The Echo Podcast: Recent Episodes
Brian Jennings
In the arenas of culture, theology, art, and politics, there are numerous voices. Taylor Drake and Brian Jennings will help you exit your echo chambers and look for truth in the noise.
Taylor & Brian share their highs and lows from the past year. Plus, stay tuned for a big announcement at the end.
To end the year, we wanted to laugh. So Brian & Taylor tell their favorite jokes and talk about their favorite comedians.
Brian & Taylor share the fourth and final lesson that every parent needs to know from Deuteronomy 6. Recap:
- Love God with every fiber of your being (Deuteronomy 6:4-5).
- Teach them every chance you get (Deuteronomy 6:6-9).
- Be aware of false gods (Deuteronomy 6:13-14).
- Prepare to answer (Deuteronomy 6:20-25).
The third big parenting lesson from Deuteronomy 6 is one every parent needs to know!
parenting #family #leadyourfamily
The 2nd big parenting lesson is: "Teach them every chance you get" (see Deuteronomy 6:6-9).
God answers our question before it can escape our lips: “When am I supposed to teach my kids about you?”
Parents have more time and influence with their kids than any other person or organization. It’s not even close. If you think, “I just don’t have any time. I’m maxed out,” priority #1 in your life is to figure out the quickest, wisest plan to free up some time. Your kids need you, and they need you to teach them with your words and actions.
The first of four parenting lessons from Deuteronomy 6 - a chapter that can change the trajectory of your parenting and family.
Taylor & Brian give a quick overview of the favorite books they read in 2021.
Brian's List The Warmth of Other Suns Isabel Wilkerson Journey to Love - Matt Mikolotas Born a Crime by Trevor Noah How to Fight Racism by Tisby Christian Conviction by Ragsdale
Honorable Mention (or books we've already talked about) Book of Secrets & Book of Answers by Al Tait Everyone’s Job by Dane Tyner (catch our interview with him last Spring) Urban Legends of the OT by David A. Croteau and Gary Yates Surviving the Holidays survival guide
Taylor's List The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas The Archer by Paulo Coehlo Why Does God Care Who I Sleep With? by Sam Allberry Better with Every Breath by Jim Thornber No Fail Meetings by Michael S. Hyatt
Honorable mention Modern Chess Openings, 15th Ed. by Nick De Firmian Dune by Frank Herbert Cynical Theories: How Activist Scholarship Made Everything about Race, Gender, and Identity―and Why This Harms Everybody by Pluckrose, Helen Unchanging Witness: The Consistent Christian Teaching on Homosexuality in Scripture and Tradition by Fortson III, S. Donald
Oklahoma is welcoming the third highest number of Afghan refugees. There are plenty of voices saying plenty of things, but we're asking: "What does it mean to think Biblically about this?" In this episode, we'll teach a few principles that are central to the Bible and central to this topic. We'll also share why you need to quit listening to voices that are shouting instructions antithetical to the cause of Jesus.
https://cceok.org/refugees
https://worldrelief.org
A recent interview with Adele left Brian & Taylor speechless - and that's hard to do. Her newest song, "Go easy on me," deserves a conversation because it taps into a basic human pursuit - the search for happiness.
Mars Hill Church was skyrocketing in membership, budgets, and global impact, but their dynamic leader was destroying lives in the process. We diagnose the tragic fall of an influential church and their leader-turned-authoritarian, Mark Driscoll. But more importantly, we learn how every leader, eldership, and church member have responsibilities in guiding their church towards God-honoring health.
One of the greatest acts of love and evangelism is to learn to speak in ways that connect deeply with the hearts of others. Even if you aren't a linguist, you can learn to seek ways to communicate God's love in unique ways.
We mention the great book, Peace Child. Read the book and then watch this short film about their return. Plus, Taylor dramatically emphasizes the word "also."
The guys reflect on what they've learned from Acts 16 and how to put it into practice. Plus, they share a story of a friend who may be turning from disbelief to belief.
The Philippian jailer had seen it all - all but an example of sacrificial mercy. So when Paul and Silas saved his life through unbelievable mercy, his unbelief came crumbling down. This is the third episode in a series looking at three separate stories from Acts 16.
Some people don't need an explanation; they need a life-changing, God-powered experience.
In Acts 16, we read 3 stories: 3 different people, 3 distinct backgrounds, 3 specific needs. Knowing these needs helps us better know how to pray and act as we partner with God in the greatest work of all – the saving of people. God doesn’t need us to partner with Him, but He invites us nonetheless. Welcome to Part 2 of our study.
(Note: We gleaned some helpful study from Martyn Lloyd Jones and Tim Keller. And my wonderful summer intern, Peyton Miller, found helpful words for us to use.)
Every person who does not yet believe in Jesus needs rescued by Him. But each individual has specific needs. Knowing these needs helps us better know how to pray and act as we partner with God in the greatest work of all – the saving of people. God doesn’t need us to partner with Him, but He invites us nonetheless.
In Acts 16, we read 3 stories: 3 different people, 3 distinct backgrounds, 3 specific needs. In this first story, we see that sometimes a person in disbelief just needs an explanation.
(Note: We gleaned some helpful study from Martyn Lloyd Jones and Tim Keller. And my wonderful summer intern, Peyton Miller, found helpful words for us to use.)
The guys celebrate the 1 year anniversary of the Echo Podcast. Taylor guesses what our most-downloaded episodes have been, and they both share a few things they are loving during this season.
Years after Jonathan died, David still found a way to honor their friendship. Someone's life would never be the same.
We continue learning how to be a great friend as we study the friendship of David and Jonathan. Behind every thoughtful act is a good thought.
To study more:
- Read I Samuel 20:1-23
- Why was this a good plan?
- How did David show thoughtfulness to Jonathan?
- How did Jonathan show thoughtfulness to David?
Jonathan and David's friendship grew deep because they placed their trust in one another. It's hard to be friends with someone whose guard is always raised. And stay tuned to the end where we tell 3 horrendously gross stories that happened at one of our favorite places - Barnes & Noble.
When it comes to friendships, there's something we often get wrong. In this first of four episodes about friendships, we'll reveal the secret sauce of great friendships by telling the story of David and Jonathan. As many return to school, a sports team, or a new job, we made these episodes with kids and adults in mind.
It's so easy to lose heart when our good deeds appear to not do any good. Thank the Lord for people like William Wilberforce, whose perseverance changed the world.
“Wisdom is holding two contradictory truths in our mind, simultaneously, Hope and despair. A life without despair is a life without hope. Holding these two ideas in our head is life itself.” The film, "First Reformed," is about extremes: two very different churches, two very different pastors, two competing emotions, and two radically different paths forward. All of us will enter a season of despair. Where will we turn?
We all have a need to belong, to be wanted, to be loved. God made us this way. We'll talk about that and the delightful, emotional, new movie, "Hunt For Wilderpeople."
We can't think of a worse situation: "Recant your faith or watch a whole village be tortured and killed." That's the terrible dilemma at the heart of the movie, "Silence." Whew. This is a tough one.
Why does it feel as though time flies? How do you live when you've lost everything? What is the value of multigenerational relationships? The superb movie, Up, takes a deep dive into these profound questions. Not only does it make us cry and laugh. It makes us think.
If you had the powers of God, how would you do? How would the world do? The hit movie, Bruce Almighty, takes a shot at answering this question with hilarious and thought-provoking results. We'll talk about this and why we love Morgan Freeman's role as God.
Film can communicate in powerful ways. This summer we'll have some fun talking about movies that communicate a spiritual truth (even if that's not how they were marketed or intended). We'll begin the series by divulging our all-time favorite movies.
Fights about social justice, CRT, and racial issues are dividing and harming the church. What if we viewed these topics not as battles to be fought but openings to share the Gospel?
Karolyn Schrage serves as the Executive Director of the LifeChoices Health Network, Joplin, MO. Their groundbreaking work offers care to women in crisis pregnancies, people fearful of transmitted diseases, and victims of human trafficking. Their work is so excellent that state agencies are requesting their help with some of today's greatest challenges.
Before starting this work, Karolyn served for 20 years in Kenya. We were thrilled to ask her about her work, how the Bible informs her justice work, and how we can help.
To learn more about their work, go here - https://lifechoices.org/
100 years ago, 35 blocks of Tulsa (known as Black Wall Street) were torched. Hundreds were killed or injured. Bodies, incriminating evidence, and news stories were hastily buried. As the city has just recently begun to address the massacre, competing voices can be heard. Some reject the idea that we should talk about racism or systematic injustice. Others say our primary identity is in the color of our skin. And then there's LeRon West! Pastor West has spent his life in Tulsa - as a kid, a fireman, and a pastor. He's experienced extreme racism in his own life, but has responded with Christlike grace. As the world descends upon Tulsa this weekend, this episode offers you a Biblically-informed way to process the past and take steps forward.
The word "justice" gets tossed around and debated often. But what does the Bible say about it? As it turns out, A LOT! In this episode, Brian shares how the Bible defines justice, offers a 3-step process for engaging in justice work, and shares how that would look in the area of racial justice. Plus, learn the important backstory of Rosa Parks.
To act justly is to do what is right in God’s eyes. “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced” (James Baldwin).
Isaiah 1:17 - “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
Micah 6:8 “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
The ARC of Justice (by Jemar Tisby) Awareness Relationships Commitment
After teaching big, Biblical principles about work last week, we're just going to tell funny job stories in this episode. Some quotes: "Umpire gear wasn't enough to protect me from the insults." "The chubby kid never saw it coming." "He wore a chicken costume all summer." "The reason they fired me is because I didn't do my job." "All Precious Moments figurines are the same." "I wore the skates because I wanted the extra 25-cents per hour." Plus, learn how Taylor scammed his drunk friends.
Are you a teacher, a janitor, a stay-at-home-parent? Your work matters to God. We need to know why and how.
I. Work is part of God’s plan (Genesis 1-2).
II. So, all work is sacred (Ps. 147:13-14; Isaiah 28:24-29; Exodus 31:1-4).
III. You can give glory to God through your work (Ecclesiastes 4:4-6). Martin Luther: “The Christian shoemaker does his duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes, because God is interested in good craftsmanship.”
IV. Rest in God will sustain your work.
When others are grieving, do you know what to say or do? Do you know what to NOT say or do? Dave Dunson shares the wisdom he's gained as both a pastor and fire & police chaplain (where he notifies loved ones and walks them through their grief). If you'd like information about the GriefShare class he leads, you can find it here - https://www.griefshare.org/groups/129249.
Everyone has relationships that go south, so we are glad to welcome Dane Tyner for a special episode. Tyner says that we all have a responsibility to do the work of repairing relationships. He shares wisdom gained from decades of counseling, which he has condensed into a great book, "Everyone's Job." You can find his book at Amazon, and you can learn about his ministry - Home Improvement Ministry in Tulsa.
Suffering is real, but death doesn't get the final word.
The final 3 sayings uttered by Jesus on the cross were words of deep distress, eternal triumph, and beautiful reunion. This is the final episode of our focus on Jesus' words on the cross.
Today's texts leads us to ask: Can you embrace suffering? What was Jesus' mission and how do we confuse it? What does "life after death after life" mean? Are you resting in God's hands?
See NT Wright, "Surprised By Hope"
In the midst of horrific suffering, Jesus cared for his mother and worshiped The Father. This is Part 2 of our study of the 7 statements made by Jesus on the cross.
When Jesus references Psalm 22, he isn't crying out against his Father. He's crying out to him.
Tim Keller article from The Atlantic.
Big Questions: 1. How do you treat your neighbor when you are suffering?
- Do you worship when you are suffering?
As he suffered the excruciating pain of the cross, Jesus made seven statements. Today we're looking at the first two.
Saying 1 - A word of forgiveness. “Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing" (Luke 23:34).
Saying 2 - A word of salvation “He replied, 'Truly, I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise'" (Luke 23:43).
This week Beth Moore announced that she was leaving the world's largest church denomination - the Southern Baptist Convention. Moore has been one of the most effective SBC Bible teachers and authors, but has been the target of intense attacks from some who should've been supporting her. Brian and Taylor recorded this special episode in order to let you know about this significant event and to call the global church to unity, which sometimes requires a rebuke.
Money is like fire – it can warm us or burn our house to the ground. Thankfully, the Bible says a lot about money that will help us defeat greed, honor God, and bless others. We'll study Deuteronomy 26 in this important episode.
The Bible teaches us to Give…
- Sacrificially 2. Joyfully 3. Graciously
The life of Joseph gives us a template for navigating suffering and thinking from the perspective of God. Suffering can lead to bitterness, but Hebrews 12 says, “See to it that no one misses the grace of God. And that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
Big Ideas: God doesn’t admonish Joseph or others for crying. For expressing the weight of their suffering.
What we learn from Joseph:
- Leave all the righting of wrongs to God
- See God’s hand in man’s wickedness.
- Repay evil with practical affection. Kindness.
- Forgive as God forgave you.
It's easy to ignore proper care for our bodies, but it's also easy to turn our bodies into idols. Let's unpack some Biblical principles to help us honor God with our bodies.
- Your body isn’t worthy of your worship, but it’s worthy of your care.
“View your body as an instrument, not an ornament” (Gary Thomas).
- View exercise and eating as spiritual.
I Cor 6 says, “The body is meant for the Lord.” I Cor. 10:31 says, “Whether you eat or drink, do it all for the glory of God.”
- Make a plan – any common sense plan.
- Measure (Note Daniel).
- Be courageous.
- Be gentle & gracious.
A dietitian's guide to guilt-free, holiday eating - by Sloan Taylor
How can we honor the Lord with our minds? Topics: Holistic care, sin's impact in our thinking, Isaiah 40, I Cor. 2, mind of Christ, and what happens biologically when songs get stuck in your head. Questions: -What do we think about when we think about God? -How do we think when we think about God?
What is the soul and is yours ok? Taylor and Brian begin a series of episodes that will let us take inventory.
This is the most ridiculous episode we've ever done. But it's a true story of a silly, running-joke that launched this podcast. Plus, we thought you all might need a big laugh. We sure did.
The events in DC took our breath away. Brian and Taylor offer some honest reflection and spiritual encouragement.
"Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards" (Soren Kierkegaard). Brian shares the 7 biggest lessons he learned in 2020. Topics include: social media, polarization, scheduling, spiritual disciplines, flexibility, poverty, and thankfulness. Whew!
Two names, Ichabod and Immanuel, tell competing stories about where God is. If you need some encouragement, this episode is for you. And if you want to join us in "8 Days With Jesus," as we watch and discuss The Chosen, go to http://hptulsa.com/8-days-with-jesus.
They guys dialogue about the shows that stretched their faith, revealed humanity, excelled at storytelling, or helped them relive the glory of 1980's basketball. You'll laugh a lot and also find a new show to watch.
The Chosen, The Last Dance, The Mandalorian, Alone, Tehran Animaniacs, My Hero Academia, Primal, The Queen's Gambit
Taylor has taught filmmaking classes at high school and collegiate levels. Brian managed to watch a few films this year without getting bored and walking away. But on their list of 5 favorites from the last year, they found some common ground. Join them for this fun episode of movie-talk, even if Brian has to be given lots of leeway for his top-5. Enola Holmes, Hamilton, 1917, Mank, Little Women, Color out of Space, Harriet, Tenet, Mank
Taylor and Brian both reveal their "Top 5 favorite books I read in 2020" list. Both of the guys give a quick overview, tell why it made their list, and field questions from the other. This episode moves fast! We bet you'll add a couple of these books to your 2021 reading list.
When you enter a strange new land (like a Pandemic), you'll need flexibility to survive and thrive. We'll learn from Lewis and Clark, whose plan to canoe to the coast came to a screeching halt when they saw the Rocky Mountains. Paul's missionary journeys had similar redirections. Notes: Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Unchartered Territory by Tod Bolsinger Carey Neiuwhof's talk on flexiblitilty/agility
So you're wearing an "I'm not ashamed of the Gospel" (Rom. 1:16) t-shirt. Great. But do you know what it's really about? Hint - it's not about being a loud super-Christian. By hearing a quick overview of Romans and reading the preceding verses, we'll discover a meaning that matches the heart of God.
What does it mean to speak prophetically? It's way more than predicting the future, and you are supposed to do it. Plus, you'll hear our dramatic reenactment fail and a brief word about politics.
The Bible teaches that taking the Lord's name in vain is much more than uttering a cuss word or saying God's name flippantly. We don't condone those things, but we need to know what this phrase really means. Plus, Taylor shares his most embarrassing, hilarious moment, leaving Brian in horrified disbelief.
We often hear the feel-good words of Jeremiah 29:11 but miss the surrounding verses, which are a call to faithful perseverance. This is the first in a series of episodes that will help you read the Bible correctly. Plus, the guys perform what they are sure will become an award-winning re-enactment, and Brian divulges a hilarious, embarrassing moment.
What if we spent as much time caring for hurting people as we did debating the appropriate response to the pandemic? We believe these trying times give us extra opportunities to love and disciple our neighbors. We may just need to change our focus.
We all need healthy rhythms to root our souls to God, especially during a pandemic. We'll teach you three habits that you can begin practicing today. They are simple, but new habits are never easy. Plus, Taylor asks Brian some questions about how church leaders are doing during this time.
The guys get personal and chat about how they're learning to allow the Kingdom of God to transcend and inform their politics.
We complete the Top 10 List of things we must do to love our neighbor politically. We'll look at how different faith backgrounds lead to wildly different thinking about political engagement - but all potentially in "good faith." We'll also call-out two often-used ingredients in partisan poison.
Part 2 of our series in learning how to love others in a climate of political hate. We'll delve into James 1 and discuss a brilliant illustration from Tony Evans.
With all of the hate seething out of political conversations, how can we learn to love? Taylor and Brian unpack the first set of timeless principles for how to love your neighbor politically. A principle from I Corinthians 5 provides far-reaching application, and a story from Exodus 1 sounds eerily similar.