The Partners and Citizens Podcast

Lesson Six: The Theology of Sola Fida

In this session of the Wednesday Summer Equip Class on the Five Solas of the Reformation, Dr. Matt Castro explores the doctrine of Sola Fide—justification by faith alone. Building on the previous lesson’s historical background, he explains the theological heart of the Reformation’s teaching that sinners are declared righteous by God’s grace through faith in Christ, apart from works or sacraments. The lesson contrasts medieval Catholic views of cooperation and merit with the Protestant insistence on faith as the sole instrument of justification. Through Scripture and Reformation history, listeners are invited to see how this doctrine preserves the sufficiency of Christ’s atoning work and the believer’s assurance of salvatio

Citizens of Heaven with Michael Ebbs

In this episode of the Partners in Citizens podcast, host Matt Castro is joined by friend and political enthusiast Michael Ebbs for a thoughtful conversation about tariffs, trade policy under President Trump, and broader questions about globalism. They discuss the economic logic behind tariffs, their local and international impacts, and the historical failures of protectionist policies like the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act. Drawing on personal experience in higher education and international student dynamics, Mike shares how immigration and global trade fuel innovation and stability. They also explore the Christian and ethical dimensions of global trade, arguing that open markets can help lift people out of poverty and foster collaboration. The episode closes with reflections on Congress’s role in regulating tariffs and the potential need to rein in executive power over trade policy.

Lesson Five: The History of Sola Fida

In this episode of our Summer Equipped Class on the Five Solas, Pastor Matt Castro explores the historical development of Sola Fide—faith alone. We trace how medieval Catholic theology developed a complex sacramental system that conveyed grace through rituals such as baptism and the Eucharist, requiring human cooperation for salvation. Matt explains how the Reformers rejected this synergy, insisting on justification by faith alone in Christ’s work. This episode sets the stage for understanding the core theological conflict of the Reformation and prepares listeners for a deeper biblical discussion in the next session.

Lesson Four: The Theology of Solus Christus

In this episode of our Summer Wednesday Night series on the Five Solas, Pastor Greg Sukert teaches on Solus Christus—Christ Alone. He explores why the Reformation insisted that salvation is found in Christ alone, without religious “add-ons,” and how this truth counters both historical and modern distortions of the gospel. Using Galatians 3 and the teachings of Peter and Paul, this lesson calls us to reject performance-based faith and rest fully in Christ’s finished work. Join us as we rediscover the simple, life-giving message at the heart of the Reformation: grace alone, faith alone, in Christ alone, according to Scripture alone, for God’s glory alone.

Lesson Three: The History of Solus Christus

In this engaging and historically rich lecture, Pastor Matthew Castro explores the historical and theological development of Sola Christus—Christ Alone—as a core doctrine of the Protestant Reformation. Focusing on the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement, the session traces how early church fathers understood the cross, highlighting key theories such as recapitulation, ransom, and penal substitution. Pastor Castro examines the shift in medieval theology that elevated the role of sacraments, penance, and the authority of the Church in applying Christ’s work to the believer. He explains how doctrines like purgatory and indulgences arose, especially through the teachings of figures like Aquinas, Anselm, and Pope Gregory the Great. The lecture also shows how cultural pressures—such as death during the Black Plague—shaped widespread fear and theological confusion, leading to the rise of practices like paying for indulgences. The session culminates in the Reformers’ bold assertion that Christ’s work is not only necessary but fully sufficient, applied to believers by grace through faith alone. Pastor Castro critiques the Catholic view of salvation as grace plus works and emphasizes the Reformation’s recovery of the gospel message: full atonement is found in Christ alone. Key Themes: Historical views of the atonement (early church to medieval period)
 Development of purgatory and indulgences
 The role of the sacraments in medieval Catholicism
 The Reformation’s defense of justification by faith in Christ alone
 The spiritual implications of union with Christ

Citizens of Heaven with Jay Thompson

Guest: Jay Thompson, Director of Influencers Mid-South
In this deeply honest conversation, Matt Castro sits down with Jay Thompson of Influencers Ministries to explore what it means to live as a citizen of heaven in a world marked by exhaustion, insecurity, and quiet desperation. Drawing from personal stories and ministry experience, Jay reflects on the power of abiding in Christ, the unique struggles men face, and the difference between behavior modification and spiritual transformation. Together, they discuss identity, intimacy with Christ, and the ongoing call to die to self and depend fully on the Holy Spirit.

Lesson Two: The Theology of Sola Scriptura

In this episode, Pastor Greg unpacks the theological foundation of Sola Scriptura—Scripture alone as the highest authority for faith and life. Building on last week's historical overview, this lesson explores how the Bible stands above tradition, councils, and personal opinion. From Galatians to modern-day challenges, listeners are equipped to understand and defend the enduring truth that God's Word is sufficient, clear, and alive today.

Partners in the Gospel with Tinsley Heston

In this inaugural episode of the Partners and Citizens podcast, Matt Castro introduces a new series centered on gospel partnership and Christian citizenship, themes drawn from Paul's letter to the Philippians. Joined by his friend and co-contributor Tinsley Heston, Matt explains the vision for the podcast: to host conversations with friends and ministry partners about missions and politics—two areas where Christian identity as citizens of heaven intersects with real-world engagement.
The conversation critiques the modern obsession with public platform and celebrity influence, challenging listeners to value obscurity, sacrifice, and servanthood. Drawing on examples from Scripture, history, and personal missions experience, Matt and Tinsley argue that God's kingdom often advances not through public figures but through hidden faithfulness, as seen in the lives of little-known missionaries and biblical figures like Philip and Paul.
The episode concludes with book recommendations for further reading, including Twelve Faithful Men and From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya, and a call to embrace gospel partnership not just with finances, but with personal presence, prayer, and shared sacrifice.

Lesson One: The History of Sola Scriptura

This episode introduces the first of five solas of the Reformation, focusing on the historical background of Sola Scriptura—Scripture alone—as the final authority for the church. Pastor Matt Castro begins with an overview of the Protestant Reformation as a renewal movement, not merely a protest against the Catholic Church. He outlines four key Protestant principles:
Acknowledging the good in the pre-Reformation church,
Recognizing post-Reformation errors,
The necessity of continual reform,
Upholding faith alone and Scripture alone.
The lesson traces the church’s development from the apostolic era through the Middle Ages, highlighting how Scripture’s authority was gradually displaced by papal power and church tradition. Pastor Castro details pivotal moments such as the rise of the papacy, the Council of Nicaea, the Crusades, the Great Schism, and the invention of the printing press—all setting the stage for Martin Luther’s rediscovery of the gospel in Romans.

Election 2024 Analysis with Special Guest, Michael Ebbs

In this special episode of A Pastor and His Newspaper, host Dr. Castro is joined by Michael Ebbs, a newcomer to the podcasting world, to discuss the stunning outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election. With Donald Trump winning a non-consecutive second term, Dr. Castro and Michael explore how the electoral map unfolded unexpectedly, with Trump sweeping every battleground state. Together, they analyze key election issues, such as the economy, immigration, and democracy concerns, which resonated with voters and impacted results in pivotal states like Pennsylvania.
Tune in as Dr. Castro and his special guest, Michael Ebbs, reflect on Trump's impressive electoral college victory and surprising popular vote win, the significance of his mandate, and shifts in voter demographics. Join us for an insightful conversation about what this election means for America moving forward.