Life Truth Network Master Feed

The Retrobots are up to a little sassiness as we open the show. Chris is taking some time off, but Nathan Caldwell has returned.

Meet the Hosts

Nathan shares abbout his recent Easter sermons, and a new episode that should appear soon on his Team Jadeth Live podcast. Keith reviews the situation with the recent visit from grandkids, and the ongoing need to have one who will be around here for a while.

Returning to our temporary format for Dumb News, we read a few headlines and talk about the dumb things that people do. Burping bartenders, and more.

To transition, we talk about when to draw a line in sharing the love, and gospel message of Christ. Obnoxious people who rant, and run away. Steamrolling people who try to muddy the waters with topics they don’t want to hear the answers to, or give the chance to reply to any. The concept of throwing pearls to swine, which can be found in Matthew 7, is also brought up.

Main Topic

Bible Survey 11: Sin is Hurtful to God

How does sin appear to God’s way of seeing things? It’s not pretty. In fact it’s stinky and gross. After a review of where our Bible Survey has taken us thus far, we read the focus passage, Ezekiel 20:1-26

People had sought answers, but God refused to answer them. He tells the prophet Ezekiel that through the history of the nation, starting from their captivity in Egypt, and wandering in the wilderness, he has shown only good things, given a good land, but all he has had in return is rebellion, and bad choices. The people deserve to be wiped out, but he preserved them for his own glory and satisfaction. His promises made to Abraham and Jacob are still in affect, and he keeps his promises.

His laws are good, and direct us to honor him, and get along well with eachother. God’s glory includes being a witness and testimony to prove hjis power even to the heathen nations.

A difficult teaching comes in the final statements in this focal passage. Does God contridict himself after claiming to give good laws and gifts, does he say he is now giving bad laws? It’s a concept similar to warning a child to obey the rule to be safe, but finally giving in to let them experience the bad law they choose. Warning to not touch the hot stove, then letting hem touch to see that it really is hot, including the potential consequences of that rebellious decision.

God gives good rules, he warns, he gives plenty of chances, but in the end he let’s choose the god, rules, and consequences his people choose.

Bible Reading for New Christians

By Dr. Richard J. Krejcir

This Bible Reading Plan for those New to the Christian Faith – can be found at:

http://70030.netministry.com/

Or: Tossing off the Baggage of Lies.

Once again live in Church House studio, but missing a co-host, we glide into our Meet the Hosts segment to give an update on doctor appointments, and upcoming surgery for Chris. We also had a house full of kids for the past week, reminding grandma and grandpa why people stop having them. Hey, we love the kids, but admittedly, the house hasn’t had the need to be child proof for some time, and it shows. Plus you get reminded of how noisy, messy, andsmelly little kids can be. It was good to have them over for their Spring break, and leading into Easter weekend.

Trying a new approach, we look at some Dumb News headlines, and comment on what the story was like based on the headline. No quizzes, just weird people, doing weird things.

Main Topic

To roll into our topic of who John the Baptist was, Keith talks about the merits of using labels or descriptions. Labels are good shorthand, as long as both parties in the conversation understand what it means. Descriptions may be cumbersome, but go a long way to put a well crafted definition to a matter. Does the label still fit, after the thing is described? Or is there still baggage that clings, and refuses to break free of baggage, bias, and assumptions?

John 1:19-28 (ESV)

19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”

20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.”

21 And they asked him,

“What then? Are you Elijah?”

He said, “I am not.”

“Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”

22 So they said to him,

“Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”

23 He said,

“I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘

Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

24 (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.)

25 They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”

26 John answered them,

“I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know,

27 even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.”

28 These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Profile of John:

* He bore witness

* He emphatically claimed he was not Messiah. ((confessed and did not deny. v20)

* He was not Elijah, or the prophet. (Wasn’t he? Didn’t he know he was? see politics)

* His claim was to quote Isaiah. (Descriptions, not label)

* He was the one crying in the wilderness.

* Making straight the path of the lord.

John Answers regarding baptism:

* John’s was of water, (other gospels make it more clear, water vs spirit and fire baptism.)

* John claims: One is coming who they don’t know.

* (also see preceding verses. 6-8 and 15)

* (Also: The word coming to his own, and not being known.)

* Messiah was already in their midst, and they haven’t recognized him.

* The one coming is one John wasn’t worthy of lacing his shoes. (emphatic through all the gospels)

Profile on Scribes and Pharisees:

* Sent by the jews.

* v24 clarifies they were messengers, sent by the Scribes and Pharisees.

* See Politics.

The questions:

(They were right to ask, and validate his authenticity as a prophet. But they had other motives. politics.)

* Asked if he was Elijah, or the prophet. (labels, not description)

* (Who are you? What do you say about yourself?)

Responding to a request on good Bible apps that the blind can access, Keith does a side by side comparison of 5 popular Bible apps for the iPhone. It has been almost a hundred episodes since the last time we did this, and technology has changed a little since then. Of course, a lot will depend on personal preference, and what extra tools are useful to the one using the app.

The criteria is based on the bible itself, not the extra bells and whistles. Mention is given to search tools, reading plans, and study aids, but the focus is on how easy is it to get right to the scripture, and read. Navigating the screen is important, as is looking up a bible reference. Also how readable is it using the built in text to speech voice in Voiceover, and do any of the apps feature a real human voice. The hot, new concept in print bibles today are the reader’s editions, and having a real human read is the audio version of that print feature.

Bible Gateway. In short, if you enjoy the web page, the app experience is pretty close. It works best if an Internet connection is available, especially the audio versions of the bible.

* Access to the bible: 3*. The app opens to a Dashvoard screen, and the bible, though handy to get to, requires a click on a “start” button.

* Navigation. 5*. Good use of heading text, and html elements, makes it easy to move through all the screens.

* Passage Lookup. 4*. Picker boxes to locate book, chapter, and verse makes it easy to get to a passage.

* Keyword Search. 5*. Searches through relevant bible passages, and commentaries.

* Accessibility. 4*. Text is excellent for text to speech voices, though the focus begins at the beginning of the chapter, and not on the specified verse. A quirk of almost all bible apps.

* Readability. 4*. Most popular versions of the bible have a human voice. For a strictly audio bible, with no text, use the link for listening to an audio bible.

Rating: 4.17

More Notes:

To make the bible more accessible, a setting would be nice to choose either the Dashboard, or the bible as the start screen. Also the menu link at the top isn’t clear as how it is used. It retains the screen, but puts the menu options at the bottom of the screen. Easy once you know it’s there. Baffling until you figure it out.

It would be a bonus if the search box on the home screen was a smart one, and also found a passage reference. The audio bibles are great as the audio partner of a print reader’s edition of the bible, but does it really need a separate Dashboard link? Versions with audio all have a “Sound” link to start playback, and it’s handy to also have the text onscreen. Human voices read to following chapters automatically.

On the home screen, the options to begin reading aren’t particularly clear. “Start” to open a bible, and “Begin” to make the picker go to a passage. Maybe that’s petty, but a simple “Done”, “Go”, or”OK” button seems more standard to give the command to look something up.

Pocket Bible.

* Access to the bible: 5*. The app opens to the bible.

* Navigation. 5*. Especially for previous and next chapters.

* Passage Lookup. 3*. It takes some drilling down through tables of content for book, chapter, and verse.

* Keyword Search. 4*. As far as finding a word or phrase in the text of the open bible.

* Accessibility. 4*. Text is excellent for text to speech voices, However, verses are broken onto lines in odd ways, even breaking apart certain words.

* Readability. 1*. No human voice available.

Rating: 3.67

More Notes:

The biggest draw back is that this app hasn’t been updated for some time, and may not be in the app store any more. Due to the lack of development, it can be a little flaky.

Taking a look at Luke 2:40-52, we explore the importance of Jesus as a boy, and a visit to the temple at Passover time. As a boy, Jesus demonstrated His commitment to God’s law and to the mission His Father gave Him.

Through a remote arrangement, and with a little interference from Retrobots, , Nathan Caldwell joins Keith in Church House studios to answer some questions about what’s happening with the historical period, and what some of the author of this gospel has intended for the reader. To summarize, Jesus was zealous (or eager), to learn God’s laws. He asked questions, gave answers, and was misunderstood by his parents. He was a fully human boy, but knew he had to be about his Father’s business. At the same time he was obedient to his earthly parents.

Though it’s nice to wonder about the early life of Jesus, it can be distracting from the real message the author intends. It can lead to feeling like the scriptures are incomplete. However, there’s enough there to be able to know God and his purpose for us. It is never intended to be a detailed answer book, covering every imaginable question.

Jesus learned and loved God’s law

(Luke 2:40-47 CSB).

40 The boy grew up and became strong, filled with wisdom, and God’s grace was on him.

41 Every year his parents traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the festival. 43 After those days were over, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44 Assuming he was in the traveling party, they went a day’s journey. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. 46 After three days, they found him in the temple sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all those who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers.

We give some background on the kind of upbringing Jesus would have had in Galilee, known for being a community of marginally believing Jews. How might that compare to today’s modern marginal Christians? How might that be different from being raised in a Christian home, where faith is practiced on a daily basis? Not to mention some of the customs in traveling, gathering together for Passover, and the distance involved to get from Galilee to Jerusalem on foot.

For families and churches today, a good practice is to involve kids in worship times. Wether it be family devotions, or being involved in a worship service, kids need to feel their questions are important, and taken seriously.

Jesus was involved in His Father’s work

(Luke 2:48-50 CSB).

48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”

49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked them. “Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he said to them.

Frustrations, and bewilderment were the name of the day. Parents duly frustrated at a missing child, and bewilderment on the part of both sides. The boy for his parents misunderstanding why he was still in the temple talking to the teachers. Bewilderment and misunderstanding for the parents at the amazing wisdom of their son. There was no disobedience. It never states the parents told Jesus not to stay. He likely just got intensely involved in his session with the teachers. Just like kids today may get involved with playing a demo game in the electronic department of the store, and not accompany parents as they left to go elsewhere in the store. In this case, once they reunited, Jesus obeyed, and went with his parents.

The other key issue here is in Jesus statement that he ...

In a special show, we present two guests. There’s no Nathan Caldwell, or Chris, but in combining two interviews, Keith presents a short quiz on Dumb News that’s happening in the world. Learn about changes to the popular game, Monopoly, and animals on the loose.

The quiz turns into a short discussion on the unnatural concept of giving animals the legal status as humans… just so they can be sent to an animal reserve and live a protected life. No. I’m not making this up. It begs the question: If animals can be granted rights as a human, should people be granted rights as an animal… and what animal would you want to be if it was possible?

Still in the vain of dumb news, we discuss an embarrassing incident where a church is being sued for the outcome of church discipline. If the discipline is biblical, and carried out with biblical guidance, should the government step in? Would there be a need for it to step in? Isn’t that a breech of the church and state relationship

As details are revealed, it’s apparent the church involved is over stepping the bounds of what real church discipline is, and how it should be carried out. Nathan Caldwell makes a cameo appearance, and with the help of some Retrobots, he shares an example of when church discipline is indeed appropriate. Our guests, Tony of Cross Point Southern Baptist Church (cpconnect.org), and James Kennison formerly of That Story Show, both weigh in on what good church discipline looks like. Distinct steps need to be taken, a ladder of discipline that escalates, done in a loving attitude, and with the intent of restoration. Misunderstandings, and misintrepretations of biblical teachings are touched on as well.

Taking a break from the usual time in the studio, Keith presents a short series from the world of old time radio. Despite being about 70 years old, the topic of marriage is timeless. Times may have changed, but the drama in relationships is as old as the first relationship. These radio shorts were written by Carlton E Morse, and featured well known radio actors of the day. Though Carlton E Morse wasn’t particularly known as being overtly religious, from the scripts he was famous for on radio, he clearly had strong religious upbringing. His observations on human relationships also shine in the advice and counseling he offers here.

There is little known about the Upper Room program, and no other shows exist, other than those presented today. Dates are unknown, but are from 1947.

So You Want to Stay Married. A 6 part series.

1 Those Whom God Hath Joined Together.

Bursting with excitement and emotion, Barbara and Tom share the news of their engagement with her father. Dad is all for the marriage, but wants to offer some substantial advice, to guard against the time when the initial emotion and excitement wears off. His claim: Unpleasant emotions stem from fear.

His advice falls into a few basic points.

* Security, not of money. Security in each other.

* Affection. Not romantic love, but a love that grows through the years, even through difficult times.

* Recognition. Living in, and for each other.

Has all this scared Tom and Barbara away from marriage? No way.

2,) For Richer, for Poorer.

Against her father’s advice, Laura married Fred, but that was 20 years ago. At the outset, Fred showed no visible signs of support, but with love and ambition, they opened a service station together. Hard work pays off in early successes, but life brings tragedies that mean a lifetime of barely making a living. Through ordeals of loss, a strong chord of love was tied to bond the couple together.

As children arrive, Laura sees teaching the kids honesty, integrity, citizenship, faith in God, and love mean more than success in making money. Through the ebb and flow of fortunes, the comfort that a good marriage is built, is important to her as well.

3. Romantic Life VS Marital Love.

Howard and Mary Andrews tell their story. Each see the good qualities in the other, but something was missing in their lives for the intellectual couple. Having been trained in the matters of religion as children, they both had left it behind them. When Howard felt compelled to wander into the local church, their lives were revived with the counseling of the minister.

Reacquainting them with a few fundamental basics on love, the minister reminds them of facts that any young couple should know before getting married. love survives a test, while romance fades like the mist. Enduring, realistic love grows.

The Andrews are reminded that being honest with each other is important, even at the risk of a little conflict. Wearing a mask of deceit only grows resentment. It’s OK to share emotions, or disapproval. Sometimes an unrealistic self image needs to be revealed, so the other will be aware, and healing can begin. As weaknesses are cleaned out, strengthening, growth, and joy can begin. The minister relaunches them on the right track with prayer.

4. Slings and Arrows of Outrageous Fortune.

Where there is marriage, there is conflict. Differences of opinion are discovered, and lead to dissolution. A fight is ripe to explode when David gets home from work. His attitude sets off Elizabeth, who is annoyed over hearing about the secretary at the office.

Thinking rationally, and drawing from a book on marriage, David diffuses the problem, and gets to the root of the matter. Some of the book’s advice include: Don’t let silly little things cause fights. Lashing out is a way of relieving tensions that built up.

There isn’t much from the Random Internet department, so after a segment on meeting the hosts, we get into full swing with some Dumb News.

Discover the real stories behind a rescue by fire crews, girls in wind storms, iguanas, and more. From the irony department of the news we talk about a viral video of a giraffe birth, anklet’s just say… liar, liar, pants on fire. Finally, what was found in a Wal-Mart parking lot? If you lost it, you’ll know where to find it.

A word to you, the listener: Thanks to the new listeners out there grabbing the back catalog of shows.

Main Topic: We get a visit by our sometimes unruly friend, Anti Chris, who seems to have a more kinder, gentler nature after his battles with Nathan T Frog last week. He has been enlightened by Secular Humanism, and has a few beefs with those crazy Christians, and why they believe the way they do. Isn’t the bible just a false book? Written by men, and full of errors? Doesn’t it teach all sorts of negative things that are harmful to humanity?

Nathan tries to correct the challenges of the humanist ideas, but honestly, it’s all roll play. The real Chris has trouble staying in character. Hey, it’s hard to play a roll when the beliefs aren’t your own. We try to give as fair an approach to the challenges as possible. If you think we misrepresent in any of them, or didn’t strike deep enough down a path, drop us a line. At a minimum, Keith will email you back to clarify what you want to point out, at best you might be invited to appear on an upcoming show. Remember, we also have a voice mail number: (401)753-4844.

We have a little bit of time left, so Keith shares a bulleted review of what he has been reading lately in the book, Tactics, A Game Plan for Being a Good Ambassador. By Greg Koukl. We jumped the gun a little the last time we were together. Chapter 1 is a well rounded look at:

* Value of the tactical approach. To maneuver. Puts you in the driver’s seat, in control.

* Tactics vs strategy.

* Strategy is big picture, content, reason, and logic of an argument. Like planning a route on a road map.

* Tactics is the details, the art of navigating the conversation. Driving a car through traffic, on the route.

* Dangers of using tactics. Not tricks to manipulate, or belittle. Used to gain footing and maneuver. To expose bad thinking and guide to truth.

In this solo episode, Keith presents a few pre-recorded items. Although the co-hosts are missing for doing the live show, they have a way of breaking with a special message.

Featured in the show are a few selections from Country Gospel Music Association artist, Kathy Adkins. . Her songs are used by permission. Find out more about her online. at the Country Gospel Music Association

To get started without our extra co-host, the Wild Moos, who didn’t answer the hotline in the Man Cave, we talk about a timely topic.

What’s the deal with freedom of the press? Are reporters right to complain the First Amendment is being breached?

We talk a little about the ban that President Trump placed on certain news agencies, but allowed others. Is this breaking the freedom of the press, and the right of free speech?

Dumb News: There really isn’t much worth making a whole quiz about. With all the politicians in my dumb news feed, it might as well be the real news. Rather than droning on, check out how some real drones made the news.

Main Topic

Actually, we have two little topics, but they go along together.

In examining 2 Corinthians 6:6-7, we pull the focus out a little to see these verses in context. The apostle Paul is listing his credentials, and what makes the strongest description of what a true apostle looks like.

Sure, there’s the promise of the truth of God at the center, but it comes from the experience of the list of hardships, trials, tribulations, persecutions, and more all wrapped around it.

We discuss the difference between a hardship, and the kind of trials that James says we should count as joy. Both are important in being a believable and credible ambassador for Christ.

Extra Topic

Based on being an Ambassador, and some concepts from the book, Tactics, by Greg Koukl, Nathan shares the Ambassadors creed from the book. It also appears on the web page at Stand to Reason.

2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV)

20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ,

God making his appeal through us.

We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

Important qualities of being an Ambassador include:

* Knowledge: the who, what, when, where, and how things are.

* Wisdom: Taking to heart. Exploring why things are.

* Character: Using our ambassador powers for good. Not deceit or trickery.

Returning to our Bible Survey, the title seems to be a misfit for the actual passage we focus on. But more about that later.

First we follow up on matters that we mentioned last week.

Regarding a Misspelled Trump poster that was removed from a Library of Congress store: The misspelling had nothing to do with his name, but a quotation on the poster. Dumb news, but not as funny. .

We also had some fun in figuring out what the word, “sanctimonious” means. Let’s just say it had nothing to do with the set apart money found on the Free Parking space in the board game Monopoly. Yes, we really did know what it means, but to clear the air, Keith shares the definition from Miriam Webster’s dictionary.

Dumb news is back, and though Chris gets a clean sweep in answering the questions, it would have been better if our missing co-host didn’t have to work today.

Main Topic

Bible Survey 10: Many Kings Fail to Heed God.

Jeremiah 1:1-17

On the surface, this passage seems all about Jeremiah, and his call as a prophet. But why was he called? Not for his sake, or because he was a cool guy who could talk sense to the king. A long history of decline in the nature of the kings was coming to a head. A list of kings from David to Zedekiah is reviewed to show how a pattern of good kings and bad kings led to this moment.

God created, and designed Jeremiah to be suited for the purpose of bringing a hard message to an evil group of leaders.

After an anonymous guest reader who lives in Keith’s iPhone bible app reads us the chapter. All 19 verses of it. We turn to using a summary from Matthew Henry’s Commentary, we step through the process recorded in this chapter.

Time (verses 1-3). As boring as a list of names, places, and times are, here’s why it proves the bible is a true and trustworthy authority. From the list of kings we presented, we can tell the tail end of that list is presented here, and is accurate. Complete? No. Accurate? Yes. Archaeologists can dig in the dirt, and find ancient evidence that these kings ruled in the time, place, and sequence the bible writers claim.

The Calling (verses 4-10).

God: Consecrated. and appointed Jeremiah. How can authority and power come from any higher source?

Jeremiah: His excuses: I can’t speak. I’m only a youth.

God: Don’t claim youth. Youth doesn’t last, age and experience comes, but God’s plans are starting now, as we’ll see.

God continues: You will indeed go. You will indeed speak.

He promises assurance: Don’t fear them. I’ll deliver you. I’m the one who puts words in your mouth. Jeremiah is given authority over nations.

Prophetic visions of an almond rod and a boiling pot (verses 11-15).

Jeremiah gets an easy test of confidence. Easy in that God explains the visions as they come to Jeremiah. There’s no doubt about the speed the events will come, and the destruction in store.

The symbol of Almonds: They’re Early blooming (January). Early to produce (March).

Meaning: It’s going to begin soon, The early sign of blossoms probably already past, and the product of the tree is at hand.

The symbol of the boiling pot: War. Kind of a no brainer.

Meaning: Destruction from the north. Certainly, and completely.

His heavy message against Judah (verse16).

16 And I will declare my judgments against them, for all their evil in forsaking me. They have made offerings to other gods and worshiped the works of their own hands.

Why the destruction? For evil, forsaking god, and worshipping idols.

Wait. Is that all? No huge list of sins and infractions?

Isn’t it enough? A short list, but high impact. All manner of evil and abominable behavior can be wrapped up in the simple statement of verse 16.