The Breakdown at CCOP

On this special episode of The Breakdown, we sit down with Calvary Chapel of Prescott's Senior Pastor, Pastor Raj Ahuja, and his wife, Missy, for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation. From childhood memories as neighbors growing up in Prescott, AZ to Raj's dramatic conversion from atheism to Christianity, this episode explores their decades-long journey of love, faith, and calling. Hear how their story intertwines with Calvary Chapel Prescott, how prayer and patience transformed a relationship, and how Raj ultimately became the senior pastor of the very church that once prayed for his salvation. This is a testimony of grace, cultural tension, answered prayers, and unwavering hope that God is always working—even when it doesn't look like it.

On this episode, the hosts dive into discussions on forgiveness, accountability in church leadership, and how to handle disagreements within the faith community. They reflect on their own experiences with forgiveness, both personally and in ministry, emphasizing the importance of approaching conflict with grace and humility. They also touch on modern cultural challenges, from social media's impact on personal relationships to the rise of unforgiveness as a cultural norm. Throughout the episode, the group shares stories, laughs, and deep insights, reminding listeners that forgiveness is not just a personal choice but a command, and a vital aspect of spiritual growth. They also reflect on some lighthearted topics like daylight savings, gym etiquette, and the strange world of social media influencers.

In this episode of The Breakdown, we tackle some big questions from our listeners, including why demons seem to bow before Jesus while Satan does not. We dive into the temptation of Christ, biblical demonology, and even take a detour into Enoch and the Nephilim. But that's not all—our conversation also explores entitlement, suffering, and why so many believers struggle with joy, peace, and contentment. Are we victims of our circumstances, or are we missing something deeper? Plus, plenty of banter, some Nephilim talk (John couldn't resist), and a few laughs along the way. Got a question for the show? Send it in! And don't forget to subscribe for more deep dives into faith, theology, and real-life application.

In this episode of The Breakdown, the crew dives into a variety of intriguing topics, ranging from the biblical significance of names to the resurgence of the iconic "WWJD" bracelets. They explore the unusual names found in the Bible, such as Malon and Chileon, and question why parents in ancient times might have chosen names with negative connotations. What are the the cultural and theological implications of names?  They also discuss the lasting impact of "What Would Jesus Do?" and why the phrase may be misleading in modern Christian practice. Instead, the hosts argue for a deeper focus on what Jesus actually said and did, as well as the challenge of balancing faith with cultural trends like marketing in the church. With humor and candid discussions, they unpack the complexities of contemporary Christianity, offering insights into how modern believers navigate these age-old debates. Submit YOUR questions or topic suggestions at thebreakdownquestions@gmail.com

In this heartfelt episode, Pastor Al James shares the extraordinary journey of his life. With deep reflections on faith, family, and legacy, Pastor Al opens up about his upbringing in San Francisco, his service in the Marine Corps, and the miraculous transformation through faith in Christ that led him to ministry and the founding of Calvary Chapel of Prescott. Pastor Al offers invaluable wisdom for pastors facing the challenges of leadership transitions, the importance of planning for the future, and how to lead with grace and humility. This episode is a testament to the power of prayer, family, and trusting God's plan in both personal and ministry life.

On this episode of The Breakdown, the hosts dive deep into the complex relationship between mental health and the church. They tackle the stigma surrounding mental health issues within Christian communities, discussing why some believers may equate mental health struggles with a lack of faith or sin. Through candid conversations, they explore different perspectives on therapy, medication, and spiritual healing, highlighting the importance of community support and understanding. The crew discusses the appropriateness of mental health treatment in the Christian context, the potential over-diagnosis of conditions, and the need for a balanced approach to mental well-being. Join the hosts as they draw on personal experiences and professional insights, advocating for a compassionate and informed approach to mental health that honors both spiritual and psychological dimensions. Whether you're grappling with your own mental health journey or seeking to support someone else, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement for navigating the often-misunderstood terrain of mental health care in a faith-based context.

In this special episode of The Breakdown, we dive into a heartfelt and transformative journey of faith. John sits down for a one-on-one conversation with Jason Miller, a former Protestant who is now a catechumen in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Jason shares his story, starting from his early years growing up in a Protestant household with a Calvary Chapel background, through his rebellious young adulthood, and ultimately to his current path toward Eastern Orthodoxy. Jason's testimony is a powerful exploration of spiritual growth, personal struggle, and the search for truth. Join us as we explore the complexities of faith, the nature of Orthodoxy, and the unique experiences that led Jason to embrace this ancient Christian tradition. Whether you're familiar with Orthodoxy or just curious about different faith journeys, this episode offers an insightful look into one man's quest for spiritual fulfillment and a spirit of charity across traditional lines. 

On this episode we delve into why believers, even from the same church, often disagree and explore the responsibilities of interpreting Scripture correctly. With personal anecdotes, scriptural references, and theological insights, we examine the challenge of maintaining unity, and the hope for future harmony. 

On this episode, the hosts dive into a discussion exploring the spiritual and emotional impact of music. The hosts and their guest explore how music influences our moods, behaviors, and spiritual lives, considering whether certain types of music are inherently good or bad, and how music choices reflect personal and cultural differences.

On this episode we delve into the theological nuances of confession and forgiveness in Christianity. We discuss judicial versus relational forgiveness and explore the practical and spiritual implications of these concepts in everyday life.

Exploring the enigma of Abel's existence post-mortem: Was he lonely in Heaven, isolated by his departure? Or, did he have company? Also, we delve into the paradox of A.W. Tozer. Why did he abandon his home ministry despite success in the public eye?

In this episode, we delve into a question on Ryan's mind: Can greater faith be cultivated from within, or is it a product of the trials that God leads us through? Join us as we explore the intricate interplay between personal effort and divine guidance in the development of faith. Does the mustard seed of faith require adversity to flourish, or can it be consciously nurtured through intentional practices?

WE'RE BACK! On this returning episode of The Breakdown John the Dreadful shares his testimony of how he almost left his church over the issue of Calvinism. John shares his story of how he became a Calvinist, how it led to difficulties within his local body, and ultimately how a rigorous search for God's truth led him back out of it. 

A special announcement from John the Dreadful

We've all had the experience of having things "line up" in our day-to-day experience. What does the Bible say about "coincidences?" Is there such a thing? Do we over-identify meaning and significance to daily experiences, or should we be on the lookout for them? Is it possible to be "so heavenly-minded that you're no earthly good?" 

Today the "Classic Crew" is back with more questions to be answered. What is the "Age of Accountability?" Do Jewish customs inform us with regard to our Christian faith on this topic? Second, how many churches should someone attend? Is it okay to attend many churches, or should you eventually "settle in" at just one? Lastly, what are we to make of "prophetic healing" or "deliverance" ministries? Where is the line between "praying for" vs. "preying on" the sick or disabled? 

Back with the original crew this week to keep answering more of your questions! The first is from someone who has been speaking to a peer about visions of angels and demons. What should they make of such accounts? How might we approach a brother or sister who reports visions of phenomenon? Second, what is love? Apparently, that is one of the most "Googled" phrases year after year, and as we all know, love is the subject of so much music. So why is it that love seems to be so fleeting in the world? Lastly, what is the Biblical approach to church polity? 

On this episode John the Dreadful is the sole representation of the XY chromosomes, and for good reason. The issue of transgenderism is discussed particularly as it pertains to the redefinition of womanhood in society at large. How do Christians navigate these waters as we seek to love like Christ and also stand up for truth? How do we raise our children in an environment where our most basic assumptions about identity are challenged?

Today the gang gets all philosophical and addresses the classical "Problem of Evil." How do we square God's goodness with His omnipotence, omnibenevolence, and omniscience? Ryan and Michelle in particular are able to share their experience and testimony wrestling with God in the midst of suffering. 

On this episode, we're partying like it's 2001 and addressing the big controversy among Christians: is it okay to consume media where "witchcraft" is present? Or, could that lead someone away from Christ and into the hands of the occult? 

In the studio this week we have Nate Auvenshine--Calvary Chapel of Prescott Elder and the new leader of CCOP's Young Adult Ministry! We're super blessed to have him a part of the team and know you will be as well. In this episode, he shares his testimony of coming to faith in Christ at a young age, becoming a prodigal, returning to the faith, and falling in love with a life of service. Enjoy!

Well, can we? Also, when it comes to our relationship with the Lord--who loved who first? Thanks for the great questions! Keep sending them in! 

On this episode, the “Classic Crew” answers more of your questions! How can we reconcile God's seemingly harsh and violent judgments in the Old Testament (e.g., the Canaanites) with the God of mercy and grace as seen in the life and work of Jesus Christ? When speaking with cults, how do we defend the position that the Holy Spirit is God? Where does it say that? How do you know the Lord has placed something on your heart, versus it being your own motives?

Today we have a testimony! Emmanuel is considered "OG" YAM family, with his attendance dating back to the early days of the ministry. God's favor has obviously always been on Emmanuel. However even the most blessed can forget their identity in Christ and have to find their way back. 

 Is it ever okay to lie? There are rare instances in the Bible when lying is viewed in a seemingly positive light. Rahab is an example: Joshua 2:4-6, James 2:25. Another example is the Hebrew midwives: Exodus 1:15-21. What say The Breakdown crew? Also, a listener is reading a book that encourages his readers to pursue a relationship with Christ as intimate and personal as the Apostles did. Is that even possible? How? 

Do ALIENS exist? Can the existence of other created beings fit into a Biblical worldview? Or, does this land strictly in the realm of the New Age? Speaking of New Age, what should we make of teachers and counselors teaching about "divine" masculine and feminine energies? Can this fit under the Christian banner or is it fringe? Lastly, also fitting with the pop-psy theme, what are we to make of the self-esteem movement? Are statements like, "I am enough" helpful, or does this work against the message of the Gospel? 

On this episode, we are back addressing more of your questions! Sometimes the Scripture seems to indicate a negative quality to knowledge (e.g., “knowledge puffs up”). Is there a type of knowledge-gaining that Christians should avoid? How does knowledge compare with wisdom? How should Christians go about resolving conflict in the Church? What are valid reasons for leaving a church, and what reflects pettiness and our overabundance of modern church options? And, is all sin the same? Is sin… sin? Or does God see some sins differently? 

On this episode the regular crew is back in the studio answering more of your questions! Does God change his mind? Some verses in Scripture seem to indicate that He does. How does that square with a God who has all knowledge and is never changing? Speaking of knowledge… how do we deal with our own spiritual “blind spots” when it comes to our sanctification? How can we most effectively use the body of Christ to root out our shortcomings? Lastly, how much is Satan directly involved in attacks against us? We often hear of Christians claiming that Satan is attacking them directly. Is this Biblical, or does it give Satan too much credit? 

On this episode of The Breakdown Pastor Ryan is officially in Missouri and is joining us online to continue this project and answering more of your questions. We have some heavy questions this week: How should one facing chronic illness feel towards their state? How should they feel towards the Lord, and how should they pray? What if the situation is infertility? What does the Bible say about couples that can't conceive? And regarding starting a family—is it a command? Are Christians at liberty to try to start a family? Or does Genesis 1:28 mandate it? 

On this episode, we're back answering more of your questions! What is the best way to dialogue with cults? How can we respond to false doctrine from Jehovah's Witnesses if the come to our doorstep? Since all goodness comes from God, can there be goodness apart from God? And regarding the gifts of the Spirit, can we attain more than we have already been given? Or does God give a finite amount? 

On this episode we revisit the subject of modesty. What does it mean when the Bible instructs us to be modest in our speech? Does it go beyond what would appear obvious? What about other areas of life we haven't covered? Should women wear head coverings? Also, when we have brothers or sisters that leave a fellowship over doctrinal issues, should we continue to make that I priority?

On this episode we conclude the testimony of Josh and Corrie. Listen to how God's grace and provision was poured out on their lives both individually and in their marriage. Happy New Year! 

On this episode we are introducing another faithful couple with an awesome testimony. Josh and Corrie met while they were both serving their country in the US Army. Both brought years of various traumas and hurt to the relationship, which kept it on the rocks. Listen to how God drew them both to Himself individually and as a result, each other.

On this episode we have the conclusion of the wonderful testimony of God's love and grace as He expresses it through Cameron & Kimberly's marriage. We know you will be blessed. 

On this episode we have part one of a two-part testimony with Cameron and Kimberly. In this incredible testimony of God's grace and the power of the Gospel, Cameron and Kimberly share how their marriage almost didn't make it. But God…

On this episode of The Breakdown we address two broad topics. First, how d oone's intentions matter when juxtaposed with behavioral changes? How does God judge our works versus the motivations behind said works? Second, when it comes to what entertainment Christians expose themselves to or consume, what is our guide for what is appropriate and what is not? How are we to discern what content might “stumble” us and others? 

Spurned on by the popularity of the new Netflix series, we discuss the life and apparent faith conversion of Jeffrey Dahmer. Could God really allow such an evil person into Heaven? And, when people say “the reason you're alive is because God is not done with you yet,” do they have any Biblical merits for such a statement? Lastly, where does the authority to forgive sins come from? Could a human power have such authority?

On this episode we're back to answering more of your questions! First, how should we navigate the exercise of our "rights," given by either God or man, within the context of our calling as Christians? When should we exercise them and when should we voluntarily give them up? Second, one of our listeners has stated a difficulty with referring to an unplanned pregnancy as a "consequence" of sin. Does the Bible give us any insight into how to look at a consequence of sin that is also a joyful blessing? Lastly, as Halloween approaches, what are we as Christians supposed to think and do with this holiday? 

On this episode of The Breakdown we have another testimony from one of our faithful sisters. Zena, born in Vietnam before the end of the war, emigrated with her family a month before the fall of Saigon. Having roots in both Buddhism and Catholicism, Zena struggled to find a personal relationship with Jesus. Hear how God saved her through the end of a difficult marriage and restored her, bringing her a church family and Christian husband. 

On this episode we continue our conversation from last week. Now that we have defined modesty within the context of Christianity, how can the principle be applied more broadly? Can the principle be applied to our social media use, keeping up with the home, and in leadership? 

On this episode we are joined in studio by all the regulars AND we are re-joined by Hethur (episode 15) and joined for the first time by Missy. We're 50/50 on the genders this morning to have an important conversation about the principle of modesty. How does the Bible define modesty? How should this be “walked out” by both men and women in the faith? Are there misconceptions or blind spots common to either gender? Where does accountability between men and women? 

On this episode of The Breakdown all the regulars are back to answer… unfortunately, only one of your questions. Due to technical difficulties it's a short episode this week. Nevertheless—we address an important question that has been the subject of much debate for all of Church history! How are we as Christians to think about images and icons in worship? What place do pictures, statues, and other art have when it comes to our worship and places of worship? 

We are joined by Bailey, Nicholas & Corey as they share with us about their recent trip to Brazil to work with Pastor Ewerton. They share with us great insight as we discuss who should go on a mission trip & who shouldn't, what to expect, how to prepare & is it important to be flexible? 

On this episode of The Breakdown all the regular crew is back in the studio to answer questions that come to us second-hand from a young woman who has “deconstructed.” Why didn't God answer my prayers? Why pray at all if God does what He wills? Why create Hell? Why cling to Christ if I am joyful and have hope without Him? She brings up common but nonetheless serious questions which makes for a serious episode. 

On this episode of The Breakdown, Ryan & John are joined with Corey & Chrissy to answer more of your questions. Are we able to determine from the Bible if Ananias and Sapphira were saved? Where did they go after God killed them for lying to the Holy Spirit? How are we to understand possession and exorcism in light of what we know now about mental illness? How can we discern an actual possession? And, what are some common “contradictions” or “errors” in the Bible and how can we make sense of them?

On this episode, Chrissy (the very very pregnant) joins the rest of the crew to tackle more tough questions! What is “the avenger of blood” as is described in the Old Testament. How does that relate to the “vengeance” the Lord says will be his? With regards to transgender people, how should we as Christians handle the issue of pronouns? And what is the “fear” that we are supposed to have for God? How does that relate to our love for him and his love for us? 

On this episode all the regulars are in the studio to answer two of our most common questions. With regard to making big life decisions, how do I know I am following the leading of the Lord? How should I prepare for making life's most important decisions? Speaking of important decisions... how are Christians supposed to navigate the world of dating, or "courting"? Are these terms distinguishable? What does it look like for a Christian to honor the Lord in their pursuit of a potential mate? 

On this episode of The Breakdown the "classic crew" is in the studio to keep answering more of your questions! The Bible speaks of the "spirit" and the "soul." Are these concepts interchangeable or is there a difference? Regarding our pets... is there a chance they will be with us in heaven? And regarding all the "false gods" in the Bible (e.g., Baal), where did they come from? How did people come to worship them? 

On this episode of The Breakdown John and Austin are joined by special guests Maddie (see episode 20 for her testimony) and Sara to answer more of your questions! Did Adam and Eve have belly buttons if they were created and not born? Are there more “God inspired” writings other than what is contained in the Bible? When was the New Testament considered complete? Lastly, regarding the Old Testament law, how are we as Christians supposed to relate to it? What, if anything, applies?

Happy 4th of July everyone! Today on The Breakdown we're addressing two different faith traditions: Catholicism and Mormonism. What are the similarities and differences? Can we consider these traditions under the umbrella of Christianity, or not? If not, how do we share the Gospel to these groups in a loving and effective way without furthering divisions? 

On this episode we are joined again by Pastor Ryan Lynn from Solid Rock Christian Fellowship. Ryan has a tremendous amount of knowledge about the topic of abortion and the pro-life movement in the United States. Ryan has written extensively including for calvarychapel.com (article linked below). He also has a ministry called the Speak Life Collective linked below also. Join us as we dig into this difficult and sensitive topic and learn how Christians can further the kingdom in a Post-Roe era.    https://calvarychapel.com/posts/the-post-roe-era-pastor-why-you-are-needed-more-now-than-ever   https://www.speaklifecollective.com