The C.O.D.E of Man

In this episode, the conclusion of the series, the Crew tackles the wacky world of Christian Nationalism.  How is it defined?  Can Christians be patriotic without being nationalists?  What are the theological issues with this ideology?  Finally, what is the proper Christian response to this movement?  

"We've never done it that way."  "Don't remove the ancient landmarks!"  If you have been in church leadership for very long you have heard these lines and many more like them.  Even as we continue to hear of the decline in church participation and the decreasing percentage of our population who profess to be followers of Christ there is a deep entrenchment in tradition that chokes the potential new life out of our churches.  As men of this generation is there a way to be proactive, biblically sound leaders and yet implement healthy, life provoking change?

The C.O.D.E. Crew discusses some of the symptoms of this looming "death" and some solutions that can be enacted by courageous men with biblical convictions and not just vain traditions or preferences.

In a time when even churches, preachers, and ministries are so utterly focused on "Likes," "Retweets," and "Follows," how can true disciples of Jesus avoid the lure of celebrity culture and truly stay focused on following Jesus and promoting him rather than self?  We have some great examples in scripture (John the Baptist, Paul) and we have some great examples in modern Christianity (i.e. Billy Graham), hopefully we can be the same kind of examples in our own local fellowships.

In this first of a series of discussions on the topic, the C.O.D.E. Crew opens the talks about the issues threatening the vitality of a Christ-centered, kingdom focused church in our modern times, particularly in western church culture.  

1. Christian Celebrity Culture

2. Denominational Traditionalism

3. Christian Nationalism

In this first of the series the crew identifies what Christian Celebrity Culture is and sets the stage for the next episode in which resolutions will be sought to help men whose hearts are set on God to avoid the snares and stay the course.  Finally, after all this time Napoleon can't remember how to end a podcast?!

The crew concludes this discussion on how to bring the multiple generations together by emphasizing the central focal point of the "generationless" and unchanging God (His truth and dominion).  There are also some key points of integration, certain action steps which can be taken to unite men from each generation into a common cause:

1. Round table discussion

2. Generational Integration in life groups

3. Mentorship and Initiation which connects older men with younger men.

There are five generations of people living and working together in our culture, churches, and communities.  Often the different philosophies, life experiences and cultural trends can create generational tension.  This can result in older generations missing out on the fresh vision and insight the younger guys bring to the table and the younger generation dismissing the older men as irrelevant in a new day.  We need all generations at the same table if we are going to build true men in this desperate age.

In this series wrap up of "The Genesis of the C.O.D.E." the crew takes on Earth Day, exercising dominion, and the irreplaceable role of the woman in the man's life.

In this special episode of the C.O.D.E. of Man the crew of the C.O.D.E. welcomes our first guest of the season, Jeremiah Stringer of The Backpacking Podcast and Jeremiah Stringer Hikes (see links below).  We cover a wide variety of topics but what made this interview so good (to the point of interrupting our series on The Genesis of the C.O.D.E.) is that Jeremiah offers some profound and practical insight on what it means to pursue your dreams, live life with passion, and, to the point of our recent discussions, bear out the Divine image in our lives as men.  Yes, we agree, Jeremiah is the smartest, best looking, toughest, and sweetest guest ever!  You figure it out "Dear listener!"

The Backpacking Podcast • A podcast on Anchor

7 MYTHS You Should NOT Believe About Backpacking - Bing video

(2) Jeremiah Stringer Hikes | Facebook

Two questions frame this discussion based out of Genesis 2, "When did you know you had become a man?"  and "What does 'Being a man' really mean?"  The C.O.D.E. Crew continues the unlocking of the masculine image in the origin of man's creation by God.  Is manhood more than toys, trucks, and treasures?  Who can really say "I am a man" or "There goes a real man," and how can young men find that path to maturity?

In this episode the Crew finishes the discussion on the role of a man's work as a means of bearing the image of God in his life.  What about the man who feels stuck in a job he hates?  Or the man who is near retirement but looking back on 20-30 years of life and thinking he may have wasted it?  

Also, was Easy Target having an off day at the control board?  Some days are just like that.