Episode 990
What If Your Questions Are Part of Your Faith Journey?
This podcast episode delves into the intricate relationship between faith and identity, as articulated in the New Testament passage from Romans 3:1-8. We explore the profound implications of belonging and the often misleading assumptions that accompany traditional notions of being 'chosen' or 'faithful.' Through a progressive lens, we aim to transcend binary thinking, recognizing that faith is not merely about adherence to rigid rules but rather an authentic engagement with the complexities of life and truth. Our discussion invites listeners to confront the uncomfortable questions that arise from their spiritual journeys and encourages a radical honesty in examining inherited beliefs. Ultimately, we seek to foster a deeper understanding of God's enduring truth, even amidst human fallibility, and to inspire a transformative faith that transcends mere conformity.
The discourse presented within this episode of the Daily Bible Refresh offers a profound examination of the epistle to the Romans, specifically focusing on Romans 3:1-8, as interpreted through the lens of the Message version of the Bible. The discussion begins with an inquiry into the significance of Jewish identity in the context of divine revelation and faithfulness. As Dr. Brad Miller articulates, despite instances of human unfaithfulness, God's fidelity remains unwavering. This premise serves as a foundation for a broader exploration of faith, truth, and the complex nature of human relationships with the divine.
Throughout the dialogue, we are invited to ponder the intricate relationship between truth and human perception. Dr. Miller challenges the binary notions of inclusion and exclusion that often permeate religious discourse. He encourages listeners to embrace the messy realities of faith, advocating for a perspective that recognizes the value of questioning and doubt as integral components of spiritual growth. By sharing personal anecdotes, including reflections from his experiences within cancer support groups, Dr. Miller underscores the importance of grappling with difficult questions, suggesting that such wrestling can lead to profound insights and authentic connections with God.
In conclusion, the episode encapsulates a transformative message: the call to radical honesty in our spiritual journeys. Listeners are prompted to reflect on inherited beliefs and the necessity of re-examination, fostering a deeper understanding of their faith. This episode serves not only as a reading of scripture but also as a catalyst for introspection and growth, inviting us to engage with the complexities of our spiritual lives.
Takeaways:
- The podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding the Bible from a progressive perspective, which invites deeper contemplation.
- Listeners are encouraged to engage with the Scriptures actively, reflecting on their personal beliefs and questioning inherited notions.
- The discussion highlights the complex nature of faith, urging participants to embrace doubt and uncertainty rather than seeking simplistic answers.
- A central theme is the distinction between God's unwavering truth and human fallibility, suggesting that grace should not be misconstrued as a loophole for wrongdoing.
- Practical steps are recommended for listeners, including an invitation to examine and re-evaluate personal beliefs critically.
- The podcast seeks to foster authentic faith that transforms both individuals and the world around them, emphasizing the journey of spiritual growth.
Links referenced in this episode:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- voiceofgoddaily.com
- ABC 1, 2, 3 Bible Study Guide
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.
Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...
- Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
- Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
- Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
- A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
- A prayer for your day.
A companion resource to the Voice of God Daily Podcast is the “ABC Bible Study Guide” available by clicking HERE.
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.
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Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)
Transcript
Hello, my friend Dr. Brad Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:This is your daily reading of the Bible from a progressive point of view.
Speaker A:In a bit I will read the New Testament lessons selected from the Revised Common Lectionary for this very day.
Speaker A:The reading is understandable.
Speaker A:I use the message version Relatable.
Speaker A:Please listen to the points to ponder and applicable with action steps you can take.
Speaker A:We pray and are done in less than 10 minutes.
Speaker A:It's all brought to you by voiceofgoddaily.com which is the home of your free personal Bible Study Guide, the ABC1, 23 Bible Study Method.
Speaker A: lionaires a million people by: Speaker A:You can help by saving and subscribing to the podcast and tagging your friends.
Speaker A:Here's today's reading.
Speaker B:So today we're reading from Romans 3:1:8 from the message so what difference does it make who's a Jew and who isn't?
Speaker B:And who has been trained in God's ways and who hasn't?
Speaker B:As it turns out, it makes a lot of difference, but not the difference so many have assumed.
Speaker B:First, there's a matter of being put in charge of writing down and caring for God's revelation.
Speaker B:These holy Scriptures.
Speaker B:So what if in the course of doing that, some of those Jews abandoned their post?
Speaker B:God didn't abandon them.
Speaker B:Do you think their faithlessness cancels out his faithfulness?
Speaker B:Not on your life.
Speaker B:Depend on it.
Speaker B:God keeps his word even when the whole world is lying through its teeth.
Speaker B:Scripture says the same.
Speaker B:Your words stand fast and true rejection doesn't faze you.
Speaker B:But if our wrongdoing only underlines and confirms God's right doing, shouldn't we be commended for helping out?
Speaker B:Since our lies don't make a dent in his truth, isn't it wrong of God to back us to the wall and hold us to our word?
Speaker B:These questions come up.
Speaker B:The answer to such questions is no.
Speaker A:A most emphatic no.
Speaker B:How else could things ever get straightened out if God didn't do the straightening?
Speaker B:It's simply perverse to say if my lives serve to show of God's truth, all the more gloriously, why blame me?
Speaker B:I'm doing God a favor.
Speaker B:Some people are actually trying to put such words in our mouths, claiming that we go around saying the more evil we do, the more good God does.
Speaker B:So let's just do it.
Speaker B:That's pure slander, as I'm sure you'll agree.
Speaker B:Well, that's the end of the reading.
Speaker B:Let's talk about this issue of walking in truth, exploring faith beyond the rules.
Speaker B:My name is Dr. Brad Miller, here to be helpful as we kind of dive into the scripture here.
Speaker B:And it's a fascinating passage for Romans that really challenges to think differently about faith and truth and our relationship with God the divine.
Speaker B:He reminds us some conversations I have with people who have difficulties in my cancer groups that I'm a part of.
Speaker B:Sometimes people are just struggling and sometimes the most profound truths come through wrestling with difficult questions of even of life and death.
Speaker B:So let's explore right now some thought provoking points to ponder, I like to call them.
Speaker B:The first one is about going beyond binary thinking, which is Paul's wrestling with this question about identity and belonging.
Speaker B:Who's in and who's out.
Speaker B:That's the binary part of things.
Speaker B:You know, I've been married for coming up on 34 years and we've raised three wonderful kids.
Speaker B:And I've learned that life doesn't very rarely fall into neat categories.
Speaker B:That's what my family's journey has taught me, that real relationships are messy and beautiful and not rigid and not rule bound.
Speaker B:God works through the messes and works through all people, not just who sit in certain kind of boxes or criteria.
Speaker B:Another point to ponder is about truth versus truthfulness.
Speaker B:This passage talks about God's truth standing firm even when humans aren't truthful.
Speaker B:When my wife and I take walks from time to time, the trail is there and we almost always follow the trail.
Speaker B:Whether we stay on it or not is our choice.
Speaker B:But here's the progressive twist in all this.
Speaker B:Maybe it's about not having all the right answers, but maybe it's about being honest about our questions and doubts.
Speaker B:A third point is that God grace isn't a loophole.
Speaker B:Paul addresses this fascinating argument.
Speaker B:He goes quote, if our wrongdoing shows God's goodness, why not do more wrong?
Speaker B:Interesting, isn't it?
Speaker B:It's like saying, if losing makes my beloved Pacer's victory sweeter, why wouldn't we celebrate losing?
Speaker B:You know, sometimes, sometimes sports teams will lose on purpose in order to get a better draft pick and things like that.
Speaker B:I never really liked that, never really kind of that.
Speaker B:The answer here is a resounding no.
Speaker B:True transformation is about trying the game of the system.
Speaker B:It's about authentic growth and genuine love for others.
Speaker B:Here's your action step this week.
Speaker B:Practice radical honesty with yourself.
Speaker B:Where have you been?
Speaker B:Trying to fit faith into boxes that are too small.
Speaker B:Write down one belief you've inherited that might need re examination.
Speaker B:Sit with it.
Speaker B:Not to reject it necessarily, but to understand it more deeply.
Speaker A:We're going to pray here.
Speaker B:Just a minute.
Speaker B:They want you to know we've got a resource for you.
Speaker B:It's called the ABC 1, 2, 3 Bible Study Guide.
Speaker B:You can pick it up at our website, voiceofgoddaily.com let's pray.
Speaker B:Oh God, you're the source of all truth.
Speaker B:Help us to embrace the complete complexity of faith rather than seeking simple answers.
Speaker B:Give us courage to ask hard questions and wisdom to live in the tension of not always having the answers.
Speaker B:Thank you for being bigger than our doubts and wider than our certainties.
Speaker B:Help us be honest with ourselves and with others, knowing that your love holds us even in our questioning.
Speaker B:Guide us towards authentic faith that transforms.
Speaker B:That transforms us and the world.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker A:My friend, I am delighted you chose to join me for today's reading.
Speaker A:The Daily Bible Refresh is completely listener supported.
Speaker A:Your gift goes a long way to getting the audible word of God from a progressive perspective into 2 million years.
Speaker A: A million people people by: Speaker A:I would be so grateful if you would go to voiceofgodddaily.com and share your gift of any amount.
Speaker A:Thanks much.
Speaker A:My name is Dr. Brad Miller and I'll be right here tomorrow with your Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:Please subscribe and tag your friends until tomorrow.
Speaker A:Remember, God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker A:His merciful love.
Speaker A:Love hasn't dried up, gets created new every morning.
Speaker A:Sa.
