Crushing Snakes with Biblical Truth

This is our final podcast. Jason and I spend some time thinking back over the last two years and how God has taught us how to stand and contend for the faith. It's been a great ride and we are so thankful to everyone who has joined us on this adventure.References mentioned in this episode:

Have you heard of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ being called "cosmic child abuse"? It's a powerful but false accusation about what actually happened on the cross. If God is a God of love, how could He do such a thing to Jesus when Jesus didn't do anything wrong to deserve it?" We're going to answer that today. So let's get started.Links used in this episode:What is the doctrine of penal substitution? | GotQuestions.orgAlisa Childers I Is Substitutionary Atonement Just a Type of "Cosmic Child Abuse" That Christians Came Up With in the Middle Ages?Were You There feat. Andrea Thomas by The Vigil Project | Series 1 - Music used at the end of this episode.

Tonight we're going to talk about the wrath of God. Some people have never heard of it since we rarely talk about it today and some people think this attribute makes God unapproachable. It's time to set the record straight on God's wrath. So let's get started.Links mentioned in this episode:What is the biblical understanding of the wrath of God? | GotQuestions.orgKnowing God: J.I. Packer: 9780830848614 - Christianbook.com

Tonight on Crushing Snakes, we are going to talk about pedophilia and the movement to call it something else. This is not a topic for little ones so we want to caution parents to exercise discretion if you have children with you when you play this episode. Let's get started.Links mentioned in this episode:1 Corinthians 7 Against Pedophilia and Child MarriageMinor-Attracted Persons — Welcome ConnectionsPride... for Minor Attracted People - Pedophiles About Pedophilia

Parental Discretion is advised for this episode. We will be discussing the harmful effects of pornography on those who consume it. It's a very destructive addiction that can affect everyone in the family including children. It's a tough topic that is rarely talked about. So let's get started.References mentioned in this episode:Children School Porn - TheBlazeE-book: Your Brain on Porn | Covenant EyesA Practical Guide to Culture: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Today's World: John Stonestreet, Brett Kunkle: 9780830781249 - Christianbook.com

Tonight we are going to discuss a new kind of prosperity gospel. One that tempts you with great wealth so that you can do more for the kingdom of God. It's a get-rich-quick scheme that is delivered by famous Christians. Let's take a look and see if we can discover why we should be wary of the promise of great wealth. Let's get started.References mentioned in this episode:What did Jesus mean when He told people, “Your faith has made you well”? | GotQuestions.orgGet-rich-quick schemes drained my town's wealth. At a Christian conference, their legacy lives on | US news | The GuardianTim Tebow, Priscilla Shirer Team Up for "Multi-Million Dollar" Prosperity Gospel EventLIFE SURGE - Surge Your Life God's Way!

In this episode, we're going to talk about the idea of what it means to be free and the tremendous responsibility that comes along with that freedom. Is it true that we can do whatever we want to because we are free? That's the topic for today so let's get started.

When you hear people say that it doesn't cost anything to be a Christian, have you ever asked yourself it that is true? There is a cost. But we are not talking about the amount of money you put in the offering plate. We are not talking about the investment of your time in the church building. Tonight, we are talking about the cost that Jesus spoke about when He stated "Count the Cost". This is one that we need to look at. So let's get started.References mentioned in this episode:The Cost of Discipleship - Wikipedia

In Part II of our discussion about worldview, Jason and I are going to take a real-life scenario and put it through the three worldview questions we talked about in Part I. This is where it all begins to make sense. Let's get started.References mentioned in this episode:If You Give a Man a Womb, Is He a Woman? - Breakpoint

Did you know that you have a worldview? Do you know what it is? Most Christians have never even thought about this idea. The truth is we all have a worldview. And the shocking part is that ours might not be biblical. How can you tell? That's the conversation for tonight. So let's get started.References mentioned in this episode:What is a Christian worldview?

Have you ever heard someone say that "God is love" and then act like that is all there is to His character? While it is true that God is love, He is so much more. Why is it important to know about His other attributes? That's the question we want to answer tonight. So let's get started.References mentioned in this episode:

Tonight we are talking about prayer. It's the final element in the armor of God. Paul tells us that we should be doing it all the time. Jason and I are going to give you some tips and ideas for how to get started and/or improve your prayer life. Let's get started.References mentioned in this episode:21 Days of Prayer | Church of the Highlands

Here on Crushing Snakes, Jason and I specialize in training Christians to stand and contend for the faith. And the Bible tells us that to do this, we need to put on the full armor of God. Today we are going to give a refresher on what that is and how to use it. You don't want to be caught on the battlefield without your armor. So let's get started.Links to references in this episode:Letter to the American Church by Eric MetaxasHow Now Shall We Live by Chuck ColsonWhat does it mean to contend for the faith? | GotQuestions.org

Should Christians celebrate Christmas? We don't have any proof that Jesus was born on December 25. And what about Christmas trees and other pagan rituals that have become part of our holiday traditions? Should we participate in that? What are we supposed to do about Santa Claus? All of these subjects are on the docket for this final episode of the semester. So let's get started.References mentioned in this episode:What should parents tell their children about Santa Claus? | GotQuestions.orgIs Christmas Pagan? - Summit Ministries

On this special episode, we are featuring a guest on the podcast who is using her passion for Christ and her talent and experience to make a difference in today's culture. We are interviewing Monica Kelsey, the founder of the Safe Haven Baby Boxes. We hope you enjoy our discussion as much as we did. Let's get started.References mentioned in this episode:Blessed to Have Been Abandoned - Monica Kelsey, Author and SpeakerSafe Haven Baby Boxes - Safe Haven Law, Safe Haven Baby BoxesRemains of 4 infants discovered inside a Boston apartment, police say : NPR

In our culture today, we are told that love means accepting all ideas as worthy and valuable. If we don't, we are taught that we are being hateful instead of loving. But is that what the Bible says? Did Jesus show love like that? That's the topic for tonight. So let's get started.References mentioned in this episode:Skit Guys "Grace" VideoThe Other Side of Loving Like Jesus — Moral Revolution

Tonight we are going to look at the doctrine of hell. It's not very popular to talk about a place of eternal punishment in our culture today. But we need to. Jesus talked about hell. The apostles warned us about hell. We won't recognize how good the good news of the gospel is until we acknowledge how bad the news of hell is. So let's get started.Research links mentioned in this episode:Erasing Hell by Francis Chan

Tonight we are going to talk about heaven! I love this topic because it is filled with hope. You know, we spend a lot of time on Crushing Snakes dealing with cultural issues. The reason we focus on cultural issues is because there are so many ideas out there that are threatening the well-being of our brothers and sisters in Jesus and we believe God is using this podcast to reach out to them and encourage them in the midst of all the darkness they see around them. So we spend a lot of time talking about dark and evil ideas. But not tonight! Tonight, we are going to talk about the reward of heaven.Resources mentioned in this episode:The Case for Hope by Lee StrobelThe Moody Handbook of Theology

It's time for the midterm elections in the United States. Have you been convinced that your vote won't matter? Have you decided to stay out of the fight and sit this one out? We hope to give you some reasons not to do that. And we promise not to name a single candidate during this episode. Let's get started! Links mentioned in this episode: https://algop.org/algop-party-platform/ (ALGOP Party Platform - Alabama Republican Party) - This if for Alabama but you can look up the GOP platform for your state by looking them up separately. https://democrats.org/where-we-stand/party-platform/ (The Democratic Party Platform) https://ivoterguide.com/news/Why-Vote (Why Vote? | iVoterGuide.com) https://ivoterguide.com/ (iVoterGuide | Voter Guide Tool | iVoterGuide.com)

In this episode, we are responding to a listener who asked us to talk about predestination. Is this doctrine biblical? Are there really people out there who were created for the sole purpose of being rejected by God? How do I know if I'm one of the ones who will be saved? It's a great question. Let's get started. Links mentioned in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uni18vJWEoo (Election: Christ's Honor and Our Blessing - John MacArthur) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlHIEnIpF8k (What is Calvinism? Predestination and Election EXPLAINED - Dr. Voddie Baucham) https://www.gotquestions.org/doctrine-of-election.html (What is the doctrine of election? | GotQuestions.org)

Tonight we're going to look at another tenet of Progressive Christianity. This one is built on the idea that salvation is universal, in other words, everyone will be saved. That means everyone… that means Hitler, Stalin, Charles Manson, Osama Bin Laden, and perhaps even Satan himself. It's a big topic so let's get started. Supporting links in this episode: https://credomag.com/magazine_issue/will-all-be-saved/ (Will All Be Saved? - Credo Magazine) https://credomag.com/article/the-gag-reflex-and-the-doctrine-of-hell/ (The Gag-Reflex and the Doctrine of Hell - Credo Magazine) https://credomag.com/article/the-many-fish-that-swim-in-the-universalist-pond/ (The Many Fish that Swim in the Universalist Pond - Credo Magazine)

Tonight we're going to talk about absolute truth. Yes. There is such a thing. We're also going to discuss how to use the Law of Non-Contradiction to determine what is true and what is not. It's a big episode. So let's get started.

Tonight we're talking about deconstruction and how popular it has become to walk away from the Christian faith. Why are people doing that? We'll look at several reasons and give you some tactics to stand against it. Links mentioned in this episode: https://readthehardparts.com/the-book-of-jude-contend-for-the-faith-without-being-contentious/ (The Book of Jude: Contend for the Faith (Without Being Contentious) - Read the Hard Parts) https://answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-ham/2009/09/16/nice-boys-dont-ask-that-question/ (Nice Boys Don't Ask That Question by Ken Ham) https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/redeem-reconstruction/ (Why We Should Not Redeem Deconstruction by Alisa Childers) https://renew.org/christianity-deconstruction/ (6 Reasons We Are Drawn to Christianity's Deconstruction Stories - Renew) https://www.christianbook.com/truth-fighting-for-certainty-age-deception/john-macarthur/9781400202409/pd/202400?en=google&event=SHOP&kw=academic-0-20%7C202400&p=1179710&utm_source=google&kw=&mt=&dv=c&event=SHOP&p=1221303&cb_src=google&cb_typ=pmax&cb_cmp=18087584545&cb_adg=&cb_kyw=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiur-xv7M-gIVLxTUAR1yQwU0EAQYASABEgK_RfD_BwE (The Truth War: Fighting for Certainty in an Age of Deception: John MacArthur: 9781400202409 - Christianbook.com) https://www.christianbook.com/another-lifelong-christian-response-progressive-christianity/alisa-childers/9781496441737/pd/44173X?en=google&event=SHOP&kw=academic-0-20%7C44173X&p=1179710&utm_source=google&kw=&mt=&dv=c&event=SHOP&p=1221303&cb_src=google&cb_typ=pmax&cb_cmp=18087584545&cb_adg=&cb_kyw=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpKSCmv7M-gIVYxPUAR3PCACLEAQYASABEgLmMvD_BwE (Another Gospel? A Lifelong Christian Seeks Truth in Response to Progressive Christianity: Alisa Childers: 9781496441737 - Christianbook.com) https://www.history.com/news/thomas-jefferson-bible-religious-beliefs (Why Thomas Jefferson Rewrote the Bible Without Jesus' Miracles and Resurrection - HISTORY)

Progressive Christianity does not profess that Jesus was God in human form. They deny His deity. Instead, they claim that Jesus was just one of many good spiritual teachers. We talk about that, look at what the Bible has to say about it, and give you some battle tactics to stand against it. Let's get started.

In this episode, we are going to look at one of the tenets of Progressive Christianity that deals with the acceptance of one's gender as declared by transgendered people. There are great consequences involved in the transgender ideology. We as Christians are called to stand for the truth. Truth doesn't become false just because it is unpopular.

Jason and I talk about what Progressive Christianity is, give you some things to look for to see if it is in your church and share some battle tactics for how to stand against it.

In this episode, we will be discussing the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the gospel, and what it means to be born again. It's important to know these essentials because there are many leaders who are teaching false gospels in our culture today. Would you know the difference? References: “Why Is The Resurrection of Jesus Christ Important.” GotQuestions.org "Called and Accountable: Discovering Your Place in God's Eternal Purpose" by Henry Blackaby

Tonight we are on Part 2 of what is now a three-part series on the Essentials of the Christian Faith. We are calling this a basic training refresher. We think it's critically important to understand what the essentials of the faith are because the Bible tells us that if we don't get these doctrines right, it could mean the difference between spending eternity in heaven with God or spending eternity apart from Him in agony and torment in hell. That's how important this is.

Millions of people have lots of ideas about what it takes to get to heaven and it's sobering to hear what they think it is. We want to tell you what the Bible says about how to get to heaven. We want to tell you what God Himself put in His Word so that you will know with 100% certainty what it takes to get to heaven and whether or not you are going. REFERENCES: Youtube video, “Man on the Street: What Does It Take to Get to Heaven”. 2015, Nathan VonMinden https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk_wRo6ug3g “What Does The Bible Teach About the Trinity” from GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/Trinity-Bible.html

We are in the middle of what we are calling a “Basic Training Refresher”. We are spending our short 6-week summer semester in a review of the essentials of the Christian faith. We felt this was a great idea because we can't fight a battle without having some basic fundamental skills and knowledge to stand on. Every soldier starts with basic training. Tonight is Part 2 a review of the fundamental elements that are found in the Apostles' Creed. But before we get to all of that, Jason and I discuss the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. References: “The Apostle's Creed: The Holy Catholic Church” by Marty Foord of the Gospel Coalition in Australia. https://au.thegospelcoalition.org/article/the-apostles-creed-12-the-holy-catholic-church/

The Apostle's Creed was created to remind followers of Jesus Christ what they were taught about God, Jesus, and the calling of His church. It is not something that we should recite without first knowing what it means. If you have never heard or have never been taught the principles in this creed or if you are now being taught something different than the principles in this creed, my friend – we are so glad you stumbled upon this episode. REFFERENCES: Why is the virgin birth so important? | GotQuestions.org) https://www.gotquestions.org/virgin-birth.html And He Suffered Under Pontius Pilate – What Does This Mean?) https://whatdoesthismean.blog/and-he-suffered-under-pontius-pilate/ What does the Apostles' Creed mean when it says that Jesus descended into hell? (ligonier.org) https://www.ligonier.org/learn/qas/what-does-apostles-creed-mean-when-it-says-jesus-d?msclkid=a541dfd8cf7b11ec81a40c4848b74d64

One of the things the Lord has shown us this past year is that not only do we need to know how to defend the faith but we also need to be able to define what it is. When someone says they are a “Christian”, we can't assume we know what they mean any more. That's the beauty of a creed. It reminds us of the core beliefs we hold as Christians. Tonight we talk about why they are important. REFERENCE: J. Warner Wallace, “The Importance and Early Use of Creeds" https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/the-importance-and-early-use-of-creeds/

Listen in as Jason and I discuss our reaction to the Apologetics Conference we attended at Southern Evangelical Seminary in April. Hang on until the end of the episode and we'll give you a sneak peak into our plans for our upcoming summer semester. It's a fun episode tonight so let's get started!

Tonight we are going to talk about marriage. True biblical marriage. We're going to talk about its design and purpose according to God. We're going to distinguish the difference between the various civil unions in our culture and biblical marriage. There is only one true version of marriage. It's our topic for tonight. So let's get started. REFERENCES: 1. Types of Marriages: https://www.sociologyguide.com/marriage-family-kinship/Types-of-marriages.php 2. Why Marriage Matters for Adults: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/why-marriage-matters-for-adults/ 3. New York Times. In Narrow Decision, Supreme Court Sides With Baker Who Turned Away Gay Couple, June 4, 2018. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/04/us/politics/supreme-court-sides-with-baker-who-turned-away-gay-couple.html 4. How To Defend Biblical Marriage: http://assets.denisonforum.org/pdf/books/how-to-defend-biblical-marriage.pdf

Tonight's episode is a response to this statement from a Christian regarding whether or not the Church should approve of same-sex relationships: "Love is so hard to find these days. Who am I to tell someone that they can't have it when they finally do find it?" How would you respond to this question? REFERENCES: Article: What is Sexual Immorality? https://www.gotquestions.org/sexual-immorality.html

What does it mean to be transgender? Can you define it without using derogatory terms? Do you know how to discuss the topic calmly? The next generation needs to be able to talk about this with your generation. Let's not run from it. Let's learn about it. And let's try using some truth AND grace. That's the topic for this episode. Let's get started.

Do you know what Revisionist Gay Theology is? This is the cultural movement where scholars and progressive Christians are claiming that the Bible has been mistranslated when it comes to the teachings about homosexuality. Is this true? Or is it meant to cause doubt? That's the topic for this episode. So let's get started. References: a. Booklet: “What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality? Answering Revisionist Gay Theology” published by Focus on the Family in 2014. (what-does-the-bible-say_final3.pdf (focusonthefamily.com) b. Youtube video: Joe Dallas, The Case For Truth. (794) June 13, 2021 | Joe Dallas | The Case For Truth - YouTube)

In Part 2 of Picking and Choosing Scripture, Jason and I follow up last week's discussion and talk about the wrong way to pick and choose Scripture. It happens all the time when people select portions of the Bible that support their position and they leave out the portions that do not. We'll give a couple of examples and encourage you to look at how it's being done. It can be a very sly way to get you to change your view on God's Word and we need to stand against it. There's a lot to cover so let's get started. “Happy are the Eyes” by Vikki Kemper (https://www.ucc.org/daily-devotional/happy-are-the-eyes/ (https://www.ucc.org/daily-devotional/happy-are-the-eyes/)). https://www.redletterchristians.org/our-mission-our-story/ (Our Mission & Our Story – Red Letter Christians)

In today's episode, we are going to deal with the issue of picking and choosing which Bible verses we are going to follow. There is a right way to do it and a wrong way to do it. This is Part 1: the right way to do it. Let's get started.

Instead of crushing a snake this week, we decided to take a half-time break and spend some time thinking about what makes being a Christian so worth it. This episode goes out to encourage and remind all of us that at the end of this epic battle - we win! God will be the victor and He will share that victory with us. Lift your eyes, Christian. It's Good News.

Hell. What kind of God sends people to hell? How can He be a God of love if He sends His children to be punished in hell for eternity? That's our topic for today so let's get started.

If God is all powerful, why does evil exist? Why doesn't He do something about it? That's our topic in this episode. Let's get started.

Abortion may be legal but that doesn't mean that it is right. In this episode, we encourage Christians to intercede on behalf of the unborn baby that God has placed in their life. It is no accident that you are there at this time.

We believe the Bible tells us to obey the government. But is there a limit to this obedience? That's the topic for this episode. Let's get started.

In this episode, we'll talk about authority and what happens when we don't agree with God.

In today's episode, we're going to address God's Word and why you can believe it even though it was written by men.

Why are there so many Christian denominations? Does it make a difference in your salvation? Can you switch denominations and still go to heaven? These are the questions we'll take a look at in this episode. Let's get started.

In the last days, there will be a great falling away from the church. One of the reasons this is happening is because we have raised a generation to believe that the purpose of the church is to entertain them. When they get bored with it or it becomes inconvenient, they don't think twice about giving it up and spending their time elsewhere. The church was not created for entertainment. What is the purpose of the church? That's our topic for today. Let's get started.

This is our prayer for all of you during the Thanksgiving holiday. May God help us all to see the blessings He has given us and open our hearts to share them with others.

One of the results of the pandemic was "Church On Demand". Producing live stream sermons was a great answer to the lockdown requirements. But what started as a great idea is now having dangerous consequences. That's our topic for today.

What does it mean when we say "We went to church?" Does it have to be in a building with a sanctuary and an altar? That's the topic for today. Let's get started.