Podcasts about Western Christianity

In this short bonus episode of Tent Talk, Nancy speaks candidly about one of the greatest dangers facing the House of God today: the mixture of philosophies, self-help, moralism, and cultural beliefs that have quietly displaced the Word of God as final authority. She addresses the rise of “moralistic therapeutic deism” within Western Christianity—a form of faith that reduces God to a helper or cheerleader, treats sin as weakness instead of rebellion, and reshapes discipleship into behavior management rather than crucifixion and resurrection life. With clarity and urgency, Nancy calls listeners to examine their true worldview by answering one central question: What do you believe about Jesus Christ? This episode is a sober yet hope-filled reminder that God is purifying His house. As mixture is exposed and structures built on man begin to crumble, the Father is moving toward what He has always desired—a house He alone builds, grounded in exclusive allegiance to Christ. Nancy urges believers not to be swept up in the cultural flood, but to embrace the judgment of the cross, agree with God about sin beginning with themselves, and allow the formation of Christ within. In this decisive hour, the call is clear: reject mixture, return to Him, and finish the course for the Father's glory. Thanks for Listening! Nancy McCready Ministries is committed to building cultures of personal and corporate discipleship so that believers can walk in maturity and their destiny with the Father. We hope this conversation today has helped you along your journey. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Every journey begins with a conversation, so we would like to invite you to join us on social media to get started! Facebook: www.facebook.com/nbmccready Instagram: www.instagram.com/nbmccready/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nancymccreadyministries LINKS Want to host or attend Cross Encounter? Click here: nancymccready.com/crossencounter/ Shop to Support NMM: nancymccready.com/shop/

This is part 2 of 3 talks by Dr. Nathan Jacobs about the "nones", the religiously unaffiliated, a group that has grown dramatically over the past two decades. In this talk, Nathan Jacobs argues that many who leave are not rejecting God, per se, but a particular vision of God shaped by Western theological developments. Exploring themes like grace, freedom, divine goodness, fatalism, and anthropology, he contrasts key Western trajectories with the vision of the Eastern Church Fathers. The result is a compelling case that Orthodoxy does not suppress the moral and spiritual intuitions of today's seekers — it fulfills them.Watch part 1: The Modern Religious Debate Lost Its Audience: https://youtu.be/vun_XtxDt5E Contribute to the East West Lecture Series fundraiser: http://theeastwestseries.com/Do you want to watch the Becoming Truly Human documentary? Watch it along with other exclusive content on Jacobs Premium. Use code: LEWIS to get a discount: https://www.thenathanjacobspodcast.com/Timestamps:00:00 - Coming up next01:28 - East West series02:36 - Introduction05:18 - What the nones believe10:39 - Rejecting Western Christianity14:12 - Augustine18:40 - The nature/Grace divide25:42 - Protestantism & predestination31:48 - God's will39:36 - Competing goods46:17 - Our world is spiritual59:02 - Return to talk59:51 - Man as microcosm01:01:51 - Was man made mortal or immortal?01:06:11 - Energies01:15:02 - What happens after death01:18:06 - The remedy for divine hiddenness01:24:34 - Q&A: On trusting your intuitions about God01:29:21 - Q: Anxiety of the participants01:30:58 - Q: What about Jesus?01:33:11 - Q: Discussions about the Trinity01:36:07 - Q: Using the halo in the documentary01:40:06 - Q: Do nones go to other religions?======================================All the links:The Theological Letters Substack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcastX: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathanandrewjacobsAcademia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobsListen and please review the podcast elsewhere:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QSApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcast

What if one of the most neglected spiritual practices in Western Christianity is actually one of the most powerful? Do you want to experience real spiritual change in your life? Do you long to see revival? In this message from Matthew 4–6, Pastor Jake explores the power of fasting—what it is, what it does, and how to practice it.  If you're ready to grow closer to God, overcome sin, and see revival begin in your own life, this message will challenge and encourage you to take your next step.   Text: Matthew 6:16–18 Speaker: Jake Wright

From childhood loyalties in a stadium to the quiet ache of rejection, we are wired to ask: Where do I fit? Jake traces that longing through neuroscience, ancient confession, and the waters of baptism, revealing a God who steps into line with humanity. Fully human. Standing among sinners. Sharing the table. Bearing death itself. In Christ, belonging becomes union. Water, table, body, way. “I'm with them,” he says. The question is, are you with him?Discussion Questions:-In what ways have you chosen belonging over truth in your life, and how can identifying with Christ help you navigate that tension?-Why do you think Western Christianity has emphasized individualistic faith over communal belonging, and what are the consequences of that emphasis?-How does viewing baptism as identification rather than just a symbol change your perspective on this practice and its importance?-What barriers prevent you from fully committing to the body of Christ with the same loyalty you show your biological family?

In this episode, we explore the life of Tertullian, a brilliant lawyer from ancient Carthage who became a fierce defender of Christianity. We learn how his intense faith and advocacy were shaped by the martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicity, leading him to coin foundational theological terms while also showcasing his uncompromising and controversial nature.Chapters00:00 Carthage and Tertullian's Early Life01:18 From Pagan to Christian Apologist03:42 The Martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicity08:20 The Blood of Martyrs and Theological Innovations11:32 Tertullian's Fierce Defenses and Controversies15:07 Strictness and Lasting Legacy

Widely revered across the spectrum of Western Christianity—including by Catholics, Protestants, and Anglicans—Saint Augustine (354-430) is one of the most influential Church Fathers and theologians. 5 Minutes in Church History podcast at https://amzn.to/3BoedCq Saint Augustine books available at https://amzn.to/3ZpyqQT Saint Monica books at https://amzn.to/4rDEHof Saint Ambrose books at https://amzn.to/3MrUI1w ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Mark's History of North America podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credits: The Saint of The Day Podcast: St. Augustine, 28aug2024; 5 Minutes in Church History: Augustine: Why? Jan. 6, 2021; Saint of The Day podcast with Mike Roberts, Augustin, 28aug2024. Audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Full Text of Readings The Saint of the day is Saint Colette Saint Colette's Story Saint Colette did not seek the limelight, but in doing God's will she certainly attracted a lot of attention. Colette was born in Corbie, France. At 21, she began to follow the Third Order Rule and became an anchoress, a woman walled into a room whose only opening was a window into a church. After four years of prayer and penance in this cell, she left it. With the approval and encouragement of the pope, she joined the Poor Clares and reintroduced the primitive Rule of St. Clare in the 17 monasteries she established. Her sisters were known for their poverty—they rejected any fixed income—and for their perpetual fast. Colette's reform movement spread to other countries and is still thriving today. Colette was canonized in 1807. Her liturgical feast is celebrated on March 6. Reflection Colette began her reform during the time of the Great Western Schism (1378-1417) when three men claimed to be pope and thus divided Western Christianity. The 15th century in general was a very difficult one for the Western Church. Abuses long neglected cost the Church dearly in the following century. Colette's reform indicated the entire Church's need to follow Christ more closely.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

SONGS in this podcast episode: M1 NUN KOMM DER HEIDEN HEILAND, JS BACH, 1714, BWV 61 (5:21) M2 TOCCATA & FUGUE in C MAJOR M.2 ADAGIO, 1710-1717, BWV 564 (4:20). M3 TWO-PART INVENTION in F MAJOR, JS BACH, 1720-1723 (0:40). M4 TWO-PART INVENTION in B-FLAT MAJOR, JS BACH, 1720-1723 (1:30) M5 TWO-PART INVENTION in D MINOR, JS BACH, 1720-1723, (0:55). M6 PRELUDE & FUGUE No. 5 “Le Clavier Bien Tempere” D-Major, JS BACH, 1722, BWV 850 (3:06). M7 JESU, JOY OF MAN'S DESIRING, JS BACH, 1723, BWV 147 (2:56) M8 CHORALE PRELUDE “WACHET AUF”, JS BACH, 1731, BWV 140 (3:37) PROGRAM NOTES Johann Sebastian Bach was a German composer and organist from the late Baroque period. He was born in Eisenach, in what is now central Germany. Bach lived from 1685 to 1750, The Baroque period was a 150-year period in music, dating from 1600 to 1750. Baroque music is Western Classical Music that followed the Renaissance period. Baroque music features drama, ornamentation, major and minor tones, and was presented in new ways – – like the Opera, Concerto, and Sonata, Baroque composers included BACH, HANDEL, VIVALDI. M9 AIR ON A G-STRING, JS BACH, 1730, BWV 1068 (2:27). Bach probably used the CLAVICHORD to compose most of his music. The Clavichord is small, lightweight and would not disturb people. The clavichord was very temperamental, because it required tuning before each play, just like a violin or guitar.  The keyboard instruments of the day were referred to as a general category: the “KLAVIER”….these included HARPSICHORD, CLAVICHORD, ORGAN and PIANOFORTE. Bach's favorite KLAVIER instrument was the LAUTENWERK or LUTE HARPSICHORD with animal gut strings.  The writing of music was in support of GOD and KINGS. Over time, Baroque Music evolved into what is today known as the modern Orchestra. Bach was a prolific composer, writing hundreds of pieces for solo instruments, particularly the organ. He also wrote pieces for orchestra and choir. Bach is MOST known for writing two or more  melodies or voices against each other. Also called point against point, or, Counterpoint. Bit Bucket A BWV catalog number is a unique identifier for musical works composed by Johann Sebastian Bach, standing for Bach-Werke-Verzeichnis (Bach Works Catalogue).  Today I will present 9 compositions, dating from 1710 to 1731, during the time Bach was about age 25 to 45. M1 TOCCATA & FUGUE in C MAJOR M.2 ADAGIO, 1710-1717, BWV 564 (4:20) Our first piece — TOCATA & FUGUE in C MAJOR , the 2nd movement (ADAGIO). an ORGAN COMPOSITION.     It is taken from a 1959 album of BACH ORGAN WORKS   . The movement is called ADAGIO ….which indicates “At Ease”, or “Slow and Stately”. Tempo is only 66-76 BPM. like the resting heart rate for many people. Great liner notes. HERE IS AN  excerpt from the liner notes on that album – – QUOTE “OUR BACH” said the obituary notice, “was the greatest organ and clavier player that ever lived”. Though it may seem strange to us now, Bach's genius during his life was recognized only as a master of the organ—not as a composer. It was actually over a hundred years after his death that his works revealed him as a unique and mighty composer. His reputation as an organist brought many invitations to test new organs and advise on the construction of them.  UNQUOTE As with most of his organ works , there is no autograph or manuscript score from Bach, his organ work manuscript copies are lost.  This song has a CONCERTO style and rhythm.  We will hear the 2nd or ADAGIO movement. . It is all very calm and beautiful and pastoral and serene…until Bach pulls out all the stops in the last minute of this ADAGIO movement. He is really rocking the walls and windows of that church. Without any further adieu, here is TOCATA & FUGUE in C MAJOR , the 2nd movement (ADAGIO). PLAY M2 SHOW PLUG – DON'T TOUCH THAT DIAL ! That was…M2 MUSICAL CREDIT: This Bach organ work  was recorded on the Luneburg Organ at St. Johanniskirche, in the town of Luneburg, in northern Germany, the organist is Professor Michael Schneider. This LP was produced and released on the SOMERSET label here in the US in 1959 The album title is BACH The Majesty of the Luneburger Organ. M2 NUN KOMM DER HEIDEN HEILAND, JS BACH, 1714, BWV 61 (5:21) Our next piece is the most famous church cantata written in 1714 for THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT. NUN KOMM DER HEIDEN HEILAND or in English “NOW COME, SAVIOR OF THE HEATHANS” A HEATHAN is a person with no religion, i.e., a PAGAN. In this chorale, Jesus is asked to …  come and save the pagans.  In 1714, Bach would have been 29 years of age. It turns out that this song goes back almost two centuries before BACH's time.  It's based on a LUTERAN CHORALE with words written by Martin Luther for the 1523 first Advent Sunday.  For centuries, this was the first hymn for the first Sunday of ADVENT.  What I will play next is an arrangement for as modern symphony orchestra (the Philadelphia Orchestra) and it is definitely JS BACH heard in those phrases. But it is a large orchestra – – Conducted by Leopold Stokowski.  This is an extremely restrained, demure, and understated interpretation of a Bach piece the most restrained I have ever heard. The recording you will hear next is performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra, with conductor   Leopold Stokowski. This recording is on a Vinyl LP titled THE SOUND OF GENIUS, produced by COLUMBIA MASTERWORKS, in 1960. It was one of many records that were shipped by mail to members of the Columbia Record Club. My parents were enthusiastic members. A new disc would arrive in the mail every month, such as this LP of classical music. Without further delay here is NOW COME, SAVIOR OF THE HEATHANS PLAY M1 SHOW PLUG – SHOW PLUG – DON'T TOUCH THAT DIAL ! ! That was…M1 NOW COME, SAVIOR OF THE HEATHANS” MUSICAL CREDIT: Arranger and Composer JS Bach, sometime between the years 1708-1717 Performance: Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Leopold Stokowski. Album: The Sound of Genius Limited Edition LP (1960) Members Only ! Label: Columbia Master Works BIT BUCKET This piece also is based on a song listed in the ZAHN Lutheran chorales catalog. ZAHN 1174 M3 TWO-PART INVENTION in F MAJOR, JS BACH, 1720-1723 (0:40) The next three pieces are called TWO PART INVENTIONS, composed by JS Bach around 1720   The inventions were composed for use in instruction of Bach's oldest son WILHELM FRIEDEMANN BACH who was 12 years old. Today, these inventions are introduced to music students in school grades 4-7. Learning the Two-Part Invention requires ROTE learning, practicing over and over until the two hands work completely independently of one another. The inventions teach, among other things, the use of COUNTERPOINT. Bach is MOST known for writing two melodies against each other. Also called point against point, or, Counterpoint. That is the feature of these inventions, in each one there are TWO PARTS, left and right hand parts. COUNTERPOINT is found mostly in Bach's FUGUES and in his INVENTIONS. Perhaps a brief demonstration is in order. Here is an excerpt from one of Bach's inventions. FIRST the right-hand part or first point – the melody SECOND the left-hand part or second point – the bass line LAST both parts played in counterpoint. In some of Bach works, the roles reverse, The left hand plays the first point – the melody And the right hand plays the second point – the bass line Could you do this by crossing hands on the keyboard – yes, but, the roles are reversed, so no cross-hand playing. I will now play  WENDY CARLOS's rendition of three BACH TWO-PART INVENTIONS from her 1969 recording titled “SWITCHED ON BACH” .. I will play all three, back-to-back. Each one is short – – average length ONE MINUTE EACH! PLAY M3 PLAY M4 PLAY M5 Credits: HOLD ON READING THE CREDITS UNTIL ALL THREE INVENTIONS ARE PLAYED M4 TWO-PART INVENTION in B-FLAT MAJOR, JS BACH, 1720-1723 (1:30) And now….. PLAY M4 SHOW PLUG – DON'T TOUCH THAT DIAL ! That was…M4 MUSICAL CREDIT: HOLD ON READING THE CREDITS UNTIL ALL THREE INVENTIONS ARE PLAYED M5 TWO-PART INVENTION in D MINOR, JS BACH, 1720-1723, (0:55) PLAY M5 SHOW PLUG – DON'T TOUCH THAT DIAL ! That was…M5 We heard three inventions – – Bach's 2-PART INVENTION in F MAJOR And the 2-PART INVENTION in B-FLAT MAJOR And the 2-PART INVENTION IN D MINOR Each invention is very different than the other. Not just a key change like the work title would suggest ! Bach stated that he wrote his inventions “to be models of composition” in other words, to enable the student to form ways of developing musical ideas and “acquire a strong taste of composition” Bach wrote the inventions, one for of the notes A to G and one for each minor and major key. Today these inventions are over 300 years old ! MUSICAL CREDIT: Composer JS Bach Estimated dates between 1720-1723 Performer – Wendy Carlos – early prototype Moog Synthesizer Arranger and Recording Engineer – Wendy Carlos on MOOG SYNTHESIZER in 1968. Record and label:  Switched-On Bach, Columbia/CBS BIT BUCKET M6 PRELUDE & FUGUE No. 5 “Le Clavier Bien Tempere” D-Major, JS BACH, 1722, BWV 850 (3:06) Next is Bach's “The Well-Tempered Clavier” written in 1722. He was 37. The title page to the Well-tempered Clavier song book reads : “The well-tempered Clavier, or Preludes and Fugues, through all the tones and semitones, both the [major] and [minor]. For the profit and use of the studious musical young…” Bach wrote these preludes and fugues in all keys in the chromatic scale … 12 major and 12 minor keys I have the version in D MAJOR. It's two sections – the prelude, and the fugue The Prelude is the introduction. LISTEN FOR the Stride Piano on the left hand !! It's a short 1:10. The Fugue is the second section. It's slower but with a more Bold left hand. Also short at 1:54. And now….PRELUDE & FUGUE No. 5 D-Major fromThe Well-Tempered Clavier PLAY M6 SHOW PLUG – DON'T TOUCH THAT DIAL !  That was…M6  PRELUDE & FUGUE No. 5 D-Major from The Well-Tempered Clavier MUSICAL CREDIT: Composer JS Bach and the autograph date is 1722 Pianist: Vasso Devetzi Label Festival Classique (1978) M7 JESU, JOY OF MAN'S DESIRING, JS BACH, 1723, BWV 147 (3:22) Our next song is Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring This song was also composed by JS Bach in that same year of 1723 – – prolific at age 38. This was written for the Christian Feast of the Visitation- celebrated at the end of May in Western Christianity. The song is a Lutheran hymn. … a CANTATA and it has a CHORALE or chorus piece repeated twice within this cantata. There are many arrangements and versions because this song is one of Bach's most beautiful, well-known, and popular. The version we will hear next is arranged for SOLO PIANO. the pianist is Leon Fleisher. And Now, Here is Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring – Bach       1723 PLAY M7 SHOW PLUG – DON'T TOUCH THAT DIAL ! That was…M7  Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring MUSICAL CREDIT: JS Bach composer 1723 Performance: Leon Fleisher – Pianist    (courtesy of EPIC records) Album  THE SOUND OF GENIUS VOLUME 3   Label Columbia, 1962   (3:22) M8 CHORALE PRELUDE “WACHET AUF”, JS BACH, 1731, BWV 140 (3:37) Here is another Chorale recording titled Chorale Prelude VACKET OFF “Wachet Auf”, which translates to SLEEPERS, WAKE! This hymn was transcribed from a Lutheran hymn written in 1599 by written by Phillippe Nicolai. This Cantata is truly a work from the middle ages. In 1731, Bach took this hymn and created a 7-movement cantata, we will hear the first movement or PRELUDE”.  This cantata is sung in church on the Trinity Sunday. Today this piece is very popular piece in general…it is POPULAR CLASSICAL MUSIC.    J.S. Bach wrote 46 of these cantatas for church, in all. ODD FACT  about this song… it was performed only once by Bach, in Leipzig that year. And now the FIRST MOVEMENT  from  VACKET OFF …the Prelude PLAY M8 SHOW PLUG – DON'T TOUCH THAT DIAL ! that was M4    The Chorale Prelude “Wachet Auf”, also known as SLEEPERS, WAKE! Song credits M4 Credits: Hymn by Phillippe Nicolai in 1599 Transcribed by JS Bach in 1731 Performance: Wendy Carlos – on an early prototype Moog Synthesizer Wendy Carlos arranger and recording engineer Album:  Switched-On Bach Label: Columbia/CBS, 1968 M9 AIR ON A G-STRING, JS BACH, 1730, BWV 1068 (2:27) Our next AND LAST piece is from the Switched-On Bach album and s titled AIR ON A G-STRING. This title comes from Johann Sebastian Bach's Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major,  written almost 300 years ago.   So what is the meaning of the song title Air on a G-String? Well, Bach composed this as an orchestral suite in 1730. 141 years later, August Wilhelm arranged the second movement for SOLO VIOLIN and he did something unique. He transposed the song down from D so that the entire piece could be played on one string of the violin, the G-String, which is the lowest register on that instrument. Here is an example of what this sounds like on the Violin G-String, thjs example with piano accompaniment—pardon the scratchy sound, is from an old 78 RPM disc in 1935. Play example  – Jacques Dumont (Violin) Bach Air On The G String with Andre Collard (piano) We went from Bach's orchestral piece, to Wilhelm's transcription for solo violin, to Wendy Carlos modern interpretation with her MOOG Synthesizer. Now here is Wendy Carlos' arrangement of Air on a G String, from her debut album, SWITCHED-ON BACH, in 1968. PLAY M9 SHOW PLUG – DON'T TOUCH THAT DIAL ! That was…M9  MUSICAL CREDIT: Composer JS Bach 1730 Performance Wendy Carlos on early prototype MOOG SYNTHESIZER Arranger and Recording Engineer: Wendy Carlos  Album:  Switched-On Bach Label: Columbia/CBS, 1968 END OF PROGRAM VV-031

Reformation always precedes revival. Our conversation today is designed to help us seek a ‘reformation’ within our culture of what Christianity actually is—namely, that Jesus’ message is one of love and not division and that the Church an institution that protects and doesn’t harm. Sean Nolan will translate theology into eveyday language, illuminating afresh and anew the classic Gospel message as the antidote to the identity crises plaguing modern Western Christianity.Become a Parshall Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/inthemarket/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daily Dose of Hope January 20, 2026   Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1   Prayer:  Holy God, We come before you today distracted and with scattered thoughts.  Help us focus, Lord, on you and your Word.  Help us, in the next few moments, to be silent, still, and remember that you are God...Thank you, Lord, for your care and concern for our lives.  Thank you for how you show up in amazing and unexpected ways!  We give you glory, Lord Jesus.  In Your Name, Amen. Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We have been journeying through Paul's letters, and have now completed Galatians and I Thessalonians.  Today, we start 2 Thessalonians. Similar to 1 Thessalonians, this letter is also written by Paul, Timothy, and Silas, but scholars consider Paul to be the primary author.  The letter opens in a similar manner as I Thessalonians, with Paul giving thanks for the Thessalonian church.  He is especially grateful for how their faith and love for one another has grown despite persecution.  He even says that he boasts about how they have persevered in the midst of such difficulty.  He doesn't give specifics about the persecution, but we can guess it was hostility directed at Christians by both gentile nonbelievers and Jews. Chapter 1 helps us begin to understand Paul's theology on the suffering of believers.  First, he alludes to the fact that faithful endurance, perseverance in the face of struggle, makes them very worthy of the Kingdom of God.  Certainly, endurance of hardship and persecution was seen as a virtue in early Christianity.  What a change a couple thousand years make!  At least in Western Christianity, we tend to balk at any kind of discomfort and certainly try to avoid suffering at all costs.  But their suffering does NOT mean that God isn't with them.  Paul states that God's judgment is right.  Temporary suffering doesn't indicate God's rejection; it may be character building or redeemed in some other way.  God won't waste their experience but use it to grow them and the Kingdom.  After all, that's what it's all about.  The second element in today's chapter is the concept of God's justice.  God is all about just outcomes.  He doesn't operate in a willy-nilly fashion but is fair and consistent.  According to Paul, God considers it just to punish those who persecute the Thessalonians.  This might be surprising to some, as we always focus on God's love.  Yes, God is loving but God is also fair.  Throughout Scripture, we read about God's righteous judgment.  Knowing that God will judge others fairly frees us to simply extend love and grace and not feel the need to distribute our own judgment upon others. I'll close with Paul's words in Romans 12:19-21, Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.  On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.  In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."  Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good. Blessings, Pastor Vicki

The Nephilim are mysterious beings or giants in the Bible traditionally imagined as being of great size and strength with great power and authority. The Bible, including the author of the Book of Enoch and other apocryphal texts, views them as the offspring of fallen angels and humans. Most researchers and scholars attest to the Nephilim as being inherently evil with no hope for redemption. But what if that narrative is wrong?Joel returns with his groundbreaking series on Good Nephilim, this time with a thorough look at the mysterious hybrid, Saint Christopher. First, he looks at hagiographies like Jacobus de Voragine's The Golden Legend where one of the fantastic origin stories of Saint Christopher was told. He then digs into the mysteries of the Dog Star, Serius, and its canine roots connected to the Freemasonic Great White Lodge said to reside there. Lastly, Joel looks at the historical evidence of whether Saint Christopher was a Nephilim Giant as Western Christianity says or a Dog Headed hybrid like the Eastern Orthodox Church says.Merchandise: https://freetherabbits.myshopify.comBuy Me A Coffee: DonateFollow: Website | Instagram | X | FacebookWatch: YouTube | RumbleMusic: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music Films: https://merkelfilms.com Email: freetherabbitspodcast@gmail.comDistributed by: merkel.mediaIntro Music:Joel Thomas – Free The RabbitsYouTube | Spotify | Apple MusicOutro Music:Joel Thomas – Joel's PsalmYouTube | Spotify | Apple Music

In modern Western Christianity, we have a number of words that are so commonly used that the ideas they convey have become part of our culture, are rarely questioned, and, as a result, have changed our behavior in ways that are detrimental to our spiritual growth and the growth of the Kingdom.  On top of that, they are non-biblical!           This is the first of a series on words that should be banned from Christianity.  Here's the first: "Ministry."  

In the second episode, reacting to the Peterson/Jenkins conversation, Daniel honed in on how the show depicts Jesus. Jenkins gives his philosophy of art and filmmaking and how he is attempting to "take Jesus down from the stained glass." Daniel argues that Dallas is actually updating the stained glass we have put Jesus on. Watch the full conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hI9X0fFEE8I Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-belfast-podcast/id1472441982 Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1s3aaP3pUkQKBVXbsP8Y34?si=ca588a6165424c61 Instagram: @thebelfastpodcast Email: belfastpodcast@gmail.com The Belfast Podcast exists to help recapture the Christian imagination. Luke and Daniel see the trend of modernism doing no favors for a vibrant view of scripture. Our goal is to widen the field of vision for modern people reading the Bible as we grapple with its ancient context, literary beauty, and symbolic underpinnings. You may have been taught to read texts with an eye for their literary and symbolic structures in English courses in high school and/or college, but rarely is this taught to seminary students or lay Christians alike when it comes to the Bible. We want to keep this eye for symbolism, repetition, and structure as we investigate the Biblical canon, linking it to modern and old examples that are extemporaneous yet connected to aid in giving the broader field of vision mentioned earlier. Come along with us on our journey to reread your bible for the first time. We hope that through the words of those who have come before us, we can give Western Christianity its imagination back.

As a fan of Lewis, and especially in understanding the story of fairy tales, it is hard to say how important something like Narnia can be. In this episode, Daniel explores 5 reasons he sees as possible for Gerwig to fail in her adaptation of Narnia. Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-belfast-podcast/id1472441982 Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1s3aaP3pUkQKBVXbsP8Y34?si=ca588a6165424c61 Instagram: @thebelfastpodcast Email: belfastpodcast@gmail.com The Belfast Podcast exists to help recapture the Christian imagination. Luke and Daniel see the trend of modernism doing no favors for a vibrant view of scripture. Our goal is to widen the field of vision for modern people reading the Bible as we grapple with its ancient context, literary beauty, and symbolic underpinnings. You may have been taught to read texts with an eye for their literary and symbolic structures in English courses in high school and/or college, but rarely is this taught to seminary students or lay Christians alike when it comes to the Bible. We want to keep this eye for symbolism, repetition, and structure as we investigate the Biblical canon, linking it to modern and old examples that are extemporaneous yet connected to aid in giving the broader field of vision mentioned earlier. Come along with us on our journey to reread your bible for the first time. We hope that through the words of those who have come before us, we can give Western Christianity its imagination back.

As more details are coming out regarding Greta Gerwig's adaptation of Narnia for Netflix, it continues to look like a very different story from the one Lewis told. Here, Daniel outlines more reasons to be nervous about this modern take on a classic children's tale. Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-belfast-podcast/id1472441982 Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1s3aaP3pUkQKBVXbsP8Y34?si=ca588a6165424c61 Instagram: @thebelfastpodcast Email: belfastpodcast@gmail.com The Belfast Podcast exists to help recapture the Christian imagination. Luke and Daniel see the trend of modernism doing no favors for a vibrant view of scripture. Our goal is to widen the field of vision for modern people reading the Bible as we grapple with its ancient context, literary beauty, and symbolic underpinnings. You may have been taught to read texts with an eye for their literary and symbolic structures in English courses in high school and/or college, but rarely is this taught to seminary students or lay Christians alike when it comes to the Bible. We want to keep this eye for symbolism, repetition, and structure as we investigate the Biblical canon, linking it to modern and old examples that are extemporaneous yet connected to aid in giving the broader field of vision mentioned earlier. Come along with us on our journey to reread your bible for the first time. We hope that through the words of those who have come before us, we can give Western Christianity its imagination back.

At the start of a new series, Daniel will be exploring the work of two prolific Fantasy writers: 1. JRR Tolkien. 2. George RR Martin. Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings have had a distinct cultural impact, but they also offer a window into the worldviews of the men who wrote them. This is what Daniel wants to explore. On the surface, GOT and LOTR may look quite similar, but that's due to an inability to see. Daniel's central question: How does the philosophy of two very different men produce vastly different worlds? Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-belfast-podcast/id1472441982 Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1s3aaP3pUkQKBVXbsP8Y34?si=ca588a6165424c61 Instagram: @thebelfastpodcast Email: belfastpodcast@gmail.com The Belfast Podcast exists to help recapture the Christian imagination. Luke and Daniel see the trend of modernism doing no favors for a vibrant view of scripture. Our goal is to widen the field of vision for modern people reading the Bible as we grapple with its ancient context, literary beauty, and symbolic underpinnings. You may have been taught to read texts with an eye for their literary and symbolic structures in English courses in high school and/or college, but rarely is this taught to seminary students or lay Christians alike when it comes to the Bible. We want to keep this eye for symbolism, repetition, and structure as we investigate the Biblical canon, linking it to modern and old examples that are extemporaneous yet connected to aid in giving the broader field of vision mentioned earlier. Come along with us on our journey to reread your bible for the first time. We hope that through the words of those who have come before us, we can give Western Christianity its imagination back.

George R.R. Martin has said that, as much as he respects Tolkien for basically creating the modern Epic Fantasy Genre, he has intentionally done things that go against his way of storytelling. Why? Because they do not fit his philosophy. With help from Inspiring Philosophy's video "The Philosophy of Tolkien," Daniel wants to go on, using Martin's own words, to further describe the distance between these two authors. Watch IP's Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeF6lomaU3I&t=449s Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-belfast-podcast/id1472441982 Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1s3aaP3pUkQKBVXbsP8Y34?si=ca588a6165424c61 Instagram: @thebelfastpodcast Email: belfastpodcast@gmail.com The Belfast Podcast exists to help recapture the Christian imagination. Luke and Daniel see the trend of modernism doing no favors for a vibrant view of scripture. Our goal is to widen the field of vision for modern people reading the Bible as we grapple with its ancient context, literary beauty, and symbolic underpinnings. You may have been taught to read texts with an eye for their literary and symbolic structures in English courses in high school and/or college, but rarely is this taught to seminary students or lay Christians alike when it comes to the Bible. We want to keep this eye for symbolism, repetition, and structure as we investigate the Biblical canon, linking it to modern and old examples that are extemporaneous yet connected to aid in giving the broader field of vision mentioned earlier. Come along with us on our journey to reread your bible for the first time. We hope that through the words of those who have come before us, we can give Western Christianity its imagination back.

That invitation is still open, but it reorders everything. Mike walks through a vision of discipleship rooted in devotion to a person, not a program. It's about living close enough to Jesus to notice how he moves, how he loves, how he leads. When formation replaces information, and practice replaces theory, ordinary lives begin to multiply into something eternal.Discussion Questions:-When you think about the early disciples who wanted to be covered in the 'dust of their rabbi,' how closely are you following Jesus in your daily rhythms and decisions?-What would 'messy obedience' look like for you this week as you step out in faith to practice one of the formational rhythms Jesus modeled?-How does the concept of 'come follow me' versus 'come balance me' challenge your current approach to discipleship and devotion to Christ?-Why do you think Western Christianity has emphasized information over formation, and how can you personally shift toward practicing what you learn rather than just hearing it?

Celebrated by many Western Christian denominations, including Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, and other Protestant Churches such as Methodists and Moravians, The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord commemorates Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, marking the start of His public ministry and the first manifestation of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). It's a liturgical feast that concludes the Christmas season, typically observed on the first Sunday after Epiphany (January 6th) in Western Christianity, bridging to Ordinary Time, and it signifies the beginning of Christian life through baptism, uniting believers with Christ. Bishop Robert Barron books available at https://amzn.to/44W7nwN John the Baptist books available at https://amzn.to/3LCfQy1 Gospel of Mark available at https://amzn.to/3X3m9Ba Gospel of John available at https://amzn.to/3AozdbL ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Mark's History of North America podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credits: Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons-Episode 06jan2021 The God Who Enters Our Muddy Waters (Word on Fire Catholic Ministries). Audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major thank you to Journey of Abundance for sponsoring today's stream. In this stream I dive into the intellectual historical differences between East and west Christendom to demonstrate why Orthodoxy is both superior and preserves that which was lost in the West. Make sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think. God Bless

Ever feel like your church calendar skips straight from Christmas cheer to Easter celebration—missing something crucial in between? You're not alone, and Lent might be the answer.Join Joshua Lewis and author Elyse Fitzpatrick to understand why Lent matters for every believer—not just the high church crowd. Elyse shares her transformative Ash Wednesday experience during the pandemic and why spending 40 days reflecting on Christ's suffering changed everything about her faith.This isn't about earning brownie points with God through religious rituals. It's about understanding that before glory comes suffering—and why Western Christianity desperately needs to recover this truth. Elyse unpacks how fasting reveals our weakness so we can rest in Christ's strength, and why biblical lament looks nothing like hopeless despair.This conversation challenges our therapeutic, comfort-obsessed culture. Discover why the church calendar isn't just liturgical tradition—it's discipleship that keeps Christ's life and work constantly before our eyes. Learn how to practice godly lament, embrace voluntary weakness, and find hope in the wilderness seasons of life.In This Episode:-Why low-church Christians should care about Lent and the church calendar-The difference between fasting for merit versus fasting for remembrance-How to practice biblical lament with resurrection hope-Why American Christianity avoids suffering and what we lose because of it-The hidden grief of Palm Sunday and burned palm branch symbolism-Balancing community service with personal solitude during Lent0:00 – Introduction3:07 – What is Lent and Why Does it Matter?8:54 – The Experience of Ash Wednesday15:12 – Jesus in the Wilderness and Voluntary Weakness27:13 – Why "Friend of Sinners"?34:42 – Understanding Healthy Christian Lament42:34 – Palm Sunday Triumph and Weeping51:03 – Closing ThoughtsABOUT THE GUEST:

What does it really mean to follow Jesus? Mark's Gospel offers a far more radical and compelling vision of discipleship than much of 21st-century Western Christianity.In today's episode, we continue our sermon series from the archives, The Gospel According to Mark, as Paul unpacks Jesus' call to His first disciples, their surprising response, and what their example means for our own walk with Christ today.To hear more sermons from Paul, visit PaulTripp.com/Sermons.

Contribute to the East West Lecture Series fundraiser: theeastwestseries.com Join Jacobs Premium: https://www.thenathanjacobspodcast.com/membershipThe book club (use code LEWIS): https://www.thenathanjacobspodcast.com/offers/aLohje7p/checkouthttps://www.keipirestaurant.org/first-things-foundationDr. Jacobs delivers a talk on hospitality in the ancient world, exploring three stories: Abraham entertaining angels, John Cassian learning from Egyptian monks, and Abba Agathon's encounter with a divine visitor. The presentation examines the theological significance of hospitality in Hebrew and Christian traditions, particularly focusing on Eastern Orthodox patristic interpretations. Delivered at a Georgian Supra event hosted by the First Things Foundation in Greenville, South Carolina. Visit Keipi in Greenville for traditional Georgian cuisine. All the links: Substack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcastWebsite: https://www.nathanajacobs.com/X: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPodSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QSApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathanandrewjacobsAcademia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobsOther words for the algorithm…Abraham and the angels, Hebrew Bible hospitality, ancient Near East customs, stranger ethics, John Cassian, Desert Fathers, Abba Agathon, Egyptian monasticism, asceticism, monastic hospitality, fasting and feasting, Georgian Supra, Eastern Orthodox theology, patristic theology, John Chrysostom, Basil the Great, church fathers, Orthodox ethics, Christian hospitality, biblical hospitality, sheep and goats parable, love of neighbor, theological virtue, practical theology, ancient world customs, virtue ethics, Christian ethics, moral theology, spiritual formation, monasticism, anachoresis, cenobitic monasticism, apophthegmata patrum, sayings of the Desert Fathers, patristic ethics, biblical interpretation, Old Testament theology, New Testament ethics, Hebrews commentary, Lot and the angels, Road to Emmaus, Tobit, Archangel Raphael, theophany, Christophany, angel visitation, divine testing, covenant theology, Abraham covenant, Sodom and Gomorrah, Job righteousness, ancient virtue, classical virtue, agape love, caritas, philoxenia, Christian hospitality tradition, early Christianity, Byzantine theology, Greek patristics, Eastern Christianity, Western Christianity, East-West theology, theological anthropology, imago Dei, image of God, Matthew 25, eschatology, heavenly feast, messianic banquet, bridegroom theology, joy and fasting, liturgical theology, sacramental life, communion, Eucharist theology, stranger as Christ, Matthew Mathewes, practical philosophy, applied ethics, charitable works, almsgiving, poverty theology, wealth distribution, social justice, Christian socialism, monasticism economics, voluntary poverty, detachment, ascetical theology, spiritual disciplines, prayer and fasting, desert spirituality, Egyptian desert, Palestinian monasticism, Scetes, monastic rules, obedience, humility cultivation, temptation, demonic warfare, spiritual combat, guardian angels, angelology, hierarchy of angels, divine messengers, supernatural encounters, mystical theology, contemplation, theosis, deification, divine energies, Gregory Palamas, hesychasm, Philokalia, nepsis, watchfulness, prayer rope, Jesus prayer, heart prayer, stillness, silentium

N.T. Wright returns to the podcast for round three—no Malibu rooftop this time, but plenty of theological fireworks. We dig into Tom's new book on Ephesians, starting with why he thinks the scholarly consensus dismissing Pauline authorship is more about 19th-century German liberal Protestant hangover than good historical work. From there, we get into the real meat: Ephesians isn't answering the question "how do I get to heaven?" It's painting this massive cosmic picture of God's plan to unite heaven and earth in Christ—and the church's wild vocation to be what Tom calls "a small working model of new creation." We talk about how Western Christianity has shrunk Paul's vision into individual soul-sorting when the text is way more interested in what it looks like when formerly irreconcilable people come together as one new humanity. Tom pushes back on how both conservatives and liberals read their politics into the text, and we wrestle with the marriage passage in chapter 5 as the theological climax of the letter (not the culture war flashpoint we've made it). We close with a beautiful reflection on Ephesians 6 as an Advent text—the church holding the line between Christ's victory and his return. Plus, Tom's grandson sings in the New College Oxford choir, and honestly, that's the kind of intergenerational beauty Ephesians is pointing toward. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube Prof. N.T. (Tom) Wright is Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University. He is one of the world's leading Bible scholars, with expertise in Ancient Judaism and Early Christianity, the New Testament, and Biblical Studies. He is also Emeritus Professor at the University of St. Andrews and the former Bishop of Durham. Tom's Previous Visits to the Podcast Devilpalooza NT Wright Talks Jesus and the scholars who discuss him UPCOMING ONLINE ADVENT CLASS w/ Diana Butler Bass⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join us for a transformative four-week Advent journey exploring how the four gospels speak their own revolutionary word against empire—both in their ancient context under Roman occupation and for our contemporary world shaped by capitalism, militarism, and nationalism.  This course invites you into an alternative calendar and rhythm. We'll discover how these ancient texts of resistance offer wisdom for our own moment of political turmoil, economic inequality, and ecological crisis. This class is donation-based, including 0. You can sign-up at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.HomebrewedClasses.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Homebrewed Christianity ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠production. Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Nerd Throwdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Rise of Bonhoeffer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 75,000 other people by joining our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack - Process This!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get instant access to over 50 classes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TheologyClass.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow the podcast, drop a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, send ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback/questions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or become a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠member of the HBC Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Western Christianity is facing a crisis few are willing to name: a dramatic collapse in fertility—not driven by secular culture alone, but by a deep theological shift within the Church itself. When Christians stop seeing children as blessings and adopt the secular logic of autonomy, convenience, and lifestyle optimisation, the result is quiet demographic suicide. Meanwhile, other faith communities retain a strong pro-natalist vision rooted in their theology. My latest article argues that the renewal of Christianity in the West begins with recovering a biblical imagination of fruitfulness, generational faithfulness, and the courage to welcome life.#Christianity #Theology #FaithAndCulture #Demographics #ChurchDecline #ChristianEthics #FamilyAndFaith #ProLifeTheology #CulturalAnalysis #ChristianLeadership #BiblicalAnthropology #PublicTheology #WesternChurch #FaithInBritain #FertilityCrisis #ChurchRenewal #brendonnaicker #livingtheology

What makes the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church so unique? Why is it such a remarkable attempt to bridge the divide between Eastern and Western Christianity? How can its history help us better understand the history of Europe and of the Christian religion? How has it shaped Ukrainian national identity? And how did it survive the Soviet era, when the authorities sought to eradicate it? *** Explaining Ukraine is a podcast by UkraineWorld, an English-language media platform about Ukraine, run by Internews Ukraine. Listen on various platforms: https://li.sten.to/explaining-ukraine UkraineWorld: https://ukraineworld.org/en *** Host: Volodymyr Yermolenko, a Ukrainian philosopher, editor-in-chief of UkraineWorld, and president of PEN Ukraine. Guest: Natalia Shlikhta, a well-known Ukrainian historian and professor at the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. *** SUPPORT: You can support our work on https://www.patreon.com/c/ukraineworld Your help is crucial, as we rely heavily on crowdfunding. You can also contribute to our volunteer missions to frontline areas in Ukraine, where we deliver aid to both soldiers and civilians. Donations are welcome via PayPal at: ukraine.resisting@gmail.com. *** This episode is made in partnership with Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and under the framework of the project “HER-UKR: Challenges and opportunities for EU heritage diplomacy in Ukraine”, co-funded by the EU within the ERASMUS+ Jean Monnet Policy Debate action.

This message presents a comprehensive critique of modern Western Christianity's syncretism, arguing that its tendency to secularize spirituality—by excluding the supernatural from everyday life—mirrors the very animism it seeks to overcome. Drawing on the concept of the 'excluded middle,' it contends that Christianity must reclaim a holistic worldview where God is the active source of all reality, including science, culture, and personal experience, rather than relegating the spiritual to a separate, irrelevant realm. The speaker warns against reducing faith to mere belief in creation while embracing a mechanistic, impersonal view of the universe, which effectively makes Christians functional deists. Instead, true Christian discipleship involves recognizing God's sovereignty in both natural and spiritual realms, where obedience to divine principles yields results not through magic, but through God's sustaining power. The sermon emphasizes that theology must be contextualized without relativizing truth, requiring humility to learn from global Christian perspectives and to avoid ethnocentric assumptions that distort biblical revelation. Ultimately, it calls for a renewed, integrated Christian worldview that affirms the reality of spiritual warfare, the presence of demons, and the Holy Spirit's active role in the life of believers, all grounded in a biblically faithful, culturally aware, and theologically robust understanding of God's sovereignty.

For centuries, Western Christianity has taught that hell means eternal conscious torment—but what if that's based on a mistranslation? This sermon digs into the Greek text of Revelation 20, the "millennium debate," and why early church theologians read the "lake of fire" as refining transformation rather than endless punishment. Drawing on scholarship about the word aion (age, not eternity) and the character of a God whose "mercy endures forever," this message offers a different framework: one where death itself dies, where the fire is surgical rather than sadistic, and where justice work—though painful—becomes participation in resurrection. Especially relevant for anyone processing church hurt, questioning traditional theology, or wondering what it means to work for justice when systems feel immovable. Also includes honest reflection on loss, community endings, and what happens when good things die.

Can times of struggles push us beyond the veil and into the life of Christ, we read in Job 29. 

What happens when a man who fled one of the world's most oppressive regimes for religious freedom discovers that the country that saved him is now sending others like him back into danger? In this eye-opening episode, host Justin Yentes speaks with Pastor Ara Torosian, an Iranian-Armenian Christian who escaped persecution under Iran's Islamic regime, found refuge in the United States, and now fights for fellow believers whose asylum protections have been suddenly and unjustly revoked. Together, they unravel a story where faith, integrity, and U.S. policy collide, with lives hanging in the balance. Key Moments: Pastor Ara's Origin Story: Growing up Armenian Christian in Iran, finding faith under oppression, and risking everything to lead an underground church. Arrest and Torture: Ara's arrest for possessing Bibles, his refusal to betray fellow Christians, and the enduring trauma of his torture. Seeking Freedom: The journey to the United States through a refugee program and building a new faith community in Los Angeles. Faith and Comfort in America: The cultural shock of Western Christianity and the danger of taking freedom for granted. The Deportations Begin: How Iranian Christians were recently sent back to Iran under the current administration, despite legal asylum claims. Advocacy and Hunger Strike: Ara's peaceful protest at the White House and his call for reform in America's broken asylum system. The Call to Conscience: What faith, justice, and integrity require of those who claim to stand for religious freedom. This episode challenges what you think you know about religious freedom, immigration, and American integrity. It's for listeners who care about human rights, faith under pressure, and the moral cost of political decisions. Learn how one man's courage can still make a difference and how you can, too. Listen now on Truth Be Found. Show Notes: Follow Justin and the pod: @truthbefoundpodcast Link to Justin's agency, AIA: https://azprivateinvestigator.com/ Follow Pastor Ara: @aratorosian National Immigration Forum (advocates): https://forumtogether.org/ The Florence Project: https://firrp.org/ Women of Welcome: https://www.womenofwelcome.com/ World Relief: https://worldrelief.org/immigration-legal-services/ Start with Welcome by Bri Stensrud: https://www.amazon.com/Start-Welcome-Compassionate-Immigration-Conversation/dp/0310154251

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Chris Hoklotubbe and Dr. Danny Zacharias about their book Reading the Bible on Turtle Island and how Indigenous wisdom invites us to see Scripture through a different lens. We explore how the Bible, written by tribal people deeply connected to land and kinship, calls us back into right relationship with Creator, creation, and one another. Chris and Danny share stories that connect the Trail of Tears to the exile in Babylon, the teachings of Jesus to the call of Jubilee, and how truth-telling and reconciliation are part of our ongoing discipleship. This conversation challenges the transactional faith that has shaped so much of Western Christianity and reclaims a relational vision of faith grounded in love, harmony, and gratitude. It's a reminder that reading the Bible through Indigenous eyes doesn't just reveal something new about the text, it helps us remember who we are and how to walk the bright path of Jesus together.H. Daniel Zacharias (PhD, Highland Theological College/Aberdeen) is a Cree-Anishinaabe/Métis and Austrian man originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba (Treaty One territory), with ancestors also residing in Treaty Two, Treaty Three, and Treaty Five territories. He lives in Mi'kma'ki (Nova Scotia) with his wife, Maria, and four children in Wolfville, NS. He is associate dean and professor of New Testament studies at Acadia Divinity College, where he has worked since 2007. He also serves as an adjunct faculty for NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community.T. Christopher Hoklotubbe (ThD, Harvard) is a proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. He is the director of graduate studies of NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community, the first accredited Indigenous designed, developed, delivered, and governed theological institute. He is also assistant professor of classics at Cornell College (Mount Vernon, Iowa). He is the author of Civilized Piety: The Rhetoric of Pietas in the Pastoral Epistles and the Roman Empire, which was awarded the Manfred Lautenschläger Award for Theological Promise. He and his wife, Stephanie, have two daughters and live near Cedar Rapids, Iowa.Chris & Danny's Book:Reading the Bible on Turtle IslandConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.comGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below Contact me to advertise: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.com Support the show

In this episode of Everything Belongs, we explore Chapter 10 of Fr. Richard Rohr's New York Times Bestselling book The Tears of Things ⁠⁠⁠⁠— rediscovering the prophet Ezekiel through Indigenous eyes.   In the second half of this episode, you'll hear from Rev. Dr. Randy Woodley. He reflects on how Western Christianity's fixation on hierarchy and domination distorts the gospel — and how Indigenous wisdom invites us back into harmony with creation.   Randy Woodley is an award-winning author and a tribally recognized Keetoowah descendant (UKB), Randy weaves together Indigenous wisdom, ecological sustainability, and spirituality. Randy is both a farmer and a Distinguished Professor Emeritus. He is respected by Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities worldwide and has been featured in The New York Times, Politifact, Time Magazine, and The Huffington Post. Randy publishes a weekly Substack at https://rwoodley7.substack.com/ Together, the Woodley's co-sustain Eloheh Indigenous Center for Earth Justice and Eloheh Farm & Seeds, https://www.eloheh.org/ a non-profit, regenerative farm and school determined to assist others grow healthy food and combat the climate crisis. They are founders of Sho-Kee Cultural Consultants www.Sho-Kee.com  Resources:  Learn more about Randy here  Grab a copy of The Tears of Things ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.  To learn more about The Tears of Things and additional offerings, including the trailer, a FREE Reader's Guide, and more, visit ⁠⁠⁠thetearsofthings.com.  Find the transcript of this episode here. Connect with us: Have a question you'd like us to answer about this season? Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcasts@cac.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Send us a voicemail: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cac.org/voicemail⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We'll be accepting questions for our Listener Questions episode until December 31st, 2025.

What is Eastern Orthodoxy? How does it compare to Western Christianity? Do the Orthodox follow the Pope? In this requested episode (thank you, Hannah!) I describe distinctives of the Eastern Orthodox tradition of Christianity. When did the West and East split? Why did they split? Can Orthodox priests marry? Are Orthodox patriarchs and bishops allowed to marry? How do the Orthodox want a congregant to feel during a Liturgy (service)? What is the purpose and effect of icons? What do the Orthodox teach about the process of becoming like Christ? As we ask and answer these questions I am also asking listeners to wonder, what is the baseline of being a Christian? Is it social service and/or social justice? Is that baseline doctrine and having a uniform and tidy theological system? Is that baseline that one fervently studies the Bible? Come think with me about being a Christian, in general, and what Eastern Orthodoxy is, in specific.

Dr. N.T. Wright joins us to dismantle Western Christianity's Platonized afterlife theology and reclaim the Bible's actual vision: God renewing all creation. In this essential conversation for pastors and church leaders, Wright explains how the early church absorbed Greek philosophy's "souls escaping to heaven" instead of maintaining the biblical hope for resurrected bodies in a renewed heaven and earth. He traces how this wrong turn led to moralizing salvation, paganizing atonement, and sidelining the church's responsibility for justice, beauty, and reconciliation NOW.Wright unpacks Ephesians' three-movement vision (1:10, 2:10, 3:10): heaven and earth united in Christ, the church as God's workmanship displaying new creation, and believers revealing God's multi-colored wisdom to spiritual powers. He addresses the "angry God" caricature, clarifies substitutionary atonement, and offers practical wisdom for leading congregations into renewal through prayer, beauty, and courageous witness.Links:Website: https://innovativechurchleaders.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InnovativeChurchLeaders Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InnovativeChurchLeaders/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/catalyzingcommunity/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativechurchleaders LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovative-church-leaders/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@innovativechurchleaders N.T. Wright Website: https://www.admirato.org/pages/ntw-online Pastoral Cohort with N.T. Wright: https://innovativechurchleaders.org/cohort/Eric Bryant Website: https://ericbryant.org/ Eric Bryant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericmichaelbryant/ Eric Bryant Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericbryant/ Eric Bryant LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-bryant-397003172/ Eric Bryant X: https://x.com/ericbryant Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-post-christian-podcast/id1509588357 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZeQIrzr2tCMyq1VdwxGNn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #NTWright #churchleadership #pastoralministry #newcreationtheology #kingdomofGod #Ephesians #resurrectiontheology #biblicaleschatology #EricBryant #innovativechurchleaders #pastoralcohort #churchrenewal #biblicalworldview

Join Jacobs PremiumJoin the book club (use code LEWIS)This week Dr. Jacobs tackles the Eastern Orthodox perspectives on hell, divine providence, and human nature at Northern Arizona University. This conversation explores how Eastern patristic theology differs from Western Christianity on topics including original sin, the fall of man, Christ's descent into Hades, and the possibility of universal salvation. Jacobs traces his journey from philosophical opposition to Christianity through his discovery of the Church Fathers, addressing common objections to Christian theology based on moral intuitions and examining whether eternal damnation contradicts God's goodness. We also have a little tag on Mormonism and the Great Apostasy at the end. All the links: Substack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcastWebsite: https://www.nathanajacobs.com/X: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPodSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QSApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathanandrewjacobsAcademia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobs00:00:00 Intro 00:02:07 Background on Dr. Jacobs 00:14:56 The standard Western view of hell 00:18:33 The Eastern patristic perspective 00:32:19 God's providence and goodness 00:40:06 Death & Hades in Eastern thought00:49:19 Death as both enemy and mercy 00:53:50 Genesis & the fall 01:13:06 Universal salvation & God's will 01:35:03 Steel-manning nominalism 01:38:53 Christ not knowing the day or hour01:46:03 Mormonism & the Great Apostasy 

Send us a text Two major studies today prove what we've been saying: purity culture makes people unable to recognize marital and date rape as actual rape, and male porn use hurts women regardless of their attitude toward it—though religious women suffer more because of the scripts we've been given. Then I interview Joash Thomas about his book The Justice of Jesus, where he explains how Western Christianity lost biblical justice because colonizers taught a purely "spiritual" gospel to benefit themselves. We've got to understand that following Jesus costs us something! EVENTSOctober 4th: Book launch for "The Justice of Jesus”October 25th: Keith and Sheila marriage conference in OshawaTO SUPPORT US: Join our Patreon for as little as $5 a month to support our workAnd check out our Merch, or any of our courses!Join our email list!LINKS MENTIONED:The Justice of Jesus book The study of purity culture and rape myth acceptanceThe study on how religious women see porn Sheila's list on recommended books on porn recoveryFor Our Daughters FilmSupport the showJoin Sheila at Bare Marriage.com!Check out her books: The Great Sex Rescue She Deserves Better The Marriage You Want and the Study Guide The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex and The Good Guy's Guide to Great Sex And she has an Orgasm Course and a Libido course too!Check out all her courses, FREE resources, social media, books, and so much more at Sheila's LinkTree.

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comWhat does it really mean to follow Jesus when it comes to justice? In this episode, we sit down with Rev. Joash P. Thomas to talk about his new book The Justice of Jesus. Joash doesn't shy away from hard truths—he argues that much of Western Christianity inherited what he calls a “colonizer's gospel,” one that separated salvation from justice and made it easier to ignore the pain of marginalized people.Joash shares his own story of going from Republican political consultant to international human rights leader and now pastor, and how that journey reshaped the way he sees both the church and the world. We get into what restorative justice really looks like, why “cheap justice” leaves us empty, and how the Gospel must be good news for both body and soul. We also wrestle with the tension of unity in the church when it comes to issues like LGBTQ inclusion, authority, and truth.If you've ever wondered how faith can speak with clarity into our divided politics and hurting communities, this conversation will stretch your imagination and maybe even your theology. Subscribe, share, and keep the conversation going.Buy the book: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9781587436666Guest Bio:Rev. Joash P. Thomas is a public theologian, international speaker, and ordained minister in the Diocese of St. Anthony (Communion of the Evangelical Episcopal Churches). Born and raised in India, he previously ran a political consulting and lobbying firm in the U.S. before leading international human-rights advocacy. He lives in a multiethnic community in Hamilton, Ontario, and is the author of The Justice of Jesus Support the show

Joash P. Thomas joins me to talk about the justice of Jesus and what it means for the gospel to truly be good news for the poor and the oppressed. We trace Joash's journey from growing up in Mumbai to working in U.S. politics, and then to encountering Jesus on the margins. Along the way, we explore how colonialism has shaped both the Global South and the Western church, why decolonizing our own assumptions is vital, and how Jesus' ministry invites us into a justice that is both spiritual and physical. This episode is an invitation to imagine a church rooted not in empire or success, but in faithfulness, humility, and solidarity with our marginalized neighbors.Rev. Joash P. Thomas is an author, speaker, and global human rights leader.Drawing from his St. Thomas Indian Christian roots and a decolonized, justice-centered understanding of Scripture, Joash helps audiences reimagine a faith that unites rather than divides—and that stands firmly with neighbors on the margins. Through speaking engagements, teaching, and advocacy, he calls Christians to a more contemplative yet courageous activism, motivated by the grace-filled, non-violent way of Jesus.Born and raised in India, Joash served as a U.S. political consultant and lobbyist before pivoting to global human rights advocacy. Now based in the Toronto area, he holds a master's degree in Political Management from The George Washington University and has completed master's degrees in Christian Leadership and Christian Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. A Deacon in the Diocese of St. Anthony, Joash is also the author of the forthcoming book The Justice of Jesus (Brazos Press, September 2025).Joash's Book:The Justice of JesusJoash's Recommendations:A More Christlike GodBetter Ways to Read the BibleSubscribe to Our Substack: Shifting CultureConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.comGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link belowThe Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

We dive once more into the differences between Eastern and Western Christianity. This time, Dr. Jacobs tackles the nature-grace divide. He'll trace how Augustine's anti-Pelagian framework created a nature-grace divide in the Latin West, where human nature is seen as inherently incapable of pleasing God without supernatural assistance. In contrast, the Eastern tradition maintains that humans as icons of God possess a natural connection to divine grace through the image-archetype relationship. The analysis covers how these differing anthropologies lead to distinct understandings of total depravity, synergy, and the relationship between creature and Creator.All the links: Substack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcastWebsite: https://www.nathanajacobs.com/X: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPodSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QSApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathanandrewjacobsAcademia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobs00:00:00 Intro00:01:22 Recap & roadmap 00:10:08 The Pelagian controversy00:15:55 Hierarchy of loves00:20:22 Augustine's pursuit of truth00:28:19 Adam & Eve (original sin)00:35:45 The root of total depravity00:40:02 Divine volunteerism00:51:09 Monistic views emerge00:54:40 Medieval "faculty psychology"01:08:22 Imago Dei (Image of God) nuances01:11:30 Divine essence and energies01:23:36 Insights from Plato01:29:50 Man as icon of God01:39:14 Grace in the Christian West01:54:48 The faculty psychology problem02:12:40 Doctrine of the Logoi02:25:40 Idiosyncratic teleology02:30:52 Wrapping up the series

Whether you're familiar with Augustine or not, chances are you've encountered Calvinism and its core doctrines—especially the idea of unconditional election. Perhaps you have Reformed friends who hold to the belief that God has sovereignly chosen some individuals for salvation and others for damnation, entirely apart from their will or actions. This deterministic view of salvation has become deeply embedded in much of Western Christianity. But what if we could trace this theological development to a specific moment in church history? What if we could say, with confidence, when and how this view was introduced—and argue that it was not part of the original Christian faith?On today's show, we take a critical look at one of the most influential figures in Christian history: Augustine of Hippo. We're joined by Dr. Ken Wilson, Oxford-trained scholar and author of The Foundations of Augustinian Calvinism. In his historical research, Dr. Wilson demonstrates how Augustine's later theology— particularly his embrace of determinism and unilateral grace — marked a significant departure from the teachings of earlier Church Fathers and laid the foundation for what would become Calvinistic theology.To learn more on the topic, please read the notes included for this week's episode.Visit https://www.lfbi.org/learnmore

Roger Wheeler, a real estate agent from Iowa, discovered that comfortable Western Christianity was missing something crucial - the biblical call to share surplus with those in need. What started as orphan care work in Ghana evolved into a powerful revelation about global hunger within the Christian community. When Roger encountered families surviving on less than 1,000 calories per week, he couldn't ignore the contrast with his own abundance.   Through Shoulder to Shoulder ministry, Roger and his brother have now sent over $1 million to feed starving Christians in Zambia, working through 122 local churches with zero administrative overhead. But this isn't just about feeding the hungry - it's about what Roger calls a "food for faith exchange." As wealthy believers give from their surplus, they discover the deeper spiritual life that comes from true dependence on God. Roger challenges us to see ourselves as "a big herd of camels" struggling to enter the kingdom, while those we serve possess a richness of faith we desperately need. This conversation will transform how you think about poverty, wealth, and what it means to follow Jesus in a world of extreme inequality. WEBLINKS Shoulder 2 Shoulder Website Shoulder 2 Shoulder on Facebook Shoulder 2 Shoulder on Instagram

In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron dive deep into a theologically rich conversation sparked by a dialogue between Bishop Robert Barron and N.T. Wright on how to read the Bible. With Bible sales surging across North America, many Christians are picking up Scripture for the first time—or returning with fresh eyes—and asking: "Where do I begin?" Nathan and Cameron explore the unavoidable role of tradition, community, and the Holy Spirit in biblical interpretation. They challenge hyper-individualistic readings common in Western Christianity and unpack the theological implications of relying on YouTube influencers, historical context, or denominational frameworks as our modern-day '42 guides into the jungle' of Scripture. This is a must-listen for thoughtful believers who want to grow in biblical literacy, wrestle with how culture shapes their faith, and reflect on what it means to read the Bible faithfully in today's world.DONATE LINK: https://toltogether.com/donate BOOK A SPEAKER: https://toltogether.com/book-a-speakerJOIN TOL CONNECT: https://toltogether.com/tol-connect TOL Connect is an online forum where TOL listeners can continue the conversation begun on the podcast.

On today's episode of the podcast, I am joined by Jamie Baxter, the Founder and CEO of Exodus 90 to discuss why Catholics, and particularly Catholic men, should revive the tradition of St. Michael's Lent. This tradition, which was popularized by St. Francis of Assisi, was a staple of Western Christianity, and the Franciscan tradition in particular, for more than 800 years. In fact, it was in 1224 during St. Michael's Lent when Francis received the grace of the Stigmata, the Five Wounds of Christ. Join Jamie and I as we delve into this beautiful tradition!Exodus 90 App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/exodus-90-live-different/id1448034275Exodus 90 Website: https://exodus90.com/Get 15% Off TAN Books using code "TRUTH15" at checkout: https://tanbooks.com/?rfsn=7031065.cf6efa1

Are you operating on bare minimum obedience? In this message, Dr. Gabriel Allen Powell breaks down the story of Jonah—not as someone who was fearful, but as someone who did the least required, and then wondered why progress stalled. If you want breakthrough in your business and life, you can't just check boxes; God honors those who go all in. Support the showText encounteratl to 94000 to stay up-to-date on all things Encounter.Worship with EncounterSundays at 9 AM ET | Wednesdays at 7:30 PM ETSupport EncounterText egive to 77977 Connect with EncounterFacebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | WebsiteConnect with Dr. GabeInstagram | YouTube | Website

THIS EPISODE In this episode, Rob and Vinnie get off to a rough start (two ADD guys), but rebound to discuss Paul's encouragement to the Thessalonians in light of their suffering. Then they address suffering and persecution in the life of the believer. As well as global persecution and the lack of it in much of Western Christianity. Why don't we suffer? Or, do we?  FOLLOW THE PODCAST Subscribe to be notified of our new episodes (each Monday).  Want to help us expand the Gospel of the Kingdom? Leave a review, “like” the podcast, or share it with others. CONNECT WITH DETERMINETRUTH MINISTRIES The Determinetruth Podcast is a ministry of Determinetruth Ministries. We offer free resources to equip pastors, leaders, and the body of Christ in the US and worldwide for service in the kingdom of God. You can visit us online at www.determinetruth.com Check out our YouTube Library, where we have even more content! SUPPORT DETERMINETRUTH MINISTRIES Determinetruth is a non-profit 501(c)(3), and relies completely on the financial support of our partners around the world.  If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation and help partner with us, please VISIT US HERE  

He once burned with hatred for Israel. Now, he's rebuilding bridges from Nazareth to Jerusalem, from Arabs to Jews, and from division to divine reconciliation. In this riveting episode, Dr. Rev. Saleem Shalash shares his extraordinary journey - raised as a Catholic Arab in Israel, hardened by bitterness, and unexpectedly wrecked by grace. A tragic accident. A voice from heaven. A Bible in his hands for the first time. But this isn't just a personal conversion story - it's a call to the Church, to the nations, and to anyone willing to see beyond headlines and into the heart of God.  From confronting replacement theology to launching a humanitarian aid center that serves Jews and Arabs alike, Saleem is living proof that Jesus is still building bridges. Key Takeaways Identity with Depth: Saleem is an Arab Israeli believer - not a convert from Islam, but a lifelong Christian navigating complex identities in the land of Israel. A Tragic Catalyst: The death of a friend forces a deep spiritual reckoning, leading to a radical encounter with God. From Religion to Relationship: His path led through doctrine, but it was mercy that truly changed him. The Eldest Son Syndrome: A powerful revelation from the story of the Prodigal Son unveils a common spiritual pride within the Church. Hatred Healed by the Spirit: A supernatural moment in prayer replaces years of hatred for the Jewish people with overwhelming love. Jesus in the Old Testament: Saleem rediscovers his Bible, this time finding Yeshua in every chapter - from Genesis to Malachi. Bridge Builders in Action: Through Home of Jesus the King Church, he brings food, aid, and the gospel to Arabs, Jews, refugees, and Muslims alike. Challenging the Church: A strong rebuke to Western Christianity for turning from God's promises to Israel. Cultural Keys: How understanding ancient Jewish culture unlocks deeper meaning in Scripture. Chapter Markers 00:00 – Welcome and intro to Dr. Saleem Shalash from Nazareth 01:14 – Growing up Arab Christian in Israel 02:52 – A Catholic upbringing and the path to priesthood 04:55 – A tragic accident and a voice that changed everything 06:42 – Entering a Messianic Bible college: Jews and Arabs together 08:45 – A revelation from Luke 15: Who is the elder son? 11:42 – Deliverance from hatred: a divine moment in the war room 13:56 – Falling in love with the Old Testament - and seeing Yeshua 18:58 – Sharing the gospel with an 80-year-old Holocaust survivor 21:26 – Why Israel still exists: the promises of God 24:37 – Reaching Jews, Muslims, and Christians - with love 26:39 – The “slice of cheese” between cultures: humanitarian ministry in action 28:49 – A wave of openness: how October 7 changed hearts 31:23 – A divine appointment with the Jewish mayor of Nof HaGalil 38:18 – The gospel circle: from Jerusalem and back again 42:58 – Walking where Jesus walked: Nazareth through local eyes 47:43 – The humanitarian aid center vision for Arabs & Jews 49:28 – United in Messiah: A shared mission and shared family 51:24 – Closing prayer and blessing This is a movement of reconciliation, restoration, and revival. Be a part of it. Support the work. Subscribe to the mission. Learn more at: thejewishroad.com Bridge Builders: Home of Jesus the King https://www.jtk-israel.org/ Let the light shine in Nazareth - and beyond.  

What are the implications if missionaries don't know their theology? Alex and Scott tackle the essential question of whether every missionary should also be a theologian. Drawing from personal experiences and their work with ABWE, they emphasize that missionaries often find themselves as the primary or sole theological resource in pioneer settings. This reality necessitates a strong foundation in theology, even for those not serving in overt teaching roles. The discussion also explores the challenges missionaries face in cross-cultural theological communication, including the lack of access to theological resources in native languages, differing worldviews, the prevalence of insider movements, and syncretism. Key Topics The importance of theology in missions work and why every missionary must be a theologian Real-world implications of inadequate theological preparation in cross-cultural settings The influence of Greco-Roman thought on Western Christianity and its impact on theological expression Use of systematic theology and story-based biblical teaching to bridge cultural gaps The need for deeper engagement with doctrine to counter heresy and build resilient churches Download the transcript for this episode. God has already called many people to the mission field, but they need your support to get there. Help someone in Prefield get to where God is calling them by prayerfully supporting their ministry at abwe.org/Prefield. Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionsshow.com.

What are the implications if missionaries don't know their theology? Alex and Scott tackle the essential question of whether every missionary should also be a theologian. Drawing from personal experiences and their work with ABWE, they emphasize that missionaries often find themselves as the primary or sole theological resource in pioneer settings. This reality necessitates a strong foundation in theology, even for those not serving in overt teaching roles. The discussion also explores the challenges missionaries face in cross-cultural theological communication, including the lack of access to theological resources in native languages, differing worldviews, the prevalence of insider movements, and syncretism. Key Topics The importance of theology in missions work and why every missionary must be a theologian Real-world implications of inadequate theological preparation in cross-cultural settings The influence of Greco-Roman thought on Western Christianity and its impact on theological expression Use of systematic theology and story-based biblical teaching to bridge cultural gaps The need for deeper engagement with doctrine to counter heresy and build resilient churches Download the transcript for this episode. God has already called many people to the mission field, but they need your support to get there. Help someone in Prefield get to where God is calling them by prayerfully supporting their ministry at abwe.org/Prefield. Do you love The Missions Podcast? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Podcast and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionspodcast.com/premium The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

Air Date 5/18/2025 The full quote from today's title is from one of the most celebrated writers of Southern American literature, William Faulkner, who said, "The past is never dead. It's not even past. All of us labor in webs spun long before we were born, webs of heredity and environment, of desire and consequence, of history and eternity.” The new film, Sinners, set in the Jim Crow South, attempts to take on some of the subjects that make up that web of history and consequence. The theme of today's episode is an attempt to dig into many of the subjects of the film. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Full Show Notes BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Use our links to shop Bookshop.org and Libro.fm for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience! Join our Discord community! KEY POINTS KP 1: Sinners: Director Ryan Coogler on His Latest Hit, Delta Blues, His Mississippi Roots & Vampires Part 1 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 4-25-25 KP 2: Sinners and the General State of Things - The Morbid Zoo - Air Date 5-10-25 KP 3: Western Christianity and White Supremacy Part 1 - Meant For This - Air Date 3-23-22 KP 4: How Do You Put A Price On America's Original Sin? - Consider This - Air Date 3-27-23 KP 5: Storm and Stress: Jim Crow America Part 1 - History is US - Air Date 6-5-22 KP 6: Trump's first 100 days, but it's just the racism - Garrison Hayes - Air Date 5-2-25 (48:29) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On how to talk about the interplay between economics and identity politics DEEPER DIVES (57:48) SECTION A: CHRISTIANITY (1:33:29) SECTION B: RACE (2:18:56) SECTION C: CULTURE SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: Portion of the 1830s painting “Slave Market” (Brazil) depicting two white men discussing the sale of enslaved, black Brazilian men with a church with steeple and cross in the background and the iconography of the Virgin Mary on the wall above. Credit: “Slave Market” by Johann Moritz Rugendas, New York Public Library Digital Collections | Copyright status undetermined by NYPL | Changes: Cropped with increased contrast and brightness   Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!