Rebecca and Justine explore questions submitted by our listeners! They explore challenges of infertility, perspectives on the morning-after pill, and how Christians can thoughtfully engage in politics. The discussion also highlights strategies for evangelism, especially within diverse religious contexts, and how to discern primary doctrinal issues.

List of Questions Answered

1. How can we effectively and practically share the gospel with Muslim friends, especially if we've known them for a long time and haven't told them about Jesus yet?
2. Is there a way to discuss the Trinity with someone who believes Christians take Tanakh verses out of context?
3. Should Christians get involved in politics?
4. What are some practical ways or resources seasoned believers can use to help new believers discern primary doctrinal issues from secondary or tertiary ones?
5. How do we navigate infertility as a Christian when no one talks about it?
6. Are Christians against the morning after pill/Plan B?
7. What are your thoughts on the Rest Is History podcast, particularly regarding Luther and Jesus?
8. How can we both practically begin spiritual relationships with our unbelieving neighbors and community members?

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Purchase Rebecca's Books:

• Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion
• Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality
• 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity
• Jesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the Lord
• No Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for Friendship
• Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels

Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting!

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

About the Guest:
Kyle Worley is a dedicated pastor, insightful author, and engaging podcaster. Alongside his spiritual commitments and teachings, Kyle is also a foster father, showcasing his passion for nurturing and supporting the next generation. His latest endeavor is his forthcoming book titled "Home with God: Union with Christ," which delves into the profound theological concept of union with Christ. Rebecca McLaughlin: Rebecca McLaughlin is a prominent Christian author and speaker, known for addressing contemporary issues with deep biblical insight. As the host of the Confronting Christianity podcast, she facilitates critical conversations about faith, culture, and theology.

Episode Summary:
Rebecca and Kyle Worley explore the often overlooked Christian doctrine of Union with Christ and Kyle's forthcoming book, "Home with God." They discuss the transformative power of being united with Christ, the transition from forgiveness to fellowship, and the profound implications for identity, justice, and community.

Key Takeaways:

• The doctrine of union with Christ is a central foundation of Christian salvation, offering believers not just forgiveness but a home with God.
• "Home with God" emphasizes the relational and communal aspects of Christianity, challenging Western individualistic approaches to faith.
• Christian identity is redefined in Christ, empowering believers to extend genuine hospitality and justice in the world.
• The radical inclusivity of Christ's invitation allows anyone to join the fellowship with God, transcending cultural, socioeconomic, and personal backgrounds.
• The gospel's message is not only about being forgiven but also about being invited into everlasting fellowship with the divine.

Notable Quotes:

• "Fellowship is the goal of salvation, and union with Christ showcases that." – Kyle Worley
• "In Christ Jesus, I am not just the recipient of God's gracious love that forgives. I am a recipient of God's delighting love that beholds." – Kyle Worley
• "Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you to the glory of God." – Rebecca McLaughlin referencing biblical scripture
• "We're born into this world with homeless and homesick hearts. And there are only two ways of being in this world." – Kyle Worley
• "If you repent and believe and put your trust in Christ, you will be included in Christ." – Rebecca McLaughlin

Resources:

• Kyle's Forthcoming Book: Home with God: Union with Christ
• Sam Alberry's Book: One with My Lord: The Life-Changing Reality of Being in Christ.

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Purchase Rebecca's Books:

• Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion
• Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality
• 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity
• Jesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the Lord
• No Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for Friendship
• Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels

Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting!

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Michael Keller is a prominent pastor with a distinguished career intertwining academia and theology. Having spent his formative years in New York City and obtaining degrees in History and Psychology from Vanderbilt University, Michael pursued theological studies at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, earning both M.Div and THM degrees. He has served in various pastoral roles across London and Boston and most notably, Michael holds a Ph.D. in Computational Linguistics applied to the sermons of Jonathan Edwards from the Free University in Amsterdam. He currently pastors in Manhattan where he engages with a diverse community, addressing contemporary Christian challenges.

Rebecca and Michael Keller explore the complexities of faith in urban environments and explore the changing landscape of spiritual conversations in cities like New York and Boston, addressing questions around Christianity's relevance and goodness in modern society.

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Purchase Rebecca's Books:

• Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion
• Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality
• 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity
• Jesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the Lord
• No Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for Friendship
• Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels

Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting!

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Rebecca hosts Dr. Sharon Dirckx, a renowned expert in science and theology, to explore the intersection of faith and neuroscience. Dr. Dirckx, author of "Am I Just My Brain?", explores the complex relationship between brain and mind, challenging the notion that consciousness is merely an illusion. The discussion highlights scientific phenomena that suggest we are more than our neurons and explores how the Christian worldview can provide a more comprehensive understanding of human existence.

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Purchase Rebecca's Books:

• Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion
• Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality
• 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity
• Jesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the Lord
• No Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for Friendship
• Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels

Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting!

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Lisa Fields is a renowned Christian apologist, recognized for her significant contributions to the African American community. She is the CEO of Jude 3 Project, which is dedicated to helping Black Christians understand their faith. Lisa is an accomplished documentary producer, known for "Unspoken" and "Juneteenth, Faith and Freedom". She is also the author of "When Faith Disappoints: The Gap between What We Believe and What We Experience".

Episode Summary:
Rebecca welcomes back Christian apologist Lisa Fields to discuss her new book, "When Faith Disappoints: The Gap Between What We Believe and What We Experience." Lisa shares her journey in founding the Jude 3 Project and addresses the challenges of faith within the African American community. They explore the common struggles around faith, suffering, and identity, and emphasize the importance of wrestling with God through pain and doubt.

Key Takeaways:

• Lisa discusses the core mission of the Jude 3 Project as it relates to empowering Black Christians to understand and articulate their faith.
• The episode tackles the provocative question of whether Christianity is a "white man's religion" and explores its implications in the African American context.
• Lisa's new book, "When Faith Disappoints", addresses the intersection of pain and faith, offering solace and guidance through personal and theological insights.
• The conversation highlights the significance of grappling with personal disappointments in God and the pivotal role of vulnerability and authenticity in spiritual dialogue.
• The prosperity gospel is critiqued, emphasizing the biblical perspective of suffering and God's presence in the midst of trials.

Notable Quotes:

• "One of the things that I love about the gospel is the incarnational nature of it." - Lisa Fields
• "Lay all your cards on the table before God, even if you're like, am I talking to an imaginary person?" - Lisa Fields

Resources:

• Jude 3 Project: jude3project.org
• Lisa Fields' book: "When Faith Disappoints: The Gap between What We Believe and What We Experience"

Follow Lisa on Instagram and X

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Purchase Rebecca's Books:

• Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion
• Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality
• 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity
• Jesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the Lord
• No Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for Friendship
• Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels

Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting!

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Glenn Scrivener is a prominent pastor and communicator based in Eastbourne, UK, known for his dynamic approach to evangelism. Having lived in England for decades after growing up in Australia, Glen uses his cross-cultural experiences to enrich his ministry efforts. He is deeply involved in digital outreach through his organization, Speak Life, which offers resources and insights on sharing the Christian faith in contemporary contexts. Glen is also an accomplished author, with his latest book being "How to Speak Life: Sharing Your Faith in 3, 2, 1."

Episode Summary:
Rebecca and Glen Scrivener discuess the art of evangelism, using Jesus' parable of the sower as a guiding framework. Explore how Christians can share their faith effectively, embracing the joy of scattered seeds while surrendering results to God.

Key Takeaways:

• Evangelism is about sowing seeds of faith and allowing God's word to work, not forcing interactions or analyzing potential.
• The Parable of the Sower serves as a foundational model for understanding evangelistic success and its variable outcomes.
• People today are increasingly seeking community and spiritual truth, offering a ripe opportunity for sharing the gospel in both structured and spontaneous settings.
• True discipleship involves embracing the messy, complex journeys of individuals as they explore faith, requiring patience and understanding.
• Evangelism and discipleship often overlap; providing spiritual care for non-Christians and fostering ongoing gospel engagement for believers.

Notable Quotes:

• "What grips your heart wags your tongue." - Australian Saying
• "The ministry of evangelism is not about battering down doors but sowing the seed." - Glen Scrivener
• "Evangelism is pastoring non Christians and pastoral care is evangelizing Christians." - Glen Scrivener

Resources:

• Follow Glen on Instagram and X

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Purchase Rebecca's Books:

• Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion
• Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality
• 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity
• Jesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the Lord
• No Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for Friendship
• Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels

Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting!

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Sean McDowell is an associate professor of Christian apologetics at Biola University. He is a bestselling author and co-author of more than twenty books, specializing in cultural apologetics and addressing the concerns of Gen Z. Sean is also the co-host of the Think Biblically podcast and runs a popular YouTube channel.

Tim Muehlhoff is a professor of communication at Biola University and co-director of Biola's Winsome Conviction Project. An accomplished author, Tim co-hosts the Winsome Conviction podcast, focusing on fostering dialogue between people with differing viewpoints.

Episode Summary:
Rebecca is joined by Sean McDowell and Tim Muehlhoff as they explore the complexities of navigating cancel culture and political polarization through their book, "End the Stalemate." Discussing communication breakdowns, rivalry, and the allure of demonizing opponents, they offer insights on maintaining meaningful conversations without sacrificing convictions.

Key Takeaways:

• The cultural climate is characterized by increased polarization and cancel culture, greatly impacting public discourse.
• Effective communication that fosters mutual understanding and respect is crucial in bridging divides and engaging others constructively.
• The principles of listening, understanding, and finding common ground are emphasized as essential in maintaining relationships amid disagreement.
• The guests encourage Christians to lead with love and respect, demonstrating these traits in public discourse reflective of their faith.
• Raising young individuals to engage thoughtfully on controversial issues through perspective-taking and mutual respect are seen as valuable life skills.

Notable Quotes:

• "I want to be as charitable towards people as I can be without violating my conscience and without violating scripture." — Sean McDowell
• "The second great commandment says, 'Love your neighbor,' and it applies to all our interactions, including those who disagree with us politically." — Tim Muehlhoff
• "Be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you, but share that with all gentleness and respect." — Tim Muehlhoff

Resources:

• Biola University's Winsome Conviction Project
• End the Stalemate: Move Past Cancel Culture to Meaningful Conversations website for engaging with varied political perspectives
• Follow Sean on Instagram and YouTube
• Follow Tim on X

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Purchase Rebecca's Books:

• Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion
• Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality
• 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity
• Jesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the Lord
• No Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for Friendship
• Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels

Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting!

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Blair Linne is an accomplished author and the author of "Finding My Father: How the Gospel Heals the Pain of Fatherlessness." She serves as a Bible teacher, actress, and spoken word artist, with experience sharing the gospel through various platforms, including prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall. She is the creator of Glo with The Gospel Coalition. Blair resides in Portland with her husband Shai Linne and their three children, continuing her impactful work in teaching and performing across the world.

Episode Summary:
Rebecca sits down with Blair Linne to explore themes of faith, fatherhood, and the transformative power of the gospel. Blair opens up about her personal journey from growing up in a fatherless household to finding solace and identity through her faith in Christ. She shares intimate details from her life story, revealing how an unexpected turn of events led her to discover her biological father, and more importantly, her spiritual Father.

Key Takeaways:

• The episode underscores the importance of viewing God as the ultimate Father, extending beyond earthly familial deficiencies.
• Blair emphasizes the critical need for churches to support single mothers and vulnerable populations, promoting the church as a refuge.
• Think responsibly about societal roles in pro-life debates, infusing compassion and support for women in difficult situations.
• It offers a message of hope and forgiveness to individuals who have experienced abortion, emphasizing the limitless grace of God.

Notable Quotes:

• "I remember going from a place of so much shame and sorrow to complete joy because I realized for the first time, oh, wow, okay. That's why it's good news." – Blair Linne
• "No other religion speaks of God as father in a very personal way, like we see in Christianity." – Blair Linne

Resources:

• Follow Blair on Instagram

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Purchase Rebecca's Books:

• Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion
• Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality
• 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity
• Jesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the Lord
• No Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for Friendship
• Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels

Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting!

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Stephen Foster is the leader of St Aldates Church in Oxford, a dynamic and expanding community with a diverse congregation of young adults, students, and families. Stephen holds a law degree from Oxford and a theology degree from Cambridge, reflecting both his academic prowess and spiritual dedication. Before entering full-time ministry, he worked as a barrister in the UK, gaining extensive experience in criminal defense.

Episode Summary:
Rebecca speaks with Stephen Foster, the leader of St Aldates Church in Oxford, to discuss the intriguing question: Is Jesus believable at Oxford? With Stephen's dynamic background in both law and theology, he offers unique insights on the compatibility of faith with rigorous academic pursuits.
Together they explore how the modern world, particularly in academic centers, is experiencing a resurgent curiosity in Christianity, despite running parallel to vastly secular ideologies. They reflect on the increasing spiritual quests among Gen Z, contrasting it with previous generations' post-Christian perspectives. This episode invites listeners to reconsider entrenched notions about faith in the face of evidence that suggests a vibrant interest in exploring Jesus and Christianity.

Key Takeaways:

• Christianity is experiencing a resurgence of interest among young adults, even within elite academic environments like Oxford.
• There is a noticeable shift from a post-Christian to a pre-Christian context, where people have little knowledge of the gospel yet show deep curiosity.
• The interaction between faith and academic disciplines, such as theoretical physics, is explored, revealing a surprising harmony and intellectual grounding.
• Modern societal crises have catalyzed a spiritual openness, with many seeking truth and meaning beyond secular constructs.
• Spiritual exploration is palpable among younger generations, who are increasingly predisposed to discovering faith in Jesus.

Notable Quotes:

• "In a post-Christian context, people are inoculated with enough of the message of the gospel to immunize them against its power." - Stephen Foster
• "The gospel is not a virus, but there's a natural virality to the gospel." - Stephen Foster
• "We desperately need to have truth, and if you don't, you have no defense against power grabs." - Stephen Foster

Resources:

• Follow Stephen on Instagram

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Purchase Rebecca's Books:

• Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion
• Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality
• 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity
• Jesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the Lord
• No Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for Friendship
• Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels

Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting!

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Bri Stensrud is an established author, human dignity advocate, and director of Women of Welcome. With a master's degree in biblical and theological studies from Dallas Theological Seminary, she is dedicated to equipping churches to actively and consistently engage in comprehensive human dignity issues. Bri serves on the board of directors for the National Association of Evangelicals and has penned two insightful books: "Start with the Journey Toward a Confident and Compassionate Immigration Conversation" and the children's book "The Biggest, Best Shining God's Light in the World Around You."

Episode Summary:
The conversation centers around the complexities of being pro-life in a broader context. Bri shares her transformative journey from traditional pro-life advocacy into a holistic pursuit that sees immigration and refugee care as extensions of the same intrinsic Christian value of life and dignity. She elaborates on the misconceptions that surround the pro-life movement and the importance of engaging with human dignity issues beyond political boundaries. She also touches on the hurdles Christians face in balancing political and scriptural obligations.

Key Takeaways:

• Choosing Proximity: Bri emphasizes the influence of building relationships with people who hold different perspectives to align more closely with biblical teachings on human dignity.
• Holistic Pro-life Ethic: Embracing a consistent pro-life ethic means advocating not only for the unborn but also for vulnerable groups, such as immigrants and refugees, as equally deserving of care and compassion.
• Beyond Politics: True compassion rooted in Christianity should transcend political labels, emphasizing a Kingdom mindset that values all individuals as God's image bearers.
• Community Engagement: Practical involvement in local and global human dignity efforts, like adoption and refugee support, can allow Christians to live out their beliefs more fully and tangibly.

Notable Quotes:

• "Your compassion is not meant to be political."
• "It's our job as Christians, in partnership with the Holy Spirit, to bring the Kingdom of heaven to earth."
• "People will not always understand what the love of Christ compels you to do, but you should do it anyway."

Resources:

• Bri's Books: Start with Welcome and The Biggest, Best Light
• Women of Welcome: Website

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Purchase Rebecca's Books:

• Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion
• Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality
• 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity
• Jesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the Lord
• No Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for Friendship
• Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels

Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting!

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠