In this bonus episode between seasons, Rick and Svea discuss large recurring themes in familiar Old Testament stories. A lot of the discussion revolves around the content of the Bible being so amazing and such a big deal, God communicated it in the best way possible for all communities, all generations, and all cultures with everything in these stories pointing us to Jesus, the Gospel, and life in him.Topics in this Episode:00:00 Intro01:43 The ethos of the series: a deep dive into incredible, familiar, overlooked stories that are often perceived as childish.02:38 The Bible stories we often share with kids were originally written by and for adults. They are great to share with kids, but they're not kids stories.05:31 These stories aren't necessarily misunderstood, but they are often "under-understood"09:49 Rick talks about his view of the Bible as a supernatural text written by literary genuses. 10:55 A lot of these old testament stories are about the nature of sin--humans choosing to do things their own way instead of God's way.14:57 An individual's interpretation of a Bible text isn't the litmus test for trusting and believing the Bible. The litmus test is "do they want to understand and trust it (the Bible) whatever the truth is?"15:51 Many times, parts of the Bible are read as more scientific than they really are. Genesis is historical narrative, not poetry, but it isn't necessarily an academic textbook.16:20 We should take the Bible seriously, but that means we take everything seriously. Not everything is explainable, but all parts of the Bible should be taken as real.27:08 The content of the Bible is so amazing and such a big deal, God communicated it in the best way possible for all communities, all generations, and all cultures.33:26 Rick shares an example of communicating ideas across history: how would we communicate a cell phone to Moses? We might describe it like a little box you hold up and use to talk to someone far away--we wouldn't explain the invention of electricity, satellites, digital signals, silicon chips, microphones and speakers, batteries, etc. Can we think of Creation the same way?36:41 Should we be concerned that the stories in Genesis were told elsewhere in earlier historical texts? Rick suggests that the author of Genesis used commonly known stories and told them from a theologically accurate perspective.41:14 We should see the power, glory, wisdom, and majesty of God alongside the human condition in these stories MORE than the scientific details of the how.42:16 We love certainty, whereas the Bible sometimes leaves details unclear. Still, the purposes and objectives of the Bible are sufficient for what we need.45:55 Everything in these OT stories points us to Jesus, the Gospel, and life in him.

Pastor Caleb Smith joins Rick and Svea on today's episode. They dig into what is perhaps one of the most debated stories Jesus ever told, The Parable of the Dishonest Manager in Luke 16.Show Notes00:00 Intro Rick's story from the gym trying a new workout and being less than shrewd03:13 Many preachers skip this parable because it can throw people off, but Caleb was excited to study and preach this passage. 05:03 Discussion of reading the Bible through the original, intended audience's perspective07:40 There is some cutting room floor content that didn't make it into the sermon, as follows:        Some of the cultural aspects of the characters:            >The rich man was likely known throughout the region as having many ties in the community.            >The manager was "not going to dig", because that was almost as lowly as being a beggar.10:55 We don't have to identify ourselves with any of the characters in this parable. The point Jesus was trying to drive home wasn't to be like either of the main characters. Western readers tend to read parables as ethical behavior examples. 11:46 We tend to focus on behavior modification as the most important thing. Jesus emphasizes our value modifications.14:15 This parable is interesting because it is directed at the disciples rather than the pharisees like in the preceding three parables.14:56 If dishonest people focus on relationships, then how much more should believers focus on relationships?17:04 We need to put our mental energy to work to strategically focus on building relationships.19:15 Two people can do the exact same things in relationships but have very different intentions, one being loving and the other not. Manipulators want from, not for.21:18 Caleb is wearing yellow socks that are "actually orange and white for University of Tennessee".22:05 Moments of crisis often reveal what we value most and what gives us security. We should establish our values and security before these crises come.28:10 "Jesus was firing his disciples from a job he never gave them in the first place," meaning that our security in Jesus doesn't make it our responsibility to keep God safe from unrighteousness or imperfection. What jobs would Jesus fire us from that he never gave us in the first place?32:13 Recommendation for Poet and Peasant by Kenneth Bailey and articles from the Bible Project on this parable in Luke 16.32:50 Rick admonishes people to not wait to develop friendship until you need it. You can't wait to build friendships in a crisis moment. Our church is committed to support building friendships in what we do.34:43 The next series coming up is Sunday School for Grown-Ups. We hope to bring new insights into these "kids stories".

Today's TopicRick and Svea discuss one of Jesus' most famous stories, The Prodigal Son found in Luke 15:11-32.Topics Discussed in this Episode00:00 Intro - Rick's late caffeine morning.01:39 Talking about the word, "Lost."04:21 Love requires we be sensitive about the language we use, especially around those who have not yet come to faith in Jesus. We shouldn't be motivated by proclaiming, we should be motivated by people hearing - and hearing our intent.08:48 The crowd who heard this story by Jesus and with whom they may have identified.11:59 Focusing on the older brother.13:02 Practicing the Way classes this week tackling sin and our view of a Father who would make a fool of himself by running to us to shower us with love and forgiveness when we repent.14:57 "Riffing" on God the Father and the father in the parable.19:52 Tim Keller and The Prodigal Son. If you live this you'll be misunderstood and people won't think you take sin or doctrine seriously.23:44 The difference between doing and becoming.29:36 The song "Stained Glass Masquerade" Ricked used in the message. Being a safe place to be real with each other about our struggles and our sin. Knowing we have "spiritual friends" who have our back.

Rick and Svea reverse roles today. He puts Svea in the "hot seat" as they discuss the genius of the stories in Luke 15:1-10. In these parables, Jesus simultaneously speaks to, and shows compassion toward, two groups of people who viewed themselves as being at opposite ends of the spectrum.Topics Discussed in this Episode00:00 Intro01:14 Mother's Day is this weekend. Svea has a lot of "mom labels."04:29 Getting into the Lost Words of Jesus series - parables of lost things. Jesus really knew his audience. How did Svea get into studying the text?06:07 How was Jesus' audience of sinners, religious leaders, and tax collectors both valued, loved, honored, but also lost? What was that audience like? How did Jesus connect with them all?08:45 Jesus was showing his heart and compassion for his audience. 09:46 Do we view these parables from the lens of a Pharisee, a lost sheep, or a Shepherd? How did different groups in Jesus's original audience approach his stories?15:08 How did these parables affect people at that time? What possibly were Jesus and Luke's intentions in telling and recording these stories?17:04 Application points: How do we avoid isolation within Christian communities and build relationships with those who are different from us?22:57 Should we maintain relationships even if the other person is never going to follow Jesus How do we approach relationships with nonbelievers as a Church and as individuals? What role does God play in these relationships?27:54 Close in Prayer.

Rick and Svea talk about Rick's last weekend message about focusing in on our mission.Topics Discussed in this Episode00:00 Intro00:50 What was the purpose of this past sermon? Why was it applicable to our church? 01:23 Discussion of changes in our church and in other churches - post-COVID, senior pastors, men and women in leadership, worship service options, etc. 05:15 The Bible and the Gospel require change and surrendering of preferences in many ways.08:29 All that we are and all that we have is based on Jesus, and we are grounded on the principle of trying to reach people for Jesus.13:09 How do we balance salvation as God's work, but other rewards come for our work? How does the Biblical metaphor of "building on a foundation" and the trial by fire function in the context of the Gospel?15:28 Our reward as followers of Jesus is seeing other people come to know Jesus.17:51 We are created FOR good works: reference 2 Corinthians 5 and how believers are ambassadors of Jesus.19:57 What is it that propels our church forward to reach people with the Gospel? We are not going to invest our time in things that do not help us reach our goals. Rick shares examples of how Autumn Ridge has been applying this.24:47 Future generations of local churches will need to manage whatever programs and initiatives we create and hand them off to them.27:35 The purpose of churches is to be all about what Jesus is about. 29:58 Methods do not equate to the mission, and if they are ineffective in reaching our mission, we can change them.34:27 Gospel comfort does not come from the way a church does things or from different circumstances.36:13 Every day, we are to live for the glory of Christ, to be with him, be like him, and do as he did in big and little things.

On this episode, Pastor Otis Hall joins Rick and Svea in the studio to continue the weekend’s discussion on James 1:27 and how that verse can propel us into action to care for our society’s most vulnerable.Topics Discussed in this Episode00:00 Intro01:17 We looked at a passage in James that gave us insight into the fostering world.02:26 James 1:27 is about having a passion for compassion for all vulnerable people. Jesus did this numerous times throughout the gospels.05:14 The Jewish community at the time was focused on doing things for the vulnerable, but they were still learning the heart, intention, and approach of caring for the vulnerable.07:47 Why did Pastor Otis focus on foster care for this season of Love Is The Agenda?10:59 Early Christians played a significant role in helping and rescuing children in their community, even though it was illegal at the time.12:52 Discussion of Autumn Ridge's current initiatives to help people take their first step in caring for vulnerable youth in their community--addressing food scarcity through Big Boxes program, offering simple contributions through the mission store, and putting together a respite night for foster families, and bolstering our own kids programs--which include foster kids.18:30 Rick's experience fostering a teenager and encountering challenges that came from a kid's prior experiences. Everyone needs a community of support.27:06 As the end of the James passage states, how does living out the gospel by caring for vulnerable people support our sanctification and personal faith?30:14 How do we understand the common objection that things like Autumn Ridge's fostering initiative are all about good works versus grace in Jesus?31:41 Closing prayer for everyone who engages in serving Rochester's foster care community.

Today, Pastor Caleb Smith joins Svea in the studio as they close out our discussions on family by looking at parenting and parental influence.Topics Discussed in this Episode00:00 Intro01:36 An exceptional message that spoke to people of many different categories of people who have parental influence whether or not children are a part of home life.03:23 The parental models we have in the bulk of Scripture are not examples of great parenting - usually just the opposite.06:13 The parental influence and example of Jesus - largely exhibited in his relationship with the disciples.08:14 Dual roles of actively shaping and modeling with our lives.13:46 Speaking to people who are grieved by what may have been "caught" vs what was "taught."16:50 How are you engaging in your discipleship with Jesus? The fruit of the Spirit is a natural byproduct of intentional discipleship.19:20 Each child is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting.22:45 Disconnecting the idea that discipline means punishment or retribution. Discipline is about training and thriving.27:38 How do we account for great parents who do not follow Jesus?33:52 When we don't know what to do or how to proceed, we can go back to the foundation of what it means to be a child of God ourselves and try to bring that, as best we can, into our own child's life.

Today's TopicRick and Svea talk about singleness, dating, and loneliness. They discuss Jesus and his singleness, guarding against being defined by another person, and not choosing a path that leads away from Jesus.Topics Discussed in this Episode00:00 Intro.00:52 Nerding out on church history.04:58 Fighting against alienating singles - Svea's experience.06:02 Feeling the anti-gospel pull toward homogeneity and seeing the world as we are.08:24 Looking at Hagar: an outcast seen by God and our fundamental need to be seen.09:28 Being single isn't the problem; being alone is the problem. A vision to known and be known.10:56 The soapbox: the weekend services are not a church; they are something our church does. Don't be a consumer and evaluate church by what we receive, but also by what we give.13:11 We are a diverse group of people united in Christ.14:27 A discussion about two groups that tend to be successful at building community17:56 Coaching for those who come to Autumn Ridge: throw the ball back - help make it easier to keep a conversation going.20:02 A theology of singleness: Jesus' humanity as a single person.23:48 As a human, Jesus needed other people, but he NEVER used people.26:43 Guarding against defining our significance by someone else.31:25 Practical tips to avoid problems in pursuing a pure life35:24 Don't ever let yourself be wooed into walking down a path that leads you away from Jesus.

Today, Rick and Svea examine Ephesians 5 and what Paul says (and doesn’t say) about marriage, our presuppositions, and our culture. By applying this chapter to all relationships, what can the family of believers learn about the gospel way of life?Topics Discussed in this Episode00:00 Intro00:42 Welcome to new listeners02:40 Church should be a comfortable, restful, and safe place - a family06:55 What could single people take away from a message on marriage08:44 All of the Christian life is meant to put others first - mutual submission is a command to all believers10:05 Reflecting, resisting, or redeeming our culture12:33 Presuppositionalism16:15 What are the differences between Jewish thought and Grecco-Roman thought on marriage?21:19 Ephesians 5: Putting the needs of the other person first.23:14 Submission: I voluntarily choose your lead or your need over my agenda.25:21 Does the church family’s mutual submission look different from a married couple’s mutual submission?31:09 Unity: what we “remember” the text saying vs what it actually says33:48 Scripture wasn’t written in a vacuum. How do you live for Christ within the culture you are a part of? An example of Christians redeeming Roman culture.37:34 The Bible does not say the husband is the head (authority) of the house. The husband is the head, and the wife is the body - they are unified.

1 Timothy Message Series1 Timothy Chapter 6Rick and Svea swap chairs as Svea preached the message on 1 Timothy 6 this week and Rick asks her clarifying questions.Topics Discussed in this Episode00:00 Intro and recap of the message.02:54 Discussion of what slavery was like in the NT times.08:57 Not every single verse in the Bible points to how the world is "supposed to be" but Scripture engages culture where it is and inform us on what it looks like to follow God in the reality of life's situations.10:17 The circles of context. The overarching message of the New Testament regarding slavery is it's wrong. But, if you were a slave and serving Jesus, how do you behave? You respect your master.15:03 Aristides: Less than 100 years after 1 Timothy was written, the behavior of Christians, including slaves and their masters, was reported to the Emperor as being counter-cultural.17:08 Money. How did this chapter mess with Svea as she prepared the message?19:18 Svea's response: discussing the topic of money with congregation members at either end of the wealth spectrum and the "gut punch" to both the spender and the saver.21:31 Learning to trust God. The experience of finding security trusting in the means by which God provides instead of trusting God.24:54 We tend to hedge our bets with trusting Jesus. All of us need to learn to trust the Giver, not the gift.25:44 Figuring out Simplicity. Generosity seems more obvious.26:46 Simplicity is the focus on doing and engaging in the things that support our top priorities. It's not minimalism. It is applying the gospel best to whatever phase of life you're in.32:52 Being mindful, not mindless, helps to create margin.35:56 Jonathan Edwards quote.37:09 Taking a short break. Be back after Easter for Home Improvement.