Podcast appearances and mentions of austin fischer

With heavy loads and tough stubble, harvest can be rough on your farm tires. Austin Fischer from Firestone Ag explains how a simple tire check can help you get a strong start and keep rolling next spring.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Austin Fischer is the Lead Pastor at Vista Community Church near Austin, TX and is the author of several books, including the recently released Us for Them: Seeking Higher Ground in the Cultural Holy Wars, which forms the basis for our discussion in this episode. We focus primarily on how to lead people in our ideologically polarized society, especially when it comes to political and social issues. Get a free one-year supply of vitamin D plus 5 travel packs! DRINKAG1.com/TITR Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw

On this episode, we hear from Indigo Agriculture CEO Dean Banks and Jason Little, Vice President of Ecosystem Strategy, about the company's soil health, carbon and biologicals programs and their mission to help growers increase yield, improve return on investment and become more environmentally sustainable. We also chat with Farmers Business Network co-founder Charles Baron about the successes of the farmer-to-farmer network and e-commerce platform. In our “Meat Monitor” segment, U.S. Meat Export Federation Chair Randy Spronk used his time at Commodity Classic to thank grower groups for their support of USMEF, and in “Bushels and Cents,” Ray Bohacz discusses wireless tire pressure sensors. The episode also features the latest song from country music singer/songwriter, Charlene Keyes, “Thank God and a Farmer.” Timestamps Intro and news: 0:00 Preview of Austin Fischer, Firestone Ag: 5:15 Dean Banks, Indigo Ag: 5:42 Jason Little, Indigo Ag: 13:22 Goatlifeclothing.com advertisement: 17:33 Charles Baron, Farmers Business Network: 17:52 Randy Spronk, U.S. Meat Export Federation: 24:34 Ray Bohacz, “Bushels and Cents”: 26:53 Charlene Keyes: 28:28

This week we dive more into a topic that affects us all to varying degrees and that can be difficult to talk about, doubt. Austin is a pastor at Vista Community Church in Texas and identifies as Young, Restless, and No Longer Reformed. He is also the author of the challenging and enjoyable book Faith in the Shadows: Finding Christ in the Midst of Doubt at IVP. We talk about a number of ways that doubt can manifest and how we respond, and while we may not agree on everything, our conversation was highly enjoyable and we hope you feel the same way! And if you do, be sure to rate us 5-stars and share it with a friend (tag @thesubstancepod or #TheSubstancePod on socials). Charles Taylor (philosopher) Shoutouts: The World Beyond Your Head by Matthew Crawford The War on Drugs Follow Austin: Buy Faith in the Shadows Twitter Church Website Follow Us: www.thesubstancepod.com www.instagram.com/thesubstancepod www.twitter.com/thesubstancepod www.facebook.com/thesubstancepod https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyJ1Bgzq17PDNiAR1pnDXcw This week we are sponsored by Chris Hotchkiss, American Family. If you're in the Kansas City area, reach out to Chris for a quote or second opinion at: Website: https://agent.amfam.com/christopher-hotchkiss/ks/overland-park/10100-w-87th-st-ste-300 Email: hotchki@amfam.com Phone: 913-268-8200 Share Your Questions/Suggestions/Feedback With Us: Email: thesubstancepod@gmail.com Phone: 913-703-3883 Support Us: Support the show with an individual donation on CashApp to $TheSubstancePod or become a monthly supporter at the Anchor link below! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thesubstancepod/support

How does the core desire (of being good) and core fear (of being bad) of the Enneagram Type One play out in a work setting? In this episode Kelsey Taylor interviews Austin Fischer and Melinda Kirkpatrick to get an insider peek into what it's like to be a Type One as a pastor and a mom. Referenced Resources: The Road Back to You Mistype Guide / Type One

How does the core desire (of being good) and core fear (of being bad) of the Enneagram Type One play out in a work setting?   In this episode Kelsey Taylor interviews Austin Fischer and Melinda Kirkpatrick to get an insider peek into what it's like to be a Type One as a pastor and a mom.  Referenced Resources: The Road Back to You Mistype Guide / Type One

As expressed in last weeks episode this month of my life has found myself way behind; to far behind. With that in mind I hope you love this oldie from the first season of the show. Episode TranscriptWhat is it like to live in a world where you never really know if you can trust and believe what you are being told. What happens when the train derails? How does our local church help and which local church should you be attending? Guest Bio:Austin Fischer is the Lead Pastor at Vista Community Church in Temple, TX. He is a graduate of Truett Seminary at Baylor University. He is the author of "Young, Restless, No Longer Reformed"; with a new work coming out later this year. He writes and speaks and you can follow him online at purpletheology.comGuest Socials:Twitter: @AustinTFischerWeb: www.purpletheology.com Special Music for this episode was provided by Landry Cantrell. Tracks include: Before You, Gravity, and Fade OutMore information can be gotten right here: landrycantrell.comYou can also find selections from all our episodes on our Spotify Playlist. I am so grateful for you and want to invite you to become a part of the beloved community being developed here. Consider becoming a Patreon supporter of the show. You'll have access to many perks as well as guaranteeing the future of these conversations; even $1/Month goes so far as this show is 100% listener supported. https://www.patreon.com/canisaythisatchurchAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Austin Fischer joins Dr. Flowers to talk about his book titled, "Young, Restless and No Longer Reformed," which is "a book about the Bible, black holes, love, sovereignty, hell, Romans 9, Jonathan Edwards, John Piper, C. S. Lewis, Karl Barth, and a little girl in a red coat. You've heard arguments, but here's a story-Austin Fischer's story, and his journey in and out of Calvinism on a trip to the center of the universe." To find more about Austin: http://austinfischer.com/ To get Austin's book, go here: https://www.amazon.com/Young-Restless...

Message from Austin Fischer on April 2, 2021

Do you face doubts about who God is? Has your faith been shaken by circumstances that make you question what you thought you knew? If you are tired of hiding your doubts, join Kim and fellow doubter, Austin Fischer, a pastor who says doubts are part of real faith. Austin is the author of Faith in the Shadows, Finding Christ in the Midst of Doubt. Kim Wier is a speaker, radio talk show host, Bible teacher, and author of the book, The Art of Friendship and other titles.    The Art of Friendship Podcast is part of Hope On Demand!

Message from Austin Fischer & Dave Jeffreys on January 3, 2021

Message from Austin Fischer on December 20, 2020

Message from Austin Fischer on November 1, 2020

Message from Austin Fischer on October 25, 2020

Message from Austin Fischer & Dave Jeffreys on June 21, 2020

Thank you for listening to this episode of PRAYERFULLY WOKE! If you enjoy the work that we are doing here at the podcast, you can support us financially by clicking the Patreon link here: https://www.patreon.com/prayerfullywoke If you would like to stay updated with the podcast through social media platforms, you can find us by clicking the links here: Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/prayerfullywoke/ Twitter- https://twitter.com/PRAYERFULLYWOKE Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/prayerfullywoke/ If you would like to listen to our sermons from our respective churches, you can find them by clicking the links here: Jonathan- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-christian-king-city/id1440685224 Walker- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sermons-at-the-river-church-of-st-joseph-mo/id1378365889 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/prayerfullywokepodcast/support

Episode 46 - Navigating Faith & Doubt: Freedom, Fear, and Charity (feat. Austin Fischer) When it comes to working out our convictions, there are definitely helpful and unhelpful approaches. What are the lenses in which we understand our theology? Is there grace and freedom to re-evaluated and change our traditions while still staying faithful? What happens when we doubt or when the way in which our beliefs are being formed differ from those who we live, serve, and worship with? We sit down for an honest and open conversation with pastor and author Austin Fischer to share our experiences and to be stretched to find a better way! -------------------------- Please remember to subscribe to our podcast to join the conversation as we regularly discuss all things related to being Canadian, Asian, and missional. Leave us your comments and feedback and let's do this together! Music Credits: aKu – The Final Blow © 2020 aKu All Rights Reserved, Used With Permission

Message from Austin Fischer on April 26, 2020

Eric and Julia host a lively conversation between Austin Fischer, pastor and author of Faith in the Shadows and Bart Campolo, Christian-turned-athiest and son of famous evangelist Tony Campolo.

I feel empowered when I take responsibility for my success ...but I'm supposed to give the glory to God. I have big goals and I want to pursue my impossible dreams ...but I'm supposed to follow God's plan, not mine If I "should" myself I cause my own suffering ...but God says there IS a way I should live Austin Fischer, author of Faith in the Shadows and Pastor at The Vista Community Church, offers insight into the tensions that Christian Thrivers tend to live in

This is Week Three of Park Hill Church's Vision Series. In this teaching, Austin Fischer visits Park Hill to talk about what it looks like to be with Jesus in the midst of doubt and uncertainty. When we see the lives of the great men and women of faith in the Scriptures, it becomes clear that faith is not certainty, but a willingness to act faithfully despite all of our uncertainty.

This is Week Three of Park Hill Church's Vision Series. In this teaching, Austin Fischer visits Park Hill to talk about what it looks like to be with Jesus in the midst of doubt and uncertainty. When we see the lives of the great men and women of faith in the Scriptures, it becomes clear that faith is not certainty, but a willingness to act faithfully despite all of our uncertainty.

Austin Fischer is a well-known author and lead pastor at Vista Community Church in Temple, TX. Austin's new book, Faith in the Shadows, is a profound take on doubt as essential to a vibrant faith. We highly recommend you pick up a copy.

Austin Fischer is a well-known author and lead pastor at Vista Community Church in Temple, TX. Austin’s new book, Faith in the Shadows, is a profound take on doubt as essential to a vibrant faith. We highly recommend you pick up a copy.

Austin Fischer, author of "Young, Restless, and No Longer Reformed" and pastor of Vista Community Church joins the show to discuss his journey in and out of Calvinism. Whether Calvinist, or non-Calvinist, you will enjoy listening to Austin's story. To watch the bonus segment "5 More Minutes with Austin Fischer" follow the Patreon link below and become a supporter of the show. Links Support our Ministry (Patron-Only eBook Included) Young, Restless, Reformed Book Faith in the Shadows Book Blog Social Facebook Twitter Instagram

Message from Austin Fischer on June 2, 2019

Episode 17 – Show Notes Austin Fischer joins us this month. He is a pastor in Texas … but he has thought deeply about troubling issues in his faith and does not dismiss his doubts with pat answers. We tap into his thinking and give him space to present ideas surrounding suffering. We cover the ancient book of Job in the Old Testament, trying to have hearts/emotions big enough to embrace the suffering out there and the two theological narratives in the Bible on this: a broadly Calvinist approach and one seeing spiritual warfare behind tragic events. We know of Austin as he was a co-guest with Ed on Unbelievable last year:https://www.premierchristianradio.com/Shows/Saturday/Unbelievable/Episodes/Unbelievable-A-tale-of-two-doubters-Austin-Fischer-Ed-Atkinson He has written an excellent book on doubt, largely targeted at Christians:“Faith in the Shadows: Finding Christ in the Midst of Doubt” 2018. Find it on Amazon etc We launch the discussion on the theme of doubt because Andrew has just been on Unbelievable himself with the author of another Christian book on doubt:https://www.premierchristianradio.com/Shows/Saturday/Unbelievable/Episodes/Unbelievable-When-Faith-Fails-Dominic-Done-and-Andrew-Whyte-on-dealing-with-doubt To contact Austin please use his church website:https://www.thevista.tv/staffHe would be delighted to hear from you. Doubts Aloud Links: Please leave us a review on iTunes and we will respond to any question asked there with the review. Or give feedback and ask questions using : doubtsaloud@gmail.com Join the Facebook Group discussions:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1023280847835278/Meet us all in person at the monthly “Unbelievable Christian and Skeptic Discussion Group” in central London, see:https://www.meetup.com/Unbelievable-Christian-and-Skeptic-Discussion-Group-London

Episode 17 – Show Notes Austin Fischer joins us this month. He is a pastor in Texas … but he has thought deeply about troubling issues in his faith and does not dismiss his doubts with pat answers. We tap into his thinking and give him space to present ideas surrounding suffering. We cover the ancient book of Job in the Old Testament, trying to have hearts/emotions big enough to embrace the suffering out there and the two theological narratives in the Bible on this: a broadly Calvinist approach and one seeing spiritual warfare behind tragic events. We know of Austin as he was a co-guest with Ed on Unbelievable last year:https://www.premierchristianradio.com/Shows/Saturday/Unbelievable/Episodes/Unbelievable-A-tale-of-two-doubters-Austin-Fischer-Ed-Atkinson He has written an excellent book on doubt, largely targeted at Christians:“Faith in the Shadows: Finding Christ in the Midst of Doubt” 2018. Find it on Amazon etc We launch the discussion on the theme of doubt because Andrew has just been on Unbelievable himself with the author of another Christian book on doubt:https://www.premierchristianradio.com/Shows/Saturday/Unbelievable/Episodes/Unbelievable-When-Faith-Fails-Dominic-Done-and-Andrew-Whyte-on-dealing-with-doubt To contact Austin please use his church website:https://www.thevista.tv/staffHe would be delighted to hear from you. Doubts Aloud Links: Please leave us a review on iTunes and we will respond to any question asked there with the review. Or give feedback and ask questions using : doubtsaloud@gmail.com Join the Facebook Group discussions:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1023280847835278/Meet us all in person at the monthly “Unbelievable Christian and Skeptic Discussion Group” in central London, see:https://www.meetup.com/Unbelievable-Christian-and-Skeptic-Discussion-Group-London

Check out This Weeks Sponsor:   This Week on Seminary Dropout… Austin Fischer is the teaching pastor at Vista Community Church in Temple, Texas. He is the author of Young, Restless, No Longer Reformed. “People don’t abandon faith because they have doubts. People abandon faith because they think they’re not allowed to have doubts.” Too […]

  "Doubt is only a problem if certainty is the expectation."—Austin Fischer   Episode 70 of Spirituality for Ordinary People features an interview with Austin Fischer. Austin is the Teaching Pastor at Vista Community Church. His latest book is called Faith in the Shadows: Finding Christ in the Midst of Doubt   Key Learnings   Everyone has doubts.   "The problem of evil" is a cold, rational way to talk about our doubts around the pain and suffering in the world. When we face real suffering it brings a crisis, because we have trouble squaring a God of infinite goodness with the amount of evil in the world.   Moving away from faith often happens because we hear nothing from God for very long periods of time. This may be more a perceived "hearing nothing" than what God is really up to.   Modern Science can still pose problems for Christians. Augustine is a great source to go to for how we understand the relationship between faith and science. He noted that when science and scripture appear to be in conflict, then the best thing is to go back to scripture and ask whether a literal reading is required.   Fundamentalism or rigid biblical literalism may in fact approach scripture in a more "scientific" way. It began a few hundred years after the Reformation and its roots may lie in an attempt to apply the scientific method and a search for accuracy to interpreting Scripture.   "The gravest threat to modern Christianity is neither fundamentalism nor science, but stuff!"   Love is the ultimate remedy for doubt.   Things to Think About   What are your own doubts? What crisis is being caused for you? What might you need to re-examine?   Will you "just think about your crisis of faith" or will you give away more of your stuff, serve the poor and needy?   Spiritual Practices Discussed in this Episode   Giving   Fixed prayer times throughout the day   "Praying with your eyes open"   Sabbath   Links and Resources:   Austin Fischer's Website Faith in the Shadows: Finding Christ in the Midst of Doubt Unbelievable - The Debate mentioned by Austin in the Interview   Join others in contributing financially to help pay for hosting and equipment costs.    Follow Spirituality for Ordinary People on Instagram   Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | TuneIn Radio | Google Play  

Message from Austin Fischer & Dave Jeffreys on December 24, 2018

“People don’t abandon faith because they have doubts. People abandon faith because they think they’re not allowed to have doubts.” Austin Fischer is a pastor who almost stopped believing in God a few years ago because of his doubts. He documented his journey and his discoveries about doubt in his book Faith in the Shadows: Finding […] The post 042 – Austin Fischer on Finding Christ in the Midst of Doubt appeared first on Gravity Leadership.

Austin Fischer, author of "Faith in the Shadows: Finding Christ in the Midst of Doubt," joins the show! His book is an excellent resource for people wondering how to be faithful in the midst of their doubts. Learn more about the VOX Podcast: www.voxpodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes - apple.co/1Lla1Nj Support the VOX Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/voxpodcast Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/thevoxpodcast Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/voxpodcast Follow Mike on Twitter www.twitter.com/mikeerre

The intersection of faith and doubt is viewed either as a badge of honor for some Christians but for others, doubt has no place. In his new book, 'Faith in the Shadows:Finding Christ in the Midst of Doubt,' pastor and author Austin Fischer explores this intersection, drawing on his own experience as a doubting pastor.https://www.ivpress.com/faith-in-the-shadowsAustin Fischer is the Teaching Pastor at Vista Community Church. His first book – 'Young, Restless, No Longer Reformed' - was published by Wipf & Stock in January 2014. He writes and speaks and you can follow him on Twitter @austintfischer.www.http://austinfischer.com/

The intersection of faith and doubt is viewed either as a badge of honor for some Christians but for others, doubt has no place. In his new book, 'Faith in the Shadows:Finding Christ in the Midst of Doubt,' pastor and author Austin Fischer explores this intersection, drawing on his own experience as a doubting pastor.https://www.ivpress.com/faith-in-the-shadowsAustin Fischer is the Teaching Pastor at Vista Community Church. His first book – 'Young, Restless, No Longer Reformed' - was published by Wipf & Stock in January 2014. He writes and speaks and you can follow him on Twitter @austintfischer.www.http://austinfischer.com/

Austin Fischer is a church pastor who tells the story of his own struggle with doubt in the book ‘Faith In The Shadows: Finding Christ in the midst of doubt’ and how he has kept his faith. Ed Atkinson is a former Christian and co-host of the Doubts Aloud podcast. He talks about why he lost his faith and why he believes Christians should take doubt more seriously. For Austin Fischer: https://www.ivpress.com/faith-in-the-shadows  For Ed Atkinson on Doubts Aloud: https://www.spreaker.com/user/heremcast  For the Unbelievable? Christian & Skeptic Meetup group: https://www.meetup.com/Unbelievable-Christian-and-Skeptic-Discussion-Group-London/  For Big Conversation videos, updates and bonus content sign up: http://www.thebigconversation.show  Get signed copies of Unbelievable? the book and audiobook: www.unbelievablebook.co.uk  For more faith debates visit http://www.premierchristianradio.com/Shows/Saturday/Unbelievable Join the conversation: Facebook and Twitter  Get the MP3 Podcast of Unbelievable? Via RSS or Via Itunes   

On episode #697 of Theology in the Raw Preston has a conversation with Austin Fischer. Austin is the Teaching Pastor at Vista Community Church. His first book –Young, Restless, No Longer Reformed- was published in January 2014. He writes and speaks and you can follow him on Twitter @austintfischer.Support PrestonSupport Preston by going to patreon.comConnect with PrestonTwitter | @PrestonSprinkleInstagram | @preston.sprinkleCheck out his website prestonsprinkle.comIf you enjoy the podcast, be sure to leave a review.

In today’s episode Kurt speaks with Austin Fischer on the issue of doubt in the Christian faith. Is doubt sinful? Can it be healthy? What sort of questions should Christians be asking about doubt?

In today’s episode Kurt speaks with Austin Fischer on the issue of doubt in the Christian faith. Is doubt sinful? Can it be healthy? What sort of questions should Christians be asking about doubt?

Episode Transcript Too often, our honest questions about faith are met with cold confidence and easy answers. But false certitude doesn't result in strong faith—it results in disillusionment, or worse, in a dogmatic, overweening faith unable to see itself or its object clearly. Pastors and our church leaders are no different.  Guest Bio: Austin Fischer is the Lead Pastor at Vista Community Church in Temple, TX. He is a graduate of Truett Seminary at Baylor University. He is the author of "Young, Restless, No Longer Reformed"; with a new work coming out later this year.  He writes and speaks and you can follow him online at purpletheology.com Guest Socials: Twitter: @AustinTFischer Web: www.purpletheology.com   Special Music for this episode was provided by The Brilliance. Tracks include: Hear our Prayer, Prayers of the People, and Lift Your Voice More information can be gotten right here: thebrilliancemusic.com You can also find selections from all our episodes on our Spotify Playlist.  I am so grateful for you and want to invite you to become a part of the beloved community being developed here. Consider becoming a Patreon supporter of the show. You'll have access to many perks as well as guaranteeing the future of these conversations; even $1/Month goes so far as this show is 100% listener supported.  https://www.patreon.com/canisaythisatchurch  

My guest is Austin Fischer. Too often, our honest questions about faith are met with cold confidence and easy answers. But false certitude doesn't result in strong faith—it results in disillusionment, or worse, in a dogmatic, overweening faith unable to see itself or its object clearly. Even as a pastor, Austin Fischer has experienced the shadows of doubt and disillusionment. In Faith in the Shadows (https://www.amazon.com/Faith-Shadows-Finding-Christ-Midst/dp/0830845437), he leans into perennial questions about Christianity with raw and fearless integrity. He addresses contemporary science, the problem of evil, hell, God's silence, and other issues, offering not only fresh treatments of these questions but also a fresh paradigm for thinking about doubt itself. Doubt, Fischer contends, is no reason to leave the faith. Instead, it's an invitation to a more honest faith—a faith that's not in control, but that trusts more fully in its Lord. Austin Fischer is the lead pastor at Vista Community Church in Temple, Texas, and the author of Young, Restless, No Longer Reformed. Special Guest: Austin Fischer.

Austin Fischer (finally) joins the show to discuss Christian unity,  getting along with Calvinists, doubt, the great cloud of witnesses, honesty, and his new book Faith in the Shadows. For more on this month’s sponsor Missions Resource Network click here.

Episode Transcript What is it like to live in a world where you never really know if you can trust and believe what you are being told. What happens when the train derails? How does our local church help and which local church should you be attending?  Guest Bio: Austin Fischer is the Lead Pastor at Vista Community Church in Temple, TX. He is a graduate of Truett Seminary at Baylor University. He is the author of "Young, Restless, No Longer Reformed"; with a new work coming out later this year.  He writes and speaks and you can follow him online at purpletheology.com Guest Socials: Twitter: @AustinTFischer Web: www.purpletheology.com  Special Music for this episode was provided by Landry Cantrell.  Tracks include: Before You, Gravity, and Fade Out More information can be gotten right here: landrycantrell.com You can also find selections from all our episodes on our Spotify Playlist.  I am so grateful for you and want to invite you to become a part of the beloved community being developed here. Consider becoming a Patreon supporter of the show. You'll have access to many perks as well as guaranteeing the future of these conversations; even $1/Month goes so far as this show is 100% listener supported.  https://www.patreon.com/canisaythisatchurch

Message from Austin Fischer on January 28, 2018

Message from Austin Fischer on January 14, 2018

Message from Austin Fischer & Dave Jeffreys on January 7, 2018

Jeremy Lee, a long time listener and Patreon of Soteriology 101, joins Dr. Flowers on a Sound of the Saints episode. Jeremy shares his journey in and out of Calvinism along with insights he has learned along the way. This is a very insight conversation if you have been struggling with Calvinism. To become a Patreon of the Podcast please visit: www.soteriology101.com/support To find a copy of Austin Fischer's book, "Young, Restless and No Longer Reformed" please visit: https://www.amazon.com/Young-Restless-Longer-Reformed-Calvinism/dp/1625641516  

Austin Fischer asks and answers the thought provoking question of "Why do we wonder when people are starving?"

Disciple Now 2016 - Friday April 29, 2016 - Austin Fischer by Emmaus Church CC

Disciple Now 2016 - Sunday May 1, 2016 - Austin Fischer by Emmaus Church CC

Disciple Now 2016 - Saturday April 30, 2016 - Austin Fischer by Emmaus Church CC

Most of us are familiar with the old fable by Hans Christian Andersen titled, The Emperor’s New Clothes.  The story is about two tailors who pretend to make an Emperor a new suit of clothes that they convincingly argue is invisible only to incompetent fools. When the Emperor parades before his subjects in his “new suit of clothes,” no one dares to say that he is naked for fear of being deemed a fool.  Finally, a child declares what everyone else is thinking but is too scared to say, “The Emperor has no clothes!” The story is a lesson in speaking your convictions even in the face of public ridicule. At the risk of being seen as a fool, you must tell the plain truth. Even if it goes against popular opinion or the common norms of a society one must be willing to speak out against that which seems clearly wrong. That is much easier said than done. Back when I served on staff in a Reformed Southern Baptist Founders church and still affirmed Calvinism, I do recall several moments where I felt the TULIP systematic “had no clothes on,” so to speak. But I was not about to put myself out there as “the fool who is just too stupid to see it.” I knew all the pat answers and could quote all the right verses when any question was raised, but deep down I knew there was no rational answer against the charge of divine culpability for moral evil if Calvinism’s claims were true. Calvin himself admitted as much when he wrote: “How it was ordained by the foreknowledge and decree of God what man’s future was without God being implicated as associate in the fault as the author or approver of transgression, is clearly a secret so much excelling the insight of the human mind, that I am not ashamed to confess ignorance…. I daily so meditate on these mysteries of his judgments that curiosity to know anything more does not attract me.” (there are quotes from Piper, MacArthur and Sproul appealing to this same mystery) It is as if Calvin is saying, “I see the naked Emperor but I’ve grown so troubled by looking at him that I’ve chosen to advert my eyes instead of just admitting the obvious truth of what I see.” I suppose that approach works for some, as it did for me…at least for a while.  (Read more on this inconsistency in Calvinism HERE) Others deal with “the Emperor’s nakedness” by appealing to the uniqueness of God and His ways. They might argue something like, “God’s judgement, love and goodness looks different than ours because His ways are simply higher and cannot be understood.” In response to this approach, C. S. Lewis answered: “If God’s moral judgement differs from ours so that our “black” may be His “white”, we can mean nothing by calling Him good; for to say “God is good,” while asserting that His goodness is wholly other than ours, is really only to say “God is we know not what.” And an utterly unknown quality in God cannot give us moral grounds for loving or obeying Him. If He is not (in our sense) “good” we shall obey, if at all, only through fear – and should be equally ready to obey an omnipotent Fiend. The doctrine of Total Depravity – when the consequence is drawn that, since we are totally depraved, our idea of good is worth simply nothing – may thus turn Christianity into a form of devil-worship.–The Problem of Pain, pg. 29 And the founder of Methodism, the esteemed John Wesley, wrote even more boldly: “[Calvinism] destroys all [God’s] attributes at once: It overturns both his justice, mercy, and truth; yea, it represents the most holy God as worse than the devil, as both more false, more cruel, and more unjust. More false; because the devil, liar as he is, hath never said, “He willeth all men to be saved:” More unjust; because the devil cannot, if he would, be guilty of such injustice as you ascribe to God, when you say that God condemned millions of souls to everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels, for continuing in sin, which, for want of that grace he will not give them, they cannot avoid: And more cruel; because that unhappy spirit “seeketh rest and findeth none;” so that his own restless misery is a kind of temptation to him to tempt others. But God resteth in his high and holy place; so that to suppose him, of his own mere motion, of his pure will and pleasure, happy as he is, to doom his creatures, whether they will or no, to endless misery, is to impute such cruelty to him as we cannot impute even to the great enemy of God and man. It is to represent the high God (he that hath ears to hear let him hear!) as more cruel, false, and unjust than the devil!”http://www.umcmission.org/Find-Resources/John-Wesley-Sermons/Sermon-128-Free-Grace These two men clearly saw a naked Emperor when they looked at Calvinism’s claims and they were not afraid to say so.  It should be noted that both Lewis and Wesley, at other times in their ministry, tempered such boldness with gentler remarks toward their Calvinistic brethren. And I am not referencing these quotes to bring a charge of “devil worship” against those who affirm the TULIP systematic. I know full well that Calvinists see “a beautiful suit of clothes on the Emperor” and their intentions are sincere, but it does not change the fact that many believers (if not most) simply see a naked Emperor rather than a beautiful suit. (Read this great article by Austin Fischer for more on the beauty that Calvinists see in relation to others) So, why am I writing this article? Many of you know I debated the very seasoned apologist, Dr. James White, over the soteriological perspective represented in Romans 9 earlier this year. From the first day I engaged with Dr. White over this issue he has treated me as “the fool” who simply cannot see “the emperor’s new clothes.”  Given that I once claimed to see the suit and declared it to be beautiful only fuels the fire of ridicule.  After all, if you ever really did see the emperor’s suit then you would not be saying he is naked today.  If you were ever really smart enough to see the suit then you would know better than to question it. In a recent exchange over social media, Dr. White wrote: “Last night I listened to some portion of a dialogue he had on YouTube, and was once again astounded at the horrific eisegesis that marks his entire system. But in noting someone’s reply to him just now, I saw this statement: ‘are you talking about the filthy rags you determined to do or that God determined you to do? :-)’ Notice the contradiction he attempts to create that the Bible will have none of: he seems to think that one action has to be EITHER “determined” by man or by God, but it cannot be BOTH. Now, again, Flowers claims to have once been a Calvinist, but as normal, his recollection of what that means seems to have gotten pretty hazy. For he surely should know that there are a number of very, very important texts in which the Bible itself makes it plain that you have BOTH God and man acting in the very same action. That is EXACTLY what you have in Genesis 50:20 without question. The same is true in Isaiah 10, and in Acts 4 in reference to the crucifixion of Jesus in the sovereign plan of God. So, the Bible’s answer to Flower’s false quandary is, ‘both, I, to my shame and destruction, and God, to His glory and fame.’ And if Leighton’s system is so shallow and paltry as to not be able to withstand the pressure of that Biblical revelation, then he needs to dump it and get one that is actually worth professing!” Let’s unpack this a bit: 1. He defers to the old tactic, “instead of responding to the actual arguments I’ll just say he doesn’t do proper exegesis.” This approach might work if I were not standing on the shoulders of much more seasoned exegetes of scripture than myself. It is not as if I am making up my interpretation as I go along. (See the article titled “Debate Over Exegesis” for my response to this tactic) 2. He argues for “both/and” versus “either/or” in regard to who is making “determinations.”  He writes, “[Flowers] seems to think that one action has to be EITHER ‘determined’ by man or by God, but it cannot be BOTH.” I think if one were given the opportunity to press Dr. White on this point he would admit that God’s determination is the one that controls the man’s ‘determination,’ thus making this qualification nothing more than a semantical difference without a distinction. Also, Dr. White seems to forget that we do affirm the doctrine of  Judicial Hardening and God’s sinless use of sinful means to accomplish SOME divine purposes throughout redemptive history. We simply deny the heinous assumption that the example of God using man’s free moral choices to bring about the redemption of sin on Calvary is somehow proof that God meticulously determined all the heinous sin that Christ died for at Calvary.  It seems irrational for God to work in the same manner to redeem sin as He supposedly does to cause the sin He is redeeming. 3.  Again, he questions my claims of once being a Calvinist on the basis that I no longer interpret passages like Genesis 50:20 in the same way he does. I suppose anyone who claims to have once been an Arminian (or a Traditional Southern Baptist) cannot change their interpretations or question the positions they formerly held?  This double standard is apparently a blind spot for White because I am quite certain he does not call out the former Arminians for daring to oppose the doctrines they have now recanted. (For those interested in going deeper than these surface level accusations, I do present our view of passages like Gen. 50 in the article referenced above. And I discuss why non-Calvinists will always be accused of misrepresenting Calvinists no matter what we say or how we say it in this article.) 4. White wrote, “So, the Bible’s answer to Flower’s false quandary is, ‘both, I, to my shame and destruction, and God, to His glory and fame.'” So, let’s apply White’s theology to the real world and see how it plays out: Question: Why did Jeffery Dahmer determine to rape and eat a child?Answer: Dahmer determined to do it to his shame and destruction and God determined for Dahmer to do it to His own glory and fame.” I’m sorry, but I’m simply not willing to teach that our perfectly Righteous, Pure and Holy God determined a man to rape, torture and eat children for His own glory and fame. Instead, I must say, “The Emperor has no clothes!”

I saw this argument posed by a Christian in a debate with an Atheist recently and it reminded me of an important point. We should always be willing to objectively and honestly ask the question, “What if I’m wrong?” What are the practical, real world consequences if what I believe, teach and practice is in error? When it comes to the soteriological differences between the Calvinist and the Traditionalist, like myself, this question is especially pertinent. If non-Calvinists are wrong, what temporal or eternal harm have we really caused? As I have said before, we are either rightly standing in defense of God’s glory or God has sovereignly determined for us to be wrong for the praise of His glory. If I am mistaken, no fewer people are going to heaven, no less glory will be given to God than what He decided and nothing I do will ultimately harm or hinder the desire of God for this temporal world or the eternal one to come. I literally have nothing practical to gain by converting to Calvinism. And I know if the claims of Calvinists are true and God wants me to become one, then I certainly will. In fact, I sincerely pray He converts me to adopt sound theology. I have no desire to teach false interpretations of scripture as I believe I did for many years, so I can honestly say I am open to correction. I wonder how many Calvinists have objectively evaluated this question. I am not trying to aggravate my Calvinistic friends anymore so than Lacrae is trying to agitate Athesists by asking them to objectively consider the consequences if they are in error. Let’s list some of the negative temporal and eternal effects that Calvinism has had if indeed it is wrong: Countless church splits. Much time, resources and energy wasted over the issue. Hyper anti-evangelism by some who take the view to their logical ends. Some repulsed by a seemingly monsterous view of God. Some falling into fatalistic handling of temptations and addictions (if God wants me to quit this addiction or resist this temptation He will give me the effectual grace to do so) God’s character of love, grace and genuinely providing salvation for every person being clouded and subverted. “Cage stage” Calvinists turning unbelievers off to God. Austin Fischer, author of Young, Restless and No Longer Reformed,” recently wrote, “It seems the primary concern for Calvinists is making sure human’s can’t boast in salvation, whereas the primary concern for free-will theism is a recognizably good God.”  What are Calvinists really accomplishing by converting believers to adopt Calvinism? Practically speaking, if Calvinism is correct, the Calvinist’s arguments are not going to determine who will or will not adopt Calvinism anyway and if Calvinism is false, then a well intending Calvinists shouldn’t want to risk converting others to a false interpretation anyway.  Thus, there is no practical reason for Calvinists to promote Calvinism. It’s not worth the risk. Objections anticipated: There are rude non-Calvinists who turn the lost off to God too: Agreed, but this article is considering IF one view is right and the other one is wrong, and if Calvinism is right it is not as if rude Arminians aren’t here by God’s sovereign design. Rude Arminians are not going to repulse the effectually called elect of Calvinism and prevent them from their inevitable conversion. Calvinists don’t teach hyperism or fatalism: Agreed, which is why I said that some could take it further than the claims of the system which would create worse error (which has happened throughout history). We should believe the truth of scripture regardless of your perceived negative implications: Agreed, but again, if Calvinism is correct then God sovereignly decreed for me to perceive these negative implications and to write this post. So, if we’re contrasting objectively then I am still doing what is best for God’s self glorifying purposes. You are an idiot: By God’s unchangeable decree and for His greatest glory? I am okay with that! ;-)

We listen to a clip from the Seminary Dropout Podcast with Shane Blackshear and his guest Austin Fischer, author of Young, Restless and No Longer Reformed. Austin makes a great point about what a true humanistic and man centered theology looks like in light of the God we see best reflected in Christ. We end the podcast by playing the closing remarks in my most recent debate with Dr. James White.  Let's dive in!   To join the discussion please visit us as www.soteriology101.com

Today we go through several important teachings from C.S. Lewis (and AW Tozer) in contrast to that of John Piper regarding the true nature of God's glory as reflected in scripture.  You do not want to miss this as it comes as close to a debate between these two as one might hope to experience. I also take a few minutes to address John Piper's rebuke of Austin Fischer who recently wrote, "Young, Restless, and No Longer Reformed."  (A book I highly recommend to all listeners) In the most recent "Ask Pastor John" podcast with Dr. John Piper he answers the question, "What Arminians have influenced you the most."  He was gracious in his reply but he did erroneously allude to the belief that CS Lewis was not to be included among the list of Arminians who have had influence on him because of a recent presentation at one of his conferences that apparently attempted to prove CS Lewis was Calvinistic.  I almost fell out of my chair...literally. Those of you who know my story are aware that reading CS Lewis (along with AW Tozer) is what helped to lead me to reexamine my interpretative methods and eventually recant Calvinism.  I have read every word of CS Lewis, some of them multiple times.  I have a theological "man crush" (look it up, its a real thing) on this guy, and while I may be uncertain about some scholars stance on this issue I have absolutely no doubt about CS Lewis. I'll be brief here because it will not take long to prove my point.  Here are a few quotes from CS Lewis that may help shed some light on this: "God has made it a rule for Himself that He won’t alter people’s character by force. He can and will alter them – but only if the people will let Him. In that way He has really and truly limited His power.  Sometimes we wonder why He has done so, or even wish that He hadn’t. But apparently He thinks it worth doing. He would rather have a world of  free beings, with all its risks, than a world of people who did right like machines because they couldn’t do anything else. The more we succeed in imagining what a world of perfect automatic beings would be like, the more, I think, we shall see His wisdom." - CS Lewis, The Trouble with X And from the Screwtape letters... "You must have often wondered why the Enemy does not make more use of His power to be sensibly present to human souls in any degree He chooses and at any moment. But you now see that the Irresistible and the Indisputable are the two weapons which the very nature of His scheme forbids Him to use. Merely to over-ride a human will (as His felt presence in any but the faintest and most mitigated degree would certainly do) would be for Him useless. He cannot ravish. He can only woo. For His ignoble idea is to eat the cake and have it; the creatures are to be one with Him, but yet themselves; merely to cancel them, or assimilate them, will not serve. He is prepared to do a little overriding at the beginning. He will set them off with communications of His presence which, though faint, seem great to them, with emotional sweetness, and easy conquest over temptation. But He never allows this state of affairs to last long. Sooner or later He withdraws, if not in fact, at least from their conscious experience, all those supports and incentives. He leaves the creature to stand up on its own legs—to carry out from the will alone duties which have lost all relish. It is during such trough periods, much more than during the peak periods, that it is growing into the sort of creature He wants it to be." -CS Lewis Lewis also says this in "The Problem of Pain." "If God's moral judgement differs from ours so that our 'black' may be His 'white', we can mean nothing by calling Him good; for to say 'God is good', while asserting that His goodness is wholly other than ours, is really only to say 'God is we know not what'. And an utterly unknown quality in God cannot give us moral grounds for loving or obeying Him. If He is not (in our sense) 'good' we shall obey, if at all, only through fear -- and should be equally ready to obey an omnipotent Fiend. The doctrine of Total Depravity -- when the consequence is drawn that, since we are totally depraved, our idea of God is worth simply nothing -- may thus turn Christianity into a form of devil-worship." Enough said... And, NO there is no evidence that CS Lewis later recanted these views, in case someone is wondering. Piper also suggests that "Arminians" are more philosophical and less exegetical in their approach to interpretation.  This is simply untrue and Dr. Piper never provides any support to back up this accusation.  I discuss some of these issues more in-depth in THIS PODCAST.     Please join the conversation at www.soteriology101.com!  Enjoy!

In today's episode I answer Dr. James White's critique of Austin Fischer in a recent debate.

Austin Fischer embraced 'New Calvinism' as a teenager, after being influenced by its popular proponents. But he recently abandoned it when he found he was unable to worship God as truly just, good and loving. Calvinist theologian James White (old, rested and still reformed) challenges Austin about his journey and his theology. This programme is brought to you in partnership with www.springharvest.org For Austin Fischer www.purpletheology.com For James White www.aomin.org For more faith debates visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable Join the conversation: Facebook and Twitter Get the MP3 podcast of Unbelievable? http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes You may also enjoy: Unbelievable? 4th January 2014 - Calvinism vs Molinism - William Lane Craig vs Paul Helm Unbelievable? 09 Aug 2009 - Calvinism vs Arminianism - James White vs Roger Forster

Saturday evening session from Disciple Now at Emmaus Church 2014. Austin Fischer preaches from Jonah 3.

Sunday Morning session from Disciple Now at Emmaus Church 2014. Austin Fischer preaches from Jonah 4.

Saturday morning session from Disciple Now at Emmaus Church 2014. Austin Fischer preaches on Jonah 3.

Friday evening session from Disciple Now at Emmaus Church 2014. Austin Fischer preaches from Jonah 1.

This week at our Community Gathering for Worship we welcomed Austin Fischer, the first of 4 outstanding, graduating student preachers participating this week in the inaugural "Senior Preaching Week" at Truett. The title for Austin's sermon is: "Quotidian" and is drawn from Matthew 3:13, Mark 15:22-24 and John 20:1.

This week at our Community Gathering for Worship we welcomed Austin Fischer, the first of 4 outstanding, graduating student preachers participating this week in the inaugural "Senior Preaching Week" at Truett. The title for Austin's sermon is: "Quotidian" and is drawn from Matthew 3:13, Mark 15:22-24 and John 20:1.

“People don't abandon faith because they have doubts. People abandon faith because they think they're not allowed to have doubts.” Austin Fischer is a pastor who almost stopped believing in God a few years ago because of his doubts. He documented his journey and his discoveries about doubt in his book Faith in the Shadows: Finding […] The post 042 – Austin Fischer on Finding Christ in the Midst of Doubt appeared first on Gravity Leadership.