The Echo Podcast

What Is Biblical Justice?

The word "justice" gets tossed around and debated often. But what does the Bible say about it? As it turns out, A LOT! In this episode, Brian shares how the Bible defines justice, offers a 3-step process for engaging in justice work, and shares how that would look in the area of racial justice. Plus, learn the important backstory of Rosa Parks.

To act justly is to do what is right in God’s eyes. 
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced” (James Baldwin). 

Isaiah 1:17 - “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” 

Micah 6:8 “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) 

The ARC of Justice (by Jemar Tisby)
Awareness 
Relationships  
Commitment

Funny Job Stories

After teaching big, Biblical principles about work last week, we're just going to tell funny job stories in this episode. Some quotes: 
"Umpire gear wasn't enough to protect me from the insults." 
"The chubby kid never saw it coming."
"He wore a chicken costume all summer."
"The reason they fired me is because I didn't do my job." 
"All Precious Moments figurines are the same." 
"I wore the skates because I wanted the extra 25-cents per hour." 
Plus, learn how Taylor scammed his drunk friends.  

Your Work Matters To God

Are you a teacher, a janitor, a stay-at-home-parent? Your work matters to God. We need to know why and how. 

I.  Work is part of God’s plan (Genesis 1-2). 

II.  So, all work is sacred (Ps. 147:13-14; Isaiah 28:24-29; Exodus 31:1-4).

III. You can give glory to God through your work (Ecclesiastes 4:4-6). 
Martin Luther: “The Christian shoemaker does his duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes, because God is interested in good craftsmanship.”

IV. Rest in God will sustain your work.

Helping Grieving People (interview with Dave Dunson)

When others are grieving, do you know what to say or do? Do you know what to NOT say or do? Dave Dunson shares the wisdom he's gained as both a pastor and fire & police chaplain (where he notifies loved ones and walks them through their grief). If you'd like information about the GriefShare class he leads, you can find it here - https://www.griefshare.org/groups/129249.

Repairing Relationship (interview with Dane Tyner)

Everyone has relationships that go south, so we are glad to welcome Dane Tyner for a special episode. Tyner says that we all have a responsibility to do the work of repairing relationships. He shares wisdom gained from decades of counseling, which he has condensed into a great book, "Everyone's Job." 
You can find his book at Amazon, and you can learn about his ministry - Home Improvement Ministry in Tulsa. 

7 Sayings On The Cross Pt. 3 (Distress, Triumph, Reunion)

Suffering is real, but death doesn't get the final word.

The final 3 sayings uttered by Jesus on the cross were words of deep distress, eternal triumph, and beautiful reunion. This is the final episode of our focus on Jesus' words on the cross. 

Today's texts leads us to ask: Can you embrace suffering? What was Jesus' mission and how do we confuse it? What does "life after death after life" mean? Are you resting in God's hands? 

See NT Wright, "Surprised By Hope" 

7 Sayings On The Cross Pt. 2 (Care & Worship)

In the midst of horrific suffering, Jesus cared for his mother and worshiped The Father. This is Part 2 of our study of the 7 statements made by Jesus on the cross. 

When Jesus references Psalm 22, he isn't crying out against his Father. He's crying out to him. 

Tim Keller article from The Atlantic. 

Big Questions:
1. How do you treat your neighbor when you are suffering? 

2. Do you worship when you are suffering? 

7 Sayings On The Cross Pt. 1 (Forgiveness & Salvation)

As he suffered the excruciating pain of the cross, Jesus made seven statements. Today we're looking at the first two. 

Saying 1 - A word of forgiveness.
“Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing" (Luke 23:34).

Saying 2 - A word of salvation
“He replied, 'Truly, I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise'" (Luke 23:43).

Emergency Pod - A Rebuke For The Sake of Unity (The Beth Moore Story)

This week Beth Moore announced that she was leaving the world's largest church denomination - the Southern Baptist Convention. Moore has been one of the most effective SBC Bible teachers and authors, but has been the target of intense attacks from some who should've been supporting her. Brian and Taylor recorded this special episode in order to let you know about this significant event and to call the global church to unity, which sometimes requires a rebuke. 

Ernest Goes To Normandy

Brian had the funniest dream of his life. It warranted an episode. Hilarity ensued.