Ep 182 How can we discern the will of God?
January 06, 2018
00:13:28
No matter what spiritual or cultural issue you face, the answer is to always share the truth of God and apply it to your life. That is exactly what co-hosts Jordan Chamblee and Cedra Sartin seek to do every week on Share Truth Apply Scripture, as they discuss a wide range of topics that concern young believers in today’s world. Listen on American Family Radio or online through the podcast.
Millennials find themselves in a time of life that is full of important decisions. As Christians, we want to live in the will of God. There are many things in the world that claim to reveal God’s will, but are they really what they seem? TJ and Jordan discuss some ways that are not helpful when trying to discern God’s will.
Gluttony is a topic most of us don't want to think or talk about, so we don't. But because we don't talk about it, we don't understand it. And because we don't understand it, we may think we are guilty of it during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's feasts.
Jordan and TJ look into Scripture to see if there is a difference between being gluttonous and enjoying a feast during these celebrations.
Mentioned resources:
According to a recent study, 56% of Americans incurred debt while Christmas shopping last year. Of those, several are still paying those debts off this Christmas. What does this reveal about the way we view giving and receiving gifts?
Wesley, Jordan, and TJ discuss having the freedom to use or not use credit cards (some of us have the freedom, some don't). And they all brag on their wives.
Wesley, Jordan, and TJ continue discussing Santa Claus, but explain why the real Saint Nicholas was an amazing guy who once stood up in a meeting of preachers and punched a guy in the face. Editor's Note: We do not condone violence, but it is a great story.
All three open up about how or if they include Santa but make the focus Jesus. They share the practical steps they follow to lead their families to the Gift in the nativity, not presents under the tree.
Mentioned Resources:
Why Santa Belongs in Your Kids' Christmas
In Defense of Santa Claus: A True Myth
Santa Claus: Harmless Fun or Tragic Distraction?
Waiting on Christmas (Advent)
Every Christmas, Christmas parents struggle with the idea of whether or not to include Santa in the festivities. Is it lying to our children? Is it dishonoring to Christ? Wesley, Jordan, TJ (and even Cedra) voice their thoughts and practices on the jolly man in a red suit.
Mentioned Resources:
Why Santa Belongs in Your Kids' Christmas
Truth is universal. And the best stories focus on and illustrate a great truth. That is part of the reason movies about Norse mythology, a teenager bitten by a spider, or a billionaire orphan can, and do, contain gospel truths. Jordan, Canada, and TJ shift their focus from what our love of superhero films reveal about us as humans, to what truths they illustrate about God.
Thanksgiving is a day for giving gratitude to God for the blessings He has given us. Black Friday is, depending on the perspective, a day to be discontent and grab all the things you can or a day to be a good steward and get the best deals of the year.
In the midst of everything else is an opportunity for you to give Christmas to someone else through Operation Christmas Child. Have you packed your shoebox yet?
We all have that family member who likes to cause "heated discussions" during family get-togethers. You do not have to take the bait. Thanksgiving is an opportunity to show love, serve others, and live out the gospel.
Mentioned Resources:
Navigating Thanksgiving with Grace
Wesley and TJ continue talking to Tom Doyle, the man delivering Orange Letters. He and his team at Uncharted are going to take your letters and share them with persecuted Christians. When he is not risking his life to deliver letters, Tom is the president of Uncharted and writes book. He latest is Standing in the Fire.
The trio discusses the 2017 Orange Letter Campaign, why we are focusing on North Korea, and the impact of our previous campaigns.
Mentioned Resources:
Video of North Korean Christians worshiping in North Korean home
As Engage wraps up another Orange Letter Campaign, Wesley and TJ talk to the man who will be delivering your letters for Christians who have suffered persecution in North Korea, Tom Doyle.
Tom is founder and president of Uncharted and the author of multiple books, the latest be Standing in the Fire.
The trio discusses the 2017 Orange Letter Campaign, why we are focusing on North Korea, and the impact of our previous campaigns.
Mentioned Resources:
Video of North Korean Christians worshiping in North Korean home
Spending a week focusing on Christian persecution can be heavy, especially when the place of that persecution in North Korea. It is a country many have called the Hermit Kingdom because it is so secluded and secretive.
But the gospel is making inroads in that country. Bible are being released, and Engage is sending your letters of encourage and hope. But how are we delivering them, and what should you write? Wesley, Jordan, and TJ discuss that and much more.
Mentioned Resources:
To write your Orange Letter, click here.
Whether or not Christians should celebrate Halloween is a great topic for discussion. But these conversations typically neglect the fact that there is another reason October 31 is a day of importance: Reformation Day.
On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of Wittenberg Church. Wesley, Jordan, and TJ discuss the importance of this historical event and how you can learn more about it.
Suggested Resources:
The God Who Speaks Documentary
(Listen to our interview with director M.D. Perkins here and here.)
Luther: The Life and Legacy of the German Reformer
(Read our review here.)
Should Christians celebrate All Hallow's Eve?
Is it wrong to dress us in costumes and eat candy?
Wesley, Jordan, and TJ ask the question and share the views they were raised with the how they view the day as adults with children. Where do you fall on the question?
Mentioned Resources:
Got Questions: Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?
The Apostles' Creed is the essential beliefs of Christianity boiled down to 12 points. There is much more to Christianity than what is found in the Creed, but there is certainly not less.
Ray Rooney (Ph. D.) joins Wesley and TJ in the studio for the final installation of the Apostles' Creed series. They cover the most controversial text and discuss why this document is so important to modern believers.
Other Resouces:
The Apostles' Creed is the essential beliefs of Christianity boiled down to 12 points. There is much more to Christianity than what is found in the Creed, but there is certainly not less.
Ray Rooney (Ph. D.) joins Wesley and TJ in the studio for the third installation of the Apostles' Creed series. This time they finally get into the text of the Creed and some of the controversies surrounding it.
Other Resouces:
