Afleveringen

  • Navigating Complex Issues in Faith and Modern Life (feat. Chad Ragsdale and Daniel McCoy).

    This extensive discourse features a dialogue with Chad Ragsdale, discussing how various philosophies outside the church influence Christian thinking negatively, with a focus on emotional reasoning and the impact of technology on faith. Ragsdale expresses concerns over the church's adaptation to modern cultures, emphasizing the need for sober-mindedness against hollow and deceptive philosophies. The conversation also explores the conflict between following one's heart versus adhering to biblical truths, the challenges posed by a technologically driven culture, and the philosophical shift towards a therapeutic societal approach. Further, it delves into practical applications of faith in modern societal roles like the military and law enforcement, touching on navigating political landscapes as Christians. The dialogue also touches on dealing with disagreements within the church community, the importance of nuance in forming convictions, and balancing the dynamic between embracing cultural shifts and maintaining spiritual integrity.

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    Key Takeaways

    00:00 Introduction and the Dangers of External Philosophies

    00:51 The Seduction of Emotional Reasoning

    02:29 The Impact of Technology on Our Thought Processes

    03:41 The Influence of Artificial Intelligence on Our Lives

    04:46 The Dangers of Offloading Our Abilities to Technology

    06:57 The Influence of Emotional Reasoning and Technology on Our Faith

    07:11 The Struggle to Cultivate a Genuine Inner Life

    09:19 The Impact of Moral Therapeutic Deism on Our Decisions

    12:34 The Role of Church Leaders in Addressing Cultural Philosophies

    19:14 The Importance of Deep Thinking in Our Spiritual Life

    22:00 The Challenge of Addressing Controversial Issues in the Church

    22:50 Navigating Disagreements and Differences

    23:01 Understanding the Complexity of Social Issues

    23:05 The Role of Passion and Perspective in Faith

    Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering
  • Navigating Differences and Fostering Unity among Christians in Today's Culture (feat. Chad Ragsdale and Daniel McCoy).

    In today’s episode we continue the discussion on how Christians can navigate differences within their community and engage with the broader culture effectively. Today’s episode explores the concept of postures versus gestures, emphasizing the need for biblical wisdom to discern when certain responses are appropriate. The discussion highlights the dangers of adopting rigid postures, like hostility or accommodation, as one's default position towards cultural issues and the importance of a balanced, thoughtful approach. Specific issues such as political courage, the transgender moment, and the porn industry are mentioned as examples requiring discernment. The speaker introduces the problems posed by 'Heresy Hunters' and 'Tower Topplers' within the church, individuals who create divisiveness by labeling others too quickly or attacking their beliefs. To combat these issues and foster unity, the presentation suggests focusing on faith, asking two key questions to understand others better, recognizing the importance of different levels of doctrinal importance, and thinking like a missionary to connect more effectively both within the church and with the outside world. The role of empathy, grace, and technology's impact on our ability to think well are also discussed as part of the broader challenge of maintaining Christian unity in a post-Christian culture.

    This session was filmed at Ozark Christian College

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    Key Takeaways

    0:00 Episodes 2 The Disciples Mind Workshop (Ozark CC)

    05:32 The Role of Humility in Thinking

    07:26 The Importance of Thinking Well

    07:39 The Role of Thinking in Connecting with Others

    08:09 The Power of Thoughtful Leadership

    09:02 The Impact of Disunity in the Church

    09:32 The Three Worlds of Evangelicalism

    10:49 The Challenge of Hostility Within the Church

    11:06 The Dangers of Heresy Hunters and Tower Topplers

    16:45 The Role of Thinking in Promoting Unity

    17:00 Four Key Elements to Consider for Unity

    18:29 The Importance of Empathy and Understanding

    Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering
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  • Navigating Faith and Thinking Critically in Today’s World (feat. Chad Ragsdale and Daniel McCoy).

    Welcome back to the Real Life Theology Podcast. In today's episode, Chad Ragsdale, the Academic Dean at Ozark, and Daniel McCoy, the Editorial Director for Renew.org, explore the importance of critical thinking and a biblical worldview for Christians navigating today’s complex cultural challenges. This session was taken live from an Event at Ozark Christian College, therefore I am honored to get to share it with you today. They introduce their new book, 'The Disciple's Mind,' aimed at encouraging Christians to think more biblically and critically. The session includes discussions on the impact of competing ideas in society, the necessity of loving God with our minds, and practical advice on promoting unity and thoughtful engagement within the church. The speakers also address common obstacles to effective thinking, such as tribalism, emotional reasoning, and the influence of technology. This insightful session, enriched by audience interaction, emphasizes the importance of wisdom, understanding, and empathy in our responses to both cultural issues and within church communities.

    This session was filmed at Ozark Christian College

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    Key Takeaways

    00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

    04:11 Presenters' Background and Purpose of the Session

    08:05 The Importance of Thinking Biblically and Critically

    09:52 Historical Examples of Destructive Ideas

    13:42 The Need for Discipleship of the Mind

    14:51 Understanding the World as a Christian

    Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering
  • The Journey of Faith and Unity: A Conversation with Jason Ishmael

    Today we feature Jason Ishmeal, lead pastor of Antioch Christian Church in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area. Daniel and Jason talk about the Restoration movement, some of its history but they emphasize the conversation about unity and faith in our culture today. In this episode Jason discusses his early calling to ministry, the influence of his diverse religious upbringing, and his pastoral journey at the church in Eastern Iowa. Jason Ishmael shares insights into his passion for unity within the church, derived from his extensive study in Church History and Historical Theology, looking critically at both the past division and potential for unity within Christianity. Drawing from his education and personal experiences, he emphasizes the importance of unity, not for its own sake but as a mission to follow Jesus’s command to spread the Gospel. The discussion also goes into the challenges and opportunities of leading a church within the Restoration Movement, fostering a community geared towards discipleship, and leveraging every aspect of church life towards fulfilling the Great Commission. If you are interested in more conversations about Unity, Faith, the restoration movement and more visit Renew.org.

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    Key Takeaways

    00:00 Introduction to Jason Ishmael and Antioch Christian Church

    00:48 Jason's Early Calling to Ministry and Religious Background

    02:30 Finding a Vibrant Community of Faith

    04:06 The Impact of Antioch Christian Church in Eastern Iowa

    06:12 Jason's Academic Journey in Church History and Theology

    08:16 Exploring the Challenges and Controversies in Church History

    15:46 Discovering the Restoration Movement

    20:37 Restoration Movement Principles in Leadership

    22:32 Reflecting on Restoration Movement History and Unity

    29:19 The Gathering and Discipleship Strategies

    Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering
  • Exploring the Core Values of the Restoration Movement. Unity, Truth, and Winning the World to Christ (feat. Daniel McCoy and Dr. Rick Cherok).

    Today’s episode dives into the significance of the Restoration Movement, emphasizing its focus on unity and truth. Daniel McCoy Editorial Director for RENEW.org and Dr. Rick Cherok, a history professor at Ozark Christian college highlights the value of the Restoration movement. They emphasize Jesus' prayer for unity and the importance of adhering to God's word. The Restoration Movement is portrayed as a call to return to the biblical church model, continuously reforming the church to align with scripture. The discussion covers the movement's goal of showing a unified Christian witness in a divided world, touching on social justice and collaboration across denominations. Personal anecdotes illustrate the perils of division among Christians and stress the importance of embodying Christ to the world. They further explore the concept of unity, balancing essential and non-essential doctrines, and the challenges of defining truth. Historical figures and their perspectives on error, heresy, and scripture's transformative power are also discussed. The need for ongoing church reform and the importance of restoration movement principles like unity, truth, and evangelization for the modern church are emphasized, cautioning against straying from these foundational values.

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    Key Takeaways

    00:00 Introduction to the Restoration Movement

    01:22 The Importance of Unity and Truth in the Church

    03:12 The Restoration Movement's Approach to Church Unity

    05:47 The Role of the Church in Society

    06:59 Understanding Biblical Unity

    07:32 The Essentials and Non-Essentials of Scripture

    10:18 The Importance of Scripture in Guiding Church Practices

    12:44 The Role of the Restoration Movement in Modern Christianity

    17:19 The Importance of Church Heritage and Connection

    21:05 The Balance Between Unity and Truth in the Church

    22:59 The Dangers of Overemphasizing Unity or Truth

    28:29 Conclusion: The Faith Once for All

    Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering
  • [Part 2]

    Today's episode of the Real Life Theology Podcast goes deep into the life, contributions, and challenges faced by the influential religious reformer, Alexander Campbell. It explores Campbell's journey from Ireland to America, his relentless commitment to delivering biblical Christianity, and his drive for unity. Dr. Rick Cherok, a keen admirer of Campbell, a well known professor of history at Ozark Christian College, discusses lesser-known aspects of Campbell's life, including his tenacity, fearlessness, and ability to remain constant in achieving his goals, as well as engrossing personal anecdotes. The interview further illuminates Campbell's far-reaching impact as a powerful Christian apologist of the pre-Civil War era in America, his role in sparking social reform, and how his life and beliefs could be relevant for 21st-century Christians seeking a biblical justice route not grounded in liberalism. The narrative highlights Campbell's resilience even in the face of significant adversity and underscores his fervent faith and dedication to his mission of bringing the world to Christ, which shaped his powerful legacy.

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    Key Takeaways00:00 Introduction to Alexander Campbell

    00:18 Campbell's Journey to America

    00:36 Campbell's Early Life and Education

    01:00 Campbell's Influence and Recognition

    01:26 Campbell's Role in Biblical Christianity

    01:57 Campbell's Publishing Endeavors

    02:28 Campbell's Debates and Theological Discussions

    03:37 Campbell's Encounter with Robert Owen

    06:28 Campbell's Influence and Legacy

    07:36 Campbell's Vision for Evangelism

    09:51 Campbell's Approach to Social Reform

    18:41 Admiring Campbell's Characteristics

    22:26 Conclusion: Reflecting on Campbell's Life

    22:49 Campbell's Struggles and Faith

    Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering
  • Do you know the History of the Restoration Movement?

    [Part 1]

    Today we launch a new series featuring Dr. Rick Cherok a professor of history at Ozark Christian College. Today's discussion leads us to the foundation of the Restoration Movement. Dr. Cherok provides us with a detailed history of the restoration movement, starting from its roots in the 19th century to its current divisions. This interview includes discussion on the ideologies of different groups including Disciples of Christ, Christian Church, and Church of Christ. The DNA of the restoration moment involves individuals uniting based on the principles of biblical Christianity.

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    Key Takeaways

    00:00 Understanding the Restoration Movement

    01:21 The Struggle for Unity and Biblical Christianity

    04:13 The Role of Key Leaders in the Movement

    05:10 The Impact of Theological Liberalism

    06:52 The Restoration Movement and Protestantism

    08:20 The Challenges of Maintaining Biblical Christianity

    14:39 The Impact of the American Civil War on the Movement

    19:24 The Division within the Movement

    21:56 The Current State of the Restoration Movement

    22:20 Conclusion: The Ongoing Reformation of the Church

    Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering
  • On this episode of the Real Life Theology Podcast Andrew Jitt and Daniel McCoy discuss the vertical rhythms of life and the significance of disciple making. They share insights from their book and highlight the experiences of individuals from around the world who have embraced these rhythms of faith. They also discuss the importance of cultivating a relationship with God, the different ways to engage with the Bible, and the importance of bringing tough questions and doubts into the light. The episode concludes with a conversation about the significance of prayer and how to make a difference in the world through living out the rhythms of faith.

    Get the Book Rhythms:

    Read the Series:

    Real Life Theology Conversations Real Life Theology Handbook Real Life Theology

    Key Takeaways:

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:34 Exploring the Rhythms of Disciple Making00:36 The Importance of Disciple Making in Faith00:36 The Role of Relationships in Disciple Making00:36 The Challenges and Rewards of Disciple Making00:38 The Power of Prayer in Disciple Making02:05 The Role of the Bible in Disciple Making08:46 Keeping the Faith: A Disciple's Journey13:56 Making a Difference: The Impact of Disciple Making15:54 Conclusion: The Legacy of Disciple Making22:57 Closing Remarks and Future PlansJoin us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering
  • Today's episode discusses the themes of living in community and the power of forgiveness. Guests Daniel McCoy and Andrew Jit share their personal experiences and insights on these topics. The conversation explores the importance of building healthy relationships, connecting with people of different worldviews, and the transformative nature of forgiveness. We look at the Horizontal Rhythms of life, looking at who we are in community with one another. This podcast series of Rhythms deals with the How Tos of the Christian Faith, this episode highlights how to live in community, how to connect with people of a different worldview, how to forgive others, how to make a disciple and far more. Join Daniel McCoy and Andrew Jit as we talk about the horizontal Rhythms of life.

    Get the Book Rhythms:

    Read the Series:

    Real Life Theology Conversations Real Life Theology Handbook Real Life Theology

    Key Takeaways:

    0:00 The Horizontal Rhythhms 12:44 The Importance of Connecting with People16:09 Celebrating Cultural Diversity and Sharing the Gospel17:46 The Power of Forgiveness and Grace20:54 The Journey of Discipleship and Reading the Bible26:04 Keeping the Faith and Making a DifferenceJoin us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering
  • "How do we live out our identity, our purpose, our meaning?"

    This episode of the Real Life Theology Podcast we continue our conversation on Rhythms looking at the Internal Rhythms and dealing with the How Tos of the christian faith. Daniel McCoy and Andrew Jit discuss themes of self-discovery, identity, and life management. The discussion weaves around the ideas presented in the book 'Rhythms', focusing on the importance of knowing oneself, finding identity in God, and developing healthy habits. The talk further highlights the significance of managing personal life and recognizing one's purpose, along with the need to evaluate daily habits for a fulfilling life. It explores the idea of living in community and understanding the influence of different aspects of our lives on our future. Daniel McCoy and Andrew walk us through an internal view of ourselves, answering questions such as why it is important to know yourself? Or what does it mean to manage your life?

    Key Takeaways

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and the Book 'Rhythms'00:42 Understanding the Importance of Self-Knowledge01:28 Exploring the Concept of Identity in God07:35 The Role of Personality Profiles in Self-Understanding12:26 The Importance of Managing Your Life20:52 Seeing the Future Through the Lens of Faith24:13 Learning and Unlearning Habits for a Better Life28:44 The Power of Community in Personal Growth28:44 Conclusion and Invitation to the National Gathering

    Get the Book Rhythms:

    Read the Series:

    Real Life Theology Conversations Real Life Theology Handbook Real Life TheologyJoin us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering
  • OVERWHELMED BY LIFE?SLOW DOWN AND LEARN THE HOW TOS.

    Today we launch a brand new series on Renew.org's latest book Rhythms. We get to feature a behind the scenes discussion between authors Daniel McCoy and Andrew Jit. In 'Rhythms: How To Live Out Real Life Theology,' Daniel McCoy, and Andrew Jit explore key spiritual practices and how to incorporate them into daily life. Throughout their discussions, they highlight tools for personal growth, including how to connect with people of different worldviews, manage life effectively, forgive others, and maintain faith. This episode also features captivating interviews and personal stories, demonstrating the application of these spiritual rhythms. From developing a regular prayer habit to disciple-making methods in line with biblical principles, they provide a comprehensive guide for spiritual growth.

    Furthermore, they go into guiding disciples in understanding and living out real-life theology through the cultivation of spiritual practices and rhythms. This episode features tangible tools to grow deeper in faith and walk closer with the Lord. It highlights key elements such as understanding one's identity in Christ, managing life, connecting earnestly with people of different worldviews, cultivating habits of forgiveness, and persevering in faith. They shift from the theoretical to the practical, bridging scriptural truths to daily living, hence, making the Christian life both doable and life-giving. They provide different insights, ranging from developing internal rhythms to connecting with people holistically and grasping the importance of discipleship. As much as the scripture content is essential, the practical outworking of these scriptural truths in daily encounters is vital. Daniel and Andrew share personal stories from different walks of life, today's episode presents a colorful mosaic of real-life testimonies demonstrating these rhythms in action. Whether you're a seasoned believer keeping the faith or a new believer learning to read the Bible or pray, there are practical resources for everyone. Tune into the Real Life Theology Podcast for an enriching exploration into integral Christian living, and a journey into viewing life through the lens of real-life theology. Come back next week as we dive deeper into the Rhythms of Christian life.

    Key Takeaways:

    0:00 Rhythms: How To Live Out Real Life Theology 02:10 The Purpose of the Book 'Rhythms'04:35 The Importance of Practicality in Faith05:29 The Role of Music and Rhythms in Faith36:26 Exploring Our Relationship with God37:09 Keeping the Faith and Making a Difference

    Get the Book Rhythms:

    Read the Series:

    Real Life Theology Conversations Real Life Theology Handbook Real Life TheologyJoin us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering
  • On this episode of the Real Life Theology Podcast, hosted by Renew.org, we present an enlightening discussion between Daniel McCoy and Jeremy Bacon as they conclude their series on the Sermon on the Mount. Their study explores the profound relevance of the Sermon today, detailing personal experiences, biblical interpretations, and the impact of this holy discourse on their lives. Dive deep into influential biblical revelations as they discuss themes like mercy, righteousness, judgementalism, Christian behavior, and the significance of taking on God's heart. Stay tuned for more such spiritual enrichment and biblical exploration on our channel.

    To read Jeremy Bacon's book: https://renew.org/sermon-on-the-mount-building-your-house/

    To read a blog post from Renew.org on the Sermon on the Mount click here: https://renew.org/sermon-on-the-mount-building-your-house/

    Key Takeaways:

    00:00:39 Deep Dive into the Sermon on the Mount

    00:05:00 Struggling with the Concept of Mercy

    00:09:51 Confronting Judgmentalism and Embracing Humility

    00:11:54 The Role of the Heart in Spiritual Transformation

    00:20:10 The Struggle with Cultural Christianity

    00:23:48 Conclusion and Preview of the Next Series

    Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering
  • In this episode speakers Jeremy Bacon and Daniel McCoy delve into the transformative power of the Sermon on the Mount. They talk about how the sermon's teachings apply to real-life situations, advising on how to value people more, show respect, and deal with issues such as contempt. The conversation highlights how the sermon has helped Jeremy, particularly during the challenging times of the pandemic and in his professional life, underscoring its relevance to living in today's world. They further discuss the significance of the sermon's teachings in ethical decisions, parenting, overcoming judgmentalism, and fostering a healthier perspective towards ourselves and others.

    To get a copy of Jeremy's book: https://www.amazon.com/Sermon-Mount-Days-Learning-Kingdom/dp/1959467158/

    Key Takeaways:

    00:01:01 Personal Impact of the Sermon on the Mount

    00:01:22 Theological Reflections on the Sermon on the Mount

    00:03:09 Seeing Jesus as a Genius

    00:05:27 Applying the Sermon on the Mount in Daily Life

    00:07:40 The Sermon on the Mount and Wisdom Literature

    00:11:28 The Sermon on the Mount and Ethics

    00:19:49 The Sermon on the Mount and Values

    00:20:45 The Sermon on the Mount and Contempt

    00:28:47 Applying the Sermon on the Mount in Parenting

    00:30:20 Conclusion

    To read a blog post from Renew.org on the Sermon on the Mount click here: https://renew.org/sermon-on-the-mount-building-your-house/

    Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering
  • In this episode of the Real Life Theology Podcast, Jeremy Bacon unpacks the concept of the Kingdom of Heaven as it intertwines across the Sermon on the Mount. Jeremy explores the various meanings of Heaven in the New Testament, emphasizes the relevance of the Kingdom of Heaven in our current lives, and shares rich insights into the Beatitudes. This discussion aims to illuminate and strengthen the listeners' understanding of Jesus' message. In the next coming episodes we will have deeper explorations and enlightening discussions around the scriptures. Subscribe and stay tuned!

    To get a copy of Jeremy's book: https://www.amazon.com/Sermon-Mount-Days-Learning-Kingdom/dp/1959467158/

    Key Takeaways:

    00:00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

    00:02:25 The Meanings of Heaven in the New Testament

    00:06:39 The Kingdom of God in the Present Life

    00:10:08 The Sermon on the Mount: A Guide to Kingdom Life

    00:16:49 The Kingdom as the Subject of the Beatitudes

    00:19:28 Becoming a Part of the Kingdom

    To read a blog post from Renew.org on the Sermon on the Mount click here: https://renew.org/sermon-on-the-mount-building-your-house/

    Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering
  • Welcome back to the Real Life Theology Podcast!! In this episode Jeremy Bacon takes you through an in-depth exploration of the Sermon on the Mount. Sharing his personal journey with this profound teaching, Jeremy details its historical context, and reveals how it challenged and reshaped his life, his culture, and his view of reality. He invites listeners not to simply read or listen to this sermon, but to truly hear and internalize its profound wisdom. Drawing parallels between Jesus's teachings and the experiences of World War I soldiers to illustrate their impactful nature, he urges listeners to prepare for a deep, transformative encounter with these teachings, much like the shock and upheaval experienced by the original listeners. He also delves into the unique perspective of Jesus as reflected throughout the Sermon on the Mount. If you want to truly understand Jesus's invitation into the heart of God, join Jeremy in this profound exploration.

    To get a copy of Jeremy's book: https://www.amazon.com/Sermon-Mount-Days-Learning-Kingdom/dp/1959467158/

    To read a blog post from Renew.org on the Sermon on the Mount click here: https://renew.org/sermon-on-the-mount-building-your-house/

    Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering
  • Merry Christmas to all our Real Life Theology Podcast listeners. In this special episode, host Matthew Crowson Introduces our next season coming up in the New Year on Sermon on The Mount. Furthermore, we want to hear your reaction to our podcast. Comment, like, subscribe to our channel for more great content.

    Please Fill out this survey, we would love to have your feedback: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJhywF_g5PaCGPRmewmbTR4rJWrpcqtKlDuR2cifjM1E3ZMg/viewform?usp=sf_link

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  • In this episode, Jim describes the methods in his new books, RelationSHIFT and the Revolutionary Disciple. He teaches on different levels of Christian maturity and how a mature Disciple engages in relationships.

    For more information about other Renew.Org podcasts visit: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/

  • Paul Huyghebaert has a conversation with Shodankeh Johnson about how to create a Discipleship culture. Shodankeh shares his story about how he started off in his ministry. They describe how starting with prayer and fasting is an important part of seeing a disciple making movement happening in America.

    For more information about other Renew.Org podcasts visit: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/

  • In this episode, Chad Harrington discusses how to start a leadership training program at your church to train leaders of leaders.

    For more information about other Renew.Org podcasts visit: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/

  • In this episode, Brian Bolton from Grace marriage looks at what it looks like for churches to utilize Grace marriage to help their marriage ministry.

    For more information about other Renew.Org podcasts visit: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/