Do We Need Entertainment at Strong Men's Conferences?
The picture used for this episode's publicity image or cover, depending on where you're seeing it, comes from an attempt to use AI to generate an image for me. Using a photograph of a matapalo, or strangler fig in English, known for its distinctive characteristic of enveloping and ultimately overpowering its host, as a metaphorical foundation, I asked DALL-E 3 to craft an image with the following prompt: Create an image of a strangler fig where the main tree is depicted by or symbolic of the church, being constricted by representations of entertainment, stardom, money, and fame chocking it out. The result is compelling visual metaphor—a tree at once vibrant yet ensnared by the very elements meant to augment its growth. Incidentally, that's also the main theme of today's episode, but let's back up. Does entertainment even belong in the church? In this episode of the podcast, I share some of the deep sense of disillusionment that arises when respected spiritual leaders fall from grace, citing examples a couple of high profile example figures who've irreparably ruined their earthly legacies. Listen to find out, who, besides Mark Driscoll, I'm referring to. Driscoll's recent controversies serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges within the Christian community about leadership, integrity, and accountability as well as… what role, if any does entertainment even have in the church? Does it belong, or is the fact we're even debating this indicate other graver issues? We also discuss the dangers of distractions and idolatry, and how "killing sticks," can hinder our spiritual growth and relationship with God. I hope to challenge listeners to reflect on any aspects of their lives that may be taking precedence over their faith. Amid reflections on personal and collective failures, this episode's overarching message remains one of hope, redemption, and the transformative power of returning to the core of our faith in Jesus and an organic approach to Christianity free from the matapalo of the American Gospel Enterprise. Books and Links Mentioned in the Podcast The Imperishable Seed of Christ: Understanding the Believer's Spiritual D.N.A. by Steve Bremner Screwtape Proposes a Toast by C.S. Lewis Gospel Houses by Art Thomas The Beast of Revelation by J.D. King Mesmerize by David W. Edwards Opinion: The Irony! Mark Driscoll Gets ‘Matthew 18ed’ for Slamming ‘Strip’ Act at Men’s Conference
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48:49
Ever-Increasing Faith Sample Chapter
This week's episode is a preamble to and a chapter of my latest narration project, Ever-Increasing Faith by Smith Wigglesworth, specifically the chapter What It Means to Be Full of the Spirit, You can order the whole audiobook almost anywhere you get audiobooks, such as Audible, Kobo, Google Play, Spotify, etc... BUT for a limited time depending on when you listen to this episode, you can ONLY get the bonuses I mentioned if you head over to this link: https://tinyurl.com/SW-faith. Check out my audiobooks playlist on Soundcloud and IF you're on there, make sure to follow me if you want to be notified of new samples and when new audiobooks I've narrated have been released as I always put clips there. Reach out to me at https://www.stevebremner.com/write-your-book/ if you're ready to start your self-publishing journey or what to discuss having me narrate your non-fiction book. Enjoy!
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35:31
Coffee and Conversations with Michael Clark and Christian Hardin
This week's episode is my appearance on the Coffee and Conversations podcast, where Michael Clark and Christian Hardin discuss how relationships, faith, and leadership intersect in our everyday lives throughout our communities. Check out my audiobooks playlist on Soundcloud and IF you're on there, make sure to follow me if you want to be notified of new samples and when new audiobooks I've narrated have been released as I always put clips there. Also, make sure to get your copy of the new audiobook, Living Waters Guidebook: Restoring Relational Integrity through the Broken Body of Christ. Reach out to me at https://www.stevebremner.com/write-your-book/ if you're ready to start your self-publishing journey  Â
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46:13
Should We Expect to See an End Times Revival? | Author Roundtable
Does the Bible teach there will be a final end-time revival right before the return of Christ? Are college campus revivals a sign we're living in the last of the last days before the Lord's return? What is the Mark of the Beast? Should we cancel dentists? This week I talk with J.D. King, author of The Beast of Revelation: Unraveling the Mystery (and audiobook narrated by yours truly -- get it on Audible here), Leo De Siquiera, founder of Hopeful Eschatolgy, and rounded out with our third guest who is the author of The Power of His Reign: An Easy Introduction to Amillennialism. We tackle quite a few things related to the end times, including where the different view points place Israel in the scheme of things, and the importance of one's worldview and outlook and what responsibility we have in implementing the Gospel in the earth, whether we're going to be here a while, or His return is nigh. Join us for a great discussion.Â
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1:42:32
Biblical Wealth and a Good Reputation | Kris Bennett
This week I got to talk to a long time friend I've kept in touch with over the years since we both attended Bible School, albeit having both gone on way different albeit similar journeys. Kris Bennett was the one who answered the phone when I called FIRE School of Ministry in the summer of 2001 regarding the status of my application to the school. After all these years we're finally having a recorded conversation and discussing things he doesn't talk much about on his own podcast, The Storage Investor Show. In this episode we discuss: Imposter Syndrome and the various ways we've both faced it in our lives, education and businesses. What barrier to entry one might have in fulfilling their call; for one person that might be higher education, for another specific vocational skills The challenges of fund raising vs tentmaking and freelancing Wealth and a good reputation as outlined in the book of Proverbs The rewards of diligence in both ministry and in businesss. If you can solve someone's "bleeding neck problem", you can get paid well and never need to worry ever gain about providing for your family if you possess such skills. ...among quite a few other things. You can subscribe to Kris's podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts, as well as check out our discussion on the same app. Follow Kris on LinkedIn. Reach out to me at https://www.stevebremner.com/write-your-book/ if you're ready to start your self-publishing journey.
A discussion and interview style show hosted by Steve Bremner, blogger, author, and missionary to Peru. Join Steve as he interviews authors and other interesting people. Sometimes funny, sometimes serious, but always worthwhile.
Guests have included authors such as: Dr. Michael L. Brown, S.J. Hill, Carlos A. Rodriguez, Dr. Stephen R. Crosby, Eric Gilmour, Michael Dow, Praying Medic, Josh Greeson, Larry Sparks, Mike Breen, Jeremy Mangerchine, Brian Guerin and many others.
Check us out at FireOnYourHead.com
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