Real Life Theology Podcast

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We renew the teachings of Jesus to fuel disciple making. We envision disciple-making disciples among all nations and ethnic groups. The Renew.org Network Podcast champions all biblical truth, including hard topics, by sharing discussions, webinars, public presentations and other similar resources. read less
Religion & SpiritualityReligion & Spirituality

Episodes

Navigating Complex Cultural and Ethical Questions as a Christian Leader
Apr 16 2024
Navigating Complex Cultural and Ethical Questions as a Christian Leader
Navigating Complex Cultural and Ethical Questions as a Christian Leader (feat. Chad Ragsdale and Daniel McCoy). This video script discusses how Christian leaders can thoughtfully navigate difficult cultural and ethical questions while staying true to their faith. The conversation covers a wide range of topics including handling accusations of Christian nationalism, preaching on controversial topics, engaging with culture wars, and the Christian approach to professions that involve ethical complexities like military service. It emphasizes the importance of understanding different perspectives, showing grace, and having nuanced, informed convictions that don’t compromise on core beliefs. The talk also addresses how to deal with disagreements within the Christian community and the significance of not allowing cultural issues to dictate the focus of the church’s message. Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction to Hypothetical Scenarios 00:08 Dealing with Criticism as a Church Leader 01:00 Understanding the Importance of Relationship in Communication 02:06 Addressing Misunderstandings within the Church 04:04 Navigating Political Conversations in the Church 05:23 Balancing Biblical Teachings and Current Issues 06:54 Addressing Controversial Topics in the Church 08:34 The Role of Church Leaders in Guiding their Congregation 11:12 Navigating Family Disagreements on Cultural Issues 13:53 Understanding the Complexity of Christian Beliefs 20:16 Addressing Differences in Teaching within the Church 24:44 Navigating Concerns about Media References in Sermons 26:35 Creative Approaches to Introducing Jesus 27:53 Addressing Criticisms of Church Spending 28:18 Navigating Cultural Criticisms and Cynicism 29:24 The Role of Extravagance in Worship 29:55 Debating Church Resource Allocation 32:06 Navigating Disagreements on Cultural Celebrations 34:44 The Intersection of Christianity and Fantasy 39:16 Navigating the Decision to Join the Military as a Christian 44:22 Understanding the Nuances of Christian Engagement with Culture 49:25 The Importance of Accuracy and Conviction in Apologetics   Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering
Navigating Complex Issues in Faith and Modern Life
Apr 9 2024
Navigating Complex Issues in Faith and Modern Life
Navigating Complex Issues in Faith and Modern Life (feat. Chad Ragsdale and Daniel McCoy). This extensive discourse features a dialogue with Chad Ragsdale, discussing how various philosophies outside the church influence Christian thinking negatively, with a focus on emotional reasoning and the impact of technology on faith. Ragsdale expresses concerns over the church's adaptation to modern cultures, emphasizing the need for sober-mindedness against hollow and deceptive philosophies. The conversation also explores the conflict between following one's heart versus adhering to biblical truths, the challenges posed by a technologically driven culture, and the philosophical shift towards a therapeutic societal approach. Further, it delves into practical applications of faith in modern societal roles like the military and law enforcement, touching on navigating political landscapes as Christians. The dialogue also touches on dealing with disagreements within the church community, the importance of nuance in forming convictions, and balancing the dynamic between embracing cultural shifts and maintaining spiritual integrity. Get the Book Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and the Dangers of External Philosophies 00:51 The Seduction of Emotional Reasoning 02:29 The Impact of Technology on Our Thought Processes 03:41 The Influence of Artificial Intelligence on Our Lives 04:46 The Dangers of Offloading Our Abilities to Technology 06:57 The Influence of Emotional Reasoning and Technology on Our Faith 07:11 The Struggle to Cultivate a Genuine Inner Life 09:19 The Impact of Moral Therapeutic Deism on Our Decisions 12:34 The Role of Church Leaders in Addressing Cultural Philosophies 19:14 The Importance of Deep Thinking in Our Spiritual Life 22:00 The Challenge of Addressing Controversial Issues in the Church 22:50 Navigating Disagreements and Differences 23:01 Understanding the Complexity of Social Issues 23:05 The Role of Passion and Perspective in Faith   Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering
Navigating Differences and Fostering Unity among Christians
Apr 2 2024
Navigating Differences and Fostering Unity among Christians
Navigating Differences and Fostering Unity among Christians in Today's Culture (feat. Chad Ragsdale and Daniel McCoy). In today’s episode we continue the discussion on how Christians can navigate differences within their community and engage with the broader culture effectively. Today’s episode explores the concept of postures versus gestures, emphasizing the need for biblical wisdom to discern when certain responses are appropriate. The discussion highlights the dangers of adopting rigid postures, like hostility or accommodation, as one's default position towards cultural issues and the importance of a balanced, thoughtful approach. Specific issues such as political courage, the transgender moment, and the porn industry are mentioned as examples requiring discernment. The speaker introduces the problems posed by 'Heresy Hunters' and 'Tower Topplers' within the church, individuals who create divisiveness by labeling others too quickly or attacking their beliefs. To combat these issues and foster unity, the presentation suggests focusing on faith, asking two key questions to understand others better, recognizing the importance of different levels of doctrinal importance, and thinking like a missionary to connect more effectively both within the church and with the outside world. The role of empathy, grace, and technology's impact on our ability to think well are also discussed as part of the broader challenge of maintaining Christian unity in a post-Christian culture.   This session was filmed at Ozark Christian College  Get the Book   Watch the Video    Key Takeaways  0:00 Episodes 2 The Disciples Mind Workshop (Ozark CC)  05:32 The Role of Humility in Thinking 07:26 The Importance of Thinking Well 07:39 The Role of Thinking in Connecting with Others 08:09 The Power of Thoughtful Leadership 09:02 The Impact of Disunity in the Church 09:32 The Three Worlds of Evangelicalism 10:49 The Challenge of Hostility Within the Church 11:06 The Dangers of Heresy Hunters and Tower Topplers 16:45 The Role of Thinking in Promoting Unity 17:00 Four Key Elements to Consider for Unity 18:29 The Importance of Empathy and Understanding   Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering
Navigating Faith and Thinking Critically in Today’s World
Mar 26 2024
Navigating Faith and Thinking Critically in Today’s World
Navigating Faith and Thinking Critically in Today’s World (feat. Chad Ragsdale and Daniel McCoy). Welcome back to the Real Life Theology Podcast. In today's episode, Chad Ragsdale, the Academic Dean at Ozark, and Daniel McCoy, the Editorial Director for Renew.org, explore the importance of critical thinking and a biblical worldview for Christians navigating today’s complex cultural challenges. This session was taken live from an Event at Ozark Christian College, therefore I am honored to get to share it with you today. They introduce their new book, 'The Disciple's Mind,' aimed at encouraging Christians to think more biblically and critically. The session includes discussions on the impact of competing ideas in society, the necessity of loving God with our minds, and practical advice on promoting unity and thoughtful engagement within the church. The speakers also address common obstacles to effective thinking, such as tribalism, emotional reasoning, and the influence of technology. This insightful session, enriched by audience interaction, emphasizes the importance of wisdom, understanding, and empathy in our responses to both cultural issues and within church communities. This session was filmed at Ozark Christian College  Get the Book   Watch the Video   Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 04:11 Presenters' Background and Purpose of the Session 08:05 The Importance of Thinking Biblically and Critically 09:52 Historical Examples of Destructive Ideas 13:42 The Need for Discipleship of the Mind 14:51 Understanding the World as a Christian   Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering
Faith and Unity: A Restoration Movement Conversation with Jason Ishmael
Mar 19 2024
Faith and Unity: A Restoration Movement Conversation with Jason Ishmael
The Journey of Faith and Unity: A Conversation with Jason Ishmael Today we feature Jason Ishmeal, lead pastor of Antioch Christian Church in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area. Daniel and Jason talk about the Restoration movement, some of its history but they emphasize the conversation about unity and faith in our culture today. In this episode Jason discusses his early calling to ministry, the influence of his diverse religious upbringing, and his pastoral journey at the church in Eastern Iowa. Jason Ishmael shares insights into his passion for unity within the church, derived from his extensive study in Church History and Historical Theology, looking critically at both the past division and potential for unity within Christianity. Drawing from his education and personal experiences, he emphasizes the importance of unity, not for its own sake but as a mission to follow Jesus’s command to spread the Gospel. The discussion also goes into the challenges and opportunities of leading a church within the Restoration Movement, fostering a community geared towards discipleship, and leveraging every aspect of church life towards fulfilling the Great Commission. If you are interested in more conversations about Unity, Faith, the restoration movement and more visit Renew.org.  Get the Book:   Watch the Video    Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction to Jason Ishmael and Antioch Christian Church 00:48 Jason's Early Calling to Ministry and Religious Background 02:30 Finding a Vibrant Community of Faith 04:06 The Impact of Antioch Christian Church in Eastern Iowa 06:12 Jason's Academic Journey in Church History and Theology 08:16 Exploring the Challenges and Controversies in Church History 15:46 Discovering the Restoration Movement 20:37 Restoration Movement Principles in Leadership 22:32 Reflecting on Restoration Movement History and Unity 29:19 The Gathering and Discipleship Strategies Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering
Unity, Truth, and Winning the World to Christ
Mar 12 2024
Unity, Truth, and Winning the World to Christ
Exploring the Core Values of the Restoration Movement. Unity, Truth, and Winning the World to Christ (feat. Daniel McCoy and Dr. Rick Cherok).    Today’s episode dives into the significance of the Restoration Movement, emphasizing its focus on unity and truth. Daniel McCoy Editorial Director for RENEW.org and Dr. Rick Cherok, a history professor at Ozark Christian college highlights the value of the Restoration movement. They emphasize Jesus' prayer for unity and the importance of adhering to God's word. The Restoration Movement is portrayed as a call to return to the biblical church model, continuously reforming the church to align with scripture. The discussion covers the movement's goal of showing a unified Christian witness in a divided world, touching on social justice and collaboration across denominations. Personal anecdotes illustrate the perils of division among Christians and stress the importance of embodying Christ to the world. They further explore the concept of unity, balancing essential and non-essential doctrines, and the challenges of defining truth. Historical figures and their perspectives on error, heresy, and scripture's transformative power are also discussed. The need for ongoing church reform and the importance of restoration movement principles like unity, truth, and evangelization for the modern church are emphasized, cautioning against straying from these foundational values.   Get the Book:   Watch The Video      Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction to the Restoration Movement 01:22 The Importance of Unity and Truth in the Church 03:12 The Restoration Movement's Approach to Church Unity 05:47 The Role of the Church in Society 06:59 Understanding Biblical Unity 07:32 The Essentials and Non-Essentials of Scripture 10:18 The Importance of Scripture in Guiding Church Practices 12:44 The Role of the Restoration Movement in Modern Christianity 17:19 The Importance of Church Heritage and Connection 21:05 The Balance Between Unity and Truth in the Church 22:59 The Dangers of Overemphasizing Unity or Truth 28:29 Conclusion: The Faith Once for All   Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering
Who is Alexander Campbell? (feat. Dr. Rick Cherok and Daniel McCoy)
Mar 5 2024
Who is Alexander Campbell? (feat. Dr. Rick Cherok and Daniel McCoy)
[Part 2] Today's episode of the Real Life Theology Podcast goes deep into the life, contributions, and challenges faced by the influential religious reformer, Alexander Campbell. It explores Campbell's journey from Ireland to America, his relentless commitment to delivering biblical Christianity, and his drive for unity. Dr. Rick Cherok, a keen admirer of Campbell, a well known professor of history at Ozark Christian College, discusses lesser-known aspects of Campbell's life, including his tenacity, fearlessness, and ability to remain constant in achieving his goals, as well as engrossing personal anecdotes. The interview further illuminates Campbell's far-reaching impact as a powerful Christian apologist of the pre-Civil War era in America, his role in sparking social reform, and how his life and beliefs could be relevant for 21st-century Christians seeking a biblical justice route not grounded in liberalism. The narrative highlights Campbell's resilience even in the face of significant adversity and underscores his fervent faith and dedication to his mission of bringing the world to Christ, which shaped his powerful legacy. Get the Book:   Watch the Video      Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction to Alexander Campbell 00:18 Campbell's Journey to America 00:36 Campbell's Early Life and Education 01:00 Campbell's Influence and Recognition 01:26 Campbell's Role in Biblical Christianity 01:57 Campbell's Publishing Endeavors 02:28 Campbell's Debates and Theological Discussions 03:37 Campbell's Encounter with Robert Owen 06:28 Campbell's Influence and Legacy 07:36 Campbell's Vision for Evangelism 09:51 Campbell's Approach to Social Reform 18:41 Admiring Campbell's Characteristics 22:26 Conclusion: Reflecting on Campbell's Life 22:49 Campbell's Struggles and Faith Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering
The Vertical Rhythms For Connecting With God (feat. Daniel McCoy and Andrew Jit)
Feb 20 2024
The Vertical Rhythms For Connecting With God (feat. Daniel McCoy and Andrew Jit)
On this episode of the Real Life Theology Podcast Andrew Jitt and Daniel McCoy discuss the vertical rhythms of life and the significance of disciple making. They share insights from their book and highlight the experiences of individuals from around the world who have embraced these rhythms of faith. They also discuss the importance of cultivating a relationship with God, the different ways to engage with the Bible, and the importance of bringing tough questions and doubts into the light. The episode concludes with a conversation about the significance of prayer and how to make a difference in the world through living out the rhythms of faith.   Get the Book Rhythms:  Read the Series:                                         Real Life Theology Conversations     Real Life Theology Handbook                  Real Life Theology   Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:34 Exploring the Rhythms of Disciple Making 00:36 The Importance of Disciple Making in Faith 00:36 The Role of Relationships in Disciple Making 00:36 The Challenges and Rewards of Disciple Making 00:38 The Power of Prayer in Disciple Making 02:05 The Role of the Bible in Disciple Making 08:46 Keeping the Faith: A Disciple's Journey 13:56 Making a Difference: The Impact of Disciple Making 15:54 Conclusion: The Legacy of Disciple Making 22:57 Closing Remarks and Future Plans Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering
The Internal Rhythms for knowing yourself (feat. Daniel McCoy and Andrew Jit)
Feb 6 2024
The Internal Rhythms for knowing yourself (feat. Daniel McCoy and Andrew Jit)
"How do we live out our identity, our purpose, our meaning?"  This episode of the Real Life Theology Podcast we continue our conversation on Rhythms looking at the Internal Rhythms and dealing with the How Tos of the christian faith. Daniel McCoy and Andrew Jit discuss themes of self-discovery, identity, and life management. The discussion weaves around the ideas presented in the book 'Rhythms', focusing on the importance of knowing oneself, finding identity in God, and developing healthy habits. The talk further highlights the significance of managing personal life and recognizing one's purpose, along with the need to evaluate daily habits for a fulfilling life. It explores the idea of living in community and understanding the influence of different aspects of our lives on our future. Daniel McCoy and Andrew walk us through an internal view of ourselves, answering questions such as why it is important to know yourself? Or what does it mean to manage your life?    Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and the Book 'Rhythms' 00:42 Understanding the Importance of Self-Knowledge 01:28 Exploring the Concept of Identity in God 07:35 The Role of Personality Profiles in Self-Understanding 12:26 The Importance of Managing Your Life 20:52 Seeing the Future Through the Lens of Faith 24:13 Learning and Unlearning Habits for a Better Life 28:44 The Power of Community in Personal Growth 28:44 Conclusion and Invitation to the National Gathering   Get the Book Rhythms:  Read the Series:                                         Real Life Theology Conversations     Real Life Theology Handbook                  Real Life Theology     Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering
Rhythms: The How Tos of Christian Life (feat. Daniel McCoy and Andrew Jit)
Jan 30 2024
Rhythms: The How Tos of Christian Life (feat. Daniel McCoy and Andrew Jit)
OVERWHELMED BY LIFE? SLOW DOWN AND LEARN THE HOW TOS. Today we launch a brand new series on Renew.org's latest book Rhythms. We get to feature a behind the scenes discussion between authors Daniel McCoy and Andrew Jit. In 'Rhythms: How To Live Out Real Life Theology,' Daniel McCoy, and Andrew Jit explore key spiritual practices and how to incorporate them into daily life. Throughout their discussions, they highlight tools for personal growth, including how to connect with people of different worldviews, manage life effectively, forgive others, and maintain faith. This episode also features captivating interviews and personal stories, demonstrating the application of these spiritual rhythms. From developing a regular prayer habit to disciple-making methods in line with biblical principles, they provide a comprehensive guide for spiritual growth.  Furthermore, they go into guiding disciples in understanding and living out real-life theology through the cultivation of spiritual practices and rhythms. This episode features tangible tools to grow deeper in faith and walk closer with the Lord. It highlights key elements such as understanding one's identity in Christ, managing life, connecting earnestly with people of different worldviews, cultivating habits of forgiveness, and persevering in faith. They shift from the theoretical to the practical, bridging scriptural truths to daily living, hence, making the Christian life both doable and life-giving. They provide different insights, ranging from developing internal rhythms to connecting with people holistically and grasping the importance of discipleship. As much as the scripture content is essential, the practical outworking of these scriptural truths in daily encounters is vital. Daniel and Andrew share personal stories from different walks of life, today's episode presents a colorful mosaic of real-life testimonies demonstrating these rhythms in action. Whether you're a seasoned believer keeping the faith or a new believer learning to read the Bible or pray, there are practical resources for everyone. Tune into the Real Life Theology Podcast for an enriching exploration into integral Christian living, and a journey into viewing life through the lens of real-life theology. Come back next week as we dive deeper into the Rhythms of Christian life.   Key Takeaways:  0:00 Rhythms: How To Live Out Real Life Theology   02:10 The Purpose of the Book 'Rhythms' 04:35 The Importance of Practicality in Faith 05:29 The Role of Music and Rhythms in Faith 36:26 Exploring Our Relationship with God 37:09 Keeping the Faith and Making a Difference   Get the Book Rhythms:  Read the Series:                                         Real Life Theology Conversations     Real Life Theology Handbook                  Real Life Theology     Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering
The Profound Impact of the Sermon on the Mount (feat. Jeremy Bacon and Daniel McCoy)
Jan 16 2024
The Profound Impact of the Sermon on the Mount (feat. Jeremy Bacon and Daniel McCoy)
In this episode speakers Jeremy Bacon and Daniel McCoy delve into the transformative power of the Sermon on the Mount. They talk about how the sermon's teachings apply to real-life situations, advising on how to value people more, show respect, and deal with issues such as contempt. The conversation highlights how the sermon has helped Jeremy, particularly during the challenging times of the pandemic and in his professional life, underscoring its relevance to living in today's world. They further discuss the significance of the sermon's teachings in ethical decisions, parenting, overcoming judgmentalism, and fostering a healthier perspective towards ourselves and others.   To get a copy of Jeremy's book: https://www.amazon.com/Sermon-Mount-Days-Learning-Kingdom/dp/1959467158/    Key Takeaways:  00:01:01 Personal Impact of the Sermon on the Mount 00:01:22 Theological Reflections on the Sermon on the Mount 00:03:09 Seeing Jesus as a Genius 00:05:27 Applying the Sermon on the Mount in Daily Life 00:07:40 The Sermon on the Mount and Wisdom Literature 00:11:28 The Sermon on the Mount and Ethics 00:19:49 The Sermon on the Mount and Values 00:20:45 The Sermon on the Mount and Contempt  00:28:47 Applying the Sermon on the Mount in Parenting 00:30:20 Conclusion   To read a blog post from Renew.org on the Sermon on the Mount click here: https://renew.org/sermon-on-the-mount-building-your-house/    Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering