View from the Mount

Following Christ means growing in His likeness, but that can be a difficult thing. We aren't perfect, and we are going to stumble at times. When that happens, our fellow Christians should hold us accountable. But what does that look like? How should we approach a fellow Christian who is caught in sin, and how should we react when we're the ones being called to account? Check out this week’s episode, and don't forget to click "Subscribe"!

With Election Day just a few days off, the world is watching to see who will be victorious. The results of this election will impact the future of our country, but it will also have an impact on the church. As Christians, how do we approach political issues? Are we beholden to a particular party or candidate? Or should we take a stand on Biblical morality and vote for whoever will best defend those values. What, exactly, hangs in the balance in the upcoming election, and what is our duty as the church? Jason and Matt, and special guest Jim Book (Kissimmee Christian Church, FL) will dive into this topic and try to find a position that fits with a Biblical worldview.

Many people have become fascinated with occult practices. Some of these things are obvious, such as witchcraft, seances, Ouija boards, etc. Many have become convinced that these things are harmless, and that there is no power or danger in them, but that is not what the Bible teaches. There are also many things that are more subtly related to the occult, such as astrology, psychics, new age mysticism, and others. Where should the church stand on these things? Where do we draw lines on issues like Halloween, what movies we ought to watch, and what we ought to participate in? Matt and Jason dig into these issues and try to establish where the dangers are and how to avoid them.

Abortion is possibly the most hotly debated issue in our country today. Is an unborn baby a human life, or something less? Does an unborn child have a right to life, and when do the mother’s rights override the rights of that child? Is this a women’s rights issue, or a human rights issue? People answer these questions differently depending on their worldview. But can Christians, who believe that we have been specially created in the image of God and that we have a soul, still support abortion? Jason and Matt discuss some of the arguments that pro-choice Christians have used to support their position, and test those arguments against logic, science, and the Word of God.

Is it okay for Christians to drink alcohol? It’s a common question. Christians are often required to make decisions about where we stand on different issues. Sometimes this is an easy decision, because the Bible gives a clear command on what we are and aren’t to do. But there are some issues where the Bible doesn’t give a point-blank, “thus sayeth the Lord”, and alcohol use is one of those issues. Often, Christians who are okay with “social drinking” will point out that the Bible condemns drunkenness, but not drinking. Doesn’t the Bible also teach us to be wise, to guard our witness, to be sober of mind and to flee from any appearance of evil? Are these principles enough to build a case against Christians drinking alcohol, or is this simply an area of religious liberty where each person should choose for themselves? Jason and Matt discuss these questions and try to examine how the church has handled this issue, how we might come to a better position, and why this is such a hot-button issue even among Christians.

Of all the temptations we are faced with, none are as powerful or as dangerous as the temptation of sexual sin. Over and over the scripture recounts examples of God’s people falling into fornication, lust, and sexual immorality. As God’s people today, are we doing any better? How do we remain pure in a culture that is increasingly focused on sex? Why is this such a prevalent problem in the world, and in our churches? What kind of impact does this kind of sin have? And what can we do if we are struggling with sexual sin in our own lives? Matt and Jason discuss these questions, and try to find ways for the church to meet this very real threat. (Disclaimer: this is a discussion meant for adults, and while it doesn’t contain graphic descriptions or inappropriate comments, it may not be a conversation suitable for children)

In our society, few virtues are held up as highly as "tolerance". The world tells us that loving others means having tolerance, and that tolerance means embracing and supporting anything and everything a person wants to do. To disagree with a person's values, behavior, or lifestyle is an expression of hatred and bigotry. But is that what "tolerance" really means? Is the church intolerant? And if so, what should we tolerate as the church? Jason and Matt dig into the idea of tolerance, what it really means, and how we as Christians should demonstrate it to the world.

Jason and Matt dive into the topic of confessing our sins to one another. This is something the Bible calls us to do, but it's something that has nearly vanished from our church culture. Many of us cover our sins and our struggles with a smile, and do our best to convince others that we have it all together. How can the church bear one another's burdens if we don't let anyone know what they are?

Jason and Matt discuss how the church can respond to escalating racial tension in the country. How can we make the kind of impact Christ would expect His church to make?