After Class Podcast

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6.32 - God's People & Violence: Part Six - Babies and Rocks Aug 07, 2023

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This week John, Sam, and Ron unpack the implications of Psalm 137:9, "Happy is the one who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks."

Tune in as the guys survey the Psalms, where God's people overtly and illustratively talk about violence and peace. According to this collection of writings, what do the righteous do when persecuted, and how does the above verse fit into a posture that relies on God's justice and vengeance?

6.31 - God's People & Violence: Part Five - Pride & Violence Jul 31, 2023

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This week we enter the world of the prophets to sample how they speak about violence.

What happens when the nations and rulers abuse the sword God gave them for justice? Is the vision of peace depicted throughout the Bible only for the next life, or is it a reality to be lived out now? In a world where national powers rely on horses and chariots, will you rely on God, armed only with His word?

6.30 - God's People & Violence: Part Four - National Defense Jul 24, 2023

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In a world of perpetual violence and military arms races, would you start a community between warring countries with no military defense of your own? What if God told you to? We want to be strong, powerful, and impressive in every imaginable way; does this put us at odds with God's role for his set-apart people?

In today's episode, follow the unfolding narrative as we transition from personal violence to corporate violence and national defense/offense. And perhaps more importantly for some, find out what God and Charles Barkley have in common!

6.29 - God's People & Violence: Part Three - A Land Defiled Jul 17, 2023

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This week the guys continue their walkthrough of scripture on the way to answering a listener's question: How do we respond to a break-in; does God condone killing in self-defense? What about the defense of the country? How seriously is the taking of life to God? In today's episode, Sam, John, and Ron investigate what scripture has to say about land stewardship, the taking of a census, the priest's role in warfare, and David's use of mighty men. How do these inform our understanding of the Christian response to violence? Tune in to find out!

6.28 - God's People & Violence: Part Two - The Avenger of Blood Jul 10, 2023

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We may become coaxed by rage to act out in hostility, violence, and vengeance. Join the guys as they unpack more of God's response and instruction to His people on how they should be witnesses to and uphold the sacredness of life.

Tune in this week for part two of our series on violence, self-defense, and Christian participation in bloodshed.

6.27 - God's People & Violence: Part One - From the Beginning Jul 03, 2023

Show notes

Sam, John, and Ron begin a new series this week in response to numerous listener requests. It is time to talk about Christian participation in violence. Is violence ever justified for a Christian? What about self-defense? We can agree that unprovoked killing is bad, but what about a killing resulting from self-preservation or retaliation?

Join the guys as they trace the theme of God's people and their relation to violence through the Bible.

Related Episodes.

3.18 - Violence of the "Conquest"

3.28 - God's Wrath Revealed

3.29 - God's Wrath Revealed - Part Two

1.30 - Telling the Story: Raising Cain

6.26 - Dealing With Bad Press - The Christian Response Jun 26, 2023

Show notes

In part two of our bad press miniseries: How should Christians respond to bad press about the brothers and sisters in the faith who are doing wrong? How do we persevere through bad press without growing weary? Can you love God and not love Christians?

Tune in this week to hear a perspective on how Christians can deal with bad press and witness to the world. Join Sam, John, and Ron as they unpack four principles identified in scripture.

The world will hate you (Christians), expect bad press.
When Christians do stupid things, we deserve bad press.
We must Persevere through bad press – endure, build character, and hold onto your hope.
Do not judge. Mind your own business, and do what God has called you to do.

6.25 - Dealing With Bad Press - In a World That Hates Us Jun 19, 2023

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New office, new studio, new episode, same podcast!

This week the guys engage the important topic of bad press. How do we respond when Christians are on the receiving end of bad press for something they have done? What guiding principles do we have to deal with 'The Media' which often lies or at best paints an imperfect picture?

Do we follow Matthew 18 in a digital age regarding Christians we have never met? Sadly, we are too familiar with many negative examples of Christians receiving bad press for bad actions, yet there is a biblical precedent for us to expect bad press for being Christians. How then does the Bible tell us we should act if bad press is inevitable?

Tune in this week to find out!

6.24 - Jesus Revolution: Movie Review Jun 12, 2023

Show notes

This week the guys take a break in the action to present their review of the movie Jesus Revolution; a story of Christian Hippies and the church in the 70's at Calvary Chapel in California. What stands out? What resonates? And what flops? Tune in to find out if you should add this movie to your watch list for the summer.

6.23 - Original Sin: Part Six - Recapturing the Story Jun 05, 2023

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In previous episodes, Sam, John, and Ron delved into Augustine's doctrine of original sin and explored the Bible passages that either support or push against it. In today's episode, the guys summarize their findings and share their observations and convictions about original sin, and how the doctrine may have more to do with historical theological strongholds than biblical support.

The guys push back against the individualistic story of original sin with a broader interpretation of God's mission and the Kingdom of God. Join the guys as they unpack this narrative in today's episode of the After Class Podcast.

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