エピソード

  • Episode 23 - Megan Kelly Confesses Church Is Causing Her To Grow Further From God
    2024/04/22

    This installment delves into the deep, complex scenario surrounding Megyn Kelly's personal struggles with annulment, and sheds light on who holds the right to judge her marriage.

    Just before Easter, Megan Kelly got real with her struggles and crisis of faith in the Catholic Church. Sixteen years ago, Kelly and her then-husband divorced and she remarried. As a result, she's been unable to participate in the sacraments since. She said the annulment process has caused her to grow further from God and the Church and questions if any man can get between her relationship with God.

    While this discussion is emotionally complex, there are answers to Megan's question; Can a church place a moral judgement on her divorce and re-marriage? What gives them the right to decide if she can partake of the sacraments vital to the Christian faith (regardless of denomination)?

    Does the Church have a Biblical responsiblity to intervene, and if so, why and how?

    What is an annulement and are they even in Scripture?

    A Christian marriage is a covenant between a husband, wife, and God. A covenant is the most serious of all relationships. How serious does God covenant breaking and does He allow room for forgiveness? What is the role of the Church in the process?

    Let's dive into it and answer the question... Does any Christian leader, pastor, or priest have the right to question or judge a divorce and re-marriage and cause someone to question their faith?

    You might be surprised at the answer!

    This episode is a must-listen for those navigating personal struggles, seeking guidance, or aspiring to deepen their faith. Expect thought-provoking biblical references, a compassionate attitude towards individual struggles, and a respectful examination of the Church's role in believers' journeys of faith.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    30 分
  • Episode 22 - Yes, Love Can Be Sinful | The LGBTQ Movement and The Christian
    2024/04/18

    Have you ever thought about what love is, or is not for that matter? Satan has done a masterful job stealing the identity of untold millions of Americans and trapping them in a philosophy that says "love is love" and that everyone is "free to love whoever they like."

    In this insightful episode, we delve deep into controversial realms by discussing the implications of the LGBTQ movement on the values and spiritual essence that form the crux of our society and Christianity. With an influential agenda dictated by Satan to wipe out God's existence from our society and our individual consciousness, we analyze how these actions are intrinsically linked to the LGBTQ movement, bearing substantial impacts on the church and the Christian community as a whole.

    We kick-start this heart-to-heart conversation by looking at love in a new light - a universal sentiment that is appreciated yet often misconstrued. We dwell into the lesser-known sides of love that defy religious sanctity, zooming into cases where it could potentially lead to sinning and violating divine instructions.

    As the discussion progresses, we expand on the concept of sanctity and the place of the LGBTQ+ community within the church. The critical call-to-action emphasised here is to reevaluate our interpretation of love as taught by the holy Bible, to prevent it from succumbing to Satan's cunning deceptions.

    By citing examples from the Old Testament, we unveil common transgressions associated with love and relationships. We discuss how the natural inclination towards sexual gratification is manipulated by false deities and corrupt religious approaches, thereby undermining love and inciting rebellion against God. This unsettling phenomenon prevails today through the distorted vision of love promoted by the LGBTQ+ community, which immensely contributes in defacing God's image.

    In closing, this podcast, Don urges listeners to reconsider their perception of love, its profound link to our faith, identity, and spiritual growth. We inspire you to combat the deceiving perversions of love and remain dedicated to the holy, sacred love God intended for us.

    Unraveling love's profound misinterpretations increasingly growing in our world today, we take an aim at the ambiguous lines between natural love, as determined by God, and the rebellion propelling towards unnatural love. Through echoing truths from the sacred scriptures, our aim is to shed light on the ongoing conflict to preserve God's divine image in every human, amidst Satan's world system that aims to destroy it.

    Through challenging the evolving narrative surrounding love, particularly regarding the LGBTQ+ community, we remind everyone that love was never intended by God to be a vaguely, permissive notion accepting everything. Reiterating that love in its purest form chooses to stand for truth, reject evil, and inspires us to resonate with the holiness and righteousness reflecting the nature of our God.

    Finally, we offer assurance for those caught in the destructive cycle of worldly love, reminding them that they are not alone and there is hope. True love is transformative; it brings about inner changes that ignite peace, hope, and comfort. Inspiring our listeners to join others on this journey of seeking God's kingdom and to renounce their own desires, we end on a hopeful note, encouraging everyone to take up Jesus's cross and follow Him with love, devotion, and affirmation.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    22 分
  • Episode 21 - Military Wisdom in Spiritual Warfare and Church Life
    2024/04/11

    As Christians, we are part of a battle against good and evil as the Apostle Paul talks about in Ephesians 6. That means we live by a different set of ethics and rules than the rest of the world as we battle through spiritual warfare and gain spiritual discipline in our struggle against the rulers, powers, and world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12).

    When I was in the Navy and Army, I often heard senior enlisted and officers use this word often... "Go on." It was often in the context of someone sharing something difficult or emotional. It conveyed a sense that we are in this together and we have one another's back... So, don't hold back. That's just the opposite in the civilian world when someone says, "It's okay." Meaning stop talking or sharing your feelings politely because it's making me uncomfortable. I don't really care, or how does this effect me?

    Believe it or not, there are a number of parallels between military service and the Church. There are core values inherent in both such as the family, community, respect, sacrifice, and unity. There are also strong contrasts with the culture around us that run contrary to Biblical ethics such as rugged individualism that tempt Christians into sacrificing others instead of for others.

    I highlight various attributes the Church can learn from the military: importance of community, camaraderie, and mutual encouragement. I also emphasize the role of teamwork, and how making communal bonds stronger than individualism can eventually lead to more fruitful outcomes for the believer and the Church. Drawing from the Apostle Paul's portrayal of the Church, I ask listeners to view their communities as a unified team.

    This episode also taps into the crucial role communal support and perseverance play during times of adversity; qualities that should be inherent within Church congregations. The podcast ends by suggesting Christians, in their journey to righteousness, are like soldiers in God’s spiritual army, relentlessly resisting societal and personal tribulations.

    Continuing the military metaphor, let's explore how sacrifice, respect, and unity found in military life can be utilized to fortify the Christian community. We underline the significance of learning our spiritual lessons, understanding they are symbols of our growth and devotion to Christ. We further reiterate the Christianity being not just a Sunday affair but a lifestyle to be observed every day of the week.

    Join me as I challenge us to embrace our role within God's heavenly army. As soldiers of Christ, let's rise together in His love and power, equipped with the full armor of God. Stay tuned for our future episodes in this series embracing the spiritual battlefield.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    31 分
  • Episode 20 - The Hard Part Of Leadership
    2024/04/09

    Welcome to an insightful episode of the Full Armor of God podcast where we delve into the often ignored aspect of leadership. Hosted by Father Deacon Don Purdum, we explore intricate portrayals of leadership. Discover surprisingly poignant insights into the solitude leaders frequently experience, the disillusionment they endure from treachery, and the indelible weight of their decisions.

    This episode plunges deep into the pivotal roles leaders play within the church, emphasizing the enormous responsibility of accurately teaching the Word, guiding His people, and maintaining personal faith growth. We delve into poignant experiences of biblical leaders—Paul, Joseph, David—and provide invaluable teachings applicable to today's leaders. Despite the challenges, we underscore the importance of determination and resilience, reminding listeners that our efforts are never in vain when made for the Lord.

    Through a deep dive into the experiences of Demas and Alexander the coppersmith, we discuss crucial lessons about vigilance against disappointment and personal attacks in leadership, and the significance of admitting and learning from your mistakes. The episode also highlights that leadership inevitably attracts criticism and betrayal, even from those you trust. In the face of these adversities, maintaining a balanced mind and a strong demeanor is key.

    More than surviving attacks, we emphasize acceptance of your vulnerabilities and learning from failures. It's part of growth not only as a leader but as an individual. In all this, the episode motivates you to remain strong in the face of hardship, assuring you that your hard work is fruitful when in service of the Lord.

    So, gear up to explore the labyrinth of faith-based leadership, not just through its pleasant aspects but also its darker, challenging sides. Embrace and accept these challenges and use your experiences to become a more effective servant. Welcome to the genuine world of leadership!

    続きを読む 一部表示
    30 分
  • Have Politics and Mega Churches Changed The Christian Identity and Harmed The Church's True Purpose?
    2024/04/05

    Church leader Don Purdum offers a heart-opening talk about the current state of loneliness and desolation rife in society today. He addresses the growing reliance on government, the struggle caused by relational and economic turmoil, and most pointedly, questions the role of the church amidst this chaos.

    In this confrontational episode, Don argues our Christian identities are undergoing an alarming shift. From being deeply rooted in our community, church, and social life, our identities are increasingly being defined by politics and Mega Church culture. He challenges this derailment, imploring us to remember our primary identity is in Christ, not in political affiliations or beliefs of anonymity.

    On a broader scale, Don highlights what he terms as the 'Walmartization of church', where a few big-box churches house a greater number of Christians and in the process, ousting smaller community-based congregations. While this may seem advantageous on the surface, Don fears it might actually hinder believers from having their needs - spiritual, physical, and emotional - fully met.

    Throughout the episode, Don stresses the important connection between our identities as Christians and the church. He asserts that in the quest to busy ourselves with everything we regard as essential, we pay less attention to the very thing that is indeed crucial - the church. He also examines the impact of the pandemic in demonstrating how easy it is to neglect our commitment to Jesus of Nazareth, His Church, and one another in the Body of Christ.

    By discarding our concealed identities, and re-engaging in spiritual communion based on mutual burdens, sorrow, and joy, Don calls us to reclaim the essence of church. With a plea to stop the misuse of church for political purposes, Don pushes for regaining our real identities in Christ and reversing the devastating impacts.

    If you're game for a radical change in your church experience, this episode provides valuable insights on departing from the corporateness of church structures and invest in intimate, community-focused engagements. Explore how to revolutionize your faith journey and join Don in his commitment to reestablish Jesus's vision for His church.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    13 分
  • Episode 19 - Shaping Leaders During Times Of Intense Change
    2024/04/04

    Over the last four years, our society has experienced a radical chaotic shift in what Don likes to call "fits and starts." With the shifting sand from underneath our feet, how does one lead? How should we lead within our homes, businesses, non-profits, and government in a significantly divided country around divisive social issues?

    Diving deeper into the dynamics of leadership, Don emphasizes that leadership extends beyond mere influence. He introduces key leadership traits such as consistent learning, active listening, discernment, decisive action, constant review, admitting mistakes, and repeating the process. Reflecting on societal transformations demanding risk-taking from leaders, Don underlines the need for leaders to unify others without surrendering their principles.

    The episode also explores the leadership paths of biblical figures like Moses and historical personalities like Abraham Lincoln. It emphasizes the universal application of leadership principles across diverse spheres - the church, homes, businesses, or government.

    The podcast encourages listeners to rise as great leaders, sticking to virtues such as kindness, courage, bravery, and predominantly, faith. Packed with lessons from eminent leaders, this episode inspires you to pursue leadership greatness, stimulating growth and upholding resilience.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    35 分
  • Episode 18 - Opportunity Or Threat? Should We Be Concerned About Artificial Intelligence?
    2024/04/02

    Let's talk about artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications from a Christian perspective.

    Hollywood has shaped our impressions and embedded imageries about artificial intelligence in our psyche. In virtually every movie on the subject, AI evolves into human-like qualities that include the natural inclination to protect itself, resulting in a war between machines and humans.

    Is this entirely accurate? Is there anything for Christians to fear regarding AI

    Discussing the significant changes AI introduces to our society, the episode encourages a critical appraisal of the potential impacts of this technology. As with all things, things may not be as they appear. Every tool can be used for good or bad. A knife can be used to cut meat to eat or harm a person. There is a good and bad side to everything.

    Yet, one thing remains the same and NEVER changes.

    Our exploration in this podcast includes pervasive issues such as biases programmed into machines, and the uncertainties revolving around whether AI will be a force for good, or a destructive influence. This thought-provoking conversation extends to the challenges and opportunities AI presents to Christianity, and how it can potentially revolutionize faith and spirituality.

    Fr. Deacon Don highlights a shift towards personal interactions and lesser dependence on technology, positing that this could offer Christians a unique chance to extend God's love in a tech-driven era. The episode insists on the importance of experiencing God in our daily life, rather than confining prayer and worship within the confines of a church.

    Concluding with an intriguing discourse on transhumanism and fear of the unknown, listeners are called to replace fear with faith. Stressing that AI, despite its advanced capabilities, will never surpass God. We are ultimately reminded that our fears are a result of a lack of understanding of our true identity in Christ and our faith in Him dispels all fear.

    This episode also explores our roles as a royal priesthood, charged with uplifting one another and ministering to the world, in the context of evolving technology. With a teaser about an upcoming e-book, and an affirmation that unyielding faith in Jesus Christ remains crucial in both understanding and coping with the digital age.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    25 分
  • Episode 17 - Who Was Pontius Pilate And Did He Kill Jesus?
    2024/03/27

    In the latest edition of the Full Armor of God Podcast, Father Deacon Don Purdum illuminates the fundamental yet frequently overlooked role of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea who played a remarkable part in reshaping Judaism and paving the way for Christianity.

    Unearthing archaeological findings and examining historical accounts from renowned historians such as Philo and Josephus, this episode presents an engrossing study of Pontius Pilate beyond the Gospel narratives. Don introduces an innovative viewpoint, challenging ingrained beliefs while considering the Ethiopian Orthodox Church's bestowment of sainthood upon Pilate. Furthermore, he delves into the motives that might have driven Pilate's decisions and sheds light on the significant political clout held by Pontius Pilate and Judea, including the power to perform crucifixions.

    The audience is taken on a journey through the multifaceted narratives of Pontius Pilate, including his political dynamics with Rome, his relationship with other influential figures in the Gospels, and a look into his personal character. By the end of the episode, listeners will be encouraged to reevaluate their understanding of this critical figure in both scriptural and historical contexts.

    With reference to various Greek and Latin accounts, including those of Jewish philosopher Philo and historian Josephus, this episode illustrates a detailed portrait of Pontius Pilate's life and deeds. It probes into contrasting declarations of Pilate as a procurator versus a prefect and underscores the implications and significance these designations carry.

    Encompassing a comprehensive analysis of historic events, archaeological proof, and literary sources, the conversation further explores Pilate’s dealings amid distinct clashes and circumstances. Key points of discussions include interactions with the Jewish high priest Caiaphas, reactions to potential uprisings, and Pilate's final downfall post his incident with a throng of Samaritans.

    The episode concludes by discussing the wider ramifications of Pilate’s actions and leadership style, particularly his relationship with Jesus, the impact on the Jewish populace, and the alignment of these elements within the broader biblical narrative.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    29 分