The Amputated Baptist Podcast

This week on the podcast we're joined by Benjamin Freedman as he talks about his testimony and the ministry of Soup4U, meeting the needs of the poor and disadvantaged.   Recommended Resource: Soup4U

I think we've all me that one self-anointed preacher, prophet or teacher who loves to judge others while amassing quite a following for himself through theatrics and cheap entertainment.  Social media seems to platform and aide much of these people.  Author and pastor Kevin Horath has written an excellent book providing all the red flags to check before giving credence to such a person.  Its well written, thoroughly Biblical, scientific and pastoral.  You need to buy this book! Recommended Resources: The Self Chosen One: When Prophecy Replaces Accountability by Kevin P. Horath Kevin's Facebook Page

Joining us on the podcast this week is Andy Manske, the sole Republican running against Tom Tiffany for governor of Wisconsin.  I ask Andy why he's launched this uphill battle and where he stands on issues such as abortion, school choice and affordability.   Recommended Resource: Andy's Platform and Website

Church hurt can be a broad term that covers quite a bit - everything from abusive clergy to people who just want to justify their sin.  In his latest book, Pastor Lee Snow provides a devotional workbook for those suffering from negative church experience.  The book provides the space one needs to heal - self reflection and Biblical truth.  Ultimately, we are pointed back to the Head of the Church - Christ Himself.  The local church is God's plan, but not every church follows God's plan.   Recommended Resources: Shattered Sanctuaries: Finding God Amongst the Ruins of Religious Trauma by Lee Snow Lee Snow's YouTube Page

Happy Independence Day!  On this Fourth of July, Ray Jewell and I spend the day in the theater watching Young Washington, a movie detailing the early military career of your first president.  So, listen in to see what we thought of the film.  After that, we got carried away talking about our favorite patriotic films in general.  Can you believe Ray has never seen National Treasure!!! Recommended Resources: Young Washington Official Website   

This week I welcome Pastor Lee Snow to talk about his book - Still Here: Finding Peace in Philippians.  What does the Bible say about mental health?  What does the "epistle of joy" have to do with depression or anxiety?  Download this podcast and find out! Recommended Resources: Still Here: Finding Peace in Philippians by Lee Snow Lee Snow's YouTube Page    

As the battle over control of the House of Representatives looms over the election in November, one seat Democrats are focusing on flipping is right here in the Wisconsin first congressional district.  I am a big supporter of Bryan Steil who currently holds this seat, but on the program this week is one of his challengers, Democrat Lorenzo Santos.  So, listen in as we chat about the war in Iran, healthcare, data centers and abortion.   Recommended Resource: Lorenzo for Congress

On this bonus edition I sit down with two of my youngest boys and review a new product available a Kwik Trip gas stations - Mountain Dew Dunkers.  Imagine Mountain Dew, but in a donut.  As a diabetic, I'm not willing to do that to myself, but I was curious enough to see if my kids who love drinking Mountain Dew enjoy eating Mountain Dew. Recommendation Resources: Do the Dewnut? Kwik Trip launches new Mountain Dew Dunkers by Drew Pittock

In this episode Pastor Ray Jewell and I tackle your questions.  Here are a few things you asked us about: Is doubt required for faith to be possible? How do you define strength in a Christlike way?  Why aren't Evangelicals & Fundamentalists objecting to the inhumane treatment of immigrants? Help me understand this. Why do evangelical & fundamentalist people feel persecuted? Recommended Resources: Unity in Weakness as the Body of Christ: The Message of the first Letter to the Corinthians by Ray Jewell Unity in Weakness in the Body of Christ II : The Message of the Second Letter to the Corinthians by Ray Jewell The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom 

One thing is clear, come next year, the state of Wisconsin will have a new governor.  We have had the leading Democratic contender on the podcast.  The Republicans have already endorsed Congressman Tom Tiffany.  But, if you are looking beyond the two party system, let me introduce you to Dr. David King, an independent candidate for governor.  Dr. King and I had a great conversation here about faith, politics and dangers of the two party system.  Recommended Resources: King for Governor  

Another fun podcast for you.  Ray Jewell and I are off on yet another road trip and this time we are chatting about his newest book - Unity in Weakness in the Body of Christ part 2.  It's a great devotional commentary on II Corinthians written from a pastor's heart.  Its encouraging and easy to read.  So listen in as two good friends banter about the Bible while trying to stay on the road... Recommended Resources: Unity in Weakness in the Body of Christ:  The Message of the Second Epistle to the Corinthians by Ray Jewell To the Glory of God Ministries

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!  It's one of my favorite times of the year, when Chick-Fil-A gives teachers free meals.  In recognition of this week I asked a fellow Christian school teacher to join me on the podcast to talk about what an educator's life is really like.  Listen in as James Skidmore share a little bit about how God is working in his career and family.   Recommended Resources: Support for Jed, Son of Beloved History Teacher Carroll Christian School

This was not the episode I planned to air this week.  After last night's attempt on the President's life, I felt compelled to write about what a proper response should look like.  So here are six points for your consideration. Recommended Resources: The Your Calvinist Podcast WHCD Protesters  Read White House Correspondents’ Dinner gunman Cole Allen’s full anti-Trump manifesto

In this episode, we welcome to Pastor Chris Brauns of the Red Brick Church in Stillman Valley, IL to talk about his recently released book, the Way of Repentance.  Just what is repentance?  What does repentance have to do with joy?  Tune in and find out! Recommended Resources: The Way of Repentance: Embracing God's Gift for a Transformed Life by Chris Brauns The Red Brick Church  

This week we are joined once again with Dr. Phil Allen.  Phil is here is talk about his new book, the Ache in the Ordinary: Finding God in Everyday Grief.  For several years now Phil has served as a hospice chaplain.  This book explores the idea of Biblical lament and recognizing the reality of everyday troubles and sorrows that often seek to cover. Recommended Resources: The Ache in the Ordinary: Finding God in Everyday Grief by Phil Allen Wick and Whisper Substack

So, I saved the best for last.  I'm excited to endorse my friend and colleague Tom Morgan for Beloit City Council.  Listen in and hear Tom's vision for Beloit and passion for help others and brining people together. Recommended Resources: The Beloit Haus

April 7th (tomorrow) is a big day in the state of Wisconsin - local elections!  You know how I feel about the importance of local election.  Today we are featuring two episodes concerning a race here in Beloit.  First up is Jim White.  Jim is running for Beloit City Council and has my support.  Listen in to find out why. Recommended Resources: Jim White for Beloit City Council

Last week 8 million people attended a No Kings Rally - including Pastor Ray Jewell and I.  In this episode, Ray and I discuss our experience and talk to a few folks we ran into.  Listen in as we chat with State Senator Mark Spreitzer, Beloit City Counselman Yusuf Adama and Mandela Barnes - candidate for governor. Recommended Resource: No Kings

In this short bonus episode, I had the change to ask a question of who is now the leading Democrat running for governor of Wisconsin - Francesca Hong.  She is a self-identified democrats socialist and very pro-choice.  So, I told her I'm a pro-life conservative.  In age of division and hyper-partisanship, is common ground even possible?  That's our quick discussion.  Thank you to the Rogue Bookshop in Beloit for hosting the event. Recommended Resources: Francesca Hong for Governor The Rogue Bookshop

This week my friend Connor Powers joins me to talk about his race for Rock County Board of Supervisors.  Not only do we get into what he wishes to accomplish as a supervisor, but we dive deeper into the issue of faith, politics and worldview. Recommended Resource: Connor Powers for Rock County Supervisor 

We continue our series on the Apostles Creed by talking about the deity and lordship of Jesus Christ.  Joining us is my old co-worker who currently served as an adjunct professor at Moody Bible Institute, Ariel Fernandez.   Recommended Resources: One with Christ: An Evangelical Theology of Salvation by Marcus Peter Johnson The Incarnation of God: The Mystery of the Gospel as the Foundation of Evangelical Theology by John Clark and Marcus Peter Johnson  Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin   

This week we continue our series on the Apostles Creed with a conversation with Creationist Eric Hovind from Creation Today.  Eric was such a gracious guest who was not only willing to talk about why he believes in young earth creationism but took time off air to spend time in prayer with me. Recommended Resources: Creation Today

This week we continue our series on the Apostles Creed.  Of all the ways God could have revealed Himself to us, He chose to describe Himself as a father.  What does is it mean to have God as a father?  Join us as Pastor Logan Schwandt gives us his perspective. Recommended Resources: The Apostles' Creed: Discovering Authentic Christianity in an Age of Counterfeits by R. Albert Mohler From the Father's Heart: A Glimpse of God's Nature and Ways by Charles Slagle  God is My Dad Ministries The Lakes Church

This week on the podcast I geek out about Bible translations with Josh Barzon.  Josh just recently published his latest book, The History of English Bible Translations: A Simple Guide to the Story and Impact of English Bible Translations from the 14th Century to the 21st Century.  This book is fascinating!  But the best part is that it is short, accessible and easy to understand.  If you've ever wondered about why there are so many Bible translations and what separates from another - this episode is for you! Recommended Resources: The History of English Bible Translations: A Simple Guide to the Story and Impact of English Bible Translations from the 14th Century to the 21st Century by Joshua Barzon barzonDESIGN  Josh on X

This week we continue our look at the Apostles Creed by exploring the statement, "I Believe."  Dr. Phil Allen joins us to unpack this seemingly unimportant phrase.  Yet, by the end of the episode, I think Dr. Phil will have you convinced there is a lot of meaning in these two words. Recommended Resources: Wick and Whisper Substack The Ache in the Ordinary: Finding God in Everyday Grief by Phil Allen The Apostles' Creed: Discovering Authentic Christianity in an Age of Counterfeits by R. Albert Mohler What We Believe: Understanding and Confessing the Apostles' Creed by R. C. Sproul   

Happy New Year!  We're starting off the new year with a new series.  I can't tell you how excited I am to start airing this series, which I began recording before Covid!  In this first episode, we chat about how the ancient creeds helped shape our beliefs and how they are still applicable to us today. We start this series with quite the heavy hitter, the one and only Dr. Carl Trueman. Recommended Resources: The Creedal Imperative by Carl R. Trueman  The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution by Carl R. Trueman  The Apostles' Creed: Discovering Authentic Christianity in an Age of Counterfeits by R. Albert Mohler Jr.  The Mortification of Spin Podcast

Across the country and even right here in Rock County, WI - new data centers are popping up and with them come quite a bit of controversy.  Its tempting to dismiss these arguments as just the typical "not in my backyard" conjecture, but these are real people in real communities.  They have a voice.  Among those opposing this particular data center are my friends Pastor Ray Jewell and Janesville City Council candidate Reese Wood.  Listen in we recorded a live interview at the Roxstar Bar in Janesville as Reese met with voters signing his petition. Recommended Resources: Reese Wood for Janesville City Council No Janesville Data Center  Roxstar Bar  

This week it was a thrill to have David Varnam on the program.  David is running for Lieutenant Governor here in Wisconsin.  You will want to hear his story of how he went from a theology major in Bible college in California to the mayor of a rural town in Wisconsin and along the way bumps into James Dobson!  He's a great candidate with a great message. Recommended Resources: Varnam for Wisconsin

Merry Christmas!  But, wait, do we really understand what Christmas is about?  Is it possible to know the story of Christ's birth front and back but still "miss the plot"?  Joining me on the Podcast this week is Pastor Allen Nelson, IV who is going to chat with us about his new book, The Gospel According to Christmas.  Check out our Facebook group in order to for a chance to win a free copy!!! Recommended Resources: The Gospel According to Christmas by Allen S. Nelson IV Providence Baptist Church Amputated Baptist Facebook Group

Happy Thanksgiving!  In this episode three of my boys join me on the podcast to not only tell us what they are thankful but to read a few things you all said you were thankful on our social media pages.   Recommended Resource: Gobble Gobble by Matthew West

Today's episode was recorded on National Adoption Day while waiting in the drive through line at Chick-Fil-A!  I wasn't really planning on an episode this week as I am struggling with a really bad man cold, but my son Davontae really wanted to be a guest on the podcast.  So, you'll hear a lot of background noise, but you'll also hear a fourth grade understanding of the gospel and a few thoughts about adoption sprinkled into Davontae's insights on life. Recommended Resources: Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Churches by Russell Moore

In this edition of the podcast we resurrect the Reigning in Ray format, in which Pastor Ray Jewell and I answer your questions.  This week we talk about a book idea Ray has for the both of us then spend the rest of the podcast talk to Ray about what living life with Parkinson's Disease is like.  If you have a question (theological, political, person or random) you would like us to chat about in a future episode, leave a comment  on one of our social media posts or email it to [email protected].   Recommended Resources: Unity in Weakness as the Body of Christ: The Message of the first Letter to the Corinthians by Ray Jewell To the Glory of God Ministries

This week's episode was recorded at the Stateline Youth Conference last week.  As I manned my booth, right across from me was cartoonist Paul Cox of Reftoons, a fascinating ministry.  Where else would you find a graphic novel describing the Reformation or even Calvin's Institutes?  His website tells us that their goal is to "preserve the legacy of theologians of the past by producing humorous and thought-provoking comic strips that bring clarity to various biblical teachings through visual storytelling." Recommended Resources: Reftoons

This week on the podcast we travel all the way to the Africa to learn about an important ministry helping both spirit and body.  "Jonathan’s House Central Africa is a gospel-centered mission that exists to provide physical and spiritual help, hope and healing to vulnerable children and their community in the Central African Republic, so that they become self-sufficient, gospel-centered disciples of Jesus who are equipped to serve others."  Joining us is Donna Bixby, the group's international director.   Recommended Resources: Jonathan's House Jonathan's House - Facebook

Yesterday, millions of people came out to thousands of No Kings protests across the nation.  I attended one myself and have been asked by several people, why?  Why would I, as a conservative evangelical, attend such a rally?  Well, in this episode, I want to answer that question.  Joining me are two others that attended the same rally, Vivian Creekmore (Democrat) and Reese Wood (Libertarian).  Three people, three different political ideologies but one message - no kings.  We talk about what it means to protest a "king" within a constitutional republic, the experience we had and even get into the Epstein files a bit... Recommended Resources: Libertarian Party of Wisconsin The Authoritarians by Dr. Bob Altemeyer Stateline Youth Conference

This week I interview my old friend, Pastor Ray Jewell.  Ray has published his first book, a devotional commentary on the book of I Corinthians.  I was honored to write the forward.  So listen in this week as we chat about the book and lot of things old friends chat about aw well.  Also, BUY THE BOOK!!!!! Recommended Resources: Unity in Weakness as the Body of Christ: The Message of the first Letter to the Corinthians by Ray Jewell 

This week I am joined by Konnor David Arnaud-Leblanc, the youth minister at Faith Fellowship in South Beloit, IL.  Konnor joins us to chat about the upcoming youth conference on October 25.  We have a fun chat about the importance of local churches working together, the state of youth ministry in general and about what makes this conference much different from others.  Of course, the best thing about this conference - The Amputated Baptist Podcast will be there!  Come and get your FREE merch and stick around for a live recording! Recommended Resources: The Stateline Youth Conference The By Faith Podcast Essential Ecclesiology Redeemer Institute Podcast Reftoons

This episode has been recorded in front of a live studio audience...  Join the podcast this week to hear from the Chaves Family from Costa Rica, missionaries in Paraguay.  Hear Juan and Lucre share their testimonies and their missionary burden.  They hail from a church I have visited on a missions trip myself many years ago.  We also have some fun and chat about life while on deputation.   Recommended Resources: Chaves Ministry Website 

What would it be like to preach from behind the same pulpit of a great preacher in Christian history?  I have been privileged to preach from stages once held by D.L. Moody and Billy Sunday.  But this week's podcast describes a moment greater than that.  Take a look back when Charles Spurgeon, the great Prince of Preachers, took to the pulpit once held by the great theologian John Calvin.  In his first book, Pastor Byron Varvel gives the two sermons preached by Spurgeon while in Geneva.  In addition to the two messages, Varvel gives us helpful commentary, explanation and background.  You won't want to miss this conversation! Recommended Resources: Two Sermons Preached In Geneva by Charles Spurgeon (Author), Byron Varvel (Editor)  

This week our guest is Richard Reid, a Republican running for mayor of Brockton, Massachusetts.  If you live in Brockton, this is the man to vote for!  Richard serves as the pastor of North Baptist Church where he and I once worked together.  We chat not only about his race but also about the role of Christians in politics and how to engage your local community.   Recommended Resources: Committee to Elect Richard Reid North Baptist Church

This week we welcome Ben Zeisloft on the podcast to talk about his new book, Forsakers of the Fatherless:  The Secret Treachery of the "Pro-Life" Establishment.  In this book, Ben makes the case that the mainstream pro-life movement is actually working against bill and legislation to end and criminalize abortion.  These bills and those who support them are part of the growing abolitionist movement.  Learn more by listening today! Recommended Resources: Forsakers of the Fatherless:  The Secret Treachery of the "Pro-Life" Establishment by Ben Zeisloft The Republic Sentinel  The Foundation to Abolish Abortion Ben's X Account

As I am posting this episode, President Trump is meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska to discuss the war in Ukraine.  As we pray for a cease-fire, many wonder if we should be taking sides.  Joining me this week is Yuri Rashkin.  Yuri is a Rock County Supervisor, professor, talented musician and immigrant from Russia.  He is also the host of the Rashkin Report, a popular podcast featuring, "conversations about Russian and American politics and culture with people who know it best: scholars, journalists, artists, politicians, and human rights activists." Recommended Resources: The Rashkin Report on YouTube The Rashkin Report on Facebook

Just what is in the Epstein Files?  Did Jeffery Epstein hang himself?  Are there rich and powerful names on a client list guilty of heinous crime against young women?  Is Ghislaine Maxwell complicit in sex trafficking?  We won't know until the Epstein files are taken from Pam Bondi's desk and released for us to see.  Its a subject everyone is talking about but one person has decided to do something about it.  Wisconsin Representative Clinton Anderson has introduced a resolution calling for the release of these files.  He has heard the voice of his constituents and leaped into action. He joins us this week to chat about his resolution.  Oh, and at the end I almost got him kicked out of office... Recommended Resources: Rep. Anderson: Introduces resolution calling for release of Epstein Files Wisconsin Democrats push for full release of Epstein files, demand transparency Second Annual Sully Sundae Fundraiser  

In this final episode in this Come, Let Us Reason Together series, Ray Jewell and I listen to Dave Swanson share his testimony of how he came to Christ from a life of purposelessness and drug abuse.  We also talk about evangelism, worship and growing in our knowledge of God. Recommended Resources: A thinker ahead of his time: remembering James D. Strauss Taking Every Thought Captive: Essays in Honor of James D. Strauss by John D. Castelein Christian Faith and Scientific Revolution by James D. Strauss

This week we return to our Come, Let Us Reason Together series.  In this episode Dave Swanson walks us through some of his favorite authors and books dealing with a broad range of subjects.  If you are a reader, you need to be a listener today!   Recommended Resources: Favorite Authors Wright, Witherington, and Wright      N.T. Wright      Ben Witherington III      Christopher J.H. Wright (The Mission of God) Literature and Christianity: C.S.Lewis J.R.R. Tolkien Dorothy Sayers (The Mind of the Maker, Lord Peter Whimsey, A Man Born to Be King) Charles Williams (metaphysical thrillers) George McDonald (Phantasties and Lilith, other Fairy tales) G.K. Chesterton (The Everlasting Man, Orthodoxy) Alister McGrath Gregory K. Beale (Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament, We Become What We Worship, The Book of Revelation (New International Greek Testament Commentary)) Kenneth Bailey (Jesus Through Mediterranean Eyes, Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes) Sociology: Christopher Smith (National Study of Youth and Religion "Moralistic Therapeutic Deism", Passing the Plate, Atheist Overreach, Why Religion Went Obsolete) James Davison Hunter (Science and the Good, To Flourish or Distruct, To Change the World "Faithful Presence", Democracy and Solidarity: On the Cultural Roots of America's Political Crisis) Philosophy of Science: Karl Popper (Realist) Thomas Kuhn (Anti-realist) Imre Lakatos (The Methodology of Scientific Research, Criticism and the Growth of Knowledge) Michael Polanyi (Personal Knowledge) Hermeneutics: Kevin Vanhoozer Anthony Thistleton Craig Bartholomew Worldview: Thomas Nagel (Worldview) Steve Wilken and Mark L. Sanford (Hidden Worldviews) 1. Individualism: l Am the Center of the Universe 2. Consumerism: l Am What I Own 3. Nationalism: My Nation, Under God 4. Moral Relativism: The Absolute Truth About Relativism and Something Like Relativism 5. Scientific Naturalism: Only Matter Matters 6. The New Age: Are We Gods or Are We God's. 7. Postmodern Tribalism: My Tribe/My Worldview. 8. Salvation by Therapy: Not as Good as It Gets Image of God: Carmen Joy Imes (Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters, Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters, Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters an October Release) J. Richard Middleton (The Liberating Image: The Imago Dei in Genesis 1, A New Heaven and a New Earth: Reclaiming Biblical Eschatology) Apologetics William Lane Craig (Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview) Paul Copan John H Walton (The Lost World series on the OT) Christian History: Mark Noll David F. Wells Os Guiness New Studies in Biblical Theology Series J. Gary Miller (Calling on the Name of the Lord: A Biblical Theology of Prayer (New Studies in Biblical Theology Book 38)) David G. Firth (Including the Stranger: Foreigners in the Former Prophets (New Studies in Biblical Theology Book 50)) Gregory K. Beale (The Temple and the Church's Mission: A Biblical Theology of the Dwelling Place of God (New Studies in Biblical Theology Book 17)) Human Trafficking: Louise Shelley (Human Trafficking) Victor Malarek (The Johns) Kevin Bales

Yesterday evening Dr. John MacArthur went to be with his savior.  He had a profound influence on me and millions of others.  In this short bonus episode, I share a few reflections of this legendary preacher. Recommended Resources: The Macarthur New Testament Commentary (16 books) The MacArthur Bible Commentary: A Faithful, Focused Commentary on the Whole Bible MacArthur Study Bible 2nd Edition: Unleashing God's Truth One Verse at a Time (LSB) A Tale of Two Sons: The Inside the Story of a Father, His Sons, and a Shocking Murder by John MacArthur Safe in the Arms of God: Truth from Heaven About the Death of a Child by John F. MacArthur  

I've been waiting all summer and its finally here!  This week we are talking about the number one movie in the box office this week, Superman!  Joining us this week is fellow Superman fan Pastor and author Curtis King.  Pastor King and I talk about what we liked and didn't like about the movie and even through in some theology at the end.  WARNING - there will be some spoilers about halfway through the conversation, but I do give you a heads up when we do.  So, is this movie a woke piece of trash that ruins a long tradition or does it uphold truth, justice and the American way?  Download this episode and find out! Recommended Resources: Proverbs 120 Media  Curtis King Amazon Author Page

This week we continue our series with guests Ray Jewell and Dave Swanson.  In this episode we talk about loving others, the problem with labeling ourselves and what following Jesus actually looks like for us today.  

This week we begin a four part series, Come Let Us Reason Together.  This series features four conversations with myself, Pastor Ray Jewell and Ray's longtime friend, David Swanson.  Our overall theme is engaging with those we may not always agree with.  This week we focus on the humility of listening to others. Recommended Resources: Afton Community Church Harold Ford, Jr.

This week I fight through a weak voice (overcoming a cold) to discuss the events of this past weekend, the political assignations in Minnesota.  Although a bit rambling at times, I wanted to share my heart with all of you.  My plea is that we tone down the rhetoric that leads to such violence and instead contend for the faith with love and truth.   Recommended Resources: Tip and the Gipper: When Politics Worked by Chris Matthews  The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Champagne Butterfield