Holy Hypocrites

Countries must be governed.Order must be established.People must be protected."For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." (Rom. 13)Politics is not evil - at its core, just a tool for ordering society - but the pursuit of power for its own sake often is.

I’m part of the last generation to remember life before social media. My first brush with it was Myspace, late in high school. Facebook launched in 2004, but it didn’t really take off until I was in college. That means my generation didn’t grow up with it — we grew up into it.We had to incorporate this new, magical tool just as we were figuring out adulthood, relationships, politics, and what we believed about the world. We were digital toddlers trying to run with digital fire.

Part 3 of the series: Is [it] Evil?Part 1: Is [A.I.] Evil?Part 2: Is [Yoga] Evil?Let me start here: I don’t believe it’s a sin to drink alcohol. But I do believe it’s a risk — one that requires wisdom, discernment, and a heart that genuinely wants to follow Jesus more than anything else.

If you’ve spent any time in the modern wellness world — or just passed by a gym in the past decade — you’ve seen it: yoga mats rolled out, people barefoot, breathing slowly, moving intentionally.And for many Christians, the question bubbles up: Is this okay? Is it dangerous? Is it evil?

Whether you’re fascinated by artificial intelligence or slightly spooked by it, one thing’s undeniable: it’s powerful.Power without wisdom is dangerous. But power with discernment? That’s potential. Jesus said that those who are given much will be held accountable for what they do with it. That principle doesn’t just apply to money or influence — it applies to tools, knowledge, and yes, tech.

What if… Luke 6, “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”Not what they have already done; not what we would like to do. But what if we - his people, whose name we claim, by whose sacrifice we identify, by whose death we live - do what Jesus Christ specifically, repeatedly told us to do?

Jim smoked two packs a day for 37 years. He rolled out of bed this morning and decided he was done. He did not immediately step onto the back porch for his morning cigarette.Question: Has Jim quit smoking? Let me argue yes… and no.

I wish “love” was “love,” in whatever form it was felt. But it’s not. Love was designed by God, love was defined by God, love was [and is] demonstrated by God, and finally, love was limited by God for his glory…And that's good news.

As depraved sinners, it doesn't make sense that...- God is perfectly holy.- God loves us.- God wants to spend eternity with us.Jesus is the answer. #holyhypocrites #savedbygrace

If you read the Bible and you are ONLY discouraged, ONLY ashamed, ONLY guilt-ridden, ONLY embarrassed and disgusted... keep reading!Christian - if you have accepted Jesus as your LORD and Savior - your sin nature does not define you. Since Jesus said, "It is finished," your in no longer changes your standing before God. #grace #holyhypocrites

Following the pattern of creation -1. God creates.2. God gives a name (identity). 3. God gives a purpose. John is not "The Light." But he comes specifically to point people to Him. #podcast #bookofjohn #holyhypocrites

"Here is the answer to all the riddles..." If the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, here we begin unveiling the New Testament as the Old Testament revealed...#podcast #holyhypocrites #jesus #thebible #bookofjohn

With sin separating them from God, it would have been a cruel tragedy to let Adam and Eve live forever. But there is grace beyond the garden.#podcast #holyhypocrites

Sin does not disqualify you from God's purpose.Sin does not exclude you from his love. Sin does make your work harder. https://nathanpalatsky.substack.com #podcast #holyhypocrites

God put Adam in exactly the right place, with exactly the right supplies and partner and purpose... Only sin could give him fear, discontent and dissatisfaction.#holyhypocrites #biblestory

Opposites put each other in perspective. The "gospel" (literally: "good news") is infinitely good because the bad news is infinitely bad. Bad news: The just reward for sin is death (eternal separation from God).Bad news: All have sinned.But God... #holyhypocrites #gospel

What did God do when his most precious creation betrayed him? He walked in the garden.

The most important question in scripture is Jesus asking his disciples "Who do you say I am?" But a close second is here - the serpent asking Eve, "Did God really say?"Do you know what God really said? Are you confident enough to stand up to temptation and deceit with only the truth you have studied and applied from God's word?#holyhypocrites #bookofgenesis #truth

When God put Adam in the garden, he gave him everything he needed to be fruitful and multiply - including rules, consequences and a helper fit for him. Are you content where, when, doing what and with whom God has placed you? Why or why not? #holyhypocrites #genesis #creation

Once again, the creator does not simply create a thing, but he puts it exactly where He wants it, where he has designed it to thrive. This time it says, "there he put the man whom he had formed." Where has God put you? And will you be content knowing there's nothing random - either about the design of creation or the context in which it is placed? #holyhypocrites #creation

God created the world and the animals by speaking them into existence... But when the time came to make man in his image, he hand-crafted this unique creation, and personally breathed life into him. If that doesn't change the way we look in the mirror, the way we look at every person we come across, we are tragically mistaken. #HolyHypocrites

This clip from the end of Episode 3, one dominant piece of evidence that the Bible we have today is an accurate copy of the Bible as it was originally written. #holyhypocrites

Perhaps no single line in the Bible - certainly no line before Jesus is born - carries more meaning and responsibility than "let us make man in our imagine." Grab your Bible, notebook and pen and study along as we unpack the sixth day of creation... BONUS: Stick around at the end for a sneak peak at the evidence for scripture. #HolyHypocrites

Continuing our series with days two and three of creation... What does the creator reveal about himself and about his creation as the world takes shape? Highly encourage you to grab a Bible and a notebook and study along. This is not meant to be a listening experience but a participating one. #HolyHypocrites

Come study with me! Genesis 1:1-5 - Just the Bible, a notebook and a pen. What does the very beginning tell us about who God is, what he does, and what that means for us? #HolyHypocrites

Welcome back to Holy Hypocrites! I'm excited (and nervous) to introduce a new series I've been thinking about for a while. Hope you'll grab a Bible, your favorite notebook and pen, and come along for the ride. New episodes will go up here, as well as nathanpalatsky.substack.com. #holyhypocrites

My guest this week is a sergeant in the North Dakota Highway Patrol. And we talk justice and we talk teamwork, but the thread that connects our whole conversation is compassion and empathy. Notice Sgt. Brown talk compassion for his coworkers, but also for the criminals and victims that he interacts with on a daily basis. This has been a common thread in these conversations - showing Christ through caring for people. So pay attention to that. I'd also invite you to share this episode with someone who you think would get something out of it if you did. I learned a lot and I think you will too. RECOMMENDATION CORNER - I don't have enough FAITH to be an ATHEIST w/ Dr. Frank Turek... https://open.spotify.com/show/33MgzSFOheNQ8BnxMGbDOv?si=e96ae6c09bcc4d0c Also find Holy Hypocrites on... YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@HolyHypocrites SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LWK5TNCgtBA2Z4ZG7jc5w?si=cd90104879a842e6 SUBSTACK: https://nathanpalatsky.substack.com/

So far we've talked about mental and physical health, we've talked finances and education, and my guest today works in all of those fields at once, day in and day out. People like Chauncey work longer hours for less pay, they take less breaks and holidays, they pour more energy, emotion, and time in for less recognition. They carry more Biblical responsibility than any of us. She had a lot to teach us about juggling life and people about responsibility and especially rest and finding those rhythms in a chaotic life. Chauncey is a stay-at-home mom and I learned a lot. I think you will too! Also find Holy Hypocrites on... ⁠YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@HolyHypocrites SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LWK5TNCgtBA2Z4ZG7jc5w?si=cd90104879a842e6 SUBSTACK: https://nathanpalatsky.substack.com/

Dr. Ross Pacini is a cardiologist practicing in and around Lincoln, Nebraska. We talked about the intersection of knowledge and humility, and the importance of both for an excellent doctor. Dr. Pacini shared how he demonstrates his faith into interactions with both patients and coworkers - like several others in this series, needing to SHOW Christ much more often than he is able to SHARE Christ. The real highlight of our conversation centered around the relationship between science and religion. I really enjoyed this conversation and I think you will too! Also find Holy Hypocrites on... ⁠YOUTUBE⁠ ⁠SPOTIFY⁠ ⁠SUBSTACK

Steve Britsch is an accountant and business owner - as well as a Christ-follower. He has deftly navigated the complicated world of doing taxes with ethics and integrity for decades and brought a truckload of hard-earned wisdom to this conversation. We covered ambition and humility. Work ethic and passion. Steve unpacked what it's like talking people through some of their most uncomfortable secrets and most heartbreaking realities. Finances are hard and awkward and Steve has a lot to teach us about compassion and grace, without compromise. I learned a lot, and I think you will too. - RECOMMENDATION CORNER: At the end, Steve recommended a book, "How to Lead by the Book" by Dave Anderson Also find Holy Hypocrites on... YOUTUBE SPOTIFY SUBSTACK

Ian Tjelta is an Army officer, and a helicopter pilot in training, not to mention a father, husband and a young man who is desperate to do all of those things to the glory of God. We talked in depth about being a Christian in the military, and how Ian tries to set an example, to shine a light in that environment. We also talked about God's sovereignty in view of war, life and death. What is and isn't in our control as we strive to honor God with our skills. And finally, as I said in the intro, don't miss the last few minutes. Ian brought some thoughts to our conversation that I didn't even think to ask about, and it's probably the best few minutes of the episode! YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@UCdiTetReACMcr5hkR5AbN1A SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LWK5TNCgtBA2Z4ZG7jc5w?si=0da1c718d7b04c6e SUBSTACK: https://nathanpalatsky.substack.com/

Dr. Kim Boyce has spent his career revolutionizing the practice human services with - of all things - humanity, dignity, Christ-centered value based on a person simply bearing the image of God. Our conversation moves from his origins, crafting his philosophy towards human services and moves into the relationship between psychology and theology - how does our view of God change our view of people? We covered what separates the great people in human services, those who make a real difference, and what separates the Christians in that space. And we concluded with a generous critique of the church today - especially the Western church today - and the prevalence of division and legalistic tearing down of each other and outsiders. I learned a lot. I hope you do too. ✍️ https://nathanpalatsky.substack.com/ 🎙️ https://open.spotify.com/show/4LWK5TNCgtBA2Z4ZG7jc5w?si=94b103d39d704fe2

Ryan is a teacher in California. Education is not a particularly God-friendly landscape at the moment, nor is California. So, how does he manage to show Christ when he usually can't share Christ?  Ryan takes us to Luke 6 - "A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher." - and we talk about the value of mistakes in the process of both knowing and helping others come to know Jesus.  Hope you enjoy this first, sample episode.  For more like this, you can read my newsletter/blog at The Witness of Wrestling (link below) and subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts.  Thanks! ✍️ https://nathanpalatsky.substack.com/ 🎙️ https://open.spotify.com/show/4LWK5TNCgtBA2Z4ZG7jc5w?si=94b103d39d704fe2

I've already had a number of powerful interviews with Christian professionals talking about glorifying God day-to-day in secular careers. Already, some common themes are recurring across seemingly unrelated fields... I'm excited to share this sneak peek ahead of the first full episode dropping next week!

Wanted to share a quick updated. Several episodes are recorded and being edited. Make sure you're subscribed to get notified when new episodes are published! 🎥 YouTube.com/@HolyHypocrites ✍️ nathanpalatsky.substack.com 🎙️ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4LWK5TNCgtBA2Z4ZG7jc5w?si=ac054575718f474c 🍎 Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/holy-hypocrites/id1483124915

Hi, I'm Nathan Palatsky and this is Holy Hypocrites. 1 Corinthians 10 says, "'Therefore, whether you eat or drink "'or whatsoever you do, do it to the glory of God.'" But what does that mean if you're not a pastor or a full-time missionary? How do you do that day to day in the real world? That's where we're headed. Thanks for joining us. I'd invite you to subscribe on Apple or Spotify, wherever you get your podcasts. 📝 https://nathanpalatsky.substack.com 🎙️https://open.spotify.com/show/4LWK5TNCgtBA2Z4ZG7jc5w?si=10ede1e4c0154677

Psalm 42. As we conclude season 3 of Word in Motion, I think Paul would “yes and amen” this sentiment from the Psalmist, my soul thirsts for God. Why are you cast down, verse 5, hope in God. Why are you cast down, verse 11, hope in God.

Season Wrap-up. Paul, I count EVERYTHING as loss for the sake of knowing Christ. Also Paul, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Also Paul, it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me.

Philippians 4:21-23. Who are you celebrating with? When was the last time you greeted a brother or sister IN CHRIST? When was the last time a conversation with another Christian was just ABOUT Christ? What would that look like?

Phil. 4:10-20. I can do all things in Christ. It doesn't mean I can do all things I WANT to do… doesn't mean I can suddenly pass a test I didn't study for, or win a game I didn't practice for… But I can be content, I can even rejoice in my place, “He is the secret.”

Philippians 4:1-9. Remember how the book started, Paul is certain that he who began this work… NOT that the disciples will eventually achieve perfection, not that they will arrive with enough practice… but that he who began the work will complete it.

Psalm 41. Ever read Psalms as a running part of your devotion time? As the weeks without singing together went on, I realized that by reading and really engaging with the Psalms, I was worshiping right along with the Psalmist.

Philippians 3:12-21. Future tense. but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own… past tense. He has done his job. I’m already his own. I dont press on to earn being his, but I am his, so I press on to own that… to live like what I am.

Philippians 3:1-11. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ… and specifically the surpassing worth of knowing Christ… For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish… to what point and purpose?

Philippians 2:19-30. Today’s passage seems a little out of the way, but I wanted to point something out that we have been talking about with students a lot lately… that Christians were designed to thrive in groups.

Philippians 2:12-18. Work out… for it is God who works… like dad telling his kid to pedal the bike, even while he holds the seat for balance and pushes it forward. The kid may just sit there, frozen and move forward, but to truly grow, and thrive, the child must still work.

Psalm 40. Notice, there’s no promise here of deliverance from every single trial. Notice what God does give, a new song of praise to God. Verse 11, mercy, steadfast love, and faithfulness…

Philippians 2:1-11. Jesus said in Matthew 22, the greatest commandments, love the Lord your God first, and love your neighbor as yourself second. These are the brick and mortar commands, as I like to think of it... And Paul echoes that in these verses.

Philippians 1:18-30.  One line in today’s passage summarizes Paul’s entire existence… What have we learned this season, from Galatians and Ephesians? I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me? So, what does that new life look like?

Philippians 1:12-18. If you were praying for someone, and trying to find a chance to share Jesus with them, and someone else did before you… would you be happy? Did Paul suffer for his own glory?