The Verdict with Pastor John Munro Podcast

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.

At twelve years old, Jesus astonished the teachers in the temple with His understanding. But what's even more remarkable is what He said to His parents when they found Him. Pastor John Munro discusses Jesus' first recorded words in Luke's Gospel and what they teach us about His unique relationship with the Father.

We are probably familiar with the idea of Jesus being with us and never forsaking us, rather than the encouraging truth that the Lord goes before us. But as you begin this new year, reflect on and find comfort in this glorious promise!

When Mary and Joseph realized their twelve-year-old son was missing, they searched frantically for three days. Where did they finally find Him? In the temple, sitting among the teachers, asking questions and giving answers that amazed everyone. Pastor John Munro explores the only recorded incident from Jesus' boyhood.

Simeon and Anna faithfully waited for the coming Messiah. And when they finally saw the infant Jesus, they recognized Him as the fulfillment of God's promises. Pastor John Munro concludes this powerful message by showing us what it means to wait for Christ's return, just as these faithful servants waited for His first coming.

When Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the temple, they encountered two elderly believers who had been waiting their entire lives for this moment. Pastor John Munro introduces us to Simeon and Anna, two faithful servants who recognized the Messiah.

On that first Christmas night, shepherds were watching their flocks when suddenly an angel appeared with a message from heaven. It wasn't a message of judgment or fear, but of great joy! Pastor John Munro unpacks the angel's announcement and reveals how heaven's joy comes to earth through Jesus.

The Son of God didn't arrive in a palace surrounded by royalty. Instead, He was laid in an animal's feeding trough, wrapped in strips of cloth, born in the humblest of circumstances. Pastor John Munro reveals why Jesus came in poverty so that we might become rich.

Most of us are familiar with the nativity story as presented in the Gospel of Luke. But do you ever think of Christmas from the perspective of eternity? Today John reflects on a different passage that deals with mind-blowing miracle of the Word becoming flesh.

Every detail of Christ's birth was planned.  The time, the place... all orchestrated by God's sovereign hand.  Pastor John Munro explores how the unlikely circumstances of the birth of Jesus come together in God's perfect plan. Experience afresh the wonder of Christmas!

God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Pastor John Munro concludes his study of Mary's song, sharing what it means to fear the Lord and experience His mercy from generation to generation.

When Mary learned that she would bear the Messiah, she responded with humility and obedience and later offered a song of joy and praise. Pastor John Munro explores the Magnificat and shows us what true worship looks like.

Why is the virgin birth such an essential part of the Christian faith?  Why does it cut to the heart of who Jesus is and His mission of salvation? Pastor John Munro takes a closer look at this familiar part of the Christmas story to help us better realize the significance of this miracle of God.

How can the eternal, infinite God enter our small world in a way we can understand? Pastor John Munro explores one of Christianity's most essential truths—the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus Christ. Discover why this miracle matters in a new Christmas study from Pastor John Munro.

In a world where the months seem to fly by, does the message of Christmas ever seem repetitive or humdrum? Join John as he challenges us to reset and approach this Christmas with a fresh sense of wonder and awe.

"Sometimes a roadblock is not a dead end, but a fresh turn in the road.” Pastor John Munro continues exploring the remarkable story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, showing us how God works even through our doubts and disappointments.

Have you ever wondered if God hears your prayers? Pastor John Munro takes us to an extraordinary moment in Scripture when an angel appears to announce that a couple's long-held prayer is finally answered. Discover how God works in the lives of ordinary people, in extraordinary ways.

When we stumble in our spiritual walk … and lose our way, how do we make things right?  Or, when we feel separated from God… what should we do? In this episode, Pastor John Munro explains the very real process of spiritual restoration. Forgiveness is real, and we can all start fresh.

When a follower of Christ fails--perhaps publicly--it may impact your relationship and cause questions. How should we respond? Or if it's us, is our testimony ruined? Pastor John Munro helps us learn about true repentance, and the joy of spiritual restoration.

Some Christians are afraid to ask questions about their faith. Instead, they bury their doubts and avoid the subjects that trouble them. But untested and unexamined faith is often shallow. Pastor John Munro teaches us how to confront our doubts, and strengthen our faith.

We may immediately think of financial provisions when we think of leaving a legacy, but there much more to what we leave behind. Join John as he reflects on different and even more powerful legacies.

 Every day we rely on technology or medicine that we may not fully understand.  Yet questions can be answered and this doesn't result in a lack of trust. In a similar way, Pastor John Munro explains that just because we may have doubts or questions about God shouldn't keep us from pursuing or trusting Him.

Have you ever made a mistake that was so damaging, so disgraceful, that you felt you could never recover? Maybe you're still living under the shadow of failure. Pastor John Munro shows that no failure is final when we seek repentance and restoration through Jesus Christ.

The apostle Peter was a strong leader, and a passionate follower of Christ, yet when the pressure was on and fear took hold, Peter faltered and denied even knowing Jesus! Pastor John Munro teaches about dealing with failure, and how to recover from our greatest mistakes.

Truth is more than a set of facts, or even a wise opinion. Truth is knowing and following the Word of God.  And the only way to live by truth and know God is by knowing the person of Jesus Christ.  Don't miss this episode as Pastor John Munro helps us seek the way of truth!

In our culture today, you can claim almost anything as your truth. Our world wants every belief to be inclusive and subjective.  But what about real truth, God's truth? But as we'll see on this episode of THE VERDICT, real truth is not found in ourselves. And there is only one way to God.

At Christmas we celebrate the birth of our Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ. Many Christian families also enjoy fun traditions like Santa. So how does that work? Join John for a special interview with Sarah French, author of the children's book, "A Beautiful Story: Jesus & St. Nick."

No matter how high we build our walls, or how deep we dig our shelters, trouble eventually comes to us all. So the question isn't whether or not you'll be faced with crises—the question is how do you survive them? Pastor John Munro discusses how to endure the storms of life.

There's an extraordinary moment in Scripture when Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, kneels down in humility to wash the dirty feet of His own disciples. Pastor John Munro explains what this incredible moment teaches us about love, power, and humility.

Popular culture tells us that the most important thing to focus on is ourselves. We're encouraged to improve our self-image, to promote ourselves, and to put our own interests first. But Pastor John Munro reveals that the most fulfilling way to live is by serving others.

When Jesus Christ rose from the dead, it wasn't just a fantastic miracle. It was the power of Almighty God defeating sin and darkness. The same power offered to you and me! Pastor John Munro teaches how the resurrection of Jesus can change every aspect of our lives.

For many people, death is more than just a simple fact of life.  It's the end--an inescapable curse, something to dread above all else, causing despair and defeat and fear.  But it doesn't have to be. Pastor John Munro helps us see why followers of Christ have hope even in death!

Most of us do more talking than listening! But in relationships, it's important than we listen with a desire to understand. Join John as he discusses how this same idea applies in our relationship with God--being still and listening to Him

Sheep may look cute from a distance, but when the Bible compares God's people to a herd of sheep, it's not a compliment! Pastor John Munro explores what this insightful analogy tells us about the nature of our relationship with Christ and how it should impact our daily life.

Jesus referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd. But let's be honest, most of us aren't too familiar with shepherds, and it's easy to miss the incredible truth that our Lord is teaching.  On this episode, Pastor John Munro takes a closer look at what it means for the Lord Jesus to be our Good Shepherd

When someone struggles with addiction, admitting there's a problem is only the first step.  They must also choose to seek help, and sometimes that isn't easy. Pastor John Munro explains how there's a similar lesson for us when it comes to our spiritual lives.

Most people would say it's best to live in the light, to pursue a godly life, and make good choices.  So why is it so hard to quit habits and lifestyles we know to be destructive and wrong? On this episode, Pastor John Munro discusses what it takes to reject the darkness and choose the light.

Followers of Christ are to repent of our sin. So how do we interact with those who are still searching and struggling with ongoing sin in their lives?  On this episode, Pastor John Munro unpacks a fascinating encounter with Jesus and a woman who is struggling with sin.

During October, John struggled with severe nerve pain on the right side of his face. While he has had mild forms of this pain for many years, this recent episode was a powerful reminder of our need to depend totally on the Lord.