The Word of Life Podcast

Faith, growth, and basketball— professional basketball player Matt Costello sits down with Island Director Tommy Sewall to discuss his time in the NBA, playing basketball overseas, and challenges and growth in his Christian faith.

In this episode of the Word of Life Podcast, Island Director Tommy Sewall chats with X Games gold medalist and American Ninja Warrior Emily Durham about ministry, wakeboarding, and how her identity in Christ keeps her grounded.

Second-year student Julia Tuason sits down with us this week to share her journey of struggle, faith, and how Christ's love has changed her entire life's direction.

In this episode Jonathan sits down with Eric Messer, the Executive Dean of Student and Guest Experiences. Eric and Jonathan cover topics such as student experiences and scholarship work programs to campus updates such as our athletic programs, academic programs, health and security components and the master plan for the Word of Life Bible Institute property. If you have been considering the Word of Life Bible Institute as your next step in your educational journey, then this podcast gives you much insight as to what's happening currently and what's coming soon.

History books tells us about the Vietnam War, landing on the Moon, John F. Kennedy, etc. but these topics are ever so close to Phillips as he lived in it and through it. This is a gripping true story of the Vietnam War through the lens of a man who survived it against all odds and can only be chalked up to a miracle.

History books tells us about the Vietnam War, John F. Kennedy, etc. but these topics are ever so close to Phillips as he lived in it and through it. This is a gripping true story of the Vietnam War through the lens of a man who survived it against all odds and can only be chalked up to a miracle.

New York Bible Institute's Campus Pastor, Tom Phillips, shares with us on the discipline needed to have an effective Quiet Time, prayer life, evangelistic outreach and so much more. Tom gives practical steps that you can begin to take today to help you on your walk with Jesus.

Last week we heard from the New York Bible Institute's Dean of Women, Karen Smith, as she discussed the structure behind having an effective Quiet Time. After getting a snippet of her testimony, Jonathan decided to bring her in to share her full story with us. You'll laugh, you'll cry but most of all you'll see the love of Jesus in and through Karen's story that perhaps you may be able to relate too as well.

New York Bible Institute's Dean of Women, Karen Smith, shares with us on how to have an effective Quiet Time that's meaningful even on the days you don't feel up to it. Also, Karen dives into what accountability looks like through both being held accountable and keeping someone else accountable.

Join Dr. Tom Davis and Jonathan Phillips as they dive into the 2nd and last part of this series as they detail the crucifixion of Jesus, the 7 sayings of Jesus while on the cross, the significance of Jesus' burial and timing, and the resurrection and appearances to others. Warning: Details relating to the crucifixion of Jesus and the history of Roman capital punishment within this podcast are in deep detail and may be disturbing for some listeners.

Join Dr. Tom Davis and Jonathan Phillips as they dive into this first episode specifying in detail the Triumphant Entry, the arrest and trials of Jesus, the scourging of Jesus and the walk down the Via Dolorosa. Warning: Details relating to the scourging of Jesus and the history behind scourging within this podcast are in deep detail and may be disturbing for some listeners.

In this podcast Sam Frey explains to us the reasoning as to why, how, and when to witness. The thought of witnessing to someone else motivate you or send you into a fearful panic? This is a podcast on how we can turn fear into faith! Sam, for decades, has been evangelizing throughout New York City and other parts of the country as well as overseas and lends us his thoughts and experiences to the absolute need for spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Join Dr. Tom Davis and Jonathan Phillips in the final installment to this End Times series as they discuss the Great White Throne Judgment that will take place for those that do not believe in Jesus and the final part of the discussion living eternal in Heaven. Will we as Christians be present during the Great White Throne Judgment and do we know what heaven is going to look like? What will we do there? These are just a few of the many questions that are answered in this final chapter.

Buckle up on your horse as we are coming back with Jesus on His second coming. Today Dr. Tom Davis and Jonathan Phillips discuss the exciting topics of Jesus' second coming and the millennial reign or 1,000 years.

Within the tribulation, the last 3 ½ years are the worst. Listen in as Dr. Tom Davis and Jonathan Phillips discuss the events in detail within this time period. Holding a pre-trib view, we as believers of Jesus Christ will not be here on Earth while these events are taking place but it is vital that we share our faith with those today as Jesus' return is near.

Kansas City Chiefs Mascot Ever wonder who's behind the costume at an amusement park or the one acting crazy at a sporting event? Well…meet Dan Meers the person behind the Kansas City Chiefs KC Wolf mascot. Meers is the mascot that all other mascots look up to for inspiration as he is the longest active mascot within the National Football League. Today Meers takes off the mask and we learn what his real character is in Jesus Christ and the motivation to persevere after his major fall from a stunt gone wrong. Buy the Book @ www.danmeers.org

In part 5 of this series we listen in as Dr. Davis finishes up taking us through the Tribulation.  If you weren't able to listen to the first four parts of this series or even the first part of the tribulation , we recommend you go back and listen to them as they are packed with amazing truths from God's word. Here are some resources that Dr. Davis suggest. In this order of “immediate helpfulness”: A study Bible: Ryrie Study Bible NIV Study Bible Nelson's Study Bible A Bible Dictionary: Zondervan's Pictorial Bible Dictionary An Exhaustive Concordance (for the version of the Bible you prefer) such as: Strong's Young's A word study book such as Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words A general commentary such as The Bible Knowledge Commentary (two volumes, OT & NT) edited by Walvoord. An in-depth commentary (The Expositor's Bible Commentary edited by Frank Gaebelein).

In part 4 of this series we listen in as Dr. Davis takes us through the first three and a half years of the Tribulation. If you haven't been able to listen to the first three parts of this series, we recommend you go back and listen to them as they are packed with amazing truths from God's word.

In this packed out episode we continue with the progression of End Times bringing us to The Judgment Seat of Christ, Marriage Supper of the Lamb, and the Invasion of Israel. Dr. Davis provides us with a detailed look into each one of these events and how it relates to both believers of Christ and non-believers. 

In this episode we go into detail about the signs of the times, when will the rapture take place, what prophecies are left to fulfill before the rapture can happen. Listen in as Dr. Davis goes into detail as to the explanation of a twinkling of an eye and what will happen the moment we meet King Jesus in the clouds. This is a podcast that will leave you shouting for joy and excited to share with your friends and family!

In this Part 1 series of the End Times Prophecy with Dr. Tom Davis we take an in-depth look at how both Jews and Gentiles perceive Jesus as Messiah and their roles in the End Times. What happened at Pentecost, why should we care about Israel and so many other topics will be covered during this first installment to the End Times with Dr. Tom Davis.

Both myself and co-host Brian Baker from the Multiply sit down with Kevin Ross the president of Helping Hands Foreign Missions to discuss the need for both churches and youth to get involved in missions. Kevin helps us understand a simple and effective way through this ministry that we can share the gospel with many who have never heard of the good news of Jesus Christ. We can all get involved in missions whether it is from the comfort of your own home or across the seas.

In this Part 3 series of Angels and Demons we sit down with Author Alex Konya as he answers questions related to his book, "Demons : A biblically based perspective." Within this podcast we learn what demon possession really means according to scripture and how we as Christians today should view spiritual warfare. This is a rather interesting insight to both demons, angels, and sin. To purchase a copy of Alex's book, please click the link below.

As this series continues, we sit down with Brian Baker to discuss how Satan is attacking and deceiving our youth today. What are our students doing to make it easier for Satan to deceive? Why do so many young people doubt their salvation? How can we best equip our students to stand up against Satan's attacks and stand out for Jesus in a world that will be soon coming to an end? This is an episode that is a must for not only your student but also for you as an adult.

In this 6 part series on Angels and Demons we first start the series off with our good friend Dr. Tom Davis who sets the foundation on what are angels and demons, when did they come into existence, are haunted homes actually real and so much more! This is a podcast and series that you will not want to miss!

Whether it is the death of a student through suicide or the death of a parent of one of your students, tragedy is something that will eventually find you in ministry.  Today on the podcast we talk with Matt Glancey and Jake Mouliert, both from Coastal Christian Ocean City in New Jersey. Matt shares some of the personal tragedies in his life and they both share about how the Lord allowed their church to minister to the community after the suicide of a student at their local school. They share some practical insights into how to deal with tragedy in your ministry.

Phil Tuttle, President of Walk Thru the Bible, shares how understanding the big picture of the Old and New Testaments can ignite people's passion for God's Word.

In this episode we sit down with Pastor Bobby Pell of Northwoods Church in Evansville, Indiana to discuss what "Church Planting" is, how it works and why do it. This is a podcast with many great insights into the calling of one's life but moreover the challenge to live humbly for Jesus and to keep spreading the gospel onward!

If you have worked with students for more than a minute, you have dealt with the results of anxiety and depression. Students everywhere are struggling with it and many times with no help. Brian sits down with Karen Smith (a repeat guest from Episode 17), the Dean of women at the Word of Life Bible Institute and she gives us some practical steps as to how we can help students in these areas of struggle. Link to all of the podcast bellow. WOL.is/podcasts

Dr. Ray Pritchard, founder and president of Keep Believing Ministries, author of more than 30 books, and adjunct professor of the Word of Life Bible Institute preaches an inspiring message entitled, “Look Who's Coming to Dinner.”

CJ Lang, a second year Bible Institute student, sits down with us this week. We talk about a planned out life and how God can change the direction we are headed.

Second year student at the Word of Life Bible Institute, Michaela Yoder, spent her childhood in fear as she lived with her father who verbally and emotionally abused both her and her mother. This story is one of hurt, frustration, confusion but ends in a joy that can only come from the Lord. This is the life story of Michaela Yoder!

Brian sits down with three Youth Ministry Interns (Anthony, James & David) to talk about what they are learning and what they are most excited about as they get their first taste of youth ministry from a leadership standpoint. These three Youth Ministry Interns (YMI) have finished two years of education at the Word of Life Bible Institute (WOLBI), are completing additional training, and will soon be going out to the local churches where they will be interning for the next two years.

This week we sat down with Kerrie Barone, a 2nd year student at the Word of Life Bible Institute, who struggled with self worth, depression and the want to live. This is a heartfelt podcast as some things lay at rest in her life, other struggles still exist. If we're honest, don't we all have struggles that we contend with on a normal basis? Listen in as you hear the powerful story of Kerrie Barone and her transformation from darkness to light!

In this podcast we sit down with Word of Life Bible Institute freshman student, Anton'e Williamson. Listen in as you hear the radical change that took place in his life after surrendering his everything to the Lord.

In this podcast we sit down with Word of Life Bible Institute sophomore student, Luke Paige. Filled with tragedy, pain, and addiction, Luke's life was spinning out of control. Listen in as you hear the radical change that took place in his life after surrendering his everything to the Lord.

In this Part Two podcast we jump right in with Jonathan and the Parsons to continue right along through the journey they had with Kathryn. Now if you haven't heard the first part of the two-part podcast you'll want to hop on back to Part One, so that you will get both halves of the story.

Jonathan and Amy Parsons are your normal parents who did the normal routine of life until one dark day, everything changed. In this Part One podcast, the Parsons pull back the veil to share with you their heart and the journey of little Kathryn's fight to beat cancer. 

John Stonestreet, President of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. Joins this week's podcast to discuss issues of civil disobedience, culture, gender identity, and much more.

Get ready for yet another round table podcast with Dr. Tom Davis and our guest Bree Walsh. In this podcast we ask Dr. Davis questions in which he has had no time to prepare. We trust you will be blessed and encouraged by this podcast as we dive into many different subjects, but all leading back to the person of Jesus!

In this episode we visit with our freind and returning guest, Scotty Matthews who is the pastor to Bolton Landing, NY. Today we learn of how the past year has been for the church as well as what he has learned as a new pastor in a new community. We trust you will be encouraged!

Jennifer joins us this week to talk about her testimony and how she is called to work with children. If you would liked this podcast give it a like and share it with your friends.

Our friend Brian Baker from the Multiply Podcast had John Stonestreet from the Colson Center as his guest this week. Culture is a huge part of student ministry. This week on the podcast, Brian is joined by John Stonestreet, the president of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, and they talk about why culture is so important and how we as youth leaders respond to this culture. Be sure to go check out the Multiply podcast at lcm.wol.org/multiply

In this episode we speak with Emma Haneman, a sophomore in High School, who educates us in what it looks like to be a Christian girl in a public school. Are you to live out your faith boldly or quietly; spoken or through actions? What do most teenage girls struggle with and as we also speak with Emma's father, Chad, we learn a few hints on how we can gain trust and speak into the lives of your teenage kids.

This week we tune into the Multiply with Brian Baker as he has our friend and former guest to the Word of Life Podcast, Shawn Naylor. In this episode they dice into the subject of a shepherding leader.

In this second part to Jay Sanders testimony we dive in to college ministry and what that looks like from a college student perspective as well as from a leader. We also talk about diversity, a subject very passionate with Jay! You will not want to miss this second part to Jay Sanders testimony.

This week on the podcast Jonathan sits down with Jay Sanders and listens as Jay tells his life story. Sit back and listen as we find out how Jay's life journey took him from Ohio to Central Florida.

If you have children, work with children or are around kids for more than five minutes you understand how rewarding yet challenging it can be. In this episode we sit down with Jonathan Nazigan or “Marshall Jon” if you're familiar with Word of Life Ranch. Jon is the Camp Director for the Word of Life Ranch and Wild and he shares with us today his journey and gives us sound advice on how to deepen your relationship with your children personally and spiritually!

In this episode Jonathan sits down with a hip-hop group Inexenim from the Cayman Islands. This is an amazing story of how God brought this group together. It is no coincidence that God had a plan for these guys. Listen in as we learn what God did in each of them and what God is doing through them today! pauzeentertainment.com/shop/music/forward-feat-estefan/

In our second Roundtable podcast Jonathan sits down with Dr. Tom Davis our Podcast lecturer and guest Brice Futch as we discuss the details of Heaven and Hell.

Today Jonathan sits down with David McClain, the leader of the National Volunteer Program within Word of Life. Listen in as David shares his story and reveals how the Lord changed his heart and outlook on his personal walk with the Lord. God has and is continuing to use David in a mighty way! Here you can learn how you too can be a part of the National Volunteer Program and get involved with the ministry of Word of Life in an amazing way!