Rebel - Podcast for Cultural Engagement

Over the busy Christmas week we have lined up another special episode for you before we get back to our regular podcasting routine! This week we bring you a sermon preached by Pootie on Dec. 17th at Crossroads Church. He reflects on the world changing reality of Christmas night and how it transformed the world forever!

In this festive episode we discuss why Christians should be the most merry and festive Christmas celebrators of them all! On top of that we discuss the new Star Wars (spoiler free, this was recorded before release date) and answer a few questions that came in. Merry Christmas Rebels, celebrate heartily!

Canadian winters being what they are, this week, the Rebels got a SNOW Day, and our sound wizard, Dave (the unsung hero you don't hear enough from) had to improvise. This is a recent advent sermon preached by P. Nate at Crossroads Church. In this sermon Nate takes a look at Christmas through the eyes of God's people who lived many many years before the Messiah ever arrived on that first Christmas night. For more check out www.crossroadsac.org Rebels should be back in business and back to regularly scheduled shenanigans next week!

Today on our Rogue topic we discuss the lies society, and even many in the church, believe about God. For the video version, check us out on facebook!

How we read our Bibles seems so basic... BUT a lot of us were trained from Sunday School days to do it incorrectly. From inserting yourself as the hero of each story, to missing the wider context in the story of redemption to extracting morality lessons from deep complex stories... we have to learn how to read The Word of God the way God intended: Looking for Jesus.

What should Christians think when world leaders begin to make terrifying threats and people begin to fear the possibility of a nuclear disaster?

Still buzzing after the time we spent with Dr. Joe Boot, the Rebels take some time to reflect on that interview and what practical implications we can draw from it. Have North American Christians been living off the fruit of previous generations labour? Have we ecclesiastesized the Word of God?

Our videos have finally hit the podcast feed! In this weekly Rogue Video we discuss the moral collapse of Hollywood and why we think so many sexual indiscretions are finally coming to light. Watch the video on our facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/Rebel.Alliance.Podcast/?hc_ref=ART2BiZauQltRupCIqWRSinb6KKkfiscDrvC7MKAxy4rPpjLNMgJQw62zf0Qbs7Vkqo&fref=nf

This week we had the privilege to interview Pastor, Author and Theologian Dr. Joe Boot. Dr. Boot teaches us about Two Kingdom Theology and why it's a deviant theology to the plain teaching of scripture as well as the historical faith of the reformers. We also discuss the Myth of Neutrality and the Kingdom of Christ in this jam packed episode. For more resources by Joe visit his ministry, The Ezra Institute for COntemporary Christianity at https://www.ezrainstitute.ca/ We also enthusiastically recommend his book, The Mission of God: https://www.amazon.com/Mission-God-Manifesto-Hope/dp/1927684072

Should Christians be one issue voters? Is it wrong to call sin "mistakes" and how did Jesus "learn obedience" if he was perfect? These are just a few listeners questions we tackle this week along with beer talk and a surprise phone call from friend of the show, Chris Griggs from The Front Pew podcast.

Would your life look any different if you knew for sure that God loved you and you belonged to Him? Can we know our future is secure in Christ? This episode the Rebels discuss eternal security and assurance of salvation by looking into 1 John, the letter that John specifically wrote "that we may [know] we have eternal life". We also review the book "Decided: Living a Bog Life for Christ" by Adam Kareus, available here: https://www.amazon.ca/Decided-Living-Big-Life-Christ-ebook/dp/B0725WPH5P/

We've had a few requests to elaborate on how to "spot the lie", so in this episode the Rebels talk through some current cultural topics and recent movies trying to explain how every Christian should learn how to spot the lies in the culture around us.

This episode the Rebels turn to a familiar passage of scripture and ask the question, "do we really believe it?" The Great Commission tells us to "go THEREFORE" not to simply "go", what does that mean and how would that change the way Christians live this out?

This week the rebels look into a movement that has increased in popularity in recent years, but as the wisest man said, "there's nothing new under the sun." This deviant theology has always plagued the true church... join us to learn what's so dangerous about so-called "Christian" mysticism.

A couple Rebels telling a couple of Thieves they're wrong! Oh the hypocrisy! On today's episode we lay out a biblical case for continuationism, that is, why we believe the miraculous gifts we see in the New Testament are still in operation today. We clarify what that means, and what it DOESN'T mean... and we respond to our cessationist brothers The Two Thieves.

The Rebels had the honor of interviewing one of our favourite authors and pastors, Dr. Sam Storms. Today we talk to him about being a charismatic Calvinist (no, it's NOT a contradiction in terms) and how we should understand the scriptures that talk about the continuing validity of spiritual gifts of the spirit. For more on Dr. Storms and his resources, visit: www.samstorms.com

After doing two episodes on apologetics: the art of defending your faith, we talk about how defending your beliefs work INSIDE the family... how do we disagree, debate with and argue inside the church? Should we? How can we all move toward truth together when we disagree on some pretty important things?

This week we follow up our episode on Apologetics (Defending the Christian faith) by getting into the nitty gritty. We look at specific questions that usually put Christians trying to witness in the hot seat: If God is good, why does he allow evil? If God is so loving why does he condemn homosexuality? Why are so many Christians hypocritical? We hope today's episode is of practical help to you.

Join the rebels for an episode where we look at the area of apologetics, how to defend your faith. As Christians we live in a culture that is hostile to what we believe, how can we engage in conversation about our faith? Is this a responsibility for every Christian? We hope this episode helps equip you to engage the culture through every day conversations within your own sphere of influence.

We were really excited to invite Dr. Joshua Straub onto the podcast for our 30th episode! Dr. Josh is a pastor and psychologist whose area of expertise is family counselling. Josh's strong biblical knowledge and unique clinical insight combine for some wonderful insights on how to create a home where we love God and serve others. Josh has his own podcast, In the Together, as well as a parenting community called 22:6 Parenting, look for these at www.joshuastraub.com

In this episode we revisit the topic of climate change after all the feedback (and pushback) we have received. This time we want to make more than sweeping statements or let the discussion get political, we want to develop a biblical theology of the environment and what our Christian responsibility is.

The Rebels are joined in studio by Dan and Nicole Mishchenko to talk about Family Discipleship. The Mishchenko's are a unique family of 12 with a lot to teach us on this topic. Dan and Nicole will give lots of practical advice to parents and married couples about how to keep the gospel central. Link to the book recommended while discussing discipline: https://www.amazon.com/Connected-Child-healing-adoptive-family/dp/0071475001

Doug Wilson joins the Rebels for this special episode where we get to pick the brain of one of our heroes. Wilson unpacks the why and how of cultural engagement and inspires us to think cosmically about the part we play in placing all aspects of culture underneath the feet of Jesus in Victory.

Continuing our focus on practical Christian living, oday we talk about forgiveness. Why is forgiveness difficult? Especially for those who are supposed to be a forgiven people? Joined in studio once again by friend of the show Coby Brittin we unpack the practical art of Christian forgiveness.

On this episode we invite Coby Brittin into the studio. Coby was an atheist, grew up in a completely unchurched family and had a future planned without God in the equation... but God had different plans. The gospel transformed him and dragged him out of darkness into the kingdom of light. Now Coby sits down with us to tell us what clicked for him, what hindrances he found coming into a church culture that was alien and what we should know as we take the gospel to a post Christian culture.

For many Christians worry and anxiety are part of every day life, and yet Jesus told us not to worry. But anxiety is an emotion, not just a decision, so Jesus doesn't just give us a command, but he attacks worry with truth. Today let's look at how Jesus helps us overcome worry and anxiety.

It is one of the greatest privledges given to God's people and yet for many of us, talking about prayer is often associated with shame and guilt... why is prayer so hard for Christians? Join us today as we discuss the topic of prayer and get some advice from Martin Luther on how to improve your prayer life... as well as getting joined by a special guest.

A celebration episode where we have the privilege of announcing our big news... then we turn the questions inward and ask what possibilities we see in this podcasting adventure we've embarked on.

Today we conclude our 4-episode mini series on the grand narrative of scripture looking at the final stage of God's Big story: Restoration.

Today we continue our 4-part mini series on the grand narrative of scripture. What's the climax of God's BIG story? Redemption!

Today we continue our 4 part mini-series about the grand narrative of the bible: from last weeks episode on CREATION, today we move to the FALL of man and the sin that entered the world because of it.

What's the big story of the bible? Most scholars have described God's meta-narrative using four phases: CREATION, FALL, REDEMPTION, RESTORATION. Today we examine the first: CREATION. Is the Genesis creation account literal or figurative? Did God use evolution to create mankind or did he "form man from the dust"?

"God's people are a singing people" -- why is that? Why is it that biblically and historically music and songs are linked to the Christian faith? How in line is "modern worship"? How important is music to the corporate life of the church... Chris Standish joins us once again while we work through these big questions.

We love getting your questions, and we hope to provide some biblical answers. Join us for another Q&A episode.

What have two Star Wars nerds learned about marriage? That depends on who you ask, but since our wives aren't on the podcast with us, we have LOTS to say!

Join us and guest Chris Standish as we talk through what it means to "love your neighbour as yourself" and how Christians can live missionally in their own neighbourhoods.

Today we talk about the new Star Wars trailer, how to get rid of offering plates and a REALLY important topic: DISCIPLESHIP ... all while comfortably sitting in our hedge of protection.

Today we tackle a question we get a lot about education... in an increasingly secular world should Christians send their kids to public school? Should we homeschool? What about Christian education? What would happen if all Christians withdrew from the public schools? Aren't we supposed to be salt and light? We got questions! ... and hopefully some answers.

Tattooing Bible verses seems like the cool thing to do these days... but we got some questions about the verses we NEVER see on shoulders or arms! Eventually we talk about some important stuff too, like church planting and what defines the success of a church!

Have you ever wondered whether the Bible has everything you need to live life in this complicated world? It's a fair question that the bible actually answers! Join us on the podcast this week as we discuss Lightsabers, Jedi, Christianity and the sufficiency of the scriptures.

If there's one topic that seems to "draw a crowd" these days it's ESCHATOLOGY -- the study of the end of human history. With popular books like Left Behind and Late Great Planet Earth shaping our thinking... we have to ask the question: is THAT the story the bible tells? Mike Wilkins joins us today to ask "what if everything you think you know about the future is wrong?"

What do Aquaman and Noah have in common? Find out today as we come together for an episode on hearing God's voice. Have you ever wondered about the people who say "God told me..." have you ever wondered how they differentiate between what they think is God's voice and the voices in their own head? Us to! What does the bible say?

This week on the show we welcome our guest Pastor Dru Fess from CityView Church in London. We talk with him about current issues facing the church while squeezing in time for some real hard hitting questions, like would Jesus eat bacon with Jude?

What Lord of the Rings character has the best theology? Did Philly Cheese commercials get heaven right? What happens to us when we die? And why do we have Mike Wilkins in the studio to talk to us about it?

Ever wished there was a fantasy league for pastors and theologians? Us too! Even though John Piper wouldn't approve but we're ranking pastors in this episode!

Would The Hulk beat Superman in a fight? Is drinking alcohol a sin? What's the deal with speaking in tongues? We got questions ya'll! And so do you... and we're answering them!

What is this thing we call reformed theology? What does it mean to be reformed? ... and where can you get the best coffee in the city?

Today on the show we talk about Social Media, it's impact on our Christian lives and the advance of the gospel! We also say hi to Jude St. John and discuss what Indiana Jones spiritual gift might have been!

Listen to the PILOT episode of Rebel Alliance Podcast where Nate and Chris explain who they are and what they're trying to do through this new venture!