Connect: Connecting the Bible with Life

Cole Phillips
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Biweekly

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.

  1. 5d ago ·  Video

    Should I Stay or Should I Go?

    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 church Legitimate reasons to leave a church How to evaluate a church's faithfulness The importance of biblical doctrine and orthodoxy Dealing with church conflict and disagreements The role of community and accountability in church The impact of consumer culture on church attendance The significance of commitment and growth in faith Addressing church hurt and spiritual abuse Practical steps before leaving a church Sound 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

    Should I Stay or Should I Go?

  2. Sep 30 ·  Video

    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 authority How Christians should respond to political division The importance of prayer for leaders and nations Balancing truth and love in political discourse The role of civil disobedience and biblical civil obedience The significance of voting and civic responsibility The impact of family and community on national health The danger of tribalism and labels in politics The importance of discernment and critical thinking The 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

    God over Government

  3. Sep 23 ·  Video

    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 revelation The distinction between Islam as a religion and ideology The connection between Islam and terrorism The influence of Islam on Western culture and laws The biblical view of spiritual warfare and the land of Israel The rise of Islam in Europe and demographic shifts The dangers of Sharia law and its conflict with Western freedoms The importance of biblical truth in engaging with Islam The need for Christians to respond with love and truth The cultural and spiritual battle for the soul of the West Chapters 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

    The Dangers of Islamism

  4. Sep 9 ·  Video

    5 Lies and the Truth

    In this episode, Pastor Cole and Pastor 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 armor How Satan schemes to deceive through lies and cultural narratives The importance of defining identity from God's perspective, not culture The value of life from conception to death and God's view of human dignity The danger of living by feelings rather than truth and facts The importance of boundaries in relationships and spiritual life The role of love and truth in Christian witness and parenting The biblical response to cultural lies about identity, life, and freedom The importance of knowing and trusting God's word as the ultimate authority Practical 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

    5 Lies and the Truth

  5. Aug 12 ·  Video

    Say Yes to God in a Confused Culture

    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"

    Say Yes to God in a Confused Culture

  6. Aug 6 ·  Video

    Living a Life of Impact

    In this episode of the Connect Podcast, we celebrate what God did through our mission trip to New York City and explore Paul’s ministry in Acts 19. The gospel transformed lives in Ephesus so deeply that it began disrupting the city’s culture and idol-making economy. In the same way, Jesus sends us to bring His life-changing hope wherever we are. The trip may be over, but the mission continues in our neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, and everyday relationships. Who can you help take one step toward Jesus this week?

    Living a Life of Impact

  7. Jul 29 ·  Video

    What We Would Say to Our 16-Year-Old Selves

    In this live session from YNG Camp, Cole Phillips, Rowdy Lind, and Landry Rose share personal stories, insights from their faith journeys, and practical advice on living authentically and intentionally. The conversation covers teenage experiences, faith development, and the importance of making deliberate choices in life and relationships. keywords faith, teenage years, personal growth, relationships, spiritual journey, decision-making, authenticity, Christian life key topics Faith development during teenage years The impact of family and upbringing on faith The importance of personal decision in faith journey The role of community and mentorship in spiritual growth Practical advice on relationships and boundaries Notable Quotes "Living for Jesus is more than a camp high, it's daily." "It's easier to act your way into a new feeling than to feel your way into a new action." "Your faith is your own, not just your parents' or church's." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Stories 02:02 Teenage Years and Personal Interests 04:03 Family Background and Upbringing 05:59 Challenges in School and Personal Insecurities 07:48 Faith Journey and Personal Decision 13:03 Understanding the Bible and Living Faith Daily 17:00 The Role of Community and Accountability 19:54 Handling Emotions and Spiritual Dryness 25:01 Making Deliberate Decisions and Building Habits 26:01 Impact of Choices on Future Life 28:01 Relationships, Boundaries, and Purity 31:00 The Influence of Technology and Foundations of Life 31:53 Closing Remarks and Encouragement

    What We Would Say to Our 16-Year-Old Selves

  8. Jul 15 ·  Video

    Passing the Baton of Faith

    In this episode, Cole Phillips and Bobby Fraumann share insights on passing the baton of faith across generations, the importance of intentionality in mentorship, and how to cultivate a legacy of faith within the church community. Keywords faith, legacy, mentorship, passing the baton, church community, spiritual growth, generational faith, intentionality, discipleship, church leadership Key topics: Passing the baton of faith across generations The importance of intentionality in mentorship Building a legacy of faith within the church The role of older and younger generations in spiritual growth Practical ways to pass on spiritual wisdom and values Takeaways: Faith is passed through intentional relationships and conversations. Older generations have a vital role in mentoring and inspiring the next. Living with purpose and intentionality creates a lasting legacy. Ask meaningful questions to learn from those who have gone before. Modeling faith through actions speaks louder than words. Sound bites "Faith is passed through intentional relationships." "Living with purpose creates a lasting legacy." "Model faith through actions, not just words."

    Passing the Baton of Faith
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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.

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