The Universe Next Door

What is annihilationism and is Kirk Cameron a heretic? Does the Bible borrow mythical concepts from Near Eastern neighbors? What is (and isn't) the concept of the Trinity and what are some of the pitfalls to watch for?
Send your questions to information@apologetics.org

In this episode of The Universe Next Door we trace the Christmas narrative across Matthew and Luke, highlighting genealogy differences, the angels’ announcements to Mary and Joseph, and the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant (throne, house, kingdom).
We unpack the timing and identity of the Magi and propose a compelling birth date for Jesus—September 11, 3 BC—drawing on Revelation 12 and astronomical signs.
 
The Genealogy episode has vanished, here's another one on Santa Claus:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/santa-claus-is-coming-to-town-what-will-you-do-jesus/id1464590061?i=1000639141484
 

Yes, you read that right! The biggest, greatest, most concise and wonderful Christmas apologetics timeline this Thursday night at 5pm on the Universe Next Door!
In the meantime:
When Was Jesus Actually Born?
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-most-convincing-case-for-when-jesus-was-born-and/id1464590061?i=1000681579680
Santa is Coming to Town: What Will You Do?
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/santa-claus-is-coming-to-town-what-will-you-do-jesus/id1464590061?i=1000639141484
 

In this episode of The Universe Next Door we continue part two of a year-end look at the most-searched questions about Christianity, exploring what sin is, why people are searching for Christian music and local churches, and addressing fears about the number of the beast (666). Nick Shalna reflects on cultural shifts, how Christians should respond, and practical apologetics for today.
 

"Is Jesus really God?", "Can I know God personally?", what is the role of faith in culture and politics? Join us as Nick Shalna examines the top 5 most popular Christian-related google searches and 2025, and what implications come with them!
Send your questions to information@apologetics.org

Welcome to The Universe Next Door as we tackle listener questions on demons, the origin of evil spirits, Christian nationalism, angelic appearances, and the resurrection—seeking biblical clarity and objective truth.
Join us for a thoughtful, grace-centered Q&A exploring theology, scripture, and culture, where difficult questions are welcomed.
 
Angels, Cherubim, and Seraphim:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/angels-cherubim-seraphim-and-the-spiritual-realm-who/id1464590061?i=1000641894301
 
 

Nick Shalna responds to an interview between Joe Rogan and James Talarico on Christian Nationalism. Why is Christian Nationalism a problem, and what are some of the misunderstandings surrounding it?
 
Video used:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phUEO_VlSZY

This episode examines why Jesus refers to Himself as the "Son of Man," tracing the term back to Daniel 7 and its Old Testament context.
It explains how Jesus’ words about coming on the clouds and sitting at the right hand of the Ancient of Days were recognized by Jewish leaders as claims to deity, and how the passage relates to the divine council and the two powers in heaven.
Send your questions to information@apologetics.org

Have you ever wondered why there were certain expectations in the New Testament as to what Jesus was expected to do?
Nick explores first-century Jewish expectations about the coming Messiah, which Old Testament prophecies were recognized and which were missed, and how Jesus’ miracles, exorcisms, death, and resurrection fulfilled Scripture (and extra-biblical expectations) in surprising ways.
 
Most Recent Episode:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baptism-the-didache-and-is-kjv-the-best-translation-q-a/id1464590061?i=1000728116685
Revelation 12 Reference:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-most-convincing-case-for-when-jesus-was-born-and/id1464590061?i=1000681579680
Jesus Taking Back His Territory:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-divine-council-and-the-significance-of-70/id1464590061?i=1000641197724

Answers to listener questions on baptism (including the Didache and immersion), King James–only claims and textual criticism, and how the Septuagint shapes New Testament readings.
The episode also discusses whether all religions can be true, how Jesus claims deity in the Gospels, differing views on sin, and the Gospels as ancient Greco-Roman biography.
 
Related Episodes:
Most Recent Q&A: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/q-a-salvation-dispensationalism-roman-catholicism/id1464590061?i=1000714379180
Jesus' Deity in Mark Part 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/did-jesus-claim-to-be-god-in-the-book-of-mark/id1464590061?i=1000679935739