First Things

No one wants to live with regrets. According to Lifehacker contributor, Kristin Wong, there are three sure-fire ways to live with regrets in your latter years. In this week's episode, Oren and Dave will examine these "wastes of time", how they can lead to regrets, and how the Bible helps us avoid or overcome such issues. The Biggest Wastes of Time We Regret When We Get Older by Kristin Wong No Regrets by Adam Again Show Notes Not asking for help God is our greatest source of help (Ps.121) God intends us to live in community with others (Acts 2) Pride is often at the root of our not asking for help Trying to make bad relationships work Sin disrupts and distorts our relationships God desires reconciliation However, when reconciliation doesn't occur, the Bible warns us of the dangers of associating with “fools” or “the wicked” (Proverbs, Ps. 1) Dwelling on your mistakes and shortcomings We all make mistakes Without a new identity in Christ, our mistakes are destined to define us True transformation is a gospel issue, not a self-help issue. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

There's always a lot happening online. On this week's episode of Footnotable, Oren & Dave are discussing a few trending stories, courtesy of our friends at Axis, and how the Bible helps us respond. Follow us on social media YouTube Facebook Instagram Articles referenced in the episode: YouTube Gamers Roblox Strip Clubs Nicki Minah in Twitter Jail --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

Our desire to help following a Hurricane like Ida is natural. However, it isn't always clear which ways to serve are most helpful. Today, we're discussing short-term and long-term opportunities and needs and how we can engage in the right ways. Follow us on social media YouTube Facebook Instagram --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

What do we do when a storm like Ida brings devastation to our lives? How does it impact us in the short and long-term and what are the implications on our faith? Follow us on social media YouTube Facebook Instagram --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

Ever watched a movie and wondered what worldview was being presented? Probably not. However, learning to recognize worldviews in the media we enjoy is helpful to our spiritual development. In this episode, Oren and Dave share some tips on how to peel back the layers of narrative to discover the worldview underneath your favorite TV shows, movies, and books. Follow us on social media YouTube Facebook Instagram Show Notes TV and film are worldview propaganda. No one is just telling a story. Questions to ask with your kids Where or who is God? What confusing What's missing When watching a movie, ask yourself (from screenwriter and movie critic, Brian Godawa) [also works for books]. “What is the character flaw of the hero at the beginning?” “What makes him change his mind in the story about the way he sees the world?” “What does he learn about the way life ought or ought not be lived?” “What is different about the way he sees the world at the end from the way he sees it at the beginning?” --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

Is there such a thing as a biblical worldview? If so, how does the Bible shape our view of the world around us? What makes a biblical worldview distinct from all other worldviews? In this episode, Oren and Dave offer a brief overview of a biblical worldview's key beliefs and foundations. Connect with Footnotable: YouTube Facebook Instagram Show Notes: “If you want to know what water is, don't ask the fish.” - Chinese Proverb We all struggle to accurately describe the worldview in which we live. There is such a thing as a Christian or Biblical worldview and we can know it. Man-made worldviews are often built on multiple systems of truth claims such as science, religion, and philosophy. A Biblical worldview is built on God's universal truth, which shapes systems like religion, natural and social sciences, law, history, health care, the arts, the humanities, and all disciplines of study with an application for all of life. The Bible provides us with a reliable and consistent framework for knowing God's truth and applying it to our lives. What are the basics of a Biblical Worldview? (See outline here) What are the implications of a Biblical Worldview? It provides us a framework for moral and ethical thinking It informs our overall view of history It grounds us in the redemptive work of Jesus It holds out God's design as distinct from all other worldviews --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

We are all shaped by our worldview. However, worldviews don't have the staying power that you might think they do. Over the years, worldviews have come and gone. Which worldviews have had the biggest impact on our culture over the past century or so? How did they develop and where are they now? How do worldviews function in today's ever-changing society? Oren and Dave discuss these topics and their impact on the church and culture in the second episode of our series on worldview. Follow us on social media YouTube Facebook Instagram Show Notes Despite their importance, outside of the biblical worldview, no worldview has ever sustained its influence indefinitely. Non-biblical worldviews have a 100% mortality rate. This means that there's always something new on the horizon. The way most people view the world will eventually change. Examples of Worldviews: Modernism - Reality, knowledge, and morality are founded in science, human reasoning, and objective evidence. Faith in God along with other beliefs and values are entirely personal and subjective and, therefore, has no place in the realm of objective truth Began in the early 20th century. Shaped by the Enlightenment, Freud, and major scientific advances Characterized by nihilism - the rejection of religious and moral principles as being the only means for guiding a society, and individualism. Sought to achieve a type of utopia for humanity. Postmodernism - A worldview characterized by broad skepticism, subjectivism, or relativism; a general suspicion of reason; and an acute sensitivity to the role of ideology in asserting and maintaining political and economic power. Began mid-20th century Is, in part, a reaction against modernism. Science and history can be objectively true or false Logic, reason, science, and technology can be used to better humanity. Not very well organized as a worldview The Handmaid's Tale (Margaret Atwood) is a great example of postmodern thinking. Beyond Modernity and Postmodernity Today, there is no longer a single worldview that is prevalent. People's increased exposure to various ways of thinking has led to worldviews being treated like buffets, with people taking a little from multiple worldviews and creating their own. What's On the Buffet Line? New Spirituality - All gods or spirits are the same regardless of the names we use. Karma. (Rise of paganism) Secularism - Science is necessary to establish truth. Society determines the value of life. Meaning is material. Postmodernism - We can't know meaning for certain. Individuals define morality. Offensive beliefs are wrong. Marxism - Private property encourages greed. The government should be in control of goods and resources. Society is controlled by those with power who use it to oppress those without. Knowing which worldviews are shaping our thinking is important. We need a better, unchanging, and lasting worldview. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

We all have them whether we know it or not. What exactly is a worldview and why is it important? Oren and Dave kick off their new series in this episode as they seek to bring some clarity to our understanding of worldviews and their function in our lives. Follow us on social media YouTube Facebook Instagram Show Notes Clarify some terms Worldview There are several very technical definitions “A worldview is an overall view of the world. It's not a physical view of the world, but rather a philosophical view, an all-encompassing perspective on everything that exists and matters to us.” - James Anderson Everyone has a worldview, even if you aren't consciously aware of it. Culture Culture is the expression of a worldview and includes the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social groups. Think of an iceberg Culture is 10% of what we see. Worldview is the other 90% that lies below the surface. Why worldviews matter Worldviews seek to answer the big questions of life Where did we come from? Why is the world the way it is? Where are we headed? What is the final outcome? Worldviews can be shaped and changed. Worldviews shape and change us. The Seinfeld Worldview: Fate is nothing more than the world the characters make for themselves. (taken from Seinfeld, Master of Its Domain) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

It's one thing to educate yourself on the issues surrounding the LGBTQ+ movement. It's another to live our Biblical convictions with that knowledge with people we actually know. Oren and Dave offer practical advice on navigating relationships, standing for truth, loving like Jesus, and preparing our children to hold to biblical truth. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

How did philosophies from almost 400 years ago help create our modern views on identity and sexuality? These days self is king, but it wasn't always like that. Oren and Dave give a quick (very quick) overview of how changes in philosophy, science, and psychology laid the foundations for where we are today. Follow us on social media YouTube Facebook Instagram Show Notes: God matters in our thinking. Philosophers during the Enlightenment began removing God and replacing him with self Jean-Jacques Rousseau A God-less framework requires a deconstruction of reality and worldview How we see society, economy, power, etc. If meaning and purpose don't come from God, then where? My true, authentic self Nietzsche and Marx double down on the self God must die Meaning is what you make of it Charles Darwin Bad science meets bad thinking Sigmund Freud The sexualization of self Implications on children Man-made realities have a common enemy - the God of the Bible How should Christians respond to the philosophies and ideas that created the modern concept of self? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

How are we to make sense of our culture's current attitudes towards identity and sexuality? How did we get to this point? Oren and Dave begin a new series on identity and sexuality and trace the root of our modern views back nearly 400 years. Each episode will explore different philosophies and psychologies that led us to where we are today. Follow us on social media YouTube Facebook Instagram Full Show Notes: New 4 episode series on identity and sexuality Walk through Carl Trueman's book, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self Why this topic? “Why does the sentence, “I am a woman trapped in a man's body” make sense not simply to those who have sat in poststructuralist and queer-theory seminars but to my neighbors, to people on the street, to coworkers who have no particular political ax to grind…” How does this go from absurd to accepted? The social imaginary The way people think about the world, how they imagine it to be, how they act intuitively in relation to it. A set of intuitions and practices. Do we live in a world with a given order and given purpose or one that is strictly material where purpose can be defined by the individual? What are the implications? Expressive individualism The idea that each of us finds our meaning by giving expression to our own feelings and desires. These expressions are my true, authentic identity “If the inner psychological life of the individual is sovereign, then identity becomes as potentially unlimited as the human imagination.” Two important questions Why is it important that identity is publicly acknowledged? Why is it that the public acknowledgment of some identities is compulsory and of others is forbidden? Over the next few weeks, we'll seek to provide answers and give a background for how these identities and views of sexuality emerged. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

It's one thing to understand poverty alleviation from a biblical perspective. It's another to actually put it into practice. Oren and David discuss practical steps churches can take to do poverty alleviation well while keeping a gospel focus. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

We all have good intentions. We all really mean well. However, sometimes our good intentions get in the way of what is best. This is the case when it comes to poverty alleviation. Too often, our good intentions actually hurt the poor. Follow us on social media YouTube Facebook Instagram --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

Should the church be involved in poverty alleviation? How does the Bible help us understand our responsibility and response? Can the church even make a difference? Oren and David tackle these questions in the second episode of their series on poverty alleviation. Follow us on social media YouTube Facebook Instagram Show Notes: Biblical mandate Old Testament Lev. 25:35–38; Deut. 14:28–29; Lev. 19:9–10 “There should be no poor among you,” God declared (Deut. 15:4). New Testament Matt. 25:31–46; Acts 6:1–7; Gal. 2:1–10; 6:10; James 1:27 1 John 3:16–18 It's part of the mission of the church Poverty alleviation is a gospel issue Kingdom work is to be done by kingdom citizens Luke 9 & 10 The example of Jesus The poor need the compassionate, gospel-centered response of the church. "I'm from the government and I'm here to help." Yikes! The church can't fix every problem, but it can do better than the lost. God intends for the rich and poor to worship together. The church is meant to be the most multi-ethnic, socially diverse community in the world. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

How we think about poverty matters. Most define it in terms of material resources. However, the Bible helps us understand and address the heart of the matter. Turns out, we're all poor. In their four-part series on poverty, Pastors Oren and Dave take a look at an issue that impacts every one of us. Follow us on social media YouTube Facebook Instagram Full Show Notes: What comes to mind when you hear the word poverty? How is it typically defined? Poverty is most often defined in terms of a lack of material resources. Poverty in the words of the poor. (quotes from When Helping Hurts pg. 50) No one needs us. We are like garbage. . . Powerless and unheard. . . How does the Bible help us define and understand poverty? Broken relationships God - our primary relationship Self - image of God Others - we are not islands Creation - our cultural mandate (Gen. 1:28-30) “Poverty is the result of relationships that do not work, that are not just, that are not for life, that are not harmonious or enjoyable. Poverty is the absence of shalom in all its meanings.” Based on this understanding of poverty, we must understand that it is a gospel issue at its heart. The answer to the brokenness of poverty is Jesus. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

Studies show that Gen Z grows up slower than previous generations. What are some ways we see evidence of this? Why is this trend towards a delay in adulthood happening? Oren and David discuss these questions in this episode. Follow us on social media YouTube Facebook Instagram Full Show Notes: At some point in your life as a kid, you realize just how bad you want to grow up. You can’t wait to grow up. Gen Z, however, is taking a different approach. Slow Grow Facts Gen Z teens are less likely to go out without their parents and experience the freedom of being out of the house without their parents. This delays those first experiences of being an adult and needing to make their own decisions, good or bad. Gen Z teens are less likely to date. This means they are less likely to have sex than teens in previous decades. This has resulted in the lowest teen birthrate ever. It’s down by more than half. Gen Z teens delay in getting their driver’s license 1 out of 4 teens don’t have their license by the time they graduate from high school No longer a symbol of freedom Gen Z teens are less likely to spend time alone at home after school. Fewer latchkey kids Fewer unaccompanied/supervised children Gen Z teens are less likely to get a job If they work, they work fewer hours on average There isn’t a significant rise in extracurricular activities Less time spent on homework Why the Slow Grow? Today’s teens follow a slow life strategy. Families have fewer children Parents cultivate each child longer and more intensely They just don’t “need” to There’s less of a “survival” mentality among Gen Z and their parents --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

Gen Z is like no generation that has come before it. Driven by the rapid technological advances of the past 25 years and shaped by a series of volatile and divisive cultural events, Gen Z is a complex generation yet full of promise. How does Gen Z see the world? In what ways does technology inform and mediate their lives? How have values and morals shifted within this generation compared to older ones? Follow Footnotable... YouTube Facebook Instagram Full Show Notes: Screenagers “Gen Z has come of age in a world saturated by digital technology and mediated by mobile devices” -Barna 57% of teens use screen media four or more hours a day. How does Gen Z use Social Media? Talk/chat with friends or relatives - 91% Share photos or videos - 79% See news stories - 63% Connect with or meet new people - 54% (compared to 39% of adults) Follow or connect with celebrities, cultural icons and brands - 53% Find information about or organize events - 45% “Gen Z, along with Millennials, are more likely than older generations to think social media is a good place to discuss opinions and ideas, and to trust information they encounter online.” - Barna Post-Christian Worldview The percentage of people with a biblical worldview decile in each generation Boomers - 10% Gen X - 7% Millennials - 6% Gen Z - 4% The percentage of Gen Z that identifies as atheist is double that of U.S. adults. 34% claim no religious affiliation “As the cultural cost of being a Christian increases, people who were once Christian only in name likely have started to identify as nones, disintegrating the ‘ideological ‘bridge’ between unbelievers and believers.” - James White The erosion of a biblical worldview has huge implications on Gen Z. Gen Z views on Sexuality and Gender Sex outside of marriage is increasingly accepted. However, Gen Z is becoming sexually active at a later age. Monogamy is out - emotionless, physical relationships are in. Marriage is out - casual dating and cohabitation are in. Kids are out - living my life on my terms is in. Intimacy is out - pornography is in. Standards of morality are out - everything is in (LGBTQ+) Biology is out - how I feel is in (Gender) “Safe Spaces” Are Normal “Gen Z teens do not like to make people feel bad. Their collective aversion to causing offense is the natural project of a pluralistic, inclusive culture that frowns on passing judgment.” - Barna Safe spaces and trigger warnings. Leads to a lack of open convictions Causes anxiety over expressing an opinion or providing an answer. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

Have you heard of Generation Z? If not, it's time for you to be introduced. In this first episode of a new series, Oren and Dave say hello to Gen Z and discuss why they are worth knowing. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

Is the resurrection nothing more than religious fantasy or does it have implications on our lives today? Oren and Dave discuss several reasons why the resurrection of Jesus matters in the lives of believers and non-believers alike. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

Did Jesus accomplish anything on the cross? Was his death just a good example or was it something more? Why did he die in the first place? The atonement of Jesus has life or death implications. Therefore, it needs to be understood. Thankfully, the Bible provides us clear answers to the aforementioned questions. Oren and Dave mentioned John Piper's book, Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die, during the episode. You can download the free PDF here: https://bit.ly/3wrSxya Connect with Footnotable on social media: Instagram Facebook YouTube --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

Once we come to faith in Christ, how are we to grow in faith and maturity? What role do fellow believers have in the discipleship of other Christians? Oren and Dave continue their conversation from the previous episode as they discuss the different phases of a disciple and why relationships are so important to the disciple-making process. *Fair warning. This episode was recorded with Dave via phone and Oren in charge of pressing buttons in the studio. Needless to say, we've done better. Follow *Footnotable on Social Media Facebook Instagram Youtube --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." - Jesus Making disciples has always been a difficult task. In today's rapidly changing culture, how can we be faithful to Christ's command without compromising the gospel? In this episode, Oren and Dave offer a practical look at disciple-making among the lost using an analogy that everyone can easily understand. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

Discipleship is a word we hear in church a lot. But what does it really mean? What is a disciple? Am I really supposed to disciple others? Isn't that the job of the pastor? In this episode, Oren and David take a look at what the Bible teaches about discipleship and how it's meant to impact our participation within the community of faith. Don't forget to connect with us on social media! Instagram Facebook YouTube --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

Has it really been a year? What a year it has been! Oren and Dave reminisce about their first year of Footnotable and breakdown the top 10 episodes from last season. Come take a walk down memory lane with us. Follow Footnotable on: Facebook YouTube Instagram --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

Back in Season 1 Episode 5, Oren and David discussed the topic of sabbath rest. Nearly a year and a pandemic later, they decided to dust off this early episode and have another go. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

Keep Christ in Christmas, or so the bumper sticker goes. Not a bad piece of advice, but how exactly do we go about that? What does it mean for the believer in general? What about those who are grieving during this time of year? Pastors Oren and David discuss the importance of Christ in this, the final episode of their series on Advent. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

How do we experience joy in the midst of such sorrow and grief? Does Christmas help or hurt? How do we comfort and encourage those during this season who are struggling to experience joy? Pastors Oren and David continue their series on Advent as they discuss the subject of joy. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

No one likes waiting, especially at Christmas. We all have stories of the ever-increasing anticipation of gifts and gatherings. Anticipation is an important part of the Advent season as we look forward to Christ's return. In this episode, Pastors Oren and David discuss what it means to live in the moment between the first and second coming of Jesus and how the anticipation builds on the hope we have in Him. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

The Christmas season is a joyous time for many. However, there are those whose hearts are weighed down with sorrow and grief. Pastors Oren and David begin a new series where they'll discuss how the advent of Jesus brings new meaning and focus to the hurt we experience. In this week's episode, the theme of hope is explored. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

You thought your Thanksgiving was strange? Listen to this episode and feel normal. Add a little levity to your Thanksgiving Day prep and let Pastors Oren and David give you a tour through some of the stranger traditions practiced by your fellow Americans. Enjoy.  Follow Footnotable on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter Follow Oren: Instagram Twitter Follow David: Instagram Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

Has 2020 given us anything to be thankful for? How do we have a good Thanksgiving when so much of this year has gone wrong? Pastors Oren and David discuss how to make the most of Thanksgiving this year with practical advice and creative ideas. Follow Footnotable on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter Follow Oren: Instagram Twitter Follow David: Instagram Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

In a follow-up to the Paranormal Livestream event, Pastors Oren and David answer questions submitted from those wanting insights on topics not covered during the livestream. Specifically, Freemasons, Kabbalah, and Catholic Exorcism. Articles used in research for this episode Freemasonry Freemasonry and Christianity Is Freemasonry Occultic? Kabbalah Is Kabbalah Consistent With Christianity? Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry Follow Footnotable on social media: Email us at hello@fbcbr.com Facebook Instagram Twitter Follow Oren: Instagram Twitter Follow David: Instagram Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

Candy! Candy! Candy! What kids don't like the concept of Halloween? As Halloween becomes an ever-growing, billion-dollar-a-year industry so grows our nation's fascination with the spirit world. This isn't just a passing interest either. More and more people, especially in younger generations, are adopting worldviews and beliefs that heavily involve the spirit world. In this episode, Pastors Oren and David will talk about their Halloween experiences growing up and how the spirit world has changed the religious landscape in America. Send in your questions about the supernatural and paranormal world to hello@fbcbr.com First Baptist Church Baton Rouge on YouTube - Paranormal livestream event on October 25 @ 6 PM Follow Footnotable on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter Follow Oren: Instagram Twitter Follow David: Instagram Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

This week, Pastor David attended the ETCH Family Ministry Conference hosted by Lifeway, and Pastor Oren checked in to see how things were going. They discuss the conference, the experience of attending online, and why family ministry is so important in the church. Click here to learn more at ETCH and how you can participate. Follow Footnotable on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter Follow Oren: Instagram Twitter Follow David: Instagram Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

How has belief among the average church attendee changed in recent years? The results of the recent State of Theology survey shows that the theological beliefs of the culture are being rapidly adopted by those within the church. Oren and David continue their discussion on these findings and take a look at why beliefs in the church are likely trending this way and what the church can do moving forward. It's clear that theology matters - and that makes it footnotable. Survey results discussed in this episode: GOD God accepts the worship of all religions - 74% agree God rewards true faith with material blessings - 50% agree JESUS The bodily resurrection of Jesus actually occurred - 13% disagree; 5% not sure Jesus is the greatest being created by God - 72% agree Jesus is not God - 58% agree HUMANITY, SIN & SALVATION People are good by nature - 72% agree The smallest sin deserves eternal damnation - 67% disagree God counts a person as righteous because of their faith in Jesus - 64% agree Salvation is only for those who trust in Jesus alone as their Savior - 73% agree THE BIBLE The Bible is not literally true - 45% agree The Bible is 100% accurate in all that it teaches - 55% agree The Bible has the authority to tell us what to do - 30% disagree; 7% not sure Hell is a real place - 66% agree THE CHURCH Worshiping alone is a valid replacement for attending church - 72% agree Churches must provide entertaining worship services to be effective - 44% agree CULTURE Sex outside of traditional marriage is a sin - 41% disagree Abortion is a sin - 40% disagree Gender identity is a matter of choice - 39% agree The Bible’s condemnation of homosexuality doesn’t apply today - 39% agree Religious belief is a matter of personal opinion; it's not about objective truth - 53% agree Follow Footnotable on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter Follow Oren: Instagram Twitter Follow David: Instagram Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

What do Americans believe about God, Jesus, the Bible, sin, and salvation? How has it changed over the years? Does it really matter? What about within the church? Oren and David begin a two-part series where they discuss the implications of the State of Theology survey conducted by Ligonier and Lifeway in 2020. What we believe, or don't believe for that matter, has ripple effects on our thoughts, actions, political and economic systems, and even how we view each other - and that makes it footnotable. Follow Footnotable on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter Follow Oren: Instagram Twitter Follow David: Instagram Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

Discussions online can turn ugly real fast. People embrace the anonymity and disconnected nature of social media and feel free to let people have it. It can be incredibly toxic. Sadly, many who call themselves Christians act the exact same way online. Rather than being countercultural, they embrace the fallen culture of online interaction. Thankfully, there's a better way. How we act and engage with others online is vitally important and speaks volumes about what we actually believe about Jesus and His Word. Our status as ambassadors for Christ is at stake online - and that makes it footnotable. Follow Footnotable on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter Follow Oren: Instagram Twitter Follow David: Instagram Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

Our digital reality can seem so overwhelming! Are we hopeless to make any sense of it? Is there anything we can do to gain control for the sake of our families? Actually, there is. In today's episode, Oren and David get down and practical about digital in the home and how to establish a Family Technology Plan. Without proper guardrails and guidance from parents, families will likely suffer the negative effects of social media, screen time, and the psychological and mental consequences that come with them - and that makes it footnotable. 12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You - Tony Reinke iGen - Jean Twenge Axis.org Follow Footnotable on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter Follow Oren: Instagram Twitter Follow David: Instagram Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

How has news changed over the past 30 years? Do facts and data still have value or has there been a shift to opinion and emotion? Am I being manipulated without knowing it? Research shows that significant shifts in how news is produced and disseminate have occurred in our society. These shifts impact how we perceive and respond to the world around us. Understanding these shifts helps us gain a better understanding of the current hostility and divisiveness associated with the news today - and that makes it footnotable. Rand Corporation Study: Truth Decay The Gospel Coalition article: What Christians Should Know About QANON Follow Footnotable on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter Follow Oren: Instagram Twitter Follow David: Instagram Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

Digital is the biggest shift in communication since the printing press. It's not a fad and it dominates every aspect of our lives. Digital has opened doors for helpful advancements but it is also used for harm. How do we live and navigate wisely in our digital age? We'll seek to answer this question over in our three-part series, Navigating the Digital Age. In this episode, Oren and David discuss the advent and rapid growth of digital technology, share some startling statistics, and talk about various ways digital is used and misused in our society today. Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a 5-star review! Follow Footnotable on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter Follow Oren: Instagram Twitter Follow David: Instagram Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

Does belief in the afterlife keep Christians from addressing the pain and suffering of this world? Has the church become so heavenly minded that it's of no earthly good? How are we to live our lives in the light of eternity? We believe that the afterlife has profound implications on our lives in the here and now. However, we must have a correct, biblical understanding of life after this one. Otherwise, we tend to err on one extreme or the other. The needs of this world matter greatly, but what we believe about the afterlife determines the significance of our response - and that makes it footnotable. Follow Footnotable on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter Follow Oren: Instagram Twitter Follow David: Instagram Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

If caring, kind people are in a loving relationship, why should anyone care about how they express themselves sexually? Who are we to say that what people feel isn’t right, especially if no harm seems to be done? This is episode 23 of Footnotable. We believe that love and human sexuality are gifts from God, but must be understood according to His design and purpose - and that makes it footnotable. Follow Footnotable on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter Follow Oren: Instagram Twitter Follow David: Instagram Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

Is the church a magnet for power-hungry individuals looking to have their way? If Jesus spoke against the dangers of authoritarian leadership, then why have any authority within the church at all? Wouldn’t it be better if the church threw off such structures and instead worked to resolve the various conflicts that harm our society? This is episode 22 of Footnotable. We believe that leadership within the church is necessary, but sometimes it can be abused and go unchecked, wreaking havoc within the community of faith- and that makes it footnotable. Follow Footnotable on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter Follow Oren: Instagram Twitter Follow David: Instagram Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

Everywhere you look, there are needs to be met. What if the church, instead of focusing on evangelism and institutional stability got busy meeting those needs? Wouldn’t it be better if Christians threw off their institutional bonds and started a movement? This is episode 21 of Footnotable. We believe that the local church is the best means for meeting needs in our communities and around the world. However, this concept is often misunderstood- and that makes it footnotable. Follow Footnotable on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter Follow Oren: Instagram Twitter Follow David: Instagram Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

Does Christianity stifle free thinking? Is the church just interested in protecting its own authority? Is church discipline nothing more than a means to blackball truly independent thinkers? You’re listening to episode 20 of Footnotable. We believe that how we approach our spiritual journey has profound implications on our view of truth and the importance of the church - and that makes it footnotable. Follow Footnotable on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter Follow Oren: Instagram Twitter Follow David: Instagram Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

Is it okay to ask questions about God, the Bible, and Christianity? In fact, wouldn’t it be better to approach these things with open minds rather than insisting on absolute truths? Wouldn't the church come across as more charitable if it encouraged discovery over dogma? You’re listening to episode 19 of Footnotable. We believe that thorough questioning of what we believe as Christians is essential to a grounded faith - and that makes it footnotable. Follow Footnotable on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter Follow Oren: Instagram Twitter Follow David: Instagram Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

If doctrine divides, then why not focus elsewhere? Does pursuing theology make us cold and unkind? Wouldn’t society be better if the church led the way in gracious behavior? Do we ignore the dignity of humanity when we insist on right belief? This is episode 18 of Footnotable. We believe the issue of belief and behavior sets the tone of how many in society and within the church approach relationships. That makes it footnotable. Follow Footnotable on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter Follow Oren: Instagram Twitter Follow David: Instagram Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/footnotable/message

Can’t we all just get along? Why do Christians have to be so judgemental? Wouldn’t it be better if we worked towards reconciliation in society? Fair questions to be sure, but do they mesh with Scripture and reality for that matter? This is episode 17 of Footnotable. We believe the issue of reconciliation is key in our society but also in our understanding of God. That makes it footnotable. Follow Footnotable on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter Follow Oren: Instagram Twitter Follow David: Instagram Twitter

Are people sinners? If so, how big of a deal is it? More than that, how important is it that people know they are sinners? Should we tell them? And how do we balance people’s sinfulness with their potential as God’s image-bearers? Whatever Happened to Sin? - from the 1983 album by Steven Taylor, I Want to Be a Clone Follow Footnotable on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter Follow Oren: Instagram Twitter Follow David: Instagram Twitter

Do some Christians take the divinity of Jesus too far? What’s wrong with looking to Jesus as our moral example? Has Christianity strayed away from the true intent of Jesus? These are serious questions that demand serious answers. In this episode, Pastors Oren and David discuss the differences between the orthodox and progressives views of Jesus and why they matter. Follow Footnotable on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter Follow Oren: Instagram Twitter Follow David: Instagram Twitter

How closely should we examine the beliefs of others? How closely should we examine our own? Are the questions posed by critics of orthodox Christianity even worth considering? What’s at stake in these debates? The Ten Commandments of Progressive Christianity by Michael J. Kruger Follow Footnotable on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter Follow Oren: Instagram Twitter Follow David: Instagram Twitter