The Analytical Preacher - Bible Discussions For The Modern World

It is common to question whether humans need the teachings of the Bible to truly understand what is morally good versus evil. Stated differently: do we need to rely on the Judeo-Christian ethics of scripture or can we - using our rational and logical minds - objectively determine what is right and wrong without the structure of religion? In this podcast, we look at this question from the viewpoint of scripture itself as well as from an experiential and historical perspective. 

I have heard people challenge Christianity saying they can't justify belief in something based on a blind faith. Going further still, I have had individuals tell me that as they understand it, Christian faith requires one to believe facts that have been proven untrue or things that are simply logically and rationally impossible. In fact, neither of those concerns are accurate. In this podcast, I discuss what faith means and explain from the scriptures why Christianity is not a blind faith. 

With so many religions and each with their own set of scripture, why would one choose the Bible and Christianity?  In this podcast we cover a number of different reasons for why the Bible is the clear and unique choice when it comes to sacred literature. 

The account of the thief's interaction with Jesus on the cross was included in the Gospel of Luke for a reason. But what is the lesson we are to take from that brief interaction? In this podcast, we discuss what lessons should and which lessons should not be taken from that section of scripture. One of the main conclusions is that we can never get too far from God to return to Him through Christ and it is never too late to make our decision for Christ. #goodfriday 

Though we are not all called to be preachers or missionaries in another country, the Bible does directly state that we are all witnesses or ambassadors for Christ. But how does one go about being such a witness? As we discuss in this podcast, it is centered on the fact that in Christ, we are a new creation. And the change in us and the difference in how we choose to live our lives is the platform for our witness, not our Bible knowledge or our debating skills. As new creations in Christ, we simply need to be able to tell others that our thoughts, concerns and goals are different and we know it would be beneficial if they considered the same transformation. We are called to encourage people to seek God through Jesus. We are not called to win every debate or convert every individual with whom we have a conversation. 

Should I give to my local church? Is there are a certain dollar amount or a minimum percentage of our income we must give in order to be Christians? Should we view giving to a local church or a foreign mission as one of the costs of being a believer or as an unbelievable opportunity to invest in God's Kingdom? In this podcast we explore the key scriptures that answer these questions. 

What is the purpose of your life? In general, does human life have a meaning? As with all the pressing questions we ask ourselves, the Bible provides the clearest and most straightforward answer to questions such as these. In this podcast, we look at the specific Bible verses that address this issue. #biblicalworldview #purposeoflife 

Understanding how the Bible defines human nature and explains the role God ordained for governments, how would one with a biblical worldview seek to guide domestic fiscal policy? In this podcast, we discuss businesses, education vouchers, private unions, tax breaks and subsidies for corporations and the wealthy.  And all through the lens of scripture.  #biblicalworldview #bibleandculture #bibleandpolitics #bibleandcapitalism 

Should government policy focus on providing an equality of opportunity or work to ensure the equity of equal outcomes? More accurately, where should each standard be applied and why? And why do politicians focus so much attention on financial metrics? In this podcast, we answer these questions from a biblical standpoint and suggest more impactful measures than just those enlisting financial outcomes. #Bibleandculture #Bibleandpolitics #EquityEquality #Equityvsequality 

What direction does the worldview provided by the Bible give us in terms of how societies should best structure their economic systems? Related to this topic is capitalism, as so many people claim, an immoral system which should be rejected by believers?  And while all agree that communism has been a failure, how did Christians know communism was going to fail from the beginning? We cover all of that and more in this podcast. #biblicalworldview #bibleandculture #bibleandpolitics #bibleandcapitalism #bibleandcommunism 

What does the Bible teach us in regards to how believers should interact with a government that is non Christian? Scripture is very clear in its answer to this question and provides detailed steps for which every follower of God is responsible. In this podcast, we read and explain each of those scriptures. #biblicalworldview #bibleandculture #bibleandpolitics #bibleanddemocracy 

Does seeing the world through a biblical lens cause a Christian to support or oppose democracy as a form of government?  Does it cause us to support or oppose federalism, where different levels of government (national, state and local) work within different areas of responsibility? In this podcast, we provide an answer along with the biblical justification for that answer.  #biblicalworldview #bibleandculture #bibleandpolitics #bibleanddemocracy 

The church is not the only institution which the Bible establishes and defines a role for. In fact, scripture teaches that God has also ordained the family and the government as institutions through which society is to be structured and managed. In this podcast, we discuss those three institutions and explain the God-given role for each. 

In order to explain the world and how we are to engage in it and with it, a biblical worldview begins with descriptions of God's character and human nature. The understanding these foundational elements provide impacts how Christians view not only religion but also politics, science, philosophy, criminology, psychology and many other endeavors. In order to be truly fulfilled and well adjusted, we must grasp what scripture teachings about who God is, who humans are and pinpoint the way we are to interact with one another.  #worldview #biblicalworldview #bibleandculture #bibleandpolitics 

A biblical worldview is more than just a list of what God considers right and wrong.  Though it incudes a moral framework, it is much more comprehensive.  A biblical worldview answers all the grand questions of human existence, and does so better than any other philosophy, religion or ideology.  As does any worldview, a biblical worldview addresses where we come from, if there is purpose and meaning to life, how we decide truth from error and how we accumulate and apply knowledge.  #worldview #biblicalworldview #bibleandculture #bibleandpolitics 

In Luke chapter 7, we are told that Jesus marveled at a Roman Military Leader (or that He was amazed by him).  Why was Jesus amazed at this man?  More importantly, what lesson can we take from this account so that our lives are lived in a similar fashion?  #faith #christianfaith

There is a divide among Christian churches today whether spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues or miraculous healings have ceased and if so, why and when they ceased.  In this podcast, we look at the relevant scriptures to answer the question of what the purpose of such gifts were and what was said about their use and duration.

In chapters 12, 13 and 14 of his first letter to the church at Corinth, Paul admonishes them for their misunderstanding and misuse of certain spiritual gifts, including speaking in tongues.  In order to give us insight on our Christian walk today, in this podcast we examine why Paul says they were misusing the gifts and how they were misusing them.

A standard of biblical interpretation is that we use scripture to define and refine scripture.  Often when a word or concept is first introduced in the Bible, a definition of it follows close by.  Using this approach to studying and interpreting scripture, would we understand the tongues spoken in the New Testament to be existing, literal languages or unknown languages new to the speaker and the listener?  In this podcast, we explore the verses related to the topic to draw our conclusion.

Jesus told a wealthy, young ruler that he needed to give away his vast wealth to follow Him.  So, does this requirement apply to all believers?  In this podcast, we look at those verses from Luke 18:18-24 to understand why Christ gave those directions in that case and how we apply what we read in this account to our lives today.

Though Christians often have a strong opinion about certain laws and certain politicians, the guide for our voting behavior in a democracy should rest on the foundational pillars of a biblical worldview.  The Bible provides a comprehensive worldview designed to direct every aspect of our lives.  In this podcast, we look at the four worldview principles most relevant to determining how and why we cast our votes.  These biblical foundations involve a look at human nature, how the Bible tells us to measure those with influence and authority and concludes with one of our responsibilities as those belonging to Christ.

Does God still speak to His people in the 21st century?  If so, how should we expect to hear to from Him?  What types of issues does God address when He communicates to us and how can we be sure it is really Him we are hearing from?  In this podcast, we examine all those questions and provide clear, concise answers.

Some unbelievers say they are not interested in a religion where they are forced to live a certain way based on a fear of dreadful punishment by God.  The good news for them is that this is not what God is calling them to do.  Christians are called to respond to the overwhelming love, mercy, kindness and patience of God.  In much the same way, mothers and babies don't respond to each other in mutually beneficial ways out of fear of government punishment but out of a true love for one another.  Will mothers be punished if they criminally neglect their child?  Yes.  Is that what motivates them?  Absolutely not!  In this podcast, we look at the Bible verses which teach us about responding to love rather than fear.

The Bible says that God is gracious to us and that He shows us mercy.  But what do those terms mean biblically?  Grace and mercy are not the same thing but they are closely related.  And God's steadfast, biblical love is deeply intertwined with these actions as well.  In this podcast, we allow scripture to define what is meant by grace and mercy and seek out a life application for ourselves in those meanings.

What did Jesus mean when He challenged us to be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect?  How does a Christian go about living up to that standard? To understand this statement and answer those questions we need to look at the meaning of the word 'perfect' as it is used in this scripture.  But more importantly we need to examine the context in which the statement is made.  Once we have digested the meaning and context, this teaching of Jesus, though still incredibly challenging, provides us with a very specific life application we can all understand and strive for.

What is the main point of the Beatitudes?  What did Jesus mean when He said "blessed are the meek"?  Why did Jesus begin His famous Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes?  And how are we to understand the words Christ spoke 2000 years ago in terms of today's culture?  In this sermon, we cover the what, why and life application aspects of the beautiful words with which Jesus framed His most comprehensive lesson.

Is Christianity just a crutch for those who are weak?  Is it just another coping mechanism for those who are not emotionally strong enough to face the chaos of the world we live in?  As we discuss in this podcast, the answer is 'NO'.  In fact, Jesus warned His followers about those who would respond to the Gospel in such a way, essentially calling them shallow and saying they would not persist in their faith for the long haul.  Join me as I discuss that verse and other scriptures relevant to this topic.

At some point in life, we will all deal with grief.  And we know there is no quick fix, no easy solution to that issue.  But what path does the Bible provide for us when we encounter grief?  How do Christians biblically deal with loss, setbacks and grief?  In this podcast, we remind ourselves that God is still with us in those times and we look to biblical examples that point us to prayer and faith as a way to build up the hope through the scriptures that we need to climb out of the pit of grief.

The Bible provides us with a comprehensive worldview that allows us to frame even modern topics such as Artificial Intelligence.  So, how should we view AI through a biblical lens?  Should Bible-based Christians support or stand opposed to such technological advancements?  How does scripture direct us concerning any threats that AI might pose to humanity?  Many will be surprised that looking at technological change such as that introduced by AI through a biblical lens calls for far more support than opposition.  As always, it is the human misuse of such tools that is the major concern not the development of the tools themselves.

The Bible speaks of us being convicted by the Holy Spirit, sealed by the Spirit for the day of redemption and of our being sanctified by the Spirit until then.  But it also warns us not to quench, grieve or blaspheme the Holy Spirit.  In this podcast, we explore, using scripture itself, what the Apostle Paul meant when he wrote for us not to quench the Holy Spirit.

Humans speak different languages on earth so will it be that way in heaven?  The Bible teaches us in Genesis chapter 11 that the different languages we speak are the consequence of a specific rebellion of humans against God.  As Jesus died to redeem us from the curses and debt of our sin, we understand that our speaking different languages will be reversed in the final days.  In this podcast, we discuss how that reversal was foreshadowed at Pentecost and what the Bible teaches about a final, pure language God will teach His followers one day.

Was the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Paris a mockery of a Christian tradition?  In terms of how believers should respond, does it matter?  Christ does not see His followers as ones who should be easily offended.  He did not come to build a cult based on grievances.  What is the appropriate biblical response, then, to insults and mockery?  How does God want His people to represent Him and defend His name?

As with all things related to Donald Trump, the opinions in the land seem to be split between those who insist that God would not intervene on behalf of someone such as the former President (because of what they see as his bad character) and those who insist equally as boldly that it is obvious divine intervention was involved in saving his life.  The truth is not as simple as either side is trying to make it.  In this podcast, we take a rational, biblical look at the issue.

What is the purpose of prayer?  And how does that purpose direct what we should be praying for?  There are verses providing specific instructions, such as praying for those in positions of leadership.  In this podcast, however, we explore the high level purposes of prayer in a Christian's life and develop five important components of prayer from the top down.

In his letter in the New Testament, James says that God cannot be tempted and that He tempts no one [James 1:1-15].  Why is it that God cannot be tempted but we can?  And how can James say He tempts no one when there are a number of places in scripture that contain accounts of God testing individuals?  In this podcast, we look at the difference between a biblical temptation and a biblical trial or test and answer the question of why God can't be tempted and how it is that we can be tested without being tempted.

Some say that all religions are seeking to answer the same questions and are, therefore, similar in all but the smallest details.  Others say that all religions take us to the same ending point, even if each starts at a different place and takes a different path.  But the truth is Christianity is unique among all the religions ever practiced on earth.  In this podcast, we explore five ways in which Christianity stands apart from all other faiths.

Using the framework and guidelines of the Bible, what directions are Christians given concerning where and how to invest the money they save?  In this podcast, we use the general framework of the Bible to shine some light on questions such as 'should Christians earn interest on their money' and 'should Christians invest in the stock market'

The Bible speaks a great deal about money and how followers of God should view wealth and income.  So, what do the scriptures say about Christians putting aside some savings or even accumulating wealth through a 401K program?  A search beginning in the book of Proverbs provides us a definitive answer to this common question.

In almost every case in the Gospels when Jesus refers to Himself, He does so as 'The Son Of Man'.  But why?  Every word Jesus spoke was calculated and designed to provide deep meaning and maximum impact and the title He used for Himself was no different.  In this podcast, we survey scriptures from Daniel chapter 7 in the Old Testament to Romans chapter 5 in the New Testament to build our understanding of this issue.

It is a common saying that we have to love ourselves - and if we don't, then learn to love ourselves - before we can love others.  But if we use the Bible as our starting point, this is not necessarily true. Of course, we should understand that we have worth and value because we are made in the image of God.  But we should not wait until our self esteem and self love are at a certain level before caring about others.

The idea of life occurring in cycles and specifically the concepts of rebirth and reincarnation are common to manmade religions.  But what does the inspired scripture of the Bible have to say on these topics?  In this podcast, we explore what the Bible has to say about whether the universe is cyclical and what it teaches us about reincarnation.

The Bible says that God is love and that He loved the world so much He sent His only Son to save us.  So, why do the scriptures that speak so frequently of love also command us to fear the Lord?  What does it mean to fear the Lord?  In this podcast, we look at the word and its different meanings to paint an accurate picture of this concept.

What lessons are we to take away today from the account of the thief on the cross told in the Gospel of Luke?  If we say and do exactly as he did, will we be saved?  Unfortunately, this account has been misunderstood and misused at times.  In this podcast, we will explain the beautiful lessons that we are to take from this story but also clearly show where and how it is limited in its application for us today.

If we survey the religious landscape of the world, it is easy to come to the impression that people in different geographies with different cultures each practice their own religions and those religions only grow because people in each area are born into that faith.  So, is the religion we practice just based on where we were born or where we live?  The answer is no and the reasons why are discussed in this podcast.  Christianity has historically made conversion into the faith across a broad geographical footprint and continues to do so today.

Is it better to blow off steam occasionally rather than letting it build up until everything rips apart?  In our most agitated moments, it sure feels as though we need a release valve.  But the common idea that letting off steam when under pressure will help prevent something worse at a later time is incorrect and unbiblical.  In this podcast, we explore what the Bible has to say on the topic.

Many people, both believers and non-believers, wonder why Christians today don't follow all of the food and ceremonial laws in the Old Testament.  Within the Old Testament itself, though, scripture began preparing us for the replacement of the Old Covenant with the New.  The Bible tells us that Jesus accomplished and fulfilled the Old Covenant in ushering in the New.  And the book of Hebrews in the New Testament provides a multifaceted explanation of the transition.

What did Jesus mean when He told us to take up our crosses daily and follow Him?  In this podcast, we explore the best way to apply this teaching to our lives today.

Hope seems to be in short supply today.  But Christians are told to be ready to give an account of the hope that is within them.  In this podcast, Andy describes why he is so much more hopeful than most and shares why he believes such hope should be contagious.

Jesus confirmed that the most important commandment found in all of scripture is to love God with everything we have?  But how do we do that?  In the same conversation about the greatest commandment, Jesus begins to answer that exact question for us.  In this podcast, we will look at the greatest commandment and explore how we can best live that out.

The death of Christ on the cross was one of the defining and most efficacious moments in all of history.  But the Resurrection is equal to it in importance and impact.  In this sermon, we examine what the scriptures say about the resurrection, its relation to the crucifixion and two of the main results of its occurrence.

The most important questions we must answer in life are "is there a God and can I know Him?"  A number of ways to answer that main question have been employed.  For example, the Greek philosophers used deductive logic to prove the need for an Uncaused Cause or Prime Mover.  The empirically based inductive reasoning of modern science has concluded that an infinite and eternal multiverse is necessary to explain what we see around us.  And the Bible, of course, says that in the beginning, an infinite eternal Creator was responsible for the universe and all that is contained therein.  These approaches are all different and yet they all lead to the same answer - a god-like entity must exist!  Given this readily accepted fact, scripture explains why we should come to understand that his Uncaused Multiverse of an entity is the God of the Bible.