RCF Podcast

We usually like to think deeply about the love of God. But the hatred of God seems off-limits. What does the Bible say about God and hate? Can God actually hate someone? Or does He just hate sinful things that a person does? This is the topic of our podcast this week. Randall Curtis joins us again to cover this difficult subject.

1 John 4:8 says that "God is love." What does that mean? Can we also say that love is God? Does God always act in the most loving ways toward every person? These are some of the questions that are addressed in this episode of the RCF Podcast as Randall Curtis joins us once again.

Why is commitment important to the Christian life? What are the ways that we measure commitment? And why do we hesitate to commit? On this episode of the podcast, we discuss these things and how Scripture guides us regarding commitment. 

Why do we get lonely? Where is God in our loneliness? What should we do when we get lonely? These are some of the questions that we're addressing on this episode of the RCF podcast. We'll give a biblical outlook on this common problem in order to provide you with hope!

Why do we gather for worship? And why do we sing? On this episode of the RCF Podcast, we'll talk about how Scripture informs our worship and why we need to worship together with other Christians. TJ Chestnut (from FBC Sudbury, MA) joins the podcast to discuss.

Does God still do miracles today? What is a miracle? Many people will have different answers for these questions, so we need to look to the Bible to formulate our understanding. This episode of the RCF Podcast seeks to help you have a biblical view of miracles.

Some say that God speaks to us still today in various ways, while others argue that God only speaks through Scripture in the present day. What should we make of this dilemma? Is God speaking to us through a still small voice, impressions, or other means? What should we consider as we think about extrabiblical revelation and seek the truth? Rex Fisher joins the podcast to discuss this subject. 

The previous episode of the podcast discussed Judges 19. But the story doesn't stop there. What happened next? A civil war. And what lessons should we learn from it? That's what we'll talk about in this episode of the RCF Podcast as Randall Curtis, pastor of Frenchtown Church, joins us again.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode is a discussion of one of the most graphic and disturbing passages in Scripture. While we make an effort to avoid explicit or unnecessary graphic depictions beyond what Scripture describes, Judges chapter 19 is still a hard passage to read and often difficult for many to understand. Why is it contained in the Bible? What lessons are we intended to learn from it? Randall Curtis joins the podcast to give us some insight on this hard passage.

"The Bible says that we're no longer under law, but under grace, so we don't have to worry about what we do since God will forgive us." Perhaps you've said something similar, or you've at least heard it from another professing Christian. But is that really how God's grace works? This week's episode will dig into the truth about grace. Jim Sole joins us to discuss this important topic.

In the previous episode, we discussed the topics of identity and purpose. This week, Tolani Olagundoye joins us again to tackle the questions of "What's wrong with the world?" and "How can what is wrong be made right?" These are important questions, and people have various opinions regarding how to answer them. But what does Scripture say about it? How does God help us to identify the ultimate problem and solution? Listen to this week's episode to find out.

At some point in life, everyone asks the questions "Who am I?" and "Why am I here?" Everyone searches for identity and purpose in life. How does Scripture help us answer these questions? One of our RCF alumni, Tolani Olagundoye, joins us to discuss these questions and how we can find answers.  

"You're just being legalistic!" Perhaps someone has said this to you or about you. Or maybe you've said it about someone else. But what is legalism? Is it a serious problem that we should worry about as Christians? We all know from it's connotation that it is not a good thing, but how can we identify legalism and avoid falling into it ourselves? We'll discuss these things on this episode of the RCF Podcast. 

In this episode of the RCF Podcast, Jim Menzies provides some helpful insight from the writings of CS Lewis. We talk especially about having dialogue with those whom we disagree. CS Lewis was a gifted apologist of the Christian faith, and these practical insights will be useful for today's Christian in learning to defend the faith.

It’s important not to live without any regard to the past. That is especially true in regard to Christianity and the church. How does studying the church’s past help us today? Find out on this week’s episode of the RCF Podcast. Jonathan Sole joins the podcast to help us think about this topic.

This week's episode is part 2 on the topic of false teachers. How can we recognize wolves in sheep's clothing? What should we watch out for? The Scripture gives us guidance in this area, so we discuss some of those on this episode.

Jesus warned of wolves in sheep's clothing that would creep in the church. How can we spot them? Why do we need to be concerned about them? And how can we guard ourselves from their deception? In this week's episode of the RCF Podcast, we discuss this important topic and why it matters for college students.

Do you ever find yourself not caring about anything? Do you lack any motivation? Many people struggle with apathy from time to time. What should we do about it? Michael Ives is back on the podcast to share helpful wisdom from God's Word to help you navigate this difficult topic. We extended the podcast by a few minutes this week because the content was that helpful!

Do you ever struggle with the question "Am I really a Christian?" Are you saved? How can you be sure? On this week's episode, Seth Rambikur, a pastor from Exeter Chapel in Exeter, RI, joins the discussion. 

This week's episode is part 2 of our discussion about how a Christian should approach dating. Matt & Alis Henderson discuss several more principles that Christians should consider, showing how Scripture guides us, even in modern day relationships. 

In our previous episodes on the topic of dating, we discussed WHO to date. But this time, we're talking about HOW to date. As Christians, should we simply date like the rest of the world? Or should our dating life look differently? Matt & Alis Henderson dive into this topic on this week's episode of the RCF Podcast. This is part 1 of 2.

In this week's podcast, we're talking about the promises of God. We often run to God's promises for comfort and hope, but can we really claim all of the promises of God that we find in the Bible? Are they all for us today? Rex Fisher, pastor of Perryville Bible Church in Wakefield, RI joins the podcast this week to tackle this topic.

We are often told that the best thing that we can do is to follow our own heart. A Christian may pause and recognize the danger in such direction, but what about the "new heart"? Can we follow that as a Christian? These are some of the questions that we'll address in this week's episode. Mike Martin, pastor of Sardis Baptist Church in Canton, GA joins us to provide biblical guidance on this subject.

As Christians, we know the Great Commission, but why is it so ignored? Why aren't all Christians making disciples? How can we change this? If this command was so important that it was the last recorded words of Jesus before His ascension into heaven, we cannot neglect it. We'll talk about why making disciples is so important, why it is not being done, and how we can take the first step toward being faithful toward the Great Commission.

If you have questions or suggestions for a future episode, email us at podcast@rhodyfellowship.com.

Is there anything in the Bible to guide us in what we wear? Does God even care? What factors should be involved in deciding what to wear? In this episode, Matt & Alis discuss why this is an issue that Christians should not ignore. We'll give practical questions to ask before putting on clothing, jewelry, etc.

We often have conversations with students about current worship music. Why don't we sing some of the most popular worship songs? In this episode, we explain our reasoning and give some helpful criteria for choosing songs to sing. RCF student leader, Jelani Pool joins Matt and Alis for this episode.

What revolutionized our prayer life? One simple addition. This episode will give practical help to guide you toward a healthy and meaningful prayer life.  Prayer is a difficult spiritual discipline to persevere in. If you struggle to pray because you find it boring or repetitive, this is the episode for you. We'll also address the question from the previous episode about how Bible intake affects our prayer life. 

What is the most crucial spiritual discipline? We believe the answer is Bible intake. Why? Because it affects all of the other spiritual disciplines. In this episode, we discuss why it is important to intake more of the Bible in your everyday life. And we also talk about ways to practically apply this discipline. 

This is part 2 on the topic of alcohol. How should Christians choose whether or not to partake of alcoholic beverages? What considerations especially apply to college students? In this episode, we focus on WHY people often drink alcohol, and how the Christian life affects that decision. Charles Fields, pastor of Line Baptist Church in Foster, RI joins us again for this discussion.

Is it sinful to drink alcohol? How should a college student handle alcohol? What are some considerations that Christians should be aware of when deciding whether or not to partake of alcoholic beverages? This episode of the RCF podcast will give some helpful questions to consider to help you make wise, God-honoring decisions on this subject now and for the future. Charles Fields, pastor of Line Baptist Church in Foster, Rhode Island joins the podcast for this episode. (This is part 1 of a 2-week series.)

What should we do with Psalm 137? Is God okay with harming young children? This psalm is often brought up by those who don't like the Bible or who want to disregard some parts of it. How should we understand this psalm, and does it actually have anything to say for our lives today? Randall Curtis, pastor of Frenchtown Church, joins us again to tackle a really difficult passage of the Bible. 

Note: This episode references two previous episodes which help to understand the psalm. Be sure to listen to episode 18 on "Does God Have To Love Me?" and episode 19 on "Does God Always Treat Everyone The Same?" 

For questions about this episode or other RCF Podcast episodes, email podcast@rhodyfellowship.com.

We can tend to live in the moment without much consideration for the years ahead, especially when we are in our younger years (like college). But why is it important to look ahead? God cautions us in Scripture against looking ahead to worry (Matthew 6:34) or to presume upon God (James 4:13-15), yet we are not to live only in the moment. On this week's podcast, Jim Menzies joins us to talk about why and how we should look ahead.

There's been a lot of hype lately around "revival" breaking out on college campuses. Why are people so excited about this? How should we think about these events? We'll discuss these things and look for biblical guidance regarding how we should approach not only revival services, but other similar events as well.  We will specifically talk about repentance, God's presence, and emotions, and the role that each plays in these situations.

Does God always relate to people in the same way? Or has He changed some things? Does that mean God has changed? In this week's episode, we'll talk about several of the hardest passages of the Bible and why we find them so difficult to accept. Randall Curtis joins the podcast once again for this episode.

Is God obligated to love us? After all, we are made in His image and for His glory. In this week's episode, Randall Curtis, pastor of Frenchtown Church in East Greenwich, RI joins us to tackle this question and the underlying assumptions that can cause us to go off track when thinking about God's love. 

Is the Christian life fun? Should it be fun? Does following Jesus take the fun out of life? Should we pursue enjoyment? This week's episode explores how we should view life and where we should find our enjoyment.

Do you have a question for a future episode? Email us at podcast@rhodyfellowship.com.

 

Identity is a major topic these days throughout the world. Everyone is looking for their identity. As Christians, what does it mean to find our identity in Christ? Why does it matter in our everyday life? Jim Sole, a pastor from Quidnessett Baptist Church in North Kingstown, RI joins the podcast this week to discuss this important topic.

How do we make decisions regarding non-moral issues? (i.e. Which job offer should I take?) Does God always care what we choose? If the Bible doesn't talk about it, does it matter what I choose? As a follow-up to our first episode on decision-making (Episode 5), Phil Curtis, Executive Director of the Ministry Training Network of Southeastern New England, is back on the podcast this week to discuss principles that can guide these types of decisions.

Do you have questions that you want us to answer on a future podcast? Send it to podcast@rhodyfellowship.com.

Do you need encouragement? How should we encourage one another? Whose responsibility is it to encourage? In this week's episode, Matt seeks to answer those questions by looking to God's Word. 

If you have questions or suggestions for a future podcast, submit them to podcast@rhodyfellowship.com. 

Do you ever feel like anxiety, worry, fear, and panic are taking over your life? Where does it come from? How does God want us to deal with it? This episode will provide biblical guidance to help you navigate anxiety and panic, and help you find peace in the midst of difficult circumstances.

Got questions about what you've heard? Do you have suggestions for future episodes? Email us at podcast@rhodyfellowship.com.

We all go through seasons of suffering and sorrow. Is God still in charge during those times? How should we respond? This episode of the RCF Podcast deals with this topic as Jay Ridenour, pastor of First Baptist Church of Sudbury, MA joins the discussion.

Why do we have conflict in our relationships? What should we do when we find ourselves in conflict with others? Rex Fisher, pastor of Perryville Bible Church in Wakefield, RI joins the podcast this week to discuss the topic of conflict resolution, and to address these questions.  

What's the use of preaching? Do we really need to pay attention to a sermon? How can we recognize good preaching? These are some of the questions that we'll address on this week's episode. Michael Ives, pastor of the Presbyterian Reformed Church of Rhode Island, joins the podcast to discuss the topic of preaching and why it should matter to a college student.

How does John 17 inform our unity? What are some dangers of unbiblical unity? How can we keep the unity that is mentioned in Ephesians 4? In part 2 of this discussion on unity, Jonathan Sole (a pastor from Quidnessett Baptist Church in North Kingstown, RI) once again joins us to talk about this important topic. We hope that these episodes will challenge listeners to examine the basis on which Christians should be united.

Should we unite with any person or organization who professes to be Christian? What should guide our unity? In this episode, Jonathan Sole (a pastor from Quidnessett Baptist Church in North Kingstown, RI) joins the discussion. Our hope is that this particular episode will challenge all listeners to examine the basis on which Christians should be united.

Send your questions to podcast@rhodyfellowship.com.

Do we know what God says about His character and nature? Do we tend to avoid the more difficult aspects of God in favor of His love? Are we fashioning God in our own image? Why do we do that? Peter Atkin, pastor of Living Hope Christian Church in North Kingstown, RI helps us sort through these things in order to have a better understanding of God.

Do you have a question that you would like to hear answered on the RCF Podcast? Send your question to podcast@rhodyfellowship.com and it may be chosen for a future episode. 

What criteria should we use to choose a church? There are many different churches that exist, so how do I know what to look for in a church? Jay Ridenour, pastor of First Baptist Church of Sudbury, MA joins the podcast this week to help us sort through these questions and more. 

Do you have a question that you want us to answer on a future podcast? Send it to podcast@rhodyfellowship.com.

How should we make decisions regarding things that aren't explicitly forbidden or commanded in the Bible? (i.e. Should I go to this party? Should I drink? Should I watch a particular movie?) What do we do with the gray areas? Phil Curtis, Executive Director of the Ministry Training Network of Southeastern New England, joins this week's podcast to help us think through how we can make the right decisions.

Do you have a question that you want us to answer on a future podcast? Send it to podcast@rhodyfellowship.com.

In this episode, we address the question of why professing Christians date or marry outside of God's design and the biblical principles that we previously discussed (in Episode 3). In other words, "why do we do what we know that we shouldn't do?" Matt & Alis Henderson (RCF staff) discuss this topic and seek to bring hope to those who may be struggling in the area of dating.

Does the Bible say anything about dating? What biblical principles should we apply to dating relationships? Matt & Alis Henderson (RCF staff) answer these questions on this week's RCF Podcast, as part 1 on the topic of dating. The discussion will be continued in episode 4.

Do we need other sources (i.e. science or psychology) to give us truth, or is the Bible sufficient? What are the dangers of looking for truth elsewhere? These are some of the questions that are addressed in this episode of the RCF Podcast. We'll discuss why the sufficiency of Scripture matters to us all today. Our guest this week is Jonathan Sole, one of the pastors / elders of Quidnessett Baptist Church in North Kingstown, RI. 

Have a question that you want us to answer on a future podcast? Send it to podcast@rhodyfellowship.com.

What should we think about those in authority over us? Who has authority? What if those in authority abuse their position? These are some of the questions we explore in this week's episode of the RCF Podcast. We'll discuss how the Bible guides us to respond in a way that honors God. Our guest this week is Seth Rambikur, a pastor / elder from Exeter Chapel in Exeter, RI.