Practicology Podcast: Recent Episodes
Matthew Cain & Mike Knox
There’s enough disorder in life without disconnecting what you believe from how you live. The Practicology Podcast is bridging the gap between Scripture and every day life.
Just because you’re a Christian doesn’t mean you’re immune from doubting God’s love. And an insufficient grasp of God’s love for us can lead to a host of other problems in our walk with the Lord. Malachi 1:1-5 can help. There we discover God’s burden to reassure us of his love, and to do so by giving us a pair of gospel contact lenses. Will you put in your gospel contacts?
Scriptures Referenced:
Malachi 1:1-5; Eph 3:14-19; Romans 5:5-8
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Has God done some special things in your life, or in the life of your local church, that should be specially commemorated? Is there wisdom in marking milestones in your family? Matthew & Mike give us some more contemporary practical applications from the Book of Nehemiah.
Scriptures Referenced:
Nehemiah 12
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A bully habitually insults, threatens, intimidates, or tries to manipulate another person. Have you ever encountered it? Nehemiah did, and in this episode we learn from his wisdom, righteousness, courage, and Christlike approach in dealing with bullies.
Scriptures Referenced: Psalm 112; Nehemiah 6
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Want to be wiser than your enemies and more insightful than your teachers? In this fifth back-to-school episode at Practicology, Mike and Matthew look at a Scripture passage that tells us how. And at the end of the episode, they demonstrate a simple method of daily Bible reading for busy students.
Scriptures Referenced:
Psalm 119:97-100; John 1:1-3; Mark 7:20-23; 2 Timothy 3:14-17; Luke 2:41-52
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In Ephesians 2 the Holy Spirit gives us two sets of before and after pictures. The first set is taken in portrait mode; the second is taken in landscape mode. But both highlight the difference God’s grace has made for us in Christ. As we look at these before and after pics together in this episode, may the Holy Spirit fill our hearts with joy, worship, and harmony with one another.
Scriptures Referenced:
Ephesians 2:19-22
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In our generation, more than accumulated things, many people are craving special, personal experiences – like the all access pass. Well that is exactly what the Father gives us, through Christ, by the Spirit. “The highest and fullest achievement of the peacemaking Christ is the trinitarian access of the people of God, as through him and by one Spirit we come boldly to our Father,” (John Stott).
Scriptures Referenced:
Ephesians 2:16-18
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After the Lord Jesus was exalted to Heaven, he created something new and wonderful – the Church. And since Christ has torn down the wall of hostility between Jews & Gentiles, we should not be rebuilding walls based on racial and ethnic differences. Have you searched your own heart for this sin lately?
Scriptures Referenced:
Epehsians 2:11-15
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In Christ we have the best seats in the house to the greatest show in the universe: God’s eternal display of dazzling grace. Ephesians 2:6 teaches us the awesome truth that every believer in Christ is presently seated with him in the heavens. Join us as we try to wrap our minds around this amazing reality, and wrap our hearts in it too.
Scriptures Referenced:
Ephesians 2:6-10
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Have you experienced a miracle? If you are a Christian, you have. And the phenomenal miracle of grace that God has worked in you, He can do for others too. Also, catch Mike & Matthew’s discussion of human depravity and of the three enemies of the Christian and how they are instructively pictured together for us in the Old Testament.
Scriptures Referenced:
Ephesians 2:1-5
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Whether you struggle with a sense of misalignment between your body and your inner self, or know others who do, the Bible is ready to help. It offers us direction when we have lost our way, clarity that cuts through our chaos, and hope when all other hopes have let us down.
Part I: The Bible gives us a map to reality
Part II: The Bible clears up confusion
(1) How many sexes?
(2) How do our inner selves relate to our bodies?
(3) What’s the relationship between male and female?
(4) What’s the relationship between sex and gender?
(5) What relationship does language have to reality?
(6) Where did our sex and gender problems come from?
Part III: The Bible gives us hope
Part IV: Q&A
Some of the books referenced in this episode include
– God and the Transgender Debate: What Does the Bible Actually Say About Gender Identity? by Andrew Walker
– The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory by Abigail Favale
– The Body God Gives: A Biblical Response to Transgender Theory by Robert Smith
Scriptures Referenced:
Genesis 1-3; Matthew 19:1-6
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Some walls need to be torn down in our lives, but some walls need to be built up. There are walls that God wants us to build and rebuild for the spiritual protection of ourselves, our marriages, our families, and our local churches.
Scriptures Referenced: Nehemiah 4
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Announcing our FIFTH August Summer Challenge! Mike and Matthew talk everything you need to know for this year’s memorization challenge in Ephesians 2.
Scriptures Referenced:
Ephesians 2
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Nehemiah had a real passion to do a great work for God – but he couldn’t do it on his own. What can we learn from him about how to share our passion with others and encourage them to share the burden with us in the work of the Lord?
Scriptures Referenced: Nehemiah 2-4
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Do you want the children and youth in your life to love reading? Everyone in the church should have a vested interest in raising readers. Mike and Matthew discuss 7 ways to help it happen.
(Bonus content: this episode was recorded while a mechanical contractor installed equipment in the background. House pets also feature.)
Scriptures Referenced: Eph 3:4; Ps 103:14
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Young believers often wonder whether they can really serve the Lord, and if so, how? Guest host Nathan Pratt is back to give us 8 excellent principles that help us in relation to using our spiritual gifts to serve the Lord.
Scriptures Referenced:
1Pet 4:10-11
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What should you read this summer? Matthew & Mike have some ideas for you! There is no book like the Bible but we all learn from the ministry of others, including ministry that comes to us in written form. In our seventh instalment of Cloak, Books, and Parchments (2Tim 4:13), we share brief reviews of ten books for your reading delight:
– Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I? by Timothy Keller (Viking)
– Do Not Be True To Yourself, by Kevin DeYoung (Crossway)
– Enjoying Jesus: Experience the Presence and Kindness of the Son of God in Everyday Life, by Tim Chester (The Good Book Company)
– Zeal without Burnout, by Christopher Ash (The Good Book Company)
– The Letters of David W. Gooding: Answering Questions Related to the Christian Faith (Myrtlefield Trust)
– Made in Our Image, by Stephen Driscoll (Matthias Media)
– Biblical Critical Theory: How the Bible’s Unfolding Story Makes Sense of Modern Life and Culture by Christopher Watkin (Zondervan Academic)
– The Missionary Fellowship of William Carey, by Michael Haykin (Ligonier Ministries)
– Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky, translated by Michael R. Katz (Liveright)
– 12 Years a Slave, by Solomon Northup (Graymalkin Media)
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Do you ever feel like you need your spiritual fire set ablaze again? You want to serve God, or at least you want to want to – but the fire isn’t burning very hot? Or maybe you sense some spiritual weakness around you, but nobody seems to be doing anything about it? Nehemiah has something to say to help you.
Scriptures Referenced:
Neh 1-2
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Even though the baptism in the Spirit happened a long time ago at Pentecost, it has massive significance for Christian life today. Because the Lord Jesus Christ poured out his Spirit on his people 2,000 years ago, every Christian has the Holy Spirit living inside them as a permanent reality. And one of the things the Spirit does is help all of us—male and female, young and old—to be witnesses of Christ. Whether you’re with a friend on a study break, or getting ready to tell your testimony at a camp fire or gospel service, the Spirit of God can fill you with power to speak highly of Jesus Christ.
Scriptures Referenced:
Acts 1:5-8; 2:1-21; Luke 3:16; 1Cor 12:13; Phil 1:18-19
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What famous Christian wrote, “When I turn my eyes within, all is dark, and vain, and wild; Filled with unbelief and sin, can I deem myself a child?” And could someone who struggled with doubts like that ever produce theologically profound poetic verse that would encourage Christians for centuries?
Scriptures Referenced:
1Sam 2:12; 1Cor 15:33; Heb 13:5-6; 2Pet 3:9
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Praying can be difficult at any time, especially when we’re praying out loud with others. But God has given us his Spirit to help us. The Holy Spirit convinces us of who we are in Christ, corrects our prayers before they reach the Father, and initiates the conversation through his inspired Word. The Spirit is the reason Johnny (and Jenni) can pray. Be sure to stick around till the end of the episode as Mike and Matthew close it out with some practical helps for young brothers who want to start praying publicly in the local church.
Scriptures Referenced:
Rom 8:15-17, 26-27; Eph 6:17-18; 2Sam 7:27
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In our last episode, we looked ahead to the coming King and how that anticipation can embolden us in a world that rejects Christ. But what will the world look like when Christ IS King? In this episode, we are joined by guest host Nathan Pratt to explain to us six marks of the coming kingdom under the reign of Christ.
Scriptures Referenced:
Ps 72
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The times we live in feel particularly challenging for many. We are grieved by a culture that continues its descent down a slippery slope. Tariffs roil the world order. And the threat of armed conflicts in our world seems to be increasing. Is there a government that can step up and fix this? Yes, there is.
Scriptures Referenced:
Ps 2
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Hospitality means “love of the stranger.” In all likelihood there are people who show up at your church gathering who feel like strangers because of social, ethnic, or cognitive differences. How can we support families who have a child with special needs? Or go beyond perfunctory nods and smiles to the newcomer from another culture? In this practical episode, Vince is back on the show to teach us how to widen our hearts to the marginalized.
Scriptures Referenced:
2Cor 6:11-13; 1Cor 3:3; Jam 2:1-6; Rom 12:16
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Vince Kember joins us again, this time to talk about the practice of showing hospitality. What is hospitality? What does it do, and what does it look like in real life? In a grace-based way, Vince encourages us to start now in showing hospitality.
Scriptures Referenced:
Gal 6:9-10; Eph 4:3, 28; Titus 1; 1Tim 6; Heb 13:16; 1Pet 4:9; 2Cor 6:11-13; Jam 2:1-6
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There is no book like the Bible. Yet admittedly, sometimes the wonder of hearing the living Word of God proclaimed… doesn’t result in anything too wonderful in our hearts. How can I as a listener help the process, so that I profit more from listening to the Bible being taught?
Scriptures Referenced:
1Thess 2:13
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In this final episode on C. S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters, we tackle the pervasiveness, problem, and cure, of Inner Ring idolatry. Tune in to hear how the pull of the Inner Ring is illustrated in the second Inside Out movie, and to learn how to turn cliques in the church inside out.
Scriptures Referenced:
Luke 10:19-21
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One of the great things about the Christian faith is how even simple, physical activities – like eating – have spiritual significance and can be done to the glory of God. But our habits at the table sometimes reveal sins that we often overlook. Let’s take a brief, honest assessment and evaluate whether we are allowing the gospel to meet our dinner plates.
Scriptures Referenced:
Prov 23:20; Ezek 16:49-50; 1Cor 6; 1Cor 10:31; Php 3:19; 1Thes 5:23; 1Tim 4:4
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“Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” C. S. Lewis may not have said those exact words (Mike misattributes the quote to him in this episode), but they certainly express what Lewis taught. In this third episode going through The Screwtape Letters, we explore what true humility is, how one goes about getting it, and how to receive a compliment.
Scriptures Referenced:
Php 2:1-11
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Life is full of ups and downs, and Satan and his emissaries want to seize upon us in our low points to turn us from the pathway of faith. But God is using those same trials to further his good work in us – to make us more like Christ.
Scriptures Referenced:
Rom 8:17-30
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It’s hard for us to believe in the supernatural because our modern world casts the spell on us of “nothing-buttery.” We’re convinced that ordinary and familiar things are nothing but molecules in motion. Tune in to hear of a powerful counterspell that can free us from this evil enchantment.
Scriptures Referenced: Mk 6:1-6; Ps 19
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In this episode we field a question from a child: “What do angels do?” We answer (with a little help from Tim Chester): angels are God’s postal service, police force, and praise choir, for the aid of every believer in Jesus Christ.
(Note: We also talk about the upcoming February reading challenge. Remember to get your copy of C. S. Lewis’s “The Screwtape Letters”!)
Scriptures Referenced: Dan 10:10-14; 1Pet 1:12; Gen 3:24; Exod 14:19-20; 2Ki 19:35; Zech 1:10-11; 1Ki 19:5-6; Heb 1:14, 13:1-2; 2Ki6:16; Mat 26:53; Job 38:7; Ps 103:20-21; Rev 5:11-12; Heb 12:22-24
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It’s a new year! And it’s a good time to get a refreshed perspectve. It is so easy to get bogged down with the responsibilities and pressures of life that we forget the Lord is coming. The Lord is certainly not ignorant of our struggles in life, but one of the ways He encourages our hope is to remind us again and again of his soon return. But will it actually be soon? Could this really be the year of the Lord’s return?
Scriptures Referenced: John 14:3; Php 3:20-21; 1Thess 1:-9-10; 1Thess 4:17; Heb 10:37; Jam 5:8; 2Pet 3:8-9; Rev 22:20
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In this final episode of Necessary Church we get to see inside the church. What meets our eyes when we do so is a captivating vision of the church. The church is nothing less than God’s people speaking the truth of Christ to one another in love in order to combat the lies of the Evil One. Satan is waging a propaganda war in each of our hearts. But there’s a place where we can win the war—it’s inside the church.
Scriptures Referenced: Eph 4:11-16, 5:18-20, 6:10-20
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Everyone wants their life to be meaningful and impactful. What can I join to be part of something big? How can I really make my life count for God? Scripture teaches us that being a full participant in the life of the local church is key. Consecration to God looks like commitment to one another in the church. Local churches are how God intends to accomplish his mission in the world. And being part of the Church means you ARE part of God’s big plan in this age.
Scriptures Referenced:
Rom 12; Rom 15:5-6
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Bread and a cup – it sounds like very simple fare. But the depth and richness of the supper the Lord provides for us has no comparison. Unlike life under the Old Covenant, our New Covenant faith is not full of visible, tangible symbols, but the symbols we do have are precious. We see the gospel visibly portrayed in the Lord’s Supper. We get to taste forgiveness. It is a gift from the Lord, full of profound meaning, and a special opportunity to enjoy the Lord’s grace to us with the church.
Scriptures Referenced: Mat 26:26-28; 1Cor 11:23-26
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Looking for community? Trying to find your people? We long for community because God made us that way. Unfortunately, sin and our culture’s devotion to personal autonomy keep us from enjoying the life-in-community God intended. But there’s a solution. Through the gospel, God has created a new community, the church. And, through the gospel, we can break free from our addiction to personal autonomy and start enjoying the greater freedom of living life together. In this episode we dive into the beauty, birth, necessity, cost, and power, of God’s new community, the church.
Scriptures Referenced:
Acts 2:41-47
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A cup of tea, a warm fire, a comfy chair, a quiet time, and my Bible. Beautiful. We treasure those times. But let’s also be mindful of treasuring the times the church gathers to hear the Word preached. It is also a precious privilege and another vital reason that God’s path for the Christian includes the fellowship of the local church.
Scriptures Referenced:
1Tim 4:13-16; 2Tim 4:1-2; Revelation 1-2
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What if the biggest obstacle keeping you from church is actually the biggest opportunity? We shy away from the local church because we love our freedom. But if freedom is what you’re after, then the church is the place to be. To see why people’s number one strike against the church is one of the greatest things going for it, you need to (1) hear a story, (2) run a science experiment, and (3) see a picture. This is the first of a six-episode series on the local church.
Scriptures Referenced: Exodus; Matt 16, 18; John 8:31-34; Gal 5:13-14
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Our sixth edition of Cloak, Books, and Parchments gives you ample time to purchase wisely this Christmas. In this episode we discuss the following books. Please update your wish list accordingly.
– The February 2025 reading challenge book: Screwtape Letters. C. S. Lewis
– Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout. Cal Newport (Portfolio)
– Finding My Vocation: A Guide for Young People Seeking a Calling. William Boekestein (Reformed Free Publishing)
– Strangely Bright: Can You Love God and Enjoy This World? Joe Rigney (Crossway)
– Keeping Holiday. Starr Meade (Crossway)
– Little Christmas Carol. Charles Dickens and Joe Sutphin (Moody)
– How to Read Proverbs. Tremper Longman III (IVP Academic)
– What It Means to be Protestant: The Case for an Always-Reforming Church. Gavin Ortlund (Zondervan)
– When Darkness Seems My Closest Friend: Reflections On Life And Ministry With Depression. Mark Meynell (IVP)
– The William Monk Mysteries: The First Three Novels. Anne Perry (Ballantine)
– Up From Slavery. Booker T. Washington (Dover)
– Repeat the Sounding Joy: A Daily Advent Devotional on Luke 1-2. Christopher Ash (The Good Book Company)
Scriptures Referenced: 2Tim 4:13
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It’s easy for us to pick up the wrong messaging about sex. That’s why we need Scripture to fix our mistaken thinking about sex and wash our defiled views. Building on episode 177, Helen and Mike bring our sexual detox series to a close, tackling commonplace distortions in the culture (“It doesn’t matter who I sleep with”) and in the church (“Sexual sin is the worst; there’s no hope for you if you’ve fallen”). Is sex just a base animal instinct, or is it a sacred mystery about the meaning of the universe? Tune in to find out!
A downloadable summary sheet is available here.
Scriptures Referenced:
Mat 19:1-12; 1Cor 6:9-11; 6:12-20; 7:1-5; Eph 5:22-33; 1Tim 1:15; Psalm 51
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The LGBT2Q+ movement has been successful in convincing a lot of people that God may bless same-sex unions, and that Scripture doesn’t really speak to modern gay and lesbian relationships. Mike and Matthew address this from a Biblical perspective and also provide some helpful guidance on the issue of Christians who experience same-sex attraction.
Scriptures Referenced:
Lev 20:13; Mat 19:12; Rom 1:24-27; 1Cor 6:9-11
CORRECTION: Mike mentioned the name of Richard Bauckham on this episode, when he meant to say Richard Hays.
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In this episode, Mike is joined by his wife, Helen, for a conversation on the topic of “sexual detox.” They explore the concept of purging wrong ideas about sex that society, culture, and even the church can instill. The couple emphasizes how distorted views on sex—gathered from media, jokes, music, and even certain religious teachings—need to be realigned with biblical truth. This detox involves a renewed understanding of sex according to Scripture, which is good and pure.
Scriptures Referenced: 1 Thess 4:1-8; Gen 1-2; Prov 5:15-19; Song of Songs 1:2; Mal 2:14-16; Prov 2:16-17
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When we are struggling, the Lord doesn’t break us – he heals us. He has no pile of discarded disciples with whom he wants nothing more to do. In today’s episode, we see the Lord Jesus as the fulfiller of prophecy and the restorer of our souls.
Scriptures Referenced: Isaiah 42: 1-4; Matthew 12:15-21
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To many people, marriage is just a piece of paper. Who needs a license to love? In this follow-up episode to PP173, we discuss why such thinking is wrong. Wedding vows and the marriage covenant are not obstacles to passionate love, but the fertile ground in which it can survive and thrive. And even if we’ve strayed from God’s design for romantic relationship, there’s still hope, because the ultimate source of enduring love is none other than Jesus Christ.
Scriptures Referenced: Song of Songs 8:5-7
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Once we hit our teens, and certainly in our twenties, we like to think we’ve left childhood far behind. But what if there were important lessons from our childhood that we should revisit? What if children can teach us about receiving the grace of the gospel?
Scriptures Referenced: Isaiah 55:8-9; Matthew 18:2-4
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The Song of Songs depicts love in marriage as an unquenchable fire. But where can we find such love? Today’s relationship advice often leads to short-lived flames. We need an older wisdom to guide us. We need the ancient wisdom of Scripture. Already married and wanting to keep the fire blazing? Unmarried, but hoping to enjoy such lasting love some day? Our Bible passage gives us four surprising directions where to find the fire.
Scriptures Referenced:
Song 8:5-7
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No doubt you’re doing cartwheels and backflips over your excitement to be back in the classroom… or is that just your stomach flip flopping out of anxiety for the changes that this new school year will bring? We don’t know what the future holds, but we do know who holds the future, and as the Lord taught Joshua, so we can take courage from God’s presence and his promises in his word.
Scriptures Referenced:
Joshua 1:5-9
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Can produce from the grocery store really make you holy? Well… no. But Romans 6 does teach us about fruit that leads to holiness. Mike & Matthew wrap up their Romans 6 study by reminding us how much better it is to serve God rather than sin.
Scriptures Referenced:
Rom 6:20-23
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Which is better at making people holy, grace or law? For Paul it’s no contest—grace wins every time. And in Romans 6:15-19, the apostle gives us 4 grace-based reasons to say no to sin and yes to righteousness: (1) you become a slave of the one you obey; (2) there are only two masters (and one of them is evil); (3) your conversion was a powerful rescue operation in your heart; and (4) don’t you want to put in as much energy serving your new master as you did your old one?
Scriptures Referenced:
Rom 6:15-19
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As Christians we are dead to our old master (Sin) and alive to our new master (God). So why do we still show up at our old workplace? It’s not enough for us to understand the truth of Romans 6:1-10; we also need to count on it. Only as we bank on the truth that we are dead with Christ and alive to God will we consistently offer our skills and capacities to the cause of Christ. Holiness is a project for the whole of us—body, soul, and mind. (We apologize for a few moments of poor sound quality in this episode.)
Scriptures Referenced:
Rom 6:10-14
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Just like in an escape room, where you sometimes have to collect several keys in order to unlock the final one, Romans 6 requires you to figure out several puzzling clues before it yields its meaning. But when the meaning of Romans 6 does open up to us, it provides us the key to living the Christian life. Join Mike and Matthew in this escape room episode as they try to figure out four keys to understanding Romans 6 before the 60 minute time limit runs…
Scriptures Referenced:
Rom 6:1-10
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A common misunderstanding with the gospel of grace is that people may as well continue to sin once they are saved, since our abundance of sin showcases God’s abundance of grace. Of course this isn’t true, and one reason we know it’s not true is our baptism. But what does baptism have to do with not continuing to sin? And what does baptism really mean? Tune in for a concise explanation of baptism in the first episode of this year’s Romans 6 summer challenge.
Scriptures Referenced:
Rom 6:1-5
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Announcing our fourth August Summer Challenge! Mike and Matthew talk everything you need to know for this year’s memorization challenge, and announce a brief summer break in July for the podcast.
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As a quick follow up to PP164 on addictions, Josh Smith joins us again to give us 10 wise and very practical life hacks to help us decrease the amount of time we spend stuck to our phones. Excellent ideas in this episode!
Scriptures Referenced: Jam 1:26; Jam 3:2-10
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A longer episode, but an important one! Many of us struggle with addictive behaviour. The addiction may be simple and not seem to harmful at the moment, but it can quickly become complex and lead us into deeper sin. Guest host, Josh Smith (M.A. in Counseling, LPC in the State of Michigan), helps us to understand what addictions are, why we struggle with them, and most importantly, how we can overcome them by the grace of God. The discussion near the end on the four tools of the enemy (Access, Appetite, Anonymity, and Atheism) are particularly helpful. Josh has also provided these links as further resources for you on this topic.
Powerful Talk on Overcoming Addiction
The Secret of Addiction
Another Message on Overcoming Addiction
Rescue Plan Book
Addiction: A Banquet in the Grave Book
(Musical Credits: “Chain Breaker”, by Zach Williams, sung by Ken & Nancy Biddington).
Scriptures Referenced: Eccl 4:9-10; Mat 5:28-30; 1Cor 6:12; Rom 6:12-14; Col 3:5-16; Jam 1:14-25
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What does it mean that we are made in God’s image? Christians over the centuries have arrived at different answers. Mike surveys four views — resemblance, representation, relational, and reflection — and then, much to Matthew’s delight, declares all of them right! This doctrine serves as a reminder of the sanctity of human life and calls us to treat one another with the utmost respect and dignity, knowing that how we treat others reflects our treatment of God himself.
Scriptures Referenced:
Gen 1:26-28, 5:1-3, 9:5-6; 1Sam 6:5; Psa 8; Col 1:15, 3:10
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Just in time for summer holidays comes our fifth edition of Cloak, Books, and Parchments. In this episode we discuss the following eight books. Which will you take with you on the trip or to the beach?
– Remaking the World: How 1776 Created the Post-Christian West, by Andrew Wilson (Crossway)
– The Insanity of God, by Nik Ripken (B&H)
– Safely Home, by Randy Alcorn (Tyndale Fiction)
– Pride: Identity and the Worship of Self, by Matthew Roberts (Christian Focus)
– Love the Ones Who Drive You Crazy, by Jamie Dunlop (IX Marks)
– J.N Darby and the Roots of Dispensationalism, by Crawford Gribben (Oxford Univiersity Press)
– The Lord of Psalm 23, by David Gibson (Crossway)
– The Demon of Unrest, by Erik Larson (Crown Publishing)
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“There is no rock like our God,” says Hannah in 1Sam 2:2. What a statement… and what a God! But what is meant by this frequent metaphor of God in the Bible? And how does it point us to Christ? Be encouraged as Mike & Matthew teach us about God our Rock.
Scriptures Referenced: Deut 32:4; 1Sam 2:2; Psa 18:2; Psa 62:6-7; Psa 71:3; Isa 26:4; 1Cor 10:4; Heb 13:8
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Have you ever found yourself asking God these questions: “What do you want with me? Why did you save me? What’s your purpose for me?” God’s answer is short and simple. He wants us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. That is, God wants us to spend our lives enjoying fellowship with him, becoming like him, and being agents of mercy in the world.
Scriptures Referenced: Micah 6:3-8
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Shame, shame. We all feel it. How can we be free from it? Tune in to hear why it is that we experience and shame and how the gospel provides a way to deal with it.
Scriptures Referenced: Gen 2:25; Isa 3:8-9; Rom 1:16; Rom 10:11; Heb 12:2
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Doubt is a monster that can sneak up and surprise us whether we’re young or mature in the faith. One day it even took John the Baptizer by surprise. In this episode we learn the surprising truth about who has doubts, what doubts are, where to take our doubts, and the wonderful potential they hold.
Scriptures Referenced: Luk 7:18-35; Isa 35
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As they conclude a brief look at the Lord Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, Mike & Matthew broaden their discussion to specific temptations that believers face today. Listen closely for when Mike & Matthew believe abortion needs to be practiced… and stay tuned to the end to pick up 7 tips to avoid being tripped up by temptation.
Scriptures Referenced:
Mat 4:1-11; Mat 6:19-24; Luk 4:1-13; 1Cor 10: 13; 1Tim 6:10-18; Jam 1:14-15; 1Jn 1:9; 1Jn 2:1-2; 1Jn 2:15-17
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How’s this for a novel idea: telling other Christians why you thank God for them. That’s what Paul does to his friends in Philippi, and there’s good reason to believe he wants us to do the same. In fact, this novel idea can change how we pray, and the way we encourage each other. It can also drive us to more Christlike behaviour, and to a richer, more God-centred, theology. In this episode we also talk about the inductive Bible study method (observation, interpretation, application), and how to apply verses that seem far removed from us.
Scriptures Referenced:
Phil 1:3-6, 2:12-14; Luk 10:21
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Facing temptation is something we have in common with every other human being, including the Lord Jesus. In an episode that explores the combination of the Lord’s true humanity and sinless deity, we also learn from the Lord how we can become stronger in the face of temptation – even if that means going gluten-free.
Scriptures Referenced: Mat 4:1-11; Luk 4:1-13
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Sharing our faith in Christ with unbelievers does not come easy for most of us. How can the gospel go from being something we can’t get out to being something we can’t keep in? The Apostle Paul shows us how we can grow in this area in the opening verses of his letter to the Philippians.
Scriptures Referenced: Phil 1:1-2, 12-13, 2:5-11, 3:1, 8, 20-21
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Is Christianity’s vision of heaven less satisfying than Mormonism’s? Because Jesus taught that marriage in this life doesn’t carry over to the next? In this special March Madness episode, Mike and Matthew respond with a resounding NO! Tune in to hear other questions considered, including whether there’ll be Marmite or pets in heaven! More importantly, we discover that no matter our marital status in this life, all our relational longings will be satisfied forever in the new creation.
Scriptures Referenced: Luke 20:27-40; 1Thess 2:19, 4:14-18
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“I want to be married, but the Lord hasn’t provided me a spouse. Am I missing out?” This is a common sentiment for many, and an important follow up to our recent discussions on dating and whom we should marry. Tune in as Mike & Matthew help us develop a Biblical perspective on singleness and provide some healthy counsel for all of us, singles and married people alike.
Scriptures Referenced: 1Cor 7
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Are you weary of life’s burdens at times? Join Mike & Matthew as they direct us to Christ, to find rest for our souls. And in this episode, not only do we get Mike & Matthew, but J.C. Ryle and Charles Spurgeon as well! (Musical Credits: “Give Me Jesus”, Ken & Nancy Biddington, arr. Jeremy Camp)
Scriptures Referenced: Mat 11:27-30; Mat 23:4
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The way our culture prizes freedom gives us a huge opportunity to tell others of the freedom available in Jesus Christ. Unlike modern concepts of freedom, the freedom Jesus offers is not just freedom from, but freedom for. Only in the Lord Jesus can we enjoy both halves of freedom. As John Stott says in this week’s reading, “I have found Jesus Christ to be the key to freedom.”
Scriptures Referenced: Luke 4:18-19; Exo; John 8:31-36; Mark 5:1-20, 8:34
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One of the ways to keep our appreciation of Christ’s death fresh is to learn more about the cross. In this episode we learn that one of the reasons Christ died on the cross was to be our Christus Victor. When we view the story of the Bible from this lens, the incarnation becomes an invasion, Golgotha a battlefield, and the cross becomes the Snake Crusher’s mighty death blow to the head of the serpent. At the cross, Christ not only died for us, but also fought for us. And conquered by dying!
Scriptures Referenced:
Gen 3:15; Acts 10:36-38; Mar 3:27; Col 2:13-15; 1Thess 1:9-10; Col 1:13-14; Rev 20-22
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Do you know one of the greatest things about being a Christian? It means you are a follower of Christ! And there is no one like the Lord Jesus Christ. Refresh your appreciation of his uniqueness, and how the Christian faith is really all about Christ, in this first installment of our February reading challenge with John Stott’s Why I Am a Christian.
Scriptures Referenced:
Mat 11:28; Php 1:21; John 5:39; Heb 1:1-2
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Attention: the 2024 Practicology Reading Challenge begins now! This February we are reading through John Stott’s brief but compelling case for the Christian faith, “Why I Am a Christian” – a short book of wisdom for believers, seekers, and skeptics. Tune in to hear more or less everything you need to know to join in. There will be a prize draw for those who finish the challenge, with AT LEAST 10 Prints of Peace sweatshirts to be given away. See the Practicology website for a reading schedule!
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Sometimes just getting out of bed in the morning can be a challenge, especially when our desire for God has gone as cold as winter. Perhaps it would help if we could wake up to the Lord Jesus calling us in the morning? Especially if his words revealed the wonderful truth, that even when our longing for him cools, his longings for us remain as strong and fervent as ever!
Scriptures Referenced: Song 2:8-14; Eph 5:22-33
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In his book on How to Read Proverbs, Tremper Longman III says that one of that book’s themes is Loving the Right Woman. He adds “Proverbs understands that a good wife [or husband!] is one of the most important things in life.” While acknowledging that marriage isn’t for everyone, Matthew & Mike discuss the goodness of marriage and some principles from Scripture for how to identify someone with whom we should be happy to pursue a relationship.
Scriptures Referenced:
Gen 24; Prov 12:4; Prov 18:22; Prov 31:10; Prov 31:30
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It’s common to start a new year brimming with motivation to read the Bible, only to have that motivation quickly evaporate as the stress and busyness of normal life return. In this episode, a very special guest (the apostle Peter!) joins Mike and Matthew to give us four motivations that will keep us paying careful attention to God’s Word all year. We need to see the Bible against (1) the darkness, (2) the dawn, (3) man-made myths, and against (4) the backdrop of personal encounter with God.
Scriptures Referenced: 2Pet 1:16-21; Psa 119:105; 1Cor 13:12; 2Cor 4:6
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A special Christmas GNFY episode, remembering the words of the angel to the shepherds on the first Christmas night. Stay tuned to the end for some info on some upcoming prize giveaways!
Scriptures Referenced: Luke 2:10-11
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In part 2 with Vincent Kember, we continue our examination of the role of creative action in the life of all believers. The arts are revealed to be a powerful way to tell the world a different story. Not only can we appreciate the contributions of others, but in our own sphere, we can develop our God-given capabilities.
Scriptures Referenced: Job 38, Psa 8, Psa 139, Jer 18
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Should Christians be concerned with art? In this episode, guest contributor Vincent Kember moves us towards a clearer understanding of the role of creativity and making as we work in the shadow of the Master Craftsman. We explore:
– Myths about the arts
– Scriptural clues pointing to the importance of creativity
– The power of art as embodied creatures
– A wider definition of “Christian art”
Scriptures Referenced: Gen 1; Exo 31
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Sometimes it’s stories of failure that end up being the most inspiring. Failure is nothing less than an opportunity to learn something, an occasion to mature and grow. That’s certainly how God used a career failure in Peter Thiessen’s life, and God can use Peter’s story to instruct us. In this episode we learn how to find the kind of work we are suited for, how to value enjoyment of our work more than the amount of money or significance it gives us, and we are reminded how important it is to have a good friend. At the end, Peter shares the greatest of all the lessons he’s ever learned, and it’s not one you want to miss!
Scriptures Referenced: Rom 8:28
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It’s one thing to say that God is enough; it’s another thing to live it. This past summer we worked through Psalm 25 and its teaching about the will of God. Now it’s time to hear one believer’s personal story of questioning God’s will when his life plan fell apart. Peter Thiessen joins us not to teach, but to tell. To tell a story of God’s faithfulness in the midst of defeat. This is the kind of testimony we desperately need to hear today.
Scriptures Referenced: Joh 17
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Just in case you are thinking of getting some books for Christmas (and who wouldn’t be?), we’re bringing you our fourth instalment of Cloak, Books, and Parchments (2Tim 4:13). There is no book like the Bible but we all learn from the ministry of others, including ministry that comes to us in written form. Mike & Matthew share brief reviews of eight books for your reading pleasure.
– Digital Liturgies: Rediscovering Christian Wisdom in an Online Age by Samuel James (Crossway)
– Of No Reputation: Living an Ordinary Life by Stephen Grant (John Ritchie)
– When People Are Big and God Is Small: Overcoming Peer Pressure, Codependency, and the Fear of Man, 2nd ed, by Edward Welch (P&R Publishing)
– Enjoy Your Prayer Life by Michael Reeves (10 Publishing)
– The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory by Abigail Favale (Ignatius);
– Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear (Soho Press); (NOTE: best for older, mature readers, due to some language and mature themes)
– Conscience: What it Is, How to Train It, and Loving Those Who Differ by Andrew Naselli & J.D. Crowley (Crossway)
– That Little Voice in Your Head: Learning about your Conscience by Andy Naselli (CF4Kids)
– In Search of the Source: A First Encounter with God’s Word by Neil Anderson with Hyatt Moore (Wycliffe)
– Why I Am a Christian by John Stott (IVP Books)
Scriptures Referenced: 2Tim 4:13
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In part two of our discussion with Bible teacher and clinical counsellor, Stephen Vance, on the subject of the Christian’s emotional health and the struggle with depression, we consider some aspects of preventative medicine and how to reframe our thinking towards joy.
Scriptures Referenced: Lam 3:21; Prov 17:22; Php 4:8
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We are “frail children of dust” – and sometimes that physical frailty is manifested in our mental health. Depression is a real struggle for many Christians. Guest contributor Stephen Vance joins us for a wide-ranging, two-part discussion, from a Biblical as well as a professional clinical perspective, on the importance of our emotional health and how grief, stress, and anxiety can contribute to depression.
Scriptures Referenced: 1Kin 19; Mk 12:30-31; 1Thess 5:23
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As Christians, God’s providence is at work in our lives to save us and preserve us. Far from scaring us, divine providence is meant to comfort us. Join us as we work through Romans 8:28-39 and learn how God’s providence gives us a strong sense of security in the unbreakable love of God in Christ. Along the way, you’ll also learn how to receive compliments, wait on God, and begin imitating his love for his Church.
Scriptures Referenced:
Rom 8:28-39; Rev 12:1; 1Joh 3:20; Rom 4:25; Heb 7:2; 1Pet 4:19
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In this episode, Thomas Seale gives us an excellent introduction to the doctrine of divine providence. Providence is God’s purposeful sovereignty over everything including nature, the spirit world, nations, life and death, and even the human will. It’s a doctrine that doesn’t just change our perspective; it changes our lives.
Scriptures Referenced: Ps 50:12; Dan 4:34-35; Eph 1:4-10; Prov 16:33; Col 1:17; Job 38-41; Amos 4:7-13; Mark 5:6-7; Deu 32:39; 1Sam 2:6; Job 14:5; Acts 17:26; Dan 4:17; Prov 21:1; 2Sam 7:14; Ps 33:10-11; Judg 14:3-4; Isa 10:6-7; Ps 27:1; Isa 8:12-13; Ps 33:18
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Bible prophecy can be an intimidating subject at times, but it does make up a significant chunk of the Scriptures, so it must be a worthwhile study. Without delving into the details of prophetic interpretation, guest host Nathan Pratt provides us with six good reasons that we should study Bible prophecy. At the very end, Matthew & Nathan discuss a few book ideas for people interested in literature to help them understand Bible prophecy.
Scriptures Referenced: Rom 13:11-14; 2Cor 4:13-18; 1Thess 4:18; 2Tim 3:16-17; 1John 3:3; Rev 3:1-3
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We’re all looking to get a sense of self and a sense of worth. In our culture, the typical way to do this is by looking inside of ourselves. But this is a road riddled with potholes. It can be confusing, overwhelming, and downright crushing. The gospel offers a different way of knowing who we are and what we’re worth. Join us to hear how you can have a rock solid identity that isn’t crushing!
Scriptures Referenced: Gen 1; Gal 2:20
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How should a Christian approach dating? Obviously differently from what is common in the culture – the emotions of our brothers and sisters in Christ are too valuable to toy with. But what are you trying to gain from the dating process? What should you be trying to discern from your initial times spent with a prospective life partner? Distilling insight from Sam Andreades’ book, Dating with Discernment, Justin Pratt joins Matthew for a helpful discussion around assessing compatability for marriage.
Scriptures Referenced: Gen 2:18-25; Rom 12:2
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It’s back-to-school time here in Canada, and in this episode we want to encourage students everywhere to love God with their minds. Jesus Christ commandeers even our intellectual life for lofty service to him. Tune in to hear four practical ways you can love God with your mind this school year.
Scriptures Referenced: Mark 12:29-30; Deu 6:4; Luk 16:13-14; Job 22:12; Col 3:17
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"There are no safe paths in this part of the world," said Gandalf to Bilbo... and he was right. Life is often hard. So how is God's will operating in my life when I am in a hard place, a place of affliction and distress like David? And what if that hard place I find myself in is partly my own making? Find out in this final instalment of Mike & Matthew taking us through Psalm 25.
Scriptures Referenced:Psa 25; Rom 8:28-29; Col 1:9-28; 1Pet 3:17
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In this third episode on Psalm 25, Mike opens up a can of worms, contrasting what he calls the blindfold view of the will of God with the guidebook view. Which view do you think is more biblical?
Scriptures Referenced: Psa 25; Rom 3:7, 6:1; Isa 26:7-8; 1Th 4:3, 5:18; 1Pet 2:15Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MandMsPodcast
What happens if we have failed to follow God's will in the past? Are we condemned to wander the spiritual wastelands for the rest of our days? No, not when our God is the God of faithful love, who "shows sinners the way." Psalm 25 teaches us that failure is not final with God, that it is the character of God to lead his people, and that a humble heart will once again experience the guidance of God.
Scriptures Referenced:Psa 25; Isa 50:4-5; Isa 66:2
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What's the most important thing in finding out God's will for your life: mastering the right technique, or learning your personality profile? OK, so you're right. It's neither of them. But then what is the most important thing? Tune in to find out.
Scriptures Referenced: Psa 25; Psa 23; Eph 4:32-5:2
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Is it too late to secure another book for your Summer reading list? Of course not! There is no book like the Bible but we all learn from the ministry of others, including ministry that comes to us in written form. In this third installment of Cloak, Books, and Parchments (2Tim 4:13), Mike & Matthew share brief reviews of six book titles for your reading pleasure. Six books in less than 17 minutes.
Scriptures Referenced: 2Tim 4:13
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This year's August summer challenge heads back into the Psalms! Psalm 25 is a beautiful prayer that teaches us to bank on God's willingness to lead sinful people into his paths. Want help in figuring out God's will for your life? Then join us in memorizing this amazing psalm. For more info about when to start and what prizes there will be for completing, tune in to this brief episode, and watch the website for a schedule.
Scriptures Referenced: Psalm 25
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[This episode touches on some sensitive subjects and may not be appropriate for younger listeners.] Secular culture feeds us so many lies, and one of its biggest areas of deception and confusion today is that of sex. On the one hand, the culture seems obsessed with the human body. Yet at the same time, they talk as if what we do with our bodies doesn't really matter. As a result, the culture cheapens sex. The gospel gives us a deeper and more meaningful view of the body - and consequentially, a more sacred view of sex.
Scriptures Referenced: 1Corinthians 6:12-20
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The imagination gets a bad rap sometimes in the church. As if it's something to be treated with suspicion. But the truth is that the imagination is a God-given faculty that is crucial in the realms of daily life, science, and faithful Bible reading. In this episode we hear a biblical defense of using our imagination, and Mike and Matthew demonstrate how it enriches our time in God's Word when we use it to that end. Watching The Chosen is not the only way for the Bible to come alive!
Scriptures Referenced: Exo 13:8; Col 3:2; 2Cor 4:18; Joh 1:35-42; Psa 113; Dan 1
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We all love to be insiders - to have special access and privileges. That's exactly what God does for every believer in the Lord Jesus. Of all the gospel blessings God gives us in Christ, the highest one is likely this - he adopts us as his sons. Are you enjoying your VIP status in God's family?
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Even though sin and temptation often get the better of us, we don't need to succumb to a defeatist attitude and give up. In this episode, the Apostle John teaches us to adopt a humble, optimistic, can-do attitude in the battle against sin. By faith, you can do this! This is the final episode in a mini-series on overcoming sin in our lives. See also episodes 116 and 118.
Scriptures Referenced: 1 John 5:1-5
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C.S. Lewis said, "Joy is the serious business of Heaven." And when Jesus Christ turns water into wine at a wedding banquet, he is showing us he isn't a killjoy - he is the one that satisfies our innate thirst for joy.
Scriptures Referenced: John 2:1-11
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Contemporary culture thinks that obeying God is oppressive. But the truth is that obeying God’s commands is liberating. The way we become our true selves is by denying the sinful desires inside us and by obeying God’s Word instead. This is the second episode in a mini-series on overcoming sin in our lives.
Scriptures Referenced: 1 John 5:1-15
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All of God’s people need a dairy diet. So… got milk? Sometimes the Scriptures speak of moving on from milk to solid foods, but in Peter’s teaching, there is no spiritual growth for any of us apart from milk. Catch the practical appetite aids at the end to help increase your dairy consumption too!
Scriptures Referenced: 1Peter 2:2
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[This episode touches on some sensitive subjects and may not be appropriate for younger listeners.] We like to think that some of our sins are private, not harming anyone but ourselves. But the Apostle John exposes such thinking as delusional. When we indulge in “private” sins like pornography, we’re not only participating in the sexual exploitation of others; we’re also robbing the people closest to us. There is no such thing as private sin, and understanding that can go a long way to overcoming it. The exciting thing is that there’s no such thing as private obedience either. Want to leave a trail of blessed people in your wake through life? Then devote yourself to loving God and obeying his commandments.
Scriptures Referenced: 1 John 5:1-5
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In Judo one learns not to resist when attacked, but to yield. In a very real way, the gospel teaches Christians to do the same. Whether it’s Satan, or your own guilty conscience accusing you of sin, learn to agree with the charges. When you do, the enemy’s attack to harm you can actually strengthen your enjoyment of Christ.
Scriptures Referenced: Rom 5:6-8; 8:32
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How do you respond when someone tries to correct you? Your reaction is one of the telltale signs of whether you are truly a wise person or not. From the wisdom literature of Proverbs, this episode provides four reasons to listen well to words of rebuke.
Scriptures Referenced: Prov 9:8-9; 12:1; 13:18; 15:31; 17:10; 25:12; 27:6; Jam 3:17; 5:19-20
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At first the empty grave made Mary Magdalene’s day worse. But then it started making things better and better. The resurrection of Christ is not just a fact of history, and a hope for the future, but a reality that transforms the present. The empty grave is bigger than your bad day!
Scriptures Referenced: John 20
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Why is Good Friday called Good Friday? What is so good about that day? In this ultra-brief episode, Mike & Matthew tell you what you need to know about Good Friday.
Scriptures Referenced: 1Cor 5:7; 1Cor 15:3-4; 1Pet 1:18-20; Rom 14:5;
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We’re bombarded daily with messages and spiritual truth claims from every direction. How can we distinguish the true from the phoney? In this episode we work through 1 John 4:1-6 and learn to activate, calibrate, and comfort our spiritual baloney detectors.
Scriptures Referenced: 1 Joh 4:1-6; Joh 16:33
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The Christian gospel stands or falls on the issue of whether or not Jesus Christ rose from the dead. But why is that? Tune in to hear Mike & Matthew explain the personal implications of the resurrection, and what evidence exists to justify the gospel’s claim that Jesus is alive.
Scriptures Referenced: Lk 24:3; Jn 20:28-29; 1Cor 15:3-8, 44
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What should I do when my friend has fallen into sin? The work of restoration is a valuable and much needed ministry, but it cannot be attempted in a self-confident, mechanical manner. With sensitivity and very helpful insight from Galatians 5-6, guest contributor Stephen Grant teaches us to help up, hold up, and build up one another.
Scriptures Referenced: Mat 18:15-17; Gal 6:1-6
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We might not want to admit it, but some of us worry that heaven will be a let down. The final chapter of John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress can help chase such doubts away and replace them with strong hunger pangs for heaven. Tune in to set your mind on the welcome and wonders of heaven.
Scriptures Referenced: Rev 21:4; 2Pet 1:11; 1Cor13:12
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Struggles with depression, doubt, and despair are a somber reality for many of God’s people. If that is your experience, you aren’t alone in walking that dark path. Many noble Christians have had to endure these trials – including the character, Christian, in Pilgrim’s Progress. Is there deliverance from Giant Despair and Doubting Castle? And where can we find hope to carry on in the darkness?
Scriptures Referenced: Psa 88; John 10:28-29; 2Cor 1:20; Titus 1:2; Heb 12:22-24; 1Jn 2:25; Rev 21:3-5
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“Comparison is the thief of joy.” That famous quote is true, isn’t it?! And yet we still go on comparing ourselves to others in every sphere of life, even in the church. So through his characters Christian and Faithful, John Bunyan shows us how we can learn to compare ourselves with other believers in a way that serves our joy instead of stealing it.
Scriptures Referenced: Joh 21; Eph 4:4-7; 1 Cor 3:21-23; 12:4-7; Psa 139:16
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The life of a Christian pilgrim is not easy, and it would be much harder if we didn’t have other believers to support us. This is what a local church is for. In Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan illustrates a high view of the local church, and teaches us some needed, insightful lessons about how our church fellowship can be a more Christ-exalting experience.
Scriptures Referenced: Psa 26:8; Prov 18:1; Mat 16:19; Ac 20:28-31; Rom 15:4; Eph 4:29; Eph 5:4; Jam 4:11-12
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Long before Adventures in Odyssey invented the Imagination Station, John Bunyan conceived the Interpretation Station. There the Interpreter teaches us many lessons to help us on our heavenly pilgrimage. Who should we choose as spiritual guides in life? How do we overcome sin, live with an eternal perspective, and persevere through attacks on our faith? The Interpreter (who represents the Holy Spirit) can help us with all this and more.
Scriptures Referenced: Rom 7:5-6, 16:17-18; Acts 15:9; Luk 22:31-32; Joh 6:37-40
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Attention: the 2023 Practicology Reading Challenge begins now! This February join us in reading John Bunyan’s classic adventure tale, “The Pilgrim’s Progress.” Tune in to hear more or less everything you need to know to join in. There will be a prize draw for those who finish the challenge. See the Practicology website for a reading schedule!
What would it take to make you sing again? If you could hear what God calls you, that would do it. If you could know how God feels about you, that would do it. If you could see how he clothes you, that would do it. And if you could see what he’s promised you, that would do it too!
Scriptures Referenced: Ps 149; Mar 1:11; Luk 15; 1Joh 2:25
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The gospel is Good News For You – which is why we are calling this new series that explains the gospel “GNFY”. In this first episode of the series, we think about the Christian teaching of substitution – how does it work that the ancient historical death of Jesus of Nazareth impacts us today? How could his death atone for my sins?
Scriptures Referenced: 1Cor 15:3-4; Titus 2:13-14; 1Pet 2:22-24; 1John 2:1-2
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For many of us, our joy can take a hit in January and February. Often we assume that negative emotions are a sign that we have done something wrong in our relationship with God. But what if the opposite was true? What if we could learn to hear a different message from our emotional struggles, a message that (strangely enough) would bring us comfort? For Christians, our negative emotions can actually serve as affirmations of the legitimacy of our faith.
Scriptures Referenced: Ps 139:11-12; Gal 5:17; Rom 7:23; Eph 6:12; Rom 8:23
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We don’t know what changes 2023 will bring, but we do know one thing that won’t change – God will still be faithful. We can be up and down, but God’s faithfulness to us doesn’t hinge upon whether we are up or down. The church in Corinth had more than one issue that needed cleaning up, but God was faithful to them because God always sticks by His people. And as Matthew shares from his own experience, sometimes it is in our “downs” that we really learn the faithfulness of God.
Scriptures Referenced: Neh 9:18-19; Lam 3:22-23; Isa 48:21; 1Cor 1:8-9; 1Cor 10:3-4; 1Cor 10:13
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While good grandmas might go on shopping sprees at Christmas, Grandma Athaliah preferred killing sprees. And in one of her evil rampages, she almost succeeded in wrecking Christmas forever. Thank God for Aunt Jehosheba, though! Dale Ralph Davis has memorably called her “the Lady who saved Christmas.” This Christmas we need to keep our spiritual armour on, be ready to serve as God’s special agent, and kindle a nice cozy fire of hope within our hearts because we happen to know the best Christmas secret of all!
Scriptures Referenced: 2Ki 1:1-3; Matt 2; Rev 12
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What if the most difficult times of life are actually the times in which God is working most actively to bless us? In this episode journey back to the strange scene in Genesis 32 where Jacob wrestles with God. When it comes to God and his desire to bless us, we always need to expect the unexpected!
Scriptures Referenced: Gen 32:22-32
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Charles Wesley’s Christmas carol, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” is packed full of spiritual truth, including some precious lines about the incarnation – God being manifested in human flesh. What does it really mean, though when the song speaks of Jesus Christ as “incarnate deity?” Tune in to hear Matthew & Mike clarify the theology of the incarnation, as well as speak of its main purpose and how it matters to us today.
Scriptures Referenced:
Isa 7:14; Mat 1:20-23; John 1:1,14; Php 2:3-8; Heb 2:14-18; Heb 4:14-16; Heb 6:19-20; 1Pet 1:3; 1Jn 2:22; 1Jn 5:5
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“Try and see God’s glory when you read your Bible.” That’s great advice for every aspiring Bible reader, but how do do it? What does it actually look like to see the glory of God in a Scripture passage? In this episode we show what it might look to see God’s glory in Acts 2. This chapter records the first ever flash mob. Who was behind this flash mob in Jerusalem? (1) Someone who is wondrously shy. (2) Someone who is wondrously kind. And (3) Someone who is wondrously wise.
Scriptures Referenced: Acts 2; John 15:26, 16:14; 2Cor 3:18
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Christmas is right around the corner, and what better gift than a good book! There is no book like the Bible but we all learn from the ministry of others, including ministry that comes to us in written form. In this second installment of Cloak, Books, and Parchments (2Tim 4:13), Mike & Matthew share brief reviews of ten book titles for your reading pleasure. There is also heads up about our reading challenge for the "I love to read month" of February.
Scriptures Referenced: 2Tim 4:13
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"I'm so blessed." "God has really blessed me this year." We use blessing language a lot, but does our understanding of blessing need recalibrating? Jacob's did. And we have guest contributor Jeswin Jeyasurya with us to help us understand what it means for us to be blessed.
Scriptures Referenced: Gen 25-30
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How should we study the Bible to make sure we interpret it as God wants us to? Guest contributor Nathan Pratt helps us to answer this question, and also provides solid practical suggestions on how to make our Bible study personal and effective in our lives instead of an exclusively academic knowledge.
Scriptures Referenced:Psa 19:10; Psa 119:103; 2Tim 3:16; 2Pet 1:20-21
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Sometimes Christians come across passages in the Bible that they find culturally embarrassing. Passages that talk about slavery or the conquest of Canaan, for example. When we give a secular friend a Bible, these are the passages we hope they skip over on their way to one of the gospels. In this episode we go through 6 steps you can take in reading these passages. And if you take them, who knows? Maybe you'll go from embarrassment over an OT text to worshipping the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ!
Scriptures Referenced:Nu 5:11-31
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Over the past few years, controversial policies have led many Christians to think a lot more about how we should respond to government. How do we respond to the government when they act unjustly? Is there a time to resist the governing authorities? If so, what would that look like?
Scriptures Referenced: Jer 29:7; Dan 1; Dan 3; Dan 6; Acts 5:29; Rom 12:18-18; Rom 13:1-7; 1Tim 2:1-2; 1Pet 2:13-17; 1Pet 5:6
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"God is King of the whole earth" (Psa 47:7), but obviously the world currently functions under human governments, ordained by God. What should we expect from governments led by sinful men and women, many of whom possess little fear of God? And how do these failing governments direct our hearts to Christ? Vincent Kember (Episodes 37 & 39) returns to the podcast to give us three key lessons in a two-part theology of government.
Scriptures Referenced: Dan 2; Dan 7; Rev 11:15
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In this episode Mike tells his personal story from doubts to conviction regarding the doctrine of the Trinity. Then we draw out some final lessons regarding deconstruction and reconstruction. Please note that our mixing software shifted some of the audio and that a few words are cut off as a result.
Scriptures Referenced: Jude 20; Php 2:5-11
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Why do people who once seemed like stalwarts of Christian discipleship leave the faith? What leads them to deconstruct what they once professed and defended? In part two of our three-part series on deconstruction, we look at four contributing factors and are reminded again that people questioning their faith - and sometimes, sadly, walking away - is nothing new.
Scriptures Referenced: John 6:60-69; 1Tim 4:1; 2Tim 2:17-18; 2Tim 4:10
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This is the first of three episodes on deconstruction, a term that has become all too familiar in Christian circles the last few years. We walk through Psalm 73 and hear Asaph tell us his massive struggle with doubt and how God brought him through it into a faith far deeper and stronger than the faith he had before.
Scriptures Referenced: Psa 73
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In this episode we go through four questions you can use to calm your stress-filled heart: (1) Have I forgotten who I really am? (2) Have I forgotten what my Lord really wants? (3) Have I forgotten that my Father really cares? (4) Have I forgotten what the voice of the Spirit really sounds like?
Scriptures Referenced: Psa 131; Luk 10:38-42; 1Pet 5:6-7; Rom 8:15-17
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What would it be like to belong to a different world but go to school in this world? Well, students who are Christ-followers could tell you! We know it isn't easy being different, but Psalm 119 and other Scriptures help us look at this challenge with a Biblical perspective.
Scriptures Referenced:Psa 119:19-24; Mt 5:11-12; 1Pet 2:11; 4:14-16
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How great is God's power to keep you safe? It is immeasurably great! After all, it is the same power that God exerted in raising Christ from the dead and seating him on the divine throne far above all rule and authority and power and dominion. At the end of Ephesians 1, Paul prays that the Holy Spirit would fill us with a pervasive sense of how safe we are in Christ! In this episode we also reflect on how the Christian faith tilts towards God, towards us, and towards grace.
Scriptures Referenced: Eph 1:19-23; Acts 19; 2Ki 6; Ps 8, 110
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D.A. Carson says, "just as we allow God’s words to reform our theology and our behaviour, let us let it also reform our praying." The prison prayers of Paul, of which this passage in Ephesians is one, are a treasure trove of spiritual wealth, and a valuable lesson on how to pray. But the prayers reveal not only the spiritual maturity of Paul, but the desires of God's heart for his people.
Scriptures Referenced:Eph 1:15-19; Eph 3:14-21; Php 1:3-11; 4:6; Col 1:3-9
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In Christ we have obtained an inheritance that is as secure as the Trinity. Before a genuine believer in Christ can lose his or her inheritance, God the Son would have to lose his inheritance, God the Father would have to lose control, and God the Holy Spirit would have to lose his seal. Grace has struck us eternally rich!
Scriptures Referenced: Eph 1:11-14; 4:30; Gal 3:27-29; Col 1:3-5; Mark 12:1-12; Heb 1:2; Rom 8; Matt 5:5; Rev 21:7; 1 Cor 3:21-23
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Sometimes we feel very insignificant. But Scripture reminds us that Christ shed his blood for us, and that God's grace has brought us into something very special, and very big - God's plan for the ages in Christ. And God has revealed that plan to us because, if we understand it well, it will exalt the significance of our lives today.
Scriptures Referenced: Eph 1:7-10
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The first of our blessings in Christ that Paul celebrates in Ephesians 1 is the blessing of God choosing us. The doctrine of election is not an issue to get Christians fighting, but a blessing to get us praising. That's not to say we don't have lots of questions about it though. In this episode, Mike and Matthew take us through 6 questions Ephesians 1 raises, and answers, about the precious doctrine of election.
Scriptures Referenced: Eph 1:3-6
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Many Christians feel stuck in their service for the Lord, wondering what exactly God wants them to do. Using the acronym ABBA, Matthew provides some guiding principles to help you know what the Lord wants YOU to do.
Scriptures Referenced: Eccl 9:10; Rom 12:3-8; 1Cor 12; Eph 4:4-16; Col 4:17
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There's a pernicious myth out there that theology isn't practical. So Mike and Matthew head over to Acts 15 and draw out three points that expose this myth for what it is: (1) theology is everywhere; (2) theology is life-changing; (3) theology is a war fought with words. Theology isn't practical? Try telling that to the newly-saved Gentile gents in Antioch!
Scriptures Referenced: Acts 15; Gal 5:1
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Christians are still sheep, and sheep still need to be shepherded. Not only do we have the faithful care of our Chief Shepherd in glory, the Lord Jesus, but God has also provided us with men on earth to care for our souls. In our final study of 7 NT metaphors for the local church, we see the church as a flock, and flocks need shepherds. What makes a good shepherd? In addition to looking at Scripture's qualifications for overseers (or, "pastors") in the local church, Matthew provides us with some wise advice from current elders from around North America for potential future shepherds among God's people.
Scriptures Referenced: Acts 20:28-35; 1Tim 3:17; Titus 1:6-9; 1Pet 5:1-4
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Get the lowdown on this year's August Summer Challenge! This year we are calling all listeners, young and old, to join us in memorizing Ephesians 1. Matthew and Mike do a rapid-fire round of 10 reasons why you should take up the challenge and memorize this great chapter.
Scriptures Referenced: Ps 119:11; John 15:4-10; Eph 5:18; Col 3:16
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Our thoughts can be true, but incomplete. Which is why we need to practice our mental follow-through. Psalm 36 illustrates this well. David begins the psalm thinking about the wicked man who's out to get him. But David doesn't stop there, because that's only half the picture. Thankfully for us, David goes on to round out his thoughts by thinking about the dimensions of God's love and faithfulness and wisdom. Also, in this episode we announce the most important detail about this year's August Summer Challenge! On which, more to come!
Scriptures Referenced: Psalm 36
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When the risen Lord Jesus walks among the lampstands in Revelation 1, He is delivering Heaven's verdict on the practices of seven real churches. He is the true judge and He is also the one who knows the true value of each local church - they are golden lampstands, precious in his sight.
Scriptures Referenced: Revelation 1-3
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Josh comes back one last time to walk us through Philippians 4:4-7, point us to some resources, and explain how a counselor can help us. Along the way he keeps calling Mike 'Michael' (something Mike quite enjoyed!), and smashes all previous records for longest episode on the Practicology Podcast. But for those who struggle with anxious feelings, it's worth every minute of it!
Scriptures Referenced: Phil. 4:4-7; Psalm 119:25-26
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Why do believers suffer? Why does God chasten his people? Because God loves us! He is not trying to make us bitter, but to make us better, and that the life of Jesus may be displayed in our mortal flesh. Listen in as Matthew's father, Lloyd, takes us through the crucible of chastening - its reality, our reactions, God's reasons, and the results of the trials we endure.
Scriptures Referenced: Job 4:5-9; 42:14; Prov 3:11-12; 17:3; 1Kings 1:5-6; Joh 15:1-2; 2Cor 1:3-4; 4:7-11; 12:7; Heb 12:5-11
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Why is there so much anxiety today? Where is it all coming from? To know the cause is often to know the cure (or at least some things that can help). Josh is back to take us through six pieces that contribute to the puzzle of why anxiety is so rampant in our culture. (On the subject of suicide, listeners are encouraged to search the Vine To Branches blog where Josh has a helpful series of articles to help.)
Scriptures Referenced: Psalm 11:13, 26:3; Eph 2:12; Rom 1; 1Pet 3:15
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Paul's heart for the church of God beat in harmony with God's heart. His passion was to see the church maintain a purity of devotion to Christ - but purity of devotion depended on good teaching. Do we place a proper value on the teaching and beliefs of the local church?
Scriptures Referenced: Exo 34:14; 1Cor 4:15; 2Cor 11:1-6
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Christian counsellor Josh Smith joins us to kick off a series on anxiety. In this first episode we raise awareness about anxiety and expose the stigma that (sadly) accompanies it. It's OK to be someone who suffers anxiety, and it's really really OK to ask for help! Josh also gives us practical tips on figuring out who we can go to for help, and he explains what Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is. Along the way we share a little bit from our personal lives, discuss the importance the Bible attaches to our minds, and mention the problem of false guilt.Scriptures Referenced: Rom 12:2; Col 3:2; 2Cor 10:5; Phil 2:5; Eccles 11:7Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook.
Just as we expect our own houses to be governed by the values and principles that we hold, so it is with God's household, the church. The local church is like an outpost for Heaven on the earth, with the privilege and responsibility of upholding the name of Christ and reflecting how awesome our God is.Scriptures Referenced:Gen 28:10-22; Mat 18:15-20; 1Tim 3:14-16Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook.
Greeting one another and making small talk can be awkward and feel fake at times. But it's actually a big deal. God himself greets us, and he commands us to greet one another. And when we do so, we're actually saying far more than we realize. We're acknowledging the value and worth of another human being in a way that is deeply meaningful. Don't miss the opportunity to be a blessing to someone--greet them!Scriptures Referenced: Gen 3:9; Exod 18:7; Matt 10:12; Phil 4:21-23; Rom 16; Dan 10:11; Ruth 2:4; Num 6:22-27Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook.
One of the most beautiful and instructive metaphors of the church is that of the body. It teaches us about unity, diversity, and interdependency. Listen as Mike & Matthew talk about the blessing that commitment and accountability bring to the local church.Scriptures Referenced: 1Cor 12:12-27; Eph 4:3; Php 1:27; Php 2:3-5Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook.
Finding a friend can be one of the greatest joys in life. Not having a friend can be one of life's greatest sorrows. How do we go about finding a friend? The good news for shy people is this: the best way to go about finding a friend is to do it indirectly. You don't need to change your personality; you just need to develop personal interests. If your shortage of good friends is a major source of angst for you, this episode is just for you!Scriptures Referenced: Col 3:4; Php 1:21; Heb 2:14; John 15:13Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook.
The structural integrity of any building is largely dependent on its foundation. The local church is no different - its foundation is Jesus Christ. And a church that forgets its foundation is sure to make mistakes in its attempts to add to the building, and to beautify the building. And because this building is so special to God, it also comes with a solemn warning to anyone that destroys it. How can someone destroy a local church? Listen to Matthew & Mike in this episode for help in avoiding that tragic mistake.Scriptures Referenced: 1Cor 3:1-23; 1Pet 2:4-5Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook.
Re-join Mike and Seth as they continue their conversation on art. In the previous part, they discussed art in relation to creation. In this episode, the conversation turns to art and redemption, to the beauty of the cross. They also talk briefly about how to guard against the dangers of art, and the importance of encouraging artists, in part because of their ability to incline people to be willing to hear the gospel.Scriptures Referenced: 2 Cor 4
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God loves gardens. He knows what he's talking about when he compares the local church to a field that is cultivated - like a farm, or a garden. So how can we make sure that churches remain places of planting and growth - spiritual gardens instead of flesh factories?Scriptures Referenced: 1Cor 3:1-9Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook.
Let's talk about art! What does our love of art tell us about God, the world, and us? What place does art have in the life of the Christian? Can art help move people closer to hearing and believing the Christian gospel? These are the sorts of questions Mike explores in this conversation with Seth Griffin.Scriptures Referenced: Gen 1; Ps 19Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook.
When will COVID be over and done with? We're not sure, but we do know that the road to recovery will not be easy, and we'll all need some help along the way. In this episode Mike and Matthew talk about six much-needed tools for the task ahead.Scriptures Referenced: Rom 8:28; Ps 4:4; Lev 19:17-18; Eph 4:26-27; Titus 3:1-8; Matt 18:23-35; 1 Cor 13:7; Phil 3:20-21Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook.
Hell is a horrible reality, and yet Christians are not to be embarrassed by it. God's salvation is amazingly complete; after saving us from hell, he then forces hell to serve the believer's wellbeing and joy. In this episode we discuss how Christ has pressed hell into his service, causing it to save us from six things: hopelessness, vengefulness, joylessness...Tune in to hear the rest.Scriptures Referenced: Ps 98:5-9; Rev 11:16-18; Rom 9:22-24; 12:17-21; Eph 2:1-10; Col 3:5-8; Eph 5:3-6; Rom 10:1; Rev 22:17; 1Thess 1:9-10Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook.
God calls us to be holy, but we can't make ourselves holy. What's the answer to this conundrum? The gospel! God is justified in commanding us to be holy, because He first calls us saints. Understanding our identity in Christ is key to becoming holy, because sanctification isn't a self-help program, but a work of God within us.
Scriptures Referenced: Neh 8:10; Joh 15:5; Rom 6:19; 2Cor 3:18; 2Cor 5:17; Gal 6:8; 1Thes 4:3,7; Heb 10:10; 1Pet 1:16 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes. Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook.
What does it mean to repent? And is living by faith something that only full-time missionaries without salaries do? In this episode Mike and Matthew talk about how repentance and faith are closely linked, and how the Christian life is an ongoing turning from self to the Son of God and his saving love.
Scriptures Referenced: Acts 20:21; 2Cor 7; Matt. 21:28-32; Luke 18:9-14; Gal. 2:20 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes. Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook.
Everyone loves a story of sweet redemption, but there is no redemption story like that of the Christian gospel. The helpless are rescued. The bankrupt have their debt paid. Slaves are set free. Gospel freedom is the best kind of freedom, and not only has the gospel set us free from guilt through the blood of Christ, it also guarantees us a future redemption when our Redeemer returns.
Scriptures Referenced: Gen 48:15-16; Ex 6:6-7; 12; Isa 43:1-2; Luk 9:24; Rom 8:23; Gal 5:1, 13; Eph 1:7, 13-14; Php 3:21; 1Tim 1:10; 1Pet 1:18-19 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes. Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook.
Don't let one more day go by without understanding the life-altering truth of justification by faith! It is a doctrine that is culturally relevant and personally relevant because it means we can live life out of a place of acceptance. Its many benefits include (1) peace with God, (2) living in a town called grace, (3) and the certain hope of a glorious future.
Scriptures Referenced: Rom. 1-5 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes. Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook.
A boy visits Loch Ness. Instead of catching something, something catches him. He gives the rest of his life to the search for a mythical monster. We're all looking for a cause big enough to devote our lives to. When we encounter God in his holiness we discover a beauty captivating enough to hold our attention forever and a cause large enough to be worthy of all our devotion. God's holiness is captivating. And in capturing us, it sets us free.
Scriptures Referenced: Isa 6; Exo 3; Lev 10:10; 1Jn 1:5; Heb 7:26; Exo 15:11 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes. Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook.
The Bible doesn't just give us a theology of giving, it also gives us some how to. The Apostle Paul taught us the law of the harvest that we reap what we sow. In this episode we also learn about our Lord's principles of giving in his Sermon on the Mount, and touch on matters such as debt, and giving privately instead of publicly.
Scriptures Referenced: 2Cor 8-9; Gal. 6 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes. Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook.
Our Lord Jesus taught that it is more happy to give than to receive, and he should know. God is the happy God who gives with great generosity and joy. When we worship him we become joyfully generous too. And not only does worship produce giving, but our giving is part of our worship. Learn all this and more from special guest Justin Pratt, and see if it doesn't spread a smile on your face!
Scriptures Referenced: Acts 20:35; Jam 1:17; 1Cor 9:15; 1Tim 1:11; Matt 6:63; Heb 13:16; Phil 4:18; Rom 12:1; Matt 20; 2Cor 9 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes. Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook.
Prayer can be hard work, and we need all the help we can get. One thing that helps is understanding how prayer relates to two other activities: reading the Bible and meditating. In this episode we go through a little poem that explains how it works: Before I read I pray / Before I pray I read / If in between I meditate / My heart knows what to say.
Scriptures Referenced: Jude 20-21; John 15:5; Mat 11:28; Ps 86:11, 90:14, 119:18, 36; Jam 1:19; Mark 2 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes. Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook.
Are you part of a local church, following the example of the early Christians in the Book of the Acts? Churches meet together. Many of the spiritual disciplines are private exercises, but the public activity of gathering together with the church is also a habit of grace. It is how we express our unity in Christ and is also for our own spiritual blessing. We shouldn't attend the meetings of the church to impress others, but we should look at it as an opportunity to encourage others.
Scriptures Referenced: Acts 2:42-47; 1Cor 11:17; Heb 10:24-25 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes. Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook.
One of the ways we can grow in enjoying and experiencing God's love is through learning theology. And one of the ways we learn theology is through reading Scripture and books about Scripture. This is the first in a short series of episodes on the spiritual disciplines, what David Mathis calls habits of grace. If your daily quiet time is lacking some sizzle, discover how replacing your devotional book with a good solid work of theology can make a world of difference.
Scriptures Referenced: Jude; Acts 2:42; 1Tim 1:6-7, 4:7; 2Pet 3:16-17; Ps 119:9, 18, 34-35, 160; Eph 4:11-14 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes. Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook.
According to God's definition of success, the setbacks you've experienced over the last two years aren't steps back but steps forward. Learn how the Christian definition of success helps us reflect on the disappointments of the past and face the uncertainties of the future. At the end, Mike and Matthew outline the next two months at Practicology. Lord willing, January's episodes will help us practice the spiritual disciplines, and February will feature a reading challenge. Make sure you listen to the end so you can start getting ready! Below are the links as promised.
Bible reading plans:The Five Day Bible Reading Program The Robert Murray M'Cheyne plan Customize your own plan
Download Key Bible Concepts book by Gooding and Lennox for free!
Or purchase soft copy from Myrtlefield website (It is also availabe from most online book resellers)Scriptures Referenced: Rom. 8:1-3, 28-29; 12:2; Ps. 119:71; Lam. 3:27; James 1:2Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes. Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook.
At the first Christmas, Mary was given a painful sword, but it was a sword sheathed with comfort. Are you going through pain this Christmas? Then join Mary in embracing the five comforts God gave her in her trial: the comfort of knowing (1) that suffering is normal for Christians, (2) God is in control, (3) that he is preparing you for the future, (4) and that you are not alone. The greatest comfort of all—a comfort that nothing can take away from you—is (5) the comfort of having Christ as your Saviour. To receive Him is to receive pure joy this Christmas.
Scriptures Referenced: Luke 2:21-39; Rom. 8:28-29Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook.
The real Christmas story - that of Christ coming into the world - is an account of God's amazing grace. And the wonders and beauties of God's grace are seen on the opening page of the New Testament, before the Lord Jesus is even born. The family tree of Jesus Christ is not a boring list of hard to pronounce names - it is a genealogy of grace.
Scriptures Referenced: Matthew 1:1-23Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook.
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Attention is a rare commodity. When you spend yours on another person, it is a generous gift of love. But there is also an indirect way of loving people with our attentiveness. When we make spending time in the presence of our kind Saviour a priority, we become kinder ourselves to those around us. Learn how the Scriptures call us to make the grace of Christ our focus, not all the debates and controversies. What will you focus on for the sake of the world?
Scriptures Referenced: Titus 3:1-11Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook.
There is no book like the Bible and the Scriptures are our ultimate counselor. But we all learn from the ministry of others, including ministry that comes to us in written form. In this first installment of Cloak, Books, and Parchments (2Tim 4:13), Mike & Matthew share brief reviews of seven book titles for your reading pleasure.
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John Stott wisely said, "The Bible is a dangerous book to read. For in reading the Bible, we hear the words of Christ." And as Christ speaks with authority like none other, we need to obey what we hear from Him. The great news is, building our life on obedience to his word is the safest thing to do! And when the storms of life blow against us, Christ's words prove to be a rock that can support us.
Scriptures Referenced: Matthew 7:24-27; John 3:36; Rom 1:5; 1Pet 2:25
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We can all fall into the bad habit of priding ourselves in not having actually committed an outrageous sin... but the Lord is looking for something deeper. Kingdom righteousness is not only seen in avoiding the big, public, obvious offences, but in pursuing Christ's standard from our hearts.
Scriptures Referenced: Mat 5:6, 20-37; Php 3:4-9; Jam 1:20; 1Tim 5:2
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When Christ calls us to be his salt and light to the world, he's calling us to do this together. Don't let the seeming insignificance of your little light paralyze you from being faithful in the ordinary good works the Lord has given you to do. We are to be individual and communal, radical and ordinary. Our Father providentially takes our ordinary service and adds it to that of all his people to produce a global net effect to his glory.
Scriptures Referenced: Mat 5:13-16 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook.
As Christians we are prone to veering into ditches. We focus on befriending the lost, but end up losing our Christian distinctiveness. So we start pursuing personal holiness, but in doing so cut off contact with the world. In his sermon on the mountain, Jesus lines our path with two rumble strips: (1) you are the salt of the earth, and (2) you are the light of the world. Together these rumble strips corral us into the radical centre--we are to be utterly separate, in close proximity to the world.
Scriptures Referenced: Mat 5:13-15; Joh 1:5, 8:12; Titus 2:14
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How many disagreements could be overcome if Christians really understood that their own faction and the one they are fighting with are both fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God? In this second half of Vincent Kember's discussion on Christian unity, we consider some of the threats to unity and the way to enjoy unity. While unity is not something we can conjure, it is something we can nurture. Listen for Vincent's three practical, concrete ways in which we can do that.
Scriptures Referenced:Mat 5:9; Rom 16:17-18; Eph 2:14-22; Ep 4:1-13; Php 2:3-5; Col 3:12-14; Jam 4:1-3; 1Pet 3:8-10
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What are Christians to do with all the conspiracy theories swirling around? Obsess over them? Research them to death? Lose sleep over them all? The gospel teaches us to make three moves: First, we try level the playing field and see that all of us believe in at least one conspiracy theory. Second, we diagnose our heart's attractions to conspiracy theories. Third, we go to the cross of Christ and the gospel. Learn how to overcome our fears of conspiracy theories, not by obsessing over them, but by seeing how all of them are swallowed up by the Triune God's conspiracy for our good.
Scriptures Referenced:1Cor 2:6-10, 12; Ps 2:1-2; 1Tim 1:4; Titus 3:9
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It is easy to mistake uniformity for unity, but true Christian unity isn't dependent on wearing the same color tie or reading the same type of literature in your spare time. Biblical unity is centered on Jesus Christ. And sometimes the external differences that initially catch the eye of man can even serve to amplify true Christian unity.
Scriptures Referenced: Ac 2:1-11; Ac 11:23; Rom 15:5-6; 1Cor 12:12-13
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Colossians 1:12 is a great verse for Thanksgiving Day. It tells us to give thanks with joy to the Father. Learn Paul's special recipe for making every day a happy day of thanksgiving.
Scriptures Referenced: Col 1:3, 9-14; 3:15; 1Th 5:18; 1Pet 3:18
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When Israel was saved out of Egypt, they sang praise to God, on the banks of the Red Sea. If you have been redeemed, the Lord has put a new song in your mouth - so sing it! As people saved by the Lord, we have good reason to praise him in song. But what should we be singing?
Scriptures Referenced: Ex 15; Mt 26:30; 1Cor 14:15,26; Eph 5:19; Col 3:16
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Whether autumn is your favourite season of the year or least favourite, Psalm 65 is for you. Its strange celebration of the forgiveness of sins and the fall harvest teach us how much the gospel has to offer lovers of nature and those who care about the environment. In this episode we learn how to enrich our enjoyment of autumn, share the gospel with our friends who want to save the earth, and deepen our hunger for heaven.
Scriptures Referenced: Ps 65; 1Ki 8:35-36
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Have you ever had a bath? Good, that's important. But do you know what else is important? Getting your feet washed regularly. The world is a spiritually defiling place and as we walk through it, our feet get dirty. To walk with the Lord, we need to have our feet cleaned, and the Lord is graciously willing to do that for us.
Scriptures Referenced: Joh 13:5-10; Ex 29-30
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This year, go back to school or college with attitude! If you're a Christian you're too special to sin. According to 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, you belong to God by creation, by redemption, and by indwelling. Learn how to walk away from sinful temptations by saying, "I'm too special for that."
Scriptures Referenced: 1Cor 6:12-20; 1Pt 1:18-19
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Martin Luther aptly described our sinful nature as "so deeply curved in on itself that it wickedly seeks all things, even God, for its own sake.” While it is vital to appreciate God's interest in us as individuals, it is also crucial to remember the universe isn't all about me. God has a big thing going on, and the gospel invites us to be a part of it. This Psalm started out with David speaking about "my soul." Then he began to speak about "us" and "those who fear" the Lord. Now at the end of the Psalm, he broadens his horizon to embrace the angels and all of God's creatorial works. Get out of yourself and join in with nature's song!
Scriptures Referenced: Ps 103:20-22; 111:2; Gal 2:20
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Many of us experience an emotional and existential fear about the Bible's "fearing God" language. The emotional fear has to do with what such language implies about God's character: is he threatening, or loving? The existential fear is the kind we feel when we read the precious assurances of Psalm 103. God has compassion on those who fear him. If I don't fear him enough, does that mean he isn't compassionate towards me? Learn how to confront your fears about fearing God head on. The right kind of fear of God doesn't drive you away from him; it draws you near.
Scriptures Referenced: Ps 103:15-20; 33:18, 128:1, 130:4; Jer 32:40; Ex 20:20; 1Sam 12:20-24; Isa 11:3; Deut 6:2-5; Jer 33:8-9; Hos 3:5; Luk 7:13-17; Acts 9:31
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J. I. Packer wrote: "If you want to judge how well a person understands Christianity, find out how much he makes of the thought of being God’s child, and having God as his Father." Meanwhile David in Psalm 103 wrote: "As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him." In this third episode tied to our August Summer Challenge, learn how believers in Christ can experience the compassionate fatherhood of God in ways far beyond what even David could enjoy.
Scriptures Referenced: Ps 103:10-17; 1Ki 3:26
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People created in the image of God cannot have a proper assessment of themselves without a proper assessment of God. And people who were created to glorify God and enjoy Him forever cannot do so without truly knowing God. So what you think about God is not only important, it is the most important thing about you. Continuing our journey through Psalm 103, we learn what it unfolds concerning God's character - and what that means for you and me.
Scriptures Referenced: Ex 34:5-6; Ps 89:14; 103:6-10; Lk 4:16-19; Rom 12:12-21
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There's a crucial difference between listening to yourself and talking to yourself. According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, most of our unhappiness comes from listening to ourselves instead of talking to ourselves. Perhaps King David would agree. In this first episode of the August Summer Challenge series, we overhear David talking to himself about five benefits the Lord had given him. Listen in to learn how you can use biblical self-talk to prime the pump of your heart and cause joyful praise to gush out from deep inside.
Scriptures Referenced: Ps 42:5-6, 103:1-5; Luk 11:13
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In David Williamson's final installment on Christian discipleship, we learn that not only is Christ before us that we may follow him, and beside us that we may fellowship with him, but he is also behind us enabling us to fight for him. We don't fight with phyiscal swords, but it is a battle against the ideas of the culture - we "have divine power to destroy strongholds, to destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God."
Scriptures Referenced: Mk 6:7-13; 8:14-15; 2Cor 10:3-5
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Being a disciple of the Lord Jesus is not only a matter of following Christ, but being with Him - enjoying fellowship and friendship. But what does friendship with the Lord Jesus look like? Guest host David Williamson (Episode 23) returns for Part 2 of a study on Christian discipleship and provides some practical pointers on enjoying friendship with the Lord.
Scriptures Referenced: Mk 3:13-19, 35; 4:9-10, 40
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Hear about our first ever August Summer Challenge on the Practicology Podcast: memorizing the beautiful Psalm 103 together in community. On this episode Mike and Matthew join forces to provide 10 reasons why you should take up this challenge and memorize Scripture. Make sure to listen all the way to reason #10!
Scriptures Referenced: Ps 103, 119:11; John 15:4-10; Eph 5:18; Col 3:16; 2 Cor 5:10
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A disciple is a learner and a follower. So what does it really mean to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus? Gues host David Williamson (Belfast) joins the podcast to teach us about Christian discipleship focusing on the Lord's ministry in the Gospel according to Mark..
Scriptures Referenced: Mt 28:18-20; Mk 1:16-20Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes. Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter here.
Psalm 20:4 says "May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans!" Could that verse be addressing us? To tell us that God wants to give us all that our heart desires? No, it's ultimately speaking about the Lord Jesus, which is far better, because the Lord Jesus gets all that his heart desires, and what his heart desires is....YOU! Psalm 20 gives us three life hacks for prayer: (1) a new joy in prayer; (2) a new confidence in prayer; and (3) a new way to pray.
Scriptures Referenced: Ps 20; John 16:23-24; 17:24Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter
In part 2 of David Petterson's study on marriage as the foundation of family life, we learn more from Genesis 2 about God's intentions for marriage - and how marriage points to something of even greater signifcance.
Scriptures Referenced: Gen 2:18-25Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes. Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter here.
God is a relational being, and when He first created man, He made him to desire companionship. God provided the man with a woman and designed marriage to be the foundation of family life - and it was very good. But marriage is a relationship that works best in a triangle... with God at the top.
Scriptures Referenced: Gen 2:18-23Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes. Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter here.
At a key transition in his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul defines true worship as Christians offering their bodies to God as living sacrifices. This shocking call to offer our bodies tells us that our worship is to be both (1) extraordinary (we need to give God our very selves, not just our stuff) and (2) ordinary (even the most mundane parts of our bodily existence are part of our worship). The rest of Paul's letter spells out what a life of worship lived by the power of the gospel looks like. Even our eating and exercise can be done in worship to God. Paul casts an exciting vision -- you don't want to miss it!
Scriptures Referenced: Rom 5:19; 6:13; 12:1-2, 3-8; 14:4, 18; Rom 12-15
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One of the most stunning events in the Lord's earthly ministry was when He laid aside his outer garments, wrapped himself in a towel, and bent down to wash his disciples' feet. Astounding humility. And he tells us that he did this as an example for us to follow. So what exactly does that look like for us today?
Scriptures Referenced: Joh 13:1-17
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What does it mean to be spiritual? How can you be more spiritual? It's important to answer these questions from Scripture and Christian theology. To be spiritual is to be indwelt by Christ's Spirit, the Holy Spirit. And the Spirit is other-directed and Christ-centered. He works to draw attention not to himself but to Jesus Christ. Being spiritual, therefore, isn't about keeping up an appearance or reputation or talking all the time about one's spiritual experiences or achievements. Instead it's about letting the Spirit turn our attention away from ourselves on to Christ, and to the needs of others.
Scriptures Referenced: John 15:26; 16:13-14; 1 Pet 1:10-12; Rom 8:5-8; 1 Cor 12-14; Acts 11:23; Eph 5:18-21; 1 Cor 2:2
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Do you ever cry? Sometimes we are ashamed of our tears, but after studying the Scriptures' references to people crying, we might be ashamed at how few tears we shed. Looking particularly at the occasions in the Lord Jesus' life when He wept, our hearts both challenged and comforted.
Scriptures Referenced: Luk 19:37-44; Jon 11:33-36; Heb 5:7-8
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We are deeply moved by Christ's incarnation (birth) and death on the cross. Most of the time we also remember to glory in his resurrection. Do we forget to be similarly moved by the Lord's ascension? If so, we're missing out! The truth is, we all get excited about all kinds of ascension stories from every day life. When we see the ultimate ascension story in light of these other ascension stories, we'll find ourselves rejoicing in it as well. In this episode, Mike shows us five images from everyday life to help us: the ascension as linchpin, punch line, laser level, rags to riches story, and navigational aid.
Scriptures Referenced: Luk 24:52-53; Jon 6:62; Acts 1:10-11, 2:34-36; Eph 4:8; Heb 6:19-20; Eph 2:6; 2 Cor 8:9; Php 2:6-11; Luk 14:11
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Who are you imitating in life? We are all learning from the examples of others and we tend to become like those we look at. So choose your mentors wisely. But what are the marks of a good mentor? From Philippians chapter 3, Matthew points out three traits to look for in the life of someone worth imitating, to help us to follow Christ more closely.Scriptures Referenced: Php 3:3-20
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To borrow words from Jerry Bridges, are you saved by grace but living by the sweat of your own performance? (quoted by Lee Strobel in Case for Grace.) The performance treadmill is a joyless place to be in the Christian life. Tune in to hear more about the dangers of performance based Christianity, the impossibility of it, and, most importantly, the glorious cure!
Scriptures Referenced: Php 3:1-9
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People often ask, "How can I know the will of God for my life?" In this episode we learn, not only does the Bible have the answer, the Bible is the answer - and the Bible is enough. In identifying the purpose of Scripture, we also learn the sufficiency of Scripture. This is definitely a practical theology.Scriptures Referenced: Eph 5:17; Ezra 7:14; Ezra 7:25
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Every day is Take Your Faith to Work Day. How so? Because three of the Christian faith's greatest responsibilities run right through our work places. We're talking about (1) the creation mandate; (2) the great commandment; and (3) the great commission. And you get to log time on all three--while at work!
Scriptures Referenced: Gen 1:26-27; Mark 12:30-31; Matt 28:19-20
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We spend a lot of our time in the workplace - so what do the Scriptures teach us about our lives at work? The original pattern in creation included work. The Lord Jesus was a carpenter. Paul worked with his hands. Proverbs is full of counsel to be diligent in our work. But can we also work too much? This is a guest-hosted episode featuring Lloyd Cain.
Scriptures Referenced: Gen 2:15; 3:17-19; Pro 6:6; 14:23; Mar 6:3; Act 20:34-35
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More important than knowing how to spell "resurrection," is knowing what the resurrection spells: H-O-P-E. The historical event of Jesus rising from the dead spells HOPE for (1) you, (2) your loved ones, (3) for justice, (4) for creation, and (5) for today. Happy Resurrection day everyone!
Scriptures Referenced: 1 Cor 15:3-8; 20-21; 42-43; 1 Pet 1:3; Acts 17:30-31; Rom 8:18-25; Phil 3:10; Rom 15:13
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This episode, the second half of a two-part conversation, provides some specific, practical guidelines for working towards reconciliation for a damaged relationship between Christian brothers or sisters.
Scriptures Referenced:Luk 17:1-4; Rom 12:16-21Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes. Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter
Bearing in mind the forgiveness we have received from the Lord, Christians also “must forgive” (Colossians 3:13). But what about when people don’t seem repentant for the hurt they have caused me? And what if I just find it really hard to have a forgiving spirit? This episode is part one of a two-part conversation.
Scriptures Referenced: Col 3:12-13; Mt 18:23-35; 1Jn 1:7-2:2Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes. Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter.
Deuteronomy 6 shows us how we as parents can bring the gospel home to our kids. In addition to getting to first base and second base (the previous episode), we can set up the architecture of our home to make our faith "catchy" to our kids (third base), and we can focus on Christ as the One who can ultimately bring the gospel home to the hearts of our children (home plate). This is the ultimate answer for us when we despair over our track record of teaching the Scriptures to our children.
Scriptures Referenced: Deut 6:4-9; Ps 78:5-8
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Instructing our children in the faith is not something we can out-source to Sunday School teachers or youth leaders. We as parents need to take responsibility for bringing the gospel home to our kids. But many of us find this responsibility intimidating and guilt-producing. Furthermore, even if we take it seriously, there's no guarantee that our children will come to saving faith in Christ. See how Deuteronomy 6 can help. Mike points out how in order to get the gospel home, we need to get to first base and second base first. That is, we need to get the Word into our own hearts, and then teach it to our children holistically.Scriptures Referenced: Deut 6:4-9
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The Scriptures call upon us to “do the work of an evangelist” (2 Timothy 4:5). But sometimes circumstances, particularly Covid-19, make it seem too challenging or even pointless. However, there is a basic theology of evangelism that encourages us to persevere. In this episode, we talk about four principles to bear in mind to help us endure in evangelism.
Scriptures Referenced: 2Tim 4:2,5; Jonah 2:9; Rom 1:16
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If you’ve been getting pop ads in your social media lately about posture correcting devices, you’ll want to tune in to this one. As much as we need reminders to straighten up our physical posture, we need reminders about our soul posture even more. Sometimes we get swelled up with pride; other times we slouch down with self-loathing. The cross is the perfect posture correcting device. On the one hand it reminds us what it took to save us — that keeps us from looking down on others. But it also reminds us that we’ve been purchased at great cost and now belong to God himself. That keeps us from beating up ourselves. We can now walk with our heads held high in dignity, but not in pride.
Scriptures Referenced: Lev 26:13, Col 1:9-11, James 1:2-3
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Sometimes life in a local church can be so painful, we feel like giving up. What’s the use in going any more? In this episode Mike shares how Psalms 126 - 127 have helped him. They can help you too! They offer (1) a wonderful (and surprising!) comfort; (2) a wonderful promise; (3) and a wonderful truth.
Scriptures Referenced: Ps 126, Ps 127:1-2
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The Christian life is not a sprint, but a marathon. Sometimes we feel too weak to keep our flame of faith burning brightly, and insufficient to run the the race in a Christ exalting way. But our ability to endure does not come from within ourselves, but from the God of endurance (Romans 15:5). In this episode we learn that through the Scriptures, God ministers grace to enable our endurance, and in our failures, we remember the Lord Jesus endured perfectly for us.
Scriptures ReferencedRom 15:4-6; Lam 3:17-24; Heb 12:1-3
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