Beards & Bible Podcast

Proverbs 18:21 tells us, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Words carry the power to divide, distort, and destroy, and in our divided and polarized society, the stakes have never been higher. Political rhetoric today inflames tensions, breaks down relationships, and spreads anger and fear. But as followers of Christ, we are called to something different—something higher.
As Christians, how do we speak truth and engage with the issues of our time without getting swept up in dangerous and hateful language that divides? How can we be peacemakers, even when we passionately disagree? In today’s episode, we’ll explore how we, as people of faith, can become critical thinkers, careful speakers, and living examples of Christ in a polarized world.
 

In today’s world, it seems like politicians have mastered the art of distorting the truth. They often use clever language and manipulative tactics to present themselves in the best possible light, while casting their opponents as completely unworthy of trust. The media, often driven by its own agenda, only adds to the confusion, making it difficult to know who’s really telling the truth.
But as Christians—and people of faith—we’re called to a higher standard. We’re not meant to just accept what’s said at face value. Scripture tells us to use discernment, to search for truth, and to seek justice in the midst of corruption and deceit. So how do we navigate this mess? How do we sift through the noise to find what’s real, and align our understanding with God’s truth?
 
In this week’s episode, we’re going to fact check tonight’s debate between U.S. presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris and explore these questions in order to discuss how we can better engage with politics and the media without losing our moral compass.

Scripture calls us as believers to go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. We’re supposed to be ready at any time to give an answer to everyone who asks us about the reason we have hope, and we’re supposed to do it with gentleness and respect. We’re told that we’re Christ’s ambassadors, imploring people to be reconciled with God.
 
But if we’re being honest…some of us aren’t doing too much preaching or sharing the gospel with those who aren’t Christians. We often struggle with fear of rejection or judgment, we lack of confidence because we often don’t know what to say, but more than anything, a lot of us have seen evangelism done wrong. And we don’t want to misrepresent the Christian faith.
 
What’s the most effective strategy to share Christ with those in our life that don’t know Him? And in what ways can we be ineffective?

On today's episode, we answer listener/viewer questions related to predestination and election, prayer labyrinths and their role within the church, and the 400 years of prophetic silence between the book of Malachi and Matthew's gospel. If you have any other questions, send us an email at beardsandbiblepodcast@gmail.com! 

It's been an interesting July, to say the least.
 
On July 13, former president Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt while addressing a crowd at a campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania. The aftermath of this event is still being talked about, as ripples have been felt throughout the political landscape here in the U.S.
 
Then on July 26, the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games took place in Paris, France. And let's just say, the reviews were varied...
The most noteworthy segment, in case you missed it, involved drag queens that was variously claimed to depict a feast with Dionysus—the ancient Greek god of wine—or what seemed to some people as a parody of The Last Supper. However it was meant by the ceremony producers, it was widely criticized as being a mockery of Christianity.
 
As Christians, how do we make sense of it all? What does the Christian worldview tell us about living for Christ in the midst of the uncertain times in which we live?

A common experience for many Christians is to encounter another believer who seems to think that their church is the only true church, and outside of that particular church (or ones like theirs who have similar names, traditions, or practices) there is no other true church. Some might go far as to say that others who belong to different churches may not even be saved.
 
So what is the one, true Church of Jesus Christ? Out of the roughly 45,000 Christian denominations, tribes, and traditions- which is one is the “true Church”? And how do we have conversations and dialogue with Christians who happen to think that their tribe is the only one doing things right?

There are now 17.8 million children in the U.S. without a biological father, step father, or adoptive father in the home. That’s nearly 1 in 4 kids. Research shows that when a child is raised in a father-absent home, they’re more likely to have behavioral problems, commit a crime, go to prison, become pregnant as a teen, get addicted to drugs and alcohol, and drop out of school.
 
Even though U.S. Census data and other research clearly shows the benefits of fathers playing active roles in the lives of their kids, our culture is sending a clear message that fathers are not needed, wanted, or even necessary. But nothing could be further from the truth.
 
So what are the challenges unique to being a Christian dad in today's culture, and how do we navigate them?

On May 30, former president Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to be convicted of a crime when a New York jury found him guilty of falsifying documents to cover up a payment to silence a porn star ahead of the 2016 election. After two days of deliberation, the 12-member jury pronounced Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts he faced.
This high-profile case has sparked conversations nationwide about the trial’s legitimacy, its implications, weaponization of the justice department for political causes, and the overall impact it will all have on the 2024 Presidential elections.
And if you’re a Christian…you’ve probably seen a lot of…interesting reactions from folks around. Like those crazy memes floating around that compare Trump to Jesus.
So what do we do with all of this? How can we keep a level head and a sober mind as we explore the moral, political, and spiritual implications of this high-profile case?

On this week's episode, Gabe and Josh talk of Gabe's upcoming baby, Josh's 13 year wedding anniversary, Josh's AIM screen name, and the gang answers some great questions sent in by listeners related to women in pastoral leadership and infant baptism. 

We’re commanded in Scripture to be anxious for nothing, to not worry about our lives, and to cast all our cares upon the Lord.
So…if we feel anxious or battle an anxiety disorder, are we in sin?
What about depression? Does being a Christian mean that we’ll never get depressed or battle intense seasons of despair or discouragement?
 
*****DISCLAIMER*****
We’re not therapists, psychologists, or mental health professionals. We’re pastors. Everything we talk about on today’s episode is from our point of view as people who give spiritual guidance to those in our congregation. So please be discerning as you listen and take it in with a grain of salt. If you’re dealing with mental health issues, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. Alright, back to the show.