Off Stage

Latest Episodes:

Bethel, Hillsong, And Discernment Nov 16, 2023

Show notes

What music we enjoy forms us. But what about the wealth of songs that are sung in churches that come from churches we disagree with over theological or philosophical issues? Should we still sing those songs? Today, Greg and RD discuss this topic: how should we, as Christians, think about the songs we sing? Or even the books we read, the movies we watch, etc?

Greg and RD Reference The Ressurection of the Son of God by N.T. Wright.

For more information on this podcast, visit http://fellowshipknox.org/podcasts

You can also e-mail questions or topic ideas to offstage@fellowshipknox.org

Bible Study: Ephesians Nov 09, 2023

Show notes

Today, we are reading the book of Ephesians, which is a continuation of our Bible Study Series; what does the book of Ephesians have to say to us in our modern culture: from the cosmic to the intimately personal details of your life, God has sovereignly revealed himself to you that you might understand what “the praise of his glorious grace” means, and Greg and R.D. are talking about that and so much more.

Previous episodes in our Bible Study series:

How to Study the Bible

Bible and Systematic Theology

Apostasy Nov 02, 2023

Show notes

Apostasy is the abandonment of religious belief. In recent years, we've seen this come up with artists, authors, and even pastors renouncing their Christian faith publicly. Today, Greg and RD dive into this topic, it's theological implications as well as what it is and what it isn't.

RD references our episode The Bible is Real Life

For more information on this podcast, visit http://fellowshipknox.org/podcasts

You can also e-mail questions or topic ideas to offstage@fellowshipknox.org

AI Girlfriends and Boyfriends Oct 26, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of Off Stage with Greg and RD, we delve into the world of AI Girlfriends and Boyfriends. Join us as we explore how our desire for control and perfection mirrors our attempts to reshape God in our own image. Through a theological lens, we reflect on the pursuit of unattainable perfection and how it contrasts with the belief in the perfection of Jesus, all while navigating how technology changes our world.

New Season, New Challenges Oct 23, 2023

Show notes

R.D. was recently confirmed as the new Lead Pastor Elect at Fellowship Church in Knoxville. Greg and R.D. wanted to have a conversation about the challenges they see in the future and, even more, how God is moving in the next generation. In this episode, you'll get to hear more of what R.D. hopes for his church, and the church at large, as he steps into his new role.

There will be a companion episode released on the Fellowship Middlebrook Sermons podcast page later this week. That is the episode Greg references with Rick and Lauren.

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

You can also e-mail questions or topic ideas to offstage@fellowshipknox.org

Israel, Palestine And Cycles Of Violence Oct 12, 2023

Show notes

On Saturday morning, we woke up to the news of the attack in Israel. Today, Greg and R.D. wanted to give their perspective on the conflict, its backstory, as well as what this means for Christians as it relates to the Bible.

Greg references our episode on Revelation.

RD reads from Miroslav Volf’s Exclusion & Embrace. Here’s the quote:

My thesis is that the practice of non-violence requires a belief in divine vengeance…My thesis will be unpopular with man in the West…But imagine speaking to people (as I have) whose cities and villages have been first plundered, then burned, and leveled to the ground, whose daughters and sisters have been raped, whose fathers and brothers have had their throats slit…Your point to them–we should not retaliate? Why not? I say–the only means of prohibiting violence by us is to insist that violence is only legitimate when it comes from God…Violence thrives today, secretly nourished by the belief that God refuses to take the sword…It takes the quiet of a suburb for the birth of the thesis that human nonviolence is a result of a God who refuses to judge. In a scorched land–soaked in the blood of the innocent, the idea will invariably die, like other pleasant captivities of the liberal mind…if God were NOT angry at injustice and deception and did NOT make a final end of violence, that God would not be worthy of our worship.

For more information on this podcast, visit http://fellowshipknox.org/podcasts

You can also e-mail questions or topic ideas to offstage@fellowshipknox.org

Apple, Mother Nature, and Deomorphisms Oct 05, 2023

Show notes

NOTE: We had a microphone issue recording this week’s episode. We apologize if the audio sounds slightly degraded.

Apple recently released a video as part of their most recent iPhone release. With the ideas of the ad in mind, Greg and RD are diving into deomorphisms which is a big word that essentially means worshipping the created instead of the creator. With their characteristic humor, knowledge, and numerous Romans references, this episode promises to be enlightening, challenging, and ultimately encouraging.

Here’s the video that RD and Greg begin their discussion with.

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

You can also e-mail questions or topic ideas to offstage@fellowshipknox.org

Tim Keller Sep 28, 2023

Show notes

In this special episode of Off Stage with Greg and RD, join us as we pay tribute to the life and lasting legacy of Tim Keller, a pastor, preacher, theologian, and author who left an indelible mark on our hosts, Greg and RD. Dive deep into the teachings of Keller that resonated with them personally, exploring the profound impact his wisdom had on their work as pastors and its relevance in today's ever-changing cultural landscape.

Dr. Timothy Keller was a pastor, preacher, theologian, and apologist. He founded Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City and is the author of multiple books including The Reason for God, The Prodigal God, King’s Cross, The Meaning of Marriage, and Encounters with Jesus.

R.D. references Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation

RD references Tim’s sermon after 9/11: Truth, Tears, Anger, and Grace.

Greg references the book Biblical Critical Theory by Christopher Watkin. Dr. Keller wrote the foreword for the book.

RD reads from Tim’s book Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering.

Want to read more of Kellers’ work but don’t know where to start? Here are recommendations from the guys:

Greg’s Pick: The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism

RD’s Pick: The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith

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

You can also e-mail questions or topic ideas to offstage@fellowshipknox.org

The Movies That Made Us May 18, 2023

Show notes

Lights, camera, action! On this episode of Off Stage with Greg and RD, the hosts talk about their favorite movies. They share their belief that movies are a gift from God for our enjoyment, and discuss the films that have had the biggest impact on them. Along the way, they also dish on overrated and underrated movies, bringing their trademark humor and insight to the conversation. Whether you're a film buff or just looking for some entertainment, tune in to hear Greg and RD's take on the world of cinema.

Is Language Violence? May 11, 2023

Show notes

On this episode of Off Stage with Greg and RD, the hosts dive into the controversial topic of whether language can be considered a form of violence. With their trademark "both/and" approach, they examine both sides of the argument and explore the complexities of power dynamics and communication.

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

You can also e-mail questions or topic ideas to offstage@fellowshipknox.org