Harris Creek Baptist Church podcast

1:15:36

In this episode, we welcome back David French, columnist for The New York Times , former constitutional attorney, and author of Divided We Fall . We discuss the current state of American democracy, the challenges of political division, and how we can engage in civil discourse despite deep ideological differences. David also shares a personal update on his family and reflects on the profound trials and growth that come with adversity. 📌 What We Discuss: ✔️ How David and his family navigated the challenges of a serious health crisis. ✔️ The rise of political polarization and the factors driving it. ✔️ Why distinguishing between “unwise, unethical, and unlawful” is crucial in analyzing political actions. ✔️ How consuming different perspectives (even opposing ones) helps in understanding political dynamics. ✔️ The role of Christian values in politics and how they are being redefined. ⏳ Episode Highlights 📍 [00:01:00] – David French’s background and his journey from litigation to journalism. 📍 [00:02:30] – Personal update: David shares his wife Nancy’s battle with cancer and their journey as a family. 📍 [00:06:00] – How to navigate personal trials while maintaining faith and resilience. 📍 [00:10:00] – The danger of political paranoia and the pitfalls of extreme polarization. 📍 [00:18:00] – The "friend-enemy" paradigm in American politics and its influence in Christian fundamentalism. 📍 [00:24:00] – Revisiting Divided We Fall : How America’s divisions have devolved since 2020. 📍 [00:40:00] – The categories and differences of unwise, unethical, and unlawful political actions. 📍 [00:55:00] – The balance between justice, kindness, and humility in political engagement. 📍 [01:00:00] – The After Party initiative: A Christian approach to politics focused on values rather than policy. 💬 Featured Quotes 🔹 "You don't know who you truly are until your values are tested." – David French 🔹 "If we focus on the relational, we can have better conversations even across deep differences." – Corey Nathan 🔹 "Justice, kindness, and humility—if you're missing one, you're doing it wrong." – David French 🔹 "The United States has a history of shifting without repenting. We just move on." – David French 📚 Resources Mentioned David French’s Writing: New York Times David’s Book: Divided We Fall The After Party Initiative – More Info Advisory Opinions Podcast (with Sarah Isgur & David French) – Listen Here 📣 Call to Action If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack David French: 🔗 Twitter | BlueSky | New York Times Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talking politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡…

Harris Creek Baptist Church

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This is the weekly sermon podcast from Harris Creek Baptist Church in Waco, Texas. Visit www.harriscreek.org for more information.

388 episodes

#Religion #Harris Creek

Harris Creek Baptist Church

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This is the weekly sermon podcast from Harris Creek Baptist Church in Waco, Texas. Visit www.harriscreek.org for more information.

388 episodes

#Religion #Harris Creek

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Harris Creek Baptist Church

1
The Lord's Supper 36:26

6 days ago36:26

36:26

In the "Journey to the Cross" series, Pastor John emphasizes Communion as more than a tradition but a transformative act of faith. He explains how Jesus is the ultimate Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice brings salvation, connecting the Lord’s Supper to the biblical Passover. Christ’s Life and Death: Our Passover Lamb Christ’s Body: Our Sinless Sacrifice Christ’s Blood: Our New Covenant Life Group Discussion: What does it mean to apply Christ’s blood to the "door of your heart," and how does it impact your daily life? Why is it significant that Jesus’ body was given specifically "for you"? How can you use Communion as an opportunity to share your faith with others?…

Harris Creek Baptist Church

1
Jesus' Anger with Fake Faith 44:44

13 days ago44:44

44:44

In his sermon, Nate reveals a side of Jesus we don’t often focus on — His righteous anger. Drawing from Matthew 21, he unpacks how Jesus was angered by fake faith and the exploitation of others, reminding us that true faith produces real fruit. Jesus is angered when people are exploited Jesus is angered when we pretend to produce Faith in Jesus produces real fruit Life Group Discussion: Jesus showed deep concern for the outsider — how can we intentionally care for those who feel marginalized or overlooked in our communities? In what areas of your life are you tempted to appear spiritually healthy while neglecting your relationship with God? What does it practically look like to remain connected to Jesus as the true vine in your daily life?…

Harris Creek Baptist Church

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Who is in Control? 39:25

20 days ago39:25

39:25

When Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday it forced the crowd to answer the question of "Who is He?". In the same way, we must answer that question today. Christ is in control The crowd desired to control Christ You must conclude who Jesus is Life Group Discussion: In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust that Jesus is in control? How can you surrender those to Him? In what ways do people today try to fit Jesus into their own agendas instead of following Him as Lord? How does your view of Jesus impact the way you live your daily life?…

Harris Creek Baptist Church

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The Enemy Desensitzes 37:59

26 days ago37:59

37:59

Sin gradually desensitizes us, making what once felt wrong seem normal, which is exactly how Satan works to separate us from God. Ephesians 4 warns that when we give ourselves over to sin, we become aimless, hardened, and blind to its destruction, ultimately giving the enemy a foothold in our lives. Nate reminds us that as Christians, we are called to reject sin, pursue sanctification, and immerse ourselves in God's truth to fully embrace the life He desires for us. Sin Makes you senseless Christians part with sin to pursue sanctification Sin gives Satan a space in Christ's place Life Group Discussion: What are some warning signs that you might be drifting toward spiritual numbness? How can accountability within a community help us in the process of sanctification? What steps can you take this week to remove sin’s foothold and invite Christ into every area of your life?…

Harris Creek Baptist Church

1
Deconstruction 49:35

5 weeks ago49:35

49:35

As we continue our series, “State of Warfare”, JP looks to 1 Timothy 4:1-10, explaining the enemy’s mission to “abandon the faith” by causing believers to doubt and turn away from God. He highlights the enemy’s method of replacing a genuine relationship with God with rigid rules, leading to spiritual emptiness. JP encourages believers to stay motivated by building a faith that lasts, rooted in gratitude, prayer, and steadfast trust in Jesus. The enemy’s mission: Get you to “abandon the faith” The enemy’s method: Get you to replace relationship with rules Our motivation: To build a faith that lasts Life Group Discussion: Can you share a time when you felt tempted to give up on your faith? How did you respond? How can legalism affect your personal connection with God and others? How does gratitude play a role in strengthening your faith journey?…

Harris Creek Baptist Church

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Don’t be Deceived 40:21

6 weeks ago40:21

40:21

Pastor Nate emphasizes that true freedom is found in abiding in Jesus' teachings, as God's truth breaks the chains of sin. He warns that Satan, the father of lies, seeks to deceive and destroy, leading people toward spiritual death. Ultimately, Nate reminds us that who we listen to determines who we belong to—either we follow God’s truth and find life, or we believe Satan’s lies and remain in bondage. God’s truth leads to freedom Satan’s lies lead to death Who you listen to is who you belong to Life Group Discussion: How can we ensure we are actively listening to and applying God's truth daily? In what ways have you seen deception negatively impact relationships, faith, or personal growth? What influences in your life are shaping the way you think and believe?…

Harris Creek Baptist Church

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Suffering by Satan is Shaping by God 44:35

7 weeks ago44:35

44:35

Pastor John talks about spiritual battles, explaining that struggles—whether from life, our own choices, or Satan—challenge our faith. Using 2 Corinthians 12, he shows how Paul’s hardships made him rely on God even more. In the end, trusting God through tough times makes us stronger and brings Him glory. Satan seeks to destroy you through suffering God shapes you in suffering We glorify God by trusting in the suffering Life Group Discussion: How have you seen suffering challenge your faith or the faith of others? Why do you think God allows suffering if He loves us? How can our response to suffering be a testimony to others?…

Harris Creek Baptist Church

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Real Weapons for a Real War 47:51

8 weeks ago47:51

47:51

In our series State of Warfare, Pastor JP emphasizes the reality of spiritual warfare and the need to wear the full armor of God. He calls believers to walk in truth, act righteously, share the Gospel, stand firm in faith, know their salvation, use God’s Word, and pray continually. Through this, Christians can resist deception and stand strong in Christ. Walking truth Acting in righteousness Ready with The Gospel Firm in Faith Aware of your salvation Responding with The Word Engaged in prayer Life Group Discussion: Have you ever struggled with believing lies about yourself or God? How did you overcome it? In what areas of your life do you feel the strongest temptation to compromise righteousness? Who in your life needs to hear the Gospel, and what steps can you take to reach them? What experiences or struggles have tested your faith the most? How would you explain salvation to someone who has misconceptions about it? What are the biggest obstacles to maintaining a consistent prayer life?…

Harris Creek Baptist Church

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Our Greatest Distraction and Temptation 45:10

9 weeks ago45:10

45:10

Adam and Eve broke their connection with God by choosing knowledge and convenience over obedience. As we wrapped up our “Removed” series, JP explains that our phones can act like the forbidden fruit, pulling us away from God with endless distractions, comparisons, and even harmful habits. True peace and purpose come from putting down our devices and prioritizing time with God over everything else Communion with God > Knowing more Communion with God > Convenience Our phones are costing us communion with God Life Group Discussion: What are some ways your phone distracts you from spending time with God? What are practical steps you can take to prioritize time with God over consuming news, social media, or other content? What would it look like for you to “fast” from your phone or social media to focus on your spiritual growth?…

Harris Creek Baptist Church

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Making Your Phone a Blessing, Not a Curse 33:48

10 weeks ago33:48

33:48

Have you ever stopped to consider whether your phone is drawing you closer to God or distracting you from Him? In his message, JP tackled this question, showing how technology has the power to be either a tool for spiritual growth or a stumbling block in our lives. Drawing from the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis, JP challenged us to set intentional boundaries, eliminate distractions, and embrace accountability so that our devices become tools for glorifying God and strengthening relationships, rather than turning into modern-day idols. Build boundaries Remove distractions Invite accountability Cultivate community Keep in touch Life Group Discussion: What specific times or situations in your day would benefit most from being phone-free? What’s one small step you could take this week to declutter your digital life? Who in your life could you trust to keep you accountable for how you use technology? What are some ways you could use technology to build up the people around you instead of distracting from them? Who’s one person you haven’t checked in with recently that you could reach out to this week?…

Harris Creek Baptist Church

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Tech and Materialism 41:03

11 weeks ago41:03

41:03

Looking at Revelation 3, Nate encourages us to take a closer look at our spiritual condition. He warns that spending too much time on fleeting distractions, like endless scrolling or tech overload, can leave us feeling spiritually empty and distant from God. Instead of chasing instant gratification, we’re reminded to focus on eternal treasures—things that deepen our relationship with God and give lasting purpose. Through true repentance, we can reconnect with Him and experience the fullness of His love and the meaningful life He has planned for us. Tech consumption can cause spiritual poverty Invest in eternal over instant Repentance results in relationship Life Group Discussion: Can you identify specific ways technology has become a distraction in your daily life? What are some “instant” gratifications in your life that may be hindering your investment in eternal priorities? How do you view repentance—as a burden or an opportunity for renewal—and why?…

Harris Creek Baptist Church

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Perception Management and The Pause 44:10

12 weeks ago44:10

44:10

Have you ever been in a situation where you managed information or your actions in order to get people to perceive you a certain way? Are there people in your life who’s opinions matter more to you than others? As we continue our series, Stories from Acts, JP teaches through Acts 5 the story of Ananias and Sapphira, and what we can learn from their sudden and seemingly extreme death. 1) Surrender marks a true believer 2) Imposters scheme in selfishness 3) Perception management is a serious sin…

Harris Creek Baptist Church

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How Tech is Changing Us 38:11

12 weeks ago38:11

38:11

As we begin our new series, Removed, John encourages us through Romans 12:2 not to conform to the patterns of this world, like the way technology often overwhelms and distracts us. Instead, let God transform and renew your mind, helping you see life more clearly and embrace His perfect plan for you. By setting limits on tech use, you create space to focus on God’s will and discover the purpose He has for your life. Problem: Tech has rewired us Solution: So God must renew us Application: By reducing tech, God’s will will be further revealed Life Group Discussion: Do you ever feel like technology distracts you from deeper, more meaningful aspects of life? If so, how? What does it mean for God to "renew your mind," and how does that differ from simply taking a break from tech? What specific tech habits could you reduce or adjust to create more space for God in your life?…

Harris Creek Baptist Church

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Wrapped in Christ 29:25

14 weeks ago29:25

29:25

From His humble birth in Luke 2, where Jesus was wrapped in swaddling cloths as a sign of His ultimate sacrifice, to John 13, where He wrapped a towel around His waist to serve His disciples, Jesus embodied selfless love. In John 19, He was wrapped in burial cloths, fulfilling His role as the Savior who bore our sins and conquered death. Through every stage, Jesus demonstrated that His life, service, and sacrifice were all wrapped in purpose and love for humanity. Jesus was wrapped as a sacrifice Jesus was wrapped as a servant Jesus was wrapped as a Savior…

Harris Creek Baptist Church

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Wrapped in Love 41:09

14 weeks ago41:09