What is Good: Christian Life Commission Podcast

Today we discuss the living conditions of Texas state prisons, over 2/3rds of which do not have central heating or AC.  We hear how the extreme heat and cold impacts inmates, guards, and other prison staff. It is a difficult conversation, but one we think needs to be had.Some Texas lawmakers say they have not approved bills that seek to fix this problem because it's not an issue Texans really care about. We wonder, however, if it's an issue that most Texans just don't know about. We hope today's talk will inform and evoke the compassion of Christ for those living and working in our state prisons. TIMESTAMPS:1:44 - What's the hottest/coldest you've ever been, and would you rather be too hot or too cold?8:20 - History of the state of AC/Heat in Texas prisons10:31 - What do you think of the quote, "The degree of civilization in a society can be judged by entering its prisons"?15:15 - What do you think of arguments that it would cost too much for Texas to fix this problem, or that it's a good deterrent for our prisons to be uncomfortable as part of being tough on crime?21:25 - What have been the hidden costs of not having AC/heat in most of our state prisons?25:33 - If we believe people are made in the image of God, how is that consistent or inconsistent with the conditions we are placing Texas prisoners in?32:12 - How might we as Christians view this as a pro-life issue?38:04 - How does the Bible encourage us to have compassion on this situation?49:08 - What is Good?53:23 - Outtakes For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

Today, we discuss being a light for Jesus during an election year and ask what our Christian witness should look like if and when we engage in the discussion of politics, especially online. We find Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount to be both challenging and full of wisdom for us, pointing out the ways in which our reactions should be different from the world's because of our relationship with Christ and our identity in Christ.We look at 5 ways we should set ourselves apart in our behavior and attitudes, and they make an acronym with the word LIGHT. Stick around for the end, because we also have a fun song to help you remember these points. TIMESTAMPS:1:30 - Topic introduction - What do we think of Disney live-action remakes? Can we model what a respectful discussion might look like where we potentially have differing opinions?7:06 - Christians divided on Facebook over the casting of Halle Bailey in the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. What type of message are we sending to the world, when this is how we as professed believers behave on social media?13:35 - Jesus told us we are the light of the world (Matthew 5:16). What does that look like in an election year?14:46 - L - Love your enemies (Matthew 5:43-45)21:40 - I - Inspect your own eye (Matthew 7:1-5)27:54 - G - Give like a ninja (Matthew 6:2-4)34:38 - H - Hear and obey (Matthew 7:24-27)39:10 - T - Trust God to meet your needs (Matthew 6:31-33)47:26 - What is Good?51:27 - The L-I-G-H-T Song For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

Today we are talking about the issue of life, the pro-life conversation, and a Christian holistic response to it in the world and culture that we are living in currently. As believers, we hold to the conviction of the sanctity of human life that as God's creation (Gen 1:27), we all bear his image and have an inherent dignity and value.During this election year, we will hear about the topic of abortion more and more, especially with the overturning of Roe v Wade, as each state considers what their own legislation will be. Politicians will weaponize this topic as part of their own agenda. Amid this, an overarching question we explore in this episode is how should we as Christians strive to maintain our witness? What does it look like to be pro-life, post-roe?TIMESTAMPS:1:20 - Introduction: What are our foundational beliefs on this issue and where are we now as a nation?5:15 - Do you think of the term "pro-life" more as a political term or a biblical one?7:17 - Does it seem fair that this issue has become so bi-partisan? Is there a third way to approach it?10:46 - How can we, as Christians, model compassionate and active listening in these difficult conversations?16:20 - How have your lived experiences shaped your understanding of the sanctity of life?26:18 - Since the overturning of Roe v Wade, most major ballot initiatives have been victories for the pro-choice movement. How should we view this development?28:52 - What efforts can we take to help make abortion unthinkable, and what churches do you see doing this well?38:56 - Why should Christians be involved in pro-life efforts beyond voting?45:26 - What role do you see men, specifically, having as we navigate this issue?53:16 - What is Good? RESOURCES:CLC Table Talk: The Hope to Choose Life When The Choice Isn't Easy - YouTube video with Katie & DavidKatie & Eve: Choosing Life and Trusting God - YouTube video of Katie and her eldest daughter, Eve For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

For many of us, a regular time of family worship was not part of our experience growing up. It is not something we have had modeled for us, or even been encouraged towards.  So, it may feel challenging or even awkward to start now.  What could it look like? How do we do it? Why is it important? We hope that today's discussion will help you find answers to these questions. One of our biggest takeaways: no matter what phase of life you are in, it's never too late to start! TIMESTAMPS:Introduction1:33  - Did you experience Family worship growing up?5:55 - Have you ever heard a sermon of Family Worship or observed a ministry where it was emphasized or encouraged?Reasons for Family Worship13:06 - It reminds us that worship is a lifestyle, not an event.15:25 - It teaches us the importance of setting time aside to spend with God (modeling a quiet time for our kids).19:08 - It helps build in our kids a biblical worldview.24:26 - It offers a chance to be a witness when you have guests in your home.How do we set ourselves up to succeed?30:35 - Keep it short and simple: a song, a scripture, a prayer.31:35 - Use age appropriate Bibles for younger children (and rotate with kids of various ages).34:44 - Don't expect perfection, epic failures are allowed.36:58 - Find what works for your family and play to their strengths and interests.42:02 - Use a reading plan, and resist the urge to use this as a time of correction or confrontation.45:30 - Have a rule to put away all digital devices during this time.Final Thoughts48:10 - What is your main takeaway from this discussion?51:00 - Closing Q&A for David 56:25 - What is Good? RESOURCES:Book recommendation: Family Worship - Donald S. Whitney | The Jesus Storybook Bible - Sally Lloyd-JonesDavid's sermon on Family Worship (Aug, 5, 2018) - https://www.meadowridgechurch.org/media/1019061-2487193-1457108/family-worship  For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

For years, there have been conversations of workplace wellness in jobs that expose us to trauma. Most of those conversations have focused on how to cope with the negative impacts of trauma. Not until more recently, have people looked at the positive impacts of those experiences. It is this shift in focus that has led to research in what is now called Vicarious Resilience. It is defined as "The positive, professional, and personal growth of trauma workers resulting from their clients' resilience."In this episode, Dr. Irene Gallegos introduces this idea, shares what she has learned from her own studies in this topic, and gives us a glimpse into one of the ways that she seeks to equip the hunger and care ministries that the CLC supports through our various grants. TIMESTAMPS:1:10  - What are some different jobs that you have had?5:04 - What surprised you about one of those jobs that was challenging?9:20 - In what ways did those difficulties have a positive impact?12:15 - In  workplace wellness, have we overemphasized the negative impact of trauma exposure?17:02 - What is Vicarious Resilience? 20:20 - Why are we slower to consider the positive impacts of workplace trauma or stressors?26:18 - Can you think of examples where you were encouraged by someone else's resilience?29:13 - How is Vicarious Resilience different from just self care?37:53 - How  does Vicarious Resilience echo the Scriptures?41:20 - What is Good? RESOURCES:On Getting Out of Bed: The Burden & Gift of Living  - Alan Noble For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

Episode 1 - We Don't Talk About LottoIn this episode of What is Good, we discuss gambling; from the predatory practices of entities such as casinos and lottery commissions, to the effects of gambling addiction on individuals and families, to the role of the church and recovery ministries. We note how today's youth are being targeted and ask why this issue is not getting as much attention as others. John Litzler, our director of Public Policy, guides today's discussion, asking our team the following questions in the timestamps below:0:35 - Introductions1:41 - What are your earliest memories of gambling and how were you exposed to it?6:25 - Isn't gambling just harmless entertainment? As Christians, why should we care?16:11 - Why don't we talk as much about gambling addiction as other addictions, like pornography and substance abuse?23:32 - Should we be concerned with how gambling is contributing to the mental health crisis and increasing suicide rates?29:40 - Are you seeing an increase in church ministries that serve those struggling with addictions?32:07 - What should we think of the predatory practices of casinos and online sports betting?42:14 - What does the Bible have to say about gambling?48:28 - What is good?51:16 - Outtakes The CLC would love to hear your answers to these questions! If you would like to share, you can e-mail us at clc@texasbaptists.org. For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).