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Know God

59 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 10 ratings

Listen in on the conversation where straightforward questions are discussed to bring insights to know God within yourself and all of creation.

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Episodes

Awe & The End of Time

February 19, 2024 23:00 - 49 minutes - 34.3 MB

Listen in on this third episode on AWE - the anticipation of awe at the end of time. Awe comes from a spiritual experience - wrestling with life and death.  A focus on apocalyptic scenarios misses the essence of the renewal of all things in the future. We may expect to be more impressed with the physicality of end times rather than the inner experience, and in the spirit realm.  The awe at the end of times  is a future based on the experience of the presence of God making his home among peop...

Finding Moments of Awe in the Bible

January 29, 2024 23:00 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MB

This Know God episode is our second  on AWE. We demonstrate finding awe in the texts and stories of the Bible. We discussed 8 pathways to awe as presented in the book, Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life, by Dr. Dacher Keltner.  Scriptures discussed include Psalm 23, Genesis 28:12-18, 1 Kings 3:23-28, Luke 23:46-48, and Hebrews 12:25-29. Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

What is Awe?

November 08, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 41.8 MB

The science of awe took off with the Apollo 8 mission of 1968. This episode explores the intersection of scientific research and biblical narrative as we consider the amazing benefits of the experience of AWE! You’ve likely seen the iconic photo “Earthrise” taken by the crew of Apollo 8. For the first time humans saw their blue home planet rising above the forbidding lunar horizon. Awe enveloped them as this view of Earth changed their lives. Some say the beginning of the study of awe at the...

CONTEXT Community Context

October 19, 2023 01:00 - 50 minutes - 35.1 MB

Community Context is the third podcast in the CONTEXT series. Community context involves slowing down, reading details, connecting dots, and giving attention to the street signs of our local communities. Listen to our conversation about, “How can I become a good neighbor?” Many people don’t know their communities, and their communities don’t know them. Many people are sitting in their house; they don't know their neighbors and are pretty much content with that. We could just be a little mo...

CONTEXT Relational Intelligence

August 29, 2023 09:00 - 47 minutes - 33 MB

Relational Context is about finding opportunities to develop stronger connections with others. Sometimes referred to as relational intelligence,  we describe how it takes trust, authentic love, as well as a commitment to a “not ‘on the clock’ kind of time with others. As a God-created facet of humanity, to not possess relational intelligence is to experience something clouding it, blocking it, veiling it, or to simply be afraid of it. Gain insights and tools for relationships as we discuss p...

CONTEXT Take or Receive

June 29, 2023 22:00 - 42 minutes - 29 MB

CONTEXT informs translation and core principles of the Bible. In this episode the translation of the Greek word lambano as  “take” or “receive” is covered in detail. Context is shown to be key to determining translation. It even has implications for how we view Jesus Christ. Key passages highlight this significance. Gain new insight in the significance of “receive versus take” as we discuss passages, including Philippians 2:5-8, John 1:11-14, and Philippians 3:12-14. Support the show TonyKaf...

We Love a Good Rivalry

April 11, 2023 23:00 - 52 minutes - 36.3 MB

What is the impact of rivalry? Can I feed rivalry and competition outside of my church life and not work counter to the environment of the church? Rivalry impacts behavior not only in athletics and business, but also in recreation, education, church, and politics. We discuss that the opposite of  rivalry is be a teammate. Insights into the impact of rivalry will come from history, and biblical passages, including Galatians 5:16-21, 1 Timothy 6:2-5, 2 Corinthians 12:20, Titus 3:9, Philippians...

The Longing to Know God

March 13, 2023 00:00 - 45 minutes - 31.6 MB

Why is this podcast called, “Know God”? The vision of Jesus was that we can know God. It’s reciprocal. God knows us; we know God. The hope that one can know God, to intimately have an experience in relationship with the Creator of the universe, is an incredibly high goal, but is exactly what we believe each person can have. We take an approach of giving tools and lenses to people who are searching. Knowing God is so much bigger than mere rationalism. It’s intimacy and wholeness. Scriptures d...

The Spectrum of Christianity

February 16, 2023 23:00 - 51 minutes - 35.2 MB

How can I recognize when a church may be off track, out of kilter? Here’s a resource outlining characteristics of a church in good shape. This is the 4th and final episode on church as the visible Christian presence in a society or community. We give our take on 6 biblical metaphors describing a healthy and authentic church. These metaphors are like snapshots of a church. What does it look like? How does it function? When is it the best version of the design Jesus had in mind? These metaphor...

Beyond Denominations, the practical ways in which churches work

January 26, 2023 22:00 - 47 minutes - 32.4 MB

When someone says I’m going to give church a try the next question is, “Which church?” Here’s a resource to make one aware of the factors that may help make that decision. This is Part 3 of the series on church. Churches are diverse. Many nuances make individual congregations unique. Here are some musings on the style of churches. How the church feels when I walk in the door. How it plays out in relationships. We discuss the impact that church life of the American frontier during the early ...

Deep Dive Denominations

December 15, 2022 01:00 - 56 minutes - 39.1 MB

In this deep dive into Christian denominations we hope to create pathways of understanding. We dive deep into background issues that make denominations different from each other. Many nuances make church denominations and congregations unique. Understanding these can only enhance understanding among believers. Our season 1 podcast, “5 Principles of Interpretation” answering, “How do you build your faith from the core out?” is a good companion to this podcast.  When someone says I’m going to...

The Church Lady - the difference of one life

October 15, 2022 09:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MB

Church experience can have a lot of negatives, still, in this podcast we talk about how one life can make a difference in the lives of other people in this environment we call the church. Meet Mary, who when her church closed said to herself, “I decided to pick up my faith one more time and find a new church.” Find out why and how she made church life better for many.   We could get so hung up on the details of the structure or doctrine of the church, that those can be spot on to what we bel...

Heartfelt Creative Prayer

July 20, 2022 09:00 - 44 minutes - 30.9 MB

The ideal “to never stop praying” has fed a misconception that the most heartfelt practice of prayer is impromptu, extemporaneous, or conversational. Mindful prayer IS in the moment, yet that does not mean that the words of my prayer must always be without forethought. Impromptu prayers can leave us with fewer and fewer words to speak to God. This approach to prayer may become just as repetitive as any prepared or memorized prayers. We  consider new approaches to prayer to help move us out ...

Dirt, Clods, and Me

June 30, 2022 17:00 - 44 minutes - 30.9 MB

Let’s talk dirt and plants, “nature” and mindfulness, and spiritual experience. It’s common to think that nature has little to do with Christian spirituality. We discuss ways we can be in the elements and experience God - to know him better. Knowing our elemental composition may lead us to engage fully in life. Listen in as Tony, Sandy and Micah share personal ways they connect to nature. The last 10 minutes includes an exploration about the elemental nature of church sacraments. Bible passa...

Mindfulness - How Do I Practice Mindfulness?

May 25, 2022 20:00 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MB

Meditations with pace, rhythm, and cadence can strengthen the practice of mindfulness. Words or phrases that help one to be in the moment rather than in the future lead to the best practice in mindfulness. Find passages to coincide with your circumstances such as: Meditations of inner serenity;  Meditations of personal or spiritual growth; Meditations of community.  Mindfulness is a fundamental practice to let good dwell in one’s heart and soul. Passages in this podcast include Psalms 27...

Vigil as a Mindfulness Practice

April 12, 2022 14:00 - 52 minutes - 36 MB

A perfect way to practice mindfulness is during seasons like Lent, Easter, Advent, Christmas or any other spiritual holy day or season. Jesus asked his followers to keep watch (vigil) with him on the night he was betrayed. His birth found shepherds keeping watch over their sheep at night. Keeping watch opens us up to new spiritual experiences. Passages include Mark 14:32-42. Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

Mindfulness - Why Practice It?

March 12, 2022 05:00 - 44 minutes - 30.9 MB

What's the big deal about mindfulness? Why bother? Many are drawn to mindfulness through the desperation of their anxiety. Others are looking for a competitive edge in the workplace. Some practice it to be one in reality. Some Christians pursue mindfulness to attain a holiness of life and others to know God. Explore reasons to practice mindfulness with us in this podcast. Passages include Psalms 131 and 46.  Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

Wholeness and Awareness Via Mindfulness

February 13, 2022 02:00 - 49 minutes - 34.3 MB

Listen in on a conversation that introduces the why and how of the practice of mindfulness. Growing in mindfulness in a simple moment sets us up to be mindful in a chaotic moment. One leaves behind the double-mindedness that works against mindfulness. Passages include Genesis 2:7, James 4:8, and Luke 6:44-46. Previous podcasts referenced are Zombies and Ghosts and What is a Soul? Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

Wholeness and Awareness Via Mindfulness

February 13, 2022 02:00 - 49 minutes - 34.3 MB

Listen in on a conversation that introduces the why and how of the practice of mindfulness. Growing in mindfulness in a simple moment sets us up to be mindful in a chaotic moment. One leaves behind the double-mindedness that works against mindfulness. Passages include Genesis 2:7, James 4:8, and Luke 6:44-46. Previous podcasts referenced are Zombies and Ghosts and What is a Soul? Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/tonykafka)

A Christmas Meditation

December 25, 2021 02:00 - 13 minutes - 9.58 MB

We want to share a Christmas meditation for this season. You may be longing for a good Christmas experience and we want to encourage you. In this podcast we share how we may experience Christmas peace. What can you do to have that peace? Listen to this meditation for some ideas. Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

Mentors & Mentees

December 07, 2021 04:00 - 56 minutes - 39.1 MB

What is a mentor? How can I find one? How can I be a good one? A mentor in the basic sense is a role model in some area of life: work, family, spirituality, and so on. Become acquainted with the mentoring relationship of Paul and Timothy found in the Bible. Mentees are inclined to imitate a mentor. It's the reason they may have chosen that person as a mentor. A mentor is looking for someone who is striving to grow. Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

The Great Resignation

November 09, 2021 11:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MB

Some people feel isolated at work because the system has come off the rails. It has become a place where a person doesn’t feel supported, doesn't  feel credit is given for the work done. Exhaustion is the rule of the daily grind. COVID has probably put the spotlight on what was already the case. How are we to approach the Great Resignation of 2021? We think about how we can find joy in our work. We are trying to find the answer to “What is my spot on the team?” Scriptures include Genesis 1...

Are Amends Really Necessary?

October 05, 2021 08:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MB

Making amends is defined and compared with merely asking for forgiveness. Recovery groups and counselors, religions and sacred writings all speak to how people make things right with those they’ve hurt or used. An alternative to amends, forgetting, is addressed. Forgetting can help us find our way to the light. Scriptures considered include Luke 19:7-9, Matthew 5:23–24, and Luke 6:31.  Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

Life in The Spirit

September 01, 2021 10:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MB

How can I be aware of the presence of God day by day? I’m placing guiding markers: Love and Faith and Hope. Every day we come to a moment when we act on the most important thing that needs to happen today. That is to connect with God. We experience God when we put a priority on his presence and imitate his nature of love. Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

Toxic Teachers & Their Followers

August 03, 2021 10:00 - 49 minutes - 33.7 MB

How can I recognize when someone is abusing me? How can I make a good decision on spiritual teachers? A toxic teacher puts forward novel or elitist ideas that reflect their broken character rather than the inspired Word of God. Toxic teachers eventually become focused on gaining (& controlling) followers. The warning signs of toxicity are discussed along with traits that make followers vulnerable to toxic teachers. Paul’s letters to Timothy are the primary resource in this podcast. Support ...

Science and Faith - What's at Stake?

April 27, 2021 11:00 - 54 minutes - 37.6 MB

Are science and faith in conflict and exclusive of each other? A lot is encompassed in “science and faith.” But fundamentally, it all comes down to cosmology - views about origins. Listen in as we cover some common ground in this discussion. Passages include Genesis 1:1, Romans 1:18-20, Hebrews 11:6, and Ecclesiastes 12:13. Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

Knowing I'm Right With God

April 13, 2021 10:00 - 42 minutes - 29 MB

How can I be sure? How do I have assurance of being right with God when I’m so uncertain about my life? How can I know I’m saved when I feel so far away from God? This episode visits these questions and provides assurance. Assurance is confidently believing that we’re connected to God. We refer to a previous podcast about God. Here’s that link: Know God podcast on God’s will. Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

Live Long & Prosper

March 12, 2021 12:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MB

What should a person expect out of aligning one’s mind and heart to biblical teaching? Two alternatives are contrasted and have everything to do with the desire to have “enough” for the good life. Scriptures include 1 Timothy 1:5, 5:6, 6:5-19; and Luke 12:13-26. Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

Intimacy With God, Pt 2

September 02, 2020 10:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MB

Times of great disruption are the moments to draw close to God in community with others. Consistent connection in community is what gives us herd immunity to all kinds of evil and chaos and sets us on a positive life. Scriptures include Acts chapter 11. Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

Intimacy With God

August 11, 2020 11:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MB

Intimacy with God comes in unexpected ways and moments. One’s connection with God is made healthy by connection with other people. Scriptures include Luke 24:30-32; Acts chapters 1, 2, 4, 11, and 13. Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

Are We Supposed to Judge?

June 11, 2020 11:00 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MB

What was Jesus asking His followers to do when he said, “Do not judge”? Did He want us to close our eyes to error and evil? Is there room to assess others, especially when we know we are not perfect? Listen in as we search for some balance on this question. Scriptures discussed include Matthew 7:1-6, Romans 2:1-4 and 14:12-13, and James 2:1-13. Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

Is Our World Controlled By Satan?

April 07, 2020 11:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MB

Have you ever wondered about the extent of the power of Satan? Why do people do wrong? How can evil be overcome? Scriptures in this podcast include James 1:13-15, Romans 7, 1 John 4:1-4, Ephesians 1:18-23, Luke 10:10-24, James 4:1-10, Ephesians 3:8-11, 1 John 5:4, and Revelation 20:7. Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

Introducing Satan - The Enemy of Our Souls

March 24, 2020 11:00 - 42 minutes - 29.1 MB

The names of Satan in the Bible reveal a lot about his identity and power. Going beyond popular culture and mythology, discover a genuine description of the one who is the master of deception. His kingdom of darkness is being overcome by Christ’s kingdom of light. Scriptures include Genesis 3, 2 Corinthians 11, Ephesians 4:26-27, 6:10-17, and Matthew 16. Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

Training My Conscience

March 10, 2020 11:00 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MB

When parents model living by truth with the humility that it takes to change their convictions, children learn to develop and respect their own conscience. In this episode learn how to identify and live by your inner convictions and encourage others to do the same. Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

My Conscience Is My Guide

February 18, 2020 13:00 - 53 minutes - 37.1 MB

Jiminy Cricket and the story of Pinocchio is a well known picture of the conscience. Our conscience can be seamless with the truth that we know and the how we live our lives. The conscience is a fundamental aspect of our being and can be developed to be an asset for a healthy, happy life. Scriptures include Romans 2:14-16; Romans 14:1-6, Psalm 51, and 1 Timothy 1:5-9. Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

Image of God

February 06, 2020 18:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MB

Humans are made in the image of God. What does that mean? What are the far-reaching implications? Does that mean humans are like an artistic depiction, or maybe a mirror reflecting the image of God? Listen in as we consider these and the implications of this biblical teaching. Passages include Genesis 1:26-28; 2:7; Colossians 3:9-11; and Psalm 8. Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

What is a Soul? Bonus Episode

January 30, 2020 12:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MB

Following up on an aspect of the previous episode, how, when does a human become a living soul? The brief conversation about soul and the image of God have huge ramifications on everyday life and ultimate values. This short bonus episode discusses Genesis 1:27 and the origins of human identity. Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

Let's Talk About Zombies & Ghosts

January 23, 2020 12:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MB

Didn’t know that the Bible mentioned zombies? Or ghosts? Maybe, maybe not. In this episode we take a look at some questions. Are human beings only evolved animals or are we spiritual creations able to interact with the spirit realm? Are humans unique in this universe? What is our place in the universe? In a discussion of “soul” - psyche - consider what it means to be human. Scriptures referenced include Hebrews 11:3, 2Thessalonians 5:23-24, Ecclesiastes 12:6-7, Matthew 26:41 & 10:28, and 2 C...

The Know God Christmas Special

December 19, 2019 12:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MB

Transitions are inevitable and can be felt most strongly in the Christmas season. We struggle to believe that the end is better than the beginning. Knowing that the end of anything in this life is not the end of everything; it’s only the end of something because by faith we have already begun eternal life in Christ. So, to live fully now we embrace endings to be ready to start new beginnings. Passages include Luke 2:1-19, Ecclesiastes 7:8-10, and Ezekiel chapters 36 & 37. Support the show To...

1 John The “Rosetta Stone” of Bible Interpretation, Part 2

December 10, 2019 12:00 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MB

Build your confidence in reading a book of the Bible by letting it be its own primary key to interpretation. In Part 2 see examples of the immersive approach to listening, reading and interpreting. This episode includes discussion of 1 John 5:16-17 figuring out the sin that leads to death; and 1 John 2:18-27 which has the interpretive challenges of the antichrist and “How long is the last hour?” Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

1 John - The “Rosetta Stone” of Bible Interpretation, Part 1

December 03, 2019 12:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MB

Build your confidence in reading a book of the Bible by letting it be its own primary key to interpretation. In Part 1 discover an immersive approach to listening, reading and interpreting. This will produce growth in knowing God, knowing one’s self and knowing the culture of the book, and so understanding its intended message. This episode includes discussion of 1 John 2:4 and 3:4-6. Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

Deep Dive: Leadership is About Character Not Gender

November 19, 2019 12:00 - 47 minutes - 33 MB

Paul’s guidance to the early church calls men and women to function together in leadership, within a community of quietness and peace. Consider the view that restrictions on women are not the final word on the giftedness and calling of women in church leadership. This podcast takes a deep dive into the details of 1 Timothy chapters 2, 3 and 5 concerning female and male leaders. Scott Stocking joins us in discussing the passages that are used to restrict women from church leadership and the r...

OK Boomer

November 12, 2019 13:00 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MB

How can inter-generational relationships mesh more smoothly? “OK Boomer” is used by Millennials to dismiss Boomers. And over the last decade, Boomers have been disrespectful of Millennials. Is there any way to bring respect to the dialogue? We explore 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus for guidance in Bible principles. Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

Some Church Leaders Are Women

November 05, 2019 12:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MB

Women have been church leaders since the church began. Follow a brief historical and biblical overview women leadership in churches. Scriptures include Acts 2:17-18; Joel 2:2:28-32; Romans 16:1-12; and many more. Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

The Paradox of Tolerance

October 22, 2019 11:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MB

We can find ourselves overwhelmed by the paradox of tolerance. Let’s explore the framework of tolerance and this paradox. Consider the vision found in the Bible for the keys and benefits of healthy tolerance. Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

How to Be Considerate (Without Being a Doormat)

October 08, 2019 11:00 - 49 minutes - 34.3 MB

Making consideration an absolute priority in our interactions with each other goes a long way in nurturing healthy and honest relationships, communities and governments. Scriptures referenced include 2 Timothy 2:22-26, 1 Peter 2:12-17, 1 Peter 3:17 and James 3:13-18. Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

How to Disagree

July 09, 2019 11:00 - 43 minutes - 30.1 MB

The apostles used dialogue and reasoning when they communicated with others and serve as examples in the art of respectful dialogue. Scriptures include Acts 17, 18 and 19; Acts 24:25; 1 Peter 3:8-17; 2 Timothy 2;22-26, and 4:2-5. Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

What's Your Bias?

June 25, 2019 11:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MB

Throughout the centuries of Christianity readers and interpreters have favored various approaches to understanding the Bible texts. Scriptures include 1 Corinthians 1:10 and Psalm 19:7-8. Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

Quick Thought - Reading the Bible

June 18, 2019 11:00 - 10 minutes - 4.97 MB

Where do you start reading the Bible? If you were not a believer or are a new believer and just received a Bible, where would you start? If people don't know better, they might start going cover to cover and then get bogged down pretty quick. Here's a quick answer to this question. Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

#Blessed Part 2

June 11, 2019 11:00 - 44 minutes - 20.4 MB

Take a step back from this popular social media tag and consider a long range view of what Jesus described “blessed.” Scriptures include Matthew 5:3-12, Luke Luke 6:20-23, Revelation 1:3, 14:13, 16:15, 19:9, 20:6, 22:7, and 22:14. Support the show TonyKafka on Patreon

Books

The New Testament
1 Episode