Shows
EquipoiseI Want SpecificsIn this episode, I shine a light on the need for specifics rather than sweeping generalizations or excoriations.2023-07-3009 minEquipoiseA Parley On PiercingsEarlobe piercings aren't really disputed in most Christian circles, at least on women. But what about the other kinds of piercings? And what about men? Does the Bible say anything about this? How does culture play into this issue? Have a listen! 2023-07-1609 minEquipoiseInto The VoidWhat does it mean that "God's Word will never return void?"2023-06-2509 minEquipoisePride MonthIt's Pride Month in the U.S., so what does this mean for Christians? How should we respond?2023-06-1109 minEquipoise"Innepennent Funnamennal Babtiss" - A Follow-UpIn this episode, I follow up on my prior episode with a discussion of the word "Independent" as it relates to ecclesiological nomenclature.2023-05-2809 minEquipoiseFundies...Fundies Everywhere...In this episode, I take a look at the word "fundamental" and "fundamentalist" and see where it comes from, what it means today, and how we can exercise caution around this term.2023-05-0809 minEquipoiseThe Dilemma Dissected (Part Three of Three in our Disability Dilemma miniseries)We've talked about what the Disability Dilemma is, and we've tackled the objection of malingerers, but...what now? Have a listen.
https://apps.npr.org/unfit-for-work/2023-04-3009 minEquipoiseA Lion In The Streets? (Part Two in our Disability Dilemma miniseries)Is everyone on disability simply because they're lazy or fraudsters? Well, that sort of thing does happen, but maybe not as much as you think. Have a listen!
https://apps.npr.org/unfit-for-work/2023-04-2309 minEquipoiseThe Disability Dilemma, (Part 1 of 3 in our Disability Dilemma miniseries)This is the first in three episodes defining and addressing the "Disability Dilemma" in the United States.
https://apps.npr.org/unfit-for-work/2023-04-1609 minEquipoiseFive Cautions For Those Changing Or Questioning*Sorry about the audio quality on this one. Apparently Darth Vader was chilling out behind me in my temporary studio. When I get back to my normal studio space, I'm sure this will be remediated.*2023-03-2609 min
EquipoiseThe Trail of BloodIn this episode, I try to bring some corrective balance toward the notion of Baptist successionism, or, as popularized by one pastor in his series of lectures-turned-booklet, "The Trail of Blood."
To read the booklet in its entirety, follow this link: https://pastortim.com/the-trail-of-blood/
To read a proper criticism of this booklet, follow this link: http://www.covenantlegacy.com/mopping-up-the-trail-of-blood-part-1/2023-03-1909 minEquipoiseA Beast Is BornThis is an episode in which I discuss Christians' various responses to culture, and then move to illustrate culture in a way that helps us see it as something not to be defeated, but transformed by the Gospel.2023-02-2609 minEquipoiseJust Because It'll Preach......Doesn't mean it should. :)2023-02-1209 minEquipoiseHeuristics and Gas StovesIn this episode, I talk about heuristics, which are basically pathways in the brain that think for us. Think of it as "thinking on autopilot." These can be good or bad, depending on how they're trained and restrained. I hope this helps you today!2023-02-0509 minEquipoisePodcast Direction and Course CorrectionsIn this short update, I provide a bit of a road map as to where we're going this season, and I also confess the need for a couple of course-corrections.2023-01-2907 minEquipoiseListening to the DeadHow can we listen to those who've gone before us who either didn't "have it all together" or -- worse -- who advocated for outright sins? How should we respond? I hope this episode helps you.2023-01-1509 minEquipoiseClown WorldWe are living in what one man has called a "Strange New World." Others perhaps see it as an "Animal Farm." What's going on and how do we respond? I hope this brief episode is a help to you.2023-01-0809 minEquipoiseI Can't Believe It's Not Better, Or, How To ArgueIt's all in the title this time, folks. Hope this lighthearted episode is a help.2023-01-0109 minEquipoiseThe Grinch Who Loved ChristmasIn this episode, I discuss the practice of cancelling church meetings on Christmas Day when Christmas falls on a Sunday.
Here are the links to the TGC articles I mentioned in the podcast, in the order in which I mentioned them:
1. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/church-services-christmas/
2. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/a-plea-to-pastors-dont-cancel-church-on-christmas/
3. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/cancel-christmas-day-service/
Thanks for listening!2022-12-1809 minEquipoiseWhat A Church WorshipsI'll warn you upfront -- I get a bit preachy in this one. I've had a front row seat to some egregious imbalance, and I take issue with it in this episode.2022-12-1109 minEquipoiseTo Ink or Not To Ink?In today's episode, I strive for a balanced view of the practice of tattoos. Is it unbiblical? Even if it's okay, does that mean it's right for you? Have a listen. I hope you'll be blessed and informed.2022-12-0409 minEquipoiseBalance In Our Pursuit Of BalanceFirst things first: Please pardon my voice -- I'm still a bit congested after battling a rough head cold last week.
In this episode, I share three cautions to observe in our pursuit of enacting changes for the sake of balance. I hope it is a blessing to you.2022-11-2709 minEquipoiseThe Road AheadThis quick episode outlines the direction of the Equipoise Podcast as we look at the road ahead. In short, we're not going anywhere, and I'm looking forward to producing more engaging content in the future. Thanks for listening!2022-11-2004 minEquipoiseThe Meaning of LifeGrowing up, I heard that the meaning of life was to evangelize. Or live a pure life. Or something.
But is it more than that? Less? Can the meaning of life be reduced to a set of objectives or can it be better understood as an ideal presented throughout the whole canon of Scripture?
Hope this is a blessing.2022-10-3009 minEquipoiseGambling, Golfing, and GodWhat should we think about getting mixed up with the Mega Millions or relishing a rousing round of roulette? I think we'd all agree it's generally unwise to play games of chance with our money, but is it strictly sin? Is it something we can authoritatively say Christians are not allowed to do? In this episode, I draw attention to the fact that the battery of objections that we apply to gambling are often ignored when it comes to other ways we use our money. Have a listen!2022-10-1609 minEquipoiseHow It All Went Down - Continued! (Part Twelve of Twelve in our Bible Translation Series)In this episode, I share some of my personal testimony with regards to this issue and trace the history of the KJVO movement from the late 19th century where it was born right up until today. I hope it's a help to you, and I hope this whole miniseries has been a blessing in general.
Here's a link to a helpful interview that touches on much of what I covered in the final two episodes of this miniseries: https://youtu.be/ARbbL2owBzk2022-10-0309 minEquipoiseHow It All Went Down (Part Eleven of Twelve in our Bible Translation Series)***NOTE: I said “centuries” at around 3:10 when speaking of the Roman Catholic Church’s posthumous treatment of Wycliffe’s remains. My notes said “decades,” and I thought I said “decades” but didn’t catch it until after this was published. It’s definitely “four decades,” not “four centuries.” Oof. Anyhow, we're wrapping this miniseries up! In this episode, I recount the rich history of how we got the King James Bible starting with the autographs and working our way right down to the KJV. It's part of a double-header I'm releasing simultaneously. I hope it's a blessing to you!2022-10-0309 minEquipoiseWhy You Should Use The King James Translation (Part Ten of Twelve in our Bible Translation Series)In this episode, I speak of why, despite the benefits of new translations and any imperfections in the KJV, we should not discard the KJV entirely. On the contrary, we would be wise to incorporate it into our spread of translations.2022-09-1209 minEquipoiseThe Idolatry Of Certainty (Part Nine of Twelve in our Bible Translation Series)This is a bit of a transitional episode as we move from a bit more of a sporadic approach to the issue toward the heart of it -- an idolization of certainty. In the closing weeks ahead, we're going to finish this miniseries strong as we strive for a balanced and truthful approach to the King James translation issue.2022-08-2209 minEquipoiseOne Such Example (Part Eight of Twelve in our Bible Translation Series)Special thanks to Tim Berg and his website KJBhistory.com. I stumbled across his work (again) while research today’s topic and couldn’t be more thankful. Oh, and I know I said "...You heard Isaac and I..." in the opening sentence, and I should have said "...You heard Isaac and me..." since the personal pronoun there was the object, not the subject. I would go back and change it, but I just don't have time. :(
Enjoy.2022-08-1509 minEquipoiseThings That Are Different Are Not The Same (That's Kind Of The Point) - Featuring Isaac Thibodeau (Part Seven of Twelve in our Bible Translation Series)Today Isaac and I wrap up our sessions together by discussing the reasons why some things in the different translations of the Bible are different, and why that's not only "okay," but actually good.
In the podcast episode, I promised a link to some cool stuff. I have no idea what I had in mind at that point in time, so I figure I'll post a link to the Textual Confidence Collective's youtube playlist. It'll do you some good; of this I'm quite certain.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLq1Aq0ucgkPC8DHPKsXWl8zl3i...2022-08-0709 minEquipoiseThe Textual Topic - Featuring Isaac Thibodeau (Part Six of Twelve in our Bible Translation Series)We continue our conversation with Isaac Thibodeau in this episode, in which we discuss the Critical vs. Majority text positions.2022-08-0309 minEquipoiseHow We Got Our Bible - Featuring Isaac Thibodeau (Part Five of Twelve in our Bible Translation Series)In today's episode, I interview Isaac Thibodeau and learn more about how we got our Bibles -- specifically, our New Testaments. We also touch on canonicity, but mainly stay in the lane of Biblical copying and transmission.2022-07-3109 minEquipoiseMythconceptions (Part Four of Twelve in our Bible Translation Series)In this episode, I whine that everyone seems to be beating me to the punch on this topic all of the sudden. I think I'll suspend reality and cope by imagining that I'm a trendsetter and it's all because of me.
Actually, in reality, it might be because our sovereign God is doing something -- maybe he's trying to use his saints to help others see some of the imbalance baked into the KJVO position.
Anyhow, here's the links I promised in the episode:
The article by Tim Berg, "Seven Common Misconceptions..." https://t...2022-07-1009 min
EquipoiseIf It Ain't Broke... (Part Three of Twelve in our Bible Translation Series)In this episode, I move to do the following:
1. Dismantle the erroneous "KJV was written on a 5th-grade reading level" narrative
2. Briefly demonstrate a couple of other reasons why we would benefit from a newer translation of the Bible.
ALSO: Here's the link to Mark Ward's excellent book on the King James Bible -- note: same as I, he doesn't advocate for doing away with the King James Version. This helpful, read-it-in-two-hours-but-meditate-on-it-for-years kind of book will help you arrive at a balanced perspective on this topic, no matter what your position is on t...2022-06-2609 minEquipoiseExamining the Landscape (Part Two of Twelve in our Bible Translation Series)Today, I examine the landscape; that is, I take a look at the different views within the KJVO movement and limit my scope to a couple of them. 2022-06-1909 minEquipoiseHere We Go! (Part One of Twelve in our Bible Translation Series)Today I kick off our miniseries about Bible Translation, or, more specifically, the King James Only Controversy. I hope that this series will be a blessing to you and that you will commit to listening to it all the way to the end. Ten minutes a week for about twelve weeks, if all goes according to plan. 2022-06-1209 minEquipoiseQuick Update - The Calm Before The StormJust a quick update before my Bible Translation Miniseries begins next week.2022-05-2904 minEquipoiseBODIES, BANS, BABIES AND BAD ARGUMENTSBEFORE ANYTHING ELSE, you have got to check out this link. I didn't spot it until after writing my script, and it's probably a good thing that I didn't, or this would have morphed into a seven-episode series: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/proabortion-slogans-and-how-to-handle-them-9553
Ok, as promised in the episode, here's some of the cutting-room-floor text as well as some helpful links.
CUTTING ROOM FLOOR:
Another argument states that babies aren’t actually living people with human rights because they’re not “viable.” This one is weak. Babies aren’t even “viable” long after the...2022-05-1609 minEquipoiseHyles In ChargeYes, it's a riff on the show, "Charles in Charge." Yes, I do a song parody at the end.
But yes, I do hope there's helpful content in this episode somewhere. :)2022-05-0209 minEquipoiseMedia and the MouseWhat's the deal with Disney? How should we respond to the recent hubbub about their LGBTQIA+ agenda? Should we even respond at all? What to do? I hope this podcast episode gives us some ideas as we explore a few tactics used to advance any agenda on the big screen (or little screen).
Here's the link to Brett McCracken's article as promised: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/turning-red/2022-04-2510 minEquipoiseSpecial Episode: Interview with Pastor Kevin SpencerIn this episode, I explore the comparison between our dojo and the local church. It may seem far-fetched at first, but the similarities may surprise you.2022-04-0309 minEquipoiseThe One About Social JusticeIn today's episode, I take what started as one episode, then turned into two, then three, then four, and then all the way back to just one again. In other words, the longer I studied on the topic, the deeper the rabbit hole got, and I had to make a decision -- turn this into a 5-part series, or just condense and stay on the surface. I decided to go with the latter option.
As stated in the podcast, here's the section from one of the drafts with most of the quotes:
[On the San D...2022-03-2809 minEquipoiseDo The Work (Or, Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra)In this episode, I talk about what it means to do the work necessary to properly understand and teach the Bible.
I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed making it. I did have fun with this one. :)
Used music: "The Little Flying Bears" (C) Zagreb Film and CinéGroupe. Use protected under Fair Use as described in the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976.2022-03-1309 minEquipoiseRevisiting Bias (In Light of the Present Russia/Ukraine Conflict)With anything this large and looming on the world stage, there appear many people who feel that they know a lot about what's going on, as if they have the inside scoop. Thing is, they often disagree with each other. So who's right? What do we do? Well, at the very least, we ought to check our biases. That's a good place to start.2022-02-2809 minEquipoiseSøren, Simplicity, and Saints (A follow-up to "I'm Just A Simple Man")A recent FB post containing a quote from the late scholar Søren Kierkegaard was used to defend simplicity and consequently vilify learning, criticism, and careful research. But was this quote used in context? Is simplicity equal to saintliness after all? Let's take a look.2022-02-2010 minEquipoise"I'm Just A Simple Man"Is there virtue to be found in a declaration of simplicity and ignorance? Or is it just a cover to veil a retreat from complexity?2022-02-1309 minEquipoiseThe Word of God - Why Getting It Right Matters (Part 2 of 2 in our "Word of God" series)I finish up our brief look at this phrase "the Word of God" and talk about why correctly using this phrase matters.2022-02-0609 minEquipoiseThe Word of God - Authorial Intent (Part 1 of 2 in our "Word of God" series)Today we're beginning a two-parter on the phrase "The Word of God." I hope it's a help to you.
As promised in the episode, here's a list of how the phrase "Word of God" is used in the Old Testament as follows:
It’s found 49 times across 48 verses in the while Protestant Bible, but only four of those times are in the Old Testament. Three out of the four times it’s found in the English Old Testament, it’s a translation of the Hebrew word “דָּבָר (daw-bar)” which it self simply means “matter of thing,” or “act, advice, aff...2022-01-3009 minEquipoise15 Tips for Achieving BalanceHere's 15 little tips to help keep us from camping out in one extreme or the other. Hope this helps!2022-01-1609 minEquipoise"Off the Deep End," So They SayI've gone off the deep end. I've taken a sharp turn left, theologically and politically. I've compromised. I've been brainwashed by all those smart academics and all their degrees. You name it -- I've done it. Have a listen to know what I mean.
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2022-01-0209 minEquipoiseSanta, Trees, and Mistletoe: A Christmas ConundrumIs Christmas pagan? Is Santa Claus really "Satan's Claws?" How do we sort through all the stuff we've heard and read about this? Well, in the interest of balance, I try to disabuse us of the notion that there is a demonic boogeyman hiding under the Christmas Tree. Have a listen. I hope it helps.
For more on this, check out “TOP TEN Christmas Traditions (& their Origin Stories)” by InspiringPhilosophy on Youtube.
Also, check out https://www.macon.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/article222666770.html
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC...2021-12-2609 minEquipoiseJust Me an' My Jesus (Part Two of Two in our "Individualism Hurts" series)In this second of a brief two-parter on individualism, I try to bring a little balance to the notion of individualism with regards to church life and community and Christ himself. I also provide a warning against running to the opposite extreme of a hard and fast "Extra Ecclesium nulla salus" stance concerning church attendance as it applies to final salvation for wayward sheep.
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-12-1209 minEquipoiseJust Me an' My Bible (Part One of Two in our "Individualism Hurts" series)This is part one of a two-parter on how individualism has negatively affected Christianity. In case you get the wrong idea -- this podcast episode is not about me discouraging you from reading your Bible. I'm simply trying to get folks to read it with the right lens, from the right perspective.
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-12-0509 minEquipoiseJust Checking InThis is a short podcast to touch base and let you know that the Equipoise Podcast is preparing to return soon after an unexpected hiatus.
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-11-2802 minEquipoiseT'was the Night Before HallowmasSo -- Halloween is about here. What's a balanced way to view this holiday? Is it pagan? If it was, is it okay to celebrate now? Should Christians categorize this with "works of darkness?" Well, to be fair, I don't go too much into how Christians should respond -- that's on you -- but rather take a look at the history of this holiday to decipher whether or not it always was a "pagan" holiday or if some of the ghoulishness and gore are relatively recent infusions into this holiday.
Here's the links I mentioned in the...2021-11-2809 minEquipoiseDear AEBCAn open letter to Almost Every Baptist College. It's not written to any college in particular, including my own Alma Mater. It's written to an institution known as AEBC; simple as that. :)
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-10-1709 minEquipoiseFinal Objections and Conclusion (Part Seven of Seven in our "Vino or Volstead" Series)We made it to the end of this miniseries! Hooray!
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-10-1009 minEquipoiseWhat about those verses...? (Part Six of Seven in our "Vino or Volstead" Series)After two weeks, I hereby release a really rough episode that doesn't flow very well but hopefully still makes some degree of sense.
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-10-0309 minEquipoiseUnscheduled Interruption: Mental MeanderingsSorry -- I wasn't able to get my regularly scheduled podcast out on time this week, so I apparently chose to ramble, bloviate and chat for ten minutes. Sorry about this one. :)
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-09-2609 minEquipoiseDrinking Alcohol to the Glory of God (Part Five of Seven in our "Vino or Volstead" Series)In today's episode, I talk a bit about the Christian and how to consume alcohol in a way that is glorifying to God. I hope it is a blessing to you.
Here's the link I mentioned in today's episode: https://observer.com/2012/04/bottoms-up-the-ballmer-peak-is-real-study-says/
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-09-2010 minEquipoiseThe Case for Abstinence from Alcohol (Part Four of Seven in our "Vino or Volstead" Series)In today's episode, I try to build a balanced case for abstaining from alcohol. Despite Christianity's rich, intertwined history with alcohol, many Christians often choose to not drink for some legitimate reasons (while some are not-so-legitimate). Here are some of them.
Here's the link I mentioned in today's episode: https://www.healthline.com/health/addictive-personality-traits#alleged-traits
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-09-1209 minEquipoiseA History of Christians and Drinking (Part Three of Seven in our "Vino or Volstead" Series)In this episode, I trace the history of Christians and their relationship to alcohol. We find that the default position of Christians since the time of Christ (and Jews before Christ) has been well-summarized by Luther as follows:
“If you are tired and downhearted, take a drink; but this does not mean being a pig and doing nothing but gorging and swilling… You should be moderate and sober; this means that we should not be drunken, though we may be exhilarated.” - Luther
There ya go.
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copy...2021-09-0509 minEquipoiseA History of Abstaining (Part Two of Seven in our "Vino or Volstead" Series)In this episode, I trace the origins of the belief that alcohol consumption is a sin. Did this start in AD 30 or so? Or earlier? Or much later? In short, I conclude that the alcohol-as-a-sin, abstinence-only movement is likely about 150-200 years old in total, making it a relatively novel innovation for such a widespread persuasion in America.
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-08-2909 minEquipoisePint-Sized Preface (Part One of Seven in our "Vino or Volstead" Series)In this episode, I attempt to begin wading into the waters of the alcohol discussion. It's going to take a while to address this issue, even briefly! So bear with me as we manage a brief introduction this week to the subject. I hope this helps.
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-08-2209 minEquipoiseThe Postman PostulateIn this episode, I discuss the dangers of allowing entertainment to dictate what we consider to be valuable or good. I hope it helps bring balance to the issue of what I'm calling "The Postman Postulate."
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-08-1509 minEquipoisePastors, People, and PainkillersIn today's episode, we touch on the relationship between a pastor and the flock over which he is called. It's a little different than the format I'd like to be in on a regular basis, but it'll have to do for today. :)
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-08-0809 minEquipoise"Dress Your Best"This is my episode on how to dress for church. I could have done a three-parter on this one pretty easily, and maybe I should have, but here's my attempt to find a little balance in the discussion.
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-08-0410 minEquipoiseThe Blame Game (Part Three of Three in our "Hearts and Hemlines" Series)Today we finish our discussion about "modesty" as approached in the Christian West. Keep in mind that a discussion of such a nature might not be super appropriate for your kiddos. I don't get anywhere near "graphic," but hey. Just wanted to throw that caution out there.
Yes, I know I said "unbalanced" instead of "imbalanced" early on, but "unbalanced" still shows up in the dictionary so I'm letting it slide. :)
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-07-2509 minEquipoiseThe Naked Truth (Part Two of Three in our "Hearts and Hemlines" Series)Today we continue our discussion about "modesty" as approached in the Christian West. Keep in mind that a discussion of such a nature might not be super appropriate for your kiddos. I don't get anywhere near "graphic," but hey. Just wanted to throw that caution out there.
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-07-2009 minEquipoiseModestly Speaking (Part One of Three in our "Hearts and Hemlines" Series)Today we begin a brief discussion on the issue of "modesty" as approached in the Christian West. Keep in mind that a discussion of such a nature might not be super appropriate for your kiddos. I don't get anywhere near "graphic," but hey. Just wanted to throw that caution out there.
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-07-1909 minEquipoiseThe Gospel of GreenwoodIn this episode, I try to bring some balance to the notion of the Patriotic Pulpit, so to speak. It's better if you just listen. :)
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-07-1209 minEquipoiseThe FORBIDDEN AISLES!!!*Note: at 6:26, I say “isn’t” when I clearly meant “is.” Not sure why. Oh, well.* This episode is about the phrase "abstain from all appearance of evil" found in I Thessalonians 5:22. Did Paul mean to be careful not to walk down the wrong grocery aisle so as not to accidentally convey evil intent? Or did he mean something else? Find out in this week's episode of Equipoise!
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-07-0410 minEquipoiseExtra Episode: Some ResponsesI caution you: this might be a boring episode. I'm just responding to some questions/pushback I received on a couple of episodes I recorded. Hope it helps!
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-07-0109 minEquipoiseWeLL, bRoThEr, iT sAyS iN tHe gReEk...In this episode, I try to bring a little bit of balance to the discussion of how we approach the original languages in which the Bible was originally penned. Is it helpful to "use" the Greek and the Hebrew? Harmful? Maybe both? Neither? I hope my brief take on how we approach the original languages will help you.
For further help, check out Mark Ward's short video on this subject: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2f6Qj7XKU9c
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-06-2709 minEquipoiseMutual Submission?In this episode, I attempt to find a balance in the notion of submission by building a case for the Greek word ἀλλήλων to be used in a "one upon another" sense (as it is found in Luke 12:1) instead of the easily-misunderstood English translation of "one to another," often supporting a mistaken "reciprocal" sense. Don't worry, I don't get into the Greek jargon too much in this episode, but rather examine the context, syntax, and picture of submission to help us understand how the Bible expects us to understand submission with regards to whether or not it is "mutual." Hope this hel...2021-06-2109 minEquipoiseHas the Church Failed? (Part Two of Two)In this episode, I scrutinize the claims that I mentioned in the preceding episode. It's a little hurried and I'm still working on sound quality, but I hope that my examinations come through clearly enough.
I rebut the claim that the church has failed in every sense, and rebut the claim that this perception justifies a departure from church or a retreat into an alternative model besides the local church as prescribed and commanded in Scripture.
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-06-1409 minEquipoiseHas The Church Failed? (Part One of Two)In this episode, I attempt to fairly state the position of those who state that the church has failed, and as a result, new methods of assembly (or no assembly at all!) are required. Those who hold to this view typically promote this view as a reason for not attending a church, leaving a church, splitting a church, opting instead for staying home with their families or watching a sermon online. I don't scrutinize their claims in this episode, but instead try to state their position fairly in the interest of balance.
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by...2021-06-1309 minEquipoiseWhat About Those Ordinances? (Part Five of Four in our Church Series -- Yes, I know what I typed. It's not a typo.)In this episode, I seek to make up for a lost opportunity earlier this week to touch quickly on the ordinances and explore some possible viewpoints in just a few minutes. It's not exhaustive, by any means, but just wanted to briefly acknowledge the different views. At the end, I address some early pushback from someone who chose to unfriend me on FB (and in real life, it would appear) as a result of my "Bias" series. Hope it's a help to you.
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-06-0609 minEquipoiseThe Point and Purpose (Part Four of Four in our Church Miniseries)In this episode, I try to tie up some loose ends with regards to the church and its importance in the life of the believer. It's a bit more scattered than I'd like, but I did several takes and finally just put it out there. :)
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-05-3009 minEquipoiseRAPID FIRE ROUND 6 of 6: The TRUE Church, Haymen?!? (Part of our Church Miniseries)This whole week (except for this coming Saturday), I'll be releasing a 5-minute or less episode each day on issues pertaining to the Church. This is my best hope of wrapping up all the little topics while not trying to squeeze everything into a single 10-minute episode. I hope these all are a blessing to you!
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-05-2805 minEquipoiseRAPID FIRE ROUND 5 of 6: Multi-Service and Multi-Campus Model (Part of our Church Miniseries)This whole week (except for this coming Saturday), I'll be releasing a 5-minute or less episode each day on issues pertaining to the Church. This is my best hope of wrapping up all the little topics while not trying to squeeze everything into a single 10-minute episode. I hope these all are a blessing to you!
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-05-2704 minEquipoiseRAPID FIRE ROUND 4 of 6: Israel and the Church (Part of our Church Miniseries)This whole week (except for this coming Saturday), I'll be releasing a 5-minute or less episode each day on issues pertaining to the Church. This is my best hope of wrapping up all the little topics while not trying to squeeze everything into a single 10-minute episode. I hope these all are a blessing to you!
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-05-2604 minEquipoiseRAPID FIRE ROUND 3 of 6: What about Church Membership? (Part of our Church Miniseries)This whole week (except for this coming Saturday), I'll be releasing a 5-minute or less episode each day on issues pertaining to the Church. This is my best hope of wrapping up all the little topics while not trying to squeeze everything into a single 10-minute episode. I hope these all are a blessing to you!
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-05-2605 minEquipoiseRAPID FIRE ROUND 2 of 6: When Did the Church Begin? (Part of our Church Miniseries)This whole week (except for this coming Saturday), I'll be releasing a 5-minute or less episode each day on issues pertaining to the Church. This is my best hope of wrapping up all the little topics while not trying to squeeze everything into a single 10-minute episode. I hope these all are a blessing to you!
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-05-2404 minEquipoiseRAPID FIRE ROUND 1 of 6: What Makes a Church a Church (Part of our Church Miniseries)This whole week (except for this coming Saturday), I'll be releasing a 5-minute or less episode each day on issues pertaining to the Church. This is my best hope of wrapping up all the little topics while not trying to squeeze everything into a single 10-minute episode. I hope these all are a blessing to you!
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-05-2307 minEquipoiseEpisode Twelve: Local, Universal, or Something Else? (Part Three of Four...ish in our Church Miniseries)This isn't intended to be exhaustive or even conclusive. Just looking to bring a little balance to the discussion. Hope it helps!
Recommended reading: "One Assembly" (Leeman), and "Uncomfortable" (McCracken). Good modern books on church.
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-05-1709 minEquipoiseEpisode Eleven: Clearing the Brush (Part Two of Four...ish in our Church Miniseries)In this episode, we move to dismantle three popular but invalid notions of church. This is necessary if we wish to have a balanced discussion on the nature of "church" itself. Is it local? Universal? Institutional? Something else completely? Either way, we've got to properly define church and disqualify some oddities before answering that question.
Hope this episode is a help to you!
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-05-0909 minEquipoiseEpisode Ten: What's In A Name? (Part One of Four...ish in our Church Miniseries)In this episode, I kick off our miniseries on the church. We need some balance when it comes to this area for sure! This is sort of an introductory podcast to this miniseries, and we talk about what the word "church" means and why we call it a "church" instead of an "assembly" as some might imagine we should, since it comes from the Greek word "ecclesia" after all.
I hope this episode and future episodes are a help and a blessing to you!
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-05-0309 minEquipoiseEpisode Nine: Let's Talk About Relationships (Part Two of Two in our Religion vs. Relationship Series)It's no surprise that these two episodes aren't going to be my "biggest hits," but I still think it's important to be able to have something to which we can refer when the issue of "Religion vs. Relationship" comes up. In this episode, I continue to work through this odd dichotomy, examining the concept of a "personal relationship with Jesus" from a balanced point of view.
As with last week, I hope this is a help to any and all who have questions or opinions about this subject.
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC...2021-04-2609 minEquipoiseEpisode Eight: What's So Bad about Religion? (Part One of Two in our Religion vs. Relationship Series)In this episode, I try to bring some much-needed balance to the ongoing vilification of the term "religion" by showing its etymology, how it is used in Scripture, and what it means as opposed to what most think it means today. I hope to help us avoid throwing out the proverbial baby with the bathwater when considering the proper and improper uses of this word.
I hope this is a help to any and all who have questions or opinions about this subject.
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-04-1909 minEquipoiseEpisode Seven: Propositional SpaceIn this episode, I introduce a concept known as "propositional space," a mental warehouse of sorts where we can gather and sort through beliefs and behaviors that are different from the ones we currently hold. This is essential to proper growth, and helps us avoid too-quick acceptance or instant rejection of ideas that are foreign, frightening, or repelling to our current beliefs. I hope this episode will be of good use to you!
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-04-1209 minEquipoiseEpisode Six: Bunnies and Eggs and Ishtar, Oh My!In this episode (that was originally supposed to be a half-length episode but kept me up till after 230AM working on it a lot more than I thought I would because it's such a cool topic to research), I talk about the possible origins of the word "Easter" and quickly touch on how bunnies and eggs might have become associated with this special day. In the end, I'm trying to show both sides of the equation and help us to approach this topic more humbly and honestly. It's definitely my most rapid-fire episode, because there was a LOT to...2021-04-0809 minEquipoiseEpisode Five: 3 Days? The Timing of the CrucifixionIn this episode, we (in very brief fashion) tackle some of the ins and outs of the Wednesday/Thursday view of the Crucifixion of Jesus versus the traditional Friday view. We're not looking to find out who's right or wrong in this issue; rather, we're just looking to be more sympathetic to the other side and see if we can't come to a balanced point of view, regardless of our final conclusions on the matter.
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-04-0509 minEquipoiseEpisode Four and a Half: How to Have a More Productive Conversation with Almost Anyone (another addendum to our bias series)In this episode, we talk about how to have a reasonable and productive conversation with almost anyone, including someone who seems unreasonably biased or heavily imbalanced in their views. Whether it's politics or flat-earthism or theological issues or any number of conspiracy theories, we all need to learn to come to the table with respect and an open mind. So regardless of what the other person's approach might be, I bring some tips on how to have a productive conversation with almost anyone.
For what it's worth, here's my main points:
1. Remember that all of u...2021-04-0305 minEquipoiseEpisode Four: Battling Bias (Part 3 of 3 in our Bias Series)In this episode, I finish our 3-part introductory miniseries on bias by helping us battle it with some practical tips. In short, they are as follows:
Take a humble stance / Be calm / Listen to understand, not to respond or score points / Be intellectually honest / Read dissenting opinion / Meditate and wrestle / Pursue timelessness / Obtain counsel, but not from an echo chamber
I hope that this helps you as it has helped me. If we are careful to follow these guidelines (all of which can be found in the Book of Proverbs), we will be much more...2021-04-0109 minEquipoiseEpisode Three: House of Cards (Part 2 of 3 in our Bias Series)In today's episode, I talk about the dangers of bias. It's not neutral, and it's not innocent. It is dangerous! I list four reasons why it is so harmful (in an ABCD format): It is Available, it is Blinding, it is Contagious, and it is Destructive. We spent the majority of our time in that list talking about the different ways in which bias is so destructive. I hope you'll give it a listen!
In this episode (like the last one), I quoted Brett McCracken again from his recent book "The Wisdom Pyramid." Pick it up; it's...2021-03-2909 minEquipoiseEpisode Two and a Half: One More Kind -- Chronological Bias (an addendum to our bias series)In this half-length addendum, I discuss chronological bias. In short, it's where we discard a belief or behavior simply because it comes from a time, place, or person that is either too old or too young for us to take it seriously or find it credible. I hope this little mini-episode helps us root out just one more kind of bias that could be lurking around in the recesses of our minds.
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-03-2704 minEquipoiseEpisode Two: Balance or Bias (Part 1 of 3 in our Bias Series)In today's episode, I talk about what bias is. There's plenty of forms of bias out there, and being aware of how bias can creep in is essential to challenging it and overcoming it the best we can in our thought process. For what it's worth, I mention the following biases in today's episode (thought there are plenty more -- just search for them online and you'll find plenty):
Confirmation Bias, Availability Heuristic, Dunning-Kruger Effect, Actor-Observer Bias, Halo Effect, Anchoring Bias, and False Consensus Bias.
Bias affects all of us in different ways, and to di...2021-03-2209 minEquipoiseEpisode One: IntroductionBringing you "Balance in Ten Minutes or Less" is my commitment to you all each week. Today, I introduce myself and share with you a few details of my ministerial life. I hope to engage with the issues in our culture from a balanced, refreshing point of view that's fair to both sides of every issue, even the most polarizing ones. Thanks for tuning in, and please subscribe if you'd like to keep up with my weekly releases.
Music credit: "Cute Avalanche" by RKVC - No Copyright (Thanks, RKVC!)2021-03-1508 min