32 episodes

A place for casual discussions of Biblical principles and difficult questions that face the Christian believer. We believe that the Bible can speak to todays issues, giving us the wisdom and courage we need for our lives. Find us online at patternsoftruth.org

Patterns of Truth Podcast Patterns Of Truth

    • Religion & Spirituality
    • 4.4 • 18 Ratings

A place for casual discussions of Biblical principles and difficult questions that face the Christian believer. We believe that the Bible can speak to todays issues, giving us the wisdom and courage we need for our lives. Find us online at patternsoftruth.org

    Q&A: Why Was Satan Allowed in the Garden?

    Q&A: Why Was Satan Allowed in the Garden?

    Question:







    Why was Satan allowed in the garden?







    Answer:







    Satan Allowed







    The description of the creation of Adam and Eve in Genesis chapter 2 is followed immediately by the appearance of Satan at the very beginning of chapter 3. Verse 8 of chapter 3 gives the further impression that God was accustomed to visiting Adam and Eve in the evening. Putting this together gives the distinct impression that the appearance of Satan was very soon, if not immediately after Adam and Eve were placed in the garden. This brings to mind the account of Satan coming before God in the book of Job (Job 2:1-2). There it was God Himself who brought Job to Satan’s attention, which led to Job’s trial. 







    In contrast, the story of Elisha mocking the prophets of Baal, “he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened” (1 Kings 18:27), is humorous because we know that the true God is never “asleep” (Ps. 121:3-4) or inattentive to the events in His creation. So, we must realize that it was in God’s sovereign wisdom and will that Satan tempted Adam and Eve. He knew what would happen. In fact, as we will see, Eden was not God’s purpose for Adam and Eve. They were actually better off after the Fall. Just as Job had a necessary lesson to learn, God had a far higher purpose for mankind than to dwell in Eden. (1 Corinthians 2:9)







    God’s Purpose







    God’s purpose in creation can be seen by considering 1 Corinthians 15:46 with Acts 2:23 and John 12:24. In these verses we read,  “But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual.” To provide the basis for this “new creation” we read “ Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” and “this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God.” So we see from this that God’s purpose from the beginning, even before creation, was the redemption of mankind, not sustaining them in a perfect garden on this Earth. This purpose finds its resolution in the New Jerusalem and the New Heaven and Earth. 







    The garden was certainly “pleasant” as the name “Eden” means. In Eden, everything considered desirable for life was provided: food, a place to live, companionship, fellowship with God, purpose, and useful work in an idyllic environment.  For Adam and Eve, it was a witness of God’s goodness and thus exaggerates the lie of Satan that God was withholding something good from them. Their disobedience showed the weakness of their condition. Their failure represented the general failure of mankind. But, it provided the opportunity for God to reveal the redemption plan that was to be the basis of a permanent relationship with God. It is very important to realize that Adam and Eve were actually better off after the fall than being in the garden. In the garden, their relationship to God was based on a legal principle; whereas after the fall, God provides the promise of redemption, and their subsequent relationship with God is based on grace accepted by faith. In addition, the world they were thrust into was the perfect training ground for them as sinners. As Paul learned, he needed the thorn. (2 Corinthians 12:7–10)









    Rather it was for them to trust his grace









    So, it is not surprising that the record shows that Satan was allowed to immediately enter the garden to tempt Adam and Eve. Certainly, God could have prevented this but it was not his plan to keep Adam and Eve sequestered in a protected garden.

    • 5 min
    S01E29 - Imposter Syndrome - How Christians Experience It

    S01E29 - Imposter Syndrome - How Christians Experience It

    Today we’re talking about guaranteed ways to overcome Imposter Syndrome as a Christian. We’ve all gone through it. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not as skilled or accomplished as others perceive you to be – you’ve gone through imposter syndrome. if you’ve experienced persistent doubt and fear of being exposed as a fraud – you’ve experienced imposter syndrome. Well, you’re not alone.







    We will tackle reasons why impostor syndrome can manifest itself in the life of the believer and, also, how to fight back – but from a biblical perspective.







    The solution for imposter syndrome isn’t about believing in our achievements and skills – it’s about recognizing who we are in Christ.







    We’ll share our own experiences with imposter syndrome, and people from the Bible who went through it and use God’s response to these individuals as a model for how we can navigate our own experiences.







    Three ways God’s people struggle with imposter syndrome:









    * 1) our identity







    * 2) our walk or manner of living







    * 3) the work the Lord has called us to do in His Name









    Question to consider:







    Have you ever dealt with imposter syndrome in your life? Why? How did the Lord answer your insecurities?







    What do we say to someone who is a new believer who does not feel holy, saved, or pure?







    As Christians, we still sin from time to time. What do we do when the Devil comes to us, accusingly, saying we don’t really belong to the Lord? What do we do with the guilt?







    In Genesis, the Lord called Moses to lead the Children of Israel out of Egypt. But Moses says that he is unqualified. How are Moses’ words a reflection of imposter syndrome?How do we express similar ideas? Are there other Biblical figures who had similar hesitancy?Are there Biblical figures who did not express hesitancy? How did they respond to the call?







    What’s our responsibility or role in working on ourselves when we experience Imposter Syndrome as Christians?







    Most professional advice on dealing with imposter syndrome is to “believe in yourself.” That has its uses – but…







    For the Christian, the answer to overcoming imposter syndrome is never to look inward for a solution – we look upward, to the Lord.







    Let’s remember that imposter syndrome is a common struggle, but it doesn’t define us. Our identity in Christ, our walk, and the work He has called us to do are all anchored in His promises. So, whether you’re feeling like you don’t fit in or struggling with doubts about your abilities, remember this: Recognize who you are in Christ. He gives us the power to do what He says.







    You are not an imposter; you are a beloved child of God.

    • 42 min
    Biblical Encouragement And Comfort For Christians Grieving Miscarriage And Baby Loss

    Biblical Encouragement And Comfort For Christians Grieving Miscarriage And Baby Loss

    Did you know that about 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage? That means, you probably know someone who has experienced a miscarriage and baby loss – or maybe, you’ve gone through one. Or more than one.







    In this podcast, we discuss the difficult topic of miscarriage and baby loss and what that means when you’re a Christian. 







    Miscarriage isn’t an easy thing even though many people have experienced this type of loss and grief. Sadly, miscarriages are common but each person and family experiences it in their own unique way. We might feel a loss of control, fear, confusion, stress, and heartbreak. God’s voice may seem far away during these times. Even as Christians, it can be difficult to know how to pray and care for those grieving losses of this kind. 







    Elyse, Nathan, and Traci are our guests today.







    A few verses of comfort to someone whenever they are ready to hear them.









    *  “…You put my tears into Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?” – Psalm 56







    * “…They that know Your Name will put their trust in You: for You, Lord, have not forsaken those that seek You” – Psalm 9







    * “Preserve me, O God, for in You do I put my trust” – Psalm 16







    * “In my distress I called on the Lord and cried to my God: He heard my voice from His temple and my cry came to Him, into His ears” – Psalm 18







    * The Lord is near to them that have a broken heart and saves those who are crushed in spirit” – Psalm 34







    * “Trust in Him at all times…pour out your hearts before Him: God is a refuge for us.” – Psalm 62









    Questions covered in this episode:









    * In a world that is touched by death, pain and loss are inevitable. How do we reconcile our faith with the reality of this type of grief?







    * When going through unexpected loss, we need truth – doctrine, and principles from God’s Word, the Bible, to help us make sense of what is happening to us – and what the Lord is doing. What aspects of a biblical framework can we turn to when faced with the tragedy of miscarriage and baby loss?







    * Losing a child hurts – what does it look like to depend on the Word of God when you’re grieving?







    * How do men deal with miscarriage and loss differently? What are needs that often go unseen?







    * Miscarriage and loss are very painful. How can we grieve and long for a child while making sure that motherhood doesn’t become an idol (something we worship)?







    * Many people talk about “breaking the silence” and encourage others to share tragedies publicly – but there are people who don’t want to announce their pain. What steps can we take to get private support?







    * How can we, as a community of Christians, better support those grieving “invisible” losses, so to speak?









    Conclusion







    You might be suffering silently and this podcast helped you in some way. We implore you to reach out to other believers in your immediate vicinity who are trustworthy and lean on them for support to walk through this with you. Lean on Christ, God’s word, and God’s people. 







    It’s hard – it might look like no one you know can understand what you’re going through.

    • 1 hr 11 min
    Christians & Flex Culture?!

    Christians & Flex Culture?!

    We can easily say that Christians shouldn’t boast about material wealth or career advantages we might gain in this life. But we have all done it in some way and our current culture encourages “flex culture” in the name of networking, casual conversation, and celebrating yourself.







    What is Flex Culture?







    Flex Culture is when someone shows off their wealth, socioeconomic status, or educational level to others – namely, on social media.







    Roy and Peter join our host Patricia and together they answer the following questions and more:









    * What does it mean to be “addicted to influence?”







    * How can we differentiate between ambition and chasing after worldly pleasures?







    * How do we overcome the comparison trap?







    * What practical steps can we take to respond when we’re faced with the temptation to compare ourselves to others?









    Thank you for listening to another Patterns of Truth Podcast. As always, our compass for this discussion is the Bible. Our mission is to uncover the truth about our Christian journey and discover the patterns that shape our lives before God. Remember, the Enemy doesn’t take a day off from trying to distract us, but the Lord reminds us to stay anchored in the unchanging truths of the Bible.

















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    • 36 min
    Millennials, GenZ, and Social Media…Again?!

    Millennials, GenZ, and Social Media…Again?!

    You’re probably expecting another podcast about this topic where, for the tenth time, someone is telling you about the ills of social media – or its endless virtues – but this is not what we’re going to do! This episode is about how Christians of a certain age (maybe gen z christians?🤓) have experienced social media use and their faith as more and more platforms emerge. Today’s conversation is just about sharing where we are.







    We’re asking questions like:









    * What was the first social media platform you joined? What year was it?







    * Why did you join that platform? What did you get out of it at the time?







    * What are some some positive things social media has brought to your life?







    * Has the Lord spoken to you about social media’s role in your life? 







    * Where are you now with social media and why? What boundaries have you set up (if any)?









    We hope that this discussion made you think, gave you some answers, and, maybe, piqued your interest so you dig deeper into the topic. Ultimately, our goal is to start conversations, stimulate curiosity and engage our critical thinking. What’s the point? To grow closer to the Lord.







    If you found this podcast valuable to you, please subscribe and rate the podcast! It really help the algorithms push this content to more people that may also find it useful.

















    Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!

    • 55 min
    Does the salvation story makes sense?

    Does the salvation story makes sense?

    Today’s thought-provoking podcast episode is, “Does the salvation message make sense?” Most of our audience members are believers who heard the salvation message all their lives. But if you haven’t heard it before it can sound very strange, confusing, and as one of my friends said and I quote “easily dismissible.”







    In this episode, we will delve into the reasons behind the belief that Jesus needed to die on the cross as part of the salvation message.







    We will also consider objections to the idea that God required a sacrifice for human sin, and examine the implications of these objections for our understanding of salvation.







    Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that is in you.







    We hope that this discussion made you think, gave you some answers, and, maybe, piqued your interest so you dig deeper into the topic. Ultimately, our goal is to start conversations, stimulate curiosity and engage our critical thinking. What’s the point? To grow closer to the Lord.







    If you found this podcast valuable to you, please subscribe and rate the podcast! It really help the algorithms push this content to more people that may also find it useful.

















    Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!

    • 37 min

Customer Reviews

4.4 out of 5
18 Ratings

18 Ratings

i love 咖啡 ☕️ ,

Helpful points

Appreciated the helpful pointers in the first episode regarding how to respond to the question of if there is truth and reflecting on what it takes to know truth.

PennyLane132 ,

Looking forward to this!

I’ve been needing a podcast that tackles difficult issues from an informed, thoughtful, and biblical worldview. Great first episode, looking forward to future topics!

el_artisto ,

The discussion of truth is critical to life today

This is an excellent source for Bible based principles of truth.

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