Intersections: Faith and Culture: Recent Episodes
Lanny
Hi, I’m Lanny. I’m the Sr. Pastor at Town & Country Christian church in Bartlesville, Ok. This podcast is usually my sermon content from the previous week. I aim for a laid-back style that (I hope) encourages, strengthens and challenges you to walk with Jesus better every day. The sermons are designed to provide practical, biblical views on subjects and issues that are important in our world. You can find out more about me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/preacherlanny.
There were two trials the night Jesus was arrested. One was illegal but formal. The other trial was in the court of public opinion. Peter didn't do so well in his trial.
There are times when we take things for granted. They're too familiar, easily overlooked. Disciples of Jesus can fall into that trap if we're not careful.
Watch out for fakes! Whether we're talking about counterfeit products from the internet or people, the results are similar. We're disappointed, angered, distrustful. The fake stuff just doesn't live up to the expectation we have. For disciples of Jesus, becoming the "real deal" is vital. In today's message, we'll see what happens when Jesus interacts with people who think they're the real deal but in truth, are just fakes.
Bob Dylan famously wrote, "But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes
Indeed you're gonna have to serve somebody." As disciples of Jesus, we must choose daily who gets to be king in our life. This is particularly relevant in the fractured and contentious world of 21st century American politics. Jesus is confronted with a similar question in a 1st century context. Which king do you follow?
To see the video I reference in the message, go here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRwt25M5nGw
We often find ourselves putting people in "boxes." We make assumptions based ethnicity, gender, body type, the list is endless. And it's limiting. We put limits on our expectations of others and ourselves when we box people in. As we follow Jesus, we get to watch him "blow up" the box around a man born blind.
February means Valentine's Day. Expectations run high for many. Others, from previous experience, may expect nothing. What's a disciple of Jesus supposed to do with this holiday?
How much is enough? What do we do and where do we turn when we're afraid we don't have enough of (fill in the blank)? Jesus confronts his disciples with an enormous challenge to feed 5,000 people. But there's not enough. Now what?
We can know the price of an item but not necessarily understand what it's going to cost us. Jesus asks us to make and informed and deliberate decision about deciding to follow Him by outlining what it's going to cost us. (spoiler alert: it's everything - but it's worth it.)
Unexpected things happen at weddings. Some are fun and humorous, some are embarrassing and hurtful. As we continue to following Jesus as His disciples, we find ourselves at a wedding where a potentially embarrassing situation turns into an abundant blessing!
You can contact me at:
email: lanny(at)tcccfamily.org
Facebook: @preacherlanny
What tempts you? How do you resist? We often find it difficult to not give in. Let's follow Jesus into the desert as he experiences the same temptations as we do.
Did you ever play "follow the leader" as a kid? Sure. It's a lot of fun until the leader makes you do weird things or some action you're uncomfortable with. How about following a leader you can always trust? Our opening 2021 podcast series is on following the only leader you can truly trust.
In our current cultural context, resurrection is often thought of as "reanimation." Biblical resurrection is something completely different. Our understand of what life after death will look like is based on Jesus' resurrection.
At times, God seems more interested in revealing His will than we are in receiving it...
Ever feel like you're dried up like old bones? Just tired of it all? You're not alone. We want to change, but how?
Q: How can I experience freedom?
We're all experiencing a "national burnout." But the Christian doesn’t have to be subject to the same oppression as the rest of the world because we live under grace. we are free in Christ.
What's this baptism thing all about? Do I really need to get dunked?
You can contact me: lanny(at)tcccfamily.org
I'm on social media: @preacherlanny
We talk a lot about the resurrection but often skip over the ascension (when Jesus rose into the heavens). It's an important part of our doctrine and deserves some attention!
Contact me: Lanny(at)tcccfamily.org
I'm on Twitter & FB: @preacherlanny
To be consistently transformed into the image of Jesus, we're going to need a power greater than ourselves. That's where the Holy Spirit comes in.
Once saved, always saved? Or not? Questions about eternal security have plagued Christians for centuries. The Bible holds truths in tension with one another. Salvation is by grace through faith and is never withdrawn by God. But what about our responsibility to demonstrate our faith by our lives? Does it matter? Let's dig in and see what we can discover.
You can contact me with questions, ideas, comments: lanny(at)tcccfamily.org
I'm on twitter: @PreacherLanny
It's dangerous to cut off the blood flow to your extremities. We risk damage or even the loss of a limb when this happens. It's also very dangerous to cut ourselves off from God and one another spiritually and relationally. Communion helps us to stay healthy and thriving spiritually and relationally.
The singer says he's "getting back to the heart of worship." It's a laudable and important goal. What does it really mean? Jesus interrupts a Samaritan woman's life to point her (and us) in the right direction.
John 3:16 is probably the most well-known Bible reference in the world. But when you look it up, what does it mean for God to love you? What does Jesus coming into the world have to do with it? Let's see just how much and what it means for God to love you.
Please like and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite player.
You can contact me at: Lanny(at)tcccfamily.org
I'm on Instagram at: @pastorlanny
Or on Twitter at @preacherlanny
I'd love to hear from you!
God has, indeed, become one of us. it's a foundational doctrine of the New Testament that Jesus of Nazareth was born to be fully human and, at the same time, fully God. The doctrine is called "incarnation." This message elaborates on what it's so important for us to understand the implications of this wonderful mystery.
Maybe the Beatles were right. In a world that shifts constantly, what principle do we rely on to guide us? A classic question with a timeless response. Love God and love one another.
Please send feedback or comments to: lanny(at)tcccfamily.org
Follow me on Instagram: @PastorLanny
I'm on Twitter: @PreacherLanny
Leadership is a messy, dirty business. But not the way you might think. Jesus leads us the heart of what it means to lead through service.
We simply don't get enough rest. And it's not just being short on sleep. We're not well-rested in our hearts. Not much is likely to change until we find our rest in God alone.
Please send feedback on this podcast to me. Whether it's about technical things, content or just to say hi, you can email me: lanny(at)tcccfamily.org
Follow me on Instagram: @pastorlanny
Semper Fi - Ever Faithful. The motto and driving force of the United States Marines. It's an excellent principle for all to follow. What if Christians pledged to "semper fidelis" as well? Let's dig in to a deeper understanding of faith.
We could all use some good news in these difficult times. What's the best news you could hear right now? Let's find out.
Follow me on Instagram: @PastorLanny
I'm on Twitter: @PreacherLanny
If you'd like to contact me: lanny(at)tcccfamily.org