As a special bonus episode of Digging Deeper, we are adding the latest episode of Pastor Pete's Like Stars Podcast which continues this whole week's conversation about whether or not we can trust the the Bible. On Sunday Pete spoke about how our modern translations are indeed historically reliable transmissions of the originals. Now, in this special bonusepisode, he continues with addressing whether or not we can trust that the people who wrote it were actually telling us the truth. Which, in many ways, all rises and falls on one pivotal issue - the resurrection of Jesus.

Listen in as we explore the claims made against the resurrection that perhaps Jesus wasn't actually dead, the tomb wasn't really empty, or maybe the followers of Jesus just made the whole thing up, offering responses to show how unconvincing each of those ideas end up being and that the most reasonable explanation for the historical evidence is the Jesus did in fact raise from the dead and therefore the Bible is a trustworthy message we should be basing our lives upon.

You can hear more episodes from Pete and the Like Stars Podcast through these links:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/like-stars/id1639249318

YouTube: youtube.com/@likestarspodcast

In this episode, Pete, Jean and Robert discuss the importance of interpreting stories and passages in the Bible with an open-minded and cautious attitude towards different perspectives and contexts. We highlight the significance of understanding different genres of writing in scripture, such as parables and metaphors. We also emphasize the significance of reading the Bible within a church community and engaging in open discussions to address questions and doubts.The conversation also touches upon personal beliefs and values and how they shape decision-making processes in various aspects. We stress the importance of showing grace, open-mindedness, and understanding towards differing opinions and perspectives. Overall, the conversation invites Christians to appreciate the multifaceted nature of the Bible and to approach it with curiosity and humility. By engaging in open discussions and being supported by a church community, we encourage individuals to deepen their understanding of faith and respond to challenging questions about it. We Hope you enjoy this episode.

In this episode, Brandon, Mike, and Anthony discuss the topic of life change and personal growth as believers in Christ. They emphasize the importance of creating an atmosphere that encourages spiritual growth and being aware of negative influences. They also recommend asking for honest feedback from close relationships in order to identify areas for improvement and growth. Habits such as using a physical Bible and observing a Sabbath are also discussed as important practices to facilitate personal growth and deepen one's relationship with God. The pastors encourage the congregation to continue engaging in holy habits, seeking feedback, and trusting in the process of transformation in order to become more like Jesus. We hope you enjoy this episode!

In this episode, Brandon Pete and Robert discuss the relevance of biblical views on sex and sexuality. They explore various topics ranging from lust and desire within a marriage to homosexuality and drag queen performances. They acknowledge the sensitivity of these issues and emphasize the importance of understanding individual situations without making judgmental statements. They also stress the significance of introducing someone to Jesus before expecting them to follow his teachings. They accept that the mere presence of desires that might not align with biblical teachings does not mean someone is not a Christian. Finally, they highlight the importance of demolishing arguments and not people while acknowledging the diversity of people's experiences and viewpoints We hope you enjoy this week's episode!

In this episode Brandon sits with Mariah and Julie, two female leaders in the church, and discuss their experiences in navigating expectations placed on them as women in leadership. They stress the importance of recognizing each person's God-given gifts and finding balance between work, home, and spiritual life. They emphasize the importance of understanding the cultural context of biblical verses and continual learning and growth in interpreting and applying biblical teachings. The ongoing Tripping Hazard series explores various subjects, highlighting the importance of seeking guidance and wisdom from scripture and personal experiences with a spirit of humility and open-mindedness. We hope you enjoy this week's episode!

In this special episode, the podcast guests, Josh and Britt Porras, who lead the prayer and ministry team at Rise City Church, along with Pete discuss the topic of prayer. The episode covers different prayer styles, the practice of praying in tongues, and the importance of intentionality and reverence in prayer. The podcast also delves into the question of why people should pray if God already knows everything, emphasizing the importance of viewing prayer as a relationship with God. The speakers stress the necessity of trusting God's will, spending time in prayer with a listening ear, and maintaining perspective during prayer. The sermon also addresses the difficult question of how to maintain faith in God when prayers for healing are not answered and encourages not giving up on God and trusting in his mercy. We hope you enjoy this week's episode!

In this episode, Brandon, Pete, and Robert discuss the concept of sin and its consequences. While all sins have the same punishment, the decisions people make can have varying consequences. They emphasizes that Jesus paid the same singular price for all sins, and the way to forgiveness is the same for everyone. They also address the topic of punishment in hell, acknowledging varying viewpoints and human desire for justice. The conversation then shifts towards loving and respecting individuals and the importance of meeting people where they are while not compromising one's beliefs. They talk through the importance of being effective evangelists through actively caring for and helping those who are broken and wounded. They also clarify the concept of judging, and how Christians have the authority to pass judgment within the church. The episode concludes with the acknowledgement of the messiness of engaging in conversations about complex social issues while representing Jesus and his truth. We hope you enjoy this week's episode!

In this episode Brandon Pete and Robert discussed difficult questions related to violence in the Bible and how it is relevant in current cultural conversations about violence. They explored how the language used in the Old Testament may have been attributed to the gods in ancient cultures and how Jewish people had the unique ability to consult the Lord directly. Pete acknowledged that there are difficult questions that arise when trying to understand the Bible but emphasized that Christians should maintain their faith in its teachings. The team went on to talk about their personal struggles with some of the violent passages in the Old Testament but emphasized that it's important to view the Bible through the lens of the overarching story of God to understand the context of certain verses. They discussed how Jesus came to bring judgment but was still the Prince of Peace, seeking to bring Shalom by rebuilding and returning things to their original state.

In this episode, some of the pastors from the Next Gen team get together to talk through the importance of discipling the next generation and how events like OneMeal can be great tools to showing them their worth. We hope you enjoy this episode!

In this episode, Brandon and Pete talk through the message from the weekend. How can we read the Bible over and over again and still receive a fresh revelation? How do we keep growing in knowledge and love with Jesus and His Word? They talk through this and more in this episode. We hope you enjoy!