GTADA ep12: Evangelism

Evangelism

This week we discuss evangelism.

GTADA ep11: 2016 Election Reactions

2016 Election Reactions

We are back from the summer hiatus again!  This week we discuss the results of the 2016 and some of our reaction.

GTADA ep10: American Imperialism! Exciting.

American Imperialism!  Exciting.

We are back from the summer hiatus!  This week we discuss American Imperialism- American foreign policy- and the justification (or not) of war, support, and global aide.

The majority of the discussion stemmed from the results of this survey.  Feel free to take the survey and see how you compare with us!  Also, here is a link to the google doc with the full breakdown of research.

Based on Micah 6:8:

“With what shall I come before the Lord,

    and bow myself before God on high?

Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,

    with calves a year old?

7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,

    with ten thousands of rivers of oil?

Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,

    the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”

8 He has told you, O man, what is good;

    and what does the Lord require of you

but to do justice, and to love kindness,

    and to walk humbly with your God?

• Aversion to “politics” stops us from discussing controversial issues in the church and with Christians and puts up a protective security cloak between our government and us.  
• Being an American Christian, typically means supporting aggressive U.S. foreign policies for some inexplicable reason.
• Most both Democrats and Republican candidates accept the “special” role of the United States in world foreign policy typically without question.  
• The assumption that the safety and security of U.S citizens is more important than the security of others is a dangerous one.  Are Americans worth more to God then other people?
• U.S. Christians are mostly ignorant of the havoc that our Government and our now Global Corporations wreak on the rest of the world.  In order to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God, we must take an interest outside of our own borders and do whatever little thing we can to stop the suffering to which we contribute.

GTADA ep9: Self-Actualization

GTADA ep9: Self-Actualization

To what extent should a Christian follow their own dreams and passions, as opposed to always seeking to supplant them with Christ's dreams and passions for our lives and our world?

Here are the links to the videos we watch at the beginning of the podcast:
     Video 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCzth7Vz_bM

     Video 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvtxOzO6OAE

Carl Rogers defined self-Actualization as "the curative force in psychotherapy – man's tendency to actualize himself, to become his potentialities... to express and activate all the capacities of the organism."

Thought for the evening:
To what extent should a Christian follow their own dreams and passions, as opposed to always seeking to supplant them with Christ's dreams and passions for our lives and our world?

There are many stunning examples today of men and women who have chased self-actualization - the pursuit unto realization of your dreams and goals.  We have all been given, in some way, the American dream - that through hard work and relentless pursuit we can achieve our dreams and goals in life.  Who doesn’t admire the small business owner, the self made man, the entrepreneur?

But then where is hope in Christ?  Is it possible to work relentlessly and tirelessly for your dreams, and yet consider it “garbage” compared to knowing Christ?  To what extent should we even try to change our position in this world, which is wearing out like a garment?  Is there any place in the Christians life for earthly ambition?  

Philippians 3 

7But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith ina Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

1 Corinthians 7

29What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; 30those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; 31those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

GTADA ep8: Knowledge and Questioning

Group Notes - May 5, 2016

National Day of Prayer

The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for our nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. Since its inception, this day has continually united Americans from all socio-economic, political, and ethnic backgrounds in prayer while also encouraging personal repentance and righteousness in the culture. The National Day of Prayer belongs to all Americans and is a day that transcends differences, bringing together citizens to celebrate our most beloved freedom; the freedom to humbly come before God and seek His guidance in prayer.

At this crucial time for our nation, we can do nothing more important than pray.

Our theme for 2016 is Wake Up America, emphasizing the need for individuals, corporately and individually, to return to the God of our Fathers in reverence for His Holy Name. To further highlight our theme, we’ve chosen Isaiah 58:1a as our Scripture for this year:  “Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet.”

Excerpts and prayer from: http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/

National Prayer

Dear heavenly Father, we come to You today as a humble people desperate for Your supernatural intervention on behalf of our beloved nation.  First, we thank You for all the blessings You have bestowed on our land, blessings that have allowed us to bring so much good and benefit to not only our own citizens but also to the rest of the world. The very ideals upon which this country was founded were based on biblical truths, no matter how some try to rewrite history to deny that very fact today.

This is why our hearts are so broken over how You continue to be marginalized and dismissed by both our people and our institutions. We are also saddened by the fact that Your people have contributed greatly to the spiritual apathy that now engulfs us. Our satisfaction in remaining religious without being fully committed to living out the truths of Your Word has caused us to become co-conspirators with the forces of evil that are destroying us as a society.

It is for this reason that we personally and collectively repent of our carnality and recommit ourselves to becoming visible and verbal disciples of Jesus Christ. Enable us, by Your Spirit, to no longer be secret agent Christians but rather to publicly declare and live out Your truth in a spirit of love so that You feel welcome in our country once again.

Thank You for Your promise to hear our prayers when we call to You with hearts of repentance and obedience, which is how we are appealing to You today, Father. On behalf of Your church, we affirm afresh the priority You are to us that You would fill every dimension of our lives as we seek to bring You glory through the advancement of Your kingdom in our personal lives, our family lives, and in the lives of our churches and our government leaders. We confidently invite heaven’s intervention into all the affairs of our nation and we praise You in advance for Your answer.

In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen.

Knowledge

What is knowledge

“The Bible is clear that the knowledge of God is the most valuable knowledge a human being can possess. But it is also clear that simply being aware of God’s existence is not sufficient; the knowledge of God must encompass the deep appreciation for and relationship with Him.”

http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-knowledge.html

Deut 8:3, Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Why is it important

A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables. The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.
Proverbs 24:3‭-‬5 NLT

The words of the wise are like cattle prods—painful but helpful. Their collected sayings are like a nail-studded stick with which a shepherd drives the sheep. But, my child, let me give you some further advice: Be careful, for writing books is endless, and much study wears you out. That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.
Ecclesiastes 12:11‭-‬14 NLT

Questioning

To question

• From a place of faith not doubt: James 1:5-6 ESV, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.”
• In pursuit of God: Psalm 10:1-18 ESV, “Why, O Lord, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor; let them be caught in the schemes that they have devised. For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul, and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord. In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are, “There is no God.” His ways prosper at all times; your judgments are on high, out of his sight; as for all his foes, he puffs at them.”  Along with numerous other Psalms
• When in need; truthful, honest questioning: Psalms 22:1, ”my God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? “  Still from a place of faith
• O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save?
  Habakkuk 1:2 ESV
• But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?”
  Romans 9:20 ESV
• But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek. They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind.
  Psalm 73:2-5 ESV

Or not to question

• Refer back to James 1:5-6
• Don't “test Him” as a challenge: Deuteronomy 6:16, “you shall not put the Lord, your Good to the test.” Corroborated by Jesus: Matthew 4:5-7
• So are wise people really better off than fools? Do poor people gain anything by being wise and knowing how to act in front of others?
  Ecclesiastes 6:8 NLT
• I [Solomon] said to myself, “Look, I am wiser than any of the kings who ruled in Jerusalem before me. I have greater wisdom and knowledge than any of them.” So I set out to learn everything from wisdom to madness and folly. But I learned firsthand that pursuing all this is like chasing the wind. The greater my wisdom, the greater my grief. To increase knowledge only increases sorrow.
  Ecclesiastes 1:16‭-‬18 NLT

Application

• Thirst for God, the living God Psalms 42:2

• Their [the Proverbs] purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
  Proverbs 1:2‭-‬7 NLT

• Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
  Philippians 4:6‭-‬7 NLT

• So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him?  God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him. But if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please him. This, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind.
  Ecclesiastes 2:24‭-‬26 NLT

• As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut. It is evil to make mindless offerings to God. Don’t make rash promises, and don’t be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few. Talk is cheap, like daydreams and other useless activities. Fear God instead.
  Ecclesiastes 5:1‭-‬2‭, ‬7 NLT

Group Foundation/Mission/Creed/Purpose

Doug's thoughts

Better to be criticized by a wise person than to be praised by a fool. I have seen everything in this meaningless life, including the death of good young people and the long life of wicked people. So don’t be too good or too wise! Why destroy yourself? On the other hand, don’t be too wicked either. Don’t be a fool! Why die before your time? Pay attention to these instructions, for anyone who fears God will avoid both extremes. Wisdom is always distant and difficult to find.
Ecclesiastes 7:5‭, ‬15‭-‬18‭, ‬24‭-‬25 NLT

So go ahead. Eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God approves of this! Wear fine clothes, with a splash of cologne! Live happily with the woman you love through all the meaningless days of life that God has given you under the sun. The wife God gives you is your reward for all your earthly toil. Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 9:7‭-‬10 NLT

GTADA ep7: The Meaning of Jesus' Death and Resurrection

The Meaning of Jesus' Death and Resurrection

For those of us who have heard the gospel- the good news- of Jesus' death and resurrection on our behalf, the meaning behind his sacrifice is life-changing and profound.  

We discuss what this means for us in our day to day lives and dive into some practical applications of what it means to be a Christian who has accepted what Jesus did for us on the cross.



We launch the talk from Hebrews chapter 2:

A Warning against Drifting Away

1So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.2For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished. 3So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak? 4And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose.

Jesus, the Man

5And furthermore, it is not angels who will control the future world we are talking about. 6For in one place the Scriptures say,

“What are mere mortals that you should think about them,

or a son of man that you should care for him?

7Yet you made them only a little lower than the angels

and crowned them with glory and honor.

8You gave them authority over all things.”

Now when it says “all things,” it means nothing is left out. But we have not yet seen all things put under their authority. 9What we do see is Jesus, who was given a position “a little lower than the angels”; and because he suffered death for us, he is now “crowned with glory and honor.” Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone. 10God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation.

11So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. 12For he said to God,

“I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters.

I will praise you among your assembled people.”

13He also said,

“I will put my trust in him,”

that is, “I and the children God has given me.”

14Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. 15Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.

16We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. 17Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people.18Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.

Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois, 60188. All rights reserved.

GTADA ep6: The Destiny of the Unevangelized - Part 2

Destiny of the Unevangelized (Main Source: Across The Spectrum)

Grace on display

Show Notes for Episode 5 - The Destination of the Unevangelised

Voices: Tim, Matt, Doug, Ben

• “Even the demons believe” (James 2:19)
• Great Divorce by CS Lewis
• Across the Spectrum by Greg Boyd & Paul Eddy
• Annialationism - is a Christian belief that at the Last Judgment those not receiving salvation are destined for total destruction, not everlasting torment.
• Restrictivism/Traditionalism/Exclusivism - refers to the fact that orthodox Christian doctrine maintains only faith in the Jesus Christ of the Bible leads to salvation or heaven.
• Universalism - is a school of Christian theology which includes the belief in the doctrine of universal reconciliation, the view that all human beings will ultimately be restored to a right relationship with God in Heaven and the New Jerusalem.
• Pluralism - As acceptance of the concept that two or more religions with mutually exclusive truth claims are equally valid.
• Universal Opportunity Before Death - Universal opportunity is the idea that anyone who has a heart to receive the gospel will indeed come to receive the gospel by the power of God.
• Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40)
• Peter and Cornelius (Acts 10)
• Scripture regarding God blinding people
• 2 Cor 3:14, 4:4
• Jn 12:40
• Is 6:7-13, 29:10
• Lk 8:10
• Rom 11:8
• Deut 29:4
• Eph 4:18
• 1 Pet 3:18-21
• Hope After Death/postmortem evangelism - another chance to choose to follow Christ after death.
• Love Wins by Rob Bell
• Inclusivism - one of several approaches to understanding the relationship between religions, asserts that while one set of beliefs is absolutely true, other sets of beliefs are at least partially true. It stands in contrast to exclusivism, which asserts that only one way is true and all others are in error.
• Parable of Sheep & Goats (Matt 25:31-46)
• The Greatest Commandment (Matt 22:37-40)
• Romans 10:9-10
• Lazarus & the Rich man (Luke 16:19-31)
• Arminianism
• Calvanism
• Verses on Everlasting torment
• Lk 13:28
• Rev 20:10; 14:11
• 2 Thess 1:8
• Lk 16:24
• Jude 7
• Dan 12:2
• Matt 25:46, 30; 13:42,50; 8:12; 22:13; 24:51
• Verse on the one who can kill the soul (Matt 10:28)