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.

Episode 140 - Mission IFpossible

Episode Video

Show Notes

Quotations Mentioned

Good philosophy must exist, if for no other reason, because bad philosophy needs to be answered.  CS Lewis, The Weight of Glory

Athanasias Contra Mundum, Athanasius against the world. See https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/one-mans-joy-stood-against-the-whole-world

Scriptures Referenced

  • Romans 12:14-21

  • Matthew 7:1-6

  • Timothy 2:24-26

  • Proverbs 26:4, 5

Episode 139 - Listen Up

Show Notes

Links Referenced

Books Referenced

Scripture Referenced

  • Proverbs 15:1-4 1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. 3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. 4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

  • James 1:19-21 19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

  • Proverbs 18:13 If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

  • Proverbs 10: 19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent or in the New Living Paraphrase - Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

  • Proverbs 16:7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Episode Video

Episode 135 - War Games

Episode Video

Show Notes

Books Referenced

  • Carl Avon Clausewitz, Vom Krieg (On War)

  • THOMAS HOBBES, THE LEVIATHAN (1651)     

  • Hunter and Nedelesky, Science and the Good

Links Referenced

Scriptures Referenced

Matthew 5, Matthew 26:52, James 3:18, Romans 1:25, Romans 12, 13

Episode 134 - Pleasure Games

Episode Video

Show Notes

Books Referenced

Links Referenced

Scriptures Referenced

  • Ezekiel 14:1-8

  • Ephesians 4:17-24

Episode 133 - Consumer Games

Show Notes

Books Referenced

Links Referenced

Scripture Referenced

  • Proverbs 12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof  is stupid.

  • Ecclesiastes 2:24 So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God.

  • Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 [18] Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. [19] Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. [20] For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.

  • 1 John 3:16-18 [16] By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. [17] But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? [18] Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

  • Ephesians 4:28 [28] Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need..

Episode 132 - The Fine-Tuning of Joy and Discontent

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Show Notes

Links Referenced

Scriptures Referenced

  • Philippians 4:10-13 [10] I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. [11] Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. [12] I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. [13] I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

  • Philippians 3:12-14 [12] Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. [13] Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

  • Matthew 5:6 [6] “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied/filled