Not Of This World Christian Podcast: Discipleship | Spiritual Growth | Identity in Christ | Bible

Let’s face it, there’s a lot of things in this world that can get you down. From seeing the highlights of other people’s lives of Facebook to not having what you need to get by. But there’s one thing that can instantly bring more happiness into your life – understanding your happiness equation.

 

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Worship is a form of spiritual warfare. There are 3 things you need to use worship to fight against and one thing you need to fight with. Discover what those things are in this interview with author Michael Lacey.

Learn what the Bible teaches about how you should be scheduling your day/week. If you start applying this concept, you’ll experience more fulfillment in life.

Discover how to go from rejection and deep wounds to healing and acceptance with Michelle Madrid-Branch. If you or anyone you know has suffered any type of rejection or trauma as a child, you need to listen to this interview!

How are you supposed to ‘Keep it real’ without being a fool? How should you share with wisdom? What is the one thing more important than transparency? Scott and Dina answer these questions in this episode.

Show Notes

In this episode Scott and Dina discuss the difference between being “real” foolishly and being real wisely. There are many references in scripture, but none more to the point than Proverbs 29:11:

A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.

Feelings are matters of the heart. The Bible teaches us in Jeremiah 17:9:

The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?

A classic example of the inappropriate venting of feelings is when we are angry at someone and react by sharing our pain or disappointment with them or someone else while still caught up in our emotions. This is almost never profitable, and almost always leads to resentment and misunderstanding. In the heat of the moment it is better to hold one’s tongue, take a deep breath, and let our “feelings” subside. Then, if it remains an issue for us, we should seek wise counsel from someone who is emotionally and spiritually more mature than we are.

The big lie is that we are not being real if we don’t express what’s in our heart. But what we have to say in the heat of the moment can be damaging and almost never has the desired effect. After we have cooled down, we usually regret our actions and find that understanding and healing are required to restore relationships. The bottom line is that there are times when it is appropriate to express our emotions and times when it is not. The criteria for our decision should center on whether or not something “good” will come of it.

Related, but not associated with anger or passion, is the difference between speaking one’s mind and discernment. Women, because they are typically more attuned to feelings, are better at this than men. A good rule of thumb is if it is not edifying or might cause the listener discomfort, it is best left unsaid. Once again, the wise man controls his tongue.

In a somewhat different context, and often misunderstood, is the distinction between transparency and vulnerability. Transparency is positive, it lets people know who we are, and it’s not that difficult. We can share some pretty intimate stuff without putting ourselves at risk. Being vulnerable on the other hand implies risk, in that what you are sharing can be used to hurt you. Transparency is good, but not hard to do. Vulnerability is essential, but very uncomfortable. It is, however, vitally important to our well-being and continued growth that we share our innermost secrets with trusted people in our lives.

To keep it real in a wise and loving way don’t miss an episode of NOTW Christian Podcast.   

 

Is it possible to experience freedom from sexual addictions? Yes, it is and you don’t have to wait until your marriage or life is ruined. Blaine Bartel shares some simple ways that you can get on the road to recovery.

Discover how to change your life in 5 seconds! Scott and Ryan talk about an amazing tactic that will transform your life.

There is one thing you can do in your week that will make the rest of your life so much more productive and fulfilling. Scott and Dina talk about it in this episode.

Matt Chewning has a new TV show called #Preached where he dialogues with people about their beliefs and is the Pastor of one of the fastest growing churches in Boston. In this interview, he talks about his journey and how he stays grounded through it all.

Show Notes

After his interview with Matt Chewning, Scott was particularly impressed by two aspects of his communication skills. First was his use of scripture, including exact biblical addresses. It was not done in such a manner as to make himself sound “religious,” but as confirmation from God’s word regarding his personal thoughts on a given subject. Second was Matt’s willingness to speak with anyone about anything, anywhere. This included engaging people in settings and on subjects that we don’t usually associate with Christian dialogue.

Matt did not grow up in a Christian household. His father was Catholic and his mother was Jewish, and neither of them practiced their faith. They divorced when Matt was four and when he was recruited to play basketball at a small Christian college he had little sense of Christian doctrine. Though he was saved in college, after graduation he followed in his father’s footsteps and entered the corporate world, where he became very successful. Matt, his wife and children were living the “American Dream” when God called him to move to Boston and start a church. As you listen to Scott’s interview, you will find Matt and his down-to-earth style both likable and inspirational.

For great teachings and interviews of noteworthy Christian leaders like Matt Chewning don’t miss an episode of Not Of This World Christian Podcast.

Want God to answer your prayers? In this episode, Scott and Dina talk about the three things you can do in order to get your prayers answered!

Show Notes

Scott and Dina discuss three aspects of effective prayer which are important when we are seeking God’s favor in our lives or in the lives of others.

The first goal is to be specific in our requests. If we are asking for financial assistance, let Him know how much money we need, when we need it, and why. If it’s healing for ourselves or others, name the afflicted person(s), and identify whether we/they need physical, spiritual or emotional healing. If physical, name the affected body part or type of disease.  If we are asking for His help with a broken relationship or wisdom in a difficult decision, share the details with Him. It’s not that He doesn’t already know, but it sets the stage for Him to act by affirming that we know, and are turning to Him in faith.

The next thing worthy of our attention is that we communicate the specifics clearly. While this may sound redundant, it’s not. Too often we clutter our prayers with “Christianese.” Sometimes this comes in the form of using our chosen name for God (ie. God, Lord, Lord God, Father, Heavenly Father, Father God, etc.) to begin and end each phrase or thought. This is not how we talk to one another, nor does it add anything to our communication with God. At other times, if at a loss for words, we mimic language we’ve heard used by preachers or teachers, or we borrow phrases we’ve heard others using in their prayers. In almost every case, if it’s not how we typically express ourselves, nothing is gained in our quest for clear communication. A good guideline is to imagine you are baring your soul to your best friend. Because you are.

Finally, one of the most powerful tools in effective prayer is to tie our requests to God’s promises. The Bible is full of His promises and wisdom, covering everything from prosperity to peace and joy, and from healing to fear and sadness. Reference to any concordance reveals there is little about the nature of man that God has not addressed in His Word. Not only is the Bible a wonderful resource for prayer language, it honors God when we come to Him using scripture that He inspired. This will also prompt us to examine the nature of our request. Is it a matter that would be appropriate to lift up to God in prayer?

For more helpful teachings like “How To Get Your Prayers Answered” don’t miss an episode of Not Of This World Christian Podcast.

NOTW Christian Podcast Links: Identity Resource.