The Verdict with Pastor John Munro Podcast

Whether you're new to the Christian faith or whether you've been following Jesus Christ for many years, understanding grace is essential to salvation and walking by faith. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro continues a new study on Next Steps in Following Jesus.

Accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior is the most life-changing decision you'll ever make.  But once you take this step of faith, what comes next? On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro begins a new study that goes to the heart of your spiritual journey: Next Steps in Following Jesus.

Despite the mighty works of God in his life, does it surprise you that Jonah still has problems? On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro concludes our study of the book of Jonah by explaining how men and women of God can still struggle, even when God is at work in our lives.

If we were writing the book of Jonah we might have chosen to end it after Jonah finally obeys God. But the Bible is not a book of fairy tales. It's about real people and the true God. And on this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro challenges us to remember that even those who serve God can have ungodly attitudes and fall short.

It used to be common for churches to hold annual missions conferences. But this kind of missions focus seems to have decreased. Why is that? And how then should we think about the Great Commission?

God is righteous, wise, and perfectly just. Yet despite our sinful and rebellious hearts He provides a way of salvation, is faithful to forgive us, and then chooses to work through us! On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro shares a powerful example of God's forgiveness in the life of Jonah.

We all make mistakes. But when it comes to obeying the will of God, what happens when we mess up or disobey? Does God offer us a second chance? On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro helps us to understand that our God is a God of grace and compassion, and yes, of second chances.

What happens when you find yourself in an impossible situation? What do you do? Collect your resources? Rely on your experience and expertise? Or do you cry out to God? On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro explains how God still delivers those who cry out to Him.

What do you think of when you think of Jonah? The size of the big fish? On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro takes a fresh look at this famous story and you'll realize that you should be focusing on the size of our God!

The book of Jonah tells the story of a man who tried to run from God and do his own thing. Sound familiar? On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro explores what happens to ourselves and others when we follow our own selfish desires instead of God's plan.

Whether we're doing a will or attending a funeral, it can be difficult to face our own mortality. But followers of Jesus shouldn't fear death. Our hope goes beyond death, even though there is much we don't understand.

Do you actively seek God's will? Or are you going through the motions, hoping that the will of God agrees with your plans and desires? On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro continues our new study in the book of Jonah as we learn what happens when we disobey the will of God.

The story of Jonah and the big fish is more than mere legend. It's part of Holy Scripture and a powerful lesson on being obedient to God's will.  On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro discusses what this Old Testament prophet can teach us about our relationship with God today.

Most of us know the story of Jonah being swallowed by a big fish, but there's much more to learn. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro a new study on the book of Jonah. There's much we have in common with this runaway prophet!

On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro concludes our study on the Miracles and Teaching of Jesus by exploring the differences between those who belong to the family of God and those who are living in darkness.

We live in a culture where harsh, extreme, unkind rhetoric is common and often applauded. But this shouldn't characterize followers of Jesus Christ. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro discusses key attributes that will help us know whether we're living in the light, or contributing to the darkness.

John and his wife, Gudny, recently celebrated their 20th year at Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Join John as he shares thoughts and reflections on this milestone of God's faithfulness

Is there any sin that God won't forgive? Any dark deed or series of mistakes that are beyond redemption? On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro sets the record straight by turning to what Jesus teaches about The Unforgivable Sin in the Gospel of Matthew.

As Christians, we have great peace knowing that our sins are forgiven through Jesus and that our eternal salvation is guaranteed. But is it possible to lose that salvation? Today on The Verdict, Pastor John Munro opens to the book of Matthew to see what Jesus had to say about the one sin that is truly unforgivable.

When Jesus began His ministry, there were many who hoped that He would lead a political revolution or become a military ruler. But on this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro shows how Jesus came not as a mighty conqueror but as a suffering servant, and why this makes Him the true Hope of the Nations.

Jesus Christ was far more than a religious leader or a good man. He was God's chosen Servant, the fulfillment of divine prophecy, and the one true Son of God. And today on The Verdict, Pastor John Munro continues his study in the book of Matthew to gain a deeper perspective on who Jesus Christ really is.

In biblical times, observing the day of Sabbath was a fundamental part of religious life and a clear commandment in the Mosaic Law. But what does the Sabbath mean for Christians today? In this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro reveals the answer by exploring the significance of rest and renewal in Jesus.

Our Heavenly Father watches over us, cares for us, provides for us, and loves us so much that from time to time He also disciplines us. Have you experienced discipline by God the Father? What has been your response?

The Fourth Commandment tells us to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. But what does keeping the Sabbath holy really look like? Well, on this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro continues his study in the book of Matthew by examining how Jesus observed the Sabbath.

Do you ever feel restless? And no matter how hard you work, how much you play, or how far you travel, you just can't seem to find peace? On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro shares the only real cure for our restless hearts.

Sometimes, the burdens and struggles of this world can leave us feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, longing for a place of rest. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro explains that the rest we so desperately need has already been offered to us … through a special and unique invitation.

Most people like the idea of Heaven but struggle at the mention of judgment or Hell. After all, how can a loving God send people to such a horrible place? On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro looks at the teaching of Jesus on this important question, and offers some encouraging insights about the reality of Heaven.

What do you believe happens when we die? While most people say they believe in Heaven, judgment or the possibility of Hell is something that many reject or prefer not to discuss. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro turns to the teaching of Jesus about Heaven, Hell, and the judgment of God.

Calvary member Stan Rawls endured the unthinkable when his son, Kelly Rawls, was tragically killed in a skydiving accident. Yet the Lord worked through the terrible experience by inspiring Stan to write a book helping parents know how to explain the Gospel of Jesus Christ to their children--the most important conversation they will ever have.

Some people are surprised to think that even strong believers can experience doubt. But doubt can play an important role in strengthening your faith. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro examines how Jesus handles the doubts of a great man, and shares what we can learn about our own doubts today.

Do you ever have doubts about the Christian faith? Did Jesus really rise from the dead? Is He really the only way to heaven? On this episode of The Verdict, you might be surprised to learn that one of the most famous men of God had doubts. But Pastor John Munro explains how doubt can help us to examine and strengthen our faith.

Our culture is increasingly hostile towards the Gospel. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro shares what our response should be in the face of opposition (even from friends of family) and how we can continue to share our faith.

It seems that followers of Jesus Christ are on a collision course with our culture. Today on The Verdict, Pastor John Munro explains why we should expect opposition, how we should respond, and what this means for sharing our faith.

How do you react to people you meet? The Bible says that Jesus had compassion for the crowds. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro discusses the tremendous opportunity we have to share the good news of the Gospel, and how to put our faith in action.

Lies and gossip cause a lot of trouble in relationships, in business, in families, and even in the church. In particular, social media makes it easy to spread rumor and innuendo, but followers of Christ are to be people of truth.

There's no question that politics and social and economic reforms have their place. But the church of Jesus Christ is to be focused on the life-transforming message of the Gospel. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro explores the challenge of the harvest as described by Jesus.

Are there things in your life that feel out of control? Maybe you're worried about your health, your finances or what the future may hold. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro discusses the power of Jesus, the nature of faith, and why followers of Jesus shouldn't be afraid.

Nowadays, our world seems to be filled with fear. Fear of disease and natural disasters, fear of economic crises and political conflicts. But on today's episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro explains that our Lord Jesus is victorious over all the things we fear.

Some people think that being spiritual means being rigid, critical, and always thinking about rules. But where's the joy? On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro reminds us that Jesus brings a new life of freedom, joy, and celebration.

Are you sometimes overwhelmed by the problems and politics of our world today? And do spiritual things seem to get lost amid rules and harsh words? On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro explains that following Jesus isn't meant to be a life of gloom and doom. It's meant to be a life of hope and abundant joy!

As a pastor, John has received many questions, but the most frequent one deals with eternal security. Is it possible to be truly saved and then lose that salvation? Or another variation: Once I am saved by grace, do I have the freedom to live as I like?

Isn't it true that many people are fascinated by the occult? Demons, vampires, and witches are featured in many forms of popular entertainment. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro is teaching us about the power and authority of our Lord Jesus Christ over the forces of darkness.

Do you believe in the devil? Or do you believe the devil and demons and the forces of darkness are simply fiction? Pastor John Munro continues our study in Matthew as we learn more about the reality of evil and the authority of our Lord Jesus.

When our Lord Jesus Christ invites us to follow Him, He isn't asking for a part-time commitment. Following Him involves obedience in every area of our lives. Pastor John Munro discusses Jesus' teaching on what it means to follow Him: the choice and the cost.

Cultural Christianity is all about being comfortable and convenient. But on this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro explains that authentic Christianity requires a conscious decision to follow Christ, and that choice comes with a cost.

Despite Covid changing the way we interact, we know how powerful human touch can be, and the power we can have in our words. Pastor John Munro discusses two miracles of Jesus and as we thinking of the personal impact of His power.

"Dispensationalism” has recently been in the news. It's a theological term describing an approach to Scripture looking at the categories of history in God's revelation, such as before and after the Mosaic Law and the end times. What should we make of topics like this?

Pastor John Munro begins a study in the Gospel of Matthew on the miracles and teaching of Jesus. We'll meet a man who is totally cut-off, in lifetime quarantine, until he meets Jesus.

If you want to grow in your faith and experience God's power in your life, it isn't enough to simply go to church or hear a sermon. Pastor John Munro explains how to seek truth and know God--by believing and obeying Holy Scripture, the very Word of God.

John the Baptist's message was confrontational. He called the crowds “a brood of vipers” and warned them that judgment was coming. But he also showed them the way to true repentance. Pastor John Munro unpacks what genuine repentance looks like and why it must result in a transformed life.

Before Jesus began His ministry, God raised up a forerunner, a voice crying in the wilderness. John the Baptist came with a radical message that challenged the religious establishment and prepared hearts for the coming Messiah. Pastor John Munro examines the life and message of this extraordinary prophet.