How do you know if a pastor, theologian, or online teacher can actually be trusted? In this episode of the It Stands Written podcast, the guys dig into one of the most pressing questions for Christians today: how to identify trustworthy teachers — and how to spot the dangerous ones. The guys walk through key passages from 1 John, 1 Timothy, 2 Peter, and Deuteronomy, unpacking the biblical "acid tests" for discerning true teachers from false ones. From examining doctrinal statements to watching how a leader handles money, sex, and accountability, the conversation gets practical fast. The episode also tackles a hard question many believers face: what do you do when a teacher whose ministry genuinely impacted your faith — like a Ravi Zacharias or Steve Lawson — is later exposed for serious moral failure? Can you separate the truth from the teacher? Finally, the guys remind listeners that discernment isn't just a skill — according to Deuteronomy 13, it's an act of love toward God. If you've ever wondered whether the pastor on your screen or in your pulpit is the real deal, this episode gives you the scriptural tools to find out

If you were encouraged by this episode or have any questions you would like to have answered, please email us at justin@itstandswritten.org or send us a text at the link in the description.

Verses Mentioned:

• 1 John 4:1
• 1 Timothy 4
• Deuteronomy 13
• Deuteronomy 18
• Romans 12
• 1 Corinthians 9:27
• 2 Peter 2:1-3, 12-19
• Proverbs 6:12-15
• 1 Timothy 3
• Titus 1
• John 10:10-14

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Why do Christians disagree — and when does disagreement cross the line into division? In this episode of the It Stands Written podcast, Justin, Braden, Ernest, and Ty continue their series So You're Saved, Now What? by diving into the world of secondary doctrines. Building on last week's discussion of primary doctrines like the atonement, resurrection, and the virgin birth, the guys explore the theological territory where genuine believers can and do differ — things like modes of baptism, spiritual gifts, church governance, divorce and remarriage, the age of the Earth, and more. Justin grounds the conversation in 1 John, showing that the basis of Christian unity is the gospel itself and the transformed life it produces — not uniformity on every theological question. The team wrestles honestly with why secondary doctrines still matter even if they're not salvation issues, and how holding them wrongly can impair your walk with God. Whether you're navigating disagreements in your own church or just trying to understand where the lines are, this episode will give you a biblical framework for unity without compromise. Don't miss it — and Lord willing, we'll see you on the next one.

If you were encouraged by this episode or have any questions you would like to have answered, please email us at justin@itstandswritten.org or send us a text at the link in the description.

Verses Mentioned:

• 1 John 1
• Psalm 19
• 1 Corinthians 8
• 1 Corinthians 9
• Colossians 4:10
• 2 Timothy 4
• Acts 14
• Acts 15
• John 17:17
• 2 Timothy 3:16

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In Episode 101 of the It Stands Written podcast, Justin, Braden and Ernest are joined by first-time guest Ty Erickson for a conversation that's both grounding and thought-provoking. The team tackles a question that trips up new and longtime believers alike: Why do Christians disagree about things? From church splits and denominational differences to competing interpretations of baptism, eschatology, and the role of Scripture, they unpack why disagreement exists — and why not all disagreements are created equal. Central to the discussion is the critical distinction between primary doctrines (those essential to salvation, like the resurrection, the Trinity, the virgin birth, and justification by faith alone) and secondary doctrines where sincere Christians can differ without dividing over the gospel. Drawing on the Nicene Creed, Jesus's high priestly prayer in John 17, and passages from Romans, 1 Corinthians, and Luke 16, the guys make a compelling case that a divided church undermines the gospel witness — but that unity must never come at the expense of truth. Whether you're navigating church hurt, confused by denominational labels, or just trying to figure out what you're actually supposed to believe, this episode gives you a clear framework for holding convictions with both confidence and humility.

If you were encouraged by this episode or have any questions you would like to have answered, please email us at justin@itstandswritten.org or send us a text at the link in the description.

Verses Mentioned:

• John 3:16
• John 6:66-68
• John 8
• John 11:35
• John 17
• John 21
• Luke 16
• Matthew 28
• Acts 2:38, 41
• Romans 10
• 1 Corinthians 15:3
• 2 Corinthians 5:21
• Ephesians 2:8-9
• James
• 1 John 4
• 2 Peter 3:16
• Daniel
• Revelation
• Deuteronomy

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