In this episode we continue the conversation from the previous episode on asking "How did we get our Bible?" except we will look at how we got the New Testament we have today. We will look at 3 tests that are given to determine the whether or not ancient writings would be included in the New Testament. We also look at how the documents came together from divine inspiration to the writing process. Lastly, we will respond to the critique that the final version of the Bible was a result of a few select men from a church council deciding what would be in the Bible and what would be left out.    Music by Brian Buchanan

A popular question that has surfaced within our Western culture is the question “What is Truth?” In Season 1 we are going to begin to address this question and what better place to start that with the Bible. During this season we are going to address several questions non-Christians and Christians alike have about the Bible. In this first episode we will address the question “Where did the Old Testament come from?” We get into the types of materials that were used to write on, how oral transmission worked, and common misunderstandings about the formation of the Bible.   EPISODE NOTES INTRO- WE”RE BACK!!! (00:35)Welcome to Season 1Introduce the new format Introduce Season 1- “What Is Truth” Give a teaser or brief summary of this episode COMMON MISUNDERSTANDINGS ABOUT THE HOW THE BIBLE CAME TO BE (02:53)First, you have to establish a standard by which to judge whether or not something came from God or not. Most people who judge the legitimacy of the Bible have no such standard. (02:53) Personal past experience of how we thought the Bible came to be (06:20) Golden tablets from the sky (9:11) Biblical writers in a trance HOW WAS THE OLD TESTAMENT COLLECTED? (11:07)Parts were written in stone, others on clay potsWe have several mentions of Moses being commanded to write down commands from GodExodus 34:27 “27 And the Lord said to Moses, “Write these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.” (13:04) Exodus 24:3-4 3 Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord and all the rules.[a] And all the people answered with one voice and said, “All the words that the Lord has spoken we will do.” 4 And Moses wrote down all the words of the Lord. He rose early in the morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel. Supposed Jewish Council- Was there a council that canonized the Hebrew Bible?Definition of “canon” (15:19) Was there a Jewish council? (16:03) Oral transmission was critical (19:23) Talk about how this worked Address the accusation of the oral transmission being similar to a game of Telephone. At some point you have to ask, “Are these writings historical accounts of actual events and actual encounters people had with God?” (22:59)Some think the authors of these books in the Bible are biased in some way but they are writings just like we have of other historical events and people throughout history. We just need to ask the question “Are they reliable?” Jesus recognized books of the Hebrew Bible by often referring to “The Scripture” and “As it is written.Shane comment about Psalms (25:35) OutroWebsite www.switchinglensespodcast.com Social media Twitter @lensesswitching Find us on Facebook and Instagram Email the show at feedback@switchinglensespodcast.com   Music by Brian Buchanan and Trap Lofi Guitar Beat [ FREE NO COPYRIGHT ] lost found - soloftt x lowly in heart x middle child  

We finally finish our discussion on the topic of abortion in this third and final episode. We begin by responding to some popular criticisms of those who are anti-abortionists. Criticisms such as: 1. "What do we do when a woman is pregnant as a result of rape?" 2. A fetus is "just a clump of cells" Next we look at what it looks like to fully walk out the title of "pro-life." What should we be doing to support ALL life as a community and as individuals? Finally we end this whole discussion with a message of hope and forgiveness for anyone who has had an abortion. A hope that can only come from Jesus Christ.  All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Bardo Luna from Pexels

In the episode we continue the conversation from the previous episode addressing the topic of abortion and look specifically at pro-abortion reasoning. We respond to the following arguments: - Personal autonomy- "My body, my rules" - The underlying assumption of "the right to be as sexually active as desired" - "The baby doesn't feel pain during the abortion" We end the episode beginning a defense of some of the claims made against those who oppose abortion. We tackle the questions made about mothers in tough economic situations and then perhaps the most widely-used argument of pregnancy from rape.   All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Thirdman from Pexels

Is the anti-abortion, defense of human life actually defensible? In this first segment of our discussion we first look to see what the Bible says about human value and when "being" or "existence" is recognized. Does the Bible recognize "being" after the womb, during, or perhaps before? Next we begin to address some of the common reasoning given by supporters of abortion. Personal autonomy is a growingly popular reason being given. Is personal autonomy a reasonable stance? Does anyone actually want personal autonomy when it is fully "walked out." All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Janko Ferlic from Pexels

We continue our series discussing the hopelessness many people find themselves drowning in due to many factors. In this episode we direct our focus on the issue of climate change. Many feel that humanity is doomed on some level. Some are foregoing the decision to bring children into the world while others feel like they will have far less opportunities than previous generations. Regardless of your views on climate change, we want to bring a message of hope.   1:32 -"Eco-anxiety" 4:21 -Is this the first time we have faced impending doom? 7:51 -The importance of worldview when discussing climate concerns and potential effects 10:31 -If I'm a Christian, how should I view this issue?   All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Harrison Haines from Pexels

It seems more than ever that people have a sense of hopelessness when it comes to their own future and the future of humanity. This is largely due to fears associated with climate change and the COVID pandemic. Some question whether or not any hope exists. In this episode we get into the word "hope". What does it mean and is it something people just dream up to make themselves feel better or does the Christian faith offer legitimate reason for hope?   All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Lukas from Pexels

In the final episode of our series on gender identity, we look at some of the claims of the transgender community and we apply what we covered in the first two episodes of the series. We then ask the questions “How does God view or will humans in terms of their make-up, strengths, and deficiencies?” Do we focus on what we don’t have and how we are lacking or have we been gifted with a unique makeup of strengths that can benefit the greater community and bring glory to God. Lastly we will look at the condition of gender dysphoria with compassion for what others go through and the inner struggle that plagues those who suffer with it.   All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Vovan Gord from Pexels

We often hear the phrases like "find your own truth", "follow your heart", and "your feelings matter most." More and more we are seeing the "self" being elevated to a level that is to never be questioned. Do we have a culture that values the “self” above all? What degree of importance do we place on someone’s feelings or emotions? In this episode we will discuss the existence of self-deification, how our feelings can deceive, and the need to die to ourselves. All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan

The divide within the "gender" debate is well established and remains a controversial subject to say the least. There are some who are struggling with their own confusion about their gender and others who just aren't sure what to think about the issue. During this series we are going to break this subject down to its core. We are going to build a case to show the what lies behind the mindset of "self-identity" by first, in this first episode, evaluating the human condition. We like to describe people(and ourselves) as "good" people but what does that mean? What kind of evil lies in all of us? What does the Bible say about the condition of humanity? All of this will set up the next episode as we build our case for exposing the silent identity of gender. All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Cottonbro from Pexels  

We conclude our series on forgiveness by looking at our desperate need for forgiveness in these times of tension we find ourselves in. What is the inevitable outcome of the cancel culture? Why do you think so many people today generate so much hostility towards people who think differently? We close out the episode talking about radical forgiveness and the impact it can have on the wrongdoer.    All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels

We continue our discussion on how the Bible lays out forgiveness and what it asks of us. We begin my addressing some of the misconceptions of forgiveness. Should we be a "doormat" and let people walk all over us? What about the saying, "Forgive and forget"? Is reconciliation required for forgiveness to take place? We respond to all of these questions and more as we unpack what true, life-bringing forgiveness looks like.   All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Mental Health America (MHA) from Pexels

Forgiveness doesn’t seem to come naturally to us. It can often seem like a challenge. Much like us, in the Bible Simon Peter thought of himself has a very forgiving person but Jesus was soon to correct him. Jesus proceeded to tell a parable that showed how humans can have a very illogical bitterness when wronged and then showed what true forgiveness looked like. He showed this level of forgiveness with a subtle reference to a little known passage in the Hebrew Bible. But what about "an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth"? Why did Moses command this if we are to forgive? In this episode we discuss how Jesus taught us to forgive people, what that would look like, and the challenges associated it with it.     All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels     Episode Outline Matthew 18:21-35 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+18&version=esvPeter seems to be coming off as “extremely forgiving” by asking if he should forgive 7 times. In typical Jesus fashion he challenges our assumptions by saying “not 7 times but 77 times.”The 77 times only appears in one other place in the Bible and that is during a poem from Lamech back in Genesis 4:23Lamech said to his wives: “Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say: I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for striking me. 24 If Cain's revenge is sevenfold,then Lamech's is seventy-sevenfold.” Jesus tells the story about a king and his servant After the servant goes after his fellow servant he throws him in jail until he can pay back the debtHow is he going to pay back the debt in jail? Therefore, what is the purpose of putting him in jail? Does this reflect the kind of response we see today when people are wronged? (music break) How should we handle situations where people wrong us?Some would say “What about an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth? Jesus shows us in the passage right above this one in verse 15

Many have been stunned by the findings of the investigation into the sexual assault claims made against Ravi Zacharias. We are left asking so many questions. In this episode we address some of the tough questions people are asking like "Should we read his books or listen to his old sermons?" Can we compare Ravi to David in the Bible and simply view him as just a fallen human? What level of trust can we place on evangelists, pastors, and other ministry leaders?   Find all episodes at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Alex Green from Pexels

We begin a new series called "The Profundity of Forgiveness" that flows from our previous series on justice. In this first episode we start by looking at unforgiveness. It might seem natural since forgiveness can seem illogical or irrational if self-preservation is the ultimate ethic. But does living in unforgiveness resolve or restore what was lost? What are the effects of unforgiveness on a person and on a society?  All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Evelyn Chong from Pexels

In part 4 of our series of "Defining Justice in a Fragile Society," we continue discussing the applications and conclusions of Biblical justice within the our current circumstances. What role must mercy and forgiveness play in order to justice that is righteous. What should be our attitude towards the marginalized and how do we identify them? All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Maurício Mascaro from Pexels

In part 3 of our series of "Defining Justice in a Fragile Society," we begin to describe and analyze the problems related to recent events involving claims of injustice. How do we recognize when injustices are taking place and how should we react when they do? How do we approach the system of law of enforcement we have in the US and objectively critique it devoid of any bias.  All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Kelly Lacy from Pexels

In the previous episode we established that the natural world is devoid of any justice and if we are looking for justice we are forced to look beyond the natural world and humanity. In this episode we take a look at what the Bible says about justice. The Hebrew word "mishpat" is translated as "justice" in English but it seems to go much further than our English understanding. It demands much more of us.  All episodes can be found at switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Sarwer e Kainat Welfare from Pexels

We are starting a brand new series called "Defining Justice in a Fragile Society." It not difficult to look out into the cultural and political landscape and see people making claims of injustice left and right. In this series we want to peel back the surface of these tensions and get to the heart of the matter and define the word "justice." In this first episode we want to take the natural world outside of humanity and see if there are any clues or any guidance that would lead us to defining what justice looks like and how to apply it.   All episodes found at switchinglensespodcast.com Music produced by Brian Buchanan Episode Image by Pixabay

In the final episode of the "Avoiding the Significant" series we hold culture under the microscope to observe its part in avoiding conversations and ideas of utmost importance. What kind of movements are we seeing that keep people at a distance from the God who desires them? How can we navigate through life with these kinds of ideas and influences right at our doorstep? You can find all episodes at www.switchinglensespodcast.com   Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Kat Jayne from Pexels