Brunch N' Bible: "Not A Label, It's A Lifestyle" – Episode Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: Brunch N' Bible
• Host/Author: Heaven Kore
• Description: Brunch N' Bible fosters an open environment for women to hear the Word of God, navigate womanhood, and strengthen their faith through live podcast experiences.
• Episode: "Not A Label, It's A Lifestyle"
• Release Date: February 18, 2025

Introduction

The episode begins with a warm welcome from the hosts, setting the tone for an engaging discussion centered around living out one's faith authentically.

• [00:00] Speaker A: "Welcome to Brunch and Bible, where we navigate womanhood through the Word. I'm your host, Heaven, and this is more than a podcast, it's a movement."

The Label vs. Lifestyle Debate

Heaven Kore introduces the core theme of the episode: distinguishing between identifying as a Christian as a mere label versus embodying Christianity as a transformative lifestyle.

• [00:18] Speaker B: "Today's episode is all about what it truly means to live out our faith. So often being a Christian is reduced to a title, but God calls us to more. It's not just a name we claim, it's a way we live, love and walk daily."

Statistical Insight: 70% of Americans Identify as Christians

Heaven delves into surprising statistics, challenging the surface-level identification with Christianity.

• [02:15] Heaven Kore: "If you know me or if you know a little bit about me, you know that I'm a bit of a nerd. So I looked up the statistic just to know how many Americans identify as Christians. And it will shock you to know that 70% of Americans identify as Christians."

She questions the validity of this statistic by considering the moral and societal state of the nation, suggesting that many may be using Christianity as a superficial label rather than a lived reality.

Biblical Foundations

Heaven references biblical scriptures to underline the essence of true Christian identity.

• [04:32] Heaven Kore: "In Acts 11:26, the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch because of their Christlike behavior. Similarly, Acts 4:13 highlights how Peter and John were recognized for their boldness and association with Jesus."

She emphasizes that the original use of the term "Christian" was based on observable Christlike actions, not merely verbal declarations.

The Role of Tradition and Culture

A critical examination of how cultural and traditional practices can sometimes overshadow genuine spiritual transformation.

• [06:45] Heaven Kore: "People often use tradition and culture to justify their actions, saying, 'That's just how we do things in our family or community.' But as Matthew 15:3 warns, 'Why do you transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?'"

Heaven warns against clinging to cultural norms at the expense of personal spiritual growth and transformation.

Salvation vs. Transformation

Differentiating between the initial acceptance of salvation and the ongoing process of spiritual transformation.

• [08:20] Heaven Kore: "Salvation is free and the easiest part of your journey with Christ is accepting Him because the work is already paid for. The hard part is the transformative work that He wants to do in our lives."

She challenges listeners to move beyond merely accepting salvation to actively allowing God to work within them, producing spiritual fruit.

Real-Life Examples and Observations

Heaven shares personal anecdotes illustrating the disparity between professed faith and lived-out Christianity.

• [10:05] Heaven Kore: "I heard a group of ladies talking about how much they love Christ. But one of them said, 'I go to church only to listen to the worship. As soon as I hear the word, I'm gone because it's for the birds.'"

This example underscores the superficial engagement with faith, where outward expressions do not reflect inner transformation.

Heart Posture Over Lip Service

A poignant reminder that genuine Christianity is reflected in the heart rather than mere verbal expressions.

• [11:30] Heaven Kore: "The Bible says that they honor me with their mouths, but their hearts are far away from me. Your mouth is not what makes your Christianity; your heart is what makes your Christianity."

She urges listeners to cultivate a heart posture that truly embraces Christ, moving beyond lip service to heartfelt devotion.

The Call to Action: Intimacy and Transformation

Encouraging listeners to deepen their relationship with God through vulnerability and surrender.

• [12:45] Heaven Kore: "If you're wearing the label but seeking change, I want you to ask God to help you. Be vulnerable and real with Him. Allow Him to do the work in you and transform your life from the inside out."

Heaven emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God's transformative power to embody true Christianity.

Conclusion

Heaven wraps up the episode by reiterating the main message: Christianity should be a surrendered lifestyle, not just a demographic label.

• [13:50] Heaven Kore: "Your walk with Christ is not a label, but it's a lifestyle. Allow God to do the work in you so that you can truly bear the name of Jesus."

She encourages listeners to reflect on their own faith journeys, ensuring that their actions align with their professed beliefs.

Key Takeaways:

• Authentic Faith: Christianity should be lived out through daily actions and inner transformation, not merely identified as a title.
• Cultural Influence: Traditions and cultural norms can sometimes impede genuine spiritual growth.
• Heart Transformation: True Christianity is reflected in the heart's alignment with Christ, surpassing verbal declarations.
• Call to Action: Listeners are urged to deepen their relationship with God, allowing Him to transform their lives authentically.

Notable Quotes:

• "Christianity is not a label that you slap on. It's a lifestyle that you walk out." — Heaven Kore [02:50]
• "Your mouth is not what makes your Christianity; your heart is what makes your Christianity." — Heaven Kore [11:30]
• "Salvation is free... The hard part is the transformative work that He wants to do in our lives." — Heaven Kore [08:20]

This episode of Brunch N' Bible serves as a compelling call for women to evaluate the depth of their faith and to strive for a life that truly embodies Christian values and teachings.