Church Is Messy: Galatians - Cutting Remarks Church Is Messy podcast

48:49

Rick and Svea have a robust conversation about doubt. They talk about the connection with doubt, faith, and belief. Are there unsafe questions to ask? They also discuss the role of community in removing doubt. Resources: A. J. Swoboda's book, After Doubt Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 02:31 Summary of what Svea learned about herself, doubt, and Jesus in preparing for this message. 09:58 1 Corinthians 4: 20 - The kingdom of God isn't a matter of talk but of power. 12:38 What is doubt? 18:00 What do we mean when we talk about faith or belief? 23:40 Is it possible to experience doubt because we're putting expectations on Jesus he never promised? 29:53 How do I know if a question is a safe question to ask? There are no unsafe questions, there are unsafe people. 33:14 Recurring question after the services: how do I know I am saved? How can I have confidence in my salvation? 40:37 You HAVE to invite other people in. Don't struggle by yourself. 45:03 For those who struggle with intellectual doubts.…

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Church Is Messy: Loaded Questions - Does faith fix mental health? 36:36

9 days ago36:36

36:36

In this episode Svea is joined by pastors Otis Hall and Jodi Quinn as they look at faith and mental health. Resources: Jodi Quinn's email: care@autumnridge.church Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 01:21 The number of Americans dealing with mental health issues is staggering. 02:03 We seem to be afraid to talk about mental health. 04:37 Being real about mental health issues. Otis' struggles. 06:42 Prayer and following Jesus doesn't mean all our mental health issues will go away. 08:42 Svea to Otis: how have you felt Jesus support you in your own life. 10:38 Shouldn't I expect that if I believe Jesus I won't have to struggle with mental health? 12:48 The age-old question: why do bad things happen to good people? 14:10 What resources we have available for people who are struggling. 16:56 What would you say to someone who doesn't know Jesus or feels like Jesus has let them down? 18:58 Walking with Jesus isn't an instant cure, but he is a way through. 22:28 Breath prayer. 25:48 Some helpful application points from 1 Peter 5: be humble, cast your anxiety, be courageous. 34:42 Closing prayer.…

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Church Is Messy: Loaded Questions - Is our church a welcoming place for the LGBTQ Community? 47:19

16 days ago47:19

47:19

This we we certainly live up to "church is messy." If time allows, we would encourage you to watch the sermon before listening to this podcast. We're also providing a number of resources on the topic of sexuality. Resources: Sermon Video URL: https://youtu.be/DidFo1xj9ow Center for Faith, Sexuality and Gender ( https://www.centerforfaith.com ) Greg Coles Preston Sprinkle Rebecca McLaughlin Christopher Yuan Sam Allberry Jackie Hill Perry Mark Yarhouse Three sermons by Jon Tyson: The Controversial Jesus | Jesus and the Gay Community – Jon Tyson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqF0MwqjuBU&t=37s The Controversial Jesus | Jesus, Gender, and the Trans Community – Jon Tyson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IS2oIkfYNwc The Controversial Jesus | Sexual Formation – Jon Tyson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTGrYxeEZ9U&list=PL8vSjHOSaE12d8ZPujJfxFzcyNlYBActf&index=3 Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 01:26 Watch the sermon, and avail yourself of the resources we suggest. 06:33 Helpful points from the message 08:53 How can we be welcoming without being affirming? 10:57 It's not the job of a Christian to call out non-Christians. If you have a relationship with a fellow believer then ask "what does it mean to follow Jesus in this area of your life" and have a conversation based on truth and grace. 15:34 How do I love someone well, communicate with my children, and be an ambassador for Christ regarding this topic? 18:31 Pronouns, names, wedding attendance. 22:13 What's wrong with a same-sex relationship that's filled with love? Practicing discernment, truth, and grace. 27:23 Series Thesis: Faith doesn't hide from questions, fear does. What fears are associated with this topic? 31:10 How do we live with courage and engage with people or at work without posturing? 39:23 Why did Rick skip over the topic of incest in 1 Corinthians 5 but address some other issues?…

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Church Is Messy: Loaded Questions - how do we know what's true? 44:47

23 days ago44:47

44:47

Rick and Svea answer your questions about truth. Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 01:58 Loaded Questions takes on a different format from other messages 06:38 Why does truth matter? 10:51 Is it possible for Christianity to be true and other religions to be true? 15:05 How can we know Scripture is true? 19:06 In Scripture is it possible the authors were biased? 22:48 What do I need God for? 24:43 How can you discern if what you're hearing is from God or the devil? 26:48 Do you obtain knowledge at all? How do the disciples know they saw Jesus? 31:49 How do we know what denominations are teaching truth when they have different beliefs but are still using the Bible as the source of that belief? 35:41 The Apocrypha: Is it true and how is it distinguished from Scripture? 37:23 Jesus' mother, Mary. 39:38 I'm not a Christian for the perks, I'm a Christian because I'm convinced it's true.…

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Church Is Messy: Galatians - Something to Boast About 48:46

5 weeks ago48:46

48:46

Rick and Svea finish off the series on Galatians mostly focusing on burdens, loads, and pride. Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 03:26 A LOT of diverse topics to cover is Galatians 6. 04:44 What resonated with Svea that she wasn't able to cover in this passage? 05:41 Carrying our own load and bearing each other's burdens. 11:40 God isn't calling you to fix the people who sinned against you. 17:21 I'm responsible for what I contribute, now necessarily how other people respond. 20:01 How do you tell the difference between someone caught in sin and someone doing something you don't like? 22:00 Presenting pride in the affirmative vs being the root of all sin (the pride Jesus died to forgive vs the pride commended in this passage). 29:14 Swinging on the pendulum of feelings of inferiority and superiority. 34:49 As Christians how do we engage with people and ideas that offer insight into human nature but are deeply hostile to the gospel?…

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Church Is Messy: Galatians - Free and Fruity 27:35

6 weeks ago27:35

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Today Rick and Svea contrast works of the flesh with fruit of the Spirit. Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 02:21 "Don't bite and devour each other..." 04:50 Defining ourselves by obeying rigid rules or religious structures invites comparison on who is and isn't achieving and breeds pride. 06:09 How might Jesus has told the parable of The Good Samaritan to Autumn Ridge Church? 08:16 If the Gospel stops messing with us, we're changing it; it's not changing us. 11:09 Paul was writing to believers, not unbelievers. Works of the flesh happen within church people. 13:38 We don't conquer works of the flesh by religious rule-keeping. Change happens by the Spirit growing Christ-like character in you. 17:04 Contrasting religious rule-keeping with living by the Spirit. 26:03 when we live by the Spirit, we can no longer stomach biting and devouring each other.…

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Church Is Messy: Galatians - Cutting Remarks 35:04

7 weeks ago35:04

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Today Rick and Svea look at the allure of certainty instead of clarity, creating environments where litmus tests are the norm vs being in Christ. Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 01:46 Crawford Loritts was at Autumn Ridge Church. 03:31 Back into Galatians. Svea says it's a difficult book. 05:06 Gravitating toward environments and activities where we feel significant. 08:34 Getting into the shoes of a typical Galatian man. 11:29 Giving in to the allure of certainty instead of clarity. 13:25 Putting so much emphasis on circumcision. 15:55 Modern-day litmus tests to see if we're in the "in crowd." 16:43 We are people of the Gospel; being in Christ. 18:02 Being in Christ - can you lose your salvation? 22:06 Deconstruction. 31:08 Bad news. Good news.…

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Church Is Messy: Galatians - Good News 39:53

9 weeks ago39:53

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Welcome to episode 100! Today, as they discuss Galatians chapter 4, Rick and Svea dig into having everything in Christ but living as though we have nothing. Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 00:38 Episode 100: Where did the name "Church Is Messy" come from? 03:15 Galatians 4, we've been given everything in Christ but it's so easy for us to live as though we have nothing. 06:33 A specific example of how we get it wrong: conflict. 17:21 Paul leans in on conflict. 18:43 Adoption: the irrevocable security we have in our standing with God.…

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Church Is Messy: Galatians - Ragamuffins 39:53

10 weeks ago39:53

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Today Rick and Svea acknowledge Galatians is a difficult book to understand, especially if we don't have an understanding of the Old Testament. They talk about tools to help gain understanding and spend some time discussing "the law". Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 01:32 Galatians is a hard book to get through and understand. Use tools like The Bible Project or The Message to help understand the deep content of Galatians. 09:05 Looking at Galatians 3, an understanding of the Promise, the law, and Jesus' role in them is crucial. 11:02 Understanding "the law." 13:29 Misconceptions about the law. 22:42 Galatians keeps driving us to stop trying to live by the structure of the law and following its rules but for our hearts to be so aligned with Jesus that he drives our behavior. 23:34 Ragamuffins. 27:21 Application of being one in Christ, recognizing our distinctions, and seeking to understand differing viewpoints.…

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Church Is Messy: Bonus Episode - Answering Your Questions 36:52

11 weeks ago36:52

36:52

This episode is focused solely on answering your questions. We've received four very different questions and today we're putting out this bonus episode to answer them. Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 00:50 Question 1 - In Galatians 2 Paul specifically says gentiles don't need to be circumcised after following Christ - but yet he directs Timothy to get circumcised (Acts 16). This seems like a double-standard. 10:29 Question 2 - Jesus became sin for us on the cross. How can God become sin when he's perfect and can't even look upon sin? 15:50 Question 3 - What is the difference between an Apostle (capital "A") and an apostle (lower-case "a")? 22:44 Question 4 - How do you stay united with someone with whom you have a deep idealogical disagreement?…

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Church Is Messy: Galatians - Fluency or Gibberish 36:59

11 weeks ago36:59

36:59

In this episode Rick and Svea dig really deep into gospel fluency vs gospel gibberish. The gospel isn't just trusting Jesus for salvation, it's trusting Jesus for and with the rest of your life. Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 00:57 Garrison Keillor and fake spring. 02:29 "You foolish Galatians..." 04:49 The Christian life is NOT trusting Jesus for salvation and then living the rest of your life doing things on your own and following rules. 10:40 The problem with trusting in something or someone other than the Holy Spirit to fill the various "holes" in our lives. 14:52 Digging in: The gospel isn't just for salvation, it's for the rest of your life. 20:56 Series Thesis: The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Antithesis: The only thing that counts is self-reliance expressed through law. 24:32 Self-esteem: If you are in Christ you are fully-delighted in by God. Until you believe it, it's going to ring hollow and you won't experience the freedom Paul is talking about in Galatians. 30:52 The will power approach to life vs believing the gospel.…

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Church Is Messy: Galatians - Undivided 38:42

13 weeks ago38:42

38:42

In week two of our Galatians study Rick and Svea discuss conflict, the freedom we have in Jesus, and gospel fluency. Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 01:40 Answering your questions: Does Galatians give a hierarchy of how we should relate to other people? 07:16 Galatians chapter 2. 09:33 Addressing conflict with other Jesus followers. 15:53 The intersection of conflict, freedom in Christ and gospel fluency. 18:52 The framework of gospel fluency. 20:13 A summary of the gospel. 24:05 Practical hand-holds to gospel fluency. 27:35 Accepting and loving people vs endorsing practices contrary to the gospel. 30:54 Explaining behaviors and lifestyles contrary to the gospel to your kids.…

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Church Is Messy: Galatians - Make It Count 37:44

13 weeks ago37:44

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As we kick of our new series on the book of Galatians, Rick and Svea discuss false gospels and answer a listener question. Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 03:23 Whose approval are you seeking? 06:37 An example of appropriate and missing the gospel. 10:03 The specific problems the Galatian church faced - adding to the gospel. 14:10 We're all trying to reflect Jesus, not each other. 17:41 How do we discern legalistic practices vs healthy practices in our own life? 22:03 The progressive gospel and the regressive gospel: current, deadly false gospels. 28:06 Listener question: How do we balance loving people without accepting all the choices people make? 34:43 Upcoming themes in Galatians.…

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Church Is Messy: The Lion's Share - Why Is our Church so Expensive? 30:10

15 weeks ago30:10

30:10

We're putting a bow on The Lion's Share series. Today we scrutinize our own church and discuss our ministry method. Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 01:06 Turning the focus on how Autumn Ridge handles money. Being transparent. 03:29 Where is the organization: more than enough, just enough, less than enough? Our strategy. 10:58 Year-end giving. 12:46 Why this timing (January) on a series about finances? 14:54 Our ministry method - the hub model. 25:26 The kind of church we aspire to be. 27:22 The upcoming Galatians series and a "Thank You."…

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Church Is Messy: The Lion's Share - Faithful and Generous 26:37

16 weeks ago26:37

26:37

Today Rick and Svea talk about their own struggles with greed and simplicity and the New Testament framework of faithful giving and generous giving. Bible passages referenced in today's episode: 1 Timothy 6:17-19; 1 Corinthians 9:13-14; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 01:13 This message pushed Rick to wrestle down his own contentment. 03:56 Simplicity: a corollary to contentment. 05:16 Svea fell back into the trap of not practicing simplicity this past week. 07:16 Rick confronting greed as he's excited about his new hobby of hunting. 08:34 The practice of generosity - a tangible expression of love. 09:28 It's not about the amount it's about the heart. 13:19 Generosity binds us together. 14:20 How can I approach generous giving - some guidelines. 14:55 (1) Diagnose your reality. 15:30 (2) What do you want your reality to be. 15:42 (3) Make a plan to close the gap. 17:01 What about tithing? 18:50 Prioritize giving to the local church - faithful giving - and then giving to others - generous giving - (see the 1 & 2 Corinthian references, above). 23:38 The joy of aligning all we are with who Christ is. 24:49 This series has helped to connect the dots on why Jesus spoke about money so much.…

Church is Messy

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Church is Messy: The Lion's Share - the False Promise of the Prosperity Gospel 41:34

17 weeks ago41:34

41:34

Today Rick and Svea dig deep into the essence of the prosperity gospel, it falsehoods, and the various expressions of the prosperity gospel. Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 01:47 Intro to the prosperity gospel. 02:50 The real essence of the prosperity gospel. 03:42 Live Q&A after most Saturday services (when Rick preaches). 04:22 From the Q&A session last weekend: what is the fallout of the prosperity gospel? 06:01 The year was 2013. 14:48 The ditch: manipulation vs. grace. 17:55 Why do we obey God? 20:07 Different expressions of the prosperity gospel. 20:41 Health and Healing prosperity gospel, 26:13 The inverse: the poverty gospel, 28:24 The purity, sex, and marriage prosperity gospel, 31:17 The parenting prosperity gospel, 32:38 The country and culture prosperity gospel. 36:42 The error of the prosperity gospel: our actions force God's hand. 37:38 The hope of trusting God IN our circumstances not FOR our circumstances.…

Church is Messy

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Church Is Messy: The Lion's Share - More than Enough 32:54

18 weeks ago32:54

32:54

In the first half of the episode Rick and Svea share where their vulnerabilities lie regarding money. In the second half they dig into contentment. Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 01:12 Rick's history with Football. 04:25 Rick and Svea wrestle through how calendars and money demonstrate who or what has our hearts. 07:05 Svea talks about being vulnerable to finding security in money. 11:32 Rick talks about his primary vulnerability comes through the satisfaction and significance money can bring. 13:48 This series reveals deep soul issues and the opportunity we have to invite God into those spaces. 14:52 Svea and her husband, Steve, are taking a serious look at intentionally redistributing any surplus funds. 18:49 A danger of jumping straight from greed into generosity without first learning contentment. 20:13 Digging into contentment. 23:47 Lasting contentment. 28:23 Watch out and be on guard - the dangers of moving up and to the right (the dangers of more than enough). 30:54 Next week: the prosperity gospel. It's a bigger problem, and has infected, more than we realize.…

Church is Messy

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Church Is Messy: The Lion's Share - Just Enough 38:34

19 weeks ago38:34

38:34

In this episode, Rick and Svea unpack some of the ideas behind "Just Enough." Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 00:27 Review of 2024 04:45 The Lion's Share. 07:37 The tension and awkwardness of a money message series. 08:20 Wanting for people not from people. 12:53 Resisting the temptation to sit the series out. 15:00 The topics this series will cover. 16:07 Just enough. 18:23 Do I find significance, security, or satisfaction in what I have or who I have? 23:06 The challenge: what is "just enough"? 33:41 The emphasis Jesus put on the motivations of our heart.…

Church is Messy

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Church Is Messy: Jonah Week 6 - Unrelenting Grace 33:55

28 weeks ago33:55

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Rick and Svea close out Jonah talking about traps, windows and mirrors, God's judgement in the Old Testament, and how we can apply the themes of Jonah to life after elections (this episode was recorded on Election Day, 2024). Ultimately, it boils down to this week's sermon topic: Unrelenting Grace. Topics discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 01:22 Election Day banter. 02:46 A pastoral encouragement about election anxiety. 05:09 Keep looking up - keep your eyes fixed on God. 07:06 The early Church. 09:53 Like Jonah, we all have traps we fall into when we find our security, significance, or satisfaction in something other than Jesus. 11:21 Do we see Jonah as a window or as a mirror? Perhaps the book is a window and the man is a mirror. 13:25 What do we fixate on when an idol is being messed with? For Rick it's organizing shoes, for Svea it's organizing closets. Instead, what needs to happen is to get honest with God and tell him how we're feeling. 18:17 What about...judgement in the Old Testament. 21:19 Jonah doesn't want God to be good toward other people, only to his people. 22:37 What can we apply from Jonah as we move into the weeks and months following the elections? 27:40 Jonah doesn't have a completely satisfying ending. There's no closure. But that's part of its genius. 30:45 A prayer.…

Church is Messy

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Church Is Messy: Jonah Week 5 - God's Compassionate Love 30:40

29 weeks ago30:40

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The roles are reversed: Rick asks Svea about her message on Jonah and we get insight into what didn't make it into the message this past week. Topics discussed in this episode: 00:00 Intro 01:33 Believing God is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love at the heart level banishes fear, heals hurts, and melts anger. 04:00 How do you recognize the real ugliness and brokenness in the world that touches our lives, remember who God is and what we're like in him in such a way we are not angry people? 08:12 What was left on the cutting room floor? 09:17 Answer: Jonah didn't want to be seen as a fool to the Ninevites or his own people because God relented on overthrowing the Ninevites. 16:25 Why do we want to whitewash certain biblical figures? 18:08 We want simple - the good guys and the bad guys, but we're all good guys and bad guys. 25:11 Elijah and Jonah - similarities and differences. 27:26 Rebellion and religion are almost identical - they both lead to the same thing - self-reliance. 29:06 Jesus is the better Jonah.…

Church is Messy

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Church Is Messy: Jonah Week 4 - Freedom 36:29

30 weeks ago36:29

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Rick and Svea grapple with a number of important themes from Jonah this week: God's provision Jonah is full of biblical parallels Obedience Topics discussed in this episode: 00:00 Intro 00:59 Lots of fun aspects and different connections in the text a more casual reading may miss. (Such as the fish in Jonah switches from masculine to feminine in Hebrew.) 04:25 The fish: tomb or womb? 05:51 Did Jonah's view of the fish change in retrospect? God's provision may look different than we're expecting. 07:21 Two rabbit trails: the fish-historical narrative vs parable vs satire and womb-God's compassion. 10:06 Parallel between Jonah's fish and the Christian fish symbol - Jesus is the means of deliverance. 12:46 Typology: the parallel with baptism. The inexhaustible depths of how Jonah is connected to the entire Bible. 20:30 Jonah chapter three: half-hearted obedience. 22:51 Where many of us find ourselves: wanting to be obedient to God but not always for the right reasons. External Obedience + Internal Obstinance = Slavery. 29:46 A comparison and contrast of walking through difficult seasons of obedience with what we see in Jonah.…

Church is Messy

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Church Is Messy: Jonah week 3 - Repentance 29:59

31 weeks ago29:59

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Rick and Svea make light of finally getting to "the whale" and how this is often given the lion's share of the messaging about Jonah when it's really an insignificant element of the story. This week's episode drips with challenges to go deeper and looking at what the text is actually saying. Topics discussed in this episode: 00:00 Intro 01:33 Svea is struck by how many of us grew up with a child-like level of understanding of the book of Jonah. 05:00 For many the focus of the book is on a very small part of the story - and with the wrong intent. The large fish wasn't a means of punishment but a means of grace. 08:17 God's provision and grace can often times be an opportunity to learn or practice humility. 10:30 We may not have the same fears of the sea as in the time of Jonah, but we do have a fear of chaos and death. The global pandemic exposed our big fish. 12:54 Western Christians can learn much from the global church. 14:51 Vince Lombardi: fatigue makes cowards of us all. 18:47 Holding all of our fears, pains, insecurities, etc. before God. 22:43 Jonah's prayer in chapter 2. 27:09 In chapters 3 & 4 we'll see examples of external repentance, but no evidence of an internal repentance. Are there things we're doing right on the outside but on the inside we're still hostile to God?…

Church is Messy

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Church Is Messy: Jonah Week 2 - The Line 36:21

32 weeks ago36:21

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This week Rick and Svea look at Jonah 1:1-16. Jonah acts as an enemy of God and yet God shows him grace. They draw out a number a parallels between Jonah and Jesus and how they differ in their motivation. Topics discussed in this episode: 00:00 Intro 01:42 Where is the line? 06:51 Rick gets honest - some of his backstory. 10:29 God sets his heart on his enemies and loves his enemies like a son. 11:41 Jonah acts as an enemy of God but God shows him scandalous grace. 18:14 Jonah is the entire Bible in miniature. 20:17 Jonah goes down in the ship to sleep; perhaps depression and trying to escape God? 21:47 Parallels between Jonah and Jesus (in Mark 4). 23:15 Studying Jonah has given Rick an even greater appreciated for baptism. 24:12 The symbolism of Jonah "going down" in chapter 1. Svea talks about "accident chains" from her aviation days. 27:47 Being vulnerable vs being exposed. 35:08 Jonah would rather die than carry a message of reconciliation. Jesus would rather die than NOT carry a message of reconciliation.…

Church is Messy

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Church Is Messy: A Question from Jonah Week 1 21:50

33 weeks ago21:50

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In the weekend message introducing the book of Jonah, Rick stated there are two common views to interpreting the story of Jonah: historical narrative or primarily parable. In this episode Rick and Svea discuss a question posed to them: Does Jesus' reference to Jonah in Matthew 12, when foretelling his own death and resurrection, support a particular interpretation of Jonah? Topics discussed in this episode: 00:00 Intro 01:04 Our unity isn't based on everyone agreeing on everything. Our unity is based on inclusion in Christ. It's okay to have different understandings on a variety of topics and still maintain unity. 03:12 Many of us only thought of Jonah as a miraculous, historical account. Learning people view this book as anything other than history can be destabilizing and feel like a slippery slope to less allegiance toward the Bible. 08:51 The astute question: Jesus referencing Jonah. 11:40 Four options for interpreting Jesus' reference to Jonah. 17:17 Reaffirmation of the authority and inerrancy of Scripture when multiple viewpoints of interpreting passages like Jonah are present.…

Church is Messy

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Church Is Messy: Intro to Jonah 34:59

34 weeks ago34:59

34:59

Rick and Svea introduce us to the book of Jonah and its timeframe in history. This is a book filled with comedy and satire; in many ways hundreds of years before its time, and yet is has profoundly important questions and themes it wants us to deal with. Note: this episode was recorded prior to the first message being given. Topics discussed in this episode: 00:00 Intro. 02:20 Background of the book of Jonah - it's like the arc of the entire Bible condensed into a few chapters. 05:01 Synopsis of Jonah. 08:33 The focus: are we aligned with the heart of God or will we insist on God doing something different. 10:16 Two camps of thought regarding Jonah: the book as historical narrative or the book as parable. 14:36 If we regard the book as parable are we removing some of the story's potency? 16:00 Pride + Ignorance = Foolishness. Humility + Instruction = Wisdom. 19:16 Coming to Scripture with preconceived ideas about what it says vs approaching the text in humility and letting it speak to us. 22:14 In our scientific and post-Christian culture, Jonah is the sort of story people love to point to and discredit our faith or the credibility of the Bible. 25:15 So, is Jonah historical narrative or is it a parable? 32:15 What is the theme on which this series will focus?…

Church is Messy

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Church is Messy: Living Like the Elect Before an Election 47:57

35 weeks ago47:57

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In this episode Rick and Svea try to bring light, not heat to the discussion of politics. Svea recommends watching the message on which this episode is based before listening to the podcast. Find the video here: https://youtu.be/KHN2c6-z-Ow Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 01:09 Discussion of Politics and Churches and Church Leaders 04:46 Rick's goal as a pastor is to teach people how to think about politics and how to align with the Bible. 06:12 How do we reconcile the idea that everyone is trying to do their best with politics? 07:00 The early church in Rome had complicated interactions between Jews and Gentiles. 10:53 How to seek unity without conformity; "bring the light, not the heat." 13:22 What are churches to do about engaging people with political issues? 15:41 How to seek to understand others with different views from yours versus trying to convince each other to change. 19:59 Discussion on single-issue voting. 24:45 How do people interact when we challenge their perspectives or try to control them? 29:04 How do we engage in local government? 30:58 What Biblical principles can we apply to understanding politics? 32:07 Rick shares how prioritizing and weighting different issues can help us make decisions: Which candidate will be most helpful for the issues that are most important to you? 36:32 Discussion of supporting the interests of others while voting. 39:29 How do we engage online politically or engage with our peers online? 41:28 What about the use of fear in today's political rhetoric? 45:31 Be informed, but don't get formed by negative influences.…

Church is Messy

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Church Is Messy: Ghosted Series Questions and Recap 59:02

37 weeks ago59:02

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Welcome to a new season of Church Is Messy! Rick and Svea kick the season off with a bang and delve into a number of questions and topics related to our recently completed series, Gifted , on the Holy Spirit. Topics discussed in today's episode: 00:00 Intro and Rick and Svea's Summer Highlights and Lessons Learned. 05:53 Recap of the Ghosted message series and a summary of the topics: including what is the Holy Spirit's role in spreading the Gospel, what is the Spirit's role in our own faith, what about spiritual gifts, and what is God's will for us? 15:21 Jesus said it is better than he goes away and we get the Spirit. Why might he have said this? 18:27 How did the believers experience the Spirit differently before and after Jesus? 22:30 We can engage with the Spirit and develop the fruit of the spirit by developing "spiritual practices" and habits. 24:11 People often focus on spiritual gifts that appear as "sensational" or "extraordinary" rather than seemingly ordinary. 26:31 What about instances where the Holy Spirit did do a sensational miracle or work? How do we approach those instances? 32:54 Everyone wants to know "God's will for them." How does the Spirit play a role in this and what practically do we experience? 36:57 Discussion of what people think about being lead by the Spirit and the role the Bible plays in the Spirit's leading. 44:03 How should a church plan and pursue vision and plans while acknowledging the Spirit's role in success? 47:58 How can we get to know our spiritual gifts? 53:49 Story about the photo on Rick's wall that "speaks to him."…

Church is Messy

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Church Is Messy: Bonus Episode - Spiritual Formation 30:56

40 weeks ago30:56

30:56

Rick and Svea discuss a topic about which they both feel passionate: spiritual formation. What is it? How is it different than discipleship? Is it even a biblical term? Listen and catch the vision for why they're so excited about spiritual formation. Want to take your next step? Check out our classes: https://autumnridge.churchcenter.com/groups/classes-studies? Topics in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 00:59 What is spiritual formation and how is it different from discipleship? Spiritual formation includes things that form us other than discipling under Jesus. 02:56 How does the Practicing the Way class help define or clarify what spiritual formation is? 04:54 Is "spiritual formation" new age, or unbiblical? 05:19 What does the Bible say about spiritual formation? 07:04 There are so many things that form us spiritually or distract us from being formed by Jesus. 10:00 Discussion of various methods of discipleship and whether traditional practices for following Jesus are sufficient in themselves or if there are missing components. 11:41 Svea suggests that many believers have neglected the practice of actually spending time with Jesus. This has sometimes been reduced to understanding, believing, and doing the right things, but as the book of James says, even demons know the truth. 15:28 "WHO we are" and "HOW we are" and "who we are BECOMING" are all more important than what we do. 20:12 All things we do should be shaped and informed by Jesus's example and teaching 24:05 Romans 12 explains how spiritual formation isn't mystical or new age-y, but is logical even. 25:51 Why is Autumn Ridge leaning into spiritual formation and the Practicing the Way class?…

Church is Messy

1
Church Is Messy: Bonus Episode - Politics 40:49

44 weeks ago40:49

40:49

What are two topics we've been told to avoid talking about if we don't want an argument? Religion and Politics. Rick and Svea dive head-first into the issue of politics. Take a look at the list of topics below and you'll see there isn't much they didn't touch on. Be sure to check out the resources so you can be informed as you make your own determination about how to proceed as an ambassador of Christ in the arena of politics. Additional Resources: Church Politics Podcast The Ballot and the Bible And Campaign The After Party Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 00:53 Context: we tend to think there are good guys and bad guys politically, but things can be more confusing than that. 02:53 There is so much tribalism, power-grabbing, and moral superiority in US politics today. 03:55 We are NOT saying "don't vote," "don't register with a political party," "don't go to school board meetings," but we ARE saying to participate as an ambassador of Jesus. 06:37 We should be humble about our opinions while still trying our best. 07:51 Good Christian citizens or Christian Nationalism 11:13 Is the USA a "Christian Nation"? 14:36 There isn't a perfect political candidate--Jesus isn't on the ballot. So what do we do? 21:38 Should we evaluate politicians based on their worst mistakes? Are there really good or bad people? 21:55 Are there only 1 or 2 options on how to accomplish all various political ends, or are we a bunch of broken people trying to figure things out? 27:51 Should we automatically vote for Christian candidates? Do they have character and competency for that role? 30:09 Rick discusses additional resources that can provide helpful insights to those who want to learn more about how to engage in politics as a believer. 37:04 Closing prayer for wisdom and guidance as listeners move through the upcoming 2024 political season.…

Church is Messy

1
Church Is Messy: Bonus Episode - Sunday School for Grown Ups Discussion 46:42

47 weeks ago46:42