The History of Lent & the Lost Celebration

In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady is joined by recurring guest Shane Angland to explore the question: Did the early church fathers view Scripture the way Protestants do today—or is the Protestant view of the Bible a Reformation novelty?Nick and Shane walk through patristic theology and discuss how figures like Irenaeus, Athanasius, Chrysostom, Jerome, and Augustine spoke about the inspiration, authority, sufficiency, and clarity of Scripture. They also examine the “rule of faith” and whether it functioned like a controlling magisterium—or more like a summary of Scripture’s core teaching that guided interpretation.Along the way, they discuss:What “patristics” are, and where the patristic era generally begins and endsWhether the fathers believed Scripture could contain errorsHow early Christians handled difficult passages (textual issues, translation, and humility)The unity of Scripture and the Christ-centered reading of the whole BibleThe Reformation’s claims about sola Scriptura and the perspicuity (clarity) of ScriptureAugustine’s On Christian Doctrine and why it’s really about how to interpret the BibleWhether the church creates Scripture’s authority or recognizes itHow medieval developments changed the relationship between Scripture and traditionIf you’ve ever wondered whether the Reformation recovered an earlier Christian approach to the Bible—or introduced something new—this conversation is for you.

In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady sits down with Bruce Zachary, founding and teaching pastor of Calvary Nexus (Camarillo, California), to explore the Passover Seder meal—what it is, why it matters, and how it points powerfully to Jesus the Messiah.Bruce shares his story of growing up in an observant Jewish home and later coming to faith in Christ after visiting Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa and encountering the Book of Hebrews. From there, the conversation dives into the biblical foundation of Passover in Exodus 12, the symbolism of the Seder plate, the meaning of the afikomen, and the significance of the four cups from Exodus 6:6–7—especially the “cup of redemption” connected to Jesus’ words at the Last Supper.Nick and Bruce also discuss how Christians should approach the Seder respectfully, how it helps connect the Old and New Testaments, and why Passover is one of the richest pictures of God’s redemptive plan—from Exodus to the cross and beyond.📍 Upcoming Event: Bruce will be leading a Passover Seder at White Fields Community Church in Longmont, Colorado on March 27, 2026. The event is open to the public. Register here.More from Bruce: Messages and free resources, including several ebooks, are available at calvarynexus.orgNick and Bruce help lead a global church planting network called Cultivate. Visit: cultivatechurchplanting.com

In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady speaks with Murray Smith (Christ College, Sydney) to talk about one of Jesus’ most debated teachings: the Olivet Discourse (Mark 13, Matthew 24–25, Luke 21).Murray gives a candid snapshot of the state of evangelical Christianity in Australia, and from there, the conversation turns to Murray’s book Jesus’ Speech on the Mount of Olives, a 12-week study designed to help Christians read this passage with clarity and hope. Murray lays out the three major interpretive approaches (preterist / futurist / “both-and”), he explains why “full preterism” is outside orthodox Christian confession, and then walks us through why he believes Jesus speaks about both the destruction of Jerusalem and the final return of Christ.Nick and Murray also discuss:Why this passage is so debated—and yet so importantHow Jesus’ cosmic “signs” function as accompanying realities of His comingWhat it means to “be ready" according to the parables in Matthew 24–25Why healthy eschatology produces hope, urgency, discipleship, and missionThough Nick and Murray have differences in how they view this passage, they both hope that studying it will help believers recover a living, formative, practical hope in the return of Jesus.Passages referenced: Mark 13; Matthew 24–25; Luke 21; Daniel 7; 1 Thessalonians 4; 2 Peter 3; Revelation 21–22Links to Nick's recent messages on the Olivet Discourse:The Great Tribulation & the King's ReturnLiving Ready for Jesus' ReturnHow to Prepare for the End of the WorldWhat to Expect on Judgment Day

What is Lent really about? Should evangelicals practice it? And did you know that the early church celebrated Easter for 40 days?In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady explores the fascinating history of Lent — from its origins in the early church to its evolution over the centuries. What began as a 40-day preparation for baptism eventually became a widespread season of fasting and penance. But along the way, something was lost: a 40-day season of celebration known as Eastertide.Nick walks through:The early church practice of baptism on EasterThe rise of catechumens and Lent as preparationThe normalization of infant baptismThe influence of original sin and ChristendomWhy Easter was once a 40-day feast of joyWhy many Christians emphasize penance but neglect celebrationWhether you observe Lent or not, this episode will challenge you to remember that celebration of what Christ has done for you should take precedence over focusing on what you do for Him.📩 Have a theological question? Visit nickcady.org and click “Ask a Question.”Subscribe for upcoming episodes on:The Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24–25)Church planting in North AfricaThe Jewish Seder and how it points to JesusAnd more!

What does it really mean to be an apprentice of Jesus in a fragmented world? In this episode of Theology for the People, Pastor Heath Hardesty shares how his years as an apprentice plumber shaped his vision for discipleship and following Jesus.Heath is the Lead Pastor of Valley Community Church (VCC) in Pleasanton, California, and the author of the recent book, All Things Together: How Apprenticeship to Jesus Is the Way of Flourishing in a Fragmented World.In this episode, we discuss:Why apprenticeship is a better paradigm for following Jesus than “just” discipleship classesThe four pillars of apprenticeship: union, abiding, obeying, and imagingHow sin fragments our lives and how Jesus reintegrates usPractical spiritual practices for ordinary TuesdaysWhy following Jesus is a fully embodied way of life—not just information in our headsWhether you’re feeling spiritually stagnant or longing for a more integrated faith, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.📖 All Things Together releases October 14 and is available wherever books are sold.

What does faithful, biblical care for widows look like, and why does the Bible say that it is at the heart of "pure religion"?Susan VandePol became a widow when her husband—a Los Angeles City firefighter—died following a line-of-duty exposure. Out of her own grief the Lord led her to create practical protocols for fire departments and churches, and to host deeply healing widows’ retreats.In this conversation we cover:• Why you don’t “stop” being a widow—even after remarriage• How Scripture frames widowhood (the “quartet of the vulnerable,” James 1:27, Luke 18)• “Pruning” grief: letting God move grief toward health and fruit• Presence over platitudes: what helps, what harms• A simple, sustainable church protocol (care that intentionally extends to two years)• How ministering to widows purifies the whole churchResources mentioned:• Church Protocol for Widow Care – Matters of Life and Breath (download free)• Fire Department Widow Protocol – Matters of Life and Breath (free)• Widows’ Retreat (West Michigan, Oct 17–19) – registration details via the Matters of Life and Breath websiteAbout Susan VandePolWidow, author, and founder of Matters of Life and Breath, Susan equips churches and first-responder communities to care wisely and biblically for widows. She and her husband (a trauma specialist) also serve internationally with grief and trauma care.⏩ If this helped you, please share it with a friend and subscribe for more conversations that bring theology to the people!

In this episode of Theology for the People, Pastor Nick Cady is joined by Pastor Stephen Pomeroy from White Fields Community Church to explore the fascinating story of the conversion of the Vikings.Stephen, who also hosts the Viking Legacy and Lore podcast, shares how his personal heritage sparked an interest in Viking history and mythology, and how he approaches it from a Christian perspective. Together we discuss:What the Viking Age was and how it endedThe political and spiritual dynamics behind Viking conversion to ChristianityThe concept of the monomyth and how stories across cultures point to the true story of JesusParallels between Norse mythology and biblical truthLessons for engaging neo-paganism and modern spiritual seekersThis conversation blends history, theology, and mission — showing how God’s truth reaches across cultures and centuries.📌 Subscribe for more episodes of Theology for the People where we bring theological conversations down to earth in a way that is understandable, practical, and engaging.Visit TheologyforthePeople.com for more helpful articles and many topics related to Theology.

In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady talks with Sharon Markey — missionary, pastor’s wife, and author of the forthcoming book Finding Home Again. Sharon shares her family’s story of serving in Ukraine for nearly two decades, planting churches in Kyiv, and how the war suddenly uprooted their lives.We discuss:What it means to be a refugee and how displacement affects faith and identityThe church’s role in caring for hurting and displaced peopleHow Ukrainians are bringing gospel light into post-Christian EuropeThe reality of life in Ukraine today and how Christians can pray and helpSharon’s hope for her new book and how it can inspire compassion and faith👉 Learn more about Sharon’s book at sharontmarkey.com👉 Support their ministry: bridgeua.orgNew episodes release every Monday. Subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations!

In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady sits down with pastor and author Matt McCullough to discuss his new book Remember Heaven. Building on the themes of his previous book Remember Death, Matt explores how the biblical vision of heaven is meant to shape our lives here and now—not just as a future hope, but as a present motivation for rest, urgency, and faithful discipleship.Together they talk about:How our cultural views of heaven often miss the God-centered reality the Bible presentsWhy remembering heaven matters in a distracted and comfort-driven worldHow heaven gives us peace in anxiety, urgency in mission, and love in communityWhat the Bible actually says (and doesn’t say) about the afterlifeHow the local church functions as a “colony of heaven” in the country of deathThis is a hopeful, practical conversation that will encourage you to set your mind on things above and live today in light of eternity.📘 Remember Heaven is available now wherever books are sold.🔗 Learn more about Matt and his ministry at edgefieldnashville.org🔗 Visit TheologyforthePeople.com for articles and content

In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady speaks with David Mathis, author of A Little Theology of Exercise: Enjoying Christ in Body and Soul, to explore the spiritual significance of physical health. This conversation looks at the theology of the body, and how caring for our bodies can actually deepen our discipleship, improve our service to others, and shape how we glorify God with our entire being.We also explore cultural trends around fitness, how to avoid idolatry of the body, and how anyone — regardless of age or ability — can engage in God-honoring movement. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or someone who avoids the gym at all costs, this episode is a helpful and grace-filled look at how physical exercise fits into the Christian life.Visit TheologyforthePeople.com for articles and more content and make sure to subscribe to the channel and share the episode with someone who would benefit from it!