Kenny and Fraser talk about Love-Driven Justice

January 20, 2023

When Jesus said, “The poor you will always have with you,” (Matthew 26:11) he wasn’t suggesting that his followers should just resign themselves to the world as it is. Jesus was reminding every person who chooses to follow him that the work of justice (God’s will) is constant and always with us.

Free Methodist Church leaders Rev. E. Kenneth Martin and Rev. Dr. Fraser Venter met together to discuss the “Mantle of Justice” – the idea that when we follow Christ, he covers us with his love for all people. They look at the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and how his commitment to loving both the body and soul impacts their own work today in the field of Love-Driven Justice.

For more information about how you and your church can continue the work of Dr. King in your community, visit https://fmcsc.org/justice.

The Diversity of Unity: A Journey Through the River System of God’s Church
The Diversity of Unity: A Journey Through the River System of God’s Church

Show NotesIn this episode of “Anchored & Reaching,” host Kevin Mannoia wraps up the current series, “The Diversity of Unity,” which explores how unity in the diverse body of Christ strengthens our faith and impact. Using the metaphor of a river system, Kevin illustrates the various tributaries representing different Christian traditions, each contributing uniquely to the kingdom of God. The series highlighted leaders from different denominations, offering insights into their unique practices and beliefs while underscoring the common commitment to Christ, Scripture, and kingdom-building. The discussion emphasizes that understanding and embracing this diversity strengthens our identity in Christ, enabling us to engage more effectively with the world.Key TakeawaysUnity in diversity is foundational to the Christian church, mirroring the unity and diversity within the Trinity.Different Christian traditions, or “tributaries,” enrich the collective mission of the church, despite varying practices and theological nuances.Embracing diversity within the body of Christ allows for a more profound and impactful engagement with cultural and societal issues.Understanding and appreciating the diversity of Christian traditions fosters unity, which, in turn, strengthens our witness to the world.Helpful Bible ReferencesJohn 17:20-21: Jesus prays for unity among believers, reflecting the episode’s theme of unity in diversity.1 Corinthians 12:12-27: Paul’s description of the church as one body with many parts illustrates the episode’s focus on the diverse yet unified nature of the church.KeywordsUnity, Diversity, Christian Traditions, River System, Engagement, Church, Faith, Scripture, Kingdom of GodHelpful LinksKevin’s website: https://kevinmannoia.com About the Podcast”Anchored & Reaching” is a thought-provoking weekly podcast designed for curious Christians who aspire to impact the world while remaining deeply rooted in their faith. Hosted by Kevin Mannoia, each episode features engaging conversations, practical insights, and diverse perspectives from Christian leaders who embody the dual values of being anchored in Christ and actively reaching out to the world. Join Kevin every week as he encourages you to live a dynamic Christian life, grounded in biblical truth and fueled by a passion for positive change.Email: [email protected]: https://anchoredandreaching.com

The Diversity of Unity: Are Catholics Christians? – w/ Michael Donaldson
The Diversity of Unity: Are Catholics Christians? – w/ Michael Donaldson

In this episode of “Anchored & Reaching,” host Kevin Mannoia engages in a conversation with Michael Donaldson, senior director for the Office of Life, Justice and Peace, Archdiocese of Los Angeles, about the common misconceptions surrounding Catholicism and Christianity. They discuss various aspects of the Catholic faith, clarifying common misunderstandings and highlighting the core Christian beliefs that Catholics and Protestants share. Through a respectful dialogue, they explore topics such as the veneration of Mary and the saints, the significance of confession, the symbolism of incense in worship, and the role of sacraments in expressing and reaffirming one’s faith in Christ.Key TakeawaysClarifying Catholic Beliefs: Understanding the Catholic perspective on Mary, the saints, and sacraments, emphasizing that Catholics do not worship Mary or the saints but honor them as role models of faith.Symbolism in Worship: Exploring the meaning behind the use of incense in Catholic worship as a symbol of prayers rising to heaven and creating a sacred space.Confession and Intercession: Discussing the role of confession in Catholicism, where the priest acts as a vessel for God’s forgiveness, and the concept of saints interceding on behalf of believers.Daily Affirmation of Faith: Highlighting the Catholic practice of daily affirming faith in Christ, especially through the Eucharist, reinforcing the idea that conversion and salvation are ongoing processes.Helpful Bible ReferencesHebrews 12:1: The “cloud of witnesses” representing the communion of saints.Luke 1:38: Mary’s example of faith and submission to God’s will.James 5:16: The importance of confessing sins to one another.KeywordsUnity, Diversity, Catholicism, Christianity, Faith, Sacraments, Mary, Saints, Confession, Eucharist, WorshipHelpful LinksKevin’s website: https://kevinmannoia.com Office of Life, Justice, and Peace, Archdiocese of Los Angeles: https://lifejusticeandpeace.lacatholics.org/ One Life L.A.: https://www.onelifela.org/ By Your Side, Los Angeles: https://www.byyoursidela.org/ About the Podcast”Anchored & Reaching” is a thought-provoking weekly podcast designed for curious Christians who aspire to impact the world while remaining deeply rooted in their faith. Hosted by Kevin Mannoia, each episode features engaging conversations, practical insights, and diverse perspectives from Christian leaders who embody the dual values of being anchored in Christ and actively reaching out to the world. Join Kevin every week as he encourages you to live a dynamic Christian life, grounded in biblical truth and fueled by a passion for positive change.Email: [email protected]: https://anchoredandreaching.com

The Diversity of Unity: Can Calvinists and Others Be Friends? – w/ Rev. Randall Discher
The Diversity of Unity: Can Calvinists and Others Be Friends? – w/ Rev. Randall Discher

In this episode, Kevin Mannoia engages with Pastor Randy Discher about whether adherents of Calvinism can maintain genuine friendships with those of differing theological perspectives. They explore the Calvinist system, its five pillars (TULIP), and how these doctrines might impact relationships. They emphasize the importance of relationship over doctrine, the diversity within the evangelical free church, and the practice of agreeing to disagree to maintain unity in diversity.Key TakeawaysThe Calvinist belief system, centered around the TULIP acronym, can create barriers in friendships due to its integrated and definitive nature.Friendships across theological lines are possible through mutual respect, understanding, and focusing on relational aspects over propositional sets.The “significance of silence” in the Free Church allows room for varying beliefs, fostering an environment where different theological views can coexist.Helpful Bible ReferencesRomans 3:23 – Discusses total depravity, a key component of Calvinist doctrine.Ephesians 1:4-5 – Pertains to unconditional election and predestination.John 6:44 – Ties into irresistible grace and God’s role in salvation.KeywordsCalvinism, TULIP, evangelical free church, unity in diversity, theological friendship, predestination, total depravityHelpful LinksKevin’s website: https://kevinmannoia.com/ Chosen But Free: A Balanced View of God’s Sovereignty and Free Will, by Norman L. Geisler: https://www.amazon.com/Chosen-But-Free-Balanced-Sovereignty-dp-0764208446/dp/0764208446/ About Anchored & Reaching”Anchored & Reaching” is a thought-provoking weekly podcast designed for curious Christians who aspire to impact the world while remaining deeply rooted in their faith. Hosted by Kevin Mannoia, each episode features engaging conversations, practical insights, and diverse perspectives from Christian leaders who embody the dual values of being anchored in Christ and actively reaching out to the world. Join Kevin every week as he encourages you to live a dynamic Christian life, grounded in biblical truth and fueled by a passion for positive change.Email: [email protected]: https://anchoredandreaching.com