In this end-of-year episode of The Theology Is Fun Podcast, Dr. Corey Abney and Dr. Ben Skaug take listeners deep into one of the most misunderstood doctrines in Christian theology: the hypostatic union—Jesus Christ as one person with two complete natures, fully God and fully man.

The conversation begins with a familiar worship song lyric that sparks theological “angst” and quickly opens into a wide-ranging discussion on the incarnation, the meaning of Philippians 2, and why language matters deeply when we speak or sing about Christ. Along the way, Corey and Ben unpack common misconceptions about Jesus “setting aside” divine attributes, explain why the kenotic theory has been historically rejected, and explore how Scripture speaks about Christ’s humanity without denying His full deity.

Topics include:

1. Whether Jesus ever limited His omniscience or divine power
2. How to understand Christ’s humanity without turning Him into a “Superman Jesus”
3. Why the incarnation is addition, not subtraction
4. How the Spirit works in Christ’s earthly ministry
5. Why Jesus can grow, hunger, suffer, and yet still uphold the universe
6. How to read difficult passages like “the Son does not know the day or the hour”

With pastoral insight, sharp theology, and plenty of humor (including laser beams, Bo Humbug, and baby Jesus with a rattle), this episode helps listeners think carefully and biblically about who Jesus is—and why getting this right matters for worship, doctrine, and faith.

As the year comes to a close, this conversation reminds us not to get lost in technicalities while missing the big picture: God has come to rescue us by becoming one of us.

Like, subscribe, and join the conversation in the comments.

Listen on Apple Podcasts podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100

Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXC...

Follow Dr. Corey Abney instagram.com/corey.abney

Follow Dr. Ben Skaug instagram.com/ben.skaug

Learn more about Bell Shoals Church: instagram.com/bellshoals

Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot&feature=shared

In this special Christmas Eve episode of The Theology Is Fun Podcast, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben take on one of the more surprising questions that tends to surface this time of year: Should Christians celebrate Christmas at all? And why do some argue that putting Christ at the center of the holiday actually violates biblical worship?

The conversation centers on the Regulative Principle—the belief that worship should only include what Scripture explicitly commands—and why that principle has led some to conclude that Christmas, especially when focused on the incarnation of Jesus, crosses theological boundaries. Corey and Ben carefully unpack these arguments, tracing their historical roots and measuring them against the full witness of Scripture.

Along the way, they discuss the difference between commanded worship and Christian freedom, how cultural traditions can be redeemed rather than rejected, and why the incarnation of Christ is not a peripheral doctrine but a central pillar of the gospel itself. They also offer thoughtful guidance on navigating these conversations with family and friends—especially when the holidays bring strong opinions to the table.

With humor, pastoral wisdom, and biblical depth, this episode reminds listeners that Christmas is not about defending traditions or avoiding controversy. It’s about rejoicing in the astonishing truth that God entered our broken world to redeem it.

Wherever you find yourself this Christmas—celebrating, weary, or somewhere in between—this conversation points back to the heart of the season and the hope found in Christ.

Merry Christmas from The Theology Is Fun Podcast.

Like, subscribe, and join the conversation.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100

Listen on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXC...

Follow Dr. Corey Abney

instagram.com/corey.abney

Follow Dr. Ben Skaug

instagram.com/ben.skaug

Learn more about Bell Shoals Church

instagram.com/bellshoals

Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot&feature=shared

Welcome back to The Theology Is Fun Podcast with Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben!

After wrapping up their two-part series on Christmas songs, Corey and Ben turn their attention to a deeper question beneath the season: Why does Christmas matter so much when life feels chaotic?

In this episode, the guys walk through Isaiah 7, unpacking the historical crisis facing Judah, the fear gripping King Ahaz, and God’s surprising response to it all. Rather than offering a quick fix or political solution, God gives a promise—a sign that ultimately points forward to Christmas itself.

Corey and Ben explore how the prophecy of Immanuel, “God with us,” functions as both a word of comfort in the midst of real-world instability and a clear promise of the coming Messiah. Along the way, they discuss the significance of the virgin birth, the faithfulness of God to His covenant with David, and why Matthew’s Gospel leaves no doubt about who Isaiah was truly talking about.

With their usual blend of humor, honesty, and biblical depth, Corey and Ben remind listeners that Christmas is not sentimental escape from chaos—it is God’s decisive answer to it. The birth of Christ announces that God has entered our broken world, reigns over it, and promises a future where all things will be made new.

Whether the holidays feel joyful, exhausting, or heavy this year, this episode points us back to the hope at the heart of Christmas.

Merry Christmas from the Theology Is Fun Podcast!

Like, subscribe, and join the conversation.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100

Listen on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXC...

Follow Dr. Corey Abney

instagram.com/corey.abney

Follow Dr. Ben Skaug

instagram.com/ben.skaug

Learn more about Bell Shoals Church

instagram.com/bellshoals

Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot&feature=shared

Welcome back to The Theology Is Fun Podcast with Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben!

In this lively Christmas episode, the guys continue their two-part exploration of the best and worst theological Christmas songs—and yes, this one may ruffle a few festive feathers.

After wishing Mama Lois a very Merry Christmas (as all good theologians should), Corey and Ben jump into the heart of the discussion: What makes a Christmas song theologically rich—or theologically questionable?

This week, they reveal their top two favorites and top two least favorites—and the conversations range from messianic expectation, the silence between the Testaments, and the nature of Christ’s humanity to why certain beloved lyrics may not say what we think they say.

They also revisit a few popular songs that spark strong reactions every year, including one that raises the question heard around the season: what did Mary actually know? With humor, clarity, and biblical depth, Corey and Ben help listeners think more carefully about the lyrics we sing and the theology we proclaim.

Merry Christmas from the Theology Is Fun Podcast!

Like, subscribe, join the conversation, and let Ben know exactly where he’s wrong—he asked for it.

Listen on Apple Music

podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100

Listen on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXC...

Follow Dr. Corey Abney: instagram.com/corey.abney

Follow Dr. Ben Skaug: instagram.com/ben.skaug

Learn more about Bell Shoals Church

Bell Shoals Church: instagram.com/bellshoals

Watch full sermons of Dr. Corey Abney

• Latest Messages

It’s Christmas time on Theology is Fun, and Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben kick off the season with part one of their two-episode special on the best and worst Christmas songs of all time. From “Joy to the World” to “Silent Night,” they break down what’s theologically rich, what’s historically questionable, and what just gives them the “Thomas Kinkade glow” in all the wrong ways.

Along the way, they unpack the incarnation, the virgin birth, the Abrahamic covenant, Genesis 3:15, and why “round yon virgin” has nothing to do with Mary’s figure. They’ll explain why “We Three Kings” may need a rewrite, why some lyrics deserve the naughty list, and why others deserve a standing ovation. And of course—there’s a nativity-scene debate, Cowboy slander, and more Christmas hot takes than anyone asked for.

Insightful, lighthearted, and full of biblical depth, this episode sets the stage for next week’s top two best and top two worst Christmas songs. Don’t miss part two.

Merry Christmas, and thanks for tuning in to Theology is Fun.

Listen on Apple Music

podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100

Listen on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXC...

Follow Dr. Corey Abney: instagram.com/corey.abney

Follow Dr. Ben Skaug: instagram.com/ben.skaug

Learn more about Bell Shoals Church

Bell Shoals Church: instagram.com/bellshoals

Watch full sermons of Dr. Corey Abney

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot&feature=shared

In this episode of Theology is Fun, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben continue their walk through the Lord’s Prayer, exploring what it means to call God “Our Father” and to live with full access to Him through Christ. From the torn curtain in the temple to the daily bread God provides, the guys unpack how Jesus teaches us to pray with confidence, humility, and dependence.

Along the way, they tackle tough questions about forgiveness, temptation, and whether you can truly forgive someone who hasn’t repented—while sprinkling in stories about traffic, Flobys, and the hazards of switching lanes in Florida. The conversation highlights the beauty of adoption, the challenge of forgiving others as God has forgiven us, and the hope of God’s kingdom coming in fullness.

Lighthearted, practical, and rooted in Scripture, this episode shows again why theology really is fun, and why the Lord’s Prayer remains a timeless guide for every believer.

Subscribe for more theology that’s clear, practical, and fun.

Listen on Apple Music

podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100

Listen on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXC...

Follow Dr. Corey Abney: instagram.com/corey.abney

Follow Dr. Ben Skaug: instagram.com/ben.skaug

Learn more about Bell Shoals Church

Bell Shoals Church: instagram.com/bellshoals

Watch full sermons of Dr. Corey Abney

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot&feature=shared

In this episode of Theology is Fun, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben tackle a surprisingly tricky question: Can our prayers be sinful, and how does a holy God receive the imperfect words of His people? What begins with pencils, beard mishaps, and a few friendly jabs quickly turns into a deep conversation about Christ’s two natures, the mediating work of Jesus and the Spirit, and why the Lord’s Prayer is both a model and a prayer we can pray word for word.

The guys break down the meaning of “Our Father,” explore the fierce love of God for His children, and debate whether every prayer falls short—or if some prayers can truly align with God’s will. Insightful, relatable, and genuinely fun, this episode invites you to pray boldly, honestly, and often, resting in the grace of the One who welcomes you as His child.

Subscribe for more theology that’s clear, practical, and fun.

Listen on Apple Music

podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100

Listen on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXC...

Follow Dr. Corey Abney: instagram.com/corey.abney

Follow Dr. Ben Skaug: instagram.com/ben.skaug

Learn more about Bell Shoals Church

Bell Shoals Church: instagram.com/bellshoals

Watch full sermons of Dr. Corey Abney

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot&feature=shared

In this episode of Theology is Fun, Dr. Corey Abney and Dr. Ben Skaug take on one of the most honest questions in the Christian life: Why does God want us to pour out our hearts to Him, even when some of our prayers are selfish—or even sinful?

With their signature mix of humor and depth, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben explore the theology of prayer, showing how it serves as a divine means by which God accomplishes His will in the world. They unpack what it means to pray to an unchanging God, discuss why prayer isn’t about changing God’s mind but aligning our hearts with His, and reveal how Christ and the Holy Spirit intercede on our behalf—even when our prayers fall short.

Along the way, they look at the story of Jonah, the Lord’s Prayer, and Romans 8 to show how prayer draws us into deeper communion with God, shaping our hearts, strengthening our faith, and reminding us that every word we speak before Him matters.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your prayers make a difference—or how to pray when you don’t know what to say—this episode will bring clarity, encouragement, and hope.

Like and subscribe on YouTube for new episodes every Wednesday, and join Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben for more engaging conversations that make theology both deep and fun

Listen on Apple Music - podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100

Listen on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXCbWCbSs6VpbAYSEb?si=0e6e8a0bd02940a4&nd=1&dlsi=316dafaa99a54685

Follow Dr. Corey Abney on Instagram

instagram.com/corey.abney

Follow Dr. Ben Skaug on Instagram

instagram.com/ben.skaug

Learn more about Bell Shoals Church

instagram.com/bellshoals

Watch full sermons of Dr. Corey Abney

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot&feature=shared