Ready4Eternity Podcast

54: Is Baptism A Work?

The idea that baptism is a work that results in salvation sounds controversial—but don’t jump ship just yet. In this episode, we take a closer look at what the Bible actually says about baptism, grace, and who’s really doing the work. If you’ve ever wrestled with the role of obedience in salvation, this one’s for you.
Read: https://ready4eternity.com/is-baptism-a-work/
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53: If Your Pastor Thinks Church Is Business, He Shouldn’t Be Leading One

Church is not a brand. Pastors are not CEOs. And if your shepherd sounds more like a salesman, something’s gone terribly wrong. In this episode, we call out the corporate creep that’s gutting the soul of the modern church. When ministry becomes marketing and members become metrics, the gospel gets lost in the noise. Giveaways won’t make disciples. Door prizes won’t save souls. If your pastor is more obsessed with engagement stats than eternal truth, he’s not leading—he’s managing. And Christ didn’t die for a business model.
Read: https://ready4eternity.com/if-your-pastor-thinks-church-is-business-he-shouldnt-be-leading-one/
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52: Baptism Matters!

Many churches treat baptism like an optional symbol, often rushing to add, “But baptism doesn’t save you.” Why the disclaimer? Because they’ve misunderstood it as a human work. In this episode, we explore how baptism is God’s way of making grace tangible—something we can see, feel, and remember. Let’s talk about why that matters more than we think.
Read: https://ready4eternity.com/baptism-matters/
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51: What is Redemption?

What does the Bible mean when it says we have redemption through His blood? In this episode, we explore the meaning behind the word “redemption” in Ephesians 1:7—how it connects to slavery, rescue, and freedom. From the Exodus to the cross, we trace the theme of deliverance and what it means to be set free in Christ. Redemption isn’t just a religious buzzword—it’s the story of God rescuing those in Him from eternal death, and offering new life through Jesus.
Read: https://ready4eternity.com/what-is-redemption/
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50: Why Was The Spirit Not Given At Baptism?, Part 2

In this episode, we continue exploring the intriguing cases in Acts where the Holy Spirit’s indwelling did not coincide with baptism. Why did Paul have the twelve disciples in Ephesus re-baptized, while Apollos—who also knew only John’s baptism—was not? What does this tell us about faith, baptism, and receiving the Spirit? We also examine how God sometimes makes exceptions to His usual methods of salvation, demonstrating His sovereignty and mercy throughout Scripture. Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion!
Read: https://ready4eternity.com/why-was-the-spirit-not-given-at-baptism-part-2/
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49: Unlearning Augustine: Reclaiming Paul’s First-Century Message of Predestination

For centuries, Western theology has been shaped by Augustinian thought, but what if returning to Paul’s first-century perspective on predestination changes everything? In this episode, we unpack Ephesians 1:3-5 and challenge common misconceptions. Predestination isn’t about arbitrary selection—it’s about God’s predetermined plan to adopt all who choose to be “in Christ.” Join us as we explore the historical roots of these doctrines, the influence of Augustine on the Reformers, and the biblical vision of election as an open invitation rather than exclusion.
Read: https://ready4eternity.com/unlearning-augustine-reclaiming-pauls-first-century-message-of-predestination/
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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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