Your Church Friends Podcast was started in hopes of helping Christians and non-Christians alike see God, Jesus, and the church through a Biblical lens. We cover a multitude of topics, ideas, theologies, and thoughts. We try our best to have honest and genuine conversations about them all. We enjoy taking a side by side look at what has been taught or is being taught and comparing it to what the Bible says. As Your Church Friends, we hope that our podcast helps all our listeners to listen to ...
…
continue reading
1
YCF Special: Rogelio Rodriguez Jr - Beatitudes Revisited
42:57
42:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:57
We're going way back in the time machine to a conversation between Chris and Special Guest Rogelio Rodriguez Jr that took place in 2021. This conversation served as a follow-up to Season 1, 'The Sermon on the Mount.' In it, they discuss: What are the Beatitudes? How does Jesus' use of the word 'blessed' differ from our understanding of 'blessed'? H…
…
continue reading
1
Discovering A Savior: Where Did Baptism Come From?
55:02
55:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:02
Where did baptism come from? It’s not practiced in the Old Testament, but then you enter the New Testament and there is John baptizing in the Jordan. Where did he get the idea to baptize people in the Jordan for the forgiveness of sins, and what was the purpose of Jesus being baptized? Join Your Church Friends as they closely examine the origins of…
…
continue reading
1
Discovering A Savior: Why Doesn't the Church Talk About Repentance?
57:45
57:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:45
Out of the desert came a man with a message of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. That man was John the Baptist, and he did not shy away from telling people God’s truth. In fact, his first words in the Bible are, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?” So, if repentance was so important at the establishment of the …
…
continue reading
1
Discovering A Savior: Anxiety: When You Can't Find God!
52:51
52:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:51
We've all experienced that sinking feeling in our stomach when we think we've lost something important. When we find it, there's a profound sense of relief. For Mary and Joseph, they lost Jesus. Imagine the distress of losing the Savior of the world. Yet, we don't have to imagine, because sometimes in our Christian journey, we feel like we've lost …
…
continue reading
1
Discovering A Savior: Does Money Save Us?
57:46
57:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:46
I believe that at some point, we've all daydreamed about what life would look like if we won the lottery. How it would "save" us from our woes. However, the Bible tells a different story. Our salvation is only found in Jesus, who was born into poverty. Yet, even in this poverty, He was recognized as the Savior by two faithful, elderly Israelites. J…
…
continue reading
1
Discovering A Savior: The Myth That’s True Part 2
41:17
41:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:17
Why shepherds? Why would God choose to have shepherds be the first people to hear the announcement of the birth of the Messiah? Why did the angels proclaim Jesus’ birth as peace on Earth? Join Your Church Friends as they closely examine the good news of peace and why it is an essential component in discovering a Savior. Visit our website: https://y…
…
continue reading
1
Discovering A Savior: The Myth That’s True Part 1
43:33
43:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:33
The question of Jesus’ existence has been debated since His birth, but today, we know that there are no issues with Jesus’ existence due to numerous references to Him outside the Bible. However, a lingering question persists about the virgin birth of Jesus. Was His birth a derivative of some other ancient deity story, or was it simply a fabricated …
…
continue reading
1
Discovering A Savior: Are You Predestined? Part2
32:43
32:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:43
Zachariah writes his name as John! Immediately, his voice returns to him, and he begins to praise God with a song that sheds light on the mission of the upcoming Messiah and his son John—revealing who God had predestined John to be. Join Your Church Friends as they closely examine how God has predestined certain individuals to be His chosen instrum…
…
continue reading
1
Discovering A Savior: Are You Predestined? Part 1
33:39
33:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:39
John the Baptist is born, but controversy arises over what to name him. The crowd is ready to name him Zacariah, like his father, but his parents know his name was predestined to be John. With this story in mind, we ask the question: What is predestination, and where did this concept come from? Join Your Church Friends as they closely examine how u…
…
continue reading
1
Discovering A Savior: Mother’s of the Revolution
1:00:40
1:00:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:40
Mary visits Elizabeth, and when they greet each other, there is a moment of celebration and joy for all around. Why would this meeting between these two soon-to-be mothers bring such joy? Could it be the spiritual revolution that was about to begin? Join Your Church Friends as they closely examine how joy marked the beginning of God’s revolution an…
…
continue reading
1
Discovering A Savior: But Seriously, Can I Trust Prophecy?
53:13
53:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:13
Ok, but seriously, can we trust prophecy, especially when it comes to prophecy about the Messiah in the Bible and how it all points to the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus? Join Your Church Friends as they closely examine the significance of biblical Messianic prophecy and how it’s an essential component to discovering a Savior. Visit …
…
continue reading
1
Discovering A Savior: How can I trust Prophecy?
56:44
56:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:44
With so many people making predictions about the future, end times and the return of Jesus, how can we trust Prophecy? Also, why is it so hard to trust all the prophecy found in the Bible? Join Your Church Friends as they closely examine the significance of biblical prophecy and how it’s an essential component to discovering a Savior. Visit our Web…
…
continue reading
1
Discovering A Savior: Investigation for the Truth
46:14
46:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:14
Why is the truth so important? Why is it so challenging for us to discern what is genuinely true? Join Your Church Friends as they closely examine the significance of investigating for the truth and why the truth is an essential component to discovering a Savior. Visit our website: https://yourchurchfriends.rocks/…
…
continue reading
1
YCF Special: Chris & Muireadhach Have a Big Announcement!!!
11:47
11:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:47
Hey Church Friends, Chris and Muireadhach sit down to have a quick conversation about some big and exciting news about the podcast. They also give a quick preview of the next season. It’s a season you won’t want to miss, one that will take us on a mission, on a quest, on a search for the truth. Join us on our journey to Discovering a Savior. Visit …
…
continue reading
1
YCF Special: Pastor Jay Kim - A Colossians Conversation
45:39
45:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:39
Chris sits down with Pastor Jay Kim to discuss his new devotional book, "Colossians: One Jesus, One People," a 40-day study through the epistle. They have a lively conversation about the Book of Colossians, what it means to know the truth, and why unity is so crucial. They also talk about the importance of studying the context of the letter and und…
…
continue reading
1
Excluded Books of the Bible: The Shepherd of Hermas - What Are You Going to do with God’s Word?
1:06:19
1:06:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:19
The Shepherd of Hermas ends with ten parables given to Hermas by the Shepherd. These parables range from illustrations about two cities, an elm tree and a grapevine, a shepherd of luxury and a shepherd of punishment, to a cosmic willow tree and twelve mountains. All the parables drive home the same point: what are you going to do with God’s Word an…
…
continue reading
1
Excluded Books of the Bible: The Shepherd of Hermas - The Shepherd’s Wisdom pt 2
57:22
57:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:22
The Twelve Commandments from the Shepherd continue. Commandment seven serves as a reminder to Fear the Lord, emphasizing that fearing God prevents us from doing evil and enables us to do good. Commandment nine addresses double-mindedness, calling it the daughter of the devil, while commandment ten the Shepherd tells Hermas not to despair when God d…
…
continue reading
1
Excluded Books of the Bible: The Shepherd of Hermas - The Shepherd’s Wisdom pt 1
1:05:37
1:05:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:37
The Shepherd is now on the scene and gives Hermas twelve commandments to live by, progressing from basic principles to the need for deeper spiritual discernment. The first six commands begin with a simple yet perhaps the most challenging one: believe in God. They then progress to abstaining from evil and practicing generosity, culminating in a genu…
…
continue reading
1
Excluded Books of the Bible: The Shepherd of Hermas - The Tower & The Beast
50:51
50:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:51
The visions of Hermas continue! A tower is being built with different types of stones. Some of the stones fit together so perfectly that they look like one united piece, and other stones are used from the depths of the waters. Then there's a vision of a great beast known as tribulation that scares Hermas until he remembers what God told him after h…
…
continue reading
1
Excluded Books of the Bible: The Shepherd of Hermas - Visions From The Lady
39:16
39:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:16
He sees her bathing and has a simple thought: she would make an excellent wife. The only problem is that the woman bathing is his former master, Rhoda, and Hermas is already married. Sometime later, Hermas has a vision, and in it, Rhoda appears to tell him that the thought he had was wrong. This is how the Vision section begins in The Shepherd of H…
…
continue reading
1
Excluded Books of the Bible: The Shepherd of Hermas - What is the Shepherd of Hermas?
42:43
42:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:43
The Shepherd of Hermas is an early Christian writing that focuses on the main character, Hermas, and his five visions, the twelve mandates given to him by The Shepherd, and ten parables on aspects of moral piety and holiness. The Shepherd of Hermas provides a wonderful insight into the life of the early church and Christians in Rome. The two main t…
…
continue reading
1
YCF Special: Power to Change our Fear into Faith
49:09
49:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:09
On this YCF Special presentation, join us on a journey back in time to April 23, 2023, when Chris spoke at our home church, Calvary Bellflower, about Mark 4:35-41. He delivers a compelling message on how fear can hinder our progress in faith. By embracing the principles of believing in God, maintaining our focus on Him, and placing our trust in His…
…
continue reading
1
Excluded Books of the Bible: 1st Enoch - Noah’s Astonishing Birth in 1st Enoch
54:43
54:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:43
It's the end of the Book of 1st Enoch, and it doesn't disappoint. A captivating tale unfolds about the birth of Noah and how his father feared he might not be his son due to Noah being born with fiery eyes and long locks of hair. Remarkably, Noah also began speaking immediately upon birth, and this is just a fraction of the story. Lastly, tune in t…
…
continue reading
1
Excluded Books of the Bible: 1st Enoch - The Apocalypse of Weeks Hope Amidst Woes
1:19:45
1:19:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:19:45
In the Epistle of Enoch, Enoch gathers Methuselah and all his sons for a final word with them. There, Enoch shares with them the Apocalypse of Weeks, a summary of human history from creation to the Last Judgment condensed into a tale of 10 weeks. Enoch also warns them not to be misled by the practices of the world they live in, as the path of the u…
…
continue reading
1
Excluded Books of the Bible: 1st Enoch - Enter The Lord of the Sheep The Animal Apocalypse Part 2
56:57
56:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:57
The Animal Apocalypse continues, and the story of Israel, told in animal form, unfolds further. The Israelites have transformed from cows to sheep, and the author of the Animal Apocalypse reveals the truth about their tendency, as well as humanity's, to stray from God, now referred to as the Lord of the Sheep. As a result, the Israelites face attac…
…
continue reading
1
Excluded Books of the Bible: 1st Enoch - Welcome to the Animal Apocalypse
1:02:32
1:02:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:32
Welcome to the Animal Apocalypse! A tale of Israel's history, where the people are replaced with animals. The story begins with a bull and a heifer emerging from the ground, becoming the parents of a red bull and a black bull. Unfortunately, the black bull kills the red bull, and if this narrative sounds familiar, it's because it is. After the fall…
…
continue reading
1
Excluded Books of the Bible: 1st Enoch - The Astronomical World of Enoch and the Divine Order of the Cosmos
1:11:11
1:11:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:11:11
The Astronomical Enoch, possibly the earliest among the Enoch writings, explores the celestial movements of the sun, moon, and stars as they traverse the heavens throughout the changing seasons. It unveils a unique 364-day solar calendar, divided into four quarters with three 30-day months and a day interposed between each quarter. This fascinating…
…
continue reading
1
Excluded Books of the Bible: 1st Enoch - Monsters, Guardians, the Wild Ride of the Third Parable
1:04:20
1:04:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:20
The third parable takes you on an exhilarating journey through ancient mythology and celestial realms. Encounter the awe-inspiring chaos monsters, the Leviathan and Behemoth, representing the forces of the sea and the land, reminiscent of the enigmatic beast in the book of Revelation. Delve into the vivid descriptions of the Cherubin, heavenly bein…
…
continue reading
1
Excluded Books of the Bible: 1st Enoch - The Fate of the Wicked
54:21
54:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:21
The second parable continues with a vivid description of the fate awaiting the wicked. In a parallel to the events depicted in Daniel 2, the kingdoms of the earth are brought down, signaling a profound judgment. Azazel, identified as the figure known as Satan in the Bible, faces punishment as he is cast into the lake of fire. The parable reaches it…
…
continue reading
1
Excluded Books of the Bible: 1st Enoch - A New Heaven and A New Earth
55:43
55:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:43
The first parable from the Book of the Similitudes or Parables in 1st Enoch concludes with Enoch's visionary encounters, unveiling the concept of 'Mansions' and the embodiment of Wisdom that transcends human understanding, finding its ultimate manifestation in Jesus. The second parable begins by describing the Day of the Lord, referred to as 'That …
…
continue reading
1
Excluded Books of the Bible: 1st Enoch - Enter the Son of Man
49:49
49:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:49
Chapters 37-71 of 1st Enoch are known as the Book of the Similitudes or Parables. This section consists of three parables or visions received by Enoch, introducing new material through heavenly visions that primarily focus on the concept of final judgment. The Book of the Similitudes holds particular significance in New Testament scholarship as it …
…
continue reading
1
YCF Special: Jack Pelham - ReThinking the Bible
59:03
59:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:03
How we think about the Bible is important, and the truth is, sometimes we don't get it right. The problem we face is that we often prefer to be wrong in our interpretation, molding the Bible to fit our desires, rather than allowing it to speak for itself. In our insightful discussion with Jack Pelham, our Church Friend and fellow podcaster, we expl…
…
continue reading
1
YCF Special: Dr. Scot McKnight - Revelation for the Rest of Us
52:58
52:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:58
World-renowned author Dr. Scot McKnight joins Your Church Friends to dive into his latest book, "Revelation for the Rest of Us." Together, they tackle the issue of speculation in reading Revelation and explore how Revelation chapter 1 verses 1-3 can shape our understanding of the entire book. They also delve into the unique struggle Americans face …
…
continue reading
1
Excluded Books of the Bible: 1st Enoch - Beyond Nephilim, Beyond the Flood
1:09:39
1:09:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:39
The Book of the Watchers is more than just Nephilim and the flood. It includes the list of seven archangels and describes how they serve God. It also delves into Gehenna, a real biblical location used as imagery for the appearance of the underworld. Additionally, the book provides a description of the spiritual geography of the entire creation, whi…
…
continue reading
1
Excluded Books of the Bible: 1st Enoch - The Book of the Watchers
57:05
57:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:05
Genesis 6 has left many puzzled with its intriguing account of the sons of God, daughters of humankind, and the enigmatic Nephilim. But fear not, because the Book of the Watchers in 1st Enoch fills in the gaps! It unveils the story of rebellious angels who abandoned their divine duty to corrupt humanity and the earth. Discover the Archangels Michae…
…
continue reading
1
Excluded Books of the Bible: 1st Enoch - The Beginning Journey into the Controversial 1st Enoch
57:37
57:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:37
The Book of 1st Enoch has caused controversy among scholars and believers for centuries. While some argue that it should be included in the canon of scripture, others consider it outright heresy. Your Church Friends decided to delve into this controversy and explore the book's contents. The journey begins with an examination of Enoch's character in…
…
continue reading
1
Excluded Books of the Bible: The Didache Part 3 - Have We Lost the Way?
1:00:06
1:00:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:06
If the first six chapters were about what we do, then the remaining chapters 7-16 can be categorized as how we worship God. This amazing ancient Christian writing teaches us that baptism is an important part of the covenant agreement between the believer and God, and that it is more than just a symbolic act. It provides instructions on how to make …
…
continue reading
1
Excluded Books of the Bible: The Didache Part 2 - It’s All About What We Do
46:07
46:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:07
Chapters 1-6 of the Didache offer a compelling contrast between the Way of Life and the Way of Death. This ancient Christian text teaches that the way of life begins with loving God and loving our neighbors as ourselves. It goes on to emphasize practical actions such as blessing those who curse us, praying for our enemies, fasting for those who per…
…
continue reading
1
Excluded Books of the Bible: The Didache Part 1 - What’s the Didache with You?
30:06
30:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:06
The Didache, also known as the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, was written in the first century and contains vital Christian principles for leading a godly life, undergoing conversion, and participating in church rituals. Serving as a "church manual" or "handbook" of Christian ethics and church order, it outlines fundamental teachings and practice…
…
continue reading
1
YCF Special: Daniel 3 - Fearless in the Fire
49:55
49:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:55
On this YCF Special presentation, take a trip with us back in time to July 31, 2022, when Muireadhach spoke at our home church, Calvary Bellflower, on Daniel 3. He delivers a powerful message on how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego ended up in Babylon and how their refusal to compromise on eating the food sacrificed to idols allowed them to have the…
…
continue reading
1
Forgotten Books of The Bible: Titus Part 5 - The Importance of Sound Doctrine
35:34
35:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:34
By the 8th century there were over 70 healthy churches in the city of Crete. Yes that’s the same Crete that was known to be filled with brutes, gluttons, and liars. How did that happen? Maybe it was that short three paged letter Paul wrote to Titus that really stuck to the people there and made a lasting difference in their community. A letter to r…
…
continue reading
1
Forgotten Books of The Bible: Titus Part 4 - Character Over Competency
29:49
29:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:49
It was Crete, and we all know who the people of Crete are - nothing but brutes, gluttons, and liars. This is where Paul placed Titus to clean up the church and establish it. So, what did Titus need to do? He needed to look for people with great character, and he knew it would be difficult. But he also knew that character had to come before competen…
…
continue reading
1
Forgotten Books of The Bible: Titus Part 3 - The Trinity It’s Complicated
42:45
42:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:45
What is The Trinity? What was the view of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament? How did the early Church view the theology of The Trinity and how could a term that’s not mentioned in the Bible bring so much debate? Listen as Your Church Friends have an authentic conversation into the Trinity from the Forgotten Book of Titus. The Trin…
…
continue reading
1
Forgotten Books of The Bible: Titus Part 2 - The Collector
48:09
48:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:09
We would like to say Thank You to Dr. Michael Heiser who passed away February 20, 2023 and as he would put it stepped into the Unseen Realm. He will be missed by all who knew him and all who learned to know God better from his work, but his life and legacy will never be forgotten. Thank you for all you did to build God's Kingdom. What was life on C…
…
continue reading
1
Forgotten Books of The Bible: Titus Part 1 - Untangling The Pastoral Letters
32:16
32:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:16
What are the Pastoral Letters, and who wrote Titus? How does the vocabulary and style of Titus relate to its authorship? What was the role of a scribe, and could Luke have played a role in the letter to Titus? Listen as Your Church Friends dive deep into the Forgotten Book of Titus and unpack all these questions. Breakdown of the Forgotten Book of …
…
continue reading
1
Forgotten Books of The Bible: Reading of Titus
6:02
6:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:02
Join along as Muireadhach reads the Forgotten Book of Titus. Visit our Website: https://yourchurchfriends.rocks/ The Holy Bible, Berean Study Bible, BSB Copyright ©2016, 2020 by Bible Hub Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Berean Bible Homepage: https://berean.bible/By Your Church Friends
…
continue reading
1
Forgotten Books of The Bible: Lamentations Part 3 - There’s Always Hope
38:10
38:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:10
How do you find hope in the middle of disaster? How can you see any light of hope when your home is being invaded, your city is burning, your temple is being destroyed, and your family or friends are either being killed in front of you or carried off to a foreign land? This is what Jeremiah experienced while writing Lamentations, and in the midst o…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 100 - Things I Wish I Knew Sooner in My Christian Walk
1:27:39
1:27:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:27:39
Here it is, the 100th official episode of Your Church Friends! In front of a live audience, we covered the topic "Things I Wish I Knew Sooner in My Christian Walk." Listen as Chris and Muireadhach talk about what they wished they had known earlier in their Christian journeys. They discuss the importance of transparency, accountability, how to read …
…
continue reading
1
Forgotten Books of The Bible: Lamentations Part 2 - How Did I Get Here?
49:25
49:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:25
For 900 years, the people were warned and told that if they didn't follow God's laws, judgment would come. They were meant to be God's representatives to the nations, showing them who God is through their conduct. However, instead of spreading God's message, they adopted the habits and characteristics of the nations around them. As a result, God's …
…
continue reading
1
Forgotten Books of The Bible: Lamentations Part 1 - A Book of Heartbreak
1:04:35
1:04:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:35
What is the book of Lamentations? What is the time setting of the book of Lamentations and who was Jeremiah? What does Lamentations show us about God’s character and what is Theodicy? Listen as Your Church Friends dive deep into the Forgotten Book of Lamentations and unpack all these questions. Breakdown of the Forgotten Book of Lamentations: The d…
…
continue reading