Citizen of Heaven
389 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 6 ratingsI am Hal Hammons, a citizen of heaven. I broadcast regular reports of what it is for a child of God to live in Satan's world. My reports typically break down into four segments:"What I've been preaching" -- a point I have made in a recent sermon."What I've been reading" -- A brief breakdown of a book of the Bible or other reading material that has helped me in my understanding or application of the Bible."What I've been hearing" -- news from the internet or other sources about what is going on, either among brothers and sisters in Christ or out in the world at large."What I've been playing" -- how I've been entertaining myself in my spare time, and some spiritual points I have been able to extract.
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Episodes
TERROR, part 2: with Jared Bollman and Brian Haynes
October 04, 2023 07:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MBToday we have more from my conversation with Jared Bollman and Brian Haynes from the Biblically Speaking podcast. Both men preach in western Oregon, the land of my birth — Jared in Beaverton, Brian in Hillsboro — so there’s an extra connection there. Here we discuss Frankenstein and the implications it has for people today who would try to build a bigger, better human according to their own plan instead of trusting in God’s plan. Hal Hammons serves as preacher and shepherd for the Lakewood...
TERROR: with Jason Bollman and Brian Haynes
October 03, 2023 07:00 - 23 minutes - 16.5 MBWe begin Monster Month on the podcast with a conversation about the fears that Satan’s world brings out in us, the sort of treatment we can expect from Satan and from God along the way, and how we can find faith to survive and thrive. My guests are the cohosts of the Biblically Speaking podcast, Jared Bollman and Brian Haynes. Make sure to check them out, as well as the Biblically Speaking YouTube channel. Hal Hammons serves as preacher and shepherd for the Lakewoods Drive church of Christ...
TOP TEN BIBLE VILLAINS
September 28, 2023 20:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBToday I’m sharing with you my list of my favorite bad guys from the Bible. I shared the list with my Facebook group, Heaven Citizens, and now I’m sharing it with you. Feel free to agree or disagree as you like. Enjoy. Hal Hammons serves as preacher and shepherd for the Lakewoods Drive church of Christ in Georgetown, Texas. He is the host of the Citizen of Heaven podcast. You are encouraged to seek him and the Lakewoods Drive church through Facebook and other social media. Lakewoods Drive i...
TREES: The king of the trees. "The Magnolia Story." Strangler figs. Arboretum.
September 26, 2023 07:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MBAutumn always makes me think of trees, with the changing of the colors. Of course, trees have been changing color in Texas for a couple of months, and autumn has nothing to do with it. This week we will discuss the surprising rise to the top of the king of the trees; Joanna Gaines’s horrible judgment in trees and why I forgive her; a tree with no trunk that is as beautiful as it is deadly; and the prettiest and meanest card game we own. Hal Hammons serves as preacher and shepherd for the L...
SWORDS: Plowshares. "1356." Damascus steel. Medieval Academy.
September 19, 2023 07:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MBThey say the pen is mightier than the sword. Me, I’ve never seen a pen that can cut a sword in half. Swords are powerful things; the more we know about them the better. This week we will discuss the road from weapons of war to weapons of peace, and back again; a sword of myth and legend that may be too powerful to use; the cool stripy marks on really fancy swords and what it means for the church; and a cardboard sword I sacrificed for the good of the children. Hal Hammons serves as preach...
WHINING: Children of God. "Who Moved My Cheese?" Referees. Risk.
September 12, 2023 07:00 - 19 minutes - 13.8 MBThis week’s episode is for all the football fans out there. If you are a friend and you think I’m talking about you, you’re probably right. Today we will discuss the kind of children who don’t whine, and why you should be one; a pair of mice and what they can teach us about the maze of life; the extreme unlikelihood of college football referees actually being bought and paid for; and how pitching a hissy fit can help you conquer the world. Hal Hammons serves as preacher and shepherd for th...
ATHENS, part 3: with Phillip Martin and Brent Moody
September 07, 2023 07:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBIt’s nice, if a bit intimidating, to be in the room with people smarter and better read than you. That’s how I felt in this week’s conversation with Phillip Martin and Brent Moody. We wrap up by discussing how to build a library. You may be surprised at some of the suggestions they make. Fewer books. Getting rid of Bible dictionaries and concordances. Nice words about the NIV. You’re going to want pen and paper nearby for this one. Links for some of the resources cited follow: Effective Bi...
ATHENS, part 2: with Phillip Martin and Brent Moody
September 06, 2023 07:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBTwo good friends of mine help me cap off our five-week trip around the globe this week. Phillip Martin serves as preacher and shepherd for the Eastside church of Christ in Sharpsburg, Georgia. Check out his work at gospeldefender.com and tacticalpreacher.com. Brent Moody preaches for the Decker Prairie church of Christ in the suburban Houston area. In the second part of our conversation, we discuss Paul’s short preaching visit to Athens, and the role education plays in our walk with Christ...
ATHENS: with Phillip Martin and Brent Moody
September 05, 2023 07:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MBTwo good friends of mine help me cap off our five-week trip around the globe this week. Phillip Martin serves as preacher and shepherd for the Eastside church of Christ in Sharpsburg, Georgia. Check out his work at gospeldefender.com and tacticalpreacher.com. Brent Moody preaches for the Decker Prairie church of Christ in the suburban Houston area. In the first part of our conversation, we discuss Paul’s short preaching visit to Athens, and the role education plays in our walk with Christ ...
SAN FRANCISCO: Lombard Street. "San Francisco is Burning." The Emperor of the United States. Embarcadero.
August 29, 2023 07:00 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MBSan Francisco is perhaps the most unique city in the United States, for better or for worse. Probably both. This week we will discuss the short and winding road, and how San Franciscans have turned it into a blessing instead of a problem; the disaster of 1906 and how humans’ best efforts made it far, far worse; Norton I, emperor of the United States, and his relationship with his subjects; and the bigger business you can build by sinking your existing business into San Francisco Bay. Hal ...
PARIS: The Arc de Triomphe. "Chopin in Paris." The Notre Dame fire. Paris: City of Lights.
August 22, 2023 07:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MBIn our trip around the world this month, we land in Paris – home of great bread and snooty waiters. But we’ll leave the topic of restaurants for another day. Today we will discuss how Napoleon’s triumph measures up with that of Jesus Christ; whether residence and citizenship are synonymous concepts; why intense planning couldn’t safe a thousand-year-old cathedral and won’t save the Lord’s church; and why the lights of Paris have been shining on me in the game room lately. Hal Hammons serv...
TOP TEN FILMS I WHOLEHEARTEDLY ENDORSE
August 19, 2023 07:00 - 21 minutes - 15.1 MBThis is from a livestream I did for the Heaven Citizens Facebook group this week. If you don’t know about Heaven Citizens, seek us out and join in the fun. I took some time to point out some good things Hollywood has done for us over the years, and to celebrate some noble, virtue-affirming ways we can entertain ourselves. Enjoy. Hal Hammons serves as preacher and shepherd for the Lakewoods Drive church of Christ in Georgetown, Texas. He is the host of the Citizen of Heaven podcast. You are...
CHICAGO: The Windy City. "The Devil in the White City." "25 or 6 to 4." Scarface 1920.
August 15, 2023 07:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MBIn our trip around the world this month, we land in the home of Wrigley Field, deep-dish pizza, and “Da Bears.” Not my style, but Chicagoans clearly disagree. And that’s fine. This week we’ll discuss the city’s insulting nickname it’s worked so hard to earn; its greatest moment and vilest villain and how they relate; its most successful musicians and their most perplexing song; and its most famous citizen and why you won’t find him at my gaming table. Hal Hammons serves as preacher and s...
BABYLON: The Great Harlot. "Alas, Babylon." The Hanging Gardens. Gardens of Babylon.
August 08, 2023 07:00 - 19 minutes - 13.8 MBFrom Nimrod to Sadaam Hussein, Babylon has implications far beyond its walls. It is one of the most important cities in human history, and in the Bible as well. This week we will consider the great harlot of Revelation (PG-13 rated, I promise); Babylon, American-style, and how it-slash-we might fall; Babylon’s contribution to the wonders of the world (or maybe not); and how blame and credit flow in different speeds and directions, both in board games and in life. Hal Hammons serves as pre...
YOUTH, part 3: with Kris Emerson and Phil Robertson
August 03, 2023 15:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MBThis week Kris Emerson and Phil Robertson are addressing the topic of youth. Both have extensive experience with young people; in fact, as this episode premieres, Kris and the church in Lindale have just concluded a weekend especially targeting the needs of young Christians. In this conversation we discuss a book all three of us have read — a book written by young people for young people (and their parents), encouraging us all to set the bar high — the higher the better. Hal Hammons serves...
YOUTH, part 2: with Kris Emerson and Phil Robertson
August 02, 2023 07:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MB"Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris is a favorite of all thee of us. In this segment we discuss the value of young people setting high standards for themselves. Hal Hammons serves as preacher and shepherd for the Lakewoods Drive church of Christ in Georgetown, Texas. He is the host of the Citizen of Heaven podcast. You are encouraged to seek him and the Lakewoods Drive church through Facebook and other social media. Lakewoods Drive is an autonomous group of Christians dedicated to pra...
YOUTH, with Kris Emerson and Phil Robertson
August 01, 2023 07:00 - 19 minutes - 13.1 MB“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth.” I lost track of how many times Solomon’s words from Ecclesiastes 12:1 were drilled into my head as a child by people whose youth had been long since lost. Most of my friends — the ones who were listening, anyway — seemed to think the message was, “Make sure you don’t have too much fun.” I’m quite sure that isn’t what Solomon meant; it’s not what I mean when I said similar things to my daughters. But what do we mean? What does it mean to reme...
FANTASY: The perfect fit. "Shoeless Joe." Billy Joel. The Grimm Forest.
July 25, 2023 07:00 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MBFantasies are by definition unspeakably wonderful and virtually unattainable. Living in a fantasy world can bring a smile to your face right now, but it’s likely to end in something more like a nightmare. This week we will discuss the folly of seeking perfection in imperfect people; the “field of dreams” and what we will do to play there; one rocker’s willingness to settle for a fantasy over the real thing; and the games we play with our children, and why we should let them be a little scar...
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! The Balancing the Christian Life Conference July 27-29.
July 22, 2023 19:00 - 1 minute - 1.08 MBGo to https://www.balancingthechristianlife.com/ to find out more about Kenny Embry and his podcast, Balancing the Christian Life. Go to https://whova.com/web/-ktUVwMqnD9fszQViQSvXUVkH2DuxaJ9wkFaaL7ygps%3D/?fbclid=IwAR1JJn-qJ5zNgwW-SU-tOBil4mOThOLBeexJIT7gBALy5ox4GQ6N3RUEcyI to register for the conference. Free options are available! Hal Hammons serves as preacher and shepherd for the Lakewoods Drive church of Christ in Georgetown, Texas. He is the host of the Citizen of Heaven podcast. Y...
NO: No longer. "No Safe Spaces." No worries. No Thanks.
July 18, 2023 07:00 - 19 minutes - 13.8 MBIt’s a mistake to think of the word “no” as merely a rejection of an offer, request or suggestion. Sometimes saying “no” to one thing is a gateway to saying “yes” to something better. Today we will hear Jesus say no to stagnation and yes to growth; we will hear two political pundits say no to isolation and yes to discussion; we will hear Aussies say something that’s impossible to understand, as always; and we will hear gamers say no to points and yes to winning. Hal Hammons serves as prea...
TOP TEN UNDERRATED BIBLE CHARACTERS
July 15, 2023 07:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBI am sharing here the Top Ten list I did for my Facebook group, Heaven Citizens, of the characters in the Bible that I think (1) feature prominently in the story and (2) do not get much credit for it. Agree or disagree as you like -- but I hope you will agree at least that these characters deserve our respect. Hal Hammons serves as preacher and shepherd for the Lakewoods Drive church of Christ in Georgetown, Texas. He is the host of the Citizen of Heaven podcast. You are encouraged to seek ...
MEEKNESS: Jesus and Samson. Lou Gehrig: The Lost Memoir. The name you wear. Go Fish.
July 11, 2023 07:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MBMeekness has come to mean weakness or passivity in our modern vernacular. But that’s not what it means in the Bible. And it’s not what it will mean here for the next 20 minutes. This week we will discuss the difference between the strongest man in human history and a muscle-bound oaf from the book of Judges; the frustratingly nice words from a Hall of Famer; the boastfulness of people who have done very little to boast of; and the friendliest competition in Hammons family history Hal Hamm...
HABITS, part 3: with Reagan McClenny and Adam Shanks
July 06, 2023 07:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBThis is the final part of my conversation with Reagan McClenny and Adam Shanks. Reagan preaches for the Timberland Drive church of Christ in Lufkin, TX; Adam preaches for the Edwards Lake church of Christ in Birmingham, AL, and his podcast, Preach Impediments, will soon return from hiatus. Today we look at the struggles we often face in seeing our walk with Christ as a lifelong process rather than individual steps, especially when those steps don’t go so great. Hal Hammons serves as preach...
HABITS, part 2: with Reagan McClenny and Adam Shanks
July 05, 2023 07:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBAdam Shanks, host of the Preach Impediments podcast, is also the author of In God We Trust, an excellent book on money management. You can find it at Adam’s website, Edenhollow.com. In this segment, Adam and Reagan McClenny, who preaches for the church of Christ in Lufkin, TX, discuss with me the importance of properly managing our money, and what our failure to do so says about our faith. Hal Hammons serves as preacher and shepherd for the Lakewoods Drive church of Christ in Georgetown, T...
HABITS, with Reagan McClenny and Adam Shanks
July 04, 2023 07:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MBThis week I am joined by Reagan McClenny and Adam Shanks, both of whom are participating in this month’s Balancing the Christian Life Conference. Find out more at balancingthechristianlife.com. Check out Reagan’s work through the podcast of the Timberland Drive church of Christ. Adam’s work can be found at his website, edenhollow.com. In our first segment, we discuss the demons we try to cast out of our hearts (i.e., bad habits) and the struggles we face in replacing them with something bet...
PHOTOGRAPHY: Snapshots vs. sketches. "The Kissing Sailor." Cameras. Picture Perfect.
June 27, 2023 07:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MB“But Hal,” you may be saying, “photography wasn’t invented until the 19th Century. What does it have to do with the gospel?” Well, that’s what you’re here to find out, right? This week we will discuss whether God is a photographer or a sketch artist; who the most famous anonymous couple in America actually was, and whether we should care; what exposure to Jesus can do if we take the lens cap off; and the perfect way to take the perfect picture of not-so-perfect people. Hal Hammons serves a...
FLOODS: Noah's legacy. "Isaac's Storm." Flash floods and Shoal Creek. Lowlands.
June 20, 2023 07:00 - 19 minutes - 13.1 MBNothing shows the power of God like a flood. Water, the most common and necessary object in the world, becomes an irresistible force, destroying everything in its path. This week we will discuss the impact Noah’s flood had on the songs Israel sang for centuries afterward; the most famous weather event in Texas history and the lesson in humility it taught; the hazards of associating blue skies with an absence of danger; and whether you should pitch in to save the town or just let everyone d...
HALFTIME REPORT 2023: The Best Books I've Read in 2023 (so far)
June 15, 2023 07:00 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MBAs of this posting I have finished 63 books this year. There’s no way I will be able to address all or even most of them on the podcast. Since I am largely reading these books for the benefit of you, my listener, I don’t want my experience to go entirely to waste. Hence these Top Ten lists. These are the books that have had the biggest impact for good on me so far this year. I shared them live with my Facebook group, Heaven Citizens, and now I’m sharing them with you . Enjoy. Hal Hammons ...
UNICORNS: The Biblical kind. "Raising Unicorns." The perfect match. Mystic Vale.
June 13, 2023 07:00 - 18 minutes - 13.1 MBDo unicorns exist? Have they ever? It depends a bit on which sort of unicorn you’re talking about. And there are several. This week we will talk about the unicorns we find in the Bible, and what they can teach us about the gospel; the dream of a unicorn farm I am sadly having to surrender; the unicorns our young singles are looking for, and a bit about why they’re not finding them; and how you can take the occasional unicorn you come across and make him even more magical. Hal Hammons serves...
ADOPTION, part 3: with Scott Beyer
June 08, 2023 07:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBWe brought someone new into the Hammons family recently; my daughter Taylor married a fine Christian man, and we are thrilled to put an extra chair at the game table for him. But his experience with gaming is very different from ours. We want him to be part of our lives, but we want him to feel comfortable in making the transition. Dice Town was a good choice for Jake. It’s not quite the same as playing poker with dice, but close enough for him to understand it quickly. He was beating me in ...
ADOPTION, part 2: with Scott Beyer and Wilson and Julie Adams
June 07, 2023 07:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MBWe’re back for the second part of my conversation with adventurers in the field of adoption. Wilson and Julie Adams have adopted three teenagers from overseas. Scott Beyer and his wife Jenna have adopted a total of seven children, many with serious health issues. In this section we discuss the role we play in accomplishing the will of God in our lives — and the roles our friends and brethren play, both for good and for ill. Go to https://open.spotify.com/show/2g3wiZDVim7iW4fG9Fqza2 to find...
ADOPTION, part 1: with Scott Beyer and Wilson and Julie Adams
June 06, 2023 07:00 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MBWhen it comes to adoption, my guests are experts. Wilson and Julie Adams serve with the Veterans Parkway church of Christ in Murfreesboro, TN. They are licensed counselors and adoptive parents of three. Scott Beyer preaches for the Eastland church of Christ in Louisville, KY. He is also the host of the Love Better podcast and has adopted seven of his eight children. We begin with a discussion of the process of bringing outsiders in, whether it’s to our own personal family or the family of Go...
HALFTIME REPORT 2023: The Most Disappointing Books I've Read (So Far)
June 02, 2023 07:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MBIt’s almost unfair for me to describe the books in this week’s list as “disappointing.” In most situations, the fault is entirely mine — I had unreasonable or inaccurate preconceptions before starting the books, and then they naturally let me down when I realized what they truly were. In any event, I did not enjoy these experiences as much as the others I have had this year. As always, your mileage may vary. Hal Hammons serves as preacher and shepherd for the Lakewoods Drive church of Chri...
THE GOOD FUTURE: Smyrna. "The Sky is Not Falling." "Shahdaroba." Terraforming Mars.
May 30, 2023 07:00 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MBI am Hal Hammons, citizen of heaven, your embedded correspondent in Satan’s world. Thanks for listening, rating and subscribing. I am an optimist by nature. When I talk about the future, sometimes I forget that. This episode helped remind me, for which I am grateful. This week we will cover the glorious future of the persecuted church, and when and how it might arrive; the future of church growth and why we are running from it; a guarantee of a brighter future from a voice that Elvis Presl...
HALFTIME REPORT 2023: The Most Surprising Books I've Read (So Far)
May 25, 2023 07:00 - 23 minutes - 16.3 MBLast week I introduced my Facebook group, Heaven Citizens, to the ten books I’ve read so far this year that made me think. This week I did the same, looking at the books that took me by surprise. I appreciate the interest being shown; if this encourages you to read more, my work here is done — so long, of course, as your regular Bible reading doesn’t suffer. Hal Hammons serves as preacher and shepherd for the Lakewoods Drive church of Christ in Georgetown, Texas. He is the host of the Citi...
THE BAD FUTURE: Laodicea. "The End of Faith." Cutting edge. Oculus.
May 23, 2023 07:00 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MBI have good news, and I have bad news. Please come back next week for the good news, which I am very excited about. But the bad comes first. This week we will cover the church so sick it thinks it’s healthy; one man’s effort to blame religion for everything; the trendsetters of our culture and how they are setting us all up for disaster; and my 48-hour experiment with the ultimate in isolationism. Hal Hammons serves as preacher and shepherd for the Lakewoods Drive church of Christ in Georg...
HALFTIME REPORT 2023: The Most Thought-Provoking Books I've Read (So Far)
May 18, 2023 07:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBThis is a special edition of COH. I took the time to connect with my followers on Facebook and talk for a bit about the books I’ve been reading this year. It’s halfway through my biggest reading year ever, and there’s no way I will be able to even briefly discuss all of these books on the podcast. So I thought I would put together a few Top 10 lists of what I have gotten through so far in 2023. On the spur of the moment, I decided to share the list here on the podcast. These are the most th...
SCARY FUTURE: Ephesus. "Next." ChatGPT. PokemonGO.
May 16, 2023 07:00 - 20 minutes - 13.8 MBThe unknown can be terrifying – and nothing says “unknown” like the future. This week we will cover how the mighty can fall hard and in a remarkably short span of time; what genetic manipulation could do with regard to divine authority and human ego; whether a machine can write an essay better than I can; and the games people play in the parking lot while we’re in the church house. Hal Hammons serves as preacher and shepherd for the Lakewoods Drive church of Christ in Georgetown, Texas. He ...
EXCITING FUTURE: Philadelphia. "Soonish." Fusion power. Space Park.
May 09, 2023 07:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MBThis is the first of four episodes focusing on the future – good, bad, scary, and exciting. I’m excited about it, so I guess “The Exciting Future” is the place to start. This week we will discuss the church that excited Jesus and why it might not excite you or me; the book that got me started on this line of thought in the first place; the power of the universe and our failed efforts to find a plug that fits; and the sense of stability I get from seeing old forms in new packages. Hal Hammo...
CHILDBIRTH: part 3, with BJ and Kylie Sipe
May 04, 2023 07:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBBJ and Kylie Sipe from Danville, KY, are back to finish our conversation about bearing and rearing children, and especially the spiritual implications that come with it. Check out parts 1 and 2 if you have not done so already. We finish by talking about bringing another generation of humans into a sinful world, and another generation of potential Christians into the church, and how that should inspire us to do the job right. Check out Kylie's podcast, Called & Worthy, at https://www.buzzsp...
CHILDBIRTH: part 2, with BJ and Kylie Sipe
May 03, 2023 07:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MBBJ and Kylie Sipe work and worship with the church of Christ in Danville, KY. They host the Set Your Mind Above and Called & Worthy podcasts, respectively; links are in the show notes. In part 2 of our conversation, we discuss how children can become a serious spiritual problem in our homes, and how we can commit ourselves to the task of parenting — including and particularly in the hard times. Check out Kylie's podcast, Called & Worthy, at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2125620 Check out BJ'...
CHILDBIRTH: part 1, with BJ and Kylie Sipe
May 02, 2023 07:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MBTravail is a synonym for work, especially painful, extended work. In the bible, it is often used specifically for childbirth. Perhaps “going into labor” is a more common figure of speech today. An extended period of suffering can seem unbearable, but it is forgotten in the bliss of the birth of a child. Describe some ways God works good things in us through extended hardship, and how we can find peace while waiting for the end of the journey. Check out Kylie's podcast, Called & Worthy, at h...
TOLERANCE: Jezebel. ReGrace. Rude drivers. Happy Little Dinosaurs.
April 25, 2023 07:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MBTolerance is in short supply these days – especially with the people who are always preaching tolerance. I hope I didn’t just condemn myself there. This week we will discuss the problems tolerance brought to the church in Thyatira back in the day, and that might pop up in our churches today; the crazy beliefs we will accept in our heroes, and whether that’s a good thing; the secret to dealing with selfish people, both on the road and in the pew; and the game I was glad to play once with my ...
SEQUELS: Biblical sequels. "Unshackling America." Indiana Jones. Machi Koro 2.
April 18, 2023 07:00 - 20 minutes - 13.8 MBSequels are a mixed bag. Sometimes they celebrate or even improve upon the original. Sometimes they make us wish someone had just left well enough alone. This week we will discuss the purpose of sequels in the Bible and how we can make the most of them; the war we fought because we didn’t fight the previous one well enough; the upcoming Indiana Jones film and why I’m nervous about it; and the board game sequel that improved our gaming experience by robbing me of victories. Hal Hammons serv...
TRAINS: Asking God to yield. "Murder on the Orient Express." "City of New Orleans." Railroad Revolution.
April 11, 2023 07:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBThis week we will discuss how standing in front of an oncoming train is an absolutely idiotic thing to do, but also could actually be necessary; we’ll talk about the most famous train in the world and one of the most famous murders; a song about a train that goes a lot further than you may have realized; and a game that brings out the best in some and the quit in others. All aboard, we’re leaving the station. Hal Hammons serves as preacher and shepherd for the Lakewoods Drive church of Chri...
MATT BASSFORD: battling ALS, with Clay Gentry
April 06, 2023 07:00 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MBWe finish the tribute by talking with Clay Gentry, who preaches for the Jackson Heights church of Christ in Columbia, TN. Until recently, Clay shared a pulpit there with Matt. Clay brings us up to date regarding Matt’s battle with ALS and the example of courage in the face of adversity that Matt and his wife Lauren continue to set . Make sure you stick around to the end for the greatest Matt Bassford story I have ever heard. Hal Hammons serves as preacher and shepherd for the Lakewoods Dri...
MATT BASSFORD: the Psalter, with Steve Wolfgang
April 05, 2023 07:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBThis is the second of three conversations I had recently with friends of Matt. In this part Steve Wolfgang, preacher for the Downers Grove church in the Chicago area, joins to talk about what Matt would likely consider his magnum opus. It’s a book entitled “Worshiping With the Psalms,” and it allows us to easily sing our way through all 150 of the Psalms. A link to the book is provided in the show notes. https://www.amazon.com/Worshiping-Psalms-Matthew-W-Bassford/dp/1584275448 Click here o...
MATT BASSFORD: his hymns, with Tim Jennings
April 04, 2023 07:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBWe begin Season 5 with one of the most special episodes I’ve done to date. Matt Bassford is a preacher, a writer, and a dear friend. In my judgment, he has had as much or more of an impact for the cause of Christ as anyone I know. In part 1, I talk to Tim Jennings, preacher at the Castleberry church of Christ in Fort Worth, Texas, about Matt’s contributions to the hymns we sing and how we sing them. Hal Hammons is the preacher for the Lakewoods Drive church of Christ in Georgetown, Texas. ...
WORST: Podcasting with attitude. "An Equal Music." "Six." War.
March 28, 2023 07:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MBThis is the last episode of season 4. Thank you so much for supporting this effort. I did a “favorites” show for episode 100; for this milestone, I thought I would go in the other direction. This week we will discuss the worst part of my preaching; the worst book-reading experience I’ve had recently; yet another rant against the so-called music of the current generation; and the biggest waste of time you can have with a deck of cards. Hal Hammons is the preacher for the Lakewoods Drive chur...
MAGIC: A starry sky. "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe." Springsteen. Trickerion.
March 21, 2023 07:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBMagic is a term we use to describe things that make no sense, things that defy description. Whether it’s “real” or not depends on the sort of magic you’re talking about. And there are several. This week we will discuss the magic we see in every starry sky, and the true power behind it; the two different kinds of magic in Narnia, and which is stronger; the magic being worked on us by the powers that be and who knows who else; and the magic show you can put on in your very own living room. H...