Shows
The Christian OptimistQ&A: Remaining Questions from Women's Ministry EveningA few weeks ago Pastor Raef joined the women of his church for a night of Q&A with the pastor. Many questions were addressed, ranging from theology, to apologetics, to how we care for others, and much more. We ran out of time before we could address all the questions. This episode is Pastor Raef's response to the remaining questions covering the topics of: Relationships & Sex, and Engaging the World & Culture.TGC Article Mentioned in Episode:https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/should-christians-practice-surrogacy/2025-07-2555 minThe Christian OptimistDiscipling Our Children Through Books: Interview with Jenny MarceleneIn this episode Pastor Raef interviews Jenny Marcelene as they discuss a number of topics. We explore both her love for helping our kids form a deeper understanding of God's Global design for all nations, as well as how to disciple our children through the books they read and the books we read to them.Visit Jenny's website at https://www.jennymarcelene.com/Recommendations from JennyThe Penderwicks (Jeanne Birdsall) seriesHumphrey (Betty G. Birney) seriesTree Street Kids (Amanda Cleary Eastep) seriesRanger in Time (Kate Messner) seriesChristian Heroes: Then & Now (YWAM) seriesLives of...2025-06-201h 00The Christian OptimistA Testimony of Miraculous Provision: Interview with Luckson DuverneIn this episode Pastor Raef interviews Luckson Duverne, as they discuss Luckson's miraculous testimony of God's provision. From growing up in Haiti, to surviving abuse in Florida, to Bible College, to leading an incredible ministry caring for underprivileged orphans in Haiti, Luckson's story is one that highlights the power of Christ in a life.Learn more about Faire Garden Foundation: https://www.fairegarden.org/2025-06-131h 12The Christian OptimistBiblical Counseling vs. Secular Therapy: Interview with Ellen HIn this episode Pastor Raef interviews Ellen, a member of his Church and an ACBC Certified Biblical Counselor. They discuss the differences between Biblical Counseling, Secular Therapy, and Christian Counseling, and why Christians ought to prioritize true Biblical Counseling.2025-05-281h 03The Christian OptimistChristian Prayer in the Public SpaceIn this episode Pastor Raef considers a recent prayer and time of worship in the Pentagon, and the controversy that has erupted as a result. We'll look at a healthy definition of Christian Nationalism and determine how Christian's ought to think about such an idea.https://www.christianpost.com/news/pete-hegseth-leads-prayer-to-king-jesus-during-pentagon-event.htmlhttps://www.huffpost.com/entry/pete-hegseth-christian-prayer-pentagon_n_682ee21fe4b0ef574bf58a2ahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKcOA5ojMXo2025-05-2344 minThe Christian OptimistA Protestant Response to a New PopeIn this episode Pastor Raef looks at the news that broke this week that the Roman Catholic Church has a new pope. We'll look at the history of the Roman Catholic Church and the Protestant Church and consider how we as Christians should think about the news of a new pope.Resourceshttps://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/should-know-pope-leo-xiv/https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/sola-scripture-three-views-in-church-history-on-the-relationship-between-tradition-and-scripture/https://www.modernreformation.org/resources/articles/solo-scriptura2025-05-091h 04The Christian OptimistThe Illogic of AbortionIn this episode Pastor Raef lets you into a conversation he had with a woman outside an abortion clinic in Chicago. Throughout the conversation you will see the illogic of the supporting abortion, and Raef provides commentary along the way to help understand the convo.Resourceshttps://www.factcheck.org/2015/09/planned-parenthoods-services/https://lozierinstitute.org/fact-sheet-planned-parenthoods-2022-23-annual-report/2025-04-2534 minThe Christian OptimistPhysician Assisted Suicide in Illinois - Interview with Dr. Ben GermanPastor Raef interviews Dr. Ben German to discuss what is happening in Illinois's law regarding Physician Assisted Suicide. We'll consider trends we've seen around the globe, what the law is in Illinois, and how we as Christians can think about this.2025-04-1634 minThe Christian OptimistNews Rundown: Andy Stanley, Modern Men, John PiperIn this episode Pastor Raef examines a few stories that have made their way into the news cycle. Andy Stanley, from North Point Community Church put out a video for his Church on how to engage transgender youth. New statistics reveal young men are reading their Bibles and attending church far more. John Piper makes waves by saying... what the Bible says.Resourceshttps://protestia.com/2025/03/28/exclusive-leaked-lgbtq-training-video-from-andy-stanleys-church-reveals-shocking-instructions/https://www.christianpost.com/news/more-men-turning-to-the-bible-across-every-generation.html2025-04-1152 minThe Christian Optimist105: The Persecuted Church - Interview with Andy ColemanIn this episode Pastor Raef interviews Andy Coleman, author of the soon to be released book 'The Days of Darkness'. Andy's ministry focuses primarily on the persecuted church around the globe. Using his experience in some of the most persecuted environments, he shares not only how we can stay engaged with those who are persecuted for their faith around the globe, but also warns us how we can be aware of persecution in our own culture, and how to stand courageously for Christ in the midst of it.2025-03-2057 minThe Christian OptimistEpisode 104: St. Patrick's Day SpecialA short episode where Pastor Raef looks at the historical missionary Patrick, who is celebrated every year in St. Patrick's Day.2025-03-1711 minThe Christian OptimistChrist and CultureIn this episode Pastor Raef looks back at Richard Niebuhr's classic work Christ and Culture. And we think practically about what it means for Christians to live in a modern 21st century Constitutional Republic like America. What does it mean to engage culture and politics? How do we do this faithfully? How do we do this wisely? How do we do this effectively?2025-03-0755 minThe Christian OptimistNews Rundown: IVF, Wheaton College, & Gen Z MenIn this episode, Pastor Raef goes through three separate articles from this week's news and evaluates them from a Christian worldview. First, we examine President Trump's Executive Order making IVF Treatment more accessible to American families. Second, we look at the recent controversy around Wheaton College that erupted when they removed a Facebook post celebrating their alumni Russ Vought's confirmation as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Third we look at a surprising new statistic that shows young men from Gen Z making their way back to Church.Chapters1:17 Trump...2025-02-2049 minThe Christian OptimistSingleness: Interview with Joe RiccardiPastor Raef interviews Pastor Joe Riccardi of Park Community Church Lincoln Park and discusses the topic of singleness, how to remain faithful to God, and experience his promises and blessings in and through one's singleness.ResourcesHoly Living: God's Design for Dating, Marriage, and Sex: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Q7w4mOhp130sEXSnNpH9M2025-02-1445 minThe Christian OptimistMotherhood: Interview with Sara CheneryIn this episode Pastor Raef interviews his wife, Sara, to discuss motherhood, its joys, its challenges, and ultimately to discuss the call on mother's lives to mother to the glory of God.2025-02-0746 minThe Christian OptimistThe Problem of Evil: A Covenant Theology PrimerThis week we were horrified at the news of an American Airlines flight that collided with a blackhawk helicopter outside of Washington DC. How are we as Christians to understand such tragic events? Why do these kinds of things happen in this world? And why do we long for something other, something better? In this episode, Pastor Raef gives a primer on Covenant Theology, and demonstrates how having a solid footing in good theology, and particularly in Covenant Theology, provides a basis to understand the fallen world we live in, and hope for a better future.2025-01-3157 minThe Christian OptimistPolitics: Interview with Mike RolfesIn this interview, Pastor Raef sits down and discusses Donald Trump's new presidency, along with some of the most pressing issues that not only drove him back into the White House, but have already become central issues of his presidency. We'll ask how Christians should engage and think about some of these issues.2025-01-241h 32The Christian OptimistInterview with Joel Settecase on Apologetics, Demons, and Confessional TheologyIn this episode Pastor Raef Chenery interviews Joel Settecase, President of The Think Institute. We cover a range of topics from apologetics, to the history demons, to confessional theology.Visit thethink.institute to learn more about Joel's ministry.2025-01-101h 23The Christian OptimistChristianity vs. Being WokeIn this episode Pastor Raef looks at the philosophical underpinnings of wokeism, and explores why Christians must reject this worldview and stand confidently on the Bible.2024-12-131h 01The Christian OptimistAll Your Abortion Questions AnsweredIn this episode, Pastor Raef goes through a lengthy list of common questions surrounding abortion in America. Use the Table of Contents below to navigate to the questions you're most interested in.Table of ContentsWhen does life begin (Christianity & Science)? 5:10Isn’t the pro life movement just men’s efforts to control women? 20:44Was Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood, a Eugenicist? 25:48How many abortions occur each year and what phase of development do they occur in? 32:17Aren’t abortion and miscarriage morally equivalent? 36:41What are the reasons women get abortions? 40:53Are late term aborti...2024-11-221h 40The Christian OptimistAmerican or French Revolution: Which Way Forward?In this episode Pastor Raef compares and contrasts the American and the French Revolution, and explains why he believes much of secular America is in danger of preferring the French revolutionary ideals to the American revolutionary ideals.Sourceshttps://www.heritage.org/american-history/commentary/two-revolutions-freedomhttps://youtu.be/6w-lQjygygs?si=kxUy7wscsXEdLQ9z2024-11-0849 minThe Christian OptimistThe Dangers of Godless ConservatismIn this episode Pastor Raef looks at a trend occurring in American politics, that of godless conservatism. We consider the roots of political conservatism and how it has historically been rooted in God's revelation, and why the sudden removal of that cornerstone truly puts Christians in a precarious situation politically as we look into the future.Resourceshttps://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/toward-christian-view-economicshttps://albertmohler.com/2024/07/17/the-impotence-of-secular-conservatism/https://kirkcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/API-Research-Kirk-The-Conservative-Mind.pdfhttps://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/01/opinion/republicans-religion-conservatism.html2024-10-1858 minThe Christian OptimistInterview with Aaron Renn - Life in the Negative WorldIn this episode Pastor Raef sits down with Aaron Renn, author of Life in the Negative World, and co-founder of https://americanreformer.org/. We got a chance to discuss his new book which considers what Christians need to do to think wisely and live rightly in our new "negative world", a world which is not only post-Christian, but in many ways anti-Christian.2024-09-2633 minThe Christian OptimistTaste & See that the Lord is GoodIn this episode Pastor Raef shares a message he prepared recently on Psalm 34:8 "Oh taste and see that the Lord is good."2024-09-1241 minThe Christian OptimistNephilim, Giants, and the Book of EnochIn this episode Pastor Raef digs into the fascinating passage of Genesis 6:1-4 and the story of the Nephilim, half angelic, half human giants that roamed the Earth before the flood of Noah, and even after the flood. We'll consider the fuller story of this account in Genesis that is found in the extra-biblical book of Enoch as well. Enjoy!2024-08-0757 minThe Christian OptimistEngaging Politics ChristianlyIn this episode Pastor Raef digs into politics by considering what the Bible has to say about politics. We look at five different approaches that Christians throughout the ages have taken to politics and consider them in light of history and in light of the Word of God. We'll also dabble in some relevant political commentary, all to the glory of God!https://raefchenery.com/2023/05/05/five-approaches-to-christian-political-engagement/2024-07-111h 14The Christian OptimistDavid Brainerd - A Man Mightily Used of GodIn this episode Pastor Raef looks at the life of David Brainerd, an early American missionary to the Native Americans. By studying his life together, not only will we get a wonderful picture of a life lived for the glory of God, but we'll pull out three principles for living godly lives in our own day and age.https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/history-biography/five-pioneer-missionaries/2024-06-1740 minThe Christian OptimistInterview with Sara Chenery - Homemaking: A Profound Vocation for Wives and MothersIn this episode Pastor Raef first digs into a study on Titus 2:5 and considers what it means for women today in the Church. Then Sara jumps into the conversation to discuss her own journey as a homemaker. https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/16/sport/harrison-butker-commencement-speech-analysis-cec/index.htmlhttps://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-harvest-of-homemaking2024-05-171h 03The Christian OptimistExposing Scientology's Demonic Roots - Part 2In this episode Pastor Raef completes his review of Scientology's origin, by looking briefly at the second half of L Ron Hubbard's life and the fantasy world he created around him. Additionally we'll look more big picture at how Christians ought to handle cults, and what our responsibility is in the face of cults around us.See book, Inside Scientology: The Story of America's Most Secretive Religion by Janet Reitman2024-05-0248 minThe Christian OptimistExposing Scientology's Demonic Roots Part 1In recent weeks, scientology has opened up a new location right in the South Loop of Chicago, the very same neighborhood where Pastor Raef's Church exists. In this episode, Pastor Raef exposes the roots of Scientology. Particularly we'll dig into L Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, background with the occult. This episode largely follows the general flow of the first few chapters of Janet Reitman's book 'Inside Scientology: The Story of America's Most Secretive Religion'Helpful books referenced & quoted fromThe Kingdom of the Cults Handbook: Quick Reference Guide to Alternative Belief SystemsInside Scientology: The...2024-04-1952 minThe Christian OptimistModern Men and the Loneliness EpidemicIn this episode Pastor Raef Chenery unveils the loneliness pandemic, particularly as it relates to men in our culture today. We'll look at the story of David and Jonathan and pull out five principles that men can consider when they think about building biblical faithful life-giving friendships in their lives.https://www.christianpost.com/voices/male-loneliness-the-new-epidemic.html2024-04-1252 minThe Christian OptimistFeasting on God's Word with CalvinIn this episode Pastor Raef explores Calvinism. What it is, and why he has been so personally impacted by this framework for understanding Scripture.2024-03-211h 04The Christian OptimistWe're Starting a Christian Classical School in Chicago: Interview with Erica CarrIn this episode, Pastor Raef interviews Erica Carr who serves as the Head of School for a new ministry of Park Community Church, a Christian Classical School. Whether you are a prospective parent in Chicago, or simply tuning in to learn more about classical Christian education, this episode will provide a world of information to help you learn more.Visit chicagochristianacademy.org/ to learn more.2024-02-2639 minThe Christian OptimistKilling Pornography Before it Kills YouIn this episode Pastor Raef discusses the issue of pornography in our culture, and provides biblical foundations for how we are to think about it, and how Christians are called to flee from it. To those who are battling habits and addictions with pornography, this episode will provide Biblical resources for overcoming pornography.https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/seven-promises-to-pray-against-porn2024-02-1659 minThe Christian OptimistCreation Or Evolution: An Interview with Dr. Brian ThomasIn this episode, Pastor Raef interviews Dr. Brian Thomas (Ph.D in paleobiochemistry from University of Liverpool) with the Institute for Creation Research as they discuss the topics of evolution and creation. Evolution is commonly believed to be "settled science." In reality, there is very little evidence directly supporting the evolutionary narrative, and very great evidence supporting the account of creation as provided in the Scriptures. https://www.icr.org/brian_thomas/2024-02-011h 09The Christian OptimistGod and the Nations: Interview with Dave ChildersIn this episode, Pastor Raef interviews Dave Childers who serves as the Sending Church Network Director for Upstream Collective. In the interview, they discuss God's heart for the nations, and current trends in missions around the globe.2024-01-2557 minThe Christian OptimistStanding for Life: Interview with Juan RiescoIn this episode Pastor Raef Chenery interviews Juan Riesco, with Love Life Ministries in Chicago to discuss how Christians can be more involved in standing for the sanctity of life in the womb.2024-01-1946 minThe Christian OptimistWas "homosexual" invented in 1946 due to a bad Bible translation?In this episode Pastor Raef digs into a new claim widely circulating online, and soon coming out with a full documentary, claiming that the Christian position against homosexuality is simply due to a mistranslation of a bible in 1946. Is this true? How can we know if it isn't. Further, we will dig into two ministries that have become quite popular among the gay community, Revoice Conference, and Preston Sprinkle's Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender, and discuss why these ministries are so dangerous for the Church.Resourceshttps://raefchenery.com/2023/03/03/can-impulses-and-pre-choice-desires-be-morally-culpable-sin/https://www.theguardian...2024-01-121h 04The Christian OptimistThe Old Testament Laws as New Testament ChristiansIn this episode Pastor Raef looks at the classic understanding of how to understand the Old Testament law of God as a Christian. There is great confusion over this in modern years, and there ought not be. the Bible has much to say on this topic, and as Christians we should know how to handle our Bibles well, in order to honor God with our lives.2023-12-1557 minThe Christian OptimistA Biblical Vision for ParentingIn this episode Pastor Raef talks about a Biblical vision for parenting. Before you think that this episode is only for parents, it's not. If you are a Christian, it is important for you to know what the parents in your Church are aiming to do, because you are in their Church with them. This episode is for everyone, and provides some basic historic Christian parenting tools that can assist you in raising Godly kids.2023-12-0857 minThe Christian OptimistCanada's Euthanasia ProblemIn this episode, Pastor Raef Chenery discusses the issue of legalized physician assisted suicide in Canada and how to think about this from a biblical worldview.Resourceshttps://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-services-benefits/medical-assistance-dying.htmlhttps://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2023/06/canada-legalized-medical-assisted-suicide-euthanasia-death-maid/673790/https://www.ncregister.com/cna/hungry-poor-and-disabled-canadians-now-seeking-assisted-suicidehttps://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/maid-canada-report-2022-1.70097042023-11-2744 minThe Christian OptimistJust War TheoryWe are in a season of history where war covers our news cycle. But how ought Christians think about war. What is the history of the theology of war. In this episode Pastor Raef looks at Just War Theory and considers how the history of Just War Theory can help us navigate our current times.ResourcesPiers Morgan Interview https://twitter.com/ReichmanShmuel/status/1722754621557350845?s=20Book, Ethics for a Brave New World, https://www.amazon.com/Ethics-Brave-Second-Updated-Expanded/dp/158134712X/Book, Moral Choices An Introduction to Ethics, https://www.amazon.com/Moral-Choices-Introduction-Scott-Rae/dp/0310536421/2023-11-101h 04The Christian OptimistWhy Can We Trust the Bible?In this episode, Pastor Raef jumps into one of the classic apologetics question, and frankly a question that many Christians often wonder about. After a survey of understanding what Christians believe about the Bible, we then dive into the four major categories of evidence that demonstrate the trustworthiness of Scripture.Resourceshttps://biblearchaeology.org/https://notthebee.com/article/joe-rogan-was-sad-that-theres-no-instruction-manual-for-human-existence-and-boy-do-i-have-good-news-for-him-2023-10-2755 minThe Christian OptimistIsrael & Hamas, A Biblical Starting Point for EngagementIn this episode Pastor Raef discusses the tragic war that has begun in Israel, after they were attacked by the terrorist organization Hamas. We discuss how to think about this from a Biblical perspective, a historic perspective, and a prophetic perspective. ResourcesCNN Article: https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/09/middleeast/israel-hamas-gaza-war-explained-mime-intl/index.htmlMichael Rydelnik Book: https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Arab-Israeli-Conflict-Headlines-Havent/dp/0802426239/2023-10-2054 minThe Christian OptimistThe Christian and Same Sex Attraction: An InterviewIn this episode, Pastor Raef interviews a member of the Church who shares his experiences with same sex attraction. We discuss how Christians ought to think about this topic, how it is connected to Original Sin, what our new nature in Christ has to say about it. And then, we have a brief discussion on our hyper sexualized culture and how the roots of what we are experiencing in culture today can be traced back to Karl Marx and Sigmund Freud.2023-09-221h 32The Christian OptimistEvangelism at the Abortion ClinicIn this episode Pastor Raef shares the audio of a powerful evangelistic encounter that took place outside of an abortion clinic in Chicago. Throughout the episode, we pause to examine the conversation and what we can learn about evangelism from it.2023-09-0732 minThe Christian OptimistNavigating Pride Month as a Faithful Christian (with Listener Q&A)In this episode Pastor Raef considers June in America, what has now been labeled as Pride Month. We'll consider Pride Month in general, what happened to Target, a new law regarding homosexuality in Nigeria, and then we'll take Listener Q&A focused specifically on navigating LGBTQ issues in the workplace.Articles Discussedhttps://wng.org/opinions/welcome-to-pride-month-christian-1654083759https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-65034343https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/25/business/target-lgbtq-merchandise-pressure-trans/index.html2023-06-071h 01The Christian OptimistJustification: Catholics vs. ProtestantsIn this episode Pastor Raef digs into one of the core divisions between Catholics and Protestants, the doctrine of Justification.This episode correlates to a blog post that Pastor Raef wrote on this topic that can be found here: https://raefchenery.com/2023/05/24/justification-the-great-division-between-protestant-catholics/RESOURCESAre We Together?: A Protestant Analyzes Roman Catholicism by RC Sproul https://www.amazon.com/Together-Protestant-Analyzes-Roman-Catholicism/dp/1567692826/2023-05-2546 minThe Christian OptimistChristian Adoption: Interview with Sara CheneryIn this episode Pastor Raef interviews his wife Sara Chenery as they discuss the topic of adoption. Raef and Sara have two adopted daughters through Chicago's foster care system, and Sara Chenery oversees Park Community Church's Adoption Fund. They discuss they're own journey with adoption and foster care, challenges and blessings throughout the process, practicals of what it looks like to be involved. And of course, a bit of Roman history to balance it all out. :)For more information on Park Community Church South Loop, visit http://parkcommunity.church/south-loop2023-05-121h 01The Christian OptimistMike Rolfes Discusses Chicago's New MayorIn this episode Pastor Raef sits down with Mike Rolfes, the President of Renew Chicago, to discuss politics in Chicago and the priorities of our new mayor.rewewchi.org2023-04-211h 15The Christian OptimistResponding to the Problem of Evil + Q&A (AI, Male Headship, & Identity)In this episode, Pastor Raef first discusses an apologetic response to the problem of Evil. Then takes Listener Q&A on the topics of Artificial Intelligence, Becoming All Thing to All People, and Male Headship in the Home.To learn more about Park Community Church South Loop visit: https://parkcommunity.church/south-loopTo visit Pastor Raef's blog visit: https://raefchenery.com/2023-03-241h 05The Christian OptimistJuan Riesco: Making Much of Christ (Homosexuality, Abortion, Persecution)In this episode Pastor Raef interviews Juan Riesco who leads a ministry in Chicago called Love Life Ministries aimed at caring for women with unplanned pregnancies. We discuss his conversion to Christianity, how Christ led him away from homosexuality, his remarkable story of how he tried to make much of Christ when the organization BLM violently and criminally shut his successful business down through threats and persecution, and his current work with Love Life.ResourcesTestimony of Former Abortion Provider, Dr. Anthony Levatino: https://youtu.be/j0tQZhEisaEPaint the Wall Black: The Story of...2023-02-171h 06The Christian OptimistSatan at the Grammys—The Good That Comes From ThisLast week Sam Smith & Petra's performance of their song 'unholy' was performed on live TV at the Grammy's in what was some kind of tribute or celebration of Lucifer. In this episode Pastor Raef considers this cultural moment and explores what possible good can come of something as overtly Satanic as this. We'll explore a bit of the nature of spiritual warfare and how Christians are called to "stand firm."https://nypost.com/2023/02/06/sam-smiths-satanic-grammys-performance-slammed-on-twitter/https://babylonbee.com/news/horrified-satan-distances-self-from-grammys2023-02-1051 minThe Christian OptimistListener Q&A - Holy Spirit, Yoga, Canon, Transgenderism, & PTSDIn this episode, Pastor Raef Chenery navigates different questions that have been submitted to the podcast over the last few weeks. The topic range for theology to pastoral care.Quotes from Charles Hodge Systematic Theologyhttps://www.amazon.com/Systematic-Theology-Charles-Hodge-ebook/dp/B00EB9XBY82023-02-0251 minThe Christian OptimistPolyamory—The New Front on the Sexual RevolutionIn this episode Pastor Raef digs into a new front on the sexual revolution, that of Polyamory (when a person has one or more romantic partners at the same time, with the enthusiastic consent of everyone involved). What should Christians think about this? And what are the Gospel implications? Article Referenceshttps://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/four-parents-who-all-fell-in-love-open-up-about-their-polyfamory/ar-AA16LtTMhttps://www.instyle.com/lifestyle/polyamorous-relationshiphttps://www.aol.com/news/mom-dad-mom-dad-one-234521185.htmlhttps://www.today.com/parents/parents/spouse-comes-out-gay-rcna19118https://www.psychologytoday.com/us...2023-01-2640 minThe Christian OptimistFive Disciplines to Deepen Your Resolve in ChristIn this episode Pastor Raef digs into 5 disciplines every person ought to develop in their life as they develop their faith, and reveals 3 traps that will keep you from the godly/disciplined life. A critical message for us as we head into the new year.2022-12-3140 minThe Christian OptimistThe Controversy Around Christian NationalismIn this episode Pastor Raef looks at the historic conversation around Christian Nationalism by digging into Two Kingdom Theology. If you've heard the phrase 'Christian Nationalism' and are looking for a bit of a primer, this is a great place to start.2022-12-2244 minThe Christian OptimistAbortion — Facing Our CriticsIn this episode Pastor Raef and Josh discuss the fallout from the overturning of Roe v. Wade, particularly looking at heated exchanges that took place on a Social Media post Pastor Raef had on Facebook celebrating the end of Roe v. Wade, much of the heated exchange coming from other Christians. How should handle ourselves in those situations? How do we act and love like Christ? Additionally we'll deal with two user questions, one on the Lectio Divina, the other on translation questions.User Questions Begin at 43:122022-11-031h 02The Christian OptimistIs The Church Going in the Wrong Direction?In this episode Pastor Raef and Josh Fried look at Ligonier Ministry's State of Theology, a bi-annual survey that tracks the theological convictions of Evangelicals. In the second half we ask a user question around how to navigate a family relationship with a transitioning sibling.See this episode for more info on the Transgender Conversation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374628/10317285-the-transgender-controversy-in-women-s-sportsUnderstanding Gender Dysphoria by Mark Yarhouse: https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Gender-Dysphoria-Transgender-Psychological/dp/0830828591/2022-10-0448 minThe Christian OptimistCan I Trust the Bible?In this episode Pastor Raef discusses the Bible, which forms the basis for Christian knowledge of God. The bulk of this content was originally taught during a Systematic Theology course in 2021 at Park Community Church. In it we discuss what the Bible is? How did it come to be? How do we know it is authoritative? When was it written? What are competing ideas about the Scriptures? All of this is aimed at deepening your resolve in Christ and confidence in the Word of God.2022-05-2045 min