Bad Fruit Podcast

Fruit Bite: The Three Uses of the Law

What are the three uses of the law? And why is it important to distinguish between the law and the gospel?

Fruit Bite: The Marburg Colloquy

In today's Fruit Bite episode we look at the Marburg Colloquy and ask the question; does IS mean IS?

Denominations part 5: Lutheranism

A hammer strike in Wittenberg echoed all the way to America. In this episode, we trace the story of Lutheranism: from Martin Luther’s thunderstorm vow and “Here I stand,” through Melanchthon’s Augsburg Confession and Chemnitz’s defense against the Council of Trent, to Pietism and Rationalism, immigrant synods, the Seminex walkout, and the alphabet soup of American Lutherans today: ELCA, LCMS, WELS, AALC, and more.
We’ll explore what unites them (Confessions, Creeds, Sacraments, hymns) and what divides them (Scripture, culture, fellowship). From Ethiopia to Minnesota, from Augsburg to St. Louis, discover how Lutherans have struggled, split, and yet held fast to the same confession: salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.As always, if you have questions or comments about this or any other episode, please email us at badfruitpodcast@gmail.com 

Fruit Bite: The Five Solas

This short Fruit Bite episode looks at these five phrases known as the five solas and what they mean for us as Christians.
Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone)
Sola Fide (faith alone)
Sola Gratia (grace alone)
Solus Christus (Christ alone)
Soli Deo Gloria (to the glory of God alone). 

Denominations part 4: Waldo, Wycliffe, Hus and the Pre-Reformation Reformers

In this week's episode of the denomination series we look at Peter Waldo, John Wycliffe and Jan Hus. Waldo inspired the Waldensians and Hus the Moravians and Wycliffe's influence continues with various Bible translators. These Pre-Reformation Reformers inspired Luther, Calvin and later the Methodists and Baptists.As always if you would like to get in touch with me about this episode or any topic, please email me at badfruitpodcast@gmail.comAlso please like, subscribe, share and review this podcast as that helps us out a lot. Thank you and God bless!

Fruit Bite: What does it mean to be a Nicene Christian?

Who do you say Jesus is? That question is the dividing line between truth and heresy, between life and death.
In this first Fruit Bite episode, Jonathan dives into the heart of the Christian faith: the Trinity, the great creeds of the church, and what it means to be a Nicene Christian. From Scripture to the battles with ancient heresies, to the bold confessions of Nicaea, Chalcedon, and Athanasius, this episode shows why to deny the Trinity is to deny Christ Himself.
Saint Nicholas may have thrown a punch at Arius, and Jonathan brings that same energy here. The Trinity is not a puzzle to solve but the gospel itself: the Father who loves us, the Son who redeems us, and the Spirit who dwells within us.
If you have questions about this, or any episode, please email badfruitpodcast@gmail.com 

Denominations part 3: Eastern Orthodox Church

Eastern Orthodoxy is the second largest Christian tradition in the world, about 220 million strong, rooted in Byzantium, and still shaping lives today.In this episode of the Denominations series, we explore the other side of the Great Schism and the beauty of icons and liturgy, and why so many young people in America are finding a spiritual home in the Orthodox Church. What can Protestants learn from Orthodoxy’s deep sense of mystery and beauty, and how do we hold that alongside the clear proclamation of Christ crucified and risen?Email your comments and questions to badfruitpodcast@gmail.com 

Denominations part 2: Roman Catholicism

In this episode, we dive into the history and core beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church. From its roots in the early centuries of Christianity to its doctrines on the sacraments, tradition, and the authority of the Pope, we explore how Catholicism has shaped and been shaped by the story of the Church. Along the way, we consider where Catholics and Protestants agree, where they differ, and how Christians can respond with both clarity and charity.If you have any questions or comments about this or any episode reach out at badfruitpodcast@gmail.com

Denominations part 1: The 10,000 foot view

In this kickoff episode of our Denominations series, we take a step back and look at the big picture. What exactly is a denomination? How did they form? And why do they matter today?
You’ll get a brief historical overview from the early church to the major branches of Christianity, along with a glimpse of how theological differences, cultural movements, and historical events shaped the church into what we see now. This episode also serves as a blueprint for where the series is headed, outlining the key traditions we will explore in more detail in the weeks ahead.
Whether you are new to the topic or looking to refresh your knowledge, this is the perfect place to start before diving deeper.Email us with any questions or feedback at badfruitpodcast@gmail.com 

Pastor Ara Torosian on Persecution, Faith, and Asylum - 047

In this powerful conversation, Iranian-born pastor Ara Torosian shares his journey from persecution to pastoral ministry in the United States. Together, we explore the realities facing Iranian Christians—both those worshiping in underground house churches back home and those seeking asylum in the U.S. Pastor Ara reflects on recent arrests of his church members by immigration officials, the spiritual cost of displacement, and the unshakable hope found in Christ. This episode is not about politics—it's about people, persecution, and the faith that endures.Learn more about Pastor Ara's church here: https://cornerstonewla.org/On Facebook I will be posting more resources here: www.facebook.com/badfruitpodcast And as always please email us with any questions or comments at badfruitpodcast@gmail.com