The Bible Never Said That: Recent Episodes
LifeAudio
In this podcast, we unpack some of the most popular "spiritual statements" that have made their way into popular culture and the church, even though they are not theologically sound. Together, we'll hold them up to the Bible to see what God's Word really has to say to us.
Why do we get lines from Shakespeare and the Bible confused? Our host Chara explains why this is a common mistake happens and why the eternal Word of God is greater than the greatest work of Shakespeare.
Verses Referenced:
Psalm 119:89; 1 Peter 1:24-25; Hebrews 5:11-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Numbers 6: 24-26
Articles Referenced:
How the Bible Influenced William Shakespeare by Chris Carpenter: https://bit.ly/3EecgHn
The Geneva Bible of 1560 by Bruce Metzger: https://bit.ly/3UmxIzC
We Got Shakespeare’s Dictionary on eBay by Robinson Meyer: https://bit.ly/3FZlFEm
Books Referenced: Biblical References in Shakespeare's Plays by Naseeb Shaheen: https://amzn.to/3WOf0CD
If you enjoy listening to The Bible Never Said That, we've got another great show that you'll want to add to your playlist. Let us introduce you to How to Study the Bible with Nicole Unice!
In this podcast, pastor and Bible teacher Nicole Unice brings life back to reading the Bible by walking listeners through her Alive Method of Bible study, helping us personally encounter God through his Word by giving us a practical, clear road map for understanding, interpreting and applying Scripture to our lives.
To listen to more episodes of How to Study the Bible, go to https://www.lifeaudio.com/how-to-study-the-bible/episodes.
RESOURCES:
Help, My Bible Is Alive!: https://www.amazon.com/Help-My-Bible-Alive-Understand/dp/1641580216
FOLLOW NICOLE:
Website: https://nicoleunice.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleunice
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.unice
The promise here is that through Christ, I can find the strength to be content in any and all circumstances.
Verses Referenced:
Philippians 4:11-13, Galatians 1:10, James 4:13-15, Philippians 2:14-15, James 1:6-8
Articles Referenced:
10 Habitual Sins Women Especially Struggle With by Chara Donahue: https://bit.ly/3rsVwoV
What Does it Mean “I Can Do All Things Through Christ?” by Joel Ryan: https://bit.ly/3ruyXjy
What is the Difference between Envy and Jealousy? By Richard H. Smith: https://bit.ly/3yEXgzt
The Fallacious Tendinceis of the Inner Man by Chara Donahue: https://bit.ly/3fIMeT9
Book Referenced:
A Curious Faith by Lore Ferguson Wilbert: https://www.acuriousfaithbook.com/
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. – Proverbs 29:18
We’ll break this verse down, looking at several different versions, to get closer to a correct interpretation and application of this verse.
Verses Referenced:
Proverbs 29:18; Romans 1:18-20; Genesis 28:12; 2 Corinthians 12:1-7; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Acts 14:8-17
Articles Referenced: Where There Is No Vision… (Proverbs 29:18) by Tim Challies: https://bit.ly/3TJnV73
Books Referenced: The Most Misused Verses in the Bible by Eric J. Bargerhuff: https://amzn.to/3Bjcuvs
Most people who believe this is a Biblical idea use 1 Corinthians 10:13 as a support. But Chara helps us understand that the context of this is when we are under temptation, not suffering, and the weight of life’s circumstances. The idea that God won’t allow us to go through anything we can’t bear is just not supported in Scripture.
This is not a cause to lose hope, because the hope we have is greater than an easy life. Our circumstances may be more than we can handle, but they are never more than what God can handle.
Verses Referenced:
1 Corinthians 10:13; Psalm 121:2; Isaiah 41:10; 1 Peter 5:6-7; Exodus 34:6; Deuteronomy 31:8; Acts 7:59-60; Psalm 55:12-14; 1 John 5:3-4
Chara's Articles Referenced:
10 Popular Statements That Are Theologically Unsound: https://bit.ly/3Ppvuwg
4 Reasons Forgiveness Is So Hard and How to Let Go of the Hurt: https://bit.ly/3pn5x5Y
Books Referenced:
Not God Enough by J.D Greer
The Weight of Glory by C.S. Lewis
In this episode, Chara dives into a verse that has divided many Christians: "Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ..."
Verses referenced: 1 Peter 3:18-22, Acts 2:38, Galatians 1:6-10, Ephesians 2:8-9, Matthew 28:19, Romans 3:22-26, 5:1-11, Genesis 6-7
Articles referenced:
Scripture Interprets Scripture: What Does this Mean? By Pete Lange - https://bit.ly/3C3yzyO
Does Acts 2:38 Teach that Baptism is Necessary for Salvation by Got Questions? - https://bit.ly/2GxD88E
Does Baptism Save? by Sam Storms - https://bit.ly/3dl90Pr
FOLLOW CHARA:
Anchored Voices: https://anchoredvoices.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharaDonahue
Twitter: https://twitter.com/charadonahue
VERSES REFERENCED:
James 5:13-20, Numbers 12:13-15, 1 Kings 17:20-22, Mark 5:21-43, Acts 5:15-16, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Matthew 8:1-3, Revelation 21:4
ARTICLES REFERENCED:
Why Doesn’t God Heal Every Sickness, Disease, and Illness? By Chris Russell: https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/explore-the-bible/why-doesn-t-god-heal-every-sickness-disease-and-illness.html
Should We Anoint the Sick With Oil? By Samuel Emadi: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/anoint-sick-with-oil-james-5/
7 Stories of God’s Incredible Power Over Sickness by Chara Donahue: https://www.ibelieve.com/health-beauty/stories-of-gods-power-over-sickness-in-the-bible.html
BOOKS REFERENCED:
On Death by Timothy Keller: https://www.amazon.com/Death-How-Find-God/dp/0143135376
A Man of Heroism and Humility: Elijah by Charles Swindoll: https://smile.amazon.com/Elijah-Heroism-Humility-Great-Lives-ebook/dp/B007V91IP4
FOLLOW CHARA:
Anchored Voices: https://anchoredvoices.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharaDonahue
Twitter: https://twitter.com/charadonahue
In this episode of the Happy Rant, Ted Kluck, Ronnie Martin, and Barnabas Piper wander to and fro through a variety of topics:
- Who we are, a brief introduction for new listeners
- What we love about podcasting together
- How we would describe our show: The Seinfeld of podcasts, a Piper family dinner party, and a description to aspirational college students
Subscribe to Happy Rant:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-happy-rant/id878250651
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3iIwABQZ3mTsFtOx6hOafX
Listen on LifeAudio: https://www.lifeaudio.com/the-happy-rant/episodes
What does it mean for God to give us the desires of our hearts? Chara looks at what we misunderstand about this verse and what it really means for our desires.
Verses Referenced: Psalm 37, Philippians 1:6, Deuteronomy 6:5, John 14: 27
Articles Referenced: The Promise of Peace by Chara Donahue: https://anchoredvoices.com/2016/06/16/the-promise-of-peace/
Movie Referenced: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Book Referenced:
The Songs of Jesus: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Psalms by Tim Keller: https://amzn.to/3m1CFhL
God's Healing for Life's Losses: How to Find Hope When You're Hurting by Robert W. Kelleman: https://amzn.to/3NN9fzO
FOLLOW CHARA:
Anchored Voices: https://anchoredvoices.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharaDonahue
Twitter: https://twitter.com/charadonahue
"The ultimate promise is not that we would escape suffering in this life, but that God will make every one of our agonies an instrument of his mercy, to do us good in the here and now, and the hereafter." - Joni Eareckson Tada
Verses Referenced: Romans 8:28-31, Luke 22:40-44
BOOKS REFERENCED:
- Counseling Through the Psalms: https://bit.ly/3wGUE2e
- Counseling Through Bible Narratives: Old Testament: https://bit.ly/3yK9yXS
- Counseling Through the Scriptures: New Testament: https://bit.ly/3MpWGdJ
- In His Image by Jen Wilkin: https://amzn.to/3LqOpF5
ARTICLES REFERENCED:
- Here is What Every Book in the New Testament is About by Chara Donahue: https://bit.ly/3Pq4gqu
- Our Faithful Father by Joni Eareckson Tada in the ESV Women’s Study Bible: https://amzn.to/38BlcK6
PAUL TRIPP TWEET:
https://twitter.com/paultripp/status/334775782461288449?lang=en
FOLLOW CHARA:
Anchored Voices: https://anchoredvoices.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharaDonahue
Twitter: https://twitter.com/charadonahue
Have you heard Proverbs 22:6 spoken as a promise, rather than using it as a principle? When we do this, we can come to some false conclusions about our parenting. We need to get clear about what our role in our relationship with our children and their own responsibilities toward God.
VERSES REFERENCED:
Proverbs 22:6, Psalm 127:4, Deuteronomy 24:16, Romans 14:12, Proverbs 4:23, Deuteronomy 24:16, Ezekiel 18:20
ARTICLES REFERENCED:
Proverbs: How Human Wisdom Becomes Divine by Tim Mackie and Whitney Woollard: https://bibleproject.com/blog/proverbs-human-wisdom-becomes-divine/
Aiming at a True Heritage by Chara Donahue: https://www.joyofit.org/blog/aiming-at-a-true-heritage
BOOKS REFERENCED:
The Age of Opportunity by Paul Tripp: https://www.paultripp.com/age-of-opportunity
Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul Tripp: https://www.paultripp.com/parenting
FOLLOW CHARA:
Anchored Voices: https://anchoredvoices.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharaDonahue
Twitter: https://twitter.com/charadonahue
We need to take time to wrestle with these verses from the Law. The good news is, Jesus gives a great sermon, the Sermon on the Mount, to clarify the Old Testament law for his listeners.
Verses referenced: Exodus 21:22-25, Leviticus 24:17-20, Deuteronomy 19:16-21, Romans 12:19-21, Matthew 5:38-42, 1 Peter 3:8-9, 1 Thessalonians 5:15, Hebrews 10:30
Books referenced:
Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane Ortland: https://amzn.to/3vPStJh
Articles referenced:
“Why did God Allow for an Eye for an Eye in the Old Testament” by Hope Bolinger: https://bit.ly/3rDwu74
“What Does an Eye for an Eye Mean” by Penny Noyes: https://bit.ly/3OsmRBC
“Eye for an Eye-Biblical Meaning and Significance” by Crosswalk.com: https://bit.ly/3xNRlIm
“What Does Eye for an Eye Mean” by Jennifer Slattery: https://bit.ly/3EyaUpq
Follow Chara:
Anchored Voices: https://anchoredvoices.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharaDonahue
Twitter: https://twitter.com/charadonahue
The Bible clearly says “Judge not.” But, it also says “Judge rightly.” You can make a defense for both if you pick out individual verses, so let’s explore all of them a bit more, in context, to get a better understanding of judgment.
Articles Referenced: Judge Not, That You May Judge Well by Jon Bloom
Books Referenced: All That's Good: Recovering the Lost Art of Discernment by Hannah Anderson
Verses Referenced: Matthew 7:1-5, Matthew 7:16-20, John 7:15, Luke 6:37-38, James 4:12, 1 Corinthians 4:3-4, John 8:3-7, John 7:16-24, 1 Corinthians 5, 1 Corinthians 2:14-16, 1 Samuel 16:7
Follow Chara:
Anchored Voices: https://anchoredvoices.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharaDonahue
Twitter: https://twitter.com/charadonahue
Episode 39: Putting Jeremiah 29:11 Back in Context
This verse is plastered in walls, coffee mugs, and diaries. But without its historical and scriptural context, we miss its original intent and, thus, its meaning for us now. Don’t despair – if this verse comforts you, it still will when we’re done.
Chara’s book recommendation this week:
The Non-Prophets Guide to the End Times by Todd Hampson: https://toddhampson.com/books/the-non-prophets-guide-to-the-bible/
Articles referenced:
Who are the Minor Prophets and Why are They Important? by Chara Donahue: https://www.ibelieve.com/faith/who-are-the-minor-prophets-and-why-are-they-important.html
Does Jeremiah 29:11 Apply to You? By Russell Moore: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/jeremiah-2911-apply/
Verses referenced: Jeremiah 29:11, Jeremiah 25:11-12, Lamentations 1:1-5, John 3:16
We’re kicking off a new series called “Out of Context”. For the next ten episodes, we’ll look at a verse in the Bible that is commonly taken out of context. We’ll unpack it’s original meaning and figure out from there what it might really be saying to us, today.
Verses referenced:
John 2:13–16, Psalm 91:11-12, Luke 4:1:13, Revelation 22:12, Matthew 24:35-36
Articles referenced:
7 Steps to a Deeper Understanding of the Bible by Chara Donahue: https://www.ibelieve.com/faith/steps-to-a-deeper-understanding-of-the-bible.html
Adolf Hitler Speech of April 12,1921: https://history.hanover.edu/courses/excerpts/111hit1.html
Quoting Scripture Contrary to its Purpose is Devilish by Ryan Higginbottom: https://www.knowableword.com/2020/01/06/quoting-scripture-contrary-to-its-purpose-is-devilish/
Follow Chara:
Anchored Voices: https://anchoredvoices.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharaDonahue
Twitter: https://twitter.com/charadonahue
Before we start our new series, we’re going to remind ourselves why it is so important to know what the Bible never says.
Verses Referenced:
Revelation 19:11, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Colossians 4:5-6, 2 Samuel 7:28, Titus 1:2, Hebrews 6:18, Psalm 12:6, Psalm 119:89, Matthew 24:35
Articles Referenced:
1. The Inerrancy of Scripture-Chapter 5 by Wayne Grudem: https://truthstory.org/blog/the-inerrancy-of-scripture-chapter-5/
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Revelation and Interpretation by J.I. Packer: https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/webfm_send/583
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Infallibility and Inerrancy by R.C. Sproul: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/infallibility-and-inerrancy
Follow Chara:
Anchored Voices: https://anchoredvoices.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharaDonahue
Twitter: https://twitter.com/charadonahue
A lot of upbeat, positive, motivational sayings pop up around this time of year. Today, we are going to discuss one that I appreciate for its attempts at offering hope, but bristle at its limitations. Today, let’s unpack the ideas behind “New Year, New You.”
The good news is, a new you is never limited to a specific date or time of year. Christ can make anyone new, at any time. But what does it mean that we are made new in Christ, and how does that jive with the world’s idea of “new year, new you.”
Article Referenced:
New Year’s Resolution Statistics (Updated 2021) by Discover Healthy Habits: https://discoverhappyhabits.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/
10 Steps to Help You Think through Your Goals for the New Year by Chara Donahue: https://www.ibelieve.com/slideshows/10-steps-to-help-you-think-through-your-goals-for-the-new-year.html
Verses Referenced:
2 Corinthians 5:17; Lamentations 3:22-23; Isaiah 43:18-19; Luke 19:1-10; Philippians 2:3-4; Proverbs 3:5-6; Hebrews 12:11; Psalm 34:14
Episode Image Credit: Getty/HAKINMHAN
Will our troubles really be "out of sight" next Christmas? The Bible doesn't say that. We are those who live knowing that "in this world you will have trouble..." Thankfully, the end of this Bible verse ends with a firm promise - "but take heart! I have overcome the world."
In this episode, Chara discusses how our hearts can be light this Christmas while not denying that trouble will surely come.
Verses referenced: John 16:33; John 14:3; Luke 2:10-11; Matthew 1:23; Psalm 34:18; Zephaniah 3:17; Psalm 23; Isaiah 9:6
Articles referenced:
Christmas Mourning by Chara Donahue: https://bit.ly/3m67NNA
When Peace on Earth Seems Impossible by Chara Donahue: https://bit.ly/320hc2j
Christmas Bells by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: https://poets.org/poem/christmas-bells
The Original Lyrics to ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ Weren’t Very Merry at All by Maddy Shaw Roberts: https://bit.ly/326fM61
Songs referenced: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Bsy9Sl4Z6U
You can find Chara at:
https://anchoredvoices.com/
https://www.facebook.com/CharaDonahue/
https://twitter.com/CharaDonahue/
Episode Image Credit: Getty/sabelskaya
Scriptures Referenced: Luke 1:34-38; John 6: 5-13; Luke 2:4-21; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Psalm 126:1, Philippians 4:8
Songs Referenced: Carol of the Drum by The Trapp Family Singers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwBSy3dVAKo
Articles Referenced:
A Wise Imagination by Chara Donahue: https://www.joyofit.org/blog/a-wise-imagination
How the ‘Little Drummer Boy’ Came to Be by Epsie Estrella: https://www.liveabout.com/little-drummer-boy-history-2456078
Enriching Our Imagination: An Interview With Karen Swallow Prior by Beth Felker Jones: https://firebrandmag.com/articles/enriching-our-imagination-an-interview-with-karen-swallow-prior
You can find Chara at:
https://anchoredvoices.com/
https://www.facebook.com/CharaDonahue/
https://twitter.com/CharaDonahue/
Episode Image Credit: Getty/sabelskaya
Today we’re kicking off our Christmas series – “The Bible Never Said That… Even if Christmas Songs Do”
Notes:
Songs Referenced: Santa Claus is Coming to Town by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie
Books Referenced: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Verses Referenced: Isaiah 43:11, Isaiah 44:6, Psalm 139, Romans 1:25, 2 Peter 1:6, 1 Timothy 4:7-10, Matthew 6:4, Acts 7, Hebrews 11, Galatians 3:5-6, Hebrews 12:1-2, Romans 14:10-14, 1 Corinthians 10:23-31
Articles Referenced:
Who is Santa, and What Does He Have to do with Christmas? By Angie Mosteller: https://bit.ly/3Dm30hE
The Real Santa by Sarah Phillips: https://bit.ly/3cltpAw
12 Principles on How to Disagree with Other Christians by Andrew David Naselli and J. D. Crowley: https://www.9marks.org/article/romans-14/
On Disputable Matters by D.A. Carson: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/article/on-disputable-matters/
You can find Chara at:
https://anchoredvoices.com/
https://www.facebook.com/CharaDonahue/
https://twitter.com/CharaDonahue/
Episode Image Credit: Getty/Angyee054
Chara is going to do a special holiday miniseries! Send Chara a message on her site or on Facebook with the Christmas sayings and songs that have no real basis in Scripture!
You can find Chara at Anchored Voices | Facebook | Twitter
Today, though, we’re talking about love. How would you fill in this blank: “Love means ______”?
Verses referenced: 1 Corinthians 13, John 15:13, Matthew 5:22-24, Psalm 38:18, Luke 17:3-4, 1 John 4:4-8
Movie referenced: Love Story
Articles referenced:
I Confess (It's Easy to Neglect) by Dustin Crowe
'Love Means Never Having To Say You’re Sorry:' What Does The 'Love Story' Line Mean? By Groovy History
https://groovyhistory.com/love-means-never-having-to-say-youre-sorry
Songs referenced: How He Loves Us by John Mark McMillan
What Is Love by Haddaway
I Want to Know What Love Is by Foreigner
Episode Image Credit: Getty/Invisible_Bulldog
In this episode, we look at the life of King Saul and how his plan to ask for forgiveness and not for permission backfired on him. Chara also unpacks why we cheapen forgiveness when we look at it as anything other than costly.
Articles Referenced:
Wikiquote: Grace Hopper
Want to Succeed in Life? Ask for Forgiveness, Not Permission
Verses Referenced: 1 Samuel 13:8-14; 2 Chronicles 25: 16-21; 1 Samuel 15; Romans 6:1-2, 11-14, 23; Psalm 51:5; Ephesians 4:32
You can find Chara at Anchored Voices | Facebook | Twitter
Episode Image Credit: Getty/Invisible_Bulldog
In this episode, Chara and Peter discuss why so many of us take 1 Timothy 6:10 out of context and grab onto it as truth.
What they cover:
1. What the text actually says, and how God wants us to view money.
2. Why we make an idol out of money (security, influence, status)
3. Why we matter apart from our money
4. How to think about poverty
5. God’s call for us to care for our families through financial means
6. The poverty and prosperity gospels, and why they’re both wrong
7. What success actually looks like for a Christian
Verses referenced: 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Proverbs 18:11, 1 Timothy 5:8, Psalm 1,
Books referenced: Every Good Endeavor by Timothy Keller
Peter Braunworth's Podcast: On the Rock
You can find Chara at Anchored Voices | Facebook | Twitter
Episode Image Credit: Getty/VectorInspiration
When children are put first, it becomes not only unhealthy but devastating. If the aim of life fails short of what is pleasing to God most of all (to glorify him and worship him above all things) we are building our lives on shifting sands.
What we discussed:
1.How does your day begin? Are you willing to start your day with Christ?
2.If the kids’ schedules start to overshadow the things that would lead to spiritual health for your family, that is a good indicator that you’re drifting from Christ’s priorities for our lives.
Verses Referenced:
Matthew 6:33, Psalm 127:3, Matthew 7:24-27, Genesis 37-50, Luke 15:11-32,
Resources Mentioned:
Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Parenting by Paul Tripp
Movie referenced: King Richard
You can find Chara at Anchored Voices | Facebook | Twitter
Episode Image Credit: Getty/Natalie_
Too many people in the church carry falsehood: if people are sick or suffering, they must have hidden sin.”
The worldly version of this is: “If you are suffering, you must have done something to deserve it.”
The Bible never says this. Today, Chara’s friend and mentor Laura Chica sits down and unpacks why we believe this and what the Bible really says about our sickness and sufferings.
Notes:
Scriptures Referenced: John 9, Job, Galatians 6:7-9, Proverbs 16:25, 1 John 1:9,
Laura Chica’s Website: Restored
Laura’s book: Journey: A Path to Biblical Change
You can find Chara at Anchored Voices | Facebook | Twitter
Episode Image Credit: Getty/SurfUpVector
Today I'm talking with Matt Maceira, founder of an international street ministry called Be Bold Street Ministries.
Be Bold is on the streets 7 days a week in Salem, Oregon. They serve and share the love of Christ with all people from all walks of life.
Matt lived on the street for many years and wanted to address the saying, "Homeless people are lazy or addicted." In this episode, we correct this false notion.
Notes:
Verses: Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, Galatians 6:1-2 , James 3:17, Luke 9:57, Galatians 4:4, John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10, 2 Peter 3:9
Follow Matt:
Website: Be Bold Street Ministries
Facebook Page: Be Bold Ministry
You can find Chara at Anchored Voices | Facebook | Twitter
Episode Image Credit: Getty/SurfUpVector
Here is Part 1 of Chara's interview with Matt – be sure to check it out!
What we talk about this week:
1. Why “man up” is a popular idea, but why it’s not theologically sound.
2. The difference between toxic masculinity and masculinity that Jesus modeled for men.
3. Instead of telling men to “man up” – here’s a better encouragement.
Notes:
Verses Referenced: 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Romans 8, Luke 9, Luke 4
Follow Matt:
The Most Excellent Way Website
Most Excellent Way Facebook Page
You can find Chara at Anchored Voices | Facebook | Twitter
Episode Image Credit: Getty/Dina Mariani
When I heard Matt MacCollin speak on breaking free of addiction, I knew that you needed to hear what he had to say.
What we talked about:
- Why Matt uses to word “victory” rather than “recovery”
- Why “fake it ‘til you make it” leaves us destitute
- Why the book of James was so helpful for Matt during his trials
- Why “fake it ‘til you make it” is popular, but also harmful
Verses Referenced:
Philippians 1:6, James 1, Luke 23:34, Galatians 5, Galatians 2:20-21, Hebrews 4:12-16, John 14, Isaiah 55
Follow Matt:
The Most Excellent Way Website
Most Excellent Way Facebook Page
You can find Chara at Anchored Voices | Facebook | Twitter
Episode Image Credit: Getty/SurfUpVector
Today, we’re wrapping up our first half-truth series. If you know your bible, you know the bible says that we reap what we sow. But we need to be able to discern between true, anchored hope, and false hope.
We should give; we are absolutely called to be generous. But when we give, we need to check our hearts. Are we giving to be seen? Or are we giving as an act of sacrificial worship to our King?
Verses Referenced: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Genesis 12:2; Luke 21:1-4; Zechariah 8:13; Luke 12:48; Acts 20:35; Philippians 4:12-13; Acts 20:35; Revelation 22:17
Articles Referenced:
Benny Hinn Is My Uncle, but Prosperity Preaching Isn't for Me by Costi Hinn
Did Paul Teach the Prosperity Gospel? by Sam Storms
You can find Chara at Anchored Voices | Facebook | Twitter
Episode Image Credit: Getty/Anna Semenchenko
This saying is meant to boost self-esteem. But self-esteem is a fickle thing, and the Bible never tells us to seek it. But when we look to the only perfect person to walk the earth, Christ, we find a better thing than self-esteem.
Verses Referenced:
Hebrews 10:12-13; Job 1:3; Job 1:8; Job 3:1–3; Philippians 3:12; Ephesians 1:3-7; 2 Cor 3:18; 2 Peter 3:18; Colossians 1:21-22; Philippians 1:6
Articles Referenced:
Development of Self-Esteem From Age 4 to 94 Years: A Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies by Ulrich Orth, Ruth Yasemin Erol, Eva C. Luciano
You Are Not Enough, and That's Okay by Asheritah Ciuciu
6 Lies We Believe Every Day and How to Combat Them with Truth by Chara Donahue
Identity Crisis by Kate Franken
When Your Significance and Identity Get Tested by Stephen Kendrick and Lawrence Kimbrough
You can find Chara at Anchored Voices | Facebook | Twitter
Episode Image Credit: Getty/Ponomariova_Maria
Many of us who glory in our independence love to say, “God is the only one I need.” When we do this, we miss out on one of the great gifts of God: the family of believers God has given us. God clearly says he will meet our needs, not be the only one we need. Just look at our origin story- “It is not good for man to be alone.”
Verses Referenced:
Philippians 4:19; Romans 8:32; Genesis 2:18; Hebrews 10:24-25; Matthew 21:1-3
You can find Chara at Anchored Voices | Facebook | Twitter
Episode Image Credit: Getty/Наталья Кириллова
The Bible clearly says “Judge not.” But, it also says “Judge rightly.” You can make a defense for both if you pick out individual verses, so let’s explore all of them a bit more, in context, to get a better understanding of judgment.
Articles Referenced: Judge Not, That You May Judge Well by Jon Bloom
Books Referenced: All That's Good: Recovering the Lost Art of Discernment by Hannah Anderson
Verses Referenced: Matthew 7:1-5, Matthew 7:16-20, John 7:15, Luke 6:37-38, James 4:12, 1 Corinthians 4:3-4, John 8:3-7, John 7:16-24, 1 Corinthians 5, 1 Corinthians 2:14-16, 1 Samuel 16:7
You can find Chara at Anchored Voices | Facebook | Twitter
Episode Image Credit: Getty/nadia_bormotova
Is All Sin Equal? Yes… and no. Yes, all sin is equal in that all sin separates us from God. Apart from the saving grace of Jesus Christ, all sin – big and small - condemns us. For those who believe, all sin is also covered by the blood of the cross.
However, not all sin is equal in that there are varying consequences for varying sins. In this episode, Chara talks about different consequences for different types of sins and why we should think about this as we wrestle through our own "little sins."
Verse Referenced: Roman 3:23; Romans 5:18-19; James 2:10; Matthew 11:23-24; 1 John 2:2; Luke 12:42-48; Galatians 6:7; Romans 6; Romans 6:23
Articles Referenced:
Billy Graham's Answer: What Is Sin? Are All Sins Equal in God's Eyes? By Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
Little Sins by C.H. Spurgeon
You can find Chara at Anchored Voices | Facebook | Twitter
Episode Image Credit: Getty/BananVandam
This is one of the oldest excuses in the book. In fact, this is the first excuse man and woman make after they sin. Is there any truth in this phrase? In this episode, Chara looks at legitimate instances of spiritual stronghold from the enemy, and when "the devil made me do it," becomes a mere excuse.
Verses referenced: Genesis 3:11-13; 1 Peter 5:8-9; Ephesians 6:10-17; Mark 5; Luke 22:3-6; Luke 8:2; Mark 1:21-28; Mark 9:14-29; Romans 5:8; Galatians 3:2-3; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Luke 22:40
Song referenced: From Now On from The Greatest Showman Soundtrack
Articles:
10 Steps to Take Against Sin You Can't Shake by Chara Donahue
You can find Chara at Anchored Voices | Facebook | Twitter
Episode Image Credit: Getty/shtonado
This is one of those half-truths. God wants us to be happy. He also wants us to be holy. It’s not an either/or, it’s a both/and.
In this episode, Chara helps us understand how to think about our happiness and what God does and does not desire for us.
Verses Referenced: Psalm 37:4, Galatians 5:16, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, 1 John 2:17, Psalm 37:9-11, 1 John 2:17, Ephesians 1:7, Philippians 4:4, Romans 15:13, Psalm 16:8-9,11, Hebrews 11:24-25
Articles Referenced:
10 Desires of Your Heart God Always Says Yes To by Chara Donahue
Christian Hedonism by John Piper, Desiring God
Book Referenced: Glorious Weakness by Alia Joy
You can find Chara at Anchored Voices | Facebook | Twitter
Episode Image Credit: Getty/Nadia Bormotova
We struggle in a society where no absolute truth is acknowledged, where “your truth” and “my truth” can be completely opposite and yet somehow equally “true.” In an attempt to be tolerant, we have risked giving up the discernment needed to draw a line between what is true and false. We are settling for individualized truth rather than what is true.
Jesus himself declared “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This isn’t pride. This is sacred fact.
In this episode, Chara takes us through Jesus’ trial in front of Pontius Pilate, and how Pontius’ rejection of absolute truth paved the road to the cross. The dangers of relative truth then, are still dangerous to us now.
You can find Chara at: Anchored Voices | Facebook | Twitter
Verses Referenced: John 14:6, John: 18 28-40, Matthew 7:15-20, John 6:60-69
Articles Referenced: What Is Truth? By Ron Graham
Episode Image Credit: Getty/BRO Vector
This phrase is so popular that even Dictionary.com has an origin story for it. In this episode, we dive into why "cleanliness is next to Godliness" is problematic.
Chara helps us understand why there were so many rules and regulations around cleanliness in the Old Testament, and what, if anything, we can and should take from that today.
Scripture Referenced in This Episode:
John 13:21, 1 Corinthians 14:40, Matthew 15, Luke 15, Leviticus 13:45-46, 2 Kings 5, Luke 5:12-15, 1 Corinthians 6:7-11, 1 John 1:7-9, Hebrews 9: 11-15, Psalm 51
Website Referenced:
Dictionary.com
Articles Referenced:
10 Stories from the Bible That Rarely Make It into Sermons by Chara Donahue
You can find Chara at: Anchored Voices | Facebook | Twitter
Episode Image Credit: Getty/Nuthawut Somsuk
Too many people explain away the toxicity in their relationships with this saying. What does the Bible say about love? It says: love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
In this episode, Chara looks specifically at how love keeps no records of wrongs and does not delight in evil. She looks at the story of Samson as an example of what happens to someone who lives by the notion that love is blind.
Verses Referenced: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, Hebrews 5:13-14, Philippians 1:9-10, Judges 13-16, Ephesians 5:11-16, Genesis 16
Books Referenced: The Emotionally Destructive Marriage by Leslie Vernick
Articles Referenced: The God Who Sees by Kara Williams
Episode Image Credit: Getty/mightyisland
Is there any merit to the notion that “ignorance is bliss?” Chara unpacks this idea and looks at it through the lens of the Bible. We look at the story of Apollos to see how God interrupted his ignorance so that the gospel could spread.
Articles Referenced:
7 Steps to a Deeper Understanding of the Bible
10 Women in the Bible God Used to Save Lives and Lead Others
Books Referenced:
Strength to Love by Martin Luther King Jr.
Verses Referenced: Deuteronomy 32:4, Acts 18: 18-28, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 1 John 5:14, Proverbs 15:14, Proverbs 1:7, Romans 1:20, Judges 2:10
You can find Chara at: Anchored Voices | Facebook | Twitter
Episode Image Credit: Getty/Vaselena
When people evaluate their lives, they see the need to evaluate their priorities. It is wise to assess how we spend our time, but to say life is all about balance is placing too much stock in an abstract idea. For the Christian life, it can only ever be all about Christ.
Finding balance seems like a sound way to operate in life. But we break down why this can be a problematic framework for our walk with Christ.
Verses Referenced:
Job 31:6, Colossians 3:4, Colossians 3:17, Matthew 6, Hebrews 12:2,
Articles Referenced:
Thirteen Practical Steps to Kill Sin by John Piper https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/thirteen-practical-steps-to-kill-sin
A Week of Prayers for When You Feel Spiritually Dry by Chara Donahue https://www.ibelieve.com/faith/a-week-of-prayers-for-when-you-feel-spiritually-dry.html
You can find Chara at: Anchored Voices | Facebook | Twitter
Episode Image Credit: Getty/Nuthawut_Somsuk
We can’t just discover bad habits and sin patterns and shrug our shoulders, saying, well, no one can change. Nope. That is not what the Bible says about putting off the old self.
Verses Referenced: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Acts 4-15; Acts 9:26-28; Mark 14:51–52; Corinthians 9:6; 2 Timothy 4:11; Colossians 2:13-14; John 10:27-29
Articles Referenced:
10 Theological Statements That Are Theologically Unsound by Chara Donahue
Books Referenced:
The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer
How People Change by Timothy Lane
Episode Image Credit: Getty/Klaus Vedfelt
There is a hope more powerful than time. That hope is Jesus. But how do we find healing when days might be hard to face, when each step is a struggle?
Verses Referenced: Genesis 6-9, James 4:7, Psalm 46, Romans 12:2, John 1:3-4, Isaiah 61, Psalm 6, 1 John 4:16, 1 Peter 5:7, Hebrews 4:13
Articles Referenced: 10 Theological Statements That Are Theologically Unsound by Chara,
Trauma by American Psychological Association
Books Referenced: Putting Your Past in Its Place by Stephen Viars
Chara Donahue is a co-author of the Bible study 1, 2 & 3 John: Experiencing Transformation and is working on her next book. She is an adjunct professor at her local university, holds an MSEd, and is passionate about seeing people set free through God's truths. She is the founder and editor of Anchored Voices.
Episode Image Credit: Getty/Elena Shlyapnikova
This is a sneaky little lie that tells us relationships can function well on a 50/50 bargain. But as Jesus followers, we look to a higher standard, one where we strive to outdo one another in showing honor and love.
Verses Referenced: 1 John 3:16, John 15:13, 1 Peter 4:10, 2 Samuel 17:27-29, 2 Samuel 19:31-39, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Psalm 1:1-3, Genesis 1:1-4, Mark 12, Mark 10:35-45,
Articles Referenced: 10 Popular Statements That Are Theologically Unsound
Check out the Boundary Training Chara referenced: Boundaries in a Pandemic
About Your Host:
Chara Donahue is a co-author of the Bible study 1, 2 & 3 John: Experiencing Transformation and is working on her next book. She is an adjunct professor at her local university, holds an MSEd, and is passionate about seeing people set free through God's truths. She is the founder and editor of Anchored Voices, and host of the podcast The Bible Never Said That, which you can listen to on LifeAudio.com. Get in touch with her on Facebook or Twitter.
Episode Image Credit: Getty/erhui1979
Verses Referenced: Psalm 46:1; Exodus 20:18-22; 2 Corinthians 11:25-31; Hebrews 11:32-38
Book Referenced:
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis: https://amzn.to/3qgnDpt
Radical by David Platt: http://lfwy.co/3mvKTxe
The Insanity of Obedience by Nik Ripkin: http://lfwy.co/2I2HUxy
Articles Referenced: 10 Popular Statements that Are Theologically Unsound by Chara Donahue: https://bit.ly/3qkxkmy
Those who believe in Christ have the joy of living with the hope of heaven, not just the joy of the journey. The journey helps us be transformed into Christ's likeness, but the destination holds the promise of an everlasting, perfect life with Jesus and the fellowship of believers. Every life journey ends in one of two destinations, and those destinations matter greatly. Do you believe that all of life is just about the journey, or does the destination matter to you?
Verses Referenced: Matthew 25:46; Romans 5:8; Hebrews 4:13; Mark 9:24; Job 12:7-10; John 1:3; Hebrews 12:28; 1 Corinthians 15:53; Psalm 103:2-5; Ephesians 3:20-21; Revelation 21:3-4
Chara's Writing Referenced:
10 Ways to Enjoy God More Today
6 Ways to Reclaim the Wonder in Your Faith
10 Desires of Your Heart God Always Say Yes To
10 Popular Statements That Are Theologically Unsound
Books Quoted:
Addictions and Grace: Love and Spirituality in the Healing of Addictions by Gerald G. May
Glorious Weakness by Alia Joy
Dangeous Wonder by Michael Yaconelli
Most people who believe this is a Biblical idea use 1 Corinthians 10:13 as a support. But Chara helps us understand that the context of this is when we are under temptation, not suffering and the weight of life’s circumstances. The idea that God won’t allow us to go through anything we can’t bear is just not supported in Scripture.
This is not a cause to lose hope, because the hope we have is greater than an easy life. Our circumstances may be more than we can handle, but they are never more than what God can handle.
Verses Referenced:
1 Corinthians 10:13; Psalm 121:2; Isaiah 41:10; 1 Peter 5:6-7; Exodus 34:6; Deuteronomy 31:8; Acts 7:59-60; Psalm 55:12-14; 1 John 5:3-4
Chara's Articles Referenced:
10 Popular Statements That Are Theologically Unsound
4 Reasons Forgiveness Is So Hard and How to Let Go of the Hurt
Books Referenced:
Not God Enough by J.D Greer
The Weight of Glory by C.S. Lewis
This mantra – looking out for one’s own interests above all others – comes from a culture that has seen humanity fail time and time again. A culture that is wounded, that cries out, “You can’t trust anyone!” But adopting this mantra moves us away from Christ and into a place of self-preservation.
Looking out for #1 was never what guided Jesus. His life, death and resurrection serve as a better blueprint for life. A life attentive to the needs, hopes and hurts of others.
Articles Referenced:
How Jesus Practiced Hospitality Without a Home and Generosity Without a Salary by Chara Donahue
10 Popular Statements that Are Theologically Unsound by Chara Donahue,
10 Terrible Attitudes that Keep Us from Growing More Like Christ by Chara Donahue,
Verses Referenced: Ephesians 2:12, John 3:16-17, 3 John 9-10, Isaiah 56:11, Romans 12:21, Romans 15:1-2, Job 38, Hebrews 6:10-12, Isaiah 66:2, Genesis 3:11-12, Romans 14:12, Galatians 6:2, Galatians 6:1, Isaiah 5:21
Books Referenced: Advice to Young Converts by Jonathan Edwards
We hear this idea everywhere, and we want to trust it. We want our hearts to speak and offer pure advice. But our voice is not God’s voice, and our hearts don’t always offer wise counsel. Jeremiah 17:9 plainly tells us, “the heart is deceitful above all things, and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”
From Carpe Diem to YOLO, the world has always prioritized following the self’s desires over God’s. In this episode, Chara unpacks a better way to think about making decisions, centered on the Word of God.
Verses Referenced: Jeremiah 17:9 Galatians 5, Proverbs 7:21-27, 2 Samuel 13, Matthew 26:38-39, 2 Timothy 1:7, Luke 9:23-24, Proverbs 3:5-6, Titus 2:2-7, James 1:19-20, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 1 Corinthians 6:12, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Romans 6:20-22, Romans 8:15
Books Referenced - Journey: A Path to Biblical Change by Laura Chica
Movies Referenced - Dead Poets Society
Articles Referenced:
A Short Analysis of Robert Herricks 'To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time by Dr. Oliver Tearle
Why Self-Control Is So Important by Chara Donahue
10 Popular Statements That Are Theologically Unsound by Chara Donahue
Episode Image Credit: ©Getty/Stockbyte
It’s good to want to grow, to be a better person. But Jesus calls us to a specific kind of growth. Our spiritual growth is not about attaining perfection, but surrendering to and being led by our perfect Savior.
In this episode, Chara unpacks the damage that the mentality “God helps those who help themselves” can have on a Christian’s life, and gives us a better framework for thinking about our sanctification without chasing perfection.
Verses Referenced: Romans 5:6, Matthew 5:48, Matthew 5:3, 1 Corinthians 1:27, Philippians 3:5-8, Romans 5:8, Romans 8:37-39, 1 Peter 1:15-16, John 17:17, James 4:1, Hebrews 12:14, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Philippians 1:3-11
Books Referenced:
Finding Holy in the Suburbs by Ashley Hales
In His Image: 10 Ways God Calls Us to Reflect His Character by Jen Wilkin
Wild and Free by Jess Connolly and Hayley Morgan
Movies Referenced: Chariots of Fire
Articles Referenced:
10 Popular Statements that Are Theologically Unsound
How to Strive for Sanctification without Chasing Perfection
Rest is a spiritual discipline we are really good at neglecting. You may have once said, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” as a way to assuage your spiral into burnout. It might work for the moment, but a chronic lack of real rest drives us straight toward anxiety and feelings of overwhelm.
In this episode, Chara dives into what God's Word really has to say about rest and why rest is foundational to who God is and his plan for us and the world.
Articles Referenced:
10 Popular Statements that Are Theologically Unsound: https://rb.gy/klhwac
How to Sleep Less: https://rb.gy/pwv8vg
4 Historical Geniuses Who Didn’t Sleep (And One Who Did!): https://rb.gy/ienv8l
Scientists Discover How Gene Mutation Reduces the Need for Sleep: https://rb.gy/oymowu
6 Lies We Believe Every Day: https://rb.gy/stan1k
What is the Sabbath and Is It Still Important Today?: https://rb.gy/nvunsm
5 Bible Passages to Quiet the Noisy Soul: https://rb.gy/3qdicy
Verses quoted: 1 Corinthians 15:6, Psalm 13:3, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Psalm 127:2, Psalm 121:2-4, Mark 4: 38-40, Matthew 11:28, Genesis 2:2-3, Exodus 20:8-11, Romans 1:25, Romans 14:3-5, Colossians 2:13-17, 1 Kings 19:11-23, Psalm 46:9-11, & Luke 10:38-42.
This one can be controversial. It’s much easier to live in a world where we feel good about our own goodness. But none of us are good; none of us are righteous by our own merit. Of course, none of us are utterly evil, either. All of us are made in God’s image, bearing the Imagio Dei in our souls. That’s why our sin should grieve us. This is why all of us fall short of God’s glory, and this is why the grace of the gospel should fill us with hope. Our salvation does not depend on our goodness, but on God’s.
Verses quoted: Psalm 143:2 , Romans 11:32 , Romans 3:23, Genesis 3:14-15, Hebrews 12:14-29, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Jeremiah 9:23-24
Books quoted: Tim Keller’s The Reason for God
Articles Referenced: 10 Popular Statements That Are Theologically Unsound, 3 Pitfalls of Doubt for the Religious by Holly Hawes, Facts about Niagara Falls, The Image of God: Imago Dei
Movie Referenced: Avengers End Game
Conference Referenced: Made to Minister
Chara Donahue is a co-author of the Bible study 1, 2, & 3 John: Experiencing Transformation and is working on her next book. She is the founder and editor of Anchored Voices. Get in touch with her on Facebook or Twitter.
When we say “I can’t forgive myself” we are putting ourselves in charge of our own forgiveness. This teeters dangerously close to a different gospel, one of self-salvation.
This particular lie tries to wear shame as a covering, but we know it for what it truly is: pride. We are essentially saying we know better than God when it comes to who is worthy or unworthy of forgiveness.
Verses quoted: Revelation 19:11, Isaiah 55:8-9, John 3:16-18, Psalm 139:1-8, Psalm 77: 5, 1 John 1:9, Psalm 51
Books quoted: Curt Thompson’s The Soul of Shame, Eugene Peterson’s A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, A.W. Tozer’s The Knowledge of the Holy
Articles referenced: 10 Popular Statements That Are Theologically Unsound, 7 Sure Steps of True Repentance (With Help from Psalm 51)
Chara Donahue is a co-author of the Bible study 1, 2, & 3 John: Experiencing Transformation and is working on her next book. She is the founder and editor of Anchored Voices. Get in touch with her on Facebook or Twitter.
Episode Image Credit: Getty/Overearth