Three Pastors Walk into a Bar

<p>Today’s topic is controversial among church goers and church leaders alike, especially in our region of the country. Distrust of government can easily seep into guilt by association–distrust of pastors who also take political stances. Or it can lead to complacent, ignorant believers who prefer to remain isolated ‘above’ anything political. </p>

<p>In the Bible, Esau sold his birthright to Jacob to satisfy his fleshly appetite. Some would say that our nation is selling its birthright to China and other countries to satisfy our own greed. Today, the pastors examine the facts surrounding Chinese ownership of American land and discuss the debates being waged in the public square.</p>

<p>Chris and Ken meet Cameron Birk, President of ABSOLUTE Ministries, which operates what they call ‘life housing’ sites in Coeur d’Alene and elsewhere in the region. Their faith-based life skills teaching and comprehensive addiction recovery program set it apart from other transitional housing programs.</p>

<p>Let’s all breathe a collective sigh of relief–the election is over. In this episode, we discuss some of the major and minor takeaways from what some have called the most important election of this generation.</p>

<p>The 2024 general election may turn out to be the most pivotal election in our lifetimes. Constitutional challenges and individual and state rights are at stake in the campaign platforms of both parties like never before. Exercising your right to vote is critical to the future of our nation.</p>

<p>The pastors go off-script and have a freestyle discussion of the dangers of trusting everything we hear versus fact checking to learn real truth.</p>

<p>FEMA's response to Hurricane Helene....acceptable or not!</p>

<p>Chris, Greg, and Ken discuss the Proposed Constitutional Amendment HJR 5 and the Top-Four Primary and Ranked-Choice Voting Initiative that will appear on the November 5, 2024 ballot.</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://sos.idaho.gov/elections/publications/2024_voter_pamphlet.pdf" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Idaho Voter Pamphlet</a> [PDF – 3 MB]</p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/g5bNsSEz620" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pamphlet Audio with Chapters</a> [YouTube]</p>

<p>Our nation is deeply divided over who it wants to become the President of the United States Of America in November. But who occupies the other houses of government in Washington D.C. and in our state capitols is just as important. The ABC pastors discuss the critical issues that will guide their vote choices in this episode.</p><p><br></p><p>For the full text, click here:</p><p><a href="http://atholbaptistchurch.org/affirmationofvalues" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Athol Baptist Church Affirmation Of Values</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p>A security breach and the subsequent theft of a massive amount of personally identifiable information for hundreds of millions of Americans now means that practically everybody is at risk of identity fraud. Everybody, period. Three of our pastors discuss what this means for you and what you can do to minimize the odds of you becoming the next victim of identity fraud.</p><p><br></p><p>Use these links to place a credit freeze online or by phone:</p><p><a href="http://equifax.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Equifax</a></p><p><a href="http://experian.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Experian</a></p><p><a href="http://transunion.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Transunion</a></p><p><br></p><p>Use this link to check if your contact information exists online:</p><p><a href="https://myactivity.google.com/results-about-you?hl=en" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Google Results about you</a></p><p><br></p><p>Use these links to check if your personal identity was stolen in the National Public Data breach:</p><p><a href="http://npd.pentester.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">NPD Breach Check</a></p><p><a href="https://npdbreach.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Search the National Public Data Breach</a></p>

<p>Are guardian angels a myth or for real? And if they’re real, how should we think about them, like Santa Claus, a spiritual force field, Jesus Lite? </p>

<p>Today Ken and Greg interview Rod McCoy and get to hear his background and how he got to where he is today. Greg, Ken, and I shared our testimonies on this podcast not long after we launched it. If you want to hear about us, listen to the three preceding episodes in the series titled Cynics, Skeptics, and Scoffers. Links are in this episode’s description. </p><p><br></p><p>Cynics, Skeptics, and Scoffers - Part 1</p><p><a href="https://atholbaptistchurch.subspla.sh/pyvhbq8" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Cynics, Skeptics, and Scoffers - Part 2</a></p><p><a href="https://atholbaptistchurch.subspla.sh/pyvhbq8" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Cynics, Skeptics, and Scoffers - Part 3</a></p><p><br></p>

<p>The three pastors gather at their favorite virtual bar after watching the 2023 movie Nefarious, which aims to jolt secular viewers awake to the reality of satanic evil in our world and how it has deceived much of mankind into self destruction. The pastors compare and contrast what the Bible says about the origin, behavior, and purposes of demons to how Hollywood has portrayed them.</p><p><br></p><p>Note: this episode discusses demon possession, satanic oppression, execution by electrocution, and other topics that are not suitable for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/46w6k9b" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Nafarious </a>on Amazon Prime Video</p>

<p>In our society today, many people thrive. But some people struggle just to survive. For them, our society doesn’t hold out much hope, mercy, or opportunity. The Bonner Gospel Mission holds out the love of Jesus Christ to men who are struggling just to survive another day and who are looking for a hand up out of their circumstances and hope for a better life.</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://bonnergospelmission.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bonner Gospel Mission website</a></p>

<p>Our pastors consider what could possibly drive a 20-year old young man to become an assassin and attempt to kill a candidate for President of the United States of America.</p>

<p>Chris, Greg, and Ken explore whether the first and greatest commandment trumps all others. In other words, is breaking a commandment ever the right thing to do for a higher purpose?</p>

<p>Chris, Greg, and Ken discuss some of the other voices speaking out about moral issues on the web and give you their recommendations on whether you should listen to those voices or not.</p><p><br></p><p>Links to recommendations on YouTube. May also be available on other media platforms.</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@RussellBrand" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Russell Brand</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@j.d.greear" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">JD Greear</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@JordanBPeterson" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Jordan Peterson</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheDennisPragerShow_" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Dennis Prager</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@BenShapiro" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ben Shapiro</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MattWalsh" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Matt Walsh</a></p><p><br></p>

<p>Pastors Chris and Ken take on the risky business of surveying Scripture on women’s pursuit of beauty. They are complemented by the female perspectives of Chris's wife Kim and Pastor Richard's wife Leslie. The discussion grows into the issues of vanity and attraction in both sexes and what they might say about our spiritual maturity or lack thereof.</p>

<p>Pastors Chris and Ken welcome Lakeland Joint School District’s top leaders back to the program to address a recent controversy at Athol Elementary School and for an update on the positive improvements being made in the district.</p><p><br></p><p>Listen also to:</p><p><a href="https://subsplash.com/atholbaptistchurch/media/mi/+67c465k" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Library Porn Act To Become Law In Idaho</a></p><p><a href="https://subsplash.com/atholbaptistchurch/media/mi/+6b3yw8k" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">What You Can Expect From The New Leadership At Lakeland Joint School District</a></p>

<p>Pastors Chris, Greg, and Ken discuss the apparent suicide of another local pastor and its implications.</p><p><br></p><p>Other episodes in this series:</p><p><a href="https://subsplash.com/atholbaptistchurch/media/mi/+4fv53rk" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mental Health in the Church - Part 1</a></p><p><a href="https://subsplash.com/atholbaptistchurch/media/mi/+dhgwghv" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mental Health in the Church - Part 2</a></p><p><a href="https://subsplash.com/atholbaptistchurch/media/mi/+k78xddf" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mental Health in the Church - Part 3</a></p><p><br></p>

<p>The trio of pastors look at reasons why the US should support Israel against Hamas regardless of our Judeo-Christian values, as compelling as they are.</p><p><br></p><p>You might also like:</p><p><a href="https://subsplash.com/atholbaptistchurch/media/mi/+94zj7bf" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Israel At War Again</a></p>

<p>Pastors Chris, Greg, and Ken discuss one of the most controversial bills passed by the 2023 Idaho Legislature and the arguments against it.</p>

<p>Pastors Chris, Greg, and Ken talk about how they had almost lost their faith but overcame their doubts through greater trust in God’s goodness, love, and mercy.</p>

<p>Pastors Chris, Greg, and Ken survey some of the ideas and things that our culture in general, and Christians in particular, consider off-limits to talk about and reconsider them in the light of the Scriptures.</p>

<p>The pastors converge on the subject of the normalization and popularization of death, dying, and the dead by our popular culture and its effects on the human psyche compared to the biblical worldview.</p><p><br></p><p>For part 1 of this episode, listen to:</p><p><a href="https://atholbaptistchurch.org/subspla.sh/qp9ct4k" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">America’s Obsession With Death And Murder - Part 1</a></p>

<p>The pastors converge on the subject of the normalization and popularization of death, dying, and the dead by our popular culture and its effects on the human psyche compared to the biblical worldview.</p>

<p>Kootenai County has experienced several years of explosive growth and so has the Kootenai County Jail. The jail is overcrowded and understaffed, which creates stressful working conditions for sheriff's deputies and support staff. Chris and Ken meet with Sheriff Bob Norris and Jail Program Director John McSwain to discuss how Rocket—a trained and certified Brittany Spaniel therapy dog—has made a difference in the department's morale and public relations.</p>

<p>Chris, Greg, and Ken interview members of their church who have first-hand experience with the strange, fibrous blood clots that are allegedly caused by the COVID virus or its vaccines and are suspected of causing the deaths of otherwise healthy people.</p>

<p>Chris, Greg, and Ken look at three court cases that Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador is fighting to uphold existing state laws that protect Idaho children, both born and unborn.</p>

<p>Chris, Greg, and Ken wrestle with several passages in the Bible that many people find hard to understand at best or unbelievable at worst.</p>

<p>Chris, Greg, and Ken look at some of the bills currently being debated and refined by our elected legislators. There’s a lot to be concerned about.</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2024/legislation/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">2024 Legislation</a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://legislature.idaho.gov/legislators/whosmylegislator/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Who's My Legislator?</a></p>

<p>Chris, Greg, and Ken discuss the theme of Athol Baptist Church for 2024, Pursuit, and what that means. </p>

<p>It destroys marriages and families but hides in silence and secrecy. It traps men and women in shame and guilt, usually for their lifetimes. Almost everybody acknowledges it exists but nobody wants to talk about it. Chris, Greg, and Ken welcome guest Nick Stumbo to the virtual bar for an open, honest discussion about what could be the most destructive sin in our society and its prevalence even in Jesus’ church.</p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://puredesire.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pure Desire Ministries</a></p>

<p>Chris, Greg, and Ken ponder the wisdom of seeking knowledge from machines and put ChatGPT to a test.</p>

<p>Chris, Greg, and Ken welcome Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris back to the virtual bar for an update on the state of law enforcement in the region.</p><p><br></p><p>.<a href="https://atholbaptistchurch.subspla.sh/rpd8n83" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">One Man Stands At the Intersection of Crime and Culture</a></p>

<p>The Shift is a movie that blends the biblical stories of Job and of Jesus’ temptation with a sci-fi twist. Even though it’s excellent entertainment, it doesn’t present Jesus Christ as Savior and King. Is that a bad thing? Should the church that Jesus died for expend any of its time, talents, and treasure producing entertainment instead of disciples? Our pastors wrestle with these and more questions after seeing the movie.</p><p><br></p><p>[Official Website] <a href="https://www.angel.com/movies/the-shift" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">The Shift</a></p>

<p>Kootenai Co. Sheriff candidate Dan Wilson sits down with pastors Chris and Ken to discuss Dan’s beliefs, ideas, and qualifications to be the next county sheriff.</p><p><br></p><p>[Official Website] <a href="https://theidahosheriff.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Dan Wilson for Kootenai County Sheriff 2024</a></p><p><br></p><p>[Video] <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7sBBLU_LkM" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Dan Wilson for Kootenai County Sheriff 2024</a></p><p><br></p><p>[Social media @theidahosheriff] <a href="https://twitter.com/theidahosheriff" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">X (formerly Twitter)</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theidahosheriff" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theidahosheriff" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSOJK-LcsB6RurtPujGu-vQ" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://rumble.com/c/c-5422652" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Rumble</a></p><p><br></p>

<p>Her family escaped from the formerly socialist country of Hungary. Pastors Chris, Greg, and Ken welcome Pastor Greg’s wife Adrienne to the show to hear her experiences of life in a socialist country and compare them with the socialist advocacy in America today.</p><p><br></p><p>For another history lesson, listen to:</p><p><a href="https://subsplash.com/atholbaptistchurch/media/mi/+2p392br" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">I Didn’t Fight For This!</a></p><p>America’s Embrace Of Communism Through The Eyes Of A Vietnam War Vet</p>

<p>Chris, Greg, and Ken share books that have been influential in their lives.</p>

<p>This episode started off to be about our most embarrassing moments while preaching. But we often veer off topic and those can sometimes be more edifying (and entertaining) than our original topic. So it was with this episode when pastors Chris, Greg and Richard wrestle with one of the most difficult doctrines for us to comprehend as Christians.</p>

<p>Chris, Greg, and Ken welcome Lisa Hargrove to the virtual bar to discuss the current mental health crisis among teens and young adults brought on by the COVID pandemic, social media abuse, and bullying.</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://atholbaptistchurch.subspla.sh/dhgwghv" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mental Health In the Church – Part 2</a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://atholbaptistchurch.subspla.sh/4fv53rk" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mental Health In the Church – Part 1</a></p><p><br></p>

<p>Chris and Greg sit down with incumbent trustees of the Lakeland Joint School District, Michelle Thompson and Ramona Grissom to talk about their chances in the upcoming election and the challenges facing schools in Kootenai County and southern Bonner County.</p>

<p>Chris, Greg, and Ken warn Christians to not give in to fear over the war between Israel and Iran that began last week.</p>

<p>Chris, Greg, and Ken meet with Idaho State Senator Scott Herndon in the virtual bar and talk about the fight in the Idaho Senate to pass the Freedom in Education Savings Accounts bill. Half of the states in the US already have such legislation, which would give some of the funds that the state receives in taxes for education back to parents to spend on their choice for their children’s schooling such as private schools or homeschooling.</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://atholbaptistchurch.org/media/6vynh8g/senator-scott-herndon-speaks-on-idaho-s-smut-bill" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Senator Scott Herndon Speaks On Idaho’s “Smut” Bill</a></p><p><br></p><p>Learn more about Scott:</p><p><a href="https://atholbaptistchurch.org/media/bj4qg4d/scott-herndon-candidate-for-idaho-senate-district-1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Scott Herndon - Candidate for Idaho Senate District 1</a></p><p><br></p>

<p>Chris, Greg, and Ken meet with local mental health services provider Courtney Haviken to discuss the intersection of faith and mental health and how the church of Jesus Christ can help those struggling with mental health issues..</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://atholbaptistchurch.org/media/4fv53rk/mental-health-in-the-church" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mental Health In the Church</a> – Part 1</p><p><a href="https://www.ascentcda.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ascent Counseling, LLC</a></p><p><br></p>

<p>Chris, Greg, and Ken sit down with a man who left the Jehovah’s Witnesses and now serves God in the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ.</p>

<p>Chris, Greg, and Ken share their hearts about how the church of Jesus Christ is often misunderstood, rejected, and even vilified. They openly discuss the shortcomings of their church and themselves to adequately represent Jesus Christ to the world.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p>Chris, Greg, and Ken discuss recent rumors and warnings that COVID mask mandates and lockdowns will be returning. The facts (so far) tell a different story.</p>

<p>Chris, Greg, and Ken weigh in on the moral debate between formal and material cooperation with evil, between compromise and conscience, between idealism and reality.</p>

<p>Chris and Greg host Dorothy Moon, Chairwoman of the Idaho Republican party, to discuss the accidental(?) removal of our state's presidential primary election. The Republican party has responded by planning caucus meetings statewide to select the party's preferred candidate to advance to the general election. Was it an honest mistake or political subterfuge? Why don't the legislators call a special session and fix their mistakes? Who is going to select the presidential candidate for Idaho? Chris and Greg dig for answers.</p>