The discourse presented in this episode of Theology Throwdown delves into the intricate and often contentious subject of holiday traditions, particularly focusing on the celebration of Christmas. The primary contention arises from differing perspectives on the necessity and value of Christmas trees, with one participant, Andrew Rappaport, expressing a dissenting view, likening himself to the Grinch due to his lack of attachment to this particular tradition. Throughout the discussion, we engage with the broader implications of holiday practices, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a Christ-centered focus during these significant times of the year. Our conversation further explores the role of family, community, and the potential for building meaningful traditions that foster gratitude and giving, rather than consumerism. Listeners are encouraged to reflect upon their own practices and the theological underpinnings that guide their celebrations, as we collectively seek to honor God in our observances.

The discourse surrounding holiday traditions often encapsulates a myriad of perspectives, particularly within the Christian community. The participants in this episode of Theology Throwdown engage in a thoughtful examination of the significance and implications of various holiday practices, notably the Christmas tree, which serves as a focal point of contention. Andrew Rappaport, the host, presents his unique viewpoint, grounded in his upbringing in a Jewish household where Christmas traditions were not part of his cultural fabric. He questions the necessity of a Christmas tree, positing that such traditions may be steeped more in sentimentality than in theological necessity. This reflective inquiry leads to lively discussions among the hosts, each articulating their stances with clarity and conviction. Eve Franklin shares her experiences of Christmas celebrations and emphasizes the importance of family-oriented practices that foster connection and reflection on Christ's birth. Aaron Brewster adds depth to the conversation by advocating for a Christ-centered approach to holiday observance, encouraging listeners to engage with traditions in a manner that honors their faith and heritage. This episode ultimately encourages listeners to consider their own traditions and the underlying meanings associated with them, fostering a spirit of introspection and intentionality during the holiday season.

Takeaways:

• In this episode of Theology Throwdown, we delve into the significance of holiday traditions and their alignment with Christian values.
• We explore the importance of centering our holiday celebrations around Christ rather than succumbing to consumerism and secularization.
• Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own family traditions and consider how to incorporate meaningful elements that honor God.
• We discuss the necessity of fostering gratitude in children during the holiday season, emphasizing the joy of giving over receiving.
• The panel highlights the vital role of church community in supporting singles during the holidays, promoting fellowship and service opportunities.
• The conversation challenges listeners to evaluate their holiday practices, ensuring they lead to spiritual growth and familial love.

Links referenced in this episode:

• christianpodcastcommunity.org

Anxiety is something nearly everyone faces — but few know how to navigate it with clarity, faith, and peace.

In this episode of The Truth Response, Derek is joined by Shaleza and Shaelyn for an honest, multi-generational conversation about anxiety, fear, control, and the search for peace in a chaotic world. From school stress and uncertainty about the future, to medication, generational trauma, and surrendering control to God, this episode dives deep into what anxiety really is — and how faith can transform how we respond to it.

We explore:

• What anxiety looks like across different generations
• How fear and uncertainty fuel anxious thinking
• The difference between reacting in anxiety and acting in peace
• Why anxiety is often a symptom, not the root issue
• Faith-based tools for grounding yourself when anxiety hits
• The tension between truth, compassion, and speaking in love

This conversation is raw, thoughtful, and grounded in Scripture — reminding us that peace isn’t the absence of anxiety, but learning how to walk through it with God.

📖 Key Scripture Referenced:

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7

Whether you’re struggling with anxiety yourself, walking alongside someone who is, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of peace through faith, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen, reflect, and join the conversation.

Taming the Tongue

What we say matters, but not in the way many Christians have been taught.

In this episode of Sanctify Christ as Lord, we take a hard, biblical look at the tongue and confront the popular Word of Faith idea that our words create reality, manifest blessing, or “claim” sickness.

Walking carefully through James 3, Proverbs 18:21, and Jesus’ own words in Matthew 12, we expose the difference between biblical responsibility and spiritual superstition. Scripture does not teach that Christians are verbal creators of reality. It teaches that our words reveal our hearts, direct our lives, and carry real moral and relational weight.

We examine why some believers fear acknowledging sickness while freely gossiping, slandering, and tearing others dow, and why the Bible treats those sins far more seriously than honest speech about suffering.

This episode calls believers to reject magical thinking, fear-based confession, and shallow teaching, and instead pursue holiness of speech, truthfulness, and Spirit-led self-control.

If Christ is Lord, He must also be Lord of our tongues.

James 3:1–12

Proverbs 18:21

Matthew 12:34–37

Ephesians 4:25

Colossians 4:6

#WordofFaith #Apologetics #NewAge #LawofAttraction #BiblicalWorldview #Jesus

Here we go through an Old Testament passage that is about the Light of the World, the Child Born, the Son Given, Who is the King on the throne.

Merry Christmas!

www.christianpodcastcommunity.org

This episode is part 26 in a series going through the story of the Book of Mormon.

This episode covers chapters 27-32 of the book of Alma. Ammon and his brothers bring King Lamoni and his Lamanite people now known as "Anti-Nephi-Lehi" to Zarahemla for safety. Another false prophet stirs up the people of Zarahemla with his libertine atheist rhetoric and gets cursed. Alma assembles a team to do missions work among the Zoramites who broke off from the Nephites and followed an idolatrous twist on religion. Alma preaches to poor Zoramites on the hill Onidah in a way that seems to borrow from Jesus preaching the sermon on the mount.

Further research:

Book of Mormon in video

Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration

The Book of Mormon online: Alma [chapters 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32]

Have questions for Truthspresso? Contact us!

Morning:

Second Day Morning: God Over All:(211)

Glorifying God, Thomas Watson, December 15

2 Chronicles 17: https://read.lsbible.org/?q=2+Chronicles+17

Revelation 6: https://read.lsbible.org/?q=Revelation+6

Zechariah 2: https://read.lsbible.org/?q=Zechariah+2

John 5: https://read.lsbible.org/?q=John+5

A Cry For Deliverance (92)

Evening:

Mercy (93)

Spurgeon's Morning and Evening, December 15, Evening: https://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/morning-and-evening/2025/12/15

Message: The Glorious Light of Justification Part 2, Romans 3:25-26, Pastor Don Thomas

Second Day Evening: Bounty:(212)

Resources:

Valley of Vision: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/devotional-books/the-valley-of-vision/

Spurgeon's Morning and Evening: https://www.amazon.com/Morning-Evening-Classic-Daily-Devotional/dp/1683227247/ref=pd_lpo_1?pd_rd_i=1683227247&psc=1

Legacy Standard Bible: https://316publishing.com/

Glorifying God, Thomas Watson: https://www.amazon.com/Glorifying-God-Inspirational-Messages-Thomas/dp/140418712X/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.RxmikVPx1TbCsaSCjkzxXvQu3AKtIrHMzUnVuUojQXDf94C0nKibszGVgpGBwttw2fMNOjz4KCLQtgLkdNcXCQ.m9etrS0_7bNsGcyvw3NtwysBMrVzvuUG8XBRpIRXH7E&qid=1708794474&sr=8-1

M’Cheyne Bible Reading Plan: https://www.mcheyne.info/mcheyne-reading-plan/

In this episode of Gospel Talks, George Binoka and Jeff Musgrave wrestle with a tension many Christians feel but rarely articulate: how do we take personal responsibility for evangelism without undermining God’s sovereignty? Building on the previous episode, they explore the danger of passivity in relational evangelism and why refusing to engage the lost is not humility—but a neglect of moral agency.

Using biblical examples like Esther, Acts 1:8, and Jesus’ own ministry model, this conversation brings clarity to the balance between trust and obedience. The gospel is a treasure entrusted to fragile vessels, and God calls each believer to faithfully steward it right where they are.

This episode challenges listeners to stop waiting for the “perfect moment,” embrace urgency rooted in love, and confidently step into the role God has already given them.

Key Topics Covered

• Why passivity in evangelism dishonors our responsibility before God
• The difference between God’s sovereign will and His moral will
• How relational evangelism avoids both pressure and negligence
• Why love and truth must always go together
• Seeing people—not numbers—as eternal treasure
• Learning contentment in being used by God as He chooses

Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Relational Evangelism

01:43 Moral Agency in Evangelism

04:12 Balancing Urgency and Passivity

07:29 Understanding Our Responsibility

11:09 Navigating God’s Sovereignty and Moral Will

14:08 The Importance of Love in Evangelism

17:50 The Treasure of the Gospel

21:16 Being Used as Vessels for God

Takeaway

God is sovereign—but He has chosen to work through willing, obedient people. You don’t need to reach the whole world. You need to be faithful in your Jerusalem. Trust Him fully. Obey Him faithfully. And steward the treasure you’ve been given.

If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone you’re praying for—and join us next time on Gospel Talks.

Lord’s Day Morning: (195)

Glorifying God, Thomas Watson, December 14

2 Chronicles 16: https://read.lsbible.org/?q=2+Chronicles+16

Revelation 5: https://read.lsbible.org/?q=Revelation+5

Zechariah 1: https://read.lsbible.org/?q=Zechariah+1

John 4: https://read.lsbible.org/?q=John+4

Spurgeon's Morning and Evening, December 14, Evening: https://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/morning-and-evening/2025/12/14

Lord’s Day Evening: (199)

Resources:

Valley of Vision: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/devotional-books/the-valley-of-vision/

Spurgeon's Morning and Evening: https://www.amazon.com/Morning-Evening-Classic-Daily-Devotional/dp/1683227247/ref=pd_lpo_1?pd_rd_i=1683227247&psc=1

Legacy Standard Bible: https://316publishing.com/

Glorifying God, Thomas Watson: https://www.amazon.com/Glorifying-God-Inspirational-Messages-Thomas/dp/140418712X/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.RxmikVPx1TbCsaSCjkzxXvQu3AKtIrHMzUnVuUojQXDf94C0nKibszGVgpGBwttw2fMNOjz4KCLQtgLkdNcXCQ.m9etrS0_7bNsGcyvw3NtwysBMrVzvuUG8XBRpIRXH7E&qid=1708794474&sr=8-1

M’Cheyne Bible Reading Plan: https://www.mcheyne.info/mcheyne-reading-plan/