In Part 2 of our series, Dr. Jeffrey D. Skinner and Rev. Brad Bellomy continue their insightful discussion and responsible reading of the Book of Revelation.
**Episode 2: Context - The Seven Churches - Impact of Constantine**
In this episode, we delve into the historical context of the seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Situated in Asia Minor, which corresponds to modern-day Turkey, these churches played a significant role in early Christianity. However, their context was marked by unique challenges:
**1. Roman Occupation:** During the time of the book's writing, around 95-96 AD, the Roman Empire held sway over Asia Minor. The seven churches were scattered across this province, and their existence was intertwined with the broader Roman rule.
**2. Persecution:** The early Christians faced periods of persecution within the Roman Empire. Emperor Domitian, known for his authoritarian rule, demanded unwavering loyalty to the Roman state, even to the extent of being worshiped as divine. This created a hostile environment for Christians who refused to bow to the emperor's demands, resulting in their persecution.
The emergence of Constantine, a pivotal figure in Roman history, would later bring about significant changes. Prior to his reign, Christianity existed as a fringe religion, embraced mainly by the marginalized and oppressed. However, as Constantine embraced Christianity, it transformed from a faith of the few to a religion of the masses. This shift had profound implications for the future of Christianity.
**3. Unveiling the Meaning of "Apocalypse"**
Before we proceed, let's clarify the meaning of "apocalypse." In contemporary language, the term is often associated with visions of the end of the world—meteors, global warfare, or even the potential demise of humanity and the planet. However, the original Greek word, "apokalypsis," from which "apocalypse" is derived, carries a different connotation.
"Apocalypse" signifies an unveiling or revealing, and it can also denote the disclosure of hidden knowledge or secrets. In the context of the seven churches in Asia Minor, John's message to them was akin to saying, "Hey, there's a secret message meant for you. Get your 'decoder ring'!" (with a touch of humor).
As we explore the historical and theological landscape of the seven churches and their place within the Roman Empire, we gain valuable insights into the early Christian experience. Join us in Episode 2 as we uncover the layers of history and meaning behind the Book of Revelation.

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"When All The Saints" ©1997, Christopher Miner Music. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
http://hymnbook.igracemusic.com/hymns/for-all-the-saints
Christopher MinerChristopher Miner-Music
William Walsham How-Text



In this podcast episode titled "All-Saints-Day and Halloween's-Christian-Origins," Dr. Jeffrey D. Skinner, the host of "Echoes-Through-Eternity-Podcast," explores the fascinating intersection of Christian tradition and the origins of Halloween. Dr. Skinner delves into the significance of All-Saints-Day, shedding light on its deep roots in Christian history and its celebration across various denominations. He also uncovers the surprising connections between Halloween and Christian traditions, revealing how this holiday evolved over time.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Skinner emphasizes the unity of Christians of all ages, countries, and races in Christ, highlighting the importance of recognizing the rich history of Christianity and finding inspiration in the stories of saints and martyrs. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the meaning of All-Saints-Day and its relevance to their faith.
This thought-provoking podcast provides valuable insights into the spiritual significance of All-Saints-Day and offers a fresh perspective on the origins of Halloween, ultimately encouraging individuals to embrace the Christian heritage and the unity it represents.



Transcript:
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (00:00.414)
Welcome into Echoes Through Eternity. I am Dr. Jeffrey D. Skinner. This is a bonus episode. It's our All Hallows' Eve episode. Halloween. And today we're delivering, we're delving into a topic. Stop.
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (00:36.33)
Welcome to another episode of Echoes Through Eternity with Dr. Jeffrey D. Skinner. I am your host, and today we're delving into a topic that's both fascinating and deeply rooted in Christian tradition, All Saints Day.
This isn't your typical Halloween episode. Instead, we'll be uncovering the meaning and history behind the November 1st holiday. That might just change the way you think about saints and Halloween itself. So what exactly is All Saints Day? It's a Christian solemnity, a dignified remembrance where we honor all the saints from Christian history.
Whether they're well-known figures or those whose names have been lost to time.
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (01:34.582)
It goes by various names, All Hallows Day, the Feast of All Saints, the Solemnity of All Saints, and Hallow, Hallowmas.
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (01:47.638)
But who are these saints? You might be surprised to learn that it's not just those immortalized in statues within church buildings. According to the Bible, saints are anyone who trust in Christ alone for salvation.
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (02:05.502)
If you, if I trust in God for our salvation, we are saints. Yep, you heard it right. You can be a saint too if you are a follower of Christ. It's not a title bestowed by religious leaders. It's granted by God to anyone who simply trusts in Christ.
This Christian celebration is observed on November 1st by the Roman Catholic Church, the Methodist Church, from which the Church of Nazarene, the Wesleyan Church we all held from the were cousins to the Methodists there, the Lutheran Church, and other Protestant denominations in Western Christianity. The Eastern Orthodox Church observes it on the first Sunday following Pentecost. It is a day that reminds us...
of our connections as Christians and the spiritual bond between those in heaven and on earth.
Now you might be wondering about the connection between All Saints Day and Halloween. Believe it or not, Halloween in its origins was a Holy Christian celebration. The word Halloween comes from Hallows Eve, meaning the evening of holy persons. And it refers to the evening for All Saints Day, which is November 1st on both Anglican and Catholic calendars. Anglican being that Church of England.
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (03:41.826)
Halloween is a blend of Celtic religious ideas and Christian martyrology, showing how traditions can evolve over time.
The history of All Saints' Day dates back to early years of Christianity when the Roman Empire persecuted Christians. So many martyrs died from their faith that the Church set aside special days to honor them.
In the seventh century, the pantheon in Rome was consecrated to all saints, and many bones of martyrs were brought there. Over time, all saints' day evolved into what we know today. In the tenth century, All Souls' Day on November 2nd was added to honor all Christians who had passed away. People prayed for the dead, but some…
Un-Christian superstitions also began to creep in. The holiday absorbed some pagan customs, but we can use it positively to remember and give thanks for Christians from the past who inspired us.
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (04:55.926)
So how can we celebrate All Saints Day? It's about recognizing the unity of Christians of all ages, countries, and races in Christ. While we don't pray to or through the saints, we can find inspiration in their stories of God's faithfulness.
The Bible tells us about this great cloud of witnesses whose lives speak of God's unfailing loving grace. There is a beautiful hymn called For All the Saints. It encourages believers to look back through the years of Christian history and think of the millions now enjoying rest and salvation in the presence of God.
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (05:41.95)
And we're using that hymn today by permission from the authors. And you'll find that in the author notes, in the publisher notes, in the show notes. It inspires us to press on. Look forward to the glorious day when the strife is over and we join the triumphant song. No more tears, no more pain.
just as we've been talking about in Revelation. That chapter 21 that paints to that new creation, that glorious day when all things are new.



Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (06:26.37)
to this All Saints Day. Let's remember that you can be a saint too and take inspiration from the rich history of Christianity.
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (06:39.042)
Thanks for joining us on this journey through the Echoes of Eternity.
This has been our All Saints Day episode. Until next time, stay curious and keep seeking the truth. Hallelujah.
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (06:57.296)
Amen.

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Echoes Through Eternity Guiding church planters and pastors to plant seeds of prayer, holiness, and courage that outlast a lifetime. contact [email protected]

Brad is the Laed Pastor of Mosaic Atlanta. To learn more about the church goto MosaicAtlanta.net

For far too long, the Book of Revelation has been a source of confusion and even fear within the Christian community. Many have been left with a sense of dread and hopelessness when confronted with its enigmatic passages. Whenever conflict or instability arises in the Middle East, there's a chorus of individuals exploiting the situation, proclaiming their own version of "The Sky is Falling." They become the modern-day sidewalk prophets, declaring that the End is Near.



Reverend Brad Bellomy joins Dr. Jeffrey D. Skinner in a quest for a responsible and enlightened reading of Revelation. It's crucial to remember that Revelation is a book filled with immense hope. Even more importantly, the scroll was originally intended for the Seven Churches in Asia Minor, who had faced persecution at the hands of the Roman Empire.

While this series was planned long before the recent conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, its timeliness cannot be overstated. Once again, various factions are emerging, offering doom and gloom, and warning of the world's end. While it is true that Jesus will return one day, it is also true that "only the Father in Heaven knows the day and hour." Any attempts to predict impending disaster and doom are, at best, misguided and, at worst, manipulative.

Our commitment to "responsible scripture interpretation" is rooted in several key principles:
1. **Clarity of Interpretation:** We aim to provide a clear and well-founded interpretation of Revelation. This is essential because the book has often been subjected to various and sometimes extreme interpretations.
2. **Avoiding an Elitist Attitude:** We approach the text with humility, recognizing that ours is not the only correct interpretation. We seek to present the information in an approachable and relatable manner, avoiding an elitist "academic" stance.
3. **Teaching in Line with Original Context and Generally Accepted Theology:** Our approach respects the original audience and context of Revelation while adhering to generally accepted theological principles. This ensures a balanced interpretation that doesn't distort the symbolism out of context.
4. **Providing Historical Context:** We shed light on the historical backdrop in which Revelation was written, including the challenges faced by the Seven Churches in Asia Minor under a hostile empire. Understanding this context is crucial for appreciating the message's significance.
5. **Openness to Diverse Interpretations:** We encourage open dialogue and acknowledge that differing interpretations are possible without branding them as heretical. Our aim is to foster inclusive and constructive discussions.
6. **Focus on Hope and Salvation:** Throughout our exploration of Revelation, we emphasize that it conveys a message of hope and serves as a testimony to Jesus' work on the cross. This stands in stark contrast to the oppressive tactics of empires, highlighting God's love and salvation through Jesus.
In essence, our approach to a "responsible" interpretation of Revelation seeks to be balanced, respectful of diverse viewpoints, and centered on the book's message of hope and salvation. We hope it provides valuable context for understanding the significance of Revelation within its historical and theological framework. Join us on Echoes through Eternity for a journey of discovery and enlightenment.

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Mike Henry Senior-Making an impact on the work place. Follower of One. Make your work life count! Chief Instigator of Follower of One - He helps marketplace Christians integrate their faith & daily life.
Coming soon, a new small group study titled the Marketplace Mission Trip: A Six-Week Mission Trip to Your Workplace. check out his website. https://followerofone.org

Transcript:
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (00:00.407)
Welcome in to Echoes Through Eternity. I am your host, Dr. Jeffrey D. Skinner. I am joined in the studio today by Mr. Mike Henry, Sr. He and I connected on LinkedIn and I saw his ministry follower of one. It's just, I love the story he has there which is essentially that you are a missionary and I'll let him talk all about that and tell you all about that. But welcome in, Mike. It's good to have you here today.
Mike Henry Sr. (00:29.198)
Thank you for having me, this is a blast.
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (00:31.763)
Yeah. So, so tell us a little bit about Father of One and what that does, what your ministry is there.
Mike Henry Sr. (00:38.402)
So the ministry basically is an online community designed to help marketplace Christians integrate their faith into what they do every day. And it kind of came out of this idea that several ideas that have happened in my career, but I became a Christian when I was already in the workforce and it seemed like almost everything the church wanted me to do was something that made me leave work.
or I had to get away from work to do it. And I just, I felt like it seemed strange to save me and then put me in a position where I can't do anything. And so I started asking God for ideas about what I could do and realize that there are so many things that we can be doing, but we think if we're not doing the church things, then we're not doing the right things. And all that kind of led into a 30 year journey that resulted in follower of one.
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (01:36.687)
That's great. That's great. And you're right. I mean, we argue, I've got a, I told you before we started out of a church planting background. And so this podcast kind of serves kind of three purposes. I want to primarily echo the voices of people like yourself and, and you'll reverberate those and it's called Echoes Through Eternity in that. Marcus Aurelius was famous for saying, you know, what you do today will echo through eternity. And, and
Mike Henry Sr. (01:44.614)
Mm-hmm. Yes.
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (02:06.875)
so often the message that we clergy give to the parishioner, to the laity, which by the way, is not a separation between professional clergy and the people. It just literally means the work of the people is what it's talking about there. And so, I hope that clergy are people. I hope I'm a person. Everybody is people. And so, when we're talking about laity, it wasn't designed to say, okay,
Mike Henry Sr. (02:17.413)
He's drawing. Yeah. No.
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (02:34.615)
Here's the people and your job is basically sit in a pew and receive. And then if there's anything to do, they want you to come to the church, and we want you to do it at the church or within the church. And so this idea of the church becoming the center of all ministry was not even what Jesus did. Jesus did not begin his work in the temple. In fact, very little of his ministry took place in the temple. It was the temple that rejected Jesus' work.
Mike Henry Sr. (02:38.791)
Mm-hmm. Yeah. Exactly. Mm-hmm.
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (03:02.299)
And Jesus' message, you know, the temple essentially that crucified Jesus, if you want to say it that way, not the people, you know. Now they had a little crowd there in the end that they'd whipped up into a frenzy and they could say it was the work of the people, so to speak. But you and I know, you know, how that goes, right? So I love, but that's why I invited you on. I love your message at Follower of One. It's not about you. You're not the hero of that story.
Mike Henry Sr. (03:10.253)
Yes. Yeah. Exactly.
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (03:30.191)
It's individuals. It's all about them finding their purpose and connecting that with God. And we spend more than 40 hours a week, at the very least, at work. And so, if everything centers around the church, it's going to be very little time for ministry for you. It's going to happen on a Saturday. You're probably already exhausted from, and we say 40 hours. If you're working in a job, we all know it's probably more than 40 hours.
Mike Henry Sr. (03:41.273)
Yes.
Mike Henry Sr. (03:57.658)
yeah that's right well so I almost felt like I was adversarial with many of my pastors
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (03:58.023)
I have a wife as a school teacher. She works a lot more than 40 hours a week. Uh, so anyway, I just, I love your message. I love what you're talking, what you're doing there. And so you're right. So tell us how you say it was born out of that conversation with God. How long after you were saved before, how long did it take you to kind of discern that call in your life?
Mike Henry Sr. (04:26.678)
during my 40-year career. It's been over 40 years since I exited college. But I didn't become a Christian until I was 30. And all of my early challenges were when I would ask my pastors about different ideas that I had or what I wanted to learn. The answer was, sure, come back out to the church, come back out to the suburbs.
I traveled quite a distance to work. I worked in industrial businesses early in my career, and then in big office buildings later in my career. And nothing was ever close to where I lived. And I felt like, because I couldn't get back out to the suburbs, that my best case scenario was to just stay out of trouble until Sunday. And I would even.
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (05:06.541)
Yeah.
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (05:19.493)
Hahaha
Mike Henry Sr. (05:22.606)
because this dates me, but going back, often people would use the term called into full-time ministry. And it just basically told me that I was a part-timer, that Jesus saved me, but I was just supposed to stay on the bench until the coach put me in on some key player. If somebody walked into my office and grabbed me on the shirt and wanted to know about salvation, I could help them, but there wasn't anything else for me to do.
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (05:30.019)
Right.
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (05:35.125)
Yeah.
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (05:40.06)
Mmm.
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (05:52.416)
Yeah, let's...
Mike Henry Sr. (05:52.71)
And I discovered that there are plenty of things to do, but you have to kind of disassemble some of the baggage and the meanings that we put on words. Mm-hmm.
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (06:02.375)
Yeah, you're right. We do. I'll use the term, mercenary missionaries. And so we have essentially, and I don't think we did it on purpose, but just accidentally, we communicated to the parishioner, your job is essentially to fund the ministry. And so you pay us or pay others
to do the ministry for you. So it's a, you know, kind of a mercenary force, mercenary missionary force there. And if we're to do ministry, we're going to take a vacation. We're going to go somewhere overseas. You're going to go to Haiti or we're going to go to Dominican Republic or we're going to go to some other, you know, place that we perceive that needs Jesus, so to speak. And I'm telling you that there's a lot of folks here in America that need Jesus. And that's not to necessarily say mission trips are bad.
Mike Henry Sr. (06:42.598)
Mm-hmm. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Yeah.
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (07:00.683)
Um, you know, mission trips can be a very formative experience. The difficulty with that is that when we do that as with our children and our teens and we just, and even adults to a certain extent, as they begin to be the, the mentors and the chaperones for these trips is we accidentally communicate that missions happens somewhere else. Missions that's not happening here at home.
Mike Henry Sr. (07:25.685)
Yeah.
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (07:26.279)
A huge mission field, as you point out, is our workplace. So talk a little bit about what does that look like? I know you have it on your website and you also have a podcast. And we'll get to that in a few minutes. But it says you are a missionary. See how easy it is to follow Jesus at your place of work. So how does that work?
Mike Henry Sr. (07:44.973)
Well, and so we actually practice what we call five daily habits. And really there are six, I've since decided there are six. But the five that we talk about that we do every day are pray, appreciate others, know what we believe, serve others, and speak for ourselves.
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (08:03.935)
Yeah, that's good. And wow, what a powerful message there, because I think too often, at least today, in this divisive culture that we live in, it's almost like we are demanding that somehow people bow the knee to Jesus before they ever accept Jesus as their Savior, so to speak, you know? And then we've reduced that to saying a prayer.
Mike Henry Sr. (08:25.948)
Yeah.
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (08:30.787)
And so people say that prayer, Jesus come into my heart, whatever it looks like for them, pray the sinner's prayer, and or the ABC, accept, believe, and what was it, confess, accept, believe, confess. And so, we reduced salvation to that. So now I've got my get out of hell free card, and I'm a Christian, but there's nothing that connects us with that. So I love that, it starts with prayer.
Mike Henry Sr. (08:49.681)
Mm-hmm. Yeah.
Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner (09:00.179)
I love the idea of serving and, uh, you know, appreciating our neighbor. Loo

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Scott Couchenour joins us for season 3 to give as an update on how God has continued to use him to coach others who are typically in their late 3rd quarter or early 4 quarter of their lives.
In this podcast episode, Scott Couchenour, the founder of Serving Strong Enterprises, discusses his journey and coaching approach with Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner. Scott's company, Serving Strong Enterprises, was established in 2007, and he initially worked in his family's church design and construction business while also coaching pastors. In 2007, he rebranded his coaching business as "Serving Strong" with a focus on helping individuals serve from their strengths.
However, in 2015, financial difficulties led to the closure of his family business, which triggered a personal identity crisis for Scott as he had always identified strongly with his vocation. This setback became an opportunity for him to formally develop Serving Strong Enterprises, where he now coaches business owners aged 45 and above, helping them navigate the challenges of later stages in life.
Scott emphasizes the transition from a life of striving to one connected with God's purpose in the fourth quarter of life, often involving mentoring and forming significant relationships. He encourages people to live their fourth quarter by design, not by default. Scott integrates his faith authentically into his professional and personal life, making it accessible for those who want to learn more.
Listeners interested in connecting with Scott or learning more about his coaching services can find him on LinkedIn and visit his website, lumenpact.com.

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Echoes Through Eternity Guiding church planters and pastors to plant seeds of prayer, holiness, and courage that outlast a lifetime. contact [email protected]

Fractional CFO with a heart for biblical stewardship. | I bring simple financial strategy to your business so you can grow with more profit, clarity, and impact. https://www.profitrise.co

Summary of Podcast Season 3 Episode "Echoes through Eternity" with Lauren Rilling:

In this episode, Dr. Jeffrey D. Skinner interviews Lauren Rilling, a fractional CFO with a passion for biblical stewardship. Lauren specializes in providing financial strategy to businesses in the revenue range of three to ten million dollars per year, primarily in construction and trade services. Her role as a fractional CFO involves helping businesses with financial clarity, cash flow management, and strategic decision-making.

Lauren shares her journey into this field, which started with her personal goal of cash flowing her master's degree without debt. She emphasizes the importance of personal finance management and how it led her to help friends, family, and eventually business owners with their finances. Lauren's approach is unique in that she simplifies financial discussions and focuses on aligning financial strategies with a company's goals and values.

The conversation highlights the challenges faced by business owners, particularly in the construction industry, where there are numerous moving parts and cash flow management is crucial. Lauren's role involves demystifying financial statements, making them accessible, and helping clients navigate complex financial situations.

Lauren also discusses the value of serving clients with a heart of generosity and integrity and how financial empowerment can fuel a company's mission. Lauren's expertise lies in bridging the gap between financial data and meaningful decision-making, ultimately helping businesses achieve their goals while maintaining their integrity and purpose.
Overall, Lauren explores the vital role of a fractional CFO in empowering businesses to achieve financial success, make a positive impact, and align their financial strategies with their values and missions.




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Echoes Through Eternity Guiding church planters and pastors to plant seeds of prayer, holiness, and courage that outlast a lifetime. contact [email protected]

• https://www.amazon.com/Choosing-Resilience-Things-Work-Together/dp/1956267409?asin=B09V1R9B1J&revisionId=7309960d&format=2&depth=1
• Choosing Resilience
• Like Reborn Resident on Facebook
• Follow Tiran on Instagram
• Tiran Jackson shares his incredible story of resilience and overcoming adversity on the podcast "Echoes Through Eternity" with Dr. Jeffrey Skinner. He recounts a tragic incident where he and his wife were on a boat excursion in the Bahamas when there was a fuel leak that caused an explosion, resulting in Tiran being severely injured. Despite this trauma, Tiran has chosen to be resilient and turn his experience into one of inspiration for others going through difficult times.
• During a vacation, Tiran and Malika were involved in an explosion on a boat that resulted in Malika's death and severe injuries for Tiran. He was transported to a clinic where he waited anxiously to hear about his wife's condition. Eventually, he learned of her passing while recovering from multiple surgeries himself. Despite physical and emotional pain, Tiran chose to focus on his son Cameron and fulfill the promise he made to Malika by taking care of him. Through resilience and faith, he gradually recovered physically and emotionally, learning that resilience is not about regaining what was lost but reshaping what still remains.
• Tiran Jackson shares his story of tragedy and how he found resilience through faith in God. He now speaks on how to process grief, overcome obstacles, and find purpose. His platform, Reborn Resilient, offers resources for those going through trauma or transition. Tiran also has a book titled Choosing Resilience all Things Work Together for Good and another book called Widowhood is for Women. He encourages listeners to connect with him on social media or visit his website for more information.
  Support the show by leaving positive reviews and sharing it with others to help echo the voices of faithful servants who may otherwise go unnoticed.

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Echoes Through Eternity Guiding church planters and pastors to plant seeds of prayer, holiness, and courage that outlast a lifetime. contact [email protected]

Dr.'s Desmond Barrett and Charlotte Pickenpaugh Holter discuss their new book "Missional Reset". Over the last decade there's been a shift in understanding missions, which was primarily seen as going on mission trips to other countries. The authors aim to reconnect the concepts of mission and missional, focusing on reaching communities and neighborhoods that have been affected by various challenges.

Dr. Holter explains that the book was inspired by the pandemic, as it prompted churches to reflect on their purpose and make adjustments. The authors recognize the need for change in how missions are approached in the post-pandemic era.

With the book, Dr Barrett and Dr. Holter ignite the conversation to reshape our understanding of the mission of the local church and reclaim its place as a transformative presence in our communities.



Dr. Jeffrey Skinner hosts "Echoes Through Eternity" with Dr. Desmond Barrett and Dr. Charlotte Holder, who wrote the best-selling book "Missional Reset". The book aims to reconnect missional work with local churches as everyone is called to be a missionary in their communities. They discuss how missions shouldn't just be about short-term trips but long-term partnerships within the community, such as working with pregnancy centers or homeless shelters. The pandemic exposed that churches need to adapt and embody the church by being hands and feet of Jesus outside of Sunday worship services. They also highlight the importance of partnering together for more effective mission work, which they will explore further at their district meeting.
Charlotte, a former elementary gifted teacher, emphasizes the importance of teaching children and youth about giving in church. She believes that children need to see physical giving as it is part of mission. With the pandemic changing how offerings are collected, she shares a story about her grandson watching his stepdad give online to bless a little girl who does Bible quizzing at their church. The conversation then shifts to discuss the modernization of missions and how it looks different than traditional missionary work. Desmond stresses that partnerships with local non-profits are crucial for successful missions and encourages churches to equip their members by exposing them to various types of missionaries beyond just pastors or medical doctors. Lastly, stories have powerful impacts on our lives as they connect us everywhere and inspire us as people of God doing missions work.
Charlotte emphasizes finding something that works for you and doing it without fear, including all age groups. Desmond highlights the importance of going outside the box to see where needs are and impacting lives through local church work. They exchange greetings and discuss their upcoming books. The podcast encourages listeners to partner with God by sharing positive reviews and echoing guest voices throughout eternity.
Transcript Link:https://app.fireflies.ai/view/ETE-047-1-0-mp3::qQszbz3p5W

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Echoes Through Eternity Guiding church planters and pastors to plant seeds of prayer, holiness, and courage that outlast a lifetime. contact [email protected]

Fuzzy Set Theology Summary Episode 4 Stepping into the New Creation. In this episode of the podcast "Echoes Through Eternity," hosted by Dr. Jeffrey D. Skinner, the focus is on exploring different theological approaches, specifically centered set theology and fuzzy set theology. The discussion begins with a recap of the previous episodes, where the metaphor of maintaining livestock on a ranch without fences was used to illustrate centered set theology. Unlike a bounded set theology, which sets strict boundaries and ideologies for membership in a community, centered set theology focuses on the direction individuals are moving towards Jesus and becoming more Christ-like.
The episode then introduces fuzzy set theology, which applies fuzzy logic, a branch of mathematics dealing with approximate reasoning and imprecise information, to theological concepts. Fuzzy set theology challenges the binary thinking of black and white and embraces nuance and complexities of human experiences. While fuzzy set theology can seem attractive due to its inclusive nature, it lacks clear boundaries and definitions of truth and may lead to a laissez-faire approach where individuals determine their own truth without a clear goal or direction.
Dr. Skinner emphasizes the importance of a transformed life and the centrality of Jesus in the new creation. He acknowledges that stepping into the new creation requires ongoing decisions and personal choices but rejects the idea of predetermined salvation. He also highlights the need for understanding boundaries and guidelines for abundant life and the role of the Holy Spirit in transformation.
Dr. Skinner reminds listeners of the unique and peculiar calling of Christians and encourages them to check out the book.
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Transcript can be found here...https://app.fireflies.ai/view/ETE-046-1-0-mp3::my6GhuWw2p

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Dr. Jeffrey D. Skinner discusses the concept of bounded set theology, which prioritizes clear boundaries and strict adherence to beliefs, and explains its potential negative effects on fostering genuine Christian community, unity, and outreach to others.

Title: Episode Key: Bounded Set Theology and Its Impact on Christian Community
Key Points:
1. Bounded set theology embraces clear boundaries and definitions of inclusion and exclusion within a community based on doctrinal beliefs or behavioral expectations.
2. Denominational affiliation is not a prerequisite for relationship with Jesus, and strict adherence to a specific ideology should not be a boundary.
3. Placing clear boundaries on who is considered a Christian based on self-preservation and national identity is not aligned with biblical teachings.
4. Bounded set theology measures one's relationship with Jesus based on adherence to a set of beliefs rather than true transformation.
5. True discipleship involves serving Jesus, complete obedience, and living according to His teachings, not merely subscribing to ideological principles.
6. Bounded set theology exists in various communities, both conservative and liberal, demanding strict adherence to beliefs before acceptance.
7. Bounded set theology hinders the formation of authentic relationships, fosters exclusion and judgment, and can lead to the loss of individuals within the faith.
8. Christ calls for unity, embracing diversity of thought, and learning from different perspectives.
9. Language shapes culture, and Christians should focus on serving Jesus and others rather than ruling over them.
10. Bounded set theology may result in a sense of superiority, elitism, and hinder genuine dialogue.
11. Bounded set theology can lead to isolation, insularity, and a focus on self-preservation, hindering the mission of spreading the love and message of Jesus Christ to the world.
Note: This summary is based on the provided text and represents the key points discussed by Dr. Jeffrey D. Skinner.


In this conversation, hDr. Skinner talks about bounded set theology, which emphasizes clear boundaries and definitions of who is considered part of a group or community. This mindset often revolves around rigid doctrinal beliefs or behavioral expectations to determine acceptance within the community. Dr. Skinner emphasizes that denominational affiliation should not be a prerequisite for a relationship with Jesus and that setting strict ideological boundaries can hinder genuine Christian community and exclude individuals.
He discusses the importance of true transformation and living in alignment with Jesus’ teachings, rather than simply adhering to a set of beliefs. Dr. Skinner highlights the need to focus on being servants of Jesus, emphasizing obedience and submission to Him, rather than placing excessive importance on ideological principles alone.
Furthermore, he mentions that bounded set theology can be found in both conservative and liberal communities, where strict adherence to a set of beliefs is demanded before one is welcomed into the community. This mindset goes against the way Jesus lived his life and the unity that Christ calls us to pursue. Dr. Skinner argues for embracing diversity of thought and learning from other perspectives, even if we disagree on certain issues. He warns against exclusion, judgment, and the potential for isolation and insularity that can arise from a bounded set theology.

Transcript:
Dr Jeffery D Skinner (00:00.966)
Welcome in to Echoes 3 eternity, I am your host, Dr. Jeffrey D. Skinner. What has God echoing through your life today? Well, I want to continue our conversation from last week. We were talking about centered set theology. And so I wanted to talk about what was an alternative to centered set theology, or bounded set and fuzzy set. Today we'll talk about bounded set theology, also known as exclusivist or boundary focused theology.
Dr Jeffery D Skinner (00:30.986)
It's a perspective that embraces clear boundaries and distinct definitions of who's considered in and who's considered out of a particular group or community. This mindset often revolves around a rigid set of doctrinal beliefs or behavioral expectations that determines one's acceptance within the community. Now, let me stop here. So, you're saying, Jeff, are you saying that you can't have a denominational affiliation?
Dr Jeffery D Skinner (01:01.058)
to this and the answer is no, I'm not saying that at all. Uh, what I'm saying is we do not set, uh, adherence to, and one hundred percent agreement to a specific denominational mindset or even ideology, um, before we allow someone to enter into a relationship with us, and especially we don't set that as a boundary.
Dr Jeffery D Skinner (01:29.93)
or a prerequisite for relationship with Jesus. A lot of times we like to kind of place clear boundaries on someone, you know, whether or not they're a Christian or not. If you think about it, it's kind of based in self-preservation. We want to know if this person is Christian. They identify more with us, and so we may consider them to be safe. The problem is that Christian in and of itself has become so broad
Dr Jeffery D Skinner (01:57.118)
It's almost become a national identity, which is what we talked about when we talked about Christian nationalism. To be born in America is to be born Christian. And that's not what the Bible advocates. That's empire theology. That's empire religion. Not Yahwehism, not Christianity, not Christ-centered religion there.
Dr Jeffery D Skinner (02:24.114)
And so when we start talking about you've got to adhere to this particular ideology before you can be friends with us, before you can enter into Jesus, be in relationship with Jesus. Then that's bounded set theology. And a lot of our churches do that. And that's a lot of times based in self-preservation. And we'll get that in a few minutes there. While bounded set theology may offer a sense of identity and security to someone.
Dr Jeffery D Skinner (02:51.826)
It can also have detrimental effects on fostering genuine Christian community. In other words, adherence to a set of beliefs becomes the measure for a relationship with Jesus as opposed to true transformation. Look, I know a lot of ethical atheists. How can one be ethical and be atheist? Well, we have, you know, don't let's just use these little pithy saying here. Don't drink, don't smoke, don't go with people who do.
Dr Jeffery D Skinner (03:21.698)
So you could be atheist and still adhere to those principles there, right? That doesn't make you Christian. You can say the three Hail Marys every day when you wake up. It doesn't necessarily make you Christian. It is centering a relationship on Jesus and moving in the direction of Jesus. That's what makes one Christian. A disciple is...
Dr Jeffery D Skinner (03:49.018)
So everybody thinks they know what disciple means, but a true disciple is one who's a servant of Jesus, period. It's not one who reigns, it's one who serves. That is a true and is in complete obedience and seeking complete obedience to Jesus. It's not a set of ideological principles. A lot of times we'll use the...
Dr Jeffery D Skinner (04:17.974)
Apostle's Creed as a measure of what is Christian thought. Well, that may be Christian thought, but it's not just thinking that makes one Christian. Thinking alone does not transform one's life. It's submitting one's life to Jesus. It's what changes one's life. Repentance, which we've kind of turned into this decision. I'm gonna make this decision to repent.
Dr Jeffery D Skinner (04:46.642)
Yes, you make a decision, but that decision is not a one-time decision. It's making an everyday decision that every thought I have, I take captive. Every thought I have, I'm going to submit to Jesus. I'm going to live in a way that Jesus taught me to live. I'm going to to advocate for the poor. I'm going to advocate for the least of these. And I'm going to seek to serve as opposed to reign.
Dr Jeffery D Skinner (05:12.158)
And that's what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. It's not just a thought that's out there. Whereas a bounded set tends to be more mental adherence to a particular way of thinking. And again, this doesn't just happen within Christian circles. It can be progressives that think some of the liberal and progressive ideology that's out there today, we'll just pull one out of the ether here, climate change. Well, if you don't today,
Dr Jeffery D Skinner (05:41.782)
These days, if you don't believe that gas stoves are evil, you can't be progressive. We'll take another one, abortion. If you don't believe that killing children or that abortion is illegal, I mean, back up, if you don't believe that abortion should be legal, that a woman should be able to choose, you can't be a part of the progressive community there.
Dr Jeffery D Skinner (06:11.498)
Now again, I say that because I'm just letting you understand that bounded set theology, bounded set thought is, it goes both ways. It's not just a conservative thought. It's a liberal thought. It's a progressive thought. It's any community that demands strict adherence to a set of beliefs before you're welcomed into that community. And that is the opposite of what the way Jesus chose to live his life. It's the opposite of what Jesus modeled for us.
Dr Jeffery D Skinner (06:40.626)
And it's the opposite of what God's call is in our life. Otherwise, as Gentiles, who we were thought as less than the least of these during Judaism, when Jesus came to earth there, we were we were dogs. We were not the chosen people, but he grafted us in. He chose for us to be here. And then we turned it into this exclusionary faith. If other ideologies wan

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Echoes Through Eternity Guiding church planters and pastors to plant seeds of prayer, holiness, and courage that outlast a lifetime. contact [email protected]