Mission Focused Men for Christ

Episode Summary: The resurrection reminds us that the gospel is not just about our personal, private salvation and growth in holiness (which is called the two-chapter gospel.) Such a gospel leads to separating from the lost, forgetting their inherent value as those created in God's image, and devaluing the (common grace) contributions they make to our culture. In contrast, the resurrection of Christ's physical body reminds us that the true gospel story has four chapters: creation, fall, redemption, restoration. Christ-followers are called to be part of the greatest mission in the history of the world, Christ's renewal of our corner of planet earth to bring about the righteousness and flourishing that God intends for each part of his creation. This episode seeks to capture our hearts with the greatness of the mission our Lord has assigned to us.For Further Prayerful Thought:Celebrate the fact that your calling from Christ is to part of the biggest enterprise in the history of the world—Christ's overthrow of Satan, sin, and death and establishment of his kingdom of righteousness over nook and cranny of earth.The Council of Nicaea countered the heresy that Christ's resurrection was just spiritual by insisting that Orthodox Christianity believes in the resurrection of the body. It also decreed that all towns with cathedrals build hospitals. How are these two decisions related to one another?How does the two-chapter gospel deny what Jesus said was his reason for coming to earth when he quoted Isaiah 61, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor”? Resources Used All Things New by Hugh WhelchelThe Call of the Jericho Road by Tim KellerDiscipling Men's Hearts Through Kingdom Theology by Gary Yagel (doctoral dissertation)For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary: Though we associate Jesus' arrival on a donkey with children and palm branches, those actually with Jesus who shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” saw his arrival as the coming of the promised Messianic King who would fully and finally overthrow their enemies. This episode is devoted to better understanding the nature of Christ's kingship and kingdom, which was not only misunderstood by the crowd and his disciples but is misunderstood by many Christians today.  For Further Prayerful Thought:What stood out to you from David's foreshadowing, Ezekiel's prophecy or Jesus' triumphal entry that emphasized our calling to fight Satan?What stood out to you from David's foreshadowing, Ezekiel's prophecy or Jesus' triumphal entry that emphasized our calling to battle our sinful nature and strive for godly attitudes?What stood out to you from David's foreshadowing, Ezekiel's prophecy or Jesus' triumphal entry that emphasized our calling to join in Jesus restoration of everything on planet earth broken by sin?For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary: Since it is the nature of men to want to win in everything they do, Christian Christ-followers want to win as disciples. Paul defines this success as reaching spiritual maturity, but such a target on the wall can be nebulous. In I Samuel 24, however, David displays three striking marks of spiritual maturity that give us a clear example to emulate. This episode explains these three marks of spiritual maturity.For Further Prayerful Thought:How can you better follow David's example of listening to a biblically trained conscience even in the face of overpowering circumstances and peer pressure?If you think about it, Satan's revolt and Adam and Eve's sin were a defiance of God's authority. How can Christians oppose injustice by those in authority but guard against movements that play upon sinful envy or rebellion against authority?What do David's words to Saul teach you about how to forgive one who is unjustly harming us?For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary. Many of us haven't thought much about protecting our families, not just physically but emotionally. Feelings of depression, worry, bitterness, worthlessness, and fear can devastate our loved ones. One of the most eye-opening questions a husband can ask his wife is, “Are their fears that sometimes grip your heart?” This episode is designed to help us know how to cope with our own fears and know how to help our kids and wives deal with theirs. We will sit at the feet of David and see what he learned when terror filled his heart because he was captured and taken to the king of Gath—the ruler of the hometown of Goliath whose head David had cut off.For Further Prayerful Thought:Although the pressure point you have faced may not be fear but another strong emotion, what can you learn from the first Psalm we studied, Psalm 56 about trusting God with the situation, the emotion in order to rest in God?Notice that as David pens Psalm 34, which looks back on the terrifying experience of being captured by the Philistines, he voices intense determination in the very first verse, to bless the Lord at all times. How do you think his experience of being captured and rescued from Achish strengthened this determination?What do you think of the idea that David's invitation to everyone in Psalm 34, “taste and see that the Lord is good” is an excellent approach to evangelism. How might this idea shape our efforts to share Christ with those around us? For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary. Christians find universal comfort in knowing that the Bible never flatters its heroes but exposes their numerous flaws. Such honesty inspires us with hope because we know that we ourselves are deeply flawed. Such a hero was David who had big successes but even bigger failures. This episode provides encouragement for all of us as we see David succeeding bigtime, failing bigtime, but always getting back up after he falls. For Further Prayerful Thought:How is David typical of most Christian men?Consider the three steps David took in Psalm 59. Why might these steps enable us all to pass the test of our faith when we face impossible situations?David learned some hard lessons through his dishonesty, which cost the lives of the priestly families at Nob. Which of these lessons most stands out to you?Has your sin hurt another so badly that you have trouble believing that Jesus' blood can really wash it' away. If so, ask Jesus to help you. Remember, every person sitting beside you in church is a murderer because it was our sin that sent Jesus to the cross. For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left) 

Episode Summary. Christian tradition records envy as one of the seven deadly sins, along with lust, greed, pride, gluttony, wrath, and laziness. God warns us, Envy makes the bones rot (Prov 14:30b). This episode examines how King Saul's envy of David steadily eroded the health of his soul. It then examines how to attack four roots of envy that can grow in our hearts. For Further Prayerful Thought:What new observations about competition, jealousy and envy stood out to you?What stands out most to you about the way envy got control of Saul?We observed four roots of envy: pride which wants to be exalted, low self-assurance that you are loved so you need peer respect too much, low self- esteem so you must prove yourself, and discontentment which makes you prone to wanting what others have. Which root concerns you most about your own life?For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary. This episode examines the most famous friendship in the Bible the bond between Jonathan and David. We study their example to see how we can enjoy stronger brotherhood connections ourselves, because experiencing such brotherhood bonds has always been God's intent, as Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 explains.  Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.Resource Used for this EpisodeGot Your Back: Helping Christian Men Forge the Brotherhood Connections They NeedCheck 6 Wallet Card Pack  For Further Prayerful Thought:What stood out to you the most about Jonathan and David's friendship?What do you think of Stu Weber's statement, “something inside us longs for someone to die with…someone to die beside…someone to lock step with. Another man with a heart like our own?” Have you ever had a friend like that?What steps do you need to take to build or to maintain the kind of brotherhood connection David and Jonathan had and Jesus modeled?What can you do to help the other men in the church get out of isolation and into brotherhood connections in the Body of Christ? For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

John Eldredge is right when he says, “A man must have a cause to which he is devoted even unto death, for this is written into the fabric of his being (Wild at Heart). The adage is true, “If a man doesn't have a cause to die for, he doesn't have a cause to live for.” This episode is about the greatest cause in the history of the world—the kingdom of Jesus defeating the kingdom of evil and spreading righteousness over earth. David's defeat of Goliath, which foreshadowed Jesus' victory over sin, provokes the question, “Is there some Goliath Jesus wants me to more intentionally fight,” and provides practical insight for spiritual battle from David's defeat of Goliath.For Further Prayerful Thought:Do you think there are some sins in Christian men's lives that they have been so overpowered by that they give up fighting? What might they be? How can this story of David and Goliath give them faith to step onto the battlefield?Do you think there are cultural battles that many men believe reflect such spiritual power from the kingdom of darkness that they are reluctant to launch intentional fight against them?Which of the six principles exhibited in David's defeat of Goliath stood out most to you? For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary. One of the great truths of life is that one's mental perspective determines one's attitude. Eve believed the lie that God's command not to eat the fruit was selfish and that God was keeping something to be desired—the knowledge of good and evil—from her. That perspective led to the attitude of rebellion which led to the action of sin. This episode seeks to better understand how wrong thinking leads to wrong attitudes, which is why we need to protect the rising generation from the destructive ideas invading their lives.For Further Prayerful Thought:What examples most stood out to you about the way our mental perspective determines our attitude?Of the eight ideologies identified and evaluated through a biblical lens, which ones do you see most clearly in the culture? Which ones do you think are most deceiving teenagers?What are the evil parallels between Marxism and cultural Marxism? Why do you think that otherwise mature Christians who are calling the church back to a concern for social justice are falling into some of its evil tenets? Link to Leadership DiagramLink to ResourcesA Practical Guide to Culture, Stonestreet and KunkleThe Secular Creed, Rebecca McLaughlinFive Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age, Rosaria ButterfieldMamma Bear Apologetics, Hillary FerrerFor the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

This episode answers the question, “What do dads need to do to develop their child's potential, i.e. to be faithful stewards of this treasure entrusted to us, not just because we love them, but because God has important contributions for them to make to his world.”  Link to Leadership DiagramPast Podcast Episodes on spiritual gifts: S2 E #38-41, 7/18/21-8/8/21 Link to The Five Love LanguagesFor the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Summary: Marriage failure almost always begins with the loss of intimacy, i.e. closeness in the marriage. This episode examines what Scripture says married couples need to understand and do to experience both the emotional and sexual intimacy, which God designed marriage for. Couples Study to Overcoming the Intimacy Misconnect in MarriageShe spells intimacy TALK. He spells intimacy SEX. This booklet is designed to be used by husband and wife during 3 dates to rediscover greater emotional and sexual intimacy in their marriage.For Further Prayerful Thought:What stood out to you about the purposes for which God's designed marriage?What is the significance to you of remembering that marriage is both the joining of two lives (mind, will, and emotions) exhibited by leaving home, and the joining of two bodies in sex?When it comes to emotional intimacy, do you have more trouble opening up to your wife about what is going on inside or in helping her open up about what is going on inside her?If you are married, is there another woman in your spheres of life with whom you need to be more vigilant—not to allow yourselves to get too emotionally close?VALENTINE'S DAY QUESTIONS FOR COUPLESFor FunWhat's the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you?If you could be any cartoon character for a day, who would you be and why?What's the funniest movie you've ever seen?If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?If you could have any animal as a pet, no matter how wild, what would you choose?Warm UpWhat do you remember most about your first date?Share two things you most appreciate about your mate.Emotional IntimacyHusband to WifeWhat regular tasks in taking care of the family do you dislike the most or find most difficult?How can I help you shoulder your load at home?How can I better help you share your heart with me?What family problems do you feel need to be addressed?What are the worries and concerns that are weighing heavily on your heart?How can I best help you feel cherished by me?How can I support your use of your gifts that go beyond the home?Wife to HusbandHow best can I help you when your emotional tank is on empty?What gets you down most at work? When there is something weighing heavily on you at work how can I best help you share it?How can I support your spiritual leadership in our home.Do I tell you often enough what I admire and respect about you?Sexual IntimacyHow do you feel about discussing sexual intimacy on this date?Why do you think God invented sex?What are two things you appreciate about each other as lovers?What sexual activities do you find most exciting?Is there anything else about our love-making that you want to tell me?For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link

Episode Summary. There is one investment you can make in your child's future that God guarantees is more precious than gold, that will bring him a lifetime of enjoyment, a lifetime of protection from harm and a lifetime in which he is richly rewarded. It is explained in Psalm 19. This episode's focus is on how to make such an investment. For Further Prayerful ThoughtIn the study of the six facets of the jewel of God's Word—his law, testimony, precepts, commandments, fear, and judgements, which ones stood out most to you?Since God's plan to bless the nations was to call Abraham and his family to faith and then the fathers command their children and households to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, why have Christian men been slow to focus on this responsibility?Why is it important, in teaching our kids, for us to follow the Deuteronomy 6 pattern to starting with our motive for loving the Law of God being to please him because he first loved us.Why do you think God tells parents in Deuteronomy 6 to talk about applying the Word of God throughout the day? Link to Leadership DiagramLink to New City CatechismFor the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary. Spiritual leadership at home is bringing our followers along with us in our whole-hearted pursuit of Christ. Persuading them to join us in this pursuit is almost completely dependent upon winning their hearts, which requires building our love relationship with them. We are inspired by the example of Jonathan Edwards, whose commitment to building his relationship with each of his kids was manifested by his decision to take a different child with him each time he traveled to speak. This episode identifies four ways that dads are inclined to tear down their relationship with their kids and then provides five necessary investments to build it up.Link to Leadership Diagram.For Further Prayerful Thought,In what ways did Jonathan Edwards demonstrate what it takes to be a successful spiritual leader at home?What relationship busters are you most concerned about committing?Which of the following relationship builders do you think is most important for you to focus upon in your spiritual leadership at home: understanding, affirmation, companionship, compassion, attentiveness to practical needs?Link to PDF about the Successful Spiritual Leadership at Home seriesFor the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary. The word husband is from the world of agriculture; it means to cultivate. This episode points to seven ingredients identified in Scripture that Christian husbands are to pour into the soil of their wives' hearts to cause them to flourish. For Further Prayerful Thought.What are the strongest arguments for a Christ-following husband to continually invest the nutrients into his wife's hear that she needs to flourish?Take a moment to review the first three needs mentioned in the podcast/blog. Which of these needs do you feel best about meeting in your wife? Which do you most want to remember to focus upon in the coming days?Take a moment to review the last four heart needs mentioned. Which of these needs seems most important to you? Which one do you most want to remember to try to better meet in the coming days?How can you do a better job of being intentional about meeting these needs in your wife's heart? Link to PDF about the Successful Spiritual Leadership at Home series For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary. Almost all men would love more consistency in their lives. We know that is the key to success in every area of life, not the least important of which is success leading our homes well. But how can we more consistently stay focused on our mission from Jesus? This episode supplies two answers: First we must have clear picture of the goal towards which we are heading and leading our families—spiritual maturity as Christ's disciple. Most of us have only a vague idea of what mature discipleship looks like, and it is hard to take a first step towards a fuzzy goal or lead others to reach it. So, we look to Scripture and arrive at three concrete callings that reflect Jesus' call to discipleship for all of us. The second way to stay focused on our mission is to follow a clear pattern for managing his life that Jesus clearly followed. This pattern not only helps us stay focused but it renews our spiritual energy. Link to Leadership DiagramFor Further Prayerful ThoughtWhy does it make sense that spiritual leadership at home which seeks to lead our families to be fully devoted mature followers of Jesus, requires us to stay focused on this mission ourselves.What are the differences you can think of between having a clear picture of mature discipleship versus a fuzzy picture of mature discipleship?What does Jesus' routine withdrawal into his private world with the Father to discuss his mission imply for his followers? Why don't more Christians follow this pattern?Link to PDF about the Successful Spiritual Leadership at Home seriesFor the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary. This episode begins by noting that Genesis 3:17 tells us that God's curse upon Adam for his rebellion in the Garden of Eden was not just for transgressing the command not to eat the fruit but for his reversal of God's created order of roles. Man's call to lead the home matters to God. This episode examines what leadership is and is not, providing a diagram for understanding the three functions of leadership. We then add flesh to this skeletal structure by shaping a 5-fold job description for men as they function as spiritual leaders of their homes.   For Further Prayerful ThoughtWhy do you thin God told Adam he was being punished for his role reversal as well as eating the forbidden fruit?What stood out to you in this episode about what leadership is not?How would use explain the three functions of leadership? (arrows in the diagram)What stood out to you about the job description of men being the spiritual leaders at home?Link to Leadership Diagram.Link to PDF about the Successful Spiritual Leadership at Home seriesFor the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left) 

Episode Summary. Mary, one of the godliest women who ever lived, agreed to bear God's child and what does she receive? A sword to her soul. Few song writers I know have put Simeon's promise that a sword would pierce Mary's soul to music. It isn't sung about by children's choirs in Christmas pageants. But Luke's account of the true Christmas story ends on the ominous note of suffering caused by the opposition of the kingdom of darkness to Jesus' kingship claim, just as Matthew's Christmas story ends with the weeping of Bethlehem for the children slain by Herod's fear of Jesus' rule—reflecting this same opposition of the kingdom of darkness to Jesus' kingship. This episode reminds us of the kingdom of darkness's fierce opposition to the rule of the Prince of Peace and what to do about it.For Further Prayerful ThoughtWhat are the implications of these two facts: men love darkness because their deeds are evil, and we are called to be light to the world?Which two cultural lies do you hear most often? How best could you raise a question about whether that assumption is really true?How can you do a better job of defeating sin in your own life by using the spiritual armor and weapons Jesus has given us? NEXT WEEK NEW SERIES: Successful Spiritual Leaders at Home. Please let the men of your church know about this new series. You can print a PDF to give to others, download the PDF onto your computer and email it as an attachment, or just send an email with this link to the PDF, which explains what the series will cover. Here is the link.For the printed version of this message, click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues, click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary. This agent of familiarity is hard at work this Christmas season, spreading layers of the poisonous dust of the ordinary over the manger in Bethlehem to deaden our senses to the staggering reality of what actually took place there. This episode seeks to blow off that dust to reveal with fresh clarity five ways the incarnation can evoke radical devotion to Jesus. May a fresh look at the incarnation fill us with fresh energy and passion to follow our Master well.For Further Prayerful ThoughtHow do we balance the truth that sin is so heinous and God so just that only he could pay for our sin—the truth that we must take sin seriously—with the truth of God's grace towards us and call to treat others with grace?How can you better apply the truth that Jesus is your Great High Prist and Advocate, who fully understands every form of pain and injustice you experience?How does Jesus' choice to be born into a manger instead of a palace impact your heart?In what way is the decision to become poor so that another becomes rich a definition of agape love? How can we better remember what it cost our Lord to redeem us?How can we better draw upon the power of the Holy Spirit to change our default, subtle focus from ourselves to others and how I can serve them?For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary. Countless committed Christian men wrestling with sins like lust and masturbation have asked a legitimate question. If Christ has redeemed me from slavery to sin, why am I still regularly giving in to lust and masturbation? Didn't Paul say the Christian's old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for the one who has died is freed from sin and then repeat in verse 18 that Christians have been set free from sin. How can this be true when we default to lust, selfishness, resentment too easily and know that our heart attitudes are miles away from being like those of Jesus? This episode addresses the question, If Christ defeated sin at the cross, setting Adam's kingdom free from its destructive slavery, why isn't earth's culture more sanctified and why am I, myself, not more sanctified?For Further Prayerful ThoughtWhat evidence would you point to from Scripture that proves that the oppressors the promised Messiah would overthrow always were Satan, sin, and death and not the political oppressors of Israel?How does the Already/Not Yet description of this period of redemptive history clarify things and muddy things?The Second Adam's overthrow of the triumvirate, Satan, sin, and death and ascension to God's right hand has positioned Him to spread his kingdom of righteousness and restoration over earth for 2000 years. Of the 6 ways that I mentioned its impact on culture, which ones stood out most to you?Which reason for Christians' lack of sanctification stood out most to you?   For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary. It is easy today for discerning Christians, who see the loss of biblical values taking place in our culture, to view this world as a sinking ship, going down to destruction through the weight of its own evil. But such despair can easily lead us to forget the very first commission God assigned us as humans—developing the potential of the creation God loves and shaping life in it to please him, life that is righteous. A “titanic worldview” of the culture ignores a very significant part of God's nature: He is a delegator. His act of delegating the further creation and rule of Kingdom Earth is accomplished in the very first commission given to Adam and Eve. “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” This episode examines how God delegated to humans the process he started, i.e. creating and ruling the material order and why such an understanding gives everyday life great meaning.   For Further Prayerful ThoughtHow would you explain to someone the Genesis 1 teaching that God has delegated his royal rule over Kingdom Earth to mankind?In what sense would you say God has finished creation and in what sense would you say he has not finished his work of creating?When considering the Genesis 1:28 four-fold First Commission God gave to Adam and Eve, what is the significance of God starting out with the love-making process of husband and wife the first part of that commission? How can we uphold the value of the first human institution—the family—without  demeaning those who are single, divorced, or childless?If the goal of both The First Commission and the Great Commission is to spread the righteous rule of Christ over every sphere of human life (beginning with surrender to King Jesus in the human heart) why do we Christians spend so little effort being intentional abut thinking through how to impact those spheres of human life where we have influence? For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary. In December 2004, a massive tsunami in the Indian Ocean killed more than 250,000 people. Over the following weeks, the news media were filled with articles asking, “Where is God?” One reporter wrote: “If God is God, he's not good. If God is good, he's not God. You can't have it both ways, especially after the Indian Ocean catastrophe” Suffering nearly always creates doubts in the human mind about God's goodness. And if God is not good, then his moral law is just his selfish restriction upon human pleasure, which was the reasoning Satan used to lure Eve into rebellion. This episode examines the massive implications of God's perfect goodness, not just in resisting temptation, but in enduring suffering, and in shaping the way we interact with the fallen world.For Further Prayerful Thought How would you refute the argument: If God is all-powerful, he could end suffering and evil. If he were all-good, he would end evil and suffering. Evil and suffering exist. Therefore, either God is not all-powerful or not all-good. The Christian god does not exist?Summarize the three “goodness of God” truths that James tells his readers to cling to when facing trials. Which seems most helpful to you?How does the common grace doctrine that God has given gifts to the unredeemed to enable his world to be developed and enjoyed, impact the way believers should view unbelievers and secular culture?For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary. Just as Lucy's encounter with Aslan upon her second trip to Narnia caused her to realize that her prior view of Aslan was too small, Isaiah's encounter with God in the temple of Jerusalem caused him to realize his view of the Lord of Hosts was too small. Isaiah was dwarfed by God's majesty. His sin was laid bare by the radiance of God's glory. And he was traumatized by God's holiness. Although such holiness and the wrath against evil that goes with it are not usually our favorite attributes of God, we observed that God's holiness is enormously beneficial to us and all creation. We further considered God's responsibility as judge of his universe, noting that God would be immoral if he did not demand just punishment for evil and reward good.For Further Prayerful ThoughtWhat stood out most to you about Isaiah's vision of the LORD in Isaiah 6?How would you explain God's holiness to a child?What is most attractive to you about God's holiness?What does it look like to abhor evil?How does a BIG view of God's holiness take us through a process that leads to a BIG devotion to put our lives on the altar to Him? For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary. Jesus' prayer to the Father saying, This is eternal life, that they know you, THE ONLY TRUE GOD, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent, points to the counter-cultural exclusivity of Christianity, which cultural elites say disqualifies it from being true. This episode examines this exclusivity, how we can teach our loved ones to winsomely respond to this accusation, and what are the implications of Jesus' description of the Father as the only true God.For Further Prayerful ThoughtWhat is the difference between tolerance in relationships and tolerance regarding what is true? How do you see Scripture requiring us to tolerant of other people but intolerant of false ideas masquerading as truth?How would you answer a Christian you were discipling who asked, “Why are there so many religions?”What do you think of the statement, “God has too much dignity to accept adoration from worshippers who are not celebrating his true nature?” How does the second commandment relate to Jesus' statement to the woman at the well in Samaria, “The Father desires worshippers to worship him in spirit and in truth?”For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary. Although today's church is seeing an unprecedented number of deconversions by kids raised in the church, often claiming that science disproves the existence of God, the fact is that the world of scientific observation provides evidence that is so compelling that it is unreasonable NOT to believe that a supernatural God exists. After looking at five scientific arguments to point to the reality of a supernatural God, we then examined five of these supernatural characteristics of the true God of Scripture and how they benefit us! For Further Prayerful ThoughtWhat evidence would you martial to support an argument that it is much more reasonable to believe in the existence of God than not to?Why do you think it might be important to help our rising young adults understand the biblical teaching that human sinful nature leads man to suppress the truth that creation proves there is a God?Look back to God's supernatural attributes. Which ones most stood out to you? How can knowing these attributes help you delight in the Lord? For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary. In Jeremiah 9, God has some things to say to his Covenant people about boasting. But it is not, “Don't brag.” Rather God chooses three assets needed for men to get any significant job done—wisdom, might, and riches—telling us not to place our confidence in them but instead to boast that we understand and know him. Practically speaking what is God saying to us and what does the rest of Scripture reveal about the benefit of growing in our knowledge of God? That is the topic of this episode.For Further Prayerful ThoughtWhat is your take-away from God's command to the wise man not to boast in his wisdom, the mighty man not to boast in his might, the rich man not to boast in his riches but instead to boast of understanding and knowing him? What are your ideas about what this looks like?Which benefits of growing in the knowledge of God most stood out to you?How would you defend the idea that God and God alone is fit to take the universe's throne? Which components of God's character give you the most peace and confidence as you head into the future? For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary. In a new study conducted by Geroge Barna, in which he interviewed 2000 church-going self-identified Christians, his results were shocking. 49% said they were unlikely to vote: Here are their reasons: 68% said they are not interested in politics57% said they disliked the major candidates55% said they felt like none of the candidates reflect their most important views52% believed their vote will not have an impact50% said the election has become too controversialThis episode addresses these reasons for NOT voting.  For Further Prayerful ThoughtHow would you explain the connection between God's reason for creating human beings (to bear his image) and the Christian responsibility as redeemed human beings to vote?What are the logical flaws in a Christian's argument that with over 100 million votes cast his doesn't matter?How would you respond to someone who said, “I don't like either candidate and I'm not sure that, in good conscience, I can vote for either”?For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary. Christians men are called to protect women. We know that Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden to protect it and those in it and that Jesus modeled protecting women. The Christian church also has a great heritage of protecting women. That protection today needs to come from men who understand ideologies, government policies, and political parties whose platforms harm women. This episode examines how open borders, gender affirming care, and the Title IX revision of the Civil Rights law affecting athletics harms today's women.For Further Prayerful ThoughtWhy do you think many Christians and Christian leaders turn a blind eye to the hundreds of thousands of girls and women being raped and turned into sex slaves by Mexican Drug cartels because of America's open border?What facts about gender affirming care do you most want to remember so you can point out its harm to parents of gender-confused kids.What aspects of Riley Gaine's story are most infuriating to you? Why do you think so many people cave to LGBTQ pressure when radical gender ideology totally contradicts science and common sense?For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

On September 30th, Patrick Lechleitner, the Director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sent a letter to Congressman Tony Gonzales revealing that over 13,000 convicted murderers and over 15,000 convicted rapists who have been caught by ICE were released into America because of the Biden/Harris catch and release policy, which defies current immigration law. And the corrupt, mainstream media made virtually no mention of it! This episode examines the responsibility of Christians to be light to our culture—to expose what sin wants to cover up and, in particular, to expose the unprecedented suppression of the truth by the corporate media and Democrat Party of what is actually happening at our southern border.  For Further Prayerful Thought:What do you think is the biblical case for Christians to advance the kingdom of light by exposing destructive actions that those in the culture are attempting to hide?What two or three facts seem like the strongest evidence of the corporate media's suppression of the truth? Why do you think Christians allow the mainstream media to blind them so much to what is really happening in our culture?What facts about illegal immigration and the open southern border stood out most to you?  In view of these facts, what wise question might you ask a believer who naively thinks Christians should support the Democrat's open border catch and release defiance of immigration law? For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary. In the Genesis 12 account of Abram's calling, God says, Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and… I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse (vs 1-2). That nation, Israel is now at war with Hamas and Hezbollah. Does God's promise of blessings and curses mean that Christians should blindly support candidates from the Republican party who are staunchly pro-Israel? What about Palestinian Christians who were killed while taking refuge in a church, which was bombed by Israeli jets in what many Christians consider reckless overkill? This episode seeks to set forth some facts about Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Christian theory of just war, giving you a lens to evaluate the stands of the two parties, yourself. For Further Prayerful Thought:What are some thoughts that might come to your mind now if you heard someone say, “The middle east conflict is because Jews took Arab land.”How would you respond to someone attempting to equate the IDF's military response as just as morally reprehensible as Hamas' October 7th attack?How would you respond to one who said, “the Democrats say that Israel has a right to defend itself. They are just as supportive of Israel as Republicans."For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary. When faced with the sight of millions of men, women, and children from war-torn lands seeking to escape tyranny to have better life, most Christians will voice their approval for open door policies of inclusion, hospitality, diversity and welcome. After all Jesus, did teach that true believers will hear from Jesus, “I was a STRANGER and you WELCOMED me.” Doesn't this settle the issue—All Christians must be welcoming to immigrants who want to come into our country. Actually, no. This understanding of immigration is so flawed that it misses the most significant biblical text about the government's role in immigration. This episode seeks to help us all think biblically about the hot topic today of illegal, undocumented, immigrants coming across our southern border. For Further Prayerful Thought: Why do you think so many Americans are unaware of what is happening at the southern boarder? Of the categories of harm that un-enforcement of immigration policies brings—human trafficking, spread of drugs including fentanyl, terrorism, and attacks from hardened criminals, which concern you the most?How would you respond, biblically to the fallacy that for Christians to properly care for immigrants we must we welcoming to all who want to come to our nation, including those crossing the border illegally?What biblical principles do you think apply to our treatment of illegal immigrants who are already in our country?   For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Summary: The spiritual battle in which Christian men are called to engage is largely a battle of ideas. After Paul devotes eleven chapters of Romans to the glory of the gospel, and challenges Christians that the only proper response is to offer ourselves back to God as a living sacrifice, the very next command is a reference to this battle over ideas: Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. This reality presents Christian men with an enormous challenge. We are created to be warriors (Gen 2:15). But few of us are philosophy majors. The world of ideas that we know best matches our vocation and avocation. Yet, as warriors in the spiritual battle of ideas WE are to destroy arguments, and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Cor 10:5). This podcast series, “Election 2024 and Biblical Worldview” is intended to equip men to understand the worldview issues that lie beneath the upcoming election. Recommended ResourcesCritical Dilema, Neil Shenvil and Pat Sawyer.Fault Lines, Voddie Baucham.Money Greed and God, Jay Richards.Unwoke, Ted Cruz.For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click hereTo contribute to podcast costs, click here.

Summary: The purpose of this podcast has always been to help Christian men define and stay focused upon their mission as followers of Christ. So, what is our mission over the next 50 days in view of the upcoming American election? Some Bible-believing Christians answer, “Your mission is to save America as a Christian nation by voting for Donald Trump and getting others to.” Other Bible—believing Christians are appalled by such Christian nationalism and would say, “The kingdom of God is not America. The mission of the church is to preach the gospel and stay out of political discussions.” Which is it? This episode analyzes the strengths and flaws of these two arguments, then suggests an alternative that avoids the potholes of both. For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here. For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To contribute to podcast costs, click here.

Summary: Behind the world and the flesh is an even deadlier enemy, one we rarely speak of and are much less ready to resist, the kingdom of darkness, which is to blame for most of the casualties around us and assaults against us. Paul said it this way, We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Paul reveals two vital implications of this reality 1) we must put on our spiritual armor—the belt of truth, etc., 2) we must PRAY. Eph 6 continues, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints (vs 18). This episode explains why prayer is such a vital part of combatting the spiritual forces of evil. It's goal is for men to no longer viewing prayer as guilt-producing obligation to discover that it has become a life-changing thrill!For Further Prayerful Thought: Why do think Christians don't see prayer more as a weapon?What is wrong with saying that after the resurrection, Jesus left this world to go back to heaven and be with God?What does Jesus want Christians to during this stage of salvation history, between his ascension to God's right hand and his final return?Why is it important, that Jesus prefaced his command to make disciples of all nations with, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me, Therefore…”? For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click hereTo contribute to podcast costs, click here. 

Summary: The biblical context for viewing all of life's events is called spiritual warfare—the age-old conflict between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light…. Biblically and practically speaking, we are in a spiritual war. The Christian's spiritual enemy is not in uniform, and he doesn't meet us on an identifiable battlefield. He uses ruthless and unconventional tactics such as deceit, deflection, and disguise…. The church of Jesus Christ needs to know its enemies and his strategies. Above all, Christians need to know how to gain victory over this enemy. (The Spiritual Warfare Answer Book). In this episode, we take a practical look at HOW TO USE the sword of the Spirit to resist thoughts and temptations that seek to entice us off the path of life and onto the road to destruction. For Further Prayerful Thought: Do you think this is a fair statement? If a man is not winning his own spiritual battles, he won't be very effective helping his wife and children win theirs.Describe in your own words the power of the Word of God.What did you learn from our examination of the way Jesus wielded the sword of the Spirit?Of the 13 temptations, listed, which 2 or 3 do you most need to be able to parry, by quoting Scripture.For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To contribute to podcast costs, click here.

Summary: This episode continues the series, Winning Spiritual Battles Because We Use Our Spiritual Weapons. As we seek to run well the race marked out for us, this calling means advancing the righteous reign of King Jesus in our own hearts, attitudes, and behavior, not to mention and shaping each sphere of life with Christ's agenda. But it is very easy to think, “Who am I to spread righteousness anywhere? Whoever thinks that's my job in life, doesn't understand the corruption of MY heart and weakness of MY flesh.”  But it is Christ who told his followers to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. Jesus calls us to this primary life focus, knowing the weakness of our sinful nature because his plan has never been for us to seek righteousness in our own strength but in his. He tell us. Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. This episode tries to define in practical terms how to put on the helmet of salvation and how that protects us in the fight to do the right thing.For Further Prayerful Thought: Why does taking up the helmet of salvation mean something different from just thinking biblically about stuff.How does putting on the helmet of salvation protect us from thinking we are too dirty for God to love? Why does being saved by grace alone cause a true Christian to be drawn to those who need mercy?For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To contribute to podcast costs, click here.

Episode Summary: Christ has called you and me to follow him in his cause of defeating evil and establishing his righteous kingdom over every square inch of human hearts and lives. There is no other man who can replace you in your life, in the arenas you have been called to. If you leave your place in line, it will remain empty. You must be the hero in your own story. There is no extra or stunt man to fill in for you. Winning your spiritual battles matters. You will celebrate for eternity the ones you win tomorrow and the next day and the day after that because each victory has honored Christ. This episode examines how we protect ourselves from Satan's fiery arrows by lifting up our shield of faith.For Further Prayerful Thought: For you, what is the hardest part of remembering that winning your spiritual battles matters?What circumstances tend to be the occasion for you to doubt God's goodness and whether following Christ is worth it?Of the six aspect of our Faith Shield mentioned, which “Trust God because…” statement do you most want to remember?For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here. To contribute to podcast costs, click here.

Episode SummaryThis episode continues our study of the armor of God and finishes looking at Eph 6:15, where we're told to put on, as our shoes, the readiness of the gospel of peace. Most Christian men want to be contagious Christians. We know that sharing our faith is something our Lord wants us to do and when we do seize opportunities to talk with others about Christ the experience pumps joy and energy into our walk with Him. We also realize that if we are to lead our homes well, our wives and kids need to see us modeling Jesus' love for the lost and a commitment to seeking ways to share him with others. So, we want to be ready, when the opportunity presents itself, to steer a conversation towards the good news that our listener can have a personal relationship with Christ. This episode looks at three ways TO BE READY when that opportunity arises.For Further Prayerful ThoughtDoes realizing that Jesus tailored the good news to others based on the way they were experiencing the brokenness of life in this fallen world discourage you because it makes sharing Christ harder, since there is no “one size fits all” or encourage you because it helps you realize how wise we are to be about relationships and the uniqueness of every human?Which 2 or 3 of those in your circle of lost associates and friends has God put on your hearts. What might be missing in their lives compared to what you have in Christ?Is God prompting you to be more intentional about praying for and reaching the lost? What might additional intentionality look like for you.For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To contribute to podcast costs, click here.

Episode Summary.  Often Christians think of evangelism like this: It is having the courage to overcome every piece of emotional intelligence we've learned about relationships, and intruding into the life of a co-worker, neighbor, or stranger to tell someone, who doesn't want to hear it, the gospel message that they are a sinner in need of a savior, and then being willing to suffer rejection if we are accused of being preachy. If that is what sharing our faith looks like, who would want to do it? But this view is NOT BIBLICAL. It has major flaws. This episode identifies these flaws and ends up showing a biblical view of sharing our faith that is winsome and begins where people are instead of where we want them to be.For Further Prayerful Thought:Why is it misleading to understand the Greek word for evangelism(EUANGELIZO) to mean preaching the gospel to others?How does understanding the four-chapter gospel help us realize that Christ's kingdom power is for more than just an eternal life insurance policy?Can you think of biblical examples not mentioned in this episode of Jesus tailoring the good news of the kingdom to the point of brokenness being felt by his listener?For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To contribute to podcast costs, click here.

Summary: Do you ever feel like our side is losing in the spiritual battle—that the powers of darkness and evil are winning? Perhaps more specific to our own lives, do you ever wonder why the Christian life is so hard, why sin so easily ensnares us, why our whole-hearted resolve on Sunday to love Jesus better by obeying him more has given way to blatant sin by Sunday night? Today we continue our series, Winning Spiritual Battles Because We Use Our Spiritual Weapons. Paul tells us that to fight evil we must put on the breastplate of righteousness. But most of us don't even know what the breastplate of righteousness is, much less how to put it on. At the end of this episode, we want everyone to have a clear picture of what this piece of armor is and begin winning more spiritual battles because we put it on.For Further Prayerful Thought:  What is the motivation for hungering and thirsting for righteousness for one who is confident of God's unconditional love? How does that contrast with the moralist's view of the moral law?What is the difference between seeking righteousness and being legalistic?How would you summarize Paul's command to put on the breastplate of righteousness? What stood out to you about HOW to do this?How is the fourth beatitude (Matt 5:6) a prerequisite for putting on the breastplate of righteousness? For the printed version of this message click here. For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here. For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here. To make a contribution to support the podcast, click here. 

Episode Summary: Is our mission today, as Christians living in America, to recover America as a Christian nation? As we process what happened last weekend and go back to the last election and the storming of the Capitol, Christians are divided. Eschewing passivity, many believers feel impelled to speak up on the social media to fight a movement rooted in ungodliness, which they see shaping our culture. They are appalled that younger Christian leaders either don't seem to see this happening or seem to lack the courage to speak up about it. Other believers are horrified at the views they hear expressed by Christians on social media, which exhibit a kind of “Christian Nationalism” and exhibit Christians to be combative towards those with whom they disagree, violating Christ's clear command, love your neighbor, not to mention, love your enemy. This episode continues our series Winning Spiritual Battles Because We Use Our Spiritual Weapons by examining how to encircle ourselves with the belt of God's truth, which must be the starting point for sharing that truth in the culture. Then we consider how to be persuasive as salt and light in the culture, and in particular the dangers of being right, but sharing truth in a HARMFUL, rather than a COMPELLING way.  For Further Prayerful Thought: Which aspect of fastening the belt of truth around ourselves stood out to you?Why is it important in today's word to surround our loved ones with truth?How does Jesus' teaching not to give holy things to dogs or throw our pearls before swine resonate with your experience? Are there times when you have thought that a person is not spiritually in a place to hear this truth?How do Paul and Barnabas follow this teaching from Jesus in Acts 13:44-49. What Thoughts do you have about trying to determine is a potential hearer of biblical truth is in a place to value it or not?For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To support the podcast financially. 

Summary: This episode continues the series, Winning Spiritual Battles Because We Use Our Spiritual Weapons. Every guy who reads this blog would stand at the door of his house with a shotgun to protect his family physically. But most Christian men feel inept and inadequate at fighting to protect them, spiritually. As we saw last week, Jesus told his disciples the ultimate weapon for defeating Satan is prayer. But if we are going to use this weapon effectively in spiritual battle, we need to understand it. This episode continues our study of what Jesus taught are the six basic parts of effective prayer, in Matt 6:9-13.For Further Prayerful Thought: What would you say to a believer who said he thought that reciting the Lord's prayer at the end of his daily bible reading is what Jesus taught?What struck you about Jesus teaching us to tell our heavenly father what our practical needs are? Have you ever thought about keeping a prayer journal?Why does it make sense that one of the six prayer concerns we should have is looking at past events to see if there is unconfessed guilt or resentment towards another?How can you be more watchful of temptation coming into your life? For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Summary: This episode begins the series, Winning Spiritual Battles Because We Use Our Spiritual Weapons. As we seek to run well the race marked out for us in 2021, i.e. advance the righteous reign of King Jesus in our own lives, God has ordained one, primary offensive weapon that overthrows the kingdom of darkness:  PRAYER. Jesus said to Peter, “Satan has demanded to sift you as wheat, but I have prayed for you “(Luke 22:31-32). One veteran missionary writes, There is nothing on earth that Satan so fears as prayer. He cannot triumph over prevailing prayer. For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary. One of the words used to describe the worldview of the culture in which we all swim is secularism, which describes a lifestyle of preoccupation with the visible, material world to the neglect of the world of the spiritual. The result of swimming in this polluted water has been, in my view, a largescale disregard of the fourth commandment by Christians and consequent loss of its benefits. The lost benefits are understanding the eternal value of work and understanding the need to regularly shut out the secular world to be renewed and reconnected to the Spiritual Being who created us. This episode seeks to recover what is often lost by the neglect pf the fourth commandment.For Further Prayerful Thought:What most stood out to you in this episode about the fourth commandment?How would you respond to someone who said, “Keeping the Sabbath is being legalistic, and the church is not Israel?”What components of a biblical view of work seem most important to you.It's been said that the more important your work is, the more important it is to regularly step away from it and renew. How might this principle apply to serving Christ?Link to Master Plan Objectives for Instilling Biblical Moral ValuesLink to New City Catechism Curriculum.For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary. Fatherhood champion Anthony Bradley's research proves what Scripture teaches us about the role God has assigned to fathers in creation: fathers are the most important men in any community, anywhere, everywhere, ever. Their presence, involvement, and guidance are pivotal for the emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being of their children. This is the fourth episode in our June series, Fathers Giving the Moral Foundation to Their Children That the Culture Won't.  It recognizes that the third commandment, You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain involves much more than a prohibition against cussing. It goes to the very heart of our love for Christ and how God says that love should be shown in the way we treat his name.  For Further Prayerful Thought:It seems like having a plan for building a strong moral foundation into our children with the help of the Holy Spirit is OBVIOUS. Why do you think so many Christian fathers don't have one? How can you help that change?What thoughts stood out to you about teaching children to not misuse God's name?What thoughts stood out to you about beginning our prayer by asking that God's name would be hallowed? Why might Jesus say to start this way?How can the thought that Christ has given us his name, fire a hotter passion to please him? Link to Master Plan Objectives for Instilling Biblical Moral ValuesLink to New City Catechism Curriculum.For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

On October 7, 2023, more than 3000 members of the radical Muslin extremist group Hamas surged across the Israeli border crying “Allahu Akbar” “God is good” raping women, beheading children, torturing, mutilating and murdering more than a thousand people, most of them civilians conducting the greatest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. How would you respond to the trembling words of a seven-year-old who said, “Daddy, these bad men said God told them to do those awful things. How can this be?” This episode seeks to answer this question by understanding what the second commandment teaches. For Further Prayerful ThoughtHow would you answer a new believer who said to you, “I believe Jesus is the Son of God, the risen Lamb slain to take away my sin, but why are there so many other religions in the world?”Why can't a chewing gum replica of the Alps convey their glory? Do you agree that a chewing gum replica of the Alps might be worse than no physical image? Why?Although man was created in God's image, our fall into sin means that we suppress the truth of who God is, especially our accountability to him, and remake God as OUR IMAGE—the way we want him to be, because we are created to worship. (Atheists usually build their life around a false ideology, which functions like a God.) How do you see this biblical truth making sense in what you observe about the world?For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary. Unlike adherents to multi-culturalism, Christians realize that God chose to reveal his moral law to one nation, Israel, in a rather spectacular manner. God himself wrote his summary of his moral law on two stone tablets using his own finger (Dt 5:22) telling his people how they can most please him. There is no other text of the Bible written directly by the finger of God. The two tablets were called the Ten Words, the decalogue, and kept in the Ark of the Covenant. Foty years later, In Deuteronomy 5, Moses repeated The Ten Commandments for the next generation. This episode examines how to apply the first commandment as the leaders of our homes and provides some thoughts about teaching it to our kids, using the New City Catechism.For Further Prayerful Thought:In the opening overview observations, which one stood out most to you?Why do spiritual leaders have to fight a lifelong battle to keep reminding those under their care that God's word is the path of life? Why is that so hard for us to remember, in moments of temptation?What do you find most helpful in Tim Keller's definition of an idol as: “anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give.” Which potential idols do you need to be wary of? For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary. With the average teen spending over 50 hours a week on his or her phone, it is undeniable that social media is catechizing our children, not the church. This episode seeks to recapture the urgency of the fathers role to raise up his children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. It supplies a master plan that every guy can adapt for his own and begins to show how the New City Catechism can be used and be an effective plan for countering many of the cultural falsehoods impacting our kids. Master Plan: Instilling Biblical/Moral Values:  Click to download the PDFFor Further Prayerful Thought:Why do you think most Christian fathers are not intentional about formulating a plan to teach their children and grandchildren the ways of the Lord and Abraham was to do? How would you persuade a Christian friend that he needs to have a master pan for what he is going to teach his sons and daughters?So far, what have you most liked about the New City Catechism and the curriculum' helps?For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary. This episode shows how the biblical worldview of authority laid out for us in I Timothy chapters 2 and 3 is on a collision course with the worldviews of critical theory, egalitarianism, and multiculturalism at almost every point. For Further Prayerful Thought:What do you think are the most important elements of a 30,000-foot overview of the Bible's view of authority?Paul encouraged Timothy to pray that civil government leaders accomplish four things. Which ones stood out most to you?How would you contrast the Bible's high view of authority with the view of critical theory and egalitarianism's views of authority?For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary. There is strong evidence that Christians today are oblivious to much of the spiritual battle that Scripture repeatedly urges us to fight. In fact, in Paul spiritual leadership charge to Timothy, he commands, “fight the good fight.” It is impossible to understand why Paul urges spiritual leaders to do this or understand what the battlefield even is without understanding that we live in an age in which Christ is taking back Adam's lost kingdom, earth, from Satan, sin, and death to reestablish righteousness and health over Adam's kingdom. This episode seeks to give a clear look at this battle, so we know how to fight it. For Further Prayerful Thought: When seeking to understand what fighting the good fight means, why might it be valuable to recognize that we are engaged in a war between two kingdoms?How does understanding the extent of the damage done to Adam's posterity and kingdom by sin and its consequences help us better understand how to implement our orders to FIGHT?In the fight against wrong desires, thinking, attitudes, behaviors, the fight to implement Christ's agenda in every sphere of our lives, and the fight to be salt and light, influencing culture towards righteousness and truth—which do you feel you are most alert to? Which do you need to consider more carefully?  For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary. When I hear accusations today of the bible teaching oppressive patriarchy, it reminds me of Mark Twain's comment, “It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so.” There is not a scrap of evidence to suggest that God's design of different roles for husbands and wives is harmful in any way. In fact, the biblical view of masculine leadership, starting with Adam's design, modeled by Jesus in his care for his bride, and the foundation for Paul's charge to Timothy about church leadership is the call to love those under our care. This episode examines this calling. But perhaps more importantly it examines the three wellsprings, from which sacrificial love flows into men's hearts so we can give it to those we lead. For Further Prayerful Thought: In your own words why does sacrificial love issue from a pure heart?In your own words why does sacrificial love issue from a clean conscience?In your own words why does sacrificial love issue from a sincere faith?For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

Episode Summary. This episode considers the impact that a worldview called critical theory is having in our culture, supplanting a biblical worldview at many, many points. The goal is that by the end of the episode all of us will be able to detect how the assumptions of critical theory have gotten in the way of grasping the glory of God's perfect design of womanhood and manhood.       For Further Prayerful Thought:As you think of the cultural examples of critical theory's oppressor/oppressed lens shaping cultural thinking, which examples stood out most to you? What other examples can you think of?Although we don't know why God's Word tells the stories of Adam and Eve's creation in a very structured intentionally parallel way but postulate some reasons God might have done that. Summarize the evidence from Scripture that it is God who intends his household, the church to be led by men who are also assigned to lead their homes, not oppressive biblical patriarchy.For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)