Thrive Theology

In the final episode of the Old Testament series, Bethany and Emily discuss some of the challenges that others will often use to oppose the validity of the Old Testament and all of Scripture. Does the Bible really permit slavery, or say that a rape victim must marry her rapist? Tune in to hear explanations of these common challenges.

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Resources:
• "Why does the Bible speak against wearing clothing made of different types of fabric?" (Got Questions)
• "Did Old Testament Law Force a Woman to Marry Her Rapist?" (CMBW.org)
• "Does the Bible Say a Rape Victim must Marry Her Rapist?" (Living Waters)

In part two of this three-part series, Emily and Bethany go through each of the five types of sacrifices found in the beginning chapters of Leviticus and look for parallels of Jesus. They discuss how amazing it is that God has given us a picture of Jesus as far back as ancient Israel's original law code. Listen to hear the beautiful picture of redemption that the Lord weaves into these thousands-of-year-old sacrifices.

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Have you ever struggled through reading the Old Testament? The first in a three-part series, this episode is all about the Law of Moses. Bethany and Emily give an intro to the Old Testament Law and talk about what it is and isn't, as well as provide a distinction between the ancient law code of the Hebrews and modern law of North America. Listen to learn more about God's laws for the Jewish people!

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More Resources:
• "The Law" by The Bible Project (YouTube)

The story of the prodigal son is perhaps the most well known of Jesus' parables. Many tell it as a beautiful story of repentance and forgiveness, but could it be more than that? In this week's episode, Emily and Bethany explore what this story says not only about the wayward son, but also the father who welcomes him home and the older son who is less than gracious. Tune in to hear this classic parable told in a different light.

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Resources:
• "The Cross & the Prodigal: Luke 15 Through the Eyes of Middle Eastern Peasants" by Kenneth Bailey

There's a false version of Christianity sweeping through North America today called moralistic therapeutic deism. Although you may have never heard this term, you are most likely familiar with its concepts and beliefs. On this week's episode, Emily and Bethany unpack moralistic therapeutic deism, discuss its problems, and refute it biblically.

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Main Points & Biblical Refutations:
1. A god exists who created and ordered the world and watches over human life on earth.
• Hebrews 13:20 - 21
• Ephesians 5:15 - 17

2. God wants people to be good, nice, and fair to each other, as taught in the Bible and by most world religions.
• 1 Peter 1:14 - 19
• Ephesians 4:15 - 16
• Isaiah 1:16 - 17

3. The central goal of life is to be happy and to feel good about oneself.
• Romans 11:33 - 36
• Revelation 4:9 - 11

4. God does not need to be particularly involved in one's life except when God is needed to resolve a problem.
• John 5:19

5. Good people go to heaven when they die.
• Romans 3:21 - 24
• Ephesians 2:4 - 9

(Points are taken from "Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers" by Christian Smith and Melinda Lundquist Denton.)

Other Resources:
• What is Moralistic Therapeutic Deism (MTD)? (Got Questions)
• Moralistic Therapeutic Deism: Not Just a Problem with Youth Ministry (The Gospel Coalition)
• Moralistic Therapeutic Deism (Theology Gals Podcast)

This week, Emily and Bethany interview special guest Al Baker on things to consider when choosing a new church. They discuss deal-breaking vs. non-deal-breaking issues to consider, good and bad reasons for leaving a church, red flags to look for when visiting a church, and more.

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You've probably heard the phrase "bear each other's burdens," but what does this mean in real life? The same passage that calls us to support each other also talks about confronting sin in our brothers & sisters in Christ. So how do all these principles fit together? Is there a right and wrong way to help each other? Bethany and Emily break down these issues in this week's episode.

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A common refrain in today's culture is "Don't judge me!" But is this the attitude Christians should have? The Bible tells us not to judge, doesn't it? Bethany and Emily work through several Bible passages that deal with judging others and explain both the wrong and right ways to judge, and why every Christian needs to know how to judge rightly.

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Resources:
• Tim Mackie: To Judge or Not to Judge (YouTube)
• Mike Winger: Who are You to Judge? (YouTube)

Studying the Bible can be overwhelming for some. In this week's episode, Bethany and Emily share their favourite tips & tools for studying the Bible, as well as some of their favourite teachers and some practical suggestions for protecting yourself from false teachers.

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The story of Abraham (almost) sacrificing his son Isaac is a well-known Old Testament passage. But is this story really just an example of Abraham's incredible faith in the promises of God, or is there a bigger lesson here? Join Emily and Bethany as they explore the parallels between the sacrifice of Isaac and the death of Jesus.

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