Burnout, Fruit, and Fundamentals: Repentance From Dead Works
Countertop Theology: Faith Conversations Between Father and Son
Release Date: 01/23/2026
Episode 9: Is Tithing Still Required? A Biblical Conversation About Giving
Countertop Theology: Faith Conversations Between Father and Son
In this episode of Countertop Theology, Josh and his dad David tackle a topic that affects every believer but often comes with confusion, tension, and strong opinions: tithing and giving. Is the tithe a command Christians are required to follow today, or is it part of the Old Testament law? What does the Bible actually say about generosity, offerings, and trusting God with our finances? Drawing from David’s 25+ years serving as a pastor responsible for teaching on giving, the conversation explores how his thinking has evolved over the years. Together they walk through key scriptures—from...
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Episode 8: The Laying on of Hands: Where Faith Meets the Physical
Countertop Theology: Faith Conversations Between Father and Son
In this episode of Countertop Theology, Josh and his dad continue their journey through the foundational teachings found in Hebrews 6 by exploring the doctrine of the laying on of hands. What does it really mean? Is it symbolic, spiritual, or something more? Drawing from both Old and New Testament examples, they unpack how the laying on of hands has been used for blessing, healing, commissioning, and impartation — and why intentionality matters when we pray for others. You’ll hear: ✔️ The biblical roots of the laying on of hands ✔️ How physical actions connect to spiritual...
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Episode 7: Sacred Habits & Spiritual Freedom: A Conversation on Faith Practices
Countertop Theology: Faith Conversations Between Father and Son
In this episode of Countertop Theology, Josh and his dad, David Ellis, record from the road in Texas and dive into a thoughtful conversation about Lent, Sabbath, and the rhythms of faith that shape our lives. Josh shares why he felt drawn to observe Lent for the first time and how it sparked deeper questions: Are there spiritual practices we’ve overlooked? What can we learn from traditions outside our own church backgrounds? And how do we honor God through discipline without falling into empty religious routine? David reflects on his journey of faith, the power of spiritual habits, and how...
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Countertop Theology Ep. 6: Doctrine of Baptisms: More Than a Ritual
Countertop Theology: Faith Conversations Between Father and Son
In Episode 6 of Countertop Theology: Faith Conversations Between Father and Son, we continue our walk through the foundational doctrines in Hebrews 6:1–2—and this week we’re on #3: the doctrine of baptisms. Most churches “do baptism,” but what does it actually mean? Dad breaks down the word baptizo (to submerge/cover completely) and why baptism is far more than a religious ritual—it’s a public declaration of allegiance to the one true God and a renunciation of all others. We talk through: Why baptism is a foundation of the faith (not a side issue) John’s baptism and how...
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Episode 5: When the Church Is Shaken: Grace, Accountability, and Trust
Countertop Theology: Faith Conversations Between Father and Son
In Episode 5 of Countertop Theology, we step away from Hebrews 6 for a moment to talk about something many people are feeling right now—a deep shaking in the church. Recent revelations involving well-known leaders and churches have stirred frustration, grief, confusion, and distrust, especially among younger generations. In this honest, unscripted conversation, we talk through what’s happening, why it’s happening, and how followers of Jesus can respond without losing their faith, their tenderness, or their love for the church. We discuss: Why judgment begins with the house of God (1...
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Faith Toward God: Belief or Allegiance? | Hebrews 6 (Episode 4)
Countertop Theology: Faith Conversations Between Father and Son
Welcome to Episode 4 of Countertop Theology—faith conversations about Jesus and the Word between a father and son. In this episode, we circle back to clarify a key point from earlier conversations: the difference between a PhD, a doctorate, accreditation, and why it matters to represent those things accurately. Then we return to Hebrews 6 and the “elementary principles of Christ” (foundational doctrines). After discussing repentance from dead works in the previous episode, we move into #2: Faith Toward God We explore why “faith toward God” is more than intellectual belief. The Greek...
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Burnout, Fruit, and Fundamentals: Repentance From Dead Works
Countertop Theology: Faith Conversations Between Father and Son
Welcome back to our countertop conversations. In this episode, Josh and his dad, David Ellis, pick up where they left off—walking through the foundational principles of Hebrews 6. They start with the first cornerstone: repentance from dead works. This isn’t a “gotcha” episode. It’s a father–son conversation about real life—how we can love Jesus, mean well, and still pour energy into things that aren’t producing fruit. They talk about how dead works can look like idols in the ancient world… and how they can look like burnout, misplaced priorities, or identity wrapped up in the...
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Episode 2: Do We Know the Basics? Hebrews 6 Conversation
Countertop Theology: Faith Conversations Between Father and Son
In this episode, David (father) and Josh (son) discuss spiritual maturity through the lens of Hebrews 6 and why the Church must understand the “elementary principles” that Scripture calls foundational. They explore how believers develop discernment, why fundamentals matter more than hype, and how the Holy Spirit leads us into truth. They introduce the six foundational doctrines of Christ (Hebrews 6:1–2) and encourage pastors and believers alike to build their faith on these essentials.
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Episode 1- Anchored in Truth: A Father & Son Talk Scripture and Faith
Countertop Theology: Faith Conversations Between Father and Son
Welcome to the very first episode of these father/son faith conversations. Josh and his dad, David, share the heart behind why they started this series—to bring their real, unscripted kitchen-table talks about God, Scripture, and life to a wider audience. They discuss the authority of God’s Word, the beauty of the gospel, how faith grows over decades, and why truth, humility, and love must always go together. If you’ve ever wrestled with church hurt, doubt, or simply wanting more depth in your walk with God, this conversation is for you.
info_outlineWelcome back to our countertop conversations. In this episode, Josh and his dad, David Ellis, pick up where they left off—walking through the foundational principles of Hebrews 6. They start with the first cornerstone: repentance from dead works.
This isn’t a “gotcha” episode. It’s a father–son conversation about real life—how we can love Jesus, mean well, and still pour energy into things that aren’t producing fruit. They talk about how dead works can look like idols in the ancient world… and how they can look like burnout, misplaced priorities, or identity wrapped up in the wrong thing today.
Along the way, they discuss:
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Why foundations matter (and why bigger “buildings” require deeper foundations)
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How to recognize when something is no longer producing fruit
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The difference between “good” and “God’s best”
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The danger of chasing new teachings without staying anchored in Scripture
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Why repentance often means a simple (but costly) shift: changing your mind