One Simple Truth (with Dan Jarms)

There have been real health risks with the COVID-19 Pandemic and FBC has been careful to protect people during this time. There have also been risks associated with the restrictions we have lived with as well. As public health improves and the health risks of COVID-19 diminish, we need to steadily ease the restrictions to lower the risks to the soul, mind and body. Listen as we walk through our thinking behind easing restrictions.Scripture Referenced: Acts 20:28

We are all weary of the pandemic. The world around us has a host of false hopes and is trusting the wrong saviors from science, to government, to politicians. It is the church of Jesus Christ that has answer and it is in the regular weekly gathering where this is broadcast most powerfully. The series will cover different issues for the church and will help us understand Christ’s purposes in the church.Scriptures Referenced: • Matthew 16:18• Acts 2:42• Ephesians 3:10-11,21

Every parent must teach their children about sexual abuse. The statistics are far too alarming. Churches, Christian Schools, home school co-ops and even ‘Christian’ families have not been spared. It is important to prepare children as early as possible in age appropriate ways. Parents need to have a game plan for how to help their children.Scriptures Referenced:• Deuteronomy 10:18• Isaiah 1:17• James 1:27

Teaching children about sex needs to emphasize God’s plan for it in the context of biblical marriage. He made it good, but not ultimate. In our culture sex is idolized with a false hope of ultimate satisfaction. Marital intimacy is part of the living parable of spiritual realities and commitments. In a sinful and decaying world, that covenant is more important than ever.Scriptures Referenced: • Genesis 1:31• Genesis 2:22-25• Song of Solomon• Ephesians 5:4-6

Washington State Sex Ed curriculum is promoting gender theory in its sex ed curriculum. That is that male and female by sex are not the same as male and female by gender. Gender theory claims that masculinity and femininity are separate from one’s sex assigned at birth. The claim is that a man can be trapped in a girl’s body or vice versa. The groundwork for following feelings instead of calling is laid at a very young age in this curriculum and all parents need to be training their children to follow the Bible and nature itself. This is the only way to true satisfaction as male and female.Scriptures Referenced: • Genesis 1:26-31• Ephesians 5:24-30

2021 has not come in peacefully. Turmoil in the Capitol of our country launches what may seem like a second straight year of chaos. In this extended episode Dan makes key observations about our culture and politics and offers the one hope that can bring a modicum of peace now and prepare us for the peace to come when Christ returns.Scriptures Referenced: Psalms 1 and 2

The new sex ed curriculum developed for Washington state students goes way beyond the birds and the bees. At the core is an agenda to fundamentally alter personal sexual identity and expression. There is no escape from these cultural trends. Homeschool, private school only kick the can down the road in dealing with them. We need to speak gospel truth to these issues for our children and for our city.Scriptures Referenced: • Genesis 1:26-28• Psalm 100:3• Ephesians 2:10• Galatians 3:22-23

When taking many medicines or vaccines, there are a few important ethical questions to ask. This podcast is designed to help your decision making process with whether you could or should take a vaccine against COVID-19.Scriptures Referenced: • Proverbs 17:22• Jeremiah 30:13• Genesis 1:26-27• Exodus 20:1-17• Matthew 22:37-40

We must consistently seek to honor the Lord in our medical and nutritional choices. But, this is an era of increasing judgmentalism toward those who make different choices than we make. Some Christians are arranging anti-vaccine protests. There are quick to judge accusations on how a mother ought to feed her baby, or what is the best nutritional choice for the family. Since science is always discovering and exploring, we must be slow and sympathetic to the different decisions others make.Scripture: • Matthew 7:1-5• 1 Corinthians 4:3-5

What does courageous living look like during the pandemic? When might I be succumbing to sinful fear? Leaders of households and leaders of churches need to grapple with this throughout the holidays with various restrictions in place by the governor. The key will be keeping the fear of the Lord front and center.Scriptures Referenced: • Proverbs 1:1-9• Jeremiah 17:5• Psalm 118:6• 2 Timothy 1:6

Parler and Mewe are trending new social media apps after the U.S. elections. Conservative evangelicals seem to be flocking to them. This episode focuses on the ‘why or why not’ of any social media platform using these as an example.Scriptures Referenced: • 1 Timothy 4:1-6 • 1 Corinthians 10:31• Galatians 5:18-26

The prolonged pandemic, lockdowns, and isolation are both wearying and frustrating on so many fronts. What do I do about this? God has a word of grace about how to fight the temptations of anger, withdrawal and escape into sinful pleasures. Philippians and Romans have instruction for our joy and obedience.Scriptures Referenced: • Philippians 4:4-8• Romans 8:22-29

Does a Spike in Covid cases and another lockdown leave you feeling discouraged? Here some key promises from God that can encourage you know or any time?Scriptures Referenced: • Psalm 115:3• Isaiah 46:10-12• Colossians 1:15-22• Hebrews 4:15• Matthew 28:20• Hebrews 13:5

Should I leave Facebook or Twitter because of the increasing bias against conservative or Christian views? There are good and bad reasons to leave certain platforms and join others. But, we must be cautious of following teachers according to our passions even in a more conservative platform. We also must also be careful not to abandon good platforms to speak the gospel.Scriptures Referenced: • 1 Corinthians 10:31• 2 Timothy 4:1-5

An alarming trend is emerging from those who call themselves Evangelicals. Because of their political and social agenda they are abandoning truth, knowledge, and reason to believe and propagate claims from the media sources the agree with. There are great dangers beyond dinner table arguments about politics. When Christians abandon any truth they put Christ in the back seat and undermine their witness in the world.Scriptures Referenced: • Deuteronomy 13• Deuteronomy 18• 1 John 1:1• 1 John 4:1• 2 Timothy 4:3-6

The character of leaders still matters. The Bible lays out the kind of character expected of those who lead in government not just in the church. Christians must think carefully how they vote and how they speak to others about their voting when it comes to the character of the current candidates.Scriptures Referenced: • Exodus 18:21• Deuteronomy 17:20• Proverbs 16:11-12• Proverbs 29:12-14

LGBTQ+ issues are tightly bound up in this year’s election cycle. President Trump openly supports gay marriage and the Democratic Party Platform seeks to treat LGBTQ+ identity as a civil rights issue. Platform issues like sex education, and hiring requirements are certain to impact churches, local schools, and religious non-profits. The Republican Platform and the Democratic Platform are very different when it comes religious liberty in these matters.Scriptures Referenced: • Genesis 1:26-27• Matthew 19:4• Leviticus 20:13• 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

With another election cycle upon us, certain political issues come to the forefront. Christians want to uphold biblical justice on the issue of human life. Abortion, Embryonic research, certain contraceptives, physician assisted suicide and end of life medical issues are all informed by one’s presuppositions. The Bible upholds the sanctity of human life from conception until death. From a justice standpoint Christians seek to support candidates and legislation that upholds human life as well.Scriptures Referenced: • Genesis 9:5-6• Psalm 139:15-16• Mark 10:45• 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18• Psalm 71:17-18• Revelation 20:4-8• Exodus 21:22-25

What do Christians do when they disagree over politics? Since most Bible believers will hold the same general principles on Justice, we are often surprised that we disagree over policy and candidates. But, our disagreements are usually tied to how we achieve justice, not the need justice. It is in the how that we need a dose of 1 Corinthians 13:1-7. We are actually first brothers and sisters in Christ and not of party or policy. Let love rule.

Does the Bible require the Christian to vote? It all depends what voting means and the issues we are called to vote on. While there are no clear commands telling us to vote, in this episode we will look at compelling reasons why Christians should.Scriptures Referenced: • Exodus 18• 2 Samuel 23:2-3• Psalm 72:1-5• Acts 6:1-7

The central role of government and therefore the political process is to uphold justice, advocate for the poor, provide security, and establish order. King David gives the clearest statements about the blessings of good government and therefore helps steer a course toward God-honoring political involvement. I will call it the Goldilocks approach to political activism.Scriptures Referenced: 2 Samuel 23:2-7Psalm 72:1-5

While Christians should play some role in government and the political process, we must exercise great caution. Legalism, syncretism, and questionable political alliances are all inherent dangers to the American political process. Christians must navigate these carefully.Scriptures Referenced: • Colossians 3:1-2• Zechariah 4:6• Mark 7:6-7

Every Christian’s first citizenship is in heaven under the Lordship of Christ. But while in this world Christians can be ministers of God through a godly involvement in government, and the political process. We will take a jet tour through the Bible to see how this happens.Scriptures Referenced:• Romans 13:1-7• Ephesians 1:18-22• Psalm 2• Daniel 1• Acts 13

We begin a month long series about Christian involvement in government and politics. We begin by laying key foundations about the Christian identity. We are first citizens of heaven and second citizens of the U.S. We will look at Jesus’ example and Paul’s affirmations of heavenly citizenship and its responsibilities.Scriptures Referenced: • John 18:36• Philippians 1:27• Philippians 3:20-21• Acts 16• Acts 21

In this episode we will explore the kinds of situations Faith Bible Church’s elders would consider civil disobedience against the governor’s restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. We need to clearly think about the spheres of authority God has given the state and the church. When would we say with Peter “We must obey God rather than men”?Scriptures Referenced: • Romans 12:1-7• 1 Peter 2:13-14• Hebrews 10:24-25

For six months we have been following a pro-life position in response to reopening churches. This episode outlines the biblical basis and gives current statistics to help us think through risks involved in gathering with believers and at the church. We must think circumspectly about the data to evaluate whether the governor’s emergency powers and laws are indeed valid.Scriptures Referenced: • Genesis 9:5-6• Exodus 20:13• Leviticus 13• Psalm 139:13• Romans 13:8-10

We all hear theories about what is really going on behind the scenes in our world. We are all frustrated about life during a pandemic and this makes us very susceptible to sinful speculation. We want to believe it and we want to spread it. The danger is in the inevitable distractions and divisions that arise from this speculation. Christians of all people must fight for truth, not speculation and they above all should fight for unity around God’s word.Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:3-7

When we hear news reports we tend to listen to them through our biases. How do we ensure we process and respond to the information we receive in a way that honors God. This is vital in such a politically and emotionally charged time as the COVID-19 pandemic and election cycle.Scriptures Referenced: • Psalm 5:9• Psalm 25:5• John 14:6

Politicians, authorities, and celebrities often make great claims after reading news reports. These influential news consumers have biases, just as news media has bias. Christians must fight for objectivity in order to respond to these influential people in a way that honors God and loves their fellow man. This episode will explore why we need to fight for objectivityScriptures Referenced: • John 14:6• Psalm 19:1-3• Romans 1:18-20

God has given specific responsibilities to three institutions—The Family, the church, and the state. This episode focuses on the role of the church and when the government over reaches its authority. Scriptural and historic examples help us think through this issue.Scriptures Referenced: • Acts 2:42• 1 Timothy• 1 Corinthians 11:28• 1 Peter 5:1-4 • Acts 5:28-29

God has laid out three basic spheres of authority—Family, State, and the Church. Each of these has unique tasks given by God that are not given to the others. But, there is also overlapping authority. In this episode we will look at instances in which family and church can overreach its authority over the state.Scriptures Referenced: • Psalm 72 • Romans 13:1-7

God has ordained certain spheres of authority for the flourishing and well being of humanity. The major ones today are government, church and family. These have at times overlapping responsibilities. Family is the most essential institution of culture and society. In this podcast we will begin to think through when the state and church can overreach its God given role in the lives of family.Scriptures Referenced: • Ephesians 5:22-6:4• Deuteronomy 6:4-9• 1 Timothy 5:8

Government overreach has been a common concern for centuries. What is the legitimate authority of government according to the Bible? This needs to be framed into the larger context of spheres of authority. This podcast is going to give a brief overview of the doctrine before we start testing various cases.Scriptures Referenced: • Titus 3:3 • Genesis 1:26-27• Genesis 9:5-6• Deuteronomy 17• Daniel 2:21• Romans 13:1-7• Deuteronomy 6:4-9• Ephesians 6:1-4• Titus 5:1-10

If the human flesh still holds propensities toward pride that can manifest itself in racism, is there any hope? Yes. This was a common problem in the New Testament and was always treated with the gospel. In the book of Ephesians Paul lays out a blue print for unity to counter-attack every form of sin. In Christ, we can walk in love as Christ loved the church.Scriptures Referenced: • Ephesians 2:13-18• Ephesians 4:1-7• Ephesians 4:17, 21-23• Ephesians 5:1-2• Matthew 5:21-24

After receiving some godly pushback on the issue of racism from episode #3 (listen at https://fbchurch.org/resource/dealing-with-the-inner-racist ), this episode seeks to give some clarification on racism. Racism’s root is indeed pride, but pride does not necessarily produce racism. The sermon on the mount in Matthew 5 gives us the proper logic for addressing the heart issue.Scriptures Referenced: Matthew 5:21-30

The volume on social justice issues can easily drown out the true gospel. Astute Christians rightly express concerns about drifting to a social gospel. In this episode we define the social gospel and then keep the true gospel and social justice in their proper places. Examples come from Jesus, the Apostles and Paul’s epistles.Scriptures Referenced: • Mark 1:15-39• Acts 6:1-9• Galatians 2:8-10

With so many ways we see people suffering in the world, how do I know where to put my time and energy? In this episode we talk about the priorities of the Christian and where helping the poor, vulnerable, and oppressed fits in.Scriptures Referenced: • John 15:1-8• Titus 1:5-10; • 1 Timothy 3:1-10• Acts 6:1-6• Galatians 6:10

What is virtue signaling and how should Christians respond to it? Is there a sense in which virtue signaling can be done in Christian love? Today, John Gardner fills in for Dan Jarms to answer these questions!Scriptures Referenced:• 2 Peter 1:3-10• Galatians 5:22-26• Romans 12:9-21• 2 Corinthians 2:15• Hebrews 10:24• 2 Timothy 2:25

The moral authority to speak on social justice issues is not related to a persons position of oppressor or oppressed. It comes from alignment with God’s will revealed in scripture. We can only speak with moral authority when our aim is love and the offer of a better peace and justice.Scriptures Referenced: • 1 Timothy 1:5• Proverbs 3:7-8• Ephesians 4:29• Proverbs 25:11-13• 1 Peter 4:10-11• 1 Timothy 1:14-16

Under the ideology of Intersectionality, only those who are oppressed have the moral authority to speak on issues of social justice. This contradicts the Bible. Anyone can speak with moral authority so long as he/she is in alignment with what God speaks and his/her speech is with wisdom. Multiple proverbs govern our speech, and when we fail to use them we forfeit our moral authority when speaking on social justice issues.Scriptures Referenced: • Proverbs 18:13• Proverbs 18:17• Proverbs 26:17

The cultural narrative of intersectionality is gaining great momentum. In short, there is a descending staircase of oppressor and oppressed categories. Those at the bottom have the most moral authority to speak up and speak out. Those at the top have no authority. While oppression runs rampant, this attitude contradicts the message of the gospel. All Christians have the moral authority to speak to the ultimate issues of oppression as long as they speak the gospel.Scriptures Referenced: • 2 Corinthians 4:2-5• 1 Thessalonians 2:13• Titus 2:11-15• Mark 1:15

Karl Marx sought the destruction of the Biblical Family as a means to achieve his classless society. This thought continues through the Black lives matters organization by the ‘disruption’ of the biblical family in order to achieve the end of black oppression. While staunchly standing against racial oppression, Christians must be extremely careful who they partner with.Scriptures Referenced: • Genesis 1:26-27• Ephesians 5:22-6:3• Ecclesiastes

Current Cultural Marxism has adapted and advanced Marxist rejection of Biblical Sexual Ethics. The false gospel it promotes is a utopia of self-made identity and self-indulgent expression. Solomon will unmask this false hope as vanity and the Bible calls it sin and offers the gospel for redemption and identity in Christ.Scripture Referenced: • Genesis 1:26-27• Genesis 2:14-22• Genesis 3;1-7• Romans 1:25-28• 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Racism, prejudice and oppression do indeed exist. The Gospel offers a superior solution than that of the self-proclaimed Marxist organization of Black Lives Matter. In this episode we go back to Marxism and compare its storyline and false hope with the storyline of the Bible and the reconciliation brought about through Jesus Christ.Scriptures Referenced: • Psalm 2:1-6• Colossians 1:13-14• Galatians 3:28

We get to resume our regular celebration of the Lord’s Supper! How Exciting. Today we will explore the nature and importance of the Lord’s Supper as a corporate celebration and why we don’t celebrate it merely as individuals or as individual families.Scriptures Referenced: Acts 2:42Acts 20:71 Corinthians 10:16-171 Corinthians 11:17-34

Baptism as an ordinance of Christ should normally be done when the local church is assembled. That is why we have waited during the pandemic. Now that the church can assemble again we are observing baptism and the Lord’s supper. Listen in to see why it is so important that it is reserved for the gathering of the saints.Scriptures referenced: • Matthew 28:19• Acts 2:38• 1 Corinthians 12:12-14• Acts 8• Acts 16

What does a Christian do who has witnessed abuse of authority? The situations are wide ranging from domestic violence, child abuse, witnessing oppression, sex trafficking, and racial injustice. At the founding of Israel, God instituted timeless principles to help guide us. Those who witness oppression cannot close their hearts and stand idly by.Scriptures Referenced: • Proverbs 21:13-15• Proverbs 26:17• Proverbs 18:17• Luke 3:12-13• Exodus 23:1-8• Leviticus 5:1• Deuteronomy 16:18-20

What does the Bible say to someone who has experienced abuse of authority? God has given us various means to appeal to when we are the victim’s of injustice and abuse of authority. It starts with going to God first and then wisely seeking the means of grace he has given us.Scriptures Referenced: • Psalm 10:1-2• Psalm 22:1• Deuteronomy 16:18-20• Romans 12:19• Luke 6:28• Proverbs 21:11• Proverbs 24:6

God has given authorities and authority structures to mitigate the effects of sin and promote human flourishing. But, when these authority structures fail to do so, what do we do? Count on God’s justice, entrust ourselves to God, and be careful not to be overcome by evil. This is the key starting point.Scriptures Referenced: • Deuteronomy 16:18-20• 2 Samuel 23:3—4• Isaiah 30:12-14• 1 Peter 2:23• Romans 12:17-21

The Governor’s office is requiring us to wear masks while worshipping in our Sunday gathering to help limit the spread of the coronavirus. Honoring the governing authorities is first and foremost an issue of worship to God as a result of the gospel. Unless the government asks us to sin, we should humbly submit.Scriptures Referenced: • Romans 12:1-2• 1 Peter 2:13-17

Washington state is requiring us to wear masks at our church gatherings. Some feel this is a violation of their freedom. Some feel wearing masks is a moral obligation. The pattern of Jesus and Paul was to give up their rights in service of others. This provided a platform for the furtherance of the gospel.Scriptures Referenced: • Romans 8-9• Romans 14 • Romans 15:1-4• 1 Corinthians 8• 1 Corinthians 9:12, 19