Avsnitt

  • Over the last 10 years I've grown in my faith. This has caused me to change my mind on a number of topics. In this video, I tell you ten things that I've changed my mind on regarding faith.

    1. I used to view mindfulness meditation differently

    2. Heaven and hell had much more to do with the here and now then the future

    3. Cussing is ok

    4. A Lower View of Scripture

    5. Sympathy for Jesus as a Progressive Figure Head

    6. Opinion of Bart Ehrman

    7. Vast differences within the church as good and healthy

    8. I used to think that watching a show like "Game of Thrones" was not in conflict with my Christianity.

    9. I used to think that the primary person prayer impacts is me

    10. I used to think that it was best to put a wall between certain things and my faith

    --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nathan-lavalley/message
  • Saknas det avsnitt?

    Klicka här för att uppdatera flödet manuellt.

  • We should be lovers of Truth

    1. look at scriptures on truth

    God did not give arbitrary commands

    1. example of a law against smoking (already realize it's important)

    2. example of a law against vaping (don't yet realize it's important)

    3. [[deut 5.32]] and [[deut 5.33]]

    Analogy of a person taking a college class and doing the absolute bare minimum

    1. What happens if an accidental slip up is made?

    Discipling People to God

    1. example of what I do when I disciple students

    2. There is always some degree of mis-translation when discipling

    3. me being accurate is REALLY important because of those that follow me [[1 co 11.1]]

    A case can be made for varying levels of reward in heaven

    1. [[1 co 3.5]]-9 and then [[1 co 3.11]] | Apollo and testing a structure

    2. [[rev 22.12]] | "give to each one according to what they've done"

    3. [[jm 1.12]] | great inheritance for those who suffer and endure

    4. [[lk 15.6]] | "more joy in heaven over 1 who returns"

    5. [[2 jn 4]] - 10 | don't lose your "full reward"

    6. [[lk 19.11-27]] | 5 cities and 10 cities

    --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nathan-lavalley/message
  • Shame is NOT inherently bad. In fact, shame is the proper feeling that follows sin for the non believer. But what about for the believer? That's where Christians in America get off the rails and miss an essential part of Salvation. Take a look.

    --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nathan-lavalley/message
  • It was almost like my church wasn't trinitarian but rather bi-arian. We never talked about the Holy Spirit. Let me tell you what I've learned since then. This might shock you.

    Outline

    Progressive revelation throughout scripture

    Hovering over the water

    Ex 31.3

    Judges

    Othniel

    Gideon

    Jephthah

    David

    Jesus' bold words about the Holy Spirit John 14:15

    The moment at Pentacost

    Some big roles of the holy spirit

    Conviction

    Conversion

    Sanctification/Indwelling

    Empowering Gifts of the Spirit

    The Pentecostal movement

    --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nathan-lavalley/message
  • In this episode I'll show you a small section of teaching I gave to a group of teenagers in my youth group after a retreat we had. Inside are some key points about creating lasting spiritual change. Check it out!

    --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nathan-lavalley/message
  • How does the Doctrine of God the Father affect us in the 2024 political cycle? Is the Father the greatest of the three persons of the trinity? Did the Father create the Son? Is God the father to unbeliever and believers in the same way? What does it mean to be made in the image of God? Are all people made in the image of God? Was Hitler made in the image of God? Is there submission inside the Godhead?

    Here are my teaching notes if you want to follow along: https://jsp.ellpeck.de/#19e5a84a

    ** all links to scripture are links that will open up LOGOS to the correct place to see what I'm seeing!

    --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nathan-lavalley/message
  • Maybe you neglect rest too. If so, take a listen. You might find some encouragement.

    ---

    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nathan-lavalley/message

  • In this two part mini series we take a look at the 10 biggest objections to Christianity that Gen Z has.

    6. Sexism: Some perceive Christianity as promoting traditional gender roles that limit women's rights and opportunities.7. Anti-Science Beliefs: Certain Christian groups reject scientific consensus on topics like evolution or climate change, which can turn off Gen Z individuals who value scientific understanding.8. Incompatibility with Modern Values: Some Gen Z may believe that Christianity's moral codes are outdated, particularly when it comes to issues like sex before marriage or use of contraceptives.9. Lack of Diversity and Inclusion: The perceived lack of acceptance towards different races, cultures, or lifestyles can be a turn-off for this generation who highly value diversity and inclusion.10. Institutionalized Religion: Many Gen Z'ers reject institutionalized religion in general because they see it as corrupt or overly focused on money and power rather than spiritual growth.

    --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nathan-lavalley/message
  • 1. Lack of Scientific Evidence: Many Gen Z individuals view science as a reliable method for understanding the world and may object to Christianity due to a perceived lack of empirical evidence supporting its claims.2. Hypocrisy: They may point out instances where religious leaders or followers have acted in ways that contradict Christian teachings, causing them to question the authenticity of the religion.3. The Problem of Evil: They often question how a loving and omnipotent God could allow so much suffering and evil in the world.4. Exclusivity: Some Gen Z individuals are uncomfortable with the assertion that Christianity is the only path to salvation. 5. Homophobia and Transphobia: Many Christian denominations do not affirm LGBTQ+ identities, which can be a significant barrier for acceptance among Gen Z, who generally hold more progressive views on gender and sexuality.

    --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nathan-lavalley/message
  • You've Never Heard This About The Trinity... (I was 24 when I heard it)

    Do Christians have three Gods? What was it like before anything was created? Is Allah (the God of Islam) loving? Is Jesus by nature less important than the Father? How can Jesus be God and the Father be God? When did Jesus start existing? How can God by nature be loving?

    These questions and more will be answered and discussed in this episode of Theology for Teens.

    Show Notes: https://jsp.ellpeck.de/#0d6f2388

    Research: https://jsp.ellpeck.de#06275c23

    --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nathan-lavalley/message
  • In this episode, we discuss the gospel of Christ in a way you may have never heard before. We're going to answer several huge questions: How can God send someone to hell for doing one bad thing? How can God send a good person to hell just because they chose to not believe in him? Why did Jesus have to live a perfect life? Why did Jesus have to die to save us? Couldn't God have just said "everyone is forgiven"? Why did God give the law?

    ---

    Here's the scriptures we're going to look at:

    ---

    The problem of unrighteousness

    jm 2.10

    10 Whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.

    mt 5.17 mt 5.18

    17 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.

    18 For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

    rom 3.10rom 3.11rom 3.12

    As it is written:

    “There is no one righteous,

    not even one.

    11 There is no one who understands,

    no one who seeks God.

    12 All have turned away,

    they have together become worthless;

    there is no one who does good,

    not even one.”

    rom 3.23

    23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

    rom 6.23

    23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

    ---

    Jesus brings righteousness to everyone who believes.

    rom 10.4

    4 For Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes.

    rom 3.29rom 3.30rom 3.31

    29 Is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too,

    30 since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.

    31 Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Certainly not! Instead, we uphold the law.

    gal 2.16

    16 know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

    rom 5.1

    5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

    1 co 6.11

    11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

    --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nathan-lavalley/message
  • In this video, I'm going to cover the 4 most important pillars of truth that we must hold to regarding who Jesus is. Was he God, was he a man, how many natures did he have, and much more. Knowing God is the beginning of a depend relationship with God.

    ---

    # Fully God

    *each part of the new testament testifies to the divinity of Christ. Even prominent atheistic scholars believe the new testament makes this claim.*

    [Mark 14:61] Questioned by the council

    [John 10:25-33] Claim to equality with the Father

    [Matthew 14:33] Jesus receives worship and accepts it

    *Paul, John the Baptist, The Apostle Peter, The Apostle Thomas, Luke (author of hebrews), The Apostle John.*

    ---

    # Same Title for God and Jesus

    ![[God and Jesus Equated Through Their Titles.jpg]]

    ---

    # Fully Man

    [Hebrews 2:5-18] "He too shared in their humanity"

    [Colossians 2:6-9] "Fullness of deity dwells in bodily form"

    ---

    # Two Natures

    **A Nature Gives the Ability to Do Something**

    1. Nature of a computer?

    2. Nature of a circle?

    3. Nature of a human?

    ---

    # Two Natures

    [Luke 2:52]

    [John 2:24]

    ---

    # One Person

    **A Person Actually Does Things**

    1. Neurolink - "do you know that or the computer know that?"

    2. Cyborg - "is it the person hitting me or the machine?"

    ---

    ### *Nowhere in scripture, is Jesus referred to as having parts that are divine and parts that are human. *

    ---

    # Why Does It Matter?

    "The unassumed is the unhealed." - Greggory Nazianzen

    --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nathan-lavalley/message
  • Take a look at three major issues facing youth today: Unwholesome speech, pre-marital sex and abortion. Is your view of scripture robust enough that when the pressure rises, you will stand strong in your convictions. Find out in this episode of theology for teens.

    rom 12.2

    2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

    1 jn 4.11 jn 4.21 jn 4.3

    4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.

    2 By this you will know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,

    3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and which is already in the world at this time.

    19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

    20 So then, by their fruit you will recognize them.

    2 co 11.42 co 11.52 co 11.62 co 11.72 co 11.82 co 11.92 co 11.102 co 11.112 co 11.122 co 11.132 co 11.142 co 11.15

    4 For if someone comes and proclaims a Jesus other than the One we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit than the One you received, or a different gospel than the one you accepted, you put up with it way too easily.

    5 I consider myself in no way inferior to those “super-apostles.”

    6 Although I am not a polished speaker, I am certainly not lacking in knowledge. We have made this clear to you in every way possible.

    7 Was it a sin for me to humble myself in order to exalt you, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?

    8 I robbed other churches by accepting their support in order to serve you.

    9 And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so.

    10 As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia.

    11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!

    12 But I will keep on doing what I am doing, in order to undercut those who want an opportunity to be regarded as our equals in the things of which they boast.

    13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.

    14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.

    15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.

    ----------

    ARGUMENT FROM THIS EPISODE

    1. [[If God communicates something to me personally, I will be able to reliably discern it.]]

    2. [[If I reliably discern personal communication from God, then I must obey that personal communication from God]]

    3. [[If I must obey something that is in conflict with my understanding of what the Christian Scriptures teach, then I must either live in cognitive dissonance, reevaluate my understanding of scripture in light of the conflict or redefine the boundaries and depth of Biblical inspiration]]

    4. [[God communicates something to me personally that is in conflict with my understanding of what the Christian Scriptures teach]]

    5. [[I must obey the teaching that is in conflict with my understanding of what the Christian Scriptures teach]]

    6. [[I must either live in cognitive dissonance, reevaluate my understanding of scripture in light of the conflict or redefine the boundaries and depth of Biblical inspiration]]

    --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nathan-lavalley/message
  • In this episode we dive into 10 specific examples of "errors" in the Bible. Some of these are more valid than others. Will this change the way I view the Bible? Find out here on Theology for Teens.

    Relevant Scriptures:

    heb 4.12

    12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

    2 tim 3.16

    16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

    2 p 1.19 2 p 1.20 2 p 1.21

    19 We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

    20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation.

    21 For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

    mt 24.35

    35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.

    isa 55.11

    11 so My word that proceeds from My mouth

    will not return to Me empty,

    but it will accomplish what I please,

    and it will prosper where I send it.

    ps 119

    isa 40.8

    8 The grass withers and the flowers fall,

    but the word of our God stands forever.”

    ---

    What is the history of inherency

    The doctrine of inerrancy is rooted in the belief that the Bible, as the word of God, is free from error in all its teachings. This doctrine has been a foundational tenet of Christian faith since the early church, but its formal articulation and widespread acceptance came much later.

    In the early church, leaders like Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) held to a form of biblical inerrancy, believing that any perceived contradictions or errors were due to human misunderstanding rather than actual mistakes in the text.

    During the Middle Ages (5th-15th century), there was little discussion about biblical inerrancy since it was broadly accepted that scripture was divinely inspired and therefore free from error. However, with the rise of humanism and the Reformation in the 16th century, there began to be more debate about biblical accuracy.

    In the Enlightenment era (17th-18th century), advances in science and critical thinking led some scholars to question traditional beliefs about scripture. In response, Protestant theologians further developed and defended the doctrine of inerrancy.

    In modern times, biblical inerrancy became a key issue within evangelical Christianity, especially during fundamentalist-modernist controversies of the 19th and 20th centuries. The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy (1978) is one significant example where over 300 evangelical scholars affirmed their belief that "Scripture is without error or fault in all its teaching".

    --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nathan-lavalley/message
  • What should you say when someone asks you "why do you believe in the Bible?" In this episode we take a look at one of the most powerful arguments for the inspiration of Scripture.

    Full res graphic on the doctrines of Scripture:

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/13nD40LFBwviDLYJUKJvBd6maVZ3ErcTk/view?usp=share_link

    ---

    # Relevant Scriptures:

    [[heb 4.12]]

    **12** For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

    [[2 tim 3.16]]

    **16** All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

    [[2 p 1.19]] [[2 p 1.20]] [[2 p 1.21]]

    **19** We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

    **20** Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation.

    **21** For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

    [[mt 24.35]]

    **35** Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.

    [[isa 55.11]]

    **11** so My word that proceeds from My mouth

    will not return to Me empty,

    but it will accomplish what I please,

    and it will prosper where I send it.

    [[ps 119]]

    [[isa 40.8]]

    **8** The grass withers and the flowers fall,

    but the word of our God stands forever.”

    --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nathan-lavalley/message
  • In today's episode we talk about the seven ways that God has spoken throughout history and is speaking today!

    Also, here's three principles for the speech of God

    1. God can not lie. tit 1.2 and heb 6.18

    2. When God speaks, He has a reason.

    3. God does not endlessly repeat Himself in speech.

    Which one's seems the least easily misunderstood?

    Which one's seems the most easily misunderstood?

    Divine Speech

    Prophecy

    Dreams and Visions

    Divine or Angelic Appearances

    Signs and Miracles

    The Incarnation

    Scripture

    The main source I pulled this from is Adam Harwood's "Christian Theology" which is a great book! You can snag it here: http://tinyurl.com/yrf86qp6

    --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nathan-lavalley/message