Brax Tacks
By Braxton Carvette
Brax TacksApr 08, 2020
What is the Good News according to Matthew? With Dr. Jeannine Brown
This week, we have a very special guest, Dr. Jeannine Brown.
Dr. Brown has focused much of her research and writing on the Gospels, hermeneutics, and interdisciplinary integration. In addition to a book on biblical hermeneutics (Scripture as Communication, now in second edition) and two books on integration, she has published three commentaries on Matthew's Gospel and one on Philippians (Tyndale NT series). She is a member of the NIV translation team and is an editor for the NIV Study Bible, revised edition (2020). Her current writing projects include a commentary 1 Peter (NICNT) and book on themes in 1 Peter.
She received her BA at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in Music and went on to Bethel Seminary for her Master's and received her PhD at Luther seminary.
It was an absolute privilege and joy to have Dr. Brown on the show and we hope y'all will listening to our conversation with her as much as we enjoyed having it!
Do Christians need to confess their sins?
What role does confession of sin play in the Christian life? Do we need to confess our sins to God? What about to other Christians?
1 John 1:9
James 5:16
Does God love Satan?
A recap of our first week's discussion in our new series, Jesus Christ vs. Sin, Satan, and the World.
If you're interested in checking out the full discussion from our time together, you can check out our YouTube channel.
Is Wish a good movie? The good, the bad, and what I learned
In this special episode, Brax reviews Disney's Wish.
Christians are supposed to interact with art and culture-- not cancel it. There is certainly a lot of creativity in this movie, a lot that could have been better, but still there is a lesson for us and our relationship with God.
Can Christians be rich? Managing money, managing time, private jets and more
In this episode, we tackle some tough questions about what the Bible has to say about how messed up it is that we love money so much. Yep, we talk about how living in America is a spiritually dangerous place because of how much money we have (or how much we want it). If you're interested in how to think about and how to interact with your money, this is an episode for you!
Check out Adam Bricker's new podcast House of Bricks (new episodes every Friday).
You can also listen to our 2-part interview with Adam right here:
The relationship between faith and works in the Bible with Joseph Baumgarn
In this episode, we dive into the topic of Joe's senior thesis: the relationship between faith and works in the Bible. Faith, works, demons, Judas Iscariot, the history of Israel, Jesus as the Passover Lamb– we cover it all! We hope you'll join us for this important discussion.
Dating (for men) and the pursuit of the image of God with Joseph Baumgarn
In this fascinating episode, we discuss the importance of pursuing God and how young men pursue the image of God largely through pursuing romantic relationships in their teenage years and their early twenties. (Please note that there is much in this episode that can and does apply to young women, but we can only speak from our limited perspectives as men on this particular issue).
This is the first of a two-part conversation with Joe, so be sure to subscribe so that you won't miss the second half of this discussion on Tuesday, April 9th.
Our friend, Adam Bricker, has started his podcast! Check him out over on his podcast, House of Bricks
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!
What the Church Can Learn through What God is Doing in Sports Part 2 with Adam Bricker
The second part of our wonderful conversation around sports and faith with Adam Bricker. Adam is going to be starting up a podcast about faith and sports (tentatively called) House of Bricks (which we think is awesome). Be sure to check the show out when it airs soon!
The book mentioned in this episode is called J-Curve: Dying and Rising with Jesus in Everyday Life by Paul Miller. I cannot recommend this book enough, so be sure to purchase a copy!
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.
Christian Dating
A listen in on our epilogue to our Controversial February series on dating.
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.
How to face persecution: Daniel 3
A message from the end of 2023.
Controversial February: God, Guns, and Glory
A chance for us to think deeply about obeying the commands of Jesus in a complicated world.
Faith and Science: Old Earth?
Our second episode in a two-part series on what the Genesis account can tell us about our world.
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.
Faith and Science: Young Earth?
In this two-part episode, we explore various interpretations of the Genesis account of creation.
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.
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!
The significance of forgiveness
Forgiveness: What is it?
Forgiveness can be hard and it doesn't help when we don't know what forgiveness really means. This week, we discuss the definition of forgiveness, what the cross accomplishes, the heart of God to forgive, and forgiveness in the Old Testament.
Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No, to Take Control of Your Life
by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
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.
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.
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!
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.
Christian dating and relationships part 2
Join us as we continue a conversation around 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.
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
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!
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?
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?
God doesn't promise to change your life for you
Today, we talk about what the Bible says about life transformation.
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.
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.
What does the Bible say about being Transgender?
The Bible has some surprising things to say about gender.
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.
"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.
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?
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!
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!
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!
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".
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.
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?
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.
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?
The King and His Kingdom: Matthew 5
This week, we look at Matthew 5:1-13.
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
J is for Jesus
Take a listen in on our Sunday School lesson from March 7th. For a fuller discussion of this topic, see Paul Miller's J-Curve: Dying and Rising with Jesus in Everyday Life
How to Pray
Praying is one of the most life-giving and fundamental practices of the Christian life. We know that and yet our experience is that it is also one of the most hair-pulling and frustrating practices of the Christian life. Today, listen in to our Sunday School discussion on prayer and ask God to help you to pray.
(This lesson is heavily indebted to Paul Miller's A Praying Life.)