The Nickasized Podcast: Recent Episodes
Nick Ressler
10-15 minute episodes verbally exploring Christian faith topics while trying to focus on historical and original context that leads to asking better questions rather than trying to always have the right answer. Attempting to incorporate the Jewish art of midrash into Christianity.
Topics are broken up by season. Which means that previous seasons can be added to even after subsequent season are created. Yea ... good luck with that.
Beware: podcaster can sometimes get passionate and even upset with the state of the Church as it relates, compares and contrasts to the purpose of the Church.
Synopsis:On this episode of Unashamedly Anabaptist Nick Ressler discusses the popular idea of deconstruction and explains Derrida's philosophy of deconstruction as well as Descartes philosophy of Cartesian Doubt. Nick proposes that deconstruction is not something that leaders should be fearing from the people they guide but rather something beautiful to be embraced as Jesus is one who showed us the way of asking questions.
Intro Music:
Pick Yourself Up by Ron Gelinas Chillout Lounge
https://open.spotify.com/artist/03JYfsI9Ke7JFuxHD239m2
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Outro Music:Autumn Dance by | e s c p | https://escp-music.bandcamp.com
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Synopsis:On this episode of Unashamedly Anabaptist Nick Ressler discusses the ever popular Evangelical ideology of the Seven Mountain Mandate made popular through Bethel Church. Nick talks about the problems with its approach and even uses the h-word. (heresy) You can find out more about this movement and the many churches/teachers who have popularized it with a quick Google search.
Intro Music:
Pick Yourself Up by Ron Gelinas Chillout Lounge
https://open.spotify.com/artist/03JYfsI9Ke7JFuxHD239m2
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Outro Music:Autumn Dance by | e s c p | https://escp-music.bandcamp.com
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Synopsis:On this episode of Unashamedly Anabaptist Nick Ressler follows up on the history of Evangelicalism from part one of this two part episode by getting us out of the history and into the present by talking about the impact of that history on the present of the Brethren in Christ Church and other Anabaptist denominations. This is episode two of a two part series.
Intro Music:
Pick Yourself Up by Ron Gelinas Chillout Lounge
https://open.spotify.com/artist/03JYfsI9Ke7JFuxHD239m2
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Outro Music:Autumn Dance by | e s c p | https://escp-music.bandcamp.com
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Synopsis:
On this episode of Unashamedly Anabaptist Nick Ressler talks about the sordid history of Evangelicalism. Evangelicalism began as an opposing force to Fundamentalism and represented an alternative in the midst of an educational and cultural war for the heart of religious America. However, political forces, NOT Jesus, eventually brought the diametrically opposing sides together to consolidate power. This is episode one of a two part series.
Intro Music:
Pick Yourself Up by Ron Gelinas Chillout Lounge
https://open.spotify.com/artist/03JYfsI9Ke7JFuxHD239m2
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Outro Music:Autumn Dance by | e s c p | https://escp-music.bandcamp.com
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
I recently heard someone create a false dichotomy between loving someone who is gay and loving God. This dualistic kind of thinking initially made me quite sad and slowly my sadness transitioned into anger. How have we, who are in leadership of the church, created a culture that pushes the belief that we have to choose between loving ANYONE and loving God? We have done a terrible injustice and those of us in leadership need to repent. Hard. This is part of that for me.
In this episode we take a look at Matthew 5:13 and the infamous verse about being the salt of the earth. I'll spend a moment talking about some of the Greek words that are essential to the passage: "salt", "trampled underfoot", and "earth." Then we'll make a few observations about salt and finally ask a really hard question about too much salt in one location.
One of my favorite parts of scripture is the Sermon on the Mount. Recently, I've been wanting to jump back in and walk through this text myself and I thought rather than try to come up with new content, lets walk through the Sermon on the Mount together. The content will simply create itself as we talk about the parts and pieces of Christ's most famous and well known sermon. On this episode we look at the Beatitudes and if you aren't familiar with that word it is simply a term we use to describe the opening lines of the sermon where Jesus lists off who is "blessed" in the Kingdom of God. Each time I read this I am forced to grapple with who is blessed and who is not - where I fit into this and how my eyes have been deceiving me. I hope it impacts you as deeply as it does me.
How do I act? You know, as a Christian...a believer...a follower of Jesus ... or someone that just really values the words, teachings and instruction of Jesus ... how do I act?
Because, I've seen a lot of bad examples. Ones that hurt, tear down, speak death and ostracize others. That is, more often than not, the example that I've been given as to what it means to be a "Christian." I don't want to be that way.
And when I get into situations ... you know, the ones that are controversial ... the ones that no one can seem to agree on but everyone wants to argue about ... what do I do? I don't want to be that way? And I don't know exactly where I stand on the issue.
I'm still figuring it out.
Me too. Maybe this will help.
Jesus is the exact image of God.
If you can believe that then the words and teaching of Jesus give us the clearest picture of the divine.
If you can believe that then the words and teachings of Jesus take precedence over that of Moses, David, Elijah or Daniel.
If you can believe that then the words and teachings of Jesus should dramatically impact the look, shape and function of our lives.
If we want to live a life that looks like, is shaped like and functions like that of the divine.
The thing is - you have to believe that Jesus is the image of God in order to give His words such significance.
Maybe this will help.
I'm back.
Mentally. Spiritually.
I think I've had the break I needed and I'm ready to to hit that red record button.
Season 5 - here we go.
Why has it been 6 weeks since the last podcast episode? Nick shares about getting stuck or beholden to feeling that he had to get content out each week. And once self reflection showed a conclusion that he was stuck in this - he needed a break. Is there anything in your own life that you feel beholden too? That you feel like you are stuck in and stuck doing? Maybe you should take a break or quit...
But, we're back. Maybe not weekly . . .but, Good News just keeps on coming. Nick comes across some important contextual information about Matthew 7:6 which helps us understand why this verse isn't a "sore thumb" or a "black sheep" but why it fits perfectly within the sermon on the mount.
Thanks for listening!
We tend to see the world in 1's and 0's much like a computer: republican or democrat; right or wrong; liberal or conservative; black or white; in or out. Yet, most of know that the world is not just two options. We know that there are other options. But when our beliefs are questioned or pushed - we react as though its our way or its no way.
There is a poem at the start of the Bible that is normally thought to tell a very specific story. But what if its telling another one? What if it is telling about the introduction to dualism?
And what if the answer to dualism isn't picking one or the other ... what if its taking a page out of the Jesus' book and creating, cultivating and exploring a third way?
There are certain truths that we all have been told for a long time. We don't take the time to investigate them because they seem so obviously true. And many of these become the foundations and the undergirding for other beliefs. When it comes to the church, its really hard to question these kind of foundational truths. But every now and then you come across one that needs to be looked at anew. You begin to see it in a new light which doesn't destroy the foundation that it is a part of but helps you reimagine everything that has been built upon it.
Know this: You are not forsaken.
How do I know? Because the idea that God forsakes you is false truth buried in one of the most central and integral moments of our faith. Explore the crucifixion with me today.
Honestly, I'm just so tired of hearing the incredible Good News about Jesus being usurped by storytellers who insist on starting with bad news. Who insist on handing out tracks that tell me that I'm going to hell or that I have earned hell. There is so much baggage, that we all carry, associated with that message.
So, let's drop that message.
It's time to tell a new story ... which is actually just the original story. And its starts in Genesis 1 with peace, color, nurturing and life. Yes, we break the peace and we continue to break the peace. We seem to have a fascination with death - a connection to it. There is a pattern in the narrative of scripture that tells us this. But along side that pattern is another pattern ... at least an equally important one, if not much more important. A pattern of a God that restores the broken peace and the broken people.
Do you ever sit in church and look up at the cross and wonder - how did that whole thing work? Theologians have developed theories, called atonement theories, for a thousand years. On this episode, we look at probably the most recent one, developed by Rene Girard, called Mimetic Theory. Remember - theories are simply theories. There is no scripture that has ever told us exactly how atonement works. It's part of the beautiful mystery that we have in Jesus. But, these theories can lead us into a phenomenal place of reverence as we try to understand what Jesus did.
Book Mentions:Mission Drift by Peter Greer
A New Kind of Christian by Brian McLaren
In part 2 of our mini series: Good, we talk a little bit about the keto diet (yea, I know - side track much?) and we brush up on our church history. What's the real story about the church prior to the Protestant Reformation? Who are the Orthodox and why haven't they had a million denominations created in the last 500 years? And...what's the good news inherent in this information...?
Book Mentions:
Her Gates Will Never Be Shut by Brad Jersak
A More Christlike God by Brad Jersak
In by Brad Jersak
Scripture Mentions:
John 3:16-17
John 13:35
What is good news? Have you really thought about it? If something is truly good news - don't you want to share it? Like a new song, a good deal or a new health benefit...
And yet, although the word "gospel" literally means "good news" we don't act like ... or share it like it is good news. What if that is because we were fed a gospel that wasn't good news. What if there isn't really any way to share bad news as good news? What if the key isn't making it more palatable but learning what the good news actually is?
Nick explores the idea of good news on this first segment of "Good."
Scripture mention:
John 3:16-17
Inspired by Dr. Cynthia Westfall's book "Paul and Gender" Nick discusses two of the Bible verses that have, historically, given the church reason to exclude and disallow women a position of authority. There are no original ideas here - all credit of interpretation should be given to Dr. Westfall. As Nick mentions - this may be one of those life and theology altering books that is worth a purchase and a read. To quote Westfall, "Historically, women have not been invited to read their own mail." It is refreshing to hear a woman's perspective on these verses.
Book Mention:Cynthia Long Westfall, Paul & Gender: Reclaiming the Apostle's Vision for Men and Women in Christ
Podcast Mention
The Meetinghouse After Party
Scripture References
1 Timothy 2:12
1 Corinthians 11:15
The danger of simply accepted learned knowledge as true, without question or research, is that later you may find that the actual truth is entirely different. How many of us grew up hearing, thinking or being inundated with the message that Jesus, God and the Church were things that you needed to defend. As though if you didn't remember your well-rehearsed-arguments well enough then maybe someone would ... umm ... what's the end to that sentence?? This episode engages the idea that Jesus doesn't need guards. But He desires partners in love.
Book mentions:
Technically none. But, the posture/gesture thing isn't mine. It's something I heard or read somewhere but cannot find or remember the source. In fact this really bugs me. I Googled postures and gesture and various authors for 30 minutes prior to posting. I looked through so many files of copious notes from various books and sermons ... nothing. Andy Stanley? Peter Greer? Someone else? I'm sorry for not being able to give credit where credit is due.
Music:
Acoustic Breeze by Bensound
Emotional Vocal by Scott Holmes
Have you ever wondered what the future of teaching might be? I do - all the time. Have you ever considered why some teachers seem to have a way of connecting with your heart, mind and soul? While others do a phenomenal job at connecting with one area? What might the future of teaching look like if we incorporate and combine the many beautiful methods that we see into one holistic method that demands that the teacher be known to themself, humble and willing to promote the interest of the student above their own?
Episode Music:
Hunting Eye by Lately Kind of Yea
Door of the Alien by Lately Kind of Yea
Book Mentions:
The Courage to Teach by Parker Palmer
The Monkey and the Fish by Dave Gibbons
Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon
The best leaders are more like artists than scientists. Science certainly helps an artist understand the process of mixing paint but science cannot comprehend or duplicate the nature of art. What if we set a standard for church leadership to take all that it can from the world of business but retain the artistic nature that Jesus led with? What might that look like?
Book Mentions:
The Monkey and the Fish by Dave Gibbons
Episode Music:
Emotional Vocal by Scott Holmes
Nick continues the conversation about conflict by exploring the idea of Imposter and Beloved and how that relates to dealing with relational conflict. Perhaps there is something to going inward to deal with the conflict that is present in each of us before we attempt at navigating the messes outside of ourselves.
Book Mentions:
Abba's Child by Brennan Manning
Let Your Life Speak by Parker Palmer
Podcast Mentions:
The Enneagram Journey by Susan Stabile
Conflict is one of those topics that most people don't enjoy engaging but its one that we have to get better at if we're going to truly be Jesus Followers that are different from the rest of the world.
Book Mentions:Emotionally Healthy Leader by Pete Scazzero
Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott
Practicing the Presence of People by Mike Mason
A trailer? Really? Yup - time to get serious. How is season three going to be different? Well - how about random topics, possible guests and the fact that I'm finally ready to share this podcast with someone beyond my wife. Yea, big steps, I know.
Episode Music:
Epic Cinematic by Scott Holmes
Intro Music (for all of Season 3):
Clear Progress by Scott Holmes
The letter to the Laodicean's is the only letter that doesn't mention anything positive about the church. It's a harsh and poignant letter that tells us that the church was lukewarm. But what does that really mean and why does Jesus use this terminology? And given those questions - how in the world does it connect or apply to our churches today? Listen in and find out!
We think of Philadelphia as the City of Brotherly Love. But, long before that Philadelphia existed there was first century city, with the same name, founded my members of the city of Pergamum (see season 2, episode 2 of this podcast) and it was a gateway or a "doorway" into Asia. It was devastated by natural disaster and this letter reflects some of this devastation but leaves the listener with hope around an open door that no one can close.
Author/Book mention: Abba's Child by Brennan Manning
The message to the church of Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6) doesn't have much good to say about the city or the church. Jesus is speaking directly to the heart of the city when he mentions dirty garments - why? You'll have to listen. But, the message that he speaks is one that he spoke during his earthly ministry . . . I mean, almost verbatim. Where? You'll have to listen. And it's an indictment against a very specific group of people - who? Yea, you guessed it - you'll have to listen.
The Letter to the church in Thyatira gives us a compelling springboard to engage both the incarnation and idolatry. What is the incarnation and how does it apply to the book of Revelation? How to Anabaptist's read scripture and why is the incarnation so important to them? Finally, why are we more willing to divulge deep, personal sin than we are willing to consider that perhaps the American church has a powerful idol in its midst?
In the letter to the church in Pergamum, Jesus leaves the reader with a promise: If you have ears to hear then I will give you a new name. I feel like this is one of those "major-items-that-we-need-to-talk-more-about-in-church-today" sort of things. Why? What is the big deal with a new name? Nick shares a variety of stories: his own, Micheal Gungor, Jacob, Peter and more as he discusses, off the cuff, why this is a big deal.
Jesus has this incredible message to the church in Smyrna about remaining in him. What does it mean to remain in Jesus? This sounds like an ambiguously theoretical concept but what if it is simpler than that? What if its like making music with Jesus? What if when we remain in Jesus the mark of good music is when our lives, words and hearts look like HIs?
As a church we have made the wrong things too hard an the right things too easy. We care too much about clothing and our children's behavior and not enough about the way that we love one another. The way that we love one another is an incredible reflection on how we do or do not love God. We need to view all our relationships through this filter.
People are busier today than they have ever been. I hear that all the time, as though being busy is a new problem. As though finding something else to do rather than answer the call that God has placed on you is something that 21st century people figured out. Jesus knew that being busy would be a problem for the people he sat with too. And he had a story to tell about it.
When is the last time that you thought about forgiveness? I mean ... really thought about it - beyond just knowing that you are "supposed" to forgive others? Would it surprise you to know that it is a deeply ingrained part of the Kingdom of Heaven? That there is a reciprocal relationship with forgiveness? Tune in to hear this and more about a really beautiful and difficult subject....
It can be the little things in life that get a hold of us. They have competing claims on our hearts. It can be binge-watching a show or just being dissatisfied with the ordinary. But it's in the ordinary that the extraordinary is often found. It is the extraordinary that God wants us to see!
You aren't powerless. If you want to live life to the fullest - we need to understand the kingdom of heaven. If you want to understand how far reaching your decisions and actions are - we need to understand the Parable of the Mustard Seed.
We seem to live in a culture that weaponizes everything. Today's podcast looks at a wonderful parable that is meant to push us to self reflection and instead we tend to use it as a weapon to cast attention on others.
We continue to explore what Jesus is talking about when he describes The Kingdom of Heaven by looking at another parable. What is the crux of the message of Jesus here? And why do Christians seem to deliberately choose an alternative to Jesus' intentions?
In Luke 15, Jesus tells a beautiful parable about a woman who has lost a coin. The message of the parable is one of hope and celebration. How has this message been usurped by Christianity and why isn't this the message of the church?
002
Just a brief introduction to The Real Nickasized and explanation of both "Nickasized" and "Real."