Our podcast team is taking a short break from recording and posting new episodes so that we can do some important things like having babies, nursing loved ones to health, etc. We’ll plan to post our next episode on Tuesday, September 1. Until then, please find one below you haven’t heard and share it with friends. Also, please keep your great questions coming!!
Episode 164: Can a seared conscience be re-sensitized?
Episode Highlights:
– The conscience is our God-given capacity to make moral judgments about ourselves. (Rom 2:14-15)
– A seared conscience is one that has become desensitized due to an individual repeatedly ignoring its voice. (1 Tim 4:1-2)
– A seared conscience is dangerous because it makes us more vulnerable to the harmfulness of sin.
– Repentance is the mechanism God uses to re-sensitize the conscience (2 Cor 7:11)
Episode 163: How far should I pursue an estranged family member?
Highlights:
– Such strained relationships with unbelieving relatives should not surprise us as Jesus came to “bring a sword” (Matt 10:32-38)
– In all such situations, “as far as it depends upon you, be at peace with all men” (Rom 12:18).
– Pray for the heart of Christ toward the estranged relative.
Episode 162: Opposing mask ordinances?
Highlights:
– Depends upon what we mean by “oppose.”
– Since our constitution gives us the right to redress in the courts, there is nothing wrong with seeking to have a mandate overturned. (Rom 13:1-2)
– It is not biblical to simply disobey the mask mandates, even if we hold that the mandates are unconstitutional. It is the function of the courts to decide the constitutionality of an order.
– If an order does not call us to disobey God, we must obey it (Acts 5:29)
Episode 161: Dealing with teen anxiety…an upcoming resource
Highlights:
Jason, Greg, and Kyle discuss a resource Jason is writing to help teens deal with anxiety by pressing into the joy of meaningful fellowship with the Lord.
Anxiety Survey Link:
www.providencebiblefellowship.com/anxiety
Episode 160: CCW for Christians?
Episode Highlights
– The sanctity of human life based upon creation in God’s image leads to numerous injunctions to protect the weak from the wicked (Psa 82:3-4, Prov 24:11)
– While we are not under the OT law, it does provide a window to the character of God. On this issue, the law indicates that if a person’s life is in danger it is consistent with character of God to defend oneself. (Exo 22:2-3)
– Passages typically used to argue against self-defense pertain specifically to persecution or non-retaliation. We should apply passages to situations to which they actually pertain.
– Romans 13 gives the power of the sword to the government. Our government has specifically delegated that authority to the individual.
Episode 159: My life isn’t turning out how I’d hoped…
Episode Highlights:
– This is the broad experience of man (Prov 19:21)
– We should be thankful God’s plans are always fulfilled, even at the expense of our own, in light of His supreme wisdom and love (Rom 8:28-30)
– The key to overcoming depression and despair over unfulfilled plans is desiring Jesus above all (John 4:14; 6:35; 7:37-38; 17:3).
Episode 158: Should Christians protest?
Highlights:
– Believers are called to love and stand for justice (Psalm 9:7-8; Mic 6:8)
– Believers are called to spread and live the gospel (1 Thess 1:8)
– Believers are called to obey authority, understanding it is established by God (Rom 13, 1 Peter 2)
– Christians can protest as long as their demeanor and message do not compromise the gospel.
Episode 157: What are some of the signs I’m harboring bitterness? What can I do about it?
Episode highlights:
– Eph 4:26-5:2 is a helpful guide.
– What is your disposition toward the person? If there is not actual anger, do you struggle with your thoughts–re-living the offense? Eph 4:26
– How do you talk about the person to others and in your own mind? Eph 4:29
– Do you have a disposition of kindness toward them? Tenderheartedness? Eagerness to forgive? Eph 4:32
– A great antidote to bitterness is to spend MUCH time meditating of Jesus’ interactions with sinners in the Gospels.
– Pray for the offender, seek opportunities to do them good, and leave justice to God. Matt 5:44-45; Rom 12:19-21
Episode 156: “So I Don’t Have to Forgive…?”
Episode Highlights:
– That an offender has not repented does not give a victim the right to hold a grudge, prolong their anger, or hold the person at arms-length.
– Eph 4:26 is a command to be poised to forgive very quickly after the offense.
– If we have obeyed Eph 4:26, our attitude toward the unrepentant will not be “I don’t have to forgive,” but “I don’t get to forgive.”
