What is Good: Christian Life Commission Podcast

In this episode of What is Good, we are excited to share with you a message from the executive director for Texas Baptists, Dr. Julio Guarneri. This message was recorded on March 3rd, 2025, during our Advocacy Day conference where he was one of our keynote speakers. After being introduced by our CLC director, Katie Frugé, Dr. Guarneri challenges us from Hebrews 11 and 12 to consider these foundational truths as we engage in advocacy: the supremacy of Jesus, the nomadic nature of the Christian life, and the endurance of the Kingdom of God.Timestamps:0:36 - Introduction by Dr. Katie Frugé2:30 - Intro: "Where Jesus is the Main Attraction."5:25 - Jesus is better 11:35 - The Christian faith is a nomadic faith15:32 - Our lasting citizenship is the Kingdom of Heaven19:55 - His Kingdom includes suffering23:50 - His Kingdom intents sanctification29:06 - His Kingdom implies success32:44 - Conclusion For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

In this episode of What is Good, we are excited to share with you a message from pastor Steve Bezner. It was recorded on March 3rd, 2025, during our Advocacy Day conference where he was one of our keynote speakers. After being introduced by our CLC director, Katie Frugé, Steve challenges us to understand the roles of Gospel and government in seeing the Kingdom of God realized "on earth as it is in Heaven."TIMESTAMPS:0:35 - Katie introduces Steve Bezner1:30 - How to Change the World: Opening Prayer & Intro4:45 - We need a theory of change7:35 - Two Prongs: Gospel and Government8:00 - Prong One: The Gospel of the Kingdom   11:18 - Community living in radical obedience to Jesus   14:30 - The Church creates a colony of life in a culture of death26:13 - Prong Two - The Usefulness of Government   29:57 - The Church's prophetic voice   33:27 - Christian participation36:00 - Conclusion: Love Defiantly For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

In this episode, John and David are joined by Brent Leatherwood, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. If you wonder what it is they do, then listen in as Brent shares about their work at our nations capitol and ways that the ERLC partners with state commissions like the CLC, as we advocate for kingdom values in the public square. Also, for the second week in a row, David's "What is Good" item is spoiled by a co-worker. TIMESTAMPS:2:26 - What is the work of the ERLC?7:40 - Why and how does the ERLC intentionally partner with Baptist state conventions?14:30 - How does the ERLC advocate in judicial cases at the Supreme Court and State court levels?23:45 - An example of partnership - Free Speech Coalition, Inc. v Paxton.33:20 - How do we advocate and engage in a way that doesn't add to the divisiveness of the times but instead points people to Christ?39:20 - Do you have any tips or suggestions for others on how to advocate well? (speaking to pastors)42:50 - John gets David to promote his new book.45:27 - Do you have any tips or suggestions for others on how to advocate well? (speaking to individual Baptists in the pews)47:40 - What's the correct pronunciation of "amicus"?50:20 - What is Good?56:33 - Outtakes RESOURCES:ERLC main webpageYour/Our Identity in Christ by CLC Associate Director, David Sanchez2025 Advocacy Day - March 3rd and 4th in Austin, Texas.  For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

In this episode, Katie, John, and David talk about the upcoming CLC Advocacy Day. They discuss its purpose, keynote speaker lineup, and schedule, but also give insights into what it's like to advocate at the state capitol in Austin with your state senators and state house representatives.Advocacy Day is March 3-4, and you can learn more about the event here: texasclc.org/advocacy-dayYou can register via this link: https://texasbaptists.tfaforms.net/4964511  TIMESTAMPS:2:24 - What is Advocacy Day? It's a chance for the CLC to equip and facilitate advocacy for our Texas Baptists pastors and church members.5:06 - What are the CLC's public policy priorities this session? Sanctity of Human Life, Religious Liberty, Fair and Just Financial Practices, Human Flourishing.14:00 - What is your favorite thing about Advocacy Day? 21:10 - The schedule for this Advocacy Day, March 3rd at 800 Congress Ave. in Austin, TX; March 4th, at the capitol25:50 - Who are our keynote speakers and what is the theme?28:40 - You never know who you'll see or meet at the Capitol...31:40 - The CLC has our priorities, but we are happy to help you follow and advocate for the bills and issues you care about.36:00 - What is Good  For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

In this episode of What is Good, David speaks to Dr. Malinda Fasol-Leewright, a licensed professional counselor with over 20 years of experience and professor at a faith-based university. Together, they discuss practical ways to encourage those who say they are feeling anxious about what is going to happen in the next four years.TIMESTAMPS:0:36 - Introducing our special guest, Dr. Malinda Fasol-Leewright3:52 - Can you think of any irrational fears that you have now or have had in the past?7:53 - How the idea of this episode came about.9:35 - What are your thoughts on the unhelpful and sometimes trite advice of well-meaning people?15:15 - In this day and age, where we've adopted the clinical language of counselors and psychologists, are we using the word "anxiety" correctly?21:15 - What do you say to someone who is worried about the next for years, when so much of that is out of their control?30:15 - How do you help someone see the damage of "doomscrolling"?32:32 - How do you respond to someone who keeps their struggles to themself because they don't want to appear "weak" spiritually or mentally?37:25 - What are other simple, practical tips to give to those struggling with anxiety?44:55 - The  importance of gratitude to combat negative thinking and it's impact on our emotions and actions.50:15 - Shoutout to the Counseling Services of Texas Baptists - https://www.texasbaptists.org/ministries/counseling-services50:53 - When would you advise someone to go to counseling for feelings of anxiety?53:29 - What is good?56:40 - Outtakes For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

In this episode of What is Good, Katie Fruge and David Sanchez discuss the curriculum of The After Party with one of the co-founders, Curtis Chang. The After Party is a free online course that helps Christians consider the "how" vs the "what" of politics. exploring what the Bible has to say and equipping us to better navigate challenging topics in today's difficult political environment. TIMESTAMPS:1:10 - Curtis Chang shares his vision of The After Party3:50 - How did they decide on the name "After Party" for this content?8:34 - What scriptures or scriptural principles inspired The After Party's focus?12:28 - What scriptural principles do you use to help you speak on divisive topics in a productive way?15:16 - What should our response be to politicians using words like "enemy" to describe their political opponents?20:30 - What is missing in our theological framework that allows us to mislabel others as our enemy?23:30 - How should believers navigate the anxiety that people are feeling right now due to our political landscape?28:02 - What is Good?33:22 - Outtakes Want to learn more about The After Party? Visit their website: https://redeemingbabel.org/the-after-party/ For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

Steve Bezner, Senior Pastor of Houston Northwest Church and author of 'Your Jesus Is Too American', dives deep into how American culture shapes perceptions of Jesus. He discusses his inspiration for the book and emphasizes the need for the Church to reflect the kingdom of God. Bezner challenges the norm of power dynamics in leadership, advocating for serving others. He also explores the intersection of faith, economics, and political engagement, urging Christians to seek justice with empathy. Prepare for a thought-provoking conversation!

In this episode, John Litzler leads us in asking how to have uplifting family conversations during the holidays. Growing up, there were two things you didn't talk about at the dinner table- politics and religion. Things have changed, and recently politics have become a sore subject during family get-togethers. Is there a way for us to model political discussions that don't lead to anger and division with our loved ones? Let's find out.TIMESTAMPS:3:00 - In the past, did your family discuss politics and/or religion at the dinner table? What about now?9:57 - Do you think hyper-partisanship has in America has gotten worse during our lifetime?19:07 - We often judge ourselves by our intent, and others by their actions. How do you see that playing out in politics? How do we start to change that mentality with our own family and friends?25:10 - Many American Christians are finding their identity in politics. How should we find our identity primarily in Christ? 31:58 - During an election season, it is so easy to bear false witness against political opponents. How do we deal with our own tendency towards bias, and how can that improve our family conversations?43:45 - Other practical tips on uplifting family conversations during the holidays?50:10 - What is good?57:05 - Outtakes For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

In this episode of What is Good, our Director of Hunger & Care, Irene Gallegos, shares with us her passion for public health. She guides us in a discussion of the factors of health and how more impoverished communities will have greater difficulty accessing help in times of need. We discuss what community development ministries to these areas can look like and the various ways the CLC strives to advocate and be a part of the transforming of these communities.TIMESTAMPS:1:10 - What type of community did you grow up in?7:50 - What community factors were involved in your decision to live in the house you do now?18:05 - Some who serve in less fortunate communities choose to live in them and commit to a missional lifestyle among the people they serve. Others live outside, but still advocate for and support these communities. Scripturally, is one method more Biblical than the other?31:45 - Explanation of the Cliff of Good Health Analogy35:05 - What are some specific ways the CLC is involved in helping people fall off the good health? Or, worded differently, how are we involved in systemic issues?48:45 - What is Good?57:35 - Outtakes For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

In today's episode, the CLC discusses helpful biblical principles for making decisions in grey areas. If you are a pastor or even a small group leader, you’ve probably had someone ask you “What does the bible say about _____?” They are not usually wanting to know what is pleasing to God. They want a one verse proof text that shows how they are right and someone else is wrong. Or they want to know what they can get away with. How will the conversation look different if instead of giving a quick answer, we give godly principles based on 1 Corinthians 8:1-11:1 to equip them to make difficult decisions? David Sanchez leads this discussion.TIMESTAMPS:1:50 - Topic intro: Examples of grey area issues8:25 - "What does the Bible say about ___?"14:15 - Idol meat in 1 Corinthians 8:1-11:116:26 - Scenario #1 (1 Cor 8:4, 7-12)19:47 - The Stumbling Principle (1 Cor 8:13)26:43 - Scenario #2 (1 Cor 10:14-22)29:44 - The Mastery Principle (1 Cor 10:23; see also 6:12)36:38 - Scenario #3 (1 Cor 10:24-27)42:52 - The Offending Principle (1 Cor 10:32-33)49:23 - The Glorifying Principle (1 Cor 10:31)56:46 - What is good?1:02:58 - Outtakes For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).