Shows
Advancing the CauseThe Bible Is Still Sufficient, Part 1Send us a text In this thought-provoking episode, "The Bible Is Still Sufficient, Part 1," we delve deep into the enduring relevance and authority of Scripture in the modern Christian life. Based on Richard Bargas' lecture, this discussion explores the critical connection between the doctrine of inerrancy and the sufficiency of Scripture, underlining how the Bible remains the ultimate guide for faith, counseling, theology, and daily living. Join us as we address contemporary challenges to the sufficiency of Scripture, including debates within Protestant circles about the role of tradition, creeds, and external authorities. We confront accusations of biblicism a...2025-05-0554 min
Advancing the CauseLegacy of Faith: A Father & Son’s Journey Through GenerationsSend us a textIn this powerful episode, we welcome Pastor Rick Gregory and his son, Pastor Rich Gregory, for an inspiring conversation on continuing a lasting legacy of faith through multiple generations. As leaders in their respective ministries and part of a family rooted deeply in Christian values, Rick and Rich share their personal stories, the blessings and challenges of generational faith, and the importance of intentional discipleship within the family.From the foundational faith of their forefathers to the callings they now carry, the Gregorys open up about how spiritual heritage shapes identity...2025-04-211h 01
Advancing the CauseIs Your Ministry Adrift or On Target?Send us a textIn this insightful episode tailored for pastors and church leaders, we delve into the essential task of realigning your ministry with its foundational mission and purpose. Discover practical strategies to revitalize your church's vision, set clear goals, and chart a purposeful direction that resonates with your congregation. Richard Bargas, Executive Director of IFCA International, will share actionable insights and real-world applications to help you navigate the challenges of ministry leadership and ensure your mission remains at the heart of your church's or ministry’s journey.Learn more about IFCA at IFCA.or...2025-04-0745 min
Advancing the CauseChurch SOS, part 4: How to Get and Keep VisitorsSend us a textRichard Bargas concludes this four-part series on assisting struggling churches in regaining their footing. This episode offers guidance on capitalizing on chances to invite people to your church services and programs, as well as strategies for reaching your community for Christ. However, what about after your visitors arrive? Richard shares valuable insights on developing an effective follow-up program to ensure that those who visit are more likely to return for another visit. Learn more about IFCA at IFCA.org Check out our YouTube channel below! https://www.you...2025-03-1756 min
Advancing the CauseChurch SOS, Part 3: The Benefits of Examining Your Church's Facilities and Programs Through the Eyes of a First-Time VisitorsSend us a textIn this episode of Advancing the Cause, we dive into the vital practice of evaluating your church's facilities and programs from the perspective of a first-time visitor. Often, church leaders and members are so familiar with their surroundings that they overlook small details that can significantly impact newcomers' experiences. Join us as we explore the benefits of taking a step back, walking through your church as if it's your first time, and identifying areas for improvement in hospitality, accessibility, and overall appeal. Whether it’s the signage, the children's program setup, or the la...2025-03-0343 min
Advancing the CauseChurch SOS, Part 2: How to Steer Your Church Back on CourseSend us a text In Part 2 of Church SOS, we explore how churches can use the concept of a funnel to assess and refine their programs for greater impact. Just like a doctor’s diagnosis of a sick patient, statistical analysis can reveal strengths and highlight areas that need attention. By examining simple attendance numbers over time, church leaders can gain valuable insights into where their ministry is thriving and where thoughtful reflection, strategic adjustments, and prayerful decision-making are needed to foster growth and effectiveness.Advancing the Cause is...2025-02-1848 min
Advancing the CauseChurch SOS, Part 2: How to Steer Your Church Back on CourseSend us a textIn Part 2 of Church SOS, we explore how churches can use the concept of a funnel to assess and refine their programs for greater impact. Just like a doctor’s diagnosis of a sick patient, statistical analysis can reveal strengths and highlight areas that need attention. By examining simple attendance numbers over time, church leaders can gain valuable insights into where their ministry is thriving and where thoughtful reflection, strategic adjustments, and prayerful decision-making are needed to foster growth and effectiveness.Advancing the Cause is...2025-02-1748 min
BibleLinePastor Analyzes IFCA "The Nature of Saving Faith" Document | Fine PrintThis is the beginning of a new series, Fine Print, where Pastor Jesse reviews statements of faith from different churches and ministries to determine if they align with scripture. Today: IFCA International (PART 2)Documents found here: https://www.ifca.org/what-is-ifca/our-mission---doctrineHOW TO HAVE ETERNAL LIFE : https://youtu.be/t_6L7E_mfIwALL ABOUT FAITH SERIES: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLElaVGv3oAZ7wfsl09qD8of3IrVFebUetSUBSCRIBE https://www.youtube.com/c/biblelineLIKE https://www...2025-02-1430 min
BibleLinePastor Analyzes IFCA International Statement of Faith | Fine PrintThis is the beginning of a new series, Fine Print, where Pastor Jesse reviews statements of faith from different churches and ministries to determine if they align with scripture. Today: IFCA International (PART 1)Documents found here: https://www.ifca.org/what-is-ifca/our-mission---doctrineHOW TO HAVE ETERNAL LIFE : https://youtu.be/t_6L7E_mfIwSUBSCRIBE https://www.youtube.com/c/biblelineLIKE https://www.facebook.com/biblelineminCOMMENT ask us a question!SHARE with all your friends and family2025-02-0722 min
Advancing the CauseChurch SOS: How to Steer Your Church Back on CourseSend us a textIn “Church SOS,” Richard Bargas delves into the narratives of churches that have drifted from their foundational purposes, exploring how this shift has led to dwindling congregations and diminished impact. This episode uncovers the subtle signs of mission drift, the internal pressures that lead to misalignment, and the profound consequences of losing sight of the purposes that Christ has called His Church to fulfill. Listeners are invited to reflect deeply on the true role of the church and the importance of staying grounded in core values. Join us to examine what it means for...2025-02-0351 min
Advancing the CauseWhat Fuels the Fires of Antisemitism?Send us a textDive into a compelling and eye-opening conversation as Dr. Richard Bargas and Paul Scharf, Church Ministries Representative for Friends of Israel, confront the alarming surge of antisemitism that is casting a shadow across the globe. In this thought-provoking episode, they unravel the roots of this age-old hatred, even seeping into unexpected places like American universities and some Christian denominations. Explore the biblical insights into antisemitism and anti-Zionism while navigating the complex tapestry of recent developments. Through vivid examples from social media, podcasts, elite colleges, and the Church, Dr. Bargas and Scharf shed light...2025-01-2049 min
Foundations MediaWhy Our Church Joined IFCA International | Dr. Richard BargasIn this episode, Dr. Richard Bargas, Executive Director of IFCA International, explores the history, core beliefs, and mission of the organization. We highlight the vital role of sound doctrine and biblical teaching, and how IFCA equips churches to stay grounded in truth amid cultural challenges.
We also share why Indian Hills Community Church chose to partner with IFCA International and what this partnership means for our ministry and mission.
Sound Words is a ministry of Indian Hills Community Church, a Bible teaching church in Lincoln, NE.
Sound Words is also a partner of Foundations Media, a collective of Christian creators...2025-01-0820 min
Sound Words PodcastWhy Our Church Joined IFCA International | Dr. Richard BargasIn this episode, Dr. Richard Bargas, Executive Director of IFCA International, explores the history, core beliefs, and mission of the organization. We highlight the vital role of sound doctrine and biblical teaching, and how IFCA equips churches to stay grounded in truth amid cultural challenges.We also share why Indian Hills Community Church chose to partner with IFCA International and what this partnership means for our ministry and mission.00:00 Welcome to the Sound Words Podcast01:46 What is IFCA International08:31 Sound Doctrine and Biblical Teaching10:49 Denominations vs Associations19:19 Biblical Integrity in Churches2025-01-0840 min
Advancing the CauseHow Can I Make My Bible Teaching More Interesting? - Dr. Richard BargasSend us a textWelcome to Season 3 of Advancing the Cause! In this episode, Richard Bargas shares several reasons why you might think that you don’t need to use illustrations to make your sermons and Bible studies more interesting—and how properly used illustrations not only help your listeners remember what you have taught but aid in understanding the concepts and doctrine you are trying to teach them. Need some help in this area of lesson and sermon preparation? Listen as Dr. Bargas shares from years of experience how you can improve your teaching and where you...2025-01-061h 00
Advancing the CausePreaching the Old Testament like a Dispensationalist- Bonus episodeSend us a textIn this final installment of the series, Richard Bargas wraps up his mini-series on Preaching the Old Testament like a Dispensationalist, with the last points on improving your preparation of Old Testament sermons and Bible lessons. Dealing practically with the text, Dr. Bargas helps guide you through any possible pitfalls as you develop a biblical sermon from the Old Testament. Part 1: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2084058/episodes/16243761Part 2: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2084058/episodes/16326496Advancing the Cause is a proud member and partner with Foundations Media: foundationsmedia.org ...2024-12-3026 min
Advancing the CausePreaching the Old Testament like a Dispensationalist, part 2Send us a text In this second installment of this series, Richard Bargas moves from reasons to preach the Old Testament to sharing helpful hints to help you feel more comfortable and improve your preparation of Old Testament sermons and Bible lessons. Dealing practically with the text, Dr. Bargas helps guide you through any possible pitfalls as you develop a biblical sermon from the Old TestamentAdvancing the Cause is a proud member and partner with Foundations Media: foundationsmedia.org Learn more about IFCA at www.IFCA.orgSupport the show2024-12-2342 min
Advancing the CausePreaching the Old Testament like a Dispensationalist, part 1Send us a text Richard Bargas discusses 8 reasons why many pastors don’t preach from the Old Testament and 7 reasons why all pastors need to make the Old Testament a regular part of the diet of teaching for the church. Some of these reasons are particular to dispensationalists who are careful to distinguish between Israel and the Church. While carefully following a consistent Literal Grammatical Historical hermeneutic (LGH), Richard Bargas wants to encourage pastors to take up the rich blessings of the Old Testament for the benefit of their congregations and their own souls.2024-12-0953 min
Advancing the CauseIFCA: It’s Not Just for Men! -Wendy BargasSend us a textIFCA Executive Director Richard Bargas talks with his wife Wendy about the IFCA Women’s Fellowship and how IFCA exists not just for men, but to help our sisters in Christ as well. How does IFCA bless the women of the church? Through our annual convention on an international scale, but also within our local regional meetings, and within the local church. Touching on topics like how IFCA has helped churches develop women’s ministry in the local church context, how postmillennialism and the “trad wife” movement is both right and wrong, and how Titu...2024-11-2551 min
Advancing the CauseCommon Ground in the Good Fight -Dr. Joel TetreauSend us a textExecutive Director Richard Bargas explores the topic of Dr. Joel Tetreau’s latest book, Three Lines in the Evangelical Sand, which seeks to not only define the differences between fundamentalists and conservative evangelicals but to understand where there is unity and a basis for cooperation and appreciation. Coming from a fundamentalist upbringing and education, Dr. Tetreau speaks with caring love and concern for those who all too quickly want to divide from one another, not only amongst the self-described fundamentalists but also among those who would consider themselves conservative evangelicals. 2024-11-111h 01
Advancing the CauseServing the Lord Together as a Couple- Dr. Richard BargasSend us a textDrawing from the New Testament, IFCA Executive Director Richard Bargas explores the lives and example of married couple Aquila and Priscilla as a template for how a husband and wife can serve the Lord together in their local church and community. You don’t need to be a pastor, and you don’t even need to be in ministry to serve God right where you are. This short study will encourage your soul as you hear how any married couple can serve God together, wherever they may be.Support the show2024-10-2138 min
Advancing the CauseGuiding Our Adult Children Through Difficult Times - Dr. Richard BargasSend us a textThere are a lot of questions when it comes to our adult children and our responsibility toward them. Are we responsible for them at all once they are out of our home? Is the “age of accountability” a biblical idea? How should we handle their rebellion? What about if we find out that they are deep in sin, or worse, claim they have deconstructed? How can we help them in times of need and hurt? Richard Bargas walks through these questions and seeks wisdom from the Bible to help Christian parents of adult chil...2024-10-071h 05
Advancing the CauseGuiding Our Children While In Pastoral Ministry- Dr. Richard BargasSend us a textRichard Bargas shares about the dangers of disqualification that can arise from the threats inherent in pastoral ministry. Addressing the need for being a faithful father and how our ministries are connected to our duties as parents of children in our home, Dr. Bargas points to the Scriptures for help. Practical and biblical, this episode will be a blessing and challenge.To listen to the related episode on “Guarding our Marriage in Pastoral Ministry” https://www.buzzsprout.com/2084058/15600909Advancing the Cause is a proud memb...2024-09-161h 05
Advancing the CauseThe Need for the Shepherd to Step into Controversy for the Sake of the Sheep - Jesse RandolphSend us a textRichard Bargas discusses with Pastor Jesse Randolph the reasons why it is sometimes necessary for the church to become involved in controversy. They draw from two recent controversies, Reformed Dispensationalism and the Active Obedience of Christ, to talk about how ideas can infiltrate a church and influence people, and why some issues need to be addressed.Links:IFCA International: IFCA.orgFoundations Media: https://foundationsmedia.org Indian Hills Community Church - https://ihcc.org/A Bridge Too Far - J...2024-09-0258 min
Advancing the CauseGuarding our Marriage in Pastoral Ministry- Dr. Richard BargasSend us a textRichard Bargas shares about the dangers of disqualification that can arise from the threats inherent in pastoral ministry. Addressing the need for being a faithful husband and how this can be jeopardized as well as ways we must guard against failure to lead our homes are the major topics covered. Practical and biblical, this episode will be a blessing and challenge to you.Advancing the Cause is a proud member and partner withFoundations Media: foundationsmedia.org Learn more about IFCA: IFCA.org Support the show...2024-08-1952 min
Advancing the CauseRefusing to Let “Biblicism" Become a Bad Word- Dr. Richard BargasSend us a textBeing a biblicist used to mean that you took the Bible seriously, and held it in highest honor. Even with this simple definition, there are several scholars today that attach a negative connotation to biblicism. IFCA Executive Director Richard Bargas takes a critical look at Drs. Craig Carter and Matthew Barrett’s views on biblicism as well as their promotion of the “Great Tradition,” which states that simple exegesis is insufficient to understand the Bible, but instead a proper interpretation requires the use of metaphysics, philosophy, and even allegorical interpretation. IFCA Intern...2024-08-0547 min
Advancing the CauseSpeaking the Truth with Humility - Dr. Gary GilleySend us a textRichard Bargas discusses with Pastor Gary Gilley of Southern View Chapel the idea that as Christians, we shouldn't have to choose between humility and speaking the truth. Instead, we should always speak the truth with love, patience, and humility. Listen in as we explore the relationship between humility and truth-telling from a biblical perspective, emphasizing the importance of humility in how we speak the truth, especially for church leaders.Dr. Gary Gilley has been the pastor of Southern View Chapel in Springfield, Illinois, since 1975. He has authored eight...2024-07-2251 min
Advancing the CauseGetting Familiar with the Fathers - Dr. William VarnerSend us a textRichard Bargas and Dr. William Varner delve into the significance of the Apostolic Fathers, exploring their historical context, doctrinal contributions, and relevance for contemporary Christianity. As a biblical conservative, dispensationalist, and a scholar—not to mention a member of IFCA International, Dr. Varner encourages Christians to read the Apostolic Fathers for themselves, a subject that many men from our tradition of Bible Churches would be distrusting and unfamiliar with. Dr. Varner introduces the Apostolic Fathers and shares why they are valuable for the church to study today.Dr. William Varner te...2024-07-0139 min
Advancing the CauseBiblical Counseling and the Depravity of Man - Tim ChallySend us a textTim Chally and Richard Bargas discuss the major impact that the doctrine of depravity has on biblical counseling and the Christian life. Speaking from his experience and training as a biblical counselor, Tim points to the power of the indwelling Spirit, the sufficiency of Scripture, and the gospel as the greatest hope that we have.IFCA International: www.ifca.orgAdvancing the Cause is a proud member of Foundations Media: foundationsmedia.orgSupport the showAdvancing the Cause is a proud member and...2024-06-1754 min
Advancing the CauseThe Growing Influence of the Charismatic Movement - Dr. Tim DaneSend us a textRichard Bargas and Tim Dane discuss the history of the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements and how they have become so influential in the evangelical church today. Dr. Dane discusses some of the passages that address the cessation of the spectacular gifts of the Spirit, including healing, tongues, and signs and wonders.Dr. Dane's Book and Blog: https://frbible.org/dr-tim-dane/ IFCA International: www.ifca.orgAdvancing the Cause is a proud member of Foundations Media: foundationsmedia.orgSupport the showAdvancing the Cause is a p...2024-06-0358 min
Advancing the CauseFive Reasons Why Dispensational Premillennialism Needs to Be Taught in Your Church- Dr. Richard BargasSend us a textWe are living during a time when the evangelical Christian church, in general, has downplayed theology so much that we are not seeing many churches denigrate anything outside of the basic gospel message. It has become fashionable in some circles to shorten church doctrinal statements to the point that they are only a few short sentences. Dispensational Premillennialism is one of those areas where more and more Christians are unwilling to see as important or relegate these matters to mere opinions that don’t matter. In this episode of Advancing the Cause, Richard Ba...2024-05-2057 min
Advancing the Cause7 Reasons Why Expository Preaching Is Best- Dr. Richard BargasSend us a textRichard Bargas shares 7 important reasons why expository preaching is needed to help every Bible church maintain a healthy teaching ministry.Learn more about IFCA : IFCA.org Support the showAdvancing the Cause is a proud member and partner with Foundations Media: foundationsmedia.org Learn more about IFCA at www.IFCA.org2024-05-0628 min
Advancing the CauseThe Long-Term Importance of IFCA Church Membership- Dr. Richard BargasSend us a textHow can you help guard your church against future doctrinal change? Is there a way that your church’s current doctrine can be guarded after your pastor moveson or is called home? Executive Director Richard Bargas shares how some churches that have had faithful IFCA pastors change their doctrine once their pastor moves on, and adopts Covenant Theology, charismatic theology, and more. Is there anything that can be done? Absolutely! Listen to this episode of Advancing the Cause to learn how IFCA Church membership is a critical part of guarding your ch...2024-04-1531 min
Advancing the CauseEvidence that Demands a Verdict?- Pastor Caleb HilbertSend us a textPastor Caleb Hilbert talks with Richard Bargas about the right and wrong ways to use evidence when defending the faith. Are there ever bad reasons for presenting evidence? Is there ever any reason why we would stop sharing Christ with someone? What are some other good reasons for knowing evidence for the Christian faith? All these questions and more are answered in this episode of Advancing the Cause.IFCA International - https://www.ifca.org/Lewis and Clark Bible Church - https://www.lewisandclarkbiblechurch.com/Caleb’s...2024-04-0152 min
Advancing the CauseThe Importance of IFCA Regions and Why They Exist - Dr. Richard BargasSend us a textRichard Bargas gives a short historical overview of how IFCA regions developed over our history, the growing pains that they worked through when problems occurred, and some of the lessons we can learn from this history. He then gives Reasons Why IFCA Regions Exist. Every IFCA member and church needs to hear this episode!IFCA International: https://www.ifca.org/IFCA Regional Leader Handbook: https://www.ifca.org/page/regionsIFCA Annual Convention: https://ifca-international.finalweb2.finalweb.net/Support the...2024-03-1856 min
Advancing the CauseIndia Ministry Report - Dr. Richard BargasSend us a textRichard Bargas shares a report on his recent trip to India where he engaged with IFCA-related ministries in Delhi, Odessa, Rajasthan, and Manipur. In this report, Richard shares encouraging news about the gospel going forward in the most adverse conditions, new Christians being baptized even under the threat of persecution, and some of the greatest needs in Manipur. IFCA International: https://www.ifca.org Fellowship Bible Church: https://www.fellowshipwv.org IFCA Giving: https://www.ifca.org/page/donations--page Support the showAdvancing the C...2024-03-0443 min
Advancing the CauseThe Problem of Evil- Dr. Geoff KirklandSend us a textThe problem of evil has been a point that atheists and agnostics have used as an argument against the existence of God for centuries. What does the Bible say about evil, where it came from, and how is it that a good and all-powerful God can exist in a world where sin seems to run rampant? All of these and more are addressed in this episode when Richard Bargas and Dr. Geoff Kirkland go to the Word of God for answers to these important questions.IFCA International - Christ2024-02-1942 min
Advancing the CauseWill All Israel be Saved? - Dr. Tim SiglerSend us a textRichard Bargas talks with Dr. Tim Sigler, CEO2 of Ariel Ministries about whether we should understand that God intends to bring the whole nation of Israel to salvation in His plan for the future. Looking at passages from both the Old Testament and the New, Richard and Tim will discuss the views of both Dispensationalists and Covenantalists to clear passages Like Romans 11:25-26, and how the testimony of Scripture teaches that God is not done with the nation of Israel.IFCA International - https://www.ifca.org/2024-02-0556 min
Advancing the CauseThe Infant Baptism Debate - Dr. Peter GoemanSend us a textDescription:Richard Bargas talks with Dr. Peter Goeman about the arguments against the reformed doctrine of infant baptism. In looking at it theologically, biblically, and exegetically, Dr. Goeman demonstrates that the biblical record connects faith and baptism, while it does not support the theological Covenant of Grace. These two arguments strike critical blows by showing that the Bible does not support these main tenets of Covenant Theology. So, where did this doctrine come from? Listen in and find out more!Peter Goeman serves as associate professor...2024-01-2249 min
The Fitness Business Podcast with Erin Dimond and Jordan Dugger503. 5 Biggest Roadblocks Health + Fitpros Face When Building a Business: With IFCA’s Head of Product Cory Carp [Part 1 of 2]Feel like you're running up against a wall but not sure exactly what it is? Are you a beginner coach struggling with whether you have what it takes to do this? These feeling are completely normal and every coach goes through them and today's episode will help you identity these roadblocks and create steps to move past them. We're joined by IFCA's head of product Cory Carpenter as he's back in the studio to discuss the 5 biggest roadblocks and what he sees working with coaches every single day. We'll highlight the first 2 in this episode and finish up next...2024-01-1822 min
Advancing the CauseDigging Deeper into Infant Baptism - Pastor Ryan DaySend us a textSome Christian traditions uphold the belief that baptism should include the infant children of believers, while others say that baptism is only for those who have placed their faith in Christ. IFCA Executive Director Richard Bargas and Pastor Ryan Day dig a little deeper into what different traditions believe and why, and what the Bible teaches most clearly. Touching on Covenant theology, Roman Catholic dogma, what we can know about babies that die in infancy, and how Protestant Church history plays into how some interpret this issue will all be addressed. Join us...2023-12-3150 min