Unpacked with Skyler

In this episode Skyler interviews Alan Robertson from Duck Dynasty.  Alan helped his family with the family business (Duck Commander) making duck calls until he left to serve as a pastor at White's Ferry Road Church in West Monroe, LA. In 2012 he entered the rest of the Robertson family on the A&E Duck Dynasty show. Since the show last aired Alan has co-authored two books and travels frequently to speak on various topics. In this episode Skyler and Alan talk about his story, marriage, ministry, and the open doors God's brought their way  as a result of the show.

In this episode Skyler interviews Danny Davis a rural pastor, Bible college professor, and rural church revitalization coach. Danny  has planted and revitalized churches in South Africa and the USA. He holds a Doctor of Education in Transformational Leadership and is the author of "Rural Church Turnaround: Real Life Experiences of Rural Pastors and Lay-Leaders." In this episode Skyler and Danny talk about his story, God's work of revitalization, and our role in the process.

In this episode Skyler talks with Dr. Andy Bannister about Islam and Christianity. Andy is a respect and sought after Christian scholar and speaking on Islam, Atheism, and apologetics. He serves as the director of Solas and is an adjunct speaker with the Ravi Zacharias International Ministry. On this episode Andy helps us to understand the complexities if Christians and Muslims worship the same God.

In this episode Skyler talks with Jon Good from International Justice Mission (IJM) about the issue of modern day slavery and worldwide injustice. Jon serves as one of IJM’s church mobilization directors and helps equip churches by sharing the biblical call to justice, introducing churches to IJM’s ministry and mobilizing churches to engage in local and global justice ministries.

• IJM's mission is to protect the poor from violence by partnering with local authorities to rescue victims, restore them back to health, retrain perpetrators, and restore the public justice system.

As many families are now experiencing the new advent of education at home is not simple and easy as it sounds. There are many factors and challenges that go into it, but at the same time there is also one of the greatest opportunities for parents, caregivers, and educators for discipleship. In this interview Skyler talks with Shelia Maia about a recent workshop that Rise City Church of Gresham, Oregon did to help resource parents with practical and biblical insights to navigate and redeem this new normal of distance learning.

• Trying to recreate a 6 hour school day at home.

Three Opportunities Presented to Families with Distance Learning

• A ministry opportunity for homeschool families and/or families with stay at home parent(s): offer support to working parent(s) by offering to open up your home for their kids to have a safe and supervised place for study or learning along with your kids. 

Tips for educating and learning successfully 

• Create a vision statement for this school year.

In this episode Skyler interviews Jon Sanders on life and ministry in rural America. Jon served as the Lead Pastor of The RESCUE Church in South Dakota. And had been considered a leading voice in the rural church arena. Jon hosts the Small Town Big Church Podcast that seeks to encourage rural pastors with the message that God delights in doing BIG things in small places. In addition to his passion for the rural church, Jon also serves as firefighter/EMT, and the regional director of the Rural Matter Institute.

In this interview Skyler interview Dr. Gerry Breshears spiritual warfare, demons, and Jesus.  Gerry is a professor of Theology at Western Seminary, on the Board of Directors for the Bible Project, and an Elder at Grace Community Church in Oregon. Gerry I spent countless hours researching and teaching on this topic. [NOTE: Our Podcast will be releasing episodes every other week]

• In the World: The narrative of what will make you successful

Method of Attack 

• Have an assessment of things in your life (physical, emotional, relation, and demonic) 
  • Gerry listens for an accusing voice, an oppressive presence, and if one has had involvement in spiritualism and occultism.

Things you must know about Spiritual Warfare

• Demons are real (contrary to Western opinions)

In this episode Skyler shares some of his own research and questions on the Apocalyptic literature in the Bible following his interview with Dr. Shane Wood (Episode 13). He looks at questions such as "Why do churches shy away from Apocalyptic parts of the Bible? Where did this literature come from? What do people actually believe about it? and why did God speak in Apocalypses? Skyler is the pastor at the Christian Church of Litchfield in Litchfield, IL and a student at Lincoln Christian University where he is finishing up his Master in the New Testament.

The Fall out of Apocalyptic preaching in America happened through three cultural movements

• The rise of Higher criticism

What is an Apocalypse? 

• The literature existed for about 700 years.

Five theme of Apocalyptic literature:

• Dualism

Six functions of Apocalypses

• A call to worship

In this interview Skyler interview Dr. Tremper Longman III on one of the most cited passages in the Old Testament about the End of the World. Tremper is a sought after Bible scholar who has been involved with translating several english translations, author numerous popular level as well as scholarly level books and commentaries. Tremper earned his PhD at Yale University and has recently retired from his full time teaching position at Westmont College -- but he continues to write and lecture.

• The Old Testament uses highly symbolic language and numbers.

In this interview Skyler interview Dr. Tyler Stewart on the time between the Old and New Testament often referred to as the Second Temple period. This is an often overlooked period that has tremendous impact on how we understand the Bible. Without it, it would be nearly impossible to enter the world of the New Testament. Dr. Tyler Stewart earned his PhD at Marquette University and is currently teaching New Testament at Lincoln Christian University.

Notes:

• Learning Greek and Hebrew

2. Four Reasons why we shouldn't call the period between the Old & New Testament years of silence

• This is a period of explosive literary production.

3. Five Major events

• Death of Alexander the Great (323 BCE)