White Horse Inn.

Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, Walter R. Strickland II

Do all paths lead to God? Is the Bible history or mythology? Are we saved by grace or good works? Featuring conversations with Christians from a variety traditions, this program is designed to give you a better understanding of what you believe and why you believe it. read less

Religion & SpiritualityReligion & Spirituality

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Equipping You to Minister to the Dechurched in Your Life

Equipping You to Minister to the Dechurched in Your Life

If you go to church, do you know why you attend? Do you know why your friends and family have casually just stopped going to church? How can we talk about the necessity of the church in a way that is beautiful and life-giving, but goes beyond personal preference? In this episode, Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Walter Strickland, and Bob Hiller answer these questions and more as they discuss how Christians can reach out to their dechurched friends, family, and neighbors. “When asked how willing they would be to go back to church, 51 percent said they are either somewhat willing or very willing—51 percent! Unsurprisingly, the reasons they would come back also represent a longing to belong. These dechurched evangelicals said they would come back if they made new friends (28%), if they move and want to make new friends (18%), if they became lonely and want to make new friends (20%), if their children want to go (16%), if their spouse wants to go (18%), if a friend invites them (17%), if there is a good pastor (18%), if they find a good community (17%), if they miss their church community (20%), or if they just find a church they like (14%). This group's high orthodoxy scores also inform other reasons they would come back: if they feel the distance from God (20%) or if God tells them to go back in some significant way (18%). The main takeaway here is that many dechurched evangelicals simply need a friend to invite them to church.” - The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? by Jim Davis and Michael Graham, with Ryan P. Burge, p. 28. CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS: The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? by Jim Davis and Michael Graham, with Ryan P. Burge. Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church. Subscribe to Modern Reformation magazine. Our March/April issue is “The Head & the Heart,” where we feature essays, poems, and articles about how the Bible does not separate the “rational” mind and the “emotive” heart; rather, “In the Bible, the intellect, will, and emotions are all capacities that belong to the whole, integrated person.” For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org Featuring: Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb

Episodes

Equipping You to Minister to the Dechurched in Your Life

Equipping You to Minister to the Dechurched in Your Life

If you go to church, do you know why you attend? Do you know why your friends and family have casually just stopped going to church? How can we talk about the necessity of the church in a way that is beautiful and life-giving, but goes beyond personal preference? In this episode, Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Walter Strickland, and Bob Hiller answer these questions and more as they discuss how Christians can reach out to their dechurched friends, family, and neighbors. “When asked how willing they would be to go back to church, 51 percent said they are either somewhat willing or very willing—51 percent! Unsurprisingly, the reasons they would come back also represent a longing to belong. These dechurched evangelicals said they would come back if they made new friends (28%), if they move and want to make new friends (18%), if they became lonely and want to make new friends (20%), if their children want to go (16%), if their spouse wants to go (18%), if a friend invites them (17%), if there is a good pastor (18%), if they find a good community (17%), if they miss their church community (20%), or if they just find a church they like (14%). This group's high orthodoxy scores also inform other reasons they would come back: if they feel the distance from God (20%) or if God tells them to go back in some significant way (18%). The main takeaway here is that many dechurched evangelicals simply need a friend to invite them to church.” - The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? by Jim Davis and Michael Graham, with Ryan P. Burge, p. 28. CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS: The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? by Jim Davis and Michael Graham, with Ryan P. Burge. Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church. Subscribe to Modern Reformation magazine. Our March/April issue is “The Head & the Heart,” where we feature essays, poems, and articles about how the Bible does not separate the “rational” mind and the “emotive” heart; rather, “In the Bible, the intellect, will, and emotions are all capacities that belong to the whole, integrated person.” For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org Featuring: Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb

How the Local Church Can Minister to the Dechurched

How the Local Church Can Minister to the Dechurched

What happened in American culture and in the church from the 1970s-1990s? What were the conversations and big concerns of that time when White Horse Inn recorded its first episodes? In answering some of these questions, churches can get their bearings as to what trends have impacted those who no longer sit in their pews and what to do about it. “The early 1990s was an inflection point for American religion. Between the early 1970s and 1990s, the share of Americans who had no religious affiliation had only risen two points. But from that point forward, the nones would grow by a percentage point or two nearly every year through the following three decades.” - Ryan Burge, “‘OK Millennial’: Don’t Blame the Boomers for Decline of Religious America” Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb discuss how modern historical events and trends have impacted church attendance today and how to respond. CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS: The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? by Jim Davis and Michael Graham, with Ryan P. Burge. Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church. Subscribe to Modern Reformation magazine. Our March/April issue is “The Head & the Heart,” where we feature essays, poems, and articles about how the Bible does not separate the “rational” mind and the “emotive” heart; rather, “In the Bible, the intellect, will, and emotions are all capacities that belong to the whole, integrated person.” For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org Featuring: Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb

The Great Dechurching, with Michael Graham and Jim Davis

The Great Dechurching, with Michael Graham and Jim Davis

Justin Holcomb interviews Jim Davis and Michael Graham, authors of The Great Dechurching, to discuss why forty million Americans have stopped attending church in the past 25 years. Many attribute church decline to encroaching secular trends, abuse in the church, or spiritual deconstruction. While all of these trends have spiked in recent years, Davis and Graham, with the help of Ryan Burge, reveal that these factors are not the primary causes for the erosion of church attendance and share what the church can do to turn back those estranged from her. CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS: The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? by Jim Davis and Michael Graham, with Ryan P. Burge. Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church. Subscribe to Modern Reformation magazine. Our March/April issue is “The Head & the Heart,” where we feature essays, poems, and articles about how the Bible does not separate the “rational” mind and the “emotive” heart; rather, “In the Bible, the intellect, will, and emotions are all capacities that belong to the whole, integrated person.” For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org Featuring: Justin Holcomb, Michael Graham and Jim Davis

Preaching the Resurrection Amidst the Mockery of the World

Preaching the Resurrection Amidst the Mockery of the World

On this Easter Sunday, we join Paul at the Areopagus in Acts 17. Hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Walter Strickland, and Bob Hiller dive into Paul’s apologetic approach as he speaks to his pagan audience and how on Easter we will, like Paul, be mocked by some for preaching the resurrection of the dead, while others will want to hear more about its hope and promise. CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS: Knowing the Bible: Acts Study by Justin Holcomb Subscribe to Modern Reformation magazine, and don’t miss this month’s issue, “The Head & the Heart.” Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church. For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org Featuring: Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb

Preaching That Frees Us from the Law

Preaching That Frees Us from the Law

In Acts 13:16-41, we encounter the newly converted Paul preaching at the synagogue in Antioch. In this episode, Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb discuss what happened between Stephen’s death and Paul’s conversion, and what uniquely transformed Paul from a law-abiding Pharisee to preaching “[freedom] from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.” CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS: Knowing the Bible: Acts Study by Justin Holcomb Subscribe to Modern Reformation magazine, and don’t miss this month’s issue, “The Head & the Heart.” Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church. For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org Featuring: Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb

Preaching That Endures the Anger of Mobs

Preaching That Endures the Anger of Mobs

In Acts 7, we see Stephen’s sermon before the Sanhedrin. What did he say that enraged those he was speaking to and how can we model his posture of forgiveness in the face of persecution? Hosts Michael Horton, Walter Strickland, Bob Hiller, and Justin Holcomb trace Stephen’s redemptive historical tour de force that ultimately culminates in his martyrdom and ask how we can model our own lives and ministries after his example. CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS: Knowing the Bible: Acts Study by Justin Holcomb Subscribe to Modern Reformation magazine, and don’t miss this month’s issue, “The Head & the Heart.” Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church. For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org Featuring: Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb

Preaching Repentance to the Religious and Irreligious Alike

Preaching Repentance to the Religious and Irreligious Alike

Why was Jesus sent to the Jews first? How does the church relate to Israel now? In Acts 3:12-26, Peter continues to unravel for the “Men of Israel” how Jesus is the fulfillment of the promises made to the Patriarchs, Moses, and the Prophets. In this episode, Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Justin Holcomb, and Walter Strickland discuss Peter’s second sermon, how Christianity and Judaism became their own distinct religions, and how the preaching of the gospel calls for the religious and irreligious alike to repent and have faith in Christ. CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS: Knowing the Bible: Acts Study by Justin Holcomb Subscribe to Modern Reformation magazine, and don’t miss this month’s issue, “The Head & the Heart.” Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church. For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org Featuring: Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb

A Tribute to Rod Rosenbladt

A Tribute to Rod Rosenbladt

Watch this conversation at youtube.com/@whitehorse1990 Let’s just go to the OK Corral together to defend the gospel and help people.” In this episode of White Horse Inn, original hosts, Michael Horton, Ken Jones, and Kim Riddlebarger discuss the impact and legacy of their dear friend and former co-host, Rod Rosenbladt. Rod died after a brief illness on February 2, 2024. For those at White Horse Inn, “Dad Rod” was more than just a regular voice articulating a confessional Lutheran distinctive on the radio. He was a mentor, a father in the faith, and a trusted friend. Listen in to hear how Mike, Kim, and Ken met Rod, how he had a desire to win people, not arguments, and how he never forgot to point us all away from ourselves to “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Preaching That Cuts to the Heart

Preaching That Cuts to the Heart

What can the modern church learn from apostolic preaching in Acts? More than we may realize. In this episode, Michael Horton, Walter Strickland, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller uncover many of the key themes, components, and characteristics of apostolic preaching. Starting with Peter’s Pentecost sermon in Acts 2:14-40, the hosts discuss the hermeneutics of the apostles and how we can use their insights in the Old Testament to “cut to the heart” of those who hear our message today. CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS: Knowing the Bible: Acts Study by Justin Holcomb Subscribe to Modern Reformation magazine, and don’t miss this month’s issue, “The Head & the Heart.” Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church. For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org Featuring: Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb

Art in the Christian Life with Guest Ann Tarwater

Art in the Christian Life with Guest Ann Tarwater

Michael Horton is joined by Ann Tarwater to discuss the place of art in the Christian life, if art is just for the elites, and how churches can emphasize truth, but neglect goodness and beauty. Ann started her career as a model for famous American fashion designers Oscar de la Renta, Mary McFadden, Alpert Nipon, and many others. She also graduated with a Masters of Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina. Building upon her background in modeling and fashion as well as theology, Ann launched The Appropriate Method, a business teaching etiquette and protocol to children and adults. Ann currently serves on the Advisory Board for the Arts at Queens University, the Board of Craft and Design for the Mint Museum, and the Chaplains Advisory Board for Atrium Health. CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS: Sign up to receive an original art print for this series at whitehorseinn.org/offers Subscribe to Modern Reformation magazine, and don’t miss this month’s issue, “The Arts.” Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church. For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org Featuring: Michael Horton and Ann Tarwater

Art and the Pulpit with Guest Dr. Carl Ellis

Art and the Pulpit with Guest Dr. Carl Ellis

Walter Strickland and Carl Ellis discuss how the sermon is a piece of rhetoric that is not merely made of wise words (Acts 4:13), but could also be described as a piece of art. Even if there are no icons, tapestries, and stained glass windows in a church, there is still art in worship and in the sermon. Dr. Carl Ellis began his ministry as a Senior Campus Minister in New York, he studied under Francis Schaeffer at LÁbri in Switzerland, completed his MAR at Westminster Theological Seminary, and holds a D.Phil. from Oxford Graduate School. In recent years, Dr. Ellis has served as an adjunct faculty member at the Center for Urban Theological Studies and as Dean of Intercultural Studies at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and is now the leader of the African American Leadership Initiative at Reformed Theological Seminary, where he teaches, and collaborates with RTS presidents, deans and faculty to cultivate mentoring and modeling of students who aspire to serve in predominantly black church and multi-ethnic contexts. CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS: Sign up to receive an original art print for this series at whitehorseinn.org/offers Subscribe to Modern Reformation magazine, and don’t miss this month’s issue, “The Arts.” Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church. For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org Featuring: Walter Strickland and Carl Ellis

Art and Church Architecture with Guest Dr. Lloyd DeWitt

Art and Church Architecture with Guest Dr. Lloyd DeWitt

Justin Holcomb sits down with Lloyd DeWitt to discuss how the church has historically thought of sacred space and architecture, what we can learn from categories and trends that have impacted church architecture, and what we miss when we replace steeples, pulpits, and cathedrals with many eclectic, modern designs. Dr. DeWitt is the Chief Curator and Irene Leache Curator of European Art at the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia. He holds a Ph.D. in Art History from the University of Maryland, College Park, where he specialized in Northern Baroque and Northern Renaissance Art and his interests range broadly, from African art to 20th-century Canadian art. CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS: Sign up to receive an original art print for this series at whitehorseinn.org/offers Subscribe to Modern Reformation magazine, and don’t miss this month’s issue, “The Arts.” Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church. For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org

Art and the Reformation with Guest Dr. Dan van Voorhis

Art and the Reformation with Guest Dr. Dan van Voorhis

Bob Hiller is joined by Dan van Voorhis to discuss a theology of the arts and how Reformational theology, and Lutheran theology specifically, instructs Christians on the place of art as we live coram deo (in the presence of God). They discuss if art can be “redeemed,” cultivating good taste in art, differences in Lutheran and Reformed traditions, and more. After receiving his Ph.D. in History from the University of St. Andrews, Dr. van Voorhis spent 11 years teaching history and political thought at Concordia University, Irvine. He is now the 1517 Academy Dean. He also spends his time writing for 1517 and hosting the Soul of Christianity and the Christian History Almanac podcasts. CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S OFFERS: Sign up to receive an original art print for this series at whitehorseinn.org/offers Subscribe to Modern Reformation magazine, and don’t miss this month’s issue, “The Arts.” Become a Partner to support the work of White Horse Inn as we apply the riches of the Reformation to the modern church. For more information, visit us at whitehorseinn.org or email us at info@whitehorseinn.org

Misunderstood Passages about the “Inconsistencies” in the Bible

Misunderstood Passages about the “Inconsistencies” in the Bible

The Bible is a large library of ancient books, covering different ancient literary genres. While all things that pertain to how we can be saved are made plain and clear in the words of Scripture, not everything in the Bible is equally as clear. There are many passages that seem to contradict themselves, which can create a hay day for those antagonistic toward the faith. It can also make for a difficult devotional time for the Christian just trying to faithfully read Scripture. In this episode, Michael Horton, Walter Strickland, and Bob Hiller show how we can make sense of passages in the Bible that seem to subvert each other and more.

Misunderstood Passages about the Weird Stuff in the Bible

Misunderstood Passages about the Weird Stuff in the Bible

From the Nephilim to the imprecatory psalms, there is a lot of weird stuff in the Bible. The problem is that for many people, these texts can quickly turn into rabbit holes of vain speculation. In the episode, Michael Horton, Walter Strickland, and Bob Hiller show how ordinary Christians can be inquisitive readers of Scripture—being receptive to their meaning and place in God’s revelation—while also refraining from making the strange and the niche central to our who we are.

Misunderstood Passages About Culture

Misunderstood Passages About Culture

When it comes to cultural concerns of our day, Bible passages are often used by pastors, politicians, or concerned family members to calm or stoke anxiety and fear in others. In this episode, Michael Horton, Walter Strickland, and Bob Hiller situate these passages in their original context and discuss how they’re often used to address the salient cultural and political issues that occupy so many people’s attention today.

Misunderstood Passages About the Christian Life

Misunderstood Passages About the Christian Life

What are some of the most misunderstood passages in the Bible? In this episode, Michael Horton, Walter Strickland, and Bob Hiller discuss three of the most Googled verses in the Bible and how these verses are often shared to help motivate people amidst uncertainty, anxiety, and sufferings big and small.

I Will Build My Church

I Will Build My Church

Thank you for supporting and listening to White Horse Inn this year! In this special year-end episode, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland answer listener questions and reflect on what excites them as they anticipate God’s work in 2024.

The Blessings of Simeon

The Blessings of Simeon

As we consider Christ’s birth, we can’t help but consider his death. From a baby in a manager to a man hanging on a cross, it is through Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection that we find the hope and joy we sing about at Christmas. In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland reflect on The Song of Simeon, recognizing God’s faithfulness and Jesus’s redemptive purpose.

Gratitude and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come (Special)

Gratitude and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come (Special)

"Before I draw nearer to that stone to which you point," said Scrooge, "answer me one question." In this special episode re-release, Michael Horton shares how the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come in Dickens's 'A Christmas Carol' points us to our need for a transformation, but how only the gospel can move us from behavioral change to living a new life of gratitude and joy.