Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of 'Back to Rurality,' TJ Freeman discusses spiritual gifts, their importance, and how to identify and use them effectively. He emphasizes that every Christian has unique spiritual gifts meant to glorify God and build up the church.

Key Points:

• One Body, Many Parts: In Romans 12 we read that the church is one unified body made up by many different parts. Each part has their own vital gifting to serve the church. The church is dependent on one another.
• The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts: God has granted each Christian spiritual giftings not so they can show them off, or take pride in them, but so that they can build up the body of Christ. Spiritual gifts are meant to be used to aid one's fellow church members.
• The Joy of Spiritual Gifts: Spiritual gifts are not a burden or an unwanted responsibility. They are gifts meant to pass on to others. God made the church to find their joy in Him and one of the best ways to experience this joy is to serve others.

Listener Takeaways:

• Don't rely on spiritual gift tests, instead consider one's abilities, desires and one's church's needs, and use those to actively serve and engage within the local church community.
• Try not to fall into the temptation to be a "Lone Ranger" Christian. Christians are meant to be interdependent on one another.

Connect with Us:

• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of 'Back to Rurality,' TJ Freeman discusses the common confusions and questions people have about prayer, addressing both theological and practical aspects. He emphasizes the importance of prayer for Christians, especially those in rural areas, and provides foundational insights into why and how to pray effectively.

Key Points:

• Common Struggles with Prayer: Many might get distracted while praying, or not even know what to pray for.
• Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God for things agreeable to his will in the name of Christ.
• Prayer is how one can communicate with God or fellowship with Him, which allows their relationship with the Lord to grow.

Listener Takeaways:

• Pray before you read the Bible and pray through a book in the Bible.
• Minimize all possible distraction when coming to the Lord in prayer. One helpful way to do this is to walk in nature and pray!
• Use the "ACTS" method of prayer. Bring your adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication to the Lord in prayer.

Connect with Us:

• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this podcast episode, TJ Freeman addresses common dilemmas faced by Christians when starting to read the Bible. He offers practical advice on developing consistent and meaningful Bible reading habits

Key Points:

• Common Bible Reading Struggles: There can be a lot of questions, and varying opinions on how to answer those questions, surrounding studying the Bible.
• The Importance of Understanding the Text: It's important to understand the text directly rather than relying on commentaries or devotionals initially.
• Recommended Study Plan: First do a flyover over the text by reading it all at once if possible. Next read a chapter every day for a week with every chapter of the book. Finally, reread the book and jot down anything that stuck out in the book.

Listener Takeaways:

• Read the ESV translation. It is an easy but accurate translation of the Scriptures to read.
• Start in the book of Ephesians! It is a great place to start for a Christian new to studying the Bible.
• Persevere in Bible study, even when it's difficult to understand or fit into a busy schedule. Reading and studying Scripture is vital for long-term spiritual growth and fulfillment.

Connect with Us:

• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook