Your Church Friends Podcast

The first parable from the Book of the Similitudes or Parables in 1st Enoch concludes with Enoch's visionary encounters, unveiling the concept of 'Mansions' and the embodiment of Wisdom that transcends human understanding, finding its ultimate manifestation in Jesus. The second parable begins by describing the Day of the Lord, referred to as 'That Day,' where the Chosen One, Jesus, reigns on the throne of glory as the supreme judge. Experience the transformative power of divine judgment, leading to a renewed heaven and earth, reversing the cursed state brought about by sin. This thought-provoking discussion explores the hidden connections between ancient texts, revealing the enduring significance of wisdom, judgment, and renewal.
 
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Chapters 37-71 of 1st Enoch are known as the Book of the Similitudes or Parables. This section consists of three parables or visions received by Enoch, introducing new material through heavenly visions that primarily focus on the concept of final judgment. The Book of the Similitudes holds particular significance in New Testament scholarship as it describes the Son of Man in connection with the final judgment. One of the most controversial aspects is the usage of the term 'Son of Man,' drawing inspiration from the books of Daniel and Ezekiel to develop the idea of the coming Messiah as the Son of Man. This concept would greatly influence the New Testament authors' understanding of Jesus, particularly evident in John's Gospel.
 
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How we think about the Bible is important, and the truth is, sometimes we don't get it right. The problem we face is that we often prefer to be wrong in our interpretation, molding the Bible to fit our desires, rather than allowing it to speak for itself. In our insightful discussion with Jack Pelham, our Church Friend and fellow podcaster, we explore this topic and more. Jack enlightens us by emphasizing that true growth often lies not in simply doing or stopping certain actions but in first changing our mindset.
 
Visit Jack's Website for Blog Post and Podcast:
https://rethinkingthebible.com/
 
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World-renowned author Dr. Scot McKnight joins Your Church Friends to dive into his latest book, "Revelation for the Rest of Us." Together, they tackle the issue of speculation in reading Revelation and explore how Revelation chapter 1 verses 1-3 can shape our understanding of the entire book. They also delve into the unique struggle Americans face when approaching the book of Revelation. Join them for a captivating conversation on the significance of Babylon in the Bible and discover how we can live as faithful dissidents in today's world. Lastly, get ready for the long-awaited answer to the age-old question of the rapture.
 
Purchase Revelation for the Rest of Us
https://www.amazon.com/Revelation-Rest-Us-Prophetic-Dissident/dp/0310135788
 
Dr. Scot McKnight's Newsletter:
https://scotmcknight.substack.com/
 
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The Book of the Watchers is more than just Nephilim and the flood. It includes the list of seven archangels and describes how they serve God. It also delves into Gehenna, a real biblical location used as imagery for the appearance of the underworld. Additionally, the book provides a description of the spiritual geography of the entire creation, which was accepted by the New Testament writers and the Church Fathers in their understanding of events within the invisible creation—the spiritual world. Furthermore, it explains how these spiritual locations overlay the visible creation. The Book of the Watchers sets the stage for the coming of Christ, the Messiah.
 
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Genesis 6 has left many puzzled with its intriguing account of the sons of God, daughters of humankind, and the enigmatic Nephilim. But fear not, because the Book of the Watchers in 1st Enoch fills in the gaps! It unveils the story of rebellious angels who abandoned their divine duty to corrupt humanity and the earth. Discover the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, Uriel, and Raphael as they confront these fallen angels and bring justice. And let's not forget the captivating antagonist, Azazel, bound in darkness awaiting God's judgment. This is just the beginning of the thrilling journey through the Book of the Watchers!
 
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The Book of 1st Enoch has caused controversy among scholars and believers for centuries. While some argue that it should be included in the canon of scripture, others consider it outright heresy. Your Church Friends decided to delve into this controversy and explore the book's contents. The journey begins with an examination of Enoch's character in the Bible and what God's Word says about him. From there, we will analyze the various sections of the Book of Enoch and their dates of origin. Finally, we will delve into the first eight chapters, including the most famous section, the Book of the Watchers. This is just the Beginning Journey into the Controversial 1st Enoch.
 
Dr. Michael Heiser's Book 'Reversing Hermon:
https://www.amazon.com/Reversing-Hermon-Watchers-Forgotten-Mission/dp/0998142638/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=418716785704&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9031006&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14091295271669587650&hvtargid=kwd-873678798949&hydadcr=27887_10744875&keywords=heiser+reversing+hermon&qid=1683700513&sr=8-1
 
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If the first six chapters were about what we do, then the remaining chapters 7-16 can be categorized as how we worship God. This amazing ancient Christian writing teaches us that baptism is an important part of the covenant agreement between the believer and God, and that it is more than just a symbolic act. It provides instructions on how to make prayer a regular part of our day and life and shows us how communion should be the focal point of any worship service dedicated to God. It warns of false teachers that are everywhere and advises us, as Jesus did, to be ready for his second coming. This ancient Christian text was lost, but now discovered again, and it shows us that maybe as Christians, we need to take a closer look at our roots and what the early church was doing to help us make an impact in the world we live in today. This ancient Christian text asks the question “Have We Lost the Way?”
 
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Check out At The Intersection of East and West:
https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/eastwest/the_apostolic_fathers_the_didache
 

Chapters 1-6 of the Didache offer a compelling contrast between the Way of Life and the Way of Death. This ancient Christian text teaches that the way of life begins with loving God and loving our neighbors as ourselves. It goes on to emphasize practical actions such as blessing those who curse us, praying for our enemies, fasting for those who persecute us, and being generous. Rather than focusing solely on belief, the Didache emphasizes that Christianity is a way of life, a path that shapes how we interact with others and how we love God. It’s All About What We Do.
 
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The Didache, also known as the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, was written in the first century and contains vital Christian principles for leading a godly life, undergoing conversion, and participating in church rituals. Serving as a "church manual" or "handbook" of Christian ethics and church order, it outlines fundamental teachings and practices that the early Christians believed new believers needed to learn as they joined the church. This ancient Christian document provides us with a fascinating insight into our spiritual roots, offering a rare glimpse into the beliefs and practices of the early church that remain relevant today.
 
Thomas O' Loughlin - The Didache: A Window on the Earliest Christians: https://amzn.to/3nUdaTP
 
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On this YCF Special presentation, take a trip with us back in time to July 31, 2022, when Muireadhach spoke at our home church, Calvary Bellflower, on Daniel 3. He delivers a powerful message on how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego ended up in Babylon and how their refusal to compromise on eating the food sacrificed to idols allowed them to have the strength to be 'Fearless in the Fire'.
 
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Check out Calvary Bellflower:
https://calvarybellflower.org/
 

By the 8th century there were over 70 healthy churches in the city of Crete. Yes that’s the same Crete that was known to be filled with brutes, gluttons, and liars. How did that happen? Maybe it was that short three paged letter Paul wrote to Titus that really stuck to the people there and made a lasting difference in their community. A letter to remind the faithful Pastor, Titus, that to build the church properly the foundation must be sound doctrine.
 
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It was Crete, and we all know who the people of Crete are - nothing but brutes, gluttons, and liars. This is where Paul placed Titus to clean up the church and establish it. So, what did Titus need to do? He needed to look for people with great character, and he knew it would be difficult. But he also knew that character had to come before competency, and godliness before giftedness. If they were to grow the church of Crete for God's Kingdom, it all started with finding people with the right life, because the right life always leads to the right actions.
 
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What is The Trinity? What was the view of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament? How did the early Church view the theology of The Trinity and how could a term that’s not mentioned in the Bible bring so much debate? Listen as Your Church Friends have an authentic conversation into the Trinity from the Forgotten Book of Titus.
 
The Trinity from Scroll Publishing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpPmXUEK3F8
 
Best Description of The Trinity, Start Video at 17:19
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsoCM4yH9b8
 
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We would like to say Thank You to Dr. Michael Heiser who passed away February 20, 2023 and as he would put it stepped into the Unseen Realm. He will be missed by all who knew him and all who learned to know God better from his work, but his life and legacy will never be forgotten. Thank you for all you did to build God's Kingdom.
 
What was life on Crete like and what were the people there known for? Who was the Crete prophet that Paul quotes? Who was Titus and what special assignments were given to him by Paul? Listen as Your Church Friends dive deep into the Forgotten Book of Titus and unpack all these questions.
 
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What are the Pastoral Letters, and who wrote Titus? How does the vocabulary and style of Titus relate to its authorship? What was the role of a scribe, and could Luke have played a role in the letter to Titus? Listen as Your Church Friends dive deep into the Forgotten Book of Titus and unpack all these questions.
 
Breakdown of the Forgotten Book of Titus:
-              Introduction & instructions about elders, truth, and various groups (1:1-2:15)
Qualifications for elders
About Cretans
Instructions for older men
Instructions for older women
Instructions for younger women
Instructions for younger men
Instructions for slaves
Why we teach
-              Instructions for Christian living (3:1-11)
What to do
What God has done
What to avoid
Continue to teach
-              Closing instructions & final greeting (3:12-15)
 
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Join along as Muireadhach reads the Forgotten Book of Titus.
 
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Berean Bible Homepage:
https://berean.bible/

How do you find hope in the middle of disaster? How can you see any light of hope when your home is being invaded, your city is burning, your temple is being destroyed, and your family or friends are either being killed in front of you or carried off to a foreign land? This is what Jeremiah experienced while writing Lamentations, and in the midst of this book about pain and devastation, he wrote, 'Yet I still have hope in God,' as a reminder that there is always hope in God.
 
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Here it is, the 100th official episode of Your Church Friends! In front of a live audience, we covered the topic "Things I Wish I Knew Sooner in My Christian Walk." Listen as Chris and Muireadhach talk about what they wished they had known earlier in their Christian journeys. They discuss the importance of transparency, accountability, how to read the Bible, and that becoming like Jesus is a lifelong process. They also answer a few questions from the live audience and end the episode with cake for everyone.
 
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For 900 years, the people were warned and told that if they didn't follow God's laws, judgment would come. They were meant to be God's representatives to the nations, showing them who God is through their conduct. However, instead of spreading God's message, they adopted the habits and characteristics of the nations around them. As a result, God's judgment came in the form of destruction by Babylon, leaving the people to wonder, "How did I get here?"
 
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