Saints in Society

Church membership can often seem like the first step to joining an exclusive club. In reality, it is nothing like that, but so much more! Scripture is clear about many things that have to do with the function of the church. Though membership is never explicitly stated, it is very clear that there was structure within the early church. With the help of guest Michael Lawrence, Rick asks the hard questions about church membership and it's role in the local church and God's Kingdom at large.

Leave a comment or a review with a question you may have for our Q&A episode at the end of the season!

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Many non-Christians are skeptical about Jesus' resurrection. Perhaps they simply have a misunderstanding about it being a physical resurrection, not just a spiritual one. Some Christians may not even be equipped to defend the historicity of the resurrection and may not know its importance to the Christian life. Brad talks with Sean Duncan about how the historical truth of the resurrection means everything to the Christian - from our ability to share the full Gospel to our very salvation.

Leave a comment or a review with a question you may have for our Q&A episode at the end of the season!

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Shame can destroy you, but it doesn't have to. The reality is that we all deal with shame when we recognize our humanity and imperfection. The good news is that there is hope when we recognize our shame. In this episode Rick and Brad are joined by Todd Wermers, President & CEO of Tin Man Ministries, to discuss shame, how we respond to our shame, and the freedom from shame we find in the Gospel.

Leave a comment or a review with a question you may have for our Q&A episode at the end of the season!

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If friendship is important to our Christian life, why can it often be hard to prioritize? In this part of our 'Friendship' series, Rick and Brad will talk about some of the hurdles that make friendships hard to pursue. Luckily, the Gospel redeems these hurdles and highlights the importance of Christian friendship.

Leave a comment or a review with a question you may have for our Q&A episode at the end of the season!

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This can be uncomfortable, but we hope you'll listen in! We all struggle with sin, but it is tough to admit what our idols are. Though we are created to be worshippers, we often fall short and worship things other than God. In this episode, we can learn how to identify our idols and how we can turn our worship to the one true God.

Leave a comment or a review with a question you may have for our Q&A episode at the end of the season!

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Friendship seems pretty straightforward. However, it can be hard to make true, deep, intimate friendships that last the test of time. Similarly to marriage, Christian friendships can exemplify God's characteristics. So what is Christian friendship? Before figuring out how to be a good friend and what is difficult with friendships, we have to define a Christian, disciple-making friendship. Join Rick and Brad as they dive into this topic.

Leave a comment or a review with a question you may have for our Q&A episode at the end of the season!

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Our view of sex has been shaped by many factors, including our culture. But sex is a sacred gift from God to humanity. How does the Bible talk about sex and show how God has created sex to be? This may seem like a topic that most people know, but too often the culture makes its way in - shaping an improper ethic within the Church. In this episode, Rick and Brad will look at how Scripture defines sex and how we should and can turn from what culture says about sex and live redeemed, following God’s intent for sex.

Leave a comment or a review with a question you may have for our Q&A episode at the end of the season!

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Our culture in the West is filled to the brim with consumerism. We have unlimited choices of restaurants, products, shows, and more - all to fulfill our wants and desires. This reality that we live in day-to-day shapes how we view ourselves and what we think we deserve. Unfortunately, that bleeds into the church as well. In this episode, Rick and Brad dig into the harmful culture of consumerism that leads us to critique the church and choose our church community based on what will fill our "needs" (desires).

Leave a comment or a review with a question you may have for our Q&A episode at the end of the season!

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Men and women were created with roles. In our society, we often see men are not living up to the role that God calls them to. Now, there is always room for grace, but there also needs to be a realization of how men can live in response to the grace that God gives them - striving to be the man, husband, and father that they are created to be. In this episode, Rick and Brad talk about two ways that men tend to fail in our culture. Along with practical advice, listen in to hear how the Gospel calls men to live for more than themselves.

Leave a comment or a review with a question you may have for our Q&A episode at the end of the season!

Have an idea for a topic we can cover? Email zach@gcceugene.org to submit a topic.

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There are varying understandings in our society when it comes to what the Bible has to say about a variety of topics. Some are more controversial than others. But what does the Bible say about women in ministry? Do we take the Bible seriously throughout the entire text, but nitpick around certain modern-day cultural positions, or do we trust fully in the word of God? Do we truly believe that what God says is for our ultimate good and His glory, even if we don't understand why? In this episode, Rick and Brad break down what Scripture says about women's roles in the church and the potential dangers of lackadaisically allowing modern social ideologies to shape how we read the Bible.

Leave a comment or a review with a question you may have for our Q&A episode at the end of the season!

Have an idea for a topic we can cover? Email zach@gcceugene.org to submit a topic.

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Saints and Society hits the streets! In this episode, Rick and Brad head out into Eugene and onto the University of Oregon campus to ask some questions. Their purpose is twofold: to find out what college students think about morality, truth, and Christianity, as well as attempting to show how conversations can be had as we live in our post-modern society. We hope this is enlightening and helpful for you as you live as a saint in society!

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On this third episode of our most listened-to topic, Brad is joined by his wife, Jenna, to take a look at a side of the pornography addiction topic that is often looked over. While it is not only men that deal with pornography addictions, the statistics show that most cases are men. There are also cases where men are married, leading to hard conversations and a rocky season of marriage. It is very difficult for men to confess to their wives, but we also understand how heartbreaking this can be to a wife. Jenna opens up about her feelings and how the community around them helped turn the focus from the sin itself to a desperate need for Jesus.

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Living in Christian spheres, you may have heard the phrase "God told me..." or "God wanted me to tell you...". Are these people modern-day prophets? What do they mean if they say God spoke to them? Many times people may claim that God has spoken audibly to them. Can this be true? Rick, Brad, and Ronny look at how to biblically engage in conversations with those who say this, the ways that God speaks to us today, and how claiming to hear from God can be harmful to a Christian community. We hope this conversation is helpful and points to the Bible and Jesus as the true Word of God.

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There are many traditions that practice speaking in tongues. Some may think it's weird, while others may see it as a divine blessing from God. But what does Scripture have to say about this often divisive topic? While the topic of speaking in tongues is not salvific, it may have an impact on how the church, Christ's body, is edified and reconciled - both with God and with each other. Rick and Ronny take on this interesting topic in this episode.

Have an idea for a topic we can cover? Email zach@gcceugene.org to submit a topic.

Eating disorders take many different forms. Maybe the struggle is with eating too much, or maybe under-eating or purging what was already eaten. This is a sensitive topic, and we are thankful that Chelsey Duncan was able to come on the show! Chelsey talks with Rick and Brad about her past eating disorder as well as the life-changing work of Jesus that helped her identity belong to the Savior instead of what culture might say is important. We hope this episode is helpful for you, whether you struggle with an eating disorder or know someone that does.

Have an idea for a topic we can cover? Email zach@gcceugene.org to submit a topic.

We're back again to talk about "churches" that claim to be Christian, yet add something to the free gift of salvation that God gives those who believe in His son. When Mormon elders or Jehovah's Witnesses come to your door, they might appear as though they understand the Gospel. But what do they add to it that makes salvation our role instead of a gift of grace that only God can provide? Join Brad and Ronny as they break down these two cults.

Have an idea for a topic we can cover? Email zach@gcceugene.org to submit a topic.

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In this follow-up to our popular episode on abortion, Rick and Brad look at theological and philosophical arguments for the pro-life argument with help from Ronny Gogan. While the last episode on abortion was helpful to understand abortion medically, this time will have a deeper biblical look at the topic.

Have an idea for a topic we can cover? Email zach@gcceugene.org to submit a topic.

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You've realized the call from God to be a part of a church and now you have been attending one for a few weeks. Something doesn't feel right. The music doesn't get you going, the preaching is boring and never reads from Scripture, and no one has come to introduce themselves to you. Should you leave that church? Based on this scenario, there might be a reason or two to consider leaving. But what are they? Rick and Brad seek to Biblically answer that question in this conversation about when and how to leave a church.

Have an idea for a topic we can cover? Email zach@gcceugene.org to submit a topic.

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*Due to the nature of this content, listen with discretion*

Is it Biblical for a man to expect sex from his wife? What about for a woman to expect an emotional connection from her husband? Are there extra stipulations we put on our sex with our spouse in order for our needs to be met? These questions might feel awkward and personal, but can be vital to a healthy sex life in marriage. These questions and more are discussed as Brad, Rick, and Ali revisit the topic of sex.

Have an idea for a topic we can cover? Email zach@gcceugene.org to submit a topic.

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Throughout the world, many people claim to be a Christian. This could mean something different for each person. Even people who don't practice Christianity in their life self-identify as such. If we look at Scripture, however, we have a clear understanding of what a Christian is and how our lives are to reflect that identity. In this episode, Rick and Brad will look at how Christians can claim their identity in Christ and see what role the local church plays in a true Christian's life.

Have an idea for a topic we can cover? Email zach@gcceugene.org to submit a topic.

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Feminism was surely started with good intentions - equal voting, working, pay, and other rights for women - but now that the times are changing we see that the definition - and even the movement - has made some drastic changes. Brad and Rick look at how modern-day feminism has potentially led to more harm than good for women, and how the answers that feminism presents toward issues pertaining to women are far inferior to the truth that Scripture supplies.

Have an idea for a topic we can cover? Email zach@gcceugene.org to submit a topic.

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Conflict is a part of our lives and is inevitable since the fall of mankind. But conflict can be uncomfortable! Most people even try to outright avoid it. But how do we as Christians embrace conflict and use it to grow in our calling to hold each other accountable and to show the love of Christ? Rick and Brad discuss how why we might avoid conflict, how Scripture calls us to have healthy conflict, and what that healthy conflict expresses to the secular world.

Have an idea for a topic we can cover? Email zach@gcceugene.org to submit a topic.

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Our church, Gospel Community Church, is a reformed church. What does that mean? Is that a denomination? Rick and Brad give a brief history of the reformation, look into reformed theology, and focus in on Calvinism (and Calvin's T.U.L.I.P. acronym). If you have heard about reformed theology and wanted to know more, this will be a great place to start! Feel free to email us with any questions you have about this topic.

Have an idea for a topic we can cover? Email zach@gcceugene.org to submit a topic.

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Karl Marx is a name that has become fairly commonly discussed today and how his ideas can be a solution to many of the problems we see today. Is this true? Do we as a society truly understand Marxism? Do we even understand who Karl Marx was as a person? Rick and Brad break down the ideals of Marxism and discuss who Karl Marx was - even how he didn't live into his own "beliefs" in terms of socioeconomics. Join them as they explore the realities of Marxism.

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There is a significant focus on mental health these days. Whether it's through self-help books and podcasts or through a counselor, you have definitely heard about the importance of keeping up with your mental health. But what does the Church have to do with mental health? How do we, as saints respond to such a considerable rise in negative mental health in recent years? Rick and Brad sit down with Norm Thiesen from Western Seminary to discuss some of the causes of the uptick in mental health issues recently, and what we, the Church, can do to walk alongside those struggling with poor mental health as well as ways in which the Gospel can shape our lives despite having poor mental health. We hope this episode is encouraging to those struggling with their mental health and spurs the Church on to best live in community with those who are.

Have an idea for a topic we can cover? Email zach@gcceugene.org to submit a topic.

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This one is for our theologian and deep-thinking listeners. As Christians, we think it is important to have conversation around theology. We also find it exciting to have debates over the parts of theology that are non-salvific; that is, the things in our theology that lead to salvation - the beliefs set in stone. In this episode we have a debate between three different views. Rick, Ronny, and Craig all argue their beliefs - a-millennial, post-millennial, and pre-millennial views of eschatology (the theology of the end-times) respectively. Grab a cold beverage, take a seat, and strap in for this one... it's a doozy.

Have an idea for a topic we can cover? Email zach@gcceugene.org to submit a topic.

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This is a big topic in societal discourse. You can’t go anywhere without hearing discussions (or arguments) about the topic of abortion. This can cause many Christians to struggle in their relationships with those around them when there seems to be so much at stake in what they believe. How do the Saints respond? Join Rick and Brad as they discuss with Dr. Keith Balderston, a doctor of maternal-fetal medicine, on what abortion is, some misconceptions and arguments about abortion, and how we - as saints - are to live in a culture where abortion seems to be praised.

Have an idea for a topic we can cover? Email zach@gcceugene.org to submit a topic.

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Christianity has many sects. What are the differences between them? Are all of them actually Christians? Rick and Brad look at two “Christian” denominations that tend seem to water down the mercy and grace of the Gospel. In this part, we will discuss how Catholic and 7th-Day Adventist beliefs change the truth of the Gospel in potentially dangerous ways.

Have an idea for a topic we can cover? Email zach@gcceugene.org to submit a topic.

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In the last episode on alcohol, we looked at how wine was intertwined with the Christological narrative of scripture. In this second part on alcohol, Rick and Brad look at the line we as Christians walk as to enjoy the gift of alcohol without abusing it. We are free to use it to gladden our hearts, but what is too far?

Have an idea for a topic we can cover? Email zach@gcceugene.org to submit a topic.

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We start off season 2 with our first expert! Kris Kyle is a linguistics professor at the University of Oregon. With his knowledge of language, Rick and Brad pick Kris’ brain on how language has been shaped over time. This all comes from the question about swearing. What makes a word “bad”? What do you think? Can saints cuss?

Have an idea for a topic we can cover? Email zach@gcceugene.org to submit a topic. 

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*If you're able to, watch the video version on Spotify or YouTube for better context*

Throughout the first season of recording a podcast, we learned a lot. There were also quite a few hiccups along the way. This video shows the fun we had making the first season as we are excited to begin recording season two! Enjoy.

Have an idea for a topic we can cover? Email zach@gcceugene.org to submit a topic.

Ever wonder why we named our podcast 'Saints in Society'? For the last episode of our first season, we wanted to clarify the importance of living as a saint in the society in which you were placed. Join Rick and Brad as they break down the words 'saint' and 'society' and look at how these words shape our identity in Christ and our calling as Christ-followers.

Have an idea for a topic we can cover? Email zach@gcceugene.org to submit a topic.

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As Christians, we can often take ourselves very seriously. We see the brokenness in our world and how God has called us to live through Scripture, but does that mean we have to live so seriously? Rick and Brad jump into a discussion on how we can live lives that take root in the Gospel while not taking ourselves so seriously.

Have an idea for a topic we can cover? Email zach@gcceugene.org to submit a topic.

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Alcohol is a large part of our culture. It can play a role in celebration and festivities but also can be used for the purposes of intoxication as a way to "escape". But what role does it play in the life of a Christian? Does it have a purpose? Rick and Brad look into Scripture in order to find out how alcohol is not only a gift from God, but also points straight to Jesus.

Have an idea for a topic we can cover? Email zach@gcceugene.org to submit a topic.

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*Due to the nature of this content, listen with discretion*

Sex can be an awkward topic to talk about and dig into at church, which is no wonder why real discussion on the topic rarely seems to happen. With culture having its own views and understanding of sex, how do we use Scripture to figure out what God says that it is? What roles does each person - husband and wife - play in the quality and sanctity of their sex life? Brad, Rick, and Ali are here to have this potentially awkward conversation for the sake of understanding God’s gift of sex.

Have an idea for a topic we can cover? Email zach@gcceugene.org to submit a topic.

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Returning to their conversation on how Christians can sometimes act weird, Rick and Brad discuss why we can often get offended so easily as well as how we can engage in healthy conversation with those who disagree with us. So much of this comes down to our identity and how we believe others perceive us. Listen in as we continue to grow in our Christian identity without having to be weird in our society.

Have an idea for a topic we can cover? Email zach@gcceugene.org to submit a topic.

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Rick and Brad are back with the highly anticipated continued conversation on pornography. This time, the guys talk about what happens chemically in our brain when we try to fill our desire for comfort, intimacy, and love in things of this world; namely pornography. Join us as we continue this conversation that affects so many - the whole community of faith.

Brad Libolt and Rick Reeves sit down to discuss the real struggle with pornography that has a hold, not only in our society but also in the church. Watching porn, like all sin, is an attempt to relieve shame, guilt, and loneliness. However, it is not the true solution to those feelings. Join Rick and Brad as they open up about this topic and find how Christ frees us from this addiction.

In the age of social media, everyone has a chance to be a large voice on a variety of platforms: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, podcasts. The list goes on. In "The Rise & Fall of Mars Hill", Mike Cosper looks at how Mark Driscoll used his platform in a way that left a wake of hurt, confusion, and animosity. In this episode, Rick and Brad discuss Cosper's podcast as well as how Scripture has called the church to be, how we can identify health in a church, and what to do in response.

Have an idea for a topic we can cover? Email zach@gcceugene.org to submit a topic.

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Sometimes when non-Christians look in on Christian circles, they see what can appear to be facades, masks, or "fig leaves"- keeping their secret sins and brokenness hidden. This may lead to the question," why are Christians so weird?". In this episode, Brad and Rick discuss the freedom that comes with confession in this part 1 of how we can "stop being weird" and live out of the freedom we receive in Christ- to truly be known.

Have an idea for a topic we can cover? Email zach@gcceugene.org to submit a topic.

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How are saints called to parent? In this episode, we will look at where we place our identity and what that means for parents. Not a parent? This episode will still be great for you, as Brad and Rick talk about idols and identity in Christ.

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Want to know what we're about? This short trailer will let you in on what to expect from Saints in Society. We hope you join us!