Fragments of Blue: Recent Episodes
Grace Schienbein & Laura Teeple
Grace and Laura answer a message from a listener who has been struggling with finding a group that are willing to delve deep into the Word of God. They discuss the change in culture that has made bible study much harder for many people.
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Grace and Laura introduce a discussion on Glory, both the noun and the verb. Why is it important we understand the biblical definition of glory and how does it affect our relationship with God.
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Laura shares a little about a recent experience that she found frustrating and painful as God said, "No" or "Not yet" to a particular thing she was seeking knowledge and understanding on. Grace and Laura discuss times when God tells us in his word that having certain knowledge, or attaining knowledge in certain ways may harm our relationship with him and/or others.
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By request, Grace and Laura talk about living out our faith in a secular workplace. Living according to our Christian convictions can sometimes feel quite lonely. How can we overcome this and find the courage to live as God calls us to in an environment wholly opposed to the values we hold?
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Grace and Laura discuss the difference between legalism and loving obedience. They touch on how this affects spiritual development within the church and how a lack of obedience is what actually leads non-believers to deride the church.
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Drawing "inspiration" from the Depp/Heard trial and the new documentary, What is a Woman, Grace and Laura chat about the power and significance of words, and the importance of agreed-upon definitions.
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Laura leads a discussion on the role of Christians in democratic politics. Why have many evangelic churches and church leaders shied away from engaging in political topics? How much should we engage?
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Grace and Laura discuss the state of Education in the West and its effect on the church.
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Grace and Laura discuss what makes prayer difficult for so many Christians and why overcoming the things that make it hard is so essential to our faith.
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Grace and Laura discuss the joys and frustrations of waiting as well as actions we can take that will help us enjoy times of waiting.
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Grace and Laura discuss the pervasiveness of transhumanism in our modern culture. Why is the movement gaining ground and how is it already affecting us today.
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Grace and Laura discuss what dualism is and how it affects the evangelical church.
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By popular request, Grace and Laura discuss mentorship and answer the questions: What should we look for in a mentor? What qualifications should we have if we want to mentor others? What does biblical mentorship look like?
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Grace and Laura discuss the link between Justice and Righteousness.
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Grace and Laura start Season 4 with another topic recommended by Laura's mom. Are younger generations losing the passion to praise with singing?
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Grace and Laura talk about what's known in Christian circles as "the root of all evil."
How do we know if we have fallen into the trap of "loving money." How do we avoid this kind of pitfall when our geographical place in the world puts us in the top 5% richest people, globally.
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What does it mean to be a carnal Christian? Isn't it an oxymoron? Grace and Laura chat about this and their own struggles with it.
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Throughout history, people have made and sacrificed to idols relating to health and wellbeing. Are we so different? Grace and Laura discuss ways in which health and wellbeing have become idols in the modern western world.
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Grace and Laura discuss how to discern the message of movies and media without having to consume the media itself.
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Grace and Laura talk about the importance of celebrating Christmas as a way of sharing the light with a world lost in darkness.
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Grace and Laura discuss the difference between expectancy and expectations and how they impact our faith.
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Is there a litmus test for faith, something 'decisively indicative' of what's in the heart? Grace and Laura discuss why we should know how to discern if someone is truly a follower of Christ.
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Grace and Laura discuss the importance of Immanuel - God taking on flesh, becoming one of us.
They conclude this podcast with a beautiful excerpt from Alpha Central's Youtube channel (Produced by Shift Worship ), in which a young preacher (in 1854) named Charles Spurgeon gave a Christmas Eve message based on Isaiah 7:14 & 15. The original video combines the original score with some animated drawings to illustrate the wonder of the ages, as we celebrate God With Us.
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Grace and Laura discuss the differences between docility and peace-making, as modelled for us by Jesus and his apostles.
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Grace and Laura talk about the paradox of the Christian faith that allows one to experience joy and sorrow simultaneously. What does it mean to be "sorrowful yet always rejoicing," as Scottish minister, Alexander Maclaren would say.
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Upon request! Grace and Laura are back with another episode on what has been inspiring them lately. Newsflash - there is more Austen, Lewis, and Tolkien, in the mix... But Alexander MacLaren and "the Incarnation" also make a cameo.
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Grace and Laura discuss what the bible has to say about identity and our natural selves.
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Grace and Laura discuss what persecution looks like in western nations, and how we must recognize persecution here for what it is so that we can stand up under it... and perhaps more importantly so that we avoid taking part in it.
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Grace and Laura talk about the dangers of (and their struggles with) idle and impertinent curiosity. What does the bible have to say about it?
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Grace and Laura chat about spiritual disciplines, both corporate (done together) and individual, with a special focus on fasting and solitude.
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Laura is in her element as she and Grace discuss the ways in which loftier things (such a "high art") teach us how to look more deeply at the loftier aspects of God, creating appetites for the better and fuller life that God has promised the Christian.
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Grace and Laura discuss the prevalence of idols and false religions in home decor, fashion trends, and the health and wellness industries. Why should we bother to gain any sort of knowledge in this area and how does it affect our lives and culture?
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Grace cajoles Laura into talking about a subject she really didn't want to talk about... Replacement Theology. Why on earth should you care about it? How does it affect you? What does the bible have to say about it... and why does the episode title reference olive branches? You'll have to listen to find out.
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Whether you care about it or not, the fashion industry has a big impact on our culture. Grace and Laura discuss why, as Christians, we should care about fashion.
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Grace and Laura talk about the lives of Jesus, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, King Saul, and the Apostle Paul to expand on the idea that our obedience is much more important to God than living up to our so-called, "potential".
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Did you realize that there are well-known preachers and churches that teach the Old Testament is basically obsolete since Christ's crucifixion and resurrection? Grace and Laura talk about this and why the Old Testament is still so important for us today.
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In our second episode in the series, "Why You Should Care About..." Laura makes the case for Romance. Can romance really make a difference to our Christian life?
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Laura is away at the moment, but Grace is here to read a little scripture and share a little story from George Snyman, founder of Hands at Work in Africa.
George has so many stories like Meshach's* and is so inspirational. You can hear him for yourself in the Hands at Work in Africa YouTube Channel, or by downloading the Hands at Work app.
*Some names have been changed
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At the beginning of their short series; "Why You Should Care About..."
Grace and Laura talk about the importance of poetry in Scripture, and why it should matter to us today.
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In the Season Three opener Grace and Laura talk about the wisdom that can only be gleaned with time and experience, and the wisdom that is given us by God, which his Word calls, "The Ancient Path." What is the difference. Why does the bible make such a big deal about "white hair?"
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Grace and Laura talk about the things/people that have been inspiring lately. From Laura's husband Nathanael and "Turtle Power" to excellent music and powerful testimonies, the girls have a lot to say about their faith heroes.
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In this episode Grace and Laura discuss prophecy as it relates to the End Times. Many people look at what is happening in the world today and fear that this really is the beginning of the end. So what does the bible say and how as Christians should be preparing or living as the day draws closer to Christ's return?
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Grace and Laura chat about Christian engagement in social media, both the edification and the devastation that it can bring.
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Grace and Laura talk about Jesus' prayer that is (as yet) unanswered... that the church would be one as He and the Father are one. Are we getting unity wrong? What does biblical unity in the body of Christ meant to look like?
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Grace and Laura talk about their experiences working with Youth and our duty as a church family to mentor and draw alongside them as they grow in their faith. Grace also touches on some practical ways of protecting your teen as they navigate a culture that seems to be daily inventing new ways to sin.
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In a follow-up to "Christian Self-Care", Grace and Laura dig a little deeper into God's word, looking to the wisdom of Solomon, to answer the question, "is it ever okay to indulge ourselves, and splurge a little?"
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We hear so much about self-care, but how should this practice look for the Christian. The bible talks much more about dying to ourselves than lavishing and "treating" ourselves. In this episode Grace and Laura dig a little deeper into the example Jesus set for us and how we can implement His practices in our own lives.
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Grace and Laura share testimonies of some pivotal moments in their Christian faith: Laura sharing a beautiful moment that led to profound worship, & Grace confessing a "spat" she had with God while on the mission field.
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"Why is this night different than all other nights?" Is a question asked during the Passover meal by a young child. The adult leading the meal responds with the story of redemption from slavery. In this podcast, Grace and Laura look at the way the physical world impacts the spiritual (and vice versa), by examining the elements of the Passover (and Communion) and how we can see prophecy fulfilled in this "Last Supper" that Jesus had with his disciples.
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Grace and Laura discuss the difference between levity and joy... and if there is a place for 'levity' in our church services.
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Grace and Laura discuss what to do with the disappointment and heartache we feel when our "Heroes in the Faith" fail and fall.
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Grace and Laura discuss the major importance of knowing God's word for ourselves and provide practical tips on how to read scripture.
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What are Life Works? The opposite of Death Works , of course. In our thirteenth episode, Laura doesn't hold back on why she believes Paw Patrol is a "death work" and Grace gets a little giddy talking about her love of KDramas and why some can totally be considered "life works."
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What are "Death Works" and what effect do they have on us and our culture? Why is it important for every Christian to understand what they are? Grace and Laura discuss.
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Paulo Coelho, a Brazilian novelist, has been quoted as saying, "We've replaced nearly all our emotions with fear." And that seems to be almost true as we move out of 2020 and into a year that holds many uncertainties. So how as Christians do we face the fear that pervades our culture? Grace leads the discussion pointing again and again to what the bible has to say about it.
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In the final episode of their short series on influencers. Grace and Laura talk about the examples set by their dads (and some of their funny quirks) and how it has effected their Christian walk.
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Following up on "Influencers," Grace and Laura fangirl over their mums/moms and the godly inheritance they received. They talk about the importance and value of gleaning wisdom from godly women within the church.
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Grace and Laura share some of the people that have influenced them and their faith through the years... hoping to inspire you with the stories of those who have inspired them.
Grace's list of influences includes such greats as: "I can't remember the author's name but he wrote a book called 'Til the Fat Lady Sings'" and "Ohhh... that little guy from India with the round glasses who wrote letters back and forth with Tolstoy."
While Laura put's her to shame with stories from Tolstoy, Gladys Aylward, and George Eliot.
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In the final episode of our paradox series, Laura leads the discussion on why/when God chooses to hide His face, and how very much he wants to be known.
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Grace leads the discussion on prophecy surrounding Jesus as both the Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God.
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Laura leads the discussion on the full humanity and full divinity of Jesus and why it is important for us to grapple with this paradox.
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We interrupt our regularly scheduled series to bring you a few things that have been inspiring us recently. We'd love to hear what also inspires you!
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We like to call this one, "The episode where Laura forgets that 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 exists."
Grace and Laura discuss ways in which they find God attracts and repulses in the third episode of the Paradox series
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Grace and Laura break down what it means that God is both close to us (immanent) and far above us (transcendent). What kind of impact does this have, or should this have, in our understanding of Him?
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Do you think of God as safe? Are you afraid of God's power and his wrath?
In the first episode of the paradox series, Grace and Laura discuss how God is simultaneously safe and dangerous; and that both of these are needed for either to exist.
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Have you ever wondered where God is when all around you feels so dark? Grace and Laura talk about finding God in the "thick darkness."
Grace elaborates on her fear of the literal darkness and how God snatched that phobia away replaced it with the truth of his Word.
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Wanna know what young Grace felt guilty about for almost a decade? What about the weird little sin that plagued young Laura? In confession time, Grace and Laura confess a few things and talk about the freedom that comes from putting into words the burden of guilt we sometimes carry.
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In the followup to "Christ and His Bridezilla?" Grace and Laura ask the question, "is there ever a good reason to leave the Church?"
This episode is the last of Season One. In August, Grace and Laura will be launching Season Two starting with "God in the Dark." Knowing that God is light and in Him, there is no darkness... how can we see God in the dark?
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The church is called the Bride of Christ, but we often hear stories of it behaving like a Bridezilla. Grace and Laura have had a busy week and weren't able to record together, so we've pulled one from the archives. We originally called this episode "Modern Attitudes toward the Church" but could this attitude go back further in our history than we realize? Could this possibly be more of a long-standing spiritual battle than we want to believe?
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Laura and Grace carry on the discussion on Forgiveness, looking closely at how God's standing is what gives Him the ultimate authority for the forgiveness of ALL sin... And Grace reveals what offends her the most about the break-ins she experienced.
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This topic is so rich it gets two parts. Grace and Laura discuss how Forgiveness, Justification, and Grace work together for our salvation. Part 2 out Saturday, June 27th.
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What role should beauty play in the life of the church? Grace and Laura embrace their inner nerd as they discuss, with much enthusiasm, the role beauty plays in the life of the Christian. We're not talking about Beauty magazines and should women wear makeup... but how beauty found in all around us, influences our worship of God... amongst other things.
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Grace (single and childless) and Laura (married but childless) talk about what it's like to be in these categories inside a church that focuses much on family. How can we, in this season, keep our eyes not on what seems to be missing, but on all that God has for us now. And how can those in the church best show love to those that fit in these categories?
Fun Fact: This happens to be the very first episode Laura and Grace recorded for Fragments of Blue.
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Is Christian Environmentalism a thing? Laura and Grace talk about the call to be stewards of creation, without falling into the trap of worshipping the created thing rather than the creator.
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Grace and Laura look at some of the hard things the bible has to say about gratitude, and the effect it has on us, body, soul, and spirit.
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"How can we know God's will for our lives?" It seems to be one of the most common questions a Christian has. If we really want to live in the will of God, we need to know how to discern what it is, don't we? And just when we think we have it sussed, something happens to make us feel vulnerable... like we just can't figure out what God wants for or from us. Join Grace and Laura as they journey through this topic in the seventh episode of Fragments of Blue.
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Wondering why we chose the name Fragments of Blue? Let us explain.
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"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." Romans 1:16 - Laura and Grace ask the question, "are we doing too much 'dressing up', of the gospel?" Do we try so hard to make it appealing that we rob it of its power?
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In this episode, Grace and Laura talk about Justice and Compassion. How do you know if God is calling you to this?
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Grace and Laura discuss what it means to be "Kings and Priests"; joint-heirs with Jesus. What is our role, our inheritance, and our responsibility?
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Laura and Grace chat about temptation. When does it cross the line into sin? How do we wrestle with sin but still triumph over it? And Grace confesses one of the craziest things she has ever been tempted to do.
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In "Dirty Words," Grace and Laura talk about two things our modern world seems to hate... Submission and Dependence. Why do we hate them when God seems to love them?
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Laura has a confession to make... and it's a little embarrassing. Join Grace and Laura as they discuss the challenge of "taming the tongue."
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