Miked Up

In this episode of Miked Up, Dr. Mike and Coby dive into the fascinating and complex shifts happening within American Christianity. While the charismatic movement continues to grow at a global pace, another quieter movement is emerging among young evangelical men—a turn toward Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy.Why are these men leaving evangelical churches in search of liturgy, tradition, and rootedness? What draws others to the emotional and experiential depth of charismatic worship? Are both of these movements—though seemingly opposite—actually rooted in the same spiritual hunger?Join us as we explore the theological, cultural, and emotional undercurrents behind these growing trends. It's not just about where people are going—but why.

In this episode of Miked Up, Pastor Mike and Coby dive into the meaning and purpose of Holy Week and what it looks like this year at Central Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Texas.You've heard of Easter, but what about Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday? Are these just traditions from other denominations, or do they hold significance for all believers?Join the conversation as Pastor Mike and Coby unpack the origins and meaning of these days, why they matter, and how we observe them—not just as a church, but as a way to reflect on the final days of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.Whether you're new to Holy Week or grew up hearing about it, this episode is a great way to understand the heart behind it all.

In this episode of Miked Up, Dr. Mike and Coby dive into 2 Corinthians 12, where Paul speaks of the “thorn in the flesh” and how weaknesses can draw us closer to God. They explore how, in church culture, we often focus on our strengths while neglecting to understand the value of struggles. Why does God allow certain challenges to persist? How can these moments keep us tethered to Christ, even in the hardest times?Dr. Mike and Coby also discuss the importance of casting our cares on the Lord, the role of prayer, and the power of praise—even when the enemy tries to silence it. They highlight the significance of community and the need for trusted people to open up to during difficult seasons. Additionally, they talk about practical spiritual disciplines—such as quiet time, eliminating distractions, and intentional prayer practices—that help Christians navigate through struggles and remain grounded in their faith.

In this episode kicking off the 2025 season, Coby sits down with Dr. Mike to explore practical ways to grow in your spiritual life. They discuss the importance of regularly engaging with God's Word, offering tips for getting into the Bible for the first time, and using devotionals and Bible apps. The conversation also dives into deepening your prayer life, prioritizing church attendance, and understanding what it truly means to take a Sabbath. Whether you're just starting or looking to grow further, this episode provides helpful advice for making these practices part of your daily routine.

In this episode, we dive into a thought-provoking question: Does our culture's emphasis on family during Christmas enhance or hinder our worship of God? Join us as we explore differing perspectives on how to approach the season. Our senior pastor highlights the importance of spending Christmas with family, while I advocate for prioritizing time with our church family, with whom we share our spiritual journey. Together, we wrestle with what it means to keep Christ at the center of the celebration.

In this special episode of the Miked Up podcast, Dr. Mike and Coby tackle the complex topic of Halloween and its place in Christian life. Is it an evil pagan holiday, or just a cultural tradition? Should Christian parents let their kids trick-or-treat, is a fall fest at church a good idea? Beyond Halloween, they explore how Christians should approach other worldly activities that may conflict with faith. From holidays to everyday practices, they offer insights on maintaining a biblical perspective in a secular world. Tune in as they break down the balance between faith and cultural engagement.

In Episode 11 of Miked Up, the guys shift away from politics and dive into key questions about church life and discipleship. Can a church become too large to disciple its members effectively? They explore the definition of a megachurch, discuss the role of small groups, and question whether today's church culture has become too consumeristic. Is the approach to church growth more pragmatic than biblical?The conversation tackles what meaningful discipleship looks like, how even small churches can miss the mark, and the importance of being a faithful church member. They also talk about vision casting, challenges with getting people engaged in discipleship, and why we should seek to help improve our church rather than criticize it. If you're wondering what to look for in a church home or how biblical preaching fits into this discussion, this episode has you covered.

In this episode of Miked Up we dive into the evolving landscape of evangelical Christianity. What does it mean to be an evangelical Christian today? We explore the potential pitfalls of letting political affiliations become a roadblock for sharing the gospel. Is it wrong to support a candidate? How can the gospel itself be a stumbling block? We also discuss how some political platforms align with or contradict Christian values, and what we should do with the increasingly charged term “evangelical Christianity.” Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on these critical issues.

Join Dr. Mike and Coby as they explore:•Respecting People vs. Beliefs: Can we respect others without agreeing with their beliefs?•Disagreeing Without Enmity: Does disagreement mean we're enemies?•Criticism and Conspiracies: Insights on the attempted assassination of Donald Trump and its impact on Christians.•Grace in Speech: How to stand firm in truth without sounding disrespectful.•Smart Posting: Is what you're about to post true, kind, and necessary?Don't miss this thought-provoking episode of Miked Up.

On this episode of Miked Up, Dr. Mike Miller and Coby Duren dive into deep, controversial, and often avoided topics among Christians. They explore questions like: Did Jesus make any political statements? Was Jesus trying to impact the political environment of 1st century Israel?Coby sparks a discussion on C.S. Lewis and his five points on patriotism, which become the main focus of this episode. They examine how some people's patriotism is based on a love for their home and what is good for them, questioning whether political views are driven by selfish desires. Is it about “what's right and what's wrong,” or “how will this affect me?”They also discuss whether the system is flawed or if the people are, who is affected by a superiority complex, and what “healthy patriotism” looks like.

Welcome to another episode of Miked Up! This episode tackles a controversial topic: the presidential election and whether Jesus would support a candidate that endorses abortion.We explore God's sovereignty, His will of command and decree, and discuss biblical examples like King Saul, who was chosen by God despite being a disastrous king. We consider what kind of support Jesus might lend to leaders today and how God's will operates in the rise of rulers.The episode also covers IVF, questioning if a frozen embryo has a soul, and reflects on whether Baptists ever supported abortion. Dr. Mike explains why he doesn't endorse candidates and discusses whether Christians should support candidates who have conflicting policies.We also touch on how immigration and environmental issues relate to being pro-life, highlighting that you don't have to be a Christian to hold pro-life values.Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that connects faith and modern political issues.

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Mike and Coby explore the complexities of spiritual warfare, diving into topics such as whether demons can implant thoughts into the minds of Christians, the reality of demon possession, and the nature of temptation. They examine the relationship between the mind and the brain, emphasizing the importance of navigating thoughts and grounding oneself in truth. Drawing from biblical examples, they discuss Jesus's confrontation with Satan during temptation and the tactics the enemy employs to distract believers from their faith. From subtle influences like consumerism and materialism to overt attacks such as dabbling in horoscopes, the duo confronts the question: Is sin solely our responsibility, or does Satan bear some blame? Tune in for an enlightening discussion on traversing the battlefield of the mind and standing firm against spiritual adversaries.

In this thought-provoking episode of Miked Up, Dr. Mike Miller and Coby Duren dive deep into the aftermath of Super Bowl 58, dissecting the highly controversial commercial titled “He Gets Us.” The commercial's portrayal of Jesus, emphasizing his message of love and humility, sparks a heated debate. Is it a powerful depiction of Christ's teachings or a promotion of a false narrative?With a focus on the commercial's implications and the organization behind it, Dr. Mike and Coby explore the polarizing reactions it has elicited. They confront the accusation of blasphemy head-on, questioning whether the commercial accurately represents Jesus' teachings or distorts them. Moreover, they scrutinize the commercial's reception among the unchurched, examining how its message resonates with those outside the religious sphere.Join the discussion as Miked Up divess into the complexities surrounding faith, representation, and interpretation in the modern media landscape.

Join Dr. Mike and Coby on the Miked Up podcast as they explore the modern state of Israel from a biblical perspective. The conversation navigates Israel's identity and its theological significance, questioning what modern-day Christians should think about the state of Israel amidst geopolitical complexities.Central to the dialogue is dispensationalism and its influence on Christian beliefs about Israel. Dr. Mike emphasizes interpreting the Old Testament through the New Testament while addressing covenantal complexities.Listen in as Dr. Mike and Coby unravel the theological and geopolitical layers surrounding Israel, offering valuable insights for informed Christian perspectives.

Dive deep into the realms of theology with Dr. Mike Miller and Coby Duren on the latest episode of Miked Up podcast.Discover the reasons behind the increasing departure from pastoral positions and the challenges posed by uninformed opinions dominating theological discussions. The hosts engage in a candid discussion about the theological state of the average church-goer, theological liberalism and fundamentalism, the ongoing debates within the church. Explore the diminishing ability to disagree constructively, the significance of primary, second-order, and third-order doctrines, and the concept of theological triage.No stone is left unturned as they delve into the non-negotiables of Christianity. Dr. Mike Miller and Coby Duren don't shy away from going deep into theology, offering insights that challenge perspectives. This is an episode you can't afford to miss, providing a profound exploration of faith in today's complex world.

On this episode, Coby Duren “Pastor of Family Ministries” at Central Baptist chats with Dr. Mike Miller, “Senior Pastor” at Central Baptist Church. They spill the beans on what it was really like leading during COVID-19 chaos. Dr. Mike shares the nitty-gritty – the tough decisions, the unknowns, and what it felt like when no one had a clue. Get ready for a real talk about what went down in those early pandemic days at Central Baptist Church in Jacksonville Texas. 

Session 2 of our Q/A!  The guys are working through about 70 questions that were submitted a couple of weeks ago.  This week, the guys tackle marriage, divorce, overcoming grief, suicide and a question about gay giraffes.  We appreciate your support of the Miked Up Podcast!

We are back! Join us this episode as the guys discuss questions submitted to Dr. Mike from his last sermon series.  This episode covers questions on: Communion, alcohol, sin, perseverance of the saints, the unpardonable sin, lgbt issues, and abortion.  

This week we have special guest Lance Flory to tell us about his time as a Green Beret and give us an incredible perspective on the War in Ukraine.  Also, Dr. Mike comes in strong with an explanation of Just War Theory.  Hope you enjoy the listen and we'll back with another episode soon!

Spiritual Deconstruction is a phenomenon rocking many young Christians.  The term itself has become confusing to many.  In this episode, the guys discuss the different types of deconstruction most commonly scene, faith, and the patterns that tend to lead to detrimental forms of deconstruction.  Thanks for tuning in and supporting The Miked Up podcast by downloading our episode.  If you would like to reach out to Mike or Coby, you can reach them at askmikemiller@gmail.com or coby@cbcjax.net

A lot of people want to have an "Early Church" experience in their local church congregations. In this episode, the guys discuss the different meanings behind the statement "I want to be more like the Early Church," as well as discuss what it actually means to be like the Early Church.  Additional Resources:-The Didache (there are many free pdf versions online, do a quick google search and you should be able to find it)-Church History In Plain Language by Bruce Shelley-Documents of the Christian Church edited by Henry BettensonWe appreciate all of our listeners, if you would like to ask a question or comment on the podcast reach out to Dr. Mike Miller at iliketopreach@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at our page Miked Up.  

In this episode, the guys discuss the Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast while giving their commentary on Pastor Mark Driscoll, Responding to Church Hurt, and Pastoral Accountability.  Thank you to everyone who has continued to encourage Mike and Coby to keep the Podcast going.  We appreciate your support! 

          This episode the guys take a listener's question, "How do I parent my college aged student?"  This is a question both Mike and Coby have received a lot over the years.  The guys jump in and share what they believe to be boundaries, principles, and stories about parenting college aged children.            If you are blessed by the Mike Up Podcast please subscribe and share with your friends! 

This is the official end of our 3 week talk on marriage! The guys talk about how to keep your marriage regret free and how to recover from past regrets.  More episodes on Family Matters coming soon! In the mean time, enjoy this episode and share with some folks who need it! Shout out to our listeners in Palestine, TX, the home of the guys favorite pie shop, Oxbow Bakery.  

The guys conclude their conversation about God's plan for marriage and answer a few clarifying questions they've encountered.  Please subscribe and share the Miked Up Podcast with someone who needs it! We have the conversations about the conversations you're having! 

In our second episode of Family Matters, the guys tackle marriage.  Marriage can be one of the most rewarding relationships in a Christian's life.  It can also be one of the most difficult.  The guys open their conversation on marriage with some core principles on marriage.  

Today we start season 4 of the Miked Up Podcast! Thanks to our listeners for sticking with us, we have hit international waters once again! Welcome to our friends in New Zealand, we hope you enjoy listening.  This episode is out introduction to the new season, Family Matters.  In this episode, the guys discuss God's purpose for families and then talk a little bit about what listeners have to look forward to in coming episodes.

Social Media is a dominate force in our culture today, but is it a necessary evil, unredeemable evil, or helpful tool?  As Christians we need to ask ourselves some tough questions about our social media use and then use our platforms to glorify God. In this episode, the guys try to break down for our listeners the do's, don'ts, pitfalls, and pluses of Social Media usage.Please share and subscribe the Miked Up podcast with your friends and follow us on Facebook @themikeduppodcast

This week we take on another hot topic, Social Justice.  Is Social Justice biblical, is it evil, and is it something that Jesus was even concerned with? Join the conversation to see what the guys have to say about it. Follow us on Facebook @themikeduppodcast or reach out to the guys via email: mike@cbcjax.net or coby@cbcjax.netIf this Podcast is blessing you then please subscribe and share it with your friends!

Rondell Trevino is the founder of the The Immigration Coalition and he joins the guys to discuss "Christians and Immigration." If you would like to learn more about The Immigration Coalition, or give to their efforts, please visit www.theimmigrationcoalition.com. As always, if you like what we are doing please subscribe and share the Miked Up podcast with your friends and family. You can follow us on Facebook @themikeduppodcast. 

Sports! Are they a helpful form of entertainment or an idol? Today, we have a conversation about the events that make up much of America's past time. How can we as Christians keep sports in their proper place? Tune in and hear what the guys have to say. Don't forget to subscribe and follow us on Facebook @themikeduppodcast

Race in America is a hot topic. There are voices on every side trying to persuade Christians to think a certain way or do a certain thing. Today, we have special guest Pastor Robert White from Freedom Church in Bedford, TX. He will join the conversation to have an open and honest conversation about how we as Christians should respond to race, racism, and what we are to do next.

It is a voting year and emotions are high any time politics are brought up! How should we as Christians respond to politics and how should we interact with our political landscape? Download for a conversation about Christians and Politics. Subscribe and share! 

Hey folks! We haven't had any conversations in a while and we apologize about that! We'll be back next Monday with a full episode. Pray for Dr. Mike as he is in Alaska training missionary pilots. Also, do us a solid and find us on Facebook "Miked Up" or "@themikeduppodcast." We have some questions that you can help us with! Like us on Facebook and subscribe to the one and only Miked Up podcast!

This week, we are discussing Christians and alcohol. Tune in to hear us elaborate on why some Christians believe practicing abstinence and how you can continue loving your neighbor through your actions. We take on a Biblical approach when we consider the difference between prohibiting something, such as alcohol consumption, and having guidelines. Reach out to us on our social media to send in more topics for us to talk about and also any ways we can be praying for you. Until next time!

Welcome to season 3 of the Miked Up podcast! In this season we are talking about "Christians and _____" in which this week's episode is Christians and nonbelievers. In this podcast we talk about how to love a nonbeliever and how to question them without sounding intrusive, and with that in mind, touching on the fact that we must be able to answer those questions for ourselves. If you have any topics you would like us to talk about for this season, follow our Facebook page at Miked Up and our Instagram page at cbc_mikedup. We would love to hear from you! 

Join us in our last episode of the “Messy Church” topic as we talk about what it means to “not be fed” versus simply not pulling up to the table. In this episode we delve into this concept that the church should not be the only resource you use to feed yourself: you own and the community around you should be feeding into you. We ask you to take a step back in this situation and ask yourself - am I really not being fed, or is there something else going on that I need to address? Give it a listen and stay tuned for our next episode where we discuss “Christian's and _____!"

Preferences or praises? Are you willing to allow a diversity of opinion to enhance your ministry with others around you, even if that means sacrificing some of your personal preferences? Join our conversation this week as we discuss a wide array of what people tend to dislike about the church and how we should respond, whether it be that we sing a song we don't necessarily care for or take the pastor out to lunch. Tune in to hear our take on how we should respond with constructive words and continue to serve God and not our preferences. 

What happens when theological issues occur? What do you do if your pastor teaches false doctrine? What are the beliefs you have that will not change? These are a few questions that should open your eyes to your close-hand convictions. In this episode, we discuss different types of convictions - those of Christianity, the church, and of our individual consciences - and how to respond if any were to come up as an issue. We briefly touched on a few of them without going in depth, so feel free to reach out to us at askmikemiller.com or email askmikemiller@gmail.com for clarification or more information. We would love to hear from you! 

We all have parts of ourselves that we don't want others knowing about - we are really good at putting on a public face to make ourselves and our situations look better than they actually are. We believe that pretending to be someone you're not is more harmful than it is helpful. That being said, we want the church to be the one place where you don't have to fake it. This isn't going to be a perfect pursuit but don't let fear bring you to dishonoring God. Join our conversation of what pursuing God with authenticity looks like.

We have already established that church is messy at times, but what does cleaning up this mess look like? What calls for grace and what calls for further actions to be implemented in order for the church to reflect The Word of God?In this episode, we touch on what that looks like - whether it be in the form of a ministerial staff member stepping down from their position, getting counseling, or being removed completely. Give this a listen and subscribe to hear more conversations WE have about the conversations YOU have regarding how you have been hurt by the church.

Church can be a messy place, but because of God's goodness and grace it is a beautiful entity meant to bring hope to a lost world.  Unfortunately, nearly everyone we have talked to has been hurt by a church and as a result we are faced with the dilemma of ever putting our trust in a church again.  This is part 1 of our discussion about dealing with hurt that comes from our experience with church.  We'd love to hear your stories of hurt, healing, or frustration that you have experienced in interacting with local church congregations. Email us at mike@cbcjax.net or coby@cbcjax.net. Heads up, your stories help us navigate the material that people actually want to hear. Therefore, we ask for your stories not to throw your business out but rather to provide a better and more relevant experience for our listeners. Thanks for listening! Subscribe so you can keep up with our latest conversations.