Déjà vu is a French term that literally means “already seen” and refers to a phenomenon that many people have claimed to experience wherein they experience having a strong sensation that an event, that is currently being experienced, has already been experienced at some point in the past.

So this begs the question: Is this phenomenon a spiritual experience? Is this experience, in some way, God speaking to us or guiding us?

In this episode, Kenny highlights both the scientific and metaphysical explanations for this phenomenon. Kenny also addresses the wrong assumption and false belief that this phenomenon could somehow be evidence for reincarnation (see Hebrews 9:27-28). Kenny also gives us a great reminder that the only spiritual experience that we ought to be seeking is the cultivation of personal friendship and intimate communion with the Holy Spirit.

Suicide is a controversial topic, as well as a sensitive one for many people, therefore we ought to not be flippant as we dialogue about the subject. With that stated, we know that suicidal thoughts and tendencies are very real in the minds and emotions of many people.

As we examine the Bible, we sometimes see Biblical characters venting or lamenting, and sometimes they even seem suicidal. In this episode, Kenny dives into one specific Bible character that some people say seems suicidal; that is the Old Testament man named Job, whom suffered greatly after God gave Satan permission to attack Job.

After facing much pain and suffering, Job certainly seemed to be “done with life” but to say that he was suicidal doesn’t quite seem fair. Many times Job vented his frustrations to God, he lamented, and he even wrongly cursed the day of his birth, but many times Job would later acknowledge God’s sovereign hand and God’s right to determine when Job would die. Job often acknowledged the power and the majesty of God, which demonstrates that he still trusted God, even in the face of his incredible pain and his feelings of despair.

Some people claim that the Bible supports slavery; or that it does not say enough in condemning the institution of slavery. Are those people right? In addition, many of those same people claim that the Bible’s stance on slavery proves that it is an antiquated irrelevant book. Are they right?

In this episode, Kenny dives into the topic of slavery, starting off with the clear Biblical condemnation of any act of selling a human and/or treating any person like property (see Exodus 21:16), so to say that the Bible does not condemn slavery is simply inaccurate.

Then Kenny specifically contrasts and highlights the distinction between the ancient Roman practice of slavery that would have surrounded the writers of the New Testament and the modern forms of slavery that we today are much more familiar with, such as the African slave trade of the 17th and 18th centuries. Understanding the historical context gives you better insight into the passages of the New Testament that relate to slavery.

Kenny finishes the episode with a quick examination of the Apostle Paul’s most intimate letter, his letter to his friend Philemon, which gives us deeper understanding into the Apostle Paul’s expectations of slave-owners in the first century.

Many people are proud of their nation, but some people wonder whether or not it is wrong to have any love of country. Others have wondered if they can find a way to take any pride in a nation that has done bad or evil things around the world. Others have even grappled with the idea as to whether or not any national allegiance is helpful at all.

In this episode, Kenny tackles to topic of patriotism and how we as Christians ought to approach love of country. For modern American Christians in particular, there might not be an issue more complicated or wrapped-up in history and politics than patriotism. Even saying the word patriotism in any gathering of Christians is likely to garner as many responses as there are people. A love for one’s country is looked upon with both reverence and revulsion, depending on who you talk to about it… and Kenny believes that both sides seem to have good reasons for their positions.

So how ought Christians think about patriotism?

Kenny dives into the idea of having patriotism versus having nationalism. Kenny makes it clear that patriotism can be very good, but nationalism is nothing more than a form of arrogance.

It is good to appreciate the things your nation has offered the world, but good patriotism also includes the ability to judge your own nation in both its successes and its shortcomings. It is good to have a love of your fellow countrymen, but arrogant to believe that your fellow countrymen are somehow inherently more valuable than people born in other nations.

They major theme Kenny addresses is the idea of primary allegiances. Those of us that love God must never forget that our primary allegiance is to Jesus and the kingdom of God and the things that Jesus cares about most. Kenny challenges us to make sure that we are more passionate about defending the Gospel than we are about defending our nationalism or our brand of politics.

In this episode, Kenny answers the questions whether or not it is okay for Christians to be cremated; or is it sinful. As with many topics, Kenny tells us that asking about whether or not it is “okay” is not the right question, but rather we ought to be asking whether or not it is ideal for us.

We know that when we die we will either end up in heaven or hell, our soul leaves our body. But it is important to remember that whatever happens to our body after we are dead has no impact on our eternal destination.

We also know that one Jesus will return to Earth and give new bodies to all those who were united with Him. Our souls will be reunited with our bodies, therefore no matter which we choose, burial or cremation, our new bodies will be perfect.

With all this stated, Kenny recommends we choose burials whenever possible because it follows the biblical pattern followed by the Old Testament saints and the pattern observed by the early Christians.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Several centuries before Jesus showed up on the scence, the propher Jeremiah was preaching to the Jewish people as they faced the judgment and discipline of God, meted out at the hands of the Babylonians.

Jeremiah said many things, but there is one verse from his writings that is most commonly quoted within certain modern Christian circles. That verse that is famously quoted is Jeremiah 29:11, often used as a proof-text to demonstrate that God always wants us to prosper.

In this episode, Kenny tackles the question head on: Does Jeremiah 29:11 apply to Christian believers today? If so, how does it apply?

Kenny makes the point that the verse does indeed point to the fact that, overall, God wants good things for

However, most people quoting this verse ignore the context of Jeremiah’s writing; the fact that the Jewish people were facing a fate that did not seem “good” by their standards.

God declares to have good plans for us, but sometimes His plans do not seem good; but that is mostly because our definition of “good” is often skewed.

God’s greatest desire for His own people is to mold us to be more Godly and to shine His own glory through us. God’s good plans for you may include some short-term forms of suffering because that may very well be the thing that enables you to receive the ultimate good plans that God has for you in the long-term and in eternity.

It is widely believed by most Evangelical Christians that once we get into heaven and with Jesus, that we will not ever be able to sin or ever choose to walk away from God. This begs the question: How did Lucifer sin in heaven?

Lucifer did indeed sin while he was in heaven (Note: Today Lucifer is often called “Satan” or “the devil” or “the enemy”). So, what confidence do we have that we will not ever sin when we are in heaven?

In this episode, Kenny answers this question by making sure that we understand that it is not the place that keeps us from sinning, but rather the state we find ourselves in once we are in eternity. Once we are in heaven we will be fully transformed, given new bodies, and enter into a state of holy perfection. This will protect us from sin and this shall only be made possible by the power of Christ at work within us.

Highlighted Passages:

Philippians 3:21

Jude 1:24

Revelation 21:27

1 Timothy 5:21

Gambling, card games, sports betting, games of luck or chance, poker tournaments, and even raffles. These are all forms of contests that have been labeled as “gambling” by many people. And with the label of “gambling” comes a taboo within North American evangelicalism. So that begs these questions: Is gambling a sin? Should Christians participate in any such events or contests? Why or Why not?

In this episode, Kenny gives a thorough response to the topic of gambling. The Bible does not directly label these contests or games as sinful, but as with many things in life, we need to examine the topic more closely before indulging.

Kenny opens the episode giving us an important warning about gambling addictions. Just like addictions to drugs or porn, addictions to gambling have destroyed families, therefore we must be extremely cautious and careful before participating. Kenny encourages anyone dealing with a gambling addiction to immediately seek help from a church elder or visit www.gamblersanonymous.org.

The Bible does not specifically condemn gambling, so Kenny makes the point that he does not have any specific issues with people participating in contests where money is on the line such as a sports pool or a poker tournament (and Kenny makes the admission that he himself has participated in some such activities), but there are several important elements to remember before choosing to gamble in anyway whatsoever:

1- The Bible warns us about the dangers of loving money (see 1 Timothy 6:10 and Hebrews 13:5).

2- The Bible encourages us to stay away from attempts to “get rich quick” (see Proverbs 13:11 and Ecclesiastes 5:10)

3- Gambling is often a waste of money, but so are many other things we indulge in or purchase (ie: going out to eat, cable television, owning a more expensive car than what we actually need, many forms of entertainment, etc.). Seek to be consistent in your convictions.

4- The Bible tells us that all things are “permissible” but not all things are “beneficial” (see 1 Corinthians 6:12; 10:23). This should always be our guide when these topics arise.

After highlighting these important reminders, Kenny then closes the episode by reminding each person to also consider their own personal evangelism opportunities and Christian witness. We must always ask the question: “Will this hurt or help my chances to preach the Gospel?”

There is a strong argument to be made for either position. Some people say that some forms of gambling could harm your credibility, and therefore harm your opportunities for evangelism. However, other people might state that participating in such activities could lead you to building relationships that help bring the Gospel to unsaved people that otherwise might not have heard it.

Kenny feels that each person ought to prayerfully seek wisdom from the Holy Spirit as to what he/she ought to do, but none of us ought to be flippant or careless when making this sort of decision.

Did Jesus have physical siblings? If so, wouldn’t that prove that Mary was not a virgin for her entire life? And, if that is the case, why do Catholics still refer to her as the “Virgin Mary” even though she conceived and gave birth to several children after Jesus? These questions and thoughts came to Kenny by email from a listener.

In this episode, Kenny makes the point that Jesus did indeed have physical siblings, children of Mary and her husband Joseph.

Catholics have been known to have a deep reverence for Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary was very deserving of honor for her role in God’s redemptive story, however some of the beliefs embraced by Catholics (and some other Christians) about her “perpetual virginity” may not be a Biblically-founded doctrine.

Some other Christians may not embrace the doctrine of her perpetual virginity, however they may still refer to her as the “Virgin Mary” simply a sign of respect, although she clearly was not a virgin for her entire life.

The Biblical evidences for Jesus having biological siblings:

– Matthew 13:55: A group of people questioning Jesus’ authority, referring to His Earthly parents and siblings.

– Matthew 12 and Mark 3: Mary and the brothers of Jesus sought to talk with Jesus.

– John 7:5: Makes mention that even some of Jesus’ siblings didn’t believe He was the Messiah.

– Galatians 1:19: Paul mentions meeting James, the younger brother of Jesus.

In this episode, Kenny responds to a regular listener asking about giving to charities. Kenny opens the episode by making it clear that Christians should be extremely generous; God has given us so much, we ought to demonstrate His generosity by choosing to be generous to others.

There is no set amount that we ought to give, but we should seek to be sacrificial in how we give. There are no shortage of options when it comes to organizations that are in need of money, so where should we give our money? Kenny gives us three primary places where we ought to consider giving:

1- Your local church.

2- Missionaries that you know personally or missions organizations that you trust.

3- Any cause or campaign focusing on social justice that reflects well on the Gospel.

Kenny’s encouragement and advice to believers: Determine a vision for what types of causes that you want to give towards, based on your personal passions and the specific arenas that grab your heart, and then seek to give as much as possible to those types of causes and organizations. This also allows you to develop a clear strategy as to when you ought to say “yes” and when you ought to say “no.”

Eventually, many of us will end up giving money to non-profit organizations and charities. Kenny closes the episode by giving us the parameters he uses when determining which organizations to give to, and he also encourages us to vet the organizations, as best as we can, before giving them money, and he gives us some resources to help us in our quest to determine which charities are the best to consider giving our money towards.

Recommended Helps When Vetting Charities:

Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA)

CharityWatch.org

CharityNavigator.org