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Today's believers face challenging questions about living out their faith authentically. Through thoughtful discussion and biblical insight, we'll explore some key issues that Christians wrestle with.
The Question of Location and Ministry
When asked about their move to rural Iowa, Chris and Emilee shared how God orchestrated their path to small-town ministry. After years in broadcasting, they felt called to serve in a simpler setting where authentic faith could flourish. They found Fresh Encounter Church - a congregation of about 250 people with roughly 100 committed believers - to be exactly where God wanted them.
For Emilee, it provided a place to be herself as a non-traditional pastor's wife among grace-filled people. For Chris, it offered the opportunity to shepherd people and see lives transformed through Christ. Though they initially didn't plan to start a ministry or broadcast again, God had other plans as He began bringing key people alongside them.
"If 10 people are influenced, isn't that a good 10 people?" Chris noted. Their Salvage by God messages now reach listeners across multiple countries, with recent downloads in Brazil, South Africa, and surprisingly, Delaware topping their statistics.
Understanding Salvation and Church Identity
A key theological question addressed the issue of "replacement theology" - the idea that the Church has replaced Israel in God's plans. Both hosts strongly rejected this view as dangerous deception. Emilee explained that Israel serves as God's fixed reference point throughout human history, essential for properly understanding prophecy and God's sovereign plans.
"The reason it's dangerous is that when you're navigating something, you need that fixed point that never changes," Emilee noted. "As long as you have that fixed point, you can go anywhere and still know where you are."
The Fear of the Lord
When discussing who is the "scariest" person in the Bible, both hosts agreed it was Jesus Christ Himself. They pointed to Revelation's description of the returning Christ with eyes of fire and a voice like many waters. As Chris noted, even the Apostle John, who walked closely with Jesus, fell as dead when he saw Christ in His glory.
This holy fear doesn't diminish Christ's love but rather magnifies it. As Emilee explained, "We fear God not because He is evil or bad or wrong - we fear God because we are evil, bad and wrong. Yet when we consider that He, even in our sinful state, loved us enough to save us, that makes His love even more amazing."
Cultural Commentary
The hosts addressed contemporary issues like political engagement through a biblical lens. They emphasized that Christians must let their theology inform their politics rather than the reverse. Recent events, like Kamala Harris's response to someone proclaiming "Jesus is Lord" at her rally, illustrated the growing divide between biblical values and certain political ideologies.
The show concluded with encouragement to viewers and listeners to stay focused on Christ's return while faithfully serving where God has placed them. As Mike Shaw summarized: "This is not our home… Jesus has given us that Ministry of reconciliation. We are to go make disciples of all nations."
Through their blend of serious biblical teaching and lighter moments, the hosts aim to provide truthful, encouraging conversation that helps believers navigate life's questions while staying grounded in Scripture.