Notes from the Way

NFTW #021--A "Kingdom of God" perspective on the election; Are you a Christian atheist?

nftw@sbcglobal.net (Richard J.) — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:53:32 PST

The election is over! How do Christians put everything into the right perspective?

Also, are you a Christian atheist?

Listen here:

Or download this episode by right-clicking here.

Here’s a link to Wyman Richardson’s very thoughtful blog post.

Read 1 Peter 1:17-21.

NFTW #020--Doing church vs. being the church; Becoming who you are...

nftw@sbcglobal.net (Richard J.) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 15:37:21 PDT

One church closed last Sunday so that its attendees could “be” the church. What would it mean if we all were committed to living out a New Testament faith?

Also, are you trying to squeeze yourself into a life that doesn’t fit you anymore?

Listen to the podcast here:

Or download by right-clicking here.

Here’s the Christian Post article I read.

And, here’s 1 Peter 1:13-17 from Bible Gateway.

NFTW #019--How Christians use their money; Your false beliefs may be dragging you down!

nftw@sbcglobal.net (Richard J.) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 17:52:21 PDT

Christians have an opportunity to end a lot of suffering in the world. But we'll have to change the way we use our money. Will we do it?

Also, do you have false beliefs that get between you and God?

Listen to the podcast here:

Or right-click here to download!

Here is the ABP article I quote from...

NFTW #018--Campaigning from the pulpit; Having joy during hard times

nftw@sbcglobal.net (Richard J.) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:55:24 PDT

Some pastors are endorsing presidential candidates from the pulpit. How would Jesus handle this?

How can Peter say that we can “greatly rejoice” during times of suffering and hardship?

Download this episode here.

Listen to it here:

Here's the link to the AP article I mentioned.

1 Peter 1:6-9

NFTW #017--What are we spending our money ?; What is God keeping for us?

nftw@sbcglobal.net (Richard J.) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:36:47 PDT

We need to pray for believers in India.

A new survey causes me to ask: What should we be spending our money on?

Also, What does God keep for us?

Listen here:

Right-click here to download this podcast!

Here is the story on the trouble in India.

This is the story of the survey on what churches are raising money for.

NFTW #016--Do Christians and politics mix?; God is finished with you!

nftw@sbcglobal.net (Richard J.) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:49:04 PDT

Can Christians depend on government to change what's wrong with the world?

Also, I've got news: God is finished with you!

Click on the post title to download this bit of digital perfection, or click here to listen:

I can't find the link to the Christian Post story. If you can find it, you're doing better than I am...

NFTW # 015--Relationships; Adopted by God!

nftw@sbcglobal.net (Richard J.) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:29:26 PDT

Which type of ministry honors God more: big evangelistic campaigns, or building relationships that lead to evangelism?

Also, the reality is that we are God's adopted children. What does that mean?

2 Stories from bpnews.net: Relationships key to college ministries
Jesus calls us to sow as we go

To download the podcast, just right-click on the post title.

Or, listen here:

NFTW #014--Emotion vs. Doctrine; What does kingdom life look like?

nftw@sbcglobal.net (Richard J.) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:25:52 PDT

There's a fight between emotion and doctrine. Which side are you on?

And, Jesus said the kingdom of God is inside us. What does that mean?

Listen here:

Or, download the episode by right-clicking on the post title...

NFTW #013--Pushing back against the atheists; Who/What are you trusting in?

nftw@sbcglobal.net (Richard J.) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 01:19:02 PDT

Atheists are getting bolder and more militant. How should Christians respond?

Also, which candidate should Christians be putting their trust in?

Listen here:

Or, click on the post title to download the podcast...

NFTW #012--Living in a post-Christian world; What do we do with a fallen believer?

nftw@sbcglobal.net (Richard J.) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:54:09 PDT

Most Christians believe that homosexuality is wrong. How do believers live out their faith in a culture that celebrates "alternative lifestyles?"

Also, once another believer's sin is exposed, how should other Christians respond?

Listen here:

Or, you can click on the post title to download the podcast.

Here is one article I used: On the California court case, look here.

NFTW #011--Why don't men go to church? We're on a mission from God...

nftw@sbcglobal.net (Richard J.) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:05:56 PDT

After a long hiatus, I'm finally back with a new podcast! In this episode, I'll try to figure out why men don't like to go to church. Also, what does Jesus' mission, described in Luke 4, tell us about how we interact with people?

Listen to this fun, action-filled extravaganza by clicking this post's title, or you can click on the play button here:

Here's a link to the article on attracting men to church.

NFTW #010--Buying China-made products; Good news: God is at work in us!

nftw@sbcglobal.net (Richard J.) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 01:06:37 PST

In this episode, we look at whether Christians should buy products made in China, a country where the government imprisons, tortures, and even kills Christians.

Also, there's good news for all of us. God has promised to work on us until He's made us the people He wants us to be!

Here are links to the stuff I mentioned:
China stories: here and here and here.

The Grace Roots blog.

Listen to the podcast here:

NFTW #009--Christian books that make great Christmas gifts!

nftw@sbcglobal.net (Richard J.) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 22:37:10 PST

Listen to the podcast here!

Here are the books I talk about in this episode:

The Church in the House by Robert Fitts

Under the Overpass by Mike Yankoski

To Own a Dragon by Donald Miller and John MacMurray

A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards

The Insider by Jim Petersen and Mike Shamy

Kingdom Triangle by J. P. Moreland

Go forth and buy!

Let me know what you think...

NFTW #008--Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?; Bearing each others burdens

nftw@sbcglobal.net (Richard J.) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 02:00:24 PST

Listen to it now!

This week we'll jump into the controversy surrounding Christians shopping at stores that celebrate the "Holidays" instead of Christmas. My question is this: is that the most important consideration for Christians this Christmas season?

Also, how does God reveal Himself in our lives through other believers?

Here are some links to the Christmas shopping dilemma:

The Christian Post article. Here's how Chinese Christians celebrate.
The Naughty and Nice list.

Joel's great post on openness and vulnerability got me thinking about Galatians 6.

Let me know what you think!

NFTW #007--Big changes at Willow Creek; What foundation is your life built upon?

nftw@sbcglobal.net (Richard J.) — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 19:24:30 PST

Listen to the podcast now!

This I took a look at what's good and bad about the recent changes at Willow Creek Community Church. Also, Jesus wanted to make sure our lives are built on the right foundations...

Here's the video about what's going on at Willow Creek.

If you want to know more about the persecuted church, this is one place to look.

Let me know what you think!

NFTW #006--Who should Christians vote for?; God wants all kinds of people in His family!

nftw@sbcglobal.net (Richard J.) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 21:48:28 PST

Listen to it now!

Episode 6 is here, and I can't help myself--I've got to comment on all the silliness surrounding the Mitt Romney campaign. I mean, I know he's a Mormon, but is that reason enough not to vote for him?

Also, it seems that Jesus ministered to all sorts of people when He was here. And, his 12 disciples came from very different backgrounds. What does that tell us about the heart of God?

Here's a link to the Romney article.

Let me know what you think!

NFTW #005--Why is this seminary president in trouble?; God as the perfect Father

nftw@sbcglobal.net (Richard J.) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 21:49:59 PST

Listen to it here:

This week, 3 topics on the table:

I'm asking that you'll pray for the folks who are affected by the southern California fires.
How did a guy smart enough to be a Southern Baptist seminary president get into this much trouble?
What did Jesus mean when He said God is our Father?

Here are some links:

Give to help in the fire relief.

Here's the article about Paige Patterson, and why he's dropped himself into hot water.

Let me know what you think!

NFTW #004--Book review: "The Insider"; Finding common ground; Do I believe what the Bible clearly says?

nftw@sbcglobal.net (Richard J.) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 21:51:50 PST

Listen to it now!

This week, I tell you about a book that has made a big difference in my life. It's called The Insider, by Jim Petersen. Go get it!

I also have some thoughts on this article from the Christian Post. Can evangelicals and progressives find common political ground? I'm not sure that we're asking the right questions.

Also, the Bible is really clear about how God feels about me. Why do I have trouble believing it?

Take care, everybody! If you have a question, comment, or idea, let me know in the comments, or at nftw@sbcglobal.net.

NFTW #003--Ministry to the poor; Evangelizing the military; Do we want God working in us?

nftw@sbcglobal.net (Richard J.) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 21:53:31 PST

Listen to it now!

Well, I got episode 3 out, despite major computer issues. The basic topics for the podcast are in the post title. I'll try to update this as soon as the evil spirits leave my computer....

Here are the links:

The intro/outro music was from Jacques Grant.
The cool classical-style guitar was by Deyo.

The book can be bought here.
Military evangelism article right here.

Waye Jacobsen's excellent podcast can be found here.

NFTW #002--Why we build up leaders; What have I placed between God and me?

nftw@sbcglobal.net (Richard J.) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 21:54:52 PST

Listen to it now!

This week, I've got some opinions about the recent spate of marital troubles involving well-known preachers. My take might be a bit surprising.

Also, I believe that everybody, including Christians, try to hide from God. Why? Have I put up any barriers between myself and God? Those are the questions we'll kick around during our time looking at the Bible.

Hope you enjoy! If you have any comments or questions, leave 'em here, or at nftw@sbcglobal.net.

Here are the links to the stuff I mentioned and the music I use:

The intro/outro music was from Jacques Grant.
The cool classical-style guitar was by Deyo.

The story about the divorces of the Whites and Weeks/Bynum is here.
The always-terrific LarkNews.com did a great satire of the Whites' divorce circus.

See you next time!

For Podcast Alley...

nftw@sbcglobal.net (Richard J.) — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 00:04:34 PDT

My Podcast Alley feed! {pca-79861a672a898ba1a25f10e4b6dc8626}

The first actual podcast!

nftw@sbcglobal.net (Richard J.) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 21:55:53 PST

Listen to it now!

This is the first real podcast that's going out to everyone. You can hear it by clicking here, or on the title of this post.

Here's the info on the music I used:

The intro/outro music was from Jacques Grant.
The cool classical/style guitar was by Deyo.

The stories came from these sources:

Our first news story was at Christian Post.com.
The second one came from The Barna Group.

More later. Let me know what you think...

The podcast logo!

nftw@sbcglobal.net (Richard J.) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 23:01:32 PDT

This is the podcast logo. I like it!