JED BREAKS BREAD

Ep 135 | Is Same Sex Attraction A Sin?

Often Same Sex Attraction (S.S.A.) is a struggle that Christians face alone. The "church" has often done a poor job of helping believers think through this particular issue and how or when it crosses the line to become sin. Some Christians are afraid of talking about their struggles with it because "LGBTQ" sin has been ostracized as the "worst" kind of sin a person could commit. Of course, this isn't true, but for many, their perception has become reality (and sadly, some churches have indeed treated it as such). 

In this episode, I define S.S.A. and provide Biblical insight as to how it ought to be categorized in the different "types" of sin a person might commit, and how victory over it can be achieved. 

Ep 134 | As a Christian, Should I Fast?

One of the great spiritual disciplines that has been used by God's people all throughout history is the practice of fasting. However, when one examines the evangelical church in America over the last 40-50 years, one would have a hard time discerning if fasting is even relevant anymore. Think about it: When is the last time you heard a sermon or Sunday school lesson on fasting? When is the last you time yourself fasted, or even heard of someone fasting? 

This episode seeks to define fasting and understand the spiritual benefits and blessings of this important practice. 

 

Intro music is by AudioCoffee(Denys Kyshchuk):

https://www.audiocoffee.net/. I have named this song "Little City Big Sound." 

Outro music is "My Town Yo Town" by Doug Maxwell/Media Right Productions. 

EP 133 | What Is Church Discipline?

In this episode, I provide a brief overview of the practice and process of church discipline. The relevant Biblical texts are Matthew 18:15-17, 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, and 2 Corinthians 2:5-8 (the restoration of a brother who was excommunicated)

There are, of course, many more details to cover and if you have a specific question regarding church discipline, please leave a comment or email me and I will answer it in a future episode. 

 

Intro music is by AudioCoffee(Denys Kyshchuk): https://www.audiocoffee.net/. I have named this song "Small Town Big Sound." 

Outro music is "My Town Yo Town" by Doug Maxwell/Media Right Productions. 

Both songs are used under a Creative Commons license. 

Ep 132 | Whom Should I Marry?

As a pastor, I have been asked this question or a version of it many times throughout my ministry. In this episode, I attempt to answer this question from a Biblical baseline (what does God require?) and also add some pastoral opinions which may help guide you in a more specific manner as you seek to honor God with your life.

Ep 131 | Making Marriage Work (Easier)

Marriage is work...we all know that! But there are habits that you can develop in marriage to make it work easier. 

In this episode, I invite my beautiful bride Meredith to join me and we together, we share four habits that will help you make your marriage work easier. 

Not married? If you're engaged, dating, or even single, these habits are some that you should talk about developing with your significant other or even conversation starters as you seek to begin a new relationship. 

Ep 130 | Should a Christian Attend An LGBTQ "Wedding"?

While this podcast isn't based upon the "reaction and critique" kind of content, an event occurred recently in the conservative evangelical sphere of Christianity which requires comment and clarity. In late January, Pastor Alistair Begg was recorded on a radio program offering advice to a woman who wanted to attend her grandchild's LGBTQ "wedding" ceremony. In his response to her, he suggested she go; his advice caused a great deal of controversy in conservative circles. 

After having listened to the original interview and follow up sermon, this episode is my attempt to offer some brotherly pastoral counsel to Pastor Begg (whom I greatly respect) and some clarity for Christians who may be considering this question from a practical standpoint. 

I attempt to answer the question specifically asked in the title, while also broadening it to other kinds of marriages, to give Christians a framework to think through these matters. Please leave any comments or questions that you have; I'm happy to answer!

Ep 129 | How Should Christians Think About Contraceptives and Birth Control?

As a follow up to episode 125 on "How Many Kids Should I Have?", this episode seeks to answer the question of what methods are morally acceptable for Christians to use in family planning. 

I interview my friend and elder-in-training Andrew Winters to get perspective from a Christian who is well-studied in biology. 

Ep 128 | The Preciousness of Time

It is good to examine your roots - especially your theological roots. Often, we find that the messages and sermons preached in days gone by are as relevant and needed today as they were when first delivered. 

Today, I recorded a sermon first delivered by the Original Jonathan Edwards, on December 29, 1734. This was his New Year's message to the congregation. We would all do well to heed the exhortation found in this message. 

 

Note: this isn't a word-for-word reading of the sermon; some words/portions were altered to communicate more clearly to a 21st century audience. 

Ep 127 | The Top 7 Most Spiritually Significant Events of 2023

From a pastor's perspective, here are the seven most spiritually significant events of this year. These are events where theology and culture, or the church and the culture, have collided and they represent the main points of the spiritual battle we face. 

Ep 126 | Why Pro-Lifers Keep Losing

In case you haven't noticed, since Roe v. Wade was overturned, the pro-life movement has suffered a number of defeats at the state level. I live in Ohio, a state which recently passed Issue 1, which enshrines abortion and abortion access into the constitution of our state. 

This episode details three reasons why Pro-Lifers keep losing; there are certainly more reasons than these, however, the three detailed in this episode are true cornerstone issues that I identified from a pastoral perspective. 

The bottom line: if pastors are truly pro-life, then they need to ensure their church goers understand this is firstly a moral issue, not a political issue. Pastors need to step up and lead in this issue, and (as a collective) they're not.