The Chorus in the Chaos

S04E01 American Cults 101:What is a Cult?

Summary
Season 4 launches with a field guide to American cults: where they came from, how they function, and what sets them apart from orthodox Christianity. We lay out our two-episode rhythm for each movement (history + doctrine) and explain why this isn’t just academic—these are the folks knocking on your door and sitting in your break room.
Highlights
Walter Martin’s working definition of a cult
The 1830–1890 surge in the Northeast and the “Burned-Over District”
First vs. Second Great Awakening—and how Finney’s “new measures” influenced later errors
Doctrinal markers: denial of the Trinity, diminished view of Christ, extra-biblical revelation
Sociological markers: authoritarian leadership, information control, us-vs-them identity, behavioral rules, shunning, apocalyptic urgency
Works/loyalty systems vs. the gospel of grace
The real cost of leaving—and how Christians can care well
Connect
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Intro/Outro Music (by our good friend Nick Illes): https://open.spotify.com/artist/7tnsQ...
Email: chorusinthechaos@email.com
Generations
Be sure to visit our friends at Generations.org! They’ve built an incredible library of Christ-centered homeschool curriculum, books, and podcasts — all designed to help your family apply the Bible to every area of life. History, science, worldview, you name it — it all points back to Christ.
Use the code CHORUS at checkout for 15% off your order.

Inside 'Wasteland': Theology, Doubt, & The Hope of the Gospel w/ Steve Cobucci (Wolves at the Gate)

Steve Cobucci (vocalist/guitarist & key songwriter for Wolves at the Gate) joins Jack to unpack the story and theology behind the band’s concept album 'Wasteland'. We also talk touring, Charles Spurgeon, Horatius Bonar, and Steve names a “perfect song.”
WATG (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/wolvesatthegate/?hl=en
WATG (Tour info): https://www.wolvesatthegate.com/
WATG (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@UCrc9rgv9115f-Mbax2GtOwQ
WATG (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Z88iXWc4YVhtu1eFtsGk6
WATG (Apple): https://music.apple.com/us/artist/wolves-at-the-gate/360832093
Did you know that Chorus in the Chaos listeners can get 5% off their entire order at Westminster Theological Bookstore? Just use the coupon code "CHORUS" when you check out 
 
The Chorus in the Chaos Info:
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Intro/Outro Music (by our good friend Nick Illes): https://open.spotify.com/artist/7tnsQ...
Email: chorusinthechaos@email.com
 
 

The Lion of Princeton: 15 Minutes on the Life of B.B. Warfield

Did you know that Chorus in the Chaos listeners can get 5% off their entire order at Westminster Theological Bookstore? Just use the coupon code "CHORUS" when you check out 
In this short (almost 15-minute) biography episode of The Chorus in the Chaos, Jack looks at the remarkable life of The Lion of Princeton, Benjamin Breckinridge Warfield (1851–1921)—one of the great theologians of old Princeton and a towering figure in Reformed thought.

When God Works in Ways We Don’t Expect (Lessons From Acts 11)

In this episode of The Chorus in the Chaos, Jack reflects on moments in life that divide time—events after which nothing is ever the same. From personal memories of 9/11 to the pivotal scene in Acts 10–11 where the gospel is extended to the Gentiles, we explore how God often works in ways we don’t expect.
Through Peter’s vision, the criticism from the “circumcision party,” and the church’s ultimate celebration of grace, we see how the gospel tears down walls of division and fulfills God’s promises from Genesis to Revelation.
Key Takeaways:
Life-changing moments: both in history and in Scripture, God uses unexpected events to reshape our perspective.
Peter’s example: in humility and patience, he trusted God’s work rather than fighting for his own reputation.
Two responses to God’s grace: criticism and resistance (like Jonah and the circumcision party) or joyful celebration of mercy.
The gospel reconciles: Jews and Gentiles, enemies and friends, all made one in Christ.
Practical encouragement: When God works in ways we don’t understand, we’re called to stay calm, stay humble, and trust Him.
Jack also offers a heartfelt gospel invitation: if you’ve never placed your trust in Christ, now is the time to turn from sin and find peace with God.
📖 Scripture focus: Acts 11:1–18✝️ Supporting texts: Genesis 18, Ephesians 2, Revelation 7

The Theology of Music With New Scottish Hymns

In this episode of The Chorus in the Chaos, Jack sits down with Greg De Blieck, hymn writer and leader of New Scottish Hymns, to explore the deep connection between music, theology, and worship.
Greg shares his story of growing up in Scotland, his love for hymnody, and his passion for writing songs that communicate biblical truth with clarity and beauty. Together, Jack and Greg discuss:
The power of music to shape culture, community, and faith
The role of hymns in encouraging believers beyond Sunday worship
Theological foundations for music as communication and communion
The Reformers’ cautious yet profound view of music in the church
Practical wisdom for pastors, elders, and worship leaders choosing songs for corporate worship
The dangers of Christian celebrity culture and why the local church must remain central
From folk influences in Scottish hymnody to reflections on Tolkien, Lewis, and Isaac Watts, this episode offers a rich and thoughtful conversation about why music matters—and how it can point us more fully to Christ.
👉 Check out New Scottish Hymns, download their free app, and listen to their music on YouTube, Spotify, and more.

Martyrdom in America: Understanding Charlie Kirk's Legacy

In this special episode of The Chorus in the Chaos, Jack, Grayson, and Blake reflect on the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk and what it means for Kirk's legacy and Christians today.
We discuss:
Charlie Kirk’s life, faith, and legacy as the founder of Turning Point 
Why his murder feels like a pivotal cultural and spiritual moment.
The clash of worldviews is revealed in the nation’s response.
How Kirk’s bold witness to the gospel challenges us to live faithfully.
What Christians should do now—locally, politically, and spiritually.
This is more than politics. It’s about worldview, courage, and the cost of discipleship. Listen in for biblical reflection, cultural analysis, and a call to bold gospel proclamation in a time of growing hostility.
 
The Chorus in the Chaos Info:
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Intro/Outro Music (by our good friend Nick Illes): https://open.spotify.com/artist/7tnsQ...
Email: chorusinthechaos@email.com
 
 

S03E18: The 10th Commandment - Coveting & Contentment in an 'Instaperfect' Age

In our Season 3 finale, we tackle the 10th Commandment—coveting—why Scripture treats it as a heart-level idol factory and the “mother sin” that births so many others. We trace coveting from desire to destruction (think: Gollum), show how it undermines love for God and neighbor, and conclude with practical, Gospel-rooted disciplines for cultivating contentment. 
The Chorus in the Chaos Info:
Website & Blog: www.chorusinthechaos.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chorusinthec...
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/Chorusnthechaos
Intro/Outro Music (by our good friend Nick Illes)
Email: chorusinthechaos@email.com

Remembering John MacArthur: The Spiritual Father I Never Had

In this special episode, Grayson Gilbert reflects on the life and legacy of John MacArthur, who passed away recently. He shares personal anecdotes about MacArthur's influence on his own faith journey, highlighting the importance of faithful teaching and the impact of spiritual mentors. Grayson emphasizes the need for enduring faith and the role of ordinary individuals in God's work, ultimately pointing to the hope found in Christ and the legacy of faithful servants in the church.
 
The Chorus in the Chaos Info:
Website & Blog: www.chorusinthechaos.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chorusinthec...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chorus_in_the_chaos/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Chorusnthechaos
Intro/Outro Music (by our good friend Nick Illes): https://open.spotify.com/artist/7tnsQ...
Email: chorusinthechaos@email.com

S03E17: The 9th Commandment - Lying, Gossip, and Guarding a Good Name

In this episode of The Chorus in the Chaos, Blake and Jack tackle the Ninth Commandment: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” But as they quickly uncover, this commandment isn’t just about lying—it’s about gossip, slander, exaggeration, and the thousand subtle ways we undermine truth in daily life.
Jack opens with a vivid personal illustration of a leaky ceiling and how unchecked deception functions like a drip—slowly saturating and eventually destroying. The conversation moves through scripture, theology (featuring insights from Kevin DeYoung and Thomas Watson), and practical application with the Heidelberg Catechism guiding the way.
 
The Chorus in the Chaos Info:
Website & Blog: www.chorusinthechaos.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chorusinthec...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chorus_in_the_chaos/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Chorusnthechaos
Intro/Outro Music (by our good friend Nick Illes): https://open.spotify.com/artist/7tnsQ...
Email: chorusinthechaos@email.com

TCITC After Hours: The Mortification of Zyn and the Looming Dangers of Artificial Intelligence

In this unscripted “After Hours” roundtable, The Chorus in the Chaos crew dives into two very different—but oddly connected—topics: nicotine addiction and artificial intelligence. What starts with a satirical review of a dramatic Christianity Today article about ZYN pouches spirals into serious (and hilarious) discussions on mastery, sanctification, the creeping perils of AI, and the church's responsibility