The Paradigm Switch Podcast

As the end of another year draws near, it is worth taking stock of one's spiritual growth over the year.  What lessons were learned?  What did God bless us with?  Did we achieve deeper understanding on a topic that gave us a challenge?  Did we overcome a problem we'd been facing?  Here, the Paradigm Switch reflects upon the year and discusses what comes next in 2024.

Times are tough.  The economy is souring.  Debt is ballooning.  Wars are raging throughout the world.  Crime is surging at home.  In times like these, it would be easy to throw in the towel and dwell on how horrible things are, giving into bitterness and a feeling of hopelessness.  But on this Thanksgiving, the Paradigm Switch wants to promote feelings of thanksgiving and discusses how to use this as a way to remain strong in tough times.ReplyForward

Last week we began the conversation about the importance of friendship  Here, the Paradigm Switch continues that discussion and discuss some factors it takes to have long-lasting relationships. Alongside the dangers of attaching to the wrong friend.

Most people, at their core, want to have friends.  People who they can hang out with, people who they can share secrets with, people who will be there for them when times get tough.  But increasingly in today's society, it seems as if deep, solid friendships are more and more elusive.  What could be driving this?  How can the situation be improved?  Here, the Paradigm Switch discusses the importance of friendship within a Believer's life and how to go about building the foundations for a long lasting, deep friendship.

In this first week of November, the good, the bad, and the strange are discussed as the Paradigm Switch dives into Avan's recent trip to Thailand.

Halloween is oftentimes associated with scary things, horror, and even fear.  Certainly today, fear abounds within this world.  But one fear that seems diminished is the fear of God.  Is this a good thing?  A bad thing?  Or does this matter very much at all?  Here, the Paradigm Switch discusses what fear of the Lord is and whether this is something Believers should avoid or whether it is something Believers ought to keep in mind.

On Oct. 7, 2023, a horrible attack took place on Israel.  Over a thousand are dead, Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage, and now, war has broken out in the Middle East.  Here, the Paradigm Switch discusses the state of current events and how what we see now fits in with what is written in Scripture

A common past-time at Halloween is to visit a haunted house. As Halloween is a controversial day within Christian circles, sometimes Christians decide to offer alternatives to Halloween. In this case, there is a type of attraction Christians offer in lieu of a haunted house during the Halloween season: the Hell House. Here, the Paradigm Switch examines the idea of a Hell House and debates how it comes across to the masses.

More and more, it seems like people are talking about getting in touch with their spirit guide. There are guides for how to do this. There are texts about the different types of spirit guides. It certainly seems to be the new "in" thing to do. But what exactly are spirit guides? Are they truly helpful or are they something more sinister? Here, the Paradigm Switch investigates to determine whether spirit guides are friends, foes, or just harmless. made-up nonsense.

As human beings, we are not perfect, even those of us in Christ.  This means that we will make mistakes.  Some are small and easy to move past.  But others seem to tower over us, and it's like we'll never overcome them.  True, mistakes do have consequences, but as Believers, we should not let them become crippling.  Here, the Paradigm Switch discusses how to move past mistakes and experience the freedom over shame and guilt that we as Believers in Christ can have.

In an increasingly relative culture, it seems like personal responsibility is increasingly absent.  We see this in our coworkers, our friends, perhaps even in our spouses or significant others.  Maybe we have even been told that we ourselves lack this.  But why is personal responsibility important?  Does it really hurt if we don't share the same sense of responsibility as those around us?  Here, the Paradigm Switch examines what personal responsibility is and whether it is important that we in Christ demonstrate it.

Have you ever been in church, seen someone, and been like, "What are they doing?!"  Maybe you think they're dressed inappropriately.  Maybe you think their behavior is not dignified enough for church.  Or maybe you think their speech and worship style are out of place.  Are you correct?  Is there a proper etiquette to observe in church or did God leave dress and worship style as more subjective items?  Here, the Paradigm Switch discusses these questions and explores whether there is a proper etiquette for those going to church.

A new season begins in Fall of 2023, and a lot has happened since the spring.  There has been war, natural diasters, political instability, and it seems that events are spinning out of control.  Here, the Paradigm Switch discusses these issues and catches up on what's gone on over the summer.

It seems like the world is growing more dangerous for Believers every day.  Arrests in Europe.  Legislation in the Middle East.  Targeted killings in the United States.  It can be easy to respond with anger against all of this injustice, but this is nothing new,  2000 years ago, Jesus and the Early Church also faced these situations.  Here, during this Holy Week with Easter coming soon, the Paradigm Switch discusses how to look at all of these negative events from a view framed by Jesus's death and resurrection.

An economy teetering on the brink.  An environmental disaster the likes of which haven't been seen in years.  An entire country ablaze with unrest.  And all the while, a war that continues to impact millions.  Today, the Paradigm Switch will dive into this year's March Madness and discuss how to remain stable in the most challenging of times.

When a pilot has reached their desired altitude they start a device known as the autopilot, which is used to keep an aircraft on a set course without the intervention of the pilot.  It's stable and without too much focus, the plane is coasting through the air several miles high.  That might be good for a plane or other transportation vehicles; however, is an “autopilot” mindset good for a Believer to have? Going to church, prayer, bible study, worship. They can all become an easy routine to develop in our everyday life without much thought.  But is this “autopilot” behavior good or should we always seek to break out of our comfort zone?

It seems like, more and more, young people are becoming out of control. Children disrespect their parents. There are fights between students and teachers. Even the church isn't spared as laymembers gossip and smear leadership behind their back. Why does it seem so many in the US culture have entered into a state of rebellion? Here, the Paradigm Switch discusses this issue and dissects whether Christians should be caught up in this state.

Every so often, we'll find ourselves in a state of self reflection. Perhaps we'll think about the past and how we wish we'd taken a different path. Or perhaps we'll muse about our future. Where will we be in the next 5 years? Or maybe we'll reflect on the present and determine whether we're at where we want to be. Here, Alex reflects upon all 3 as he recounts his time on Omaha Beach, that leads to the discussion of the value of every human life.

It is a blessing to be able to travel and visit other lands. New cities, new landscapes, and new cultures await. Here, Alex records from Italy and describes his sojourn in Europe.

The Christian Church is no stranger to hardship or persecution. In the days of the Early Church, Rome attempted to grind Believers into the dust. Today, persecution still occurs throughout a number of places in the world, but in the West, Christians have experienced years of peace and prosperity. However, it has recently seemed that, even in the West, being a Christian has become harder. Here, in its 100th episode, the Paradigm Switch discusses the deteriorating situation for Christians in the West today, why this might be happening, and how to approach this situation as Believers in Christ.

When Valentine's Day rolls around, one can feel remarkably blessed to have that special someone in life or one can feel discouraged, disappointed, and maybe even heartbroken.  If you are one of the heartbroken, it may seem like life can never get better, but it is imperative to not give up on your future.  Here, the Paradigm Switch discusses strategies for managing heartbreak and the consequences of allowing heartbreak to manage you.

Making choices can be challenging for some. They vacillate between choices based on each choice's pros and cons. Other times, they're afraid of what the possible outcome might be. As a result, these individuals suffer from indecisiveness, paralyzed by the inability to make a choice. And some, even once a choice is made, attempt to minimize change caused by that choice by clinging to what was once part of the old status quo. But indecisiveness and fear of change can be exhausting. Here, the Paradigm Switch discusses whether this state is desirable for Believers or whether it is exploitable by the Enemy.

As we live our lives, we are often visited by the urge to make something significant happen. Some want to create new career opportunities in life. Others want to find a relationship that will lead to marriage. Yet more might want to indulge in their fantasies and travel all around the world. So sometimes, our prayers might go something like this, "Lord, please let this good thing happen soon. What do I need to do in order to make it happen?" But is this the right approach? And what happens if God says, "Just wait and let me work." How should Believers handle this answer from God? Here, the Paradigm Switch tackles what to do when God asks for Faith to Wait.

In the United States in today's day and age, it seems like we're all incredibly busy. People are working all the time, whether it's to make ends meet, to provide for one's family, or to distinguish oneself for promotion. It seems like there's hardly any time to relax and spend time with friends and family, but we need money to survive, especially these days, right? But is it good for us to focus so much on work? Here, the Paradigm Switch discusses the importance of balance in one's life.

Last week on the Paradigm Switch, it was determined that a good role model should be someone who models Christ's behavior in his/her life. In a time when secular celebrities continue gaining more and more esteem and social media followers, here the Paradigm Switch hosts Luke Staley, a professional MMA fighter involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, as they discuss how each Christian serves as a role model. Don't forget to share this episode with a friend, family member, and to other believers in the faith. Follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/theparadigmswitch/

The world puts a lot of stock into role models. These individuals are typically associated with wealth, fame, or influence. They could be music artists, athletes, or academics to name a few. But is every famous, wealthy, or intelligent person a worthy role model? And, given that Christians should be like Christ, should we even have role models who live on this Earth? Here, the Paradigm Switch discusses the relevance of role models to Believers in this first of a 2 part series on the topic.

As 2022 draws to a close, it is good to take some time to reflect over how the year went. What did you learn? Did you reach your goals? It is also a good time to discuss what you'd like to accomplish next. Here, the Paradigm Switch reflects on lessons learned this year and discusses 2023 goals in this end of year episode.

It's December, which means we're in the season of Christmas where many are putting up trees and decorating their houses with lights. It is easy to be mesmerized in all the rituals of the tradition but forgot about the purpose. 2000 years ago, humanity received the greatest gift that could ever be given for that is when God descended from Heaven, took on flesh, and entered the world of men. His mission was that of rescue though His enemies wished to thrawt Him at any cost. This 2022 Christmas season, the Paradigm Switch reflects on the events of the first Christmas.

Have you ever had a moment you wish you could do over? Perhaps you feel embarrassed or regretful. Perhaps you think, "I can't believe I did that." If you find yourself in this situation, it may be because you lacked self control in the moment. Here, the Paradigm Switch discusses the importance of self control and strategies for learning how to exercise it in a variety of situations.

God in the Bible is described to be a mystery that is beyond our comprehension. In his Mercy He has revealed Himself to His creation to know Him. When the character of God is examined, there is so much that can be discussed: His love, His sense of justice, His patience, and His grace. Stopping to think about the character of God often leads to amazement, a sense of humility, and, sometimes, even disbelief. For when one understands the truth of who God is, one cannot help but think how fortunate he/she is to know a God as wonderful as ours. Here, Avan and Alex discuss their favorite attributes of God, The Great I AM.

Have you ever wished you could go back in time and have a conversation with your younger self? Maybe it would be to warn your younger self about a bad decision he/she is soon to make? Or maybe you'd like to impart words of wisdom to your younger self? If so, you're not alone. Here, the Paradigm Switch provides advice that Alex and Avan both would impart to their younger selves upon first coming to the faith.

During this season, it is a good time for self-reflection. How is our life going? Is it good? Is it bad? Am I where I want to be? If we don't think things are good, it can be easy to fall into jealousy, anger, or depression. Here, the Paradigm Switch discusses how to keep these negative feelings at bay through the use of thanksgiving and emphasizes the importance of counting one's blessings.

The Western Church is bleeding membership, and a commonly cited reason for church departure, particularly among young people, is "the Church is too judgmental". But is this really true? Or has the younger generation been brought up to regard emotion above all else and thus they're too self-absorbed to accept church teachings? In this Part 2 episode of "Is the Church at Fault", the Paradigm Switch continues its investigation into whether the church is too judgmental or whether people just have unreasonable expectations.

The Western Church is regarded as being in a state of decline. There is no doubt that church membership has fallen over the last 20 years. An often-cited reason for leaving by those who left the church is that "the church is too judgmental". Is this true? Is the Church too judgmental and because of this, it turns off people? Or is it that people today have unreasonable expectations about the Church and people are just looking to complain? Here, the Paradigm Switch dives into investigating these claims and makes a determination about whether the Church is too judgmental.

As Election Day approaches in the United States, it is worth pondering a Believer's roll in the electoral system. Should Believers vote? Is a Believer's vote really that consequential? Why should Believers even be involved in politics anyway? The answers to these questions can be found in the founding of the United States, and here, the Paradigm Switch examines the roles of God and government in the US and addresses whether it is important for Believers to participate in the US electoral process.

Music is something revered in every culture and land on Earth. There are few things more satisfying than listening to amazing vocals or powerful instrumental arrangements. Music can inspire, it can calm, and it can bring happiness to those who listen to it. But is all music positive? Is it all uplifting and wholesome? Or can music have a negative influence on one's attitude and actions? Here, the Paradigm Switch investigates the power of music and how it can impact Believers in Christ.

When the typical person thinks of Scripture, they often think of Psalms of encouragement or Proverbs of wisdom. Every so often, however, we might come across a Scripture that is not happy or encouraging; instead, it is jarring. We are then confused over it or maybe we are challenged by it. We might even feel fear because of it. If you've ever felt shock, confusion, or fear over a Scripture, you're not alone. Here, the Paradigm Switch discusses some "Scariest Scriptures" they've come across and how to respond to such passages.

As Halloween grows ever closer, many begin to contemplate the following: Do ghosts exist?  Do they haunt buildings?  Can their spirits speak to us from beyond?  In this second part of the investigation into the Paranormal, the Paradigm Switch seeks to shed light on the answers to these questions.

As Halloween approaches, we might think about ghosts, haunted houses, and jack-o-lanterns. We have TV shows and YouTube channels dedicated to ghost hunts and claiming they're able to commune with spirits of the dead. Some of these events can be attributed to hoaxes, but others are strange, seemingly unexplainable by science. So, what is the cause of these so-called paranormal phenomena? Today, the Paradigm Switch investigates.

Some think the Christian walk is going to be smooth sailing, that they will have peace and prosperity and that accepting Jesus will help one leave behind all of his/her problems. But is that really true? Is the Christian walk really that easy? Here, the Paradigm Switch goes unscripted and has a candid conversation about the realities of the Christian walk.

In recent years, the number of people who describe themselves as "nonreligious" has been increasing in the United States. Consequently, one might find his/herself surrounded by those who do not profess faith in Christ at work, in their friend group, or even at home. It can be disheartening to be in this situation, like it is you against everyone else. Here, the Paradigm Switch discusses how best to handle this discouragement and emphasizes the importance of Christian fellowship in an ever darkening world.

One of the most vexing things for us as Christians on our walk with God is understanding we continue to exhibit poor behaviors and correcting them. Ergo, we have a bad habit. But trying to kick a bad habit can seem very daunting. How are we supposed to break a habit we've been engaged in for years? Here, the Paradigm Switch is joined by Jireh Batulan to discuss how to go about overcoming bad habits.

In the last few weeks, we at the Paradigm Switch have discussed how to walk down the path of spiritual growth.  But the road to spiritual maturity isn't always a fast one, and we can find ourselves wondering when the results will come for all our hard work in walking the road to spiritual growth.  That leads to a question: should we test our faith?  Should we test God? On this episode of the Paradigm Switch, we discuss how to develop confidence in our God and His promises by testing them with pressure.

Being spiritually disciplined can be a challenging task, but routinely being in the Word and in prayer really lays the foundation for achieving spiritual growth. However, in order to build on these, additional items must be taken into account. First, one must examine their heart. Is it filled with pride or is there a humbleness and desire to really learn God's ways? Second, one must take stock of their environment. Who are the influences in his/her life? What does Monday-Saturday look like? Here, the Paradigm Switch examines the importance of humility and environment on the path to achieving spiritual growth.

Those who grow up within the church often hear about spiritual growth and how to achieve it. But to those who grew up outside the church, or in another faith entirely, spiritual growth may be a difficult concept to grasp. On this episode of the Paradigm Switch, a Christian influencer, Naga Desh, discusses his journey from Hinduism to Christianity and the difficult path of believing in many gods, each with its own domain, to having faith in one God who offers everything.

In Part 1 of the Paradigm Switch's series on how to spiritually grow, the importance of reading and understanding Scripture was emphasized. However, a relationship with God isn't just about reading the Bible. There's a personal relationship aspect too. So, this week, in Part 2 of the series, the Paradigm Switch emphasizes the next component involved in this process: prayer.

As discussed last week, the term "spiritual growth" means that a Believer has not just knowledge of how to assimilate into the Kingdom of Heaven but also applies that knowledge in his/her day-to-day life. But how does one accumulate this knowledge? Here, the Paradigm Switch discusses the first steps towards true spiritual growth and maturity.

Have you ever heard the term "spiritual growth"?  It's one of these terms that Christians and pastors throw around all the time, but what does it really mean?  Why is this so important?  And how does one achieve it?  Here, the Paradigm Switch answers these questions and dives down into what the meaning of "spiritual growth" is.

Roe v Wade was regarded as the law of the land in the United States until June 24, 2022. Now, this Supreme Court decision has been overturned, and it's a brand new world out there. Within the United States, there has been a gauntlet of reactions in regard to this new Supreme Court decision, ranging from jubilation to confusion to seething rage. Here, in the premier of Season 4, the Paradigm Switch will examine what exactly the overturn of Roe v Wade means and discuss how the church should respond to this seismic shift in America's society.

As Easter rolls around, Believers around the world celebrate Jesus's resurrection and the restoration of humanity's link to God. However, some find it hard to believe that Jesus can accept them. They're drowning in guilt and shame, filled with remorse, but they don't think they can ever be redeemed. Here, in our season finale, the Paradigm Switch examines whether it's truly possible to be beyond redemption and discusses the importance of repentance.

Some Scriptures minister to us in our darkest hour. Others stand out as particularly potent truths. Historic events are recorded, eliciting interests from those who enjoy such things. And some are prophetic, peaking the interest of theologians and even unbelievers, alike. The Bible has no shortage of passages that speak to us in different ways. Here, the Paradigm Switch discusses favorite Biblical passages, including an End Times prophecy that may just be coming true right before our eyes.