Shows
Holy Joys PodcastThe Sunday Service, Part 5: The Prayers of the PeopleDavid Fry, David Hartkopf, and Johnathan Arnold discuss the Sunday Service, beginning with the Service of the Word. This episode focuses on the Prayers of the People, also called "Congregational Prayer," the "Universal Prayer," and the "Prayer of the Faithful."Support the show
2026-01-191h 04Holy Joys PodcastThe Sunday Service, Part 3: The SermonDavid Fry, David Hartkopf, and Johnathan Arnold discuss the Sunday Service, beginning with the Service of the Word.Support the show
2026-01-0129 minHoly Joys PodcastThe Sunday Service, Part 2: The Scripture LessonsDavid Fry, David Hartkopf, and Johnathan Arnold continue their discussion of the Sunday Service, beginning with the Service of the Word.Support the show
2025-12-2242 minHoly Joys PodcastOur Favorite Advent HymnsDavid Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss their favorite advent hymns. Visit holyjoys.org/advent-songs for a list of Advent hymns, songs, and metrical Psalms, and check out the Holy Joys Advent Playlist on Spotify or at holyjoys.org/advent-playlist.Support the show
2025-12-1821 minHoly Joys PodcastThe Work of Christ: Prophet, Priest, and KingDavid Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss Thomas Oden's Classic Christianity, Book Two, Chapter 9: "The Work He Came to Do." This chapter looks at the threefold office of Christ (munus triplex), and begins to explore Christ's ministry as Prophet and Priest.Support the show
2025-12-1144 minHoly Joys PodcastThe Sunday Service, Part 1: Before the Scripture LessonsDavid Fry, David Hartkopf, and Johnathan Arnold discuss the Sunday Service, beginning with the Service of the Word.Support the show
2025-12-1151 minHoly Joys PodcastPublic Reading of Scripture and Using a LectionaryA discussion between David Hartkopf, David Fry, and Johnathan Arnold on the public reading of Scripture and how to use a lectionary.Support the show
2025-11-2019 minHoly Joys PodcastDavid Hartkopf on Christian Worship and LiturgyA discussion between David Hartkopf, David Fry, and Johnathan Arnold on the nature of Christian worship and its essential parts.Support the show
2025-11-2037 minHoly Joys PodcastDid the Father Forsake the Son on the Cross? (repost)Travis Johnson joins Johnathan Arnold and David Fry to discuss Matthew 27:46, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"Why does Jesus quote Psalm 22:1 from the cross?Is there a break or separation between the Father and the Son on the cross?Does Jesus bear the wrath of God on the cross?Why is important for pastors to address the myth that the Father utterly forsook the Son?Support the show
2024-09-1328 minHoly Joys PodcastIntroduction to Catechesis and the Forthcoming Adult CatechismJohnathan Arnold and David Fry discuss catechesis and the forthcoming adult catechism from Holy Joys.NOTE: Since recording this podcast, the title "New Methodist Catechism" has been reconsidered. We have had numerous non-Wesleyan churches interested in using the catechism, and the possibility of a major global partnership with churches that are either non-Wesleyan or Wesleyan but cautious about front-loading the word "Methodist" while navigating the ongoing denominational upheaval and confusion in the Wesleyan tradition. The catechism will still heavily highlight the contributions of Wesley and the Wesleyan tradition alongside other Protestants and church fathers, and...
2024-04-0450 minHoly Joys PodcastIsrael and the Church, Dispensationalism, and Replacement Theology (repost)In this episode of the Holy Joys Podcast, Dr. David Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss several views on Israel and the church, addressing the common accusation that those who recognize continuity between Israel and the church are proponents of replacement theology and somehow “anti-Israel.”Support the show
2024-02-0356 minHoly Joys PodcastEvangelism and Being a Missional ChurchDavid Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss approaches to evangelism, the evangelistic duty of the pastor-theologian, and the priority of missions in the life of the church.Support the show
2023-11-2923 minHoly Joys PodcastCatechism Class, Week 6: The Means of GraceIn this special episode of the Holy Joys Podcast, Johnathan Arnold teaches through an early draft of the New Methodist Catechism in preparation for a baptism and church membership class at Redeemer Wesleyan Church, where he serves as Senior Pastor.Support the show
2023-10-1849 minHoly Joys PodcastChurch Growth: Numbers and MaturityJohnathan Arnold and David Fry discuss David's recent article, "What Does Healthy Church Growth Look Like?"Support the show
2023-10-0440 minHoly Joys PodcastCatechism Class, Week 5: The Church & SacramentsIn this special episode of the Holy Joys Podcast, Johnathan Arnold teaches through an early draft of the New Methodist Catechism in preparation for a baptism and church membership class at Redeemer Wesleyan Church, where he serves as Senior Pastor.Support the show
2023-10-0351 minHoly Joys PodcastCatechism Class, Week 4: The Holy Spirit & New LifeIn this special episode of the Holy Joys Podcast, Johnathan Arnold teaches through an early draft of the New Methodist Catechism in preparation for a baptism and church membership class at Redeemer Wesleyan Church, where he serves as Senior Pastor.Support the show
2023-09-2849 minHoly Joys PodcastThe Case for At Least Weekly CommunionIn this special episode of the Holy Joys Podcast, Johnathan Arnold talks through his article "How Often Should We Receive the Lord's Supper?"Support the show
2023-09-2120 minHoly Joys PodcastPreparing for the Sunday ServiceDavid Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss the Sunday Service and how they prepare for weekly worship.Support the show
2023-09-2053 minHoly Joys PodcastCatechism Class, Week 3: The Son of God & RedemptionIn this special episode of the Holy Joys Podcast, Johnathan Arnold teaches through an early draft of the New Methodist Catechism in preparation for a baptism and church membership class at Redeemer Wesleyan Church, where he serves as Senior Pastor.Support the show
2023-09-1949 minHoly Joys PodcastReflections on the 2023 Healthy Church ConferenceDavid Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss their experience at the recent Holy Joys Healthy Church Conference in Frankfort, IN. Visit holyjoys.org/conference for more info about the conference and next year's dates.Support the show
2023-09-0646 minHoly Joys PodcastJoey Ratcliff on Confession of Sin and Restoration AssessmentJoey Ratcliff joins Johnathan Arnold and David Fry to discuss restoration assessment—what to do if someone's sin comes to light in the local church.Since this podcast was recorded, Joey Ratcliff is now Lead Pastor at The Way Community Church in Muncie, IN. He is a graduate of Wesley Biblical Seminary (MDiv, 2023) and God's Bible School (B.A. MinEd, 2008).Support the show
2023-08-2357 minHoly Joys PodcastThe Priesthood of All Believers, Martin Luther, and the Church's Authority (Repost)In this episode, Johnathan Arnold and David Fry discuss the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers and its practical implications for the life of the church, especially keeping and restoring one another from sin.Quotes from Fry:Our authority as pastors is a derived authority. We are acting on behalf of Christ and his church.In our leadership-focused, hierarchical society, when you talk about rulership or dominion, immediately images of domination come to mind, instead of servant-leadership or service.Taking someone away from the local church and having a baptism is problematic. This is something...
2023-08-1559 minHoly Joys PodcastCatechism Class, Week 2: Sin & the LawIn this special episode of the Holy Joys Podcast, Johnathan Arnold teaches through an early draft of the New Methodist Catechism in preparation for a baptism and church membership class at Redeemer Wesleyan Church, where he serves as Senior Pastor.Support the show
2023-08-0846 minHoly Joys Podcast"Feed My Sheep": Theology and the ChurchDavid Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss the relationship between the church and theology, using John 21:17* as a starting place and drawing from William Burt Pope's Compendium on "Theology in the Church."*In the discussion, the verse was accidentally cited as John 21:21. Support the show
2023-08-0826 minHoly Joys PodcastCatechism Class, Week 1: God the Father & CreationIn this special episode of the Holy Joys Podcast, Johnathan Arnold teaches through an early draft of the New Methodist Catechism in preparation for a baptism and church membership class at Redeemer Wesleyan Church, where he serves as Senior Pastor.Support the show
2023-08-0541 minHoly Joys PodcastThe Church: A Central DoctrineJohnathan Arnold and David Fry discuss why ecclesiology (the study of the church) should be of central importance to every Christian, especially pastors, and explore several key concepts that are neglected or misunderstood. Support the show
2023-08-0235 minHoly Joys PodcastWe're Back! An Update on Holy JoysAfter a three-month hiatus, Johnathan Arnold and David Fry discuss why they were gone and what to expect from Holy Joys going forward.Support the show
2023-07-2832 minHoly Joys PodcastTodd Hains on Children's Catechesis and Martin LutherTodd Hains, Associate Publisher at Lexham Press, joins Johnathan Arnold and David Fry to discuss children's catechesis and the FatCat series of children's books. Todd is the author of Martin Luther and the Rule of Faith: Reading God's Word for God's People. See also his recent article "Family Discipleship: 5 Easy Things You Can Do with Your Kids."Support the show
2023-03-2356 minHoly Joys PodcastEric Himelick, Andrew Graham, and David Fry on the Asbury OutpouringEric Himelick and Andrew Graham join David Fry and Johnathan Arnold to discuss their experiences at Asbury University and the theology of revival.Support the show
2023-02-2455 minHoly Joys PodcastSmall Talk: Ministry, Books, and the Work of Holy JoysAfter a short break, Johnathan Arnold and David Fry get back to the podcast with a casual discussion of ministry, books, and the work of Holy Joys.Support the show
2023-01-1339 minHoly Joys PodcastSubstance and Person: Two Key TermsIn this special episode of the Holy Joys Podcast, Johnathan Arnold offers a primer on two key terms in the doctrines of the Trinity and incarnation: "substance" and "person."Support the show
2022-12-1223 minHoly Joys PodcastChurch & Sacraments, Part 5: Baptism: Sacrament of Entrance into the ChurchJohnathan Arnold continues his series on the church and sacraments by looking at how baptism is the sacrament of our entrance or initiation into the church.Support the show
2022-11-1339 minHoly Joys PodcastChurch & Sacraments, Part 4: Matthew 18, Church Membership and ExcommunicationJohnathan Arnold continues his series on the church and its relationship to the kingdom.Support the show
2022-11-0650 minHoly Joys PodcastTheological Triage: Ranking Doctrines by Relative ImportanceJohnathan Arnold and David Fry discuss the article "Theological Triage: Unity in Essentials, Charity in Nonessentials," and the attached triage chart.Support the show
2022-11-0259 minHoly Joys PodcastChurch & Sacraments, Part 3: Matthew 16, the Church and the Keys of the KingdomJohnathan Arnold continues a class on the church and sacraments, looking at the link between the church and the kingdom in Matthew 16: King Jesus has entrusted the keys of the kingdom to the church.Support the show
2022-10-3042 minHoly Joys PodcastChurch & Sacraments, Part 1: A Neglected DoctrineIn this episode of the Holy Joys Podcast, Johnathan Arnold teaches the first lesson in a six-week class on the church and sacraments.Topics addressed include:The evangelical emphasis on personal salvationCorruption and hypocrisy in the churchAttitudes towards the church todayThe Bible as a story about God and his peoplePersonal and corporate salvationActs 2:47 and 1 Jn. 2:19Luther, Calvin, Augustine, and Cyprian on the church and salvationRecovering a biblical vision of the churchSupport the show
2022-10-1740 minHoly Joys PodcastW. B. Pope on the Pentecostal Foundations of the Church (Part 1)Johnathan Arnold and David Fry continue their discussion of William Burt Pope's Doctrine of the Church.Support the show
2022-09-2240 minHoly Joys PodcastW. B. Pope on Preparations for the Church in the Gospels (Part 2)David Fry and Johnathan Arnold continue their discussion of William Burt Pope's doctrine of the church, looking at the second half of his section on "The Preparations in the Gospels."Support the show
2022-09-1417 minHoly Joys PodcastW. B. Pope on Preparations for the Church in the Gospels (Part 1)David Fry and Johnathan Arnold continue their discussion of William Burt Pope's doctrine of the church, looking at the first half of his section on "The Preparations in the Gospels."Support the show
2022-09-1429 minHoly Joys PodcastIntroduction to William Burt Pope's Doctrine of the ChurchDavid Fry and Johnathan Arnold begin a series on Methodist theologian William Burt Pope's doctrine of the church. Read along: holyjoys.org/the-christian-church/.Support the show
2022-09-0729 minHoly Joys PodcastJohnathan Arnold: Sitting and Listening to Jesus: Lectio Divina (Luke 10:38–42)Johnathan Arnold preaches on Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38–42 and explains an ancient method for sitting and listening to Jesus through the meditative and contemplative reading of Scripture.Support the show
2022-08-2833 minHoly Joys PodcastFour Questions About OrdinationJohnathan Arnold and David Fry discuss four questions about ordination:1. What is ordination?2. What does the Bible say about ordination?3. Who should be ordained?4. Who has the authority to ordain?Support the show
2022-08-1043 minHoly Joys PodcastModest Clothing, Part 2Johnathan Arnold and David Fry continue to discuss modest clothing and biblical nakedness.Topics discussed:Genesis 2–3A biblical definition of nakednessNakedness in the lawCultural changeDressing modestly todaySupport the show
2022-07-2148 minHoly Joys PodcastModest Clothing, Part 1David Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss modest clothing and biblical nakedness.Topics discussed:Genesis 2–3NakednessSin and shameClothing as a gospel symbolAtonementSupport the show
2022-07-2143 minHoly Joys PodcastRoe v. Wade and Christian Social WitnessJohnathan Arnold and David Fry discuss the church's social witness and how Christians can approach the issues of the day.Topics include:Roe v. WadeChristian social witness1908 Social Creed of the Methodist Episcopal ChurchTransitional Discipline of the Global Methodist Church, Part 2: Social WitnessA Call to the CHM, "A Call to Christian Social Witness"Support the show
2022-07-1556 minHoly Joys PodcastInterpreting Scripture in Community (Repost)Johnathan Arnold and David Fry discuss how the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers relates to our interpretation of Scripture, as well as related doctrines such as inerrancy, the clarity/perspicuity of Scripture, and the illumination of the Holy Spirit.Support the show
2022-07-1226 minHoly Joys PodcastTithing and Christian GenerosityIn this episode, David Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss tithing and the larger issue of giving generously from the heart because of God's inexpressible gift to us in Christ.Topics discussed:Views on tithingTithing in the OTRelationship of OT Law to NT believersVerses on tithing in the NTTithing in church historyGiving generously, cheerfully, humblySupporting the local church2 Corinthians 91 Timothy 6Support the show
2022-05-1844 minHoly Joys PodcastWhat is the Gospel of the Kingdom?Johnathan Arnold and David Fry discuss "the gospel of the kingdom" (Mt. 4:23). Topics discussed include:The gospelThe kingdomDominion, reignThe image of GodDwellingExileHellThe kingdom and the churchThe Great CommissionHeaven and earthThe millennial kingdomSupport the show
2022-05-1156 minHoly Joys PodcastA Happy Anticipation of Heaven on Earth (repost)In this episode, Johnathan Arnold and David Fry discuss why the church has lost its happy anticipation of heaven and how a robust theology of new creation can help to recover this vital anticipation.Quotes from Fry:An experience that led me to preach a series on heaven was sitting through a funeral service in which almost everything that was said about heaven had to do with the material descriptions that Scripture gives us—streets of gold and gates of pearl—and there was nothing said about beholding the beauty of God. I began to realize that...
2022-04-2825 minHoly Joys PodcastHeaven, the Resurrection of the Body, and Mourning as Christians (repost)In this episode, Johnathan Arnold and David Fry continue to discuss the church's happy anticipation of heaven and how it shapes our life in this world.Quotes from Fry:In the end, heaven is a place on earth. Earth doesn't comprehend earth, but heaven comprehends earth.Simply put, heaven is the dwelling place of God.We have so separated heaven and earth that it leads us to a view that we can trash earth before God trashes it. That is not at all an orientation that God allows us to have towards the earth. And that's...
2022-04-2831 minHoly Joys PodcastWhen and How to Leave a ChurchDavid Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss legitimate reasons to leave a church, and how to go about doing it in a way that honors Christ.What are acceptable reasons to leave a church?What are the characteristics of someone who is mature enough to leave a church well?What steps should be taken before leaving a church?What should you do after you leave a church?Support the show
2022-04-0257 minHoly Joys PodcastThe Church Discipline: Is It a Burden or Blessing?Dr. David Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss church manuals/disciplines, common problems and frustrations, and how approaching the discipline/manual in light of the church's disciple-making mission can help us work towards a healthier future for the church and its members.Support the show
2022-03-2155 minHoly Joys PodcastRecovering the Biblical Office of DeaconJohnathan Arnold and Dr. David Fry discuss the biblical office of deacon (aka the diaconate). Key topics/passages include:1 Timothy 3:8–13Acts 6:1–6Philippians 1:1Romans 16:1Female deacons (deaconesses)Deacons in the apostolic fathers and early church traditionDeacons in the Reformers and early MethodismOrdinationDeacons in relationship to EldersTips for implementationSupport the show
2022-03-1246 minHoly Joys PodcastBible Study Tools and MethodsDr. Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss Bible study tools and methods. Topics include:Active vs. passive readingPens and marking toolsWide-margin BiblesInductive Bible StudyTracking themesChrist-centered readingTypological readingBig-picture reading and focused studyContemplative reading and memorizationSupport the show
2022-03-0148 minHoly Joys PodcastRe-Conversion vs. Repentance and Sin in BelieversDr. David Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss an article by Samuel D. James, "Why is 'Re-Converting' Easier than Repenting?" and discuss ways in which the church has made it difficult for sincere but struggling believers to confess sin and find help, restoration, and accountability from the church.Support the show
2022-02-2251 minHoly Joys PodcastSermon Talk: Acts 6 and PhilemonDavid Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss what they are preaching: Philemon and the devotion of the apostles to prayer and the ministry of the word in Acts 6.Support the show
2022-01-2413 minHoly Joys PodcastPlagiarism and PreachingDavid Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss plagiarism and the need for preachers to show integrity in their public speaking.Support the show
2022-01-1943 minHoly Joys PodcastThe Virgin Mary in Roman Catholic and Protestant ThoughtIn this episode, David Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss the doctrine of Mary.What is the Roman Catholic doctrine of Mary (four Marian dogmas)?Should we call Mary the "Mother of God" (Theotokos)?Should we venerate Mary?Did Mary remain a virgin (perpetual virginity)?Was Mary born without original sin (immaculate conception)?Was Mary a co-redemptrix?Was Mary assumed into heaven?Should we ask Mary to intercede for us?Support the show
2021-12-1354 minHoly Joys PodcastFour Questions About the IncarnationIn this episode, Johnathan Arnold and David Fry address four questions about the incarnation:Why did the Son come at Christmas instead of the Father?Would God have become incarnate if Adam had never sinned?Did Mary give birth to God? (Did God die on the cross?)Did Christ really leave his Father’s throne above?Notes:It was fitting for the one who is divinely generated by the Father eternally to be humanly generated by an earthly mother. The Father is unbegotten/ungenerated/sends. The Son is begotten/generated/sent. The Spirit pro...
2021-12-0632 minHoly Joys PodcastRecommended Resources for AdventIn this episode, David Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss resources for understanding the Christian calendar and preparing for Christmas during the Advent season. For links to resources, see "Q&A on Advent and the Christian Year." See also "Understanding Advent and the Liturgical Calendar" (previous podcast episode).Support the show
2021-12-0421 minHoly Joys PodcastUnderstanding Advent and the Liturgical CalendarIn this episode of the Holy Joys Podcast, David Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss the Advent season and how it fits into the church calendar.Support the show
2021-12-0146 minHoly Joys PodcastPractical Ways to Nurture Children in the FaithIn this episode, David Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss practical ways that Christian parents can nurture their children in the faith.Topics addressed include:Praying the Lord's Prayer as a familyReciting the Creed at the dinner tableSinging and memorizing hymnsScripture memorizationChildren's Bibles and translationsUsing the ProverbsCatechesisDeuteronomy 6Support the show
2021-11-2247 minHoly Joys PodcastThe Salvation and Nurture of ChildrenIn this episode, David Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss the salvation of children and the early Methodist practice of infant baptism, nurture, and confirmation.Topics addressed include:Sunday School and Christian nurture movementChild salvationInfant baptism and communionConfirmationChristian parentingThe church's role in forming childrenSupport the show
2021-11-1546 minHoly Joys PodcastInfant Baptism and Christian ParentingJohnathan Arnold and David Fry discuss the long tradition of infant baptism in early Methodism, the Reformers, and the church fathers, its scriptural basis, and what it means for Christian parenting.Support the show
2021-11-0850 minHoly Joys PodcastJohn 20:23, the Forgiveness of Sins, and the Fear of Church AuthorityIn this episode, David Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss several questions about concerns about a recent article on "The Church’s Authority and Responsibility to Forgive Sins." Topics addressed include:The church's authority to forgive sins (John 20:23)The office of the keys (Matthew 16; 18)Corporate salvationThe sacraments and excommunicationProtestant vs. Catholic understandings of the church and its leadersSacerdotalismThe abuse of church authorityAbusus non tollit usum ("abuse does not take away use")Spirit-filled exercise of authorityUsing authority for building up, not tearing down (2 Cor. 13:10)Eldership requirementsSupport the show
2021-10-251h 01Holy Joys PodcastThe Church, Salvation, and AssuranceDavid Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss the church's role in a believer's salvation and assurance, the church in God's plan of redemption, various images of the church in Scripture and the Great Tradition (ark, bride, guardian, mother), and the ecclesiology of the church fathers and Reformers.Support the show
2021-10-0456 minHoly Joys PodcastHoliness Metaphors: Being Filled with the Spirit and Perfect LoveIn this episode, David Fry and Johnathan Arnold continue their discussion of holiness metaphors, focusing on what it means to be filled with the Spirit and how it relates to perfect love.Support the show
2021-09-271h 01Holy Joys PodcastSingleness, Celibacy, and the ChurchSonja Vernon joins David Fry and Johnathan Arnold to discuss singleness, celibacy, and the church.Support the show
2021-09-0652 minHoly Joys PodcastHoliness Metaphors: Eradication, Cleansing, and the Removal of a Root or BentJohnathan Arnold and David Fry discuss several common metaphors for entire sanctification: eradication, cleansing or purification, the removal of the root of sin, and the removal of the bent towards sinning.Support the show
2021-08-2553 minHoly Joys PodcastThe CHM and BaptistsJohnathan Arnold and David Fry discuss ways in which the CHM is more Baptist than classically Methodist.Support the show
2021-08-1658 minHoly Joys PodcastChurch Membership, Discipline, and DiscipleshipIn this episode, Dr. David Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss the church membership crisis and why the church needs to retrieve a biblical understanding of membership for every baptized believer. The relationship between church membership, discipleship, and church discipline is discussed.Support the show
2021-07-261h 02Holy Joys PodcastMoralistic Preaching, David and Goliath, and Seeing God’s Glory in ChristIn this episode of the Holy Joys Podcast, Johnathan Arnold and David Fry discuss moralistic preaching and related themes:Moralism in the Pelagian controversyMonergism vs. SynergismGod as the initiator of all goodHuman cooperation with gracePremodern exegesis and the fourfold method of interpretationExamples such as David & Goliath and the Temptation of Jesus in the WildernessTransformation through seeing God's glory in ChristPreaching as putting God's beauty on displayQuotes from Fry:Moralism comes down to a Christological problem.Probably the most glaring example of moralism is the “God will do his part if you do your part” mentality.Wesl...
2021-07-0642 minHoly Joys PodcastCreation Care, Earth Day, and HalloweenDr. Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss a Christian view of caring for the environment and how it relates to a physical theology. The church's redemptive presence is discussed in relation to Earth Day and other holidays that many Christians avoid such as Halloween.Support the show
2021-05-3126 minHoly Joys PodcastAscension Day, Pentecost Sunday, and the Gospel of the KingdomDr. Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss the ascension of Christ and subsequent outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost.Support the show
2021-05-2437 minHoly Joys PodcastSermon Talk: The Peace of Easter and Four Marks of the Church at PentecostQuotes from David Fry:If I am not in a series and I do not have a particular sermon that I want to preach, I always default to one of the lectionary readings for my Sunday preaching. I follow the Revised Common Lectionary.We live at peace because on the third day He rose from the dead and with the same body in which He suffered, He arose, and He ascended.Saints of God, we have peace because Jesus has overcome the world.What truth am I avoiding in order to give myself a false sense of peace...
2021-05-1719 minHoly Joys PodcastThe Derek Chauvin Trial, George Floyd, Racism, and Social JusticeQuotes from David Fry:We must distinguish between BLM the concept, BLM the organization, and BLM the movement.Eyewitness testimony or video of an event doesn’t mean that there won’t be different interpretations. It's wise as believers to be patient, listen, and suspend judgment as long as we can.It takes patience to live in a multicultural context.Christians need to get out in front of these things and set the tone, rather than sitting back and always reacting.When I say that we need to pray for peace, I've always assumed that people assume that just...
2021-05-1033 minHoly Joys PodcastPrevenient Grace, Part 5: Is Wesleyan Prevenient Grace Biblical?In this final episode of a series on prevenient grace, Dr. David Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss whether or not Wesleyan prevenient grace is biblical and what it means for something to be biblical.Support the show
2021-05-0357 minHoly Joys PodcastBoard Culture and Church GovernmentIn this episode, Clair Sams joins David Fry and Johnathan Arnold to discuss board culture and church government.Support the show
2021-04-2653 minHoly Joys PodcastThe Necessity of Christ's Resurrection, Physical Salvation, and Easter PreachingIn this episode, Johnathan Arnold and Dr. David Fry discuss why the resurrection is the necessary for our redemption.Support the show
2021-04-1943 minHoly Joys PodcastThe Equality Act and Male and Female in God's ImageIn this episode, David Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss the Equality Act, its impact on churches and Christian organizations, and the void in our culture concerning what it means to be male and female.Support the show
2021-04-1223 minHoly Joys PodcastLil Nas X, Cultural Art, and Human Depravity: Responding with Grace and TruthIn this episode, David Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss a recent piece of cultural art and how the church can respond.Support the show
2021-04-0725 minHoly Joys PodcastAtonement Theories: Penal Substitution and Christus VictorIn this special Good Friday episode of the Holy Joys Podcast, Johnathan Arnold and David Fry discuss atonement theories: How does the death of Jesus on the cross accomplish our redemption? Support the show
2021-04-011h 04Holy Joys PodcastThe Rule of Faith: Creeds, Scripture, and TraditionPhilip Brown joins David Fry and Johnathan Arnold to discuss the rule of faith. The episode begins with a short current events segment on Rush Limbaugh and his impact on evangelical Christians.Support the show
2021-03-2957 minHoly Joys PodcastPrevenient Grace, Part 4: Pelagianism, Revival Theology, and Charles FinneyIn this episode, David Fry and Johnathan Arnold continue discussing Wesleyan Prevenient Grace in the thought of William Burt Pope. WPG is compared to the thought of John Cassian, Jonathan Edwards, Augustine, Pelagius, and Charles Finney.Quotes from Fry:Arminians continue to be accused of being semi-Pelagian or perhaps even Pelagian for saying that we initiate our salvation.Our doctrine of grace has many implications for our pulpit ministry.The way we appeal to people to come to Christ matters. Those are delicate theological moments, and we need to make sure we are exalting grace in t...
2021-03-1556 minHoly Joys PodcastPrevenient Grace, Part 3: God Alone Initiates FaithIn this episode, David Fry and Johnathan Arnold continue discussing prevenient grace in the thought of William Burt Pope.Support the show
2021-03-1445 minHoly Joys Podcast"Virtual Communion" and "Virtual Church"In this episode, Johnathan Arnold and David Fry discuss whether or not the church should offer virtual communion and how the rush to live-stream the Lord's Supper reflects a general over-spiritualization of the church. Support the show
2021-03-081h 14Holy Joys PodcastGut Reactions to Ravi Zacharias and Being a Safe ChurchTravis Johnson joins David Fry and Johnathan Arnold to discuss his recent article, "Ravi Zacharias and the Moral Failure of Spiritual Leaders."Quotes from Travis:Victims need to know that it's safe. The church can be a safe place to come forward and share your experience so that you can get the help that you need. We in the church want to be a part of that healing process.We have to talk about this for the sake of transparency. People are struggling with this.Within the church, there are other victims of sexual abuse and t...
2021-02-2723 minHoly Joys PodcastRavi Zacharias, Holiness Movement Too, Entire Sanctification, and Excusing SinAndrew Graham joins David Fry and Johnathan Arnold to discuss the recent news about Ravi Zacharias and what we can do in our own churches and institutions to expose abusers and help victims.Quotes from Graham:People in Christian leadership are not exempt from temptation, not exempt from the possibility of falling. There needs to be structures in place that protect them and the people who serve alongside them.If we view this as an isolated, RZIM-specific issue, then I think we will be talking about the next one. Rather than each of us in our...
2021-02-2342 minHoly Joys PodcastPrevenient Grace, Part 2: Recapitulation and Christ's Atonement for HumanityIn this episode, Johnathan Arnold and David Fry continue to discuss prevenient grace in the thought of William Burt Pope.Support the show
2021-02-2233 minHoly Joys PodcastHow Theology Helps Us to Care for Others in DistressIn this episode, Andrew Graham and Johnathan Arnold continue discussing how to care for others in distress.Support the show
2021-02-0135 minHoly Joys PodcastBeing a Church that Helps Others in DistressIn this episode, Johnathan Arnold and Dr. Andrew Graham discuss helping others in distress.Quotes from Graham:The best way to assess whether or not someone is in distress is to look at any changes in their mood, affect, behavior habits—eating, sleeping—and how these changes affect their functioning.There are people who are in distress while not yet disordered or dysfunctional or diagnosable.One detrimental mistake is to automatically assume that a distressed person has a spiritual problem.We can too quickly over-spiritualize distress or we can too quickly under-spiritualize distress.In addi...
2021-01-0435 minHoly Joys PodcastThe Pulpit Ministry of the Pastor-TheologianIn this episode, Johnathan Arnold and David Fry continue discussing the pastor as theologian.Quotes from Fry:I want to challenge all of us to recommit ourselves to pulpit ministry—the preaching ministry of the shepherd. We are to feed our congregation with the truth of God.We are not going to grow personally, spiritually, or theologically by putting in the minimum study time—giving attention to everything else and just squeezing out the time we ought to be growing.Pastors, we must be growing ourselves if we expect our church to be maturing in Christ.The...
2020-12-2139 minHoly Joys PodcastThe Pastor as TheologianIn this episode, Johnathan Arnold and David Fry discuss the lost vision of the pastor as theologian.Quotes from Fry:Theology has been for generations separated in some ways—some formal ways, even—from the life of the local church. We need to bring those two together again.As we study God, we study all things in right relationship to him.As pastors, our task is to bridge the horizon of biblical truth with where our culture is. Pastors stand between Scripture and culture and we have to try to bridge that gap by informing culture with...
2020-12-0736 minHoly Joys PodcastPhilip Brown on Wisdom and Holiness in the NTIn this episode, Johnathan Arnold and Philip Brown continue to discuss the relationship between wisdom and holiness.Support the show
2020-11-3056 minHoly Joys PodcastThe Forgotten Kingdom in the Gospel of the KingdomIn this episode, Johnathan Arnold and Darrell Stetler II discuss the kingdom of God as one of the most important yet misunderstood themes in Scripture.Highlights from Darrell Stetler II:The kingdom is a mega-theme in Scripture.We tend to zoom in on particular elements of salvation, such as justification by faith, but forget the context of the kingdom.Our understanding of the kingdom is sometimes conflated with our understanding of heaven as though the kingdom of God is only what is going to happen at the end.What is the kingdom of God? It is...
2020-11-1635 minHoly Joys PodcastThankfulness as the Key to Spiritual HealthIn this episode, Johnathan Arnold and Timothy Cooley Sr. discuss the central place of gratitude in the Christian life and in God's redemptive plan.Quotes from Timothy Cooley Sr.:In Romans 1, before the giant steps downward, verse 21 points out that "when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful," and that alerted me to the possibility of unthankfulness being a first step away from God.True thankfulness should be the key to spiritual health.If I can help motivate my own thankfulness and other people's thankfulness, it's going to bring a lot...
2020-11-0243 minHoly Joys PodcastNavigating Crisis Times in the Local ChurchIn this episode, Darrell Stetler II and Johnathan Arnold discuss leading the church through crisis times and the coronavirus pandemic.Flexibility and a can-do attitude is essential in the leadership of a church.I want to be the kind of leader who is a "Yes, and..." leader, not a "Yes, but..." leader.The paralysis of analysis is a real thing—where you get frozen trying to find the "right path." But in many cases, it's not about doing the "right thing," it's about doing something. A car is much easier to steer when it's moving.The biggest mistake th...
2020-10-1658 minHoly Joys PodcastSpiritual Formation & the Deeper LifeIn this episode, Johnathan Arnold and Michael Avery discuss holiness, spiritual formation, and the deeper life.Highlights:"Spiritual formation is very simply a process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others." (Avery)"Behavior modification basically rests on your own human energy–what you can put into it or what someone else can threaten you to put into it. But spiritual formation comes from a very different approach. It is Spirit-enabled. We can only be formed into the image of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit as we partner wi...
2020-10-1231 minHoly Joys PodcastPhilip Brown on Wisdom and Holiness, Part 2In this episode, Johnathan Arnold continues discussing the relationship between wisdom and holiness with Dr. Philip Brown.Highlights from Philip Brown:To fear Yahweh is to do two things: to obey him by turning aside from evil and doing what is right, and secondly, to worship him.The word righteous in the Book of Proverbs refers to someone who is both in right relationship with God and living in accordance with his will.There is no part of life—from human sexuality, to finances, to interpersonal relationships, to the use of the tongue, to the interior li...
2020-10-0535 min