Like Stars
Dr. Pete Goodman
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Dr. Pete Goodman explores the relationship between wisdom, faith in Jesus and discovering the life to the fullest that he offers. Seeking in all things to live out the promise of Daniel that those who are wise will shine like stars.
Watch full videos on YouTube as well:
https://www.youtube.com/@likestarspodcast
Available episodes
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Nov 23, 2023
Ep. 30: Old Testament Conundrums II: Weird Prophet Stuff
My friend Michael joins me again with some of his questions from the Old Testament prophets - why did they do and say some of the odd and strange things we read about and sometimes ask others to as well? We also dive back into the question of signs from God and spend some time discussing what Isaiah and others meant when referring to the "Day of the Lord". --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Nov 16, 2023
BONUS EPISODE: Job, Karma, and the Justice of GOd
The book of Job is one of the more complex, confusing, and often misunderstood writings in the entire Bible. Because of it's poetic style, flowery language, and use of multiple voices it can be hard to decipher exactly what the story is trying to communicate.
In this bonus episode from a recent message I gave at Rise City Church, I unpack the book's main theme regarding the Retribution Principle (Karma) and how that relates to the way we see and understand how God works in our lives and world. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Oct 18, 2023
Ep. 29: The Problem of Evil
Why does God allow so much evil and suffering in our world? If he is all powerful, all knowing, and as good as the Bible claims why doesn’t he put a stop to it? This is a serious problem that many people of faith struggle to make sense of and those outside of Christianity use as ammunition against it. Is there a logical way forward that doesn’t turn God into either an indifferent landlord who doesn’t care enough or worse, a bit of a moral monster who actually uses evil as a tool for his own confusing means?
In this episode of the Like Stars Podcast, we talk through the intellectual/logical problems associated with evil, some of the less than perfect responses people sometimes give to it, and a better way forward that takes into serious consideration the necessity of freedom and an open world governed by natural laws in order to support life as God intends. We also pay special attention to the way in which God does intervene, especially in giving us wisdom and direction in our to find goodness and avoid evil, and in his promise to use our suffering for good if we continue to trust and follow him.
Got a comment or a question for a future podcast? I would love to hear from you. Email me at pete@risecitychurch.com
Want to hear the entire Rise City Church worship album ALL THE PRAISE? Find links here:
www.linktr.ee/risecityworship
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Oct 5, 2023
Bonus Episode: The book of Romans
Paul's letter to the church in Rome is my favorite book of the entire Bible, one I have deeply enjoyed studying over the years. It's a book many - including myself - have struggled to make sense of as Paul's language and arguments are extremely deep and nuanced.
As a bonus episode this week, I am sharing my overview of Romans as part of my New Testament Survey video series. Don't forget you can find the entire series, with video/audio for each book of the New Testament on the like stars YouTube page or by going to my website www.likestars.us
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Sep 28, 2023
Ep. 28: Indoctrination and Wish Fulfillment
Do people only believe in a religion because it's what they were born into? Does something like Christianity only continue because it gets indoctrinated into children, who then mostly abandon it once they are old enough to think for themselves? And how should one respond to the claim that believing in God is just a form of wish fulfillment. We just "want" it to be true that we are not alone and death isn't the end, so we create a God in our minds to make ourselves feel better?
Questions like these seek to undermine the truth of Christianity and require an answer. And so in this episode I unpack the logic and reasoning behind both claims and show how neither is really an effective undermining of faith when fully thought through.
I also respond to a question of why the Bible often seems to celebrate and look forward to God's judgement, even though that seems like something bad we should we be more worried and afraid of. I show how the concept of God bringing judgement is actually salvation to those who are oppressed and seeking justice in a world that often lacks it.
Please rate and review this episode and feel free to send in any questions you may have for future episodes to pete@risecitychurch.com
You can also find the video version of this episode, my entire New Testament survey class, and other Bible-based content on my website LIKESTARS.US --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Sep 25, 2023
SPECIAL PREVIEW - NT Survey: MATTHEW
My New Testament Survey Course covering is now available! Join me as I take a brief walk through every book of the New Testament, offering important background information and keys for reading, main themes and big ideas, and a short chapter by chapter outline to help you in your reading. Starting with this special preview on the Gospel of Matthew.
Each episode in the series is available in audio on Apple and Spotify or as a full video with notes to help you follow along on the Like Stars You Tube channel.
Follow these links:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-testament-survey/id1708518637
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSemcXmJ-9uG5r86M3UAgOWRnBUL2_f4P
You can also find it all on my website: LIKESTARS.US --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Sep 14, 2023
Ep. 27: Aliens, Ghosts, & Arguments for God
Is the possible existence of aliens a problem for Christianity and something followers of Jesus should choose not to believe in? What about ghosts or other paranormal activity?
Is there a “magic bullet” argument that works to prove the existence of God? And do all people even receive and think through evidence the same way, or does making a case for God require many different ideas, often specific to the individual?
And are all sins capable of being forgiven or are some things just too horrible? What about Jesus’s statement concerning the “unforgivable sin” of blaspheming the Holy Spirit?
In this episode of the Like Stars Podcast, I work through each of these questions, seeking to make sense of what God’s word has to say, as well as how wisdom can help us navigate through difficult topics. In doing so we discover that, while the existence of aliens isn’t necessarily a problem for Christians, ghosts present a much bigger issue. That there is not one perfect argument capable of convincing everyone God exists and that the only unforgivable sin is rejecting the one who offers us forgiveness.
Be sure to like and subscribe and, if you enjoyed this issue or have more questions let me know! Comment, rate or send me an email pete@risecitychurch.com
And for more Like Stars Podcast episodes and as well as other Bible-based content, check out my website LIKESTARS.US. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Aug 18, 2023
Ep. 26: Old Testament Conundrums
Reading the Old Testament raises a LOT of questions for us. And often times, they are the kinds we’re almost uncomfortable even talking about because of how strange and unclear they seem. From the very high-level questions like does God cause evil? Does he change his mind, or has he himself changed over time? To more specific and out there ones like – did he really talk through a donkey, or did the ghost of the prophet Samuel really come back and speak to king Saul?
Fortunately for you, my friend Michael LOVES asking these kinds of questions and so on this episode of the Like Stars Podcast I invited him to join me in person and ask away. It’s definitely the most raw and spontaneous episode, and quite a bit longer than normal, but we cover a lot of ground with Old Testament questions that I think you’ll enjoy.
As always, if you have questions for a future podcast (or maybe want to come on live and ask away!) email me pete@risecitychurch.com or leave them in the comments section. And please take a moment to rate and review as well as share on social.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Jul 13, 2023
Ep. 25: Celibacy, Divorce, & The Gender of God
Why are priests required to be celibate and not marry? Are children of Christian parents automatically saved? Is God male or female..or both... or neither? And is ignorance bliss or should we always strive to be informed and get answers?
In this episode of Like Stars, Pete works through some of your questions regarding faith and the Scripture, seeking God's wisdom for our lives. He examine the Catholic church's long history of requiring its priests to remain celibate and not start families and whether that's a Scriptural command or just a tradition. He also looks at Paul's somewhat confusing words in 1 Corinthians 7:14 about unbelieving spouses and children being "sanctified" by the believing spouse. What did Paul mean...does being married to a Christian or having a Christian parent automatically make you one? Finally, he responds to a question regarding God's gender and how to respond to claims by some supposed "Christians" that there is a female god, as well whether or not ignorance is bliss and if we should or shouldn't always strive to know and understand everything or just being ok being uninformed sometimes. For more from Pete, check out likestars.us Got a question for a future podcast? Leave a comment or email him at pete@risecitychurch.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Jun 15, 2023
Ep. 24: Resurrection of Trust
Can we trust the message of the Bible? How do we know that the people who wrote it were actually telling us the truth? In many ways, the answer to these questions all rise and fall on one pivotal issue - the resurrection of Jesus. For if it's not true that Jesus rose from the dead, the answer is plainly and unquestionably "no", we cannot - and should not - put any stock in the Bible whatsoever. It's entire premise is built upon a lie and cannot be trusted. On the other hand, if Jesus, who claimed to be God in the flesh, did indeed confirm that by defeating death itself and rising from the dead then everything he said and did, and all his disciples claim and taught should absolutely be trusted and followed.
In this episode, we thus explore the claims made against the resurrection that perhaps Jesus wasn't actually dead, the tomb wasn't really empty, or maybe the followers of Jesus just made the whole thing up, offering responses to show how each of those ideas fall short of likely and that the most reasonable explanation for the historical evidence is the Jesus did in fact raise from the dead and therefore the Bible is a trustworthy message we should be basing our lives upon.
* This is also the second part to a larger discussion on the Bible's trustworthiness that began with the bonus episode "Is the Bible Historically Reliable" *
Got a question or comment for the podcast? I would love to hear from you: pete@risecitychurch.om or in the comments section. And don't forget to rate and review the podcast! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Jun 12, 2023
Bonus Episode: Is Our Modern Bible Historically Accurate?
Can we trust the Bible? This is a hugely important question as it contains some pretty serious claims about the nature of truth, reality, and what is expected of our lives. It’s no wonder so much time and attention has been devoted to trying to argue that the Bible either is or is not historically reliable. So, which is it?
In this Bonus Episode of a message I gave at Rise City Church, I tackle some of the biggest claims denouncing the accuracy of our modern Bibles. Specifically, that it has been copied and translated far too many times over the past 2000 years to possibly still be a reliable picture of what was originally written. And, that the books that make our modern Bible were not the only ones written and there’s no way to trust that some weren’t ignored or kept out by people in power. So, there’s no way we could we possibly trust our modern Bibles are true to the original author’s words.
Listen in as I unpack some of the flaws and problems behind these claims and wh…
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May 28, 2023
Ep. 23: God Blanket (Taking the Lord's Name in Vain)
Most Christians tend to agree that swearing is on the “shalt not” list, but why does God seem to make such a big deal of the take-his-name-in-vain one? Of all the terrible things someone can say, why is that so offensive it got put into the top 3 of the 10 commandments?
In this episode of the Like Stars Podcast, I show how this command actually has nothing to do with what we today refer to as cursing or swearing when we’re angry. Rather, I explore the way it was connected to how the ancient world understood calling upon the name of their gods, why and when they did it, and how the one true God wanted his people to behave and act very differently towards him and one another. He was not some magic genie that you could simply recite the correct language to work magic or curse your enemy, nor were his people to be seen as liars, cheats, or promise breakers. His name would be honored when his people lived with integrity, sought to love and bless one another, and came to him as a fath…
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May 28, 2023
Ep. 22: Guns Blazing
Why did Jesus tell his disciples to go buy a sword if he wanted them to love their enemies and turn the other cheek (Lk. 22:36), or that he didn’t come to bring peace but a sword and fighting even among family members (Mt. 10:34)? Was he less of a pacifist than we thought? And what’s more, how should these verses be used in the current debates among Christians concerning guns in our country, the modern-day equivalent to a sword? Yeah, no big deal.
In what will likely be the last and final episode some of you will ever listen to, I completely ignore all good common sense and waltz into the completely not at all contentious, totally-won't-upset-anyone hornet’s nest of Christians and their guns (#prayforpete #RIPLikestarspodcast).
However, my aim is not to give yet another divided political opinion or take a strong stance on the gun debate, but rather to do my best to interpret the Bible properly and seek to wisely apply it to our lives today. And while it would be impossible to k…
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May 4, 2023
Ep. 21: Casting Lots and Causing Lawsuits
Should Christians take one another to court? The apostle Paul writing his first letter to the Corinthians didn't seem to think so. But is that something that that still applies to us today or was it more related to their cultural context? On this episode we look at what was likely behind that passage and what it might mean for us.
We also look at the ancient practice of casting lots to discern God's will, which was essentially doing a random drawing and trusting God to assure you picked correctly. Is this the best way for us to discover what God wants from us today? We walk through what this looked like for the ancient world and how there is a better way forward for Christians today, specifically by seeking guidance from the Bible, prayer, and the Holy Spirit.
Be sure to rate and review the podcast, as well as share with anyone who you think may benefit from hearing this discussion!
Got a question? Email me: Pete@risecitychurch.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.s…
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May 3, 2023
BONUS EPISODE: How Can We Explain God's Violence in the Old Testament?
Have you ever wrestled with all the passages in the Old Testament that appear overly violent and harsh? What are we to make of Scriptures that appear to suggest God was behind some of it? In this bonus episode of a message I gave at Rise City Church, I address the challenging issue of divine violence. While emphasizing the importance of interpreting Scripture correctly, I argue that God's use of violence is not arbitrary but a last resort to eliminate evil, and His wrath is a result of love, not a lack of it. Focusing on God's compassion and willingness to forgive, using the Book of Jonah as an example. We need to start with faith in God's goodness and seek understanding while shining in a world that needs to see that goodness. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Apr 11, 2023
Ep. 20: Name Above All Names (and the meaning of the word Yahweh)
Throughout the Old Testament the name of God – Yahweh - is often spoken of as being important and “above every other name.” But what is such a big deal about His name, and what does the word even mean for that matter? In this episode we dive into the story of Moses first being told God’s name at the burning bush and how “I AM” speaks to far more than just his personal label, but a title that represents his ultimate position and power within the universe at large.
Following on this big idea, we also talk through Paul’s command in Romans to “pray continually”. How is such a thing even possible?
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review and be sure to subscribe to receive updates on all new releases!
And don't forget you can check out full videos on the Like Stars YouTube channel: youtube.com/@likestarspodcast
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Apr 4, 2023
BONUS EPISODE: The Reason for the Treason
On Palm Sunday the crowds hailed Jesus as a conquering hero. Yet just a few short days later many, including one of his closest followers had turned their backs on him and called for his execution. What led to such a massive act of betrayal?
In this message, given at Rise City Church, I examine the ways in which people's expectations of the coming Messiah did not match who Jesus actually was. And how the kind of savior they were hoping for was not the one He turned out to be. What are our expectations of Jesus and what happens when He doesn't turn out to be what we wanted Him to be? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Mar 30, 2023
Ep. 19: Conspiracy Weary
What is it about conspiracy theories that grab our attention and why does it seem like so many Christians gravitate towards them? In this episode of the Like Stars Podcast, we talk through some of the problems with allowing our minds to focus too much on the negative in society and of always living in distrust, as well as the dangers of continually looking for an “enemy” to blame the world’s problems on. As opposed to how Paul’s statements in Philippians about choosing our focus on the good can bring about a healthier and happier life.
We also examine a common question Christians have regarding habitual sins and how we can overcome them. For many genuine and committed Christ followers, there are patterns of brokenness that continue to linger no matter how much we seem to fight them, and it can grow to feel hopeless that true change will ever come. But as we discuss in this episode, there is hope when we choose to fight these battles the right way and with the right perspective…
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Mar 16, 2023
Ep. 18: Home Lands, Home Worlds, & Home School
Should Christians be willing to die for their homeland? Should they even consider this their home world in the first place? And should they consider having their kids in home school? Oh…and who was Melchizedek?
On this episode of the Like Stars Podcast, I jump into some of the questions you have sent me recently. I examine the concept of fighting for your country, including what is a just war and how Paul’s instruction in Romans 13 help guide our understanding there. We also talk about the famous phrase “Christians should be in the world but not of it,” asking what exactly that means and if it is even true. Are we meant for another world or are we meant to change the one we live in here and now?
I then get a bit personal when asked about how Christians should feel about sending their kids to public school verses home or private schooling and the tension that exists between wanting to teach our children to be a light to the world and shine in dark places, to be an influenc…
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Feb 22, 2023
Ep. 17: Women and the Church PART II
Women should be silent in church. It's disgraceful for them to pray without their heads covered. They can't teach or have authority over a man... what do Biblical statements like these mean for the church today? If they are meant to be followed, why don't most churches actually follow them? And even among those that claim to, why do most only follow them a little bit but don't go all the way and actually force women to stay silent and cover their heads.
The question of how we should interpret and understand Biblical passages that seem to limit a woman's ability to be involved in ministry and leadership in the church is an important one with much disagreement. So in Part 2 of my discussion on this topic, I break down 3 of the most difficult New Testament passages on women and the church; 1 Corinthian 11:2-13 that calls for women to cover their heads, 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 that says women are to be silent in church, and 1 Timothy 2:11-15 that appears to forbid a women t…
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Feb 17, 2023
Ep. 16: Women and the Church PART I
Where do women fit within the work and leadership of the Church? This question, along with the much large issue of whether Christianity has been good for women in general, is a fairly hot button topic in many Christian communities. What's more, the answer tends to vary greatly depending on how one reads certain key Biblical passages about women in both the home and in ministry.
On one hand, it can't be denied that some verses in Scripture appear, on the surface, to be oppressive to women and diminish their opportunities to lead, subjugating them to the authority of men and perpetuating a long history of patriarchal dominance. Texts that go as far as to say women should be "silent" in church, not able to teach or have authority over men.
On the other hand, we see actual real life examples of women leading all over the New Testament and early church. Elevated and championed by Jesus more than anyone else in history and sometimes, commissioned, empowered and praised for lead…
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Feb 14, 2023
BONUS EPISODE: The Weight of Temptation
Wisdom is all about having the insight to properly weigh the options in order to make the best choice possible. But how do you do that when temptation is constantly tipping the scales the wrong way? We can see in the Scriptures that Jesus did, but was that because He was God, or was his overcoming of temptation something we can mimic in our own lives? In this bonus episode from a message I preached at Rise City Church, I talk through how Jesus overcame temptation and the way in which we can follow in His footsteps to find freedom ourselves. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Feb 2, 2023
Ep. 15: When Heroes Become Human
How do we respond when Christian leaders fail us? Whether it's through general moral sin, abuse, or lack of integrity, or maybe even personal hurt or pain we've experienced directly from a pastor or church leader, how are we to move forward? How do we maintain the ability to keep trusting the church, or even Christianity overall when so many of those who say they have been called by God to lead it fall short of the life Jesus calls us all to? And how do we keep ourselves from letting the pain and hurt of such experiences warp or distort the truth of God's Word?
This is something I have had to wrestle a great deal with in my life and so in this - somewhat more personal - episode, I talk through the ways in which God has brought me through such experiences and how I have reconciled what is for so many people a reason they have left the church or given up on Jesus for good.
Have you had a similar experience you'd like to talk about or talk with someone about? Email me at pete…
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Jan 19, 2023
Ep. 14: The Grace of Gangsters - (What is Grace?)
Is it possible that the best way to understand how the ancient world thought of the word grace is actually by looking at...the Mafia? For many people today, the word grace is a very common, everyday word associated with Christianity. But is our use and understanding exactly how people living in the 1st Century Roman Empire - who wrote and first heard the New Testament - used and understand it? Is all grace unmerited and never require anything in return? Or is it possible we need to better picture of how that word worked back then?
And, how does that all play out when considering Paul's statement in Ephesians that we are saved by grace, through faith and not from ourselves or through works? Find out on this episode of the Like Stars Podcast! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Jan 12, 2023
Ep. 13: A Date With Pre-Destiny
Predestination....do we have a choice? A common disagreement among Christians takes place over this question of God's sovereignty and whether or not He decides in advance who will be saved or whether it's a matter of free will. Calvinists and Arminians go back and forth about whether Paul's teaching on predestination in his letters to the Ephesians and Romans means that God has already made up His mind about who will actually wind up in heaven or if it means something more like foreknowledge, whereby it's still a matter or personal choice. So which is it? Or...is it either?
In this episode of the Like Stars Podcast, we break down what this word means and context in which Paul used it to offer a different perspective.
PLUS....listen all the way to the end to hear the Like Stars theme song in its entirety. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Dec 24, 2022
Ep. 12: Tithing In Deep
The practice of "tithing" (or giving 10% of your income to church) is common among Christians and often taught as a Biblical command. But should it be understood that way given it's place in the Old Testament Jewish Law? What do Jesus and the New Testament say about tithing - and generosity in general? On this episode of Like Stars, we spend some time looking at the historical roots of tithing, it's place in the Law and what it means for followers of Jesus today.
Also, I offer a slight "correction" from last episode about the purpose of the Law by examining the "purity" or ceremonial laws and their place in the Torah. And, we talk through a difficult passage in the New Testament where Jesus appears to say that God will not forgive those who do not forgive others. Does this mean if you fail to forgive one time you are destined for hell? Listen and find out! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Dec 8, 2022
Ep. 11: Breakin' the Law
The Old Testament laws are often a tricky topic for Christians to navigate. Should they be followed and adhered to or completely disregarded? Or, as what seems to happen more often, should we pick and choose which ones still seem to "fit" and forget the rest? In this episode, we examine the original purpose of the law, what it aimed to accomplish through the Jewish people, why some of the more odd sounding rules were included, and what it all means for followers of Jesus today. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Nov 23, 2022
Ep. 10: Communism, Cosmology & Commitment
Were Jesus and the early Christian church communists? The book of Acts appears to describe people creating a socialist society. And yet today, most Western Christians have thoroughly embraced capitalism. Did we miss something?
Plus, where did God come from, was He created by someone or something else? Is it stretching the bounds of reasonable belief to accept that He could have just always existed? Also, do you need a ceremony to be married in the eyes of God, or are weddings not really necessary? And where is a good place for someone to start reading the Bible? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Nov 10, 2022
Ep. 9: Image Is Everything
What does it mean to be made in God's Image? And why does the book of Genesis say “let US make man in OUR image?” Who is “us”?! In this episode of the Like Stars Podcast we explore what this statement would have meant to the Ancient Near Eastern audience who first heard it, a people quite familiar with this type of language but who would have been completely unprepared and shocked by its implications. We look at some other ancient creation stories to see how being in God's image was far more than WHAT a person is, but spoke to WHY someone was created, an incredible purpose that gives value, meaning and tremendous responsibility to each and every one of us. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Oct 26, 2022
Ep. 8: The Devil Made Me Do It
Should Christians celebrate Halloween or refrain from being involved in anything that even remotely resembles witchcraft or the demonic? And to what extent should we understand evil spirits and the devil as playing a role in our failures and mistakes? In this episode we discuss the danger of going to extremes, both in the over the top fear that the devil is involved in everything, but also the naive and ignorant choice to believe the devil isn't involved in anything. Wisdom calls us to understand our freedom in Christ and not fear the power of the devil or overreact - and to take personal accountability for our actions - but also to be aware and wary of the lies he tells and the ways in which some things really are evil and possess danger and destructive power.
Staying with this theme, we also take a look at the odd and confusing statements in Jude and 2 Peter about imprisoned spirits who are being held in chains waiting for judgment. What is that all about and does it ha…
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Oct 13, 2022
Ep. 7: One Helio of a Heresy
Was Jesus just another version of an ancient pagan, resurrected sun god? And were the early Christians actually heliognostics ("sun-knowers" who worshiped the sun as a deity), using Jesus as a metaphor to represent their astrological beliefs? That's an "idea" floating around the dark recesses of the internet these days, but one with some serious problems. Mainly, how could such a belief ever make sense of the thoroughly Jewish roots of Christianity? Listen in as Dr. Pete Goodman breaks down the inherent flaws of such a novel sounding conspiracy and demonstrates how the in initial Jewish movement of Jesus followers would never have bought into such an idea.
Also, how should we make sense of what appear to be "promises" in the Scriptures when they don't happen in our lives - like the book of James telling us if we call the elders to pray for the sick they will be healed? Is it our fault - do we just not have enough faith? Or is it God's fault - is He not actually faithful to…
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Oct 7, 2022
Ep. 6: No Dinosaur Bones About It
Genesis appears to tell us God created the earth fairly recently, and in a way that doesn't quite align well with modern science. So how do we explain things like dinosaur bones and other fossil records if the earth is in fact so young? Or, is this not even the way Genesis 1 was meant to be interpreted and the universe could very well be billions of years old? Listen in as Dr. Goodman explains why he believes a non-literal reading is the most appropriate approach to the this particular passage. Not because science trumps Scripture, but because such a reading best considers its original audience. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Oct 3, 2022
BONUS EPISODE: Digging Deeper into Good and Evil
This episode of the Rise City Church "Digging Deeper" Podcast takes a deep dive on subject of tov and ra (good and evil), following a full message given by Dr. Goodman. We discuss how these concepts apply to morality and living righteously, individuality, engaging culture, and suffering. You can listen to the entire original message on the Like Stars YouTube page, likestars.us, or by going to risecitychurch.com.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Sep 28, 2022
Ep. 5: Prophets & Politics
In this episode Dr. Goodman answers some more of your questions, including what is going on with prophets. Do they still exist today? How should we understand their references in the Bible. Also, should all Christians be republicans...yes, politics, yeah! And what did Paul mean when telling us to not engage in the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner?
Got a question for the podcast? Email them in: pete@risecitychurch.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Sep 22, 2022
Ep. 4: Magi, Sorcerers, and the Wisdom of Babylon
The entire concept of Like Stars is rooted in the amazing story of Daniel and how his life as a servant in the Babylonian courtroom demonstrates to us what it means for faithful commitment to God to cause one to stand out. In this episode I discuss why and how Daniel captures the heart of the podcast moving forward. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Sep 13, 2022
Ep. 3: Skepticism, Suicide, and Soulmates
In this episode we continue to answer your questions, including:
* Is the concept of Original Sin unjust?
* How do we battle skepticism about Christian truths?
* Can people who commit suicide go to heaven?
* Is there one soulmate out there that God wants you to marry? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Sep 8, 2022
Ep. 2: Now That's a GOOD Question
On this episode we look to answer some of your questions
* Did Jesus go to hell?
* What is a Christian?
* Can I be one and be Pro-Choice?
* Is alcohol a sin?
* Where does Pete get his hair cut??
Got more questions? Send them my way: pete@risecitychurch.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Aug 31, 2022
Ep. 1: A Question of Good
If there is one thing everyone can agree on, it's that we all want what is "good" (and to avoid what is bad). But what no one can agree on is what is actually good or bad - who even decides? This search for the best life is called wisdom and permeates the Bible, starting right from the beginning in Genesis chapter 1. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Aug 11, 2022
BONUS: The Meaning of the Word FAITH Workshop: Part 3 (of 3)
Of all the words used by Christians, "Faith" may be the most crucial. And yet, for many followers of Jesus who claim to have it (and be saved by it), they don't have a solid and clear answer for what the word actually means. Far too often it is simply associated with the English word "belief", but historically that is not what the Greek word translated as "faith" fully means. In this 3 part class, we explore the historical origins of the word faith, how that affects the way the Biblical authors used it and what it means for our understanding today.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Aug 11, 2022
BONUS: The Meaning of the Word FAITH Workshop: Part 2 (of 3)
Of all the words used by Christians, "Faith" may be the most crucial. And yet, for many followers of Jesus who claim to have it (and be saved by it), they don't have a solid and clear answer for what the word actually means. Far too often it is simply associated with the English word "belief", but historically that is not what the Greek word translated as "faith" fully means. In this 3 part class, we explore the historical origins of the word faith, how that affects the way the Biblical authors used it and what it means for our understanding today. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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Aug 11, 2022
BONUS: The Meaning of the Word FAITH Workshop: Part 1 (of 3)
Of all the words used by Christians, "Faith" may be the most crucial. And yet, for many followers of Jesus who claim to have it (and be saved by it), they don't have a solid and clear answer for what the word actually means. Far too often it is simply associated with the English word "belief", but historically that is not what the Greek word translated as "faith" fully means. In this 3 part class, we explore the historical origins of the word faith, how that affects the way the Biblical authors used it and what it means for our understanding today. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/likestars/message
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