All tagged disciples vs. converts
It's not much discussed, but the state of our hearts is precious. In life we naturally guard what is precious: the homeland, our families and homes, our children and babies. But our culture does not emphasize protecting our hearts. In this episode I follow up on last week's show on Christian transformation and talk about simple, but wise, steps we can take to move toward Christ. Drawing on my award-winning dissertation I reference the wisdom of old-school Pentecostalism and Eastern Orthodox spiritualities. At the show's opening I work through the framework Pope Benedict 16 had with regard to the coming of anti-Christ. My listeners will be surprised at several of B16's prognostications; he was much aligned with Evangelicals on what and who anti-Christ will be. Come think and laugh with me.
It was brutal when in Luke 12:51 Jesus said, "Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, I came to bring division!" That embattled utterance falls inside a three-chapter-or-so pericope of urgent proclamations from Jesus. Why did he say such harsh things? How should we understand that he said he came to bring fire? In this week's episode I both frame the great invasion that Jesus led and contrast that with the inclusive-Jesus of contemporary Christianity. Then I offer practical-pastoral application of all that for an Evangelical culture. In the show's cultural reflection I remark on Mark Zuckerberg's recent strategic changes at Facebook. Additionally, I comment on why the Biden Whitehouse is working hard to prevent a smooth transition of power into the next four years. Come laugh and think with me.
