The Connect Cast: Recent Episodes
James Owens & Charles Townsend
The Connect Cast is a podcast that explores the Christian faith from a Covenantal Baptist perspective, discussing the practical application of that faith, and trying to not take ourselves too seriously in the process.
The Pastors revisit a previous episode 👉🏻 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQk4D...) Who are the Sons of God? Are they fallen angels? Demons? Men? What are the Nephilim? Are they human-angel hybrids, or are they just giants? Listen to The Pastors share their conflicting views about this topic.
"I don't have to go to church to be a Christian" is a phrase I'm sure we have all heard or said. Many believe they can walk out their faith in Christ apart from His body. Simply put, this is a false assumption. When we walk-out the biblical model for Christianity, we will, and should, be graciously thankful for God-given instruction to be a part of a local church body. Now, before you come at us with the "what if's", ask yourself if your thoughts are captive to scripture. Now, if there are still issues, what are you doing to resolve those issues? Are there no good churches in your area? Are you seeking a good, biblically-sound church? If you are, and are having trouble, reach out to us! We would love to help you!! If you want to come at us with the "what if's", without truly seeking to resolve them, REACH OUT TO US! We would love to help you submit to Christ, because it's Christ and His Bride you are sinning against!
The Pastors are back with their first episode in nearly 18-months!
On this episode, they are discussing the pros and cons of public school and ask if parents should homeschool their children. While not intended to be controversial, opinions are ubiquitous. Remember that this episode is a discussion and not intended to bind anyone's conscience.
We are celebrating 502 years since Martin Luther nailed his 95 These to the Castle Church door in Wittenburg (Germany). There are many faithful men that contributed to the Protestant church in its infancy. However, there are just as many women that were used of God to help shape and the early Protestant church. This short series aims to highlight some of those women that were instrumental in helping to shape this new church.
This series is based off the book "Reformation Women: Sixteenth-Century Figures Who Shaped Christianity's Rebirth" by Rebecca VanDoodewaard. You can, and are strongly encouraged to pickup this book from Reformation Heritage Books. 😊
We are celebrating 502 years since Martin Luther nailed his 95 These to the Castle Church door in Wittenburg (Germany). There are many faithful men that contributed to the Protestant church in its infancy. However, there are just as many women that were used of God to help shape and the early Protestant church. This short series aims to highlight some of those women that were instrumental in helping to shape this new church.
This series is based off the book "Reformation Women: Sixteenth-Century Figures Who Shaped Christianity's Rebirth" by Rebecca VanDoodewaard. You can, and are strongly encouraged to pickup this book from Reformation Heritage Books. 😊
We are celebrating 502 years since Martin Luther nailed his 95 These to the Castle Church door in Wittenburg (Germany). There are many faithful men that contributed to the Protestant church in its infancy. However, there are just as many women that were used of God to help shape and the early Protestant church. This short series aims to highlight some of those women that were instrumental in helping to shape this new church.
This series is based off the book "Reformation Women: Sixteenth-Century Figures Who Shaped Christianity's Rebirth" by Rebecca VanDoodewaard. You can, and are strongly encouraged to pickup this book from Reformation Heritage Books. 😊
We are celebrating 502 years since Martin Luther nailed his 95 These to the Castle Church door in Wittenburg (Germany). There are many faithful men that contributed to the Protestant church in its infancy. However, there are just as many women that were used of God to help shape and the early Protestant church. This short series aims to highlight some of those women that were instrumental in helping to shape this new church.
This series is based off the book "Reformation Women: Sixteenth-Century Figures Who Shaped Christianity's Rebirth" by Rebecca VanDoodewaard. You can, and are strongly encouraged to pickup this book from Reformation Heritage Books. 😊
Boys will be boys, right? 🤷🏻♂️WRONG! ❌ The Pastors discuss false narratives around what it means to be a "man".
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Indiana Toy & Comic Expo (ITCE) is right around the corner. The Pastors had the opportunity to host the event's founder, Billy Cooper. Make sure to check out this family-friendly event. More info can be found 👇🏻 http://www.indianatoyandcomicexpo.com/ Also...check out the ITCE podcast 👇🏻 https://theitcepodcast.fireside.fm/about
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Joshua Harris, author of "I Kissed Dating Goodbye", recently "repented" of his previous views and claimed that he is no longer a Christian. The Pastors respond...
⬇️SUPPORT THE CONNECT CAST ⬇️ 📢Reformers Beard Co. (https://www.etsy.com/shop/ReformersBe...) ➡️Everyman (https://everyman.grsm.io/ConnectCast) 📢Give us a 'like' on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/theconnectcast/) ➡️Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wearethepas...) Follow us on Twitter (https://twitter.com/theconnectcast)
Mark Driscoll is at it again. Once a prominent figure for many, he has now become a joke to most!
The Catholics are at it again. This time, they're claiming that vanity is rooted in Protestantism and supports a disregard for the "Only Church-Founding Decree of Jesus" The article referenced during the show can be found here 👉🏻(http://catholicfundamentalism.com/vanity-takes-theological-form-in-protestantism/24364)
Time to head down to the crossroad and try to make ourselves a deal to save our bro. (In our best Dwight Schrute voice) FALSE!
What are demons? How much power do they have? Can we sell our souls to them to get us out of a pickle or give us the life we always wanted? Listen in as The Pastors look to scripture and give their take on the subject.
Shout out to Theocast (https://theocast.org/)
Christian Persecution 'at near genocidal levels' - BBC article (https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-48146305?fbclid=IwAR1yZff1Vb4OLZDKlOzvndkj_FKFHC5t62Nx4QA5Crwser-NiLQ7X1CcFNs)
Read with caution! (https://bibleforwardministry.org/index.html)
PJ is still re-watching Supernatural...for, like, the third time. 🤪 Naturally, there are going to be some follow-up conversations about how "church culture" mingles with pop culture. So...what ARE angels? What ARE demons? What does scripture have to say about these things? It's going to be a good conversation!
ADVISORY This episode may deeply affect your Sola Feels...listener discretion is advised 😉
Maybe it's a nice thought or an offer of comfort, but is it accurate to say that we become angels when we die? Listen is to The Pastors' take...
The Pastors discuss their time at The Gospel Coalition's National Conference that was recently held in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Everyone has heard a ghost story, right? How should the Christian approach ghosts and paranormal events? Check it out and listen to The Pastors take...
We are told to go into all the world to make and baptize disciples of Jesus Christ. What if that commission puts others at risk? Recently, a Christian missionary died while attempting to proselytize to an unreached, remote tribe. A listener asked if the health risk posed by the missionary exposing the tribe to new diseases outweighed the Christian responsibility to share the gospel with them. A lively debate ensued, then The Pastors decided they needed to discuss it with you lovely folks. Enjoy!
The Pastors are back from their break and are ready to get back at it. This listener-submitted topic aims at how to talk to someone that is asking where God is following a major crisis or catastrophe. While there are no easy answers, the Christian can find solace in the sovereign hands of the Almighty.
Does the demographic of your youth dictate how you will believe? That is the question before The Pastor's in this episode. While where you grew can have an affect on your philosophy, it does not necessarily dictate your theology.
This often misunderstood idea has been misapplied very recently in our country. The Pastors tackled the original intention for this idea and discussed how Christian should consider, and apply it today.
The Pastors sat down to talk with the first sponsor of The Connect Cast, Ben Fuehrer. Ben is the owner of Reformers Beard Co.
From Reformers Beard website: Reformers Beard Company is a company that combines some of the things I enjoy about life - theology, family and beards!
Over the course of church history, the Catholic church has frequently taken up issue with men wearing beards. It is thought that church leadership was concerned that the sacraments would be wasted if they were to fall into a man's whiskers. It is believed that the reformers wore beards, in part, as a silent protest for the reformers against the Catholic church.
Our business is a family affair. My wife and children help with packaging and shipping of orders, while I manage our online presence and formulate the products.
Each individual bottle is made by hand and only uses ingredients that we are willing to use ourselves. Not all of our ingredients are organic, but the majority of them are. Rather than use synthetic fragrances, we use naturally occurring essential oils to create the scent in each formula.
We hope you enjoy your bottle of beard oil. May you grow your beard to the glory of God!
The Pastors are back with part #3 of their series on Ligonier Ministries State of Theology 2018 findings.
Statement #3 says, true or false "God accepts the worship of all religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam."
Should be a fun discussion!
Show notes available at theconectcast.com/notes/sotworship
Can you be a Christian and not go to church, or be a part of a church body? While this topic is much debated, scripture leads us to conclude that Christians will do what Christians do...like regularly attend the Lord's Day service.
If you consider yourself to be a Christian but you don't do think you need to be a part of a church body, then you need to check probably should check yourself!
Show notes available at theconnectcast.com/notes/sotchurch
This is part #1 of a 4-part series on Ligonier Ministries' findings from their State of Theology survey. This episode deals with statement #12: Even the smallest sin deserves eternal damnation.
Be sure to check out the show notes @ theconnectcast.com/notes/sotsin
The Pastors recently talked with Josh Hamon, author of The Real Martin Luther.
Make sure to check out the show notes --> https://www.theconnectcast.com/show-notes/2018/10/31/the-real-martin-luther
Part #4 of The Pastor's series on The 5 Solas of the Reformation
Show Notes available at www.theconnectcast.com/show-notes/soluschristus
Do we make the Bible into an idol? That is a weighty question that needs to be carefully considered before answering hastily. While we can love the Word of God, we can get to a point of wielding it as a weapon rather than using it as the instruction from the Creator of the universe. Conversely, we can get to a point where we allow our own understanding to dictate our view of the Bible. Fallacies abound when we are left to our devices. This is where The Pastors find themselves as they kick-off their "5 Solas" series.
The Pastors sat down to discuss a listener-submitted topic.
For the most part, we are never short on sharing opinions and/or thoughts; but how can people claim to be Christians, yet never share the gospel? That is the question The Pastors discuss on this episode. Enjoy!
Do you ever look back on certain times in your life and are, like, "Oh man, I can't believe I ever did that"? You do?! Good! So do The Pastors. The guys sat down to talk about preachers that they used to follow/listen to & why they don't anymore.
The Pastors are back and they're coming out swinging (figuratively).
Stand Your Ground laws have been highly controversial in recent years. Some state that they are necessary for self-defense while others contest that these laws give license for murder.
In preparing for this discussion, The Pastors sought the counsel of God's word in regards to self-defense and murder. We find that scripture is replete with instruction on the defense of self, our families, the church, and marginalized groups (widows & orphans). However, defense does not mean that the Christian is to go looking for the fight. This is not an easy topic and there will be a counter viewpoint no matter where your conscience may fall. We ask that you approach this subject humbly, under the direction of God's word.
14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness... 2 Timothy 2:14-16
The Pastors had their friend, Bones, come on to discuss his ministry. The Lord is working through Hands and Feet Street Ministry to reach a section of a local population that is often marginalized and overlooked. The Pastors took a backseat and allowed Bones the room to speak openly and honestly about what sees on almost a daily basis.
Make sure to check out show notes @ https://www.theconnectcast.com/show-notes/handsandfeet
The Pastors tackle this listener-submitted topic of tough love, especially within the confines of parenthood. While there is a need to parent rightly, there are great implications of discipline that stretch beyond the scope of a parent/child relationship.
Scripture is replete with the narrative of God's being glorified while using love to accomplish His end. While some may say there is a need to have tough love, The Pastors consider that while love can seem tough, there should be no distinction. When motivated by a God-like love, our motivation for discipline becomes drastically reformed. We are no longer seeking punishment for bad behavior; rather, we are seeking that those whom we discipline will come to walk in-step with the Lord.
This was a great discussion & The Pastors really enjoyed getting back into the swing of things after their mini-vacation. We hope that you will check out Reformers Beard & Everyman. AND...don't forget to save 15% at both retailers by using our promo code: thepastors
It's ladies night, well...ladies afternoon. Some of our female Connectors recently attended The Gospel Coalition's Women's Conference, Listen and Live. So The Pastors decided to have them on to get their takeaways from their time at the conference. To date, this is the most guests The Pastors have hosted at one time. It definitely made for a great conversation.
Show notes available at https://www.theconnectcast.com/show-notes/tgcw-2018-recap
The Pastors finish up their series on The Trinity by discussing how the three persons of the Godhead work together. Throughout the entirety of scripture we see the Father, Son, and Spirit show up at different points. We see the Father that calls people unto himself, the Son redeem those who are called, and the Spirit who perseveres with the called as they walk in sanctification.
The guys also discuss their big announcement! They are pretty excited & we think you will be too.
Be sure to listen to previous episodes on The Trinity before listening to this episode (unless you're a rebel; you do you!)
The Pastors are back with part #3 of their Trinity series; and, discussing the role of the Holy Spirit. The person of the Holy Spirit is often misused at worst and misunderstood at best. However, the Spirit of God is vitally important to the life of the Christian. The Pastors may have also gotten off on a "Reckless Love" tangent. Isn't that obligatory? Don't all Christian, reformed podcasts HAVE to talk about the Cory Asbury song? Enjoy!
Show notes available @ https://www.theconnectcast.com/show-notes/trinityspirit
The Pastors continue with their series on the Trinity. In particular, they are talking about the Son, Jesus Christ. This is part #2 of the 4-part series on the Trinity. If you have not yet listened to part #1, we recommend you listen to that first.
The Pastor's wives are out of town and they are having a hard time coping. PJ can't think straight & PC is on the verge of a fried chicken binge. However, they forged ahead and started with part #1 of a 4-part series on The Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).
Show notes available at https://www.theconnectcast.com/show-notes/trinityfather
It's been an eventful week for The Pastors. Between school, new work schedules, and ministry duties they had to record this episode in the early morning. Thank God for coffee!!
What happened to just sitting down and having a conversation with someone? At some point, we became more interested in being right or being the loudest. The Pastors sat down to discuss the dying art of social discourse, and how we can practically work toward reviving it. Enjoy!
Show notes available at theconnectcast.com/show-notes/sociald
Do you tend to overreact? Are you prone to misrepresenting another's position in order to shine a light on yours? Congratulations...you may be a sensationalist! We joke, of course, but that seems to be the goal of a good amount of "evangelicals". The Pastors have California AB-2943 (aka 'The Bible Ban') in mind; a bill that has a lot of people up in arms. However, there are a good amount of people that misrepresent what the bill is actually trying to enact. While The Pastors do not agree with the implication of the bill, they speak to those who are lying about its contents. As Christians, we are instructed to speak, walk, and worship in truth. Are we going to act like Christians or Sensationalists?
Show notes available at theconnectcast.com/show-notes/sensationalism
The US recently opened an embassy in Jerusalem, signaling an affirmation that the city is Israel's true capital. The move has been hailed as a great victory in pursuing peace in the middle east. However, some see it as a provocation. So, where does that leave Christians? Where do our loyalties lie? Do we align more closely with party affiliation than with scripture? The Pastors sat down to give their thoughts and share what scripture has to say regarding this topic.
Show notes available at https://www.theconnectcast.com/show-notes/onenation
We recently sat down with two, local youth pastors to discuss their respective ministries: Ryan East (Owen Valley Christian Fellowship) and Tyler Fauber (The Connection). We discussed the great opportunity youth ministry has in shaping our young people. This episode clocks in at almost 90-minutes, so to say it was a good conversation would be an understatement.
We hope you enjoy!
Show notes available at https://www.theconnectcast.com/show-notes/2018/5/11/youth-ministry
On this episode, The Pastors welcome Samantha Fulk, director of women's ministry at The Connection. While the title winks at the topic, it is important to have a biblical view of manhood and womanhood. Samantha provides excellent insight and is incredibly astute; and, she takes no guff from the resident podcast grumps.
Show notes available https://www.theconnectcast.com/show-notes/knowyourrole
Well...there is a first time for everything; The Pastors entertain their first guest! Pastor Bill Grandi, of Owen Valley Christian Fellowship, stopped by to talk with The Pastors about life, ministry, fraternity, and metal bands.
Show notes available at theconnectcast.com
The Pastors are back from T4G and excited to share what they experienced while they were there! Listen in as they recap their time at Together for the Gospel 2018. Make sure to check out t4g.org as well.
Also, head over to theconnectcast.com and sign up for the mailing list, and you will be entered to win a copy of The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul.
The Pastors are exhausted! After an event-filled Easter weekend, everyone is worn out. We call this a Ministry Hangover. But as we see in scripture, we're not to allow the pomp and circumstance of holidays overshadow the reason for the celebration. Like the apostle Paul said that we must strain forward, we need to remember there is still work to be done. Who's got some Excedrin?
PJ is triggered; he read an article the other day that set him on edge. That is what led The Pastors to talk about Trigger Warnings. This is a highly-discussed topic in today's culture, and Christians are not exempt. So check your presuppositions and give this episode a listen.
The Sabbath... This topic has been the matter of many discussions and questions. Does it apply to our lives today? What are the implications of it? The Pastors had a great time discussing this topic, so give it a listen.
Does Unconditional Love actually exist? In this listener-submitted topic, The Pastors tackle that question as well as what love looks like. Also, PC is infamous for the bellowing clearing of his throat. This becomes a tedious task for PJ when he edits the episodes. So, PJ decided to have a little fun with those edits...
This listener-submitted topic discusses how parents can show respect and love their children. The Bible has a wealth of wisdom when it comes to how the family system should operate. So whether you have boys, girls, or no kids at all, this episode would be a great one to check out.
Referenced in the podcast: John Eldridge's "Wild At Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul" https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Heart-Revised-Updated-Discovering/dp/1400200393
This listener-submitted topic was a great one for The Pastors to talk about. If you're someone that has wondered how to deepen your study and grow in faith, then this is a great episode for you to tune in to.
Check out our website for more suggested resources... http://connect-church.net/resources/#resources-1
The Pastors are back! After taking a brief hiatus during the holiday season, PC & PJ sat down to discuss lent. Over the next few weeks, many people will observe this time of reflection and self-denial. While denying yourself simple pleasures of life are well-intended, there are deeper implications for times of fasting.
The Pastors sit down to discuss this listener-submitted topic about hobbies. What are good hobbies? What are bad hobbies? Ultimately, does your hobby reflect the relationship you have with God, and does it glorify Him? If it does great! If not, it may be time to look for a new hobby. So grab your brushes, pipes, or whatever tool(s) you use and lets get to hobby-ing!
In this listener-submitted topic, The Pastors tackle the sensitive topic of mental afflictions. Often times, these issues are glazed-over as simple attitudes to 'get over' or things that can be immediately remedied by 'being positive.' However, these are most often symptoms of a hormonal or chemical imbalance; therefore, they need to be treated for what they are. If you are someone that is presently dealing with or has dealt with a mental malady, we want you to know that there is hope & help.
Show notes: Scripture references - Psalm 34:17; Romans 7:15; James 1:17
Resources: National Institute of Mental Health - (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help/index.shtml) Suicide Prevention Hotline - 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Tis the season. Or is it? The end of the calendar year brings about the hustle and bustle of the 'holiday season.' We quickly move from being thankful for the bounty the Lord has provided to an insatiable need for the hottest, new gift of the season. But it this what a holiday is all about? Well, The Pastors sit down to discuss what scripture has to say about the holidays (which is derived from 'holy day'). So, light the yule log, grab some eggnog, and listen agog.
It's one of the most sacred times on the Christian calendar...advent. Churches across the world spend the weeks leading up to Christmas as a spiritual time of reflection. And while we celebrate the first advent (Jesus birth), with Jesus being the great gift given, we live our lives committed to the expectation of the second advent (Jesus return).
In this week's episode, The Pastors sit down to discuss the topic of Gambling. There is no clear "silver bullet" text that forbids Christians from partaking, but is it a wise choice? As Christians, we have the freedom to do many things. But as Paul said, not all things are wise to partake in. It is a great discussion on Christian liberty and responsibility, and somewhere in the discussion, Jurassic Park comes up too. So, hold to your butts and let's go!
Crunchy guitar riffs, lighting effects, smoke machines, & emotional choruses... Are we at a rock show or a church service? That question is at the heart of what The Pastors are talking about in this episode. In our church services, who is most highly honored in the worship (liturgical) portion of our service? And while having different elements (lights, projection, etc.) is not inherently a bad thing, if these detract, and distract, us from worshipping the one true God then they should not be in place. So, grab your tambourine and ribbons and let's get down to worshipping the Lord!
This week's listener-submitted topic is one that is near and dear to many of us. How are we, as Christians, to treat our environment? Well, The Pastors dive-in into this topic, (as always) looking to scripture to guide the discussion.
SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!!!! The Pastors are talking about giving this time around. There is a myriad of questions that tend to flow from this topic; How much should I give? Do I give 10%? Do I give off my gross or net? What about giving off of tax refunds? These are all valid questions. However, wrapped in the discussion of giving is something that goes far beyond money. How we distribute what the Lord has entrusted to us can become very telling of where our treasure is truly stored. So, if you'll give The Pastors your seed gift of 52 minutes of your time, I'm sure you'll see the Lord bless you richly (of course...that is said tongue in cheek, but we definitely think you will glean some good stuff from the discussion)!
The Pastors wrap-up their discussion on the reformers, talking about those in the present day that continue to champion biblical truth & reformed theology. We hope that these past few discussions give you a starting point to reformed theology and this would help you to continue your study of church history and holding scripture as our ultimate authority.
RECO'S!!!
PC - www.monergism.com
PJ - http://www.reformedreader.org/
The Spurge! This great reformer comes to us from a close proximity to modern day. Throughout his life, Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) had his fair share of peaks and valleys; pastoring thousands at the Metropolitan Tabernacle and facing public scorn from his contemporaries. Spurgeon remains, to this day, one of the greatest pillars of the Reformation.
RECOS!!! PC- The 1689 London Baptist Confession For Free - http://www.grbc.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/The-1689-Baptist-Confession-of-Faith.pdf For Purchase - https://www.amazon.com/Baptist-Confession-Faith-1689-Scripture/dp/1870855248
PJ- Morning & Evening: Daily Readings by C.H. Spurgeon For Free - http://www.lanuovavia.org/morneve.pdf For Purchase - https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_12?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=morning+and+evening+by+charles+spurgeon&sprefix=morning+and+%2Cstripbooks%2C157&crid=33HKY99VQUV0N
Of the many great reformers of the 16th century, John Calvin seems to be one of the more controversial. While some of his contemporaries considered him to be, "the theologian," a modern view of Calvin can be complex at best and convoluted at worst. He and his Institutes have stood the test of time, and they are still helping to shape modern theology. Also, Calvin seemed to be a budding horticulturist; this is evident from his love of TULIP's! ;)
Recos!!!
PC - Book(s) "The Swans Are Not Silent" by John Piper (https://www.amazon.com/Swans-Are-Not-Silent-Book/dp/B00WTIG3W0/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1507859695&sr=8-4&keywords=the+swans+are+not+silent)
PJ - Podcast Here We Stand (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/here-we-stand/id1288434187?mt=2)
October is Reformation month, so that means The Pastors will be talking about reformed dudes! This year we celebrate the 500th year since Martin Luther decided to redecorate the castle church door in Wittenburg. Therefore, it is only fitting that we kick this off by talking about the man who helped kick-off the Protestant Reformation.
Recos!
PC - Read and research, don't just consume what's being said on TV, social media, etc. Know and be able to defend what you believe & understand opposing viewpoints.
PJ - Valley of Vision (Published by Banner of Truth) https://www.amazon.com/Valley-Vision-Collection-Puritan-Devotions/dp/0851512283
In this spooky episode, The Pastors get together to discuss Halloween. There are conflicting views on this "holiday", and whether or not Christians should partake every October 31st. So, listen in; this is Halloween, but don't everybody make a scene.
Scripture reference(s): 1 Corinthians 4:13; Matthew 5:14-16
Recommendations: -Kingstone Comics (https://kingstone.co) -The Biggest Story ABC (https://www.crossway.org/books/the-biggest-story-abcs-bb/)
Some churches practice it and some don't: church membership. If you're a Christian, what is the importance of committing to a local church body? The Pastors recently sat down to discuss the biblical implications of this often-debated topic. Just in case you were wondering....they're for it!
"Becoming a member of a church is an important, and often neglected, part of the Christian life. Yet the trend these days is one of shunning the practice of organized religion and showing a distaste or fear of commitment, especially of institutions." -Excerpt from "Church Membership" by Jonathon Leeman
**While this is not part #2, this episode does follow-up well with our previous Connect-Cast, Church(less) Christian. We recommend giving that a listen as well.
The Connection Membership Covenant: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2VC-na3q_vdNGhnLXh3S1ZmRW8/view?usp=sharing
!Warning! This content contains strong language, nudity, violence, and gore...but that's not going to stop you from listening...or is it?
With the solar eclipse this week, there is some very superstitious writing on the wall, and The Pastors decided they should talk about it. "Superstitions" is an umbrella term we are using for this podcast. Tarot, horoscopes, rabbits feet, and much more. As always, we want to look to scripture to guide us when it comes to topics like these, so grab your Bible and let's take a look.
"When you believe in things you don't understand, then you suffer. Superstition ain't the way" -Stevie Wonder, Superstitious
We wanted to take a few minutes to discuss what has recently happened in Charlottesville, VA.
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." -Martin Luther King, Jr.
There is a great amount of freedom found in Christ. Christians find themselves unburdened from the sentence of sin. But we must be on the look-out for opportunities where we carry the freedoms we have too far. If we don't, then we may find ourselves pursuing the very nature we were freed from.
“Why would we want fame, when God promises us glory? Why would we be seeking the wealth of the world when the wealth of heaven is ours? Why would we run for a crown that will perish with time, when we're called to win a crown that is imperishable?” ― Paul David Washer
What comes to mind when you think, "Christian Bullies?" Perhaps, a mean-spirited curmudgeon, clasping their KJV, and shaking their fists at a rally? Truth is, a christian bully can be anyone who has lost sight of the mission of the Gospel. So, hold tight to your lunch money and join "The Pastors" as they strong-arm this topic.
Should Christians pour themselves into becoming "scholarly" when it comes to their faith? Does a deep theological knowledge mean you're a better Christian? Is it possible that we can place too high of an emphasis on knowing, and studying, the word of God? Grab your copy of Grudem's and let's tackle this topic!
Oh, politics. Few things are more divisive than this polarizing topic. How are we, as Christians, to navigate a heated, western politic landscape? Can we separate our faith from our political party? Listen in as PC & PJ discuss this hot-button issue.
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What is does it mean to be modest? PC & PJ look at the scriptural directives, and implications, regarding modesty. So cover-up and listen-in ;)
To tattoo, or not? That is the question on the docket for the maiden voyage of The Connect-Cast. Join pastors Charles (Charlie) Townsend & James Owens, elders of The Connection, located in Spencer, IN (www.connect-church.net), as they tackle this often taboo topic.