We'll Get There Podcast: Recent Episodes
Shiloh Hills Fellowship
We're just three pastors (Brolin, Thomas, and Aaron) at Shiloh Hills Fellowship Church in Spokane, WA who are making it up as we go. We invite you on the journey of navigating an ever-changing culture with a biblical perspective. And while we certainly haven't arrived yet, we'll get there.
The guys continue their discussion on God and the government. This session was continuing the Q&A session from the last episode.
02:53 Why should we talk about God and the government?
06:26 How should Christians weigh leadership versus party issues?
13:34 How can we as believers reconcile the current political climate in our hyper-polarized nation?
20:30 As important as I believe it is to vote, is it wrong for me not to vote if I morally and ethically do not feel a desire to vote one way or another?
24:17 Would it be best for Christians to keep their vote private to keep them from being a stumbling block?
27:25 Does praying for government leaders only mean asking God to save them and give them wisdom, what other ways should we be praying for them?
The guys discuss God and government and how Christians should think about politics and the upcoming election.
0:03:30 What is the biblical role of government?
0:31:31 How should Christians engage in politics and government?
0:42:37 How should Christians think and talk about the upcoming election?
0:58:07 If our government is endorsing behavior that is in direct contradiction to God's Word do his people have a right or a responsibility to campaign for change?
1:02:52 If all options in a hypothetical election are hopelessly immoral, how can a Christian vote in good conscience?
1:07:36 What does the Bible say about life and abortion?
1:13:21 I know some people who have said we should not be in favor of one political party than how we should vote?
1:16:43 How do we trust that the winner of the election was chosen by God and not by cheating?
1:19:32 People are saying that this election is one of the most important ones in our history. Why are people making it life and death on who wins when God will provide?
1:23:10 Can we please talk about how our vote is less important than our individual impact in our community?
1:27:48 Should Christians completely avoid voting for someone who is pro-choice or pro-alternative lifestyle/ identity?
Pastor Aaron and Pastor Brolin relive what it has been like growing up in the age of the video game, recounting some of their favorite gaming systems and games.
3:40 First video game system experience
6:23 8-bit Era
11:53 16-bit Era
16:20 32-bit and Beyond
23:53 MMOs and Social Gaming
The guys continue their rant on youth pastor stereotypes.
4:37 Hipster Heath
12:09 Military Mike
18:55 Relevant Ryker
The guys talk about youth pastor stereotypes they have encountered in ministry.
5:20 Who is Teva Tim?
13:28 Who is Christian Rock Chris?
20:00 Who is Sports Guy Steve?
The guys go on a random rant about church potlucks and the stereotypes they bring out.
3:28 What's your cultural background with potlucks?
12:54 What are some potluck stereotypes?
22:01 What are your favorite potluck dishes?
25:20 What kind of cookies do you like?
26:21 Should brownies be fudgy or cakey?
Pastor Brolin and Pastor Aaron discuss "5 Christian Cliches that Need to Die", an article by Matt Smethurst.
Read the article here: LINK
7:52 “When God closes a door, he opens a window.”
15:01 “You’re never safer than when you’re in God’s will.”
18:14 “Let go and let God.”
22:45 “God will not give you more than you can handle.”
25:15 “God helps those who help themselves.”
The guys do another "random rant" on the Christian phrase "getting fed".
3:00 What do Christians mean by the phrase "I don't know if I'm getting fed"?
5:25 What does the "getting fed" mentality come from?
9:20 Can a Christian grow to maturity only by “getting fed”? Or is there more to it than that?
13:50 The guys respond to Pastor Brolin playing the "getting fed" Christian.
16:35 Do we just have a bunch of picky eaters?
Pastor Brolin and Pastor Aaron talk about our obsession with Christian celebrities.
4:52 Why do we as a Christian culture get so excited by Christian celebrities?
12:04 What are the dangers of putting a new believer on a platform too completely?
21:33 What do we do with Christian celebrities that "decovert"?
The guys discuss James 3:13-18 and the difference between godly and earthly wisdom:
4:17 What do you think people understand wisdom to be?
6:03 What are some examples of how our world embraces earthly wisdom?
13:00 How can Christians mistake earthly wisdom for godly wisdom?
18:38 Which of the characteristics of godly wisdom that James mentions did you find most interesting or challenging?
24:08 How do our relationships show evidence (or lack thereof) of true wisdom?
30:07 Any final thoughts or encouragements?
The guys rant and rave about the Christan phrase "going deeper".
4:02 What do you as pastors when you hear the phrase "I wish we would go a little deeper"?
8:20 What do you think of the idea that the desire to grow deeper is rooted in spiritual boredom and disobedience?
19:50 Should test "growing deeper" through the lens of loving others?
20:52 Some final encouragements.
The guys discuss James 3:1-12 and the taming of our tongue.
4:00 What are the dangers of being a teacher/ leader?
6:00 What are some wrong motives for wanting to become a teacher?
8:20 What are some ways we have seen the power of influence that words can have?
19:30 What are some ways we can use the tongue as a diagnostic for our hearts?
30:20 What is a good way to talk to Christian friend who is always negative and complaining?
37:35 What can we do as a church to guard our speech to one another?
The guys talk about the difference between racism and prejudice and the layers of racism that exist.
4:40 How should we define prejudice and racism?
8:45 How do the power dynamics of racism exhibit themselves in everyday interactions?
11:45 What are some different layers of racism?
The guys discuss James 2:14-26 and faith and works.
5:45 Pastor Thomas gives a brief recap of Sunday's sermon
7:58 How is James' use of "justified" different from Paul's?
14:00 What are some other words or rhetorical devices James uses to help understand the force of the passage?
18:28 What are your thoughts about the analogy the "faith is the engine; works is the fuel"?
20:50 Are the "works" James mentions the same as the "fruit" Jesus speaks of in Matthew?
23:43 What are some reasons we try to separate faith and works?
30:17 What are the dangers of separating faith and works?
36:32 How should the connection between faith and works impact our presentation of the gospel?
40:09 What about Romans 10:9? It seems like this passage is saying the gospel is simply a declaration. Thoughts?
47:00 What is the purpose of James comparing Abraham and Rahab?
50:13 What is the significance of James' analogy "just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead'.
52:20 Could you talk about the semantic range of "saved" and if James is using it differently than the salvific sense that comes to mind?
Today the guys discuss the Mormon Church and some difficulties in bridging the gap between the true and false gospels.
1:25 What is your experience and interactions with the Mormon Church?
4:50 Should Mormons be considered Christians?
13:57 Where does Mormon doctrine come from?
17:38 How is the Mormon gospel different from the Christian gospel?
26:35 What do the Mormons believe about Bible study methods?
The guys discuss James 2:1-13 and favoritism in the church.
4:07 Pastor Thomas gives a brief recap of Sunday's sermons.
5:50 How have you experienced favoritism?
10:38 What are some ways we reinforce favoritism in the church?
14:22 What does a church who doesn't show favoritism work with?
21:05 Does God view all sin the same?
24:19 How did the passage shared during the call to worship (Ps. 82) connect to the James passage?
26:00 Why is favoritism such a serious sin?
34:20 How does favoritism hurt the testimony of gospel?
37:06 What are some ways the world's influence has stained the church?
42:30 How do we balance the tension of keeping from sin and engaging the world?
47:50 What are some things you would encourage a person who is struggling with favoritism to do?
Today the guys rant about Bible verses on home decor and how they can misrepresent what the texts are actually about.
2:58 The guys introduce a new series of talks called "Random Rants"
6:24 The guys introduce heretical home decor.
7:55 Is having a Scripture verse on your wall a bad thing?
8:50 What are some issues that come up with heretical home decor?
11:30 What are some verses get ripped out of context in home decor?
23:43 How can we put verses on our wall well?
The guys continue the miniseries called "Misconceptions". In this episode, they discuss misconceptions about the afterlife and how we talk about what happens when we die.
5:25 What are some common things that people think about the afterlife?
11:00 What are the differences between the intermediate state and last judgment?
17:19 What are some Scriptural passages that talk about the afterlife?
30:46 What is hell?
40:04 What are some ways the Bible talks about "God's space"?
The guys discuss James 1:1-18 and how trials are a part of the journey to spiritual maturity.
3:58 What was the big idea behind James 1:1-18?
5:55 How has God used trials to refine you?
14:07 Should a Christian ever doubt?
28:28 How can a Christian tell the difference between a trial and not getting your own way?
36:01 What are some ways we misdiagnose our spiritual condition?
47:23 What are the difference between trials and temptations?
50:52 How do we confront evil desire well?
The guys continue the miniseries called "Misconceptions". In this episode, they discuss misconceptions about the Church and how we engage in a local church body.
5:08 What are some false pictures we have developed about the church? The church as a club.
10:15 What are some false pictures we have developed about the church? The church as a service provider.
17:00 What is the church, then?
22:01 If a group is not carrying out the mission and purposes of Jesus, should we see it as a church?
27:55 What would you say to someone who says they love Jesus, but cannot stand the church?
The guys discuss the intense emotions and how we can (and should) bring them to God.
4:45 What is a psalm of lament?
6:03 Why do you think God includes psalms of lament in the Bible?
13:10 What do we see in Psalm 42-43 that we should model?
19:16 What are the dangers of withholding our emotions to God?
25:54 Are strong emotions a sign that we are disconnected from God?
32:23 Are there any inappropriate or unhelpful form/habits in revealing our emotions to God?
37:39 How powerful is hope in relationship to our emotions?
43:29 How can we be a community of people that allows and reveals emotions?
49:13 What are some helpful resources in dealing with emotions?
The guys continue the miniseries called "Misconceptions". In this episode, they discuss misconceptions about the Bible and how these affect how we read and interpret Scripture.
3:08 When you guys think misconceptions of the Bible, what comes to mind?
6:46 What are some misconceptions of inspiration?
10:28 What is the Bible?
17:42 How can we overemphasize the human side of the Bible?
20:24 What are some problems with viewing the Bible as an instructional manual?
23:50 What are some problems with viewing the Bible as a theology answer book?
28:55 What are some problems with viewing the Bible as a devotional grab bag?
33:30 How should we talk about inerrancy?
The guys discuss Sabbath and rest as we finished up our sermon series Finally at Rest. The last message in the series, Now & Later, can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZuNFhvsTxI
1:04 How are you guys doing with quarantine life?
7:45 What are some things in your daily life that have to get done?
14:19 When you think of God as Creator, what come to mind?
19:14 Do you think us getting tired is part of creation or a result of the fall?
25:08 How does the idea of God as Creator and Redeemer challenge our cultural views of rest?
30:58 How does a stay-at-home mom find rest?
38:48 How should we view the literal day of Sabbath in our cultural context?
49:00 What are some things we can do on a Sunday to rest how God intended?
1:02:08 What are some ways we can encourage the church during the season?
The guys discuss the resurrection and its implications on our faith, salvation, sanctification, and future hope.
2:34 Pastor Thomas gives a recap of Sunday's sermon.
8:29 The guys discuss 1 Cor. 15:12-19 and that the resurrection is the foundation of our faith.
13:45 The guys discuss Eph. 2:4-9 and that the resurrection is the foundation of our new life.
20:50 The guys discuss Rom. 6:9-14; 8:9-11 and that the resurrection is the foundation of our sanctification.
49:50 The guys discuss 1 Cor. 15:20-23 and that the resurrection is the foundation of our future hope.
The guys start a new miniseries called "Misconceptions". In this episode, they discuss misconceptions about Jesus and these affect evangelism and the Christian witness.
3:33 The guys talk about the new series and why we think it is important.
5:38 The guys talk about "White Jesus" and the implications of this false portrait.
15:16 The guys talk about "No Judgment Jesus" and the implications of this false portrait.
22:18 The guys talk about "Killjoy Jesus" and the implications of this false portrait.
The guys hosted a ZOOM Q & A on the opening message of our new sermon series "Finally at Rest". You can check out the message "Work It & Watch It" here: LINK
1:36 What is the first thing you want to do after you get out of quarantine?
4:18 What are some of the first jobs you had?
6:30 What are some things that work provides us that we need?
9:52 What are some of the ways work gets distorted?
12:00 What are some of the things you do to find delight in your work?
17:05 How has the fall affected work?
21:00 Whare are some of the ways people can find meaning in their work today?
26:17 Do we always have to enjoy our work?
29:32 Where does retirement fit into your theology of work?
31:28 How should we feel about the concept of a "gap year"?
39:08 Is it wrong to keep looking for jobs that you like better?
47:42 What are the challenges and responsibilities involved in the statement, "we are called to work and take care of the earth in a unique and special way"?
53:01 Are you leaving margin in your life?
The guys give a brief update on ministry during the COVID-19 stay-at-home order and then field some questions from the Shiloh Hills Youth.
2:19 How has ministry been this side of COVID-19?
10:58 Do we know where Eden was?
14:40 How can we interpret our emotions in a healthy manner?
32:03 How should I know what God wants me to do for work?
40:30 Holy week!
The guys hosted a ZOOM Q & A on the opening message of our new sermons series "Finally at Rest". You can check out the message "Pre-Sabbath Routine" here: LINK
1:50 What do you think of when you hear the word "rest"?
5:24 What are some of the things that prevent you from rest?
8:56 Why do we go to the creation narrative to talk about work, rest, and Sabbath?
12:24 How does the biblical definition of work, rest, and Sabbath push against our cultural definition/ norms?
15:45 How do the realities presented in the creation impact our kids, church, and culture?
21:06 Do we get to define rest for ourselves even if it appears to be work to someone else?
24:08 Is the idea that the harder you work the harder rest or should we think about rest differently?
26:46 Is rest something we should program and plan for?
33:32 Is it a mistake to view rest as some preventative mental care to keep us from burning out?
36:44 How do you as pastors practice rest personally?
45:17 How do we demonstrate rest in this culture of chaos? What qualities might manifest that would make a difference to the unbelieving world?
54:05 Should we consider every moment of burnout in our lives as an indicator that we are not resting well?
1:01:00 Do think working too hard or too much is our attempt to control more than we are supposed to?
1:06:29 Pastor Thomas gives a final encouragement.
1:07:28 Do you think Sabbath will be tied into the Easter message?
The guys continue to talk about COVID-19 and how the Christians should navigate quarantine and the pandemic.
1:17 The guys talk about what has changed over the last week.
3:40 The guys talk about churches who continue to meet despite the warnings and stay-at-home orders.
8:30 The guys talk about "virtual church" and how it might help remind us of what the primary purpose of worship and church community is.
16:40 The guys talk about some biblical parallels that can encourage us during this season.
21:03 The guys give some final encouragement.
The pastors talk about the Coronavirus and how we can think biblically as we navigate this pandemic.
1:40 The guys share some opening thoughts about this cultural moment.
3:45 They guys talk about how the quarantine has affected their homes.
7:00 The guys talk about some disappointments and suprises they have felt during this crisis.
10:48 The guys talk about some of the false hopes that the crisis has exposed.
17:41 The guys talk about how to navigate fear, worry, and anxiety during this time.
23:47 The guys talk about practical ways to love your neighbor and trust God during this time.
29:22 The guys announce the winner of drawing for the $50 Amazon gift card.
Nicole Weatherly joins Brolin and Aaron to discuss Gen Z and some of their major characteristics and how those play out in the home, community, and the church.
2:45 Nicole and the guys share some general thoughts about the Gen Z interview.
6:18 The crew discusses some of the tensions for Gen Z Christians and how they interact with the secular world.
18:10 The crew discusses Gen Zers' interest and participation in the church.
21:20 The crew discusses how Gen Zers can take their faith outward.
26:30 The crew discusses subcultures in Gen Z and how that affects their view of Christianity.
31:10 The crew discusses "branding" and "aesthetic" and relationships in Gen Z.
36:32 The crew discusses Gen Z's preferred communication style.
46:10 The crew discusses creating pathways to adulthood for Gen Zers.
49:03 The crew discusses how Gen Z is a blessing to the church and offer a few warnings.
Pastor Brolin interviews three members of the Gen Z: Maddie Fenrich, Emmet McAlerney, and Hannah Ward.
2:58 What was the defining event for your generation?
7:18 What cultural icon do you think represents your generation?
13:05 What would you say is the greatest technological advancement of your generation?
15:51 What was one value your parents emphasized when you were growing up?
18:41 How do you think that affected your church experience?
28:28 If you had one value you could pass on to the next generation, what would it be?
32:14 What is it like to be in your schools today?
35:05 What do you feel the biggest misconception of your generation is?
The guys discuss some of the characteristics of the Millenials that came out in the interview and how those shaped the home, the church, and the community. We would encourage you to listen to the interview first.
2:57 The guys talk about the positives and negatives of the "dreamer" trait of Millenials.
10:28 The guys talk about the positives and negatives of the Millenials' desire for "authenticity" and "vulnerability" and how emotions and feelings are very important to this generation.
25:48 The guys talk about the positives and negatives of the Millenial desire for "partnership" and to feel like they are truly a part of the work with which they are involved.
29:28 The guys talk about how the Millenials are a blessing to the church and offer some warnings about how they might be a hindrance.
Pastor Brolin interviews three members of the Millenial generation: Jennifer Love, Nathan Miller, and Nicole Weatherly.
2:32 What was the defining event for your generation?
5:08 What cultural icon do you think represents your generation?
11:23 What would you say is the greatest technological advancement of your generation?
17:35 What was one value your parents emphasized when you were growing up?
21:06 How do you think that affected your church experience?
33:37 If you had one value you could pass on to the next generation, what would it be?
39:28 What do you feel the biggest misconception of your generation is?
Pastor Brolin and Pastor Aaron discuss some of the characteristics of Generation X that came out in the interview and how those shaped the home, the church, and the community. We would encourage you to listen to the interview first.
1:28 The guys share some initial thoughts about the Generation X interview and how the interviewees were representative of their generation in some ways but also were unique from some of the larger trends we see in Gen Xers.
3:17 The guys talk about working moms and latch key kids and how much these realities shaped some of the characteristics of Gen Xers like independent spirit, self-reliance, etc.
7:57 The guys talk about MTV and the influence it had on Generation X and why it did not seem to be a major factor in the lives of our interviewees.
10:00 The guys talk about how and why Generation X is a little less optimistic than the generations they are sandwiched between.
12:02 The guys talk about the Gen Xers' attitude toward authority and how their self-reliant tendency impacts their spiritual development and attitude toward the church.
17:14 The guys talk about how the Gen Xers and how they can bless the church and warn how they might hinder the church.
25:56 The guys share some final thoughts.
Pastor Brolin interviews three members of Generation X: Lynn Ellis, Ian Kerrigan, and Angelina Malmsten.
1:55 What was the defining event for your generation?
4:30 What cultural icon do you think represents your generation?
8:07 What would you say is the greatest technological advancement of your generation?
12:56 What was one value your parents emphasized when you were growing up?
16:25 How do you think that affected your church experience?
22:44 If you had one value you could pass on to the next generation, what would it be?
25:18 What do you feel the biggest misconception of your generation is?
Pastor Brolin and Pastor Aaron discuss some of the characteristics of the Baby Boomer Generation that came out in the interview and how those shaped the home, the church, and the community. We would encourage you to listen to the interview first.
1:30 The guys discuss some of the tensions that exist when more populous and influential "collide". The Boomers are situated in the middle of three influential generations.
3:50 The guys lay out some of the basic characteristics and events that shape the Boomer Generation.
11:50 The guys talk about some of the things that are happening with Boomers as they reach retirement and how that influences their views of other generations.
16:21 The guys talk about some of the values and culture that came out of the "hippie movement".
19:37 The guys talk about how the Boomers can be both a blessing and a hindrance to the church.
26:20 The guys offer a final encouragement for Boomers in a local church.
Pastor Brolin interviews three members of the Baby Boomer Generation: Sandy Calbreath, Tom Clark, and Scotte Meredith.
1:55 What was the defining event for your generation?
7:40 What cultural icon do you think represents your generation?
11:01 What would you say is the greatest technological advancement of your generation?
15:32 What was one value your parents emphasized when you were growing up?
19:10 How do you think that affected your church experience?
23:54 If you had one value you could pass on to the next generation, what would it be?
31:12 What do you feel the biggest misconception of your generation is?
The guys discuss some of the characteristics of the Silent Generation that came out in the interview and how those shaped the home, the church, and the community. We would encourage you to listen to the interview first.
2:30 General thoughts from the guys on the Silent Generation.
4:36 In the interview, Dennis Thrash brought up John Wayne and the Marlboro Man as cultural icons. The guys take about the positives of toughness and "being a rock" exhibited in this generation, but the danger of machoism and sweeping emotions under the rug.
13:04 The guys talk about some of the values that the Silent Generation interviewees were taught by their parents. The guys discuss the positive traits of working hard and doing things right and a commitment to excellence but left unchecked can led to legalism and moralism, especially in the church.
19:56 The guys talk about the value of patriotism that is particularly strong in the Silent Generation because of their connection with multiple wars. They talk about the danger of nationalism and how we must not convolute the Kingdom of Heaven with any earthly kingdom.
27:18 The guys discuss some of the misconceptions the interviewees feel other generations have about them.
Pastor Brolin interviews three members of the Silent Generation: Harold Belcher, Candy Englant, and Dennis Thrash.
1:02 The interviewees introduce themselves.
2:30 The interviewees discuss the question, "What was the defining event of your generation?"
10:52 The interviewees discuss the question, "What cultural icon do you think represents your generation?"
15:09 The interviewees discuss the question, "What is the greatest technological advancement of your generation?"
23:03 The interviewees discuss the question, "What was one value your parents emphasized when you were growing up?"
36:11 The interviewees discuss the question, "If you had one value you could pass on to the next generation, what would it be?"
39:46 The interviewees discuss the question, "What do you feel the biggest misconception of your generation is?"
The guys set some groundwork for the upcoming discussions about different generations. They establish the dates and names they will use for each generation and discuss what demographers say are some of the characteristics of each generation.
1:20 Aaron talks about how in the coming weeks we will be having interviews with people from each generation, as a way of getting to know on another.
3:15 The guys define what the living six generations are.
7:14 The guys discuss how each generation had a series of events and cultural developments that shaped them. Rather than look at a generation as merely "positive" or "negative" the guys encourage an understanding of each other and acknowledging strengths and weaknesses that exist in each generation.
10:23 The guys discuss the value of generational studies and why understanding each generation can be helpful.
Resources
"The Generations Defined"
https://www.pewresearch.org/st_18-02-27_generations_defined/
"Defining Our Six Generations"
https://www.livingfacts.org/en/articles/2019/defining-our-six-generations
"American Generation Fast Facts"
https://www.cnn.com/2013/11/06/us/baby-boomer-generation-fast-facts/index.html
The Millennials: Connecting to America's Largest Generation
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004FV4R0O/
The guys explore the "Kids These Days" effect and the reality that every generation has thought that its youth were in decline. They discuss what this human tendency does to cause tension between generations and why we should care enough to fight against it.
2:08 The guys discuss some of the ways we see generations mock each other and the reality that generations often look down on one another.
4:37 The guys discuss that generational tension is not new through looking at quotes from throughout the centuries.
8:20 Aaron presents the findings of a research journal called "Kids These Days: Why the Youth of Today Seem Lacking" that explores why the young look down on the old.
11:37 The guys talk about how we see these generational tensions manifest in the local church context and the benefits of inter-generational relationships and how we can help and grow one another.
17:43 Brolin discusses the upcoming series "What do Christians Believe?" and asks our listeners (and their friends) to complete
19:36 The guys share some final thoughts.
Resources
"People Have Always Whined About Young People. Here's Proof."
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20171003-proof-that-people-have-always-complained-about-young-adults
"Kids These Days: Why the Youth of Today Seem Lacking"
https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/advances/5/10/eaav5916.full.pdf
"What Christian's Believe" Survey
https://forms.gle/umU5pwzxgzgFDSbT9
"Greatest Love of All" by Whitney Houston
https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/whitneyhouston/greatestloveofall.html
Pastor Brolin and Pastor Aaron discuss the Super Bowl, Kobe Bryant, and the podcast plan for 2020.
1:31 - The guys talk about the upcoming Superbowl and the fact Aaron is a Kansas City Chiefs fan. It was MAC LETHAL who said, "I'm 38 and I have been waiting 50 years for this". Click here to hear the quote and listen to the 2020 KC anthem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=os7_Nw9EWvM
4:03 - The guys talk about the passing of Kobe Bryant and why the death of cultural icons create widespread grief. They suggest that there is room to acknowledge the impact of Kobe Bryant as a cultural icon without demeaning the lives of the others who also died in the helicopter crash.
14:41 - The guys talk about how these moments like the passing of celebrities bring human mortality to the forefront of a society that spends a lot of time avoiding the reality of death and how we can use moments like these to point people to Jesus.
19:00 - The guys talk about an upcoming podcast series called "Bridging the Generational Gap".
22:55 - The guys talk about an upcoming podcast series called "What Do Christians Believe?". If you want to help us out by filling out and then sharing the survey, we would be very grateful (you can also win $50): https://forms.gle/aQ4dT5jUe8vuJu51A
Over the next 21 days, we are joining churches around the world, who are connected with the global organization “Converge Worldwide”, to pray together in a focused prayer effort titled “Praying the King’s Agenda”.
Praying the King’s Agenda is simply another way of us saying we want you to, Hear what the Lord Jesus has to say to you from the Bible, and pray about that in response. It is allowing Jesus, to set your prayer agenda. It is essentially praying the Bible.
For the next 21 days, we invite you to do the following:
- Read a brief passage from the bible with a truth about Jesus or a command from him.
- Notice the details from the passage to aid in understanding God’s heart.
- Reflect on this truth.
We have a daily devotional booklet aimed to aid you throughout this time. You can download it on our website at shfspokane.org/prayingthekingsagenda
So for the next 21 days, we will be delivering shorter episodes that are meant to encourage and build upon the devotional readings.
Over the next 21 days, we are joining churches around the world, who are connected with the global organization “Converge Worldwide”, to pray together in a focused prayer effort titled “Praying the King’s Agenda”.
Praying the King’s Agenda is simply another way of us saying we want you to, Hear what the Lord Jesus has to say to you from the Bible, and pray about that in response. It is allowing Jesus, to set your prayer agenda. It is essentially praying the Bible.
For the next 21 days, we invite you to do the following:
- Read a brief passage from the bible with a truth about Jesus or a command from him.
- Notice the details from the passage to aid in understanding God’s heart.
- Reflect on this truth.
We have a daily devotional booklet aimed to aid you throughout this time. You can download it on our website at shfspokane.org/prayingthekingsagenda
So for the next 21 days, we will be delivering shorter episodes that are meant to encourage and build upon the devotional readings.
Over the next 21 days, we are joining churches around the world, who are connected with the global organization “Converge Worldwide”, to pray together in a focused prayer effort titled “Praying the King’s Agenda”.
Praying the King’s Agenda is simply another way of us saying we want you to, Hear what the Lord Jesus has to say to you from the Bible, and pray about that in response. It is allowing Jesus, to set your prayer agenda. It is essentially praying the Bible.
For the next 21 days, we invite you to do the following:
- Read a brief passage from the bible with a truth about Jesus or a command from him.
- Notice the details from the passage to aid in understanding God’s heart.
- Reflect on this truth.
We have a daily devotional booklet aimed to aid you throughout this time. You can download it on our website at shfspokane.org/prayingthekingsagenda
So for the next 21 days, we will be delivering shorter episodes that are meant to encourage and build upon the devotional readings.
Over the next 21 days, we are joining churches around the world, who are connected with the global organization “Converge Worldwide”, to pray together in a focused prayer effort titled “Praying the King’s Agenda”.
Praying the King’s Agenda is simply another way of us saying we want you to, Hear what the Lord Jesus has to say to you from the Bible, and pray about that in response. It is allowing Jesus, to set your prayer agenda. It is essentially praying the Bible.
For the next 21 days, we invite you to do the following:
- Read a brief passage from the bible with a truth about Jesus or a command from him.
- Notice the details from the passage to aid in understanding God’s heart.
- Reflect on this truth.
We have a daily devotional booklet aimed to aid you throughout this time. You can download it on our website at shfspokane.org/prayingthekingsagenda
So for the next 21 days, we will be delivering shorter episodes that are meant to encourage and build upon the devotional readings.
Over the next 21 days, we are joining churches around the world, who are connected with the global organization “Converge Worldwide”, to pray together in a focused prayer effort titled “Praying the King’s Agenda”.
Praying the King’s Agenda is simply another way of us saying we want you to, Hear what the Lord Jesus has to say to you from the Bible, and pray about that in response. It is allowing Jesus, to set your prayer agenda. It is essentially praying the Bible.
For the next 21 days, we invite you to do the following:
- Read a brief passage from the bible with a truth about Jesus or a command from him.
- Notice the details from the passage to aid in understanding God’s heart.
- Reflect on this truth.
We have a daily devotional booklet aimed to aid you throughout this time. You can download it on our website at shfspokane.org/prayingthekingsagenda
So for the next 21 days, we will be delivering shorter episodes that are meant to encourage and build upon the devotional readings.
Over the next 21 days, we are joining churches around the world, who are connected with the global organization “Converge Worldwide”, to pray together in a focused prayer effort titled “Praying the King’s Agenda”.
Praying the King’s Agenda is simply another way of us saying we want you to, Hear what the Lord Jesus has to say to you from the Bible, and pray about that in response. It is allowing Jesus, to set your prayer agenda. It is essentially praying the Bible.
For the next 21 days, we invite you to do the following:
- Read a brief passage from the bible with a truth about Jesus or a command from him.
- Notice the details from the passage to aid in understanding God’s heart.
- Reflect on this truth.
We have a daily devotional booklet aimed to aid you throughout this time. You can download it on our website at shfspokane.org/prayingthekingsagenda
So for the next 21 days, we will be delivering shorter episodes that are meant to encourage and build upon the devotional readings.
Over the next 21 days, we are joining churches around the world, who are connected with the global organization “Converge Worldwide”, to pray together in a focused prayer effort titled “Praying the King’s Agenda”.
Praying the King’s Agenda is simply another way of us saying we want you to, Hear what the Lord Jesus has to say to you from the Bible, and pray about that in response. It is allowing Jesus, to set your prayer agenda. It is essentially praying the Bible.
For the next 21 days, we invite you to do the following:
- Read a brief passage from the bible with a truth about Jesus or a command from him.
- Notice the details from the passage to aid in understanding God’s heart.
- Reflect on this truth.
We have a daily devotional booklet aimed to aid you throughout this time. You can download it on our website at shfspokane.org/prayingthekingsagenda
So for the next 21 days, we will be delivering shorter episodes that are meant to encourage and build upon the devotional readings.
Over the next 21 days, we are joining churches around the world, who are connected with the global organization “Converge Worldwide”, to pray together in a focused prayer effort titled “Praying the King’s Agenda”.
Praying the King’s Agenda is simply another way of us saying we want you to, Hear what the Lord Jesus has to say to you from the Bible, and pray about that in response. It is allowing Jesus, to set your prayer agenda. It is essentially praying the Bible.
For the next 21 days, we invite you to do the following:
- Read a brief passage from the bible with a truth about Jesus or a command from him.
- Notice the details from the passage to aid in understanding God’s heart.
- Reflect on this truth.
We have a daily devotional booklet aimed to aid you throughout this time. You can download it on our website at shfspokane.org/prayingthekingsagenda
So for the next 21 days, we will be delivering shorter episodes that are meant to encourage and build upon the devotional readings.
Over the next 21 days, we are joining churches around the world, who are connected with the global organization “Converge Worldwide”, to pray together in a focused prayer effort titled “Praying the King’s Agenda”.
Praying the King’s Agenda is simply another way of us saying we want you to, Hear what the Lord Jesus has to say to you from the Bible, and pray about that in response. It is allowing Jesus, to set your prayer agenda. It is essentially praying the Bible.
For the next 21 days, we invite you to do the following:
- Read a brief passage from the bible with a truth about Jesus or a command from him.
- Notice the details from the passage to aid in understanding God’s heart.
- Reflect on this truth.
We have a daily devotional booklet aimed to aid you throughout this time. You can download it on our website at shfspokane.org/prayingthekingsagenda
So for the next 21 days, we will be delivering shorter episodes that are meant to encourage and build upon the devotional readings.
Over the next 21 days, we are joining churches around the world, who are connected with the global organization “Converge Worldwide”, to pray together in a focused prayer effort titled “Praying the King’s Agenda”.
Praying the King’s Agenda is simply another way of us saying we want you to, Hear what the Lord Jesus has to say to you from the Bible, and pray about that in response. It is allowing Jesus, to set your prayer agenda. It is essentially praying the Bible.
For the next 21 days, we invite you to do the following:
- Read a brief passage from the bible with a truth about Jesus or a command from him.
- Notice the details from the passage to aid in understanding God’s heart.
- Reflect on this truth.
We have a daily devotional booklet aimed to aid you throughout this time. You can download it on our website at shfspokane.org/prayingthekingsagenda
So for the next 21 days, we will be delivering shorter episodes that are meant to encourage and build upon the devotional readings.
Over the next 21 days, we are joining churches around the world, who are connected with the global organization “Converge Worldwide”, to pray together in a focused prayer effort titled “Praying the King’s Agenda”.
Praying the King’s Agenda is simply another way of us saying we want you to, Hear what the Lord Jesus has to say to you from the Bible, and pray about that in response. It is allowing Jesus, to set your prayer agenda. It is essentially praying the Bible.
For the next 21 days, we invite you to do the following:
- Read a brief passage from the bible with a truth about Jesus or a command from him.
- Notice the details from the passage to aid in understanding God’s heart.
- Reflect on this truth.
We have a daily devotional booklet aimed to aid you throughout this time. You can download it on our website at shfspokane.org/prayingthekingsagenda
So for the next 21 days, we will be delivering shorter episodes that are meant to encourage and build upon the devotional readings.
Over the next 21 days, we are joining churches around the world, who are connected with the global organization “Converge Worldwide”, to pray together in a focused prayer effort titled “Praying the King’s Agenda”.
Praying the King’s Agenda is simply another way of us saying we want you to, Hear what the Lord Jesus has to say to you from the Bible, and pray about that in response. It is allowing Jesus, to set your prayer agenda. It is essentially praying the Bible.
For the next 21 days, we invite you to do the following:
- Read a brief passage from the bible with a truth about Jesus or a command from him.
- Notice the details from the passage to aid in understanding God’s heart.
- Reflect on this truth.
We have a daily devotional booklet aimed to aid you throughout this time. You can download it on our website at shfspokane.org/prayingthekingsagenda
So for the next 21 days, we will be delivering shorter episodes that are meant to encourage and build upon the devotional readings.
Over the next 21 days, we are joining churches around the world, who are connected with the global organization “Converge Worldwide”, to pray together in a focused prayer effort titled “Praying the King’s Agenda”.
Praying the King’s Agenda is simply another way of us saying we want you to, Hear what the Lord Jesus has to say to you from the Bible, and pray about that in response. It is allowing Jesus, to set your prayer agenda. It is essentially praying the Bible.
For the next 21 days, we invite you to do the following:
- Read a brief passage from the bible with a truth about Jesus or a command from him.
- Notice the details from the passage to aid in understanding God’s heart.
- Reflect on this truth.
We have a daily devotional booklet aimed to aid you throughout this time. You can download it on our website at shfspokane.org/prayingthekingsagenda
So for the next 21 days, we will be delivering shorter episodes that are meant to encourage and build upon the devotional readings.
Over the next 21 days, we are joining churches around the world, who are connected with the global organization “Converge Worldwide”, to pray together in a focused prayer effort titled “Praying the King’s Agenda”.
Praying the King’s Agenda is simply another way of us saying we want you to, Hear what the Lord Jesus has to say to you from the Bible, and pray about that in response. It is allowing Jesus, to set your prayer agenda. It is essentially praying the Bible.
For the next 21 days, we invite you to do the following:
- Read a brief passage from the bible with a truth about Jesus or a command from him.
- Notice the details from the passage to aid in understanding God’s heart.
- Reflect on this truth.
We have a daily devotional booklet aimed to aid you throughout this time. You can download it on our website at shfspokane.org/prayingthekingsagenda
So for the next 21 days, we will be delivering shorter episodes that are meant to encourage and build upon the devotional readings.
Over the next 21 days, we are joining churches around the world, who are connected with the global organization “Converge Worldwide”, to pray together in a focused prayer effort titled “Praying the King’s Agenda”.
Praying the King’s Agenda is simply another way of us saying we want you to, Hear what the Lord Jesus has to say to you from the Bible, and pray about that in response. It is allowing Jesus, to set your prayer agenda. It is essentially praying the Bible.
For the next 21 days, we invite you to do the following:
- Read a brief passage from the bible with a truth about Jesus or a command from him.
- Notice the details from the passage to aid in understanding God’s heart.
- Reflect on this truth.
We have a daily devotional booklet aimed to aid you throughout this time. You can download it on our website at shfspokane.org/prayingthekingsagenda
So for the next 21 days, we will be delivering shorter episodes that are meant to encourage and build upon the devotional readings.
Over the next 21 days, we are joining churches around the world, who are connected with the global organization “Converge Worldwide”, to pray together in a focused prayer effort titled “Praying the King’s Agenda”.
Praying the King’s Agenda is simply another way of us saying we want you to, Hear what the Lord Jesus has to say to you from the Bible, and pray about that in response. It is allowing Jesus, to set your prayer agenda. It is essentially praying the Bible.
For the next 21 days, we invite you to do the following:
- Read a brief passage from the bible with a truth about Jesus or a command from him.
- Notice the details from the passage to aid in understanding God’s heart.
- Reflect on this truth.
We have a daily devotional booklet aimed to aid you throughout this time. You can download it on our website at shfspokane.org/prayingthekingsagenda
So for the next 21 days, we will be delivering shorter episodes that are meant to encourage and build upon the devotional readings.
Over the next 21 days, we are joining churches around the world, who are connected with the global organization “Converge Worldwide”, to pray together in a focused prayer effort titled “Praying the King’s Agenda”.
Praying the King’s Agenda is simply another way of us saying we want you to, Hear what the Lord Jesus has to say to you from the Bible, and pray about that in response. It is allowing Jesus, to set your prayer agenda. It is essentially praying the Bible.
For the next 21 days, we invite you to do the following:
- Read a brief passage from the bible with a truth about Jesus or a command from him.
- Notice the details from the passage to aid in understanding God’s heart.
- Reflect on this truth.
We have a daily devotional booklet aimed to aid you throughout this time. You can download it on our website at shfspokane.org/prayingthekingsagenda
So for the next 21 days, we will be delivering shorter episodes that are meant to encourage and build upon the devotional readings.
Over the next 21 days, we are joining churches around the world, who are connected with the global organization “Converge Worldwide”, to pray together in a focused prayer effort titled “Praying the King’s Agenda”.
Praying the King’s Agenda is simply another way of us saying we want you to, Hear what the Lord Jesus has to say to you from the Bible, and pray about that in response. It is allowing Jesus, to set your prayer agenda. It is essentially praying the Bible.
For the next 21 days, we invite you to do the following:
- Read a brief passage from the bible with a truth about Jesus or a command from him.
- Notice the details from the passage to aid in understanding God’s heart.
- Reflect on this truth.
We have a daily devotional booklet aimed to aid you throughout this time. You can download it on our website at shfspokane.org/prayingthekingsagenda
So for the next 21 days, we will be delivering shorter episodes that are meant to encourage and build upon the devotional readings.
Over the next 21 days, we are joining churches around the world, who are connected with the global organization “Converge Worldwide”, to pray together in a focused prayer effort titled “Praying the King’s Agenda”.
Praying the King’s Agenda is simply another way of us saying we want you to, Hear what the Lord Jesus has to say to you from the Bible, and pray about that in response. It is allowing Jesus, to set your prayer agenda. It is essentially praying the Bible.
For the next 21 days, we invite you to do the following:
- Read a brief passage from the bible with a truth about Jesus or a command from him.
- Notice the details from the passage to aid in understanding God’s heart.
- Reflect on this truth.
We have a daily devotional booklet aimed to aid you throughout this time. You can download it on our website at shfspokane.org/prayingthekingsagenda
So for the next 21 days, we will be delivering shorter episodes that are meant to encourage and build upon the devotional readings.
Over the next 21 days, we are joining churches around the world, who are connected with the global organization “Converge Worldwide”, to pray together in a focused prayer effort titled “Praying the King’s Agenda”.
Praying the King’s Agenda is simply another way of us saying we want you to, Hear what the Lord Jesus has to say to you from the Bible, and pray about that in response. It is allowing Jesus, to set your prayer agenda. It is essentially praying the Bible.
For the next 21 days, we invite you to do the following:
- Read a brief passage from the bible with a truth about Jesus or a command from him.
- Notice the details from the passage to aid in understanding God’s heart.
- Reflect on this truth.
We have a daily devotional booklet aimed to aid you throughout this time. You can download it on our website at shfspokane.org/prayingthekingsagenda
So for the next 21 days, we will be delivering shorter episodes that are meant to encourage and build upon the devotional readings.
Over the next 21 days, we are joining churches around the world, who are connected with the global organization “Converge Worldwide”, to pray together in a focused prayer effort titled “Praying the King’s Agenda”.
Praying the King’s Agenda is simply another way of us saying we want you to, Hear what the Lord Jesus has to say to you from the Bible, and pray about that in response. It is allowing Jesus, to set your prayer agenda. It is essentially praying the Bible.
For the next 21 days, we invite you to do the following:
- Read a brief passage from the bible with a truth about Jesus or a command from him.
- Notice the details from the passage to aid in understanding God’s heart.
- Reflect on this truth.
We have a daily devotional booklet aimed to aid you throughout this time. You can download it on our website at shfspokane.org/prayingthekingsagenda
So for the next 21 days, we will be delivering shorter episodes that are meant to encourage and build upon the devotional readings.
How would you define prejudice? Is it different from racism? Thomas and Brolin discuss how pride and prejudice show up in church and culture and some ways we can fight against it.
Environment
What responsibility do humans have to the rest of creation?
- Genesis 1:26-30
- Psalm 19:1-6
- Psalm 102:25-27
What happens when we minimize the importance of creation?
- Lack of respect for creation shows a lack of respect for the Creator.
- Brolin: Share from CT article about how this happened.
What happens when we divinize creation?
- Devalue humans. Making beasts equal with humans leads to beastly treatment of humans.
https://acton.org/public-policy/environmental-stewardship/theology-e/biblical-perspective-environmental-stewardship
https://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/stories/green-like-god
I Pledge Allegiance - Gays - The Idol of Sexuality
Aaron: Preston Sprinkle’s set up.
How should we talk about Homosexuality?Thomas: Summary of Article
https://jdgreear.com/blog/three-ways-go-wrong-talking-homosexuality/?fbclid=IwAR3Zd-XlsEWm4bZpMqLw7LvdvD8tyYMVfPRZ79CSErQ7t_eT2dIygSArajQ
Does the Bible Clearly Forbid Same-Sex Relationships?
My summary of Preston Sprinkle’s summary of the arguments for the non-affirming position:
- Bible only affirms heterosexual marriage. Gender difference seems to be a necessary prerequisite for the prototype for God-sanctioned marriages (Gen. 2:24-25).
- Jesus highlights sexual difference in marriage, even when he didn’t need to (Mark 10). Paul will sometimes highlight sexual difference in marriage as necessary to reflect the character of God (Eph. 5; 1 Cor. 11).
- Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 state in absolute terms men should not have sex with other men.
- Every Jewish writer from 500 BC-AD 400 who spoke of same-sex relations condemned them.
- If the early church was going to part from this ethic, we would hope to see it clearly stated in the New Testament.
- While Jesus never mentions same-sex relations, he displayed a rather strict sexual ethic in other matters, which suggests he stood with his Jewish contemporaries.
- Romans 1 echoes the well-known ethic among Jewish and Greco-Roman writers, who believed that same-sex relations were “against nature”.
- Paul’s term for describing those engaged in same-sex relations in 1 Cor. 6:9 and 1 Tim. 1:10 is likely derived from Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13.
- The church has held this position for 2,000 years and while tradition alone is not a reason not to overturn a position, but given the previous eight arguments, it would take a rather earth-shattering series of arguments to overturn such well-established tradition.
My summary of Preston Sprinkle’s summary of the arguments for the affirming position:
- None of the Bible’s positive statements about heterosexual marriage were originally addressing homosexual relations.
- Romans 1 is speaking of excessive lust and not specifically addressing homosexual marriage.
- Most homosexual erotic behavior was extramarital, exploitative, pederastic, or exhibited unhealthy power differences. These are not the same as consensual, monogamous, same-sex unions.
In light of the nine arguments above, I do not see the Bible affirming same-sex sexual relations.
What are the dangers of the idol of sexuality?
We can let sexuality define our identity.
https://youtu.be/mCLms7J84JY
We can keep this idol from speaking truth to people. This is unloving.
- Calling God’s sexual ethic hate speech does Satan’s bidding. This is Orwellian nonsense or worse. I only know who I really am when the Bible becomes my lens for self-reflection, and when the blood of Christ so powerfully pumps my heart whole that I can deny myself, take up the cross, and follow him. - Rosaria Butterfield
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/love-your-neighbor-enough-to-speak-truth/
What can we do to help those who are sexually confused?
Here are a series of challenges from Preston Sprinkle:
- Cultivate an environment where people who experience same-sex attraction can talk about it.
- Listen to the stories of LGBT people.
- Put homophobia to death.
- Educate others about the complexities of homosexuality.
- Promote biblical (not cultural) masculinity and femininity.
- We are living in Babylon.
- Remember God is holy.
I Pledge Allegiance to the Kingdom of God/ Heaven
When you hear I pledge allegiance…what do you think of?
What does it mean to pledge allegiance to something?
Is the kingdom of God and the US at odd with each other? Who should we pledge our allegiance to?
The Gospel of the Kingdom
“Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:14b-15 ESV
“Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.” Luke 10:8-9 ESV
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb! Revelation 7:9-10 ESV
The Idol of an Alternative Kingdom (Political Idols)
“Rome is a land nourished by all, and yet parent of all lands, chosen by the power of the gods to make even heaven more splendid, to gather together the scattered realms and to soften their customs and unite the discordant wild tongues of so many people into a common speech so they might understand each other, and to give civilization to mankind, in short to become the homeland of every people in the entire world.” (Pliny,Natural History 3.39[ca. AD 77–79]).
“The whole continent of North America appears to be destined by Divine Providence to be peopled by one nation, speaking one language, professing one general system of religious and political principles, and accustomed to one general tenor of social usages and customs. For the common happiness of them all, for their peace and prosperity, I believe it is indispensable that they should be associated in one federal Union.”(John Quincy Adams, Letters[1811]).
"America is the hope of the earth.” Mitt Romney
Yahweh & Others (The Subtlety of Idols)
For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. So Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and did not wholly follow the Lord, as David his father had done. Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites, on the mountain east of Jerusalem. And so he did for all his foreign wives, who made offerings and sacrificed to their gods. 1 Kings 11:4-8
Pride
- 9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10“Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” - Luke 18:9-14
Pride of Moral Self-Righteousness
- The pride of the Pharisee in Jesus’ parable was what we can call moral self-righteousness. It expresses itself in a feeling of moral superiority with respect to other people. This type of pride is not limited to believers. It is found in the political and cultural realms among both liberals and conservatives. Anyone who believes, for example, that he holds the moral high ground in any area such as politics, economics, or environmental policy is likely indulging in moral self-righteousness. Sadly, however, it is very common. - Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins(p. 86). The Navigators. Kindle Edition.
Pride of Right Doctrine
- In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul addressed this form of pride when it arose over the issue of eating food that had been offered to idols. Some of the Corinthian Christians had concluded that such a practice fell within the bounds of Christian liberty. Paul did not disagree with that conclusion, but he did rebuke them for the doctrinal pride that resulted from their belief. He wrote to them, “Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that ‘all of us possess knowledge.’ This ‘knowledge’ puffs up, but love builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1). Paul agreed with their “knowledge”—that is, their doctrinal belief regarding eating food offered to idols—but he charges them with doctrinal pride. Their “knowledge” had puffed them up. - Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins(pp. 88-89). The Navigators. Kindle Edition.
Pride of Achievement
- Credit ourselves rather than God.
- Inordinate desire for recognition.
Pride of an Independent Spirit
- Before starting on this book, I sent a proposed list of “acceptable” sins to about fifteen people in Christian ministry and asked them to add to the list any I had overlooked. From two who minister to students and young adults, I received a suggestion that I include the pride of an independent spirit. This spirit expresses itself primarily in two areas: a resistance to authority, especially spiritual authority, and an unteachable attitude. - Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins(p. 93). The Navigators. Kindle Edition.
- Resistance to authority.
- Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. - Hebrews 13:17
Anxiety and Frustration
- Some years ago, I surveyed the entire New Testament looking for instances where various Christian character traits were taught by precept or by example. I found twenty-seven. It may not surprise you that love was taught most often, some fifty times. It may surprise you that humility was a close second with forty instances. But what really surprised me is that trust in God in all our circumstances was third, being taught thirteen or more times. The opposite of trust in God is either anxiety or frustration. - Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins(p. 57). The Navigators. Kindle Edition.
Anxiety and Frustration Roots
Distrust of God
Lack of acceptance of God’s providence
Anxiety and Frustration Manifestations
Fear/worry - for anxiety
Anger/upset - for frustration
Discontent
- Whatever situation tempts us to be discontent, and however severe it may be, we need to recognize that discontentment is sin. That statement may surprise many readers. We are so used to responding to difficult circumstances with anxiety, frustration, or discontentment that we consider them normal reactions to the varying vicissitudes of life. But if we tend to think this way, that just points out to us the subtleness and acceptability of these sins. When we fail to recognize these responses to our circumstances as sin, we are responding no differently from unbelievers who never factor God into their situations. We are back to our ungodliness as the root cause of our sins. - Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins(p. 69). The Navigators. Kindle Edition.
Discontent About
Money and possessions
Unchanging circumstances:
- An unfulfilling or low-paying job
- Singleness well into midlife or beyond
- Inability to bear children
- An unhappy marriage
- Physical disabilities
- Continual poor health
Unthankfulness
- Giving thanks to God for both His temporal and spiritual blessings in our lives is not just a nice thing to do—it is the moral will of God. Failure to give Him the thanks due Him is sin. It may seem like a benign sin to us because it doesn’t harm anyone else. But it is an affront and insult to the One who created us and sustains us every second of our lives. And if, as Jesus so clearly stated, loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind is the great and first commandment, then failure to give thanks to God as a habit of life is a violation of the greatest commandment. - Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins(p. 78). The Navigators. Kindle Edition.
In all circumstances?
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Directions for Dealing with Sin
- Apply the gospel.
- Depend on the Holy Spirit.
- Recognize your responsibility.
- Identify specific respectable sins
- Memorize and apply appropriate Scriptures.
- Cultivate the practice of prayer.
- Involve one or a few other believers with you.
Ungodliness
The Root of All Sins
- When I talk about specific areas of acceptable sins, one comment I often hear is that pride is the root cause of all of them. While I agree that pride does play a major role in the development and expression of our subtle sins, I believe there is another sin that is even more basic, more widespread, and more apt to be the root cause of our other sins. That is the sin of ungodliness, of which we are all guilty to some degree. - Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins(p. 47). The Navigators. Kindle Edition.
- Ungodliness may be defined as living one’s everyday life with little or no thought of God, or of God’s will, or of God’s glory, or of one’s dependence on God. - Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins(p. 48). The Navigators. Kindle Edition.
How does ungodliness manifest itself in our lives?
- God relegated to a devotional time.
- Prayerlessness and human-centered prayers.
- Meager interest in God and His Word.
Helpful scripture?
1 Timothy 4:7-8
7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
1 Corinthians 10:31
31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Colossians 1:9-10
9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Colossians 3:23
23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
The Remedy for Sin
- The remedy for our sin, whether scandalous or acceptable, is the gospel in its widest scope. The gospel is actually a message; here I am using the word gospel as a shorthand expression for the entire work of Christ in His historic life, death, and resurrection for us, and His present work in us through His Holy Spirit. When I say the gospel in its widest scope, I am referring to the fact that Christ, in His work for us and in us, saves us not only from the penalty of sin but also from its dominion or reigning power in our lives. - Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins (p.25). The Navigators. Kindle Edition.
- Why do we try to deal with sin on our own terms?
- Why do feel a need to “clean up” before running to Jesus?
The Gospel is for Sinners
- First, the gospel is only for sinners. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners (see 1 Timothy 1:15). Most Christians tend to think of the gospel as applicable only to unbelievers who need to be “saved.” Once we trust in Christ, so the thinking goes, the gospel doesn’t apply to us anymore, except to share it with others who are still unbelievers. However, though we truly are saints in the sense of being separated unto God, all of us are still practicing sinners. -Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins (p. 26). The Navigators. Kindle Edition.
- Why has the Gospel been relegated to only the unbeliever?
Facing My Sin
- Second, not only does the gospel prepare me to face my sin, it also frees me up to do so. Facing our sin causes us to feel guilty. Of course we feel guilty because we are guilty. And if I believe, consciously or unconsciously, that God still counts my guilt against me, my instinctive sense of self-protection forbids me to acknowledge my sin and guilt, or, at the least, I seek to minimize it. But we cannot begin to deal with a particular manifestation of sin, such as anger or self-pity, until we first openly acknowledge its presence and activity in our lives. So I need the assurance that my sin is forgiven before I can even acknowledge it, let alone begin to deal with it. - Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins (pp. 26-27). The Navigators. Kindle Edition.
- Why do we have an aversion the word guilt?
Dealing with My Sin
- Third, the gospel motivates and energizes me to deal with my sin. It is not enough to honestly face our sin. If we are to grow in Christlike character, we must also deal with it. To use a scriptural term, we must “put it to death” (seeRomans 8:13; Colossians 3:5). But as has been well said, the only sin that can be successfully fought against is forgiven sin. We cannot begin to deal with the activity of sin in our lives until we have first dealt with its guilt. So here again we go back to the gospel and its assurance that God through Christ has dealt with our guilt. - Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins (p. 27). The Navigators. Kindle Edition.
- How does the assurance of forgiveness encourage us?
- How does the assurance of forgiveness produce thankfulness?
- How does the assurance of forgiveness motivate us to deal with sin?
Week 9: To Punish Crime, Tax, and Defend the Nation
Week 10: To Treat People Equally(Justice and Identity Politics)
Week 11: To Provide Space for True and False Religion
Week 12: To Affirm and Protect the Family
What Christians Should Do For Government?
Week 1: Love Your Nation, People, or Tribe
Week 2: Obey Scripture, Get Wisdom
Week 3: Be the Church Together
Week 4: Be the Church Apart
Week 5: Engage with“Convictional Kindness”
Did you know that there is a direct correlation between how you interpret your bible and how you engage in politics? This week the guys discuss how having a good hermeneutic will make you a better steward with your politics, how we should deal with gray matters, and what you should expect from your pastor during the political season.
As Christians, how should we see the nations in which we live? And how should we see ourselves in relation to the nations in which we live? The Bible depicts all nations and kingdoms as Babylon and that makes us exiles in a place that is not our home. This ultimately should affect how we integrate faith and politics.
Have you ever heard someone say, "There are two things you should not talk about, faith and politics"? Well, Aaron and Brolin are going to break both of those rules today as they begin their series on faith and politics! Should faith and politics be separated? What about the separation of church and state?
If you have questions you would like the guys to answer on the podcast, follow us on Instagram and Facebook (@shiloh_spokane) and send us your questions!
One year down! Can you believe we've been at this for a whole year? Join us as we reflect on the past year and look on to the future of the podcast. Got a topic you'd like discussed? Let us know on Twitter: @wellgettherepod
How does someone know they are a fool? Does foolishness have symptoms? Aaron and Brolin discuss the characteristics of a fool in Jeff Foxworthy style.
We all know that choices have consequences. But have you stopped to think about the different types of consequences? And are consequences purely a negative thing? Creative Arts and Music Coordinator of Shiloh, Nicole Weatherly, joins Aaron and Brolin to discuss wisdom and consequences.
If you have ever been on social media, you are probably aware that listening and learning are not common postures people gravitate towards. Are listening and learning valued traits in today's society? And what does the Bible have to say about it?
What is church ministry? While someone may be able to describe different aspects of church ministry, the actual definition may be more difficult to obtain. In the final installment of the series, the guys ask the question, "Is church ministry necessary?".
"Go and make disciples of all nations" is a phrase that the church knows and quotes often. Do we really believe that? Is making disciples a good idea or a command from God?
What is spiritual authority? And if Christ is the authority over man, how does man continue the authoritative structure to the world in the right way?
Is the church necessary? The guys hash out what the church is and is not, and if the church is truly an imperative part of the Christian walk.
Who doesn't love a good redemption story? In lieu of Tiger Wood's winning of the 2019 Masters, we discuss how his story of redemption can point us toward true redemption.
What are some of the challenges that women face in the current culture? Ashley Possin joins the pastors to discuss this very topic!
Check out Project Six19 and see how you can support their ministry below:
projectsix19.org
Nicole Weatherly, Creative Arts & Music Coordinator here at Shiloh Hills Fellowship, joins Aaron and Brolin as they discuss if it is okay to doubt God at times.
How does Jesus show us how sacrifice is not just personal fulfillment but the way to live in the Kingdom of God?
Believers can be bearers of grace or bearers of grief toward one another and an unbelieving world.
Dr. Michael Kibbe, Dean of Communication and Theology at Great Northern University, encourages us to make Jesus strange again.
How do the Pharisees and disciples exhibit spiritual blindness? And how we can avoid it?
We're discussing the reality and necessity of living life as a disciple and a disciple-maker.
Brolin and Aaron discuss the demon-possessed man in Mark 5 and how the people react to Jesus' authority.
The Parable of the Sower impacts us in our current culture, ultimately teaching us that we need to be people of the kingdom that bear fruit!
What are the potential pitfalls that we can have when encountering Jesus? Learn how to avoid them.
Jesus speaks pretty harshly about Pharisees. Heed his words and learn how to avoid being like them.
And you thought we were done! We had so much fun answering questions during the live podcast, we're back for more! Strap in as the pastors discuss tithing, seven-day creation, and more!
Live from Shiloh, we're addressing the first section of the Gospel of Mark followed by a Q&A in front of a live audience.
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Nicole Weatherly, Creative Arts & Music Coordinator here at Shiloh Hills Fellowship, joins us to discuss the difficult aspects of pain, suffering, and grief as we ask the question, "Why does God allow bad things to happen?".
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You must be responsible with authority, whether you are a parent, kid, boss, or employee.
Special guest, Jonah Lanclos, Associate Pastor of Fourth Memorial Church, offers insight to determine whether singleness is a gift or a curse.
Dr. Wendy Liddell, president of Great Northern University, ventures into the deep waters of the word "submission" and how that is played out in the marriage life.
Nicole Weatherly, Creative Arts & Music Coordinator here at Shiloh Hills Fellowship, joins us to dig into how looking, listening and loving are essentials to walking in a manner worthy of the calling of God.
So you are telling me that Rihanna was right when she said, "shine bright like a diamond"? We discuss how to shine brightly in a dark world, and that maybe Rihanna was on to something.
Poke the bear as we talk about everything from sex to sarcasm, and how to be imitators of God.
Taking off the old self and putting on holiness and righteousness... How do we do that?
What does it take to be a mature believer? Spoiler alert, it doesn't happen by yourself!
How can we get to know those around us? Even when you can't see immediate fruit, God can still be working.
Worship is more than music. It's even more than ministry. It can happen within our vocation as part of the kingdom work!
What should your prayer life look like in the midst of pain? And should we pray for prosperity?
Tackling a few hard topics, we're diving into predestination, politics, and learning how to have a humble theology.
How can the book of Ephesians help Believers navigate the journey of racial reconciliation and identity issues?