TFNaz Podcast: Recent Episodes
Andy Albright and James Hardy
Join Pastor Andy, Pastor James, and others as we dive deeper into the passages and topics from Sunday sermons, chat about life at Twin Falls Church of the Nazarene, and share stories that encourage and uplift.
Message: Pastor Val Soto | Series: Jesus is Greater: Part 10 (Jesus: The Sacrifice, Part 2) | Scripture: Hebrews 10:1-18
Message: Pastor James Hardy | Series: Jesus is Greater, Part 8 (Jesus: Priest of the New Covenant) | Scripture: Hebrews 8:1-13
Message: Pastor James Hardy | Series: Jesus is Greater / Jesus Fulfills God's Promise, Part 6 | Hebrews 6:4-20
Message: Pastor James Hardy | Series: Jesus is Greater / Jesus The High Priest | Scripture: Hebrews 5:1 - 6:3
Series: Jesus is Greater | Message: Pt. 3- Jesus is Greater than Moses | Pastor James Hardy
Message: Pastor James Hardy | Series: Jesus is Greater / Part 2 / Jesus: The Human One | Scripture: Hebrews 2:5-18
Message: Pastor James Hardy | Series: Emotional Healthy Relationships, Part 7 | Scripture: Daniel 1:8-16
Message: Pastor Val Soto | Series: Emotionally Healthy Relationships, Part 6 | Scripture: Luke 6:6-12
Brian Shiroma joins James for episode 65 of the TFNaz podcast. They open things up by sharing stories of baggage - literal baggage. Then, they talk about some baggage that has been passed onto them that the genogram helped them to see and then utilize the four lessons from the story of Joseph to address their baggage.
On this episode, Riley and James talk about sin and baggage that get passed down from generation to generation. They also talk about the first steps in overcoming the baggage and breaking the cycle of sin.
Message: Pastor James Hardy | Series: Emotionally Healthy Relationships | Scripture: Exodus 34:6-7 and Galatians 3:10-14
On this episode, Pastor Rachel and Riley Shaw join James for a conversation about checking out assumptions and clarifying expectations. In addition to handling a couple real-life issues, the three of them also talk about Jesus' interaction with the two blind men in Matthew 20:29-34.
Special guest, Rachel Hardy, joins James on the podcast for this episode. They chat a bit about emotional health and spirituality, how their relationship has benefited from growing in their emotional health, and they practice the 5 components of Community Temperature Reading.
Message: Pastor James Hardy | Series: Emotionally Healthy Relationships, Part 1 | Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a
Pastor Rachel Shaw joins the podcast as a cohost for this episode. She and James reflect on Easter. They chat about some of the things that happened at TFNaz over Easter weekend. They also reflect a bit on the Easter story as conveyed by Matthew.
In the 60th episode of the TFNaz Podcast, James and Riley talk about things related to the story of Jesus entering Jerusalem as king in Matthew 21. They discuss some of the prophecies of a messiah, including the number of previous kings who rode on donkeys. They also talk about the love-hate relationship between Jewish people of the ancient world and the prophets.
Message: Pastor James Hardy | Series: For Us All, Part 5- Palm Sunday | Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11
On this episode of the TFNaz podcast, Riley and James talk about miracles. They share stories of praying for unlikely miracles, they talk about whether or not miracles from God affect free will, and they discuss what makes God's presence sufficient during times of difficulty.
On episode 58, Riley and James do some celebrating! They start by reflecting on things that they're celebrating in their own lives. Then, they transition to discuss the reports that were given during the Celebration Sunday at TFNaz.
In episode 57, Riley and James talk about high school rivalries, groups tied to Judaism that don't view the whole Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) as Scripture, and Judas' inclusion during the Last Supper.
Riley and James discuss transcendent moments in this episode. They begin by talking about transcendent experiences they've had that are not directly tied to God. Then, they discuss their experience with divine transcendent moments and talk about why some people don't have them.
*During the discussion, James makes reference to a survey from the Pew Research Center. You can access the results of that survey here: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2023/12/07/spiritual-experiences/
James specifically quotes from the section titled, "Personal encounters with spirits". In hindsight, a more applicable citation for this discussion should have come from the section titled, "Sudden connection with the beyond". In that section, 45% of respondents stated that they had a sudden or unexpected feeling of connection with something beyond this world. 49% of Protestant Christians surveyed affirmed this statement. Though these percentages are higher than the ones quoted by James, the underlying point remains true: According to the survey, a majority of people have not had a transcendent moment with God.
Message: For All of Us- The Transfiguration | Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9 | Pastor James Hardy
Upon starting a new sermon series called, "For All of Us", James and Riley explore the story of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness. Specifically, they talk about what wilderness seasons look like for us now, the suffering and temptations that happen in the wilderness, and the amount of power that the devil actually has.
Message: Pastor James Hardy | Series: For All of Us - Jesus in the Wilderness | Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11
Following Global Missions Sunday 2026, Riley and James begin this episode by talking about their favorite mission trip experiences. Then, they talk about giving to the church - why that can be difficult and why God wants us to give to the work of God through the church.
Brian Shiroma joins James on the podcast this week to discuss will happen at the end of time as we know it. They chat about dystopian stories, the practical implications of end times theology, and they compare the Nazarene view of the end with other views.
Message: Pastor James Hardy | We Believe part 6 | Articles 15 and 16- 2nd Coming of Christ, Resurrection, Judgement, Destiny
In this episode, Riley and James share a couple of silly experiences they've had in the Church. They also talk about the history of Christian worship practices and spend time exploring what the sacraments are with greater depth.
Message: We Believe #5 | Articles of Faith #11 - 14: The Church, Baptism, Communion, Divine Healing | Scripture: Ephesians 2:19-22 | Pastor James Hardy
In this episode of the TFNaz Podcast, James and Riley consider what foods they would like to smell like (I know, strange. Just listen and you'll get it). They also talk about sanctification - is it required to get into heaven? What does it look like to be entirely sanctified? And more.
Message: Pastor James Hardy | Series: We Believe, Part 4 | Church of the Nazarene Article of Faith #10 | Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
Episode 50 includes a discussion from Riley and James on their favorite forms of classical art, a conversation about human nature as it pertains to original sin, and they explore how Jesus' atonement affects people who never heard about God.
Message: Pastor James Hardy | Series: We Believe, Part 3 | Church of the Nazarene, Articles of Faith 5-9 | Scripture: Romans 5:6-8 and 12-17
In this episode of the TFNaz Podcast, Riley and James discuss the Scriptures. They discuss what is meant by the word "inspiration." Then, they share honestly and vulnerably about the challenge of reading the Bible.
Message: Pastor James Hardy | Series: We Believe, Part 2, Article of Faith 4, The Holy Scriptures | Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:14-17
James & Riley kick off the new year by diving into the themes of the new sermon series, We Believe. They talk about where belief statements and creeds come from and dive deep into a discussion on the Trinity.
Message: Pastor James Hardy | Series: We Believe - Articles of Faith 1-3 | Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:14
In the final episode of 2025, Riley and James discuss the sermon from December 21. Of note, they talk about the context of Isaiah 7:10-16 and James expresses in further detail how the love of God is exemplified in this passage and in Jesus.
Message: Pastor James Hardy | Hope of All The Earth, Part 4 - Love | Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-16
On this episode, Riley and James talk about joy! They share joyful experiences, explore how Jesus gives joy, and how one can be joyful and sorrowful at the same time.
Riley and James talk about peace in this episode of the TFNaz Podcast. Along with sharing about the spaces that facilitate peace for them, they also explore what it means for Jesus to be peace, and wrestle with how the God of peace also allows or even enacts retributive justice.
Gene Kissinger joins James in this episode of the podcast. They reflect on their Thanksgiving celebrations and then explore hope and reflect on Gene's sermon from November 30th.
In episode 43 of the podcast, James & Riley reflect on a sermon they haven't heard! They chat about good experiences they've had on the internet and give suggestions for ways to be people of light online.
Discipleship in the Digital Age pt. 4 | Salt and Light | Dallas McBride | Matthew 5:13-16
In this episode, Riley and James share stories of being scammed on the internet. They also talk about disinformation and the work of discerning what's true online.
Message: Pastor James Hardy
Series: Discipleship in the Digital Age, Part 3 "Truth"
Scripture: Colossians 2:6-8
Pastor Val joins Pastor James as a special host of the podcast in episode 41. Val and James start by talking about the line between using technology as a tool and when it becomes a dependence. Then, they talk about technology use for kids and teenagers.
Message: Pastor James Hardy
Series: Discipleship in the Digital Age, Part 2- Are we devoted to God or to technology?
Scripture: Psalm 62:5-8
On episode 40 of the TFNaz Podcast, Riley and James reflect on the content from the first sermon in the Discipleship in the Digital Age series. They share about their first forays into social media, reflect on their use of social media now, and chat about their experiences of breaking away from certain social media apps.
Discipleship in the Digital Age pt. 1: Connection;
Pastor James Hardy;
Colossians 2:1-5
On this episode of the TFNaz Podcast, Riley and James welcome Mike Redman into the conversation. Mike shares his story of faith which includes growing up in a "fire and brimstone" church, encountering Jesus at a youth group all night event, growing in his knowledge of the Christian religion until he came to realize that he doesn't actually know all that much. And that's ok.
On episode 38 of the podcast, Riley & James interview Brian Shiroma. Brian leads a Life Group called "Rooted Together" and he has been a leader for our young adult group over the last few years. Brian shares his story through the lens of the people who have invested in him throughout his life and shares why its so important to invest in others throughout our journeys with Jesus.
Message: Gene Kissinger
Series: Life Together- The Four Pillars of Unity
Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-7
Message: Samuel Nzapalaha
Series: Life Together - Loving others
Scripture: Acts 2:42-47
CONTENT WARNING: This episode mentions the self-inflicted death of a loved one and includes discussion of depression.
On this episode, James welcomes Val Soto, TFNaz's Youth Pastor, on to the podcast. James & Val swap youth ministry stories and then Val shares her life story, including her family's switch from the Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder Day Saints to the Church of the Nazarene, how she began her relationship with Jesus, and her journey in ministry.
TFNaz's new Worship Director, Shawnesy McBride, joins Riley & James on the podcast. The three of them discuss their favorite musical style and then Shawnesy shares about her life, family, and her story of faith.
James and Riley talk about love in this episode of the podcast. The conversation begins with discussion of foods that they they love. Then, Riley and James talk about what 'agape' love is, how to express agape, and the difference between love and lust.
CONTENT WARNING: This episode mentions sexual activity. Though nothing stated is explicit, you may want to use discretion if you are listening to this episode with children present.
As we continue our sermon series, Why Jesus, we explore what it means for Jesus to be Lord. In this conversation, Riley & James talk about what "extol" means, our conceptions of God as Lord, and the connection between Jesus' death and martyrdom.
In this episode, Riley and James share stories of getting stuck - literally. They also reflect on ideas from the sermon on September 14th entitled Jesus Is Savior. This conversation went long, so this episode was split into two parts.
In part two of episode 33, James & Riley discuss the Sacrifice of Atonement as described in Leviticus 16 and then fulfilled in Jesus as described by John in 1 John.
*In this part of the episode, Pastor James said that he thought Yom Kippur was in the Spring. It's not. He was wrong. It's in late September or early October depending on the year. In 2025, Yom Kippur will begin in the evening of October 1 and go through the day of October 2.
After a two year hiatus, the TFNaz Podcast returns with a new co-host, Riley Shaw, joining Pastor James. They reintroduce the podcast, chat about 90's music, and discuss the characteristics of Jesus as introduced by the sermon on September 7, 2025.
In this bonus episode of the TFNaz Podcast, Andy and James walk through the process by which Pastor Andy was elected as the next District Superintendent for the Wisconsin District in the Church of the Nazarene. They also chat a little bit about what a District Superintendent does and they briefly outline the process that Twin Falls Church of the Nazarene will go through in selecting the next Lead Pastor.
This is also the final episode in which Andy will be a cohost for the TFNaz Podcast. I (James) am so thankful that we had the opportunity to do this podcast over the last year. It's been a great joy to have these fun and formative conversations with my friend, Andy. I am tentatively planning for the podcast to continue into the future - though the form the podcast will take and the frequency of the episodes are to be determined. That said, my hope is to start recording and producing Season 2 of the TFNaz Podcast in September 2023.
In this bonus episode, Andy and James sit down with Eric Ness & Cade Sanford to discuss their recent mission trip to Guatemala. Eric & Cade recap their experience, recall some highlights - including some wonderful moments of God's Spirit at work in their lives - and they share why they believe mission trips are beneficial for anyone to take part in.
In the final episode before the summer break, the TFNaz Podcast welcomes Rachel Berry, our church's new Children's Director, onto the show! Rachel shares a bit about herself, plus Andy, James, and Rachel share boring parts of their lives. Then, the three of them discuss the significance of Pentecost. Finally, they share some things that are happening this summer so that listeners can be informed about what's going on and can know ways in which they can pray for the church and its leaders.
In this episode, the crew refers to Acts 2.
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
On the 28th episode of the TFNaz Podcast, Andy and James start with a set of bizarre stories. Literally. Then, they segue into a bizarre story about Jesus - His ascension into Heaven. They discuss together what happens in this story and why Jesus ascends along with what that has to do with us.
In this episode, Andy and James refer to and quote from Acts 1:1-14.
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The TFNaz Podcast is back with another two-part episode. In this episode, Andy and James are joined by Kristian "Kippy" Duggan. The three of them reflect on 1 Peter 3:8-18 and what it means to repay evil with blessing. Then, the attention turns to Kippy who shares a bit about what he's doing this summer as an Ministry Intern at TFNaz and as a member of the NNU travel group, the Collective.
In this episode, Andy and James refer to and quote parts of 1 Peter 3:8-18 and Romans 12:19.
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
In this episode, Andy and James start the episode by describing their dream homes. That segment segues into a discussion rooted in 1 Peter 2:2-10, our passage from the previous Sunday. In this discussion, Andy and James talk about what it means for the Church to be a "spiritual house". They also explore what it means for followers of Jesus to be a "holy and royal priesthood".
In this episode, Andy and James refer to and quote parts of 1 Peter 2:2-10.
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Episode 25 is a double episode of the TFNaz podcast! After the opening segment where Andy and James seek to recall the lyrics to Christian worship songs, the episode begins with some thoughts on what it means to suffer for Jesus in light of 1 Peter 2:18-25. After that, Andy and James talk a bit about the process of hiring pastoral staff at TFNaz in light of our interview with a candidate for the Children's Ministry Director over the previous weekend.
In episode 24 of the TFNaz Podcast, Andy and James take a trip down the context of the Emmaus road story in Luke 24:13-35. They chat about what the two travelers would have imagined as the "redemption of Israel," Jesus' response to their hopes, and what this story tells us about our resurrected bodies after we die. Plus, they kick things off with some random trivia!
In this episode, Andy and James refer to and read from parts of Luke 24:13-35.
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
In the 23rd episode of the TFNaz Podcast, Andy and James reflect on the story of Thomas in John 20:24-31. Those reflections invite a conversation about doubts - are they wrong? Can they be helpful? What do they say about what we are really looking for?
Andy and James discuss what's happening in the passage and then reflect on their own questions and the ways that God has responded to them.
In this episode, Andy and James both refer to John 20:24-31 and James reads verse 29. James also refers specifically to Luke 4:12.
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
In this episode of the TFNaz Podcast, Andy and James kick things off with a segment called, "Why is this a mascot?!?" Then, they chat about what we mean when we use the word "resurrection" and why the resurrection of Jesus matters so much. They wrap up the episode by talking about moments of resurrection that they've experienced in their own lives.
In this episode of the TFNaz podcast, Andy and James share stories of times in their lives when their expectations did not match the reality. Those stories segue into the main topic of conversation - how the people's expectations of Jesus in the Bible differed from the reality. Then, Andy and James chat about the expectations we have of Jesus today and the ways that those do and don't match who Jesus really is and what he is about.
In the 20th episode of the TFNaz Podcast, Andy and James dive deep into the Lazarus story from John 11 & 12. They discuss the threat of violence in the background of the story and how Jesus and the disciples moved forward with God's plan despite the threat and their fears. Andy and James then share about times that they have moved forward despite the threats or possible upheaval.
In this episode, Andy and James both refer to John 11 & 12 multiple times. A few different verses from those chapters are specifically read or mentioned.
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
In this episode of the podcast, Andy and James welcome Nathan Jennings on to the show. Nathan attends TFNaz, leads a life group, and used to work at Mount Rushmore (which comes up in this episode). Nathan tells his story of faith and shares how God is using him to love his neighbors and the community in Twin Falls.
In the 18th episode of the TFNaz Podcast, Andy and James interview Micka Enriquez. Micka is the Campus Staff Minister for Intervarsity Christian Fellowship at the College of Southern Idaho. She is actively ministering to students on campus, leading Bible studies, and trying to connect CSI students to local churches. In this conversation, Micka shares about her life story, her calling and wrestlings about her call, and she talks about the work that she is doing on campus at CSI.
If you would like to financially support Micka and her ministry at CSI, you can make a one time or recurring donation at this link: https://give.intervarsity.org/home?v=1&utm_campaign=home&g=44440,o,
You can also go to give.intervarsity.org and then in the search box type "Micka Enriquez".
In this episode, Andy and James are joined by special guest, Gene Kissinger! Gene is a member of TFNaz and is an active volunteer who leads two life groups, teaches in kids ministry, and fills into other roles from time to time too! Gene spent many years as a pastor and continues to be passionate about preaching, teaching, and serving the Church! In the episode, Gene shares his testimony, otherwise known as his story of faith and life with Jesus.
In this episode, Gene references a couple passages of scripture and recites them from the King James Version of the Bible.
Episode 16 of the TFNaz Podcast kicks off with a discussion of the practice of fasting and its impact on Andy and James' lives. Then, Andy and James discuss "mountaintop experiences" and a host of other things rooted in this week's sermon from 2 Peter 1:16-21.
In this episode, Andy refers to 2 Peter 1:12-13 and James refers to 2 Peter 1:18.
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
In episode 15 of the TFNaz Podcast, Andy and James share some of the Bible passages that are the most impactful to them. Then, they explore themes from Sunday's sermon which include conversations around maturing as Christians, our role as coworkers with God, and some thoughts on revival in light of the revival happening at Asbury University.
In this episode, James refers to 1 Corinthians 3:1-9.
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
In this episode, Andy and James kick things off with a draft of Hebrew Bible characters who they think would be great basketball players. Then, they dive into a discussion based on Sunday's sermon from 1 Corinthians 2:1-12. They give some more historical context to the phrase "secret knowledge" and then explore what it means that the mysteries of the Gospel have been revealed in Christ.
In this episode, James reads from 1 Corinthians 2:12.
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
In this week's episode of the podcast, Andy and James go to exotic places - or, more accurately, discuss which exotic animal that they would try to eat if given the opportunity. Then, they discuss what they mean by "the Upside-Down Kingdom" and chat about viewpoints that tend to be contrary to the Gospel of Jesus.
In this episode, James references from and reads a portion of 1 Corinthians 1:18-31.
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
In TFNaz Podcast Episode 12, Andy and James kick things off with The Great Unpopular Sport Debate. Which sport do you think should be more popular in the United States?
Then, Andy and James dive into a discussion about what divides the church, what we should be united by, and how we can unite despite differences and disagreements.
In this episode, James reads from 1 Corinthians 1:10-17.
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The Apostle's Creed: http://www.sbfnaz.org/apostles-creed/
The Nicene Creed: https://www.ccel.org/creeds/nicene.creed.html
In this episode, Andy and James dive into 1 Corinthians 1:1-9. They discuss challenges that they have faced and how the Gospel has impacted how they have addressed those challenges.
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Episode 10 of the TFNaz Podcast explores matters of faith within family units. Specifically, Andy & James talk about why it's important for families to engage in faith together and talk about some practices that families can do to connect with God.
James and Andy start out 2023 by reflecting on past New Year celebrations and share some of their favorite ones. They also chat through four questions that have helped them create a Rule of Life. The four questions that they consider in this episode are:
- What spiritual practices do you need to anchor you in a life with God?
- What are the practices of self care you need to care for your body and nurture your soul?
- What core relationships do you need in this season of life to support you on your journey?
- What are the gifts, passions, and burdens within that God wants you to express for the blessing of others?
It's our first Christmas episode! In this episode, James & Andy talk all about Christmas -- the name, the traditions, the presents, the list goes on and on! Plus, Braden returns and this time he brings his guitar and voice to bless us with his rendition of O Holy Night.
The Map of Christmas Light Displays in Twin Falls:
https://magicvalleychristmaslights.wordpress.com/2022/11/26/2022-magic-valley-christmas-light-map/
*Corrections:
James says the Council of Nicaea happens in 395 AD. He misremembered. It actually starts in 325 AD.
In the story of Nicholas giving gold to a poor family, the family was poor, but actually needed the money for dowries, not to pay off debts. And it was unlikely that the gold was in brick form, but was either in nuggets/balls or bags of coins.
And finally, the Julian calendar was only 10-11 days off from where it should have been so Christmas was never celebrated in the middle of summer (in the Northern Hemisphere).
^^^ Good examples of why you should have notes in front of you during a podcast rather than trying to go off of memory eyeroll.
Citations of Christmas Info:
“Bishop Nicholas Loses His Cool.” St. Nicholas Center, https://www.stnicholascenter.org/who-is-st-nicholas/stories-legends/traditional-stories/life-of-nicholas/bishop-nicholas-loses-his-cool.
Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Why Is Christmas in December?". Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Dec. 2018, https://www.britannica.com/story/why-is-christmas-in-december. Accessed 22 December 2022.
"Christmas tree". Encyclopædia Britannica. 2003.
“Colonial Records & Topics: 1752 Calendar Change.” 1752 Calendar Change - Colonial Records & Topics - LibGuides Home at Connecticut State Library., https://libguides.ctstatelibrary.org/hg/colonialresearch/calendar#:~:text=Changes%20of%201752&text=By%20that%20time%2C%20the%20discrepancy,most%20other%20parts%20of%20Europe.
Forbes, Bruce David (2007). Christmas: A Candid History. University of California Press. p. 45. ISBN 978-0-520-25802-0.
Harford, Tim. “The Real Reason Father Christmas Wears Red and White.” BBC News, BBC, 24 Dec. 2018, https://www.bbc.com/news/business-46619012.
Hirst, Ellen. “Christian Holidays Have Basis in Pagan Traditions.” The Daily Nebraskan, 15 May 2018, https://www.dailynebraskan.com/culture/christian-holidays-have-basis-in-pagan-traditions/article_12412954-583c-5127-a3bf-3f86df152a98.html.
Martindale, Cyril Charles (1908). "Christmas". The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 3. New York: Robert Appleton Company.
“Origin of Santa.” St. Nicholas Center, https://www.stnicholascenter.org/who-is-st-nicholas/origin-of-santa.
“Who Is St. Nicholas?” St. Nicholas Center, https://www.stnicholascenter.org/who-is-st-nicholas.
"O Holy Night"
Performed by Braden Rainey
Words & Music by Adolphe Charles Adam | John Sullivan Dwight | Placide Cappeau
Words & Music on the Public Domain
CCLI License # 518845
In TFNaz Podcast Episode 7, Braden returns and brings his guitar! They kick off the episode with a game where Andy has to make up a song on the spot. Then, Andy, James, and Braden have a conversation about God's love - specifically as it is exemplified in Jesus' arrival at Christmas.
In this episode, James quotes from Matthew 1:18-25.
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Braden quotes from the following song:
"Joy of the Lord"
By: Dante Bowe | Kalley Heiligenthal | Naomi Raine
© Bethel Worship Publishing (Admin. by Bethel Music Publishing)
Heritage Worship Music Publishing (Admin. by Bethel Music Publishing)
Maverick City Publishing (Admin. by Bethel Music Publishing)
Dante Bowe Music (Admin. by Heritage Worship Publishing)
Naomi Raine Music (Admin. by Heritage Worship Publishing)
Bethel Music Publishing
CCLI License # 518845
In Episode 6, Andy and James talk about joy. They explore the differences between joy and happiness, discuss where joy comes from, and share stories about people who they consider to be joyful despite difficult circumstances. Plus, Andy tries to guess the sound effects that are installed on our new audio mixer.
In this episode, James quotes from Philippians 4:4.
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
In the 5th episode of the TFNaz Podcast, Andy and James explore what peace looks like within our individual lives, in relationships with one another, and in large communities as well as nation-states. They also ask one another about people who they would love to sit down with for a conversation if it could be anyone from all of history (except for Jesus).
In this episode, James quotes from Isaiah 11:1-3a and 6-9.
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
We bring on our first special guest in this episode - Pastor Braden Rainey! Braden, Andy, and James begin by sharing about times that they had to wait to get out of some tough (and mostly humorous) situations. Then, they talk about Advent, the season leading up to Christmas, and why we should embrace it. Finally, they share stories of hope - the first theme of the Advent season.
In this episode of the TFNaz Podcast, Andy and James kick things off with The Great Food Debate. It's a debate that they need you to help settle! Plus, they explore the third aspect of TFNaz's mission - Serve. They'll chat about the call of all humans to be servants of God and one another and share stories of ways that service has impacted them.
In this episode, Andy and James take a trip down memory lane and chat about things they anxiously awaited in the mail. They also reflect on the topic from last Sunday's sermon on what it means to grow as a follower of Jesus. Their discussion includes thoughts on where Christian growth starts, how we challenge ourselves to grow, and they share some of the ways that they have been growing over the past couple years.
In the very first episode of the TFNaz Podcast, Andy and James talk about the first core value of our church's mission - love. They talk about how Jesus models love, how our culture misses what love is, and they share stories of what love has looked like in their lives.