30: King David & Uriah
The story of David continues. Giant slayer, warrior, fugitive, king of Israel, and now… guilty of murder? In this episode we see how even a man after God’s own heart can fail tragically, but also that God remains faithful.
077: Is Christianity the Only True Religion?
Can there really be one true religion? Are we all worshiping the same God, but in different ways? Can we embrace diversity and avoid relativism? Rachel Chester sits down with Dr. Timothy Yoder, an apologetics and philosophy professor, to discuss religious pluralism, Christian apologetics, and how to respectfully engage with those outside the Christian faith.
Resources:
Confronting Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin
The Reason for God by Timothy Keller
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
076: Christian Celebrity
It happens every so often that we see prominent and popular Christian leaders, celebrities if you will, stumble and fall. A story breaks, or someone comes forward and all of a sudden we’re left wondering about this person and their ministry and if it was all for real. On this episode, Jon Coffey sits down with Clear Creek Community Church’s Lead Pastor, Bruce Wesley, to discuss the dangers of the Christian celebrity and how we can appreciate God-given gifts and talents without creating idols.
Resources:
The Danger of Idolizing ‘Christian Celebrities’ – Relevant Magazine
29: King David
The story of David continues. Giant slayer, warrior, fugitive, and now king of Israel. This episode explores God’s promise to make one of David’s descendants the ultimate, forever king.
075: Parenting Q&A with Chap Clark
We all want our kids to grow up with a faith they hold onto as adults. In January, Chap Clark spoke at the Clear Creek Forum on Parenting to share what we can do now to foster lasting faith in our kids’ hearts. While he was in town he sat down with Lance Lawson to answer some questions on the podcast that he didn’t have a chance to address at the event.
Resources:
What Kind of Adults Will Our Kids Be?
074: Celebrating Diversity in the Church
Houston is regarded as the single most ethnically diverse major metropolitan area in the United States. And yet, it is still true today what Martin Luther King Jr. said almost 60 years ago, “that the most segregated hour of Christian America is eleven o’clock on Sunday morning.” What does the gospel say about diversity? How can the church lead the way in celebrating our ethnic and racial differences? On this episode, Ryan Lehtinen talks with the Executive Director of the Houston Church Planting Network, Chad Clarkson, and pastors, David Hill and Jaron Jones, about diversity in the church and how followers of Jesus can make a difference.
Resources:
073: Life in Community
Many of us feel too busy or broken to invest in community, although we know we need it. What does it look like to cultivate relationships with those around us? Why is this so important for disciples of Jesus? How can we invest in the people around us in a way that leads to transformation in Christ? In this episode, Rachel Chester sits down with Susan Wesley to discuss why and how we invite people into authentic relationship.
Resources:
Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund
Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands by Paul David Tripp
Live Local: Connecting with One Another in the Local Church
072: Christian Nationalism
On January 6, in what has been called an insurrection, coup, and an assault on our democracy, protestors stormed, vandalized, and looted the U.S. Capitol building during a joint session of Congress. Five people died during the event, or shortly afterward, including one Capitol police officer. As Americans we are appalled at what took place. As Christians we are additionally troubled because peppered throughout the crowds, for all the world to see, were crosses, signs reading “Jesus Saves”, and Christian flags. But what did this insurrection have to do with Jesus? On this episode, Ryan Lehtinen talks with Bruce Wesley and Yancey Arrington about Christian Nationalism and how followers of Jesus should respond to this movement.
Resources:
071: Is This the End Times?
2020 was a year filled with political division, natural disasters, health crises, and unprecedented challenges to the church. The Bible seems to describe a period of turmoil that directly precedes the return of Christ. Are we living in that time? What does the Bible really describe? How do we respond as Christians? On this episode, Rachel Chester talks with Yancey Arrington about how to understand Revelation and what it means for us today.
Resources:
The Bible and The Future by Anthony Hoekema
Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright
No, The Vaccination Isn’t The Mark of the Beast by Yancey Arrington
070: The Year In Review and What’s Coming Next
2020 is over and 2021 is here! But as we look ahead to the hope of new beginnings and the eventual waning of COVID-19, it’s important to remember where we’ve been on this wild journey. Jon Coffey sits down with Ryan Lehtinen and Rachel Chester to talk about the good, the bad, and the lessons we learned last year, as well as taking a look at some of the Clear Creek Resources content we have to look forward to in 2021.
Resources:
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
Who’s in the Bible? A Podcast for Kids
026: Following Christ as a NASA Flight Surgeon
052: Christianity and Mental Health
5 Reflections on Life After an Election
The Violin Boys: How Four Brothers are Spreading Joy Amidst COVID-19