American Christian

The role of prophet encompasses the release of the prophetic word, believing for the advancement of that word and interceding until that word breaks through into the natural.

1 Kings 17-18, in this episode we introduce the spiritual power of prophets colliding with the political power of kings.

Do Christians always have to be ”nice”?

Today’s podcast is a look at where we are living; the space and time, both local space and the heavenly space that has been appointed to us in Christ Jesus. Evil entered our world, but know this, evil comes to an end, a sudden halt, simply by a word that comes out of heaven.

Perhaps you have heard it said, “I sure do wish Jesus would come to our church."

Many factors of fear are encroaching on God's people... how do we respond and where can we find comfort?

AMERICAN CHRISTIAN #60“Scared to Death?”

We are finding ourselves in troubled times, just who can we trust?  Know this:  There are two kinds of fear, the reverential and worshipful fear of God that brings forth a fountain of life and fear that has to do with punishment, sickness and disease, fear associated with death and dying. 

In Psalm 23:4-6

“Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me… Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life…”  Do we really believe these words to be true today?

And in Proverbs 14:25-27

A truthful witness saves lives, but a deceitful witness speaks lies [and endangers lives]. In the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children shall always have a place of refuge. Reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death. [John 4:10, 14.]

1 John 4:17-18

By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

From EP 59: A newly released study (2021) reports that 28% of 500,000 persons who died from co-morbidity related COVID-19 illness included “fear and anxiety.”  Co-morbidity, is other illnesses that contribute a person’s death.  Fear and anxiety is listed as #2 co-morbid illness. From the CDC website, “Underlying Medical Conditions and Severe Illness Among 540,667 Adults Hospitalized With COVID-19, March 2020–March 2021.”

Among 4,899,447 hospitalized adults in PHD-SR, 540,667 (11.0%) were patients with COVID-19, of whom 94.9% had at least 1 underlying medical condition. Essential hypertension (50.4%), disorders of lipid metabolism (49.4%), and obesity (33.0%) were the most common. The strongest risk factors for death were obesity (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 1.30; 95% CI, 1.27–1.33), anxiety and fear-related disorders (aRR = 1.28; 95% CI, 1.25–1.31), and diabetes with complication (aRR = 1.26; 95% CI, 1.24–1.28), as well as the total number of conditions, with aRRs of death ranging from 1.53 (95% CI, 1.41–1.67) for patients with 1 condition to 3.82 (95% CI, 3.45–4.23) for patients with more than 10 conditions (compared with patients with no conditions).

Ref: https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2021/21_0123.htm

(33 mins)

AMERICAN CHRISTIAN #59“Fear Kills”

Current Events 9/2021

A newly released study (2021) reports that 28% of 500,000 persons who died from co-morbidity related COVID-19 illness included “fear and anxiety.”  Co-morbidity, is other illnesses that contribute a person’s death.  Fear and anxiety is listed as #2 co-morbid illness. From the CDC website, “Underlying Medical Conditions and Severe Illness Among 540,667 Adults Hospitalized With COVID-19, March 2020–March 2021.”

Among 4,899,447 hospitalized adults in PHD-SR, 540,667 (11.0%) were patients with COVID-19, of whom 94.9% had at least 1 underlying medical condition. Essential hypertension (50.4%), disorders of lipid metabolism (49.4%), and obesity (33.0%) were the most common. The strongest risk factors for death were obesity (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 1.30; 95% CI, 1.27–1.33), anxiety and fear-related disorders (aRR = 1.28; 95% CI, 1.25–1.31), and diabetes with complication (aRR = 1.26; 95% CI, 1.24–1.28), as well as the total number of conditions, with aRRs of death ranging from 1.53 (95% CI, 1.41–1.67) for patients with 1 condition to 3.82 (95% CI, 3.45–4.23) for patients with more than 10 conditions (compared with patients with no conditions).

Ref: https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2021/21_0123.htm

Fear is an emotion and a spirit.  Fear and faith are opposites, let’s go to the text:

1 John 4:17-18

By this ais love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

Come along with as we look at the impact of this CDC study and the power of fear and the absolute power of PERFECT LOVE.  Also, Dr Nichols imparts the Father’s love on our listeners.

(26 mins)

AMERICAN CHRISTIAN #58“Have You Taken the Leap?”

Interpretation (Part 5)

With literary genres you cannot read the Bible like you are reading from your local newspaper!  Epistles and gospels, historical narratives, and poetry, it’s all read differently.  Luke is not a detached bystander, but he has an agenda to give us instruction, correction, and edification, he’s taking us somewhere!  We will also look at the apocalyptic genre in this episode by look first at the book of Daniel then off to the Revelation of Jesus Christ, the revelation of the purposes of God. Oh and, ever heard of the four streams of the apocalyptic?  Dr Nichols explains in simple terms where the idealists, preterists, futurists and historical viewers of eschatology land.  Remember this: Jesus has not come back yet!  Let’s be living in the expectancy of our King!

(40 mins)

AMERICAN CHRISTIAN #57“Genres of Scripture”

Interpretation (Part 5)

There are different forms of writing in the Scriptures. The Word of God isn’t limited to only wisdom and poetry, but also to a historical narrative seen in I & II Chronicles and I & II Kings and the Book of Acts.  Even the Gospels are viewed as a genre.  Paul’s letters are called epistles and Isaiah would be called a prophetic genre. When we open the Bible, we should know whether we are reading a gospel passage, a prophecy, a Psalm, or an epistle. We do not expect Isaiah to lay out the details of the history of Israel as do the books of Kings and Chronicles. We should know when we are studying a Psalm that the forms of a poem or song will help us understand the meaning. And when we read 1 Corinthians we know we are listening to one side of a two-sided conversation. So, come along for the discussion as Dr Nichols teaches us about literary genres.

(36 mins)