Unpacking Truths

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What if ancient scriptures still hold valuable lessons for our modern lives? In our latest episode of "Unpacking Truths," Pastor Kendall and Pastor Mo explore the unsettling tale of Elisha and the two bears from 2 Kings 2. With a mix of humor and deep reflection, we pull back the layers of this curious story, examining Bethel's idolatrous history and the cons...

Can Christians celebrate Halloween without compromising their faith? Join us as Pastor Kendall and Pastor Mo share their childhood Halloween memories, from the excitement of costumes to the thrill of trick-or-treating. We explore Halloween's origins, delving into its ancient Celtic roots in the festival of Samhain and its transformation when All Saints Day was moved to November 1st to Christianize the pagan celebration. Discov...

Watch on YouTube
https://youtu.be/1xP5LsM-uL0

Could the path to heaven be more inclusive than traditionally thought? Join us as we challenge conventional beliefs by exploring the teachings of Jesus and the dynamic interpretations of salvation. We scrutinize parables from the Gospel of Matthew that depict the division between those deemed 'in' and 'out' of heaven, and probe the intriguing concept tha...

Ever felt the burden of pride or struggled to control a sharp tongue? You're not alone. Join Pastor Kendall and me, Pastor Mo, as we share personal tales of scripture's profound influence on our lives. Kendall reflects on his upbringing in a Lutheran community, where humility and responsibility were deeply woven into his fabric, thanks to teachings from Proverbs and Luke. Meanwhile, my journey through the teachings of Psa...

What if the Bible you're familiar with isn't the same as your neighbor's? Discover the surprising differences among the Jewish Hebrew Bible, Protestant Old Testament, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox canons in this eye-opening episode of Unpacking Truths. We'll unravel the history and significance of the Apocrypha or Deuterocanonical books, exploring why they're embraced by some Christian traditions and...

How should Christians navigate the contentious waters of politics and religion? Join us in an eye-opening episode of "Unpacking Truths" as Pastor Kendall and Pastor Mo explore the deeply rooted scriptural values that underpin both Republican and Democratic ideologies. Discover how personal and communal responsibilities, often seen as opposing forces, are both central to Christian teachings. Drawing on biblical texts, hist...

Can approaching disagreements with genuine curiosity transform relationships? Join Pastor Kendall and Pastor Mo on "Unpacking Truths" as we explore the nuanced world of conflict resolution among loved ones through a biblical lens. Inspired by Proverbs 18:18, we kick things off with a humorous yet poignant look at resolving disputes, emphasizing the importance of owning up to our mistakes, uplifting each other, and choosin...

What if the boundaries set in ancient scripture could protect our modern lives from chaos and confusion? Join Pastor Kendall and Pastor Mo as we unpack the profound concept of boundaries through a biblical lens in this thought-provoking episode of Unpacking Truths. Journey with us back to the Garden of Eden, where God instituted the first boundary, reminding us that these divine limits are designed for our well-being. We'll ex...

Can the ancient practice of animal sacrifice still hold relevance in a world without the Temple? Discover the profound and complex history of the Jewish sacrificial system, tracing its roots from early biblical narratives such as Cain and Abel, through the detailed codifications in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, to its centralization at the Tabernacle and the Temple in Jerusalem. Join us as we explore how these rituals served as a deep...

Ever wondered how one reconciles a Jewish heritage with a newfound Christian faith? Kandi Neely, a staff member at Light of Christ, shares her compelling journey of navigating faith within an interfaith family. Raised by a Polish Catholic father and a Jewish mother, Kandi experienced a unique blend of religious influences. As her father embraced Christianity, Kandi found herself intrigued by Jesus's unconditional love. Join ou...

What if the alarming surge in youth mental health issues isn't just about increased awareness? Join us as we sit down with Jessica Zautja, a clinical social worker and co-owner of BZA Behavioral Health, to dissect the 150% rise in mental health symptoms among Gen Z since 2008. We'll uncover the multifaceted influences driving this trend, from the incessant information flow through smartphones to shifts in parenting styles...

What if you could transform your self-worth and find peace amidst professional challenges? This week on "Unpacking Truths," we're thrilled to be joined by Joy Mitchell, who shares her powerful journey of advocating for herself and establishing boundaries in the face of stereotypes. Joy's experiences shed light on how respecting oneself and maintaining healthy boundaries become crucial, especially with the guidan...

Can the ancient texts of the Bible still speak to us today in a modern world? On this episode of Unpacking Truths, join Pastor Kendall and Pastor Mo as they navigate the delicate terrain between timeless and time-bound scriptures. We begin by dissecting directives from Deuteronomy 13 and Paul's instructions to the Corinthians, revealing why some biblical commands were meant for their historical context and not for today's...

Ever wondered how moments of weakness can transform into profound experiences of God's presence? Discover Pastor Mo’s heartfelt journey through a painful breakup, where he battled the urge to respond with anger but ultimately found peace through scripture and obedience. Pastor Kendall joins in to reflect on how our lowest points make us more open to divine guidance, emphasizing the power of aligning ourselves with God's w...

Ever wonder how a simple childhood toy can shape your entire perception of beauty? On this episode of Unpacking Truths, we bring you the incredible Joy Mitchell, who candidly shares her journey from playing with Barbies to grappling with societal beauty norms. Joy dives into her experiences growing up with strong influences from her older sister and the Black community, helping us understand the profound impact of familial and soci...

Ever wondered how the Bible guides us in caring for the environment? Join us as Pastor Kendall and Pastor Mo unpack the profound truths of environmental stewardship from a Christian perspective. Hear insightful stories from their own lives, enriched by reflections on their families' and communities' practices. Delve into the scriptures from Genesis and Psalms and discover how viewing the world as God's creation can r...

When the world seems to fracture with every disagreement, Pastor Kendall and Pastor Mo invite listeners to a conversation that draws on the deep well of Christ's love. Have you ever found your heart heavy, struggling to bridge the gap when faith and family don't see eye to eye? They've been there, and this episode is their heartfelt response, brimming with stories like Pastor Mo's own clash with his sister over ...

Ever felt boxed in by marital status labels within your church community? In this episode, Pastor Kendall and Pastor Mo unravel the complex web of expectations and pressures that singles and married individuals navigate in the realm of faith. They explore the reality behind the myths of marital bliss and single woes, breaking down societal constructs and advocating for a church culture that champions every individual's journey...

✝️ Unpacking Truths: Episode 120: Purgatory

Pastors Kendall and Mo invite listeners to embark on a theological odyssey as they pull back the veil on the enigmatic realm of purgatory. With a dash of humor to lighten the gravity of the exploration, they share quirky musings on this transitional state before delving into its historical and scriptural foundations. The discussion reveals how traditions like Lutheran and Anglo-Catholic in...