Off Stage with Greg and RD

What music we enjoy forms us. But what about the wealth of songs that are sung in churches that come from churches we disagree with over theological or philosophical issues? Should we still sing those songs? Today, Greg and RD discuss this topic: how should we, as Christians, think about the songs we sing? Or even the books we read, the movies we watch, etc? Greg and RD Reference The Ressurection of the Son of God by N.T. Wright. For more information on this podcast, visit http://fellowshipknox.org/podcasts You can also e-mail questions or topic ideas to offstage@fellowshipknox.org

Today, we are reading the book of Ephesians, which is a continuation of our Bible Study Series; what does the book of Ephesians have to say to us in our modern culture: from the cosmic to the intimately personal details of your life, God has sovereignly revealed himself to you that you might understand what “the praise of his glorious grace” means, and Greg and R.D. are talking about that and so much more. Previous episodes in our Bible Study series: How to Study the Bible Genesis Exodus Matthew Book of Acts Romans 1 Peter Revelation Bible and Systematic Theology

Apostasy is the abandonment of religious belief. In recent years, we've seen this come up with artists, authors, and even pastors renouncing their Christian faith publicly. Today, Greg and RD dive into this topic, it's theological implications as well as what it is and what it isn't. RD references our episode The Bible is Real Life For more information on this podcast, visit http://fellowshipknox.org/podcasts You can also e-mail questions or topic ideas to offstage@fellowshipknox.org

In this episode of Off Stage with Greg and RD, we delve into the world of AI Girlfriends and Boyfriends. Join us as we explore how our desire for control and perfection mirrors our attempts to reshape God in our own image. Through a theological lens, we reflect on the pursuit of unattainable perfection and how it contrasts with the belief in the perfection of Jesus, all while navigating how technology changes our world.

R.D. was recently confirmed as the new Lead Pastor Elect at Fellowship Church in Knoxville. Greg and R.D. wanted to have a conversation about the challenges they see in the future and, even more, how God is moving in the next generation. In this episode, you'll get to hear more of what R.D. hopes for his church, and the church at large, as he steps into his new role. There will be a companion episode released on the Fellowship Middlebrook Sermons podcast page later this week. That is the episode Greg references with Rick and Lauren. For more information on this podcast, visit fellowshipknox.org/podcasts You can also e-mail questions or topic ideas to offstage@fellowshipknox.org

On Saturday morning, we woke up to the news of the attack in Israel. Today, Greg and R.D. wanted to give their perspective on the conflict, its backstory, as well as what this means for Christians as it relates to the Bible. Greg references our episode on Revelation. RD reads from Miroslav Volf’s Exclusion & Embrace. Here’s the quote: My thesis is that the practice of non-violence requires a belief in divine vengeance…My thesis will be unpopular with man in the West…But imagine speaking to people (as I have) whose cities and villages have been first plundered, then burned, and leveled to the ground, whose daughters and sisters have been raped, whose fathers and brothers have had their throats slit…Your point to them–we should not retaliate? Why not? I say–the only means of prohibiting violence by us is to insist that violence is only legitimate when it comes from God…Violence thrives today, secretly nourished by the belief that God refuses to take the sword…It takes the quiet of a suburb for the birth of the thesis that human nonviolence is a result of a God who refuses to judge. In a scorched land–soaked in the blood of the innocent, the idea will invariably die, like other pleasant captivities of the liberal mind…if God were NOT angry at injustice and deception and did NOT make a final end of violence, that God would not be worthy of our worship. For more information on this podcast, visit http://fellowshipknox.org/podcasts You can also e-mail questions or topic ideas to offstage@fellowshipknox.org

NOTE: We had a microphone issue recording this week’s episode. We apologize if the audio sounds slightly degraded. Apple recently released a video as part of their most recent iPhone release. With the ideas of the ad in mind, Greg and RD are diving into deomorphisms which is a big word that essentially means worshipping the created instead of the creator. With their characteristic humor, knowledge, and numerous Romans references, this episode promises to be enlightening, challenging, and ultimately encouraging. Here’s the video that RD and Greg begin their discussion with. For more information on this podcast, visit fellowshipknox.org/podcasts You can also e-mail questions or topic ideas to offstage@fellowshipknox.org

In this special episode of Off Stage with Greg and RD, join us as we pay tribute to the life and lasting legacy of Tim Keller, a pastor, preacher, theologian, and author who left an indelible mark on our hosts, Greg and RD. Dive deep into the teachings of Keller that resonated with them personally, exploring the profound impact his wisdom had on their work as pastors and its relevance in today's ever-changing cultural landscape. Dr. Timothy Keller was a pastor, preacher, theologian, and apologist. He founded Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City and is the author of multiple books including The Reason for God, The Prodigal God, King’s Cross, The Meaning of Marriage, and Encounters with Jesus. R.D. references Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation RD references Tim’s sermon after 9/11: Truth, Tears, Anger, and Grace. Greg references the book Biblical Critical Theory by Christopher Watkin. Dr. Keller wrote the foreword for the book. RD reads from Tim’s book Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering. Want to read more of Kellers’ work but don’t know where to start? Here are recommendations from the guys: Greg’s Pick: The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism RD’s Pick: The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith For more information on this podcast, visit podcast.fellowshipknox.org You can also e-mail questions or topic ideas to offstage@fellowshipknox.org

Lights, camera, action! On this episode of Off Stage with Greg and RD, the hosts talk about their favorite movies. They share their belief that movies are a gift from God for our enjoyment, and discuss the films that have had the biggest impact on them. Along the way, they also dish on overrated and underrated movies, bringing their trademark humor and insight to the conversation. Whether you're a film buff or just looking for some entertainment, tune in to hear Greg and RD's take on the world of cinema.

On this episode of Off Stage with Greg and RD, the hosts dive into the controversial topic of whether language can be considered a form of violence. With their trademark "both/and" approach, they examine both sides of the argument and explore the complexities of power dynamics and communication. For more information on this podcast, visit podcast.fellowshipknox.org You can also e-mail questions or topic ideas to offstage@fellowshipknox.org

In this episode of Off Stage with Greg and RD, the hosts engage in a profound conversation on the themes of autonomy and loneliness, inspired by the work of Christopher Watkin's Biblical Critical Theory. They analyze how modern culture's emphasis on individual autonomy can leave people feeling disconnected and isolated. Through their exploration of Biblical texts, Greg and RD offer a deep and insightful perspective on how a sense of community and glorifying God can provide us with a path towards overcoming loneliness and finding genuine fulfillment. Join us for a compelling discussion that will encourage you to consider how our cultural values affect our mental and emotional well-being. Today we are having a conversation about a conversation we had about the book Biblical Critical Theory by Christopher Watkin. For more information on this podcast, visit fellowshipknox.org/podcasts You can also e-mail questions or topic ideas to offstage@fellowshipknox.org

Oh yes! Let's dive into the world of C.S. Lewis and The Chronicles of Narnia. We try not to get too nerdy, but let's be real, we can't help ourselves. We discuss the themes, characters, and overall awesomeness of this classic series, and offer some insights on how it can deepen our understanding of faith and spirituality, including the parallels between Aslan and Jesus. So join us as we journey through the magical world of Narnia and explore the deeper truths that it reveals. We are discussing at-length the Chronicles of Narnia which can be read in two orders: Chronological: 1.) The Magician’s Nephew 2.) The Lion, the Witch, and The Wardrobe 3.) The Horse and His Boy 4.) Prince Caspian 5.) The Voyage of the Dawn Treader 6.) The Silver Chair 7.) The Last Battle Order of Publication: 1.) The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe 2.) Prince Caspian 3.) The Voyage of the Dawn Treader 4.) The Silver Chair 5.) The Horse and His Boy 6.) The Magician’s Nephew 7.) The Last Battle A young fan in 1957 had a dispute with his mother saying he wanted to read them chronologically and his mother preferred publication order. This fan wrote to Lewis who sent this reply: “I think I agree with your order for reading the books more than with your mother’s. The series was not planned beforehand as she thinks. When I wrote The Lion I did not know I was going to write any more. Then I wrote P. Caspian as a sequel and still didn’t think there would be any more, and when I had done The Voyage I felt quite sure it would be the last. But I found as I was wrong. So perhaps it does not matter very much in which order anyone read them.” But it’s worth noting that order of publication will introduce you to Aslan first as the Pevensie children met him: a mystery, a wonder yet a kind and good ruler who is capable of reversing death. If you read Magician’s Nephew first, you miss this experience. Also referenced in this episode: Mere Christianity The Space Trilogy (Including That Hideous Strength) Planet Narnia by Michael Ward For our many friends in Brazil, here’s a link to the books in Portuguese. For more information on this podcast, visit fellowshipknox.org/podcasts You can also e-mail questions or topic ideas to offstage@fellowshipknox.org

In this episode of Off Stage with Greg and RD, the hosts delve into the concept of plausibility structures and their significance in the context of Christianity and contemporary culture. Through their unique blend of humor and wisdom, Greg and RD explore how plausibility structures shape our beliefs and worldviews, and how they can be used to engage others in meaningful conversations about faith and spirituality. RD references C.S. Lewis’s book Miracles. And then Greg references Mere Christianity. Basically, there’s a lot of Lewis in this conversation and you should read his books. A plausibility structure is a a mental apparatus that operates as a filter for your beliefs. It’s been compared to the term “worldview.” Greg references Walden by Henry David Thoreau For more information on this podcast, visit fellowshipknox.org/podcasts You can also e-mail questions or topic ideas to offstage@fellowshipknox.org

Join Greg and RD on this episode of Off Stage as they explore the topic of Chat GPT and its implications for Christians. They discuss the ethical considerations surrounding the use of this technology and how it challenges our understanding of what it means to be human. Tune in for an enlightening conversation about the role of artificial intelligence in our lives. Here is a link to a popular Chat GPT. RD references the movie Sphere. For more information on this podcast, visit fellowshipknox.org/podcasts You can also e-mail questions or topic ideas to offstage@fellowshipknox.org

Today, we're excited to continue our in-depth Bible study series with a closer look at the book of Exodus. In this episode, we'll explore how the story of Moses and the Israelites in Egypt prefigures the Gospel and points us to the coming of Christ. We'll take a deep dive into the text and discuss how the events of Exodus reveal God's character and His plan for salvation. Previous episodes in our Bible Study series: How to Study the Bible Genesis Matthew Book of Acts Romans 1 Peter Revelation Bible and Systematic Theology RD references Tim Keller’s sermon Crossing Over. For more information on this podcast, visit fellowshipknox.org/podcasts You can also e-mail questions or topic ideas to offstage@fellowshipknox.org

Oh boy, in this episode of Off Stage, Greg and RD tackle the controversial topic of whether or not it's appropriate for Christians to use the enneagram. They also provide an in-depth explanation of what the enneagram is and how it can be both helpful and/ or harmful. Books on the Enneagram: The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanna Stabile How We Relate: Understanding God, Yourself and Others through the Enneagram by Jesse Eubanks For more information on this podcast, visit fellowshipknox.org/podcasts You can also e-mail questions or topic ideas to offstage@fellowshipknox.org

In this episode, Greg and RD delve into some of the common reasons people give for deconstructing their faith, specifically "church hurt" and the perception that the church seeks to control people. Drawing on biblical principles and teachings, we explore how these experiences and perceptions can lead to a crisis of faith and offer guidance for navigating these challenges in a way that is consistent with a biblical worldview. RD references our past episode The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill RD references our episode The Great Deconversion where we discuss Joshua Harris. For more information on this podcast, visit fellowshipknox.org/podcasts You can also e-mail questions or topic ideas to offstage@fellowshipknox.org

Have you lost your mind in a Disney World parking lot? Have you loaded the kids in the car for a 12+ hour drive and thought "This is a good idea!"? Or perhaps you're on the other end of the spectrum and you are anti-vacation for practical or even theological reasons. Well, have we got a show for you. Plus, R.D. and Greg share their own vacation stories and favs in a lighting round of questions. RD references our past episode on Disney World. For more information on this podcast, visit fellowshipknox.org/podcasts You can also e-mail questions or topic ideas to offstage@fellowshipknox.org

Buckle up. We're taking a look at the go-to arguments many atheists make: we're talking problem of evil, the reliability of the Bible and so much more. Greg and RD reference the sermon The Word & The Dragon. For more information on this podcast, visit fellowshipknox.org/podcasts You can also e-mail questions or topic ideas to offstage@fellowshipknox.org

Today we are discussing transgenderism. What does the Bible say about it and what does it mean to live faithful to what God has revealed in his Word while also offering gentleness to the world in a topic that sparks heated debate on all sides? RD references Embodied by Preston Sprinkle. For more information on this podcast, visit fellowshipknox.org/podcasts You can also e-mail questions or topic ideas to offstage@fellowshipknox.org