Episode 932

The Call to Stand Firm: Embracing Wisdom in Progressive Faith

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).

He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.

Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.

He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...

  • Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
  • Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
  • Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
  • A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
  • A prayer for your day.
A companion resource to the Voice of God Daily Podcast is the “ABC Bible Study Guide” available by clicking HERE.

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Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)


The theological reflections presented in Matthew 10:16-25 provoke a profound contemplation of faith in the face of adversity, as articulated by Dr. Brad Miller in this compelling podcast episode. The speaker delves into the complexities of Jesus’ instructions, which serve not only as a historical narrative but also as a contemporary guide for progressive believers. The exhortation to be wary and wise, akin to ‘sheep among wolves’, establishes a vivid metaphor for the trials faced by those advocating for justice and truth in a world that often seeks to silence dissenting voices.


Dr. Miller’s discourse emphasizes the necessity of strategic wisdom in activism, advocating for a blend of shrewdness and innocence. This duality is essential for effective engagement with societal structures that may resist change or challenge established norms. The speaker invites listeners to ponder the ethical implications of their actions, especially in the context of civil disobedience, where the pursuit of justice may lead to confrontation with authorities. This aspect of the discussion resonates deeply within the framework of progressive Christianity, which often champions the cause of the marginalized and oppressed.


Throughout the episode, the emotional toll of living out one’s convictions is illuminated, particularly in relation to familial dynamics that may be strained by differing beliefs. The recognition that transformative love can provoke resistance serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices often required in the pursuit of justice. Dr. Miller concludes with a practical action step, encouraging listeners to identify and engage with justice issues that resonate with them personally, thereby fostering a culture of dialogue and understanding. This call to action not only empowers individuals but also reinforces the collective mission of embodying one’s faith through courageous and compassionate advocacy.

Takeaways:

  • In this episode, we explore the significance of wisdom and resistance in the context of progressive faith.
  • The teachings of Jesus highlight the importance of being both shrewd and innocent in our activism.
  • We must acknowledge the potential repercussions of standing firm in our convictions, including familial discord.
  • The call to practice compassion and understanding is paramount when facing opposition for our beliefs.
  • Engaging in strategic activism requires careful consideration of our actions and their impacts on society.
  • Our commitment to justice often necessitates a willingness to confront unjust systems, despite personal costs.

Links referenced in this episode:


Companies mentioned in this episode:

  • voiceofgoddaily.com
Transcript
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Wisdom and resistance A progressive reading of Matthew 10, 16, 25 on the Daily Bible refresh with Dr.

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Brad Miller.

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Hello my good friends Dr.

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Brad Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh your daily progressive reading of the New Testament which comes to you with our selective reading from the Revised Common Lectionary where in year see of a three year cycle the Pentecost season and we bring you a reading from the New Testament which is both understandable we read from the message version relatable we give you some points to ponder applicable we give you an action step to take.

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We have a prayer.

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We do all of that in under 10 minutes or so.

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lionaires a million people by:

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,:

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This is hazardous work I'm assigning you.

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You're going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack.

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So don't call attention to yourselves.

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Be as shrewd as a snake and as inoffensive as a dove.

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Don't be naive.

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Some people will question your motives.

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Others will smear your reputation.

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Just because you believe in me, don't be upset when they haul you before the civil authorities without knowing it.

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They've done you and me a favor, given you a platform for preaching the kingdom news.

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And don't worry about what you'll say or how you'll say it.

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The right words will be there.

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The spirit of your Father will supply the words.

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When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they're going to.

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They're.

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They are going to turn on you.

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Even people in your own family.

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There's a great irony here.

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Proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate.

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But don't quit.

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Don't cave in.

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It is all well worth it in the end.

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It is not success you are after in such times, but survival.

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Be survivors before you've run out of options.

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The Son of Man will have arrived.

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A student doesn't get a better desk than her teacher.

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A laborer doesn't make more money than his boss.

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Be content, pleased, even when you, my students, my harvest hands, get the same treatment I get.

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If they call me the Master Dung Face, what can the workers expect?

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Hmm.

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Some powerful and intense imagery here and this reflection Jesus we're exploring Jesus word about standing firm in the face of opposition and what this means for modern progressive faith.

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Here's some points to ponder Strategic Resistance and Sacred Wisdom Jesus instruction to be quote shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves speaks to the wisdom of strategic activism in progressive faith.

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This reminds us that working for justice requires both wisdom and integrity.

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We're called to be smart about how we challenge systems of oppression while maintaining our ethical principles.

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2.

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Speaking truth to Power When Jesus talks about being hauled before authorities, he's describing what we now recognize as as civil disobedience.

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Progressive Christianity sees this as an affirmation of peaceful resistance against unjust systems.

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The promise of spirit given words reminds us that when we stand for truth and justice, we're not standing alone.

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A third point is counting the cost of conviction.

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The warning about family division isn't about religious superiority, but but about the real cost of living our values about living our values in progressive faith.

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This might mean facing criticism when we support LGBTQ rights, challenge Christian nationalism, or advocate for environmental justice.

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The text here reminds us that transformative love often means resistance.

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Here's your action step.

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Identify one justice issue where you've been hesitant to speak up.

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Practice snake wisdom and dove innocence by researching the issue thoroughly and preparing thoughtful, compassionate ways to discuss it with others.

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Remember, the goal isn't to win arguments, but to promote understanding and positive change.

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Before we have a closing prayer, I want to just share with you that we have a great resource for you for your own personal daily Bible study.

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You can find it at voiceofgoddaily.com, our website.

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It's called the ABC 123 Bible Study Method.

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You use it in collaboration in cooperation with the daily readings we have here on Daily Bible Refresh.

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It's for your personal at home Bible study.

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You will find it helpful.

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Head over to voiceofgoddaily.com here's our closing prayer.

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God, you're the source of courage and wisdom.

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When the path of justice feels lonely, remind us that we're not alone.

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When our voice shakes with uncertainty, fill us with your sustaining spirit.

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When family or friends don't understand our convictions, help us respond with patience and love.

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Give us snake wisdom to navigate conflict, but dove gentleness to maintain compassion and strength to stand firm in your love, in hope and determination.

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Amen.

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Well, it's great to be with you here on Daily Bible Refresh.

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This is indeed a listener surprise recorded podcast.

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So we count on your gifts to help us to continue to provide this daily reading of the New Testament from a progressive perspective.

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You can just go to our website, voiceofgoddaily.com scroll right down to the bottom.

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There's a place where you can leave your gift.

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ionaires, a million people by:

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My name is Dr.

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Brad Wood Beller.

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I'll be back with you tomorrow.

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Please subscribe to the podcast.

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Invite someone else to join us.

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Until that time, remember that God's loyal love doesn't run out.

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His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new every morning.

About the Podcast

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Daily Bible Refresh
The New Testament Read Daily: Understandable, Relatable and Applicable

About your host

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Dr. Brad Miller

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller is a lifelong student of the bible as well as a pastor and radio/podcast host for over 40 years. He believes that the Voice of God does speak to people through consistent listening to the word of God through the audible reading of the bible.

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