A brief update about the future of Faith Bible Church podcasts.

In the final part our series "Do you fear death?", Dan Jarms and Brian Sayers discuss end of life ethical issues. They emphasize the biblical principle that humans are created in God's image, giving inherent worth from conception. They distinguish between preserving life and prolonging death, using personal stories to illustrate. They also remind listeners of the need for family discussions on end-of-life care.

Dan Jarms and Jim Greenup address practical matters in preparing for death—the importance of planning for spouses, children, and grandchildren. They discuss the necessity of having a will, and the potential need for a trust, especially for significant assets or dependents, and they advocate for a balance between family and broader spiritual and charitable support. They also note the importance of life insurance for financial stability and the role of a power of attorney for decision-making during incapacitation. Throughout, they connect these practical steps to the Biblical principle of stewardship and giving. This episode is a good launching point for learning how to leave a legacy through estate planning.

Dan Jarms and Mark Frankian discuss the importance of being ready for death, referencing Hebrews 9:27 and the concept of judgment. They define death and the second death as separation. Mark points to the significance of faith in Christ for eternal life, contrasting it with the "second death" in Revelation 20. They address the uncertainty of those unsure of their eternity, urging them to trust in Jesus, and caution against relying on good deeds or religion for salvation. Finally, they encourage believers to live faithfully, preparing for death by focusing on Christ and serving Him daily.

Dan and John discuss the afterlife, focusing on what happens to a loved one, "grandma," after death. They explore two scenarios: if grandma is a believer versus if she is not. For believers, upon death, their souls are immediately in the presence of the Lord, awaiting the final resurrection. For unbelievers, their souls enter an intermediate state, until the final judgment. They emphasize the importance of evangelism and the hope of reunion with loved ones in eternity. The conversation also touches on the grief process, encouraging believers not to grieve as those without hope.

In this episode of Dan Jarms and Mark Frankian conclude our series on baptism and the Lord's Supper with guidance for parents who are thinking through these ordinances with their children. Drawing from their experiences as fathers and grandfathers, they discuss practical steps for preparing children to understand what following Christ means and count the cost before participating in baptism and the Lord's Supper.

Brian Sayers join Dan Jarms to discuss the meaning and practice of the Lord's Supper. They explain that it is a corporate act of remembrance of Christ's sacrifice, with roots in the Passover meal, emphasizing the communal nature of the meal. The elements of bread and wine symbolize Christ's body and blood, emphasizing incarnation and sacrifice. They weigh in on the debate over frequency of observance, noting weekly practice is growing among Evangelical churches. They contrast views on the Lord's Supper, including the memorial view, transubstantiation, and real presence. The conversation also touches on the order of baptism and the Lord's Supper, pointing to the Biblical pattern of baptism before taking the Lord's Supper, which has been the practice of churches throughout history.

In this special episode of the Faith Matters podcast, we have the privilege of sharing with you an episode from Dr. Greg Gifford's podcast on the topic of the brain and the mind. He will be speaking on a similar topic at the upcoming Transform Conference here at Faith on February 21-22.

• Register for the Transform Conference before February 2 to get the early registration price
• Learn more about Dr. Greg Gifford's ministry and subscribe to his podcast!

Dan Jarms and Joe Swanson discuss the process of discipling people toward baptism, emphasizing the role of disciple makers in guiding new believers. They highlight the importance of understanding the gospel, genuine repentance, and the willingness to count the cost of following Christ. Joe suggests that children should understand the gospel and demonstrate repentance before being baptized, typically around ages 12-18, though Faith has no hard age limits for baptism. They stress that baptism is a public declaration of faith and should not be seen as a hoop to jump through. Parents are encouraged to have open, honest conversations with their children about their faith journey.

Recommended resources: 

• Discipleship Toolbox
• Soul Diagnostic: How to Know if You Are a Christian
• Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart: How to Know for Sure You Are Saved by J.D. Greear
• Am I Really a Christian? The Most Important Question You're Not Asking by Mike McKinley
• Understanding Baptism (Church Basics) by Bobby Jamieson

This episode explores the meaning and practice of baptism, focusing on believer’s baptism as a public declaration of faith, repentance, and inclusion in the church. Dan Jarms and Joe Swanson discuss its biblical basis, symbolism, and practical importance for individuals and the church community. They emphasize baptism as a step following a credible profession of faith, and make distinctions from the practice of infant baptism. Plus, they offer guidance on preparing individuals, especially youth, for this significant act of commitment.