I personally find myself in a space where I want my government to do “good things” for people motivated by my faith, like provide healthcare (heal the sick, feed the poor, etc), but not enforce “biblical morals” (whatever interpretation those may follow) on people in general, such as some groups disliking gay marriage and non-abstinence sex ed, etc. what’s the balance here, and where do we draw it from?
Why do we say that Jesus is all about love, when he so rarely uses that word? I’m not disagreeing with it, just trying to connect the dots. Was he the one to say that forgiving sins, healing and feeding people were all acts of love; or are we, the love-starved ones, reading that into his story?
It seems to me that most of the Christians I currently know and see around have no sense of personal growth, self-reflection, ability to accept responsibility for things. They fight dirty and just say “Jesus says you should forgive”. Then they wash, rinse, and repeat the abuse. They don’t respect or honor boundaries and shame those who have boundaries. Why do Christians seem to think if they believe in God, they don’t have to do the hard work of healing?
I don’t know why so many Christians think that, but I’ve learned it’s called spiritual bypassing. Instead of doing the hard work of healing, they just drop a spiritual cliche and move on.
Ok. We know that there are bad interpretations of the bible and God's words specifically that really really hurt people. And there are good interpretations of the bible and God's words that heal people. Where does sharing the gospel play into that?
Bad interpretations of the gospel are a lot more prominent, and so when I do share about my faith, I often share videos about Restore Austin, or I don't share the gospel.
One way people bring others into relationships with God are by bringing them to church. That being said, not all churches are healthy. I don't want to share the gospel, create a Christian, so they can get massively hurt down the road. Or sharing the gospel with my LGBTQ+ friends makes them uncomfortable.
And then there is the whole deal with the unreached, who don't know Jesus at all, and whatever interpretations they are hearing of the bible are bad and harmful. The goal would be to share what is good and true and helpful to them, but what does get to them, is likely heavily censored and regulated and so...
I guess what I am trying to say is, I know the true living God. I have a relationship with the real Jesus, not this white washed blond haired blue eyed westernized version of Jesus a lot of churches like to talk about, and I honestly believe that if the real Jesus were to come back, the way he came then and go here, if he was reborn today or something, we as western Christians, the religious right Christians of today would kill him. We his followers would likely kill him, and so how do we share the gospel and preach while battling other people's assumptions of God, Jesus and the bible, that may be harmful?
You mentioned in the sermon how the world would be different if everyone believed in the inclusive love of Jesus and practiced sacrificial love, so how do we share that as people who don't live there?
Also, I don't know how to go about doing it or anything like that but I see a lot of writers on Substack and I want to be a writer, but can't figure out how to do it.
I find myself living with the tension of the two main faith communities that formed me: my conservative traditional upbringing and my more progressive friends/community now. I care about both dearly and know both care about me, but I don’t have a firm footing in either.
How do we recognize what is worth holding onto with our faith communities while letting go of the bad?
I’d be interested to know if he’s considered the arguments for ultimate reconciliation-the apokatastasis taught in the early Church-versus eternal conscious torment and the idea of hell as it is predominately believed today.
In this time of uncertainty, I find myself dwelling on all the ‘what ifs’. It seems I’m constantly in a state of worry about everything over which I have no control. What guidance does scripture provide over how to handle worry? My personal experience in church is just don’t do it, which is easier said than done when all norms have been tossed out the window.
I read the article and some things they’re proposing seem like good ideas - some they want to do are scary. The article wasn’t really representing the breadth of some situations. I am hoping you read liberal and conservative messages to compare. I will not argue or want to alienate each other over politics however. Im looking for appropriate grown up conversations like you are!
It already has begun! Look at the Superintendent of Schools buying $60 trump bibles to be taught to the students of Oklahoma, when he probably could have paid half to next to nothing for Bibles, NET, CSB any but why trump ones??? To indoctrinate those student who see the president elects name in it to streer whole generation into the maga movement, who could be more influenced? They hear their parents talking at home, now at school… it is written….separation of church and state and the heritage foundation is just defecating on our constitution…. they are preparing to be ready as soon as trumps says “so help me god” with his hand on most likely his own bible. What a complete farse!! The heritage foundation will take it from there.
I am confident this is all part of Gods plan.
I will be in constant prayer seeking guidance from Him… speak when HE says, and be quiet when HE says, too!
Hopefully one crazy man with Trump bibles (why he has his own “bible” I will find out) won’t get too far. He doesn’t rep everyone on the right thankfully. I’m friends with people on both sides and like to listen to what everyone says. Thanks for sharing your pov!!
Okay Zach and Amy. Here is 1 burning question that I've had for YEARS and another that my friend asked me about yesterday.
Number #1 - I was taught that during the time between crucifixion and resurrection that Jesus went to hell and battled Satan. WTH? Where did this come from?
Wait I have a #3 - I cannot find the "sinner's prayer" of accepting Jesus to make sure you get into heaven. Have I missed it?
Back to #2 - my girlfriend's question for me that applies to Zach. If her husband falls asleep in church does it make the pastor feel bad and is it disrespectful to God? I said ask God but she didn't like that answer. I am thinking you're laughing right about now.
I personally find myself in a space where I want my government to do “good things” for people motivated by my faith, like provide healthcare (heal the sick, feed the poor, etc), but not enforce “biblical morals” (whatever interpretation those may follow) on people in general, such as some groups disliking gay marriage and non-abstinence sex ed, etc. what’s the balance here, and where do we draw it from?
Oh I like this one! It’s such a fine line. Adding it to the list!
Hi. Wondering how I contact about a subscription request. Couldn’t find an email address for the substack.
Why do we say that Jesus is all about love, when he so rarely uses that word? I’m not disagreeing with it, just trying to connect the dots. Was he the one to say that forgiving sins, healing and feeding people were all acts of love; or are we, the love-starved ones, reading that into his story?
Love this question. I need to think more about it!
Interesting question! I'm curious to see what he'll say! Writing it down.
It seems to me that most of the Christians I currently know and see around have no sense of personal growth, self-reflection, ability to accept responsibility for things. They fight dirty and just say “Jesus says you should forgive”. Then they wash, rinse, and repeat the abuse. They don’t respect or honor boundaries and shame those who have boundaries. Why do Christians seem to think if they believe in God, they don’t have to do the hard work of healing?
I don’t know why so many Christians think that, but I’ve learned it’s called spiritual bypassing. Instead of doing the hard work of healing, they just drop a spiritual cliche and move on.
Ya it’s very frustrating and leads to broken relationships
Ok. We know that there are bad interpretations of the bible and God's words specifically that really really hurt people. And there are good interpretations of the bible and God's words that heal people. Where does sharing the gospel play into that?
Bad interpretations of the gospel are a lot more prominent, and so when I do share about my faith, I often share videos about Restore Austin, or I don't share the gospel.
One way people bring others into relationships with God are by bringing them to church. That being said, not all churches are healthy. I don't want to share the gospel, create a Christian, so they can get massively hurt down the road. Or sharing the gospel with my LGBTQ+ friends makes them uncomfortable.
And then there is the whole deal with the unreached, who don't know Jesus at all, and whatever interpretations they are hearing of the bible are bad and harmful. The goal would be to share what is good and true and helpful to them, but what does get to them, is likely heavily censored and regulated and so...
I guess what I am trying to say is, I know the true living God. I have a relationship with the real Jesus, not this white washed blond haired blue eyed westernized version of Jesus a lot of churches like to talk about, and I honestly believe that if the real Jesus were to come back, the way he came then and go here, if he was reborn today or something, we as western Christians, the religious right Christians of today would kill him. We his followers would likely kill him, and so how do we share the gospel and preach while battling other people's assumptions of God, Jesus and the bible, that may be harmful?
You mentioned in the sermon how the world would be different if everyone believed in the inclusive love of Jesus and practiced sacrificial love, so how do we share that as people who don't live there?
So many great questions here. It can all feel so overwhelming. I'm adding these to the list!
Also, I don't know how to go about doing it or anything like that but I see a lot of writers on Substack and I want to be a writer, but can't figure out how to do it.
I find myself living with the tension of the two main faith communities that formed me: my conservative traditional upbringing and my more progressive friends/community now. I care about both dearly and know both care about me, but I don’t have a firm footing in either.
How do we recognize what is worth holding onto with our faith communities while letting go of the bad?
Being in the middle is SO HARD. I have my own questions/feelings about this topic, so I'm interested to see how Zach answers. Thanks for asking!
I’d be interested to know if he’s considered the arguments for ultimate reconciliation-the apokatastasis taught in the early Church-versus eternal conscious torment and the idea of hell as it is predominately believed today.
He has considered it and loves talking about it! Great question. I'll add it to the list. Thanks, Ian!
This is a great one!
In this time of uncertainty, I find myself dwelling on all the ‘what ifs’. It seems I’m constantly in a state of worry about everything over which I have no control. What guidance does scripture provide over how to handle worry? My personal experience in church is just don’t do it, which is easier said than done when all norms have been tossed out the window.
This is a GREAT question, Pat! We will definitely cover this on our first interview. Thank you 😊
My burning question is: have you read project 2025? And what do you gather biblically from it?
ooooo I like this one! Not sure of the answer, but I'm sure Zach will have a lot to say!
Donald Trump said he's not involved with it - do you think it will influence policy?
He said he’s not involved with it during the campaign, but now that he’s been elected he’s named a number of Project 2025 authors (including one of the main architects of the project) to cabinet positions. https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/trump-cabinet-picks-with-project-2025-ties.html
I read the article and some things they’re proposing seem like good ideas - some they want to do are scary. The article wasn’t really representing the breadth of some situations. I am hoping you read liberal and conservative messages to compare. I will not argue or want to alienate each other over politics however. Im looking for appropriate grown up conversations like you are!
It already has begun! Look at the Superintendent of Schools buying $60 trump bibles to be taught to the students of Oklahoma, when he probably could have paid half to next to nothing for Bibles, NET, CSB any but why trump ones??? To indoctrinate those student who see the president elects name in it to streer whole generation into the maga movement, who could be more influenced? They hear their parents talking at home, now at school… it is written….separation of church and state and the heritage foundation is just defecating on our constitution…. they are preparing to be ready as soon as trumps says “so help me god” with his hand on most likely his own bible. What a complete farse!! The heritage foundation will take it from there.
I am confident this is all part of Gods plan.
I will be in constant prayer seeking guidance from Him… speak when HE says, and be quiet when HE says, too!
All this is a vapor, as Ecclesiastics states!
Hopefully one crazy man with Trump bibles (why he has his own “bible” I will find out) won’t get too far. He doesn’t rep everyone on the right thankfully. I’m friends with people on both sides and like to listen to what everyone says. Thanks for sharing your pov!!
Okay Zach and Amy. Here is 1 burning question that I've had for YEARS and another that my friend asked me about yesterday.
Number #1 - I was taught that during the time between crucifixion and resurrection that Jesus went to hell and battled Satan. WTH? Where did this come from?
Wait I have a #3 - I cannot find the "sinner's prayer" of accepting Jesus to make sure you get into heaven. Have I missed it?
Back to #2 - my girlfriend's question for me that applies to Zach. If her husband falls asleep in church does it make the pastor feel bad and is it disrespectful to God? I said ask God but she didn't like that answer. I am thinking you're laughing right about now.