We look at the first commandment, “You shall have no other Gods before me.” We identify the "gods"--sex, science, sociology and others--we tend to put ahead of the one true God, and how easy it is to rationalize those choices, especially in a pluralistic culture. But the commandment is clear—you can’t worship two deities. With us this week to discuss the implications: Robert Cocheu ("The Professor"), Larry Post (“The Pastor”) and Steve Titch ("The Gambler"). Bill Cox (“The Director”) hosts. Visi...
Sep 05, 2019•51 min
We begin our 13-week study of The Ten Commandments. We look at how they reveal God’s character and they stand in direct opposition to the morality of modern times. And what did Martin Luther mean when he wrote of the freedom to be found in the Decalogue? With us this week: Robert Cocheu ("The Professor"), Mike Cropper (“The Judge”) and Steve Titch ("The Gambler") Bill Cox (“The Director”) hosts. Visit us at www.man-upspiritualoasis.com. Find us on iHeartRadio, iTunes, Twitter, Facebook and YouTu...
Aug 29, 2019•51 min
David takes a census of his army. Why does this anger God to the degree he sends plague that kills 70,000 Israelites? In this final lesson in 2 Samuel, we look at the consequences of big decisions made big men. We also take some time to review the narrative of David’s life and whether his reign actually modeled God’s design for kingship. Panel includes Robert Cocheu ("The Professor"), Mike Cropper (“The Judge”) and Bill (“Didn’t-I-say-no-appointments-on-Wednesday”) Cox. Steve Titch ("The Gambler...
Aug 22, 2019•57 min
We discover a biblical example of how to deal with a toxic personality and a wise woman “man’s up” and does what’s necessary to avert a costly siege. We also talk about the two sides of Joab, David’s loyal general, who takes immediate, bloody action in one case, but judiciously listens and resolves conflict in another. Guts spill and heads roll in this week’s podcast. With us: Robert Cocheu ("The Professor"), Steve Titch ("The Gambler") and Mike Cropper (“The Judge”). Bill Cox (“The Director”) h...
Aug 15, 2019•58 min
Matters reach a climax as David faces a tragic dilemma: survival of his son or survival of his kingdom. Although we sympathize with David, we look at how he was the author of his own pain. Also, why is Joab traditionally considered the villain of this piece? He just saw 20,000 men die and faced a choice to either indulge a monarch’s wishful thinking or do what was necessary to end a civil war. We think he “manned up.” What do you think? Listen, like and comment. With us this week: Robert Cocheu ...
Aug 08, 2019•1 hr 2 min
We find and aging David at his lowest point, facing lies and curses from figures from his past as he flees Jerusalem. Meanwhile Absalom, his rebellious son, takes his father’s concubines before the entire city. We find contemporary parallels as David finally confronts the consequences from years of passivity and inaction. With us this week: Robert Cocheu ("The Professor"), Steve Titch ("The Gambler"), Kyle Trahan ("The Deacon") and Mike Cropper (“The Judge). Bill Cox (“The Director”) hosts. Visi...
Aug 01, 2019•57 min
David, at his lowest point, is forced to flee Jerusalem as his son Absalom moves against him. Our panel looks at David’s dysfunctional household and dangers that face leaders when they fail to confront mistakes and choose indecision and isolation instead. Along the way, we manage to weave in everything from office politics to Shakespeare to Disney. With us this week: Robert Cocheu ("The Professor"), Steve Titch ("The Gambler") and Mike Cropper (“The Judge). Bill Cox (“The Director”) hosts. Visit...
Jul 25, 2019•55 min
Consequences from David’s adultery with Bathsheba continue, as Amnon, David’s eldest son, follows Dad’s example and rapes his half-sister Tamar. David does nothing to acknowledge the crime, remaining passive while Absalom, Tamar’s brother, allows his anger to fester. Our panel discusses how fathers inevitably model behavior, good or bad, for their children. We also address the hard task of discipline, even when we ourselves are flawed, and when the price might be a fractured relationship. Podcas...
Jul 18, 2019•1 hr 2 min
Facebook’s algorithms blocked the link to Podcast 111, claiming it violated “community standards.” Our host Bill Cox (“The Director”) and Steve Titch (“The Gambler”) react with equal parts of bemusement and concern in this special podcast. While it seems unbelievable that a group of regular guys reading and discussing the Bible raises flags at Facebook, at the same time, it’s not so incredible given the current climate. Download and listen as we review the goals of the podcast and discuss the im...
Jul 13, 2019•24 min
The prophet Nathan confronts David over his adultery with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah. David repents and receives God’s forgiveness, but can’t avoid the consequences. Our panel wonders if David’s repentance was incomplete – was writing the heartfelt Psalm 51 enough, or should he have done more to take ownership of the damage his sin caused? And how tough was it for Nathan to speak truth to power? Panel consists of: Michael Cropper, Attorney ("The Judge"), Robert Cocheu, Trainer ("The Professor...
Jul 11, 2019•1 hr 2 min
No church answers and we mean it in this podcast! We peel back the layers in this story of lust, adultery, dishonesty, cover-up and murder. We look at David, Bathsheba, Uriah, Joab, even the messenger and sort out their roles in the drama. Not only to we discuss the dangers of yielding to lust, but we also explore why David, a man at the height of his power, success and fame, does something so blatantly self-destructive. Was it more than just boredom that drove him to such careless indulgence? I...
Jun 27, 2019•58 min
David had an impressive run of victories 2 Samuel 8, extending Israel's borders to their widest extent. We look at the traits that made David an effective, respected leader and how they can be applied today. The gang's all here. Panel consists of: Michael Cropper, Attorney ("The Judge"), Robert Cocheu, Trainer ("The Professor"), Steve Titch, Writer ("The Gambler"), Kyle Trahan Insurance ("The Deacon") and Bill Cox, Salesman ("The Director"). Recorded at Man Up Adult Bible Fellowship, Sugar Land ...
Jun 20, 2019•52 min
David's got momentum. What else is there for a king to do than build a temple for his God? But what did God want? When you're fortunate in the receipt of God's gifts, is there a danger of getting "carried away" with success? Podcast panel is Robert Cocheu ("The Professor"). Kyle Trahan ("The Deacon") and Steve Titch ("The Gambler") hosting. Visit us at www.man-upspiritualoasis,com. Find us on iTunes, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 13, 2019•54 min
Study of 2 Samuel 6. A story of David with multiple "Man" lesson's "Man Up" Panel discuss. Panel consists of: Robert Cocheu, Trainer ("The Professor") and Bill Cox, Salesman ("The Director"). Recorded at Man Up Adult Bible Fellowship, Sugar Land Baptist Church, Sugar Land, Texas, USA itunes, twitter, facebook and youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 06, 2019•50 min
David is anointed king of Israel and unites the kingdom. We contrast the anointing of David with Saul's back in 1 Samuel 10. While David was a man "after God's heart," does a position of authority only reinforce human fallibilities of entitlement and ego? As men and leaders, are we especially susceptible? Panel consists of: Michael Cropper, Attorney ("The Judge"), Robert Cocheu, Trainer ("The Professor"), Steve Titch, Writer ("The Gambler"), Kyle Trahan Insurance ("The Deacon") and Bill Cox, Sal...
May 30, 2019•58 min
We start our study of 2 Samuel as David gets news of the death of Saul, who, out of jealousy and insecurity, had kept David on the run for years. Yet David resists the urge to celebrate the demise of his nemesis. We look at David's grief and graceful lamentation and how, as men, we can apply it to our routine experience of office politics and bad bosses. Our panel consists of: Michael Cropper, Attorney ("The Judge"), Robert Cocheu, Trainer ("The Professor"--joining usfrom Washington), and Steve ...
May 23, 2019•51 min
A blind man touches off a discussion on whose sin is to blame. After Jesus heals him, it provokes an argument about performing miracles on the Sabbath. We look at the "generation gap" between authorities who are invested in the status quo and younger, more passionate believers, and we each discuss our own spiritual blindspots. Our panel consists of: Michael Cropper, Attorney ("The Judge"), Robert Cocheu, Trainer ("The Professor"), Kyle Trahan ("The Deacon") and Steve Titch, Writer ("The Gambler"...
May 16, 2019•54 min
On location @ Minuti Coffee in Sugar Land, TX. "Eat my flesh and drink my blood"? It sounded just as jarring to 1st Century listeners as it does to us today. We approach this difficult teaching--which undergirds the concept of the Eucharist--head on and look at how it applied to our faith. Our panel consists of: Michael Cropper, Attorney ("The Judge"), Robert Cocheu, Trainer ("The Professor"), Steve Titch, Writer ("The Gambler") and Bill Cox, Salesman ("The Director"). Visit us at www.man-upspir...
May 09, 2019•44 min
Continuing our study of John. Peter denied Christ 3 times. He now gets a chance to return to the Lord for forgiveness and reconciliation. We look at the lessons this post-Resurrection story have for our ongoing relationship with God and the significance of Jesus' command, "Feed my sheep." Our panel consists of: Michael Cropper, Attorney ("The Judge"), Robert Cocheu, Trainer ("The Professor"), Steve Titch, Writer ("The Gambler"), Kyle Trahan Insurance ("The Deacon") and Bill Cox, Salesman ("The D...
May 02, 2019•53 min
We look at the Easter story from John and both the practical and cosmic significance of the Jesus' resurrection to our lives. We also go back to Holy Week and look at what motivations Judas may have had. Panel consists of: Michael Cropper, Attorney ("The Judge"), Robert Cocheu, Trainer ("The Professor"), Steve Titch, Writer ("The Gambler"), Kyle Trahan Insurance ("The Deacon") and Bill Cox, Salesman ("The Director"). Recorded at Man Up Adult Bible Fellowship, Sugar Land Baptist Church, Sugar Lan...
Apr 25, 2019•49 min
What did Jesus "finish" on the cross? In our 100th podcast, we look at John's telling of the Passion of Christ, why these few hours some 2000 years ago may have been the most important in human history, and the significance for us as men today. We also mark this podcast milestone by looking back at our hits and misses. Panel consists of Michael Cropper, Attorney ("The Judge"), Robert Cocheu, Trainer ("The Professor"), Steve Titch, Writer ("The Gambler"), Kyle Trahan Insurance ("The Deacon"). Car...
Apr 18, 2019•1 hr 5 min
We dive into the mystery of the Holy Spirit--counselor, advocate, comforter, helper, paraclete--the "most misunderstood" member of the Trinity, says Robert. What do Christians mean when we talk about being guided by the Spirit? Does actually God speak to us or is that sound too crazy to modern ears? Our panel ponders this while recalling moments when we undeniably felt God's presence. How about you? Plus a special appearance by Pastor Davey Gibson. Panel consists of: Michael Cropper, Attorney ("...
Apr 11, 2019•57 min
Our study of John continues. Jesus washes his disciples' feet. We look at the cultural significance of this act at the time as well as what it teaches men today, Also Deacon Kyle shares about his mission trip to Mexico. Panel consists of: Michael Cropper, Attorney ("The Judge"), Robert Cocheu, Trainer ("The Professor"), Steve Titch, Writer ("The Gambler"), Kyle Trahan Insurance ("The Deacon"), Earl Lloyd ("The Evangelist"), guests Brad and David with Host Bill Cox, Salesman ("The Director"). Rec...
Apr 04, 2019•45 min
Continue study of John, leading up to Holy Week. Jesus knows what is about to happen and yet is committed to the task. "Man Up" Panel discuss. Panel consists of: Michael Cropper, Attorney ("The Judge"), Robert Cocheu, Trainer ("The Professor"), Steve Titch, Writer ("The Gambler"), Earl Lloyd, Hospitality ("The Evangelist") joined by Eddie (Guest Panelist") and Host, Bill Cox, Salesman ("The Director"). Recorded at Man Up Adult Bible Fellowship, Sugar Land Baptist Church, Sugar Land, Texas, USA i...
Mar 28, 2019•49 min
Study of John 5 1-24. An invalid man who did not know who Jesus was yet picked up his mat and walked. Are you ready to be healed? Man Up panel looks at the difference between this healing story and others in the gospels and how Jesus deliberately uses this miracle to attack the legalism of the temple Pharisees. Panel consists of: Michael Cropper, attorney ("The Judge"), Robert Cocheu, trainer ("The Professor"), Steve Titch, writer ("The Gambler"), Kyle Trahan insurance ("The Deacon") and Bill Co...
Mar 21, 2019•49 min
A familiar story of Jesus and the woman at the well. A great illustration of "Truth and Grace." The "Man Up" panel discusses.Panel consists of: Michael Cropper, Attorney ("The Judge"), Robert Cocheu, Trainer ("The Professor") and Bill Cox, Salesman ("The Director"). Recorded at Man Up Adult Bible Fellowship, Sugar Land Baptist Church, Sugar Land, Texas, USA. iTunes, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 14, 2019•51 min
In our Ash Wednesday podcast, we revisit Nicodemus' visit with Jesus (cf Podcast 78), this time in the context of John's portrait of Jesus as "the light that has come into the world." Robert talks about the closing of is mom's Episcopalian church and our panel discusses the challenging call to "Man Up" and lead our churches toward a more outward focus. Panel consists of Michael Cropper, Attorney ("The Judge"), Robert Cocheu, Trainer ("The Professor"), Steve Titch, Writer ("The Gambler") and Bill...
Mar 07, 2019•54 min
Our study of the Gospel of John continues. We look at the common thread of transition in the stories of wedding in Cana and in the cleansing of temple. Our panel looks at how we address the inevitable transitions in men's lives. Panel consists of Michael Cropper, Attorney ("The Judge"), Robert Cocheu, Trainer ("The Professor"), Steve Titch, Writer ("The Gambler"), Kyle Trahan Insurance ("The Deacon") and Bill Cox, Salesman ("The Director"). Recorded at Man Up Adult Bible Fellowship, Sugar Land B...
Feb 28, 2019•1 hr
We start our study of the gospel of John. We talk about how it differs from the three synoptic gospels and the awesomeness of the statement "the Word became flesh and lived among us," What did John mean by the "Word" (from Greek Logos) anyway? Did the Son of God, incarnate in the 1st century as Jesus of Nazareth, exist both with God and as God since before time? Man Up regulars Steve Titch, Robert Cocheu, Mike Cropper and Kyle Trahan hash out these and other questions raised by this important an...
Feb 21, 2019•52 min
As we conclude our study of 1 and 2 Corinthians and Paul's painful confrontation with the Corinthian church about its tolerance of sin, we connect it with the Houston Chronicle's investigation of sexual abuse in Baptist churches in Texas and the South. Why are congregations so fearful about confronting such evil in their midst? We hear from regular panelist Robert Cocheu, who, as as a corporate trainer, often covers HR policies (and is a regular youth group volunteer), and Mike Cropper, our resi...
Feb 14, 2019•49 min
