For our annual Christmas podcast, we look at the journey of the Magi, an expedition of faith that has captured the imagination of Christians and non-Christians alike since the nativity story has been told. Who were the Magi? What motivated them to pack up and travel as far as a thousand miles to investigate an astrological portent that was only peripheral to their own religious and national background? Along the way we discuss comets, planetary conjunctions and various other astronomical phenome...
Dec 21, 2021•58 min
We look back on the stories of each of the biblical judges we've studied these past weeks, looking at how each had their own leadership characteristics. We pick our favorite judges--and Bill gives one-verse wonder Shamgar his due--as well as make an ironic choice as to the judge we men would choose to follow. We also ponder the general absence the priestly class of Levites during the time of the judges, and ask, despite God's preference for no earthly sovereign, whether Israel would have survive...
Dec 14, 2021•1 hr
Is it really the case that we either die a hero or live long enough to become the villain? In a spirited discussion, we look at the questionable decisions Gideon makes after his resounding victory over the Midianites. Does he mirror other great men who are overcome by their faults? We debate the motivations Gideon may have had for making an idol of a gold ephod. Was it pride, insecurity, fear or any combination? Is a man's character most vulnerable at the moment of his greatest achievement? Dece...
Dec 07, 2021•54 min
As Gideon pursues the invading Midianites back across the Jordan, we look at leadership decisions he makes. We admire his diplomacy in getting the tribe of Ephraim to join the fight, but debate his post-victory execution of all the men of Penial, which along with Sukkoth, refused to provide food for his army when it was on the march. Was it a necessary demonstration of support for the men under his command, or the act of an heroic general-turned-petty tyrant?November 30, 2021Bill Cox, Steve Titc...
Nov 30, 2021•55 min
Gideon's call to Israel brings 32,000 men, but God has other plans, and has Gideon winnow his army down to 300, which he marches into battle armed only with trumpets, jars and torches. This story kicks off a discussion in the Christian disciple of simplicity--divesting the accumulated clutter that offers the illusion of security in your life and placing absolute trust in God. No one said this was easy, and even Gideon looked for repeated assurance. Join us for as we explore this curious and, yes...
Nov 23, 2021•55 min
Should we ever test God? Some scripture says we shouldn't, but then we get Gideon, who asks for not one, but two signs of God's authenticity (not even counting an earlier demonstration) and is not rebuffed. Our panel concurs that there are appropriate time to test God when we feel a he is calling us to Kingdom work, and we discuss when those times are. November 16, 2021Bill Cox, Steve Titch, Robert Cocheu, Michael Cropper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 16, 2021•57 min
Our study of Judges brings us to Gideon, another Bible hero who, reluctant at first, dives in with a dramatically transgressive act against local pagan worship. We look at how sometimes life can have us, like Gideon, stuck in a futile situation and trying to marshal the courage to act. Gideon trusts God, but also finds his risk rewarded with support from unexpected corners. November 9, 2021Bill Cox, Steve Titch, Robert Cocheu, Mike Cropper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat...
Nov 09, 2021•57 min
We take up the story of Deborah and Jael, two women who upend the conventional church model of Godly women. Deborah is judge. prophet and warrior. Jael has an unusual notion of maternal hospitality. And because we are a men's podcast, we also consider Barak, Deborah's reluctant general. Was he stymied by analysis paralysis? Was he afraid of battle? Or did he just not like taking orders from a woman? Mike, on the other hand, thinks he deserves more credit for his courage, Listen and judge for you...
Nov 02, 2021•55 min
We examine the story of Ehud, the Israelite charged with bringing the nation’s tribute to the fat Moabite King Eglon until one day buried a home-made sword in the monarch’s belly, then led a massive uprising against the occupier. The Bible provides little back story to this unlikely hero, but that doesn’t stop us from speculating. After years of accommodating Moabite oppression, did Ehud decide he just had enough? We also look at the idolatry that got Israel into this situation to begin with? Di...
Oct 26, 2021•53 min
We begin a study of the Book of Judges, looking first at who the Israelite judges were, where they fit in the biblical history timeline and the overall purpose of the book. First up is Caleb, whose conquest of Hebron is the climax of a story of faith over fear that has been set up in preceding episodes in the books of Numbers and Joshua, with other elements going as far back as Noah's ark in Genesis. We discuss how men can apply Caleb's "whole-hearted" faith, fearless determination and patience ...
Oct 19, 2021•55 min
In the second of our two "flamethrower podcasts," we dive head first into church polity, liturgy and domination-specific theology and doctrine. Our focus is where the new generation of church leaders should be steering congregations in order to remain engaged and relevant in today's culture as well as an example of "salt and light" to the world. There's no holding back as we discuss various denominational responses to sexual abuse scandals, battles over worship services and changing spousal role...
Oct 12, 2021•1 hr 13 min
In the first of two "flamethrower" podcasts, the panel discusses (and argues about) ways the global church must face the changing realities of today's world. Specifically, we look at cultural pressures of socio-economic inequality, consumerism and sexual ethics. Accommodation, resistance or something in between? What roadmap does the Bible offer in navigating these issues? What must we, as church members, do to overcome division and polarization? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i...
Sep 28, 2021•1 hr 10 min
In our final scripture study of Solomon, we contrast the brevity of the account of Solomon's death to the lengthy catalogue of the accoutrements of his wealth that precedes it. This checkered "obituary" leads to some thoughts about building a Christian legacy: how we hope to be remembered and what we hope to leave behind when we die. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 21, 2021•1 hr
Solomon didn't, and as a result, his kingdom splintered. If a leader as wise and faithful as Solomon could allow himself to be distracted by pagan gods and idols, what hope do we ordinary guys have? Solomon's vulnerability was hundreds of wives and concubines plus staggering wealth, a test of God's own warning to Israel's future kings in Deuteronomy 17:17. What weaknesses threaten to take our attention off God and how can we fight them? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information...
Sep 14, 2021•58 min
At the height of Solomon's reign, the Queen of Sheba visits him in search of answers to "hard questions," presumably about God. We don't know the content of that conversation, but that does not stop us from speculating about it, and discussing how we should answer the "hard questions" put to us by those seeking to know more about Jesus Christ. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 07, 2021•55 min
Men are natural risktakers. How does Christian faith align with evaluating risk and reward? When does risk become a leap of faith? In this Men Matter segment, Robert Cocheu ("The Professor") and Steve Titch look at Biblical examples of risk-taking ("The Gambler") as they discuss questions of risk, probability and faith. They apply them to current decisions about COVID vaccinations and masking, as well general decisions in everyday life, including the times when we should be prepared to go "all i...
Sep 02, 2021•37 min
Solomon's Temple has been consecrated; sacrifices have been offered and received; the fanfare has died down and everyone's gone home. In the stillness of the evening, God speaks to Solomon, making the same conditional offer he made to the king's ancestors--love me, obey me and turn from sin and I will remain with you. Forsake me and you will be forsaken. There is hope, but also grim foreshadowing of Judah's downfall. We look at what this ancient passage means for us in modern times. We talk abou...
Aug 31, 2021•57 min
Men's groups at church can be a pilot light for the fire of the Holy Spirit. We talk about ways men in the congregation can step up and offer men spiritual enrichment beyond property repair projects and family activities. In short, there's a place in church for men that extends beyond their wife and children. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 24, 2021•57 min
The author of 2 Chronicles describes the size and strength of the the pillars of Solomon's Temple, but today, when the Church is the People of Christ themselves, who are its pillars? We discuss what "being a pillar" actually means and ways Christian men can step up and take leadership roles in their church and their community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 17, 2021•1 hr
The economic alliance between Solomon and King Hirim of Tyre is a jumping off point for a discussion about how Christians should approach business negotiations. Solomon provides an interesting example of wisdom, shrewdness and fairness, but when does shrewdness become exploitation? In the competitive bustle of the marketplace, how do we balance humility with assertion of rightful value of our talents and the fruit of our labor? And what about business associations with non-believers? Hirim did n...
Aug 10, 2021•57 min
Solomon prays for wisdom as he prepares to begin building the temple. In our discussion, we look at the necessity of wisdom for effective leadership and the degree to which wisdom is expressed in conviction and action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 03, 2021•52 min
American Christians have a huge blind spit when it come to wealth and money. We look at David's largesse in terms of gifts of his own gold, silver, bronze and gems toward financing Solomon's temple. This leads to a discussion on tithing, the proper attitude and reasons for giving and the radical Christian idea that everything you have actually belongs to God. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 27, 2021•57 min
We begin a study of the reign of Israel's King Solomon as recorded in 1 and 2 Chronicles. We start with David's public endorsement of Solomon as heir and king, and the private consul he offers his son as he prepares him for the throne. We talk about the importance of training, encouraging and preparing the way for those who come after us, and the challenge of knowing the right time to hand off leadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 20, 2021•50 min
Recorded live June 19, 2021 at Sugar Land Baptist Church, we revisit the story of David and Bathsheba in the context of how both the culture and the church treat adultery and sexual exploitation, and how Christian men can navigate the minefield of commoditization, trivialization and commercialization of sex. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 13, 2021•1 hr 13 min
Jesus asks "Who are my brothers?" This gives us a chance to talk about the difference between blood relatives and so-called church families. Does one replace--or support--the other? What happens when they come into conflict? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 06, 2021•58 min
Our study of Mark turns to one of the most confusing and debated statements by Jesus--that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is unforgivable. Our discussion touches on the definition of blasphemy, the differences between blasphemy and unbelief, and the conflict between the claim that the Cross offers complete redemption and the apparent exception of one sin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 29, 2021•53 min
Two lessons in one, plus a special guest! First we look at another Sabbath healing by Jesus, and the legalist reaction from the Pharisees, We then look at Jesus' assembly of the 12 apostles, a "motley crew" of provincials who make for an unlikely brotherhood. We're joined by Dr. Chris Curran, senior pastor of Southland Baptist Church, San Angelo, TX, who authored the two scripture lessons from our BaptistWay Press study guide, The ReMARKable Journey Begins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...
Jun 22, 2021•59 min
Jesus said the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath, so how did things get so complicated that munching on some wheat raises hue and cry? We continue our look at how Christ challenged the blind legalism of the Pharisees. On the way, we touch on blue laws, HOAs, and little known agricultural techniques. In a 24/7 world, how do we best observe the Lord's Day and keep it holy? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 15, 2021•53 min
Jesus faces questioning as to why he and his disciples are not fasting when the Pharisees are. Jesus uses this opportunity to preview the idea of a New Covenant, where ritual and tradition give way to faith and relationship. Cross-referencing this week's verse with Jeremiah 31:31-34, we explore the tension between obeying the letter of Old Testament law as revealed to Moses and following spiritual guidance gained from knowledge of Christ. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informati...
Jun 08, 2021•53 min
Jesus dines with Matthew and his tax collector friends, much to the condemnation of the religious authorities. Unlike many of of those Christ ministered to, tax collectors, while rejected by the religious elites, nonetheless had wealth and power. We talk about how Christians can best connect to those who feel religion offers little or nothing to them personally. Apologies in advance for poor sound quality as we wrestle with some new equipment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info...
Jun 01, 2021•1 hr 1 min
