79 - The Way Of The Dragon Or The Way Of The Lamb? - Guest Kyle Strobel And Jamin Goggin
Apr 17, 2017
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Kyle Strobel and Jamin Goggin, authors of the book "The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb", join the podcast to discuss where God's power comes from. They explore the contrast between the way of Jesus and the way of the world, addressing issues like selfish ambition and the pursuit of power within the church. The speakers emphasize the importance of spiritual theology in seminary education and highlight the significance of true strength found in dependence on Jesus.
Embracing weakness and relying on God's strength leads to true power.
Many churches prioritize worldly power and success over the way of Jesus.
Building a community that embodies the way of Jesus involves valuing every individual and embracing weakness.
Deep dives
Embracing Weakness as a Source of True Power
Embracing weakness is not about seeking weakness for its own sake, but rather recognizing that true power comes from embracing our limitations and relying on God's strength. We are reminded that as humans, we are inherently weak and finite. Additionally, we each have our unique areas of weakness and struggle with sin. Instead of trying to cover up or mitigate our weaknesses, we are encouraged to bring them to God in prayer and be honest about them. In doing so, we open ourselves up to experiencing God's power in the midst of our weaknesses and finding true flourishing.
The Ubiquity of Power-Oriented Culture in Churches
Many churches openly affirm and embrace the way of power from below, where status, significance, and success are often prioritized over the way of Jesus. This culture is evident in pastors' conferences that often showcase impressive and rhetorically skilled leaders, while neglecting the wisdom of seasoned individuals who have faithfully served in small churches. The culture of power within churches is also seen in the pursuit of worldly achievements and the desire to impress others, rather than seeking the true power that comes from relying on God.
Practical Steps Towards Embracing Weakness and Reciprocal Relationships
Building a community that embodies the way of Jesus involves practical steps such as recognizing the value of every individual, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. Instead of assuming power over others, leaders are called to embrace reciprocity and a mutual exchange of love and support. Leaders should foster an environment where weakness is not something to be hidden or feared, but rather an opportunity for openness, prayer, and reliance on God's power. In the context of starting a church, the focus should be on learning from others, prioritizing love, and authentically embracing the way of Jesus.
The Power of Love in Harry Potter
In the podcast episode, the speaker discusses how love is portrayed as a powerful force in the Harry Potter series. The speaker emphasizes that while Harry himself may not possess extraordinary powers, he is constantly reminded by Dumbledore that his capacity to love makes him stronger than he realizes. This contrasts with Voldemort and his followers, who seek power and immortality but end up consumed by their own selfish desires. The podcast asserts that love, as depicted in the Harry Potter narrative, is a power that is capable of overcoming darkness and destruction.
Power and Weakness in Church Practices
The podcast also explores how power and weakness are reflected in church practices. The speaker highlights the marginalized groups within the church, such as those with disabilities or the elderly, and criticizes the marginalization and neglect they often face. Furthermore, the podcast discusses how certain practices, such as preaching, singing, and personal charisma, have been elevated in church worship, while practices like communion and public scripture reading have been marginalized. The speaker argues that these imbalances reflect a focus on personal power and control rather than acknowledging our need for a greater source of power and strength, like the branches depending on the vine in the biblical metaphor.
Kyle Strobel and Jamin Goggin, authors of the book "The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb: Searching for Jesus’ Path of Power in a Church that Has Abandoned It", join us for a conversation about where God's power comes from. We recorded this conversation a few weeks ago in preparation for a busy Easter week. We hope your Easter was fantastic! Link to the book: https://www.amazon.com/Way-Dragon-Lamb-Searching-Abandoned/dp/0718022351 Read about Kyle here: https://www.biola.edu/directory/people/kyle-strobel Read about Jamin here: http://www.metamorpha.com/about/jamin-goggin/ - Mike Erre Learn more about the VOX Podcast: www.voxpodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes - http://apple.co/1Lla1Nj Music provided by Izzi Ray - http://www.soundcloud.com/izziray Music available on iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/izzi-ray/id386256769 Support the VOX Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/voxpodcast Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/thevoxpodcast Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/voxpodcast Follow Mike on Twitter www.twitter.com/mikeerre Follow Andy on Twitter www.twitter.com/Andy_lara Mike Erre participates as VOX Team Leader at VOX Community, a church expression of the VOX Podcast. Learn more about VOX Community at www.voxoc.com. Listen to our Sunday teaching from VOX Community: www.soundcloud.com/voxcommunity
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