bible talk

This week, Jeanne and Jennifer are back and wrapping up their engagement on Kushner's work with a discussion about characters wrestling with angels - Jacob in the Hebrew Bible and Prior & Joseph in Angels in America (1991).

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Join me in our second episode as we have discussion about how we view God the Father based on how we view our human fathers. 

In this part 2 of our previous conversation about God the Father and our human fathers, we dive a little deeper and take a look at how we can truly change our perspective of God the father, and heal from a painful past. 

Hey its Inez! Just wanted to invite you to join me on this journey in season 2, where we have a round table discussion with some ladies. 

I believe that there is something for you in this season. As you listen in your quiet time i hope that the Lord God would speak to you and shine his light in you that you would feel this new Dawn. 

Please like and subscribe to this podcast, as i will be uploading regularly. 

Thank you, 
Inez Diaz-Pena

You know those times when you're really struggling and could use some solid encouragement, but then, someone tries to sum up God's provision like its a bumper sticker? Yeah. Cringe, right? The problem here is that these catchy little phrases take hold because rarely do we stop and consider what they mean, if they hold up against scripture, and what the implications are when saying this stuff?

Well, in this episode Ciara and Jessi take on all the cringe - well, not all of it, but some of it - and look at three common phrases you may have heard believers use, or maybe you have even used yourself, and discern their way through what they all really mean.

Try not to cringe too hard.

Show Notes:
The Holiness of God by RC Sproul https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007V698MW/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0

Chosen by God by RC Sproul https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004OEIODS/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i2

Ligonier: State of Theology https://www.ligonier.org/posts/state-theology-cosmic-treason

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1053&context=etas

The Meaning of Holiness, RC Sproul https://youtu.be/K96e1tK7eN4

God's Love and God's Hatred https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/gods-love-and-gods-hatred

Episode 33: Sola Feelz https://www.buzzsprout.com/1538023/9077953-ep-33-sola-feelz

Todd Friel and the Tearful Woman https://youtu.be/mACbV4xweHE

It seems there are a million reasons Christians could find to boycott any number of businesses. But which reasons actually qualify as valid? Which reasons should compel us to take our business elsewhere or even encourage others to do so? And if we have valid reasons for boycotting the ungodly actions of others, doesn't that make us no better than the woke mob which has sparked the controversial "cancel culture" that has destroyed countless lives and businesses?

Ciara and Jessi kick off the new year by examining these questions, considering them against scripture, and sharing their own struggles when deciding who gets the ax from our list of approved vendors and suppliers. Spoiler alert: it turns out agreement on that list was hard to come by.

Show Notes:
1689 Chapter 21: Christians Liberty and Liberty of Conscience https://founders.org/library/1689-confession/chapter-21-christian-liberty-and-liberty-of-conscience/

Jon Harris: What was Cracker Barrel Thinking? https://youtu.be/Q-VMwj_Fn8M

The Tyranny of the Weaker Brother, RC Sproul https://youtu.be/_hX-ifma5-k

Gregory Koukl's response to The Salvation Army https://www.facebook.com/greg.koukl/posts/4475055825893602

WSJ: Wokeness Infiltrates the Salvation Army https://www.wsj.com/articles/wokeness-infiltrates-the-salvation-army-discussion-guide-racism-diversity-and-incusion-christian-11639690409

It's not just another way to celebrate Halloween, and it isn't just a day to remember those who have died. Dia de los Muertos - the Day of the Dead - is a tradition of reuniting with loved ones and building altars in their honor.

The practices should concern professing Christians and Ciara and Jessi and here to break down all the reasons why in the season 3 premier of crosswise.

Not all cultures are equal, and in a time when we aren't supposed to say that, it's even more important to say. Strap in for a fun, but deadly serious conversation about this Mexican holiday and how American culture is joining in with enough sugar skulls to go around.

Show Notes:
Episode 9: Forbidden Series, Part 1: Communing with the Dead
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1538023/7630543-ep-9-forbidden-series-part-1-communing-with-the-dead

Sesame Street Promotes Dia de los Muertos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PczY27gDjpk

GotQuestions.org: What is the difference between veneration and worship?
https://www.gotquestions.org/veneration.html

BAR Party: Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?
https://youtu.be/fPi39nm7lc0

Mike Winger: 7 Sides of Halloween
https://youtu.be/ALY9aLKm9YI

Halloween's Improbable Origin and Meaning for Christians
https://americanvision.org/9630/halloweens-improbable-origin-and-meaning-for-christians/

In the final episode of the season, Ciara and Jessi answer listener questions regarding salvation, the second commandment, baptism and more. Be sure to check out this conversation as Season 2 comes to a close.

Show Notes:
Episode 16: Inadvertent Idolatry Part I https://www.buzzsprout.com/1538023/8193123-ep-16-inadvertent-idolatry-part-1

Banner of Truth: The Child's Story Bible by Catherine Vos https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/christian-childrens-books/the-childs-story-bible/

Reformation Heritage Books https://www.heritagebooks.org/Search.html#/Search.html?search=children+bible

Charles Spurgeon: The Holy Spirit's Intercession (Transcript) https://www.spurgeon.org/resource-library/sermons/the-holy-spirits-intercession/#flipbook/

Charles Spurgeon: The Holy Spirit's Intercession (Audio) https://youtu.be/TJjoQ2aBCfE

Thankful Homemaker: 10 Books on Prayer https://thankfulhomemaker.com/10-great-books-on-prayer/

Thankful Homemaker: Spiritual Disciplines, Prayer https://thankfulhomemaker.com/podcast-ep-56-prayer-spiritual-disciplines-series/

Dr. Josh Buice, Why Women Should Not Teach the Bible to Men https://g3min.org/why-women-should-not-teach-the-bible-to-men/

Michelle Lesley, Women Teaching Men Questions https://michellelesley.com/2015/12/18/rock-your-role-faqs/

Michelle Lesley, Priscilla Didn't Teach Men https://michellelesley.com/2015/11/13/rock-your-role-oh-no-she-di-int-priscilla-didnt-preach-deborah-didnt-dominate-and-esther-wasnt-an-egalitarian/

John Piper, Is There A Place For Female Professors at Seminary? https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/is-there-a-place-for-female-professors-at-seminary

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works... encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Ciara and Jessi talk sanctification, worldly desires, sinful passions of the heart, temptations of envy and sloth, and how by the power of the Holy Spirt, they are working to put those things away and live a life that seeks to glorify God and live for him.

Christians are still sinners while in this world, but because of faith in Jesus, and by the means of being "stirred up" and encouraged by others, we are able to mortify those sins, praying and working each day to see progression toward holiness.

Things get a little personal in this conversation, but for all the right reasons.

Show Notes:

Episode 7: Putting the “You” in Worship Music https://www.buzzsprout.com/1538023/7376572

Mortification and Vivification by AW Pink https://www.monergism.com/mortification-and-vivification

Transforming Grace by Jerry Bridges https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XKYJS5Y/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i4

Ciara's instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CNprL0TM2Aj/

Jessi's instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CP8b_L0BhRY/

People seem to have this perpetual need to find a way to tell others who they are through the use of personality labels. Almost like there needs to be this universally understood and accepted language that when when spoken, it tells others all they need to know - and all we need to know - about who we are and what makes us tick.

For decades it has been astrological signs. "What's your sign?"
Then it became the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. "What's your type?"
And now, growing in popularity and influence, it's the Enneagram. "What's your number?"

These questions, but especially that last one, have become such common questions that they don't even need any context or explaining. But what most Christians don't know is that the Enneagram has some dark and dangerous roots and some questionable proponents, which should give believers more than a moments pause when considering whether the Enneagram is worth taking.

In this episode, Ciara and Jessi examine the rise of the Enneagram, where it came from, how it found its way into Evangelical Churches, and what we should do about it.

Show Notes:
CANA: The Enneagram GPS (Gnostic Path to Self) http://www.christiananswersforthenewage.org/Articles_Enneagram.aspx

Marcia Montenegro: The Origins of the Enneagram https://youtu.be/k9Jo90cl7Io

The Sword and The Trowel: The Enneagram and the Christian Life https://youtu.be/0UySM_Q9t-Q

Tent Making Christianity: What's Wrong With the Enneagram? https://tentmakingchristianity.com/whats-wrong-with-the-enneagram/

Center for Action and Contemplation (Richard Rohr): The Enneagram: An Introduction https://cac.org/the-enneagram-an-introduction/

Why Christians Should Avoid the Enneagram https://fb.watch/7JY0JEctE_/

The Enneagram: A Developmental Study (In depth history of origin) https://runningfather.wordpress.com/2013/03/25/enneagram-a-developmental-study-james-moore/

We all know the feeling of feeling all the feels. You know, that feeling when something doesn't feel quite right. Those feelings have a place and purpose, but does that place and purpose involve how respond to the gospel?

Well, the doctrine of Sola Feelz, adopted by the modern church of the perpetually offended, says, "if it doesn't feel right, it's not right." But Sola Scriptura (and all the other Solas for that matter), say something else entirely.

In this episode, Ciara and Jessi explore how to manage our feelings when responding to the gospel and that how we share it with others can make all the difference in, and for, the world.

Show Notes:
The Babylon Bee: Progressive Evangelical Leaders Meet to Affirm Doctrine of "Sola Feels" https://babylonbee.com/news/progressive-evangelical-leaders-meet-affirm-doctrine-sola-feels/

Wretched Video: "Tearful Woman Confronts Open Air Preacher" https://youtu.be/mACbV4xweHE

Now, like no other time in history, Christians are faced with deciding whether to follow their conscience or follow the trends.  Between viral YouTube videos and "must-see TV," social media influencers and binge-worthy movie series, our screens have growing control over how we  spend our time.

But, both the content found on these platforms, and the amount of time spent consuming media should give believers pause. Is it appropriate for us to intentionally witness sinful behavior? Is it possible for us to come to a consensus on what kind of media should be avoided by professing Christians? How much time is too much time to spend enjoying the entertainment we do decide to consume?

Ciara and Jessi take on these questions, and so many more in an episode that really comes down learning to overcome the fear of missing out in order to better live out our faithfulness in Christ.

Show Notes:
Christian, What Are You Watching?  by Craig Cabaniss https://www.crossway.org/articles/christian-what-are-you-watching/

Is It Sinful to Watch Sin on a Screen? John Piper https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/is-it-sinful-to-watch-sin-on-a-screen

1689 London Baptist Confession, Section 21, Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience https://founders.org/library/1689-confession/chapter-21-christian-liberty-and-liberty-of-conscience/

"Why I Won't Read Fifty Shades of Gray"- Blog post by Jessi http://thisjessibridges.blogspot.com/2012/05/why-i-wont-be-reading-50-shades-of-grey.html

Episode 6: Soul Searching (Our Review of Pixar's SouL) https://www.buzzsprout.com/1538023/7260562-ep-6-soul-searching

Episode 16: Inadvertent Idolatry https://www.buzzsprout.com/1538023/8193123-ep-16-inadvertent-idolatry-part-1

Episode 31: Garden of Deception: Examining the Growth of Bad Theology on Social Media with Dr. Jen Russum https://www.buzzsprout.com/1538023/8998891-ep-31-garden-of-deception-examining-the-growth-of-bad-theology-on-social-media-with-dr-jen-russum

You’ve been asked to give a Bible talk. So where do you begin? And how do you make sure you’re understanding and applying the passage of scripture rightly? How will you get to the gospel?

In this workshop session, recorded live at The 2021 Gospel Coalition National Conference, Nancy Guthrie takes listeners through the process of preparing to teach the Bible including prayer, looking at the context, determining the structure of the passage, composing and aim, creating an outline, getting to the gospel, developing applications, and coming up with an introduction and conclusions. She then applies each of these tasks to putting together a talk on Numbers 6:22-27.

Mentioned in this episode: Putting Together a Bible Talk worksheet

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints - They believe in Jesus and that he died on a cross. They even named their church after him, so they must be just another denomination of Protestant Christianity, right? Unfortunately, no, because the Jesus they teach about, the God they worship, and the salvation they believe in is completely antithetical to everything we read about these things in Scripture.

Ciara and Jessi kick off a new series, Counterfeit Christianity, which exposes the false gospels and the dangerous teachings of some of the biggest churches in the world today, all who have deceived millions of people into following a teaching that denies fundamental truths about God and His Word. These false teachings of the LDS Church are discussed and corrected in this episode which leave little room for misunderstanding.

We know it can be hard to tell someone they are being lied to. It can be even harder to be on the receiving end of that message. But love rejoices in the truth, so it is the truth we preach. And the truth is, followers of the LDS church must repent and come to know the Jesus of the Bible to have any hope for saving grace.

Show Notes:
Ron Rhodes: Reasoning from the Scriptures with the Mormons https://www.amazon.com/Reasoning-Scriptures-Mormons-Ron-Rhodes/dp/1565073282/ref=sr_1_12?dchild=1&keywords=ron+rhodes&qid=1625548460&sr=8-12

Gospel Principles https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-principles?lang=eng

Joseph Fielding Smith: Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith http://www.boap.org/LDS/Joseph-Smith/Teachings/T6.html

Michael Horton: The Indicative and the Imperative https://www.monergism.com/indicative-and-imperative-reformation-view-sanctification

Michael Horton: What is the Gospel? https://youtu.be/caMVMayR690

CARM: The Gospel According to Mormonism https://carm.org/mormonism/the-gospel-according-to-mormonism/

John Piper: What Happens When You Die? https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/what-happens-when-you-die-all-appear-before-the-judgment-seat-of-christ

Jeff Durbin- street interaction with a Mormon https://youtu.be/d-xjSJKZbPQ

Additional Resources:
Mormonism's Impossible Gospel https://vimeo.com/41845136

100 Verses  for Witnessing to Mormons https://www.aomin.org/aoblog/mormonism/100-verses-for-witnessing-to-mormons/

Mike Winger: Mormonism- Contending for the Faith Conference https://youtu.be/A0Pkt9BCcxk

Scripture References:
Ephesians 3:21
John 4:24
Hosea 11:9
Romans 1:22-23
Psalm 90:2
Isaiah 57:15
Deuteronomy 33:27
Malachi 3:6
James 1:17
Deuteronomy 6:4
Isaiah 43:10-11
Isaiah 44:6
John 10:30
John 14:11
John 1:1, 14
Romans 10:9
Colossians 1:16
Luke 1:31-35
Genesis 1:1
John 1:12 
Romans 8:15
Ephesians 1:5 
Galatians 4:5
Galatians 1:6-8
Matthew 19:24-25
Matthew 13:49
1 Corinthians 3:8
Ephesians 6:8
Ephesians 2:8-9

One of the most frequent warnings we get throughout the books of the New Testament is about false teachers. In fact, Paul included warnings to be on the look out for "wolves" within the church body in almost all of his letters to churches and church leaders in the first century. Heresy was a problem in the early church, and it is still a problem today. In this episode, Ciara and Jessi do the unimaginable in a culture that says "thou shalt not judge," and get specific about the problems with the preaching of Steven Furtick. From outright heresy to drawing crowds in with the appealing Prosperity Gospel, Furtick is guilty of all sorts of biblical distortions and discerning Christians ought to beware.

Show Notes:
Episode 15: Is God A (Wo)Man? https://www.buzzsprout.com/1538023/8151370-ep-15-god-is-a-wo-man

Shai Linne: False Teachers https://youtu.be/KJmcEAwazD0

Steven Furtick: Ghosted https://youtu.be/Tk12DsbkB8A

Steven Furtick: Focus on the Fruit https://youtu.be/QED4Oqd202c

Rob Bell on Oprah's Super Soul Sunday https://youtu.be/EstIjZP0U1c

Steven Furtick: God Promised You the VIctory https://youtu.be/53Kr-_nAmio

The Elephant Room https://youtu.be/JOKceYR4lyE

Young Man Analyzes 10 Hours of Furtick Sermons https://youtu.be/2WQlX_j0wQo

Mike Winger: Identifying False Teachers https://youtu.be/e2jpwEoo8aY

Scripture References:
Acts 20:28-32
Romans 16:17-18
2 Corinthians 1112-15
Galatians 1:8-9
Colossians 2:8, 18-21
1 Timothy 6:3-5
2 Timothy 4:3-5
Titus 1:10-11, 3:10
Hebrews 13:9
2 Peter 2:1-3, 3:17
1 John 4:1-6
2 John 7-11
Jude

Matthew 7:1, 15
Hebrews 13:8
James 1:22-25
Romans 5:1
John 1:1
Romans 6:1-2

Human history is replete with stories of how mankind has been on, what seems like, a never-ending journey to find happiness and healing. Some methods have certainly achieved greater popularity than others, and unfortunately, even for Christians, the New Age has offered what sounds like an appealing solution to overcome life's challenges. In this episode, Ciara and Jessi explore the teachings of the New Age regarding internal and external energy, how to cleanse it, and what the pages of Scripture have to say about our futile attempts to wage spiritual warfare on God's behalf.


Show Notes:
John Piper "Running With Witnesses" https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/running-with-the-witnesses

Robb Brunansky "What is Spiritual Discernment?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXH9TtOcmqc

Allie Beth Stuckey "The Rise of Millennial Witches" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddFtOf6KyQk&t=1783s

Steven Bancarz "Crystals: A Christian Perspective" https://youtu.be/iPJJq2JzbAM

Pew Research: "New Age Beliefs Common Among Both Religious and Nonreligious" https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/10/01/new-age-beliefs-common-among-both-religious-and-nonreligious-americans/

Chakra 101: An Introduction to the 7 Chakras https://www.yogiapproved.com/om/chakra-system-introduction/

Episode 17 "Inadvertent Idolatry Part 2" https://www.buzzsprout.com/1538023/8236990-ep-17-inadvertent-idolatry-part-2

Episode 9 "Forbidden: Communing With the Dead" https://www.buzzsprout.com/1538023/7630543-ep-9-forbidden-series-part-1-communing-with-the-dead

Travis Peterson "The Armor of God" https://soundcloud.com/user-302480361/the-armor-of-god-ephesians-610-18

Scripture References:
Isaiah 43:25
Isaiah 44:22
1 John 1:7
Psalm 6:2-4
Ephesians 6:10-18
2 Thessalonians 3:3
Psalm 4:8
Deuteronomy 18:10-12
Galatians 5:19-21
Romans 14:14
1 Peter 5:6-7

Continuing the discussion about the Biblical structure for families and the roles within them, Ciara and Jessi, with special guest Pastor Travis Peterson, explore the always controversial topic of appropriate and necessary leadership of husbands in the home. The discussion dives into what headship does and doesn't look like, why God appointed men has heads of households, and how proper execution of the patriarchy is good for women, children, and society as a whole.

Will feminists hate this? Probably. But the Lord loves faithful servants. So, ladies, grab your man and enjoy the ride as we walk you both through the Scripture's call for Godly marriage.

Show notes:
John Piper: Husbands Who Love Like Christ and the Wives Who Submit to Them https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/husbands-who-love-like-christ-and-the-wives-who-submit-to-them

The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Trueman https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Triumph-Modern-Self-Individualism/dp/1433556332

Episode 19: Sex, Submission, and Standing up to Sin https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1538023/8539917-ep-19-sex-submission-and-standing-up-to-sin.mp3?download=true

Episode 20: Fictional Families https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1538023/8583144-ep-20-fictional-families.mp3?download=true

Where to find Pastor Travis Peterson:

Blog https://pastortravislv.com/about-me/

Twitter https://twitter.com/pastortravislv

Providence Reformed Church YouTube https://youtube.com/channel/UCciOsqa1rQxv6SFqaZgmnAA

In the final episode of Season 1 of crosswise, Ciara and Jessi dive into the acceptance of curse words (or is it cuss words?) and why Christians should feel empowered to reject the use of profane and perverse language. Scripture talks a lot about how important the kinds of language we use is and how that language offers a window into our hearts. If you're full of anger, the words you use reflect that. But, God calls us to set our hearts and our minds on the things of heaven. How does the world know that's where we're focused? By the words we choose to use.

Oprah article mentioned in episode: The Hidden Benefits of Anger, Cursing, and Negativity https://www.oprah.com/health/the-hidden-benefits-of-cursing-negativity-and-gossip/all

Ligonier article on Colossians 3:7-8 https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/life-christ/

In this episode, Ciara and Jessi wrap up their discussion on idol worship and how Christians accidentally fall into violations of the second commandment. Even when we know better, it’s hard to resist the temptation to make our material possessions the center of our worlds. Worse yet, the culture has turned loving ourselves into an even more appealing form of idolatry, that’s sometimes too subtle to even recognize. Paul warns believers not to become lovers of self or of money, and yet, we’ve all stumbled into this sin. But, praise God, He gives us a way out.

Alistair Begg on Idolatry: https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/acceptable-worship-part-3/

Ligonier, Idolatry Defined: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/idolatry-defined/

"When God is Not Enough" by Scotty Smith: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/when-god-not-enough/

How do you talk about other people? Have you ever been slanderous, assumed the worst in someone, been a gossip or misrepresented someone's position? Of course you have, we all have. But did you know that scripture actually commands us to avoid such talk? In this special episode of crosswise, Jessi flies solo while Ciara recovers in the hospital from pregnancy complications, and takes a deep dive into the Ninth Commandment, which is so much richer than what we all know as "thou shalt not lie."

This is a must listen if you have ever wondered how to handle misrepresentations against you or others, how to take on conspiracy theories on the internet, and how social media can be a compelling place to fall into the sin of bearing false witness against others.

Westminster Larger Catechism, Questions 143-154 https://reformedforum.org/podcasts/larger-catechism-questions-141-150/

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn "Live Not By Lies" https://www.orthodoxytoday.org/articles/SolhenitsynLies.php

Pastor James Coates - Sermon on Romans 13
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh6nXD4Rtg0