Podcasts about Fatalism

In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on May 9, 2025, Matt and Jen round up the week in Canadian politics — and things are getting weird again.They start with Pierre Poilievre's decision to run in an extremely safe riding and tap Andrew Scheer as the party's interim House leader. Matt says both choices radiate loser energy. But he also mounts a reluctant defence of the Tories — agreeing, to his dismay, with the Twitter mob: the CPC can run better campaigns, but it can't beat the bogeyman version of itself that lives rent-free in the heads of many Canadians. He argues that if Poilievre had gone to the Oval Office and done exactly what Mark Carney just did, word for word, the reaction would have been scorched-earth. But when Carney does it, it's praised (and Matt agrees that Carney did well!). Jen pushes back — hard. She says the Conservatives need to stop whining about perception gaps and just fix what they can fix. Fatalism is not a strategy.This episode of The Line Podcast is brought to you by Unsmoke Canada. Canada can be a global leader in reducing the harm caused by smoking, but it requires actionable steps, including giving adult smokers the information they need to choose potentially less harmful alternatives. Learn more at Unsmoke.ca.In the second segment, they turn to the provinces. Matt delivers an update on Ontario, which is — by his account — a smouldering pile of nonsense. He brings a few choice examples. Then Jen takes a deeper dive into Alberta separatism and what's fuelling it. They might take a few detours along the way, but you knew that already.This episode of The Line Podcast is also brought to you by Innovative Medicines Canada. With a new government in place, one thing remains clear: Canada must continue to prioritize patients and healthcare innovation. Innovative Medicines Canada is focused on collaborating with all levels of government to improve access to life-saving medicines and develop a healthcare system that prioritizes patients, ignites innovation, and drives economic growth.Canada's innovative medicines sector plays a critical role—not just in health outcomes, but in keeping us competitive on the global stage. That's why, even during a moment of political change, Innovative Medicines Canada is staying focused on the issues that matter most to Canadians. And as Canada moves forward with national pharmacare, Innovative Medicines Canada believes it's possible to expand access without limiting choice—by strengthening what works and fixing what doesn't.Visit innovativemedicines.ca to learn more.Finally, Jen surprises Matt with a gut-check on a theory she's been turning over — something that crosses the wires between politics and religion. It's going to make someone mad. But after a pause, Matt decides it's probably not cancel-worthy. Probably.All that, and more, in the latest episode of The Line Podcast. Like and subscribe at ReadTheLine.ca, or find us on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode. If you're enjoying the show, share it with a friend, post about it online, or shout it across a church pew. We won't judge.

My guest this week is Mark Marveggio (@unluckywanderer.bsky.social), a PhD candidate in Psychology at the University of Adelaide and co-lead author on a paper called Fatalism, Evolution, and Interpersonal Attractiveness: Psychological Theories and Emotions in Incels' Constructions of Ingroup Identity and Outgroup Hate. We discuss the three major identity discourses they observed in their study, and how we see those playing out in our current social landscape, and the important difference between redpilled and blackpilled.Mark et al.'s Incel paper: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2025-76338-001Music by GW RodriguezEditing by Adam WikSibling Pod:Philosophers in Space: https://0gphilosophy.libsyn.com/Support us at Patreon.com/EmbraceTheVoidIf you enjoy the show, please Like and Review us on your pod app, especially iTunes. It really helps!This show is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org.Next Episode: TBD

Send us a textThe most valuable commodity on Earth isn't gold or uranium or fresh air and clean water, it's Free Will. In the last month or so I've gone deep into the angelic realms with some celestial guides. One common thread between all angels, guides, Spirit, God, Jesus, Israfil, Buddha, ancestors and any other being is that each human has Free Will. In order to be of assistance, or charm our dang lives, we have to ask. In split second, life or death instances, our Higher Self gives an immediate response to forces that wish to intercede on our behalf, knowing this version of us most likely will take too long to respond and be saved. But those dramatic instances aside, I've noticed in different ways from a myriad of groups as well as individuals, including some in the woo community, we are being lulled into giving away. From the jokey, "Jesus take the wheel," to the Meteor 2024 bumper stickers, to sessions with shady shamen that involve hallucinogens, to Super Bowl ads, some meditations, alien ideation, and more, the messages were unrelenting and unsettling, and I feel called to highlight this valuable commodity. There's a professor at Stanford who believes none of us has Free Will.  If we receive breadcrumbs from the Universe through dreams or synchronicities and choose to follow them, is that still using Free Will?Add to the mix the mystical week I've had that led me to drive back to the pet grooming business to deliver a message, and I'm certain this will be a juicy episode.Let's get into it.Show Sources and Next Reads/Watches/Listens:A Stanford Neuroscientist that Believes Free Will Does Not Exist, YouTube, BigThink interview with Robert SapolskySynchronicities from the Library of Thoth, YouTubeSuch an intriguing conversation about myths and free willDetermined: A Science of Life without Free Will, Robert Sapolsky, Amazon.comSynchronicity: What is it, does it exist, and if so — how can you recognize it in your life?, Sylvia Clare, Medium.com Have you tried the GoodPods app yet? It's free and a fun way to share podcasts with friends and family! Curious Cat Podcast is there, and is sitting pretty in the Top 20 in Supernatural! Curious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTokArt Director, Nora, has a handmade, ethically-sourced jewelry company!

Checking in at the Brisbane leg of Knotfest, Sam sits down with Aussie metal giants Polaris. They cover touring South America for the first time, dealing with the onstage nerves, and of course, their crown as the big-hitter track for the NRL in 2025.Connect with Polaris on their Instagram and TikTok, and revisit their 2023 album, "Fatalism", on Spotify and Apple Music.Discover more new music and hear your favourite artists with 78 Amped on Instagram and TikTok.

February 16, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class   Today Neal leads the class while Hiram is out of town.   Living an Ancient Faith in a Modern World "Unprecedented Times" Climate change / Environmental disasters Global Pandemic Technological advancement Political Polarization and Social Unrest Mental Health Crisis Workplace and Societal Expectations Things that Never Change... Unchanging World - (Eccl. 1:9-10, 3:15, 7:10) Unchanging Character & Nature of God - (Mal. 3:6; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17) Unchanging World - (Psalm 119:89, Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35) Lesson 1: Christian Worldview Defined and Explained Defining Worldview... World view: the framework from which we view reality and make sense of life and the world Engaging other world views wisely and well: Listen well (Prov. 18:13) Observe closely (Acts 17:22-23) Don't assume (Matt. 7:1-2; John 7:24) Be charitable (1 Cor. 16:14) Remain convicted (2 Tim. 1:13) Worldviews to Engage Humanistic: humans are the center of everything (Gen. 3:6; Prov. 16:18; Rev. 3:17) Materialism and Hedonism: life is about pleasure and pleasing oneself above everything else (Luke 12:15-21; 1 Tim. 6:9-10) Fatalism: events are predetermined and inevitable (1 Cor. 15:32) Relativism: truth and morality are determined by everyone (Judges 17:6, 21:25) Naturalism: everything can be explained by nature (Psa. 14:1) Christian Worldview What is a Christian worldview? Christian worldview: view of the world that believes a person's primary purpose for existence is to love and serve God (Deut. 6:4-5; Isa. 43:7). Key elements to the Christian worldview: Creation (Genesis 1-2; John 1:1-5) Humans made in God's image (Gen. 1:26-27, 5:1) Fall (Genesis 3; Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 5:12) Redemption/Salvation (John 3:16, 14:6) Restoration/Glorification (1 Cor. 15; Phil. 3:20-21) The Role of Bible in a Christian Worldview How would you describe the Bible and its relationship to the Christian life? The difference between a Christian reading the Bible and others (Psa. 119:97, 119:104; Prov. 30:5-6) Passages to consider: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Matthew 4:4 Psalm 119:105 How the Bible shapes the Christian's view of everything Challenges to a Christian Worldview Desire to be accepted/liked by everyone (John 9:22, 12:42-43) Forgetting our roots (Jude 3; Ephesians 4:4-6) Inherited faith (Luke 3:8; 2 Tim. 1:5, 3:14-4:5) Culture vs. Christianity (Col. 2:12-23) Ignorance (Hosea 4:6) Persecution/suffering (Acts 5:40-41; 1 Peter 4:16) Concluding Thoughts Applying the Christian Worldview A worldview as a starting point Discussion Questions   Duration 

February 23, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class   Today Neal leads the class while Hiram is out of town.   Living an Ancient Faith in a Modern World "Unprecedented Times" Climate change / Environmental disasters Global Pandemic Technological advancement Political Polarization and Social Unrest Mental Health Crisis Workplace and Societal Expectations Things that Never Change... Unchanging World - (Eccl. 1:9-10, 3:15, 7:10) Unchanging Character & Nature of God - (Mal. 3:6; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17) Unchanging World - (Psalm 119:89, Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35) Lesson 1: Christian Worldview Defined and Explained Defining Worldview... World view: the framework from which we view reality and make sense of life and the world Engaging other world views wisely and well: Listen well (Prov. 18:13) Observe closely (Acts 17:22-23) Don't assume (Matt. 7:1-2; John 7:24) Be charitable (1 Cor. 16:14) Remain convicted (2 Tim. 1:13) Worldviews to Engage Humanistic: humans are the center of everything (Gen. 3:6; Prov. 16:18; Rev. 3:17) Materialism and Hedonism: life is about pleasure and pleasing oneself above everything else (Luke 12:15-21; 1 Tim. 6:9-10) Fatalism: events are predetermined and inevitable (1 Cor. 15:32) Relativism: truth and morality are determined by everyone (Judges 17:6, 21:25) Naturalism: everything can be explained by nature (Psa. 14:1) Christian Worldview What is a Christian worldview? Christian worldview: view of the world that believes a person's primary purpose for existence is to love and serve God (Deut. 6:4-5; Isa. 43:7). Key elements to the Christian worldview: Creation (Genesis 1-2; John 1:1-5) Humans made in God's image (Gen. 1:26-27, 5:1) Fall (Genesis 3; Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 5:12) Redemption/Salvation (John 3:16, 14:6) Restoration/Glorification (1 Cor. 15; Phil. 3:20-21) The Role of Bible in a Christian Worldview How would you describe the Bible and its relationship to the Christian life? The difference between a Christian reading the Bible and others (Psa. 119:97, 119:104; Prov. 30:5-6) Passages to consider: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Matthew 4:4 Psalm 119:105 How the Bible shapes the Christian's view of everything Challenges to a Christian Worldview Desire to be accepted/liked by everyone (John 9:22, 12:42-43) Forgetting our roots (Jude 3; Ephesians 4:4-6) Inherited faith (Luke 3:8; 2 Tim. 1:5, 3:14-4:5) Culture vs. Christianity (Col. 2:12-23) Ignorance (Hosea 4:6) Persecution/suffering (Acts 5:40-41; 1 Peter 4:16) Concluding Thoughts Applying the Christian Worldview A worldview as a starting point Discussion Questions   Duration 47:46

(3:00) Takeaways from latest batch of newcomers(13:00) Tight end sneaky deep position?(15:00) Leonard Hamilton All-Stars(26:00) Generating Discussion sparked by Cummins(35:00) Favorite Howser memories(40:00) The dread of remaining in the ACC is teetering on the dramatic at this point(51:00) Will we believe in this team at any point during the springMusic: Bob Mould - Neanderthalvitaminenergy.com | Shake it and take it! 

(3:00) Takeaways from latest batch of newcomers(13:00) Tight end sneaky deep position?(15:00) Leonard Hamilton All-Stars(26:00) Generating Discussion sparked by Cummins(35:00) Favorite Howser memories(40:00) The dread of remaining in the ACC is teetering on the dramatic at this point(51:00) Will we believe in this team at any point during the springMusic: Bob Mould - Neanderthalvitaminenergy.com | Shake it and take it! 

January 26, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class   This quarter Hiram starts a new class.    Living an Ancient Faith in a Modern World "Unprecedented Times" Climate change / Environmental disasters Global Pandemic Technological advancement Political Polarization and Social Unrest Mental Health Crisis Workplace and Societal Expectations Things that Never Change... Unchanging World - (Eccl. 1:9-10, 3:15, 7:10) Unchanging Character & Nature of God - (Mal. 3:6; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17) Unchanging World - (Psalm 119:89, Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35) Lesson 1: Christian Worldview Defined and Explained Defining Worldview... World view: the framework from which we view reality and make sense of life and the world Engaging other world views wisely and well: Listen well (Prov. 18:13) Observe closely (Acts 17:22-23) Don't assume (Matt. 7:1-2; John 7:24) Be charitable (1 Cor. 16:14) Remain convicted (2 Tim. 1:13) Worldviews to Engage Humanistic: humans are the center of everything (Gen. 3:6; Prov. 16:18; Rev. 3:17) Materialism and Hedonism: life is about pleasure and pleasing oneself above everything else (Luke 12:15-21; 1 Tim. 6:9-10) Fatalism: events are predetermined and inevitable (1 Cor. 15:32) Relativism: truth and morality are determined by everyone (Judges 17:6, 21:25) Naturalism: everything can be explained by nature (Psa. 14:1) Christian Worldview What is a Christian worldview? Christian worldview: view of the world that believes a person's primary purpose for existence is to love and serve God (Deut. 6:4-5; Isa. 43:7). Key elements to the Christian worldview: Creation (Genesis 1-2; John 1:1-5) Humans made in God's image (Gen. 1:26-27, 5:1) Fall (Genesis 3; Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 5:12) Redemption/Salvation (John 3:16, 14:6) Restoration/Glorification (1 Cor. 15; Phil. 3:20-21) The Role of Bible in a Christian Worldview How would you describe the Bible and its relationship to the Christian life? The difference between a Christian reading the Bible and others (Psa. 119:97, 119:104; Prov. 30:5-6) Passages to consider: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Matthew 4:4 Psalm 119:105 How the Bible shapes the Christian's view of everything Challenges to a Christian Worldview Desire to be accepted/liked by everyone (John 9:22, 12:42-43) Forgetting our roots (Jude 3; Ephesians 4:4-6) Inherited faith (Luke 3:8; 2 Tim. 1:5, 3:14-4:5) Culture vs. Christianity (Col. 2:12-23) Ignorance (Hosea 4:6) Persecution/suffering (Acts 5:40-41; 1 Peter 4:16) Concluding Thoughts Applying the Christian Worldview A worldview as a starting point Discussion Questions   Duration 44:54

✍️ Substack: If you'd rather read than listen, you can do so over on ⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠!

https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/question-answer/the-chosen-and-theological-fatalism

Are we responsible for our actions, our choices? Are we free, or are our actions determined by other factors? In this episode, Danny and Randy discuss whether we have free will. Subscribe to ESP's YouTube Channel! Thanks for listening!  Do you have a question you want answered in a future episode? If so, send your question to: existentialstoic@protonmail.comDanny, Randy, and their good friend, Russell, created a new podcast, CodeNoobs, for anyone interested in tech and learning how to code. Listen to CodeNoobs now online, CodeNoobs-podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.

January 19, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class   This quarter Hiram starts a new class.    Living an Ancient Faith in a Modern World "Unprecedented Times" Climate change / Environmental disasters Global Pandemic Technological advancement Political Polarization and Social Unrest Mental Health Crisis Workplace and Societal Expectations Things that Never Change... Unchanging World - (Eccl. 1:9-10, 3:15, 7:10) Unchanging Character & Nature of God - (Mal. 3:6; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17) Unchanging World - (Psalm 119:89, Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35) Lesson 1: Christian Worldview Defined and Explained Defining Worldview... World view: the framework from which we view reality and make sense of life and the world Engaging other world views wisely and well: Listen well (Prov. 18:13) Observe closely (Acts 17:22-23) Don't assume (Matt. 7:1-2; John 7:24) Be charitable (1 Cor. 16:14) Remain convicted (2 Tim. 1:13) Worldviews to Engage Humanistic: humans are the center of everything (Gen. 3:6; Prov. 16:18; Rev. 3:17) Materialism and Hedonism: life is about pleasure and pleasing oneself above everything else (Luke 12:15-21; 1 Tim. 6:9-10) Fatalism: events are predetermined and inevitable (1 Cor. 15:32) Relativism: truth and morality are determined by everyone (Judges 17:6, 21:25) Naturalism: everything can be explained by nature (Psa. 14:1) Christian Worldview What is a Christian worldview? Christian worldview: view of the world that believes a person's primary purpose for existence is to love and serve God (Deut. 6:4-5; Isa. 43:7). Key elements to the Christian worldview: Creation (Genesis 1-2; John 1:1-5) Humans made in God's image (Gen. 1:26-27, 5:1) Fall (Genesis 3; Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 5:12) Redemption/Salvation (John 3:16, 14:6) Restoration/Glorification (1 Cor. 15; Phil. 3:20-21) The Role of Bible in a Christian Worldview How would you describe the Bible and its relationship to the Christian life? The difference between a Christian reading the Bible and others (Psa. 119:97, 119:104; Prov. 30:5-6) Passages to consider: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Matthew 4:4 Psalm 119:105 How the Bible shapes the Christian's view of everything Challenges to a Christian Worldview Desire to be accepted/liked by everyone (John 9:22, 12:42-43) Forgetting our roots (Jude 3; Ephesians 4:4-6) Inherited faith (Luke 3:8; 2 Tim. 1:5, 3:14-4:5) Culture vs. Christianity (Col. 2:12-23) Ignorance (Hosea 4:6) Persecution/suffering (Acts 5:40-41; 1 Peter 4:16) Concluding Thoughts Applying the Christian Worldview A worldview as a starting point Discussion Questions   Duration 46:53

In this conversation at the Review of Democracy, Tom Theuns – author of Protecting Democracy in Europe: Pluralism, Autocracy and the Future of the EU – reflects on EU institutions' rather narrow conception of democracy and their complicity in democratic backsliding in EU member states; considers how a more coherent and effective response to the latter processes could be designed; critiques the EU's ‘membership fatalism' and explains why he has proposed an expulsion mechanism; and positions his approach within political theory and discusses the reception of his ideas also beyond that field. Tom Theuns is a Senior Assistant Professor of Political Theory and European Politics at the Institute of Political Science, Leiden University. Protecting Democracy in Europe: Pluralism, Autocracy and the Future of the EU has been published by Hurst Publishers and Oxford University Press (US).

January 12, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class   This quarter Hiram starts a new class.    Living an Ancient Faith in a Modern World "Unprecedented Times" Climate change / Environmental disasters Global Pandemic Technological advancement Political Polarization and Social Unrest Mental Health Crisis Workplace and Societal Expectations Things that Never Change... Unchanging World - (Eccl. 1:9-10, 3:15, 7:10) Unchanging Character & Nature of God - (Mal. 3:6; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17) Unchanging World - (Psalm 119:89, Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35) Lesson 1: Christian Worldview Defined and Explained Defining Worldview... World view: the framework from which we view reality and make sense of life and the world Engaging other world views wisely and well: Listen well (Prov. 18:13) Observe closely (Acts 17:22-23) Don't assume (Matt. 7:1-2; John 7:24) Be charitable (1 Cor. 16:14) Remain convicted (2 Tim. 1:13) Worldviews to Engage Humanistic: humans are the center of everything (Gen. 3:6; Prov. 16:18; Rev. 3:17) Materialism and Hedonism: life is about pleasure and pleasing oneself above everything else (Luke 12:15-21; 1 Tim. 6:9-10) Fatalism: events are predetermined and inevitable (1 Cor. 15:32) Relativism: truth and morality are determined by everyone (Judges 17:6, 21:25) Naturalism: everything can be explained by nature (Psa. 14:1) Christian Worldview What is a Christian worldview? Christian worldview: view of the world that believes a person's primary purpose for existence is to love and serve God (Deut. 6:4-5; Isa. 43:7). Key elements to the Christian worldview: Creation (Genesis 1-2; John 1:1-5) Humans made in God's image (Gen. 1:26-27, 5:1) Fall (Genesis 3; Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 5:12) Redemption/Salvation (John 3:16, 14:6) Restoration/Glorification (1 Cor. 15; Phil. 3:20-21) The Role of Bible in a Christian Worldview How would you describe the Bible and its relationship to the Christian life? The difference between a Christian reading the Bible and others (Psa. 119:97, 119:104; Prov. 30:5-6) Passages to consider: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Matthew 4:4 Psalm 119:105 How the Bible shapes the Christian's view of everything Challenges to a Christian Worldview Desire to be accepted/liked by everyone (John 9:22, 12:42-43) Forgetting our roots (Jude 3; Ephesians 4:4-6) Inherited faith (Luke 3:8; 2 Tim. 1:5, 3:14-4:5) Culture vs. Christianity (Col. 2:12-23) Ignorance (Hosea 4:6) Persecution/suffering (Acts 5:40-41; 1 Peter 4:16) Concluding Thoughts Applying the Christian Worldview A worldview as a starting point Discussion Questions   Duration 45:05

January 5, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class   This quarter Hiram starts a new class.    Living an Ancient Faith in a Modern World "Unprecedented Times" Climate change / Environmental disasters Global Pandemic Technological advancement Political Polarization and Social Unrest Mental Health Crisis Workplace and Societal Expectations Things that Never Change... Unchanging World - (Eccl. 1:9-10, 3:15, 7:10) Unchanging Character & Nature of God - (Mal. 3:6; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17) Unchanging World - (Psalm 119:89, Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35) Lesson 1: Christian Worldview Defined and Explained Defining Worldview... World view: the framework from which we view reality and make sense of life and the world Engaging other world views wisely and well: Listen well (Prov. 18:13) Observe closely (Acts 17:22-23) Don't assume (Matt. 7:1-2; John 7:24) Be charitable (1 Cor. 16:14) Remain convicted (2 Tim. 1:13) Worldviews to Engage Humanistic: humans are the center of everything (Gen. 3:6; Prov. 16:18; Rev. 3:17) Materialism and Hedonism: life is about pleasure and pleasing oneself above everything else (Luke 12:15-21; 1 Tim. 6:9-10) Fatalism: events are predetermined and inevitable (1 Cor. 15:32) Relativism: truth and morality are determined by everyone (Judges 17:6, 21:25) Naturalism: everything can be explained by nature (Psa. 14:1) Christian Worldview What is a Christian worldview? Christian worldview: view of the world that believes a person's primary purpose for existence is to love and serve God (Deut. 6:4-5; Isa. 43:7). Key elements to the Christian worldview: Creation (Genesis 1-2; John 1:1-5) Humans made in God's image (Gen. 1:26-27, 5:1) Fall (Genesis 3; Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 5:12) Redemption/Salvation (John 3:16, 14:6) Restoration/Glorification (1 Cor. 15; Phil. 3:20-21) The Role of Bible in a Christian Worldview How would you describe the Bible and its relationship to the Christian life? The difference between a Christian reading the Bible and others (Psa. 119:97, 119:104; Prov. 30:5-6) Passages to consider: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Matthew 4:4 Psalm 119:105 How the Bible shapes the Christian's view of everything Challenges to a Christian Worldview Desire to be accepted/liked by everyone (John 9:22, 12:42-43) Forgetting our roots (Jude 3; Ephesians 4:4-6) Inherited faith (Luke 3:8; 2 Tim. 1:5, 3:14-4:5) Culture vs. Christianity (Col. 2:12-23) Ignorance (Hosea 4:6) Persecution/suffering (Acts 5:40-41; 1 Peter 4:16) Concluding Thoughts Applying the Christian Worldview A worldview as a starting point Discussion Questions   Duration 33:24

Title: “Providence and People” Part 1 Text: Acts 18:1-6 FCF: We often struggle balancing God's providence with our action. Prop: Because God's providence does not preclude human responsibility, we must engage in earthly and spiritual work. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 18. In a moment we'll begin reading in verse 1 from the Legacy Standard Bible. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Last time in the book of Acts we saw Paul complete his ministry in the city of Athens. During the Macedonian portion of the mission, the theme that seemed to be on display was the logical and biblical nature of the gospel message. That against the tightest scrutiny, the gospel holds up in every way. The greatest test for this was standing before the Areopagite and defending the Christian worldview. Which Paul did successfully. As Paul travels now to a new city, Luke pivots back to the central theme of Acts. What theme is that you might ask? Well, it is one we've heard many times before and will hear many more times before we are done. God is at work to providentially grow His church to the uttermost parts of the earth. How does He do this? Through the church itself. Please stand with me to give honor to and focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Heavenly Father, we know that You are the source for our life and all that we have. We know that without You we are nothing. We confess that You are in absolute control over all things that You guide all things to happen according to Your will to accomplish Your purposes. We also confess that we are favored participants in Your will and do often receive the gift it is to join You in Your work. So Father I pray that as You communicate these truths to us today that we would listen and we would enter into Your service, appreciating the gift it is to join You in Your work. Give us eyes of faith today we pray in Jesus' name… Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] A great philosophical question that has made its rounds several times has been, what came first the chicken or the egg. Such a question is rife with not just philosophical debates but also religious debates. At the center of it all is the question of origin. From the scriptures we can prove quite readily that the chicken absolutely came first. God created His creation with age and maturity. But at the core the question is a seeming paradox. For if you say the chicken, you must ask but from where did the chicken hatch? If you say the egg, you must ask but from what was the egg laid? In the scriptures today we see another paradox that like the question about the chicken and egg can be answered by understanding what the scriptures teach. The paradox is… God has determined all that will be and man is commanded to obey Him. How do these fit? For if God has determined all that will be, man's obedience is already determined, isn't it? And if God has commanded men to obey, doesn't this mean that God has not determined whether they will or will not? And round and round we go. But as we will see today, God's providence does not preclude human responsibility. Let's look. I.) God's providence does not preclude human responsibility, so we must continue to work for earthly provision. (1-4) a. [Slide 3] 1 - After these things he departed Athens and went to Corinth. i. After successfully defending the worldview of Christianity against the wisest men humanity had to offer, they could not condemn him for teaching about new demons. But their “wisdom” could not allow them to accept the foolishness that is Jesus Christ crucified and risen again. ii. Nevertheless, the Lord led a few to Himself through the ministry of Paul in Athens. iii. After this, Paul continues to Corinth, the capital of the province of Achaia. iv. Let's take a few minutes to learn about the city of Corinth. 1. [Slide 4] The city of Corinth was positioned on an Isthmus which was less than 5 miles across at its narrowest point. a. The Aegean and Mediterranean seas posed significant risk to cargo ships being lost. Salling around the lowest portion of the Balkan Peninsula, called the Peloponnese Peninsula, only heightened that risk as cargo ships attempted to transport goods around Greece. b. The Isthmus provided a unique opportunity to short cut days off of that journey. c. A paved road called The Diolkos, was made to connect both ports over land. Grooves were set in the road so cargo and even some small ships could be loaded on a large wooden platform and wheeled by men or animals. They drug the goods 6 kilometers to the other port and then unloaded it so they could continue the journey. d. This process would take several hours to complete. e. What does that mean? f. That means that the sailors and personnel on these ships had time to kill. g. And that is where Corinth came in. h. Corith was an extremely wealthy city. Not only did this sea route offer many customers to their several marketplaces, but even a land route running North and South brought customers as well. 2. [Slide 5] This made Corinth a hotbed of trade, worship, and literally any vice that you could think of. a. The population is estimated to be around 200,000 people plus around double that in slaves. b. By the time Paul arrived Corinth had a reputation for being the premier city for banking. c. When Julius Caesar reestablished the city, he designed it to present the majesty of Roman culture, religion, and values. Thus, Roman pagan worship and emperor worship was on full display at the time Paul arrived. d. Corinth also hosted the biennial Isthmian Games. Resembling our Olympic games, this was a series of athletic and even musical competitions to honor the Greek God Poseidon. i. Since the games were played on the Isthmus, the sea would literally surround the games. ii. Victors would be rewarded with a wreath crown made of wild celery and later Pine which was a sacred tree to Poseidon. e. [Slide 6] Although there is evidence that indicates that much of Corinth's reputation for sexual license is primarily related to Athenian propaganda to compete against the juggernaut city – we certainly know that pagan worship and sexual immorality go hand in hand. f. Indeed, when Paul writes to the Corinthian church in a few years – he will address their continued need to kill off these sins in their midst. v. So, Paul arrives in Corinth. What does he set out to do there? The answer – may be somewhat surprising. b. [Slide 7] 2 - And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, and his wife Priscilla, who recently came from Italy because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome. He came to them, i. Early on in the book of Acts, we noticed that at the Pentecost after Christ's ascension, Jews from all over the Roman world were represented in Jerusalem for the festival. ii. One of those areas represented with a large Jewish Diaspora population would have been Pontus. iii. Pontus is on the Southern Coast of the Black Sea in Modern Turkey. iv. Aquila or as some pronounce it Akilla, was from this region. v. His wife, Priscilla or as is mentioned elsewhere in scripture, Prisca, is with him now in Corinth due to a rather interesting development. vi. Around the time that Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke were in Philippi, the Emperor Claudius issued a decree to expel all Jews from the city of Rome. vii. Why? 1. According to the Roman historian Suetonius, there was significant unrest and disturbances among the Jewish community due to disputes being raised between Jews and Jewish Christians. It is in Suetonius' works we find that the Christians were led by someone he calls Chrestus, which his most likely his misunderstanding of the word Christos or Christ. 2. And so just because Paul hasn't gone to Rome with the gospel – we ought not think that Christianity had not yet made it to Rome. 3. In fact, as we will see, the book of Romans is written to Christians in Rome, long before Paul arrived in Rome. viii. Apparently, Aquila and Priscilla were in Rome during this time (on the side of the Christians of course) but were still expelled since they were Jews. ix. So, Paul comes to them and joins with them… why? x. Certainly, because they were believers already living in the city of Corinth. But why else? c. [Slide 8] 3 - and because he was of the same trade, he was staying with them and they were working, for by trade they were tent-makers. i. Paul's primary mission for coming to Corinth most certainly is the evangelistic opportunity that such a large city would offer. ii. It was a strategic city to be in to share the gospel, of that we can be certain. iii. But on a more practical side, we see here and realize that Paul… is probably out of money. 1. Remember back to when he and Silas left Antioch of Syria. What was their intention with this mission? 2. It was to revisit the places they had preached the gospel previously and check in on those churches. 3. They had long since accomplished this mission. Having done so, Paul continued to search for new places which he could start an evangelistic work. Remember that the Spirit of God actually prevented them from going west toward Ephesus and then again prevented them from going east toward Bithynia. 4. Then the Lord led them via a dream to Macedonia. They have been in Macedonia while in Philippi, Berea, and Thessalonica. 5. Now he is in Achaia having spent time in Athens and now to Corinth. 6. In other words, the part of the trip they did not plan on has probably been as long if not longer than the part they did plan on. 7. While it is true that in Macedonia Paul was probably provided for by several people, in Athens his reception was limited and in Corinth he arrives with need to support himself. 8. Another potential reason that Paul needs to work, is because oftentimes, sheisters and hucksters would peddle their teachings for a price. Paul did not wish to be financially dependent on the contributions of those to whom he preached. This would ensure that his message and his livelihood were separate. iv. And so here we see Paul, not taking a break from evangelistic endeavors, but putting a priority on earning an income to fund the next leg of the missionary journey. v. Paul is a tent-maker by trade. 1. There is some discussion here as the word for tentmaking could be linked to leather work. 2. Since Paul was a Jew and this skill was no doubt one that he learned as a child, it is unlikely that he would have worked with animal skins to tan them and make leather, since that would be handling the carcass of an animal rendering him ritually unclean. 3. However, what might be intended by leather worker is some kind of artisan leather worker making specialty leather works. In which case he would work with leather already tanned and craft it into something unique. 4. But the arguments for leather worker are not significantly stronger than tent-maker. 5. So it could also refer to him making the outer rain proof layer of tents known as cilicium, a fabric which was produced primarily in Cilicia, which is where Paul grew up. vi. In any case, Paul had to work with his hands to support himself and build back ministry funds before he could launch into a full-time mission in Corinth. vii. But we know Paul don't we. viii. Do we think that he is going to take a vacation from preaching the gospel while he earns funds? ix. No… d. [Slide 9] 4 - And he was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and trying to persuade both Jews and Greeks. i. On his day off, the Sabbath, he would go to the synagogue and reason together with the local Jews concerning the revelation of the Messiah. ii. Reasoning here has the idea of discussing a topic and debating or proving it. iii. Paul is not taking a break from ministry. He is simply taking a break from full-time ministry in order to replenish his earthly resources. iv. But he is still trying to persuade both Jews and Greeks that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior, and the Lord. e. [Slide 10] Summary of the Point: In this first point we recognize some familiar themes Luke is emphasizing in the book of Acts. On display is the sovereign hand of God to bring about by providence all of His divine will. God obviously wills that His church and His gospel would go forward to the whole world. Paul is part of that work. But that doesn't mean he is all of it. Here we meet two individuals from the city of Rome who are believers already. Paul hasn't arrived there yet, and still the church has already been established in the capital of the empire. We also notice God's providential hand to bring them all together in the city of Corinth where the gospel will go forward again. Nevertheless, even though God's sovereign hand is putting in big pieces of the puzzle, and even though Paul is one of those pieces, God did not provide to Paul a limitless supply of earthly provision to enable him to continue to do his spiritual work. So what did Paul do? Did he spend time in prayer? Did he assume that he didn't have enough faith and that is why God wasn't providing? Did he start to question whether he was doing something wrong or not? While it is true that if we are doing what God wants us to that He will provide what is needed for us to finish our work – that doesn't' mean He will always provide in the way or in the timing we think He will. Here God provided to Paul by providing him Christian friends to join in work so he could raise funds. The application for us then, is that even if we are engaged in spiritual work for the Lord, even work that God is leading us to accomplish, it still may require us to use our talents, skills, energy, and time to provide for earthly resources for that spiritual work. We still have a responsibility, even though God is in control of all things. Transition: [Slide 11] So in this first point we see God's work in the flourishing of the church throughout the Roman Empire, even outside of Paul's missionary work. In this, Paul continues to provide for himself with earthly resources for the spiritual work there in Corinth. Both God's providence and man's responsibility are at work here. We'll see that continue throughout the entire Corinthian episode. II.) God's providence does not preclude human responsibility, so we must continue our spiritual labors. (5-6) a. [Slide 12] 5 - But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly bearing witness to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. i. As we commented in an earlier sermon, the timeline here gets a little uncertain. 1. Silas and Timothy were supposed to join Paul in Athens and based on his letters to Thessalonica, letters he wrote during his stay in Corinth, Silas and Timothy did eventually join him in Athens when he was there. But Luke omits any of that. 2. Here we see Silas and Timothy coming from Macedonia. While this could mean Thessalonica, it could just as easily be any or all of the cities they had visited before. 3. No doubt Paul had met them in Athens and then sent them back to check on some of the churches throughout Macedonia while he went to Corinth to replenish the missions trip coffers. ii. Now Silas and Timothy rejoin Paul, having checked on the status of the Macedonian churches. iii. And with them there, Paul devotes himself once again to the full-time ministry of the word. iv. Why would their arrival enable him to do this? v. In a later letter he would write to Philippi from prison in Rome, Paul mentions and thanks the Philippian church for sending financial aid to him while he was in Corinth. vi. This reveals to us that the Philippian church helped to bankroll the ministry there in Corinth so he would not have to continue to be bi-vocational. vii. And what his the full-time ministry look like? viii. To the Jew first – as was Paul's motto. ix. He wanted to bear witness to them with all seriousness that Jesus is their Messiah. The next step in true Judaism. x. But as we have seen so many times before… the Jews did not have ears to hear. b. [Slide 13] 6 - But when they resisted and blasphemed, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” i. Again, we find the Jews being slow to hear the gospel. ii. They resist and even blaspheme their own Lord because they cannot accept the terms He offers. iii. That they were lost and needed one to rescue them first from the tyranny of sin and death and not first from the national oppression they faced – that was a mountain they could not climb. iv. To accept that Yahweh would don human flesh and die to save His people was something they couldn't quite wrap their heads around – in spite of all the prophesy which makes the teaching so plain. v. Paul says in Corinthians that he endeavored to make known to them nothing but Christ crucified. This was the stumbling block of the gospel for them. The one aspect of the truth that they needed to hear and receive. vi. But they couldn't do it. vii. So, Paul shakes out his garments. A sign of judgment and woe. It is a sign of leaving them to the fate they had earned. viii. He tells them in no uncertain words that he is blameless for their eventual judgment. And that he will now focus on the Gentiles. ix. We should be careful here not to think that Paul is forever abandoning the Jews. x. We should only apply this to his ministry here in Corinth. For as we go forward in the book of Acts we will continue to see Paul go to the Jew first. xi. We will also see that just because he goes to the Gentiles, doesn't mean he is done with all the Jews in Corinth either. xii. More on that next week. c. [Slide 14] Summary of the Point: In this second point we see the providence of God in a new way. God has provided to Paul the necessary funds for him to continue his full-time missionary efforts. By the sacrificial giving of the Philippian church, the Lord has relieved the financial burden on Paul so that he can devote himself to the preaching of the gospel. Which is exactly what he does next. For us then, we must recognize the providential hand of the Lord and respond in faith and obedience. Paul's primary mission was not to stay in Corinth and make money. He was probably making good money there. His primary calling was to preach the gospel throughout the Roman world. We too must keep our calling and mission at the forefront of our minds. We too can be easily distracted and must seek to recognize when God has equipped us to move forward in our spiritual labor. Conclusion: Even though this is only part 1 of this message, what have we learned so far CBC? How then shall we live? Doctrinal takeaway: [Slide 15] As we've seen several times in the book of Acts, the title of this book could easily be the Acts of God through His faithful church. This is the summary of the book and it is the summary of this text. Since this sermon is part 1, you can probably guess what next week's message will be about as well. God's providence is something we cannot deny. We must believe that the sovereign hand of God orchestrates and controls every detail in the world to accomplish His purposes. We must believe this because the book of Acts teaches it. We must believe it because the whole of the bible teaches it. We must believe it because without such a teaching, much of the things the scriptures command us to do, think, believe, or trust in, make absolutely no sense if God is not in sovereign control of everything. If every detail of His creation is not under His direct authority and control, then all of Christianity crumbles. But, just because God is in absolute and complete control over every single molecule, does not mean that God has nothing for us to do within that. God's providence does not preclude human responsibility. God's providence and plan did not stop Paul from working for a living in Corinth. It did not stop Claudius from kicking the Jews out of Rome. It did not stop the church at Philippi from delivering sacrificial gifts to Paul in Corinth. It did not stop Paul from preaching the gospel to the Jews and the Gentiles in Corinth. It did not stop the need for humans to do things. In fact, for God's people, it only fueled their faith to be used to accomplish His will. God's providence and man's responsibility work hand in hand and not against each other. Therefore, we must be found faithful to engage in earthly and spiritual work, with our whole hearts, and all our efforts, not because it depends on us, but because it depends completely on God who has called us to do so. And we will see Him work His will through us, around us, and in us as we do. But let me apply this a little more closely to our daily lives. How does all this affect us here and now? 1.) [Slide 16] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must believe that the Sovereign Lord will always providentially accomplish His will. a. Now why must we believe this? b. Of course because the scriptures teach us this. c. Of course because all of Acts so far is a testament to this very truth. d. But think of what is at stake if this is not true. If God most of the time accomplishes His sovereign will and occasionally He doesn't get what He has decreed… what would that mean? e. Think of all the promises God has made to us in the scriptures. Now which one would you be ok with God not being able to come through on? f. Think of all the future events He has predicted for us in His word. Which of these are you willing to not come to pass? g. Think of all that He has taught us as absolute truth. Which of these will you discard because God couldn't make sure it was true. h. You see my friends, there is much more at stake than merely the free will of men when we start tampering with this doctrine. i. Man's free will has become the battle cry but the outcome is ripping down the certainty of all that God has promised us in His Word. Man's free will, a teaching that cannot be clearly found in scripture, is the altar on which we sacrifice the certainty of God's promises. j. Oh my friends. Man is free in his will, but only to act according to his nature. Man is free in his will, but only to act according to the decrees of God. k. God always… ALWAYS providentially accomplishes His will. l. He may not always do that with a miracle. He may not always do that in ways we would expect or hope for. But God ALWAYS providentially accomplishes His will. m. And it is to our great comfort and joy to confess such a truth. For in doing so, we confess the surety that all that God desires will come to pass. n. But, of course, we cannot pendulum swing too far can we? 2.) [Slide 17] De-Exhortation: “What actions should we stop doing” or “What behaviors do we naturally practice that this passage tells us to stop doing?” We must stop using God's providence as an excuse for passivity, laziness, or disobedience. a. God is a delegator. b. He delegated humans to keep and tend the garden and exercise dominion over it. c. He delegated angelic beings to watch and care for the human race and point them to worship Yahweh. d. He will delegate rule to the bride of Christ in the New Kingdom. e. God can and does act unilaterally to accomplish His will. f. But MOST OF THE TIME God uses secondary causes to accomplish His will. g. In this the obedience of His people, the wickedness of men, the disobedience of His people, and the uncommon decency of the wicked are all used to accomplish His will. h. God works in and through our natures and our wills to accomplish His purpose. With enough grace He could prevent us from sinning or guarantee our obedience… why then doesn't He do that? i. Is there only so much grace to go around? Or is it possible that even our failure works to accomplish His divine purpose? j. We are neither robots only fulfilling what we have been programmed to do nor are we passive agents floating along and no matter what we do God will still get what He wants. k. We believe in the sovereignty and the providence of God… but that doesn't mean we are fatalistic. l. Fatalism says, “What will be, will be.” There is nothing I can do to change the outcome. No matter what I do, it does not change what will be. m. We deny this. n. But our belief is that though God has determined or decreed what will be – we contribute to that end with our actions. He has already baked our actions in to those decrees. We get to participate in what He has said. o. So sitting around saying –. i. If God wants me to get that job, I won't need to fill out an application. ii. If God wants us to have kids, we don't even need to try. iii. If God wants me to get married, He'll bring her to me. iv. If God wants me to be in the ministry, He'll make me serious about His Word at some point. v. If God wants me to stop doing this sin, He'll stop me. vi. If God wants me to preach the gospel in Corinth, He'll supply the funds. p. You see my point. q. Idleness, laziness, and passivity are not the appropriate response to confessing that God is sovereign and uses providence to accomplish His purposes. r. Instead, it should be obedience. 3.) [Slide 18] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must obey our Lord and follow His guidance. a. No future surety should enter our decision making when we consider what we should or should not do. b. To act in one way or another in order to attempt to secure an outcome that God alone determines, is to exit our lane of influence. c. Human responsibility does not enter the realm of results or outcomes. It stays, always, in what we choose to do within the confines of our nature. d. All men are told to obey the Lord. The Redeemed are able, by nature, to choose to obey the Lord. e. But we must be very careful as we discuss God's providence next to man's responsibility that we do not allow our responsibility to breech into trying to secure God's decreed purposes. f. The study of ethics like whether we should kill to save our family begins with a premise that you can and will determine their fate by your actions. It begins… flawed. Why? Because God ultimately determines their fate. You are only responsible for your own individual decisions. g. Therefore, the question should not be would I kill to save my family… the question should be… Does God permit me to kill to defend my family. For that is truly the beginning of the issue. Whether or not your family will be saved is not up to you. You are only responsible for the spheres of influence you actually have. Which is primarily your own responsibility to obey the Lord. h. I say all of this, hopefully, to simplify what we so often muddy. i. If God is in absolute control of everything and uses human action to accomplish what He has already determined, then we must be very careful, for our own sake, to do what He has commanded us to do. Because our actions will contribute to what God has already determined. j. If that is the case, it is only harmful for us when we disobey. Our disobedience will not stop His will from coming to pass – whatever that may be. Therefore, for our own sake, we must do as God has commanded. k. Paul knew that God had called him to preach the gospel throughout the Roman Empire. But Paul neither went to idleness, nor did he cast his hands up and say “no matter what I do God will have His way” l. Instead, Paul obeyed the Lord and took opportunities that were presented that did not violate God's commands. m. We are responsible not for outcomes but for obedience. n. Obey the Lord. Why? Because He is God and He said to and it will go well for you. 4.) [Slide 19] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” God will not allow His purposes to fail or succeed because of you. a. We have a responsibility to obey the Lord. We must do as He has told us to do. b. Paul preached because the Lord Jesus threw him down on the road to Damascus and told Him to do so. c. He preached because he loved the Lord he once persecuted. d. He labored in tent making because he wanted to be free of financial burden so he could preach the word of God freely to all who would hear. e. But this passage especially shows the work of God and His church to be much bigger than Paul. f. As big of a piece of the puzzle as Paul is… he is insignificant to the providential and sovereign work of the Lord to accomplish His own will. g. Let this be a great comfort to us Christians. h. God doesn't need us and will accomplish His purposes without us. i. But what a blessing it is to be used of Him. j. Let us therefore purpose in our hearts to be willing vessels for His honorable use. Let me close with a prayer by the English Reformer Thomas Becon Maker of heaven and earth, you have created a path for us to walk in, and you have commanded that we wander neither to the right nor to the left —according to your will, without adding our own good intentions or fleshly imaginations. So as you have commanded, good Lord, give me the grace to do. Help me not to follow my own will, nor the fancies of other people. And never let me be duped or beguiled by the mask of traditions, decrees, ancient laws, or any other person or thing that conflicts with your holy ordinances and commands. Help me to faithfully believe and steadfastly confess that true godliness is only learned in your holy Bible. Then help me to order my life accordingly, to the praise of your holy name. We pray this in Jesus' name…Amen. Benediction: And now O Lord, rain down righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness grow with it; So that your people may be mature and complete, never lacking anything. Until we meet again. Go in peace.

December 29, 2024 - Sunday AM Bible Class   This quarter Hiram starts a new class.    Living an Ancient Faith in a Modern World "Unprecedented Times" Climate change / Environmental disasters Global Pandemic Technological advancement Political Polarization and Social Unrest Mental Health Crisis Workplace and Societal Expectations Things that Never Change... Unchanging World - (Eccl. 1:9-10, 3:15, 7:10) Unchanging Character & Nature of God - (Mal. 3:6; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17) Unchanging World - (Psalm 119:89, Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35) Lesson 1: Christian Worldview Defined and Explained Defining Worldview... World view: the framework from which we view reality and make sense of life and the world Engaging other world views wisely and well: Listen well (Prov. 18:13) Observe closely (Acts 17:22-23) Don't assume (Matt. 7:1-2; John 7:24) Be charitable (1 Cor. 16:14) Remain convicted (2 Tim. 1:13) Worldviews to Engage Humanistic: humans are the center of everything (Gen. 3:6; Prov. 16:18; Rev. 3:17) Materialism and Hedonism: life is about pleasure and pleasing oneself above everything else (Luke 12:15-21; 1 Tim. 6:9-10) Fatalism: events are predetermined and inevitable (1 Cor. 15:32) Relativism: truth and morality are determined by everyone (Judges 17:6, 21:25) Naturalism: everything can be explained by nature (Psa. 14:1) Christian Worldview What is a Christian worldview? Christian worldview: view of the world that believes a person's primary purpose for existence is to love and serve God (Deut. 6:4-5; Isa. 43:7). Key elements to the Christian worldview: Creation (Genesis 1-2; John 1:1-5) Humans made in God's image (Gen. 1:26-27, 5:1) Fall (Genesis 3; Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 5:12) Redemption/Salvation (John 3:16, 14:6) Restoration/Glorification (1 Cor. 15; Phil. 3:20-21) The Role of Bible in a Christian Worldview How would you describe the Bible and its relationship to the Christian life? The difference between a Christian reading the Bible and others (Psa. 119:97, 119:104; Prov. 30:5-6) Passages to consider: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Matthew 4:4 Psalm 119:105 How the Bible shapes the Christian's view of everything Challenges to a Christian Worldview Desire to be accepted/liked by everyone (John 9:22, 12:42-43) Forgetting our roots (Jude 3; Ephesians 4:4-6) Inherited faith (Luke 3:8; 2 Tim. 1:5, 3:14-4:5) Culture vs. Christianity (Col. 2:12-23) Ignorance (Hosea 4:6) Persecution/suffering (Acts 5:40-41; 1 Peter 4:16) Concluding Thoughts Applying the Christian Worldview A worldview as a starting point Discussion Questions   Duration 44:00

The knives come out over information, manufactured evidence and a conspiracy to commit. The Weaver wars heat up. Yanking chains to get back on the scene. A touch of Asperger Syndrome doesn't help. The pitfalls of the genius class. They are trying to drive a wedge between Elon and Trump. The VP's wife has a background. Gov. Bergrum and China go way back. The Matt Gaetz trap. The Greenberg deals. Beto's wife knew about railroads and borders. People are not paying attention to real factual information. There will be war in 2025. It's those influencers on social media again. The Chinese are playing us. The North Dakota reasons for prominence. Orders have been issued to military. Mobilization is happening. Be invested in the story. Art is a vehicle for truth. Everything has a duplicity. There are many facade's surrounding Trump. Fatalism means NCSWC. The New Year's show will be great. The biggest threat is Chinese. It's time to disengage. Less is more now. Focus on communities. A lot of confusion will occur this year. Everyone wants to be at the inauguration. Pay attention and hold information providers accountable. Old news is an operational technique. Undersea cables are targets. MH370 is related. Google was stealing cable coms. In the end, there will be plenty of pain from all the truth bombs revealed.

The frequency and vibration of knowledge can move us in many ways. Let's review some yellow paper notes from the war college. Fatalism results when nothing can stop what's coming. Becoming familiar with the ancient books of Greece and China. This is a war like no other. The Chinese laws of Moses. Ever heard of them? The West has always been the focus of world history. Borders change just like solutions. The Athenians are what modern democrats pretend to be. Spartans were the bad ass conservatives. Women were highly regarded as generals. Spartan infrastructure and order were challenged by sanctuary cities. First destroy your enemies from within. Who funded the wars of the Greek empire? The phrase all roads lead to Rome, was manufactured. The Divine Farmer and the beginning of traditional Chinese medicine. Only following a righteous path can lead to life's real success. Where did the Greeks get their bronze? The Augusts, the Emperors and the woman goddess. World wide floods seemed to have been a problem. The Christmas Tree nebula. Heavy gravity thoughts. Oh, and we're going to war. The blurred lines are purposeful. We will be nerding out in 2025. Real knowledge in God is the only path to true freedom. Surrender, and your inner truth will have been chosen from Him.

December 22, 2024 - Sunday AM Bible Class   This quarter Hiram starts a new class.    Living an Ancient Faith in a Modern World "Unprecedented Times" Climate change / Environmental disasters Global Pandemic Technological advancement Political Polarization and Social Unrest Mental Health Crisis Workplace and Societal Expectations Things that Never Change... Unchanging World - (Eccl. 1:9-10, 3:15, 7:10) Unchanging Character & Nature of God - (Mal. 3:6; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17) Unchanging World - (Psalm 119:89, Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35) Lesson 1: Christian Worldview Defined and Explained Defining Worldview... World view: the framework from which we view reality and make sense of life and the world Engaging other world views wisely and well: Listen well (Prov. 18:13) Observe closely (Acts 17:22-23) Don't assume (Matt. 7:1-2; John 7:24) Be charitable (1 Cor. 16:14) Remain convicted (2 Tim. 1:13) Worldviews to Engage Humanistic: humans are the center of everything (Gen. 3:6; Prov. 16:18; Rev. 3:17) Materialism and Hedonism: life is about pleasure and pleasing oneself above everything else (Luke 12:15-21; 1 Tim. 6:9-10) Fatalism: events are predetermined and inevitable (1 Cor. 15:32) Relativism: truth and morality are determined by everyone (Judges 17:6, 21:25) Naturalism: everything can be explained by nature (Psa. 14:1) Christian Worldview What is a Christian worldview? Christian worldview: view of the world that believes a person's primary purpose for existence is to love and serve God (Deut. 6:4-5; Isa. 43:7). Key elements to the Christian worldview: Creation (Genesis 1-2; John 1:1-5) Humans made in God's image (Gen. 1:26-27, 5:1) Fall (Genesis 3; Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 5:12) Redemption/Salvation (John 3:16, 14:6) Restoration/Glorification (1 Cor. 15; Phil. 3:20-21) The Role of Bible in a Christian Worldview How would you describe the Bible and its relationship to the Christian life? The difference between a Christian reading the Bible and others (Psa. 119:97, 119:104; Prov. 30:5-6) Passages to consider: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Matthew 4:4 Psalm 119:105 How the Bible shapes the Christian's view of everything Challenges to a Christian Worldview Desire to be accepted/liked by everyone (John 9:22, 12:42-43) Forgetting our roots (Jude 3; Ephesians 4:4-6) Inherited faith (Luke 3:8; 2 Tim. 1:5, 3:14-4:5) Culture vs. Christianity (Col. 2:12-23) Ignorance (Hosea 4:6) Persecution/suffering (Acts 5:40-41; 1 Peter 4:16) Concluding Thoughts Applying the Christian Worldview A worldview as a starting point Discussion Questions   Duration 45:37

Fatalism is the belief that fate drives everything: whatever will be will be. However, did you know the Bible actually teaches that we play a major part in the outcome of our circumstances? Rather than adopting an improper view of God's sovereignty, Pastor Small shows how scripture teaches that our beliefs will effect the outcome of our circumstances.

December 15, 2024 - Sunday AM Bible Class   This quarter Hiram starts a new class.    Living an Ancient Faith in a Modern World "Unprecedented Times" Climate change / Environmental disasters Global Pandemic Technological advancement Political Polarization and Social Unrest Mental Health Crisis Workplace and Societal Expectations Things that Never Change... Unchanging World - (Eccl. 1:9-10, 3:15, 7:10) Unchanging Character & Nature of God - (Mal. 3:6; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17) Unchanging World - (Psalm 119:89, Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35) Lesson 1: Christian Worldview Defined and Explained Defining Worldview... World view: the framework from which we view reality and make sense of life and the world Engaging other world views wisely and well: Listen well (Prov. 18:13) Observe closely (Acts 17:22-23) Don't assume (Matt. 7:1-2; John 7:24) Be charitable (1 Cor. 16:14) Remain convicted (2 Tim. 1:13) Worldviews to Engage Humanistic: humans are the center of everything (Gen. 3:6; Prov. 16:18; Rev. 3:17) Materialism and Hedonism: life is about pleasure and pleasing oneself above everything else (Luke 12:15-21; 1 Tim. 6:9-10) Fatalism: events are predetermined and inevitable (1 Cor. 15:32) Relativism: truth and morality are determined by everyone (Judges 17:6, 21:25) Naturalism: everything can be explained by nature (Psa. 14:1) Christian Worldview What is a Christian worldview? Christian worldview: view of the world that believes a person's primary purpose for existence is to love and serve God (Deut. 6:4-5; Isa. 43:7). Key elements to the Christian worldview: Creation (Genesis 1-2; John 1:1-5) Humans made in God's image (Gen. 1:26-27, 5:1) Fall (Genesis 3; Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 5:12) Redemption/Salvation (John 3:16, 14:6) Restoration/Glorification (1 Cor. 15; Phil. 3:20-21) The Role of Bible in a Christian Worldview How would you describe the Bible and its relationship to the Christian life? The difference between a Christian reading the Bible and others (Psa. 119:97, 119:104; Prov. 30:5-6) Passages to consider: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Matthew 4:4 Psalm 119:105 How the Bible shapes the Christian's view of everything Challenges to a Christian Worldview Desire to be accepted/liked by everyone (John 9:22, 12:42-43) Forgetting our roots (Jude 3; Ephesians 4:4-6) Inherited faith (Luke 3:8; 2 Tim. 1:5, 3:14-4:5) Culture vs. Christianity (Col. 2:12-23) Ignorance (Hosea 4:6) Persecution/suffering (Acts 5:40-41; 1 Peter 4:16) Concluding Thoughts Applying the Christian Worldview A worldview as a starting point Discussion Questions   Duration 42:45

December 8, 2024 - Sunday AM Bible Class   This quarter Hiram starts a new class.    Living an Ancient Faith in a Modern World "Unprecedented Times" Climate change / Environmental disasters Global Pandemic Technological advancement Political Polarization and Social Unrest Mental Health Crisis Workplace and Societal Expectations Things that Never Change... Unchanging World - (Eccl. 1:9-10, 3:15, 7:10) Unchanging Character & Nature of God - (Mal. 3:6; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17) Unchanging World - (Psalm 119:89, Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35) Lesson 1: Christian Worldview Defined and Explained Defining Worldview... World view: the framework from which we view reality and make sense of life and the world Engaging other world views wisely and well: Listen well (Prov. 18:13) Observe closely (Acts 17:22-23) Don't assume (Matt. 7:1-2; John 7:24) Be charitable (1 Cor. 16:14) Remain convicted (2 Tim. 1:13) Worldviews to Engage Humanistic: humans are the center of everything (Gen. 3:6; Prov. 16:18; Rev. 3:17) Materialism and Hedonism: life is about pleasure and pleasing oneself above everything else (Luke 12:15-21; 1 Tim. 6:9-10) Fatalism: events are predetermined and inevitable (1 Cor. 15:32) Relativism: truth and morality are determined by everyone (Judges 17:6, 21:25) Naturalism: everything can be explained by nature (Psa. 14:1) Christian Worldview What is a Christian worldview? Christian worldview: view of the world that believes a person's primary purpose for existence is to love and serve God (Deut. 6:4-5; Isa. 43:7). Key elements to the Christian worldview: Creation (Genesis 1-2; John 1:1-5) Humans made in God's image (Gen. 1:26-27, 5:1) Fall (Genesis 3; Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 5:12) Redemption/Salvation (John 3:16, 14:6) Restoration/Glorification (1 Cor. 15; Phil. 3:20-21) The Role of Bible in a Christian Worldview How would you describe the Bible and its relationship to the Christian life? The difference between a Christian reading the Bible and others (Psa. 119:97, 119:104; Prov. 30:5-6) Passages to consider: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Matthew 4:4 Psalm 119:105 How the Bible shapes the Christian's view of everything Challenges to a Christian Worldview Desire to be accepted/liked by everyone (John 9:22, 12:42-43) Forgetting our roots (Jude 3; Ephesians 4:4-6) Inherited faith (Luke 3:8; 2 Tim. 1:5, 3:14-4:5) Culture vs. Christianity (Col. 2:12-23) Ignorance (Hosea 4:6) Persecution/suffering (Acts 5:40-41; 1 Peter 4:16) Concluding Thoughts Applying the Christian Worldview A worldview as a starting point Discussion Questions   Duration 43:23

December 1, 2024 - Sunday AM Bible Class   This quarter Hiram starts a new class.    Living an Ancient Faith in a Modern World "Unprecedented Times" Climate change / Environmental disasters Global Pandemic Technological advancement Political Polarization and Social Unrest Mental Health Crisis Workplace and Societal Expectations Things that Never Change... Unchanging World - (Eccl. 1:9-10, 3:15, 7:10) Unchanging Character & Nature of God - (Mal. 3:6; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17) Unchanging World - (Psalm 119:89, Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35) Lesson 1: Christian Worldview Defined and Explained Defining Worldview... World view: the framework from which we view reality and make sense of life and the world Engaging other world views wisely and well: Listen well (Prov. 18:13) Observe closely (Acts 17:22-23) Don't assume (Matt. 7:1-2; John 7:24) Be charitable (1 Cor. 16:14) Remain convicted (2 Tim. 1:13) Worldviews to Engage Humanistic : humans are the center of everything (Gen. 3:6; Prov. 16:18; Rev. 3:17) Materialism and Hedonism : life is about pleasure and pleasing oneself above everything else (Luke 12:15-21; 1 Tim. 6:9-10) Fatalism: events are predetermined and inevitable (1 Cor. 15:32) Relativism: truth and morality are determined by everyone (Judges 17:6, 21:25) Naturalism: everything can be explained by nature (Psa. 14:1) Christian Worldview What is a Christian worldview? Christian worldview: view of the world that believes a person's primary purpose for existence is to love and serve God (Deut. 6:4-5; Isa. 43:7). Key elements to the Christian worldview: Creation (Genesis 1-2; John 1:1-5) Humans made in God's image (Gen. 1:26-27, 5:1) Fall (Genesis 3; Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 5:12) Redemption/Salvation (John 3:16, 14:6) Restoration/Glorification (1 Cor. 15; Phil. 3:20-21) The Role of Bible in a Christian Worldview How would you describe the Bible and its relationship to the Christian life? The difference between a Christian reading the Bible and others (Psa. 119:97, 119:104; Prov. 30:5-6) Passages to consider: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Matthew 4:4 Psalm 119:105 How the Bible shapes the Christian's view of everything Challenges to a Christian Worldview Desire to be accepted/liked by everyone (John 9:22, 12:42-43) Forgetting our roots (Jude 3; Ephesians 4:4-6) Inherited faith (Luke 3:8; 2 Tim. 1:5, 3:14-4:5) Culture vs. Christianity (Col. 2:12-23) Ignorance (Hosea 4:6) Persecution/suffering (Acts 5:40-41; 1 Peter 4:16) Concluding Thoughts Applying the Christian Worldview A worldview as a starting point Discussion Questions   Duration 43:04

Matt, Patrick, and Art discuss mysteries and fatalism in RPG storytelling in the latest Damn Fine Coffee.   Join us on our Discord: https://discord.gg/tQGJVsrnNp Follow us on Blue Sky and X @BlackLodgeRPG Recorded on 11/7/24 Music: Intro Theme: Dances and Dames by Kevin MacLeod. 00:00:00 Intro 00:02:37 Trivia 00:10:07 Topic Discussion 01:18:00 What's Next?

Send us a textWe brought you Arminianism/Free Will Theology last week. This week, we swing the pendulum to the far other side with Hyper-Calvinism/Fatalism. What are the dangers of this doctrine? Listen and find out.================ We want to be a resource for you. Please send us your questions to questions@kerrvillebiblechurch.org or leave us a text or voicemail at 830-321-0349.Please share this podcast on your social media or to your mailing list. We'd appreciate your help getting the message out.================The KBC Pastors Podcast is a production of Kerrville Bible Church. The show is hosted and edited by Toby Baxley. Original theme music by Toby Baxley.Our pastors are: Lead Pastor Chris McKnight, Associate Pastor Scott Christensen, Worship Pastor Toby Baxley, and Youth & Family Pastor Murray Van Gundy.

A common motif of the human experience is the grapple between fatalism and hope. It is a duality often cinematically depicted as a glistening ray of light cutting through darkness. As fickle as hope may seem to be, fatalism is just as paper thin. In what could feel like immense darkness, looming death, and utter despair, sometimes God shimmers a light that defies all calculable odds, as demonstrated by Christ's power in the gospel of Luke. The gospel is an antidote to fatalism because the king we worship who commands the wind, heals the sick, and usurped death with his life assures us that our worst days are not our last. 

In this episode #41, we explore the key events that led to World War I, from a shocking assassination to rising militarism and secret alliances. We dive into misconceptions, social ideologies like Social Darwinism, and the rapid escalation that plunged the world into chaos. Discover how nations mobilized for battle, and how Europe's power struggles turned into a global conflict. (00:00) - The Spark That Ignited War (02:51) - The Scale of the Conflict (04:04) - Assassination That Changed Everything (11:38) - Tensions in the Balkans (16:21) - Balance of Power (18:16) - Germany's Rise to Power (29:54) - Militarism (31:39) - Social Darwinism (32:08) - Conscription (32:51) - The Morocco Crisis (33:42) - A Ballerina's Perspective (34:27) - Shifting Dynamics of Power (37:04) - Misconceptions of War (40:00) - The Concept of Übermensch (40:49) - Predicting the War (42:10) - Berlin to Baghdad: A Hidden Agenda (42:31) - The Role of Fatalism (43:40) - France-Great Britain (47:36) - Alliances That Shaped the War (48:14) - Conflicts in Southeastern Europe (1:06:02) - How War Escalated Rapidly (1:09:20) - Schlieffen Plan (1:12:50) - Too Late (1:14:52) - Secret Meeting (1:16:22) - Mobilization Begins (1:17:49) - Brink of Madness (1:29:29) - Discovering the Root Cause (1:33:46) - Key Recommendations for Understanding   The Guns of August by Barbara W. Tuchman - https://amzn.to/48ij0S7 A World Undone by G. J. Meyer - https://amzn.to/3NvCPMe The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clark - https://amzn.to/3YsU6M8 The Great Illusion by Sir Norman Angell - https://amzn.to/4dPt6ej They Shall Not Grow Old - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7905466/

We kick of the #teakink Interview Season with Eva Oh's dear friend Missy Fatale, International Burlesque Siren and fellow female dominant. From an intrigue in sex, death and nudity, to coming up against the patriarchy as a child, we discover how Missy moves from the world of fine art into the liberation of performance, the struggle of surrender as a Femdom; and how a mainstream audience responds to fetish on the stage. Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/evaoh More on Eva Oh: https://eva-oh.com Missy's Links: instagram.com/missy_fatale instagram.com/vintageartsagency vintageartsagency.com instagram.com/haus_of_fatale vintageartsagency.com/hausoffatale HIGHLIGHTS: Here are the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Welcome. What is #teakink (00:18) - Who is Missy Fatale? (02:05) - Sex, Death and Nudity (03:30) - Patriarchy as a Child (05:05) - Discovering Dominance (06:50) - From Fine Art to the Liberation of Performance (13:25) - Fetish in Performance Art (14:50) - Social Media's Effect on Performance (16:15) - Vintage Arts Agency, House of Fatale, Fatalism (17:00) - Bringing the Dungeon to the Stage (18:20) - How Audiences Respond (20:20) - Fetish as Life (23:20) - Attempting Surrender as Dominant Women (27:15) - What Female Dominance Means to Us (31:45) - Using Terms as Opposed to them Using Us (33:25) - Marie Kondo-ing Life (34:25) - The State of Fetish in the Performance Industry (38:20) - Eva Oh, Missy's House Dominatrix (39:55) - Missy Fatale's Final Act

GOOD EVENING: The show begins tonight in the Roman Empire's Egypt, the bread basket of the Mediterranean, ruled by the imperial genius and endless fatalism of Queen Cleopatra. Also, there is much to ponder in Victor Davis Hanson's 2021 "THE DYING CITIZEN" now that the presidential contest is set with the Californian VPOTUS vs. the New Yorker former POTUS. 1841 Death of Cleopatra

Pastor Daniel Wright preaches a message on the power of persistence in praise during your battles and trials. Email Us: info@heartofworshipchurch.com Visit Our Website: www.heartofworshipchurch.com  

Series: I Wonder...Title: I Wonder...Why Pray if God's Will Prevails?Scripture Reading:  James 5:13-18This summer we are diving into your Bible and faith wonderings. If God is sovereign and if His will will always prevail, why pray? If God foreknows what will transpire, is there a point to praying?

(4:00) Late inning lapses add to lore of FSU Baseball's cursed existence in Omaha(28:00) ...but that win on Sunday was uplifting(50:00) What to do Tuesday and salute to Jaime Ferrer!(57:00) Should ACC sell naming rights(1:01:00) A wildcard to crack the top 20 of the preseason Warchant Top 40?Music: Imagine Dragons - Curse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

(4:00) Late inning lapses add to lore of FSU Baseball's cursed existence in Omaha (28:00) ...but that win on Sunday was uplifting (50:00) What to do Tuesday and salute to Jaime Ferrer! (57:00) Should ACC sell naming rights (1:01:00) A wildcard to crack the top 20 of the preseason Warchant Top 40? Music: Imagine Dragons - Curse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

(4:00) Late inning lapses add to lore of FSU Baseball's cursed existence in Omaha (28:00) ...but that win on Sunday was uplifting (50:00) What to do Tuesday and salute to Jaime Ferrer! (57:00) Should ACC sell naming rights (1:01:00) A wildcard to crack the top 20 of the preseason Warchant Top 40? Music: Imagine Dragons - Curse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Connect with us: http://www.maplegrove.church/connect Website: http://www.maplegrove.church/ Facebook: http://www.fb.com/mgccbtown/ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mgccbtown/

This playlist features live interviews recorded by Oncology Data Advisor at the 49th Annual Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Congress in Washington, DC. For more information, visit OncData.com.

----more----Mitzvah #61 - קבורה Burial Of Dead - Fatalism & Responsibility Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Horeb Reasons For Laws in Judaism   Rabbi Simi Lerner

Today, the pastors (sans Chris) answer two listener-suggested topics:The Problem with Fatalism in ChristianityWhy is man held responsible for sin when he's born with a sin nature?These both fall under the broad topic of God's sovereignty and man's responsibility. Listen in.================ We want to be a resource for you. Please send us your questions to questions@kerrvillebiblechurch.org or leave us a text or voicemail at 830-321-0349.Please share this podcast on your social media or to your mailing list. We'd appreciate your help getting the message out.================The KBC Pastors Podcast is a production of Kerrville Bible Church. The show is hosted and edited by Toby Baxley. Original theme music by Toby Baxley.Our pastors are: Lead Pastor Chris McKnight, Associate Pastor Scott Christensen, Worship Pastor Toby Baxley, and Youth & Family Pastor Murray Van Gundy.

If Calvinism is true, what is the point of evangelism? If Calvinism isn't true, how does that not result in fatalism? If Calvinism is true, can humanity in any sense have free will or be responsible? Could Calvinism be a stumbling block to the spread of the gospel of Christ? What is fatalism? What is determinism? Do human beings truly have a free will? This episode on YouTube

Austin Texas quartet GENTLEMEN ROGUES celebrate aggressive guitar pop anthems — bearing the influences of The Replacements, Superdrag, Jawbreaker, and similar visionaries — and have been gaining momentum and increased attention. Since their debut in 2011, the band — Danny Dunlap (guitar/vocals), Josh Power (drums), John Christoffel (guitar), and Dave Hawkins (bass, vocals) — have honed their hooks over numerous singles, EPs, and the 2022 full-length collection, A History of Fatalism. Springsteen sideman Steven van Zandt hand-picked their single “Do the Resurrection!” as the “Coolest Song in the World” on his SiriusXM radio show, Little Steven's Underground Garage. Garnering heavy airplay, listeners worldwide agreed, voting “Do the Resurrection!” as one of the top ten “Coolest Songs of 2021.” Gentlemen Rogues have supported diverse acts like the Lemonheads, Smoking Popes, the Dandy Warhols, Mrs Magician, and Riverboat Gamblers on stages across the U.S. and the UK. In recent years Gentlemen Rogues opened for indie-punk icons Superchunk and Bob Mould, who personally selected the band to provide sole support on the Texas leg of his Distortion and Blue Hearts tour. Brand New full length "Surface Noise" is set for release February 16th 2024. Thanks for listening!!! Please Follow us on Instagram @hiddentracks99Pre and Post roll music brought to you by @sleepcyclespa

God's predestination of sinners is for God's praise. Yet often predestination is construed as fatalism, even among Christians. But fatalism effectively makes God the author of sin, divine justice a charade, the gospel offer disingenuous, and man a heartless pawn. More importantly, it robs God of true worship. Romans 9 emphasizes the fact that God is glorified in His justice and mercy, not fatalism. Man is corrupt and culpable, consigned to disobedience. God is just and merciful, free to grant mercy on whom He pleases. Key to a biblical response to the charge of fatalism is the principle of means. God uses means. Answering this final detraction, Christ is restored to His rightful place in our economy of thought. Here we see just how profoundly praiseworthy predestination is.

Well, here we are again. The very same arguments that were rolled out by MAGA Christian leaders to justify supporting Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020 are back again in 2024. A new article in the Christian Post says America's survival depends on Christians voting for Trump. Why do these fear tactics still work? Then, it's true that all politicians lie, but PolitiFacts says Trump is a league of his own. And scientists explain why negative polarization in our politics may have evolutionary origins.   Then Skye interviews pastor and author, Brian Zahnd, about his new book, “The Wood Between the Worlds: A Poetic Theology of the Cross.” He draws from art, literature, movies, and music to help us see the many facets of what Jesus really accomplished on that old rugged cross. Also this week, an early church father liked big couches and he cannot lie. Holy Post Plus Bonus Interview with Brian Zahnd - https://www.patreon.com/posts/97918043/   0:00 - Intro   1:46 - Show Starts   2:33 - Theme Song   2:56- Sponsor - AG1 - Get your FREE 1 year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free travel packs with your first purchase, go to https://www.athleticgreens.com/HOLYPOST   4:15 - Sponsor - Sundays Dog Food - Get 35% off your first order of Sundays. Go to www.SundaysForDogs.com/HOLYPOST or use code HOLYPOST at checkout.    5:27 - Recapping the Liveshow   8:05 - News of the Butt   11:54 - Trump the Unreliable Watchman   28:18 - The Roots of Polarization   38:24 - Fatalism in America   47:53 - Sponsor - Songfinch - Go to https://www.songfinch.com/HOLYPOST and start your song – after you purchase, you'll be prompted to add Spotify Streaming for your original song for FREE! That's a $50 value!   48:53 - Sponsor - Better Help - Get 10% off your first month at www.betterhelp.com/holypost   50:35 - Interview with Brian Zahnd   53:41 - Brian Zahnd's Background   58:53 - America as a Religion   1:04:50 - Poetic Theology of the Cross   1:15:50 - The Paganization of the Cross   1:31:20 - End Credits   Links Mentioned in News Segment   With Desantis Out, Can a Christian Support Donald Trump? https://www.christianpost.com/voices/with-desantis-out-can-a-christian-support-donald-trump.html   What Politifact Learned in 1,000 Fact Checks of Donald Trump https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politifact/2024/02/01/what-politifact-learned-in-1000-fact-checks-of-donald-trump/   Science is Revealing Why American Politics Are So Insanely Polarized https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2024/01/20/polarization-science-evolution-psychology/   America's Lack of Faith in Our Collective Power is a Bigger Problem Than Trump https://religionnews.com/2024/01/26/americas-lack-of-faith-in-our-collective-power-is-a-bigger-problem-than-trump/ Additional Resources:   The Wood Between the Worlds: A Poetic Theology of the Cross https://a.co/d/4reF5UX   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.  

This one is for all of you interested in Stoic theory.In this conversation, Caleb and Scott Aikin discuss objections to Stoicism. Scott defends a revisionary kind of Stoicism. In some places, Caleb questions how revisionary it is – is Scott just restating things the ancients solved already? In other place, Caleb questions whether it's too revisionary to work – do we need an account of nature after all? Listen and work through the problems yourself.Epictetus's 'Encheiridion': A New Translation and Guide to Stoic EthicsEarlier Stoa Conversation on Why What You Think Is Up To YouCaleb and Michael discuss The Impossibility ObjectionScott Aikin on We Are The Stoics Now(04:44) Fatalism(12:29) Dichotomy of Control(18:45) Where Your Control Lies(20:04) Skepticism(22:28) Determinism(31:30) How You Revisionary Is Scott?(34:38) The Ruin Problem***Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribeDownload the Stoa app (it's a free download): stoameditation.com/podIf you try the Stoa app and find it useful, but truly cannot afford it, email us and we'll set you up with a free account.Listen to more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/

What do you do when you begin to believe that your current spiritual stagnation is permanent? In this episode of Light + Truth, John Piper looks at 1 Peter 2:1–3 to encourage those who feel stuck spiritually.