Did Jesus Really Descend into Hell?

See You On Sunday: A Quick Summer Update

After twelve episodes together, Kendra and Kyler are pressing pause on Christ In You for the month of July before returning with new conversations in early August. In this brief update, they share what has been forming them lately, reflect on a few favorite episodes from the first season, and thank everyone who has listened, shared episodes, and joined the conversation. If you're new to the podcast—or missed an episode along the way—summer is a great time to catch up. We hope these conversations continue to encourage you as you seek to follow Jesus in the ordinary rhythms of everyday life. We'll see you back in August...and until then, we'll see you on Sunday. Mentioned on the Show Next Step: * Catch up on any episodes you may have missed, or share a favorite episode with a friend this summer. Don’t know where to start? Here are Kyler and Kendra’s favorites: * How to Read the Bible Like a Christian * What's Forming You? How Scripture Shapes Us * Did Jesus Really Descend into Hell? * Stay connected to Redeemer through Sunday worship and the many opportunities happening throughout the summer. Recommended Resources: * Professor Horner Bible Reading Plan [https://sohmer.net/media/professor_grant_horners_bible_reading_system.pdf] Christ In You: Conversations on Spiritual Formation is a podcast from Redeemer Presbyterian Church in San Diego, exploring how the gospel forms us in the everyday rhythms of life. Kendra Dahl is the Director of Women’s Ministry at Redeemer, and Kyler Wright is the Pastor of Spiritual Formation. Together, they host conversations with pastors and ministry leaders to help believers grow in Christ. To learn more about Redeemer and find additional resources, visit www.redeemersd.org

The Neglected R: Don’t Skip Rejoicing

Many Christians are comfortable talking about sin, repentance, and spiritual growth—but far less comfortable talking about joy. In this episode of Christ In You, Kendra and Kyler revisit the 3 Rs of Heart Renewal and spend time unpacking the often-neglected third R: Rejoice. Together, they discuss: * Why many Christians stop at repentance and never move into joy * The difference between biblical joy and simple happiness * How the gospel frees us from an orphan mentality and welcomes us into God's family * Why rejoicing is a discipline, not merely an emotion * How gratitude for Christ's finished work fuels obedience * What it means to live from the riches of God's grace instead of continually dwelling on our failures * How joy transforms the way we love, serve, forgive, and engage others Drawing from Psalm 51, the fruit of the Spirit, and the promises of the gospel, Kendra and Kyler remind listeners that repentance is never meant to end in despair. The goal of renewal is not merely seeing our sin more clearly—it is seeing Christ more clearly and learning to rest in the joy of our salvation. If you've ever felt stuck in cycles of introspection, guilt, or spiritual heaviness, this conversation offers a hopeful invitation to receive God's grace anew and allow joy in Christ to propel you into a life of grateful obedience. Mentioned on the Show Next Step:If you have the 3 Rs booklet, work through the Rejoice reflections, considering the impact of repentance on obedience, mission, and forgiving others. Spend time this week working through the 3 Rs of Heart Renewal: * Reveal: What is the Holy Spirit exposing in my heart? * Repent: What false savior or idol am I turning from? * Rejoice: What is true about Christ and the gospel that gives me reason for joy today? Then pray David's prayer: "Restore to me the joy of your salvation." Ask God to help you not stop at repentance, but to rest in Christ's finished work and allow that joy to shape the way you love and serve others. Key Scriptures: * Psalm 51 * Romans 8:1 * Ephesians 1 * Hebrews 12:2 * James 1:2 * Mark 10:46–52 (Bartimaeus) * 2 Peter 1:5–9 * Colossians 1:13 Recommended Resources: * 3 Rs of Heart Renewal [https://redeemersd.org/wp-content/uploads/Gospel-and-the-Heart-Sermon-Series-Guidebook-1.pdf] * Tim Keller: “All of Life Is Repentance” [https://www.redeemer.com/uploads/RedeemerNewsletter-2004-11.pdf] * Jack Miller: “Just Mount a Love Offense” [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/scotty-smith/just-mount-a-love-offensive-jack-miller/] Christ In You: Conversations on Spiritual Formation is a podcast from Redeemer Presbyterian Church in San Diego, exploring how the gospel forms us in the everyday rhythms of life. Kendra Dahl is the Director of Women’s Ministry at Redeemer, and Kyler Wright is the Pastor of Spiritual Formation. Together, they host conversations with pastors and ministry leaders to help believers grow in Christ. To learn more about Redeemer and find additional resources, visit www.redeemersd.org

Did Jesus Really Descend into Hell?

Few lines in the Apostles’ Creed raise more questions than this one: “He descended into hell.” What are Christians actually confessing when they say those words? In this episode of Christ In You, Kendra and Kyler explore the history, theology, and pastoral significance of one of the most misunderstood phrases in the Christian faith. Together, they discuss: * What the Apostles’ Creed means by “he descended into hell” * Common misunderstandings surrounding this phrase * The biblical distinction between Sheol, Hades, and Gehenna * Why Jesus did not need to continue suffering after the cross * What Scripture teaches about death and the believer’s hope * How Christ's death and resurrection free us from the fear of death * Why this doctrine offers deep comfort in seasons of grief, suffering, and uncertainty More than a theological debate, this conversation explores the profound hope at the center of the gospel: Christ fully entered our condition, bore the punishment for sin in our place, conquered death, and secured our future resurrection. If you've ever stumbled over this line in the Creed—or wondered how Christian doctrine connects to everyday life—this episode will help you see why what we confess shapes how we live, grieve, and hope. Mentioned on the Show Next Step:The next time you confess the Apostles' Creed, slow down when you reach the words “He descended into hell.” Maybe even take a deep breath. Take time this week to reflect on what Christ accomplished through His death and resurrection. Ask: * What fears does the gospel free me from? * How does Christ's victory over death shape the way I live today? * What would it look like to face suffering and uncertainty with greater hope? Spend time meditating on one of the passages below and thank God for the assurance that belongs to all who are united to Christ by faith. Key Scriptures: * Hebrews 2:14–15 * Ecclesiastes 12:7 * Luke 16 (Rich Man and Lazarus) * Luke 23:43 * Philippians 1:21–24 * 2 Corinthians 5:8 * Romans 5 * Romans 8 * Ephesians 2:1–10 * 1 Corinthians 15 * Revelation 19–21 Recommended Resources: * Apostles' Creed * Westminster Larger Catechism (Question 50) * Heidelberg Catechism (Question 44) Christ In You: Conversations on Spiritual Formation is a podcast from Redeemer Presbyterian Church in San Diego, exploring how the gospel forms us in the everyday rhythms of life. Kendra Dahl is the Director of Women’s Ministry at Redeemer, and Kyler Wright is the Pastor of Spiritual Formation. Together, they host conversations with pastors and ministry leaders to help believers grow in Christ. To learn more about Redeemer and find additional resources, visit www.redeemersd.org

When God Feels Far Away with Peter Hwang

Every Christian experiences seasons when God feels distant. Prayer can feel one-sided. Scripture may seem dry. Worship feels harder than it once did. In those moments, it's easy to wonder whether something is wrong—or whether God has withdrawn from us altogether. In this episode of Christ In You, Kendra and Kyler are joined by Pastor Peter Hwang of Redeemer Scripps Ranch to discuss the reality of spiritual dry seasons and how Christians can navigate them faithfully. Together, they explore: * What spiritual dryness actually is * Why dry seasons are a normal part of the Christian life * How God uses wilderness experiences to shape His people * The relationship between suffering, dependence, and spiritual growth * Why feelings are not the ultimate measure of God's presence * How the 3 Rs of Heart Renewal can help us process difficult seasons * The importance of ordinary faithfulness through prayer, Scripture, worship, and community Drawing from the stories of Moses, Paul, Jacob, and the Psalms, the conversation offers both honesty and hope for anyone who feels spiritually stuck, discouraged, or weary. If you've ever wondered whether you're doing something wrong because God feels far away, this episode is a reminder that dry seasons are not evidence of God's absence. Often, they are one of the ways He forms us more deeply into the image of Christ. Mentioned on the Show Next Step:The next time you find yourself in a dry season, spend time working through the 3 Rs of Heart Renewal: * Reveal: What might God be exposing in my heart through these circumstances? * Repent: Where am I looking for comfort, control, approval, or satisfaction apart from Christ? * Rejoice: What is true about God and the gospel, even when I don't feel it? Then commit to one simple act of ordinary faithfulness this week: prayer, Scripture reading, corporate worship, or reaching out to another believer. Key Scriptures: * Exodus 3 (Moses and the burning bush) * Exodus 16 * Numbers 13–14 * Psalm 13 (referenced conceptually through the discussion of lament) * 2 Corinthians 1:8–9 * 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 * 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 * Romans 12 * John 20:24–29 (Thomas) * Acts 2 (Pentecost) * Genesis 32 (Jacob wrestling with God) Recommended Resources: * Kyle Strobel's Substack [https://kylestrobel.substack.com/] * “The Missing Reformation Doctrine for Spiritual Formation” [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/missing-reformed-doctrine-spiritual-formation/] by Kyle Strobel at The Gospel Coalition * “Changing My Mind: A Skeptical Professor Meets a Surprising God | Molly Worthen” [https://www.veritas.org/podcast/changing-my-mind-a-skeptical-professor-meets-a-surprising-god-molly-worthen] at Veritas Forum * 3 Rs of Heart Renewal [https://redeemersd.org/wp-content/uploads/Gospel-and-the-Heart-Sermon-Series-Guidebook-1.pdf] Christ In You: Conversations on Spiritual Formation is a podcast from Redeemer Presbyterian Church in San Diego, exploring how the gospel forms us in the everyday rhythms of life. Kendra Dahl is the Director of Women’s Ministry at Redeemer, and Kyler Wright is the Pastor of Spiritual Formation. Together, they host conversations with pastors and ministry leaders to help believers grow in Christ. To learn more about Redeemer and find additional resources, visit www.redeemersd.org

Why We Baptize Our Children

Infant baptism is one of the most common questions people ask when they visit Redeemer—and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of Christ In You, Kendra and Kyler share their personal journeys from Baptist and non-denominational backgrounds into a covenantal understanding of baptism. Together, they explore why Redeemer practices infant baptism, how covenant theology shapes their reading of Scripture, and why this issue matters without becoming a test of Christian faithfulness. They discuss: * Infant baptism in church history * The difference between baptism as a sign and seal versus a means of salvation * How covenant theology connects the Old and New Testaments * The relationship between circumcision and baptism * What it means for children to belong to the covenant community * Why infant baptism is ultimately a picture of God's grace and initiative * How Christians can disagree on baptism while remaining united in Christ Whether you're exploring membership at Redeemer, wrestling through your own convictions, or simply curious about why different churches practice baptism differently, this conversation offers a thoughtful and gracious introduction to the theological framework behind infant baptism. Above all, Kendra and Kyler remind listeners that our ultimate hope is not in a particular baptismal practice, but in the grace of God that saves, sustains, and keeps His people. Mentioned on the Show Next Step: Read and reflect on the key covenant passages discussed in this episode. Ask yourself: * How does the Bible tell one unified story of God's redemption? * What does it mean to belong to God's covenant people? * How do God's promises shape the way I think about faith, family, and the church? If you have questions, continue the conversation with a pastor, elder, or trusted member of the Redeemer community. Key Scriptures: * Genesis 3:15 * Genesis 15 * Genesis 17:7–10 * Acts 8:26–39 (Ethiopian Eunuch) * Acts 16 (Philippian Jailer) * Romans 5:12–21 * 1 Corinthians 7:14 * Galatians 3:9, 14, 29 * Colossians 2:11–12 * 2 Corinthians 5:21 Recommended Resources: * What Is Reformed Theology? [https://a.co/d/06neo5u8] by R.C. Sproul * The Westminster Confession of Faith [https://thewestminsterstandard.org/the-westminster-confession/] (Chapter 28) * Westminster Larger Catechism [https://thewestminsterstandard.org/westminster-larger-catechism/] (Questions 161–170) * Westminster Shorter Catechism [https://thewestminsterstandard.org/westminster-shorter-catechism/] (Questions 94–95) * Heidelberg Catechism [https://www.heidelberg-catechism.com/pdf/lords-days/Heidelberg-Catechism.pdf] (Questions 69–74) * Redeemer Membership & Baptism [https://redeemersd.org/encinitas/membership/]  Christ In You: Conversations on Spiritual Formation is a podcast from Redeemer Presbyterian Church in San Diego, exploring how the gospel forms us in the everyday rhythms of life. Kendra Dahl is the Director of Women’s Ministry at Redeemer, and Kyler Wright is the Pastor of Spiritual Formation. Together, they host conversations with pastors and ministry leaders to help believers grow in Christ. To learn more about Redeemer and find additional resources, visit www.redeemersd.org