Simply Put
- Episodes
- 127
- Released
- weekly
- Latest episode
- Nov 10, 2026
About the podcast
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.
Episodes 127
Four Views of the Lord's Supper
When Christians receive the Lord's Supper, Christ Himself is present—but how? Today, Barry Cooper explains the Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Calvinist, and Zwinglian views of the Lord's Supper. Take your faith …
Show notes
When Christians receive the Lord's Supper, Christ Himself is present—but how? Today, Barry Cooper explains the Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Calvinist, and Zwinglian views of the Lord's Supper.Take your faith deeper with daily Bible teaching in the Grow app from Ligonier: https://grow.ligonier.org/
A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/
Athanasian Creed
Have you met one of the early church's most significant theologians? In this episode, Barry Cooper introduces us to Athanasius and the creed that bears his name. Read the transcript …
Show notes
Have you met one of the early church's most significant theologians? In this episode, Barry Cooper introduces us to Athanasius and the creed that bears his name.Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/athanasian-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
The Five Solas
Can you summarize your faith in a few brief words? In this episode, Barry Cooper discusses the five solas of the Protestant Reformation and explains their relevance today. Read the transcript …
Show notes
Can you summarize your faith in a few brief words? In this episode, Barry Cooper discusses the five solas of the Protestant Reformation and explains their relevance today.Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/five-solas/
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
Canon of Scripture
How did the early church recognize the books of the New Testament as Scripture? In this episode, Barry Cooper examines four signs of a book's divine authority. Read the transcript …
Show notes
How did the early church recognize the books of the New Testament as Scripture? In this episode, Barry Cooper examines four signs of a book's divine authority.Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/canon-of-scripture/
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
General Revelation
Just as a painting reveals the qualities of its painter, God's world speaks powerfully of Him. On this episode of Simply Put, Barry Cooper considers God's general revelation in nature. Read the transcript …
Show notes
Just as a painting reveals the qualities of its painter, God's world speaks powerfully of Him. On this episode of Simply Put, Barry Cooper considers God's general revelation in nature.Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/general-revelation/
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
Aseity of God
God depends on nothing and no one for His existence. On this episode of Simply Put, Barry Cooper considers the aseity of God. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/aseity-of-god/ Study …
Show notes
God depends on nothing and no one for His existence. On this episode of Simply Put, Barry Cooper considers the aseity of God.Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/aseity-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
Satan
He's called the tempter, the accuser, the evil one, and the god of this age. On this episode of Simply Put, Barry Cooper looks at the biblical—and very real—figure of Satan. Read the transcript …
Show notes
He's called the tempter, the accuser, the evil one, and the god of this age. On this episode of Simply Put, Barry Cooper looks at the biblical—and very real—figure of Satan.Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/satan/
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
Imputed Righteousness
No royal wedding is more shocking than that of Christ and His church. On this episode of Simply Put, Barry Cooper explains why. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/imputed-righteousness …
Show notes
No royal wedding is more shocking than that of Christ and His church. On this episode of Simply Put, Barry Cooper explains why.Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/imputed-righteousness/
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
Justification
We can never be good enough to meet the demands of God's law. In this episode, Barry Cooper testifies to the One who met those demands on our behalf. Read the transcript …
Show notes
We can never be good enough to meet the demands of God's law. In this episode, Barry Cooper testifies to the One who met those demands on our behalf.Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/justification/
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
Sanctification
On this episode of Simply Put, Barry Cooper considers what it means to be sanctified: to be set apart by God for a purpose. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/sanctification/ Study …
Show notes
On this episode of Simply Put, Barry Cooper considers what it means to be sanctified: to be set apart by God for a purpose.Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/sanctification/
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
Original Sin
Sin isn't just what we do; it's who we are. On this episode of Simply Put, Barry Cooper defines the term "original sin" and explains how it became our natural state. Read the transcript …
Show notes
Sin isn't just what we do; it's who we are. On this episode of Simply Put, Barry Cooper defines the term "original sin" and explains how it became our natural state.Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/original-sin/
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
Universalism and Hell
Why do some people claim that hell will ultimately be unpopulated? Today, Barry Cooper contrasts this idea with the clear teaching of Jesus on who will inherit eternal life and who will not. Read the …
Show notes
Why do some people claim that hell will ultimately be unpopulated? Today, Barry Cooper contrasts this idea with the clear teaching of Jesus on who will inherit eternal life and who will not.Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/universalism-and-hell/
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
Preterism
Is it possible that the apocalypse has already happened without many of us realizing it? Today, Barry Cooper considers two related ways of interpreting the Bible's end-times prophecies. Read the transcript …
Show notes
Is it possible that the apocalypse has already happened without many of us realizing it? Today, Barry Cooper considers two related ways of interpreting the Bible's end-times prophecies.Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/preterism/
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
Adonai
The name Adonai refers to God's absolute sovereignty over creation. Today, Barry Cooper explains the most exalted title used to describe God in the Old Testament. Read the transcript …
Show notes
The name Adonai refers to God's absolute sovereignty over creation. Today, Barry Cooper explains the most exalted title used to describe God in the Old Testament.Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/adonai/
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
Theophany and Christophany
If we're paying attention in our Bible reading, we'll find that the New Testament isn't the first place we meet Jesus. Today, Barry Cooper considers the Old Testament appearances of Christ and the Lord's heart …
Show notes
If we're paying attention in our Bible reading, we'll find that the New Testament isn't the first place we meet Jesus. Today, Barry Cooper considers the Old Testament appearances of Christ and the Lord's heart to be present with His people.Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/theophany-and-christophany/
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
Biblical Theology
To make sense of the many details in Scripture, we need to get to grips with the overarching story of the Bible, following God's unfolding revelation chapter by chapter and book by book. Today, Barry Cooper …
Show notes
To make sense of the many details in Scripture, we need to get to grips with the overarching story of the Bible, following God's unfolding revelation chapter by chapter and book by book. Today, Barry Cooper introduces the important discipline of biblical theology.Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/biblical-theology/
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
Biblical Theology
To make sense of the many details in Scripture, we need to get to grips with the overarching story of the Bible, following God's unfolding revelation chapter by chapter and book by book. In this episode, Barry …
Show notes
To make sense of the many details in Scripture, we need to get to grips with the overarching story of the Bible, following God's unfolding revelation chapter by chapter and book by book. In this episode, Barry Cooper introduces the important discipline of biblical theology.
Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/biblical-theology
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
Anthropomorphism
When God wanted to reveal Himself in the most unmistakable way imaginable, He spoke with language that our minds can understand. Today, Barry Cooper explains why our Creator often uses human traits and …
Show notes
When God wanted to reveal Himself in the most unmistakable way imaginable, He spoke with language that our minds can understand. Today, Barry Cooper explains why our Creator often uses human traits and characteristics to describe Himself in His Word.Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/anthropomorphism/
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
Impassibility
In His unchanging divine nature, God does not and cannot suffer. Does that mean He's unable to love us or to empathize with our pain? Today, Barry Cooper explains why the doctrine of divine impassibility is …
Show notes
In His unchanging divine nature, God does not and cannot suffer. Does that mean He's unable to love us or to empathize with our pain? Today, Barry Cooper explains why the doctrine of divine impassibility is wonderful news for sufferers and sinners.Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/impassibility/
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
Immutability
We live in a world that never stops changing. But there is One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Today, Barry Cooper spells out the security we have in knowing the unchanging God. Read the …
Show notes
We live in a world that never stops changing. But there is One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Today, Barry Cooper spells out the security we have in knowing the unchanging God.Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/immutability/
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
Postmillennialism
How optimistic are you about the future? Today, Barry Cooper examines one of the main views Christians have held about the end of the world, the glory of God's kingdom, and the reign and return of Christ. Read …
Show notes
How optimistic are you about the future? Today, Barry Cooper examines one of the main views Christians have held about the end of the world, the glory of God's kingdom, and the reign and return of Christ.Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/postmillennialism/
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
Apollinarianism
When we read in John 1:14 that "the Word became flesh," we recognize that Jesus took on a human body. But did Christ take on a human soul too? Today, Barry Cooper discusses a fourth-century heresy that seems …
Show notes
When we read in John 1:14 that "the Word became flesh," we recognize that Jesus took on a human body. But did Christ take on a human soul too? Today, Barry Cooper discusses a fourth-century heresy that seems slightly off but actually makes a world of difference.Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/apollinarianism/
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
The Second Coming
If you are a Christian, your best days are ahead of you and getting closer by the moment. Today, Barry Cooper considers how the promised return of Jesus calls us to steward our lives faithfully and look with …
Show notes
If you are a Christian, your best days are ahead of you and getting closer by the moment. Today, Barry Cooper considers how the promised return of Jesus calls us to steward our lives faithfully and look with hope to the moment we see Him face to face.Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/the-second-coming/
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
Eschatology
What makes people so obsessed about the end of the world? Today, Barry Cooper considers what Christians should know about the "last days" and how we ought to live in light of the promise of Christ's soon …
Show notes
What makes people so obsessed about the end of the world? Today, Barry Cooper considers what Christians should know about the "last days" and how we ought to live in light of the promise of Christ's soon return.Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/eschatology/
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
The Ascension
When we talk about the ascension, we aren't merely referring to Jesus' physical rising into the sky. Today, Barry Cooper explains that in this climactic moment, the victorious Christ rose to His throne as King …
Show notes
When we talk about the ascension, we aren't merely referring to Jesus' physical rising into the sky. Today, Barry Cooper explains that in this climactic moment, the victorious Christ rose to His throne as King of kings and Lord of lords.Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/the-ascension/
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
Lamentation
It can sometimes seem as if Christians don't have permission to be unhappy. Today, Barry Cooper reminds us that Jesus Himself was a "man of sorrows"—and our expressions of sadness are heard by our good God …
Show notes
It can sometimes seem as if Christians don't have permission to be unhappy. Today, Barry Cooper reminds us that Jesus Himself was a "man of sorrows"—and our expressions of sadness are heard by our good God.Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/lamentation/
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
Abba
God tells us in His Word to address him as "Abba," the Aramaic word meaning "Father." Today, Barry Cooper considers God's unqualified goodness as our heavenly Father. Read the transcript …
Show notes
God tells us in His Word to address him as "Abba," the Aramaic word meaning "Father." Today, Barry Cooper considers God's unqualified goodness as our heavenly Father.Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/abba/
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
Elders
How should a local church be organized? Does everyone in any given church have the same role, or do particular people have particular responsibilities? Today, Barry Cooper explores what Scripture says about …
Show notes
How should a local church be organized? Does everyone in any given church have the same role, or do particular people have particular responsibilities? Today, Barry Cooper explores what Scripture says about leadership in the local church.Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/elders/
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
Imago Dei
The fact that we are "made in God's image" sets us apart from every other creature on earth (Gen. 1:27). Today, Barry Cooper reminds us of the extraordinary privilege we have of being made in the image of the …
Show notes
The fact that we are "made in God's image" sets us apart from every other creature on earth (Gen. 1:27). Today, Barry Cooper reminds us of the extraordinary privilege we have of being made in the image of the triune God.Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/imago-dei/
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
The Fall
Though darkness and death entered the world through one man, so light and life has entered through another. Today, Barry Cooper considers the fall of man and the promise of the Savior. Read the transcript …
Show notes
Though darkness and death entered the world through one man, so light and life has entered through another. Today, Barry Cooper considers the fall of man and the promise of the Savior.Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/the-fall/
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
These are the latest 40 of 127 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
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