Life Truth Network Master Feed

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.

Main Topic

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.

In opening, we keep things short so we can allow plenty of time for the main topic. Keith still has a couple of random items from the Internet to bring up. the day we recorded the episode was March 14, also known as International Pi Day (3.14). on a sad note, Steven Hawking passed away, world famous scientific mind, and known atheist. A sad day, no matter how you look at it.

Main Topic

Taken from the table of contents of this short book, Keith presents the chapter headings to Nathan, with the verse reference each is based on. We try to keep comments limited to around 3 to 5 minutes per chapter topic.

The book: How to Live Through a Bad Day – 7 Encouraging Insights from Christ’s Words on the Cross

by Jack W Hayford

THOMAS NELSON PUBLISHERS Nashville

Copyright 2001 by Jack Hayford

* Forgive Everyone Who’s Trying to Ruin Your Life

Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.

LUKE 23:34

* Help Others Who Are Experiencing

Your Same Struggle

Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.

LUKE 23:43

*

Be Sure You’ve Taken Care of Those Near You

Woman, behold your son! . . . Behold your mother!

JOHN 19:26-27

* Aim Your Hard Questions at God, Not Man

My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?

MATTHEW 27:46

* Be Human Enough to Acknowledge Your Need

I thirst!

JOHN 19:28

* Be Assured, There Is a Purpose and an End

It is finished!

JOHN 19:30

* Finally Surrender Your Day to God, and Let It Go

Into Your hands I commit My spirit.

LUKE 23:46

I hope you’re not having a bad day, but even if you can relate to one or more of these topics… or some that weren’t covered… know that others have suffered too. Jesus was no exception. There’s a good way to react, and a higher purpose that isn’t always readily visible. knowing God has a big picture plan can be comforting. Knowing we have a permanent reward that nobody can take away can also be helpful.

Please pick up a copy of this short book to see how the author connects these bad days to Jesus. If our discussion matches at all, it was done independent of reading the book. Between the book, and our discussion, if the topic matches something you’re going through, please let us know, and I hope this has ben helpful for you.

Our opening gets slightly interrupted, and the Retrobots join us for a few moments.

Meet the Hosts

Learn the latest with Nathan, Chris deals with a broken elevator, and Keith tells about penguin burials.

We turn to a moment of randomness to discuss when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. But is it so easy without water and sugar?

Turning to our friends at the Babylon Bee, we learn about 5 top reasons to leave your church. Remember, its all in fun, and satyre.

Main Topic

Why would God command the killing of babies?

Let’s examine where this question comes from, and the importance of reading the whole psalm. Not simply taking the verse out of context. never read just one bible verse alone.

Psalms 137

The question: How can God teach about killing young children? Particularly in the words we find in Psalm 137:9 Blessed shall he be who takes your little ones and dashes them against the rock!

We look at the psalm in context, and the horrible situation the Israelites found themselves in,

How Shall We Sing the Lord’s Song?

In the opening verses, we find the survivors of the nation being taken into slavery in a foreign land, and being taunted, and forced to sing their joyful songs of their religion, despite all the horrible things done to them.

Remembering what happened

Though they knew they had disobeyed as a nation, they knew the greater injustice would be if they forgot where they came from. It would be no good to make light of that heritage.

Return justice for mistreatment

The Babylonians had taken them as slaves, their sister nation, Edom, had laughed and called for the destruction of Israelite cities. For all the mistreatment in their downfall, the Israelites were only calling for an equal justice to befall those who did them wrong. How brutal was it? More than the destruction of cities, even the children had been killed. The words of verse 9 is a statement of what happened to their own, and a call to God to make it right.

Maybe the words in Psalms 90 is a good answer to the times when it appears that God is angry, or against us.

From Everlasting to Everlasting

This is a Prayer of Moses, the man of God. He simply states that God is eternal.

Man’s short lifespan

God is in control of our lives, the day of our death, and knows how temporary we all are. Time is counted differently by him, with a thousand years as a day, and as a watch in the night when it passes. People come and go, but God is the same, and has been around for longer than any of us. There are no surprises with him.

Judgment of Man’s works

All our days, all our sins, all our deeds are seen by God, and none hold up to his judgement. Life is short, hard, then we die.

Wisdom and reconciliation to God

Who considers the power of your anger, in other words, does anyone see it from God’s perspective? Do we really see sin the way he sees it? If anything, seek wisdom to be reconciled to him. This involves repentance, and turning from your disobedience, and the attitude that draws God’s wrath. Get back into learning his ways, and showing love. Your own wrath can never overcome his, and when you love him, you can’t outlive the love that God returns to you.

The final hope is that for every hard day, or year, or any deed, that God will grant an equal number of blessings. Also that he establishes the kind of work we ought to be doing. Seek him, and what he’s doing, and go join him there.

With a full crew of hosts, we mix movie references as we start. References include Three Amigos, and Strange Brew.

Meet the Hosts

Learn what’s new when Nathan tells about a recent baptism, adoption, Chris the Wild Mooses doctor visit from last week, and our progress on our audio drama. We have fun with a Dumb News quiz. Learn all about dumb crooks, kids at school, animals, and unusual politicians.

Main Topic

Bible Survey 17 Our New Life, and Baptism

This is actually part 2. Over the recent weeks we already covered the first half of this chapter.

John 3:22 to 35.

We briefly discuss the differences between the baptism of Jesus disciples, and John’s baptism. One being for repentance of sins, and the one from Jesus as a model for his death, burial, and resurrection.

As the focus is placed on John the Baptist, we find what he taught about the coming Messiah.

There is to be a change in leadership, in authority, and it’s time for followers to change over.

John acknowledges the ultimate source of authority is from God. Examining who had the greater ministr meant John’s time had come, and he had to step down as Jesus took center stage. y

John was able to make the connection between Jesus and God. He was careful to speak in terms of definition, not the shorthand labels of religion that had undue baggage attached.

Spiritual truths were shared without measure.

It was clear that all authority had been given to Jesus, and to follow any other as lord repeated Jesus earlier teaching on eternity, and eternal condemnation.

Back in the studio together, Keith and Nathan experience some audio reversals, when the Retrobots play with the mixing board. At least that’s our story behind the mix up.

With things set straight, we take a quiz found on the Babylon Bee. Nathan looks up the definition of “woke” on dictionary.com, then we get started with the quiz. How Woke Are You? Take The Quiz! Take the quiz yourself, and tell us how you did.

Meet the Hosts

Nathan tells about his beginnings at outreach, and growth at his church in the tiny town of Houston,Arkansas. Keith has had funerals to go to. We talk about the passing of Billy Graham just this morning, and other recent news tragedies in the nation

Main Topic

Liar, Lunatic, Lord… or Legend

The concept is that of Jesus being neither a Liar, or lunatic, means the only claim left to believe about him is that he is lord. The teaching was introduced, or at least made popular, by C.S. Lewis. A professor later added legend as a possible 4th option. Today we are going to examine the arguments that try to support this claim.

Most critics allow for arguments sake that Jesus was neither a liar, or lunatic. They don’t acceppt the option of lord, claiming that most of what we really know about Jesus is legend that has been created to add to who he was.

Legend. Means that Jesus could have been a real person, but added later teaching makes him bigger than life. To support this, the critic says we have no writings tht date earlier than around 150AD to 250AD. Plenty of time for legend to creep in.

The problem is that those writings are copies of widely circulated documents. Writings that are accurate copies of the original autographs of the authors.

The argument allows that at best, Paul’s earliest writing was around 50AD, still 20 years after the crucifixion. A similar event as if we were only now writing about an obscure pop star of the 1990’s.

The challenge continues. Paul’s writing is vague about Jesus life. Paul speaks encourgement to a persecuted people, he refers to Jesus as Lord and savior. But he doesn’t go into details of the events in Jesus life. say No virgin birth, no miracles cited, no details of his crucifixion.

The answer is that just because no wrtings existed didn’t mean a widespread movement wasn’t already taking place. By Paul’s own words in the opening chapters of his first book, he was in contact with at least 2 well placed disciples of Jesus. Peter, and John. A timeline is established that gets Paul’s teaching back to within 5 years of the crucifixion, and in contact of eye witnesses. People who lived with, and experienced Jesus first hand.

The claim is that all the details in the Gospels only came along later. They are anonymous, and therefore unauthentic. Plus, one writer copied from the other, expanding on the legend of Jesus with each step.

The answer. The oldest Gospel is Mark, also written around 50AD, and some scholars claim it actually predates Paul’s letter to the Galations. Not a book written many years later. No chance for legends to have sprung up at that early of a date. Though authrship is never claimed in the writings themselves, the earliest church fathers, who studied directly under the apostles, knew and attributed the books and letters to the people whose names are on them. There’s no reason to think otherwise.

Though the early claim to not challenge that Jesus was a liar is made, critics still hold that deception may have been taking place. That Jesus misled his disciples somehow, and didn’t correct their belief he worked miracles, or was the son of God. No outside sources back up the claim of any supernatural activities.

Clearly, critics haven’t researched ancient document...

We have a short show today. Keith is joined by the Retrobots to introduce the topic. When Nathan is patched in to the studio, we get started with a review of our presentation of last week’s show.

The old radio story of Nicodemus was just that, a story of what his life might have been like. Though his life crossed paths with Jesus, the Master, his teaching on being born again seemed to be misunderstood by Nicodemus. We clarify that Jesus taught of spiritual things, not physical things that people might do. Being born again is more than our own effort to be righteous, it’s a work that only the Holy Sprit can do,. It’s ultimately about salvation, and comes at the price of Jesus on the cross.

Calling on Retrobots to read from the English Standard Version, we go over what Jesus actually taught Nicodemus on that night.

We explore who exactly Nicodemus is, and what is known about him for sure in this passage.

* He is a pharisee, a ruler.

* He is the teacher of Israel. (Jesus in 3:10)

* He came to Jesus at night.

* He said,

* “We know you are a teacher.

* No one can do these signs, unless from God.

Jesus responds

* Unless you’re born again, you can’t be in God’s kingdom.

* Born of water, and spirit.

* Flesh is flesh, and spirit is spirit.

* He compares wind to spiritual matters.

* We speak of what we see and know, but you don’t listen.

* If physical things are out of your grasp, you’ll never get the spiritual.

John 3

You Must Be Born Again

1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.

2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him,

“Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”

3 Jesus answered him,

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

4 Nicodemus said to him,

“How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”

5 Jesus answered,

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’

8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

9 Nicodemus said to him,

“How can these things be?”

10 Jesus answered him,

“Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?

11 Truly, truly, I say to you,

we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony.

12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?

Questions

* What did Nicodemus meet with Jesus for?

* What did he intend by stating the use of signs from God, and Jesus as teacher?

* Why did Jesus change the topic from physical signs, to being born again?

Faith in His Death

13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,

15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

Nathan points out some important items in the illustration of the bronze serpent.

* He has to be lifted up, like the bronze serpent.

* We don’t choose to be born either physically, or spiritually.

We take a trip to the days of old time radio for this presentation, very loosely based on John 3. The account describes a teacher of the law who came to be taught by Jesus. This story focuses more on the imagined life of Nicodemus, and what it may have looked like to be in his shoes. We know absolutely nothing about the family life of Nicodemus.

In addition, the key passage the show tries to drive home is in being born again. A pivotal teaching in Christianity, and being included in the spiritual kingdom of God. The transformation that results could show up like it does in this story. Being born again is more than simply turning over a new leaf, or resolving to do better, or working on improving relationships. Though the story is just that, a story, the spiritual rebirth takes on affects in life that goes deep, and touches all parts of it. It has long lasting affects that reach into eternity.

Relationship is a big part of knowing what God wants from us. Living in community begins at the family and interpersonal level. start there, and expand relationships to all parts in your life, treating all persons with respect and love.

Here’s how it’s told in…

The Greatest Story Ever Told – A Man Called Nicodemus. Episode 265, aired on 53-11-22

The stage is set with a secretive meeting at a house in Galilee .

Naomi is a household servant who has been adversely influencing Nicodemus wife, according to him. Nicodemus is also having trouble with his relationship with his son, Jeremy, and his daughter, Elizabeth. The children prefer to hang out with the bad Roman crowd.

At the meeting Nicodemus acknowledges the miracles the Master does. What is the mysterious instruction about being born again? Will he understand the underlying spirituality, and kingdom it represents?

Back home nicodemus still seems to strike fear, and seems to be incapable of loving. He resolves to take great effort to attain sympathy and kindness.

Though those are the outward signs, based on this story, it makes me wonder if he has truly found the inner power of the spiritual rebirth that Jesus tried to teach him about. It sounds like he’s still trying to tackle it under his own physical abilities. Later, we learn that Nicodemus played a role in defending Jesus (John 7), and helping at his burial (John 19).

He must have been convinced about Jesus. But did his family problems get resolved? Its a story. We know nothing about his family, or if Nicodemus family even resembled the one in the story.

Featured in the show is a track from Country Gospel Music Association artist, Kathy Adkins: I Give You Jesus. . Her songs are used by permission. Find out more about her online. at the Country Gospel Music Association

Featuring a guest host, Robert Harrington of the It’s Just Us Podcast who joins us in the studio. Technical difficulty means that Nathan Caldwell isn’t able to join the Skype call. Not to mention there was more computer rebellion, and a fallback recording setup had to be used. Sorry for the less than ideal recording quality.

Keith spends a little time interviewing Robert Harrington, and we learn a little about his marriage podcast he did with his wife, as well as other podcasts he has been part of. We bring back our Dumb News segment, and though it would have been more fun with Nathan added into the mix, we still have fun learning about wacky animals, people doing crazy things, and other absurdities.

Before we transition into the main topic, Robert answers a bonus question where we learn about a secret passion he has, and might pursue if life didn’t intrude, or bills need to be paid.

Main topic.

What is eternal destiny all about, and how can it shape what our faith looks like?

Is this world all there is? When life is over, is that the end? Life is short in the scope of forever, so what a person believes about an eternal destiny can be a big thing in deciding how to live life. If there’s nothing else, then the best you could say is you’ll be dead for a lot longer than you were alive, and there’s no coming back.

But what if there’s more. What if the teaching in the Bible is true about an after life, doesn’t it make sense to learn about who gets in, and who doesn’t? If its eternal life, or eternal death, we’ll end up there a lot longer there than here. We know we can make a decision now that will have eternal consequences. There is no such guarantee, in fact the choice in this life can’t be changed in an after life, according to bible teaching.

Forming a decision that shapes our life, and daily walk through it can be a huge deal in what we find important in this life. A way to guide us in a way of continually seeking after a truth that matters. An eternal truth, not just one that might change with the context of a short life. Knowing what waits outside this life means knowing something about the price to get there, and what God’s purpose for our life is all about.

To wrap up, Keith shares a closing thought of the week.