The Analytical Preacher - Bible Discussions For The Modern World: Recent Episodes
Andy
The Bible provides a way to validate that it is the true word of God and offers compelling answers and insights to living in our modern world. Dr. Daniell explores current topics with a rational, objective approach, providing enlightening and sometimes surprising answers from the scriptures. Each episode provides the biblical view of the subject in question along with explanations for those conclusions. Andy is the author of the book Clear Vision: How The Bible Teaches Us To View The World. He has been interviewed by World Christian Broadcasting about his book and been a guest on the On Faith’s Edge radio program. He has written religious articles for The Christian Standard magazine, The Christian Post and The Atlanta Journal.
The Bible speaks early and often about grace and forgiveness yet it also stresses that actions have consequences and that societies need legal structures to exist. In handling the issue of a fallen brother or sister, then, it is important that we take the guidance from all of those scriptural concepts into account. In this podcast, we discuss those concepts and use some real world examples to help us understand how to apply them.
Many Christians answer the question "are you going to heaven" with "I hope so". But according to scripture, we can know our eternal fate with certainty. It isn't an arrogance on the part of the believer that drives that certainty but the power of Christ and the faithfulness of God. In this podcast, we explore the Bible verses that teach us about this certainty. #Bible #Salvation #eternallife
The Bible says that it is a living and active, two-edged sword. In part this means that its scriptures are relevant to every person in every situation at all times down through history. And it also means that it has a way of melting away our excuses and exposing our conscience to God's convicting power. In this podcast, we examine Hebrews 4:12 in context to allow the Bible to explain for itself what it means that it is that living and active sword. #bible
Though He is known for His love, compassion and servant's heart, Jesus did get angry and even aggressively confronted folks a few times. So, why did He treat those people differently? And what lesson are we to take from this as Christ followers today?
The Apostle Paul writes to us in the Bible that we should examine ourselves before we take communion so that we will not take it in an unworthy manner. But what exactly does this mean for believers today? In this podcast, we look at these scriptures in context to uncover the clues necessary to answer that question. #christianity #bible #communion
Have you ever had doubts as a Christian? It is not an unforgiveable sin to question certain aspects of our faith or to even have doubts occasionally. But how are we to address those doubts? In this podcast, we look to answer that question by examining how the doubts of John the Baptist and the Apostle Thomas were handled.
Are Christians to be looking for signs of when Jesus will return? If so, are any of the events we are witnessing today foretold in scripture as those which will usher in the end of times?
Does Christianity have holy sites and holy items? If so, what are they? The New Testament provides us with a clear direction on this topic, which we discuss in this podcast.
If we are created in God's image, formed and made by Him, then why would God disapprove of who we are and how we choose to act? Is it fair to say that we shouldn’t be blamed for acting in a way that is natural, even instinctive to us? As we discuss in this podcast, we can't begin to biblically answer that question until we are viewing the question through the appropriate God-focused lens.
As a Christian, how do I give a defense of the hope that is in me? The charge to be able to give a defense of our faith by giving reasons for the hope that is in us comes from 1st Peter chapter 3. And the Bible provides those reasons (peace with God, the promises of God, the faithfulness of God) in other, related verses. In this podcast, we look at all the relevant scriptures so that we will be prepared to give that defense of the hope that is within us as believers.
How can I be better at sharing my faith as a Christian? Some believers love talking to people about Jesus, some find it a bit challenging but others are paralyzed with fear at the very thought of trying to witness. In my experience, I encounter two main misconceptions that hold people back from testifying about what Jesus means to them. In this podcast, I expose and disarm those misconceptions and provide a few tips to help move our evangelism to the next level. #witnessing #evangelism
There are two meanings of the phrase 'don't grow weary in doing good' as found in the Bible. The most common meaning is explicated in Galatians 6, while the lesser understood takes its context from 2nd Thessalonians chapter 3. Of course, this reinforces the necessity of studying scripture in context.
Can communion be taken too frequently? Can it be taken too infrequently? As with all things related to our faith, we want to base our actions as much as is possible off of what we see in scripture and avoid the trap of basing manmade rituals on our historic traditions. So, what does the Bible teach about communion, how it is done and when it is done? We explore the relevant scriptures in this podcast.
A common question that circulates in both Christian and non Christian circles is whether God sends people to hell or they choose to go themselves. Of course, scripture as a whole points us to an answer to this question. But in this podcast, Andy looks at just two verses from one of Jesus' parables to point us in the right direction.
There are ongoing conversations on whether one can lose their salvation while they are still on earth or if the Bible teaches that once we are saved we are always saved. And I have been asked a similar question to this - can a believer lose their salvation once in heaven? Can a Christian ever be kicked out of heaven as Satan was? The Bible provides a very clear and definitive answer!
We all know the Bible teaches that "it is more blessed to give than to receive". But the Bible also provides a number of different directives on the types of charity we should seek to provide and restrictions on those to whom we should provide it. We use specific Bible verses to cover those directives in this podcast.
The Bible says we are saved by grace through faith but also says in a number of places that we are to repent for the forgiveness of our sins. So, I am frequently asked the question "are we saved through repentance or faith?" Thankfully, of course, there are verses in the Bible which perfectly meld these two interlocking concepts together. #salvation #faith #grace #repentance
We have made songs, posters and so much more from the verses from the book of Numbers which say "The Lord bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and give you peace". And the Bible adds a bit to that concept in the Psalms. In this podcast, we discuss how Psalm 67 makes that blessing actionable for us as believers today.
It is possible to take the notion of trying to find good in everyone or only trying to find good in everyone too far. If we were all good all the time, the Bible wouldn't need to remind us that love covers a multitude of sins nor would God's word repeat to us the importance of being patient with and forgiving one another. In this podcast, we discuss the balance between loving others and understanding that there are wolves in sheep's clothing we have to deal with in the world.
In two different places, Jesus provides a summary of scripture as it existed in His day, a summary of God's moral law. But when we look closely at those two summaries, we see that one seems incomplete. In this podcast, we explain how those two summaries work together to compliment one another. #Goldenrule #Greatcommandment
Where did the church come from and what structure is it supposed to take? The answers to these questions determine not only what the church is but how we are to interact with it. In this podcast, we cover a handful of scriptures that clearly explain the church's origins, structure and our necessary participation in it.
In Genesis chapter 12 the Bible takes a dramatic turn and begins to focus on one family which has been promised to produce one person who will bless all the other families to ever exist. The first eleven chapters of Genesis teach fundamental lessons about the nature of God and man and the origin and consequences of sin. But beginning in Genesis 12, the focus turns to tracing the promises and fulfillment of the line of a single family in history. The lessons of Genesis 12 is that God always had plan to deal with humanity's sin and that for us to understand that plan we had to understand and track Abraham and his descendants.
There is one main lesson for modern Christians in Genesis chapter 11, which is a reinforcement of a lesson on our motives first brought to light in Genesis chapter 4.
In Genesis chapter nine, we see God repeating some commands previously given to Adam and Eve and adding to or changing other commands. Genesis ten reminds us all of our common beginnings.
The main lessons in Genesis chapter 8 range from those providing great emotional and spiritual support to modern Christians to renewed challenges for humans to undertake scientific endeavors. #genesis #oldtesament
The lessons found in Genesis chapter 7 are straightforward but important. In this podcast, we explore four of those main lessons. #Bible #Genesis #OldTestament
Genesis chapter 6 contains some of the most intriguing elements in the entire book. In this podcast, we discuss a few of those topics and focus in on three of the main lessons offered in this chapter of God's inspired word. #bible #Genesis
In this podcast, we explore four of the most critical lessons Christians learn from the fifth chapter of the foundational book of Genesis. #Bible #OldTestament #Genesis
The fourth chapter of Genesis contains critical lessons about our motives, how our actions can lead to negative emotions just as much as hot emotions can lead to negative actions and reminds us of the proper perspective for our human accomplishments. In this podcast, we explore all of that and more. #Genesis
The third chapter of Genesis is one of the most important and instructional chapters in all of the Bible. It tells of sin entering God's perfect creation and contains the first prophecy of the coming Savior. In this podcast, we explore four of the main lessons to be taken from this portion of inspired scripture. #Bible #Genesis
It is too easy to get caught up in the ongoing debates about how we are to interpret Genesis and lose sight of the main lessons God inspired for us in its pages. But as Christians living in the modern, scientific world, we must remind ourselves of those lessons, because Genesis (especially the first 12 chapters) are foundational to our beliefs. In this podcast, we discuss the three main lessons we take from Genesis chapter two. #Bible #Genesis #Oldtestament
It is too easy to get caught up in the ongoing debates about how we are to interpret Genesis and lose sight of the main lessons God inspired for us in its pages. But as Christians living in the modern, scientific world, we must remind ourselves of those lessons, because Genesis (especially the first 12 chapters) are foundational to our beliefs. In this podcast, we discuss the four main lessons we take from Genesis chapter one. #Bible #Genesis #Oldtestament
Those who offered to pray after a recent national tragedy have been criticized by some who have commented that we should "do something instead of just praying about it". Obviously, this intentionally overlooks the point that the two are not mutually exclusive and many who pray are also active in numerous other ways in society. So, then, why the criticism of prayer and which is more important - efforts to improve public safety or prayers for those impacted by its failure? #guncontrol #prayer
What does the Bible mean by the warning 'bad company corrupts good morals'? Does this impact the church we should attend? And how does it influence our witnessing to the non-believing world?
In this podcast we cover three important but perhaps too often overlooked aspects of raising Christian Children. #Christian #Christianparents #Christianchildren #Raisingchildren
A number of parents have expressed confusion and concern over Proverbs 22:6. They feel as though they trained up their child to be a Christian yet as an adult, that child has departed from the faith. In this podcast we examine this Proverb to see what is means and how we are to apply it to our lives.
Though there are a number of descriptors of God in scripture, what most of us mean when we ask "what is God like?" is can I know Him personally, can I have a relationship with God? The answer is a resounding yes and we understand that because of the picture the Bible paints for us of Jesus. In this podcast we break down the Bible verses that help us understand what God is like and discover we can have a meaningful relationship with Him.
The Twenty Third Psalm is known as one of the most beautiful pieces of scripture in the entire Bible. But what if it is even more beautiful and powerful than we realize? In this podcast, we look at the Psalm in the context of the Psalms that come immediately before and after it and that allows us to see it in a more intriguing light.
In answering any question about our faith, we want to first turn to the Bible and see what the scriptures say. This helps to provide us with a more comprehensive answer than we might pull from our memory or common anecdotes. Answering the question of why did Jesus come to earth from the scriptures also helps us to keep our answer from becoming overly focused on the human point of view.
The Good News of the Gospel is required because the bad news related to our judgment before God is that He requires consistent perfection from us. One rebellious sin, any breaches by us of God's moral code brings the sentence of spiritual death and eternal separation from our Creator. But scripture says the Good News of the Gospel is that God is both just and the justifier. In this podcast, we examine this topic and explain the relevant verses that provide our answer.
It is common to question whether humans need the teachings of the Bible to truly understand what is morally good versus evil. Stated differently: do we need to rely on the Judeo-Christian ethics of scripture or can we - using our rational and logical minds - objectively determine what is right and wrong without the structure of religion? In this podcast, we look at this question from the viewpoint of scripture itself as well as from an experiential and historical perspective.
I have heard people challenge Christianity saying they can't justify belief in something based on a blind faith. Going further still, I have had individuals tell me that as they understand it, Christian faith requires one to believe facts that have been proven untrue or things that are simply logically and rationally impossible. In fact, neither of those concerns are accurate. In this podcast, I discuss what faith means and explain from the scriptures why Christianity is not a blind faith.
With so many religions and each with their own set of scripture, why would one choose the Bible and Christianity? In this podcast we cover a number of different reasons for why the Bible is the clear and unique choice when it comes to sacred literature.
The account of the thief's interaction with Jesus on the cross was included in the Gospel of Luke for a reason. But what is the lesson we are to take from that brief interaction? In this podcast, we discuss what lessons should and which lessons should not be taken from that section of scripture. One of the main conclusions is that we can never get too far from God to return to Him through Christ and it is never too late to make our decision for Christ. #goodfriday
Though we are not all called to be preachers or missionaries in another country, the Bible does directly state that we are all witnesses or ambassadors for Christ. But how does one go about being such a witness? As we discuss in this podcast, it is centered on the fact that in Christ, we are a new creation. And the change in us and the difference in how we choose to live our lives is the platform for our witness, not our Bible knowledge or our debating skills. As new creations in Christ, we simply need to be able to tell others that our thoughts, concerns and goals are different and we know it would be beneficial if they considered the same transformation. We are called to encourage people to seek God through Jesus. We are not called to win every debate or convert every individual with whom we have a conversation.
Should I give to my local church? Is there are a certain dollar amount or a minimum percentage of our income we must give in order to be Christians? Should we view giving to a local church or a foreign mission as one of the costs of being a believer or as an unbelievable opportunity to invest in God's Kingdom? In this podcast we explore the key scriptures that answer these questions.
What is the purpose of your life? In general, does human life have a meaning? As with all the pressing questions we ask ourselves, the Bible provides the clearest and most straightforward answer to questions such as these. In this podcast, we look at the specific Bible verses that address this issue. #biblicalworldview #purposeoflife
Understanding how the Bible defines human nature and explains the role God ordained for governments, how would one with a biblical worldview seek to guide domestic fiscal policy? In this podcast, we discuss businesses, education vouchers, private unions, tax breaks and subsidies for corporations and the wealthy. And all through the lens of scripture. #biblicalworldview #bibleandculture #bibleandpolitics #bibleandcapitalism
Should government policy focus on providing an equality of opportunity or work to ensure the equity of equal outcomes? More accurately, where should each standard be applied and why? And why do politicians focus so much attention on financial metrics? In this podcast, we answer these questions from a biblical standpoint and suggest more impactful measures than just those enlisting financial outcomes. #Bibleandculture #Bibleandpolitics #EquityEquality #Equityvsequality
What direction does the worldview provided by the Bible give us in terms of how societies should best structure their economic systems? Related to this topic is capitalism, as so many people claim, an immoral system which should be rejected by believers? And while all agree that communism has been a failure, how did Christians know communism was going to fail from the beginning? We cover all of that and more in this podcast. #biblicalworldview #bibleandculture #bibleandpolitics #bibleandcapitalism #bibleandcommunism
What does the Bible teach us in regards to how believers should interact with a government that is non Christian? Scripture is very clear in its answer to this question and provides detailed steps for which every follower of God is responsible. In this podcast, we read and explain each of those scriptures. #biblicalworldview #bibleandculture #bibleandpolitics #bibleanddemocracy
Does seeing the world through a biblical lens cause a Christian to support or oppose democracy as a form of government? Does it cause us to support or oppose federalism, where different levels of government (national, state and local) work within different areas of responsibility? In this podcast, we provide an answer along with the biblical justification for that answer. #biblicalworldview #bibleandculture #bibleandpolitics #bibleanddemocracy
The church is not the only institution which the Bible establishes and defines a role for. In fact, scripture teaches that God has also ordained the family and the government as institutions through which society is to be structured and managed. In this podcast, we discuss those three institutions and explain the God-given role for each.
In order to explain the world and how we are to engage in it and with it, a biblical worldview begins with descriptions of God's character and human nature. The understanding these foundational elements provide impacts how Christians view not only religion but also politics, science, philosophy, criminology, psychology and many other endeavors. In order to be truly fulfilled and well adjusted, we must grasp what scripture teachings about who God is, who humans are and pinpoint the way we are to interact with one another. #worldview #biblicalworldview #bibleandculture #bibleandpolitics
A biblical worldview is more than just a list of what God considers right and wrong. Though it incudes a moral framework, it is much more comprehensive. A biblical worldview answers all the grand questions of human existence, and does so better than any other philosophy, religion or ideology. As does any worldview, a biblical worldview addresses where we come from, if there is purpose and meaning to life, how we decide truth from error and how we accumulate and apply knowledge. #worldview #biblicalworldview #bibleandculture #bibleandpolitics
In Luke chapter 7, we are told that Jesus marveled at a Roman Military Leader (or that He was amazed by him). Why was Jesus amazed at this man? More importantly, what lesson can we take from this account so that our lives are lived in a similar fashion? #faith #christianfaith
There is a divide among Christian churches today whether spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues or miraculous healings have ceased and if so, why and when they ceased. In this podcast, we look at the relevant scriptures to answer the question of what the purpose of such gifts were and what was said about their use and duration.
In chapters 12, 13 and 14 of his first letter to the church at Corinth, Paul admonishes them for their misunderstanding and misuse of certain spiritual gifts, including speaking in tongues. In order to give us insight on our Christian walk today, in this podcast we examine why Paul says they were misusing the gifts and how they were misusing them.
A standard of biblical interpretation is that we use scripture to define and refine scripture. Often when a word or concept is first introduced in the Bible, a definition of it follows close by. Using this approach to studying and interpreting scripture, would we understand the tongues spoken in the New Testament to be existing, literal languages or unknown languages new to the speaker and the listener? In this podcast, we explore the verses related to the topic to draw our conclusion.
Jesus told a wealthy, young ruler that he needed to give away his vast wealth to follow Him. So, does this requirement apply to all believers? In this podcast, we look at those verses from Luke 18:18-24 to understand why Christ gave those directions in that case and how we apply what we read in this account to our lives today.
Though Christians often have a strong opinion about certain laws and certain politicians, the guide for our voting behavior in a democracy should rest on the foundational pillars of a biblical worldview. The Bible provides a comprehensive worldview designed to direct every aspect of our lives. In this podcast, we look at the four worldview principles most relevant to determining how and why we cast our votes. These biblical foundations involve a look at human nature, how the Bible tells us to measure those with influence and authority and concludes with one of our responsibilities as those belonging to Christ.
Does God still speak to His people in the 21st century? If so, how should we expect to hear to from Him? What types of issues does God address when He communicates to us and how can we be sure it is really Him we are hearing from? In this podcast, we examine all those questions and provide clear, concise answers.
Some unbelievers say they are not interested in a religion where they are forced to live a certain way based on a fear of dreadful punishment by God. The good news for them is that this is not what God is calling them to do. Christians are called to respond to the overwhelming love, mercy, kindness and patience of God. In much the same way, mothers and babies don't respond to each other in mutually beneficial ways out of fear of government punishment but out of a true love for one another. Will mothers be punished if they criminally neglect their child? Yes. Is that what motivates them? Absolutely not! In this podcast, we look at the Bible verses which teach us about responding to love rather than fear.
The Bible says that God is gracious to us and that He shows us mercy. But what do those terms mean biblically? Grace and mercy are not the same thing but they are closely related. And God's steadfast, biblical love is deeply intertwined with these actions as well. In this podcast, we allow scripture to define what is meant by grace and mercy and seek out a life application for ourselves in those meanings.
What did Jesus mean when He challenged us to be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect? How does a Christian go about living up to that standard? To understand this statement and answer those questions we need to look at the meaning of the word 'perfect' as it is used in this scripture. But more importantly we need to examine the context in which the statement is made. Once we have digested the meaning and context, this teaching of Jesus, though still incredibly challenging, provides us with a very specific life application we can all understand and strive for.
What is the main point of the Beatitudes? What did Jesus mean when He said "blessed are the meek"? Why did Jesus begin His famous Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes? And how are we to understand the words Christ spoke 2000 years ago in terms of today's culture? In this sermon, we cover the what, why and life application aspects of the beautiful words with which Jesus framed His most comprehensive lesson.
Is Christianity just a crutch for those who are weak? Is it just another coping mechanism for those who are not emotionally strong enough to face the chaos of the world we live in? As we discuss in this podcast, the answer is 'NO'. In fact, Jesus warned His followers about those who would respond to the Gospel in such a way, essentially calling them shallow and saying they would not persist in their faith for the long haul. Join me as I discuss that verse and other scriptures relevant to this topic.
At some point in life, we will all deal with grief. And we know there is no quick fix, no easy solution to that issue. But what path does the Bible provide for us when we encounter grief? How do Christians biblically deal with loss, setbacks and grief? In this podcast, we remind ourselves that God is still with us in those times and we look to biblical examples that point us to prayer and faith as a way to build up the hope through the scriptures that we need to climb out of the pit of grief.
The Bible provides us with a comprehensive worldview that allows us to frame even modern topics such as Artificial Intelligence. So, how should we view AI through a biblical lens? Should Bible-based Christians support or stand opposed to such technological advancements? How does scripture direct us concerning any threats that AI might pose to humanity? Many will be surprised that looking at technological change such as that introduced by AI through a biblical lens calls for far more support than opposition. As always, it is the human misuse of such tools that is the major concern not the development of the tools themselves.
The Bible speaks of us being convicted by the Holy Spirit, sealed by the Spirit for the day of redemption and of our being sanctified by the Spirit until then. But it also warns us not to quench, grieve or blaspheme the Holy Spirit. In this podcast, we explore, using scripture itself, what the Apostle Paul meant when he wrote for us not to quench the Holy Spirit.
Humans speak different languages on earth so will it be that way in heaven? The Bible teaches us in Genesis chapter 11 that the different languages we speak are the consequence of a specific rebellion of humans against God. As Jesus died to redeem us from the curses and debt of our sin, we understand that our speaking different languages will be reversed in the final days. In this podcast, we discuss how that reversal was foreshadowed at Pentecost and what the Bible teaches about a final, pure language God will teach His followers one day.
Was the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Paris a mockery of a Christian tradition? In terms of how believers should respond, does it matter? Christ does not see His followers as ones who should be easily offended. He did not come to build a cult based on grievances. What is the appropriate biblical response, then, to insults and mockery? How does God want His people to represent Him and defend His name?
As with all things related to Donald Trump, the opinions in the land seem to be split between those who insist that God would not intervene on behalf of someone such as the former President (because of what they see as his bad character) and those who insist equally as boldly that it is obvious divine intervention was involved in saving his life. The truth is not as simple as either side is trying to make it. In this podcast, we take a rational, biblical look at the issue.
What is the purpose of prayer? And how does that purpose direct what we should be praying for? There are verses providing specific instructions, such as praying for those in positions of leadership. In this podcast, however, we explore the high level purposes of prayer in a Christian's life and develop five important components of prayer from the top down.
In his letter in the New Testament, James says that God cannot be tempted and that He tempts no one [James 1:1-15]. Why is it that God cannot be tempted but we can? And how can James say He tempts no one when there are a number of places in scripture that contain accounts of God testing individuals? In this podcast, we look at the difference between a biblical temptation and a biblical trial or test and answer the question of why God can't be tempted and how it is that we can be tested without being tempted.
Some say that all religions are seeking to answer the same questions and are, therefore, similar in all but the smallest details. Others say that all religions take us to the same ending point, even if each starts at a different place and takes a different path. But the truth is Christianity is unique among all the religions ever practiced on earth. In this podcast, we explore five ways in which Christianity stands apart from all other faiths.
Using the framework and guidelines of the Bible, what directions are Christians given concerning where and how to invest the money they save? In this podcast, we use the general framework of the Bible to shine some light on questions such as 'should Christians earn interest on their money' and 'should Christians invest in the stock market'
The Bible speaks a great deal about money and how followers of God should view wealth and income. So, what do the scriptures say about Christians putting aside some savings or even accumulating wealth through a 401K program? A search beginning in the book of Proverbs provides us a definitive answer to this common question.
In almost every case in the Gospels when Jesus refers to Himself, He does so as 'The Son Of Man'. But why? Every word Jesus spoke was calculated and designed to provide deep meaning and maximum impact and the title He used for Himself was no different. In this podcast, we survey scriptures from Daniel chapter 7 in the Old Testament to Romans chapter 5 in the New Testament to build our understanding of this issue.
It is a common saying that we have to love ourselves - and if we don’t, then learn to love ourselves - before we can love others. But if we use the Bible as our starting point, this is not necessarily true. Of course, we should understand that we have worth and value because we are made in the image of God. But we should not wait until our self esteem and self love are at a certain level before caring about others.
The idea of life occurring in cycles and specifically the concepts of rebirth and reincarnation are common to manmade religions. But what does the inspired scripture of the Bible have to say on these topics? In this podcast, we explore what the Bible has to say about whether the universe is cyclical and what it teaches us about reincarnation.
The Bible says that God is love and that He loved the world so much He sent His only Son to save us. So, why do the scriptures that speak so frequently of love also command us to fear the Lord? What does it mean to fear the Lord? In this podcast, we look at the word and its different meanings to paint an accurate picture of this concept.
What lessons are we to take away today from the account of the thief on the cross told in the Gospel of Luke? If we say and do exactly as he did, will we be saved? Unfortunately, this account has been misunderstood and misused at times. In this podcast, we will explain the beautiful lessons that we are to take from this story but also clearly show where and how it is limited in its application for us today.
If we survey the religious landscape of the world, it is easy to come to the impression that people in different geographies with different cultures each practice their own religions and those religions only grow because people in each area are born into that faith. So, is the religion we practice just based on where we were born or where we live? The answer is no and the reasons why are discussed in this podcast. Christianity has historically made conversion into the faith across a broad geographical footprint and continues to do so today.
Is it better to blow off steam occasionally rather than letting it build up until everything rips apart? In our most agitated moments, it sure feels as though we need a release valve. But the common idea that letting off steam when under pressure will help prevent something worse at a later time is incorrect and unbiblical. In this podcast, we explore what the Bible has to say on the topic.
Many people, both believers and non-believers, wonder why Christians today don't follow all of the food and ceremonial laws in the Old Testament. Within the Old Testament itself, though, scripture began preparing us for the replacement of the Old Covenant with the New. The Bible tells us that Jesus accomplished and fulfilled the Old Covenant in ushering in the New. And the book of Hebrews in the New Testament provides a multifaceted explanation of the transition.
What did Jesus mean when He told us to take up our crosses daily and follow Him? In this podcast, we explore the best way to apply this teaching to our lives today.
Hope seems to be in short supply today. But Christians are told to be ready to give an account of the hope that is within them. In this podcast, Andy describes why he is so much more hopeful than most and shares why he believes such hope should be contagious.
Jesus confirmed that the most important commandment found in all of scripture is to love God with everything we have? But how do we do that? In the same conversation about the greatest commandment, Jesus begins to answer that exact question for us. In this podcast, we will look at the greatest commandment and explore how we can best live that out.
The death of Christ on the cross was one of the defining and most efficacious moments in all of history. But the Resurrection is equal to it in importance and impact. In this sermon, we examine what the scriptures say about the resurrection, its relation to the crucifixion and two of the main results of its occurrence.
The most important questions we must answer in life are "is there a God and can I know Him?" A number of ways to answer that main question have been employed. For example, the Greek philosophers used deductive logic to prove the need for an Uncaused Cause or Prime Mover. The empirically based inductive reasoning of modern science has concluded that an infinite and eternal multiverse is necessary to explain what we see around us. And the Bible, of course, says that in the beginning, an infinite eternal Creator was responsible for the universe and all that is contained therein. These approaches are all different and yet they all lead to the same answer - a god-like entity must exist! Given this readily accepted fact, scripture explains why we should come to understand that his Uncaused Multiverse of an entity is the God of the Bible.
Is Hell a real place or just a concept based on figurative language used in scripture? If real, are those who end up there destroyed once and for all or do they exist in eternal torment? The Bible has a lot to say about the final place of those who rebel against God and we use those verses to cover the topic in this podcast.
We all have a perception of what heaven will be like but those ideas don’t always line up with scripture. Though the language about heaven is often figurative and symbolic, the Bible does have some powerful things to say about our final home with God. In this podcast, Andy goes through the relevant Bible verses to paint as clear a picture of heaven as we can.
Anyone who has ever addressed a serious habit or addiction knows how difficult they can be to overcome. As Christians, we must provide dedicated, prayerful support to those who are working through such struggles. But in order to successfully address and conquer most habits and addictions, one needs to take a two-pronged approach. We must address why we were driven to the habit in the first place - which is almost always because we have a false view of who we are, where we belong, what is going to make us special or significant and how we achieve love and security - and become more Christ-centered. Some speak of this as being the mental or emotional aspect of addiction recovery but there is also the very real aspect of being physically addicted or dependent on the substance or behavior we have come to rely on. Both fronts must be dealt with and they must be dealt with each in their own way. In this podcast, we look at both the emotional / spiritual area and the physical aspect of addictions and discuss how to go about successfully addressing each.
Should churches split their worship services based on the attendees preferred style of music? Does this in any way (unintentionally) create a church consumer? And, if so, does meeting that church member's consumer demands make them naturally resistant to the message of sacrificial love and service at the center of the Gospel? In this podcast, Andy addresses the issue by providing some examples to pray over.
Evangelical Christians know that all people are sinners and every political party has (major) faults. Though we must cast our vote for a single individual in each election, we understand that all politicians are imperfect. But Evangelical Christians do tend to associate more with the Republican party and many people have asked why, especially since much of the Democrat's platform (assisting the most vulnerable in society, for example) seems to agree with biblical principles. In this podcast, Andy explains why so many Christians tell him they have historically favored the Republican Party (and exposes where they disagree with them as well).
Many atheist claim the problem of teleological suffering and evil is a slam dunk against the existence of a loving God. If an animal unintentionally evolved to where it must infect, eat the eyes of or kill a human host to reproduce, then that is just part of the world we have to live with. But if a "god" intentionally created such parasites and the suffering they cause, he either isn't much of a god or certainly isn't a very nice one, they say. Christian and atheist philosophers have gone round after round on this issue, essentially drawing to a stalemate. But how does the Bible address such questions? In this podcast, we study the scriptures for exactly that answer.
What does the Bible mean when it says not to argue with a fool? How do I apply that proverb to my life as a Christian today? Perhaps even more important, how do I know if I am one of the fools of which scripture speaks? In this podcast we explore those verses in the book of Proverbs and answer these questions.
It is often said that guilt and shame are bad emotions that serve no purpose and, therefore, those experiencing such feelings should work through them (with help when necessary) to eliminate them from their lives. Shame, built off of the feelings of general, personal worthlessness and compounded by embarrassment and rejection are in fact bad. We are all made in God's image and all loved by our Creator. Guilt over a specific action that we did or did not take, however, does serve a valid purpose in our lives and we should not attempt to bottle it up or blame it on others. In this podcast, we look at examples of godly guilt and how scripture teaches us are the right and wrong ways to address them.
The Old Testament tells us that God is a jealous God. But what exactly does that mean? Isn't jealousy listed as a sin in scripture? In this podcast, we breakdown how the Bible uses this term in relation to God and how it differs from the sinful human covetousness that the Bible criticizes. There is a beautiful love behind the concept to God being jealous for us and we uncover and explain it all in this episode.
Was the purpose for the miracles Christ performed simply to help out a few folks in need 2000 years ago? As we read scripture and see how it defines those acts - which are usually called signs in the New Testament - we get a fuller picture of what was going on. Though individuals certainly benefited from the miracles Jesus performed on and around them, each of those signs points to a number of other important elements as well, including lessons for us today. In this podcast, we look at how scripture defines the purpose of Christ's miraculous acts and provide five major reasons for why the occurred.
People ask all the time "how should I study the Bible"? Perhaps you need a new approach to learning from the scriptures yourself. In this podcast, Andy discusses a few popular approaches to Bible study and really focuses in on one method that helps us directly grow as Christians by understanding better who God is and what our response should be to who He has made us in Christ.
Do Christians need to go to church? Can believers worship God alone and grow in their faith without formal religion? Does the Bible directly tell us to go to church? Many believers have a standard set of arguments they employ when challenged about their church attendance but are those arguments Bible based or opinion based? Are our reasons for not attending church logical and consistent or more reactionary and emotional? In this podcast, we look at what the Bible says about the origin, importance and purpose of the church. We will consider examples of early Christians found in the book of Acts and explore what scripture points to as the unique place each of us is to have in a local church body. Rather than argue over church attendance, this podcast seeks to have us truly examine our past behavior and motives to see if we need to create new patterns of behavior in the future.
At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus as a baby to a human mother, Mary. But why did Jesus need to be born as a human in the first place? In this Christmas sermon, Andy explains the necessity and benefits of Christ being born and living as fully human, though He was also fully God.
If Jesus had to die to pay the sin debt of humanity, then how were people saved before Jesus came to earth and died on the cross? For example, how were people in the Old Testament saved, how could they go to heaven if not through Jesus? In Genesis, God told Abraham that his faith had been counted to him as righteousness. What does that mean? In what did Abraham have faith? And how did that faith save him? God explains this mystery in the New Testament portion of the Bible. In this podcast, Andy discusses those scriptures to fully explain the answers to these questions.
How should I act as a Christian? How do I grow as a Christian? To mature in our faith we must do more than read our Bible and stop lying and cussing. A maturing Christian will also seek out ways to both serve others and encourage others. But what does the Bible mean when it instructs us to encourage one another and build each other up? In this podcast, we look at some straight forward yet very simple ways that we can be an encourager to those around us and intentionally bring a little salt and light into a stressful and sometimes discouraging world.
John 3:16 is the most popular and the most searched for Bible verse on the internet. It is a beautiful summary of the message of the entire New Testament and many of us know it by heart. But what, exactly, is meant by the words that whoever believes shall have eternal life? How are we to respond to the declaration that is John 3:16? As always, the Bible defines its most important words and concepts, instructing us how to take action on the information contained therein. In this podcast, Andy uses scripture itself (including other verses in John chapter 3) to define and comment on the most popular Bible verse in the world today. If you want a better understanding of John 3:16, this should help.
What is the "god of the gaps" issue and why does it not apply to Bible-based religions? For centuries, scientific progress has been squeezing one manmade god after another out of existence by filling in the gaps in human understand about how the natural world works. These "gods of the gaps" as they have been called show the futility of mythologies and human derived religions. The two main actions assigned to God in the Bible, however, have not been explained or replaced by scientific advancement. If a gap exists today, it seems to be in science rather than in the foundational words of the Bible. In this podcast, Andy explains why the defunct religions of the past made the mistakes they made and why Christianity is immune to those errors.
Who am I? What am I supposed to do with my life? Do I belong? Where do I fit in? How can I make a real difference? Questions such as these fundamentally challenge and define us. Even when we are not conscious of the identity we carry around, it still drives the most important decisions we make. Of course, how we see ourselves, our identity, should come from the Bible. And our biblical identity will then determine who we are, where and why we belong and what we should do to engage in life. In this podcast, we explore who God says you are and what that means.
Though we should all read the Bible on a regular basis, including reading it from beginning to end a number of times in our lives, is there a simple way to provide a survey of the entire message of scripture? Is there a TL;DR summary of what God is conveying to us in His word? In this podcast, Andy zeros in on the main theme and focus of the 66 books of the Holy Bible, revealing the beautiful picture that was drawn for us in its pages.
The Bible teaches that one of the most important factors in our Christian walk is the motivation behind our actions. This is true regarding how we worship in song. But does the Bible allow, prohibit or stand neutral on the use of instruments in worship? Of course, there are a number of non-instrumental churches around the world who say the use of instruments is not only not preferred but is actually sinful. In this podcast, we explore their reasons for drawing such a conclusion and weigh the evidence for and against this position using the scriptures.
Within Christianity, there are young earth creationists and old earth creationists. Why the split? Does the Bible teach us how old the earth (universe) is? If so, then what does it teach? But in any case, why do so many Christians find the answer to this question so important? In this podcast, Andy provides an overview of the debate on the age of the earth and provides an explanation of the importance of the question.
In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus taught us to ask for forgiveness of our trespasses. And in the letter of 1st John, the Bible tells us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive our sins and cleanse us from unrighteousness. But if we fail to confess a specific sin, will we remain unforgiven for that sin? If we fail to confess each trespass, do we risk going to hell? In this podcast, Andy dives into the scriptures to explain the simple answer to these questions.
The Bible says God made humans in His image and after His likeness. Since it obviously doesn’t mean that we are a physical replica of God, what does it mean to be made in His image? We can use the Bible to help us understand what this means and what it doesn’t mean. in this podcast, we list out a number of biblical points related to what it means to be made in God's image.
When should a person be baptized? Of course, there are certain beliefs one must hold before being immersed but exactly what are they? Are there any other requirements to which a person should adhere? How do I know when I am ready to make that step? In this podcast, Andy looks at a number of relevant scriptures to clearly explain the simple answer to this question.
Of the institutions God ordains to structure and manage society, the family is the first and most important. It seems today, however, that forces from politicians, to schools to non-profit social justice organizations are working against the traditional family to weaken or even replace it. Some politicians say we need to focus public policy around equity metrics while others say the metrics should be equality focused. But those current political debates are disingenuous because we can't have either unless we strengthen our families first. Christians must be encouraged to directly support families in our local areas and to vote for politicians who promise to do the same.
Why did the Catholic Church fight Galileo about the sun being at the center of the solar system, especially since the Bible does not state that the earth is at the center? Though Catholic leaders (mis) used Bible verses in their arguments, the issue was more about earthly control and influence than it was about the Bible or Christianity.
In looking at the world around us, we see what we define as different races or ethnicities. But the Bible teaches that all humans are descended from the first two people, Adam and Eve. So, why aren't we all of the same race or ethnicity as each other (and the same as those first two humans)? The Bible answers these questions in Genesis chapters 10 and 11. In this podcast, Andy takes us through those chapters and explains why we see such different external characteristics today, including the various languages spoken, even though we all share the same ancestors.
The Bible says the devil has been in the presence of God (Job chapter one, for example) and has spoken to God. So, in a very real sense, Satan must believe in God, if we define belief as just a mental understanding of a possibility. But is that how the Bible defines belief? And if the devil believes in God and Jesus, then why does the Bible teach that he is destined for hell? In this podcast, Andy addresses these questions, in part by providing the biblical definition of (a saving) belief.
Does God have a chosen people in the world today? If so, is America God's chosen nation? In this podcast, Andy examines the scriptures to give a direct and definitive answer to those questions. In the process, he calls for more participation in and support of local churches and increased prayer and effort toward the unity of God's worldwide Christian Church.
As we deal with the emotional struggles and stresses of life, we all too often develop coping mechanisms which are unhealthy and even counterproductive. Though it is easy to try and convince ourselves that sexual attraction and activity is normal for adults, it is also a trap those struggling with emotional stability can fall into. In this podcast, Andy gives a poignant example of two individuals who thought they were engaged in such activity in an empowering way who were actually lying to themselves about the purpose and impact of what they were doing.
Could there have been enough water in the time of Noah to have covered the entire earth? If so, where did the water come from and where did it go? Scripture directly answers both these questions, though not in the same book in the Bible. In this podcast, we will look at the account in Genesis and some of God's commentary in one of the Psalms to retrieve the straightforward answer.
The phrase 'separation of church and state' is found nowhere in America's founding documents. Why, then, is it so often used? Furthermore, that popular phrase implies that it is religion and the practice thereof that is being harnessed when the First Amendment in our Constitution's Bill of Rights actually provides for freedom of religion at the expense of overreaching government authority. Where did the phrase 'separation of church and state' come from and what do America's founding documents actually say and why? In this podcast, Andy covers both the religious and legal history of our nation to provide answers to these questions.
Though the disagreements between atheist scientists and people of faith are myriad, there is one factor - one word really - that explains the entire divide. That word is DESIGN! What would we expect if everything from the universe at large to biological life on a single planet were all the random act of an explosion and what would we expect if they were the intentional act of an engineer or creator? In this podcast, Andy discusses the idea of design in nature and reduces a very complex and long running debate into an accurate and understandable summary. Every person sees and understands design and the tacit consequences therein when it is encountered. But a few - illogically - deny those consequences (only) in the arena of the ultimate design by a Creator God.
Why does the Bible state that Jesus was angry at some sinners and loving and compassionate toward others? In our daily walk as believers, what should be our attitude toward those who are transgressing God's law (especially given our understanding that we are transgressors ourselves)? Should Christians hate sinners and be angry at them? If so, when and why? This podcast addresses this topic with the use of scripture and examples from the life of Jesus and His Apostles.
Science teaches us that in our universe something can't come from nothing. So where did God come from? Is He created? How does the logical fallacy of infinite regress fit into the picture? In a world where we think about everything having a preceding cause, the question of God's origin looms large. In this podcast, Andy weaves scientific knowledge, some foundational concepts of logic and the relevant biblical scriptures together to construct the definitive answer to the query of who made God?
Some patriotically defend the USA as the greatest nation on earth while others call it trash and bemoan it as irredeemable. Does the Bible provide any guidance on who is correct? Scripture can certainly help us in framing this debate but perhaps not in the way many think it would. The Bible's input here has more to do with the pitfalls in human nature of which we must be ever vigilant than it does on how we should judge any historical or political facts about the nation. In this podcast, we will survey the verses that teach us about the aspects of human nature relevant to this conversation and explain how they help to inform our debate about America.
There are a number of occurrences (early) in the New Testament of individuals being possessed by and freed of demons. But there are no such accounts recorded in the Old Testament. So, did demon possession occur in only one short span in history? If so, why? Also, does the Bible give us any hints as to whether we should expect demons and possession to fade away? In this podcast, Andy examines all the scriptures necessary to answer each of these questions.
Does the Bible condone, support or condemn the practice of meditation? As we see in the scriptures we examine in this podcast, the Bible encourages - almost commands - that we practice meditation but in a slightly different form than what we see practiced by the Eastern Religions today.
It is a common belief that Jesus descended into Hell between His death and Resurrection. It is even a component of some of the most famous Christian creeds. But did Jesus go to Hell and if so, why? In this podcast, we look at the two main scriptures used to support the notion that Christ descended to Hell, breaking down the meaning of the original words and considering what the context suggests would have been His purpose if He did so.
Is the Mark Of The Beast spoken of in Revelation a literal, physical mark given only at a certain point in history by the Anti Christ and his prophet, as is so commonly thought today? The answer in large part depends on how you view the book of Revelation itself. As are so many of the things described in Revelation, it is quite possible that the Mark Of The Beast is a symbolic description for how believers do or do not stand up to unbiblical cultural, social and government forces across multiple periods of time. In this podcast, Andy examines that view in providing an answer to the question.
It is often stated that being a Christian is more about a relationship with Jesus than it is about following rules and regulations. But Jesus did tell us in the Great Commission that we should learn to observe and obey everything that He commanded. So, without becoming a mindless rule follower, acting as often with bad intentions as with good, how do we live a life of Christian obedience? What roadmap does the Bible provide and how does it relate to believers in a modern society? Andy explores those issues in this podcast.
In Hebrews chapter 4, the author states that Jesus was tempted in every respect as are we, though He remained sinless through the process. But with all the temptations of the modern world, how is it possible that Christ could have been tempted just like we are today? In this podcast, Andy looks at the scripture in question and a couple of other relevant verses to provide the biblical answer to this probing question.
The example that Jesus set for His followers was one of living a life of self-denial and self-sacrifice. But there are also verses where Jesus promises blessings, peace and even a life most abundant for Christians. So, which is it, a life of self-sacrifice or a life of abundance? Can it be both? In this podcast Andy uses scripture to dissolve the apparent tension between these two options, explaining the abundant Christian life and how we achieve it.
There are verses in scripture that speak very harshly about slave traders and slave holders. Yet there are also verses that seem to provide support for the institution. So, what does the Bible say about slavery - how does it define it and does it provide slavery with an endorsement? In this podcast, Andy looks at scriptures from both the Old and New Testaments to provide comprehensive answers to these questions.
The Bible teaches one of the curses of sin is that bad things such as sickness and natural disasters will occur. And we also see in certain parts of scripture that God has used such things as punishment against specific people for specific transgressions. In this podcast, Andy addresses the issue of how we know when a misfortune is direct punishment from God and whether such occurrences still take place under the New Covenant of Christ in which we now live.
Are all sins bad? What about sins that we do in private that no one else knows about? What about sins that don't seem to harm anyone, including us? In this podcast, Andy uses the story of the fall in the Garden of Eden and a simple instruction given to the Israelite army which dramatically show our need to obey God through faith. Adam and Eve could not have possibly understood the consequences of eating the fruit and we can't possibly understand the impact of even our simplest sins either.
We know that we can be tempted without sinning, as the Bible tells us Jesus did just that. But we are also warned that our thoughts and internal desires can be sinful. So, when does a thought become a sin? In this podcast, Andy explores that question and answers it from a biblical foundation.
Jesus said that He came to fulfill the Old Covenant and it would stay in effect until all was accomplished in it. Jesus having fulfilled it, though, we are no longer under its obligations, including keeping the Sabbath. In this podcast, Andy explains the Old and New Testament verses that make this clear to us and also examines a few other differences in how God instructs us to act now that we are under the New Covenant.
It is impossible to 'prove' that something doesn’t exist but has science - given its ability to explain everything by natural causes - at least eliminated the need for a god-like entity to exist? In this podcast, Andy explores what science can and can't explain in terms of natural causes and scientific laws and compares it to what the Bible records as being governed by natural laws versus what required supernatural origins. The overlap of the scientific and biblical lists is quite revealing.
Many people point out that though Jesus said He would be in the earth three days and three nights, He did not quite make it that long, given a Friday night to Sunday morning timeline. In this podcast, Andy explains that Jesus was in the grave for the period of time He foretold. He uses the Bible, of course, to explain the answer to the apparent contradiction.
Christianity today is marked by a myriad of denominations and sub denominations. But are Christians instructed to do this in the Bible? No, in fact, just the opposite. In this podcast, Andy discusses what the Bible has to say on the topic and explains why denominations developed in the first place.
One of the most personal and painful questions asked of a minister by someone is whether God will forgive them (or even could possibly forgive them) for what they have done. Many asking the question have indeed done some terrible things that have hurt a great many people. But the good news is that the answer to the question rests not on how bad we are but how good and merciful God is! We can be forgiven and in this podcast, Andy explores exactly why that is and how we are to go about accepting God's grace and receiving that forgiveness.
When speaking to others about God or praying to Him alone, what are we to call Him? God gave a description of Himself and a name for Himself to Moses in the Old Testament. The question of how we are to refer to God is a common one and there are a few mistaken notions related to the topic. In this podcast, Andy will explore what the Bible says and use the scriptures of the New Testament to provide an answer to the question.
The Bible says that we cannot serve God and money and that the love of money is the root of much evil. But few specific rules and regulations are given for how a believer should make, spend, invest or give away their money in the New Testament scriptures. Because we live in a wealthy, capitalist society, many Christians are seeking answers to the question "how much is too much"? In this podcast, Andy uses biblical foundations to suggest some practical rules for living as a Christ follower in our materialistic age.
Are the teachings of Jesus opposed to capitalism? Should Christians support or engage in capitalistic activities? Honest questions such as these are often discussed in Christian circles but not always in a logical and objective fashion. In this podcast, Andy searches for answers through the lens of a biblical worldview.
A long simmering battle in the Christian world over whether we should use the Old Testament portion of the Bible in our preaching and teaching has gotten a little hotter lately. Two recent sparing partners have been Andy Stanley and Ken Ham. So, should Christians in modern day America still rely on Old Testament scriptures and if so, how much and for what? We do need the Old Testament in order to provide a logical foundation to our faith (which is not to be based purely on emotion) and to answer the questions that naturally arise such as "why is there suffering" and "doesn't science eliminate the need for God"? In this podcast, Andy explores the issue and uses the Bible to help answer the question.
Relationships are critical to our life, health and happiness. But human relationships - especially marriage - can be challenging. Thankfully the Bible offers words of wisdom and guidance. In this podcast, Andy discusses some specific biblical recommendations to help make our marriages stronger.
Relationships are critical to our life, health and happiness. But human relationships - whether with family, friends or our spouse - can be extremely challenging. Thankfully the Bible offers words of wisdom and guidance for our relationships. In this podcast, Andy discusses some of those biblical guidelines to improve our general relationships and friendships. Next week's podcast will include some specific recommendations for marriage.
Why did Jesus have to die? Couldn't God have just forgiven us our sins and let us all into heaven? In this podcast, Andy discusses this question, pulling the answer from the attributes of God's holiness and the consequences of our sins. The best solution, in fact the only solution, was for Christ to pay our sin debt in the manner in which He did and we will discuss why here.
Would you like to be certain about your salvation? Is it even possible to know now whether you are truly saved? If it is possible, then how do we know? This is a common, recurring question in Christian circles. The Bible does actually tell us that it is possible to be assured of our salvation and provides answers about how we will come to this assured knowledge. In this podcast, Andy looks primarily at the letter of 1st John, because the Apostle John stated therein that he wrote the letter so that we can have the assurance that we are in fact saved. And in nailing the argument down, we will also discuss some of the teachings of Jesus and the letter written by Jesus' half-brother, James.
The scriptures containing the Ten Commandments is one of the most well known sections in the entire Bible. But does one part stand out over the others? If so, what is the most important section and why? In this podcast, Andy identifies that key component and, more importantly, explains why that piece is so critical to our understanding of not just the Ten Commandments but of the entire Bible. Because of how it shines light on our relationship with God, every Christian should understand this topic.
Are you mad at God? Do you have a good understanding of what has made you angry with Him? In his ministry, Andy has worked with a number of people who are mad at God and in that work he has tried to provide the proper biblical perspective from which they can examine their feelings. In this podcast, he shares that fresh viewpoint with the audience.
Our willingness to forgive others is foundational to our Christian faith, the Bible is very explicit about that. But what exactly does it mean to forgive another person? To forgive someone in the biblical sense does not mean that you are saying what they did was okay and to forgive someone in the biblical sense does not mean that you have to maintain the same level of relationship with the person as before. In this podcast, Andy looks at and explains the requisite verses and biblical concepts of forgiveness so that we have a full understanding of what it means to forgive.
Are Christians allowed to defend themselves, their family and children from grave harm if they are being brutally attacked? Generally speaking, yes. But wasn't Jesus speaking about the immorality of self defense when He taught us to "turn the other cheek"? Actually, no. He was speaking more to how we handle personal insults. Are there Bible verses that deal directly with self defense? Yes, there is one in the Old Testament. In this podcast, we look at what the Bible says about self defense and how we are to properly apply those teachings to our lives today.
The Bible not only tells us that Satan lies to us but that he is "the father of lies". Since we know Satan is going to try and trip us up with his fabrications, it is obviously helpful to understand what his most common and successful lie has been to humans down through the ages. Satan attempts to feed us the same lie that he told Eve in the Garden of Eden and one of the same lies with which he tried to trick Jesus in the wilderness after His baptism. In this podcast, we uncover Satan's biggest lie (which is not that God doesn't exist) and discuss why it is so effective.
There is a misconception that the Bible contradicts itself by saying that God cannot be around sin and yet that God is everywhere, including all the earthly places infected with sin. The Bible does not contradict itself, of course. In this podcast, Andy discusses the scriptures in question to easily put this misconception to bed.
The Bible teaches us to be kind and charitable to others. But what are the biblical guidelines for such activities? In this podcast, Andy challenges us that too often our charity comes with little true sacrifice on our part and may be providing a minimum amount of real help. Scripture contains some very direct and powerful lessons on giving and helping and they are all covered here.
We all love our kids and want what is best for them. But it is not always obvious in the moment when we are making a parenting mistake. In this podcast, Andy speaks from his experience as a minister with a biblical worldview about the three most common but harmful mistakes parents make in raising their children. In the course of the conversation, he provides biblical scriptures and real world examples to assist parents in their journey.
One of the most popular phrases in modern Evangelicalism is that we each must have a 'personal relationship with Jesus Christ'. But what exactly does that mean? And what, if any, is the scriptural basis for such a statement? In this podcast, Andy answers those questions, helping you understand if and how you achieve such a relationship.
Being from God, sex is - in its proper use - a blessing and a gift meant to strengthen our marriages and produce children for us. Because sex has powerful impacts on people, however, its misuse is the cause of much direct and indirect misery. In this podcast, we look at the biblical view of sex, its design, proper use and potential harms.
In this podcast, we nail down a solid biblical definition of faith and look at the now common phrase of "faith over fear". Andy talks about true biblical faith, false faith and self-serving faith. He also examines when the phrase "faith over fear" is used appropriately and when and why it is so commonly misused.
Are you truly happy? Do you have peace? Is your joy overly dependent on the circumstances in which you find yourself? The Bible teaches about a permanent hope and happiness and a peace that is so strong it is hard to understand. How do we tap into and achieve real biblical happiness? In this podcast, Andy discusses some traditional common sense guidelines for greater happiness and pulls into the discussion some less commonly known but equally powerful biblical principles.
Jesus warns us in scripture about establishing human traditions that override the authority of the teachings of God as found in scripture. One area where this seems most prevalent in the modern church regards the teachings and practices of baptism. In this podcast, Andy takes a fresh look at baptism in order to weave the most accurate biblical picture of the subject. He speaks about how words such as immersion, dipping and sprinkling are used in the Bible and draws firm conclusions about how the practice should be implemented in churches today.
The Bible speaks of each person's need to be saved from the penalty due for their sin. And we are reminded throughout scripture that we are unable to pay (any part of) our debt to God on our own. Of course, the message of the Gospel is that through His amazing grace, God provides a way - through the blood of His Son Jesus - for us to be saved and connected back to Him. Each denomination has developed their own customs and traditions concerning how a person is saved. In this podcast, though, Andy encourages listeners to set aside all customs and habits and take a fresh look at exactly what the Bible teaches in this area. How are we saved? How do we talk to others about being saved? It is all covered - straight from the Bible - in this podcast.
Are we "playing God" when we use modern medicine or advanced medical techniques such as organ transplants and gene editing? The use of medicine and medical procedures is not in and of itself unbiblical but there is a line which can be crossed. In this podcast, Andy explains how the Bible supports medical advancements and provides a rule for where the line should be drawn.
The Bible tells us that we are stewards of God's earth so we can use it for our benefit but must be careful not to abuse it. In this podcast, Andy discusses how the Bible directs Christians regarding environmental topics and policies.
Jesus taught against self-righteousness, moral posturing and virtue signaling. In the second part of this two-part podcast, Andy examines how Jesus' opposition to self-righteousness relates to behavior in the secular realms of our family, social and political lives.
Jesus clearly taught against self-righteousness, moral posturing and virtue signaling. In this podcast, Andy looks at a number of reasons why Jesus was opposed to this attitude and its associated behaviors, focusing especially on the religious and church realms of our lives.
In this third podcast on the Bible and Politics, we examine government welfare and spending policies. Though many believe Christians must have a greater desire for government policy to take from the wealthy and give to the poor, we actually see the bigger problem is that the government subsidizes the wealthy at the expense of the less well off (as has been the custom of governments down through history).
In this second podcast exploring the Bible and government or Bible and politics, we cover how the Bible's definition of certain aspects of human nature can guide government policies. We also discuss in what arenas the Bible does and does not influence a Christian's view of government policy.
This podcast looks at the Biblical definition of and the role for government as well as how the Bible teaches Christians to interact with it. We'll cover the death penalty, whether Christians should serve in the military and why and how the First Amendment impacts us the way it does today.
Are we living in the end times? Will God give us any signs regarding the second coming of Christ? Do we know if there will be a rapture or when it might come? In this podcast, Andy covers these topics and others related to what is referred to as the end times, the second coming or the Day of the Lord.
In this final podcast on the topic of what the Bible teaches about bigotry, racism and discrimination, Andy provides additional detail on the evils of stereotyping and explores the parable of the Good Samaritan, pulling out life lessons for us today.
In Part two of the podcast on what the Bible teaches us about bigotry, racism and discrimination, Andy provides us with three life application points to take away from what we learned from the scriptures in the first podcast on the topic.
The Bible provides definitions for bigotry, racism and discrimination and speaks against them in very strong terms in both the Old and New Testaments. In this podcast, Andy covers those scriptures in some detail and provides the best biblical lesson for each of us to take away from those teachings today.
In part two of this podcast about the Bible and Anxiety, Andy discusses some questions and answers on the topic and provides some practical, biblical recommendations for living with and working through anxiety.
How does the Bible define anxiety and what assistance does it provide on the topic? Surveys consistently show anxiety is a rising problem in the U.S. and the first place we should begin for all the issues we face in the life is the Bible. In this podcast, Andy looks into what main biblical authorities such as Jesus and the Apostle Paul have to say on the topic. The scriptures speak about our having peace but how do we navigate the journey to get to that destination?
Does the Bible speak about tattoos? If so, what does it say on the subject? Tattoos are mentioned in one place in the Bible, in the Old Testament Law of Moses. In this podcast, Andy discusses that Old Testament verse and what it means for us in the New Testament Church. He also examines related Christian principles so as to provide the most comprehensive answer possible on the topic.
The Bible teaches Christians to be rational, data dependent believers and citizens. For example, we are to test the Bible for falsehoods, we come to faith through repentance, which is a conscious change of mind not an overwhelming emotion and Christian love, agape, is more of a decision than a feeling. But the concept goes much deeper than that. In this podcast, I cover why and how our faith is rational and discuss how looking logically at the world influences our views on everything from nuclear power to genetically modified foods (GMOs).
The phrase "nobody can judge me but God" is a common defense when we are accused of something (and, perhaps, especially when we know we are guilty of the transgression). But is that statement biblically acceptable or just a worn out excuse? The answer to that depends on whether the individual being admonished is a professing Christian or not. In this podcast I explain why that is and give more detail into what it means.
How did someone with a Ph.D. in an analytical field become a Christian with a strong faith? In this episode, I cover my personal testimony. It is not a thrilling ride of emotional ups and down through near miraculous events. Instead, it covers a methodical, rational (scientific and philosophical) journey to my faith in the God of the Bible.
Perhaps the most stressing question down through history has been "why is their evil and suffering in the world if God is good"? In this episode, Andy addresses this question head on with biblical answers.
The first Pentecost after Jesus' resurrection and ascension was when the first Gospel or Christian sermon was preached. And that day the Apostles proclaimed exactly what Jesus had directed them to proclaim. They preached repentance in Jesus' name. But exactly what is repentance and how does it impact our (Christian) lives?
What does the Bible say about interracial marriage? Does God concern Himself in any way with whom we date or marry? And if He does, why?
How does the Bible direct a Christian regarding topics related to the treatment of immigrants, the level of immigration and policies for the Dreamers? In this podcast episode, I cover the relevant scriptures and describe the Bible's framework for answering such inquiries.
The Bible says blaspheming the Holy Spirit is the unforgivable or unpardonable sin. What does that mean? Could I be guilty of that sin? Is it possible that I have accidently committed it? These are common questions and here I provide a reassuring answer. But this episode closes with a couple of challenges the Bible provides us relative to the Holy Spirit on which Christians might need to focus more attention.
What would Jesus suggest is the best way to address the chaos in and dissatisfaction with our current political environment? In this podcast, Andy discusses the direction in which a biblical view will take us on this topic.
After a recent leak from the Supreme Court, abortion is receiving a renewed focus. What does the Bible say about the unborn? What guidance (direct or indirect) does scripture provide for a believer relative to supporting or opposing abortion?
Some (uninformed) believers are leery of science and some scientists take shots at the Christian faith. But the truth is the Bible supports, actually compels us to undertake, science. In the second of this two-part series, I complete my discussion of the Bible's foundational support for modern science.
Some (uninformed) believers are leery of science and some scientists take shots at the Christian faith. But the truth is the Bible supports, actually compels us to undertake, science. In this first of a two-part series, I establish the framework of the Bible's foundational support for modern science.
Jesus made big, bold claims about who He was and what He was sent to accomplish on earth. Big, bold claims, of course, require big, bold proof. In this Easter sermon, I discuss what proof Jesus provides us to support His earth shattering claims.
This episode is a sermon which discusses Jesus fulfilling an Old Testament prophecy as He rode into Jerusalem on the Sunday before His crucifixion. I explain why and how Jesus was claiming to be King through this activity and what it signified about Satan's ultimate defeat.
Is the Bible a factual historical account, beautiful poetry or only a collection of myths? In this episode, I explore how it is that we are to interpret the stories and lessons of scripture by examining the Bible's various components.
If the Bible is truly the word of God, then it must have some way to validate itself as such. In this episode, I explain how we know the Bible is true. Don't be surprised if the answer reminds you a bit of a science class.
What direction does the Bible provide us related to complicated modern topics such as the use of vaccines? In this episode I take a biblical view of vaccines and their use in modern medicine.