Escaping Moral Adventure

Have you ever wondered about how you should celebrate Halloween? Should you completely skip the holiday, or should it be a free for all? We have been unsure how to navigate Halloween with our kiddos for some time now, so we decided it was time to figure out what to do with this holiday! After doing quite a bit of research and using what we know to be true in scripture, we developed some simple guardrails to help navigate Halloween and activities associated with it. We hope this episode is as helpful for you as it was for us! During today's episode, we referenced the following: 36. Don't Judge Others? Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/36-dont-judge-others/id1544635214?i=1000533845418 YouTube: https://youtu.be/h5gVKUU6UrQ We used the following resources to compile information for this episode: https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/history-of-halloween https://www.gotquestions.org/Halloween-origin.html https://www.britannica.com/topic/Halloween https://www.gotquestions.org/haunted-house.html

Something new is coming. We're transitioning into Season 2 of Escaping Moral Adventure, and we're excited! In the coming weeks, we'll tell you more about what's in store for this new season. Between now and the launch of the new season, we will still release new content, just not on a weekly basis. As we're preparing for Season 2, this is a great time to get caught up on Season 1 (all 38 episodes)!

In today's episode, we look at four individuals in the Bible who experienced suffering. As we examine their experiences, we find that sometimes there is a ‘clear' reason for the suffering, but oftentimes there is not. It's likely all of us can relate to that! Thankfully, scripture encourages us in our suffering, and we know that. As believers in and followers of Jesus Christ, we can (and should) think differently about our suffering. We know that our suffering is not in vain, that God has a purpose for our suffering, and that he is at work in the midst of it. We also have the hope of eternity with Christ Jesus in heaven! We used the following resources for this episode: 1. Psalm 119 by Matt Chandler on RightNow Media: https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Search?q=psalm%20119 2. https://bibleproject.com/blog/gods-gives-job-tour-wise-world/ During today's episode, we shared some of our experience with miscarriages. We talk about it a bit on another episode as well: Episode 27: The Good News Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/27-the-good-news/id1544635214?i=1000527223732 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLC76tBIUwA

Now what? After you've made a mistake in life, what do you do next? Today, we discuss three ways people typically handle mess ups. Do you find someone or something to blame, try to justify your mistake, or do you own it? One of these choices can make you a better friend, family member, or even coworker, and the other two choices will cause you to lose integrity. We used the following website to help us gather information for this episode: https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/integrity We referenced the following scriptures in today's episode: Proverbs 10:9 (ESV) Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. Proverbs 28:6 (ESV) Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways. Proverbs 11:3 (ESV) The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them. Proverbs 20:7 (ESV) The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him! Psalm 84:11 (NASB) For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord gives grace and glory; He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV) 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

In this week's episode, we discuss whether or not we are to judge others. On the surface, it seems the Bible may contradict itself on this matter of judging others. However, after digging in a bit further we find a much deeper and consistent idea of what the Bible teaches about judging. We *should* discern/judge right from wrong. We should *not* judge the person - that is God's job and his alone. We used the following resources in this episode. Please take the time to read these articles to learn more about right and wrong judgments. https://www.gotquestions.org/judge-not-lest-you-be-judged.html https://www.gotquestions.org/do-not-judge.html

Having great friends is key for your physical, mental, and spiritual health, but building great friendships can seem daunting. Today we discuss the benefits and characteristics of great friendships and some practical ways to cultivate strong friendships in your own life. We referenced the following articles and scripture during today's episode: The data and studies behind the benefits of friendships: https://www.livescience.com/53315-how-friendships-are-good-for-your-health.html John 15:12-15: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.“ Proverbs 18:24: “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 22:24-25: “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.” 1 Corinthians 15:33: “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Proverbs 13:20: “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” We also referenced the Fostering Faith-Shaping Friendships small group study in this episode.

A quick search on social media for #blessed, will pull up more than 6 million posts. #blessed posts oftentimes don pictures and stories of grand achievements, encouraging health news, and dangerous situations being escaped without injury. But what happens when the achievements are lost, the health news is discouraging (and unwanted), or the dangerous situation isn't escaped without injury? Does #blessed still apply? Today we compare and contrast the common definition of ‘blessed' with the definition found in the Beatitudes in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. We find there is much more to being #blessed than meets the eye! In today's episode we reference Chip Ingram's book “Good to Great in God's Eyes”. https://livingontheedge.org/?s=good+to+great We also referenced the following from gotquestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/mean-to-be-blessed.html https://www.gotquestions.org/blessed-are-those-who-mourn.html https://www.gotquestions.org/blessed-are-the-merciful.html https://www.gotquestions.org/poor-in-spirit.html https://www.gotquestions.org/blessed-are-the-meek.html https://www.gotquestions.org/blessed-hunger-thirst-righteousness.html https://www.gotquestions.org/blessed-are-the-merciful.html https://www.gotquestions.org/pure-in-heart.html https://www.gotquestions.org/blessed-are-the-peacemakers.html https://www.gotquestions.org/blessed-are-those-who-are-persecuted.html

This week we add another episode to our marriage series with a discussion about the idea of ‘becoming one' in marriage. We share scripture that speaks to the importance of this concept and list a few ways to ‘become one' with your spouse. Check out our other episodes on marriage here: Episode 9. Marriage | Choose Love Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9-marriage-choose-love/id1544635214?i=1000510300787 YouTube: https://youtu.be/nKIZEwefYLg Episode 15. Marriage | Pick Your Battles Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/15-marriage-pick-your-battles/id1544635214?i=1000515956885 YouTube: https://youtu.be/EyzkMII1S6k Episode 20. Marriage | Cool Your Tongue Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/20-marriage-cool-your-tongue/id1544635214?i=1000521276125 YouTube: https://youtu.be/sYHy9FqeVSo We also referenced the following: · ‘The 5 Love Languages' by Gary Chapman: https://www.5lovelanguages.com/ · https://www.gotquestions.org/one-flesh-marriage.html

Parenting is a responsibility that is difficult while also being incredibly rewarding. Today we attempt to simplify the task of parenting by introducing and discussing six truths about parenting. This discussion is aimed at giving a practical way to become a parent that is aligned to truth, taking the complexity out of the task of being a great parent. We referenced the following podcast episodes during today's conversation: Episode 18. On Mission In Motherhood With Jen Rowlen [Part 1] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/18-on-mission-in-motherhood-with-jen-rowlen-part-1/id1544635214?i=1000518803864 YouTube: https://youtu.be/NmkqpN7axcw Episode 19. On Mission In Motherhood With Jen Rowlen [Part 2] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/19-on-mission-in-motherhood-with-jen-rowlen-part-2/id1544635214?i=1000520019029 YouTube: https://youtu.be/_VQ6BquJg4Q Episode 8. Choosing To Be Response-Able Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/8-choosing-to-be-response-able/id1544635214?i=1000509231231 YouTube: https://youtu.be/0SaWtly_89U Episode 11. Training For Godliness With Pastor Mike Plummer [Part 1] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/11-training-for-godliness-with-pastor-mike-plummer-part-1/id1544635214?i=1000512218860 YouTube: https://youtu.be/WZS0WUGWAhE Episode 12. Training For Godliness With Pastor Mike Plummer [Part 2] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/12-training-for-godliness-with-pastor-mike-plummer-part-2/id1544635214?i=1000513223720 YouTube: https://youtu.be/_Ulfmrgnn0A Episode 26. Getting To Know God Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/26-getting-to-know-god/id1544635214?i=1000526375554 YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZL5ZmdIuGJA We also referenced the book “Parenting Scripts” by Amber Lia and Wendy Speake.

Grace is a free gift from God, which is an incredible truth about Christianity—there is nothing we can do to earn it. What we oftentimes fail to realize, though, is that accepting this free gift of grace costs us something…our life. In today's episode, we discuss the difference between cheap grace and costly grace as introduced by Dietrich Bonhoeffer in The Cost of Discipleship. We find that cheap grace is grace without discipleship. We look to scripture to discover what it means to actually be a disciple. It's no simple task, but it's totally worth it! We mentioned the following resources during this episode: 1) The Cost of Discipleship 2) The Real God by Chip Ingram 3) Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” 4) Matthew 5, 6, 7 – Jesus' Sermon on the Mount where he gives instructions about what it looks like to follow him 5) Episodes 11 & 12. Training For Godliness With Pastor Mike Plummer Part 1 · Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/11-training-for-godliness-with-pastor-mike-plummer-part-1/id1544635214?i=1000512218860 · YouTube: https://youtu.be/WZS0WUGWAhE Part 2 · Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/12-training-for-godliness-with-pastor-mike-plummer-part-2/id1544635214?i=1000513223720 · YouTube: https://youtu.be/_Ulfmrgnn0A 6) Episodes 13 & 14. A Hitchhiker, Jesus, and Becoming A Doer Of The Word With Marion Sparks Part 1 · Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/13-hitchhiker-jesus-becoming-doer-word-marion-sparks/id1544635214?i=1000514058681 · YouTube: https://youtu.be/mjX_HLvGMWg Part 2 · Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/14-hitchhiker-jesus-becoming-doer-word-marion-sparks/id1544635214?i=1000515001503 · YouTube: https://youtu.be/2Ut-w4CZIf0

We're all storing up treasure somewhere. Are you storing up treasure on earth where moth and dust destroy it? Or are you storing up eternal treasure in heaven? In today's episode we define ‘treasure' and reference William MacDonald's book True Discipleship as we have a conversation about this idea of storing up treasures. It's important to evaluate where our treasure is because that is also where we'll find our heart. During today's conversation, we mentioned the episodes we recorded with Mark's dad: Episode 13. A Hitchhiker, Jesus, & Becoming A Doer Of The Word With Marion Sparks [Part 1] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/13-hitchhiker-jesus-becoming-doer-word-marion-sparks/id1544635214?i=1000514058681 YouTube: https://youtu.be/mjX_HLvGMWg Episode 14: A Hitchhiker, Jesus, & Becoming A Doer Of The Word With Marion Sparks [Part 2] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/14-hitchhiker-jesus-becoming-doer-word-marion-sparks/id1544635214?i=1000515001503 YouTube: https://youtu.be/2Ut-w4CZIf0 We also referenced the following: 1) https://www.gotquestions.org/for-where-your-treasure-is.html 2) True Discipleship by William MacDonald

Whether you're a mom or a manager or anything in between, leadership is key. You need to know how to get others to help you accomplish goals. In this episode, we discuss what leadership really is, the best way to lead, and how to build influence with other people. We reference James C. Hunter's excellent book “The Servant” and we discuss his ideas of the two ways to lead, one of which is far superior. We also explore how building relationships and meeting needs is key for becoming a real leader. You can email us at escapingmoraladventure@gmail.com with questions or comments and your question might end up on the show! We referenced the following scriptures during the episode: 1 Thessalonians 5:11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. Matthew 20:28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Today's episode is all about The Good News….The Good News of the Gospel! We share The Gospel – the good news of Jesus Christ and his plan of salvation – during the first half of the episode. In the last half of the episode, we reflect on our own lives with Christ and give encouragement to those who may be seeking Christ. If you're on the fence about accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior, it's time to get off the fence. Accepting Jesus as Lord of your life will be the best decision you ever make! When sharing the Good News of The Gospel in today's episode, we referenced the following passages of scripture: 1. Genesis Chapters 1 through 3 – The Creation and The Fall 2. Colossians 1:16 for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. 3. John 3:16 For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 4. Romans 3:23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. 5. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. 6. Romans 10:9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 7. Ephesians 2:8-9 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. The following scriptures were referenced during the last half of the episode when we were chatting about our experiences. 1. Luke 15:10 In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God's angels when even one sinner repents. 2. Philippians 4:6-7 6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 3. Ephesians 3:20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 4. 1 Corinthians 12:27 All of you together are Christ's body, and each of you is a part of it. 5. Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 6. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. For the more detailed story of our experience with miscarriages and all the thoughts and emotions and prayers that came along with that, click the links below: Post #1: http://savvyexpression.com/2014/02/10/our-unexpected-journey/ | Post #2: http://savvyexpression.com/2015/01/18/our-unexpected-journey-were-expecting/ | Post #3: http://savvyexpression.com/2015/06/28/our-unexpected-journey-an-answered-prayer/ Contact us at EscapingMoralAdventure@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!

On today's episode we introduce the idea of 'Getting to Know God' and the impact this has on our life. We discuss why it is important and some practical ways to get to know God including reading the bible, prayer, and service. In the show we referenced a few of our other podcast episodes with related content. The first was the concept of being obedient, and despite whether we want to be or not, we are obedient to something. 5. You're Obedient To Something https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/escaping-moral-adventure/id1544635214?i=1000506599224 We also mentioned our foundational principles, which helps us act in our lives, no matter the circumstance. 6. Becoming Unshakeable: 7 Foundational Principles For Life [Part 1] https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/escaping-moral-adventure/id1544635214?i=1000507415058 7. Becoming Unshakeable: 7 Foundational Principles For Life [Part 2] https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/escaping-moral-adventure/id1544635214?i=1000508309166 Additionally, we referenced the following scriptures: Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT - Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. John 14:9 - Jesus replied, "Philip, I have been with you all this time, and still you do not know Me? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Psalm 119:33-34a NLT - Teach me your decrees, O Lord, I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions. James 1:5 NASB - But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. Romans 8:26 NIV - In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. We also mentioned a few resources: A God-shaped hole https://www.gotquestions.org/God-shaped-hole.html The Real God, Chip Ingram https://livingontheedge.org/real-god-book/

Today on the podcast Mark takes us beyond forgiveness, into reconciliation. While forgiveness is something one person can do on their own, reconciliation requires the one who forgives to desire reconciliation and the one who was forgiven to act. This perfectly mirrors how Christ freely forgave us through is actions on the cross, yet to receive reconciliation, we must accept this forgiveness by believing in Him, repenting of our sins, and therefore being reconciled to him. Forgiveness Intro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeeT18Fz3zo Forgiveness Deep Dive Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dctGKagHV8A Forgiveness Deep Dive Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ct5YwlkshCQ Mark also referenced the following scriptures in today's episode: 2 Corinthians 5:18–19 NIV 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast. 2 Corinthians 5:11a 11Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others 2 Corinthians 5:17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 1 Peter 2:21 21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered[a] for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. Romans 5:10 For if, while we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

In today's episode, Mark sits down with Ryan Quinley, a missionary in the Dominican Republic focused on church planting and theological training, to discuss individualism. While individualism is associated with many virtues, Mark and Ryan discuss how it may be taken too far. Ryan lays out some common examples of how individualism impacts our ideas about worship, the Lord's supper and even salvation and some practical ways for us to think differently about being part of the body of Christ. To find out more about Ryan and his wife Cayla and their ministry, visit http://quinleysdr.com/

This week we finish up our series on forgiveness by going into more detail on the last of three truths about forgiveness: Forgiveness is freeing. We review a whole host of research showing the benefits of forgiveness, and dive into what scripture has to say on the topic as well. In a nutshell…it's much better to forgive than to hold a grudge! If you missed the Intro and/or Part 1 on forgiveness, be sure to go back and check those out! We used the following resources to compile information for this episode: 1) https://www.apa.org/monitor/2017/01/ce-corner 2) https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-forgiving-life/201804/why-forgiving-does-not-require-apology#:~:text=Forgiving%20and%20reconciling%20are%20not,the%20other%20refuses%20to%20apologize 3) https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/forgiveness-your-health-depends-on-it#:~:text=The%20good%20news%3A%20Studies%20have,of%20anxiety%2C%20depression%20and%20stress 4) https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-grudges.html

Last week, we briefly introduced three truths about forgiveness. This week, we share some definitions of forgiveness and go into a bit more detail about the first two truths: 1) Forgiveness is required and 2) Forgiveness is not dependent upon another person's apology. We also chat a bit about the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. We used the following resources to gather information for this episode: 1. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forgive 2. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/forgiveness/definition 3. https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/article/what-is-biblical-forgiveness/ 4. https://www.gotquestions.org/forgive-forgiven.html 5. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-forgiving-life/201804/why-forgiving-does-not-require-apology 6. https://pastortomhicks.com/2020/02/24/when-does-forgiveness-not-lead-to-reconciliation/

In this week's episode, we update you on our new logo (so exciting!). We also introduce the challenging topic of forgiveness, sharing three truths about it. This episode just scratches the surface on the topic, we'll go deeper into forgiveness soon.

This week we add another episode to our marriage series with a discussion about the importance of the words we speak (or don't speak). We outlined the impact words have for building our marriage or tearing it down, as well as some simple, practical guidelines for language in your marriage. We also referenced our earlier podcast on responding vs. reacting, which you can find here: 8. Choosing To Be Respose-Able Anchor: https://anchor.fm/moraladventure/episodes/8--Choosing-To-Be-Response-Able-eqembl Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/escaping-moral-adventure/id1544635214?i=1000509231231 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80MWZmNDA2MC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/OWExZDgzNmUtMThkMS00ZjFiLThmMjUtNzI2YzhjMDQ2ZWJl Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/74uW9ldXBl55Fy8W6A38Mw?si=5f4fGWG_TC2vIlQzG8Ij_A YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SaWtly_89U Additionally, we leveraged several scriptures throughout this episode including: Ephesians 5:25, 31-32 NLT 25 For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her. 31 As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” 32 This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. Ephesians 4:29 NLT Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Proverbs 10:19 NLT Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. Proverbs 10:19 NASB When there are many words, wrongdoing is unavoidable, But one who restrains his lips is wise. Proverbs 18:21 NASB Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. James 3:2 NLT Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. James 1:19 NLT Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

In today's episode, we share part 2 of a two-part series where Fallon sits down with her good friend, Jen Rowlen, to chat about being on mission in motherhood and what that looks like practically. We also discuss what to do with parenting failures and the shame and guilt often felt by parents, and the hope there is in Jesus being the perfect parent. If you missed part 1, be sure to check it out! We mention the following resources during today's episode: 1. How Great is Our God: 100 Indescribable Devotions About God and Science by Louie Giglio 2. God Knows Me: 365 Daily Devos for Girls 3. God Knows Me: 365 Daily Devos for Boys 4. In This House, We Will Giggle: Making Virtues, Love, and Laughter a Daily Part of Your Family Life by Courtney DeFeo 5. Parenting Scripts: When What You're Saying Isn't Working, Say Something New by Amber Lia and Wendy Speake 6. The Ology: Ancient Truths Ever New by Marty Machowski 7. Ep. 162 || John Piper's Encouragement for Moms in Suffering 8. Sinner's Prayer 9. What Does the Bible say about shame and regret? 10. What does the Bible say about guilt?

In today's episode, we share part 1 of a two-part series where Fallon sits down with her good friend, Jen Rowlen, to chat about being on mission in motherhood (and parenthood in general), what it means, and why it's important. We reference the following website during the conversation: https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-discipleship.html

In this week's episode, we sit down for a conversation with missionaries Ryan and Cayla Quinley just days before they head to the Dominican Republic. We discuss what drew them to mission work, the importance of it, and some of the challenges they faced. We are so grateful to have met this couple. You can follow along and/or support the Quinleys in the following ways: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuinleysDR Instagram: Website: http://quinleysdr.com

A few episodes ago, we chatted with Pastor Mike Plummer about training for godliness. One of the ways to do that is through the spiritual discipline of prayer. Prayer is our topic of discussion in this episode. We share some tips for how to pray and give some encouragement as well. During our chat, we referenced our Training For Godliness episodes. You can find those here: Episode 11. Training for Godliness With Pastor Mike Plummer [Part 1] Anchor | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Episode 12. Training for Godliness With Pastor Mike Plummer [Part 2] Anchor | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube We also referenced the Time Alone With God podcast with Dr. Tom Hufty.

Today's episode is part of our marriage series. We discuss the idea of ‘picking your battles' in marriage, including some tips for how to navigate conflict well and some behaviors to avoid during conflict. We referenced the following episodes during out chat today: Marriage |Choose Love: YouTube link: https://youtu.be/IgBvO6oI3K8 Choosing To Be Response-Able: YouTube link: https://youtu.be/0SaWtly_89U

This week we are bringing you part 2 of our two-part series on being doers of the Word. James tells us that we must be doers of the Word and not hearers only, otherwise we are just deceiving ourselves. Joining us for this topic is someone near and dear to our hearts – Mark's dad, Marion Sparks. His love for Jesus and the joy he has because of Jesus is so evident as you hear him recount the story of his first encounter with the Gospel of Jesus Christ (listen to part 1 for this!) and how he came to be a doer of the word. You won't want to miss this episode! During the episode, we referenced: 1) Gospel Fluency by Jeff Vanderstelt (https://www.gospelfluency.com/) 2) Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

This week we are bringing you part 1 of our two-part series on being doers of the Word. James tells us that we must be doers of the Word and not hearers only, otherwise we are just deceiving ourselves. Joining us for this topic is someone near and dear to our hearts – Mark's dad, Marion Sparks. His love for Jesus and the joy he has because of Jesus is so evident as you hear him recount the story of his first encounter with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how he came to be a doer of the word. You won't want to miss this episode! During the episode, we referenced “The Cost of Discipleship” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Our conversation with Pastor Mike Plummer about training for godliness continues today as we examine 1 Timothy 4:6-10. Today's episode picks up in verse 8. Be sure to check out part one (link below) to hear the beginning of the conversation! Training For Godliness [Part 1]: · Anchor: https://anchor.fm/moraladventure/episodes/11--Training-For-Godliness-With-Pastor-Mike-Plummer-Part-1-es2148 · Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/11-training-for-godliness-with-pastor-mike-plummer-part-1/id1544635214?i=1000512218860 · Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80MWZmNDA2MC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/MzA4MzAyMWMtODRhMi00MWRjLTg1YTktZTYxNDE5MGU5ZWU4?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwig7tmLibPvAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAg · Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1y9rScZOZPN1qFBHS3IBSj?si=wPsU3qMmRWyr4DXM83QPQA · YouTube: https://youtu.be/WZS0WUGWAhE

We have a special guest on today's episode, Pastor Mike Plummer. Mike is the pastor at Fillmore Baptist Church in Fillmore, IL. As we've visited Mike's church over the years, we've become big fans of his passion for and focus on biblical teaching. Today, Mike paints a great picture for us as he explains some parallels between physical training and training for godliness. Physical training requires us to sweat, and training for godliness is no different. It will take some “spiritual sweat.” Join us as we learn what it means to truly train for godliness and why it matters. During our conversation, Mike mentioned the book Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney. You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1615216170

On your journey to get unstuck and live a more intentional life (i.e., escape moral adventure), it's important to be equipped with the proper tools. Today, we'll discuss one of those tools: Fasting. We'll chat about what we can learn from the Bible about this topic, some purposes for fasting, as well as a few tips. Below are resources we used to gather information for this episode: 1. The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction by Justin Earley 2. https://www.christianity.com/bible/9-reasons-fast-other-than-swimsuit-season.html 3. https://www.christiantoday.com/article/5.reasons.why.christians.fast.during.lent/105105.htm 4. https://www.gotquestions.org/fasting-Christian.html

Oftentimes, when we hear the word 'love', we think of it as a feeling or emotion. However, when God calls us to love others, he's calling us to love them with agape love – a love that is an act of the will and unconditional. Not a 'warm and fuzzy' kind of love. Today, we chat about agape love and its role in marriage. During the episode, we refer to the following resources: 1) You and Me Forever: Marriage in Light of Eternity by Francis Chan 2) Gotquestions.org 3) The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman For more information on 1 Corinthians 13, click here: https://www.bibleref.com/1-Corinthians/13/1-Corinthians-chapter-13.html

Have you ever felt bad about how you reacted to something? Something happens that is stressful or unpleasant, you get upset or angry, and you say or do something you wish you hadn't? In today's episode, we discuss the difference between reacting and responding, as well as the importance of taking responsibility for your actions and choosing to be response-able. During our chat, we refer to our ‘principles'. For more information on establishing foundational life principles, check out our two-part series called “Becoming Unshakeable: 7 Foundational Principles for Life.” Links below. Part 1: Anchor | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Part 2: Anchor | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube We also refer to the following books: 1) The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

This week's episode is part 2 of our two-part series in which we discuss the importance of having a set of strong, unchanging foundational principles that are used to guide and direct your life. We share and discuss our principles and encourage you to establish your own as well. We mention the “new command” and what it means to “love.” We chat a bit more about this concept in the “How to Love your Neighbor” episode which you can find here: Anchor | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube We also refer to the following: 1) Transformed by Chip Ingram (Bible Study) 2) Gospel Fluency by Jeff Vanderstelt (book) 3) The Mingling of Souls (Bible study and book) 4) Francis Chan video clip on living eternally. You can view the full sermon here.

Become unshakeable no matter the circumstance. This week's episode is part one of a two-part series in which we discuss the importance of having a set of strong, unchanging foundational principles that are used to guide and direct your life. We share and discuss our principles and encourage you to establish your own as well. During our discussion, we referred to a previous episode in which we mentioned taking an inventory of your time. You can find that full episode, “Signs You're Stuck In Moral Adventure,” here: Anchor | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube We also mentioned the decision-making episode from the Point Taken podcast. That episode, “How to Make Decisions And Never Look Back [Part 2],” can be found here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0CzcZzlXIqAuwaTIQpJQ45?si=_X03WIEeSK24KjSWywJvqw

The thought of being obedient can make us cringe. “Wouldn't it be better to not be obedient to anything?” Unfortunately, whether we want to be or not, we're all obedient to something or someone. We can be obedient to our emotions, mood, work, spouse, self, etc. without even realizing it. In this episode, we discuss things we may unintentionally become obedient to, as well as a better approach - to become obedient to a set of principles. This takes intentionality. During the episode we reference the following books: 1) 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey 2) The Mingling of Souls by Matt Chandler We also mentioned the “How To Love Your Neighbor” episode, which can be found here: Anchor | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Moral Adventure is the posing of questions, criticisms, difficulties, or rationalizations resulting in the avoidance of taking right action. Being stuck in moral adventure is more common than you may think, but what might that even look like? In this episode, we give a few specific examples of how you might be stuck and possible ways out. You can find our “How to Love Your Neighbor” episode, which we mentioned in today's show, on the following platforms. Just simply click a link below. Anchor | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube We also referenced the following books: 1) Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl 2) The Common Rule by Justin Earley

Many people give up on their New Year's resolutions after just a month. So, instead of making a New Year's resolution, we choose a focus word for the year. In this episode, we share our focus words and discuss how we plan to integrate these words into our daily lives. We hope this will help give you some ideas for how to possibly integrate your own word into your daily life as well. We referenced two books during the episode: 1) "Gospel Fluency" by Jeff Vanderstelt 2) "Storyworthy" by Matthew Dicks The 'homework for life' concept comes from "Storyworthy." Check out Episode 1 to learn more about Escaping New Year's Resolutions: https://youtu.be/rJEUr0ntW84.

In this episode we discuss what it means to love your neighbor. Can you love someone without liking them and is love a feeling? We know loving our neighbor is important because Jesus commands us to do it. But what does ‘love' even mean? And how can we practically love our neighbor? We'll discuss the definition of love, as well as four principles we believe are necessary to follow in order to love your neighbor well. During our chat, we referenced the book “The Servant” by James Hunter. We also mentioned a couple scriptures without their reference. Those are below. 2 Chronicles 16:9a (NLT) The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” James 1:17 (ESV) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

The new year represents a great time to start something new, stop a bad habit or just make a change in general. However, the most common approach, a New Year's resolution, typically fails. We'll discuss an alternative to New Year's resolutions aimed at providing the motivation to act without the likely failure and disappointment that comes from failing to keep a new year's resolution. In this episode, we reference a book called "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg. You can find more about this book here: https://charlesduhigg.com/the-power-of-habit/

Moral Adventure leads to inaction or worse, aimlessness. In the coming months we'll discuss why it is so dangerous, why so many fall into it and how to escape through Spontaneous Obedience. In this introduction, we'll define Moral Adventure and discuss how to escape through Spontaneous Obedience.