Episode 158 - Cultural Apologetics and Fault Lines

Episode Video

Show Notes

Scripture Referenced

  • 1 Peter 3:15;

  • Colossians 4:2-6;

Links Referenced

Episode 157 - The Trustworthy Word - Part 2

Episode Video

Show Notes

Reviewish - Dune Part 2

Scripture References

Fulfillment of Messianic Prophecies

  1. Human Race – Born of Woman, Genesis 3:15

  2. Ethnic Group – Abraham, Genesis 12:3

  3. Tribe – Judah, Genesis 49:10

  4. Dynasty – David, 2 Samuel 7:12

  5. Manner of Birth – Virgin, Isaiah 7:14

  6. Birthplace – Bethlehem, Micah 5:2

  7. When he would die – Approx AD 33, Daniel 9:24

  8. Way he would die – Isaiah 53

Psalm 19:7–11

[7] The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; [8] the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; [9] the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. [10] More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.[11] Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. (ESV)

2 Timothy 3:14–17

[14] But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it [15] and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. [16] All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (ESV)

Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Books Recommended

Episode 156 - The Trustworthy Word - Part 1

Episode Video

Show Notes

Scripture Referenced

  • Exodus 24:1-4

  • Jeremiah 30:1,2

  • 2 Timothy 3:16, 17

  • 2 Peter 1:19-21

  • Exodus 20:16, Psalm 15:2

  • Ephesians 4:25, Revelation 22:15

Books Referenced

  • Scaling the Secular City by JP Moreland,

  • Jesus and the Eyewitnesses : The Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony by Richard Bauckham

Reviewish

  • The Deep Learning Revolution by Terrence J. Sejnowski

Episode 155 - We Need Jesus - Religious Pluralism and the Gospel

Episode Video

Show Notes

Scripture Referenced

Daniel 2:47; Genesis 1-3; Acts 17; Psalm 19; Romans 1-2; Matthew 5:45

What the Bible teaches about Human Salvation

  • Not Every from Every - The Bible does not teach that every  person from every nation will be rescued from sin, death, and hell. 

  • Not all from Some - Nor does God favor any group of people in that all from only some nations will be saved.

  • Some from Every - The Scriptures are clear that there will be some from every people, tribe, and language in the Kingdom of heaven (Revelation 7:9-12). In a unique way, Jesus' message was as open as can be imagined, yet only some respond. His open call is clear:

The Call of Jesus

The Deity of Jesus Christ

  • He claimed to forgive sin, only what God could do (Mark 2:1-12)

  • He claimed to be the divine "Son of Man" (Daniel 7:13, 14; Mark 13:24-27)

  • He claimed to exist before Abraham was born as the "I AM" - the unique name of God in the Old Testament (John 8:48-59)

  • He claimed that he was "one" with the Father (John 10)

  • He claimed that if you saw him, you saw the Father (John 14)

  • He was called "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" superseding the grandeur and authority of all earthly kings and rulers (Philippians 2:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:11-16; Revelation 9:11-16)

Books Referenced

  • Huston Smith and Huston Smith, The World's Religions : Our Great Wisdom Traditions (San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1991, 378.

  • Jean Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, trans. Henry Beveridge (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, 1997), I, xi, 8.

  • John Hick, Dennis L. Okholm, and Timothy R. Phillips, More Than One Way? : Four Views on Salvation in a Pluralistic World (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan Pub. House, 1995), 47-51.

  • The Blind Men and the Elephant is a very old Indian folk tale.  John Godfrey Saxe (1816-1887) wrote a poem based on the story which you can read at John Godfrey Saxe, WordInfo, accessed 1/30/2018, 2018. http://www.wordinfo.info/Blind-Men-and-Elephant-crop.html

  • James W. Sire, Naming the Elephant : Worldview as a Concept, Second edition. ed. (Downers Grove, Illinois: IVP Academic, an imprint of InterVarsity Press, 2015)

  • Robert M. Bowman and J. Ed Komoszewski, Putting Jesus in His Place : The Case for the Deity of Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2007)

Episode 154 - Answers - The Resurrection - Part 2

Episode Video

Show Notes

Scriptures Referenced

  • Matthew 27:62–66

  • Mark 15:42-47

  • Acts 17:31

  • 1 Corinthians 15:51-58

Links Referenced

Works Referenced

  • John Stott, Basic Christianity

  • William Lane Craig in Copan and Tacelli, Jesus’ Resurrection , Fact or Figment—A Debate Between William Lane Craig and Gerd Lüdemann (Downers Grover, Intervarsity Press, 2000)

  • Gary Habermas and Mike Licona, The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2004).

  • NT Wright, The Resurrection of the Son of God, (Minneapolis, Fortress Press, 2003)

Episode 153 - Answers - The Resurrection Part 1

Episode Video

Show Notes

Scriptures Referenced:

  • 1 Corinthians 15:1-3, 17

  • Mark 15, 16; Luke 24; Matthew 28; John 20-21; Acts 1

Works Used

  • William Lane Craig in Copan and Tacelli, Jesus’ Resurrection , Fact or Figment—A Debate Between William Lane Craig and Gerd Lüdemann (Downers Grover, Intervarsity Press, 2000)

  • Gary Habermas and Mike Licona, The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2004)

  • NT Wright, The Resurrection of the Son of God, (Minneapolis, Fortress Press, 2003) 686.

Episode 152 - Answers - GOD

Episode Video

Episode Note

Scripture References

  • Genesis 1:1

  • Hebrews 11:3

  • Romans 1-3

Books Referenced

  • Darwin Devolves by Michael Behe

  • Mere Christianity by CS Lewis

  • No Exit by Jean Paul Sartre

  • The God Hypothesis by Stephen C. Meyer

  • Reasonable Faith, Christian Truth and Apologetics by William Lane Craig

  • The Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin

Episode 151 - Seasons

Episode Video

Episode Note

Scripture Referenced

Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?”  For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.

Ecclesiastes 7:10

12] So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. [13] Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants! [14] Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. [15] Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil. [16] Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. [17] Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!

Psalm 90:12-17

[1] Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”; …[7] and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. [8] Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity. [9] Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care. [10] The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth. [11] The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. [12] My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. [13] The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. [14] For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

Ecclesiastes 12:1, 7-14

Episode 150 - The Creator

Episode Video

Show Notes

Links

Scripture Referenced

Revelation 1:8

[8] “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Revelation 21:5–8

[5] And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” [6] And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. [7] The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. [8] But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

Revelation 22:12–13

[12] “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. [13] I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

Ecclesiastes 12:1–8

[1] Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”; [2] before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are darkened and the clouds return after the rain, [3] in the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those who look through the windows are dimmed, [4] and the doors on the street are shut—when the sound of the grinding is low, and one rises up at the sound of a bird, and all the daughters of song are brought low—[5] they are afraid also of what is high, and terrors are in the way; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along, and desire fails, because man is going to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets—[6] before the silver cord is snapped, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern, [7] and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. [8] Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.

Episode 147 - Give Good Answers

Episode Video

Show Notes

Scripture Referenced

[13] Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? [14] But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, [15] but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, [16] having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. [17] For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

1 Peter 3:13-17

Links Referenced

Reid S. Monaghan Resources

Apologetics Resources

Just in case you are wondering, no, we do not agree with everything, everyone believes. So, as always, use discernment with any and all recommended resources.

Episode 146 - Disruption and Evangelism

Show Notes

Scripture Referenced

  • Mark 11:27-33

  • 1 Timothy 1:15-17

Links Referenced

Review - Questions and the Gospel Diamond

Creation - what’s all this then?!

Questions we can ask:

  • Where did all this amazing stuff come from?

  • Do you ever wonder why we are here? Any purpose to any of it?

  • What do we make of beauty? Standing on a mountain? Before the immensity of the ocean?

  • We are very small in the universe? Does that mean our lives have no significance?

Fall/Promise - what’s Wrong with the World? And us?

Questions we can ask:

  • Does the world seem to be a good place? A rough place?

  • Why is there so much injustice?

  • If people are good, why do they act so bad?

  • Is evil doing really just the business of your political enemies?

  • Why is the world full of pain and suffering? Why do we think this is WRONG?

  • Why do we think things are WRONG, EVIL, UNJUST if we are just atoms and there is no God?

Redemption - How do we get Fixed up?

Questions we can ask:

  • Why do you think Jesus made such a huge impact on our world?

  • Who do you think that Jesus was/is?

  • Why do you think Jesus died?

  • Would it be a big deal to you if it is true that Jesus rose from the dead?

  • Do you think people need to be forgiven in life? Why? How does this change people?

KINGDOM/FUTURE - what’s the Future?

Questions we can ask:

  • What are some of the causes that are important to you?

  • What is your view of the future of planet earth?

  • Do you think things are getting better or worse? Why?

  • Where do people find hope for their future? Where do you? What happens if those things fail? For example, money, health, influence, power, pleasures etc. can be lost.

Episode 145 - Listening and Evangelism

Episode Video

Show Notes

Scripture Referenced

[2] Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. [3] At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—[4] that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. [5] Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. [6] Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Colossians 4:2-6

[15] but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect

1 Peter 3:15

Key Themes

Curtis Chang, Engaging Unbelief - A Captivating Strategy from Augustine and Aquinas.

  1. ENTER

  2. RETELL the story exposing the tragic flaw

  3. CAPTURE/COMPLETE the story with the true story of the Gospel

Engaging thoughtfully with a “self made” person who relies on money and hard work?

Episode 144 - Share the Gospel

Episode Video

Show Notes

Scripture Referenced

  • John 15:15, Mark 10, Luke 19:10, John 20:21

Book Referenced

  • A Meal with Jesus: Discovering Grace, Community, and Mission around the Table. By Tim Chester.

Gospel Diamond

Creation – There is one God who created all things.  The universe, energy, matter, rocks trees and you and I were created by God.  He created all things good and in harmony with him and other things.  As the crown of creation God created human beings in his image and likeness to be in relationship with him and one another. Reading: Genesis 1-2

Questions we can ask:

  • Where did all this amazing stuff come from?

  • Do you ever wonder why we are here? Any purpose to any of it?

  • What do we make of beauty? Standing on a mountain? Before the immensity of the ocean?

  • We are very small in the universe? Does that mean our lives have no significance?

Fall/Promise – God gave graciously to the first man and woman and told them that all of creation was theirs to steward yet they were to live by following God and his way. Our first parents chose to disobey God and do life their way and sinned against God.  The world as a result has been living in a state of fracture, out of rhythm with God. Human beings, because of sin, now live separated from God and are under his just wrath and condemnation for sin. We feel life doesn’t work, suffering is everywhere, and we stand guilty before God either in active rebellion or passive indifference to our creator. Reading: Genesis 3

Yet concurrently, even as we sinned, God set out on his plan for humanity.  God promised to redeem people from sin and death and promised to do so through his own work in history.  God himself promised to come and handle the problem of our sin. Reading Galatians 4:4, 5

Questions we can ask:

  • Does the world seem to be a good place? A rough place?

  • Why is there so much injustice?

  • If people are good, why do they act so bad?

  • Is evil doing really just the business of your political enemies?

  • Why is the world full of pain and suffering? Why do we think this is WRONG?

  • Why do we think things are WRONG, EVIL, UNJUST if we are just atoms and there is no God?

  • How do you think God wants you to treat your family? People at work? The referee of your kids sports game? Why?

 

Cross – The person of Jesus was God come to earth to die for sin and forgive sinners.  He displayed to us in his life and teaching who God is and what he has done.  His death is the darkest day in human history (the unjust murder of the Son of God) and at the same time the brightest day in history (Jesus death for sin pays our penalty, satisfies God’s wrath and brings us back in relationship with our creator). Reading – Romans 5:1-11

Questions we can ask:

  • Why do you think Jesus made such a huge impact on our world?

  • Who do you think that Jesus was/is?

  • Why do you think Jesus died?

  • Would it be a big deal to you if it is true that Jesus rose from the dead?

  • Do you think people need to be forgiven in life? Why? How does this change people?

Mission/Redemption – Jesus’ mission on earth was to save us from sin, death and hell and bring his Kingdom, a new way of life, to the earth.  His resurrection from the dead was a sign of this coming new age where sin, death and hell will be ultimately defeated. This mission intersects our lives when we hear of the love of God expressed towards sinners through Jesus' death on the cross we are called to repent (change our minds and turn away from) of our sin and receive his forgiveness by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8, 9). The gospel teaches us that Jesus died a death that we deserve, his death for sin.  Additionally, he lived the life we could not live, a life without sin.  By placing our trust/faith in him we receive forgiveness and pardon from God for our sins and are counted righteous before God in him. In Jesus we are brought back into relationship with God and given eternal life as the gift of his grace and love. We are then transferred from a dark path into the path of redemption and mission in the world. We intersect with eternity on Jesus' mission which is manifesting and ultimately bringing into fullness the Kingdom of God.  

All who trust in him and follow him become a part of his church, a community on mission to see others meet Jesus, have their sins forgiven and then together represent his Kingdom in our community.  At the end of time King Jesus will fully bring a Kingdom (heaven) where sin will be gone, death is defeated, and every tear will be wiped away.  All who trust in him will be with him forever, those who persisted in denying God and living their sinful path will be separated from him forever in Hell.

Questions we can ask:

  • What are some of the causes that are important to you?

  • What is your view of the future of planet earth?

  • Do you think things are getting better or worse? Why?

  • Where do people find hope for their future? Where do you? What happens if those things fail? For example, money, health, influence, power, pleasures etc. can be lost.

A Dozen or so Gospel Themes

  1. Revolution – Jesus overcame the authority of sin, Satan, death, and hell

  2. Liberation – Jesus came to set captive people free

  3. Kingdom – Jesus came to bring a different rule and reign

  4. Suffering – Jesus suffered for us and he suffers with us

  5. Unity/Reconciliation/Relationship – By grace Jesus brings us back to the Father and reconciles relationship, we live in union with Jesus

  6. Family – God is our Father, we are sons, daughters, brothers, and sisters, in his family

  7. Adoption – God intentionally chooses and adopts sinful kids

  8. Birth/New Birth/New Life – We are born new, new slate, new life

  9. Judicial – God forgives the guilty by grace at great cost to himself

  10. Farming – God plants seeds that grow in us; he appoints us to bear fruit

  11. Darkness and Light – we can now see; God brings light to a dark world through Jesus the light of the world. The church then shines his light into the darkness

  12. Death and Life – Jesus did not come to make bad people good; he came to make dead people live...now, and forever. Jesus overcomes death and brings a promised resurrection and eternal life.