Anabaptist Perspectives

Do foreign missions cause more harm or good? How can missionaries keep from merging their culture and the gospel? Three members of the Anabaptist Perspectives administrative team, Jaran, Marlin, and Reagan, discuss feedback that we have received from our audience. Jaran, Marlin, and Reagan are all frequent contributors to our Patron exclusive Ask Anabaptist Perspectives Anything Podcast. https://www.patreon.com/anabaptistperspectives?filters[tag]=Ask%20Us%20Anything%20Podcast Hear Renee Bach’s story: https://apple.co/2SmY2yP This is the 132nd episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Read our blog: https://www.anabaptistperspectives.org/blog/ Visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/anabaptistperspectives/ Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anabaptistperspectives/ Support us: https://anabaptistperspectives.org/donate/ Music: "The Basket" by Blue Dot Sessions The

It is impossible to live without tradition. How can we minimize the liabilities? How can we use tradition for our benefit? “The most destructive traditions that are there claim not to be traditions. Our job is many times to excavate a little bit behind and say, ‘Well, there is actually continuity here. This is a tradition too: here are the strengths, here are the liabilities.” This is the final episode of a three-part series with Kyle Stoltzfus about tradition and heritage. Consider listening to episodes 127 and 129 first. Kyle is a frequent guest on our Patron exclusive podcast: https://www.patreon.com/anabaptistperspectives/posts?filters[tag]=Kyle%20Stoltzfus Become a Patron with a monthly contribution of any amount and gain instant access to over 20 episodes of Ask Anabaptist Perspectives Anything as well as other bonus content. New content released every two weeks. https://www.patreon.com/anabaptistperspectives This is the 131st episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel

What is the importance of knowing Hebrew? Why would one go to Cambridge to study language? Vince Beiler explains how understanding the original languages of the Bible helps us to understand it better. “So much [of] what you see in the Hebrew Bible is an open ended discussion, an invitation to think about something on a much deeper level.” Buy: “Genesis: The Story We Haven’t Heard” https://amzn.to/3vpNddT This is the 130th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Read our blog: https://www.anabaptistperspectives.org/blog/ Visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/anabaptistperspectives/ Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anabaptistperspectives/ Support us: https://anabaptistperspectives.org/donate/ Music: "The Basket" by Blue Dot Sessions The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives

Does being human require tradition? What are examples of tradition in Scripture? Kyle Stoltzfus explains the necessity of tradition in Christianity. “This is about benefiting from, appreciating, and participating in a cultural legacy larger than oneself. The central burden is that we are recipients of spiritual and moral wealth. We can respond in a variety of ways to this: indulgently, critically, or constructively.” This is the second part of a three-part series with Kyle. Consider listening to episode 127 if you have not already. Kyle is a frequent guest on our Patron exclusive podcast: https://www.patreon.com/anabaptistperspectives/posts?filters[tag]=Kyle%20Stoltzfus Become a Patron with a monthly contribution of any amount and gain instant access to over 20 episodes of Ask Anabaptist Perspectives Anything as well as other bonus content. New content released every two weeks. https://www.patreon.com/anabaptistperspectives This is the 129th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTub

Daniel felt God’s call to serve in China. While planting churches in China, he started applying parts of the Bible that are frequently associated with Anabaptism. Listen to Daniel’s encouraging journey of being sold out to Christ and his work. In an upcoming episode Daniel shares more stories of the Chinese church. Buy David Bercot’s books: https://scrollpublishing.com/products-category/books-by-david-bercot/ Kingdoms in Conflict: https://amzn.to/3hlS8rS Once Saved, Always Saved?: https://amzn.to/3tHmJmq Listen to Patrick Matthews’ Story: https://youtu.be/4d_lRaJ8Kqw In a bonus clip on Patreon.com, Daniel tells why he is so excited about David Bercot's commentary on Matthew 1-13. https://www.patreon.com/anabaptistperspectives/posts?filters%5Btag%5D=Daniel Become a Patron with a monthly contribution of any amount and gain instant access to over 20 episodes of Ask Anabaptist Perspectives Anything as well as other bonus content. New content released every two weeks. https://www.patreon.com/anabaptistper

We all have a cultural heritage. How does it affect us? What are right ways to view our heritage? Kyle Stoltzfus wants us to recognize traditions that are helpful and essential in Christian living. “When we build with heritage, we recognize tools that we have been handed. We learn to exercise ourselves and apply ourselves to the tools that we actually have in our hands.” In future episodes, Kyle will expand on understanding our heritage and legacy. Kyle is a frequent guest on our Patron exclusive podcast: https://www.patreon.com/anabaptistperspectives/posts?filters[tag]=Kyle%20Stoltzfus Become a Patron with a monthly contribution of any amount and gain instant access to over 20 episodes of Ask Anabaptist Perspectives Anything as well as other bonus content. New content released every two weeks. https://www.patreon.com/anabaptistperspectives This is the 127th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought.

What church culture nurtures Christian growth? How do we integrate newcomers into church? Ernest Eby is passionate about church and outreach. Diversity and equality are necessary for flourishing in Christian maturity. Earnest describes three church cultures which either encourage or discourage the maturing of members. “[Christian Growth is] growing in knowledge of the Scriptures, growing in wisdom, growing in holiness, growing in love, and growing more useful and usable in the Kingdom of God.” This is the 126th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Read our blog: https://www.anabaptistperspectives.org/blog/ Visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/anabaptistperspectives/ Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anabaptistperspectives/ Support us: https://anabaptistperspectives.org/donate/ Music: "The Basket" by Blue Dot Sessions The views expressed by our guests ar

Josh Good’s episode on voting provoked a lot of discussion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYooZM6TDlc One listener charged that using the word “President” to describe Jesus is a severe demotion of his kingly status. Kyle Stoltzfus, Marlin Sommers, and Reagan Schrock evaluated the charge on an episode of our patron only podcast, which was released back in January on Patreon.com/anabaptistperspectives. Now we are happy to share this episode on our main channel as well. You can access all 20 back episodes of the Patreon exclusive podcast, as well as future releases and other bonus materials when you support us with a monthly contribution of any amount at Patreon.com/anabaptistperspectives

What are benefits of having intellectual pursuits? What are some of the challenges that come along with focusing on the intellect? Michael Hochstetler talks about the process he went through trying to balance attentiveness to the intellect, emotions, and spirit. He encourages those with intellectual interests to reach out and to show interest in those with less intellectual interests. “Do I want people to say [about me], ‘That guy was really smart’ or do I want people to say, ‘He loved God. He loved people.” Michael is a counselor at Life Ministries in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Visit their website: http://life-ministries.com/ This is the 125th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Read our blog: https://www.anabaptistperspectives.org/blog/ Visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/anabaptistperspectives/ Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anabaptistpersp

How is Christianity distinct from world religions? What does Anabaptism add to Christendom? Stephen Russell discusses two ways that Christianity is different than world religions: entry by choice and separation from governments. He considers how the early church, early Anabaptists, and the church today view these topics. Stephen also discusses the importance of Christian community. This is the 124th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. You can become a Patron with a monthly contribution of any amount. Gain instant access to 20 episodes of Ask Anabaptist Perspectives Anything as well as other bonus content. New content released every two weeks. https://www.patreon.com/anabaptistperspectives Read our blog: https://www.anabaptistperspectives.org/blog/ Visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/anabaptistperspectives/ Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anabaptistpersp

How can we study the Bible with those who do not have a Christian background? Which parts of the scriptures do these people find the hardest to understand? Ernest Eby, from State College Pennsylvania, shares his experience helping others understand the Bible. "If people can tell that you care, they are going to be more open to Bible studies and they are going to be more likely to become part of the church. If people sense that you view them as a project, and all you want to do is convert them, they will quickly lose interest." This is the 123rd episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Read our blog: https://www.anabaptistperspectives.org/blog/ Visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/anabaptistperspectives/ Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anabaptistperspectives/ Support us: https://anabaptistperspectives.org/donate/ Music: "The Basket" by Blue Dot Sessions T

How does studying science challenge a Christian’s faith? In what ways do conservative Anabaptists tend to view science wrongly? In this episode, John Mark Kuhns discusses how higher education and the study of science affected his faith in God. John Mark encourages us to correctly understand how science works to find truth. This episode is the second part of an interview with John Mark. This is the 122nd episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Read our blog: https://www.anabaptistperspectives.org/blog/ Visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/anabaptistperspectives/ Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anabaptistperspectives/ Support us: https://anabaptistperspectives.org/donate/ Music: "The Basket" by Blue Dot Sessions The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite C

How should Christians view secular science? In what ways does properly understanding nature affect the way we live? John Mark Kuhns, a teacher at Faith Builders Christian School, has a record of pursuing the sciences. In this episode, he discusses how Christians should view and be involved in science. John Mark specifically discusses evolution and creation care. This is part one of a two-part series. This is the 121st episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Read our blog: https://www.anabaptistperspectives.org/blog/ Visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/anabaptistperspectives/ Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anabaptistperspectives/ Support us: https://anabaptistperspectives.org/donate/ Music: "The Basket" by Blue Dot Sessions The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wells

Why are the early church beliefs important today? How can studying early church writings help to clarify scripture for us? In this episode, David Bercot shares the most important lessons that he has learned through studying church history. David encourages us to not view the early church writings as scripture, but as insight into how the authors understood scripture. Visit Scroll Publishing: https://scrollpublishing.com/ Buy “Will The Real Heretics Please Stand Up”: https://bit.ly/3d1o7Kd See raw footage and a bonus clip with David Bercot on our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/user?filters[tag]=David%20Bercot This is the 120th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Read our blog: https://www.anabaptistperspectives.org/blog/ Visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/anabaptistperspectives/ Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anabaptistperspectives/ Support us:

Joel Martin shares his story in this episode about deciding to stay Anabaptist. As a youth, Joel was discontented with the level of spiritual life that he saw in Anabaptist churches and planned to leave. Before he left though, a few events happened in his life that caused his perspective to change. Joel ends the episode by briefly sharing about the work that he is doing with All-Nations Bible Translation. Learn more about All-Nations Bible Translation: https://allnationsbt.org/ This is the 119th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Read our blog: https://www.anabaptistperspectives.org/blog/ Visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/anabaptistperspectives/ Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anabaptistperspectives/ Support us: https://anabaptistperspectives.org/donate/ Music: "The Basket" by Blue Dot Sessions The views expressed by our guests are solely their own

How can an individual help to strengthen their church? How can we help people to begin to love their church? In this episode, Val shares his heart for the local church and gives practical direction for ways to be a blessing in one’s brotherhood. Val encourages Christians to view the church as the people that they will spend eternity with. Visit Kitchi Blessings Ministries: https://www.kitchiblessing.com/ Works Referenced: Being the Blessing: https://kitchiblessing.com/being-the-blessing/ I Will Build my Church: https://kitchiblessing.com/i-will-build-my-church/ The Anabaptist view of the Church: https://amzn.to/305qWDT Church Membership: https://amzn.to/380jJtm King Jesus Claims his Church: https://amzn.to/3uNit6o The Safest Place on Earth: https://amzn.to/3q9rHqd Uniting Church and Home: https://amzn.to/306dcsJ When the Church Was a Family: https://amzn.to/3uM1xxm Why Church Matters: https://amzn.to/3b6FpWL (Joshua Harris left Christianity around the time of this interview) Church Matt

This episode is part two of an interview with Bryant Martin about hospitality. Here Bryant moves from describing the importance of hospitality to telling personal stories about how he has seen being hospitable work out. Bryant finishes the interview by quoting Rosaria Butterfield, “Radical, ordinary, and daily hospitality is a basic building block for vital Christian living. Start anywhere but do start.” Buy “The Gospel Comes with a House Key” at: https://amzn.to/3k0NfDO Read Mark Glanville’s article about dining, https://bit.ly/3dnRKHC This is the 117th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Read our blog: https://www.anabaptistperspectives.org/blog/ Visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/anabaptistperspectives/ Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anabaptistperspectives/ Support us: https://anabaptistperspectives.org/donate/ Music: "The Basket" by Blue Dot Sess

What is the importance of hospitality for Christians? How can one show a spirit of hospitality beyond just inviting others into their house? Bryant Martin, owner of Sowers Harvest Café, shares about the example of hospitality that Jesus left for his disciples. Bryant quotes Mark Glanville saying, “We learn from Jesus fellowship meals that our tables should be places of radical welcome, especially for those who feel lonely and on the outside. This is the shape of the Kingdom of God!” The next episode we will release will be part two of this interview. Buy “The Gospel Comes with a House Key,” https://amzn.to/3k0NfDO Read Mark Glanville’s article about dining, https://bit.ly/3dnRKHC This is the 116th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Read our blog: https://www.anabaptistperspectives.org/blog/ Visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/anabaptistperspectives/ Connect with us on Facebook

Who was Justin Martyr? What were convictions that he stood up for? David Bercot presents an overview of Justin Martyr’s life and writings in this episode. Justin was zealous for living a life that was sold out to Christ, yet he had a kind and generous heart. Read Justin’s “First Apology” https://bit.ly/3j2Mb1S Read Justin’s “Second Apology” https://bit.ly/39y9z4l or buy both Apologies: https://amzn.to/3aiF4hV Read Justin’s “Dialogue with Trypho” https://bit.ly/3aknHgM or buy https://amzn.to/3ta1IBN Read “The Didache” https://bit.ly/3pFDXQ0 Buy David’s “We Don’t Speak Great Things, We Live Them” https://bit.ly/2L35g7A This is the 115th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Read our blog: https://www.anabaptistperspectives.org/blog/ Visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/anabaptistperspectives/ Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anabaptistperspectives/ Support

What opportunities for ministry can be had by working in the fire service or EMS? How can one fight the negative influences that can be present in these companies? Here Merle Weaver shares about his ministry working in the Fivepointville Fire Company. Merle shows us how working in these emergency services can be a light to one’s community. He also encourages those involved in the service to maintain accountability with a close “buddy”. This is the 114th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Read our blog: https://www.anabaptistperspectives.org/blog/ Visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/anabaptistperspectives/ Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anabaptistperspectives/ Support us: https://anabaptistperspectives.org/donate/ Music: "The Basket" by Blue Dot Sessions The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of