Real Life Theology Podcast

The Journey of Faith and Unity: A Conversation with Jason Ishmael Today we feature Jason Ishmeal, lead pastor of Antioch Christian Church in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area. Daniel and Jason talk about the Restoration movement, some of its history but they emphasize the conversation about unity and faith in our culture today. In this episode Jason discusses his early calling to ministry, the influence of his diverse religious upbringing, and his pastoral journey at the church in Eastern Iowa. Jason Ishmael shares insights into his passion for unity within the church, derived from his extensive study in Church History and Historical Theology, looking critically at both the past division and potential for unity within Christianity. Drawing from his education and personal experiences, he emphasizes the importance of unity, not for its own sake but as a mission to follow Jesus’s command to spread the Gospel. The discussion also goes into the challenges and opportunities of leading a church within the Restoration Movement, fostering a community geared towards discipleship, and leveraging every aspect of church life towards fulfilling the Great Commission. If you are interested in more conversations about Unity, Faith, the restoration movement and more visit Renew.org.  Get the Book:   Watch the Video    Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction to Jason Ishmael and Antioch Christian Church 00:48 Jason's Early Calling to Ministry and Religious Background 02:30 Finding a Vibrant Community of Faith 04:06 The Impact of Antioch Christian Church in Eastern Iowa 06:12 Jason's Academic Journey in Church History and Theology 08:16 Exploring the Challenges and Controversies in Church History 15:46 Discovering the Restoration Movement 20:37 Restoration Movement Principles in Leadership 22:32 Reflecting on Restoration Movement History and Unity 29:19 The Gathering and Discipleship Strategies Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering          

Exploring the Core Values of the Restoration Movement. Unity, Truth, and Winning the World to Christ (feat. Daniel McCoy and Dr. Rick Cherok).    Today’s episode dives into the significance of the Restoration Movement, emphasizing its focus on unity and truth. Daniel McCoy Editorial Director for RENEW.org and Dr. Rick Cherok, a history professor at Ozark Christian college highlights the value of the Restoration movement. They emphasize Jesus' prayer for unity and the importance of adhering to God's word. The Restoration Movement is portrayed as a call to return to the biblical church model, continuously reforming the church to align with scripture. The discussion covers the movement's goal of showing a unified Christian witness in a divided world, touching on social justice and collaboration across denominations. Personal anecdotes illustrate the perils of division among Christians and stress the importance of embodying Christ to the world. They further explore the concept of unity, balancing essential and non-essential doctrines, and the challenges of defining truth. Historical figures and their perspectives on error, heresy, and scripture's transformative power are also discussed. The need for ongoing church reform and the importance of restoration movement principles like unity, truth, and evangelization for the modern church are emphasized, cautioning against straying from these foundational values.   Get the Book:   Watch The Video      Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction to the Restoration Movement 01:22 The Importance of Unity and Truth in the Church 03:12 The Restoration Movement's Approach to Church Unity 05:47 The Role of the Church in Society 06:59 Understanding Biblical Unity 07:32 The Essentials and Non-Essentials of Scripture 10:18 The Importance of Scripture in Guiding Church Practices 12:44 The Role of the Restoration Movement in Modern Christianity 17:19 The Importance of Church Heritage and Connection 21:05 The Balance Between Unity and Truth in the Church 22:59 The Dangers of Overemphasizing Unity or Truth 28:29 Conclusion: The Faith Once for All   Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering          

[Part 2] Today's episode of the Real Life Theology Podcast goes deep into the life, contributions, and challenges faced by the influential religious reformer, Alexander Campbell. It explores Campbell's journey from Ireland to America, his relentless commitment to delivering biblical Christianity, and his drive for unity. Dr. Rick Cherok, a keen admirer of Campbell, a well known professor of history at Ozark Christian College, discusses lesser-known aspects of Campbell's life, including his tenacity, fearlessness, and ability to remain constant in achieving his goals, as well as engrossing personal anecdotes. The interview further illuminates Campbell's far-reaching impact as a powerful Christian apologist of the pre-Civil War era in America, his role in sparking social reform, and how his life and beliefs could be relevant for 21st-century Christians seeking a biblical justice route not grounded in liberalism. The narrative highlights Campbell's resilience even in the face of significant adversity and underscores his fervent faith and dedication to his mission of bringing the world to Christ, which shaped his powerful legacy. Get the Book:   Watch the Video    Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction to Alexander Campbell 00:18 Campbell's Journey to America 00:36 Campbell's Early Life and Education 01:00 Campbell's Influence and Recognition 01:26 Campbell's Role in Biblical Christianity 01:57 Campbell's Publishing Endeavors 02:28 Campbell's Debates and Theological Discussions 03:37 Campbell's Encounter with Robert Owen 06:28 Campbell's Influence and Legacy 07:36 Campbell's Vision for Evangelism 09:51 Campbell's Approach to Social Reform 18:41 Admiring Campbell's Characteristics 22:26 Conclusion: Reflecting on Campbell's Life 22:49 Campbell's Struggles and Faith Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering          

Do you know the History of the Restoration Movement?  [Part 1]  Today we launch a new series featuring Dr. Rick Cherok a professor of history at Ozark Christian College. Today's discussion leads us to the foundation of the Restoration Movement. Dr. Cherok provides us with a detailed history of the restoration movement, starting from its roots in the 19th century to its current divisions. This interview includes discussion on the ideologies of different groups including Disciples of Christ, Christian Church, and Church of Christ. The DNA of the restoration moment involves individuals uniting based on the principles of biblical Christianity.  Get the Book:   Watch the Video     Key Takeaways 00:00 Understanding the Restoration Movement 01:21 The Struggle for Unity and Biblical Christianity 04:13 The Role of Key Leaders in the Movement 05:10 The Impact of Theological Liberalism 06:52 The Restoration Movement and Protestantism 08:20 The Challenges of Maintaining Biblical Christianity 14:39 The Impact of the American Civil War on the Movement 19:24 The Division within the Movement 21:56 The Current State of the Restoration Movement 22:20 Conclusion: The Ongoing Reformation of the Church   Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering              

On this episode of the Real Life Theology Podcast Andrew Jitt and Daniel McCoy discuss the vertical rhythms of life and the significance of disciple making. They share insights from their book and highlight the experiences of individuals from around the world who have embraced these rhythms of faith. They also discuss the importance of cultivating a relationship with God, the different ways to engage with the Bible, and the importance of bringing tough questions and doubts into the light. The episode concludes with a conversation about the significance of prayer and how to make a difference in the world through living out the rhythms of faith.   Get the Book Rhythms:  Read the Series:                                         Real Life Theology Conversations     Real Life Theology Handbook                  Real Life Theology   Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:34 Exploring the Rhythms of Disciple Making 00:36 The Importance of Disciple Making in Faith 00:36 The Role of Relationships in Disciple Making 00:36 The Challenges and Rewards of Disciple Making 00:38 The Power of Prayer in Disciple Making 02:05 The Role of the Bible in Disciple Making 08:46 Keeping the Faith: A Disciple's Journey 13:56 Making a Difference: The Impact of Disciple Making 15:54 Conclusion: The Legacy of Disciple Making 22:57 Closing Remarks and Future Plans Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering          

Today's episode discusses the themes of living in community and the power of forgiveness. Guests Daniel McCoy and Andrew Jit share their personal experiences and insights on these topics. The conversation explores the importance of building healthy relationships, connecting with people of different worldviews, and the transformative nature of forgiveness. We look at the Horizontal Rhythms of life, looking at who we are in community with one another. This podcast series of Rhythms deals with the How Tos of the Christian Faith, this episode highlights how to live in community, how to connect with people of a different worldview, how to forgive others, how to make a disciple and far more. Join Daniel McCoy and Andrew Jit as we talk about the horizontal Rhythms of life.    Get the Book Rhythms:  Read the Series:                                         Real Life Theology Conversations     Real Life Theology Handbook                  Real Life Theology     Key Takeaways: 0:00 The Horizontal Rhythhms  12:44 The Importance of Connecting with People 16:09 Celebrating Cultural Diversity and Sharing the Gospel 17:46 The Power of Forgiveness and Grace 20:54 The Journey of Discipleship and Reading the Bible 26:04 Keeping the Faith and Making a Difference Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering          

"How do we live out our identity, our purpose, our meaning?"  This episode of the Real Life Theology Podcast we continue our conversation on Rhythms looking at the Internal Rhythms and dealing with the How Tos of the christian faith. Daniel McCoy and Andrew Jit discuss themes of self-discovery, identity, and life management. The discussion weaves around the ideas presented in the book 'Rhythms', focusing on the importance of knowing oneself, finding identity in God, and developing healthy habits. The talk further highlights the significance of managing personal life and recognizing one's purpose, along with the need to evaluate daily habits for a fulfilling life. It explores the idea of living in community and understanding the influence of different aspects of our lives on our future. Daniel McCoy and Andrew walk us through an internal view of ourselves, answering questions such as why it is important to know yourself? Or what does it mean to manage your life?    Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and the Book 'Rhythms' 00:42 Understanding the Importance of Self-Knowledge 01:28 Exploring the Concept of Identity in God 07:35 The Role of Personality Profiles in Self-Understanding 12:26 The Importance of Managing Your Life 20:52 Seeing the Future Through the Lens of Faith 24:13 Learning and Unlearning Habits for a Better Life 28:44 The Power of Community in Personal Growth 28:44 Conclusion and Invitation to the National Gathering   Get the Book Rhythms:  Read the Series:                                         Real Life Theology Conversations     Real Life Theology Handbook                  Real Life Theology     Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering            

OVERWHELMED BY LIFE? SLOW DOWN AND LEARN THE HOW TOS. Today we launch a brand new series on Renew.org's latest book Rhythms. We get to feature a behind the scenes discussion between authors Daniel McCoy and Andrew Jit. In 'Rhythms: How To Live Out Real Life Theology,' Daniel McCoy, and Andrew Jit explore key spiritual practices and how to incorporate them into daily life. Throughout their discussions, they highlight tools for personal growth, including how to connect with people of different worldviews, manage life effectively, forgive others, and maintain faith. This episode also features captivating interviews and personal stories, demonstrating the application of these spiritual rhythms. From developing a regular prayer habit to disciple-making methods in line with biblical principles, they provide a comprehensive guide for spiritual growth.  Furthermore, they go into guiding disciples in understanding and living out real-life theology through the cultivation of spiritual practices and rhythms. This episode features tangible tools to grow deeper in faith and walk closer with the Lord. It highlights key elements such as understanding one's identity in Christ, managing life, connecting earnestly with people of different worldviews, cultivating habits of forgiveness, and persevering in faith. They shift from the theoretical to the practical, bridging scriptural truths to daily living, hence, making the Christian life both doable and life-giving. They provide different insights, ranging from developing internal rhythms to connecting with people holistically and grasping the importance of discipleship. As much as the scripture content is essential, the practical outworking of these scriptural truths in daily encounters is vital. Daniel and Andrew share personal stories from different walks of life, today's episode presents a colorful mosaic of real-life testimonies demonstrating these rhythms in action. Whether you're a seasoned believer keeping the faith or a new believer learning to read the Bible or pray, there are practical resources for everyone. Tune into the Real Life Theology Podcast for an enriching exploration into integral Christian living, and a journey into viewing life through the lens of real-life theology. Come back next week as we dive deeper into the Rhythms of Christian life.   Key Takeaways:  0:00 Rhythms: How To Live Out Real Life Theology   02:10 The Purpose of the Book 'Rhythms' 04:35 The Importance of Practicality in Faith 05:29 The Role of Music and Rhythms in Faith 36:26 Exploring Our Relationship with God 37:09 Keeping the Faith and Making a Difference   Get the Book Rhythms:  Read the Series:                                         Real Life Theology Conversations     Real Life Theology Handbook                  Real Life Theology     Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering              

On this episode of the Real Life Theology Podcast, hosted by Renew.org, we present an enlightening discussion between Daniel McCoy and Jeremy Bacon as they conclude their series on the Sermon on the Mount. Their study explores the profound relevance of the Sermon today, detailing personal experiences, biblical interpretations, and the impact of this holy discourse on their lives. Dive deep into influential biblical revelations as they discuss themes like mercy, righteousness, judgementalism, Christian behavior, and the significance of taking on God's heart. Stay tuned for more such spiritual enrichment and biblical exploration on our channel.   To read Jeremy Bacon's book: https://renew.org/sermon-on-the-mount-building-your-house/    To read a blog post from Renew.org on the Sermon on the Mount click here: https://renew.org/sermon-on-the-mount-building-your-house/    Key Takeaways:   00:00:39 Deep Dive into the Sermon on the Mount 00:05:00 Struggling with the Concept of Mercy 00:09:51 Confronting Judgmentalism and Embracing Humility 00:11:54 The Role of the Heart in Spiritual Transformation 00:20:10 The Struggle with Cultural Christianity 00:23:48 Conclusion and Preview of the Next Series   Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering        

In this episode speakers Jeremy Bacon and Daniel McCoy delve into the transformative power of the Sermon on the Mount. They talk about how the sermon's teachings apply to real-life situations, advising on how to value people more, show respect, and deal with issues such as contempt. The conversation highlights how the sermon has helped Jeremy, particularly during the challenging times of the pandemic and in his professional life, underscoring its relevance to living in today's world. They further discuss the significance of the sermon's teachings in ethical decisions, parenting, overcoming judgmentalism, and fostering a healthier perspective towards ourselves and others.   To get a copy of Jeremy's book: https://www.amazon.com/Sermon-Mount-Days-Learning-Kingdom/dp/1959467158/    Key Takeaways:  00:01:01 Personal Impact of the Sermon on the Mount 00:01:22 Theological Reflections on the Sermon on the Mount 00:03:09 Seeing Jesus as a Genius 00:05:27 Applying the Sermon on the Mount in Daily Life 00:07:40 The Sermon on the Mount and Wisdom Literature 00:11:28 The Sermon on the Mount and Ethics 00:19:49 The Sermon on the Mount and Values 00:20:45 The Sermon on the Mount and Contempt  00:28:47 Applying the Sermon on the Mount in Parenting 00:30:20 Conclusion   To read a blog post from Renew.org on the Sermon on the Mount click here: https://renew.org/sermon-on-the-mount-building-your-house/    Join us this April at our 2024 Courageous Renewal Gathering