There are many things we hear from the Word of God, whether in a sermon, a song, or regular conversation. But what about those less comfortable topics? What does the Bible say about divorce, pornography, what should or should not happen in worship, modern warfare, the election, profanity, alcohol, masculinity, or a host of other things that don't normally come up around the Sunday lunch table? Jeremiah's Well covers these topics; the ones that people should be, but maybe aren't, talking about in the public square and the Sunday pulpit. Like Jeremiah did of old, we're sharing timeless truths for troubled times.
We're beginning a brief series about the Doctrines of Grace. Today- Total Depravity. Is it really total? Aren't there some good people out there? From race to relationships, sin corrupts, but there's a good reason total depravity is called a doctrine of grace. Josh flies solo for this one and dives deep into the timeless truths of scripture. More info- Jeremiah's Well
Why did the Reformation take place over 500 years ago? Are we in need of a new one today? So often we get used to the routine of church, but that doesn't mean church is being done the right way. Josh and Jordan talk about the reformation, past and present, and hit on the authority of God's Word and the necessity of always reforming. More info- Jeremiah's Well
Life as parents isn't always amazing and this past weekend was a perfect example. Sometimes kids are just plain dumb. The patience required to parent makes we wonder at the patience God must show to His children. Melissa and Josh recap a rough week and some practical ways to bring peace to a broken home. More info- Jeremiah's Well online
Parenting is rough! How do we balance wanting to be a friend with being a parent? And what if all our efforts seem to be in vain as our kids pursue the wrong path? Melissa & Josh talk about some struggles, squid games, and hopefully share some encouraging words as they realize they have no control over their kids. For more info, visit- JeremiahsWell.com
With earthquakes, wars, rumors of wars, a pandemic, and even Facebook going down all happening recently, are we FINALLY living in the last days? Jesus must be close to returning, right? Or are these things not as unique as we think they are? Josh & Jordan run down the current and past events that many have seen as signaling the end and give their own thoughts on when the last days may be. For more visit- Jeremiah's Well online
Where is your hope? Is it in a job, finances, the government, a vaccine, your health, or is it in the Lord? We may confess with our mouths our hope is in God, but do our lives reflect that belief? It's easy to push temporal solutions like medicine or money, but are we just as quick to share the hope of Christ? Melissa joins Josh today to talk about where our true hope must be found and how to share that hope with others in a loving, practical way. For more info visit- https://www.jeremiahswell.com/
Should Christians worry about getting canceled? Is it boldness to use every platform we can to share the gospel or is it foolishness? In a culture that is increasingly more hostile towards Christians, is there wisdom in picking our places to share or is that a cowards way out? Josh & Jordan move from V for Vendetta into C for Cancel Culture in today's episode. For more visit: https://www.jeremiahswell.com/
Is the church a place for believers only, or can non-Christians serve as well? What if you really need help in your children's ministry or on the worship team? Is there room for someone to belong before they believe? Josh & Ricky are on the mics this week. Do they agree? You'll have to listen to find out. For more visit: Jeremiah's Well
Josh & Jordan react to the new COVID mandates and speak to our response to abusive leadership in government and the church. While there are difficulties in every church, we are called to be part of the solution, not the problem. How can we add to the health of our churches instead of making things worse? For more visit: https://www.jeremiahswell.com/
We're back! After a long break, Josh & Ricky hit the mics to catch up on life and talk about the latest victories over abortion in TX, how to be sneaky with our fight to save the unborn, and why people don't like being told to get vaccinated. Do you think we got it right? Wrong? Let us know. More info- https://www.jeremiahswell.com/
Passover is still celebrated by millions around the world each year, but surprisingly not by many Christians. This ancient meal, repurposed by Christ just before His death, reminds us of God's salvation and points us back to the cross and ahead to the coming of Christ. It isn't just a Jewish thing. It's a feast that should be celebrated by all who find their salvation in Jesus Messiah. As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
The recent shooting in Atlanta has left many upset, saddened, and feeling the weight of racism. But was that event really about racism? And is racism really the thing we should be upset about? There are a lot of burdens to bear these days, from racism to abortion to many others. Should we try to fix all of them? If we don't, are we cold and heartless? Josh and Melissa have a discussion about their thoughts on this event and the bigger conversation of racism that seems to underline all the problems in our country. We'd love to hear your thoughts and comments on the discussion. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
Horror movies are often associated with fear, violence, and gore, but do they have a place in the life of a Christian? Should we stay away from this genre or is there a benefit to watching? What is a horror movie and why would anyone intentionally watch something that would scare them? Josh & Ricky come from very different perspectives and discuss the pros and cons, harms and helps, of this controversial genre. As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
The fool is a main character in Proverbs. We see him everywhere today; in our homes, schools, social feeds, government halls, places of work, and even our own hearts. But what is a fool? How do we identify these "windbags" and should we even try to convince them they're wrong? What if we can't walk away from foolish conversations? There is a ton of foolishness in our world today, from cancel culture to conspiracy theories, but thankfully there are many timeless truths which speak to this frustrating reality. As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
Injustice is a hot topic these days. How do we endure if it comes our way? The guys dive into the Apostles Creed, discussing the suffering of Christ under Pontius Pilate, and how it was much more than the physical suffering we usually think about. The injustice Pilate served was some of the worst in history, but it points us to the justice and mercy of God. Oh, and Ricky hates spring for some reason? As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
Should we see professional counselors? Is counseling really necessary if we have friends, pastors, and especially the Bible? Why are people hesitant to see a counselor and how do Christianity and psychiatry work together? Mark & Jess Wells join the podcast to talk about their practice (SoulCareChatt.com) and why counseling isn't just essential, but Biblical. Bottom line, we all could use some counseling. As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
Our pastors craft sermons with care, sure to express God's Word accurately and effectively, but what about our songs? Is the same care taken with them? What if the song is ok, but the artist supports things we stand against? Is it still okay to sing these songs? We dive into What a Beautiful Name, Elevation and Bethel, and even a little Mariah Carey as we talk about worship words. Josh and Ricky don't agree on this one, but get into a discussion about the principles behind why we sing what we sing in worship. As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
Violence has dominated much of the news in recent months, from riots to rallys, from cities to the capital. As Christians, is it ever ok to resort to violence? Should we always turn the other cheek or are there times when the use of force is necessary and even warranted? Is it ok to raise up arms against our government? Ricky and Josh dive into this troubling topic and may not land where you expect. As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
Do you ever struggle finding times of rest amidst the chaos and stress of everyday life? Shouldn't you be able to find time to be in the Word, to get refreshed, to recharge? Well, not always. So, what can you do when life gets away from you and the regular rhythms of peace aren't there? How can we find rest? Melissa joins Josh on the eve of their 1 year anniversary to talk about stress, dealing with life, and finding rest in the middle of it all. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
Conflict is going to happen. A comment, an action, or a social post will rub someone the wrong way. How do we respond? Must we make peace? Sadly, many of us opt for peacekeeping rather than peacemaking. Luke Banner, pastor of Mosaic Fellowship, joins Josh to talk about Biblical peacemaking and why it's so essential to the health of the church. As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
Is it really important that Jesus was born of a virgin? Does this make her extra special? Should we treat her as a "super saint" or is she just like all of us? And why is this line even in the creed? Surely we can all agree on the virgin birth, right? The guys head back into the Apostles Creed to think about the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary. Plus a toilet paper tragedy is revealed. As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
The news all seems to be bad these days. Political bickering, mobs, alienating opinions… Is there any joy out there? Is there hope? Of course! Even in the midst of lamentation we can and must find times to reflect on the joys all around us. Today Ricky is finally back and the guys discuss some current events, how they're dealing with the negative stream of news, and what timeless truths they are clinging to. As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
Happy New Year! A special guest joins Josh today (spoiler, it's his dad) to talk about his 26 years in the ministry. What are the things he wishes church members knew, how to make your pastors' jobs easier, how he lasted so long as a worship guy, where he found encouragement along the way, the trials of leadership, and a hilarious baptism by immersion story. As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
What does it mean to confess Jesus as Lord? Can you be a Christian without Jesus as your Lord? And how do we trust in Jesus as Lord when it seems like the world is out of control? After a brief catch up on life, COVID, and talking about our break, we dive into the Apostles Creed and find encouragement and hope in the Lord of all things, Jesus Christ. We'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com . We'll be back with more content on the first Monday of 2021.
Melissa joins the podcast to talk about working women and how the church can serve them. But is it even ok for women to work? Where do the stereotypes of the working man and stay at home woman come from? And how can the church help and not harm the working women in their midst? Despite the squeaky voice, we get some great insights, plus some very early merry Christmas greetings. We'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
We're back to the Apostles Creed today discussing God as creator. Do you have to believe in "Creationism" to be a Christian? Is Genesis simply poetry and not science? Can we find common ground between evolution and a literal 6 day creation? We tackle this and more, plus we guess from the past how the election turned out. We'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
We're finally back together to talk about the election and what might happen after the results are in. Will chaos ensue? Will everything calm down? Will God's man win? We'll reveal who we voted for, what we've been learning from God's Word, and catch up on life a bit. We'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
Ricky gets an upgrade at co-host as he and Stephanie FINALLY share their story! It's an amazing recounting of the joys, stresses, and perspective that comes from waiting on God's timing. Throughout their time together and apart God has remained faithful in guiding and providing. We hope those of you waiting on the Lord find encouragement, even if you are more elderly like Josh. We'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes or feedback from this one. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
We love making plans, but how do we respond when they change? Do we roll with it? Grumble and complain? Stress about the complications? We can make our plans, but it is the Lord's purposes that will stand (Prov. 19:21). This week's episode is a prime example of that as plans changed and Melissa steps in for Ricky after a few weeks of unexpected plans. Thankfully, we know that the Lord's plans always work out for good and are for our best, even if we think otherwise. We'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com.
We hear calls all around us to do amazing things, change the world, live radically, shape our culture… but many of us live simple lives, working hard to put food on the table, spending time with our families, engaging with our church, or building relationships. Is it wrong to just be ordinary? Should we not be content with our regular lives and always strive for more or is it ok to be an average joe? The guys get into this and more as they follow-up the episode from two weeks ago on evangelism and entertainment. Plus, Ricky gets a little jelly of Josh's new friend. We'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
The Apostles Creed is one of the foundational documents that summarizes the basics of the Christian faith. This week starts an every other week or so study through the tenants of the creed. Today we tackle what it means to believe and try to wrap our heads around God the Father. Is he near or far? Just or gracious? Yes! Plus we almost get dive bombed by a falcon. We'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
We all love entertainment, whether it's a show on TV, games with friends, going out on the town, or just relaxing with a book. But is it time well spent? Is it selfish to spend time being entertained when we could be out evangelizing the lost? Is there room to do both? The guys tackle a great question brought up on their Facebook page about finding balance in our daily life. We'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
Abortion is the plague of our time. Hundreds of thousands die from it every year. Left in the wake of this tragedy are fathers and mothers bereft of a life that could have been. Is there any hope from scripture for those considering abortion or who have it in their past? Is there forgiveness? How can we minister to those still wrestling with the guilt and loss of a child they'll never know? The wives join the guys to tackle this issue and give a unique perspective on showing love to those impacted by abortion. We'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com.
Entertainment is a part of all of our lives, but is it always helpful? Do we use it as a way to unwind or are darker motives at play? Should we get rid of it entirely as a form of sinful worldliness or is there still a place for it? The guys talk about discernment and some helpful questions to evaluate our entertainment. From Friends to Harry Potter to horror movies, these questions help us think through what to watch and why we choose to be amused. We'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
Baptism is one of the main practices directly commanded for the church from Christ, so why is there such disagreement on how it's done? The guys and a special guest finally discuss the issue that separates their confessions (despite several outdoor noises), but it isn't as cut and dried as you might think. How you practice baptism is based on more than when you become a Christian or if the Bible mentions babies receiving this sign. It gets to the heart of what the Bible teaches about God's relationship to His people. We'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
The Wives join us for a special episode focused on the joys, struggles, and principles of stepparenting. From healthy boundaries to handling discipline, we discuss our successes and failures and try to find some grounding in scripture as we speak to this growing demographic in our culture and churches. We'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com
Will Christ return soon? Is it important to try and find out how it's all going to end? Eschatology (the study of last things) helps us find answers to these questions, but it can often be confusing. Premil? Amil? Rapture? Preterist? Is it worth the study? Yes! Though the details are shrouded in layers of prophecy, one thing is clear. Jesus is definitely returning. The more we understand the future the more our hope grows and fuels us for the work Christ has left us to do in the present. We'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
Our normal podcast gets derailed a bit by COVID, but thankfully Melissa is able to step in. She and Josh share a bit of their story from divorce to singleness to remarriage and a few lessons learned along the way. Waiting on the Lord isn't always easy, especially when our faith is struggling and we can't fathom what He might do. The temptation to settle or wrestle the reigns away from God is strong and resisting that pull isn't easy, but it's always worth it. We'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
The world seems to be getting crazier by the day. It must mean Jesus is coming back soon… or does it? Does a cashless society and virus tracking mean the Antichrist is here? While many Christians might embrace these beliefs, can they find their foundation in scripture? Often we read these interpretations into our current events leading to fear. Today we chat about some popular, though potentially untrue, Christian beliefs, hold them up to the timeless truths of scripture, and try to find encouragement as we weather these troubled times. We'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com
Finding a church can be a daunting task. With so many options to choose from how can you separate the good from the bad? Ricky and Josh dive into their own journeys to find a new church in part 2 of the discussion started last episode. What are the must-haves? What are the red flags? How can you know for sure if a church is right for you? We'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
Is it ever ok to leave your church? What might lead you to that decision? What are the good and bad reasons to leave? Leaving a church is like leaving your family. It's often painful and can be very damaging. Ricky and Josh discuss their recent exit from their church and some general principles behind why they left. This is part 1 of a 2 part discussion on the topic. Next week- Finding a Church. We'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
As our country responds to COVID-19 in a variety of ways, churches are feeling the pressure as restrictions mount. Will we continue to sing? Will we continue to gather? Is it worth the risk? Is worshiping the Lord worth the plundering of our property, getting arrested, and even contracting an illness? Josh's brother, a pastor in NM where singing is against the latest government mandate, subs in for Ricky (who will return next week). Together we dive into scripture to mine some timeless truths for troubled times. Listen to more podcasts or leave us a message at JeremiahsWell.com
The Lord gave the church two ordinances to practice: baptism and the Lord's Supper, but where is the significance? Are bread and wine, water and the trinity necessary or is it more about where your heart is no matter what elements you use? Once Ricky gets his excitement about the new Minecraft update out of his system, we hunker down and discuss the regulative principle, the importance of the elements, how the ordinances should be practically observed, and the joy found in partaking of these sacred signs. For more podcasts visit us at JeremiahsWell.com
Was it a happy Independence Day for you? 'Merica and all that? Do you find yourself grating against the government, longing for something different? Is it ever appropriate to rebel or dissent or must we as Christians always do what the government says? After a quick overview of some Hamilton highlights, we hit on a few biblical principles for dealing with the government, how to handle persecution, and where to find joy as the world pushes against our faith. For more podcasts visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com
Depression is a dark struggle many face. We don't mean feeling discouraged or down every once in a while. This is the night with no knowledge of when or if the sun will rise. How have we dealt with our own depression? Where did we find hope in scripture? More importantly, we discuss how can you find hope and encourage those that face this real and prevalent darkness. We'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
One of the greatest sorrows we face is the suicide of a loved one. Is this act unforgivable? Do Christians ever get to this point? What encouragement and truth can we find in scripture for those gone and left behind? Even in the midst of this great tragedy there is much hope to be found in God's Word. If you are wrestling with suicidal thoughts, please know you aren't alone and speak to someone about it. - Suicide Prevention Hotline- 1-800-273-8255 . We'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for more episodes. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
We all see people around us in need, but do we help out of guilt? Are our efforts about what's doing what's best for them or about what makes us feel better? A special guest joins us today! The Director of the Overcomers Center in Greenville, SC (who's also my brother) subs in for Ricky and drops a few knowledge bombs about how to help the homeless and poor among us in a way that brings not just relief, but also rehabilitation and development. For more podcasts and blogs, visit us online at JeremiahsWell.com .
Ricky and I discuss the recent movement of Black Out Tuesday, why neither of us changed our social media, and how things like this may be confusing at best and divisive at worst. Scripture has a lot to say and we dive into how the gospel addresses racism, the socio-economic divide, and how the church can help. Plus, a special guest chimes in now and then with his thoughts.
The struggle between pragmatism and God's revealed will is a daily battle. Often we lack the faith to do what God says, instead choosing to do what seems to make more sense to us. Is this ever a good choice? Do churches ever give into this temptation? How can we faithfully follow God's will? Plus, the guys reveal which question they would ask Peter when they see him in heaven. Big surprise, it's food related. Check out all the pods and blogs at JeremiahsWell.com .
Does God allow or ordain things to take place? Does he allow the bad and ordain the good? Should we even use the phrase "God allowed…"? Most importantly, what does the Bible say? We examine God's sovereignty as it pertains to natural disasters, the virus, elections, and everyday life. Plus, Josh's voice is on the mend (despite some excess mucus) and we drop our new theme- Timeless Truths for Troubled Times. To listen and read more visit JeremiahsWell.com .
More and more single people populate our churches, whether that be through divorce, death, choice, or other circumstance. However, this crucial and biblically praised category often gets unmentioned during the church service as the nuclear family tends to get most of the attention. As two divorced guys, we tackle how can we adjust our thinking on this and how can we be more welcoming with this demographic. Plus, Josh ends the episode by finally embracing the south. For more visit JeremiahsWell.com .