May 28, 2024

Ep.1335: What Is the Broad Road That Leads to Destruction? (Listener Q&A Series)

Uncovering what role this road to destruction plays in God’s plan

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CHAPTERS

[00:01:50]
When did the broad road to destruction begin and who is on it?


[00:13:29]
What happens to the broad road of destruction and why?


Jesus plainly taught that the vast majority of humanity is traveling on the "broad road that leads to destruction." Further he taught that there is a narrow way that leads to life, which is only found by few. For anyone who truly cares about humanity, this can be a very troubling thought. Why would God, the Creator of all things, set up a plan that's such a losing proposition? Was Jesus really saying there are only a few who will ultimately be saved? If true, then what about all those scriptures that say Jesus died for ALL? If this is not the true understanding, then what does this "broad road to destruction" actually refer to? Fortunately, this can all get sorted out by putting several pieces of biblical reasoning together.

Continue Reading

Clear or misconstrued?

When we read Jesus’ words, we would like to believe they were always clear, understandable and to the point. However, by his own teaching, Jesus informed us differently. He told us he taught in parables. He also told us there were parts of his teaching that simply were not yet ready to be understood. Often times his words have been misconstrued, and as a result, many of his statements have fallen into a category of assumed meaning.

Jesus teaching about the fact that many are on "the broad road to destruction" falls into this category of assumed meaning. As we begin to unfold this saying, it is important to put our easily drawn assumptions aside and focus on what these words really meant. So, where do we start? Let’s begin with the context. Matthew chapter 7 is part of the Sermon on the Mount. A careful examination of this shows us that Jesus is teaching his closest disciples while thousands of others are listening in. The 7th chapter is several short teachings one right after the other, and this two-verse lesson is part of that.

Jesus tells his followers there is a broad road and a narrow road.

He is teaching his disciples they are of the few who are privileged to navigate the narrow road. The basic comparison is that if you become a true follower of Jesus, you are spared from the road to destruction. All well and good, but where did this road to destruction begin and where does it lead?

The answer here is actually simple. All we need to do is determine when and where this road began. Check out our May 28, 2024 podcast, “What is the Broad Road That Leads to Destruction?” for details. We put this all in the context of the first part of Romans 6:23, “For as in Adam all die…”. We trace how and why this broad road to destruction is linked to this simple statement about Adam and build the case from there. What we find is surprising, as this road to destruction becomes clearly defined as a definitive part of God’s master plan for reconciliation. Don’t miss this!

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May 20, 2024

Ep.1334: Are Monitoring Spirits Watching Us?

Understanding how demons can and cannot affect Christians' lives

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CHAPTERS

[00:16:40]
Do we have to keep quiet about our blessings so evil spirits don't try to sabotage us?


[00:31:08]
Are evil spirits lurking in our dreams to learn what God has revealed to us?


[00:46:54]
Is not remembering a dream evidence that an evil spirit has stolen from us?


Theme Scripture: Ephesians 6:12

Our world can be confusing and scary. Sometimes it’s hard to know what is true, and sometimes it’s hard to know who to trust. For Christians, coping with this uncertainty should always come down to God’s word. What principles are we given in Scripture that will shine the sure light of truth on whatever dilemma we perceive to be in our way? Some Christian groups have taken to label much of the rampant darkness of our world as the work of “monitoring spirits.” The suggestion here is that these spirits are firmly connected to Satan, and their work is overwhelmingly focused on spying on and disrupting the lives of Jesus’ followers. As we look into this belief, we will ask the same question we always ask: what scriptural basis is there for these conclusions?

Continue Reading

What exactly is a “monitoring spirit”?

The belief system here is that they are demons who have a high priority objective to spy on Christians. They look to steal thoughts, abundance and spiritually important messages from the unknowing and innocent. This is done by watching our movements, listening to our conversations and intervening in our dreams. They bring all they learn back to Satan for the purpose of undermining and destroying the lives of as many Christians as possible.

Are evil spirits actively stealing your blessings?

We had not been aware of this teaching until it was recently brought to our attention as a question. With honest examination, we can see a basis drawn from some sound scriptural principles. First of all, those who believe in monitoring spirits believe Satan is actively seeking to undermine the lives of Jesus’ true followers. This is a sound and easy-to-prove scriptural concept. We know Satan is called “a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.” The truth of Satan’s objectives should provoke any and every Christian to being alert.

However, just because a teaching by a Christian group has a basis in sound scriptural doctrine does not mean the teaching is sound itself. We need to be very careful here. Satan himself is an expert on using foundations of truth to deceive. Consider his deception of Eve. He rightly said that eating of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil would open their eyes of understanding. In this way, they would be like God. This truth, coupled with the lie of not dying for this sin, was enough to destroy the harmony in the Garden of Eden. We see the monitoring spirits teaching in this same light. Be wary.

Check out our May 20, 2024 podcast, “Are Monitoring Spirits Watching Us?” for more. We listen to the reasoning behind this particular belief system. This includes people believe our dreams can be stolen while we sleep, resulting in brokenness. We then test all of this against clear Scripture. We find overwhelming evidence that helps us see what is right and acceptable in God’s sight regarding these well-publicized teachings. Don’t miss this important and revealing journey!

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Ep.1333: Should Christians Fast?

The how, when and why of appropriate Christian fasting

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CHAPTERS

[00:11:46]
Can we drink water during a fast?


[00:30:59]
What should we do and not do during a fast?


[00:47:44]
When and how should Christians fast, according to the New Testament?


Theme Scripture: Acts 14:23

Fasting is a practice that has endured for thousands of years and appears often in the Bible. Among other things, it is used as a tool of focus, an expression of grief and a sign of humility. What seemed to have been a common occurrence in ancient days has now become far less mainstream. So, do all of the biblical references to fasting in both the Old and New Testaments mean we as Christians should be engaging in this practice regularly? If we should be participating, what circumstances bring on appropriate times to fast? Just as important, how should we fast? Are there time frames that should be kept? What about drinking water during a fast - is that appropriate? So many questions! Fortunately, the Bible gives us many practical answers, and some are VERY surprising!

Continue Reading

Old Testament fasting

Fasting was a common occurrence in the Old Testament and was implemented for many reasons. Surprisingly, fasting was only proclaimed once as an annual national observance in the Law of Moses. It was to be done on the Day of Atonement and it was to be done by ALL of Israel. This was a solemn ritual designed to bring the hearts and minds of God’s people to a place of sober gratitude as sacrifices were made to God on their behalf. In relation to the Law, fasting was a means of stopping all activity and refocusing all energy on the magnitude of God’s favor. Other Old Testament occurrences were related to grief, hope, discipline, and focus. Generally, it was an outward way to put outward experiences into a godly context.

New Testament fasting

As we open the New Testament, we find a very different approach to fasting when we look at it as followers of Christ. Jesus fasted for 40 days immediately after being baptized and receiving God’s spirit. His fast was not as a result of some outward experience happening around him. On the contrary, it was a result of his desire to focus himself entirely upon precisely accomplishing his Father’s will going forward as the Messiah.

Jesus taught his followers about fasting as a tool of Christianity in the Sermon on the Mount. His instruction was very personal. It was also very specific regarding the necessity to keep our times of fasting from becoming rituals for public observation. Interestingly, fasting does not play a major role in New Testament Christian writings. So, what role should fasting play in our Christian lives?

Check out our May 13, 2024 podcast, “Should Christians Fast?” for answers. We address the value and the danger of fasting. We examine each instance in the New Testament where it occurs. Then we look at the how and the why of those experiences and then dig into the several questions that so many of us have. When should we fast? How long should we fast? Are we allowed to drink water when we fast? Don’t miss this opportunity to uncover many little-known biblical pieces to the fasting puzzle!

 

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Ep.1332: Am I Too Cynical or Not Cynical Enough?

Examining the many dangers and the potential positives of cynicism

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CHAPTERS

[00:13:13]
How should we handle hardened and enduring cynicism between different groups of people?


[00:28:39]
What are some ways we can be trapped by cynicism?


[00:45:36]
Is there such a thing as good cynicism?


Theme Scripture: John 1:46

Our world is such a cynical place. Sometimes it feels like every time you turn a corner, you’re met with frustration, unrest and a lack of trust. Because we have so many platforms through which we can speak, we do. When we speak, our words and sentiments are often full of accusation and vitriol. We harshly address “those people.” You know the ones. "Those people" on the other side of this or that issue whom we often label as uneducated or ignorant, as members of the wrong party, wrong belief system, wrong ethnicity or wrong culture. We speak to be heard, and we neglect speaking so others will listen. We are cynical, and this cynicism is to the detriment of all. As Christians, we should NOT participate in this damaging interpretation of free speech. So, is it possible to be cynical in a positive way?

Continue Reading

The Bible gives us many examples of cynicism.

Perhaps the simplest example is the words of Nathaniel when Phillip told him that Jesus was the Messiah. Nathaniel answered with that well-known phrase, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” While this statement is on the milder side of cynicism, it absolutely captures the power of cynical thoughts and comments.

First, this statement was likely a common saying in Jesus’ day, as Nazareth’s reputation didn’t carry the highest levels of honor and credibility. It was like our saying today that this or that person came from “the other side of the tracks.” We are implying that location “over there” is simply not a good place, and you certainly don’t want to have anything to do with it.

Second, Nathaniel’s statement was a gross generalization about Jesus. In this case, the assumption states that who someone is or can be doesn’t matter if they are from THAT place. It proclaims one’s origin unequivocally determines one’s permanent station in life. It implies there can be no honor or greatness in any individual with such a background. The implanted thought is that we should not waste our time even considering such a person! This is what cynicism can look like, and we can perpetuate it by simply repeating things others have said.

Can cynicism ever be appropriate?

Check out our May 6, 2024 podcast, Am I Too Cynical or Not Cynical Enough?” for more. We look at several scriptural examples of the many ways being cynical can creep into our lives. These examples give us clear direction regarding the lines we need to draw in our own hearts and minds. We focus on how our responses to cynicism can either contribute to hurt or healing. We also look into what appropriate cynicism looks like. Yes, that’s right, there is such a thing as "appropriate cynicism." We know this because the Bible actually gives us a clear example of what it looks like and how it works. Don’t miss this important and revealing conversation that directs us to think about what we are thinking about!

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