Centerstage Church Podcast

Episode Title: The Meaning of Life Series: "The Acid Test"

Host: Pastor Mickey Bryce

Welcome to another insightful episode of the CenterStage Church podcast. In this episode, we join Pastor Mickey Bryce in the ongoing "Meaning of Life" series as he dives deep into the concept of "The Acid Test." The focus of today's discussion centers around 1 John 2:7-11 and the profound idea that love is the greatest test of authentic Christian faith.

Key Takeaways:

I. What is an Acid Test?

• Pastor Bryce opens the episode by introducing the concept of an "acid test" and its various implications:
• Ken Kesey: Referencing cultural icon Ken Kesey and his association with the acid tests, highlighting their cultural significance.
• Precious Metals: Discussing the use of acid tests to authenticate and verify the purity of precious metals, symbolizing the concept of testing for authenticity.
• Pop Culture: Examining the influence of the acid test concept on popular culture and the implications it holds for authenticity.

II. The Acid Tests of Faith

• This segment explores the acid tests of faith, with a focus on both theological and moral aspects:
• Theological:
• Deity of Jesus: Emphasizing the recognition of the divinity of Jesus, a fundamental element of Christian faith.
• The sinfulness of Man: Acknowledging the concept of human sinfulness and the need for redemption.
• Moral:
• Obeying His Commandments: Highlighting the moral imperative of adhering to the teachings and commandments of Jesus.
• Love: Delving into the theme of love as a moral acid test, stressing its significance.

III. Love is the Supreme Test

• The episode's core message centers on the idea that love is the supreme test of authentic Christian faith:
• It is an Old Commandment (vs. 7): Love is not a new concept but has deep historical roots within Christianity.
• It is also a New Commandment (vs. 8): Highlighting the paradox of love being both ancient and freshly applicable.
• Love as a Way of Life (vs. 9-11): Depicting love as an enduring and integral aspect of the Christian way of life.

In closing, Pastor Bryce encourages us to embrace love as the ultimate test of authentic Christian faith. He challenges us to examine our beliefs and actions through the lens of love, recognizing that it's not just an old commandment but a contemporary and potent force that can transform lives and communities.

Thank you for being part of this exploration of "The Acid Test." Remember that love is the acid test that can shape and authenticate our Christian faith.