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Making men MEN again. The David Alliance will help you slay your giants.
Episodes
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
While it's impossible to definitively rank arguments against Christianity in a universally agreed-upon "top 10," here are some of the most common and significant criticisms raised against it, categorized for clarity:
I. Issues of Reason and Evidence:
* Lack of Empirical Evidence: Critics argue that many core tenets of Christianity, such as the existence of God, miracles, the resurrection of Jesus, and the efficacy of prayer, lack sufficient empirical or scientific evidence to support them. They contend that faith-based belief is not a reliable path to truth.
* Example: The claim that Jesus walked on water contradicts known laws of physics and lacks verifiable evidence.
* Internal Inconsistencies and Contradictions in the Bible: Skeptics point to numerous passages in the Bible that appear to contradict each other or present conflicting accounts of events, raising questions about its divine inspiration and reliability.
* Example: Different accounts of the same historical event in the Old Testament or variations in the Gospels' narratives of Jesus' life.
* Unfulfilled Prophecies: Some argue that specific prophecies within the Old Testament and New Testament have not come to pass, undermining the claim that the Bible is divinely inspired or accurately predicts the future.
* Example: Specific Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah that some argue were not fulfilled by Jesus.
II. Philosophical and Ethical Challenges:
* The Problem of Evil: The existence of suffering, injustice, and natural disasters in the world is a significant challenge to the concept of an omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent God. Critics question how such a God could allow widespread suffering.
* Example: The suffering of innocent children or the devastation caused by natural disasters.
* Divine Hiddenness: The apparent lack of clear and unambiguous evidence for God's existence leads some to argue that if God truly wanted humanity to believe, God would make their existence more obvious.
* Moral Issues in the Bible and Christian History: Critics point to instances of violence, genocide, oppression, and intolerance within the Old Testament and throughout Christian history as evidence of moral failings, questioning the claim that Christianity is a source of absolute morality.
* Example: The conquest of Canaan in the Old Testament or the historical persecution of heretics and non-believers.
* The Concept of Hell and Eternal Damnation: The idea that individuals who do not accept Jesus as their savior will face eternal torment is seen by some as unjust and incompatible with a loving and merciful God.
III. Social and Cultural Criticisms:
* Historical and Contemporary Social Issues: Christianity has been criticized for its historical role in issues such as the suppression of scientific inquiry, the justification of slavery, and the oppression of women. Contemporary criticisms often focus on issues like homophobia, transphobia, and resistance to social progress.
* Exclusivity and Intolerance: The Christian claim that salvation is exclusively through Jesus Christ is seen by some as arrogant and intolerant of other faiths and belief systems.
* Negative Impact on Individual Autonomy and Critical Thinking: Some argue that the emphasis on faith and obedience in Christianity can discourage critical thinking, independent inquiry, and the development of individual autonomy.
It's important to note that these are just some of the arguments raised against Christianity, and each argument has been the subject of extensive debate and counter-arguments from theologians and apologists. Understanding these criticisms is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of different perspectives on Christianity.
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
Demon possessed or demonized?
If you are a non Christian you can be demon possessed.
If you are a Christian you can be demonized… both are dangerous and horrible to be under.
But for today lets talk about being a Christian who is demonized?
What does that mean? You have demonic spirits attached to your mindset, habits, personality, thoughts and even your body. They can manifest in addictions, sickness, pet sins, demonic dreams… and that is just touching the surface.
We have a deliverance ministry here at our church and what I have seen and now understand makes me completely convinced that every Christian should go through a deliverance process… connect with me if you want more information.
* Unconfessed and Unrepented Sin: Many Christian traditions teach that sin creates a barrier between God and humanity. Persistent, unconfessed, and unrepented sin can be seen as providing an "opening" or foothold for negative spiritual influences. This isn't necessarily seen as demonic possession in all cases, but rather as creating vulnerability to temptation, oppression, or spiritual attacks. Examples might include ongoing patterns of lying, stealing, bitterness, unforgiveness, or sexual immorality.
* Involvement in Occult Practices: Practices explicitly condemned in the Bible, such as divination, witchcraft, seeking guidance from mediums, astrology, and other forms of occult engagement, are often seen as directly inviting demonic influence. But did you know music, movies, video, porn are all a part of this occult practice. The rationale is that these practices bypass God and seek power, fulfillment or knowledge from sources considered to be opposed to Him.
* Holding onto Strongholds of Negative Beliefs and Emotions: Deep-seated patterns of negative thinking, such as persistent bitterness, resentment, fear, or unbelief, can create "strongholds" in the mind. Some interpretations suggest that these strongholds can become entry points for negative spiritual influences that align with those destructive thought patterns and emotions.
Look we can get sick physically - yes Jesus bore stripes on his back for our healing, but we still live in a fallen sin filled world with sickness, disease, germs etc… and it can make us sick.
In the same way we live in a world where we can pick up strongholds that make us sick…. Bitterness is a big one but not the only one. You hang on to this and it will invite demonic strongholds into your life.
* Exposure to Demonic Influence Through Others or Environments:
You gotta be prayed up when you go to a secular concert, go to an environment where there is a heavy LGBTQ presence, or to a cultic religion center… now if it is your practice to be around such people and places on a regular basis check to see if this is Gods will.
**You may say well God hung with sinners…yes he did, with 12 other believers. There is strength in numbers.
* Spiritual Neglect and Lack of Spiritual Armor: A lack of consistent engagement in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, fellowship with other believers, and living according to Christian principles is sometimes seen as weakening one's spiritual defenses. This neglect can leave a person more susceptible to temptation and negative spiritual influences, not necessarily as a direct invitation but as a lack of protection… but over time it can manifest in demonization.
Now listen I know people will think that I have the opinion that I blame everything on demons… no, not quite… but more than ever I see the demonic playing out itself in people who claim to be followers of Christ. And as someone who has been a follower of Christ for more than 50 years and still have demonic influences in my life… im telling you you need to be careful and also you need to check out some spiritual deliverance ministries.
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
The Journey Away: Understanding Why Individuals Leave the Christian Faith
Understanding the Journey Away from Faith
Faith deconstruction, within the context of Christianity, refers to a process where individuals critically examine and potentially reject the religious beliefs they once held as true….
I don’t believe it is a critically examined decision. I think 100% of the time it is emotional.
Remember what Fatigue makes cowards out of all of us. Vince Lombardi… I feel it is the same way when we walk away. We become fatigued in our walk. We let the struggles of life beat us up and drain us. We want a quick fix, we want a “feel good moment”, we have dissapointments… but they are all based on our feelings.
Seeds of Doubt and Disillusionment start out as feelings from things that did not go our way.
One significant factor involves negative experiences with the church itself.
The role of parental influence and the strength of religious reinforcement during childhood also play a critical part in the development and retention of faith.
If Mom and Dad do not have an active vibrant and powerful walk with God… you are more prone to walk away or at least never dive in deep.
Moreover, higher education and exposure to diverse perspectives can introduce substantial challenges to established religious beliefs. The experience of being challenged with new ideas and concepts that contradict religious teachings, often encountered in college or university settings, is a significant factor in the rejection of religious beliefs.
deconversion process.
The Weight of Experience: How Personal Struggles Can Erode Faith
Personal experiences, especially those involving suffering and disappointment, can significantly erode an individual's faith. Trauma, loss, and the perception of unanswered prayers often prompt individuals to question their relationship with God and the tenets of their Christian belief.
Similarly, the experience of perceived unanswered prayers can lead to feelings of doubt and abandonment, or question the efficacy of prayer itself and the nature of God's involvement in the world.
Intellectual Challenges to Christian Beliefs
Intellectual challenges pose a significant hurdle for some individuals in maintaining their Christian faith.
Conflicts between religious dogma and scientific understanding, particularly concerning the origins of the universe and life (e.g., evolution versus creationism, the age of the earth) , also contribute to a shift away from faith.
Furthermore, the intellectual struggle with the problem of evil –
The Social Landscape: Influence of Community and Culture on Faith
Social and cultural factors wield considerable influence on an individual's faith journey and can significantly contribute to the decision to walk away from Christianity. Interactions with people holding different beliefs can challenge the exclusivity claims often made by Christianity.
Emotional and Psychological Aspects of Faith Deconstruction
The process of faith deconstruction is often accompanied by a complex array of emotional and psychological experiences.Feelings of guilt may arise from questioning or doubting long-held beliefs, often deeply ingrained by religious teachings that emphasize unwavering faith. This internalized pressure can lead to significant anxiety and the fear of divine punishment or social ostracism.
- Phases of Transition: Understanding the Stages of Moving Away from Faith
Individuals moving away from their Christian faith often go through a series of stages or phases. The process typically begins with initial questioning and doubt, often triggered by specific events, intellectual challenges, or personal struggles.This initial phase can be marked by cognitive dissonance and a struggle to reconcile emerging uncertainties with existing beliefs.
Following this, individuals may enter a stage of exploration, actively seeking out alternative perspectives and critically evaluating religious doctrines. This involves intellectual engagement with viewpoints that differ from their religious upbringing and a willingness to examine the foundational tenets of Christian belief.
Some would say that the process of walking away from God is a multi faceted process with many limbs and tentacles and can happen in many many ways… I think it is more simplistic than that…. I believe it truly comes down to The Impact of Isolation from other believers.
We see people all the time who become separated and secluded from others and that is the first step to walking from their faith.
I don’t just mean alone, but alone with the wrong people. Isolation causes inflammation of ones of ones information. Meaning when we see only one side of life, problems, religions, and we isolate ourselves form solid Christian relationships - these things become inflamed and infected in our psyche and soul and spirit. Slowly killing us.
Why is scripture so strategic in continuing to meet as believers and that we are a body… because God in his infinite wisdom knows that isolation kills us.
Stay plugged in, stay in church, stay in your bible study, stay in your Xn friends lives.
Monday Apr 14, 2025
Monday Apr 14, 2025
The David Alliance
Garth Heckman
Five Ways the Bible Talks About Being a High Performer
1. Introduction: Defining "High Performance" Biblically
The concept of "high performance" in contemporary society often centers on exceptional achievements, maximizing productivity, and gaining recognition within one's field. To understand how the Bible addresses this concept, it is necessary to consider its unique perspective, which frequently prioritizes underlying motivations, foundational principles, and a measure of success rooted in a divine worldview. The biblical perspective on high performance is likely more comprehensive than a purely outcome-driven secular viewpoint. It appears to integrate aspects of moral character and spiritual development alongside tangible achievements. The user's query and the related research areas touch upon ethical and spiritual dimensions such as integrity, worship, and service, in addition to practical considerations like diligence and skill. This suggests that the Bible presents a multifaceted understanding of what it means to perform at a high level. Furthermore, grasping the biblical concept of high performance necessitates an examination of not only the nature of the work itself but also the underlying reasons for undertaking it and the manner in which it is executed. The inclusion of "worship or service to God" and "stewardship" in the research areas directly indicates the significance of motivation and the quality of performance within the Bible's framework of achievement.
2. Diligence and Wholehearted Effort: The Foundation of Biblical Achievement
A recurring theme throughout the Bible is the significance of diligence, hard work, and the avoidance of laziness in all endeavors. This emphasis is particularly evident in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, such as the book of Proverbs, and is consistently reinforced in the teachings and exhortations found in the New Testament epistles. Proverbs offers practical insights into various facets of life, including the intrinsic value of hard work in attaining prosperity and preventing destitution. Verses like, "A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich" (Proverbs 10:4) and "The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied" (Proverbs 13:4) provide a stark contrast between the outcomes of a diligent and a slothful approach to life. The well-known analogy of the ant in Proverbs 6:6-11 serves as a compelling illustration of the wisdom inherent in proactive and persistent labor, highlighting the importance of preparing for the future without needing constant supervision. Even James says faith without works is dead… works is a central theme. And works as in hard work or diligent work is a solid theme in scripture.
A central passage in this regard is Colossians 3:23-24 , which urges believers to "work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men," thereby transforming even the most ordinary tasks into acts of worship. Similarly, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 encourages followers of Christ to lead quiet lives, attend to their responsibilities, and engage in manual labor to achieve self-sufficiency and earn the respect of those outside the faith. The principle articulated in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 , stating that "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat," underscores the fundamental necessity of work for one's provision. Furthermore, Ephesians 4:28 advocates for honest labor as a means not only of self-support but also of enabling generosity towards those in need. Ecclesiastes 9:10 advises individuals to pursue their tasks with utmost vigor, recognizing the cessation of earthly activities in the afterlife. The very example of God, who worked in creation (Genesis 2:15 ) and continues to work (John 5:17 ), sets a divine precedent for the importance of labor.
Diligence honors God.
3. Wisdom, Skill, and Continuous Learning: Cultivating God-Given Talents
The Bible underscores the significance of wisdom, skill, and the ongoing acquisition of knowledge as they relate to one's vocation or calling. The book of Proverbs, in particular, frequently extols the virtues of wisdom and understanding.Proverbs 2:6 explicitly states that "the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding," establishing God as the ultimate source of these invaluable qualities. Furthermore, Proverbs 4:7 advises, "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding," highlighting the necessity of actively pursuing these attributes. Proverbs 22:29 recognizes the inherent value of skill ("skillful in his work") and its potential to elevate individuals to positions of influence.
Skills and talents, as demonstrated in the Bible, are frequently presented as divine gifts, intended to be acknowledged and utilized for God's purposes.
4. Integrity and Excellence as Worship: Reflecting God's Character in Work
The Bible places immense importance on integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior in all facets of life, including one's professional endeavors. Proverbs 11:3 affirms that "The integrity of the upright guides them," underscoring the directive nature of moral uprightness. Proverbs 28:6 further emphasizes this by stating, "Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse," thus valuing integrity above material wealth.
When work is performed with unwavering integrity and to the absolute best of one's abilities, it transcends mere task completion and can be rightly viewed as an act of worship and dedicated service to God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 provides the overarching directive: "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." This principle inherently extends to all forms of labor and professional conduct.
5. Service and Contribution: Measuring Performance Through Love for Others
A central tenet of biblical teaching is the profound importance of serving others as a tangible demonstration of love and a fundamental aspect of following the example set by Jesus himself. Matthew 23:11 clearly states, "The greatest among you will be your servant," directly inverting the world's typical understanding of power and hierarchical status. Mark 10:45 articulates Jesus' core mission: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
6. Faithfulness and Perseverance: The Enduring Qualities of a High Performer
The Apostle Paul, in 2 Timothy 4:7 , reflects on his own life, stating that he had "fought the good fight," "finished the race," and "kept the faith," thereby emphasizing the paramount importance of enduring to the very end of one's calling. Hebrews 12:1-2 further exhorts believers to run the metaphorical race of faith with unwavering endurance, maintaining a steadfast focus on Jesus Christ. The Bible itself presents God's own faithfulness as the ultimate and unwavering example for believers to emulate, and as the very source of strength that enables them to persevere.
7. Conclusion: Integrating Biblical Principles for a Life of High Performance
In synthesizing the various ways the Bible addresses the concept of high performance, five key interconnected principles emerge: diligence and wholehearted effort, the cultivation of wisdom and skill, the pursuit of integrity and excellence as acts of worship, a commitment to serving others, and the enduring qualities of faithfulness and perseverance. Ultimately, biblical high performance is not about accumulating wealth or gaining worldly recognition but about living a life that is deeply pleasing to God, pleasing to his church and has a lasting, positive impact on His kingdom for eternity.
Are you a high performer? Simply ask yourself daily: am I living a life that is pleasing God, pleasing his church and has an eternal impact. If yes… then you are in fact a high performer!
Sunday Apr 13, 2025
Sunday Apr 13, 2025
THE DAVID ALLIANCE
Garth Heckman
Ever shoot a roll of film and not have film in the camera… I know this world in 2025 probably most of you have no idea what that was like, but it happened a few times to me….
I sent some boys out in a car to take pictures of street names that would tell a story… 30 plus miles all over the city of Madison… it took them a good 4 hours… they came back and had no film in the camera… BUMMER.
Its not the subject, or the film or even the skill level that makes a great shot…
If you take a camera and smudge the lens
If you keep the cap on it
If you choose not to focus it
If you shoot it in the dark without light
If you take pictures of just one color or one object up close…
Upon his retirement as CEO of the Coca-cola Company Donald R. Keough spoke
to the graduating class of Emory (1993). To those young men and women who
would soon be facing a very tough and critical world, he said, "I have an
architect friend who says, 'I can take the newest building, built by the
finest builders anywhere in the world, and if you give me a camera and the
ability to focus various lenses, I can make that building look like it's
about to fall down because I will find five or six minor imperfections,
focus on them and convince you that the entire structure is about to
topple.'"
The point is clear… whatever you focus on is what you will see and what you will find.
Now in photography focus has two thoughts. One the camera itself needs to be in focus, but also the subject matter that you choose to focus on to take a picture of is critical.
Phil. 4:7-9 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Isn’t it interesting that twice in this passage it says if you want to have peace in your life, it all depends on what you focus on. Focus on what is true… well thats hard in todays world…
Are cold plunge baths good or bad…
Are eggs good or bad
Is Carnivore good or bad…
But beyond this… focus on what is true according to scripture, focus on what is lovely, admirable excellent praiseworthy… THINK on these things and you will have Gods peace.
What you focus on is what you will focus on… and it will either bring unrest or peace.
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
How many questions do children ask a day, some say over 1200 questions a day…
They learn best by play.
They have a natural tendency to laugh. They can grow rapidly… literally an inch over night. They can learn multiple languages 10 times faster than adults. Every kid feels like they are an artist and creative….
How honest are kids? Brutally honest.
Based on key passages in the Bible, particularly the teachings of Jesus and Paul, here are three ways believers are encouraged to be like children:
- In Humility: Jesus explicitly links becoming like a child to humility and greatness in God's kingdom. Children in that culture had very low social status and were dependent, not seeking power or position.
- Scripture: Matthew 18:3-4 (NIV): "And he said: 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child 1 [or humbles themselves like this child] is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'" 1. www.worldvision.org
www.worldvision.org - Meaning: Believers should abandon pride, self-importance, and the quest for status, instead adopting a humble dependence on God, recognizing their need for Him just as a child depends on a parent.
- In Trust and Receptivity: Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God must be received with the simple, trusting faith of a child. Children often trust readily and accept gifts freely without feeling they need to earn them or fully understand them.
- Scripture: Mark 10:15 (NIV): "Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (Parallel in Luke 18:17)
- Meaning: Believers should approach God and His offer of salvation with simple, open-hearted trust, accepting His grace as a gift without relying on their own merits or overly complex reasoning. It implies a dependence on God's goodness and provision.
- In Innocence Regarding Evil: The Apostle Paul distinguishes between mature thinking and child-like innocence concerning malice and evil intentions. While believers should be mature in understanding, they should retain a child's lack of guile and ill will.
- Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:20 (NIV): "Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to malice be infants, but in your thinking be adults."
- Meaning: Believers should strive to be innocent of plotting evil, holding grudges, or engaging in malicious behavior, much like an infant who is incapable of such things. It calls for purity of heart and intention.
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
TDAgiantslayer@gmail.com
My media channels all go to Garth Heckman
Who can you trust more than anyone? I have to say I can trust my Father and Mother more than anyone else in the world… more than my wife, kids, best friend… why? They have the longest track record with me… They have impeccable trust with me for almost 59 years and 10 months.. by the way, thats how old I am.
Who can you trust more than anyone else in the world… some might say themselves… but thats not true because if you say you believe in Christ… and you don’t always follow him, then you can’t trust yourself… but what happens when you don’t live a life of trust and integrity? ITS A FALL OUT!
Gen. 27
15 Then she took Esau’s favorite clothes, which were there in the house, and gave them to her younger son, Jacob. 16 She covered his arms and the smooth part of his neck with the skin of the young goats. 17 Then she gave Jacob the delicious meal, including freshly baked bread.
We see right now every person in this story right now is revealed as a deception… none of them trusted one another and worse they did not trust God!
The Gucci’s - The Joneses, The Smiths,
*If you don’t trust God to lead your family you are telling them not to trust you as the Father or Mother.
Remember the quote I use all the time when I was racing my kids.
If you tell the truth all the time I will trust you all the time…
If you tell me the truth just some of the time I can only trust you….. NEVER.
Hey whoever you are out there. If your inner circle wether its your wife, husband, kids, co-workers or just your close friends… if they see you truly trying to hear God and trust him and do his will they will immense trust in you and immense respect for you.- even if you fail a few times at hearing his voice.
Isaac does not trust God… and it rubs off on his wife. Now Rebekah does not trust God… and it rubs off on her boys… so now Esau and Jacob don’t trust God… but what is worse is becasue of that - none of them trust God.
What a terrible family to live in… a family where no one trusts each other or God.
Monday Apr 07, 2025
Sunday Apr 06, 2025
Thursday Apr 03, 2025