Think Deeper

Capital Punishment and Biblical Justice

Focus Press — Mon, 11 May 2026 19:00:00 +0000

We examine the Bible's view of crime and punishment, considering the principles established in the Old Law, whether the New Testament changes those principles, and how modern criminal justice has gone astray from God's way.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro and two reasons for tackling this subject
06:21 - Principles of Biblical justice
13:13 - It's not just restorative
21:43 - Statistics that prove our departure from Biblical justice has failed
28:00 - The consequences of untethered empathy and feminization
38:20 - Arguments for and against capital punishment
47:06 - Did Jesus change the standard in the Sermon on the Mount?
1:01:01 - Are jail sentences Biblical?

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Join us at focuspress.org/plus for the weekly Deep End exclusive Q&A episode

Check out our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com

Hot Takes: Bible Characters Edition

Focus Press — Mon, 04 May 2026 18:59:00 +0000

This week's episode is a bit on the lighter side as we share hot takes about Bible characters, and review listener submissions!

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro and explaining the idea
03:31 - Quick Hits: Best person in the Bible? Worst person in the Bible?
12:15 - Quick Hits: Best hang, most annoying?
17:28 - Jack and Will's hot takes on Peter
24:39 - Joe's hot take on Jonah
30:43 - Will goes against the grain on Paul's marital status
37:25 - Jack and Joe disagree on Jacob
45:26 - Joe stirs up controversy about David
50:26 - Will questions the literalness of the Rich Man and Lazarus parable
55:40 - Agreeing or disagreeing with audience Hot Takes!

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Check out our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com
Visit us at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.co

What Does "Christ-Like Mean?" Examining Christian Clichés

Focus Press — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 19:28:33 +0000

In this episode, we examine some of the common phrases you hear in Christian circles that don't often get explained.

CHAPTERS
00:00 - Overview of clichés and introducing "Christ-like"
07:26 - Is there a difference between being Biblical and being "Christ-like?"
18:07 - What all is meant by "doctrine?"
27:01 - What elements make up doctrinal "soundness?"
41:21 - Should we find our "identity in Christ?"
53:58 - Debating where identity comes from

Support us and get access to the exclusive weekly Deep End episode at focuspress.org/plus

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Visit our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com

Is Porn Addiction Grounds for Divorce?

Focus Press — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:00:00 +0000

We've covered pornography addiction before, but this time we take a look at some specific questions surrounding the issue.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro and defining "lust" for men and women
11:05 - Is porn addiction grounds for divorce?
17:28 - Examining the arguments in favor
24:29 - Does unwillingness to repent change the decision?
28:55 - A message to those caught in addiction, or married to someone who is
32:06 - The growing problem of women's erotic fiction
38:49 - How both visual and textual forms affect your relationship
50:13 - Evaluating when literature crosses the line
55:37 - The explosion of women selling themselves online

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
Join us for the Deep End exclusive episode at focuspress.org/plus

Check out our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com
Follow us at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.co

Has Persecution Reached America?

Focus Press — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:02:00 +0000

NBA player Jaden Ivey recently lost his job, seemingly for derogatory comments made about the NBA participating in what he called the "unrighteousness" of Pride Month. Is this a type of persecution? If not, what is? Do American Christians deal with persecution? We discuss...

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro and recapping the Ivey story
08:25 - Do American Christians face persecution?
13:28 - Should we avoid backlash for the Gospel, or pursue it head on?
25:57 - Are nations better off with rulers who are favorable to the Gospel?
33:29 - How and when is persecution a blessing?
41:37 - Application for the everyday Christian
53:28 - The importance of Christian unity in the face of a hostile world

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Join us for the exclusive weekly Deep End episode at focuspress.org/plus

Check out our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com
Visit us at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.co

Do the Churches of Christ Have "Popes?"

Focus Press — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 18:59:00 +0000

Dr. Brad Harrub joins the show to discuss recent controversies in the churches of Christ and the back-room politicking that breaks unity.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Why discuss this?
09:04 - Why we must handle public division publicly
15:36 - The tactics of the brotherhoodpolice
23:55 - The need for love of the brethren
32:40 - Does discussing this hurt the church's reputation?
40:06 - How "I am of Christ" has been lost to institutional loyalty
49:38 - How church autonomy helps, but doesn't completely solve the problem

With Brad Harrub, Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Join our Patreon at focuspress.org/plus and get access to tons of exclusive content, including the weekly Deep End episode

Visit out sponsors at cobbpublishing.com
Join our email lists at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.co

Does A Future Spouse’s Past Matter?

Focus Press — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 18:57:00 +0000

Recent viral posts raised an interesting question: does conversion to Christianity remove the consequences of past sexual sin once you go looking for a spouse?

We discussed the many issues surrounding this debate that set the internet on fire for a few days.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro and reading the tweets
07:18 - Why did this debate go so viral?
12:27 - What should we teach our kids about who they marry? What "baggage" is there and what can it do?
23:54 - The right way and wrong way to use testimony
33:29 - Is it more spiritually mature to care about someone's past, or less?
37:51 - Being honest with people without crushing their hope
44:38 - A therapists' perspective on learning to handle your spouse's baggage
49:49 - Evangelicalism's weakness toward young women and the toll on young men
53:59 - Think Fast: Another Dugger Downfall

Join us on Focus+ for the exclusive weekly Deep End episode and plenty more! focuspress.org/plus

Check out our sponsors at cobbpublishing.com

And, visit us at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.co

Think Fast: Another Dugger Downfall

Focus Press — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 21:19:25 +0000

We discuss the latest sordid headline about the Duggar family, including

- The big family question
- Why sin has to be dealt with COMPLETELY
- How this will be twisted against Bible believers

and more

Tune into the full episode Monday: Does A Future Spouse’s Past Matter?

Wilkie/Nortier Baptism Debate Recap!

Focus Press — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 19:31:39 +0000

We apologize for the lack of our usually scheduled Monday episode, but we waited a day to go live and recap Jack's debate on baptism!

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and initial thoughts
07:13 - Getting denominations to defend their "home court"
14:32 - Debating like a Christian vs. taking pot-shots
17:09 - Strongest and weakest points of the debate?
26:36 - Jake Hisaw joins to talk the value of debates and the church of Christ's growing influence
41:25 - Debate tactics and rhetorical posturing
48:23 - The value and limitations of using Greek
1:03:53 - Reformation vs. Restoration approaches

Join us on Focus+ to get exclusive access to the weekly Deep End episode, Daily Devos, deep dive Bible studies, and more! focuspress.org/plus

Check out Jake's work at https://www.youtube.com/@TheProgressivePrimitivist

9 Obstacles to Youth Faithfulness

Focus Press — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Youth faithfulness remains one of the biggest challenges facing the church. As we strive to boost our percentages in this generation of young people, we examine some of the biggest obstacles that can shipwreck their faith, and discuss how to avoid those obstacles.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro and explaining our approach
04:58 - Uninvolved parents
12:15 - "Diversifying your family's portfolio"
25:19 - Can they look "stupid" or "uncool?"
31:23 - The hard work it takes
37:17 - The social media pitfall
44:24 - The pull of worldly pleasures starts really early
48:41 - Dad and Mom's walk with God
56:37 - Do we have vision?

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Join us for the Deep End each Friday by becoming a supporter at focuspress.org/plus!

Visit our sponsors at cobbpublishing.com

The "Loud Kids In Church" Issue

Focus Press — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 19:01:00 +0000

We discuss the viral post about bringing "loud kids" to church.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Reading and reacting to the viral post from Mt. Washington Church
05:15 - Are loud kids a distraction?
11:06 - Different policies for members and visitors?
14:57 - Leadership's role in setting standards
20:54 - How can churches help parents train kids in worship?
25:46 - Can churches give parenting critiques?
29:16 - The importance of approachability
36:35 - This isn't just on the moms
45:43 - Is children's church a reasonable solution?
53:55 - What about the church's response to children with special needs?

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Check out Jack's article on the issue at https://jackwilkie.co/p/on-loud-kids-in-church

Visit our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com

Can Christians Observe a 'Sabbath?' Should They?

Focus Press — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 20:03:00 +0000

The command to observe a Sabbath day of rest as established in Exodus is not found in the New Testament... but can it still be a useful part of our spiritual lives today?
What forms might that take?

Join us for a discussion on the place of "Sabbath" in the Christian life.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - What do we mean by "Sabbath?"
07:59 - Why discuss an idea that can't be bound?
13:38 - The goodness of rest
24:46 - The power of the Chick-fil-a approach
31:55 - Bringing back the concept of "The Lord's Day"
34:47 - What a "day of rest" may look like
48:03 - Avoiding legalism in our personal convictions
56:06 - THINK FAST: An Alarming Stat On Men’s and Women’s Wages

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Join us for the weekly Deep End exclusive episode and plenty more at focuspress.org/plus

Check out our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com

An Alarming Stat On Men’s and Women’s Wages

Focus Press — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 14:03:00 +0000

We discuss a report that links mens and women's wages to fertility rates and how the study correlates to Biblical gender roles

Catch the full episode on Monday, where we discuss, "Can Christians Observe a 'Sabbath?' Should They?"

focuspress.org

jackwilkie.co

The Bible, Polygamy and Misogyny

Focus Press — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 19:59:00 +0000

We continue our study on some of the Bible's difficult teachings with a look at Old Testament polygamy and the charge that the Word is unfair to women.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro and recapping Bible controversies
03:52 - Polygamy in the Bible
12:01 - Reality of the time vs. God's ideal
17:35 - The precedent of Jesus in Matt. 19, and hermeneutical tactics
28:17 - How do we judge people of the past?
38:17 - Did the Bible establish the mistreatment of women?
46:52 - What non-religious charges of misogyny miss
50:46 - When Christians are embarrassed by the Bible's teaching on women

Join us on our Patreon, Focus+! focuspress.org/plus

Check out our sponsors at cobbpublishing.com
Visit us at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.co

Epstein, Bad Bunny, and the Outrage Cycle

Focus Press — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 20:01:00 +0000

There have been a number of controversies in the headlines recently, with Bad Bunny's halftime performance vs. TPUSA's, President Trump's video mishap, and the competing interpretations of the Epstein files.

What's a Christian to make of it all? Are each week's headlines worth our time? If so, why, and what guidelines should we observe?

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro and a survey of the events that prompted the episode
04:00 - Finding balance in how much we consume
12:49 - Principles for choosing what outlets to follow
15:10 - The differing struggles for men and women
27:22 - How to evaluate the time you spend online
33:07 - The negative and positive impacts of posting about current events
40:34 - How do you even find truth in all the slop?
49:34 - Avoiding performative outrage

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Visit our sponsors at cobbpublishing.com

Check us out at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.co

Join our Patreon by going to focuspress.org/plus to get access to the weekly Deep End exclusive episode!

Genocide and Slavery in the Bible

Focus Press — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 20:06:54 +0000

We begin a look at some of the Bible's more controversial topics, focusing this week on genocide like the flood and the Canaanite conquest, and slavery in the Old and New Testaments

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro, and the importance of wrestling with difficult questions
04:46 - Genocide and God's character
15:19 - Was it solely about the Nephilim?
23:55 - Slavery - chattel, indentured servitude, or both?
34:15 - How cultural contexts impact the discussion
38:16 - Why isn't this situation ethics?
45:38 - Christ's impact on the world
51:45 - Is it a sin? When did it become a sin?
54:41 - THINK FAST: Newfound optimism for the churches of Christ?

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Visit our sponsors at cobbpublishing.com

Check us out at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.co

The Biggest Challenges Facing the Church in 2026, Pt. 2

Focus Press — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 20:02:00 +0000

We continue our list of the biggest challenges facing the church this year!

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro and the Rising Threat of AI
10:28 - A looming confrontation over gender roles
21:55 - Political division in the church
37:08 - We're correcting errors of the past, but...
47:14 - The biggest problem continues to be...
01:03:41 - Recapping our Top 10 list

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Visit our sponsors at cobbpublishing.com

Visit us at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.co

The Biggest Challenges Facing the Church in 2026, Pt. 1

Focus Press — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:59:00 +0000

4 years ago we listed what we considered to be the biggest threats facing the churches of Christ in 2022. With so much happening since then, we thought it would be a good time to revisit our lists and update them for 2026.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro and the need to get serious
08:27 - Are we impacting the culture?
24:40 - Uniting the highly divided generations
37:08 - Plugged-in leadership
47:47 - The lack of decisive leadership
54:21 - Honorable mentions and previewing part 2

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Visit our sponsors at cobbpublishing.com
Check us out at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.co

Rethinking Bible Class

Focus Press — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 19:59:00 +0000

We discuss perhaps the one facet of Sunday church life we have yet to cover: the Bible class.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
04:04 - The history of Sunday School
10:03 - The pros and cons of age-segregated classes
18:21 - When do youths need to graduate? Can women teach a baptized boy?
26:16 - How can we maximize the usefulness of kids' classes?
33:38 - What is the best format for adult Bible classes?
43:12 - How can you get more out of a class as a listener - even if it's dry?
50:19 - Should any topic be off-limits in Bible class?
55:48 - Does "Women keep silent in the churches" apply in Bible class settings?

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Check out our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com

Visit us at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.co

6 Different Ways to Read Your Bible

Focus Press — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 19:59:00 +0000

Old friends Titus Anderson and Daniel Mayfield join Jack for a discussion on 6 different interpretive approaches you can use when studying your Bible!

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro, and reading vs. studying
05:41 - The Bible as storybook
13:48 - The Bible as "true myth"
20:16 - "Love letter" vs. Rule book
42:46 - Zooming in (exegesis) vs. zooming out (typology)
55:40 - Practical tips for using these approaches in your Bible time

With Jack Wilkie, Titus Anderson, and Daniel Mayfield

Join us for the Deep End by going to focuspress.org/plus

Israel, Judaism, and "Jewish Influence"

Focus Press — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 20:00:00 +0000

We begin 2026 with a look at an issue that is rapidly becoming one of the most important of the decade.

Across religious, political, and generational lines, views on Israel and the Jewish faith and people are wildly misaligned. We discuss the lay of the land, what is out of bounds, and how to entertain these difficult conversations.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro and statistics
05:44 - Kanye, October 7, and how we got here
09:34 - Generational and religious differences
15:03 - The complicated relationship between Judaism and Christianity
27:38 - 5 major views within churches
40:58 - Where we can agree to disagree, and where we can't
54:10 - Think Fast: The Somali Daycare Scandal

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Visit us at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.co
Join us for the Deep End and get plenty of other subscriber benefits by going to focuspress.org/plus

Referenced:
The Growing Divide Over Israel - https://jackwilkie.co/p/the-growing-divide-over-israel
Pew Research: Views on Abortion - https://www.pewresearch.org/chart/views-on-abortion-by-race-and-ethnicity/
Pew Research: Religion and Views on LGBTQ Issues - https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2025/02/26/religion-and-views-on-lgbtq-issues-and-abortion/

Think Fast: The Somali Daycare Scandal

Focus Press — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 17:46:15 +0000

We discuss the allegations of mass fraud perpetrated by Somalians running government-funded day cares in Minnesota and other states.

Tune in Monday for the full episode of Think Deeper: Israel, Judaism, and "Jewish Influence"

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Visit us at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.co

2025 in Review: AI, Trump, Charlie, the Pope, and more

Focus Press — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 19:58:00 +0000

We recap the year that was and count down our top 10 storylines, touching on topics such as Charlie Kirk, Israel, the new pope, youth culture (6-7!), sports betting, and more.

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Join us at focuspress.org/plus to catch the exclusive Deep End episode each week.

Check out our sponsors at cobbpublishing.com

And, join our mailing lists at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.co

Santa Claus: Fun Myth, or Dangerous Lie?

Focus Press — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 14:01:00 +0000

We discuss the hot controversy regarding whether parents should tell their kids about Santa Claus.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro, and why we're doing an episode on the topic
05:30 - History of St. Nicholas and Santa Claus
08:52 - Is it a lie?
27:32 - Taking it too far: making Santa God, and manipulating behavior
37:40 - Taking it too far: parents overdoing it
49:16 - Romans 14 and disagreeing charitably

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Visit our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com
Visit us at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.com

What is the Church?

Focus Press — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 20:04:00 +0000

"We don't go to church, we ARE the church."

Well, kind of. On this episode, the crew discusses whether the church is the people who go there, the institution, or something in between.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Introducing the question
06:58 - Is the church just the people?
11:32 - "It's not an organization, it's an organism" - true or false?
16:25 - The church requires purpose
31:25 - The community church to Catholic church pendulum
36:54 - The house church question
42:22 - When church leadership goes wrong, and when to leave a church
50:04 - When the members go wrong, and what leadership should do
55:17 - Think Fast: Is it lying to tell your kids Santa is real?

Visit our sponsors at cobbpublishing.com

Check us out at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.com

Join us for the exclusive Deep End episode each week by going to focuspress.org/plus

Think Fast: Is it a Lie to Tell Kids Santa Claus is Real?

Focus Press — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 17:38:52 +0000

It's suddenly a hot debate as to whether it's wrong for parents to tell their kids Santa Claus is real. In this Think Fast, we give our takes and discuss why it's a controversy when it seemingly wasn't before.

Tune in on Monday for the full episode, 'What is the Church?'

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

focuspress.org

jackwilkie.co

How You Can KNOW You're Saved

Focus Press — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 19:59:00 +0000

Joe and Will interview Jack about his new book, You Are Saved: The Christian's Assurance.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro and announcing Jack's book
05:05 - Why write a book on assurance of salvation?
13:00 - The problem of legalism
20:24 - How lacking assurance keeps us from spiritual maturity
26:10 - Why focusing on doctrinal differences keeps us insecure
35:32 - The problem of overreacting to "faith alone" and cheap grace
41:34 - Do we have a "personal relationship" with God? Does the Holy Spirit indwell us?
45:28 - How can we avoid having a false assurance?
55:40 - Why is rebaptism so common in the churches of Christ?

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Get You Are Saved at Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MgpGt7
or Focus Press: https://www.focuspress.org/shop

Check out our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com
Join us for the exclusive "Deep End" episode each week at focuspress.org/plus

Episode 200!

Focus Press — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 19:48:00 +0000

It's our 200th episode! We got together for a wide-ranging discussion across the spectrum of personal, spiritual, work, and more.

Topics include:

- Best marriage improvement books
- Most impactful books
- Christians and Harry Potter
- Where the feminist movement stands today
- Avoiding hypocrisy in leadership
- The proper place of sports, movies, and other hobbies
- Finding time for silence
- The importance of financial discipline
- What Joe would change about therapy world
- Navigating family boundaries, holiday edition
- Dealing with church hurt without becoming bitter
- Trying to impact the church for good
- Avoiding workaholism

Questions for you:
- Which holiday is the best?
- What are your thoughts on Christians and Harry Potter?
- Who is the face of feminism today?
- Any tips for families and in-laws to navigate the holidays?

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Check out our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com
Visit us at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.co

Pick up Jack's new book 'You Are Saved' at Amazon or Focus Press!

Sexual Abuse in the Church

Focus Press — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 21:06:00 +0000

Are we doing enough to protect our children from abuse in the church? What about preventing and handling harassment among adults? On this week's Think Deeper, we discuss the alarming statistics surrounding sexual abuse and the crucial steps we must take to safeguard our congregations.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Introductory thoughts and the reason for this episode
08:27 - Statistics and the scope of the problem
14:25 - Dealing with repentant offenders
21:50 - The responsibilities of church leaders
27:31 - Generational differences in approaches
34:22 - Youth ministry issues
44:58 - Taking precautions without viewing everyone as a threat
49:13 - Thoughts for victims

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Visit us at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.co

Check out our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com

Hellfire and Brimstone

Focus Press — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 20:00:00 +0000

"Hellfire and Brimstone" preaching is often thought of as a relic of Sundays gone by... but should it be? Have we overcorrected and begun to under-emphasize hell? We discuss

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Introductory thoughts
05:40 - Biblical terms for afterlife (Hades, Sheol) and punishment (Gehenna, Tartarus)
13:48 - Jesus' words on hell
20:28 - God's nature and punishment
29:40 - Hell in the epistles
35:39 - Consequences of over-emphasizing hell
45:47 - Consequences of under-emphasizing hell
55:09 - Does God send people to hell, or just let them choose it?

Episodes mentioned:

What Happens When We Die? (October 16, 2023)
Are There Degrees of Heaven and Hell? (May 29, 2025)

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Visit our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com
Check us out at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.com
And, join us for the exclusive Deep End episode by becoming a supporter at focuspress.org/plus

Snap/EBT, Charity, and the Church

Focus Press — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 19:59:00 +0000

With the government shut down set to leave federal SNAP benefits for groceries unfunded, we discuss this issue from a Biblical lens and discuss the church's duty in times like these.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro and covering the problem
05:33 - Problems with the program
12:28 - Compassion and its guidelines
17:00 - Biblical principles from Leviticus and 2 Thessalonians
23:30 - Guidelines for churches
34:00 - The "Fudge Rounds" problem and what charitable money should buy
48:19 - Think Fast: Nick Fuentes and the 'Platforming Problem'

- Visit our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com
- Check us out at focuspress.org, and join Jack's email list free at jackwilkie.com
- And, join us in our Patreon to get access to the weekly Deep End episode and all kinds of other exclusive content! patreon.com/focuspressinc

Think Fast: Nick Fuentes and the 'Platforming' Problem

Focus Press — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 17:24:15 +0000

In the wake of leading conservative commentator Tucker Carlson's interview with controversial figure Nick Fuentes, a great debate has been waged online about the matter of "platforming."

Should we have public dialogue with objectionable people? What are the limits? When it comes to the church, where do we draw the line of those we can speak with even if we disagree, and those whom we must mark and avoid?

We discuss, on this week's Think Fast.

Check us out at focuspress.org, and join Jack's email list free at jackwilkie.com
And, join us in our Patreon to get access to the weekly Deep End episode and all kinds of other exclusive content! patreon.com/focuspressinc

Top 5 Struggles for the Churches of Christ

Focus Press — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 19:01:00 +0000

In this episodes we examine 5 common challenges in the churches of Christ, and what can be done about them.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro and an overview of the church's reputation
05:00 - What is the proper place of emotion in the church?
15:57 - Do we pray enough? Do we know how?
27:50 - Where are we falling short in our Bible study?
36:42 - Why do so many people fail to feel God's grace?
45:58 - How do we avoid becoming legalistic without compromising doctrine?
55:32 - THINK FAST: Is Halloween fading?

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Check us out at focuspress.org, and join Jack's free email list at jackwilkie.com

How to Stand for Truth

Focus Press — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Jack and Joe continue the discussion of having a backbone, with a practical look at what it takes to stand for truth in life's different situations.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro and recap
11:04 - Principles for taking a stand: Have a Biblical moral compass
13:15 - Principles: fear God and not man
18:10 - Principles: love people
22:04 - Principles: prepare to be hated
26:49 - Standing for truth in the church
37:09 - Standing for truth in your marriage
51:20 - Standing for truth in your parenting
56:00 - Standing for truth in your friendships
59:00 - Standing for truth in evangelism

For more go to focuspress.org
You can join Jack's email list free at jackwilkie.com

Get a Backbone

Focus Press — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 19:00:00 +0000

As C.S. Lewis wrote, "Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point."

Every virtue we have to possess as Christians is only as good as the courage we have to stand behind it. Yet, we live in a time when courage is in short supply.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of having a backbone.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro and opening thoughts
06:11 - Hegseth's example
12:15 - How your backbone reveals your purpose
20:51 - The cost of lacking a backbone
24:50 - What do your decisions incentivize?
36:20 - Jesus' example of taking stands
46:02 - Beware the pretend backbone

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Check out Focus Press at focuspress.org, and join our supporters group at focuspress.org/pluls

Join Jack's email list for free at jackwilkie.com

Rethinking the Church’s Approach to Sexuality

Focus Press — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 19:00:00 +0000

In a world that shoves sexuality in our face every day, the church must not fail to rise to the challenge. We discuss where the Christian response often goes wrong in the church and the home, and what can be done about it.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro and announcement
01:48 - The church's shortcomings on this topic
14:13 - How to start an accountability program
19:28 - Teaching beyond just abstinence
29:10 - What about purity culture?
34:36 - Where parents can go wrong
41:12 - Why you need to talk about it with your kids
50:18 - Helping teens navigate male-female relationships
1:01:15 - Addressing boys and girls differently

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Join our free mailing lists at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.com

Support us at focuspress.org/plus to get access to the weekly Deep End episode!

Getting Out of the Church of Christ Bubble, with Marco Arroyo

Focus Press — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 19:01:00 +0000

Marco Arroyo of 'In Between Sundays' joins the show! We discuss:

00:00 - Intro and the church's "YouTuber Mt Rushmore"
02:28 - Getting the CoC to talk to each other
10:36 - How to stay plugged in to the conversations that matter
19:00 - Is the church of Christ an echo chamber?
30:10 - Evangelizing in the digital public square
35:44 - An appeal to get involved
52:03 - Think Fast: Erika Kirk's Act of Forgiveness

With Jack Wilkie and Joe Wilkie

You can follow Marco at his YouTube channel

Check out our sponsors at cobbpublishing.com

You can join our mailing list, shop, and donate at focuspress.org, and you can join Jack's list at jackwilkie.com

Can The Church Capitalize On This Moment?

Focus Press — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 18:58:00 +0000

Charlie Kirk's tragic death has sparked a renewed interest in Christianity in many who were previously indifferent. This week, the crew discusses what the church can do to make this stick and not just be a temporary bounce.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro and reason for optimism
04:20 - Should churches preach on current events?
23:45 - A frank look at the churches of Christ
38:00 - Getting outside our bubble
43:20 - Crafting a message to the seekers

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Check out our sponsors at cobbpublishing.com
Join our email lists at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.co

They Shot Charlie Kirk

Focus Press — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 23:46:34 +0000

The TD crew discusses the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Kirk's work, and the church's response

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro and why this event felt different
09:32 - Rejecting Bothsidesism
18:46 - The courage to point out what's really happening
22:55 - Rejecting Aboveitallism
35:32 - The place of righteous anger
44:50 - Can we stomach difficult realities?
52:00 - What must be done

5 Misused Verses: Jesus Edition

Focus Press — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 19:00:00 +0000

There are many misused verses in the Bible, and some of the biggest distortions are made from Jesus' own words. We discuss 5 verses from the Gospels that have been twisted to say something they don't say, along with how to discern the proper use for them.

Topics:

00:00 - Intro and recapping our previous misused verses episode
09:35 - Throwing stones
19:10 - Who are "The least of these?"
26:15 - Who's coming to dinner?
35:05 - Family ties
41:48 - Excused absences

Check out our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com

And, join our email lists at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.com

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Scripture, Authority, Tradition, and the Case for the Churches of Christ

Focus Press — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 19:02:00 +0000

Today's generation of seekers are not like those of the past. They may not be interested in debates over issues like instrumental worship like people were before. Instead, they want to find something serious, with roots, and able to stand against the evils of our day.

With those points of emphasis, is the church of Christ the best option?

We discuss:
00:00 - Intro
06:24 - The blessing and wisdom of church autonomy
14:15 - Where does church history stand?
22:10 - The case for local elders over a church government
33:00 - What Sola Scriptura really means
41:50 - Everybody has to interpret
56:30 - Think Fast: Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's Engagement

Check out our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com

Join our email lists at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.com

And, join our supporters group on Focus Plus at focuspress.org/plus

Think Fast: Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's Engagement

Focus Press — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 23:11:06 +0000

We discuss the big news in the sports and entertainment world and what it means for feminism, the family, cultural influence on people's values, and more

Join our email lists at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.com

Cracker Barrel’s Lessons for Building a Church Culture

Focus Press — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Cracker Barrel's disastrous rebrand has been a hot topic online. But when ew peel back why it has been such a disaster, we can find important lessons for the church on building culture, having an identity, chasing approval, and more.

We discuss:
00:00 - Intro and Cracker Barrel's Rebrand
06:12 - Identity, Culture, and the Church
17:30 - All things to all men?
24:35 - Courting the world's approval
41:38 - Starving the sheep to feed the goats
46:30 - Enforcing a standard

Check out our sponsors at cobbpublishing.com

Join our email lists at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.co

Q&A: Demons, Church Troubles, Jesus As A Boy, And More!

Focus Press — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 19:00:00 +0000

We respond to listener questions on a broad variety of topics!

00:00 - Intro and a fun question to start
06:10 - What happened to Joseph?
11:00 - Demons, Nephilim, and the Flood
17:20 - What does it mean to grieve the Holy Spirit?
22:45 - Jesus's childhood and the age of accountability
30:32 - Questioning a Deuteronomic Law about sexual sin
38:45 - How do you deal with church disappointment?
47:51 - Church camp baptisms
1:03:15 - Dating someone with different beliefs

Visit our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com
Join our mailing lists at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.co
And, become a Focus+ subscriber and get access to the Deep End and more! focuspress.org/plus

Does Your Kid HAVE To Marry A Christian?

Focus Press — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 18:59:00 +0000

A recent controversy broke out over the premise that it is a failure for Christian fathers to give their daughters in marriage to non-Christians. We discuss:

00:00 - How the controversy began
08:28 - Personal experience isn't an excuse
17:42 - Who all is responsible?
31:43 - What about God's results as a Father?
37:50 - Intermarrying as evangelism
39:45 - Scriptural principles
50:03 - Failure and shame

Join our mailing lists FREE at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.co
Visit our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com
And, join us in our supporter-exclusive Patreon at focuspress.org/plus

7 “Acceptable” Sins to Guard Against

Focus Press — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 19:04:55 +0000

Christians agree all sin is wrong... but some seem to get a pass. Whether because they're so commonplace, they're hard to confront, or for some other reason, it can be easy for these 7 sins to stick around.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro comments
06:46 - Worship concerns
27:57 - Hurtful words
38:25 - What we watch
46:45 - Hanging onto hurts
53:00 - Authority issues
59:17 - Think Fast: Pedro Pascal's "Anxiety" Issues

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Join our mailing lists at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.co
Visit our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com
And, join us for the Deep End at focuspress.org/plus

Think Fast: Pedro Pascal's "Anxiety"

Focus Press — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 16:01:21 +0000

Jack, Joe, and Will discuss the controversy surrounding actor Pedro Pascal and his interactions with his female co-stars, and what the situation says about mental health, "Me Too," and other hot-button issues

Catch the full episode Monday, 8/4!

For more, go to focuspress.org

Pros and Cons of the Booming Church Conference Culture

Focus Press — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 19:30:12 +0000

Just about every week of the year there's a Christian conference or lectureship going on somewhere.

As this style of event has steadily grown, it seems necessary to stop to ask a few questions about what the intended effects are, if they're being met, and if any negative side effects are presenting themselves. We discuss:

00:00 - Introduction and disclaimers
04:10 - The great blessings
15:33 - The cross-examination
28:16 - The keynote speaker vs. the local preacher
32:45 - Don't discount local fellowship and worship
42:06 - Is more preaching our biggest need?
51:53 - Think Fast: Why the Coldplay Couple went so viral

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Check out our sponsors at cobbpublishing.com

And, join our mailing lists at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.co

Think Fast: Why the Coldplay Scandal Went so Viral

Focus Press — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 14:03:03 +0000

A CEO gets caught with the wrong woman at a concert... and next thing you know, they're the main characters of the internet. Why was this such a viral moment, and what can we learn from it?
We discuss on this week's Think Fast!

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
Visit us at focuspress.org for more

The Gaines Controversy and Appeasing the World

Focus Press — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 18:56:00 +0000

Controversy is brewing in Waco, TX as Chip and Joanna Gaines' new show features a homosexual "family." We discuss

00:00 - The issue, the backlash, and the response
12:13 - The problem with normalizing sinful behavior
23:08 - How to associate with a world that rejects God
26:40- The pitfalls of Christian celebrity
37:34 - The false Gospel of niceness and how to "love the sinner"
46:55 - The importance of reestablishing Christian confidence

With Will Harrub and Jack Wilkie
Visit our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com
Check us out at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.co

Grow Up: Why Young People Aren’t Turning Into Adults

Focus Press — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 19:00:00 +0000

We discuss some alarming statistics about young people's failure to reach milestones like marriage, childbearing, home ownership, and more, along with how it got this way and what the church can do about it.

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro and research
07:09 - Discussing the causes
15:17 - Feminism's influence
27:03 - Economic factors
30:27 - Priorities for young men
41:30 - Re-centering marriage
51:34 - Think Fast: AI Goes Rogue

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Visit our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com
Join us for the Deep End at focuspress.org/plus

Think Fast: AI Goes Rogue

Focus Press — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 16:38:38 +0000

Grok, the AI chatbot found on Elon Musk's X, went off script recently, calling itself "MechaHitler, questioning the holocaust, and more.

We discuss the lessons to be taken for Christians and their usage of AI

Catch the full episode of Think Deeper on Monday, 7/14!

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

focuspress.org

VBS, Worship, and the Place of Reverence

Focus Press — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:15:32 +0000

We revisit one of our oldest takes with a look at the place of reverence in Vacation Bible School, but also in. worship and other church activities.

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Join us for the Deep End! focuspress.org/plus

And, visit out sponsor at cobbpublishing.com

Is Command, Example, Necessary Inference an Error?

Focus Press — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 19:04:00 +0000

We continue our examination of critiques from former church of Christ members, including a lengthy look at the Command, Example, Necessary Inference method of application that drives most church teaching.

00:00 - Intro
04:30 - The thief on the cross
06:55 - Attendance requirements
13:03 - Are women oppressed in the church?
19:00 - CENI and the Silence of Scripture, the two big principles
25:17 - The need for balance28:18 - Alternatives to CENI
31:20 - Do we mirror the early church?
40:00 - How much does opinion and personal interpretation factor in to our doctrines?
49:00 - Are we inconsistent in applying CENI?

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Referenced: Thats Jesus Channel, Reddit r/excoc
Join our email list and sign up for the Deep End at focuspress.org/plus
Sign up for Jack's email list at jackwilkie.co
And, visit our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com

Answering Ex-Church of Christ Critiques

Focus Press — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 18:59:00 +0000

We dive in to online critiques of the churches of Christ from former members and weigh which arguments have some validity and which ones are way off.

Chapters
00:00 - Intro and disclaimers
04:07 - An "Indoctrination" problem?
10:18 - Reasons people leave the church
19:42 - Are Christians judgmental?
26:20 - Arguing over Easter
30:35 - "We only follow the Bible"
34:38 - Conservative purity spiraling
39:19 - Pushed out by politics
46:05 - No debates allowed
48:40 - The pull of a capella worship
51:47 - Think Fast: Supreme Court Upholds Ban on Trans Treatment for Minors

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Check out our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com

Visit us at focuspress.org and join us for the Deep End by signing up at focuspress.org/plus

Think Fast: Supreme Court Upholds Ban on Trans Treatment for Minors

Focus Press — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 19:06:07 +0000

The Supreme Court has upheld Tennessee's ban on transgender treatment for minors in United States v. Skrmetti. We discuss what this means and what it teaches us about Christians, politics, evangelism, and more.

Subscribe to catch the full episode on Monday, June 23!

Don’t Be That Guy: 10 Church Member Stereotypes to Avoid

Focus Press — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 19:00:00 +0000

This week we discuss stereotypical "problem members" in the church and how not to be one of them. Our top 10 list:

00:00 - Introduction
03:02 - The Pot Luck Specialist
05:23 - The Co-Teacher
08:01 - The Nine-Fifteener and the Ten-Fifty-Sevener
11:47 - The No-Show
16:36 - The Critic
22:46 - The Absentee Voter
29:08 - The Taker
34:08 - The Emotional Landmine
36:57 - The CryBully
44:00 - The Bully
47:10 - Think Fast: Simone Biles Flips on Trans Athletes

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
Visit us at focuspress.org/thinkdeeper
Check out our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com

Think Fast: Simone Biles Flips on Trans Athletes

Focus Press — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Decorated American gymnast Simone Biles had strong thoughts on those who oppose male participation in female sports... until she had a sudden change of heart.

We discuss what happened and what lessons can be taken from the episode.

An Inside Look at Hollywood's Darkness, with Vince Boling

Focus Press — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 19:01:00 +0000

Vince Boling joins the show to tell stories from his time working on set alongside some of Hollywood's biggest names, and how the darkness he saw led him back to the Lord.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Vince's backstory
11:20 - Noticing something was "off"
16:18 - The behind the scenes overlap of Hollywood and the porn industry
18:36 - Is Satan's influence direct or indirect?
33:05 - Does Vince participate in boycotts?
36:50 - What advice would Vince give to young people who have Hollywood aspirations?
40:00 - Can you be Christian in Hollywood?
42:48 - The horror stories that drove Vince out of Hollywood and back to church
51:28 - Think Fast: Is Pride Month fading?

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie
Join our Patreon at focuspress.org/plus for more!

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Introduction and Vince's backstory
(00:11:20) - Noticing something was "off"
(00:16:18) - The behind the scenes overlap of Hollywood and the porn industry
(00:18:36) - Is Satan's influence direct or indirect?
(00:33:05) - Does Vince participate in boycotts?
(00:36:50) - What advice would Vince give to young people who have Hollywood aspirations?
(00:40:00) - Can you be Christian in Hollywood?
(00:42:48) - The horror stories that drove Vince out of Hollywood and back to church
(00:51:28) - Think Fast: Is Pride Month fading?

Think Fast: Is Pride Month Fading?

Focus Press — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 19:54:58 +0000

Many have noticed that Pride Month seems to lack the energy it once had.

Are corporations changing their tune? Is this an effect of a change in government? Is this a trend, or a momentary pause? We discuss these on this week's Think Fast.

For the full episode, tune in Monday, June 9 for a special interview with a guest who has seen Hollywood's inner workings and has plenty of stories to tell.

Are There Degrees of Heaven and Hell?

Focus Press — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 18:57:00 +0000

At the judgment, every human will meet their fate of reward or punishment. But once we've been sorted into one of those categories, will there be extra reward or extra punishment based on our deeds? Can we add "jewels to our crown" as some say?

00:00 - Intro and what we believe
07:10 - Scriptures on levels of reward
25:42 - Scriptures on degrees of punishment
37:30 - What form would greater rewards and punishment take?
47:00 - Answering objections
1:08:10 - Think Fast: Phil Robertson and the Duck Dynasty Legacy

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro and what we believe
(00:07:10) - Scriptures on levels of reward
(00:25:42) - Scriptures on degrees of punishment
(00:37:30) - What form would these rewards and punishment take?
(00:47:00) - Answering objections
(01:08:10) - Think Fast: Phil Robertson and the Duck Dynasty Legacy

Think Fast: Phil Robertson and the Duck Dynasty Legacy

Focus Press — Thu, 29 May 2025 21:00:15 +0000

With Phil Robertson's passing, we discuss the impact made by his business and the Duck Dynasty television craze, along with what good and bad Christian entertainment looks like.

Catch the full episode of Think Deeper on Monday, 5/29 as we discuss the idea of levels of reward and punishment in heaven and hell

The Sins of Men, the Sins of Women

Focus Press — Mon, 26 May 2025 20:41:56 +0000

God wired men and women differently, with different strengths, skills, and tendencies. Unfortunately, Satan knows this and can turn our tendencies into temptations. We discuss:

- The most-discussed sin for men and for women
- How a sin like pride manifests differently for the two
- How social media amplifies bad tendencies
- The power struggle set forth by Adam and Eve

and more!

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Check out our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com
And, visit us at focuspress.org

Think Fast: Joe Rogan Goes to Church

Focus Press — Sat, 24 May 2025 22:21:59 +0000

With reports that podcasting megastar Joe Rogan has begun to regularly attend worship services, we react to what this says about the culture, the blessings and challenges of celebrity conversions, and what the churches of Christ can learn from this.

Guide, Guard, and Direct Us: Church of Christ Lingo

Focus Press — Mon, 19 May 2025 19:01:00 +0000

We examine common quips and phrases you'll hear in the churches of Christ, including "Steps of Salvation," "the Brotherhood," "Separate and Apart from the Lord's Supper," and more!

SECTIONS:

00:00 - Intro

5:30 - "Ready Recollection," "Separate & Apart," and Other Cliches

18:20 - Bible Things in Bible Ways, the Pattern, and Silence

38:00 - The Steps of Salvation

46:45 - "Church of Christ" and "The Brotherhood"

54:44 - Think Fast: Must Christians Support Israel?

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:05:30) - "Ready Recollection," "Separate & Apart," and Other Cliches
(00:18:20) - Bible Things in Bible Ways, the Pattern, and Silence
(00:38:00) - The Steps of Salvation
(00:46:45) - "Church of Christ" and "The Brotherhood
(00:54:44) - Think Fast: Must Christians Support Israel?

Think Fast: Do Christians Have To Support Israel?

Focus Press — Thu, 15 May 2025 23:02:00 +0000

In this week's Think Fast we look at President Trump's negotiations in the Middle East and the rumors that the US and the Israeli government are not on the same page.

Many Evangelicals believe God has commanded the US and all other nations to support Israel... but is that true? From the Think Deeper Podcast episode, Guide, Guard, and Direct Us: Church of Christ Lingo available Monday, May 19

Millennials and Boomers, Xers and Zoomers

Focus Press — Mon, 12 May 2025 18:59:00 +0000

We live in possibly the most generationally divided time ever. Thanks to mass media and the rapid growth of technology, we have 4 generations with as little in common as any. We discuss:

How the Post-WWII world has changed things so drastically for all of us
The strengths and weaknesses of each generation
Statistical insights that help us understand each other
What it's going to take to bring the generations together

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro and defining terms

03:10 - Generational defensiveness

9:30 - Where the breakdown began

22:20 - Interesting statistics

30:15 - The turning tide

36:00 - Self-awareness of our failures

49:10 - Think Fast: A New Pope

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro and Defining Terms
(00:03:10) - Generational Defensiveness
(00:09:30) - Where the breakdown began
(00:22:20) - Interesting statistics
(00:30:15) - The turning tide
(00:36:00) - Self-awareness of our failures
(00:49:10) - Think Fast: New Pope

The Prom Question & the Importance of Rites of Passage

Focus Press — Mon, 05 May 2025 19:02:00 +0000

We're back!

This week Think Deeper returns with a look at the question of whether Christian teens should go to prom, whether parents should allow it, and the place of rites of passage in young people's growth.

5:25 - our answers and making the "steel man" case for prom
11:45 - is this a Romans 14 issue, a matter of opinion?
17:30 - parents' responsibility to their children
22:47 - statistics that shed light on the prom experience
30:13 - is modesty conditional?
36:30 - answering arguments
40:45 - what about formal banquets and prom alternatives?
53:55 - what other rites of passage might be useful for young people?
1:07:00 - THINK FAST! Tariffs and living with less

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Visit us at focuspress.org, and join us at focuspress.org/plus to get access to the Deep End and plenty of other exclusives!

Chapters

(00:05:25) - our answers and making the "steel man" case for prom
(00:11:45) - is this a Romans 14 issue, a matter of opinion?
(00:17:30) - parents' responsibility to their children
(00:22:47) - statistics that shed light on the prom experience
(00:30:13) - is modesty conditional?
(00:36:30) - answering arguments
(00:40:45) - what about formal banquets and prom alternatives?
(00:53:55) - what other rites of passage might be useful for young people?
(01:07:00) - THINK FAST! Tariffs and living with less

Think Fast: Tariffs and Living with Less

Focus Press — Fri, 02 May 2025 19:08:00 +0000

Think Fast returns!

Each Friday we'll be reacting to some major headline or talking point of that week, beginning with this discussion of President Trump's comments on some of the expected effects of tariffs.

Keep an eye out for our return episode Monday - The Prom Question and Rites of Passage

REWIND: Lines of Fellowship and Church Autonomy

Focus Press — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 20:29:59 +0000

In the churches of Christ, congregations are autonomous... to a point. Deciding when a line has been crossed and others have become beyond fellowship is a delicate but critical matter.

Topics include:

- The tendencies of progressivism and hyperconservatism
- Being open to one another without becoming compromised
- Being exclusive without being exclusionary
- Whether there's a difference between salvation issues and fellowship issues
- Are churches supposed to "police" one another?

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

REWIND: Toxic Feminism

Focus Press — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 19:47:37 +0000

Feminism's influence runs deep in our day, making it difficult for us to discern what God's design for women should look like.

In this week's rewind, the guys examined the Bible's teachings on the design of women, their strengths, their weaknesses, and how our culture has missed the mark.

REWIND: Masculinity Matters

Focus Press — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 19:10:00 +0000

The world clearly has no idea what a man is, nor what a woman is. But do Christians know?

Can we articulate the differences? Can we explain the strengths and weaknesses God gave to men, and why they matter?

In this episode the guys discuss the common stereotypes of harmful masculinity before contrasting them with the role for which God created men.

Originally aired March 29, 2022

REWIND: Christians and Self-Defense

Focus Press — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 19:17:07 +0000

Originally published in September 2022

How both sides of the debate often misunderstand Jesus
What the Old Testament teaches us on the matter
Situations such as home intrusions, active shooters in the church building, war, and the like

For more, join us at patreon.com/focuspressinc

Were We Wrong? Think Deeper, Re-Examined

Focus Press — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 19:00:00 +0000

We're no strangers to controversy, but we want to be sure we're understood properly when we do wade into the controversial.
In this episode, we look back on 169 episodes of Think Deeper (so far) and clarify some of the views we've shared and how they've been received. Topics include:

- An announcement about the show - 00:00
- What do we REALLY believe about the man and woman's roles in the home? - 05:39
- Servant leadership... are we against servants, leaders, both, or neither? - 15:19
- Have we been too hard on the church? - 23:20
- Are we against Christian conferences and colleges? - 41:05
- Do we think Christians should mix country and religion? - 51:24

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Visit our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com

Check us out at focuspress.org

And, sign up for our exclusive Deep End episodes and much more at patreon.com/focuspressinc

How Much of the Old Law Are We Supposed to Follow?

Focus Press — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 19:07:00 +0000

The church's under-discussion of the Old Law combined with the rise of popular online Bible study communities is leading many astray with regard to Law-keeping. We discuss the rise of Torah Observant Christianity and Messianic Judaism and how it misunderstands the place of the Law of Moses, including:

- Why so many are feeling drawn to keep the Law
- Why they believe what they do, and what the Scriptures say
- Is Sunday the new Sabbath?
- What ARE we supposed to do with the Mosaic Law?
- THINK FAST: A JFK Files spin-off question

Will Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Check out our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com
And, visit us at focuspress.org

Should These Hymns Be Removed From Our Song Books?

Focus Press — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 20:28:11 +0000

We discuss the theological importance of hymn lyrics and how they teach us doctrinal truths - even when we don't realize it. Topics include:

Is 'Just a Little Talk with Jesus' teach wrongly about salvation?
Does 'The Old Rugged Cross' glorify the cross instead of Jesus?
Should we sing about our 'Mansion Over the Hilltop?'
How can we know what's a personal nitpick and what's a legitimate complaint with a song?
Plus, blind ranking classic hymns!

Check out our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com

And, visit us at focuspress.org

A Dire Warning for the Near Future

Focus Press — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 19:01:00 +0000

The winds of change are kicking up in the culture and the church, and a lot of positive developments are coming with them. However, correction always comes with the risk of overcorrection.

We discuss:
- Finding balance between feminism and an increasingly popular chauvinism
- How rejecting "anti-racism" can turn into full-blown racism if we're not careful
- The decline of Christian Gnostic tendencies and how the new perspectives can go wrong
- Why older generations have to learn not to fight positive change
- Why younger generations have to reform with humility

and more

Check out our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com

And, visit us at focuspress.org

How To Not Get Tricked By False Teaching

Focus Press — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Jack and Joe break down the logical fallacies and bad arguments used to introduce false teachings and teach you how to spot them. Topics include:

- The primary logical fallacy that has been used to bring in LGBT support, women preachers, and all kinds of other errors
- How to represent an opponent's beliefs without building a straw man argument
- How empathy gets weaponized against good-hearted Christians
- When the slippery slope is a bad argument, and when it's a good argument and more!

Check out our sponsors at cobbpublishing.com

And, visit us at focuspress.org

Maybe We All Aren't As Busy As We Think

Focus Press — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 19:56:00 +0000

We discuss the distractions in life that keep us from doing the things we know we should, including:

How sports can dominate a family's life
The way social media eats our time without us realizing it
Why even church activities can be distractions
What we can do to keep our priorities in line

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Check out our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com, and visit us at focuspress.org

Is Woke-ism Dying?

Focus Press — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 19:58:00 +0000

For 10+ years, "woke" views on race, sexuality, and more have dominated the culture and even infiltrated the church. But is the tide turning? We discuss:

How bad did it get?
What was the tipping point, and what factors have caused this turnaround?
Is this a permanent change in direction, or is the ideology just lying low for a while?
3 ways Christians are likely to respond

Join us at the benefit dinner! focuspress.org/benefit

Check out our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com

How to Find a Spouse

Focus Press — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 20:15:00 +0000

With Valentine's Day around the corner, we discuss the Christian's path toward finding a spouse. Topics include:

- Rating college, apps, events, and other places where people go to find connections
- Dating, courtship, and hybrid approaches
- Pitfalls to avoid
- The place of attraction
- The most important qualities to look for

and more!

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Check out our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com

And, keep up with all the latest by joining our mailing list at focuspress.org

Join us in the Deep End for an exclusive bonus episode each Friday - focuspress.org/plus

Does JD Vance Love His Neighbor?

Focus Press — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 20:08:00 +0000

Vice President JD Vance started a controversy recently when he stated that Christianity teaches a hierarchy of loves beginning with the home. We discuss:

Are Christians supposed to love some people more than others?
If there is to be a hierarchy of loves, what is it?
How have "love your neighbor" and "love one another as I have loved you" been misunderstood?
How does it affect the church when we get this wrong?

Go to focuspress.org to shop, donate, or check out the latest content

Looking for more Christian podcasts? Subscribe to Godly Young Men for more from Joe and Will, and Church Reset for Jack

And, check out our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com

The Preacher Pay Problem

Focus Press — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 21:08:10 +0000

We continue the discussion on church finances. This week we look at:

Are preachers paid fairly?
Ways churches can help their preachers make a proper income, even if they don't have enough money
Should elders be paid?
How much is too much when it comes to spending on building luxuries or events?

and more!

For more, go to focuspress.org

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Has Church Benevolence Gone Too Far?

Focus Press — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:02:00 +0000

We begin a 2-part look at church finances, including:

- Is tithing an obligation, a good idea, or an outdated concept?
- Can church efforts to care for the community be misguided?
- Should we have a widow payroll like Paul discusses in 1 Timothy 5?
- What is the place of missions in the church's budget?
and more!

Stay tuned for next week when we'll discuss paying elders, preacher salaries, church spending, and more.

With Will Harrub, Joe Wilkie, and Jack Wilkie

Satan's Attack on the Home

Focus Press — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 20:05:00 +0000

The home was mankind's first institution, and its health goes a long way toward determining a people's health - which is why Satan is so eager to tear it down.

In this month's Think Magazine crossover episode, we examine some of the primary ways the home can be torn apart. Topics include:

- The subversion of God's authority structure
- When to involve the elders in a marital conflict
- Divided loyalties caused by social media, peer groups, and other outside influences
- The ripple effects of sexual sin
- Think Fast: Would you rather raise a family 100 years in the past or 100 years in the future?

To get the magazine issue - focuspress.org/think

12 Practical Things You Can Do To Grow This Year

Focus Press — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 20:30:12 +0000

Sure, everyone wants to pray and read their Bible more in 2025. But beyond those two things, what are other actionable steps we can take to make an impact this year? We discuss:

Upgrading your Sunday morning habits
Ways to grow closer with your church family
Ideas for drawing closer to God with your spouse

and more! With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie Visit focuspress.org for more

Kennedy, Mangione, Trump, Diddy, and More - 2024 In Review

Focus Press — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 02:04:07 +0000

We review the biggest headlines from 2024, including:

Luigi Mangione, Daniel Penny, and the online reaction to the two cases
The wild Presidential election
Hurricane Helene and the government's heartless response toward its own people, and what the church can learn from it
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s health push vs. the growing adoption of Ozempic/Wegovy/Mounjaro shots
Diddy, Jay-Z, and the exposure of the entertainment industry's dark side

and more!

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Check out our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com

Donate at focuspress.org/donate

Holiday Hangout: Listener Hot Takes, Blind Ranks, and More

Focus Press — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 20:10:00 +0000

We get together to have some fun ahead of Christmas and New Year's Eve, playing a few games and rating hot takes submitted by YOU! Topics include:

- Blind ranking Focus Press stuff and some of our, um, "favorite" controversies
- Listener hot takes on issues like Bible Bowls and ministry roles
- Underrated/overrated, Bible edition

and more!

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Donate at focuspress.org/donate

HyperConservative churches of Christ

Focus Press — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 20:04:00 +0000

In part 2 in our look at the left and right edges of the church of Christ spectrum, we turn our attention to the right side. Topics include:
- The strengths and weaknesses of Command, Example, and Necessary Inference Bible application
- Was this the intended end of the "Restoration plea?"
- The slippery slope of legalism
- How hyperconservatism kills growth
and more

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

The Progressive churches of Christ

Focus Press — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 19:57:00 +0000

There is a broad spectrum of doctrinal beliefs among the churches of Christ. This week we focus on the progressive end of the spectrum. Topics include:

Defining our terms
The strengths and weaknesses of the progressives
The place for giving grace in doctrinal disagreements
How academia and intellectualism often create a drift
Are they the true continuation of the Restorationist Movement?

Tune in for Pt 2 next week as we discuss hyperconservative churches of Christ!

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Donate at focuspress.org/donate

Check out our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com

What the Church Can Learn from the Influencers

Focus Press — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 20:00:00 +0000

Like it or not, many of the ideas we think we came to ourselves were placed there by some person or group of people. Ideas spread so rapidly and so subtly in our day that we can be influenced in ways we don't even realize. What does this mean for our Christian view of the world?

Topics include:

- The good and bad of the TradWife and Manosphere movements
- Why (and how) secular people are finding truths that Christians have long been missing
- Using online resources for inspiration without getting idealistic or discontent
- A rapid-fire look at other popular corners of the internet including the Pet Parents/DINKS, high church, health and homesteading
and more

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Check out the holiday sales at focuspress.org/shop

And, visit our new sponsor at cobbpublishing.com!

Why People Hate Their Parents

Focus Press — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 20:13:00 +0000

With each passing year, there's more discussion about the how difficult Thanksgiving and the holiday season are due to strained family relationships. Some even advocate skipping family gatherings entirely.

We discuss:
- What obligations do we have to our families?
- How does the dysfunction of the American family parallel problems we're seeing in the church?
- Are traditions really that important?
- The impact of individualism and therapy culture
and more!

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Does Church of Christ Doctrine Downplay Grace?

Focus Press — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 20:18:00 +0000

Many members of the churches of Christ struggle to feel "good enough" and often lack understanding of God's grace. Is there something unique to the church's teaching that creates this uncertainty?

We discuss:

The benefits of our strong emphasis on doctrine and obedience
Why the doctrinal precision in our fellowship's DNA can make members feel unsure of their salvation
How much do we have to get right in order to be saved?
How God's character can give us assurance even if we are falling short in our actions or our knowledge

and more!

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Parenting, with Dr. Brad Harrub

Focus Press — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 20:14:00 +0000

Dr. Brad Harrub joins the show to talk about 'Arrows in the Hands of a Warrior,' the new book on parenting he co-wrote with his wife, Melinda!

Topics include:

- The importance of parents admitting mistakes
- Challenges previous generations of parents didn't have to face
- Why discipline has grown so misunderstood
- Navigating grandparent involvement
and more!

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Pick up the book at Focus Press or Amazon today!

Join us on Focus+ for the Deep End bonus episode - focuspress.org/plus

And, subscribe to Think magazine - focuspress.org/think

Tone-Deaf Christianity

Focus Press — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 20:03:00 +0000

Just because we're spiritual, it doesn't mean we don't have to be grounded in the reality of the physical here and now. So many of the platitudes uttered in Christianity today come off as tone-deaf, totally unconcerned with the world around us.

We discuss:

How heaven is over-emphasized in modern Christianity and makes us look cold and uncaring about people's problems here and now
What it looks like to be "so heavenly minded we aren't any earthly good"
The gross misunderstanding of what "Jesus is on His throne" means
How Gnosticism has crept into the church's view of being salt and light
Being realistic about the state of the world without being anxious or fearful

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Join us November 16 in Burns, TN for Think Deeper Live! Register free at thinkdeeperlive.com

Horror, Witchcraft, and the Halloween Question

Focus Press — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 19:00:00 +0000

We revisit a long-running Think Deeper debate and discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly surrounding Halloween and the Christian. Topics include:

Where we draw the line on Halloween participation
The pagan influences surrounding the day
"All Saints Day" and the value of recognizing death
Whether Christians should consume Harry Potter and other magical fiction
Horror movies and haunted houses
THINK FAST: The Harding University controversies

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Better Bible Study: What, Why, and How

Focus Press — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 19:13:00 +0000

Sometimes the Bible can be intimidating and you don't know where to start. Other times it can feel like we know all the relevant information already and don't have a lot left to explore.

This week we look at how to study the Bible more deeply and share some nuggets we've found that have helped the Bible come alive and drawn us into further study.

We discuss:

- Why Bible reading is underrated
- The joy of Bible study
- The right and wrong way to study topically
- How to get started in deeper exegetical study
- Useful tools
- How to exercise discernment in the resources you use, and which teachers to be wary of

and more!

Ads:

- Check out the rest of our podcast network at focuspress.org/podcasts

- Join us for Think Deeper Live on November 16! RSVP at thinkdeeperlive.com

Oft-Misunderstood Bible Terms

Focus Press — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 19:12:00 +0000

We have some BIG announcements to share on this one to go along with this week's episode on the importance of grasping Bible terms.

Topics include:

- Sacrifice and offering and how the new system isn't as different from the old as we might think
- Justification and sanctification
- Faith and works and whether we're saved by "faith alone"
- Why repentance isn't just a "step" of salvation

and more!

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Join us for Think Deeper Live on November 16! RSVP at thinkdeeperlive.com

How To Know When A Church Has Been Captured

Focus Press — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 19:12:00 +0000

The Christian's war is fought on the philosophical level, and modern day philosophy has done a great job slithering into churches today, often almost entirely undetected. We discuss what this philosophy is and how it undermines God's Word, including:

- The dominant philosophical tool of our day, its history, and how it presents itself
- How this philosophy uses Christian terms to seem Biblical while directly undermining God's authority
- How the inerrancy and sufficiency of Scripture are casually discarded in the face of these ideas
- Buzzwords and emphases that show how this philosophy has crept into a church's teaching and leadership style

and more.

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

10 Lessons We Want To Pass On To Our Kids

Focus Press — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 19:09:00 +0000

As young parents we don't claim to be experts in terms of how-to advice, but we do have goals for our families. Those are the focus of this week's discussion, and topics include:

- Helping our kids learn to love the church

- Differing goals for our boys and our girls

- Lessons in self-discipline

- How we want to break them of the individualism of today's world

and more!

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

How the Holy Spirit Works Today

Focus Press — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 19:27:00 +0000

We examine what the Bible teaches about the Holy Spirit and His work today. Topics include:

- What the Spirit did in the Old and New Testaments
- The charismatic, the indwelling, and the "only through the Word" camps
- How indwelling works practically
- Why this topic is so uncomfortable

and more!

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Church Traditions: When to Keep, When to Drop

Focus Press — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 19:10:00 +0000

This week we look at traditions in the church, including:

- Why traditions are important and necessary

- When traditionalism can become overbearing

- Navigating generational preferences for changing vs. maintaining traditions

- Debating traditional church practices

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

The Art of Personal Conflict

Focus Press — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 19:05:00 +0000

Personal conflict and confronting others is one of those inevitable parts of life that none of us enjoy. But how we do it makes a big difference. This week we look at how confrontation and conflict can be handled well, including:

- How personal conflict brings us closer

- Knowing when to speak up and when to let it go

- The difference between confronting someone over their sin against you vs. a general sin in their life

- How church leadership sets the tone for healthier confrontation

and more

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Q&A, Pt. 2 - Cremation, "Leave and Cleave," Apostolic Succession, and more

Focus Press — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 19:12:00 +0000

We pick up with part 2 of answering listener questions, including:

- Should Christians decline cremation?
- Does "leave and cleave" mean you shouldn't live near family when you get married?
- Can men use Bible study material written by women?
- Is rural life more conducive to faithfulness?
- Is apostolic succession valid for church authority?

and more!

Q&A: Judging, New Christians, Denominations, and more!

Focus Press — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 19:28:00 +0000

We respond to questions from the Deep Thinkers! This week's edition includes questions on:

When and when not to judge
What kind of care do new Christians need to receive from the church, and who is responsible for it?
Why do many people who have wrong beliefs still seem to have true joy and peace?

and more!

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Troubleshooting Weak Worship

Focus Press — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 19:20:00 +0000

We continue the discussion on worship in song with comments and questions from our Focus+ members. Topics include:

Whether it's important to have technically proficient song leaders
What to do if you attend a church with weak singing
Why men especially need to take singing seriously
How churches of Christ view those who use instruments in worship

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Musical Worship

Focus Press — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 19:25:00 +0000

This week's episode looks at the importance of music in our praise to God. Topics include:

- How music combats Christian gnosticism
- Why we don't use instruments
- The proper and improper place of emotion in worship
- Questions about praise teams, clapping, and touring chorus groups

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Confronting Evil: Olympics, Assassination, and more

Focus Press — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 19:32:00 +0000

The world's evil has been on overdrive lately. We discuss the latest headlines with an eye toward what Christians should do in the midst of the madness. Topics include:

- Why being "above it all" or burying our heads in the sand is not holier
- Whether we should just "let the world be the world"
- The crowd-pleasing impulse to blame our fellow Christians
- The importance of developing discernment and understanding the times
- Effective ways to stand up

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Top 10 Bad Bible Arguments

Focus Press — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 19:24:00 +0000

This week we discuss how NOT to use the Bible when trying to discuss the Scripture with others. Topics include:

- Right and wrong ways to use the Scripture to make a point
- "Tone policers" and "mic droppers"
- The place of the Old Testament in our lives today
- How to respect someone's argument even when you strongly disagree

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Does God Expect Married Couples to Have Kids?

Focus Press — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 19:30:00 +0000

We discuss whether God expects physically able married couples to bear children, or if it's just a personal choice. Topics include:

- Our culture's hatred of kids
- Whether "Be fruitful and multiply" still applies today
- The benefits of kids
- Advice for those who want children but don't/can't have them

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Therapy Culture: Harmful or Helpful?

Focus Press — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 19:23:00 +0000

Our resident licensed therapist, Joe Wilkie, leads a discussion of the pros and cons of therapy. Topics include:

- Therapy vs "Therapy Culture"

- How therapy terms get weaponized to excuse sinful behavior

- The right way and wrong way to think about brokenness and weakness

- A debate over whether society would be better or worse off without therapy

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Persecution, Revival, and the Church’s Future

Focus Press — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 19:29:00 +0000

We discuss the church's statistical decline and what it could mean for the future. Topics include:

How the decline of Christendom in Europe gives us a glimpse of what may be headed our way
What will happen if and when persecution ramps up
Why the community church model reached so many people, and why we expect it to fail
Why Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy are seeing a resurgence and what we can learn from them

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Is Our Ministry System Broken?

Focus Press — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 19:16:00 +0000

Every year, more men leave the pulpit. Churches struggle to replace them. Many smaller congregations can't afford to bring someone in even if they wanted. Among those who still preach, some are unqualified.

In short, the church is in a tough spot when it comes to the future of preaching. Is our current system of selecting, training, and hiring to blame? We discuss:

- Who should become a preacher?
- Is there a better way to match preachers with vacant pulpits?
- What are the pros and cons of preaching schools and Christian university Bible degrees programs?
- What can be done about common preacher problems like low pay, the glass house, and constantly uprooting the family?

We discuss these issues and more.

Join us at Focus+ to submit your questions and get access to the exclusive Deep End show each Friday, plus hundreds of other pieces of content for your Christian walk!

patreon.com/focuspressinc

Rethinking the Role of Preacher

Focus Press — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 19:28:00 +0000

The role of preacher is a central part of most churches today. But is it supposed to be?

We discuss:
- The Biblical concept of the preacher
- Stereotypical preacher problems
- Are sermons overrated?
- The problem of members disrespecting their ministers
and more!

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Is Every Christian Called to Evangelize?

Focus Press — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 19:21:00 +0000

Not everyone is going to be a preacher, elder, teacher, or missionary... so how can they serve the church? What has God called them to do?

We discuss:

- How we've overrated ministry and church work and underrated other efforts
- What is the end goal of "making disciples?"
- What's true and untrue about "all of life is worship"
- What "priesthood of all believers" means in practical terms
- Is every Christian called to evangelize?
- How the church has misunderstood kingdom work

Rethinking Camp, VBS, and Summer Spiritual Highs

Focus Press — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 19:30:00 +0000

Summer is usually a church's busiest time of year as VBS, camp, and other events start to fill the calendar. We discuss the pros and cons of these events for spiritual formation. Topics include:

Have youth and family ministries been sincere but misdirected from the start?
When camps help young Christians grow into spiritual adulthood, and when they hinder
The danger of building a walk with God around scheduled spiritual highs
Is it time to reconsider VBS?

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Pride Month: Where Did the Slippery Slope Start?

Focus Press — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 19:20:00 +0000

As June begins and the rainbow flags start flying again, we revisit the origins of the LGBT movement and how the decline goes back much farther than we typically think.

We discuss:

- 90's propaganda
- The sexual revolution
- Abortion's role
- The rise of pornography in the 1950s
- How Christians opened the door to it all by forfeiting the family

Taylor Swift, Andrew Tate, and Today’s Role Models

Focus Press — Mon, 27 May 2024 19:28:00 +0000

People have long had cultural role models, but in today's world of social media there are more voices than ever before. Who are today's major voices, what are they teaching, and how do we navigate the positive and negative influences?

We discuss:

- Taylor Swift, Candace Owens, Andrew Tate, "Trad Wives," Joe Rogan, and more
- Feminism on the left and the right
- Powerless masculinity, powerful masculinity, and finding balance
- How parents and church leaders can use cultural role models to teach lessons

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Pharisees in the Church?

Focus Press — Mon, 20 May 2024 19:24:00 +0000

"Pharisee" is a religious insult so broadly used that is often becomes almost meaningless. But the word does have a meaning, and it's important we understand it. We discuss:

- The history of the Pharisees and why they weren't all bad
- How progressives overuse the term
- What Pharisaical Bible study looks like
- What Pharisaism looks like in the church today
- How to guard against a Pharisaical heart

With Jack Wilkie and Joe Wilkie

Rejecting Brain-Free Christianity

Focus Press — Mon, 13 May 2024 19:29:00 +0000

Not everything is a black and white, thou shalt/thou shalt not issue. For some, this means we should not talk about such issues but rather leave everything up to individual interpretation. Phrases like "But is it a sin?" and "You can't bind that" are thrown around to shut down discussion.

But discernment is at the heart of Christian maturity. This week, we discuss the difference between the two approaches and why God wants us to engage our brains. Topics include:

- The importance of discerning Good/Better/Best on any issue
- Is it legalistic to get into specifics like school choices, entertainment options, etc.?
- Why a "broad brush" is a good and proper tool for Bible teaching
- Why avoidance of the controversial kills unity

Is "Placing Church Membership" Biblical?

Focus Press — Mon, 06 May 2024 23:57:47 +0000

You won't find the words "place membership" in the New Testament. And, when you're baptized, you're added by God to His church.

So do we need to publicly declare our membership with a local congregation? We discuss, including:

- Defining "church" and "member" Biblically
- Is church an "organism" or an "organization?"
- Do baptized teens become members separate from their parents?
- Individualism vs. Collectivism
- The importance of elders (and other church leaders) in defining membership

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Drafting All 66 Bible Books

Focus Press — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 19:06:00 +0000

The guys decided to have some fun this week and sat down to draft 22 Bible books apiece.

Tune in to see where the books got taken and how their favorites line up with yours.

And, tell us who's "team" of 22 books you would pick if you could only read and study one set.

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Women, Kids, and More Questions About Prayer

Focus Press — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 19:28:00 +0000

We continue the discussion on prayer by examining a number of specifics, including:

- How should public prayers differ from private prayers?
- "Abba Father" and reverence vs. closeness
- How to know when an answer is from God
- Does "Let the men pray in every place" extend to the home, including with one's wife and children?

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

How Does Prayer Work with an All-Knowing God?

Focus Press — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 19:08:00 +0000

Prayer is one of the basics of the Christian faith, but it's also a remarkably deep concept that raises all kinds of questions.

Topics include:
- Why do we need to pray if God already knows our thoughts?
- Does it make a difference to pray audibly vs. just in our heads?
- Do we pray to all 3 members of the Godhead, or just the Father?
- Does prayer change God's mind?
- Does God hear everyone's prayers? and more.

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Join Focus+ to get access to our weekly Q&A show, The Deep End! patreon.com/focuspressinc

The Biggest Threat to the Church Today

Focus Press — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 18:59:00 +0000

The majority of kids raised in Christian homes continue to leave the church in adulthood. In fixing the problem, the most logical place to start has to be the biggest external influence in their lives - namely, the public schools.

We discuss:

- Just how bad it's gotten (even in the "good" schools)
- The Deuteronomy 6 mandate
- Valid reasons vs. excuses
- Ways churches can get creative to help families

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

The Feminized Church

Focus Press — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 19:29:00 +0000

The church will be driven by masculine sensibilities or by feminized sensibilities - it can't be driven by both.

This week we explore how the church has become driven by feminized sensibilities, why that isn't God's design, and what the consequences have been. Topics include:

- Why femininity and masculinity are both needed, and the only way they can coexist
- What a feminized pulpit, eldership, and congregation look like
- How political correctness and self-policing hinder the truth
- Why weak men are at the heart of the problem

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

The Lost Art of Church Discipline

Focus Press — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 19:31:00 +0000

The church's task of confronting "sin in the camp" is clearly laid out in the Scriptures... and yet it almost never happens. Why not? What would it look like if we did practice it?

We discuss:

- The OT roots of the practice
- What a lack of church discipline has caused
- Why discipline is the only loving way
- The danger of overreach
- How church discipline might change the world

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

3 Marriage Lessons We’ve Learned

Focus Press — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 19:26:00 +0000

This week the guys each bring three lessons they've learned about marriage. Topics include:

- Why self-esteem is so important to a marriage
- A mindset both spouses need to bring to the relationship
- How to get better at conflict

Tune in to catch these and six more lessons.

Got one to contribute? Comment on our Facebook page!

Thinking Biblically About Immigration

Focus Press — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 19:30:00 +0000

With millions of immigrants crossing the border into the US in recent years, and immigration becoming arguably the biggest concern of this year's election, what should Christians think about the issue?

We discuss:
- Why the issue can't be ignored by Christians
- What the Bible has to say
- How issues like this make us better Bible students
- Whether Christians can have national interests, or if being "not of this world" prohibits us
- What obligations we have on the matter

Check out Focus+ to get access to the exclusive Deep End episodes and much more! patreon.com/focuspressinc

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

The Age of Accountability

Focus Press — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 20:20:00 +0000

This week we discuss the age of accountability and how we should think about youth baptisms (including our own).

- Why we reject infant baptism
- Reasons for younger (10-13) baptisms
- Reasons for older baptisms (16 and up)
- The role of fear as a reason to get baptized
- When, if ever, is rebaptism necessary?

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Don’t “Follow Your Heart”

Focus Press — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 20:28:00 +0000

We look at the disastrous culture of individualism and following our hearts. "Do what makes you happy" and "I come to God in my own way" set people up for misery and separation from God. Yet, many churches are built on this ideology.

Topics include:

- How "Follow your heart" culture has infiltrated churches

- Why the heart wrecks lives and marriages

- What's wrong with the minimalist, libertarian view of the Bible

- How to know when you're following your heart vs. following God

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Join us on Focus+ to get access to the weekly Deep End bonus episodes!

focuspress.org/plus

Fear, Indoctrination, and Climate Change, with Dr. Brad Harrub

Focus Press — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 20:29:00 +0000

Dr. Brad Harrub joins the show to talk about climate change! In this episode:

- The history of climate alarmism
- What the science really shows
- Biblical environmentalism and caring for God's world
- How news media manipulates through fear
- The indoctrination and weaponization of young minds for the cause
With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Marriage, Faithful Kids, and Elder Qualifications

Focus Press — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 20:30:00 +0000

We dive into the elder qualifications of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 and discuss the importance of getting them right while also looking at the controversies involved.

Topics include:
- How the qualifications have been downplayed, and the consequences we're seeing
- What does "able to teach" mean?
- Why "peaceable" is a more important qualification to get right than you might think
- Does an elder have to be married?
- Do an elder's children have to be baptized, faithful Christians?

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Why Christians Need to Be Ready for AI

Focus Press — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 20:29:00 +0000

Christians were caught unaware by the rise of the internet, but we can't afford to make the same mistake with the newest booming technology.

Almost overnight, artificial Intelligence has gone from a fringe technology to a feature of everyday life. While it comes with numerous useful features, it certainly has its dark side, too. We discuss what you need to know about the issue in this episode, including:

- The history and where it stands today
- The threats to relationships posed by AI
- A dark turn in the porn addiction epidemic
- AI's incentives toward laziness and plagiarism, including for those in ministry

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Women’s Roles: Church Offices, Ladies’ Days, and More

Focus Press — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 20:30:00 +0000

The role of women in the church has long been a debated topic. This week we take on the big issues like women preachers and what prominent women in the Bible teach us, along with a number of practical questions, including:

- Non-speaking roles in worship
- "Children's minister" and other titles
- Church internships
- Ladies Days

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

See focuspress.org for more!

How Much Free Will Do We Have?

Focus Press — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 20:30:00 +0000

This week we take on one of the Bible's most philosophically challenging questions: how much free will do we actually have? Topics include: - Where do we fall on the spectrum of determinism, middle knowledge, or open theism? - Did Pharaoh have a choice when he was "hardened by God?" - What about when God allowed a "deceiving influence" to do His work? - Were key players like John the Baptist and Judas effectively forced to help God accomplish His will? - What are the limits of free will? With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Does God Choose Who He Saves?

Focus Press — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 20:30:00 +0000

The guys take a look at Calvinism and the big questions it presents, including:

- The 5 points of Calvinism (TULIP)

- Whether man has a sin nature

- Which system is more consistent with God's character

- Calvinism's weakest point

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Suicide: Selfish and Sinful, or Something Else?

Focus Press — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 20:31:00 +0000

This week we take on the difficult but important topic of suicide.

Topics include:

- Why the rate is so much higher among males than females
- How the mental health industry often doesn't help and sometimes makes the problem worse
- Why faith is the answer... but also why it's not as simple as that
- Questions like is suicide a sin, and does it bring automatic condemnation?

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Why Goals and Growth Are Essential for Christians

Focus Press — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 20:30:00 +0000

Some people are big on chasing goals and resolutions. Others aren't.
Does it matter? Do Christians have a duty to aim to grow year over year?

Topics include:
- Why aimlessness makes us the 1 talent man of Matthew 25
- How do we balance contentment with what we have in life without becoming complacent?
- How to make plans without assuming we know what tomorrow holds (see James 4)
- All of the things and people depending on your growth
- Tips and resources for sustained growth

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Q&A: PM Worship, CoC Leaders, and More

Focus Press — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000

We respond to listener questions, including:

- Does the church of Christ have a cult of personality problem?
- Why should I stay in the church of Christ?
- What's the biggest challenge facing congregations in 2024?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of small groups?
- What should we make of the decline of evening services? And is extended AM worship a positive change?
- Can Christians join others' religious celebrations to "become all things to all men?"
- Where is the line between righteous judgment and being judgmental?
- When do we go from being a person who sins to being a sinner?
- Is the Bible anti-democracy?

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Lines of Fellowship and Church Autonomy

Focus Press — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 20:20:00 +0000

In the churches of Christ congregations are autonomous... to a point. Deciding when a line has been crossed and others have become beyond fellowship is a delicate but critical matter.

Topics include:

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Romans 14, Christmas, and Matters of Opinion

Focus Press — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 20:12:00 +0000

There are many things the Bible does not discuss. There are also plenty of things it discusses briefly or vaguely without giving a firm answer as to what we should do. How do we handle those matters? Romans 14 shows us.

We discuss:
- The role of the weaker brother and stronger brother
- The "tyranny of the weaker brother" vs. the laxness of those who may think themselves strong
- How God expects us to use our wisdom
- What elders can and can't bind
- Specifics like religious holidays, entertainment choices, boycotts, clothes, and more

Hosted by Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

The Church Clothes Controversy

Focus Press — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 20:29:00 +0000

How we dress for worship has been a hot topic on social media recently. We discuss the controversial meme that started it all and give our takes on the matter of church clothes from a number of angles, including:

- Is it only a matter of where a person's heart is?

- James 2 and preferential treatment

- Why do we dress differently on Wednesday night?

- What the Old Testament teaches us

- Should we avoid making visitors uncomfortable?

Join us on Focus+ for the exclusive Deep End episode each week! focuspress.org/plus

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Best Case, Worst Case for the Church in 10 Years

Focus Press — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 20:23:00 +0000

We discuss what the church may look like in 10 years and what needs to change. Topics include:

- Why the status quo can't be maintained
- The single biggest issue we're facing
- How we've failed at training leaders
- The place of doctrine in the coming years
- How the family and the home are key to a better future

and more!

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Join us on Focus+ at focuspress.org/plus to get access to the Deep End bonus segments, our Revelation class, and plenty more!

100 Questions in 100 Minutes - Episode 100

Focus Press — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 20:22:00 +0000

We celebrate our 100th episode with a "Get to know your hosts" series of questions. Topics cover a wide range, including:

- Bible questions
- Church matters
- Personal goals
- Food, sports, and culture takes
- The past and future of the podcast, and more!

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

How Masculinity and Femininity Improve Sexuality

Focus Press — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 20:34:00 +0000

We continue our 2-part series on sexuality with a look at how proper masculinity and femininity aid the married couple's sexual relationship, and how misplaced gender roles hurt it.

We also share advice for the unmarried, young marrieds, and beyond.

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

The Church's Mishandling of Sexuality

Focus Press — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 20:11:00 +0000

Sex used to be a taboo topic in both the church and the culture. But when the culture started talking about it in all the wrong ways, we didn't rise to meet the challenge.

We discuss:

- The two ditches the culture has created for us, and how we fall into both

- What the Bible has to say on the matter, particularly in the Song of Solomon

- Answering the specific questions that rarely get discussed

This is a mature discussion, so we advise not listening in the company of children.

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Paganism’s Alarming Return

Focus Press — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 19:17:00 +0000

Paganism has seen rapid growth in recent years, with people giving up Christianity and even atheism to worship "gods" like Thor, Odin, and Zeus. TikTok is especially driving this trend among young people.

We may be a few years away from these religions posing a major opposition to the church. So, what do Christians need to know about them? We discuss this and more, including:

- What do modern pagans even do?
- Pagan gods in the Bible and their role in Christian history
- What role did Harry Potter, Marvel movies, and popular media play?
- How can the church learn from this movement and improve our shortcomings?

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Israel, the Church, and the End of the World

Focus Press — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 19:29:00 +0000

Many operate with the belief that Israel remains God's chosen people. This drives both their current politics and their expectations for how the world will end.

In fact, dispensational premillennialism may be the foremost view of the end times in evangelicalism today. This week we examine that belief.
Topics include:

- The history of these beliefs, and why you should be wary of your study Bible
- Israel's place in history, and the future
- Differing views of which Bible prophecies are yet to happen
- How difficult texts like Daniel 9 and Romans 11 factor into differing viewpoints

With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

What Happens When We Die?

Focus Press — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 19:21:00 +0000

Everybody who's ever lived wants to know what happens after we die. Though the Bible does not lay out a full description of how things will be, it does give us a number of glimpses.

This week's episode examines those and explores a number of questions about the afterlife, including:

- What is the difference between Hell and Hades, and what is Sheol?
- Do we go to heaven when we die, or a place of waiting?
- If we're already sorted into places of rest and torment, what is the point of Judgment Day?
- Will we exist physically in eternity, or spiritually?
- What does "eternal life" actually mean?

Join us on focuspress.org/plus to submit questions for the Deep End segment.
To support the show, go to focuspress.org/donate

Bad Meme-ology

Focus Press — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 19:24:00 +0000

We look at popular memes and shareable quips from social media and examine their Biblical accuracy, including:

- "God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers"

- "You don't have a soul, you are a soul. You have a body."

- Heaven gained another angel."

and more

Plus, a discussion on maintaining reverence in our humor, and on the Christian's use of social media.

Self-Love, Self-Care, Self-ish?

Focus Press — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 19:30:00 +0000

We live in a culture obsessed with self-love and self-care. In this week's episode, we discuss: are these practices selfish, or should Christians engage in them?

Topics include:

- How modern innovations have created mental health problems

- If Jesus practiced self-care

- Where "Jesus, Others, Yourself" often goes wrong

- Does "Love your neighbor as yourself" require us to develop self-love?

- How therapeutic terminology gets corrupted to legitimize bad habits

Was Jesus a Socialist?

Focus Press — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 19:23:00 +0000

We conclude our brief series on money with a look at the claim that Jesus was a socialist.

Topics include:

- Did the early church practice socialism in Acts 2 and Acts 4?

- Is it true that socialism is "a good idea on paper?"

- Shouldn't the Christian advocate for everyone to have healthcare, shelter, etc.?

Don't forget to check out the books going up for pre-order at focuspress.org/shop

Misunderstandings About Money

Focus Press — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 19:06:00 +0000

Money is one of the most misunderstood topics of the Christian life.

This week we try to cut through the confusion on a number of topics, including:

- Is it wrong to desire to make good money?

- Where is the balance between preparing like the Proverbs vs. the vice of building bigger barns (Luke 12)?

- Gambling

- Is Dave Ramsey right?

- Do we need to tithe?

- What should churches do with their excess contributions?

Join us on Focus+ to contribute comments and questions for our weekly Deep End bonus segment! focuspress.org/plus

How "Nice Guys" Destroy the Home, Church, and Society

Focus Press — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 00:49:51 +0000

We discuss the "Nice Guy" issue plaguing modern masculinity and why it subverts everything God intended for men to be.

Topics include:

- Why "Nice Guys" are unsuited to lead their home and make everyone miserable
- The reason "bad boys" like Andrew Tate are popular
- "Nice Guys" in positions of political power
- "Nice Guys" vs. True masculinity in the Bible
- How "Nice Guys" in church leadership slowly choke the life out of the congregation
- The role of women in raising and encouraging "Nice Guyism" in men

Join us on Focus+ to submit comments and questions for our Deep End segment that releases each Friday! focuspress.org/plus

19 Duggar Kids, Purity Culture, and Other Evangelical Trends

Focus Press — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 19:23:00 +0000

We conclude our brief series on evangelical trends with a look at:

- The "Radical" discipleship of Francis Chan and David Platt

- What to take from the Duggars and Bill Gothard's representations of patriarchy and homeschooling

- What happened when Josh Harris kissed dating goodbye and what became of all those "True Love Waits" promise rings

"Religion Over Relationship" and Other Evangelical Trends, Pt. 1

Focus Press — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 19:24:00 +0000

We start a two part series on evangelical trends of the last 50 years, this week focusing on the rise of megachurch/seeker sensitive churches, plus the "Emerging Church" of the early 2000s. Topics include:

- Where "Relationship over Religion" came from and why it's wrong

- How the biggest churches of the 80s and 90s set us up for the decline we're seeing today

- What ever happened to the "Emerging church" and its anti-building, anti-rules emphasis?

- Where we see the influences of these movements in the churches of Christ

The Church's Deadly Cancel Culture

Focus Press — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 18:02:00 +0000

This week we discuss the church's long and storied "Cancel Culture," when Christians cut off relationships and silence brethren over minor doctrinal disputes.

We cover:
- The wicked incentives of measuring our doctrinal purity by others
- Why we should be careful with terms like "false teacher" and "false doctrine"
- How "Do not judge lest you be judged" comes into play
- When to draw the line, and how to do it in love

Join us on Focus+ to get access to the Deep End bonus episode every week, along with other exclusive content that goes up daily Monday-Friday! focuspress.org/plus

Worship Reexamined

Focus Press — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 19:32:00 +0000

We take on a subscriber suggestion to reexamine the ways we do worship and see how they could be more effective. Topics include:

- How can we bring more passion to our song service without making it a performance?
- Can the Lord's Supper be made more communal?
- Are there "5 acts of worship?"
- Is the invitation Biblical?

Join us on Focus+ where you'll get access to the video episodes of Think Deeper along with a weekly Deep End episode where we respond to comments and questions. focuspress.org/plus

Aliens and UFOs: Hoax, Real, or Something Else?

Focus Press — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 19:07:00 +0000

Aliens and UFOs have long been a fringe interest in our society - that is, until very recently. With government officials claiming encounters with UFOs and maybe even aliens themselves, suddenly the issue is being taken much more seriously.

What are Christians to make of this?

Do aliens exist? And if so, what would that mean for the Christian faith? Is it all one big hoax, created to distract us from some other more pressing news?

Or, is it all very real, but not what we think?

Join us for the strangest episode of Think Deeper yet.

The Top 5 Bible Books

Focus Press — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 19:27:00 +0000

This week we share our Top 5 Favorite Bible books and debate each others' lists.

We finish with a discussion of what might be the Top 5 Most Important or Impactful books in the Bible.

We'd love to read what's on your lists! Leave a comment on Focus+, our FB page, or the YouTube video.

Does God Tempt? Has Man Seen God? and Other Alleged Contradictions

Focus Press — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 19:45:45 +0000

This week we look at alleged Bible contradictions, including some tough questions like:

- Did God tempt Abraham, contradicting James 1:13?

- Moses talked with God face to face, why does John 1:18 say no one has seen God?

- Was God dishonest in dealing with Ahab and the prophet Micaiah?

We answer these and more!

Don't forget to check out our 25% off summer sale at focuspress.org/shop

Why You Can Trust Your Bible

Focus Press — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 19:25:00 +0000

One of the biggest attacks on the Christian faith today is aimed at the Bible's reliability. The culture insists we should see the Word as nothing more than a flawed collection of folk tales.

We discuss why you can have full confidence in your Bible, along with:
- Scientific proofs
- Prophetic and historic accuracy
- Plus, a discussion on how to properly use apologetics, as sword or shield

Situational Discipleship

Focus Press — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 19:14:48 +0000

We've lost all understanding of what it means to be a kid, an adult, and an elderly person.

Kids are rushed into adulthood by being confronted with serious issues and being allowed to make all kinds of decisions for themselves. Adults want to get to their 20s and stay there as long as possible. And nobody wants to be old.

But God has given us blessings and responsibilities in each of these phases in life. Sadly, too many Christians have been discipled by the culture and don't have His view of how to be who they're supposed to be today.

This week, we discuss how to develop and live out a proper understanding of every situation in life.

"Choose Your Own Adventure" Christianity

Focus Press — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 17:31:00 +0000

We talk about the status quo of church membership, a "choose your own adventure" approach.

If people want to be highly active and involved, they can be. And if they want to barely take part, we encourage them to do more and hope they step up... but we know most never will.

Was it supposed to be this way?

If not, what can we do about it?

Do We Need Preachers?

Focus Press — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 19:17:00 +0000

We examine the role of the preacher, including questions like:

- How do we strike the balance between the over-powered pastor role and the "employee of the church" views so prevalent today?

- Are there qualifications for preachers?

- Was the work of the preacher a short-term, first-century role that should no longer be practiced?

- Do preachers have any authority?

Racial Division

Focus Press — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 19:26:00 +0000

With today being Juneteenth, the most recently-minted federal holiday, we discuss racial division in the church and society.

Topics include:
- What unity would take
- What racism is, and what it isn't
- When colorblindness helps, and when it doesn't
- Whether natural affinities and affections should be avoided

"Is Drinking a Sin?" and Other Questions About Substances

Focus Press — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 19:03:00 +0000

We explore all kinds of questions and topics regarding substances, including:

- Was Biblical wine alcoholic?

- Is there a difference between private and social drinking?

- What about tobacco and vaping?

- Is marijuana "better than alcohol?"

- What about microdosing and psychoactive substances?

- What do we need to know about the opioid crisis?

and more

Join us on Focus+ to get access to the Deep End, our exclusive member Q+A podcast each Friday!

Visit focuspress.org/plus for more

Pride Month: Protecting Kids, Boycotting, and Fighting Back

Focus Press — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 19:29:00 +0000

The rainbows are out in full force once again.

We discuss the LGBT's not-so-subtle moves toward sexualizing children, what parents can do, and how boycotts are often misunderstood and misapplied.

Join us on Focus+ to get access to the weekyl Deep End bonus podcast, along with all kinds of other exclusives! focuspress.org/plus

When Relationships Get Difficult

Focus Press — Mon, 29 May 2023 07:26:00 +0000

This week we conclude our series on relationships with a look at navigating the difficult times. God told us to bear with one another, but what does that look like?

In practical terms, what can we do to work through difficult relationships without giving up on them or sealing ourselves off from people?

Topics include:

- How to handle it when someone's wronged you

- What to do when someone's in sin

- Congregational rifts

- Interpersonal strife

- What to do with the people you just don't click with

Join us on Focus+ to get access to the Deep End, where we'll go a little deeper and answer subscriber comments and questions! Visit focuspress.org/plus for info

Pursuing Brotherhood, Sisterhood

Focus Press — Mon, 22 May 2023 19:27:00 +0000

We continue our series on loneliness and relationships with a look at the differences between male friendships and female friendships, and the keys and pitfalls to each.

Since God wired the two sexes so differently, the ways we relate to each other will also differ greatly. The attributes God gave us as strengths are also the very attributes Satan seeks to twist to sow discord and drive us into isolation.

Join us as we discuss the keys and pitfalls of friendships between men, and the keys and pitfalls of friendships between women.

Don't forget to check out Focus+, where you'll get exclusive access to The Deep End, our members-only extended segment! focuspress.org/plus

The Silent Epidemic

Focus Press — Mon, 15 May 2023 19:25:00 +0000

All this technology was supposed to make us more connected than ever, but instead we're a culture more lonely and separated than perhaps any in human history.

So many people have no one to talk to, no one to share life with, no one to encourage them. The church should have the answer for this problem, but in too many cases it's very hard to go beyond the surface level with each other.

In this episode we discuss the scope of the problem of loneliness, the challenges involved, and solutions we can all pursue.

Join us as we begin a brief arc on relationships, one of the great needs of our day.

The Church's Marriage Crisis

Focus Press — Mon, 08 May 2023 19:30:00 +0000

Another couple heading for divorce.
Another case of adultery.
Another husband caught up in porn.
Another preacher hauled off to jail for sexual sin.

As we've kept hearing account after account over the last few years, it's hard to come to a conclusion other than this: the church has a growing marriage crisis.

This week we discuss the scope of the problem, some of the causes behind it, and what can be done to prevent the next case failed marriage.

Be sure to join us on Focus+ to get access to The Deep End, our member-exclusive segment of Think Deeper.
Go to focuspress.org/plus for signup information.

Gentle Parenting

Focus Press — Mon, 01 May 2023 19:30:00 +0000

This week we look at a popular trend in the world of social media - gentle parenting.

We discuss what it gets right, including accurate critiques of previous parenting methods, along with how it has over-corrected.

Topics include

- An "in their own words" breakdown of advice from gentle parenting advocates
- Oft-neglected wisdom from the Proverbs
- Whether spanking is Biblical, and its role in the home

Be sure to join us on Focus+ to discuss the episode and give feedback and questions for the members-only "Deep End" episode!

focuspress.org/plus

6 Fake Enemies of Jesus

Focus Press — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 19:30:06 +0000

One of the primary ways people change Christianity to their own desires is by pitting Jesus against the things they want to discredit. For example, some say Jesus was opposed to how God operated in the Old Testament, others say Jesus would disagree with Paul, and so forth. This week we examine 6 of these fake enemies of Jesus and how they're used to give cover for false doctrines. Don't forget to check out Focus+ at focuspress.org/plus! Launches May 1

The Case for Christian Elitism

Focus Press — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 19:03:41 +0000

We conclude our look at the church's leadership crisis with an examination of how we've totally misunderstood the role of church leader. We discuss: - What "above reproach" means - Why men should desire to be elders - What we can learn from the Bible's shepherd analogy of leadership - How church leaders create a culture - What to do if your church's elders are weak or unqualified

The Church's Leadership Crisis

Focus Press — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 19:30:06 +0000

Why has the church declined so much in recent decades? Why are we met with constant news of church closings, church splits, and church compromise? In a word, leadership. Many congregations cannot even produce two men who are qualified as elders. In this episode we discuss: - The nature and scope of the leadership crisis - How "bad sheep" are compounding the problem - The leadership God is looking for - The Biblical qualifications of elders

Extended Adolescence in the Church

Focus Press — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 19:30:07 +0000

The line between kid and adult has been blurred beyond all recognition. There are no firm expectations set for how and when a teen is to grow out of childhood and into adulthood. This has enormous societal consequences, and the church is not immune to such consequences. In this episode we discuss: - Why adolescence has grown so extended - The war on childhood and the war on adulthood - The problem of low expectations - Privileges and responsibilities and more.

5 Ways the Churches of Christ Are Excelling

Focus Press — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 19:30:08 +0000

We spend a lot of time talking about ways the church can grow and improve. But what do the churches of Christ do well? In seeking to improve, what building blocks are in place for us to "excel still more?" In this episode we offer our list of 5 ways the churches of Christ are excelling. Join the conversation on our Facebook page or YouTube channel!

Christian Optimism in a Dark World

Focus Press — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 19:30:00 +0000

Every day seems to bring more bad news - bank collapses, concerns over Russia, inflation, rampant sexual immorality, etc. As Christians, we know we should be hopeful, but sometimes it feels foolish to be optimistic about the future. Yeah, we know eternity will be great - but what about now? In this episode we discuss why Christians can have a positive outlook for the here in now even without denying the reality of the challenges we face.

Married or Single: Does God Care?

Focus Press — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 19:30:08 +0000

We weigh in on the suddenly white-hot debate: does God care if Christians choose marriage or singleness? Should one be taught as a priority over the other? Should the church encourage young people one way or the other? We answer these questions and more. And, beyond the specific topic of marriage and singleness, the debate offers the opportunity to examine common mistakes of Bible interpretation.

Help! God Feels So Distant

Focus Press — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 20:30:08 +0000

What happens when you read, pray, attend, and do everything you know how only to feel God is impossibly distant? What do we do we know God is real on a conceptual level, but struggle to connect with Him on a relational level? We discuss these questions and more in a unique, free-ranging episode.

Q&A #2: Church Innovations, Women’s Work, Vaccines, and more

Focus Press — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 20:58:45 +0000

In our 2nd Q&A episode, the ‘Deep Thinkers’ hit us with some incredibly hard questions yet again. - What do we make of church innovations? Examples include children's church, online giving, mic'd singers, and more - Can (or should) a Christian serve more than one church? - Are wives and mothers meant to work in the home? And plenty more!

The Great Evangelism Challenge!

Focus Press — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 20:30:07 +0000

Evangelism... it's that thing we know we're supposed to do, but it's difficult. It's uncomfortable. Where do we even start? This week we look at some of the challenges and excuses along with some tips and tactics before rolling out the Think Deeper Evangelism Challenge! We hope you'll join us in this challenge and pray that God would bring much fruit from it.

Movies, TV, Music, and the Christian

Focus Press — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 20:30:05 +0000

Entertainment is a part of life, but our rapidly declining culture makes it difficult for Christians to determine what to watch and listen to. Sexual content, violence, and language in particular give us much to wade through when determining where our line should be. Though the Bible gives us principles on the matter, there are few verses that can be applied directly. In this case, we have to use our wisdom and discernment when attempting to determine what we should and should not take in. Join us for a discussion of the black, white, and gray areas of our entertainment choices as we "strive to learn what is pleasing to the Lord."

10 Decisions That Helped Us Stay Faithful

Focus Press — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 20:30:00 +0000

As a follow-up to the previous episode on faith deconstruction stories, the guys look back on their upbringing to consider the biggest factors that led to their continued faithfulness. Focusing on the decisions their parents made to create Christian homes, they share the 10 they believe were most impactful in why they remain Christians today. Don't forget to head to the Think Deeper Facebook Page to let us know where you listen from! So far we've filled in 22 states and 1 Canadian province!

Deconstruction: Why People Leave the Faith

Focus Press — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 20:30:08 +0000

"Deconstruction" has become a buzzword as countless people share their stories of questioning their faith and, in many cases, walking away. What does the Bible teach us about deconstruction? What can we learn from these stories? In what ways can the church adapt and do better? In what ways should the church refuse to budge? We discuss all these and more in this week's Think Deeper! Tune in next week for our discussion of how to help one another remain in the faith.

Is Anger Always Wrong? On Christ-like Emotions

Focus Press — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 20:30:08 +0000

There are many bad ideas out there about the role of emotions in our lives. Some put too much stock in them, letting themselves be carried away by how they feel in any given moment. Others try to shut them out and deny that God gave us these emotions for a reason. This week we look at the emotions we all deal with daily, like anger, fear, sadness, and worry and discuss the Biblical vs. unbiblical way to respond to them.

Courtship, Dating, or Neither?

Focus Press — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 20:30:03 +0000

For a number of years, dating was the unquestioned way to find a potential spouse. 20-30 years ago people started questioning what dating had become, though, and pushed a return to the more traditional method of courtship. With a growing sample size to observe, along with their personal experience, the guys look at the critiques courtship got right and those that were an overcorrection along with what the best way forward might be. This discussion isn't just for teens and singles, as parents, grandparents, and church leaders also need to be aware of how best to encourage the development of Christian marriages.

5 Sneaky, Everyday Sins to Guard Against

Focus Press — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 21:13:27 +0000

Arguably the biggest hindrances to our sanctification are the "little," common, everyday sins we can all commit but pay little attention to. This week we give our list of 5 extremely common sins that can creep into our lives without notice. We want to hear from you! Once you've heard our list, comment on our Facebook Page or YouTube channel with which one you think is the biggest challenge for Christians today, and why.

A Frank Look at the State of the Church

Focus Press — Mon, 02 Jan 2023 20:05:25 +0000

This week we take a look at where things stand in the church today, how we got here, and what it's going to take to reverse the trends in places where we're falling short. We offer a blueprint for the way forward with practical tips for older members, young men, and young women. ----- Don't forget to check out The Godly Young Men Podcast, launching January 3! Joe and Will we be bringing new episodes each week, available on your podcast app or on the Focus Press YouTube channel.

Holiday Hangout: Church Hymns, Hot Takes, and more

Focus Press — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 20:22:03 +0000

A merry, light-hearted final episode of 2022 - Over/under/properly rated hymns - Choose This or That, Bible edition - Hot Takes with... Everybody! Plus, year end recap including favorite episodes and funny stories

Q&A: Women's Roles, Head Coverings, When to Forgive, and more

Focus Press — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 20:30:07 +0000

The Deep Thinkers strike back! In our first Q&A episode we answer your questions on a wide range of topics, including: - When can women speak in church gatherings, and in what ways? - Is Paul's teaching on head coverings in 1 Corinthians 11 applicable today? - If someone is unwilling to repent, is a Christian required to forgive Him? - 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 says each spouse's body belongs to the other. To what degree does this apply? To submit your questions for our next Q&A episode, send them to our Facebook page or to jack@focuspress.org

Angels, Demons, and Spiritual Warfare, with Dr. Kerry Williams

Focus Press — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 20:30:07 +0000

Dr. Kerry Williams joins the show to help us decipher this challenging listener-requested topic - what does the Bible teach about angels, demons, and the spiritual realm? Topics include: - Were the Old Testament pagan gods just blocks of wood, or something more? - Theories on the Nephilim of Genesis 6 - What is the practical importance of understanding these matters? ------ Dr. Kerry WIlliams is the Dean of Graduate Studies at Sunset International Bible Institute and the Director of the Tahoe Family Encampment. He also hosts the Daily Spiritual Startups Podcast. You can find his books at kerrywaynewilliams.com.

Christmas and the Religious Holiday Debate

Focus Press — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 20:43:24 +0000

Some Christians celebrate Christmas religiously as a celebration of Jesus' birth, citing the importance of His appearance and the rare occasion of the culture acknowledging Christianity. Others celebrate as a strictly non-religious holiday, noting that Jesus was almost certainly not born on 12/25 and the Bible does not speak on the matter. Others eschew celebration altogether, each for varying reasons. In this episode: - What are the pros and cons of each belief system? - What is the difference in application between the family and the entire church? - How are churches to navigate differing opinions on the matter?

God’s View of Reproduction and Fertility Practices, with Dr. Brad Harrub

Focus Press — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 21:20:55 +0000

From day one, every married couple makes decisions about reproduction and contraception. Sadly, most have no idea that God has much to say on the matter. In this episode Dr. Brad Harrub returns to break down the medical ethics and Biblical considerations surrounding these topics, including "the pill," IUDs, In-Vitro Fertilization, and the decision many are making to forego children altogether.

Understanding Your Spouse's Needs, with Dr. Brad Harrub

Focus Press — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 20:30:09 +0000

Dr. Brad Harrub joins the show to continue the series on Christian sexuality. This week's episode focuses on the different perspectives and desires men and women bring into the bedroom and how they can deepen their relationship by serving each other.

Reclaiming Sexuality from the Culture

Focus Press — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 20:38:15 +0000

We know all the things we AREN'T supposed to do... but in many cases the church's teaching about sexuality stops there. Young people are left in the dark, and married couples misunderstand God's intended purpose for sex. Topics include: - Why God made sex, and what it does for married couples - What the Bible says on the matter, and why we often shy away from it - Why the world's sexuality is so disastrous - What churches and parents should be teaching young people

7 Underrated Tools for Spiritual Maturity

Focus Press — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 20:41:53 +0000

Unfortunately many Christians dry off from the waters of baptism and are never shown the next steps to take on their lifelong journey of growth. “Read your Bible, pray, go to church every time the doors are open” are all great tips… but nobody ever came to spiritual maturity by just doing the basics. In this episode we share 7 tools you can use to enhance your growth.

Actually, Jesus DOES Care About Politics

Focus Press — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 19:33:27 +0000

With a crucial midterm election facing the country, we examine the Christian's relationship with politics. Many believe we shouldn't be political at all. Others believe a Christian's vote is their own business and whoever and whatever you choose to support is fine. We examine these ideas and more, including. - What principles should govern our political engagement? - Are Christians guilty of "trusting in princes" (Psalm 146:3)when they endorse candidates? - Why Jack and Joe have changed their minds on voting - Should Christians avoid earthly power and influence? - Can we vote for candidates with questionable character?

Halloween, Horror, and Holiness

Focus Press — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 20:30:07 +0000

The guys engage in a lively debate about Halloween. As occultists celebrate the day, should Christians avoid it? What about the aesthetics of blood, death, and ghouls? They also touch on horror movies and the Biblical principles we should keep in mind when choosing what to watch.

Be a Better Member, Minister, or Elder

Focus Press — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 19:50:06 +0000

Jack and Joe trade notes on how ministers can serve their members, how elders can help set ministers up for success and guard their flock, and how members can find growth by communicating with their leadership.

Honoring Your Parents Matters More Than You Think

Focus Press — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 21:20:15 +0000

"Honor your father and mother" - it's a commandment you hear a lot as a kid, but after that we often fail to give it much thought. Maybe it's time to revisit it. In this episode we talk about the far-reaching consequences of our neglect in this area. Topics include: - Why God commanded those who cursed their parents to be stoned - How our society teaches us to hate our parents - Honoring difficult parents in your adulthood - Reaching out to adult children who have distanced themselves

The 5 Most Difficult Bible Commands?

Focus Press — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 21:10:22 +0000

We share our rankings of what we think are some of the most challenging commands God has given us in His Word. Far from complaining about their difficulty, we want this to be an appreciation of the holiness God has called us to and a chance to humble ourselves in recognition of just how much we need His grace and strength. So... what commands might you put on the list?

Work isn't a Four-Letter Word

Focus Press — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 19:08:20 +0000

Many seem to believe that work is a necessary evil, something we have to get through on our way to enjoying our "real life" of weekends, vacations, and retirement. The Bible doesn't see it that way. Work was part of God's purpose for man's life from the very beginning, and rightly ordered it can bring us much joy. In this episode we discuss: - Why laziness and carelessness are unbecoming of Christians - How a "chase your dreams" career approach causes trouble - Why poverty isn't inherently more pious - Avoiding the idolization of work and money

A Time to Kill? Christians and Self-Defense

Focus Press — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 20:42:23 +0000

Some Christians claim Jesus explicitly told us to prepare ourselves for self-defense. Other Christians claim Jesus expressly prohibited us from doing so. How can there be such a wide chasm of opinions on this matter? And what does the Bible really say? We discuss in this episode. Topics include: - How both sides of the debate often misunderstand Jesus - What the Old Testament teaches us on the matter - Situations such as home intrusions, active shooters in the church building, war, and the like

The Most Neglected Spiritual Discipline

Focus Press — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 20:33:30 +0000

Every Christian knows they are to pray, study the Word, attend worship, and so on. But many Christian families don't know that God expects them to come together in the home to spend time in teaching, worship, and prayer. This week we discuss the what, why, and how of family worship, including: - Why Christian families should view family devotionals as a non-negotiable part of their schedule - What Deuteronomy 6 and Proverbs 22:6 teach us about God's expectations and promises for parents - How to find time in a busy schedule - Practical tips and tools for developing a family worship habit in your home, including Will's brand new Family Worship Guide available at focuspress.org!

Healthy Living: Biblical Principle, or Personal Preference?

Focus Press — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 22:08:28 +0000

Many Christians place little importance on the physical world, including our bodies, concluding that such things don't matter because "it's all gonna burn anyway!" That's not how God sees the matter, though. In this week's episode we discuss why it's important for Christians to strive to be healthy. Topics include: - Why the "it's all going to burn" mindset distorts the Scriptures - How our physical appearance confirms or detracts from the truths we seek to proclaim - Practical tips that have helped us live more healthily

Critical Race Theory Is Wrong

Focus Press — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 22:18:04 +0000

This week we take a look at Critical Race Theory (CRT) and why it does not fit with the Gospel What CRT is and how it came to be - The abominable fruit CRT is bearing in society - Why this new approach to race is anti-Gospel - What churches can do to push back on CRT and uphold healthy racial unity

How to Know if You Have a Biblical Worldview

Focus Press — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 21:15:08 +0000

Everybody has a worldview, but not everybody knows what worldview they hold. For Christians, it's imperative that we understand the world God's way, using the Bible as our guide. But how can we do that? And how can we know if we're employing a Biblical worldview? It's as simple as checking your pockets, actually. We explain in this episode. Music: “Focus” by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)

What 3 church practices would you change?

Focus Press — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 22:09:43 +0000

This week we entertain an intriguing hypothetical: if you were involved in helping plant a new congregation, what 3 non-essential practices would you change? We give our answers in 3 categories: - Worship and the assembly - Fellowship and study time - Leadership -------- Music: "Focus" by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)

“Church Family” isn’t a figure of speech

Focus Press — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 20:58:39 +0000

Everybody talks about having a "church family," but do we act like we really believe it's a family? In episode 3 of our Church Reset series, we discuss what it would look like to truly act as a family in the way God intended, including: - Why consumer Christianity fails to produce family-like churches - Examining the "one anothers" - Practical ways we can build stronger fellowship - The 3 types of fellowship, and which one we need the most Music: “Focus” by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)

Church Reset: The Key to Resetting the Church

Focus Press — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 22:12:21 +0000

How do we break out of the consumeristic church structure that rules the day? It starts with revisiting perhaps the most widely misunderstood text in the entire Bible - the Great Commission. This week we discuss how we've gotten it wrong, and why getting it right is essential to become the church God intended us to be.

Church Reset: Consumer Christianity

Focus Press — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 21:40:02 +0000

Our 4 part "Church Reset" series begins with a look at consumer Christianity. - Why a business-like view of the church creates weak, shallow Christians - What Jesus would do with today's church growth strategies - How to be a true Christian rather than just a church customer - How church leaders can stop creating customers and start creating disciples

Unpopular Bible Words - “Submit”

Focus Press — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 21:04:49 +0000

God has established hierarchy throughout creation, in nations, churches, and the home. However, in our day of independence and individualism, we don't often take kindly to being told what to do. God created these structures in His infinite wisdom, we're going to come to terms with that word we view so negatively: "submit." Topics include: - Why the 4 different offices are more similar than we think - The problem with "servant leadership" - The privileges and burdens of leadership - When to submit, and when to resist Music: “Focus” by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)

Christian Singleness, with Cary Gillis

Focus Press — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 21:45:08 +0000

Cary Gillis joins the show this week to discuss the challenges and blessings of Christian singleness. Topics include: - 2 Biblical forms of singleness, and 1 popular unbiblical form - Principles to keep in mind when making your "list" of qualities desired in a potential spouse - Why singles are the church's "secret weapon" - How the church can help singles feel valued as part of the family rather than second-class citizens segregated to their own corner Cary Gillis is the newly announced director of Latin American Missions and minister of foreign evangelism with the Forrest Park church of Christ in Valdosta, GA.

Patriotism: The Positives and Pitfalls

Focus Press — Mon, 04 Jul 2022 15:43:43 +0000

This week we celebrate Independence Day with a look at patriotism. - Should Christians be patriotic? - How patriotism can go wrong - Why patriotism and love of country is about rights rather than duties - "This World Is Not My Home," or "This Is My Father's World" - which one?

6 Biblical Commands Christians Forget

Focus Press — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 23:17:01 +0000

"Love God," "Love your neighbor," the 10 Commandments, and others get a lot of the attention of Christians. But there are some significant Biblical commands that fly under the radar at best and go almost completely ignored at worst. In this episode we examine 6 commands that often get forgotten but deserve our attention. ----- Music: “Focus” by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)

How Progressivism Tricks Honest Christians

Focus Press — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 21:01:43 +0000

Jesus calls us to be compassionate, to put others first, and to love our neighbors. However, Satan knows he can use these good commands to his advantage among good-hearted Christians who lack discernment. This week we look at how progressive ideas gain a foothold by turning honest, good hearts into pawns for their ideology.

Why Modesty Matters

Focus Press — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 20:33:53 +0000

This week we take a look at the issue of modesty. There's a strong push these days to silence discussion of the matter as unimportant or up for personal interpretation. We explain why we disagree, along with: - Why it's important to discuss - Whether the Bible gives us a standard for modesty - How everybody agrees on modesty, to a point - Why men's lust and women's immodesty are related... and why they aren't Music: "Focus" by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)

Abandon Public Schools

Focus Press — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 20:47:51 +0000

Exactly how bad is it? This week Jack, Joe, and Will break down what you need to know about the state of public schools and what you can do to protect your kids' souls. They also answer objections that might arise and offer a challenge for parents to take up. Check out "Failure: What Christian Parents Need to Know About American Education" on the Focus Press store Music: "Focus" by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)

Debunking Baptism Myths

Focus Press — Mon, 30 May 2022 16:54:47 +0000

There are plenty of incorrect ideas surrounding the issue of baptism. This week, we set out to debunk popular myths about baptism - including those believed by those who are staunchly pro-baptism. __________________________ Music: “Focus” by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)

Pornography - The Church’s Silent Plague

Focus Press — Mon, 23 May 2022 21:30:09 +0000

Pornography addiction may well be the #1 sin facing Christians today... and yet in many cases little to nothing is being done about it. This week we discuss the statistics, the causes, the solutions, and the Gospel message the church needs to grasp in order to fight this battle. For more, subscribe to the Focus Press YouTube channel.

Tech Addiction, Social Media Debates, and Shining Your Light Online

Focus Press — Mon, 16 May 2022 23:43:13 +0000

With the internet being such a large part of our lives, it's vital that Christians know how our faith shapes our time spent online. We discuss: - Should we engage in controversial topics and debates online, or steer clear? - Are satire and memes unbecoming for Christians? - How do we keep ourselves and our families safe from harmful content? - How do we handle the tech addiction that cuts us off from the people around us?

Camps, VBS, Vacation, and Summer's Spiritual Highs and Lows

Focus Press — Mon, 09 May 2022 21:23:38 +0000

Summertime often brings about some of the greatest highs and lows of the Christian life. Camps, VBS, and other church events can bring a feeling of strength and energy. On the other hand, vacations and other plans can disrupt our devotional and fellowship routines. In this episode we discuss how to contextualize the highs so they don't create unrealistic expectations, and how to remain steady through the lows and temptations.

It's Time for "Box Checking" Christianity to Die

Focus Press — Mon, 02 May 2022 21:30:03 +0000

Most of the biggest issues within the church all find their root in one common problem: a "check the box" mentality among Christians. This week the guys discuss what the "check the box" mentality is, how it manifests itself in the church, and how a proper understanding of the Gospel puts us back on the right track. Music: “Focus” by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)

Think Fast: Do We Really Need Sunday Night Worship?

Focus Press — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 13:45:03 +0000

This week the guys weigh in on Sunday night worship. - In the aftermath of Covid, what have we learned about Sunday nights? - Do Christians really need to attend? - Can churches make better use of the time? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and be sure to subscribe to the Focus Press YouTube channel for all the latest!

How to Be a Better Bible Student, with Dr. Denny Petrillo

Focus Press — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 21:55:01 +0000

This week Dr. Denny Petrillo of Bear Valley Bible Institute joins the show for a wide-ranging discussion on all things Bible study, including: - Greek tools anyone can use - How to grow from reading into studying - What "exegesis" is and why it's so important - Which Bible versions are best for study There's something in the episode for everyone - from new Bible students to those who have studied for years. ___ Dr. Denny Petrillo is the President of Bear Valley Bible Institute International and one of the premier Bible scholars in the churches of Christ today. He holds a B.A. in Bible (Harding University), M.A. in New Testament (Harding Graduate School of Religion), and a Ph.D. in Religious Adult Education (University of Nebraska). __ Music: "Focus" by A. A. Aalto Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus

Should Christians Use People's Preferred Pronouns?

Focus Press — Sat, 23 Apr 2022 00:00:11 +0000

With the rise of transgenderism, Christians face tough questions about how to navigate the changing world. One such question: what do we do when a male or female rejects their created sex and insists on being called by a new name and by their own chosen pronouns? What is a Christian to do when their job mandates compliance with transgender people's new chosen identities? Can we be both truthful and loving? We tackle these questions and more in this week's Think Fast. Be sure to catch the 4/18 Think Deeper podcast episode on LGBT issues for more.

Think Fast: Should Christians Teens Go to Prom?

Focus Press — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 01:00:14 +0000

In this episode of Think Fast, the guys debate the practice of going to prom. Is it a harmless rite of passage, or do the dangers and temptations involved put it into the realm of playing with fire?

What Do We Do About LGBT Gender Insanity?

Focus Press — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 22:00:14 +0000

Our series on gender concludes with an examination of the confusion surrounding gender in the LGBT movement. As transgenderism gains wider acceptance, how can Christians combat the arguments being thrown at us? How can we protect our kids from the confusion that is rampant in their generation?

Think Fast: Should Christians Boycott Disney?

Focus Press — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 01:15:04 +0000

As Disney continues to make it clear that their values are anti-God and anti-family, what should Christians do? Are boycotts a tool Christians should use? If so, when is the proper time to use them? The guys discuss these questions and more in the inaugural episode of Think Fast. For video, subscribe to our YouTube channel where we'll be uploading our Think Fast episodes!

Marriage Myths that Hurt Us

Focus Press — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 23:03:12 +0000

The series on gender and gender roles continues with a look at marriage and the myths and bad advice that set us on the wrong path. The church must hold marriage in high honor and celebrate it as a beautiful gift from our God, but too often we accept the world's view of marriage and pass that on to young couples. Music: "Focus" by A.A. Aalto - Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_A_Aalto/Connections/Focus)

Toxic Feminism

Focus Press — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 22:04:22 +0000

Feminism's influence runs deep in our day, making it difficult for us to discern what God's design for women should look like. This week the guys examine the Bible's teachings on the design of women, their strengths, their weaknesses, and how our culture has missed the mark.

Masculinity Matters

Focus Press — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 22:00:13 +0000

The world clearly has no idea what a man is, nor what a woman is. But do Christians know? Can we articulate the differences? Can we explain the strengths and weaknesses God gave to men, and why they matter? In this episode the guys discuss the common stereotypes of harmful masculinity before contrasting them with the role for which God created men.

The Top 5 Most Misused Bible Verses

Focus Press — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 21:23:48 +0000

Misuse of Bible verses is rampant in today's world. In this episode the guys list their top 5 most misused verses, while also giving principles for study and interpretation to understand the Bible better and avoid misusing the Word.

The 3 Biggest Challenges Facing the Church in 2022

Focus Press — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 21:57:03 +0000

A rapidly changing world means new challenges for the church to navigate. This week the guys share their lists of what they see as the top 3 challenges facing the church in 2022.

"Once saved, barely saved"

Focus Press — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 23:00:20 +0000

Many Christians struggle with feeling assured of their salvation. It often seems as though we overreacted to "once saved, always saved" by running to "once saved, barely saved." In this week's episode: - Addressing "I hope I've done enough" and other misunderstandings of God's grace - The proper place of works and fruit in the Christian life - How you can know you are saved

Youth Ministry: Helping, or Hurting?

Focus Press — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 23:00:30 +0000

The youth dropout rate in Christianity remains high. Is youth ministry helping, or is it hurting? In this week's episode: - What we should expect of young people - The pie chart of responsibility for a teenager's soul - How teens can contribute

Does Christianity address mental health?

Focus Press — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 11:00:23 +0000

This week co-host and licensed therapist Joe Wilkie takes the show through an examination of mental health from a Biblical perspective Topics discussed include: - What good mental health looks like - Whether self-love and self-care are helpful or hurtful - How the church can help (or hinder) people's struggles

Reviewing the church's response to Covid

Focus Press — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 11:00:27 +0000

We couldn't possibly have prepared ourselves for the upheaval covid and the response to it has brought to our lives and our churches. It's been a difficult time for all of us. However, it would be a mistake to move on without reviewing what was done well and what could have been done better. This week the guys share 3 lessons they've each learned over the last 2 years.

Developing a Biblical View of Death

Focus Press — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 11:00:27 +0000

Two years into Covid, death has been brought to our attention far more than we are accustomed to. We've also learned just how little work had been done to develop a Biblical theology of death among Christians. Shouldn't we have a different view of death than those without eternal hope? How should we view death? Listen to this week's episode to find out.

"Christian Nationalism" and how Christians view government

Focus Press — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 11:00:35 +0000

This week we discuss the hotly debated issue of Christian nationalism, what Christians should expect of the government, and why it's important to fight for the proper definition of such terms.

Finding joy in the Christian life

Focus Press — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 11:00:34 +0000

This week the guys discuss how the Christian life can feel like a chore to many people, and how we can find the joy in it that God always intended for us

Generations at war

Focus Press — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 04:10:55 +0000

You've heard that the generations (Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Zoomers) are sworn enemies. Is it true? If so, what can we do to bring everyone together? How can the church bridge the gap relationally and stylistically as each generation pushes for their own way?

Redeeming the Time in a New Year, Pt. 2

Focus Press — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 02:38:24 +0000

Join Jack, Joe, and Will this week as they continue their discussion of the importance of using each year to grow as a Christian.

Redeeming the Time in a New Year, Pt. 1

Focus Press — Sun, 02 Jan 2022 23:20:47 +0000

Think Deeper is back for 2022! Jack Wilkie is joined by co-hosts Will Harrub and Joe Wilkie to discuss how we can make the most of the days God gives us this year and grow in our walk with Him.