Overtime with Jim Putman

One: Faith

In this episode of the Overtime Podcast, we explore deeper themes from the current sermon series based on Ephesians 4, focusing on unity in the body of Christ and the concept of "one faith." Hosts Jim Putman talks with Blake, Josh as they reflect on their individual messages delivered across the campuses, emphasizing the importance of understanding and living out the biblical definition of faith. They discuss the theological foundation of the "one faith" and how it is meant to transform not only what we believe but how we live. Join us as we dig into key scriptures like Colossians 1, Hebrews 11, and Jude, and discover what it truly means to be united in Christ.

 

Key Points:

1. Understanding "One Faith”:

    - Ephesians 4 highlights the call for unity in the body of Christ. We are called to be "one" in    faith, with a shared belief and lifestyle that reflect the teachings of Jesus.

    - Josh emphasizes Colossians 1 to define the core tenets of the Christian faith: the supremacy of Christ, creation through Him, and His sacrifice for our sins.

    - Blake breaks down the Hebrew and Greek terms for faith, showing how biblical faith is not just belief but an active, living trust that requires action.

2. Living Out the One Faith:

    - Both speakers explore how faith must be demonstrated through our actions. It's not enough to hold beliefs intellectually; those beliefs must lead to tangible actions in our relationships, service, and personal lives.

    - They touch on James 2, emphasizing that "faith without works is dead," challenging listeners to evaluate if their faith is being lived out in daily life.

3. Faith in Action:

    - Biblical faith is demonstrated not just by avoiding sin but by proactively living out righteousness. Acts of love, service, and generosity are essential to embodying faith.

    - The episode references Hebrews 11's definition of faith, underscoring how faith begins in our hearts and minds but must also be seen in our hands — our actions toward others.

4. The Importance of Doctrine:

    - The pastors stress the need for sound doctrine. Scripture, especially the "one faith" mentioned in Ephesians, Jude, and other parts of the Bible, has been delivered once for all. It cannot be altered, redefined, or added to by modern interpretations.

    - False teachings and the distortion of scripture are addressed, encouraging believers to "contend for the faith" (Jude 3) and to hold firmly to the truth, especially in times of confusion and division.

 

Discussion Questions:

1. How does Ephesians 4's call for "one faith" challenge the way you view unity in the church?
2. In what ways are you actively living out your faith in daily life? Is your faith producing the fruit that others can see and experience?
3. How do you respond to the idea that faith without action is dead? Can you think of areas in your life where faith could be more evident in your actions?
4. What role does sound doctrine play in your faith? How do you guard against false teachings or misconceptions about the gospel?
5. How can we, as a church or life group, better support one another in remaining faithful to the teachings of Christ?

Action Steps:

1. Read Ephesians 4: Reflect on what it means to be called into "one body" and "one faith." How does this shape your understanding of your role within the church?
2. Study Hebrews 11: Dive deeper into the biblical definition of faith. Ask yourself, how does this faith show up in my actions and relationships?
3. Evaluate Your Walk: Take time this week to ask trusted friends or family members how they see you living out your faith. Consider areas where you may need to grow.
4. Join a Life Group: If you're not already in a group, consider joining one to explore these truths further in community. Faith is meant to be practiced together.

Closing:

This episode calls us back to the foundational truth of the "one faith" we share in Christ. As we continue in our study of Ephesians, may we grow not just in knowledge, but in love and action, united as one body, serving the world around us. Until next week, keep growing in your faith—head, heart, and hands. God bless!

One: Lord

In this episode of the Real Life Ministries Overtime Podcast, we’re diving deep into our "One" series. Hosts Jim Putman, Gabe Cleave, and Christian Putman discuss the foundational theme of unity within the church, especially through understanding the doctrine of the Trinity. They explore how biblical oneness reflects God’s nature and impacts our mission as disciples of Jesus. The conversation highlights key doctrinal truths and their practical implications for personal growth and church unity.

Key Themes:

1. Unity as a Witness:
   - Paul and Peter emphasize the importance of unity in their letters, reminding believers of their call to be one body, part of a holy nation built on the foundation of Christ.
   - Unity among believers is essential to reflecting Christ to the world. As Gabe says, "Our unity is our witness."
   
2. The Trinity: A Complex Yet Foundational Doctrine:
   - The Trinity is both a deep and essential Christian truth. While hard to fully grasp, it’s crucial to understand that God is one being in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
   - Misunderstandings like modalism, partialism, and Arianism are common but dangerous, as they distort the true nature of God.
   - The Trinity is foundational to the gospel: Jesus’ divinity is key to the atonement. Without Jesus being fully God, the forgiveness of sins would not be possible.
   
3. Biblical Foundations of the Trinity:
   - The deity of Christ, the Father, and the Holy Spirit is clearly supported by Scripture, from Genesis through the New Testament. For example, Acts 5 affirms the Holy Spirit as God, and Philippians 2 speaks of Jesus’ divine nature.
   - The podcast emphasizes Jesus' prayer in John 17, where He prays for believers to be one, just as He and the Father are one—a unity that reflects the nature of the Trinity.

4. The Role of the Trinity in Our Lives:
   - The Holy Spirit works in believers today, convicting, sanctifying, and unifying the church. The relationship among the Father, Son, and Spirit models how we are to relate to each other as the body of Christ.
   - Gabe and Christian encourage listeners to live in step with God's revealed truth, to embrace humility, and to bear with one another in love and truth.

Discussion Questions:
1. Why is unity among believers so important, and how does it serve as a witness to the world?
2. How does understanding the Trinity deepen our appreciation of the gospel?
3. What are some common misconceptions about the Trinity, and why is it crucial to correct them?
4. Reflect on Jesus' prayer in John 17. How does His desire for unity among believers challenge you in your relationships within the church?
5. In what ways can we practically live out the balance between truth and love, as modeled by the Trinity?

Action Steps:
- Study the Doctrine of the Trinity: Explore key Scriptures like Ephesians 4, Philippians 2, and John 17 to deepen your understanding of the Trinity.
- Prioritize Unity in Your Group: Encourage your life group to practice unity, both in belief and in love. Discuss areas where disagreement might exist and how to approach them with humility and grace.
- Reflect on Your Witness: Consider how your relationships within the church demonstrate Christ to the world. What changes might you need to make to better reflect Jesus’ prayer for oneness?

Closing Thoughts:
Unity and truth are inseparable in the Christian life, just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are unified in one divine essence. As we grow in our understanding of the Trinity, we must let this truth shape not only what we believe but how we live in relationship with one another. Join us as we continue this "One" series, growing together in Christ for the sake of the gospel.

Scripture References:
- Ephesians 4:1-6
- John 17:20-23
- Philippians 2:5-11
- Acts 5:1-5
- 2 Peter 1:1-2

One: Body

Welcome to this episode of the Overtime Podcast! We are diving into the "One" series, an annual series where we refocus on the core mission of our church: to grow as disciples and make disciples in relational environments. This week, we explored Ephesians 4, which speaks of unity in the body of Christ—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God over all. As we move forward, we aim to cultivate an active and unified body where every member is engaged in God's mission.

Key Points:

• Focus on Fundamentals: Like a sports team or a symphony, the church must master the basics—making disciples and helping each other grow in faith.
• Unity in Christ: Ephesians 4 emphasizes that there is one Lord, one faith, and one baptism, all tied together by the Holy Spirit. This unity is crucial for the church to reflect Christ to the world.
• Metaphors of the Body: The church is described as a body with Christ as the head, a family, a kingdom, and a temple. These metaphors highlight the importance of every member functioning according to their God-given purpose.
• Function and Participation: When parts of the body don't function or members don't serve, the entire body suffers, overcompensating for those who are inactive.
• Bearing with Each Other: Christian community involves bearing with difficult people, as modeled by those who never gave up on Christian when he walked away from faith.
• Personal Testimonies: Testimonies from Wayne, recovering from heart surgery, and Christian, who experienced transformation, demonstrate the importance of each member fulfilling their role in the body.
• Action Over Intellect: It's not enough to just know about faith; discipleship involves actively participating in the church and serving.
• Church Membership: Membership isn't just a label but being a functional part of the body of Christ. New members are encouraged to get involved in life groups and serve.
• Cultural Impact: As the body functions well, the church becomes a "city on a hill"—a light that draws people to Christ. When the body isn't functioning, we miss out on representing Jesus effectively.
• Hope for the Series: This series aims to get new people plugged in and involved, moving beyond merely attending church to actively becoming the church.

Discussion Questions:

• How does the metaphor of the body help us understand the role of every individual in the church?
• What are some ways you can begin to actively participate and use your gifts within the church body?
• How can we, as a small group, better bear with one another, especially when it's challenging?
• In what areas of life do we need to shift from intellectual faith to active participation and service?
• How does unity in the church reflect Christ to the outside world, and what are the obstacles we face in achieving that unity?

Actionable Next Steps:

• If you're not already, sign up for a membership class to learn more about what it means to be a part of the church body.
• Join a life group to grow deeper in fellowship and practice bearing with one another.
• Reflect on how you can use your gifts to serve in the church—whether it’s in discipleship, ministry, or support roles.
• Consider who in your life you can walk alongside, as others did for Christian, bearing with them through difficulties.

Thank you for joining us on this week's Overtime Podcast! As we continue in the "One" series, we encourage you to consider how you are playing your part in the body of Christ. Whether it's joining a life group, serving in ministry, or simply learning to bear with others, every role matters in God's plan for the church. Let's commit to becoming a unified body, serving together to make disciples who make disciples. See you next time!

 

 

Lost in Translation: Tolerance

Welcome to the Real Life Overtime Podcast! In this episode, our sermon team dives deeper into the topic of tolerance, a powerful and often misunderstood concept. This past weekend, we unpacked the complexities of tolerance from a biblical perspective. In this podcast episode, we’re here to explore how we, as disciples of Jesus, can balance truth and grace in a world that often redefines love, acceptance, and what it means to truly tolerate one another.

Here are some key topics they addressed:

 

Definition and Evolution of Tolerance: Discussion on how the meaning of "tolerance" has shifted in culture—from simply coexisting with different beliefs to requiring acceptance and celebration of all viewpoints and behaviors.

 

Biblical Perspective on Tolerance:

Exploring how Jesus exemplified love and tolerance without compromising truth. He accepted people but didn't condone sin, always guiding them toward righteousness.

 

Truth and Grace Balance:

The importance of holding both grace and truth together in relationships, parenting, and leadership—loving people while standing firm in God’s truth.

Navigating Cultural Pressures:

Challenges Christians face today in navigating societal expectations of tolerance, especially when dealing with family and close relationships where beliefs may conflict.

 

Practical Parenting and Leadership:

Applying the principles of truth and grace in parenting and leadership, especially in setting boundaries while maintaining loving relationships with those who may have different beliefs or lifestyles.

Importance of Community and Support:

Encouragement for leaders and believers to rely on community and trusted counsel when navigating difficult conversations about tolerance, ensuring they’re guided by wisdom and biblical truth.

 

Call to Deepen Biblical Understanding:

Emphasis on the importance of knowing God’s Word deeply to discern what is tolerable and intolerable, especially in a world where cultural lines are constantly shifting.

 

As we wrap up this sermon series, we’re reminded that the gospel calls us to lovingly engage others, holding fast to God’s truth while extending His grace. As leaders and disciples, the challenge is to guide those around us with wisdom and compassion, always keeping Jesus as our example of truth and love. Thanks for joining us for another episode of Real Life Overtime. Next week, we’ll begin an exciting new series on the book of Ephesians. We can’t wait to dive in with you—see you then!

Lost In Translation: Worship

In this episode, Jim Putman, Blake Whiteman, Gabe Cleave and Titus Leger unpack the concept of worship—a word that's often misunderstood in today's culture. As we explore worship, we discuss how it extends far beyond music, encompassing every action, thought, and moment of our lives. Fasten your seatbelts as we unravel the true meaning of worship and what it looks like to live a life oriented around glorifying God.

 

Key Points Covered:

Worship is Universal:

• • Everyone worships something, whether they realize it or not. The critical question is not "Do you worship?" but rather, "What or who do you worship?"
  • Romans 12:1-2 provides the motivation and method of worship, while John 4:23-24 explains the moment of worship—every breath we take can be an act of worship to God.

 

Holistic Worship:

• • Worship is not confined to music. It includes our everyday actions, like work and family life, when done "as unto the Lord" (Colossians 3).
  • Our heart posture before God is vital—true worship begins with humility and gratitude, acknowledging God as the ultimate authority in our lives.

 

Sacrificial Worship:

• • Worship often costs us something, as demonstrated in 2 Samuel 24:24, where David insists on not offering anything to God that costs him nothing. Sacrifice shows the depth of our devotion.
  • Worship is not about what we get out of it, but about offering our best to God, whether through singing, service, or self-denial.

 

Transformation Through Worship:

• • What we worship, we become like. When we worship God, we grow in qualities like compassion and generosity. On the contrary, worshipping idols or lesser things diminishes us.
  • Worship shapes our character, as seen in both Jeremiah 2 and Amos 5—God desires genuine worship from the heart, not just empty rituals.

 

Worship in Suffering:

• • The episode highlights a powerful testimony of a man with terminal cancer who continues to worship God despite his physical pain. His example reminds us that worship is most profound when it costs us something, even in our hardest moments.

 

Reflection on Preferences and Worship:

• • We are reminded that worship isn't about our preferences or feelings. Whether or not we "feel like it," we are called to worship God because He is worthy, not based on how it benefits us.

 

Tune in for next week's episode, where we'll explore the concept of tolerance and its biblical interpretation versus the world's view. See you then!

 

To watch all episodes of the podcast click the link below!

https://realliferesources.org/the-overtime-podcast/

Lost in Translation: Friendship

In this episode of The Overtime Podcast, Senior Pastor Jim Putman and Campus Lead Blake Whiteman continue their deep dive into the current sermon series, Lost in Translation.

 

The focus of this episode is on the biblical concept of friendship. Jim and Blake discuss how the world's definition of friendship has shifted from the original meanings found in Scripture, leading to weakened relationships and isolation.

 

By unpacking Hebrew and Greek terms for friendship, exploring key biblical texts, and sharing personal stories, Jim and Blake challenge listeners to reconsider what true friendship looks like through a Christ-centered lens.

 

Some of the things they address:

 

• The Biblical concept of Friendship: What did this term originally mean in scripture in the context it was used in?

 

• Cultural Definition: How does our culture define friendship now and how is it different from the Biblical view?

 

• Wisdom from Proverbs:
  Proverbs offers wisdom on evaluating friendships, underscoring the importance of choosing friends wisely. A key takeaway: “If you want good friends, you need to be a good friend.”

 

• The Danger of Isolation:
  The Bible warns against isolation (Proverbs 18:1), which leads to vulnerability. Isolation doesn’t always mean physical separation; it can also appear as emotional withdrawal, even in busy or populated environments.

 

• The Role of Friendship in Faith:
  Friendship is an essential part of spiritual maturity and a key factor in staying rooted in the faith.

 

Next Steps:

1. Evaluate Your Friendships: Take time to assess your relationships in light of the biblical definitions discussed. Are there friendships that need more intentional investment or reevaluation?
2. Be Vulnerable: Commit to being more open with your friends about your struggles. As Jim said, “Humility is saying, ‘I need help,’” and building strong friendships requires vulnerability.
3. Prioritize Relationships: Consider areas where busyness may be getting in the way of deeper friendships. Carve out time to engage in meaningful conversations and be present with others.
4. Get Connected: Join or recommit to a small group or life group in your church community. Consistent interaction and support from a group will help you grow spiritually and build lasting friendships.
5. Model Friendship for Your Family: Show your children and family members what it means to invest in relationships by staying committed and fighting for deep, Christ-centered friendships.

 

Lost in Translation: Resilience

In this episode of the Real Life Overtime podcast, the team dives deep into the critical topic of resilience, particularly in the context of parenting in today's challenging world. As our culture increasingly drifts away from biblical values, raising resilient children who can stand firm in their faith and navigate life's difficulties becomes more essential than ever. Join the discussion as our leaders share practical insights, biblical wisdom, and personal stories on how to cultivate resilience in the next generation.

Key Talking Points

1. The Need for Resilience: - Resilience is crucial for believers, especially in a world marred by sin and spiritual challenges. The cultural pursuit of non-biblical values further emphasizes the need for strong, resilient faith.

2. Parenting Approaches: - They explore the balance between overprotecting children and allowing them to face hardships. Both extremes—shielding from all challenges or completely hands-off parenting—can hinder the development of resilience.

3. Teaching Life Skills: - Practical examples, such as encouraging children to work for what they want, demonstrate the importance of teaching responsibility and perseverance through real-life challenges.

4. Individualized Parenting: - Parenting strategies should be tailored to each child's unique personality, maturity level, and needs. Recognizing that each child is different helps in providing the right kind of support and discipline.

5. Spiritual Growth and Resilience: - Raising children with a strong spiritual foundation is paramount. The goal is not just success in worldly terms but preparing them to stand firm in their faith amidst life’s storms.

6. Community and Relationships: - The role of a supportive church community in building resilience is highlighted. Consistent involvement in church life helps children build strong relationships that reinforce their faith and character.

7. Resilience Through Discipline: - Discipline is essential in teaching children to persevere through challenges. Biblical discipline fosters resilience by helping children understand and navigate the consequences of their actions.

8. Personal Reflections and Stories: - The guys share personal experiences of parenting, highlighting the challenges and rewards of raising resilient children. They emphasize the importance of not running from difficulties but learning and growing through them.

Remember, resilience isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving in faith and purpose. Join us next week as we explore the concept of friendship, comparing the world's view with God’s design. Until then, stay strong, stay committed, and keep pursuing God's plan for your family.

You can find all episodes of this podcast at: https://realliferesources.org/the-overtime-podcast/

Lost in Translation: Truth

In this episode, Jim Putman, Gabe Cleave, Titus Leger and Christian Putman tackle the complex and important subject of truth, exploring its biblical foundation, the various parts of our society that challenge it, and the importance of knowing and living by the truth, who is Jesus Christ.

 

Key Talking Points:

1. Biblical Definition of Truth:

• Truth begins with a person, Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of truth. All of creation reflects His character, and understanding truth is more than intellectual—it must be experienced.
• Biblical truth is about knowing who truth is rather than just what truth is. When we know Jesus, we understand what truth is.

Philosophies Challenging Truth:

• Relativism: The belief that there is no absolute truth, which leads to confusion and chaos.
• Skepticism: Doubt in the existence of absolute truth.
• Pluralism: The idea that all truths are equally valid, which defies the law of non-contradiction.
• Postmodernism: Acknowledges absolute truth but claims it is unknowable, which is self-contradictory.
• Logical Positivism: Accepts absolute truth only in scientific matters, excluding faith and religion.

Cultural Impact and Christian Response:

• The current cultural climate, influenced by media and education, often promotes false truths, especially targeting the younger generation.
• As Christians, it is essential to teach and uphold the truth of Jesus in all areas of life, not just within the church but in every sphere, including business and education.
• The metaphor of "true" in construction (true plum, level, square) is used to illustrate how our lives must align with the truth of God's word.

Living Out the Truth:

• Living in truth means aligning our actions, beliefs, and identities with Jesus. Even when emotions and perceptions suggest otherwise, God's word remains the ultimate reality.
• The importance of community in reinforcing truth when individuals struggle with doubt or lies, particularly concerning identity and worth.

Parental Guidance and Truth:

• Raising children in a world of competing truths requires grounding them in the absolute truth of Jesus. The episode discusses how to equip kids to thrive spiritually in a challenging culture.

Things to reflect on:

• How does understanding truth as a person (Jesus) rather than an abstract concept change the way you live your daily life?
• What societal philosophies have you encountered that challenge your belief in absolute truth? How do you respond to them?
• In what areas of your life are you struggling to align with God's truth? What steps can you take to bring those areas back to "true"?

Thank you for joining us in this episode of the Overtime podcast. As we navigate a world full of competing truths, let's remember that truth is not just an idea—it's a person, Jesus Christ. Stay grounded in His word, live out His truth, and join us next week as we continue to explore how to raise resilient children in a culture that often pulls them away from what is true.

 

You can watch all episodes of the podcast at: 

https://realliferesources.org/the-overtime-podcast/