Christian Combatives

Paladin Actual
  • 4.6 (10)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Semiweekly

Equip yourself for theological warfare; the battle of ideas surrounding Christianity and truth rages daily, let's get you set up to defend, define, and understand your faith as well as that of others. Christian Combatives is a Video and Podcast project from a Lutheran pastor, Army Chaplain, and Marine Corps veteran to encourage competence and confidence in the Christian faith by engaging with Scripture to respond to a variety of questions from the mundane to the critical. So... let's get into it!

  1. 2d ago ·  Bonus

    Does the Lutheran Church need to Innovate? (And other questions)

    Saw a bunch of questions on Facebook about innovating, reaching the unchurched, handling pastor shortage, dealing with multiple small congregations, adopting a megachurch model, etc. Thought it was worth going through them all. I will put all the questions in the post below in case any other pastor wants to answer too: " I grew up in and left the ELCA over a decade ago now because of severe theological concerns. As such, I've long since moved on from my "cage state-y Exposing the ELCA" phase. I know that topics like abortion, women's ordination, immigration, etc. generate plenty of anger, which in turn generates plenty of engagement, which in turn generates plenty of algorithmic upvoting; but aren't there other things we can actively engage on? At current rates of membership decline, the ELCA is projected to die in 25 years. The LCMS isn't far behind that. This post isn't saying "let's stop arguing theology" (theology is important), but it is asking "can't we focus on the looming existential threats a little more?" I'd so much rather spend time on this group addressing questions like these: 1. What are innovative ways your church is engaging the unchurched? 2. How does Lutheran theology offer real hope to Millennials and Gen Z folks who have decided it isn't in church? 3. How can Lutherans engage the increasing diversity of the United States? 4. A flood of pastors is projected to retire in the next few years (already happening). What is your church doing to help raise up pastors beyond just saying "that's the Synod's job"? 5. What are the most God-honoring options for small Lutheran churches facing imminent closure? Selling off the building? Becoming a multi-site of a larger Lutheran church? Turning it into a bar or Arts center? 6. What do we think about multi-site ministry? The "megachurch" trend among Evangelicals has largely turned into multi-site since you lose the overhead costs of a huge building. Is it Biblically-sound, or of the Devil? 7. Some young people are leaving Evangelicalism for Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. Why aren't they finding Lutheranism? Why is it so hard to find us? "

    Does the Lutheran Church need to Innovate? (And other questions)

  2. 4d ago ·  Bonus

    Pastor or Congregation - who has the final say on communion?

    Weekly or Monthly? Grape juice or wine? Open or closed? Does the pastor act like the dictator for communion practice? Or is he a servant to be directed by the congregation? This is what we discuss in this video featuring Rev Daniel Ross and Brother Matthew Gehne Find more of Matthew Gehne here: https://www.instagram.com/matthew.gehne/ linktr.ee/matthew.gehne Let's get into it!

    Pastor or Congregation - who has the final say on communion?

  3. 6d ago

    Scatterbrain Biblestudy -The Large Catechism 3rd Commandment.mp3

    In this Bible study we talked about: 00:00 Introduction to the Third Commandment and its significance 00:28 The Biblical and Jewish understanding of the Sabbath 02:20 Misinterpretations and abuses of the Sabbath in Jesus' time 05:32 The purpose of the Sabbath: Rest and Recovery 08:14 The Christian understanding of the Sabbath and Holy Days 11:12 The New Covenant and the spiritual rest in Christ 17:20 How to sanctify and keep the Holy Day in Christ 20:11 The role of God's Word in making a day holy 23:08 Relics, superstitions, and the true source of holiness 26:51 The danger of superficial religious practices 30:46 The importance of God's Word in daily life and worship 33:05 Rest as a gift from God and its connection to faith 35:23 The danger of neglecting God's Word and spiritual laziness 38:08 Conclusion: The true meaning of the Third Commandment and living holy in Christ

    Scatterbrain Biblestudy -The Large Catechism 3rd Commandment.mp3

  4. Sep 14

    Scatterbrain Biblestudy -The Large Catechism 2nd Commandment

    In this Bible study we talked about: 00:00 What does it mean to take God's name in vain? 04:48 Common ways God's name is misused in society 09:50 The seriousness of misusing God's name and its consequences 16:32 Teaching children to honor God's name with joy and reverence 22:06 Practical ways to incorporate God's name in daily life 27:46 The power of calling on God's name in protection and prayer 30:29 Summary and encouragement to respect and use God's name rightly

    Scatterbrain Biblestudy -The Large Catechism 2nd Commandment

  5. Sep 7

    Scatterbrain Biblestudy -The conquest of the Midianites (Numbers 31)

    In this Bible study we talked about: 00:00 Introduction to biblical warfare and God's justice 00:45 The story of Midian and the command to wipe out civilizations 02:31 Jesus' teaching on leading others to sin and God's harsh judgments 04:43 The importance of context in understanding God's commands 06:24 The morality of war and God's justice in the Old Testament 08:14 The mercy of God and the possibility of redemption for enemies 10:01 The horror of child sacrifice in ancient civilizations 11:42 The concept of God's justice versus human understanding 13:34 The inclusion of Gentiles and enemies into God's family 15:30 The importance of trusting God's wisdom and plan 17:20 The division of spoils and conquest in biblical history 19:12 The foreshadowing of future consequences in biblical narratives 21:10 The dangers of trying to outdo God's justice and mercy 23:02 The story of Jonah and God's mercy towards enemies 24:47 The importance of faith and trusting in God's plan 26:36 The sovereignty of God and human limitations 28:28 The future promises and warnings in the Bible 30:09 The legacy of biblical conquest and God's justice 31:58 The importance of understanding biblical history in context 32:44 Conclusion and encouragement to trust God's wisdom

    Scatterbrain Biblestudy -The conquest of the Midianites (Numbers 31)

  6. Aug 30

    Scatterbrain Biblestudy -Appendix to the 10 Commandments Large Catechism

    In this Bible study we talked about: 00:00 How to conduct a service without a pastor using hymnal guidelines 02:19 Changes needed in the service of the sacrament without a pastor 03:51 Explanation of the first and second commandments and God's jealousy 06:22 The concept of God's wrath and love extending to generations 10:48 The danger of false teachings and traditions of men 14:20 Understanding the meaning of Matthew 7 about false prophets 18:03 The importance of genuine faith over outward appearances 21:39 The role of Scripture and the danger of church control over interpretation 26:31 God's promises of mercy versus the appearance of blessing in the world 30:27 Rejoicing in God's blessings and trusting His plan 32:26 The importance of gratitude and contentment in Christian life

    Scatterbrain Biblestudy -Appendix to the 10 Commandments Large Catechism

  7. Aug 25

    Scatterbrain Biblestudy - Is Peter the rock of Mt 16 - Num 25- Num 30

    In this Bible study we talked about: 03:25 Petra as Jesus, the Rock of Salvation 05:32 The Catholic View and Greek Text Challenges 09:48 Summary of the Greek and Biblical Context 10:01 Introduction to Numbers 25 and Israel’s Faithfulness 11:08 Israel’s Unfaithfulness and God's Justice 12:25 The Language of Unfaithfulness and Yoking to False Gods 13:46 The Incident of Phineas and Zeal for God 15:30 Infectious Nature of False Worship and God's Justice 17:37 Responsibility of Leaders and the Danger of Leading Others Astray 18:52 The Importance of Courage and Standing for Truth 21:49 Warfare in the Spirit and Clandestine Strategies 23:52 Census and the Next Generation of Israelites 28:29 Moses’ Final Journey and Joshua’s Appointment 30:38 Joshua as a Type of Christ and the Fulfillment of Law 32:18 Moses’ Death and Transfiguration of Moses in the New Testament 34:09 Offerings and Laws in Numbers 28-30 35:53 Vows, Promises, and Authority in Biblical Law 38:03 The Significance of Vows in Marriage and Family 39:26 Closing Remarks and Doxology

    Scatterbrain Biblestudy - Is Peter the rock of Mt 16 - Num 25- Num 30

  8. Aug 21

    Scatterbrain Biblestudy - Large Catechism 1st Commandment, Part 2

    In this Bible study we talked about: 00:46 What does it mean to have God and trust in Him? 02:06 Idolatry in history and modern times 03:20 The cultural background of pagan gods and idols 05:00 Misconceptions about Jesus and saints 06:43 Trusting in God versus trusting in saints or relics 08:55 The danger of praying to saints and Mary 10:54 The biblical view of saints and intercession 13:00 The false trust in saints and relics 15:15 The danger of trusting in miracles and saints' powers 17:25 The proper understanding of God's gifts and means 20:28 The heart's trust and the danger of self-trust 22:19 The gospel of grace versus self-righteousness 25:03 The theology of the cross versus the theology of glory 26:59 The most common idol: ourselves 28:56 The importance of faith in Christ alone 32:14 God's provision through means and trusting in Him 34:55 Self-examination and the promise of God's help

    Scatterbrain Biblestudy - Large Catechism 1st Commandment, Part 2
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About

Equip yourself for theological warfare; the battle of ideas surrounding Christianity and truth rages daily, let's get you set up to defend, define, and understand your faith as well as that of others. Christian Combatives is a Video and Podcast project from a Lutheran pastor, Army Chaplain, and Marine Corps veteran to encourage competence and confidence in the Christian faith by engaging with Scripture to respond to a variety of questions from the mundane to the critical. So... let's get into it!

Information

  • Creator
    Paladin Actual
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    161
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Isaac Wirtz, 2023
  • Show Website
    Christian Combatives

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