One of my personal favorites. We interview an apologetics giant, Gre Koukl.

With the relaunch of the Now Protectorate Podcast, letâ??s start off with a Superhero classic adventure!

For the first time ever, we crossover the show between the two main podcasts that Keith records. For those keeping score, those would be HPN Quest for Truth, where it’s listed as episode 167.

Over on Retro Radio Podcast, the show is listed as Retro OTRDiary 36.

Keith introduces the reason for the crossover, and why he thinks that over a half century ago in our history, the topic on the family still holds relevance for families today. The Retrobots help out a little, but we have to wait for a phone call from our co-host, Nathan, to hear his comments. With xommercials snipped, He manages to fill in the gaps.

For our listeners on Quest for Truth, you know Nathan. For those hearing him for the first time, Keith doesn’t think to give any introduction to him, but it might not take much to learn that he’s a Baptist preacher from Arkansas. If you couldn’t guess, you probably will have it figured out before he is finished calling in. Thanks for those insights Nathan.

We really do try to address opposing views, and treat them with all due seriousness and respect, so if you disagree on a point we talk about, tell us. For that matter, if you agree, let us know how well we did.

Besides our observations, here’s a few words on the show, and this Anniversary episode in this milestone soap opera from radio’s golden age.

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One Man’s Family – Fifteen Years on the Air. 47-04-27

Unlike most soaps from its day, or ours, the show was steeped in presenting family values. The characters were not perfect. There were rebellious teenagers, divorce, and all manner of turmoil and scandal that was no stranger then or now. But it was never far from celebrating the family as the stronghold of the nation.

The episode reviews its progression through our own nation’s history, starting in the Great Depression. It goes from hard times and struggles, to the fearful dark days when the war loomed. The beloved show touched lives from the housewife to the convict in prison, to the serviceman longing for a piece of home while overseas.

The characters discuss how vital the family is to a strong American nation. For moral strength and Christian integrity. Yes, this is a soap opera, yet its one that stood for strong, conservative values as the crowning glory of the nation.

As you listen, notice the claim that just as surely as empires grow or crumble on the merits, or lack of them in its king. The family is the unit that is that same stabilizing force in our nation. Good citizens are necessary and vital, and it takesgood parenting skills to raise such disciplined children. To lose that is to bring on desolation.

They talk about the difference between the elemental existence of nature. To be born, to reproduce, then to die. Human existence is more rich than that, and is defined by a healthy home life.

As the actors catch up to their modern time in 1947, they had already seen some of their predictions and fears come true. In reading part of the article from Life magazine, more dire predictions were made. Predictions that now lay in our past. Have those family ideals been lost, as those predictions have come to pass?

The four indicators that are mentioned, the ones linked to being in place when the Greek and Roman empires fell are:

* Divorce rate. Was 1 in 3. Now is 3 in 5.

* Low birth rate. Low population. The claim is it’ll be a danger by 1980

* Lack of determining what’s sexually moral. Consider the sexual revolution of the 1960’s, and all that has come since then.

* Pparents against kids, and kids against parents. Essentially lack of discipline, respecct, and raising juvenile delinquents. A discipline drain on the nation.

The root concepts the show tries to cover is: Family...

Joining us is a guest, blogger, podcaster, and paster from the left coast of America, Doug McCoy. Keith has a few topics to guide our Meet the Hosts segment, and with a potentially long show, we get started with some Random topics.

Meet the Hosts

We all have been doing some measure of sermon preparation lately. With some serious things happening that threatens to put a stop to freedom of speech in California, we have a short discussion on the bill tht will make it illegal to sell products or services that are deemed offensive to the LGB etc community. This isn’t just a matter of supporting the dignity of a particular people group, it has ramifications that stand to put an end to freedom of expression. Books, including the bible, and books of other religions stand to be removed from bookstores. People who perform services, and receive pay for that service stand to face charges enforceable by commerce laws. The problem is that this law could backfire, and be used against any group, including the one that is trying to push the legislation through.

It opens the door for any minority group, for any reason, to take offense at any other group, and have their freedom of speech silenced. Such a propisition can only do more harm than good.

There seems to be some synchronous thought between our podcast, and Doug’s blog in recent weeks. We’ve both featured topics on evil, and the trinity for example. Keith discusses wit Doug an unidentified phone call he recently blogged about. it began as a simple question about creation, then steamrolled out of control, ending in an attempted debate on the trinity, and whether a real Christian should believe such things. Some important lessons to be taken away from the experience include knowing when to stay out of it, and just walk away. Clearly there was no intent on discussion or dialog. Much of the aleged question, and attempted argument is based on gross misintrepretation of what scripture says, stretching the use of not only a verse out of context, but a single word that doesn’t appear in the original language. It’s a translator’s addition in the ever delicate art of making one language make sense out of another.

Read Doug’s own words on how the ordeal unfolded for him here: Letting Yourself Lose

The final portion of meeting your hosts is in reviewing some books we’ve read. Keith shares about three of them. One on how certain faiths, granted some more cult like than others, were criticized for being enfluenced by our secularAmerican culture. The problem with the critique was it used a different standard where convenient to the author, to make each one look as evil and hostile as possible. Though well written, the author admitted to having a dead faith, and seemed to hold it againstt those who practice a living faith. One group criticized were Baptists, so Keith reviewed a book on Baptist history, and how it spread to become the various smaller denominations of Baptist that we have today. Definitely not a cult, but an ever changing church to meet the culture where it is. To wrap it up, another book on how the early Christian church was spread through the entire known world of the times of the Roman empire. In short, Christianity has always been a force for good, for empowering the orphan, the widow, and those who are otherwise misrepresented. People hated the Romans, but loved Christianity, and though Rome fell and left them alone, they clung to this new kind of religion. Despite imperfect and errant governments, priests, and sometimes misuse of power and religion, God has an amazing way of using imperfection to spread his perfect word.

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After a brief glitch in technology, we turn to our main focus today. The topic was found on a Youtube channel from Andrew Wilson. We use his 9 points of objection that people commonly have to the bible.

Or… Trinity Means Salvation

Our episode count is rolling up ever closer to the 200 mark, and we’re putting out early feelers for feedback. What’s your favorite episode, or moment, or thing that happened on a show? Just want to leave a quick voice message for us? Call: (401)753-4844. Having trouble remembering the number? Just remember it spells out (401)7- Keith H. Simple, right,

We talk about trademarks, and various housekeeping things, then turn to our segment of Meet the Hosts. Nathan tells about performing his first wedding. It was so memorable, he’ll never forget all the… um… he’ll never… well, it was memorable… probably for the bride and groom. Keith comments on his first experience attending a Catholic wedding, and full mass. as a public service announcement, Keith calls for listeners to do the right thing if they happen to find lost money from Apple. Also he recounts his trip to see a baseball game in St Louis, MO, and the immersive experience. Keith tells about a technology problem regarding his other podcast.

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We return to our short devotional series on…

Systematic theology in Seven Steps

* God: Creator. Psalm 19

* God’s Attribute. Triune. Titus 3:4-6

* Man: Image of God. Genesis 1:26-31

* Sin: Leading to death. Romans 6:23

* Jesus: Substitutionary death and resurrection. Isaiah 53

* Christian life: Sanctification. 2 Corinthians 3:18

* End Times: New heaven, new earth, hell. Isaiah 66:22-24

Manifestation of Salvation

Titus 3:4-6

4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,

5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

Notes

Nathan backs the context up to include verse 3. It shows our deep need for salvation. We can never hope to earn it on our own.

Hope begins at the time when Jesus appeared on earth. In these few short verses, we see a full picture of what the trinity concept is, but more importantly, it has a real, and functional purpose.

God the Father’s kindness” and mercy drives him to bestow forgiveness and blessings on his people. his love and affection for men seen in his Showing love while we were yet sinners.

For example:

* “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16;

* but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8;

Christ. Because of his action, in a physical body, to be born, live, and die. God is now revealed as “our Savior.” Even more important than just his death, he rose from the grave to show he has power over death.

Believers in this kind of merciful God, and his love to die for us in a human body, means we can be included in his kingdom.

* I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20).

Holy Spirit. faith is the thing that allows us to complete the circle. Nathan points out that as the faces of God perform their unique functions, and make themselves plain on earth, they are not all present at the same time. God is spirit, and from his seat in heaven, he extends mercy. The Holy Spirit, clearly, also a spirit, convicts our hearts, speaking to our conscience. We do nothing to merit God’s favor, or Christ’s payment to bring us back. We are free to reject them.

Testing out a new recording and podcast platform, we talk a little about some of the quirks of technology, and hope to bring back the chat room soon. With a long topic anticipated, we get into a quick segment of…

Meet the Hosts

Nathan has been busy with his church, and a time to teach the young people there. We don’t have Chris on hand, since he had to take time away for another doctor visit. Keith shares a little word on the ongoing ordeal with the Va. Maybe it’s good news, maybe not, but more delays to be sure.

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It’s the age old question. The more you answer it, the more people still raise it. It definitely ranks in the top 3 or 4 questions that young people ask today, and credit it to their claim of why they identify as being atheist.

If God is good, why is there evil in the world?

To research the argument, Keith found an article on the web site of Atheist Republic). We won’t have time to address the entire piece, but it begins with an old claim that is often pointed to as a proof that God doesn’t exist.

The Basic argument comes from the philosopher, Epicurus.

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

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

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

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

Keith describes how a basic truth table works, which seems the basis for the table above. Two inputs, which may be either present or not, each condition results in an outcome. For example if two switches controlled a simple, series circuit, an attached light bulb will either light, or it won’t. The comparison is made, because in each of the examples in the argument of God and evil, there is no logical truth outcome.

In each of the statements, the implication is that there is indeed evil in the world. In each of the statements, the atheist claim is that God exists. The resulting options are that he is weak, evil, good, or apathetic. In the end, the atheist only serves to claim there is a God, but he just doesn’t like the God he sees. That proves nothing for his case. Atheism means you have no belief in a supernatural being. Tying a god, of any kind, to the problem of evil is not atheism.

The real issue is an outcry of evil, and it soon becomes clear that the atheist defines evil differently than a person of faith.

Definitions of evil

To a person of faith, evil means sin, or a moral shortcoming. It’s rebellion against God. To the atheist, evil takes on a wider dimension. It encompasses moral evil, but also natural disasters, or tragedies. Any manner of suffering, regardless of a human element qualifies as evil to the atheist. It seems a ridiculous proposition that hardship or loss should be banned from taking place, in an attempt that only a comfortable outcome should result. All things valuable are the results of enduring a hardship. Just because a thing is lost, crushed, killed, or destroyed doesn’t mean the end. Quite the opposite, it usually needs to happen for new life to thrive. It’s called nature, and any reasonable person who studies science will know this.

* Natural disaster, or mass genocide.

* Children dying of hunger.

* Neglect of the aged, children dying of preventable disability and disease.

* Birth defects.

The above were summarized, but other than the mention of genecide, a moral failing, the rest might fall under nature. Granted, it is tragic when birth defects strike, or people go hungry. Measures should be taken to care for the weak in our society. It would be a moral evil not to, and a tragedy in nature that caused the weak, sick, or broken bodies.

We try to make a point that natural calamity does not equate to evil. It’s nature, the circle of life,

In this solo episode, Keith presents an installment from the days of old time radio. But first, a short devotional thought on finding peace, hope, and comfort, despite going through overwhelming times inn life.

All it takes is a glimpse at news headlines to find people being overwhelmed by tragedy. Fires, car crashes, sexual misconduct, and others. Where is God’s love in the face of such sin and evil?

Romans 5:8; but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Based on the context of this passage, we can know that as believers, we have faith. We have peace. Through Christ, grace gives access to God.

Rejoice in suffering, not for the pain, but for the endurance, character, and hope it creates. There is no shame in what God sees fit to pour his spirit into. “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

We are formed by God, for God.

Isaiah 43:1-3;

1 But now thus says the LORD, he who created you,

O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel:

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name, you are mine.

2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;

when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,

and the flame shall not consume you.

3 For I am the LORD your God,

the Holy One of Israel,

your Savior.

I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you.

The passage seems to speak for itself. God redeems, though directed to the nation of Israel, any who come to believe on him, and obey his ways can consider themselves to be called to be his.

He offers a promise. His people are rescued from water and fire. We may have to be subjected to it, and we may come out of it with scars, but he will get us through it.

Philippians 1:6;And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

If God sees fit to start something, he finishes it.

Focus on who God is, not on the trouble that is overwhelming in the moment.

Readings from the Book of Books. A radio show with an unknown date from the war years of the early 1940’s. A Sunday morning program, presented by students of various faiths and from the religious department at UCLA.

Though Keith refers to it being a half hour show, the actual time slot was for 15 minutes. The show blended easy listening, classical music, and scripture readings.

Today’s episode features: Various Gospel readings on hope for eternal help and happiness.

Scripture Summary:

* I am the light of the world. John 8:12

* Bar Timaeus), a blind beggar, was sitting by the road… Mark 10:46-52

On Peace.

* Who is my neighbor? . Doing good for self, or for others? Luke 18:18-30

* When did we see you hungry, or thirsty? Matthew 25:31-40

* Turn the other cheek. Matthew 5:48-43

* The blessed. Matthew 5:1-10

On Rest:

* The good shepherd. John 10:14-17

* Easy yoke, giving rest. Matthew 11:28-30

* I am the bread of life. Matthew 6:35

* My peace I bring to you. John 14:27

Be sure to tell a friend about the podcast. Send us your comments, and feedback to let us know how we’re doing.

Scriptures are from the English Standard Version (ESV).

Our opening segment is a few random topics that were gleaned from the Internet. Buzz words like: Inclusive. Exclusive. Which ideal is right? Can you have one without the other?

Keith also found a tweet that stated words to the affect: Is God fair? No, he’s better than that. He is gracious and forgiving, otherwise we’d get what we deserve. Not to mention the responce: What kind of gracious god would send the flood to kill all those innocent babies? Clearly, the responder is totally uninformed about what it actually states in Genesis 6:5-6

Namely:

5 The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

6 And the LORD regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart.

In a show from a few weeks ago, a listener wanted clarification about a statement that Nathan made. What did you mean by… “You believe in the local church, not the universal church.” We spend a few moments clarifying the terms used, and what Nathan meant by “Universal” as opposed to a larger body of believers.

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We take a look at a short de notional series found in the YouVersion Bible app.

Systematic theology in Seven Steps

The installments include:

*

God: Creator. Psalm 19

* God’s Attribute. Triune. Titus 3:4-6

* Man: Image of God. Genesis 1:26-31

* Sin: Leading to death. Romans 6:23

* Jesus: Substitutionary death and resurrection. Isaiah 53

* Christian life: Sanctification. 2 Corinthians 3:18

* End Times: New heaven, new earth, hell. Isaiah 66:22-24

1. God as Creator

His Perfection is Revealed in his Work, and in his Word, because of this we can know he exists. Through his words, and law, we know what he expects from us.

Psalms 19

The Law of the Lord Is Perfect

1 To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

God’s revelation of himself in nature, the sun

The heavens declare the glory of God,

and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

2 Day to day pours out speech,

and night to night reveals knowledge.

3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.

4 Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.

In them he has set a tent for the sun,

5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,

and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.

6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them,

and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

We pause to discuss:

* The best evidence for a creator, is the creation or artwork that was made.

* That nature speaks volumes, nonstop, day and night that a creator exists.

* Just as the heat of the sun is inescapable, the evidence of his handiwork is always before us.

God’s revelation of himself in his law

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul;

the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;

8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;

the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;

9 the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;

the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold;

sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.

11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned;

in keeping them there is great reward.

Just as in sharing the Gospel in our deeds goes a long way, it needs to lead to words. Speaking, and communicating in an intelligent way removes all doubt with the message. It removes all doubt that the other person understands it, or not.

Our opening gets off to a rough start, thanks to David the Retrobot. Technical difficulties means that we have to skip the usual segments to meet the Hosts, and other random things.

The Main Topic is from an outline of a recet sermon that Nathan preached. There’s still a little bit of a hiccup as we move through the following outline, thanks to Callie the Retrobot for putting David in his p[lace, and correcting Keith on the opening scripture passage.

SERMON: THE BURDEN OF THE CROSS

TEXT ((Matt 16:24-25)

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

Intro:

The cross has always been synonymous with suffering. It was a cruel mode of torturous death, and it was how our savior died.

So when we see Christ calling us to carry our cross, we realize this isn’t going to be pleasant. However, it is necessary.

Jesus knew the death he would have to die. It was evident in even the word picture he used for us: THE CROSS!

In order to carry our cross, let’s take a look at what this entailed for Christ…and then what it will take for us

I. The Stress of the Cross

* Jesus in garden (Matt 26:36-46)

36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. 37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. 38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. 39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. 40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. 42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. 43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. 44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.

* “felt heavy” (Matt 26:37)

* it’s not sin to be stressed! Jesus felt Heavy.

* Stress of what was to come (wrath of God)

* Stress of inattentive friends (fell asleep)

* BELIEVER: “I come not bringing peace, but a sword” (Matt 10:34-39)

34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.

37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

* We may have to deal with tough times. Our friends may not understand. Jesus does. He will always be there. (Matt 28:20; Hebrews 13:5)

*

20.Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway,

As we wait for our special guest, the Retrobots get to cue up a holiday song for the upcoming days leading into Easter. Gene Autry, the original singer who made Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer famous, tries to do the same with the tune, Easter Morning. Once all the lead in to the interview is out of the way, we get our guest Kris on the phone line. She has a story to tell about the life of a caregiver for her elderly mother. It has its dark side that people need to be aware of before they take the plunge, and decide to take on that noble challenge.

In a casual manner, we work through these questions. I know it’s far from being all the facts a person should consider, but Kris tells it from her own experience.

* Tell me a bout the decision to take care of your mom. Any particularly dire moments? What about blessings that have come through your ordeal?

* What are a few things you wish you knew when you went into being a care giver that you know know. How would you have done things differently?

* I know you’ve learned things about yourself in your care giving. What are some of the personality traits that have strengthened, or skills you’ve had to learn?

* What advice would you have for someone who is facing being a caregiver, or who is going through it?

Listen to the interview to learn how important it is to plan for the long haul in making a hard decision like this. Support groups are essential, with people who can offer a little help to take time off once in a while, or even from a distance by writing cards and letters. Some of the topics of our previous episode about Worst Day Ever applies. In the midst of the difficulties, a measure of forgiveness is needed, as well as helping others in the same boat, being sure others are taken care of, telling others about your needs, knowing there’s a higher purpose to the hardships involved.

Sometimes it feels like there are more dark days than blessings. While you’re in the middle of it, there’s so much that doesn’t make sense. Nobody may have the answers to all the questions all the time, but in sharing the problems and victories, it just might help others who are going through the same thing. And that’s why I had Kris come on the podcast.

If her words helped you in some way, or you want to send a few encouraging words back to her, she wants to remain anonymous, but if you send your message to us, we’ll be sure to forward it along to her.