Avizandum with Pastor John Munro

John and Gudny continue their story, remembering how the missions trip turned into an unlikely long-distance romance, getting married, and beginning a life together, navigating different cultures and locations.

Don't miss the podcast as John begins a very special series on Avizandum with his wife, Gudny, as they reminisce about their lives together, how the Lord has worked, and the impact of their faith.

In today's world, if something breaks, our first thought is to throw it away and buy a new one--and this mindset often extends to our approach to relationships, the workplace, and even the church. Yet isn't it interesting that God's specialty is forgiveness, restoration, and renewal?

Because it has been some time since John has dated, he is hesitant to give dating advice to the next generation! But he does receive questions and hears about it during premarital counseling, so he'd like to share some common themes, particularly for young men.

When someone insults or slanders us, our natural instinct is to reply and criticize that person in return. But just because you have that ability doesn't mean that you should use it. Join John as he reflects on a lesser-known moment from the Garden of Gethsemane to help us understand this difficult lesson.

While our society largely worships at the throne of youth, we must remind ourselves that the family of God is multigenerational. Many seniors may feel neglected, forgotten or marginalized, yet Scripture's commands to honor our parents and respect all as made in the image of God still apply.

Artificial intelligence (or "alien intelligence" as historian Niall Ferguson calls it) is revolutionary, offering enormous benefits in many fields. However, we must employ AI with caution, particularly in spiritual matters and as we see younger generations struggle with face-to-face communication.

Robert Murray McCheyne was a Scottish preacher who lived during 1813-1843, and his life and writings have been a particular encouragement to John for many years. Why has McCheyne's legacy been so impactful? Join John as he reflects on this hero of the faith.

What happens to someone who professed faith in Jesus Christ as a student or child, but now many years later, shows no interest in spiritual things? Are they saved? What does the Bible say?

We sometimes hear the platitude, "You can be a Christian without going to church", but this can be misleading. God has given us the church, and while any church has its failures and shortcomings, followers of Christ are meant to grow in a community of believers.

Recent remarks by Pete Hegseth as the Secretary of War (formerly Defense) suggest that he may embrace Theonomy theology, which advocates for the Mosaic Law of the Old Testament to be the basis of our laws.

John welcomes Nathaniel Pearce, Pastor of Family Ministries at Calvary, to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing parents, including the importance of intentional priorities and demonstrating a reliance on the Word of God.

Technology and social media tend to isolate us, but God created us to live in relationship with Him and others. Friendship is one of the great joys in life. Yet we must remember how to be a good friend as we pursue new relationships

Followers of Christ have been forgiven of our sins through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Yet forgiving others is still difficult for us, and we tend to hold onto grievances. How do we prevent this?

Many times our minds are occupied with trivial things. But today John is issuing a challenge to help set our minds on Scripture through memorization and meditation. How do we do this, and why?

In our fallen state, all of us are naturally rebellious. Selfishness, self-indulgence, and self-autonomy are central--we want to make our own rules. But humility and submission are to be central in the lives of followers of Christ.

The concept of mentoring is familiar and quite popular. But it may be helpful to remember that real mentoring (or discipleship in the biblical sense) involves commitment, intentional effort, and practical action on the part of those involved.

What's most important when communicating with your teenagers? How can you minimize tension and create the opportunity to deepen your relationship and offer spiritual guidance? John interviews Cameron Engle, Calvary's Pastor of High School Ministry.

John is constantly encouraging people to open their Bibles. Why is it so critical that we should read our Bibles every day? Is there a right or wrong way to approach our personal reading?

Scripture tells us that followers of Jesus are citizens of heaven. But what does that mean? How does that relate to our citizenship of our home country and our understanding of the future?

John sits down with Micah Burdett, Pastor of Middle School at Calvary and a father of three, to discuss the role of humility in parenting and the importance of spiritual teaching and modeling at home as well as at church

It used to be common for churches to hold annual missions conferences. But this kind of missions focus seems to have decreased. Why is that? And how then should we think about the Great Commission?

Whether we're doing a will or attending a funeral, it can be difficult to face our own mortality. But followers of Jesus shouldn't fear death. Our hope goes beyond death, even though there is much we don't understand.

John and his wife, Gudny, recently celebrated their 20th year at Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Join John as he shares thoughts and reflections on this milestone of God's faithfulness

Our Heavenly Father watches over us, cares for us, provides for us, and loves us so much that from time to time He also disciplines us. Have you experienced discipline by God the Father? What has been your response?

Calvary member Stan Rawls endured the unthinkable when his son, Kelly Rawls, was tragically killed in a skydiving accident. Yet the Lord worked through the terrible experience by inspiring Stan to write a book helping parents know how to explain the Gospel of Jesus Christ to their children--the most important conversation they will ever have.

Lies and gossip cause a lot of trouble in relationships, in business, in families, and even in the church. In particular, social media makes it easy to spread rumor and innuendo, but followers of Christ are to be people of truth.

As a pastor, John has received many questions, but the most frequent one deals with eternal security. Is it possible to be truly saved and then lose that salvation? Or another variation: Once I am saved by grace, do I have the freedom to live as I like?

"Dispensationalism” has recently been in the news. It's a theological term describing an approach to Scripture looking at the categories of history in God's revelation, such as before and after the Mosaic Law and the end times. What should we make of topics like this?

We are probably familiar with the idea of Jesus being with us and never forsaking us, rather than the encouraging truth that the Lord goes before us. But as you begin this new year, reflect on and find comfort in this glorious promise!

Most of us are familiar with the nativity story as presented in the Gospel of Luke. But do you ever think of Christmas from the perspective of eternity? Today John reflects on a different passage that deals with mind-blowing miracle of the Word becoming flesh.

In a world where the months seem to fly by, does the message of Christmas ever seem repetitive or humdrum? Join John as he challenges us to reset and approach this Christmas with a fresh sense of wonder and awe.

We may immediately think of financial provisions when we think of leaving a legacy, but there much more to what we leave behind. Join John as he reflects on different and even more powerful legacies.

At Christmas we celebrate the birth of our Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ. Many Christian families also enjoy fun traditions like Santa. So how does that work? Join John for a special interview with Sarah French, author of the children's book, "A Beautiful Story: Jesus & St. Nick."

Most of us do more talking than listening! But in relationships, it's important than we listen with a desire to understand. Join John as he discusses how this same idea applies in our relationship with God--being still and listening to Him

During October, John struggled with severe nerve pain on the right side of his face. While he has had mild forms of this pain for many years, this recent episode was a powerful reminder of our need to depend totally on the Lord.

It can be easy to define ourselves based on our race or background. But the Gospel of Jesus Christ is offered to everyone. How can that be reflected in our worship and relationships? Join John as he reflects on the implications for worship and ministry.

It's fascinating how God selected the piece of real estate for Israel at the very center of the world. For centuries it has been at the heart of human history. So what does the Bible say about this elusive goal of "peace in the Middle East"?

No Christian minimizes the importance of prayer, yet this is an area where most of us struggle. While an incredible privilege, prayer is also a discipline, so listen as John offers insight and shares a simple guide for prayers.

If asked, we would all likely agree that what is important is not our outward appearance but what is in our hearts. However, John was recently surprised by an objection to his wearing a tie to preach! Why are these personal choices important? (And why does he like wearing ties?)

Disagreements are a part of life. But too often in today's climate, we see arguments escalate with no real effort put into resolving the conflict and preserving the relationship. What guidance does the Bible give us on conflict resolution?

One of the dimensions of being made in the image of God is our ability to reason, though sin has impacted our thinking. Still, followers of Christ are called to be transformed and to have the mind of Christ. But often we allow the viewpoints of the world to shape our perspective.

As we mourn the brutal killings of Iryna Zarutska and Charlie Kirk, why is there all this hate? And how are we to respond and function in what seems to be a growing culture of hate?

Much of our Bible reading is often limited to a few verses which are read and discussed without regard to the overall context. But the context is critical to accurate understanding. Join John as he discusses the all-important practice of reading the Bible extensively as well as intensively.

Jesus means Savior and is one of the most beautiful and precious names of the Son of God who died for our sins and rose again. Yet why are people sometimes uncomfortable with referring to Jesus as Lord?

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's engagement has been big news, along with Taylor's ring! So why is there always such a fuss about engagement rings? Join John as he thinks back to his own experience with an engagement ring, and what is most important.

Most of us have experienced the death of a loved one and know what it is to grieve. How do we deal with crippling loss? How do we help others who are grieving? And why do followers of Christ approach grief differently?

Have you heard the term "red meat preaching"? It refers to when a preacher gives the congregation what they want. Pandering to an audience isn't a new concept but one that is still relevant today.

We hear that young people often leave the church once they go to college or leave home. Why is this? And how should followers of Christ consider and approach this important issue?

Are you content? Being contented does not mean that you don't have ambitions or future plans, but that you are at peace with present circumstances. Why is contentment important? And why can it be so difficult for us?

In our culture of relativism and subjectivism, we are not surprised that the Word of God continues to be attacked. Even followers of Christ sometimes make their experience of God foundational over the truth of God. So why should we receive the Bible as absolute truth?