Cage Free Theology

In this episode of Cage Free Theology, Clint and Will address the question that surfaces every spring: Should Christians observe Lent? Clint shares his personal journey from growing up in the Catholic church—complete with "smudge" crosses and failed attempts at giving up Coca-Cola—to finding spiritual freedom in evangelical Christianity. The duo explores the historical roots of Lent, dating back to the second century, while contrasting modern "virtue signaling" with the biblical call for private devotion. 

Whether you’re curious about the origins of Ash Wednesday or looking for meaningful ways to anticipate Resurrection Sunday without the man-made rules, this episode offers a balanced, biblical perspective on self-discipline and the rhythm of the Christian life.

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👇 Jump to moments (chapters):
0:42 – Growing up Catholic and the "Coke addiction" fast
2:01 – From Fat Tuesday to Ash Wednesday: the Lent timeline
4:51 – Does Lent predate the Roman Catholic Church?
6:37 – Liberation vs. Tradition
8:53 – Jesus’s warnings on public fasting in Matthew 6
11:11 – Healthy ways to prepare for Easter
12:54 – An alternative to formal Lenten structures

In today's episode of Cage Free Theology, Clint and Will give the highlights and takeaways from the Shepherds’ Conference 2026, held from March 4–6 at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley. This year’s theme, “Servant of the Word: The Life and Ministry of John MacArthur,” served as a profound tribute to Dr. MacArthur’s 56 years of steadfast dedication to the lordship of Christ and the sufficiency of Scripture. 
We get into:
     The Keynote Sessions: Abner Chou’s opening on Christ’s lordship, John Piper’s exhortation on the glory of the church, and Paul Washer’s stirring call for pastors to be men of private prayer and deep biblical communion. 
     Legacy & Conviction: Discussing the "Friends of John MacArthur" Q&A featuring Al Mohler, Mark Dever, and Ligon Duncan, where they explored the global impact of five decades of expository preaching. 
     Theological Precision: Summarizing critical sessions from Michael Reeves on seeking God’s glory. 
Whether you were in the room in Los Angeles or followed along via the livestream, this recap provides a concise summary of the doctrinal clarity and spiritual refreshment that defined the 2026 conference.

This episode concludes the "Tulip" series on Cage Free Theology, we’re diving into the "P": Perseverance of the Saints. Hosts Clint and Will clarify why this doctrine is more than just the "once saved, always saved" cliché. They explore the vital tension between God’s sovereign preservation and the believer’s call to holiness, offering deep comfort for the struggling Christian and a sobering look at what it means to truly belong to Christ.

We tackle the tough questions:
    What’s the difference between "Once Saved Always Saved" and biblical perseverance?
    How do we handle the "Tears" among the "Wheat" in the local church?
    Why is our security 100% based on His faithfulness, not our own?

If you’ve ever wrestled with your assurance or wondered about those who walk away from the faith, this episode is for you.

Tune in to find comfort in the promise that "He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion."

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👇 Jump to moments (chapters):
0:55 - A "nutshell" definition
1:55 - Perseverance vs. "Once Saved, Always Saved" 
4:04 - The faithfulness of God—not the strength of the believer—is the anchor of security
5:38 - The Role of the Believer and working out your own salvation 
6:50 - A look at Colossians 1:22-23
8:10 - Why the 5 Points Stand Together
11:25 - Apostasy - people who "fall away" 
14:02 - Wheat and Tears
17:07 - Thistles and Church Membership
19:13 - Recommended Resources

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📖Scriptures And References Mentioned In This Episode:
Jude 1
1 Thessalonians 5:23–24
Philippians 1:6
Philippians 2:12–13
Hebrews 12:14
1 Corinthians 10:13
Colossians 1:22–23
Romans 8:30
James 2:19
1 John 2:19, 25
Romans 8:38–39
Matthew 13:24–30
1 Corinthians 5
1 Thessalonians 5:14

BOOKS FOR BEGINNER:
-The Five Points of Calvinism: Defined, Defended, and Documented * Editors: David Steele, Curtis Thomas, and Lance Quinn.
-Chosen by God R.C. Sproul

BOOKS FOR  INTERMEDIATE:
-The History and Theology of Calvinism Kurt Daniel

BOOKS FOR ADVANCED:
-From Heaven He Came and Sought Her David & Jonathan Gibson (Editors)

John MacArthur: Sermon series on the TULIP (The Doctrines of Grace) is a great audio resource for those who prefer listening while driving.

Can you really say "no" to God? In this episode of Cage Free Theology, Clint and Will dive into the "I" of the TULIP—Irresistible Grace.

While many people worry this doctrine turns humans into robots, Clint and Will explain why it’s actually a beautiful picture of God’s "wooing" and His power to save. They distinguish between the general call (the gospel message heard by everyone) and the effectual call (the internal work of the Spirit that leads to life). Using analogies ranging from spear-fishing to Star Trek, they explore how God doesn't override our will, but graciously wins our hearts.

If you’ve ever wondered if regeneration precedes faith, or why some people respond to the gospel while others don’t, this episode provides a clear, scriptural roadmap through Romans 8, John 6, and Titus 3.

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👇 Jump to moments (chapters):
0:00 – What is Irresistible Grace?
0:28 – Recap of the TULIP series so far
0:54 – Defining Irresistible Grace: God’s success in saving
1:57 – The corny Calvinist pickup lines
2:29 – Can people resist the gospel? (General vs. Effectual call)
3:17 – Who cashes the check of salvation?
3:50 – Biblical examples of the "General Call"
4:30 – The "Tractor Beam"
5:50 – Addressing Acts 7:51
6:45 – Proof Texts
8:43 – Working out what God works in
9:12 – The Golden Chain
11:48 – Are we robots?
15:20 – Being "Born Again"
17:18 – The Big Debate: Does regeneration precede faith?
21:17 – Bait vs. Spearfishing

In this third installment of our Calvinism mini-series, Clint and Will tackle the most controversial petal of the TULIP acronym: Limited Atonement. Often misunderstood as a claim that Christ’s power is "limited," the hosts clarify why many Reformed theologians prefer the terms Definite Atonement or Particular Redemption.

Is the cross a "potential" bridge that only goes halfway, requiring a human jump of faith to complete? Or is it a narrow bridge that carries the elect all the way to God?
Here is what the guys discuss in this episode:
-Why "Penal Substitutionary Atonement" is the bedrock of this conversation.
-The "PR" Problem
-The Bridge Analogy
-Examining key texts like John 10 (the Good Shepherd), Matthew 1:21, and the High Priestly prayer in John 17.
-How do we handle "universal" language in verses like 1 John 2:2 and 2 Peter 2:1?
-Trinitarian Harmony

Whether you consider yourself a "five-pointer," a "four-pointer," or are just trying to understand what all the fuss is about, this episode offers a grounded, scriptural look at the intent and extent of the Cross.

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👇 Jump to moments (chapters):
0:00 – What is Limited Atonement?
0:33 – Positioning the "L" within the TULIP acronym
1:04 – Defining the Atonement
3:06 – Addressing the "PR problem"
4:06 – Why "Definite Atonement" is often a better term
5:36 – Everyone Limits the Atonement
6:35 – The Bridge Analogy
9:04 – Why this point is the most controversial of the five
10:05 – The Good Shepherd (John 10)
14:41 – Why do some people not believe? (John 10:26)
16:01 – High Priestly Background
20:28 – Romans 8:32 and the promise of "all things"
21:33 – 1 Timothy 4:10: Savior of all people, especially those who believe
24:41 – Trinitarian Harmony: Unity between the Father, Son, and Spirit
35:01 – Handling "Problem Passages"

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📖Scripture References Mentioned In This Episode:
Matthew 1:21
John 10:11, 15
John 10:26-28 
John 17:9 
Acts 20:28 
Ephesians 5:25 
Hebrews 9:12, 15 
Romans 8:32 
Revelation 5:9 
John 3:16 
1 Timothy 2:1-6 
1 Timothy 4:10 
1 John 2:2 
2 Peter 2:1