Beneath the Surface: By Called to Defend

The Bible is richer than most of us realize. Every episode explores the themes, stories, words, and patterns woven throughout Scripture, revealing how the Bible forms one unified story centered on Christ. Whether we're tracing biblical themes, unpacking difficult passages, or reflecting on overlooked details, our goal is simple: to help you see the beauty, depth, and coherence of God's Word.
The Bible is richer than most of us realize. Every episode explores the themes, stories, words, and patterns woven throughout Scripture, revealing how the Bible forms one unified story centered on Christ. Whether we're tracing biblical themes, unpacking difficult passages, or reflecting on overlooked details, our goal is simple: to help you see the beauty, depth, and coherence of God's Word.
Episodes
Episodes



Jun 22, 2026
Jun 22, 2026
46 min
Parables of Jesus: Wisdom, Judgment, and the Kingdom
In this episode, we explore key biblical parables from Matthew and Luke that reveal profound truths about the kingdom of God, wisdom, judgment, and God's inclusive yet discerning nature. We analyze their structures, characters, and implications for understanding God's plan and our response.
Main Topics
The parable of the children in the marketplace (Matthew 11)
The parable of the wheat and weeds (Matthew 13:24-30; 36-43)
The parable of the dragnet (Matthew 13:44-50)
Themes of judgment, patience, and the expansion of God's kingdom
How Jesus explains or helps interpret these parables
Key Insights
The generation's rejection of both John the Baptist and Jesus as uncooperative children
The contrasting methods of John (ascetic) and Jesus (joyful, social) and their receptions
The concept of divine wisdom being vindicated by actions, yet disassociated from the unresponsive generation
The kingdom of God as a vast gathering of all kinds of people, including Gentiles
The necessity of judgment, the timing of the harvest, and the patience required for God's plan
The intertwined themes of growth, infiltration, and ultimate judgment in biblical eschatology
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and context of biblical parables02:23 - The generation compared to children in the marketplace04:00 - John the Baptist and Jesus’ contrasting approaches06:15 - Children calling out and their symbolic meanings08:00 - Rejection of John and Jesus' message despite their methods09:58 - The role of divine wisdom and its disassociation from unresponsive people13:44 - Introduction to Matthew 13 parables about the kingdom of heaven14:24 - Parable of the treasure and pearls representing valuable pursuits15:48 - The net casting into the sea and the final judgment analogy16:44 - The significance of the fish and their sorting at the end of time18:11 - The relationship between the kingdom, judgment, and inclusive reach19:23 - The parable of the wheat and tares and their interpretation20:51 - The process of uprooting and the timing of judgment23:38 - The harvest as a metaphor for divine judgment26:01 - The dual aspects of salvation and condemnation in the kingdom27:42 - The call to seek the kingdom with urgency and perseverance28:44 - Jesus’ explanation of the parable of the wheat and tares33:39 - The significance of patience and the final judgment at harvest37:09 - The poisonous look-alike weed and discernment38:09 - The full explanation of the wheat and weeds by Jesus43:27 - The overarching message of patience, judgment, and hope in God's timing44:25 - Humorous reminder to "like and subscribe" to the kingdom45:10 - Closing remarks and encouragement for engagement
Jun 22, 2026
46 min



Jun 15, 2026
Jun 15, 2026
52 min
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/c988tzC4Mh
Merch: https://called-to-defend.printify.me/
In this episode of the Call to Defend podcast, Caleb Elliott and Josh Davis explore the depths of Jesus' parables, focusing on themes of forgiveness, readiness, and stewardship. Their discussion unpacks Jesus' message for believers to remain vigilant and humble in the journey of faith, emphasizing how understanding these stories shapes our spiritual walk. #christianity #theology #biblestudy
00:00 Intro 03:34 Parable of The 2 Debtors 25:10 Parable of The 2 Servants 43:46 Parable of the Bridesmaids
Jun 15, 2026
52 min



Jun 1, 2026
Jun 1, 2026
1 hr 9 min
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/c988tzC4Mh
Merch: https://called-to-defend.printify.me/
In this episode, we dive deep into Jesus' parables from Luke 15, uncovering their structure, cultural context, and the profound lessons they convey about God's heart for the lost, and the response we should have. Discover how these stories challenge our understanding of repentance, joy, and divine mercy. #christianity #theology #biblestudy
Socials
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Connect via Email calledtodefend315@gmail.com
Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:48 Structure to the Parables 10:38 The Lost Sheep, Who is Who 32:48 The Lost Coin, Pharisee vs Social Status 41:43 The Lost Son Repents
Jun 1, 2026
1 hr 9 min



May 25, 2026
May 25, 2026
58 min
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/c988tzC4Mh
Merch: https://called-to-defend.printify.me/
Faith, Evidence, and Trust: Unpacking Biblical Perspectives In this episode, Caleb Elliott and Josh Davis explore what the Bible says about faith, emphasizing that it's rooted in evidence and reason, not mere belief without support. They address common misconceptions, cultural views, and how biblical faith relates to trust, hope, and love, offering a nuanced understanding for believers and skeptics alike.
#christianity #theology #biblestudy
Socials
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calledtodefend/
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Connect
Email calledtodefend315@gmail.com
00:00 Intro 00:32 Misconceptions of Faith 12:08 What is Faith 22:19 Not Belief Without Evidence 38:37 Christianity is Evidence Based
May 25, 2026
58 min



May 18, 2026
May 18, 2026
48 min
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/c988tzC4Mh
Merch: https://called-to-defend.printify.me/
In this episode, Josh and Caleb explore the biblical concept of faith, its etymology, and how it manifests in trust, faithfulness, and action. The discussion delves into Hebrew roots, Old Testament usage, and practical implications for living out faith today.
#christianity #theology #biblestudy
Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calledtodefend/
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Connect
Email calledtodefend315@gmail.com
May 18, 2026
48 min



May 4, 2026
May 4, 2026
30 min
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/c988tzC4Mh
Merch: https://called-to-defend.printify.me/
In this video, we conclude our mountain podcast series, studying the mountain theme in the bible. We reflect on the teachings and what this means for how we understand the gospel and what we are to do in light of the great commission. Join our bible study to explore these profound truths. 🙏
Socials
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Connect
Email calledtodefend315@gmail.com
00:00 Intro 01:37 Going Up The Mountain In Hebrews 09:15 Tying The Narratives Together 17:33 The Bible Is A Mountain narrative
May 4, 2026
30 min



Apr 20, 2026
Apr 20, 2026
49 min
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/7RFEtmQd Merch: https://called-to-defend.printify.me/ Join us for a great study of the 7 mountains in the gospel of Matthew. See how there is a mini-story within the gospel narrative that shows what is going on within the work of Christ that only makes the gospel that much clearer and beautiful in what Christ did for us. Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calledtodefend/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.phpid=100090701102553 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@called.to.defend X: https://x.com/CtD35 Channels Called to Defend Regular @calledtodefend CtD Apologia for Apologetic/Polemic Clips @ctdapologia CtD Graphai for Theology Clips @ctdgraphai CtD Ecclesia for Church History @ctdecclesia Connect Email calledtodefend315@gmail.com Chapter Markers 00:00 Intro 02:58 Declaration of War: Mountain 1 11:01 Matthew's Torah: Mountain 2 23:32 The Massive Feeding: Mountain 3 & 4 29:00 Taking Over Death's Mountain: Mountain 5 37:29 Prophetic Revealings on Mount of Olives: Mountain 6 42:14 The Great Commission: Mountain 7/8 44:29 Bonus Mountain: Mountain 7
Apr 20, 2026
49 min



Apr 13, 2026
Apr 13, 2026
39 min
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/7RFEtmQd Merch: https://called-to-defend.printify.me/ Join us for a study in the book of Isaiah tracing the mountain theme. Isaiah tells of a day that will come where nations will come to the mountain of God and bring His teachings out to the world. What can we take from this? What does this say of how we should consider our actions as Christians? Are we seeking His teachings? Are we seeking to bring His teachings out to the world? #christianity #theology #biblestudy Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calledtodefend/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.phpid=100090701102553 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@called.to.defend X: https://x.com/CtD35 Channels Called to Defend Regular @ CtD Apologia for Apologetic/Polemic Clips @ctdapologia CtD Graphai for Theology Clips @ctdgraphai Connect Email calledtodefend315@gmail.com 00:00 Caleb Decimates Josh 04:21 The Return To The Mountain Top 20:37 The Nations Together 24:03 God's Purification of The People
Apr 13, 2026
39 min





