SPF 100: Q & A From Listeners 100 Episode Special

It’s the 100th episode of the SPF Podcast! To celebrate, I am answering questions from listeners and some rapid fire questions from my husband.

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Answering questions from listeners to celebrate 100 episodes! Show notes: sheprovesfaithful.com/podcast/episode100 Patreon: patreon.com/sheprovesfaithful Instagram: @sheprovesfaithful

THANK YOU SUPPORTERS!!

A huge shout out and thank you to everyone who has supported me and the She Proves Faithful Podcast. I am overwhelmed by the generosity of listeners all over the world. Whether you’re a Patreon monthly supporter, or have tried Audible or even clicked on Amazon Afflilate links - it has helped me continue sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ over this podcast.

If you are interested in being a part of the SPF support system, here are three simple ways:

  1. Give $5 monthly on Patreon to the SPF Podcast and get access to extra resources. Learn more at patreon.com/sheprovesfaithful.com

  2. Try Audible for a month for FREE and get TWO FREE audiobooks that you can keep forever! When you try Audible (even if you do not sign up), the SPF Podcast is directly supported. More info here: https://amzn.to/2CZLh41

  3. Check out Amazon affiliate links. When I link to the resources I talk about on the podcast, you can click through and SPF receives a small percentage for recommending resources I love!

SPF 099: The Feminine Design - Part 3 Masculinity & Femininity

We did it! Part 3 in the Feminine Design! Today I invited my husband to discuss some biblical principles of femininity AND masculinity. We talk a bit of culture and land on guiding prinicples of the Word when it comes to what is feminine and masculine and how to live out our roles with enthusiasm and thanksgiving. This is part 3 in a 3 part series.

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Today I invited my husband to discuss some biblical principles of femininity AND masculinity. We talk a bit of culture and land on guiding prinicples of the Word when it comes to what is feminine and masculine and how to live out our roles with enthusiasm and thanksgiving.

Support the SPF Podcast

Have you been encouraged by the podcast? Consider supporting the podcast in one of these ways:

1. Become a patreon member for $5 a month and get access to extra resources: patreon.com/sheprovesfaithful

2. Try audible for free! Get two free audiobooks and it supports the podcast! Learn more or Sign up here: https://amzn.to/2nSb4S5

3. Check out my affiliate links with Amazon.

Notes and Scripture from the Podcast

Masculinity and Femininity

“God is the only one that should define anything. God defines everything.

We must submit to the standard that God set forth in His Word.

There we will find definitions and what is right and wrong; we will find clarity and a guide for our feelings.

Man and Woman Catechism for Young Men and Women

What does a man say? Grrrr - sound of strength

Who does a man follow? God

What does a man do? He leads

Man verse: 1 Corinthians 16:13

What does a woman say? Welcome!

Who does a woman follow? God and her man?

What does a woman do? She helps.

Woman verse: Proverbs 31:30

Not exclusive to a man or woman, but priorities.

“Act like men” means there is a biblical way that men are to act.

“Words mean things and ideas have consequences.”

“Each culture needs to, with biblical principles, express masculinity and femininity in a godly way.”

MEN - What is Masculine?

  • need to be strong

  • need to protect

  • go out and provide

  • husbands are the head of the home (authority) Ephesians 5:23-28

  • Headship

  • Authority in the home - 1 Corinthians 11:3

  • Authority exists to BUILD UP not destruction 2 Corinthians - this benefits the family

  • Ephesians 5 paints the picture of masculinity in authority in the home - sacrifice and responsibility and authority

  • takes responsibility for the whole family

  • responsible for washing wive in the Word

  • takes initiative

WOMEN - What is Feminine?

  • strength comes out of femininity, not trying to be like a man

  • nurturers

  • wives are submissive to their OWN husbands (as to the Lord) Ephesians 5:23-28

  • Help-ship - woman given to man to help!

  • Active submission - doing it on purpose; an attitude and posture toward our husband

  • Husband should have full trust in her (Proverbs 31)

  • Attitude of gratefulness

Feminism

If you look at culture, feminism is a desire for women to be like men, not be more feminine.

Feminism sees an oppressor and oppressed relationship - cultural marxism

The “oppressed” in the feminist mind is women; women are always oppressed by men and the only way to be free from oppression is to take over men. They do this by taking over men’s roles.

Christian idea of progress and trajectory is restoring back of God’s definitions.

Feminists want to redefine masculinity as femininity.

Soft Men

1 Corinthians 6:9 - malakoi - softness, weakness = effeminate

If you can redefine something, you’ve already won the argument.

1 John 1:5 - walk in light; live out the Truth; gives fellowship with others; Jesus’ blood purifies us.

“What are you doing, my son? What are you doing, son of my womb?
What are you doing, son of my vows?
Do not give your strength to women,
your ways to those who destroy kings.”
— Proverbs 31:2-3







Resources

Amazon links are affiliate links :)









SPF 098: The Feminine Design - Part 2 Feminism

Feminism is a women’s liberation movement that extends through centuries and is currently as loud and prominent as ever. Today we are going to discuss three characteristics of feminism and it’s impacts on the Christian woman. This is part 2 in a 2 or 3 part series.

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Feminism is a women's liberation movement that extends through centuries and is currently as loud and prominent as ever. Today we are going to discuss three characteristics of feminism and it's impacts on the Christian woman. This is part 2 in a 2 or 3 part series.  sheprovesfaithful.com/podcast/episode98

Ways You Can Support the SPF Podcast

Have you been blessed by the SPF podcast? Consider supporting SPF and helping me continue to teach gospel-centered living to women all over the world. Check out these ways you can give:

1. Become a patreon member for $5 a month and get access to extra resources: patreon.com/sheprovesfaithful

2. Try audible for free! Get two free audiobooks and it supports the podcast! Learn more or Sign up here: https://amzn.to/2nSb4S5

3. Check out my affiliate links with Amazon.

Life Hack

Got a little one? Want to keep an eye on your little baby lamb while you shower. Stephanie from Instagram shared her hack: Just pull up the shower curtain and leave the clear shower liner down, so you can keep an eye on your baby and take your long hot shower ;)

Another shower curtain hack - throw the clear liner in the the washing machine!! Seriously, with laundry detergent and regular cycle and boom - CLEAN and like new. Save some money!

Feminine Design - Feminism

Three characteristics of feminism and it’s impacts on the Christian woman

Number 1: Feminism rejects God and His design for women

One of the problems with feminism is that it rejects the design of God. Rebecca Merkle writes, “Feminism resents the mere suggestion that women have a different role than men.” It feels like a blow or insult to hear we are different, that we as woman and are designed for a specific purpose.

The differences between man and women are not about superiority, or favorites, or inequality. As Christians we can see what God has made and agree that it is good. And When we say God made men and women differently, it is good.

G.K. Chesterton poem:

“If I set the sun beside the moon,

And if I set the land beside the sea,

And if I set the flower beside the fruit,

And if I set the town beside the country,

And if I set the man beside the woman,

I suppose some fool would talk 

About one being better.”

Let Me Be A Woman

“What sort of world might it have been if Eve had refused the Serpent’s offer and had said to him instead, “Let me not be like God. Let me be what I was made to be — let me be a woman.”

-Elisabeth Elliot, Let Me Be a Woman

Number 2: Feminism rejects boundaries set forth by design

 “Design matters. The intent of the design matters. And we as God’s creatures are designed by Him to fulfill a particular role.” - Rebecca Merkle

Because God designed us for a specific purpose there are fixed limits on the feminine nature.

The world will tell us this is oppressive - this is some glass ceiling created by the patriarchy - that there is nothing woman cannot do and accomplish and become. We need to be weary of these messages.

Feminism has done a good job promoting ideas that women who stay at home are not living to their full potential. We have been sold this idea for decades that we are made for more than just a home or a kid or two.

As Christians we are called to turn a profit on the things God has given us - let’s not bury our roles and responsibilities because something else looks or the grass is greener on the other side. Our Christians roles and responsibilities may be hard work but it’s good work and the boundaries are wide to create and design and explore and conquer.

Number 3: Feminism wants divorce choice from consequence 

One of the biggest tragic ramifications today is the fact that feminism has sought freedom of choice without the consequences. Specifically feminism has wanted to unhitch sex with God’s design to bare children. Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood, changed the either/or dilemma. She effectively shared her message that we can divorce sex from being a wife and mother. This was seen as an emancipation from a woman’s biology. In other words, freedom from God’s design. 

Bottom line -  It wasn’t fair. It wasn’t fair for women to bear the burden of motherhood. Women needed liberation.

Her first abortion clinic opened in 1916. 

This was really a rally cry to have equal rites of immorality.

The truth about sex and our design is that God made sex to be a blessing in marriage for pleasure, connection, and also for procreation because one of God’s purposes is for men and women to fill the earth. Feminism has clearly and forcefully declared that children are a burden and not a blessing, and that the biology of a woman has nothing to do with our roles.

Trajectory Matters

The last thing I want to say about feminism is that sometimes there are things feminists and Christians agree on. The what is common ground. ere is the big thing I learned - the what may be the same for a feminist and a Christian. But the why and how are different. Therefore the trajectory is different. 

The why and how drive trajectory. 

As a Christian, our how and why are based on what God has revealed to us in His Word about His purposes and roles and designs for us. His loving and good commands help us know right from wrong and good from bad, wise and unwise.

God has made women for a reason. As a woman you have purpose, and that purpose is good and lovely and beautiful. It is fulfilling and glorifying to God. And you have inherent value in you femininity. God made male and female. And both are glorious and valuable. God said it was not good for man to be alone and so he made a helper suitable for Adam. He made woman. The last thing He created. and it was very good.

Think through this:

What is the definition of progress for a feminist? What is the definition for a Christian woman?

Trajectory Matters.

Resources

SPF Podcast - God’s Plan for Family - Part 1

SPF Podcast - God’s Plan for Family - Part 2

SPF Podcast - The Feminine Design - Part 1

Sheologians Podcast - Feminism is Poison (First Wave)

Sheologians Podcast - Feminism is Poison (Second Wave)

Sheologians Podcast - Feminism is Poison (Third Wave)

Sheologians Podcast - Feminism is Poison (Part 4)

Sheologians Podcast - Feminism Can’t Save You (but the Gospel Can)

Books - amazon links are affiliate links

Let Me Be a Woman
By Elisabeth Elliot



SPF 097: The Feminine Design - Part 1 God Made

Who is woman? What is her purpose? To answer these questions we must start at the very beginning when God designed woman and said His work was not just good, but very good. Belief in God as Creator lays the framework of WHO we are, WHAT we do, HOW we do it, and WHY we do it. Today we are looking at Three biblical truths about the feminine design. This is part 1 in a 2 part series.

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Who is woman? What is her purpose? To answer these questions we must start at the very beginning when God designed woman and said His work was not just good, but very good. Belief in God as Creator lays the framework of WHO we are, WHAT we do, HOW we do it, and WHY we do it.

Support She Proves Faithful

Have you been blessed by the SPF podcast? Consider supporting SPF and helping me continue to teach gospel-centered living to women all over the world. Check out these ways you can give:

1. Become a patreon member for $5 a month and get access to extra resources: patreon.com/sheprovesfaithful

2. Try audible for free! Get two free audiobooks and it supports the podcast! Learn more or Sign up here: https://amzn.to/2nSb4S5

3. Check out my affiliate links with Amazon.

Life Hack

Write out the Bible verses and catechisms you are memorizing and put them by your Bible to review each day with your family. It makes it simple and quick to review memory work.

Here’s a catechism from New City Catechism we memorized:

Q: How do we glorify God?

A: We glorify God by loving Him, trusting Him, and obey His commands and laws.

Three Aspects of the Feminine Design

No. 1 God Designed

The reason feminine design and the purpose of a woman starts at the very beginning - with acknowledging that God is Creator is because that means He made it, and He is the authority. 

God being Creator means He has right to govern and to use all His creation the way he sees fit. That means that all of creation, including man and woman are dependent on him and will be held accountable to Him. 

We belong to God because He created us. We belong to His purpose of providence.

I love this quote from Dr. Joel Beeke -  “The theological implications of creation are far reaching.”

Because God is Creator, there is design and purpose to woman. There is such thing as feminine design because it was designed and purposed by someone - God, who we are dependent on and accountable to.

NO. 2 God designed women to rule, fill, subdue

This is another foundational truth about the feminine design - men and women are both created in God’s image, both given the cultural mandate, both equal and loved in God’s eyes, yet God gives them different roles to fulfill their callings.

How do women rule? 

God has made women to be homeward focused. We make decisions, we govern the ins and outs of the home. We manage with authority.

How do women fill?

When God gave the cultural mandate, Scripture starts with saying, “God blessed them and said be fruitful and multiple.” God said this same thing to Noah and his children after the ark - God blessed them and said be fruitful and multiply.

Part of women filling the earth is to embrace their physical design to bear children.

Our anatomy preaches this to us and to the world. This doesn’t mean our participation in the “fill” part of the cultural mandate is limited to being a baby maker. This goes hand in hand with mothering and nurturing and teaching and correcting.

We are to produce. To be productive with the the time, talents, and the Gospel all given to us by God. 

We are designed to multiply! The great commission calls us to go make more disciples of Christ. 

How do women subdue?

I love the definition of subdue in the Five Aspects study - to subdue is to bring under control by conquest and to keep under control by diligent maintenance.

As women we have areas of management - our home, our children, our budgets, our closets, our cars, our time, our minds - if left alone, these things move toward chaos.

No. 3 God designed women to help

Women are designed to be helpers. Adam could not do the job God gave Him on his own. He needed a helper. 

God created woman who was the perfect suitable helper. The word “fit” actually means according to the opposite of him”

Our work is interdependent. 

Biblical Description of the Feminine Design in Action

One of my favorite passages that illustrates the feminine design is found in 1 Timothy 5:9-10 and is actually instructing us about qualifications of a widow to be enrolled for support from the local church.

But these qualifications are telling of a woman who has been faithfully living out her design:

“Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.” 1 Timothy 5:9-10

My main point is to encourage us to look at what God made and said was good

and believe Him!

Resources

Sheologians has several great episodes on the feminine design!

FYI: I talked about the “Five Aspects of Woman” by Barbara Mouser. I love her descriptions of the feminine design, but it has been a long time since I have read the study in-depth (over ten years!!).

Eve in Exile is a great book about the feminine design and the impacts feminism has had on it over the centuries. Great read!

Amazon Links are affiliate links - meaning I get a very small referral credit from Amazon for recommend products, at no cost to you.

Let Me Be a Woman
By Elisabeth Elliot
Passion and Purity
By Elisabeth Elliot



SPF 096: How To Be Free From Bitterness

When we sin, we feel guilt. When we are sinned against we can become bitter. So does that justify bitterness? The Bible does say to not let any bitter root grow and to get rid of all bitterness. But it’s not my fault, right? Today I am sharing a story of my personal bitterness and how God used a book and conviction from the Holy Spirit, and He sweet empowering grace to get rid of a big ol bitter root in my heart. 

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When we sin, we feel guilt. When we are sinned against we can become bitter. So does that justify bitterness? The Bible does say to not let any bitter root grow and to get rid of all bitterness. But it's not my fault, right?

Support the SPF Podcast - Three easy ways!


Has the SPF Podcast encouraged you? Are you being spurred on in your faith? Consider joining the team by supporting the SPF in one of these ways:

1. Become a patreon member for $5 a month and get access to extra resources: patreon.com/sheprovesfaithful

2. Try audible for free! Get two free audiobooks and it supports the podcast! Learn more or Sign up here: https://amzn.to/2nSb4S5

3. Check out my affiliate links with Amazon.

Life Hack

Cool hot soup down quickly by throwing some frozen veggies in like corn, or green beans, or peas.

Cool hot oatmeal down with some frozen berries.

Bitterness

The Book: How to be free from bitterness and other essays on Christian relationships by Jim Wilson 

Amazon Links are affiliate links - meaning I get a very small referral credit from Amazon for recommend products, at no cost to you - that goes to supporting the podcast.

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. -
Ephesians 4:31- 5:2

The Bible tells us that bitterness must be put away from us, so it must go. Instead, we need to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, being imitators of God, walking in love.

What is bitterness:

“Guilt is what we feel when we sin, and bitterness is what we feel when others sin against us. The very definition of bitterness points to the actions of another. If we committed the offense, we would feel guilty and would know that we had to confess and forsake our sin. bitterness is always based upon someone else’s sin - whether real or imagined.” - Jim Wilson

“See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Hebrews 12:15

From a bitter root, bitter fruit will come.

Hebrews describes this bitter fruit - trouble and defilement for many

There’s a few other tell-tell characteristics of bitterness:

  • bitterness accumulates

  • bitterness remembers details

  • bitterness reviews review reviews

The world has two solutions - keep the bitterness in and make ourselves sick, or let it out and spread the sickness around.

God’s solution is to dig up the root of bitterness. This takes the grace of God. We must know and trust in Jesus first to begin digging up a bitter root.

“The Bible says to get rid of all bitterness. You must not keep it in and you must not share it. Surrender it to the Father, through the Son.” - Jim Wilson

But in order to get rid of bitterness Jim writes, “I need to recognize it as my problem; only then can I confess it and forsake it.”

Without being convinced that bitterness is sinful, that it is a gross evil, as Jim calls it, it is impossible to walk toward repentance and thus a solution for bitterness.

“When somebody else says he is sorry, it does not get rid of our bitterness. The only thing that gets rid of bitterness is confession before God because of the Lord Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. This is the only solution." - Jim Wilson

“We must not keep it and we must not share it with others. There is only one thing to do and this is to confess it as a great and evil sin. We must be as persistent in the confession as necessary.”  - Jim Wilson

If I could boil my bitterness journey down :

  1. In order to get rid of bitterness we must own the fact that it’s our sin

  2. we do not get rid of our bitterness by the other person being sorry 

  3. God forgives us when we repent and His gr ace allows us to be gracious

  4. We can entrust our hearts to our Faithful Creator when we suffer and continue to do good. He is a just God and He is a gracious God. What people do has an eternal impact and if they have sinned against you and they do not know Christ, pray for their salvation. And if they do, pray for their repentance, but all the while remembering that we are to get rid of all bitterness.

Resources

Amazon Links are affiliate links - meaning I get a very small referral credit from Amazon for recommend products, at no cost to you - that goes to supporting the podcast.










SPF 095: What is God's Will for My Life? The Hidden and Revealed Will of God

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What is the will of God for my life? How do I live faithfully in the times of mystery? Am I responsible for my actions? Today we talking about God’s Sovereignty, His hidden will, His revealed will, and how we can prove faithful in knowing and not knowing every day.

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What is the will of God for my life? How do I live faithfully in the times of mystery? Am I responsible for my actions? Today we talking about God's Sovereignty, His hidden will, His revealed will, and how we can prove faithful in knowing and not knowing every day.

Three Ways to Support the SPF Podcast


Has the SPF Podcast encouraged you? Are you being spurred on in your faith? Consider joining the team by supporting the SPF in one of these ways:

1. Become a patreon member for $5 a month and get access to extra resources: patreon.com/sheprovesfaithful

2. Try audible for free! Get two free audiobooks and it supports the podcast! Learn more or Sign up here: https://amzn.to/2nSb4S5

3. When you click amazon affiliate links and SPF is supported.

Life Hack - Laundry Edition

Crystal from IG says to take care of gum on clothes, soak it in some warm vinegar and it comes right off!

Julie from IG says freeze stinky workout clothes to kill the bacteria that’s causing the stink.

Knowing God’s Will

God has a Sovereign will because God is sovereign and He acts with sovereignty.

Psalm 95:3, Romans 9:19, Ephesians 1:11, Psalm 115:3, Job 42:2

Theologians agree that when talking about God’s will we can look at two aspects of it as seen and described in the Bible:

  1. God’s hidden will

  2. God’s revealed will 

Some things of God’s will are hidden from us and some are revealed to us.

Deuteronomy 29:29 says “Secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong  to us and our children forever.”

God’s hidden will includes what will happen tomorrow, or next year, or how something will work out. There are things that are hidden from our knowledge.

In the times of mystery, even in the every day when we do not know what tomorrow holds, I love what author Guy M Richard wrote in his article called, “Our business is not to give our attention to the the hidden or secret things, but to those things that are revealed.”

The revealed will of God is revealed to us in His Word. So if we want to know what God has plainly willed for us, then we need to be in the Word of God. 

Thessalonians 5:16-18  "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

There is a plethora of God’s revealed will for us to discover in God’s Word and faithfully live out through His grace. 

A great rule of thumb is asking “is it sinful” if not, “is it wise?” And how do we find out if it’s sinful or wise, in God’s Word. And if it clears those things, then there is great freedom.

Sovereign God and Human Decisions

“How is God sovereign, and yet humans are still responsible for their actions and decisions?”

Here’s the Truth that we know:

  • God is the primary cause of all things.

  • He is Sovereign and acts with Sovereignty

  • Nothing surprises Him

  • Nothing happens by accident.

  • God also does not sin, but He does use sin sinlessly to accomplish His purposes

  • People are the means through which God brings about His purposes

Author Guy M Richard says,“God’s sovereignty employs our actions and decisions and uses them in accomplishing exactly what God intends to happen.”

We have the ability to disobey God.

We cannot live like our sin is simply a fulfillment of God’s Sovereign will as to absolve our guilt from what we’ve done. God uses our sin sinlessly and is conforming all things to the pattern of His will.

God uses our decisions to bring about His purposes.

RC Sproul is know for saying, “Embrace the Godness of God.” Relent to the fact that God has hidden things from us but is still working out His perfect plan, and while living in the hidden things, live purposely in the revealed things.

When we don’t know, there are still things we do know.

Resources

Amazon Links are affiliate links - meaning I get a very small referral credit from Amazon for recommend products, at no cost to you - that goes to supporting the podcast.

Table Talk Magazine - https://tabletalkmagazine.com

Power Bible - https://316publishing.com/green-egg-media/

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Amazon Affiliate links - products I recommend:

Knowing God
By J. I. Packer
Knowing Scripture
By R. C. Sproul

SPF 094: Can Popular Opinion Change the Truth?

What is true isn’t always popular and what is popular isn’t always true. A little twist on a famous Albert Einstein quote as we walk through argumentum ad populum, a fallacy that what is popular determines what is true. I’ll walk through two current examples and even one Biblical one, plus three ways to avoid the slippery slope of popular polls.

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What is true isn't always popular and what is popular isn't always true. Show Notes: sheprovesfaithful.com/podcast/episode94  

Support the SPF Show!

Has the SPF Podcast encouraged you? Are you being spurred on in your faith? Consider joining the team by supporting the SPF in one of these ways:

1. Become a patreon member for $5 a month and get access to extra resources: patreon.com/sheprovesfaithful

2. Try audible for free! Get two free audiobooks and it supports the podcast! Learn more or Sign up here: https://amzn.to/2nSb4S5

3. When you click amazon affiliate links and SPF is supported.

Can Popular Opinion Change the Truth?

What is true is not always popular and what is popular is not always true.

So can what is popular ever become Truth? If enough people agree, can that change truth?

The world would say yes.

But that is a informal  fallacy called agrumentum ad populum  - which is an argument to the people.

Basically it means, that 80,000 people can’t be wrong.

You determine truth by taking a poll and on the basis of the majority you determine the truth.

Two examples from our culture:

  1. Evolution - Evolution can fall under agrumentum ad populum - all my science teachers from Kindergarten to college taught me it was true. Bill Nye and his 2.6 million instagram followers think evolution is true - so it must be true - that many people cannot be wrong.

  2. Abortion - Abortion falls under agrumentum ad populum. RC Spoul talks about this in his sermon - that lady justice is blindfolded as to not let justice be influenced by the popular opinion. But once in a while lady justice peeks. How else could explain the Supreme Court ruling to deny the most basic human right which is life.

These two examples remind us that the World despises truth. 

RC Sproul said "Nothing is more irritating and intolerable to the status quo of the world and the world's wisdom, world's power, than the Word of God. by nature we despise it; we reject it, and by nature we vote against it.”

There is no North Star on the world’s compass to point to Truth. The needle is constantly moving around the dial and pointing to the popular opinion of the age.

Argumentum ad populum can be a slippery slope for Christians too.

Galatians

  • The Galatians were quickly deserting Christ and turning to a different Gospel because of the fear of men.

  • Even Peter was called out by Paul who was living in the freedoms of Christ and eating and fellowshipping with the Gentile believers, however when the circumcision party came into the picture, Peter was out. He drew back from the Gentiles and the rest of the believing Jews followed his example and also acted hypocritically along with Peter.

So what keeps a Christian from following fear of the influential people, or the popular opinion? 

  1. Remember The Gospel is from God, not from man.

  2. Remember When we speak and teach the truth, we do not seek the approval from man

  3. Remember to yield to God and the Scriptures and not to seemingly influential people.

"Let us boldly despise the whole world" - John Calvin "Not that we should hate people in the world, the ministers of the Gospel, those entrusted to preach the word, must learn to shut their eyes." - RC Sproul

Sometimes we are tempted to peek. We must learn to shut our eyes to the world. Because to God be the glory and may the Truth be exalted that people might be saved.

Resources

Amazon Links are affiliate links - meaning I get a very small referral credit from Amazon for recommend products, at no cost to you - that goes to supporting the podcast.

Renewing Your Mind - RC Sproul sermon on Galatians: https://renewingyourmind.org/2018/08/26/love-lines-men-pleasing-

Wikipedia article about evolution taught in schools: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creation_and_evolution_in_public_education_in_the_United_States

Knowing Scripture
By R. C. Sproul

 

 

 

SPF 093: Generations: Making Time for Family Discipleship with Jenna Hallock

"He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God." Psalm 78:5-7a "Moms and Dads you are the first and best disciples of your children" - Jenna Hallock, Director of Family Time, is on today's show to talk to us about family discipleship, and a great resource to help us prove faithful in the home. Plus she has a special offer for SPF listeners.

 

Support the SPF Show!

Has the SPF Podcast encouraged you? Are you being spurred on in your faith? Consider joining the team by supporting the SPF in one of these ways:

1. Become a patreon member for $5 a month and get access to extra resources: patreon.com/sheprovesfaithful

2. Try audible for free! Get two free audiobooks and it supports the podcast! Learn more or Sign up here: https://amzn.to/2nSb4S5

3. When you click amazon affiliate links and SPF is supported.

 

Family Discipleship with Jenna Hallock

Family Discipleship: Every believer is a disciple of Christ and is making disciples by accepting the truth of the Gospel and spreading the Good News to others. That's what we need to be doing in the home.

Be careful not to neglect the hearts of our children in the home with the Good News of Jesus while attending to the mission outside the home.

"Moms and dads, you are the first and best discipler of your children. The church is there to support you, but God has given you this responsibility."

"Don't be afraid to say no to some of the things that you're being asked to do, for the sake of being able to give your best to this work of raising up your children."

Overcoming Obstacles to Family Discipleship

1. Didn't see it modeled - find someone at your church who is discipling their kids to help you

2. Business - "What are you busy with?" We all have choices how we spend our time; where are the pockets of time that are less important but have more of a priority where we can plan and be intentional about discipleship instead?

3. Not being intentional - are you truly being intentional with the time you have? Write reminders, say no to some things.

"Say no to things to give the best things a better yes."

Family Time

Website: famtime.com

"The mission of Family Time Training is to train and equip parents and grandparents to pass the faith to the next generation in the home."

Deuteronomy 6

Psalm 78

"What we are doing moms, matters so much, not just for our own souls, not just for the souls of our own children, but for our children's children. . . . there will be generations some day who could come to salvation."

"This is the most important work we could be doing!"

"Intentional time will create organic moments throughout your week that go back to the lesson."

Family Time Resources:

Family Time Activity Books

Family Time Training (for churches to teach families about family discipleship)

Total Access Membership

Total Access Membership

This annual membership gets you access to over 300 searchable activities to help you make discipleship a part of your home.

Membership is $97 a month - a little over $7 a month.

Membership is only open a few times a year and will be open August 23-28 2018!!

Plus! Use the code SPFTA818 and get 10% off your membership.

To learn more: https://members.famtime.com/ 

Jenna's Life Hack - Clean that Ceiling Fan

Jenna has a great life hack! Use a pillow sheet to clean those fan blades. Take an old pillow case, open it up and insert the fan blade in the case and pull off the dust!! Shake out the dust in the trash, and throw it in the wash!

Connect with Jenna: http://famtime.com/contact

SPF 092: Virtue Signaling (Media + Heart Issues)

Virtue Signaling is something we probably come in contact with multiple times a day. Though a relatively new term, we can see virtue signaling in the Bible. Today we are talking about this issue and three things we need to be aware of when it comes to signaling some virtue. 

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Support the SPF Podcast!

Hey! Have you been encouraged by the podcast? If so, consider supporting this work in one of these ways:

1. Become a member by giving $5 a month on patreon.com/sheprovesfaithful and get access to member only resources - including exclusive sneak peeks at the upcoming DWELL Handbook.

2. Check out audible for free - that's right, when you sign up with my link, you get to try Audible for free, you get two free audiobooks and it supports the podcast!

Go here to try Audible for free (affiliate link).

3. Clink Amazon links on the show notes! I get a small kickback for referring resources to you that I love :)

Life Hack - Trash Bag Storage System

There's nothing like a clean garbage slate - the trash is out and the can is ready to be filled. But you forgot to put a trash bag back in! Here's a life hack from Emily - keep extra trash bags in the bottom.

Virtue Signaling

Definition: when a person expresses a moral opinion in order to show they are a good person.

The problem with virtue signaling is

1. There is usually no action associated with the expression

2. The purpose of the moral expression is to make themselves look good

I want us to be aware of the messages we are consuming and I want us to be able to look at our own hearts too. Virtue signaling is a trap to distract us from God and seeking His glory. We need to be able to spot these virtue signaling distractions and beware when we are tempted to virtue signal ourselves. 

  1. Be aware of the urgent bandwagon.

  2. Be aware of neglecting what is right in front of you in exchange for what we feel is more meaningful, or what other people tell us is more meaningful

  3. Be aware of practicing righteousness to be seen by others

Luke 11:46

Matthew 6:1

Proverbs 27:2

Proverbs 20:6

James 1:22

It is our fallen human nature that creates a tendency to practice virtue signaling. We naturally want others to think well of us, and it is so easy on social media to publicize our own good deeds or proclaim our lofty values. But we’ve been called to be faithful before God, not to seek the world’s acclaim: “Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?” Proverbs 20:6

- Got Questions

Virtue signaling fishes for compliments and praise for ourselves rather for God.

Resources

Amazon Links are affiliate links - meaning I get a very small referral credit from Amazon for recommend products, at no cost to you - that goes to supporting the podcast.

ESV Study Bible
By ESV Bibles by Crossway
Knowing Scripture
By R. C. Sproul

 

 

SPF 091: Righteous Living - Legalistic or Full of Joy?

In Psalm 23 David writes, He leads me in paths of righteousness for His Name sake. What are these paths of righteousness? How do we walk in them? Today we are exploring the theology of righteous living and looking at five examples of how David walked in righteousness. These examples are things God can work in our lives and we can practice today. 

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Truth and Encouragement to live gospel-centered lives everyday!

Support the SPF Podcast!

Hey! Have you been encouraged by the podcast? If so, consider supporting this work in one of these ways:

1. Become a member by giving $5 a month on patreon.com/sheprovesfaithful and get access to member only resources - including exclusive sneak peeks at the upcoming DWELL Handbook.

2. Check out audible for free - that's right, when you sign up with my link, you get to try Audible for free, you get two free audiobooks and it supports the podcast!

Go here to try Audible for free (affiliate link).

3. Clink Amazon links on the show notes! I get a small kickback for referring resources to you that I love :)

Life Hack - Sunscreen & Snacks

If you have squirmy kids, or any kid, this is a great life hack for days in the sun and surf that comes from an SPF Instagram friend:

Give your kid a Popsicle while slathering on the sunscreen! It helps them sit still and enjoy a hydrating snack and gives you the opportunity to put on all the sunscreen they need.

Righteousness - Legalistic or Full of Joy?

He leads me in paths of righteousness for His Name's sake." Psalm 23:3

"Righteousness is something that should be the greatest desire of the Christian's heart because it is when we are in the closest proximity where God has created us to live." - Pastor Aaron Carlson

Righteousness is where we were created to live! It’s living according to what is right!

Arguments against righteousness:

  • It's legalistic

  • It's by grace we've been saved, not by works

Amen!

Legalism seeks to attain forgiveness through works, but our forgiveness is through Christ alone.

However, we are saved into righteous works. We are new creations and God is now leading us in a righteous path.

Ephesians 2:8-10

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 4:1

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

The best part about this righteousness is Psalm 23 says it’s Jesus who leads us in these paths of righteousness.

We don’t have to decide what is right . . . we don’t get to decide what is right.

God has done it for us. And he is leading us down this path of righteousness, so that we can keep moving out of that which destroys and is corrupted into what is true and beautiful and lovely.

He is not driving us along like cattle, but he is SHEPHERDING US with his rod and his staff - meaning he is directing and protecting and Psalm 23 says that is is comfort to us. And He is compassionate toward us!

Hebrews 4:14-16

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

He Leads us in Righteousness for His Name's Sake

He does it for His names sake. Any characteristic of God we find in Scripture we know He will be faithful to. He is always showing and proving himself to be who He says He is and he is completely the best at it.

When do you have more joy? When you are harsh with your children or husband? Or when you are walking in obedience?

Key Points

  • Jesus changes our hearts to want righteous living

  • When we sin, God enables our hearts to want to repent and through faith we are again seeking righteousness

  • Righteous living instructions are found in God’s Word - it’s how we live out of faith in what God has done for us by showing our obedience to His ways.

Five Characteristics of Righteous Living

From the life of David as written in the Bible:

  1. David’s theology was solid because he had a love for God’s laws

  2. David had absolute faith in God

  3. David was thankful and constantly singing praise to God

  4. David was humble and patient

  5. David was repentant

Ways we can walk in righteousness, all by God’s direction and grace:

  1. Meditate on the Word

  2. Believe in the Truth of who God is

  3. Be thankful, have a heart of praise

  4. Be humble and patiently wait on the Lord

  5. Be repentant

Charles Spurgeon Quote

It is an admirable plan to fix your thoughts upon some text of Scripture before you leave your bedroom in the morning—it will sweeten your meditation all the day. Always look God in the face before you see the face of anyone else. Lock up your heart in the morning and hand the key to God and keep the world out of your heart. Take a text and lay it on your tongue like a wafer made with honey and let it melt in your mouth all day. If you do this, and meditate upon it, you will be surprised to notice how the various events of life will help to open up that text. If that particular text does not seem suitable to some special occasion, steal away into a quiet place and get another one—only let your soul be so full of the Word of God that at all the intervals and spaces when you can think upon it, the Word of God dwelling in you richly may come welling up into your mind and make your meditation to be sweet and profitable!

 Resources

Amazon Links are affiliate links - meaning I get a very small referral credit from Amazon for recommend products, at no cost to you - that goes to supporting the podcast.

Knowing Scripture
By R. C. Sproul
Psalms, Vol. 2
WellHouse Records