Real Christian Talk with Pastor Steve

With the whiplash ride of life in 2025, and an ever changing world with uncertainty the unchanging truths of who God is and who we are in Christ must remain the foundation our faith. 

2025 is off to a crazy start with wildfire disasters in California, snow in Florida and a major political earthquake with the return of President Trump to power. We live in exciting and perilous times. With the year ahead, how can we as Christians be agents of Change in the times we are living in? As this episode explores, the Gospel and the Great Commission remain the greatest way we can impact those around us for the Kingdom of God.  

What is Christmas really about? How can we find joy and peace if our lives are upside down or if the world around us seems so helpless and hopeless? In this episode, we talk about why Christmas is synonymous with Hope.  

With what has been called the most consequential pivotal election of recent times quickly approaching, many things are at stake with the outcome of the 2024 election yet most Christians have not thought about how imperative their witness for Jesus and the Gospel is at stake. Is Jesus a political mascot or is He Lord? Is Christianity simply a partisan talking point or the Gospel a political slogan? In this episode, let's talk about how to have a balanced approach to engagement in the political process while also maintaining our witness for Christ, because that matters more than who wins. 

The world seems to be getting darker, things seem to be getting scarier and thefuture seems bleaker yet even as the Bible foretold us to expect what we seehappening around us, what should our response be to the fear, anger andapprehension around us? This episode unpacks what it means to hold onto thepromises of God, shine His light and share the Good news to a world that is desperate for good news.

With the recent changes made to the GOP platform minimizing Pro-Life language, how should we as a Christians respond to attempts for the sake of political pragmatism to water down the cause of the unborn? This episode talks about why compromising on the cause of life should not be an option for Christians and why we must continue to do the work of helping make Abortion not only illegal but unthinkable  

It's that time of year again. Pride month comes with parades, drag queen story hours, and every major corporation changing their logo to have rainbow colors but it also comes with conundrums and questions for Bible believing Christians. How should we respond to a culture that is basically telling us to choose between love and biblical truth? This episode explores the balance between compassion and conviction that we must walk out to the LGBTQ community in showing and sharing the Gospel.  

In June 1940, Winston Churchill delivered a passioned profile in courage when he declared to the British Parliament at the darkest moment of World War II when England stood against Hitler alone, "We shall never surrender". Yet sadly and tragically, there are few profiles in courage today who are willing to stand by their principles no matter the cost. This episode explores a rare recent example of courage in the face of our culture and how we can rise to the occasion we are living in. 

Millions of us recently shared in an incredible rare moment with the Solar Eclipse that most of North America got to see, capturing our hearts, bringing laughter, excitement and even some tears as we were filled with wonder and awe at this incredible natural phenomenon . But why did the solar eclipse bring such a reaction from us? What could the solar eclipse be a sign of? In this episode,  I talk about 3 things the solar eclipse is a sign of and why we should be filled with renewed wonder and awe at the Creator behind the Eclipse. 

Should a Christian attend a same sex wedding ceremony? What about other scenarios that could get messy where we wonder what the line is between compassion and conviction with people we love and care about but holding true to what the Bible says? Following the recent controversy involving Pastor Alistair Begg's advice on LGBTQ weddings, this episode talks about the balancing act we must walk in 2024. 

2024 is going to be a very pivotal year with a lot at stake and while immediately the political outcome of the upcoming election is what comes to mind, this episode talks about what is at stake for how Christians choose to respond to this moment. What should our message be as Christians? Where is our identity? How should we conduct ourselves with those we disagree with? And finally, where is our hope? Find out in the first episode of the third season of this podcast. 

Is being a Christian really about having a particular aesthetic look or about inward change and transformation? Should Christians be attacking and criticizing a celebrity who came out of New Ageism or rooting for her and celebrating her salvation?  Should we be burning bridges with people we disagree with or building them? All these issues have come up with the public announcement of faith in Christ from "LA Ink" tattoo star, Kat Von D.  In this episode, we explore her testimony and the backlash of criticism she received for her public baptism video, not from her atheist or non-Christian friends but mainly from some professing Christians.   

With the recent surprise horrific attack by Hamas on Israel, the world's attention is once again drawn to Jerusalem and the land of the Bible. With a thousand Israeli citizens savagely murdered and kidnapped and raped by a group that is sworn to Israel's destruction and Jewish annihilation, why should we care about the plight of the Jews? Why should Christians stand by Israel? In this episode, the historical and biblical reasons are unpacked.  

The aftermath of the recent controversies surrounding Pastor Andy Stanley concerning LGBTQ issues underscore a larger effort to blur lines, sow confusion and minimize the totality of biblical truth on this topic and others. In this episode, the controversy and Stanley's recent statements on Sexuality and Gender are explored and contrasted with what the Bible says and with the larger issue at hand that should be concerning for all Christian pastors and churches.  Love & Truth must always be the balanced approach we take, find out why. 

Recently, actor Chris Pratt called for Americans to remember the "9/11" effect. What is that exactly? It's the wave of unity that spread throughout the United States in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks that sadly has long faded. Our country is divided and polarized, but it's not just the nation that is. Division and distractions seek to hinder the church from being focused on the things that really matter. In this episode, the importance of Christian unity and peace along with how to maintain it are discussed. 

Is making it to Heaven enough? What about what kind of welcome we will get when we get there? This episode explores what the Bible says about how important it is to be intentional and diligent about growing in our faith so that when we enter into the "Eternal" Kingdom of Christ, we will receive a rich welcome there. 

With the world fixated on the race against time for the rescue of the five passengers trapped on the Titan submersible,  all of us should consider the unimaginable: What if you were trapped on a craft with depleting oxygen and you knew that each minute was a minute closer to your death? What would be your thoughts? How would you face your mortality? Are you ready to meet God? How should we as Christians live our lives in light of eternity? Find out in this episode 

In case you've been living under a rock, things are messy in our world, our country, and our culture.  We have arrived at a cultural and spiritual inflection point to ask ourselves if we as Christians and as the church in America are meeting this moment with compassion and conviction, with true genuine love and with boldness or whether we are allowing our the toxicity of our culture to rub off on us instead of us rubbing off on the culture. To put it simply: Are we helping lift up the Name of Jesus and advancing the cause of Christianity or are we damaging His name and selling out our values and beliefs.  

Where is God taking us in life? How does God use the pain and suffering we experience and what promises does God give us for the outcome of all that we may be facing? In the wake of the recent tragic school shooting in Nashville, this episode explores what the Bible says about what God does with the pain that may accompany the road to life we are on and how we can endure to the end. 

What matters most in life? Is it fulfilling our dreams and goals? Raising a family? Retiring with a good retirement package? Is it getting accolades, likes and views? Is it from getting affirmation or personal happiness? The world may tell us these things are what matters most, but the Bible tells us something different about what really matters most. Find out what matters most in life according to Scripture in this episode and how to tell if your life reflects that. 

Is it possible in 2023 to love someone sincerely but disagree with them? Are Christians supposed to be showing love at the expense of speaking biblical truth?  Or are Christians supposed to be beating people we believe are spiritually lost with the Bible? In this episode,  I talk about how the Bible tells us to speak the truth in love. It is possible to walk in truth and love, and it's also key to how we ourselves will grow in our own faith and experience God's best for our lives.  

As we enter into a new year, not much is for sure except that life is short and we will give an account to Christ, for how we as Christians live our lives and what we will do with the gifts and opportunities the Lord gives us.  Will we be diligent in our walk with the Lord or negligent? In this episode, making a mark for eternity with no regrets is the aim and goal presented that all of us should strive toward with God's help. 

As the US senate is on the brink of passing legislation that would codify same sex marriage into Federal law, evangelicals debate as to whether to support a half measured compromise on the balance between LGBTQ rights and religious freedom. Should Christians support this measure?  Find out in this episode of Real Christian Talk. 

Christianity in America faces many challenges and threats in 2022, but Pastor Steve argues in this episode that the greatest of all currently facing the church is the temptation to marry the cause of Christ with partisan politics. While Christians should certainly be politically active and vote accordingly, Christians should not just be considered another voting bloc or special interest group that can be bought. This episode explores the dangers that occur when our identity is centered more around our political ideology than on Christ, and when our mission is seen more to win elections or gain power than winning souls for Christ. 

Is the Gospel still relevant? Has the church lost its influence? In a world with lots of competition for attention, how can we reach the hearts and minds of those around us in a culture that is becoming Post-Christian? In this episode, Pastor Steve makes a strong case for why the Good news of the Gospel must continue to be our message as it remains as relevant now as ever before. 

When is the last time you really looked up at the night sky? What message is the universe trying to tell us? Well with the recent James Webb Telescope, mankind has been reminded of an ancient message which this episode unpacks that should affect how we view our existence and how we live our lives. 

Roe V. Wade has been overturned, now what? How should Christians respond to this monumental and historic moment and what tasks remain over the issue of Abortion in America? Check it out. 

Why is mental health still often not recognized as important for our well-being? Why is there still such a stigma around the reality of mental illness? In this episode, Pastor Steve unpacks how mental health and illness should be viewed from a Christian standpoint, and how we as the church should respond in the face of the greatest mental health crisis of a generation. 

There is no single issue in American culture that is more of a flashpoint of emotions and passions than the issue of Abortion. The lengths that abortion rights defenders will go to justify and rationalize supporting the greatest moral evil of our time is truly mind blowing, yet still this episode challenges us to not demonize the other side, and to remember that Christ calls us to love even as we speak for the voiceless. This episode also discusses what work would remain for the Pro life cause if Roe is overturned and what our focus must be in the days ahead. 

As our society increasingly becomes hostile toward Judeo-Christian values, how can believers build bridges and engage in dialogue with those who we disagree with? In this episode, the tough cultural climate is discussed, as well as what reception we can expect from those who, in the name of "acceptance" and "inclusion", tend to be very unaccepting and hateful toward those who hold to a Christian worldview. 

From the controversy in Florida over the "Don't Say Gay" bill to Trans swimmer Lia Thomas, the culture war over the sexual revolution 2.0 has reached fever pitch in our society this year. As our society continues in the tradition of Romans 1 of rejecting God and His design for our sexuality and Gender,  Christians have no choice but to respond. With increasing battle and efforts to shape the minds of our children with LGBTQ ideology, how should we address these issues? One thing is clear. When the church is silent on tough topics, the world is doing plenty of talking. 

As the world watches the unfolding tragic suffering being inflicted on the people and nation of Ukraine, many of us are wondering, 'Why is this happening'? 'How is God at work in what is going on'? 'Is this a sign Jesus is coming?' In this episode, using Psalm 2 as our guide, we find out what God's message is to every dictator and political ruler and empire is, and we get clues as to what God is doing through even something as horrible as the unfolding war in Ukraine. 

In this episode, Pastor Steve reflects on the first full year of the podcast, and on the heart behind the show. Christians tend to either be good at speaking biblical truth but not being very loving, or coming across as very loving but being silent on biblical truth. Real Christian Talk with Pastor Steve has a goal of helping Christians in the 21st century to respond to the issues and struggles of our time with biblical compassion and conviction. 

It's pretty clear to anyone paying attention that there's been a lot of division, discord, animosity, unresolved conflicts and even some hatred going on lately, and if you think I'm referring to what's going on in our country and culture, I'm actually talking about what's going on in the church. Evangelical Christians are more divided and opinionated than I've ever seen before, and the tragedy is, Jesus' heart for what His Church is called to reflect is the opposite. According to Jesus, the world is supposed to know we are Christians not by our memes or bumper stickers but by our love. How do we do that and what does that look like? Find out in this episode of Real Christian Talk with Pastor Steve

It sure seemed hard to be excited about a new year between another Covid Christmas, the rolling back of Pandemic protocols and even the death of Betty White. With the world still in a fog of confusion, darkness and dread for whatever lay ahead in 2022, what kind of attitude should Christians have? Even as we get excited about a new year, this episode walks us through what God is calling His church to be about in 2022. 

We all hoped 2021 was going to be a better year and yet for most of us, it's been like a bad sequel, and once again another holiday season is overshadowed with Covid, tragedy, hatred, and dread over what may lay ahead in the coming new year. How can we have "Christmas cheer" if we are facing mental, emotional, spiritual or financial hardship? Find out in this special Holiday episode of Real Christian Talk. 

At this time of year,  it's easier to give thanks for the good things we have, the many ways we have been blessed and the people who mean so much to us. Yet the Scriptures tell us that it's often in experiencing God's faithfulness in the hard times of life that should cause us the most gratitude in our hearts. We must go through the valleys to get to the mountaintops. In this episode, the purpose trials serve in helping us experience blessings is examined. If you have been going through a season of adversity in your life and need encouragement, be sure to give this encouraging episode a listen. 

Some of us are afraid of Covid or afraid the pandemic will never end. Some of us are afraid of the future or afraid of financial hardship or afraid of flying. Yet in the Bible, nothing is scarier than believing you are right with God, and know God and in reality, don't.  This episode looks at how terrifying Satan's twisting of the truth can be and how even those who profess to know and serve Christ can actually be deceived and face a tragic rude awakening. 

It's pretty fair to say that the 21st century has been off to a rough start. 9/11, wars, natural disasters, financial crisis, polarizing politics and a global pandemic are just a few things that have shaken the world and the church in ways that it will never be the same from.  And it's not just societal earthquakes, all of us in our personal lives have had those moments that forever change our normal.  How should we respond and how can we have an attitude that reflects the assurance a believer in Jesus should have? This episode unpacks the warnings God may be sending and how the times we are living in are a vivid reminder of what will remain when all else is gone. 

With the recent Texas ban on most abortions, the biggest controversial and sensitive issue that stirs up emotions like nothing else is back at the center of the culture wars, along with the euphemisms that are typically used to minimize or ignore the barbaric reality of what the practice of abortion is: the killing of a child in the womb. Yet most Christians and pulpits are either silent about the issue not wanting to get too "controversial" or think that to defend the cause of life, we simply put bumper stickers up or unfriend people on Facebook. In this episode, we talk about the reality of what abortion is, but also how important it is to have conviction as well as show Christ like compassion to all those affected by this ongoing national tragedy. 

Whether it's scandal, abuse, hypocrisy, rejection or hurt, many of us get wounded and hurt from the church. The sad thing is that Jesus' heart for the church is for it to be a hospital for the broken, a shelter in the storm, a safe place and space. In this episode, I talk about why we need the church despite all its faults and imperfection and why the enemy of our souls wants for nothing more than for us to remain isolated and cut off from the spiritual community we were meant to be connected with. 

As the American withdrawal from  Afghanistan goes from bad to worse, and the partisan heat intensifies politically for the handling of this crisis from the Biden administration,  what should be our response as believers, even as many of us are angry and upset? In this episode, we unpack the biblical obligation we are given to pray for our leaders, whether we like them or not, agree with them or not, or voted for them or not. We must respond to this crisis in a way that shows and glorifies Christ. 

Regardless of your political opinion of the decision to withdrawal American forces from Afghanistan, none of us like the sights we have had to watch the last several days. Images of people so desperate to flee that they would rather plunge from airplanes taking off than stay with the Taliban in control. Images of civilians being shot for trying to get to the airport where the Americans are. hearing about the fears of women. And then there are the Christians in Afghanistan,, who now are literally likely to be murdered for following Jesus.  As history in many ways repeats itself, the plight of Christians in Afghanistan should be on all our minds, on our hearts and in our prayers.  

Should Christians be driven by fear, hysteria and conspiracy thinking or should we be confident, hopeful and even joyful at the future? While we certainly have causes to be concerned as believers between an ongoing pandemic, polarizing politics and increasingly hostile culture, we may have forgotten who is on the throne of history if we are forgetting that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. Check this episode out to hear more about how we should respond when the world around us panics

We've heard a lot about mandates concerning masks, or vaccines but have we heard about the mandate we have as Christians for how we should conduct ourselves in the polarizing, ungodly and hateful times we live in? In this episode, we unpack the importance of having an attitude and lifestyle that reflects the love and light of Christ in an increasingly dark and cold world. 

Life is Short, we shouldn't waste it.  Find out the difference between building 'sandcastles' and building an eternal legacy in this episode. 

What is the 'Deconstruction' movement all about? What factors contribute to people who seem to embrace Christianity at one time to renouncing it later? How can we build onto our faith in a healthy way, or repair damage done to our faith in a helpful way? In this episode, Pastor Steve unpacks two different paths we can take when we are confronted with changes, questions and growth.  Reconstructing is healthy and biblical. Find out how in this episode 

In 2021, the word 'Evangelical' has become synonymous with a lot of negative stereotypes that are a far cry from what the word actually means, or about what evangelical Christians supposedly believe. Yet after decades of a shifted focus, and of failing to impart theological foundational truths to the upcoming generation, we are clearly in a crisis with headlines proclaiming the death and decline of evangelical Christianity. What if the times we find ourselves in are an opportunity to refocus, reevaluate and revive what being an evangelical Christian is all about? Find out more in this week's episode    

Can Bible believing and proclaiming Christians avoid controversy in today's culture by sticking to and proclaiming the biblical Gospel and the totality of God's Word? As our culture has become louder, many pulpits, leaders, and parents have responded with a deafening silence , attempting to avoid tough subjects or teachings from the Bible that could offend. In this episode, Pastor Steve unpacks why we simply no longer have the option of being silent. 

60 Minutes recently did a story that had the audacity to acknowledge something we rarely hear about: People who suffered from Gender Dysphoria who transitioned that regretted it. As our society debates on what constitutes Gender, what does the Bible say? How should Christians view Transgenderism, and how should Christians treat people who identify as Transgender? Find out in this episode as we explore a biblical view and response to Transgenderism. 

What's wrong with identifying as Gay and Christian? What if you are a follower of Jesus but have same sex attraction? How should the church view homosexuality but treat LGBTQ identifying individuals? In part 2 of our focus on the defining issue of our time facing Christians in America, Pastor Steve addresses these questions from Scripture.