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Closing Song: God Don't Let Me Quit

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Intro and a non-raptured emergency (00:00-17:36)

Is the rapture actually in the Bible? Why do people get so focused on it? (17:53-35:14)

James says a person who doubts is “double minded and unstable” and shouldn’t expect to get anything from God (James 1:7-8). But we all doubt, right? What does this mean? (35:19-49:15)

Is there a trick to moving on from a situation (relationship, conversation, event) and not keep thinking about it all the time? (49:20-59:48)

Closing Song: Macabre Feast (Tyranny of the Beast)

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Intro and a Toys 'R Emergency (00:00-18:28)

I hear some Christians say they “aren’t political” or stuff like “Jesus is King, that’s my politics.” It is often said like that is the truly evolved and Christian point of view. But I am starting to more and more see it as a cop-out. Am I being unfair? (18:33-32:50)

What do I do when my faith is starting to feel formulaic and stuck? (32:54-45:44)

In John 6:35, Jesus says “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” Obviously this isn’t literal, but what does it mean? That I will never spiritually hunger? If so, what does that mean? (45:48-58:46)

Closing Song: This Is My Father's World (Southern Harmonic)

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Intro and a Satan-suing emergency (00:00-20:20)

Is it wrong to feel/express relief or even happiness when a public figure who caused people a lot of pain passes away? (20:28-36:14)

What does it mean that we are not supposed to “test God”? Is that different than asking questions or having doubts? (36:17-50:39)

Galatians 6:4 says everyone should “test their own actions”. How do I actually do that? Test them for what? (50:52-01:03:47)

Closing Song: This Time is Different (Front Toward Enemy)

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Intro and a rare Inverted Emergency (00:00-18:36)

People say that you should put your hope in God, not it other people, the government, etc. But I do want to be able to rely on other people. What is the difference? (18:49-34:29)

How do I lovingly deal with someone who is always casting themselves as the victim in every situation? (34:33-49:37)

What is the deal with the book of Proverbs? It always seemed weird to me that there is the little collection of sayings in the middle of the Bible. I feel like I don’t get much out of reading them. (49:41-01:05:19)

Closing Song : I Need Thee Every Hour (Lee Younger)

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Is there a christian way to talk people out of conspiracy theories? Does it matter that buying into that stuff will hurt someone’s credibility and witness, or is that just guilting someone? (34:18-53:17)

In Mark 2:27, Jesus says to the pharisees that “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Is that an idea we can apply to wider religious stuff, even stuff that is in the Bible? Do we get to the point where we are serving religious things? If so, how do I not do that? (53:21-01:05:23

Closing Song: I Come to You (Jed Brewer)

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Intro and a mystery sign emergency (00:00-20:11)

Jesus talks about not praying in public like the hypocrites. What does that mean for praying in front of a church? Or famous people having pictures taken of them praying? Or non-famous people, like wedding pictures of people praying over the couple? Is that a sin? Just weird? (20:20-39:12)

I know it is not my place to judge anyone else’s salvation. But, At some point, people who believe things like God loves rich people more than poor people or God wants us to treat immigrants badly are just not Christian by any definition that I recognize. How do I acknowledge that without judging? (39:18-01:00:06)

A lot of talk about being honest with God is about being angry at Him? What about being disappointed, or sad about things he has done, are those okay feelings to have? (01:00:09-01:15:12)

Closing Song: Psalm 147:3 (The Poolhouse Guru)

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Intro and a guitar-drowing, pastor-dangling emergency (00:00-19:30)

I found something on youtube [The pilot of the TV Show The Promised Land] I loved it and i'm curious to hear your thoughts on this christian media. i could be overthinking but want to make sure this is okay to watch before i get too attached. (19:34-37:52)

How to deal with people who lack empathy? Who are so blinded by the comforts they now have that they are indifferent to the hardships of others? (37:56-55:01)

What does Paul mean in 1 Corinthians 11:27 when he warns about taking communion in “an unworthy manner”. That seems like a very different vibe than Jesus’ description of communion. (55:04-01:08:07)

Closing Song: All Hail The Power of Jesus' Name (Glenn Kaiser)

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Intro and we discuss what makes a true Chicago pope (00:00-19:14)

People talk about feeling something profound during worship, but I people also feel stuff while singing secular songs or being at concerts. Is worship something different, or just that same emotional high that music gives? (19:26-41:19)

How do I know if someone can’t change what they are doing or if they just won’t? Those things feel very different. (41:23-56:39)

What does it mean that we died in Christ, but we also live in Him? (56:45-01:09:27)

Closing Song: As I Am (Lee Younger)

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Intro and a Jeepin' emergency (00:00-19:30)

How do you distinguish between hypocrisy and when people just being people and falling short of something they talk about? (19:42-36:59)

I have been praying about a situation in my life. What am I looking for now to tell if God is answering me? (37:03-48:36)

In John 21, what is the significance of Jesus asking Peter if he loves Him 3 times? I get that it mirrors Peter’s denial, but what does that mean for us? (48:45-01:02:20)

Closing Song: Women, God, and Rock and Roll (Jed Brewer)

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Intro and the guys try to get on a blessings grift (00:00-18:25)

What are we supposed to make of Judas? Jesus seems to say he is a unique kind of bad. But also things couldn’t have happened the way they were supposed to without him, right? (18:38-32:36)

Why are there different accounts of the resurrection in the Bible? (33:50-47:33)

What does it mean to personally have peace when the world around you is so crazy? (47:39-59:05)

Closing Song: Break of Day (Lee Younger)

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*Note: Matt somehow broke his mic without knowing it, so his audio is a little thinner than normal. Apologies, everything will be back to normal next episode. If you are Matt's wife and reading this, don't worry about any microphone sized Amazon boxes you may see in the next few days, those are nothing.

Intro and a new offering strategy - hostage taking! (00:00-16:41)

When things are bad, is being positive or hopeful kind of irresponsible or denial? (16:56-31:29)

There are some promises made to people in the Bible, the OT specifically, that do apply to all Christians, but not all of the promises do - Is that right? How do we know which is which? (31:32-44:05)

The story of the faith of the centurion in Luke 7 has always confused me because “people at work do what I tell them” doesn’t seem like amazing faith to me. Is there something I am missing? (44:14-01:02:34)

Closing Song: The Old Rugged Cross (Front Toward Enemy)

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Intro and Church Gym Emergency! (00:00-14:27)

Is the "age of accountability" a thing? (14:31-34:46)

How do I accept that some relationships in my life are just about as good as they are gonna get? Like I could try to set more boundaries, explain myself more, etc, but it feels like the other person has come about as far as they are going to. Is it okay to accept that? (34:48-46:19)

In Matthew 18:19, Jesus says “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” I feel like that is not how it works, but what does this verse mean? (46:26-01:01:12)

Closing Song: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (Pete Lawson)

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Intro and Oscar worthy emergency (00:00-15:20)

This week, Matt ran across the phrase “Anger feels like power to [some] people.”  And it got the guys thinking. (15:28-32:37)

Are there such things as biblically “masculine” or “feminine” traits? I hear people say masculine traits are things like courage and strength, and feminine traits are being nurturing and caring. But shouldn’t everybody try to be those things? (32:40-43:48)

How should I think about bible verses like Philippians 2:14? It is a clear command, it’s also not something that I (or anyone else) can actually do. So what does it mean for me? (43:54-57:55)

Closing Song: Bigger Than My Fears (Jed Brewer)

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Read Jed's article about the song Lee wrote for his wedding: https://www.rollingstone.com/culture-council/articles/what-wedding-song-teach-us-about-creative-commercial-success-1235262312/

Intro and a totally-not-jealous emergency (00:00-18:35)

Jesus says we should pray for our enemies. Does praying for them to get hit by lightning count? (19:26-36:48)

There are times in the Bible where it says that Jesus heals someone, but also times where Jesus tells them “your faith has healed you.” Is that just a way of saying the same thing, or is there something different going on with some of them? (36:52-47:35)

Obviously racism, sexism, etc is wrong. But is it un-christian? Is there a Christian/biblical case against it? (47:38-01:04:46)

Closing Song: Take My Life and Let It Be (Lee Younger)

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Intro and an emergency segment so off the rails, even I lost track of what we were talking about (00:00-21:42)

When I hear people like politicians say things like “God is on his throne” after bad things happen, it makes me angry. Like great, but shouldn’t you be doing something too? Is that being unreasonable or judgmental? (21:45-37:12)

How do I know if I am ready to get married? (37:17-51:22)

What is “the flesh” that Paul talks about? I feel like that only gets talked about referring to sexual stuff, but it seems like he is talking about something broader. (51:28-01:0:43)

Closing Song: Amazing Grace (Glenn Kaiser)

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Intro and some 2025 pitches (00:00-12:50)

How do I have a heathy friendship with someone when they are going through things in their life where they don’t really have the bandwidth to be a good friend back to me? (13:04-27:11)

I was raised with a lot of religious guilt. Like always talking about how “everybody you are do something bad, you are basically crucifying Jesus yourself”. I have done a lot of work letting go of all the shame. But I don’t know how to think about concepts like sin without going back to all that. Help? (27:16-46:27)

In John 12, Jesus defends the woman pouring out oil on him. After reading that, I wondered, is there a chance I am to judgmental of things like big churches that have a lot of expensive stuff? (46:31-59:37)

Closing Song: Cannons on a Lighthouse (Randall Goodgame)

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Intro and a special double emergency (00:00-24:05)

What do you say when people ask you why you believe what you do? (24:19-40:12)

I always feel very connected and focused on my faith during the Christmas season, but it is hard to keep the momentum up after the holiday. Any tips on keeping it going? (40:47-55:22) Is there anything about the Christmas story that you think people miss, or wish more people would think about? (55:27-01:09:13)

Closing Song: While No One Else Notices (Jed Brewer)

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Intro and a "People are singing Madonna songs in church" emergency. (00:00-20:00

I have heard people say that culturally, we need shame to return. When I think of living free of guilt and shame in a Christian sense, it looks way different than people who are acting “shameless” in the way they are. Is there a healthy way for shame to work? (20:00-34:34)

Why are the accounts of the Christmas story so different in the different gospels? (34:38-48:05)

In the book of acts, were the apostles doing street corner preaching? I tend to think that is a bad way to try to spread the gospel, but is there a biblical basis for it? (48:08-59:36)

Closing Song: I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day (Lee Younger)

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Intro and a traditional Gripesgiving celebration (00:00-17:48)

How do you balance self-sacrifice (giving your life away and all that) and self-care? (18:04-32:55)

There are people in my life going through a hard time that I want to support and encourage, but I don’t want to cross over into enabling them? Where is the line? (33:04-47:56)

What does it mean that faith without deeds is dead? (48:00-01:01:34)

Closing Song: Angels We Have Heard On High (The Poolhouse Guru)

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Intro and a Jesus as MMA coach movie emergency. (00:00-22:02)

I have decided to leave my job. It feels right, but it is not like there is a Bible verse telling me whether or not to do it. So how do I know if I am following God's leading? (22:19-37:43)

Jesus has a lot of specific instructions to people he sends out (don’t take a second cloak, shake the dust off your sandals, go in pairs, etc). What does that mean for us who are not missionaries and live in places we’re everyone has heard of Jesus? (37:54-51:53)

What is giving you hope? (52:00-01:04:37)

Closing Song: God Don't Let Me Quit

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Intro and the next evolution of the Hell House (00:00-19:46)

What do I do if I just can’t find a church that I feel is a good fit for me? (20:01-34:30)

People talk about not letting “politics” get in between them and friends, family, church members, etc. is like a great virtue. But I feel like there are issues where I don’t want to be around someone anymore. Where is the line? (34:35-54:04)

Someone recently asked me if doing good because you think that God will punish you if you don’t is really being good. I didn’t really know what to say. How would you respond? (54:08-01:10:24)

Closing Song: It Is Well (The Bridge Loud)

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Intro and an emergency that leads to a pitch for a culture war soda brand (00:00-24:24)

When people say they are going to pray about some life decision, what are they actually doing that is different than just thinking about it? (24:45-38:57)

I don’t know how to react to seeing people claiming the opposite of what Jesus says is Christian (ie. “God wants you to persecute immigrants.”) I am not gonna argue on facebook or anything. But what do I do with the anger at that? (39:01-53:52)

Why does Jesus seem to set people up to argue with him sometimes? Like the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15, what is the point of that? (53:57-01:07:48)

Closing Song: Come Ye Sinners

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Intro and several cinematic emergencies (00:00-25:29)

Is there such a thing as being too thankful? Like, to my boss or in a relationship, there are some basic things that are expected, right? I know we are supposed to give thanks in all things, but is there a toxic positivity version of it? (25:40-39:21)

How do I be humble? Like what do I actually do to make humility something that helps me in my life? (39:25-52:11)

What does it mean to cause someone to stumble? I only ever heard that mentioned terms of shamey, purity culture stuff. I know it’s not that, so what does Jesus mean? (52:16-01:04:19)

Closing Song: You Have Better (Jed Brewer)

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Intro and a historical East Tennessee church-fightin' emergency. (00:00-21:45)

The Bible says love your enemy. I don’t like I have people in my life who rise the level of “enemy”. And even the people I don’t like, I try to just not have much contact with. So who is my enemy and what does it mean to love them? (21:57-39:57)

In the story of Jesus raising the dead girl in Mark 5, it includes Jesus telling mourning people to not be sad because the child is just asleep. That’s not very “Mourn with those who mourn.” What’s the point in including that detail? (40:00-57:06)

There are people in my life that I really love who aren’t Christian and I don’t think are at all interested in becoming Christian, and I’m pretty much fine with that. Is that okay? Or am I being a bad witness or whatever? (57:11-01:09:57)

Closing Song: I Am Free (Lee Younger)

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Intro, Kirk Cameron has thoughts about public education, CCM career changes, and possibly the best tv show idea we've ever had. (00:00-17:25)

If God isn’t giving me something I really want, does that mean it is wrong for me to want it? (17:38-29:09)

How can I support someone who is going through something that is harder than anything I have ever gone through? (29:17-39:54)

When Jesus heals on the Sabbath in Matthew 12, it makes me think, why did God make that rule if apparently you can break it if it is really important? How do I know if something is important enough to break the rules? (39:58-53:09)

Closing Song: Under His Wings (Haley Harris)

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Intro and we make some pitches for the unbelievably still going God's Not Dead movies series. (00:00-19:57)

Paul says things like “follow me as I follow Christ” and talks about being imitators. Are we supposed to imitate/follow our leaders? How much? (20:01-35:48)

Where is the line between being hopeful and being in denial about reality? (35:55-50:07)

What does it mean that God “disciplines those He loves”. It feels like people just trot that out when something bad is happening to someone. (50:11-01:01:03)

Closing Song: 1 Peter 3:15 (The Poolhouse Guru)

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Intro and Church Olympiad Events (00:00-14:55)

I feel like I am spinning my wheels. What does God want me to do in a period like this? (15:08-26:01)

How do I channel the anger and fear I feel into something helpful? (26:04-37:46)

I know that “make Him famous” is just churchy talk, but the Bible does say to make God known among the nations. What is the difference? (37:49-51:24)

Closing Song: Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee (Eric Peters)

*Programming Note* We will be off for the next two weeks due to summer travel

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Intro and a Reddit atheists conception of what a pastor's job is. (00:00-14:26)

Matthew 18:21-35 : I get the point of the servant being wrong in getting his own debt cancelled but going and hassling someone else then for a debt but the comparison of that story to the kingdom of heaven feels conflicting. I know God will bring justice and vengeance alone is His but why does it sound like Jesus is saying God will not educate on our wrong but torture us? Not how he talks about the kingdom of heaven or God in other parables. (14:30-31:14)

Sometimes when people are talking about unlearning stuff they were raised with, especially inchurch, they add a caveat of “but there was some good stuff too.” I don’t really care if there was some good stuff mixed in, I want to just drop it all. Am I missing something if I don’t look for positives too? (31:16-45:59)

Jesus repeatedly talks about being like a little child. But Paul mentions things like being mature and putting off childish things. How do I be mature and child-like at the same time? (46:06-59:23)

Closing Song: Greater Is He (Jed Brewer)

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Intro and a "10 commandments of marriage" emergency. (00:00-17:47)

2 Peter 3:15-17 talks about how Paul’s letters are confusing. What does that mean for the way we read them? (17:59-29:13)

It feels like I hear less about “missions” and how important and cool it is than I did years ago. Are these kind of things ever like, fads? (29:22-45:28)

How do you help someone who doesn’t seem like they want to be happy? (45:35-54:54)

Closing Song: Grace

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Intro and an education emergency (00:00-16:40)

What is a calling? How do I know if I have one? (17:18-33:53)

How do I re-establish a friendship that has drifted? (33:58-43:52)

What does the Bible mean when it talks about Jesus driving out “impure spirits”? (44:00-57:39)

Closing Song: Speak To Me (Lee Younger)

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Intro and an we attempt to help evangelicals craft a conspiracy theory that makes sense (00:00-15:25)

I feel like I don’t have any emotional energy. I also can’t really cut anything (work, school) out of my life right now. How do I get more? (15:36-24:57)

I have nearly really read much of the Book of Acts. What should I look to get out of it? (25:00-37:57)

How do I know if I am feeling convicted or just guilty? Is there a difference? (38:00-55:22)

Closing Song: Psalm 34:18 (The Poolhouse Guru)

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Intro and we are called out by an orthodox priest. (00:00-15:30)

What are creeds for? Are they useful. Why do people care about them? (15:46-36:23)

What does it actually mean that God is strong in our weakness? (36:26-50:46)

2 Timothy 2:15 says to do your best to “present yourself to God as one approved.” How do I do that? I don’t feel like I have much control over that at all. (50:53-01:00:03)

Closing Song: No He Wasn't (Lins Honeyman)

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Intro and a buffet of Christian ridiculousness (00:00-18:35)

How do I know if someone is just getting something about the Bible wrong or if they are intentionally twisting something? (18:42-31:07)

I hear people talk about lust or anger in terms of “defeating” or “overcoming” it. What does that even mean? Is it the goal? (31:12-44:23)

Colossians 4 says to “devote yourselves to prayer”. What does that mean? Is it about consistency or something else? (44:27-55:14)

Closing Song: Made in the Image of the Lord (Jed Brewer)

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Intro, Middle Earth Centrism, Eat Pray Scape. (00:00-19:39)

When I was young, church people were very insistent that “character matters” when it came to leaders like politicians. Now, almost all those same people have done a 180. I get that they are hypocrites, but I also feel like character should matter some? Should it? (19:54-36:44)

How do I get the most out of being part of my community? Every time someone talks about “getting involved” or “diving in”, they pretty much just seem to mean signing up as a volunteer. (36:59-50:33)

Do I have to believe everything in Genesis actually, literally happened to be a Christian? Why does it matter? (50:38-01:07:31)

Closing Song: No One Like You (Lee Younger)

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Intro and 2 Priestly technology emergencies. (00:00-18:43)

Is it okay to be vague about God when talking to my non-Christian friends - like, if I am talking about feeling grateful, and I say “the universe really helped me out”? Is that good strategy, or am I hiding my faith? (18:52-29:55)

How do you make a choice in a situation where there is no perfect option? Like every job has issues, how do I know if God is telling me Job A or Job B is better? Or school A or B? (30:04-49:15) Proverbs 17: says that “One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper; one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble.” How does that work with Jesus saying we all sin in our hearts, etc.? (49:21-01:02:10)

Closing Song: Save Me From My Sins (Jed Brewer)

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Intro and we try to envision how a Christian rap beef would go. (00:00-19:12)

How important is going on dates to “dating”? I hear people in church talk about how bad just hanging out is, but it’s not like dinner and a movie is the Bible, right? (19:23-37:16)

I think I need to be more thankful. But trying to make myself be grateful makes me feel like I am a kid and my parents are telling me that I should just be happy that I have all this good stuff and just not be upset. How do I start with thankfulness? (33:19-48:26)

Is envy different than jealousy? Like envy and coveting is a big deal in the Bible, but seeing someone and feeling a hit of jealousy if they have something you think is cool is natural, right? So where is the line? (48:31-01:02:54)

Closing Song: Be Thou My Vision (The Deacons Division)

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Intro, and a men's conference emergency! (00:00-18:05)

I don’t really feel any big pull to “share the gospel” with my friends. I think they would feel like I am judging them and just want to be their friend so I can convert them. And I feel like I’m being rude. Is that okay or am I wrong? (18:21-40:06)

2.2) How mu ch does it matter who wrote books of the Bible? Like if Paul wrote all the letters, or if Solomon actually wrote Proverbs? (40:12-49:06)

2.3) When I am drawing a boundary with someone, how much is it on me to explain things clearly? I feel like people sometimes act like “oh, how was I supposed to know?” as a way to make me doubt myself. How do I know if I have done enough? (49:14-01:00:50)

Closing Song: Blessed Assurance (Something Epic)

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Intro, and a podcast and plagiarism double emergency! (00:00-24:20)

I recently saw someone saying that when the Bible talks about “modesty”, it means not showing off your wealth. I like that a lot more than it being about covering your shoulders, but is that accurate? (24:33-37:15)

What is the difference between a “toxic” person and just a sinful person? We are supposed to forgive everyone and everybody has flaws, but it’s okay to let go of “toxic people” in your life, is that right? (37:20-49:34)

I know faith-healing isn’t a thing. But Jesus does tell people like the father in Mark 9 that they have to believe for someone to be healed. So what does He mean by that? (49:43-01:02:59)

Closing Song: Can This Be (Lee Younger)

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thebridgechicago.tumblr.com/ask (Anonymous)

It's a post-holiday All Emergency Round-up!

We over stories about a failed Bible museum, data-mining powered evangelism, a prayer sponsored by Mark Wahlberg's Lent app, a real life biblical allegory, and good, old-fashioned end times grifting. Plus, Numerology Jed returns!

Closing Song: It Is Well (Pete and Tasha Lawson)

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thebridgechicago.tumblr.com/ask (Anonymous)

If you're listening to this, the eclipse wasn't the rapture. (00:00-19:10)

I hear people talking about God “preparing their heart” for something. What does that mean?   Is that any different than preparing myself for something? (19:13-34:03)

1 Corinthians 6 talks about how Christians shouldn’t sue each other in front of secular authorities. Not to be blasphemous, but that’s crazy right? That sounds like the kind of thing a church would say to stop someone from speaking out. (34:11-52:27)

People talk about not “trusting the flesh” but also say we have to discern things. If I am the one discerning it, aren’t I just relying on myself and my flesh? (52:32-01:08:53)

Closing Song: Bigger Than My Fears (The Bridge Loud)

The Old Rugged Cross (Jed Brewer)

Come Ye Disconsolate (Eric Peters)

Break of Day (Lee Younger)

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thebridgechicago.tumblr.com/ask (Anonymous)

Intro and Double worship emergency! (00:00-18:34)

How do I get better at being vulnerable either in groups or with people one on one? (18:48-31:10)

What can I do to deal with controlling parents as an adult? (31:14-43:28)

How do you have grace for someone who you think is doing their best, but it still acting manipulative and weird toward you? (43:31-01:01:42)

Closing Song: The Easy Part is Hard (Jed Brewer)

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thebridgechicago.tumblr.com/ask (Anonymous)

Intro and a follow up emergency (00:00-20:54)

1 Corinthians 1:27 says God confounds the wise and strong. But other parts of the new testament say we should be wise and strong. How does that work? (21:31-32:35)

How do I find my identity in Christ? Especially when I don’t really want to have my identity be “a Christian” because of all the baggage and weirdness around that? (32:38-46:59)

What is important about Palm Sunday? It just seems like this weird little side story that doesn’t have much to do with the overall Easter narrative. (47:03-01:00:35)

Closing Song: Psalm 139:14 (The Poolhouse Guru)

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Intro and a Sunday school smokebomb throwing emergency (00:00-19:09)

I have struggled with anxiety and depression. I am generally doing better. But, sometimes I feel those old habits starting to creep up. How do I respond when that happens? (19:21-29:50) My non-Christian or ex-Christian friends have a big problem with the idea of sin. In the sense that the idea there is something fundamentally evil about them has been used to make them feel bad. I kind of see their point honestly. Is there a way to think of sin without all the guilt and judgment? (29:54-45:12) The part in Matthew 4 where Jesus is tempted in the desert is weird to me. Why is there only one time the devil tries to tempt him, or even talk to him? It feels like this weird little side story that comes up once a year during lent. Am I missing something? (45:16-58:00)

Closing Song: I Need Thee Every Hour (Lee Younger)

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Intro and a sacred dessert emergency (00:00-19:30)

I think I need to be more resilient. When things don’t work out, my initial reaction is to go to pieces. How do I grow in that? (19:37-34:31) When I pray, I sometimes get distracted because I am getting so angry. Can I work around this? (34:34-46:39) I grew up with Heaven being described as singing worship songs forever. That sounds…not good. Is the description missing something or am I? (46:45-59:42)

Closing Song: This Is Not A Trade (Jed Brewer)

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Intro and a miraculous emergency ((00:00-17:18)

What does having a “Christ-centered” relationship actually mean? (17:30-30:19) How much can I disagree with a pastor or mentor? There is no such thing as someone who is right all the time. How much disagreement is normal? (30:23-48:11) The Bible says pretty clearly “God is love”. I hear Christians say that there is a balance to that in that God is also just. Are those opposites? Is one more important than the others? (48:16-01:01:38)

Closing Song: Amos 5:24 (David and Alaina Coplin)

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Intro and a christian radio conspiracy (00:00-15:30)

What do you do when you feel frustrated with God? Or frustrated with life, but that’s the same thing, right? (31:09-47:06)

How much do I need to try at my job? I heard a lot growing up about “working as if for the lord, not for me” and “excellence in all things”. But, that kind of seems like a scam when it means do more work than I am getting paid for. (31:09-47:06)

Hebrews 6:1 talks about “moving beyond the elementary teachings about Christ”. What does that mean? Are there extra teachings? How do you know if you’re ready to move on? (47:10-01:00:24)

Closing Song: God Don't (Lee Younger)

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In this 600th episode(!) the guys take a look back at the Christian world of 2012 when the podcast launched. Including the Dove awards, Christianity Today headlines, and some characters that would reoccur over and over.

Closing Song: The original SayThat outro song

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Intro and a pastor made his own cryptocurrency, that is definitely an emergency. (00:00-21:460

I tried a meditation app. It talked about just letting your thoughts happen without judging them. How does that go with “taking every thought captive to Christ”? (21:55-36:49)

A friend recommended a Christian book to me. I really didn’t like it and thought it had some harmful stuff in it. They are very excited to hear what I thought. What do I tell them? (36:53-53:00)

I have heard people talking about “social media fasts” and how being online is so toxic. I don’t like get into fights or get obsessed about likes. I don’t really post that much, but I enjoy scrolling through stuff- maybe spend a little too much time doing it some days. How do I know if this is a problem or not? (53:03-01:07:14)

Closing Song: So Here I Am (Jed Brewer)

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Intro and a winter weather emergency. (00:00-15:24)

Did you guys see the story of the Ohio pastor who was charged for letting homeless people sleep in his church during the cold snap (https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2024/01/19/ohio-pastor-charged-zoning-violations/72281784007/). It got me thinking about what I would do. Would breaking the law be the right thing to do? (15:37-33:14)

What is fasting for? I don’t see how being hungry is going to make me a better Christian. (33:19-49:17)

In Mark 7, Jesus is roasting the Pharisees about how they honor God with they lips “but their hearts are far from Him”. Isn’t that true of everyone? Is there something particular about their case? (49:20-01:03:04)

Closing Song: Child of Wandering Will (Lee Younger)

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Intro and the rare good movie emergency (00:00-19:00)

I would like to try something different with reading the Bible in 2024. I have done the one year Bible and audio Bible. Any other suggestions? (19:31-31:20)

Any tips for dealing with seasonal affectedness? (31:26-41:03)

In John 4, Jesus tells the woman at the well that whoever drinks from him will ever thirst again. I feel like I need to be refilled over all the time, and I hear other people talk about that too. How does that reality match with what Jesus says in the story? (41:12-59:14)

Closing Song: Cannons on a Lighthouse (Randall Goodgame)

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Intro and Sports Emergencies! (00:00-18:04)

There are things I would love to “leave in 2023”. But I am not sure how to go about actually putting them behind me. (18:17-31:57)

I am a little confused about the way the Bible talks about Old Testament figures.  Some of them do pretty bad stuff, but then in the New Testament they are described in glowing terms (David is a man after God’s own heart, Abraham walked in Fatih, Moses was faithful in all God’s house). Am I missing something? (32:06-45:18)

What is the difference between wanting to succeed and/or have nice things and being greedy? (45:26-01:01:07)

Closing Song: Though The Mountains (The Yearwoods)

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Intro and a cascade of emergencies (00:00-26:00)

Reading bible books like Numbers 5 makes me very angry to be a Christian. How do you guys reconcile such content in the bible? And how do you keep hope for decent relations between men and women? Thanks for your thoughts! (26:12-43:38)

I know it’s the Christian thing to be kind to people when they are being unkind to me. But like, how kind do I need to be? (43:43-51:34)

Sometimes, when I see churches or ministries try to hop on a social media trend, or do something “cool” it kind of rubs me the wrong way. Like it’s cheapening the message to put it to a tik tok dance. Is that legit? Or am I falling into the same thing as people who don’t like contemporary worship just because it doesn’t seem as churchy? (51:38-01:02:41)

Closing Song: I Am New (Jed Brewer)

Please enjoy this Christmas meditations we put together a few years ago.

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Intro and an emergency from an Indiana creationism conference. (00:00-17:00)

There is a lot of advice out there about how to go after what you want, or let go of things you want. What do you do when you have no idea what you want? (17:02-28:58)

What does it mean to make amends? Is that part of repentance? (29:02-41:20)

Why is John the Baptist important? He is talked about in early chapters of the gospels as this huge deal but I don’t really get why. (41:24-54:03)

Closing Song: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day (Lee Younger)

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Intro and emergency (00:00-15:20)

“Be still and know” sound like a great concept, but I have a really hard time sitting still. I don’t find it relaxing. It stresses me out kinda. How do I get better at it? (15:30-27:49)

How important is doctrine? It seems like the people who talk about “good doctrine” the most don’t do most of the stuff Jesus talked about. (27:53-44:28)

How can my partner and I make my parents see that not having kids is the right choice for us? (44:32-01:03:07)

Closing Song: Away in a Manger (Lins Honeyman)

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It's a post-Thanksgiving emergency buffet! We talk about dance bans, the "facts" about rock & roll from a 70s Tennessee jail ministry, and a men's conference speaker hosted by a guy named Bazzel Baz, and that's not the wildest thing about it. And more!

Closing Song: Angels We Have Heard On High (The Poolhouse Guru)

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Intro and a traditional Gripesgiving Emergency (00:00-15:55)

Seeing family during the holidays, one of the things I think about is how differently they se “being a good Christian” than I do. How do I deal with people who think I am not a very good Christian, and I feel the same about them? (16:32-29:43)

I…don’t really feel thankful. Lots of stuff is bad and it has been a hard year. Why should I put effort into trying to be thankful? it feels fake. (29:46-45:23)

I see the story of the widow’s offering used to say that people should give money even if it puts them in financial distress. That seems really wrong, but it does also seem like the story is saying that. Am I missing something? (45:27-01:00:06)

Closing Song: You Have Better (Jed Brewer)

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*Matt's audio is better this episode. We promise it will be fully fixed by next week. We had a stern talk with our audio engineer...who is Matt.

Intro and an emergency with a twist. (00:00-11:30)

How should Christians think about the economy changing? Like, I know giving is good, but if I want to buy a house someday soon, I probably need to save more than I thought I would need to. (11:47-25:30)

I was recently told I was “too negative.” I don’t consider myself a negative person. I would say I am positive sometimes and negative other times and that I try to be realistic. Is it possible to just be a “negative” person? What do I do? (25:33-42:34)

How do I deal with people who talk about all religion like it is a cult? I heard someone talking about Scientology recently and someone commented something like “yeah, that’s weird. But they all are.” That kind of offended me, but I didn’t know what to say. (42:40-01:00:55)

Closing Song: A Mighty Fortress (Pete Lawson)

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Apologies for Matt's audio (the sound quality, not what he says, though maybe that too), intro, and a medieval emergency. (00:00-15:45)

I feel like life is extremely unfair. Not necessarily to me, I have had it pretty easy all in all, but in general. This is proving to be a big sticking point when I think about life and God. How do I deal with this? (15:51-27:31)

Sometimes my friends talk about believing in “something bigger” or a “higher power”. That is kind of frustrating to me because I think they are trying to say that is the same as my belief in Christ. But I think it is very different because I know what I believe in. Am I wrong to be bothered by that? (27:35-40:12)

I normally don’t care much about end times stuff. But I was reading 2 Timothy 3 recently, and it was describing things that sounded pretty similar to today. Can you help me be less freaked out? (40:15-54:57)

Closing Song: Micah 6:8 (The Poolhouse Guru)

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Intro and an Christian nightclub emergency. (00:00-16:50)

How do I deal with bad leadership? Like, if someone has a good heart but just is not good at organizing things or leading a team. Do I need to just not worry about it and do what I can? (16:57-31:27)

What can you do to stay encouraged when you feel stuck? (31:31-43:30)

The verse about how “if God is for us, who can be against us?” Kind of confuses me. God isn’t for everything everyone is doing all the time, right? How do I know if He Is “for” me in a situation? (43:34-54:48)

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Intro and an emergency about the worst-named holiday of all time. (00:00-17:50)

Luke 1:37 says “for no word of God will ever fail.” What does that mean? I get that it’s encouraging, but it seems confusing to me. (17:57-30:51)

What is the line between processing and talking about my experience with someone and gossiping or trash talking about them? (30:54-47:03)

Do I need to have a good reason for every decision I make? Like if I break up with someone, or leave a job, or move, do I need to have a really good reason for it to be a wise choice? (47:07-1:03:03)

Closing Song: Oh The Deep Deep Love of Jesus (Lee Younger)

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Intro and a coffee and condescension emergency (00:00-20:00)

I feel like I get in a pattern where I expect the worst of a person or situation and then the situation spins into the worst. How do I get out of that pattern? (20:05-30:32)

What does 1 Thessalonians 3:3 mean when it says we are “destined for trials”? (30:37-42:44)

Two pieces of advice I get from people are “be patient” and “be bold” can I do both of those at the same time? (42:48-55:31)

Closing Song: Romans 12:15 (The Poolhouse Guru)

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Intro and a Big League Emergency (00:00-19:00)

How do I deal with my family when they are driving me crazy? I want to maintain relationships, but I feel like drama is taking up too much of my time right now. (19:14-33:41)

I am getting discouraged about prayer. I don’t feel like anything is happening. And I don’t really feel anything. What can I do? (33:44-47:54)

When someone is spouting nonsense in real life or online in the name of Christianity, is there any responsibility to point out that they are wrong? I know it won’t change their mind, but what about people who are hearing them? (47:57-1:00:25)

Closing Song: You Tell Me (Front Toward Enemy)

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When I have two options before me, I often think of it in terms of picking the “right” one. Is there a right decision? If God is looking out for me, what would making the “wrong” decision even mean? (17:41-28:41)

There are a lot of examples of churches and leaders doing a really bad job with scandals. How should a church or organization deal with a failing? What would a good response be? (28:43-41:31)

What does Jesus mean in Matthew 7 when he talks about the wide and narrow gates? I feel like those verses get used to talk about hard work or not being “worldly”. (41:35-54:51)

Closing Song: You've Made Up Your Mind (Jed Brewer)

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I started thinking about it when I saw this on my Facebook and I started feeling confused.

“Imagine what would happen if the single pursuit of Christians is not the lights, smoke machines, LED panels, charismatic preachers and thumping music but the presence of God during services.”

What are your thoughts about this idea of God's presence? (13:35-29:44) 

How can I ask God to help me be a more optimistic person? Is that even something I should want? (29:50-45:01)

Is it good to take time away from things to “focus on God”? It sounds good, but shouldn’t we be focusing on God as part of our lives? (45:07-1:00:04)

Closing Song: His Beloved (Lee Younger)

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Have I not really forgiven someone if I still feel angry about the situation? (14:21-28:16)

A lot of the Bible, especially the OT talks about the strength of the Lord and calling on his mighty name, etc. it seems like most of the people I see claiming to do that are on something weird. What does it mean to do that in a real way? (28:20-40:41)

I get very frustrated sometimes and I feel like it really costs me a lot of happiness. How does God want me to deal with this? (40:48-52:55)

Closing Song: The Same As Me (Jed Brewer)

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I feel like I hear a lot of married people talk about how marriage is “so hard” in a way that is almost cliche. How do I know if a relationship is hard because relationships are hard, or because it is a bad fit? (18:21-34:07)

How do I strike a balance of showing someone respect while being clear I am not following their advice? (34:11-48:11)

So in Luke 14 - the parable of the banquet - I feel like I mostly hear people talk about the end where the poor get invited which is great obviously. But who are the friends who make the excuses? What is up with that part of the story? (48:15-58:48)

Closing Song: Come You Who Are Thirsty (Southern Harmonic)

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It's an all-emergency episode including:

An app that lets you chat with Jesus, an archbishop who will personally keep the poor out of heaven, a lesson in prayer - Texas style, and of course...church crimes!

Closing Song:

1 Peter 3:15 (The Poolhouse Guru)

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I think I have depression, but I am also pregnant. I’m so sad and tired all the time. I know that these things don’t last forever, so do you have any words of wisdom or encouragement for this season? Thank you. (15:48-30:11)

What’s the difference between being “the servant of all” and being a people pleaser with no boundaries? (30:14-49:04)

The Bible says “do not fear” a lot. Which is great. But, how? How do I actually have less fear? (49:08-1:01:49)

Closing Song: I Know I've Been Changed (Deacons Division ft. Jeff Bryant)

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Someone recently suggested I set an alarm on my phone to remind myself to pray several times a day. That seems like it could become a superstition really quick. “Oh no, I missed the 2:00 prayer, God is gonna get me!” Is this something that can be good? (17:53-33:08)

What is the loving way to act toward my friends who are “deconstructing” or questioning their faith. I really don’t think they would appreciate me trying to convince them Christianity is actually fine. (33:15-46:24)

I don’t feel like I know if I am doing well spiritually or not. There’s not like a way to measure it, so how do I know? (46:37-59:24)

Closing Song: As I Am (Lee Younger)

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I have heard people talk about “praying for protection.” What does that mean? It seems a little “claim your blessing” to me. (16:55-30:35)

How do you be an encouragement to someone who doesn’t seem to want to be encouraged. Like, they are in the wallowing phase, but I still want to be supportive. (30:38-44:39)

I know we are not supposed to judge. But does that just mean big stuff, or am I not allowed to get annoyed at people being rude in public or disagree with their taste in movies and stuff like that? (44:43-1:00:16)

Closing Song: Cast My Cares (Jed Brewer)

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Have things gotten weirder in the last few years? Like everything always been this crazy and we’re just noticing it more now, or are things actually weirder? (17:46-28:54)

Feminism-  there is a lot shared about feminism at the moment. I wonder if views can go to extreme around this topic, where do you draw the line on the sliding scale of views? (29:04-48:17)

I was reading the parable of the sower in Mark 4 recently. It seems kind of unfair that whether or not the seed grows is beyond anyone’s control. The soil is either rocky or shallow or not. Am I missing the point? (48:22-1:00:52)

Closing Song: Greater Is He (Jed Brewer)

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It’s been a while since I have prayed. It feels weird to try to like, get back in the habit. How do I do that?  (14:42-28:00) In Luke 10, Jesus tells the disciples “whoever rejects you rejects me”. What does this mean for us today. I reject a lot of the stuff said by Christian leaders. I don’t think that means I am rejecting Jesus. (28:04-40:52) I know that negative emotions can’t lead me to change. But I do have negative feelings that are part of me wanting to change, so what do I do with them while I am working on things? (40:58-57:51)

Passage on prayer by Frederick Buechner that Jed mentioned: https://www.frederickbuechner.com/quote-of-the-day/2016/4/25/prayer

Closing Song: Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee (Eric Peters)

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What is the difference between “walking in faith” and just not thinking through decisions? (20:18-32:46) Why is there / has there been sigma in the Church around mental health? I know on paper  it isn’t different taking medication for mental health than physical health, but somehow the feelings around it don’t line up as a Christian- why the shame/ guilt around this?  Feelings of ‘failure ‘ etc? (32:51-48:27) 1.3) How do I be a good friend to people who are younger than me? I am not a mentor or anything, but there are younger people in my church that I want to be a positive person for. (48:30-1:01:56)

Closing Song: Psalm 147:3 (The Poolhouse Guru)

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1 and 2 Timothy mention having a “sincere faith.” What makes faith sincere or insincere? (15:25-23:53)

When I was younger, apologetics was this big thing. Like “how will you respond when a non-believer says XYZ?” I am trying to not see my faith that way because the debate thing seems dumb. How do I let go of that idea? (23:56-42:08)

Where do you guys go when you need inspiration? How do you let some inspire you in a healthy way? (42:12-55:25)

Closing Song: No He Wasn't (Lins Honeyman)

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I have heard some people talking recently about how pride is bad. That got me thinking- is being proud wrong. If so, what is wrong with it? (20:22-37:17)

There was a recent controversy with the Baptists making a proclamation about women not being able to be pastors. It seems wrong to me but I guess some people say “well, that’s what the Bible says”. Does the Bible say that definitively? (37:21-58:58)

We check in with the latest baseball themed marketing campaign from the He Gets Us people. (59:07-1:05:04)

Closing Song: The One (Jed Brewer)

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For…reasons, I have been thinking about whether or not it is okay to be kind of happy when someone dies. Is it, or is that just really wrong? (18:00-30:16)

I hear people talk about how going through hard things makes you stronger in that area of life. But I just feel like I am beat up in those areas. How does it make you stronger to go through something hard? (30:21-43:19)

From ill-advised TikToks to fast food meltdowns, we do a quick round up of ways Christians are being weird on the internet lately. (43:26-01:01:24)

Closing Song: Changing Me (Lee Younger)

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Is it normal to go through some times where you *aren’t* dealing with doubts or questions with your faith? Does that mean I’m not engaged? (18:56-30:07)

How do I balance keeping up with the news and not just being angry and sad all the time? (30:16-46:36)

I grew up in an environment where negative emotions were rarely talked about. How do I learn to express those feelings as an adult in a healthy way? (46:40-57:05)

Closing Song: I Am Free (Lee Younger)

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 People talk about the generation “that God is calling to XYZ” or that “will break this or that”. Does God do things through generations? Is that a thing? (16:38-30:17)

When something bad happens in my life, my first instinct is to look for a reason. Something I could have done different or how it could have been planned for. But sometimes there’s no real reason and a bad thing just happened. But I hate that so much. How do I deal with that? (30:20-43:57)

How do you talk about your thoughts on life as a person of faith with non-believing friends without sounding like you are making a sales pitch? (44:01-1:01:11)

Closing Song: I Come To You (Jed Brewer)

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How do I empathize when someone is having a hard time without joining in on their negativity in a way that is bad for me? (19:25-30:47)

I know finding a mentor is a helpful thing, What can I do until I find someone who fits that role? (30:50-42:40)

Several places in the Bible it talks about it being “the last days” back then. How does that work with us being 2000 years past “the last days”? (42:43-55:43)

Closing Song: Be Thou My Vision (Deacons Division)

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Is divorce ever the right option for a Christian couple to take? (19:26-34:05)

Yoga pants discourse is back again. What does the Bible actually say about “modesty”? (34:12-48:06)

An organization I am involved with recently had a scandal break. It’s a big organization and my local chapter wasn’t involved at all. But I still feel a little weird. How should I think about this? (48:10-1:01:14)

Closing Song: Ephesians 4:32 (The Poolhouse Guru)

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What is blasphemy? I hear it get tossed around mostly as a joke or an over the top accusation. Is it a real thing that people should worry about? (15:28-25:06)

In Mark 6, Jesus talks about being a prophet without honor is his hometown. I feel like the only thing I hear people say about this is comparing themselves or someone else to Jesus in this scenario. Is there anything this story tells us about Jesus? (25:11-36:26)

What’s the difference between feeling like God is leading you to do something and just thinking it is a good idea? (36:31-49:32)

Closing Song: You Delighted (Lee Younger)

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As much as I love making fun of churches and conservative Christian shenanigans, I also can’t help but to wonder: Why are they so vocal about same-sex stuff when there’s more damaging things in the church like anger, jealousy, abuse etc.

I’ve seen more lives being destroyed because of anger, jealousy, emotion and spiritual abuse then anything related to LGBTQ+. (18:44-36:41)

My church recently put out a response the the denomination approving of same sex unions. It was…not positive. How am I to respond about this issue? For me personally, there are sins worse than one’s sexual orientation. Even the greatest commandment Jesus gave was basically love God, love others.

And so far all the response to this issue is so farrrrrr removed from love. (36:46-54:52)

What are Titus and Philemon about? They don’t seem to come up much in church. (54:57-1:09:36)

Closing Song: Not A Judge (Jed Brewer)

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Jesus says the greatest commandment is to love God and the second is to love your neighbor. Does this mean there are times we have to choose loving God over loving people? (17:26-29:52)

There is a lot of talk about “following your passion” in things like career, but also in the church about “using your passions for the Lord”. There is lots of stuff I like but I don’t know that I really have a “passion” I want to pursue. Is that okay? Am I missing something? (29:52-45:03)

How do you balance serving others with having your own boundaries? Is the Christian thing to always go with what’s best for the other person or the way they want thing to go at the expense of what you would prefer? (45:06-58:14)

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It's an Emergency catch up. Topics include:

Adding tighty whiteys to Renaissance masterpieces

Woke Alerts

An utterly predictable "macho" megachurch pastor story

Xtreme Easter Smackdown

Forced Tithing Lawsuit

Closing Song: This Is My Father's World (Southern Harmonic)

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The fellas took Easter week off. Please enjoy some songs and an encouraging word. See you next week for the normal shenanigans.

Songs:

Break of Day (Lee Younger)

All Hail The Power of Jesus' Name (Glenn Kaiser)

So Here I Am (Jed Brewer)

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What is with the weird fixation some people seem to have on the violence of Jesus’s death? I guess it is supposed to be very moving, but people talking about in gory detail just weirds me out. Am I missing something? (18:30-34:37)

How do I identify the line between someone asking me to do something and trying to manipulate me? (34:40-46:09)

I feel like I hear the same Easter sermons and readings every year. Is there any detail or aspect of the Easter story that you particularly like? (46:15-01:00:45)

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I have heard people say that having joy is different than feeling happy, but I just don’t get what that difference is actually supposed to be.

Is there something sinful about making something happen in your life? Is that not “waiting on the Lord”?

Is it wrong to want an apology before forgiving someone? I don’t feel good about letting someone back into my life if they won’t admit what they did wrong.

Closing Song: The Old Rugged Cross (Jed Brewer)

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How are we supposed to think about things God does that would be immoral or sinful if a person did them? A commandment is “though shalt not kill” but God flooded the whole earth and sent plagues. (15:37-29:50)

A Gospel Coaltion post about why you should go to church. How bad can that be? Let's find out! https://www.instagram.com/p/CpnCj7jLSA5/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= (29:53-49:58)

When people talk about “traditional gender roles” it always weirds me out. Am I being judgmental, or is this just a preference? Does it coming up in a church context make it different? (50:02-55:31)

Closing Song: Psalm 27:10 (The Poolhouse Guru)

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Whenever I stop doing something, not even quitting necessarily, I get this guilt like I am doing something wrong. How do I get over that? (22:35-31:50)

We check in on televangelists Kenneth Copeland and Jesse Duplantis. It goes about as well as expected. (31:52-37:42)

I feel like my brain always goes to the worst possible scenario. It’s exhausting. How do I get better at not doing that? (37:46-50:45)

Closing Song: Greater Is He (Jed Brewer)

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What do you guys make of the whole “revival” thing in Kentucky? (21:31-32:16)

Submitted for the approval of the midnight society...a disgraced megachurch pastor sitting by a fire pit spouting nonsense. (32:23-40:59)

Mark 11:24 Jesus says, “whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” I know the “name it, claim it” stuff isn’t how God works…so what does that mean? (41:03-52:14)

Closing Song: Shepherd (Lee Younger)

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Sometimes, when people are talking about something they did wrong, part of explanation is “that’s not who I really am.” It feels very Christian to say that, but also if we’re all sinful…it kind of is, right? Is that an actual explanation? (18:50-34:56)

How do you know when someone is overspiritualizing something? I hear people talk very churchy or write stuff online and they way they put seems like…a lot for what they are talking about. But is that just me being judgmental? (35:08-50:12)

 So John 12:47-48 says “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day.” What does that mean - Jesus doesn’t judge me, but God does? Aren’t they the same? (50:15-59:20)

Closing Song: Micah 6:8 (The Poolhouse Guru)

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People were talking about how the Grammy’s and Super Bowl halftime show were “satanic.” Are people being serious with that? Why are people so weird about this stuff? (14:10-31:11)

Bonus thematic relevant emergency! (31:16-42:05)

https://relevantmagazine.com/current/buzzworthy/priest-who-temporarily-died-says-he-went-to-hell-and-they-play-rihannas-music-to-torture-people/

How would you define woke ? Is it a term as a Christian we should be associated with? I’ve heard different definitions and even some have suggested quite dark origins of the phrase so I’m really unsure whether it’s something I should use or relate to? Thanks! (42:10-57:34)

Closing Song: Don't Chas Shadows (Lee Younger)

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I’m just getting to the point in my life where I make enough money to have savings. How do I know how to balance saving with giving? (19:24-37:01)

The Bible says “Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness.” The idea of “believing God” struck me. Is that different from believing in God? How do I do it more? (37:04-50:02)

I have heard people talk about what “Guarding your heart” doesn’t mean (purity culture, watching secular movies, etc). But what does it actually mean? (50:05-1:01:13)

Closing Song: You Have Better (Jed Brewer)

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How do I know Im doing something wise? How do I really know when I have found wisdom to apply to my life? (17:41-32:22)

Can you guys recommend some books about theology for someone who is new to it? (32:26-48:41)

When something awful is in the news, on social media, etc. I sometimes want to just not think about it anymore. Is that okay? Like, I know these things are serious and facing the truth of things is important, but it feels like a lot sometimes. (48:45-1:03:09)

Closing Song: A Mighty Fortress (Pete Lawson)

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Once again, the emergencies are coming faster than we can deal with them. Billboards, job postings, the worst venue for an altar call, a new low in Christian parody songs, and more!

Closing Song: Amazing Grace (Glenn Kaiser)

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I have been thinking about the idea of “bearing fruit”. It seems like it’s just a Christiany way to say “be busy and accomplish a lot”. Am I missing something? (15:47-30:28)

A famous pastor recently said online that the most important thing a Christian can do is read the whole Bible repeatedly. Honestly, I get a little tired of the Bible sometimes. Is that okay? (30:32-48:21)

Romans 2:5 says that because of stubborn you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath. That sounds bad. What can I do about that? (48:24-59:09)

Closing Song: 2 Corinthians 3:17 (The Poolhouse Guru)

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Is "being intentional" really an important thing? Or is it another Christian cliche? (18:43-32:54)

I know we are not supposed to judge other people’s salvation. But there are also clearly people who claim the title of “Christian” who don’t line up with the teachings of Jesus at all. What are we supposed to do with that? (32:57-46:31)

Sometimes in the gospels, when Jesus heals someone, He tells them to tell people- like their village or the temple officials. Other times He tells them to keep it a secret. I can’t see a pattern in why it is one or the other. What is going on here? (46:36-57:38)

Closing Song: No One Like You (Lee Younger)

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People say the new year is a good time for a fresh start. That sounds good to me, but I don’t really know how to do it. (17:13-31:17)

2022 was a rough year, and it took a lot of me. How do I actually make 2023 better? (31:21-41:21)

How can I healthily manage stress? Just reminding myself “God’s got this” has not really lead to much peace. (41:26-56:31)

Closing Song: I Am New (Jed Brewer)

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We take a look at a megachurch Christmas program that brings together the Grinch and Thriller, the most misguided LinkedIn message of the year and all the other wackiness that Christian culture had to offer in 2022.

Closing Song: Always, Always, Always (Jed Brewer)

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I did something that would hurt my partner if they found out, And I don’t know how they would react. I feel guilty not telling them. What should I do? (18:58-38:04)

People talk a lot about not taking Christmas seriously enough. I get that it isn’t about commercialization, but how “serious” am I supposed to be being here? (38:07-54:56)

There was so much talk about the “Proverbs 31 woman” in purity culture stuff. It’s hard to look at that chapter without all that stuff on it. What does it really mean? (54:59-1:06:42)

Closing Song: O Holy Night (The Poolhouse Guru)

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This week, Matt read an article about "Secular Calvinists" and, since he has to know that's a thing, now so do you! (00:10-17:45)

I don’t know how I feel about Christmas. Growing up it wasn’t my favorite time and it hasn’t gotten better. I see that there could be a lot of positive stuff about the holiday, but I can’t seem to connect to it. Is there a way to reset my Christmas feelings? (18:01-33:06)

How do you support and love someone who is going through a hard time but is clearly not ready to make any big changes? I love them and they aren’t like being hostile to me, they just aren’t done with whatever phase they are in yet. (33:10-45:39)

In 1 John 3:1- it says “The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”  Does that still apply when Christianity has been the biggest world religion for 2,000 years? (45:42-55:10)

Closing Song: What Child Is This? (Jed Brewer)

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When someone reappears after a scandal and there is a backlash, it seems like people talk about how there is “unforgiveness” or “lack of grace because people are mad. If someone behaved in a way that hurt someone else- can I even forgive them. Am I under some requirement to forgive public figures because I am Christian? (21:53-39:08)

What responsibility do I have to call out prejudice when I see it. If I see someone I know post something online, can I just block them, or should send a message to point out there error first? It feels like people are getting comfortable throwing stuff out there lately. (39:12-54:43)

Special bonus emergency!  A truly bonkers Christmas service: https://twitter.com/reachjulieroys/status/1599068764674265089?s=20&t=EAP6VjnFQvHtBZuB0WWBJw (54:49-1:04:34)

Closing Song: I Heard The Bells (Lee Younger)

As a spouse in such a situation, how can you support the partner that has lost interest in sex? I am discouraged, but I don’t want to pressure them either. (21:08-40:08)

I have different political views than my parents. I know that, they know that. It’s whatever. The part that drives me crazy is not them disagreeing with me or thinking I’m wrong, it’s when they imply or flat out say that I only believe what I do because I was brainwashed or that “I’ll figure it out when I’m older”. I don’t know why, but that really bothers me and I don’t know how to say anything or if I even should. Help? (40:42-57:45)

I was reading the part of the gospels with John the Baptist recently. I don’t really know what I’m supposed to take from it. I get that he prepared the way for Jesus and was important. But I don’t know what I am supposed to do with any of this? (57:48-1:08:46)

Closing Song: Angels We Have Heard On High (The Poohouse Guru)

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Let's all give thanks for an all emergency episode!

We come up with a new, groundbreaking technique for dealing with opinionated relatives at Thanksgiving. Then we take a tour of Christian insanity- Pastors challenging comedians to boxing matches and getting served lawsuits in the pulpit, a Christian college is suspicious of evil secular music genre...bluegrass, a video game where you play as Jesus that is even crazier than it sounds. And more!

Closing Song: Take My Life and Let It Be (Lee Younger)

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Is there a difference between judging someone and wanting them to do better? (34:28-44:56) Recent…celebrity craziness had me thinking about whether I can still enjoy someone’s music if I know they believe awful things. Does that apply to Christian stuff even more so? If someone ends up involved in scandal, or leaving the faith, how do we treat their work? (45:00-01:01:48)

Closing Song: No He Wasn't (ft Lins Honeyman)

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Closing Song: You've Made Up Your Mind (Jed Brewer)

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Hebrews 4:1 says to be careful not to “be found to have fallen short”. But Romans pretty famously says all have fallen short and it doesn’t matter. What does this mean? (19:18-33:26)

I always feel like I am letting someone down. When I was little it was my parents. Sometimes it has been God. But sometimes I don’t even know who, just someone out there. How do I deal with that? (33:35-50:31)

How do I know if a part of my life is bearing fruit? Some things take time, and some things don’t always look amazing, but does that mean they’re not bearing fruit? (50:36-1:05:51)

Closing Song: It Is Well (Pete and Tasha Lawson)

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How do you know when a situation (not a relationship, but like a job or school thing) being rough means it’s time to make a change versus when it’s time to push through? (19:50-34:27)

2 Thessalonians 4:10 “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” Gets brought up a lot to justify political stuff. I feel like it’s not a very Jesusy sentiment. What does it mean? (34:27-50:00)

I was recently talking with a friend and they mentioned “see you at the pole”, I joked about how it was so weird that it was a Christian fad to do something pretty much the opposite of what Jesus taught about prayer. He had never realized it was weird. He agreed once it was pointed out. I didn’t know how to have that conversation. How do you talk to someone about crazy Christian stuff from their past, not your own? (50:06-1:01:51)

Closing Song: 2 Corinthians 3:17 (The Poolhouse Guru)

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I have some people in my life that I feel like I have forgiven. But I also don’t particularly want to have a relationship with them or even necessarily see them again. Is that good enough, or do I have to keep trying to engage with them? (28:49-39:01)

What’s a piece of advice you wish someone gave you 10 years ago? (39:08-47:48)

When I have heard the fruits of the spirit talked about, they all kind of get lumped in. But there are different things listed for a reason right? What’s the difference between kindness and gentleness? (47:53-56:32)

Closing Song: Child of Wandering Will (Lee Younger)

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Is there a healthy way to be proud of myself. I feel like the Christian messages about pride being bad and humility have made me feel like I’m not allowed to feel good about myself when I succeed. (19:33-29:52)

Colossians 3:12 talks about how we are to behave as “God’s chosen people”. What does that mean? When I hear people talk like that, it always sets off red flags that they are saying Christians are better than other people. (29:56-39:09)

I have been having what I can only describe as existential dread lately. There is this blanket of “is this all there is?” Kind of around everything. What can I do to deal with this? (39:14-51:39)

Closing Song: Oh The Deep Deep Love of Jesus (Lee Younger)

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I was recently reading about how it is not a healthy thing to take on other people’s emotions in a situation. But I know empathy is important. Where is the line? (19:21-35:12)

What place should anger have in a Christian’s life? I never felt like I was allowed to express anger growing up because it wasn’t nice. I know Jesus expressed anger, but I don’t hear that elaborated on ever. There’s so much to reasonably be angry about, but being mad all the time doesn’t feel good. (35:14-51:18)

We discuss this article about churches using "shameware" apps-  https://www.wired.com/story/covenant-eyes-anti-porn-accountability-monitoring-apps/ (51:29-1:05:42)

Closing Song: Cast My Cares (Jed Brewer)

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I recently heard about the Billy Graham rule. I can see why it might make sense, but is also seems like really legalistic and maybe sexist? Is it a good idea? (22:37-42:50) There are some situations where I know someone probably isn’t going to take my advice or change their behavior, but I still feel like I need to say something to have said it. Is that selfish of me? Is that healthy? (42:54-53:25) The whole “quiet quitting” thing got me thinking, is there a healthy way to set levels for effort of when I am volunteering? It feels like the people in charge will always take more, so I have to draw the line. But I feel bad sometimes. (53:33-1:10:28)

Closing Song: Weary (The Bridge Loud)

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What do you guys make of the Matt Chandler thing? It doesn’t seem as extreme as other church scandals, but it still feels like it's part of a pattern. (21:30-42:42) I am getting tired of having to be “the bigger person” in some situations. Is that an okay thing to feel? What do I do with that feeling? (42:47-53:41) I was reading Mark 11:27-33. Jesus refuses to say on whose authority He was doing the things He was doing. That’s really weird to me. Why not just say God’s authority? What’s going on in this passage? (53:46-1:05:57)

Closing Song: You Tell Me (Jed Brewer)

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What does Luke 12:9 mean? (But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God.) I feel like I only heard this talked about in dramatic voice of the martyrs scenarios meant to scare me into being more committed. (25:19-40:47)

How do I deal with setbacks? When I start something new, I am very excited, but when I hit a problem, it can really take the wind out of me. (40:52-54:19)

Closing Song: Come Thou Fount (Pete and Tasha Lawson)

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Some older Christians like to talk about the end of times and how soon Christ will come back, but the way they talk about it doesn’t sound like a good thing. How concerned should I be about stuff like that? (16:29-33:51)

A friend of mine talks a lot about demons and angels and the spiritual realm, and it all sounds kind of scary to me. Do I need to be hyper aware of stuff like that? (33:59-48:19)

We discuss the work and impact on our lives of recently passed author Frederick Buechner. (48:31-1:09:42)

Closing Song: Micah 6:8 (The Poolhouse Guru)

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Jed chats with best-selling author Chris Bolinger (27:44-48:01)

1 John 3:21 says “Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God” What does it mean for my heart to condemn me? Is that different than guilt or conviction? (48:24-56:43)

Closing Song: Jesus Is On The Main Line (Lee Younger)

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I'm working on being more patient. Is there a healthy way to be impatient in the meantime? (40:17-47:50)

Bonus Emergency! An email from Focus on the Family

Closing Song: Child of Wandering Will (Lee Younger)

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How can I be a wise person without turning into a cynical person? (35:25- 52:15)

I recently heard a message from 2 Corinthians 4:6 about being a light in darkness. While everything they said was fine, it seemed to boil down to either “be positive” or “be Christian in public”. Is there more to being a light in darkness than that? (52:20-1:06:44)

Closing Song: Galatians 6:9 (The Poolhouse Guru)

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We talk horrible VBS themes, bad prophets, Bible reading as a magical spell, thrift store demons, after the rapture pet care, and more!

Closing Song: So Here I Am (Jed Brewer)

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I’m getting really discouraged by how just openly mean I see a lot of Christians being. On tv, on social media, in real life- being homophobic, transphobic, misogynistic. It really bothers me people who act like that ascribe to the same beliefs that I do. How do I think about this? (27:42-44:07)

James 4:3 says “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” I feel like that verse gets used to bash people for wanting stuff. But doesn’t Jesus talk about how God gives like a good father, and gives even when we don’t know what to ask for? What does this verse mean? (44:11-  )

Closing Song: We Will Rise (Lee Younger)

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Can spiritual things be stored or felt through physical things, or songs? Like the way you feel when you enter a room where people have been praying, or for example if an instrumental song has been recorded with occult connotations. Or are connotations only what we ascribe to them? (34:37-54:56)

I’ve made a lot of positive changes, but I feel like some people- my family especially- still only sees me as the old me. That’s really frustrating and I don’t know what I can do. (55:00-1:05:28)

Closing Song: Love Lifted Me (The Bridge Loud)

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We will be back next week with your questions and the usual wackiness.

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I feel like decisions at my church are all made by committee. But not like, a defined committee, just kind of waiting for group consensus. This seems really inefficient to me. Am I wrong to not like this? Can I bring it up and try to fix it? (39:11-49:11)

I am going to a new church. I really like it. It is very welcoming and accepting, which is different than the church I grew up in. I am nervous to talk to my family about it. They aren’t like super-conservative, but I’m worried they will feel like I am rejecting something about them. Does that make sense? How do I prepare for that conversation? (49:15-1:02:45)

Closing Song: Come Thou Fount (Southern Harmonic)

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I hear people talk about how they “discovered their gifts”. I don’t know what that means really. How do you discover something you’re good at? What makes something a “gift”? (39:27-53:38)

I know being humble is good. But there are times (like at work) when I need to advocate for myself and talk up my competence and accomplishments. Is there a time and place for not-humility? (53:42-1:07:25)

Closing Song: You Have Better (Jed Brewer)

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When someone (ie. Family) has hurt me, I put a lot of thought into trying to figure out why they acted the way they did. But I often find the answers don’t satisfy me, because they still did the hurtful thing. Is it useful to try to figure out the “whys”, or better to just focus on the “whats”? (32:01-44:26)

In Romans 9:1, it says “my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit”. How does our conscience relate to the Holy Spirit? (44:32-56:32)

Closing Song: All Hail The Power of Jesus' Name (Glenn Kaiser)

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With the SBC abuse scandal joining the Hillsong one and all the others, is there anything to learn from this? What can an individual do to help stop this from happening in the future? (39:24-55:32)

God doesn’t have needs because He is perfect, right? So why does He care if we worship Him? (55:37-1:06:26)

Closing Song: Be Thou My Vision (Deacons Division)

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I recently joined a board at my church. I don't really feel like I know how it works or if I am contributing. (28:57-44:56)

How do I acknowledge the mistakes I have made without slipping into letting my mistakes define me? (44:49-55:41)

Closing Song: I Need Thee Every Hour (Lee Younger)

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How do I follow Jesus’ command in Matthew 18:21 without allowing myself to be subject to other people’s abuse again and again. (23:58-39:48)

1 John 3:8 sounds quite harsh. And  lays the groundwork for legalistic tendencies, so how do I relate to it? What's the context? (39:52-52:59)

How do I not lose hope when it seems like everything really keeps getting worse? (53:06-1:05:18)

Closing Song: 7 Times 70 (Jed Brewer)

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How can I make my faith less academic? (30:06-46:58)

What is the limit on showing grace for other people? Having infinite "undeserved favor" seems unhealthy in some situations. (47:01-58:19)

Closing Song: Deuteronomy 31:6 (The Poolhouse Guru)

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Cheerwine Holy War

religious demons

Kenny G summoning Satan

The sin of hide and seek

Then we answer a question about what place the megachurch has and should have in the future in the light of recent scandals and long term issues. (Begins at 36:46)

Closing Song: Oh How He Loves Me

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Getting through the pandemic mostly unscathed has given me a kind of guilt. How do I deal with that? (33:19-44:40)

James 1:13 says God doesn't tempt anyone. But I alway learned He lets us be tempted to test us. Which is it? (44:43-55:42)

Closing Song: Always, Always, Always (Jed Brewer)

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When looking for a therapist what are the pros and cons of a Christian counselor? (37:13-49:32)

People online are debating "modesty" again. Is that even in the Bible? Do I have to care? (49:37-1:04:41)

Closing Song: Be Thou My Vision

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This week: A horrifying gigantic plush Jesus, Biblical podcasters, we uncover a very Gospel Coalition hazing ritual, and we discuss the God figure hidden in plain sight in a Disney classic.

Closing Song: Greater Is He (Jed Brewer)

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How do I know when God is telling me to be patient versus times when I am just scared to take a next step? (29:40-41:20)

I am a recovering people pleaser and it caused a lot of problems in my life. How do I be a servant without being a people pleaser? (41:26-55:57)

Closing Song: Break Of Day (Lee Younger)

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In Luke 7, Jesus raises a widow's son. But what about all the people whose loved ones He didn't do that for? What is this story supposed to tell us? (28:27-40:04)

There are areas of my life where I am not really even trying to improve right now. Is that okay? (40:07-52:58)

Closing Song: Take My Life and Let It Be (Lee Younger)

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My partner and I are having a baby. How do we tell our relatives "this is not about you"? (31:52-44:00)

What do you guys make of the recent Christianity Today scandal? (44:03-1:00:04)

Closing Song: Psalm 24:1 (The Poolhouse Guru)

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I made a lot of progress in an area of my life. Is it weird or wrong that I just feel exhausted at the idea of having to put effort into the next thing I want to improve? (30:28-43:29)

I have been thinking about the apocalypse a lot lately because...well, you know. How are we supposed to think about or deal with that idea? (43:32-56:00)

Closing Song: No He Wasn't (The Bridge Loud ft Lins Honeyman)

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How do I navigate "eating the meat and spitting out the bones" with Christian stuff? (31:48-47:18)

How can I deal with well-meaning but nosy family members? (47:22-1:05:12)

Closing Song: Micah 6:8 (The Poolhouse Guru)

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What does Philippians 2:14 "do all things without arguing or complaining" actually mean for us? (28:36-48:08)

I hear people talk about an epiphany or a spiritual awakening. Is there a way to prepare for one of those? (48:12-1:03:22)

Closing Song: Never Alone (Pete and Tasha Lawson)

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I feel like my mind dwells on things that make me angry or unhappy. How can I stop? (30:19-43:17)

What's the deal with Jesus casting demons out of people? Does that teach us anything? (43:20-58:27)

Closing Song: I Am Free (Lee Younger)

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Closing Song: Old Rugged Cross (Jed Brewer)

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How do I have boundaries with someone who has leverage over me? (29:56-47:37)

Jesus said to love God with all your heart and soul and mind and strength. How can I do that? It seems impossible. (47:41-1:01:54)

Closing Song: Matthew 22:37 (The Poolhouse Guru)

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What do you guys make of the recent spate of book banning in US school systems? (35:11-54:28)

It seems like some people actively work to be unhappy. Why do they do that? How can I make sure I don't? (54:33-1:12:53)

Closing Song: Oh the Deep Deep Love of Jesus (Lee Younger)

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I am terrified to talk to God. Help? (37:39-52:58)

How can I stop thinking about negative things from my past and get some peace? (53:04-1:09:32)

Closing Song: Psalm 34:18 (The Poolhouse Guru)

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How should I think about and deal with personal, individual ethical concerns? (30:35-45:36)

Any tips for loving people who are just kind of tough to love? (45:41-57:34)

Closing Song: No He Wasn't (The Bridge Loud ft Lins Honeyman)

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I struggle with my mental health. Should I consider having kids? (26:26-35:27)

Jesus said "in this world you will have trouble" but also to have peace. How do I have peace when I know things won't be peaceful? (35:32-44:44)

Closing Song: Greater Is He (Jed Brewer)

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Where is the difference between God speaking through circumstances and me just looking for things to reinforce what I want? (28:09-43:42)

What can I do to be kinder to myself?  (43:46-56:54)

Closing Song: You Have Better (Jed Brewer)

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How do I have a healthy relationship with having goals? (28:31-42:48)

Where do I draw the line between actively making plans and leaving room for things to happen? (42:51-56:14)

Closing Song: Take My Life and Let It Be (Lee Younger)

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I forgave someone, but I still don't like being around them. Does that mean I didn't really forgive? (33:04-46:59)

How do I not lose my mind and give into discouragement if there is another covid wave? (47:09-1:01:10)

Closing Song: God Don't Let Me Quit (Jed Brewer)

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Why does it seem like I encounter more problems when I am doing well? (28:36-44:16)

I feel like I know the Christmas story so well it kind of gets stale. Do any particular angles excite or engage you guys? (44:21-58:57)

Closing Song: Away in a Manger (The Bridge Loud ft Lins Honeyman)

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I like fun Christmasy stuff and I feel like there is judgment about that because it's "superficial" and not "the real meaning". Is there anything to that? (30:29-49:22)

I was recently the recipient of unsolicited commentary on my life. The person was trying to be encouraging, but it still made me uncomfortable because no one asked them. How should I handle this? (49:36-1:05:59)

Closing Song: I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day (Lee Younger)

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Jeremiah 17:10 says the Lord will "reward each person according to their conduct". Since we are saved by faith, what does that mean? (33:39-50:16)

I have chronic health problems. What does God want me to do about my health? (50:20- 1:04:33)

Closing Song: O Come O Come Emmanuel (The Bridge Loud)

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I went to family Thanksgiving and my family acted up. Now what? (30:28-43:21)

What does Jesus mean when He says He will make Peter a "fisher of men"? (43:24-55:32)

Closing Song: Away In A Manger (The Bridge Loud ft Lins Honeyman)

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I have a friend who is being dishonest with themselves. Should I say anything? (28:05-41:49)

There is a bible study I decided to leave because I didn't like some things that were going on. I kinda like I am being judgmental. How do I draw these lines for myself? (41:52-55:31)

Closing Song: Always, Always, Always (Jed Brewer)

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People say God wants me to let go of guilt and shame, but how do I actually do that? (31:44-48:18)

Jesus said to love your enemies. So what about all the places in the Psalms where David is wishing harm to his enemies? (48:25-59:05)

Closing Song: This Is My Father's World (Southern Harmonic)

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Is it wrong that sometimes I read things that are in the Bible, and they just don't seem that important to me? (27:06-41:37)

In Matthew 4:21, Jesus talks about being a lamp on a stand. What does that mean? (41:41-54:46)

Closing Song: Micah 6:8 (The Poolhouse Guru)

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How can I not let fear affect my decision making? (31:59-47:39)

What can I do to become a better encourager? (47:46-1:04:52)

Closing Song: Love Lifted Me (The Bridge Loud)

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My life looks very different then I thought it would. Even though it's great, that still sometimes makes me feel like I'm missing something. (31:00-46:29)

What does Philippians 2:14-15 really mean? I feel like that verse just gets used to make kids shut up. (46:32-1:04:07)

Closing Song: Already There (Jed Brewer)

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What can I do to stay sane in situations where things are just going to take time? (33:48-49:35)

I've made big changes in my life. How do I know what parts of my old identity to keep or get rid of? (49:38-1:06:26)

Closing Song: A Mighty Fortress (Lawson)

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How can God help me rebuild relationships where I have hurt people in my past? (27:15-39:01)

In 2 Thessalonians 3, what does it mean when it talks about "idleness"? (39:05-53:20)

Closing Song: Magnify The Lord (Lee Younger)

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I was told I need to have more confidence. But how do I actually get more confidence? (27:50-40:51)

How do you effectively regulate stress without going into denial? (40:56-55:25)

Closing Song: It Is Well (Pete and Tasha Lawson)

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How do I know if what I am feeling about my job is just post-pandemic adjustment or God telling me to make a change? (31:43-45:17)

John 14:15 says “if you love me, you will keep my commandments." But what does that mean?

Closing Song: Deuteronomy 31:6 (The Poolhouse Guru)

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I am conflicted about the latest Texas abortion bill. Am I obligated to support it because I am a Christian? (32:22-53:11)

I feel like I have a hard time concentrating when I pray. How do I get better at it? (53:15-1:05:18)

Closing Song: I Need Thee Every Hour (Lee Younger)

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I've people say all sin is sin against God, but it seems to me that Christians often use that as an excuse to get out of apologizing to people they hurt. Am I wrong about this? (35:21-48:44)

How do I stop rejoicing when bad things happen to people that I kind of think deserve it because of their actions? (48:52-1:01:55)

Closing Song: The Easy Part Is Hard (Jed Brewer)

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Any tips on letting go of bitterness from an old family wound? (25:06-38:25)

What does Psalm 18:25-26 mean when it talks about being "blameless" and "pure"? (38:30-52:31)

Closing Song: 4 Good Reasons (The Bridge House Band)

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In John 5, Jesus tells a man He healed, “Stop sinning, or something worse may happen to you.” What does that mean? (28:53-44:23)

I am feeling a lot of fear around the COVID resurgence. How can I deal with it? (44:34-57:24)

Closing Song: Bigger Than My Fears (Jed Brewer)

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What does the Bible say about refugees? (32:14-48:33)

I have gone to therapy and learned a lot. But I don't know how I can apply these things without going back in time to not screw things up. What can I do now? (48:36-1:02:20)

Closing Song: Power In The Blood (The Bridge Loud)

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I've heard God has a plan for my life. How do I know what that is? (32:18-42:55)

I recently heard someone preaching on Matthew 6:14 and they made it sound like if you don't forgive other people then God won't forgive you. Is that right? (43:00-56:00)

Closing Song: You're Thoughts Are Not My Thoughts (Jed Brewer) 

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With the latest scandal coming out about Hillsong's founder- what do I do with the way the positive associations and memories I have with some Hillsong songs? (35:20-52:38)

How do I actually "leave it up to God"? (52:42-1:05:31)

Closing Song: Philippians 4:6 (The Poolhouse Guru ft Jeremy Nicholls)

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I've made a lot of positive changes in my life. Now I am stressed by having so many good things going on. How do I deal with the stress of positive things? (28:52-41:41)

What was the deal with the Sabbath in Jesus's time? The religious leaders seemed to take it extremely seriously. Why was it such a point of tension? (41:45-1:02:18)

Closing Song: Jesus Is On The Main Line (Lee Younger)

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People got really mad at the "Modest is Hottest" thing, which I understand. But I like to dress modestly, is there something inherently wrong with that? (31:56-47:43)

I want to get married ASAP, and my partner wants to wait a year and have a big wedding. How do we navigate that difference? (47:45-1:08:03)

Closing Song: Be Thou My Vision (The Deacons Division)

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Article referenced in the Emergency: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/25/us/facebook-church.html

Is it wrong that Philippians 4:13 and the way people use it kind of annoys me? (33:30-46:14)

How do I balance having confidence with being humble? (46:19-59:56)

Closing Song: Romans 12:15 (The Poolhouse Guru)

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Psalm 37:1 makes it sound like we are not supposed to do anything when evil is happening. I can't be reading that right can I? (34:45-45:58)

I am in a situation where I feel a lot of anger- at the other person, at God, at myself. How do I process that? (46:02-58:26)

Closing Song: My Good Is Knowing You (Jed Brewer)

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I feel like a spent a lot of time being lost. I hear about this "new me". When does it actually arrive? (29:36-40:57)

I thought when we came out of lockdown, I would be so excited. But I find myself feeling blah about lots of stuff. What is going on? (41:05-53:40)

Closing Song: You're Calling Me (Lee Younger)

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Get The Book!

https://www.amazon.com/Designed-Heal-Repairing-Relationships-Restoring/dp/1496447794

https://www.tyndale.com/p/designed-to-heal/9781496447791

https://bookshop.org/books/designed-to-heal-what-the-body-shows-us-about-healing-wounds-repairing-relationships-and-restoring-community/9781496447791

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How do I get out of the cycle of beating up on myself for mistakes I've made? (28:33-42:56)

What are prophets? I see pastors and people giving themselves that title and it seems weird. (43:04-57:51)

Closing Song: No He Wasn't (Lins Honeyman)

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Matt talks to Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra, Senior writer at The Gospel Coalition and coauthor of Gospelbound about the stories in her new book, where the American church goes from here, and dealing with deconstruction. (28:22-42:48)

The Bible says Jesus went through all the things we go through. Does that mean He was ever unsure about His purpose? (43:09-57:38)

Closing Song: 1 John 4:19 (The Poolhouse Guru)

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Someone told me I have a fear of success. What does that mean and what would I do about it? (30:47-45:58)

Philippians 1:27 says to "conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." So, how do I do that? (46:03-59:42)

Closing Song: Oh The Deep Deep Love of Jesus (Lee Younger)

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The action figure described in emergency:

https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10209022821527431&type=3

Matt talks to Ben Kirby of instagram sensation PreachersNSneakers about his new book looking at Christian celebrity pastor culture. (25:25-44:11)

I met someone I like, but we have very religious beliefs. Should I end things before we get too attached? (44:37-59:59)

Closing Song: Always, Always, Always (Jed Brewer)

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Get the book- PreachersNSneakers: Authenticity in an Age of For-Profit Faith and (Wannabe) Celebrities: https://preachersnsneakers.com/

Check PreachersNSneakers out on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preachersnsneakers/

There are a lot of rules in my life. How do I deal with my impatience for a time when I can really get to live my life? (29:47-44:25)

I have been reading about gnostic gospels and how the people who chose the biblical canon intentionally reduced women's voices. That resonated with my experiences of misogyny in church. Is there anything to it? (44:30-1:05:12)

Closing Song: Everlasting (Deacons Division)

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I left the faith I grew up in and have encountered some ideas and experiences that freak me out since. I don't know what to think. (29:36-46:21)

I made changes and life got better. But now I need to make another set of changes and I am worried that will unsettle my life. How do I know which changes are good? (46:24-1:00:28)

Closing Song: Jesus Loves Me (The Bridge Loud ft Harley Smalley)

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Cross Over Q on Apple Podcasts

Cross Over Q on Spotify

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Matt talks with Vicar Derek Kubilus from the Cross Over Q podcast about QAnon, its effects on christian communities, and how Christians and church leaders can help people caught up in it. (33:23-48:00)

I have big dreams and thinking about them brings me joy, but I am worried that they might be bad for me or ungodly. How do I know what's going on? (48:57-1:03:44)

Closing Song: Come Ye Disconsolate (Eric Peters)

Cross Over Q on Apple Podcasts

Cross Over Q on Spotify

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I recently heard someone say the church should reject Critical Race Theory because it is "divisive". What do you guys think? (17:23-33:34)

In 1 Peter 5, it talks about suffering. But Christians seem to glorify and wallow in suffering. How should we see suffering? (33:38-50:04)

We discuss the article- Four Defining Moments for Young Marriages (50:13-1:07:13)

Closing Song: Just As I Am (The Bridge Loud)

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You guys talk about not owing anyone an argument. Is there a caveat in there for calling people out for acting like jerks? (30:20-49:22)

When someone turns down my help or advice I feel worthless. How do I process that? (49:27-1:03:56)

Closing Song: Micah 6:8 (The Poolhouse Guru)

Bible Florida Man Stories: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/mqq25v/what_bible_story_would_qualify_as_a_florida_man/

I am struggling with loneliness. How can I deal with this? (30:42-45:37)

I have a problem with anger. I don't realize I am angry until it's too far along. What can I do? (45:47-1:04:52)

Closing Song: It Is Well (Pete and Tasha Lawson)

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Yahoo Finance Article about $300 Bible

I want a divorce. I know I shouldn't want that, but I do. What do I do? (31:46-54:13)

How do I keep patience going? (54:16-1:08:36)

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Every morning I wake up and am immediately mad at the world. What does God want me to do? (32:01-49:50)

As the world starts to reopen, how should we pace ourselves with social engagements and deal with things like a desire to cancel plans? (49:54-1:05:52)

Closing Song: I Must Tell Jesus

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The Gunslinger Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVkJ4GRzyV0

A lot of people are linking the Atlanta area shooter to purity culture. I grew up in that type of environment and it is kind of freaking me out. What's your take on that? (32:16-50:28)

I recently joined my church's council, but I feel like I am having trouble getting used to how it works. Any tips? (50:31-1:11:39)

Closing Song: Old Rugged Cross (Jed Brewer)

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Links to things we discuss in the Emergency:

Tomb Toy-Filled Easter Eggs

Governor Noem's Tweet

Air CFAS

I got a new job and am having a lot of anxiety about proving myself to new people. Any advice? (29:56-48:29)

I really don't like change. How can I better with it? (48:33-1:02:36)

Closing Song: Fatherless (The Bridge Loud ft Lins Honeyman)

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What are Christians supposed to make of "cancel culture"? (31:50-53:02)

I feel like the last year has messed with my idea of joy, how do I reset it? (53:07-1:11:14)

Closing Song: Though The Mountains (The Yearwoods)

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Why do I have trouble concentrating when I pray? (31:12-46:36)

I have a friend who has experienced trauma around church and religion. How do I speak about my faith with them without hurting them? (46:40-1:01:48)

Closing Song: Everlasting (Deacons Division)

The picture we discuss in the emergency:

https://twitter.com/mattkinger/status/1369436223538888706?s=20

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A relative created a situation that got me in trouble with my landlord, now the whole thing is a big mess. How do I deal with all the freak out this is causing me? (31:24-49:34)

How to you proceed when you mean well but still fall short? (49:39-1:04:06)

Closing Song: Deuteronomy 31:6 (The Poolhouse Guru) 

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My boyfriend isn't gentle with me, and that bothers me. Is it a big problem? (27:52-43:46)

What does 2 Thessalonians 1:11 mean "make you worthy of his calling"? (42:50-57:50)

Closing Song: He Giveth More Grace (Lee Younger)

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I feel like every time my life gets better, I mess it up. How does got want me to handle this? (27:11-38:08)

What are Christians supposed to do about friends and family who believe in QAnon? (38:13-1:00:00)

Closing Song: Four Good Reasons (Jed Brewer)

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How can you make or maintain friendships with people you don't see regularly? (32:22-46:10)

The Bible says I am "free" from sin. But I am going to be always be a sinner. So what does that mean? (46:15-1:01:58)

Closing Song: I Am Free (Lee Younger)

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How do you make and maintain friendships when there is regular context (church, school, etc) to meet up? (38:19-53:11)

I know someone who is going back and forth in life. I want to be there for them, but I also get mad at them. How does God want me to handle this? (53:16-1:07:21)

Closing Song: Rooted (Kyle Sigmon)

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I have tried to keep my politics and faith separate, but that seems to be getting harder. What interaction should politics and faith have? (30:02-51:11)

Why does Jesus call the disciples "you of little faith"? (51:15-1:09:28)

Closing Song: Before The Throne (Fire Down)

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I have been learning about church history and how much conflict and division there has been. What does that mean for us today? (33:35-54:13)

How do keep going when the abyss seems to be closing in? (54:19-1:12:47)

Closing Song: Little Light (Deacons Division)

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Why is that when you start doing well, some people start acting weird toward you? (32:53-48:05)

I've never read the Old Testament for myself, where is a good place to start? (48:09-1:08:05)

Closing Song: Greater Is He (Jed Brewer)

*Note- this episode was recorded on Jan 3rd 2021, before the attempted coup at the US Capitol*

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How do I set goals for a new year when everything is so uncertain? (33:31-49:31)

What does Hebrews 12 mean when it says we should "endure hardship as discipline"? (49:35-1:05:07)

Closing Song: God Don't (Lee Younger)

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We talk to author Jack Eason about his book The Loneliness Solution". (33:51-45:36)

2020 has sucked. How can I muster some positivity and hope for 2021? (46:04-1:00:43)

Closing Song: All Hail The Power Of Jesus' Name (Glenn Kaiser)

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I am having a tough time getting in the Christmas spirit in 2020. Any tips? (35:14-48:58)

I know it's the season of giving, but how do I deal with feeling like I don't have anything to give? (49:02-1:02:15)

Closing Song: O Come O Come Emmanuel (The Bridge Loud)

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A friend of mine gets mad when I and other friends can't give him money or help. Am I being manipulated and what should I do? (31:31-51:47)

My spouse and I had a tough conversation and are thinking of going to counseling. Is that the right call? (51:50-1:12:17)

Closing Song: Joy To The World (The Bridge Loud)

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Between the pandemic and winter, my boyfriend and I are running out of date ideas. How can we spend time together without temptation getting out of control? (38:03-55:25)

Do we know why Jesus came when he did? What do you guys think? (55:30-1:10:24)

Closing Song: O Holy Night (The Poolhouse Guru)

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How does God want me to deal with the fear in my life? (35:12-50:02)

Sometimes I get to the end of the day and just want to give up. What should I do about that? (50:06-1:07:40)

Closing Song: 8-Bit SayThat theme (Superfan Tommy)

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A relative of mine recently came out as trans. I want to support and celebrate them, is that okay? (26:22-48:08)

How do I know if cutting off a toxic parent is a good idea? (48:12-1:04:48)

Closing Song: Thank Harder

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There are some family friends I really don't want to have to see over the holidays, how do I talk to my parents about that? (32:18-47:52)

I just started a new job and developed a little crush on a coworker. I am married. I feel really guilty. What do I do? (47:59-1:06:02)

Closing Song: Till I Found You (BxB and Galvin Patrick)

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What is discipleship and how do you do it? (33:15-55:51)

Does forgiveness have to come with reconciliation? (55:58-1:19:54)

Closing Song: All Of Us Cannot Fail (Ashen Sandaru)

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A Legalism Follow-up- If grace is free, then what is the point of the Law? (33:27-57:50)

I cut a toxic friend out of my life recently. I still have a lot of things I am angry and hurt about. How do deal with these feelings? (57:56-1:17:00)

Closing Song: Dialogue (Ezekiel Walker)

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How do I explain sin without sounding judgmental and guilting? (34:05-55:18)

In John 12, a woman pours expensive perfume on Jesus's feet. The disciples say she should have spent the money feeding poor people instead. Why does Jesus side with her? (55:23-1:17:39)

Closing Song: I Am New (Jed Brewer)

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I started following the Lord recently, but I am afraid I don't have enough faith for this. (31:55-45:06)

What does it mean to actually take things one day at a time? (45:10-1:04:48)

Closing Song: Just As I Am (The Bridge Loud)

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What do I do when the things I want are still a long way off? (33:04-50:54)

*featuring a bonus answer by Shotts prison chaplain Dorothy Russell

I know I need to make healthier choices, but where do I start? (50:58-1:07:23)

Closing Song: Jesus Is On The Mainline (Lee Younger)

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Sometimes after Jesus healed someone, He told them not to tell anyone. Why is that? (34:27-51:51)

What is something God is teaching you during the Covid season? (51:56-1:07:34)

Closing Song: Help Me To Wait (Jed Brewer)

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1 Kings 15, the Bible indicates that leaders made their people sin. Can that still happen? (34:51-1:00:23)

How do I encourage people when the world is so crazy without seeming fake? (1:00:27-1:18:00)

Closing Song: Joshua 1:9 (Jed Brewer)

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How is a Christian supposed to handle temptation? I feel like I have failed before I start. (34:39-51:59)

I started seeing a guy who says he is Christian, but shows no interest in going to church. Am I being too judgmental? (52:05-1:10:26)

Closing Song: Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee (Eric Peters)

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Why do Christians spend so much time commenting on pop culture? (36:12-54:35)

A Buddhist friend of mine said we agree on a lot and to consider where we overlap. It sounded nice, but it doesn't seem that's how truth is found. (54:41-1:12:11)

Closing Song: Be Thou My Vision (Deacons Division)

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What makes something obscene or not? (29:52-54:15)

I am over lockdown. How can I stay sane/encouraged at this point? (54:22-1:11:32)

Closing Song: 4 Good Reasons- Remix (BxB X Brittney)

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How do I keep myself from being overwhelmed by emotion? (31:38-51:24)

I am upset about a lot of aspects of the Jerry Falwell Jr situation. Am I wrong or being judgmental? (51:29-1:09:43)

Closing Song: Psalm 24:1 (The Poolhouse Guru)

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I got invited to what I thought was an anti-human trafficking rally, that ended up being a big QAnon conspiracy theory meeting. How do I know if an organization is legit? (31:45-48:45)

What does that idea of original sin really mean for my life? (48:50-1:02:34)

Closing Song: Maybe I'm Afraid (John G Lewis)

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How do you pray for somebody well? (34:04-45:42)

How can I grieve in a way that will help me gain peace? (45:48-1:05:43)

Closing Song: James 1:16-18 (The Poolhouse Guru)

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Should someone who is related or close to someone with issues seek therapy for themselves? (29:15-47:05)

I know the Bible says "do not fear" over and over, but it seems like people are doing reckless things in the name of "not living in fear". What does that really mean? (47:09-1:04:53)

Closing Song: Bigger Than My Fears (Jed Brewer)

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What do you think about churches reopening services and citing "faith and obedience"? (35:32-57:12)

My school is opening for in person instruction and I am freaking out. Any advice? (57:17-1:13:42)

Closing Song: Rescue Me (Lee Younger)

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What can I do to listen to the Lord about making bid decisions? (33:12-49:51)

In John 5:39-40, Jesus says people poured over the scriptures and didn't realize they were about Him. How does that happen? (49:58-1:04:22)

Closing Song: No He Wasn't (The Bridge Loud ft Lins Honeyman)

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The Bible has been used to justify so many awful things, how can I see it as a good book? (33:20-53:29)

Someone I didn't even date is getting married and I am crushed. What's going on and how do I deal with it? (53:33-1:09:18)

Closing Song: Such A Let Down (Jed Brewer)

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