The Breakdown: Truth Matters

The Kingdom of God, Honesty in Communication, and ANGER

On this episode Social Media Czar Chrissy joins the rest of the crew in guest-hosting more of your questions: The scripture speaks both of the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven--are these two different names for the same thing, or are there differences? Both Jesus and James discuss the concept of letting our "yes be yes" and our "no be no." What does that look like practically in our conversations with other people? Should we qualify our speech or keep it cut-and-dry? And, what should be a Christian's relationship to the emotion of anger? Can Christians experience "righteous anger" like God does? And if so, how are we to respond appropriately to it? 

Though He Slay Me, I Will Hope In Him - Michelle

On this episode of The Breakdown we're back with another testimony--this time from our newest permanent member of the podcast--Michelle. Listen and hear how God is glorified through much suffering, uncertainty, and loss. 

God & Guns

On this episode of The Breakdown CCOP Elder and Yavapai County Sheriff's Office Captain Nate Auvenshine joins us in the studio to address the topic of self-defense and the use of deadly force. As Christians, where should our hearts and minds be on this matter? Should Christians carry firearms? Under what circumstance does the Bible permit, or even exhort, a Christian to use a weapon to take a human life? These and lots of other firearms and self-defense related questions are answered in this one, so don't miss it!

After you listen to the episode if you want to read Nate's essay on Biblical Justification for Self-Defense he completed for his martial arts black belt, click the link below.

Biblical Justification for Self-Defense

 

Salvation to the Gentiles, Why People Reject Jesus, and Assurance of Salvation

On this week's episode all the regulars are back in the studio to keep answering more of your questions. The first relates to God's work of salvation throughout history--who could be saved? What did salvation look like before the cross of Jesus Christ? Why the Jews first and then the Gentiles? Why do people reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ anyway? And, if I have claimed Christ, how can I know that I have been truly saved? Can we have assurance of salvation? All great questions--enjoy. 

Quarreling, Anxiety About Sinning, and More on Submission

On this episode of the breakdown Michelle, Ryan, and John are joined again with Corey to answer more of your questions about the the Bible and practical application. They address how we as Christians can engage in dialogue about the Truth without falling into quarrels or fruitless arguments. How do we find a balance of healthy fear towards sin and neurotic anxiety? And, they revisit the topic of gender roles in marriage and Godly submission vs. authoritarianism. We also would like to welcome Michelle on as a permanent part of the team at The Breakdown! 

The Vulnerability Episode

On this episode we're doing something a little bit different. The Bible tells us that we are to "boast" gladly in our weaknesses and that we are to "bear one another's burdens." Are we living up to this calling as the Church of Jesus Christ? What does it mean to be vulnerable? Are we any better at it than "the world?" How can we, as men and women of the Word, better exercise our gifts for the edification of the brethren and the unbelieving world around us? 

My Friend’s New Relationship & The Parable of the Mustard Seed

On this episode of The Breakdown Austin, Michelle, Ryan and John are back in the studio to answer more of your questions. This week, we discuss a common phenomenon: Your friend gets a new boyfriend or girlfriend. Suddenly, you begin to see less and less of them. You feel abandoned. Now what? We've all been in this situation. How can we cope with the perceived abandonment and potentially confront our friend. Also--The Parable of the Mustard Seed. Many questions can be gleaned from this parable, including: Can faith be measured? Is God's will influenced in proportion to our faith? What does this parable teach us about prayer? And, does it contain a hidden omen about the future of the Church?

Laying on of Hands, Mercy, Not Sacrifice, and Bearing False Witness

One might describe this episode as, “how to lean in” regarding heart issues of the Faith. In the studio today are Ryan and John as well as special guests Michelle and Corey to answer more of your questions: What is they laying on of hands in Scripture? How does it apply to the modern Christian experience? What does Jesus mean when he twice quotes Hosea 6:6 in Matthew by saying he desires “mercy, not sacrifice?” And what does it mean to “bear false witness?” If I “slip up” in sin, am I bearing false witness when I share my testimony? 

Insecurity, Qualifications to Serve, and Why Should We Pray?

We're back in the studio this morning to address three more questions: How should Christians deal with feeling insecure? What is the context of Paul's comments in 1 Timothy 3:2 regarding having one wife? Is this prerequisite, or a rebuke against polygamy? And, why should we pray to God? Does it actually change God's mind? What is its purpose? 

Difficult Prophecies, Keeping it ”Real,” and Is ”Karma” Biblical?

It's 2022! We hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Years. The guys are back today to answer more of your questions! What do we do with difficult or unexplained prophecies? The example today is Matthew 10:23. Also, how should we handle our emotions--both with ourself, and others? Should we "follow our hearts?" Can we "keep it real," "keep it 100," and still be faithful to the Lord? Lastly, how should the blood-bought believer relate to the discipline of the Lord, and the consequences of our actions? Is "Karma" something believers should believe in?