Truth for Today with Terry Fant

In Part II of our discussion surrounding the Netflix docuseries The Death of the Pastor's Wife, we continue examining the difficult questions it raises about spiritual abuse, pastoral authority, accountability, repentance, and the responsibility of the church. Join us as we continue the conversation and consider what Scripture actually teaches on these matters. #TheDeathOfThePastorsWife #SpiritualAbuse #PastoralAuthority #ChurchLeadership #Accountability

Sin leaves us guilty and defiled, but God's grace does more than just pardon us. He cleanses us, restores us, and gives us a new purpose. In Zechariah 3, Joshua the high priest stands before God covered in filthy garments while Satan accuses him. But instead of leaving Joshua in his guilt, God graciously removes his filthy garments and clothes him in clean garments. This powerful picture points us to the greater work of Jesus Christ, the promised Branch, who provides the cleansing and restoration we could never accomplish on our own. Grace doesn't merely rescue us from our past. Grace restores us to God's purpose.

What happens when pastoral authority crosses the line into control? In this episode, we discuss the Netflix docuseries The Death of the Pastor's Wife and the difficult questions it raises about spiritual abuse, pastoral authority, accountability, repentance, and the responsibility of the church. The Bible teaches that pastors have real authority to lead, teach, correct, and shepherd the flock. But that authority is not their own. Pastors are under-shepherds, and the church belongs to the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ. So where is the line between biblical leadership and spiritual control? What should repentance and restoration actually look like when a pastor falls into serious sin? And how can believers make sure they are following Scripture rather than simply following a personality? *This discussion addresses allegations and events presented in a documentary. We were not present for the events discussed and are not presenting allegations as established fact. #TheDeathOfThePastor'sWife

What does the way we live reveal about what we truly value? In Haggai 1, God calls His people to take “a good honest look” at their lives and consider their ways. Their misplaced priorities had caused them to focus on building their own lives while neglecting what mattered to God. Our actions reveal our priorities. Our dissatisfaction can reveal when those priorities are out of order. And sometimes the answer isn't that we need more, but that we need to realign our lives around God.

What does it mean to be a fool? Daniel 5 gives us a sobering picture of a man who knew about God, knew what God had done, and had every reason to learn from the past, yet chose to live as though God did not matter. The problem is not simply that we don't know God's way. The greater danger is knowing God's way and refusing to live God's way. We often know what God's Word says about forgiveness, reconciliation, purity, prayer, evangelism, marriage, money, worship, priorities, and our words. But knowing the truth and obeying the truth are not the same thing. It is foolish to live independently of the God upon whom we are completely dependent. And it is dangerous to mistake God's patience for God's permission.

Our failures do not cancel out God's promises. In 2 Kings 24-25, we find that God's faithfulness does not depend on our performance, our circumstances, or our ability to see what He is doing. His promises rest on His character. Just because you cannot see how God is keeping His promise does not mean He isn't keeping it!

What makes a testimony a true testimony of a transformed life? In this episode, we walk through Paul's testimony in Acts 26 and identify three essential parts of a biblical testimony: who you were before Christ, your encounter with and surrender to Jesus, and the transformed life that follows. Your testimony isn't ultimately about a feeling, an experience, or simply becoming a better person. It's about Jesus. He pursues us, saves us, transforms us, and empowers us through the Holy Spirit to become His witnesses. Whether you've followed Christ for years or you're still wrestling with what it means to surrender your life to Him, this episode will challenge you to consider: Do you have a biblical testimony, and are you sharing it with others?

Everything we have is ultimately God's. Our time, abilities, resources, opportunities, and spiritual gifts have been entrusted to us for a purpose: to glorify God and advance His kingdom. In this episode of Truth For Today, Terry Fant walks through Jesus' Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25 and challenges us to think differently about what it means to be a good steward. God doesn't ask us to have someone else's gifts or produce someone else's results. He calls us to faithfully use what He has placed in our hands. Are you investing what God has given you, or are you burying it out of fear, comfort, or distraction? The goal isn't to impress God with what we accomplish. It's to faithfully steward what He has entrusted to us and one day hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Listen today and ask yourself: What has my Master placed in my hands, and what am I doing with it?

What do you do when life feels hopeless? In Ezekiel 37, God brings the prophet Ezekiel into a valley filled with dry bones. From every human perspective, the situation is beyond repair. Yet God asks a remarkable question: “Can these bones live?” The message of Ezekiel 37 is a powerful reminder that what looks hopeless to us is not beyond the power of God. Life can seem hopeless, but our feelings and circumstances do not have the final word. God's Word gives us hope, and His Spirit gives us life. Because God is gracious, there is always hope.

Church hurt is real. When people we love and trust let us down, the pain can be deep. But what happens when that hurt causes us to isolate from the body of Christ? In this episode, Terry looks at 2 Timothy 4 and the experiences of Paul, John Mark, and others who experienced disappointment, betrayal, and rejection. Through these stories, we're reminded that while church hurt is real, isolation can leave us vulnerable to defeat. We need each other. The church needs the gifts, testimony, and presence God has given each of us. If you've experienced church hurt, this episode is an encouragement to bring that hurt to Jesus, pursue forgiveness, and allow Him to lead you forward. #ChurchHurt #Christianity #Church #Forgiveness #TruthForToday

Salvation is not the end of the story. In Ezekiel 37, God doesn't simply bring His people back to life. He restores them, unifies them, cleanses them, leads them, sanctifies them, and promises to dwell with them forevermore. God's work in our lives isn't limited to changing our eternal destination. Salvation changes the way we live today. It changes who we follow, how we relate to other believers, how we respond to sin, and how God's presence shapes our lives. If you've ever thought of salvation as simply “I'm going to heaven when I die,” this message will challenge you to see the much bigger picture of what God is doing in the life of a believer.

What if the difficult circumstances in your life are not evidence that God is against you, but evidence that He is trying to lead you back to Himself? Manasseh repeatedly rebelled against God, ignored His warnings, and eventually experienced the painful consequences of his choices. Yet in his affliction, he humbled himself, called on God, and discovered that God was still willing to hear and restore him. Sometimes God's goodness looks like grace and mercy. Other times, His goodness allows us to experience the consequences of our choices so that we will recognize our need for Him. Affliction does not have to destroy us. In God's hands, it can lead us to repentance, restoration, and a return to His ways. If you or someone you know is struggling with the consequences of past decisions, this message is a reminder that it is never too late to humble yourself, turn to God, and follow His way.

Rejecting God's truth always comes with a cost. When a lie sounds better than the truth, we can be tempted to believe what we want to hear instead of what God has said. But wanting something to be true does not make it true, and rejecting God's authority never produces the freedom we think it will. Jesus invites the weary and burdened to come to Him, take His yoke, and find rest for their souls. The question is not whether we will carry a yoke, but whose yoke we will carry. Reject the lie. Receive God's truth. Trade the yoke of rebellion for the yoke of Christ.

God's answer to our stubborn rebellion is not simply better behavior. It is a new heart. Through the New Covenant, God offers something the Old Covenant could never accomplish on its own: transformed hearts, a personal relationship with Him, and complete and eternal forgiveness. Jesus established this New Covenant through His blood, offering forgiveness, transformation, and eternal life to all who will receive Him. Step out from under the weight of the old and into the freedom of the New.

God is extraordinarily patient, but His patience should never be mistaken for approval. In 2 Chronicles 36, Jerusalem repeatedly rejects God's warnings until rebellion brings them to a devastating place: captivity, destruction, and ruin. The story of Zedekiah and Judah reminds us that knowing what God says is not the same as obeying Him. Every time God speaks, our hearts either yield or resist. The voices we listen to shape the direction we take, and persistent rejection of God eventually brings consequences. Yet even in the middle of judgment, God's faithfulness shines through. Their consequences were real, but God was not defeated. The book that ends with Jerusalem in ruins also ends with an invitation to go home. God warns us because He wants to keep us from terrible places. His patience is an invitation to repent, and His faithfulness means that even when our rebellion has taken us far from Him, He is still faithful to offer hope. The question is not whether God is speaking. The question is: will we listen?

God Himself is the present help for those who worship Him. We live in a world filled with things competing for our worship. Daniel 3 shows us three men who refused to bow to anything or anyone other than the one true King. Their faithfulness reminds us that worship is ultimately about who sits on the throne of our lives. When we choose our own way over God's way, we are placing ourselves on the throne. True worship refuses to bow, even when obedience comes with a cost. Yet God does not abandon those who worship Him. He meets His people with His presence, strengthens them in the fire, and protects them according to His purposes. And when we refuse to bow, our faithfulness can become a testimony that points others to the glory of God. There may be many things competing for your worship, but there is only One King worthy of it. Refuse to bow. Trust His presence. Stand firm.

Welcome back for Part II of this special Q&A as we continue answering some of life's most important questions through the truth of God's Word. In this message, Pastor Terry Fant continues addressing common questions about eternity, heaven, and what the Bible teaches about life after death. Rather than relying on opinions or tradition, this study points us to the authority of Scripture and the hope found in Jesus Christ. Whether you've wrestled with these questions yourself or want to better understand what the Bible says, we pray this message encourages your faith and deepens your confidence in God's Word.

Will we know our loved ones in heaven? Will our relationships continue in eternity? In Part I of this special Q&A message, Pastor Terry Fant answers some of the most frequently asked questions by Christians, such as: • Will we keep our identity in heaven? • Will we recognize family and friends? • Do believers become angels? • Can those in heaven see what is happening on earth?   If you've ever wondered what eternity will be like, this biblical study offers hope, clarity, and encouragement rooted in God's Word. If this message encourages you, be sure to like this video, subscribe, and share it with someone who may be asking these same questions.

Revival is more than emotional moments, outward activity, or religious tradition. True revival begins when we personally seek God, confront the things competing for our allegiance, restore the worship of God to its rightful place, and humbly respond to His Word. Join us as we discover what is necessary for true revival and how a genuine pursuit of God transforms our priorities, confronts our competing loyalties, and redirects our lives.

No one is too far gone for the grace of God. In 2 Chronicles 33:1–16, we see the powerful story of King Manasseh—a man who led others into sin, rejected God's warnings, and found himself in a place of complete brokenness. Yet when Manasseh humbled himself and cried out to God, the Lord graciously heard him and restored him. This message reminds us that following our own hearts can lead us to desolate places, but repentance opens the road to restoration. God does not simply want us to feel regret over our sin; He calls us to humbly turn from our way, surrender to His truth, and produce fruit that reflects a changed life. You don't have to stay on the broken road. God restores those who humbly repent.

Our rebellion may change our condition, but it can never change God's character. Failure is something every one of us knows. Whether it's in our marriage, our family, our faith, or our daily walk with Christ, we've all fallen short. But our failures are never the end of the story because God's mercy never fails. If you've ever wondered whether you've gone too far, failed too many times, or drifted too far from God, this message is for you. Be encouraged by the truth that your failures do not define you—God's mercy does.

Adversity is inevitable—but it doesn't have to stop us. In this episode, we finish our journey through Nehemiah 4 and discover powerful lessons for persevering through adversity. We are challenged to know and safeguard our weak spots, remember the Lord when fear and opposition arise, and embrace a “whatever it takes” mentality in the mission God has given us. The enemy will attack our identity, our ability, and even the quality of the work God is doing through us. But we don't have to fight for victory—we fight from the victory Christ has already won. So keep building. Keep serving. Keep fighting. Keep your eyes on Jesus!

In this episode we continue our journey through Nehemiah 4 and explore what it means to persevere through adversity. Following God does not mean opposition will disappear—in fact, we should expect the enemy to continue resisting the work God is doing in our lives. But how do we remain faithful when the attacks continue? We must stay watchful. Through prayer, the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and the church, God has given us the resources we need to recognize the enemy's attacks and continue moving forward. Keep praying. Keep watching. Keep serving. And keep moving forward in the mission God has given you.

How should followers of Jesus respond when adversity comes? In this episode of Truth For Today with Terry Fant, Terry continues the Persevering Through Adversity series by exploring the biblical “rules of engagement” found in Nehemiah 4. When opposition arises, our instinct is often to react, defend ourselves, or fight back. But Nehemiah shows us a better way. Whether you're facing conflict, criticism, spiritual opposition, or a difficult season of life, this episode will encourage you to respond with faith, prayer, and unwavering trust in God. If this episode encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs encouragement today!

The Christian life isn't a playground. It's a battlefield. But as believers, we're not fighting for victory; we're fighting from the victory Jesus has already won. In this episode, we explore one of Satan's greatest strategies: causing believers to doubt who they are in Christ and what God can do through them. If you've ever felt disqualified by your past, overwhelmed by your weaknesses, or discouraged by doubt, this episode will remind you that your confidence is found in Christ alone. Learn to recognize the enemy's schemes, stand firm in God's truth, and walk in the victory that is already yours through Jesus.

In this special episode, filmed from Eagle Rock Camp in the mountains of East Tennessee, we sit down with Madalynne Baxter to discuss one of the most powerful passages in Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:18–21. As this year's youth camp focuses on the theme “Ambassadors,” we unpack what it truly means to represent Christ in a world that desperately needs the hope of the gospel. Whether you're a student, parent, ministry leader, or simply wanting to grow in your walk with Christ, this conversation will encourage you to embrace your identity as an ambassador for Jesus.

Revival begins when God returns to His rightful place in our lives. In this message from 2 Chronicles 29:1–17, we look at the example of King Hezekiah and discover that true revival starts when worship becomes our highest priority. It calls us to pursue holiness, honestly evaluate our hearts, turn away from sin, and renew our commitment to the Lord. Revival isn't simply an emotional moment—it's a work of God that transforms our hearts and is reflected in the way we live. We pray this message challenges and encourages you to put God first and experience the joy of walking closely with Him.

No matter how far we've wandered, God desires for His children to come home. In this message from Hosea 14, we see God's invitation to return through repentance, confession, and faith in His grace. While sin leaves us broken and empty, God delights in restoring, healing, and renewing those who turn back to Him. If you've ever wondered whether God is ready to welcome you back, this message is a beautiful reminder that home is found in His presence—and it's where we were always meant to remain.

God's love never fails—even when we do. In this message from Hosea 1–3, we see a powerful picture of God's unfailing love for His people. Through Hosea's story, we're reminded that sin is more than breaking rules—it's choosing lesser loves over the One who loves us perfectly. Yet even in our unfaithfulness, God continues to pursue us with grace, offering forgiveness, restoration, and a fresh start. No matter where you are today, God's invitation is the same: turn away from the things that can never satisfy and return to the only love that never fails.

In this episode, we look at the calling of Matthew in Matthew 9 and discover an incredible truth: Jesus doesn't define us by our failures, our past, or the labels others place on us. While everyone else saw Matthew as a traitor and a sinner, Jesus saw a man with value, purpose, and kingdom potential. The same is true for you. No matter where you've been or what you've done, Jesus sees you differently than you often see yourself. His invitation is still the same today: “Follow Me.”  

After a mountaintop victory on Mount Carmel, the prophet Elijah finds himself in one of the lowest valleys of his life. In this episode, we walk through the powerful story of 1 Kings 18–19, where victory is followed by vulnerability, and calling is tested in the quiet places of despair. Elijah's cave becomes a mirror for our own seasons of anxiety, discouragement, and isolation. In these seasons, we can rest knowing that there is still hope. There is still purpose. There is still a future. There is still a next step. And maybe today, the same question that God asked Elijah is being asked of you: “What are you doing here?” It is time to come out of that cave!

King Asa once faced impossible odds and cried out to God for help. God answered in a mighty way. But decades later, when another crisis came, Asa trusted his own plans instead of the Lord. In this episode, Terry Fant walks through 2 Chronicles 15-16 and reveals how panic can lead us to make costly decisions. When life puts you between a rock and a hard place, don't panic. Learn to trust the God who delights in showing Himself strong on behalf of those who rely on Him. Don't forget to like/subscribe if this content is meaningful to you!

Have you ever felt trapped between a rock and a hard place, unsure of what to do next? In this episode of Truth For Today, Terry looks at the life of King Asa in 2 Chronicles 14 and discovers how God's people should respond when they feel outnumbered, overwhelmed, and facing impossible odds. Even while faithfully following God, Asa found himself facing an enemy army nearly twice the size of his own. Instead of relying on his strength, wisdom, or resources, he cried out to God for help and trusted the Lord with the outcome. Prayer is not a last resort. It is the first response of faith. Learn why trusting God matters more than controlling the outcome and how a simple prayer of "Help, Lord" can change everything.

After one of the greatest victories of his life, Elijah found himself discouraged, afraid, exhausted, and hiding in a cave. In 1 Kings 19, we discover a powerful truth: God does not abandon His children in their moments of weakness. Instead, He meets them where they are, restores them, and calls them back to His purpose. If you've ever struggled with disappointment, fear, isolation, depression, regret, or unmet expectations, this message is for you. The same God who sought out Elijah is still calling His people out of hiding today. The cave may offer temporary comfort, but it can never provide lasting purpose. God did not create His people to hide in fear, disappointment, or complacency. He calls us to hear His voice, trust His plan, and step back into the abundant life He has prepared for us. "Come out of that cave!"

How long will you limp between two opinions? In 1 Kings 18, Elijah confronts Israel with a question that still echoes today: Will you follow God completely, or will you continue trying to serve two masters? On Mount Carmel, God exposes the emptiness of false gods and demonstrates His unmatched power and faithfulness. In this message, we explore the danger of divided allegiance, the futility of idols that promise much but deliver nothing, and the reality that God alone is worthy of our complete devotion. While false gods always take and never give, the Lord powerfully reveals Himself as the One who saves, provides, and transforms lives. Just as Elijah called Israel to make a decision, every person must answer the same question today: Who will you serve?

What if the life you've planned isn't the life God has planned for you? In this special episode of Truth For Today, Terry sits down with a group of young adults to discuss faith, dating, purpose, friendships, and discovering God's direction in some of life's most important seasons. Whether you're trying to make decisions about your future, navigate relationships, choose a career path, or simply learn how to follow Christ more faithfully, this conversation offers practical encouragement and biblical wisdom for the journey ahead. No matter where you are in your journey, one truth remains: God's plans are always better than our own. If this episode encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who may need direction and hope today.

What should a young woman look for in a future husband? In this episode of Truth for Today, Terry Fant is joined by special guest Hallie Sims for an honest and practical conversation about dating with the intention of marriage. Whether you're single, dating, engaged, or a parent seeking wisdom for the next generation, this episode offers biblical guidance for one of life's most important decisions. "Don't settle. Choose wisely."  

What should a Christian look for in a future spouse? In this episode, Terry sits down with Josiah and several young men to discuss one of life's biggest decisions: choosing a husband or wife. Drawing from Scripture, personal experience, and years of marriage counseling, they explore what biblical dating should look like, the qualities that truly matter in a future spouse, and why character is far more important than outward appearance. Whether you're single, dating, engaged, or helping guide the next generation, this conversation offers practical wisdom and biblical insight for building relationships on a solid foundation. If this episode encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who could benefit from the conversation.

Even the wisest man who ever lived was not immune to the dangers of a divided heart. In this message from 1 Kings 11:1-13, we examine the downfall of King Solomon and discover how small compromises can slowly pull our hearts away from wholehearted devotion to God. Solomon's story serves as both a warning and an invitation: what captures our affection will ultimately shape our direction.

In this episode of Truth For Today, Terry Fant continues exploring seven powerful leadership principles from Matthew 14 and Jesus' encounter with the disciples on the Sea of Galilee. Through Peter's experience of walking on water, sinking, and being rescued by Christ, we discover timeless truths about faith, perseverance, and leading through adversity.

One of the clearest ways to grow in our knowledge of God is to understand what He loves and what He hates. In Proverbs 6:12-19, Scripture reveals seven things that are detestable to the Lord, not because God is harsh, but because each one stands in opposition to His holy character. This message examines God's response to pride, lying, violence, wicked intentions, a passion for sin, false witness, and sowing discord. As we explore these truths, we also discover the beautiful qualities God loves: humility, truth, life, goodness, holiness, honesty, and peace. The more we know God's heart, the more our hearts are transformed to reflect His. Join us as we learn what God hates, what He loves, and how growing in the knowledge of His character leads us to live lives that honor Him.

As children of God, we have a loving Father who does not leave us to navigate life on our own. In Proverbs 3:1-13, Solomon reveals the wisdom, guidance, and correction that flow from the heart of a Father who desires the very best for His children. True joy is not found in independence from God, but in faithful obedience to His loving leadership. Join us as we discover how God's children can walk in His wisdom and experience the blessing, peace, and joy that come from following the Father's loving direction.

How does God build a house that no one can tear down? In this message from Psalm 127, Pastor Terry Fant walks through what it means for the Lord to be the builder of our homes — starting with salvation through Jesus Christ, through the design of marriage, and into the calling of raising children as "arrows" aimed at the Kingdom.

Storms are inevitable… but they are also revealing. In this episode, we walk through Matthew 14 and uncovers powerful leadership lessons from Jesus and Peter on the stormy sea. If you're facing uncertainty, pressure, fear, or leadership challenges in your home, ministry, or daily life, this conversation will encourage you to trust the One who walks on water.

What if setting boundaries isn't selfish… but actually biblical? In this episode, we take an honest look at what Scripture teaches about healthy boundaries through the example of Jesus Himself. From guarding your heart to protecting your family, time, emotions, and relationships, this conversation unpacks how boundaries can actually create healthier, more loving relationships instead of destroying them. Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement, healing, and freedom in their relationships.

Comparison is a subtle thief. In Psalm 73, Asaph takes us on a painfully honest journey from confidence in God to frustration, envy, and spiritual confusion. While looking at the success of the wicked, he began to lose sight of the goodness of God, and what started as comparison slowly became a slippery slope away from the Lord. Join us as we walk through Psalm 73 and rediscover this powerful truth: no matter how far our hearts may wander, it is always good to draw near to God.

What is true worship? Is praise about style, instruments, tradition, or something deeper? In this powerful conversation, Terry Fant and Marshall Allred unpack the difference between worship and praise, why God cares more about the heart than performance, and how praise becomes a weapon against the enemy. Whether you lead worship, preach, serve in church, or simply want a deeper relationship with God, this episode will challenge and encourage you to worship “in spirit and in truth.”

What happens after the storm of betrayal? Can a marriage truly heal and become stronger than before? In this episode, Pastor Terry Fant continues this powerful series on infidelity, restoration, and healing in marriage. Moving beyond "ground zero", this message focuses on rebuilding after betrayal and allowing God to create something deeper, healthier, and stronger than what existed before. This episode is filled with biblical encouragement for couples seeking restoration, reminding listeners that healthy marriages are not marriages without storms, but marriages that learn to rebuild stronger through the grace of God. “Don't ask God to take you back to what was. Ask Him to build something better.”

When your heart is weighed down by guilt, weakness, or fear, Psalm 103 reminds us to look again at the unchanging mercy of God. In Part II of “A Very Necessary Pep Talk,” we're reminded that God has removed our sins, understands our weakness, and reigns forever as King over all creation. The same God who knows us completely still loves us deeply, and that truth gives every reason to rise up and bless the LORD.