Topical Series https://fpcspiritlake.org/series/weekly-series/ Mon, 10 Aug 2026 22:03:32 +0000 episodic false https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Pastor-Talk-Podcast-Logo.png Topical Series https://fpcspiritlake.org/series/weekly-series/ No yes 450ae94a-b184-5786-ad6e-6139718b3345 242710494 The Pillars of Christian Character: Faith https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/the-pillars-of-christian-character-faith/ Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:18:36 +0000 6d3125e1-44cc-5efc-95e6-db0ef918549e In this concluding conversation, Pastors Clint and Michael explore how faith is the glue that holds all of the other Christian character traits together. In this conversation, faith and works are not diametrically opposed but rather mutually complimentary.

Transcript

00:00:01:23 - 00:00:29:06 Michael Gewecke We are going to be exploring as our last mark of Christian character, the last pillar we're going to be looking at the idea of faith, and we're going to also be having a kind of concluding conversation towards the end about how these pillars might fit together and the ways in which we think about Christian character as being unique to our lives that we live out in Jesus Christ.

00:00:29:09 - 00:01:09:21 Clint Loveall There is some overlap between the idea of character and the idea of ethics, and Christians and non-Christians would agree on some ethical ideas, right? Don't hurt people. Try not to be dishonest. We we would agree on some of the pathways that we would call better and worse, but to the idea of motivation. Christians hold up those things not simply as good ideas, not just as good practices, not just as good ways to be students or citizens, but as a reflection of our faith commitment.

00:01:09:24 - 00:01:42:07 Clint Loveall And so even though we would have some commonality with lots of people and we could agree on things that are good for us, for Christian, our primary motivation is not that the thing in itself is good, but the one that it reflects is good, and we seek to reflect him by doing that, by being that. And so I, I do think while we stand on some ground together, we get there two very different pathways.

00:01:42:07 - 00:02:18:12 Clint Loveall And bear with me. We, you know, you give examples and you don't want to, well, whatever. Here we go. This is, I think, one of the interesting detours you get there has recently been another movie by people to put the Ten Commandments in public spaces. Right. And on the surface, there's nothing wrong with the Ten Commandments being known, but that's fine.

00:02:18:15 - 00:02:49:09 Clint Loveall But the Ten Commandments are not first and foremost good ideas to live by their covenant practices within the faith. And so when we treat them the same as be nice to each other, or we think that when we post them, they represent good ideas instead of covenant faithfulness, we're using them in a in a social. And I would.

00:02:49:12 - 00:03:29:12 Clint Loveall I would argue at times almost a secular way. And so I think those are the conversations that Christian people have to be. We have to be cautious with. Because, yes, the Ten Commandments are good ideas, but that's not primarily what they are, and that's never what they are to us. They are always more than that. And if we let them be reduced to instructions that go on walls, we have lost something in our understanding of what it means to practice Christian character.

00:03:29:17 - 00:03:56:24 Clint Loveall So again, don't go tell everybody Pastor Kuntz against the Ten Commandments. That's not my point. My my point is that underneath. Civics and civility and good practices, there is a layer deeper that Christians hopefully get to when we when we discuss character.

00:03:56:26 - 00:04:28:27 Michael Gewecke You can tell them, Pastor Michael, for the Ten Commandments, they'll get spicy. No, I want to we need to press on. But I just want to make one really short comment here about the Ten Commandments, which I think is is instructive because Christian character cannot be dissolved down to moral truisms, because Christian character is always rooted inside the reflection of Jesus Christ, who is a person.

00:04:28:29 - 00:05:00:01 Michael Gewecke It's always relational. We're always seeking to live into the character of Christ, into the world in which we live. So to put a thing on the wall and to point to people to it is a little bit like pointing them to the monument when the living thing is literally in you, it's to say, hey, look, we came to see the, the, the, the scaffolding of what a moral Christian ethic looks like when actually, because the Spirit of God lives in you, that Christian ethics should be living.

00:05:00:03 - 00:05:18:03 Michael Gewecke And so these things should reinforce for us what is true and how God expects us to live as covenantal people. But we should be the illustration of it in the world. People should see those ten commandments inside the people of God, because we are relationally living that out in the world.

00:05:18:06 - 00:05:49:19 Clint Loveall Yeah, the law itself is to point to something deeper, something better, something bigger. Michael's comment made me think, I don't have a nice way to ask this question. How many of you have been to a concert recently, or at some point in the recent past that was also attended by young people?

00:05:49:22 - 00:06:17:13 Clint Loveall Okay. Okay. Well, yeah. I'm on thin ice here, but if you have been to a concert where young people. It is incredible to me that young people will run and push and work as hard as they can to get close to the stage. And then if you watch them, they are watching the band on their phone while they film it.

00:06:17:13 - 00:06:56:17 Clint Loveall And as an old person, I think they're right there. You you're you're looking at a copy of the thing that's happening right in front of you. And I think sometimes that's how we treat law or prescriptions like the Ten Commandments. They are the embodiment of a Christ like life. They're not rules. They are the way to live a life that honors Jesus, and we should not allow them to become less than that just because they're also good ideas in other contexts.

00:06:56:20 - 00:07:25:22 Clint Loveall If that sounds a little crabby, I will admit to you it is because they are ours. They belong to the church, and and we need to be aware of that anyway. Oh, that's enough preaching. So we are talking tonight about the character pillar, that we would summarize by faith. And if you talk to people about faith, I would say that that falls in in two categories.

00:07:25:22 - 00:07:56:13 Clint Loveall The first is generally if you ask people what faith is, they're going to talk to you about what? Their beliefs. Yeah, I agree, I think one way that we talk about the faith is the collection of things we believe that we label Christianity, and when we put our mind to the faith, what we are doing is trying to ensure that we think correctly about following Christ.

00:07:56:15 - 00:08:29:06 Clint Loveall So these are where we run into words like our doctrine, our theology. Right? We want to have the right ideas. We want to have the right thinking. This is a major part of going to seminary. When you want to be a pastor and you do the seminary thing, part of what they're trying to do is train you to think, well, they're trying to train you, teach you what is our traditions take what is theology, take on concepts like salvation and sin and providence and justification and justice.

00:08:29:09 - 00:09:07:17 Clint Loveall What do we think about God in our corner of the church? And is that thinking both biblical? And is it Christ like? You might also add historical, traditional, but primarily the lenses we've tried to use. Is it biblical and is it like and? We are in a tradition that prides itself on being thoughtful and often for good reason.

00:09:07:19 - 00:09:11:18 Clint Loveall But it's not always the case.

00:09:11:21 - 00:09:35:29 Michael Gewecke Yeah, we know throughout history, and this has been true, by the way, in every age that we as Christians succumb to bad thinking, our theology does not always rise to the level of or beyond the, the weight and the anchoring of our times. Right? So the church has been guilty, over, over the years. Our thinking hasn't risen above racism.

00:09:36:06 - 00:10:07:17 Michael Gewecke We've struggled theologically with, with classes, and nationalism, legalism. I mean, all of the isms we've at some point, run our way down the wrong path. And the truth is, Christians aren't always good about consistent thinking. We are often guilty of being sloppy. Sometimes, quite frankly, we get called out on bad thinking and we just double down and say, yeah, what are you going to do about it?

00:10:07:19 - 00:10:36:13 Michael Gewecke Because we we find ourselves backed into a corner. And so one of the ways that we as Christians have to refer to faith is, is we have to, in the spirit of the Reformation, remember that the Spirit of God is always at work, both before we are reformed people, but we're also being reformed. We also always have to be open to that work of the spirit within us, and that becomes an active practice.

00:10:36:13 - 00:10:54:00 Michael Gewecke In the same way that we say that a doctor is practicing medicine. I don't think we have any doctors in the room today so I can make a doctor joke. I think right now you think it's okay for you to practice medicine. Just don't practice it on me. Right? Get it right on me. But the reality is, Christians are practicing the faith.

00:10:54:02 - 00:11:16:03 Michael Gewecke We're always practicing it and embodying it. The world in which we live. But truth is, we don't always get that right. But the the focus of church is that we take what we believe and we live it out in a meaningful way. And this is one of the most essential understandings for why church is an essential part of the Christian life.

00:11:16:06 - 00:11:44:10 Michael Gewecke Because if you believe that at its core, the faith is an individual adventure, then ultimately what you might believe is that it's all what's in your head and really what you do with it is a matter of your choice in the world in which you live. But anyone who has been a brother or sister in Christ in a church family knows because of experience and practice that this is the incubator.

00:11:44:10 - 00:12:11:06 Michael Gewecke It's the laboratory. It's the place where that thinking has to work its way into our living. It has to be in our hearts, and it has to live in and out through our mouths, our hands and our feet. And I think that that is one of the reasons we need to focus on faith at the end is because I think in some ways, faith becomes this bridge, that this character that we are seeking to live in, to all of the things we talked about.

00:12:11:06 - 00:12:31:00 Michael Gewecke Grace. Right. All love, all these things that we believe live in us. Faith is the way in which those things get integrated into our lives, and we lean back into them and trust that God's doing that in us. And that's what gives us the courage and bravery to live it out in a place with other people doing the same.

00:12:31:03 - 00:13:11:29 Clint Loveall So tonight we are going to focus on this second idea that faith not only is what we believe, but equally as importantly, faith is what we do. Faith is the beliefs we put into practice, and we are all well aware that the gap between what we believe and what we do, we call hypocrisy in the church. When I know what it is that I am to do, but I don't do it or I do something else, I'm choosing to live in a way that doesn't match my professed beliefs.

00:13:11:29 - 00:13:33:21 Clint Loveall And, the ancients gave us that word hypocrisy. It's the word they use for actors. People who played roles. So I say one thing, but I act differently. So we're going to focus tonight on the action and the case. We're going to make or try to make is that the collective of our Christian character is not an attribute.

00:13:33:21 - 00:14:05:26 Clint Loveall If faith is not just one thing in our character, faith is the foundation, the primary expression of our character. And I think we've maybe touched on this. This gets a little difficult in English. In English, faith is a noun, so it's something you do or don't have. We generally make it equivalent to belief, but Greek has a way of making faith a verb so that life can be faith.

00:14:05:29 - 00:14:31:14 Clint Loveall Work can be faith, family can be faith. And it's unfortunate that we can't really do that with our English word. The closest we could get, maybe, is that faith is the collection of things we think are true, and living up to them would make us faithful. So we might be able to talk about our faithfulness as an attribute of faith.

00:14:31:14 - 00:15:01:07 Clint Loveall But it's very difficult for us to talk about faith. Any. And I wish we could fix that because it's a wonderful advantage. I think, that biblical language has over English. In the Bible you can faith things, you can faith, relationships, and I wish we could say it that way. I think that would be helpful. The difference between faith and faithful.

00:15:01:08 - 00:15:31:11 Clint Loveall Again, this English struggle is not really a separation that the Scripture makes it. Even Paul, who is very clear to talk about faith versus works, understands them to be connected, understands them, to be both essential. Paul is not in those conversations saying that what we do doesn't matter. He is only saying that what we do is not the mechanism by which we are saved.

00:15:31:14 - 00:16:03:05 Clint Loveall We are saved by faith. But Paul himself writes, we are saved for good works in order to do good works. So Christians should stand out not just for the things we say or the things we believe, but for the things we faith, for the things we do. We should be faithful people, literally full of faith, connected and committed to the God who calls us.

00:16:03:08 - 00:16:40:03 Clint Loveall Because in our life, our attempt is through gratitude for what we've received to show the character of God in the character of his people. You know, our character as Christians, we are to display something of what we know to be true of God. So in the Old Testament, faithfulness is the equivalent of obedience, which is still in there, but in the New Testament, far more faith is our belief put into practice.

00:16:40:06 - 00:17:01:15 Michael Gewecke I think when we make the mistake of making faith a thing that we possess, we begin to lose our ability to make sense of the Psalms we make. We lose our ability to make sense of limitations and job. Because when a person is crying out to God says, how in the world are you letting this affliction happen to me?

00:17:01:15 - 00:17:27:21 Michael Gewecke When we experience grief, Christians feel this pang of guilt. Well, how am I feeling this way towards God? I have I lost my faith. You heard this before, and if that is the way we can sit, our faith that it's a thing that we can have, then it's a thing that is so fragile that we forget that faithful people can be angry.

00:17:27:24 - 00:18:02:12 Michael Gewecke Faithful people can have doubts. People who are facing God to be the kind of people on the journey of faith, and yet still finding ourselves in a circumstance where faith is hard. And I think that that is essential for us to understand that there's a real danger in trying to drive a wedge between faith and works. So trying to say that if I just have enough faith, then that is separate from what I do is is by definition, creating the hypocrisy is, by definition, playing a role.

00:18:02:19 - 00:18:31:29 Michael Gewecke Because what it means is we're not connecting the truth of what we say with the reality of how we live. So if our character is forged by what we believe, that is revealed by what we practice, and no doubt Christians should be people who are worthy of trust, we should be exemplars of moral living, practitioners of love. We should be the kind of people who demonstrate forgiveness in the world.

00:18:32:02 - 00:19:02:01 Michael Gewecke But we should not, at our core, be people who are looking at our lives from a checklist of moral maxims, like to say, the perfect student in your classroom who could get an A on all the character marks, good for them. That would. That's great. But a Christian has to look at that and recognize that if we're not living out a thing that we profess to be true, then it's not facing our character.

00:19:02:06 - 00:19:27:02 Michael Gewecke And if our character hasn't been transformed, then we're not yet within the relational connection with the newer transformer of the universe. Right? It so it it's a connection between what we say we believe, what's internal and the lives that we live externally. And so therefore, life together should be the highest witness of Christian character. The church should demonstrate the truth of our profession.

00:19:27:04 - 00:19:51:12 Michael Gewecke In fact, if you want to see that played out, I encourage you to keep reading on the text that we read for the sermon today in Corinthians, because Paul makes that literal argument. He goes on to say that people who have the mind of Christ are the very people who live their lives as if they do. And here's an accusation against the Corinthians, or that they're not living up to it.

00:19:51:15 - 00:19:59:11 Michael Gewecke And so the church becomes a place where the truth of our witness is seen, and the lives that we live together.

00:19:59:13 - 00:20:32:03 Clint Loveall And this is, this is a challenge for the church. I think we are at our absolute best in terms of witness when we do this. Well, imagine that the church is a place where someone could come and lose $1,000 and guarantee they'd get it back. The place where someone could show up hungry, and we would guarantee that they get fed or show up needing prayer, and we would pray over that.

00:20:32:06 - 00:20:56:27 Clint Loveall The idea is that as community, we would be a place where the character of Christ would be on display. And sure, none of us are going to hit that note perfectly. We are always going to be out of tune a little. But when the church is able to live into that reality, it is an incredible demonstration to the world.

00:20:57:00 - 00:21:25:21 Clint Loveall You may know this, the word Christian is essentially a word that means small Christs, miniature Christs. So, so that Christians, the very thing we call ourselves, is a reminder of the one we're trying to imitate, which we can do only through his grace. What Christian character is to keep primary. What would Jesus have me do and say?

00:21:25:24 - 00:21:59:06 Clint Loveall Who would Jesus have me become so that a Christian tells the truth? Not because telling the truth is important, it is, but because Jesus Christ said, I am the truth and a Christian loves their neighbor, not because that makes community better, which it does, but because Jesus said, love God and love neighbor. And so the end of Christian character for us is what we hear and see in Jesus Christ.

00:21:59:08 - 00:22:32:17 Clint Loveall And sometimes, sometimes that's hard to discern. I suspect all of us have had a moment where we've wrestled with what's the right thing to do. We've genuinely struggled. I have this moment. I don't know if A is the Christian thing to do, or if B is the Christian thing to do. That happens. But in my experience, it's rarer than we like to admit, because mostly the Christian thing is not hard to figure out.

00:22:32:20 - 00:22:56:29 Clint Loveall It's hard to do. And most of the time, I would say we generally know what Christ would have us do. We don't want to do it. We don't want to be honest. We don't want to love our enemies. We don't want to stay silent. We don't want to give or forgive. And and many Christians, as we know, get caught stepping outside the boundaries of the faith.

00:22:57:01 - 00:23:26:25 Clint Loveall And many more don't get caught. And many tell us how sorry they are after they get caught. But none of that is the point. Because the point is, what would Jesus have me be? What would Jesus have me say when we bend the rules and leave the path? My experience is that most of the time I know it, and most of the time, though, I'd love to claim otherwise.

00:23:26:28 - 00:24:01:22 Clint Loveall I did it willingly, and if it's not in that moment that I choose to change my behavior, apologize, repent, and confess, then I am not using Christ as my guide. I'm following some other thing. I have let something else set my course and I have lost sight of my goal, which is to be what I claim to believe.

00:24:01:24 - 00:24:04:23 Clint Loveall That is my purpose as a Christian.

00:24:04:25 - 00:24:32:24 Michael Gewecke I think the reformed tradition helps us here, and I don't want to be too autobiographical, but I think I do have a personal illustration of this. Rochelle and I both went to the same school, so she can tell you if I butcher this story. But while we were at Oral Roberts University, the the night came where we were all called to go to an emergency night chapel, which wasn't a thing that regularly happened.

00:24:32:27 - 00:24:57:15 Michael Gewecke And we got there and it was a whole fraught moment. And it was, lots of praying and and prophesying. And I at the end of that night came out that the president of the university had legal charges, substantiated legal charges made that he had been pilfering money from the university, millions of dollars flying U.S. dollars to the Bahamas.

00:24:57:15 - 00:25:30:24 Michael Gewecke And all of these shopping excursions and the response from the university in the in the wake of this major moral lapse was, this is an attack of the enemy. This is Satan coming after us, and that is a human temptation. We're all tempted to say, not me, something else. Right, Adam? And eat this woman that you gave me right.

00:25:30:27 - 00:25:55:20 Michael Gewecke The reformed tradition, I think, helps us tell the truth. It reminds us we are sinners. That's the reality. The call on our life is Jesus Christ, and it's his character we're called to emulate. One of the things I most deeply respect about our tradition is we build systems which aren't always effective, but we wholeheartedly try to build systems to keep people from going on.

00:25:55:20 - 00:26:19:24 Michael Gewecke The private jets. Because we know people are sinful. We know that too much power often leads us to positions of compromise. We know that our character is not always strong enough to stand in the face of what might be beckoning us over the border. Right. And I think one of the things that as Christians, we need to recognize is that the truth is our brokenness.

00:26:19:26 - 00:26:44:06 Michael Gewecke The gift is restoration, that the gift is what Jesus Christ wants to do within us. And it is out of that gift that our character could be transformed. And so I just want to point out, I think checks and balances is not against being people of character. It's intended to be the laboratory in which that character can be formed.

00:26:44:09 - 00:27:13:05 Michael Gewecke And I think that we sometimes miss the opportunity to recognize that our practice is not just to know what's right, but also to be living our lives in such a way that when others see us, they can see that goodness living in us and the more and more that Christians seek to decrease the gap between what we say we believe versus how we actually speak and act in the world.

00:27:13:07 - 00:27:48:03 Michael Gewecke That is when our witness becomes compelling. Because this isn't going to be a surprise to you. It was not a significant evangelistic moment on Tulsa television when they found out about the private jets, because it exposed the the motivation underneath the facade, the hypocrisy made a moment in which the truth of our sinfulness, which is true, was suddenly disarmed, opened because we claimed to have it all put together.

00:27:48:06 - 00:28:09:24 Michael Gewecke And the moment in which Christians compare. Ten pair humility with gratitude for Christ's gift for us is the moment we start experiencing Christian character in face that we can face, we can live into, we can demonstrate to the world because it's honest, and that's a place where we don't always start.

00:28:09:27 - 00:28:32:17 Clint Loveall One of my favorite conversations with the New Testament is that it calls us saints. The New Testament is comfortable calling every person who believes in Jesus, all the people in the church, you, me, saints. And I say to the new Testament, no, I know these people. I've, I've been in I've been in church a long time. I'm.

00:28:32:17 - 00:29:11:09 Clint Loveall I'm in the church myself. You gotta find another word. And the New Testament says, are you and Jesus Christ say, well, yeah, yeah. We try to be sure. And it says, then your saints, you are made right in Jesus Christ. His holiness is now your holiness. You are saints. And I say, wow, that sounds good. Thanks. And then it says, now, dang it, start acting like it.

00:29:11:12 - 00:29:41:24 Clint Loveall And I, I love the I love the idea that even when we talk about ourselves as Christians, as saints, when the Bible talks about anybody who believes in Jesus, it uses words that we don't own, but we aspire to. We are trying to live up to and sort of try and summarize some of this. The Christian task as it regards to faith is, I think, twofold.

00:29:41:27 - 00:30:12:17 Clint Loveall We have to work to make our beliefs sound. We should work on our thinking, we should study, we should read Scripture. We should interact with ideas to make sure that they're biblical. And they are in keeping with what we know of God in Christ. And we should try to guard our thinking from being led astray by bad ideas, even if they come to us in religious garb.

00:30:12:19 - 00:30:47:26 Clint Loveall Secondly, as Christians, we should put those beliefs into practice. We must strive to live them out to decrease as much as we're able. The gap between what we say and how we speak and how we act and what we do. Because Christian character is not some religious version of being a good person, Christian character is to pursue the character of Jesus Christ.

00:30:47:29 - 00:31:23:02 Clint Loveall The reason we call it Christian character, it seems to me, is because we've so often failed at being Christian. If we could do that, we wouldn't need to modify it. We would just call it being Christian, but we wouldn't need the word character. We would understand that being Christian is to have Christian character, but since we don't always do that, we think about it in terms not only of being Christian.

00:31:23:04 - 00:31:37:03 Clint Loveall What? Trying to be Christian in a way that reveals and portrays and in acts and embodies the character of Jesus Christ and in a.

00:31:37:06 - 00:32:19:20 Clint Loveall In an ironic way. Christians are. But you guys know I'm not a the world is terrible kind of guy. I try not to, but Christians may be the last ones who are going to care about character. The world is increasingly unbothered by lapses in character. If it gets you to your goal, if you arrive at money or power or whatever, winning and you have to take a shortcut, the world is increasingly not bothered by that.

00:32:19:23 - 00:32:51:21 Clint Loveall So Christians have to make sure that we are taking our cues and getting our guidance, not from the world around us that doesn't know what to do with character, but from the one within us who is the only model of what it truly means. Christians alone are to be guided by higher thoughts and better ideas, because Christians alone seek to make Jesus above all else.

00:32:51:23 - 00:33:00:00 Clint Loveall Our guide. So to be Christian is to pursue the character of Christ.

00:33:00:02 - 00:33:26:25 Michael Gewecke So I think this is where we enter into that conversation about the importance of the foundation of our character. Because at the end of the day, if the foundation of our character is that me living out some version of a moral ethic set of statements, and if I do that, if our foundation is, then it will go well with me.

00:33:26:28 - 00:33:52:05 Michael Gewecke Think of how quickly it changes when the rules change and your life isn't any better. When you do the things. Actually, when not paying the whole amount of taxes not only financially benefits you, but isn't going to be caught for this and this and this reason, suddenly the better choice for you and for your family. College is expensive these days.

00:33:52:05 - 00:34:38:00 Michael Gewecke I'm going to write. The better choice suddenly becomes to take the path that would have previously been called good character. And you say, in this case, what? I'm still living out of some version of character because I'm doing what's best for me, for my people. Right? So the foundation of character matters. And as Christians, when we come to talk about character, I honestly to emphasize Clint's point, we might be in a moment in which the renaissance of character is possible, but because Christians no longer have to discern and try to give words to people, the difference between what it means to be a person of an upstanding person who is kind and good and generous,

00:34:38:00 - 00:35:04:18 Michael Gewecke and the community thinks positive things about right. And then a Christian who stands on the foundation of who Jesus Christ is, and that that's the things that forms our lives and our commitments and that that moves us into a Christian community like we used to have to try to, to bridge that gap. Now we may just be the ones talking about character and in a way that may give us a new opportunity to say, well, why in the world did you do that?

00:35:04:20 - 00:35:51:03 Michael Gewecke That's what Jesus would do. Right. I mean, that's what Jesus would. I as I read the Bible, Jesus would have stopped to to to care for that person. What you do realize that that person voted for them, right? Yeah, absolutely. I do know that Jesus loves everybody, right? The way which Christian character calls us to live outside of ourselves, into the story of Jesus Christ's mission in the world has a unique way, I think, in this moment of helping Christians differentiate ourselves, because the reality is, at the end of the day, the quickest way for us to realize where our morals are rooted is the moment in which the ground under you shifts, and the

00:35:51:03 - 00:36:14:14 Michael Gewecke thing that is now good for you is no longer in field of the morals that you once had. The choice that you will make will determine the foundation upon which your character is built. Let me say that more simply, if Jesus Christ is not the center, then if the world says take the shortcut, it'll get you there faster.

00:36:14:16 - 00:36:46:05 Michael Gewecke We'll take the shortcut. That thing that your parents said character is the thing you do when no one's watching, right? Or Christian's character. Here's the thing that we do because Jesus Christ, alive in union through us, compels us so that we have no other option. The truth is, the world is increasingly having conversations about what you do in public and in private really has no bearing on the outcome of your life.

00:36:46:08 - 00:36:54:17 Michael Gewecke And if that's the case, Christians have a unique opportunity to give witness to a radically different way of living in the world.

00:36:54:19 - 00:37:12:04 Clint Loveall Let me end with what I think is a fun story. Then we'll do some questions. Conversation. If there's anything out there. One of my favorite, authors is a pastor, Methodist pastor who became a bishop, and as bishop, he had to go to a church one morning and he was there after church. They have a soup kitchen.

00:37:12:07 - 00:37:34:24 Clint Loveall So he's during the soup kitchen. And there's a gentleman at the sink that he recognized who was a prominent attorney in town. And he said, good to see you here. It's nice to see you here. And the guy said, yeah. And he said, how long you been doing this? And the guy said, 14 years or something, some long period of time.

00:37:34:26 - 00:37:58:29 Clint Loveall And the bishop said, well, I'm really impressed. And the guy said, good for you. Yeah. And then he said, you must really enjoy it. The working with the homeless to come here so often. And he said, enjoy it. Have you met these people? They're crazy, they're dirty. They talk to themselves. Half of them are on drugs. And the guy said, well, he didn't.

00:37:59:03 - 00:38:25:15 Clint Loveall He kind of stumbled easily. I why are you here? And the guy said, I'm here because Jesus put me here. Why are you here? And okay, on one hand, we could say that's a guy not having a great day, right? On another hand, that's a guy who Jesus compels to do something that makes no sense to the world around him.

00:38:25:17 - 00:38:56:03 Clint Loveall A rich, successful man elbow deep in dishwater, serving the homeless for no other reason. Not because he made him feel good, not because it was community service. Look good on a resume. Because he believed that his Savior, Jesus Christ is Lord, said go humble yourself and serve people who need serving the least of my brothers and sisters. I'm here because Jesus told me to.

00:38:56:05 - 00:39:23:19 Clint Loveall Why are you here? It's, there's a lot in there. I'm glad I get to speak there, but, there's a lot in there. Okay. We've, We said a lot of words. Hopefully some of them have made sense. What do you think? And questions? Comments? Anything out there? Yes, sir.

00:39:23:21 - 00:39:28:27 Clint Loveall Yeah. Thoughts about.

00:39:29:00 - 00:39:32:25 Clint Loveall Yeah.

00:39:32:28 - 00:40:13:12 Clint Loveall So we if if we if we're when you say we can't do it by works for me Lee. Everything hinges on what you understand it to me. If you mean be saved. If you mean receive the grace and righteousness of Jesus Christ. Because I earned it, then that's 100% true. You cannot. If you mean live out your faith and show Jesus Christ to the world, then I say 100%, you can't.

00:40:13:15 - 00:40:41:29 Clint Loveall So I think that I think there is a difference in there, because that argument of faith and works was so prominent in the Reformed Presbyterian Church. It's really given us the idea that those are separate things. And I think that hurt us. I think when we had the argument because we were fighting, you know, the Catholic Church and and they were they were bigger on works and Luther and Calvin.

00:40:42:06 - 00:41:06:16 Clint Loveall I think in order to win that battle, we had to go a little far. And so we we then kind of got to the other side and somehow left people with the impression that because you can't be saved by works, you don't really have to do them. And that's that's not biblical. You don't have to do them to be saved.

00:41:06:16 - 00:41:33:27 Clint Loveall But once you were saved, they're not negotiable. It's non-negotiable to to live your life doing the things of Jesus Christ. So I don't know if that helps, but but from no sorry. You you cannot be saved by works. But once you're saved, there's work to do. That's what I'd say.

00:41:33:29 - 00:42:01:25 Michael Gewecke Okay, I'm not going to answer your question, but I have a fun illustration, so I'm going to give it, So recently I've been getting to go to a lot of music events, and, I think all of you know that I'm not a musician, so I get to learn a lot. And one of the things I've been learning this season, and this is in the vocal world, I've been learning about this thing called resonance and this idea of singing out in front of you.

00:42:01:27 - 00:42:20:25 Michael Gewecke And I've been learning about this because the judges were telling the high schools, this is a whole lot of different events. And the great thing about it was all of these different judges were trying to describe this thing to kids. I mean, they're all experts, right? So they hear it. They're trying to help the kids achieve it. They're all saying it in different ways.

00:42:20:28 - 00:42:42:18 Michael Gewecke So I'll give you an example. One guy, and maybe one of the less helpful ways was say, well, you got to imagine that someone drills through the back of your skull, and then that the air goes through and out. And the kids were, like, shocked by that idea, right? Because that's a very graphic image. And then and then another person said, well, you need to get that sound like the Death Star.

00:42:42:18 - 00:42:58:16 Michael Gewecke You need to sort of like, get it out here. And, my mother in law, who's a music professional and educator, I was talking to her about it and she said, well, that's often how I describe. I describe as you have to sing out like a unicorn through, like, the top of your head. That's the image I have.

00:42:58:18 - 00:43:21:11 Michael Gewecke Okay. All of these are different ways in which people are trying to put an experience into words. These kids might not have yet had the experience that they're trying to describe, but they're trying to all come at it from different ways so that the kids, once they have the experience, they'll know what it is, and then they can do it again.

00:43:21:13 - 00:43:44:03 Michael Gewecke That's, I think, the relationship Christians have to works is that the Ten Commandments aren't there as a checklist that you do that results in an outcome. They're a way in which Scripture and God and this covenantal relationship is trying to tell us, when your life is lived like this, you're going to start experiencing the thing that is relationship.

00:43:44:03 - 00:44:22:23 Michael Gewecke We're trying to get you to. So. So it's a way in which we can begin to get words from all of these different places in church history. The book is this collection of people's experiences with God that why do we do these things? Because it's like singing like a unicorn. And once you experience the freedom of Christian community, once you experience what it's like to live with integrity and honesty, once once you live your life in such a way that your marriage is held sacred, when you come to worship and you worship God as God and not as some Christian, once you start experiencing these things, the plane lifts off and you're like, oh, this

00:44:22:23 - 00:44:47:17 Michael Gewecke is what this is. But we can't quite put it into words that simple. So this is the best that we have. And I don't know if the illustration helps you, but it's not about did you did you have somebody drilled through the back? It's not about the image. It's not about what it invites us to. It's rather about once we experience the thing that's intended.

00:44:47:20 - 00:44:57:01 Michael Gewecke Now all of that makes sense because there's other people trying to describe it saying that's indescribable. That's my take on it.

00:44:57:03 - 00:45:02:28 Clint Loveall Lynn, let me give it one more shot.

00:45:03:00 - 00:45:43:26 Clint Loveall As a Christian, your works have zero bearing on whether you're saved or not. As a Christian, your works are the absolute best representation of being saved. The way you live is the best way to live out the fact that you're saved, which is not something you earned, but something you were given. So I think of, I think from our perspective as Presbyterians, that's pretty close to the proper way to understand the priority of faith.

00:45:43:28 - 00:46:22:25 Clint Loveall But the. Necessity, the importance of works. I'll back off on the word and assess the importance works. So, Yeah. What what else? Might make you not in our first trailer, but realize that the worst. And then boy hamper. Because that last part. Yeah. Yeah. So I, I don't know of anybody who does this better than Paul.

00:46:22:25 - 00:46:49:07 Clint Loveall In the second chapter of Ephesians, the eighth verse, Paul wrote, you are saved by grace, not by works, so that no one can boast, this is not your own. And then in the 10th verse, he says, you were created in Christ Jesus to do good works. So not not a of a verse after he said, you're not saved by works, he says you're to do good works.

00:46:49:09 - 00:47:00:11 Clint Loveall And again, I think in the Reformed Church we've unfortunately given the impression that we could separate those into two things.

00:47:00:13 - 00:47:28:28 Clint Loveall Our, Our choices and the way that we live is essentially a confirmation of the faith that we have. It shows evidence of it. It if I, I know I hate stupid analogies, but if I told you this building was about to fall down and you don't see me running for the door, why would you believe me?

00:47:29:01 - 00:47:31:19 Clint Loveall Right? I'd be saying the thing that I wasn't doing.

]]> In this concluding conversation, Pastors Clint and Michael explore how faith is the glue that holds all of the other Christian character traits together. In this conversation, faith and works are not diametrically opposed but rather mutually complimentary.

Transcript

00:00:01:23 - 00:00:29:06 Michael Gewecke We are going to be exploring as our last mark of Christian character, the last pillar we're going to be looking at the idea of faith, and we're going to also be having a kind of concluding conversation towards the end about how these pillars might fit together and the ways in which we think about Christian character as being unique to our lives that we live out in Jesus Christ.

00:00:29:09 - 00:01:09:21 Clint Loveall There is some overlap between the idea of character and the idea of ethics, and Christians and non-Christians would agree on some ethical ideas, right? Don't hurt people. Try not to be dishonest. We we would agree on some of the pathways that we would call better and worse, but to the idea of motivation. Christians hold up those things not simply as good ideas, not just as good practices, not just as good ways to be students or citizens, but as a reflection of our faith commitment.

00:01:09:24 - 00:01:42:07 Clint Loveall And so even though we would have some commonality with lots of people and we could agree on things that are good for us, for Christian, our primary motivation is not that the thing in itself is good, but the one that it reflects is good, and we seek to reflect him by doing that, by being that. And so I, I do think while we stand on some ground together, we get there two very different pathways.

00:01:42:07 - 00:02:18:12 Clint Loveall And bear with me. We, you know, you give examples and you don't want to, well, whatever. Here we go. This is, I think, one of the interesting detours you get there has recently been another movie by people to put the Ten Commandments in public spaces. Right. And on the surface, there's nothing wrong with the Ten Commandments being known, but that's fine.

00:02:18:15 - 00:02:49:09 Clint Loveall But the Ten Commandments are not first and foremost good ideas to live by their covenant practices within the faith. And so when we treat them the same as be nice to each other, or we think that when we post them, they represent good ideas instead of covenant faithfulness, we're using them in a in a social. And I would.

00:02:49:12 - 00:03:29:12 Clint Loveall I would argue at times almost a secular way. And so I think those are the conversations that Christian people have to be. We have to be cautious with. Because, yes, the Ten Commandments are good ideas, but that's not primarily what they are, and that's never what they are to us. They are always more than that. And if we let them be reduced to instructions that go on walls, we have lost something in our understanding of what it means to practice Christian character.

00:03:29:17 - 00:03:56:24 Clint Loveall So again, don't go tell everybody Pastor Kuntz against the Ten Commandments. That's not my point. My my point is that underneath. Civics and civility and good practices, there is a layer deeper that Christians hopefully get to when we when we discuss character.

00:03:56:26 - 00:04:28:27 Michael Gewecke You can tell them, Pastor Michael, for the Ten Commandments, they'll get spicy. No, I want to we need to press on. But I just want to make one really short comment here about the Ten Commandments, which I think is is instructive because Christian character cannot be dissolved down to moral truisms, because Christian character is always rooted inside the reflection of Jesus Christ, who is a person.

00:04:28:29 - 00:05:00:01 Michael Gewecke It's always relational. We're always seeking to live into the character of Christ, into the world in which we live. So to put a thing on the wall and to point to people to it is a little bit like pointing them to the monument when the living thing is literally in you, it's to say, hey, look, we came to see the, the, the, the scaffolding of what a moral Christian ethic looks like when actually, because the Spirit of God lives in you, that Christian ethics should be living.

00:05:00:03 - 00:05:18:03 Michael Gewecke And so these things should reinforce for us what is true and how God expects us to live as covenantal people. But we should be the illustration of it in the world. People should see those ten commandments inside the people of God, because we are relationally living that out in the world.

00:05:18:06 - 00:05:49:19 Clint Loveall Yeah, the law itself is to point to something deeper, something better, something bigger. Michael's comment made me think, I don't have a nice way to ask this question. How many of you have been to a concert recently, or at some point in the recent past that was also attended by young people?

00:05:49:22 - 00:06:17:13 Clint Loveall Okay. Okay. Well, yeah. I'm on thin ice here, but if you have been to a concert where young people. It is incredible to me that young people will run and push and work as hard as they can to get close to the stage. And then if you watch them, they are watching the band on their phone while they film it.

00:06:17:13 - 00:06:56:17 Clint Loveall And as an old person, I think they're right there. You you're you're looking at a copy of the thing that's happening right in front of you. And I think sometimes that's how we treat law or prescriptions like the Ten Commandments. They are the embodiment of a Christ like life. They're not rules. They are the way to live a life that honors Jesus, and we should not allow them to become less than that just because they're also good ideas in other contexts.

00:06:56:20 - 00:07:25:22 Clint Loveall If that sounds a little crabby, I will admit to you it is because they are ours. They belong to the church, and and we need to be aware of that anyway. Oh, that's enough preaching. So we are talking tonight about the character pillar, that we would summarize by faith. And if you talk to people about faith, I would say that that falls in in two categories.

00:07:25:22 - 00:07:56:13 Clint Loveall The first is generally if you ask people what faith is, they're going to talk to you about what? Their beliefs. Yeah, I agree, I think one way that we talk about the faith is the collection of things we believe that we label Christianity, and when we put our mind to the faith, what we are doing is trying to ensure that we think correctly about following Christ.

00:07:56:15 - 00:08:29:06 Clint Loveall So these are where we run into words like our doctrine, our theology. Right? We want to have the right ideas. We want to have the right thinking. This is a major part of going to seminary. When you want to be a pastor and you do the seminary thing, part of what they're trying to do is train you to think, well, they're trying to train you, teach you what is our traditions take what is theology, take on concepts like salvation and sin and providence and justification and justice.

00:08:29:09 - 00:09:07:17 Clint Loveall What do we think about God in our corner of the church? And is that thinking both biblical? And is it Christ like? You might also add historical, traditional, but primarily the lenses we've tried to use. Is it biblical and is it like and? We are in a tradition that prides itself on being thoughtful and often for good reason.

00:09:07:19 - 00:09:11:18 Clint Loveall But it's not always the case.

00:09:11:21 - 00:09:35:29 Michael Gewecke Yeah, we know throughout history, and this has been true, by the way, in every age that we as Christians succumb to bad thinking, our theology does not always rise to the level of or beyond the, the weight and the anchoring of our times. Right? So the church has been guilty, over, over the years. Our thinking hasn't risen above racism.

00:09:36:06 - 00:10:07:17 Michael Gewecke We've struggled theologically with, with classes, and nationalism, legalism. I mean, all of the isms we've at some point, run our way down the wrong path. And the truth is, Christians aren't always good about consistent thinking. We are often guilty of being sloppy. Sometimes, quite frankly, we get called out on bad thinking and we just double down and say, yeah, what are you going to do about it?

00:10:07:19 - 00:10:36:13 Michael Gewecke Because we we find ourselves backed into a corner. And so one of the ways that we as Christians have to refer to faith is, is we have to, in the spirit of the Reformation, remember that the Spirit of God is always at work, both before we are reformed people, but we're also being reformed. We also always have to be open to that work of the spirit within us, and that becomes an active practice.

00:10:36:13 - 00:10:54:00 Michael Gewecke In the same way that we say that a doctor is practicing medicine. I don't think we have any doctors in the room today so I can make a doctor joke. I think right now you think it's okay for you to practice medicine. Just don't practice it on me. Right? Get it right on me. But the reality is, Christians are practicing the faith.

00:10:54:02 - 00:11:16:03 Michael Gewecke We're always practicing it and embodying it. The world in which we live. But truth is, we don't always get that right. But the the focus of church is that we take what we believe and we live it out in a meaningful way. And this is one of the most essential understandings for why church is an essential part of the Christian life.

00:11:16:06 - 00:11:44:10 Michael Gewecke Because if you believe that at its core, the faith is an individual adventure, then ultimately what you might believe is that it's all what's in your head and really what you do with it is a matter of your choice in the world in which you live. But anyone who has been a brother or sister in Christ in a church family knows because of experience and practice that this is the incubator.

00:11:44:10 - 00:12:11:06 Michael Gewecke It's the laboratory. It's the place where that thinking has to work its way into our living. It has to be in our hearts, and it has to live in and out through our mouths, our hands and our feet. And I think that that is one of the reasons we need to focus on faith at the end is because I think in some ways, faith becomes this bridge, that this character that we are seeking to live in, to all of the things we talked about.

00:12:11:06 - 00:12:31:00 Michael Gewecke Grace. Right. All love, all these things that we believe live in us. Faith is the way in which those things get integrated into our lives, and we lean back into them and trust that God's doing that in us. And that's what gives us the courage and bravery to live it out in a place with other people doing the same.

00:12:31:03 - 00:13:11:29 Clint Loveall So tonight we are going to focus on this second idea that faith not only is what we believe, but equally as importantly, faith is what we do. Faith is the beliefs we put into practice, and we are all well aware that the gap between what we believe and what we do, we call hypocrisy in the church. When I know what it is that I am to do, but I don't do it or I do something else, I'm choosing to live in a way that doesn't match my professed beliefs.

00:13:11:29 - 00:13:33:21 Clint Loveall And, the ancients gave us that word hypocrisy. It's the word they use for actors. People who played roles. So I say one thing, but I act differently. So we're going to focus tonight on the action and the case. We're going to make or try to make is that the collective of our Christian character is not an attribute.

00:13:33:21 - 00:14:05:26 Clint Loveall If faith is not just one thing in our character, faith is the foundation, the primary expression of our character. And I think we've maybe touched on this. This gets a little difficult in English. In English, faith is a noun, so it's something you do or don't have. We generally make it equivalent to belief, but Greek has a way of making faith a verb so that life can be faith.

00:14:05:29 - 00:14:31:14 Clint Loveall Work can be faith, family can be faith. And it's unfortunate that we can't really do that with our English word. The closest we could get, maybe, is that faith is the collection of things we think are true, and living up to them would make us faithful. So we might be able to talk about our faithfulness as an attribute of faith.

00:14:31:14 - 00:15:01:07 Clint Loveall But it's very difficult for us to talk about faith. Any. And I wish we could fix that because it's a wonderful advantage. I think, that biblical language has over English. In the Bible you can faith things, you can faith, relationships, and I wish we could say it that way. I think that would be helpful. The difference between faith and faithful.

00:15:01:08 - 00:15:31:11 Clint Loveall Again, this English struggle is not really a separation that the Scripture makes it. Even Paul, who is very clear to talk about faith versus works, understands them to be connected, understands them, to be both essential. Paul is not in those conversations saying that what we do doesn't matter. He is only saying that what we do is not the mechanism by which we are saved.

00:15:31:14 - 00:16:03:05 Clint Loveall We are saved by faith. But Paul himself writes, we are saved for good works in order to do good works. So Christians should stand out not just for the things we say or the things we believe, but for the things we faith, for the things we do. We should be faithful people, literally full of faith, connected and committed to the God who calls us.

00:16:03:08 - 00:16:40:03 Clint Loveall Because in our life, our attempt is through gratitude for what we've received to show the character of God in the character of his people. You know, our character as Christians, we are to display something of what we know to be true of God. So in the Old Testament, faithfulness is the equivalent of obedience, which is still in there, but in the New Testament, far more faith is our belief put into practice.

00:16:40:06 - 00:17:01:15 Michael Gewecke I think when we make the mistake of making faith a thing that we possess, we begin to lose our ability to make sense of the Psalms we make. We lose our ability to make sense of limitations and job. Because when a person is crying out to God says, how in the world are you letting this affliction happen to me?

00:17:01:15 - 00:17:27:21 Michael Gewecke When we experience grief, Christians feel this pang of guilt. Well, how am I feeling this way towards God? I have I lost my faith. You heard this before, and if that is the way we can sit, our faith that it's a thing that we can have, then it's a thing that is so fragile that we forget that faithful people can be angry.

00:17:27:24 - 00:18:02:12 Michael Gewecke Faithful people can have doubts. People who are facing God to be the kind of people on the journey of faith, and yet still finding ourselves in a circumstance where faith is hard. And I think that that is essential for us to understand that there's a real danger in trying to drive a wedge between faith and works. So trying to say that if I just have enough faith, then that is separate from what I do is is by definition, creating the hypocrisy is, by definition, playing a role.

00:18:02:19 - 00:18:31:29 Michael Gewecke Because what it means is we're not connecting the truth of what we say with the reality of how we live. So if our character is forged by what we believe, that is revealed by what we practice, and no doubt Christians should be people who are worthy of trust, we should be exemplars of moral living, practitioners of love. We should be the kind of people who demonstrate forgiveness in the world.

00:18:32:02 - 00:19:02:01 Michael Gewecke But we should not, at our core, be people who are looking at our lives from a checklist of moral maxims, like to say, the perfect student in your classroom who could get an A on all the character marks, good for them. That would. That's great. But a Christian has to look at that and recognize that if we're not living out a thing that we profess to be true, then it's not facing our character.

00:19:02:06 - 00:19:27:02 Michael Gewecke And if our character hasn't been transformed, then we're not yet within the relational connection with the newer transformer of the universe. Right? It so it it's a connection between what we say we believe, what's internal and the lives that we live externally. And so therefore, life together should be the highest witness of Christian character. The church should demonstrate the truth of our profession.

00:19:27:04 - 00:19:51:12 Michael Gewecke In fact, if you want to see that played out, I encourage you to keep reading on the text that we read for the sermon today in Corinthians, because Paul makes that literal argument. He goes on to say that people who have the mind of Christ are the very people who live their lives as if they do. And here's an accusation against the Corinthians, or that they're not living up to it.

00:19:51:15 - 00:19:59:11 Michael Gewecke And so the church becomes a place where the truth of our witness is seen, and the lives that we live together.

00:19:59:13 - 00:20:32:03 Clint Loveall And this is, this is a challenge for the church. I think we are at our absolute best in terms of witness when we do this. Well, imagine that the church is a place where someone could come and lose $1,000 and guarantee they'd get it back. The place where someone could show up hungry, and we would guarantee that they get fed or show up needing prayer, and we would pray over that.

00:20:32:06 - 00:20:56:27 Clint Loveall The idea is that as community, we would be a place where the character of Christ would be on display. And sure, none of us are going to hit that note perfectly. We are always going to be out of tune a little. But when the church is able to live into that reality, it is an incredible demonstration to the world.

00:20:57:00 - 00:21:25:21 Clint Loveall You may know this, the word Christian is essentially a word that means small Christs, miniature Christs. So, so that Christians, the very thing we call ourselves, is a reminder of the one we're trying to imitate, which we can do only through his grace. What Christian character is to keep primary. What would Jesus have me do and say?

00:21:25:24 - 00:21:59:06 Clint Loveall Who would Jesus have me become so that a Christian tells the truth? Not because telling the truth is important, it is, but because Jesus Christ said, I am the truth and a Christian loves their neighbor, not because that makes community better, which it does, but because Jesus said, love God and love neighbor. And so the end of Christian character for us is what we hear and see in Jesus Christ.

00:21:59:08 - 00:22:32:17 Clint Loveall And sometimes, sometimes that's hard to discern. I suspect all of us have had a moment where we've wrestled with what's the right thing to do. We've genuinely struggled. I have this moment. I don't know if A is the Christian thing to do, or if B is the Christian thing to do. That happens. But in my experience, it's rarer than we like to admit, because mostly the Christian thing is not hard to figure out.

00:22:32:20 - 00:22:56:29 Clint Loveall It's hard to do. And most of the time, I would say we generally know what Christ would have us do. We don't want to do it. We don't want to be honest. We don't want to love our enemies. We don't want to stay silent. We don't want to give or forgive. And and many Christians, as we know, get caught stepping outside the boundaries of the faith.

00:22:57:01 - 00:23:26:25 Clint Loveall And many more don't get caught. And many tell us how sorry they are after they get caught. But none of that is the point. Because the point is, what would Jesus have me be? What would Jesus have me say when we bend the rules and leave the path? My experience is that most of the time I know it, and most of the time, though, I'd love to claim otherwise.

00:23:26:28 - 00:24:01:22 Clint Loveall I did it willingly, and if it's not in that moment that I choose to change my behavior, apologize, repent, and confess, then I am not using Christ as my guide. I'm following some other thing. I have let something else set my course and I have lost sight of my goal, which is to be what I claim to believe.

00:24:01:24 - 00:24:04:23 Clint Loveall That is my purpose as a Christian.

00:24:04:25 - 00:24:32:24 Michael Gewecke I think the reformed tradition helps us here, and I don't want to be too autobiographical, but I think I do have a personal illustration of this. Rochelle and I both went to the same school, so she can tell you if I butcher this story. But while we were at Oral Roberts University, the the night came where we were all called to go to an emergency night chapel, which wasn't a thing that regularly happened.

00:24:32:27 - 00:24:57:15 Michael Gewecke And we got there and it was a whole fraught moment. And it was, lots of praying and and prophesying. And I at the end of that night came out that the president of the university had legal charges, substantiated legal charges made that he had been pilfering money from the university, millions of dollars flying U.S. dollars to the Bahamas.

00:24:57:15 - 00:25:30:24 Michael Gewecke And all of these shopping excursions and the response from the university in the in the wake of this major moral lapse was, this is an attack of the enemy. This is Satan coming after us, and that is a human temptation. We're all tempted to say, not me, something else. Right, Adam? And eat this woman that you gave me right.

00:25:30:27 - 00:25:55:20 Michael Gewecke The reformed tradition, I think, helps us tell the truth. It reminds us we are sinners. That's the reality. The call on our life is Jesus Christ, and it's his character we're called to emulate. One of the things I most deeply respect about our tradition is we build systems which aren't always effective, but we wholeheartedly try to build systems to keep people from going on.

00:25:55:20 - 00:26:19:24 Michael Gewecke The private jets. Because we know people are sinful. We know that too much power often leads us to positions of compromise. We know that our character is not always strong enough to stand in the face of what might be beckoning us over the border. Right. And I think one of the things that as Christians, we need to recognize is that the truth is our brokenness.

00:26:19:26 - 00:26:44:06 Michael Gewecke The gift is restoration, that the gift is what Jesus Christ wants to do within us. And it is out of that gift that our character could be transformed. And so I just want to point out, I think checks and balances is not against being people of character. It's intended to be the laboratory in which that character can be formed.

00:26:44:09 - 00:27:13:05 Michael Gewecke And I think that we sometimes miss the opportunity to recognize that our practice is not just to know what's right, but also to be living our lives in such a way that when others see us, they can see that goodness living in us and the more and more that Christians seek to decrease the gap between what we say we believe versus how we actually speak and act in the world.

00:27:13:07 - 00:27:48:03 Michael Gewecke That is when our witness becomes compelling. Because this isn't going to be a surprise to you. It was not a significant evangelistic moment on Tulsa television when they found out about the private jets, because it exposed the the motivation underneath the facade, the hypocrisy made a moment in which the truth of our sinfulness, which is true, was suddenly disarmed, opened because we claimed to have it all put together.

00:27:48:06 - 00:28:09:24 Michael Gewecke And the moment in which Christians compare. Ten pair humility with gratitude for Christ's gift for us is the moment we start experiencing Christian character in face that we can face, we can live into, we can demonstrate to the world because it's honest, and that's a place where we don't always start.

00:28:09:27 - 00:28:32:17 Clint Loveall One of my favorite conversations with the New Testament is that it calls us saints. The New Testament is comfortable calling every person who believes in Jesus, all the people in the church, you, me, saints. And I say to the new Testament, no, I know these people. I've, I've been in I've been in church a long time. I'm.

00:28:32:17 - 00:29:11:09 Clint Loveall I'm in the church myself. You gotta find another word. And the New Testament says, are you and Jesus Christ say, well, yeah, yeah. We try to be sure. And it says, then your saints, you are made right in Jesus Christ. His holiness is now your holiness. You are saints. And I say, wow, that sounds good. Thanks. And then it says, now, dang it, start acting like it.

00:29:11:12 - 00:29:41:24 Clint Loveall And I, I love the I love the idea that even when we talk about ourselves as Christians, as saints, when the Bible talks about anybody who believes in Jesus, it uses words that we don't own, but we aspire to. We are trying to live up to and sort of try and summarize some of this. The Christian task as it regards to faith is, I think, twofold.

00:29:41:27 - 00:30:12:17 Clint Loveall We have to work to make our beliefs sound. We should work on our thinking, we should study, we should read Scripture. We should interact with ideas to make sure that they're biblical. And they are in keeping with what we know of God in Christ. And we should try to guard our thinking from being led astray by bad ideas, even if they come to us in religious garb.

00:30:12:19 - 00:30:47:26 Clint Loveall Secondly, as Christians, we should put those beliefs into practice. We must strive to live them out to decrease as much as we're able. The gap between what we say and how we speak and how we act and what we do. Because Christian character is not some religious version of being a good person, Christian character is to pursue the character of Jesus Christ.

00:30:47:29 - 00:31:23:02 Clint Loveall The reason we call it Christian character, it seems to me, is because we've so often failed at being Christian. If we could do that, we wouldn't need to modify it. We would just call it being Christian, but we wouldn't need the word character. We would understand that being Christian is to have Christian character, but since we don't always do that, we think about it in terms not only of being Christian.

00:31:23:04 - 00:31:37:03 Clint Loveall What? Trying to be Christian in a way that reveals and portrays and in acts and embodies the character of Jesus Christ and in a.

00:31:37:06 - 00:32:19:20 Clint Loveall In an ironic way. Christians are. But you guys know I'm not a the world is terrible kind of guy. I try not to, but Christians may be the last ones who are going to care about character. The world is increasingly unbothered by lapses in character. If it gets you to your goal, if you arrive at money or power or whatever, winning and you have to take a shortcut, the world is increasingly not bothered by that.

00:32:19:23 - 00:32:51:21 Clint Loveall So Christians have to make sure that we are taking our cues and getting our guidance, not from the world around us that doesn't know what to do with character, but from the one within us who is the only model of what it truly means. Christians alone are to be guided by higher thoughts and better ideas, because Christians alone seek to make Jesus above all else.

00:32:51:23 - 00:33:00:00 Clint Loveall Our guide. So to be Christian is to pursue the character of Christ.

00:33:00:02 - 00:33:26:25 Michael Gewecke So I think this is where we enter into that conversation about the importance of the foundation of our character. Because at the end of the day, if the foundation of our character is that me living out some version of a moral ethic set of statements, and if I do that, if our foundation is, then it will go well with me.

00:33:26:28 - 00:33:52:05 Michael Gewecke Think of how quickly it changes when the rules change and your life isn't any better. When you do the things. Actually, when not paying the whole amount of taxes not only financially benefits you, but isn't going to be caught for this and this and this reason, suddenly the better choice for you and for your family. College is expensive these days.

00:33:52:05 - 00:34:38:00 Michael Gewecke I'm going to write. The better choice suddenly becomes to take the path that would have previously been called good character. And you say, in this case, what? I'm still living out of some version of character because I'm doing what's best for me, for my people. Right? So the foundation of character matters. And as Christians, when we come to talk about character, I honestly to emphasize Clint's point, we might be in a moment in which the renaissance of character is possible, but because Christians no longer have to discern and try to give words to people, the difference between what it means to be a person of an upstanding person who is kind and good and generous,

00:34:38:00 - 00:35:04:18 Michael Gewecke and the community thinks positive things about right. And then a Christian who stands on the foundation of who Jesus Christ is, and that that's the things that forms our lives and our commitments and that that moves us into a Christian community like we used to have to try to, to bridge that gap. Now we may just be the ones talking about character and in a way that may give us a new opportunity to say, well, why in the world did you do that?

00:35:04:20 - 00:35:51:03 Michael Gewecke That's what Jesus would do. Right. I mean, that's what Jesus would. I as I read the Bible, Jesus would have stopped to to to care for that person. What you do realize that that person voted for them, right? Yeah, absolutely. I do know that Jesus loves everybody, right? The way which Christian character calls us to live outside of ourselves, into the story of Jesus Christ's mission in the world has a unique way, I think, in this moment of helping Christians differentiate ourselves, because the reality is, at the end of the day, the quickest way for us to realize where our morals are rooted is the moment in which the ground under you shifts, and the

00:35:51:03 - 00:36:14:14 Michael Gewecke thing that is now good for you is no longer in field of the morals that you once had. The choice that you will make will determine the foundation upon which your character is built. Let me say that more simply, if Jesus Christ is not the center, then if the world says take the shortcut, it'll get you there faster.

00:36:14:16 - 00:36:46:05 Michael Gewecke We'll take the shortcut. That thing that your parents said character is the thing you do when no one's watching, right? Or Christian's character. Here's the thing that we do because Jesus Christ, alive in union through us, compels us so that we have no other option. The truth is, the world is increasingly having conversations about what you do in public and in private really has no bearing on the outcome of your life.

00:36:46:08 - 00:36:54:17 Michael Gewecke And if that's the case, Christians have a unique opportunity to give witness to a radically different way of living in the world.

00:36:54:19 - 00:37:12:04 Clint Loveall Let me end with what I think is a fun story. Then we'll do some questions. Conversation. If there's anything out there. One of my favorite, authors is a pastor, Methodist pastor who became a bishop, and as bishop, he had to go to a church one morning and he was there after church. They have a soup kitchen.

00:37:12:07 - 00:37:34:24 Clint Loveall So he's during the soup kitchen. And there's a gentleman at the sink that he recognized who was a prominent attorney in town. And he said, good to see you here. It's nice to see you here. And the guy said, yeah. And he said, how long you been doing this? And the guy said, 14 years or something, some long period of time.

00:37:34:26 - 00:37:58:29 Clint Loveall And the bishop said, well, I'm really impressed. And the guy said, good for you. Yeah. And then he said, you must really enjoy it. The working with the homeless to come here so often. And he said, enjoy it. Have you met these people? They're crazy, they're dirty. They talk to themselves. Half of them are on drugs. And the guy said, well, he didn't.

00:37:59:03 - 00:38:25:15 Clint Loveall He kind of stumbled easily. I why are you here? And the guy said, I'm here because Jesus put me here. Why are you here? And okay, on one hand, we could say that's a guy not having a great day, right? On another hand, that's a guy who Jesus compels to do something that makes no sense to the world around him.

00:38:25:17 - 00:38:56:03 Clint Loveall A rich, successful man elbow deep in dishwater, serving the homeless for no other reason. Not because he made him feel good, not because it was community service. Look good on a resume. Because he believed that his Savior, Jesus Christ is Lord, said go humble yourself and serve people who need serving the least of my brothers and sisters. I'm here because Jesus told me to.

00:38:56:05 - 00:39:23:19 Clint Loveall Why are you here? It's, there's a lot in there. I'm glad I get to speak there, but, there's a lot in there. Okay. We've, We said a lot of words. Hopefully some of them have made sense. What do you think? And questions? Comments? Anything out there? Yes, sir.

00:39:23:21 - 00:39:28:27 Clint Loveall Yeah. Thoughts about.

00:39:29:00 - 00:39:32:25 Clint Loveall Yeah.

00:39:32:28 - 00:40:13:12 Clint Loveall So we if if we if we're when you say we can't do it by works for me Lee. Everything hinges on what you understand it to me. If you mean be saved. If you mean receive the grace and righteousness of Jesus Christ. Because I earned it, then that's 100% true. You cannot. If you mean live out your faith and show Jesus Christ to the world, then I say 100%, you can't.

00:40:13:15 - 00:40:41:29 Clint Loveall So I think that I think there is a difference in there, because that argument of faith and works was so prominent in the Reformed Presbyterian Church. It's really given us the idea that those are separate things. And I think that hurt us. I think when we had the argument because we were fighting, you know, the Catholic Church and and they were they were bigger on works and Luther and Calvin.

00:40:42:06 - 00:41:06:16 Clint Loveall I think in order to win that battle, we had to go a little far. And so we we then kind of got to the other side and somehow left people with the impression that because you can't be saved by works, you don't really have to do them. And that's that's not biblical. You don't have to do them to be saved.

00:41:06:16 - 00:41:33:27 Clint Loveall But once you were saved, they're not negotiable. It's non-negotiable to to live your life doing the things of Jesus Christ. So I don't know if that helps, but but from no sorry. You you cannot be saved by works. But once you're saved, there's work to do. That's what I'd say.

00:41:33:29 - 00:42:01:25 Michael Gewecke Okay, I'm not going to answer your question, but I have a fun illustration, so I'm going to give it, So recently I've been getting to go to a lot of music events, and, I think all of you know that I'm not a musician, so I get to learn a lot. And one of the things I've been learning this season, and this is in the vocal world, I've been learning about this thing called resonance and this idea of singing out in front of you.

00:42:01:27 - 00:42:20:25 Michael Gewecke And I've been learning about this because the judges were telling the high schools, this is a whole lot of different events. And the great thing about it was all of these different judges were trying to describe this thing to kids. I mean, they're all experts, right? So they hear it. They're trying to help the kids achieve it. They're all saying it in different ways.

00:42:20:28 - 00:42:42:18 Michael Gewecke So I'll give you an example. One guy, and maybe one of the less helpful ways was say, well, you got to imagine that someone drills through the back of your skull, and then that the air goes through and out. And the kids were, like, shocked by that idea, right? Because that's a very graphic image. And then and then another person said, well, you need to get that sound like the Death Star.

00:42:42:18 - 00:42:58:16 Michael Gewecke You need to sort of like, get it out here. And, my mother in law, who's a music professional and educator, I was talking to her about it and she said, well, that's often how I describe. I describe as you have to sing out like a unicorn through, like, the top of your head. That's the image I have.

00:42:58:18 - 00:43:21:11 Michael Gewecke Okay. All of these are different ways in which people are trying to put an experience into words. These kids might not have yet had the experience that they're trying to describe, but they're trying to all come at it from different ways so that the kids, once they have the experience, they'll know what it is, and then they can do it again.

00:43:21:13 - 00:43:44:03 Michael Gewecke That's, I think, the relationship Christians have to works is that the Ten Commandments aren't there as a checklist that you do that results in an outcome. They're a way in which Scripture and God and this covenantal relationship is trying to tell us, when your life is lived like this, you're going to start experiencing the thing that is relationship.

00:43:44:03 - 00:44:22:23 Michael Gewecke We're trying to get you to. So. So it's a way in which we can begin to get words from all of these different places in church history. The book is this collection of people's experiences with God that why do we do these things? Because it's like singing like a unicorn. And once you experience the freedom of Christian community, once you experience what it's like to live with integrity and honesty, once once you live your life in such a way that your marriage is held sacred, when you come to worship and you worship God as God and not as some Christian, once you start experiencing these things, the plane lifts off and you're like, oh, this

00:44:22:23 - 00:44:47:17 Michael Gewecke is what this is. But we can't quite put it into words that simple. So this is the best that we have. And I don't know if the illustration helps you, but it's not about did you did you have somebody drilled through the back? It's not about the image. It's not about what it invites us to. It's rather about once we experience the thing that's intended.

00:44:47:20 - 00:44:57:01 Michael Gewecke Now all of that makes sense because there's other people trying to describe it saying that's indescribable. That's my take on it.

00:44:57:03 - 00:45:02:28 Clint Loveall Lynn, let me give it one more shot.

00:45:03:00 - 00:45:43:26 Clint Loveall As a Christian, your works have zero bearing on whether you're saved or not. As a Christian, your works are the absolute best representation of being saved. The way you live is the best way to live out the fact that you're saved, which is not something you earned, but something you were given. So I think of, I think from our perspective as Presbyterians, that's pretty close to the proper way to understand the priority of faith.

00:45:43:28 - 00:46:22:25 Clint Loveall But the. Necessity, the importance of works. I'll back off on the word and assess the importance works. So, Yeah. What what else? Might make you not in our first trailer, but realize that the worst. And then boy hamper. Because that last part. Yeah. Yeah. So I, I don't know of anybody who does this better than Paul.

00:46:22:25 - 00:46:49:07 Clint Loveall In the second chapter of Ephesians, the eighth verse, Paul wrote, you are saved by grace, not by works, so that no one can boast, this is not your own. And then in the 10th verse, he says, you were created in Christ Jesus to do good works. So not not a of a verse after he said, you're not saved by works, he says you're to do good works.

00:46:49:09 - 00:47:00:11 Clint Loveall And again, I think in the Reformed Church we've unfortunately given the impression that we could separate those into two things.

00:47:00:13 - 00:47:28:28 Clint Loveall Our, Our choices and the way that we live is essentially a confirmation of the faith that we have. It shows evidence of it. It if I, I know I hate stupid analogies, but if I told you this building was about to fall down and you don't see me running for the door, why would you believe me?

00:47:29:01 - 00:47:31:19 Clint Loveall Right? I'd be saying the thing that I wasn't doing.

]]> false no 49:57 No no The Pillars of Christian Character: Truth and Grace https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/the-pillars-of-christian-character-truth-and-grace/ Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:32:03 +0000 427cd3da-f1b5-585a-808a-fc23b4f7afef Pastors Clint and Michael explore how truth and grace are perfectly revealed in Jesus Christ, who forms the foundation of all Christian identities.

]]> Pastors Clint and Michael explore how truth and grace are perfectly revealed in Jesus Christ, who forms the foundation of all Christian identities.

]]> false no 54:42 No no The Pillars of Christian Character: Love https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/the-pillars-of-christian-character-love/ Mon, 16 Mar 2026 21:47:09 +0000 9403d05c-78c7-5cc1-8fef-94faf7ea5027 Clint Loveall examines love as the defining element of Christian character, breaking down the Greek concept of agape and the practical, transformative challenges of living out the "most excellent way" found in 1 Corinthians 13.

]]> Clint Loveall examines love as the defining element of Christian character, breaking down the Greek concept of agape and the practical, transformative challenges of living out the "most excellent way" found in 1 Corinthians 13.

]]> false no 39:00 No no The Pillars of Christian Character: Worship https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/the-pillars-of-christian-character-worship/ Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:54:27 +0000 61dfb150-ee55-5132-92cd-a4d67aa7334f Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore how worship pushes beyond the boundaries of our sanctuaries and, over the course of a lifetime, shapes our deepest character.

]]> Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore how worship pushes beyond the boundaries of our sanctuaries and, over the course of a lifetime, shapes our deepest character.

]]> false no 52:16 No no The Pillars of Christian Character Introduction & Gratitude https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/the-pillars-of-christian-character-introduction-gratitude/ Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:50:19 +0000 543edec4-3d29-5b38-bfb0-9080ebe96c6f Join Pastor Michael for the 2026 Lenten Soup and Supper kickoff where we begin a sustained conversation about the center of Christian character and an exploration of how gratitude is an essential foundation for every Christian life.

]]> Join Pastor Michael for the 2026 Lenten Soup and Supper kickoff where we begin a sustained conversation about the center of Christian character and an exploration of how gratitude is an essential foundation for every Christian life.

]]> false no 49:45 No no Christian Hope in Grief https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/christian-hope-in-grief/ Sun, 13 Apr 2025 18:32:04 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=15638 Join Pastors Clint and Michael for the final conversation in this Lenten series exploring grief and loss. In this episode the Pastors explore how the Christian understanding of life after death (and heaven) impacts Christian grief.

]]> Join Pastors Clint and Michael for the final conversation in this Lenten series exploring grief and loss. In this episode the Pastors explore how the Christian understanding of life after death (and heaven) impacts Christian grief.

]]> https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Grief-Grieving.png Christian Hope in Grief false no 40:25 No no How to Help Grievers https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/how-to-help-grievers/ Mon, 07 Apr 2025 15:57:36 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=15590 In this Session, Pastors Clint and Michael explore the various ways that we can both help (and sometimes NOT help) those who grieve by what we do and say when we try to support them in their grief.

]]> In this Session, Pastors Clint and Michael explore the various ways that we can both help (and sometimes NOT help) those who grieve by what we do and say when we try to support them in their grief.

]]> https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Grief-Grieving.png How to Help Grievers false no 45:37 No no The Many Faces of Grief https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/the-many-faces-of-grief/ Mon, 31 Mar 2025 18:54:15 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=15547 Pastors Clint and Michael continue their Lenten series exploring the many different instigators of grief throughout our lives as well as the key moments of grief that provide opportunities to reorient and continue living while carrying the realities of our losses with us.

]]> Pastors Clint and Michael continue their Lenten series exploring the many different instigators of grief throughout our lives as well as the key moments of grief that provide opportunities to reorient and continue living while carrying the realities of our losses with us.

]]> https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Grief-Grieving.png The Many Faces of Grief false no 53:45 No no Grief & Faith: From the Inside https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/grief-faith-from-the-inside/ Mon, 24 Mar 2025 19:11:24 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=15529 In this lesson, Pastor Michael explores some of the surprising ways that grief impacts us from the inside out. He also explores the historic Christian understanding of lament and what it has to teach us about the strength and frustrations of faith in the midst of grief.

]]> In this lesson, Pastor Michael explores some of the surprising ways that grief impacts us from the inside out. He also explores the historic Christian understanding of lament and what it has to teach us about the strength and frustrations of faith in the midst of grief.

]]> https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Grief-Grieving.png Grief & Faith: From the Inside false no 41:44 No no Learning from the Stages of Grief https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/learning-from-the-stages-of-grief/ Mon, 17 Mar 2025 22:10:03 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=15513 In this second session, Pastors Clint and Michael introduce and explore Elisabeth Kübler-Ross' stages of grief. Tune in for a succinct overview of some of the common experiences of grief, including some aspects that may surprise you.

]]> In this second session, Pastors Clint and Michael introduce and explore Elisabeth Kübler-Ross' stages of grief. Tune in for a succinct overview of some of the common experiences of grief, including some aspects that may surprise you.

]]> https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Grief-Grieving.png Learning from the Stages of Grief false no 46:06 No no Grief & Grieving: An Introduction https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/grief-grieving-an-introduction/ Mon, 10 Mar 2025 22:12:07 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=15471 In this introductory episode from the 2025 Soup Supper series, Pastors Clint and Michael introduce grief and grieving from a Christian perspective. Whether you are someone currently navigating a season of personal loss or someone who would like to be a better support for those who are, this study is for you.

]]> In this introductory episode from the 2025 Soup Supper series, Pastors Clint and Michael introduce grief and grieving from a Christian perspective. Whether you are someone currently navigating a season of personal loss or someone who would like to be a better support for those who are, this study is for you.

]]> https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Grief-Grieving.png Grief & Grieving: An Introduction false no 36:40 No no Jesus’ Last Words | Holy Week @ FPC https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/jesus-last-words/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 19:52:41 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=13871 Check out this powerful discussion on the last words of Jesus from the cross! In this study, Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke dive deep into the profound significance of these words and their impact on our understanding of Jesus' sacrifice. They explore themes of forgiveness, salvation, relationship, abandonment, and triumph.

    Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

    Pastor Talk Quick Links:

    ]]>     full 4 29 Check out this powerful discussion on the last words of Jesus from the cross! In this study, Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke dive deep into the profound significance of these words and their impact on our understanding of Jesus' sacrifice. They explore themes of forgiveness, salvation, relationship, abandonment, and triumph.

      Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

      Pastor Talk Quick Links:

      ]]>       https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/1-18.png Jesus’ Last Words | Holy Week @ FPC false no 23:20 No no       Jesus Serves | Holy Week @ FPC https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/jesus-serves-holy-week-fpc/ Wed, 27 Mar 2024 19:54:28 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=13865 Check out this insightful study discussing the powerful themes of humility and servant leadership in the biblical story of Jesus washing the disciples' feet. Join Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke as they explore the countercultural message behind this act of service and its relevance in today's world.

        Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

        Pastor Talk Quick Links:

        ]]>         full 3 29 Check out this insightful study discussing the powerful themes of humility and servant leadership in the biblical story of Jesus washing the disciples' feet. Join Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke as they explore the countercultural message behind this act of service and its relevance in today's world.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/1-17.png Jesus Serves | Holy Week @ FPC false no 17:22 No no           Jesus’ Righteous Anger | Holy Week @ FPC https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/jesus-righteous-anger/ Tue, 26 Mar 2024 19:49:06 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=13861 In this thought-provoking Holy Week discussion, Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke delve into the story of Jesus cleansing the temple. They explore the significance of this event and its impact on Jesus' journey towards the cross. Join them as they uncover the themes of righteous anger, true worship, and the dangers of idolatry.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 2 29 In this thought-provoking Holy Week discussion, Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke delve into the story of Jesus cleansing the temple. They explore the significance of this event and its impact on Jesus' journey towards the cross. Join them as they uncover the themes of righteous anger, true worship, and the dangers of idolatry.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/1-16.png Jesus’ Righteous Anger | Holy Week @ FPC false no 20:19 No no           The Triumphal Entry | Holy Week @ FPC https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/the-triumphal-entry-holy-week-fpc/ Mon, 25 Mar 2024 20:01:18 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=13846 In this micro-series, Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke discuss the significance of Palm Sunday and the start of Holy Week. They delve into the complexities of the crowd's expectations, the irony of Jesus as a peaceful Savior, and the challenges faced by Jesus and his disciples during this pivotal week. Throughout the conversation, they explore themes of celebration, humility, and the humanity of Jesus. Join them as they reflect on the profound journey from joyous entry to the impending crucifixion.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 1 29 In this micro-series, Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke discuss the significance of Palm Sunday and the start of Holy Week. They delve into the complexities of the crowd's expectations, the irony of Jesus as a peaceful Savior, and the challenges faced by Jesus and his disciples during this pivotal week. Throughout the conversation, they explore themes of celebration, humility, and the humanity of Jesus. Join them as they reflect on the profound journey from joyous entry to the impending crucifixion.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2-11.png The Triumphal Entry | Holy Week @ FPC false no 19:01 No no           Commandments 9-10 (& Conclusion) https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/commandments-9-10-conclusion/ Mon, 25 Mar 2024 18:25:22 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=13843 In this final episode of the Lenten series, the ninth and tenth Commandments are explored through the lens of truth and coveting. These Commandments guide us in standing against, not only falsehoods, but also against jealousy and discontentment.

          • False Witness (00:01:32)
            • The Ninth Commandment forbids bearing false witness or lying.
            • Beyond literal falsehoods, it also condemns actions that harm or detract from others.
          • Witness for Truth (00:09:01)
            • Christians are called to be truthful and to speak up for what is right.
            • We must use truth to build up and encourage, rather than to tear down.
          • Undue Silence (00:17:11)
            • Failing to speak out against wrongdoing is also a form of false witness.
            • We must have courage to stand up for truth, even when it is difficult.
          • Coveting (00:28:47)
            • The Tenth Commandment prohibits coveting or desiring what belongs to others.
            • Coveting leads to discontentment and can destroy relationships.
          • Relationship with Jesus Transforms the Commandments (00:43:45)
            • When we come to the Commandments through a relationship with Jesus, they become a guide for our character.
            • The spirit of the Commandments is to promote love, life, and justice.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 6 28 In this final episode of the Lenten series, the ninth and tenth Commandments are explored through the lens of truth and coveting. These Commandments guide us in standing against, not only falsehoods, but also against jealousy and discontentment.

          • False Witness (00:01:32)
            • The Ninth Commandment forbids bearing false witness or lying.
            • Beyond literal falsehoods, it also condemns actions that harm or detract from others.
          • Witness for Truth (00:09:01)
            • Christians are called to be truthful and to speak up for what is right.
            • We must use truth to build up and encourage, rather than to tear down.
          • Undue Silence (00:17:11)
            • Failing to speak out against wrongdoing is also a form of false witness.
            • We must have courage to stand up for truth, even when it is difficult.
          • Coveting (00:28:47)
            • The Tenth Commandment prohibits coveting or desiring what belongs to others.
            • Coveting leads to discontentment and can destroy relationships.
          • Relationship with Jesus Transforms the Commandments (00:43:45)
            • When we come to the Commandments through a relationship with Jesus, they become a guide for our character.
            • The spirit of the Commandments is to promote love, life, and justice.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/1-15.png Commandments 9-10 (& Conclusion) false no 50:33 No no           Commandments 7 & 8 https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/commandments-7-8/ Mon, 18 Mar 2024 14:58:08 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=13811 Delve into an insightful exploration of the often-misunderstood 7th and 8th Commandments. Join us as we uncover their profound implications for our personal relationships, community stewardship, and the pursuit of a balanced life.

          Join the conversation and gain practical insights into:

          • Purity, chastity, and the sanctity of marriage (00:11:39)
          • The importance of modesty in preserving relationships (00:13:00)
          • The far-reaching impact of broken marriage vows on the community (00:23:34)
          • The varying levels of theft and how they violate God's commandments (00:26:58)
          • The need to moderate our desires and avoid wasteful practices (00:35:37)

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 5 28 Delve into an insightful exploration of the often-misunderstood 7th and 8th Commandments. Join us as we uncover their profound implications for our personal relationships, community stewardship, and the pursuit of a balanced life.

          Join the conversation and gain practical insights into:

          • Purity, chastity, and the sanctity of marriage (00:11:39)
          • The importance of modesty in preserving relationships (00:13:00)
          • The far-reaching impact of broken marriage vows on the community (00:23:34)
          • The varying levels of theft and how they violate God's commandments (00:26:58)
          • The need to moderate our desires and avoid wasteful practices (00:35:37)

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ten-Commandments-2.png Commandments 7 & 8 false no 47:19 No no           Commandments 5 & 6 https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/commandments-4-5/ Mon, 11 Mar 2024 21:37:04 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=13793 In this thought-provoking discussion, Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke delve into the fifth and sixth commandments, exploring the shift from religious relationships to human and societal relationships. They examine the significance of honoring parents, the complexities of hierarchical relationships, and the theological and practical implications of these commandments. They also explore the commandment to not murder and the vast and diverse history of reading that commandment throughout Christian history. Join them as they navigate the depths of family dynamics, societal respect, and the moral responsibility we owe to one another.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 4 28 In this thought-provoking discussion, Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke delve into the fifth and sixth commandments, exploring the shift from religious relationships to human and societal relationships. They examine the significance of honoring parents, the complexities of hierarchical relationships, and the theological and practical implications of these commandments. They also explore the commandment to not murder and the vast and diverse history of reading that commandment throughout Christian history. Join them as they navigate the depths of family dynamics, societal respect, and the moral responsibility we owe to one another.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ten-Commandments-1.png Commandments 5 & 6 false no 46:05 No no           Commandments 3 & 4 https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/commandments-3-4/ Mon, 04 Mar 2024 22:50:43 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=13764 In this thought-provoking discussion, Michael Gewecke and Clint Loveall delve into the third commandment and its implications for our speech and relationship with God. They explore the concept of not misusing or emptying the name of the Lord, going beyond the surface-level understanding of avoiding profanity. Instead, they emphasize the importance of using our words to create life and reflect the greatness of God. The speakers also touch on the danger of leveraging God's name for personal gain, highlighting the significance of recognizing God's authority and submitting to His will. Throughout the conversation, they draw connections to the New Testament teachings on gossip, complaint, and the power of words to either build up or destroy community. Join them as they invite listeners to reconsider their speech and honor God with their words.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 3 28 In this thought-provoking discussion, Michael Gewecke and Clint Loveall delve into the third commandment and its implications for our speech and relationship with God. They explore the concept of not misusing or emptying the name of the Lord, going beyond the surface-level understanding of avoiding profanity. Instead, they emphasize the importance of using our words to create life and reflect the greatness of God. The speakers also touch on the danger of leveraging God's name for personal gain, highlighting the significance of recognizing God's authority and submitting to His will. Throughout the conversation, they draw connections to the New Testament teachings on gossip, complaint, and the power of words to either build up or destroy community. Join them as they invite listeners to reconsider their speech and honor God with their words.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ten-Commandments.png Commandments 3 & 4 false no 46:47 No no           Commandments 1 & 2 https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/commandments-1-2/ Mon, 26 Feb 2024 22:30:40 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=13735 In this audio only podcast episode, Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke continue their conversation on the Ten Commandments. They discuss the first two commandments and the importance of understanding the context and relationship with God. They explore the idea of worship, trust, and gratitude towards God, emphasizing the need to have no other gods before Him. Join them as they delve into the deeper meaning behind these commandments and their relevance in our lives today.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 2 28 In this audio only podcast episode, Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke continue their conversation on the Ten Commandments. They discuss the first two commandments and the importance of understanding the context and relationship with God. They explore the idea of worship, trust, and gratitude towards God, emphasizing the need to have no other gods before Him. Join them as they delve into the deeper meaning behind these commandments and their relevance in our lives today.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1-16.png Commandments 1 & 2 false no 46:59 No no           The Ten Commandments: An Introduction https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/the-ten-commandments-an-introduction/ Tue, 20 Feb 2024 15:13:17 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=13706 In this audio only podcast episode, Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke discuss the Ten Commandments and their significance in the Christian faith. They explore the different versions and arrangements of the commandments, as well as the moral and ceremonial laws in the Old Testament. They also delve into the purpose and value of the commandments in our lives, both in terms of personal ethics and our relationship with God. Join them for an insightful and thought-provoking conversation about the timeless teachings of the Ten Commandments.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 1 28 In this audio only podcast episode, Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke discuss the Ten Commandments and their significance in the Christian faith. They explore the different versions and arrangements of the commandments, as well as the moral and ceremonial laws in the Old Testament. They also delve into the purpose and value of the commandments in our lives, both in terms of personal ethics and our relationship with God. Join them for an insightful and thought-provoking conversation about the timeless teachings of the Ten Commandments.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1-11.png The Ten Commandments: An Introduction false no 52:45 No no           Troubling Trends https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/troubling-trends/ Thu, 25 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=13629 In this episode of the Pasture Talk podcast, Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke discuss troubling trends in the current time and context for Christians. They delve into the concept of deconstructionism within the church, where individuals are actively questioning and disassembling their faith. They also explore the idea of identity and how society is increasingly embracing the notion of self-determination. This thought-provoking conversation invites Christians to engage with these trends while remaining rooted in the grace and love of Jesus Christ. Tune in for a deep dive into these challenging topics and consider how they impact your own faith journey.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 4 27 In this episode of the Pasture Talk podcast, Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke discuss troubling trends in the current time and context for Christians. They delve into the concept of deconstructionism within the church, where individuals are actively questioning and disassembling their faith. They also explore the idea of identity and how society is increasingly embracing the notion of self-determination. This thought-provoking conversation invites Christians to engage with these trends while remaining rooted in the grace and love of Jesus Christ. Tune in for a deep dive into these challenging topics and consider how they impact your own faith journey.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/1-8.png Troubling Trends false no 48:27 No no           Blue Christmas https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/blue-christmas/ Thu, 07 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=13502 In this episode of the Pastor Talk podcast, Michael Gewecke and Clint Loveall discuss the history and complexities of Christmas. They explore how the celebration has evolved over time, from its humble beginnings to the cultural phenomenon it is today. They also address the challenges and pressures that come with the holiday season, highlighting the importance of recognizing the real meaning of Christmas beyond the cultural expectations especially when going through dark and difficult seasons of life. Join them as they delve into the history, traditions, and true essence of Christmas.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 3 27 In this episode of the Pastor Talk podcast, Michael Gewecke and Clint Loveall discuss the history and complexities of Christmas. They explore how the celebration has evolved over time, from its humble beginnings to the cultural phenomenon it is today. They also address the challenges and pressures that come with the holiday season, highlighting the importance of recognizing the real meaning of Christmas beyond the cultural expectations especially when going through dark and difficult seasons of life. Join them as they delve into the history, traditions, and true essence of Christmas.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Blue-Christmas-1.png Blue Christmas false no 44:48 No no           How to Read the Bible https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/how-to-read-the-bible/ Tue, 07 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=13395 In this episode Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke discuss the Bible and its significance in the Christian faith. They explore the complexity of the Scripture, the importance of understanding its context and multiple perspectives, and the role of interpretation in studying it. They also address the challenge of taking the Bible seriously without necessarily interpreting it literally. Join them in this thought-provoking conversation as they invite listeners to engage with the Scriptures and encounter the living God.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 2 27 In this episode Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke discuss the Bible and its significance in the Christian faith. They explore the complexity of the Scripture, the importance of understanding its context and multiple perspectives, and the role of interpretation in studying it. They also address the challenge of taking the Bible seriously without necessarily interpreting it literally. Join them in this thought-provoking conversation as they invite listeners to engage with the Scriptures and encounter the living God.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1.png How to Read the Bible false no 41:05 No no           Navigating Deconstruction – A Reformed Perspective https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/navigating-deconstruction-a-reformed-perspective/ Wed, 04 Oct 2023 19:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=13312 In this episode of the Passenger Talk podcast, Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke discuss the rising phenomenon of deconstruction within the Christian faith. They explore the concept of deconstruction, its public nature on platforms like YouTube, and the reasons behind it. They also examine how this movement impacts different generations and church communities. Join the conversation as they delve into the complexities of deconstruction and its implications for the faithful Christian witness.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 1 27 In this episode of the Passenger Talk podcast, Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke discuss the rising phenomenon of deconstruction within the Christian faith. They explore the concept of deconstruction, its public nature on platforms like YouTube, and the reasons behind it. They also examine how this movement impacts different generations and church communities. Join the conversation as they delve into the complexities of deconstruction and its implications for the faithful Christian witness.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1-1.jpg Navigating Deconstruction – A Reformed Perspective false no 49:12 No no           Living on the OTHER SIDE of Resurrection | Mark 18:1-8 | Lenten Reflections https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/living-on-the-other-side-of-resurrection-mark-181-8-lenten-reflections/ Thu, 06 Apr 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12839 In this Lenten Reflection, Pastors Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke explore Mark 18:1-8 and the powerful promise and hope that comes through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through this passage, we too are reminded of the power of faith and the need to trust in God's timing. Join us as we delve deeper into this meaningful scripture and discover how it can inspire us to cultivate a deeper faith and hope in Jesus Christ. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring reflections and biblical insights.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 6 25 In this Lenten Reflection, Pastors Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke explore Mark 18:1-8 and the powerful promise and hope that comes through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through this passage, we too are reminded of the power of faith and the need to trust in God's timing. Join us as we delve deeper into this meaningful scripture and discover how it can inspire us to cultivate a deeper faith and hope in Jesus Christ. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring reflections and biblical insights.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1-1.png Living on the OTHER SIDE of Resurrection | Mark 18:1-8 | Lenten Reflections false no 23:16 No no           Envisioning the Church of Tomorrow | Church Off the Map | Lenten Series https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/envisioning-the-church-of-tomorrow-church-off-the-map-lenten-series/ Mon, 03 Apr 2023 16:24:39 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12838 In this final episode of Church Off the Map, Michael Gewecke and Clint Loveall talk about Envisioning the Church of Tomorrow. They share insights on how the church might adapt to the changing times and become more relevant to the younger generation. They discuss the importance of embracing technology, creating a welcoming environment, and focusing on community building. They also share some practical tips on how churches can implement these changes and thrive in the future. If you're interested in the future of the church and how it can evolve to meet the needs of the modern world, this episode is a must-watch!

          This episode is audio only, so there aren't any links to YouTube of Facebook for this episode.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 5 27 In this final episode of Church Off the Map, Michael Gewecke and Clint Loveall talk about Envisioning the Church of Tomorrow. They share insights on how the church might adapt to the changing times and become more relevant to the younger generation. They discuss the importance of embracing technology, creating a welcoming environment, and focusing on community building. They also share some practical tips on how churches can implement these changes and thrive in the future. If you're interested in the future of the church and how it can evolve to meet the needs of the modern world, this episode is a must-watch!

          This episode is audio only, so there aren't any links to YouTube of Facebook for this episode.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Church-off-the-Map.png Envisioning the Church of Tomorrow | Church Off the Map | Lenten Series false no 01:00:10 No no           Christ’s HUMILITY is STRENGTH | Philippians 2:1-11 | Lenten Reflections https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/christs-humility-is-strength-philippians-21-11-lenten-reflections/ Thu, 30 Mar 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12819 Philippians 2:1-11 is a passage about the humility of Christ. It starts with Paul asking the Philippians to be united in Christ and to have the same love for each other. He then goes on to describe how Christ humbled himself by becoming a servant and dying on the cross. He says that God has highly exalted Christ and given him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

          The Pastors point out that this passage is a reminder of the importance of humility in our own lives. Christians should strive to be like Christ in our relationships with others, and we should be willing to humble ourselves for the sake of others, remembering that Christ's death on the cross is the ultimate act of humility, and that it is through his death that we are saved.

          The passage is also a reminder of the importance of worship. When we worship God, we are acknowledging his greatness and his power. We are also expressing our love and gratitude for him. Worship is a way of connecting with God and with his people. It is a way of giving ourselves to him and of receiving his love and grace.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 5 25 Philippians 2:1-11 is a passage about the humility of Christ. It starts with Paul asking the Philippians to be united in Christ and to have the same love for each other. He then goes on to describe how Christ humbled himself by becoming a servant and dying on the cross. He says that God has highly exalted Christ and given him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

          The Pastors point out that this passage is a reminder of the importance of humility in our own lives. Christians should strive to be like Christ in our relationships with others, and we should be willing to humble ourselves for the sake of others, remembering that Christ's death on the cross is the ultimate act of humility, and that it is through his death that we are saved.

          The passage is also a reminder of the importance of worship. When we worship God, we are acknowledging his greatness and his power. We are also expressing our love and gratitude for him. Worship is a way of connecting with God and with his people. It is a way of giving ourselves to him and of receiving his love and grace.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/1-20.jpg Christ’s HUMILITY is STRENGTH | Philippians 2:1-11 | Lenten Reflections false no 22:41 No no           Tools for the Future Church | Church Off the Map | Lenten Series https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/tools-for-the-future-church-church-off-the-map-lenten-series/ Tue, 28 Mar 2023 17:01:43 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12818 In this second to last episode of the series, Clint and Michael suggest that as culture continues to change, the future church will also continue adapt different tools in order to continue to be faithful in its mission to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.

          This episode is audio only, so there aren't any links to YouTube of Facebook for this episode.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 4 27 In this second to last episode of the series, Clint and Michael suggest that as culture continues to change, the future church will also continue adapt different tools in order to continue to be faithful in its mission to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.

          This episode is audio only, so there aren't any links to YouTube of Facebook for this episode.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Church-off-the-Map.png Tools for the Future Church | Church Off the Map | Lenten Series false no 51:58 No no           Don’t Forget the Goal | Revelation 7:9-12 | Lenten Reflections https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/dont-forget-the-goal-revelation-79-12-lenten-reflections/ Thu, 23 Mar 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12791 The Book of Revelation is a book about the end times, and it can be a bit daunting to read. However, this passage from chapter 7 is a beautiful and hopeful image of the church. It describes a multitude of people from all over the world gathered before the throne of God, worshiping him and praising him. This is a reminder that the church is not just a small group of people, but a vast and diverse community of believers. It is also a reminder that the church is not limited to one place or one time, but is a global movement that will continue to grow and spread until the end of time.

          The passage is also a reminder of the importance of worship. When we worship God, we are acknowledging his greatness and his power. We are also expressing our love and gratitude for him. Worship is a way of connecting with God and with his people. It is a way of giving ourselves to him and of receiving his love and grace.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 4 25 The Book of Revelation is a book about the end times, and it can be a bit daunting to read. However, this passage from chapter 7 is a beautiful and hopeful image of the church. It describes a multitude of people from all over the world gathered before the throne of God, worshiping him and praising him. This is a reminder that the church is not just a small group of people, but a vast and diverse community of believers. It is also a reminder that the church is not limited to one place or one time, but is a global movement that will continue to grow and spread until the end of time.

          The passage is also a reminder of the importance of worship. When we worship God, we are acknowledging his greatness and his power. We are also expressing our love and gratitude for him. Worship is a way of connecting with God and with his people. It is a way of giving ourselves to him and of receiving his love and grace.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/1-13.jpg Don’t Forget the Goal | Revelation 7:9-12 | Lenten Reflections false no 17:36 No no           The Nature of the Church | Church Off the Map | Lenten Series https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/the-nature-of-the-church-church-off-the-map-lenten-series/ Mon, 20 Mar 2023 20:25:50 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12786 In this talk, Clint and Michael lay a foundation for the fundamental understanding of the nature of the Church, both what it is and what it isn't. They make the case despite the dire warning signs for the Church, the most effective solutions may actually be among the simplest practices of the historic church.

          This episode is audio only, so there aren't any links to YouTube of Facebook for this episode.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 3 27 In this talk, Clint and Michael lay a foundation for the fundamental understanding of the nature of the Church, both what it is and what it isn't. They make the case despite the dire warning signs for the Church, the most effective solutions may actually be among the simplest practices of the historic church.

          This episode is audio only, so there aren't any links to YouTube of Facebook for this episode.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Church-off-the-Map.png The Nature of the Church | Church Off the Map | Lenten Series false no 59:10 No no           A Parable of Two Brothers (and Their Father) | Luke 15 | Lenten Reflections https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/a-parable-of-two-brothers-and-their-father-luke-15-lenten-reflections/ Thu, 16 Mar 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12768 In this episode of the Pastor Talk podcast, the two pastors discuss explore the different characters in the well-known Parable of the Prodigal Son story and what they have to teach us about grace and forgiveness. The parable is seen as a compelling example of what grace looks like and how it can be difficult to accept and the pastors encourage listeners to reflect on which character they identify with and what that means for their own Christian discipleship.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 5 25 In this episode of the Pastor Talk podcast, the two pastors discuss explore the different characters in the well-known Parable of the Prodigal Son story and what they have to teach us about grace and forgiveness. The parable is seen as a compelling example of what grace looks like and how it can be difficult to accept and the pastors encourage listeners to reflect on which character they identify with and what that means for their own Christian discipleship.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/1-9.jpg A Parable of Two Brothers (and Their Father) | Luke 15 | Lenten Reflections false no 20:59 No no           The Core Problem with the Church | Church Off the Map | Lenten Series https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/the-core-problem-with-the-church-church-off-the-map-lenten-series/ Mon, 13 Mar 2023 20:05:54 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12765 In the third talk in this series, Clint and Michael investigate the many possible explanations for the core problems of the Church. At its core, has the Church found itself in trouble due to forces and pressures outside of its walls or are its problems the sign of its own internal failings? This evening the Pastors make the case that while both are true, more of the Church's struggles may be due to internal failings than we like to admit.

          This episode is audio only, so there aren't any links to YouTube of Facebook for this episode.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 3 27 In the third talk in this series, Clint and Michael investigate the many possible explanations for the core problems of the Church. At its core, has the Church found itself in trouble due to forces and pressures outside of its walls or are its problems the sign of its own internal failings? This evening the Pastors make the case that while both are true, more of the Church's struggles may be due to internal failings than we like to admit.

          This episode is audio only, so there aren't any links to YouTube of Facebook for this episode.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Church-off-the-Map.png The Core Problem with the Church | Church Off the Map | Lenten Series false no 01:05:39 No no           Finding God at the End of Ourselves | 1 Kings 19 | Lenten Reflections https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/finding-god-at-the-end-of-ourselves-1-kings-19-lenten-reflections/ Thu, 09 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12746 In this episode of the Pastor Talk podcast, the two pastors discuss the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19. They reflect on the themes of feeling worn out, the presence of God in unexpected ways, and the importance of taking the next step. In the end, they encourage listeners to seek community and to not be afraid of the "dark nights of the soul."

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 3 25 In this episode of the Pastor Talk podcast, the two pastors discuss the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19. They reflect on the themes of feeling worn out, the presence of God in unexpected ways, and the importance of taking the next step. In the end, they encourage listeners to seek community and to not be afraid of the "dark nights of the soul."

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/1-5.jpg Finding God at the End of Ourselves | 1 Kings 19 | Lenten Reflections false no 20:53 No no           How We Got Here | Church Off the Map | Lenten Series https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/how-we-got-here-church-off-the-map-lenten-series/ Tue, 07 Mar 2023 16:03:40 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12743 In the second talk in this series, Clint and Michael explore the history and patterns of the mainline church that have contributed to our sense of being lost. Join us for this conversation about some of the topics that you expect but maybe also a few that would surprise you.

          This episode is audio only, so there aren't any links to YouTube of Facebook for this episode.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 2 27 In the second talk in this series, Clint and Michael explore the history and patterns of the mainline church that have contributed to our sense of being lost. Join us for this conversation about some of the topics that you expect but maybe also a few that would surprise you.

          This episode is audio only, so there aren't any links to YouTube of Facebook for this episode.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Church-off-the-Map.png How We Got Here | Church Off the Map | Lenten Series false no 57:12 No no           Faith Without Works is DEAD | James 1 | Lenten Reflections https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/faith-without-works-is-dead-james-1-lenten-reflections/ Thu, 02 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12721 In this episode of the Pastor Talk podcast, Michael Gewecke and Clint Loveall discuss the Book of James and its emphasis on being doers of the word, not just hearers. They reflect on the importance of humility, meekness, and practical Christian living and encourage Christians to take responsibility for their actions and strive to live out their faith in real and tangible ways.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 2 25 In this episode of the Pastor Talk podcast, Michael Gewecke and Clint Loveall discuss the Book of James and its emphasis on being doers of the word, not just hearers. They reflect on the importance of humility, meekness, and practical Christian living and encourage Christians to take responsibility for their actions and strive to live out their faith in real and tangible ways.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/1.jpg Faith Without Works is DEAD | James 1 | Lenten Reflections false no 16:38 No no           A Stark Reality | Church Off the Map | Lenten Series https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/a-stark-reality-church-off-the-map-lenten-series/ Wed, 01 Mar 2023 18:08:42 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12715 Kicking off the Lenten supper series in 2023, Pastor Clint and Michael begin a conversation about the health of the Church by identifying some of the growing challenges for the mainline church over the course of the last 50 years.

          This episode is audio only, so there aren't any links to YouTube of Facebook for this episode.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 1 27 Kicking off the Lenten supper series in 2023, Pastor Clint and Michael begin a conversation about the health of the Church by identifying some of the growing challenges for the mainline church over the course of the last 50 years.

          This episode is audio only, so there aren't any links to YouTube of Facebook for this episode.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Church-off-the-Map.png A Stark Reality | Church Off the Map | Lenten Series false no 51:22 No no           Learning Faith from Spies | Numbers 13 | Lenten Reflections https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/learning-faith-from-spies-numbers-13-lenten-reflections/ Thu, 23 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12676 In this episode of the Pastor Talk podcast, Michael Gewecke and Clint Loveall introduce their new series for the Lenten season. Clint shares his reflection on Numbers 13, focusing on the story of the Israelites on the verge of entering the Promised Land, but who become discouraged when faced with challenges. The Pastors highlight the importance of remembering in this Lenten season that God is with us in difficult times and that we should trust in His faithfulness.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           1 25 In this episode of the Pastor Talk podcast, Michael Gewecke and Clint Loveall introduce their new series for the Lenten season. Clint shares his reflection on Numbers 13, focusing on the story of the Israelites on the verge of entering the Promised Land, but who become discouraged when faced with challenges. The Pastors highlight the importance of remembering in this Lenten season that God is with us in difficult times and that we should trust in His faithfulness.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/1-13.jpg Learning Faith from Spies | Numbers 13 | Lenten Reflections false no 17:59 No no           Paul | The Pastor https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/paul-the-pastor/ Thu, 16 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12631 Paul is a an amazingly nuanced figure in the New Testament, known for his missionary work, theological contributions, but also his practical leadership in the church. He is able to hold different perspectives in tension, such as his theological beliefs and pastoral counsel, which encourages Christians to pursue the same kinds of Christian values in our own lives of faith and discipleship.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 4 24 Paul is a an amazingly nuanced figure in the New Testament, known for his missionary work, theological contributions, but also his practical leadership in the church. He is able to hold different perspectives in tension, such as his theological beliefs and pastoral counsel, which encourages Christians to pursue the same kinds of Christian values in our own lives of faith and discipleship.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/1-7.jpg Paul | The Pastor false no 52:9 No no           Paul | The Theologian https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/paul-the-theologian/ Thu, 09 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12605 Paul's theology created a bridge between Judaism and Christianity. He saw how the life and death of Jesus Christ transformed the world as he knew it by grace. He saw Jesus as the Messiah, not a military conqueror, and his writings have been studied and reinterpreted by generations of Christians, discovering greater depth and wisdom in his words.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 2 24 Paul's theology created a bridge between Judaism and Christianity. He saw how the life and death of Jesus Christ transformed the world as he knew it by grace. He saw Jesus as the Messiah, not a military conqueror, and his writings have been studied and reinterpreted by generations of Christians, discovering greater depth and wisdom in his words.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/theologian.jpg Paul | The Theologian false no 51:38 No no           Paul | The Person https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/paul-the-person/ Thu, 02 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12570 Meet Paul, the Apostle, who was a devout Pharisee from Tarsus who was uniquely qualified to spread the Gospel and transform Christianity. His missionary efforts, academic arguments, and powerful intellect enabled the survival of Christianity in the first century.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 1 24 Meet Paul, the Apostle, who was a devout Pharisee from Tarsus who was uniquely qualified to spread the Gospel and transform Christianity. His missionary efforts, academic arguments, and powerful intellect enabled the survival of Christianity in the first century.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2-11.jpg Paul | The Person false no 53:16 No no           The Life of the Mind | Faith Resolutions https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/the-life-of-the-mind-faith-resolutions/ Thu, 26 Jan 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12542 Presbyterians have traditionally valued education and embraced learning as a way to understand God's world and grow in faith. This conversation looks at how to study the faith, broaden perspectives, and form disciples who live out the truth they have learned.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 3 23 Presbyterians have traditionally valued education and embraced learning as a way to understand God's world and grow in faith. This conversation looks at how to study the faith, broaden perspectives, and form disciples who live out the truth they have learned.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/1-7.jpg The Life of the Mind | Faith Resolutions false no 41:11 No no           Forgiveness | Faith Resolutions https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/forgiveness-faith-resolutions/ Thu, 19 Jan 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12517 In this episode of the Pastors discuss the concept of forgiveness, exploring what it means to receive and offer forgiveness, and how it is an essential part of the Christian faith. They emphasize that forgiveness is not simple, and requires effort, and that it includes the idea of releasing and dismissing wrongs that have been done by us and by others.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 2 23 In this episode of the Pastors discuss the concept of forgiveness, exploring what it means to receive and offer forgiveness, and how it is an essential part of the Christian faith. They emphasize that forgiveness is not simple, and requires effort, and that it includes the idea of releasing and dismissing wrongs that have been done by us and by others.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/1-4.jpg Forgiveness | Faith Resolutions false no 47:17 No no           Gratitude | Faith Resolutions https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/gratitude-faith-resolutions/ Thu, 12 Jan 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12504 With this episode, Pastors Clint and Michael begin a new series exploring how each of us can resolve to follow Jesus Christ through new practices in the New Year. Today, they explore how practicing gratitude can be a transformative spiritual discipline within the Christian life.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 1 23 With this episode, Pastors Clint and Michael begin a new series exploring how each of us can resolve to follow Jesus Christ through new practices in the New Year. Today, they explore how practicing gratitude can be a transformative spiritual discipline within the Christian life.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/1-3.jpg Gratitude | Faith Resolutions false no 53:27 No no           On Being a Thinking Christian | Westminster Catechism Conclusion https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/on-being-a-thinking-christian-westminster-catechism-conclusion/ Thu, 22 Dec 2022 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12439 The Shorter Westminster Catechism is one of the best summaries of the Reformed faith ever written for its clarity and depth. Today, the Pastors offer some concluding thoughts about its significance for contemporary Christians who seek to think deeply about their faith.

          You can also download a PDF version of the Shorter Catechism here: https://bit.ly/3Bf072r.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 13 22 The Shorter Westminster Catechism is one of the best summaries of the Reformed faith ever written for its clarity and depth. Today, the Pastors offer some concluding thoughts about its significance for contemporary Christians who seek to think deeply about their faith.

          You can also download a PDF version of the Shorter Catechism here: https://bit.ly/3Bf072r.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/4-2.jpg On Being a Thinking Christian | Westminster Catechism Conclusion false no 29:12 No no           Relearning to Pray | Westminster Catechism | Q 98-107 https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/relearning-to-pray-westminster-catechism-q-98-107/ Thu, 15 Dec 2022 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12412 Too many Christians don't pray because they feel like they don't know how. When the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, he taught them. Today, join the Pastors as they explore the Lord's Prayer through the lens of the Westminster Catechism. Together, we will find the prayer means so much more than we had ever imagined and yet also so much easier to pray than we might expect.

          You can also download a PDF version of the Shorter Catechism here: https://bit.ly/3Bf072r.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 12 22 Too many Christians don't pray because they feel like they don't know how. When the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, he taught them. Today, join the Pastors as they explore the Lord's Prayer through the lens of the Westminster Catechism. Together, we will find the prayer means so much more than we had ever imagined and yet also so much easier to pray than we might expect.

          You can also download a PDF version of the Shorter Catechism here: https://bit.ly/3Bf072r.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/3-1.jpg Relearning to Pray | Westminster Catechism | Q 98-107 false no 53:44 No no           Rediscovering Sacraments as Sacred Moments | Westminster Catechism | Q 91-97 https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/rediscovering-sacraments-as-sacred-moments-baptism-westminster-catechism-q-91-97/ Thu, 08 Dec 2022 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12390 You might know that Baptism and the Lord's Supper are the two sacraments in the Reformed tradition. But do you know how essential they are to the Christian life and how the Reformers believed that they were a sacred moment when we encountered the presence of the living God? Join the Pastors for a deep dive into the Westminster Catechism's teaching on the sacraments with an eye towards what we can learn from them today.

          You can also download a PDF version of the Shorter Catechism here: https://bit.ly/3Bf072r.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 11 22 You might know that Baptism and the Lord's Supper are the two sacraments in the Reformed tradition. But do you know how essential they are to the Christian life and how the Reformers believed that they were a sacred moment when we encountered the presence of the living God? Join the Pastors for a deep dive into the Westminster Catechism's teaching on the sacraments with an eye towards what we can learn from them today.

          You can also download a PDF version of the Shorter Catechism here: https://bit.ly/3Bf072r.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/3.jpg Rediscovering Sacraments as Sacred Moments | Westminster Catechism | Q 91-97 false no 58:13 No no           Repentance & Salvation in the Reformed Faith | Westminster Catechism | Q 82-90 https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/repentance-salvation-in-the-reformed-faith-westminster-catechism-q-82-90/ Thu, 01 Dec 2022 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12368 Standing before a sovereign and holy God fully aware of our deepest sinfulness, the Reformers find hope in the power of repentance and the grace that comes through salvation. This creates a solid foundation for the human life before God and a life changing invitation to be part of God's plan to make all things right again.

          You can also download a PDF version of the Shorter Catechism here: https://bit.ly/3Bf072r.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           full 10 22 Standing before a sovereign and holy God fully aware of our deepest sinfulness, the Reformers find hope in the power of repentance and the grace that comes through salvation. This creates a solid foundation for the human life before God and a life changing invitation to be part of God's plan to make all things right again.

          You can also download a PDF version of the Shorter Catechism here: https://bit.ly/3Bf072r.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Westminster-Confession-Weekly-Study-1920-x-1080.jpg Repentance & Salvation in the Reformed Faith | Westminster Catechism | Q 82-90 false no 55:36 No no           How to Love Your Neighbor (God’s Way) | Westminster Catechism | Q 63-81 https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/how-to-love-your-neighbor-gods-way-westminster-catechism-q-63-81/ Thu, 17 Nov 2022 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12337 The “second table” of the Ten Commandments is designed to provide a boundary and a guide to flourishing communities. While we are called to love God in the first commandments, in these commandments we are called to love our neighbor. Join the Pastors as they explore how the Reformed tradition has widened our understanding of the commandments to encompass every part of our lives.

          You can also download a PDF version of the Shorter Catechism here: https://bit.ly/3Bf072r.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 9 22 The “second table” of the Ten Commandments is designed to provide a boundary and a guide to flourishing communities. While we are called to love God in the first commandments, in these commandments we are called to love our neighbor. Join the Pastors as they explore how the Reformed tradition has widened our understanding of the commandments to encompass every part of our lives.

          You can also download a PDF version of the Shorter Catechism here: https://bit.ly/3Bf072r.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/3-2.jpg How to Love Your Neighbor (God’s Way) | Westminster Catechism | Q 63-81 false no 56:44 No no           The Commandments Start with God | Westminster Catechism | Q 45-62 https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/the-commandments-start-with-god-westminster-catechism-q-45-62/ Thu, 10 Nov 2022 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12287 The Ten Commandments begin with our relationship with God and ultimately end with our relationships with others. Today's conversation explores what we can learn about what God expects for his followers and what implications that has for our Christian discipleship. Turns out, the framers of the Westminster Confession find a lot more meaning in the Ten Commandments than just simply idols and taking the Lord's name in vain.

          You can also download a PDF version of the Shorter Catechism here: https://bit.ly/3Bf072r.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 8 22 The Ten Commandments begin with our relationship with God and ultimately end with our relationships with others. Today's conversation explores what we can learn about what God expects for his followers and what implications that has for our Christian discipleship. Turns out, the framers of the Westminster Confession find a lot more meaning in the Ten Commandments than just simply idols and taking the Lord's name in vain.

          You can also download a PDF version of the Shorter Catechism here: https://bit.ly/3Bf072r.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/3-1.jpg The Commandments Start with God | Westminster Catechism | Q 45-62 false no 48:59 No no           Relearning the 10 Commandments | Westminster Catechism | Q 37-44 https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/relearning-the-10-commandments-westminster-catechism-q-37-44/ Thu, 03 Nov 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12260 The 10 Commandments may be one of the most substantial teachings of the Old Testament, attested to by every major Christian movement of all time, and yet most of us don't understand why they exist. Join the Pastors as they continue their study of the Westminster Catechism and explore what makes these commandments so special.

          You can also download a PDF version of the Shorter Catechism here: https://bit.ly/3Bf072r.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          *FYI, if you purchase the books through these links, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 7 22 The 10 Commandments may be one of the most substantial teachings of the Old Testament, attested to by every major Christian movement of all time, and yet most of us don't understand why they exist. Join the Pastors as they continue their study of the Westminster Catechism and explore what makes these commandments so special.

          You can also download a PDF version of the Shorter Catechism here: https://bit.ly/3Bf072r.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          *FYI, if you purchase the books through these links, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/3.jpg Relearning the 10 Commandments | Westminster Catechism | Q 37-44 false no 47:29 No no           Three Ways Jesus Saves Us | Westminster Catechism | Q 29-36 https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/three-ways-jesus-saves-us-westminster-catechism-q-29-36/ Thu, 27 Oct 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12227 Jesus saves. This is the core message of the Christian Gospel. Today, join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore what the Westminster Catechism has to teach us about salvation and the three unique ways that Jesus makes salvation available to all who believe.

          Buy It Here

          You can also download a PDF version of the Shorter Catechism here: https://bit.ly/3Bf072r.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          *FYI, if you purchase the books through these links, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 6 22 Jesus saves. This is the core message of the Christian Gospel. Today, join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore what the Westminster Catechism has to teach us about salvation and the three unique ways that Jesus makes salvation available to all who believe.

          Buy It Here

          You can also download a PDF version of the Shorter Catechism here: https://bit.ly/3Bf072r.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          *FYI, if you purchase the books through these links, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/3-1.jpg Three Ways Jesus Saves Us | Westminster Catechism | Q 29-36 false no 56:52 No no           Jesus is the Answer! | Westminster Catechism | Q 22-28 https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/jesus-is-the-answer-westminster-catechism-q-22-28/ Thu, 20 Oct 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12195 To whatever extent the Westminster Catechism emphasizes the severity of humanity's sin problem, it equally emphasizes the world changing significance of Jesus Christ. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore some of the creed's deep theological foundation in the truth and promise of Jesus and its continuing significance for our personal faith.

          Buy It Here

          You can also download a PDF version of the Shorter Catechism here: https://bit.ly/3Bf072r.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          *FYI, if you purchase the books through these links, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 5 22 To whatever extent the Westminster Catechism emphasizes the severity of humanity's sin problem, it equally emphasizes the world changing significance of Jesus Christ. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore some of the creed's deep theological foundation in the truth and promise of Jesus and its continuing significance for our personal faith.

          Buy It Here

          You can also download a PDF version of the Shorter Catechism here: https://bit.ly/3Bf072r.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          *FYI, if you purchase the books through these links, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/3.jpg Jesus is the Answer! | Westminster Catechism | Q 22-28 false no 42:14 No no           What’s YOUR problem? Sin. | Westminster Catechism | Q 14-21 https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/sin-is-the-universal-human-problem-westminster-catechism-q-14-21/ Thu, 13 Oct 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12166 Full disclosure, when it comes to the gravity of our deepest sinfulness, the Westminster Catechism doesn't mince words. Westminster paints a picture of human sinfulness that goes far deeper than the things that we simply do wrong (or fail to do right). It finds our deepest sinfulness at the very core of our orientation to God, and it insists that there isn't a single person who is spared from its grasp. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they walk this difficult ground and try to show how this very serious accounting for sin, sets up an equally serious understanding of Jesus Christ.

          Buy It Here

          You can also download a PDF version of the Shorter Catechism here: https://bit.ly/3Bf072r.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          *FYI, if you purchase the books through these links, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 4 22 Full disclosure, when it comes to the gravity of our deepest sinfulness, the Westminster Catechism doesn't mince words. Westminster paints a picture of human sinfulness that goes far deeper than the things that we simply do wrong (or fail to do right). It finds our deepest sinfulness at the very core of our orientation to God, and it insists that there isn't a single person who is spared from its grasp. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they walk this difficult ground and try to show how this very serious accounting for sin, sets up an equally serious understanding of Jesus Christ.

          Buy It Here

          You can also download a PDF version of the Shorter Catechism here: https://bit.ly/3Bf072r.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          *FYI, if you purchase the books through these links, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/3-1.png What’s YOUR problem? Sin. | Westminster Catechism | Q 14-21 false no 50:06 No no           What God Does | Westminster Catechism | Q 7-13 https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/what-god-does-westminster-catechism-q-7-13/ Thu, 06 Oct 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12147 In order to understand God, we must also understand what he does. This section of the Westminster Catechism describes how God must be understood both as creator and providential ruler. This two-fold affirmation reveals a God who created all things with a purpose but who is also intimately involved in that creation to redeem and sustain.

          Buy It Here

          You can also download a PDF version of the Shorter Catechism here: https://bit.ly/3Bf072r.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          *FYI, if you purchase the books through these links, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 3 22 In order to understand God, we must also understand what he does. This section of the Westminster Catechism describes how God must be understood both as creator and providential ruler. This two-fold affirmation reveals a God who created all things with a purpose but who is also intimately involved in that creation to redeem and sustain.

          Buy It Here

          You can also download a PDF version of the Shorter Catechism here: https://bit.ly/3Bf072r.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          *FYI, if you purchase the books through these links, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/3.png What God Does | Westminster Catechism | Q 7-13 false no 43:57 No no           Knowing God Starts with Knowing Self | Westminster Catechism | Q 1-6 https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/knowing-god-starts-with-knowing-self-westminster-catechism-q-1-6/ Thu, 22 Sep 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12105 The Westminster Catechism starts with the fundamental assumption that every person has a calling to know God and to enjoy him forever. That calling then leads us to a fuller understanding of who God is and how he has chosen to reveal himself. These first six questions may be short, but they open a window to a uniquely Reformed theology while simultaneously affirming the universal church's profession of faith in the Triune God.

          Buy It Here

          You can also download a PDF version of the Shorter Catechism here: https://bit.ly/3Bf072r.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          *FYI, if you purchase the books through these links, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 2 22 The Westminster Catechism starts with the fundamental assumption that every person has a calling to know God and to enjoy him forever. That calling then leads us to a fuller understanding of who God is and how he has chosen to reveal himself. These first six questions may be short, but they open a window to a uniquely Reformed theology while simultaneously affirming the universal church's profession of faith in the Triune God.

          Buy It Here

          You can also download a PDF version of the Shorter Catechism here: https://bit.ly/3Bf072r.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          *FYI, if you purchase the books through these links, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/3-1.png Knowing God Starts with Knowing Self | Westminster Catechism | Q 1-6 false no 48:56 No no           Introducing the Westminster Confession https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/introducing-the-westminster-confession/ Thu, 15 Sep 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12050 Today the Pastors kick off a new study of the Westminster Confession. There may not be another confession of faith that has had more of an impact on either Presbyterians in particular or the protestant church in America more broadly. Today, the Pastors explore the history and significance of the confession for modern Christians. If you are interested in picking up a copy of the Confession for your own study, you will find a link below.

          Buy It Here

          You can also download a PDF version of the Shorter Catechism here: https://bit.ly/3Bf072r.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          *FYI, if you purchase the books through these links, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 1 22 Today the Pastors kick off a new study of the Westminster Confession. There may not be another confession of faith that has had more of an impact on either Presbyterians in particular or the protestant church in America more broadly. Today, the Pastors explore the history and significance of the confession for modern Christians. If you are interested in picking up a copy of the Confession for your own study, you will find a link below.

          Buy It Here

          You can also download a PDF version of the Shorter Catechism here: https://bit.ly/3Bf072r.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          *FYI, if you purchase the books through these links, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/3.png Introducing the Westminster Confession false no 36:44 No no           Fall Series Trailer https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/fall-series-trailer/ Thu, 08 Sep 2022 18:51:04 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=12026 We're back! Next week the Pastors kickoff two new series:

          The daily Bible study will return every afternoon live at 2pm CST with a study of the book of Exodus.

          The weekly study will return every Thursday with an exploration of the Westminster Confession, how it has shaped our Reformed forbearers and what implications it has for our contemporary faith.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in going along on this journey together through Genesis together.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           trailer We're back! Next week the Pastors kickoff two new series:

          The daily Bible study will return every afternoon live at 2pm CST with a study of the book of Exodus.

          The weekly study will return every Thursday with an exploration of the Westminster Confession, how it has shaped our Reformed forbearers and what implications it has for our contemporary faith.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in going along on this journey together through Genesis together.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Westminster-Confession-Weekly-Study-1920-x-1080.png Fall Series Trailer false no 3:30 No no           Going a Step Further | Books Worth Reading https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/going-a-step-further-books-worth-reading/ Thu, 14 Jul 2022 15:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=11899 If you have been waiting for a recommendation that digs a little deeper and goes further theologically, today the Pastors break out a couple of the most influential modern theological books in their libraries. Today, they discuss Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book Christ the Center, C.S. Lewis' book Mere Christianity and Hauerwas & Willimon's book Resident Aliens.

          Books featured in this episode:*

          Buy It Here

          Buy It Here

          Buy It Here

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          *FYI, if you purchase the books through these links, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 5 20 If you have been waiting for a recommendation that digs a little deeper and goes further theologically, today the Pastors break out a couple of the most influential modern theological books in their libraries. Today, they discuss Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book Christ the Center, C.S. Lewis' book Mere Christianity and Hauerwas & Willimon's book Resident Aliens.

          Books featured in this episode:*

          Buy It Here

          Buy It Here

          Buy It Here

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          *FYI, if you purchase the books through these links, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/1-3.png Going a Step Further | Books Worth Reading false no 22:45 No no           Having a Spiritual Imagination | Books Worth Reading https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/having-a-spiritual-imagination-books-worth-reading/ Thu, 07 Jul 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=11893 If you are interested in becoming a better reader of scripture and engaging in your faith with a more creative imagination, you will find this episode of the Pastor Talk interesting. Today, the Pastors discuss Eugene Peterson's book Eat this Book: A Conversation in the Art of Scriptural Reading and C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce.

          Books featured in this episode:*

          Buy It Here

          Buy It Here

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          *FYI, if you purchase the books through these links, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 4 20 If you are interested in becoming a better reader of scripture and engaging in your faith with a more creative imagination, you will find this episode of the Pastor Talk interesting. Today, the Pastors discuss Eugene Peterson's book Eat this Book: A Conversation in the Art of Scriptural Reading and C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce.

          Books featured in this episode:*

          Buy It Here

          Buy It Here

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          *FYI, if you purchase the books through these links, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/1-2.png Having a Spiritual Imagination | Books Worth Reading false no 31:14 No no           Spiritual Disciplines | Books Worth Reading https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/spiritual-disciplines-books-worth-reading/ Thu, 30 Jun 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=11855 In a fast paced world, growing deeper in faith requires patience and determination. Today, the Pastors discuss John Mark Comer's book The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry and Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline. Both books, though different in style, provide practical spiritual disciplines to help nourish a life of Christian faith.

          Books featured in this episode:*

          Buy It Here

          Buy It Here

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          *FYI, if you purchase the books through these links, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 3 20 In a fast paced world, growing deeper in faith requires patience and determination. Today, the Pastors discuss John Mark Comer's book The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry and Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline. Both books, though different in style, provide practical spiritual disciplines to help nourish a life of Christian faith.

          Books featured in this episode:*

          Buy It Here

          Buy It Here

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          *FYI, if you purchase the books through these links, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/1-15.png Spiritual Disciplines | Books Worth Reading false no 31:51 No no           Personal Faith | Books Worth Reading https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/personal-faith-books-worth-reading/ Thu, 23 Jun 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=11842 Part of every Christian's task is to discover how the faith connects with our own personal story. Today, the Pastors discuss Craig Barnes book Searching for Home and Eugene Peterson's The Pastor. Both books, though different in style, explore how Christians can integrate their faith into their deepest identities.

          Books featured in this episode:*

          Buy It Here

          Buy It Here

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          *FYI, if you purchase the books through these links, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 2 20 Part of every Christian's task is to discover how the faith connects with our own personal story. Today, the Pastors discuss Craig Barnes book Searching for Home and Eugene Peterson's The Pastor. Both books, though different in style, explore how Christians can integrate their faith into their deepest identities.

          Books featured in this episode:*

          Buy It Here

          Buy It Here

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          *FYI, if you purchase the books through these links, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/1-13.png Personal Faith | Books Worth Reading false no 29:26 No no           Getting Started | Books Worth Reading https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/getting-started-books-worth-reading/ Thu, 16 Jun 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=11807 Today, Pastors Clint and Michael begin a new series where they recommend some of the most readable, yet influential books in their Christian libraries. Today, they explore some basic explorations of the Christian faith and Christian identity. Pastor Clint recommends The Jesus I Never Knew and What's So Amazing About Grace by Philip and Yancey and Pastor Michael recommends unChristian by David Kinnaman.

          Books featured in this episode:*

          Buy It Here

          Buy It Here

          Buy It Here

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          *FYI, if you purchase the books through these links, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 1 20 Today, Pastors Clint and Michael begin a new series where they recommend some of the most readable, yet influential books in their Christian libraries. Today, they explore some basic explorations of the Christian faith and Christian identity. Pastor Clint recommends The Jesus I Never Knew and What's So Amazing About Grace by Philip and Yancey and Pastor Michael recommends unChristian by David Kinnaman.

          Books featured in this episode:*

          Buy It Here

          Buy It Here

          Buy It Here

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          *FYI, if you purchase the books through these links, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/1-9.png Getting Started | Books Worth Reading false no 35:20 No no           Living Beyond our Walls | Stuff that Delights Pastors https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/living-beyond-our-walls-stuff-that-delights-pastors/ Thu, 09 Jun 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=11784 Living churches live outside their walls. When a church is actively living out its faith and continually formed into the image of Jesus Christ, they naturally carry that active faith into their lives, their communities, and even their world. Mission is not a program of the Christian church; it is what happens naturally when churches thrive.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 7 18 Living churches live outside their walls. When a church is actively living out its faith and continually formed into the image of Jesus Christ, they naturally carry that active faith into their lives, their communities, and even their world. Mission is not a program of the Christian church; it is what happens naturally when churches thrive.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/2-3.png Living Beyond our Walls | Stuff that Delights Pastors false no 50:24 No no           Real Transformation | Stuff that Delights Pastors https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/real-transformation-stuff-that-delights-pastors/ Thu, 02 Jun 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=11750 Taking a sharp turn from the things that bug pastors to the things that delight them, Pastors Clint and Michael describe what it is like to see the church community love one another and real lives transformed by the grace of Jesus Christ in deep and lasting ways.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 6 18 Taking a sharp turn from the things that bug pastors to the things that delight them, Pastors Clint and Michael describe what it is like to see the church community love one another and real lives transformed by the grace of Jesus Christ in deep and lasting ways.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2-13.png Real Transformation | Stuff that Delights Pastors false no 51:16 No no           Pushing Christ from the Center | Stuff that Bugs Pastors https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/pushing-christ-from-the-center-stuff-that-bugs-pastors/ Thu, 26 May 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=11746 At its best, the church is a place where many diverse people find a unique community centered on Jesus Christ. The fundamental Christian task of discipleship is practicing love for one another and keeping Christ at the center even amidst all of forces that threaten to break us apart.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 5 18 At its best, the church is a place where many diverse people find a unique community centered on Jesus Christ. The fundamental Christian task of discipleship is practicing love for one another and keeping Christ at the center even amidst all of forces that threaten to break us apart.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2-11.png Pushing Christ from the Center | Stuff that Bugs Pastors false no 44:30 No no           All the Ideas | Stuff that Bugs Pastors https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/all-the-ideas-stuff-that-bugs-pastors/ Thu, 19 May 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=11724 Since every person in church comes with their own unique set of experiences and ideas, it can be hard to honor those ideas without letting them distract the church from its deepest mission. Join the Pastors as they explore the many ideas of church, some of them funny and some of them very serious, that all must be humbly submitted to the Spirit of Christ. This conversation stands as an invitation for anyone who would like to move beyond Christian argument into the beautiful, yet messy reality of Christian community.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 4 18 Since every person in church comes with their own unique set of experiences and ideas, it can be hard to honor those ideas without letting them distract the church from its deepest mission. Join the Pastors as they explore the many ideas of church, some of them funny and some of them very serious, that all must be humbly submitted to the Spirit of Christ. This conversation stands as an invitation for anyone who would like to move beyond Christian argument into the beautiful, yet messy reality of Christian community.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2-7.png All the Ideas | Stuff that Bugs Pastors false no 54:56 No no           Labels: Us and Them | Stuff that Bugs Pastors https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/labels-us-and-them-stuff-that-bugs-pastors/ Thu, 12 May 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=11652 Churches, like all groups of people, are constantly tempted to pick teams, assign labels, and identify who is in and who is out. Labels almost never help the church and today the Pastors discuss how critical it is for Christians to resist label making in the midst of Christian community. Tempting as it may be to assign labels, Christians can draw deeply from our faith and practice seeing the full humanity of every person, no matter the issues at hand.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 3 18 Churches, like all groups of people, are constantly tempted to pick teams, assign labels, and identify who is in and who is out. Labels almost never help the church and today the Pastors discuss how critical it is for Christians to resist label making in the midst of Christian community. Tempting as it may be to assign labels, Christians can draw deeply from our faith and practice seeing the full humanity of every person, no matter the issues at hand.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2-2.png Labels: Us and Them | Stuff that Bugs Pastors false no 55:26 No no           Threats and Blowups in the Church | Stuff that Bugs Pastors https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/threats-and-blowups-in-the-church-stuff-that-bugs-pastors/ Thu, 05 May 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=11645 When disagreements become heated and strong personalities clash there can many different kinds of threats and blowups that endanger the unity of the Christian church. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore how these situations arise and what makes them difficult to navigation for Christian leaders and laity alike.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 2 18 When disagreements become heated and strong personalities clash there can many different kinds of threats and blowups that endanger the unity of the Christian church. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore how these situations arise and what makes them difficult to navigation for Christian leaders and laity alike.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2.png Threats and Blowups in the Church | Stuff that Bugs Pastors false no 54:40 No no           Our Favorite Idols | Stuff that Bugs Pastors https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/our-favorite-idols-stuff-that-bugs-pastors/ Thu, 28 Apr 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=11621 It doesn't take a long time in the church to realize how deceptive and powerful our individual idols can be. In this introductory conversation to a new series, Pastors Clint and Michael discuss how Christians seek to root out our own individual idolatry so that we can live in deep and meaningful Christian fellowship with one another.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 1 18 It doesn't take a long time in the church to realize how deceptive and powerful our individual idols can be. In this introductory conversation to a new series, Pastors Clint and Michael discuss how Christians seek to root out our own individual idolatry so that we can live in deep and meaningful Christian fellowship with one another.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2-14.png Our Favorite Idols | Stuff that Bugs Pastors false no 01:00:32 No no           The Seven Deadly Sins Meets the Enneagram | Vices & Virtues https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/the-seven-deadly-sins-meets-the-enneagram-vices-virtues/ Thu, 21 Apr 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=11596 In this "epilogue" conversation to the Vices and Virtues series the pastors explore what we can learn about the Enneagram types from the seven deadly sins. If you would like to learn more about the Enneagram, be sure to check out this entire series where we explored the basics.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 8 16 In this "epilogue" conversation to the Vices and Virtues series the pastors explore what we can learn about the Enneagram types from the seven deadly sins. If you would like to learn more about the Enneagram, be sure to check out this entire series where we explored the basics.

          Feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/3.png The Seven Deadly Sins Meets the Enneagram | Vices & Virtues false no 44:44 No no           Are the 7 Deadly Sins still relevant? | Vices & Virtues https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/are-the-7-deadly-sins-still-relevant-vices-virtues/ Tue, 12 Apr 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=11570 Are the sins identified by ancient monks still relevant today or has the church become so obsessed with judgementalism that our hypocrisy will keep us from understanding and using this spiritual tool as it was intended? Join the Pastors as they explore how the seven deadly sins and virtues might still be helpful for the modern protestant church.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 7 16 Are the sins identified by ancient monks still relevant today or has the church become so obsessed with judgementalism that our hypocrisy will keep us from understanding and using this spiritual tool as it was intended? Join the Pastors as they explore how the seven deadly sins and virtues might still be helpful for the modern protestant church.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/4-2.png Are the 7 Deadly Sins still relevant? | Vices & Virtues false no 47:40 No no           Sloth & the 7 Deadly Sins | Vices & Virtues https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/sloth-the-7-deadly-sins-vices-virtues/ Tue, 05 Apr 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=11536 While "sloth" might conjure images of lazy people wasting their time and energy, the Christian understanding of sloth might be better described by the ancient word "acedia." Join the Pastors as they explore what the ancient monks called the "noon-day demon" and how this very ancient realization has incredible implications for our modern lives. While this may not be an easy conversation, it is essential to our lives of faith and discipleship.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 6 16 While "sloth" might conjure images of lazy people wasting their time and energy, the Christian understanding of sloth might be better described by the ancient word "acedia." Join the Pastors as they explore what the ancient monks called the "noon-day demon" and how this very ancient realization has incredible implications for our modern lives. While this may not be an easy conversation, it is essential to our lives of faith and discipleship.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/4.png Sloth & the 7 Deadly Sins | Vices & Virtues false no 40:35 No no           Lust & Gluttony & the 7 Deadly Sins | Vices & Virtues https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/lust-gluttony-the-7-deadly-sins-vices-virtues/ Tue, 29 Mar 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=11514 Lust and Gluttony are the two deadly sins that are directly connected to our physical natures and, as a result, the ancient Christians were understanding of our struggle to resist their temptations. That said, the Pastors explore how these two human vices, when left unchecked, can become a powerfully destructive force in our lives. What follows is not easy but certainly an essential conversation as we seek to become deeper disciples of Jesus Christ.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 5 16 Lust and Gluttony are the two deadly sins that are directly connected to our physical natures and, as a result, the ancient Christians were understanding of our struggle to resist their temptations. That said, the Pastors explore how these two human vices, when left unchecked, can become a powerfully destructive force in our lives. What follows is not easy but certainly an essential conversation as we seek to become deeper disciples of Jesus Christ.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/5-1.png Lust & Gluttony & the 7 Deadly Sins | Vices & Virtues false no 51:58 No no           Anger & Envy & the 7 Deadly Sins | Vices & Virtues https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/anger-envy-the-7-deadly-sins-vices-virtues/ Tue, 22 Mar 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=11496 Anger and Envy are two of the most dangerous social sins identified by ancient Christians. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore how these sins can both wreak damage with explosive force and also slowly eat away at the foundations of our souls.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 4 16 Anger and Envy are two of the most dangerous social sins identified by ancient Christians. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore how these sins can both wreak damage with explosive force and also slowly eat away at the foundations of our souls.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/4-2.png Anger & Envy & the 7 Deadly Sins | Vices & Virtues false no 57:24 No no           Pride and Greed & the 7 Deadly Sins | Vices & Virtues https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/pride-and-greed-the-7-deadly-sins-vices-virtues/ Tue, 15 Mar 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=11459 Today Pastors Clint and Michael introduce Pride and Greed as part of the seven deadly sins. Pride, often called the chief sin, is the innate human temptation to evaluate the value of our lives based upon the perception of others and to reach for privilege and power for our own sake. Greed flows out of our innate human temptation to acquire more things in the hope of filling our restless souls. Though it can sometimes be very difficult to face the truth of our sinfulness, it is the very necessary first step to finding the kind of freedom and real agency that we have always wanted to be part of our lives.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 3 16 Today Pastors Clint and Michael introduce Pride and Greed as part of the seven deadly sins. Pride, often called the chief sin, is the innate human temptation to evaluate the value of our lives based upon the perception of others and to reach for privilege and power for our own sake. Greed flows out of our innate human temptation to acquire more things in the hope of filling our restless souls. Though it can sometimes be very difficult to face the truth of our sinfulness, it is the very necessary first step to finding the kind of freedom and real agency that we have always wanted to be part of our lives.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/3-2.png Pride and Greed & the 7 Deadly Sins | Vices & Virtues false no 47:53 No no           What are the 7 Deadly Sins? | Vices & Virtues https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/what-are-the-7-deadly-sins-vices-virtues/ Tue, 08 Mar 2022 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=11313 In this introductory conversation, Pastors Clint and Michael explore the basic vocabulary, history, cultural impact, and theological foundation that will be necessary for studying the seven deadly sins and their corresponding virtues. Don't miss this important conversation and don't miss a single vice or virtue released every Tuesday morning through the season of Lent!

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 2 16 In this introductory conversation, Pastors Clint and Michael explore the basic vocabulary, history, cultural impact, and theological foundation that will be necessary for studying the seven deadly sins and their corresponding virtues. Don't miss this important conversation and don't miss a single vice or virtue released every Tuesday morning through the season of Lent!

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/3-1.png What are the 7 Deadly Sins? | Vices & Virtues false no 43:54 No no           Get to Know the 7 Deadly Sins | Series Promo https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/get-to-know-the-7-deadly-sins-series-promo/ Thu, 03 Mar 2022 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=11289 Lots of us think that we know something about the 7 deadly sins, join Pastors Clint and Michael as they introduce their new podcast series (which will be recorded live) where they explore both the 7 deadly sins (Vices) but also their opposing Virtues. This will be a thoughtful and engaging series where we are all invited to explore how easy it is for these sins to take root in our lives and how important it is to remain firmly reliantly upon the grace of Jesus Christ in everything that we do and say.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 1 16 Lots of us think that we know something about the 7 deadly sins, join Pastors Clint and Michael as they introduce their new podcast series (which will be recorded live) where they explore both the 7 deadly sins (Vices) but also their opposing Virtues. This will be a thoughtful and engaging series where we are all invited to explore how easy it is for these sins to take root in our lives and how important it is to remain firmly reliantly upon the grace of Jesus Christ in everything that we do and say.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in growing deeper in their faith and Christian discipleship.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/2-2.png Get to Know the 7 Deadly Sins | Series Promo false no 5:27 No no           Next Steps | Unhindered https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/next-steps-unhindered/ Thu, 24 Feb 2022 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=11271 Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they offer some concluding thoughts on how Christians can live a more unhindered life. No matter what we have learned about ourselves in the midst of this self-assessment, it all hinges on whether we are willing to put that knowledge into practice. Don't miss this down to earth conclusion of the Unhindered series!

          Download the Unhindered Self-Assessments Here:

          1. Prayer & Study
          2. Gratitude & Generosity
          3. Attitude & Demeaner
          4. Relationships & Community
          5. Forgiveness & Grace
          6. Repentance & Confession

          (Or download all of the assessments together right here!)

          Don't forget to subscribe and invite others to take part in our new year faith checkup!

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 9 15 Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they offer some concluding thoughts on how Christians can live a more unhindered life. No matter what we have learned about ourselves in the midst of this self-assessment, it all hinges on whether we are willing to put that knowledge into practice. Don't miss this down to earth conclusion of the Unhindered series!

          Download the Unhindered Self-Assessments Here:

          1. Prayer & Study
          2. Gratitude & Generosity
          3. Attitude & Demeaner
          4. Relationships & Community
          5. Forgiveness & Grace
          6. Repentance & Confession

          (Or download all of the assessments together right here!)

          Don't forget to subscribe and invite others to take part in our new year faith checkup!

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/3-2.png Next Steps | Unhindered false no 13:47 No no           Owning Our Pitfalls | Unhindered https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/owning-our-pitfalls-unhindered/ Thu, 17 Feb 2022 16:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=11244 Let's be honest, no one is perfect and, unfortunately, that means you aren't perfect either. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they discuss the many pitfalls that often get in the way of Christians living out the faith. Though taking an honest assessment of our lives isn't often easy, it is absolutely essential to become the kind of people who are marked by the grace and love of Jesus Christ.

          Download This Week's Unhindered Self-Assessment Here:

          1. Prayer & Study
          2. Gratitude & Generosity
          3. Attitude & Demeaner
          4. Relationships & Community
          5. Forgiveness & Grace
          6. Repentance & Confession

          (Or download all of the assessments together right here!)

          Don't forget to subscribe and invite others to take part in our new year faith checkup!

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 8 15 Let's be honest, no one is perfect and, unfortunately, that means you aren't perfect either. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they discuss the many pitfalls that often get in the way of Christians living out the faith. Though taking an honest assessment of our lives isn't often easy, it is absolutely essential to become the kind of people who are marked by the grace and love of Jesus Christ.

          Download This Week's Unhindered Self-Assessment Here:

          1. Prayer & Study
          2. Gratitude & Generosity
          3. Attitude & Demeaner
          4. Relationships & Community
          5. Forgiveness & Grace
          6. Repentance & Confession

          (Or download all of the assessments together right here!)

          Don't forget to subscribe and invite others to take part in our new year faith checkup!

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/3-1.png Owning Our Pitfalls | Unhindered false no 58:31 No no           Growing in Grace | Unhindered https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/growing-in-grace-unhindered/ Thu, 10 Feb 2022 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=11217 The central message of the Christian faith is the forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Today the Pastors invite you to explore how that forgiveness has made a difference in your own life. Do you find yourself getting angry with others quickly or do you keep a long list of wrongs? Maybe you been unable to forgive yourself for something that you have done (or left undone)? Let's explore grace together.

          Download This Week's Unhindered Self-Assessment Here:

          1. Prayer & Study
          2. Gratitude & Generosity
          3. Attitude & Demeaner
          4. Relationships & Community
          5. Forgiveness & Grace

          Don't forget to subscribe and invite others to take part in our new year faith checkup!

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 7 15 The central message of the Christian faith is the forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Today the Pastors invite you to explore how that forgiveness has made a difference in your own life. Do you find yourself getting angry with others quickly or do you keep a long list of wrongs? Maybe you been unable to forgive yourself for something that you have done (or left undone)? Let's explore grace together.

          Download This Week's Unhindered Self-Assessment Here:

          1. Prayer & Study
          2. Gratitude & Generosity
          3. Attitude & Demeaner
          4. Relationships & Community
          5. Forgiveness & Grace

          Don't forget to subscribe and invite others to take part in our new year faith checkup!

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/3.png Growing in Grace | Unhindered false no 01:02:18 No no           Connections | Unhindered https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/connections-unhindered/ Thu, 03 Feb 2022 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=11174 Today the Pastors explore what our relationships with others can to teach us about the state of our own spiritual health. For those with eyes to see, our closest relationships can become a mirror that reveal our greatest strengths and deepest burdens, a glimpse that can become a catalyst for becoming more Christ like people of faith. Join the Pastors for this engaging conversation about our relationships, Christian community, and the next steps we can take to grow in our faith.

          Download This Week's Unhindered Self-Assessment Here:

          1. Prayer & Study
          2. Gratitude & Generosity
          3. Attitude & Demeaner
          4. Relationships & Community

          Don't forget to subscribe and invite others to take part in our new year faith checkup!

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 6 15 Today the Pastors explore what our relationships with others can to teach us about the state of our own spiritual health. For those with eyes to see, our closest relationships can become a mirror that reveal our greatest strengths and deepest burdens, a glimpse that can become a catalyst for becoming more Christ like people of faith. Join the Pastors for this engaging conversation about our relationships, Christian community, and the next steps we can take to grow in our faith.

          Download This Week's Unhindered Self-Assessment Here:

          1. Prayer & Study
          2. Gratitude & Generosity
          3. Attitude & Demeaner
          4. Relationships & Community

          Don't forget to subscribe and invite others to take part in our new year faith checkup!

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/3-2.png Connections | Unhindered false no 59:19 No no           Christian Character | Unhindered https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/christian-character-unhindered/ Thu, 27 Jan 2022 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=10669 The power of the good news of Jesus Christ transforms Christians from the inside out. Therefore, any deep reflection on the Christian life must explore our personal conduct and, ultimately, our character. Join the Pastors as they explore how our attitude and demeaner can all be signs of our spiritual health and what practical steps we can take to deepen our "everyday faith. "

          Download This Week's Unhindered Self-Assessment Here:

          1. Prayer & Study
          2. Gratitude & Generosity
          3. Attitude & Demeaner

          Don't forget to subscribe and invite others to take part in our new year faith checkup!

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 5 15 The power of the good news of Jesus Christ transforms Christians from the inside out. Therefore, any deep reflection on the Christian life must explore our personal conduct and, ultimately, our character. Join the Pastors as they explore how our attitude and demeaner can all be signs of our spiritual health and what practical steps we can take to deepen our "everyday faith. "

          Download This Week's Unhindered Self-Assessment Here:

          1. Prayer & Study
          2. Gratitude & Generosity
          3. Attitude & Demeaner

          Don't forget to subscribe and invite others to take part in our new year faith checkup!

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Unhindered-Weekly-Study-1920-x-1080-2000-x-2000-px.png Christian Character | Unhindered false no 01:01:27 No no           Open Hands | Unhindered https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/open-hands-unhindered/ Thu, 20 Jan 2022 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=10644 Many have wanted to spend more time in prayer and spiritual study, but few have been able to "find the time." Today, the Pastors introduce the first self-assessment in our Unhindered series. Join the conversation as we examine the things that demand our attention, and we address the most common traps for those seeking to grow deeper in their faith.

          Download This Week's Unhindered Self-Assessment Here:

          1. Prayer & Study
          2. Gratitude & Generosity

          Don't forget to subscribe and invite others to take part in our new year faith checkup!

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 4 15 Many have wanted to spend more time in prayer and spiritual study, but few have been able to "find the time." Today, the Pastors introduce the first self-assessment in our Unhindered series. Join the conversation as we examine the things that demand our attention, and we address the most common traps for those seeking to grow deeper in their faith.

          Download This Week's Unhindered Self-Assessment Here:

          1. Prayer & Study
          2. Gratitude & Generosity

          Don't forget to subscribe and invite others to take part in our new year faith checkup!

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/3.png Open Hands | Unhindered false no 56:00 No no           Finding Time | Unhindered https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/finding-time/ Thu, 13 Jan 2022 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=10626 Many have wanted to spend more time in prayer and spiritual study, but few have been able to "find the time." Today, the Pastors introduce the first self-assessment in our Unhindered series. Join the conversation as we examine the things that demand our attention, and we address the most common traps for those seeking to grow deeper in their faith.

          ????Download This Week's Unhindered Self-Assessment Here: ????

          1. Prayer & Study

          Don't forget to subscribe and invite others to take part in our new year faith checkup!

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 3 15 Many have wanted to spend more time in prayer and spiritual study, but few have been able to "find the time." Today, the Pastors introduce the first self-assessment in our Unhindered series. Join the conversation as we examine the things that demand our attention, and we address the most common traps for those seeking to grow deeper in their faith.

          ????Download This Week's Unhindered Self-Assessment Here: ????

          1. Prayer & Study

          Don't forget to subscribe and invite others to take part in our new year faith checkup!

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Unhindered-Weekly-Study-1920-x-1080-2000-x-2000-px.png Finding Time | Unhindered false no 51:35 No no           Becoming Unhindered https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/becoming-unhindered/ Thu, 06 Jan 2022 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=10609 The New Year presents a renewed opportunity to take an honest assessment of our spiritual health, to intentionally connect with a Christian community, and to resolve to dig deeper in our own faith and discipleship. In this introductory conversation Pastors Clint and Michael explore how easily our faith can become hindered and how small steps, carefully chosen, can help shape us into women and men of deep faith.

          Beginning next week, the Pastors will share a spiritual self-assessment each week that will accompany the conversation. Please consider taking the first step on this journey by subscribing and sharing this conversation with others so that they might be part of the journey with us.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 2 15 The New Year presents a renewed opportunity to take an honest assessment of our spiritual health, to intentionally connect with a Christian community, and to resolve to dig deeper in our own faith and discipleship. In this introductory conversation Pastors Clint and Michael explore how easily our faith can become hindered and how small steps, carefully chosen, can help shape us into women and men of deep faith.

          Beginning next week, the Pastors will share a spiritual self-assessment each week that will accompany the conversation. Please consider taking the first step on this journey by subscribing and sharing this conversation with others so that they might be part of the journey with us.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Unhindered-Weekly-Study-1920-x-1080-2000-x-2000-px.png Becoming Unhindered false no 43:32 No no           Unhindered Series Teaser | Pastor Talk https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/unhindered-series-trailer-pastor-talk/ Thu, 30 Dec 2021 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=10585 Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they start a new series called Unhindered. Throughout this seven-week series, they will offer a new survey tool every week to assess the strengths and growth areas of your own personal faith along with practical tools to make 2022 a year of deep faith and Christian discipleship.

          Please share this series with anyone who you think would like to deepen their faith this year!

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           trailer 1 15 Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they start a new series called Unhindered. Throughout this seven-week series, they will offer a new survey tool every week to assess the strengths and growth areas of your own personal faith along with practical tools to make 2022 a year of deep faith and Christian discipleship.

          Please share this series with anyone who you think would like to deepen their faith this year!

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Unhindered-Weekly-Study-1920-x-1080-2000-x-2000-px.png Unhindered Series Teaser | Pastor Talk false no 5:19 No no           Christmas Icons | Too Much Christmas? https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/christmas-icons-too-much-christmas/ Thu, 23 Dec 2021 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=10568 Have you ever thought about your Christmas traditions theologically? Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore the rich variety of Christmas stories and themes and discuss how these things direct our attention, intentionally and unintentionally, on things other than Christ. At the end of the day, we discover that it isn't the stuff of Christmas that is the problem, but unwillingness slow down and allow the true Christ to reign in our hearts.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in exploring the deeper meaning of Christmas with us during this Advent season.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 5 14 Have you ever thought about your Christmas traditions theologically? Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore the rich variety of Christmas stories and themes and discuss how these things direct our attention, intentionally and unintentionally, on things other than Christ. At the end of the day, we discover that it isn't the stuff of Christmas that is the problem, but unwillingness slow down and allow the true Christ to reign in our hearts.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in exploring the deeper meaning of Christmas with us during this Advent season.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Too-Much-Christmas-Daily-Bible-Study-1080-x-1080-px.png Christmas Icons | Too Much Christmas? false no 46:51 No no           Deck the Halls? | Too Much Christmas? https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/deck-the-halls-too-much-christmas/ Thu, 16 Dec 2021 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=10539 Have you ever considered how your Christmas decorations and family traditions affect your family's celebration of the birth of Christ? Today, Pastors Clint and Michael dig into the history, theology, and practical implications of our holiday traditions. Regardless of how you deck your halls, you will likely learn something new about the celebration of Christmas and be encouraged to reconsider those traditions as an opportunity to teach the deeper meaning of this Christian celebration.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in exploring the deeper meaning of Christmas with us during this Advent season.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 4 14 Have you ever considered how your Christmas decorations and family traditions affect your family's celebration of the birth of Christ? Today, Pastors Clint and Michael dig into the history, theology, and practical implications of our holiday traditions. Regardless of how you deck your halls, you will likely learn something new about the celebration of Christmas and be encouraged to reconsider those traditions as an opportunity to teach the deeper meaning of this Christian celebration.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in exploring the deeper meaning of Christmas with us during this Advent season.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Too-Much-Christmas-Daily-Bible-Study-1080-x-1080-px.png Deck the Halls? | Too Much Christmas? false no 49:49 No no           When Culture Stole Christmas | Too Much Christmas? https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/when-culture-stole-christmas-too-much-christmas/ Thu, 09 Dec 2021 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=10513 Christmas is a strange season where sacred and secular blend together. Today the pastors discuss what Christians should think and do about all of the Christmas entertainment? Is there any sacred left in the songs and movies of a culture obsessed with Santa Clause and White Christmases? Join Pastors Clint and Michael for a lively conversation (that exposes very different assumptions) about what Christians should do with all of our "Christmas" entertainment. Parents, stay tuned to the end for some advice for helping your kids navigate these questions!

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in exploring the deeper meaning of Christmas with us during this Advent season.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 3 14 Christmas is a strange season where sacred and secular blend together. Today the pastors discuss what Christians should think and do about all of the Christmas entertainment? Is there any sacred left in the songs and movies of a culture obsessed with Santa Clause and White Christmases? Join Pastors Clint and Michael for a lively conversation (that exposes very different assumptions) about what Christians should do with all of our "Christmas" entertainment. Parents, stay tuned to the end for some advice for helping your kids navigate these questions!

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in exploring the deeper meaning of Christmas with us during this Advent season.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Too-Much-Christmas-Daily-Bible-Study-1080-x-1080-px.png When Culture Stole Christmas | Too Much Christmas? false no 53:55 No no           Getting to Christmas | Too Much Christmas? https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/getting-to-christmas-too-much-christmas/ Thu, 02 Dec 2021 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=10500 How long has Christmas been celebrated like what we think of as Christmas? In today's episode, we learn that, surprisingly, it hasn't been very long. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore the nuanced history, culture, and impact that our changing Christmas celebrations have had on Christians' celebrations of the birth of Christ for thousands of years. Starting with the fundamental awareness that Christmas can't be simply boiled down to one basic practice will become the backbone of all our Christmas conversations in the following weeks.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in exploring the deeper meaning of Christmas with us during this Advent season.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 2 14 How long has Christmas been celebrated like what we think of as Christmas? In today's episode, we learn that, surprisingly, it hasn't been very long. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore the nuanced history, culture, and impact that our changing Christmas celebrations have had on Christians' celebrations of the birth of Christ for thousands of years. Starting with the fundamental awareness that Christmas can't be simply boiled down to one basic practice will become the backbone of all our Christmas conversations in the following weeks.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in exploring the deeper meaning of Christmas with us during this Advent season.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Too-Much-Christmas-Daily-Bible-Study-1080-x-1080-px.png Getting to Christmas | Too Much Christmas? false no 50:09 No no           Too Much Christmas? | SERIES TEASER https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/too-much-christmas-series-teaser/ Thu, 18 Nov 2021 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=10488 The Pastor Talk weekly podcast will be taking a couple weeks off for the Thanksgiving break but we will be back on December 2nd for a 4 week Advent series we are calling “Too Much Christmas?” This series will be a light-hearted look at Christmas through the lenses of Scripture, culture, tradition, and nostalgia. We hope you will join us as Pastor Michael (a self-described Christmas fanatic) and Pastor Clint (often called Grinch by his family) square off to consider the merits and pitfalls of this beloved holiday season and the Holy day that occasioned it.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in exploring the deeper meaning of Christmas with us during this Advent season.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           trailer 1 14 The Pastor Talk weekly podcast will be taking a couple weeks off for the Thanksgiving break but we will be back on December 2nd for a 4 week Advent series we are calling “Too Much Christmas?” This series will be a light-hearted look at Christmas through the lenses of Scripture, culture, tradition, and nostalgia. We hope you will join us as Pastor Michael (a self-described Christmas fanatic) and Pastor Clint (often called Grinch by his family) square off to consider the merits and pitfalls of this beloved holiday season and the Holy day that occasioned it.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in exploring the deeper meaning of Christmas with us during this Advent season.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Too-Much-Christmas-Daily-Bible-Study-1080-x-1080-px.png Too Much Christmas? | SERIES TEASER false no 7:38 No no           Concluding Questions | Mission Musings https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/concluding-questions-mission-musings/ Thu, 11 Nov 2021 12:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=10430 In this series conclusion, Pastors Clint and Michael explore the many questions left behind by the missional conversation, especially how these conversations become practical in the life and practice within a church. Be sure to stay tuned to the end for when the Pastors make predictions as to what challenges and strategies that future generations of the Church might engage in their efforts to be faithful to the Gospel. Though this series raises far more questions than it answers, we sincerely hope that it sparks a generative conversation about the nature of the church and our own identities as followers of Jesus Christ.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in rediscovering a missional Christian identity with us.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 9 13 In this series conclusion, Pastors Clint and Michael explore the many questions left behind by the missional conversation, especially how these conversations become practical in the life and practice within a church. Be sure to stay tuned to the end for when the Pastors make predictions as to what challenges and strategies that future generations of the Church might engage in their efforts to be faithful to the Gospel. Though this series raises far more questions than it answers, we sincerely hope that it sparks a generative conversation about the nature of the church and our own identities as followers of Jesus Christ.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in rediscovering a missional Christian identity with us.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Mission-Musings-Weekly-Series-3000-x-3000.png Concluding Questions | Mission Musings false no 46:18 No no           Missional Past and Present W/ Darrell Guder | Mission Musings https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/missional-past-and-present-w-darrell-guder-mission-musings/ Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=10407 Today Pastors Clint and Michael welcome Dr. Darrell Guder to the Pastor Talk podcast. Dr. Guder has written several influential works in missional theology and served for much of his career as a professor of missional theology. In fact, it was that capacity that both Clint and Michael had the opportunity to study with him during their time in Seminary. Today's conversation invites us to consider both the history and present state of missional theology and to consider how our missional theology should shape our identity and vocational calling.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in rediscovering a missional Christian identity with us.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           8 13 Today Pastors Clint and Michael welcome Dr. Darrell Guder to the Pastor Talk podcast. Dr. Guder has written several influential works in missional theology and served for much of his career as a professor of missional theology. In fact, it was that capacity that both Clint and Michael had the opportunity to study with him during their time in Seminary. Today's conversation invites us to consider both the history and present state of missional theology and to consider how our missional theology should shape our identity and vocational calling.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in rediscovering a missional Christian identity with us.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Mission-Musings-Weekly-Series-3000-x-3000.png Missional Past and Present W/ Darrell Guder | Mission Musings false no 50:41 No no           Missional & Connectional W/ Amgad Beblawi | Mission Musings https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/missional-and-connectional/ Thu, 28 Oct 2021 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=10385 Today Pastors Clint and Michael are overjoyed to welcome Amgad Beblawi to the Pastor Talk podcast. Amgad is the Mission Executive for three PC(USA) Presbyteries in northwest Iowa and he is actively involved in helping over 100 churches foster and grow in their missional identities. Today's conversation explores how Amgad's understanding of the the missional church has been shaped by his international church and missionary experiences and why that identity is so essential for every Christian and their local church.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in rediscovering a missional Christian identity with us.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 7 13 Today Pastors Clint and Michael are overjoyed to welcome Amgad Beblawi to the Pastor Talk podcast. Amgad is the Mission Executive for three PC(USA) Presbyteries in northwest Iowa and he is actively involved in helping over 100 churches foster and grow in their missional identities. Today's conversation explores how Amgad's understanding of the the missional church has been shaped by his international church and missionary experiences and why that identity is so essential for every Christian and their local church.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in rediscovering a missional Christian identity with us.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Mission-Musings-Weekly-Series-3000-x-3000.png Missional & Connectional W/ Amgad Beblawi | Mission Musings false no 57:39 No no           How to Be Missional | Mission Musings https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/how-to-be-missional-mission-musings/ Thu, 21 Oct 2021 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=10359 Have the Pastors convinced you that every Christian needs to have a missional identity? So what next? What does it actually mean to be missional? Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore these foundational questions and provide some suggestions for how every Christian (and congregation) can begin to make this missional identity part of their core spiritual DNA.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in rediscovering a missional Christian identity with us.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 6 13 Have the Pastors convinced you that every Christian needs to have a missional identity? So what next? What does it actually mean to be missional? Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore these foundational questions and provide some suggestions for how every Christian (and congregation) can begin to make this missional identity part of their core spiritual DNA.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in rediscovering a missional Christian identity with us.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Mission-Musings-Weekly-Series-3000-x-3000.png How to Be Missional | Mission Musings false no 46:36 No no           Us AND Them | Mission Musings https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/us-and-them-mission-musings/ Thu, 07 Oct 2021 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=10318 If Christians are going to take on a missional identity, we will inevitably wrestle with who we are called to serve. In a world with finite resources but infinite need, Christians must grapple with the tension between helping those near to us and those far away. In this conversation, Pastors Clint and Michael explore how both of these held together in Christian discipleship are necessary for shaping our individual and congregational identities.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in rediscovering a missional Christian identity with us.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           5 13 If Christians are going to take on a missional identity, we will inevitably wrestle with who we are called to serve. In a world with finite resources but infinite need, Christians must grapple with the tension between helping those near to us and those far away. In this conversation, Pastors Clint and Michael explore how both of these held together in Christian discipleship are necessary for shaping our individual and congregational identities.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in rediscovering a missional Christian identity with us.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Mission-Musings-Weekly-Series-3000-x-3000.png Us AND Them | Mission Musings false no 47:10 No no           Mission Barriers | Mission Musings https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/mission-barriers/ Thu, 30 Sep 2021 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=10304 Living into Christ's mission has never been easy. In fact, it has always required careful attention and deliberate effort. Today, Pastors Clint and Michael explore some of the barriers that stand in the way of both our individual and communal efforts to become Christians defined by our mission. In particular, the Pastors discuss how Fear, Focus, Forgetfulness, and Faith can all serve as real barriers to our discipleship and missional identity.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in rediscovering a missional Christian identity with us.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 4 13 Living into Christ's mission has never been easy. In fact, it has always required careful attention and deliberate effort. Today, Pastors Clint and Michael explore some of the barriers that stand in the way of both our individual and communal efforts to become Christians defined by our mission. In particular, the Pastors discuss how Fear, Focus, Forgetfulness, and Faith can all serve as real barriers to our discipleship and missional identity.

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in rediscovering a missional Christian identity with us.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Mission-Musings-Weekly-Series-3000-x-3000.png Mission Barriers | Mission Musings false no 53:40 No no           Are You a Missionary? | Mission Musings https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/are-you-a-missionary-mission-musings/ Thu, 23 Sep 2021 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=10298 In this conversation, Pastors Clint and Michael turn the mission focus to you. Do you consider yourself a missionary or do you think that missionaries are only professionals trained and sent overseas? As the contemporary church surveys our quickly changing culture, we have been forced to return to some of the most fundamental questions of the faith such as "who is called to be a witness to the saving grace of Jesus Christ?" The short answer? You. Join us in a conversation that will surely encourage and convict you to live into your deeper Christian identity as a witness to the good news of Jesus Christ.

          Read more about the Princeton Seminary study here: Darley and Batson: Good Samaritan Study (babson.edu)

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in rediscovering a missional Christian identity with us.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 3 13 In this conversation, Pastors Clint and Michael turn the mission focus to you. Do you consider yourself a missionary or do you think that missionaries are only professionals trained and sent overseas? As the contemporary church surveys our quickly changing culture, we have been forced to return to some of the most fundamental questions of the faith such as "who is called to be a witness to the saving grace of Jesus Christ?" The short answer? You. Join us in a conversation that will surely encourage and convict you to live into your deeper Christian identity as a witness to the good news of Jesus Christ.

          Read more about the Princeton Seminary study here: Darley and Batson: Good Samaritan Study (babson.edu)

          Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in rediscovering a missional Christian identity with us.

          Pastor Talk Quick Links:

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Mission-Musings-Weekly-Series-3000-x-3000.png Are You a Missionary? | Mission Musings false no 48:09 No no           What is Our Mission? | Mission Musings https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/what-is-your-mission-mission-musings/ Thu, 16 Sep 2021 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=10277 On one hand, the mission of the church is simple, to be faithful to Jesus Christ. On the other hand, it requires commitment from both the individual and the community to be humble enough to be open for direction and courageous enough to follow where Jesus leads.

          Today's conversation explores how Christians have historically understood their call to participate in God's mission through several ways:

          • Evangelism
          • Outreach
          • Social Righteousness
          • Discipleship
          • Forgiveness

          While these provide a basic framework for understanding the Christian's call to mission, it is important that we remain open to the Spirit's leading as each of us is transformed into our new identity in Jesus Christ.

          Did this conversation raise a question or do you have an idea for a future series? We would love to hear from you!

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk series!

          Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at pastortalk.co.

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           2 13 On one hand, the mission of the church is simple, to be faithful to Jesus Christ. On the other hand, it requires commitment from both the individual and the community to be humble enough to be open for direction and courageous enough to follow where Jesus leads.

          Today's conversation explores how Christians have historically understood their call to participate in God's mission through several ways:

          • Evangelism
          • Outreach
          • Social Righteousness
          • Discipleship
          • Forgiveness

          While these provide a basic framework for understanding the Christian's call to mission, it is important that we remain open to the Spirit's leading as each of us is transformed into our new identity in Jesus Christ.

          Did this conversation raise a question or do you have an idea for a future series? We would love to hear from you!

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk series!

          Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at pastortalk.co.

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Mission-Musings-Weekly-Series-3000-x-3000.png What is Our Mission? | Mission Musings false no 57:28 No no           It All Starts With Mission | Mission Musings https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/it-all-starts-with-mission-mission-musings/ Thu, 09 Sep 2021 11:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=10251 Join us for a conversation about mission, about how it should shape your own identity, and how it binds us to a community in Jesus Christ.

          In this episode, Pastors Clint and Michael introduce a new series called "Mission Musings." In this introductory conversation, they explore how Christians are mysteriously (and AMAZINGLY!) invited to participate in God's own mission in the world. This "misio dei" transforms the life of every individual Christian, regardless of their vocation or life stage, and gives them a new purpose to share the good news of Jesus Christ with everyone they encounter. And yet, though we are called as individuals, we are also called as communities of faith to participate in this amazing calling.

          Click here to watch on YouTube!

          Did this conversation raise a question or do you have an idea for a future series? We would love to hear from you!

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk series!

          Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at pastortalk.co.

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           full 1 13 Join us for a conversation about mission, about how it should shape your own identity, and how it binds us to a community in Jesus Christ.

          In this episode, Pastors Clint and Michael introduce a new series called "Mission Musings." In this introductory conversation, they explore how Christians are mysteriously (and AMAZINGLY!) invited to participate in God's own mission in the world. This "misio dei" transforms the life of every individual Christian, regardless of their vocation or life stage, and gives them a new purpose to share the good news of Jesus Christ with everyone they encounter. And yet, though we are called as individuals, we are also called as communities of faith to participate in this amazing calling.

          Click here to watch on YouTube!

          Did this conversation raise a question or do you have an idea for a future series? We would love to hear from you!

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk series!

          Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at pastortalk.co.

          Pastor Talk is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Mission-Musings-Weekly-Series-3000-x-3000.png It All Starts With Mission | Mission Musings false no 0:00 No no           Life Together: In Conclusion https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/life-together-in-conclusion/ Wed, 14 Jul 2021 14:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=10082 In this concluding episode, Pastors Clint and Michael survey the major themes of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book Life Together and explore how his understanding of the Christian community can shape our own Christian faith. Be sure to stay tuned for our next series about the mission of the church that will come out in the next few weeks. Until then, be sure to let us know what you have learned in this book study and if there is another book you would like for us to study on the podcast.

          Feel free to purchase Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoefferto follow along in our podcast book study. (FYI, if you purchase the book through this link, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.)

          Did this conversation raise a question or do you have an idea for a future series? We would love to hear from you!

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Life Together" Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. 

          Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 7 11 In this concluding episode, Pastors Clint and Michael survey the major themes of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book Life Together and explore how his understanding of the Christian community can shape our own Christian faith. Be sure to stay tuned for our next series about the mission of the church that will come out in the next few weeks. Until then, be sure to let us know what you have learned in this book study and if there is another book you would like for us to study on the podcast.

          Feel free to purchase Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoefferto follow along in our podcast book study. (FYI, if you purchase the book through this link, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.)

          Did this conversation raise a question or do you have an idea for a future series? We would love to hear from you!

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Life Together" Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. 

          Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Life-Together-1000x1000-1.png Life Together: In Conclusion false no 30:27 No no           Life Together: Confession & Communion https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/life-together-confession-communion/ Wed, 07 Jul 2021 14:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=10073 The fifth and final chapter of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book Life Together "Confession & Communion" illustrates the central important that confession plays in the Christian life. Bonhoeffer explains that the deepest human temptation to sinfulness lies in our inner pride. He argues that in order to live fully in the life of Christ, Christians must be willing to give up that pride through confession in order to find life in the the cross of Christ. Only in this letting go of self will Christians then be able to fully participate in the blessing of Christian communion and the joyful celebration around the Lord's Table.

          Feel free to purchase Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoefferto follow along in our podcast book study. (FYI, if you purchase the book through this link, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.)

          Did this conversation raise a question or do you have an idea for a future series? We would love to hear from you!Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Life Together" Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. 

          Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 6 11 The fifth and final chapter of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book Life Together "Confession & Communion" illustrates the central important that confession plays in the Christian life. Bonhoeffer explains that the deepest human temptation to sinfulness lies in our inner pride. He argues that in order to live fully in the life of Christ, Christians must be willing to give up that pride through confession in order to find life in the the cross of Christ. Only in this letting go of self will Christians then be able to fully participate in the blessing of Christian communion and the joyful celebration around the Lord's Table.

          Feel free to purchase Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoefferto follow along in our podcast book study. (FYI, if you purchase the book through this link, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.)

          Did this conversation raise a question or do you have an idea for a future series? We would love to hear from you!Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Life Together" Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. 

          Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Life Together: Confession & Communion false no 39:51 No no           Life Together: Ministry https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/life-together-ministry/ Wed, 30 Jun 2021 14:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=10060 The fourth chapter of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book Life Together "Ministry" explores how every Christian is called to active ministry within their Christian community. Bonhoeffer explores how the practices of silence, humility, and scriptural correction provide ample opportunities for life-long discipleship and Christian formation. As Bonhoeffer conceives of it, ministry is ultimately the Christian task of humbling oneself before the brothers and sisters of Christ for the purpose of mutual encouragement so that they can fully realize the love and grace of Jesus Christ in their own life.

          Feel free to purchase Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoefferto follow along in our podcast book study. (FYI, if you purchase the book through this link, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.)

          Did this conversation raise a question or do you have an idea for a future series? We would love to hear from you!Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Life Together" Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. 

          Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 5 11 The fourth chapter of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book Life Together "Ministry" explores how every Christian is called to active ministry within their Christian community. Bonhoeffer explores how the practices of silence, humility, and scriptural correction provide ample opportunities for life-long discipleship and Christian formation. As Bonhoeffer conceives of it, ministry is ultimately the Christian task of humbling oneself before the brothers and sisters of Christ for the purpose of mutual encouragement so that they can fully realize the love and grace of Jesus Christ in their own life.

          Feel free to purchase Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoefferto follow along in our podcast book study. (FYI, if you purchase the book through this link, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.)

          Did this conversation raise a question or do you have an idea for a future series? We would love to hear from you!Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Life Together" Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. 

          Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Life Together: Ministry false no 51:17 No no           Life Together: The Day Alone https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/life-together-the-day-alone/ Wed, 23 Jun 2021 14:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=10054 The third chapter of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book Life Together gives Christians a glimpse into how the spiritual practices of meditation, intercession, and even silence can be invaluable tools for Christian discipleship and, ultimately, community. A surprising chapter for a book expressly about community, Bonhoeffer shows us how even our "individual" lives shape and form us for our communal life in Jesus Christ. This insight not only forms how we understand the significance of our personal spiritual growth but its implications for the life of the Christian community that we have been called into.

          Feel free to purchase Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoefferto follow along in our podcast book study. (FYI, if you purchase the book through this link, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.)

          Did this conversation raise a question or do you have an idea for a future series? We would love to hear from you!Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Life Together" Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. 

          Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 4 11 The third chapter of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book Life Together gives Christians a glimpse into how the spiritual practices of meditation, intercession, and even silence can be invaluable tools for Christian discipleship and, ultimately, community. A surprising chapter for a book expressly about community, Bonhoeffer shows us how even our "individual" lives shape and form us for our communal life in Jesus Christ. This insight not only forms how we understand the significance of our personal spiritual growth but its implications for the life of the Christian community that we have been called into.

          Feel free to purchase Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoefferto follow along in our podcast book study. (FYI, if you purchase the book through this link, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.)

          Did this conversation raise a question or do you have an idea for a future series? We would love to hear from you!Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Life Together" Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. 

          Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Life Together: The Day Alone false no 45:30 No no           Life Together: The Day with Others https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/life-together-the-day-with-others/ Wed, 16 Jun 2021 14:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=10041 The second chapter of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book Life Together offers a powerful glimpse into how the rhythms of each day can be an opportunity for Christians to grow deeper in their relationship with God and others. In this chapter, Bonhoeffer explores how every moment from daybreak to sunset is ripe with opportunities for prayer, psalm, songs, and the upbuilding of the Christian community. Rarely is the Christian fellowship described with such depth and practicality at the very same time as in this short chapter. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore what we might learn in our own devotional practices and how this might help to shape our own Christian communities.

          Feel free to purchase Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer to follow along in our podcast book study. (FYI, if you purchase the book through this link, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.)

          Did this conversation raise a question or do you have an idea for a future series? We would love to hear from you!

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Life Together" Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 3 11 The second chapter of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book Life Together offers a powerful glimpse into how the rhythms of each day can be an opportunity for Christians to grow deeper in their relationship with God and others. In this chapter, Bonhoeffer explores how every moment from daybreak to sunset is ripe with opportunities for prayer, psalm, songs, and the upbuilding of the Christian community. Rarely is the Christian fellowship described with such depth and practicality at the very same time as in this short chapter. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore what we might learn in our own devotional practices and how this might help to shape our own Christian communities.

          Feel free to purchase Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer to follow along in our podcast book study. (FYI, if you purchase the book through this link, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.)

          Did this conversation raise a question or do you have an idea for a future series? We would love to hear from you!

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Life Together" Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Life Together: The Day with Others false no 53:47 No no           Life Together: Community https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/life-together-community/ Wed, 09 Jun 2021 14:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=10012 Pastors Clint and Michael discuss the first chapter of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book Life Together. In this conversation, the pastors discuss how Christians define "community" and what makes Christian community different from other communities. Although this may appear, at first glance, to be simple, Dietrich Bonhoeffer shows us that real Christian community is rich and deeply meaningful when we recognize that all of our connections start with our individual connection to Jesus Christ.

          Feel free to purchase Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer to follow along in our podcast book study. (FYI, if you purchase the book through this link, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.)

          Did this conversation raise a question or do you have an idea for a future series? We would love to hear from you!

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Life Together" Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 2 11 Pastors Clint and Michael discuss the first chapter of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book Life Together. In this conversation, the pastors discuss how Christians define "community" and what makes Christian community different from other communities. Although this may appear, at first glance, to be simple, Dietrich Bonhoeffer shows us that real Christian community is rich and deeply meaningful when we recognize that all of our connections start with our individual connection to Jesus Christ.

          Feel free to purchase Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer to follow along in our podcast book study. (FYI, if you purchase the book through this link, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.)

          Did this conversation raise a question or do you have an idea for a future series? We would love to hear from you!

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Life Together" Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Life Together: Community false no 52:43 No no           Life Together: Introduction https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/life-together-introduction/ Wed, 02 Jun 2021 14:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9992 Pastors Clint and Michael introduce a new Podcast series covering the classic 20th century book Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. In this introduction, the pastors survey Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life and explain what makes him such an enduring theological figure. Due to his exceptional intellect and thoroughgoing faith captured so brilliantly in this small book, millions of people have found encouragement and inspiration become a deeper part of the Christian community. Join us for the next four weeks as we study the deep insight and pastoral encouragement that will draw us nearer to Christ and to each other in Christian community.

          Feel free to purchase Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer to follow along in our podcast book study. (FYI, if you purchase the book through this link, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.)

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Life Together" Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 1 11 Pastors Clint and Michael introduce a new Podcast series covering the classic 20th century book Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. In this introduction, the pastors survey Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life and explain what makes him such an enduring theological figure. Due to his exceptional intellect and thoroughgoing faith captured so brilliantly in this small book, millions of people have found encouragement and inspiration become a deeper part of the Christian community. Join us for the next four weeks as we study the deep insight and pastoral encouragement that will draw us nearer to Christ and to each other in Christian community.

          Feel free to purchase Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer to follow along in our podcast book study. (FYI, if you purchase the book through this link, First Presbyterian Church will receive a small commission from Amazon.)

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Life Together" Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Life Together: Introduction false no 34:38 No no           Jesus Jargon: Worship https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/jesus-jargon-worship/ Wed, 26 May 2021 14:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9986 Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they conclude the Jesus Jargon series with a conversation about what Christians mean by the word "worship." Unlike some of the jargon in this series, "worship" is a word Christians use at least once every week. And yet, for all of its use, we sometimes fail to slow down and consider the full breadth and real significance of the word. In this final episode we return to the basics and remember how important worship is the life and faith of every Christian.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Jesus Jargon" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 8 10 Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they conclude the Jesus Jargon series with a conversation about what Christians mean by the word "worship." Unlike some of the jargon in this series, "worship" is a word Christians use at least once every week. And yet, for all of its use, we sometimes fail to slow down and consider the full breadth and real significance of the word. In this final episode we return to the basics and remember how important worship is the life and faith of every Christian.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Jesus Jargon" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Jesus Jargon: Worship false no 50:24 No no           Jesus Jargon: Orthodoxy https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/jesus-jargon-orthodoxy/ Wed, 19 May 2021 14:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9961 Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore what Christians mean by the word "orthodoxy." Though not always a word used in Christian Education, orthodoxy refers to "right belief." At its best, orthodoxy is intended to provide Christians a shared language for our common purpose and shared mission. In this episode, the pastors explore how orthodoxy can provide guiderails for the church enabling us to draw deeply from our ancient tradition while still facing the questions and challenges of our own day.

          If you would like to explore the distinctive theology and history of the Reformation and Presbyterianism, be sure to check our Presby What? series.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Jesus Jargon" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 7 10 Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore what Christians mean by the word "orthodoxy." Though not always a word used in Christian Education, orthodoxy refers to "right belief." At its best, orthodoxy is intended to provide Christians a shared language for our common purpose and shared mission. In this episode, the pastors explore how orthodoxy can provide guiderails for the church enabling us to draw deeply from our ancient tradition while still facing the questions and challenges of our own day.

          If you would like to explore the distinctive theology and history of the Reformation and Presbyterianism, be sure to check our Presby What? series.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Jesus Jargon" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Jesus Jargon: Orthodoxy false no 44:43 No no           Jesus Jargon: Spiritual https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/jesus-jargon-spiritual/ Wed, 12 May 2021 14:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9935 Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore what Christians mean by the word "Spiritual." Living in a culture that elevates "spirituality" above religious practices, Christians would do well to return to the fundamentals of Christian spirituality and rediscover the beautiful promise that the Holy Spirit lives within us. Don't miss this conversation if you have ever struggled to begin a new "spiritual practice" or felt guilty that you aren't "spiritual enough" as the pastors will explore the freedom and joy that can be found in a healthy Christian understanding of our spiritual nature.

          If you would like to explore this topic further, be sure to check our Practicing Faith series where we introduce a variety of spiritual practices for Christian life and discipleship.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Jesus Jargon" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 6 10 Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore what Christians mean by the word "Spiritual." Living in a culture that elevates "spirituality" above religious practices, Christians would do well to return to the fundamentals of Christian spirituality and rediscover the beautiful promise that the Holy Spirit lives within us. Don't miss this conversation if you have ever struggled to begin a new "spiritual practice" or felt guilty that you aren't "spiritual enough" as the pastors will explore the freedom and joy that can be found in a healthy Christian understanding of our spiritual nature.

          If you would like to explore this topic further, be sure to check our Practicing Faith series where we introduce a variety of spiritual practices for Christian life and discipleship.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Jesus Jargon" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Jesus Jargon: Spiritual false no 47:09 No no           Jesus Jargon: Ecumenical https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/jesus-jargon-ecumenical/ Wed, 05 May 2021 14:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9918 Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore what Christians mean by the word "ecumenical." While maybe not a word commonly spoken within the normal life of a congregation, modern church denominations have invested a great deal of time and effort in fostering partnerships between Christians all throughout the world. The ecumenical movement has resulted in local congregations recognizing that despite all of our differences, there is real value in serving our communities with other churches, denominations, and faith traditions, seeking to partner wherever we are able. The ecumenical conversation moves the local church to realize that the whole church extends far beyond the walls of one building, throughout the entire world and calls each individual Christian to find partnerships and mutual cooperation wherever we can.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Jesus Jargon" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 5 10 Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore what Christians mean by the word "ecumenical." While maybe not a word commonly spoken within the normal life of a congregation, modern church denominations have invested a great deal of time and effort in fostering partnerships between Christians all throughout the world. The ecumenical movement has resulted in local congregations recognizing that despite all of our differences, there is real value in serving our communities with other churches, denominations, and faith traditions, seeking to partner wherever we are able. The ecumenical conversation moves the local church to realize that the whole church extends far beyond the walls of one building, throughout the entire world and calls each individual Christian to find partnerships and mutual cooperation wherever we can.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Jesus Jargon" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Jesus Jargon: Ecumenical false no 44:55 No no           Jesus Jargon: Salvation https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/jesus-jargon-salvation/ Wed, 28 Apr 2021 14:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9891 Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore what Christians mean by the word "salvation." While central to our understanding of what it means to be people of faith, the Christian understanding of salvation is much more rich and nuanced than if someone just says the "sinners prayer." The Pastors discuss what it means to be saved and how it isn't just a one time event but an entire life of faith, fellowship, and learning. In truth, the less told story of salvation is that it is about more than just our eternal home, it transforms how we live and serve in our entire lived life of faith.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Jesus Jargon" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 4 10 Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore what Christians mean by the word "salvation." While central to our understanding of what it means to be people of faith, the Christian understanding of salvation is much more rich and nuanced than if someone just says the "sinners prayer." The Pastors discuss what it means to be saved and how it isn't just a one time event but an entire life of faith, fellowship, and learning. In truth, the less told story of salvation is that it is about more than just our eternal home, it transforms how we live and serve in our entire lived life of faith.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Jesus Jargon" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Jesus Jargon: Salvation false no 51:08 No no           Jesus Jargon: Mission https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/jesus-jargon-mission/ Wed, 21 Apr 2021 14:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9848 Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore what Christians mean by the word "mission." The mission of the church has existed from the very moment that Jesus gave the great commission but the expression of that mission has taken many forms. The pastors explain how the mission of the church is distinct from the the secular understanding of organizations missions. They also discuss how the term "missional" has become used to describe the church's attempt to reclaim a full sense of mission by each member. Ultimately, the pastors explore how the call to mission is central to the DNA of every church in general and every Christian in particular.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Jesus Jargon" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 3 10 Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore what Christians mean by the word "mission." The mission of the church has existed from the very moment that Jesus gave the great commission but the expression of that mission has taken many forms. The pastors explain how the mission of the church is distinct from the the secular understanding of organizations missions. They also discuss how the term "missional" has become used to describe the church's attempt to reclaim a full sense of mission by each member. Ultimately, the pastors explore how the call to mission is central to the DNA of every church in general and every Christian in particular.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Jesus Jargon" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Jesus Jargon: Mission false no 46:23 No no           Jesus Jargon: Conservative & Liberal https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/jesus-jargon-conservative-liberal/ Wed, 14 Apr 2021 14:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9847 Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore the terms "Conservative" and "Liberal" from the Christian perspective. You may be surprised to discover that these two labels have existed in some measure throughout the history of the church and a robust understanding of each enables us to see how God has providentially led the church through very different times and seasons. Though we live in a particularly politically charged moment, Christians would do well to understand how these labels can function as a tool to empathetically understand each other instead of cultural battle lines within the Christian church.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Jesus Jargon" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 2 10 Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore the terms "Conservative" and "Liberal" from the Christian perspective. You may be surprised to discover that these two labels have existed in some measure throughout the history of the church and a robust understanding of each enables us to see how God has providentially led the church through very different times and seasons. Though we live in a particularly politically charged moment, Christians would do well to understand how these labels can function as a tool to empathetically understand each other instead of cultural battle lines within the Christian church.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Jesus Jargon" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Jesus Jargon: Conservative & Liberal false no 0:00 No no           Jesus Jargon: Biblical https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/jesus-jargon-biblical/ Wed, 07 Apr 2021 14:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9800 Pastors Clint and Michael begin a new series called Jesus Jargon in which they discuss some of the often misunderstood words of the Christian faith. In this episode, they discuss the term "Biblical." Biblical has been used to describe everything from churches, to preaching, to books, even though it isn't always clear what it means. The Pastors explore some of the nuances of being "Biblical," how the Reformers helped lay us a foundation to respect the authority of scripture, and how every Christian is responsible to grow in their knowledge and faith through the Biblical witness to Jesus Christ.

          If you want a basic overview of the major men and women of scripture, be sure to check out of previous series, The Real People of Faith.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Jesus Jargon" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 1 10 Pastors Clint and Michael begin a new series called Jesus Jargon in which they discuss some of the often misunderstood words of the Christian faith. In this episode, they discuss the term "Biblical." Biblical has been used to describe everything from churches, to preaching, to books, even though it isn't always clear what it means. The Pastors explore some of the nuances of being "Biblical," how the Reformers helped lay us a foundation to respect the authority of scripture, and how every Christian is responsible to grow in their knowledge and faith through the Biblical witness to Jesus Christ.

          If you want a basic overview of the major men and women of scripture, be sure to check out of previous series, The Real People of Faith.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Jesus Jargon" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Jesus Jargon: Biblical false no 47:35 No no           Reflections on 2020: Roger & Donna Harms https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/reflections-on-2020-roger-donna-harms/ Wed, 31 Mar 2021 14:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9707 Today, the Pastors talk with Roger and Donna Harms about their experience navigating through 2020. We discuss what it feels like to be labeled "vulnerable," how Covid immediately impacted family relationships of all kinds, and what it was like to address unrelated medical concerns in the midst of lock-downs and social distancing. We are deeply grateful for the Harm's vulnerable honesty and for the determinedly optimistic and faith-filled perspective that they share so freely in our conversation. We hope that in hearing their story, we might all find some clarity in the midst of our own journeys in this challenging season.

          Special thanks to all of those who we have interviewed during our Lenten Reflection season, we have been deeply blessed by each!

          Feel free to tune in tomorrow evening, April 1st at 7pm for a live Maundy Thursday reflection with Pastors Clint and Michael. You can join us at https://fpcspiritlake.org/stream.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Reflections on 2020" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 13 9 Today, the Pastors talk with Roger and Donna Harms about their experience navigating through 2020. We discuss what it feels like to be labeled "vulnerable," how Covid immediately impacted family relationships of all kinds, and what it was like to address unrelated medical concerns in the midst of lock-downs and social distancing. We are deeply grateful for the Harm's vulnerable honesty and for the determinedly optimistic and faith-filled perspective that they share so freely in our conversation. We hope that in hearing their story, we might all find some clarity in the midst of our own journeys in this challenging season.

          Special thanks to all of those who we have interviewed during our Lenten Reflection season, we have been deeply blessed by each!

          Feel free to tune in tomorrow evening, April 1st at 7pm for a live Maundy Thursday reflection with Pastors Clint and Michael. You can join us at https://fpcspiritlake.org/stream.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Reflections on 2020" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Reflections on 2020: Roger & Donna Harms false no 46:52 No no           Reflections on 2020: Perspectives https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/reflections-on-2020-perspectives/ Sun, 28 Mar 2021 22:30:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9706 This episode of the Pastor Talk Podcast features the sixth in our our series of Pastors' reflections on lessons learned during the last year. In this episode, the Pastors discuss how one's perspective has made a substantial difference in how we have all dealt with the stress and troubles of the past year. By examining our motivations we can often find the source of our own personal struggles and also the prime place of God's restorative work in our lives. Though deeply connected to many of our previous topics, we hope that you will see how personal perspective has played an important role all of lives during these challenging times.

          All are welcome to join us at 7pm CST on March 7th at https://fpcspiritlake.org/lentendiscussion for a live discussion of this material. The conversation can also be accessed via phone if your internet is not stable by calling (717) 964-0069‬ PIN: 618 420 559‬#.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Reflections on 2020" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 12 9 This episode of the Pastor Talk Podcast features the sixth in our our series of Pastors' reflections on lessons learned during the last year. In this episode, the Pastors discuss how one's perspective has made a substantial difference in how we have all dealt with the stress and troubles of the past year. By examining our motivations we can often find the source of our own personal struggles and also the prime place of God's restorative work in our lives. Though deeply connected to many of our previous topics, we hope that you will see how personal perspective has played an important role all of lives during these challenging times.

          All are welcome to join us at 7pm CST on March 7th at https://fpcspiritlake.org/lentendiscussion for a live discussion of this material. The conversation can also be accessed via phone if your internet is not stable by calling (717) 964-0069‬ PIN: 618 420 559‬#.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Reflections on 2020" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Reflections on 2020: Perspectives false no 48:54 No no           Reflections on 2020: Jason Harrington https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/reflections-on-2020-jason-harrington/ Wed, 24 Mar 2021 14:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9672 Today, we the Pastors talk with the President of Lakes Regional Health Jason Harrington about his experience leading during the pandemic. Our wide ranging conversation explores some of the strength and values of Midwest communities, communicating during a crisis, and separating fact from opinion. We thank Jason for taking time to talk with us and hope that you find the conversation interesting.

          For the season of Lent, our Wednesday podcast will feature interviews with individuals who reflect upon the struggles, triumphs, and lessons learned throughout 2020. Though everyone's experience of the pandemic and its ensuing struggles are unique, it has become quickly apparent how many of these challenges we have shared and how we can stand to learn much from each other.

          In addition, during Lent, be sure to tune back in on Sunday evenings for our "normal" Pastor Talk Podcast releases when Clint and Michael discuss a variety of the lessons that they have learned throughout this season. This coming week, the two pastors will reflect on the many perspectives that we have all had to navigate through within these challenging times.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Reflections on 2020" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 11 9 Today, we the Pastors talk with the President of Lakes Regional Health Jason Harrington about his experience leading during the pandemic. Our wide ranging conversation explores some of the strength and values of Midwest communities, communicating during a crisis, and separating fact from opinion. We thank Jason for taking time to talk with us and hope that you find the conversation interesting.

          For the season of Lent, our Wednesday podcast will feature interviews with individuals who reflect upon the struggles, triumphs, and lessons learned throughout 2020. Though everyone's experience of the pandemic and its ensuing struggles are unique, it has become quickly apparent how many of these challenges we have shared and how we can stand to learn much from each other.

          In addition, during Lent, be sure to tune back in on Sunday evenings for our "normal" Pastor Talk Podcast releases when Clint and Michael discuss a variety of the lessons that they have learned throughout this season. This coming week, the two pastors will reflect on the many perspectives that we have all had to navigate through within these challenging times.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Reflections on 2020" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Reflections on 2020: Jason Harrington false no 1:00:42 No no           Reflections on 2020: All or Nothing https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/reflections-on-2020-all-or-nothing/ Sun, 21 Mar 2021 22:30:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9655 This episode of the Pastor Talk Podcast features the fifth in our our series of Pastors' reflections on lessons learned during the last year. In this episode, the Pastors explore how over the course of the last year, there has seemed to be an increase in "all or nothing" thinking. Incredibly complex situations ranging from health, to economy, to politics have been over simplified with a false range of binary choices. The Pastors reflect upon how our own faith tradition calls us to engage with the world around us with wisdom and discernment, refusing to give in to "all or nothing" arguments when the truth is far more nuanced.

          All are welcome to join us at 7pm CST on March 7th at https://fpcspiritlake.org/lentendiscussion for a live discussion of this material. The conversation can also be accessed via phone if your internet is not stable by calling (636) 373-8768‬ PIN: 812 376 317‬#.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Reflections on 2020" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 10 9 This episode of the Pastor Talk Podcast features the fifth in our our series of Pastors' reflections on lessons learned during the last year. In this episode, the Pastors explore how over the course of the last year, there has seemed to be an increase in "all or nothing" thinking. Incredibly complex situations ranging from health, to economy, to politics have been over simplified with a false range of binary choices. The Pastors reflect upon how our own faith tradition calls us to engage with the world around us with wisdom and discernment, refusing to give in to "all or nothing" arguments when the truth is far more nuanced.

          All are welcome to join us at 7pm CST on March 7th at https://fpcspiritlake.org/lentendiscussion for a live discussion of this material. The conversation can also be accessed via phone if your internet is not stable by calling (636) 373-8768‬ PIN: 812 376 317‬#.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Reflections on 2020" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Reflections on 2020: All or Nothing false no 50:38 No no           Reflections on 2020: Josh Bolluyt & Terry Bruinsma https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/reflections-on-2020-josh-bolluyt-terry-bruinsma/ Wed, 17 Mar 2021 14:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9634 Today, we talk with Josh Bolluyt and Terry Bruinsma about their experience leading the Spirit Lake High School and Middle School through a period of unprecedented uncertainty and change. They reflect upon the previous year's challenges and successes and lift out some of the lessons that they will carry forward into the future. This conversation is an excellent reminder that all leadership success is built upon hard work and difficult choices, which becomes all the more challenging when those choices need to be made with limited information.

          For the season of Lent, our Wednesday podcast will feature interviews with individuals who reflect upon the struggles, triumphs, and lessons learned throughout 2020. Though everyone's experience of the pandemic and its ensuing struggles are unique, it has become quickly apparent how many of these challenges we have shared and how we can stand to learn much from each other.

          In addition, during Lent, be sure to tune back in on Sunday evenings for our "normal" Pastor Talk Podcast releases when Clint and Michael discuss a variety of the lessons that they have learned throughout this season. This coming week, the two pastors will reflect on our human temptation to simplify complex realities into simple, binary issues.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Reflections on 2020" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 9 9 Today, we talk with Josh Bolluyt and Terry Bruinsma about their experience leading the Spirit Lake High School and Middle School through a period of unprecedented uncertainty and change. They reflect upon the previous year's challenges and successes and lift out some of the lessons that they will carry forward into the future. This conversation is an excellent reminder that all leadership success is built upon hard work and difficult choices, which becomes all the more challenging when those choices need to be made with limited information.

          For the season of Lent, our Wednesday podcast will feature interviews with individuals who reflect upon the struggles, triumphs, and lessons learned throughout 2020. Though everyone's experience of the pandemic and its ensuing struggles are unique, it has become quickly apparent how many of these challenges we have shared and how we can stand to learn much from each other.

          In addition, during Lent, be sure to tune back in on Sunday evenings for our "normal" Pastor Talk Podcast releases when Clint and Michael discuss a variety of the lessons that they have learned throughout this season. This coming week, the two pastors will reflect on our human temptation to simplify complex realities into simple, binary issues.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Reflections on 2020" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Reflections on 2020: Josh Bolluyt & Terry Bruinsma false no 40:22 No no           Reflections on 2020: Social Media https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/reflections-on-2020-social-media/ Sun, 14 Mar 2021 22:30:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9630 This episode of the Pastor Talk Podcast features the fourth in our our series of Pastors' reflections on lessons learned during the last year. In this episode, the Pastors explore how social media has shaped our experience of the last year. Regardless of how often you consume social media personally, it has become a powerful cultural force shaping our collective imaginations and transforming many of the "traditional" media companies. This conversation explores how social media can create echo chambers that destroys community and prevents us from challenging our deepest assumptions. To continue to grow as Christian community in our current time requires us to both understand social media and explore how we can use it as a tool for discipleship while avoiding some of the pitfalls it inevitably creates.

          All are welcome to join us at 7pm CST on March 7th at https://fpcspiritlake.org/lentendiscussion for a live discussion of this material. The conversation can also be accessed via phone if your internet is not stable by calling (321) 802-1696‬ PIN: ‪124 857 158‬#.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Reflections on 2020" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 8 9 This episode of the Pastor Talk Podcast features the fourth in our our series of Pastors' reflections on lessons learned during the last year. In this episode, the Pastors explore how social media has shaped our experience of the last year. Regardless of how often you consume social media personally, it has become a powerful cultural force shaping our collective imaginations and transforming many of the "traditional" media companies. This conversation explores how social media can create echo chambers that destroys community and prevents us from challenging our deepest assumptions. To continue to grow as Christian community in our current time requires us to both understand social media and explore how we can use it as a tool for discipleship while avoiding some of the pitfalls it inevitably creates.

          All are welcome to join us at 7pm CST on March 7th at https://fpcspiritlake.org/lentendiscussion for a live discussion of this material. The conversation can also be accessed via phone if your internet is not stable by calling (321) 802-1696‬ PIN: ‪124 857 158‬#.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Reflections on 2020" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Reflections on 2020: Social Media false no 51:14 No no           Reflections on 2020: Greg Jenness https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/reflections-on-2020-greg-jenness/ Wed, 10 Mar 2021 15:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9606 Today, we talk with Greg Jenness about how the pandemic affected his local business and his ministry to grieving families all while navigating the multitude of changes with his young family. This conversation is far reaching and invites all of us to ask how the changes in our life impacted what we have thought, felt, and done in this season.

          For the season of Lent, our Wednesday podcast will feature interviews with individuals who reflect upon the struggles, triumphs, and lessons learned throughout 2020. Though everyone's experience of the pandemic and its ensuing struggles are unique, it has become quickly apparent how many of these challenges we have shared and how we can stand to learn much from each other.

          In addition, during Lent, be sure to tune back in on Sunday evenings for our "normal" Pastor Talk Podcast releases when Clint and Michael discuss a variety of the lessons that they have learned throughout this season. This coming week, the two pastors will reflect on fear and its effects on ourselves and our communities.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Reflections on 2020" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 7 9 Today, we talk with Greg Jenness about how the pandemic affected his local business and his ministry to grieving families all while navigating the multitude of changes with his young family. This conversation is far reaching and invites all of us to ask how the changes in our life impacted what we have thought, felt, and done in this season.

          For the season of Lent, our Wednesday podcast will feature interviews with individuals who reflect upon the struggles, triumphs, and lessons learned throughout 2020. Though everyone's experience of the pandemic and its ensuing struggles are unique, it has become quickly apparent how many of these challenges we have shared and how we can stand to learn much from each other.

          In addition, during Lent, be sure to tune back in on Sunday evenings for our "normal" Pastor Talk Podcast releases when Clint and Michael discuss a variety of the lessons that they have learned throughout this season. This coming week, the two pastors will reflect on fear and its effects on ourselves and our communities.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Reflections on 2020" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Reflections on 2020: Greg Jenness false no 38:54 No no           Reflections on 2020: Fear https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/reflections-on-2020-fear/ Sun, 07 Mar 2021 23:30:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9595 This episode of the Pastor Talk Podcast features the third in our our series of Pastors' reflections on lessons learned during the last year. In this episode, the Pastors reflect upon the many ways that fear impacted our lives throughout this season. They explore our instinctive human reaction to fear and how it can restrict us from fully considering all of the nuanced challenges and potential solutions that are available. As people of faith, the scriptural mandate to live in peace becomes an important reminder and an essential challenge to our lived faith in the coming year.

          If you are interested in this topic and would like to dive deeper. Make sure to check out our mini-series Peace.

          All are welcome to join us at 7pm CST on March 7th at https://fpcspiritlake.org/lentendiscussion for a live discussion of this material. The conversation can also be accessed via phone if your internet is not stable by calling (402) 277-8331‬ and use PIN: 158 501 497‬#.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Reflections on 2020" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 6 9 This episode of the Pastor Talk Podcast features the third in our our series of Pastors' reflections on lessons learned during the last year. In this episode, the Pastors reflect upon the many ways that fear impacted our lives throughout this season. They explore our instinctive human reaction to fear and how it can restrict us from fully considering all of the nuanced challenges and potential solutions that are available. As people of faith, the scriptural mandate to live in peace becomes an important reminder and an essential challenge to our lived faith in the coming year.

          If you are interested in this topic and would like to dive deeper. Make sure to check out our mini-series Peace.

          All are welcome to join us at 7pm CST on March 7th at https://fpcspiritlake.org/lentendiscussion for a live discussion of this material. The conversation can also be accessed via phone if your internet is not stable by calling (402) 277-8331‬ and use PIN: 158 501 497‬#.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Reflections on 2020" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Reflections on 2020: Fear false no 47:21 No no           Reflections on 2020: Carol Ayres https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/reflections-on-2020-carol-ayres/ Wed, 03 Mar 2021 15:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9578 Today, we talk with Carol Ayres about the opportunities and challenges she navigated throughout the previous year as a college music educator, student mentor, and church musician. Her vantage as community college band professor gives us the ability to see how the broader musical community rallied together to find new ways to help students engage in music in very trying times as well as some of the ongoing challenges that lay ahead for that community. Our conversation was filled with hope and optimism but yet was anchored by some of the difficult questions that this year has created.

          For the season of Lent, our Wednesday podcast will feature interviews with individuals who reflect upon the struggles, triumphs, and lessons learned throughout 2020. Though everyone's experience of the pandemic and its ensuing struggles are unique, it has become quickly apparent how many of these challenges we have shared and how we can stand to learn much from each other.

          In addition, during Lent, be sure to tune back in on Sunday evenings for our "normal" Pastor Talk Podcast releases when Clint and Michael discuss a variety of the lessons that they have learned throughout this season. This coming week, the two pastors will reflect on fear and its effects on ourselves and our communities.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Reflections on 2020" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 5 9 Today, we talk with Carol Ayres about the opportunities and challenges she navigated throughout the previous year as a college music educator, student mentor, and church musician. Her vantage as community college band professor gives us the ability to see how the broader musical community rallied together to find new ways to help students engage in music in very trying times as well as some of the ongoing challenges that lay ahead for that community. Our conversation was filled with hope and optimism but yet was anchored by some of the difficult questions that this year has created.

          For the season of Lent, our Wednesday podcast will feature interviews with individuals who reflect upon the struggles, triumphs, and lessons learned throughout 2020. Though everyone's experience of the pandemic and its ensuing struggles are unique, it has become quickly apparent how many of these challenges we have shared and how we can stand to learn much from each other.

          In addition, during Lent, be sure to tune back in on Sunday evenings for our "normal" Pastor Talk Podcast releases when Clint and Michael discuss a variety of the lessons that they have learned throughout this season. This coming week, the two pastors will reflect on fear and its effects on ourselves and our communities.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Reflections on 2020" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Reflections on 2020: Carol Ayres false no 44:50 No no           Reflections on 2020: Division https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/reflections-on-2020-division/ Sun, 28 Feb 2021 23:30:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9569 This episode of the Pastor Talk Podcast features the second in our our series of Pastors' reflections on lessons learned during the last year. In this episode, the Pastors reflect upon the many kinds of division present throughout this season. Some time is spent reflecting on the source of division, the devastating impact of unchecked division, and how Christians are called to navigate a constantly dividing world. We are glad to have you join us for this challenging conversation and would love to continue the conversation with us in our Sunday evening discussion.

          All are welcome to join us at 7pm CST on February 28th at https://fpcspiritlake.org/lentendiscussion for a live discussion of this material. The conversation can also be accessed via phone if your internet is not stable by calling (513) 472-1073‬ and use PIN: ‪440 655 256‬#.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Reflections on 2020" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 4 9 This episode of the Pastor Talk Podcast features the second in our our series of Pastors' reflections on lessons learned during the last year. In this episode, the Pastors reflect upon the many kinds of division present throughout this season. Some time is spent reflecting on the source of division, the devastating impact of unchecked division, and how Christians are called to navigate a constantly dividing world. We are glad to have you join us for this challenging conversation and would love to continue the conversation with us in our Sunday evening discussion.

          All are welcome to join us at 7pm CST on February 28th at https://fpcspiritlake.org/lentendiscussion for a live discussion of this material. The conversation can also be accessed via phone if your internet is not stable by calling (513) 472-1073‬ and use PIN: ‪440 655 256‬#.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Reflections on 2020" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Reflections on 2020: Division false no 48:03 No no           Reflections on 2020: Emma Loveall & Daniel Stover https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/reflections-on-2020-loveall-stover/ Wed, 24 Feb 2021 15:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9541 For the season of Lent, our Wednesday podcast will feature interviews with individuals who reflect upon the struggles, triumphs, and lessons learned throughout 2020. Though everyone's experience of the pandemic and its ensuing struggles are unique, it has become quickly apparent how many of these challenges we have shared and how we can stand to learn much from each other.

          In addition, during Lent, be sure to tune back in on Sunday evenings for our "normal" Pastor Talk Podcast releases when Clint and Michael discuss a variety of the lessons that they have learned throughout this season. This coming week, the two pastors will reflect on division and its powerful role in these challenging times.

          Today, we talk with Emma Loveall and Daniel Stover about their experience over the last year. Emma Loveall's transition from high school to college has been radically different than what most of us have experienced. And though most of haven't gone through Medical school, Daniel Stover has been reflecting on health and wellness during residencies and specialized medical training throughout the pandemic. We thank both Emma and Daniel for making time to share their experiences and reflections with us.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Reflections on 2020" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 3 9 For the season of Lent, our Wednesday podcast will feature interviews with individuals who reflect upon the struggles, triumphs, and lessons learned throughout 2020. Though everyone's experience of the pandemic and its ensuing struggles are unique, it has become quickly apparent how many of these challenges we have shared and how we can stand to learn much from each other.

          In addition, during Lent, be sure to tune back in on Sunday evenings for our "normal" Pastor Talk Podcast releases when Clint and Michael discuss a variety of the lessons that they have learned throughout this season. This coming week, the two pastors will reflect on division and its powerful role in these challenging times.

          Today, we talk with Emma Loveall and Daniel Stover about their experience over the last year. Emma Loveall's transition from high school to college has been radically different than what most of us have experienced. And though most of haven't gone through Medical school, Daniel Stover has been reflecting on health and wellness during residencies and specialized medical training throughout the pandemic. We thank both Emma and Daniel for making time to share their experiences and reflections with us.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Reflections on 2020" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Reflections on 2020: Emma Loveall & Daniel Stover false no 45:39 No no           Reflections on 2020: Change https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/reflections-on-2020-change/ Mon, 22 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9529 Beginning our Sunday night Lenten series, this Pastor Talk Podcast episode features Pastors Clint and Michael as they reflect upon the first of the lessons that they have learned throughout the last year. In this discussion on change, they explore how difficult change can be, especially when it seems like it goes on without end. The conversation ultimately asks all of us to consider how we have addressed change in this momentous season and what implications it might have for us in the future.

          All are welcome to join us at 7pm CST on February 21st at https://fpcspiritlake.org/lentendiscussion for a live discussion of this material. The conversation can also be accessed via phone if your internet is not stable by calling (513) 839-2354‬ and use PIN: ‪824 017 126‬#.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Reflections on 2020" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 2 9 Beginning our Sunday night Lenten series, this Pastor Talk Podcast episode features Pastors Clint and Michael as they reflect upon the first of the lessons that they have learned throughout the last year. In this discussion on change, they explore how difficult change can be, especially when it seems like it goes on without end. The conversation ultimately asks all of us to consider how we have addressed change in this momentous season and what implications it might have for us in the future.

          All are welcome to join us at 7pm CST on February 21st at https://fpcspiritlake.org/lentendiscussion for a live discussion of this material. The conversation can also be accessed via phone if your internet is not stable by calling (513) 839-2354‬ and use PIN: ‪824 017 126‬#.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Reflections on 2020" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Reflections on 2020: Change false no 49:07 No no           Reflections on 2020: Kim Johnson https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/reflections-on-2020-kim-johnson/ Wed, 17 Feb 2021 15:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9492 For the season of Lent, our Wednesday podcast will feature interviews with individuals who reflect upon the struggles, triumphs, and lessons learned throughout 2020. Though everyone's experience of the pandemic and its ensuing struggles are unique, it has become quickly apparent how many of these challenges we have shared and how we can stand to learn much from each other.

          In addition, during Lent, be sure to tune back in on Sunday evenings for our "normal" Pastor Talk Podcast releases when Clint and Michael discuss a variety of the lessons that they have learned throughout this season.

          Today, we talk with Kim Johnson about her experience of navigating the pandemic with a young family. We quickly discover all of the challenges of helping children navigate these difficult times while balancing the concerns of work and health. Special thanks to Kim Johnson for her willingness to share her (and her family's) story with us.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Reflections on 2020" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 1 9 For the season of Lent, our Wednesday podcast will feature interviews with individuals who reflect upon the struggles, triumphs, and lessons learned throughout 2020. Though everyone's experience of the pandemic and its ensuing struggles are unique, it has become quickly apparent how many of these challenges we have shared and how we can stand to learn much from each other.

          In addition, during Lent, be sure to tune back in on Sunday evenings for our "normal" Pastor Talk Podcast releases when Clint and Michael discuss a variety of the lessons that they have learned throughout this season.

          Today, we talk with Kim Johnson about her experience of navigating the pandemic with a young family. We quickly discover all of the challenges of helping children navigate these difficult times while balancing the concerns of work and health. Special thanks to Kim Johnson for her willingness to share her (and her family's) story with us.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this "Reflections on 2020" Lenten Pastor Talk Podcast series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Reflections on 2020: Kim Johnson false no 42:11 No no           Peace in Practice https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/peace-in-practice/ Wed, 10 Feb 2021 15:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9447 In this second (and final) episode of our mini-series on Peace, Pastors Clint and Michael discuss how Christians can practice spiritual disciplines that foster peace in our lives. Though we live in a moment filled with anxiety and fears of all kinds, Christians can experience peace as a gift of God. This conversation is filled with practice suggestions of the small things that Christians can do to increase our awareness of God's presence in our lives and celebrate the peace that comes in the midst of the storm.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this mini series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 2 8 In this second (and final) episode of our mini-series on Peace, Pastors Clint and Michael discuss how Christians can practice spiritual disciplines that foster peace in our lives. Though we live in a moment filled with anxiety and fears of all kinds, Christians can experience peace as a gift of God. This conversation is filled with practice suggestions of the small things that Christians can do to increase our awareness of God's presence in our lives and celebrate the peace that comes in the midst of the storm.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this mini series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Peace in Practice false no 55:54 No no           The Peace Imperative https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/the-peace-imperative/ Wed, 03 Feb 2021 15:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9403 Peace is more than just a good idea, it is a spiritual command interwoven throughout the entire Bible. Yet, to most Christians, peace seems ever elusive, a simple idea to understand but an unbelievably difficult spiritual discipline to practice. In this first episode of our Pastor Talk Podcast mini-series "Peace", the pastors explore what makes peace so important to God and why it so difficult for us to practice in our lives.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this mini series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 1 8 Peace is more than just a good idea, it is a spiritual command interwoven throughout the entire Bible. Yet, to most Christians, peace seems ever elusive, a simple idea to understand but an unbelievably difficult spiritual discipline to practice. In this first episode of our Pastor Talk Podcast mini-series "Peace", the pastors explore what makes peace so important to God and why it so difficult for us to practice in our lives.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from this mini series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png The Peace Imperative false no 44:09 No no           Faith Fights: Things Worth Fighting For https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/faith-fights-things-worth-fighting-for/ Wed, 27 Jan 2021 15:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9362 Church history is filled with examples of when Christians picked the wrong fights but does that mean that there aren't any things worth fighting for? Absolutely not! Join Pastors Clint and Michael in this concluding conversation in the Faith Fights series as they discuss what things are worth fighting for in the Christian church.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Faith Fights series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 8 7 Church history is filled with examples of when Christians picked the wrong fights but does that mean that there aren't any things worth fighting for? Absolutely not! Join Pastors Clint and Michael in this concluding conversation in the Faith Fights series as they discuss what things are worth fighting for in the Christian church.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Faith Fights series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Faith Fights: Things Worth Fighting For false no 47:55 No no           Faith Fights: Morality https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/faith-fights-morality/ Wed, 20 Jan 2021 15:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9330

          When people think of Faith Fights, they often think about the knock down, drag out fights about what things Christians can and cannot do. In this episode, Pastors Clint and Michael discuss how Christians can think about faith and discipleship without falling into either moralism or permissivism. They explore how faith can become a source of transformation of character as opposed to a rulebook for life.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Faith Fights series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 7 7

          When people think of Faith Fights, they often think about the knock down, drag out fights about what things Christians can and cannot do. In this episode, Pastors Clint and Michael discuss how Christians can think about faith and discipleship without falling into either moralism or permissivism. They explore how faith can become a source of transformation of character as opposed to a rulebook for life.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Faith Fights series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Faith Fights: Morality false no 54:50 No no           Faith Fights: Us & Them https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/faith-fights-us-them/ Wed, 13 Jan 2021 15:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9296 Faith Fights, like all fights, tend to divide people into opposing camps. In this conversation, Pastors Clint and Michael explore how the church is similar to other organizations in that we struggle to keep ourselves from dividing into bitter opposition. And yet, unlike other organizations, the church is united in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This reality should reshape all of our church conflicts and stand as a witness to the power of the Gospel at work in our lives.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Faith Fights series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 6 7 Faith Fights, like all fights, tend to divide people into opposing camps. In this conversation, Pastors Clint and Michael explore how the church is similar to other organizations in that we struggle to keep ourselves from dividing into bitter opposition. And yet, unlike other organizations, the church is united in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This reality should reshape all of our church conflicts and stand as a witness to the power of the Gospel at work in our lives.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Faith Fights series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Faith Fights: Us & Them false no 55:46 No no           Faith Fights: Worship https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/faith-fights-worship/ Wed, 06 Jan 2021 15:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9258 Among the most notable church arguments in the last decade, the church fights over worship became known as the "worship wars." Although these arguments are well known, in truth, churches have fought over nearly every aspect of worship for hundreds of years, from the music, to the sanctuary, to the the types of clothes congregants should wear. In this conversation, Pastors Clint and Michael attempt to separate between the substantial and preferential aspects of our arguments over church worship with the hope that we can be rooted in the praise and adoration of the center of our worship--Jesus Christ.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Faith Fights series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 5 7 Among the most notable church arguments in the last decade, the church fights over worship became known as the "worship wars." Although these arguments are well known, in truth, churches have fought over nearly every aspect of worship for hundreds of years, from the music, to the sanctuary, to the the types of clothes congregants should wear. In this conversation, Pastors Clint and Michael attempt to separate between the substantial and preferential aspects of our arguments over church worship with the hope that we can be rooted in the praise and adoration of the center of our worship--Jesus Christ.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Faith Fights series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Faith Fights: Worship false no 51:13 No no           Faith Fights: The Reformation https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/faith-fights-the-reformation/ Wed, 30 Dec 2020 15:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9231 In some ways the biggest faith fight of all time, the Reformation stands as one of the most tumultuous times for the Christian church. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they review the history of the Reformation, explore its key figures Luther, Calvin, and Knox, as well as explore its fundamental disagreements. The Reformation began one of the most significant transformations in Christian history and ultimately led to the theological and institutional guides that undergird the Presbyterian church to this day.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Faith Fights series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 4 7 In some ways the biggest faith fight of all time, the Reformation stands as one of the most tumultuous times for the Christian church. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they review the history of the Reformation, explore its key figures Luther, Calvin, and Knox, as well as explore its fundamental disagreements. The Reformation began one of the most significant transformations in Christian history and ultimately led to the theological and institutional guides that undergird the Presbyterian church to this day.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Faith Fights series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Faith Fights: The Reformation false no 54:46 No no           Faith Fights: The Bible https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/faith-fights-the-bible/ Wed, 23 Dec 2020 15:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9214 This week, Pastors Clint and Michael discuss the many different faith fights over the Bible. Every Christian would agree that the scriptures are an important part of the faith but throughout history until today there has been significant disagreement about the Bible. Christians have fought over which books should be included, how to read them, what to do with different translations, and how Christians should understand the Old Testament, and much more. In this far reaching conversation, the Pastors will explore these wide ranging fights and suggest that the power of scripture can be found beyond its simple words in God's own revelation.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Faith Fights series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 3 7 This week, Pastors Clint and Michael discuss the many different faith fights over the Bible. Every Christian would agree that the scriptures are an important part of the faith but throughout history until today there has been significant disagreement about the Bible. Christians have fought over which books should be included, how to read them, what to do with different translations, and how Christians should understand the Old Testament, and much more. In this far reaching conversation, the Pastors will explore these wide ranging fights and suggest that the power of scripture can be found beyond its simple words in God's own revelation.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Faith Fights series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Faith Fights: The Bible false no 56:19 No no           Faith Fights: Jesus https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/faith-fights-jesus/ Wed, 16 Dec 2020 15:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9163 This week, Pastors Clint and Michael explore the historically foundational argument of the Christian church, the substance and meaning of Jesus. This conversation is a deep dive into the history and implications of the biggest conflicts in the early church. Though at times heady, these fights later became codified in the church's creeds as the final definition of right belief and practice for all the Christians that followed them. These great fights are foundational for all of the other fights that followed and mark the first step in our new series, "Faith Fights."

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Faith Fights series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 2 7 This week, Pastors Clint and Michael explore the historically foundational argument of the Christian church, the substance and meaning of Jesus. This conversation is a deep dive into the history and implications of the biggest conflicts in the early church. Though at times heady, these fights later became codified in the church's creeds as the final definition of right belief and practice for all the Christians that followed them. These great fights are foundational for all of the other fights that followed and mark the first step in our new series, "Faith Fights."

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Faith Fights series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Faith Fights: Jesus false no 48:54 No no           Why Do Christians Fight? https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/why-do-christians-fight/ Wed, 09 Dec 2020 15:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9086 Join Pastors Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke as they begin a new series called "Faith Fights." From historic arguments over doctrine to modern conflicts over preferences, Christians have managed to fight about almost anything. Some of these family squabbles have had monumental importance and some have been largely a waste of time and energy. Join Clint and Michael weekly in December and January for a mostly lighthearted look at some of the things Christians have fought about, why they did it, who won, and whether it matters.  

          In this introductory episode, Pastors Clint and Michael will explore the fundamental question, "Why do Christians fight?" Throughout the course of the conversation we will see that conflict has been a reality for Christians since the very beginning of the faith. And conflict, though often a challenge, has been used by God to lead the church to greater faith and more faithful practice. Fighting isn't always bad nor has it always been destructive, but it has been a long and storied reality for Christians. It turns out that there are a lot of things that Christians have fought over but only a few reasons why.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Faith Fights series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 1 6 Join Pastors Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke as they begin a new series called "Faith Fights." From historic arguments over doctrine to modern conflicts over preferences, Christians have managed to fight about almost anything. Some of these family squabbles have had monumental importance and some have been largely a waste of time and energy. Join Clint and Michael weekly in December and January for a mostly lighthearted look at some of the things Christians have fought about, why they did it, who won, and whether it matters.  

          In this introductory episode, Pastors Clint and Michael will explore the fundamental question, "Why do Christians fight?" Throughout the course of the conversation we will see that conflict has been a reality for Christians since the very beginning of the faith. And conflict, though often a challenge, has been used by God to lead the church to greater faith and more faithful practice. Fighting isn't always bad nor has it always been destructive, but it has been a long and storied reality for Christians. It turns out that there are a lot of things that Christians have fought over but only a few reasons why.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Faith Fights series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Why Do Christians Fight? false no 51:12 No no           Practicing Faith: Conclusion https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/practicing-faith-conclusion/ Wed, 02 Dec 2020 15:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9048 Join Pastors Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke as they conclude the Practicing Faith series. In this week's conversation, you will be encouraged to choose and practice at least one new practice that will help you see God's presence all around you. Regardless of what practices you will find most helpful in this current season, rest assured that the Christians who have gone before us have left us more than enough tools to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Practicing Faith series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 10 5 Join Pastors Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke as they conclude the Practicing Faith series. In this week's conversation, you will be encouraged to choose and practice at least one new practice that will help you see God's presence all around you. Regardless of what practices you will find most helpful in this current season, rest assured that the Christians who have gone before us have left us more than enough tools to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Practicing Faith series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Practicing Faith: Conclusion false no 37:53 No no           Practicing Faith: Hospitality https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/practicing-faith-hospitality/ Wed, 25 Nov 2020 15:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9040 Join Pastors Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke as they discuss how Christian hospitality is so much more than just simply hosting others. At it's core, Christian hospitality invites us to practice loving our neighbor even as we are loved by Jesus Christ. This practice, even more than some others in this series, may surprise you with how much deeper our Christian practice can take us than we expect.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Practicing Faith series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 9 5 Join Pastors Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke as they discuss how Christian hospitality is so much more than just simply hosting others. At it's core, Christian hospitality invites us to practice loving our neighbor even as we are loved by Jesus Christ. This practice, even more than some others in this series, may surprise you with how much deeper our Christian practice can take us than we expect.

          Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Practicing Faith series in our video library. Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Practicing Faith: Hospitality false no 55:45 No no           Practicing Faith: Simplicity https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/practicing-faith-simplicity/ Wed, 18 Nov 2020 15:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=9016 Join Pastors Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke as they discuss how pursuing simplicity can help us identify the stuff that threatens to become overly important in our lives. By intentionally pursuing simpler schedules, homes, relationships, etc. we discover a fundamentally important spiritual discipline. Though not always an easy practice, the pursuit of Christian simplicity can often be life-changing. Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Practicing Faith series in our video library.

          Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 8 5 Join Pastors Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke as they discuss how pursuing simplicity can help us identify the stuff that threatens to become overly important in our lives. By intentionally pursuing simpler schedules, homes, relationships, etc. we discover a fundamentally important spiritual discipline. Though not always an easy practice, the pursuit of Christian simplicity can often be life-changing. Be sure to subscribe and share with others so that they too can be part of the Pastor Talk podcast!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Practicing Faith series in our video library.

          Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Practicing Faith: Simplicity false no 48:19 No no           Practicing Faith: Gratitude https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/practicing-faith-gratitude/ Wed, 11 Nov 2020 15:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=8962 Join Pastors Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke as they discuss how gratitude is an essential practice of the Christian life. Though we set aside Thanksgiving as a season to think about the material blessings of our lives, Christian gratitude is rooted much deeper in the life and love of Jesus Christ who gave himself for us so that we might know eternal life. Following Christ's gift, everything else in our life is merely a response to the goodness that he has offered to us. Gratitude is a daily practice that is available to every Christian regardless of their present circumstances. Join the Pastors for this challenging conversation as we all seek to become more grateful people.

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Practicing Faith series in our video library.

          Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 7 5 Join Pastors Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke as they discuss how gratitude is an essential practice of the Christian life. Though we set aside Thanksgiving as a season to think about the material blessings of our lives, Christian gratitude is rooted much deeper in the life and love of Jesus Christ who gave himself for us so that we might know eternal life. Following Christ's gift, everything else in our life is merely a response to the goodness that he has offered to us. Gratitude is a daily practice that is available to every Christian regardless of their present circumstances. Join the Pastors for this challenging conversation as we all seek to become more grateful people.

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Practicing Faith series in our video library.

          Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Practicing Faith: Gratitude false no 50:47 No no           Practicing Faith: Reflection https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/practicing-faith-reflection/ Wed, 04 Nov 2020 15:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=8930 Join Pastors Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke as they discuss different ways to grow in the faith through self-reflection and Bible study. Whether you are drawn to a new kind of journaling, scripture study, or the examen, everyone will find a way to practice their faith through more intentional reflection. Have a different kind of reflection that has been more meaningful to you? Feel free to share it in the comments or let us know at fpcspiritlake.org/contact-us/!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Practicing Faith series in our video library.

          Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 6 5 Join Pastors Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke as they discuss different ways to grow in the faith through self-reflection and Bible study. Whether you are drawn to a new kind of journaling, scripture study, or the examen, everyone will find a way to practice their faith through more intentional reflection. Have a different kind of reflection that has been more meaningful to you? Feel free to share it in the comments or let us know at fpcspiritlake.org/contact-us/!

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Practicing Faith series in our video library.

          Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Practicing Faith: Reflection false no 56:18 No no           Practicing Faith: Physical https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/practicing-faith-physical/ Wed, 28 Oct 2020 14:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=8889 Join Pastors Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke as they discuss how our everyday physical practices can serve as gateways to a growing spiritual awareness. From prayer walks to "normal everyday routines" we can begin to see new signposts to God's presence in our lives and his love that constantly surrounds us. The physical aspect of the historic practices of the faith can be challenging, especially within the traditional Presbyterian context. Yet, all of us can be challenged to be aware of our own bodies and actions in the world can help us practice our faith in new and inspiring ways.

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Practicing Faith series in our video library.

          Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 5 5 Join Pastors Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke as they discuss how our everyday physical practices can serve as gateways to a growing spiritual awareness. From prayer walks to "normal everyday routines" we can begin to see new signposts to God's presence in our lives and his love that constantly surrounds us. The physical aspect of the historic practices of the faith can be challenging, especially within the traditional Presbyterian context. Yet, all of us can be challenged to be aware of our own bodies and actions in the world can help us practice our faith in new and inspiring ways.

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Practicing Faith series in our video library.

          Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Practicing Faith: Physical false no 48:36 No no           Practicing Faith: Forgiveness https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/practicing-faith-forgiveness/ Wed, 21 Oct 2020 14:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=8882 Join Pastors Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke as they discuss how last week's conversation about a Christian understanding of confession naturally leads to a fuller conversation about forgiveness. Whether we are talking about receiving forgiveness for ourselves or offering forgiveness to others, most people find forgiveness easy to understand but yet hard to do. We must not forget that Jesus proclaimed forgiveness of sins as one of his central messages making it an essential practice of the Christian life. If you find this conversation particularly challenging, please be sure to reach out and talk to one of the pastors and they would be happy to help direct you to some helpful resources.

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Practicing Faith series in our video library.

          Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 4 5 Join Pastors Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke as they discuss how last week's conversation about a Christian understanding of confession naturally leads to a fuller conversation about forgiveness. Whether we are talking about receiving forgiveness for ourselves or offering forgiveness to others, most people find forgiveness easy to understand but yet hard to do. We must not forget that Jesus proclaimed forgiveness of sins as one of his central messages making it an essential practice of the Christian life. If you find this conversation particularly challenging, please be sure to reach out and talk to one of the pastors and they would be happy to help direct you to some helpful resources.

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Practicing Faith series in our video library.

          Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Practicing Faith: Forgiveness false no 58:29 No no           Practicing Faith: Confession https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/practicing-faith-confession/ Wed, 14 Oct 2020 14:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=8879 Join Pastors Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke as they discuss the difficult and yet necessary Christian practice of confession. The two Pastors discuss how often the spiritual practice of confession is misunderstood as celebrating overwhelming feelings of personal guilt. Everyone is welcome to join the conversation as the Pastors explore how a healthy practice of confession should be an active gateway to spiritual freedom and celebration of God's plan for our best lives.

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Practicing Faith series in our video library.

          Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 3 5 Join Pastors Clint Loveall and Michael Gewecke as they discuss the difficult and yet necessary Christian practice of confession. The two Pastors discuss how often the spiritual practice of confession is misunderstood as celebrating overwhelming feelings of personal guilt. Everyone is welcome to join the conversation as the Pastors explore how a healthy practice of confession should be an active gateway to spiritual freedom and celebration of God's plan for our best lives.

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Practicing Faith series in our video library.

          Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Practicing Faith: Confession false no 1:01:40 No no           Practicing Faith: Prayer https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/practicing-faith-prayer/ Wed, 07 Oct 2020 14:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=8871 In this conversation about the foundational spiritual practice of prayer, Pastors Clint and Michael discuss how prayer can be much more varied and creative than we often consider. Turning to scripture and the wisdom of the historic church, the Pastors explore how we might all reimagine prayer as an ongoing conversation with a living God. This gracious and life giving invitation is available to all of us if we are willing to trust God and open ourselves to his presence in our lives.

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Practicing Faith series in our video library.

          Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 2 5 In this conversation about the foundational spiritual practice of prayer, Pastors Clint and Michael discuss how prayer can be much more varied and creative than we often consider. Turning to scripture and the wisdom of the historic church, the Pastors explore how we might all reimagine prayer as an ongoing conversation with a living God. This gracious and life giving invitation is available to all of us if we are willing to trust God and open ourselves to his presence in our lives.

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Practicing Faith series in our video library.

          Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Practicing Faith: Prayer false no 40:36 No no           Practicing Faith: Introduction https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/practicing-faith-introduction/ Wed, 30 Sep 2020 14:00:00 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=8855 In this introductory conversation, Pastors Clint and Michael kick off a new series exploring Spiritual Practices called "Practicing Faith." These Biblical and ancient Christian practices allow Christians to deepen their faith and create a greater awareness of God's presence in their lives. In this introductory conversation, the pastors help define a broad understanding of spiritual awareness and what it means to practice it. Join us for an engaging conversation that invites us to lives filled with peace, gratitude, and the firm knowledge that God goes with us on every step of our journey of faith.

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Practicing Faith series in our video library.

          Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           full 1 5 In this introductory conversation, Pastors Clint and Michael kick off a new series exploring Spiritual Practices called "Practicing Faith." These Biblical and ancient Christian practices allow Christians to deepen their faith and create a greater awareness of God's presence in their lives. In this introductory conversation, the pastors help define a broad understanding of spiritual awareness and what it means to practice it. Join us for an engaging conversation that invites us to lives filled with peace, gratitude, and the firm knowledge that God goes with us on every step of our journey of faith.

          You can watch video of this and all episodes from the Practicing Faith series in our video library.

          Learn more about the Pastor Talk Podcast, subscribe for email notifications, and browse our entire library at fpcspiritlake.org/pastortalk.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pastor-talk-logo-scaled.png Practicing Faith: Introduction false no 40:36 No no           Exhibition of the Kingdom https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/exhibition-of-the-kingdom/ Wed, 17 Apr 2019 14:05:32 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=7510 Pastor Clint teaches on the sixth great ends of the church as found in the PC(USA) Book of Order. You can read the original text for yourself here.

          ]]>           full 6 2 Pastor Clint teaches on the sixth great ends of the church as found in the PC(USA) Book of Order. You can read the original text for yourself here.

          ]]>           false no 31:32 No no           Promotion of Social Righteousness https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/promotion-of-social-righteousness/ Mon, 08 Apr 2019 15:26:47 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=7497 Pastor Michael teaches on the fifth great ends of the church as found in the PC(USA) Book of Order. You can read the original text for yourself here.

          Feel free to join us every Sunday evening at 5:00pm for soup and bread followed by the lecture at 5:30pm. Childcare is provided.

          ]]>           full 5 2 Pastor Michael teaches on the fifth great ends of the church as found in the PC(USA) Book of Order. You can read the original text for yourself here.

          Feel free to join us every Sunday evening at 5:00pm for soup and bread followed by the lecture at 5:30pm. Childcare is provided.

          ]]>           false no 51:48 No no           Preservation of the Truth https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/preservation-of-the-truth/ Mon, 01 Apr 2019 13:55:56 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=7486 Pastor Clint teaches on the first great ends of the church as found in the PC(USA) Book of Order. You can read the original text for yourself here.

          Feel free to join us every Sunday evening at 5:00pm for soup and bread followed by the lecture at 5:30pm. Childcare is provided.

          ]]>           full 4 2 Pastor Clint teaches on the first great ends of the church as found in the PC(USA) Book of Order. You can read the original text for yourself here.

          Feel free to join us every Sunday evening at 5:00pm for soup and bread followed by the lecture at 5:30pm. Childcare is provided.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Six-Great-Ends-of-the-Church-Box.png Preservation of the Truth false no 39:38 No no           The maintenance of Divine worship https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/the-maintenance-of-divine-worship/ Mon, 25 Mar 2019 13:37:25 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=7475 Pastor Clint teaches on the first great ends of the church as found in the PC(USA) Book of Order. You can read the original text for yourself here.

          Feel free to join us every Sunday evening at 5:00pm for soup and bread followed by the lecture at 5:30pm. Childcare is provided.

          ]]>           full 3 2 Pastor Clint teaches on the first great ends of the church as found in the PC(USA) Book of Order. You can read the original text for yourself here.

          Feel free to join us every Sunday evening at 5:00pm for soup and bread followed by the lecture at 5:30pm. Childcare is provided.

          ]]>           false no 1:02:32 No no           The shelter, nurture and spiritual fellowship of the children of God https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/the-shelter-nurture-and-spiritual-fellowship-of-the-children-of-god/ Mon, 18 Mar 2019 16:34:50 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=7467 Pastor Clint teaches on the first great ends of the church as found in the PC(USA) Book of Order. You can read the original text for yourself here.

          Feel free to join us every Sunday evening at 5:00pm for soup and bread followed by the lecture at 5:30pm. Childcare is provided.

          ]]>           full 2 2 Pastor Clint teaches on the first great ends of the church as found in the PC(USA) Book of Order. You can read the original text for yourself here.

          Feel free to join us every Sunday evening at 5:00pm for soup and bread followed by the lecture at 5:30pm. Childcare is provided.

          ]]>           false no 42:42 No no           The proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/the-proclamation-of-the-gospel-for-the-salvation-of-humankind/ Mon, 11 Mar 2019 13:56:51 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=7452 Pastor Clint teaches on the first great ends of the church as found in the PC(USA) Book of Order. You can read the original text for yourself here.

          Feel free to join us every Sunday evening at 5:00pm for soup and bread followed by the lecture at 5:30pm. Childcare is provided.

          ]]>           full 1 2 Pastor Clint teaches on the first great ends of the church as found in the PC(USA) Book of Order. You can read the original text for yourself here.

          Feel free to join us every Sunday evening at 5:00pm for soup and bread followed by the lecture at 5:30pm. Childcare is provided.

          ]]>           false no 49:38 No no           Everything is Awesome https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/everything-is-awesome/ Mon, 26 Mar 2018 19:32:12 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=6906 This week Pastor Clint shares how contemporary cultural ideas impact our understanding of what we believe and also its impact on what we do.

          ]]>           This week Pastor Clint shares how contemporary cultural ideas impact our understanding of what we believe and also its impact on what we do.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Lenten-Study-1-mp3-image.jpg Everything is Awesome false no 51:48 No no           Prosperity Gospel https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/prosperity-gospel/ Tue, 20 Mar 2018 13:43:34 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=6896 Pastor Michael talks about the history of the Word of Faith movement and its contributions to what we now call the "Prosperity Gospel."

          ]]>           Pastor Michael talks about the history of the Word of Faith movement and its contributions to what we now call the "Prosperity Gospel."

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Lenten-Study-1-mp3-image.jpg Prosperity Gospel false no 51:46 No no           Freewill & Predestination https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/freewill-predestination/ Mon, 12 Mar 2018 18:42:09 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=6887 https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Lenten-Study-1-mp3-image.jpg Freewill & Predestination false no 50:28 No no Antinomianism & Legalism https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/antinomianism-legalism/ Mon, 05 Mar 2018 15:26:24 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=6877 This week Pastor Clint teaches the church's historic struggle to balance its understanding of free grace and moral expectation. This tension can be seen throughout the scriptures themselves, through the Reformation, and even in our lives today.

          ]]>           full This week Pastor Clint teaches the church's historic struggle to balance its understanding of free grace and moral expectation. This tension can be seen throughout the scriptures themselves, through the Reformation, and even in our lives today.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Lenten-Study-1-mp3-image.jpg Antinomianism & Legalism false no 50:59 No no           Trinity and Gnosticism https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/trinity-and-gnosticism/ Mon, 26 Feb 2018 21:46:32 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=6867 In this lecture, Pastor Clint teaches about the early church heresies surrounding the Trinity, including the significant church councils that addressed them, as well as some of the dramatic stories that punctuated them. In addition, he teaches about the "Gnostics" who grew up at around the same time of the church and who caused significant disputes within the Christian community about the identity and meaning of Jesus Christ.

          ]]>           full In this lecture, Pastor Clint teaches about the early church heresies surrounding the Trinity, including the significant church councils that addressed them, as well as some of the dramatic stories that punctuated them. In addition, he teaches about the "Gnostics" who grew up at around the same time of the church and who caused significant disputes within the Christian community about the identity and meaning of Jesus Christ.

          ]]>           https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Lenten-Study-1-mp3-image.jpg Trinity and Gnosticism false no 44:53 No no           Introduction and “Christological” Heresies https://fpcspiritlake.org/podcast/introduction-and-christological-heresies/ Tue, 20 Feb 2018 15:34:56 +0000 https://fpcspiritlake.org/?post_type=podcast&p=6848 full https://fpcspiritlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/completion.png Introduction and “Christological” Heresies false no 45:38 No no