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The guys continue their discussion on God and the government. This session was continuing the Q&A session from the last episode. 02:53 Why should we talk about God and the government? 06:26 How should Christians weigh leadership versus party issues? 13:34 How can we as believers reconcile the current political climate in our hyper-polarized nation? 20:30 As important as I believe it is to vote, is it wrong for me not to vote if I morally and ethically do not feel a desire to vote one way or another? 24:17 Would it be best for Christians to keep their vote private to keep them from being a stumbling block? 27:25 Does praying for government leaders only mean asking God to save them and give them wisdom, what other ways should we be praying for them?

The guys discuss God and government and how Christians should think about politics and the upcoming election. 0:03:30 What is the biblical role of government? 0:31:31 How should Christians engage in politics and government? 0:42:37 How should Christians think and talk about the upcoming election? 0:58:07 If our government is endorsing behavior that is in direct contradiction to God's Word do his people have a right or a responsibility to campaign for change? 1:02:52 If all options in a hypothetical election are hopelessly immoral, how can a Christian vote in good conscience? 1:07:36 What does the Bible say about life and abortion? 1:13:21 I know some people who have said we should not be in favor of one political party than how we should vote? 1:16:43 How do we trust that the winner of the election was chosen by God and not by cheating? 1:19:32 People are saying that this election is one of the most important ones in our history. Why are people making it life and death on who wins when God will provide? 1:23:10 Can we please talk about how our vote is less important than our individual impact in our community? 1:27:48 Should Christians completely avoid voting for someone who is pro-choice or pro-alternative lifestyle/ identity?

Pastor Aaron and Pastor Brolin relive what it has been like growing up in the age of the video game, recounting some of their favorite gaming systems and games. 3:40 First video game system experience 6:23 8-bit Era 11:53 16-bit Era 16:20 32-bit and Beyond 23:53 MMOs and Social Gaming

The guys continue their rant on youth pastor stereotypes. 4:37 Hipster Heath 12:09 Military Mike 18:55 Relevant Ryker

The guys talk about youth pastor stereotypes they have encountered in ministry. 5:20 Who is Teva Tim? 13:28 Who is Christian Rock Chris? 20:00 Who is Sports Guy Steve?

The guys go on a random rant about church potlucks and the stereotypes they bring out. 3:28 What's your cultural background with potlucks? 12:54 What are some potluck stereotypes? 22:01 What are your favorite potluck dishes? 25:20 What kind of cookies do you like? 26:21 Should brownies be fudgy or cakey?

Pastor Brolin and Pastor Aaron discuss "5 Christian Cliches that Need to Die", an article by Matt Smethurst. Read the article here: LINK 7:52 “When God closes a door, he opens a window.” 15:01 “You’re never safer than when you’re in God’s will.” 18:14 “Let go and let God.” 22:45 “God will not give you more than you can handle.” 25:15 “God helps those who help themselves.”

The guys do another "random rant" on the Christian phrase "getting fed". 3:00 What do Christians mean by the phrase "I don't know if I'm getting fed"? 5:25 What does the "getting fed" mentality come from? 9:20 Can a Christian grow to maturity only by “getting fed”? Or is there more to it than that? 13:50 The guys respond to Pastor Brolin playing the "getting fed" Christian. 16:35 Do we just have a bunch of picky eaters?

Pastor Brolin and Pastor Aaron talk about our obsession with Christian celebrities. 4:52 Why do we as a Christian culture get so excited by Christian celebrities? 12:04 What are the dangers of putting a new believer on a platform too completely? 21:33 What do we do with Christian celebrities that "decovert"?

The guys discuss James 3:13-18 and the difference between godly and earthly wisdom: 4:17 What do you think people understand wisdom to be? 6:03 What are some examples of how our world embraces earthly wisdom? 13:00 How can Christians mistake earthly wisdom for godly wisdom? 18:38 Which of the characteristics of godly wisdom that James mentions did you find most interesting or challenging? 24:08 How do our relationships show evidence (or lack thereof) of true wisdom? 30:07 Any final thoughts or encouragements?

The guys rant and rave about the Christan phrase "going deeper". 4:02 What do you as pastors when you hear the phrase "I wish we would go a little deeper"? 8:20 What do you think of the idea that the desire to grow deeper is rooted in spiritual boredom and disobedience? 19:50 Should test "growing deeper" through the lens of loving others? 20:52 Some final encouragements.

The guys discuss James 3:1-12 and the taming of our tongue. 4:00 What are the dangers of being a teacher/ leader? 6:00 What are some wrong motives for wanting to become a teacher? 8:20 What are some ways we have seen the power of influence that words can have? 19:30 What are some ways we can use the tongue as a diagnostic for our hearts? 30:20 What is a good way to talk to Christian friend who is always negative and complaining? 37:35 What can we do as a church to guard our speech to one another?

The guys talk about the difference between racism and prejudice and the layers of racism that exist. 4:40 How should we define prejudice and racism? 8:45 How do the power dynamics of racism exhibit themselves in everyday interactions? 11:45 What are some different layers of racism?

The guys discuss James 2:14-26 and faith and works. 5:45 Pastor Thomas gives a brief recap of Sunday's sermon 7:58 How is James' use of "justified" different from Paul's? 14:00 What are some other words or rhetorical devices James uses to help understand the force of the passage? 18:28 What are your thoughts about the analogy the "faith is the engine; works is the fuel"? 20:50 Are the "works" James mentions the same as the "fruit" Jesus speaks of in Matthew? 23:43 What are some reasons we try to separate faith and works? 30:17 What are the dangers of separating faith and works? 36:32 How should the connection between faith and works impact our presentation of the gospel? 40:09 What about Romans 10:9? It seems like this passage is saying the gospel is simply a declaration. Thoughts? 47:00 What is the purpose of James comparing Abraham and Rahab? 50:13 What is the significance of James' analogy "just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead'. 52:20 Could you talk about the semantic range of "saved" and if James is using it differently than the salvific sense that comes to mind?

Today the guys discuss the Mormon Church and some difficulties in bridging the gap between the true and false gospels. 1:25 What is your experience and interactions with the Mormon Church? 4:50 Should Mormons be considered Christians? 13:57 Where does Mormon doctrine come from? 17:38 How is the Mormon gospel different from the Christian gospel? 26:35 What do the Mormons believe about Bible study methods?

The guys discuss James 2:1-13 and favoritism in the church. 4:07 Pastor Thomas gives a brief recap of Sunday's sermons. 5:50 How have you experienced favoritism? 10:38 What are some ways we reinforce favoritism in the church? 14:22 What does a church who doesn't show favoritism work with? 21:05 Does God view all sin the same? 24:19 How did the passage shared during the call to worship (Ps. 82) connect to the James passage? 26:00 Why is favoritism such a serious sin? 34:20 How does favoritism hurt the testimony of gospel? 37:06 What are some ways the world's influence has stained the church? 42:30 How do we balance the tension of keeping from sin and engaging the world? 47:50 What are some things you would encourage a person who is struggling with favoritism to do?

Today the guys rant about Bible verses on home decor and how they can misrepresent what the texts are actually about. 2:58 The guys introduce a new series of talks called "Random Rants" 6:24 The guys introduce heretical home decor. 7:55 Is having a Scripture verse on your wall a bad thing? 8:50 What are some issues that come up with heretical home decor? 11:30 What are some verses get ripped out of context in home decor? 23:43 How can we put verses on our wall well?

The guys continue the miniseries called "Misconceptions". In this episode, they discuss misconceptions about the afterlife and how we talk about what happens when we die. 5:25 What are some common things that people think about the afterlife? 11:00 What are the differences between the intermediate state and last judgment? 17:19 What are some Scriptural passages that talk about the afterlife? 30:46 What is hell? 40:04 What are some ways the Bible talks about "God's space"?

The guys discuss James 1:1-18 and how trials are a part of the journey to spiritual maturity. 3:58 What was the big idea behind James 1:1-18? 5:55 How has God used trials to refine you? 14:07 Should a Christian ever doubt? 28:28 How can a Christian tell the difference between a trial and not getting your own way? 36:01 What are some ways we misdiagnose our spiritual condition? 47:23 What are the difference between trials and temptations? 50:52 How do we confront evil desire well?

The guys continue the miniseries called "Misconceptions". In this episode, they discuss misconceptions about the Church and how we engage in a local church body. 5:08 What are some false pictures we have developed about the church? The church as a club. 10:15 What are some false pictures we have developed about the church? The church as a service provider. 17:00 What is the church, then? 22:01 If a group is not carrying out the mission and purposes of Jesus, should we see it as a church? 27:55 What would you say to someone who says they love Jesus, but cannot stand the church?