Beards & Bible Podcast

It's fair to say we're in the midst of what some might call a “cannabis craze.” With legalization spreading rapidly across the U.S. and other countries, cannabis (or marijuana) and other THC derivatives are becoming more mainstream—not just for medical use, but recreationally, and even in wellness products like oils, gummies, and skincare.   In the U.S., cannabis/marijuana use among adults has nearly doubled in the past 20 years. Over the same course of time, daily use of cannabis has grown more than fivefold and support for legalization rose from 34% to 70%. The legal cannabis industry has exploded in size, employment, and tax revenue. Although many view cannabis as a practical savior because it's seen as a natural, multi-use remedy that addresses chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions without the addictive risks of opioids or the harsh side effects of some pharmaceuticals, the rise of regular cannabis use has raised significant concerns. Concerns that are often swept under the rug and not talked about.   Even though the mantra, “cannabis is non-addictive” has been repeated often, the DSM-5, a reference book on mental health and brain-related conditions and disorders, has something listed called, “cannabis use disorder”. This condition has been growing rapidly, especially among young adults. Even as cannabis use and the support for its legalization are on the rise, at the same time there are growing concerns surrounding potential cognitive, mental health, and motivational impairments. Additionally, some data even suggests links between heavy use and higher rates of traffic accidents, workplace impairment, and emergency room visits.   And that's the dilemma for us as Christians—just because cannabis is becoming legal in more places, should we use it? Can it be used responsibly or in moderation, especially for medical reasons? Scripture calls us to stay sober, care for our bodies and minds, and avoid things that could harm us or others—even if the law says they're allowed. So how does that work when it comes to marijuana and cannabis?   Should we puff…or pass?

In today's culture, intoxication and the reliance on substances like alcohol, marijuana, and other substances have become increasingly normalized, often portrayed as means of self-medicating, escape, coping, or recreation. For Christians, this presents a real challenge—how do we navigate a world where these substances are so accessible and even celebrated? In the first installment of a three-part series, we'll be exploring this topic and how it relates to alcohol and what the Bible has to say about it. The Bible mentions drinking alcohol almost 300 times. It repeatedly warns against drunkenness, lack of self-control, and the spiritual dangers of dependence on anything other than God (Ephesians 5:18, Proverbs 20:1). Christians must ask: Am I using this to escape something God wants me to face? Is this substance mastering me in any way (1 Corinthians 6:12)? Does it hinder my witness, my clarity, or my ability to love others well? These aren't just moral questions, but deeply spiritual ones that call us to reflect on what rules our hearts and minds. So…who's up for a little candid discussion about a mildly controversial topic?

Why don't churches sing the Psalms anymore? Are they too clunky? Too ancient? Or are churches being directly disobedient to the explicit commands of Scripture to do so? And while we're asking bold questions... let's talk about the brand-new Trump tariffs of 2025—what exactly does this mean for the economy, and how will it affect trade across the globe? And finally... Pope Francis has died. What legacy does he leave behind, and where does the Catholic Church go from here? And also, should you be so inclined as to place a bet on who the next pope will be, what are the betting odds?

Is there a direct, unbroken line from the apostles to today's church leaders? In this episode, we're diving deep into the doctrine of Apostolic Succession—what it is, where it came from, and why it matters. We'll explore how the Catholic and Orthodox traditions view this unbroken chain of spiritual authority, what role the pope and bishops play, and how this idea developed throughout church history. But we'll also ask: Why don't Protestants hold to this view? Is it biblical? Is it essential? Whether you're Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant—or just curious—hopefully this conversation will challenge you to think critically and historically about church leadership, unity, and authority.

What's up Beards and Bible listeners. A while back, we did a series of episode in which we explored the topic of deconstruction and how it has become a trending in some of the younger generations. Since then, I've had several really amazing conversations with folks from all over the place about the topic. Some of whom have friends or family members who are in the process of deconstructing, some who were deconstructing but have since returned to their faith, and others who are currently deconstructing or have maybe even de-converted. I've learned a ton and have benefitted a lot from listening to people's faith journeys and sharing with them my thoughts on the person of Jesus and why I believe we must hold firm to the key doctrines of the Christian faith. Recently, I got a chance to sit down with a friend of mine from college who has had a very interesting faith journey, to say the least. I got a chance to share with him my thoughts on the Christian faith and hear where he's at, and hopefully our conversation was helpful and life-giving to him. I hope and pray that this conversation is beneficial and helpful to you. Here's my conversation with my friend Forrest.

It seems like everywhere you turn today-whether it's business, sports, self-improvement, or social media-there's a resurgence of an ancient philosophy: Stoicism. From bestselling books like The Obstacle Is the Way to CEOs and Navy SEALs quoting Marcus Aurelius, this 2,000-year-old way of thinking is making a major comeback. But what exactly is Stoicism? At its core, it teaches that we should control what we can, accept what we can't, and cultivate an unshakable inner peace. Sounds practical, right? But here's the question: How does this align-or clash-with Christianity? In this episode, we're diving into: Why Stoicism is experiencing a massive revival in modern culture. The powerful Stoic concept of the Dichotomy of Control-and how it compares to trusting in God. The idea of Anti-Fragility-growing stronger through hardship-and whether that lines up with a biblical view of suffering. And ultimately… Can Christians learn something from Stoicism, or is it a competing worldview?

In today's episode, we take a deep dive into one of the most mysterious figures in the Bible: Melchizedek. Mentioned only briefly in Genesis 14, Psalm 110, and Hebrews 7, Melchizedek is described as both a king and a priest, with no recorded genealogy. Who was he, and why does the book of Hebrews compare him to Jesus? We'll explore key biblical passages that reference Melchizedek, breaking down their significance and tracing his role from Abraham's encounter in Genesis to the theological implications found in Hebrews. We'll also summarize the major interpretations of Melchizedek's identity: was he a historical high priest, a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ (Christophany), or a symbolic figure pointing to Jesus as our eternal High Priest?

The world is changing, and so is the church. What challenges are we facing in 2025? What opportunities lie ahead? From the shifting faith landscape of Gen Z to the decline of evangelism, church closures, and the mental health crisis among pastors, we're diving into the biggest disruptive trends shaping the future of the church.   How should we respond? What does it mean to stay faithful in a rapidly changing culture? In this episode, we'll break down an article by Carey Nieuwhof on 5 Disruptive Church Trends That Will Rule 2025 and explore what it means to lead, serve, and share the gospel in this new era.  

A topic that's at the heart of the Christian life but is often misunderstood is the idea of forgiveness.   Jesus teaches us to forgive seventy times seven and to love our enemies, but does that mean we have to put up with abuse, mistreatment, or harm? Is forgiveness the same as enabling someone to continually hurt us? And what does it look like to set healthy, Christ-honoring boundaries while still walking in grace and mercy?   In this episode, we'll explore what the Bible says about forgiveness and how it intersects with wisdom, justice, and self-respect. We'll talk about what forgiveness really means—and what it doesn't—and how we can honor God by forgiving others without sacrificing the boundaries that protect our hearts, minds, and well-being.

Happy new year Beards and Bible listeners! We are so excited to open up our inbox and do our best to answer some super interesting questions that were all sent in by you as the listener. We've got questions about Numbers 5 and “the bitter drink” (the jealousy offering), the apocrypha, tips to establish a daily devotional routine, and whether Mark 16:9-20 belongs in the Bible.

“How can an all-powerful, all-good God exist in a world filled with suffering?"   It's one of the toughest questions Christians face. In this episode, we dive into the problem of evil and the powerful apologetic responses of something called, theodicy. Let's get equipped to address our doubts, engage in meaningful conversations, and deepen your own faith as we tackle one of philosophy's biggest challenges—head-on. Let's explore how our God is still good, even when suffering is still a reality.

Right now, there are roughly five generations alive today have been labeled here in the U.S.- the Silent Generation (those born around 1945 or before, 78-96 years old), the Baby Boomers (1946-1964, 59-77 years old), Generation X (1965-1976, 44-59 years old) Millennials (1977-1995, between 28-43 years old), and Gen Z- 1996-2015 (between 9-27 years old). It's no secret that often the younger generations are misunderstood, mischaracterized, and subjected to negative stereotypes within the church. It's no different now with the youngest active generation, Gen Z.   In spite of the often bad and unfair characterizations Gen Z receives, we as Church leaders are called not just to love this generation, but to reach them, guide them, and disciple them into the next wave of leaders within the body of Christ.  How do we do that? How can we engage them if we don't understand how they think, what they value, and what makes them tick?

Well, Beards and Bible listeners, we made it. Well, kind of. The ballots are counted (or are being counted), but questions still linger. Will the results be accepted? And as the dust settles, how do we, as a nation, move forward together despite the deep divides that remain? Join us as we unpack the uncertainty, the challenges, and the hope for unity after Election Day, 2024.

The Protestant Reformation was a major religious movement that began in the early 16th century, fundamentally altering the landscape of Christianity in Europe and laying the groundwork for the modern church and Western civilization. The reformation was essentially a movement against perceived corruptions and excesses in the Roman Catholic Church. It sought to reform church practices and doctrines and ultimately led to the establishment of various Protestant denominations. So why was the church in the 16th century in such need of reformation? Who were the key figures of this reformation? What were the major events of this pivotal movement and what was its legacy?  Join us as we unpack Martin Luther's revolutionary Ninety-Five Theses, discover the profound changes in worship and governance, and examine the lasting impact on modern Christianity. We'll discuss key figures like John Calvin and Ulrich Zwingli, explore the rise of various denominations, and see how this movement laid the groundwork for some of the ideas we still cherish today.

“What is truth?” This is the question Pontius Pilate famously asked Jesus in the gospel of John. In our day and age, truth is defined as relative and open to subjective opinions, perspectives, and interpretations that vary based on someone's experiences, contexts, or social class.   It's no wonder that in a context like ours, many Christians have begun to question if the Bible is trustworthy. After all, it was written by human authors. How can we be certain that it's actually been inspired by God? Surely it must be imperfect, full of error, and open to interpretation.   But what happens to the Christian faith when we begin to undermine and question the Bible's authority? How does it affect our faith, our churches, and our witness? Today on the podcast, we'll talk about just what's at stake when we let go of the foundation of God's Word, and how that changes everything about we define the Christian faith.

Proverbs 18:21 tells us, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Words carry the power to divide, distort, and destroy, and in our divided and polarized society, the stakes have never been higher. Political rhetoric today inflames tensions, breaks down relationships, and spreads anger and fear. But as followers of Christ, we are called to something different—something higher. As Christians, wow do we speak truth and engage with the issues of our time without getting swept up in dangerous and hateful language that divides? How can we be peacemakers, even when we passionately disagree? In today's episode, we'll explore how we, as people of faith, can become critical thinkers, careful speakers, and living examples of Christ in a polarized world.  

In today's world, it seems like politicians have mastered the art of distorting the truth. They often use clever language and manipulative tactics to present themselves in the best possible light, while casting their opponents as completely unworthy of trust. The media, often driven by its own agenda, only adds to the confusion, making it difficult to know who's really telling the truth. But as Christians—and people of faith—we're called to a higher standard. We're not meant to just accept what's said at face value. Scripture tells us to use discernment, to search for truth, and to seek justice in the midst of corruption and deceit. So how do we navigate this mess? How do we sift through the noise to find what's real, and align our understanding with God's truth?   In this week's episode, we're going to fact check tonight's debate between U.S. presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris and explore these questions in order to discuss how we can better engage with politics and the media without losing our moral compass.

Scripture calls us as believers to go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. We're supposed to be ready at any time to give an answer to everyone who asks us about the reason we have hope, and we're supposed to do it with gentleness and respect. We're told that we're Christ's ambassadors, imploring people to be reconciled with God.   But if we're being honest…some of us aren't doing too much preaching or sharing the gospel with those who aren't Christians. We often struggle with fear of rejection or judgment, we lack of confidence because we often don't know what to say, but more than anything, a lot of us have seen evangelism done wrong. And we don't want to misrepresent the Christian faith.   What's the most effective strategy to share Christ with those in our life that don't know Him? And in what ways can we be ineffective?

On today's episode, we answer listener/viewer questions related to predestination and election, prayer labyrinths and their role within the church, and the 400 years of prophetic silence between the book of Malachi and Matthew's gospel. If you have any other questions, send us an email at beardsandbiblepodcast@gmail.com! 

It's been an interesting July, to say the least.   On July 13, former president Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt while addressing a crowd at a campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania. The aftermath of this event is still being talked about, as ripples have been felt throughout the political landscape here in the U.S.   Then on July 26, the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games took place in Paris, France. And let's just say, the reviews were varied... The most noteworthy segment, in case you missed it, involved drag queens that was variously claimed to depict a feast with Dionysus—the ancient Greek god of wine—or what seemed to some people as a parody of The Last Supper. However it was meant by the ceremony producers, it was widely criticized as being a mockery of Christianity.   As Christians, how do we make sense of it all? What does the Christian worldview tell us about living for Christ in the midst of the uncertain times in which we live?

A common experience for many Christians is to encounter another believer who seems to think that their church is the only true church, and outside of that particular church (or ones like theirs who have similar names, traditions, or practices) there is no other true church. Some might go far as to say that others who belong to different churches may not even be saved.   So what is the one, true Church of Jesus Christ? Out of the roughly 45,000 Christian denominations, tribes, and traditions- which is one is the “true Church”? And how do we have conversations and dialogue with Christians who happen to think that their tribe is the only one doing things right?

There are now 17.8 million children in the U.S. without a biological father, step father, or adoptive father in the home. That's nearly 1 in 4 kids. Research shows that when a child is raised in a father-absent home, they're more likely to have behavioral problems, commit a crime, go to prison, become pregnant as a teen, get addicted to drugs and alcohol, and drop out of school.   Even though U.S. Census data and other research clearly shows the benefits of fathers playing active roles in the lives of their kids, our culture is sending a clear message that fathers are not needed, wanted, or even necessary. But nothing could be further from the truth.   So what are the challenges unique to being a Christian dad in today's culture, and how do we navigate them?

On May 30, former president Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to be convicted of a crime when a New York jury found him guilty of falsifying documents to cover up a payment to silence a porn star ahead of the 2016 election. After two days of deliberation, the 12-member jury pronounced Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts he faced. This high-profile case has sparked conversations nationwide about the trial's legitimacy, its implications, weaponization of the justice department for political causes, and the overall impact it will all have on the 2024 Presidential elections. And if you're a Christian…you've probably seen a lot of…interesting reactions from folks around. Like those crazy memes floating around that compare Trump to Jesus. So what do we do with all of this? How can we keep a level head and a sober mind as we explore the moral, political, and spiritual implications of this high-profile case?

On this week's episode, Gabe and Josh talk of Gabe's upcoming baby, Josh's 13 year wedding anniversary, Josh's AIM screen name, and the gang answers some great questions sent in by listeners related to women in pastoral leadership and infant baptism. 

We're commanded in Scripture to be anxious for nothing, to not worry about our lives, and to cast all our cares upon the Lord. So…if we feel anxious or battle an anxiety disorder, are we in sin? What about depression? Does being a Christian mean that we'll never get depressed or battle intense seasons of despair or discouragement?   *****DISCLAIMER***** We're not therapists, psychologists, or mental health professionals. We're pastors. Everything we talk about on today's episode is from our point of view as people who give spiritual guidance to those in our congregation. So please be discerning as you listen and take it in with a grain of salt. If you're dealing with mental health issues, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. Alright, back to the show.  

Philippians 3:20 tells us that as believers, “our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ”. 1 Peter 2:11-12 calls us as believers, “sojourners and exiles”. All throughout the Bible, it's clear that the people of God have a primary allegiance to a different kind of Kingdom and a preeminent, sovereign King who rules and reigns over and above the kings and kingdoms of this earth.   However, all of us as believers will find ourselves living within the boundaries of a certain nation. And if that nation has a form of government where our participation is invited and encouraged, how should our faith inform that participation? Is it wrong for us to love our country and work to see it improved and our viewpoints as Christians represented?   When does love for country become something more than love, and turn into something that looks more like, idolatry? What is patriotism, and what is nationalism? How can I know when my love for country has superseded my love for God?

Beards and Bible podcast listeners, we have now reached 100 episodes!!! We are so incredibly grateful for all of our amazing listeners and fans who have made our podcast the thing that it has become over the past four years. To celebrate our 100th episode, we're dedicating the entire episode to our listeners by answering some of your awesome questions. We will be tackling questions on boundaries, the messianic significance of passover/communion, divorce and remarriage, the difference between healthy and sinful pride, and as many more as we can squeeze into an episode. Looking forward to a great time talking through some awesome topics!

Different terms translated as dragon appear more than 20 times in the OT and four times in the NT. Not only that, nearly every major ancient culture has myths and legends about giant reptiles. How would these civilizations, continents and millennia apart, all come up with legends of giant reptilian creatures? In an epic crossover episode with our friend from Nerds and Jesus podcast, we're diving deep into the fiery mysteries of dragons in the Bible. Join us as we open our Bibles, separate fact from fiction, and explore the symbolic significance of these mythical beasts. Whether you're a devout believer, a curious skeptic, or just a flat-out dragon enthusiast, this episode is for you.   Check out Nerds & Jesus podcast's website! https://www.nerdsandjesus.com   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nerds-jesus-podcast/id1677259182    

What's up Beards and Bible listeners, on today's episode, both of us will respond to four separate questions (related to life, theology, ministry, or anything else) that we haven't seen or heard about beforehand- so every answer we give will completely unscripted- for better or for worse. So this oughta be fun…what could go wrong?

The relationship between churches, pastors, missionaries, ministries and money can be tricky. Ministries rely on the financial contributions of donors to sustain everything they're trying to do. All throughout the Bible, both in the Old and New Testament, the people of God are told to be generous and give to the work of God through the church. So, churches and ministries need money to do good things, like help people, take care of their buildings, and pay their staff. But sometimes, things can get messy. Especially when money gets involved.   Many people worry that ministries, churches, and pastors are using the money for things they shouldn't. Almost on a daily basis, there are reports of some pastor or ministry somewhere accumulating wealth and property through donations from the faithful in an excessive, inappropriate, and decadent way. In some ways, it seems like ministries and pastors are more about exploitation and greed than they are actually helping anybody but themselves. But does that mean that Christians aren't supposed to give to support the work of a church or ministry? And what about tithing? Are Christians supposed to tithe, or that an Old Testament thing?  

You may have had an encounter with someone from a group called the Jehovah's Witnesses. Maybe they left some of their literature in your mailbox, maybe they knocked on your door, or maybe you had an extended conversation with one of them at a park or public place. At first, it would seem that they're a Christian group with an intense dedication to evangelism, but as you interact with their doctrine and teachings, things can get confusing fast. So, what exactly do the Jehovah's Witness believe and teach? What about their translation of the Bible? And their belief that Jesus wasn't God and the 144,000 faithful Jehovah's Witnesses (citing Revelation 7:4) who will go to heaven? Let's take a deep dive into the fascinating and sometimes complex world of the Jehovah's Witnesses. But more than that, let's talk effective strategies for engaging with their members in a Christ-like way, using the power of scriptural reasoning, respectful dialogue, and meaningful discussions. So…knock, knock? Who's there? The Jehovah's Witnesses.

The Ark of the Covenant has been a fascinating topic of study for Bible scholars, historians, archeologists, and lovers of Indiana Jones for a long time. This sacred artifact has captured imaginations for centuries- but what was this mysterious chest, and why did it hold such profound significance for the people of ancient Israel? How was it built, what was it made of, and what was inside of it? Why was it so powerful and how do we understand its enigmatic disappearance?   Then there's the age-old question: will we ever lay eyes on the Ark again? If so, what will that mean?  

Happy new year Beards and Bible listeners! We are so excited to open up our inbox and do our best to answer some super interesting questions that were all sent in by you as the listener. We've got questions about being a Christian in the military, disagreements between Calvinists and Arminians, the differences between Catholics/Protestants and the Orthodox Church, a question about singing worship songs connected with NAR churches, and if the Bible actually talks about unicorns.   We will do a deep dive into these questions with you on our next episode- "From the Mailbag, Vol. 4 (Unicorns, Christians in the military, differences between Calvinists/Arminians and Protestants and Catholics, etc.)    

Happy holidays Beards and Bible listeners! I hope you all are having a fantastic and blessed holiday season, however you're celebrating with your family and loved ones. Just wanted to hop on and say a huge THANK YOU to all of who have listened, subscribed, shared, and interacted with our podcast this past year. 2023 has been an incredible year for us- we've hit just shy of 72,000 downloads with listeners from not just here in the US, but from over 70 countries all around the world. This podcast would not be what it is without all of you- so from the bottom of our hearts, thank you, God bless you, and we hope and pray that this podcast has enriched you spiritually in every way and help draw you closer the Lord as a disciple of Jesus. Gabe and I are taking the next few weeks off to rest and spend time with family, but we will be back on January 10 for our annual “From the Mailbag” series- where we answer questions sent in by listeners just like you. So if you've got a question about scripture, theology, church, or culture- send us an email at beardsandbiblepodcast@gmail.com, leave us a comment on YouTube, or send a message via the Facebook page. Remember- our next episode is only possible if you send us your questions, so if you've got one, stop what you're doing right now and send away. Thanks again for listening, God bless you, hope and pray you and your family have a wonderful holiday season and a very happy new year!

A new documentary was recently released called, “The Mission” tells the story of John Chau. In 2018, Chau, a young American missionary, was killed by arrows while attempting to contact one of the world's most isolated Indigenous peoples on remote North Sentinel Island off the coast of India. The Sentinelese tribe are one of the six native and often reclusive peoples of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (just off the coast of India). Unlike the others, the Sentinelese appear to have consistently refused any interaction with the outside world. They are hostile to outsiders and have killed people who approached or landed on the island. In 1956, the Government of India declared North Sentinel Island a tribal reserve and prohibited travel within 3 nautical miles of it. It further maintains a constant armed patrol in the surrounding waters to prevent intrusions by outsiders. In spite of all this, John Chau expressed a clear desire to convert the tribe and was aware of the legal and mortal risks he was taking by his efforts, writing in his diary, "Lord, is this island Satan's last stronghold, where none have heard or even had the chance to hear your name?", "The eternal lives of this tribe is at hand", and "I think it's worthwhile to declare Jesus to these people. Please do not be angry at them or at God if I get killed ... Don't retrieve my body." Chau's death was a tragedy, but it raised some very important ethical, spiritual, and theological questions. Why did John Chau go to the Sentinelese, even though he knew that they didn't wish to be contacted and it could cost him his life? Was what John Chau did ethical? Was there a wiser approach maybe he could've taken? What happens to people who have never heard the gospel? Should we as Christians be attempting to convert those from unreached tribes and indigenous people groups?  

The church in the United States is at an interesting crossroads. Surveys suggest that there are good things happening in churches across America- such as an increase in volunteerism, optimism among members and ministers, and a significant drop in church conflicts and intense dissensions. However, there are also still serious challenges for most churches in the U.S. Churches in America are at a very unique intersection between rising secularism amongst the culture, a decreasing interest in Christianity as a whole, and the falling away from church life of those who are nominal, disengaged Christians by name only. What do the statistics and data tell us about some of the concerning trends we're facing in the American church over the next few years? What can we do as followers of Christ and members of Christ's body to rise to the occasion?

What's up Beards and Bible listeners! We don't have a new episode for you this week (or next week because it'll be Thanksgiving), but we do have a little something to hold you over until then. Our good buddy Jonathan Ciecka, who is the discipleship pastor at the Experience Community Church in Murfreesboro, is releasing a new video series on YouTube with a corresponding podcast on common questions related to Christianity, apologetics, and issues of faith. It just so happens that Josh was privileged to be a guest on the first episode of the Common Questions audio podcast that goes along with the YouTube videos talking about the Christian Worldview and how we can know and discover truth. So we thought we'd share it with you guys. If you like what you hear today, find the link to his show in this description and head over to YouTube to see the video, then subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. It's a fantastic project that he and his team have been working hard on and I know you'll enjoy it immensely. So, without further ado, enjoy this week's bonus episode from the Common Questions podcast, and make sure you check it out and subscribe.   Common Questions podcast: https://experiencecc.com/common-questions/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSlQXg7KrELzHHMIuf01Tu2tUv6Rg9jWB Common Questions on Spotify : https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/experiencecommunitychurch

In recent years, the practices, traditions, and liturgy of the American Church has drastically changed. Things like stained glass windows, pews, and altars have been replaced by TV's, lights, padded seats, and stages. Ministers who used to wear vestal robes now deliver messages in skinny jeans using IPads.   It's not that churches that embrace nontraditional, modern methodology have moved away from orthodoxy or the authority of the Scriptures- to make matters all the more complex, it's actually more historic mainline, traditional denominations who have done that in an embrace of progressive theology, all while holding onto the liturgy and traditions of the past.   Many American Christians have reported feeling a bit, stuck. Some modern, nontraditional churches feel more like entertainment for teenagers in their presentation, yet they're sticking to the orthodox doctrines of scripture. Some historic, traditional liturgical churches present a worship experience full of reverence and beauty, rich with tradition and history, yet they've moved away from Christian orthodoxy into something else.   How do we understand the place of Christian tradition, practices, and spiritual disciplines in corporate worship? Is it possible to find a church that holds corporate worship services that are full of substance, truth, depth, reverence, and intentionality?  

What's up Beards and Bible listeners! A lot has happened since the guys last sat down together, so on today's episode we'll talk about running a marathon together, the recent events in Israel and Gaza, and how this might have something to do with end times prophecy. Should be a good one!

What's up Beards and Bible listeners, on our last episode we talked about gun ownership, self-defense, and the Christian ethics related to those issues. On our today's episode, we're going to hear a different Christian perspective- one that advocates nonviolence, gun control, and Christian pacifism. Even though many American evangelicals are unfamiliar with and often oppose those who hold to this view, historically there have always been groups of Christians worldwide who have advocated and consistently practiced nonviolence including the Mennonites, Church of the Brethren, many Anabaptist Christian fellowships, many Adventists, and Moravians, just to name a few. As a matter of fact, the largest Pentecostal denomination, the Assemblies of God, held to this position until the Second World War. So how do those who hold to this position think about the scriptures that seem to allow believers to practice self-defense? What are the ethical implications of exercising complete pacifism and nonviolence as a Christian, even when you see evil and violence being done to others?   Check out Aaron's podcast- Everyday Theology  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-theology/id1462586002  

There are a number of Christian traditions (Mennonites, Quakers, Adventists, Moravians, etc.) who hold to a position of non-violence/Christian pacifism and say that owning a gun for self-defense isn't a Biblically supported position. They'll quote verses like Matthew 26:52, where Jesus says “put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” Or Matthew 5:39 where Jesus say, “Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”   But there are other Christians who would say that the Bible permits instances of self-defense, as long as it's done with wisdom, tact, understanding, and to protect the innocent from evil. In Luke 22:36, Jesus tells His remaining disciples, “If you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.” Some say that in this verse Jesus upheld the right of his disciples in certain instances to defend themselves. Exodus 22:2 says, “If a thief is caught breaking in at night and is struck a fatal blow, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed”.   So- which one is it? Are Christians to always put away their swords and turn the other cheek? Or are they permitted to own a sword and use it to defend themselves? Can a Christian own a gun? Is gun ownership a “God-given right”?   Check out Defenders and Disciples-  https://defendersanddisciples.com/   Twitter: twitter.com/DefAndDisc   FaceBook: facebook.com/100063472121644   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DefendersAndDisciples/featured

Leaders within the church are called by scripture to live and lead in a way that is above reproach- that doesn't mean that they must be perfect (or we'd have no leaders), but it does mean that someone who leads must practice personal integrity, character, and godliness. The little things in life reveal character- and character matters in church leadership more than talent, ability, appearance, personality or charisma.  But what if a Christian leader- be it a pastor, worship leader, or volunteer ministry leader- behaves in a way that goes against the Biblical qualifications for church leadership? What should happen if they “disqualify” themselves from a position of leadership? Can a leader who is guilty of “disqualifying behavior” in their past ever serve in a position of leadership again? If so, what steps should be taken to restore them?  

In March of 2023, Tennessee Pastor Greg Locke released a documentary film entitled Come Out in Jesus Name. The film chronicled the ministries of deliverance ministers such as Alexander Pagani, Isaiah Saldivar, and Mike Signorelli. The movie features footage from real life “deliverance” services, where individuals allegedly manifest demonic spirits while screaming, retching, falling, shaking, and writhing on the ground, all while a deliverance minister screams at the demon to, “come out in Jesus name”. Some parts of the film are, well, disturbing. Biblically speaking, there is certainly a category for demonic manifestations and deliverance. Throughout 2,000 years of church history, the Christian church has practiced exorcisms and deliverance. But this new breed of deliverance ministry is a bit different. Many of the individuals at the deliverance services from the documentary are actually professing Christians. And a lot of the techniques espoused in the documentary are a bit unconventional. So…can a Christian have a demon? Where does the ministry of deliverance fit in the lives of Christians? Is this just something we practice on non-believers who want to be set free? Or do Christians ever need deliverance? And if they do, is it supposed to look exactly like it does on this documentary in order to be effective? Just an FYI- by no means is our viewing and discussing the film an endorsement of it or even a critique of it- we simply want to talk through the topic of deliverance and examine how we as believers can think through this topic Biblically.  

Howdy listeners! This week's episode is a bit different with Gabe traveling to Israel, but with a little bit of international date line maneuvering, we're still able to make things happen.   So join us as Gabe checks in from Israel, Josh answers e-mail questions, and Jason Aldean dares you to try that in a small town...(whatever "that" may happen to be). 

In the year 325 at the First Council of Nicea, leaders of the early church adopted a very important statement of belief in response to a false teacher named Arius. Arius was an Egyptian presbyter from Alexandria who introduced a new theology that stated while Jesus was the Son of God, He wasn't really God- he was a created being who had been given some divine attributes. The early church responded to this heresy by official denouncing it and issuing the Nicene Creed, which states that Christian orthodoxy affirms a belief in- “one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father by whom all things were made.” It's been a long time since the year 325, but the more things change, the more they stay the same. The Arian heresy has persisted stubbornly throughout the last 1,700 years of church history in various forms and iterations. There are many fringe groups that claim to represent Christian orthodoxy, but in reality are simply peddling this same old heresy. So was Jesus really God? Or was Jesus a created being with divine attributes that was sent by God? Was Jesus made into a God by the early church? Or was Jesus a god just like you and I are “gods”? …shouldn't we be checking our Bibles for the answers to this?

In 1990, 26-year-old Terri Schiavo fell into a persistent vegetative state after suffering cardiac arrest. A fierce highly public battle took place between her parents and her husband, who wanted to disconnect her feeding tube. Terri's husband argued that his wife would not have wanted her life artificially prolonged, with no hope of recovery. Terri Schiavo's case spurred an emotional nationwide and international heated debate over quality of life, right-to-die and end-of-life issues. The case grew so notorious that the Vatican in Rome challenged American law which allowed for discontinuing food and water in certain circumstances, arguing for the sanctity of human life. Though the courts sided with her husband, Michael Schiavo, the state legislature passed a bill, known as Terri's law, giving Florida Gov. Jeb Bush authority to prevent the removal of the feeding tube. After much back and forth involving state and federal courts, Terri's feeding tube was eventually removed, ending the long legal struggle over her fate when she died on March 31, 2005 at the age of 41. So should a person's death be prolonged or should a person's life be allowed to end through, “mercy killings” or euthanasia? What about a person who is seeking to euthanize themselves with the aid of a physician? Is allowing such practices merciful or merciless? What does the Bible have the say about these issues? How can we understand the topic of suicide, euthanasia, and the sanctity of life as Christians?

In the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, there stood a statue near a city park of Pierre Gustave Toutant-Beauregard, who himself was a native of St. Bernard Parish and grew up in New Orleans. The statue was placed there in 1915. Beauregard was an early proponent of equal rights in Louisiana, serving as the outspoken leader of the short-lived and ultimately failed unification movement. The movement was a coalition made up of prominent white and black New Orleanians that called for integrated schools, public places and transportation and voting rights for black men, two years before Congress passed the Civil Rights Acts of 1875 and nearly a century before the enactment of major civil rights legislation in the 20th century. Beauregard was the group's chairman. For the city of New Orleans, Beauregard died as a local hero. But on May 17, 2017, Beauregard's statue was removed. Why? Because P.G.T. Beauregard (as he's more commonly known) was a general of the Confederacy during the American Civil war. As a matter of fact, Beauregard commanded the attack at Fort Sumter, the shots of which marked the outbreak of the American Civil War. He fought in the First Manassas and at Shiloh, and he defended Charleston from Union occupation for two years. For many, Beauregard's statue represented nothing more than slavery and institutional racism. In the United States, the public display of Confederate monuments, memorials and symbols has been and continues to be controversial. There were 73 Confederate monuments removed or renamed in 2021, and there are now close to 700 left in the U.S. Some say the statues glorify people who perpetuated slavery, attempted secession from United States, and lost the Civil War and the statues are nothing more than a painful reminder of past and present institutionalized racism in the United States. Others say that the statues represent the country's history, no matter how complicated. Taking them down is to censor, whitewash, and potentially forget that history. So how do we make sense of the controversy? How do we as Christians engage in this controversial conversation with respect, civility, wisdom, and Christ-like love?

Amazon Prime recently released a limited docuseries exposing the truth beneath the wholesome Americana surface of reality tv's favorite mega-family, The Duggars, and the radical organization behind them: The Institute in Basic Life Principles.  The Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) is a nondenominational Christian organization that serves as an umbrella organization for several ministries established by American Christian minister Bill Gothard in 1961. The stated purpose of the organizationis to provide instruction on how to find success in life by following biblical principles. This involves programs that include seminars for ministry, community outreach, troubled youth mentoring, and an international ministry. Families are expected to have as many children as possible, children are expected to be home schooled, blind submission to their fathers' authority is taught, as well as strict adherence to IBLP's interpretations of Scripture. The IBLP has been alleged by some to be a cult. So this is Josh….real talk- my family was a part of IBLP's homeschool program, ATI, for 7 years. I watched the Shiny, Happy People mini-series on Prime recently, and it was crazy. Mainly because it showcased experiences I had as an adolescence that I'd been trying to explain to people for years. I'd spent years telling people about how I grew up, but no-one quite knew what I was talking about. And now it's on film. And folks are all of the sudden, asking me questions about it. So what was it like to grow up in and around IBLP and ATI? What was it like living under the shadow of Bill Gothard and his teachings?

Art is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, and it usually communicates some sort of message within that medium. Art can be painting, sculpture, literature, music, dance, drama, and it can be film. Film (motion pictures, television shows, streaming series, etc.) is a work of visual art that tells a story that simulates experiences and communicates ideas, perceptions, feelings, beauty, or atmosphere through the use of moving images. Film is a very powerful form of art! Over the years, films have been used to powerfully communicate various ideas in very persuasive ways. Every film (movie/TV show/streaming series) tells a story: but there's always a story behind the story. The “story behind the story” is THE STORY of life and humanity- the answers to the questions of origin, identity, meaning, morality, and destiny. Chances are, that writer/producer/director/artist is using the medium of film to share with you, the viewer, their worldview- what they believe about origin, identity, meaning, morality, and destiny. How can we recognize the “story behind the story”? How can we as Christians practice discernment as we view the medium of film?

In American Christianity especially, there is much confusion on the doctrine of eternal security (sometimes referred to as “once saved, always saved“). Some circles of Christianity, for example, might teach that one can lose his/her  salvation and fall into the error of trying to keep his salvation by personal effort. According to scripture, this is a serious error (Gal. 3:1-3). On the other hand, some circles teach that one can never lose his/her salvation, and therefore fall into the error of sinning willfully because he/she believes salvation can't be lost no matter how much an individual sins. This is also a serious doctrinal error (Heb. 10:26). It would seem that some Scriptures suggests that God preserves those who are truly His (John 10:27-28; Heb. 13:5; Matt. 7:21-23; 1 John 2:19; Rom. 8:38-39), yet there is also an indication in scripture that in the journey of pursuing Christ, many will fall away from the faith (2 Pet. 2:1; Gal. 5:4; Heb. 10:26; 6:4-6; Ps. 69:28).   So which is it? Are we eternally secure? Or is our salvation conditional on our own ability to walk in obedience? How do we understand apostasy, or those who once professed faith in Christ but now don't?   

John 10:34 “Jesus answered them, “Isn't it written in your law, ‘I said you are gods'? If he called those to whom the word of God came ‘gods'- and the Scripture cannot be broken- do you say, You are blaspheming to the one the Father set apart and sent into the world because I said: I am the Son of God?”   Jesus' point is this: you charge me with blasphemy based on my use of the title “Son of God”; yet our own Scriptures apply the same term (“gods”, elohim) to others besides God. If others can be considered “gods”, how much more can the One whom God has chosen and sent? The big question- who were those the that scriptures referred to as “gods”? Several biblical passages (Psalm 82:1, Job 1:6, 1 Kings 22) speak of what some theologians call a “divine council,” an assembly of heavenly beings or “gods.” For Israel's neighbors in the ancient Near East, such councils reflected polytheistic worldviews, where rival gods vied for power and supremacy. For Israel, however, the members of the divine council, though heavenly and supernatural, remained subject to the providence and decrees of the one Creator God. Furthermore, God disarmed all these malevolent spiritual powers at the cross of Christ, and one day he will strip them of all authority entirely. So wait…does the Bible embrace polytheism? How does this idea of the “divine council” correspond to the Bible's teaching about God being distinct, omnipotent, and sovereign?