Think Deeper

We conclude our look at the church's leadership crisis with an examination of how we've totally misunderstood the role of church leader. We discuss: - What "above reproach" means - Why men should desire to be elders - What we can learn from the Bible's shepherd analogy of leadership - How church leaders create a culture - What to do if your church's elders are weak or unqualified

Why has the church declined so much in recent decades? Why are we met with constant news of church closings, church splits, and church compromise? In a word, leadership. Many congregations cannot even produce two men who are qualified as elders. In this episode we discuss: - The nature and scope of the leadership crisis - How "bad sheep" are compounding the problem - The leadership God is looking for - The Biblical qualifications of elders

The line between kid and adult has been blurred beyond all recognition. There are no firm expectations set for how and when a teen is to grow out of childhood and into adulthood. This has enormous societal consequences, and the church is not immune to such consequences. In this episode we discuss: - Why adolescence has grown so extended - The war on childhood and the war on adulthood - The problem of low expectations - Privileges and responsibilities and more.

We spend a lot of time talking about ways the church can grow and improve. But what do the churches of Christ do well? In seeking to improve, what building blocks are in place for us to "excel still more?" In this episode we offer our list of 5 ways the churches of Christ are excelling. Join the conversation on our Facebook page or YouTube channel!

Every day seems to bring more bad news - bank collapses, concerns over Russia, inflation, rampant sexual immorality, etc. As Christians, we know we should be hopeful, but sometimes it feels foolish to be optimistic about the future. Yeah, we know eternity will be great - but what about now? In this episode we discuss why Christians can have a positive outlook for the here in now even without denying the reality of the challenges we face.

We weigh in on the suddenly white-hot debate: does God care if Christians choose marriage or singleness? Should one be taught as a priority over the other? Should the church encourage young people one way or the other? We answer these questions and more. And, beyond the specific topic of marriage and singleness, the debate offers the opportunity to examine common mistakes of Bible interpretation.

What happens when you read, pray, attend, and do everything you know how only to feel God is impossibly distant? What do we do we know God is real on a conceptual level, but struggle to connect with Him on a relational level? We discuss these questions and more in a unique, free-ranging episode.

In our 2nd Q&A episode, the ‘Deep Thinkers' hit us with some incredibly hard questions yet again. - What do we make of church innovations? Examples include children's church, online giving, mic'd singers, and more - Can (or should) a Christian serve more than one church? - Are wives and mothers meant to work in the home? And plenty more!

Evangelism... it's that thing we know we're supposed to do, but it's difficult. It's uncomfortable. Where do we even start? This week we look at some of the challenges and excuses along with some tips and tactics before rolling out the Think Deeper Evangelism Challenge! We hope you'll join us in this challenge and pray that God would bring much fruit from it.

Entertainment is a part of life, but our rapidly declining culture makes it difficult for Christians to determine what to watch and listen to. Sexual content, violence, and language in particular give us much to wade through when determining where our line should be. Though the Bible gives us principles on the matter, there are few verses that can be applied directly. In this case, we have to use our wisdom and discernment when attempting to determine what we should and should not take in. Join us for a discussion of the black, white, and gray areas of our entertainment choices as we "strive to learn what is pleasing to the Lord."

As a follow-up to the previous episode on faith deconstruction stories, the guys look back on their upbringing to consider the biggest factors that led to their continued faithfulness. Focusing on the decisions their parents made to create Christian homes, they share the 10 they believe were most impactful in why they remain Christians today. Don't forget to head to the Think Deeper Facebook Page to let us know where you listen from! So far we've filled in 22 states and 1 Canadian province!

"Deconstruction" has become a buzzword as countless people share their stories of questioning their faith and, in many cases, walking away. What does the Bible teach us about deconstruction? What can we learn from these stories? In what ways can the church adapt and do better? In what ways should the church refuse to budge? We discuss all these and more in this week's Think Deeper! Tune in next week for our discussion of how to help one another remain in the faith.

There are many bad ideas out there about the role of emotions in our lives. Some put too much stock in them, letting themselves be carried away by how they feel in any given moment. Others try to shut them out and deny that God gave us these emotions for a reason. This week we look at the emotions we all deal with daily, like anger, fear, sadness, and worry and discuss the Biblical vs. unbiblical way to respond to them.

For a number of years, dating was the unquestioned way to find a potential spouse. 20-30 years ago people started questioning what dating had become, though, and pushed a return to the more traditional method of courtship. With a growing sample size to observe, along with their personal experience, the guys look at the critiques courtship got right and those that were an overcorrection along with what the best way forward might be. This discussion isn't just for teens and singles, as parents, grandparents, and church leaders also need to be aware of how best to encourage the development of Christian marriages.

Arguably the biggest hindrances to our sanctification are the "little," common, everyday sins we can all commit but pay little attention to. This week we give our list of 5 extremely common sins that can creep into our lives without notice. We want to hear from you! Once you've heard our list, comment on our Facebook Page or YouTube channel with which one you think is the biggest challenge for Christians today, and why.

This week we take a look at where things stand in the church today, how we got here, and what it's going to take to reverse the trends in places where we're falling short. We offer a blueprint for the way forward with practical tips for older members, young men, and young women. ----- Don't forget to check out The Godly Young Men Podcast, launching January 3! Joe and Will we be bringing new episodes each week, available on your podcast app or on the Focus Press YouTube channel.

A merry, light-hearted final episode of 2022 - Over/under/properly rated hymns - Choose This or That, Bible edition - Hot Takes with... Everybody! Plus, year end recap including favorite episodes and funny stories

The Deep Thinkers strike back! In our first Q&A episode we answer your questions on a wide range of topics, including: - When can women speak in church gatherings, and in what ways? - Is Paul's teaching on head coverings in 1 Corinthians 11 applicable today? - If someone is unwilling to repent, is a Christian required to forgive Him? - 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 says each spouse's body belongs to the other. To what degree does this apply? To submit your questions for our next Q&A episode, send them to our Facebook page or to jack@focuspress.org

Dr. Kerry Williams joins the show to help us decipher this challenging listener-requested topic - what does the Bible teach about angels, demons, and the spiritual realm? Topics include: - Were the Old Testament pagan gods just blocks of wood, or something more? - Theories on the Nephilim of Genesis 6 - What is the practical importance of understanding these matters? ------ Dr. Kerry WIlliams is the Dean of Graduate Studies at Sunset International Bible Institute and the Director of the Tahoe Family Encampment. He also hosts the Daily Spiritual Startups Podcast. You can find his books at kerrywaynewilliams.com.

Some Christians celebrate Christmas religiously as a celebration of Jesus' birth, citing the importance of His appearance and the rare occasion of the culture acknowledging Christianity. Others celebrate as a strictly non-religious holiday, noting that Jesus was almost certainly not born on 12/25 and the Bible does not speak on the matter. Others eschew celebration altogether, each for varying reasons. In this episode: - What are the pros and cons of each belief system? - What is the difference in application between the family and the entire church? - How are churches to navigate differing opinions on the matter?

From day one, every married couple makes decisions about reproduction and contraception. Sadly, most have no idea that God has much to say on the matter. In this episode Dr. Brad Harrub returns to break down the medical ethics and Biblical considerations surrounding these topics, including "the pill," IUDs, In-Vitro Fertilization, and the decision many are making to forego children altogether.

Dr. Brad Harrub joins the show to continue the series on Christian sexuality. This week's episode focuses on the different perspectives and desires men and women bring into the bedroom and how they can deepen their relationship by serving each other.

We know all the things we AREN'T supposed to do... but in many cases the church's teaching about sexuality stops there. Young people are left in the dark, and married couples misunderstand God's intended purpose for sex. Topics include: - Why God made sex, and what it does for married couples - What the Bible says on the matter, and why we often shy away from it - Why the world's sexuality is so disastrous - What churches and parents should be teaching young people

Unfortunately many Christians dry off from the waters of baptism and are never shown the next steps to take on their lifelong journey of growth. “Read your Bible, pray, go to church every time the doors are open” are all great tips… but nobody ever came to spiritual maturity by just doing the basics. In this episode we share 7 tools you can use to enhance your growth.

With a crucial midterm election facing the country, we examine the Christian's relationship with politics. Many believe we shouldn't be political at all. Others believe a Christian's vote is their own business and whoever and whatever you choose to support is fine. We examine these ideas and more, including. - What principles should govern our political engagement? - Are Christians guilty of "trusting in princes" (Psalm 146:3)when they endorse candidates? - Why Jack and Joe have changed their minds on voting - Should Christians avoid earthly power and influence? - Can we vote for candidates with questionable character?

The guys engage in a lively debate about Halloween. As occultists celebrate the day, should Christians avoid it? What about the aesthetics of blood, death, and ghouls? They also touch on horror movies and the Biblical principles we should keep in mind when choosing what to watch.

Jack and Joe trade notes on how ministers can serve their members, how elders can help set ministers up for success and guard their flock, and how members can find growth by communicating with their leadership.

"Honor your father and mother" - it's a commandment you hear a lot as a kid, but after that we often fail to give it much thought. Maybe it's time to revisit it. In this episode we talk about the far-reaching consequences of our neglect in this area. Topics include: - Why God commanded those who cursed their parents to be stoned - How our society teaches us to hate our parents - Honoring difficult parents in your adulthood - Reaching out to adult children who have distanced themselves

We share our rankings of what we think are some of the most challenging commands God has given us in His Word. Far from complaining about their difficulty, we want this to be an appreciation of the holiness God has called us to and a chance to humble ourselves in recognition of just how much we need His grace and strength. So... what commands might you put on the list?

Many seem to believe that work is a necessary evil, something we have to get through on our way to enjoying our "real life" of weekends, vacations, and retirement. The Bible doesn't see it that way. Work was part of God's purpose for man's life from the very beginning, and rightly ordered it can bring us much joy. In this episode we discuss: - Why laziness and carelessness are unbecoming of Christians - How a "chase your dreams" career approach causes trouble - Why poverty isn't inherently more pious - Avoiding the idolization of work and money

Some Christians claim Jesus explicitly told us to prepare ourselves for self-defense. Other Christians claim Jesus expressly prohibited us from doing so. How can there be such a wide chasm of opinions on this matter? And what does the Bible really say? We discuss in this episode. Topics include: - How both sides of the debate often misunderstand Jesus - What the Old Testament teaches us on the matter - Situations such as home intrusions, active shooters in the church building, war, and the like

Every Christian knows they are to pray, study the Word, attend worship, and so on. But many Christian families don't know that God expects them to come together in the home to spend time in teaching, worship, and prayer. This week we discuss the what, why, and how of family worship, including: - Why Christian families should view family devotionals as a non-negotiable part of their schedule - What Deuteronomy 6 and Proverbs 22:6 teach us about God's expectations and promises for parents
- How to find time in a busy schedule
- Practical tips and tools for developing a family worship habit in your home, including Will's brand new Family Worship Guide available at focuspress.org!

Many Christians place little importance on the physical world, including our bodies, concluding that such things don't matter because "it's all gonna burn anyway!" That's not how God sees the matter, though. In this week's episode we discuss why it's important for Christians to strive to be healthy. Topics include: - Why the "it's all going to burn" mindset distorts the Scriptures - How our physical appearance confirms or detracts from the truths we seek to proclaim - Practical tips that have helped us live more healthily

This week we take a look at Critical Race Theory (CRT) and why it does not fit with the Gospel What CRT is and how it came to be - The abominable fruit CRT is bearing in society - Why this new approach to race is anti-Gospel - What churches can do to push back on CRT and uphold healthy racial unity

Everybody has a worldview, but not everybody knows what worldview they hold. For Christians, it's imperative that we understand the world God's way, using the Bible as our guide. But how can we do that? And how can we know if we're employing a Biblical worldview? It's as simple as checking your pockets, actually. We explain in this episode. Music: “Focus” by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)

This week we entertain an intriguing hypothetical: if you were involved in helping plant a new congregation, what 3 non-essential practices would you change? We give our answers in 3 categories: - Worship and the assembly - Fellowship and study time - Leadership -------- Music: "Focus" by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)

Everybody talks about having a "church family," but do we act like we really believe it's a family? In episode 3 of our Church Reset series, we discuss what it would look like to truly act as a family in the way God intended, including: - Why consumer Christianity fails to produce family-like churches - Examining the "one anothers" - Practical ways we can build stronger fellowship - The 3 types of fellowship, and which one we need the most Music: “Focus” by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)

How do we break out of the consumeristic church structure that rules the day? It starts with revisiting perhaps the most widely misunderstood text in the entire Bible - the Great Commission. This week we discuss how we've gotten it wrong, and why getting it right is essential to become the church God intended us to be.

Our 4 part "Church Reset" series begins with a look at consumer Christianity. - Why a business-like view of the church creates weak, shallow Christians - What Jesus would do with today's church growth strategies - How to be a true Christian rather than just a church customer - How church leaders can stop creating customers and start creating disciples

God has established hierarchy throughout creation, in nations, churches, and the home. However, in our day of independence and individualism, we don't often take kindly to being told what to do. God created these structures in His infinite wisdom, we're going to come to terms with that word we view so negatively: "submit." Topics include: - Why the 4 different offices are more similar than we think - The problem with "servant leadership" - The privileges and burdens of leadership - When to submit, and when to resist Music: “Focus” by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)

Cary Gillis joins the show this week to discuss the challenges and blessings of Christian singleness. Topics include: - 2 Biblical forms of singleness, and 1 popular unbiblical form - Principles to keep in mind when making your "list" of qualities desired in a potential spouse - Why singles are the church's "secret weapon" - How the church can help singles feel valued as part of the family rather than second-class citizens segregated to their own corner Cary Gillis is the newly announced director of Latin American Missions and minister of foreign evangelism with the Forrest Park church of Christ in Valdosta, GA.

This week we celebrate Independence Day with a look at patriotism. - Should Christians be patriotic? - How patriotism can go wrong - Why patriotism and love of country is about rights rather than duties - "This World Is Not My Home," or "This Is My Father's World" - which one?

"Love God," "Love your neighbor," the 10 Commandments, and others get a lot of the attention of Christians. But there are some significant Biblical commands that fly under the radar at best and go almost completely ignored at worst. In this episode we examine 6 commands that often get forgotten but deserve our attention. ----- Music: “Focus” by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)

Jesus calls us to be compassionate, to put others first, and to love our neighbors. However, Satan knows he can use these good commands to his advantage among good-hearted Christians who lack discernment. This week we look at how progressive ideas gain a foothold by turning honest, good hearts into pawns for their ideology.

This week we take a look at the issue of modesty. There's a strong push these days to silence discussion of the matter as unimportant or up for personal interpretation. We explain why we disagree, along with: - Why it's important to discuss - Whether the Bible gives us a standard for modesty - How everybody agrees on modesty, to a point - Why men's lust and women's immodesty are related... and why they aren't Music: "Focus" by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)

Exactly how bad is it? This week Jack, Joe, and Will break down what you need to know about the state of public schools and what you can do to protect your kids' souls. They also answer objections that might arise and offer a challenge for parents to take up. Check out "Failure: What Christian Parents Need to Know About American Education" on the Focus Press store Music: "Focus" by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)

There are plenty of incorrect ideas surrounding the issue of baptism. This week, we set out to debunk popular myths about baptism - including those believed by those who are staunchly pro-baptism. __________________________ Music: “Focus” by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)

Pornography addiction may well be the #1 sin facing Christians today... and yet in many cases little to nothing is being done about it. This week we discuss the statistics, the causes, the solutions, and the Gospel message the church needs to grasp in order to fight this battle. For more, subscribe to the Focus Press YouTube channel.

With the internet being such a large part of our lives, it's vital that Christians know how our faith shapes our time spent online. We discuss: - Should we engage in controversial topics and debates online, or steer clear? - Are satire and memes unbecoming for Christians? - How do we keep ourselves and our families safe from harmful content? - How do we handle the tech addiction that cuts us off from the people around us?

Summertime often brings about some of the greatest highs and lows of the Christian life. Camps, VBS, and other church events can bring a feeling of strength and energy. On the other hand, vacations and other plans can disrupt our devotional and fellowship routines. In this episode we discuss how to contextualize the highs so they don't create unrealistic expectations, and how to remain steady through the lows and temptations.

Most of the biggest issues within the church all find their root in one common problem: a "check the box" mentality among Christians. This week the guys discuss what the "check the box" mentality is, how it manifests itself in the church, and how a proper understanding of the Gospel puts us back on the right track. Music: “Focus” by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)