A common experience for many Christians is to encounter another believer who seems to think that their church is the only true church, and outside of that particular church (or ones like theirs who have similar names, traditions, or practices) there is no other true church. Some might go far as to say that others who belong to different churches may not even be saved.

So what is the one, true Church of Jesus Christ? Out of the roughly 45,000 Christian denominations, tribes, and traditions- which is one is the “true Church”? And how do we have conversations and dialogue with Christians who happen to think that their tribe is the only one doing things right?

There are now 17.8 million children in the U.S. without a biological father, step father, or adoptive father in the home. That’s nearly 1 in 4 kids. Research shows that when a child is raised in a father-absent home, they’re more likely to have behavioral problems, commit a crime, go to prison, become pregnant as a teen, get addicted to drugs and alcohol, and drop out of school.

Even though U.S. Census data and other research clearly shows the benefits of fathers playing active roles in the lives of their kids, our culture is sending a clear message that fathers are not needed, wanted, or even necessary. But nothing could be further from the truth.

So what are the challenges unique to being a Christian dad in today's culture, and how do we navigate them?

On May 30, former president Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to be convicted of a crime when a New York jury found him guilty of falsifying documents to cover up a payment to silence a porn star ahead of the 2016 election. After two days of deliberation, the 12-member jury pronounced Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts he faced.

This high-profile case has sparked conversations nationwide about the trial’s legitimacy, its implications, weaponization of the justice department for political causes, and the overall impact it will all have on the 2024 Presidential elections.

And if you’re a Christian…you’ve probably seen a lot of…interesting reactions from folks around. Like those crazy memes floating around that compare Trump to Jesus.

So what do we do with all of this? How can we keep a level head and a sober mind as we explore the moral, political, and spiritual implications of this high-profile case?

On this week's episode, Gabe and Josh talk of Gabe's upcoming baby, Josh's 13 year wedding anniversary, Josh's AIM screen name, and the gang answers some great questions sent in by listeners related to women in pastoral leadership and infant baptism. 

We’re commanded in Scripture to be anxious for nothing, to not worry about our lives, and to cast all our cares upon the Lord.

So…if we feel anxious or battle an anxiety disorder, are we in sin?

What about depression? Does being a Christian mean that we’ll never get depressed or battle intense seasons of despair or discouragement?

*****DISCLAIMER*****

We’re not therapists, psychologists, or mental health professionals. We’re pastors. Everything we talk about on today’s episode is from our point of view as people who give spiritual guidance to those in our congregation. So please be discerning as you listen and take it in with a grain of salt. If you’re dealing with mental health issues, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. Alright, back to the show.

Philippians 3:20 tells us that as believers, “our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ”. 1 Peter 2:11-12 calls us as believers, “sojourners and exiles”. All throughout the Bible, it’s clear that the people of God have a primary allegiance to a different kind of Kingdom and a preeminent, sovereign King who rules and reigns over and above the kings and kingdoms of this earth.

However, all of us as believers will find ourselves living within the boundaries of a certain nation. And if that nation has a form of government where our participation is invited and encouraged, how should our faith inform that participation? Is it wrong for us to love our country and work to see it improved and our viewpoints as Christians represented?

When does love for country become something more than love, and turn into something that looks more like, idolatry? What is patriotism, and what is nationalism? How can I know when my love for country has superseded my love for God?

Different terms translated as dragon appear more than 20 times in the OT and four times in the NT. Not only that, nearly every major ancient culture has myths and legends about giant reptiles. How would these civilizations, continents and millennia apart, all come up with legends of giant reptilian creatures?

In an epic crossover episode with our friend from Nerds and Jesus podcast, we're diving deep into the fiery mysteries of dragons in the Bible. Join us as we open our Bibles, separate fact from fiction, and explore the symbolic significance of these mythical beasts. Whether you're a devout believer, a curious skeptic, or just a flat-out dragon enthusiast, this episode is for you.

What’s up Beards and Bible listeners, on today’s episode, both of us will respond to four separate questions (related to life, theology, ministry, or anything else) that we haven’t seen or heard about beforehand- so every answer we give will completely unscripted- for better or for worse. So this oughta be fun…what could go wrong?

The relationship between churches, pastors, missionaries, ministries and money can be tricky. Ministries rely on the financial contributions of donors to sustain everything they’re trying to do. All throughout the Bible, both in the Old and New Testament, the people of God are told to be generous and give to the work of God through the church.

So, churches and ministries need money to do good things, like help people, take care of their buildings, and pay their staff. But sometimes, things can get messy. Especially when money gets involved.  

Many people worry that ministries, churches, and pastors are using the money for things they shouldn't. Almost on a daily basis, there are reports of some pastor or ministry somewhere accumulating wealth and property through donations from the faithful in an excessive, inappropriate, and decadent way. In some ways, it seems like ministries and pastors are more about exploitation and greed than they are actually helping anybody but themselves.

But does that mean that Christians aren’t supposed to give to support the work of a church or ministry? And what about tithing? Are Christians supposed to tithe, or that an Old Testament thing?