Ready4Eternity Podcast

48: Why Was The Spirit Not Given At Baptism?, Part 1

The New Testament sets the expectation that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit normally coincides with baptism. However, Acts records a few key exceptions. In this episode, we explore two of these exceptions: the Samaritans and Cornelius' household. Why did the Spirit delay for one group and arrive early for the other? We examine the possible reasons, from Peter's role in opening the kingdom to overcoming deep-seated biases between Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles. Understanding these moments helps us see how the Spirit worked to unify the early church. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll explore a third unique case!
Read: https://ready4eternity.com/why-was-the-spirit-not-given-at-baptism-part-1/
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47: Compatibilism's Free Will: Fact or Fiction?

Does Calvinism’s concept of sovereignty erase human free will? This episode unpacks the philosophy of compatibilism, which attempts to reconcile divine control with human responsibility. While it claims we freely choose what we most desire, it also asserts that our desires are predetermined by God—raising the question: is that real freedom or just an illusion? Using a thought-provoking parable, we illustrate why compatibilism collapses under its own contradiction. Join us as we examine whether this system truly aligns with biblical teaching or if it’s simply philosophy masquerading as theology.
Read: https://ready4eternity.com/compatibilisms-free-will-fact-or-fiction/
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46: Baptism: Calling On His Name

What does it mean to “call on His name,” and what does it have to do with baptism? In Acts 22:16, Ananias tells Saul to “be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on His name.” But is this about saying a prayer, or is something deeper happening?
In this episode, we explore how Peter connects baptism with an appeal to God for a good conscience (1 Peter 3:21) and what this means for salvation. We’ll also dive into the translation challenges of the Greek word eperotema and how different Bible versions shape our understanding of baptism.
Is baptism the true sinner’s prayer? Join us as we examine Scripture, challenge assumptions, and uncover the powerful role of baptism in responding to the gospel.
Read: https://ready4eternity.com/baptism-calling-on-his-name/
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45: Free Will: A Divine Gift or an Illusion?

Few theological debates ignite as much passion as the question of free will. Are we truly free to choose, or has God predetermined our destiny? In this episode, we examine Ephesians 1:3-5 and explore whether divine sovereignty means God selects individuals for salvation apart from their choice—or if Scripture tells a different story.
Does the Bible affirm human free will? If so, how does that fit with God's plan? Using key biblical passages and a thought-provoking analogy, we unpack how God's sovereignty and human responsibility work together. Tune in as we challenge common misconceptions and seek a biblical understanding of what it means to be "chosen in Christ."
Read: https://ready4eternity.com/free-will-a-divine-gift-or-an-illusion/
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44: Saul’s Conversion

Saul of Tarsus saw the risen Christ, spent three days in prayer and fasting, and yet was still in his sins. Only after Ananias told him to “rise and be baptized” were his sins washed away. What does Saul’s conversion reveal about the connection between baptism and salvation? In this episode, we examine the biblical evidence, harmonize the different accounts in Acts, and challenge common objections. Does baptism play a role in salvation? Let’s take a closer look.
Read: https://ready4eternity.com/sauls-conversion/
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43: God’s Sovereignty: Does It Mean He Causes Everything?

Does God’s sovereignty mean He directly causes everything that happens—including sin and suffering? This episode dives into one of the most debated theological questions in Christian history, exploring Ephesians 1:3-5 and its implications for God's rule over creation. We examine the Calvinist perspective, which asserts that God meticulously controls every detail of existence, and contrast it with the biblical portrayal of a sovereign God who reigns without negating human free will. Join us as we explore key Scripture passages that challenge deterministic views, demonstrating that God's authority does not require Him to be the author of evil.
Read: https://ready4eternity.com/gods-sovereignty-does-it-mean-he-causes-everything/Thanks to Dr. Leighton Flowers for his fantastic chess analogy!
► Dr. Flowers' full video: https://youtu.be/wAQJluTxMdk?si=bmCNV-YEHkk7hcJc
 
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42: At What Point Are We Saved?

At what point are we saved? The Bible teaches that we transition from lost to saved when the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us—but when does that actually happen? In this episode, we explore key passages that shed light on the timing of the Spirit’s indwelling and the forgiveness of sins. Looking closely at Acts 2 and Romans 8, we examine how immersion (baptism) is consistently linked with both the gift of the Holy Spirit and the remission of sins. Is baptism just a symbolic act, or is it the moment when Jesus cleanses us and gives us His Spirit? Join us as we dig into Scripture and challenge some common assumptions about salvation.
Read: https://ready4eternity.com/at-what-point-are-we-saved/
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41: Heaven Isn’t Waiting: The Heavenly Places You’re Already Part Of

In this episode, we explore the phrase “heavenly places” in Ephesians—a phrase Paul uses multiple times to describe a present spiritual reality, not just a future hope. What does it mean to be seated with Christ now? How do spiritual blessings, the church’s mission, and even spiritual battles take place in the unseen realm? Join us as we uncover what it truly means to live in the reality of the heavenly places today.
Read: https://ready4eternity.com/heaven-isnt-waiting-the-heavenly-places-youre-already-part-of/
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40: “Buried With Him In Baptism”

Paul may not use the phrase “born again,” but in Romans 6, he describes a transformation that sounds a lot like rebirth—being “buried with Him in baptism” and rising to “walk in newness of life.” But what exactly is happening in that moment? What role does the Holy Spirit play in our conversion?
In this episode, we explore baptism as both a burial and a resurrection, drawing connections to spiritual circumcision, regeneration, and the washing of renewal by the Spirit. Is Paul intentionally paralleling proselyte conversion? What does it mean for the “body of sin” to be cut away? And how does all of this fit into the larger question of salvation?
Join us as we unpack these questions and examine how baptism, faith, and the work of the Spirit come together in the moment of rebirth.
Read: https://ready4eternity.com/buried-with-him-in-baptism/
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39: ‘In Christ’: The Bible’s Explosive Reality We Tamed Into a Slogan

We often hear the phrase, “Jesus lives in my heart,” but what if the Bible’s emphasis is actually the reverse? In this episode, we explore Paul’s powerful use of the phrase “in Christ” throughout Ephesians and beyond. This isn’t just a theological nuance—it’s a game-changing reality that reshapes how we understand our identity, salvation, and daily life as believers. What does it truly mean to be “in Him”? How does this change the way we see ourselves, our relationship with God, and even the way we share the gospel? Join us as we uncover the biblical significance of our position in Christ—one that’s far bigger than we’ve often imagined.
Read: https://ready4eternity.com/in-christ-the-bibles-explosive-reality-we-tamed-into-a-slogan/
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