Today, we delve into a broad array of challenging and divisive topics that have arisen throughout our series—politics, abortion, gender, sexuality, and justice. We’ve gathered your questions, from "Should I use someone's pronouns?" to "How do I respond to 'My body, my choice'?" and "Is either political party more 'Christian'?" Our discussion today aims to explore how scriptural teachings align or conflict with contemporary perspectives and address how believers can engage in these...

Welcome back to our "Jesus & Series.” Today, we're diving into the concept of Justice, exploring its evolution from biblical times to the modern era. As we navigate this topic, we'll examine how scripture informs our understanding of justice, contrasting it with contemporary secular perspectives. Our goal is to unpack how God cares deeply about justice and mandates His people to actively pursue it, yet how these divine expectations might differ from current societal interpretations. This...

Welcome back to our "Jesus & Series.” Today, we're focusing on LGBT issues, exploring how scripture can guide our understanding and discussions. In a world where rhetoric around sexuality is often polarized and charged, we aim to approach this conversation with the nuance and grace required when dealing with issues that affect real people and their lives. Our hope for this episode is to both challenge and encourage you, as we seek to discern God’s will for human sexuality and...

We’re continuing our Jesus & series, where we discuss today's cultural issues through the lens of Jesus. Today, we're delving into the topic of gender. This issue has sparked more intense debate in recent years with gender transition, sports, and education. How can Scripture guide our understanding, particularly in light of the complex and often polarized nature of this conversation? Our hope for this episode is that you will be both challenged and encouraged as we seek to align our lives...

We’re continuing our series where we discuss today's cultural issues through the lens of Jesus. Today, we are discussing abortion. How can scripture help us think through this issue, especially in light of the nuance, rhetoric, and binary and hostile nature of the debate? Our hope for this episode is that you will be challenged and encouraged as we seek to draw close to God’s will for us and the world.    Watch the episode on YouTube.    Greg references letters from Ancient Roman leaders...

Watch today's episode on YoutubeIn this episode of Off Stage, part of our "Jesus &" series, we dive into the complex relationship between faith and politics. Greg and R.D. explore the tension between the transient nature of worldly nations and the eternal Kingdom of God. While our ultimate hope lies in the Kingdom, we discuss the biblical call for Christians to remain engaged in the political sphere. With thoughtful insights, we consider how believers can navigate the political landscape...

Watch today's episode on YouTube.   At Fellowship Church, we’re beginning a series called “Jesus &”. Our hope for the series is to engage the pressing issues in our culture with the truths we find in Scripture. It is not something we approach lightly; we’ve prayed and will pray as we embrace these difficult conversations where there are so many viewpoints and heightened tensions (even within our own church). In this episode of Off Stage, Greg and R.D. discuss the series and specifically...

It's been a tumultuous few weeks in the United States with the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump and the announcement that President Joe Biden would be withdrawing from the Presidential Election. Greg and R.D. discuss these events and how we, as Christians, can respond to them with the hope, truth, and mercy we've found in Jesus.  Watch today's episode on YouTube.  For more information on this podcast, visit fellowshipknox.org/podcasts You can also e-mail questions...

Greg and RD share an update about when the show will return this August! Greg will also be hosting a new podcast and vodcast called Footnotes: subscribe to the podcast version, and subscribe to the Fellowship Knox YouTube channel for the video version. 

What music we enjoy forms us. But what about the wealth of songs that are sung in churches that come from churches we disagree with over theological or philosophical issues? Should we still sing those songs? Today, Greg and RD discuss this topic: how should we, as Christians, think about the songs we sing? Or even the books we read, the movies we watch, etc? Greg and RD Reference The Ressurection of the Son of God by N.T. Wright.  For more information on this podcast, visit...

Today, we are reading the book of Ephesians, which is a continuation of our Bible Study Series; what does the book of Ephesians have to say to us in our modern culture: from the cosmic to the intimately personal details of your life, God has sovereignly revealed himself to you that you might understand what “the praise of his glorious grace” means, and Greg and R.D. are talking about that and so much more.  Previous episodes in our Bible Study series: How to Study the...

Apostasy is the abandonment of religious belief. In recent years, we've seen this come up with artists, authors, and even pastors renouncing their Christian faith publicly. Today, Greg and RD dive into this topic, it's theological implications as well as what it is and what it isn't.  RD references our episode The Bible is Real Life  For more information on this podcast, visit http://fellowshipknox.org/podcasts You can also e-mail questions or topic ideas to [email protected]   

In this episode of Off Stage with Greg and RD, we delve into the world of AI Girlfriends and Boyfriends. Join us as we explore how our desire for control and perfection mirrors our attempts to reshape God in our own image. Through a theological lens, we reflect on the pursuit of unattainable perfection and how it contrasts with the belief in the perfection of Jesus, all while navigating how technology changes our world.

R.D. was recently confirmed as the new Lead Pastor Elect at Fellowship Church in Knoxville. Greg and R.D. wanted to have a conversation about the challenges they see in the future and, even more, how God is moving in the next generation. In this episode, you'll get to hear more of what R.D. hopes for his church, and the church at large, as he steps into his new role. There will be a companion episode released on the Fellowship Middlebrook Sermons podcast page later this week. That is the...

On Saturday morning, we woke up to the news of the attack in Israel. Today, Greg and R.D. wanted to give their perspective on the conflict, its backstory, as well as what this means for Christians as it relates to the Bible.  Greg references our episode on Revelation.  RD reads from Miroslav Volf’s Exclusion & Embrace. Here’s the quote:  My thesis is that the practice of non-violence requires a belief in divine vengeance…My thesis will be unpopular with man in the West…But imagine...

NOTE: We had a microphone issue recording this week’s episode. We apologize if the audio sounds slightly degraded. Apple recently released a video as part of their most recent iPhone release. With the ideas of the ad in mind, Greg and RD are diving into deomorphisms which is a big word that essentially means worshipping the created instead of the creator. With their characteristic humor, knowledge, and numerous Romans references, this episode promises to be enlightening, challenging, and...

In this special episode of Off Stage with Greg and RD, join us as we pay tribute to the life and lasting legacy of Tim Keller, a pastor, preacher, theologian, and author who left an indelible mark on our hosts, Greg and RD. Dive deep into the teachings of Keller that resonated with them personally, exploring the profound impact his wisdom had on their work as pastors and its relevance in today's ever-changing cultural landscape. Dr. Timothy Keller was a pastor, preacher, theologian, and...

Lights, camera, action! On this episode of Off Stage with Greg and RD, the hosts talk about their favorite movies. They share their belief that movies are a gift from God for our enjoyment, and discuss the films that have had the biggest impact on them. Along the way, they also dish on overrated and underrated movies, bringing their trademark humor and insight to the conversation. Whether you're a film buff or just looking for some entertainment, tune in to hear Greg and RD's take on the...

On this episode of Off Stage with Greg and RD, the hosts dive into the controversial topic of whether language can be considered a form of violence. With their trademark "both/and" approach, they examine both sides of the argument and explore the complexities of power dynamics and communication. For more information on this podcast, visit podcast.fellowshipknox.org   You can also e-mail questions or topic ideas to [email protected]   

In this episode of Off Stage with Greg and RD, the hosts engage in a profound conversation on the themes of autonomy and loneliness, inspired by the work of Christopher Watkin's Biblical Critical Theory. They analyze how modern culture's emphasis on individual autonomy can leave people feeling disconnected and isolated. Through their exploration of Biblical texts, Greg and RD offer a deep and insightful perspective on how a sense of community and glorifying God can provide us with a path...

Join Greg and RD on this episode of Off Stage as they explore the topic of Chat GPT and its implications for Christians. They discuss the ethical considerations surrounding the use of this technology and how it challenges our understanding of what it means to be human. Tune in for an enlightening conversation about the role of artificial intelligence in our lives. Here is a link to a popular Chat GPT.  RD references the movie Sphere.  For more information on this podcast, visit...

Today, we're excited to continue our in-depth Bible study series with a closer look at the book of Exodus. In this episode, we'll explore how the story of Moses and the Israelites in Egypt prefigures the Gospel and points us to the coming of Christ. We'll take a deep dive into the text and discuss how the events of Exodus reveal God's character and His plan for salvation.  Previous episodes in our Bible Study series: How to Study the Bible Genesis  Matthew Book of Acts  Romans 1...