Episodes

  • Hidden Gems in the Word
    Jun 21 2024

    In this episode, we'll explore three intriguing discoveries from my recent Bible study that might surprise you. These range from fundamental harmonics to uncovering a lost meaning behind a common word. Lastly, we'll delve into a message from Genesis that has been right in front of us all along, tied to the meanings behind some well-known names. Join us as we uncover these fascinating insights!

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    11 mins
  • Echoes of Influence: Navigating Voices in Your Life
    Jun 4 2024

    In a world bustling with voices clamoring for our attention, which ones hold sway over our choices? Are we surrendering our autonomy to the opinions of others, or are we standing firm in our convictions? Together, we delve into the pages of scripture to uncover the guiding principles that illuminate our path.

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    15 mins
  • Brewing Insights on Bible Translations and Sipping on Soda Pop Culture
    Jan 31 2024

    Ever wondered how your day-to-day life could reflect a powerful message, much like the letters of the Apostle Paul? Join us as we peel back the layers on what it means to be a 'Living Epistle' in this thought-provoking episode. We delve into the heart of living authentically, the pursuit of purpose over mere happiness, and how we can embody a testament to God's life-altering love. It's not just about professing faith; it's about letting your life resonate with the conviction and holiness that sets you apart. We tackle the tough questions, like how to connect deeply in a digitally-dominated society, and I share my own journey of detoxing from social media to find genuine fellowship.

    Then, hold onto your Taco Bell cravings, because we're closing with a light-hearted confessional about our favorite guilty pleasures from the fast-food giant and the fizzy world of Mountain Dew. We rate the best and the 'could-be-better' variants, share laughs over limited-time menu items, and agree that sometimes, the simple joys like hunting down a Baja Blast can bring a sparkle to our day. It's an episode bubbling with candid conversations, personal revelations, and a dash of whimsy, all designed to nourish your soul and tickle your taste buds. So, come on over and join the feast of thought and fun we've cooked up just for you.

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    34 mins
  • Conversations at the Intersection of Faith, Healing, and Humanity
    Jan 26 2024

    Have you ever found yourself at a spiritual crossroad, questioning the direction of your faith journey? My friend Nick and I sure have, and we're opening up about it all—from the transformative leap into charismatic Christian practices to the poignant realization of our shared humanity. Our candid conversation traverses through the landscapes of varied Christian traditions, the vibrant power of prayer, and the allure of a more hands-on approach to faith that Nick, a pastor's kid, yearns for. We shed light on the beauty and challenges of the holiness movement and even share personal anecdotes about the enigmatic practice of speaking in tongues.

    The soul often craves connection, healing, and a sense of belonging; this episode touches on these universal desires. I bring to the table stories from my time in the Air Force, revealing moments where the bonds of community provided spiritual succor and emotional refuge. We delve into the teachings of Christ on neighborly love, not just as a physical act but as an emotional and spiritual lifeline. Together, Nick and I unpack the intertwined nature of deliverance, healing, and the importance of confronting not only our physical ailments but also the emotional and mental strongholds that can so deeply affect us.

    In the quieter moments of life, we sometimes stumble upon the most profound revelations. I recount the heartwarming yet comical tale of how technology led me to my wife amidst the solitude of military survival training. These stories highlight the unpredictable ebbs and flows of life, where isolation can carve space for personal epiphanies and the deepening of relationships. Whether it's finding humor in the toughest of situations or recognizing the transformation from loneliness to meaningful solitude, our exchange offers a glimpse into the impact of life's solitary moments and the wisdom found when we embrace them wholeheartedly. Join Nick and me as we navigate these waters, sharing laughter and insights from our spiritual voyages.

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    33 mins
  • Beyond Entertainment: The Path to a Christ-Centered Life
    Aug 13 2023

    In this thought-provoking journey, we dissect the complexities of change and leadership, drawing wisdom from John Kotter's 'Leading Change' and Todd Bolsinger's 'Canoing the Mountains.' We'll explore the demanding landscapes navigated by the famed Lewis and Clark expedition and how their journey sheds light on the resilient leadership required to confront uncharted territories. As a backdrop, I'll share some personal anecdotes about my recent backyard renovation mishaps and my life-long love affair with audio gear.

    Imagine being at a Taylor Swift concert, swept away in a sea of excitement and unity, only to find later that you've forgotten chunks of your experience. Why do we spend exorbitant amounts of money on experiences that often slip from our memories? Together, we'll explore the fascinating dynamics of music and worship, examining the blurred lines between secular and sacred, and the controversial theory of Taylor Swift's alleged disdain for Christians. We'll also delve into the sinister ways sin warps the good into the unsavory.

    Lastly, we turn our focus to the spiritual implications of our entertainment choices. We'll ask hard questions about the appropriateness of Christian bands singing secular music and the necessary purge of certain influences for spiritual growth. We'll also contemplate the power of cross-cultural discipleship and the invaluable wisdom gleaned from our forefathers, with a special mention of Charles Virgin. Together, we'll endeavor to understand how our choice of music, media, and other forms of entertainment can steer us towards or away from living a Christ-centered life.

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    25 mins
  • Unearthing the Secrets of Biblical Translations
    Aug 6 2023

    Fancy a trip through time? Brace yourself for a thrilling journey as we unravel the secrets behind the translation of the world's most read book - the Bible. From the early translations like the Septuagint and the Masoretic Text to the Latin Vulgate of Saint Jerome that continues to influence the Western Christian church, we'll guide you through the fascinating history of the Bible's translations.

    Ever wondered about the different versions of the Bible, their origins and impacts? We're about to shed light on this subject. We'll discuss the significance of the King James Version, the role of the Dead Sea Scrolls in confirming the Bible's accuracy, and the various modern translations like the New International Version and the New Revised Standard Version. Along the way, we tackle the perennial debate between word-for-word and thought-for-thought translations, providing you with a fresh perspective on this intriguing topic.

    But we're not stopping there. We're plunging into the world of textual criticism, comparing different manuscripts to uncover the original words of the biblical text. We'll discuss dynamic equivalence and its controversies, the prominence of the book of Mark and the concept of Markian priority. We wrap up our episode by reflecting on the views of St. Augustine on the Bible and how these influence our understanding of the Christian worldview. So, grab your headphones, sit back, and prepare to delve into a rich, fascinating discussion.

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    33 mins
  • Exploring the Interplay of the Spirit of Legion and the Art of Forgiveness
    Jul 20 2023

    Ever asked yourself what lies beneath the surface of forgiveness? Or grappled with the mysterious allure of Legion's spirit? Your answers wait in this podcast. We dissect the essence of forgiveness through Matthew's eyes, using Chester and Betsy Kylstra's book, Biblical Healing and Deliverance, as well as Alexander Pagani's Secrets of Deliverance Defeat the Toughest Cases of Demonic Bondage. We dive deep, exploring Christ's perspective on continual forgiveness, even when it feels like the world sins against us.

    But it doesn't stop there. We chase the enigma of the spirit of Legion, a force of supernatural strength and destruction, drawing parallels between the Roman army structure and its spiritual relevance. By exploring the sacrifices of getting closer to Jesus and the visible evidence of a Christian lifestyle, we shed light on the importance of trust, forgiveness, and education in successful deliverance. Ready to learn, grow, and forgive? Join us on this enlightening spiritual journey.

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    23 mins
  • Navigating the Spiritual Minefield: Unity, Idolatry, and Jezebel Spirits in the Church
    Jul 17 2023

    Ever wrestled with the concept of unity in the church and how it influences spiritual warfare? Today, we're unraveling this critical subject, drawing inspiration from 1 Corinthians 10, and the call for perfect unity in thoughts and actions within the church. We're hitting the hard questions head-on, discussing the importance of open communication, transparency, and confessing sins. We also consider how unity can be a double-edged sword - both beneficial and toxic.

    Shifting gears, we dive (metaphorically, of course) into the spirit of religion and its manifestations in judgmental attitudes, legalism, spiritual pride, and resistance to change. No stone is left unturned as we chart the dangers of Jezebel spirits, highlighting the perils of idolatry and manipulation through the story of Jezebel. The consequences of unrepentant sin, the need for strong moral leadership, and the imperative to distinguish between true and false prophets are also examined. Join us for a thought-provoking exploration of these spiritual concepts, emphasizing the power of humility, compassion, and steadfast faithfulness to God.

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    25 mins