Have you ever wished that someone would explain theology in a way that doesn’t require a degree or a dictionary? Maybe you’ve listened to a sermon and it seemed like the pastor was speaking another language. Or perhaps you’ve thought that the notes in your study Bible could use a commentary of their own. From imputation to justification, theophany to theodicy, keeping all these concepts straight can be a challenge for any believer. This is a short podcast about long words. Every week, Barry Cooper sheds light on a different biblical or theological term, using helpful illustrations to apply it to your life. Listen to this week’s episode to expand your understanding and deepen your faith, one word at a time.
122. Impassibility
In His unchanging divine nature, God does not and cannot suffer. Does that mean He's unable to love us or empathize with our pain? In this episode, Barry Cooper uncovers why the doctrine of divine impassibility is wonderful news for sufferers and sinners. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/impassibility/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
1/30/2024 • 8 minutes, 33 seconds
121. Immutability
We live in a world that never stops changing. But there is One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. In this episode, Barry Cooper explores the security we have in knowing the unchanging God. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/immutability/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
1/23/2024 • 8 minutes, 11 seconds
120. Postmillennialism
How optimistic are you about the future? In this episode, Barry Cooper examines one of the main views Christians have held about the end of the world, the glory of God's kingdom, and the reign and return of Christ. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/postmillennialism/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
1/16/2024 • 6 minutes, 26 seconds
119. Apollinarianism
"The Word became flesh" in John 1:14 means that Jesus took on a human body. But did Christ take on a human soul too? In this episode, Barry Cooper discusses a heresy that seems slightly off but actually makes a world of difference. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/apollinarianism/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
1/9/2024 • 5 minutes, 5 seconds
118. The Second Coming
If you are a Christian, your best days are ahead of you and getting closer by the moment. In this episode, Barry Cooper considers how the promised return of Jesus calls us to steward our lives faithfully and look with hope to the moment we see Him face to face. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/the-second-coming/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
1/2/2024 • 6 minutes, 54 seconds
117. Eschatology
What makes people so obsessed about the end of the world? In this episode, Barry Cooper considers what Christians should know about the "last days" and how we ought to live in light of the promise of Christ's soon return. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/eschatology/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
12/26/2023 • 6 minutes, 14 seconds
116. The Ascension
When we talk about the ascension, we aren't merely referring to Jesus' physical rising into the sky. In this episode, Barry Cooper explains that in this climactic moment, the victorious Christ rose to His throne as King of kings and Lord of lords. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/the-ascension/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
12/19/2023 • 5 minutes, 15 seconds
115. Lamentation
It can sometimes seem as if Christians don't have permission to be unhappy. In this episode, Barry Cooper reminds us that Jesus Himself was a "man of sorrows"--and our expressions of sadness are heard by our good God. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/lamentation/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
12/12/2023 • 5 minutes, 45 seconds
114. Abba
God tells us in His Word to address him as "Abba," the Aramaic word meaning "Father." Today, Barry Cooper considers God's unqualified goodness as our heavenly Father. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/abba/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
12/5/2023 • 5 minutes, 17 seconds
113. Elders
How should a local church be organized? Does everyone in any given church have the same role, or do particular people have particular responsibilities? In this episode, Barry Cooper explores what Scripture says about leadership in the local church. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/elders/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
11/28/2023 • 6 minutes, 32 seconds
112. Imago Dei
The fact that we are made in God's image sets us apart from every other creature on earth (Gen. 1:27). In this episode, Barry Cooper reminds us of the extraordinary privilege we have of being made in the image of the triune God. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/imago-dei/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
11/21/2023 • 8 minutes, 4 seconds
111. The Fall
Though darkness and death entered the world through one man, light and life have entered through another. In this episode, Barry Cooper considers the fall of man and the promise of the Savior. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/the-fall/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
11/14/2023 • 6 minutes, 49 seconds
110. Being Filled with the Spirit
What does it mean to be "filled with the Holy Spirit"? In this episode, Barry Cooper turns to the book of Ephesians to help grasp the truth behind this often misunderstood question. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/being-filled-with-the-spirit/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
11/7/2023 • 5 minutes, 13 seconds
109. Exegesis and Eisegesis
Our responsibility as Bible readers is to draw out the truth from the page open before us, not to try and make Scripture say whatever we'd like. In this episode, Barry Cooper explains the importance of studying God's Word rightly. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/exegesis-and-eisegesis/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
10/31/2023 • 5 minutes, 19 seconds
108. Selah
Have you ever seen something so beautiful, so awe-inspiring, that it left you breathless? In this episode, Barry Cooper explains the meaning and significance of the Hebrew word "selah." Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/selah/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
10/24/2023 • 6 minutes, 31 seconds
107. Quietism and Activism
How do we grow as Christians? Do we passively "let go and let God," or is it all about us and our hard work toward holiness? In this episode, Barry Cooper shows us how the truth revealed in Scripture avoids both of these pitfalls. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/quietism-and-activism/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
10/17/2023 • 5 minutes, 39 seconds
106. Supralapsarianism and Infralapsarianism
In eternity, did God choose to elect His people to salvation based on His decision to permit humanity's fall into sin, or was it the other way around? In this episode, Barry Cooper takes up this heady question and the two big words that seek to answer it. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/supralapsarianism-and-infralapsarianism/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
10/10/2023 • 6 minutes, 51 seconds
105. Demons
Scripture is clear: demons have the power to oppress human beings. So who--or what--are they? In this episode, Barry Cooper looks at the demonic forces in the Bible and the One who is more powerful than them all. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/demons/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
10/3/2023 • 6 minutes, 41 seconds
104. Incarnation
The eternal Son of God took on flesh and died as a man, all so that death itself would die. In this episode, Barry Cooper speaks on an awesome reality, recorded in Scripture, that sets the Christian faith apart from all other religions. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/incarnation/
9/26/2023 • 7 minutes, 19 seconds
103. The Sufficiency of Scripture
Is the Bible all we need to live life well? In this episode, Barry Cooper explains that Scripture tells us everything we must believe in order to be saved and what we must do in order to please God. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/the-sufficiency-of-scripture/
9/19/2023 • 6 minutes, 27 seconds
102. Abomination of Desolation
Jesus warned His disciples of an "abomination of desolation" who would defile the temple. What does this startling name refer to? In this episode, Barry Cooper explains the context of Christ's warning for clarity on this figure's identity. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/abomination-of-desolation/
9/12/2023 • 8 minutes, 18 seconds
101. Sabbath
Each week, we have the privilege of taking time to remember God, consciously rest in Him, and join with His people in enjoying that rest together. In this episode, Barry Cooper uncovers the true meaning of the Sabbath. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/sabbath/
9/5/2023 • 6 minutes, 37 seconds
100. Irresistible Grace
When Jesus calls people to Himself, they come. In this episode, Barry Cooper shows how God puts His sovereign grace on display every time a lost soul is drawn to Christ. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/irresistible-grace-simply-put/
8/29/2023 • 6 minutes, 47 seconds
99. Unconditional Election
On what basis does God choose His people for salvation? In this episode, Barry Cooper explains that our eternal destiny doesn't ultimately depend on our free choice--and why that's a good thing. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/unconditional-election-simply-put/
8/22/2023 • 6 minutes, 29 seconds
98. Penal Substitutionary Atonement
In order for our sin to be dealt with, someone must face the penalty our sin deserves. In this episode, Barry Cooper points to the only One who is qualified to take our sin upon Himself and reconcile us to God. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/penal-substitutionary-atonement/
8/15/2023 • 7 minutes, 41 seconds
97. King
Jesus is not just any king. He is the ultimate King, the One we've always longed for. In this episode, Barry Cooper explains the significance of knowing that Christ has all power and authority. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/king/
8/8/2023 • 6 minutes, 1 second
96. Priest
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you have full access to the Creator and can approach Him without fear of being destroyed. In this episode, Barry Cooper expresses how Jesus, our Great High Priest, has atoned for our sin and intercedes on our behalf. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/priest/
8/1/2023 • 7 minutes, 6 seconds
95. Prophet
We tend to think of prophets as accurate predictors of the future, but there is much more to it than that. In this episode, Barry Cooper considers how the long line of God's prophets culminates in the coming of Christ. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/prophet/
7/25/2023 • 5 minutes, 28 seconds
94. The Inspiration of Scripture
When we open the Bible, we can be sure that what we're reading has been breathed out by God. In this episode, Barry Cooper delves into the marvelous doctrine of the inspiration of Scripture. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/the-inspiration-of-scripture/
7/18/2023 • 6 minutes, 5 seconds
93. High Places
All of the world's idols demand that we make endless sacrifices for them. But only Jesus has accomplished the ultimate sacrifice we need. In this episode, Barry Cooper explains how the idols we encounter in the Old Testament are far more relevant than we realize. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/high-places/
7/11/2023 • 6 minutes, 53 seconds
92. Ad Fontes
If you want the pure truth, you have to go back to the source. In this episode, Barry Cooper considers a rallying cry from the Reformation that calls us ever back again to God's Word, the source of true wisdom. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/ad-fontes/
7/4/2023 • 6 minutes, 43 seconds
91. Sacraments
The sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper help the church to see spiritual realities that would otherwise be hidden from us. In this episode, Barry Cooper addresses how these visible depictions of the gospel stir up our faith in Christ. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/sacrament/
6/27/2023 • 6 minutes, 44 seconds
90. Perseverance
No one who is truly united to Christ can ever be snatched from the hand of God. In this episode, Barry Cooper examines an encouraging truth: when God gives someone the gift of saving faith, He will preserve that faith to the end. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/perseverance/
6/20/2023 • 7 minutes, 11 seconds
89. Hallelujah
What are we declaring when we sing "Hallelujah"? In this episode, Barry Cooper looks at the roots and significance of this familiar expression of praise. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/hallelujah-2/
6/13/2023 • 5 minutes, 52 seconds
88. Amen
"Amen" is an affirmation of truth and an expression of agreement. And yet, in Christ, it means so much more. In this episode, Barry Cooper considers a word so familiar to us that it's easily overlooked. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/amen/
6/6/2023 • 6 minutes, 27 seconds
87. Apocrypha
Why do the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches have more books in their Old Testaments than we do? In this episode, Barry Cooper looks at the history behind these books and considers what role they should serve in the Christian life. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/apocrypha/
5/30/2023 • 6 minutes, 1 second
86. Limited Atonement
How could the perfect atonement won for us by Christ ever be considered "limited?" In this episode, Barry Cooper unpacks the precious meaning of a much-misunderstood phrase. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/limited-atonement-simply-put/
5/23/2023 • 7 minutes, 4 seconds
85. The Offices of Christ
Jesus Christ is the ultimate Prophet, the Great High Priest, and the King of kings. In this episode, Barry Cooper examines how these three key roles are revealed throughout Scripture and perfectly fulfilled by the Son of God. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/offices-of-christ/
5/16/2023 • 6 minutes, 44 seconds
84. Adiaphora
How should we make choices on matters that are neither commanded nor forbidden by Scripture? In this episode, Barry Cooper considers how Christians should exercise the freedom that God has given us. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/adiaphora/
5/9/2023 • 6 minutes, 8 seconds
83. Hesed
To love others as we should, we first need to understand how deeply and irrevocably God loves His people. In this episode, Barry Cooper explains a Hebrew word that should profoundly affect our view of the Lord. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/hesed/
5/2/2023 • 6 minutes, 8 seconds
82. Gnosticism
How should Christians think about their bodies? In this episode, Barry Cooper examines an ancient philosophy that continues to lead people into wrong ideas about the physical world. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/gnosticism/
4/25/2023 • 5 minutes, 16 seconds
81. The Teleological Argument
Has our planet been finely crafted to sustain life, or does it merely appear that way? In this episode, Barry Cooper examines a classic, logical argument for God's existence. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/the-teleological-argument/
4/18/2023 • 5 minutes
80. Providence
The Lord supplies the needs of His creation--life, breath, and every good thing. But there is a particularly profound way in which He provides for His children. In this episode, Barry Cooper considers how our Father lovingly works all things for our good. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/providence/
4/11/2023 • 6 minutes, 1 second
79. The Nicene Creed
Creeds and confessions give us the theological "headlines"--concise and pointed summaries of essential biblical truths. In this episode, Barry Cooper considers one of the most significant Christian creeds ever written. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/the-nicene-creed/
4/4/2023 • 6 minutes, 41 seconds
78. The Noetic Effects of Sin
Sin affects the minds of believers and unbelievers alike. In this episode, Barry Cooper explores the effects of sin on our thinking and considers our calling to love the Lord with all our mind. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/the-noetic-effects-of-sin/
3/28/2023 • 6 minutes, 9 seconds
77. Pentecost
Two thousand years ago, the Holy Spirit descended on each and every believer, gifting and empowering them for service in God's kingdom. In this episode, Barry Cooper describes when this blessing was first promised and how it is fulfilled in us today. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/pentecost/
3/21/2023 • 7 minutes, 24 seconds
76. Special Revelation
The Creator has revealed His existence by creating. But He has done much more than that. In this episode, Barry Cooper considers how God has made Himself known clearly and specifically by speaking to His creatures. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/special-revelation/
3/14/2023 • 5 minutes, 24 seconds
75. The Eternity of God
Eternity isn't the place where God lives. God is where eternity lives. In this episode, Barry Cooper considers the timelessness of God and our yearning to be in His everlasting presence. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/the-eternity-of-god/
3/7/2023 • 6 minutes
74. Deism
Do you believe in a God who respects your personal space, One you can keep at arm's length? In this episode, Barry Cooper explores the origins and impact of a philosophy that tries to place God at a safe distance. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/deism/
2/28/2023 • 5 minutes, 17 seconds
73. Miracles
Throughout redemptive history, the Lord has worked wonders that are impossible to explain apart from His divine power. Today, Barry Cooper describes what miracles are and what they are for. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/miracles/
2/21/2023 • 5 minutes, 10 seconds
72. The Millennium
Christians have spent a lot of time mulling over the precise meaning of the thousand-year period spoken of in Revelation 20. In this episode, Barry Cooper explains the significance of the Millennium and the different views surrounding it. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/the-millennium/
2/14/2023 • 4 minutes, 51 seconds
71. The Final Judgment
Our lives truly matter today because a day is coming when all of us will have to give an account of our lives to God. In this episode, Barry Cooper considers how that day gives meaning to our lives and gives us a reason to thank the Lord. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/the-final-judgment/
2/7/2023 • 5 minutes, 34 seconds
70. The Necessity of Scripture
God ensured that His words were preserved in writing because His words are a matter of life and death. In this episode, Barry Cooper considers our dependence on God's written Word to reveal and preserve the truth of His Son. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/the-necessity-of-scripture/
1/31/2023 • 6 minutes, 46 seconds
69. The Fruit Of The Spirit
What should the Christian life look like? In this episode, Barry Cooper identifies nine qualities that the Spirit of God grows and cultivates in every true believer. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit/
1/24/2023 • 4 minutes, 54 seconds
68. The Resurrection
If you are a Christian, you can give your life away for the sake of others, knowing that you have a thousand lifetimes to enjoy in the life to come. In this episode, Barry Cooper revels in the glory of Christ's resurrection and ours. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/the-resurrection/
1/17/2023 • 6 minutes, 50 seconds
109. Exegesis and Eisegesis
Our responsibility as Bible readers is to draw out the truth from the page open before us, not to try and make Scripture say whatever we'd like. Today, Barry Cooper highlights the importance of studying God's Word rightly. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/exegesis-and-eisegesis/
6/22/2021 • 5 minutes, 19 seconds
5. Satan
He's called the tempter, the accuser, the evil one, and the god of this age. Today, Barry Cooper looks at the biblical--and very real--figure of Satan. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/satan/
6/15/2021 • 6 minutes, 15 seconds
108. Selah
Have you ever seen something so beautiful, so awe-inspiring, that it left you breathless? Today, Barry Cooper ponders the meaning and significance of the Hebrew word "selah." Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/selah/
6/8/2021 • 6 minutes, 31 seconds
4. Imputed Righteousness
Even when we were unfaithful, Jesus Christ came to us and made us His bride. In this episode, Barry Cooper portrays the shocking yet dazzling marriage between Christ and the church. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/imputed-righteousness/
