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Simply Put

Simply Put

Ligonier Ministries

Religion & Spirituality, Christianity

5 • 1.4K Ratings

Overview

Have you ever wished that someone would explain theology in a way that doesn’t require a degree or a dictionary? Maybe you’ve listened to a sermon and it seemed like the pastor was speaking another language. Or perhaps you’ve thought that the notes in your study Bible could use a commentary of their own. From imputation to justification, theophany to theodicy, keeping all these concepts straight can be a challenge for any believer. This is a short podcast about long words. Every week, Barry Cooper sheds light on a different biblical or theological term, using helpful illustrations to apply it to your life. Listen to this week’s episode to expand your understanding and deepen your faith, one word at a time.

194 Episodes

Temple

The temple was an enduring representation of the fact that the Lord, as the God of His people, will never leave them. Today, Barry Cooper points us to a greater temple that is more enduring still. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/temple/ Study Reformed theology with a free resource bundle from Ligonier Ministries: https://grow.ligonier.org/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2025

Tabernacle

Why does the Old Testament contain exacting instructions for building a meeting place with God? Should we follow these assembly instructions today so that God may dwell with us? Today, Barry Cooper explains the role of the tabernacle and the One who has fulfilled it. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/tabernacle/ Study Reformed theology with a free resource bundle from Ligonier Ministries: https://grow.ligonier.org/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2025

Contradiction and Paradox

God does not ask His people to abandon logic and simply accept the teachings of His Word on faith. Today, Barry Cooper helps us distinguish between a paradox and a contradiction. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/contradiction-and-paradox/ Study Reformed theology with a free resource bundle from Ligonier Ministries: https://grow.ligonier.org/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2025

The Babylonian Captivity

The Lord is slow to anger, but His patience with religious hypocrites does not last forever. Today, Barry Cooper considers what Israel’s exile into Babylon teaches us about the danger of becoming complacent with our sin. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/the-babylonian-captivity/ Study Reformed theology with a free resource bundle from Ligonier Ministries: https://grow.ligonier.org/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2025

Propitiation

Anger is the response of a perfectly loving God when sin is committed against Him and others. Today, Barry Cooper explains the merciful way that God has appeased His wrath against His people in order to spare them from His righteous judgment. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/propitiation/ Study Reformed theology with a free resource bundle from Ligonier Ministries: https://grow.ligonier.org/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2025

Gospel

Because of what Jesus Christ has done, death and darkness are on borrowed time. Today, Barry Cooper delivers the best news that we can ever hear. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/gospel/ Study Reformed theology with a free resource bundle from Ligonier Ministries: https://grow.ligonier.org/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2025

The Kingdom of God

The Lord reigns as King over all things. Yet, there is another sense in which the kingdom of God has not yet fully come. Today, Barry Cooper considers the meaning behind the metaphors pertaining to God’s kingdom. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/the-kingdom-of-god/ Study Reformed theology with a free resource bundle from Ligonier Ministries: https://grow.ligonier.org/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

Messiah / Christ

Far from being Jesus' last name, "Christ" is a title that carries immense meaning. Today, Barry Cooper tells of the glory that Jesus bears as the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/messiah-christ/ Study Reformed theology with a free resource bundle from Ligonier Ministries: https://grow.ligonier.org/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

The Abrahamic Covenant

What does a Mesopotamian sheep herder from 4,000 years ago have to do with us? Today, Barry Cooper explains how God’s promise to Abraham reveals the good news of Jesus Christ. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/the-abrahamic-covenant/ Study Reformed theology with a free resource bundle from Ligonier Ministries: https://grow.ligonier.org/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

Adoption

It has become a cliché to say, “We’re all God’s children.” But actually, that isn’t true. Today, Barry Cooper articulates the extraordinary privilege Christians have in being adopted into the family of God. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/adoption/ Study Reformed theology with a free resource bundle from Ligonier Ministries: https://grow.ligonier.org/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

The Apostles' Creed

Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/the-apostles-creed/ Study Reformed theology with a free resource bundle from Ligonier Ministries: https://grow.ligonier.org/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

Glory

A significant part of our lives is driven by the pursuit of two words: “Well done.” Today, Barry Cooper observes that the pursuit of glory is not a bad thing—as long as we’re seeking it in the right place. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/glory/ Study Reformed theology with a free resource bundle from Ligonier Ministries: https://grow.ligonier.org/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2025

Sin

When we sin, we strive to substitute our own authority for God’s. Today, Barry Cooper explains what makes our sin so devastating and points to another substitution as our only source of hope. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/sin/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2025

Ordo Salutis

What steps take place in the salvation of a Christian? Today, Barry Cooper provides an encouraging reminder that God’s redemption of His people is an unstoppable process. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/ordo-salutis/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2025

The Communicable Attributes of God

There’s a good way of wanting to be like God—and a very bad way. Today, Barry Cooper identifies the ways we can, and ought to, imitate God. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/the-communicable-attributes-of-god/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2025

Hermeneutics

Jesus is the lens through we must look if we are to understand the Scriptures properly. Today, Barry Cooper emphasizes the importance of interpreting the Bible as it was meant to be interpreted. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/hermeneutics/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 25 February 2025

The Creation Mandate

In the ultimate sense, there is no such thing as a job, a task, or a duty that is truly mundane. Today, Barry Cooper looks at God’s purpose for our everyday work in the world. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/the-creation-mandate/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 18 February 2025

The Ontological Argument

If it is even possible that God exists, then it follows logically that God does exist. Today, Barry Cooper walks us through Anselm's famous argument for the existence of God. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/the-ontological-argument/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2025

The Fruit of the Spirit

What should the Christian life look like? Today, Barry Cooper identifies nine qualities that the Spirit of God grows and cultivates in every true believer. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/the-fruit-of-the-spirit/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Published: 10 February 2025

The Rapture

For more than 1,800 years, Christians understood “the rapture” to be the blissful moment of Jesus’ second coming. But within the last century and a half, a new interpretation emerged. Today, Barry Cooper helps us consider what the Bible says about the rapture of Christ’s church. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/the-rapture/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 4 February 2025

Apostles

The Apostles are included in "the foundation" of the Christian church (Eph. 2:20)--a foundation laid only once. Today, Barry Cooper describes the unique role these men played as the commissioned eyewitnesses of Jesus Christ. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/apostles/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 28 January 2025

Faith

In and of itself, faith isn’t necessarily a virtue. It all depends on what we have faith in. Today, Barry Cooper explains that the reason it is proper to put our faith in Christ is because Christ is perfectly good and perfectly trustworthy. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/faith/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 21 January 2025

Covenant

The central “spine” of the Bible can be described in a single word: covenant. Today, Barry Cooper expounds on these recurring agreements, pledges, and vows that culminate in the promised arrival of Christ Himself. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/covenant/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 14 January 2025

Disciple

Peter denied Jesus by declaring, "I do not know the man." That's exactly what Christ calls us to do to our old lives when He commands us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. Today, Barry Cooper invites us to count the cost of being Jesus' disciples. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/disciple/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2025

Omniscience

Nothing is hidden from the mind of God—past, present, or future—so nothing can surprise or confuse Him. Today, Barry Cooper introduces us to God’s attribute of omniscience. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/omniscience/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 31 December 2024

The Gifts of the Spirit

Some Christians seem to think that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are given only to some believers. But the whole sweep of Scripture points in the opposite direction. Today, Barry Cooper discusses how God has empowered all of His people for ministry. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/the-gifts-of-the-spirit/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 24 December 2024

Regeneration

Defibrillators are not self-operated. Neither can the spiritually dead make themselves alive to Christ. Today, Barry Cooper helps us consider our need for someone else to apply the paddles to cause our spiritual hearts to beat. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/regeneration/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2024

The Perspicuity of Scripture

Anyone can come to Scripture and discover how they can be saved, even children and those lacking formal education. Today, Barry Cooper shows that the Bible is clear in its teaching about salvation and its basic principles for pleasing God. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/the-perspicuity-of-scripture/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2024

The Revealed and Hidden Will of God

You don’t need handwriting in the sky in order to discover God’s will for your life. Today, Barry Cooper helps us to distinguish between the revealed and hidden will of God and what we can know about both. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/the-revealed-and-hidden-will-of-god/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2024

Paraclete

The Holy Spirit comes alongside us to bear our burdens, defend us, and give us strength and courage. Today, Barry Cooper examines a Greek word that richly illustrates our relationship with Christ and His Spirit. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/paraclete/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2024

Antinomianism

We can get in danger of being so infatuated with the idea of our sin’s forgiveness that we start to leave obedience behind. Today, Barry Cooper points out that Christians don’t take God’s law less seriously, but more seriously. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/antinomianism/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2024

The Visible and Invisible Church

Not everyone who visibly appears in the church actually belongs to God’s redeemed people. Today, Barry Cooper helps us make the crucial distinction between the visible and invisible church. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/the-visible-and-invisible-church/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2024

The Cosmological Argument

The existence of creation points inevitably to the existence of a Creator. Today, Barry Cooper outlines the cosmological argument for the existence of God, the first cause. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/the-cosmological-argument/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2024

Five Points of Calvinism

Salvation isn’t a 99% to 1% split between God’s participation and ours. It is entirely the work of the Lord and all the glory belongs to Him. Today, Barry Cooper explains what is at stake in the so-called "five points of Calvinism." Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/five-points-of-calvinism/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2024

Common Grace

The Lord lavishes all people with His kindness, even those who ignore, belittle, or are hostile toward Him. Today, Barry Cooper explains that God’s universal patience toward a sinful creation reflects His glory in unique ways. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/common-grace/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 22 October 2024

Son of Man

When we ascribe a title to ourselves, we better be sure that we live up to the name. Today, Barry Cooper identifies the significance of the most common designation Jesus applied to Himself. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/son-of-man/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 15 October 2024

Predestination

Why did the Lord choose us to be His people? Is it because of something we did, something He did, or maybe a little bit of both? Today, Barry Cooper shows that the Bible’s answer to this question is abundantly clear. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/predestination/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 8 October 2024

Omnipresence

There is nowhere we can go to hide from the presence of God. He is nearer even than our own hearts. Today, Barry Cooper depicts the omnipresence or “all-presence” of God. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/omnipresence/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2024

Omnipotence

In these turbulent times, power is something of a dirty word. But God’s infinite power is supremely wonderful because it is wedded to His justice, truthfulness, and love. Today, Barry Cooper delves into the unlimited power of God. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/omnipotence/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 24 September 2024

Active and Passive Obedience of Christ

If we are to be reconciled to God, we need more than forgiveness for breaking His law. We also require the righteousness of One who has kept God’s law perfectly. Today, Barry Cooper explains the critical distinction between Christ’s active and passive obedience for our salvation. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/active-and-passive-obedience-of-christ/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 17 September 2024

Immanuel

Matthew’s gospel both begins and ends with a marvelous declaration: God is with His people. Today, Barry Cooper meditates on the meaning behind one of the names given to Christ, “Immanuel.” Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/immanuel/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 10 September 2024

Repentance

On the road of repentance, we turn back from the far country of sin into the loving embrace of our Father. In this episode, Barry Cooper traces the steps along this daily path of growth and healing. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/repentance/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 3 September 2024

Angels

As the word means "messenger," an angel isn't so much a type of being as it is a job description. In this episode, Barry Cooper presents a biblical picture of these otherworldly creatures. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/angels/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 27 August 2024

Assurance of Salvation

Walking an aisle and praying a prayer cannot assure us of our salvation. In this episode, Barry Cooper asserts that true assurance accompanies a life truly changed by the gospel. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/assurance-of-salvation/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 20 August 2024

Amillennialism

Jesus' own words seem calculated to dissuade endless speculation about His return. In this episode, Barry Cooper outlines how the Bible's revelation of the world's end is meant to stir us to action today. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/amillennialism/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 13 August 2024

The Intermediate State

What happens to us when we die? In this episode, Barry Cooper inquires into the state of our souls after death and before the resurrection. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/the-intermediate-state/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2024

Total Depravity

Sin is not a disease lurking outside of us but a poison that defiles our hearts from within. In this episode, Barry Cooper helps us understand the depths of our depravity. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/total-depravity-simply-put/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2024

The Word of God

Who, or what, is God's Word? In this episode, Barry Cooper explains why both Jesus and the Bible are called the "Word" of God. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/the-word-of-god/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2024

The New Heavens and the New Earth

What lies beneath our yearning for relationship and our longing for home? In this episode, Barry Cooper points us forward to the glorious climax of God's story of redemption. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/the-new-heavens-and-the-new-earth/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2024

Inerrancy of Scripture

When we claim the Bible is devoid of errors, we must clarify what an error actually is. In this episode, Barry Cooper deciphers the doctrine of biblical inerrancy. Read the transcript: https://simplyputpodcast.com/inerrancy-of-scripture/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2024

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