Asking for a Neighbor

Episode Summary In the kickoff episode of Asking for a Neighbor, pastors Brad and Matt Allen tackle a question often shrouded in tradition and confusion: What is Lent? Moving past the idea that it is strictly a "Catholic obligation," they explore Lent as a 40-day invitation to return to the Lord. From a debate on the greatest raw-talent musicians to the theological "why" behind fasting, this conversation refocuses the season on communion with God rather than legalistic checklists. Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Welcome to the podcast & the heart of Redemption Hill. 01:00 – Icebreaker: The greatest raw-talent artist alive (according to Matt Allen) 05:40 – Defining Lent: Returning to the Lord through Joel 2. 09:15 – History & Hesitation: Why do Protestants/Baptists observe Lent?. 12:30 – Position vs. Experience: Why Lent won't make you "more right" with God. 15:45 – Personal Rhythms: Fasting from food, social media, and screens. 20:10 – The Goal of Communion: Life lived before the face of God. 23:50 – Modern Distractions: Screens, the news cycle, and professional pressure. 28:15 – Happy God, Happy People: Joy and spiritual sustenance in the wilderness. 33:20 – How to Start: Practical advice for first-time observers. 37:45 – The Gospel: The "Exchange" and finding our identity in Christ. 42:00 – Outro: Repenting, believing, and an invitation to the Lent season Key Verses & Quotes Joel 2:12-13: "Return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." 2 Corinthians 5:21: "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." The Big Idea: "Lent is when we fast from things to have more of Jesus." On Legalism: "Anytime where the things we do precede our identity in Christ... that order of operations gets flipped, we start living out in an unhelpful way." Resources & Links Redemption Hill Church: https://www.redemptionhillfw.org/ Mentioned Book/Article: N/A Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/redemptionhillfw/ Join the Conversation Got a question you’re "asking for a neighbor"? Email us: info@redemptionhillfw.org Visit us in Fort Worth: 10AM | 6301 Granbury Rd Fort Worth, TX  76133 Chapters (00:00:00) - Lent(00:01:29) - The Greatest Raw Talent Artists Alive(00:03:57) - Collaboration With Shaky Graves(00:05:49) - What is Lent?(00:11:55) - Lent(00:14:24) - Lent and its Experiences(00:17:41) - How Do You Live Your Life Not Being Perfect?(00:19:48) - Discussing Communion With God on Lent(00:27:23) - Lent and its practical results(00:31:37) - Lent and the Joy of Happiness(00:34:44) - Deck the Halls: We're Unwell(00:35:29) - Lent: What to Reject for a Season?(00:41:09) - 9941: The Problem with Being Right With God(00:48:07) - Lent and the Good News of Jesus

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In this episode, Pastor Shawn, Pastor Brad, and Taylor are joined by Cindy Leach, the director of the Fort Worth Pregnancy Center. Together they discuss the competing worldviews around the issue of abortion in our culture as well as what the church can do to be involved in championing the cause for life in our communities. 

In this episode, Pastor Shawn, Pastor Brad, and Taylor discuss gender and gender identity from a biblical worldview and walk through ethical scenarios that Christ followers may encounter along the way. 

On our first episode, Pastor Shawn, Pastor Brad, and Taylor discuss God's design for sex and sexuality in the Christian life.