The Verdict with Pastor John Munro Podcast

Have you ever faced opposition because of your faith? Pastor John Munro shares six powerful truths about suffering for Christ. Discover why trials aren't meant to destroy us but to develop godly character as we become more and more like Jesus Christ. And as we understand this, we can find strength and hope even in difficult times.

Why do good people suffer? It's an age-old question that every believer wrestles with at some point. Pastor John Munro addresses this head-on as he begins a powerful message explaining why suffering isn't something to fear—but something that can actually draw you closer to Christ.

In our culture of relativism and subjectivism, we are not surprised that the Word of God continues to be attacked. Even followers of Christ sometimes make their experience of God foundational over the truth of God. So why should we receive the Bible as absolute truth?

You are unique. In this episode of THE VERDICT, Pastor John Munro reminds us that God doesn't want clones or boring uniformity among His people. Instead, He's given each believer a distinct gift—and a specific calling to use it. Don't miss this encouraging message about embracing who God made you to be.

You are gifted!  That's not motivational hype—that's biblical truth.  Pastor John Munro explains that every follower of Christ has received a spiritual gift.  But your gift isn't for you, it's for serving others.  Discover what you've been given and how it supports the body of Christ.

How do you handle it when someone offends you? Pastor John Munro gets practical about the kind of radical hospitality that should mark Christians—from dealing with difficult people to opening your home to strangers. It's a challenge to move beyond comfortable living to the kind of authentic community that draws people to Christ.

 Are you drifting through life?  Are your thoughts unfocused, emotions out of control, and relationships a mess?  Pastor John Munro offers three life-changing principles that will clear your mind, strengthen your prayers, and transform how you love others. Start living with purpose!

Standing alone isn't easy, especially when everyone around you is making choices that go against your values. Pastor John Munro delivers straight talk about the real challenges of following Christ in a world that wants you to blend in.

Therapy is often seen as an answer as people grapple with personal struggles and look for direction and peace. While therapy may have its place, it is essential that followers of Christ keep their eyes on Him, understanding Scripture as the source of truth and the center of gravity in their lives.

What if the most important aspect of life isn't success, happiness, or achievement? Pastor John Munro poses a challenging question that forces us to examine our true priorities: What's the most important thing in your life? Discover what it means to pursue God's will above all else.

Students wear school colors. Members of a team often wear a uniform. So why do we often think that faith should be private? On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro shows why baptism is the believer's public pledge of allegiance to Christ. Is there something keeping you from this step of obedience?

Some traditions teach that infant baptism secures salvation, but what does Scripture actually teach?  Pastor John Munro tackles a confusing passage in 1 Peter 3:21, discussing the role of baptism and the basis for salvation.

What happened between the death of Jesus and His resurrection?  Pastor John Munro tackles one of the Bible's most puzzling passages in 1 Peter 3. Did Christ descend into hell? What does Scripture say, and what are the takeaways for followers of Christ? Dig into this mystery as John continues our series in 1 Peter.

In a world where darkness often seems to be winning, we can't forget that Christ is triumphant. In this conclusion to The Wondrous Cross, Pastor John Munro shows how Christ's death and resurrection prove that believers are “on the victory side”—no matter how dark circumstances appear.

The concept of celebrity is not limited to the secular world. There are also preachers and teachers who attract followers and seem to attain a higher level of attention and respect. So why is this problematic?

 How do you cope when circumstances spiral beyond your control and suffering seems senseless? Pastor John Munro shares the one response that transforms our perspective during difficult times. Discover why the cross of Christ makes all the difference to those who are suffering

Have you ever wondered what makes Christians different? In a world that's largely without hope, followers of Christ should stand out like beacons of light. Pastor John Munro challenges us to be ready to explain the reason for the hope that we have, and how to be a faithful witness in an increasingly hostile culture.

What happen when your Christian life prompts people to start asking questions? Pastor John Munro examines 1 Peter 3:13-17, showing how displaying Christ through our actions creates natural opportunities to proclaim Christ. Learn why being “always prepared” to give a reason for your hope is both a privilege and a responsibility.

When wronged, our natural response is retaliation. But Pastor John Munro shows how God calls us to a radically different response—one that brings blessing instead of bitterness. Learn the practical steps to living well even when others don't.

Are you having a good day? Pastor John Munro explores 1 Peter 3:8-12, revealing that good days aren't determined by perfect circumstances but by godly attitudes. Learn the five essential components that can transform any day from ordinary to extraordinary, regardless of what life throws your way.

How would you react to a definitive diagnosis of having only a few months to live? How would you view your life? How would you approach the future? Join John as he reflects on the experience and testimony of his older brother, George.

What does it mean for a Christian husband to live with his wife “in an understanding way”? Pastor John Munro explores 1 Peter 3:7—just one verse for husbands which is packed with life-changing truth. Discover how your relationship with your wife impacts not only your marriage but your prayer life and your relationship with God.

While Peter gave six verses of instruction to wives, he dedicates just one verse to husbands—but what a verse! Pastor John Munro unpacks 1 Peter 3:7, where Christian men are challenged to understand and support their wives. This isn't about outdated stereotypes but timeless principles for building strong marriages. Learn why strength and sensitivity distinguish the godly husband.

In a world where social media influencers and celebrities shape the feminine ideal, Peter points to a different kind of role model. Pastor John Munro explores how Sarah's example of trusting God and respecting her husband created a beauty that never fades. Learn why pursuing “imperishable beauty” transforms life and our communities.

In a world obsessed with external appearance, Peter's words to Christian wives offer a revolutionary perspective on true beauty and influence. Pastor John Munro explores how godly character speaks louder than words, how respectful conduct can transform relationships, and why true beauty is found in “the hidden person of the heart.”

When you are faced with undeserved criticism, false accusations, or outright persecution, how should you respond? Pastor John Munro examines Christ's perfect response to unjust suffering, revealing three practical steps that transform how we handle life's most difficult moments.

Statistics reveal that viewing pornography impacts the lives of many who are professing followers of Jesus Christ, including both men and women. Lust is not a new problem. What is the answer? What does Scripture say?

Unfair treatment. Unjust criticism. Undeserved suffering. These experiences test our character and reveal our true spiritual condition. In this powerful message from 1 Peter, Pastor John Munro explores how our Lord Jesus provides the perfect example for believers facing trials.

How do we trust God when suffering seems senseless? Pastor John Munro concludes this powerful message on suffering by exploring the sovereignty of God. Discover how and why you can live by faith during life's darkest seasons.

Why do Christians suffer? At some point this profound question touches every believer's life. Pastor John Munro returns to 1 Peter and explores why followers of Christ are called to suffer with purpose and grace.

How do we find hope in a chaotic world? Pastor John Munro concludes the Esther series by discussing three profound truths about God's invisible hand at work even in our darkest moments.

What began as a plot for genocide becomes a celebration of deliverance. Pastor John Munro explores the conclusion of Esther's story, revealing how God's invisible hand transformed the Jewish people's darkest hour, commemorated by the Feast of Purim. Discover why this ancient celebration points us to an even greater deliverance through Jesus Christ.

John serves full-time as Senior Pastor at Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Newcomers to Calvary and listeners to The Verdict often have questions about Calvary, so today John discusses Calvary Church, its values, vision, and mission.

In this powerful conclusion to “A Dramatic Reversal,” Pastor John Munro explores how God turns death into deliverance for His people. Then discover how this ancient story foreshadows the Gospel's power to reverse our own spiritual sentence from death to life. Remember, nothing is impossible with God!

God specializes in the dramatic reversal—as evidenced in the ultimate example of the cross of Christ. Pastor John Munro explores Esther chapter 8, where God transforms the Jewish people's fate from annihilation to vindication.

What goes around comes around—with divine precision and perfect timing. Pastor John Munro examines one of Scripture's most dramatic reversals of fortune as Haman faces judgment on the very gallows he built for Mordecai. Learn how seemingly insignificant events become pivotal moments in God's providential plan.

When a Persian king can't sleep, the resulting events determine the fate of an entire nation. Listen as Pastor John Munro explores Esther 6-7 where God's invisible hand orchestrates five dramatic scenes that change history.

History's most pivotal moments often turn on the choices of ordinary people willing to trust God. Pastor John Munro explores three crucial principles from Esther's courageous stand before the Persian king. Gain practical wisdom for discerning God's timing in your own key decisions.

"Original Sin" is the title of the recent bestseller by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson. They write in terms of an "original sin" related to politics, but there is a deeper concept of original sin that we either accept or reject based on our view of human nature. What is the evidence? What does the Bible say?

When faced with potential genocide of her people, Queen Esther is faced with a pivotal decision that could cost her very life. In this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro explores what it means to face defining moments with courage and faith.

Defining moments reveal our true character and values. Pastor John Munro explores Queen Esther's extraordinary courage when faced with a life-or-death decision. Learn how this young woman moved from reluctance to resolve and discover powerful spiritual principles for facing your own most pivotal decisions.

“For such a time as this...” These famous words come as Esther must choose between personal safety and the survival of her people. In this episode, Pastor John Munro helps us see how God positions us in strategic places for divine purposes. Learn how to discern, embrace, and act courageously in the critical moments that reveal your character and shape your destiny.

From Pharaoh to Hitler, Jewish persecution occurs throughout history.  Wednesday on THE VERDICT, Pastor John Munro traces this dark thread through the book of Esther and discusses why this ancient hatred continues. This thought-provoking message explores Satan's ongoing attempts to thwart God's purposes, but God is all-powerful and in control!

What drives the persistent hatred of Jewish people throughout history? Pastor John Munro examines the roots of anti-Semitism we see in the character of Haman in the book of Esther. Discover how this spiritual battle continues today and why God's promise to bless those who bless Israel remains incredibly relevant.

Despite all kinds of advancements, we live in an age of anxiety. There is constant discussion about the causes and the statistics, but what struggles are at the root of anxiety? And why does the Christian viewpoint make such a difference?

Pastor John Munro explores the remarkable story of Esther's selection in the Persian king's beauty pageant—revealing how this seemingly random event has profound implications for God's people. Be encouraged as you witness how God's invisible hand operates behind the scenes, even in unexpected or impossible situations.

Pastor John Munro continues our series in Esther as he examines how this young Jewish girl finds herself in a position to save her people through seemingly random circumstances. Learn how God uses ordinary people and unexpected situations to accomplish His extraordinary purposes in this fascinating study.

Pastor John Munro continues our new series in Esther by examining the providence of God—His invisible yet invincible hand guiding all events. While God's name never appears in Esther, His sovereign work orchestrates every detail—just as God's care and purposes continue to be reflected in your life!

Pastor John Munro begins an exciting new series on the book of Esther.  Though God is never mentioned by name in this book, His sovereign hand works behind the scenes, orchestrating events for the good of His people.  In this fascinating story of dramatic events, we'll discover how God remains faithful even when He seems hidden.

In a society often marked by hostility and division, Peter's command to “honor everyone” seems almost impossible. In this episode, Pastor John Munro unpacks this challenging directive from 1st Peter. Learn how Christians can be characterized by respect, courtesy, and genuine love while standing firm in God's Word.

Simple acts of hospitality can be life-changing and opportunities for God to work in your life and the lives of others. Join John as he shares personal memories about the nature and impact of hospitality.