Current Reality Podcast

Show Notes:

In this episode of the Current Reality Podcast, hosts Michael Clary and Wade Thomas dive deep into the biblical role of elders in the church. They discuss what elders are, how different denominations interpret the role, and why having multiple qualified elders is essential for a healthy church. The conversation covers the biblical qualifications for elders, the impact of church leadership on congregational culture, and the dangers of misplaced authority. The hosts also reflect on the importance of doctrine, the challenges of balancing spiritual shepherding with organizational management, and share personal stories from their own ministry experiences. The episode wraps up with practical insights for both church leaders and members on fostering a church culture rooted in biblical truth and humility.

Timestamps for Main Topics:

[0:00] – Introduction & Coffee Banter

[2:34] – What Are Elders? (Biblical definitions and church traditions)

[6:41] – Elders in Different Denominations

[10:01] – The Biblical Model for Eldership

[13:41] – Elders vs. Modern Church Leadership (Church of England example)

[18:03] – Why Elders Matter (Impact on church culture and doctrine)

[28:05] – The World is a Dangerous Place (Elders as protectors)

[32:59] – Doctrine Matters (Teaching and doctrinal soundness)

[37:32] – Authority and Leadership in the Church

[44:54] – Balancing Shepherding and Management

[49:00] – Closing Thoughts & Reflections

For questions or comments, send us an email at [email protected].

Our church is Christ the King Church in Fort Thomas, KY.

The Current Reality Podcast is a resource of King's Domain, Fort Thomas, KY.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Statement of Needs for the Archbishop of Canterbury

  
  

 Follow us on Twitter

https://twitter.com/dmichaelclary

https://twitter.com/wadethomasjr

Michael's Book "God's Good Design" is now available everywhere

• God's Good Design: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Guide to Human Sexuality

In this episode of the Current Reality podcast, hosts Michael Clary and Wade Thomas delve into the complex topic of war and violence from a biblical perspective. They discuss historical and scriptural examples that illustrate when violence and war may be considered just and necessary for Christians. The episode highlights the difference between justified self-defense and unlawful violence, citing biblical principles and historical instances of just warfare. The hosts also address the modern tendency to be either overly enthusiastic or squeamish about violence, offering balanced guidance for Christians on this sensitive issue.

00:00 Introduction to the Current Reality Podcast

00:18 Historical Insights: Fort Thomas and Civil War

01:00 Summer Reflections and Church Life

03:03 Discussing War, Violence, and Christian Ethics

05:47 Debating Non-Violence in Christianity

22:18 Biblical Examples of Justified Violence

33:47 The Righteous Man's Duty

34:16 Just War Theory Explained

37:20 Biblical Examples of Just War

48:20 Modern Warfare and Deception

55:45 Self-Defense and Capital Punishment

01:03:11 The Ethics of Violence and War

01:09:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

For questions or comments, send us an email at [email protected].

Our church is Christ the King Church in Ft Thomas, KY.

The Current Reality Podcast is a resource of King's Domain, Fort Thomas, KY.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Royal Navy Articles of War - 1757

• Christian Nonviolence Activist Jerry Robinson on Guns

  
  

 Follow us on Twitter

https://twitter.com/dmichaelclary

https://twitter.com/wadethomasjr

Michael's Book "God's Good Design" is now available everywhere

• God's Good Design: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Guide to Human Sexuality
  

In this episode of the Current Reality podcast, hosts Michael Clary and Wade Thomas delve into their experiences and lessons learned as fathers. They discuss the importance of joyfulness, the pitfalls of guilt-tripping, confessing sins, and fostering a loving, forgiving family culture. They also emphasize the significance of inclusive family activities, maintaining the sanctity and stability of parental relationships, and not withholding warmth and approval from sons. The discussion is framed in a context that recognizes the significant challenges faced by modern Christian fathers and offers practical, heartfelt advice for maintaining a nurturing, godly household.

00:00 Introduction to the Current Reality Podcast

00:29 Discussing the Matrix Trilogy

02:13 Lessons Learned as Fathers

05:05 The Humbling Journey of Fatherhood

12:41 Balancing Authority and Humility

13:31 Joyfulness and Warmth in Parenting

30:29 Confession and Forgiveness in the Household

42:56 The Weight of Responsibility

43:57 Discipline and Doubt

45:06 Confession and Accountability

48:08 Balancing Warmth and Discipline

56:36 Family Projects and Involvement

01:03:24 Creating a Joyful Family Culture

01:10:30 Sanctification as a Group Effort

01:13:17 Romantic Affection and Stability

01:18:12 Encouragement for Young Fathers

For questions or comments, send us an email at [email protected].

Our church is Christ the King Church in Fort Thomas, KY.

The Current Reality Podcast is a resource of King's Domain, Fort Thomas, KY.

 Follow us on Twitter

https://twitter.com/dmichaelclary

https://twitter.com/wadethomasjr

Michael's Book "God's Good Design" is now available everywhere

• God's Good Design: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Guide to Human Sexuality

In this episode of the Current Reality podcast, hosts Michael Clary and Wade Thomas explore the themes of biblical marriage in the context of modern culture. They discuss the importance of building trust and loyalty in marriage, maintaining joy and playfulness in the household, and staying committed to a family mission. Highlighting the inherent challenges posed by the pervasive influence of feminism, they stress the necessity of addressing these issues head-on. They also touch on the biblical aspects of marital roles, differences in gender-specific sins, and the significance of treating each other as God's gifts. The episode concludes with a reminder to cherish and enjoy the unique partnership that marriage provides.

00:00 Introduction to the Current Reality Podcast

00:15 Coffee Talk and Office Life

03:15 Conference Announcements and Controversies

05:30 Protests and Cultural Commentary

13:38 Marriage Insights and Personal Stories

47:24 The Joyful Father: Embracing Positivity at Home

48:19 Acting Godly Even When You Don't Feel Like It

50:02 The Importance of Joy in Family Life

51:31 Personal Reflections on Family Dynamics

55:18 Setting a Family Mission and Vision

01:07:44 Addressing the Impact of Feminism

01:28:48 Concluding Thoughts on Marriage and Family

In this episode of the Current Reality podcast, Michael Clary and Wade Thomas discuss the dynamics of maintaining a healthy marriage in modern times. Covering topics such as the importance of not assuming the worst motives, not keeping a record of wrongs, and the necessity of forgiveness, they emphasize actions like flirting and prioritizing cheerful interactions. They also discuss the challenges related to family planning and contraception, advocating for an open and flexible mindset. Listeners are encouraged to seek forgiveness often and to support each other in building a godly household. The episode wraps up with practical advice for couples married five to ten years, highlighting the importance of lightheartedness for husbands and small acts of physical affection for wives.

00:00 Introduction and Apology for Audio Issues

00:47 Meet the Hosts: Michael and Wade

02:06 Conference Recap: Highlights and Experiences

04:02 Marriage Insights: Lessons and Reflections

11:02 Building a Strong Household Together

25:18 Avoiding Assumptions and Misunderstandings

32:59 Daily Forgiveness Rituals

33:33 The Importance of Sincere Apologies

35:10 Avoiding Resentment in Marriage

44:46 The Power of Flirting

51:26 Growing Capacity in Marriage

01:01:07 Advice for Young Marriages

For questions or comments, send us an email at [email protected].

Our church is Christ the King Church in Fort Thomas, KY.

The Current Reality Podcast is a resource of King's Domain.

 Follow us on Twitter

https://twitter.com/dmichaelclary

https://twitter.com/wadethomasjr

Michael's Book "God's Good Design" is now available everywhere

• God's Good Design: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Guide to Human Sexuality
  

In this episode of the Current Reality podcast, Michael Clary and Wade Thomas discuss lessons learned from their years in ministry. They talk about the importance of staying anchored in biblical reality amidst modern culture, moving into a new church building, and the upcoming King's Domain conference. Key topics include the necessity of giving the best care to church members, promptly dealing with issues, loving those who may annoy you, reading the Bible comprehensively, and understanding true humility. The episode also emphasizes that Christ is a greater savior than we can imagine, and it is crucial for pastors to keep their eyes on Him while shepherding their flock.

00:00 Introduction to the Current Reality Podcast

00:24 New Building and Community Connections

02:25 Upcoming Events and Conferences

03:02 Meet the Speakers: King's Domain Conference

03:44 Jeff Durbin: A Special Guest

10:02 The Value of Christian Community

12:48 Trilogy of Episodes: Lessons Learned

16:21 Michael Clary's Ministry Journey

26:04 Wade Thomas' Ministry Journey

36:08 Standing Firm on Principles

47:41 The Weight of Responsibility in Ministry

49:10 Facing Temptations and Maintaining Integrity

51:40 Balancing External Opinions and Pastoral Duties

57:20 The Importance of Addressing Issues Directly

01:06:07 Loving Despite Annoyances

01:13:16 The Necessity of Daily Bible Reading

01:22:59 True Humility vs. False Humility

01:32:40 Recognizing Our Sinfulness and Christ's Grace

For questions or comments, send us an email at [email protected].

Our church is Christ the King Church in Fort Thomas, KY.

The Current Reality Podcast is a resource of King's Domain.

 Follow us on Twitter

https://twitter.com/dmichaelclary

https://twitter.com/wadethomasjr

Michael's Book "God's Good Design" is now available everywhere

• God's Good Design: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Guide to Human Sexuality
  

In this episode of the Current Reality Podcast, hosts Michael Clary and Wade Thomas discuss the upcoming King's Domain Conference, focusing on the excitement around the event and the featured speakers. The episode transitions to a detailed exploration of Islam, particularly its elements compared to Christianity. They address misconceptions within the Christian community about Islam, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between Allah and Yahweh and the vital need to communicate the true gospel to Muslims. The hosts also critique modern narratives that equate Islamic teachings with Christian virtues, calling Christians to a firm but loving evangelistic approach. The episode ends with an encouragement for believers to stay faithful to Christ and actively share the gospel, underscoring the importance of truth and love in evangelism.

00:00 Introduction to the Current Reality Podcast

00:24 Excitement for the King's Domain Conference

01:13 Notable Speakers and Their Impact

02:33 Networking and Fellowship at the Conference

05:00 Singles Mixer and Conference Highlights

06:54 Registration and Logistics

08:04 Transition to Discussing Islam

08:07 Understanding Ramadan and Islamic Practices

10:44 Critique of Modern Christian Approaches to Islam

14:36 Historical Context and Criticism of Islam

16:40 Comparing Christianity and Islam

18:53 Theological Implications and False Prophets

41:14 The Quran and Its Origins

44:19 Introduction to Galatians and Islam

46:11 Muhammad's Influence and Historical Context

46:54 Islam's Spread in North Africa

47:59 Contradictions and Abrogation in the Quran

48:37 The Nature of Allah vs. Yahweh

52:21 Islam's View on the Trinity and Jesus

01:04:23 Salvation and Atonement in Islam

01:08:43 Critique of Islamic Teachings

01:26:22 Christianity's Superiority and Final Thoughts

For questions or comments, send us an email at [email protected].

Our church is Christ the King Church in Fort Thomas, KY.

The Current Reality Podcast is a resource of King's Domain, Fort Thomas, KY.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Samuel Zwemer’s The Moslem Doctrine of God and The Moslem Christ.

  
  

 Follow us on Twitter

https://twitter.com/dmichaelclary

https://twitter.com/wadethomasjr

Michael's Book "God's Good Design" is now available everywhere

• God's Good Design: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Guide to Human Sexuality
  

In this episode of the Current Reality Podcast, hosts Michael Clary and Wade Thomas discuss the profound impact of absent or sinful parents on children's lives. They examine historical and cultural trends contributing to the increasing father and mother hunger in modern society. The episode explains various statistics which illustrate the rise of single-parent households, children born to unmarried women, and the normalization of dual-income families. Hosts  critique the valorization of single-parenthood and feminism's influence on family dynamics. Michael and Wade argue that fathers provide authority, stability, and discipline, while mothers bring warmth, beauty, and life to a home—elements essential for a child's development. They address the silence on maternal sins and call for a balanced critique of both paternal and maternal failures. Ultimately, the podcast offers a message of hope, encouraging listeners to strive to be the nurturing and present parents they may not have had themselves, emphasizing God's grace in overcoming these familial wounds.

00:00 Introduction to the Current Reality Podcast

00:44 Exploring Father and Mother Wounds

02:40 The Impact of Absent Parents

10:05 Andrew Tate and Distorted Masculinity

19:17 Career Women and Motherhood

35:23 The Crisis of Single-Parent Households

46:41 The Role of Stepparents

47:29 Personal Experiences with Stepparents

50:40 The Impact of Government on Family Issues

52:07 The Crisis of Multiple Partners

52:53 The Cost of Working Mothers

55:15 The Emotional Impact of Daycare

01:00:19 The Importance of Fathers

01:13:23 The Role of Mothers

01:22:09 Addressing Feminine Sins

01:29:53 A Reason for Hope

For questions or comments, send us an email at [email protected].

Our church is Christ the King Church in Fort Thomas, KY.

The Current Reality Podcast is a resource of King's Domain, Fort Thomas, KY.

 Follow us on Twitter

https://twitter.com/dmichaelclary

https://twitter.com/wadethomasjr

Michael's Book "God's Good Design" is now available everywhere

• God's Good Design: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Guide to Human Sexuality
  

In this episode of the Current Reality Podcast, hosts Michael Clary and Wade Thomas discuss the impact of stories in shaping our understanding of the world, particularly from a Christian perspective. They cover how stories teach us what is true, normal, and beautiful, and the ways in which popular media subtly catechizes us. The episode includes examples of good stories and literature, highlights the importance of recounting personal and biblical narratives, and offers practical advice for discerning media consumption. They emphasize the necessity of putting yourself in true stories, especially those found in the Bible, and the formative role of the church in helping believers maintain a biblical worldview.

00:00 Welcome to the Current Reality Podcast

00:25 Setting the Scene: Recording in a Pediatrician's Waiting Room

01:55 The Magic of AI in Audio Editing

04:49 Future-Proof Christianity Conference

11:08 The Importance of Stories in Shaping Beliefs

20:33 Contrasting Worldviews in Fiction: Tolkien vs. Martin

32:10 The Impact of Atheistic Narratives

47:20 Chance and Randomness in Modern Storytelling

49:59 The Power of Stories in Shaping Beliefs

50:26 Analyzing Sci-Fi Narratives: 2001 and Prometheus

53:40 The Influence of Music in Movies

55:55 Subversive Themes in Modern Films

56:29 Normalization of Controversial Topics Through Media

58:14 Romance Novels and Their Impact on Women

01:05:56 The Role of Fiction in Shaping Worldviews

01:13:21 Critique of Modern Nature Documentaries

01:15:48 Recommendations for Good Fiction and Biographies

01:24:19 The Importance of Christian Family Histories

01:29:13 Unmasking Cultural Sophistry

01:30:57 Biblical Stories as a Source of Truth

01:34:54 Reasons for Hope in a Secular World

For questions or comments, send us an email at [email protected].

Our church is Christ the King Church in Cincinnati, OH.

The Current Reality Podcast is a resource of King's Domain, Cincinnati, OH.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• University of Notre Dame article on Tolkien’s faith

• Desiring God on Tolkien and Lord of the Rings

• George R.R. Martin on Religion

• Jennifer Lee, writer and director of Frozen on her documentary “Feminist: Stories from Women’s Liberation.”

• Jennifer Lee Women’s History Month Interview with Disney

 Follow us on Twitter

https://twitter.com/dmichaelclary

https://twitter.com/wadethomasjr

Michael's Book "God's Good Design" is now available everywhere

• God's Good Design: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Guide to Human Sexuality
  

In this episode of the Current Reality Podcast, hosts Michael Clary and Wade Thomas from Christ the King Church discuss a listener-requested topic on opting out of childbearing. The hosts examine why married couples, particularly Christians, should not deliberately avoid having children. They explore historical Christian teachings, biblical directives, and practical arguments, dismantling the narrative that children are merely financial burdens. Furthermore, they stress the importance of prioritizing family over material comforts and discuss the broader societal impacts of declining birth rates. They provide hope grounded in God's goodwill, the gospel's assurance, and the church's role, encouraging listeners to re-evaluate their views on parenthood within the light of Scripture.

00:00 Introduction to the Current Reality Podcast

00:20 Transition to Fort Thomas, Kentucky

01:24 Today's Topic: Opting Out of Childbearing

03:05 Historical and Biblical Perspectives on Childbearing

04:53 Modern Contraception and Moral Considerations

07:18 The Decline in Birth Rates and Its Implications

13:26 Cultural Narratives on Childbearing

26:55 Biblical Teachings on Marriage and Childbearing

47:24 The Cost of Raising Children: Myth vs. Reality

51:25 Personal Experiences and Family Dynamics

54:05 Cultural Expectations and Comfort

56:07 Financial Decisions and Moral Agency

57:13 Biblical Perspective on Family and Comfort

01:03:42 Economic Realities and Leisure Time

01:07:32 Childcare Costs and Family Structure

01:10:51 Historical and Cultural Comparisons

01:13:46 The Value of Children and Family

01:26:46 Biblical and Theological Insights

01:34:21 Encouragement and Personal Testimonies

01:41:22 Final Thoughts and Reasons for Hope

For questions or comments, send us an email at [email protected].

Our church is Christ the King Church in Fort Thomas, KY.

The Current Reality Podcast is a resource of King's Domain, Fort Thomas, KY.

Resources mentioned in this episode

 Follow us on Twitter

https://twitter.com/dmichaelclary

https://twitter.com/wadethomasjr

Michael's Book "God's Good Design" is now available everywhere