The Central Peninsula Church Podcast

Episode 159: Croissants New Every Morning

Grandpa Chats: Losing a Tooth, Lament as Protest, and Hope in Lamentations

 

Kevin and Brandon riff on “grandpa chats,” including stories about Turkish old men drinking tea and playing chess, a desire to grow old with a familiar café routine, and a humorous incident where one loses a front tooth while swimming and searches the pool to retrieve it. The conversation then shifts to a discussion of lament as more than weak complaining, distinguishing inconvenience from deep suffering and arguing that lament is an active way to name injustice and brokenness, bear witness for others, and ask God to intervene. They contrast secular approaches that treat suffering as an obstacle to happiness with a Christian framework in which love entails the possibility of suffering and God can redeem brokenness. They overview Lamentations as structured acrostic poetry centered on hope in chapter 3, discuss the trauma of the exile and temple’s fall, and end with a four-step practice: turn to God, voice complaint, ask boldly, and choose trust.

Episode 158: Hot Faith

CPC Together Podcast opens with Brandon’s stressful “Chomper update” after a rainy swim leads to a missing front veneer, a frantic search along the pool floor, and a debate about dentist repair versus DIY fixes. The conversation then turns to Sandy’s experience preparing to preach Revelation, unlearning common out-of-context takes on Laodicea’s “lukewarm” warning and “I stand at the door and knock,” and highlighting how Jesus introduces himself as the final word, true witness, and rightful king to a comfortable, self-sufficient church. They discuss how faith can become manageable and self-deceived rather than dependent on God, why Bay Area discipleship requires authenticity, and how real restoration cannot be coerced—Jesus knocks to restore communion with individuals and the gathered church.

Episode 157: Shaken

In this episode of CPC Together, Kevin, Brandon, and Rachel discuss the importance of community, vulnerability, and embracing weakness. They emphasize the significance of confession, the role of alternative community, and how to endure hardships patiently while exploring themes of trust, suffering, and the Kingdom of God.

Episode 156: Pathological Complacency

On this episode of the CPC Podcast, Kevin, Brandon, and Rachel delve into the themes of complacency and self-deception within the context of faith and personal growth. Through humorous anecdotes and deep reflections, the hosts of CPC Together discuss practical ways to cultivate awareness, remembrance, and repentance.

Episode 155: Garbage and Honey

In this episode of CPC Together, Kevin, Brandon, and Rachel engage in a fun nostalgic discussion about childhood TV shows and share personal stories of their upbringing. The conversation then shifts to a profound reflection on suffering, the meaning of persecution versus disagreement, and the essence of living a faithful Christian life in the modern world.

Episode 154: Loveless Orthodoxy

In this episode, Kevin, Brandon, Rachel, and Nico discuss the nostalgic practice of recording personal voicemail greetings, share amusing anecdotes about their experiences with this, and pivot into a deep conversation about the spiritual themes in the Book of Revelation. They explore the concepts of loveless orthodoxy, the importance of repentance, and the need for a genuine relationship with God, paralleled with the authenticity found in recovery communities.

Episode 153: Bend Low

In this episode, the Brandon, Sandy, Rachel, and Nico dive into the origins and evolution of their podcast, discussing behind-the-scenes roles, potential for monetization, and the importance of humility and unity in both personal growth and church leadership. Listen as they cover everything from cobbler stories and production roles to the deeper implications of choosing humility every day.

Episode 152: Jesus Loves Me

In this episode of CPC Together, Kevin, Brandon, and Rachel share personal experiences from a trip to Japan and thrilling roller coaster rides, exploring themes of self-perception, vulnerability, and the transformative power of God's unconditional love. Through anecdotes and theological discussion, they reflect on the importance of understanding God's love beyond our own flawed perceptions and experiences.

Episode 151: Thanksgifting

In this episode of CPC Together, the Brandon, Rachel, and Josh discuss their hectic schedules leading up to Thanksgiving, share travel stories, and reflect on finding joy and faith amidst life's challenges. They also explore topics like the importance of gratitude, handling adversity, and how personal experiences shape one's faith journey.

Episode 150: Vision Of The Good Life

In this episode of CPC Together Podcast, Kevin, Brandon, and Rachel from Central Peninsula Church in the San Francisco Bay Area delve into the concept of 'loud budgeting', discussing generational differences in financial transparency and budgeting practices. They also explore how our views on money are shaped by cultural norms and personal experiences, and propose practical steps to foster a spirit of generosity.