The Watching World

What about you is evidence of the fact that Jesus is in you? Abigail DeJarnatt is the founder and CEO of Counteract USA, a non-profit organization equipping young adults to counteract ever-changing political and cultural ideologies with grace and truth. Accompanied by Allie Paris, the COO at Counteract USA, Abigail shares the heart behind the organization. Bad news consumes our generation, and young adults either check out of their faith or deconstruct it altogether. Counteract USA exists to equip young adults to bring the truth of the Gospel into the bad news. Their peer-to-peer discipleship groups meet nationwide to discuss what is happening in the political sphere and what the Bible says about these issues. The girls remind young adults that staying holy, humble, and hungry is the key to maintaining a biblical worldview. We don't have to make the Word of God relevant because it already is. The goal is not to win the information battle. It's to win people to Christ by using the truth of the Gospel and being gracious in our words and actions. Abigail and Allie's testimonies are inspiring and compelling to all young adults not to shy away from difficult conversations but to pursue them with a biblical worldview backed up by grace and truth.

In the second and final part of what the Bible says about health and fitness, Bart and Les talk about how to stay in shape as you age. Bart reminds listeners that they should care for their bodies because God called them to. Our bodies can become our idols, so we need to have a strong “why” for exercising and set realistic goals that help us stay on track. Bart shares an inspirational story about why we should diligently exercise, especially as we age. He also reminds people that getting in shape does not start in the workout room but in the kitchen! He encourages listeners to see nutritionists, personal trainers, or medical professionals to create the best fitness plan for their bodies based on how God made them. Not everyone can do bodybuilding or extreme training. Still, each believer is called to diligently steward the body they've been given by eating foods that fuel them and regularly exercising so they can have the energy to complete the work God has called them to.

Bart Cox joins Les for part 1 of a series exploring what the Bible says about health and fitness. As believers, we are called to steward our resources, which includes keeping our bodies in good health through regular fitness routines and healthy eating. We do not own our bodies; God gave them to us. Taking care of them communicates a thankful and obedient heart. Bart and Les remind listeners that the goal is not for them to look how the world wants them to. God created each person fearfully and wonderfully, but He wants us to be healthy so we can be used for the purpose He has created us for. When we are healthy, we have more energy to serve God and His people. Exercise is about helping you be the best you can be. You'll sleep better, have a clearer mind, be more mobile, and recover better from injuries and sicknesses when you follow a regular fitness plan and eat a well-balanced diet. Bart encourages listeners to start small and pick a goal they can be proud of and reasonably pursue on their fitness journey. God doesn't need any of us, but He wants all of us, so it is our job to steward our bodies in a way that honors Him and equips us to serve Him faithfully.

Brandi Wilson is on a mission to help women in ministry lead and thrive in their roles. She shares her story of finding hope and healing from divorce and how her experiences sparked her passion for coaching women who have walked a similar path. She reminds listeners that divorce does not define you or sideline you because no one can take God's call on your life. Brandi shares her journey from divorce to where she is now and how she learned to voice her needs and ask for help. As she was healing from divorce, it seemed easier to do things on her own, but she realized that it is vitally important to ask people for help when needed. Asking for help takes courage and bravery, but Brandi encourages anyone healing from divorce and facing a future they never anticipated to take things one day at a time. There is no perfect formula for healing from divorce, but looking for the small victories can keep you thankful and focusing on God's goodness.

People are searching for hope on Christmas, and we have a living hope we can share with them. Although Christmas is a cultural holiday, Christians view it as a religious holiday that celebrates the greatest gift ever given to humanity. Pastor Phil Hopper encourages listeners that inviting their neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family to church is a great way to bring hope on Christmas. He and Les challenge listeners to look for people who are hurting and searching for the truth. As the people of God, we should live with the most optimistic worldview we can possibly have. The real hope on Christmas is the truth that Jesus is coming again, and we are promised to spend eternity with Him. It doesn't take much to show kindness and joy to the people around you. If you have a smile, if you can write, if you can type, if you can bake, if you can serve in any capacity, use those gifts to bring hope on Christmas to the people around you.

How could a school change if students had access to Bible education during school hours? Ben Ruprecht is a representative for Lifewise Academy, which offers Bible education for public school students during school hours. Their ministry has expanded to over 35,000 students in 330 schools across 12 states. He shares how Bible education has a transformational impact on students' lives, which ultimately pours over into the classroom. Schools report that kids pay better attention, and classes have fewer interruptions when implementing this program for their students. According to their educational survey, 76% of educators (teachers, principals, administrators) agree that it benefits both the school and the student.

Everyone is consumed by busyness, and our guest this week is no exception. To lay the foundation for this episode, Les shares about his last two hectic weeks and what the Lord taught him. Then, Jeremy chimes in and shares that if we're not entirely sure who we are or what our calling is, we will say yes to many things that are not necessary. Les shares that the formula for productivity amidst busyness is organization and intentionality, which leads to focus. Les and Jeremy reflect on how they handled their time and priorities in the past and discuss what they do when they feel busy. Jeremy reminds us that we need time with the Lord daily to create solitude and silence in our constantly connected world. He encourages listeners to prayerfully seek out their specific mission to stay focused in busyness so they don't lose sight of what they're working toward.

How do you know you are called to homeschool your kids? Darcy Struckmeier is the leader of the Homeschool Center at Abundant Life. After finding homeschool programs that worked for her kids and graduating 3 out of her 4 kids, she and her husband are thankful for the opportunities it gave their family. The Abundant Life Homeschool Center serves homeschooling families by providing weekly clubs, monthly activities, and quarterly training. Darcy encourages families that homeschooling is difficult, but just because it's difficult doesn't mean you're doing something wrong. She advocates for families joining homeschool programs and clubs to find like-minded communities, since homeschooling can sometimes feel lonely. If the Holy Spirit is prompting you to homeschool, take the leap! Abundant Life's Homeschool Center exists to serve you, your spouse, and your kids as you embark on your homeschool journey.

We can't be loved if we're not known, but vulnerability in discipleship and community can be intimidating. Robby Angle is the CEO of TrueFace, a ministry committed to helping others experience authentic relationships. He reminds us that grace is foundational to our experience of Christ's love and our path of discipleship as Jesus' followers. God revealed to him that his striving was in the way of experiencing true grace while he was on the mission field in Pakistan. Before this revelation, he thought that being a Christian meant sinning less, doing better, and reading more of the Bible. However, he found that instead, all we are called to do as Christians is receive God's gift of grace. Robby and Les discuss how we can truly let go and be fully known and why authentic community is vital for believers. He challenges listeners to tell God their fears about vulnerability and authenticity and to have the courage to build genuine and vulnerable relationships with one trusted person. Accepting and appreciating grace takes time, but we are not called to do life alone.

Dr. Emerson Eggerichs is a pastor, author, speaker, and founder of the Love and Respect Conference. His book, “Love and Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs,” and his conference have helped thousands of couples learn how to resolve conflict and meet each other's needs. The book's inspiration comes from Ephesians 5:33, which commands husbands to love their wives and wives to respect their husbands. Approximately 3 out of 10 marriages end in divorce because love alone is not enough. Dr. Eggerichs and Les discuss the crazy cycle and the energizing cycle that marriages go through and how couples can work to bring peace, unity, love, and respect back into their marriage. Les shares things he wishes he could change if he could go back to the early years of his marriage, and Dr. Eggerichs reminds him that his current marriage is a testimony to the work God can and will do in any marriage. Learn more about Dr. Eggerich's work: https://www.loveandrespect.com/about-us

Why is it so important to eliminate toxic people from your life? To answer this question, Les interviews Gary Thomas about his new book, “When to Walk Away: Finding Freedom from Toxic People.” Sometimes, people do not want to receive what you say to them, but that does not mean you have to let them walk all over you. Gary clarifies that while every toxic person is difficult, not every difficult person is toxic. He equips listeners with markers to identify whether they are in unhealthy relationships and comforts those who feel like they cannot walk away. God wants us to protect ourselves from toxic people because they steal our joy, peace, strength, and confidence and make us ineffective in producing fruit. We must be willing to walk away if the relationship is not producing fruit. You are not responsible when someone responds in an unhealthy way to a healthy situation. You are responsible for guarding your heart and determining when to walk away from toxic influences.

Tim and Rory Aughinbaugh are back on the podcast to chat with Les about marriage, parenting, and keeping God first in every season of life. They share how they are navigating changes in their family as their kids start driving, dating, and socializing, keeping them away from home more often. Like many parents with growing children, they lament how their family used to be while anticipating the joy of watching their children mature as they enter the world. They share how they teach their kids to partner with the Holy Spirit as they navigate adult decisions. Even though it is hard to watch your kids struggle, Tim and Rory remind parents that allowing their children to feel and experience the natural consequences of their actions is good. These are teaching moments so your kids can learn to keep God first as they enter adulthood! Rory reminds couples that the strength of your marriage gives your kids security, and they share practical ways couples can love and serve each other. Plus, Les has a surprise for Tim and Rory at the end that you won't want to miss!

Dan Sered is the COO of Jews for Jesus, a nonprofit organization consisting of people who are committed allies of the Jewish people. Dan shares his testimony of growing up in a secular Jewish household, how his future wife introduced him to Jesus, and the moment he decided to have a personal relationship with Him. He joins Les on the podcast to answer the question, what's really happening in Israel? Dan encourages Christians to stand with our Jewish friends and neighbors and be clear that we believe there is never any excuse for the brutality demonstrated toward the Jewish people. He discusses why the Jews are God's chosen people and reminds listeners that God is faithful even when His people are faithless. For Christians who wonder how they can help and what they should pray, Dan shares specific prayer requests and people to pray for.

Deconstructionism has recently gained popularity in our society, especially among young adults. For many people, it comes from a desire for connection, approval, and truth. Pastor Jeremy Brownlee joins Les Norman to discuss the foundations of faith and why people deconstruct their faith. They remind believers that we are called to study God's Word and should live by the Word of God, not the word of pastors, social media influencers, or political candidates. The Enemy is continually trying to chip away at the foundations of our faith. But God is good, and His Word is true. If you encounter someone that is deconstructing, love them. Talk to them. Listen to understand them. Share the truth with them. They may just be looking for genuine people whom they can trust. If you are going through deconstruction, Jesus loves you. He is not upset by your questions and concerns but doesn't want you to be deceived. Don't suppress your questions and struggles, because the Enemy wants you in isolation. Reach out to a trusted person today or visit one of the resources below. Want answers to your questions? Visit these resources: livingproof.co/got-questions/ https://www.gotquestions.org/

A whole generation has been indoctrinated against the Bible and taught to believe that man's truth – their personal beliefs and how they feel – is the ultimate standard of truth. In this episode, Ken Ham joins Les Norman to talk about his ministry, Answers in Genesis, and the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter that allow people to experience the Bible come to life. Ken presents God's truth in a loving and confident way while pointing out errors in evolutionary arguments. He shows how Genesis lays out the gospel and the foundation for marriage, sexuality, and other principles our culture struggles to define today. Ken encourages listeners to think foundationally about what God says in the Bible and reminds us that there really are answers in Genesis to all kinds of foundational questions people are asking today. Learn more about Answers in Genesis: answersingenesis.org Visit the Abundant Life website: livingproof.co

Steven Branch, the Independence campus pastor, joins Les Norman to discuss how to root your identity in Christ and identify material things in which we tend to root our identity. Since we can't physically see Jesus, we tend to root our identity in things like our job, marital status, or friendships. But these things are finite, so they will not satisfy us long-term. Steven recounts the season of life where his identity was rooted in being a student pastor and how he became insecure if any branch of the student ministry was not thriving. He and Les discuss situations where they were convicted to apologize to other people for how they acted when they were insecure because their identity wasn't in Christ and how that insecurity can damage relationships. We often put ourselves in bondage by chasing things that aren't our real identity in Christ. Steven shares several verses to memorize and meditate on daily to remind us of our identity in Christ. He leaves us with a final reminder that the offer of salvation is open to everyone, and if you place your faith in Christ, you are a new creation. Your identity – who you are – is in Christ and nothing else. Verses to meditate on: • Galatians 2:20 • Colossians 3:23 • Psalm 119:11 & 105 • Ephesians 2:10 Visit our website: livingproof.co Take the identity quiz for specific verses about who God says you are livingproof.co/identity-in-christ-quiz/

The world tells women they can be anything, but our society struggles to define femininity. On the one hand, they say women should be quiet and submissive, but on the other, they assert that women should be loud and bold. In this episode, Les Norman interviews Kiley Masters and Jennifer Spears about biblical womanhood and establishing your identity in Christ. Kiley and Jennifer share their testimonies and describe their lives before they understood the redemption they received in Jesus. They remind women that their identity isn't determined by their titles, like “mom,” “sister,” “friend,” or “wife.” Instead, it is determined by who Christ says you are, and this identity spills over into your titles, which determines your worth and how you act. Their final encouragement for women is to study God's word, know their identity, and stay in community. These three steps will equip you to discern the difference between Satan's lies and God's truth. Verses to remind you of your identity in Christ: Psalm 46:5 John 1:12 Ephesians 2:8-10 Abundant Life's website: https://livingproof.co

When God calls you to do something, He will prepare others' hearts and put everything together in His perfect way. This promise has been proven true for Lance Harrington, Executive Pastor of Campuses at Abundant Life, and the future Overland Park campus pastor. As the Executive Pastor of Campuses, he supports, encourages, leads, & guides the campus pastors to maintain the culture at each campus. When asked what the culture of Abundant Life is, Lance answers, “Loving God and loving people.” He also tackles the pushback from the public that Abundant Life is growing too fast and is too overwhelming. While things may seem overwhelming from our point of view, Lance reminds us that God has never been overwhelmed. He is always pursuing people, so we should pursue them and look for opportunities to bring the Gospel to our hurting neighbors.

Do you ever feel that maybe God has called you to do something more than what you're doing? Jonathan Clark clearly heard God tell him that he was made to do something more and that revelation drastically changed his life. As the new young adult pastor at Abundant Life's young adult ministry, Paradigm, he is passionate about seeing the next generation know God and make Him known. Jonathan talks about meeting Pastor Chad, being offered the position with the Paradigm staff, and the difficulties of moving his family away from everything familiar to pursue God's calling in his life. Jonathan and Les also talk about their shared desire to provide for their families, actively pour into their kids, and demonstrate obedience to what God asks them to do. Jonathan reminds listeners that God is, has been, and always will be faithful to His people. You can trust Him with your future but must demonstrate your trust through obedience.

What does the Bible say about tithing and financial stewardship? To answer this question, Les interviews Mitch Black, a financial advisor and managing director at Black, Davis, & Associates. They discuss the crippling effects of trying to grip tightly to your money and encourage listeners to tithe instead and look for ways to bless others financially. Mitch reflects on his childhood, where his parents taught him how to have a stewardship mindset from a very early age. He encourages listeners to diligently steward their time, talent, and treasure as an act of honor and thankfulness to God for the things He's given us.

We weren't created to live in shame, but the guilt of our sin often causes us to isolate ourselves from our community. Jonathan Buttram is the re:generation pastor at Abundant Life. The program's mission is to be an authentic community of Christ followers relentless in helping each other experience intimacy with God. Re:generation exists to guide individuals to freedom from emotional and spiritual strongholds. Participants in the program meet weekly to unpack their fears, struggles, and beliefs and learn how to foster a healthy heart, mind, and soul. Jonathan encourages listeners that if they have a pulse, re:generation is for them. If something in your heart is not allowing you to live in freedom, we encourage you to pursue healing and recovery through re:generation. https://www.regenerationrecovery.org/

Is abortion a rights issue or a biblical issue? According to former Planned Parenthood clinic director Abby Johnson, it's a biblical issue. She joins Les Norman to discuss abortion statistics in the United States, the target victims of Planned Parenthood, and finding forgiveness after abortion. She warns listeners that the enemy wants to use our mistakes to cripple us from walking in freedom, but Jesus came to release us from bondage. Her encouragement for us is that if you want to change the culture, you must do it by introducing people to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Abby Johnson founded And Then There Were None ministries, helping abortion clinic workers transition out of the industry. She is also the author of Fierce Mercy and Unplanned, which was recently made into a movie. Her encouragement for us is that if you want to change the culture, you must do it by introducing people to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. https://abbyj.com/ https://abortionworker.com

Failure to say “no” to others can wreak havoc in our lives, so why are we so afraid to say no? Dr. John Townsend joins Les Norman and Jeremy Brownlee to answer this question and discuss setting boundaries for healthy relationships and determining a mature Christian leader. A nationally known leadership consultant, author, and psychologist, Dr. Townsend brings his knowledge of biblical leadership and counseling to teach us how to guard our hearts. He uses John 1:14 to encourage listeners to seek relationships with people full of grace and truth, so they have people to help them prune back the good from the great. The Townsend Institute: https://www.cui.edu/townsend. Dr. Townsend's website: https://drtownsend.com/ Abundant Life's Website: https://livingproof.co/

Pastor Phil and Les discuss how the problem of tolerating homosexuality starts in the church house, not the schoolhouse or the White House. When the church teaches that homosexuality is compatible with Christianity, it prostitutes itself with lies, which is also a sign of the end times. Pastor Phil warns listeners that self-idolatry leads to distorted gender identity. We were all born in sin, but Jesus didn't come to affirm our sins and celebrate our lifestyles. He came to free us from our sins and change our lifestyles! Pastor Phil also shares how Christians should befriend and witness to homosexual people. He encourages listeners to attempt to be relational before being confrontational and to affirm their love for their homosexual friends without affirming their lifestyle. He leaves us with a final reminder that we are not anybody's judge, but we are called to know and speak the truth.

Brant Hansen is an author, nationally syndicated radio host, and advocate for healing children through CURE International. He is also diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome and nystagmus, but he doesn't let those diagnoses stop him. Brant and Les discuss Brant's book, “Unoffendable,” and how being unoffendable is an act of obedience. Brant reminds listeners that spirituality is loyalty to God and encourages us that just because we can't feel God's presence doesn't mean He isn't close. He challenges us to think about what we pay attention to because what captures your attention determines who you're becoming. Brant's quirky, honest, and truthful demeanor inspires listeners to strive to live unoffended. Brant is a co-host of the Brant and Sherri Oddcast, which airs on various stations and streams on any streaming platform. Branthansen.com https://livingproof.co/

Host Les Norman interviews the founders of Refine Us Ministries, Justin and Trisha Davis. Our mission is to help you restore hope and renew relationships because communities thrive when relationships are healthy. They coach others to help relationships thrive. They also talk about their new book Beyond Ordinary.

Pastor Chad Glover sits down and talks about launching the Crossroads campus of Abundant Life in Kansas City and what Launching Season looks like.

Host Les Norman spends some time with Dr. Ken Wilgus the author of Feeding the Mouth that Bites You. They dive into the world of parenting teens. Some simple things you can do as a parent of teens getting them ready to be adults. A clear and practical path to: Planned Emancipation Training them to be adults Knowing and understanding adolescents Knowing how to respond

Kenn Kington is a comedian, author and speaker.

Communication in Leadership. What does it mean, how can we use it, and how can we communicate in a biblical way? Les Norman and Jeremy Brownlee talk about what it means to communicate and to be a part of a team.

Host Les Norman and Abundant Life Lead Pastor Phil Hopper discuss what the significance of Easter and the life that we live now.

Join Pastor Phil as he and Host Les Norman interview local Kansas City candidates currently running for office. They discuss why they wanted to join the race what role Christians play in Government.

Join Les Norman as he talks with Crystal Paine.

Join host Les Norman and Nathan Bacon, Head Baseball Coach at Dordt University out of Sioux Center, Iowa a Christian University.