Crossroads & Culture

How do we know Jesus is who He says He is? How do we know what is truth and what is not truth? How do we know true teaching from false teaching? How can we be certain of salvation, or can we? Those are relevant and pressing questions that have been asked for centuries, and still resonate within the minds of believers and unbelievers alike. There are moments that you may have doubt and questions. So what do we do when those moments and questions come? A great book I would recommend regarding discerning counterfeit and false teachings is Counterfeit Kingdom, by Holly Pivec and Douglas Geivett Resources: https://sotb.research.bible/ (State of the Bible study) https://thestateoftheology.com/ (State of Theology) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shawn-barnard/support

The hope of Christmas is knowing that God, because of His grace, made a way for us to be reconciled to Himself by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, into the darkness of this sin-ravaged and chaos-filled world, so that we might be saved by faith through the sacrificial death of Christ for our sins. The deep soul-abiding peace for which we long is not found in what man can do, but rather in what God has already done in Christ. Because He is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, those who turn to Christ, by faith, can know a peace that is beyond our comprehension. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @rivervalleychurchconway --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

On Tuesday, the people of Montana voted to reject a ballot initiative (LR-131) that would have required, by law, doctors to administer life-giving care to born alive infants, including those who survived failed or botched abortions. On this episode of Crossroads & Culture, I talk about what God's word has to say about this, and how followers of Christ can respond. If you are wanting to get involved with a national ministry that helps women who are facing unplanned pregnancies choose life, check out Save the Storks here: https://savethestorks.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

How do you respond when God redirects your life? In that moment, what may seem like an inconvenience is really an invitation from God to join Him where He is at work. Although it may feel frustrating, seem confusing, be painful, and not seem to make sense, we can trust that God is writing a much bigger and better story than we could ever write. For notifications for new episodes, please FOLLOW the Crossroads & Culture podcast, and rate/review our show. Learn more about River Valley Church by clicking here >> www.rivervalleyconway.com You can also follow us on Instagram here >> @rivervalleychurchconway --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

Today on the Crossroads & Culture podcast, we're going to answer the questions of why the early church was devoted to prayer, and why we should be devoted to prayer as well. If there is anything that the early church needed, it was to spend time with God so that they might hear clearly from Him, by His Spirit, and know His will in how to live in right relationship with Him and one another. It is no different for us today as followers of Christ. For notifications for new episodes, please FOLLOW the Crossroads & Culture podcast, and rate/review our show. Learn more about River Valley Church and the Rediscovering Church podcast by clicking here >> www.rivervalleyconway.com You can also follow us on Instagram here >> @rivervalleychurchconway If you would like to partner with us financially as we launch River Valley Church, you can give monthly or a one-time, tax-deductible gift here >> https://rivervalleyconway.churchcenter.com/giving --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

In Acts 2, we read about the practices to which the early church were devoted: the teaching of Scripture, the fellowship, the breaking of bread, and the prayers. On this episode of Crossroads & Culture, we look at why the breaking of bread was a practice of the early church and why it is necessary and significant for the Church today as followers of Christ. For notifications for new episodes, please FOLLOW the Crossroads & Culture podcast, and rate/review our show. Also, learn more about River Valley Church and the Rediscovering Church podcast by clicking here >> www.rivervalleyconway.com You can also follow us on Instagram here >> @rivervalleychurchconway --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

We aren't meant to do life alone. Each of us has been created for relationship with God, first and foremost, and one another. In this episode of Crossroads & Culture, we are going to look at the early church's commitment to the fellowship among the believers, and how their devotion to biblical community made much of the gospel, encouraged one another, and influenced the culture in which they lived. It's something we need to hear today, as the Church, for the sake of the gospel. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

In Psalm 119, David writes, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” God's word sheds light on where to step and how to navigate this life we live. And we desperately need that because the path we walk in this world is more often littered with landmines than it is lollipops. Our path in this life leads us through the valleys of the shadow of death, but God shepherds us by His word and the abiding presence of His Spirit. And as we follow His ways and delight in His word, He provides for our real needs, not just felt needs; He leads us beside the quiet waters of His word when the world feels like a raging sea; He makes us lie down in the green pastures of His word to rest even when we walk through desert moments; He restores our weary and wounded soul with the healing salve of His word; He reminds us of His nearness with the rod and staff of His word so that we don't have to fear any evil; He prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies where we feast on the goodness of His word and the sustenance He gives. And that's why we should be devoted to the Scriptures. Website: www.rivervalleyconway.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/rivervalleychurchconway/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

In the scriptures, specifically the Psalms, there are a lot of questions that are asked regarding how to live life in a way that is right and God-honoring in the midst of a confusing and chaotic culture. On today's episode of the Crossroads & Culture podcast, I discuss how we can avoid drifting from the truth and embracing the often distorted and destructive worldviews of modern culture. Subscribe to the Rediscovering Church podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rediscovering-church-podcast/id1630504474 Instagram: @rivervalleychurchconway Website: rivervalleyconway.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

Today on Crossroads & Culture I share some thoughts regarding today's Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade. I discuss the issue of abortion in more detail here: https://www.rivervalleyconway.com/post/the-fallacious-argument-from-womb-to-tomb Resources that help women choose life: www.savethestorks.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

If you build a house that looks nothing like the blueprint design, there's a problem. God's word, specifically in the book of Acts, gives us the blueprint and timeless principles that are to be the essence of His Church. In this episode of Crossroads & Culture, I have a conversation with David Edwards, Discipleship Pastor at Church Project, about the modern church and what getting back to God's design for His Church looks like. CONNECT WITH DAVE EDWARDS: daveedwardsspeaks.com RIVER VALLEY CHURCH: rivervalleyconway.com RIVER VALLEY INSTAGRAM: @rivervalleychurchconway --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

The fragility of life has a way of giving you a wake up call when you're headed in an ambulance to the hospital, with no recollection of the trip there. Since the beginning of the month of December, I battled sickness that, although not initially beginning as Covid, ended up with me in the hospital for 6 days with Covid, as well as bacterial and viral pneumonia. I had no idea of the gravity of the situation until I was later told I had a 50/50 chance of surviving. Having been discharged from the hospital, and upon hearing someone say, “Shawn, this is a miracle of God,” I have garnered a new perspective on several things that I'll share today on Crossroads & Culture. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

From the widely accepted cultural worldview of casual sex, to the widespread accessibility of pornography, to couples choosing to live together as opposed to getting married, to the normalization of same-sex relationships, and the fluidity of gender identity, the enemy has unleashed a barrage of attacks on God's created order and design for gender and sexuality. And we're seeing lives destroyed and a world shattered. In this episode of Crossroads & Culture, I address what the Bible says is God's created order and design for sexuality and gender. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

How long, O God, will I remain where I am? That's been a question I've often asked of God. Maybe that's one of the questions stirring in your soul and mind as well--how long am I going to be in this season? How long am I going to be in this place (emotionally, spiritually, physically)? How long? For me, I often get stuck in that question, though, and miss out on the truth that even in my longing to not be in the discontent of where I am, God's presence is still very near; abiding, actually. And that's not just a good thing, it's essential for us. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

On this episode of Crossroads & Culture, we answer the question: Does Jesus really want us to get the vaccine? There is a growing effort in evangelical circles seeking to encourage, and even persuade, those who are evangelical Christians to get the vaccine because, according to them, it's biblical to do so, and Jesus would want us to. But is that true? We'll be discussing that today on Crossroads & Culture. Note: You can link to the sources from my blog at shawnbarnard.wordpress.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

I'm not a firefighter, at least not professionally, but what I do know is that when there is a fire that needs to be extinguished it's best to use water, not gasoline. What I'm observing in our culture is a world on fire that is being doused with gasoline. I'm not talking about a dumpster fire, but a worldwide wildfire that is continuing to increase and intensify as many are asleep and unaware. I don't think this is alarmist at all when you look at the vast issues that we're facing in the U.S., and even around the world. There is unrest over lockdowns, censorship, government overreach, inflation, cancel culture, Marxist ideology, critical race theory and race issues, and a host of others issues. The world is on fire something needs to change. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

What do you do when you feel like everything around you, and in you, is chaos? How do you find calm in the midst of it all? On today's episode of Crossroads & Culture, we talk about the answer to those questions, and the discover how you can find peace when the storms of life are raging. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

In Jesus's final statement from the cross before He breathed His last breath, He showed us what it looks like to trust God even in life's darkest moments. Just as Jesus fully trusted God the Father, we too can trust Him with our life. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

When Jesus said, "It is finished!" He was making a declaration that points to something much greater than the completion of the brutal agony He experienced on the cross. Everything that needed to be done in order to reconcile us to God was accomplished. In today's episode, we'll see how Jesus's statement from the cross gives us hope in life's darkest moments. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

When Jesus made the statement, "I thirst," while He was on the cross, He wasn't just referring to physical thirst. As we see in this episode of Crossroads & Culture, Jesus's statement fulfilled what was prophesied, as well as revealed His thirst for something much more. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

When Jesus was on the cross, did God the Father really forsake Him, or did Jesus just feel as though He had been forsaken? In this episode of Crossroads & Culture, I answer this question, as well as discuss its significance and implications. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

From the cross, Jesus made seven statements that are as significant for us today as they were on the Friday He was crucified. In this episode of Crossroads & Culture, we look at the third statement Jesus made, 'Woman, behold, your son!' Then He said to the disciple, 'Behold, your mother!' (John 19:26-27) As Mary, Jesus's mother, and John, His disciple, stood at the foot of the cross, what compelled Jesus to make this statement, and what hope did it give them in their darkest moments? And, what hope does it give to us? --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

You are not so far gone that you are beyond the reach of God's great salvation. That was true for the thief on the cross, and it's true for you and me as well. Because of what Christ has done on the cross, God can take what has been wrecked by the brokenness of sin and do wonders. And that is great news. In this episode of Crossroads & Culture, you'll discover that regardless of the life-circumstances you find yourself in, Jesus's death is a reminder of the hope He offers in life's darkest moments. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

Jesus had a week that, without a doubt, was the week of all weeks when it comes to facing dark moments. It would involve the joy of a last supper, the pain of betrayal, the rejection of denial, the brutality of scourging, and the suffering of crucifixion. It would leave Him wounded and bruised. Ultimately, He would taste the sting of death. From eternity past He knew what He would face, yet He knew what had to be done. Enduring the week of all weeks and facing a cross that would be the instrument of His death, Jesus was committed to loving us to the end. If there is anything you can be certain of, it is this: Jesus has loved you to the end that you might know a love that never ends, even in your darkest moments. That kind of love gives hope, and hope is what we all desperately need. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

If there is one area where followers of Christ need to have more influence, it's in the entertainment industry of Hollywood. It's not easy being a Christ-follower in Hollywood, and staying grounded in your faith. So, how do those who are in that industry handle the daily challenges and struggles they face in pop culture? On this episode of Crossroads & Culture, I sit down with Cole Ewing, who has appeared in several commercials and TV Shows - most notably Disney's “Lab Rats” & Nickelodeon's “Bella and the Bulldogs," and discuss what life is like being a follower of Christ in Hollywood. You can check out the video podcast here: https://youtu.be/G45ADfAtiJA --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

After Moses had led Israel out of Egyptian captivity, he was faced with leadership challenges that were overwhelming. If the elements weren't enough in going through a desert wilderness, there was a daily dose of dealing with the complainers, the know-it-alls, the whiners, the ignorant, and the non-compliant. It was wearing on Moses, and to such a degree that his father-in-law, Jethro, saw what was happening, and offered Moses a pair of leadership glasses that enhanced his clarity of vision. In this episode of Crossroads & Culture, I share six lessons I've learned on how to identify those who enhance clarity of vision in life, not cloud it. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

In the Garden, the shrewd and cunning serpent, evil in every way, slithered close enough to whisper, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God . . . “ And they died. Yesterday, what the enemy whispered in the ears of the governing leaders of the United States House of Representatives has now been loudly boasted throughout the garden of our nation. A new bill, called The Equality Act, was passed by the House Democrats and three Republicans, which would, according to the legislation, eliminate the legal definition of biological sex, acquiesce to non-scientific gender ideology, and vilify defending the unborn as pregnancy discrimination. On this episode of Crossroads & Culture, we discuss what The Equality Act is all about and what that means for followers of Jesus. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

Within the progressive Christianity movement, the authority and whole counsel of Scripture does not inform or give form to their beliefs and practices, rather the opposite is true. It's become clear that lived experiences and feelings take precedence, and are seen as valid in reinterpreting, or even cancelling, the Scriptures. If you can't accept the truth of Scripture, just cancel it. In other words, if God's story doesn't fit the narrative of progressive Christianity, just change it, get rid of it, or excuse it away. That's what is happening in progressive Christianity, and it is becoming more prevalent within the Church. In this episode I share some thoughts on why progressive Christian ideology is becoming more prevalent in the Church, and why knowing God's word is essential. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

Without conversations, there is no understanding. When it comes to the issue of sexuality, rather than ignoring the topic or just accepting culture's narrative of the subject, an honest conversation would be helpful. On this episode of Crossroads & Culture, I have a personal and vulnerable conversation with my son about sexuality, faith, and God's design for us. Whether you agree or disagree with our views, my prayer is that you will be willing to have the conversation. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

It seems all to common in the aftermath of the political storm we have come through and are still sifting through, to hear in the 24/7 news cycles as well as podcasts, blogs, and even religious websites banter about “Christian nationalism” and its dangerous affect on culture, the Church, and the saints of God. But is that really the greatest danger we face? In this episode, I share my thoughts on what might be even more dangerous. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

There are many ways in which the enemy seeks to deceive us, one of which is theology that seems unifying and utopic, but in truth is divisive and destructive. Deconstructed truth is always easier to embrace and swallow. But in reality what you embrace is the bondage of deception's chains, and what you swallow are the toxic lies of an evil foe. On this episode of Crossroads & Culture, we continue the discussion on the false teaching of progressive Christianity. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

Maybe you've heard the term “progressive Christianity;” maybe not. First, let me say that Christianity is not progressive. To make such a claim is to, in essence, say that the Christian faith evolves. That is dangerous ground considering that Christ, who is the hope, subject, and good news of the gospel, is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is unchanging. It would stand to reason, then, that the Christian faith does not evolve because Christ does not evolve. So what is “progressive Christianity,” and why should it raise concern? On this episode of Crossroads & Culture, we look at answering that question. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

The gospel of Matthew is a story starts very differently than Luke's. It's the same story, but it's almost as if Matthew wants to give the background; paint the big picture. He begins the story of Christ's birth with genealogy, a family tree. And in the genealogy, Matthew includes some pretty interesting people; people with a past; those who had a less than stellar reputation. So as Matthew begins to unfold the story, it seems he wanted people to understand the nature of this gospel he was writing; because even he, like many in the family tree of Jesus, had a past and Matthew wants his audience, including you, to understand the hopeful message of the gospel is the reason why Jesus came. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

Is this really the most wonderful time of the year? We hear that sung, we hear it spoken, but is that really true? Why is Christmas the most wonderful time of the year? Maybe for you, this time of the year just exposes to an even greater degree your weariness. And it's deeper than just physical weariness; there's an emotional weariness, and spiritual weariness. Even though we are good at putting on Instagram faces, inside we need something that is more than this world can give. And perhaps it's not just the weariness of your life, but the messiness too. There's just stuff you're going through and dealing with that is overwhelming and weighing you down. On this episode, I talk about the hope that can make this the most wonderful time of the year. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

It doesn't take much social awareness to see that as a nation we are on the verge of experiencing fundamental change, known as the Great Reset, that would be a drastic “left turn,” into an abyss of globalist socialism which would eradicate individual freedoms and liberty, and institute a demonic system that, without a doubt, will be the foundation upon which the final beast empire will govern. This is not conjecture, it's biblical; and it's unfolding before our eyes. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

On this episode of Crossroads & Culture, Holt Condren, Entrepreneur, Author, and Mountaineer, joins me to talk about his search for Noah's Ark on Mount Ararat, and what it means to live a life of adventure. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

There was a time when feelings weren't acknowledged as much as they seem to be today. It's not that there were never feelings; we've always experienced them. We were created to feel, and experience emotion. Emotions and feelings aren't bad, they are a gift. But they have to be led. In this episode of Crossroads & Culture, we discuss what it looks like to lead your heart, rather than letting your heart lead you. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

In the midst of the crazy and chaotic season we are in as a country, there are a lot of opinions and commentary, as well as toxic theology, that we are hearing. In this episode of Crossroads & Culture, we ask the question, "Is Jesus King?" and look at what God's word has to say about His sovereignty, as well as the danger in allowing our feelings to shape our view of God and His word. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support

There is a growing theme, specifically among those who are seeking to justify their reconciliation of their political persuasions that support a political ideology and the genocidal reality of abortion, by claiming that pro-life needs to comprehensively include all aspects of life. On the surface, caring for all life “from womb to tomb” sounds right and noble. And it is. But caring for life from womb to tomb can't even be a thought if life itself is terminated within the womb. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawn-barnard/support