One man’s heart for music and the gospel

Today’s guest, Will Herron, grew up in Northern Ireland and was an early member of the experimental Irish folk rock band known as the Rend Collective, which toured with folks like Chris Tomlin and Kari Jobe, and last year performed at Madison Square Garden and Red Rocks.  He left the group five years ago to become the worship leader at Holy Trinity Church in McLean VA.  Will’s story isn’t sensational like some of the “prodigal sons” we have featured on our program.  It’s more a story of the prodigal son’s brother who, while he stayed home, had a heart that was just as far from his Father as his brother’s.  Will joins us to talk about his life journey and the centrality of music and community to his faith and higher purpose. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

The cross of Jesus Christ reveals God's heart for humanity.

The gospel is an inclusive message for everyone.

In studio live performance.

FULL INTERVIEW

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For more information:  Holy Trinity Church;  HTC Music;  Rend Collective Website (Scroll down for an excellent video called The Good News Story)

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Opening music:  Higher, Holy Trinity Church Music, I Will Follow album

Closing music:  Always, Holy Trinity Church Music, Everything We Have Is Yours album

Cancer and the biology of hope and forgiveness

Tonight we’re talking about hope in the face of cancer.  According to the latest statistics from the American Cancer Society, the risk of developing cancer in women is over 37%, and in men it’s over 42%.  Cancer has been called one of the most significant challenges in human history and will affect every one of us at one time or another.  The good news is that we’re on a path towards more rational treatments, including a better understanding of the importance of a more holistic approach that acknowledges the role of spirituality, hope, and forgiveness in healing.  Today, we’re joined by Reverend Dr. Michael Barry, the former Director of Pastoral Care at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philadelphia; and the author of four books, including A Reason for Hope and The Forgiveness Project, all of which attempt to address the spiritual needs of cancer patients at a time when their faith is both challenged and critically important.  Michael joins us to talk about his experiences and what’s truly important at such a difficult time in someone’s life. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Advice for all cancer patients.

Advice for Christians facing cancer.

The biology of unforgiveness.

True hope has proven to be more important than medication or surgery (See The Anatomy of Hope by Harvard Medical School Professor Jerome Groopman). 

FULL INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL BARRY

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For more information:  A Reason for Hope;  The Forgiveness Project;  A Season for Hope;  The Art of Caregiving   

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Opening and closing music:  Leah Mari, Bethel Music, Healer

Vanishing grace - Whatever happened to the Good News?

About 20 years ago, I (Ed) was adrift in my Christian faith.  I had stopped attending the legalistic church I had been part of for many years, I was chasing the big payday in the high-tech startup world, and I had recently become a father.  All the while, though, something kept gnawing at me, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.  As I wandered through Barnes and Noble, as I often did in those days, I kept passing a book entitled What’s So Amazing About Grace?  At first I thought, that’s a catchy title.  Then I started to think more and more deeply about the question until I finally said to myself, “What is so amazing about grace?!” So I purchased the book and read it, and it changed my life.  Today, we’re joined by Philip Yancey, the author of that book and 20 others (four written with Dr. Paul Brand), many of them award winning.  Philip’s most recent book is entitled Vanishing Grace, Whatever Happened to the Good News?  In it, he revisits the topic of grace noting that his original question has only grown more urgent in recent years.

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Christians should be characterized by their joy, love, unity, generosity, and how well they get along with people no one else can get along with. 

A near-death experience leads to a greater awareness of grace.

We need to replace anger, divisiveness, judgement, and condemnation with the Spirit of grace demonstrated by Jesus.

FULL INTERVIEW

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For more information:  Philip Yancey's Website  

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Closing music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

#GOSPEL – Sharing the Good News with Generation Z

According to tonight’s guest, in today’s information-saturated world we have five-to-ten seconds to persuade someone that what we have to say is worthy of their time and attention.  After that, a filter kicks in and people tune us out.  So how does this affect how we share the gospel; and what exactly is the gospel?  Daniel Rice is the author of #GOSPEL, and the founder of the Hashtag Gospel organization that works to present the gospel in a way that syncs with today’s culture and uniqueness.  Daniel joins us to talk about what led him to start this movement, how it’s affected others, and to share some “updated” takes on the gospel. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Books, videos, and study guides are only tools.  The most important ingredient to discipleship is personal relationship. 

All to often, young people walk away from the church because they don't feel heard or listened to. 

You can't buy your way into God's good graces.

FULL DANIEL RICE INTERVIEW

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For more information:  #GOSPEL Website;  #GOSPEL Book;  #GOSPEL Videos    

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Opening music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough