Practice Makes Faithful

Season 3, Episode 21 • In These Last Days • In View of His Appearing, the Why Behind the What!

Wed, 31 May 2023 10:01:14 GMT

This month Paul and Ben have been working through a series called In These Last Days. This series is drawn directly from the text of 2 Timothy, a letter written by the apostle Paul to his disciple Timothy. This letter is full of encouragement, exhortation, and guidance about how to handle situations that arise within the context of church leadership.This week as we wrap up the series, Ben and Paul talk about the importance of remembering why we do what we do. As followers of Jesus, we often become distracted, and can sometimes become so focused on what we are doing, that we forget why we are doing it. In the fourth chapter of 2 Timothy, the apostle Paul reminds Timothy of the reasons why he does what he does. These reasons will help to anchor our lives in Jesus as we seek to faithfully follow Hi.We love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Reach out to us at practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com!

Season 3, Episode 20 • In These Last Days • Is This The END??!!

Wed, 24 May 2023 10:01:24 GMT

This month Paul and Ben are working through a series called In These Last Days. This series is drawn directly from the text of 2 Timothy, a letter written by the apostle Paul to his disciple Timothy. This letter is full of encouragement, exhortation, and guidance about how to handle situations that arise within the context of church leadership.This week we look at Paul's words to Timothy that exist as a striking warning from 2 Timothy 3:1, "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days." From Paul's perspective, as he wrote to his young disciple from a jail cell in Rome in AD 67, he was already living in the last days. But that raises an interesting question...what did it mean for Paul to say that he was living in the last days? What does it mean for us, today? Join us for this conversation!We love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Reach out to us at practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com!

Season 3, Episode 19 • In These Last Days • The Principle of the Crazy Farmer!!!

Wed, 17 May 2023 10:01:33 GMT

Last week Paul and Ben began a new series for the month of May called In These Last Days. This series is drawn directly from the text of 2 Timothy, a letter written by the apostle Paul to his disciple Timothy. This letter is full of encouragement, exhortation, and guidance about how to handle situations that arise within the context of church leadership.This week we work through 2 Timothy 2:1-13 and the apostle Paul's challenge to Timothy to live as a generational disciple maker. This is the call for all who follow Jesus--to live as Paul's friend Josh Howard says--the life of a "crazy farmer," sowing the seed of the gospel everywhere we go.We love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Reach out to us at practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com!

Season 3, Episode 18 • In These Last Days • Fan the Flame

Wed, 10 May 2023 10:01:40 GMT

This week Paul and Ben begin a new series for the month of May called In These Last Days. This series will come directly from the text of 2 Timothy, a letter written by the apostle Paul to his disciple Timothy. This letter is full of encouragement, exhortation, and guidance about how to handle situations that arise within the context of church leadership.This week we work through the implications of the apostle Paul's challenge to Timothy to fan to flame the gift of God that lives within them. As we live in a time where young people who are raised "in church" continue to walk away from the Church in their young adult years in alarming numbers, Paul and Ben talk through some strategies to pass on a stronger more resilient faith to the next generation.We love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Reach out to us at practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com!Additional Resources:Sticky Faith: Kara Powell and Chap Clarkhttps://www.amazon.com/Sticky-Faith-audiobook/dp/B005OB66QC/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=sticky+faith+by+kara+powell&qid=1683644880&sprefix=sticky+fairh%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-1Room for Doubt with Dr. Richard Knopp (An excellent resource for working through tough questions)https://roomfordoubt.com

Season 3, Episode 17 • By Design • Embracing Faithfulness In Spite of Brokenness

Wed, 03 May 2023 10:01:42 GMT

This week Paul and Ben wrap up the series called By Design. During these three weeks, they have talked through the difficult and oftentimes controversial subjects connected to the topics of sex, sexuality, and gender. The primary aim has been to engage this conversation with the Bible, which we believe is the divinely inspired Word of God, as our starting point. As we do so, we want to be like Jesus, who came from the Father full of grace and truth--with that in mind our deep desire is to be filled in equal measure with the grace and truth of Jesus.In the first week of this series, Paul described God's intent for sex, sexuality and gender at the moment of creation. God's design was perfect and good. But Adam and Eve's sin brought brokenness into the world. All of creation has been caught in a struggle against that brokenness since the time of the fall (Genesis 3). Today, the conversation centers on the call to embrace faithfulness to God in spite of the reality of human brokenness. Join Paul and Ben for this incredibly important conversation.We love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Reach out to us at practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com!

Season 3, Episode 16 • By Design • An Interview With Dr. Corey Carlisle

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 10:01:30 GMT

Last week Paul and Ben began a three-week series called By Design. During these three weeks, we will talk through some difficult and oftentimes controversial subjects connected to the topics of sex, sexuality, and gender. Our aim is to engage this conversation by using the Bible, which we believe is the divinely inspired Word of God as our starting point. As we do so, we want to be like Jesus, who came from the Father full of grace and truth--with that in mind our deep desire is to be filled in equal measure with the grace and truth of Jesus.

Today, Dr. Corey Carlisle, author of Naked and without shame: Reflections for men on our embodied sexuality, joins us on the podcast to talk through some of the questions surrounding sex, sexuality and gender. We hope you will join in!

Resources:

Naked and without shame: Reflections for men on our embodied sexuality

https://www.amazon.com/Naked-without-shame-Reflections-sexuality/dp/B0BS8SJDL9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=C3GLT1XU19K2&keywords=corey+carlisle&qid=1682425290&sprefix=corey+carlisle%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-1

https://coreycarlisle.org

We love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Reach out to us at practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com!

Season 3, Episode 15 • By Design • God's Intent for Sex, Sexuality, and Gender

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 10:00:26 GMT

This week Paul and Ben begin a three-week series called By Design. During these three weeks, we will talk through some difficult and oftentimes controversial subjects connected to the topics of sex, sexuality, and gender. Our aim is to engage this conversation by using the Bible, which we believe is the divinely inspired Word of God as our starting point. As we do so, we want to be like Jesus, who came from the Father full of grace and truth--with that in mind our deep desire is to be filled in equal measure with the grace and truth of Jesus.Today, we ask a very foundational question: What would be learn about sex, sexuality and gender, if we only looked at the words of scripture? What conclusions would we be most likely to draw? As followers of Jesus, who are seeking to embrace a biblical worldview, our deepest desire should be to begin with the words of our Creator. Male and Female, Renée Sproleshttps://www.amazon.com/Male-Female-Biblical-Look-Gender/dp/1959467026/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1681873437&sr=8-240 Facts About Two Parent Familieshttps://gillespieshields.com/40-facts-two-parent-families/We love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Reach out to us at practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com!

Season 3, Episode 14 • Easter • Who is Jesus, Really?

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 10:01:25 GMT

This week Paul and Ben talk about the identity of Jesus, and why His identity matters--especially on Easter Sunday! Jesus' identity, His very "Godness" (as Paul says in Philippians 2), His humanity, and His exaltation to the "highest place"....all of these are key to a proper theological understanding...and even more, set the stage for how we relate to other people. Jesus' identity, and the resurrection we just celebrated, change everything!We hope you are blessed by this episode.We love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Reach out to us at practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com!

Season 3, Episode 13 • Easter Week Special

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 10:00:26 GMT

This week Ben and Paul talk through some interesting and fun facts tied to Easter week. Ben also shares some great follow-up thoughts to the message he shared on Sunday morning. On Palm Sunday, many thought they knew who Jesus was--or at least who they thought He should be. Do we, like those who made up that first Palm Sunday crowd, sometimes project an identity onto Jesus that is out of alignment with who He, in reality, is?Tune in today for this special episode.We love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Reach out to us at practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com!

Season 3, Episode 12 • I Will Love...The World (Grace Chapel Missions Month)

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 19:46:31 GMT

March is Missions Month at Grace Chapel. During this month we raise money to support the spread of the gospel and disciple-making in several countries around the globe. As we do so, we also try to raise awareness of the mission fields that exist in our neighborhoods, our places of work, and other locations in which we gather. Our series for this month is titled, "I Will Love..." In this final episode, we ask the question, what does it look like to love the people of this world, the way that God loves them. John 3:16-17 say, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him."God loves the world, the people of the world, in particular. As disciples of Jesus, who are trying to live like Jesus and value the things that Jesus values, let us seek to show love as He would, if He was living through us.We pray you find this episode's content useful, and as always, invite your thoughts and comments.Additional Resources:www.blesseveryhome.com

Season 3, Episode 11 • I Will Love...My Neighbor (Grace Chapel Missions Month)

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 10:01:03 GMT

March is Missions Month at Grace Chapel. During this month we will raise money to support the spread of the gospel and disciple-making in several countries around the globe. As we do so, we also try to raise awareness of the mission fields that exist in our neighborhoods, our places of work, and other locations in which we gather. This series for this month is titled, "I Will Love..." This week learn to take seriously Jesus' call to love our neighbors. "Neighbor" in the Bible refers to anyone who is near or close to you, whether they are family, friends, strangers, or even enemies. What does it look like when we truly seek the good of those within our proximity as opportunities arise. Join Paul and Ben as they work through this second Greatest Command.We pray you find this episode's content useful, and as always, invite your thoughts and comments.Additional Resources:www.blesseveryhome.comThe Art of Neighboring:https://www.amazon.com/The-Art-of-Neighboring-audiobook/dp/B008RO0O8O/ref=sr_1_1?crid=280QC735SJXYS&keywords=the+art+of+neighboring&qid=1679335094&sprefix=the+art+of+ne%2Caps%2C117&sr=8-1

Season 3, Episode 10 • I Will Love...The Mission (Grace Chapel Missions Month)

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 14:50:51 GMT

This series for this month is titled, "I Will Love..." This week we look at the call to love the mission by living the mission. Ben Patterson, who is typically the host of Practice Makes Faithful is in the hot-seat today as he shares his conviction to make all of life about the mission of Jesus!

We pray you find this episode's content useful, and as always, invite your thoughts and comments.

Additional Resources:

John Mark Comer: Garden City

https://www.amazon.com/Garden-City-Work-Being-Human/dp/0310337348/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1678889027&sr=8-4

Season 3, Episode 9 • I Will Love...The Gospel (Grace Chapel Missions Month)

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 11:01:13 GMT

This series for this month is titled, "I Will Love..." This week we look at the importance of embracing a deep love for the gospel of Jesus. When we love the gospel deeply, we become willing to live our lives, and if necessary, give our lives so that others can hear the good news.

We pray you find this episode's content useful, and as always, invite your thoughts and comments.

Additional Resources:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=insXsexQ5dc

Season 3, Episode 8 • More Power • The Power of Transformation and New Life

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 11:00:46 GMT

For this month, Grace Chapel's discipleship minister Rob Shaver joins Paul and Ben on the podcast to talk through a series he working through called More Power. This series is rooted in the letter to the Ephesian Christians, a first century church located in modern day Turkey.

In this final episode of the More Power series, Rob calls us to see the power of a life transformed by the work of God. As Rob says, for the follower of Jesus, the death to life experience should show off God’s power to the watching world.

We pray you find this episode's content useful, and as always, invite your thoughts and comments.

Additional Resources:

Live No Lies Video, John Mark Comer:

https://youtu.be/ZcWYIg0WL74

Season 3, Episode 7 • More Power • The Power of Unity

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 11:01:01 GMT

For this month, Grace Chapel's discipleship minister Rob Shaver will join Paul and Ben on the podcast to talk through a series he working through called More Power. This series is rooted in the letter to the Ephesian Christians, a first century church located in modern day Turkey.

This week Rob calls us to realize and strive for the uncommon unity that the body of Christ (the Church) should be known for. It was God's plan since before the foundation of the earth to bring all things to unity, the Church included, through and under Jesus Christ. This kind of unity is a witness to the world and to the powers and authorities in the heavenly realm that declares the wisdom and power of God!

We pray you find this episode's content useful, and as always, invite your thoughts and comments.

Season 3, Episode 6 • More Power • The Power of Adoption

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 11:01:05 GMT

This week Rob calls us to consider our identity as adopted children of God. As the apostle Paul says in Ephesians 1: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.

We pray you find this episode's content useful, and as always, invite your thoughts and comments.

Season 3, Episode 5 • More Power • The Power of Prayer

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 11:01:00 GMT

This week Rob challenges us to pray more powerful prayers. Often our prayers are just too small, but when we allow the prayers of the apostle Paul as recorded in Ephesians chapters 1 and 3 to be our guide, we will begin to pray bigger!

We pray you find this episode's content useful, and as always, invite your thoughts and comments.

Season 3, Episode 4 • Clay • Shaping the Next Generation of Disciples and Disciple-makers

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 11:01:03 GMT

This week we wrap up our first series of the year, called Clay, What's Shaping You? Throughout this month, we have made several acknowledgments. First, we are all being shaped by something, or more accurately, many things are working to shape us. Next, we don’t always know what is shaping us, or when we are being shaped. And finally, just because we call ourselves Christians, we shouldn’t assume that God is the primary shaping influence in our lives.

Being shaped by God requires intentionality on our parts. We must be intentional in understanding the shaping influence that relationships, experiences, media, as well as other sources of influence have upon us. We must be intentional as we bring ourselves before God and ask Him to shape us. As we do, we will find there is nothing better. The Potter does know best what shape the clay should take.

In this episode, we talk through some research that focuses in on the younger generations, asking the question, how are resilient disciples shaped? God wants to use you to shape the next generation of disciples and disciple-makers. Tune in for this important conversation!

We pray you find this episode's content useful, and as always, invite your thoughts and comments.

Additional Resources:

Hidden Worldviews: Eight Cultural Stories That Shape Our Lives https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Worldviews-Eight-Cultural-Stories/dp/B0BK59YRSH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=YRQ2FK40U8MM&keywords=hidden+worldviews+eight+cultural+stories+that+shape+our+lives&qid=1673902040&sprefix=hidden+worldv%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-1

David Kinnaman, You Lost Me:

https://www.amazon.com/You-Lost-Me-David-Kinnaman-audiobook/dp/B00657Z41W/ref=sr_1_1?crid=333Z9P1JVVYJ7&keywords=david+kinnaman&qid=1675190996&sprefix=david+kinna%2Caps%2C103&sr=8-1

David Kinnaman and Mark Matlock, Faith for Exiles: 5 Ways for a New Generation to Follow Jesus in Digital Babylon:

https://www.amazon.com/Faith-for-Exiles-audiobook/dp/B07ZZDLBRB/ref=sr_1_2?crid=333Z9P1JVVYJ7&keywords=david+kinnaman&qid=1675190996&sprefix=david+kinna%2Caps%2C103&sr=8-2

Take a look at the research:

https://www.arizonachristian.edu/2022/05/12/shocking-lack-of-biblical-worldview-among-american-pastors/

https://www.barna.com/research/competing-worldviews-influence-todays-christians/

https://julieroys.com/george-barna-survey-biblical-worldview/

We didn't talk about these findings, but they are also informative:

https://thestateoftheology.com

Season 3, Episode 3 • Clay • The Truth About the Discipleship Crisis in the American Church

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 16:28:16 GMT

Practice Makes Faithful is back for a third season! As we kick off this new season, and a new year, we are asking the question: What is shaping you? Many of us take time, as a new year begins, to reflect upon the past and look toward the future as well.

As we begin this new series, we do so by acknowledging that we are all being shaped by something. In reality, the truth is even deeper that we are all being shaped by many things. Our experiences, the relationships we have with others, the media and content we consume, our political affiliations...all of these things are shaping us. But as followers of Jesus, nothing should shape us more than He does.

As Isaiah says (Isaiah 64:8, NIV):

Yet you, Lord, are our Father.

We are the clay, you are the potter;

we are all the work of your hand.

In this episode Paul and Ben take a look at some startling research findings that have been shared over the course of the last several years. This research asks the question, "what percentage of Christians hold a biblical worldview?" The numbers aren't good and reveal the truth about the discipleship crisis within much of the American Church. We are all being shaped (discipled) by something. Is God the primary shaping influence in our lives, or are we more likely to be formed by not-of God influences? Join us as we wrestle with this important question.

We pray you find this episode's content useful, and as always, invite your thoughts and comments.

Additional Resources:

Get the 21-day Prayer and Fasting Guide @ gracechapelchurch.com

Take a look at the research:

https://www.arizonachristian.edu/2022/05/12/shocking-lack-of-biblical-worldview-among-american-pastors/

https://www.barna.com/research/competing-worldviews-influence-todays-christians/

https://julieroys.com/george-barna-survey-biblical-worldview/

We didn't talk about these findings, but they are also informative:

https://thestateoftheology.com

Season 3, Episode 2 • Clay • What's Shaping You? Transformed

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 11:00:14 GMT

As Isaiah says (Isaiah 64:8, NIV):

Yet you, Lord, are our Father.

We are the clay, you are the potter;

we are all the work of your hand.

In this episode we take a look at some of the hidden worldviews which shape and influence the people we become...even when we are unaware of the roles these worldviews play in shaping us.

We pray you find this episode's content useful, and as always, invite your thoughts and comments.

Additional Resources:

Get the 21-day Prayer and Fasting Guide @ gracechapelchurch.com

Season 3, Episode 1 • Clay • What's Shaping You? Formed

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 11:01:08 GMT

As Isaiah says (Isaiah 64:8, NIV):

Yet you, Lord, are our Father.

We are the clay, you are the potter;

we are all the work of your hand.

We pray you find this episode's content useful, and as always, invite your thoughts and comments.

Additional Resources:

Get the 21-day Prayer and Fasting Guide @ gracechapelchurch.com

Season 2, Episode 19 • Christory (A Christmas Series), Celebration

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 11:00:59 GMT

This month we are working through our Christmas series that we have called Christory. As we do, we will be walking through the story of Jesus' birth, told in the words of the gospel author Luke. Luke begins his gospel by making the case for the truth of his witness and testimony. He wants all who read his words, beginning with the most excellent Theophilus, to know for certain that while what he shares is most definitely a great story, it is also history.

In this final episode of the series, Paul and Ben talk about the importance of times of celebration in the lives of God's people, as well as reasons why the birth of Christ - and Christmastime - move us toward celebration. For many reasons, God has called us to be a people who celebrate what He has done in the past, and what we believe he will do in the future as well. Join us for the last podcast conversation of 2022.

We pray you find this episode's content useful, and as always, invite your thoughts and comments, and Merry Christmas!

Season 2, Episode 18 • Christory (A Christmas Series), Declaration

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 11:01:09 GMT

This month we are working through our Christmas series, we are calling Christory. As we do, we will be walking through the story as told in the words of the gospel author Luke. Luke begins his gospel by making the case for the truth of his witness and testimony. He wants all who read his words, beginning with the most excellent Theophilus, to know for certain that while what he shares is most definitely a great story, it is also history.

In this episode, Paul and Ben focus on the declaration surrounding the birth of Christ found in Luke 1:26-38, and call listeners to be people of declaration as well--especially during the Christmas season. As Paul shares in this episode, because of who He is and all of what He represents, the birth of Jesus is incredibly good news!

We pray you find this episode's content useful, and as always, invite your thoughts and comments, and Merry Christmas!

Additional Resources:

Alistair Begg: Pray Big: Learn to Pray like an Apostle

https://www.amazon.com/Pray-Big-Learn-like-Apostle/dp/B08HS7D57D/ref=sr_1_1?crid=QNNVJ9GSUMYH&keywords=pray+big+alistair+begg&qid=1670975621&sprefix=pray+big%2Caps%2C107&sr=8-1

N.T. Wright: Simply Good News: Why the Gospel Is News and What Makes It Good

https://www.amazon.com/Simply-Good-News-Gospel-Makes/dp/0062334352/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=simply+good+news&qid=1670975684&s=audible&sprefix=simply+good+%2Caudible%2C110&sr=1-1-catcorr

Season 2, Episode 17 • Christory (A Christmas Series), Preparation

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 11:00:32 GMT

This week we begin a new series for the Christmas season. As we do, we will be walking through the story as told in the words of the gospel author Luke. Luke begins his gospel by making the case for the truth of his witness and testimony. He wants all who read his words, beginning with the most excellent Theophilus, to know for certain that while what he shares is most definitely a great story, it is also history.

In this episode, Paul and Ben encourage listeners to take the time to prepare themselves for the significance of what we celebrate during this season--the moment God took on flesh and became one of us, to show that He truly is for and with us.

We pray you find this episode's content useful, and as always, invite your thoughts and comments, and Merry Christmas!

Season 2, Episode 16 • Bridge the Gap

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 11:00:46 GMT

In this, the last of three special episodes, Paul and Ben work through one more article that Paul has written for Renew.org. This article, Bridge the Gap, discusses Jesus' relational approach to disciple-making. It also discusses the move many churches have made in the last decade to abandon some of the long held tenets of historical theological orthodoxy, because of the fear that these positions are just a "bridge too far" for most in today's culture.

Paul presents the better way, Jesus' way, to reach and engage people with a message of hope, love, and transformation into the image and likeness of Jesus. This is at the heart of what it means to follow him as we become his disciples.

We pray you find this episode's content useful, and as always, invite your thoughts and comments.

This Week's Resources:

https://renew.org/bridge-the-gap/

David Young, A Grand Illusion: https://www.amazon.com/Grand-Illusion-Progressive-Christianity-Undermines/dp/1949921018/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2LID6U4YH3T5Q&keywords=a+grand+illusion+by+david+young&qid=1669772862&sprefix=a+grand+ill%2Caps%2C82&sr=8-1

Roger Olson, Against Liberal Theology: Putting the Brakes on Progressive Christianity: https://www.amazon.com/Against-Liberal-Theology-Progressive-Christianity/dp/0310139430/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1GH2A8NTD7ZR2&keywords=against+liberal+theology+roger+olson&qid=1669772889&sprefix=against+li%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-1

Season 2, Episode 15 • 5 Reasons to Begin a Disciple-Making Movement in the Attractional Church

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 11:00:26 GMT

In this week's episode, we discuss an article Paul wrote, originally for Wineskins.org, which was republished later in the year by discipleship.org. This article has been one of the most popular on the discipleship.org website since March of 2022. The idea of disciple-making continues to be discussed within churches and it is important to keep the "why's" of disciple-making, especially within the North American Church context, front and center. Here are the 5 reasons Paul and Ben discuss in the podcast:

1. Attractional churches are full of church members who need Disciple Making Movement principles to become true disciples of Jesus.

2. Attractional churches are full of persons of peace – they can help us reach lots of lost people.

3. Attractional churches have abundant resources for good works in the world that micro or house churches are often lacking.

4. Attractional churches are full of people God wants us to love, not abandon.

5. God calls many of us to lead attractional churches as faithful leaders seeking revival.

We pray you find this episode's content useful, and as always, invite your thoughts and comments.

This Week's Resources:

Paul Huyghebaert, https://discipleship.org/blog/5-reasons-to-begin-a-disciple-making-movement-in-the-attractional-church/

Discipleship.org disciple-making definitions: https://discipleship.org/about-discipleship-org/

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/the-attractional-tipping-point-part-one-the-coming-collapse/

https://addingtonconsulting.org/blogs/news/predicting-the-decline-of-the-attractional-church

https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2022/march/return-to-church-plateau-in-person-virtual-pew-research.html

Season 2, Episode 14 • 5 Principles for Christian Interaction with the Political World

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 11:01:19 GMT

In this special episode Ben and Paul discuss an article that Paul wrote which is published on Renew.org, called "Christians and Politics: 5 Principles for Christian Interaction with the Political World." As the title of the article suggests, Paul shares 5 practical principles that will act as guidepost as we are faced with an ever-more complex political landscape - one in which many Christ-followers feel they have no home.

We pray you find this episode's content useful, and as always, invite your thoughts and comments.

This Week's Resources:

Paul Huyghebaert, https://renew.org/christians-and-politics/

Paul Huyghebaert, https://renew.org/politics-is-the-new-religion/

Mark Sayers, A Non-Anxious Presence:

https://www.amazon.com/Non-Anxious-Presence-Changing-Complex-Christian-ebook/dp/B09N39SR91/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1U9D9SDO6XKK6&keywords=a+non-anxious+presence+mark+sayers&qid=1667940861&sprefix=a+non%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-1

Season 2, Episode 13 • Witness • The Witness of a Faithful Life, When Faithfulness is Hard

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 10:00:48 GMT

In this last installment of the Witness series, Ben and Paul talk through some of what might lie ahead for Christians in the Western world as the attitude that many have toward the Church continues to take a negative turn. It is important that we understand the times in which we are living (1 Chronicles 12:32, Romans 13:11). It is, as the Australian pastor, Mark Sayers says: If we don't understand the way things have changed, we run the risk of discipling people for a world that once existed, but not the world in which we currently live, or the one that lies ahead (paraphrased).

We hope this conversation blesses and challenges you as you seek to continue to live a life faithful to Jesus, no matter what lies ahead. Take a look at this week's resources as the writings of these authors have helped greatly to shape the content of this conversation.

Additional Reading:

Carl Trueman, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self

https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Triumph-Modern-Self-Individualism-ebook/dp/B089DNYCDY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=VC6FZ7T16HIT&keywords=carl+trueman+rise+of+the+modern+self&qid=1667344399&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjAzIiwicXNhIjoiMS44NSIsInFzcCI6IjIuMDcifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=carl+tr%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-1

Charles Taylor, A Secular Age

https://www.amazon.com/Secular-Age-Charles-Taylor/dp/0674986911/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1667345177&sr=8-1

Roger Olson, Against Liberal Theology

https://www.amazon.com/Against-Liberal-Theology-Progressive-Christianity-ebook/dp/B09N8Y5GPB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=36KQH7SJF4BX7&keywords=against+liberal+theology+roger+olson&qid=1667345300&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjg2IiwicXNhIjoiMS4zMCIsInFzcCI6IjEuNDYifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=against+li%2Caps%2C120&sr=8-1

Mark Sayers, A Non-Anxious Presence: How a Changing and Complex World will Create a Remnant of Renewed Christian Leaders

https://www.amazon.com/Non-Anxious-Presence-Changing-Complex-Christian-ebook/dp/B09N39SR91/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3DVRHDPU2TAK9&keywords=mark+sayers+a+non+anxious+presence&qid=1667345347&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjIwIiwicXNhIjoiMS4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjEuMTcifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=mark+sayers%2Caps%2C92&sr=8-1

Season 2, Episode 12 • Witness • Through Love for Each Other

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 10:00:37 GMT

This week, Jim Beasley once again joins Ben and Paul as they talk through the witness of love. Jesus told His disciples that the world (all people) would know that they belonged to Him by the love they had for each other. There are lots of confusing messages in the world about what love looks like, but Jesus calls His disciples to model and share the kind of love that characterized His words and actions.

As we are surrounded by a culture that often thinks negatively about the Church, Jesus words to His first disciples about their love for each other, are words we need to hear today!

Season 2, Episode 11 • Witness • What it Means to be Salt and Light

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 10:00:43 GMT

This week we move into part three of the Witness series. Jesus has called us to be his witnesses in the world (Acts 1:8), or as the apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:20, "We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us." As we have been saying this month, followers of Jesus are intended to be His representatives in everyday life...everywhere they go.

For this episode, Paul and Ben explore the call to be salt and light, and make the case that this is the way, possibly the only way, for the Church to reach an increasingly skeptical...sometimes even hostile world. Join us as we explore some ways to live out Jesus' words from Matthew 5:13-16.

We enjoy your questions and comments! Email us @ practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com

Resources:

Recreated to be Like God, Curtis Erskine -

https://www.amazon.com/Recreated-Be-like-God-Disciples/dp/B0B92H92YD/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=recreated+to+be+like+god&qid=1666115576&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjkyIiwicXNhIjoiMC45NCIsInFzcCI6IjAuNzkifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=recreated+to+be+%2Caps%2C108&sr=8-1

Live No Lies, John Mark Comer -

https://www.amazon.com/Live-No-Lies-Recognize-Sabotage/dp/B08TRR5RZS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=J92T976PDZ1B&keywords=john+mark+comer+book+live+not+lies&qid=1666115642&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjA1IiwicXNhIjoiMS43MyIsInFzcCI6IjEuNzcifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=John+mark+comer%2Caps%2C119&sr=8-1

IVP, Five Thresholds Info -

https://evangelism.intervarsity.org/five-thresholds

Season 2, Episode 10 • Witness • Loving the Unloved

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 10:01:12 GMT

For part two of the Witness series we have a special conversation with GC's connections minister, Jim Beasley. Jim reminds us of the importance of loving those who typically go unloved by others. This was at the heart of Jesus' ministry, because above all else, He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).

Loving the unloved is often not easy. It requires the choice to live in a self-sacrificial manner that often runs counter to the wisdom of this age. It is, however, what disciples of Jesus are called to do. Join us we talk through the difficulties and make some practical suggestions for those wanting to take the next step forward as we live everyday as a witness to the goodness, grace, and beauty of Jesus.

We enjoy your questions and comments! Email us @ practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com

Season 2, Episode 9 • Witness • Oneness is Our Witness • An Interview w/Kelvin Teamer

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 10:00:24 GMT

This week we have a very special episode for the Practice Makes Faithful community! As a part of the One Voice Atlanta initiative, and to kick off our series called Witness for the month of October, we had the chance to sit down with Kelvin Teamer, the minister of the Bouldercrest Church of Christ. Together, Bouldercrest (a predominately African-American church) and Grace Chapel (a predominately Caucasian church) are working toward the picture of oneness that the apostle John wrote about in Revelation 7.

Today, we are honored to share with you a conversation that talks about the importance of unity as Jesus prayed for in John 17: "that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me (ESV)."

We enjoy your questions and comments! Email us @ practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com

Season 2, Episode 8 • The Way Back • Living The Way

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 10:00:45 GMT

This week, we conclude our 8-part series based upon Paul's new book The Way Back. As we do so, we allow ourselves to dream a little about what a truly repentant life looks like. We dream further, as we contemplate what it might look like if an entire community embraced a life of repentance. This is God's vision for the Church, and His hope is that this dream would become reality.

We also explore two institutional barriers which present themselves as obstacles to honoring the call to biblical repentance: easy-believism and progressive Christianity. Join us, as we explore what the new life empowered by the Spirit of God looks like!

We hope you find our discussion engaging and challenging. If you do, please like, comment and share with your friends.

This Week's Resources:

The Way Back, Paul Huyghebaert:

https://www.amazon.com/Way-Back-Repentance-Presence-Desperately/dp/1664264477/ref=sr11?crid=1EV71LIEWSLX7&keywords=paul+huyghebaert&qid=1653362214&sprefix=Paul+hu%2Caps%2C107&sr=8-1

We enjoy your questions and comments! Email us @ practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com

Season 2, Episode 7 • The Way Back • The Call and the Promise

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 10:00:29 GMT

This week, we move into part 7 of an 8-part series based upon Paul's new book The Way Back. Last week we looked at a number Old Testament passages that helped us gain an understanding of what Biblical repentance is about. Here's how we said it then: "Biblical repentance is every bit as much about what will happen in the future as it is about what has happened in the past. In other words, repentance begins with a deep conviction about the past that leads to a consecrated future."

In this episode, we take this discussion one step further and ask the question: does the New Testament communicate a similar picture about repentance, and if so, what further can we conclude? Join Ben and Paul as they talk about the implications of the call and the promise associated with repentance as it exists in the New Testament, especially Acts 2 and 3.

We hope you find our discussion engaging and challenging. If you do, please like, comment and share with your friends.

This Week's Resources:

The Way Back, Paul Huyghebaert: https://www.amazon.com/Way-Back-Repentance-Presence-Desperately/dp/1664264477/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1EV71LIEWSLX7&keywords=paul+huyghebaert&qid=1653362214&sprefix=Paul+hu%2Caps%2C107&sr=8-1

10-Day Prayer Guide https://gracechapelchurch.com/day1

Season 2, Episode 6 • The Way Back • Turn

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 10:00:38 GMT

This week, we move into part 6 of an 8-part series based upon Paul's new book The Way Back. The point of all we have done these past 5 weeks can be summarized in this short, but powerful statement: The moment we begin to see God clearly, is the moment we begin to see ourselves clearly. It is a right and honest view of God and of self that moves us to embrace the attitude of humility, which sets the stage for our journey back to relationship with God.

In this episode, Paul and Ben begin to talk through the idea of biblical repentance as framed by several Old Testament passages. Each time His people walked away from Him, God invited them to turn back to Him. In this sense, biblical repentance is every bit as much about what will happen in the future as it is about what has happened in the past. Join us as we talk through these incredibly important ideas.

We hope you find our discussion engaging and challenging. If you do, please like, comment and share with your friends.

This Week's Resources: The Way Back, Paul Huyghebaert: https://www.amazon.com/Way-Back-Repentance-Presence-Desperately/dp/1664264477/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1EV71LIEWSLX7&keywords=paul+huyghebaert&qid=1653362214&sprefix=Paul+hu%2Caps%2C107&sr=8-1

10-Day Prayer Guide

https://gracechapelchurch.com/day1

We enjoy your questions and comments! Email us @ practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com

Season 2, Episode 5 • The Way Back • The Way Back Begins With Humility

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 10:00:39 GMT

This week, we move into part 5 of an 8-part series based upon Paul's new book The Way Back. The first three weeks of this series, we worked to establish the identity of God; He is the Creator of all that exists, He's infinitely majestic, yet He's also deeply relational. Last week we focused on the relational rift that we, as human beings, have caused by our rebellion against our creator. This week we begin to ask the question, "If we have wandered away from God, how do we find the road back?"

The answer is plain: The way back begins with humility!

We hope you find our discussion engaging and challenging. If you do, please like, comment and share with your friends.

This Week's Resources:

Season 2, Episode 4 • The Way Back • Our Offense Against God

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 10:01:00 GMT

This week, we move into part 4 of an 8-part series based upon Paul's new book The Way Back. Last week we looked at the truth about the nature of God: He's relational to the core. In this episode Paul and Ben talk through the another truth; humanity rejected the relationship God offered.

Understanding our offense against God is a pivotal point in the journey back to Him. We must accept our sinfulness...even though many in our current age react negatively to the idea that we are broken, sinful, even messed up, we must own this truth. As Paul has said, "You have to accept the reality of the bad news to be able to appreciate the depth and extent of the good news." And there is good news ahead!

We hope you find our discussion engaging and challenging. If you do, please like, comment and share with your friends. Email us @ practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com

This Week's Resources:

The Way Back, Paul Huyghebaert:

https://www.amazon.com/Way-Back-Repentance-Presence-Desperately/dp/1664264477/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1EV71LIEWSLX7&keywords=paul+huyghebaert&qid=1653362214&sprefix=Paul+hu%2Caps%2C107&sr=8-1

Further Reading: The Reason for God, Tim Keller

https://www.amazon.com/The-Reason-for-God-Timothy-Keller-audiobook/dp/B001QCZTXY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1XHU5AY4PI2ID&keywords=tim+keller+the+reason+for+god&qid=1659987518&sprefix=Tim+Keller+the+%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-1

On Guard, William Lane Craig

https://www.amazon.com/On-Guard-William-Lane-Craig-audiobook/dp/B01GDRZYTA/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2ZU6LDDMS1VSD&keywords=william+lane+craig&qid=1659987555&s=audible&sprefix=William+la%2Caudible%2C235&sr=1-2

Does God Exist, William Lane Craig

https://www.amazon.com/Does-Exist-William-Lane-Craig/dp/0991597737/ref=sr_1_1?crid=JVVRP6ASEARJ&keywords=william+lane+Craig+does+God&qid=1659987583&s=audible&sprefix=william+lane+craig+does+god%2Caudible%2C73&sr=1-1-catcorr

The Problem of God, Mark Clark

https://www.amazon.com/The-Problem-of-God-Mark-Clark-audiobook/dp/B078YZ6WCG/ref=sr_1_2?crid=357Q6GXTIJ776&keywords=Mark+Clark&qid=1659987612&s=audible&sprefix=mark+clark%2Caudible%2C100&sr=1-2

Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis

https://www.amazon.com/Mere-Christianity-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060652926/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1659987629&sr=1-1

Season 2, Episode 3 • The Way Back • The Nature of the God of the Bible

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 10:01:06 GMT

This week, we move into part 3 of an 8-part series based upon Paul's new book The Way Back. In this third episode, Paul and Ben explore the second half of Psalm 8 and work through King David's question: "When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?"

In light of last week's episode, this is a fair question. Why does the creator of the universe--in all of it's vastness--care about humanity, or individual human beings. He does, because it is a part of His nature. Join Ben and Paul as they talk through the implications of a relational God.

We hope you find our discussion engaging and challenging. If you do, please like, comment and share with your friends.

Further Reading: The Reason for God, Tim Keller

On Guard, William Lane Craig https://www.amazon.com/On-Guard-William-Lane-Craig-audiobook/dp/B01GDRZYTA/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2ZU6LDDMS1VSD&keywords=william+lane+craig&qid=1659987555&s=audible&sprefix=William+la%2Caudible%2C235&sr=1-2

Does God Exist, William Lane Craig https://www.amazon.com/Does-Exist-William-Lane-Craig/dp/0991597737/ref=sr_1_1?crid=JVVRP6ASEARJ&keywords=william+lane+Craig+does+God&qid=1659987583&s=audible&sprefix=william+lane+craig+does+god%2Caudible%2C73&sr=1-1-catcorr

The Problem of God, Mark Clark https://www.amazon.com/The-Problem-of-God-Mark-Clark-audiobook/dp/B078YZ6WCG/ref=sr_1_2?crid=357Q6GXTIJ776&keywords=Mark+Clark&qid=1659987612&s=audible&sprefix=mark+clark%2Caudible%2C100&sr=1-2

Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis https://www.amazon.com/Mere-Christianity-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060652926/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1659987629&sr=1-1

We enjoy your questions and comments! Email us @ practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com

Season 2, Episode 2 • The Way Back • The Majesty of God

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 10:00:59 GMT

This week, we move into part 2 of an 8-part series based upon Paul's new book The Way Back. In this second episode, Paul and Ben move beyond the basic framework laid in the previous episode to ask the question: What does creation teach us about the Creator? Or another way of putting it, if we marvel at creation, how should we feel about the Creator?

As Paul writes at the conclusion of chapter 2, “ It is good to appreciate the majesty of creation, but even better to appreciate the majesty of the Creator.”

We hope you find our discussion engaging and challenging. If you do, please like, comment and share with your friends.

This Week's Resources:

Season 2, Episode 1 • The Way Back • The Foundation of Everything!

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 10:00:42 GMT

This week, Paul and Ben begin a new 8-part series based upon Paul's new book The Way Back. In this first episode, Paul and Ben work to establish the basic foundation for all of life; the knowledge that we exist because God exists and He created us. As we move forward, this simple beginning is what will build the framework for the coming conversations.

We hope you find our discussion engaging and challenging. If you do, please like, comment and share with your friends.

Further Reading: The Reason for God, Tim Keller https://www.amazon.com/The-Reason-for-God-Timothy-Keller-audiobook/dp/B001QCZTXY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1XHU5AY4PI2ID&keywords=tim+keller+the+reason+for+god&qid=1659987518&sprefix=Tim+Keller+the+%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-1

Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis https://www.amazon.com/Mere-Christianity-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060652926/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1659987629&sr=1-1

We enjoy your questions and comments! Email us @ practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com

Episode 21 • Under Pressure, Part 5 • Live Life With the End in Mind.

Tue, 31 May 2022 10:00:17 GMT

This week, Paul and Ben conclude the series "Under Pressure." As Paul has discussed during the course of this series, the Thessalonian converts to Christianity found themselves under intense pressure from the culture around them as they gave themselves over to following Jesus faithfully. These pressures took different forms, and while some were likely ostracized for their faith and faithfulness, others suffered severe persecution.

Western Christians are increasingly finding themselves under pressure from the surrounding culture as well. The pressures we are facing take a different form from those the 1st century Thessalonians faced, but we shouldn't be tempted to minimize their affect upon current Christian culture, and individual Christians as well. In this week's episode Paul and Ben talk about the importance of living life with the end in mind (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11). For those who are living life under pressure, being confident about the ultimate destination is paramount. This changes the way we live in the here and now, specially, as we face the challenges that will inevitably come.

This Week's Resources:

The Way Back, Paul Huyghebaert:

https://www.amazon.com/Way-Back-Repentance-Presence-Desperately/dp/1664264477/ref=sr11?crid=1EV71LIEWSLX7&keywords=paul+huyghebaert&qid=1653362214&sprefix=Paul+hu%2Caps%2C107&sr=8-1

Follow-up Reading:

Faithfully Different, by Natasha Crain

https://www.amazon.com/Faithfully-Different-Regaining-Biblical-Clarity/dp/0736984291/ref=sr11?crid=1NCVK9RN1V7DJ&keywords=faithfully+different+natasha+crain&qid=1651537072&sprefix=faithfully%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-1

Live No Lies, John Mark Comer:

https://www.amazon.com/Live-No-Lies-Recognize-Sabotage/dp/B08TRR5RZS/ref=sr13?crid=2AD2TPOYYU8IU&keywords=john+mark+comer&qid=1652727858&sprefix=John+ma%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-3

We enjoy your questions and comments! Email us @ practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com

Episode 20 • Under Pressure, Part 4 • More and More

Tue, 24 May 2022 10:00:19 GMT

This week, Paul and Ben work through part 4 in the series, "Under Pressure." As Paul has discussed during the course of this series, the Thessalonian converts to Christianity found themselves under intense pressure from the culture around them as they gave themselves over to following Jesus faithfully. These pressures took different forms, and while some were likely ostracized for their faith and faithfulness, others suffered severe persecution.

Western Christians are increasingly finding themselves under pressure from the surrounding culture as well. The pressures we are facing take a different form from those the 1st century Thessalonians faced, but we shouldn't be tempted to minimize their affect upon current Christian culture, and individual Christians as well. In this week's episode Paul and Ben talk through the call on every disciple's life to keep growing and to never become satisfied. Good enough, is not good enough. We are challenged to go deeper in our journey toward sanctification, to embrace holiness in our walk before God, and to grown in our love for others. In this, God is easy to please, but He is impossible to satisfy

This Week's Resources:

The Way Back, Paul Huyghebaert:

https://www.amazon.com/Way-Back-Repentance-Presence-Desperately/dp/1664264477/ref=sr11?crid=1EV71LIEWSLX7&keywords=paul+huyghebaert&qid=1653362214&sprefix=Paul+hu%2Caps%2C107&sr=8-1

Follow-up Reading:

Faithfully Different, by Natasha Crain

Live No Lies, John Mark Comer:

https://www.amazon.com/Live-No-Lies-Recognize-Sabotage/dp/B08TRR5RZS/ref=sr13?crid=2AD2TPOYYU8IU&keywords=john+mark+comer&qid=1652727858&sprefix=John+ma%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-3

We enjoy your questions and comments! Email us @ practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com

Episode 19 • Under Pressure, Part 3 • For the Sake of the Next Generation

Tue, 17 May 2022 10:00:44 GMT

This week, Paul and Ben work through part 3 in the series, "Under Pressure," with special guest, Rocky Wyatt. As Paul has discussed during the course of this series, the Thessalonian converts to Christianity found themselves under intense pressure from the culture around them as they gave themselves over to following Jesus faithfully. These pressures took different forms, and while some were likely ostracized for their faith and faithfulness, others suffered severe persecution.

Western Christians are increasingly finding themselves under pressure from the surrounding culture as well. The pressures we are facing take a different form from those the 1st century Thessalonians faced, but we shouldn't be tempted to minimize their affect upon current Christian culture, and individual Christians as well. In this episode Rocky, Grace Chapel's Youth Minister, helps us think through some of the unique pressures the next generation is facing. He also helps us to see the hope on the horizon, especially as we lean faithfully in to discipling others as Jesus did.

This Week's Resources:

CDC study discussing the rising suicide rate among young people: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7024e1.htm?scid=mm7024e1w#contribAff

Follow-up Reading:

Faithfully Different, by Natasha Crain

Live No Lies, John Mark Comer:

https://www.amazon.com/Live-No-Lies-Recognize-Sabotage/dp/B08TRR5RZS/ref=sr13?crid=2AD2TPOYYU8IU&keywords=john+mark+comer&qid=1652727858&sprefix=John+ma%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-3

We enjoy your questions and comments! Email us @ practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com

Episode 18 • Under Pressure, Part 2 • Like Family

Tue, 10 May 2022 10:00:17 GMT

This week, Paul and Ben work through part 2 in the series, "Under Pressure." As they discussed last week the Thessalonian converts to Christianity found themselves under intense pressure from the culture around them as they gave themselves over to following Jesus faithfully. These pressures took different forms, and while some were likely ostracized for their faith and faithfulness, others suffered severe persecution.

This Week's Resources:

Guy Hammond's website - https://www.strengthinweakness.org

Guy Hammond, Caring Beyond the Margins

https://www.strengthinweakness.org/product-page/caring-beyond-the-margins

Guy's most recent book, Gay and Christian?

https://www.amazon.com/Gay-Christian-Guy-Hammond/dp/1953623123/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2NEZJHX88K5CT&keywords=guy+hammond&qid=1652146517&sprefix=guy+Hamm%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-1

Follow-up Reading:

Faithfully Different, by Natasha Crain

https://www.amazon.com/Faithfully-Different-Regaining-Biblical-Clarity/dp/0736984291/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1NCVK9RN1V7DJ&keywords=faithfully+different+natasha+crain&qid=1651537072&sprefix=faithfully%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-1

We enjoy your questions and comments! Email us @ practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com

Episode 17 • Under Pressure, Part 1 • Imitation, Suffering and Example

Tue, 03 May 2022 00:40:55 GMT

This week, Paul and Ben begin a new series, "Under Pressure," working from the apostle Paul's letter, 1 Thessalonians. The Thessalonian converts to Christianity found themselves under intense pressure from the culture around them as they gave themselves over to following Jesus faithfully. These pressures took different forms, and while some were likely ostracized for their faith and faithfulness, others suffered severe persecution.

This Week's Resources:

Matthew Bates' Book:

https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Allegiance-Matthew-W-Bates-audiobook/dp/B07Y8PNZ1S/ref=sr_1_4?crid=307K5XK7ME6AF&keywords=Matthew+Bates&qid=1651581462&sprefix=matthew+bates%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-4

Gallup Pole, 2021:

https://news.gallup.com/poll/389792/lgbt-identification-ticks-up.aspx

Newsweek Article Quoting Barna Study:

https://www.newsweek.com/nearly-40-percent-us-gen-zs-30-percent-christians-identify-lgbtq-poll-shows-1641085

Follow-up Reading:

Kingdom Life, by Kelvin Teamer

https://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Life-Experiencing-Holiness-Theology/dp/1949921697/ref=sr_1_1?crid=7OWMMI9CLA5O&keywords=kingdom+living+kelvin+teamer&qid=1651537000&sprefix=kingdom+living+kelvin+teamer%2Caps%2C82&sr=8-1

Faithfully Different, by Natasha Crain

We enjoy your questions and comments! Email us @ practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com

Episode 16 • Sent, Part 4 • Commissioned to Go Into the World, Commissioned, Sent, and Blessed

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 10:00:19 GMT

As we wrap up the series "Sent" on the podcast, we take a look at the significance of the Great Commission, both in the lives of those who were first sent into the world, and in the lives of those who follow Jesus today.

There's not a place you go, where you aren't called to be a witness to the truth and goodness of God as seen in the life of Jesus Christ. We take a look at what it takes to make him known at work, school, in the home and in our neighborhoods.

As a side note, for some reason, Paul and Ben got ahead of themselves and on thought this was episode 17, but it is in fact the 16th episode. Enjoy and be blessed! (-;

We enjoy your questions and comments! Email us @ practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com

Episode 15 • Sent, Part 3 • Commissioned to Go Into the World, Accomplished

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 10:00:18 GMT

This week much of the world celebrated Easter and the resurrection of Jesus. As we do so on the Practice Makes Faithful podcast, we consider Jesus' prayer in John 17 as He declares, "the hour has come." Jesus knew what was ahead--His arrest, the torture and crucifixion at the hands of the Roman government, but as He prays to the Father, his heart and mind are centered on three things: His mission, His disciples, and all those who would come to believe in Him as the gospel message was preached.

We enjoy your questions and comments! Email us @ practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com

Episode 14 • Sent, Part 2 • Commissioned to Go Into the World, Equipped

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 10:00:17 GMT

This week on the podcast we move into part two of the series "Sent". Last week we asked the question, "How do you think the disciples would have felt knowing that they had been called and chosen by Jesus?" That question, and the realization that we have also been chosen by God, helped to lay the foundation for the rest of this series.

But that is the just beginning. After Jesus chose his disciples, He spent the next several years investing his energy to develop them for the mission that lay ahead. He taught them. He trained them. And He equipped them. As we seek to be disciples who make disciples, we must understand the significance of the way Jesus engaged with His first disciples, and the way He, through the Holy Spirit, the words of scripture, and the Church, continues to teach, train, and equip His followers today.

We enjoy your questions and comments! Email us @ practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com

This Weeks Resources: Listen to the message: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grace-chapel-church-of-christ/id1378522342?i=1000557156259

Watch the message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT-Q7Z-Q-Sg

Episode 13 • Sent, Part 1 • Commissioned to Go Into the World, Called and Chosen

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 11:00:20 GMT

This week we begin a new series called "Sent" on the Practice Makes Faithful podcast! Join Paul and Ben as they discuss what it would have meant to Jesus disciples to have been called and chosen to follow Him. Can you imagine what it would have been like to have heard Jesus call your name and extend you the invitation to come follow Him?

The New Testament is full of scriptures that tell us we don't have to imagine. You have been called and chosen by God! Join us as we flesh out just what that means.

We enjoy your questions and comments! Email us @ practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com

This Weeks Resources:

Listen to the Message: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/called-and-chosen/id1378522342?i=1000556187390

Episode 12 • With You Always: The Indwelling Presence and Work of the Holy Spirit, Part 4

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 10:00:20 GMT

This week on the podcast Paul and Ben wrap up the series "With You Always." As we who follow Jesus seek to live out the mission of Jesus, we are deeply dependent upon the presence of the Holy Spirit. We need God to open doors. We need God to make us bold. We need a power that we will never find within us--one that only comes from God.

Jesus' first disciples were taught by the best teacher they could have asked for. They were well equipped. They had been trained to be like their master. In spite of this, Jesus told them not to leave Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came to them (Acts 1:5). Just as the first disciples could not take the gospel into the world on their own power, so we, today, have a desperate need for the power and presence of God as we seek to do the work of God.

We enjoy your questions and comments! Email us @ practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com

This Weeks Resources: A Spirit For the Rest of Us, Tim Woodroof: https://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Rest-Us-Tim-Woodroof/dp/0891126279/ref=sr_1_1?crid=US23OWNY3QAU&keywords=a+spirit+for+the+rest+of+us&qid=1646622249&sprefix=A+spirit+for+the+%2Caps%2C89&sr=8-1

Forgotten God, Francis Chan: https://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-God-Reversing-Tragic-Neglect/dp/B07RBR38DL/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2LQBBCK2HOB9H&keywords=forgotten+god+by+francis+chan&qid=1646622415&sprefix=forgotten+%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-1

Holy Spirit: Filled, Empowered, and Led, David Young: https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Spirit-Filled-Empowered-Theology/dp/1949921549/ref=sr_1_1?crid=22Y4UW3ARAHH9&keywords=david+young+holy+spirit&qid=1646622444&sprefix=David+young+holy+%2Caps%2C73&sr=8-1

Episode 11 • With You Always: The Indwelling Presence and Work of the Holy Spirit, Part 3

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 10:00:18 GMT

This week, Paul and Ben continue the discussion about the indwelling presence and work of the Holy Spirit, by contemplating the Holy Spirit as a catalyst for Holiness in the lives of those who follow Jesus. We all fight a battle between the flesh and its desire for control over our lives, and the spiritual desire to surrender control to the work of God in us.

Romans 8 reminds us that this is not a battle we should or can fight alone. It is by the power of the Spirit, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, that we are daily conformed to the image of Jesus. We enjoy your questions and comments!

Email us @ practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com

This Weeks Resources: A Spirit For the Rest of Us,

Tim Woodroof: https://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Rest-Us-Tim-Woodroof/dp/0891126279/ref=sr_1_1?crid=US23OWNY3QAU&keywords=a+spirit+for+the+rest+of+us&qid=1646622249&sprefix=A+spirit+for+the+%2Caps%2C89&sr=8-1

Episode 10 • With You Always: The Indwelling Presence and Work of the Holy Spirit, Part 2

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 10:00:19 GMT

In this week's episode Paul and Ben discuss the struggle many of us who have been raised in intellectual church traditions share as we try to embrace the presence and work of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes our skepticism simply exists because we don't know what we don't know. Others may have had negative experiences.

But Jesus calls all of us to realize that apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). However, through the work of the Holy Spirit, Christians will be able to do even greater things than Jesus did (John 14:12).

Paul ends with the challenge to desire God's presence, whatever that means.

We enjoy your questions and comments! Email us @ practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com

Episode 9 • With You Always: The Indwelling Presence and Work of the Holy Spirit, Part 1

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 11:00:17 GMT

This Week, Paul begins a new series called, With You Always: The Indwelling Presence and Work of the Holy Spirit. In the first episode of this series, Paul and Ben discuss some of the barriers, especially those related to western culture, but also those tied to church culture, that make it difficult for many of us to see and acknowledge the spiritual world around us.

Paul concludes with a challenge to put aside some of the predispositions that would bias us against seeing the spiritual influences around us. Until we do so, acknowledging the work of the Holy Spirit will be a challenge.

We enjoy your questions and comments! Email us @ practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com

This Weeks Resources: 5 Reasons to Begin a Disciple Making Movement in the Attractional Church: https://discipleship.org/blog/5-reasons-to-begin-a-disciple-making-movement-in-the-attractional-church/?mc_cid=a92cc16a7e&mc_eid=5fe176da4c

A Spirit For the Rest of Us, Tim Woodroof: https://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Rest-Us-Tim-Woodroof/dp/0891126279/ref=sr_1_1?crid=US23OWNY3QAU&keywords=a+spirit+for+the+rest+of+us&qid=1646622249&sprefix=A+spirit+for+the+%2Caps%2C89&sr=8-1

Episode 8 • Back On Track, Part 8 • The Party We're Gifted (Disciple-making Requires Teamwork!)

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 14:31:35 GMT

Rob joins Paul and Ben for a conversation following part 4 of the series "Back on Track." In this episode, Rob, Paul and Ben discuss the power of teamwork as it relates to making disciples of Jesus.

In 1 Corinthians 3, the apostle Paul says that he planted the seeds of faith in the Corinthian church. Later someone named Apollos came along and watered those seeds. But nothing would have happened if God had not caused the seed to grow. In this we learn two things: 1, we are not able, no matter the eloquence of our words, or the cleverness of our systems to create disciples of Jesus. Only God can truly change a heart from one that seeks after the desires of this world, to one that seeks, first, the Kingdom. 2, we all have a part to play. God invites us to be faithful to the task He places before us. In this we join God in His work and become "co-workers in God's service" (1 Corinthians 3:9).

We enjoy your questions and comments! Email us @ practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com

Episode 7 • Back On Track, Part 3 • The People We Remember (Loving the Marginalized Like Jesus)

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 11:00:19 GMT

Rob joins Paul and Ben for a conversation following part 3 of the series "Back on Track." In this episode, Rob helps us think through what it means to love and be willing to relationally disciple those who find themselves on the margins of society.

We are all tempted to surround ourselves with those who look like us, think like us, act like us, and so on. This week, we allow the words of the apostle Paul, the words of Jesus, and the words of James to challenge us about the practice of keeping marginalized people at arms length. The community of God is called to extend the invitation to know and become like Jesus to all people. This was the way of Jesus, and it must be our practice as well. Even here, Practice Makes Faithful.

Email us @ practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com

Episode 6 • Back On Track, Part 2 • The Power We Need

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 11:00:17 GMT

Rob joins Paul and Ben for a conversation following part 2 of the series "Back on Track." This week Rob reminds us about the importance of leaning on the Holy Spirit for the power we need as we seek to make disciples.

There is a temptation to trust in cleverness, eloquence, and the power of persuasion when trying to lead people to know Jesus, but in doing so we forget that the power we need belongs to God alone. The apostle Paul reminds us (1 Corinthians 1:5, NIV) that we lean on God's power when communicating the mystery of God, "so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power."

Email us @ practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com

Episode 5 • Back On Track, Part 1 (A Series About Making Disciples Today) • The Problem We Have (Immaworlfish)

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 11:00:17 GMT

This week, Paul and Ben invite Grace Chapel's Discipleship Minister, Rob Shaver, to join them on the Podcast. For the month of February, Rob will be preaching through a series called Back On Track. In this conversation following part one of the series, Rob talks about the struggle we often face in our own discipleship process.

Many times we have specific sins holding us back, and keeping us from becoming the disciples and disciple makers Jesus wants us to be. And while God wants us to be freed from sin, it doesn't stop there. God desires us to to live fully into what it means to follow and become like Jesus. Rob helps us think through a process of moving from "off track," to "neutral," to "on track."

Email us @ practicemakesfaithful@gmail.com

Episode 4 • A Better Story, Part 4 • Tell A Better Story (Sharing faith in a Post-Christian Culture)

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 11:00:18 GMT

This week Paul and Ben conclude the series, "A Better Story." As they do, they share some observations about the state of disciple-making in America. At times we may be tempted to look at the world around us and struggle to feel hopeful about the future of the Western Church. In this episode Paul shares two reasons to be hopeful about the future. Ben concludes with a challenge to consider joining the adventure of Jesus' life mission.

This week's resources:

First Barna Study: https://www.barna.com/research/millennials-oppose-evangelism/

Second Barna Study:

https://www.barna.com/research/of-the-four-exile-groups-only-10-are-resilient-disciples/

John Mark Comer, "Preaching the Gospel," series (thoughts about lostness @ 13:50)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMRd84DoTqQ

Episode 3 • A Better Story, Part 3 • Live A Better Story (Being Church in a post-Christian culture)

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 11:00:17 GMT

Ben and Paul continue the conversation about the current state of the culture around us, but go a step further this week asking, "how should the Church respond to dominant narrative?". How can we reach people who are truly post-Christian and embrace a post-modern worldview? Paul also breaks down a few of post-modernisms unfulfilled promises. We hope this week's content is helpful to you!

This week's resources:

In this article Paul writes about the temptation to narrow the gap between church and culture. Jesus calls us, instead, to bridge the gap. https://renew.org/bridge-the-gap/

Episode 2 • A Better Story, Part 2 • Believing a Better Story (Post-Christianity and Deconstruction)

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 11:00:17 GMT

Today Ben and Paul continue forward in the series, "A Better Story." In this episode, they discuss what it means to say that we are living in a post-Christian culture. They also talk about Christian deconstruction, the process by which someone, piece by piece, disassembles the faith they once held deeply to.

This week's resources:

6 Reasons We Are Drawn to Christianity’s Deconstruction Stories: https://renew.org/christianity-deconstruction/

John Mark Comer on deconstruction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXniowEdmUQ

Room for Doubt: https://roomfordoubt.com

This Week's Message @ GC:https://youtu.be/l90Qp8qN93M

Episode 1 • A Better Story, Part 1 • The Importance of Having the Right Story

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 11:00:17 GMT

Today Ben and Paul dive into the first series of 2022, and the first episode on this podcast. Join them as they discuss the importance of life's narrative and take a look at the dominant cultural narrative of the day.

Click HERE for John Mark Comer's book, Live No Lies

Episode 0 • Welcome to Practice Makes Faithful!

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 18:04:05 GMT

Today Ben and Paul introduce the new podcast and video podcast streams. Welcome to Practice Makes Faithful!

Bonus Episode • The Way Back Preview • Introduction and Chapter 1

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 16:58:08 GMT

In this bonus episode, Ben and Paul take a quick look at Paul's book, The Way Back: Repentance, the Presence of God, and the Revival the Church So Desperately Needs. As a part of this podcast, we include a sample of the audio book which is available on iTunes and Audible.

The book is available for purchase on Amazon or at paulhuyghebaert.com

Season 2 will kick off on August 10. See you then!

https://www.amazon.com/Way-Back-Repentance-Presence-Desperately/dp/1664264477/ref=sr11?crid=3TI2BVW0YKY5M&keywords=the+way+back+paul+huyghebaert&qid=1658761142&s=books&sprefix=the+way+back+pa%2Cstripbooks%2C92&sr=1-1