In this explosive relaunch episode of FCC Talk, host Jon Rhoades, Children and Family Minister at First Christian Church in Brazil, Indiana, teams up with Worship Minister Dan Stribling to unpack the controversial casting of Cynthia Erivo—a black, queer woman—as Jesus in the Hollywood Bowl production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Was this a harmless artistic freedom or a direct challenge to biblical truth? Dive deep as they explore scripture like Luke 2:7, 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, and Romans 1, discussing Jesus' maleness, cultural shifts in postmodernism, progressive Christianity, reverence for God's word, theater genres like Peter Pan, and how Christians should respond with fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

From Old Testament callbacks to modern media like The Chosen and VeggieTales, Jon and Dan tackle hot topics: gender fluidity, idolatry, historical narratives, and practical advice on engaging culture without starting online fights. Whether you're wrestling with theological concerns, artistic license, or how to live quiet lives among pagans (1 Peter 2:12), this episode delivers eye-opening insights for believers navigating today's world.

If you're passionate about biblical responses to news, culture, theater, and faith, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and drop your thoughts in the comments—should women portray Jesus? Share this with friends debating progressive Christianity or Hollywood's take on scripture. Find more FCC Talk episodes on the First Christian Church Brazil Indiana Sermons podcast channel, YouTube, or wherever you listen. Join us next time with CJ for more curated content! #FCCTalk #JesusChristSuperstar #CynthiaErivo #BiblicalResponse #ChristianPodcast #FirstChristianChurch #BrazilIndiana #WorshipMinister #FamilyMinister #ScriptureTruth #CulturalClash #ArtisticFreedom #ReverenceForGod #FruitsOfTheSpirit #Postmodernism #ProgressiveChristianity

Worship Uncoiled is our main worship service for students grades 6-12. Worship Uncoiled meets on Sunday nights from 6:00-8:00 and includes a full meal, a game, prizes, a time of worship, a short practical lesson and a time of small groups. We would love to have you join us. Feel free to contact our student minister, CJ Muston (CJMuston@FCCBrazil) with any questions.

Join Student Minister CJ Muston in this powerful back-to-school episode of Worship Uncoiled, where we dive into the pressures middle school and high school students face – from succeeding academically, excelling in sports, band, choir, fitting in with friends, social media presence, looking right, and dressing the part. But what if your value isn't defined by these rocky ups and downs? Drawing from Luke 19, explore the story of Zacchaeus, the short man, rich tax collector, and traitor in Jericho who sold out his people to Rome, facing loneliness, moral dilemmas, and hatred. Feeling worthless? Watch as Zacchaeus climbs the sycamore tree just to glimpse Jesus, only for Jesus to stop, look up, call him by name, and invite Himself to stay in Zacchaeus' home – a shocking act of trust communicating true value and belief in his future.

In this sermon, learn how to find stable self-worth in Jesus, not the pressures of life. CJ shares personal stories of being short, connecting with Zacchaeus, and practical steps: stop, take five deep breaths, close your eyes, imagine Jesus looking at you, and pray, "Jesus, show me how you see me." Whether you're influencing friends, navigating Open Gym, or impacting your circles, know Jesus thinks you're incredible – even when you fail or fall flat. Perfect for students excited about the school year or struggling with pressures. Subscribe for more Worship Uncoiled sermons, like if this resonates, and share to help others discover their value in Jesus! #WorshipUncoiled #ZacchaeusStory #SchoolPressures #SelfWorthInJesus #CJMustonSermon #BackToSchool #MiddleSchool #HighSchool #BibleStudy #Luke19

Dive into the inaugural episode of Biblically Literate with Jon Rhoades, Children and Family Minister at First Christian Church in Brazil, Indiana! In this eye-opening Bible study, we tackle the famous "gospel in a nutshell" verse, John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." Discover the shocking context with Nicodemus the Pharisee, the mystery of being born again, born of water and the Spirit, and the deep connection to baptism, spiritual rebirth, and Old Testament prophecies like Ezekiel 36 and Numbers 21 with Moses lifting up the serpent.

Jon breaks down key themes: Flesh vs. Spirit, Jesus' unique authority, the inclusivity of salvation for all humanity (not just Jews), sacrificial love, faith as a response to God's grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), and why some prefer darkness over light. We explore church history, early Christian interpretations, the Nicene Creed, and debates on whether belief is a work or a gift. Plus, insights on perishing vs. eternal life, and how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament without "unhitching" from it.

Perfect for anyone seeking to become more biblically literate, combat false teachings, and trust Scripture over experiences. New episodes drop every Tuesday, with FCC Talk on Fridays. Watch on the Biblically Literate YouTube channel for scripture visuals, or catch other podcasts on the First Christian Church channel. Sermon notes attached below!

If you have verses or passages for future exegesis, email Jon at jrhoades@fccbrazil.org. Subscribe now for weekly Bible deep dives, and let's grow in faith together! #John316 #BornAgain #BibleStudy #EternalLife #ChristianPodcast #BiblicallyLiterate #FirstChristianChurch #JonRhoades #Gospel #Salvation #Faith #Grace #Exegesis #SpiritualRebirth #Nicodemus #Baptism #OldTestament #JesusChrist