Allen: Well, welcome back to the SCC Saver podcast. This is your boy, Alan, and I'm with the Utta boy. The Udda Boy. Jeremy. Jeremy. Yeah. The boys in the makeshift podcast room. Yeah. This is yeah, so do we wouldn't have a video camera? That'd be great. I don't know if you'd want to see this. No, I'm glad you can't see this. It's kinda like a closet. It it's kinda like a closet, and I'm looking at finger paintings on the wall.

In-Jeramie: Well, welcome back to the SCC Saver podcast. This is your boy, Alan, and I'm with the Utta boy. The Udda Boy. Jeremy. Jeremy. Yeah. The boys in the makeshift podcast room. Yeah. This is yeah, so do we wouldn't have a video camera? That'd be great. I don't know if you'd want to see this. No, I'm glad you can't see this. It's kinda like a closet. It it's kinda like a closet, and I'm looking at finger paintings on the wall.

Allen: Yeah. Legitimate finger paintings with random scribbles on There's some scripture on there though. Yeah, that's cool. Yeah. Yeah. Hopefully our you do think the content that we put out is better than the room that we recorded in? That's debatable. All right. Yeah. We let the audience decide. We let the audience decide. Well, we're savoring God regardless of the room that we we we worship or talk about the scriptures in. Mm-hmm.

In-Jeramie: Yeah. Legitimate finger paintings with random scribbles on There's some scripture on there though. Yeah, that's cool. Yeah. Yeah. Hopefully our you do think the content that we put out is better than the room that we recorded in? That's debatable. All right. Yeah. We let the audience decide. We let the audience decide. Well, we're savoring God regardless of the room that we we we worship or talk about the scriptures in. Mm-hmm.

Allen: Speaking of talking about scriptures and theology, you have been teaching the Bible. Again, remind me, what is are you thirty two? Thirty yeah, over I'd say over thirty years. Okay. Pastoring. Cool. So you've been teaching theology for over thirty years. Yeah. Okay. I have a question for you about theology and teaching. Okay. Would you rather teach middle schoolers every week or teach or answer theology question from toddlers?

In-Jeramie: Speaking of talking about scriptures and theology, you have been teaching the Bible. Again, remind me, what is are you thirty two? Thirty yeah, over I'd say over thirty years. Okay. Pastoring. Cool. So you've been teaching theology for over thirty years. Yeah. Okay. I have a question for you about theology and teaching. Okay. Would you rather teach middle schoolers every week or teach or answer theology question from toddlers?

Allen: every week. So you gotta choose. You gotta teach it middle schoolers or you gotta answer toddler theology questions. Gee. I think when I was younger I would have said middle schoolers. Okay. But I'm just so old that I can't like I don't have the energy to keep up with them. So like toddlers, you know, I would I I'd probably do that. Yeah. Yeah. Why? It's probably more my level. And yeah, I I I think it's just yeah, junior hires, I mean

In-Jeramie: every week. So you gotta choose. You gotta teach it middle schoolers or you gotta answer toddler theology questions. Gee. I think when I was younger I would have said middle schoolers. Okay. But I'm just so old that I can't like I don't have the energy to keep up with them. So like toddlers, you know, I would I I'd probably do that. Yeah. Yeah. Why? It's probably more my level. And yeah, I I I think it's just yeah, junior hires, I mean

Allen: Man, the immediate schoolers, they just run so hard. They have so much energy. They do. I'm just tired. Yeah. But I love them. They're like, you know, I plus I said when I was younger, I probably would have done that because it'd be so much fun. Yeah. That's what Pastor Chris is doing. He's running around with them. Yeah. Something that he and I actually get accused of 'cause you know, I've I serve with him. Yeah. Is that they accuse us for having too much energy for them sometimes. Really? Yeah. Let's go. Yeah, isn't that cool? That's cool. How many years do I have left until it runs off?

In-Jeramie: Man, the airmindle schoolers, they just run so hard. They have so much energy. They do. I'm just tired. Yeah. But I love them. They're like, you know, I plus I said when I was younger, I probably would have done that because it'd be so much fun. Yeah. That's what Pastor Chris is doing. He's running around with them. Yeah. Something that he and I actually get accused of 'cause you know, I've I serve with him. Yeah. Is that they accuse us for having too much energy for them sometimes. Really? Yeah. Let's go. Yeah, isn't that cool? That's cool. How many years do I have left until it runs off?

Allen: I'm 26. No, it won't. You're gonna be energizer bunny your whole life. I don't know about that. We'll see, man. We'll see. You probably have a few more gray hairs since you started being in ministry. So Lord willing, he would give me a long ministry career and I'll be too tired to teach middle school. Yeah, the Lord will give you what you need to asks you to do. That's right. He does do that. He does. Amen. That's a good point. Yep. Speaking of what the Lord has asked us to do, he's asked us to

In-Jeramie: I'm 26. No, it won't. You're gonna be energizer bunny your whole life. I don't know about that. We'll see, man. We'll see. You probably have a few more gray hairs since you started being in ministry. So Lord willing, he would give me a long ministry career and I'll be too tired to teach middle school. Yeah, the Lord will give you what you need to asks you to do. That's right. He does do that. He does. Amen. That's a good point. Yep. Speaking of what the Lord has asked us to do, he's asked us to

Allen: You know, read the scriptures, meditate on them, and then as you mentioned, you've been teaching for thirty years. He's as you teach. So we're always blessed having you. and so we've got a lot to comment on today. We have four. Okay, we talked about the quadfecta of finishing. Well, that means when you finish something, you gotta start something new. So we've got four new books. And so these four new books are in the old testament, we have Jeremiah and Ecclesiastes, and then in the New Testament, we have John and James, and so we've got some heavy hitters.

In-Jeramie: You know, read the scriptures, meditate on them, and then as you mentioned, you've been teaching for thirty years. He's as you teach. So we're always blessed having you. and so we've got a lot to comment on today. We have four. Okay, we talked about the quadfecta of finishing. Well, that means when you finish something, you gotta start something new. So we've got four new books. And so these four new books are in the old testament, we have Jeremiah and Ecclesiastes, and then in the New Testament, we have John and James, and so we've got some heavy hitters.

Allen: Yep. Here, I think. And so we have Jeremiah. We just finished up the prophet Isaiah, you know, who's, you know, speaking on behalf of the Lord. By the way, this is month ten, days one through six. Yes, month ten, days one through six. Month through month ten, bro. Yeah. We're getting like it's getting close. It is getting close. Yeah. And that means the people at Perrywinkle is starting to well up a little swell up a little bit more. Yeah, that's right. It's gonna start filling up here in October. Yeah. Yep. Yep. So yeah, Jeremiah we just finished up Isaiah, now we're on Jeremiah. Another prophet

In-Jeramie: Yep. Here, I think. And so we have Jeremiah. We just finished up the prophet Isaiah, you know, who's, you know, speaking on behalf of the Lord. By the way, this is month ten, days one through six. Yes, month ten, days one through six. Month through month ten, bro. Yeah. We're getting like it's getting close. It is getting close. Yeah. And that means the people at Perrywinkle is starting to well up a little swell up a little bit more. Yeah, that's right. It's gonna start filling up here in October. Yeah. Yep. Yep. So yeah, Jeremiah we just finished up Isaiah, now we're on Jeremiah. Another prophet

Allen: They're doing similar things. they're prophesying to the people. And the theme, you know, in the prophets, especially Jeremiah is repentance. He is calling the people to repentance because they've committed, not surprisingly, covenant treachery, idolatry. That's the big thing in here. what's what's often ripped out there, he says that they've whored after other gods and he he is mad at them. He's angry with them for their whoredom because they've worshiped other gods, because God is a jealous god.

In-Jeramie: They're doing similar things. they're prophesying to the people. And the theme, you know, in the prophets, especially Jeremiah is repentance. He is calling the people to repentance because they've committed, not surprisingly, covenant treachery, idolatry. That's the big thing in here. what's what's often ripped out there, he says that they've whored after other gods and he he is mad at them. He's angry with them for their whoredom because they've worshiped other gods, because God is a jealous god.

Allen: And he wants the worship of his people. He wants the devotion and allegiance of his people. And so that's where kind of big picture themes where we see Jeremiah. But versus, you know, kind of chapters one through thirteen and then the book of Jeremiah as a whole, if you want to comment on Jeremiah. And you know, this is the second of the four, what are often called major prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel. Not major because they're more important, but just because they're the long books. And then the other

In-Jeramie: And he wants the worship of his people. He wants the devotion and allegiance of his people. And so that's where kind of big picture themes where we see Jeremiah. But versus, you know, kind of chapters one through thirteen and then the book of Jeremiah as a whole, if you want to comment on Jeremiah. And you know, this is the second of the four, what are often called major prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel. Not major because they're more important, but just because they're the long books. And then the other

Allen: Prophets. The other twelve are the minor prophets, and we'll get to those. But that and they're called minor just because they're shorter. But Jeremiah is it's a huge book. and it it's really in some ways a dark book. Yeah. in the sense that there's so much judgment and rebuke and confrontation in it. And the reason for that is because Jeremiah's ministry, you'll notice it says that

In-Jeramie: Prophets. The other twelve are the minor prophets, and we'll get to those. But that and they're called minor just because they're shorter. But Jeremiah is it's a huge book. and it it's really in some ways a dark book. Yeah. in the sense that there's so much judgment and rebuke and confrontation in it. And the reason for that is because Jeremiah's ministry, you'll notice it says that

Allen: In chapter one, verse two, the word of the Lord came to him in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah, son of Amon, king of Judah. So Josiah was a good king who did a lot of yeah, the last good king in Judah. But it also came through the days of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, until the fifth month of Zedekiah, the king of Judah, when the people of Jerusalem went into exile. So in other words, Jeremiah is coming at the tail end of Israel's crash landing, with a little blip of Josiah.

In-Jeramie: In chapter one, verse two, the word of the Lord came to him in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah, son of Amon, king of Judah. So Josiah was a good king who did a lot of yeah, the last good king in Judah. But it also came through the days of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, until the fifth month of Zedekiah, the king of Judah, when the people of Jerusalem went into exile. So in other words, Jeremiah is coming at the tail end of Israel's crash landing, with a little blip of Josiah.

Allen: you know, reprieve, breath, but otherwise, like this is the dumpster fire in full effect. This is exile. All of God's covenant curses will now come into effect. So Jeremiah was given the calling by God to be the guy who's doing the one la like last call. Yeah. Like this is it. This is your last chance to repent. And it's he hits hard. And and God tells him. He says, You're gonna go to these people. Yep. They're not gonna listen to you.

In-Jeramie: you know, reprieve, breath, but otherwise, like this is the dumpster fire in full effect. This is exile. All of God's covenant curses will now come into effect. So Jeremiah was given the calling by God to be the guy who's doing the one la like last call. Yeah. Like this is it. This is your last chance to repent. And it's he hits hard. And and God tells him. He says, You're gonna go to these people. Yep. They're not gonna listen to you.

Allen: Chapter chapter seven verse twenty seven. So you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you. You shall call to them, but they will not answer you. Can you imagine Jeremiah? Like when he hears this from the Lord? What do you think is going through his pet? Like you're like you're feeling called to ministry, you're a young man. Imagine if God said, I'm gonna send you to a church. Yeah. You're gonna go to seminary, then you're gonna get out, you're gonna go to church.

In-Jeramie: Chapter chapter seven verse twenty seven. So you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you. You shall call to them, but they will not answer you. Can you imagine Jeremiah? Like when he hears this from the Lord? What do you think is going through his pet? Like you're like you're feeling called to ministry, you're a young man. Imagine if God said, I'm gonna send you to a church. Yeah. You're gonna go to seminary, then you're gonna get out, you're gonna go to church.

Allen: And you're gonna s preach the gospel and they're gonna reject it the whole time and no one's ever gonna listen to you and they're gonna think you're crazy and it's gonna be a really hard ministry. Yeah. He'd be like, what? Like, no, I'm out. You know, like like but you know, like but you know, God and this was God's purpose. I mean he tells Jeremiah in chapter one, like, I chose you before I formed you in the womb. Yeah, I set you apart before you're born to be a part like this is your job. I made you for this. So

In-Jeramie: And you're gonna s preach the gospel and they're gonna reject it the whole time and no one's ever gonna listen to you and they're gonna think you're crazy and it's gonna be a really hard ministry. Yeah. He'd be like, what? Like, no, I'm out. You know, like like but you know, like but you know, God and this was God's purpose. I mean he tells Jeremiah in chapter one, like, I chose you before I formed you in the womb. Yeah, I set you apart before you're born to be a part like this is your job. I made you for this. So

Allen: It it's a it it it's a book that hits hard and and like you said, you know, God uses very provocative language in here, the idea of you know, I spiritual of idolatry as a kind of spiritual adultery. Yeah. Because Israel is God's wife, just as the church is the bride of Christ. Mm-hmm. God's people are is his wife and this this wife has been extremely unfaithful by worshiping other gods and

In-Jeramie: It it's a it it it's a book that hits hard and and like you said, you know, God uses very provocative language in here, the idea of you know, I spiritual of idolatry as a kind of spiritual adultery. Yeah. Because Israel is God's wife, just as the church is the bride of Christ. Mm-hmm. God's people are is his wife and this this wife has been extremely unfaithful by worshiping other gods and

Allen: You know, chapter two, they've abandoned the Lord, abandoned the Lord. this is the verse that that gets me. Chapter two, verse thirteen. For my people have committed a double evil. They have abandoned me, the fountain of living water. So that's one thing they did. They they dumped me, and then they dug cisterns for themselves, cracked cisterns that cannot hold water. I mean, that's the essence of idolatry, is digging our own cisterns.

In-Jeramie: You know, chapter two, they've abandoned the Lord, abandoned the Lord. this is the verse that that gets me. Chapter two, verse thirteen. For my people have committed a double evil. They have abandoned me, the fountain of living water. So that's one thing they did. They they dumped me, and then they dug cisterns for themselves, cracked cisterns that cannot hold water. I mean, that's the essence of idolatry, is digging our own cisterns.

Allen: That we think are gonna satisfy the thirst of our soul, but they they don't. They leak. Kind of like when Jesus said to the woman at the well in Samaria, if anyone drinks this water, he'll thirst again. But if anyone drinks the water I give him, he'll never thirst. It'll become a spring of water welling up into him eternal life. Yeah. Yeah. That's good. And I think what's interesting amidst all of this, we see a clear again, you mentioned the covenant curses in the Lord even vindicating himself, kind of anticipating. In two seventeen, he says, Have you not

In-Jeramie: That we think are gonna satisfy the thirst of our soul, but they they don't. They leak. Kind of like when Jesus said to the woman at the well in Samaria, if anyone drinks this water, he'll thirst again. But if anyone drinks the water I give him, he'll never thirst. It'll become a spring of water welling up into him eternal life. Yeah. Yeah. That's good. And I think what's interesting amidst all of this, we see a clear again, you mentioned the covenant curses in the Lord even vindicating himself, kind of anticipating. In two seventeen, he says, Have you not

Allen: Brought this upon yourself by forsaking the Lord your God when he led you in the way. It's like I've led you. Like you've brought this upon yourself. Like you can't be angry with me. You've done this yourself. And even then, like in there's a sense in which prophecy is even grace because he says return. You know, it is it is a last chance. It's a last chance. It's a return, faithless Israel. Return, O faithless sons. I will hear I will heal your faithlessness. Return, O faithless children. And they're like, Nope, we want our sin.

In-Jeramie: Brought this upon yourself by forsaking the Lord your God when he led you in the way. It's like I've led you. Like you've brought this upon yourself. Like you can't be angry with me. You've done this yourself. And even then, like in there's a sense in which prophecy is even grace because he says return. You know, it is it is a last chance. It's a last chance. It's a return, faithless Israel. Return, O faithless sons. I will hear I will heal your faithlessness. Return, O faithless children. And they're like, Nope, we want our sin.

Allen: And it's just it's perplexing, you know. I think this is Yeah. Good. this is interesting in the life of many believers where when confronted with sin, myself included in these, where confronted with sin and you're like mm, I don't know. I think I still want my own way. Yeah. and it's a sobering thought or even think about those people who maybe in your life or whatnot

In-Jeramie: And it's just it's perplexing, you know. I think this is Yeah. Good. this is interesting in the life of many believers where when confronted with sin, myself included in these, where confronted with sin and you're like mm, I don't know. I think I still want my own way. Yeah. and it's a sobering thought or even think about those people who maybe in your life or whatnot

Allen: You guys are v evangelizing, spreading your family, friends, and you're just like, Hey, return to God, like be be faithful, like you know, a child, a prodigal, like return to God, return to them. They're like, No, I'd rather go and live in my sin. And it's just like, man, that is so sad. But like the forgiveness is ready. It's right there. If you just come back to him. So Jeremiah had to go to not just a friend, not just one family member, but like a whole nation. Yeah. That was like that. I mean, s some of the the haunting.

In-Jeramie: You guys are v evangelizing, spreading your family, friends, and you're just like, Hey, return to God, like be be faithful, like you know, a child, a prodigal, like return to God, return to them. They're like, No, I'd rather go and live in my sin. And it's just like, man, that is so sad. But like the forgiveness is ready. It's right there. If you just come back to him. So Jeremiah had to go to not just a friend, not just one family member, but like a whole nation. Yeah. That was like that. I mean, s some of the the haunting.

Allen: This is a verse that grabbed me that I'd never really seen before. It was chapter five, verse one. roam through the streets of Jerusalem, investigate, search in her squares. If you find one person who acts justly, who pursues faithfulness, I will forgive her. You know what that reminded me of? That reminded me of when Abraham sends the angels. Or when God sends the angels, and Abraham's like, God, if you find ten

In-Jeramie: This is a verse that grabbed me that I'd never really seen before. It was chapter five, verse one. roam through the streets of Jerusalem, investigate, search in her squares. If you find one person who acts justly, who pursues faithfulness, I will forgive her. You know what that reminded me of? That reminded me of when Abraham sends the angels. Or when God sends the angels, and Abraham's like, God, if you find ten

Allen: People in Sodom who are faithful. He's I won't destroy it. Yeah, I won't destroy the city. And so here God's like, Hey, you go search for one person in Jerusalem and I won't destroy Jerusalem. And he's You're not gonna find it. You're gonna find it. Yeah. That's how bad it was. Yeah. So basically like Jerusalem had become its own version of Sodom and Gomorrah. I think they're it's interesting to just put it in perspective, especially you know, it's election season right now. And so, you know, people are fired up.

In-Jeramie: People in Sodom who are faithful. He's I won't destroy it. Yeah, I won't destroy the city. And so here God's like, Hey, you go search for one person in Jerusalem and I won't destroy Jerusalem. And he's You're not gonna find it. You're gonna find it. Yeah. That's how bad it was. Yeah. So basically like Jerusalem had become its own version of Sodom and Gomorrah. I think they're it's interesting to just put it in perspective, especially you know, it's election season right now. And so, you know, people are fired up.

Allen: You know, people are like, well, America, it's collapsing in on itself and they're abandoning God and they're faithless. And you know, we get riled up and you're like, dude, imagine Jeremiah, who's yeah, now going to an an entire nation is rejected. Like, praise be to God. We have a great church. People love Jesus here. They're worshiping here. You can worship him and people aren't just gonna, you know, kill you for your faith.

In-Jeramie: You know, people are like, well, America, it's collapsing in on itself and they're abandoning God and they're faithless. And you know, we get riled up and you're like, dude, imagine Jeremiah, who's yeah, now going to an an entire nation is rejected. Like, praise be to God. We have a great church. People love Jesus here. They're worshiping here. You can worship him and people aren't just gonna, you know, kill you for your faith.

Allen: Here, you know, that's not the case in everywhere in the world, but it's the case here. Yeah. We gather on Sunday, we worship and all this, and people are still actually following and worshiping God. And it just kind of puts it in perspective a little bit. I think it's a sobering sobering thought. Not that, you know, we should be, you know, completely un you know, unattentive to things that are going on and you know, user voices, but yeah. So anyway, that's kind of as you read through Jeremiah, just kind of understand that's that's where it's coming from and that's why it's so heavy and

In-Jeramie: Here, you know, that's not the case in everywhere in the world, but it's the case here. Yeah. We gather on Sunday, we worship and all this, and people are still actually following and worshiping God. And it just kind of puts it in perspective a little bit. I think it's a sobering sobering thought. Not that, you know, we should be, you know, completely un you know, unattentive to things that are going on and you know, user voices, but yeah. So anyway, that's kind of as you read through Jeremiah, just kind of understand that's that's where it's coming from and that's why it's so heavy and

Allen: and you know, it it's just gonna feel like a lot of judgment. Like, yeah, it is. Because that's where they were at. This was the final chance. Yep. That's right. Let's head over to this favorite of our church because we just f finished the sermon series of it, which is the Clasias. We're gonna do chapters one through four. Our church loved this. Yeah, we loved it. Yeah. And I'd never preached it, and so it was like

In-Jeramie: and you know, it it's just gonna feel like a lot of judgment. Like, yeah, it is. Because that's where they were at. This was the final chance. Yep. That's right. Let's head over to this favorite of our church because we just f finished the sermon series of it, which is the Clasias. We're gonna do chapters one through four. Our church loved this. Yeah, we loved it. Yeah. And I'd never preached it, and so it was like

Allen: I was like, I gotta preach Ecclesiastes. Like otherwise I'm kind of a wuss. Like I I need to face this. I need to face it. And it was so rich. I got so much out of it. Did you? Yeah. Well, okay. Then pervert personal devotion of thought before you even comment about Ecclesiastes. Yeah. As you studied prepared messages and preached them, what do you think the main thing God was doing in your heart when you were preparing the sermons? it it's it's such a reality check that destroys

In-Jeramie: I was like, I gotta preach Ecclesiastes. Like otherwise I'm kind of a wuss. Like I I need to face this. I need to face it. And it was so rich. I got so much out of it. Did you? Yeah. Well, okay. Then pervert personal devotion of thought before you even comment about Ecclesiastes. Yeah. As you studied prepared messages and preached them, what do you think the main thing God was doing in your heart when you were preparing the sermons? it it's it's such a reality check that destroys

Allen: Delusions of grandeur, delusions of this world being my hope. Yeah, you know, all those my own idolatrous impulses to make to think that I can dig a cistern in this world. I mean, that's the whole thing. It's like the cistern leaks. And so the whole book of Ecclesiastes is like like if you try to dig your cistern in this world and you try to find your your meaning here and your significance in your life, like it's gonna leak. You're gonna die.

In-Jeramie: Delusions of grandeur, delusions of this world being my hope. Yeah, you know, all those my own idolatrous impulses to make to think that I can dig a cistern in this world. I mean, that's the whole thing. It's like the cistern leaks. And so the whole book of Ecclesiastes is like like if you try to dig your cistern in this world and you try to find your your meaning here and your significance in your life, like it's gonna leak. You're gonna die.

Allen: Everything you work for is gonna go to someone else. Like that's not the cistern. Yeah. God is the sister. God is the the not he's not a cistern, he's a you know, spring of flowing water. Yeah, that's true. So I I feel like Ecclesiastes is a good gut check, especially in in our own culture that promises so much through self-accomplishment, through technology, through consumer goods and produ services and products.

In-Jeramie: Everything you work for is gonna go to someone else. Like that's not the cistern. Yeah. God is the sister. God is the the not he's not a cistern, he's a you know, spring of flowing water. Yeah, that's true. So I I feel like Ecclesiastes is a good gut check, especially in in our own culture that promises so much through self-accomplishment, through technology, through consumer goods and produ services and products.

Allen: That you know, it's like this is like we have so much, we have so much abundance. Like, yeah, but it's not the meaning of life. Yeah. And it's it's hard to remember that when you're like under a tidal wave of, you know, modern conveniences and things. So I just found it's it's a good like reset, you know, it's like a cleanse book. Yeah. It just cleanses. Yeah, read through it and you're like, Man, this is the real perspective. Yeah. I was talking with my my b one of my best friends, Justin, who actually connected me Chris where I ended up

In-Jeramie: That you know, it's like this is like we have so much, we have so much abundance. Like, yeah, but it's not the meaning of life. Yeah. And it's it's hard to remember that when you're like under a tidal wave of, you know, modern conveniences and things. So I just found it's it's a good like reset, you know, it's like a cleanse book. Yeah. It just cleanses. Yeah, read through it and you're like, Man, this is the real perspective. Yeah. I was talking with my my b one of my best friends, Justin, who actually connected me Chris where I ended up

Allen: Down here, but there's something, I don't know if it's a CS loop or Lord of the Rings, something about you know, the dragon and the scales just being ripped off. Maybe I'm not a big Lord of the Rings guy. I don't know if you are, but there's something with the dragon scales being peeled off and scaled off and ripped off, but you know, in that kind of sense. But y you get the idea, right? That'd be more Hobbit with smog. Okay. Yeah. Okay. Yeah, that's your world. Yeah. Okay. But you know what? Yeah, yeah, yeah. Like I mean, like that's why I don't talk about football.

In-Jeramie: Down here, but there's something, I don't know if it's a CS loop or Lord of the Rings, something about you know, the dragon and the scales just being ripped off. Maybe I'm not a big Lord of the Rings guy. I don't know if you are, but there's something with the dragon scales being peeled off and scaled off and ripped off, but you know, in that kind of sense. But y you get the idea, right? That'd be more Hobbit with smog. Okay. Yeah. Okay. Yeah, that's your world. Yeah. Okay. But you know what? Yeah, yeah, yeah. Like I mean, like that's why I don't talk about football.

Allen: So I don't want to sound like Alan talking about Lord of the Rings. Yeah, the that's that's right. That's right. That's right. Stay in your own lane. Stay in your lane. Don't look, don't veer to the left or to the right. That's it. That's right. Yeah. Yeah. So Alan's what we call a normal dude because he f likes sports and he plays sports. Yeah, that's right. I am what you call a dork. Yeah, that's right. That's right. Bobby on one of the episodes he said he went the more kind of

In-Jeramie: So I don't want to sound like Alan talking about Lord of the Rings. Yeah, the that's that's right. That's right. That's right. Stay in your own lane. Stay in your lane. Don't look, don't veer to the left or to the right. That's it. That's right. Yeah. Yeah. So Alan's what we call a normal dude because he f likes sports and he plays sports. Yeah, that's right. I am what you call a dork. Yeah, that's right. That's right. Bobby on one of the episodes he said he went the more kind of

Allen: philosophical nerdy route compared to sports because we were having a similar conversation. So you and I you and him are kinda in the same boat. And I'm like, are those mutually exclusive? He goes, Yep. That's so Bobby. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. He I was like, okay. Okay. Well there it is. There it is. Bob Bobby is a man who does not set foot in grey. No. No, there's no gray in Bobby. There's black and there's just in his beard. It is grey. yeah. Yeah, yeah.

In-Jeramie: philosophical nerdy route compared to sports because we were having a similar conversation. So you and I you and him are kinda in the same boat. And I'm like, are those mutually exclusive? He goes, Yep. That's so Bobby. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. He I was like, okay. Okay. Well there it is. There it is. Bob Bobby is a man who does not set foot in grey. No. No, there's no gray in Bobby. There's black and there's just in his beard. It is grey. yeah. Yeah, yeah.

Allen: He's getting years the the you know, gray hair is a crown of wisdom. There we go. So yeah. Okay, Ecclesiastes. Let's go. Yeah. you know, chapter three is probably one of my fave sections. We read as part of a reading, the the poem to time. There's time for everything under heaven. we know that from the you know, the musical rendition by the birds, in the sixties, I think. Anyway, but it you know, it's it's just a poem about

In-Jeramie: He's getting years the the you know, gray hair is a crown of wisdom. There we go. So yeah. Okay, Ecclesiastes. Let's go. Yeah. you know, chapter three is probably one of my fave sections. We read as part of a reading, the the poem to time. There's time for everything under heaven. we know that from the you know, the musical rendition by the birds, in the sixties, I think. Anyway, but it you know, it's it's just a poem about

Allen: God's sovereignty over events and He's in charge of all the things that happen. We're not in charge. And so there's a a joy to be found in submitting ourselves to God's sovereign time. You know, it's kind of like we talked about last the last podcast, if you go back and listen to that one, that God disciplines us. Yeah. God uses circumstances to humble us. And so anyway, the mystery of time,

In-Jeramie: God's sovereignty over events and He's in charge of all the things that happen. We're not in charge. And so there's a a joy to be found in submitting ourselves to God's sovereign time. You know, it's kind of like we talked about last the last podcast, if you go back and listen to that one, that God disciplines us. Yeah. God uses circumstances to humble us. And so anyway, the mystery of time,

Allen: Chapter three verse one through eight. You want to know something interesting about the passage and my the unique role of this passage in my life? Yeah. When my I was 15 years old and they had asked me to read scripture at my grandma's funeral. yeah. So the first time I ever read scripture in public, this was before I was even saved. But the first public reading of scripture I've ever done in my life was Ecclesiastes three, one through eight. That poem. Isn't that cool? Isn't that nuts? Yeah. And now I come back to it with kind of fresh eyes and

In-Jeramie: Chapter three verse one through eight. You want to know something interesting about the passage and my the unique role of this passage in my life? Yeah. When my I was 15 years old and they had asked me to read scripture at my grandma's funeral. yeah. So the first time I ever read scripture in public, this was before I was even saved. But the first public reading of scripture I've ever done in my life was Ecclesiastes three, one through eight. That poem. Isn't that cool? Isn't that nuts? Yeah. And now I come back to it with kind of fresh eyes and

Allen: know what it means. Like I I don't think I understood understood death in the role of scripture and God's sovereignty at the time and now it's like, whoa, that's what this means. Hey, you might be getting surgery tomorrow. Yeah. I just want you to remember verse seven. There's a time to s tear and a time to sew. Man, the Bible really does speak to all Unbelievable. Too soon? No. Okay. Never too soon. Never too soon at you. Dude, you gotta laugh.

In-Jeramie: know what it means. Like I I don't think I understood understood death in the role of scripture and God's sovereignty at the time and now it's like, whoa, that's what this means. Hey, you might be getting surgery tomorrow. Yeah. I just want you to remember verse seven. There's a time to s tear and a time to sew. Man, the Bible really does speak to all Unbelievable. Too soon? No. Okay. Never too soon. Never too soon at you. Dude, you gotta laugh.

Allen: You gotta laugh. You gotta laugh, man. You gotta laugh. That's right. That's the beautiful thing about believing in the sovereignty of God. Yeah. Is you can throw up your hands in prayer in faith and then laugh with God and say, God, I d I don't know what you're doing. Although, you know, the Bible does say like suffering doesn't feel good at the time. That's right. So I'm not suffering yet, but

In-Jeramie: You gotta laugh. You gotta laugh, man. You gotta laugh. That's right. That's the beautiful thing about believing in the sovereignty of God. Yeah. Is you can throw up your hands in prayer in faith and then laugh with God and say, God, I d I don't know what you're doing. Although, you know, the Bible does say like suffering doesn't feel good at the time. That's right. So I'm not suffering yet, but

Allen: So it's not too soon. But even like waiting on on a potential surgery is kind of suffering. It's just like, you know, like what's gonna happen? But like you said, when when you I mean, all joking aside, it's like when you trust in the sovereignty of God, when his providence to use the S you know, the Esther stuff we learned. It's it's that he he orders these things and he does it for believers for our good. Yeah, that's right. And for our development. That's hard to believe though. It's hard to believe when you're in the middle of sometimes. It does. It is, it is. But yeah, that's good in Ecclesiastes, you the favorite

In-Jeramie: So it's not too soon. But even like waiting on on a potential surgery is kind of suffering. It's just like, you know, like what's gonna happen? But like you said, when when you I mean, all joking aside, it's like when you trust in the sovereignty of God, when his providence to use the S you know, the Esther stuff we learned. It's it's that he he orders these things and he does it for believers for our good. Yeah, that's right. And for our development. That's hard to believe though. It's hard to believe when you're in the middle of sometimes. It does. It is, it is. But yeah, that's good in Ecclesiastes, you the favorite

Allen: expression from Ecclesiastes. Well, one, the the world would recognize, you know, not just Christians, but you know, nothing new under the sun. Nothing new under the sun. There's nothing new under the sun. But yeah, and under the sun is a good way to think about because sometimes people struggle with Ecclesiastes because it's so like Jeremiah, so dark. It almost seems cynical. And some people think like this shouldn't be in the Bible. The Bible's about hope and faith and victory and breakthroughs and blessing. And here's Ecclesiastes that's like, you know

In-Jeramie: expression from Ecclesiastes. Well, one, the the world would recognize, you know, not just Christians, but you know, nothing new under the sun. Nothing new under the sun. There's nothing new under the sun. But yeah, and under the sun is a good way to think about because sometimes people struggle with Ecclesiastes because it's so like Jeremiah, so dark. It almost seems cynical. And some people think like this shouldn't be in the Bible. The Bible's about hope and faith and victory and breakthroughs and blessing. And here's Ecclesiastes that's like, you know

Allen: It's so dark. But I think that's why it's it's trying to describe life under the sun, which is sort of a shorthand way of saying life without God in a sinful and fallen world. Yeah. Is like this. And that's where it rings true. Yeah. Yeah. You're looking at life through reality. That's right. So like this is how it actually actually is. So yeah, if you're listening out there and you're in a time or season of your life right now where you're like, you know what, there's just a lot of lousy things stacking up in my life. you know, don't don't despair.

In-Jeramie: It's so dark. But I think that's why it's it's trying to describe life under the sun, which is sort of a shorthand way of saying life without God in a sinful and fallen world. Yeah. Is like this. And that's where it rings true. Yeah. Yeah. You're looking at life through reality. That's right. So like this is how it actually actually is. So yeah, if you're listening out there and you're in a time or season of your life right now where you're like, you know what, there's just a lot of lousy things stacking up in my life. you know, don't don't despair.

Allen: there's a time for everything and God is has times for us and he's doing he's at work. This isn't random. It's it's just what he's doing right now. And we don't know why, and we don't know what all the outcomes will be. No. But we rest in in the fact that there's a time for everything because God's in charge. Yeah, that's right. Just in the promises of God. Yeah. That's right. All right, let's talk about your favorite gospel. yeah. It's your favorite, right? Is my favorite. Is it objectively the best? Mm.

In-Jeramie: there's a time for everything and God is has times for us and he's doing he's at work. This isn't random. It's it's just what he's doing right now. And we don't know why, and we don't know what all the outcomes will be. No. But we rest in in the fact that there's a time for everything because God's in charge. Yeah, that's right. Just in the promises of God. Yeah. That's right. All right, let's talk about your favorite gospel. yeah. It's your favorite, right? Is my favorite. Is it objectively the best? Mm.

Allen: It's my favorite. Yeah. I mean, how can you say what who was it that said, you know, you know, there's no best or I forget how it says, but anyways it's like, you know, all of the Bible is God breathed, it's God inspired, it's God word and it's good.

In-Jeramie: It's my favorite. Yeah. I mean, how can you say what who was it that said, you know, you know, there's no best or I forget how it says, but anyways it's like, you know, all of the Bible is God breathed, it's God inspired, it's God word and it's good.

Allen: But there are some verses that are better than others. Who said that? I don't I don't know. Maybe it's just my buddy, but it's like there are some verses that are better than others. Well, you know, there's some verses, maybe maybe another way to put it is there's some verses that that distill great truths in in like a just a a beautiful little moment that are that are spread elsewhere. You like John three sixteen, like why does everyone quote it? Because it just

In-Jeramie: But there are some verses that are better than others. Who said that? I don't I don't know. Maybe it's just my buddy, but it's like there are some verses that are better than others. Well, you know, there's some verses, maybe maybe another way to put it is there's some verses that that distill great truths in in like a just a a beautiful little moment that are that are spread elsewhere. You like John three sixteen, like why does everyone quote it? Because it just

Allen: holds so many threads together. Yeah, that's right. Yeah. It's not that it's more true than other verses, but yeah. Yeah. So John is a great gospel. it's it you know, if anyone who's read the other three gospels, then John it it's clearly a different kind of it's it's a more original work in the sense in the sense of it doesn't follow the framework and pattern of the other three. Right. so

In-Jeramie: holds so many threads together. Yeah, that's right. Yeah. It's not that it's more true than other verses, but yeah. Yeah. So John is a great gospel. it's it you know, if anyone who's read the other three gospels, then John it it's clearly a different kind of it's it's a more original work in the sense in the sense of it doesn't follow the framework and pattern of the other three. Right. so

Allen: But and so it's fresh. I would say it's it's very theological in the sense that it it has a lot of theological discourses where Jesus is explaining things. it's using old testament imagery and applying it to himself. Mm-hmm. it's built around seven signs or seven miracles that that reveal who Jesus is. Famous for the I am sayings. Yeah, that's right. But he is like I am the bread of life, I am the living water. Yeah. I am

In-Jeramie: But and so it's fresh. I would say it's it's very theological in the sense that it it has a lot of theological discourses where Jesus is explaining things. it's using old testament imagery and applying it to himself. Mm-hmm. it's built around seven signs or seven miracles that that reveal who Jesus is. Famous for the I am sayings. Yeah, that's right. But he is like I am the bread of life, I am the living water. Yeah. I am

Allen: Light of the world. Yeah. We love we love those are so sweet, man. So I can't I can't wait for we didn't get there, but I can't wait for us to get there. So yeah, and pastors preach sermon series. Like sometimes pastors will preach through John. Sometimes they'll be like, you know, this summer we're gonna do the seven IM sayings of John because they're just so good. Yeah, yeah. That's good. this is this is John the Apostle, by the way. Correct. You know, just you know quick remarkable. Not John the Baptist. This is not John the Baptist, which isn't which is important, but the the beginning of the book actually

In-Jeramie: Light of the world. Yeah. We love we love those are so sweet, man. So I can't I can't wait for we didn't get there, but I can't wait for us to get there. So yeah, and pastors preach sermon series. Like sometimes pastors will preach through John. Sometimes they'll be like, you know, this summer we're gonna do the seven IM sayings of John because they're just so good. Yeah, yeah. That's good. this is this is John the Apostle, by the way. Correct. You know, just you know quick remarkable. Not John the Baptist. This is not John the Baptist, which isn't which is important, but the the beginning of the book actually

Allen: opens up with John the Baptist. Well, yeah. After. You know, in the beginning was the word. Yeah. You know, this is calling back to Genesis, which is so cool. Again, this is what it's bringing in the entire Bible. It's like, hey, this is Jesus. He was before, you know, he was always is, always was, and he is the word of God and he's now with us. He's come to dwell with us, which is so sweet. The incarnation. Yeah, verse one, in the beginning was the word. The word was with God. The word was God. Right there is the Trinity. Yeah, that's right. That that Jesus or or that the word

In-Jeramie: opens up with John the Baptist. Well, yeah. After. You know, in the beginning was the word. Yeah. You know, this is calling back to Genesis, which is so cool. Again, this is what it's bringing in the entire Bible. It's like, hey, this is Jesus. He was before, you know, he was always is, always was, and he is the word of God and he's now with us. He's come to dwell with us, which is so sweet. The incarnation. Yeah, verse one, in the beginning was the word. The word was with God. The word was God. Right there is the Trinity. Yeah, that's right. That that Jesus or or that the word

Allen: God the Son is God. So he's the same essence as God, but he's also with God in the sense that the Son is with the Father. So you you know, and and then you have the incarnation, verse 14, the word became flesh and dwelt among us. So you know, there's so much theology about who Jesus is that's jammed into these verses, that he's the creator, you know, his response from the world.

In-Jeramie: God the Son is God. So he's the same essence as God, but he's also with God in the sense that the Son is with the Father. So you you know, and and then you have the incarnation, verse 14, the word became flesh and dwelt among us. So you know, there's so much theology about who Jesus is that's jammed into these verses, that he's the creator, you know, his response from the world.

Allen: So that's what that's what I mean by it's a very kind of overtly theological book. I mean, all the gospels are full of great theology, but John's is the most articulated explicit. Yeah, that's right. there's a purpose statement in John that he lays out where he says this is basically when you read John, you can kind of have this in mind. And remind me of the chapter verse. John twenty. John twenty. I think it's twenty one, twenty I think it's tw yeah, twenty one.

In-Jeramie: So that's what that's what I mean by it's a very kind of overtly theological book. I mean, all the gospels are full of great theology, but John's is the most articulated explicit. Yeah, that's right. there's a purpose statement in John that he lays out where he says this is basically when you read John, you can kind of have this in mind. And remind me of the chapter verse. John twenty. John twenty. I think it's twenty one, twenty I think it's tw yeah, twenty one.

Allen: What you can maybe flip there and find it. But essentially says, I write these things so that you believe in him, in the one who is to come. Is that what is that what it says? I should have prepared this beforehand, but Yeah, keep going. yeah, no, I'm sorry. It's 20, chapter 20, verses 30 to 31. I said 20, 21, 30, 31. Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that were not written in this book, but these were written so that here's why he wrote the book. You may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

In-Jeramie: What you can maybe flip there and find it. But essentially says, I write these things so that you believe in him, in the one who is to come. Is that what is that what it says? I should have prepared this beforehand, but Yeah, keep going. yeah, no, I'm sorry. It's 20, chapter 20, verses 30 to 31. I said 20, 21, 30, 31. Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that were not written in this book, but these were written so that here's why he wrote the book. You may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

Allen: Yeah. And that by believing you may have life in his name. Yeah. There you go. Amen. hey, there's, you know, something interesting in this. You and I are just chatting before we got on this. when you candidated here before the the church called you to be the pastor and you preached a sermon out of this out of this book, is that right? Yeah. Yeah. My I I have a kind of go to candidating sermon and it's it's the the thing where John the Baptist says, I am not the Christ. Mm-hmm.

In-Jeramie: Yeah. And that by believing you may have life in his name. Yeah. There you go. Amen. hey, there's, you know, something interesting in this. You and I are just chatting before we got on this. when you candidated here before the the church called you to be the pastor and you preached a sermon out of this out of this book, is that right? Yeah. Yeah. My I I have a kind of go to candidating sermon and it's it's the the thing where John the Baptist says, I am not the Christ. Mm-hmm.

Allen: And so that's been that's been my go to candidating sermon is I'm not the Christ. Yeah. So you know, I don't know what you're looking for in a senior pastor. I'm like John the Baptist, I'm not the Christ. I will not be able to do for you what Jesus can do for you, but I will, like John the Baptist, always point to him and tell you there's the Lamb of God. Yeah. So that's that's my job as a pastor. Yeah. Yeah. The Lamb of God who takes away

In-Jeramie: And so that's been that's been my go to candidating sermon is I'm not the Christ. Yeah. So you know, I don't know what you're looking for in a senior pastor. I'm like John the Baptist, I'm not the Christ. I will not be able to do for you what Jesus can do for you, but I will, like John the Baptist, always point to him and tell you there's the Lamb of God. Yeah. So that's that's my job as a pastor. Yeah. Yeah. The Lamb of God who takes away

Allen: The sinner of the world. There we That lamb language again. You know, when last episode we'd call back to Isaiah, right? Who's the predicted lamb? Going back to the Exodus, the Passover lamb. And now he says, Hey, the lamb, the lamb. He's come. He's come to take away the sins of the world. So it's so sweet. Yeah. yeah, just just so rich. and and there's some of the main themes too. faith, you know, is a huge one in this believing again.

In-Jeramie: The sinner of the world. There we That lamb language again. You know, when last episode we'd call back to Isaiah, right? Who's the predicted lamb? Going back to the Exodus, the Passover lamb. And now he says, Hey, the lamb, the lamb. He's come. He's come to take away the sins of the world. So it's so sweet. Yeah. yeah, just just so rich. and and there's some of the main themes too. faith, you know, is a huge one in this believing again.

Allen: The purpose of the book is so that we might believe. So, you know, belief is a major theme in this book. Eternal life is a major theme in the book. Yeah. That what Jesus came to give is eternal life. and and so look for the theme of life. and and these'll these will just roll throughout this the story. So so as you read John, just like all the gospels, but especially in John, just keep asking yourself here's the question Who is Jesus? Who is Jesus? That's what is there to answer. That's right. we peered into chapter two, his first miracle.

In-Jeramie: The purpose of the book is so that we might believe. So, you know, belief is a major theme in this book. Eternal life is a major theme in the book. Yeah. That what Jesus came to give is eternal life. and and so look for the theme of life. and and these'll these will just roll throughout this the story. So so as you read John, just like all the gospels, but especially in John, just keep asking yourself here's the question Who is Jesus? Who is Jesus? That's what is there to answer. That's right. we peered into chapter two, his first miracle.

Allen: The wedding at Cana, right? Where he makes water into wine. And so it this is interesting. I I mean, why I don't know. To me, it's why why is that your leadoff miracle? W why is that the leadoff miracle? I I've pondered this for, you know, a little bit of time, a couple of years. Do you have a explanation, reason, theory, thought? What kind of what's the kind of consensus on this? I mean, the the explanation that that I have found most convincing is that it's a miracle signaling

In-Jeramie: The wedding at Cana, right? Where he makes water into wine. And so it this is interesting. I I mean, why I don't know. To me, it's why why is that your leadoff miracle? W why is that the leadoff miracle? I I've pondered this for, you know, a little bit of time, a couple of years. Do you have a explanation, reason, theory, thought? What can what's the kind of consensus on this? I mean, the the explanation that that I have found most convincing is that it's a miracle signaling

Allen: the the dawn of the messianic age. Yeah. That it's you know, the abundant wine kind of echoes some Old Testament prophecies about you know, the hills running with wine. And so it's it's the it's the image of the overabundance of God's blessing and salvation, which is symbolized by wine. Yeah. and yeah, so it's it's the beginning of the messianic age. But it is funny. It's like, okay, I'm sure there's a lot of sick people. I'm sure there's kids who could use healing. I'm sure there's like

In-Jeramie: the the dawn of the messianic age. Yeah. That it's you know, the abundant wine kind of echoes some Old Testament prophecies about you know, the hills running with wine. And so it's it's the it's the image of the overabundance of God's blessing and salvation, which is symbolized by wine. Yeah. and yeah, so it's it's the beginning of the messianic age. But it is funny. It's like, okay, I'm sure there's a lot of sick people. I'm sure there's kids who could use healing. I'm sure there's like

Allen: But he's like, here's what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna make like gallons of wine and it's actually gonna be really good wine. Yeah. That's right. So we can get into our party and feast and hang out. Right. You know. Yeah. But but but it's I think it's that's the direction. To me, that's been the as I've looked at different explanations. That's the one that I found most convincing. Yeah. And by the way, this is not approved text for drunkenness. No. So please or partying. Or partying. So please don't read it. It's not but peop people have made that argument, by the way. Yeah.

In-Jeramie: But he's like, here's what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna make like gallons of wine and it's actually gonna be really good wine. Yeah. That's right. So we can get into our party and feast and hang out. Right. You know. Yeah. But but but it's I think it's that's the direction. To me, that's been the as I've looked at different explanations. That's the one that I found most convincing. Yeah. And by the way, this is not approved text for drunkenness. No. So please or partying. Or partying. So please don't read it. It's not but peop people have made that argument, by the way. Yeah.

Allen: Like that's a legit thing. So just wanna clear the air on that. Yeah, that's right. Drunkenness is always a sin. Yeah, that's right. Like, yeah. I mean Christians shouldn't be drunk. That's right. Christians shouldn't be buzzing. Yeah, that's right. Yeah. Yep. Yeah. Which is one of the reasons I think, you know, one of the interesting this is kind of a side tangent, but you know, one of the questions people have is, you know, smoking pot. Like can Christians do that? And of course that's become a big thing because it's been legalized. Yeah, that's right. and I mean I

In-Jeramie: Like that's a legit thing. So just wanna clear the air on that. Yeah, that's right. Drunkenness is always a sin. Yeah, that's right. Like, yeah. I mean Christians shouldn't be drunk. That's right. Christians shouldn't be buzzing. Yeah, that's right. Yeah. Yep. Yeah. Which is one of the reasons I think, you know, one of the interesting this is kind of a side tangent, but you know, one of the questions people have is, you know, smoking pot. Like can Christians do that? And of course that's become a big thing because it's been legalized. Yeah, that's right. and I mean I

Allen: I think smoking a pot is always a sin, but it's because like it always impairs you. That's right. You know, it like you can't it's like you can't not get high from smoking a pot. That's right. You you could have a s one small glass or a glass of wine and not be drunk or buzzing. I'm not saying you should or therefore it's okay. Right. But I'm just saying that's possible to to drink alcohol without getting drunk or buzzed. But you can't smoke a joint without becoming under the influence. Yeah.

In-Jeramie: I think smoking a pot is always a sin, but it's because like it always impairs you. That's right. You know, it like you can't it's like you can't not get high from smoking a pot. That's right. You you could have a s one small glass or a glass of wine and not be drunk or buzzing. I'm not saying you should or therefore it's okay. Right. But I'm just saying that's possible to to drink alcohol without getting drunk or buzzed. But you can't smoke a joint without becoming under the influence. Yeah.

Allen: And that's the thing. You want to be filled with the spirit, not filled with our and that's the big thing is right. Once you become impaired, you're no longer sober minded and you're following the flesh and you're being led by the flesh rather than being led by the spirit. Absolutely. Yeah. Absolutely. It's a good comment. Besides addiction, besides all the other things that it does. Yeah. That's right. That's right. And it makes you just stupid. It it makes you stupid. Yeah, dude. Okay.

In-Jeramie: And that's the thing. You want to be filled with the spirit, not filled with our and that's the big thing is right. Once you become impaired, you're no longer sober minded and you're following the flesh and you're being led by the flesh rather than being led by the spirit. Absolutely. Yeah. Absolutely. It's a good comment. Besides addiction, besides all the other things that it does. Yeah. That's right. That's right. And it makes you just stupid. It it makes you stupid. Yeah, dude. Okay.

Allen: This is a cr another side tangent. Here we are. It'll be quick. How did we get on this? I'm sorry. Okay. Quick side tangent. Yeah, we're tangenting. one of the c crazy things and I was young, younger in I just I don't know if th this was your generation grew up with this too, but like, you know, the idea that like, hey, weed is not a gateway drug and it doesn't make you stupid. Like it actually relaxes you and chills. Like I believe that lie, you know, in like high school, beginning of college, before I was saved and stuff. And I'm like, it was making me so stupid and dumb.

In-Jeramie: This is a cr another side tangent. Here we are. It'll be quick. How did we get on this? I'm sorry. Okay. Quick side tangent. Yeah, we're tangenting. one of the c crazy things and I was young, younger in I just I don't know if th this was your generation grew up with this too, but like, you know, the idea that like, hey, weed is not a gateway drug and it doesn't make you stupid. Like it actually relaxes you and chills. Like I believe that lie, you know, in like high school, beginning of college, before I was saved and stuff. And I'm like, it was making me so stupid and dumb.

Allen: Yeah. Like and the you know, thankfully the Lord opened up my eyes, saved me from all that. I'm like, man, like don't believe that. It is a gateway drug. It is, it is. And it does like like we knew who the kids in school who were stoners. That's what we called them. Yeah, that's right. Like 'cause they were idiots. Yeah. It just it makes you dumb. It makes you dumb. Yeah. I I yeah, I just would train with guys and football guys and even my one of my trainers from back in the I won't name him of course, but you know, he used to smoke and he would you know, he wouldn't care, he would smoke and he would start yelling at the high school guys.

In-Jeramie: Yeah. Like and the you know, thankfully the Lord opened up my eyes, saved me from all that. I'm like, man, like don't believe that. It is a gateway drug. It is, it is. And it does like like we knew who the kids in school who were stoners. That's what we called them. Yeah, that's right. Like 'cause they were idiots. Yeah. It just it makes you dumb. It makes you dumb. Yeah. I I yeah, I just would train with guys and football guys and even my one of my trainers from back in the I won't name him of course, but you know, he used to smoke and he would you know, he wouldn't care, he would smoke and he would start yelling at the high school guys.

Allen: That he knew we're smoking. He goes, dude, weed is making you dumb. Stop smoking it. Cause like he'd been there, he'd seen it. It's like, stop doing this. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah. Cause like he knows. He's like, I can tell you're being an idiot. Yeah, yeah. Yeah. Yeah, that's right. Anyway. But we're to be filled with the spirit. And it's Jesus, getting back on track to John who gives us the spirit. Yeah, that's right. You know, like he is the one, John one, who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. Yeah.

In-Jeramie: That he knew we're smoking. He goes, dude, weed is making you dumb. Stop smoking it. Cause like he'd been there, he'd seen it. It's like, stop doing this. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah. Cause like he knows. He's like, I can tell you're being an idiot. Yeah, yeah. Yeah. Yeah, that's right. Anyway. But we're to be filled with the spirit. And it's Jesus, getting back on track to John who gives us the spirit. Yeah, that's right. You know, like he is the one, John one, who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. Yeah.

Allen: You know what what a what a thought that Jesus has come to save us and to give us life and to and to pour out the Holy Spirit on us so that we can live not under the influence of alcohol, not under the influence of pot, not under the influence of pride, ego, self righteousness, but just under his control. I mean, that's just the best. That's what being happy in God is. Yeah. To be filled with the spirit and to be under his leadership and direction. Yeah.

In-Jeramie: You know what what a what a thought that Jesus has come to save us and to give us life and to and to pour out the Holy Spirit on us so that we can live not under the influence of alcohol, not under the influence of pot, not under the influence of pride, ego, self righteousness, but just under his control. I mean, that's just the best. That's what being happy in God is. Yeah. To be filled with the spirit and to be under his leadership and direction. Yeah.

Allen: That's right. That's good. heading over to our last comment. It's the book of James or the letter Yeah, letter of James. We've been we've been studying this in young adults. Yep. for the last I think five, six weeks. which is d we studied it in church a year ago. Okay. Ish. Yeah. Cool. Yeah. some of some of my thoughts, reflections just on the book as I was studying overview. it's like, you know, the kind of the proverbs of the New Testament.

In-Jeramie: That's right. That's good. heading over to our last comment. It's the book of James or the letter Yeah, letter of James. We've been we've been studying this in young adults. Yep. for the last I think five, six weeks. which is d we studied it in church a year ago. Okay. Ish. Yeah. Cool. Yeah. some of some of my thoughts, reflections just on the book as I was studying overview. it's like, you know, the kind of the proverbs of the New Testament.

Allen: Yeah. It's got a lot it's pulling a lot of Old Testament themes, kind of wisdom, proverbial wisdom, especially because this is James, half brother of Jesus, who spent a lot of time with Jesus, presumably in the kind of feel Sermon on the Mounty. Yep. So it's kind of riffing on those same things, how to live as a follower of Christ. And you know, he's writing to a very Jewish audience, right? Who are kind of in the dispersion. So you have a lot of this kind of you know, Judaic, Mosaic law kind of you know, kind of themes that we have threaded throughout here, which is which is interesting, besides all the other

In-Jeramie: Yeah. It's got a lot it's pulling a lot of Old Testament themes, kind of wisdom, proverbial wisdom, especially because this is James, half brother of Jesus, who spent a lot of time with Jesus, presumably in the kind of feel Sermon on the Mounty. Yep. So it's kind of riffing on those same things, how to live as a follower of Christ. And you know, he's writing to a very Jewish audience, right? Who are kind of in the dispersion. So you have a lot of this kind of you know, Judaic, Mosaic law kind of you know, kind of themes that we have threaded throughout here, which is which is interesting, besides all the other

Allen: Points that we love about James and the practical reality how to live life. But that's just some introductory thoughts on that. Yep. That's I agree. And we love James. I also think this is the half brother of Jesus. And and by that we mean after Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph had kids the natural way. Yeah. and so th this would be that James would have been someone born of Mary and Joseph. Yeah.

In-Jeramie: Points that we love about James and the practical reality how to live life. But that's just some introductory thoughts on that. Yep. That's I agree. And we love James. I also think this is the half brother of Jesus. And and by that we mean after Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph had kids the natural way. Yeah. and so th this would be that James would have been someone born of Mary and Joseph. Yeah.

Allen: his other brothers. from what we can tell in the gospels, for a while the brothers did not believe in Jesus. They thought he was lost his mind. Yeah. But somehow, somewhere along the way, James became a believer and eventually became like the I don't know, this is an acronym, but he kind of like the senior pastor of the Jerusalem church. Yeah. Yeah. He became like the like one of the lead elders or s some you know, what I that's not the right phrase, but something like that. Yeah.

In-Jeramie: his other brothers. from what we can tell in the gospels, for a while the brothers did not believe in Jesus. They thought he was lost his mind. Yeah. But somehow, somewhere along the way, James became a believer and eventually became like the I don't know, this is an acronym, but he kind of like the senior pastor of the Jerusalem church. Yeah. Yeah. He became like the like one of the lead elders or s some you know, what I that's not the right phrase, but something like that. Yeah.

Allen: And so he's you know, he's used to writing to Christians who are from a Jewish cultural context. So that's why Jew, you know, James reads very in some ways Old Testament Jewish. but yeah, it is. It's I think one of the reasons Christians love it is because he addresses how we should be living as Christians. It's very much a book for believers. it assumes the gospel, it assumes that we have faith in Christ.

In-Jeramie: And so he's you know, he's used to writing to Christians who are from a Jewish cultural context. So that's why Jew, you know, James reads very in some ways Old Testament Jewish. but yeah, it is. It's I think one of the reasons Christians love it is because he addresses how we should be living as Christians. It's very much a book for believers. it assumes the gospel, it assumes that we have faith in Christ.

Allen: And and and so it's just really great practical teaching. Mm-hmm. yeah. I mean verse two right up front, we talked about we've talked about suffering a decent amount between the last couple episodes, but yeah count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your daith of your faith produces steadfastness. So there it is again. Count it joy when you suffer. Yeah. Like suffering gives you steadfastness. Discipline it's discipline that trains you. That's right. So there's a way to suffer well if you're listening. Like you're going through suffering. There's a way to suffer well.

In-Jeramie: And and and so it's just really great practical teaching. Mm-hmm. yeah. I mean verse two right up front, we talked about we've talked about suffering a decent amount between the last couple episodes, but yeah count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your daith of your faith produces steadfastness. So there it is again. Count it joy when you suffer. Yeah. Like suffering gives you steadfastness. Discipline it's discipline that trains you. That's right. So there's a way to suffer well if you're listening. Like you're going through suffering. There's a way to suffer well.

Allen: And it's to count it joy, although it doesn't seem like joy because you know it's gonna produce that fastness to you. So that's just a little tidbit on how do I suffer well? Count it. Interestingly, it doesn't say feel the joy. Yeah. It says count it to it. Like you like you have to intentionally say, I'm thinking of this positively because I know the Lord's doing giving me endurance. Yeah. That's good. It's a good thought. Yeah. some great texts in this.

In-Jeramie: And it's to count it joy, although it doesn't seem like joy because you know it's gonna produce that fastness to you. So that's just a little tidbit on how do I suffer well? Count it. Interestingly, it doesn't say feel the joy. Yeah. It says count it to it. Like you like you have to intentionally say, I'm thinking of this positively because I know the Lord's doing giving me endurance. Yeah. That's good. It's a good thought. Yeah. some great texts in this.

Allen: I mean, this one is great. Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry. I've mastered that one. that's great. Super. Yeah. Yep. that's great. another one, another great verse. I mean James is just so full of little nuggets. verse five. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly. What a great promise. Yeah.

In-Jeramie: I mean, this one is great. Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry. I've mastered that one. that's great. Super. Yeah. Yep. that's great. another one, another great verse. I mean James is just so full of little nuggets. verse five. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly. What a great promise. Yeah.

Allen: That if you're like stuck, crossroads, lost, you can always ask God for wisdom. And it James promises you always will get it if you ask for it. That's right. God gives wisdom. Yeah, God gives wisdom. Another one of my favorites, if we're continuing on the on the one liners, is every good gift and every perfect gift comes from above, from the father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. So how do you know that you're getting good gifts from God continuously? Because he doesn't change and he loves to give his goods good gifts. Man, that's something I meditate on.

In-Jeramie: That if you're like stuck, crossroads, lost, you can always ask God for wisdom. And it James promises you always will get it if you ask for it. That's right. God gives wisdom. Yeah, God gives wisdom. Another one of my favorites, if we're continuing on the on the one liners, is every good gift and every perfect gift comes from above, from the father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. So how do you know that you're getting good gifts from God continuously? Because he doesn't change and he loves to give his goods good gifts. Man, that's something I meditate on.

Allen: Daily when I feel like I'm I'm not feeling God's love. I'm like every good gift comes from him. Yeah. Yep. Sin of favoritism. Mm. Yeah, that's a big one. It's a big one. Yeah. define that. yeah. partiality. showing special preference to one class of people over another. And we're all prone to this. Yeah. He talks about showing favoritism to the the rich over the poor. Yep. I think racism is a subcategory of the sin of partiality or favoritism. Yep.

In-Jeramie: Daily when I feel like I'm I'm not feeling God's love. I'm like every good gift comes from him. Yeah. Yep. Sin of favoritism. Mm. Yeah, that's a big one. It's a big one. Yeah. define that. yeah. partiality. showing special preference to one class of people over another. And we're all prone to this. Yeah. He talks about showing favoritism to the the rich over the poor. Yep. I think racism is a subcategory of the sin of partiality or favoritism. Yep.

Allen: it can be ageism. I like the old people, I like the young people, single, married. I mean, just whatever, like, you know, you know, where where there's in the body of Christ, we would show favoritism is great. And then, of course, one of the major themes that you you hit in James chapter two is faith and works. Yes. And and this is a made this is a conundrum for some in James because it sounds like he's contradictorying Paul. That's right. Paul who says we're we're justified by

In-Jeramie: it can be ageism. I like the old people, I like the young people, single, married. I mean, just whatever, like, you know, you know, where where there's in the body of Christ, we would show favoritism is great. And then, of course, one of the major themes that you you hit in James chapter two is faith and works. Yes. And and this is a made this is a conundrum for some in James because it sounds like he's contradictorying Paul. That's right. Paul who says we're we're justified by

Allen: Faith alone, not by works. And James says we're not justified by faith, we're just by faith and works. Yeah. Ca can I give you a nod? Can I give you a nod? Because when we were studying this, yes. some of our young adults, when we were studying this and we were trying to reconcile this, they quoted you from a sermon illustration from a year ago. Okay. Which is that, hey, their swords aren't crossed, but they're fighting back to back because they're fighting different things.

In-Jeramie: Faith alone, not by works. And James says we're not justified by faith, we're just by faith and works. Yeah, ca can I give you a nod? Can I give you a nod? Because when we were studying this, some of our young adults, when we were studying this and we were trying to reconcile this, they quoted you from a sermon illustration from a year ago. Okay. Which is that, hey, their swords aren't crossed, but they're fighting back to back because they're fighting different things.

Allen: Yeah.

In-Jeramie: Yeah. I thought that was spectacular. And I'm pretty sure I think I heard that somewhere else along You could have just taken the credit. I didn't I you know again, another one of the problems being old, it's like you hear things over your whole life and then you they come out and you have no idea where you heard it. Yeah. But yeah, it's the idea that like Paul, he's got his sword out and he's fighting he's fighting against people who say you're saved by our good works.

Allen: I thought that was spectacular. And I'm pretty sure I think I heard that somewhere else along you could have just taken the credit. I didn't I you know, that's it again, another one of the problems being old, it's like you hear things over your whole life and then you they come out and you have no idea where you heard it. Yeah. But yeah, it's the idea that like Paul, he's got his sword out and he's fighting, he's fighting against people who say you're saved by our good works. James has his sword out, he's fighting against easy believism. Yes. People who think you can just say you're a Christian, but you your life doesn't have to change. Yeah. And and there's people who are like that. Like you just you just pray to receive Jesus and and your life never has to change. You can just keep living the way you want, but you prayed the prayer. Yeah. And it's like, no, faith without works. If if the works isn't there, it's a dead faith. It's not real faith. Yeah. And and that's such a tragedy because it hurts the witness of the church.

In-Jeramie: James has his sword out, he's fighting against easy believism. Yes. People who think you can just say you're a Christian, but you your life doesn't have to change. Yeah. And and there's people who are like that. Like you just you just pray to receive Jesus and and your life never has to change. You can just keep living the way you want, but you prayed the prayer. Yeah. And it's like, no, faith without works. If if the works isn't there, it's a dead faith. It's not real faith. Yeah. And and that's such a tragedy because it hurts the witness of the church.

Allen: You know, many people have encountered people like this. It's just inevitable. You're gonna c encounter someone who says they're a Christian. You're like, What are you talking about? The way that you live, you live crazy. Right. But yeah, so I think it it's an especial thing that he's fighting out. No. One, yes, for your personal holiness, right? And Hebrews it tells us like contend for holiness for without without which no one will see the Lord, right? So it's not saying you again you're saved by your works. But like

In-Jeramie: You know, many people have encountered people like this. It's just inevitable. You're gonna c encounter someone who says they're a Christian. You're like, What are you talking about? The way that you live, you live crazy. Right. But yeah, so I think it it's an especial thing that he's fighting out. No. One, yes, for your personal holiness, right? And Hebrews it tells us like contend for holiness for without without which no one will see the Lord, right? So it's not saying you again you're saved by your works. But like

Allen: Holiness, fight for holiness, and especially just I'm thinking about the witness of the church, man. We live we ought to live holy lives so that people look on our lives and say, You really believe in that Jesus. Yeah, that's right. And that's what I think what I've experienced in my life or just the people that I like to listen to, pastors, preachers, you know, mothers, spiritual fathers, right? Where it's like you are I am just drawn towards people who really believe what they say and what they teach, and you're like, they they believe that. I want that.

In-Jeramie: Holiness, fight for holiness, and especially just I'm thinking about the witness of the church, man. We live we ought to live holy lives so that people look on our lives and say, You really believe in that Jesus. Yeah, that's right. And that's what I think what I've experienced in my life or just the people that I like to listen to, pastors, preachers, you know, mothers, spiritual fathers, right? Where it's like you are I am just drawn towards people who really believe what they say and what they teach, and you're like, they they believe that. I want that.

Allen: And it's just a such a you know, i on the positive side of that, you know, live a holy life and people will be drawn to it. Yeah, I mean non- having faith and then a works that show the faith is a is like a basis of evangelism. Yeah. Like how are we gonna tell Bluebear Christ if we're not living in it? I mean it's like your your integrity. Yeah. It's not there. And then you know, super convicting chapter three, verses one to twelve, controlling the tongue. Oof. James gets under the hood and messes around, man. He does. Yeah. Yeah.

In-Jeramie: And it's just a such a you know, i on the positive side of that, you know, live a holy life and people will be drawn to it. Yeah, I mean non- having faith and then a works that show the faith is a is like a basis of evangelism. Yeah. Like how are we gonna tell Bluebear Christ if we're not living in it? I mean it's like your your integrity. Yeah. It's not there. And then you know, super convicting chapter three, verses one to twelve, controlling the tongue. Oof. James gets under the hood and messes around, man. He does. Yeah. Yeah.

Allen: Yeah. He's shaking belts. He takes no prisoners. No, no, he's slaying. He's slaying. Yeah. It uses this analogy of how a rudder steers a very large ship. And so a rudder is a very small thing that steers an entire huge ship. Right. And so the tongue is a small part of the body, yet it controls your whole life and your whole body. And so he's just talking about the power of the tongue. You're right. We we love, you know, many people know the verse, life and death is in the power of the tongue. Yeah. So what you speaks

In-Jeramie: Yeah. He's shaking belts. He takes no prisoners. No, no, he's slaying. He's slaying. Yeah. It uses this analogy of how a rudder steers a very large ship. And so a rudder is a very small thing that steers an entire huge ship. Right. And so the tongue is a small part of the body, yet it controls your whole life and your whole body. And so he's just talking about the power of the tongue. You're right. We we love, you know, many people know the verse, life and death is in the power of the tongue. Yeah. So what you speaks

Allen: What you speak is indicative of what's in the heart and it's gonna steer your entire life. Yeah. So sobering. Yeah. Yeah. So keep reading it's keep reading, James. Just it's gonna prick, let it prick. Yeah. Let it let's just let it convict us and let that's r why you read James is is just to show us where we need to keep growing in our likeness to Christ. Yeah. Yeah. There's gone. Well good. This has been another episode of the SCC Saver.

In-Jeramie: What you speak is indicative of what's in the heart and it's gonna steer your entire life. Yeah. So sobering. Yeah. Yeah. So keep reading it's keep reading, James. Just it's gonna prick, let it prick. Yeah. Let it let's just let it convict us and let that's r why you read James is is just to show us where we need to keep growing in our likeness to Christ. Yeah. Yeah. There's gone. Well good. This has been another episode of the SCC Saver.

Allen: Podcast. We are on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. We will see you next time.

In-Jeramie: Podcast. We are on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. We will see you next time.