Reconnect

In the first segment, Andy shares his article, "Seeing Christ In Your Christmas," and in the second segment, John Campbell discusses why Christians shouldn't worry about celebrating Christmas out of fear that they are somehow endorsing paganism! "Seeing Christ in Your Christmas" by Andy Wrasman There are many simple ways to see Christ in Christmas. One way to accomplish this goal is by drawing Biblical parallels with the traditional Christmas tree décor. As long as Christians are not glorifying pagan beliefs and practices, or bowing at the altar of gluttonous consumerism through our American Christmas tree traditions, then there is freedom in Christ to take what has become a hallmark of the secular world at the time we celebrate the birth of our Lord, and point it all back to Jesus being the reason for the season. With no plea to reject Black Friday shopping as the day to get your Christmas season started off on the right foot, and with no "Bah Humbug" towards the secular spirit of Christmas, here's a list to check twice to see Christ this Christmas. The Christmas tree is an evergreen tree, because it doesn't lose its needles through the winter. Using this type of tree points to the eternal life that Jesus Christ offers to the world. Jesus is the one who was, and is, and is to come! (Revelation 4:8). The Christmas tree also harkens us back to the tree upon which Christ was slain, the tree by which eternal life has been given to the world. (Galatians 3:13) The traditional tree toppers – a bow, an angel, or a star – all point to the Christmas tree representing Jesus. Bows adorn gifts, and the coming of Christ into the world is a reminder that the Father gave Jesus as a gift out of his great love for us. (John 3:16) At Jesus' birth, Luke records a great multitude of angels proclaiming the Good News of his arrival to shepherds who watched over their flock at night. (Luke 2:8-18) Matthew tells of wise men traveling from the east, following a star to the birth place of the awaited Messiah (Hebrew for Christ). (Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:1-12) The wise men from the east, who followed the star of Christ, brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, valuable gifts that were common to give to a king. If the Christmas tree is seen to represent Christ, the gifts at the foot of the tree draw us back to the gifts the wise men laid before baby Jesus as they worshiped him. (Matthew 2:11) Our gift giving at Christmas should serve to remind us that as we give to others who are in need, we are giving to Jesus. (Matthew 25:34-40) And if the gifts at the tree are seen to have come from Santa Claus, an all-knowing, all-loving, apparently all-powerful, and never dying father-figure who cares for children, it should point us to the true gift-giver, God our heavenly Father. (James 1:17) The lights that are held up by being draped across the Christmas tree's branches are a final touch that point back to Christians, the Church. John begins his Gospel biography of Christ by saying that in Jesus "was life, and the life was the light of men" (John 1:4, ESV). The light of Jesus shines in the darkness of this sin cursed world. (John 1:5) The light of Jesus enlightens men as to who God is. (John 1:9) Later in his Gospel, John directly quotes Jesus as having said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). As Christians know the Lord through Jesus, and possess eternal life and the light of Christ, we become just what Jesus calls us in his Sermon on the Mount, "the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14). When we look at the Christmas tree, we are reminded that Jesus became flesh and dwelt among us. The Light of the World has revealed himself, lighting the path to eternal life. As Christians are connected to Christ, we shine the light of Christ into a fallen world. The Church that is spread out across the world, and is still growing, shines as many dispersed beacons of hope in a fallen and depraved world. Jesus came, died for our sins, rose for our salvation, and is patiently waiting for more to come to know of his love and grace. This Christmas, remember that Jesus came once with angels and with a star as the ultimate gift of God to this world, and Jesus will come again; this time with the entire heavenly host with the falling of all the stars as he returns for his chosen and holy people. Let's help the world see Christ this December, as we hold out the Good News of Jesus Christ in all that we say and all that we do in our Christmas celebration.

Should some Christian worship songs and hymns not be song in corporate, public worship? Are some songs good or at least OK songs, for personal worship in your car driving to work, but not for congregational singing? Jonathan Pratt says, "Yes!" He has compiled and edited a list of criteria for discernment in hymn selection. If you have never asked yourself, "What types of songs are sung in your church's services and gatherings and why?" this episode of Reconnect is a must listen for you. If you are a pastor or worship leader in charge of selecting your congregation's music and you can't explain why each and every song was picked for the service, and if you do have the answers, but your answers don't contain theological reasons, you should definitely listen to this episode! Jonathan Pratt lays out six categories of criteria for song selection in congregational singing while Tyler Dawson and David Pratt critique or confirm Jonathan's list. Andy Wrasman for the most part just moderates and asks questions for this episode. "Criteria for Discernment in Hymn Selection" as compiled and edited by Jonathan Pratt

Theology Christ-Centered Biblically Grounded Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel Theology of the Cross Linguistic Doctrinal Precision Poetic Integrity Corporate Nature of the Text Musical Music Serving the Text Proper Union of Text and Tune Musical Integrity of Tune and Setting Churchly Character of the Tune Liturgical Church Year and Lectionary Appropriate Sacramental Focus Supportive of Daily Devotional Life Ability of Text and Tune to Withstand Repeated Usage Pastoral Catechetical Use Cultivating Faith and Piety Provides Comfort to the Believer Church Historic Catholicity Ethnic Catholicity

Scripture mentions John's baptism, Jesus' baptism, baptism of water, baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, baptism by fire, and baptism of the Holy Spirit. Some of these descriptions are just different ways of describing the same type of baptism, and certainly most Christians would agree with this. One particular denomination, the Assemblies of God, hold specific teachings about Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Their denomination confesses that Baptism in the Holy Spirit is distinct and separate for water baptism and the new birth of a believer. This baptism is the bestwoal of the Holy Spirit upon a believer that gives the believer certain spiritual gifts and a boldness to share the Gospel and an overflowing joy, or sense of the Spirit's presence. This baptism according to the Assemblies of God is recognized by the physical sign of speaking in tongues. So if you haven't spoken in tongues, it would mean you haven't been baptized in the Holy Spirit. Andy lays out what he thinks is the proper Scriptural understanding of Baptism in the Holy Spirit to Jonathan Bennet and Jonathan Pratt. This is a type of baptism that many Christians circles typically associate with water baptism (washing in the name of the Triune Lord) or the moment a person's conversion. Andy however sees something entirely different from the Assemblies of God and most other Christian groups! To present his understanding of what he calls, Spirit-Baptism, for short, Andy answers the following two questions: 1. Is there a difference between having the Holy Spirit and the filling of the Holy Spirit? 2. Is there a difference between having been baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and having been baptized in the Holy Spirit? Check the Scriptures used in this episode and see what you think. Is Andy properly interpreting Scripture? Show Links: Spirit-Baptism by Andy Wrasman Contradict - They Can't All Be True by Andy Wrasman

The presidential election for 2016 is over! So it's time to talk about a different kind of election, the election of sinners by God to salvation. Andy shares the five points of Calvinism and Arminianism, the two common theological systems that are debated and compared when discussing God's role in salvation. But then the curveball comes, the Lutheran position on election is presented, a position which rarely discussed in the predestination debate among Christians. The Lutheran understanding of single-predestination is by far a different election from Calvin's double-predestination. Some show notes: Five Points of Calvinism

T – otal Depravity U – nconditional Election L – imited Atonement I – irresistible Grace P – reservation of the Saints

Five Points of Arminianism

1. Free-will, human-ability
2. Conditional Election (Election is Foreknowledge)
3. General Atonement (Objective Justification)
4. The Holy Spirit can be resisted.
5. Falling from Grace

Lutherans hold to 1.5 points of Calvinism and 3 Points of Arminianism–

Total Depravity and Predestination for Salvation General Atonement, Grace is Resistible, and Falling from Faith

We are saved by grace through faith.

John 3:16 Ephesians 2:8-9 Romans 4:5

Faith is not our work but the work of the Holy Spirit.

Titus 3:5

1 Corinthians 12:3 John 1:13 Ephesians 2:8-9 Ephesians 2:5 "God makes us alive." Romans 9:16 John 6:29

We are incapable of deciding to have faith.

1 Corinthians 12:3 Ephesians 2:1 "We are dead in our sins and trespasses." John 1:13 John 6:441 Corinthians 2:14 "The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually discerned."

Any verse about being born again indicates this also, for what role do we play in our natural birth? None!

Since faith is purely a gift of God and we play no role in our conversion, then it could be assumed that God then chooses who will be saved, and also chooses who will not be saved.

Here's what Scripture says on the matter:

God elects/predestines to salvation!

Ephesians 1:3-13, 4:3-5 John 1:13 Ephesians 2:4-5 "God made us alive (spiritually). Romans 8:29-30 2 Timothy 1:8-9

It is the will of God that no man should perish!

1 Timothy 1:3-4 2 Peter 3:8-9

Andy is flying ranting solo for this episode of Reconnect. This episode was released on Sunday, earlier than the typical Tuesday release. The Friday of the release week is Veterans Day, so Andy shares some thoughts on Christian vocation and quotes from Martin Luther to illustrate how soldiers are loving God and their neighbors through their calling in the military. The rest of the episode is an eclectic bullet that covers the following topics, fit for Election Week: 10 questions Andy received that are to be answered by a pro-life candidate running for federal office The damaging consequences of homosexuality and why the government shouldn't approve gay marriage Health Care is a commodity not a right. Common Core

Ben Carson Quote Students at Berkley protesting for spaces on campus that are to only be for students of color and students who are LGBTQAZB+ and how they kept white students from entering the campus – No Liberal, Social Justice Warrior outrage – WHY? There is only one race – the Human Race! Trey Gowdy – "I hate relativism!" The Gospel – Christ died for all sins!

Jesus said that he came to give life and to give it the full. He also said that the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. (John 10:10) It should be pretty obvious which side of the abortion debate Jesus stands and which side the devil hides.

In this episode, James Conrad shares his family's personal experiences with multiple abortions and the tragic aftermath that these murders have left for the survivors in his family. The good that has arisen from these horrendous loses of lives is that James' mother started a pro-life activism group who has fought relentlessly for the rights and lives of the unborn.

James shares why all lives matter and why everyone has equal rights to life and how abortions are very harmful to women. He also responds to the argument that abortions should be legal to save the life of the mother and gives some important advice on responding to several political questions that pro-life advocates often times encounter.

Andy and Tony discuss an article written by Sara Benincase entitled, "A Gentile Reminder That Jesus Was A Brown Skinned Middle Eastern Refugee Who Would Not Have Voted For Trump." Sticking the Reconnect dedication of sharing and defending the Good News of Jesus Christ, Andy and Tony do share the Gospel in this episode, but there is a large focus on a broadened use of the term Gospel that refers to the Gospel biographies, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The article they are discussing claims that Jesus was a refugee, that he started free healthcare, that he was killed by conservatives, and that he certainly wouldn't have voted for Donald Trump, so Andy and Tony focus on discussing if Sara's article accurately portrays what is revealed about Jesus in the Gospel biographies. They also spend a good bit of time discussing if Sara's article accurately portrays the things Donald Trump has said about Mexicans and women. Finally, they discuss how and why many Christians do plan to vote for Donald Trump and how it's possible for them to do so with a clear conscience. Show Links:

Show Links: "A Gentle Reminder That Jesus Was A Brown Skinned Middle Eastern Refugee Who Would Not Have Voted For Trump" by Sara Benincasa

"Women's Healthcare Will be Vastly Improved if Planned-Parenthood is Defunded" by Arina Grossu "Donald Trump's History of Empowering Women" excerpts from a Washington Post Article

Did Donald call all Mexicans rapists? Check the actual quote that Andy read on the episode for yourself. Hillary Clinton: Career Criminal – Must Watch Video If You Are Voting For Hillary

"I wrote about Max and Beth to Defend Christian Trump Supporters" by Mario Murillo

All Christian church congregations and denominations read God's Word and have baptism and communion. However, baptism and communion are both divisive within God's Church. In this episode, Wes and Andy discuss what Scripture says about baptism. In particular, they address the questions:

1. Does Baptism save you?
2. Does a person have to be baptized to be saved?

The answers to these questions are important since they involve salvation and they have divided the Church for centuries.

Please look up the Bible verses they share as you listen. Ask yourself if the verses convey promises of forgiveness of sins in baptism or promises of being connected to Christ's death and resurrection in the waters of baptism. Ask yourself if the verses they share emphasis the work of the believer in his or her baptism or the work of God through baptism. Ask yourself how the forgiveness of sins that Christ won on the cross is delivered to people today.

Show Links "Does Baptism Save You?" by Andy Wrasman

"Means of Grace Questions" by Andy Wrasman

"What is Baptism?" by Andy Wrasman

Contradict Movement Video Production Donation

Scripture reveals that Jesus, from the time of his incarnation, is both fully God and fully man. The Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD produced the Chalcedonian Creed to counter the false explanations of the union of the two natures of Christ and the down-right heretical teachings concerning the incarnation of Christ. Four key statements can be drawn from this creed: 1. Christ is fully (perfectly) God. 2. Christ is fully (perfectly) human. 3. The divine nature and human nature are united in the person of Jesus Christ. 4. Jesus Christ is one person. These four statements can be placed along each side of a box. This box is the Chalcedonian Box. As long as any teaching, anecdote, or analogy of the person and work of Christ maintains that Jesus is fully God, fully man, one person, with two natures, it lands within this box. When one of these doctrines is distorted, or worse, erased, the teaching lands outside of the box is appropriately labeled a heresy. Alan Shlemon, a speaker, teacher, and writer, for Stand to Reason, created a slide for a presentation he gave on the incarnation of Christ. At the center of the slide is the Chalcedonian Box with a clipart image of Jesus in the middle of the box. Outside of the box lies DC's Batman and Superman and Marvel's the Hulk and Spider-Man. Wes and Andy discuss this excellent image Shlemon created! Jon Pratt sits like a fly on the wall once again. How are Batman, Superman, the Hulk, and Spider-Man not good analogies to use to explain how Jesus can be one person with natures? Why does it matter if we are missing the mark of Scripture with these comic book analogies? Also, more importantly, what Christological heresies align with these modern day comic book superhero analogies to let us know that people have actually taught Christ in these throughout history, and in some cases still do!

Joe Bongiorno is the owner and operator of The Royal Publisher of Oz. He serves as the guest for the 2016 Reconnect Halloween Special to discuss Supernatural Horror in Music, the subtitle for his book, Black Sabbath The Illustrated Lyrics Volume 1.

For many Reconnect listeners, it might come as a shock that a podcast dedicated to sharing and defending the Good News of Jesus Christ has an entire episode devoted to the lyrics of Black Sabbath, much less a Halloween special episode, however, Bongiorno took a surprising approach on how to start his eight volume anthology. Even before the inside title page, publisher information, copyright listings, ISBN numbers, and table of contents, the first words are from the Bible. Bongiorno chose to start Black Sabbath The Illustrated Lyrics by quoting, Acts 26:17-18: "I am sending you to them to open their eyes so that they may turn away from darkness to the light, away from the power of Satan and to God." This is not what most people would think about to describe a rock n roll band, and certainly not what they would first think of for Black Sabbath.

Bongiorno shares the distinctions between supernatural horror and natural horror and explains examples of supernatural horror within Black Sabbath's first album. The horrors and consequences of the occult are revealed, a Christ-like figure emerges as a wizard that demons fear, the devil woos a woman he loves (or is it all deception?), while the wicked world spins on a man receive omens in the sky that he ignores to his and our peril, while all along at the center of the album, the "wall of sleep is lying broken" as the "sun shines in, you have awoken." There is hope. There is light.

The centerpiece message of "Behind the Wall of Sleep" contains what Bongiorno thinks is the underlying philosophy of Black Sabbath's full body of work: "Now from darkness, there springs light." Over, and over, and over again, light triumphs over darkness in metanarative of Black Sabbath's lyrics. Paul echoes this sentiment pointing us back to creation and the renewal of man that comes through Jesus Christ: "For God who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ" (2 Corinthians 4:6).

Show Links:

Black Sabbath The Illustrated Lyrics

The Royal Publisher of Oz

The Star Wars Expanded Universe Timeline

Black Sabbath Live in Paris 1970 (Full Show)