Rocky Unscripted

Shan, Amanda and Nic talk about the inconstancies of our faith and how that can affect our relevance to those around us.  They also discuss the difference between extroverts and introverts and how both can share their faith in meaningful ways.  Finally, they ask the important questions, "Are sheep all female?  Are male sheep still called sheep?"  These thoughtful questions and more fill this weeks latest episode.  Enjoy!

It may not be a surprise to most of us, but more often than not, Christians are known for what they are against, rather than what they are for.  It is too easy to raise the banner against sin, rather than a banner for freedom and hope.  Unintentionally, we have created a legacy of judgement that can be overturned with the grace of Jesus.  It is not too late to represent compassion, second chances, and grace.  We must start with ourselves and realize the immense love Jesus shows us each day.  Only then we can live out that love to those around us.  Nic shares an insightful conversation with Shan Moyers, the Lead Pastor of Rocky Mountain Christian church, and Trevor Devage, the Lead Pastor of Pantano Christian Church in Tucson, Az. 

Even with the best intentions, we often come across negatively when we share our faith.  We're too pushy, too judge-y, too elitist...just too much of the wrong thing.  Jesus shows us a better way; a way that actually draws people to himself because he offers hope and help.  Matt, Amanda and Nic talk about the ways they have struggled with this, and practical ways to be truly helpful to those we care about.  

Suffering is by nature uncomfortable, and talking about it is as well.  However, it is critical that we are willing to talk about suffering because Jesus talked about suffering.  Even though we want to avoid pain, we have a Savior that was willing to walk right into it and because of that, He understands EVERYTHING we could ever experience.  God is quick to listen to those that are suffering and He WILL bring justice.  However, His timing is not the same as ours and His plans are higher.  In the waiting, God can bring purpose to pain, He can bring meaning to misery, and he can walk with us every step of the way.  

We live in arguably the most fearful time in our lives.  It seems like everywhere we look, there are wars, illnesses, threats to our economy and way of life; not to mention all of the challenges that we face simply making a living.  What if we lose our jobs?  What if our kids get sick?  What if our marriage falls apart.  However, when we look at the New Testament, we see a world not entirely unlike our own.  The people in Jesus' day dealt with a similar set of unknowns.  Perhaps even more precarious than our own.  Jesus calls them to a new way of living.  One that is built upon trust, rather than fear.  Jesus says that we don't have to live in fear, even when we have every reason to be afraid.  

Our world landscape is always difficult to understand and process.  In today's episode, Amanda, Shan, and Nic discuss the concept of peace and ask some difficult questions.  Does God condone war?  Does Jesus only support pacifism?  Can you be following Jesus and still support war?  We don't claim to have all of the answers, but we do want to be honest and provide help during a confusing time.  Yet, even in the confusion and fear, we believe Jesus is still in the center of it all.  Please rate, review and share the podcast wherever you listen!  

The supply shortages we encounter everyday seem to have taken their toll on our hope as well. Whether we follow Jesus and call our selves Christians or not, we often miss out on the life of hope that Jesus intends. Why? We misplace our hope on things that can’t offer it in the first place. We focus on the pursuit of comfort and avoiding pain. But guess what? That’s not the real world. However, we can have an immense and unending supply of very real hope in a very difficult world.

Today we tackle the intro to our new series called, "Don't Freak Out!".  After two years of constant change and uncertainty, our minds are weary and in need of rest.  The problem?  That is easier said than done:). Amanda, Shan, and Nic share how they personally freak out at times and what often leads to it.  They also offer practical steps to deal with stress better and step into the "right now" kind of help God offers.  

This link is for the Information Nic shares about anxiety and the brain.  

https://pronghornpsych.com/how-does-anxiety-affect-the-brain/

Today's episode features a lengthy conversation about what the book of Proverbs has to say about Sex.  We ask questions like, "Why should we listen to Solomon when he had hundreds of sexual partners?"  "What do you do if you carry a lot of shame regarding your sexual history?"  Matt, Shan, Nic and Amanda answer these questions as well as provide practical steps towards freedom from Pornography addiction and sexual secrets.  God wants us to have sex.  God wants us to have good sex.  And God provides clear instruction for sex that is for our own benefit and for the benefit of others.  

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The power of our words have the ability to bring life and death. Shan and Nic talk about practical ways we can grow healthier in the way we use our words; not only with those around us but with ourselves. I think most of us would be embarrassed if we were honest about our own self-talk. Additionally, once we factor in non-verbal communication and tone, we’re really in trouble unless we consistently give ourselves over to God’s control.