Details about the 2024 Conference

07/28/24 • 13 min

Balancing the Christian Life

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Previous Episode

Learning to love law...a conversation with David Brickey

Get ready to unlock the profound wisdom of Psalm 119 with local evangelist David Brickey. Have you ever wondered what the longest chapter in the Bible reveals about our relationship with God's law? In this episode, David brings fresh insights and personal reflections, guiding us through the psalmist's deep-seated desire and remarkable confidence in God's statutes. We'll explore the unique acrostic structure of the psalm and the multifaceted perspectives it offers, including the tension between humanity's failures and God's enduring grace.
Our conversation doesn't stop there. We delve into the historical context of God's law, from Mount Sinai to the Deuteronomic era, exploring key moments that shaped Israel's relationship with divine commandments. Through a heartfelt discussion on the balance between the Pharisees' rule-keeping and the deeper spiritual meanings intended by God, we emphasize the importance of sincere devotion over mere outward compliance. David shares his thoughts on how Psalm 119, particularly verse 25, emphasizes the transformative power of God's word and the need for continual introspection and reliance on His guidance.
As we reflect on the emotional depth of Psalm 119, you'll hear about the psalmist's struggles with grief, self-deception, and the dual nature of loving God's law while feeling inadequate. Discover how everyday actions, when viewed through the lens of God's blessings, can hold sacred significance. This episode underscores the journey of discipleship, the value of repentance, and the importance of seeking God's mercy in every aspect of life. Join us for a meaningful exploration of Psalm 119 that promises to enrich your spiritual understanding and devotion.

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Next Episode

Basic Christianity: Who is God?

In this thought-provoking episode of Balancing the Christian Life, Dr. Kenny Embry engages in a conversation with Tommy Humphries, a college professor at Saint Leo University, about the existence and character of God. They delve into the complexities of belief, drawing parallels between faith and marriage, and explore the transformative power of love in the Christian journey. Join them as they navigate through questions of doubt, the limitations of human understanding, and the pursuit of a deeper relationship with God.

Key Takeaways:

Simple but Complicated: The question of God's existence is foundational to Christianity, but it's more complex than a simple yes or no.
God as Love: Tommy believes God is love, and you can't talk about God without talking about love.
Human Reason & Faith: Both human reason and faith play a role in understanding God. Even atheists and theists can have similar views if terms are clarified.
Doubt and Faith: Doubt is part of the human experience, even for Christians. A lack of doubt can be a sign of shallow thinking.
Marriage as an Analogy: Both marriage and faith involve commitment before full understanding and deepening of the relationship over time.
God's Character: Believing in God involves understanding His character, not just acknowledging His existence.
Love as the Core: Love is the greatest of all virtues, and the ultimate goal is to become a perfect lover of God and neighbor.
Good of Believing in God: Belief opens us to a deeper understanding of the world and a transformative relationship with God.

Memorable Quotes:

"I became a Christian for very different reasons than I stay a Christian, because I think the reason I became a Christian was to escape hell. But I don't stay a Christian to escape hell." - Kenny Embry
"God is love, and the heart of love is the ability to give yourself completely to another for their good." - Tommy Humphries
"The real work of a theologian is to present a love which cannot be deconstructed." - Bishop Daniel Flores
"Faith, hope and love, and the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13

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Additional Notes:

Dr. Kenny Embry is a conservative church of Christ member and communication professor.
Tommy Humphries is a Catholic and a college professor.
The conversation explored the complexities of belief in God, the nature of faith, and the importance of love in the Christian life.
Dr. Embry emphasizes the importance of learning from people with different perspectives.

Remember to be good and do good.

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