Digging Deeper With Lee Cook

Are we ready for solid food, or do we still require milk? What does Spiritual leadership look like? What is the fruit of servant leadership?

As we continue our series on 1 Corinthians, we will look at the role of the Holy Spirit and redefine what "spiritual" really means

In this episode, we continue our exploration of the Wisdom of God. How do our cultural expectations keep us from understanding God's will?

In this episode we get a glimpse into the problem of celebrity, name dropping, and ladder climbing among the believers in Corinth. 

Today we look at the people and culture of Corinth to better understand the problems facing the Christians trying to make their way in the world.

Today, I interview one of my oldest and best friends, Dr. Ben Blackwell. Today we discuss reading the Scriptures faithfully in troubled times.  Where is this world headed? What does "eschatology" mean, and how does it shape our reading? What does Paul believe about the ultimate hope for the world? To read more, check out his latest book https://www.christianbook.com/engaging-theology-biblical-historical-practical-introduction/ben-blackwell/9780310092766/pd/092766?product_redirect=1&search_term=ben%20blackwell&Ntt=092766&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

These are certainly troubled times. If you are dealing with anxiety, he are some ways to find relief. I have more podcasts specifically about anxiety, check out the rest of the episodes. Turn off your phone Listen to music, watch a fun show, play a board game Exercise Find someone to help (keep social distancing) Don't self medicate (very important during these times) And most importantly, pray, read the scriptures, and practice gratitude

As we face the next few weeks and months of uncertainty, many of us will turn to our faith to give us strength. I'm beginning a series of podcasts that will give you time to meditate and pray through some of the Psalms. I'd love to hear how you are worshiping, praying, and reading scripture during these troubled times. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, I'd love to hear from you. lee@lcpc.net

In this episode, Lee talks about the 2 objectives of Dallas Willard's "Curriculum of Christlikeness". To love God and delight in Him To remove our automatic responses to the Kingdom of God In the coming weeks we will talk about the process of discipleship.

In this episode, Lee answers a listener question.

How do we grow in our faith? Who is responsible for my Spiritual growth: is it me, or is it the Holy Spirit? Why doesn't my life look like the life promised in the Bible? This week Lee talks about these questions as we begin a new series: Growing in Grace.

This week we dig deeper into Nehemiah 5 God has woven generosity into the fabric of Israel's life We talk about how to apply and interpret the Old Testament We talk about the sacrificial nature of worship

In this episode, we dig deeper into how to read the Old Testament and Paul's understanding of Spiritual Warfare. The Old Testament is not immediately applicable to us, but it is meaningful for us. We must read responsibly in light of the whole Bible. We must discover what God has to say in the Old Testament in light of the larger story of God Paul sees the world through an Apocalyptic lens- he sees the forces behind the structures in our world. Paul urges us to put on the "whole armor of God"

In this episode we look at the first chapter and see the 7 days of creation. God is creating a cosmic palace or temple and on day 7 rests in that temple and begins His rule and reign On days 1-3 God sets the stage On days 4-6 he fills that stage (days 1 and 4 match up, days 2 and 5 match up, and days 3 and 6 match up) Day 7 God rests (he takes up residence in his great cosmic temple/palace For further reading: John Walton The Lord World of Genesis 1

In this episode, we try to discover the worldview of the Ancient Near East so we can read the Bible more faithfully There is no Natural/Supernatural divide--no distinction between sacred and secular One of the primary concerns of the ancient world was order Genesis in more concerned with "Functional Creation" rather than "Material Creation" The Bible lives in a culture with lots of creation stories, some of which are very similar.  The Bible doesn't "borrow" stories from the cultures around, but rather it shares common cultural assumptions about the nature of the universe--this shouldn't worry us For more information see John Walton's The Lost World of Genesis 1

This week, we examine the worldview of the Ancient Near East to help us understand how God's people understood the nature of God's role in historical, natural, and political events. We also take a look at the complex political and social world of the Persian empire. I promise this will help you read the Bible.

This week, we begin a new series on Nehemiah. Here is the background information you will need to really grasp the message of Nehemiah.

In this episode, we look at the prayer that Paul prays for the church at Ephesus.  It is a prayer that allows us to think deeply about the power that is available to the church today.

In this episode, Lee begins a new series on Ephesians. This week we'll think through the following themes: Blessings- God lavishes blessings on us. This idea of blessing goes all the way back to Abraham in Genesis 12 Election- God's blessing is that he has chosen a people for a purpose. This is not an abstract theological problem to solve but a concrete blessing The Holy Spirit- God blesses us by sealing us with the Holy Spirit

This week, we dig deeper into the story of Ananias and Sapphira. We think about the connections between this story and the story of Achan in Joshua 7. We think about how easy it is for halfhearted worship to lead us to resentment and bitterness. What stumbling blocks keep you from full devotion to the Lord? What stumbling blocks in your life are keeping your church from full devotion?