So We Speak

The book of Ecclesiastes is one of the most difficult to interpret in the Bible. Does it teach that life is meaningless? Is everything vanity? Cole and Terry talk about how to make sense of Ecclesiastes, the theme of the book, and prominent passages.

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Thank you all for listening and supporting So We Speak. Take some time this week to remember all that God has done, to thank him, and to trust him with the future. 

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Paul's letters to the Thessalonians are unique in so many ways. They are some of Paul's earliest letters to a church he only spent a month with before he was pushed out of town by persecution. They are also some of his most intimate letters. 1 Thess. 2:1-12 gives an insight into what it might have been like to have Paul in town - and it's also where we got the name So We Speak. In this episode, we discuss Paul's pastoral method, the man of lawlessness, and everything in between. 

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Joshua marks a transition from across the Jordan into the promised land. In the same way, it serves as a hinge book between the Torah and the rest of the Old Testament. Joshua leads the people of Israel through the flooding river and into God's promises. The whole book displays God's faithfulness, through the conquest in the first half and the land grants in the second half. The takeaway this week is promises made, promises kept. 

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There are so many great educational resources available today. Where should you start? In this episode, Cole and Terry discuss the benefits and common pitfalls of Christian education, how to start where you are and learn to love God with your mind, and the best courses and resources to seek out. 

We're answering your questions this week. What is the best Bible translation? Did the Exodus really happen? What's the best order to read the New Testament? What sermons do you listen to during the week to continue learning?

(Sorry for the leafblowers part way through!)

We have a special guest on the podcast this week. Dr. Cliff Sanders is the Director of the Wesley Center and a pastor and theologian at Crossings Community Church. In this episode, Terry and Cliff discuss theology, the character of God, teaching, and bridging the gap between Calvinism and Arminianism in the church. 

A few weeks ago, we talked about the importance of holiness in the church today and in the Christian life. Here are some of the most helpful tactics and resources we've used to grow in holiness, accountability, and community. 

Tim Keller recently wrote an essay titled, "The Decline and Renewal of the American Church: Part 1 - The Decline of the Mainline." In this episode, Cole and Terry discuss the article and the broader decline of the mainline denominations, the parallels to today, and the ways Christians can stay faithful in a secular culture. 

There are many passages and prophecies in the Bible about catastrophe, but the book of Lamentations is unique. In this short lament, Jeremiah cries out to God over the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. What can we learn from his sorrow? How can we draw near to God during catastrophes, even spiritual catastrophes?