Every Square Inch Podcast

Pastoral Reflections, Part 2: How To Bless Your Pastor Dec 07, 2022

In part two of this this two-part “Pastoral Reflections” series, Robert shares some thoughts for church members about the best ways to communicate with and encourage their pastor.

Pastoral Reflections, Part 1: How Pastors Can Avoid My Mistakes Nov 18, 2022

In this two-part series, Robert shares some reflections about his past 16 years of pastoral ministry. In part 1, he shares some of the biggest mistakes he made as a pastor and how pastors can avoid them.

Who's Afraid of Halloween? Oct 26, 2022

Robert shares his thoughts about how Christians can engage with the Halloween holiday in a God-honoring and Biblical way.

On the Topics of Contraception and Singleness Sep 02, 2022

In the final follow-up episode from this year’s Good of the Bluegrass Conference theme, “Sacred Eros,” Robert addresses two questions that weren’t able to be answered during the conference: what does Sacred Eros say about contraception, and what does it say about my singleness?

The Theology of the Female Body Aug 12, 2022

Secular feminism and purity culture teach very different perspectives about the uniqueness and value of the female body, but what does the Bible say? In this episode, Robert looks to scripture to find the principles that should shape the way women (and men) treat their bodies.

Pro-Life, Post-Roe Jul 08, 2022

Roe v. Wade has been overturned—now what? In this week’s episode, Robert examines the next steps for the pro-life movement in the pursuit of mercy and justice for the vulnerable in our community.

Tracing Our Cultural Shift on Sexual Identity Jun 10, 2022

How did our cultural norms change so quickly on LGBTQ+ issues? As a follow-up to the previous episode about erotic love, Robert looks closer at the issue of sexual identity, and finds that the shifts we’ve seen in the past 15 years are rooted in cultural movements which are centuries old.

Sacred Eros Jun 03, 2022

In this episode, Robert shares an extended summary of the talks he gave at this year’s Good of the Bluegrass Conference. The theme of that conference (which is also the title of this episode) was designed to show us what the Bible has to say about erotic love, and how God designed it to be a reflection of his perfect redemption story.

Surveying Secular Sexuality Jan 26, 2022

In preparation for his talks about human sexuality at the upcoming Good of the Bluegrass Conference, where he will seek to bring the Christian sexual ethic back inside our culture’s “plausibility structure,” Robert uses this episode to first show the flaws of today’s prevailing sexual ethic, with the hope that skeptics will be willing to hear what the Bible has to say.

Sign up for the conference at gbcon.org.

Honor Your (Unhealthy) Father and Mother Dec 15, 2021

Most Christians know the Bible’s command to “honor your father and mother” but what exactly does that look like when your parents are mentally unhealthy or even physically abusive? This week’s episode focusses on the difficult topic of how parents should repent and how children can respond.

Why I’m Pro-Life Dec 03, 2021

With a Supreme Court case about abortion rights making headlines, Robert makes a case for the pro-life viewpoint without using the Bible.

It’s Time to Come Back to Church Oct 29, 2021

The pandemic forced us all to worship God from home on Sunday mornings, but for most of us that season is now in the past. In this week’s episode, Robert points to several reasons why those of us who are “back to normal” Monday through Saturday should also make Sunday worship part of that normal too.

The Great Fear of American Christianity Oct 11, 2021

After a trip to Great Britain, Robert addresses a common concern he hears about seeing the future of America in the present of Britain. Robert agrees that American churches could one day become museums and pubs (as in Britain), but not for the reasons you might think.

A New (Yet Old) Evangelism Sep 17, 2021

How do you share your faith in a post-modern culture that’s radically different than the culture in which you came to faith? In this week’s episode, Robert gives his thoughts on how to reach the next generation in a Biblical way.

“In Defense of Good Works” Sermon Audio (link)

“Evangelism in a Secular Age” Topical Teaching Series (link)

United Sports of America Sep 10, 2021

Is there any part of our culture that isn’t divided these days? In this week’s episode, Robert argues that the arena of sports fandom is one of the few places left in our society where animosity is set aside for a few hours to cheer on a common cause. And yet, it is still a flawed replacement for the glory, community, and identity found in the Kingdom of God.

The Heart of Our Cultural Divide Aug 20, 2021

This week Robert expands on last week’s podcast by examining the impact of our “loves” upon our tribalism and, just as important, how we treat the opposing tribe.

Satanic Schemes Aug 13, 2021

After taking an extended break away from what’s trending on social media and our fast-paced modern news cycles, Robert is back from his sabbatical with a refreshed perspective of what he believes is happening to our culture.

Why Your Pastor Needs a Sabbatical Apr 09, 2021

In Robert’s final episode before heading off on a four-month sabbatical, he makes the case for why your pastor, because of his unique position and calling, needs a sabbatical too.

Redefining Singleness, Part 2 Mar 11, 2021

After debunking the myths of singleness in part 1, in this episode Robert unpacks what the Bible says about the “gift” of singleness and the implications this mindset can have upon your life.

Redefining Singleness, Part 1 Feb 26, 2021

Our culture has many flawed messages about what it means to be single, including our Christian sub-culture. But what does Jesus have to say about it? In part 1 of a series on singleness, Robert dispels several myths that our world and the church have told single people.

Follow-Up to “Racism in America” Series Feb 05, 2021

In light of Black History Month, and in response to feedback about the “Racism in America” series (episodes 31-33), Robert shares some additional thoughts about the history of racism in the church, Critical Race Theory, and more.

LINKS:

“Lost Legacy” by Dr. Sean Lucas (YouTube Video)

Capitol Reflection Jan 08, 2021

In response to this week’s unprecedented events on Capitol Hill, Robert offers an invitation to look in the mirror, and not across the aisle.

REPOST: Ridiculous Christmas Dec 23, 2020

This week we are re-posting Robert’s Christmas podcast from 2019, as he looks at the understandably ridiculous claim of the virgin birth of Jesus and how this miracle of Christmas gives us greater hope and joy than any other news this world can offer.

Redefining Manhood & Womanhood Dec 11, 2020

In this week’s episode, Robert expands upon a few tweets he posted about masculinity, how our culture’s view of manhood has been formed by the lack of good examples in the church, and what the Bible says about true manhood and womanhood.

What We Need This Thanksgiving Nov 24, 2020

This week’s episode is a brief word from Robert reminding us about the importance of thanksgiving in all seasons, but especially this year.

EPISODE LINKS:

Liturgy for Thanksgiving Meal

"Frozen" and Fundamentalism Nov 13, 2020

If you’ve been hurt by family or friends whose fundamental Christianity placed a burden on you that was too heavy to bear, this episode is for you. Robert does a deep dive into the movie “Frozen,” the ways people react to fundamentalism, and a better way forward through Jesus himself.

Sexual Abuse in the Church: Why It Happens, and What Can Be Done About It Oct 30, 2020

As the senior pastor of a church which submitted itself to an independent investigation of sexual abuse, and which is currently submitting to another investigation, Robert has recorded this episode as a resource to others who find themselves in a similar situation and are looking for Biblical guidance. This episode looks at two main questions: why is the church uniquely susceptible to sexual abuse, and what can be done to protect against sexual abuse?

LINKS:

Executive Summary of Independent Investigation Conducted by GRACE for Tates Creek Presbyterian Church (June 2019)

Announcement of Investigation into Allegations Against Chris Rice (October 2020)

Is America a Christian Nation? Part 2: Absolutely Yes Oct 08, 2020

In Part 2 of this two-part series, Robert unpacks what it truly means for America to be a “Christian Nation” by looking at the founders’ beliefs, the intentions behind the way they designed our nation, and how to deal with the failures of our country in a way that honors our founding principles.

Is America a Christian Nation? Part 1: Absolutely Not Sep 18, 2020

In this two-part series, Robert answers the question “Is America a Christian Nation?” two ways: absolutely not, and absolutely yes. In Part 1, he takes a closer look at the history of American exceptionalism and its ties to Christianity, both at America’s founding and also to this day.

View our "One Step" applications to the Racism in America series on our church website: tcpca.org/onestep

Racism in America, Part 3 Jul 08, 2020

In the final episode of our series on racism in America, Robert looks specifically at how our Protestant, Presbyterian tradition has handled the issues of slavery and racism in our country’s history, before ending the series with theological and practical applications for our church.

LINKS:

Overture 43 from the 44th PCA General Assembly, condemning corporate, historical racism in our denomination.

“Heal Us, Emmanuel: A Call for Racial Reconciliation, Representation, and Unity in the Church” edited by Doug Serven (link to Amazon)

“For a Continuing Church: The Roots of the Presbyterian Church in America” by Sean Michael Lucas (link to Amazon)

“Mississippi Praying” by Carolyn Renée Dupont (link to Amazon)

Racism in America, Part 2 Jun 30, 2020

In episode two of our "Racism in America" series, Robert now speaks to Christians who have a harder time accepting proof that racism is still a problem in today's society, and challenges us to examine our history through a more critical lens.

Racism in America, Part 1 Jun 19, 2020

In the first episode of a three-part series on the historical cultural moment emerging from the killing of George Floyd, Robert speaks to those who are passionate for racial justice. While affirming their zeal to fight racism, he cautions that they may be unknowingly embracing a destructive ideology that harms the very world they are seeking to heal. In his analysis, he takes a look at the history and meaning behind many terms that have entered our mainstream discourse which are crucial to understand.

Deconstructing the De-conversion of Rhett & Link, Part 5 Jun 16, 2020

In the final episode of our de-conversion series, Robert finishes by looking at a common “non-starter” for non-Christians: the seemingly archaic and unreasonable sexual ethic of the Bible. What does Jesus have to say about our sexuality, and why does our western culture refuse to accept it?

Deconstructing the De-conversion of Rhett & Link, Part 4 Jun 16, 2020

In Part 4 of this de-conversion series, Robert asks us to think about justice and judgment, and answers a common question from non-Christians about why a loving God would send people to hell.

Deconstructing the De-conversion of Rhett & Link, Part 3 May 07, 2020

Part 2 of this series engaged Rhett's struggle with the truth of Christianity. In Part 3, Robert turns to Link's story and his struggle with the beauty of Christianity, arguing that Jesus is not just true, Jesus is beautiful.

Lament & Hope After a Terminal Illness Diagnosis: An Interview with Wayne & Sandra Marlowe May 04, 2020

This episode of Every Square Inch features an interview with Wayne & Sandra Marlowe, two members of our church who recently received some life-altering news: Sandra has been diagnosed with ALS. They have courageously agreed to discuss their story, from the first symptoms until now, and share about their struggles, sorrows, and ultimately, their unshakable joy in Christ.

Deconstructing the De-conversion of Rhett & Link, Part 2 Apr 21, 2020

Part 1 of this series looked at de-conversion stories in general; in Part 2, Robert looks specifically at Rhett’s story, the pursuit of truth, and the “truest truth” that is found in the person of Jesus.

RISEN Apr 08, 2020

From a Christian perspective, nothing is more relevant today than whether or not there is an ancient, empty grave. Following the acronym of R.I.S.E.N., Robert summarizes his years of study to outline his historical defense of the truth of the resurrection.

Saving Lives by Staying Home Mar 19, 2020

On March 11, in response to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear’s request that all churches should cancel worship, Tates Creek Presbyterian Church released a statement saying that it never cancels its weekly worship service. The next day, its service was canceled. What happened in those 24 hours? On this week’s podcast, Robert shares what happened behind the scenes that changed the minds of the church leadership, and challenges us all to “embrace the inconveniences” of loving our neighbor.

Deconstructing the De-conversion of Rhett & Link, Part 1 Mar 05, 2020

When popular comedians Rhett & Link announced they no longer had faith in Christ, the news sent ripples across Christian circles who have been following their work for decades. Before diving deep into their de-conversion story, Robert first looks at their story through the lens of Charles Taylor’s observations about our “secular age” and how unsurprising (and not uncommon) stories like their’s are in a post-modern world.

Halftime Show or All-Time Low? Feb 21, 2020

After Jennifer Lopez and Shakira’s halftime show during the Super Bowl, a debate was sparked about cultural norms and morality within a world that’s trying to figure out what strong femininity looks like. On this week’s podcast, Robert endeavors to fairly present both sides of the argument, and then point us to a greater truth about God’s creation and our sanctification.

World(view) Domination Feb 07, 2020

Western imperialism used to conquer and colonize other worlds; now it’s other worldviews. In this week’s episode, Robert discusses the militancy of Western progressive culture toward other cultures, particularly in the area of sexual ethics, and then offers the Kingdom of God as a culture able to affirm and critique every culture.

Glorious News to a World Despairing Jan 31, 2020

In the wake of the death of Kobe Bryant and eight others in a tragic helicopter crash, this week’s podcast spends a few minutes looking at the topic of death in order to share “glorious news” with our death-avoidant culture.

Pod for Life Jan 25, 2020

President Trump’s presence at the March for Life may have ramped up the publicity of the movement, but on this week’s podcast, Robert shares why the president may have done more harm than good, and offers a productive way forward for pro-life advocates.

Therapy or Tyranny? Jan 17, 2020

As the Kentucky State Legislature weighs the decision to make homosexual conversion therapy illegal state-wide, Robert takes a closer look at Senate Bill 85 and the positive & negative impact it could have on our communities.

Ridiculous Christmas Dec 23, 2019

After sharing a brief review of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” (no spoilers), Robert looks at the understandably ridiculous claim of the virgin birth of Jesus and how this miracle of Christmas gives us greater hope and joy than any other news this world can offer.

Explaining Evil Dec 12, 2019

One of the most common questions asked about Christianity relates to the nature of evil: “If God exists, then why is there suffering in our world?” This week’s episode flips that question on its head in order to expand our understanding of the existence of evil, and shows how Christmas gives us hope in the midst of pain.

The Oppression of Communism (and Consumerism) Dec 02, 2019

With socialist ideals gaining popularity in America, Robert returns from a trip to Belarus with observations on a culture formed by those very ideals. But his critique is not just reserved for the communism of Eastern Europe, but the consumerism of America as well.

The Internet, Part 4: Losing Our Minds Nov 22, 2019

The advent of the Internet has given us access to a wealth of knowledge and information that wasn’t available to generations past, but is that necessarily a good thing? In the final episode of our Internet Series, Robert looks at the ways our minds are being negatively shaped by this “new normal” and suggests some practical steps to overcome the pitfalls associated with it.

"If I Run for Governor, but Have Not Love..." Nov 08, 2019

We’re taking a break from our series on the internet to talk about a topic that is on everyone’s mind: the Kentucky gubernatorial election between Governor Matt Bevin and Attorney General Andy Beshear. Robert looks at why Governor Bevin lost the election, and the lesson we should all learn about the importance of love above all other virtues.

The Internet, Part 3: Digital Relationships Nov 01, 2019

In 2019, we are more connected to each other than ever. Or are we? This week, Robert examines the impact that the internet has had on our concept of community and the problems inherent in our new relational reality.

The Internet, Part 2: The Pervasiveness of Pornography Oct 17, 2019

There was a time when you could avoid pornography just by avoiding a certain section of the video store, but times have certainly changed. This week, Robert looks at the effects of the widespread availability of pornography and how it has shaped our minds, relationships, and culture.

The Internet, Part 1: Why the Internet Is So Powerful Oct 10, 2019

The widespread availability of the internet has radically changed our world in ways we don’t yet understand. In part one of this four-part series, Robert takes a generalized look at why the internet is an utterly unique technology in the history of humanity, due to its boundlessness and anonymity.

Redeeming Capitalism Oct 03, 2019

What are we to make of socialism’s rising popularity in our nation? Robert sees it as a rebuke to our greedy and excessive culture and challenges us to reimagine capitalism’s unrivaled potential to serve the common good.

Climate Consistency Sep 26, 2019

What should we do with the information that our planet is warming? This week, Robert takes on the issue of climate change by looking at the logical inconsistencies on both sides of the debate, and how returning to core principles would help each side better fight for their cause.

The Beauty of Christ's Exclusivity Sep 19, 2019

We live in a day and age when truth claims, especially exclusive truth claims, are not viewed kindly. In this week’s podcast, Robert finds the exclusive truth hiding under the surface of our culture’s insistence on inclusivity, and points us to a better exclusive truth in Jesus.

Finding Hope in Depression Sep 12, 2019

The sudden, tragic death of well-known pastor and mental health advocate, Jarrid Wilson, prompted Robert to focus this week's episode of Every Square Inch on the epidemic of anxiety and depression. Rather than explain this cultural phenomenon, Robert offers the Christian diagnosis of depression and anxiety and its hope to the depressed and anxious.

Welcome to Every Square Inch Aug 29, 2019

In Episode 1 of Every Square Inch, Robert defines Public theology and explains why he has chosen to conduct a podcast on this topic.

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