Are there still Apostles in the church today? In this episode of Cage-Free Theology, Clint Archer and Will Brannon dive deep into the biblical definition of an "Apostle." They distinguish between the general sense of being a "sent one" and the specific, capital-A office held by the original Twelve and the Apostle Paul.

The duo breaks down the strict biblical requirements for the office—including being an eyewitness of the resurrected Christ—and explains why this office was a unique foundation for the early church rather than an ongoing position. From discussing whether Judas was technically an Apostle to addressing modern claims from the Catholic Church and charismatic movements, this episode provides a clear, scriptural framework for understanding authority in the church today.

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👇 Jump to moments (chapters):
0:41 – Defining the Word: "Apostle" vs. "Sent One"
3:54 – Big "A", Apostles and the official office
5:35 – Do you know how many Apostles there were?
6:22 – James and Barnabas: "Big A" or Little "a"?
9:56 – Requirement 1 (Eyewitness of the Ministry)
11:03 – Requirement 2 (Witness of the Resurrection)
12:41 – Requirement 3 (Miraculous Signs/Powers)
16:37 – Did every Apostle receive direct Revelation?
20:50 – Why there are no Apostles today (Laatlammetjie)
24:29 – Catholics, Mormons, and the "Gift of Apostleship"

"Would you kick me out of your church?" And what do you do when a fellow believer refuses to turn from sin? Today's episode of Cage-Free Theology provides a clear, compassionate, and biblical breakdown of one of the most misunderstood aspects of the Christian faith: church discipline. Pastors Clint Archer and Will Brandon clarify the process, explaining that it isn’t about "shunning" or "kicking people out," but rather a heart-wrenching pursuit of love intended to restore the individual and protect the purity of the church.

Using Matthew 18 and 1 Corinthians 5 as their guide, they walk through the practical steps of handling unrepentant sin. They discuss the vital role of church elders and the congregation in the restoration process and show how church discipline is actually a beautiful path toward healing and restoration.

Whether you're a pastor navigating a difficult situation or a church member who wants to understand how to love others through their deepest struggles, this episode offers the biblical clarity you need. Tune in to see how the "hardest thing a church does" is often the most loving thing it can provide.

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👇 Jump to moments (chapters):
[00:00:00] – What Is Church Discipline And Why Does It Matter?
[00:00:33] – It’s Not "Amish shunning"
[00:01:11] – 2 Primary Goals: Restoration Of The Person & Purity Of The Church
[00:03:17] – The "Love vs. Discipline" False Dichotomy
[00:05:06] – Why You Should Look For A Church That Practices Discipline
[00:06:41] – Step 1: The Private, One-On-One Confrontation
[00:07:23] – Step 2: Bringing 2 Or 3 Witnesses To Confirm Facts
[00:08:41] – Does Discipline Apply to Non-Members?
[00:12:28] – Step 3: "Tell It To The Church"—The Members-Only Meeting
[00:14:14] – Step 4: Excommunication & Communion
[00:16:10] – 1 Corinthians 5: "Do Not Even Eat With Them"
[00:19:12] – 5 Years Of Discipline Leading To Restoration
[00:22:40] – Which Sins Qualify For Discipline?
[00:26:10] – Handling Factious & Divisive People (Titus 3)
[00:32:18] – Trusting Your Elders Through The Process

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Is Artificial Intelligence a gift to the modern pastor or a threat to the integrity of the pulpit? In this episode of Cage-Free Theology, Clint Archer and Will Brannon dive into the ethics of using AI for Bible study and sermon preparation.

From the "Tower of Babel" risks of relying on technology to the practical benefits of using AI as a "digital intern" for research and illustrations, we explore where to draw the line. We discuss why the process of study is just as important as the final product and why the Holy Spirit’s work in the preacher can’t be automated.

Key Topics in this Episode:
- Why "fetching" information is different from "creating" content.
-The danger of losing critical thinking skills.
-How tools like Logos are integrating AI responsibly.
-The "dirty" feeling of AI-generated alliteration.
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👇 Jump to moments (chapters):
0:25 – Should pastors use AI for sermon prep?
1:16 – The Ark vs. The Tower of Babel
2:05 – Warning #1: Using AI to write the sermon for you
2:54 – The mandate for the preacher to be a "workman" - 2 Timothy 2:15
3:30 – Warning #2: The loss of pastoral authenticity and personal connection
4:55 – Warning #3: Short-circuiting the work of the Holy Spirit in the study process
6:51 – Is there a place for AI in closed countries with limited training?
8:18 – AI can erode the ability to think critically
9:26 – AI as a tool to "fetch" information, not to "create" content
10:36 – Real examples
13:46 – AI integration in Bible software
15:52 – Is using AI for alliteration "cheating"?
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📥 Subscribe for more practical Bible tips: @CageFreeTheology 👍 Like • 💬 Comment • 🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos to help you grow in faith
https://www.instagram.com/drclintarcher/
https://www.youtube.com/@UCZDzxFOiCR7eQWCgtKKXHIA