The Simple Not Shallow Podcast

In this episode, the question we will explore in order to enrich our faith is: What is repentance?              Before going crazy talking about this, let’s look at it through the lens of what it means to be a Christian. Which is a following of Jesus that, first and foremost, involves a relationship with him, leading to studentship under him, and then to a life lived for him based on everything he...

In this episode, the question we will explore to enrich our faith is: Why is forgiving others so important to our faith? And since this is to enrich our Christian faith, we must look at it through the lens of what it means to be a Christian. Otherwise, whatever we enrich, it may not be our faith in Jesus.  And as a reminder, this lens is a following of Jesus that, first and foremost, involves a re...

In this episode, the question we are going to explore to enrich our faith is: Why does God sometimes feel distant from us?  As we begin to consider this question, let’s remember to look at it through the lens of what it means to be a Christian. Which does mean, first and foremost, to be in a relationship with Jesus, one that leads to studentship under him, that then leads to a life lived for him b...

In this episode, we are going to look at the best and worst parts of Christian life. And we are going to do this while looking through the lens of what it means to be a Christian, which is a following of Jesus that involves a relationship leading to studentship leading to living a life based on everything learned. Indeed, it is only as we look through this lens that we can see these parts as being...

In this episode, we are going to talk about the question: Who is Jesus? I know. In a fairly short video, are we going to explore this question fully? Yeah, no. But we are going to talk about a framework you can use while pursuing your relationship with him while learning who he is. So, what comes to mind when you hear the question, who is Jesus? You might be saying, “He is God.” Yes, but is that a...

In this episode, we are going to consider the questions: what is prayer, and why is it so important? Many have talked about prayer, going into depth on the hows and whys of it all.  So… what can a man, even one standing in these hallowed halls while chatting over a cup of coffee, contribute to the insights of such heavy hitters as these and other thoughtful scholars? I don’t know, but what better...

In this episode, the question we will explore to enrich our faith is: What is Christianity? Or to phrase it another way, what does it mean to be a Christian? I mean, since the goal here is to enrich our faith as Christians. We should probably discuss what it means to be a Christian. Right? Here’s what I have found while looking through the Bible. Christianity is following Jesus. Now, before you sa...

In this episode, I’d like to introduction to the Coffee-side Chat series rather than offer a question to explore. If you've been following this podcast, you might be thinking, “This is a strange time for an introduction, as you are several episodes in at this point.” And, yeah, you would be correct. But not having explained things earlier, I’m concerned that not everyone will understand why t...

In this episode, the question we will explore to enrich our faith is: How does the phrase ‘go big or go home’ apply to our faith? Well, last time we spoke about how being perfect means to be maturing, growing up, in terms of loving God and our neighbors. That got me thinking. Wouldn’t it be nice if God helped us out with this by telling us how to do it? I think I found where he did so a time or tw...

In this episode, the question we will explore to enrich our faith is: Should Christians expect to be perfect people?  So anyway, what brought this to mind? I was reading in the book of Matthew and came upon 5:48, where Jesus says we are to be perfect, as God is perfect. Was he putting forth an unrealistic expectation of us? Telling us to always get everything right? It doesn’t seem likely that he...

In this episode, the question we will explore to enrich our faith is: How can the narrow gate and the restricted, difficult path lead to an abundance of life?  I mean, in Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus said that narrow is the gate and restricted is the way that leads to life. And in John 10:10, he also said that he came to give an abundance of life to those who believe in him. The question is, how does th...

So, today’s question is this: What do you think sin is? Before you answer too quickly, it may be worth considering what we spoke of last time. Last time we spoke, we discussed how God’s thoughts differ from ours (Isaiah 55:8, 9). And how his idea of love is different from ours. Did we not? What if this also applies to sin?  Well, in light of this, today’s question becomes more interesting, don’t y...

So, today’s question is: “How would you explain Christianity in just a sentence or two?” As you ponder this, allow me to offer my thoughts. I would say that following Jesus is about living a whole life from our whole life. Isn’t that interesting?  So, living a whole life from a whole life. Where should I begin?  Do you remember Jesus saying that he came to give us an abundance of life (John 10:10)...

This past week I have had cause to get angry at work. Now, the ins and outs of why are not crucial to our chat. For we all know what it’s like to get mad at work, right? But the anger itself is what is of interest. Because it brought to mind an age-old question; is getting angry a sin? Is it a sign of weak faith? This is what we are going to chat about in this episode. Now, my name is Charles, Cha...

Can I just say that once again, the Psalms have turned what I have thought about asking for God’s blessing on its head? Here, the psalmist asks God to bless the king so that others may also become blessed. Also, this gives a whole new perspective to something that two other psalms say. For instance, in Psalm 1…. Well, tell you what, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Let’s first hear the psalm; the...

Can I just say that, once again, I have been pleasantly surprised to find in the Psalms a most excellent example of a teaching of Jesus? Yes, a teaching of Jesus and one from James. The teaching of Jesus is that of having troubles in this world but to be of good cheer found in John 16:33. And the one from James is that trials should be considered pure joy as they help produce perseverance, which b...

Can I just say that I never considered pain and sorrow to be a part of a worship service before? Yet, here, the psalmist is very honest about his pain, sorrow, and despair, and still, this Psalm is contained in the prayer book of the Bible. Now, let’s keep perspective, the pain and sorrow are not being celebrated but the Psalmist’s response to them is a profound act of faith and worship. Now, well...

Can I just say that this Psalm contains so much that wants to be spoken about; that it has been difficult deciding what to talk about? For instance, there is the topic of Christians encountering despair and how to deal with it. There is also the topic of just how gritty and realistic Scripture can be in portraying hard times and difficult emotions. So much to talk about and so little time. So, to...

Can I just say that while context is king, tone may well be the Secretary of State? It is amazing how the tone used when we hear or read something colors how we listen to it; if we listen to it. For instance, the word “Hello.” Depending on the tone, it can be very warm and welcoming, or cold and even almost rude. The same is true of how we read the Bible. Isn’t that intriguing? The Bible can sound...

Can I just say that moving is one of my least favorite things in the world to do? But for the past two weeks, that’s where I have been, moving. But thankfully, that is all behind us now. I apologize that it got in the way of getting this episode to you an episode last week. But we’re back, we’re moving, and here we go with episode 96. Thank you for understanding. Enjoy. Now, can I just say, concer...

Welcome to the Simple Not Shallow Podcast. This is Psalm Tuesday, where we read a different Psalm each Tuesday in a manner meant to honor its original use in a worship service. But this week, we are doing things just a little differently. This is because I’m in the middle of moving, and this has left me no time to prepare a new episode. So, we are going to revisit a listener favorite. It is episod...

Can I just say that of all the things I was expecting to find in a Psalm of praise, the psalmist praises God for something that wasn't even on the radar? It caught me entirely by surprise. Though, it does make perfect sense. He is praising God for refining his faith through a similar process to which silver is refined. Silver has to have the impurities burned out of it in order to be pure, an...

Can I just say that what struck me most in this psalm is that praise for God need not always be loud or super energetic in tone? That there can be a quiet and peaceful certainty in our honoring God. Yes, a positive and calm assurance is what I see here. For starters…. Well, let's first hear the psalm. Then we'll chat about it.   Also, before beginning, I am proud to say that this podcast...

Can I just say that I have found three profoundly beautiful words of encouragement in this psalm? They are, “But Sovereign God.” Three little words that say so much. Indeed, when life is out of hand, the pain faced is real, and the attitude of those causing the pain is, at best, callous, then these words are very encouraging indeed. Well, let’s first hear the psalm. Then we’ll chat about it.   Als...

Can I just say that the more time I spend studying and learning about the Psalms, the more wonderous they become? For instance, in this one, Psalm 63, I have heard something quite profound. Something that I did not hear in the initial reading. In this psalm, I found the wisdom of keeping problems in the background of my thoughts and keeping God as their focus. See, it’s….  Well, let’s first hear t...