Become a Paid Subscriber: https://anchor.fm/reconstructingfaith/subscribe WARNING: This isn't a typical "religious" podcast. I wrestle with the issues that most people are uncomfortable talking about in church because religion sucks. You’ll hear episodes about Jesus, reConstructing faith after deConstructing “Christian” misconception and more. Some episodes pre 8/28/20 have adult language so be a good parent and listen alone before playing those in front of your kids.
…
continue reading
Scathed by scandal and riddled with controversy, the American church today faces a credibility crisis. What is the way forward for renewal in our generation? Trevin Wax offers perspective from church history and the church around the world to help listeners recommit both to removing the rot from the church and fortifying the foundations of unchanging truth. It's time to rebuild.
…
continue reading
Podcast by Erik Fish
…
continue reading
1
Season 2, Episode 10: Better Together: Denominations and the Hope of Evangelical Renewal
1:02:28
1:02:28
Αναπαραγωγή αργότερα
Αναπαραγωγή αργότερα
Λίστες
Like
Liked
1:02:28
In the first episode of this season, we looked at the reconstruction of Notre Dame after the fire, the painstaking work of refashioning and rebuilding a place that took centuries to construct. Rebuilding requires sacrifice… a dogged commitment to seeing the task through. If this is the case for churches, it’s also the case for families of churches,…
…
continue reading
The iconic family scenes we see in classic TV are not the norm for most people in American society today. Divorce has disrupted more families than ever before in our history. And the ripple effects go beyond the obvious heartache and loss, affecting even the banalities of annual rituals and traditions. Challenges to family life aren’t new. But the …
…
continue reading
1
Season 2, Episode 8: After the Worship Wars
1:02:09
1:02:09
Αναπαραγωγή αργότερα
Αναπαραγωγή αργότερα
Λίστες
Like
Liked
1:02:09
In the latter decades of the 20th century, many churches across the country shifted from a formal style of worship, with traditional and classical music, to a more informal style of worship, with praise choruses and rock-influenced instrumentation. These changes in worship didn’t happen without conflict. In the 1980’s and 1990’s, controversies beca…
…
continue reading
For the past few years, sociologists and journalists have been describing millennials as “the burnout generation.” Now, there are reports that burnout and stress are on the rise with Gen Z as well. And then there’s the reality of spiritual burnout, the inability to feel the presence and power of God, a loss of desire for spiritual things. In the Bi…
…
continue reading
We’ve entered a new era in terms of technology. AI is the most powerful predictive tool we’ve ever created. It’s really good at analyzing and predicting human behavior… like, scary good. And the new world of AI is leading to ethical dilemmas previous generations would have found unimaginable. What will happen when in the future, it becomes even har…
…
continue reading
There will be no avoiding conversation about sex and gender in the days ahead, and as Christians, the starting place must be our convictions about reality. All our choices must flow from those convictions. Strong convictions are the prerequisite for true conversations. And convictions and compassion aren’t in opposition. When the world is falling e…
…
continue reading
More and more commentators speak openly about the social and mental health consequences of porn: the degrading nature of warped expectations, the ever-more transgressive practices, the normalization of violence, and the dark underside of human trafficking. But most of the time, they stop short of pronouncing moral judgment about pornography in gene…
…
continue reading
All across the spectrum, you find commentators chattering away about the crisis of manhood in the wake of gender confusion, the denigration and disparagement of men traditionally involved in “men’s work,” and the quest for significance and identity among men who seem to be lost and lonely in our strange new world. What happens in a society where ma…
…
continue reading
In the United States, we are experiencing the largest and fastest religious shift in the history of our country. Recent research shows about 15 percent of American adults — that’s 40 million people — have stopped going to church, and all of this, within the past 25 years. It’s a drop that has affected every region in the country, every theological …
…
continue reading
The continuing decline of institutional trust represents a seismic shift in our culture and society today. Some of that distrust is warranted. In season one, we looked at the credibility crisis facing the church on several fronts. We’ve considered the rot that’s in the church—rot that needs to be removed. But some of our institutional distrust come…
…
continue reading
In the first season of Reconstructing Faith, we looked at the credibility crisis facing the church today in a number of areas. In season two, we’re looking at specific challenges to rebuilding the church’s witness today. We’ll be talking about the decline of church attendance, the disappearance of institutional trust, the crisis of masculinity, the…
…
continue reading
1
Season 1, Episode 12: Season Finale: It's Time to Rebuild
1:08:27
1:08:27
Αναπαραγωγή αργότερα
Αναπαραγωγή αργότερα
Λίστες
Like
Liked
1:08:27
As you look at the church today, you may ache for the church. But maybe you ache because you love…. You love the church and know she can be better than this. And you love Jesus and know He deserves a Bride whose beauty showcases His. We’ve experienced a season of humiliation and pain, in which the Lord has seen fit to expose our sins and failures. …
…
continue reading
In this series, we’ve been addressing the church’s credibility crisis, reflecting on the challenges of today while learning from church history and the church around the world. In this special episode of Reconstructing Faith, join Trevin Wax as he addresses some of the questions that you have sent in. Connect with Trevin on Twitter: @TrevinWax on F…
…
continue reading
We’ve seen that there’s rot in the house of the Lord. Some of the rooms are dilapidated. In need of reconstruction and repair. It’s good to remind ourselves that the ultimate goal of addressing these challenges is not so we can reconstruct a healthier house, a more enduring edifice, for ourselves only. It’s so we can beckon others toward the light,…
…
continue reading
So far, in this podcast, we’ve looked at various ways the church’s credibility has been harmed by a lack of consistency between our beliefs and our behaviors. These are the big issues that make headlines, that draw attention, that spark conversation. But what if there’s a problem so prevalent, so pervasive, so all-encompassing that we have a hard t…
…
continue reading
1
ROmerica 2022: Debauchery, destructive choices and the consequences we've ignored for more than a thousand years
44:42
In the letter that Paul wrote to the church in Rome he spoke of "God's angry displeasure" but when I read the reasons...they sound familiar. That's what I'm digging into today on Bible Study Live. Want access to our newest book? Text the word: LOVE To the number: 1-833-981-0002 And we'll get you on the updates list! *standard messaging rates apply …
…
continue reading
The stain of sexual abuse is one of the biggest reasons the church faces a crisis of credibility today. There’s mold in the house of the Lord. And with righteous anger and determination, we’ve got to say: this rot must be removed. On this episode of Reconstructing Faith, join Trevin Wax as he challenges the church to respond in ways that bring heal…
…
continue reading
In Matthew 25 we read about the parable of talents but something unique stood out this morning which makes me ask: Are we treating God like a greedy thief? That's what I'm digging into today on Bible Study Live. Want access to our newest book? Text the word: LOVE To the number: 1-833-981-0002 And we'll get you on the updates list! *standard messagi…
…
continue reading
In Paul's letter to the Colossians we are told to clothe ourselves in a few things because of this new life... and Love is the glue that holds it together. That's what I'm digging into today on Bible Study Live. Tune in every week for Bible study live with Mat Koenig on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch That's what we're going to talk about on today's …
…
continue reading
I see and hear people doing things in the name of God but, is there a danger in bringing an offering that God didn't ask for? That's what I'm digging into today on Bible Study Live. Want access to our newest book? Text the word: LOVE To the number: 1-833-981-0002 And we'll get you on the updates list! *standard messaging rates apply Tune in every w…
…
continue reading
If you’re active and involved in your church, you’ve probably noticed that things have gotten more tense regarding politics in recent years, and unless your church is monolithic in its political views, you’ve probably seen some division and debate. You want to apply your faith to your political involvement, yet you also want to avoid getting coopte…
…
continue reading
In the past decade, many Christians have wrestled afresh with questions about racial injustice, racial disparities, racial prejudice and discrimination, and what racial reconciliation can and should look like in the church. There’s no avoiding this challenge. And if we truly believe God gets glory when we reflect the beautiful diversity of His king…
…
continue reading
People worship everything from trees to the universe to satan these days but, could it be that the bible actually says you should choose the god that you'd rather worship? And if so, what does that actually mean? That's what I'm digging into today on Bible Study Live. Want access to our newest book? Text the word: LOVE To the number: 1-833-981-0002…
…
continue reading
Over the past few years, social media has given way to a new term for those who garner a large following and they're called "influencers". But, did you know that God wants YOU to be an influencer too? Did you know that you're an influencer right now? That's what I'm digging into today on Bible Study Live. Want access to our newest book? Text the wo…
…
continue reading
We can’t talk about renewing the church in our generation if we don’t put the question of abusive leadership on the table. But discussing leadership raises an even bigger question, one of authority, and how it is to be exercised. There’s no easy task in front of us. The problem is multifaceted. Shepherds who, for one reason or another, abuse their …
…
continue reading
I saw an instagram post about tongues and of course...it was clinging to one verse and taking text out of context to justify corporate babbling but wait...Paul actually does say that this gift is real so how does what Paul said reconcile with the church today? And how does that align with people saying that if you don't speak in "tongues" you don't…
…
continue reading
Do you want to be healed or are you content to keep identifying as a broken person so that people will have pity on you? In John 5 Jesus has an interesting encounter with a man who can't walk but his question is even more interesting... That's what I'm digging into today on Bible Study Live. Want access to our newest book? Text the word: LOVE To th…
…
continue reading
We've all heard about where Peter denies Jesus 3X and then the story of him saying he LOVES Jesus 3 times but did you know that Peter wasn't actually answering Jesus by saying he "loved" him? That's what we're digging into on this episode. Prefer YouTube? Check out other episodes at https://www.youtube.com/@saltandlightworks --- Send in a voice mes…
…
continue reading
What if we can acknowledge with clarity some of the problems of purity culture while also rediscovering and fortifying the foundational Christian teaching about chastity? What if we can remove the rot and uphold the foundations, as a way of standing apart from the world for the good of the world? We need to distinguish what the Bible teaches, by ge…
…
continue reading
Social media primes us to see our life as a stage, a performing of an identity for our online community. These practices form and encourage negative character traits that lead us away from the kind of wholeness God desires for us. We get lonelier and more isolated, finding online communities that don’t ask much of us, often at the expense of flesh-…
…
continue reading
People talk about giving things to GOD but what does it really mean to rely on the LORD? That's what I'm digging into today on Bible Study Live. Want access to our newest book? Text the word: LOVE To the number: 1-833-981-0002 And we'll get you on the updates list! *standard messaging rates apply Tune in every week for Bible study live with Mat Koe…
…
continue reading
What is your perspective about God? What does God want for your life? Does God want the best for you or is he some cosmic version of the punisher just waiting for you to "f it up" so he can toss you into a firey swimming pool? That's what I'm digging into this morning. Want access to our newest book? Text the word: LOVE To the number: 1-833-981-000…
…
continue reading
We’ve experienced a wave of terrible revelations about the condition of the church in the past decade. So much has come to light. And like homes that didn’t get the attention they needed after a flood, there’s rot, for sure. There’s mold in the house. Rotting floors. Sin has seeped in, and it’s left a watermark. And even after the floodwaters are g…
…
continue reading
Is God your God all the time? I've heard it said that everyone becomes a believer in God when they're on their death bed and there are stories of many well-known atheists who had a change of heart on their deathbed (see below quotes) but how do we treat God while we are alive? That's what I'm digging into this morning. https://christian-faith.com/q…
…
continue reading
When we see leaders fall by the wayside either because of life or doctrine, the pain cuts in many directions all at once, with a lot of hurt left in the wake. The long-term effect of this kind of failure is a diminishing of the credibility of the church. Will God fail because of human weakness? No. But the church’s failures can become obstacles in …
…
continue reading
Many of us feel overwhelmed by sinful desires. Can we really overcome these? Today we'll talk about the power YOU have to overcome sin in the story of Cain and Abel That's what I'm digging into this morning. Want access to our newest book? Text the word: LOVE To the number: 1-833-981-0002 And we'll get you on the updates list! *standard messaging r…
…
continue reading
For years I have been taught that the punishment for eating from the tree of the knowledge of good & evil was God kicking Adam and Eve out of the garden of Eden, but what if God was actually RESCUING them by removing them? In Genesis 3 God kicks Adam and Eve out of the garden. Was God punishing Adam and Eve by removing them from the garden of Eden …
…
continue reading
1
Humanity fell because of the INaction of man and America is falling for the exact same reason
21:02
Many people blame Eve for mankind's fall. Many Christians blame satan. But if you read the account of humanity's fall in Genesis, you may be surprised to realize that everything happened because of Adam, and his LACK of action. That's what we're going to wrestle with today on Bible Study Live. Our new book is available now on Amazon and it's called…
…
continue reading
Did you know that being alone is where problems get worse? That's what we're going to wrestle with today on Bible Study Live. Our new book is available now on Amazon and it's called: For This Reason, Living and Ephesians 5 Marriage Download your copy right now for just 99¢ Text the word: LOVE To the number: 1-833-981-0002 And we'll instantly send y…
…
continue reading
I’m Trevin Wax. In October, I’m starting a new podcast called Reconstructing Faith that examines the state of the American church’s witness. For years now, we’ve seen the church rocked by sin and scandal and our credibility as Christ’s followers has been diminished. Reconstructing Faith avoids the simplistic knee-jerk reactions you see on social me…
…
continue reading
Two fundamental questions that shape everything about our lives are: Who is God? And, who am I? If we can have confidence in our answer to these two questions, it will shape our understanding of everything else in life. That's what I'm digging into on this episode. Want to get a copy of our new book? Text the word: LOVE To the number: 1-833-981-000…
…
continue reading
So many people are overwhelmed with life these days. Depression, Anxiety, and Suicide rates are higher than ever before because people are just getting burned out on life but what does the Bible say about burnout? That's what I'm digging into this morning. Want to get early access to our upcoming marriage book? Text the word: LOVE To the number: 1-…
…
continue reading
1
How can you possible experience joy in a world divided by politics, religion and gender confusion?
46:58
America is plagued with division and hatred, so how can we possibly experience joy in a broken world? Jesus shows us how in John 15. That's what I'm digging into this morning. Get your copy of Filled: Hopeless to Hope Filled in 30 days at https://www.amazon.com/Filled-Hopeless-Hope-30-Days/dp/B09JYSTSY4 Get your copy of Now I See: Looking for Jesus…
…
continue reading
How much power does Satan really have? Can the devil make you do things you don't want to do? Does he even do that? Today we're talking about temptation, condemnation and God's grace. That's what I'm digging into this morning. Want to get early access to our upcoming marriage book? Text the word: LOVE To the number: 1-833-981-0002 And we'll get you…
…
continue reading
1
Childish Christians
1:00:58
1:00:58
Αναπαραγωγή αργότερα
Αναπαραγωγή αργότερα
Λίστες
Like
Liked
1:00:58
Is believing the Bible childish? That's the question today. Some people think that believing in God, Jesus and the Bible is an emotional crutch while others consider it immature, and childish like a fairy tale but is it bad to be like children when it comes to believing in God? That's what I'm digging into this morning. Want to get early access to …
…
continue reading
Do you have daddy issues? Are you imitating your father...I mean, your REAL father? That's a good question. Many people say "like father like son" or "she's just like her mom" but what does that really mean? Is it always a good thing? And, how can we MAKE that imitation into something great? That's what I'm digging into this morning. Want to get ea…
…
continue reading
Wind, Wine, and What Happens Next Many people have different perspectives on what we can learn from the day of Pentecost but what if God is trying to show us something really simple? That's what I'm digging into this morning. Want to get early access to our upcoming marriage book? Text the word: LOVE To the number: 1-833-981-0002 And we'll get you …
…
continue reading
Are you struggling to figure out where you're going in life? Have you given your best effort, but you're still finding yourself in the middle of storms? Are you struggling to believe that Jesus wants to help you get where you're going? Are you scared of walking with Jesus? Are your fears of the world causing you to try and go it alone? That's what …
…
continue reading
Is God holding out on you? Do you deserve more from God? Are you upset by the way he is blessing others who you believe DO NOT deserve it? That's what I'm digging into this morning. Want to get early access to our upcoming marriage book? Text the word: LOVE To the number: 1-833-981-0002 And we'll get you on the updates list! *standard messaging rat…
…
continue reading
That's what I'm digging into this morning. Do you have trouble trusting God and His promises for your life? Are you struggling to believe that a breakthrough is possible in your situation because you've been disappointed in the past? You're not alone. Want to get early access to our upcoming marriage book? Text the word: LOVE To the number: 1-833-9…
…
continue reading