The Subtlety of Idols | Disruptive Presence 105

Drop us a text message to say hi and let us know what you think of the show. (Include your email if you’d like us to reply)In which John and David explore the theme of Shepherd as leader in the biblical tradition. Paul's message to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20 is rooted in this theme from scripture. From there we discuss the significance of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, the contrast between good and bad shepherds, and the prophetic tradition of shepherding found in Ezekiel 34. How should the church perceive the pastor as shepherd and the transformative power this holds for Christian communities?Episode 171 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 114If you want to get in touch about something in the podcast you can reach out on [email protected] or by liking and following the Two Texts podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you enjoy the podcast, we’d love it if you left a review or comment where you’re listening from – and if you really enjoyed it, why not share it with a friend?Music by Woodford Music (c) 2021________Help us keep Two Texts free for everyone by becoming a supporter of the show John and David want to ensure that Two Texts always remains free content for everyone. We don't want to create a paywall or have premium content that would exclude others. However, Two Texts costs us around £60 per month (US$75; CAD$100) to make. If you'd like to support the show with even just a small monthly donation it would help ensure we can continue to produce the content that you love. Thank you so much.Support the show

Drop us a text message to say hi and let us know what you think of the show. (Include your email if you’d like us to reply)In which John and David delve further into the depths of Paul's farewell speech to the Ephesian elders. We explore Paul’s pastoral heart and consider how the image of the Shepherd shapes ideas of serving in the church.Episode 170 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 113If you want to get in touch about something in the podcast you can reach out on [email protected] or by liking and following the Two Texts podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you enjoy the podcast, we’d love it if you left a review or comment where you’re listening from – and if you really enjoyed it, why not share it with a friend?Music by Woodford Music (c) 2021________Help us keep Two Texts free for everyone by becoming a supporter of the show John and David want to ensure that Two Texts always remains free content for everyone. We don't want to create a paywall or have premium content that would exclude others. However, Two Texts costs us around £60 per month (US$75; CAD$100) to make. If you'd like to support the show with even just a small monthly donation it would help ensure we can continue to produce the content that you love. Thank you so much.Support the show

Drop us a text message to say hi and let us know what you think of the show. (Include your email if you’d like us to reply)In which John and David continue their exploration of Paul’s farewell speech to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:22-24. We consider how Paul speaks about being “bound by the Spirit” and the compelling nature of his mission, despite the dangers that await. We reflect on the significance of the term “behold” in the biblical text, highlighting how it invites silence and attentiveness. This leads to a broader conversation on the practice of beholding in our spiritual lives while drawing connections between Paul’s words here and his letters, we explore the echoes of Philippians, Timothy, and more. Episode 169 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 112If you want to get in touch about something in the podcast you can reach out on [email protected] or by liking and following the Two Texts podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you enjoy the podcast, we’d love it if you left a review or comment where you’re listening from – and if you really enjoyed it, why not share it with a friend?Music by Woodford Music (c) 2021________Help us keep Two Texts free for everyone by becoming a supporter of the show John and David want to ensure that Two Texts always remains free content for everyone. We don't want to create a paywall or have premium content that would exclude others. However, Two Texts costs us around £60 per month (US$75; CAD$100) to make. If you'd like to support the show with even just a small monthly donation it would help ensure we can continue to produce the content that you love. Thank you so much.Support the show

Drop us a text message to say hi and let us know what you think of the show. (Include your email if you’d like us to reply)In which John and David discuss Paul’s farewell speech to the elders of Ephesus in Acts 20. We explore how Paul’s message emphasizes humility, transparency, and commitment, highlighting his dedication to serving the church and sharing the gospel. Our conversation also touches on the relational aspects of faith, the significance of repentance, and the importance of Paul’s integrity and vulnerability in his ministry, illustrating how he embodies a life fully oriented towards Jesus.Episode 168 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 111If you want to get in touch about something in the podcast you can reach out on [email protected] or by liking and following the Two Texts podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you enjoy the podcast, we’d love it if you left a review or comment where you’re listening from – and if you really enjoyed it, why not share it with a friend?Music by Woodford Music (c) 2021________Help us keep Two Texts free for everyone by becoming a supporter of the show John and David want to ensure that Two Texts always remains free content for everyone. We don't want to create a paywall or have premium content that would exclude others. However, Two Texts costs us around £60 per month (US$75; CAD$100) to make. If you'd like to support the show with even just a small monthly donation it would help ensure we can continue to produce the content that you love. Thank you so much.Support the show

Drop us a text message to say hi and let us know what you think of the show. (Include your email if you’d like us to reply)In which John and David explore the story of Eutychus in Acts 20, discussing the early church's gathering practices, the significance of discomfort in spiritual growth, and the "naturalness" of miracles within the community. They emphasize the importance of maintaining focus on spiritual practices rather than becoming distracted by miraculous events, highlighting the need for a balance between the supernatural and the routine aspects of faith.Episode 167 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 110If you want to get in touch about something in the podcast you can reach out on [email protected] or by liking and following the Two Texts podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you enjoy the podcast, we’d love it if you left a review or comment where you’re listening from – and if you really enjoyed it, why not share it with a friend?Music by Woodford Music (c) 2021________Help us keep Two Texts free for everyone by becoming a supporter of the show John and David want to ensure that Two Texts always remains free content for everyone. We don't want to create a paywall or have premium content that would exclude others. However, Two Texts costs us around £60 per month (US$75; CAD$100) to make. If you'd like to support the show with even just a small monthly donation it would help ensure we can continue to produce the content that you love. Thank you so much.Support the show

Drop us a text message to say hi and let us know what you think of the show. (Include your email if you’d like us to reply)In which John and David consider Acts 20:7. A short verse that tells us much about the early church's practices, the connection to the resurrection, and the intentionality behind worship structures. How does a church gathering reflect the plan of God for his people and the world?Read about John's new book Emmaus - The Walk that Changed EverythingEpisode 166 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 109If you want to get in touch about something in the podcast you can reach out on [email protected] or by liking and following the Two Texts podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you enjoy the podcast, we’d love it if you left a review or comment where you’re listening from – and if you really enjoyed it, why not share it with a friend?Music by Woodford Music (c) 2021________Help us keep Two Texts free for everyone by becoming a supporter of the show John and David want to ensure that Two Texts always remains free content for everyone. We don't want to create a paywall or have premium content that would exclude others. However, Two Texts costs us around £60 per month (US$75; CAD$100) to make. If you'd like to support the show with even just a small monthly donation it would help ensure we can continue to produce the content that you love. Thank you so much.Support the show

Drop us a text message to say hi and let us know what you think of the show. (Include your email if you’d like us to reply)In which John and David explore the themes of the early church's behaviour, the dynamics of fear and faith, and the importance of community in the Christian journey. They discuss how the actions of the early disciples empowered others, the significance of small groups in effecting change, and the need for patience and understanding in navigating cultural differences within the church.Episode 165 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 108If you want to get in touch about something in the podcast you can reach out on [email protected] or by liking and following the Two Texts podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you enjoy the podcast, we’d love it if you left a review or comment where you’re listening from – and if you really enjoyed it, why not share it with a friend?Music by Woodford Music (c) 2021________Help us keep Two Texts free for everyone by becoming a supporter of the show John and David want to ensure that Two Texts always remains free content for everyone. We don't want to create a paywall or have premium content that would exclude others. However, Two Texts costs us around £60 per month (US$75; CAD$100) to make. If you'd like to support the show with even just a small monthly donation it would help ensure we can continue to produce the content that you love. Thank you so much.Support the show

Drop us a text message to say hi and let us know what you think of the show. (Include your email if you’d like us to reply)In which John and David explore Acts 19, the dynamics of mob mentality, the role of a city clerk in calming a chaotic assembly, and the implications of Paul's absence during a critical moment. They discuss the early church's approach to presenting the gospel without resorting to blasphemy or lawlessness, and how this reflects on their relationship with the Roman Empire. How important is living out the gospel in a way that maintains credibility and avoids unnecessary conflict.Episode 164 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 107If you want to get in touch about something in the podcast you can reach out on [email protected] or by liking and following the Two Texts podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you enjoy the podcast, we’d love it if you left a review or comment where you’re listening from – and if you really enjoyed it, why not share it with a friend?Music by Woodford Music (c) 2021________Help us keep Two Texts free for everyone by becoming a supporter of the show John and David want to ensure that Two Texts always remains free content for everyone. We don't want to create a paywall or have premium content that would exclude others. However, Two Texts costs us around £60 per month (US$75; CAD$100) to make. If you'd like to support the show with even just a small monthly donation it would help ensure we can continue to produce the content that you love. Thank you so much.Support the show

Drop us a text message to say hi and let us know what you think of the show. (Include your email if you’d like us to reply)In which John and David discuss the impact of the kingdom of God on the economic world of Ephesus and the dangers of self-service, idolatry, and money. The conversation explores the motivations behind Demetrius' opposition to the early Christians, the manipulation of crowds, and the importance of worship rooted in truth and revelation.Episode 163 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 106If you want to get in touch about something in the podcast you can reach out on [email protected] or by liking and following the Two Texts podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you enjoy the podcast, we’d love it if you left a review or comment where you’re listening from – and if you really enjoyed it, why not share it with a friend?Music by Woodford Music (c) 2021________Help us keep Two Texts free for everyone by becoming a supporter of the show John and David want to ensure that Two Texts always remains free content for everyone. We don't want to create a paywall or have premium content that would exclude others. However, Two Texts costs us around £60 per month (US$75; CAD$100) to make. If you'd like to support the show with even just a small monthly donation it would help ensure we can continue to produce the content that you love. Thank you so much.Support the show

Drop us a text message to say hi and let us know what you think of the show. (Include your email if you’d like us to reply)In which David and John discuss the riot in Ephesus at Acts 19. They explore the themes of idolatry, the pursuit of wealth, and the impact on people and society. They highlight the connection between idolatry and the abuse of others, as well as the contrast between the pursuit of material gain and the pursuit of God. Episode 162 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 105If you want to get in touch about something in the podcast you can reach out on [email protected] or by liking and following the Two Texts podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you enjoy the podcast, we’d love it if you left a review or comment where you’re listening from – and if you really enjoyed it, why not share it with a friend?Music by Woodford Music (c) 2021________Help us keep Two Texts free for everyone by becoming a supporter of the show John and David want to ensure that Two Texts always remains free content for everyone. We don't want to create a paywall or have premium content that would exclude others. However, Two Texts costs us around £60 per month (US$75; CAD$100) to make. If you'd like to support the show with even just a small monthly donation it would help ensure we can continue to produce the content that you love. Thank you so much.Support the show