Dummies With Wisdom: Recent Episodes
Dummies With Wisdom
The two of us decided that DWW has run its course and it is now time to move on to other things. For those who have listened over the years, we truly thank you and hope that we have been able to impact you positively in some way. This is the final episode where we reflect on the last 3 1/2 years of Dummies With Wisdom.
So many churches sit empty 5 or 6 days a week. Is this acceptable? Is it not? Is there something in our philosophy of ministry that we should change?
Today the Dummies discuss two issues: First, where do we stand on coffee shops in church lobbies? Second, is it okay for churches to take on debt?
In this episode, the Dummies discuss Dave Ramsey and his Financial Peace University. Is his program good or bad? Is it biblical? Should churches promote it?
Today, the Dummies dive into self defense. Is it biblical? What about if you're protecting property? Is there a difference between self defense with a gun or with other weapons?
Today's episode is all about youth. What should youth group look like? Should the youth area be separate from the rest of the church? How should church adults interact with the church youth?
In this episode, the Dummies discuss church leadership. What should the structure generally be? What sort of mindset should the leaders have? What problems have we seen in church leadership structures?
Paul's writings in the New Testament have been the core of the debate about woman pastors. Today, the Dummies discuss theology of women's roles inside and outside the church. Was Paul writing to a specific culture and time, or is this instruction for us today? Where is the line between what we find acceptable and unbiblical? Is the Bible clear at all about this topic?
In the gospels, Jesus makes it clear that he submits himself to the Father. But is there a hierarchy in the Trinity? Where does the Spirit fit in? Do the three persons of the Trinity submit out of choice or is it an existential hierarchy? Is there a hierarchy at all?
From a listener's question, how should Christians respond to a friend who has a pregnancy outside of marriage, especially if there seems to be no remorse?
Content warning: some language is used in discussing this topc. In a recent sermon podcast that both JJ and Ben listened to, the pastor swore a couple times. Was this acceptable? Is it ever acceptable? How does it reflect the heart of the speaker?
In this less-serious episode, the Dummies throw out questions of who was the best or worst biblical character in different categories. Who was the most like Jesus? Who would make the best NFL player? Who would have been the best parents?
Wishing all of our listeners a Merry Christmas and a look at what is coming on Season 4 in January!
The Bible was written both in and to people living in Eastern culture. We live in modern Western culture. Is one better overall than the other? Which parts of each are preferred? Would the Dummies choose to live in Eastern culture if given the chance?
The word "evil" is overused by all sides in our society. When is a person rightly deemed evil? What about situations? The Dummies discuss the theological and the practical around the word "evil."
Responding to a listener's request, the Dummies discuss the Israel and Hamas conflict and the current evangelical reaction. Regardless of personal theology, how should believers view the situation?
Be sure to listen to our past podcast on Israel and the End Times here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3IyxqvI8DICcDYsaulUxqq?si=81e2deb060554ea3
From a listener's question: how much should one open their heart up in a dating relationship. The Bible is clear on physical boundaries, but what depth is appropriate for dating?
Everyone has opinions on government overreach, but where should we as Christians draw the line? Did Covid give us a better idea of where we refuse to comply? How should we respectfully decline to obey governmental orders?
Romans 13 tells us to obey the governing authorities. However, this was written to Christians under the Roman Empire. How does this passage apply to modern day America? Does the authority lie in the government or the Constitution upon which it is founded? What about when they are acting in opposite directions?
A listener wants to know about aliens. Is it unbiblical to think they might exist? Would it affect the Christian faith if humans happened to encounter real aliens? Has JJ seen UFOs as a pilot? It's all about aliens on this episode.
When churches do events, such as a youth group Super Bowl party, does there need to be a gospel presentation? Does evangelism have to be the center focus of every event? Is a gospel presentation ever appropriate in these contexts?
There is clearly a problem at our southern border. How should we understand it as Christians? We all have political opinions about it, but when we look at the Bible, does it give us answers?
Was Judas saved? Was he ever saved? Do the gospels say anything to make us believe one way or the other? Were any of the disciples saved prior to the resurrection?
From a listener submitted question, do people who get religiously married have to go through the legal process? What about government benefits that are at stake? What about immigration issues? Do people who get legally married have to go through a religious ceremony? Are the two tied together?
In today's divisive culture, we are often faced with a decision. Do we speak truth bluntly and have no care for the reactions, or do we work to win people over? The answer can be different if we are talking about social issues or church related topics. So where on the spectrum should we generally be?
In this follow up from the last episode, the Dummies discuss the exact moment that Eve sinned. While it's all referred to as her eating the fruit, was it actually the moment she ate, the moment she decided to eat, or when she engaged in conversation with the serpent? Does it even really matter?
We hit a number of short questions today, including how often churches should take communion, the possible timeline of the Fall, infant baptism, and more.
In a follow-up to the last episode, we discuss how Christians should actively hate sin while still supporting the sinner as an image bearer of God. It can be hard to act in both ways simultaneously, so where is that balance?
In a real-world scenario, JJ liked a picture on Instagram that Ben has questions about. How should we interact on social media when depictions of sin are involved? Is a like or a comment harmless? Must we simply ignore it? Should we care how others see it?
Is there such thing as a "bad Christian?" Can a Christian be deemed bad or only do bad things? Is it wrong to judge Christians when they are acting badly?
The New Testament tells its readers to respect and honor the governing authorities. The American Revolution was a result of the founding fathers declaring independence from their governing authorities. How ought we to judge their actions? Were they biblically justified in doing so? Even if they were not, can we today be thankful that they did?
Should we support Israel today? Is there an end-times plan for the Jewish people? How does Israel of the Old Testament relate to the Church of the New Testament? Today's discussion is all about how we ought to view Israel today and if it is biblically necessary to be on their side.
From a listener submitted question, we discuss two questions. First, what do we think about books such as Job and Jonah being interpreted as parables? Second, we discuss our views on the rapture and the end times.
What is the unforgivable sin? Have we committed it without realizing it? Is it actually unforgivable? Is there even an unforgivable sin? This topic seems to be taboo to talk about in the church today, so we take it upon ourselves to discuss what it is, what it means, and how we should view it in light of the Gospel message.
Many people these days use an audiobible, at least from time to time. Is this good? Is it bad? Is it neither? When might it be helpful and when might it be harmful?
Navigating the media and the internet continues to get harder every day. How do we know what is true in the news? How do we engage the internet? How ought we as Christians seek what is true online?
In this unfiltered discussion, the Dummies (along with a cameo from JJ's roommate) discuss the non-serious question of if tattoos gotten while on earth will be on our heavenly bodies.
In this first episode of 2023, the Dummies discuss new year's resolutions. Are they good? Are they bad? Is it a mindset issue? Should we be doing them? Are they worthless? Is January the best time to start a resolution?
With it being Christmas week, the Dummies have a very short debate regarding Christmas celebration rules. We hope you will join us in January for season 3 of Dummies With Wisdom!
Everyone knows Christmas has been commercialized. Is this actually a problem? Should Christians be rejecting it? Do we even need to celebrate Christmas post-resurrection? All of these questions and more in this week's discussion.
Abortion is a hotly debated topic these days. While the conversations around it are always difficult, it might be even more difficult with someone inside the church that supports abortion to some extent. In this extended length episode, the dummies discuss how we approach these conversations and how we should prepare.
A listener wants to know, are church denominations a necessary division of the church? Also, at what point is it good for a local church to divide itself?
From a listener-submitted question today, the Dummies discuss if pastors can have political signs in their yards and how vocal they can be outside of the church in politics while still being healthy and unifying for the church they lead.
Today, the Dummies discuss how the church should stay culturally relevant in the midst of a culture obsessed with ideas such as feminism, equality, COVID, and others.
In this episode, the Dummies discuss if belief in evolution means that a person is not saved. Rather than discussing the merits of the theory, we discuss how it pertains to the Bible and if someone can/should believe in theistic evolution.
From a listener-submitted question, the Dummies discuss how we manage our action against God's potential calling for our lives. How should we act when we are unsure of God's calling or at least unsure of the timing? Should we wait or should we go?
The Dummies answer two listener-submitted questions today. First, do all people hear the gospel before they die? If not, are they still destined to hell? Second, at what age is baptism necessary?
From a listener-submitted question, we discuss Calvinism vs. Arminianism. Where does each side have it right? Where do we disagree? What school of thought do we tend to believe?
In a listener-submitted question, we discuss body alterations and to what extent they are acceptable. From tattoos to Kim Kardashian, where should we draw the line?
Many churches are concerned with their lack of diversity - not diversity of thought, but of skin color. The question is, is a "white church" necessarily something worth concern? Likewise, should black churches be seeking out more white members?
On this Fourth of July weekend, many churches will inevitably play some patriotic songs during their worship services. Is this an issue. We may love America, but how does that relate to the sacred nature of a worship service?
In this listener-submitted question, the Dummies discuss purity culture. Is it good theology? Is it damaging to people? Is the thought correct but the teaching wrong?
In today's culture, there seem to be more and more people concerned about the pronouns you use when referring to them. How should Christians respond? Should we use false pronouns? Is it worth making a big deal about? Do we ignore pronouns altogether?
We are called to be generous with our money. Many people believe that money has to go to our local church. But what if we don't trust them with our money? What if there are more pressing needs outside the church? Is it acceptable to give to other causes or are we required to give to our churches?
In a listener submitted question, today we talk about ourselves - where we came from, where we are going, what made us leave the Baptist realm, the struggles we have had, and more.
Many Christians have had bad experiences with churches. Sometimes, these experiences push people away from the church and they respond with a hatred towards it. Is this acceptable for Christians? Can a Christian hate the very institution of the faith? We discuss the various reasons for people despising the church and the appropriate responses to it.
We all have those sins in our lives that we commit that seem to have no effect on other people or even really ourselves. How should we view these "little" sins? Are they as serious as the "large" sins that deeply affect our relationships or even our faith? Are they something we should just accept as sinful beings? Today's episode entails both how we should see them as well as how we ought to react.
In the third part of our mini-series, we discuss different important doctrines and if they pertain to one's ability to be saved. Outside of the core Gospel, there are many important topics such as baptism, hell, understanding love, etc. Does a wrong theology in these areas cause one not to be saved?
Biblical theology traces themes throughout the Bible. Systematic theology asks, "What does the Bible say about ____?" Which of these is more important? Which is more useful in our faith journeys? The Dummies will give you simple answers to these in-depth questions in today's discussion.
To outsiders, the church is often characterized by what we stand against. Inside the church, we often say that our faith is all about what/who we are for. When we consider practical theology (the applicational side of our beliefs), is it more about what we are for, or what we are against? Our discussion today figures out which side we are on today and which way we ought to see it.
In this bonus episode, the Dummies discuss the real world situation where a bunch of people dropped out of a missions trip due to the destination country requiring the vaccine for entry. Is this worth quitting a ministry opportunity or is this an acceptable response? Listen today for an unfiltered discussion.
In this episode, the Dummies discuss whether traditional church denominations or church networks are a better option for the American church today and what the future potentially points towards.
A big debate going on in the Church today is about whether or not we should be singing Bethel, Elevation, Hillsong, etc. music in our churches considering their unorthodox doctrines. Should we use these popular worship songs or should we refuse on principle? We talked about our opinions of these churches (aside from their worship programs) on the August 31, 2021 episode and would encourage you to listen to that before this episode.
We here at Dummies with Wisdom believe the Bible fully allows the consumption of alcohol, but prohibits being drunk. This raises the question, what does the Bible mean by "drunk?" Today, we discuss a biblical framework for consuming alcohol, including when it is acceptable, and when it is sinful.
In our first bonus episode, we answer two listener-submitted questions. First, should Christians get the vaccine in light of 1 Corinthians 6:19 (our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit)? Second, should marijuana (and its potential legalization) be treated the same as narcotics?
In the first episode of season 2, the Dummies tackle the topic of praying for our leaders' to be removed by office. On this point, we also discuss the idea of joining local militias and the phrase Let's Go Brandon.
Just a short Christmas message from the Dummies and a look at Dummies with Wisdom 2022.
In part 2 of The Far Sides of Politics, the Dummies revisit the question from last episode to discuss the far sides of politics of people outside the church and how we the church must respond to them and their ideologies.
From a question submitted to Ben's church for a sermon series, the Dummies discuss how the far-left and far-right political ideologies hurt the American Church and how the church should be responding to people holding these views within their congregations.
When COVID hit the U.S., it seemed as though almost every church, both big and small, started streaming their services online. With this foundation, it's only natural that the Church will continue to have (or expand) its online presence. Today, the Dummies discuss where the church goes from here and whether we should encourage or discourage the continuation of online church.
In our first listener-submitted question, the Dummies discuss if believers are required to follow little laws such as speed limits and bans on fireworks. Is it a sin, or is it irrelevant to the Gospel? Today's episode gives you our answer.
We hear a lot from the stage about how the church needs more volunteers for an event or some ministry. Are we meant to serve in the church or to serve the people of the church. Today, the Dummies discuss the structure of the American church and how it affects our abilities and desires to serve.
Many white Americans picture Jesus as a white man. Many other cultures around the world picture Jesus in their skin colors as well. Today the Dummies discuss if a wrong picture of Jesus is truly something to be concerned about or if the culture we place Jesus in is the bigger problem.
Sometimes, God seems very active in our lives. Other times, it feels as though he is silent. God has a plan for our lives, but how should we respond when we are not sure what it is? Today, the Dummies discuss whether we should be patient and wait on or actively pursue God's will for our lives
We all desire for our lives to be good, but should we pray that nothing bad ever happens in our lives? Today the Dummies discuss the heart of prayer, and whether praying this is right, wrong, or somewhere in between.
In this extended-length episode, we share some information and our thoughts towards the churches of Bethel, Hillsong, and Elevation.
Ben and JJ discuss how we find the line of distancing oneself from churches, ministries and professed followers of Christ with critical theological differences and when to work along side them regardless of certain contrasting beliefs.
The Dummies chat about what it means to be "all-in" as followers of Jesus and how that applies to the salvation of the believer.
On this episode, we discuss how American believers should engage in a culture that increasingly drifts away from the value system and order that the Lord has set in place.
A discussion on how Christians should hold both fellow believers and non-believers to the standards our faith instructs us to live by.
Welcome to Dummies with Wisdom! This podcast is all about answering questions that you might have about Christianity and the lifestyle of a believer. From what it means to be a believer, to specific beliefs and theology, to the practical side of the faith, we plan to hit it all. Listen to this intro episode to better learn who we are, our reason for making this podcast, and to understand our foundation for where our answers will come from. Be sure to subscribe and look for our first episode dropping on July 6th.