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Brax Tacks

Brax Tacks

By Braxton Carvette

A podcast for Millennials and Gen Z to think seriously about the world, culture, ethics, faith, reason, and life.
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Do we need to love ourselves so we can love our neighbors?

Brax TacksMar 28, 2024

00:00
54:02
Do we need to love ourselves so we can love our neighbors?

Do we need to love ourselves so we can love our neighbors?

In week 3 of our Core Commands of Christ series, we take a deep dive into what it means to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Mar 28, 202454:02
Do Christians play Dungeons and Dragons? Slaying the Dragon, Collaborative Story-telling, and Faith with Isaac Kapsner

Do Christians play Dungeons and Dragons? Slaying the Dragon, Collaborative Story-telling, and Faith with Isaac Kapsner

In this special episode, we interview our very own Isaac Kapsner on the topic of tabletop roleplaying games and the Christian faith. Can Christians play these kinds of games? What are the benefits of storytelling within community? What can we learn from games like dungeons and dragons? Join us for a fascinating conversation!

Mar 26, 202401:18:03
What does it mean to love God?

What does it mean to love God?

In week 2 of our Core Commands of Christ series, we take a look at the most important command: Love God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.

Mar 24, 202453:18
What the Church Can Learn through What God is Doing in Sports Part 2 with Adam Bricker
Mar 19, 202437:49
You Must be Born Again

You Must be Born Again

In this new Thursday series, we take a look at some of the core commands of Jesus found in the gospels. In week one, we examine the most foundational of all Jesus' commands: "you must be born again."

Credit to Tim Mackie of the Bible Project and his message on John chapter 3 for helping me to think about this better.

Mar 15, 202443:23
Christian Dating

Christian Dating

A listen in on our epilogue to our Controversial February series on dating.

Mar 15, 202449:55
What the Church Can Learn through What God is Doing in Sports with Adam Bricker

What the Church Can Learn through What God is Doing in Sports with Adam Bricker

A chance to get to know one of Bethel University's D3 hockey players and to hear about what God is doing in Christians as they play sports.

Mar 12, 202429:25
How to face persecution: Daniel 3

How to face persecution: Daniel 3

A message from the end of 2023.

Mar 05, 202433:21
Controversial February: God, Guns, and Glory

Controversial February: God, Guns, and Glory

A chance for us to think deeply about obeying the commands of Jesus in a complicated world.

Feb 29, 202456:51
Faith and Science: Old Earth?

Faith and Science: Old Earth?

Our second episode in a two-part series on what the Genesis account can tell us about our world.

Feb 27, 202430:51
Controversial February: Abortion

Controversial February: Abortion

Why is abortion so common in the U.S.? What can we know about science, philosophy, and pro-choice/pro-life? What does the Bible teach us about God's image, God's love, and God's power to change our world? This week, we discuss abortion.

Feb 22, 202446:12
Faith and Science: Young Earth?

Faith and Science: Young Earth?

In this two-part episode, we explore various interpretations of the Genesis account of creation.

Feb 20, 202420:44
Controversial February: LGBTQ+ and the Bible

Controversial February: LGBTQ+ and the Bible

As Christians, we need to be 100% committed to letting our LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors know that we and God love them. Not only that, we need to be 100% committed to knowing what the Bible says about honoring Jesus with our gender identity and sexual activity.

Feb 15, 202451:41
How do I read the Bible?

How do I read the Bible?

If you've ever wondered how you can read your Bible better, check this episode out for some help!

Feb 14, 202401:05:12
The significance of forgiveness
Feb 06, 202436:01
Forgiveness: What is it?
Jan 30, 202427:39
Shame, dancing, Christmas, and Good Friday

Shame, dancing, Christmas, and Good Friday

In this week's episode, we explore what it is to live with a clean conscience and how we can start a journey of a shame-free life.

Dec 12, 202318:52
Shame, snakes, and naked people

Shame, snakes, and naked people

Shame is perhaps the most unpleasant emotional experience someone can have. Where does it come from? How do we get rid of it? In this episode, we explore the source of shame as explained by the biblical authors.

Dec 05, 202333:45
What thanksgiving is for

What thanksgiving is for

In our last episode, we discussed how Thanksgiving is insufficient to sustain a life of obedience. In this episode, we discuss what the role of thanksgiving plays in the life of the Christian– and it's a huge role!

Nov 28, 202327:35
Thanksgiving isn't enough

Thanksgiving isn't enough

In the Christian life, we are often told how important thankfulness is to living an obedient life. In this first part of a two-part special Thanksgiving episode, we discuss why thanksgiving isn't enough to sustain a life of obedience.

Nov 21, 202327:18
Christian dating and relationships part 2

Christian dating and relationships part 2

Join us as we continue a conversation around Christian dating and relationships!

Nov 14, 202322:56
Christian dating and relationships

Christian dating and relationships

Dating is difficult enough on its own, but being a Christian changes the game. In this and the next episode, we'll talk about Christian dating and relationships.

Nov 07, 202329:22
What does Sabbath look like today?

What does Sabbath look like today?

What does Sabbath look like for the Christian today? Is it important?

Check out A.J. Swoboda's Subversive Sabbath

Hosts:

Brax Carvette and Preston Schmiedel

Edited by:

Brax Carvette

Graphics by:

Carolyn Helman

Oct 31, 202334:04
Sabbath: Part 1

Sabbath: Part 1

What is Sabbath? Should a Christian have a holy day? Is a Sabbath even practical in our culture? We'll discuss these questions and more in this two-part episode!

Oct 24, 202328:14
Asking the Right Questions to Change

Asking the Right Questions to Change

What are the right questions to ask yourself in order to go about changing your life, according to the Bible?

Oct 17, 202325:52
How the Holy Spirit Changes Your Life

How the Holy Spirit Changes Your Life

How does God go about changing your life? Through the work of the Holy Spirit. But what does that look like?

Oct 10, 202319:37
God doesn't promise to change your life for you

God doesn't promise to change your life for you

Today, we talk about what the Bible says about life transformation.

Oct 03, 202312:23
What if God doesn't change my life?

What if God doesn't change my life?

What happens when the life change that is promised in Christianity not only fails, but seems to make things worse? Too few are talking about such issues in American Evangelicalism today. We're here to expose that and give people hope. You can change, but it's going to look different than the quick-and-easy solutions that so many Christians unfortunately peddle today.

Sep 26, 202317:16
What difference does God make?

What difference does God make?

"Jesus will change your life!" But does he? Is that what he promises in the Good News? Brax Carvette and Preston Schmiedel begin to discuss the question.

Sep 19, 202316:06
What does the Bible say about being Transgender?

What does the Bible say about being Transgender?

The Bible has some surprising things to say about gender.

Aug 08, 202316:13
Gay Christians and Purity Culture

Gay Christians and Purity Culture

What does someone experience as being gay and Christian purity have to do with each other? We'll talk about that and more in this podcast episode.

Aug 01, 202326:04
"What does the Bible say about being Gay?"

"What does the Bible say about being Gay?"

How I try to answer the question that is asked to some many Christians by so many people.

Jul 25, 202312:57
How can Christians say they're right?

How can Christians say they're right?

This is a class discussion centered around these questions:

1. How can you say that Christianity is true when there are all these other religions?

2. Isn't it arrogant to say you're right and they're wrong (or, at least, improbable)?

3. Aren't you a Christian just because of where you grew up?

4. Can you live with the idea that everyone else who doesn't believe in Jesus is going to an eternal torture chamber?

Jul 12, 202338:31
If someone commits suicide, will they still go to heaven?

If someone commits suicide, will they still go to heaven?

This week, Isaiah Cruz and I talk about whether or not someone who commits suicide will go to heaven. With this, we talk about the importance of asking why someone asks you any question, anxiety, depression, the kingdom of God, assurance of salvation, and more! If you would like to ask your own question, use the link to the Google Doc that was sent to your email!

Jun 16, 202245:21
Why doesn't God stop war? Is the Bible a prayer?

Why doesn't God stop war? Is the Bible a prayer?

We're going to be doing an AMA (that's Ask Me Anything). This summer, we want to feature your questions (whether you’re a parent or youth) on this podcast. Ask me anything you want. For instance, you can ask questions about God, the Bible, faith, the world, ask for advice– anything. If you are a youth in our youth group or a parent of one, ask for the Google Doc link so that you can ask your questions anonymously or get in touch with Brax to get together and discuss your question.

We also have an opportunity to discuss LGBTQ+ ethics and what the Bible has to tell us about our identity and behavior as well as how to love our LGBTQ neighbors. We're having a luncheon on July 10th from 12-2pm in our youth room. We will even have a Q&A time afterwards. Please RSVP so we can get enough food for everyone!


Jun 07, 202232:44
What does the Bible say about Hell? How do you listen to the Holy Spirit?

What does the Bible say about Hell? How do you listen to the Holy Spirit?

We're going to be doing an AMA (that's Ask Me Anything). This summer, we want to feature your questions (whether you’re a parent or youth) on this podcast. Ask me anything you want. For instance, you can ask questions about God, the Bible, faith, the world, ask for advice– anything. If you are a youth in our youth group or a parent of one, ask for the Google Doc link so that you can ask your questions anonymously or get in touch with Brax to get together and discuss your question. 

We also have an opportunity to discuss LGBTQ+ ethics and what the Bible has to tell us about our identity and behavior as well as how to love our LGBTQ neighbors. We're having a luncheon on June 11th from 11:30-1:30 in our youth room. We will even have a Q&A time afterwards. Please RSVP so we can get enough food for everyone!

Jun 02, 202232:11
The King and His Kingdom: Marriage, Divorce, Sex, and Singleness

The King and His Kingdom: Marriage, Divorce, Sex, and Singleness

A condensed version of our conversation around Matthew 19:1–12. Resources that were used for this podcast are Rachel Joy Welcher's Talking Back to Purity Culture. Matt Chandler's sermon clip titled, "Jesus Wants the Rose". 

Feb 10, 202232:13
Marriage, Divorce, Sex, and Singleness in Matthew 19

Marriage, Divorce, Sex, and Singleness in Matthew 19

This was a lesson for our high school Bible class talking about marriage, divorce, sex, and singleness. Resources mentioned or drawn from in this lesson were Between Two Worlds by Elizabeth Marquardt and Talking Back to Purity Culture by Rachel Joy Welcher.

Feb 09, 202253:02
The King and His Kingdom: How to Fight the Fear of People

The King and His Kingdom: How to Fight the Fear of People

It's easy to be afraid of people sometimes and their opinions of us. How should Christians fight this fear?

Nov 09, 202115:19
The King and His Kingdom: Judging others and the fear of being judged

The King and His Kingdom: Judging others and the fear of being judged

We'll talk about judgmentalism and the fear of being judged by Jesus.

Oct 19, 202120:35
The King and His Kingdom and Your Anxiety in Matthew 6

The King and His Kingdom and Your Anxiety in Matthew 6

We know that anxiety and stress is not good for us. How can Jesus' words help us to overcome our stress?

Oct 12, 202124:51
The King and His Kingdom: Matthew 5

The King and His Kingdom: Matthew 5

This week, we look at Matthew 5:1-13.

Oct 05, 202120:54
The King and His Kingdom: Matthew 4

The King and His Kingdom: Matthew 4

A recap of our high lesson on Matthew 4:1–11. 

If you would like to listen to the live discussion, follow the youtube link right here: https://youtu.be/ReDwnoUrFrA


Sep 28, 202120:46
J is for Jesus
Mar 12, 202147:25
How to Pray
Mar 03, 202158:44
Racism and Christianity: an episode we wish we didn't have to make

Racism and Christianity: an episode we wish we didn't have to make

Brax and Zach talk about racism and the gospel in the wake of George Floyd's horrific murder. We hope that this conversation is helpful. 

Jun 03, 202045:34
Jesus's childlikeness and love in John Chapter 5

Jesus's childlikeness and love in John Chapter 5

What is Jesus like? He is like a child. He is the most dependent person who has ever lived. He is the most loving person who has ever lived. 

Join us in this episode of Brax Tacks as we encounter Jesus.

(This episode includes a new segment, Christianity at the Movies. We discuss the Christian realities in Pixar's Up and the Christlikeness of Michael B. Jordan's character, Bryan Stevenson in the movie Just Mercy). 

May 13, 202001:00:57
John chapter 4: Jesus' love and Jesus' food

John chapter 4: Jesus' love and Jesus' food

The extent of Jesus' love was astonishing for those who met him 2,000 years ago and it's just as astonishing for us today. What's more, Jesus loves to love us! It's not a duty for him-- it's his food!


May 06, 202056:33
John Chapter 4: The Way Jesus Loves Us in Conversation

John Chapter 4: The Way Jesus Loves Us in Conversation

John chapter 4 has one of the most beautiful conversations ever recorded between Jesus and a Samaritan woman. How does Jesus approach her? What is his attitude? How does he love her in her situation? We hope you'll listen and see how Jesus loves us when we have a conversation with him.

Apr 29, 202001:09:17
John Chapter 3: Believe in Jesus

John Chapter 3: Believe in Jesus

In this episode, we examine the context surrounding the most famous verse in the Bible, John 3:16. 

Sorry for the technical difficulties, the audio quality was low for some reason and stopped recording before the end of our time together.

Apr 27, 202048:18