Beyond the Box

One of the side-effects of stepping out of the customary way of practicing Christianity, and exploring life in Christ outside of the institution, is a feeling of uncertainty as to where one actually fits in.  For many of us, we were so accustomed to wearing certain labels, being “members” of certain organizations, and being identified as part of a certain group, that we aren’t necessarily sure what it means to simply be “in Christ” without all the other layers piled on.

In this “here is where we are” from-the-heart episode, Ray and Steve talk openly about their feelings of not fitting in.  We’re willing to bet that many of our listeners have similar feelings if they have been involved in a similar journey as we have.  Feel free to share your story below in the comments.

 

 Beyond the Box: Just Not Fitting In [56:12m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In a continuation of last week’s episode, Ray and Steve continue to talk about a variety of issues related to what we speak and how it affects what we believe and experience.  If you haven’t already listened to part 1, go listen to that first.

By the way, Beyond the Box has a new twitter account.  If you want to receive notifications on Twitter of episode postings, podcast news, etc., follow BtBPodcast on Twitter now!

 

 Beyond the Box: The Power of Your Words Potpourri, Part 2 [41:12m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Ray and Steve begin a 2-part episode on the power of what we say…or something like that.  There tends to be some tangential discussions here, but all somehow related (albeit distantly) to the subject of the power of our words.

So often, the notion that what we say can actually affect our lives gets relegated to the box of “new age” or “positive thinking” (ironically, a term that’s usually spoken with negative implications by Christians) or “word of faith”.  Putting this concept in those boxes allows many to dismiss the concept without giving it much thought.

Ray and Steve discuss scriptural concepts regarding the power of the spoken word, however, and toss around ideas related to the notion that what we say does, in fact, have an effect — positive or negative.

Join us next week for the conclusion to this discussion.

 

 Beyond the Box: The Power of Your Words Potpourri, Part 1 [43:42m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Following some lengthy banter, a recap of the Bearcrawling episode that Steve co-hosted, and some lousy voice impressions (!!), Ray and Steve jump into a somewhat rambling discussion about security.

Riffing off of a quote by Martin Luther, the discussion covers several elements of western culture and our tendency to try to be secure in our own strength.  Whether it’s financial security (i.e., retirement), insurance, or extended warranties, the question is begged of followers of Jesus: In what is your security found?

 

 Beyond the Box: A Secure Investment [62:19m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Tonight (July 10) at 9:30 PM Eastern, Steve will be guest co-hosting Bearcrawling, hosted by the wonderful Big C. Join us for an unscripted two hours of fun. You can join in via chat or Skype or phone, if you’d like, too. Go to bearcrawling.com or ustream.tv/bearcrawling to listen/watch or participate.

Hope to see you all there!

(The episode will be available for download from Bearcrawling at some point in the future if you can’t make it tonight.)

Steve can’t remember what month it is, so the initial mentions about an upcoming guest-host slot on Bearcrawling say June 10, when it’s actually this coming Friday, July 10.

Also, happy anniversary to Beyond the Box, now starting its second year of podcasting!

In sort of a sequel to the last episode, Ray and Steve continue to discuss the need for getting our hands dirty in service as part of the kingdom.  It looks different for each person, but the guys talk about the danger of “convenience” serving, simply paying someone else to serve in our place.  Forget carbon footprints. What’s your kingdom footprint?

 

 Beyond the Box: Make Your Own Footprint [63:01m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

For a long time, western Christianity has sat back and let the government fulfill mandates given to the body of Christ, including the care of the poor and orphans.  And for a lot of Christians on the conservative end of the theological spectrum, “social gospel” was relegated to liberal denominations and was viewed as less than the “real” Gospel.

In the current economic situation in the United States of America, many states are having to cut some of the very programs that reflect those needful ones in our society.  Ray and Steve discuss how this shows the glaring omission of the body of Christ and issue a call to believers to step up to the plate and see how they can meet the needs of a world that is desperately in need of physical help and not just spiritual help.

 

 Beyond the Box: Serving As a Kingdom Call [63:50m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This week, Ray and Steve take up part 2 of the audio comment from John over at Jesus Geek.  In this part of his audio comment, John asks a very pointed question about support (financial and otherwise) of the current state of Israel.

This episode ties in with the most recent episode about eschatology.  For many people, their view of the end times forces them into a view of Israel that produces difficulties as outlined in this episode.

You also don’t want to miss an appearance in this episode by a particularly strangely-dressed 70’s/80’s band.

 

 Beyond the Box: Should Christians Support the State of Israel? [57:44m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

John from The Jesus Geek sent an audio comment to BtB that bounces off a passing comment Ray and Steve made in the last episode.  Part 1 of his comment asks where they stand on their view of the end times.

While both Ray and Steve agree with John that this issue should not be as divisive and “hot” as it often ends up being, they put their necks out there anyway and share where they are on this topic.  For both Ray and Steve, change has been dramatic in their views of this over time.

Join BtB next week for the second half of John’s audio comment.

Enjoy!

 

 Beyond the Box: Apocalypse How? [57:01m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Quite ironically, considering our recent podcasts about non-violence and the seeming (to us, at least) contradiction between the words and example of Jesus and the notion that violent means can be justified in some situations, a recent news story comes out regarding the murder of an abortion-performing doctor.  News interviews have painted a picture of the alleged murderer as one who confesses Christ and who performed this violent act to save the lives of unborn children.

Ray and Steve discuss this news story briefly, but expand the discussion to a larger question about ends and means.  The title gives away our conclusion

 

 Beyond the Box: The End Doesn't Justify the Means [36:02m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download