Rise Up! with John Kowalski

We spend so much time and effort (and rage) defending the nation. Do we ever expend such energy and passion in defending or promoting the Kingdom of God? What does that say about our faith? I know I am consistently disappointed with the balance between nation and kingdom in my life. I thought, maybe we just don't understand the Kingdom. So, in this episode I look to the Bible to answer some big questions. What is the Kingdom of God? How do we gain citizenship to this Kingdom? Once we are citizens, what is expected of us? When will all of this happen? After dealing with all of that I debunk some secular claims about citizens of the Kingdom, or maybe I agree with them...to a point. I take their shallow accusations that we are intolerant, judgmental and exclusive and I go deeper to find the truth in them. References The Bible (Various versions) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

We all have things in common and things that make us different. One thing we all share, despite our denial, is a sin nature. We don't have to be taught to be mean, selfish, manipulative, or prideful. We do however need to be taught, and re-taught to be kind, generous, giving and selfless. It is not our natural state. Humanity hasn't changed in the entirety of history. From creation to grave we remain lost but aimless, curious but never satisfied. The world however, changes constantly, bending to the wills of loudest, the most prideful, rarely the kindest. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Christianity has changed too. The Reformation, the Enlightenment, Fundamentalism, the Social Gospel, Revival, Purity Culture, the Prosperity Gospel, Progressive Christianity, Christian Nationalism and so many more beliefs have had their say and taken their toll on Christians and non-Christians alike. This episode I ask, how can Christianity continue to be relevant in a world and culture that keeps changing? The answer I come up with may surprise you. References Craig, William Lane; “YouTube Apologists React!”; Reasonable Faith Podcast Reasonable Faith Podcast - YouTube Apologists React! (google.com) Reasonable Faith Podcast - Jordan Peterson's Message to the Christian Church (google.com) Donnelly, Marisa; “9 Things That Are Holding You Back From A Deeper Relationship With God” Thought Catalog; https://thoughtcatalog.com/marisa-donnelly/2017/11/9-things-that-are-holding-you-back-from-a-deeper-relationship-with-god/ Sproul, RC; “God's Law is a Mirror” Ultimately Podcast Ultimately with R.C. Sproul - God's Law as a Mirror (google.com) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

The day-to-day life of a follower of Christ is not easy in today's world. We are mocked for our belief in one true God and His word, the Bible. We are persecuted for choosing to live by his standards in defiance of the world's religion of self. We are vilified for the sins of our brethren of the past but given no credit for the great societal accomplishments of other Christians. Jesus said that to find the Father we would have to take the narrow gate which few would choose. Did we really think there would be no opposition? As the world chooses the wide gate to destruction it demands that we abandon our faith and follow them promising us peace and tolerance and success along the way. The truth is that everything this world has to offer is temporal, ending when we shuffle off this mortal coil. What Jesus offers us, through his sacrifice on the cross, is eternal. All we have to do is repent and accept him. Once we do that, we have chosen the narrow gate but that is not the end of the story. Once through the narrow gate there is a fork in the road. This 2nd Anniversary, 50th Episode of Rise Up! discusses getting through the narrow gate and the difference between the two paths to the judgment seat. References Stoppe, Rhonda, “The Meaning and Purpose of the Romans Road to Salvation;” Crosswalk.com; https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/what-is-the-romans-road-to-salvation-bible-verses-and-meaning.html "Eight Reasons Why Rome Fell" A&E Entertainment. 8 Reasons Why Rome Fell (exploros.com) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

Life is full of temptations. The ones we give in to become strongholds that grow and separate us from our relationship with God. Detachment form the things that cause those temptations to grow can be healthy and necessary in our lives. We can install guard rails in our lives that protect us when we are weak, tied, or distracted, but it takes effort and discipline. In this episode I discuss the cost of such an effort as well as the benefit to our daily lives. REFERENCES Ahlberg Calhoun, Adele; Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us, Revised and expanded. (Downer's Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2015), 105–108. Boyd, Jordan, “Joe Scarborough: Jesus Never Said Anything About Killing Children.” The Federalist; https://thefederalist.com/2022/09/09/joe-scarborough-jesus-never-said-anything-about-killing-children/ Landen, Xander, “Podcast Group Slammed Over Apology for Ben Shapiro's Appearance” Newsweek.com; https://www.newsweek.com/podcast-group-slammed-over-apology-ben-shapiro-presence-1737134 Valloton, Kris, “8 Things to do When Spiritual Warfare Gets Real” krisvalloton.com https://www.krisvallotton.com/8-things-spiritual-warfare-gets-real --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

It is one of the many fun and happy sounding slogans that the world uses to demand that we consider horrific acts acceptable. To them "No Justice, No Peace" means that they won't stop screaming, burning, rioting, and threatening until they get their way. For followers of Christ "No Justice, No Peace" means that we will never find peace and rest in our lives until we accept God's objective justice. In this episode I delve into what justice is, what it is not, and what it should be according to the Bible. I also premier a new segment called "Awake, But Not Woke" in which I will expose the unscientific, unbalanced, senseless claims and policies of elites, leaders, and politicians. Their "rules for thee, but not for me" attitudes show their true goal, control without recourse. REFERENCES Adele Ahlberg Calhoun, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us, Revised and expanded. (Downer's Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2015), 218–220. Bonchie, “Monkeypox Declared a Global Emergency in the Most Corrupt Way Imaginable” Red State. https://redstate.com/bonchie/2022/07/23/monkeypox-declared-a-global-emergency-in-the-most-corrupt-way-imaginable-n600360 Hannity Staff, “Jill Came Tumbling After: FLOTUS Hits Lowest Approval Since Biden Took Office” https://hannity.com/media-room/jill-came-tumbling-after-flotus-hits-lowest-approval-since-biden-took-office/ International Justice Mission https://www.ijm.org/ Jose, Andrew; “Big Democrat and Republican Names Join Together, Form Third Political Party” The Western Journal; https://www.westernjournal.com/big-democrat-republican-names-join-together-form-third-political-party/ Noyes, Penny, “10 Roles of the Holy Spirit in the Life of Christians,” Christianity.com https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holy-spirit/10-roles-of-the-holy-spirit-in-christian-life.html Unnamed Author, “World Report 2022” Human Rights Watch. https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2022/country-chapters/united-states Walensky, Rochelle P. “Racism is a Serious Threat to the Public's Health” https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/racism-disparities/index.html --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

The 50 year walk through the valley of the shadow of death is over, but not before it cost us over 63 million lives. Lives that could have resulted in political change, scientific innovation, or spiritual leadership gone because they were inconvenient to the people who created them. Despite political rhetoric and angry vitriol, abortion was never a right outlined or even intended by the Constitution. The 1973 Supreme Court created legislation through activist jurisprudence. The 2022 Supreme Court corrected the gross overreach of their predecessors putting the decision back into the hands of the states. That battle will continue on the battleground of the voting booths in each state. This podcast is focused on what we Pro-Life Christians and Non-Christians should be doing now. Our mandate since the first century has been to care for the "least of these." Whether ours or someone else's, we have a responsibility to help where we can. Learning how to parent through trauma is a good start. REFERENCES Alia E. Dastagir, “Rape and incest account for hardly any abortions. So why are they now a focus?” USA Today. May 24, 2019. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/05/24/rape-and-incest-account-few-abortions-so-why-all-attention/1211175001/ Fleming, Jenna, “TBRI Empowering Principles”, Child & Family Counseling http://www.jennaflemingcounseling.com/blog-post/tbri-empowering-principles/#:~:text=Empowering%20principles%20is%20a%20term,important%20skills%20like%20self%2Dregulation. Fleming, Jenna, “TBRI Connecting Principles”, Child & Family Counseling http://www.jennaflemingcounseling.com/blog-post/tbri-connecting-principles/ NCTSN Parents and Caregivers Website https://www.nctsn.org/audiences/families-and-caregivers Purvis, K. B., Cross, D. R., & Sunshine, W. L. The Connected Child: Bringing hope and healing to your adoptive family. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. 2007. Purvis, Dr. Karyn, Trust Based Relational Intervention, TCU College of Science and Engineering, https://child.tcu.edu/about-us/tbri/#sthash.aGLhe8oS.dpbs Secretariat of Pro Life Activities “Abortion is not Health Care” https://www.usccb.org/resources/Abortion%20is%20Not%20Healthcare%20final.pdf --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

After all of the turmoil of my last podcast "What is a Woman (in the Eyes of God)?" I needed a mental and spiritual reset. I didn't expect a method for doing just that to come from a 16th century Spanish Catholic. Ignatius of Loyola outlined a simple prayer process to connect with God throughout the day. If you are struggling to find sense in the modern world the Examen can help you to connect with God and seek intervention through prayer. If your goal is to grow spiritually, seek truth, and spread the Gospel you will need this type of connection with God to keep you mentally, physically, and spiritually strong. John 10:10 exposes Satan's plan, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy." Psalm 56:2 warns of the many who will serve the enemy, "My foes have trampled upon me all day long, For they are many who fight proudly against me." Psalm 119:157 encourages us to be steadfast, "Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, Yet I do not turn aside from Your testimonies." Deuteronomy 20:1 reminds us why we have nothing to fear, “When you go out to battle against your enemies and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you." Join me as I delve into Ignatius's Examen. RESOURCES ON EXAMEN The Ignatian Adventure: Experiencing the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius in Daily Life by Kevin O'Brien Journey with Jesus: Discovering the Exercises of Saint Ignatius by Larry Warner Sleeping with Bread by Dennis Linn, Sheila Fabricant Linn and Matthew Linn REFERENCES ON EXAMEN Adele Ahlberg Calhoun, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us, Revised and expanded. (Downer's Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2015), 58–61. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

Today's society, culture itself, claims that they can't define what it means to be a woman. Yet, they encourage kids to deny their gender, identify as the other gender (or some infinite number of "gender identities"), or transition to the opposite gender entirely. This is not tolerant, inclusive or selfless. It is horrifying that society would encourage you to do permanent damage to your bodies just because your interests and desires don't align with their long-held gender roles. The same people who claim God is a misogynist, and Christians are bigots can't accept that a boy may play with dolls, or a girl might not. True followers of Christ should accept the sinner and reject the sin, even while the world attacks everyone with values other than their own. Sisters in Christ, Who does God say you are? In this podcast the Bible answers that question! REFERENCES Feminism, Encyclopedia Brittanica feminism - The suffrage movement | Britannica Arcade; “The Fourth and Fifth Waves” The Fourth and Fifth Waves | Literature, the Humanities, & the World (stanford.edu) Congress.gov “Equality Act (H.R. 5)” Text - H.R.5 - 117th Congress (2021-2022): Equality Act | Congress.gov | Library of Congress Florida CS/CS/HB 1557: Parental Rights in Education https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2022/1557 Mary, “12 Characteristics of a Godly Woman (how to become a TRUE woman of God!)” Health Christian Home 12 Characteristics of a Godly Woman (how to be a TRUE woman of God!) (healthychristianhome.com) Meads, Tim, “Congrats Man! Five Biological Men Who Won Women-Only Contests,” The Daily Wire, Congrats, Man! Five Biological Dudes Who Won Women-Only Contests | The Daily Wire Walsh, Matt; “What is a Woman?” The Daily Wire. Watch | The Daily Wire, or Subscribe Today Two | The Daily Wire --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

Praying alone is critical in the lives of the followers of Christ. It connects us to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in the relationship that the whole Bible story made possible. Adam and Eve brought sin and death into the world, but God knew they would. His plan accounted for that. It accounted for generations of failure, gnashing of teeth, idolatry, and other sin. It provided a solution in the form of Jesus, fully man and fully God. Jesus raised up disciples who would carry the message forward then he sacrificed himself to reconcile us with the Father. Today, we must live out that gift by sharing the story with others. This podcast offers a suggestion to do it in groups. Take up the full armor of God, gather your squad, and get to work. The person next to you may need you. RESOURCES ON PRAYER PARTNERS Listen In: Building Faith and Friendships Through Conversations That Matter by Rachael Crabb, Sonya Reeder and Diana Calvin Moms in Prayer International, www.momsinprayer.org REFERENCES FOR FURTHER STUDY The Bible (Choose your version) Mine is the ESV for many reasons English Standard Version - Read Online (biblestudytools.com) Ahlberg Calhoun, Adele; Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us, Revised and expanded. (Downer's Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2015), 275–277. Operation World https://operationworld.org/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

No one thought David would win against Goliath. It makes you wonder why they allowed him to fight the winner take all battle. As much as was stacked against David in this fight he knew he had the one thing he needed, the anointing of God. We have principalities and powers lined up against us too. Do we rally behind the cross knowing that Jesus already won the battle? No, we bicker amongst ourselves on the stage of social media. We claim God's glory for mundane accomplishments. Don't we have enough stacked against us fighting the forces of the enemy in the new Babel? We should know the enemy, accept the help of our allies, and fight the only fight worth winning, the fight to spread the gospel. REFERENCES Agfundernews.com https://agfundernews.com/gates-if-not-for-climate-then-why-is-bill-buying-up-so-much-farmland World Economic Forum https://www.weforum.org/agenda/archive/davos-agenda-2022/ Heat Action Platform; https://onebillionresilient.org/heat-action-platform/ Merck Code of Digital Ethics https://www.emdgroup.com/company/responsibility/us/products-businesses/CoDE-Code_of_Digital_Ethics.pdf “FDA approves pill with sensor that digitally tracks if patients have ingested their medication”; FDA.com https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-pill-sensor-digitally-tracks-if-patients-have-ingested-their-medication#:~:text=The%20U.S.%20Food%20and%20Drug,that%20the%20medication%20was%20taken. Viktor Orban (PM of Hungary) “12 Point Action Plan for Christian Conservative Success” https://abouthungary.hu/blog/pm-orban-at-cpac-heres-hungarys-12-point-recipe-for-christian-conservative-success --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

David refused Saul's weapons and armor. He faced Goliath, with only the anointing of God on his side. It was more than enough, and David defeated Goliath with a single stone. Christians today are facing many Goliaths, but are we even using the right weapons? We rage against principalities and powers beyond our human capabilities, yet we continue to do so alone. God is with us if we allow him to be. He has given us the tools to do his work and to bear his fruit. The battle against the world, the flesh and the enemy has already been won by Jesus on the cross. Rise up and know your enemies, then take up your cross, and share the Gospel with anyone who will listen. The measure of victory is in the people we reach. REFERENCES Communicate Jesus, “5 Challenges Faced by Christian Men Today,” Communicate Jesus, “Accountability Software – Comparing 5 of the Best Tools” Doyle, Shawn, “My (Personal) List of What it Means to be a Good Man”, The Good Man Project, Fathers.com; “The Extent of Fatherlessness” Got Questions, “What Does the Bible Say About Being a Godly Man” Jared Crypto Friend, “What are the Biggest Problems Christians Face on a Daily Basis,” Quora.com Miller, Vince, “Nine Attributes of a Real Man”, desiringGod.org, Murray, David; Preventing Pastoral Burnout, Crossway Szecsei, Szabolcs; “Top Ten Facts and Statistics on Fatherless Homes for 2022”: Modern Gentleman.net Turner, Doctor J.J.; “10 Challenges Facing Christian Youth”; Jeremiah Institute --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

In Genesis 1:28 God gave instructions to man for the stewardship of his creation. It says, “And God blessed them. And God said to them, "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." Mankind has subdued the earth. We have made it safer more fruitful, but we have also used its resources unwisely. Can we steward better without leaving the "least of these" to suffer in poverty and need? Can we improve but understand the cost? Can we check our privilege and put the needs of others ahead of our own? While we are doing all of this temporal work, who is minding the eternal issues? Can we put the Gospel first and still steward the creation God gave to us? RESOURCES ON CARE OF THE EARTH The Environment and the Christian by Calvin DeWitt Green Revolution by Ben Lowe Redeeming Creation: The Biblical Basis for Environmental Stewardship by Fred Van Dyke, David C. Mahan, Joseph K. Sheldon and Raymond H. Brand Under the Bright Wings by Peter Harris Adele Ahlberg Calhoun, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us, Revised and expanded. (Downer's Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2015), 202–204. REFERENCES The American Scientific Affiliation https://www.asa3.org/ASA/topics/environment/index.html Bible Study Tools, “Revelation 11:18” https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/revelation-11-18.html Eco-Justice Ministries http://www.eco-justice.org/default.asp Evangelical Environmental Network https://creationcare.org/ Lott, Maxim, “10 times 'experts' predicted the world would end by now”, Fox News Online, 10 times 'experts' predicted the world would end by now | Fox News Lock, Miriam Kates, “What does the Bible say on the preservation of the environment?” Jerusalem Post; https://www.jpost.com/judaism/what-does-the-bible-say-on-the-preservation-of-the-environment-660189 Mahoney, Kelli, “8 Christian Environmental Organizations” Learn Religion. https://www.learnreligions.com/christian-environmental-organizations-4590157 Quiring, Kathleen, “What Does Jesus Have to do With the Environment”, Becoming Peculiar; http://becomingpeculiar.com/what-does-jesus-have-to-do-with-the-environment/ Rai-Roche, Sean, “Renewable energy could provide 33-50% of US electricity by 2030, but unlikely to hit Biden 80% target”; PVTECH. https://www.pv-tech.org/renewable-energy-could-provide-33-50-of-us-electricity-by-2030-but-unlikely-to-hit-biden-80-target/#:~:text=If%20this%20trend%20continues%2C%20renewables,the%20nations%20electricity%20by%202030. World Economic Forum, The World Economic Forum (weforum.org) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

Jesus assures us in John 15:18, “18 "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” This is not a warning to adapt to the culture for safety. It is an encouragement that when the culture is against us, we are on the right path! Can we react to suffering like the disciples did in Acts 5:41 “41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name” or do we conform to the world in an effort to avoid the pain of taking up His cross? In times of tragedy and suffering we can bring it to our Lord, leave it at his feet, and ask for relief, peace and comfort. Do we ever take a moment to try to understand the loneliness of the suffering Jesus took on for each of us? My goal with this study is to do just that. Seek to understand the suffering of our savior that led him to ask relief of Father God in Mark 14:36, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." Live in repentance, live in empathy, live in grace. Rise Up! RESOURCES ON SOLIDARITY IN JESUS' SUFFERINGS God Has Dream: A Vision of Hope for Our Time by Desmond Tutu A Grace Disguised by Jerry L. Sittser Invitations from God by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun REFERENCES Ahlberg Calhoun, Adele, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us, Revised and expanded. (Downer's Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2015), 221–223. Essenpreis, Spencer and Kari, “5 Steps to Encourage Someone Who's Suffering” https://research.lifeway.com/2020/05/21/5-steps-to-encourage-someone-whos-suffering/#:~:text=Ask%20God%20to%20provide%20healing,them%20and%20strengthen%20their%20faith. Ice, Thomas D., “The End-Time Apostasy” Liberty University, tdice@liberty.edu https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1076&context=pretrib_arch --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

Can a Christian lead a non-believer to Christ by sharing their personal redemption story? Should they? We were commissioned to share the Gospel of Christ, the good news of eternal salvation. We have many tools at our disposal as evidence that the Gospel is true. Witness can be among the most powerful of those tools because of the human connection of shared experience and the visible component of changed lives. As R.C. Sproul once said, “A Christian's testimony may be good news of a changed life, but in and of itself, it's not the GOSPEL.” RESOURCES ON WITNESS Out of the Saltshaker and Into the World by Rebecca Manley Pippert Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J. I. Packer Saltshaker Ministries, www.saltshaker.org The Alpha Course, www.alpha.org Adele Ahlberg Calhoun, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us, Revised and expanded. (Downer's Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2015), 180–182. REFERENCES Ahlberg Calhoun, Adele, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us, Revised and expanded. (Downer's Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2015), 180–182. Koukl, Greg, “Another Conversation with YouTube Atheist PineCreek Doug”, Stand to Reason, https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3RyLm9yZy9wb2RjYXN0L3dlZWtseQ/episode/c3Ryd2Vla2x5LnBvZGJlYW4uY29tLzFjYTYyZmMwLWNjZjQtM2 Sproul, R.C. “Your Testimony is not the Gospel”; Ultimately Podcast Ultimately with R.C. Sproul - Your Testimony Is Not the Gospel (google.com) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

Voltaire, has been credited with saying, “If God created us in his own image, we have more than reciprocated.” Since the Garden of Eden mankind has sought to eliminate God or replace Him. Most recent examples like Cultural Christianity, Christian Nationalism, and Evangelical Deconstructionism are simply efforts to strip away the truth of God's nature and replace it with the tenuous and inadequate abilities of man. Join me as I demonstrate that there is "nothing new under the sun" when it comes to human efforts to deny the one true God and his efforts to reconcile us to him through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. No matter how far you have run from God you are never more than one step from His open arms. That single step is the next step in the effort to change the world. References Daniel, Elise, The Institute for Faith, Work and Economics; Three Fallacies of the Social Gospel (tifwe.org) Editors, Social Gospel | Description, Movement, & Facts | Britannica Hoffecker, Andrew, “Liberal Theology”; The Gospel Coalition Liberal Theology - The Gospel Coalition Harrison, Darrell, Walker, Virgil; "Evangelical Deconstructionism"; Just Thinking Podcast; EP # 117 | Evangelical Deconstructionism - Just Thinking Ministries Salter, G. Connor, “How Can Christians Respond to the Impact of the Enlightenment Today?”; Chritianity.com. How Did the Enlightenment Impact the Church? (christianity.com) What is Progressive Christianity? - Bethel UCC (bethelbeaverton.org) Wellman, Jack, What Is The Social Gospel? (whatchristianswanttoknow.com) Woodbridge, John, “The Rise of Biblical Criticism in the Enlightenment”; The Gospel Coalition The Rise of Biblical Criticism in the Enlightenment - The Gospel Coalition --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

Is Discipling a Command or a Suggestion for Christians? The ripple that Jesus started with twelve men in Israel continued to grow over two centuries to encircle the world. Are the prophecies of the end contingent upon the obedience of the elect to live out the Great Commission? Are we waiting for the return of Jesus or is God waiting for us to finish the work the Son of Man commissioned us to do? I try to answer some big questions and give some hope to many who have struggled to keep moving forward in their faith. References Adele Ahlberg Calhoun, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us, Revised and expanded. (Downer's Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2015), 155–157. Chismar, Janet, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, What is a Christian? (billygraham.org) FOCUS3.COM, WHAT DOES DISCIPLINE MEAN? What Does Discipline Mean? - Focus 3 Ritenbaugh, Richard T., The All-Important Introduction to Revelation, quoted by Bible tools.org, What the Bible says about Sense of Urgency (bibletools.org) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

When I heard this discipline title "RULE for Life" I immediately thought about legalism. Remember the Pharisees and Sadducees of the New Testament? They made up rules that God never stated in the Bible. Rules governing tradition, behavior, food, clothing, gender, age, politics, wealth and anything else they could dream up to puff themselves up with power stolen from the God they had all-but forgotten. How do we position ourselves closer to God? How do we live out his will for our lives? Creating a Rhythm for Life can help us to determine both where we are going and what we need to do to get there, intentionally. Determine your destination and live a life that helps you to get there on purpose. RESOURCES ON A RHYTHM FOR LIFE Living with Contradiction by Esther de Wall The Rule of St. Benedict Soul Feast by Marjorie Thompson Adele Ahlberg Calhoun, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us, Revised and expanded. (Downer's Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2015), 37–41. Grenz, Stanley, David Guretzki, and Cherith Fee Nordling, Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999), 71–72. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

Last week we discussed the hypocrisy of Cultural Christianity. This time we delve into society's current boogeyman of choice Christian Nationalism. Whether it is a true threat to our culture or not depends mostly on your politics. Either way it has true ramifications for the Kingdom of God and the Body of Christ, his Church. I will spend time discussing the rights we were guaranteed by God and whether a corrupt culture can guarantee us anything. Tune in, find out, Rise Up! #prayingforUkraine References Barna Study on Biblical Worldview among Christians Changes in Worldview Among Christians over the Past 13 Years - Barna Group Cultural Christians; website, Cultural Christians Harrison, Darrell B., and Virgil Wlaker Just Thinking Podcast, “The Church and Culture” Just Thinking Podcast (google.com) Howard, Kathy, “4 Reasons Christians Compromise with the Culture”, kathyhoward.org, 4 Reasons Christians Compromise with the Culture - Kathy Howard Lovelace, Berkeley, CNBC, “CDC study finds about 78% of people hospitalized for Covid were overweight or obese” Covid: CDC study finds about 78% of people hospitalized were overweight or obese (cnbc.com) Shepherd, Josh, “Survey Finds Only 9% of Self-Identified Christians Hold to Biblical Worldview” Survey Finds Only 9% of Self-Identified Christians Hold to Biblical Worldview (julieroys.com) Stetzer, Ed, “Christianity Isn't Dying, Cultural Christianity Is” crosswalk.com, Christianity Isn't Dying, Cultural Christianity Is (crosswalk.com) Stuckey, Allie Beth, Relatable, “How Tim Keller and Russel Moore became mouthpieces for masks and Vaccines.” Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey - Ep 560 | How Tim Keller & Russell Moore Became Mouthpieces for Masks & Vaccines | Guest: Megan Basham (google.com) The Free Dictionary.com “General Welfare” General Welfare legal definition of General Welfare (thefreedictionary.com) Nationalism Hitler's Rise to Power: A Timeline (thoughtco.com) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

Cultural Christianity and Christian Nationalism are two ends of the Christian Spectrum. One ideology caves to the whims of the world while the other puts worldly concerns above the eternal salvation of the Gospel of Christ. In this first of two podcasts, I discuss Cultural Christianity. I define it, explain its motives, and delve into whether it is replacing Biblical Christianity. How should a true Christian be salt and light in a world demanding sugar and shadow? References Cultural Christians; website, Cultural Christians Harrison, Darrell B., and Virgil Wlaker Just Thinking Podcast, “The Church and Culture” Just Thinking Podcast (google.com) Howard, Kathy, “4 Reasons Christians Compromise with the Culture”, kathyhoward.org, 4 Reasons Christians Compromise with the Culture - Kathy Howard Lovelace, Berkeley, CNBC, “CDC study finds about 78% of people hospitalized for Covid were overweight or obese” Covid: CDC study finds about 78% of people hospitalized were overweight or obese (cnbc.com) Shepherd, Josh, “Survey Finds Only 9% of Self-Identified Christians Hold to Biblical Worldview” Survey Finds Only 9% of Self-Identified Christians Hold to Biblical Worldview (julieroys.com) Stetzer, Ed, “Christianity Isn't Dying, Cultural Christianity Is” crosswalk.com, Christianity Isn't Dying, Cultural Christianity Is (crosswalk.com) Stuckey, Allie Beth, Relatable, “How Tim Keller and Russel Moore became mouthpieces for masks and Vaccines.” Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey - Ep 560 | How Tim Keller & Russell Moore Became Mouthpieces for Masks & Vaccines | Guest: Megan Basham (google.com) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

We, as human beings, are not well suited to submission of any kind. We haven't been since the serpent convinced Adam and Eve that God was holding them back from their true capabilities. That said, we allow principalities and powers to speak into our lives making us their advertisers. Whether it is politics, religion, medical issues or anything else we submit to a side and then fight for "their truth". The only objective truth is God's. Do you belong to God, or does some self-centered version of God belong to you? Join us to find out WHOSE you are! RESOURCES ON SUBMISSION Absolute Surrender by Andrew Murray Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer Community & Submission by Jan Johnson Whisper by Mark Batterson Ahlberg Calhoun, Adele Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us, Revised and expanded. (Downer's Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2015), 136–137. Harrison, Darrell and Walker, Virgil Just Thinking Podcast, Podcast - Just Thinking Ministries Kruse, Kevin “Servant Leadership: Definition, Examples, Characteristics;” Leadx.com Servant Leadership: Definition, Examples, Characteristics - LEADx MacArthur Jr., John F. Slave: The Hidden Truth about Your Identity in Christ (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2012). Chapter 13. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

Job was a man who lost his wealth, his property, his children...everything. Satan claimed to believe that people only behaved righteously to get the rewards. He argued that God protected the righteous, giving them good reason to continue to be righteous. If this was true, then faith would be meaningless. Faith in God would not be a matter of belief and trust but simply a matter of self-preservation. God allowed this proposed test of Job, by Satan. The resulting conversations between husband and wife, long-time friends and even God himself brings us a lesson that many of us still struggle to live out to this day. Join me as I dive into the book of Job and pull out some life lessons, we all need. References Biblestudytools.com NIV Study Bible, Introductions to the Books of the Bible, Job Copyright 2002 © Zondervan. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Hindson, Ed, and Elmer L. Towns. 2013. Illustrated Bible Survey: An Introduction. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic. Plantinga, Alvin, The Freewill Defense https://youtu.be/n0tLRO8_qRI Sproul, R.C. (Article) The Paraclete | Reformed Bible Studies & Devotionals at Ligonier.org | Reformed Bible Studies & Devotionals at Ligonier.org Sproul, R.C. (Podcast) Ultimately with R.C. Sproul - The Paraclete (google.com) Walton, John H., and III, Tremper Longman. How to Read Job, InterVarsity Press, 2015. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/liberty/detail.action?docID=4081794. Created from liberty on 2022-01-14 18:13:29. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

Job was a man who lost his wealth, his property, his children...everything. Satan claimed to believe that people only behaved righteously to get the rewards. He argued that God protected the righteous, giving them good reason to continue to be righteous. If this was true, then faith would be meaningless. Faith in God would not be a matter of belief and trust but simply a matter of self-preservation. God allowed this proposed test of Job, by Satan. The resulting conversations between husband and wife, long-time friends and even God himself brings us a lesson that many of us still struggle to live out to this day. Join me as I dive into the book of Job and pull out some life lessons, we all need. References Biblestudytools.com NIV Study Bible, Introductions to the Books of the Bible, Job Copyright 2002 © Zondervan. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Hindson, Ed, and Elmer L. Towns. 2013. Illustrated Bible Survey: An Introduction. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic. Walton, John H., and III, Tremper Longman. How to Read Job, InterVarsity Press, 2015. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/liberty/detail.action?docID=4081794. Created from liberty on 2022-01-14 18:13:29. Plantinga, Alvin, The Freewill Defense https://youtu.be/n0tLRO8_qRI --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

Pride gets celebrated for an entire month every year. The world's obsession with pride does not end there. It is prevalent in television, media, politics, and even the church. How do Christ followers navigate a world in which pride is a virtue when we believe in a God who opposes the proud, and gives grace to the humble? C.S. Lewis said, "humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less." Can it really be that simple? Just as we are to consider ourselves in the world, but not of the world we should consider ourselves born of pride but still choose not to live in that sin. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

Life in a broken world can be physically and mentally exhausting. So, how do we take care of ourselves properly. It is a balancing act between pride and humility. We have to love ourselves as God does without becoming self-indulgent monsters. The materialistic and naturalistic world sees the effort as pointless. They believe that if everyone just does whatever it takes to be happy the world will be a better place. What they fail to consider is what if whatever makes you happy destroys someone else? I suppose you have to care about something beyond yourself to care. For those of us who do care about our effect on others it takes effort and intentionality. Join me as I dig in, bare my heart, and try to figure out how to care for myself without caring for only myself. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

The key to enjoying a Sabbath is planning your week to accommodate a time of revitalization. Rest and reconnection with God, family and friends, while reflecting the joy of the hope found in the Gospel of Christ is key to persevering in a relentless world. Join me as I discuss what sabbath is and why it is important in our lives. We will seek understanding together and try to help each other find ways to dedicate space to God through planning a relaxing, refreshing, and refueling sabbath. For a comprehensive list of sabbath ideas go to Sabbath Ideas: 450+ Sabbath activities for kids and adults! To hear Bob Goff's conversation with Tim Tebow, go to Dream Big Podcast with Bob Goff and Friends - Tim Tebow - Building A Life Full of Conviction (google.com) As 2021 comes to a close consider helping some incredible non-profits meet the needs of those they serve; Key of Hope - Unlocking the Future of Africa (keyofhope.org) The House of Providence - Until Every Child Has A Home (thehofp.org) The Warrior's Journey® — Helping Warriors, Leaders, and Families find the community and help they need. (thewarriorsjourney.org) Home - Engage Your Destiny Honor. Hope. Healing. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

What do your priorities look like? Are you as distracted by screens as I once was, as I can still be if I allow it? Who you allow to have your attention says a lot about who you are and what is important to you. What does a life of distraction do to you and those around you? Time management is becoming a lost skill but it may be essential in the life of a true follower of Christ. If you are looking for a career helping children lost by the system, consider a career with House of Providence. Visit thehofp.org for more information, to apply for employment, to volunteer, or to donate to the cause. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

Self Examination and confession are keys to being in relationships. Even our relationship with God can be affected by who we are and how we live. Claiming righteousness because of our works, actions, politics, or vaccination status does not convince God of our goodness, they are all just "filthy rags" that we cling to for comfort. Only the grace of Jesus Christ makes us righteous. Whether we choose to live in un-repented sin or claim sin so horrible that God would reject us we are really just succumbing to pride. We are lacking faith in God's love and forgiveness and putting ourselves above God. Join me to find out how to put our identity fully into Jesus and stop living in shame, denial or fear of sin. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

Spiritual Direction is important to every follower of Christ. Who you allow to speak into your life can have an impact on your worldview, your understanding of scripture and your dedication to your faith life. Giving a voice to worldly desires and values can distract you from what God wants for you. This week I discuss who and what should have a voice in your life and how to avoid bad influences. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

Think back on your life. Who stepped up to help you through issues? Who taught you to be the person you are today? Have you thanked them? Have you paid it forward to others? God sent Jesus to save us all. Jesus mentored people who would pass it on, who is He calling you to mentor? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

James says man cannot control the tongue alone. Fortunately we are not alone. The word of God can train our minds and change what and how we speak. The Holy Spirit provides guidance and counsel in staying on track! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

Social media is rewiring our brains. How can we be a blessing in the world when we are in a stress induced state and have our guard up? The choice between stress/anger and blessing/encouragement should be easy but with any addiction it will take hard work and prayer. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

Trying to find our way to God's will in our lives isn't easy. Our own mind puts roadblocks in our way that force us off God's mission. How do we know what direction is coming from God? How do we avoid placing our feelings above His will? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

Life can drag us down. It can bring anxiety and depression into our minds. Engaging in community with others can be part of the solution. There is no reason to carry it alone or hide it. Counseling, medication, healthy living and community can all work together to defeat fear and anxiety. We can Rise Up together! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

What is the Kingdom of God? When will it come? What will it look like? The Bible provides those answers and many more. The most important question is what should citizens and ambassadors of the Kingdom be doing until Jesus returns? I give you five suggestions. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

The Bible is not two books telling various stories about the work of God. It is one book, one narrative, one story about the creation, fall, and reconciliation of God's image bearing creation back to himself through the grace gift of salvation provided by Jesus. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

We recently watched "Before the Wrath" a documentary showing parallels between Galilean weddings and the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels. It was interesting and tied the claims to the Bible, but left out the specific scriptures. I wanted to give a brief overview including those scriptural references for further study. Accept Jesus and be at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Until then be ready to...RISE UP! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

The final project for my degree program was a proposal for a Biblical Systematic Theology growth class at our local church. This presentation was use to gauge interest and perceived need among the audience. Feel free to give me feedback at john20.29@yahoo.com. Until next time...Rise Up! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

President Biden was inaugurated on January 20th. By the 26th he had signed 34 executive orders. 17 on inauguration day alone! I list them for you and discuss them in this episode. America spoke at the polls, this is what we wanted. Right? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

2020 may have been the worst year any of us can remember but we cannot live in denial and self pity. We must take up our cross and do what Jesus would have done, serve. As citizens if the Kingdom of God first we must serve those in need, and through our example (and words, if necessary) expose them to the Gospel of salvation. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

I give you the last four tenets of Progressive Christianity and delve into what the Bible has to say about their claims. Then I wrap it up with some conclusions about their beliefs about the Gospel, salvation and Jesus himself. Tune in, and Rise Up! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

Our salvation through Christ was never plan B. God always knew we would need a savior and planned for it from the very beginning. Join me and my wife Wendy as we walk through the plan on this most glorious day of the year. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

I delve into the tenets of Progressive Christianity and compare them to the Bible. Are the claims of Progressive Christianity actually in line with Christ? Join me and find out in Part one of a two part investigation. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

Why is there so much pain, suffering and death in the world? How can I believe in a good and loving God when I feel and see pain? Is God punishing me or am I the architect of my own suffering? Join me as we RISE UP and seek answers. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

In this episode I discuss Non-Classical approaches to apologetics like evidentialism, presuppositionalism, and fideism. Then, I finish with the ultimate voice in the discussion, the Bible. Whatever method you use, know that someone needs your voice and the Holy Spirit is with you. Rise Up! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

Is apologetics biblical? Is it necessary to defend our faith as Christians? How far should we go in trying to spread the Gospel of Christ? How do we do it with gentleness and respect? Tune in, find out, Rise Up! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

In this podcast I continue adding a Christian perspective to a conversation between The Thinking Atheist and The Refreshingly Honest Christian (Deist) on the topics of Religious Choice, parenthood, sin, slavery, and more. I even agree with them on a few things. Tune in and Rise Up! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

A person close to us sent us a podcast that explains his beliefs on faith, God, the Bible and salvation. I listened to the conversation between the "Thinking Atheist" and the "Refreshingly Honest Christian" and felt led to interject some Biblical principles into the conversation. Knowledge is important so please listen, research my claims for yourselves and... Rise up! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

Does Paul teach justification by faith alone? Does James teach justification by works alone? If they disagree, does that make the Bible wrong? I discuss where my research took me when I studied this topic for a class at Liberty University. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

I will tell you how God defines faith in the Bible. Using lessons learned in from my Pastor and in school I will give you some advice on define, demonstrating and sharing that faith with the world. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

The election is days away and some are still unsure of who really has their best interests at heart. I break down the differences between the candidates in the areas of economics, trade, health care, foreign policy and even race relations. Check it out, share it with friends an please on Nov 3rd... Rise up and Vote your Faith! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message

The left wants to radically change the suburbs? What can this mean for the people who live there if Democrats take the White House and Senate? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-kowalski/message