claus—talking honestly about parenting, imagination, truth, and faith formation. We’re not interested in fear-based Christianity or demon-hunting under every decoration, but we are serious about raising our kids with clarity, trust, and intentional discipleship.
Some of the most powerful moments this season came through testimonies—stories of redemption, conversion, and God meeting people in the darkest places. These conversations reminded us that no testimony is too small, no past is too broken, and God often works through simple faithfulness rather than flashy arguments.
A consistent theme throughout Season One has been how poor discipleship leads to deformed theology. This episode reflects on the need for Christians to be grounded in Scripture, willing to examine inherited beliefs, and committed to pursuing truth with humility.
We also revisit conversations on eschatology, the rapture, and the Kingdom of God—highlighting the shift from an escape-focused faith to allegiance to a returning King.
From marriage and sex to cults, counterfeits, and the clarity of the gospel, Season One tackled topics the Church often avoids. These weren’t about winning arguments, but about faithfulness to Scripture and honest conversation rooted in love.
Yes, there are fake PhDs, expertologists, and running jokes. Laughter matters. Humility matters. Theology doesn’t have to be joyless to be serious.
And yes—Die Hard is absolutely a Christmas movie.
As we close Season One, we’re deeply grateful for our listeners, guests, and everyone who has supported this show. We’re taking a short break to rest, recharge, and prepare for what’s coming next.
Season Two will bring new guests, deeper conversations, and the same commitment to Scripture, grace, and honest theology.
If this show has pushed you deeper into God’s Word, challenged your assumptions, or encouraged you in your walk with Christ—even if you disagreed with us—then it has done what we hoped.
Visit DeformedTheologyShow.com during the break to share prayer requests, episode ideas, or how this season has impacted you.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Western Christianity—especially American Christianity—often treats the spiritual realm as distant, abstract, or merely symbolic. Angels, demons, and spiritual warfare are affirmed doctrinally but functionally ignored in everyday faith. In this episode of Deformed Theology, we challenge that assumption head-on by stepping into the unseen realm through chilling Amish ghost stories, Christian theology, and biblical discernment.
Our guest, Kate, returns to the show to share firsthand insight into Amish folklore, including the eerie legend of Cry Baby Bridge—a haunting story involving tragedy, judgment, spiritual encounters, and unexplained phenomena. But this episode is about far more than spooky stories. We ask the deeper questions Christians often avoid:
Are ghosts real?
Are these encounters demonic deception, human imagination, or something else entirely?
Does Scripture allow for spirits roaming the earth—or only angels and demons?
How should Christians respond when the spiritual realm breaks into everyday life?
From sleep paralysis and spiritual oppression to real-world experiences of prayer, authority, and discernment, we explore what the Bible actually says about the unseen world. We discuss Jesus’ teachings on unclean spirits, angels, spiritual authority, and why Christians should neither fear nor flirt with spiritual darkness.
The conversation also dives into lesser-known Amish beliefs and practices, including cultural understandings of healing, suffering, and spiritual sensitivity. Are these gifts from God, remnants of tradition, or examples of syncretism? We examine these questions carefully, always returning to Scripture as our foundation.
This episode is a warning and an invitation:
Do not ignore the spiritual realm—but do not play with it either.
Christians are called to walk in wisdom, authority, and humility, covered by the blood of Christ, grounded in biblical truth, and alert to spiritual realities without becoming obsessed or reckless.
If you’ve ever wondered about:
Ghost stories and Christianity
Demons vs ghosts
Spiritual warfare in daily life
Sleep paralysis and spiritual attack
Amish folklore and faith
The unseen realm in the Bible
…this episode is for you.
At Deformed Theology, we exist to confront the ideas that quietly deform our faith—so we can follow Jesus with clarity, courage, and conviction. We’re here to wash feet, flip tables, and remind the Church that greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.
🎧 Listen now.
📺 Watch on YouTube.
💬 Join the conversation at DeformedTheologyShow.com.
In this compelling episode of Deformed Theology, we sit down with Pastor Shannon Greene of the First United Methodist Church for one of our most honest and wide-ranging conversations yet. Together we explore the foundations of Methodist theology, women in ministry, biblical interpretation, discipleship, and—most importantly—the modern church’s most intense point of tension: how Christians should approach homosexuality, LGBTQ inclusion, and same-sex relationships within the body of Christ.
This is not a debate. It’s not culture-war rhetoric. It’s a grace-filled, Scripture-centered dialogue between believers who differ yet remain committed to unity in Christ and the authority of God’s Word.
We begin with Pastor Shannon’s story—her calling at age 12, her theological training, and her journey from the Church of the Nazarene to the United Methodist Church. Together we explore what it means to interpret Scripture through prima scriptura, the Wesleyan quadrilateral, and the narrative arc of the Bible. We discuss complementarian vs. egalitarian frameworks, the appointment system in the UMC, and how the Methodist tradition approaches questions of authority, tradition, and sanctification.
But the heart of the conversation centers on one of today’s most contested topics: Christian teaching on homosexuality.
We dive deep into how different Christian traditions interpret passages from Leviticus, Romans 1, and 1 Corinthians 6—especially the Greek terms often translated as “homosexuality.” Pastor Shannon explains why many Methodists believe Paul was condemning exploitative practices like pederasty or slave abuse, not committed same-sex relationships. Others at the table affirm a historic Christian view: that Scripture presents same-sex behavior as part of a broader list of sinful lifestyles that followers of Christ are called to turn away from.
This isn’t a shallow exchange. We wrestle with:
Whether “orientation” existed as a category in the ancient world
The difference between temptation vs. practice, identity vs. desire
How Romans 1 frames spiritual decline and cultural rebellion
How LGBTQ Christians experience faith, prayer, and discipleship
The tension between accountability, holiness, and radical welcome
How churches can lovingly disciple all believers, including sexual minorities
Both perspectives are expressed with clarity, conviction, and compassion—without caricatures or hostility.
We also examine the 2024 United Methodist General Conference, which opened the door for UMC churches to perform same-sex weddings and ordain openly LGBTQ clergy. Shannon clarifies what many misunderstand: this decision is a “may,” not a “must.” Individual congregations may choose to affirm or decline based on their conscience, Scripture, and community context. We discuss the resulting denominational split and how the UMC continues to pursue unity in the midst of differing convictions.
Beyond these cultural flashpoints, we return to the core of Christian life: discipleship, sanctification, and becoming more like Christ. We explore how grace empowers believers to grow, how the Spirit convicts—not condemns—and what it truly means to be “perfected in love” in the Wesleyan tradition.
If you’ve ever asked:
Can women be pastors biblically?
How should Christians interpret the Bible’s passages on homosexuality?
What did the UMC actually vote on in 2024?
How do we balance grace, truth, holiness, and welcome?
How can Christians disagree without dividing?
…this episode is for you.
Join us as we model what honest Christian dialogue should look like: strong convictions, open minds, soft hearts, and unwavering commitment to Christ.
In this episode of Deformed Theology, we dive deep into one of the most misunderstood, misapplied, and culturally contested topics in the Christian world today: biblical marriage—specifically the role of wives, submission, respect, strength, and God’s design for the home. After spending last week addressing husbands, we invited our wives, Lacee and April, to join us for a real, unscripted conversation about what biblical womanhood and biblical marriage actually look like according to Scripture—not culture.
From Proverbs 31, Ephesians 5, Titus 2, and 1 Peter 3, we explore what the Bible really teaches about submission, honor, sacrifice, and partnership. This isn’t about legalism, oppression, or control. It’s about mutual Christ-centered love, sacrificial leadership, joyful submission, and the beautiful design God established from creation: two equal image-bearers with distinct, complementary roles working together for the glory of God.
Our wives share honestly about their journeys—struggles, growth, misconceptions, frustrations, blessings, and how God’s Word reshaped their understanding of marriage. We talk about cultural feminism, modern misunderstandings of submission, emotional and spiritual maturity, generational patterns, raising children, guarding your speech, honoring your spouse publicly and privately, and the difference between roles and chores.
We address how biblical marriage functions during conflict, what submission does and does not mean, how men and women uniquely reflect Christ and the Church, and how God uses marriage to shape our sanctification. We also get into practical examples: emotional availability, finances, household responsibilities, respect, speaking life, unity in parenting, spiritual authority, and what it means to “apply yourself to Scripture” instead of trying to make Scripture fit your preferences.
And yes — we even talk candidly (and tastefully) about sex within marriage, why Scripture speaks directly to it, and why intimacy within a covenant is a blessing, not something shameful or awkward. Proverbs 5, 1 Corinthians 7, and Song of Solomon all make an appearance.
If you’re a Christian couple wanting a biblical perspective, a single believer preparing for marriage, or someone deconstructing cultural ideas about marriage roles, this conversation offers clarity, humor, theology, and real-life testimony. Our goal is simple: to bring the conversation back to God’s design—not the world’s, not tradition’s, not Hollywood’s.
Whether you agree or disagree, this episode will challenge, encourage, and sharpen your understanding of Christian marriage, biblical wifehood, and God’s blueprint for the home.
If this conversation helps you, please like, subscribe, and share it. And if you need prayer, reach out through our website — we’d love to pray for you.
Deformed Theology — Washing Feet. Flipping Tables.
Bold conversations. Biblical foundations. Real discipleship.
In this episode of Deformed Theology, David and Jonathan dive deep into one of the most misunderstood and misrepresented topics in Christian living: biblical masculinity and what it truly means to be a godly husband. In a culture drowning in confusion about gender roles, leadership, and marriage, Christians often find themselves caught between toxic caricatures of masculinity and the reactive extremism of modern culture. But Scripture offers clarity—real clarity—on how husbands are called to lead their homes in a way that reflects Christ Himself.
Drawing from Ephesians 5, 1 Corinthians 11, 1 Peter 3, Genesis, and the example of Jesus throughout the Gospels, this episode explores what headship actually is: not dominance, ego, superiority, or tradition-for-tradition’s-sake, but sacrificial responsibility, humble leadership, and servant-hearted love. Christ doesn’t rule His church with cold authority—He lays down His life for her. And that’s the standard men are called to imitate.
David and Jonathan discuss the difference between cultural masculinity and Biblical masculinity, exposing the false stereotypes many men inherit from sitcoms, society, or even church subculture. They confront the common misunderstandings surrounding submission, headship, and the burden-bearing role men are designed for. They also share practical wisdom about loving your wife well, leading your household spiritually, taking initiative, cultivating emotional availability, and modeling Christlike humility.
If you’re a Christian husband, a soon-to-be husband, a young man preparing for marriage, or anyone who wants to understand God’s design for the family, this conversation will reshape the way you think about leadership, responsibility, spiritual authority, and what it means to reflect the heart of Jesus in your home.
Topics covered in this episode include:
• Why the world is starving for strong, godly men
• Ephesians 5:25 and how Christ’s love defines a husband’s role
• The meaning of headship: burden-bearing, not bossing
• The danger of false masculinity and cultural stereotypes
• How to lead without controlling or dominating
• Why husbands must be the first to act, repent, love, and initiate
• Understanding your wife’s needs—emotionally, spiritually, and practically
• Why spiritual leadership starts with Scripture and prayer
• How your treatment of your wife affects your prayer life (1 Peter 3:7)
• The difference between chores, responsibilities, and sacrificial leadership
• Teaching your children by example: building a biblical family culture
• Why emotional availability matters in Christian masculinity
• How to prioritize your home, fight selfish habits, and crucify the flesh
• The role of the Holy Spirit in shaping husbands into Christlike men
At the end of the day, being a godly husband is impossible without the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit. This episode will encourage, challenge, convict, and equip you to take your place in the home as the kind of man God designed you to be: a servant-leader who loves like Christ, sacrifices like Christ, and leads like Christ.
If this episode encourages you, make sure to like, comment, and share. Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts. And don’t forget—you can join our mailing list at DeformedTheologyShow.com for updates, resources, and future content.
Washing feet. Flipping tables. Following Jesus.
What really happens after you die? In this episode of Deformed Theology, we take a deep, Scripture-centered dive into one of humanity’s oldest and most mysterious questions: the afterlife. From Sheol and Hades to Abraham’s Bosom, Paradise, soul sleep, the resurrection, and the intermediate state, this conversation explores the biblical data without sensationalism—just honest theology, humor, and curiosity.
We start in the Old Testament with the earliest appearances of Sheol, examining how ancient Hebrews understood death, the grave, mourning, and the realm of the departed. From Jacob to Job to David, the Bible paints a layered picture of the unseen realm that often gets overlooked. We discuss whether Sheol is a neutral place, a divided realm, or simply a poetic reference to the grave—and how these early concepts set the foundation for later revelation.
Then we explore the dramatic story of Saul and the Witch of Endor, Samuel’s statement “Why have you disturbed me?”, and what that might imply about consciousness after death. Does this support soul sleep? Was Samuel aware, at rest, or something else? We wrestle with every angle.
Moving into the New Testament, we break down Jesus’ teaching about Lazarus and the Rich Man, the imagery of Abraham’s Bosom, torment in Hades, and the great chasm between the righteous and unrighteous. Is this literal, parabolic, or a window into the afterlife? We unpack the theological implications through both historic and modern lenses.
We also explore the mind-bending moment in Matthew 27, when saints rise from their tombs at the crucifixion of Christ. Where did they go afterward? What happened to the righteous dead before Jesus ascended? This leads into the controversial and fascinating passages about Christ “preaching to the spirits in prison” and “leading captivity captive.”
Finally, we wrestle with the big practical question: When a Christian dies today, what happens?
Are we immediately in the presence of the Lord, as Paul says?
Is there an intermediate state?
Is “soul sleep” a biblical idea?
What about near-death experiences?
We compare possibilities with Scripture at every step.
This episode blends serious biblical study, theology, humor, and real questions about eternity. Whether you're a pastor, student, skeptic, or just curious about what the Bible really says, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and deepen your hope in Christ.
Be faithful. Be watchful. Be ready. And remember—Jesus is preparing a place for you.
Are the gifts of the Holy Spirit still active today—or did they end with the apostles? In this episode of Deformed Theology, hosts Jonathan and David sit down once again with Pastor Drew Tarwater of Forefront Church in Denver, Colorado, to dive deep into the mystery, beauty, and controversy surrounding the Holy Spirit and His gifts.
This is Part 2 of our series on the Holy Spirit, and we’re going even deeper. Together, we explore what Scripture really says about the gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12, how they operate in the modern church, and why believers often misunderstand or neglect the Spirit’s power in their daily lives.
From wisdom and knowledge to healing, tongues, and prophecy, this conversation takes an honest and balanced look at how the Spirit moves today—and why so many in the Western church rarely recognize it. Are miracles and spiritual gifts only for the early church? Or is God still moving in supernatural ways around the world? Pastor Drew shares powerful stories from missionaries, global ministries, and his own pastoral experiences that challenge our assumptions and renew our faith in the active work of the Holy Spirit.
We also unpack:
Why the American church struggles to rely on the Holy Spirit compared to churches in Africa, Asia, and South America
The tension between charismatics and cessationists, and how both camps can learn from one another
How to receive and recognize spiritual gifts according to Scripture (Romans 12 & Acts 8)
Why love and humility must be the foundation of every gift (1 Corinthians 13)
What true prophecy looks like—and how to test whether it’s from God
Why so many believers miss out on their gifts because they’re not asking or seeking them
This is not your average “feel-good” discussion. It’s a grounded, Scripture-rich, sometimes humorous, and always honest exploration of the work of the Holy Spirit in the modern church. Whether you lean Baptist, charismatic, reformed, or somewhere in between, this episode invites you to think deeply and biblically about the Spirit who empowers and unites all believers.
If you’ve ever asked questions like:
👉 Are the gifts of the Spirit for today?
👉 What’s the difference between being sealed by the Spirit and being baptized in the Spirit?
👉 How do I know what my spiritual gift is?
👉 Why don’t we see miracles like in the book of Acts?
—then this conversation is for you.
🟣 Deformed Theology is a podcast for Christians who love Jesus but aren’t afraid to wrestle with big theological questions. Our tagline says it best: “Washing feet. Flipping tables.”
💬 Join the conversation in the comments:
Do you believe the gifts of the Holy Spirit are still active today? How have you seen the Spirit move in your life or church?
📖 Scripture References:
1 Corinthians 12–14 | Romans 12 | Acts 8 | 2 Timothy 1 | John 14
🎧 Listen & Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream your theology-flavored coffee.
📺 Watch the full video on YouTube @DeformedTheology for more roundtable discussions with pastors, theologians, and everyday believers.
#HolySpirit #SpiritualGifts #ChristianPodcast #DeformedTheology #BibleStudy #Cessationism #Charismatic #Faith #TheologyPodcast #Christianity #PastorDrewTarwater #HolySpiritGifts #BiblicalTeaching #Gospel #1Corinthians12 #Acts8 #Romans12 #JesusChrist
What does the Bible really say about the Holy Spirit? In this episode of Deformed Theology, David and Jonathan dive deep into the person, presence, and power of the Holy Spirit — not as an abstract force, not as a mystical energy, but as a person of the Triune God.
If you’ve ever wondered who the Holy Spirit is, how He works, or what it means to live “by the Spirit,” this conversation is for you. The hosts explore Scripture with humor, honesty, and humility — wrestling through questions like:
What does it mean that the Holy Spirit is a person of the Trinity?
How do we understand the Spirit’s indwelling vs. His resting upon in Scripture?
What’s the difference between the seal of the Spirit and the baptism of the Spirit?
How can we recognize the fruit of the Spirit in our lives?
What does it mean to grieve or blaspheme the Holy Spirit?
From Genesis to Acts to Galatians, the hosts trace how the Spirit of God moves through creation, promise, and redemption — revealing Christ, empowering believers, and bearing fruit in our lives today. Drawing on sources like Charles Ryrie’s Basic Theology, classic Trinitarian doctrine, and personal pastoral experience, David and Jonathan unpack pneumatology (the study of the Holy Spirit) in a way that’s both theologically grounded and refreshingly accessible.
Along the way, there are moments of laughter, conviction, and maybe a few bad jokes about coffee, Mormons, and the perils of “perfect theology.” Because at Deformed Theology, we’re all learning — “washing feet and flipping tables” as we go.
Key topics include:
The Personhood of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2, Romans 8, Ephesians 4)
The Promise of the Spirit (John 14 & 16; Acts 2; Ephesians 1)
The Indwelling and Seal of the Spirit for Believers
Baptism of the Holy Spirit and Spiritual Gifts
Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5, John 15)
Unity and humility in the Church through the Spirit
Whether you’re a seasoned believer, a curious skeptic, or a new Christian trying to understand the role of the Holy Spirit in your life, this episode invites you to slow down, open your Bible, and discover the living presence of God that transforms hearts and communities.
👉 Subscribe to Deformed Theology for more conversations that are equal parts playful and profound — tackling big theological ideas with bold faith, historic insight, and everyday honesty.
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🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream.
#HolySpirit #Trinity #ChristianPodcast #TheologyPodcast #DeformedTheology #BibleStudy #Pneumatology #HolySpiritTeaching #ChristianFaith #WashingFeetFlippingTables #ChristianDoctrine #UnderstandingTheHolySpirit
It’s that time of year again—and Christians everywhere are asking the same question: Should believers celebrate Halloween? 🎃
In this episode of Deformed Theology, David and Jonathan dive deep into the history, theology, and spiritual implications of Halloween. From ghost stories and ancient pagan roots to Scripture-based discussions on Christian liberty, this conversation tackles one of the most debated topics in the Church.
🔥 Topics Covered:
What the Bible actually says about Halloween
Pagan origins vs. Christian redemption of holidays
The difference between participating and partaking in darkness
Are “ghosts” real? A biblical look at the spiritual realm
Can Christians trick-or-treat in good conscience?
Understanding Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 10 on liberty and conscience
How to honor God and love your neighbor during controversial holidays
👻 The hosts share real-life stories—from spooky encounters in ancient cemeteries to personal childhood experiences growing up in Christian homes where Halloween was off-limits. They unpack what it means to walk in freedom and wisdom as believers, guided by the Holy Spirit rather than fear or superstition.
✨ Whether you abstain completely or see Halloween as an opportunity to share the light of Christ with your community, this episode will challenge you to think biblically, live faithfully, and extend grace to your brothers and sisters in Christ.
💡 Key Scriptures Mentioned:
Romans 14:1-13 — Liberty and conscience among believers
1 Corinthians 10 — The cup of the Lord vs. the cup of demons
2 Timothy 1:7 — “God has not given us a spirit of fear…”
1 Peter 3:15 — Always be ready to give an answer for your hope
🙌 Main Takeaway:
Whether you celebrate or abstain, do it all unto the Lord. Honor God, love your neighbor, and don’t become a stumbling block. The blood of Jesus covers every believer—and no “haunted” candy can compete with that.
📖 Subscribe & Follow Deformed Theology:
Join us each week as we explore tough questions and bring every topic—no matter how controversial—back to Scripture and the heart of Christ.
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#ChristianPodcast #DeformedTheology #BibleStudy #Halloween #FaithPodcast #Christianity #BiblicalTruth #ChristianLiving #SpiritualWarfare #Jesus #Discipleship #ChristianLiberty
What does it really mean to be a Christian? In this episode of Deformed Theology, hosts Jonathan and David break down the true Gospel of Jesus Christ — the Good News that has been preached, distorted, and misunderstood for centuries. Many claim to know Jesus, but few actually understand what the Bible defines as the Gospel.
💬 From Genesis to Revelation, the Gospel is God’s plan to redeem humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But in a world filled with deformed theology, false teachers, and “Christian cults” that twist Scripture, it’s vital to return to what Scripture actually says. This episode answers:
What is the Gospel according to the Bible?
Why do we need salvation in the first place?
What separates the true Gospel from cult doctrines and false gospels?
How do we receive salvation by grace through faith — not by works?
What does it mean to “abide in Christ” and live out the Gospel daily?
🔥 Jonathan and David unpack Romans 3, Ephesians 2, John 14:6, and the story of the thief on the cross to reveal that the Gospel isn’t about religion, rank, or rituals — it’s about redemption, reconciliation, and relationship with the living God.
📖 The Gospel begins with the bad news: all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. But the good news is this — Jesus paid the price you could never pay. Through His death and resurrection, He offers freedom, forgiveness, and eternal life to anyone who believes.
You don’t have to “clean yourself up” to come to God. You don’t need secret knowledge or spiritual hierarchy. You just need to surrender. Salvation isn’t earned — it’s received. As Scripture says, “Whosoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
💡 Key Topics Discussed:
The fall of man and humanity’s need for redemption
How Jesus fulfills God’s perfect plan of salvation
Why “Christian cults” distort the message of grace
The difference between faith and works
The role of repentance and abiding in Christ
The hope and freedom found only in Jesus
✝️ Whether you’ve been a believer for years or you’re questioning what Christianity really means, this episode will challenge, encourage, and equip you to understand and share the Gospel clearly.
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💬 Have questions, prayer requests, or feedback?
We’d love to hear from you! Visit our website or connect on social media.
In this episode of Deformed Theology, hosts Jonathan & David sit down with Dylan Novak — known as The Celebrity Evangelist — to uncover his incredible story of taking the Gospel directly to some of the biggest names in entertainment. From Comic-Cons and movie sets to one-on-one conversations with musicians, comedians, and actors, Dylan has made it his mission to bring the light of Jesus Christ into some of the darkest corners of celebrity culture.
👉 Dylan shares how a simple desire to meet childhood heroes turned into a powerful calling to share the hope of Christ with celebrities like Ozzy Osbourne, James Taylor, Charlie Sheen, Jay Pharoah, and many more. You’ll hear amazing testimonies of divine appointments, answered prayers, and moments where the Holy Spirit opened doors no one else could.
💬 Topics include:
• How Dylan became “The Celebrity Evangelist” and what inspired his ministry
• The powerful story behind Ozzy Osbourne receiving a personalized Bible
• What happens when a Saturday Night Live star breaks down in tears over God’s timing
• Evangelism lessons from Comic-Con and Hollywood culture
• The balance between boldness, humility, and discernment when sharing Jesus
• Why no one is “too far gone” for the Gospel
• How every believer — not just pastors or evangelists — can start sharing Christ today
✝️ Key Scripture Themes:
Matthew 28:19 — “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”
Romans 1:16 — “I am not ashamed of the Gospel.”
Mark 16:15 — “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.”
🎧 Whether you’re a youth leader, a creative, or simply someone who loves Jesus and pop culture, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to see every person — famous or not — as a soul in need of a Savior.
🙏 Be Encouraged: God can use anyone, anywhere — even a Comic-Con meet-and-greet — to change a life for eternity.
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• YouTube ► @DeformedTheology
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💜 Support the Ministry & Learn More About Dylan Novak
Visit ➡ www.celebrityevangelist.org (to learn about his mission and sponsor Bibles for celebrities)
In this thought-provoking episode of Deformed Theology, Jonathan and David tackle one of the most dangerous yet overlooked trends in modern Christianity — syncretism — the subtle blending of biblical faith with worldly culture. Can you truly mix Jesus with the world and still call it Christianity? Or does every compromise slowly deform the very truth we’re called to live by?
Join us as we dive deep into Scripture, church history, and current events to expose how syncretism has crept into today’s church, from ancient golden calves to modern rainbow crosses. We explore how the sacred and the profane have been fused together — often in the name of progress, inclusion, or relevance — and what the Word of God actually says about it.
💬 Topics we cover include:
The biblical definition of syncretism and why it’s spiritually dangerous
How Israel’s compromises in the Old Testament mirror the modern church
Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Catholic affirmations — examples of blending faith and falsehood
The rise of Christian nationalism, where politics and the pulpit collide
When sin gets rebranded as “love” — how affirming culture distorts truth
Why Jesus warned about mixing wheat and tares, truth and deception
The modern acceptance of LGBTQ+ theology and what Scripture really says
How to discern truth, reject compromise, and stay grounded in the Word
🕊️ Through humor, honesty, and a love for truth, Jonathan and David remind believers that God’s Word is not a buffet. We don’t get to pick and choose what parts of Scripture fit modern culture. Christ calls His people to be set apart — not blended in.
📖 “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons.” – 1 Corinthians 10:21
This isn’t just a verse — it’s a warning. In a world where cultural Christianity often outweighs biblical conviction, we must return to the authority of Scripture, walk in repentance, and let the Holy Spirit transform our understanding.
🔥 Whether you’re a pastor, Bible student, or simply a believer who wants to discern truth from deception, this episode will challenge you to ask:
👉 Have I mixed my faith with the world?
👉 What have I accepted that God rejects?
👉 Where might my own theology be deformed?
If you’re hungry for truth, ready to test every idea against Scripture, and tired of surface-level faith — this episode is for you.
🎧 Listen, share, and join the conversation at DeformedTheologyShow.com
💬 Comment below with your thoughts or disagreements — we welcome all discussion in love and truth.
#DeformedTheology #Syncretism #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalTruth #ChristianityAndCulture #JesusIsEnough #FaithOverCulture #ChurchCompromise #ChristianTheology #BibleStudyPodcast #Apologetics #TruthInLove
In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Deformed Theology, hosts Jonathan and David sit down with Gary Renne — a former pastor, evangelist, and now city councilman — to unpack one of the most fascinating testimonies of revival, redemption, and reform in modern Christian history.
From a broken home and a rebellious youth in the 1970s to a life-changing vision of Jesus Christ, Gary’s story captures the heart of the original Jesus Movement — a time when God transformed hippies, skeptics, and prodigals into passionate followers of Christ. You’ll hear firsthand how a generation hungry for truth found revival in coffee houses, campus ministries, and street corners long before “viral” was a thing.
Together, the guys explore the spiritual parallels between the Jesus Revolution of the 1970s and the stirring hunger for God rising again in today’s culture. Are we on the edge of another revival? Or have we lost what made the movement so genuine?
The conversation dives into:
🔥 The Rapture Debate — Pre-Trib, Mid-Trib, Post-Trib? Does it really matter, or are we missing the bigger picture?
🔥 A Real Vision of Christ — What Gary saw as a teenager that changed his life forever.
🔥 The Birth of Street Ministry — How God used broken kids to spark local revivals in small towns.
🔥 The Jesus Movement Connection — What it was, how it spread, and why it mattered.
🔥 Faith and Politics — How Gary went from a street preacher to a city councilman, still sharing the Gospel in unexpected places.
🔥 Modern Revival Lessons — What today’s church can learn from past moves of God.
With humor, humility, and raw honesty, this episode captures the essence of what it means to walk from rebellion to redemption — to go from “hippie revival” to serving your city while keeping the Gospel central. Whether you’re curious about the end times, longing for spiritual awakening, or just love hearing real stories of transformation, this one will stir your faith.
👉 Key Topics & Keywords:
#JesusRevolution #RaptureDebate #ChristianTestimony #EndTimes #PreTrib #PostTrib #MidTrib #GaryRenny #DeformedTheology #Revival #ChristianPodcast #JesusMovement #FaithStories #ChristianLeadership #ModernRevival #Gospel #BibleTeaching #ChristianHumor
📖 Featured Scripture:
“Be ready in season and out of season…” — 2 Timothy 4:2
🎙️ About Deformed Theology:
Hosted by Jonathan and David, Deformed Theology is a Christian podcast that blends biblical truth, humor, and real-life stories to challenge the modern church and call believers back to the heart of Christ. Every episode explores what happens when theology gets twisted, grace gets forgotten, and truth gets deformed — and how God still redeems it all.
✨ If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your faith authentic in a noisy world — or what revival looks like when it’s real — this episode is for you.
🔔 Subscribe to Deformed Theology for more deep dives into scripture, church culture, and conversations that build unity in the Body of Christ.
🎧 Listen weekly on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you stream.
🌐 Visit deformtheologyshow.com to connect, support, or share your prayer requests.
What happens when an Amish pacifist joins the U.S. Army? In this powerful episode of Deformed Theology, we sit down with Kate — a former Old Order Amish woman who left behind horse-and-buggy life, Rumspringa adventures, and strict traditions to follow a radically different path of faith and freedom.
Kate opens up about:
Growing up Amish without cars, electricity, or modern conveniences
Amish beliefs about the end times, the second coming of Christ, and the rapture
The real story behind Rumspringa (it’s not what the movies show)
Shunning, community rules, and the surprising “holy kiss” tradition
Why she chose to leave the Amish at 20 — and how her family reacted
Her shocking decision to join the U.S. Army despite Amish pacifist theology
How her faith in Jesus grew through the struggles of leaving, serving, and raising a family
This conversation blends humor (yes, Amish buggies with sound systems are a thing!) with deep discussions about theology, tradition, and the transforming power of the Gospel. Whether you’re curious about Amish culture, deconstruction of faith traditions, or stories of redemption, this episode will challenge and inspire you.
📌 Chapters / Topics:
00:00 Intro & Amish humor
05:00 Amish beliefs on end times & rapture
20:00 Rumspringa explained
40:00 Leaving Amish life
55:00 Joining the U.S. Army as a pacifist
1:10:00 Faith, Jesus, and finding true freedom
👉 If you enjoy conversations about faith, culture, and theology, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode!
Jehovah’s Witnesses say no birthdays, no Christmas, no guns… but is that just quirky legalism, or a full-blown cult? In this episode of Deformed Theology, Jonathan and David dig into the origins, teachings, and contradictions of the JW movement. From false prophecies about the end of the world to denying the divinity of Christ, we ask the tough questions:
Are Jehovah’s Witnesses a Christian denomination or something else entirely?
What does the Bible actually say about holidays, modesty, and legalism?
How do their beliefs about Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and salvation line up with Scripture?
And why do they believe only 144,000 people get to rule with Christ?
With humor, honest conversation, and biblical analysis, we break down what makes JW doctrine different from historic Christianity — and why it matters.
👉 Stick around for scripture, laughs, and maybe even a rant or two (house slippers included).
✝️ Resources mentioned in this episode:
Gospel Coalition: 11 Beliefs You Should Know About Jehovah’s Witnesses
Ligonier Ministries: Who Are the Jehovah’s Witnesses?
📌 Subscribe for more conversations on cults, false teaching, and the beauty of the gospel.
What happens when a 14-year-old in the woods claims to see God, finds golden plates nobody else can see, and builds an empire with secret handshakes, polygamy, and space-god theology? You get Mormonism.
In this episode of Deformed Theology, David and Jonathan dig into the wild origin story of Joseph Smith, the golden plates, the angel Moroni (or was it Pepperoni?), and why South Park may have given the most accurate breakdown of Mormon beliefs.
👉 We explore:
Joseph Smith’s visions and the “golden plates” mystery
The cult-like roots of Mormonism and its rebranding through history
Polygamy, racism, and “secret underwear” rituals (yes, really)
Why Mormon temples and eternal marriages directly contradict Scripture
How cult dynamics still creep into modern Christian movements
The difference between Trinitarian Christianity and Mormon tritheism
This is not just about Mormonism—it’s about how false gospels and secret revelations deform theology, lead people astray, and distract from the true gospel of Jesus Christ.
💬 Whether you’re LDS, ex-Mormon, or just curious, this is one conversation you don’t want to miss.
🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes: [youtube.com/@DeformedTheologyPod]
🌐 Website & Resources: [deformedtheologyshow.com]
📩 Email us with questions or to share your story: [deformedtheologypod@gmail.com]
Welcome to another episode of Deformed Theology, where we dig into the real questions shaping faith, church, and culture today. In this conversation, Jonathan and David sit down with Dan from Air1’s Dan & Michelle Morning Show to talk about everything from the future of worship music to the dangers of Christian celebrity.
If you’ve ever wrestled with the blurred lines between Christian music and true corporate worship, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Dan shares the inside story of how Air1 made the dramatic shift from Christian alternative rock to worship in 2019, and why that decision both shook the Christian music industry and opened the door for artists like Brandon Lake, Maverick City Music, and For King & Country to reach millions of listeners.
But this episode goes much deeper than music. Dan shares his personal testimony, from growing up in a rigid, legalistic church background to discovering grace at Calvary Chapel. He talks openly about the dangers of “TikTok theology,” the rising divisions in the American church, and why legalism strips power from the cross. His message is clear: without desperation for Jesus, the church risks losing its witness.
We also dive into the role of Christian celebrity culture—how artists and pastors are lifted up and torn down online, and why some of the most famous names in Christian music are actually deeply rooted in humility, service, and authentic faith. Dan tells heartfelt stories about Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, For King & Country, and Rebecca St. James, offering listeners an inside perspective on what real faith looks like behind the stage.
Other key highlights in this episode:
Pre-Trib vs. Mid-Trib vs. Post-Trib: Dan’s honest take on the rapture debate.
Young Earth vs. Old Earth: why he’s in the “I don’t know” camp.
Worship music vs. CCM: defining “vertical” worship.
Church division and online cynicism: why the church’s biggest obstacle may be itself.
The importance of being the hands and feet of Jesus—loving the lost, the broken, and the “least of these.”
The role of generosity and giving in shaping the heart.
Practical wisdom from marriage and ministry.
At Deformed Theology, our mission is simple: to ask, what’s deforming the way we think about God, His Word, and His people? This conversation with Dan is a powerful reminder that the body of Christ is alive, but it must stay desperate for Him.
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the bell so you don’t miss future conversations with voices that are challenging, encouraging, and reshaping Christian thought today.
Website: deformedtheologyshow.com
Welcome back to another episode of Deformed Theology, where we’re all about washing feet and flipping tables. In this episode, we sit down with Doug Richey—a man who has worn many hats: Baptist pastor for nearly 30 years, state representative in Missouri, law enforcement chaplain, Army National Guard combat engineer, and now serving with Alliance Defending Freedom. Doug’s story is one of faith, calling, public service, and perseverance in the face of cultural and spiritual challenges.
Doug shares his unique journey from Pentecostal roots to Baptist pastoral ministry, opening up about how questions of eternal security, perseverance of the saints, and the authority of Scripture shaped his theological convictions. We dig deep into the pivotal moments when he wrestled with doctrine, faced cultural opposition, and learned to trust God’s leading—even when it meant leaving behind a thriving pastoral ministry to step into a new role defending religious liberty on a national level.
In this conversation, you’ll hear:
Doug’s reflections on the Rapture and eschatology, from pre-trib conferences of the 80s to a more humble “pan-millennial” outlook.
How his battle buddy in the Army National Guard challenged his Pentecostal assumptions and led him to dig deeper into Scripture.
The story of God radically redirecting his life when He removed Doug’s love for finance overnight and set him on the path to ministry.
What it was like to pastor faithfully for nearly two decades before being called into politics as a state representative.
How his time in the Missouri legislature gave him a front-row seat to cultural battles over life, sexuality, family, and religious freedom.
Why he believes Christians must not retreat from public life, but also why the pulpit must never be hijacked for partisan agendas.
His current role with Alliance Defending Freedom, clearing the way for pastors, churches, and everyday Christians to live out their faith in a hostile culture.
This episode isn’t just Doug’s story—it’s a challenge to every believer to consider how God might use their talents, time, and testimony for His kingdom. Whether in the pulpit, the classroom, the political arena, or everyday life, the call is the same: live faithfully, speak truth, and trust Christ with the outcome.
👉 If you’ve ever wrestled with questions like:
Can you lose your salvation?
How should Christians engage in politics without compromising the gospel?
What role does suffering and tribulation play in the Christian life?
How do we hold unity across theological differences while staying anchored to truth?
…then this episode is for you.
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode of Deformed Theology. Share this with a friend who loves digging deep into theology, culture, and faith.
📌 Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro & Doug’s Background
6:15 – Early Ministry Call & Pentecostal Roots
15:42 – Wrestling with Eternal Security
30:05 – Seminary & Pastoral Ministry
42:20 – From Pulpit to Politics
1:05:10 – Faith in the Public Square
1:20:00 – Alliance Defending Freedom & the Fight for Religious Liberty
1:35:00 – Closing Reflections
🌐 Resources & Links:
Website: deformedtheologyshow.com
Support the Show: Buy us a coffee & keep the conversation going
Alliance Defending Freedom: adflegal.org
Did Adam and Eve have sex in the Garden of Eden? In this raw, unfiltered episode of Deformed Theology, we tackle one of the most avoided yet most culturally distorted topics in the Church today: sex. From Genesis to 1 Corinthians, from Proverbs to Romans, we trace God’s original design for sexuality, how sin twisted it, and how our modern world has taken that deformation to the next level.
We’re diving head-first into questions and issues the Church often whispers about—if it talks about them at all. Was sex always meant to be beautiful, holy, and worshipful? (Yes.) How does sexual sin—whether premarital, extramarital, pornography, homosexuality, lust, or even subtle compromise—deform our view of God, His Word, and His people? (Also yes.)
David and Jonathan don’t just stop at the “don’ts.” They walk through the “do’s” of a God-honoring sex life—one that is not only physically pure, but spiritually rich and deeply satisfying. We look at Scripture’s clear boundaries: one man, one woman, in covenant marriage. And we expose how culture’s redefinition of sex and marriage, even creeping into some denominations, has blurred lines God drew from the very beginning.
You’ll hear:
Why Genesis 2 shows sex as a gift without shame before the fall.
How 1 Corinthians 6 reveals sexual sin as uniquely damaging—and how fleeing it is an act of worship.
The connection between valuing your body as God’s temple and how you approach holiness, discipleship, and marriage.
Why Jesus’ warning about lust goes far beyond physical actions—it’s about the heart’s ownership and affection.
The danger of “purity culture” that focused on fear and rules instead of the beauty of God’s design.
How Romans 1 exposes the downward spiral from ignoring God to degrading passions.
Why biblical marriage demands the death of self for the life of your spouse (Ephesians 5).
This episode is both theological and practical. Whether you’re single, dating, engaged, or married, you’ll find real talk about temptation, discipline, communication, and intimacy that honors God. We even get real about parenting—how to teach your kids about sex in an age where the internet and culture are eager to teach them first.
We’re not here to shame—we’re here to call for repentance, to point to God’s grace, and to equip believers to live out His design in a hypersexualized world. This is for the believer who’s ready to push past shallow conversations and deal with the heart, mind, and body as one—set apart for the glory of God.
Chapters & Highlights:
00:00 – Did Adam & Eve have sex in Eden?
06:45 – God’s boundaries for sexuality in Genesis
13:10 – Sexual sin as a deformity of theology
21:30 – How culture’s “normal” deforms God’s truth
35:00 – Marriage as death of self for life of the other
50:20 – Lust: Noticing beauty vs. taking possession
1:12:15 – Purity culture’s failures and what to do instead
1:28:40 – Romans 1 and the slippery slope away from God
1:49:00 – Parenting: talking to your kids before the world does
2:05:30 – Fleeing temptation and cutting off sin
If you’ve ever wondered how sex fits into God’s redemptive plan—or how to reclaim a holy, joyful vision for it in your life—this episode will challenge, convict, and encourage you.
📖 Scriptures Referenced: Genesis 2, 1 Corinthians 6 & 7, Proverbs 5, Romans 1, Ephesians 5, Song of Solomon, Leviticus 18 & 20, 1 Thessalonians 4, Colossians 3, Matthew 5, John 8.
In this thought-provoking episode of Deformed Theology, Jonathan, David, and special guest Pastor Ethan Rosenboom tackle one of the most beloved – and misunderstood – topics in the church: worship. What does the Bible really mean by “worship”? Is it just music, or is there something deeper and costlier at its core?
The conversation starts lightheartedly but quickly digs into Scripture, exploring the first mention of worship in Genesis 22, where Abraham is prepared to sacrifice Isaac. They trace the biblical pattern of worship as sacrifice — from Cain and Abel, to the temple, to Paul’s call in Romans 12:1 to offer ourselves as living sacrifices. Worship, they conclude, cannot be separated from obedience, humility, and a right view of God’s holiness.
Pastor Ethan shares his journey into ministry, his unexpected path to becoming both pastor and worship leader, and the lessons he’s learned about leading God’s people in praise. Together, the hosts explore the difference between praise and worship, how language changes have diluted our understanding, and why both corporate edification and God’s glory must be present for worship to be biblical.
They don’t shy away from modern challenges — from worship as a “genre,” to celebrity culture around worship leaders, to the tension between entertainment and edification. The team offers a three-part test for evaluating worship music:
Does it glorify God in spirit and truth?
Does it align with Scripture?
Does it edify the body of Christ?
Whether discussing stylistic preferences, the dangers of platforming without discipleship, or the value of songs that draw directly from Scripture, the conversation stays rooted in the conviction that worship is about God first — not personal taste, emotional highs, or industry trends.
Key Takeaways:
Worship in Scripture is tied to sacrifice, not just singing.
Praise and worship are related but distinct — both are essential.
Corporate worship should be God-glorifying, biblically sound, and edifying to the church.
Personal preference should never outweigh biblical truth in determining what we call “worship.”
Entertainment elements are not inherently wrong, but they must never replace the heart of worship.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your worship — personal or corporate — truly reflects God’s heart, this episode will challenge, equip, and encourage you to re-center on what matters most.