We (Shannon, Craig, Danielle, Erica, and Ian) continue the discussion on how to submit to our governing authorities, and how to be politically engaged, all with the right heart-set and mind-set.

This episode, we (Shannon, Erica, Ian, Danielle, and Craig) look into what it looks like for a Christian to respond to governing authority figures they do not agree with.

Here in this discussion, Shannon, Zach, and Craig discuss the biblical teachings on wealth, expectations for church leaders, preventing offense, and rebuke/correction, and how all this shapes our thoughts on pastors who use their wealth to buy lavish things.  This was in part due to Craig seeing recently the Instagram thread 'Preachers & Sneakers'.  : )

We finish our discussion of some of our personal 'fringe' theologies - this time discussing Annihilationism (the idea that those who reject God and are thrown into the lake of fire are consumed - their soul is destroyed and they cease to exist - rather than burning in conscious torment forever) and 'simple salvation' (what are the minimum requirements for God giving you eternal life?). 

Continuing the discussion of our favorite fringe, non-traditional, or debated theologies - in this episode, we talk about the theories around the Nephilim of Genesis and eschatological topics like pre-tribulation vs. two-wrath and pre-millennial vs. post-mil vs. a-mil.

Discussing tiers of theology (primary, secondary, and tertiary), young vs. old earth, micro-evolution vs. macro-evolution, and God granting free will and deciding to partner with humanity in order to accomplish things.

Continuing the discussion from episode 01, on why people have difference perspectives on philosophy, politics, theology, etc.

Why do people have different perspectives on various issues such as philosophy, politics, and theology?

Just a final recap, with some final thoughts & encouragement from Shannon, wrapping up Season 03 (for now), with a quick glimpse into what is coming next.

Happy New Year, everyone!

LEADING:  first being a trustworthy follower of God as leader of your life (see below for following); then acquiring or receiving authority, developing or receiving a vision and giving shape to it, and then in entrusted stewardship, shepherding & guiding a group within or toward that vision, with competence & excellence (showing, teaching, persuading, training, empowering, affirming, and disciplining as necessary to get buy-in), setting the example through action & sacrificial serving.

FOLLOWING: loving the leader (and all that entails), heeding (give attention to the leader and their goal, purpose, & means), submitting (consent to their authority, trusting in their decisions & enforcement), and obeying (be or act in accordance to the goal and means).

TIMESTAMP:

0:00 - a quick recap of the previous episode on Power & Strength and recap explanation of the Unpacking process; an introduction to this concept of Leading & Following, including original wording, underlying meanings, and related concepts.

43:08 - working through the summary of what we learned going through the relevant Scripture passages about the step by step process of what leadership entails.

1:31:08 - working through the summary of what we learned going through the relevant Scripture passages about the step by step process of what following entails, especially as it pertains to our culture today and to what to do if our leader is leading poorly.

2:42:46 - some specific suggestions on how to be a good leader; final thoughts and wrap-up.