The Ordinary Christian Podcast

Craig Thompson
  • 4.9 (31)
  • Christianity
  • Biweekly

A podcast dedicated to real people like you, seeking to live out your Christian faith in the ordinary aspects of everyday life.

  1. 4d ago

    EPISODE 175: THE REFORMATION-MARTIN LUTHER NAILED IT

    On this episode Ordinary Christian Podcast Craig explains the meaning of Reformation Day and how the Protestant Reformation’s five solas remain central to Christian faith. He also offers practical ways to engage neighbors around Halloween and discusses how Scripture can keep reforming church beliefs and practices. Takeaways I do think that it creates opportunities for Christians to consider how it is that we might interact with the world around us.The Bible alone is necessary. The Bible alone is sufficient and efficient for everything that the church is called to do.By grace you’ve been saved through faith is a gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.We must continue to be reformed by the Word of God and not by our culture, not even by our own traditions.Our traditions must always be held with an open hand.We must always be open to the word of God, reforming us, reshaping us, remaking us, reworking us.God hasn’t given up on us.The church reformed, always being reformed according to the word of God.I think that leaving your porch lights on if you’re at home is an excellent idea.Use the ordinary margins of your everyday life. Make an extraordinary impact for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Action Items Consider welcoming Halloween visitors as an opportunity for conversation, hospitality, and a church invitation.Read the episode’s Halloween guidance on the speaker’s website, makeitordinary.org; no URL was supplied in the transcript.Keep Scripture central in personal faith and church practice, and remain willing to revise traditions or beliefs when Scripture warrants it.Pray for Craig’s upcoming Colorado interview and share the episode with someone unfamiliar with Reformation Day. Chapters 00:00 Halloween, Reformation Day, and the season ahead 03:42 Using Halloween to welcome neighbors and share the gospel 06:04 Why October 31 marks the Reformation 07:01 Martin Luther’s 95 Theses and the challenge to church practices 09:27 Luther’s stand: conscience captive to Scripture 11:27 How the Reformation reshaped Protestant worship 14:19 The five solas, explained 16:52 Why the Reformation still matters to evangelicals 18:21 Holding traditions loosely and remaining open to reform 20:13 Reformation as a reason for hope and celebration 21:37 Living out the five solas beyond Reformation Day

    EPISODE 175: THE REFORMATION-MARTIN LUTHER NAILED IT

  2. Oct 22

    Episode 174: Public School Ministry with Kori Pennypacker

    Kori Pennypacker is the CEO of Bible2Schools and the author of a new book, Backpack Faith. In this episode, Kori Pennypacker shares insights on how Christians can actively engage in public school ministry, emphasizing the legal rights, opportunities, and importance of faith-based involvement in schools. Kori and Craig also discuss the important role parents play in discipling their children. Listen in to discover practical ways to influence the next generation and support your children’s spiritual growth in a secular environment. Key Topics Legal foundations of public school ministryOpportunities for Christian engagement in schoolsPractical strategies for parents and churchesThe importance of kids’ ministry and role modelsOvercoming challenges and misconceptions about faith in schools Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Corey Pennypacker and her ministry 00:30 Kori’s background and calling to kids’ ministry 00:59 The significance of kids’ ministry and legacy 01:03 The impact of faithful volunteers in children’s lives 01:31 Legal foundations of Bible in public schools since 1914 01:33 How schools can legally incorporate Bible literacy and release time 02:02 Responding to legal threats and misconceptions 02:32 The importance of kindness and education in faith advocacy 02:40 Opportunities for Christian involvement in public schools 03:02 How parents and churches can support school ministry 03:05 The role of community and church in public school evangelism 03:26 Encouragement for parents to be proactive in faith education 03:29 Building relationships and mentoring students 03:44 The importance of Christian teachers and role models 03:48 Supporting and praying for educators and students 04:07 The impact of faith-based programs on community and culture 04:13 Practical steps to start or support Bible in schools 04:26 Corey’s book: Backpack Faith and its resources 04:38 Final encouragement and call to action

    Episode 174: Public School Ministry with Kori Pennypacker

  3. Oct 15

    Episode 173: 7 Habits to Make You Stronger

    In this episode, Craig discusses the 7-Strong habits designed to help individuals become more resilient physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He emphasizes practical, no-cost strategies to improve overall well-being and resilience, rooted in faith and daily discipline. Key Topics Seven Strong habits for resilienceThe importance of reading the Bible dailyPracticing silence, prayer, and meditationThe role of social relationships in healthEating healthy foods and exerciseThe significance of sleep and sunlightPractical steps to improve mental and physical healthChapters 00:00 Introduction to Seven Strong and its purpose 01:54 The rise in mental health struggles and the need for resilience 03:45 The core goal of Seven Strong: building strength and resilience 06:08 The importance of reading the Word of God daily 08:03 Practicing silence, prayer, and meditation 09:27 The value of surrounding yourself with positive people 11:51 Eating healthy foods and its impact on health 14:08 The importance of sleep and how to improve sleep hygiene 17:58 Exercise and outdoor activity for physical and mental health 22:12 Real-life example: Stella’s transformation through habits 24:05 The benefits of spending time outside and sunlight exposure 25:03 Encouragement to adopt these habits for a better life 25:55 Conclusion and resources for getting started

    Episode 173: 7 Habits to Make You Stronger

  4. Oct 1

    Episode 172: Navigating Relationships with Unbelieving Family Members

    In this episode, Craig explores how believers can navigate relationships with family members who do not share their faith, emphasizing the importance of honor, love, and respectful communication. He offers practical advice on handling difficult family dynamics while staying true to Christian principles. Key Topics The importance of honoring parents according to biblical commandsBalancing love and truth in family conversationsHandling disagreements and differences in beliefPraying for family members and interceding on their behalfThe role of the church as a spiritual family for believersRespecting generational differences and boundariesResponding with humility and grace during family gatheringsWriting letters as a form of respectful communication Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Navigating Family Relationships as a Believer 01:53 Responsibilities of Young Adults Living at Home 04:12 Biblical Commands to Honor Parents 06:10 The Church as a Family for Believers 07:57 Dealing with Family Members Who Are Not Christians 10:12 Handling Differences in Belief and Faith Traditions 12:05 Responding Gracefully to Family Challenges 14:00 Praying for Family and Interceding Effectively 15:53 Speaking the Truth in Love to Family 17:49 The Power of Prayer and Letter Writing 20:13 Balancing Honor and Boundaries in Family Relationships 21:52 The Importance of Leaving and Cleaving in Marriage 23:47 Conclusion: Walking in Love and Grace with Family

    Episode 172: Navigating Relationships with Unbelieving Family Members

  5. Sep 24

    Episode 171: Give Gen Z a Church Family, Not a Church Experience

    In this episode, we explore the loneliness epidemic among Generation Z, the role of the church in fostering community, and practical ways to combat isolation through faith and fellowship. Key Topics The loneliness epidemic and its impact on Gen ZThe distinction between ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ within Generation ZThe importance of church fellowship and communityBiblical foundations of fellowship and love among believersPractical steps for churches to create inclusive, vibrant communitiesThe missional opportunity of the church to reach lonely individualsHow to find and engage with a healthy church communityThe significance of intergenerational relationships in spiritual growth Takeaways Loneliness affects all generations but is especially acute among Gen Z.The church is uniquely positioned to be a solution to loneliness through authentic fellowship.Healthy community begins with the church as a vibrant, welcoming environment.Fellowship in Christ is central to the church’s identity and mission.Leaders should emphasize the relational aspects of church life to attract and retain members.Non-churchgoers often seek genuine community and can be reached through church fellowship.Simple acts like inviting someone to church or praying with them can have profound impacts. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and recent episodes overview 00:30 The focus on loneliness and community in the church 01:50 Is Gen Z the loneliest generation? Exploring the facts 03:13 The cultural stereotypes of Gen Z and their realities 04:35 The distinction between ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ in Gen Z 06:01 Loneliness as a lived experience, not a necessity 07:27 The importance of community for personal success 08:20 Church as a launching pad for community and opportunity 09:19 The biblical foundation of fellowship and koinonia 10:17 Fellowship as an apologetic and a witness to the world 12:10 The church’s historical role as a community builder 13:06 The church as the household of God and a place of refuge 14:28 Real stories of community and belonging in local churches 15:54 Encouragement for church leaders to foster vibrant communities 16:24 Practical advice for individuals seeking community in church 18:19 The church’s role in addressing societal division and isolation 19:14 The power of small acts and invitations to transform lives 20:11 Closing thoughts and call to action for listeners

    Episode 171: Give Gen Z a Church Family, Not a Church Experience

  6. Sep 18

    Episode 170: Be the Man You Want to Become--Start Leading Now

    In this episode, Craig encourages men to stay engaged in their faith and responsibilities despite life’s busyness and temptations. It can be tempting to put off becoming the man you hope be, but a better approach is to work today to be the man you want to become. You can lead now, but leadership begins with leading yourself. This episode draws from biblical examples and Christian history to highlight God’s faithfulness and the importance of resisting idols and temptations. Key Topics The importance of staying engaged in faith during busy seasonsBiblical examples of idol worship and its dangersThe promise of God’s way of escape from temptationThe role of men as spiritual leaders and protectorsThe danger of disengagement and the idol of comfortPractical ways to lead and serve in family and churchEncouragement for young men to pursue spiritual growthThe significance of community and accountability in overcoming temptationTakeaways God will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, and He provides a way out.Men are called to lead their families and communities with love and responsibility.Disengagement and comfort are idols that can hinder spiritual growth.Biblical history shows that all men face similar temptations, and God’s faithfulness is sure.Practical steps include reading the Bible daily, leading in church, and seeking accountability.Sound Bites “God is faithful and He will provide a way out.”“No temptation is overtaking you that is not common to man.”“There is a way out, and God promises to show it.”Chapters 00:00 Introduction and encouragement for men in busy seasons 02:21 The danger of checking out and disengagement 03:47 Idols and the pursuit of satisfaction apart from Christ 05:39 The danger of sexual immorality and temptation 07:35 Viewing blessings as burdens and the importance of gratitude 09:27 Warnings from biblical history and avoiding pitfalls 12:47 God’s promise of a way of escape from temptation 16:34 The idol of comfort and the call to leadership 19:57 The importance of community, accountability, and perseverance 24:46 Final encouragement and call to action for men to engage in their faith

    Episode 170: Be the Man You Want to Become--Start Leading Now

  7. Sep 10

    Episode 169: We Need to Talk About Gluttony

    In this episode, Craig explores the often overlooked sin of gluttony, its biblical roots, cultural acceptance, and practical steps for overcoming it. This conversation encourages honest self-examination and spiritual growth in the pursuit of holiness. We need to talk about gluttony, but we need to do even more than that. We need to battle with gluttony! Key Topics Biblical definitions of gluttonyCultural acceptance of gluttonyHistorical views on gluttony in the churchPractical steps to combat gluttonyThe importance of accountability and barriersDistinction between feasting and gluttonySpiritual significance of self-control Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the topic of gluttony and its importance 02:00 Biblical warnings about poverty and shame linked to gluttony 04:52 The myth of the Roman vomitorium and its falsehood 09:04 The importance of recognizing gluttony as a sin 09:29 Distinguishing between feasting and gluttony 10:28 Practical steps: seeking accountability and building barriers 13:48 The difference between wrestling with and cuddling with sin 14:47 The cultural tendency to accept gluttony and avoid hard conversations 15:17 The spiritual call to confront and overcome gluttony 16:43 Encouragement to fight sin and witness Christ’s love

    Episode 169: We Need to Talk About Gluttony

  8. Sep 4

    Episode 168: Nice Churches Finish Last

    In this episode, Craig discusses how to choose a biblical church, emphasizing the importance of truth, kindness, and long-term commitment. He explores the differences between niceness and kindness, and why churches must prioritize biblical fidelity over superficial politeness. Key Topics The importance of truth in churchDifference between niceness and kindnessLong-term commitment to a churchBiblical standards for church healthThe role of truth and kindness in spiritual growthChurch culture and biblical fidelityThe danger of ‘nice’ churches that avoid conflictThe necessity of confronting sin in loveThe impact of culture on church practicesThe importance of preaching the gospel clearly Chapters 00:00 Introduction and overview of the episode 01:52 Why many people are nervous about visiting a church 02:47 How to choose a church for the long term 04:11 The difference between niceness and kindness 07:59 Why nice churches often fail to be biblical 08:52 The importance of speaking the truth in love 09:49 Confronting sin and the role of conflict in a healthy church 12:00 The danger of prioritizing niceness over biblical fidelity 12:58 Why churches must speak the truth regardless of culture 13:57 The fruit of the Spirit and church culture 14:57 The importance of clinging to God’s Word 15:54 The church’s role in calling people to repentance 16:51 Preaching the gospel and the need for truth 17:50 How to identify a biblical church 18:48 Encouragement to seek a church that prioritizes truth and kindness 19:46 Closing remarks and call to action

    Episode 168: Nice Churches Finish Last
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A podcast dedicated to real people like you, seeking to live out your Christian faith in the ordinary aspects of everyday life.

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