Consider It Joy

Christian Culture VS The Bible (with Cecil Ramos)

Every place has it's own culture.  From geographically like a region or city, to a community like a book club or sports team.  Churches have specific cultures, too.  Sometimes, that culture and what the Bible actually says might not be the same.  We are joined by Cecil Ramos, a Global Worker from Thailand, to talk about how we can thoughtfully navigate between church culture and Biblical truth.  
If you enjoy the podcast, please check out our other topics and episodes, and consider subscribing and leaving that 5 star review.
Consider it Joy is a production of 88.3 Life FM in Bakersfield, California.  You can find more ways to listen and connect by clicking here.

90’s CCM - The Golden Era of Christian Music (with Mixtape Theology)

If you lived through it, you already know.  If you were not around Christian music in the 90's, you're about to find out. This was a truly unique time in Christian music when the industry exploded in every direction and format.  We talk to the authors of Mixtape Theology (Dr. Ashley Mofield and Rachel Cash) about what made that time frame so different in CCM, and dig into some of the theology of the songs from that time.
This episode has something for everyone!  Nostalgia for those of you who remember it, and a fascinating look at why it was so different for those who don't.
We highly recommend the book Mixtape Theology, which you can grab a copy of here!
Consider It Joy is a production of 88.3 Life FM in Bakersfield, CA.  If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, and leaving a 5 star rating on Apple Music or Spotify.  Find more ways to listen and connect by clicking here!
 

An Anger Epidemic: What the Bible ACTUALLY says about anger (with Jon Engen)

Anger is such an emotional response, it's hard to talk about it objectively.  We like to feel justified in our anger, because there are terrible things in the world.  People say "even Jesus flipped tables" or "but it's a righteous anger." What the Bible actually says might surprise you.  It will also free you. We talk with our friend (who happens to also be a pastor and a psychologist) Jon Engen about what role, if any, anger should play in our lives.
If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and check out our other fascinating topics and conversations.
Consider it Joy is a production of 88.3 Life FM out of Bakersfield California.  More ways to listen and connect can be found here.
 

Is It Ministry, or is it Businses? Finding the balance - with Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts

Country music superstar Jay DeMarcus has been on all sides - on stage and in studio; performing and managing; mainstream and Christian; gospel music, rock music, and country music. So how do you find balance between the business side, and the ministry side? AND MOST IMPORTANTLY: How did Jay end up on the best B-movie franchise of all time? 
There is lots of laughing and lots of learning, with some surprising revelations from one of the biggest country bands of all time.
Consider It Joy is a production of 88.3 Life FM out of Bakersfield, CA.  We talk about everyday issues with a faith perspective.  Please consider subscribing, and checking out our other episodes!  You can also find ways to connect here!
Quick reference for this episode:
00:01:54: Introduction of Jay DeMarcus, founder of Red Street Records
00:03:22: How music affects people's lives
00:04:17: Jay DeMarcus's transition to running a record label, Red Street Records
00:06:12: Influences and experiences contributing to Jay's approach to business
00:10:14: Importance of mentorship in life and in the music industry
00:11:08: Value and freedom in admitting "I don't know".
00:11:43: Introduction of Red Street
00:18:19: Transition from Christian rock to mainstream (Rascal Flats)
00:22:23: The role of charity in his life
00:23:31: Faith in Daily Work
00:25:04: Balancing Business and Ministry
00:34:13: Similarities and Differences between Christian Music and Country Music
00:40:07: Judgement and Acceptance in Singing about Faith
00:41:19: Jay's Experience in Sharknado Four

Myths and Stereotypes of Christian Music and Radio - (with Mike Couchman)

All the songs sound the same. They're too repetitive. There's no originality. They play the same 10 songs.
We hear it all the time, and have seen all the memes, but is it true?  Our answers might surprise you!
We tackle the myths and stereotypes of Christian music and Christian radio.  To do this, we brought our friend Mike Couchman.  Mike has worked in multiple formats of radio, and is a trail blazer in the Christian radio industry.  (He also lets it slip which artist gave him the cold shoulder).
Whether you are a fan of Christian music/radio, or turn up your nose at it, this episode will bring a lot of clarity to what's true, what isn't, and the very real reasons why.
If you enjoy the original content on Consider It Joy, please consider subscribing, and leaving a 5 star rating on Spotify & Apple.  We are an official podcast of 88.3 Life FM out of Bakersfield, CA.  You can find out more here.
Some highlights for quick reference!
00:06:27: Misconceptions about knowing famous artists
00:07:25: Personal experiences with artists
00:08:56: Professional disappointments with artists
00:09:43: Feeling judged by an artist
00:11:33: Analysis of Radio Song Repetition
00:16:00: Conversation about Christian Music Content and Depth
00:18:13: Debate on Christian Radio Audience Interests
00:23:23: The Revenue Reality of Broadcasting and Christian Artists
00:23:55: The Myth of High Earnings in Broadcasting
00:30:46: Purpose of Repetition in Music
00:41:33: On contemporary Christian music vs other forms
00:44:02: What not to say or ask a Christian radio DJ
 

What Does a Missionary Actually Do? (with Cecil Ramos)

Do they walk through jungles with machetes? Do they just hand out tracts? Are they pushing western culture into the third world countries?  What does a missionary actually do? This episode we talk to our close friend Cecil Ramos who has been on the mission field for a decade. He helps us understand the difference between some of the past perceptions of what a Global Worker does, ways it has been done right as well as wrong, how it works, and what an average day in the life looks like.
Cecil gives thoughtful answers, insights, and takes on some hard questions.  
Some quick reference episode topics:
00:03:02: Defining 'missionary'
00:07:45: Decision to serve as a missionary with a family
00:10:54: Introduction to the 3D Gospel concept
00:11:53: Presenting Gospel in different ways
00:12:28: Understanding shame honour cultures
00:13:29: Understanding fear power cultures
00:14:09: Culture adjustments as a missionary
00:16:22: Experience and criticism of short term mission trips
00:19:09: Expectations vs reality for a global worker
00:30:29: Impacting Marriages and Parenting
00:31:17: Building Relationships Overseas
00:34:49: Importance of Love in Communication
00:35:38: The Evolving Role of Global Workers
00:37:05: Shift in Approach to Missions
00:38:00: The concept of 'Washing Feet'
00:38:30: Balancing Core Beliefs and Culture Adaptation
00:40:11: Impact and Interpretation of the Great Commission
 
Consider it Joy is a production of 88.3 Life FM.  If you enjoyed it, please consider liking & subscribing.  You can find all the ways to listen and interact here.

Should we label music Christian & Secular? (with Chris Cleveland of Stars Go Dim)

What defines a Christian song?  What if a Christian artist does a love song for their spouse, or a secular artist does a song about their faith?  Why do we say someone is a 'Christian artist' but not say, for example, 'Christian Optometrist' if they are a believer? 
Chris Cleveland is the perfect person to have a conversation with about this! Stars Go Dim didn't start as a "Christian" band although he always was, but now they do operate under that label.   
This was a fascinating discussion you don't want to miss!
If you enjoy the show, please consider subscribing, and leaving that 5 star review on Spotify or Apple Podcast!
Quick reference guide showing some of the things we cover:
00:01:23: Definition of Christian vs Secular music
00:03:21: Discussion on defining terms in music
00:04:01: Discussion around labels and preconceived notions
00:04:28: Chris talks about his songwriting process
00:06:07: Discussion about Christian artists and their music
00:07:12: Analysis of recent trends in Christian music and the "worship song"
00:10:32: Worship music and songwriting
00:13:09: Perceptions and standards in Christian music
00:16:55: Living up to the expectations as a Christian artist
00:21:18: The profound influence of secular artists on Christian music.
00:26:20: Debate on 'Secular' Songs and Artists with Christian Messages
00:26:54: The Spirituality in Songwriting
00:30:15: Analysis of Christian Songs in Mainstream Media
00:31:49: The Importance of Music Selection for Children
00:35:58: Parenting and Music Exposure
00:36:40: The Evolution of Christian Music
00:41:12: Dealing with Public Perceptions and Judgements
00:41:36: Discussion on music tastes and extending grace
00:42:55: Defining thoughts and disagreements within the Christian church
00:45:44: Importance of community in gospel
Consider It Joy is a production of 88.3 Life FM in Bakersfield, CA.  You can find out more, connect, and all the ways to listen by clicking here!
 

Are We Living in the End Times? - Questions and Answers (with Jon Engen)

Are we living in the end times?
If you talk about the 'end times' in the church, you will likely get one of these responses. "Oh yeah, I read all the Left Behind books"  "have you seen what's happening in (fill in the blank with a middle eastern country)"  or "Revelation is weird and confusing"
There are a lot of hot takes about the book of Revelation and living in the end times, but not a lot of thoughtful discussion.  For some it causes worry, for others, confusion.  We sit down with pastor Jon Engen to straighten some things out, and how to have a healthy, sensible approach to considering what the Bible ways about 'the last days.'
Consider It Joy is a production of 88.3 Life FM in Bakersfield, CA. Our goal is to have helpful and casual conversations about every day faith. 
Find all the ways to connect with us here!
If you enjoy these types of approachable conversations about faith, please consider subscribing, we are a non-profit 501(c)3 and rely on listeners to help spread the word, and share 5 star ratings to help us reach more people.
Key points in the episode:
00:06:26: The Divisiveness and Confusion in End Times Interpretations
00:10:16: Discussion on end times and its influence
00:10:24: The Book of Revelation's role and purpose
00:11:16: Analysing the interpretation of end times in religious texts
00:12:32: Issue with the interpretation of end times
00:13:21: Comparison between politics and the Bible
00:13:56: Difficulties in comprehending the end times
00:14:33: Specific prophecies in relation with the end times
00:14:55: Discussion on signs of end times
00:15:28: Reference to historical events as signs of end times
00:16:37: Variety of opinions on the truth of the end times
00:20:13: Impact of Reading the Left Behind Series on Personal Faith
00:25:13: Encouragement to Christians About End Times
00:27:02: Interpretation of Bible's Closed-Handed and Open-Handed Concepts.
00:36:34: Relationship with Revelation and Israel
00:37:26: Taking a Faith-Driven Approach
00:38:24: Avoiding Timeline Predictions
00:39:17: Understanding the Letters to the Churches
00:40:54: Fear-Driven Conversations
00:44:07: The Need for Realignment with the Presence of God
 

Bonus Episode! Stunts, Action, and Ministry (with professional stunt woman Brenda Lorena Garcia)

What's it like getting thrown off of a car and caught by Vin Diesel?  Brenda Garcia knows. Brenda is a professional stunt performer & actor who has been in some of the biggest movies!  Ant Man & The Wasp, Fast X, Transformers, and many more!  She talks about her life in the stunt world, the scariest stunts she's had to do, and how she has been able to keep her faith strong in Hollywood.
 
You can connect with Brenda on Facebook     and see her incredible list of accomplishments here.
You can also follow on IG at @BrendaLGarcia or Twitter @BrendaLGarciaX
 
Consider it Joy is a production of 88.3 Life FM in Bakersfield, CA.  If you enjoy the podcast, subscribing and rating really does go a long way in helping us get the word out.  You can find all the ways to connect with us, our station, and our daily show at consideritjoypodcast.com 
 

Hollywood, Youtube, and Jesus (with Sean Chandler)

We love movies. We also love Jesus.  Sometimes the church community has a hard time navigating those things, or developing a standard for them.  On this episode we are joined by one of the top movie reviewers on Youtube, Sean Chandler.  Sean is a former pastor who switched to full time work as a Youtuber after a powerful testimony unfolded in his life. What is the right perspective to have on Hollywood, Youtube, and Jesus?  Is Hollywood evil? What's the deal with faith-based movies? Was Sean REALLY in a ska band? Join us for a fun and lively conversation of a shared love of film and faith.
 
If you love movies, make sure to like & subscribe Sean Chandler at Sean Chandler Talks, and Sean Chandler Plus.
You can also find out more about his speaking engagements and live presentations here.
 
Speaking of liking and subscribing, if you enjoy this podcast, we are a non-profit organization and it would help us tremendously if you would be willing to rate & subscribe to this show.  You can find out more about us and the radio station we are based out of at Consideritjoypodcast.com