The Ascending Word

Alex is manning the ship alone for a few weeks, so the Ascending Word is taking a new shape for a little big. Join Alex as he breaks down some interesting topics and takes some creative leaps to make a new experience for Ascending Word listeners.

Check out our show notes to learn more about the articles and research mentioned today.

Scripture: Exodus 33:18-23; John 1: 1-3

John Piper - Desiring God

C.S. Lewis - Problem of Pain

C.S. Lewis - Weight of Glory

Lonergan Institute - Understanding Two Kinds of Emanation within God Through a Transposition of Meaning

http://lonergan.org/2009/09/08/understanding-two-kinds-of-emanation-within-god-through-a-transposition-of-meaning/

Ryan Dueck - Transposition

https://www.christiancentury.org/blogs/archive/2014-06/transposition

Other resources:

https://rickthomas.net/god-is-a-god-of-the-mundane-are-you-content-with-the-ordinary/

https://www.charismamag.com/blogs/power-up/33292-seeing-the-miraculous-in-the-mundane

Mark Wynn: Emotional Experience and Religious Understanding: Integrating Perception

Have you heard, the WORD

Russ and Alex are bringing the word this week after a week off. We hope you’ve been anticipating the next installment of the Ascending Word! Have you ever dealt with anger issues and not known how to deal with sins related to anger? The answer may be different than what you think. Check out our featured article by Cara Glynn and article from TGC. Tune in each week to hear more from the ASCENDING WORD!

Here’s the rundown:

Question of The Week: (2:15)

Is it a sin to be angry?

Ascending Feature: (19:15)

Is Your Heart Crowded? - Cara Glynn

https://ascendingthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2017/11/03/is-your-heart-crowded/

Around the Web: (31:10)

How Common are Church Shootings? - Joe Carter TGC

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/common-church-shootings/

Have you heard, the WORD?

In this episode, Russ and Alex have some fun discussing ethics and whether people can be “good.” After that the boys highlight an article that covers the connection between God and man, and how the goodness of God is juxtaposed with the lowliness of man. Finally, the fellas tie the whole podcast together with a nice encouraging piece on football players getting baptized. Fun stuff! Tune in each week to hear more from the ASCENDING WORD!

Here’s the rundown

Question of The Week: (2:15)

I’m a good person, why do I need to sacrifice more?

Author Interview: (19:15)

“The Dirt and God’s Breath” by Lexie Childers

https://ascendingthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2017/10/15/the-dirt-gods-breath/

Around the Web: (31:10)

“NFL Team Uses Hotel Pool For Baptism Prior to Last Night’s Game” - from LightWorkers

https://www.lightworkers.com/nfl-team-uses-hotel-pool-for-baptism-prior-to-last-nights-big-game/

Have you heard, the WORD?

This week on the podcast Russ and Alex, talk about being satisfied in the Lord, why we need to do it, and what that looks like practically. They talk about the ironies of Christianity and how they are the beautiful features of the Bible. The fellows also discuss a recent issue regarding the National Anthem and arguments regarding whether or not it can become an idol. It is a contentious issue, but the goal is to bring some Christ-like interpretation to proper place of patriotism in our lives.

Here’s the rundown

Question of The Week: (1:24)

What does it mean to be satisfied in the Lord?

Author Interview (18:05)

“The Beautiful Ironies of Christianity” by Brian Pell

https://ascendingthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2017/10/13/the-beautiful-ironies-of-christianity/

Most Popular: (34:55)

“Can the Anthem Become an Idol?” - Matt Ingalls from RELEVANT Magazine

https://relevantmagazine.com/article/can-the-anthem-become-an-idol/

Have you heard, the WORD?

Have you ever wondered what worship actually means? Look no further, Russ and Alex tackle that subject in this episode of the Ascending Word. The boys give a very heartfelt discussion of poetry, so if you ever wanted to hear two bros talk about end rhyme and cadence this is the place. Also, stay tuned to hear about how you may have an addiction you may not know you had.

Here’s the rundown

Question of The Week: (2:41)

What does worship mean?

Ascending Thoughts Must Read (17:30)

“A Lesson from Irma” by Austin Martz

https://ascendingthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2017/10/01/a-lesson-from-irma/

From the Web: (30:46)

“Why You Shouldn’t be Addicted to What’s Next In Life.” by Luke Lezon - Lightworkers

https://www.lightworkers.com/feeling-addicted-whats-next-life/

Have you heard, the WORD?

This week Russ and Alex discuss films and Teddy Roosevelt. They also dig deep into some exegesis. If you have ever had questions on how to read your Bible, or if there will be a decent movie about the life of larger-than-life President Theodore Roosevelt, go no further!

Here’s the rundown

Question of The Week: (3:00)

What’s the best way to read the Bible?

Author Interview (21:45)

Russ Allen - “Don’t Share Everything About Your Relationship With God” Ascending Thoughts

https://ascendingthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2017/09/25/dont-share-everything-about-your-relationship-with-god/

Most Popular: (35:19)

Adam Graber - “C.S. Lewis on Tech Addiction” Relevant Magazine

https://relevantmagazine.com/article/c-s-lewis-on-tech-addiction/

Have you heard, the WORD?

The boys are back and hilarious as ever. They have their stone cold picks of the week, and some fantasy football advice. Oh and they also talk about Jesus. Check out the hilarious hijinks of Russ and Alex on this episode.

Question of the Week (4:34)

Why does God allow us to be tempted?

Ascending Thoughts Must Read (19:15)

Hannah Jones - “It’s Hard to be a Christian” Featured on Ascending Thoughts

https://ascendingthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2017/09/21/its-hard-to-be-a-christian/

Article on the Web (32:01)

Paul Sohn - “What Would Jesus’ Personality Type Be?" Featured on Lightworkers

https://www.lightworkers.com/jesus-personality-type/

Submit your questions via Facebook, Twitter, or at [email protected]

Have you heard the WORD?

Russ and Alex start off this week by recounting the football games over the weekend, much to Alex's chagrin. No stone cold locks of the week here, just some armchair coaches criticizing the games. Tune in next week for our pigskin picks.

Show notes for this week

Question of the week:

How do you know God is speaking to you? (3:32)

Featured Article of the Week:

"What Patience Can Give" - Carli Glen (15:34)

https://ascendingthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2017/09/15/what-patience-can-give/

Must Read on the Web: (27:08)

"Worshipping a Golden Calf on Sunday Morning is Deceptively Easy" - Jared C. Wilson, found on The Gospel Coalition

https://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/gospeldrivenchurch/2017/09/12/worshiping-a-golden-calf-on-sunday-morning-is-deceptively-easy/

Tune in next week for more fun!

Have you heard the WORD?

Russ and Alex are going strong with the podcasts, literally. They talk a lot about lifting weights in this episode, so you should tune in!

Rundown for this week:

Question of the week - "How do we deal with doubt?" (2:10)

Author Interview - "Lessons from the Church of Iron: Commitment" Alex Boggs (14:21)

https://ascendingthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2017/09/03/lesson-from-the-church-of-iron-commitment/

Must Read of the Week - "Ignore Spiritual “Get Rich Quick” Schemes: A Call for Patient Evangelism" Carl Greggson - The Gospel Coalition (30:01)

https://www.9marks.org/article/ignore-spiritual-get-rich-quick-schemes-a-call-for-patient-evangelism/?utm_source=eml-article&utm_medium=eml-article&utm_campaign=eml-article

Tune in next week for more shenanigans. Until then, have you heard the WORD?