Dial In with Jonny Ardavanis
Dial In with Jonny Ardavanis
Jonny Ardavanis
God's word has changed my life and my passion is that people would understand and obey it. The truth of Scripture has the ability to "renew our minds," "give us joy," and "transform us into the image of Christ."
What is the Gift of Tongues and Is It for Today? Acts 2, 1 Cor. 14, and More | Jonny Ardavanis
What does the Bible really teach about speaking in tongues? In this episode, Jonny and Hank dig into the gift of tongues from a biblical perspective β€” walking through Acts 2, Acts 10, Acts 19, and 1 Corinthians 12–14 to examine whether tongues in Scripture refers to known languages or a private prayer language.Hank shares a personal story from his college years visiting a charismatic church, then unpacks:- What tongues meant in Acts 2 (the Day of Pentecost)- How Luke's authorship and timeline shape the interpretation of Acts- 1 Corinthians 13 and the "tongues of angels" β€” literal or rhetorical?- Whether tongues is a sign of the baptism of the Holy Spirit- Paul's instructions for order in the church (1 Corinthians 14:27, 14:23)- Early church history: Gregory of Nazianzus, Chrysostom, and the origins of the modern private prayer language movement (Charles Fox Parham, Agnes Ozman, 1901)- Romans 8:26 and the Spirit's intercession in prayerThis is a respectful, Scripture-first conversation for anyone wondering how to think biblically about tongues, the charismatic movement, spiritual gifts, and the sufficiency of God's Word β€” without dismissing sincere believers who see it differently.πŸ“– Key passages covered: Acts 2:4-11, Acts 10:44-46, Acts 19, 1 Corinthians 12-14, Romans 8:26, Genesis 11This episode is brought to you by The Master's University β€” committed to Jesus Christ and the authority and sufficiency of His Word. Learn more at masters.eduStay accountable in a digital world: check out Accountable2You at accountable2you.com/dialin β€” use code DIALIN for 25% off your first year.
Aug 11
33 min
Are There Still Apostles and Prophets Today? Cessationism vs. Continuationism Explained
Are there apostles and prophets today? In this episode, we break down the difference between cessationism, continuationism, and charismatic theology β€” and answer the question so many Christians are asking as self-proclaimed "apostles" and "prophets" (like Katherine Krick and leaders in the New Apostolic Reformation/NAR movement) gain massive followings online. We define the key terms β€” cessationist, continuationist, and charismatic β€” then walk through: πŸ”Ή The 3 biblical criteria for a prophet in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 18, Deuteronomy 13, Jeremiah 28) πŸ”Ή The 3 biblical criteria for an apostle in the New Testament (Acts 1, Ephesians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 12:12) πŸ”Ή How to think about Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 14, and 1 Thessalonians 5:20 on prophecy πŸ”Ή The difference between "thus says the Lord" and "I feel like God is putting this on my heart" πŸ”Ή What church history (Chrysostom, Augustine, Calvin, Edwards, Spurgeon) says about the miraculous gifts πŸ”Ή Why the sufficiency of Scripture matters in this conversation πŸ”Ή A fair, respectful look at continuationist scholars like John Piper, Wayne Grudem, and Sam Storms β€” and how they differ from figures like Kenneth Copeland, Bill Johnson, and Bethel Church This isn't a hit piece β€” it's a biblical, historically grounded framework for thinking through spiritual gifts, prophecy, apostleship, and the Holy Spirit's work in the church today. πŸ“– Key Scriptures Referenced: Deuteronomy 13, Deuteronomy 18, Jeremiah 28, Acts 1, Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 14, Ephesians 2:20, Ephesians 4:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:20, 2 Corinthians 12:12, Hebrews 2 πŸŽ“ This episode is brought to you by The Master's University β€” 150+ fields of study built on a biblical worldview. Learn more: masters.edu/dialin (use code DIALIN to waive your application fee) ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Are apostles and prophets still active today? 02:03 Defining Cessationism, Continuationism & Charismatic 09:32 Old Testament criteria for a prophet 21:06 New Testament criteria for an apostle 26:44 Apostles & prophets as the foundation of the church 35:04 Why this generation is asking different questions πŸ”” Subscribe for more conversations on theology, church history, and living out the Christian faith with clarity and conviction.
Aug 4
35 min
Can You Lose Your Salvation? | How to Know You're Truly Saved (Biblical Assurance)
In this episode of Dial In, Jonny and Scott Ardavanis walk through Scripture to answer some of the most important questions every Christian asks:- Can a genuine believer lose their salvation?- What's the difference between eternal security and assurance of salvation?- What does Jesus mean in Matthew 7 when He says, "I never knew you"?- How can you avoid false assurance while enjoying biblical confidence in Christ?This episode is brought to you by our ministry partner Accountable2You. Join thousands living in freedom with nothing to hide, and visit https://accountable2you.com/dialin. Use our unique code DIALIN to get 25% off your first year of an Accountable2You Personal or Family PlanTogether, they examine key passages including John 10, 1 John, Romans 8, Philippians 1, Ephesians 1, and Matthew 7 to show that our security rests in the finished work of Christ while our assurance grows as we walk with Him. They also unpack four biblical evidences of genuine faith found in 1 John that help believers examine themselves without falling into legalism. If you've ever wrestled with doubts about your salvation, wondered whether you're truly saved, or wanted to understand the doctrine of eternal security, this conversation is for you.Scriptures Discussed β€’ John 10:27–30 β€’ Matthew 7:21–23 β€’ 1 John β€’ Romans 8:29–30 β€’ Philippians 1:6 β€’ Ephesians 1:13–14 β€’ Hebrews 6 β€’ Psalm 51If this conversation encouraged you, subscribe for weekly biblical teaching designed to help you know God deeply and live faithfully.
Jul 28
34 min
What Does a Church Elder Actually Do? Biblical Qualifications, Role & Calling Explained
What is the biblical role of a church elder or pastor β€” and why should it matter to you, even if you never plan to be one? In this episode, a father-son pastoral duo break down the calling, qualifications, attitude, function, and motivation of a biblical elder, drawing from 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, and 1 Peter 5.You'll learn:βœ… How a man is called to be an elder (subjective desire + objective qualifications)βœ… The biblical qualifications of an elder or pastor (1 Timothy 3 & Titus 1)βœ… Why elder plurality matters β€” and why no pastor should act like a CEOβœ… The right attitude of a shepherd: serving, not lording over the flockβœ… The core function of an elder: preaching, teaching, and equipping the churchβœ… What motivates a faithful elder for the long haulWhether you're a pastor, an aspiring elder, or simply a church member wanting to understand biblical church leadership, this conversation will help you see why "the church cannot rise above its leadership."πŸ“– Scriptures referenced: 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, 1 Peter 5:1-4, Acts 14:22-23, Acts 20:28, Ephesians 4:11, 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Timothy 4:5πŸŽ“ This episode is sponsored by The Master's University. To learn more about how you can invest in a college education devoted to Christ & Scripture, visit https://www.masters.eduSubscribe for more conversations on church health, biblical leadership, and pastoral ministry.
Jul 21
37 min
8 Marks of a Healthy Church (A Conversation with my Dad)
Blockbuster had 9,000 stores and was worth $9 billion. Today, only one location remains. What happened β€” and what does it have to do with the church?In this episode, Pastor Scott Ardavanis sits down with his son Jonny for a father-son conversation on what actually makes a church healthy. Is it true that churches need to "change with the times or die," like Blockbuster and Kodak failed to do? Or are there timeless, transcendent principles every healthy church must hold onto regardless of culture?This episode is brought to you by our ministry partner Accountable2You. Join thousands living in freedom with nothing to hide, and visit https://accountable2you.com/dialin. Use our unique code DIALIN to get 25% off your first year of an Accountable2You Personal or Family PlanTogether they unpack 8 marks of a healthy church, including:1. A High View of God2. A High View of Scripture (expository preaching & sound doctrine)3. Every Member Ministry (every believer serving, not just watching)4. A Commitment to Holiness & Discipleship5. Christ-Centered, Spirit-Filled Worship6. A Devotion to Prayer7. A Gospel-Centered Focus (local & global)8. Qualified Biblical Leadership (elders & deacons)Whether you're a pastor, church leader, or simply trying to find a healthy church home, this conversation will help you understand what to look for β€” and why the church doesn't need a new strategy so much as faithfulness to God's Word.πŸ”” Subscribe for more conversations on the church, pastoral ministry, and biblical leadership.πŸ“Œ Part 2 coming soon: What is a biblical elder, and how do you know if your church has qualified leadership?Timestamps:00:00 Intro: Blockbuster, Netflix & the Church04:47 Pillar 1: A High View of God07:51 Pillar 2: A High View of Scripture & Preaching13:16 Pillar 3: Every Member Ministry15:19 Pillar 4: Holiness & Discipleship18:51 Pillar 5: Christ-Centered Worship23:24 Pillar 6: A Commitment to Prayer25:13 Pillar 7: Gospel-Centered Focus (Local & Global)27:57 Pillar 8: Qualified Biblical Leadership29:16 Why This Matters for Every Believer
Jul 14
31 min
A Theology of Exercise: Why Christians Should Train Their Bodies for God's Glory
What does the Bible actually say about exercise, fitness, and taking care of your body?In this conversation, a Desiring God pastor and author David Mathis unpacks a biblical theology of exercise β€” covering the six-layer biblical story of the human body (creation, the fall, the incarnation, the indwelling Holy Spirit, obedience, and future glorification), how to think about 1 Timothy 4:8 ("bodily training is of some value"), and why sedentary modern life and body-idolatry are two ditches to avoid.This episode is brought to you by our ministry partner Accountable2You. Join thousands living in freedom with nothing to hide, and visit https://accountable2you.com/dialin. Use our unique code DIALIN to get 25% off your first year of an Accountable2You Personal or Family Plan Topics covered: β€’ Why exercise matters for the mind, will, joy, and love of others β€’ Bodily discipline and Christian stewardship of the body β€’ The connection between physical exercise and mental clarity (John Ratey's "Spark") β€’ Competition, sports, and a Christian view of winning and losing β€’ Practical advice for sedentary Christians who want to start exercising β€’ How pastors and knowledge workers can build sustainable fitness habits β€’ A theology of the body: from creation to resurrection Great for anyone interested in Christian living, biblical theology, faith and fitness, health and wellness from a Christian worldview, or building sustainable exercise habits for the long term (a "ten-year plan," not a quick fix). πŸ“– Learn more and find the book at DesiringGod.org
Jul 7
43 min
"Jesus Never Mentioned Homosexuality" & 6 Other Common Rebuttals β€” A Pastor's Response
In this episode, we walk through the most common rebuttals to the biblical view of homosexuality β€” not to win arguments, but to equip believers with Scripture and point people toward the truth in love.This episode is sponsored by The Master's University. To learn more about how you can invest in a college education devoted to Christ & Scripture, visit https://www.masters.eduWe cover:β€’ Did Paul only condemn exploitative relationships β€” not committed gay couples?β€’ Was "homosexual" added to the Bible in 1946?β€’ Doesn't Jesus never mention homosexuality?β€’ Isn't God just a God of love β€” who accepts everyone as they are?β€’ What about the shellfish and mixed-fabric objections?β€’ Is same-sex attraction itself sinful, even if never acted on?β€’ What do you say to someone genuinely struggling with SSA?This is part two of a two-part series. Part one lays the full biblical foundation from Genesis to 1 Corinthians.πŸ“– Key passages: Romans 1:24–27, 1 Corinthians 6:9–11, Matthew 19:4–6, Leviticus 18:22, Hebrews 4:15, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Isaiah 56:3–5πŸ”” Subscribe and drop your questions in the comments β€” we read them all.
Jun 23
34 min
What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality? A Complete Biblical Overview - Part 1 of 2
In this episode, we walk through what the Bible says about homosexuality from Genesis to Romans β€” not to condemn, but to teach truth with clarity and care.This episode is brought to you by our ministry partner Accountable2You. Join thousands living in freedom with nothing to hide, and visit https://accountable2you.com/dialin. Use our unique code DIALIN to get 25% off your first year of an Accountable2You Personal or Family PlanWe cover:β€’ God's original design for marriage and sexuality (Genesis 1–2)β€’ The sin of Sodom and what it actually reveals (Genesis 19, Jude 7)β€’ The Levitical holiness code β€” Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13β€’ Deuteronomy on gender distinctionβ€’ Romans 1 and the "wrath of abandonment"β€’ 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 β€” the vice list AND the good newsβ€’ Is there hope for the homosexual? Absolutely.This is part one of a two-part series. Part two addresses common rebuttals: shellfish objections, what type of homosexuality Paul condemned, and more.πŸ“– Key passages: Genesis 1–2, Genesis 19, Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13, Deuteronomy 22:5, Romans 1:18–32, 1 Corinthians 6:9–11, 1 Timothy 1:8–15πŸ”” Subscribe and leave your questions or rebuttals in the comments β€” we'll address them in the next episode.
Jun 16
40 min
A Biblical Framework for Dating | Stages, Communication & What the Church Gets Wrong
What does the Bible actually say about dating? And why does the church barely talk about it?This episode is sponsored by The Master's University. To learn more about how you can invest in a college education devoted to Christ & Scripture, visit https://www.masters.eduWe brought in Greg Gifford β€” biblical counselor, professor, and author β€” to give us a theology of dating that applies whether you're 22 or 45. This is one of the most practical and honest conversations we've had on the show.Topics covered:β€’ Acquaintance β†’ Friend β†’ Best Friend: the 3 stages of a dating relationshipβ€’ How to communicate at each stage (and what oversharing too early costs you)β€’ How to define the relationship (DTR) without being weird about itβ€’ Online dating: sin or Christian liberty?β€’ Evaluating spiritual maturity β€” and why it's not about reading John Calvinβ€’ Why technology since 2007 has made relationships harder If you've ever felt like no one's giving you real, biblical guidance on dating β€” this episode is for you.πŸ“ Find Greg: The Force Institute Podcast
Jun 9
32 min
What is Worship? Jesus Explains
What is worship, really? Most people say "singing" β€” but Jesus has a very different answer.This episode is brought to you by our ministry partner Accountable2You. Join thousands living in freedom with nothing to hide, and visit https://accountable2you.com/dialin. Use our unique code DIALIN to get 25% off your first year of an Accountable2You Personal or Family Plan In John 4, Jesus sits down with the last person anyone expected: a Samaritan woman with a broken past. And in that conversation, he gives the clearest definition of worship in all of Scripture β€” in spirit and in truth.Here's the problem: most churches pick a lane.Some go all-in on the spiritual experience β€” the emotion, the atmosphere, the "encounter." Others go all-in on doctrine and truth β€” deep teaching, sound theology, the Word. And both camps look at the other and think they've got it figured out.But Jesus says they're two sides of the same coin.Spirit without truth leads to hysteria. Truth without spirit leads to stoicism β€” more morgue than a meeting with the living God. Real, biblical worship refuses to separate the two.In this episode we unpack:βœ… Why worship is far more than a songβœ… What "spirit" and "truth" actually mean β€” and why you need bothβœ… How superficial teaching always produces superficial worshipβœ… How the most rejected woman in the story became the first evangelistβœ… What God actually thinks about your worshipπŸ“– John 4:16–42
Jun 2
27 min
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