Bibles & Beers

For our last podcast episode, we talked about anything that came to mind. From science and religion to the Holy Spirit to alcohol, we tackled everything we could into one last, chaotic episode.

Continuing the conversation from the anthology 'Leading Lives That Matter,' Devan and Alhrik dive into what makes our lives meaningful and significant. Books referenced: Leading Lives That Matter. The Death of Ivan Ilych by Leo Tolstoy. Clairvoyant by Devan Arntson.

'Leading Lives that Matter' is an anthology of written works that gets right down to the core of who we are as humans. Alhrik and Devan dig into the texts to discuss questions on vocation and identity. References: "Why Work?" by Dorothy Sayers (199). "Good Will Hunting" excerpt (285). "I Hear Them... Calling" by Vincent Harding (31). "I Resolve to Become a Jungle Doctor" by Albert Schweitzer (277). Genesis 2:15 ESV. Nehemiah 2:4 ESV. "The Martian" by Andy Weir.

Lots has changed in society over the past few generations. How can churches learn to adapt to overcome this post-Christian culture? Books referenced: Joining Jesus on His Mission by Greg Finke, Practicing Passion by Kenda Dean, and Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolsinger

Martin Luther's Freedom of a Christian is an excellent reference for how the Christian is to live out their lives. We are both "lord of all" and "servant of all." We have freedom from sin and the law in Christ, but we are to use that freedom to serve one another. Books referenced: Love Does by Bob Goff. Joining Jesus on His Mission by Greg Finke. The Freedom of a Christian by Martin Luther.

Social media and the internet can be tricky things to navigate and can easily become vices. With no control on what we take in or say, it can often be difficult to know how to be responsible. In this episode, we explore the dangers of social media along with the guidelines for safe use. We also now have an email. Feel free to reach out to us at any time at biblesandbeers1@gmail.com. Book referenced: Boundaries by Cloud and Townsend

As Christians, we've often been taught to be humble, but can we ever take it too far? God gave us gifts to use and acknowledging them isn't a bad thing, but serves to strengthen the body of Christ. Book referenced: The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile

Doubt is a natural part of our faith journey, luckily it isn't the end. Trials in our lives can often produce doubt, but ultimately, they lead us to God to carry us through. Books Referenced: from Lead Lives That Matter, "Explorations in True Self" by Parker Palmer. Luther's Small Catechism.

Knowing when do give grace and when to convict is a very challenging task. In this episode, we tackle proper use of Law and Gospel and how this helps us proclaim Christ and love our neighbors. Books Referenced: Law & Gospel by C. F. W. Walther

This week Alhrik and Devan wrestle with the difficult topic of pornography. Many young men and women have been affected by this increasing "drug" and find it difficult to seek help. By shedding light on the topic and being open, it makes it easier to work through it and receive grace. Books referenced: I Declare War by Levi Lusko. Also check out Fight The New Drug for more information.

This year has certainly been a time of anxiety and depression for many, but what ever challenges we go through, God's promise still ring true. In this episode, we discuss how the church has historically responded to mental illness and what we can do to love our neighbors better. Books referenced: Mockingbird's The Faith and Doubt Issue, "Anxiety, Lighthouse, and Relief" by Sarah Gates.

What does the Bible say about free will? How can we know we are going to heaven? In short, because of Christ we have the promise of salvation and the ability to live new lives. Books Referenced: The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis. The Lutheran Difference by Edward A. Engelbrecht. Book of Concord, Kolb & Wagnert edition. Bondage of the Will by Martin Luther.

Politics can be a crazy thing to navigate, especially in recent times. Luckily the Bible gives us clear instructions: Love God and love your neighbor. Books Referenced: Liturgy of Politics by Kaitlyn Scheiss. Meant for More by by John Nunes. The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Churches have struggled with maintaining younger generations as culture grows further from the faith. Devan and Alhrik make an effort to discuss trends in the church today, as well as talk about the importance of community. Books Referenced: Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Practicing Passion by Kenda Dean

Finding our purpose in this life can be difficult. Searching for God's calling gives us direction and it's not as far as we think. Books Referenced: Loved and Sent by Jeff Cloeter. Born to Wonder by Alister McGrath. Reason for God by Timothy Keller. Freedom of a Christian by Martin Luther.