Bad Fruit Podcast

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!

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 

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 

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

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 

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 

In this episode, Jonathan is joined by author Christa Petzold, to discuss her book Journey Through Church History. Together, they explore why understanding church history matters, how to approach primary sources without fear, and what modern Christians can learn from the faith and struggles of those who came before us. To learn more about her you can visit her website: https://christapetzold.com/
If you want to reach out to us at the podcast you can email us at badfruitpodcast@gmail.com 

We often talk about the bad fruit in the church and focus on megachurches. Most megachurches are still (for the most part) conservative in their theology. However, bad fruit also looks like liberal theology! The Sparkle Creed and a distortion of the law/gospel distinction! In this episode I talk to the pastor who runs the Lutheran Lion Facebook page about his journey to being a pastor and liberal theology.If you would like to email us you can at badfruitpodcast@gmail.com

This week the Confessional Corndog, who is actually Pastor Wyatt, joins me to talk about Lutheranism. We look at why Lutherans are the true Catholics and not the Roman Catholics. We also talk about why Lutherans are not Calvinists too. And why Lutherans are okay with mystery and the unknown. It's a bit of history and theology mixed together for a very interesting conversation.
You can follow him on https://www.facebook.com/confessionalcorndogIf you have any questions or comments you can email us at badfruitpodcast@gmail.comPlease consider liking this and sharing it with your friends.

When I asked Pastor Josh what he was about he said he was all about Jesus. And you can tell that from the conversation we have. We talk about James River Church and the Assemblies of God and church governance and ton of other stuff that is applicable to the church today!If you want to learn more about Pastor Josh he is on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@2135jtroesterYou can email us at badfruitpodcast@gmail.com