Stand to Reason Weekly Podcast

Greg Koukl

Our purpose is to help Christians think more clearly about their faith and to help them make an even-handed, incisive, yet gracious defense for classical Christianity. Released every Wednesday and Friday.

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Wednesday · 58 min
God Will Use What You Read in the Bible
Greg reflects on the phenomenon of topics coming up that he just read about in the Bible, then he answers questions about the New Testament quoting variants in the Septuagint rather than what was originally inspired, whether Adam had no choice but to sin, and women in ministry. Topics: Commentary: God will use what you read in the Bible. (00:00) Why do the New Testament authors quote variants in the Septuagint and not what was originally inspired? (10:00) How would you respond to the assertion that Adam had no choice and had to sin, otherwise God’s purposes could not have moved forward? (34:00) What are your thoughts on women in ministry? (48:00) Mentioned on the Show: Submit a question on the Open Mic Line #STRask: Can You Explain Verbal Plenary Inspiration When the New Testament Writers Quote the Septuagint? “Misquoting” Jesus? Answering Bart Ehrman by Greg Koukl Related Links: How Can We Condemn Evil If God Is Sovereign? by Amy Hall
August 28 · 58 min
Will Both Christians and Non-Christians Stand in the Judgment?
Greg answers questions about whether Christian schools ought to accept children with non-Christian parents, whether both Christians and non-Christians will stand in the judgment, and how to be as charitable as possible without weakening your position tactically. Topics: If non-Christian parents are willing to send their child to a Christian school, why would that school keep the child out just because the parents aren’t Christians? (04:00) Will both Christians and non-Christians stand in the judgment? (17:00) What’s the right way to navigate being as charitable as you can in a conversation without weakening your position tactically? (45:00) Mentioned on the Show: Be One of the 100 Made in Our Image by Stephen Driscoll Submit a question on the Open Mic Line Related Links: #STRask: Will I Have to Give an Account for My Abortion When I Stand Before Jesus? – On the idea of standing before God to give an account of what you've done
August 26 · 58 min
Jeremiah 31:35–36 and the State of Israel
Greg answers questions on how Christians interpreted Jeremiah 31:35–36 before the reestablishment of the state of Israel, evidence the world was ever unbroken, and the best tactic to engage a Jehovah’s Witness and build a relationship with him. Topics: Be one of the 100. (00:00) How would Christians have interpreted Jeremiah 31:35–36 from the point of the establishment of the church up until the reestablishment of the political state of Israel, and how do dispensationalists interpret it now? (04:00) Can you point to any evidence the world was ever different (in terms of both biology and physics) in the past from the way it is today—i.e., not broken? (39:00) What’s the best tactic to engage a Jehovah’s Witness and build a relationship with him? (50:00) Mentioned on the Show: Be One of the 100 Made in Our Image by Stephen Driscoll The Bible: Fast Forward – Audio, DVD, Video on Demand Greg and Amy discussed Israel from different theological perspectives here and here. Deity of Christ: Case Closed by Greg Koukl Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity’s Toughest Challenges by Greg Koukl Related Links: Three Telltale Signs of “Christianity” Gone South – Includes the three questions Greg recommended asking Jehovah’s Witnesses
August 21 · 58 min
AI Will Never Be a Person
Greg explains why AI will never be a person, then he answers questions about how to address the declining birthrate and encourage people to have more children, and whether or not Muslims worship the true God. Topics: Commentary: AI will never be a person. (00:00) Do you have any biblical insights on the declining birthrate and how to encourage people to have more children? (21:00) Do Muslims worship the true God? (33:00) Mentioned on the Show: Be One of the 100 Made in Our Image: God, Artificial Intelligence, and You by Stephen Driscoll Mind & Cosmos: Why the Materialist Neo-Darwinian Conception of Nature is Almost Certainly False by Thomas Nagel Jesus, the Only Way: 100 Verses by Greg Koukl Related Links: One Way or Any Way? Part 1 and Part 2 by Greg Koukl
August 19 · 58 min
Interview: Stephen Driscoll – God, Artificial Intelligence, and You
Greg talks to Stephen Driscoll, author of Made in Our Image: God, Artificial Intelligence, and You, about AI—what it is, the challenges and opportunities it will bring, how Christians should think about it, and more. Topics: Interview: Stephen Driscoll, author of Made in Our Image: God, Artificial Intelligence, and You (00:00) Mentioned on the Show: Be One of the 100 Made in Our Image: God, Artificial Intelligence, and You by Stephen Driscoll Reality Student Apologetics Conference – September 11–12 in Atlanta, GA; October 16–17 in Seattle, WA; November 13–14 in Minneapolis, MN; February 19–20, 2027 in Dallas, TX; March 12–13, 2027 in Philadelphia, PA; April 23–24, 2027 in Los Angeles, CA 2084 and the AI Revolution, Updated and Expanded Edition: How Artificial Intelligence Informs Our Future by John Lennox Fake ID: How AI and Identity Ideology Are Collapsing Reality—and What to Do About It by Abdu Murray
August 14 · 58 min
The Biggest Challenge That Has Tested Greg’s Faith
Greg answers questions about how to interpret “gates of Hell” in Matthew 16:18, whether parents should treat a child who hasn’t professed Christ differently, the biggest challenge that has tested his faith, whether Matthew 24:24 means it’s possible for the elect to be led astray, and more. Topics: Should the fact that God is in charge of Hell change my understanding of Matthew 16:18 that “gates of Hell” refers to Satan and his demonic forces? (08:00) Should parents treat a child who hasn’t professed Christ differently from their other children? (22:00) What is the biggest challenge that has tested your faith? (26:00) How do we know that Christians believe the right thing? (45:00) Does Matthew 24:24 mean it’s possible for the elect to be led astray? (51:00) Mentioned on the Show: Be One of the 100 Made in Our Image by Stephen Driscoll Upcoming events with Stand to Reason speakers Related Links: Making Sense of Unanswered Prayer by Amy Hall
August 12 · 58 min
Problems with Using Autonomy as Your Guiding Moral Principle
Greg answers questions about whether or not we can see evidence that God sustains the universe, and how to respond to someone who says autonomy is his guiding principle for morality. Topics: Do we have evidence of God sustaining the universe? (12:00) How would you respond to someone who says autonomy is his guiding principle for morality. (26:00) Download the mp3... Mentioned on the Show: Be One of the 100 Made in Our Image by Stephen Driscoll Submit a question on the Open Mic Line Reality Student Apologetics Conference – September 11–12 in Atlanta, GA; October 16–17 in Seattle, WA; November 13–14 in Minneapolis, MN; February 19–20, 2027 in Dallas, TX; March 12–13, 2027 in Philadelphia, PA; April 23–24, 2027 in Los Angeles, CA Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions by Greg Koukl Related Links: The Contingency Argument – Short video by Reasonable Faith Inside Out – Greg explains the tactic
August 7 · 58 min
How Can God’s Voice Be Unmistakable in Light of These Passages?
Greg answers questions about how God’s voice can be unmistakable in light of John 10 and 1 Samuel 3, whether the impulse to witness to someone is coming from the conscience or the Holy Spirit, and why worship is required. Topics: Commentary: Be one of the 100. (00:00) How do you understand John 10 and 1 Samuel 3 in light of the idea that the voice of God is unmistakable? (04:00) When I feel strongly that I should go witness to someone, is that my conscience or the Holy Spirit? (42:00) Why is worship required? Why should we do it? It seems weird to unbelievers. (52:00) Mentioned on the Show: Be One of the 100 Made in Our Image by Stephen Driscoll When God Speaks by Greg Koukl Submit a question on the Open Mic Line Related Links: Does God Whisper? Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 by Greg Koukl
August 5 · 58 min
When One Person Is Equipped, Thousands More Are Impacted
Greg talks about the huge difference that can be made when one person is equipped, then he answers questions about attending a church where the pastor is affiliated with Freemasonry, recognizing circular reasoning, “Father, forgive them,” and whether Jesus is physically present in Acts 23:11. Topics: Commentary: When one person is equipped, thousands more are impacted. (00:00) Would you advise people not to attend a church where the pastor is still affiliated with Freemasonry, though not an active member? (08:00) Do you have any tips for recognizing circular reasoning? (26:00) What are the ramifications of Jesus saying, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do”? (43:00) In Acts 23:11, was Jesus physically there, or was this a vision? (50:00) Mentioned on the Show: Be One of the 100 Made in Our Image by Stephen Driscoll An Overview of Freemasonry – Greg’s discussion with his brother Dave on a previous podcast Acts 19:18–20 – The account of converts to Christianity burning their books of magic Submit a question on the Open Mic Line Metamorphosis: The Beauty and Design of Butterflies DVD by Illustra Media The Design of Life DVD Collection: Volumes 1-3 by Illustra Media
July 31 · 58 min
Does Age Always Match the Appearance of Age?
Greg answers questions about whether or not images are in your brain, various questions about appearance of age and the age of the earth, why Paul says he isn’t lying in Galatians 1:20, and how to share the gospel with people whose loved ones died outside of Christ. Topics: Wouldn’t a materialist just say that the image you have of your mother is in your brain? (06:00) When did a day become 24 hours, how long did it take Jesus to heal, does age coincide with appearance, does God need more or less time to create, and are we not diminishing God’s omnipotence when we argue for an old earth? (21:00) What do you think about Paul saying he’s not lying in Galatians 1:20? (42:00) How do I share the gospel with people who say they can’t accept Christianity because they had loved ones who died outside of Christ? (49:00) Mentioned on the Show: Be One of the 100 Made in Our Image by Stephen Driscoll STR Outposts Reality Student Apologetics Conference – September 11–12 in Atlanta, GA; October 16–17 in Seattle, WA; November 13–14 in Minneapolis, MN; February 19–20, 2027 in Dallas, TX; March 12–13, 2027 in Philadelphia, PA; April 23–24, 2027 in Los Angeles, CA
July 29 · 58 min
Find a Good Bible Translation and Stick with It
Greg talks about finding a good Bible translation and sticking with it, then he responds to callers’ questions about when to answer questions about hypothetical situations, whether there’s a waiting place when we die, where Greg and Amy disagree, and a non-biblical argument for the afterlife. Topics: Commentary: Find a good Bible translation and stick with it. (00:00) What’s Greg’s advice for when to answer questions about hypothetical situations? (14:00) Do you think there’s a waiting place when we die? (29:00) What do you and Amy disagree on? (36:00) Is it possible to present a non-biblical argument for the afterlife, and what should I advise an atheist to say to her grandchildren who are concerned about her salvation? (45:00) Mentioned on the Show: Be One of the 100 Made in Our Image by Stephen Driscoll Reality Student Apologetics Conference – September 11–12 in Atlanta, GA; October 16–17 in Seattle, WA; November 13–14 in Minneapolis, MN; February 19–20, 2027 in Dallas, TX; March 12–13, 2027 in Philadelphia, PA; April 23–24, 2027 in Los Angeles, CA The Story of Reality: How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between by Greg Koukl Listen to the two episodes where Greg and Amy discussed the rising antisemitism from different theological perspectives here and here.
July 24 · 58 min
Questions for Someone Who Casually Refers to Karma
Greg talks about the upcoming Reality season, then he responds to questions about what to ask someone who casually refers to karma, the Latter-day Saint claim that they received the true priesthood authority, and whether new Christians ought to go back and correct past wrongs. Topics: Commentary: The upcoming Reality season (00:00) What questions would you ask someone who casually refers to karma? (10:00) How should I question the Latter-day Saint claim that they received the true priesthood authority? (27:00) If someone becomes a Christian, should they go back and correct past wrongs? (44:00) Mentioned on the Show: Reality Student Apologetics Conference – September 11–12 in Atlanta, GA; October 16–17 in Seattle, WA; November 13–14 in Minneapolis, MN; February 19–20, 2027 in Dallas, TX; March 12–13, 2027 in Philadelphia, PA; April 23–24, 2027 in Los Angeles, CA Submit a question on the Open Mic Line Cold-Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective Investigates the Claims of the Gospels by J. Warner Wallace
July 22 · 58 min
What About Baptism for the Dead?
Greg responds to a question from his daughter about baptism for the dead, then he talks to callers about how to reconcile needing to believe in Jesus to be saved with 1 Timothy 2:4, and whether or not there will be time in Heaven given that the Bible indicates time was created. Topics: Commentary: What about baptism for the dead? (00:00) How do you reconcile needing to believe in Jesus to be saved with 1 Timothy 2:4, where God says he wants all to be saved? (23:00) Since the Bible indicates time was created, does that mean there will be no time in Heaven? (48:00) Mentioned on the Show: The Story of Why God Died and Came to Life Again by Greg Koukl Related Links: One Way or Any Way? Part 1 and Part 2 by Greg Koukl
July 17 · 58 min
Inclusivism Gives People False Hope
Greg talks about the problems with inclusivism, then he answers questions about why it would be wrong to ask a saint for prayer if they can hear us, whether drawing lots is an approved practice, self-identified Christians who don’t show fruit, and whether the meaning of “doubt” has changed. Topics: Commentary: Inclusivism gives people false hope. (00:00) If people who have passed on can hear the living, then what would be wrong with the Catholic practice of asking a saint for prayer? (23:00) Does Acts 1:26 indicate that the drawing of lots is an approved, godly practice, or was Paul the true replacement, selected by Jesus himself? (29:00) How can we help people who say they trust in the Lord but never show any fruit? (36:00) Is “doubt” a word like “faith” that has changed its meaning? (47:00) Mentioned on the Show: Submit a question on the Open Mic Line No Other Name—Part 1 and Part 2 by Greg Koukl
July 15 · 58 min
We Have an Obligation to Help the Poor
Greg discusses our obligation to help the poor, then he talks to a caller about the fate of saved people who get dementia later in life and answers questions about our conscience vs. the Holy Spirit, the government as an analogy for the Trinity, and the inclusivism of the Catholic Church. Topics: Commentary: We have an obligation to help the poor. (00:00) What happens with saved people who get dementia and then forget everything? (21:00) What is the difference between our conscience and the Holy Spirit, and how can we tell which is which? (31:00) What are your thoughts on using our government as an analogy for the Trinity? (44:00) How does the inclusivism of the Catholic Church differ from how people in the Old Testament were saved before Jesus’ cross and resurrection? (50:00) Mentioned on the Show: The Legend of the Social Justice Jesus by Greg Koukl Orange County Rescue Mission One Way or Any Way? Part 1 and Part 2 by Greg Koukl Submit a question on the Open Mic Line Related Links: Losing Your Salvation in Ephesians 1:14–3 by Amy Hall The Trinity: A Solution, Not a Problem Part 1 and Part 2 by Greg Koukl
July 10 · 58 min
What Are the Reasons?
Greg reflects on how we know that Christians believe the right thing, then he answers questions about the phrase “That’s just your opinion” shutting down conversations and whether calling YWWH “God” and “Jesus” is a blasphemy. Topics: Commentary: What are the reasons? (00:00) A challenge to Greg’s view that forgiveness requires repentance (12:00) The phrase “That’s your opinion” or “Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion” seems to be used sometimes as a conversation stopper, but should it be? (34:00) Does YHWH consider it a blasphemy when you call him “God” and “Jesus”? (40:00) Mentioned on the Show: The Truth in True Crime: What Investigating Death Teaches Us About the Meaning of Life by J. Warner Wallace Biblical Forgiveness Isn’t What You’ve Been Told – Teasi Cannon on Alisa Childers’s podcast Related Links: A Simple Explanation of the Cosmological Argument – Reasonable Faith video
July 8 · 58 min
Faith Is Not Opposed to Knowledge
Greg responds to a sign he saw that read, “Knowledge is not faith,” then he answers questions from a caller about how God can be sovereign over our decisions and just at the same time, how God can blame people he didn’t save, and where free will ends. Topics: Commentary: Faith is not opposed to knowledge. (00:00) How is God sovereign over our decisions and just at the same time, how can he blame people he didn’t save, and where does free will end—i.e., if we can’t resist being chosen, what decisions can we resist? (33:00) Related Links: Faith Does Not Save You by Amy Hall (quoting Greg Koukl on the “thick ice” idea) How to Be Sure You’re Saved by Greg Koukl Providence by John Piper (a comprehensive discussion of everything the Bible says about God’s purposeful sovereignty) Excusing Sinners and Blaming God by Guillaume Bignon How Can We Condemn Evil if God Is Sovereign? by Amy Hall
July 1 · 58 min
Cultivating a “Big Enough” Worldview in Students
In a talk given to leaders attending STR’s Reality Conference, John Stonestreet explains how and why to cultivate a true Christian worldview in students that’s big enough to enable them to live with hope and embody a life of reconciliation as they respond to the challenges of our cultural moment. Topics: Commentary: John Stonestreet on cultivating a “big enough” worldview in students (00:00) Mentioned on the Show: John Stonestreet – President of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview Breakpoint audio commentaries, hosted by John Stonestreet The Fabric of Faithfulness by Steven Garber Truth Rising – Documentary and study Reality Student Apologetics Conference – September 11–12 in Atlanta, GA; October 16–17 in Seattle, WA; November 13–14 in Minneapolis, MN; February 19–20, 2027 in Dallas, TX; March 12–13, 2027 in Philadelphia, PA; April 23–24, 2027 in Los Angeles, CA Related Links: The livestream from the 2025–2026 season of Reality can be purchased and viewed on demand until August 31, 2026.
June 24 · 58 min
Who Are the “Least of These”?
Greg talks about Jesus’ reference to “the least of these” in Matthew 25, then he answers questions about whether all things are good or evil, implications of saying one shouldn’t do anything one thinks is wrong, and how we can make moral judgments about suffering if it’s all working for good. Topics: Commentary: Who are the “least of these”? (00:00) Are all things good or evil? (35:00) If someone truly believes many good things are wrong, how would you counsel them to move forward in life? (42:00) If we say God has a reason to allow gratuitous (i.e., meaningless) suffering, then aren’t we saying he’s unable or uninterested in bringing about his good ends without the use of suffering, and how do we make moral distinctions about suffering if it’s all doing good? (50:00) Mentioned on the Show: The Legend of the Social Justice Jesus by Greg Koukl Submit a question on the Open Mic Line #STRask: Is Doing the Right Thing a Sin If You Truly Believe It’s Wrong? – The #STRask episode about Romans 14 referenced by the caller Related Links: #STRask: Is Romans 14 Saying That Christians Can Just Make up Their Own Rules? What You Need to Know about Evil and Suffering by Amy Hall
June 17 · 58 min
Why Would We Matter to God?
Greg answers questions from callers about who sits on the left side of God, why we would matter to God and he would require anything of us, whether it’s wrong to be grateful when other people are suffering, principles for living in a world with AI, and how a Calvinist knows he’s saved. Topics: Who sits on the left side of God? (04:00) My atheist friend admits there must have been an Architect of the universe, but he can’t believe that we would matter to him or that he would require anything from us, and he asks why anyone should go to Hell just because they don’t want to submit to his will. (12:00) Is it wrong to be vocal about the things we’re grateful for when other people are suffering? (32:00) Can you offer some principles to equip believers to be prepared to live in a world with AI—to avoid pitfalls and be successful in their Christian walk? (38:00) If people are all born totally depraved and unable to understand spiritual truths, then how does a Calvinist know he’s saved? (51:00) Mentioned on the Show: Submit a question on the Open Mic Line Dogmatic Theology by William G.T. Shedd, edited by Alan Gomes Related Links: Is God Really Blessing American Christians with Answers to Little Prayers While Others Suffer? by Amy Hall Five Points: Towards a Deeper Experience of God’s Grace by John Piper Sinners in the Hands of a Good God: Reconciling Divine Judgment and Mercy by David Clotfelter

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