Life Truth Network Master Feed

Happy Thanksgiving!

With the return of co-host, Nathan Caldwell, we are at a loss for words. Offering us a few moments of his time at the very last moment, Michael Prince of BecauseFamily.org joins us as we talk, and sometimes ramble, about things that we are thankful for, and that has blessed our lives. We share thoughts and moments on past Thanksgivings, Michael’s 2 year mission, living out of an RV, and his return to a home.

Flipping the show just a little, Michael has to go, and signs off with his contact information. Nathan and Keith stick around with a little “Meet the Host” time. The Retrobots help us sign off with our Thoughts of the Week segment.

Today, Keith interviews pastor, podcaster, and author, Doug McCoy. Learn about his ministry and how he came to follow Christ. We talk about his various podcasts, most having to do with movies, games, and well… whatever Doug likes, and likes to share. His books are available on Amazon, and range from video games, to Halloween, to Thanksgiving, and more.

We talk about living our faith in a sometimes hostile world. Sometimes people want to hear more about the gospel, sometimes they don’t, but the two best things to do is pray,;and model the Christian life. Pray for the opportunity to share, ;pray for the right words to say, and when there’s nothing other to do, than giving people their space, pray for a hardened attitude to be softened. But model Christ to them.

Shifting back to the topic of writing, we discuss how characters, and stories can be developed to telll a story with Christian undertones, without being something that’s in your face with bible lessons. A book that’s Cristian, not a straight Christian book that uses a story to teach.

The question is also posed: If you had to pick a different occupation, other than what you do now, what would it be? Just how does one go about becoming Indiana Jones? Regardless of the choice, modelling the life of Jesus is going to be woven through it.

Diving further into the world of randomness, we share our ideas on a quote by Albert Einstein.

Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge will get you from A to B, but imagination will take you everywhere.

A special guest joins Keith in the studio, but first an answer to a few challenges to whether the Bible is reliable, and can be trusted.

Myths include:

* The bible was made up by the emperor Constantine.

* There was no Christian god, before Jesus was invented in the early 300’s AD.

* the Bible was canonized by Constantine to suit his political agendas.

* Christianity would never have spread if not for the corrupting influence of the Roman emperor.

* The oldest surviving manuscripts only dat to the Middle Ages, so how can they be trusted to be accurate in relzating events that happened a thousand years earlier?

A scan through accepted secular histories can debunk all these myths. It’s easy to date copies of the oldest fragments of the New Testament to around 300AD. Being copies, we know there were originals long in existence before this. Plus the earliest church leaders, students of the original disciples, widely quoted from the books and writings we now call the New Testament . Where did corruption come from, if the church has become corrupt? From people who hide the Bible away, and teach their own agendas above what god says in his word. When in doubt, throw out the commentary, and read what the Bible says.

Since the original writings are no longer with us, the thing to do is stop talking about how we came to have the Bible, or how it was preserved, and read what it actually says about itself, and about what god wants. Keith includes 11 points from J Warner Wallace’s book, Cold Case Christianity to prove the early dates for the writings, the witnesses, and how to know the events are real.

Main Topic

Bible Survey 16. Jesus Fulfills the Law

Matthew 5:17-20; Romans 8:1-4

Summary:

* He came to fulfill the law.

* They that are in Christ, are free from condemnation.

John Steinklaubber joins in to discuss what it means to have the law fulfilled, The law is important, and will not pass until the end of time. Still, it carries a heavy weight in responsibility if we expect to live up to god’s standards. If you can’t meet the standard of perfection.

For the rest of us, we need the new covenant that Jesus offers. The law of the spirit liberates, and reconciles us to be part of god’s kingdom.

To wrap up, we flip the usual format to put some random questions at the end. Enjoy our fun discussion of discovering our true passions in life.

For Halloween, Keith has put together this solo episode. Asking the question, “In the Bible, is there any passage, or topic that would make a good scary story, movie, or just something that was terrifying when you heard it?” Responses are shared from a few of the people who were willing to talk on the microphone about it. Our usual co-host, Chris shares a thought on the book of Revelation, and also the field of blood. A guest who will soon appear on the show, John Steinklaubber, has the same thought bon Revelation, but also in another matter. A podcaster who was recently interviewed for Keith’s other podcast, Retro-OTR.com is willing to share a scary thought on demon possession, and how it affected him. Find Kevin Zerbe’s work over at Zerbinator.wordpress.com where you’ll find all of his work for free. Listener discretion is suggested on some of his shows.

Finally, Keith shares a quick thought before turning the floor over to co-host, Nathan Caldwell, who shared a sermon he just preached on a scary topic. The account of Lazarus, and the rich man who both died, but had very different experiences. The account can be found in Luke 16.

Worldly advantages, or hardships are temporary. Hardships can be scary, illness, disability, or any number of life’s tragedies that cause us to fear will come to an end. Death itself is a scary thing as it brings an end to any poverty or prosperity we may be experiencing. What lays on the other side of death? Knowing Jesus, and the promise we have in calling on his name offers assurance to the one who has faith.

The scariest thing. In verse 23, we read of the account of where the rich man ended up. A place of fire and torment. A place that is inescapable. A place we all deserve to go, if not for the price Jesus paid so all of humanity might become spiritualy reborn.

The time is now, in this life, to be sure of that eternal destination. It’ll be too late to ask for relief. There’s no going back to have a second shot. All the evidence people need, is already present, so there’s no going back to warn others.

Will we have all our questions answered in this life? No. Will we find all the answers we seek in the Bible? No. But there’s more than enough evidence to know what God wants from us, what he expects of us, and what our final destiny will be for each person to decide. The trouble is that most will cast aside the evidence. Or have clear evidence, but keep asking for yet one more thing.

If you’re the person who has the facts, it’s time to stop demanding one more item. Connect the dots you already have, and study the picture you already have. You’ll probably find that adding one more dot to connect won’t change God’s plan. If you already have faith, help someone you know connect the dots they have, and be ready to help them put it all together.

Or, The Good Samaritan

Though not in our usual recording set up, Nathan is patched in, through the magic of podcasting technology to share his thoughts on today’s topic. The Retrobots help to ease things along, despite some behind the scenes drama.

In our current political climate, where the rift between various agendas seem to rip our nation apart, this is the time to learn how to take steps to being reconciled, and put differences aside to discuss what’s really wrong, and heal wounds that are in dire need of attention. Will it mean we’ll see things the same, and agree? No, but Wounds need to take top priority in fixing, before we can begin to discuss, and understand opposing ideas.

How does the account of the Good Samaritan help? The focused question deals with who a neighbor is, and the unexpected source of help. But the original question also helps in identifying a higher purpose as well. That higher goal is in reaching a unified kingdom, where humans of all diverse races and groups can come together. But even more importantly, a kingdom where humans and God will one day be able to reconcile, and unite.

Main Topic: the Good Samaritan

Note: taken from an outline, and several talking points from Sunday school curriculum. This and others with full commentary and teaching helps can be found at:

The Gospel Project®

© 2017 LifeWay Christian Resources

God’s compassion toward us, should motivate us to show compassion to people in need.

Passage: Luke 10:25-37

* Loving God, and neighbor, sums up the law (Luke 10:25-28).

* Loving our neighbor, means showing compassion (Luke 10:29-35).

* Compassion from Jesus leads to compassion to others (Luke 10:36-37).

Introduction

The phrase “You’re asking the wrong question” usually means the focus needs to be shifted.

Jesus response changed the question. From, “how to gain eternal life” to, “Who is my neighbor?”

1. Loving God and loving neighbor sums up the law

(Luke 10:25-28).

25 Then an expert in the law stood up to test him, saying,

“Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? ”

26 “What is written in the law? ” he asked him.

“How do you read it? ”

27 He answered,

“Love the Lord your God

with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,”

and “your neighbor as yourself.”

28 “You’ve answered correctly,” he told him. “Do this and you will live.”

To the law expert, the meaning of the phrase “inherit eternal life” might be asked in this way:

“Teacher, how can I make sure I will be part of God’s kingdom when the Messiah comes and establishes His reign on earth?

How can I make sure that whenever God returns to us, His people, and makes everything right, I’m going to be part of that inheritance?”

Jesus responded, you’re the law expert, “How do you understand it?”

Jesus’ had a reason in answering the man’s question this way. The expert knew the answer already. What does loving God with (heart, soul, strength, and mind) mean?

This raises the question “Who can fully and at all times love God and neighbor as they ought to?”

What does “inherit eternal life” mean in our culture, if anything at all? When does it begin?

The spiritual kingdom started when Christ opened the door when he paid the price to justify all people. There will surely be a physical, new world, that is one with the heavenly kingdom. But that unified kingdom is still on the way.

2. Loving our neighbor means showing compassion

(Luke 10:29-35).

29 But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus,

“And who is my neighbor? ”

30 Jesus took up the question and said:

In a solo episode with Keith, hangout for a session in getting down to a few basic concepts about humanity, and the initial blessings laid at our feet. If it’s all so great, then why is the world we live in so messed up? Keith also talks about what sin is at its core, and what was lost, corrupted, and what we have left.

One basic principle is that God is entirely good, loving, and sinless. Only angels, and mankind can sin. Amazingly, commentaries can be vague on the topic of sin. To figure it out, a look at the first recorded history of where it came from, and what the world was like before and after it entered offers some clues.

ADAM

Humanity

The first man. Creation of

Genesis 1:26-28

26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

Observations:

People are physical beings, but our spirituality is in the image of God. What do we find him doing in these early pages? Creating, building a special habitat, uniquely designed for humans. He laid it at our feet to rule over, discover, and enjoy. We have his blessing, and in the physical form of male and female, we can create human life. Try as we might to create life, or animate life in some artificial way, it can’t be done. It is so obvious and simple to do when a male and female join together. Creating life is the highest form that we humans can create on our own. It should be a humbling thing that deserves our highest respect and responsibility.

Genesis 2:7;

7 then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.

1 Corinthians 15:45;

45 Thus it is written, The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

Observations:

Skipping ahead to Paul’s writing, he makes the connection between the first, physical, man who brought life, but also sin and death, to the second Adam. The one who would bring spiritual life. But let’s return to thug of humanities intocense.

History of, before he sinned

Genesis 1:26-30

26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

29 And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.

30 And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so.

Observations:

Mankind was made to rule over all life in the earth, and even the world itself. To subdue it, discover all its mysteries. All this in a state not of perfection,

To start things off, enjoy a short drama as the Retrobots help get the studio ready for the roundtable. Guests don’t show up, messages from a fan mean a secret is revealed about Retrobot David. It’s time to get started, so we get right to it.

John Wilkerson of the Wired Homeschool is on hand to discuss some ideas related to parenting style.

Main Topic

Parenting Styles

There are four styles, based on 2 points.

Authoritarian.

Characterized by being: High on control, low on warmth.

* High expectations,

* structured environment, and clearly stated rules.

* Unquestioned obedience.

* Little negotiation between parent and child.

* Children may benefit from boundaries, but it lacks a loving environment.

* Demands are not balanced by responsiveness.

Permissive.

Characterized by: Low on Control. High on Responsiveness.

* Avoids confrontation. ,

* Low on setting limits, or asserting authority.

* Children regulate their own behavior.

* Accepting, affirmative, and tolerant of children’s impulses.

* Desire for child’s self expression, not conforming to society expectations.

* See themselves more as a friend than parent.

Uninvolved.

Characterized by: Low on control. Low on Responsiveness.

* Worst case, they are neglectful.

* More commonly, they provide for basic need, but focus is on self interest. Career, drugs, etc.

* Few expectations.

* Unlikely to be involved in child life, events, etc.

* Little or no supervision.

* Unable, or unwilling to provide support, or don’t recognize they’re not.

* Find it easier to take a hands off approach.

Authoritative.

Characterized by: High on Control. High on Responsiveness.

Sets clear standards,

* accept responsibility to be responsive to child need.

* Willing to discuss options, and negotiate rules or standards.

* Nurturing or supportive, rather than imposing punishment.

* Assertive, but not intrusive or restrictive.

* Want children to be come assertive, self disciplined, responsible.

* They listen to children.

* Encourage independence.

* Place limits, consequences on child behavior.

*

* Express warmth and nuture.

* Allow children self expression.

* Encourage child to discuss options.

* Fair and consistent discipline.

Authoritative is found to be associated with positive outcomes In social, psychological, and school success.

It focuses on child’s best interest, even if it means sacrificing self interest.

It insists on the child taking some responsibility, with responsibility increasing as they grow.

Our special roundtable presentation has to be called off, almost as quickly as the dramatized way you hear it happen in the interchange between Keith and the Retrobots. The cancellations actually started the day before, but the last ones were called in within the final couple hours before we hit the record button.

Since the topic we planned on was geared to our panel of guests, we fall back on a last moment topic. Escatology is a huge area of study, and our time is limited. Still, we give it as much as we can, before Nathan has to run.

Main Topic

So, what exactly is Escatology. No, it’s not the study of really curvy cats. Although that would make a lot of sense. It is actually the study of last things. Or the study of end times.

Most of the time attention is given to what happens at the end of the world, raptured saints, the return of Jesus, and all like that there. We aren’t going there today. That is known as a global end time.

There’S another kind of end time. A personal end of time. Here’s a spoiler alert for you, we all die. Sooner or later, we will all come to a day where our bodies stop, and our time on earth is no more. When that happens, and we’ve reached our personal end… what comes next?

The biblical worldview has a few things to say on death and resurrected bodies. We have enough time to examine five of these points. Hebrews 9:27 states that we die, then are judged.

And just as it is appointed for man to die once,

and after that comes judgment,

Hebrews 9:27 (ESV)

People die once. No second times through on this merry go round. God only allows us one shot at this physical life. There’s a lot to explore, do, and enjoy, but when it’s over, all that remains is judgement on how well we spent our time here. There’s judgement, no grace or mercy. We have that now. God grants all kinds of grace in this life, but only judgement remains when we account for what we did here.

1. The body returns to dust, the spirit to God.

Ecclesiastes 12:7 (ESV)

and the dust returns to the earth as it was,

and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

When the body dies, the part that is spirit, or our soul, is torn away as the bond that holds it together is broken. The body begins it’s journey back to dust, and to the earth swhere it came. The spirit returns to God.

Wait. Does this mean that all people go to heaven? It says the soul returns to God, right? Yes… then the judgement. If all souls return to God, it is at this point they will be judged, and there are only two options. Two destinations, and one is already set, unless a choice of faith is made during your life.

2. Spiritually: born dead.

Ephesians 2:1-6 (ESV)

1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins

2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience�

3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,

5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ– by grace you have been saved–

6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

This claim is that it’s our physical nature to be self serving to our passions and desires. We are easy prey to sin and rebellion. Simply put, verse 1 states, you were dead in trespass and sin. It’s only by God’s love, grace and mercy that he even offers to take us out of it. We have abundant grace and mercy now. All we can count on when our soul returns to God is judgement...

In a shorter, solo episode, we Keith falls back on a topic gleaned from a recent Sunday school quarterly. If you get material from the Gospel Project, it may seem familiar. All we do is take the bible passage, outline, and read a couple opening statements, and talking points. Basically a derivative work to present a basic theme of forgiveness, and how it works in the context it was intended.

To help with the scripture reading, a guest Retrobot is on hand. Be sure to drop us a line to let us know how he did.

Let’s get right to the main topic, and a parable about…

The Unmerciful Servant

Theme: Those who receive forgiveness must, in turn, extend forgiveness.

* Our debt before God was too great to be paid through our good works or effort,

* We have received forgiveness through the grace of Jesus Christ, who paid our debt through His death on the cross.

* God has wiped the slate clean with the blood of His Son.

Introduction

Revenge in our culture shows up in books, movies, and in a fictional world seems to bring a satisfying sense of justice. The good guy wins, and the evil deeds of the bad guy catch up to him. A reason to celebrate… right?

Revenge in the real world, as testified to by a search through news headlines reveal it’s emptiness. For example, a father who got revenge for the death of his son only led to another death, and such grief the father hung himself because he couldn’t cope with his loss.

Another tragic tale of revenge found a doctor, stripped of his title and profession after 4 counts of revenge. Now he’s facing a possible death penalty by the justice system . Revenge has never been intended to fall to the hands of men. Even just retribution is designed to come at the hand of civic authority, not an individual.

1. How much forgiveness is required of a Christian?

(Matthew 18:21-22 CSB)

21 Then Peter approached him and asked,

‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? As many as seven times?’

22 ‘I tell you, not as many as seven,’ Jesus replied,

‘but seventy times seven.

How would you define forgiveness? Is it just allowing someone to continue taking advantage of you, resetting the count up to 490 to 1 at each occurance? Forgiveness Is more than a one way street. You are not outside your right, or expectation to say, “I forgive, but please stop.” Even Jesus exercised this when he forgave the woman caught in adultery. “I forgive you, go and sin no more.” To forgive, but not expect a reciprocal response, is to condone the injustice.

Still, forgiveness needs to be extended as often as God does… overtime.

For Peter, the culture of his day, and even in our own, we use the principle of “3 strikes and you’re out”. Peter probably felt he was being generous in doubling that number, and adding to it. Jesus played his little legalistic game, took that generosity, and multiplied it exponentially.

What would such a level of grace and forgiveness within the church communicate to unbelievers? You’d think it ought to open up a batch of warm, fuzziness, and people might flock to our church to be saved. Maybe so. In a more practical way, they might think we’re all a bunch of push overs. Morons who just let the world come in and take what they please, or abuse us as much as they like, and the kind, and forgiving Christians will let them.

I don’t think that’s what God wants. It’s possible to forgive, but not trust someone. We don’t have to set ourselves up to be taken advantage of on repeat cycles. A broken trust is one that is hard to rebuild.

Can you forgive someone without loving them? Emphatically, no. The natural reaction is to lash out. Love paves the way to forgive.

In something of a solo episode, Keith reviews a message of hope for those who have found the true way into God’s grace. Nathan can’t be live in the studio, but he has a few thougts on the topic recorded for us. Keith shuffles them in as we turn to the upbeat words found in Romans 5:1-11.

But first, in a short segment on meeting the hosts, Keith reminds folks to watch for the guest appearance Nathan made on the Old Time Superman podcast. By the time this show is posted, their 1000th episode should be available. Also to get ready for the launch of our very own original audio drama, Dangerous Christian. Production is well underway, and our first episode will be here before you know it. Tell your friends, and be sure to support the project on Nathan’s Patreon page, leave a rating and review, and encourage us to keep the shows coming.

Main Topic

In presenting the message in Romans 5:1-11, Keith shares some key words, and uses Matthew henry’s commentary to add some good news that has stood the test of time. Nathan reads the scripture, and interweaves his own ideas on the meaning of such foundational concepts as being justified, having faith, and the hope of God’s eternal grace to those who believe.

To be clear, we have peace once we are justified, a price that can only be paid by Jesus. Believing that fact, we are given the faith of the HolySpirit, who fills us. Actually if we bring anything to the table, it’s not belief, it’s a burden of guilt, sin, and shame.

This faith gives an admission ticket to God’s grace. A grace wherre he’s pleased with us. No wrath. His judgement is only for those who refuse to recognize sin in their lives, those who see no shame in it, or for whatever reason they see no burden of guilt with sin. Having access to God’s grace is always a reason to rejoice and celebrate.

When sin is removed, covered, paid in full by the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross, we have hope. An expectation where we can be confident in eternal matters.

There’s a proof for our faith. Suffering, or troubles, or the pressures in life. As the pressure is turned up, we see the depth of hardship our God can deliver us out of. The deeper the trial, the more our faith is strengthened, the more we experience firsthand how secure this expectant, confident hope reaches. God sees no shame or disgrace in enduring this kind of hoe, or the tests we go through to get it. There’s no shame in God’s love, or in the Holy Spirit who fills us.

The ultimate image of love is portrayed in how Christ died for us. Not after we did something, or cleaned up our act. He loved us enough to die, when all we could do was bring him our sin, and immorality.

Nathan wraps up by reading a parallel passage, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20. Sin isn’t just some kind of filth, or dirt that can be washed offf. Jesus refers to it as leaven. Think of how leaven works by permiating to every part of a lump of dough. Only sin is a leaven that pollutes. Nothing tastey, or good about it. Not something that is washed from the surface, but is shot through our character.

That’s the power that the justification from jesus has. Hope. Admission to grace. Time to rejoice.

In closing, our Retrobots share a thought of the week.