Rapp Report episode 271 Some Q&A from the Michiana Reforming Families Conference were not answered at the conference were not answered due to time, so the speakers come on to address all the questions that were asked. This podcast is a ministry of Striving for Eternity and all our resources Listen to other podcasts on the Christian Podcast Community Support Striving for Eternity Leave us a review Fill out our survey about this show Give us your feedback, email us info@StrivingForEternity.com Get the book What Do They Believe Get the book What Do We Believe Sponsors: Logos Bible Software MyPillow or call (800) 873-0176 and use promo SFE

Rapp Report episode 270 Discover Christ's authority's crucial role in church leadership as we welcome Pastor Nathaniel Jolly from the Truth Be Known Podcast for an insightful discussion. We'll explore who holds the ultimate authority in a church setting, how it impacts the way a church functions, and how to apply scripture to everyday life. Listen in as we dive into thought-provoking topics, including the role of women in the church according to 1st Timothy 2, the distinction between gifts and talents, and the purpose of spiritual gifts. In this powerful conversation, Andrew Rappaport sheds light on the significance of looking to the Word of God for guidance, recognizing various spiritual gifts such as teaching, administration, mercy, and exhortation. We'll also examine the issue of church discipline, discussing the balance between laissez-faire and sin policing and the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting people of their sins. This episode will encourage you to reflect on the process of church discipline, the importance of forgiveness, and keeping matters as private as possible. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your understanding of Christ's authority in church leadership and its vital implications for the body of the church. We hope you'll come away with a fresh perspective on approaching your faith, your interactions with fellow believers, and your commitment to living out God's Word in your daily life. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Nathaniel Jolly and enrich your spiritual journey. Listen to the previous episode in the series. This podcast is a ministry of Striving for Eternity and all our resources Listen to other podcasts on the Christian Podcast Community Support Striving for Eternity Leave us a review Fill out our survey about this show Give us your feedback, email us info@StrivingForEternity.com Get the book What Do They Believe Get the book What Do We Believe Sponsors: Logos Bible Software MyPillow or call (800) 873-0176 and use promo SFE

Rapp Report episode 269 Episode Summary: In this episode, we dive into various topics, starting with the role of humor in Christianity and the importance of not taking ourselves too seriously regarding theological differences. We discuss Keith Foskey's denominational videos, which highlight the various denominations and their unique quirks, and explore the value of church community, accountability, and the proper functioning of the church body. We examine the significance of biblical interpretation, touch on the importance of discipleship, and discuss the responsibility of preaching the Word of God. We also compare different approaches to hermeneutics, engage in a lively debate on the Sabbath, and discuss the role of Christians in politics. Finally, we wrap up the conversation with some lighthearted banter and acknowledge the importance of staying connected to our faith community. Join us as we navigate these thought-provoking topics and have some laughs along the way! Chapters: (0:00:02) - Exploring the Meaning of Church (0:12:35) - The Accountability of Church Attendance (0:19:20) - Biblically Functioning Church (0:28:05) - The Structure of Home Churches (0:40:06) - Interpreting the Bible (0:50:45) - Teaching Interpreting Scripture Through Sermons (0:54:23) - Covenant Theology vs. Progressive Covenantism (1:03:33) - Transcendent Law and Rest (1:15:35) - Political Activism and Theology (1:22:29) - Exploring Theological Discussion (1:28:14) - The Power of Entertainment Chapter Summaries: (0:00:02) - Exploring the Meaning of Church (13 Minutes) In this episode, we explore the role of humor in Christianity and the importance of not taking ourselves too seriously regarding theological differences. We discuss the denominational videos created by Keith Foskey, which highlight the various denominations and their unique quirks, and how these videos can be entertaining and educational. We also address some Christians' criticism towards humor, arguing that laughter can be a good medicine for the soul, as stated in Proverbs. Throughout the conversation, we share anecdotes from our experiences engaging in theological discussions with friends from different denominations, emphasizing the importance of respectful and enjoyable conversations despite our disagreements. (0:12:35) - The Accountability of Church Attendance (7 Minutes) We delve into the importance of accountability and submission within the Christian faith. We discuss how some individuals may avoid attending church or submitting to spiritual leadership due to pride or a desire for autonomy. The conversation emphasizes the value of church community, spiritual gifts, and the "one another's" of the New Testament, as well as the potential dangers of self-reliance and a lack of accountability in one's spiritual journey. The importance of humility and recognizing the need for support and guidance from fellow believers, pastors, and elders are stressed throughout the discussion.' (0:19:20) - Biblically Functioning Church (9 Minutes) We discuss the concept of a biblically functioning church, its structure, and the importance of elders and deacons. The conversation explores the evolution of the church over time, from its origins in the Greek word to the more specific definitions found in history to today's usage. We also address the common misuse of "two or three are gathered" concerning discipline. Furthermore, we explore the role of house churches and stress the importance of structure, accountability, and the proper functioning of the church body.' (0:28:05) - The Structure of Home Churches (12 Minutes) We examine the significance of biblical interpretation and the potential dangers of misinterpreting Scripture. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the context of biblical passages and the role of church leaders in teaching the Word of God. We also emphasize the need for character and personal life examination in choosing shepherds within the church ra...

Rapp Report episode 268The church is thus a unique spiritual organism designed by Christ, made up of all born again believers in this present age (Ephesians 2:11-3:6). The church is distinct from Israel (1 Corinthians 10:32), a mystery not revealed until this age (Ephesians 3:1-6; 5:32). Listen to the last episode in the series:Church, Part 2 of What We Believe, Part 37This podcast is a ministry of Striving for Eternity and all our resourcesListen to other podcasts on the Christian Podcast CommunitySupport Striving for EternityLeave us a reviewFill out our survey about this showGive us your feedback, email us info@StrivingForEternity.comGet the book What Do They BelieveGet the book What Do We BelieveSponsors:Logos Bible SoftwareMyPillow or call (800) 873-0176 and use promo SFE

Rapp Report episode 267 This week, Andrew Rappapport joins Chris Hohnholz as they discuss the recent mass shooting in Nashville, Tennessee and the growth of culturally acceptable violence against certain groups in the nation. Show Links: STTK Article – Audrey Hale and Culturally Acceptable Violence This podcast is a ministry of Striving for Eternity and all our resources Listen to other podcasts on the Christian Podcast Community Support Striving for Eternity Leave us a review Fill out our survey about this show Give us your feedback, email us info@StrivingForEternity.com Get the book What Do They Believe Get the book What Do We Believe Sponsors: Logos Bible Software MyPillow or call (800) 873-0176 and use promo SFE

Rapp Report episode 266 Andrew and Eric Johnson discuss their trip to Israel and explain the importance of visiting the Holy Land to understand your Bible better. Watch the video version of this podcast to see the pictures. Help Eric and MRM with their bookstore. This podcast is a ministry of Striving for Eternity and all our resources Listen to other podcasts on the Christian Podcast Community Support Striving for Eternity Leave us a review Fill out our survey about this show Give us your feedback, email us info@StrivingForEternity.com Get the book What Do They Believe Get the book What Do We Believe Sponsors: Logos Bible Software MyPillow or call (800) 873-0176 and use promo SFE Update on Israel Trip

Rapp Report episode 265 The state of CA shuts down a Christian ministry previously relied on for help. Now, this ministry needs your help. Andrew talks with Haps Addison about the ministry of Olive Branch Ministries. Help fund their move. This podcast is a ministry of Striving for Eternity and all our resources Listen to other podcasts on the Christian Podcast Community Support Striving for Eternity Leave us a review Fill out our survey about this show Give us your feedback, email us info@StrivingForEternity.com Get the book What Do They Believe Get the book What Do We Believe Sponsors: Logos Bible Software MyPillow or call (800) 873-0176 and use promo SFE

Rapp Report episode 264 Andrew Rapport and Pastor Steven Dew explore the church's foundation in this episode. Discuss when the church started and what it is, why doctrine divides yet also unifies, and how a lengthy and detailed doctrinal statement can help you look for a good church. They discuss the formation of the church, known as the body of Christ, beginning on the day of Pentecost and concluding at the rapture. They distinguish between the two main camps of theology: dispensationalism and covenant theology, and further explain that the term "church" has changed over time and that the body of Christ started on the day of Pentecost, meaning there is a distinct difference between Israel and the church. They emphasize the importance of humility in theology, noting that when one sits at the feet of Christ, He will correct everyone’s views. They explore the topics of covenant theology and dispensationalism, specifically in relation to the formation and end of the church. Lastly, they discuss the unique spiritual organism of the church, distinct from man-made systems. Chapters: (0:09:05) - Distinguishing the Church and Israel (0:20:16) - Humility in Theology (0:24:44) - Covenant Theology and Dispensationalism (0:32:20) - Distinctive Characteristics of the Church (0:45:26) - Misapplied Church Discipline and Pride (0:50:43) - The Importance of a Diocesan Statement Chapter Summaries: (0:09:05) - Distinguishing the Church and Israel (11 Minutes) This episode covers the formation of the church, known as the body of Christ, beginning on the day of Pentecost and concluding at the rapture. The conversation distinguishes between the two main camps of theology: dispensationalism and covenant theology. It explains that the term "church" has changed over time and that the body of Christ started on the day of Pentecost, meaning that there is a distinction between Israel and the church. The speaker further explains that both covenant theology and dispensationalism are systems of interpretation and have their end times views. (0:20:16) - Humility in Theology (4 Minutes) The conversation focused on the difficulty of fitting into one theological camp or another when reading the Bible. It was discussed that even if John MacArthur or RC Sprowl influences one, there will still be areas of disagreement. Ultimately, it was brought to attention that pride must not be taken in one's theological system, as when one sits at the feet of Christ, He will correct everyone's views. It was suggested that those who may have tuned out the conversation due to certain words should have still listened, as the point was to not be prideful about one's theological system. (0:24:44) - Covenant Theology and Dispensationalism (8 Minutes) This conversation covers the topics of covenant theology and dispensationalism, specifically in relation to the formation and end of the church. Andrew highlights the differences between the two views, noting that there is much agreement between them and that the church will end with the rapture. He also touches on the end times, noting that the church's completion will lead to a transition back to national Israel and that some who were not Jewish will be saved. (0:32:20) - Distinctive Characteristics of the Church (13 Minutes) This conversation explores the unique spiritual organism of the church, as distinct from man-made systems, which are made up of all born-again believers in this present age, between Pentecost and Rapture. The church is distinct from Israel and is a mystery not revealed until this present age. The body of Christ is a living organism, and the Word of God is alive and active. (0:45:26) - Misapplied Church Discipline and Pride (5 Minutes) They discuss the application of Matthew 18. Jesus is addressing the disciples' pride and telling them to be like a child when it comes to humility. They then delve into the issue of discipline, mainly when someone is unwilling to repent.

Rapp Report episode 263 In this podcast episode, Andrew Rapport and Pastor Steven Dew discussed the concept of the Church. Pastor Steven read a passage from the striving for eternity doctrinal statement, which states that the Holy Spirit immediately places all who place their faith in Christ Jesus into one united spiritual body called the Church, of which Christ is the head. The episode discussed the importance of having a solid foundation in faith and understanding the difference between believers and unbelievers in a church setting. It was argued that churches should have a plurality of pastors to be able to protect and feed the sheep rather than just feeding the goats or entertaining them. They also discussed the parable of the soils, in which half of the soils represent people in the church who are not believers, including the rocky soil, which is for those who have no foundation, and the thorny soil, which is for those who succumb to temptation and trial. The importance of membership and the need to teach members about true biblical doctrine was discussed. It was suggested that doctrines unite true believers and provide a platform for conversation and understanding. Chapters: (0:00:02) - The Church (0:11:44) - Limitations of Belonging to the Church (0:21:50) - Membership Exploration (0:36:45) - The Church (0:46:05) - The Role of the Pastor Chapter Summaries: (0:00:02) - The Church (12 Minutes) In this episode, Andrew Rapport and Pastor Steven Dew read the following section of the doctrinal statement available at www.StrivingForEternity.org. "All who place their faith in Jesus Christ are immediately placed by the Holy Spirit into one united spiritual body, called the church (1 Corinthians 12:12-13), the bride of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:23-32; Revelation 19:7-8), of which Christ is the Head (Ephesians 1:22; 4:15; Colossians 1:18)." (0:11:44) - Limitations of Belonging to the Church (10 Minutes) This episode discussed the importance of having a solid foundation in faith and understanding the difference between believers and unbelievers in a church setting. It was argued that churches should have a plurality of pastors to protect and feed the sheep rather than just feeding the goats or entertaining them. The parable of the soils was discussed, in which half of the soils represent people in the church who are not believers, including the rocky soil, which is for those who have no foundation, and the thorny soil, which is for those who succumb to temptation and trial. (0:21:50) - Membership Exploration (15 Minutes) This portion of the conversation focuses on the importance of membership and the need to teach members about true biblical doctrine. The conversation brings up the idea of the 'numbers game' and how churches have started to focus on size rather than doctrine. It is suggested that doctrine unite true believers and provide a platform for conversation and understanding. The conversation then focuses on doctrine dividing, ultimately concluding that doctrine divides between those who believe what the bible teaches and those who do not. Still, that doctrine should also be used to unify believers. (0:36:45) - The Church (9 Minutes) 'Echlessia', the Greek word for church, has evolved over the years. In the first century, it was used to refer to a gathering for the purpose of worshipping God. Later, it was necessary to be more specific, and the language of the visible and invisible church, or the universal and local church, was used. The local or visible church comprises both believers and unbelievers, while the invisible or universal church comprises only believers everywhere and all the time. (0:46:05) - The Role of the Pastor (12 Minutes) This conversation focused on ecclesiastical separation and the roles of pastors in the church. It discussed the importance of recognizing Christ as the head of the church and the value of a plurality of elders working together.

Rapp Report episode 262 In this episode, Andrew welcomes John and Cindy Raquet to the show to discuss their book, Purposeful and Persistent Parenting. We discuss the importance of recognizing that parents and children's struggles with sin differ. We also discuss the challenges of parenting eight children and how the book's authors discovered the concept of blue-tape boundaries while child-proofing their house. Finally, we discuss the idea of using boundaries as a blessing rather than a burden and the importance of having grace for both child and parent. My guests emphasize the importance of consistency when teaching children about boundaries and suggest that families buy a bulk of the book as a resource for new parents. The episode gives listeners an insight into how to better parent with purpose and persistence. Order Purposeful and Persistent Parenting by John and Cindy Raquet Chapters: (0:03:16) - Parenting by Experience (0:07:49) - Houseproofing Your Child (0:11:48) - Boundaries as a Blessing for Parenting (0:25:29) - Grace Filled Parenting and Consistent Boundaries (0:33:58) - The Importance of Consistency in Parenting (0:43:05) - Being Purposeful and Persistent in Parenting(0:52:58) - Protecting Our Children (0:59:25) - Protecting Our Children (1:09:21) - Purposeful and Persistent Parenting Chapter Summaries: (0:03:16) - Parenting by Experience (5 Minutes) This conversation focuses on parenting and the challenges that come with it. They discuss their experiences parenting eight children and how they have learned from their mistakes. They also talk about how their family has grown with grandchildren and how they were inspired to write a book about parenting. The book is unique in that it provides practical advice, not just theoretical principles, and it also involves using blue tape. (0:07:49) - Houseproofing Your Child (4 Minutes) The authors discuss the importance of setting boundaries with children. The book's authors discovered the concept of blue tape boundaries while child-proofing their home. They realized that instead of child-proofing their house, they should train their children to respect boundaries. To do this, they used a blue tape boundary to separate the linoleum kitchen floor from the carpeted dining room area, teaching their crawling child to stay on the carpet. This approach proved to be successful. (0:11:48) - Boundaries as a Blessing for Parenting (14 Minutes) The authors discuss using boundaries as a blessing rather than a burden. The book introduces the idea of using blue tape as a visual reminder to young children of areas they are not allowed to explore. It is emphasized that this is an idea, not a hard and fast rule, and that consistency is critical in teaching children the concept of boundaries. Grace-filled parenting is discussed, and the idea of having grace for both child and parent is explored. (0:25:29) - Grace Filled Parenting and Consistent Boundaries (8 Minutes) The authors discuss the concept of grace-filled parenting and the importance of not complaining about children. Grace-filled parenting is rooted in the understanding that our relationship with our children is not based on their performance and that our children are unmitigated blessings from the Lord. This relationship must still be balanced with teaching our children to obey and live within the boundaries set by God. Additionally, it is essential to not complain about our children to show them the gift they are and to help them learn to take their burdens to the Lord. (0:33:58) - The Importance of Consistency in Parenting (9 Minutes) The authors focus on the importance of consistency in parenting. They begin by discussing how it may be difficult for a child to have a situation where it is okay to be mean and yell at each other when it is just them at home, yet different when someone else is around. The goal should be to create integrity and consistency in all areas of life.