The Verdict with Pastor John Munro Podcast

There are many people who claim that when you follow Jesus Christ, you'll enjoy a life of comfort and blessing. But on this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro explains that this is contrary to the teaching of Scripture. The apostle Peter writes that followers of Christ are actually called to suffer. But why—and what does this mean?

Probably every follower of Christ has wondered at some point about whether their salvation can ever be lost. Perhaps you've had doubts at points in your life, and wondered if your faith was real. Is it possible to be truly secure in your faith? On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro discusses the answers to these important questions.

Our world is full of uncertainties. You might feel happy and secure one moment, but then the unexpected occurs and you're left shaken. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro discusses the security of salvation. How do we know that we're saved? Is it possible to lose your salvation? Explore the biblical answers to these tough questions.

We sometimes hear the platitude, "You can be a Christian without going to church", but this can be misleading. God has given us the church, and while any church has its failures and shortcomings, followers of Christ are meant to grow in a community of believers.

On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro continues our new study in the book of Colossians to help us gain a better understanding of what it means to be reconciled with God. Learn how and why God has provided a way for relationship so that you can have peace with Him.

For followers of Christ, living for our Lord Jesus is to be our highest priority. In very decision, in every area of life, we are called to seek Him first. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro returns to the book of Colossians to explain the absolute supremacy of Jesus Christ.

The Bible tells us we are created in the image of God, but what does that mean? On this episode of The Verdict we're continuing in the book of Colossians as Pastor John Munro explains how Jesus is the perfect representation of the image of God and central to our life's purpose and personal identity.

So many people are concerned with their image, their outward appearance--how they look, or how they dress. But on this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro explores the amazing truth about our identity and what it means to be made in the image of God.

We often hear count your blessings. But as followers of Christ, some of the most important reasons that we should be thankful have nothing to do with our circumstances or possessions. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro is helping us think through the implications of our eternal inheritance.

Recent remarks by Pete Hegseth as the Secretary of War (formerly Defense) suggest that he may embrace Theonomy theology, which advocates for the Mosaic Law of the Old Testament to be the basis of our laws.

Sometimes we get so busy that we forget to be thankful.  But being thankful is more than just manners, or grace before a meal. On this episode of The Verdict Pastor John Munro continues in Colossians as we unpack what God has accomplished through our Lord Jesus Christ.

To be loving, and to have faith and hope are all important parts of the Christian life. But as we seek to live out the Gospel in our daily lives, there's something more. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro explores the importance of maturing in our faith and knowing God's will for our lives.

It's one thing to say you believe in something, but it's quite another to demonstrate that belief in your life. Wouldn't you agree? On this episode of The Verdict Pastor John Munro continues our study in the book of Colossians as we discuss how authentic faith should have a very real and practical impact in our lives.

You may understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You may even be able to explain the Gospel quite effectively. But, on this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro is asking you, “What difference does the Gospel make in your life?”

In the book of Colossians, Paul offers some of the Bible's richest teaching on the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro is helping us to understand how important it is to fully understand what we believe, so that we can be discerning and mature in our faith.

John welcomes Nathaniel Pearce, Pastor of Family Ministries at Calvary, to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing parents, including the importance of intentional priorities and demonstrating a reliance on the Word of God.

Today on The Verdict, Pastor John Munro begins a new study in the book of Colossians. And while this small book is only made up of four chapters, it contains crucial lessons for us today as we grapple with questions on faith and false doctrine.

When your circumstances seem dire, and life feels totally out of control, what do you do? On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro is discussing three final lessons from the book of Esther that will encourage you no matter what your situation.

The story of Esther is a fascinating real-life drama that took place in Ancient Persia. But what can we take away from the life of this young queen and the thrilling events that have unfolded? On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro shares three important lessons that we can apply to our own lives.

Have you ever heard of the Feast of Purim? It's a Jewish feast observed to this day to celebrate how God delivered the people of Israel from the threat of extinction. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro explores this celebration of God's faithfulness, and how it points us to the victory of Jesus.

Today, Pastor John Munro continues our study in the book of Esther. Despite the plotting of an evil man, God has delivered His people. They celebrate during the annual Feast of Purim, which points us to an even greater victory!

Technology and social media tend to isolate us, but God created us to live in relationship with Him and others. Friendship is one of the great joys in life. Yet we must remember how to be a good friend as we pursue new relationships

Are you facing a desperate situation that seems hopeless? Perhaps a relationship that seems broken beyond repair. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro reminds us that we have a God who can do the impossible.

Through the power and grace of God, what seems to be our most difficult trial can end up being the source of our greatest blessing. He can turn despair into hope, shame into glory, and on the cross of Jesus Christ, He brings life out of death. Today on The Verdict, Pastor John Munro helps us to see God's brilliant reversals in the story of Esther.

Have you ever felt trapped in a situation that seems hopeless? On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro shares that while God's ways are mysterious, He often works through the seemingly insignificant circumstances of life to do the impossible.

Does it ever feel like your life is spinning out of control? On this episode on The Verdict, Pastor John Munro returns to our study in the book of Esther. We'll see how our sovereign God is all-powerful over the events in our lives, no matter how dark or difficult our circumstances may become.

Being obedient to God and showing courage in the face of great risk or opposition isn't easy.  But it's in these defining moments of life when our faith is tested and our character is revealed. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro teaches us how to be strong and courageous in Life's Defining Moments.

Followers of Christ have been forgiven of our sins through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Yet forgiving others is still difficult for us, and we tend to hold onto grievances. How do we prevent this?

In each of our lives, there comes a pivotal moment where we have the opportunity to stand for God, or we can play it safe and blend into the crowd.  On this episode of The Verdict, we'll witness the defining moment in the life of Esther. This young queen must decide whether she will risk her own life to save her people.

At some point in each of our lives, we come to a crossroads which will have a tremendous impact. It could be an exciting opportunity, or how we respond to a terrible crisis. God places these events in our lives for a reason. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro explains how we can be ready for these defining moments.

For most of us, our days are fairly routine. But every now and then, we are confronted with an opportunity, or a challenge, that will change the direction of our lives and have far-reaching consequences. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro helps us understand how to approach these rare defining moments.

The Jewish nation has been persecuted for generations. But it's more than politics or racism. Satan hates and opposes God's chosen people. Today on The Verdict, Pastor John Munro explores history in a different way as we learn more about the plot to exterminate the Jews in the book of Esther.

Throughout history, God's chosen people, the Jews, have been challenged, oppressed, and hated—not just by other people, but by Satan himself. And on this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro unveils the harsh reality of this spiritual battle between God's people and the forces of darkness, as it unfolds in the book of Esther.

Many times our minds are occupied with trivial things. But today John is issuing a challenge to help set our minds on Scripture through memorization and meditation. How do we do this, and why?

Today, we're continuing our brand-new study in the book of Esther and gaining some key insights on how God can use us, even—and especially—in the midst of a godless community. We're examining the unique example of Esther, and what her story can teach us about God's faithfulness on this episode of The Verdict.

In the book of Esther, we see how the perfect will of God can be fulfilled even in the most secular circumstances. And on today's episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro teaches more about the Persian beauty pageant that led to the deliverance of a nation.

The biblical account of Esther is a fascinating tale of power, beauty, and the invisible hand of God. And on this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro continues a brand-new study on this incredible tale to see how God's sovereign plan for His people played out through the real-world dramas of a king and his queen.

Have you ever gone through a season where God seemed silent, as though His protection, provision, and guidance had suddenly disappeared? Well, today on The Verdict, Pastor John Munro begins a new study in the book of Esther, revealing how the invisible hand of God is always at work.

On that first Easter Sunday our Lord Jesus Christ bodily rose from the dead. He is victorious over death, and those who trust in Him as Savior and Lord receive eternal life. But what about our lives today? On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro explores the personal implications that come with this new life in Christ.

In our fallen state, all of us are naturally rebellious. Selfishness, self-indulgence, and self-autonomy are central--we want to make our own rules. But humility and submission are to be central in the lives of followers of Christ.

You may have heard the saying, “Where there's life, there's hope”, but followers of Jesus Christ can say, “Where there's death, there's hope.” Because our Lord Jesus has conquered death, our hope extends beyond the grave. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro reflects on this magnificent truth as we celebrate our risen Savior.

In His last moments on the cross, Jesus cried out “It is finished.” On special Good Friday edition of The Verdict, we remember the suffering of our Savior and understand the completion of His perfect work of salvation.

On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro continues our Easter preparation by helping us gain a better understanding of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Why does this event which happened over 2000 years ago hold such significance for our lives today?

The Christian faith does not merely claim that Jesus Christ lived 2,000 years ago—we believe that Jesus is alive today. Though He was crucified on a cross and buried in a tomb, Jesus rose from the dead and is alive forevermore! And this changes everything. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro discusses what the resurrection of Christ means for our lives today.

Over 2,000 years ago, a man named Jesus was crucified on a Roman cross, buried in a tomb, and three days later, He rose from the grave. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro explores why this event remains the central and most significant event in human history.

The concept of mentoring is familiar and quite popular. But it may be helpful to remember that real mentoring (or discipleship in the biblical sense) involves commitment, intentional effort, and practical action on the part of those involved.

At the very heart of the Christian faith, we believe that our Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins on the cross, was buried, and rose from the grave on the third day according to the Scriptures. For the next few episodes of The Verdict, we're pausing our series in Esther to prepare our hearts for Easter. Today, Pastor John Munro helps us examine the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

When we live for ourselves, we're forced to rely upon our own strengths and our own plans—which are never perfect. But when we seek first the glory of God, we're given the guidance and assurance of His perfect will. Today on The Verdict, Pastor John Munro concludes our study on the Next Steps in Following Christ by learning how to know God's will.

Sometimes life can feel scattered, unpredictable, and even scary. But with Jesus Christ, our journeys are never random. The God of the universe has a plan for your life! And on this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro explores what the Bible teaches us about God's perfect plan, and what we can do today to move closer to His will.

As Christians, we're called to go out into the world and win souls for Christ. But for many of us, this command feels more like a suggestion or a duty that someone else is meant to fulfill. Today on The Verdict, Pastor John Munro helps reshape our thinking with a lesson on the joy, privilege, and responsibility of telling others about Jesus.

Over the past several episodes of the The Verdict, we've been learning how to take the Next Steps in Following Jesus. And today, we're considering one of the greatest Next Steps in our journey of faith—one that Jesus Himself has commanded us to take.