When faced with the delicate decisions of prenatal testing, how can we hold fast to our faith while navigating the medical realm? Join Christa, Bob, and Jeff for a pro-life Christian perspective as we examine the array of prenatal tests available to expectant parents. From ultrasounds to MRIs, our discussion traverses the moral landscape of these medical advancements, weighing the ethical implications of preparation versus termination. We emphasize the significance of trust in God's providence and the wonder of life at every stage, stirring a conversation that bridges the gap between science and spirituality.

The selection of healthcare professionals and the gravity of their advice come to the forefront when prenatal tests reveal potential complications. It's in these moments that our convictions are truly tested. We explore the quest for pro-life doctors and the weight of their expertise against shared values. Listen as we share stirring narratives that reveal the power of faith, the strength of conviction, and the resilience of hope in the most testing of times.

In our concluding chapter, we turn to the emotional journey that accompanies pregnancy testing. We advocate for caution with invasive procedures and patience in the face of uncertainty, reminding parents-to-be of the importance of comprehensive medical counsel. Through heartfelt stories, we highlight how faith anchors us, allowing us to trust in God's plan amid the unknown. We extend an invitation to continue the dialogue, seek support through our resources, and acknowledge the miracles of medical intervention as divine gifts. Join us as we navigate these life challenges with wisdom, compassion, and a steadfast belief in the sanctity of life.

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Join Christa, Bob, and Jeff for a thought-provoking session on that promises not just to enrich your understanding of conflict resolution, but to deepen your spiritual growth as well. Their insights dissect the often-ignored roots of conflict, tracing it back to our very own sinful nature and the selfish desires that fuel everything from global conflicts to intimate quarrels. By tuning in, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the unseen forces and motivations that govern human behavior, and learn how to approach involvement in others' conflicts with a balance of compassion and love—especially when the rest of society might be reacting with less than charitable attitudes.

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Wars and conflicts continue to test our convictions, but as followers of Christ, where do we stand when the drums of war beat around the globe? We grapple with this question head-on to dissect the Christian response to international conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and Israel. We confront the delicate balance between pacifism and partisanship, recognizing that the peace Jesus spoke of is rooted in spiritual reconciliation, not necessarily the termination of all conflict.

In our thorough analysis, we peel back the layers of international disputes, considering the ethical implications of a Christian nation's involvement in foreign wars. The conversation takes us through the murky waters of media representation and the shaping of nationalistic narratives, as we ponder the line between justice and aggression. We reflect on historical events like World War II, using them as a moral compass to navigate today's complex geopolitical landscape, always with an eye on preserving the core values of freedom and human dignity.

Our dialogue culminates in an exploration of media literacy and its impact on our perception - a crucial skill in today's information-saturated world. We delve into the necessity of diversifying news sources, challenging the echo chambers that often distort reality. Through sharing our strategies for analyzing news with a critical eye, we aim to equip our listeners with tools to discern truth from manipulation. As Christians, we are reminded that while engaging with these issues is important, it is the transformation of the heart that truly embodies the Gospel, compelling us to live out our faith in every aspect of our lives, including how we interpret and act on the world events unfolding before us.

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Ever wonder if life's goodness is a solid truth or just a fleeting idea? Christa, Bob, and Jeff tackle this profound topic, revealing how our beliefs and actions may indeed carve out a slice of heaven here on earth. Through the lens of both secular and Christian worldviews, our latest episode delves into the diverse interpretations of what it means to live well. We bring to light the stark contrast between a life valued by worldly standards versus one enriched by the certainty of divine grace, prompting a thought-provoking discussion on the essence of a truly 'good' life.

Does the pursuit of extending our time here betray a deeper yearning for eternity, or is it an affront to the natural order as crafted by faith? This episode isn't shy about pulling back the curtain on the ethical conundrums posed by life extension technologies. We dissect Apostle Paul's musings on suffering, contentment, and the Christian concept of life's inherent value, juxtaposed with society's shifting moral compass. It's a conversation that not only scrutinizes the subjective measures of a good life but also challenges listeners to reflect on their own morality in the face of advancing science and technology.

Concluding our soul-stirring journey, we explore the profound fulfillment that comes from spiritual wealth, transcending the fleeting satisfaction of material gains. The stories of biblical figures like Job, and even the transformative journey of Jeffrey Dahmer, serve as powerful examples of redemption and the significance of a life anchored in faith. Join us as we ponder whether our attachments to the material world obstruct our spiritual evolution and how embracing God's promise may lead to the ultimate contentment. This episode is an invitation to affirm life's beauty, informed by an unshakable belief in God's grace.

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Today Christa, Bob, and Jeff look at the Christian Life Resources National Convention from 2023.  They offer feedback and thoughts on the different presenters.

“The Moral Climate and the Need for the Gospel” with Rev. Jonathan Hein
“Pro-life in a ‘Post-Roe’ America – Celebrating Victory and Preparing for New Battles” with Gracie Skogman
“Embracing Authentic Compassion and Rejecting the Misguided ‘Compassion’ of Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Suicide” with Dr. Caitlyn Trader
“For Those Who Cannot Speak: Modern Day Slavery & Sex Trafficking” with Tracy Scheffler

The Convention can be viewed here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uynA-rlCQ2w

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Could the echoes of a tragedy from biblical times still resonate with our ethical dilemmas today? We grapple with this question by revisiting one of the darkest narratives in Scripture—the massacre of the innocents in Bethlehem. The episode delves into the historical, emotional, and moral complexities of these events as recounted in Matthew Chapter 2. 

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As Christmas approaches, embark on a profound journey with Christa, Bob, and Jeff as we reflect on the Holy Family's portrayal in art and its theological implications on our faith. Feel the weight of tradition lift as we dissect the often-imposed standards of Mary and Joseph's holiness and how it contrasts with Jesus' sinlessness, offering a fresh perspective for Christian parents striving for attainable role models. With keen insights, we navigate the historical inaccuracy of Europeanized depictions of the family, aiming to ground our understanding in scriptural truth and peel away layers of common nativity misconceptions, such as the number of Wise Men. This episode promises to shine a light on the humanity of the Holy Family, casting new understanding on their enduring significance.

The heart of Christmas beats strong in our second chapter, where we examine faith's intrinsic role in the festivities and the stark cultural shift towards a more secular celebration. Listen as we dissect the poignant lessons of trust and devotion from Mary and Joseph's story and confront the harsh reality of increased loneliness and suicide rates among the elderly during this time. Our candid conversation underscores the pivotal need to maintain Christ as the cornerstone of Christmas, encouraging listeners to weave worship into their holiday rituals. Join us in this sacred pause, a moment to realign with the spiritual core of the season and embrace the comfort and hope the story of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus extends to each of us.

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Have you ever wondered about the authority of God and how it influences our beliefs? Today, we're diving into an enlightening conversation about truth, faith, and the role of God's authority in our belief systems. We discuss the fascinating concept of everyone having religious beliefs, even those who deny having any. Join Christa, Bob, and Jeff as we open up about our experiences as Christians and share insights on how recognizing and submitting to God's authority affects your life.

What's the impact of humanism on our faith and truth as Christians? That's the intriguing question we grapple with in the second part of our discussion, where we shine a spotlight on how humanism prioritizes human reasoning over spiritual or divine aspects. We delve into the limitations of human judgment and the enduring validity of the Bible in a world where personal beliefs often challenge Scripture. This episode is an eye-opener, a reminder to consider the truth of Scripture and an exploration of the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. So, tune in for this thought-provoking episode that enlightens and challenges your beliefs.

Show Notes:
Episode 31: What is Truth? with Pastor Forrest Bivens

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Why does compassion seem to bloom during the holiday season, and how does it tie into celebrating Christ's birth? As we unwrap Christmas's true meaning, Jeff, Bob, and Christa challenge you to reflect on these intriguing questions. We dig into the profound Christian belief in God's ultimate act of compassion—gifting the world with Christ. Yet, we question why such amplified kindness seems to be a seasonal phenomenon and advocate for a shift towards nurturing compassion as a consistent lifestyle, not a holiday exclusive.

Join us, as we journey deeper into the heart of compassion, demystifying misconceptions about acts perceived as compassionate, and emphasizing empathy as a core element. In the chaotic rush of the holiday season, we inspire you to seize opportunities to demonstrate true compassion, alleviate others' suffering, and bring genuine kindness into everyday life.  Let's together strive to keep the essence of Christmas alive all year round, celebrating God's gift of compassion through Christ in our daily interactions.

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Have you ever grappled with the question of why healing doesn’t always seem to come, especially in cases of severe illnesses like cancer? Today on the podcast, Christa, Bob, and Jeff tackle this head-on, navigating the spiritual terrain that arises while waiting for prayers to be answered. We unpack the frustration that surfaces during these trying times, drawing strength from the comforting words of Psalm 23. As we wade through these waters, we offer a fresh perspective on the inclination to question and lament, inviting you to see these situations in a new light.

Our journey doesn’t stop there. We go further, exploring the role of suffering and how strength can be found in the most unlikely places. Using Biblical figures like Job and Paul as guides, we highlight how their health struggles led them on a path to fulfill their purpose in unexpected, purposeful ways. We also dive into the impact of our understanding of God’s sovereignty on our prayer life, underscoring the importance of patience, reverence, and trust. Discover how to see the blessings in both good health and suffering, as we share our experiences, insights, and the strength that comes from a deep and unwavering faith in God’s plan, even when it doesn't align with our desires.

In this episode, you will learn:

• What are the situations where a believer might be waiting?
• What do you do when you’re praying and it seems like there’s silence there?
• What are some good things to say to somebody who is waiting, and then what are maybe some things that you should not say? 

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