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In this episode, Michael, Gianna, and Jason discuss the danger of placing too much emphasis on specific spiritual practices and judging others based on their level of engagement in those practices. They also highlight the significance of work, leisure, and everyday activities as acts of worship. The conversation concludes by acknowledging that everyone's journey of worship is unique and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Chapters
00:00- Introduction and Welcome
11:21 - Redefining Worship: Beyond Singing and Religious Practices
20:22 - Understanding Worship: A Disconnect Between Bible and Vernacular
27:42 - Worship as an Orientation of the Heart
30:19 - Expanding the Definition of Worship
36:39 - Work and Everyday Activities as Worship
46:11 - Embracing a Unique Journey of Worship -
The conversation explores the concept of race in the context of new creation. It discusses how race is a construct that emerged in the 15th century. The discussion highlights that race is not a biblical concept and that the Bible focuses more on cultural and religious practices rather than physical attributes. The conversation also touches on the dehumanizing nature of race and the biblical call to challenge and dismantle things like racial hierarchies.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Discussion on the Olympics
13:13 - The Concept of Race in the Bible
19:01 - The Emergence of Race as a Construct
25:16 - The Dehumanizing Nature of Race
29:48 - The Deep-Rooted Issue of Racism
30:38 - The Perpetuation of Racial Superiority
35:31 - Dismantling the Structures of Racism
36:48 - A New Creation Approach to Racism
49:54 - The Limitations of Current Solutions
56:36 - The Need for a Biblical Perspective on Race -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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In this conversation, Michael Burns and Thabani Antony Mashava discuss deliverance ministries and their focus on freeing people from demonic oppression. What does this Bible have to say about the practice of exorcising demons? Is that something we should be doing today?
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Update on Teaching Ministry in Africa
11:12 - Discussing Deliverance Ministries
22:51 - Critiquing Deliverance Ministries
26:10 - The Problems with Deliverance Ministries
28:57 - The True Power: Faith, Righteousness, and the Word of God
34:13 - Understanding Jesus' Authority and the Role of the Church
37:29 - Testing Spirits and Questioning Experiences
57:49 - Focusing on Jesus and His Authority -
Michael and Jason discuss the controversy surrounding the opening ceremony of the Olympics, the different reactions to the controversy, and the binary nature of the response. They explore the idea of loving others while also standing firm in one's convictions. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the need for Christians to confront their own fears and trust in God's sovereignty, rather than getting caught up in the culture wars.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Discussion of Olympic Sports
09:40 - Controversy Surrounding the Opening Ceremony
14:09 - The Three Camps: Love, Outrage, and Indifference
16:46 - Escaping the Binary: Loving Others and Holding Firm to Convictions
30:18 - The Dangers of Binary Thinking
36:12 - Dealing with Fear and Anxiety
44:33 - The Role of the Church
53:20 - Finding Refuge in God -
Gianna, Michael, and Jason discuss the challenges of being image-bearers in different work environments and the temptation to prioritize career advancement over living out new creation values. They explore the idea that work is a form of worship and how it should be done with excellence and for the glory of God because work is not just a necessary evil or a means to an end, but a noble calling that reflects the values of new creation. They conclude with examples of how individuals can live out the new creation in their work, even in challenging circumstances.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
08:00 - Approaching Work with Worship and Service
15:27 - Challenging the Notion of Retirement in Heaven
19:16 -Living Out New Creation in Our Work
25:19 - Expanding Eden Through Our Work
33:36 - Living as the New Creation in Our Vocations
37:32 - Challenges of Being the New Creation in Different Work Environments
52:11 - Work as a Form of Worship
55:36 - Excellence and Humility in Our Work
01:06:08 - Serving Others as the New Creation in Our Work -
Michael, Jason, and Giana first address a misunderstanding about their views on justice and clarify that they advocate for justice using the tools of the kingdom of God. They then move on to discuss the concept of identity and its connection to new creation. They explore how society has shifted from God being the identity giver to individuals creating their own identities. They conclude by discussing the role of the church in fostering a sense of identity rooted in new creation principles.
Chapters
00:00- Introduction and Rap Discussion
07:07 - Misunderstanding about Justice
16:46 - Navigating Peace and Violence
23:27 - Resistance and 'A Hidden Life'
27:22 - Identity and New Creation
30:27 - The Shift in Society's View of Identity
36:41 - The Social Nature of Identity
50:28 - Finding Our True Identity as Image Bearers
57:20 - The Role of the Church in Fostering Identity -
Today’s conversation explores the correlation between trauma and belief in the spiritual realm, as well as the relevance of Christianity in traditional African contexts. The approach discussed is to listen, ask questions, and help individuals understand the power and authority of Jesus. It is emphasized that spiritual warfare is about living a life of obedience to the gospel rather than directly confronting spiritual entities. The danger lies in turning away from faith, not in being possessed against one's will. The conversation also touches on the topic of deliverance ministries and their potential benefits and dangers.
Takeaways
- Christianity in Africa has a range of beliefs and practices regarding demon possession and exorcism.
- Some denominations dismiss or deny the existence of possession, while others actively engage in exorcisms.
- It is important to differentiate between mental health issues and genuine cases of possession. There is often a correlation between trauma and belief in the spiritual realm.
- The approach to engaging with individuals who have experienced spiritual phenomena should involve listening, asking questions, and helping them understand the power and authority of Jesus.
- Spiritual warfare is primarily about living a life of obedience to the gospel rather than directly confronting spiritual entities.
- The danger lies in turning away from faith, not in being possessed against one's will.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
04:03 - Overview of Demon Possession and Exorcisms
09:13 - African Traditional Belief: Ancestral Spirits and Possession
27:54 - Differentiating Between Mental Health and Genuine Possession
31:17 - The Correlation Between Trauma and Belief in the Spiritual Realm
34:10 - Engaging with Spiritual Phenomena: Listening, Asking Questions, and Pointing to Jesus
36:13 - Understanding Spiritual Warfare: Obedience to the Gospel
37:11 - The Danger of Turning Away from Faith
38:09 – How we fight the spiritual battle?
40:32 – Can Christians become possessed? -
Michael and special guest host Bill Barberg discuss the importance of justice and righteousness in the Bible, specifically the concepts of Mishpat and Tzedekah. They explore how these principles are rooted in God's character and how they should shape the lives of believers. They also address common misconceptions about social justice and the role of the church in pursuing justice. The conversation emphasizes the need for a holistic understanding of justice that encompasses both individual actions and systemic change.
Takeaways
- Justice and righteousness in the Old Testament, represented by Mishpat and Tzedekah, go beyond individual acts of kindness or personal piety.
- They encompass a way of life that reflects God's love and compassion for the vulnerable.
- Biblical justice is not limited to the punishment of wrongdoers but involves taking up the cause of the poor, the orphan, and the needy.
- The concept of justice has become controversial in today's society, often due to political polarization and differing interpretations.
- The church should not shy away from addressing social justice issues but should approach them with discernment and a biblical understanding of justice.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Background
03:03 - The Old Testament Understanding of Mishpat and Tzedekah
09:25 - Exploring the Practical Elements of New Creation
16:17 - The Controversy Surrounding the Concept of Justice
25:21 - Distinguishing Biblical Justice from Cultural Interpretations
27:16 - Understanding Mishpat and Tzedekah: Justice and Equity
31:55 - Addressing Misconceptions about Social Justice
36:37 - The Role of the Church in Pursuing Justice
46:29 - Justice as Both Individual Actions and Systemic Change
Links to Bill Barberg's classes on Mishpat and Tzedekah
Class 1: Understanding the Words (37:13) https://vimeo.com/930323003/958ce6c56f
Class 2: Justice and Righteousness in the Old Testament (45:40) https://vimeo.com/940563230/b8893f9ec9
Class 3: Justice and Righteousness in the New Testament (54:47) https://vimeo.com/941066745/112e300c47 -
In this conversation, Michael and Gianna discuss the ten principles of new creation. They explore topics such as sacrifice, community, collaboration with God, and striving for unity and justice.
Takeaways
- New creation is not a list of rules or tasks, but something to be embodied.
- Self-sacrifice is a key aspect of new creation, and it begins with cruciformity, living in the shape of the cross.
- Community is central to new creation, and it requires everyone to do their part.
- New creation is a collaborative effort with God, and it involves discovering knowledge and understanding the character of God.
- New creation aims to be a peacemaker and strives for unity at all levels.
- New creation insists on equality and justice in all aspects of life.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Moving to Principles of New Creation
14:03 - Embodiment: The Essence of New Creation
25:51 - Cruciformity: Living in the Shape of the Cross
31:19 - The Importance of Community in New Creation
35:18 - Collaboration with God in New Creation
47:48 - Sacrificial Love for Others in New Creation
50:59 - Faithfully Imaging God in New Creation
56:20 - Avoiding the Weapons of the World in New Creation
58:51 - Striving for Peacemaking in New Creation
01:00:51 - Insisting on Equality and Justice in New Creation
01:02:40 - Unity and the Unifying Nature of New Creation -
Michael and Gianna discuss the importance of living out the principles of new creation in the context of community and society. They explore the idea that the church is called to be a new creation community that embodies love, hospitality, and reconciliation. They emphasize the need to reject the dynamics of the old creation, such as power struggles and revenge, and instead embrace the transformative power of love and forgiveness. They also discuss the role of governing authorities and the importance of submitting to them while remaining faithful to the principles of new creation.
Takeaways
- The concept of new creation in Romans 12 emphasizes the need to live differently and embrace a new reality in Christ.
- Sincere love is the starting point for the new creation community
- Power with others, rather than power over others, is the redemptive power of the new creation.
- Moralism can be dangerous and can distract from the transformative power of the new creation.
- Living out the principles of new creation requires a radical transformation of our mindset and actions.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
10:31 - The Background of Romans 12
15:28 - Embracing the New Creation
18:45 - Power Over vs. Power Within the New Creation
19:45 - The Dangers of Moralism in the New Creation
25:36 - Living Out the New Creation: Love, Unity, and Renewal
29:08 - Living as a New Creation Community
39:02 - Rejecting Revenge and Trusting in God's Justice -
This special Patreon episode is being released this week for everyone to access. For access to other episodes in the “The Misfits” series, go to www.patreon.com/eikonpodcast. This episode examines the challenge of feeling like a misfit in a spiritual community but also feeling known. Brian, Reggie, and Michael discuss a range of topics including the challenges of engaging in conversations, the dynamics of church culture, mental health struggles, and the obstacles faced by introverts in building relationships within a church community.
Takeaways
- The importance of creating a culture where individuals feel known and understood
- The need for time, effort, and grace in building meaningful relationships Engaging in conversations can be challenging, especially for introverts and those with low capacity for fellowship.
- Church culture presents obstacles for individuals with mental health struggles and introverted personalities.
- Navigating relationships within a church community requires understanding and empathy for the struggles of others.
- Showing love and being present for others is a powerful way to support those facing mental health challenges and introverted tendencies.
Chapters
00:00 - Navigating Social Interactions and Church Culture
11:49 - Understanding Introversion, Mental Health, and Chronic Illness
27:39 - Navigating Conversational Challenges
43:26 - Dynamics of Church Culture
49:55 - Mental Health Struggles and Relationships
53:15 - Obstacles Faced by Introverts -
In this episode of the Eikon Podcast, Michael Burns is joined by his son Elijah Burns to discuss the concept of new creation. They explore the characteristics of new creation in Galatians, including the importance of image-bearing, the need for alternative wisdom, freedom from the powers, and the way of the cross. They also discuss the challenges of navigating old creation dynamics in church culture and Christian college campuses. Elijah shares his personal journey of breaking free from a checklist mentality and finding freedom in the new creation. They emphasize the importance of dialogue, questioning, and being open to struggle in the pursuit of new creation.
Takeaways
- New creation is characterized by image bearing, alternative wisdom, freedom from the powers, and the way of the cross.
- Old creation dynamics, such as checklist mentalities and rules-driven behavior, can hinder the experience of new creation.
- It is important to question and challenge beliefs and practices in order to align with the new creation.
- Engaging in dialogue and being open to struggle is essential in the pursuit of new creation.
- The younger generation is focused on activism and justice and resonates with the idea of being part of creating change.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Special Guest
04:07 - Exploring the Characteristics of New Creation
13:12 - Navigating Old Creation Dynamics in Church Culture
37:23 - The Importance of Dialogue and Struggle in New Creation
45:12 - The Younger Generation's Focus on Activism and Justice -
Gianna and Michael discuss the concept of new creation and how it relates to the Christian life. They explore the idea that the struggles and hardships in life can lead to growth and transformation. They also discuss the importance of living a life that is focused on God's wisdom and not the world's standards of success. The conversation highlights the need for Christians to live in a way that is different from the world and to be ambassadors of reconciliation.
Takeaways
- The Christian life is not always easy or pleasant, but it is a life of sacrifice and struggle.
- The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the process of living as new creations.
- Living by faith, not by sight, is essential in the Christian life. Struggles and hardships can lead to growth and transformation in the Christian life.
- Living a life focused on God's wisdom rather than the world's standards of success is important.
- Christians are called to live in a way that is different from the world and to be ambassadors of reconciliation.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
14:53 - Living as New Creations: Sacrifice and Struggle
25:45 - The Role of the Holy Spirit in New Creation
27:43 - Living by Faith, Not by Sight
29:37 - Final Thoughts and Conclusion
35:33 - The Transformative Power of Struggles and Hardships
38:36 - Being Ambassadors of Reconciliation
43:46 - The Power of Living as a New Creation in Christ -
Michael and Jason dive into 2 Corinthians looking starting with the idea that new creation is not just about individual transformation, but also about the transformation of the church body as a whole. They explore the idea that true thriving is not about worldly success or impressive appearances, but about embracing weakness and dependence on God. They emphasize the importance of viewing success and thriving through the lens of faith, rather than the standards of the world. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the significance of fixing our eyes on the unseen and eternal.
Takeaways
- The concept of new creation in 2 Corinthians is not just about individual transformation, but also about the transformation of the church body as a whole.
- Living in the new creation can be challenging and requires a shift in perspective from worldly values to the values of the kingdom of God.
- Paul's emphasis on weakness and reliance on God challenges the worldly notion of presenting oneself with grandiosity and prestige.
- The world often does not understand the gospel, and preaching Christ can be seen as foolish or unimpressive.
- There are two realities at play: the old creation of the world and the new creation of the kingdom of God. True thriving is not about worldly success or impressive appearances, but about embracing weakness and dependence on God.
- Success and thriving should be viewed through the lens of faith, rather than the standards of the world.
- There is a contrast between outward appearances and inward renewal in the new creation.
- Fixing our eyes on the unseen and eternal is key to understanding true thriving.
- The paradoxical nature of the new creation challenges our conventional understanding of success and thriving.
Chapters
00:00 – Opening Conversation
13:59 - The Concept of New Creation
20:01 - Shifting Perspectives: From Worldly Values to Kingdom Values
25:11 - The World's Misunderstanding of the Gospel
27:01 - Exploring the Desire for Impact
29:38 - The Danger of Seeking Personal Glory
35:15 - Contrasting Outward Appearances and Inward Renewal
39:24 - Redefining Thriving in the New Creation
46:47 - The Paradox of Success in the New Creation -
Are ghosts real? Thabani and Michael look at ghosts in both the popular and biblical contexts. They explore the Western perspective on ghosts and the fascination with ghost movies and stories, despite a low percentage of Americans who say they believe in ghosts. Thabani shares his personal experiences with seeing a ghost-like figure as a child and a friend's encounter with a supernatural presence. Michael also shares his own experiences, including hearing a voice in a historic mansion and his wife's strange encounter in a hotel room. They then explore different perspectives and biblical passages that mention ghosts. They also discuss the belief in ghosts in different cultures and the dangers of seeking communication with the dead. They conclude that while there may be supernatural beings and occurrences, it is important to rely on God and His Word for guidance and not to engage in practices that contradict the character of Jesus.
Takeaways
- Despite a low percentage of Americans believing in ghosts, ghost movies, and stories are popular forms of entertainment.
- Personal experiences with ghosts can be unsettling and leave a lasting impact.
- Ghost stories often involve unexplained phenomena and are shrouded in mystery.
- Different generations and cultures have varying beliefs and attitudes towards ghosts.
- The Bible mentions ghosts in a few passages, but the interpretation and understanding of these passages vary.
- There is a distinction between disembodied spirits and demonic entities, but the specifics of their existence and interaction with the physical realm are not fully explained in the Bible.
- God warns against seeking communication with the dead or engaging in practices that contradict the character of Jesus.
- It is important to rely on God and His Word for guidance and to prioritize the development of Christ-like character.
- The fascination with ghosts and supernatural phenomena should not overshadow the importance of loving and impacting others in the community.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Personal Experiences
17:32 - Personal Encounters with Ghosts
25:25 - The Mystery and Intrigue of Ghost Stories
32:30 - Introduction and Personal Stories
39:27 - The Story of Peter and the Angel
46:48 - Different Interpretations of Ghost Passages
58:28 - Relying on God and His Word for Guidance
01:07:12 - Conclusion and Future Topics -
In this episode, Michael and Gianna discuss the topic of indulgence and whether it is acceptable for Christians to enjoy lavish things. The conversation explores the balance between enjoying life and being mindful of those who are less fortunate, exploring the concepts of lack and abundance and its impact on our mindset and actions. They highlight how focusing on lack can lead to division, tribalism, and chaos. They discuss the balance between enjoying God's creation and sharing it with others.
Takeaways
- Being all things to all people can involve participating in activities or indulging in things that are common in certain circles, even if they may seem lavish or extravagant.
- Enjoying the good things in life does not make someone less of a follower of Jesus or a reflection of Him.
- Caring for the poor and enjoying life are not mutually exclusive. It is possible to do both and find a balance.
- God created abundance and wants us to enjoy the good things He has provided, while also being mindful of others and using our resources to help those in need. Focusing on lack creates division, tribalism, and chaos.
- Gratitude and trust in God's provision counter the mindset of lack.
- Enjoying God's creation and sharing it with others is a balance to strive for.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Jason's Absence
12:42 - The Conversation on Indulgence
31:00 - The Temptation of Lack
46:32 - Balancing Enjoyment and Sharing
01:00:56 - Stewardship in the New Creation -
The Eikon team explores the idea that creation was never a completed project, but rather had room for growth and development. Michael, Jason, and Gianna discuss the concept of new creation in the Bible, particularly in the writings of Paul and Isaiah. They explore the idea that creation is not a finished product, but a process of becoming all that it is meant to be. They also discuss how new creation is not just a future hope, but something that is already happening in the present.
Takeaways
- Creation was never a completed project but had room for growth and development.
- Being in the image of God means reflecting God's image as a community.
- Our identity as image bearers of God is our inherent worth and dignity.
- It can be challenging to respond gracefully in rude encounters, but it's important to consider the context and choose the best course of action.
- Creation is not a finished product, but a process of becoming all that it is meant to be.
- New creation is not just a future hope, but something that is already happening in the present.
- The symbolic nature of passages describing the new creation should be understood, as they depict a reality that is too wonderful to fully comprehend.
- New creation often emerges in the midst of conflict and challenges, refining and shaping individuals and communities.
- The journey of new creation has no end and continually moves towards greater glory.Chapters
00:00 - Names
06:42 - The Frustrations of Group Communication
13:26 - The Continuous Growth of Creation
36:07 - New Creation in the Present
43:06 - Symbolism and the Wonder of New Creation
53:47 - New Creation in the Midst of Conflict -
Michael and Gianna analyze the important role of the theme of new creation in John's Gospel.
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Thabani and Michael discuss the African view of demons and spirits. They explore the belief in guardian spirits, avenging spirits, and goblins, the rituals and practices associated with them, and the African Christian view of spirits and demons. They also discuss the syncretism between traditional African beliefs and Christianity, where some African Christians still participate in ancestral rituals alongside their Christian faith. Overall, the conversation highlights the complex and diverse perspectives on the spiritual realm in Africa.
Takeaways
- In African culture, there is a belief in guardian spirits, avenging spirits, and goblins.
- Ancestral rituals and practices are still prevalent in some African Christian communities.
- There is a syncretism between traditional African beliefs and Christianity in some African cultures.
- The African view of the spiritual realm is complex and diverse, with variations across different tribes and regions. Traditional African practices, such as seeking rain from ancestors, are still important to many Africans, but have been discarded by some Pentecostal and evangelical Christians.
- The clash between traditional African practices and Christianity can create conflicts within families and communities.
- Many African Christians believe that demons play a role in various aspects of life, such as illness, addiction, and failure, and seek spiritual solutions to these problems.
- There is a need for a balanced perspective that considers both traditional African beliefs and Western scientific explanations.Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
05:12 - Thabani's Expertise in the Spiritual Realm
08:27 - The Early Church's View on Demons
17:31 - Demons in the New Testament
23:36 - African View of Demons and Spirits
36:20 - African Christian View of Demons
44:13 - The Role of Ancestors and Traditional Practices
51:16 - African Christian View of Spirits and Demons -
In this episode, the hosts discuss the tension between individual humility and organizational pride in the church. They explore how the desire for excellence and efficiency can sometimes lead to a lack of corporate humility. They also address the discontentment that some people feel towards the church and the challenge of learning to love the church as it is. The hosts discuss the influence of money and power in the church and express concerns about the commercialization of faith. They emphasize the importance of seeing the church as family and recognizing the larger network of believers.
Takeaways
- The power of the gospel is revealed in weakness and the paradox of death and victory.
- Churches should focus on reflecting Jesus and living in freedom rather than striving for worldly success. Think before you speak and consider the impact of your words.
- The desire for excellence and efficiency can sometimes lead to a lack of corporate humility.
- It is important to learn to love the church as it is, recognizing its strengths and weaknesses.
- The influence of money and power in the church can compromise its integrity and mission.
- Recognize that the church is part of a larger network of believers and that God is always at work.Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
16:15 - The Paradox of Jesus' Death and Victory
19:25 - The Tension Between Death and Life
21:27 - The Glory of the Cross
23:49 - The Power of the Gospel in Weakness
25:45 - The Temptation of Impressive Churches
36:43 - The Fear of Failure in Churches
38:12 - The Tension Between Victory and Weakness
42:45 - Living in Fear vs. Living in Freedom
44:11 - The Tension Between Individual Humility and Organizational Pride
48:43 - Learning to Love the Church as It Is
53:02 - The Influence of Money and Power in the Church
56:17 - The Concerns about the Commercialization of Faith
58:13 - The Importance of Seeing the Church as Family
01:01:46 - Recognizing the Larger Network of Believers
01:06:08 - Staying Rooted in the Work of God - Visa fler
