BK's BS: Recent Episodes
Brent Kassing
We encounter much in our life. How are we to react as a Christian? I am an energy consultant who doubles as a jungle pastor serving the people of the Amazon, and helping lead Ray of Hope Amazon. This show will provide commentary (or BS or Bile Study) on how we can apply the teachings of the Bible across all facets of life.
Does anything distract you from God? Of course. Your job. Your money. Your lack of money. Relationships. Unhealthy hobbies. Healthy hobbies. There are so many things that can distract you. What about the work you do for God? Can that be a distraction? For me, that answer is yes.
The 2001 Mini-Series Band of Brothers on HBO is one of my all-time favorites. I'm watching it again (and again and again) and this past week was perhaps my 10th time. But for the FIRST time, I've noticed the parallels between the lives of these great men, and our walk with Christ.
What is our legacy? What impact are you having on your family and community? If you were to die today, what would people say about you? What would your funeral be like? What would be the one or two things that would highlight your life? What should it be?
What is our legacy? What impact are you having on your family and community? If you were to die today, what would people say about you? What would your funeral be like? What would be the one or two things that would highlight your life? What should it be?
Sometimes you just want the easy answer.....you want everyone to agree with you or in my case I want those who've gone with me to the Amazon to just come back again. But that never happens.....and that's a good thing. Listen up for why!
I've had some family members die recently and when this happens, it causes one to pause...to think about life....to think about your legacy and those that you have influenced, hopefully in a positive way. So, what happens when you die?
Do you wait for God to send you a detailed plan for your next step? Or do you take a step of faith BEFORE knowing where it may lead you? A wise man I listened to said that God can't do anything without a partner. He needs a partner to do His miracles. How am I taking my step of faith right now?
When Damar Hamlin was injured in a football game, was revived and celebrated across the sports world, I was cynical. Then the dollars started pourting in....and I became jealous of that. Unfortunately that was my reaction. What should my reaction be? Should I covet my neighbor's fortune? or should I celebrate it?
I recently listed to a podcast called The Happiness Lab where they talked about how you can increase your happiness by giving money to others. This was an academic study at Yale. Oddly enough (ha), they failed to mention this principle from Act 20:35 where Paul talks about Jesus saying it's better to give than to receive. Isn't it interesting when a basic foundation of Christianity is proven in science?
Do you have a group of people who are a positive influence on your life? Or do you have a group of people who take you down the wrong path? Are you guarding your heart or are you spoiling your heart? On my recent trip to South Africa I had lots of time to think aobut my own circle of trust.
When Qatar won the world cup (corruptly), their county's rules were well known. Yet, there are some who actively went over to flought those rules. Arrogant? Self righteous? Is our way of living THE only way to live? What do you think they think of us when we do that in their country? What would you think if someone did that in YOUR country? So, what is a better approach to reaching those in other cultures?
In the book, Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins, a phrase when he is asked to do something is "Roger That". Regardless of the request. Think about your life. When you are called to do something for God, do you say Roger That, or do you skip it, over think it or simply decide that what God wants you to do is not what you want to do? What should we do? We should tell God, Roger That.
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." From Second Corinthians. Do you give cheerfully? Reluctantly? Out of guilt? Or is it just someting you've always done. How and Why?
This past week I listed to two sermons with similar themes both telling me to Guard My Heart. Coincidence? or Message Received? Do you really listen for God in your daily life or do you blow it off? And when you do listen, do you follow? What a great reminder to listen and to hear the message.
Why is murder bad? If you don't believe in God or are not a Christian, why does murder matter? Clearly it is wrong, but why? Then again, for some cultures, it's not wrong at all and in fact some places in the United States don't seem as indivduals to have a problem with it at all. Isn't evolution the strong killing the weak? We accept it in nature? Why not in humans if in fact humans did evolve from animals?
"Do not love the world or the things of the world".....shouldn't successful, attractive and wealthy people be happy? are They? Does this recent event make you question what the world tells us about that? Or should you consider what is written in 1 John 2:15-17?
It's the silly season again. Politicians doing whatever they can (and saying whatever they want) to get you all riled up. They poison our public sphere to divide us. Will you let them do it? What does Jesus show about this very topic? Does he reach out to those who are different? or does he reach across and bridge the gaps between society?
It's the silly season again. Politicians doing whatever they can (and saying whatever they want) to get you all riled up. They poison our public sphere to divide us. Will you let them do it? What does Jesus show about this very topic? Does he reach out to those who are different? or does he reach across and bridge the gaps between society?
How does HE do it? We sin over and over, yet, he forgives us over and over. Optimistic that we won't do it again. So many lessons from a simple lesson of forgiveness. Matthew 18.
Who could it be? You? Did you know growing grass and forgiveness all relate to each other with Matthew 18? Who is the most optimistic?
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:7
On a long training run in September 24, 2016, I ventured down a path I've never been on before. Physically. Mentally. Here's my story and how I have managed it since.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:7
On a long training run in September 24, 2016, I ventured down a path I've never been on before. Physically. Mentally. Here's my story and how I have managed it since.
I recieved reports of some techincal issues of this episode, so re-exported and reposting. Same amazing content as earlier.
We live in a world of excuses where we are always looking for a reason to not do something? We all do it at times. But for me, Nobody Cares, Work Harder is the answer. Ignore the excuses. Deliver anyway. It's a key part of a fitness mentality. It's also a key foundation to our responsiblity as disciples.
I recieved reports of some techincal issues of this episode, so re-exported and reposting. Same amazing content as earlier.
We live in a world of excuses where we are always looking for a reason to not do something? We all do it at times. But for me, Nobody Cares, Work Harder is the answer. Ignore the excuses. Deliver anyway. It's a key part of a fitness mentality. It's also a key foundation to our responsiblity as disciples.
We live in a world of excuses where we are always looking for a reason to not do something? We all do it at times. But for me, Nobody Cares, Work Harder is the answer. Ignore the excuses. Deliver anyway. It's a key part of a fitness mentality. It's also a key foundation to our responsiblity as disciples.
We live in a world of excuses where we are always looking for a reason to not do something? We all do it at times. But for me, Nobody Cares, Work Harder is the answer. Ignore the excuses. Deliver anyway. It's a key part of a fitness mentality. It's also a key foundation to our responsiblity as disciples.
When you have a decision to make? How do you make it? Do you try to figure it out all yourself? Rely on others? Google? Or do you make it a priority to go to God first? Let's talk about it.
When you have a decision to make? How do you make it? Do you try to figure it out all yourself? Rely on others? Google? Or do you make it a priority to go to God first? Let's talk about it.
One of the best habits I've devleoped is bible verse research. So many times folks take single verses and assume meaning without looking at the context of the words. What is the timeframe? Who wrote it? How does it fit within the rest of the Bible? Let's talk about Galatians and a few examples....
One of the best habits I've devleoped is bible verse research. So many times folks take single verses and assume meaning without looking at the context of the words. What is the timeframe? Who wrote it? How does it fit within the rest of the Bible? Let's talk about Galatians and a few examples....
Churches are businesses. They brand themselves and do whatever they can to keep you coming. This ins't necessarily a bad thing. But does this branding come at a detrminent to our true calling, as one giant Christian family? I believe it to does. We should be reaching out to other churces to join with them to do His work instead of creating a brand, where it's our club or none.
Have you reconnected with someone recently after a while and noticed how different they looked vs their pictures? Real life doens't have filters. Neither should your relationship with God. Let's talk about it.
This past couple of weeks my kids have ventured or returned to school. And for the first time in 23 years, we have no kids at home. It's been an emotional few weeks.....how does this relate to how God acted in the bible? Listen up and find out.
Should everyone be having more sex? Why not? Don't Christians put restrictions on it? So if you don't believe there is anything wrong with it, do it more? But in reality, people do have and want restrictions. Why? Do they use the bible as their foundation or their own personal opinion?
There is the concept of the 10/40 window which shows areas of the world where Christianity is essentially non-existent. There is also the concept of unreached which is defined as areas where less than 2% are Christians. A lot of churches focus on this when it comes to mission. I think it's wrong. Listen why.
I share the words of Pastor Tom Nelson of Christ Community Church in Kansas City as he discusses his chruch and his Christian perspective on the importance of valuing life and the upcoming election in our area.
“All it takes for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing.”
https://cckc.church/how-does-the-church-value-them-both/#comment-1089
Do you? Who cares if you do? What are the ramifications? Does our moral fabric decay? Shouldn't we all do whatever we want?
Is pride good? Is pride based up race, sex or sexual orientation good? If everone was prideful all the time how would that work out? Let's talk about it.
Once you've reached a level of faith and fitness success, how do you move forward? Do you just coast through life? Or do you figure out how to take it to the next level? You know the right answer. Will you do it?
The hardest part of anything in life is pushing fowrard when things get hard. Some people seem to have a mentality that life is always going to be easy and nothing bad will happen. That's not reality. That's not how Christianity is. That't not how your diet and fitness is either. THIS is where you can achieve your greatest success. Never. Give. Up.
Did you know churches are a lot like gyms? Memberships? Social scenes? Distractions? Comparisions? This bonus materials takes the challenges of getting started a little deeper.
How do you start your faith walk? How do you start your physical walk? How do you start fixing your diet? How do these all relate to each other? Part 1 was setting the foundation. Part 2 is gettign started. How do we do this?
I'm both a faith and fitness fanatic. The next 4 episodes focus on how faith and fitness come together; how the lessons of faith tie over to our approach to our health. This first one is based on foundation. What do you need to have in place to start your faith and fitness journey.
How much time do you spend wondering about why God does what he does? Have you ever thought how silly that is? Do you really think you can understand God and his plans? I mean, He's God! Where instead should be your focus?
How do I share my faith without being a weirdo? God has put an amazing opportunity in front of your right now. Don't miss your moment.
How to stop the killings? Christianity. The answer is so easy. Yet, do we talk about it?
On hot button political issues, how do you respond to those who disagree with you? Are you a crazy lunatic? Or do you realize that these people are really part of your Christian family and are to be loved, not enraged or attacked. Buckle up, we talk about it.
A quick recap from my trip to Brazil where we had a conference for pastors in the town of Manaquiri.
Have you thought about happy the devil has been lately? Covid has rippped apart the world and creating animosity for families, friendships and many others. And now, he's been so successful that people are not taking mission trips because they require a vaccine to go. Have you ever considered what that conversation with God would be like after you've left your time on earth? I have.
Does God care about sports? I don't know. I do know that when it comes to sports, we are all kind of nuts about it. Guilty as charged. Being a fan does that to you. What do you think God thinks of being a fan? Listen up....
My friend died this past week. I havne't had many friends die. We attended the funeral and it was heartbreaking. He left behind two daughters and a wife. How are we supposed to react? I ramble on about it.....
Why is war bad? If you don't believe in God or the afterlife, why not take whatever you can get? But as a Christian, should you go to war? How is that "love your neighbors as yourself?" Listen up and think a bit.....
I've always had a soft spot for Pastors. They have a challenging job, dealing with peopel problems all the time and not getting a whole lot of compensation to do it. This is especially true for the pastors I meet in the Amazon jungle. In this epsiode I talk about our work there and our conference we will be having in 2022 of April. https://www.rayofhopeamazon.org/conference
Have you ever noticed how Christians are perceived by the secular media? A core Christian believe that addresses moral or ethical issues is seen as discrimination against those who disagree with said thoughts. These hot button issues, such as gay marriage, are perfect opportunities to share the Word with people. They may (won't) agree, but it's your chance.
Last episode I discussed an artcile in the New York times talking about the split in evangelical chruch over various social issues. As I thought about it, is this a bad thing? Are we better off agreeing on everything or is it better to have a wide variety of perspectives on what it means to be a Christian as long as we keep the Greatest Commandments in mind?
Tim Keller, my favorite pastor, suggested a story by David Brooks in the New York Times (subscription required...although I was able to read it via his link)
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/04/opinion/evangelicalism-division-renewal.html
It discussed how the evangelicals are splitting over political lines.
Keller has always been someone who has challenged me intellectually and so I read what he says to read. Anyway, is the church splitting and splitting a bad thing? Does anyone really think we should all be under the same authority on earth? Does anyone remember Roman Catholics for 1500 years? Let's talk about it.
Have you ever gone through a negotiation? How does that make you feel? They are trying to hose you....right? And you feel the need to hose them back? How should we handle that as Christians?
Have you ever run into a situation where an answer was right in front of your face, but you failed to see it? Do you do that with God? Are you seeing what he provides? I've got a story to share......
I've been thinking a lot about control. And the control I don't have. Real control like when Jesus calmed the seas? We fool ourselves into thinking we have control. We don't. What do we have control over? Accepting God in our lives and our love of others.
You've been lied to. You've found out about it. How do you respond? Revenge? Lie back? Or do you Forgive and make peace? What is the Christian response? How do you best move forward?
Martin Luther Kings was a transformative figure in American history. He has inspired so many to do so many great things. What I find interesting around MLK day is how he is being used by the secular society. Do people realize he was a pastor? Do peole know his foundation came from his Christian faith? His words would drive some crazy today.....and worse. So while the secular world picks and chooses what they like about MLK, have you thougth about similarily how you pick and choose that which you like from the Bible? Listen up....we discuss it.
Matthew 9 describes how Jesus forgave sins and healed the paralyzed. What was interesting to me was how easily he was shown to do this. How does this relate to painting? As someone who has had painting done at my house, I liken Jess to my favorite painter; he can freshen me up quickly and easily, just the way our painters trasnformed our house. It's that simple.
New Year's resolutions are a public proclamation that you have a problem, waited a while, and then decided to start fixing it. What would the world be like of Jesus decided to wait?
Matthew 4, Jesus recruits his first disciples who "immediately" joined him along with healing everyone he encountered in the region? I'll bet all of those people were thrilled he didn't wait.
What about you?
In this inaugural episode, I explain why I do this and how it can apply to your life. I'm just a regular guy who somehow became involved in jungle ministry. From there, I have realized that a regular discipline, such as a devotional or bible study, have become key tools in my walk in faith. How can you learn from my approach? How can I learn from your approach? How can we all work together to make this world a better place?