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After our introductions of the Podcast Host Deputies, Keith and Nathan, we turn to our familiar segments.

Meet the Hosts to learn about Nathan’s activity with his fan fiction podcasts. Keith shares about a coming visit from the grand kids.

One project that’s of special concern is the Hines Alumni. Funds are needed to keep the web site, and newsletter going for another year. Contribute through the PayPal Pool for Hines Alumni. The time sensitive goal will go away on the deadline of May 7. Visit, contribute, and share on social media. You’ll be helping to support blind veterans in staying in touch, and encouraging them in daily life. If the time sensitive link no longer works, try visiting the site, and look for ongoing ways to contribute to the cause.

Headlines. Keith tries to trip up Nathan on telling the difference between real headlines, and those from the Babylon Bee. Real or not, Keith takes time to wonder what the story was, without actually reading any of the stories. Corpses in unusual places, mom’s with drug problems, and more absurdities.

Main Topic

Some time ago we featured an explanation of why there is evil in the world, if God is such a good god. Today, we’ve gathered answers based on a bulletin board where you can, “Ask an Atheist.”

The basic question: “How do atheists explain evil/suffering?”

The more detailed question relates how one woman sought answers outside the Christian faith she grew up in, and after unfulfilling answers, she came full circle on her faith. Still, she’s giving this panel of atheists the chance to offer their best reasons for Why there is evil in the world.

Answers include such remarks as:

* I don’t have any expectation that a world could exist without suffering.

* It’s simply not a problem for me in that I understand that it’s part of life.

* The best thing we can do is work to combat it.

* Evil is a word that describes certain human acts.

* Suffering happens when people are hurt either physically, emotionally or both

* No supernatural explanation needed.

The age-old argument from Epicurus is put forth:

* “Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent.

* Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent.

* Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil?

* Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?”

The statements from Epicurus prove nothing about where evil comes from. Only that it exists. It doesn’t even prove that God doesn’t exist. Only that Epicurus doesn’t like the way God responds to the problem of evil in the world. Honestly, the final statement raises a deeper question. If we have a supernatural entity in charge who doesn’t care about us, and can’t do anything about it if he did care: Why is there good in the world? Why is there nothing but evil?

Our friendly atheist responders replied with human sympathies to tragedies like that of the terrorism on 9/11. Like everyone, we were horrified, sickened, and wished we could all have been there to offer comfort. The best that could be offered is that evil stemmed from misguided individuals, with poor motives.

There is an acknowledgement that, when it comes to natural tragedies, sometimes stuff just happens. You just need to get over it, take comfort in that fact of life, and move along. True, but it doesn’t make any real attempt to give an answer to where or why evil comes from. I have to agree in that I’m more concerned with moral evil that one person inflicts on another, not so much the natural order of events in our natural, material world. But I don’t find comfort in settling on the reason that sometim...

Ep 117 From Genesis 16. Preached at Antioch Landmark MBC in Houston, AR in January 2019

A new format for the comedy show. Giving Fake news a whole new meaning...

Before presenting these errors regarding the Gospel, we first explain what Christianity claims the one true Gospel is. All others are either false, or a confused understanding of what it is.

The Gospel, or Good News, is that without it we have no other future than the grave. Sin, or rebellion against God requires a high payment that we can't meet.

The solution. God came to earth in the form of Jesus. In that human form, he died, then concquered death when he rose from the grave. That's the entire Gospel. Nothing else added. Nothing we do, or bring to the table other than our own shortcomings.

The confusion seems to come from what Salvation is, or understanding how faith comes into play, We connect to the Gospel when the Holy Spirit draws our attention to how terrible our sin makes us look to God. He gives us the measure of faith we need to want to change, and accept the price that Jesus paid. The Gospel.

The three faces of Salvation:

* Regeneration. The transformation that takes place when we act on the seed of faith the Holy Spirit gives us. Claiming Jesus as lord and savior.

* Sanctification. A life long process of learning how to be obedient to Jesus teachings. Complete with failures, hardships, and victories.

* Glorification. A condition we never reach in this life, but is assured, with all its treasures, to be kept for us in heaven where thieves can't steal it, and it never decays.

This list of errors is far from complete, and is in no particular order. It was compiled from what people were saying about the Gospel on social media in the recent week or so.

* God will always intervene when we need it most

* Give up your life to save it.

* Give up sin to be saved.

* People who are (insert pet sin here) will never make it to heaven.

* God wants you to prosper, be happy.

* To be sick or poor means your faith is weak or lost.

* Jesus doesn't want us to fail, so if we do, we can't be following him.

* Gospel is following all of Jesus teachings. Being committed to living right.

* Gospel is being free from sin, never sinning again.

* Guilt means I have sin, and need Jesus. If I'm saved, there's no more sin, so I shouldn't still feel guilt.

* Set free from law, I can do anything.

* I can't be a Christian. I'm not good enough, too big of a hypocrit, he could never use me or accept me.

* Having Jesus makes everything better, easier, nicer, etc.

* It's Jesus who makes us holy, so why bother with discipleship, which is so hard anyway?

How did we do? If we need to be more clear, or you feel we need to cover something better, be sure to drop us a line. Use our Contact Page to send an email. Leave a message by voicemail by calling: (401)753-4844.

Quest for Truth 207 begins our audio drama, set around 50AD as Luke sets forth to set the record straight. Based on the passage from Luke's gospel, 1:1-25 (ESV)

Background

Little is known about Luke, his background, how he was trained as a doctor, or his nationality. He may have been a Greek, living in Rome, and was likely a convert to this new sect known as, "the Way." Taking a well known writing from an ancient Roman historian about these early Christians, and that Luke addressed his writings to an unknown man named Theophilus, we begin these short dramas.

The prologue

We can only imagine who Luke interviewed, or what might have been said. Since he begins with the events surrounding the births of John the Vaptist, the most likely person who would still be alive at the time was none other than Mary, the mother of Jesus.

As luke begins his letter writing campain, or at least that's the way we're imagining it, we eavesdrop in on his interview. Sprinkling in fictional dialog in between actual scripture, the only artistic license taken is in the comments in the interviews to remark on something in the passage itself.

One thing to note is that we refer to John as, "the Immerser." This is because the word baptize is actually a word that has been transliterated. The meaning in today's useage has become somewhat confused, but it literally means to immerse.

Let us know how we did. Leave a comment, send an email, or call our voicemail number: (401)753-4844.

We start with a word of recognition and thanks to the new voice of the podcast. Nathan also brings attention to a friend of the podcast who has been facing a rough recovery from a serious head injury. Read more about her needs on her Go Fund Me page: Hope for Melinda the Enforcer.

It's been a while since we've been live in the studio, so we turn to our Meet the Hosts segment. Keith shares a little about the audio drama based on Luke, and also tells about his recent trip to Michigan. Nathan doesn't have too much to add, so we get into our...

Main Topic

Based on an article from Chuck Lawless, we talk about his a href="http://chucklawless.com/2019/01/10-marks-of-a-happy-church/?utm_source=January+30%2C+2019+IBSA+eConnection&utm_campaign=January+30%2C+2019+eConnection&utm_medium=email">10 Marks of aHappy Church. By the term "Happy Church" we mean one that is not disfunctional.

* Nothing seems to hinder their worship.

* People actually smile.

* The staff have fun together.

* People share burdens through prayer.

* They trust each other first in disagreement. Not assuming the worst about the other.

* They hang out with each other before and after the service. Not rushing away at the first moment.

* Strong small groups with caring leaders.

* Members who practice sacrficial giving.

* Fewer business meetings. Friendly, encouraging, and interested in God's mnission.

* Invite and welcome unchurched friends.

Afterward, Keith wraps up with a few random stats on some of the top institutions that people believe are tearing the nation apart. Good news. Despite what people may think, the church isn't perceived any worse than other institutions like business, schools, universities, and the like. Two of the worst are politics and the media. Both of them coming in at 90% of people believing they are at fault for the problems that tear our nation apart.

To close, we don't have any closing thoughts, but when we let the Retrobots out of the control rroom, they apparently have a lot to say.

Be sure to let us know how we did. Drop us a line on the Contact page, or call our voicemail line: (401)753-4844.