Podcasts

With all the fighting and division in Christianity today, have you ever wondered how early Christians worked out disagreements? Today’s Scriptures du Jour look to two examples of brethren disagreeing in Acts 15. Then, we try to get past our disclaimers for some real talk on fasting. When did churches fast in the New Testament, and what should we take from their example? The Big Idea: Unity is possible when we reason together with no agenda but God’s will and no authority but God’s Word. Weekly Challenge: Fast or give up something for one day this week. Show Notes Into the Book - Week 8 Into th

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Podcast Feb 25, 2020

DANIEL: Prophecies. The Daniel Dilemma. End-time. Dixit.

Register your feedback here. Always good to hear from you! I’ve been preaching … about the jealousy of Daniel’s subordinates, and how it landed him in the lion’s den. Have you ever been jealous enough to kill someone? And don’t be too quick to answer. I’ve been reading … The Daniel Dilemma, by Chris Hodges. One of the most powerful things Satan can do to defeat us is to adopt the name of his choosing instead of the name God gives us. Just say no! I’ve been hearing … different theories about the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. It’s amazing how the so-called wonders of the world come and go, but the

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Podcast Feb 24, 2020

Consumed or Remembered

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! When it comes to free time, discretionary time, we all wish we had more. Life is busy. And obligations of our time exist in every single day of life. From work to school to family to worship to rest, the calendar is full. But we all have moments around those events where we get to choose what to do! Some say they do not, but that's not true. There are precious moments in every day where you get to decide what to watch, read, think, or do. If we aren't careful, we will waste those precious moments. We will do things we imm

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Podcast Feb 20, 2020

Episode 52 - "Some Good Gila Monster"

This week, we look at two Heavy Words: repentance and discipleship. Bryan explains why a Christian can never be like Darth Vader and Ryan explains why we’re like Gila monsters. We talk about the hardest thing in the Bible to do and why it’s so hard to believe someone can actually change. And we go looking for Jesus in week 7 of our reading plan (Acts 7-11), including our favorite verses from today’s readings. The Big Idea: As disciples, we will never be the master, but Jesus our master shows us the Ultimate Disciple. Weekly Challenge: Connect with someone who might be seeking the Lord this wee

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Podcast Feb 18, 2020

DESTINY: Predestination. Atlantis Rising. Jeremiah 29:11. Medici.

Register your feedback here. Always good to hear from you! I’ve been preaching … about predestination. It’s not a question of whether it is true; it’s a question of what it means and what it doesn’t mean. I’ve been reading … Atlantis Rising, by Clive Cussler. Some people just think they are better than everyone else. I wish they were all in novels, but they’re not. I’ve been hearing … Jeremiah 29:11 quoted out of context all my life. If you think God’s plan for your life is marrying the prom queen or getting through dental school, you are aiming way too low. I’ve been playing … Medici, a game

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Podcast Feb 17, 2020

Be The Change

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! "Be the change you wish to see in the world." Do you know who said that? Most attribute it to Mahatma Gandhi. Well, he didn't actually say that, but what he did say is amazing, and is summed up well in this popular phrase. He created incredible change in the world by focusing on growing individually and letting that have a peaceful affect on then world. In that way, he is an incredible example. Did you know the best way to change an environment is to change yourself? The best way to help others become better is to become

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Podcast Feb 13, 2020

Episode 51 - "One-Trick Pony?"

This week we’re talking about the Holy Spirit — his work and presence in the early church and the church today. What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit? How is it different from the gift of the Spirit Christians receive at baptism? And what does it really mean to be “filled with the Spirit”? And as this week’s “Into the Book” readings lead us into Acts, we look for the apostle’s “hobby horse” sermon topic and find that trembling before our awesome God is just as important in the New Testament as the Old Testament. The Big Idea: The Lord continues to live and work in his people today. Weekly Cha

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Podcast Feb 11, 2020

STATE OF THE UNION: Unity and Division. What Americans Really Want ... Really. Impeachment. Coup.

Register your feedback here. Always good to hear from you! I’ve been preaching … about unity and division. Jesus provides a way for all humans to come together in peace and harmony. But we have to do it His way. Not ours. I’ve been reading … What Americans Really want … Really, by Frank Luntz. Honesty is the best policy, especially being honest with ourselves about our real values. I’ve been hearing … the impeachment process is really over, and Donald Trump is still our president. We don’t always like the reality that exists, but we would do well to accept it. I’ve been playing … Coup. Amass i

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Podcast Feb 10, 2020

Stop Starting Over

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! Quitting can be a great idea. If there are things in your life that do not resonate with who you want to become: quit them. If there are things that don't matter to God or your family, stop doing them. If there are things that you know you will not ever return to, say goodby. This is actually a great way to create more time and energy for things that matter. However, when it comes to things that do matter to you: stop starting over. When it comes things you quit, but eventually find yourself returning to, stop starting ov

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Podcast Feb 6, 2020

Episode 50 - "Stay Classy"

How did Jesus stay calm, composed, and classy in crisis? What did Jesus do to set people’s hearts on fire? Why did Jesus tell his disciples to touch him? And how is hurrying like a Mexican Buffet? This week we take on these and other exciting questions, as we finish Luke. The Scriptures du Jour come from Luke 24 and we finish up with some Deeep Thoughts about keeping it together. The Big Idea: We can find Christlike composure by entrusting ourselves to God. Weekly Challenge: Respond to difficulty with grace this week. Show Notes Into the Book - Week 5 Into the Book Preview - “Luke 21-24; Acts

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Podcast Feb 4, 2020

SUPER BOWL: Finishing. Halftime. Female Participation. Pizza Box Football

Register your feedback here. Always good to hear from you! I’ve been preaching … about finishing. How you finish something is far more important than how you start. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are great examples. I’ve been reading … two different reactions to the halftime show featuring Shakira and Jennifer Lopez. Which one is yours will depend on whether you value carnal things or spiritual things. I’ve been hearing … about female participation, in sports and in every other walk of life. If women want to assume traditionally male roles, fine. But if I were a woman, I would rese

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Podcast Feb 3, 2020

Let's Talk Money

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! Christians seek first spiritual goals and the kingdom of God. But let's not have our head in the sand: money still matters. We need it to provide for our family. And honestly, we need it to do a whole lot of extra great things for God and His people and the world. In centuries past, there were few opportunities to have money and save money and be rich. But we live in an amazing time for spiritual and physical blessings. And if our hearts are right, and we make wise plans, we can honor Him every single step of the way. It

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Podcast Jan 30, 2020

Episode 49 - "I Shall Not Be Moved?"

This week, as we go Finding Jesus in Luke 16-20, we notice that Jesus is never boring and always knows the right thing to say. But we also see his heart ache for people, and learn that he likes to hear “thank you” as much as anyone. As we set Psalm 10 in Motion, we learn to speak frankly with God and turn our questions to praise. It may seem like God is avoiding you when you need him most, but the King is listening — so what are you asking? The Big Idea: Helping the helpless is one of God’s specialties. Weekly Challenge: Speak your mind to God in prayer this week. Show Notes Into the Book - We

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Podcast Jan 28, 2020

CHICK FIL-A, PART 2: Smiles. "Closed on Sunday." The Boss. New York Slice.

Register your feedback here. Always good to hear from you! I’ve been preaching … about the power of smiles. Joy is meant to be shown and shared. It makes all the difference in the world. I’ve been reading … the lyrics to “Closed on Sunday,” from Kanye West’s new album. This is why I don’t listen to hip-hop. I’ve been hearing … All the local Chick-fil-A employees sing their boss’s praises. And I mean everyone. They’re not brainwashed. They are just made in his image. I’ve been playing … New York Slice. Like in retail, the only way you can get what you want is by giving other people what they wa

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Podcast Jan 27, 2020

Seeking Wise Counsel

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! Taking initiative, doing things your way, showing personal strength - these all can be great qualities! However, you and I have to admit something important: we don't know everything. In fact, we may not have the knowledge, experience or strength to solve our OWN problems! This doesn't have to be bad news. It just means we need to learn how to Seek Wise Counsel. Firstly, we need the humility to admit this and seek help. Then, we must learn the process for truly getting with the right person, having the right conversation,

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Podcast Jan 23, 2020

Episode 48 - "They Be Trippin'!"

This week, we’re on fire! Or at least we’re talking about fire a lot. We go looking for Jesus in this week’s readings and find a strong man casting fire on the earth. Our Scripture du Jour has us rethinking our dinner invitations and trying to stay salty. And a Psalm 9 edition of Poetry in Motion has us praising the God who sees us, maintains justice, and gives us a stronghold. The Big Idea: Understanding fire of God’s judgment on evil brings the humble heart to repent. Weekly Challenge: Get together with someone you would normally not invite. Show Notes Into the Book - Week 3 Into the Book Pr

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Podcast Jan 21, 2020

CHICK FIL-A: Leadership. Withdrawn Support. "My Pleasure." Lanterns: The Harvest Festival.

Register your feedback here. Always good to hear from you! I’ve been preaching … about leadership. Chick fil-A #01389 trains its employees to be “leaders,” both inside and outside the workplace. And it shows. I’ve been reading … about Christians withdrawing their support for Chick Fil-A because of changes in their charity policy. We have got to get a grip on who the good guys and bad guys are in this culture war. I’ve been hearing … “My pleasure.” A lot. Is there a difference between “My Pleasure” and “You’re Welcome”? I think there is, and I’ll tell you why. I’ve been playing … Lanterns: The

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Podcast Jan 20, 2020

Honoring Your Values

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! So far in this season we have made some big decisions on who we want to become. We have selected some lofty goals that will take all year to reach. We have even figured out how to break that progress down into months, weeks and days. But it is worth noting: unless those goals align with your core values, they aren't worth the effort. Have you ever accomplished something big, only to feel like it didn't matter like you thought it would? Have you ever abandoned a goal because it just didn't seem important anymore? Well, the

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Podcast Jan 16, 2020

Replay — "Tiny Toothpick Legs"

Programming Note: This week, we're replaying one of our favorite episodes on spiritual growth. We'll be back next week with a brand new episode. This week, we answer a listener question about going from milk to meat and find that the next step of growth is different for all of us. The conversation takes us from muscle men with toothpick legs to babies with giant heads, as what Jesus Said in Mark 8:14-21 reminds us that the Lord expects us to follow an appropriate growth curve. How do we overcome spiritual stagnation and keep moving forward, both as Bible students and as disciples? Join us as w

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Podcast Jan 14, 2020

CULTURE: The Fear of God. Faith for This Moment. Changing with the Times. Mombasa.

Register your feedback here. Always good to hear from you! I’ve been preaching … about the fear of God in a godless world. Sinners do not fear God; we know that. But there may be a bigger problem — that there is not enough fear of God in us. I’ve been reading … Faith for This Moment, by Rick McKinley. It is our job as Christians to present the gospel to the world. But if we think it is merely a tool to make the world less worldly, we are missing the whole point. I’ve been hearing … the Lord’s church must change with the times to accommodate changes in culture. Funny, I’ve always thought it was

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Podcast Jan 13, 2020

Winning the Week

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! We kicked off season two with an episode on January 6th - Building Your Ladders. You were encouraged to think BIG! To come up with awesome ideas of who you would like to become, and then identify big year long goals that would certainly prove that progress. We talked about how you break that down into ladder rungs, monthly rungs, and work you way through the year. However, many have tried that approach and failed. Why? In short, because they are losing weeks while trying to win the month. If you learn how to Win the Week,

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Podcast Jan 9, 2020

Episode 47 - "You Snakes!"

Why is it so hard to talk to people about the gospel? How can we engage people in real dialogue about the truth? Join us for a discussion about the gospel, as we seek to understand it and share it. And as we talk about the first week’s reading on this episode, it’s still a great time to start reading through the New Testament with us! With the new year, we’ve also changed up the format — Finding Jesus in every passage we read and offering our Scripture du Jour from the week’s reading. Hope you’ll join us! The Big Idea: Reasonable dialogue can open opportunities for sharing the gospel, where on

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Podcast Jan 6, 2020

Building Your Ladders

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! Welcome to Season 2! Last year we collected 82 episodes designed to help you grow in faith, deepen relationships and get the most out of the life God has given you. Now, we head into this New Year ready to use all of that experience to reach new heights! Firstly, you have to decide who you want to become. What does a better you look like? Secondly, you must be specific, in terms of a goal to reach that proves that commitment. Then, you pray for God to provide the pieces that you need to get there. Finally, if you can buil

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Podcast Jan 6, 2020

GUNS: God-Given Rights. Epitaph (3). White Settlement. Bang! The Dice Game.