Episode 980
What Makes Everything Sacred? Discovering Holy Ground Everywhere
This episode elucidates the profound complexities of living truthfully in a world rife with deception, drawing insights from the reading of 1 Timothy 3:14-4:5. We delve into the embodiment of divine truth as manifested in human experiences, emphasizing the necessity of authenticity in our faith journeys. Furthermore, we critically examine the evolving nature of truth and the importance of fostering inclusivity within our faith communities, challenging outdated beliefs that may create barriers to genuine connection with others. The discussion invites listeners to reflect on their inherited beliefs, encouraging a thoughtful reassessment of practices that may hinder their relationship with God and with one another. Through prayer and contemplation, we seek to embrace the mystery of faith while advocating for a more inclusive and truthful expression of our beliefs.
The Daily Bible Refresh presents an insightful exploration of the complexities and nuances of faith through the lens of a contemporary and progressive biblical interpretation. Dr. Brad Miller, the host, delves into the reading from 1 Timothy 3:14-4:5, emphasizing the significance of embodied faith and the tangible presence of the divine in our lives. He articulates how the mystery of faith transcends mere intellectual understanding, inviting listeners to recognize the sacredness in their daily experiences, such as familial interactions and shared moments of joy. By viewing faith as a living, evolving journey, we are encouraged to challenge outdated notions that may hinder our spiritual growth and connection with the divine. The episode further discusses the challenge posed by societal pressures and the proliferation of misleading teachings that can distract believers from authentic faith. Dr. Miller advocates for a radical acceptance of truth that embraces inclusivity and gratitude, urging listeners to reflect on inherited beliefs that may create barriers in their spiritual lives. Through practical action steps, the episode serves as a call to embody the principles of faith in tangible ways, fostering a community that uplifts and supports one another in their spiritual quests.
Takeaways:
- The podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding the Bible from a progressive perspective, allowing for a more relatable interpretation.
- It highlights the necessity of embodying faith in tangible experiences, drawing parallels to everyday moments of joy and connection.
- Listeners are encouraged to examine inherited beliefs that may create barriers to community and inclusivity within faith.
- The discussion includes a call to challenge harmful traditions while embracing the inclusive love of God in modern faith practices.
- A focus is placed on the mystery of faith, suggesting that genuine understanding requires questioning and openness to new interpretations.
- The episode concludes with an emphasis on the communal aspect of faith, advocating for spaces that welcome diverse perspectives and experiences.
Links referenced in this episode:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- voiceofgoddaily.com
- Indianapolis Colts
- Pacers
- Fever
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.
You can help Dr. Brad attain his goal of getting a bit of the bible into two million ears by subscribing to "Daily Bible Refresh" on Apple Podcasts, leaving a five-star rating, and writing a review. More importantly please share with your network of family and friends about the "Daily Bible Refresh".
Please make listening to the "Daily Bible Refresh" a part of your daily life.
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 lesson 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 A:Reading from 1 Timothy 3:14 4:5 from the message I hope to visit you soon, but just in case I'm delayed, I'm writing this letter so you'll know how things ought to go in God's household.
Speaker A:This God Alive Church bastion of truth.
Speaker A:This Christian life is a great mystery far exceeding our understanding.
Speaker A:But some things are clear enough.
Speaker A:He appeared in a human body, was proved to be right by the invisible spirit, was seen by angels.
Speaker A:He was proclaimed among all kinds of peoples, believed in all over the world, taken up into heavenly glory.
Speaker A:Teach with your life.
Speaker A:The Spirit makes it clear that as time goes on, some are going to give up on faith and chase after demonic illusions put forth by professional liars.
Speaker A:The these liars have lied so well and for so long that they have lost their capacity for truth.
Speaker A:They will tell you not to get married.
Speaker A:They'll tell you not to eat this or that food.
Speaker A:Perfectly good food God created to be eaten heartily and with thanksgiving by believers who know better.
Speaker A:Everything God created is good and to be received with thanks.
Speaker A:Nothing is to be sneered at and thrown out.
Speaker A:God's word and our prayers make every item in creation holy.
Speaker A:That ends the reading.
Speaker A:Let's talk about living truth in a world of deception.
Speaker A:It's great to be with you today here in this daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:You know, I'm a person who spent over three decades, 33 years married to the same wonderful woman.
Speaker A:And that means I've learned a thing or two about truth and authenticity.
Speaker A:Speaking of truth, sometimes I like to throw in a bad dad joke and I got one for you today.
Speaker A:Why don't liars like eating clock soup?
Speaker A:Because it's too time consuming.
Speaker A:I know this is a groaner, but it's something that we can laugh at a bit.
Speaker A:But everyone knows what I'm talking about, about how we use our time in this passage from First Timothy.
Speaker A:It speaks about directly to our modern challenges with truth and authenticity and faith.
Speaker A:You know, I've hosted podcasts about people dealing with cancer, and I've learned that truth telling and genuine faith are absolutely crucial in healing and hope.
Speaker A:Let's look at a few points to ponder about this passage of Scripture.
Speaker A:The first is the mystery of embodied faith.
Speaker A:Passages talk about Jesus appearing in a human body.
Speaker A:This embodiment of the divine is revolutionary, and it reminds us.
Speaker A:It reminds me a little bit of hiking through a state park with my wife when we often experience the divine in this physical, wonderful world around us.
Speaker A:The message here is not about some distant, abstract God, but about a divine truth showing up in tangible human experiences like when I played with my granddaughters as something holy in these moments, a pure joy and presence.
Speaker A:The second is about a progressive understanding of truth.
Speaker A:You know, I'm an Indianapolis Colts fan and I've seen our team struggle quite a bit over the last few years.
Speaker A:And similarly, the passage of time suggests that our understanding of faith should evolve too.
Speaker A:While some might give up on faith, perhaps what they're really rejecting is an outdated or harmful interpretation.
Speaker A:The bastion of truth mentioned here isn't about a rigid dogma, but about a living, breathing community seeking authentic understanding.
Speaker A:Another point is about a radical acceptance and gratitude.
Speaker A:The text here challenges those who create unnecessary restrictions around food and marriage.
Speaker A:This reminds me of how modern progressive faith needs to challenge official boundaries that exclude people.
Speaker A:You know, I'm a basketball fan.
Speaker A:Whether it's a Pacers game or a Fever game, I see how spurts bring diverse people together for a common good or common goal.
Speaker A:Shouldn't our faith communities be the same?
Speaker A:Here's your action step.
Speaker A:Identify one belief or practice that you've inherited that might be creating unnecessary barriers between you and God or between other people in God, and challenge yourself to examine it critically and prayerfully.
Speaker A:Maybe it's about who's welcome at your table or what constitutes acceptable Christian behavior.
Speaker A:Remember, everything God created is good.
Speaker A:We have a prayer here in just a moment.
Speaker A:I just want to remind you that you can go over to our website, voiceofgoddaily.com and pick up a helpful resource.
Speaker A:It's called the ABC 123 Bible Study Guideline.
Speaker A:I invite you to go there and pick that up.
Speaker A:Let's pray.
Speaker A:Oh loving God, help us embrace the mystery of faith.
Speaker A:Without trying to control it.
Speaker A:Give us.
Speaker A:Give us courage to question harmful traditions while holding onto the truth of your inclusive love.
Speaker A:Thank you for showing up in everyday moments and family dinners and laughter with friends and the struggles of those facing illness and in the joy of new discoveries.
Speaker A:Help us create spaces where everyone can experience your presence freely and guide us to be truth tellers who build bridges rather than walls.
Speaker A:Amen.
Speaker A:My friend.
Speaker A:I am delighted you chose to join me for today's reading.
Speaker A:The Daily Bible Refresh is completely listener supported.
Speaker A: on years, a million 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 hasn't dried up, it's created new every morning.
