The Verdict with Pastor John Munro Podcast

What does it mean to be part of God's house? Pastor John Munro explores the powerful picture from 1 Peter where Christ is described as the living cornerstone. Discover the three unique privileges that come with your spiritual identity in Christ and how they transform your daily life.

Do you attend church regularly? Is it a priority or an occasional option if you feel like it? Join John as he revisits the biblical purpose for the local church and how our views of church and church attendance have changed.

Have you ever wondered why some Christians seem to thrive while others stagnant? The answer often lies in what we're feeding our souls. Pastor John Munro explores Peter's practical instructions for spiritual nourishment—revealing both what to eliminate from our lives and what to hunger for instead.

Spiritual growth requires spiritual nourishment. Pastor John Munro explores what Peter calls the “pure spiritual milk” of God's Word—essential for our development as believers. Discover how daily Bible reading transforms us from spiritual infants into mature followers of Christ, and learn to remove common obstacles that can distract us.

Loving fellow believers means reaching out beyond ourselves. Pastor John Munro challenges us to go beyond our usual circles and preferences. Continuing in 1st Peter, we'll discover that authentic Christian fellowship transcends age, nationality, and social backgrounds—uniting us as one family in Christ. Learn how to put this transforming love into practice.

Christian faith must go beyond personal belief to genuine community. Pastor John Munro shows how authentic love for fellow believers isn't optional. Continuing in 1st Peter, we'll explore why sincere, earnest love should distinguish every Christian fellowship in this crucial message for the church today.

The blood of Christ paid the price that we never could. Pastor John Munro continues our study in 1st Peter, explaining how Jesus became our perfect sacrifice. Discover why no amount of silver or gold could ever purchase our freedom from sin—only the spotless Lamb of God. Learn how this truth should transform our daily lives.

AI as a new technology has many applications, including as a tool in ministry. But what are the considerations for AI in preaching as pastors bring messages from God's Word? Join John as he reflects on the issues and implications.

What motivations help us live holy lives as believers? Pastor John Munro explores compelling reasons that inspire godly living as we continue our series in 1st Peter. Learn how both the fear of God and the incredible price paid for our redemption fuel our commitment to holiness.

The privileges of divine adoption go far beyond what most Christians realize. Pastor John Munro continues exploring our relationship with God as Father—it includes His perfect discipline, unlimited access, and an eternal inheritance beyond imagination. Discover the joy of trusting a Father who always gives good gifts to His children.

Being adopted into God's family transforms our entire identity and purpose. Pastor John Munro explores the revolutionary relationship believers have with God as Father—and how this intimate connection is the foundation of authentic Christian living.

Pastor John Munro explains the spiritual restoration that begins when we put our faith in Christ. Using Scripture, fellowship, and daily choices, God is making us more like Jesus. Learn how God is in the “restoration business,” transforming lives from the inside out in this encouraging study from 1 Peter.

What is the true goal of holiness in the Christian life? Pastor John Munro identifies five common misconceptions that can derail our spiritual growth—from perfectionism to legalism. He explains what biblical holiness actually looks like, so we can reset our understanding of spiritual health.

How do you feel about solitude? We live in a noisy world where it can be difficult to unplug and find a quiet time to reflect, enjoy the sounds of nature, and commune with God. Today take a break from the hectic pace of life and reflect on the beauty and value of being still and alone.

What does it mean to live a holy life in today's unholy world? Pastor John Munro unpacks Peter's practical pattern for holiness—a five-step approach that begins in our minds and transforms our actions. Discover what it means to reflect God's character in everyday decisions in this compelling study from 1 Peter.

What does holiness look like for Christians today? Pastor John Munro clarifies misconceptions about holiness and outlines the biblical pattern for holy living. Rather than seeking a “second blessing” or “higher experience,” hear how God's transforming work begins at conversion and continues throughout our lives in this powerful lesson.

Holiness isn't just for “super-spiritual” people. It's God's command for every believer. Pastor John Munro continues his practical study of 1 Peter, explaining biblical holiness and how it must characterize all aspects of our lives. Receive further biblical clarity on what it means to live a holy life in this convicting and encouraging message.

In a culture saturated with moral compromise, how can Christians remain faithful? Pastor John Munro tackles this question as he begins dealing with our call to holiness in 1 Peter. Learn what it truly means to be set apart in an ungodly world and why personal holiness isn't optional for believers.

While many biblical prophecies about Christ have been fulfilled, others await future completion. In this episode, Pastor John Munro discusses the connections between Scripture and current events dealing with promises regarding Israel and the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In Scripture, followers of Christ are encouraged to rejoice, even in the midst of suffering and trials. How is this possible? Be encouraged as John explains and shares individual examples to help us understand how to "count it all joy."

Old Testament prophets searched the Scriptures for clues about the coming Messiah. In this episode of THE VERDICT, Pastor John Munro examines how these prophets longed to understand what we now know through Christ. Discover how privileged we are to live on this side of the cross as we continue in 1 Peter.

How does genuine faith respond under pressure? It produces a love for Christ that's even deeper than before. Pastor John Munro continues his study in First Peter, sharing why we can rejoice even in suffering. Learn how faith, tested by fire, becomes something more precious than gold.

Why are trials and suffering a part of life?  Pastor John Munro begins to examine what Scripture says about the purposes of God and what it means to have a faith that's been tested by fire. Discover how difficult seasons can become opportunities to deepen your faith and grow in your relationship with God.

What makes the Christian's future so bright? God gives followers of Jesus Christ a living hope. Pastor John Munro continues to explore this special hope and shares how this security changes our outlook on everything.

Followers of Christ have a living hope that changes our perspective. Pastor John Munro shows us why this hope isn't just wishful thinking—it's a guaranteed inheritance secured by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Discover the confidence that comes from this unshakable hope!

Based on the work of 16th-century theologian John Calvin, Calvinism often centers on the identity and implications of "the elect" as noted in Scripture. Some distinctions held by "Neo-Calvinists" can inadvertently confuse or divide--so what are followers of Christ to do?

What does it mean that our salvation involves all three persons of the Trinity? Pastor John Munro explores the powerful truth that God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all intimately involved in our redemption. It's an encouraging reminder of the security we have in Christ as we continue our study in 1 Peter.

What is the Trinity and why does it matter? On this episode of THE VERDICT, Pastor John Munro examines this foundational Christian doctrine in the book of 1 Peter. Discover how God is one in essence yet three distinct Persons working together for your salvation.

When life feels out of control, what gives you security? On this episode of THE VERDICT, Pastor John Munro explores how followers of Jesus Christ are the chosen people of God—loved with an everlasting love. Discover how God's plan of salvation for you provides unshakable identity and security, regardless of your circumstances.

As followers of Christ, we're called to be “in the world but not of it.” On this episode of THE VERDICT, Pastor John Munro examines Peter's first letter addressed to the “elect exiles”—believers scattered throughout ancient Rome. Learn what it means to live as strangers and exiles in a world that's not our permanent home.

Sometimes we may feel overwhelmed by the darkness or discouragement in our lives. But on this episode of THE VERDICT, Pastor John Munro reminds us that life is precious and God's love for you is greater than any darkness. There is hope even in the most difficult situations of life!

All of us need good friends. But making or choosing good friends can be difficult. And being a good friend can be even harder! Join John as he reflects on the joys and risks of friendship, and how to be and make godly friends.

It'sIt'sIt's a tragic reality in our society that some people reach a point where they feel as though taking their life is the only way out. But God wants you to live a life of purpose and hope. On this episode of THE VERDICT, Pastor John Munro begins an important discussion on the difficult subject of suicide.

Are you lonely? Have you recently lost a loved one? Are you struggling to connect with others? God didn't create us to live in isolation. He created us to live in community. On this episode of THE VERDICT, Pastor John Munro shares what the Bible has to say about overcoming loneliness.

In recent years, many people have suffered from the pain of loneliness: loneliness in isolation, loneliness from the loss of a loved one, or loneliness from finding it difficult to connect with others. On this episode of THE VERDICT, Pastor John Munro explores what the Bible says about loneliness.

When we've been wronged, it's human nature to want revenge. And even though followers of Christ have been forgiven, that doesn't mean that it's easy to forgive those who hurt us. On this episode of THE VERDICT, Pastor John Munro continues his encouraging study, With Wings Like Eagles, with a lesson on what to do when we're unable to forgive.

When Jesus Christ rose from the grave, it was more than just a spectacular miracle—it was victory over sin and death, and a promise of the same life and victory for all who follow Him. Pastor John Munro paints a vivid a picture of what this promise means for our lives today.

All of us want the power of God to be evident in our lives. But how is this accomplished? John discusses A.W. Tozer's Five Vows for Spiritual Power as a convicting and helpful tool in pursuing spiritual growth.

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! That is the good news of the Gospel, and your response to that good news determines whether you will live in victory—or defeat. Pastor John Munro thoroughly unpacks the power found in the resurrection of Christ.

Most of us understand the idea of sacrifice. It might involve giving precious time or money to family or those in need. On this episode of THE VERDICT, Pastor John Munro leads us to reflect on a totally unique sacrifice that is almost impossible to comprehend: the all-powerful, sovereign God giving His only Son so that we could be rescued.

Before Jesus went to the cross, He showed His disciples the full extent of His love. On this episode of THE VERDICT, Pastor John Munro explores Jesus washing His disciples' feet. Discover the servanthood, selflessness, and sacrifice of our Savior that leads us to declare, "Hallelujah, what a Savior!"

The Gospel of Jesus Christ explains that God gave His only Son as a sacrifice so that our sins might be forgiven. But when you hear this, do you ever wonder…why? Why did Jesus have to die? Why did such a sacrifice have to be made? Pastor John Munro explains why Jesus was The Perfect Sacrifice.

Jesus' death on the cross was the ultimate expression of God's love and forgiveness. Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, and because of His perfect sacrifice, anyone can be saved by trusting in Him as Savior. In this episode of THE VERDICT, Pastor John Munro helps us to understand the grace given at the cross.

Marriage is a special and sacred relationship because it was designed by God. And it's important for those contemplating marriage (even those who have been married before) to understand the biblical nature of this important covenant, often through premarital counseling.

When something goes wrong and our lives feel out of control, most of us are prone to worry. We fixate on the problem. We lose sleep. We can't think of anything else!  But in this episode of THE VERDICT, Pastor John Munro turns to the Word of God to find the biblical cure for overcoming worry and anxiety.

In our world today, so many people are suffering from worry and anxiety. So, how do we exchange our worries for God's peace? In this episode of THE VERDICT, Pastor John Munro explores the answer as he continues an uplifting study called, With Wings Like Eagles.

When life is going well, it's easy to take things for granted and forget God. But when times are tough, we're quick to pray and ask the question: Where is God? In this episode of THE VERDICT, Pastor John Munro explores what we should do when our prayers seem to go unanswered.

Do you ever feel as though your prayers never make it past the ceiling? Is God simply not listening, or is He even there? Pastor John Munro discusses how to deal with those frustrating times and what to do when your prayers seem to go unanswered.

Sometimes fear is healthy when it keeps us from making dangerous choices.  But other times, our fears can paralyze us, and we become stuck and unable to move forward. Pastor John Munro presents the biblical cure for our most debilitating fears as he continues the series, With Wings Like Eagles.

Every day we are all faced with trials, struggles, and suffering. But Scripture calls for followers of Jesus Christ to respond to these times of life with a different perspective. We are people of faith, people of hope. So how does this change things?

Is there anything in your life that is causing you to be afraid? Perhaps you are worried about the future. No one is exempt from fear and current events only seem to magnify our fears! On this episode of THE VERDICT, Pastor John Munro shows us how to overcome our fears, even when the future appears uncertain.