In Context and Culture

In today's episode, Cory and Trent take a break from their study through the book of Revelation and talk about what they believe are "areas of present contention within the Southern Baptist Convention."Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Southern Baptist Convention was unable to gather in 2020, and while "absence often makes the heart grow fonder," it seems our distance has only caused dissension. With racial tensions generally on the rise, particular cultural ideologies becoming popularized, and complementarian convictions being met with increased hostility, a fracture in our fellowship is noticeable, if not undeniable.In this episode, Cory and Trent discuss three important issues they believe will be addressed at the SBC this year messengers need to be aware of:1) Resolution 9 (CRT/Intersectionality)2) Complementarianism (Female Pastors)3) Presidential Election/Entity Discussion (present factions are visible and represented by presidential candidates)

In this episode, Cory and Trent take a look at the fifth trumpet judgment and the creatures that are released from "the bottomless pit." It is due to these horrifying creatures (referred to as "locusts" who inflict pain from their tail like a "scorpion) that unbelievers across the earth look and long for death. However, death evades them.What does this mean? Is God prolonging their life intentionally? Is he prolonging life in wrathful pain or in gracious patience? Will believers experience this torment? How are we to apply a passage like this to our lives today? Check out this episode for more details!If you enjoy the podcast/video, be sure to share it with a friend!

In this episode, Cory and Trent take a look at the seventh seal and the first four trumpet judgments of chapter 8 and arrive at their first disagreement with one another. Check out the episode to hear about their disagreement and learn about the significance of the trumpet judgments.If you enjoy the podcast/video, be sure to share it with a friend!

In this episode, Cory and Trent continue to take a break from their verse by verse exposition of the book of Revelation to take a look at Dispensationalism and its take on the book of Revelation. Both Cory and Trent are familiar with dispensationalism and its framework of Revelation by growing up in churches where it was the primary understanding of the book. However, Cory and Trent both no longer hold its perspective on the book. Listen to Cory and Trent as they discuss what they believe are 8 Difficulties of Dispensationalism (as it pertains to the book of Revelation).The 8 Difficulties of Dispensationalism they include are:1. The Rapture 2. Two Comings of Christ3. The 7 Year Tribulation4. Israel and the Church 5. The Temple and The People of God 6. Three Resurrections7. The Literal Thousand Years8. The Chronological Outlook

Join Cory and Trent as they take a break from their study of Revelation to “go down the rabbit hole” talking about their relationship with the Lord, their relationship with each other, and their relationship with the churches they serve.

At the end of chapter 6, destruction erupted across the earth as the sixth seal is opened. The wrath of God poured out across the face of the earth led the inhabitants of the earth to run and hide in caves, crying out for their death, exclaiming, “…the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand (Rev 6:17)?”The answer to the question of “who can stand as the wrath of God is poured out” is found in the following chapter. In chapter 7, before He brings His wrath against the ungodly, God commands other angels to “not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.”The rest of the chapter explains that, while believers may encounter persecution, they will not experience the wrath of God due to the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit that protects them and marks them as the people of God (a mark antithetical to the mark of the beast). While John hears 144,000 called out, He sees “a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” Both the 144,000 and the great multitude represent the sealed and set-apart, redeemed of God (Rev. 14) at all times and in all places. Join Cory and Trent discuss this hope-filled, awe-inspiring chapter.

In chapter 6, the Lamb who is worthy to open the seven seals begins to open them one by one. The first four of the seals release four horsemen some who come to conquer and others who come to destroy. The fifth seal points John to a number of Christian martyrs crying out for God to bring His final vindicating judgment upon the earth. And lastly, the sixth and final seal included in chapter six leads all across the earth to run and hide begging for their death. Revelation chapter 6 tends to be where interpreters with different viewpoints on the book as a whole begin to walk down entirely different interpretive paths. With respect to many other views, it is our viewpoint that chapter 6 is symbolic of increasing persecution and martyrdom throughout the current church age culminating in Christ’s final judgment upon the earth. Finally, the question of “who can stand” asked of unbelievers experiencing God’s wrath during the sixth seal, while yet to be answered, are believers who will not experience God’s wrath, because Jesus experienced it upon the cross in their place (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10).

In chapter 5, John remains in the heavenly throne room where the Father remains on His throne. In the Father’s right hand is a scroll with seven seals upon it no one is worthy to break. Because the scroll contains the God’s sovereign eternal plan for judgment and redemption, John weeps at the reality that no one is able to open the scroll. He is horrified without hope. However, like our salvation story, Jesus comes at the right moment to give hope to the hopeless. At last there is one who is worthy! The Lamb of God!At Christ’s ascension He was given authority over heaven and earth (Matt. 28:18). In this heavenly scene, Christ ascends to heaven, having conquered death and ensuring salvation through His sacrificial crucifixion, to the right hand of the Father where He will exercise His sovereignty and execute the plans of God.

After writing practical and personal letters to seven local churches enduring tribulation, John is taken up to see the heavenly throne room where he sees one seated whose indescribable appearance was best likened to precious and colorful stones.The throne and the one who is seated upon it is the dramatic center of the picture John describes with twenty-four elders around Him, flashes of lighting from Him, and a sea of glass with seven torches before Him.It is in this throne room we see the glory of God, the covenant of God, and the holiness of God.It is also in this throne room that we see objects from within the design of the Old Testament temple.While the reader is tempted to try to understand every detail and creature within the throne room, one must be careful not to see the forest for the trees and miss God Himself, who all of those creatures praise and to whom all of the details point.

Join Cory and Trent read and discuss the letter to the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-22. This is the last of seven letters written to local churches enduring tribulation in Asia minor during the first century. In these seven letters Christ gives a personal and practical message for congregations enduring persecution to hear and heed.The church in Laodicea was as apathetic as they were affluent. Not only were they spiritually ineffective (“neither hot nor cold”), their spiritual status made the Lord want to vomit (“I will spit you out of my mouth”). They were a business with a Biblical name; happy with goods and no godliness. The letter to the church in Laodicea is a strong warning against materialism and its deception. They thought themselves to be rich, yet they were poor. The exact opposite of the church in Smyrna.Although there was nothing in the church to be commended, the Lord still loved His church in Laodicea. His command was for them to repent, and if they would, by opening the door on which He knocked (inviting His words or rebuke and repenting), He would dine with them.

Join Cory and Trent read and discuss the letter to the church in Philadelphia in Revelation 3:7-13. This is the sixth of seven letters written to local churches enduring tribulation in Asia minor during the first century. In these seven letters Christ gives a personal and practical message for congregations enduring persecution to hear and heed.In the letter to the church in Philadelphia, Cory and Trent will discuss the characteristics of a church that is designated as “weak,” yet is devoted to the Word. The church in Philadelphia patiently endured persecution as well as slander from those who called themselves followers of God, yet were not. God promises that this church will see the repentance of Jewish individuals who had rejected the Messiah as well as their recognition of God’s particular love for the very they had slandered.In this letter we are encouraged to keep the faith and pray that our enemies would ultimately come to know the Lord they persecute us for proclaiming. God can and will save. God can and will vindicate His people. We are called to pray, commit, proclaim, and entrust ourselves to our Sovereign God.

Join Cory and Trent read and discuss the letter to the church in Sardis in Revelation 3:1-6. This is the fifth of seven letters written to local churches enduring tribulation in Asia minor during the first century. In these seven letters Christ gives a personal and practical message for congregations enduring persecution to hear and heed.In the letter to the church in Sardis, Cory and Trent will discuss the characteristics of a nominal ("in-name-only") church. The church in Sardis is "dead." Jesus' commands is for the church to "wake up" and repent. If they do not, He will come like a thief to them. This truth reminds us of 1 Thessalonians 5, where those that are not prepared for the Lord will be shocked when He comes like a thief in the night. In this letter we are encouraged to stay awake, stay vigilant, and be prepared for the Lord's return at any moment.

Join Cory and Trent read and discuss the letter to the church in Thyatira in Revelation 2:18-29. This is the fourth of seven letters written to local churches enduring tribulation in Asia minor during the first century. In these seven letters Christ gives a personal and practical message for congregations enduring persecution to hear and heed.In the letter to the church at Thyatira, Cory and Trent will discuss the idea that an ongoing toleration of divisive sin within a church is not only not destructive but it’s also disobedience to God and can lead to death. The church in Thyatira was a churched that loved well, but tolerated sin.In the letter to the church at Thyatira we’re encouraged to hold fast to the Word of God, to call out sin, to identify unbiblical teaching, and to continually discern the truth of the Word from the lies of the world.

Join Cory and Trent read and discuss the letter to the church in Pergamum in Revelation 2:12-17. This is the third of seven letters written to local churches enduring tribulation in Asia minor during the first century. In these seven letters Christ gives a personal and practical message for congregations enduring persecution to hear and heed.In the letter to the church at Pergamum, Cory and Trent will discuss the idea that a church can be faithful in proclamation yet unfaithful in practice. The church at Pergamum had begun to compromise with the world by holding the teachings of those whose desire it was to lead them away from God.In the letter to the church at Pergamum we’re reminded to keep watch of the life and teachings of those we follow, those we commit to in a local church, and our own lives as well. The church is called to rightly judge one another so that it may not face the righteous judgment of God.

Join Cory and Trent read and discuss the letter to the church in Smyrna in Revelation 2:8-11. This is the second of seven letters written to local churches enduring tribulation in Asia minor during the first century. In these seven letters Christ gives a personal and practical message for congregations enduring persecution to hear and heed.In the letter to the church at Smyrna, Cory and Trent will discuss the faithfulness of the church despite the persecution they had and would endure. The church at Smyrna is noted as spiritually healthy and eternally prosperous even while they were culturally hated and physically persecuted. Ultimately, Christ’s commendation of the church at Smyrna teaches us that God doesn’t call his church to be successful in the world’s eyes, but faithful in His. Faithfulness to Christ is what makes a healthy church.Check out this episode to learn more!

Join Cory and Trent read and discuss Revelation 2:1-7. In this episode, Cory and Trent will begin the discussion of the letters to the seven churches in the book of Revelation in chapters 2 and 3. They will talk about the common structure in, and purpose of, each letter. As you will hear, they will mention that each letter is both practical and personal and specifically written for each respective church to hear and heed. In the letter to the church at Ephesus they will mention how the people were both simultaneously, "right in their hate, yet wrong in their love." Can we identify with the church at Ephesus? What can we learn from this church? How might we "keep out first love?" Check out this episode to learn more!

Join Cory and Trent read and discuss Revelation 1:9-20. In this episode they will talk about the presence of Christ with His churches during tribulation enabling them to endure with patience. They will also talk about the common outline of the book found in verse 19 and give their take on who they believe the “angels” to be (or not to be) in verse 20.“ Be sure to keep up to date with giveaways and upcoming episodes by following the In Context and Culture podcast Instagram page (@incontextandculture).

Join Cory and Trent read and discuss Revelation 1:4-8. In this episode they will talk about the author and audience of the book. They will also talk about how looking at the power of God, our position before God, and our peace with God is the key to enduring difficult days. Lastly, they will talk about the controversy of the “two returns of Christ” on the clouds.

Join pastors Cory Majors and Trent Roseman as they open Revelation 1:1-3 and look at its context, Christ, our culture, and and controversy that arises in the text. In this first study in Revelation, Cory and Trent will be discussing three important things in the first three verse. Namely, that Revelation was written to reveal God’s plan, prepare God’s people, and bless those who obey what’s written in it.

Join pastors Cory Majors and Trent Roseman as they begin season two of In Context and Culture by opening the book of Revelation together. They’ll look at the letter’s original purpose as well as practical applications of the book today.

In this second episode about elders in the local church, Cory and Trent discuss a list of 10 important facts about elders and the local churches they serve.1. Elders lead the local church.2. Elders are always a plural group.3. Elders must meet and maintain certain character qualifications that pertain to their life, leadership, and love.4. Elders primary task is leading the church through the ministry of the Word and prayer.5. Elders are affirmed by their local church in becoming an elder.6. Elders are supported by their local church by their respect and financial support.7. Elders are submitted to by their local church because they are serving a role designed by God to care for His sheep.8. Elders may be removed by their local church for abuse of power, misconduct, etc.9. Elders, while they may serve specific ministries in the church based upon their giftings and matters of prudence, are all primarily given oversight over the whole church.10. Elders will give an account to God for how they steward their God-given position.

One of the ways we glimpse into God’s present power and are able to grasp His future promise of victory is in Jesus’ encounters with demons in the gospels. Jesus’ present authority assures us of our final victory.

Have you ever heard: "I'm a christian, but I don't believe it's necessary to be a part of an organized church?” While a phrase like this has become common place in our culture the truth is that Christ believed and taught that the local church is absolutely necessary in the life of a Christian. In fact, it is Christ who organized it, gave specific commands you cannot obey while in neglect of it, and gifted you by His grace with its gathering just as he gathered you in it by His grace.

In the first part of this two part discussion, Cory and Trent discuss the blessing, role, and relationship of elders in the local church. Cory walks us through the process of his church’s plan to (for the first time) institute elders.

As believers (witnesses of truth) we must prize truth as the Lord does. Therefore, we have to be better about perpetuating false information on social media. When we fail to investigate personally what we propagate publicly, we will find it easy to break the ninth commandment. Join Trent as discusses the susceptibility of particular sin on social media.

In this episode Cory and Trent invite Darren Selvidge, Worship Pastor at First Baptist Church Tampa, to discuss the church’s role in the culture at large. They discuss the current political and societal unrest as well as how the church can be a unique and distinct witness in its midst.

In this episode Cory and Trent invite their friend Brock Caldwell to ask the question “Where in the world is Kanye West?” They discuss the countless opinion blogs that published immediately after Kanye professed faith in Christ and they give their take on how christians should’ve responded. Not only that they have a conversation about each of their favorite Christian Contemporary Music artists growing up. Anyone know Caedmon’s Call? Are Natalie Grant and Amy Grant related? Do we have any Relient K fans? Lastly, they have a discussion on discernment and what it looks like to choose worship music with less-than-theologically-accurate churches producing the most popular worship music available.

In this episode Cory and Trent discuss online church and if it’s possible to truly “gather” online. They discuss that a church is a group of disciples who necessarily and regularly gather together. They also discuss the ability pastors through have to minister to families by providing resources (live-streaming worship and sermons) to encourage family worship. Cory and Trent also give their opinions on the phenomenon of “virtual communion.”Quotes from podcast:Cory: “Legalism has always been easier to run to than grace.” “What a great celebration it’s going to whenever we get back together as a church.” “In the Lord’s Supper there is not only a looking back at the sacrifice of the Lamb, but a looking forward to the marriage supper of the Lamb.”Trent: “Online church is sort of an oxymoron. Yet church leaders can help minister to families through live-streaming worship services to provide an online resources to encourage family worship.” “Church leader, you must be careful. If you’re instructing those watching your online livestream to partake in the Lord’s Supper with whatever they have at hand, you may be simultaneously communicating to your church the elements, the gathering, and the recipients don’t matter. Especially when you laugh about the Cheetos and Gatorade you used. Consider the wrong elements and the wrong elements brought by Nadab and Abihu that led to their death in in Leviticus 10.”

In this episode Cory and Trent discuss the cancellation of the 2020 Southern Baptist Convention, complementarianism, and Christian clichés that may be common, but prove to be unhelpful. Christian clichés that Cory and Trent cover are:- "It's a relationship, not a religion"- "You are enough"- "we're a judgment-free church"- "works don't matter"If you would like to read more from Cory and Trent you can visit https://www.wretchedtoredeemed.org.

What does it look like to grow as believers when we can’t gather with the Body of Christ? What are Biblical spiritual disciplines and how do we pursue them? Check out this weeks podcast with Cory and Trent as they discuss how to make the most use of your time while in quarantine.

Maybe you’ve heard someone say, “I’m a Christian but I don’t feel a need to be part of an organized church.” This is a common phrase for individuals not attending church. But what does Christ say? If a Christian is called to obey the commands of Christ, does Jesus command us to be a part of the church? In this podcast Cory and Trent discuss how Christ believed the local church is necessary, so much so, in fact, that He organized it, gave specific commands you cannot obey while in neglect of it, and gifted you by His grace with its gathering just as he gathered you in it by His grace.

What is pragmatism? Is it a problem in the church? What does its popularity tell us about the state of the church in our era? Join Cory and Trent as they discuss the methodology of pragmatism and how its pursuit leaves out a church's cultural context as well as the commands of God to produce a result that is successful in man's eyes without being faithful in God's eyes.