Think Deeper: Recent Episodes
Focus Press
The Think Deeper Podcast is a weekly show created to explore the challenges facing Christians today and address current issues from a distinctly Christian view.
Not everything is a black and white, thou shalt/thou shalt not issue. For some, this means we should not talk about such issues but rather leave everything up to individual interpretation. Phrases like "But is it a sin?" and "You can't bind that" are thrown around to shut down discussion.
But discernment is at the heart of Christian maturity. This week, we discuss the difference between the two approaches and why God wants us to engage our brains. Topics include:
- The importance of discerning Good/Better/Best on any issue
- Is it legalistic to get into specifics like school choices, entertainment options, etc.?
- Why a "broad brush" is a good and proper tool for Bible teaching
- Why avoidance of the controversial kills unity
You won't find the words "place membership" in the New Testament. And, when you're baptized, you're added by God to His church.
So do we need to publicly declare our membership with a local congregation? We discuss, including:
- Defining "church" and "member" Biblically
- Is church an "organism" or an "organization?"
- Do baptized teens become members separate from their parents?
- Individualism vs. Collectivism
- The importance of elders (and other church leaders) in defining membership
With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
The guys decided to have some fun this week and sat down to draft 22 Bible books apiece.
Tune in to see where the books got taken and how their favorites line up with yours.
And, tell us who's "team" of 22 books you would pick if you could only read and study one set.
With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
We continue the discussion on prayer by examining a number of specifics, including:
- How should public prayers differ from private prayers?
- "Abba Father" and reverence vs. closeness
- How to know when an answer is from God
- Does "Let the men pray in every place" extend to the home, including with one's wife and children?
With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
Prayer is one of the basics of the Christian faith, but it's also a remarkably deep concept that raises all kinds of questions.
Topics include:
- Why do we need to pray if God already knows our thoughts?
- Does it make a difference to pray audibly vs. just in our heads?
- Do we pray to all 3 members of the Godhead, or just the Father?
- Does prayer change God's mind?
- Does God hear everyone's prayers? and more.
With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
Join Focus+ to get access to our weekly Q&A show, The Deep End! patreon.com/focuspressinc
The majority of kids raised in Christian homes continue to leave the church in adulthood. In fixing the problem, the most logical place to start has to be the biggest external influence in their lives - namely, the public schools.
We discuss:
- Just how bad it's gotten (even in the "good" schools)
- The Deuteronomy 6 mandate
- Valid reasons vs. excuses
- Ways churches can get creative to help families
With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
The church will be driven by masculine sensibilities or by feminized sensibilities - it can't be driven by both.
This week we explore how the church has become driven by feminized sensibilities, why that isn't God's design, and what the consequences have been. Topics include:
- Why femininity and masculinity are both needed, and the only way they can coexist
- What a feminized pulpit, eldership, and congregation look like
- How political correctness and self-policing hinder the truth
- Why weak men are at the heart of the problem
With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
The church's task of confronting "sin in the camp" is clearly laid out in the Scriptures... and yet it almost never happens. Why not? What would it look like if we did practice it?
We discuss:
- The OT roots of the practice
- What a lack of church discipline has caused
- Why discipline is the only loving way
- The danger of overreach
- How church discipline might change the world
With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
This week the guys each bring three lessons they've learned about marriage. Topics include:
- Why self-esteem is so important to a marriage
- A mindset both spouses need to bring to the relationship
- How to get better at conflict
Tune in to catch these and six more lessons.
Got one to contribute? Comment on our Facebook page!
With millions of immigrants crossing the border into the US in recent years, and immigration becoming arguably the biggest concern of this year's election, what should Christians think about the issue?
We discuss:
- Why the issue can't be ignored by Christians
- What the Bible has to say
- How issues like this make us better Bible students
- Whether Christians can have national interests, or if being "not of this world" prohibits us
- What obligations we have on the matter
Check out Focus+ to get access to the exclusive Deep End episodes and much more! patreon.com/focuspressinc
With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
This week we discuss the age of accountability and how we should think about youth baptisms (including our own).
- Why we reject infant baptism
- Reasons for younger (10-13) baptisms
- Reasons for older baptisms (16 and up)
- The role of fear as a reason to get baptized
- When, if ever, is rebaptism necessary?
With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
We look at the disastrous culture of individualism and following our hearts. "Do what makes you happy" and "I come to God in my own way" set people up for misery and separation from God. Yet, many churches are built on this ideology.Topics include:- How "Follow your heart" culture has infiltrated churches- Why the heart wrecks lives and marriages- What's wrong with the minimalist, libertarian view of the Bible- How to know when you're following your heart vs. following GodWith Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe WilkieJoin us on Focus+ to get access to the weekly Deep End bonus episodes!focuspress.org/plus
Dr. Brad Harrub joins the show to talk about climate change! In this episode:
- The history of climate alarmism
- What the science really shows
- Biblical environmentalism and caring for God's world
- How news media manipulates through fear
- The indoctrination and weaponization of young minds for the cause
With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
We dive into the elder qualifications of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 and discuss the importance of getting them right while also looking at the controversies involved.
Topics include:
- How the qualifications have been downplayed, and the consequences we're seeing
- What does "able to teach" mean?
- Why "peaceable" is a more important qualification to get right than you might think
- Does an elder have to be married?
- Do an elder's children have to be baptized, faithful Christians?
With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
Christians were caught unaware by the rise of the internet, but we can't afford to make the same mistake with the newest booming technology.
Almost overnight, artificial Intelligence has gone from a fringe technology to a feature of everyday life. While it comes with numerous useful features, it certainly has its dark side, too. We discuss what you need to know about the issue in this episode, including:
- The history and where it stands today
- The threats to relationships posed by AI
- A dark turn in the porn addiction epidemic
- AI's incentives toward laziness and plagiarism, including for those in ministry
With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
The role of women in the church has long been a debated topic. This week we take on the big issues like women preachers and what prominent women in the Bible teach us, along with a number of practical questions, including:
- Non-speaking roles in worship
- "Children's minister" and other titles
- Church internships
- Ladies Days
With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
See focuspress.org for more!
This week we take on one of the Bible's most philosophically challenging questions: how much free will do we actually have? Topics include:- Where do we fall on the spectrum of determinism, middle knowledge, or open theism?- Did Pharaoh have a choice when he was "hardened by God?"- What about when God allowed a "deceiving influence" to do His work?- Were key players like John the Baptist and Judas effectively forced to help God accomplish His will?- What are the limits of free will?With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
The guys take a look at Calvinism and the big questions it presents, including:- The 5 points of Calvinism (TULIP)- Whether man has a sin nature- Which system is more consistent with God's character- Calvinism's weakest pointWith Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
This week we take on the difficult but important topic of suicide.
Topics include:
- Why the rate is so much higher among males than females
- How the mental health industry often doesn't help and sometimes makes the problem worse
- Why faith is the answer... but also why it's not as simple as that
- Questions like is suicide a sin, and does it bring automatic condemnation?
With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
Some people are big on chasing goals and resolutions. Others aren't.
Does it matter? Do Christians have a duty to aim to grow year over year?
Topics include:
- Why aimlessness makes us the 1 talent man of Matthew 25
- How do we balance contentment with what we have in life without becoming complacent?
- How to make plans without assuming we know what tomorrow holds (see James 4)
- All of the things and people depending on your growth
- Tips and resources for sustained growth
With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
We respond to listener questions, including:
- Does the church of Christ have a cult of personality problem?
- Why should I stay in the church of Christ?
- What's the biggest challenge facing congregations in 2024?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of small groups?
- What should we make of the decline of evening services? And is extended AM worship a positive change?
- Can Christians join others' religious celebrations to "become all things to all men?"
- Where is the line between righteous judgment and being judgmental?
- When do we go from being a person who sins to being a sinner?
- Is the Bible anti-democracy?
With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
In the churches of Christ congregations are autonomous... to a point. Deciding when a line has been crossed and others have become beyond fellowship is a delicate but critical matter.
Topics include:
- The tendencies of progressivism and hyperconservatism
- Being open to one another without becoming compromised
- Being exclusive without being exclusionary
- Whether there's a difference between salvation issues and fellowship issues
- Are churches supposed to "police" one another?
With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
There are many things the Bible does not discuss. There are also plenty of things it discusses briefly or vaguely without giving a firm answer as to what we should do. How do we handle those matters? Romans 14 shows us.
We discuss:
- The role of the weaker brother and stronger brother
- The "tyranny of the weaker brother" vs. the laxness of those who may think themselves strong
- How God expects us to use our wisdom
- What elders can and can't bind
- Specifics like religious holidays, entertainment choices, boycotts, clothes, and more
Hosted by Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
How we dress for worship has been a hot topic on social media recently. We discuss the controversial meme that started it all and give our takes on the matter of church clothes from a number of angles, including:
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Is it only a matter of where a person's heart is?
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James 2 and preferential treatment
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Why do we dress differently on Wednesday night?
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What the Old Testament teaches us
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Should we avoid making visitors uncomfortable?
Join us on Focus+ for the exclusive Deep End episode each week! focuspress.org/plus
With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
We discuss what the church may look like in 10 years and what needs to change. Topics include:
- Why the status quo can't be maintained
- The single biggest issue we're facing
- How we've failed at training leaders
- The place of doctrine in the coming years
- How the family and the home are key to a better future
and more!
With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
Join us on Focus+ at focuspress.org/plus to get access to the Deep End bonus segments, our Revelation class, and plenty more!
We celebrate our 100th episode with a "Get to know your hosts" series of questions. Topics cover a wide range, including:
- Bible questions
- Church matters
- Personal goals
- Food, sports, and culture takes
- The past and future of the podcast, and more!
With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
We continue our 2-part series on sexuality with a look at how proper masculinity and femininity aid the married couple's sexual relationship, and how misplaced gender roles hurt it.
We also share advice for the unmarried, young marrieds, and beyond.
With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
Sex used to be a taboo topic in both the church and the culture. But when the culture started talking about it in all the wrong ways, we didn't rise to meet the challenge.We discuss:- The two ditches the culture has created for us, and how we fall into both- What the Bible has to say on the matter, particularly in the Song of Solomon- Answering the specific questions that rarely get discussedThis is a mature discussion, so we advise not listening in the company of children.With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
Paganism has seen rapid growth in recent years, with people giving up Christianity and even atheism to worship "gods" like Thor, Odin, and Zeus. TikTok is especially driving this trend among young people.
We may be a few years away from these religions posing a major opposition to the church. So, what do Christians need to know about them? We discuss this and more, including:
- What do modern pagans even do?
- Pagan gods in the Bible and their role in Christian history
- What role did Harry Potter, Marvel movies, and popular media play?
- How can the church learn from this movement and improve our shortcomings?
With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
Many operate with the belief that Israel remains God's chosen people. This drives both their current politics and their expectations for how the world will end.
In fact, dispensational premillennialism may be the foremost view of the end times in evangelicalism today. This week we examine that belief.
Topics include:
- The history of these beliefs, and why you should be wary of your study Bible
- Israel's place in history, and the future
- Differing views of which Bible prophecies are yet to happen
- How difficult texts like Daniel 9 and Romans 11 factor into differing viewpoints
With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
Everybody who's ever lived wants to know what happens after we die. Though the Bible does not lay out a full description of how things will be, it does give us a number of glimpses.
This week's episode examines those and explores a number of questions about the afterlife, including:
- What is the difference between Hell and Hades, and what is Sheol?
- Do we go to heaven when we die, or a place of waiting?
- If we're already sorted into places of rest and torment, what is the point of Judgment Day?
- Will we exist physically in eternity, or spiritually?
- What does "eternal life" actually mean?
Join us on focuspress.org/plus to submit questions for the Deep End segment.
To support the show, go to focuspress.org/donate
We look at popular memes and shareable quips from social media and examine their Biblical accuracy, including:- "God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers"- "You don't have a soul, you are a soul. You have a body."- Heaven gained another angel."and morePlus, a discussion on maintaining reverence in our humor, and on the Christian's use of social media.
We live in a culture obsessed with self-love and self-care. In this week's episode, we discuss: are these practices selfish, or should Christians engage in them?
Topics include:
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How modern innovations have created mental health problems
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If Jesus practiced self-care
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Where "Jesus, Others, Yourself" often goes wrong
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Does "Love your neighbor as yourself" require us to develop self-love?
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How therapeutic terminology gets corrupted to legitimize bad habits
We conclude our brief series on money with a look at the claim that Jesus was a socialist.Topics include:- Did the early church practice socialism in Acts 2 and Acts 4?- Is it true that socialism is "a good idea on paper?"- Shouldn't the Christian advocate for everyone to have healthcare, shelter, etc.?Don't forget to check out the books going up for pre-order at focuspress.org/shop
Money is one of the most misunderstood topics of the Christian life.
This week we try to cut through the confusion on a number of topics, including:
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Is it wrong to desire to make good money?
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Where is the balance between preparing like the Proverbs vs. the vice of building bigger barns (Luke 12)?
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Gambling
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Is Dave Ramsey right?
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Do we need to tithe?
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What should churches do with their excess contributions?
Join us on Focus+ to contribute comments and questions for our weekly Deep End bonus segment! focuspress.org/plus
We discuss the "Nice Guy" issue plaguing modern masculinity and why it subverts everything God intended for men to be.
Topics include:
- Why "Nice Guys" are unsuited to lead their home and make everyone miserable
- The reason "bad boys" like Andrew Tate are popular
- "Nice Guys" in positions of political power
- "Nice Guys" vs. True masculinity in the Bible
- How "Nice Guys" in church leadership slowly choke the life out of the congregation
- The role of women in raising and encouraging "Nice Guyism" in men
Join us on Focus+ to submit comments and questions for our Deep End segment that releases each Friday! focuspress.org/plus
We conclude our brief series on evangelical trends with a look at:
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The "Radical" discipleship of Francis Chan and David Platt
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What to take from the Duggars and Bill Gothard's representations of patriarchy and homeschooling
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What happened when Josh Harris kissed dating goodbye and what became of all those "True Love Waits" promise rings
We start a two part series on evangelical trends of the last 50 years, this week focusing on the rise of megachurch/seeker sensitive churches, plus the "Emerging Church" of the early 2000s. Topics include:
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Where "Relationship over Religion" came from and why it's wrong
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How the biggest churches of the 80s and 90s set us up for the decline we're seeing today
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What ever happened to the "Emerging church" and its anti-building, anti-rules emphasis?
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Where we see the influences of these movements in the churches of Christ
This week we discuss the church's long and storied "Cancel Culture," when Christians cut off relationships and silence brethren over minor doctrinal disputes.
We cover:
- The wicked incentives of measuring our doctrinal purity by others
- Why we should be careful with terms like "false teacher" and "false doctrine"
- How "Do not judge lest you be judged" comes into play
- When to draw the line, and how to do it in love
Join us on Focus+ to get access to the Deep End bonus episode every week, along with other exclusive content that goes up daily Monday-Friday! focuspress.org/plus
We take on a subscriber suggestion to reexamine the ways we do worship and see how they could be more effective. Topics include:
- How can we bring more passion to our song service without making it a performance?
- Can the Lord's Supper be made more communal?
- Are there "5 acts of worship?"
- Is the invitation Biblical?
Join us on Focus+ where you'll get access to the video episodes of Think Deeper along with a weekly Deep End episode where we respond to comments and questions. focuspress.org/plus
Aliens and UFOs have long been a fringe interest in our society - that is, until very recently. With government officials claiming encounters with UFOs and maybe even aliens themselves, suddenly the issue is being taken much more seriously.
What are Christians to make of this?
Do aliens exist? And if so, what would that mean for the Christian faith? Is it all one big hoax, created to distract us from some other more pressing news?
Or, is it all very real, but not what we think?
Join us for the strangest episode of Think Deeper yet.
This week we share our Top 5 Favorite Bible books and debate each others' lists.
We finish with a discussion of what might be the Top 5 Most Important or Impactful books in the Bible.
We'd love to read what's on your lists! Leave a comment on Focus+, our FB page, or the YouTube video.
This week we look at alleged Bible contradictions, including some tough questions like:
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Did God tempt Abraham, contradicting James 1:13?
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Moses talked with God face to face, why does John 1:18 say no one has seen God?
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Was God dishonest in dealing with Ahab and the prophet Micaiah?
We answer these and more!
Don't forget to check out our 25% off summer sale at focuspress.org/shop
One of the biggest attacks on the Christian faith today is aimed at the Bible's reliability. The culture insists we should see the Word as nothing more than a flawed collection of folk tales.
We discuss why you can have full confidence in your Bible, along with:
- Scientific proofs
- Prophetic and historic accuracy
- Plus, a discussion on how to properly use apologetics, as sword or shield
We've lost all understanding of what it means to be a kid, an adult, and an elderly person.
Kids are rushed into adulthood by being confronted with serious issues and being allowed to make all kinds of decisions for themselves. Adults want to get to their 20s and stay there as long as possible. And nobody wants to be old.
But God has given us blessings and responsibilities in each of these phases in life. Sadly, too many Christians have been discipled by the culture and don't have His view of how to be who they're supposed to be today.
This week, we discuss how to develop and live out a proper understanding of every situation in life.
We talk about the status quo of church membership, a "choose your own adventure" approach.
If people want to be highly active and involved, they can be. And if they want to barely take part, we encourage them to do more and hope they step up... but we know most never will.
Was it supposed to be this way?
If not, what can we do about it?
We examine the role of the preacher, including questions like:
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How do we strike the balance between the over-powered pastor role and the "employee of the church" views so prevalent today?
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Are there qualifications for preachers?
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Was the work of the preacher a short-term, first-century role that should no longer be practiced?
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Do preachers have any authority?
With today being Juneteenth, the most recently-minted federal holiday, we discuss racial division in the church and society.
Topics include:
- What unity would take
- What racism is, and what it isn't
- When colorblindness helps, and when it doesn't
- Whether natural affinities and affections should be avoided
We explore all kinds of questions and topics regarding substances, including:
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Was Biblical wine alcoholic?
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Is there a difference between private and social drinking?
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What about tobacco and vaping?
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Is marijuana "better than alcohol?"
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What about microdosing and psychoactive substances?
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What do we need to know about the opioid crisis?
and more
Join us on Focus+ to get access to the Deep End, our exclusive member Q+A podcast each Friday!
Visit focuspress.org/plus for more
The rainbows are out in full force once again.
We discuss the LGBT's not-so-subtle moves toward sexualizing children, what parents can do, and how boycotts are often misunderstood and misapplied.
Join us on Focus+ to get access to the weekyl Deep End bonus podcast, along with all kinds of other exclusives! focuspress.org/plus
This week we conclude our series on relationships with a look at navigating the difficult times. God told us to bear with one another, but what does that look like?
In practical terms, what can we do to work through difficult relationships without giving up on them or sealing ourselves off from people?
Topics include:
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How to handle it when someone's wronged you
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What to do when someone's in sin
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Congregational rifts
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Interpersonal strife
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What to do with the people you just don't click with
Join us on Focus+ to get access to the Deep End, where we'll go a little deeper and answer subscriber comments and questions! Visit focuspress.org/plus for info
We continue our series on loneliness and relationships with a look at the differences between male friendships and female friendships, and the keys and pitfalls to each.
Since God wired the two sexes so differently, the ways we relate to each other will also differ greatly. The attributes God gave us as strengths are also the very attributes Satan seeks to twist to sow discord and drive us into isolation.
Join us as we discuss the keys and pitfalls of friendships between men, and the keys and pitfalls of friendships between women.
Don't forget to check out Focus+, where you'll get exclusive access to The Deep End, our members-only extended segment! focuspress.org/plus
All this technology was supposed to make us more connected than ever, but instead we're a culture more lonely and separated than perhaps any in human history.
So many people have no one to talk to, no one to share life with, no one to encourage them. The church should have the answer for this problem, but in too many cases it's very hard to go beyond the surface level with each other.
In this episode we discuss the scope of the problem of loneliness, the challenges involved, and solutions we can all pursue.
Join us as we begin a brief arc on relationships, one of the great needs of our day.
Another couple heading for divorce.
Another case of adultery.
Another husband caught up in porn.
Another preacher hauled off to jail for sexual sin.
As we've kept hearing account after account over the last few years, it's hard to come to a conclusion other than this: the church has a growing marriage crisis.
This week we discuss the scope of the problem, some of the causes behind it, and what can be done to prevent the next case failed marriage.
Be sure to join us on Focus+ to get access to The Deep End, our member-exclusive segment of Think Deeper.
Go to focuspress.org/plus for signup information.
This week we look at a popular trend in the world of social media - gentle parenting.
We discuss what it gets right, including accurate critiques of previous parenting methods, along with how it has over-corrected.
Topics include
- An "in their own words" breakdown of advice from gentle parenting advocates
- Oft-neglected wisdom from the Proverbs
- Whether spanking is Biblical, and its role in the home
Be sure to join us on Focus+ to discuss the episode and give feedback and questions for the members-only "Deep End" episode!
focuspress.org/plus
One of the primary ways people change Christianity to their own desires is by pitting Jesus against the things they want to discredit. For example, some say Jesus was opposed to how God operated in the Old Testament, others say Jesus would disagree with Paul, and so forth.This week we examine 6 of these fake enemies of Jesus and how they're used to give cover for false doctrines.Don't forget to check out Focus+ at focuspress.org/plus!Launches May 1
We conclude our look at the church's leadership crisis with an examination of how we've totally misunderstood the role of church leader.We discuss: - What "above reproach" means- Why men should desire to be elders- What we can learn from the Bible's shepherd analogy of leadership- How church leaders create a culture- What to do if your church's elders are weak or unqualified
Why has the church declined so much in recent decades? Why are we met with constant news of church closings, church splits, and church compromise?In a word, leadership. Many congregations cannot even produce two men who are qualified as elders. In this episode we discuss:- The nature and scope of the leadership crisis- How "bad sheep" are compounding the problem- The leadership God is looking for- The Biblical qualifications of elders
The line between kid and adult has been blurred beyond all recognition. There are no firm expectations set for how and when a teen is to grow out of childhood and into adulthood.This has enormous societal consequences, and the church is not immune to such consequences.In this episode we discuss:- Why adolescence has grown so extended- The war on childhood and the war on adulthood- The problem of low expectations- Privileges and responsibilitiesand more.
We spend a lot of time talking about ways the church can grow and improve.But what do the churches of Christ do well? In seeking to improve, what building blocks are in place for us to "excel still more?"In this episode we offer our list of 5 ways the churches of Christ are excelling.Join the conversation on our Facebook page or YouTube channel!
Every day seems to bring more bad news - bank collapses, concerns over Russia, inflation, rampant sexual immorality, etc. As Christians, we know we should be hopeful, but sometimes it feels foolish to be optimistic about the future. Yeah, we know eternity will be great - but what about now? In this episode we discuss why Christians can have a positive outlook for the here in now even without denying the reality of the challenges we face.
We weigh in on the suddenly white-hot debate: does God care if Christians choose marriage or singleness?Should one be taught as a priority over the other?Should the church encourage young people one way or the other?We answer these questions and more.And, beyond the specific topic of marriage and singleness, the debate offers the opportunity to examine common mistakes of Bible interpretation.
What happens when you read, pray, attend, and do everything you know how only to feel God is impossibly distant? What do we do we know God is real on a conceptual level, but struggle to connect with Him on a relational level? We discuss these questions and more in a unique, free-ranging episode.
In our 2nd Q&A episode, the ‘Deep Thinkers’ hit us with some incredibly hard questions yet again.- What do we make of church innovations? Examples include children's church, online giving, mic'd singers, and more- Can (or should) a Christian serve more than one church?- Are wives and mothers meant to work in the home?And plenty more!
Evangelism... it's that thing we know we're supposed to do, but it's difficult. It's uncomfortable. Where do we even start?This week we look at some of the challenges and excuses along with some tips and tactics before rolling out the Think Deeper Evangelism Challenge!We hope you'll join us in this challenge and pray that God would bring much fruit from it.
Entertainment is a part of life, but our rapidly declining culture makes it difficult for Christians to determine what to watch and listen to. Sexual content, violence, and language in particular give us much to wade through when determining where our line should be.Though the Bible gives us principles on the matter, there are few verses that can be applied directly. In this case, we have to use our wisdom and discernment when attempting to determine what we should and should not take in.Join us for a discussion of the black, white, and gray areas of our entertainment choices as we "strive to learn what is pleasing to the Lord."
As a follow-up to the previous episode on faith deconstruction stories, the guys look back on their upbringing to consider the biggest factors that led to their continued faithfulness.Focusing on the decisions their parents made to create Christian homes, they share the 10 they believe were most impactful in why they remain Christians today.Don't forget to head to the Think Deeper Facebook Page to let us know where you listen from! So far we've filled in 22 states and 1 Canadian province!
"Deconstruction" has become a buzzword as countless people share their stories of questioning their faith and, in many cases, walking away.What does the Bible teach us about deconstruction?What can we learn from these stories?In what ways can the church adapt and do better?In what ways should the church refuse to budge?We discuss all these and more in this week's Think Deeper!Tune in next week for our discussion of how to help one another remain in the faith.
There are many bad ideas out there about the role of emotions in our lives.Some put too much stock in them, letting themselves be carried away by how they feel in any given moment.Others try to shut them out and deny that God gave us these emotions for a reason. This week we look at the emotions we all deal with daily, like anger, fear, sadness, and worry and discuss the Biblical vs. unbiblical way to respond to them.
For a number of years, dating was the unquestioned way to find a potential spouse. 20-30 years ago people started questioning what dating had become, though, and pushed a return to the more traditional method of courtship.With a growing sample size to observe, along with their personal experience, the guys look at the critiques courtship got right and those that were an overcorrection along with what the best way forward might be.This discussion isn't just for teens and singles, as parents, grandparents, and church leaders also need to be aware of how best to encourage the development of Christian marriages.
Arguably the biggest hindrances to our sanctification are the "little," common, everyday sins we can all commit but pay little attention to. This week we give our list of 5 extremely common sins that can creep into our lives without notice. We want to hear from you! Once you've heard our list, comment on our Facebook Page or YouTube channel with which one you think is the biggest challenge for Christians today, and why.
This week we take a look at where things stand in the church today, how we got here, and what it's going to take to reverse the trends in places where we're falling short. We offer a blueprint for the way forward with practical tips for older members, young men, and young women.-----Don't forget to check out The Godly Young Men Podcast, launching January 3!Joe and Will we be bringing new episodes each week, available on your podcast app or on the Focus Press YouTube channel.
A merry, light-hearted final episode of 2022- Over/under/properly rated hymns- Choose This or That, Bible edition- Hot Takes with... Everybody!Plus, year end recap including favorite episodes and funny stories
The Deep Thinkers strike back!In our first Q&A episode we answer your questions on a wide range of topics, including: - When can women speak in church gatherings, and in what ways?- Is Paul's teaching on head coverings in 1 Corinthians 11 applicable today?- If someone is unwilling to repent, is a Christian required to forgive Him?- 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 says each spouse's body belongs to the other. To what degree does this apply? To submit your questions for our next Q&A episode, send them to our Facebook page or to jack@focuspress.org
Dr. Kerry Williams joins the show to help us decipher this challenging listener-requested topic - what does the Bible teach about angels, demons, and the spiritual realm?Topics include:- Were the Old Testament pagan gods just blocks of wood, or something more?- Theories on the Nephilim of Genesis 6- What is the practical importance of understanding these matters?------Dr. Kerry WIlliams is the Dean of Graduate Studies at Sunset International Bible Institute and the Director of the Tahoe Family Encampment. He also hosts the Daily Spiritual Startups Podcast.You can find his books at kerrywaynewilliams.com.
Some Christians celebrate Christmas religiously as a celebration of Jesus' birth, citing the importance of His appearance and the rare occasion of the culture acknowledging Christianity.Others celebrate as a strictly non-religious holiday, noting that Jesus was almost certainly not born on 12/25 and the Bible does not speak on the matter.Others eschew celebration altogether, each for varying reasons. In this episode:- What are the pros and cons of each belief system?- What is the difference in application between the family and the entire church?- How are churches to navigate differing opinions on the matter?
From day one, every married couple makes decisions about reproduction and contraception. Sadly, most have no idea that God has much to say on the matter.
In this episode Dr. Brad Harrub returns to break down the medical ethics and Biblical considerations surrounding these topics, including "the pill," IUDs, In-Vitro Fertilization, and the decision many are making to forego children altogether.
Dr. Brad Harrub joins the show to continue the series on Christian sexuality.
This week's episode focuses on the different perspectives and desires men and women bring into the bedroom and how they can deepen their relationship by serving each other.
We know all the things we AREN'T supposed to do... but in many cases the church's teaching about sexuality stops there. Young people are left in the dark, and married couples misunderstand God's intended purpose for sex.
Topics include: - Why God made sex, and what it does for married couples - What the Bible says on the matter, and why we often shy away from it - Why the world's sexuality is so disastrous - What churches and parents should be teaching young people
Unfortunately many Christians dry off from the waters of baptism and are never shown the next steps to take on their lifelong journey of growth.
“Read your Bible, pray, go to church every time the doors are open” are all great tips… but nobody ever came to spiritual maturity by just doing the basics.
In this episode we share 7 tools you can use to enhance your growth.
With a crucial midterm election facing the country, we examine the Christian's relationship with politics. Many believe we shouldn't be political at all. Others believe a Christian's vote is their own business and whoever and whatever you choose to support is fine.
We examine these ideas and more, including.
- What principles should govern our political engagement?
- Are Christians guilty of "trusting in princes" (Psalm 146:3)when they endorse candidates?
- Why Jack and Joe have changed their minds on voting
- Should Christians avoid earthly power and influence?
- Can we vote for candidates with questionable character?
The guys engage in a lively debate about Halloween.
As occultists celebrate the day, should Christians avoid it? What about the aesthetics of blood, death, and ghouls?
They also touch on horror movies and the Biblical principles we should keep in mind when choosing what to watch.
Jack and Joe trade notes on how ministers can serve their members, how elders can help set ministers up for success and guard their flock, and how members can find growth by communicating with their leadership.
"Honor your father and mother" - it's a commandment you hear a lot as a kid, but after that we often fail to give it much thought.
Maybe it's time to revisit it. In this episode we talk about the far-reaching consequences of our neglect in this area. Topics include:
- Why God commanded those who cursed their parents to be stoned
- How our society teaches us to hate our parents
- Honoring difficult parents in your adulthood
- Reaching out to adult children who have distanced themselves
We share our rankings of what we think are some of the most challenging commands God has given us in His Word.
Far from complaining about their difficulty, we want this to be an appreciation of the holiness God has called us to and a chance to humble ourselves in recognition of just how much we need His grace and strength.
So... what commands might you put on the list?
Many seem to believe that work is a necessary evil, something we have to get through on our way to enjoying our "real life" of weekends, vacations, and retirement. The Bible doesn't see it that way. Work was part of God's purpose for man's life from the very beginning, and rightly ordered it can bring us much joy.
In this episode we discuss: - Why laziness and carelessness are unbecoming of Christians - How a "chase your dreams" career approach causes trouble - Why poverty isn't inherently more pious - Avoiding the idolization of work and money
Some Christians claim Jesus explicitly told us to prepare ourselves for self-defense. Other Christians claim Jesus expressly prohibited us from doing so. How can there be such a wide chasm of opinions on this matter? And what does the Bible really say? We discuss in this episode.
Topics include:
- How both sides of the debate often misunderstand Jesus
- What the Old Testament teaches us on the matter
- Situations such as home intrusions, active shooters in the church building, war, and the like
Every Christian knows they are to pray, study the Word, attend worship, and so on. But many Christian families don't know that God expects them to come together in the home to spend time in teaching, worship, and prayer.
This week we discuss the what, why, and how of family worship, including:
- Why Christian families should view family devotionals as a non-negotiable part of their schedule
- What Deuteronomy 6 and Proverbs 22:6 teach us about God's expectations and promises for parents - How to find time in a busy schedule - Practical tips and tools for developing a family worship habit in your home, including Will's brand new Family Worship Guide available at focuspress.org!
Many Christians place little importance on the physical world, including our bodies, concluding that such things don't matter because "it's all gonna burn anyway!"
That's not how God sees the matter, though. In this week's episode we discuss why it's important for Christians to strive to be healthy. Topics include:
- Why the "it's all going to burn" mindset distorts the Scriptures
- How our physical appearance confirms or detracts from the truths we seek to proclaim
- Practical tips that have helped us live more healthily
This week we take a look at Critical Race Theory (CRT) and why it does not fit with the Gospel
What CRT is and how it came to be - The abominable fruit CRT is bearing in society - Why this new approach to race is anti-Gospel - What churches can do to push back on CRT and uphold healthy racial unity
Everybody has a worldview, but not everybody knows what worldview they hold. For Christians, it's imperative that we understand the world God's way, using the Bible as our guide.
But how can we do that? And how can we know if we're employing a Biblical worldview? It's as simple as checking your pockets, actually. We explain in this episode.
Music: “Focus” by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)
This week we entertain an intriguing hypothetical: if you were involved in helping plant a new congregation, what 3 non-essential practices would you change?
We give our answers in 3 categories: - Worship and the assembly - Fellowship and study time - Leadership
Music: "Focus" by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)
Everybody talks about having a "church family," but do we act like we really believe it's a family?
In episode 3 of our Church Reset series, we discuss what it would look like to truly act as a family in the way God intended, including:
- Why consumer Christianity fails to produce family-like churches
- Examining the "one anothers"
- Practical ways we can build stronger fellowship
- The 3 types of fellowship, and which one we need the most
Music: “Focus” by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)
How do we break out of the consumeristic church structure that rules the day?
It starts with revisiting perhaps the most widely misunderstood text in the entire Bible - the Great Commission. This week we discuss how we've gotten it wrong, and why getting it right is essential to become the church God intended us to be.
Our 4 part "Church Reset" series begins with a look at consumer Christianity.
- Why a business-like view of the church creates weak, shallow Christians
- What Jesus would do with today's church growth strategies
- How to be a true Christian rather than just a church customer
- How church leaders can stop creating customers and start creating disciples
God has established hierarchy throughout creation, in nations, churches, and the home. However, in our day of independence and individualism, we don't often take kindly to being told what to do. God created these structures in His infinite wisdom, we're going to come to terms with that word we view so negatively: "submit."
Topics include: - Why the 4 different offices are more similar than we think - The problem with "servant leadership" - The privileges and burdens of leadership - When to submit, and when to resist
Music: “Focus” by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)
Cary Gillis joins the show this week to discuss the challenges and blessings of Christian singleness. Topics include:
- 2 Biblical forms of singleness, and 1 popular unbiblical form
- Principles to keep in mind when making your "list" of qualities desired in a potential spouse
- Why singles are the church's "secret weapon"
- How the church can help singles feel valued as part of the family rather than second-class citizens segregated to their own corner
Cary Gillis is the newly announced director of Latin American Missions and minister of foreign evangelism with the Forrest Park church of Christ in Valdosta, GA.
This week we celebrate Independence Day with a look at patriotism.
- Should Christians be patriotic?
- How patriotism can go wrong
- Why patriotism and love of country is about rights rather than duties
- "This World Is Not My Home," or "This Is My Father's World" - which one?
"Love God," "Love your neighbor," the 10 Commandments, and others get a lot of the attention of Christians. But there are some significant Biblical commands that fly under the radar at best and go almost completely ignored at worst. In this episode we examine 6 commands that often get forgotten but deserve our attention.
Music: “Focus” by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)
Jesus calls us to be compassionate, to put others first, and to love our neighbors.
However, Satan knows he can use these good commands to his advantage among good-hearted Christians who lack discernment.
This week we look at how progressive ideas gain a foothold by turning honest, good hearts into pawns for their ideology.
This week we take a look at the issue of modesty. There's a strong push these days to silence discussion of the matter as unimportant or up for personal interpretation. We explain why we disagree, along with:
- Why it's important to discuss
- Whether the Bible gives us a standard for modesty
- How everybody agrees on modesty, to a point
- Why men's lust and women's immodesty are related... and why they aren't
Music: "Focus" by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)
Exactly how bad is it?
This week Jack, Joe, and Will break down what you need to know about the state of public schools and what you can do to protect your kids' souls. They also answer objections that might arise and offer a challenge for parents to take up.
Check out "Failure: What Christian Parents Need to Know About American Education" on the Focus Press store
Music: "Focus" by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)
There are plenty of incorrect ideas surrounding the issue of baptism. This week, we set out to debunk popular myths about baptism - including those believed by those who are staunchly pro-baptism. __________________________ Music: “Focus” by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)
Pornography addiction may well be the #1 sin facing Christians today... and yet in many cases little to nothing is being done about it.
This week we discuss the statistics, the causes, the solutions, and the Gospel message the church needs to grasp in order to fight this battle.
For more, subscribe to the Focus Press YouTube channel.
With the internet being such a large part of our lives, it's vital that Christians know how our faith shapes our time spent online. We discuss:
- Should we engage in controversial topics and debates online, or steer clear?
- Are satire and memes unbecoming for Christians?
- How do we keep ourselves and our families safe from harmful content?
- How do we handle the tech addiction that cuts us off from the people around us?
Summertime often brings about some of the greatest highs and lows of the Christian life. Camps, VBS, and other church events can bring a feeling of strength and energy. On the other hand, vacations and other plans can disrupt our devotional and fellowship routines.
In this episode we discuss how to contextualize the highs so they don't create unrealistic expectations, and how to remain steady through the lows and temptations.
Most of the biggest issues within the church all find their root in one common problem: a "check the box" mentality among Christians.
This week the guys discuss what the "check the box" mentality is, how it manifests itself in the church, and how a proper understanding of the Gospel puts us back on the right track.
Music: “Focus” by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)
This week the guys weigh in on Sunday night worship.
- In the aftermath of Covid, what have we learned about Sunday nights?
- Do Christians really need to attend?
- Can churches make better use of the time?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and be sure to subscribe to the Focus Press YouTube channel for all the latest!
This week Dr. Denny Petrillo of Bear Valley Bible Institute joins the show for a wide-ranging discussion on all things Bible study, including:
- Greek tools anyone can use
- How to grow from reading into studying
- What "exegesis" is and why it's so important
- Which Bible versions are best for study
There's something in the episode for everyone - from new Bible students to those who have studied for years. ___ Dr. Denny Petrillo is the President of Bear Valley Bible Institute International and one of the premier Bible scholars in the churches of Christ today. He holds a B.A. in Bible (Harding University), M.A. in New Testament (Harding Graduate School of Religion), and a Ph.D. in Religious Adult Education (University of Nebraska).
__
Music: "Focus" by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus
With the rise of transgenderism, Christians face tough questions about how to navigate the changing world.
One such question: what do we do when a male or female rejects their created sex and insists on being called by a new name and by their own chosen pronouns?
What is a Christian to do when their job mandates compliance with transgender people's new chosen identities? Can we be both truthful and loving?
We tackle these questions and more in this week's Think Fast.
Be sure to catch the 4/18 Think Deeper podcast episode on LGBT issues for more.
In this episode of Think Fast, the guys debate the practice of going to prom. Is it a harmless rite of passage, or do the dangers and temptations involved put it into the realm of playing with fire?
Our series on gender concludes with an examination of the confusion surrounding gender in the LGBT movement. As transgenderism gains wider acceptance, how can Christians combat the arguments being thrown at us? How can we protect our kids from the confusion that is rampant in their generation?
As Disney continues to make it clear that their values are anti-God and anti-family, what should Christians do? Are boycotts a tool Christians should use? If so, when is the proper time to use them?
The guys discuss these questions and more in the inaugural episode of Think Fast.
For video, subscribe to our YouTube channel where we'll be uploading our Think Fast episodes!
The series on gender and gender roles continues with a look at marriage and the myths and bad advice that set us on the wrong path. The church must hold marriage in high honor and celebrate it as a beautiful gift from our God, but too often we accept the world's view of marriage and pass that on to young couples.
Music: "Focus" by A.A. Aalto - Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)
Feminism's influence runs deep in our day, making it difficult for us to discern what God's design for women should look like.
This week the guys examine the Bible's teachings on the design of women, their strengths, their weaknesses, and how our culture has missed the mark.
The world clearly has no idea what a man is, nor what a woman is. But do Christians know? Can we articulate the differences? Can we explain the strengths and weaknesses God gave to men, and why they matter?
In this episode the guys discuss the common stereotypes of harmful masculinity before contrasting them with the role for which God created men.
Misuse of Bible verses is rampant in today's world. In this episode the guys list their top 5 most misused verses, while also giving principles for study and interpretation to understand the Bible better and avoid misusing the Word.
A rapidly changing world means new challenges for the church to navigate. This week the guys share their lists of what they see as the top 3 challenges facing the church in 2022.
Many Christians struggle with feeling assured of their salvation.
It often seems as though we overreacted to "once saved, always saved" by running to "once saved, barely saved."
In this week's episode:
- Addressing "I hope I've done enough" and other misunderstandings of God's grace
- The proper place of works and fruit in the Christian life
- How you can know you are saved
The youth dropout rate in Christianity remains high. Is youth ministry helping, or is it hurting? In this week's episode: - What we should expect of young people - The pie chart of responsibility for a teenager's soul - How teens can contribute
This week co-host and licensed therapist Joe Wilkie takes the show through an examination of mental health from a Biblical perspective
Topics discussed include:
- What good mental health looks like
- Whether self-love and self-care are helpful or hurtful
- How the church can help (or hinder) people's struggles
We couldn't possibly have prepared ourselves for the upheaval covid and the response to it has brought to our lives and our churches. It's been a difficult time for all of us.
However, it would be a mistake to move on without reviewing what was done well and what could have been done better.
This week the guys share 3 lessons they've each learned over the last 2 years.
Two years into Covid, death has been brought to our attention far more than we are accustomed to. We've also learned just how little work had been done to develop a Biblical theology of death among Christians.
Shouldn't we have a different view of death than those without eternal hope? How should we view death? Listen to this week's episode to find out.
This week we discuss the hotly debated issue of Christian nationalism, what Christians should expect of the government, and why it's important to fight for the proper definition of such terms.
This week the guys discuss how the Christian life can feel like a chore to many people, and how we can find the joy in it that God always intended for us
You've heard that the generations (Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Zoomers) are sworn enemies. Is it true? If so, what can we do to bring everyone together? How can the church bridge the gap relationally and stylistically as each generation pushes for their own way?
Join Jack, Joe, and Will this week as they continue their discussion of the importance of using each year to grow as a Christian.
Think Deeper is back for 2022! Jack Wilkie is joined by co-hosts Will Harrub and Joe Wilkie to discuss how we can make the most of the days God gives us this year and grow in our walk with Him.
Joe Wilkie joins the show for a broad-ranging look at the internet's massive role in the life of the modern Christian. We discuss screen addiction, pursuing real in a world of fake, helping kids discover the rules for online life, and more.
Joe Wilkie is a preacher and counselor in the Denver, CO area. He conducts seminars for congregations on the topic of confronting pornography addiction.
Author Michael Whitworth joins the show to discuss the book of Hebrews and his upcoming commentary, “The Son’s Supremacy.” We get in to why the book is so relevant to Christians despite its Old Testament, Jewish roots, what it means that Jesus is our High Priest, who Melchizedek was, and more.
Michael Whitworth is the author of several books, including the award-winning Epic of God and The Derision of Heaven commentaries on Genesis and Daniel, respectively. He preaches in the Florida panhandle and conducts “Teaching Rocket” seminars nationwide on building better Bible class programs.
Jon Rowe joins the show to help us demystify the challenging, sometimes scary, but all-important practice of evangelism.
Jon answers some common questions about sharing the Gospel, such as: - Are people still interested in the Gospel? - What are some ways we can break the ice? - How much do we need to know to start evangelizing?
This week Bob Turner joins the show to talk about church leadership. We discuss his new book "Essential," why leadership is lacking in many places, what Christians can under lackluster leadership, and how leaders can navigate and learn from the difficulties of the last year.
Dr. Bob Turner is the director of the Sunset Academy of Leadership Training (SALT). He travels around the country to work with elderships on how to better lead their congregation. He is also the author of the new book "Essential: Building Blocks 4 Life and Leadership" available at focuspress.org and Amazon.
Jack opens the summer season with a deep dive into Hebrews 10:25 and what we've learned about church attendance and assembling over the last year.
Music: “Focus” by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalt…nections/Focus)
We live in an age built on the individual. But has that produced good results, or evil? What implications does it have for the church and the home?
Music: “Focus” by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)
What if we traded a Christianity that is centered on individuals going to heaven for a Christianity that is centered on a group of people making the name of Christ known everywhere?
Music: "Focus" by A.A. Aalto (FreeMusicArchive)
Think Deeper returns with a deep dive on the upcoming election. Jack & Joe talk voting vs. not voting, how much the candidates' personal morality matters, and what we can do about the divided culture and how it's affecting the church.
Music: "Focus" by A.A. Aalto (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)
Dr. Brad Harrub shares a lesson about mental anxiety and ways to cope with all the new social isolation--especially in light of the new April 30th extension.
Joe Wilkie joins the show to give a therapist's take on managing anxiety during a stressful time.
Music: “Focus” by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalt…nections/Focus)
Dr. Brad Harrub joins Jack Wilkie to discuss how we can let our light shine in the time of the virus, social distancing, and economic strain.
Music: "Focus" by A.A. Aalto Free Music Archive (freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalt…nections/Focus)
Think Fast is back! Join Jack for a 10 minute talk on how John's gospel uses "eternal life" in a way we don't typically think of it.
Joe Wilkie joins the show to talk about Kanye West's turn toward Christianity. Topics include the album "Jesus Is King," responding with caution vs. skepticism, using the culture for evangelism, and mental health. Music: “Focus” by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalt…nections/Focus)
Jack and Brad return with part 2 of your questions on what Satan does today, how grace works, forsaking the assembly, and the age of the earth.
Dr. Brad Harrub joins Jack to answer some listener questions. Covered in part 1: - How can Christians be salt and light in response to shootings? - Are Christian universities worth the cost? - Did God use more sin as punishment for sin? - Do miracles still happen? - What does the Holy Spirit do today?
Jack is back with another "Think Fast" to discuss how we talk about people on social media - millennials, Democrats, atheists, Muslims, and everybody else.
Intro/outro music: "Focus" by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive -(freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalt…nections/Focus)
Joe Wilkie stops in for a discussion on why humility is THE key to living the Christian life. We talk about how to attain humility, why the attitude matters in our walk with God, our relationships with others, and in our church life, and more.
Jack Wilkie brings the latest "Think Fast" message on Christians and pride month. What would we change about our culture, and what does that say about our biblical values?
In this week's Think Fast, Jack shares a devotional thought on 4 characteristics of God we can learn from the first 4 pages of the Bible.
Wayne Roberts joins Jack to discuss building stronger Christian marriages. He shares thoughts on what young couples need to know before going into marriage, what churches can do to help married couples, practical tips for husbands and wives to implement today, and more.
Intro/outro music: "Focus" by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive -(freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalt…nections/Focus)
On the first edition of our new "Think Fast" devotional series, Jack examines the commonly used phrase, "God gives His toughest battles to His strongest soldiers" through the eyes of Moses at the burning bush.
Dean Meadows joins Jack to talk about the fact-value split and how it explains all of the divisions we see in society today.
Music: "Focus" by A.A. Alto Free Music Archive http://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus
Dr. Brad Harrub joins Jack to answer some listener questions on:
- The King James only controversy
- How do I know God's will for my life?
- "Church of Christ" as a denominational term
- How do we teach young people deep truths in an age of short attention spans?
- What can churches do to combat racism and racial division?
Music: “Focus” by A. A. Aalto
Free Music Archive
(freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalt…nections/Focus)
Think magazine editor Edwin Jones joins Jack to share his thoughts on the Bible's "big picture," including
- What the big picture is
- Common ways we miss the big picture
- How baptized youth are often mis-taught
- What churches, families, and individuals can do to see the Bible more clearly
Music: “Focus” by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalt…nections/Focus)
Is there such a thing as toxic masculinity? Jack Wilkie is joined by Dr. Brad Harrub as they break down some of the recent headlines about men and boys and what Christian masculinity should look like.
Music: "Focus" by A. A. Aalto
Free Music Archive
(http://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)
On episode 3 of Think Deeper, Dr. Brad Harrub joins Jack Wilkie to talk about what it means to BE the church between the time we leave the church building on Sunday and when we come back the next week.
Intro music: “Focus” by A. A. Aalto (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)
Dr. Brad Harrub joins the show to talk about evangelism. Why is it difficult for us? How can we do it better? What needs to change in our approach?
On our inaugural episode, professional counselor Joe Wilkie joins the show to discuss transgenderism. He shares clinical insights into the issue, the statistics, tips for parents, and thoughts for how the church can be loving yet uncompromising.
Intro music: "Focus" by A. A. Aalto (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)