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Ground Yourself (The Parable of the Two Builders)
I’ve started a, sort of, impromptu series that I’m unofficially calling “Kick Off the New Year Right” or “How to Prepare for 2015”… or something like that. The series title doesn’t matter. What matters is that I want to spend a little while going over a few things that we need to make sure…
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The LGBT Episode (Carnivore Theology: Ep. 22)
The 22nd episode of “Carnivore Theology”. The LGBT Episode This beginning of the year, super-sized episode, takes on a current, controversial and emotionally charged topic: What does the Bible say about Homosexuality? How should we, as followers of Christ respond to the LGBT movement? Podcast Audio: Click here to download the episode MP3. Here’s the…
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“Forgive Them”
The sinless One and judge of mankind was arrested in the middle of the night, dragged into a mockery of a trial where he was falsely accused publicly humiliated. The King of Kings was and brought before the foolish and wicked Herod Antipas, who had beheaded his cousin John the Baptist and wanted…
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2014 Readers Survey
2014 has been an amazing year for AOTCN. We’ve launched new features, had lots of great feedback, and have tripled the readership since it started. Praise God and thank you so much! I want to make the site, experience and content better and better, so it would be very helpful if you could take…
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Scrutinizing Our Path as the New Year Approaches
Podcast Audio: Ant City “For Christmas one year we bought our children what was called, ‘Ant City.’ This consisted of clear plastic plates on either side, filled with sand and ants. From our vantage point outside and above, we could see what these busy little creatures were doing underground. We watched as they tunneled…
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Jesus of the Advent Candles
Podcast Audio: Over the past month many churches around the world have celebrated Advent using a special wreath of candles. It is a simple and beautiful way to remind us that the meaning of Christmas. Each week we light a different candle, read a special scripture, and are reminded of another meaning of what…
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Totally Depraved Shepherds (Why “God Helps Those Who Help Themselves” is WRONG WRONG WRONG!)
Podcast Audio: The Christmas story has been told so many times that, to some, it can lose its potency. We all think we know it so well… Mary, Joseph, Manger, Wise Men, Shepherds, Herod, etc., etc. I want to ask you to try to listen again for the first time and thentake a look…
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The Hope of Christmas with Steve (Carnivore Theology Special: Ep. 21)
The 20th episode of “Carnivore Theology”. Christmas Mystery During the Christmas season the CT guys are taking a little time to share some special Christmas memories and devotionals in these 5 minute episodes. This week Steve shares the hope we find at Christmastime. Podcast Audio: Click here to download the episode MP3. As Always, We Want Your Feedback Please give it…
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An imPerfect Christmas
Podcast Audio: Christmas is a big deal. So much so that many feel quite pressured to have a “perfect Christmas”? The tree decorated just right, the right food and desserts, the proper music playing in the background, the vacation plans laid out, the cards sent, matching bow and wrapping on the gifts, the best…
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The Mystery of Christmas with Pastor Al (Carnivore Theology Special: Ep. 20)
The 20th episode of “Carnivore Theology”. Christmas Mystery During the Christmas season the CT guys are taking a little time to share some special Christmas memories and devotionals in these 5 minute episodes. This week Pastor Al shares the mysteries we find at Christmastime. Podcast Audio: Click here to download the episode MP3. As Always, We Want Your Feedback Please give…
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The Joy of Christmas with Pastor Chad (Carnivore Theology Special: Ep. 19)
The 19th episode of “Carnivore Theology”. Christmas Joy During the Christmas season the CT guys are taking a little time to share some special Christmas memories and devotionals in these 5 minute episodes. This week Pastor Chad shares how he finds joy at Christmastime. Podcast Audio: Click here to download the episode MP3. As Always, We Want Your Feedback Please give…
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10 Weapons for Your Personal War on Porn
I recently sent this to a struggling friend and was convicted to share it on the blog in hope of helping others. These are practical ways that I’ve learned to combat the temptation to view pornography. Hopefully they will help you too. 1. Have Consistent Daily Devotions – If you’re reading God’s Word and talking to Him every…
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How Should Christians Respond to “Season’s Greetings”? (Carnivore Theology: Ep. 18)
The 18th episode of “Carnivore Theology”. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings? Jingle Bells and Christmas Lights abound as people everywhere say: “Seasons Greetings”? What happened to “Merry Christmas”? How should Christians respond when someone says “Season’s Greetings”? Which is the best way to say “Merry Christmas”? What is Christmas all about anyway? Podcast Audio: Click here to…
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An Inexplicable God
Podcast Audio: Insatiable Curiosity Today, we want to have an explanation of everything. We want to know how everything works, where it came from, what it’s doing, why it does it, and what it’s going to do next. Our society has an insatiable appetite for knowledge. Sociologists study people so they can learn how…
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Competition & Sports (Carnivore Theology: Ep. 17 + Hot-dog Eating Competition!)
The 17th episode of “Carnivore Theology”. Are Christians Allowed to Be Competitive? Let the games begin! Chad and Al let their competitive sides take over as they go head-to-head in a hot dog eating contest. But are Christians allowed to be competitive in life, sports and church? How competitive is too competitive? Podcast Audio: Click here to download…
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Anger and Arguing (Carnivore Theology: Ep. 16)
The 16th episode of “Carnivore Theology”. Are Christians Allowed to Get Angry? Biblically, how angry is a Christian allowed to get? Can a Christian argue with another believer or non-believer? Did Jesus ever yell and argue? And what does this all have to do with Star Wars?!? Podcast Audio: Click here to download the episode in MP3.…
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Getaway: Jesus Kidnaps His Disciples
Podcast Audio: We’re back into the Gospel of Mark. So far in Chapter 6 we’ve talked a lot about what happens to people who are faithful about sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others. First we saw Jesus rejected and almost stoned to death in his hometown. Then as Jesus sends out the twelve to…
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Christianity, Evolution & The Pope (Carnivore Theology: Ep. 15)
The 15th episode of “Carnivore Theology”. Click here to subscribe. Can a Christian Believe the Theory of Evolution and Stay Faithful to the Bible? The Pope recently said that Creationism and Evolution are compatible, what does this mean and what are the implications of the statement? Podcast Audio: Click here to download the episode in MP3.…
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Remembrance Day: Poppies, Martyrs, Suffering & Certainty
Podcast Audio: John McCrae and Flanders Fields The poppy has long been, in Canada and around the world, a memorial symbol of fallen soldiers. It has come to represent the immeasurable sacrifice made by those who have died defending and preserving the rights and freedoms of others. It was a Canadian physician, Lieutenant Colonel…
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The Ottawa Shooting – How Should Christians Respond?
Podcast Audio: Trying Times These are trying times in the lives of the people of Ottawa, Canada and the world. We’ve experienced something here in Canada that we are not used to – an attack on our own parliament buildings. Canadians across the country were glued to their TVs and computers as they watched…
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Inside the Mind of a Worship Leader (Feat. Russ Smith of Hokus Pick!) (Carnivore Theology: Episode 13)
The 13th episode of “Carnivore Theology”. Click here to subscribe. What’s it Like Inside the Mind of a Worship Leader? The CT guys get inside the head, heart and ministry of our first special guest, Worship Leader Russ Smith from Hokus Pick! (Russ was the lead vocalist/guitar for Hokus Pick, a Christian Rock band from 1988…
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Be the Background (Life is Better There)
Every now and again I have the wonderful privilege of speaking to a group of AWANA children. Here’s a talk I gave recently (based on this previous post). Podcast Audio: Background is Important Cartoons wouldn’t be the same without the background, would they? You’d see the characters doing things, but you wouldn’t know where…
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The Importance of Knowing Our Core Values
Podcast Audio: It’s important that we remind ourselves what God has been telling us in scripture, in prayer, and through the leadership of the church. Which is why, if you recall before Thanksgiving, we started a short series on our Mission and Core Values statements. What is a Core Value? When we asked the question,…
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Total Depravity and Thanksgiving Dinner
Podcast Audio: Let’s talk about Nehemiah 8. But before we do, let me give you a quick background to what’s going on. After the peaceful reign of King Solomon, the son of David, was over, the kingdom of Israel split in two. Israel to the North where 10 tribes were living, and Judah to…
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A Christian Response to Terrorism (Carnivore Theology: Episode 11)
Here is the 11th episode of our podcast series, “Carnivore Theology”. Click here to subscribe. What is a Christian Response to Terrorism? The news these days is full of stories about the terrible things ISIL is doing in the name of their religion. What should the Christian response to these acts of terrorism be? Here’s the…
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What Makes Good Worship Music? (Carnivore Theology: Episode 10)
Here is the 10th episode of our podcast series, “Carnivore Theology”. Click here to subscribe. What Makes Good Worship Music? Worship music is a often debated and dividing issue in too many churches. What does the Bible really say about hymns, choruses and worship music? Here’s the Podcast Audio: Click here to download the episode in…
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Don’t Mess with Jesus’ Kids (Abortion, Parenting and Ministering to Children)
Podcast Audio: “And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you,…
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Can Art Go Too Far? (Carnivore Theology: Episode 9)
Here is the ninth episode of our podcast series, “Carnivore Theology”. Click here to subscribe. Can Art Go Too Far? Recently in Vancouver, an artist erected a Satan statue in a public square. Christ gives us freedom and creativity, but how far is too far? Here’s the Podcast Audio: Click here to download the episode in…
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Truth In Love – Loving People in a Biblical Way
Podcast Audio: Our church’s mission statement says that we “share the love of Jesus” two ways: “….through Biblical Teaching and loving relationships.” The second part of that is easy to understand. We have a loving relationship with Jesus and that makes us prioritize having loving relationships with others. Agents of Truth But sometimes it doesn’t…
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Mega vs Micro Churches (Carnivore Theology: Episode 8)
Here is the Eighth episode of a new podcast series called “Carnivore Theology“. Click here to subscribe. Mega vs Micro Churches What is the difference between Mega and Micro churches? Which is best for those who want to grow closer to Christ? Here’s the Podcast Audio: Click here to download the episode in MP3. And…
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Tattoos and Body Modification (Carnivore Theology: Episode 7)
Here is the seventh episode of a new podcast series called “Carnivore Theology“. Click here to subscribe. Tattoos and Body Modification Many people today have tattoos, piercings, and body alterations. We have an entire generation of people that are using body art as a form of expression, memories, memorials and interests. What does the…
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The Importance of “We”
Podcast Audio: “I Need a New Seven-Hundred-and-Ten” A man walks into a car dealership. He’s not fond of being there, because he knows that some of these places are famous for ripping people off, so his plan is to not let on that he has no idea what he’s talking about. He gets into…
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Our Favourite Podcasts & Blogs (Carnivore Theology: Episode 6)
Here is the Sixth episode of a new podcast series called “Carnivore Theology“. Click here to subscribe. Our Favourite Podcasts & Blogs The CT guys discuss their favorite websites, podcasts, blogs and resources. Here’s the Podcast Audio: Click here to download the episode in MP3. And here’s the link to the Behind the Scenes YouTube…
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Be the Frame Not the Picture
Podcast Audio: Do you know what this is? It’s quite famous and has been around for over 100 years. Millions and millions of people have seen this, probably including yourself. Now can you identify it? Of course you can. Interesting isn’t it? When people go to the Louvre in Paris, not too many even see the…
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Slacktivism, Charity & Ethics (Carnivore Theology: Episode 5)
Here is the fifth episode of a new podcast series called “Carnivore Theology“. Click here to subscribe. Slacktivism, Charity & Ethics The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is the current viral sensation on the Internet. How can Christians make ethical decisions on what and who to support? What does the Bible say about charity? Here’s…
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Politics and Pastafarianism (Carnivore Theology: Episode 4)
Here is the fourth episode of a new podcast series called “Carnivore Theology“. Click here to subscribe. Politics and Pastafarianism In British Columbia, a Pastafarian (the religion of the Flying Spaghetti Monster) is having problems getting a drivers license due to his “religious clothing” — he wants to wear a colander on his head. What’s…
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Why Do People Hate Christians?
Podcast Audio: “He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such…
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Having Faith During Suffering and Crisis
Podcast Audio: And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea. Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little…
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The Porn Episode (Carnivore Theology: Episode 3)
Here is the third episode of a new podcast series called “Carnivore Theology“. Click here to subscribe. The Porn Episode The world is full of sexualized images in advertisements, movies, tv, and especially online. Huge numbers of men and women use pornography to the point of addiction. In this spirited episode the Carnivore Theology guys…
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How Temptation Works
Podcast Audio: The Bug Zapper Have you ever sat outside next to a bug zapper? My parents have one. It’s a little gadget that hangs from the roof of their patio and glows. And the light that emits from it attracts bugs… and when they get close… ZAP! I know exactly how those little…
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Here’s our First (Unofficial) Carnivore Theology Episode — And We Need Your Help!
I’m so excited to present our first, unofficial, episode of a new series I’m a part of called “Carnivore Theology“. What’s that, you ask? “Carnivore Theology” is a podcast where one normal guy asks two abnormal pastors questions about life, religion, the universe and everything. Our mission is “To help Christians move from…
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Satan and Demons (Origin, Powers, Defeat and Going On The Offensive)
Podcast Audio: Three Realms Sun Tzu in “The Art of War” says, “Know your enemy and know yourself and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster.” That’s a great quote and it’s hugely applicable to the Christian life. One could almost summarize the path of discipleship using almost those words. Being a Christian…
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Where is God When Bad Things Happen? (Or, If God is Good, Why Does Evil Exist?)
Don’t forget to enter the “Be the New Podcast Intro Voice” Contest! Podcast Audio: Don’t You Care? “On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side.’ And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats…
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Don’t Underestimate the Small Things (Parable of the Mustard Seed)
Podcast Audio: Jesus & Parables When Jesus was speaking to crowds, instead of wowing them with His intellectual power or overwhelming them with theological lectures, He often spoke in little word pictures that captured people’s attention and forced them to use their imaginations to think through big ideas. We call them parables. There may…
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Contest: Be the New Podcast Intro Voice!
Podcast Audio: Be the New Intro Voice for the Art of the Christian Ninja Podcast! Despite what you’ve heard, I don’t love listening to the sound of my own voice, so I’m looking for someone to introduce the podcast. I was going to do this quietly, but I think it would be way more…
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“The Growing Seed” – Having Patience when God Seems Inactive
I’m back from vacation and looking forward to catching up on my posts. I had a wonderful holiday and I’m very thankful to the church for allowing me to be able to spend time with my family taking a break. I hope you are all able to do the same this summer. Podcast Audio: Planting…