BLOG | O Come, O Come Emmanuel

READ the written blog on our website:
https://theformed.life/2024/03/experience-the-holy-spirit-in-contemplation-04/

READ the written blog on our website:
https://theformed.life/2024/03/experience-the-holy-spirit-in-contemplation-03/

READ the written blog on our website:
https://theformed.life/2024/02/learn-about-the-life-of-the-spirit-in-contemplation-02/

READ the written blog on our website:
https://theformed.life/2024/02/learn-about-the-life-of-the-spirit-in-contemplation-01//

If Jesus is unequivocally the sole means to salvation and communion with God, how do we grapple with the predicament of individuals who have never encountered the message of Jesus or those who consciously reject him despite being presented with his teachings? In this episode, host Bill Gorman and our guest, Dr. Harold Netland, explore the complexities of the mission of the church, the exclusivity of Jesus, and concerns surrounding the fate of those who have not heard the gospel. The conversation covers key New Testament passages, personal experiences, and foundational principles in scripture, diving into the heart of theological and practical challenges believers face today. Tune in as they discuss the gospel's transformative power, the nature of personal salvation, and the profound mission of making disciples.

THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. The Exclusive Nature of Jesus: Dr. Netland and the hosts delve into the exclusivity of Jesus as the only way to salvation and the challenges this presents in different cultural contexts. The conversation highlights biblical passages and principles that support this belief.
2. Mission and Discipleship: The importance of making disciples and participating in the work of the Spirit, regardless of cultural or geographical barriers, is emphasized. The episode calls attention to the diverse paths individuals may take in encountering faith and stresses the significance of the disciple-making mission.
3. Scriptural Principles and Foundational Truths: The discussion navigates complex questions about salvation, justice, and fairness through the lens of scriptural principles. Dr. Netland emphasizes the need to focus on what is clearly and consistently taught through scripture, grounding the conversation in foundational biblical truths.

#ExclusiveJesus #DiscipleMakingMission #SalvationDebate #GlobalGospel #GodsLoveAndJudgment #EvangelicalTheology #TheologicalClarity #NewBirthTransformation #PersonalFaithJourneys #ClarityInScripture #theonlyway #Jesus #mission 

GUEST BIO: 

Dr. Harold A. Netland completed his undergraduate studies at Biola University and obtained his M.A. and Ph.D. from Claremont Graduate University. Following nine years with the Evangelical Free Church of America in Japan, he returned to the United States in 1993 to become a Professor of Philosophy of Religion and Intercultural Studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, where he currently serves as the Director of the PhD/Intercultural Studies program. Netland's expertise in religious pluralism has earned him recognition, with scholars frequently citing his views, such as his definition of propositional truth. Notably, in his 2001 book "Encountering Religious Pluralism: The Challenge to Christian Faith & Mission," Netland offers a critical evaluation of John Hick's pluralism hypothesis from an evangelical perspective.

QUOTES:

"Salvation is always based upon the person of Christ, Christ's work on the cross from start to finish, it's an act of God's grace and God's mercy. Nobody is ever saved by being good or sincere enough, and an act of faith and repentance is necessary for saving faith whenever or wherever it were to occur."

— Dr. Netland

 "And the parables that Jesus tells, the parable of the father, the prodigal son, the forgiving father, God eagerly welcomes a repentant sinner."

— Dr. Netland 

"So when many people hear, Jesus is the only Lord and savior for all people in all cultures, that just sounds like 19th century colonialist ideology all over again. Yeah. Who gives you the right to say that?"

— Dr. Netland

RESOURCES:

Crucial Questions About Hell - JI Packer

Four Views on Salvation in a Pluralistic World - Various

Are All Religions True? - Dr. Harold A Netland

Faiths in Conflict? Christian Integrity in a Multicultural World - Vinoth Ramachandra

KEYWORDS:

church mission, exclusivity of Jesus, work of the spirit, making disciples, pastoral concerns, non-believing loved ones, faith conversations, God's character, personal transformation, rebellion against God, gospel hope, born again, fundamental change, exclusivity of Jesus, salvation objections, cultural introduction of Jesus, New Testament passages, Jesus and Nicodemus, ministry in Japan, fate of those who never heard the gospel, historical faith encounters, disciple-making mission, Bible translation challenges, fairness and justice, evangelical responses, universal sinfulness, theological understanding, scripture guidance

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Focus on exclusivity of Jesus as rescuer.

05:07 Concerns about cultural harm in religious evangelism.

08:56 New Testament emphasizes Jesus's unique identity.

11:25 Questioning the relevance of the New Testament.

14:47 God is morally pure, beyond human understanding.

18:42 Salvation through God's grace and faith.

20:53 Jesus says we need a new life.

23:25 Two views on salvation through hearing the gospel.

29:01 The church's work is making disciples worldwide.

30:01 Questioning the exclusivity of Jesus and love.

34:43 Trust in God's character to do good.

37:12 Becoming the right kind of person for Jesus.

41:41 Grateful for wisdom and service in ministry.

READ the written blog on our website:
https://theformed.life/2024/02/studying-the-truths-of-the-old-testament-07/

READ the written blog on our website:
https://theformed.life/2024/02/studying-the-truths-of-the-old-testament-06/

SHOW NOTES:

Have you ever felt that the Christian sexual standard is overwhelmingly narrow? In this episode, we delve into the topic of Christian sexual ethics with our host, Bill Gorman, and guests Ben Beasley and Nikki Dieker. Together, they navigate the complex landscape of human sexuality, revising Christ Community’s paper to make it more relevant to today's cultural moment. Throughout the conversation, they discuss the theological and practical implications of the Christian sexual ethic, addressing questions about church life, gender dysphoria, and more. They also highlight the importance of community, spiritual discipline, and the pursuit of Jesus in navigating these challenging conversations. Get ready for a thought-provoking and insightful discussion that offers guidance and resources for those seeking to follow Jesus in today's world.

THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. Identity and Vulnerability: They discuss the  importance of questioning one's identity in relation to core beliefs of the Christian faith, and the need for a supportive and safe community within the church, especially in dealing with the vulnerability and brokenness associated with discussing Christian sexual ethics.
2. Community and Accountability: The significance of being involved in a faith community surrendered to scripture, rich spiritual friendships, and the importance of accountability in living out a Christian life and sexual ethic. The emphasis on the communal nature of faith and the need for support from others in following Jesus.
3. Spiritual Discipline and Faith: The impact of rigorous spiritual discipline, self-mastery, and faith, including spiritual disciplines like prayer, study, and fasting, in guiding one's life and recognizing and redirecting bodily desires.

 #ChristianSexualEthics #FormedLifePodcast #BiblicalSexuality #TheologyOfSexuality #SpiritualCommunity #FaithfulLiving #ScriptureAndSexuality #CulturalContex #JesusAndSexuality #ChristianEthicalLiving

GUEST BIO: 

Ben Beasley enjoys communicating God’s Word in speech and writing, and he is interested in the church as a place of transformation for people individually and collectively. He is fond of exploring the many questions of faith and spiritual formation by engaging with the works of authors, poets, and artists. Ben received his Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and his Master of Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary. 

Nikki Dieker has been on staff at Christ Community since 2017, but has attended the Olathe Campus with her family since 2007. She is married to her best friend Ryan, and has three incredible children, Noah, Calvin, and Hadley. She loves hiking, getting lost in books, coffee, and spending time with friends. Nikki is passionate about connecting people to one another and the church.

QUOTES:

"We need each other. And so I think, yeah, we need those mothers and fathers who've gone before us. We need those brothers and sisters who are running beside us. And we need those kids that we're encouraging that are coming behind us."

— Nikki Dieker

“We are all sexually broken. So yeah, it highlights that this is something that rubs up against each one of us in deeply personal places, because we're all broken."

— Nikki Dieker

"The traditional Christian sexual ethic just feels like, to our moral taste buds, it almost feels, like, absurd. It doesn't, you know, like, it doesn't taste well."

— Ben Beasley

"Being involved in a faith community, is key. A community that is surrendered to scripture. That's where life is. And when we follow Jesus, we follow him through his word."

— Ben Beasley

RESOURCES:

CCKC Position Paper | Sexuality: Exploring God’s Design for Sexuality

POD 003 | Gender Dysphoria Issues | Dr. Julia Sadusky

POD 007 | Addressing Sexual Brokenness: Clues to Healing Through Story and Curiosity

POD 016 | Exploring Same-Sex Sexual Expression in Romans 1 with Greg Coles

Gentle and Lowly - Dane Ortland

KEYWORDS:

Christian sexual ethics, Human sexuality, Biblical interpretation, Cultural context, Theological work, Creation, Fall, Redemption, New creation, Church life, Homosexuality, Marital sex, Gender dysphoria, Transgender issues, C.S. Lewis, Marriage, Faithfulness, Christian sexual ethic, Preaching, Body language, Moral taste buds, Identity, Vulnerability, Brokenness, Shame, Mental health, Self-mastery, Sacrifice, Temptation, Grace, Mercy, Community, Spiritual friendship, Accountability

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Church revises paper on Christian sexual ethics.

06:24 Positive feedback on updated Christian sexuality content.

07:06 Paper revisions respond to evolving cultural context.

12:55 CS Lewis' challenge on following Jesus honestly.

15:14 Modern age of identity questioning and harm.

18:40 Embracing vulnerability, shame, and mental health.

22:58 Growing in faith, friendship, and intimacy experiences.

24:28 Meaningful friendships and accountability are essential.

28:39 Fasting helps discipline desires for a purpose.

32:11 Show notes will provide access to resources.

READ the written blog on our website:
https://theformed.life/2024/01/studying-the-truths-of-the-old-testament-05/