Join Pastor Jason from Zion • Clear Lake as he explores the Enneagram and what it means to grow through your number.
In this episode of the Pocket Theology podcast, the team dives deep into the heart of biblical interpretation, the value of education, and the beautiful messiness of the early church.Pulling from the opening themes of the Philippians series, "Whatever is Beautiful," the conversation moves from the intimidation of the pulpit to the "secret" of finding joy in a diverse community. They challenge the modern tendency to seek "special revelations" and instead invite listeners to join the 2,000-year-old conversation of the global Church.In this episode, we discuss:Preaching and Pressure: An honest look at the "love-hate relationship" with the pulpit and the responsibility of having "something to say" rather than just "having to say something." The "Bubble" of Isolation: Why reading only what we agree with limits our growth and the importance of expanding our "awareness" of the broader Christian narrative. Biblical vs. Systematic Theology: Using the "Heuristic of the Puzzle," we explore how a narrative framework (Promise, Fulfillment, Consummation) helps make sense of the story of God without getting pigeonholed into rigid systems. The Fellowship of the Gospel: Redefining "Koinonia" from a social "hang out" to a radical partnership of differing people united around the cross—much like the unlikely fellowship of the Ring. The "Good Work" in Progress: Reclaiming Philippians 1:6—not just as a personal promise of growth, but as a collective guarantee that Jesus will never give up on His Church. Whether you are a seasoned scholar or just "Bible-curious," this episode is an invitation to get low, stay humble, and let the Holy Spirit expand your vision of what it means to be the Church. Resources Mentioned:The Ways of Our God: An Approach to Biblical Theology by Charles Scobie How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon Fee Streams of Living Water by Richard Foster To connect, email podcast@zionclearlake.org • (zionclearlake.org/pockettheology)
Is the Bible a black-and-white rulebook, or is it a prism that only makes sense when held up to the light of Christ?In this episode of Pocket Theology, Pastor Jason and the team dive back into the letter to the Philippians to tackle some of the "messy" parts of faith. They discuss the tension between human logic and ancient Hebrew thought, the history of Biblical inerrancy, and why we often feel the need to be "relentlessly right" instead of "endlessly curious."The heart of the conversation lands on Philippians 4:4-7. While many use the verse "do not be anxious" as a spiritual reprimand, the team reframes it through the lens of gentleness and Koinonia (fellowship).In this episode, we discuss:The Prism of Scripture: Why Jesus is the ultimate lens through which we must read the Bible.The "Maraminate" of Anxiety: A look at the Greek roots of worry and why it feels like a whirlpool.Gentleness to All: How to meet others (and ourselves) in our brokenness without shame.The Road to Emmaus: Why Jesus gets "low" to meet us where we are, rather than demanding we have it all figured out.Whether you're a long-time believer or just starting to explore the story of Jesus, this episode is a reminder that you don't need a doctorate to be loved by God. It's okay to say, "I don't know," and it's okay to still be growing.Scripture Mentioned: Philippians 1, Philippians 4:1-11, Acts 16, Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:16, Matthew 11:28.To connect, email podcast@zionclearlake.org (zionclearlake.org/pockettheology)To connect, email podcast@zionclearlake.org (zionclearlake.org/pockettheology)
It started with back-pocket sardines and a debate over anchovy-flavored sweat, but the conversation quickly shifted to the real burning question: Why is true Christian hospitality so hard?In this episode, Jason, Kyle, and Jaden unpack the deep connection between food, fellowship, and faith. They discuss the proposed segment Hot Pocket Theology, the incarnational nature of the Christian life, and the difference between disagreement and openness when discussing theology.We explore the concept of the church as a radical welcoming space for all, using Paul's letter to the Romans as a guide: Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you (Romans 15:7). They wrestle with the importance of walking with people in suffering versus a hyper-focus on healing, and challenge the idea that the Gospel is a personal me story instead of a communal we story.To connect, email podcast@zionclearlake.org (zionclearlake.org/pockettheology)
Welcome back for Season 3! Pastor Jason opens up about hitting a wall and taking an unexpected mini-sabbatical to find recovery and rest. This candid conversation explores the critical need for healthy spiritual rhythms in a culture that pushes us toward burnout and constant busy-ness.In this episode, we discuss:The difference between a frantic "vacation culture" and genuine, life-giving Sabbath rest.Why the first thing Christians drop when life gets busy is often the "click track" (rhythm) of their faith community.The danger of putting our confidence in self-sufficiency and the work of ministry, rather than living from a place of already being beloved by Christ.What it looks like to strive to "enter God's rest" (Hebrews 4) and live from it, even as a busy parent, student, or leader.If you are exhausted by the constant pressure to be productive, this conversation is your permission to pause and find soul care in Christ.To connect, email podcast@zionclearlake.org
This week on Pocket Theology, we're hitting rewind to finish our discussion on 1 Corinthians and dive deep into what happens when the core of your faith and theological frameworks get challenged. It's jarring, but necessary! Jason and Kyle share raw stories of personal change and wrestle with Paul's call to be a Spiritual Father who reproduces Christ, not just a "pedagogue" who teaches doctrine.The Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk, but of power (Dunamis). But what does that actually mean?To connect, email podcast@zionclearlake.org
To connect, email podcast@zionclearlake.org
To connect, email podcast@zionclearlake.org
To connect, email podcast@zionclearlake.org
To connect, email podcast@zionclearlake.org
To connect, email podcast@zionclearlake.org
Watch Pastor Kaleb Hurley's message at https://zionlutheranchurch-iowa.subspla.sh/4fvcwmxTo connect, email podcast@zionclearlake.org
To connect, email podcast@zionclearlake.org
To connect, email podcast@zionclearlake.org
To connect, email podcast@zionclearlake.org
To connect, email podcast@zionclearlake.org
To connect, email podcast@zionclearlake.org
To connect, email podcast@zionclearlake.org
To connect, email podcast@zionclearlake.org
To connect, email podcast@zionclearlake.org
To connect, email podcast@zionclearlake.org
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