Salty Saints

In this episode of the Salty Saints podcast, Randy and I dive into the commandment of not bearing false witness. We explore the deeper meanings behind this commandment, which goes beyond simply telling the truth. Initially, I reflect on how I learned this commandment as a child, often simplified to "don't lie." However, we unpack its true essence, which relates to giving false testimony, particularly in legal contexts.

We conduct a word study on the terms involved, discussing the Hebrew word for witness, "Ed," and its implications in both the Old and New Testaments. We highlight how this commandment connects to broader themes of integrity and honesty in our lives. I share insights from various biblical passages, including the importance of being truthful in our relationships and the consequences of false testimony.

As we discuss the New Testament, we touch on Jesus' teachings about oaths and the significance of our words. We also draw parallels between Peter's denial of Christ and our own struggles with bearing witness to our faith. The episode emphasizes that while we may falter, there is always room for repentance and returning to a life of truth.

Ultimately, we conclude that living out the truth is not just about what we say but about embodying the truth in our actions. We encourage our listeners to reflect on their own lives and strive to be representatives of truth, as we are called to be image bearers of Christ.

Thank you for tuning in, and don't forget to check out our website for updates and more content! Stay salty!

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In this episode of the Salty Saints Podcast, Randy and I dive deep into the topic of adultery as we continue our exploration of the commandments. We start by discussing the common understanding of adultery and fornication, clarifying that adultery specifically involves a married person engaging in sexual relations outside of their marriage, while fornication refers to sexual relations between unmarried individuals.

We explore the significance of marriage as a sacred bond intended by God, emphasizing that it represents a union between a man and a woman under divine guidance. Adultery, we argue, desecrates this bond by introducing another person into the relationship, which is contrary to God's design for marriage.

As we navigate through the cultural implications of adultery, we touch on modern concepts like open marriages and polyamory, discussing how these ideas contrast with biblical teachings. We also highlight the importance of understanding the spiritual dimension of adultery, particularly how it relates to our relationship with God. Throughout scripture, God often refers to His people as an unfaithful spouse when they turn to idolatry, illustrating the gravity of spiritual adultery.

We then transition to Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, where He expands the definition of adultery to include lustful thoughts, emphasizing that the heart's intentions matter just as much as actions. This leads us to a broader discussion about the nature of relationships, both human and divine, and how they reflect God's love and unity.

Finally, we address the role of the church in fostering community and support for singles, emphasizing that the church should be a place where individuals find fulfillment and connection, not just a Sunday event. We conclude by reiterating the importance of living in true community, as God intended, and how that can help us embody the love and unity that marriage symbolizes.

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In this episode of the Salty Saints Podcast, Randy and I dive into the topic of stealing, as outlined in the Ten Commandments. We start by discussing the straightforward nature of the commandment "Thou shall not steal," but quickly realize that the implications of stealing are far more complex than they appear at first glance.

We explore the Hebrew word for stealing, "ganab," and its usage in scripture, noting that theft wasn't a common practice in ancient Israel. This leads us to consider the cultural and societal factors that may have contributed to this, including the Jewish community's emphasis on caring for the poor and the legal consequences for theft.

As we delve deeper, we discuss what constitutes stealing, including not just physical theft but also emotional theft, such as betraying someone's trust. We highlight how stealing can stem from a lack of trust in God's provision, emphasizing that God provides for our needs and that we should focus on being others-oriented rather than self-centered.

We also touch on the New Testament perspective, particularly how Jesus expands the definition of stealing to include our attitudes and actions towards others. We reflect on the importance of giving and serving others, contrasting it with the mindset of taking.

Throughout the episode, we encourage listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider the various ways they might be stealing—whether through actions, attitudes, or even in business practices. Ultimately, we emphasize the call to live in a way that reflects God's character, which is centered on love, generosity, and care for others.

Thank you for tuning in, and we hope you enjoy this thought-provoking discussion on the commandment against stealing. Don't forget to check out our website and explore more great content on Life Audio! Until next time, stay salty!

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In this episode of the Salty Saints Podcast, Randy and I dive into the commandment "Thou shall not unalive," exploring its deeper meanings and implications. We start by discussing the nuances of the word and how it is often misinterpreted. Many people use this commandment as a critique against Christianity, pointing out instances where God commands this. We clarify that the original Hebrew word more accurately translates to "murder," which refers to the unjust taking of life.

We examine various contexts in which this is addressed in the Bible, including wartime scenarios and capital punishment, emphasizing that these are not classified as murder. We also touch on the concept of cities of refuge for those who commit manslaughter, highlighting God's justice and the importance of understanding the consequences of our actions.

As we transition into the New Testament, we discuss how Jesus expands on this commandment, equating anger and hatred with murder. This leads us to reflect on how our thoughts and words can dehumanize others, making us all guilty of this sin in some way. We explore the idea that murder is rooted in pride and the denial of another person's worth as an image-bearer of God.

Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of empathy, humility, and recognizing the image of God in everyone. We conclude by encouraging our listeners to practice love and respect towards others, as God does, and to understand that our actions and attitudes matter deeply in the eyes of God.

Join us as we unpack these profound themes and challenge ourselves to live in a way that honors the sanctity of life. Don't forget to check out our website and explore more podcasts on lifeaudio.com. Until next time, stay salty!

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In this episode of the Salty Saints Podcast, Randy and I dive deep into the Fourth Commandment, focusing on the Sabbath. We explore the three key commands within this commandment: to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy, to work for six days, and to refrain from work on the seventh day.

We discuss the meaning of the word "Shabbat," which translates to cease or rest, and how it reflects God's intention for us to take a break from our labor. We also touch on the historical context of the Sabbath, clarifying that it traditionally runs from Friday evening to Saturday evening, not Sunday, which is often mistakenly considered the Sabbath in Christian practice.

Throughout our conversation, we highlight the importance of the Sabbath as a gift from God, meant to provide us with rest and a chance to reconnect with Him. We challenge the notion that the Sabbath is merely about physical rest, emphasizing that it should be a day dedicated to spiritual renewal and honoring God.

We also address the complexities of observing the Sabbath in modern life, especially for those who work on Sundays or have demanding schedules. We encourage listeners to find their own rhythm for taking a Sabbath, whether that means designating a different day or intentionally setting aside time for rest and reflection.

Ultimately, we are reminded that the Sabbath is not a burden but a blessing, designed to free us from the toil of our daily lives and allow us to experience a taste of the eternal rest that God intended for us. Join us as we unpack these themes and encourage you to think about how you can incorporate a Sabbath into your life. Stay salty!

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In this episode of the Salty Saints Podcast, Randy and I take a deep dive into the concepts of honor and worship, prompted by our previous discussion on the commandment to honor your father and mother. We explore the nuances of what it means to honor someone versus worshiping them, particularly in the context of our Western cultural understanding of humility and honor.

We begin by examining the biblical definitions of worship in both the Old and New Testaments, highlighting the Hebrew word "shachah" and the Greek "proskuneo," both of which convey the idea of bowing down or prostrating oneself. We discuss how honor is expressed through various Hebrew words, with a focus on "kavad," which means to give weight or significance to someone.

Throughout the episode, we grapple with the complexities of honoring individuals who may not reflect God's character, such as abusive parents, and how we can still recognize their inherent value as image bearers of God. We also touch on the importance of humility in the act of honoring others, emphasizing that true honor comes from a heart posture that seeks the best for others.

As we navigate these themes, we reference biblical passages that illustrate the call to honor one another and the significance of serving God. We conclude by reflecting on the balance between giving honor and avoiding the pitfalls of seeking glory for ourselves, ultimately reminding our listeners that all honor should point back to God.

Join us as we unpack these important concepts and encourage one another to live out a life of honor in our relationships, all while keeping our focus on the ultimate source of honor—God Himself. Stay salty!

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In this episode of the Salty Saints Podcast, Randy and I dive into the fourth commandment, "Honor your father and mother." We explore the significance of this commandment, which is unique as it shifts focus from our relationship with God to our relationships with our parents. We discuss the implications of honoring parents, especially in cases where they may not fulfill their roles appropriately due to dysfunction, abuse, or neglect.

We emphasize that parents are meant to represent God and authority in a child's life, providing stability, protection, and love. However, we acknowledge that not all parents embody these qualities, and we address how to navigate honoring parents who may have failed in their responsibilities. We discuss the importance of acceptance, forgiveness, and the possibility of loving them from a distance when necessary.

Throughout the conversation, we highlight that honoring parents does not mean endorsing their wrongdoings. Instead, it involves recognizing their humanity and the complexities of their actions while striving to break cycles of dysfunction in our own parenting. We also touch on the broader implications of honoring authority figures in general, as outlined in scripture.

Ultimately, we remind our listeners that God calls us to reflect His character in our relationships, even with those who have hurt us. This episode serves as a reminder that while the journey of honoring our parents can be challenging, it is rooted in our understanding of God's love and grace towards us.

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In this episode of the Salty Saints Podcast, we had the pleasure of welcoming Jon Streeter and Joe Parker, the dynamic duo behind the 15 Minute History Podcast. Our conversation delved into the complexities of historical figures, particularly the idea that even our greatest heroes are not without flaws.

Jon, a professional historian, and Joe, who describes himself as an amateur historian with a passion for the human side of history, shared insights into their podcast format, which presents historical topics in digestible 15-minute segments followed by longer discussions. They highlighted their recent season focused on "villains," contrasting it with their previous season on "heroes." This led us to explore the notion that many historical figures, often revered as heroes, have significant flaws that complicate their legacies.

We discussed examples such as Winston Churchill, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln, acknowledging their contributions to history while also recognizing their shortcomings. Jon emphasized the importance of presenting a balanced view of history, one that acknowledges the imperfections of these figures, as it makes them more relatable and attainable for us as individuals. Joe added that understanding the flaws of historical figures allows us to learn from them and discern which qualities we might want to emulate in our own lives.

The conversation took a deeper turn as we examined the societal tendency to categorize individuals as either heroes or villains, often overlooking the nuances of their actions and motivations. We reflected on how this black-and-white thinking can lead to a distorted understanding of history and the people within it. Jon and Joe articulated that the motivations behind actions—whether selfless or selfish—play a crucial role in determining how we perceive historical figures.

We also touched on the contemporary issue of tearing down statues and the debate surrounding historical legacies. Jon pointed out that both sides of the argument often expect historical figures to be flawless, which is an unrealistic standard. He argued for the importance of preserving history, even when it includes uncomfortable truths, and suggested that we should strive to learn from the past rather than erase it.

As we wrapped up the episode, we discussed the significance of studying history not only to avoid repeating past mistakes but also to gain a clearer understanding of our present and future. Jon and Joe encouraged listeners to engage with history critically, seeking out multiple perspectives and being open to the complexities of human nature.

This episode serves as a reminder that history is not just a collection of facts but a rich tapestry of human experiences, filled with lessons that can guide us in our own lives. Join us as we continue to explore these themes and more in future episodes!

00:00:00 - Introduction to Salty Saints Podcast
00:00:21 - Meet Jon and Joe: Hosts of 15 Minute History
00:01:15 - Format of 15 Minute History Podcast
00:02:07 - Exploring Heroes and Their Flaws
00:04:11 - Flawed Heroes in History
00:06:27 - The Importance of Understanding Flaws
00:08:17 - Examining Historical Figures: Good and Bad
00:10:07 - Relating to Heroes and Villains
00:11:01 - Common Grace and Heroism
00:14:05 - The Complexity of Historical Figures
00:15:03 - The Thin Line Between Heroes and Villains
00:17:03 - Learning from History
00:18:04 - The Evolution of Villains
00:19:12 - Expectations of Flawless Heroes
00:21:30 - The Dichotomy of Good and Evil
00:23:25 - Scripture's Unique Perspective on Flaws
00:25:03 - The Need for God in Understanding Truth
00:27:10 - The Role of Objectivity in History
00:30:14 - The Jacobins and Historical Erasure
00:32:16 - The Influence of Christianity on History
00:34:45 - Distinguishing Between History and Historiography
00:37:30 - The Importance of Questioning Historical Narratives
00:39:38 - The Pursuit of Truth in History
00:42:12 - The Necessity of God for Objective History
00:44:01 - The Challenge of Understanding History
00:50:39 - The Importance of Studying History

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In this episode of the Salty Saints Podcast, Randy and I dive deep into the third commandment: "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain." We kick off the discussion by exploring various translations of this commandment, noting the differences in wording and what they reveal about its meaning. I share my preference for the King James Version and the New American Standard, which emphasize the idea of "carrying" God's name rather than simply "taking" it.

As we unpack the commandment, we highlight a common misconception that it merely prohibits using God's name as a curse word. While that is certainly one aspect, we stress that the commandment encompasses much more. We delve into the Hebrew words used in the commandment, particularly focusing on "nisa," which means to carry or bear, and "shawe," which refers to emptiness or vanity. This leads us to discuss the implications of misrepresenting God's name and how it reflects on our identity as His followers.

We also touch on the significance of God's name in the Old Testament, referencing passages that illustrate how His name is tied to His presence and authority. I share insights from Isaiah and the book of Exodus, emphasizing the relational aspect of knowing God's name and how it shapes our actions and thoughts.

Throughout the episode, we draw connections between the commandment and broader themes in Scripture, including the importance of representing God well in our actions and the consequences of failing to do so. We discuss how our behavior can either honor or tarnish God's name, affecting how others perceive Him.

As we wrap up, we reflect on the idea that bearing God's name is intrinsically linked to being His image bearers. We encourage listeners to consider how they can better represent God in their daily lives, emphasizing that knowing Him personally is key to living out this commandment authentically.

Join us for this thought-provoking conversation as we explore the depth of the third commandment and its relevance in our lives today. Don't forget to check out our website, SaltySaintsPodcast.com, and explore other great podcasts at Life Audio. Until next time, stay salty!

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Hey there, Salty Saints listener! In this episode, we delved deep into the commandment of "no graven images" from the 10 Commandments. Randy and I explored the intricacies of this commandment, breaking down the various words used in the Old Testament to describe idols and images.

We discussed how the concept of God being jealous is not necessarily negative, but rather a reflection of His desire for exclusivity in our worship. We also touched on the significance of not creating idols to represent God, as He has already created His image bearers in humanity.

The conversation led us to the importance of loving our fellow man as a form of worship to God. We highlighted how Jesus emphasized the connection between loving God and loving our neighbors, emphasizing that true worship involves caring for those around us.

We also touched on the story of Hezekiah tearing down the bronze serpent that Moses had created, as it had become an object of worship for the Israelites. This served as a powerful example of the consequences of idolatry.

Ultimately, we concluded that the essence of worship lies in loving and caring for our fellow man, as they are the image bearers of God. By honoring and loving those around us, we are truly worshiping God.

Don't forget to check out our website at SaltySaintsPodcast.com and leave us some messages. And be sure to explore the other fantastic podcasts on Life Audio for more Christian living and Bible study content. Until next time, stay salty!

00:00:00 - Introduction to the 10 Commandments

00:05:30 - Different Words for Idols in the Old Testament

00:13:00 - Making Idols in Judges 17 and 18

00:20:00 - Comparison of Gods in Different Cultures

00:27:00 - Use of Graven Images in the Old Testament

00:32:00 - Understanding the Commandment on Graven Images

00:40:00 - The Significance of Loving Fellow Man as Worship to God

00:48:00 - Honoring the Image of God in Fellow Man as Worship

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