Why are we so distracted? How can we mitigate distractions when it comes to Bible study and prayer? What's at stake? Distraction can look busy, but be hiding slothfulness. Distraction provides a quick dopamine hit, but Bible meditation is long, slow work with sometimes little to show for it in the short term. Listen for pastoral discussion and practical encouragement.

What is going on with AI? We take a pastoral look at Artificial Intelligence. What are some helpful ways to use it and what, in our opinion, should be out-of-bounds for Christians?

Is gambling a sin? How do we define gambling? What about the lottery? This is a huge cultural issue and growing concern. How should Christians view it? 

On this episode, Pastors Murray and Scott report on their recent trip to Cali, Colombia. God is doing great things in South America. Listen in to hear and rejoice.

Anxiety and depression are real experiences—so what does the Bible actually say about them? How should we counsel those who are suffering? What is the normative human experience and where do prayer, Scripture, and professional care fit together? And how should Christians think about medication—faithful help, lack of faith, or something else entirely? 

What is the difference between apologetics and evangelism and how do they complement one another if at all? Some say apologetics is part of evangelism. Some say it is an important part of pre-evangelism. Some say it should never be connected to evangelism. If it has any value, none of it is for the unbeliever. Apologetics is only to be used to bolster the faith of the believer. Does apologetics detract from evangelism? Does it get us mired in fruitless arguments when witnessing to unbelievers? How do we sort through these things? 

Pastoral care and counsel for the suffering. How are people suffering? What would we say to them? Why do we have to suffer? Why is life so hard if God loves us and is for us? What are the spiritual dangers we face when we are being pounded by trials? How can we avoid being cliche or preachy or uncaring towards suffering of others? Listen in as the pastors discuss.

Kerrville Bible Church has nine pastors. If that is surprising or confusing, then this is the podcast for you. What do we mean by that? In what ways are our nine elders equal? In what ways are we diverse?

Today, the pastors (sans Scott) welcome a special guest, Casey Halbgewachs. Casey is a long-time friend of Toby's and is a fellow pastor near Houston. He was passing through town, so we roped him in to co-host with us.

In light of New Year and having just observing communion, the topic is biblical self-examination. What categories are of self-examination should we engage in? How is the best way to accomplish this? What are the pitfalls? How do we balance Psalm 139 (test me) with 2 Corinthians 13 (examine yourselves)?

What is the difference between temptations that arise within (i.e., evil desires) versus temptations that come from outside us (Satan and the world)? Can we say these can be distinguished as ‘the world, the flesh and the devil’ (as Eph. 2:1-3 seems to indicate)? Can Satan implant evil thoughts within us? How does he influence our thinking? Can he possess a Christian? Or only oppress us? If the latter, what does that means? How do we handle these different sources of temptation? How do we fight temptation? Bonus question: How do we know when temptation has morphed into sin? (e.g., James 1:14-15)

Visit our links page for the Tim Challies articles and a picture of Murray's tree.