Balancing the Christian Life: Recent Episodes
Kenny Embry, Ph.D.
Balancing the Christian Life helps Christians grow. It focuses on practical ways to improve relationships with each other and God, and what it means to be a digital disciple.
Kenny Embry and Scott Beyer delve into the fundamental question of Christianity: "Who is Jesus?". They explore the historical evidence for Jesus' existence, discuss the implications of His claims to be the Son of God, and address the significance of His miracles. They also grapple with the complexities of understanding Jesus' dual nature as fully God and fully man, and emphasize the importance of a personal relationship with Him.
8 Key Quotes:
- "Who is Jesus is fundamental... We call ourselves Christians. Christianity is the faith and belief in Jesus." - Scott
- "The claim of Christianity is that Jesus died for all of our sins." - Scott
- "Christianity is all about the historicity... Everything said in the New Testament hinges on real historical events that either happened or they didn't." - Scott
- "Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord. There are no other options." - Scott (quoting C.S. Lewis)
- "The empty tomb is the true answer to whether or not Jesus is liar, lunatic, or Lord. If the tomb is empty, he is not a liar. He is not a lunatic. You’re only left with one choice, which is Lord." - Scott
- “God doesn’t have grandchildren. He only has children. And if you’re going to be in His family, you better find ways to relate to Him.” - Kenny
- "Jesus is the embodiment of the Word. He is the Word that walked amongst us so that you can understand all these character traits about God." - Scott
- “What’s good about knowing Jesus? I know I’m safe. I know I’m loved, and I know I’m not in charge.” - Scott
6 Takeaways:
- The question "Who is Jesus?" is central to Christianity.
- Christianity stands out due to the historical evidence supporting Jesus' existence and the public nature of biblical revelation
- Jesus' claims to be the Son of God and the Messiah have profound implications for how we understand Him and our relationship to Him
- The miracles Jesus performed served as signs of His divine power and authority
- A personal relationship with Jesus is essential, but it doesn't mean we will fully understand Him or His ways.
- Faith in Jesus involves trust based on evidence, even when faced with unanswered questions.
4 Applications
- Investigate the historical evidence for Jesus and the claims of Christianity
- Reflect on the implications of Jesus' identity as the Son of God and King
- Consider the significance of Jesus' miracles in demonstrating His divine power
- Cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus through prayer, Bible study, and obedience to His teachings
If you would like to sign up for the 2024 Balancing the Christian Life Conference, go to www.balancingthechristianlife.com and click the menu at the top.
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In this thought-provoking episode of Balancing the Christian Life, Dr. Kenny Embry engages in a conversation with Tommy Humphries, a college professor at Saint Leo University, about the existence and character of God. They delve into the complexities of belief, drawing parallels between faith and marriage, and explore the transformative power of love in the Christian journey. Join them as they navigate through questions of doubt, the limitations of human understanding, and the pursuit of a deeper relationship with God.
Key Takeaways:
- Simple but Complicated: The question of God's existence is foundational to Christianity, but it's more complex than a simple yes or no.
- God as Love: Tommy believes God is love, and you can't talk about God without talking about love.
- Human Reason & Faith: Both human reason and faith play a role in understanding God. Even atheists and theists can have similar views if terms are clarified.
- Doubt and Faith: Doubt is part of the human experience, even for Christians. A lack of doubt can be a sign of shallow thinking.
- Marriage as an Analogy: Both marriage and faith involve commitment before full understanding and deepening of the relationship over time.
- God's Character: Believing in God involves understanding His character, not just acknowledging His existence.
- Love as the Core: Love is the greatest of all virtues, and the ultimate goal is to become a perfect lover of God and neighbor.
- Good of Believing in God: Belief opens us to a deeper understanding of the world and a transformative relationship with God.
Memorable Quotes:
- "I became a Christian for very different reasons than I stay a Christian, because I think the reason I became a Christian was to escape hell. But I don't stay a Christian to escape hell." - Kenny Embry
- "God is love, and the heart of love is the ability to give yourself completely to another for their good." - Tommy Humphries
- "The real work of a theologian is to present a love which cannot be deconstructed." - Bishop Daniel Flores
- "Faith, hope and love, and the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13
Call to Action:
- Sign up for the free Balancing the Christian Life conference.
Additional Notes:
- Dr. Kenny Embry is a conservative church of Christ member and communication professor.
- Tommy Humphries is a Catholic and a college professor.
- The conversation explored the complexities of belief in God, the nature of faith, and the importance of love in the Christian life.
- Dr. Embry emphasizes the importance of learning from people with different perspectives.
Remember to be good and do good.
If you would like to sign up for the 2024 Balancing the Christian Life Conference, go to www.balancingthechristianlife.com and click the menu at the top.
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Get ready to unlock the profound wisdom of Psalm 119 with local evangelist David Brickey. Have you ever wondered what the longest chapter in the Bible reveals about our relationship with God's law? In this episode, David brings fresh insights and personal reflections, guiding us through the psalmist's deep-seated desire and remarkable confidence in God's statutes. We'll explore the unique acrostic structure of the psalm and the multifaceted perspectives it offers, including the tension between humanity's failures and God's enduring grace.
Our conversation doesn't stop there. We delve into the historical context of God's law, from Mount Sinai to the Deuteronomic era, exploring key moments that shaped Israel's relationship with divine commandments. Through a heartfelt discussion on the balance between the Pharisees' rule-keeping and the deeper spiritual meanings intended by God, we emphasize the importance of sincere devotion over mere outward compliance. David shares his thoughts on how Psalm 119, particularly verse 25, emphasizes the transformative power of God's word and the need for continual introspection and reliance on His guidance.
As we reflect on the emotional depth of Psalm 119, you'll hear about the psalmist's struggles with grief, self-deception, and the dual nature of loving God's law while feeling inadequate. Discover how everyday actions, when viewed through the lens of God's blessings, can hold sacred significance. This episode underscores the journey of discipleship, the value of repentance, and the importance of seeking God's mercy in every aspect of life. Join us for a meaningful exploration of Psalm 119 that promises to enrich your spiritual understanding and devotion.
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Ever wondered how your life might change if you could sit down and give your younger self some sage advice? In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Kenny Embry and Mark Dunagan explore just that, sharing the life lessons and wisdom they've gathered over the years. Discover the divine patterns in mathematics, the pivotal role of reading, and the essential value of following instructions. Mark opens up about youthful mistakes driven by haste and arrogance, stressing the importance of resolving issues promptly and learning from past errors.
Mentorship can be a game-changer, and this episode is packed with personal anecdotes that highlight its profound impact. Mark recounts how early musical experiences and the realization of needing a plan B illuminated the importance of mentors who offer honest, sometimes tough feedback. We delve into the qualities of authentic mentorship and how observing a mentor's life and successes can guide us to reliable advice. This discussion reinforces the significance of discerning quality counsel and the value of mentors who genuinely invest in long-term relationships.
Faith and resilience against societal pressures take center stage as we reflect on stories from history and personal life. From a young girl’s faith during the Hungarian Revolution to personal faith journeys influenced by family, we underscore the enduring value of a relationship with God. Discover the wisdom in informal teaching moments, family values, and the impact of modern technology on personal interactions. Through these reflections, we emphasize the importance of supportive relationships, building networks, and prioritizing emotional well-being, all while acknowledging how far we've come in our spiritual and personal journeys.
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This is an experiment. I wanted to try a short devotion and see if I could do it, and if it was any good. For this week, I want to talk about idols. The first is, in my opinion, the most obvious...greed.
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In this episode, Hal Hammons and I discuss some of my past few months' stresses. This is a very personal episode for me. I'm grateful for Hal and I'm grateful for you.
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In this episode, I read the book of Ecclesiastes.
The translation I use is the World English Version available here.
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Yeah, it's been a minute. This time we talk about the "rules of engagement" and how we fight in a loving way.
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What does it mean God is running to you...or running after you. Keith Stonehart is a good friend, and he helped me see how God reaches out to us, even when we are not easy to reach.
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Yes, this is a very short episode and a conversation about having empty spaces in your life. Hopefully this is helpful to you.
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What does it mean to raise boys and how is that different than raising girls. In this conversation, I talk to two fathers of sons and what they've learned about raising sons which help their children grow, and themselves.
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What is gratitude and why should we be a grateful people? In this conversation with Don Truex and Scott Beyer, we talk about what gratitude is, how to become more grateful, and if we are even good judges of our own graciousness.
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This is a reading of the Gospel of Mark. The translation is the World English Bible.
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Picture this - your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, shaking you to your core. Much like our lives, right? Join us as we explore this comparison and help you understand the promise of God's unending grace that keeps us going, even when our lives seem to be breaking down.
In a compelling conversation with Craig Peane, a steadfast believer in Christ, we uncover the strength of placing our trust in God and the incredible power of hope. Through times of uncertainty, remember this: while a broken car can be replaced, your worth in God's eyes is exceptional and irreplaceable. Tap into this episode, and let's journey together towards understanding faith, devotion, and the infinite love God has for us.
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What if being vulnerable isn't a weakness, but a profound strength? Jonathan Banning and I plunge into this question in an enlightening conversation about the complexities of vulnerability within the realm of Christianity. We look at the courage it takes to be exposed, potentially risking hurt, for the sake of authenticity in our faith walk. Drawing from Jesus' exemplary life, we challenge modern-day advice that promotes following whims and desires, and instead invite you to join us as we explore the profound depths of authenticity and self-judgment.
Beyond the personal, however, we also delve into the implications of vulnerability within our Christian community. We underline the paradox that while being vulnerable may feel uncomfortable and risky, it can actually help us to grow. By acknowledging our weaknesses and embracing an authentic life, we find that most people respond not with judgment, but with mercy and forgiveness. We offer practical advice on fostering relationships through vulnerability, and turn to Jesus' model of vulnerability as an inspirational source of strength.
Striking a balance between expressing our struggles authentically and descending into complaint is no easy feat, and we navigate this delicate path in our conversation. By comparing our relationship with God to the relationship we have with our children, we seek to better understand our own vulnerability and the strength that comes with it. This conversation will inspire, challenge, and encourage you to live a life of authentic vulnerability, aligned with God’s teachings, offering a fresh perspective on your faith journey. Join us, and let's journey together towards embracing vulnerability in our Christian life.
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Prepare to embark on an inspiring journey as Mark McCrary, Wyatt Taylor, and I weave tales of our life-altering missionary trip to the Philippines. Our tales are a testament to the power of faith, the richness of diverse cultures, and the deep bonds formed when you step outside your comfort zones. Our discussion takes you from the planning stages, through unforeseen hurdles and fascinating cultural experiences, to the profound impact this expedition had on our Christian walk.
Our conversation delves into the poignant moments that left an indelible mark on our hearts, such as witnessing baptisms influenced by cultural practices, encountering language barriers, and navigating foreign terrains. Hear us recount the invaluable lessons we learned, the power of encouragement, and the crucial role of community as we reminisce about our time in Palau. We pay homage to our wives who bravely served the people of the Philippines, illustrating the significant role of personal relationships in missionary work and highlighting the essence of faith when journeying overseas.
As we reflect upon our experiences, we express our gratitude towards our supporters and share updates about our progress, including exciting book announcements. Through our stories, we hope to inspire listeners to embrace the transformative power of missionary work and the profound impact it can have on your life. Journey with us as we navigate the captivating narratives of our trip to the Philippines, illustrating how God's work in a foreign land can transform your perspective and deepen your faith.
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Dreaming big can be risky business. That's why we're delving into the dangers of dreams and the potential pitfalls of turning them into idols. The first half of our journey guides you through the labyrinth of identity, ambition, and personal values. We challenge you to scrutinize your dreams with a magnifying glass, bring into focus the boundaries that can make or break your spiritual relationship with God. Let's embark on a journey of introspection and self-discovery, where personal goals and dreams are weighed against our fundamental values and beliefs.
As the night falls, we find ourselves contemplating the power of a good sleep. Inspired by the wisdom of Keith Stoneheart, we bring light to the often-ignored significance of rest in our lives. Get ready to decode the science behind sleep and how it can impact your clarity of thought, overall well-being, and - yes - even your dreams. Hang tight for a small teaser on our next episode, where we share our transformative journey to the exquisite island of Palawan in the Philippines. This episode is a wake-up call to re-center our lives around God and value the restorative power of rest. Let's sleep on it.
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Can you imagine the power that setting goals can bring to your Christian life? Well, Benjamin Lee helps us unpack this potent tool in our latest episode. We confront the cruciality of acting on our dreams whilst debating the dangers of dreaming too much or too little. With Benjamin’s insights, we delve into the balancing act between motivation and commitment to our goals. We also address the role of time and other realities in shaping what's truly feasible, concluding that it's absolutely okay to have grand visions and to take steps towards realizing them.
Have you ever wondered how faith and trust in God can bolster us through our struggles? On this transformative journey with Benjamin Lee, we unearth the need for authentic answers, not just the right ones, and how knowing the truth about ourselves holds immense significance. We also investigate the role of taking action on our goals and its potential to chart our path to success. Together, we identify and define our goals, creating a system to work backwards towards them, undeniably emphasizing the importance of action.
As we gear up for a new school year, we take a moment to reflect on how this period can be a beacon of inspiration and hope. We stress the importance of remembering the value of trades and maintaining our focus on what truly matters. We announce our plans for reading more from the Bible and remind ourselves to be good and do good. In our candid conversation, we explore the necessity of understanding what God wants from us, how it aids us to surmount life's struggles and the role of Jesus' habits and customs as a blueprint for us. Join us in this pursuit of balance in our Christian lives with the aid of goal setting and action.
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Ever found yourself locked in a heated disagreement, leaving you feeling exasperated and distanced from a loved one? We tackle questions such as when is it right to fight for a belief, how to measure your motives, and what guidance can be found in our faith. We even navigate the sometimes tricky terrain of speaking the truth while maintaining humility and patience, all through the relatable analogy of a car ride disagreement.
Deepening the dialogue, we plunge into the heart of love and unity during disagreements. We talk about how remembering your affection for the person on the other end of the argument can shape the conversation, and how to weigh your knowledge before entering a debate. Using insights from 1 Peter 3:8, we also discuss dealing with deadlocks. Regardless if you're wrestling with a personal or spiritual family difference, we'll equip you with the tools to handle the situation gracefully, leaving relationships stronger than ever.
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Have you ever discovered profound insights from the most unexpected places? Take a ride with me, Dr. Kenny Embry, as I unfold compelling life lessons unearthed during a family trip to an amusement park. As we traverse through the roller-coaster adventure, we'll unravel the beauty of witnessing life from our children's viewpoint, the courage they muster while trying new rides, and the clarity they find in their evolving interests. More than the rides and shows, I'll shed light on the importance of focusing on the people you're with, embracing their experiences, and the unparalleled joy it brings.
Reflecting upon the recent Balancing the Christian Life conference, I found myself immersed in the transformative power of community and shared learning. Listen as we discuss the enriching conversations, exchange of ideas, and the impactful teachings that transpired at the event. You'll also discover the transformative power of gratitude and how it can shape us into better individuals. We'll also ponder over the potential of digital tools in instigating good and fostering meaningful conversations. Join us in this insightful episode as we journey together to perceive everyday experiences in a whole new light.
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www.balancingthechristianlife.com/conference
Ever wondered what constitutes good character from a Christian perspective? Buckle up as Mark McCrary and I, Dr. Kenny Embry, unpack the good character track of the Balancing the Christian Life conference, using Galatians 5 as our guide. We delve into the nine aspects of the fruit of the spirit, spotlighting love as the cornerstone of Christianity. Prepare to have your perspectives challenged as we stress on love as an action, not an emotion, and the significance of epitomizing love, irrespective of our feelings.
In this enlightening conversation, Mark and I continue our exploration by untangling how God personifies goodness and its real-world applications. Expect to gain fresh insights as we dissect the nuances between kindness and niceness, and shed light on the importance of exemplifying faithfulness and gentleness. A deep dive into the phrase “the fruit of the Spirit” might change the way you perceive this biblical expression. We reflect on how these virtues naturally manifest when we submit to God and the Holy Spirit's counsel. Join us as we reiterate that in God's eyes, virtue and morality outweigh fame and recognition, and that goodness should be pursued even when unacknowledged.
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Are you ready to unlock the transformative power of self-control? Today, we're embarking on a journey with our esteemed guests, Scott Beyer and Luther Pratt, as we unearth the profound connections between self-control, joy, and happiness. Hear firsthand from Luther as he shares an inspiring tale of redemption from addiction, testifying to the divine intervention and the might of self-control.
We'll also be exploring the critical role self-control plays in cultivating healthy relationships, making good life choices, and maintaining accountability. In a world that often demands instant gratification, we’ll discuss how commitment is instrumental in fostering self-control in our lives, using real-life examples from parenting and an evocative account from Luther about overcoming addiction. And as we delve into the stories of King Saul and David, we unravel how their divergent paths underscore the significance of self-control in navigating life's challenges.
However, self-control isn't without its pitfalls. Drawing lessons from the lives of Nelson Mandela and Joseph, we'll examine how self-control, when wielded without humility can lead to self-righteousness. We'll reshuffle the narrative to emphasize the importance of pairing self-control with grace, love, and mercy. As we wrap up our enlightening discussion, listen as Scott and Luther share their personal insights and experiences with self-control, and how it can serve as a tool for joy and happiness. So, join us as we navigate the path of self-control, and explore how it can enrich our lives.
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In this episode we talk about the value of rest and how it can help us to stop doing for a bit.
If you are interested in attending the Balancing the Christian Life Conference, please go to www.balancingthechristianlife.com and click on the conference link.
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In this episode, we talk about developing Christian character with my friend Dr. Stephen Okey.
If you are interested in participating in the Balancing the Christian Life Conference, please go to www.balancingthechristianlife.com and click the BtCL conference link to sign up.
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This is a complete reading of the gospel of John. If you would like more information about the World English translation here.
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This week I've been working on university-related stuff and that got me thinking about what i wish I could tell students as they graduate, or anybody starting something new.
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This is a reading of the book of James. I use the World English translation of the Bible. You can get information about this translation here.
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This is a reading of the book of Titus. You can find the translation of the text I used (the World English Bible) here.
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Christina's book is entitled Faith that Doubts and is available here.
You can call or text Christina at 404-431-1530.
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This time I read the book of II Timothy. The translation I'm using is the World English Bible, which is available here.
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Hal Hammons and I talk about this year's conference, which is July 27-29. I plan to post the website at the beginning of May.
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This is a reading of the book of I Timothy from the World English Bible. You can learn more information about that translation here.
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This is a reading of the book of II Thessalonians from the World English Bible.
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In this episode we talk about how to choose a Bible. It's a detailed conversation about an important choice.
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This is a reading of the book of I Thessalonians from the World English Bible translation. You can get information about that translation here.
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Rest is so important to God, he commanded the Israelites to rest on one day a week. In this conversation, I talk with Tommy Peeler about the reasons of the Sabbath rest.
You can find Tommy's podcast, Carefully Examining the Text, here.
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This is a reading of the book of II Corinthians.
You can find information about the World English Bible here.
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For this bonus episode, I read the book of I Corinthians. This is a church with some big problems, but Paul shows both his love and judgment when navigating them through it.
The translation I'm using is the World English Bible, which is available here.
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Do you know what Heaven is like? This week I ask that question of my friend Wes McAdams, evangelist at McDermott Road church of Christ. Wes has written several books and has an excellent blog at www.radicallychristian.com.
What do you think Heaven will be like?
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What does it mean to find beauty in God's nature? This week I talk with Will Bean, an artistic landscape photographer and someone whose work I truly admire.
To see Will's work, you can find it here.
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This week we take a deep dive on the Psalms with Text Talk hosts Edwin Crozier and Andrew Roberts. We talk about grappling with the really depressing Psalms and understanding why poetry can help make you a better Christian.
The book Edwin wrote about this is incorrectly cited in the program. The correct title is Praying Like the Psalmists and is available here.
Edwin and Andrew host a truly excellent podcast, Text Talk. They are excellent at what they do.
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I had some big changes at my workplace that have taken my time and attention. I do apologize for dropping the podcast the last couple of weeks, but I feel like this is a place I needed to be at a time I needed to be there. Pray for me and those I love, please.
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For this episode, I'm reading the book of Romans. If you're listening in real time, this corresponds to Kris Emerson's chapter a day group. The book itself is complex, but you see several themes woven together, and the idea of unity permeates the entire book.
Again, I am reading from the World English Bible translation.
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We know we should believe in God. But why is that practical? Why is it really important, or is it? Isn't it enough to just believe without having to get into the details?
In this conversation, Bruce Reeves makes a case on why it's not just an exercise in thought experiments and pointless debates, but why it forms the foundation of your relationship with God.
Bruce is also the co-author of Is It Reasonable to Believe in God?
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This is a reading from the book of Hebrews from the World English Bible translation. You can get information regarding the World English Bible translation here.
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What is good? I've ended almost every episode with some variation of be good and do good, but what does it mean to be good.
This week I talk with Bryan Schiele and Ryan Joy of the Bible Geeks Podcast about their new season discussing being good. I'm thrilled with these guys and I love what they're doing with the topic.
You can listen to their podcast here. This season they are also developing classroom and conversation materials for the series.
They are two excellent guys.
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This time I read the book of Galatians, again from the World English Bible translation.
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How can you help young Christians grow and participate in their newfound relationship with God? In this conversation, we talk with Tricia Stahl, author of So, You're a Christian...Now What?
If you'd like to get in touch with Tricia, you can email her at tricia.stahl75@gmail.com.
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Again, this is from the World English Bible translation. A simple reading. I hope this helps you.
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This is another reading of a biblical book. This time I take on First Peter, and I plan to read Second Peter soon.
I hope this helps you.
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This is a conversation sparked by my son Kent and my good friend Scott Beyer.
Also, please support Scott's new podcast, Love Better. He's an excellent guy, and if anybody knows about love, it's got to be Scott.
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In this bonus episode, I record the gospel of Luke. The version I'm using is the World English Bible which is free of copyright restrictions. It's a fine translation, but I think it's an amazing story which has implications for all of us.
If you're interested in finding information about the World English Bible, you can go to:
https://worldenglish.bible/
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So what are some of the challenges of grace? In this episode, I talk with two friends, David Osteen and Kris Emerson abotu how to conceptualize grace, and what are some of the "ditches" we should watch out for.
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So how is your prayer life? In this episode, Edwin Crozier introduces us to kingdom prayers.
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How should we think about foreign evangelism? This week I talk to Allen Malone, who has traveled as an evangelist to several countries.
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It's become an annual tradition I love. Thinking about what makes me thankful. Thank you for listening.Support the show
So why would anyone willingly choose to do something difficult? My friend Josh Creel and I talk about this idea and why the hard thing might often be the preferred one.
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It's been a hard week, but these are the words helping me...and maybe they'll help you as well.
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The struggle is real, especially when we struggle with God. This week we look at Jacob and his wrestling with an angel.
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So how good are you at extending grace to others? In this conversation we talk about how grace can practically be used at the congregational level.
If you would like the to see the materials used at Douglass Hills church, you can find them here:
https://www.douglasshillschurch.org/grace
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How do you find peace in a world of confusion? This week I talk with Hal Hammons, an evangelist and fellow podcaster from the Austin, Texas, area. Please be sure to check out his podcast Citizen of Heaven!
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So we went through a hurricane this past week and it reminded me something important...I'm not in control, but I know who is. How do I trust God more especially when I want to control everything around me.
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How do you deal with people who are hard to love? This week we talk with Brian Haines, an evangelist in the Portland, Oregon area.
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So how good are you at Bible study? In this episode, we talk with evangelists and podcast hosts Emerson Brown and Jeff O'Rear from the Working with the Word podcast. They have some very practical advice for Bible study including why a mere 15 minutes of reading your Bible is a good start, and how to tackle the confusing stuff.
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This has been a pretty frustrating week, but I thought I would take this opportunity to think about how God can take our frustration. Christianity includes giving God our anxiety, frustration, anger, confusion and letting him take it over for us.
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This week, we talk about the problems with shame and why guilt might be good news.
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Are you going to heaven? In this episode we talk about having certainty in your salvation. And we find out why the reason most are not certain has to do with the difference between devotion and perfection.
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So do you know what love is? We understand as Christians that God loves us, but how do we know that? This was a fun conversation with Jared Bollman, Adam Shanks, BJ Sipe and Keith Stonehart about what Christian love is...and BJ kills a spider with a lemon.
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What exactly is Christian leadership? I spoke with Don Truex about how to prepare yourself to lead other Christians and what I walked away with was a deeply optimistic and inspiring view of Christianity.
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This week I talk about two things which got started, my son's high school career and the new Balancing the Christian Life Conference.
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In this episode we talk to Jacob Hudgins and Edwin Crozier about the role grace plays in our Christian walk.
I also have some information regarding the lectureship in late July, which is also available at www.balancingthechristianlife.com.
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Bob Darnell is a surgeon and lifelong friend in the Louisville area. He converted from Judaism and talks about what that change meant for him. He has also served as an elder in the past and has some excellent insight into what it means to lead Christians today.
I know you'll love Bob.
I also have some information regarding the lectureship in late July, which is also available at www.balancingthechristianlife.com.
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What does adoption look like if you are the one putting your child up for adoption. Amber Jimerson talks candidly about her experience as a birth mother and what she learned and how it can help other Christians understand the process.
I also have some information regarding the lectureship in late July, which is also available at www.balancingthechristianlife.com.
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Something very simple but profound to me happened this week, and I wanted to share it. It involves an old man, a young boy and an expensive gift.
I also have some information regarding the lectureship in late July, which is also available at www.balancingthechristianlife.com.
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In this bonus episode, we talk about the women's track in the lecture series. Jennifer Ackett talks about the thinking she had behind the putting this part of the lecture series together.
I also have some information regarding the lectureship in late July, which is also available at www.balancingthechristianlife.com.
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Someone asked me if the livestream really served any purpose at all anymore. You can probably guess my stand, but this is why I believe it does.
I also have some information regarding the lectureship in late July, which is also available at www.balancingthechristianlife.com.
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This week we talk to Jonathan Banning about what it means to be a second-generation Christian...and how to overcome it.
Jonathan is an evangelist at the Temple Terrace church of Christ in the Tampa area.
I also have some information regarding the lectureship in late July, which is also available at www.balancingthechristianlife.com.
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In some ways, this was an opportunity to connect with two guys I love. It was also an excuse to really meet Jared's son Will and all six of Scott's kids. These guys represent two very impressive families, and I'm grateful they are who they are. You'll be better because you know these families.
Opener for BtCL Lecture
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Being a single dad isn't something I know a lot about, but Ray Warfel is someone who understands what that means. Ray is an evangelist in rural Illinois, divorcee and father of three. The theme that comes out time and again is outcome doesn't necessarily mean the process is right.
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This week I learned a lot about growing as a podcaster, so I wanted to take a spiritual angle on growth.
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So do you ever doubt yourself or struggle with self-esteem? This is about what it means to have a Godly perspective on the internal dialogue we have with ourselves and what we should believe. There's another perspective in this I wasn't expecting...the importance of meditation.
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What does it mean to pursue love and why is it a big deal for Christians to do exactly that? This week we talk to David Osteen about how both balance and pursuit are essentially to loving God and each other more.
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Chaos at the Embry house this week. Let me tell you why this week's episode is a day late.
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This week we talk to Steve Wolfgang about the textual track of the lecture series. I also answer some questions about the lectureship.
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This week we talk to Brady Cook from Diakonos Marketing. Brady is hosting a Bible Summit in June and participating in the Balancing the Christian Life Lecture Series in July.
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This week Darin Gerdes uses the invasion of Ukraine as a way to talk about Christian leadership and its pitfalls.
Darin has an excellent podcast called The Leadersmith where he has been talking about Zelenskyy and his leadership during this crisis.
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We talk about the lecture in July 28-30.
If you'd like to get a ticket, you can go to www.balancingthechristianlife.com/lecture
If you'd like to see the event website still in progress, you can go to
www.balancingthechristianlife.com/lectureschedule
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Have you ever thought about adopting? Scott and his wife Jenna have adopted six children, along with their biological daughter, Holiday. Scott talks about his fears, his relationship with God, and his joy about seeking more Beyer kids.
Scott's contact information is:
Email: Scott@biblegrad.com
Cell Phone 425-870-9470
Website Biblegrad.com
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This week we give details about the lectureship we've been planning for late July. You can sign up for tickets at www.balancingthechristianlife.com/lecture
In this episode, Hal Hammons discusses the track he planned and Nathan Cox does the same.
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Have you ever learned a lot from someone new in the faith? Today I talk with Daniel Lookadoo, a truly inspiring young man who understands Christianity well and can teach you a lot about having a passion for the faith. I know you'll love Daniel.
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This week I wanted to talk to some friends and fellow podcasters about joy. So I got my friends Keith Stonehart, BJ Sipe and Jared Bollman together...and that's what we did. It was a lot of fun, but the conversation was a lot deeper than I anticipated it would be.
I love this conversation. These are some great guys who understand joy pretty well!
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I wanted to start a series on digital discipleship and how Christians can use digital tools well. However, I wanted to start with the bad news first. These are the dangers of digital discipleship.
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This week I go to an audio essay about being a Christian friend.
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As a Christian, how do you think about money? Many of us are motivated by fear, envy, contempt or other negative feelings all centered around these green pieces of paper with numbers. However, Adam Shanks tells us why we should consider money as a tool and servant rather than a goal and master.
Adam is a fellow podcaster of the Preach Impediments program, as well the author of the book In God We Trust, and several other titles.
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So, could you use a therapist? Jeanie Campbell is a retired Christian counselor who gives you some good reasons why you might want to consider getting some help from a counselor from time to time. She also talks about how what we feel and what we think are often at odds with one another. Jeanie is just a gem.
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So what does it mean to be a Christian in a digital age? Jared Bollman is the host of the podcast Man Up! and an evangelist in Oregon. He's also enthusiastic about the use of digital tools to spread Christianity and how to be a man in a culture which misunderstands and sometimes attacks them.
Jared is someone who has a refreshing viewpoint of today's culture. Find out who he says are the most important influences in his life, and how we can all use the Internet much more productively.
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I meet several single parents and they have my full admiration, but I must admit I don't know exactly how to serve them best. This week I talk to Donna DeHoog, a single mother of two teenage boys about how she raises her boys, has a full time job, runs a small farm, and keeps everything together and glorfiies God in the process. She's someone I truly admire.
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How does God guard your mind? I think many of us overlook this passage in Romans, but Ann Hoover understands this passage and Paul's instruction to think on good things in a different way. As someone who was diagonsed as an asymptomatic bipolar disorder victim.
Ann is also a true spiritual encourager. She is a mom, a Christian and someone who makes you better because you know her.
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Do you remember when you knew you believed in Christianity and didn't simply inherit your parent's religion? My son Jake is going through that process now as he starts college. I understand this is partially a dad talking to his son, but I think Jake brings up some concerns and ideas many new Christians have.
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This week, BJ Sipe tells his powerful story of overcoming and dealing with pornography and how he helps others do the same.
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This is really a podcast episode about the podcast. I want to put "out there" what I plan to do this year so you can help keep me accountable.
Maybe we can do the same for each other.
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Moving from being a parent of young children to older children can be tricky. This week I talk to Kenny Moorer, an evangelist in Alabama and an old colleague from Florida College.
The big themes we talk about in this is learning how to have a conversation, critical thinking, and being the parent of adult children.
Kenny is just a great guy. I hope you learn as much as I did.
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Did you hear about the tornadoes? This hit the area where I grew up, and it affected me a lot.
If you'd like to help out, you can donate money here.
Be good and do good.
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Are you sure you know what you think you know? This week I examine what it means to think fast and slow.
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Being a parent isn't for sissies. This week I talk about some ideas I have about being a parent, especially at a time of difficulty.
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I believe, help my unbelief. Do you ever doubt? All of us do if we're thinking about Christianity in any depth. This week I talk to author, college professor and evangelist Nathan Ward about the importance of doubt. Also, find out why he's says we shouldn't have "faith in faith," and where we should focus our attention, instead.
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I'm returning for a few episodes to audio essays so I can end the semester.
However, I love this time of year when we can think about what it means to be thankful.
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What does it mean to be a Godly woman? It's easy to point to Proverbs 31, but what does it look like in your life?
This week, I talk to four women who I both love and admire about what it means to be a Christian woman, including Megan McDonald, Sophina Williams, Heather Wells and my mother.
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I think we often focus on what we are not doing in spreading Christianity. But this week, I wanted to talk to someone whose journey to Christ was both unusual but also highlighted how simple evangelism can be. Saif Alsafeer is an evangelist and soccer coach now in the north Georgia area. He shares his simple secret weapon for reaching people from different religions. I know you'll like him a lot.
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How does your mindset affect your Christian walk? This week I talk with Benjamin Lee from the I Can Do podcast. He helped me understand mindset better and how focusing on the whole Christian came make a world of difference.
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Why did God create us? Does God want us to fail? Can you evangelize if you're an introvert? All of these are simple to ask, but difficult to answer.
My son Jake asks a few questions he has about Christianity and Keith Stonehart and I try to answer him. See how you would answer the same questions.
I'm very proud of Jake. I think he did an excellent job.
Be good an do good.
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So, what do you "geek out" about? For some it might be scrapbooking or the latest comic book movie. For Bryan Schiele and Ryan Joy, they geek out about Christianity on their podcast, The Bible Geeks.
I loved having this conversation and I hope you enjoy it as well. If you'd like to check out what Ryan and Bryan are doing, check out their stuff at Biblegeeks.fm.
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If you talk to parents of teens, you have probably have heard about both the blessing and struggle of raising them.
In this episode, we talk to Phil Robertson and Edwin Crozier about raising teens. We all read a book, Hold On to Your Kids, by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Mate. We talk about the danger of peer-oriented teens and how to reconnect with your kids.
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In this episode we talk to Craig Dehut and Stuart Peck about their newest documentary for Appian Media, Trial and Triumph. These guys are doing some amazing things.
Check out their work at www.appianmedia.org.
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Becoming a Christian man is a challenge at all times. This week I talk to Mark Roberts, Warren Berkley and BJ Sipe, all three evangelists. They explain how to help grow men, and what challenges there are to keep men from becoming John Wayne or Mr. Rogers.
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So how well do you think the church is doing across the country? It's easy to assume it's either going well or going poorly based on what you see where you are. But Mark and Cindy Dunagan have a pretty clear answer after visiting over 50 congregations in the last year. They are also podcasters and bloggers who are on a mission to visit 100 churches to see what works and what doesn't. I think you'll be interested to hear what they've learned from Christians who live their faith at the local congregation.
Here's their bio:
Mark and Cindy Dunagan live nomadically in a van and are on a quest to visit and encourage 100 conservative churches of Christ around the country to gather Biblically sound, inspiring ideas for growing the Kingdom of Heaven. They share those ideas on their blog NomadsYouAndi.com --- ideas that are on track to be published in a book called 100 Churches.
Mark has been preaching since his conversion in 1979 and continues to do so as they travel. He currently participates bi-weekly in the live online program Answering Religious Error.
His audio sermons are available at BeavertonChurchofChrist.net and his commentaries at MarkDunagan.com. Cindy is the author of Your Fresh Start (available at OneStone.com), is the host of the podcast Nomads You And I, and co-host of the live online program Older Women Likewise.
Enjoy our Podcasts and Travel Blog at Nomads You And I
Mark's In-depth Bible studies available at The Beaverton church of Christ
Cindy's collection of profound thoughts at Wisdom All Aglow
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So what is digital literacy and why is it important for Christians to understand? This week I asked my buddy Mark McCrary to interview me for the podcast about digital literacy. This topic has been both a passion and professional pursuit for several years and I wanted someone to help me explore the idea from a different perspective. Mark is usually a willing participant in these conversations, but also someone whose opinion I truly appreciate. He also had me answer one of my own questions..."what is good?" I wasn't ready for that.
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This week I wanted to talk to three people from an online group of Bible students. The argument I hear a lot is social media is largely dangerous. However, this group is doing something many thought impossible. I talk to Logan Dawson, Donna DeHoog and Katie Philippi about what they've learned and how they've gotten to know other Christians in a Chapter a Day Group (Excel Still More a Chapter a Day). See how they're becoming better Christians one chapter at a time.
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You'll have to indulge me this week. I'm talking to four podcasters I know ONLY as voices on earbuds and faces on a screen, but they have all become important to me. This week, I talk to Kris Emerson from Excel Still More, Hal Hammons of Citizen of Heaven and Jeff O'Rear and Emerson Brown of Working with the Word. We talk about why podcasting as a platform is powerful, what works, what doesn't, and what it's meant to us. Thank you for joining me on this journey. I'm looking forward to another year of podcasting dangerously.
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Collaboration means doing something together to achieve something you couldn't do individually. In this episode I talk about how digital tools allow us to collaborate on things which are impossible otherwise. This is the seventh and final part of digital literacy, and in many ways the culmination of the other six.
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Being a Christian woman isn't easy, but Nikki and Julie give you an example of how to do it with a good sense of humor and an eye to joy. In this conversation, we talk about abuse in the church, being part of a preacher family, and how to be a serious Christian that doesn't take yourself too seriously. There's also a lot of laughter here.
You can find the Nikki and Julie podcast here.
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Some people forever change your life by showing you better choices and giving you an example worth following. Having mentors and being a mentor is a blessing to many of us.
Keith Stonehart is a friend whose Christian story has several incredible turns. He told his conversion story in episode 53. In this episode, he introduces us to a man who became an important friend and father figure at a time he desperately needed both.
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Learning to lead takes experience and wisdom. Even then, leadership in local churches can be tricky. Especially in the age of Coronavirus, we've all been learning about the limits of leadership.Max Dawson is one of the leaders of the Dowlen Road church of Christ in Beaumont, Texas, I've heard lots of good things about that group and found out some of their secrets to both caring for each other and communicating Jesus.
Find out the difference between a shepherd meeting and a sheep meeting and how they use something called "Kingdom Performance Indicators."
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How do you build a group of people who are helpful, don't bicker, and make each other better? You might think that's impossible. I mean, have you seen what's going on in Facebook land? Well, it's more than possible. While social media is both an easy target and the butt of almost every joke about online relationships gone awry, it's also a powerful tool to build positive relationships as well.
This week I try to help you be an influence for good in a place many have already abandoned.
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How do you make sense of the Bible? This week I talk with Wes McAdams about his reading plan that makes a case for reading entire books in one sitting. We also talk about how he uses digital tools to help spread Christiainity.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)
So how do you choose to be joyful when the world around you is crumbling? Jeremy Dehut is a new but good friend. He's helped me see both from his example and in his family's choice to let God help him choose joy in the face of tragedy. I'm grateful for people like Jeremy and Anna and how they share their struggles and show us how to allow God to let us become better.
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One of the big differences in online communication is the ability to talk back to the people who make the stuff you consume. In other words, we're all consumers and producers of online content, and I think that's incredibly beneficial. But how do you do it well? We'll talk about how to participate intentionally and thoughtfully.
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If your'e anything like me, you get intimidated when you think about evangelism and teaching others about Christ. Andy Cantrell can help you with this. He has helped distill the problems we have with evangelism into four tools which can help us be better at spreading God's word.
Andy also has an amazing story about why Christianity means so much to him, and who he admires in the faith. I know Andy helped make me better at sharing my faith. See if he doesn't help you as well.
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This is the fourth part of digital literacy and it's how we recreate context for what we're finding online. Christians should already "get this" because we have to do it all the time with the Bible. But for some reason, we don't use these same skills when it comes to online communication. See how to create context in the conversations you're finding onlne.
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I wasn't sure what to expect from someone who came from a life of rock and roll. I mean, I know all the stereotypes. Were they right? Evangelist Keith Stonehart sets the record straight, and shows how Christianity helps fix our brokenness.
Keith is the evangelist for the Fultondale church of Christ, and co-host for the podcast The Real Deal.
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So what is your influence like? Influence isn't particular to just online communication, but it sure can go bad quickly. We talk about how to manage both your identity and image online, and at the same time keep yourself grounded.I also celebrate one of the most meaningful events in my life.
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Ginger Hubbard is one of those people who inspire me. She is an amazing mother, and someone who puts Christ in the center of her life. She is the author of several books on parenting and even hosts her own podcast, Parenting with Ginger Hubbard.
She is impressive in so many ways. But what impresses me most about Ginger is her vulnerability and honesty about coming to Christ.
In this episode she tells her family's story about coming to Christ when she was in high school, and how Jesus helped her change from good to Godly.
If you're interested in Ginger's books, here are some links (affiliate links):
- I Can't Believe You Just Said That: Biblical wisdom for taming your child's tongue
- Don't Make Me Count to Three!
- Guiltless Living: Confessions of a serial sinner captured by the grace of God
- Wise Word for Moms
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Fake news. Internet scams. People impersonating other people. It seems like the Internet is just a cesspool of trust issues, so why should this medium be something anyone takes seriously?
Shouldn't we just stop using the Internet altogether?
How about no?
In this episode we talk about how to cut back on the noise in the Internet to find the value. This is the second episode of digital literacy. Hopefully, it helps you avoid the land mines and find the gold.
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How's your joy? If you're like me, finding joy in dailiy life isn't easy. Paul Gavin is a musician, private music teacher and a dedicated Christian who has a lot to teach you about joy. He also has a two word recipe to solve your relationship problems. See if Paul doesn't challenge you as well in your walk with God.
If you're interested in finding Paul, his website is at www.paulgavinmusic.com
Watch his talent at his YouTube page.
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In some ways, this is one of the simplest episodes I've pulled together. In this episode, I start the first part of digital literacy which is taking control of your attention. Hopefully this reminds you about the fundamentals of Christianity. I think this concept is simple and profound in the life of Christians who often see themselves as victims of circumstances. I hope you pay attention to your attention.
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This week I've got a lot on my plate with the end of the semester, so I'm doing an introduction to the idea of digital literacy. I've been meaning to put this episode together for a long time and now is the perfect time. I'm making an argument about why we need to pull the curtain back on what digital tools do to us and for us. God bless you this week!
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Do you feel like the world is changing all around you while you're trying to hold onto your Christianity? Do you wonder if the things changing around us should worry us or not? Gardner is a guy with a great perspective on the culture surrounding us, the hope we have in God and why today's Christian should inspire us with confidence.
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For the past few weeks I've been drawn again and again to Philippians. There's a lot of hope and exhortation in this short book. I thought seriously about giving a reflection on Philippians for this episode. I seem to always be drawn to 4:8 where Paul tells us what to think about. But that's in a larger discussion where he talks about where to focus and what to do in response. I could give the context. Or I could simply give you the book of Philippians, itself.
This week is another experiment. This week I read the entirety of the book from the World English Bible, a public domain translation. It reminded me of my discussion with Jason Hardin. I hope this helps you in your Christian walk.
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Covid is starting to become a memory...so what should we learn from the experience? And what questions should we be asking now?
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Hal is a new friend and someone who hosts his own podcast, The Citizen of Heaven. In this episode, we discuss the importance of perspective.
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This week I'm talking to a colleague and friend, Dr. Stephen Okey. Okey (as I call him) is an excellent educator and has a good understanding of the relationship of Christ, Christians and culture. He discusses the different ways Christians often try to see Christ in regards to culture, and proposes a better way we might be able to be "in the world but not of the world."
If you'd like to get in touch with Okey, he is very active on Twitter and you can reach him at https://twitter.com/StephenOkey.
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This week on the program we talk to the hosts of the podcast Devotional Doctors, Bryan Nash (Doctorate in ministry) and JD Souder (Doctorate in physical therapy).
They have a simple but powerful message about the importance of understanding the body's relationship to Christianity. God created us both body and soul. Ultimately we rely on our bodies to carry out our Christian service.
I start this episode with a simple exercise. Try it. See if it doesn't change your perspective.
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In this episode, I collaborate with my good friend Darin Gerdes. Darin hosts The Leadersmith podcast. This episode is our conversation about the importance of failure, and part 2 is available on his podcast where we talk about the importance of taking risks.
Darin takes over the hosting reins for this episode. It was fun and, I hope, worthwhile. This is the first time I've been a guest on my own podcast.
Thank you, again, for joining me on this journey.
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Craig Bean is a close and dear friend and, I think, one of the very best to talk about intentional culture creation. Most people believes the culture to our congregations walk in the doors and leadership should respond to the culture in the pews.
Craig talks about how to foster and create the kind of culture where Christians actively make positive change the places they are. Craig is a smart guy, and he's been a blessing to me for many years. I pray he is the same for you.
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Matt Bassford is a minister in Columbia, Tennessee. In this episode, he talks about how he and his wife dealt with the tragedy of a stillborn birth of their first daughter, Macy and how their relationships with God and other Christians were the only things which could fix it.
This is a difficult but important conversation. I think about how all of us are broken, but we often feel those topics are taboo or need to be avoided.
Matt's story is powerful. It's also a love story through trial for all his important relationships.
We are all broken. Not all like Matt and Lauren, but all of us need to understand how Jesus can make us whole.
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This week, we discuss one of the most basic parts of being a Christian, Bible study. Jason Hardin is a minister and author of Hello, I'm Your Bible, (affiliate link) a practical guide to Bible study.Jason has his own strategy for Bible study which helps put you in the right mindset and helps you develop a good attitude toward reading.
Jason and his family minister at Charlestown Road church of Christ which has some innovative digital tools for growing Christians, including Building Blocks.
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So how good are you at communication? I'm not sure we think about that question a lot...but we definitely hear a lot about its importance.
This week I talk to one of my old students, Ryan Cummings, about the importance of communication for Christians. He covers the importance of productive conflict, working together, and how communication forms an important part of our relationship with God.
Ryan's podcast with co-host Mike Sullivan is called "The Gospel According to." You can subscribe here.
Ryan works with the Manslick Road church of Christ.
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This week we talk to my cousin, Craig Embry. Craig is someone who knows how to get things done and he has helped his congregation in the Sarasota area use the tools of digital discipleship to cope with Coronavirus and spread Christianity. I'm impressed with Craig, and I think you will be, too. You can see what they're trying at South Trail church of Christ.
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Do you journal? I don't. Well, not yet. So when I talked to Jeremy Dehut about what made his Christian life better, I was curious why he said journaling was one of the most important things he does to help his Christian walk.
Jeremy made some practical points about how journaling can help you both review and put in perspective your relationship with God. He also talks about how journaling started for him at a point in his life when not only did he really want a better relationship with God, but he desperately needed it.
See if his story and his reasons don't make a believer out of you as well.
You can reach Jeremy at www.jeremydehut.com, or at www.appianmedia.org.
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This episode concludes the conversation we started last week with Edwin Crozier, Kris Emerson, Jason Hardin and Mark McCrary.
In this episode, the guys talk about their own podcasts and what roles they play with their congregations, the love/hate relationship we all have with Zoom, concerns about returning to worship at a building and what they plan to keep doing after the pandemic is more controlled.
I'll say it again, these are some great guys. If you'd like to get in touch with any of them, you can reach them at:
- Edwin Crozier, www.christiansmeethere.org
- Kris Emerson, www.excelstillmore.life
- Jason Hardin, www.charlestownroad.org
- Mark McCrary, www.douglasshillschurch.org
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Well...this was a conversation with four guys I think are doing excellent work in light of Covid. Edwin Crozier, Kris Emerson, Jason Hardin and Mark McCrary. Three of these guys are past guests. I just wanted to know how they reacted to Covid and putting together something they could use to help their members still feel connected.
This is very frank, and I so appreciate the vulnerability they express. We're all figuring this out, and I worked hard to find a couple guys who have been doing this for awhile, another who is has been doing this a shorter time, and one who is essentially brand new.
I'll say it again, I know and love these guys and I think they are talking about important things.
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Phil is an old friend who has a knack with teens and someone I greatly admire. I planned this episode to be about the teens he works with, but Phil quickly turned the conversation to parenting, and I think he was right. He shines a spotlight on what we can do better as parents.
We also talk a little about digital discipleship and how his congregation in Gainesville may use tools such as Zoom after the pandemic is a memory. I think it's fair to say Phil is more skeptical of the digital tools, even though he is an important advocate for tools like social media and smartphones.
I've always thought of Phil as a hurricane. He is very intense, but with a very calm and collected core. You can see what he's doing at his congregation at the Glen Springs website.
Just so you know, this conversation was a little over an hour long, and I was able to get it down to about 35 minutes. I'm thrilled for you to meet Phil.
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This is my second half of the conversation with Edwin Crozier. This part focuses on his view of digital discipleship and his writing process.I said it before, Edwin is a really good guy.
Consider listening to his podcast, Text Talk, it's available at Apple podcasts,
A few of Edwin's books include (affiliate links):
- Love Like a Samaritan
- The Gospel of the Kingdom
- Getting to Did
- Built by the Lord: A Study of the Family
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Edwin Crozier is someone I have known for several years but never really talked to. This is the first part of a great conversation I had with Edwin. In this episode, Edwin talks about his own spiritual walk. If you're interested in listening to his podcast, Text Talk, it's available at Apple podcasts,
A few of Edwin's books include (affiliate links):
- Love Like a Samaritan
- The Gospel of the Kingdom
- Getting to Did
- Built by the Lord: A Study of the Family
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)
This week's interview is with preacher Mark Roberts. He works in Texas and says digital discipleship represents a disruption and not an interruption.
This was a fun conversation and the first time I've talked with Mark. He's very sharp and kind.
If you're interested in subscribing to his digital magazine, it's available at Pressing On Magazine.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)
In this second episode with LaGard Smith, we talk about digital discipleship, how to keep your biases out of your Bible study, and a surprising project he's putting together which you may be able to see on a screen near you at some point.
Some of the books I recommend by LaGard are:
The Daily Bible
Darwin's Secret Sex Problem
Baptism - The Believer's Wedding Ceremony
Meeting God in Quiet Places
The Cultural Church
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This is a conversation I had with LaGard Smith. He's a law professor and thought leader in Christianity. LaGard was a "bucket list" interview for me. He's taught at some prestigious universities and was both thought-provoking and kind.
If you are interested in learning more about LaGard or read some of his books, a few are (affiliate links):
The Daily Bible
Darwin's Secret Sex Problem
Baptism - The Believer's Wedding Ceremony
Meeting God in Quiet Places
The Cultural Church
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In this week's episode, we talk about the importance of uncovering the values tied up in your habits. This episode was, likewise, quick to write, but illuminating to me. Thanks so much for joining me on the podasting journey.
In this episode I talk about (affiliate links):
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
Atomic Habits by James Clear
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This week I talk about the power of being responsible.
This episode came together quickly. I compare the "rights" argument with the "responsibility" argument. In some ways, these are two sides of the same coin. If you have rights, you have corresponding responsibilities which come with them. I emphasize the responsibilities, however, because they are rarely discussed.
I talk a lot about Jordan Peterson's book, The Twelve Rules for Life (affiliate link)
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This week we discuss the importance and power of gratitude to the Christian life. I start out by talking about my younger son, Kent. He's a case of "still waters run deep." He's very bright, quiet and thoughtful.
I mention in today's episode a foundational book.:
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl (affiliate link)
If you haven't read this book, you should. Viktor Frankl was imprisoned at a concentration camp during World War II. A psychologist, he noted how some found hope and some completely lost faith. His observations are profound.
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This was a great interview with Jason Romano. Jason was a 17 year ESPN producer who became an author and podcaster. In his first book, Live to Forgive, Jason talks about his struggles with his alcoholic father and then his struggle to become one, himself. In his journey, he meets his Heavenly father who helps him understand what true fatherhood is about.
Along the way, Jason talks about how meeting his boyhood hero, Darryl Strawberry, was a dream come true, and an unexpected blessing.
Jason has written two books, Live to Forgive and The Uniform of Leadership.. I heartily recommend both, but the story he tells in the first is truly faith-building and inspiring.
You'll be challenged and inspired by Jason.
You can visit his website at www.jasonromano.com.
Please check out his podcast, Sports Spectrum.
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Barry is a friend who has become an expert and scholar on the Bible lands. In the last 15 years, Barry has also become a podcaster and on-camera host of a YouTube series that introduced the places in the Bible through Appian Media.
Barry has an amazing eye for detail. Let me know what you think about this episode, and be sure to reach out to Barry if you have questions about the holy lands at barry.britnell@appianmedia.org or at Exploring Bible Lands.
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This week in the podcast, I talk with Matt and Jennifer Schmidt about their podcast, Intimate Covenant. This episode deals frankly but not explicitly with sex in Christian marriage. This is NOT an episode for children, but an important topic which often gets ignored.
You can visit their website at:
https://intimatecovenant.com
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You'll have to indulge me this week. I'm interviewing my dad, a retired physician from Kentucky. This was the first interview I did for the podcast. It's a little rough around the edges, but it's very sentimental for me.
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This week is a conversation with my close friend Mark McCrary. He's a leader at Douglass Hills church of Christ and one of the decision makers there which help implement the tools of digital discipleship. Pay particular attention to how they use Facebook as an integral part of how they spread Christianity.
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In this episode I interview the two founders of Appian Media, Craig Dehut and Stuart Peck. They've put together three YouTube series exploring biblical stories in the Bible lands. Their first series, Following the Messiah, told the story of Jesus's ministry. They also produced a series telling the story of the United Kingdom (the times of Saul, David and Solomon).
Their website is at www.appianmedia.org. These are good guys doing good work. Take a look at how they're using digital discipleship to help spread Christianity.
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In this episode I interview a friend and colleague Darin Gerdes about how to be a better leader and Christian.
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Okay, this week I'm talking to my seventeen-year-old son and some of his friends. They talk about how they see the Internet, how people around them are trying to frame the Internet for them, and how they can see Christianity better using the Internet. Instead of talking about Generation Z, this is a conversation with it.
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In this episode, I discuss why digital discipleship is so important to Christians.
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This week I talk with Wyatt Taylor about digital discipleship and how he helped bring one church online.
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This is an interview I have with my friend Dr. Russell Clayton about work/life balance.
Russell's book is entitled In Search of Work-Life Balance. It's an excellent book. Russell writes short, and his insights are simple and profound.
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This episode features an interview with the host of the podcast Excel Still More, Kris Emerson. Kris talks candidly about his spiritual background, his podcast series, a Christian's relationship with the Internet, and what's made the biggest difference in his life. I think you'll find his perspective challenging and rewarding.
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This is the last part of spiritual maturity. I end by challenging you to take spiritual maturity seriously.
I have to apologize for the audio quality. I had to record in a different part of the house. But I think the content still works.
God bless you.
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This episode focuses on developing a good character and the seventh part of spiritual maturity.
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This week we discuss having the right attitudes. We also begin by talking with my son Jake who tries to define attitudes for us. The book I mention in this episode
The Art of Choosing by Sheena Iyengar
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In this episode, we discuss aiming for the right things. Part of that is setting goals, but then we discuss how it's different.
Two books I highly recommend from this episode:
Called Out by Paula Faris
Me, Myself and Bobby Phil Vischer.
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In this episode, we talk about being intentional about your influential relationships.
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Thinking about thinking. It's the best definition I know for critical thinking. In this episode we talk about asking fundamental questions and figuring out what we truly believe based on evidence.
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This week is the second part of growing up spiritually, doing the right things. In this episode we deal with why we don't always do the right thing, especially fear of failure.
I also talk about my daughter Abby and how she has taught her dad to "try something new." She's my child without fear, and I am so grateful for what she brings to our lives.
This week's challenge is to do two simple positive things which take 30 seconds or less.
I have enjoyed doing these episodes and I hope you are getting half the encouragement I am from producing them.
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This is the second episode in the spiritual maturity series and tackles the first idea, knowing the right things. I believe God expects us to keep growing in knowledge. I also make the case our digital tools such as a smartphone can help us to do that. I end by asking five questions you can ask others to "learn something" more about. They are:
- Who is God to you and what is your relationship to him?
- What do you think is good?
- What do you know for sure?
- What one habit has made the most meaningful impact on your life?
- What was your best mistake and what did it teach you?
When I was recording this episode, it was difficult not to go into content for the other seven parts, specifically having the right attitude and surrounding yourself with the right people. But as I said in the beginning, these are related but different concepts. I just didn't appreciate how closely related they are.
I reference several books in this episode including:
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Twelve Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson
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In this episode, we examine the seven parts of spiritual maturity. They are: knowing the right things, doing the right things, thinking the right things, having the right relationships, aiming for the right things, having the right attitude, and being the right things.
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In the first episode, I talk about the direction of the podcast.
The series will examine:
- Practical tips for how Christians mature
- Good ideas from Christians who have learned something important
- Digital tools for today's Christian
Be sure to check out the website at balancingtheChristianlife.com
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)