We recap the year that was and count down our top 10 storylines, touching on topics such as Charlie Kirk, Israel, the new pope, youth culture (6-7!), sports betting, and more. With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie Join us at focuspress.org/plus to catch the exclusive Deep End episode each week. Check out our sponsors at cobbpublishing.com And, join our mailing lists at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.co

We discuss the hot controversy regarding whether parents should tell their kids about Santa Claus. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro, and why we're doing an episode on the topic05:30 - History of St. Nicholas and Santa Claus08:52 - Is it a lie?27:32 - Taking it too far: making Santa God, and manipulating behavior37:40 - Taking it too far: parents overdoing it49:16 - Romans 14 and disagreeing charitably With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie Visit our sponsor at cobbpublishing.comVisit us at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.com

"We don't go to church, we ARE the church." Well, kind of. On this episode, the crew discusses whether the church is the people who go there, the institution, or something in between. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introducing the question06:58 - Is the church just the people?11:32 - "It's not an organization, it's an organism" - true or false?16:25 - The church requires purpose31:25 - The community church to Catholic church pendulum36:54 - The house church question42:22 - When church leadership goes wrong, and when to leave a church50:04 - When the members go wrong, and what leadership should do55:17 - Think Fast: Is it lying to tell your kids Santa is real? Visit our sponsors at cobbpublishing.com Check us out at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.com Join us for the exclusive Deep End episode each week by going to focuspress.org/plus

It's suddenly a hot debate as to whether it's wrong for parents to tell their kids Santa Claus is real. In this Think Fast, we give our takes and discuss why it's a controversy when it seemingly wasn't before. Tune in on Monday for the full episode, 'What is the Church?' With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie focuspress.org jackwilkie.co

Joe and Will interview Jack about his new book, You Are Saved: The Christian's Assurance. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro and announcing Jack's book05:05 - Why write a book on assurance of salvation?13:00 - The problem of legalism20:24 - How lacking assurance keeps us from spiritual maturity26:10 - Why focusing on doctrinal differences keeps us insecure35:32 - The problem of overreacting to "faith alone" and cheap grace41:34 - Do we have a "personal relationship" with God? Does the Holy Spirit indwell us?45:28 - How can we avoid having a false assurance?55:40 - Why is rebaptism so common in the churches of Christ? With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie Get You Are Saved at Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MgpGt7 or Focus Press: https://www.focuspress.org/shop Check out our sponsor at cobbpublishing.comJoin us for the exclusive "Deep End" episode each week at focuspress.org/plus

It's our 200th episode! We got together for a wide-ranging discussion across the spectrum of personal, spiritual, work, and more. Topics include: - Best marriage improvement books- Most impactful books- Christians and Harry Potter- Where the feminist movement stands today- Avoiding hypocrisy in leadership- The proper place of sports, movies, and other hobbies- Finding time for silence- The importance of financial discipline- What Joe would change about therapy world- Navigating family boundaries, holiday edition- Dealing with church hurt without becoming bitter- Trying to impact the church for good- Avoiding workaholism Questions for you:- Which holiday is the best?- What are your thoughts on Christians and Harry Potter?- Who is the face of feminism today?- Any tips for families and in-laws to navigate the holidays? With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie Check out our sponsor at cobbpublishing.comVisit us at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.co Pick up Jack's new book 'You Are Saved' at Amazon or Focus Press!

Are we doing enough to protect our children from abuse in the church? What about preventing and handling harassment among adults? On this week's Think Deeper, we discuss the alarming statistics surrounding sexual abuse and the crucial steps we must take to safeguard our congregations. CHAPTERS:00:00 - Introductory thoughts and the reason for this episode08:27 - Statistics and the scope of the problem14:25 - Dealing with repentant offenders21:50 - The responsibilities of church leaders27:31 - Generational differences in approaches34:22 - Youth ministry issues44:58 - Taking precautions without viewing everyone as a threat49:13 - Thoughts for victims With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie Visit us at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.co Check out our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com

"Hellfire and Brimstone" preaching is often thought of as a relic of Sundays gone by... but should it be? Have we overcorrected and begun to under-emphasize hell? We discuss CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introductory thoughts05:40 - Biblical terms for afterlife (Hades, Sheol) and punishment (Gehenna, Tartarus)13:48 - Jesus' words on hell20:28 - God's nature and punishment29:40 - Hell in the epistles35:39 - Consequences of over-emphasizing hell45:47 - Consequences of under-emphasizing hell55:09 - Does God send people to hell, or just let them choose it? Episodes mentioned: What Happens When We Die? (October 16, 2023) Are There Degrees of Heaven and Hell? (May 29, 2025) With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie Visit our sponsor at cobbpublishing.comCheck us out at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.comAnd, join us for the exclusive Deep End episode by becoming a supporter at focuspress.org/plus

With the government shut down set to leave federal SNAP benefits for groceries unfunded, we discuss this issue from a Biblical lens and discuss the church's duty in times like these. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro and covering the problem05:33 - Problems with the program12:28 - Compassion and its guidelines17:00 - Biblical principles from Leviticus and 2 Thessalonians23:30 - Guidelines for churches34:00 - The "Fudge Rounds" problem and what charitable money should buy48:19 - Think Fast: Nick Fuentes and the 'Platforming Problem'   - Visit our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com- Check us out at focuspress.org, and join Jack's email list free at jackwilkie.com- And, join us in our Patreon to get access to the weekly Deep End episode and all kinds of other exclusive content! patreon.com/focuspressinc

In the wake of leading conservative commentator Tucker Carlson's interview with controversial figure Nick Fuentes, a great debate has been waged online about the matter of "platforming." Should we have public dialogue with objectionable people? What are the limits? When it comes to the church, where do we draw the line of those we can speak with even if we disagree, and those whom we must mark and avoid? We discuss, on this week's Think Fast. Check us out at focuspress.org, and join Jack's email list free at jackwilkie.comAnd, join us in our Patreon to get access to the weekly Deep End episode and all kinds of other exclusive content! patreon.com/focuspressinc  

In this episodes we examine 5 common challenges in the churches of Christ, and what can be done about them. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro and an overview of the church's reputation05:00 - What is the proper place of emotion in the church?15:57 - Do we pray enough? Do we know how?27:50 - Where are we falling short in our Bible study?36:42 - Why do so many people fail to feel God's grace?45:58 - How do we avoid becoming legalistic without compromising doctrine?55:32 - THINK FAST: Is Halloween fading? With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie Check us out at focuspress.org, and join Jack's free email list at jackwilkie.com

Jack and Joe continue the discussion of having a backbone, with a practical look at what it takes to stand for truth in life's different situations. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro and recap11:04 - Principles for taking a stand: Have a Biblical moral compass13:15 - Principles: fear God and not man18:10 - Principles: love people22:04 - Principles: prepare to be hated26:49 - Standing for truth in the church37:09 - Standing for truth in your marriage51:20 - Standing for truth in your parenting56:00 - Standing for truth in your friendships59:00 - Standing for truth in evangelism For more go to focuspress.orgYou can join Jack's email list free at jackwilkie.com

As C.S. Lewis wrote, "Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point." Every virtue we have to possess as Christians is only as good as the courage we have to stand behind it. Yet, we live in a time when courage is in short supply. In this episode, we discuss the importance of having a backbone. CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro and opening thoughts06:11 - Hegseth's example12:15 - How your backbone reveals your purpose20:51 - The cost of lacking a backbone24:50 - What do your decisions incentivize?36:20 - Jesus' example of taking stands46:02 - Beware the pretend backbone With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie Check out Focus Press at focuspress.org, and join our supporters group at focuspress.org/pluls Join Jack's email list for free at jackwilkie.com

In a world that shoves sexuality in our face every day, the church must not fail to rise to the challenge. We discuss where the Christian response often goes wrong in the church and the home, and what can be done about it. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro and announcement01:48 - The church's shortcomings on this topic14:13 - How to start an accountability program19:28 - Teaching beyond just abstinence29:10 - What about purity culture?34:36 - Where parents can go wrong41:12 - Why you need to talk about it with your kids50:18 - Helping teens navigate male-female relationships1:01:15 - Addressing boys and girls differently With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie Join our free mailing lists at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.com Support us at focuspress.org/plus to get access to the weekly Deep End episode!

Marco Arroyo of 'In Between Sundays' joins the show! We discuss: 00:00 - Intro and the church's "YouTuber Mt Rushmore"02:28 - Getting the CoC to talk to each other10:36 - How to stay plugged in to the conversations that matter19:00 - Is the church of Christ an echo chamber?30:10 - Evangelizing in the digital public square35:44 - An appeal to get involved52:03 - Think Fast: Erika Kirk's Act of Forgiveness With Jack Wilkie and Joe Wilkie You can follow Marco at his YouTube channel Check out our sponsors at cobbpublishing.com You can join our mailing list, shop, and donate at focuspress.org, and you can join Jack's list at jackwilkie.com

Charlie Kirk's tragic death has sparked a renewed interest in Christianity in many who were previously indifferent. This week, the crew discusses what the church can do to make this stick and not just be a temporary bounce. CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro and reason for optimism04:20 - Should churches preach on current events?23:45 - A frank look at the churches of Christ38:00 - Getting outside our bubble43:20 - Crafting a message to the seekers With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie Check out our sponsors at cobbpublishing.comJoin our email lists at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.co

The TD crew discusses the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Kirk's work, and the church's response Chapters: 00:00 - Intro and why this event felt different09:32 - Rejecting Bothsidesism18:46 - The courage to point out what's really happening22:55 - Rejecting Aboveitallism35:32 - The place of righteous anger44:50 - Can we stomach difficult realities?52:00 - What must be done

There are many misused verses in the Bible, and some of the biggest distortions are made from Jesus' own words. We discuss 5 verses from the Gospels that have been twisted to say something they don't say, along with how to discern the proper use for them. Topics: 00:00 - Intro and recapping our previous misused verses episode09:35 - Throwing stones19:10 - Who are "The least of these?"26:15 - Who's coming to dinner?35:05 - Family ties41:48 - Excused absences Check out our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com And, join our email lists at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.com  With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie

Today's generation of seekers are not like those of the past. They may not be interested in debates over issues like instrumental worship like people were before. Instead, they want to find something serious, with roots, and able to stand against the evils of our day. With those points of emphasis, is the church of Christ the best option? We discuss:00:00 - Intro06:24 - The blessing and wisdom of church autonomy14:15 - Where does church history stand? 22:10 - The case for local elders over a church government33:00 - What Sola Scriptura really means41:50 - Everybody has to interpret56:30 - Think Fast: Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's Engagement Check out our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com Join our email lists at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.com And, join our supporters group on Focus Plus at focuspress.org/plus

We discuss the big news in the sports and entertainment world and what it means for feminism, the family, cultural influence on people's values, and more Join our email lists at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.com