More family rifts occur during the holidays than any other time of year. Pressures of expectations, traditions, not to mention politics, resentments and old patterns all build. We agree it's not the best environment for growth of spiritual fruit, yet we want to try to at least set a good example--which, of course, only creates more pressure. We set up three hypothetical scenarios: the Opinionated Parent, the Tipsy Aunt and the Handsy Uncle, and discuss addressing each in a way that exhibits Christ yet avoids a destructive break-off. Is it possible? When your no means no, is there a cost of discipleship?

After eight years of podcasting from a Baptist church, the fellows finally take up the topic of baptism. Whether it’s immersion or sprinkling, infant or adult, all denominations treat baptism as a significant event to be respected and celebrated. We talk about baptism’s meaning and tradition, how it connects with growth of one’s faith and whether or not it should be required for church membership. We also discover that there have been four, and maybe even five, baptisms among the three panelists this week. Shall we gather at the river?

The fellows are joined by Melody Slaton, Pastor for Mission and Outreach at Sugar Land Baptist Church, for a discussion of ways church mission programs can engage in both material and spiritual poverty alleviation in ways that foster ongoing faith partnerships and long-term sustainability. God is already working in poor and disenfranchised communities, wherever they are. Informed by the foundational book When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert, we talk about ways North American Christians can show the example of Christ whether in short-term field trips or day-to-day ministering to local neighborhoods.   

It’s time for our deep dive into Season 5 of The Chosen. We have the Last Supper told in reverse; apocalyptic visions and prophesies; passive-aggressive political backbiting in high places; not to mention a chaotic temple-clearing. Join us as we dissect the drama, the wit and the poignancy of Dallas Jenkins’ retelling of the first Passion Week from Palm Sunday to Gethsemane.

Following up on our prophets draft in Podcast 366, we select our favorite disciples of Jesus, drawing from the gospels, Acts and the letters. It's a surprisingly large board generates some surprising picks. Who'd be on your team?

Do emotional affairs and parasocial online relationships break the Sixth Commandment? Does adultery require a physical betrayal, or are there other intimacy boundaries in Christian marriage that are just as sinful to cross? We go way back in our archive and follow up on Podcasts 110 and 111 on David and Bathsheba, but this we boldly (and anachronistically) reimagine the story to give contemporary overtones David’s fall into temptations of the flesh and spirit.

And in true No Church Answers! spirit, Robert, the Professor, promises (at 31:30) a free copy of The Men We Need by Brant Hansen to any listener who claims, with details, to have covered this topic in a Sunday School class.

Do not confuse emotional response, or lack of one, as a measure of spirituality, advises author Brant Hansen in the final section The Men We Need. We think this is a vital message for men, especially in a time when church services accentuate show biz trappings over spiritual nourishment. Emotion has its place, but self-control is a fruit of the spirit. The fellows talk about better ways to gauge spiritual growth, such as loyalty to God, everyday integrity and a committing to action even when it's hard.

Whatever your age, the decisions you make now will have impact on you in the future. No one sets out to become a grumpy old man, but too many of us end up there. In The Men We Need, author Brant Hansen says wisdom has much more to do with opening your eyes than following your heart.

In The Men We Need, author Brant Hansen addresses the significance of the Christian marriage covenant and why it's more than just "a piece of paper." We discuss the need for new models of marriage that remain Christian yet are relevant in a time when young men and women are encouraged to delay marriage until they establish themselves professionally and financially. We debate whether this is a good idea and if not, should churches provide assistance to young couples who want to marry yet lack financial stability. Is marriage a cornerstone or a capstone?

Ambition, when directed correctly, is not a characteristic of toxic masculinity. In The Men We Need, author Brant Hansen states that even a simple man earns respect when he knows his worth, has specific goals for the growth of himself and his family, and puts in the time and effort to achieve them. And these goals should have little to do with wealth, power and prestige and everything to do his passion for the path the Lord has presented him.

Yet as social dynamics force changes in household models, we also have an opportunity to apply the wisdom of the Gospel in this era when Moms outearn Dads, when gainful work means a part-time job and a side hustle, and there are lucrative career opportunities for men who choose not to attend college.