Episódios
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Michael and Jason dive into 2 Corinthians looking starting with the idea that new creation is not just about individual transformation, but also about the transformation of the church body as a whole. They explore the idea that true thriving is not about worldly success or impressive appearances, but about embracing weakness and dependence on God. They emphasize the importance of viewing success and thriving through the lens of faith, rather than the standards of the world. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the significance of fixing our eyes on the unseen and eternal.
Takeaways
- The concept of new creation in 2 Corinthians is not just about individual transformation, but also about the transformation of the church body as a whole.
- Living in the new creation can be challenging and requires a shift in perspective from worldly values to the values of the kingdom of God.
- Paul's emphasis on weakness and reliance on God challenges the worldly notion of presenting oneself with grandiosity and prestige.
- The world often does not understand the gospel, and preaching Christ can be seen as foolish or unimpressive.
- There are two realities at play: the old creation of the world and the new creation of the kingdom of God. True thriving is not about worldly success or impressive appearances, but about embracing weakness and dependence on God.
- Success and thriving should be viewed through the lens of faith, rather than the standards of the world.
- There is a contrast between outward appearances and inward renewal in the new creation.
- Fixing our eyes on the unseen and eternal is key to understanding true thriving.
- The paradoxical nature of the new creation challenges our conventional understanding of success and thriving.
Chapters
00:00 – Opening Conversation
13:59 - The Concept of New Creation
20:01 - Shifting Perspectives: From Worldly Values to Kingdom Values
25:11 - The World's Misunderstanding of the Gospel
27:01 - Exploring the Desire for Impact
29:38 - The Danger of Seeking Personal Glory
35:15 - Contrasting Outward Appearances and Inward Renewal
39:24 - Redefining Thriving in the New Creation
46:47 - The Paradox of Success in the New Creation -
Are ghosts real? Thabani and Michael look at ghosts in both the popular and biblical contexts. They explore the Western perspective on ghosts and the fascination with ghost movies and stories, despite a low percentage of Americans who say they believe in ghosts. Thabani shares his personal experiences with seeing a ghost-like figure as a child and a friend's encounter with a supernatural presence. Michael also shares his own experiences, including hearing a voice in a historic mansion and his wife's strange encounter in a hotel room. They then explore different perspectives and biblical passages that mention ghosts. They also discuss the belief in ghosts in different cultures and the dangers of seeking communication with the dead. They conclude that while there may be supernatural beings and occurrences, it is important to rely on God and His Word for guidance and not to engage in practices that contradict the character of Jesus.
Takeaways
- Despite a low percentage of Americans believing in ghosts, ghost movies, and stories are popular forms of entertainment.
- Personal experiences with ghosts can be unsettling and leave a lasting impact.
- Ghost stories often involve unexplained phenomena and are shrouded in mystery.
- Different generations and cultures have varying beliefs and attitudes towards ghosts.
- The Bible mentions ghosts in a few passages, but the interpretation and understanding of these passages vary.
- There is a distinction between disembodied spirits and demonic entities, but the specifics of their existence and interaction with the physical realm are not fully explained in the Bible.
- God warns against seeking communication with the dead or engaging in practices that contradict the character of Jesus.
- It is important to rely on God and His Word for guidance and to prioritize the development of Christ-like character.
- The fascination with ghosts and supernatural phenomena should not overshadow the importance of loving and impacting others in the community.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Personal Experiences
17:32 - Personal Encounters with Ghosts
25:25 - The Mystery and Intrigue of Ghost Stories
32:30 - Introduction and Personal Stories
39:27 - The Story of Peter and the Angel
46:48 - Different Interpretations of Ghost Passages
58:28 - Relying on God and His Word for Guidance
01:07:12 - Conclusion and Future Topics -
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In this episode, Michael and Gianna discuss the topic of indulgence and whether it is acceptable for Christians to enjoy lavish things. The conversation explores the balance between enjoying life and being mindful of those who are less fortunate, exploring the concepts of lack and abundance and its impact on our mindset and actions. They highlight how focusing on lack can lead to division, tribalism, and chaos. They discuss the balance between enjoying God's creation and sharing it with others.
Takeaways
- Being all things to all people can involve participating in activities or indulging in things that are common in certain circles, even if they may seem lavish or extravagant.
- Enjoying the good things in life does not make someone less of a follower of Jesus or a reflection of Him.
- Caring for the poor and enjoying life are not mutually exclusive. It is possible to do both and find a balance.
- God created abundance and wants us to enjoy the good things He has provided, while also being mindful of others and using our resources to help those in need. Focusing on lack creates division, tribalism, and chaos.
- Gratitude and trust in God's provision counter the mindset of lack.
- Enjoying God's creation and sharing it with others is a balance to strive for.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Jason's Absence
12:42 - The Conversation on Indulgence
31:00 - The Temptation of Lack
46:32 - Balancing Enjoyment and Sharing
01:00:56 - Stewardship in the New Creation -
The Eikon team explores the idea that creation was never a completed project, but rather had room for growth and development. Michael, Jason, and Gianna discuss the concept of new creation in the Bible, particularly in the writings of Paul and Isaiah. They explore the idea that creation is not a finished product, but a process of becoming all that it is meant to be. They also discuss how new creation is not just a future hope, but something that is already happening in the present.
Takeaways
- Creation was never a completed project but had room for growth and development.
- Being in the image of God means reflecting God's image as a community.
- Our identity as image bearers of God is our inherent worth and dignity.
- It can be challenging to respond gracefully in rude encounters, but it's important to consider the context and choose the best course of action.
- Creation is not a finished product, but a process of becoming all that it is meant to be.
- New creation is not just a future hope, but something that is already happening in the present.
- The symbolic nature of passages describing the new creation should be understood, as they depict a reality that is too wonderful to fully comprehend.
- New creation often emerges in the midst of conflict and challenges, refining and shaping individuals and communities.
- The journey of new creation has no end and continually moves towards greater glory.Chapters
00:00 - Names
06:42 - The Frustrations of Group Communication
13:26 - The Continuous Growth of Creation
36:07 - New Creation in the Present
43:06 - Symbolism and the Wonder of New Creation
53:47 - New Creation in the Midst of Conflict -
Michael and Gianna analyze the important role of the theme of new creation in John's Gospel.
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Thabani and Michael discuss the African view of demons and spirits. They explore the belief in guardian spirits, avenging spirits, and goblins, the rituals and practices associated with them, and the African Christian view of spirits and demons. They also discuss the syncretism between traditional African beliefs and Christianity, where some African Christians still participate in ancestral rituals alongside their Christian faith. Overall, the conversation highlights the complex and diverse perspectives on the spiritual realm in Africa.
Takeaways
- In African culture, there is a belief in guardian spirits, avenging spirits, and goblins.
- Ancestral rituals and practices are still prevalent in some African Christian communities.
- There is a syncretism between traditional African beliefs and Christianity in some African cultures.
- The African view of the spiritual realm is complex and diverse, with variations across different tribes and regions. Traditional African practices, such as seeking rain from ancestors, are still important to many Africans, but have been discarded by some Pentecostal and evangelical Christians.
- The clash between traditional African practices and Christianity can create conflicts within families and communities.
- Many African Christians believe that demons play a role in various aspects of life, such as illness, addiction, and failure, and seek spiritual solutions to these problems.
- There is a need for a balanced perspective that considers both traditional African beliefs and Western scientific explanations.Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
05:12 - Thabani's Expertise in the Spiritual Realm
08:27 - The Early Church's View on Demons
17:31 - Demons in the New Testament
23:36 - African View of Demons and Spirits
36:20 - African Christian View of Demons
44:13 - The Role of Ancestors and Traditional Practices
51:16 - African Christian View of Spirits and Demons -
In this episode, the hosts discuss the tension between individual humility and organizational pride in the church. They explore how the desire for excellence and efficiency can sometimes lead to a lack of corporate humility. They also address the discontentment that some people feel towards the church and the challenge of learning to love the church as it is. The hosts discuss the influence of money and power in the church and express concerns about the commercialization of faith. They emphasize the importance of seeing the church as family and recognizing the larger network of believers.
Takeaways
- The power of the gospel is revealed in weakness and the paradox of death and victory.
- Churches should focus on reflecting Jesus and living in freedom rather than striving for worldly success. Think before you speak and consider the impact of your words.
- The desire for excellence and efficiency can sometimes lead to a lack of corporate humility.
- It is important to learn to love the church as it is, recognizing its strengths and weaknesses.
- The influence of money and power in the church can compromise its integrity and mission.
- Recognize that the church is part of a larger network of believers and that God is always at work.Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
16:15 - The Paradox of Jesus' Death and Victory
19:25 - The Tension Between Death and Life
21:27 - The Glory of the Cross
23:49 - The Power of the Gospel in Weakness
25:45 - The Temptation of Impressive Churches
36:43 - The Fear of Failure in Churches
38:12 - The Tension Between Victory and Weakness
42:45 - Living in Fear vs. Living in Freedom
44:11 - The Tension Between Individual Humility and Organizational Pride
48:43 - Learning to Love the Church as It Is
53:02 - The Influence of Money and Power in the Church
56:17 - The Concerns about the Commercialization of Faith
58:13 - The Importance of Seeing the Church as Family
01:01:46 - Recognizing the Larger Network of Believers
01:06:08 - Staying Rooted in the Work of God -
The Eikon team explores the tension between influence and humility, particularly in the context of their fields of ministry and professional sports. The hosts discuss their personal experiences and struggles with seeking influence and maintaining humility. They also delve into the concept of incarnational teaching and the importance of local influence. The pressure to be out in front and the desire for recognition are identified as challenges to humility. Ultimately, they emphasize the need to prioritize the heart's desires and to be content with the influence that aligns with God's will.
Takeaways
- View the work itself as the reward and find joy in the process.
- Prioritize people over content and focus on individual touch and formation.
- Strive for fruit rather than outcomes and avoid the status culture.
- Be a resource rather than the main attraction and limit influence.
- Embrace brokenness and humility and recognize the tension between seeking influence and embracing humility.Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Setting the Stage
06:38 - The Tension Between Influence and Humility
13:27 - Balancing Influence and Humility in Professional Sports
23:51 - Incarnational Teaching and Local Influence
27:11 - The Pressure to Be Out in Front
31:05 - The Challenge of Desiring Influence
32:11 - The Joy of the Work
33:12 - Viewing the Work as the Reward
35:19 - Limiting Influence
37:16 - Putting People Over Content
38:15 - Formation Over Efficiency
39:12 - Individual Touch Over Scope and Reach
40:10 - Being a Resource, Not the Meal
41:36 - Avoiding the Status Culture
42:29 - The Wisdom of Limiting Influence
44:24 - The Example of BJ Foster
45:49 - Balancing the Desire for Influence
49:11 - Recognizing Brokenness and Embracing Humility
50:10 - Triangulating Our Identity
53:11 - The Competition Between God's Influence and Society's Influence
55:28 - The Importance of Limiting Influence, Power, and Scope
01:03:2 - The Challenge of Balancing Influence and Representation
01:08:25 - The Tension Between Being Known and Being Forgotten -
Michael and Gianna explore the connections between the Old Testament and the concept of new creation, highlighting the themes of restoration and the overlap of heaven and earth. They also discuss different versions of the gospel and emphasize the importance of understanding Jesus as king and living in his kingdom. The conversation concludes with the reminder that the gospel is not solely about personal benefits, but about fulfilling God's purpose and mission.
Takeaways
- The concept of new creation is a prevalent theme in the Bible, representing restoration and the overlap of heaven and earth.
- Understanding Jesus as king is crucial to fully grasp the gospel and live in his kingdom.
- Different versions of the gospel, such as the belief in heaven or freedom from rules, can be incomplete and me-centric.
- The gospel is ultimately about fulfilling God's purpose and mission, rather than solely personal benefits. The Bible is not about us, but about Jesus and his role in bringing about new creation.
- Being in Christ means being part of the team that brings about new creation.
- The genealogy of Jesus points to the fulfillment of the Old Testament and the coming of new creation.
- The themes of the kingdom, healings, and the commandments of Jesus are all part of the new creation.
- The renewal of all things is the ultimate goal of new creation.Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and setting a world record
10:09 - Old and New Creation in Matthew
24:45 - Different Versions of the Gospel
30:43 - The Gospel as God's Purpose and Mission
34:23 - Being in Christ
36:19 - Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament
38:15 - The genealogy of Jesus
40:34 - The theme of new creation in Matthew
49:11 - The theme of the kingdom in Matthew
50:05 - Healings as part of the new creation
55:06 - The commandments of Jesus as the restoration of God's original intentions
59:37 - The renewal of all things -
Michael and Thabani discuss the African and biblical views of the spiritual realm. They explore the biblical worldview of the spiritual realm, including the role of the sons of God and the divine council. They also discuss the African worldview, which includes belief in territorial gods and ancestral spirits. The conversation highlights the similarities and differences between the two views and the impact of these beliefs on African culture. The episode concludes with a preview of future topics and a call for listener input.
Takeaways
- The biblical worldview of the spiritual realm includes the existence of the sons of God and the divine council, who rule over the nations on behalf of Yahweh.
- The African worldview of the spiritual realm includes belief in territorial gods and ancestral spirits, who are consulted and appeased through rituals and ceremonies.
- There are similarities and differences between the African and biblical views of the spiritual realm, and these beliefs have a significant impact on African culture and practices.
- Future episodes will explore topics such as witchcraft, ghosts, and demons from a biblical perspective.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Background
06:27 - The Biblical View of the Spiritual Realm
16:49 - The African View of the Spiritual Realm
31:53 - Belief Systems and Practices in African Culture
44:53 - Future Topics and Conclusion -
The Eikon team explores the concept of the undoing of creation and the thread of creation and new creation in the Bible. They emphasize the importance of living in Christ as a community of new creation. In this conversation, the team discusses the themes of trust, restoration, and living in a fallen and renewed world. They explore the challenges God presents to empire and the pattern of God's challenges throughout the Bible. The hosts also discuss the frustration of ambiguity in new creation and the need for God's intervention in restoring broken relationships.
Takeaways
- Living as new creations requires a conscious effort to align one's actions and attitudes with the values and principles of the Christian faith.
- The frustration with others not living as new creations highlights the tension between personal growth and the influence of external factors.
- The Bible presents a narrative of creation and new creation, with the goal of restoring and renewing the world through God's intervention.
- Living in Christ as new creations involves embracing a new way of being and striving to align one's life with the teachings and example of Jesus. Trust in God is essential in living in a fallen and renewed world.
- God challenges empire and offers new creation in response to injustice and de-creation.
- Obedience and sin have cosmic effects and impact relationships.
- Restoration of broken relationships requires trust and cannot be achieved through human efforts alone.Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Personal Updates
01:05 - Fashion and Comfort
06:18 - Shopping at Lululemon
09:27 - Frustration with Others Not Living as New Creations
10:30 - Focus of the Episode: New Creation
13:05 - Striving to Live as New Creations
18:12 - The Thread of Creation and New Creation
26:23 - Living in Christ as New Creations
27:16 - Bible Discussion Group
28:08 - Introduction and Pronunciation of Habakkuk
28:34 - God's Challenges to Empire
29:36 - The Pattern of God's Challenges
30:31 - The Role of Trust in New Creation
32:30 - Living in a Vandalized World
33:39 - Restoration and Trust in God
36:06 - Learning to Trust God
37:32 - Wisdom and Trusting God
39:01 - Obedience and Sin in a Fallen World
40:07 - Living in a Fallen and Renewed World
42:46 - The Frustration of Ambiguity in New Creation
45:32 - Broken Relationships and Restoration
48:48 - The Inability to Fix the Situation
54:11 - The Story of the Prodigal Son
01:02:31 - Conclusion and Preview of Next Episode -
In this episode, Gianna Hearn returns to the Eikon Podcast and shares updates on her life. The conversation then transitions to the topic of new creation, focusing on the differences and similarities between Genesis 1 and Genesis 2. They explore different interpretations of these chapters and emphasize the importance of starting the story of creation in Genesis 1 and 2 rather than Genesis 3. The conversation explores the themes of sin, repentance, and the purpose of human beings in the context of the biblical narrative. It emphasizes the importance of beginning the story in Genesis 1 and 2, which highlights the goodness of creation and the image-bearing role of humans. The discussion challenges the traditional view of sin as solely breaking the rules and presents a more holistic understanding of sin as the absence of goodness and the failure to do good. It also highlights the significance of repentance as a turning back to God and the hope of being restored to the image of God
Takeaways
- Differences and similarities between Genesis 1 and Genesis 2
- Interpretations of Genesis 1 and 2
- The importance of starting the story of creation in Genesis 1 and 2 Begin the biblical narrative in Genesis 1 and 2 to understand the goodness of creation and the image-bearing role of humans.
- Sin should be understood as the absence of goodness and the failure to do good, rather than solely breaking rules.
- Repentance involves turning back to God and embracing the purpose of being an image bearer.
- Humans are mortal beings who need God for eternal life and the fulfillment of their purpose.Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Life Updates
09:53 - Starting the Conversation on New Creation
13:36 - Genesis 1 and Genesis 2: Differences and Similarities
26:01 - Starting in Genesis 1 and 2
28:03 - The Importance of Genesis 1 and 2
28:49 - The Story of Sin
29:19 - The Motivating Factor
30:18 - Beginning with Genesis 1 and 2
31:16 - The Hope in a Positive Light
32:14 - A Robust Theology of Sin
34:32 - Sin as the Absence of Goodness
36:01 - Breaking Rules vs. Doing Good
39:20 - Image Bearing and Sin Management
41:37 - Repentance: Turning Back to God
48:11 - Genesis 2 as a Temple
54:56 - Humans as Mortal Beings
58:33 - The Tree of Life -
Summary
This episode delves into the pressure to be okay in church culture and the importance of creating a space where it's okay not to be okay. The concept of being seen or invisible is explored, highlighting the significance of feeling understood and validated. The conversation also touches on the need for a culture of lament and wrestling with God, acknowledging the complexities of life and the presence of suffering.Takeaways
- Feeling unseen can arise in various contexts, including church culture and racial experiences.
- The temptation to change oneself to fit expectations and be seen is common but should be navigated with grace.
- Being seen for who you truly are requires a diverse and inclusive community that values personal stories.
- Fostering cultures that truly see and value individuals is essential for creating a sense of belonging and unity.Chapters
00:00 - Introverts and Extroverts during Quarantine
06:34 - Enjoying the Quarantine as an Introvert
13:01 - Church Culture and the Pressure to be Okay
19:46 - Creating a Culture of Being Seen or Invisible
27:36 - The Importance of Lament and Wrestling with God
35:47 - The God Who Sees and Stoops Down
39:04 - Ways Church Culture Can Make Misfits Feel Unseen
40:25 - Feeling Unseen
41:14 - Racial and Cultural Experiences
42:10 - Church Culture and Expectations
43:37 - Feeling Unvalued
44:38 - Overcoming Expectations
45:29 - Fear of Public Speaking
46:12 - Favoritism and Exclusion
47:28 - Associating with Others
48:37 - Feeling Used
50:33 - Being Seen for Who You Are
53:08 - Superficial Connections
55:36 - Cultures that Foster Being Seen -
In this conversation, Michael and Jason discuss the purpose and meaning of Genesis 1 and 2. They emphasize that Genesis is not a scientific account of the physical formation of the universe, but rather a theological narrative about God's desire to dwell with humanity within the themes of creation and new creation in the Bible. They explore the ancient structure of creation, with its seven days and God's rest on the seventh day. They also discuss the idea of creation as a temple, where God desires to dwell with humanity. The conversation raises the question of whether we sometimes exalt the text of the Bible over faith and God, and the dangers of doing so. They suggest reading the scriptures with more openness and humility, focusing on the heart of God rather than getting lost in the text.
Takeaways
Genesis 1 and 2 are not scientific accounts, but theological narratives about God's desire to dwell with humanity.
The goodness of creation emphasizes God's intention to create a space for humans to dwell with Him.
Humans are called to be stewards of creation and participate in bringing order and purpose to the world.
Creation suffers due to human sin and rebellion against God's calling.
The ultimate goal of creation is for God to dwell with humanity in new creation.
Chapters
00:00- Introduction and Schedule Change
10:09 - The Purpose of Genesis 1 and 2
12:46 - Understanding Creation in Genesis
18:29 - The Significance of 'Good' in Genesis
28:02 - The Desire for God to Dwell with Us
33:33 - Creation Suffers Due to Human Sin
37:33 - The Teleos of Creation
41:43 - The Role of Humans as Image Bearers
42:58 - The Ancient Structure of Creation
45:11 - The Seventh Day and God's Rest
48:11 - Creation as a Temple
50:57 - God's Desire to Dwell with Us
55:38 - Exalting the Text Over God
59:38 - The Danger of Biblicism
01:03:42 - The Hermeneutic of Expectancy -
Thabani Antony Mashava shares his experiences and insights into the spiritual realm and African beliefs in this conversation. He discusses growing up in Zimbabwe and the prevalence of spiritual practices and rituals. Thabani also explores the challenges faced by African Christians in navigating the spiritual realm and reconciling traditional beliefs with their faith. The conversation highlights the differences in worldview between the Western world and Africa, as well as the significance of Chipinge as a hub of witchcraft in Zimbabwe.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Background
06:12 - Growing Up in Zimbabwe and African Beliefs
17:06 - Navigating the Spiritual Realm as a Christian
23:03 - The Western World's View of the Supernatural
25:56 - Thabani's Background and Experiences
36:27 - Worldview and Beliefs in Zimbabwe
42:40 - The Significance of Chipinge -
Summary
Michael and Jason discuss the importance of understanding Genesis 1 in its ancient Near Eastern context. They emphasize that the purpose of Genesis 1 is to show God's intention to dwell with His creation and His desire for a relationship with His people. They also highlight the need for living in a way that reflects God's creation and the importance of ongoing formation and growth in the Christian life. Ultimately, the conversation points to the idea of an embodied faith and life together as God's children.Takeaways
- Understanding Genesis 1 in its ancient Near Eastern context is crucial for grasping its intended meaning.
- The overarching theme of the Bible is God's desire to dwell with His people.
- Living in a way that reflects God's creation and order is important for believers.
- Formation and growth are essential in the Christian life. Moving from theory to action is crucial in our faith journey.
- Practices such as lament and community gatherings can help us embody the teachings of scripture.
- Relationships and community play a vital role in our spiritual formation.
- A solely devotional approach to faith may limit our growth and understanding.Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Setting the Stage
08:06 - Understanding Genesis 1 in its Ancient Near Eastern Context
13:11 - The Purpose of Genesis 1: God's Intention to Dwell with His Creation
29:10 - The Overarching Theme of the Bible: God's Desire to Dwell with His People
35:06 - The Importance of Living in a Way that Reflects God's Creation
38:00 - The Need for Formation and Growth in the Christian Life
40:00 - Moving from Theory to Action
43:43 - Forming Community through Lament
46:46 - Practices for Love and Kindness
50:27 - The Role of Relationships in Spiritual Formation
55:26 - Moving Beyond Devotional Life
59:37 - Embodied Faith and Life Together -
Jason and Michael examine the creation focus of Psalm 19 and consider the huge implications for creation, God's vision of justice, and ultimately new creation, when we understand that God's creation was good and will be fully restored to that goodness one day.
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The Eikon team begins a new series on New Creation. They discuss why it is important to start our discussion with creation and how we can often misinterpret creation as described in the Bible, using Michael's inability to correctly construct a new bed as an illustration of why it is vital to understand creation correctly.
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It's that time of year for our annual year-end episode where the Eikon team shares their lists of favorite books and podcasts.
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Michael and Gianna talk about the importance of Revelation's message for today's church and what stood out to them most from our series on Revelation.
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