Hold Fast

It has been a few months since our last episode and it's so good to be back. In this episode, Kenny briefly explains his absence and what to expect in the coming weeks on the podcast.

In this episode, we talk about how we can think rightly about the spiritual battles all around us without either thinking the Devil is to blame for everything or without disregarding the spiritual realities in our world.

In this episode, we answer a listener question: What does the church do to help its people live out 1 John 5:21 in regards to the culture battles of our day? Here's a link to the sermon I mentioned in the episode: https://subsplash.com/missionwaychurch/media/mi/+csjmbsm

Would you rather have a leader who is always real or one who is always right? Would you rather be someone who is always real? Or someone who always pursues holiness? Let's talk about the danger of focusing too heavily on authenticity and transparency.

It might seem weird to have an episode on productivity on a Christian podcast, but could it be that God actually wants us to be productive? What does it mean to be productive from a biblical perspective and how can we actually be better at this? This episode seeks to be both biblical and practical in helping you get more things done. Resources mentioned in this article: Redeeming Productivity: Getting More Done for the Glory of God https://a.co/d/4TSuvGH Redeeming Your Time: 7 Biblical Principles for Being Purposeful, Present, and Wildly Productive https://a.co/d/hLkf5uB Do More Better: A Practical Guide to Productivity https://a.co/d/iWyZpbW Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity https://a.co/d/0tLOSPl

It's an uncomfortable and painful reality to face, but death is inevitable for all of us. While we know that to be true, we try not to think about it until we have to. But what if contemplating death will actually help us gain wisdom and be better followers of Jesus? Let's talk about it.

Most parents have said something like this at one time or another: "It's not like there's a book that tells you what to do or anything." I have said this myself, but is it true? Does that statement also apply to the Bible? Does the Bible help us follow Jesus, but not help us in our parenting?

Have you ever struggled to believe God really does love you? Ever thought His love must be less for you than for other Christians? This episode aims to encourage your heart to understand just how deep the Father's love for you goes. This is the final installment of our series talking through "A Gospel Primer."

Continuing our series alongside "A Gospel Primer," Kenny discusses the danger of self-love and how the Gospel frees us from it.

God's love for us was demonstrated on the cross for us, but how is God's love also demonstrated in His commands to us? How does the Gospel help us in our fight against sin on a daily basis?

The second episode in the series where we are moving through the book by Milton Vincent titled: "A Gospel Primer for Christians." In this episode, Kenny discusses how the Gospel actually does give us the power to win our "everyday battles." You can purchase the book here.

The first of many episodes moving through the book by Milton Vincent titled: "A Gospel Primer for Christians." In this episode, Kenny discusses the importance of preaching the Gospel to yourself and ends with a challenge to everyone listening. You can purchase the book here.

Time spent with your family in God's Word, prayer, and worship is one of the most important weapons we have in fighting the culture wars of our time. There are not many better ways to bring our children up to be a force for the Kingdom of God. In this episode we discuss what family worship is, why is matters, common excuses for not doing it, and some practical ways to begin implementing it in your home.

It's an age-old, very important question. What does God's Word have to say about it?

James gives us a blueprint to run through in order to know if we are being informed by godly wisdom. Are you thinking with worldly or godly wisdom?

Many people who are not believers in Christ view those of us following Jesus as if we are in bondage. But the Bible is clear that sin is true bondage and to be in Christ is to be truly free.

Proverbs 3:5-6 is a very familiar passage for good reason. Are you really walking in what it says?

Do you attend a local church but don't serve there? Here's what the Bible has to say about that.

Kenny shares some practical thoughts on how you can find more authentic community in your church. If you're feeling left out or like you're not really connected to your church, this is an important episode for you.

Before we begin to offer worship to God, Solomon has some wise words for us to adhere to. Before we think about serving the Lord in ministry, we should be sure that our hearts are offering passionate worship to Him.

What is biblical discipleship and why is it important?

What are Christians ultimately called to do? This episode breaks down the mission statement of MissionWay Church, but is a call to all believers to do what Jesus called us to in the Great Commission.

As a husband or wife, what is your job in the marriage? What are you called to do? Paul tells us this in Ephesians 5 and although it's not all popular in our culture, it's biblical and important for us to know. I hope this is a practical episode that you can begin applying to your marriage right away.

Every struggled with not "feeling saved?" Maybe you have days where you wake up and you just feel indifferent toward the things of the Lord. How do we handle life when our feelings don't seem to match what we believe to be true? In this episode, I try to answer that question, and I also share something from my past that I hope helps you navigate this battle.

I had one more thought after recording the last episode that I really wanted to share.

Should we all just love Jesus, believe the Gospel, and leave the other theology "stuff" to the pastors and professors? Do the 'secondary' theological issues matter for the single mom, college student, parent of high schoolers, etc?

How can we find contentment in a world that seems to be crumbling around us? With rising gas prices, inflation, and the overall status of the economy, it seems hard to find peace when it comes to our finances. How can we be content even in such difficult times? How can we be free from the love of money?

The month of June is known by many as "Pride Month." As Christians, we need to think biblically about not only what we should believe about these things but also how we should respond with love and truth. This episode will not cover everything that needs to be said - not even close! I will try, however, to provide a few things to think about in regards to how we should respond as Christians to our culture during Pride Month.

Over the past few weeks, I've had the opportunity to talk with some Mormon missionaries and I wanted to share some of the things the Lord has been teaching me through these conversations.

Paul tells us in Romans 8 that "those who are in the flesh cannot please God." He counsels us instead to walk by the Spirit. But how do we actually do that on a day-to-day basis? What does it mean to walk by the Spirit? You can read the original article that this episode is based on here: https://www.missionwaychurch.org/blog/how-to-set-the-mind-on-the-spirit

In this episode, I welcome my wonderful, beautiful wife, Jenna to the podcast to talk about modesty. While this is a conversation often had with women in mind, this is one for men and women to consider. Jenna shares some wisdom and practical ways we can think about modesty from a biblical perspective. This one is definitely worth your time!

Have you ever looked around the culture and asked yourself "Am I the one who's going crazy?!" Sometimes it can feel like everyone around us is walking in darkness and we wonder if there will be anyone left standing on Truth when it's all said and done. Paul has encouragement for us in 2 Timothy 3 that we can cling to in these dark days.

In this special episode of Hold Fast, Pastor Keith Foskey joins Kenny as they discuss an image that was shared on Facebook recently regarding community and fellowship at church. What should you do if you don't feel connected to your local church body? Hear from two pastors who discuss how Christians can find deeper fellowship and community at their churches.

In this episode, we walk through Psalm 37 together to remind ourselves that no matter what may be happening to us or around us, the Lord will not forsake His people. He remains faithful, even when we are faithless.

This is a message that has brought me so much hope in times of trial and temptation, and I pray it does the same for you.

We live in a digital age where at any given time, we can listen to sermons, podcasts, interviews, etc. focused on Jesus and his Word. But should we spend more time-consuming content online or engaged with our church family? Should we listen to other pastors more than the pastor at our church? What about online church? Is that just as beneficial for our souls as physically gathering with the body?

Lead singer of the Christian rock band - Skillet - recently made headlines with his comments about deconstruction. Was he right in the things he said? How should we be thinking about this difficult topic? -- Read John Cooper's response to the backlash - https://churchleaders.com/news/417450-john-cooper-deconstruction.html/2

Often in Jesus' ministry, we see large crowds following after Him. While He always had compassion on them and often healed them while He taught, He never wavered on the Truth for the sake of appeasing the crowds. Jesus wasn't interested in the approval of men - He sought the approval of His Father above all things. Do we do the same?

I have a guest on the show today - Bradley Bennett is the pastor at City Church Bartram and he joins me to have a conversation about how God has shaped how we see ministry over the past few years. Whether you're a pastor or not, this episode gets deep into what the Church is supposed to look like and how we should function to reach our world for Christ. Hear from two guys who still have much to learn but who have gone through some pretty radical shifts in how we think about what it means to be a pastor.

Spiritual abuse is a reality that many people in the Church are facing and yet many don't even realize it or don't know what to do about it. In this episode, Kenny seeks to give us a starting point on how to think about this difficult and painful subject biblically. Rise and Fall of Mars Hill - https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/rise-and-fall-of-mars-hill/ Cultish: Tactics of Manipulators - https://thecultishshow.com/podcast/tactics-of-manipulators

In the final part of this series, Kenny responds to an article that gained some popularity among Christians last year that claims to give 15 reasons why people are disillusioned with the Church. This episode responds to points 11-15. You can find the original article here: https://churchplants.com/articles/21849-disillusioned-with-church.html

In part two of this episode, Kenny responds to an article that gained some popularity among Christians last year that claims to give 15 reasons why people are disillusioned with the Church. This episode responds to points 6-10. You can find the original article here: https://churchplants.com/articles/21849-disillusioned-with-church.html

There's no doubt we live in a controversial age. Should Christians live their lives in such a way that we avoid controversy at all costs? How can we possibly shine the light and love of Christ by getting in the middle of the cultural arguments of our day?

In part one of this episode, Kenny responds to an article that gained some popularity among Christians last year that claims to give 15 reasons why people are disillusioned with the Church. This episode responds to points 1-5. You can find the original article here: https://churchplants.com/articles/21849-disillusioned-with-church.html

Don't let the cheesy title fool you, this episode is dealing with a tough issue. We all feel the effects of inflation these days, but how should we respond to it all? How can we find hope in the midst of financial hopelessness?

The Christmas season is supposed to be filled with joy, lights, cheer, family, friends, parties, etc. right?! For many of us, the sting of grief is all too present during the holiday season. How do we cope with it? I hope to offer a small amount of encouragement if that's you, and also a challenge to the rest of us to reach out to those who are grieving.

Have you ever heard someone take 30-60 seconds on Tik-Tok (or anywhere for that matter) and try to refute the teachings of Christianity? What are the dangers of that and how should we respond?

Is there a way to test yourself to see if you are truly in the faith? This episode isn't intended to cause anyone to doubt their salvation, but instead to examine yourselves to see if you are truly in the faith.

Did you grow up singing hymns in church? Then this episode is for you because Kenny read the lyrics from a well-known hymn and encourages us with the words from that hymn and the Scripture passage it's based on. Let's talk about how our God is a mighty fortress.

How can we have peace in the current times? How do we fight against all the evil and chaos of the headlines? How do we keep our hearts from becoming fearful and discouraged? How do we fight the headlines?

Nate joins me for this episode of Hold Fast where we talk about our spiritual diet. Where are you getting your spiritual nourishment from? What sermons, music, books, etc. are you consuming? Are they biblical? How do we choose solid content? We are encouraging you to make sure your soul is well fed.