Citizen of Heaven
389 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day 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
SOLO: Musicians and groups. "Jack Reacher." Alison Balsom. Maricaibo.
October 19, 2021 07:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MBAt some level we all want to be the lone wolf, to prove ourselves as individuals. That’s not all bad. But it’s not all good either. This week we will discuss the relationship between musical groups and their members who go solo, and what that has to do with the church; the ethos of Jack Reacher (who does not resemble Tom Cruise in the slightest); how an Englishwoman is changing the way I think about trumpeters; and why I continue to let a terrific solo game languish on the shelf. Hal Hamm...
SOLO: Musicians and groups. "Jack Reacher." Alison Balsom. Maracaibo.
October 19, 2021 07:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MBAt some level we all want to be the lone wolf, to prove ourselves as individuals. That’s not all bad. But it’s not all good either. This week we will discuss the relationship between musical groups and their members who go solo, and what that has to do with the church; the ethos of Jack Reacher (who does not resemble Tom Cruise in the slightest); how an Englishwoman is changing the way I think about trumpeters; and why I continue to let a terrific solo game languish on the shelf. Hal Hamm...
DINOSAURS: Behemoth, Leviathan and Ketos. "Jurassic Park." Denial. Zoo Tycoon.
October 12, 2021 07:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBFrom T-Rexes to pterodactyls to triceratops, dinosaurs have fascinated humans since the early 1800s. When did they live? Where did they all go? And for Christians, how do they impact our faith? This week we will discuss dinosaurs in the Bible (I would argue there are at least three); Michael Crichton’s commentary on the hubris of humankind; our persistence in denying facts we don’t like; and how I destroyed an entire theme park just to amuse my nephew. Hal Hammons is the preacher for the...
SEX (part 2): with Matt and Jenn Schmidt of the Intimate Covenant podcast
October 06, 2021 07:00 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MBThis is the second part of my conversation with Matt and Jenn Schmidt, the co-hosts of the Intimate Covenant podcast. Find out more about their work at intimatecovenant.com. Check out the first segment if you have not done so already. Here we will discuss lessons in marriage preparation from the Shulammite, and what might be gained from teaching some new tricks to old dogs like me. Hal Hammons is the preacher for the Lakewoods Drive church of Christ in Georgetown, Texas. He is the host of ...
SEX: with guests Matt and Jenn Schmidt, hosts of the Intimate Covenant podcast
October 05, 2021 07:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBThis is part 1 of my conversation with Matt and Jenn Schmidt. My guests this month are Matt and Jenn Schmidt, the cohosts of the Intimate Covenant podcast. Matt and Jenn are all about having more and better sex in a covenant relationship between one man and one woman, joined by God, defined by the Bible. Find out more at intimatecovenant.com In the first segment we discuss the marriage bed and how to keep it clean. The conversation is candid, but still appropriate for younger ears; in fac...
LEGACY: Elijah's mantle. "Destiny of the Republic" (3). Dee Bowman. Sagrada.
September 28, 2021 07:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MBA legacy of children. A legacy of debt. A legacy of work. For good or ill, we all leave something behind. Christians inherit the legacy of brethren, and ultimately of Jesus Himself. May God help us be worthy of them. This week we will discuss Elijah’s mantle and what it meant for Elisha; the worst vice president ever, and how he paid the price for personal growth; my own memories of a recently departed mentor; and the trail of games the Hammons family leaves in its wake. Hal Hammons is t...
TOOLS: Tools in the Bible. "Destiny of the Republic" (2). Noise reduction. Concordia.
September 21, 2021 07:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBI love me a good tool. Tools give us the ability to alter the world around us. But we need to actually use them. Better yet, we need to use them well, and for the right purpose. Otherwise we just make a mess out of our garage and our life. Men love tools. We admire them. We collect them. We want to have the right tool for the job. But if are not well acquainted with the tool, or if we never start the that is of little benefit if we do not start the job. Starting the job with a poor knowledg...
CHARACTER: The new self. "Destiny of the Republic." Simone Biles. Lords of Waterdeep.
September 14, 2021 07:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MBCharacter is more than what you do. It is who you are on the inside—your true identity. It’s a tough concept. We struggle to judge others. We struggle to judge ourselves. In the end for Christians, it all boils down to the same thing: Adopt the character of Jesus. This week we will discuss the person Jesus is trying to turn us into, the blind eye the world turns to Jesus’ impact, yet another ready-fire-aim moment from the world of sports, and the blessings corruption brings (such as they ar...
SUFFERING (part 2): with guests Matt Bassford and Keith Stonehart
September 08, 2021 07:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBIf you missed the first part of my conversation with Matt Bassford and Keith Stonehart, please do yourself a favor and check it out. We covered the role suffering has played in their own lives and the lessons they have drawn from it. We begin the second part by discussing the (mostly) well-intentioned doctors who killed my favorite president. We close with advice for how we can exercise reasonable preparation without living in fear. Hal Hammons is the preacher for the Lakewoods Drive churc...
SUFFERING (part 1): with guests Matt Bassford and Keith Stonehart
September 07, 2021 07:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MBLife in Christ is still life on earth. And that means hardship — sometimes beyond what we think ourselves capable of bearing. And in that moment, we can lean into God or run away from God. My guests this week have chosen the former, and we are all the richer for it. Matt Bassford, well-known hymnist, is the preacher for the Jackson Heights church of Christ in Columbia, Tennessee. Keith Stonehart preaches for the Fultondale church of Christ in Fultondale Alabama. Their perspective on sufferin...
MORE BEARS: David the shepherd. "Daniel Boone" (2). The man-eater myth. Sierra West.
August 31, 2021 07:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBI don’t typically do sequels. But the Bears episode was well received, and I still have Daniel Boone on the brain, so I decided to revisit one of my favorite mammals this week. We will discuss whether children should take on big game, how Boone’s name got on all those trees, the story of the giant maneater that wouldn’t die (either the story or the bear), and how meeting a bear changes your daily routine. Hal Hammons is the preacher for the Lakewoods Drive church of Christ in Georgetown,...
BURIED: Baptized in Moses. "Daniel Boone." Haynie Flat Cemetery. At the Gates of Loyang.
August 24, 2021 07:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MBSomething that is buried is assumed to be gone forever, of no more relevance. Jesus teaches us to think of it in a more nuanced way. It’s not just about what was; it’s about what will come afterward, and what we will do with what remains. This week we will discuss Israel’s baptism in the Red Sea and the implications it carries for us; the furor over the true location of Daniel Boone’s remains; A six-foot piece of property with my name on it; and how a seed must die so that my hopes of winn...
BRIDGES: The rich man and Lazarus. "Engineers of Dreams." The Judds. Whistle Stop.
August 17, 2021 07:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBThe word “bridge” does not occur in the Bible — not in any translation I checked, anyway. But the idea of bringing two sides together, for better or worse, is a constant theme in the text. This week we will discuss the bridge God refuses to build in eternal realms, the bridges He has built for us now and how we can best use them, the real-life soap opera that topped the country music charts for years, and the futile quest for the shortest distance between two points. Hal Hammons is the pre...
COMMITMENT: Jesus' requirements. A Newer World (2). The Olympics. Charterstone.
August 09, 2021 21:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBThey say commitment is necessary to find success at the highest level — athletics, business, playing an instrument, whatever. And serving Jesus may be the best example of all. It’s all or nothing; the more we push back against that, the more we doom ourselves to failure. This week we will discuss Jesus’ remarkably candid approach to discipleship, John C. Fremont’s disastrous ego trip through the Rockies, the series of political debacles at the Olympics, and the best game we ever threw in th...
PARTNERSHIP: with guests Emerson Brown and Jeff O'Rear
August 03, 2021 07:00 - 59 minutes - 41.2 MBMy guests this week are brothers in Christ, brothers in labor, and brothers-in-law. Emerson Brown is the preacher for the Westfield church of Christ in Westfield, Indiana. Jeff O’Rear preaches for the Judson Road church of Christ in Longview, Texas. Together they host the Working in the Word podcast, an excellent resource for Christians who want to learn how to study the Bible better. We discuss being unequally yoked, cooperation in disagreement, and the possibility and/or desirability of re...
BLENDING: Jews and Gentiles. "The Impeachment of Abraham Lincoln." Singing. Between Two Castles of Mad King Ludwig.
July 27, 2021 07:00 - 28 minutes - 19.3 MBIf you noticed that we discussed men and women, respectively, over the last two episodes, you may already have an incorrect idea of what the Blending episode is all about. So let me be clear. Things God made to be distinct will remain distinct, despite our best efforts. But sometimes the whole becomes more than merely the sum of its parts. That’s true with Jews and Gentiles in the church, fact and fiction in books, different singing parts in a chorus, and even the occasional board game mashu...
WOMEN: An understanding way. "Fates and Traitors." The differences. Rococo.
July 20, 2021 07:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MBWell, I haven’t gotten in too much trouble lately, so I thought I would spend a week talking about women. I will be using the Bible as my guide, though, so I am confident I have the truth. I pray it comes out in a respectful way. This week we will discuss how “understanding” women is not only possible but mandatory; how “Chick Lit” feeds stereotypes, and the result is John Wilkes Booth; how God shows women how to excel — and it’s not by imitating men; and how men and women really are the s...
MEN: "Gird up your loins." "Atlantis Found." Barbershop quartets. Castles of Mad King Ludwig.
July 13, 2021 07:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBWhat does it take to be a man in today’s society. It depends on who you ask. Some may say, get in touch with your feelings. Others might prefer kick-boxing classes. But when we ask God, we get a very consistent message — one that focuses on the heart more than emotions or physical strength. This week we will discuss how the proper use of a belt can make all the difference; the best example of a “man’s man” from modern fiction; the curious closet culture of barbershop quartets; and what boar...
ORIGINALITY: with guests Terry Francis and Mark Roberts
July 06, 2021 07:00 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MBI wanted two true originals to be my guests this week, and I think I found them. Mark Roberts preaches for the West Side church of Christ in Irving, Texas; he is the author of numerous books, including “Understanding Apocalyptic Literature” and “Seeking God’s Way.” Terry Francis returns to the podcast this week. He preaches for the Chelsea church of Christ in the Birmingham area and is the cohost of the Do the Work podcast. We discuss the original Son of God, the most remarkable book in hum...
REASON: Where it comes up short. "Atlas Shrugged" (2). A right to your own life. Monopoly (2).
June 29, 2021 07:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBWe revisit Ayn Rand’s philosophy of objectivism this week. Solomon said wisdom excels foolishness as light excels darkness. But he never intended reason to exclude God, and that is specifically what Objectivists do mean. This week we discuss the ways reason fails to properly explain the world or our part in it; the things about rationality that Ayn Rand actually got right; the question of whether we actually own our own lives; and how good Monopoly players often make for bad Christians Ha...
AYN RAND: Selfishness. "Atlas Shrugged." Existence exists. Monopoly.
June 22, 2021 07:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBAyn Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism has either inspired or infuriated her readers for more than a half-century now. That’s fine. But many Christians see Objectivism as a way to rationalize rampant materialism. That’s a problem. This week we will ask whether selfishness is, in fact, a sin; whether Atlas has a right, or even an obligation, to shrug off his duties to society; what is implied by the mantra, “Existence exists”; and why playing Monopoly makes you a bad person — maybe. Hal Hamm...
IDEALISM: The "perfect" paradox. "A Hobbit, ..." (3). Church splits. Secret Hitler.
June 15, 2021 08:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBIdealism is a two-edged sword. We need something perfect or near-perfect to use as a target. But continually aiming for and missing an ideal mark can leave us discouraged and cause us to quit entirely. Balance is key. This week we will discuss Philippians 3 and the paradox of perfection; what war taught C.S. Lewis about Germans and about humans; where churches go to die and who is killing them; and how an imperfect villain may work Satan’s purposes better than a perfect one. Hal Hammons i...
PROGRESS: Ebenezer. "A Hobbit, A Wardrobe, and a Great War" (2). Progressive Christianity. Crystal Palace.
June 08, 2021 08:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBProgress is forward movement. We have a tendency to think of it as inherently good and more or less inevitable. In truth, neither of those is true — especially when we are considering matters of the Spirit. This week we will discuss one of the greatest lines in our hymnals, and what it actually means; one way in which J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis were just plain wrong; the rebellion inherent in “progressive” Christianity; and how to properly celebrate the progress we should be proud of. ...
TOLKIEN (part 3): with Josh Everett and Edwin Crozier
June 03, 2021 08:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBThis episode represents the final section of my conversation with Josh Everett, professor of British literature at Central Texas College, and Edwin Crozier, preacher and co-host of the Text Talk podcast. If you have not checked out the first two installments, please do so. Here we discuss the literary legacy J.R.R. Tolkien has left for us, and the legacy of faith we inherit from those who came before and leave to those who come up afterward. “Generic fantasy” is a term boardgamers often ...
TOLKIEN (part 2): with Josh Everett and Edwin Crozier
June 02, 2021 03:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBThis week I am sharing my conversation with two Christians who know Tolkien far better than I. Josh Everett is a professor of English literature at Central Texas College in Killeen; Edwin Crozier is an evangelist with the Livingston church of Christ in Lutz, Florida, and the co-host of the popular Text Talk podcast. Thank you for coming back for part two of my conversation with Josh Everett and Edwin Crozier. We discussed the existence of evil in the first segment; please check that out i...
TOLKIEN (part 1): with Josh Everett and Edwin Crozier
June 01, 2021 08:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBJ.R.R. Tolkien has to be considered one of the most influential authors of the 20th Century — especially by Christians. His stories speak directly to great spiritual and moral truths for those inclined to listen. This week I am sharing my conversation with two Christians who know Tolkien far better than I. Josh Everett is a professor of English literature at Central Texas College in Killeen; Edwin Crozier is an evangelist with the Livingston church of Christ in Lutz, Florida, and the co-hos...
IDENTITY: Transfiguration. C.S. Lewis. Identity politics. Spyfall.
May 25, 2021 08:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBWho am I? That’s the most basic question there is. We spend our entire lives trying to find the answer. And Jesus gives it to us by telling us who we were in sin and who we are capable of becoming by His grace. This week we will discuss Jesus’ true identity and the implications it has for us; what a true Christian is, according to C.S. Lewis; what being a Christian means with regard to our other relationships; and how, despite our best efforts, the truth of our identity always comes out. ...
CONTENTMENT: The secret. "Happiness is a Serious Problem." Whiny Christians. 300 games.
May 18, 2021 08:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MBIt seems the more we are blessed by God, the more discontented we get. Why is that? The problem is, we have fallen into the trap of building our house on the world’s sand instead of Jesus’ rock-solid promises. The quicker we realize that, the sooner we can find the joy He has promised us. This week we will discuss the secret to contentment, which isn’t much of a secret at all; Dennis Prager’s version of “Mo’ money mo’ problems”; The odd phenomenon of whiny Christians; and how someone with my...
FUNDAMENTALS: Returning to base. "The Ten Commandments." Basic. Checkers.
May 11, 2021 14:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MBI talk a lot on this podcast about achieving, about striving for improvement, about not settling the achievements of the past. But sometimes you need to go back to square one and remember why we are here in the first place. This week we will talk about how we reorient ourselves in times of stress; how the most important of the Ten Commandments may not even be one of the ten; how the word “Basic” has taken on brand new meaning; and why we still need to play checkers and play it well. Hal Ha...
SPORTS (part 2) - with guests Brent Moody and David Osteen
May 05, 2021 08:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBGet three preachers to comment on a combination of the gospel and sports, you’re bound to go long. And we did. So here is the second half of my conversation with Brent Moody, preacher at the Decker Prairie church of Christ in Houston, and David Osteen, preacher for the O’Connor Road church of Christ in San Antonio. In this final segment, we start with Bocce and move on to topics including Tom Brady, Nick Saban, and a certain podcaster of mutual acquaintance whose name must remain unspoken. ...
SPORTS - with guests Brent Moody and David Osteen (part 1)
May 04, 2021 08:00 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MBRunning, boxing, wrestling—sports metaphors are all over the Bible. If you’re a sports fan, the Bible speaks to you in your own language. I’m joined this week by Brent Moody, who preaches for the Decker Prairie church of Christ in suburban Houston, and David Osteen, who preaches for the O’Connor Road church of Christ in San Antonio. We discuss giving ourselves a chance to win God’s race; taking lessons from Bible underdogs; and maximizing our scoring opportunities instead of settling for med...
TEXAS: Stereotypes. "Big, Hot, Cheap and Right." Secession. 42.
April 27, 2021 08:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBSomehow I made it through more than 100 episodes without talking about my home state. But I’ve been back in my ancestral homeland for close to a year now, and that’s long enough. So saddle up. This week we will discuss stereotypes and whether we truly deserve them; the strange bedfellows that Texas politics makes; the pros and cons of secession; and the Texas domino game we can’t get anyone else to play. Hal Hammons is the preacher for the Lakewoods Drive church of Christ in Georgetown, T...
LEARNING: Tree-men. "Case Closed." Online discussions. Praga Caput Regni.
April 19, 2021 21:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBEvery day is a learning experience — or at least it should be. When we position ourselves to learn, we grow; when we don’t, we stagnate. And when the subject is our walk with Christ, that can be tragic. This week we will discuss Jesus’ frustrations with His own apostles, the simple answer to the JFK assassination, some suggestions for carrying on conversations via social media, and the excellent game I almost quit on before I even started playing. Hal Hammons is the preacher for the Lakew...
BEARS: Elisha's baldness. "The Winter's Tale." Habitat loss. Barenpark.
April 13, 2021 10:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MB“How is ‘bears’ a topic for a Bible-based podcast?” some of you are already asking. I’ll admit, it’s a bit of a hodgepodge this week. But I kept seeing things I wanted to address that had to do with bears one way or another, and finally I decided to just go with it. So here we are. This week we will discuss the dangers that come with laughing at bald people, the weirdest moment in all of Shakespeare’s plays, the perils of “Florida man,” and an all-bear zoo on your dining room table. Bears f...
PARENTING (uncut): with Rickie Jenkins and Phil Robertson
April 07, 2021 15:00 - 1 hour - 63.6 MBThis is Season 3 of the Citizen of Heaven podcast — episode 106a, Parenting (uncut). I am Hal Hammons, and I am a citizen of heaven, and your embedded correspondent in Satan’s world. Thanks for checking in. Is it possible to rear godly children in an ungodly world? Absolutely. God’s people have been doing it for centuries. But we have to do it God’s way, no matter what the world may tell us. I am joined today by Rickie Jenkins, preacher and shepherd for the Campbell Road church of Christ i...
PARENTING: with guests Rickie Jenkins and Phil Robertson
April 06, 2021 08:00 - 59 minutes - 40.7 MBIs it possible to rear godly children in an ungodly world? Absolutely. God’s people have been doing it for centuries. But we have to do it God’s way, no matter what the world may tell us. I am joined today by Rickie Jenkins, preacher and shepherd for the Campbell Road church of Christ in Garland, Texas — also by Phil Robertson, the preacher for the Glen Springs church of Christ in Gainesville, Florida. Hal Hammons is the preacher for the Lakewoods Drive church of Christ in Georgetown, Texa...
FOOLISHNESS: The rich farmer. Psalm 14. Lawnmower parents. Machi Koro.
March 30, 2021 08:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBFoolishness is running wild in the world today, and Jesus is here to help. The problem is, we often define “foolishness” and “help” very differently than He does This week we will discuss Jesus’ commentary on financial planning; who the “fool” of Psalm 14 truly is; how “lawnmower parenting” is cutting our children off at the knees; and how my family conspires to keep me from winning a game I’m actually good at. Hal Hammons is the preacher for the Lakewoods Drive church of Christ in George...
WARFARE: The real enemy. "The Long War Against God." "The 1812 Overture." Stratego.
March 23, 2021 08:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MBIf you are a Christian, that means you have volunteered to serve in the army of Jesus Christ. Like many volunteers, you may not have known the full scope of the war that is going on. But believe me, it is terrible. But it is worth the fight. This week we will discuss who is our true enemy (and it’s not your neighbor), the philosophy that under-girds the enemy’s every effort, inspiration for the fight from the music of Peter Tchaikovsky, and a game from my childhood that was more philosophic...
WARFARE: The real enemy. The Long War Against God. "The 1812 Overture." Stratego.
March 23, 2021 08:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MBIf you are a Christian, that means you have volunteered to serve in the army of Jesus Christ. Like many volunteers, you may not have known the full scope of the war that is going on. But believe me, it is terrible. But it is worth the fight. This week we will discuss who is our true enemy (and it’s not your neighbor), the philosophy that under-girds the enemy’s every effort, inspiration for the fight from the music of Peter Tchaikovsky, and a game from my childhood that was more philosophic...
PAIN: Why suffering? "Tried by Fire." "Hurt." Galaxy Trucker.
March 16, 2021 08:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MBThe existence of suffering is one of the oldest arguments against the existence of God. But God has always wanted different things for us than we wanted for ourselves. People of faith accept and embrace that — even when it hurts. This week we will discuss the purposes pain plays in our lives; the historical connection between the absence of pain and the presence of problems; the last and perhaps greatest message from Johnny Cash; and how you can build a spaceship that will make it to port w...
ADVENTURE: Walking by faith. "The Wright Brothers." Jordan Peterson and Abraham. Lost Cities.
March 09, 2021 09:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBAdventure means excitement for a child. To an adult it usually means something complicated at best, terrifying at worst. They’re both right. The key is not to embrace or avoid adventure; it’s choosing the right one. This week we will discuss the challenges that come with walking by faith; the impact of two bicycle repairmen from Dayton, Ohio; the parallels between Abraham’s adventure and ours; and the level of commitment we are willing to show for Jesus.
INTERNET (part 2): with Kris Emerson and Kenny Embry
March 03, 2021 11:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MBIs the internet the irresistible and desirable future for the church, or is it the church’s doom? What are “social influencers,” who are they influencing, and for what purpose? We cover this and more in the second half of my conversation with Kris Emerson and Dr. Kenny Embry. Kris preaches for the Lindale church of Christ in Lindale, Texas, and hosts the Excel Still More podcast. Kenny is an associate professor of communication at Saint Leo University in Saint Leo, Florida, and hosts the “B...
INTERNET (part 1): with guests Kris Emerson and Kenny Embry
March 02, 2021 11:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MBIt’s a new world out there, for better or worse. And the internet is its university, its playground, and its courtroom. There’s no point in pretending otherwise. We will explore the pros and cons of the internet with my two guests. Kris Emerson preaches for the Lindale church of Christ in Lindale, Texas, and hosts the Excel Still More podcast. Dr. Kenny Embry is an associate professor of communication at Saint Leo University in Saint Leo, Florida. In part 1, we discuss the echo chamber ef...
FAVORITES: The view from Pisgah. "Watership Down." 40 Fingers. Great Western Trail (3).
February 23, 2021 11:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBTo celebrate 100 episodes, I tried to pick out the things above all others that I like to preach, read, hear and play. I’m not sure I was successful, but what follows is the best I could do. So today we will discuss our own wandering in the wilderness and our anticipation of Canaan land; lessons in governing we can learn from fictitious, sentient rabbits; my fascination with four Italian guitar players; and my incessant, and largely unsuccessful, efforts to get better at Great Western Trail...
GOALS: The Christian graces. 9 Presidents. The goal vs. the prize. Great Western Trail (2).
February 16, 2021 11:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBWe need goals to stay motivated and on course. Maybe it is a particular number on the bathroom scale. Maybe it is getting all the way to Revelation chapter 22 this year. In any case, the goals need to be reasonable and measurable if we are to maximize our chances of success. This week we will discuss how we “do” the Christian Graces of 2 Peter 1, what makes a truly great president, why heaven should NOT be your goal as a Christian, and how having fun with a game directly interferes with m...
COWBOYS: Cattle vs. sheep. "Law West of the Pecos." Willie and Waylon. Great Western Trail.
February 09, 2021 09:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBCowboys are part of American history — and even more than that, American folklore. It’s a lifestyle: play by your own rules, answer to your own conscience, and ride quietly off into the sunset at the end of the day. Noble hero or ruthless outlaw? Depends on who is making the movie. This week we will discuss the difference between herding cattle and tending sheep; the legacy of Texas legend Judge Roy Bean; the music of Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings; and why my daughter beats me regular...
TRAINING: Guests Stephen Russell and Aric Russell
February 02, 2021 11:00 - 46 minutes - 32 MB2 Timothy 3;16-17 promises that God’s word will make us adequate in all spiritual things — including “training in righteousness.” So we have the equipment. How to go about using it, that’s another matter. Today, to help us understand what it means to train and to be trained in the things of God, I’m joined by Stephen Russell, evangelist for the Pepper Road church of Christ in Athens, Alabama; and Aric Russell (no relation), who preaches for the Spring Warrior church of Christ in Perry, Flor...
JOY: The myth of happiness. "Capital Gaines" (3). Mike Rowe. La Granja.
January 26, 2021 11:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MBEveryone wants to be happy. But most of us aren’t — at least it seems that way. For people in Satan’s world, that’s understandable, and even good — maybe they’ll search for a better way. We as Christians, though, have no excuse. This week we will discuss why pursuing happiness is actually part of the problem; where Chip Gaines finds that smile he’s always wearing; why Mike Rowe is more right with his philosophy of work than he knows; and why playing a game that doesn’t give you joy misses...
QUITTING: The Demas Solution. "Capital Gaines" (2). Donald Trump. Photosynthesis.
January 19, 2021 11:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MBNo, I’m not quitting this podcast. Nor am I quitting my job, my marriage, or my faith. But many people do. And depending on the situation, that can be disastrous. This week we will discuss one preacher’s unfortunate approach to adversity, What drove Chip and Joanna Gaines to abandon their hit TV show, the various rocks people are lobbing at Donald Trump these days and their implications for us, and why quitting a game is not the same as quitting gaming.
FEAR: The fear of God. Capital Gaines. Shackled speech. Pass the Pigs.
January 12, 2021 11:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBThe world is on fire — and not in a good way. I can see it. I can smell it. I suspect you can too. But adverse and even dangerous circumstances are the rule in Satan’s world, not the exception. God promises peace to those who seek it. But you must seek it — especially when it seems impossible to find. This week we will discuss the one fear that will banish all the others, the integrity of Chip Gaines and his business model, the potential loss of freedom (if such is even possible), and the w...