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What Does The Bible Say About Race? Mar 04, 2021

Show notes

The two start the conversation looking at Revelation and Genesis to show that throughout the Bible, Scriptures speak of multiple ethnic races.

Greg is quick to point out that even though much of the Bible focuses on one race (the Israelites), that doesn't mean that these people are "God's favorite nation," because the goal seen in the New Testament is for the people of God to be unified.

Greg brings up the first miracle of the Christian church, which is in Acts when the Holy Spirit falls on the people and they all hear their own language. Greg calls this the reversal and anti-tower of Babel.

RD and Greg transition to discussing Peter and Paul's issue around food, and how it had become "religious racism" as Greg calls it.

In thinking about race and where we are in the US right now, Greg asserts that the most important thing about us is not our race or how we identify socially, it's that we are in Christ; those of us in Christ are one in Him. RD affirms that who we are ethnically or what gender we are is important and purposeful, but states again that the most important thing about you is being in Christ. Both RD and Greg profess that whatever gender, race, or ethnicity you are, God designed you that way for a reason, and you have a voice and a reason to be in the conversation.

The two end with a passage from Revelation that effectively sum up the entire conversation.

For more information on this podcast, visit podcast.fellowshipknox.org

To contact Greg or RD, email offstage@fellowshipknox.org

The Dangers Of The Therapeutic Gospel Feb 25, 2021

Show notes

Greg begins the episode by defining what he and RD call "therapeutic Gospel." Greg is quick to point out that while the Gospel can and should meet you where you are, it is not there to make you feel better; the Gospel exists to show you that you are sinful and broken without Jesus.

Greg references Christian Smith and Melinda Lundquist Denton's book about moralistic therapeutic deism to help explain what he and RD are talking about when they say "therapeutic Gospel."

RD brings up that nowhere in the Bible are we told we won't suffer as Believers (in fact just the opposite), regardless of how we pray, because God is in control, not us. RD also adds that if God wanted to do things the easy and quick way, basically the entire Bible and its stories that teach us so many lessons would not exist. The point of our faith, Greg emphasizes, is to bring about God's glory, not our own; it was never about us, but always all about God and His majesty.

Greg reminds listeners of a clip from John Piper where he denounces the "Prosperity Gospel." RD also references a question and John Piper's subsequent answer from a message Piper preached at Angola Prison. He also mentions an illustration of Jesus and a teddy bear, and what's wrong with this illustration. Greg repeats that Christ Himself is always the reward. In closing, RD asserts that Jesus doesn't need us, He just wants us.

For more information on this podcast, visit podcast.fellowshipknox.org

To contact Greg or RD, email offstage@fellowshipknox.org

When Leaders Fall Feb 18, 2021

Show notes

In light of Christian leaders like Ravi Zacharias falling from their ministry, Greg and RD begin this week's episode talking about the trust broken when we as Believers see this happen to people we look up to and respect.

Greg voices that sometimes these types of fallings come from a church or religious organization not having accountability or a leadership board. RD also suggests that when it becomes more about a person or the "cool factor" instead of being about the Gospel, things can be skewed or fall into sin.

RD shifts the conversation to power, and how power is not an evil thing, but power without humility, structure, and accountability can turn into a thirst for power.

Greg takes it to a personal level and brings up how impactful Ravi Zacharias' book 'Can Man Live Without God' was for him, and how you have to reconcile the good and the impactful with the sin. RD emphasizes that God knows everything and nothing takes Him by surprise, so while God can use negative or sinful situations for good, He still knows our hearts and we will be judged for what is in our hearts.

The two shift to the importance of a church having a plurality of leadership. Not only is this Biblical, but it keeps pastors accountable, Greg and RD disclose.

RD circles back to how Christianity is built on Jesus calling to broken and sinful humans and redeeming them. Greg repeats that we need to celebrate the Lord and what He can teach us through brokenness instead of making pastors into celebrities. But, just as we receive grace and forgiveness from Jesus, RD and Greg insist that we have to show grace and forgiveness to others, while holding each other accountable as Believers.

For more information on this podcast, visit podcast.fellowshipknox.org

To contact Greg or RD, email offstage@fellowshipknox.org

Under Siege Jan 07, 2021

Show notes

In light of the political events of January 6, RD and Greg take time to walk through this from a Biblical and theological standpoint.

Season 3: Live QandA Dec 11, 2020

Show notes

In Greg and RD's season 3 finale, they hosted a live Q&A, where they answered their listener's questions. Below are the times for all of the questions in this episode.

7:36 - What are some of the biggest learnings for the church in the COVID-19 season?

12:28 - What is karma and is it wrong for Christians to talk or believe in it?

15:59 - Can you or should you date someone who doesn't share your faith?

19:46 - Is it wrong as a Believer to call a non-Christian evil just because they are not a Christian?

23:36 - How do we reconcile what John MacArthur said about COVID-19 restrictions and what we are commanded in Romans 13:1-7?

30:17 - I have a prodigal daughter; if Heaven is a place of perfect peace and happiness, will I just forget my daughter?

33:42 - RD, what is your favorite Creed song?

34:15 - What is the difference between Biblical justice and social justice? Is there a difference?

40:31 - How do we respond to someone who says that if Jeremiah 29:11 isn't for us today, then Paul's writing isn't for us either?

43:33 - If you could only preach one book of the Bible for the rest of your life, which book would it be and why?

45:57 - How do I love a spouse in a Christ-like way who has severe anger issues?

50:18 - What are good resources for the historical Jesus?

53:41 - How would you have a conversation with someone who says they believe in Jesus but does not trust the Bible?

58:06 - What's up with the witch of Endor?

59:58 - How should we feel about the COVID-19 vaccine?

1:06:26 - What books are you reading or enjoy reading?

1:07:18 - What is the most overhyped Christmas movie and song?

For more information on this podcast, visit podcast.fellowshipknox.org

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Dec 03, 2020

Show notes

RD begins this week by reading part of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. Greg then jumps into some history of "captive Israel" and the revolution at the birth of Jesus. Greg also mentions the political spectrum of the apostles and disciples of Jesus.

The two then transition to discussing how Jesus came not as a warrior in fire but as a baby, and how miraculous and crazy that is.

RD brings it back to 2020 and how hopeless a year like this would be without the joy of Christmas and the birth of Jesus. Greg references when Father Christmas shows up in 'The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.'

RD and Greg share that Jesus' birth brings hope and a savior to everyone, and breaks all of our bondages.

RD ends the episode by sharing more from O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.

For more information on this podcast, visit podcast.fellowshipknox.org

RD and Greg will be doing a livestream episode on December 10. To submit your questions for this episode, email offstage@fellowshipknox.org

Bible Study: Biblical and Systematic Theology Nov 19, 2020

Show notes

After mentioning their upcoming live Q&A, RD and Greg jump into Biblical theology (revelation theology) versus systematic theology (divides the Bible based on topics).

RD and Greg first address people who say they just want to follow Jesus and not worry about theology or doctrines. RD remembers reading Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem and steers listeners towards this book.

Greg references the noetic effect, and RD emphasizes how important it is for us to read the Bible in this context. The two also caution that we can't just read the New Testament or just the Psalms; we have to read the entire Bible, and see it as a whole entity.

RD and Greg both share how they personally read and study the Bible as a way to encourage listeners to spend time studying the Word. RD assures listeners that no study of the Bible is in vain.

Greg shows how Biblical and systematic theology works hand in hand to give you a complete view of the Bible so that you're not taking a Scripture out of context. Greg and RD specifically reference Jeremiah 29:11, and how quickly we take this verse out of context from not doing Biblical and systematic theology to see the history behind this verse.

To wrap up, Greg assures listeners that God will teach us who He is, and will guide us if we call out to Him. RD repeats that having a spiritual community and reading through the Bible with commentaries are so important to growth in the Lord.

For more information on this podcast, visit podcast.fellowshipknox.org

RD and Greg will be doing a livestream episode in the coming weeks. To submit your questions for this episode, email offstage@fellowshipknox.org

Bible Study: Genesis Nov 12, 2020

Show notes

Greg and RD jump right into their discussion of Genesis by Greg explaining that the thesis of Genesis is transition. Greg and RD also take time to talk about the compulsion in God to put His glory on display.

The two move on to talking about the serpent in the Garden and how the consequence of creation is sin.

Greg transitions to speaking into how "the line of the elect" is a common theme in Genesis. He mentions Abraham as being deeply connected to this, and how Abraham found favor, grace, and faith. RD references Abraham Heschel's book about responding to God calling us.

Since there is so much contested about the origins of Genesis, Greg instead focuses on Moses, and how he was not only the main prophet of the Old Testament, but was also raised in privilege and was very educated, so he would have been able to frame things well.

Greg then talks about the big movement pieces in Genesis (the fall, the flood, and Abraham), and how we're not made to understand every single aspect of God or the Bible because that's where trust comes into play. RD quickly goes through some stories in Genesis, including Jacob, Rachel, and Leah. He asserts that so much of Genesis is a way in which God works through people's stories to show His goodness and His plan. Greg agrees with this, and goes through some of the stories of the women in Genesis.

RD and Greg close by reiterating that while some of God and the Bible will always be a mystery to us, we see so many glimpses of God's faithfulness, provision, and glory in Genesis.

For more information on this podcast, visit podcast.fellowshipknox.org

Winter Is Coming Nov 05, 2020

Show notes

In today’s episode RD and Greg discuss what the next four months of winter will look like for followers of Christ. From the fallout from the Presidential election to a rising number of COVID cases RD & Greg look for ways for followers of Christ to cultivate resilience, hope, gratitude, and joy in the winter season ahead.

Season Three - 45. The Creation and The Creator Oct 29, 2020

Show notes

RD and Greg start this week by talking about creation in the Scriptures versus how culture thinks and talks about environmentalism. Greg reminds listeners that once sin entered the world, things changed in regard to creation, but the care of the earth is definitely still there. RD reiterates that it's a Biblical principle to care for the earth.

Greg spends some time talking about the creation in the Old Testament versus the creation in the New Testament. He then talks about the difference between serving the creator and serving the creation. RD also conveys that because of sin, we don't live in a perfect world, so we have to make hard choices and value people over plants and animals.

Greg transitions to talking about some important things to know about climate change and the environment; he references an article by Forbes and a TED talk by Allan Savory.

RD asserts that it's important to form your opinion on the environment based on what the Bible says, and how God calls us to love and steward the earth well, but also to be willing to have conversations and be practical. Greg expresses that you should do what you can and feel you should do as far as limiting your carbon footprint, but agrees with RD that we need to be willing to converse and engage with those who may have a different opinion than us.

Greg ends by announcing that the answer is in the middle, and to research for yourself.

For more information on this podcast, visit podcast.fellowshipknox.org

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