On the Journey

Matt Swaim and Ken Hensley continue their discussion of how they came to believe in the Catholic teaching of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. Taking into account a broad survey of Scripture and the early Church Fathers, Matt and Ken look at the numerous points of evidence in early Christianity that the first followers of Jesus clearly believed that in the Holy Eucharist, Christ is really and truly present in more than a merely symbolic way. They share what they themselves used to believe about Communion in this regard, and some of the thought processes that led them each to accept the early Christian understanding of the Eucharist. For more episodes, visit chnetwork.org/onthejourney.

Matt Swaim and Ken Hensley continue their discussion of how they came to believe in the Catholic teaching of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. Matt and Ken explore the idea of the Eucharist as memorial sacrifice. In their Evangelical Christian backgrounds, both of them would have observed the Lord's Supper with reverence, but the idea of talking about it as a sacrifice would have been utterly foreign to them. They dig into Scripture and the writings of the early Church fathers to look at how they referred to the observance of the Lord's Supper using overtly sacrificial language. For more episodes, visit chnetwork.org/onthejourney.

Matt and Ken dive deep into the mystery of the 'Bread of the Presence,' exploring its significance in both ancient Israel and the Last Supper. They discuss how the Old Testament foreshadows the New Covenant, revealing layers of meaning in Scripture. The talk transitions to the transformation of identity from ancient Israel to spiritual Israel, emphasizing faith over lineage. Additionally, they delve into the concept of transubstantiation and how it shapes modern Christian understanding of the Eucharist, wrapped in humor and personal insights.

Former Baptist pastor Ken Hensley and former Evangelical musician Matt Swaim continue their discussion of how they came to believe Catholic teaching on the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. This time around, they look at the typology of the manna in the desert that God provided to the Israelites, and look at the ways it's referred to in the New Testament, especially by Jesus, who referred to Himself as the new bread that has come down from heaven. For more episodes, visit chnetwork.org/onthejourney

Delve into the transformative journey of understanding the Eucharist from a Baptist perspective to Catholic insight. The discussion intricately connects the Exodus and Passover to Jesus' Last Supper, highlighting themes of sacrifice and salvation. Historical writings from the Church Fathers illuminate these concepts, enriching the conversation. Listeners are invited to reflect on the sacrificial nature of the Eucharist and its significant role in faith and community, while exploring its deep cultural connections.

The meaning of Baptism has sparked debate since the Reformation, with insights from early Christians shedding light on this ancient dilemma. The hosts share their personal journeys from former faiths to Catholicism, highlighting community connections. They delve into the contrasting views on Baptism across Christian denominations, the tension between tradition and textual interpretation, and the historical significance of ecclesiastical doctrine. Personal reflections and historical texts reveal how beliefs about Baptism have evolved, offering a deeper understanding of its transformative power.

Dive into a captivating discussion on the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Explore the theme of miraculous meals in the Bible, from divine manna to Jesus feeding thousands. Discover how these stories reveal God's providence and compassion. The conversation also connects the Last Supper to earlier miracles, deepening the understanding of Holy Communion. Reflect on the symbolic meanings behind the tree of life and its ties to Eucharistic teachings, sparking insights about faith and sustenance.

Discover the transformative journey of two former Protestants exploring the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. They dive into St. Paul's writings, revealing a deeper appreciation for the Lord's Supper beyond mere symbolism. Insights from early Church Fathers challenge modern interpretations, highlighting the sacrificial nature of the Eucharist. Personal reflections shed light on the spiritual significance of communion and the importance of worthiness in participating. Join the discussion that blends history, theology, and personal growth in faith.

During Matt Swaim's time as an Evangelical Christian, and Ken Hensley's time as a Baptist pastor, both of them observed the Lord's Supper as a memorial event, often using crackers and juice, that remembered Christ's sacrifice. It was a solemn event, but not essential to Christian worship. Matt and Ken share what they began to discover as they looked at the practice of the earliest Christians regarding their commemoration of the Lord's Supper, and how the sources they found seemed to speak of Holy Communion as something much deeper and more mysterious than anything they had encountered in their various Protestant experiences. For more episodes, visit chnetwork.org/onthejourney

Can you lose your salvation? Christians are divided on a number of issues, but the question of "once saved, always saved," is not only one that divides Catholics and some Protestants, but also divides certain groups of Protestants from one another. Ken Hensley, a former Baptist pastor who used to believe in "once saved, always saved," and Matt Swaim, a Wesleyan-tradition Evangelical who definitely did not, look at what the Bible has to say about the possibility of losing one's salvation. For more episodes, visit www.chnetwork.org/onthejourney