Connect: Connecting the Bible to Life with Cole Phillips

Cole Phillips
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Religion
  • Weekly

We know the Bible is full of meaning and life-changing truths. But, sometimes, it can be hard to know just how to live out what we read in the Bible. Dr. Cole Phillips, lead pastor and church planter of The Connection Church, will dive into God's Word to bring out practical and relevant ways to apply the truths of the Bible to our everyday lives. If you want to grow in your faith and make a difference in your world, this is the podcast for you. Email: cole@theconnectionchurch.org

  1. Oct 21

    Pray When Things Get Cray

    In this episode, we explore how faith guides us through anxiety, the importance of biblical character in leadership, and the impact of technology on our spiritual lives. Our discussion emphasizes prayer, biblical principles, and active engagement in society to foster a deeper connection with God. Keywords faith, prayer, anxiety, leadership, technology, biblical character, politics, social media, church, spiritual growth Key Topics The importance of prayer in overcoming anxiety Biblical character and leadership in politics The influence of social media and technology on faith The role of the church in societal issues Practical steps for spiritual growth and prayer Sound bites "Don't be anxious, but in everything, pray." "Fear is a tactic of the enemy." "AI can become a form of idolatry." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the episode and main themes 04:11 Biblical encouragement to not be anxious and trust God 07:46 The biblical basis for overcoming fear with faith 11:05 The power of intentional biblical exposure 15:14 Evaluating political candidates through biblical character 20:58 The importance of integrity and biblical values in leadership 26:37 The true meaning of separation of church and state 30:53 Comparing Christian perspectives in politics 34:19 The dangers of AI and technology replacing spiritual connection 38:36 The impact of technology on marriage and relationships 41:02 The importance of community and God's image in relationships 42:00 The danger of AI as a hollow substitute for God 43:55 The importance of prayer and patience in God's timing 47:48 Steps to discern God's voice and direction 50:11 The significance of obedience and faithfulness in prayer 52:03 The church's future and the power of collective prayer 54:22 Praying for revival, families, and spiritual growth 55:45 The church as a beacon of hope and revival 56:43 Focusing on God's work in our homes and communities 57:07 The power of prayer to connect, transform, and guide

  2. Oct 14

    Showdown with Satan

    In this episode, we explore the biblical perspective on spiritual deception, the influence of Satan, and how Christians can stand firm in faith amidst cultural challenges. We discuss recent events, biblical truths, and practical ways to armor up against spiritual attacks. Keywords spiritual deception, Satan, biblical worldview, Christian faith, cultural issues, spiritual warfare, biblical truth, prayer, armor of God Key topics Satan's primary strategy is deception and disguiseThe Satanic Temple's beliefs and symbolismBiblical insights on Satan's tactics and identityThe importance of biblical context and interpretationHow Christians can stand firm with the armor of GodThe influence of culture and politics on faithThe danger of taking scripture out of contextPractical steps for spiritual warfare and prayerThe significance of biblical worldview and discernment Takeaways Satan's main tactic is deception, disguising himself as an angel of light.The Satanic Temple uses symbols like rebellion and autonomy, not literal Satan.Christians must understand biblical context to avoid being deceived.The armor of God is essential for spiritual protection and victory.Standing firm in faith and prayer is our best defense against spiritual attacks. Sound bites "Satan's primary strategy is deception and disguise." "Biblical context is crucial to avoid being deceived." "The armor of God is our spiritual protection." Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The Culture and Spiritual Warfare 01:55 The Experience at Game on Austin and Christian Themes 03:47 The Satanic Prayer at the Iowa City Council 10:02 Understanding the Satanic Temple's Beliefs and Symbols 14:55 Biblical Perspectives on Satan and Deception 20:10 The Temptation of Jesus and Satan's Strategies 25:01 The Rise of Personal Autonomy and Rebellion 29:49 Recognizing Deception and Playing with Dangerous Things 35:13 The Biblical Response: Truth, Discernment, and Prayer 40:06 The Armor of God and Standing Firm in Faith 50:09 Practical Steps for Spiritual Warfare and Courage 54:00 Conclusion: Living Boldly in Christ

  3. Oct 7

    Should I Stay or Should I Go? When to Leave a Church

    In this episode, Cole Phillips and Pastor Bobby explore the complexities of church membership, why people leave or stay, and how to discern God's will in these decisions. They emphasize the importance of biblical faithfulness, community, and personal growth in the church. Keywords church, faith, community, biblical doctrine, church membership, spiritual growth, church leadership, church discipline, church health, Christian living Key Topics Reasons to stay in a churchLegitimate reasons to leave a churchHow to evaluate a church's faithfulnessThe importance of biblical doctrine and orthodoxyDealing with church conflict and disagreementsThe role of community and accountability in churchThe impact of consumer culture on church attendanceThe significance of commitment and growth in faithAddressing church hurt and spiritual abusePractical steps before leaving a churchSound bites "Church is not a buffet, it's a family." "Disagreements do not mean death." "Be a peacemaker, not just a peacekeeper." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and overview of the episode 01:56 The significance of Psalm 23 and its application to rest and contentment 03:53 The question of should I stay or should I leave my church 05:49 The dangers of consumerism and social media trends in church hopping 08:10 What makes a church biblically faithful and healthy 12:00 Key questions to evaluate if a church aligns with biblical doctrine 14:52 The importance of leadership character and biblical qualifications 20:07 The role of community, roots, and commitment in spiritual growth 25:02 When and why it is legitimate to leave a church 29:47 Dealing with doctrinal departure, sin, and abuse in churches 35:04 The importance of communication, accountability, and reconciliation 39:54 The dangers of following personalities and emotional decisions 45:01 Unity in the body of Christ and fighting against division 49:56 Practical steps before leaving a church and the importance of prayer 55:11 The significance of commitment, faithfulness, and spiritual growth 01:00:01 The dangers of consumerism and online church versus community 01:04:48 Living out faith in community and the importance of accountability

  4. Sep 30

    God Over Government

    This episode explores the biblical perspective on the relationship between God and government, emphasizing how Christians can engage with politics while remaining faithful to their faith. We discuss practical ways to stand for truth, pray for leaders, and love our neighbors in a polarized culture. keywords God over government, Christian faith, political engagement, biblical principles, leadership, prayer, cultural division, Christian worldview, civil disobedience, voting key topics Biblical view of government and authorityHow Christians should respond to political divisionThe importance of prayer for leaders and nationsBalancing truth and love in political discourseThe role of civil disobedience and biblical civil obedienceThe significance of voting and civic responsibilityThe impact of family and community on national healthThe danger of tribalism and labels in politicsThe importance of discernment and critical thinkingThe spiritual battle behind cultural conflicts sound bites "Everyone must submit to governing authorities because all authority comes from God.""In the middle of the road, that's where the road kill is.""We must obey God rather than human beings." Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The Biblical View of God and Government 02:00 The Growing Divide in Culture and Politics 04:07 The Temptations in Political Engagement: Fear and Aggression 05:59 Biblical Principles for Standing Firm in Truth 08:08 The Role of Civil Disobedience and Obedience to God 09:54 Scriptural Foundations: Romans 13 and 1 Timothy 2 11:50 Respecting Authority Without Blind Approval 13:52 The Example of David and King Saul 16:06 The Power of Prayer for Leaders and Nations 17:58 Engaging in Political Discourse with Wisdom and Discernment 19:53 The Importance of Voting and Civic Responsibility 22:03 Standing Firm in Faith During Political Challenges 24:10 The Role of the Family and Community in Culture 25:53 Love, Respect, and the Image of God in Others 27:54 Practical Steps for Christians to Make a Difference 29:53 Conclusion: Faith, Courage, and Hope in Christ

  5. Sep 23

    The Dangers of Islamism

    In this episode, Cole Phillips and Rowdy Lind discuss the issues surrounding Islam, its history, and its impact on the West. They explore the spiritual, political, and cultural dimensions, emphasizing the importance of engaging with these topics from a biblical perspective. Keywords Islam, Christianity, spiritual warfare, terrorism, Sharia law, Islamophobia, religious ideology, cultural conflict, biblical truth, religious freedom Key Topics The history of Islam and Muhammad's revelationThe distinction between Islam as a religion and ideologyThe connection between Islam and terrorismThe influence of Islam on Western culture and lawsThe biblical view of spiritual warfare and the land of IsraelThe rise of Islam in Europe and demographic shiftsThe dangers of Sharia law and its conflict with Western freedomsThe importance of biblical truth in engaging with IslamThe need for Christians to respond with love and truthThe cultural and spiritual battle for the soul of the WestChapters 00:00 Introduction to the Topic and Its Importance 01:56 Reflecting on 9/11 and America's Response 04:12 The Rise of Islamophobia and Its Implications 05:57 Islamist Ideology and Its Overlap with Terrorism 07:48 Historical Roots of the Conflict: Land, Lineage, and Lord 10:07 Muhammad's Revelation and Its Biblical Contradictions 12:02 The Cult-Like Nature of Islam and Its Political Dimensions 13:49 Demographics and the Growing Influence of Islam in the West 16:12 Legal and Cultural Changes Driven by Islamic Law 18:02 The Red Green Alliance and the Collaboration of Ideologies 19:56 The Need for Christian Response and Engagement 21:52 Sharing the Gospel with Muslims and Non-Christians 23:58 The Importance of Biblical Truth and Discernment 25:56 Practical Ways to Respond with Love and Truth 27:49 The Role of the Church in Cultural and Spiritual Warfare 30:09 Conclusion and Call to Action

  6. Sep 9

    5 Lies and the Truth

    In this episode, Cole and Bobby talk about the importance of the armor of God, the battle against lies in culture, and how to stand firm in truth and faith. They emphasize the need for biblical understanding and practical application of spiritual principles to navigate modern challenges. Keywords armor of God, spiritual warfare, truth, identity, culture, biblical truth, lies, faith, Christian living, spiritual battle Key topics The significance of the belt of truth as the foundation of spiritual armorHow Satan schemes to deceive through lies and cultural narrativesThe importance of defining identity from God's perspective, not cultureThe value of life from conception to death and God's view of human dignityThe danger of living by feelings rather than truth and factsThe importance of boundaries in relationships and spiritual lifeThe role of love and truth in Christian witness and parentingThe biblical response to cultural lies about identity, life, and freedomThe importance of knowing and trusting God's word as the ultimate authorityPractical ways to apply the armor of God in daily life Sound bites "Our battle is not against flesh and blood.""You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.""Feelings are like leaves off a tree in a storm." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and celebration of 22 years of connection church 01:53 Baptisms in the river and memorable moments 04:10 Introduction to the series Battle Ready and the armor of God 05:07 The belt of truth as the foundation of spiritual armor 06:59 Satan's schemes and the battle of ideas 09:50 The lie that we define ourselves apart from God 12:45 The value of human life from conception to death 17:07 The importance of speaking the truth in love 20:01 The biblical and scientific view of identity and gender 22:52 The danger of living by feelings and subjective truth 26:08 The lie that freedom means doing whatever I feel 29:58 The importance of boundaries and God's protection 32:51 Love and truth in Christian life and parenting 38:02 The deception of Satan and the importance of God's word 40:54 The role of Jesus as the embodiment of truth 45:10 Practical application of the armor of God in daily life

  7. Aug 26

    Unhooked: See the Bait, Expose the Secret

    What does temptation promise and what is it hiding? Drawing from the first two weeks of Unhooked, this episode follows the path from desire and deception to bondage, secrecy, and shame. We discuss social media, gambling, the illusion of control, and why freedom begins when we recognize the bait, surrender to God, and tell the truth to someone we trust.

  8. Aug 12

    Saying Yes to God in a Culture of Compromise

    In this episode, we explore the importance of trusting God's way over our own, especially in difficult decisions like marriage, life, and societal issues. We discuss biblical examples, cultural challenges, and practical steps to align with God's plan for our lives. keywords faith, God's way, surrender, marriage, life, biblical principles, cultural issues, Christian living, Bible translation, abortion, gender identity Key topics The significance of putting Jesus at the center of marriage and life decisions The example of Jesus' surrender in Gethsemane as a model for believers The importance of biblical fidelity and trustworthy translations The cultural battle over life, gender, and morality from a Christian perspective Practical advice for Christians facing societal and political pressures Sound bites "His ways are higher than my ways" "He took on the full judgment of all the sin of all time" "This is not Burger King, this is the King of Kings"

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About

We know the Bible is full of meaning and life-changing truths. But, sometimes, it can be hard to know just how to live out what we read in the Bible. Dr. Cole Phillips, lead pastor and church planter of The Connection Church, will dive into God's Word to bring out practical and relevant ways to apply the truths of the Bible to our everyday lives. If you want to grow in your faith and make a difference in your world, this is the podcast for you. Email: cole@theconnectionchurch.org

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