Ep. 142 Loving Well
July 29, 2017
00:14:28
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.
In the last episode, Wesley and TJ talked to pastor Bert Harper about how we attempt to divide our lives into secular and sacred things. We often forget that we have one life in which everything is connected. That is true in regards to the health of our walk with God and our walk with our spouse. Bert shares with Wesley and TJ what Scripture says about the connection.
The connection between walking with God and walking with your spouse is especially important for pastors. That is why Bert started hosting Fishbowl Retreats. Listen to hear Bert talk about why he started it and why your pastor should attend. Then click here for more information about sending your pastor and his wife and in October.
Men have a tendency to think in boxes. We have a box for work, a box for home, and a box for hobbies. We have lots of other boxes too. But women can also think in boxes. Every Christian has felt the temptation to create a box for the "sacred" things of our lives and the "secular" things of our lives.
Wesley and TJ talk to pastor and radio host Bert Harper about why we have bought into this lie. They discuss how Scripture does not give us the liberty to make such distinctions but calls us to glorify God in every aspect of our lives.
God reveals Himself as the Father throughout Scripture. Because that is true, it means Christians are His children. But what does that mean and how are we to live in light of that truth?
Wesley and TJ continue their discussion with C.J. Snyder, Engage Intern about this important and applicable truth.
Mentioned Resources:
When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He started with "Our Father." This is consistent with the rest of Scripture where God reveals Himself as our Father. But why did He choose this term? What does it reveal about His character? What does it reveal about our relationship with Him?
Wesley and TJ are joined in the studio by Engage intern C.J. Snyder to discuss how we as Christians are to meditate on these questions and better understand God the Father.
Mentioned Resources:
Wesley and TJ continue their dicsussion on discipleship, but this time focus on helping new believers learn to find their identity in Christ. They talk to Shilo Taylor, author of Brand New: A 40-Day Guide to Life in Christ. The book will be available to purchase on August 23, but you can learn more about it here. To pre-order, click here, or you can email Lexham Press.
Most Christians understand the Great Commission in Matthew 28 calls us all to "make disciples." But what qualifications are there for a discipler? What will it cost? How do you do it?
Wesley and TJ share their ideas about and methods of discipling those around them. They also point to some great resources:
Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners by John Bunyan
Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer
The Inner Life of Christ by William Blakie and Henry Law
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Whether it be Donald Trump or Charles Schumer, a political leader we like or a leader we extremely dislike, we are called to pray for them. Ed Vitagliano, executive vice president of AFA, joins Wesley and TJ to discuss his latest article. He also shares his insights on separating our emotions toward an idea with our feelings toward a person.
Politics is not an easy issue to discuss, especially with someone who disagrees with you. Why do our political discussions become so emotionally charged so quickly? And how do Christians, who are work for the betterment of the country God has placed us in, engage in the conversations? Wesley and TJ share their thoughts and ideas on waging war against ideas while loving the people with those ideas.
Tim Barton joins Wesley and Walker again to discuss the history and appropriate modern application of separating church and state. But an idea is only as good as its application. The separation of church and state has seen terrible application that led to the Dark Ages, and great applications as in the founding of America. So what is the Christian today to do with this idea? The trio discusses how believers can approach and defend the idea in a culture that has completely left the original intent of it in the history books.
Is the idea of a wall between church and state a biblical one? Tim Barton, president and COO of WallBuilders says we can find God establishing it with Moses and Aaron. However, the modern application of the idea is completely different. Wesley and Walker talk to Tim about the true history of the separation, the good it brings, and what happens when church and government get too cozy or are split too far apart.
Do you put technology over flesh and blood? The kneejerk reaction is to say of course not; but if you have ever texted while driving, you may be guilty of it.
Jordan and TJ bring their thoughts to these questions from Tony Reinke's latest book, 12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You.
There are many ways technology has been a great blessing from God. But there are also some ways it has been detrimental to our spiritual walk. So how do we find the balance? That is the focus of this segment.
Can you imagine life today without the Internet? Can you picture your life without your smartphone?
The fact that these questions can be asked shows that modern technology has changed us culturally and individually. But has the modern technological age also changed us spiritually?
Jordan and TJ pursue this thought by discussing Tony Reinke's 12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You. It is a great book we highly recommend in this week’s radio program.
What image comes to your mind when you think of a missionary? Is it a person backpacking across the wilderness of the world reaching places and people untouched by the gospel?
Have you ever pictured a successful business owner in Thailand? What about a structural engineer in Dubai?
Steadman Harrison is back in studio with Wesley and TJ discussing business as missions and several things your missionary will never tell you. (Spoiler: they need vacations but won’t tell you about them.)
For further reading:
Is there a difference between missions and evangelism? The knee-jerk reaction of many is to say no. But there is more than meets the eye inside this question. There is much overlap, but there are some important distinctions to make.
But, as SteadmanHarrison, CEO and missions director of Global Outreach told Wesley and TJ, there is much overlap. And right now is a great time for you to get involved in missions because the world is literally coming to your backyard.
For further reading:
John Piper on the difference between missions and evangelism.
How big of an impact can a teenager make? How focused on God can a teenager be?
These aren't abstract questions for 19-year-old podcaster, writer, and speaker Jaquelle Crowe. Jordan and TJ talk with her about her latest book This Changes Everything: How the Gospel Transforms the Teen Years, and how young adults should see, study, pursue the God of the Bible.
We always hear that teens are the future leaders of the church. There are a few problems with that statement because it gives the idea that they, and even young adults, do not have a place or any responsibility in the church right now.
Jordan and TJ ask how churches can serve teenagers by mentoring and disciplining them, but also how teens should take the initiative by serving their families, their churches, and their communities to the glory of Jesus.
Wesley and TJ continue their discussion on persecution but this time the focus is on what is happening and could be coming in the future in America. To help them understand the issue Steve Crampton, a lawyer with the Thomas More Law Society is in the studio. Steve has fought on the front lines of the religious liberty battle for years.
Christians in America have incredible freedoms. How can we protect them? How can we make sure our children will experience those freedoms as well?
TJ recently took an opportunity to attend the Billy Graham World Summit in Defense of Christian Persecution. While there he got to hear several testimonies of Christians who have been beaten and imprisoned. Others had buried loved ones for the sake of the gospel.
Wesley, Jordan, and TJ discuss how we in America can encourage and support those who are suffering for the faith.
Resources discussed on the program:
If you want to write letters to persecuted Christians:
Prisoner Alert includes tips to keep in mind when writing.
School is over so everyone is thinking about vacation. Do you prefer a week-long experience far away, or a few shorter trips closer to home? Wesley, Jordan, Jeremy, and TJ all have different responses to the question. Also, how can you use your vacation as a means to know God deeper and spread the gospel?
Resources mentioned:
Make Your Vacation an Investment
What was the best advice you were given when you graduated high school or college? What was the worst? Wesley, Jordan, Jeremy, and TJ share their stories of graduating high school and college. While three have finished their college days, Jordan is still taking classes. All four ponder whether college is still worth it, and what may be some viable alternatives for preparing you for a career.
