UBC Beavercreek — All Podcasts

In the concluding sermon of our series on 1st Corinthians, Pastor Jason guides us through 1 Corinthians 16:13-24, highlighting how the entire book shows us how the gospel matures a messy church.

How should Christians approach Halloween and horror movies? Is it okay for followers of Jesus to participate in Halloween celebrations or watch films that portray the demonic? And what does Reformation Day have to do with October 31?

In this week's episode of Cultural Commentary, Pastor Jason and Jesse take a biblical look at some of the biggest topics that come up every October. They discuss the origins of Halloween, whether Christians should participate in its traditions, and why believers should be cautious about becoming fascinated with darkness, death, and the demonic.

They also weigh in on the debate surrounding Christians and horror movies, discuss the history and significance of Reformation Day, and share two important takeaways for followers of Jesus.

In this episode:

• The origins of Halloween and whether Christians should celebrate it
• What Scripture says about darkness, death, and the demonic
• Should Christians watch horror movies or visit haunted houses?
• Allie Beth Stuckey, Matt Walsh, and the debate over horror movies
• The Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther, and the Five Solas
• Why Christians should be discerning about what they consume and celebrate

RESOURCES:

‍https://churchleaders.com/news/222428...

‍https://churchleaders.com/news/222424...

‍00:00 - Halloween, Horror Movies & Reformation Day

‍01:12 - The Surprising Origins of Halloween

‍04:07 - Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?

‍09:38 - What Does the Bible Say About Darkness and Death?

‍14:34 - Should Christians Watch Horror Movies?

‍16:26 - Why Pastor Jason Avoids Horror Films

‍20:15 - A Former Medium's Warning About the Demonic

‍21:16 - Allie Beth Stuckey vs. Matt Walsh: Should Christians Watch Horror?

‍24:17 - Are Haunted Houses Okay for Christians?

‍26:17 - What Is Reformation Day?

‍28:12 - The Five Solas Explained

‍29:01 - Martin Luther and the 95 Theses

‍31:39 - Two Important Lessons Christians Should Take Away

‍33:02 - Why We Have Something Greater to Celebrate Than Halloween

‍35:34 - When a Halloween Store Replaced a Church

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Have questions about current cultural events you'd like us to discuss? Send your questions to [email protected].

1 Corinthians 16:1-12

A maturing church abounds in the Lord's work through generous giving and Gospel partnerships

• Do you regularly set aside funds to help when needs arise?
• Will you consider planning to support our upcoming “50-50 week”?
• Is your giving a glad response to the one who gave Himself for you?

1. I have a question about the message today. I know this wasn’t exactly the point but faithfully stewarding finances is important. I struggle with understanding how to use money well, considering that we have so much more than so many people around the world. Does God even want us to save for a future retirement that may never come? If so, to what degree? There is a lot of earthly wisdom in the area but I wonder if I am using my money with eternity in mind.
2. ‍Jason, you mentioned that a portion of what is given should be given to those who are in need around us. Do you believe this is meant to be for those in the church (helping our fellow brothers and sisters) or for unbelievers in our life as a ministry/witness of Christ’s love for them. I’m guessing maybe it doesn’t matter - it’s more about our heart in giving - but I’d love to hear your thoughts.
3. What is the church’s view on tithing? How much of our income should we be setting aside for each category of giving discussed- the local church, missionary needs, and benevolence?

Dollars and Sense Sermon Series: https://sermons.ubcbeavercreek.com/series/dollars-and-sense

Thank you for listening and sending in your questions. As a reminder you can send your questions to [email protected].

As we continue our series on 1st Corinthians, Pastor Jason leads us through 1st Corinthians 16:1-12, teaching us that a maturing church abounds in the Lord's work through generous giving and gospel partnerships.

Can Christians vote for a non-Christian candidate? In this episode of the Cultural Commentary Podcast, Jesse and Pastor Jason are joined by Dr. Glen Duerr, professor of history and government at Cedarville University and Beavercreek city councilman, to discuss how Christians should approach voting from a biblical perspective. From what Scripture teaches about God's purpose for government to how believers should evaluate candidates who don't share their faith, they explore how Christians can navigate difficult choices at the ballot box while keeping their hope in God. Together, they discuss:

• What the Bible teaches about God's purpose for government and the role of elected officials
• Whether Christians are biblically required to vote and how voting can be a way to love our neighbors
• How Christians should navigate their conscience when choosing whether or how to vote
• Whether Christians can vote for non-Christian candidates
• Why a candidate's character, competence, worldview, and commitment to biblical principles matter
• How Christians can evaluate candidates in state and local elections
• Why believers should prioritize their identity in Christ over their political affiliations
• The importance of praying for government leaders and trusting God's sovereignty, regardless of election results

Ultimately, this conversation is a reminder that Christians should approach voting with biblical wisdom, carefully consider the candidates before them, and remember that their ultimate hope is in Jesus Christ—not political leaders or election outcomes. How should followers of Jesus navigate difficult political choices while remaining faithful to Scripture? Join Jesse, Pastor Jason, and Dr. Glen Duerr as they explore these questions through a biblical perspective.

Have questions about current cultural events you'd like us to discuss? Send your questions to [email protected].

RESOURCES:

How toThink Biblically about Voting During a Political Election https://www.ubcbeavercreek.com/position-papers

When Politics Becomes an Idol: Five Warning Signs for Christians https://churchleaders.com/pastors/2224451-when-politics-becomes-an-idol-five-warning-signs-for-christians.html

1 Corinthians 15:35-58

A maturing church serves the Lord faithfully in the present due to our resurrection hope for the future.

• Are you abounding in labor for our risen Lord?
• Are you lasting in labor for the risen Lord?
• Do you have resurrection hope in the risen Lord who labored for you?

I have a question about other “bodies” in Scripture. Particularly, I am curious about heavenly beings, angels, in the OT who engaged with humanity in physical form. Are these bodies the same as our future glorified bodies or something different? We see them eat and drink and interact physically in ways similar to the resurrected Christ.

Thank you for listening and sending in your questions. As a reminder you can send your questions to [email protected].

We continue our series through 1st Corinthians with Lead Pastor Jason Wing discussing chapter 15:35-58. Main idea: a maturing church serves the Lord faithfully in the present due to our resurrection hope for the future.

How should Christians respond to the death penalty and the public execution of Nidal Hasan? In this episode of the Cultural Commentary Podcast, Jesse Jackson and Pastor Jason are joined by Tim West, a University Baptist elder and retired Air Force colonel, to discuss capital punishment and the proposed livestream of Hasan’s execution through a biblical perspective. From what Scripture teaches about justice and the sanctity of human life to the dangers of bloodlust and the importance of mercy, they explore how Christians can think carefully about a difficult cultural issue. Together, they discuss:

• The background of Nidal Hasan’s conviction and the proposed livestream of his execution
• What the Bible teaches about capital punishment, justice, and the authority of government
• How Christians can reconcile being pro-life with supporting the death penalty
• What Jesus’ response to the woman caught in adultery teaches us about mercy and justice
• The difference between righteous justice and sinful bloodlust
• Whether Christians should watch a public execution and how graphic content can affect us
• Three important lessons Christians should take away about God’s justice, mercy, and the gospel

Ultimately, this conversation is a reminder that Christians must distinguish between righteous justice and sinful bloodlust while remembering that justice and mercy are both found in Jesus Christ. How should followers of Jesus respond to difficult questions about capital punishment, public executions, and forgiveness? Join Jesse, Pastor Jason, and Tim as they turn to Scripture for biblical wisdom on these challenging issues.

Have questions about current cultural events you'd like us to discuss? Send your questions to [email protected].

1 Corinthians 15:12-34

A maturing church affirms the reality and the necessity of the resurrection.Questions to Consider:

• Do you find yourself doubting Christ’s resurrection?
• 3 reasons to believe the resurrection
• Lack of Jesus’ corpse
• The appeal to the eye witnesses
• The suffering of the apostles
• Do you find yourself hopeful in your own resurrection?

1. I was just curious after today’s sermon, in regards to death being defeated with the resurrection, is death a person? Or is death referring to the situation?

2. Jason, it sounded like you mentioned that believers wouldn’t be with the Lord until he comes in the clouds. But, doesn’t the scripture say that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord? Can you clarify?

3. I have a question about the passage discussed today. When we are resurrected, we will have real, physical bodies both like and unlike our current ones in certain ways? I have heard some who ascribe various supernatural abilities to our glorified bodies (e.g. walking through walls) because Jesus seems to do this during the 40 days post-resurrection. Since the resurrection is so crucial and the likeness of our resurrection with Christs is a part of that (e.g. Romans 6:5), would you be willing to summarize your thoughts on how our resurrected bodies will be like and unlike our current ones?æ

Thank you for listening and sending in your questions. As a reminder you can send your questions to [email protected].

We continue our series through 1st Corinthians with Lead Pastor Jason Wing discussing chapter 15:12-34. Main idea: a maturing church affirms the reality and necessity of the resurrection.