Denison Forum

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Channel • 4 Shows

Christianity

Christianity

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Christianity

Christianity

Updated daily
Christianity

Christianity

Updated weekly
Christianity

Christianity

Updated weekly

14/02/2024

“A Great Calm,” why Christians observe Lent, and the role of women in ministry: Insights from Janet Denison

In this wide-ranging discussion, Jim and Janet Denison open by sharing their surprising Valentine’s Day tradition. Next, Janet shares why she wrote her book A Great Calm and how it can help those who are suffering. Then, along with cohost Dr. Mark Turman, they talk about why Christians observe the season of Lent. And they conclude with a discussion on the historical value of observing Women's History Month and the important roles of women in the Bible and society. Topics(00:00) Introduction and Welcome (00:38) Valentine's Day Traditions and Marriage Stories (03:02) The Importance of Celebrating Valentine's Day (05:14) Introducing 'A Great Calm' - A Resource for Difficult Times (09:22) The Power of God's Word in Difficult Times (10:41) The Role of Women in Society and the Church (15:44) Understanding the Season of Lent (28:08) The Significance of Women's History Month (49:08) Conclusion and Gratitude Resources📘 A Great Calm: Finding God’s Peace When You Need It Most by Janet Denison Wisdom Matters Foundations with Janet 📙 Awaken My Heart: A 47-Day Lenten Journey by Dr. Jim Denison 🎧 Women in ministry and leadership: A conversation with Alex Kondratev and Steph Thurling Should women be pastors? Or church leaders, deacons, or teachers? Dr. Jim Denison Can a woman be a pastor? “40 Questions About Women in Ministry” offers many answers Episode transcript (PDF) About Janet DenisonJanet Denison has been writing and teaching Bible study for almost forty years and speaks with a voice that has experienced the truth of God’s word. She often says the reason she gets out of bed each day is to help others understand and apply the truth of God’s word to their daily lives. Teaching the Bible is her great privilege, and her goal is to help people live a life that God is able to bless. She is the primary author of the Bible studies at Foundations with Janet. About Dr. Jim DenisonJim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening. About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture. About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

14/02/2024

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50 min
15 JUL

Why is it important to fear God?

A lot of us grew up with sermons that caused us to “fear God,” but not in the way the Bible intended. We heard about heaven on Sunday mornings, but we also heard about the reality of hell. At the end of the sermon, we were either glad we were going to heaven or we wanted to feel that confidence. We don’t hear as many of those sermons these days, which can be both good and bad. When the Bible tells us to fear God, we are being taught to live in reverent awe of his immeasurable greatness. To fear God is to understand that his wrath is the result of his love for all of creation. God’s wrath falls on those who refuse to acknowledge they have a Creator who loves them enough to give them his Son. The psalmist wrote, “The fear of the Lᴏʀᴅ is the beginning of wisdom.” To live daily in reverent awe of the Creator God is to begin to understand who he is and all that he is capable of. The beginning of wisdom is coming to the realization that the Source of all life deeply loves every life. When we want to gain God’s wisdom, we must take an important first step. We must spend time knowing who God is and all he is capable of so that we will live in reverent awe, willing to submit ourselves to his abundant perfection. According to the psalmist, “Those who practice” knowing God in that way “have good understanding.” The Creator God—the One we know and fearfully, reverently follow—has been “praised” from the very beginning of time and is still praised by his followers today. Those who are depressed can find joy in his love. Those who are worried can receive his peace and comfort. Those who are ill or elderly can find their purpose for each day. All of us who fear God will praise God for who he is. God’s priorities are wisdom. The beginning of wisdom is knowing God at the deepest levels. God wants us to fear him so that we will want to walk with him. Can you take a few minutes and consider the question “Why do I fear God?” Those answers can be the beginning of your path to new wisdom and holy priorities.

15 Jul

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3 min
2 JUL

Why can wrong priorities become false gods?

In the 1960s, Charles Hummel wrote a small book that quickly became popular with business leaders—especially with Christian business leaders. Tyranny of the Urgent taught that our greatest danger in life is allowing the urgent things to crowd out the things that are most important. I remember reading that small booklet as a young, busy mom and pastor’s wife. God used Hummel’s words to speak better priorities into my life. Our lives are easily consumed by those things that are urgent. Our calendars tell us where to go and when to get there. Our work schedules drive our choices. The physical needs of our family can often take precedence over their spiritual needs. The same is true in our own lives. Christians are often tempted to live with the urgent priorities the world suggests rather than submit to the important priorities God has given us in his word. Our children’s souls matter more than their grades. Our treasure in heaven matters more than our bank accounts. Our ministries matter more than our hobbies. Sometimes urgent priorities control our lives and our time more than what matters most. God’s first commandment was, “You shall have no other gods before me.” Sometimes we think that because we aren’t part of a cult, we don’t have another god. We need to define an idol as Scripture defines it. An idol, a false god, is anything that controls your choices other than God. Our wrong priorities can become false gods in our lives when we honor them with our time instead of fulfilling all that God would call us to accomplish. When urgent things control our choices, we have stepped away from the important relationship of God as our King. Are there some false gods in your life, urgently demanding your time and focus? Now is a good time to examine your priorities in light of all that God has said is important. God’s priorities are wisdom. What idols should you delete so that you can live wisely submitted to your King?

2 Jul

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3 min
11/07/2022

Our favorite books—how many does Dr. Denison read each week?

Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Mark Turman continue their summer favorites series by discussing their favorite vacation spots, favorite books, and the way Dr. Jim Denison reads. Show notes: Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Mark Turman begin by reflecting on their favorite vacation spots (1:43). They then discuss their favorite books, how Mere Christianity impacted Dr. Denison, and about C.S. Lewis’ life (5:00). They also discuss Dr. Denison’s reading habits, which includes reading or skimming about five books a week (25:45). Resources and further reading: Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis The Cross of Christ, John R. Stott Out of Solitiude, Henry Noumen Factfulness, Hans Rosling Where the Light Fell, Philip Yancey Tracks of the Fellow Struggler, John Claypool About the hosts Jim Denison, Ph.D., is an author, speaker, and the CEO of Denison Ministries, which is transforming 6.8 million lives through meaningful digital content. Dr. Mark Turman is the executive director of Denison Forum. He received his DMin from Truett at Baylor and previously served as lead pastor of Crosspoint Church.

11/07/2022

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36 min
13/06/2022

We're on break

We're taking a short summer break. We'll be back in a couple of weeks with a "summer favorites" series. These will be episodes about Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Mark Turman's favorite things, including movies, life Bible verses, and more.

13/06/2022

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1 min
25/01/2023

Army veteran fined for praying silently near abortion facility

A UK army veteran was fined for praying silently near an abortion facility. A Michigan state law is threatening a Christian medical nonprofit for operating according to its Christian beliefs. Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov chose not to wear a rainbow jersey during warmups for the team’s recent Pride Night, citing his Russian Orthodox religious beliefs. Our culture is convinced that religion is so private, personal, and subjective that it should have no bearing on our public lives or society. But when secular society treats our Christian faith like a hobby, we must not follow suit. Author: Jim Denison, PhD Narrator: Chris Elkins Subscribe: http://www.denisonforum.org/subscribe Read The Daily Article: https://www.denisonforum.org/daily-article/army-veteran-fined-for-praying-silently-near-abortion-facility/

25/01/2023

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8 min
19/09/2022

How to help prevent suicide and aiding survivors: A conversation with Dr. John Mark Caton

Dr. John Mark Caton and Dr. Mark Turman discuss Dr. Caton’s personal experience with the tragic suicide of his older brother, lingering survivor’s guilt, the importance of community, and how to talk to people contemplating suicide. Show notes: Dr. John Mark Caton and Dr. Mark Turman begin this difficult discussion by talking about Caton’s tragic story and the suicide of his older brother (3:27). They talk about guilt, the lingering cloud of sorrow, and the importance of stories (11:15). They summarize how the Bible talks about suicide and whether it’s the unpardonable sin (17:01). Dr. Caton discusses the importance of community and the church, how to talk to people considering suicide, and why calling 911 is of strong importance (24:46). Dr. Turman and Dr. Caton consider the state of our culture’s relationship to suicide and why it’s gotten worse in young people (40:21). Dr. Caton brings up the impact of intergenerational relationships as a way to combat rising rates of isolation (48:18). He also gives closing thoughts on next steps in approaching someone in your life whom you’re worried about (56:04). They end by reflecting on the way Dr. Caton has been changed by the death of his brother (1:03:12). Resources and further reading: Last Call, Suicide: An Unfinished Life - John Mark Caton Hope Always - Dr. Matthew Sleeth “How to talk to your kids about depression and suicide” – Dr. Matthew Sleeth “What does the Bible say about suicide?” – Dr. Jim Denison 988 Lifeline About the hosts Jim Denison, Ph.D., is an author, speaker, and the CEO of Denison Ministries, which is transforming 6.8 million lives through meaningful digital content. Dr. Mark Turman is the executive director of Denison Forum. He received his DMin from Truett at Baylor and previously served as lead pastor of Crosspoint Church. About the guest John Mark Caton, Ph.D., is the Senior Pastor Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church for twenty-seven years and the author of several books. He received a Master of Theology from Criswell College, and a Master of Divinity with Biblical Languages degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He earned his Ph.D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2001.

19/09/2022

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1h 6m
27/02/2023

What is Denison Forum and how did it start?

Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Mark Turman sit down to discuss the mission of Denison Forum, the origin story of the ministry that now reaches millions of people, how he writes The Daily Article, and the different brands of Denison Ministries. Show notes: To begin, Dr. Jim Dension gives the elevator pitch for Denison Forum and how James Davison Hunter’s idea of “manifesting faithful presence” clarified his vision for Denison Forum (0:25). Dr. Denison discusses how Christians should use their influence in America (7:59). Then, he launches into the history of Denison Forum, starting with the early years then moving into The Daily Article (16:15). They consider what “culture” means, and why we want to equip Christians to change the culture (28:57). Dr. Denison shares how he makes The Daily Article and how he picks the topics for it (33:35). They talk about what Denison Ministries does, and its unique mission with multiple brands (44:57). Dr. Denison closes by talking about whether strategic planning is biblical, and how we can use influence to advance Christ’s kingdom (48:34). Resources and further reading: Denison Forum’s mission, story, and impact Denison Ministries 2022 impact report The Coming Tsunami, Dr. Jim Denison To Change the World, Dr. James Davison Hunter About the hosts Jim Denison, Ph.D., is an author, speaker, and the CEO of Denison Ministries, which is transforming 6.8 million lives through meaningful digital content. Mark Turman, DMin, is the executive director of Denison Forum. He received his DMin from Truett at Baylor and previously served as lead pastor of Crosspoint Church.

27/02/2023

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53 min
12/09/2022

Digging into doubts and how to minister to Gen Z: A conversation with Barnabas Piper

Barnabas Piper joins Dr. Mark Turman and Mark Legg to discuss being a pastor’s kid, talking to teens and Gen Z about doubts, the importance of humor, and depending on Christ in all things. Show notes: Barnabas Piper begins by reflecting on his own life’s story and how the Lord refreshed the idea of the church to him (2:32). They discuss the hypocrisy of some Christian leaders and how to move forward with grace (12:31). Piper talks about the restoration of Christian leaders, how to talk to kids openly about your own doubts, and how to raise children who ask deep questions (18:09). They turn to converse about the openness and authenticity of Gen Z (30:56). With everything being in Christ’s hands, they discuss how we can live without fear, and how The Happy Rant podcast came from that sentiment (39:09). They look at the importance of humor, honesty, and self-depreciation in ministry (43:19). Barnabas ends by talking about political idolatry and faithful churches (52:11). Resources and further reading: The Happy Rant Podcast The Happy Rant - Co-authored by Barnabas Piper The Pastor’s Kid - Barnabas Piper “4 surprising ways Gen Z behaves” - Mark Legg Biblical Insights Into Tough Questions, series - Dr. Jim Denison. “Matt Chandler placed on leave from The Village Church” - Dr. Jim Denison About the hosts Dr. Mark Turman is the executive director of Denison Forum. He received his DMin from Truett at Baylor and previously served as lead pastor of Crosspoint Church. Mark Legg is the Associate Editor for Denison Forum. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2021 with a degree in Philosophy and Biblical Studies About the guest Barnabas Piper is an author, a speaker, and an assistant pastor at Immanuel Church of Nashville. He’s also the co-host of the Happy Rant podcast and co-author of the new book, The Happy Rant. Visit barnabaspiper.com. He has authored four other books: The Pastor’s Kid, Help My Unbelief, The Curious Christian, and Hoping for Happiness.

12/09/2022

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57 min
17/04/2023

Sex, singleness, LGBTQ+, and marriage idolatry: A conversation with Lou Phillips

Lou Phillips, Director of Church Relations for the Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender, joins Dr. Turman to discuss his work in Christian sexual ethics apologetics, how churches make an idol of marriage and sex, the way to reach out to LGBTQ+ people, and why the culture finds its identity in sexuality. Show notes: Lou Phillips starts by sharing his testimony, why he works in teaching Christian sexual ethics in an apologetic setting, and how he’s been received by secular audiences (1:50). They turn to consider how marriage has become an idol in the church and how Christians seek fulfillment in marriage rather than in God (11:20). Phillips and Dr. Turman talk about why sexuality, tied together with suffering, has become the biggest obstacle for our culture coming to Christ (18:17). They dive into the issues of identity, why culture finds it in sexuality, and whether sexual sin is worse than others (29:19). Phillips goes into a complex practical question: Should Christians with homosexual attraction call themselves gay (43:40)? They close by returning to how churches need to do better at supporting single people, which is equally as fulfilling as marriage—it needs to be the crux of the entire argument for Christians (56:02). Resources and further reading: The Center for Faith, Sexuality, & Gender “What does the Bible say about homosexuality?” Dr. Jim Denison Embodied: Transgender Identities, the Church, and What the Bible Has to Say Dr. Preston Sprinkle About the host Mark Turman, DMin, is the executive director of Denison Forum. He received his DMin from Truett at Baylor and previously served as lead pastor of Crosspoint Church. About the guest Lou Phillips is the Director of Church Relations for the Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender. Phillips attended Grove City College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science, double majoring in molecular biology and political science. Lou also received his certificate of theological studies from the University of Oxford (Wycliffe Hall) and was trained at The OCCA (The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics). For the past eight years, Lou has been traveling and speaking at universities, conferences, and churches, entertaining people’s biggest objections to Christianity. Lou is most interested in topics such as meaning, identity, and sexuality as they relate to the Christian worldview, especially in the lives of students and young adults.

17/04/2023

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1h 7m

Denison Forum podcasts are here to guide you through top headlines from a Christian perspective. The Denison Forum team comes alongside Christian authors, commentators, pastors, theologians, and topical experts to bring a biblical worldview to news, politics, sports, pop-culture and any other current events at the center of our culture.

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