The Yellow Balloons Podcast

Modern politics are full of many traps, landmines, historical abuses, and confusion. It sometimes seems best to avoid politics altogether. The Bible does not advocate for apathy in the world’s political process. It encourages us to discern, influence, and learn from the imperfect institutions that make mankind what it is. Discerning how to engage with politics is not about choosing sides in a war of political parties; it is about discerning how to operate within society in a way that honors God.

People often say the two topics we should avoid at the dinner table are religion and politics. In this episode, we talk about both. How should a new Christian, or an established one, think about politics? What does the Bible say about politics, human institutions, and governance? Although religion and politics are often taboo at the dinner table, both mean a great deal to all of us. Sifting through the jargon and the modern propaganda in order to discern how the believing person should best consider politics is an important part of living well.

Most Christians struggle with how to answer the questions and skepticism from their non-believing friends. Sharing life with non-Christians is a delicate balance. In this episode, we talk about how to be a witness without using words. We will also discuss how to adjust to a new life in Christ, without degrading or alienating your relationships. A commitment to Christ changes everything. There will be challenges while navigating non-Christian relationships. But within that challenge, there is also opportunity.

The Bible reveals that every person created in the image of God has certain spiritual gifts or talents. These can be used to help further The Kingdom of God and build up The Body of Christ. In this episode, we talk through the spiritual gifts listed in Scripture. How do we apply these gifts to our lives? How do we grow in them? Does not having a specific gift get us off the hook for doing related ministry? And, perhaps most importantly, how do we work to ensure we are using our gifts to honor God and others, not to make a celebrity of ourselves?

Too often, church leaders are either held on a pedestal or unfairly judged. Church should be a place where good leaders serve the people around them, shepherding others toward the gospel of Jesus. God has put wisdom in each of us. You have the power to discern if church leaders and church structures are stewarding well. But be warned, you are not immune to poor leadership, no matter what role you have in The Body of Christ. We are all called to steward well and work together in unity.

Meeting with a community of believers is an important aspect to Christian life. We often talk about these meeting spaces as “churches”. In this episode, we talk about the purpose of church and how to go about finding the right community. Daily Christian community happens in our local groups. But all believers are also united as one big church, what Scripture calls The Body of Christ. It is a great challenge and immense joy for Christians to discover how to serve and be served by a community of believers.

New Christians are often surprised and confused to discover there are several different Biblical translations. The Bible was originally written in Hebrew and Greek. For centuries, it has needed to be translated in order for the global community to understand its message. Even experienced Christians have a difficult time sorting through the differences. So, which translation is best? In this episode, we talk through the different types of translations and strategies for discerning which is most helpful.