Wrestling with Leadership Podcast

In this episode I talk about my personal shift in what I believe about eschatology (end times stuff). Specifically how I became postmillennial and why I think eschatology is important for Christians to understand. Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References:  Proverbs 18:17 1 Corinthians 15:24-26 Psalm 110:1 Matthew 13:31-33 Isaiah 11:6-9 Isaiah 65:20 Matthew 28:18-20 Matthew 16:18 Matthew 6:10 Isaiah 9:6-7 Matthew 24:19

In this episode I talk about my recent job loss and being forced to trust God through that whole experience. I talk about how God is always faithful and how his ways are higher than ours. I also give some practical things you can do to prepare for times of uncertainty in life.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References:  Isaiah 55:8-9 Psalm 91:1-4

This episode is a little more personal and anecdotal than most. First, I spend some time going over Canada's tyrannical bill, C-4, and why we should care. Then I go into 3 hard lessons I had to learn by experience in my first "non-wrestling" leadership position.   Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: Proverbs 17:10 Proverbs 25:12 Bill C-4: https://www.parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/44-1/bill/C-4/first-reading

A lot of men today don't even know how to take dominion over themselves, let alone the whole earth. But God calls us to have dominion on this earth. In this episode I break down what that means and what it looks like in real life. Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: Genesis 1:26-28 1 Corinthians 15:25 Matthew 6:19-21 Matthew 25:14-30 1 Corinthians 9:24 1 Corinthians 10:31 Matthew 6:10 Psalm 8:6 Romans 8:29 Matthew 28:18-20 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 2 Thessalonians 3:10 Colossians 3:23 Proverbs 6:6 Romans 9:20-21

For the past year and a half plus, the world has been plagued with a spirit of fear surrounding Covid that has reached demonic levels. Prior to Covid, people understood that sickness and death were a regular part of life. But now, no one is allowed to get sick or, God forbid, Die! This fear is a spiritual infection that must be confronted head on. That is what I attempt to do in this episode.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: Matthew 6:25-34 Psalm 139:16 Isaiah 46:9-10 1689 London Baptist Confession 3:1

We've all been there before. When you are so mad at someone you just want to blast double them across the room and then spladle them so hard their legs rip of... Ok, maybe that's just me.... Either way, we all know what it's like to become angry. It is a normal part of the human experience, but as Christians, we are called to avoid sin when we become angry and maintain self-control. That's what this episode is about.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: Luke 6:43-45 Ephesians 4:31-32 Ephesians 4:26-27 Genesis 4:3-8 James 1:19-21 Proverbs 14:29 Proverbs 15:18 Ecclesiastes 7:9 Proverbs 22:24-25 1 John 1:8-9    

What does it mean to take up your cross and follow Jesus? I think there are a lot of Christians who truly do not understand what this means. In this episode, I break down 3 main aspects of "taking up your cross" and I also go through some things that keep us from doing it.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: Revelation 3:14-16 Matthew 13:44-46 Luke 22:42 Matthew 4:18-22 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 Luke 14:26-28 Matthew 19:29 Genesis 3:8 Hebrews 12:1-4  

Over the past year and a half I have heard a lot of rhetoric about how conservatives need to "stop being so obsessed with freedom". It's about safety after all! But are the conservatives (specifically Christian conservatives) really the ones obsessed with their freedom? I make the case that it's actually the left that is obsessed with their freedom. But it's all driven by fear.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: 1 John 2:15 1 John 2:16-17 Romans 8:18 Matthew 19:29 Mark 12:30-31  

If you are anything like me, the word "pragmatism" may not be familiar to you or you might not think it is significant. That was me up until very recently. In this episode, I talk about what pragmatism is, how it manifests itself, and why it should be avoided.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: Matthew 16:26 Proverbs 22:15 1 Corinthians 9:14-15, 22-23 James 4:4 Romans 12:2 1 John 2:15 Colossians 2:8 John 17:14-16 1 Corinthians 1:25, 3:19    

In this episode, I go into a little bit of a rant about forced "vaccinations" in the current events section. Then I get into the adequacy of the Bible. A lot of Christians say they believe in the sufficiency of scripture, but they often don't act like it in real life. I make the case that we should apply God's word to EVERY area of life.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: Matthew 28:18-19 2 Timothy 3:16-17 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 James 2:1-4 Ephesians 2:13-16    

Our culture has a lot of backwards ways of viewing work. Whether that's being as lazy as we can be without getting fired, or being a workaholic who never sees his family. But, how should the Christian view work? Fortunately, God's word has a lot to say about this topic and I am going to break that down in this episode.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: Genesis 2:15 Exodus 20:8-11 Ecclesiastes 9:10 Colossians 3:23-24 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12 Proverbs 22:13 Romans 12:1 1 Corinthians 10:31

Most Christians know it is important to defend their faith, but when the time comes to actually do it, many of us feel lost. We don't have a good grasp on what we believe or why we believe it. And what we do know, we don't know how to communicate clearly and effectively... so we fall apart. In this episode, after I explain the importance of defending your faith, I am going to give you some basic principles to take into any conversation with an unbeliever.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: 2 Corinthians 10:5-6 1 Peter 3:15 Ephesians 2:8-9 Romans 1:18-20 Proverbs 26:4-5 Expository Apologetics - Voddie Baucham  https://news.americanbible.org/blog/entry/bible-engagement-leadership/how-to-talk-with-people-who-dont-believe-the-bible  

A lot of Christians today pick a church like they pick a new pair of jeans. Whichever is the most comfortable and makes them feel good about themselves. That's the one they go with. This is not a good way to pick a church! We must have a more biblical approach to finding a church. Hopefully this episode can help with that. Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: Matthew 10:16 1 Timothy 2:11-13 Colossians 1:15-18 Acts 14:23 1 Timothy 3:1-7 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Matthew 18:15-17 Church Finder: https://founders.org/church-search/

Over the past year it has become obvious that many professing Christians do not think it is important to go to Church. In this episode, I do my best to make a Biblical case for why Church is an absolute necessity for anyone who calls themself a Christian. Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: Hebrews 10:24 Proverbs 27:17 Proverbs 13:20 Proverbs 23:26 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14, 26 Ephesians 4:11-16 Romans 12:4-8

As Christians we are called to "be fruitful and multiply". In this episode I break down how we are currently failing at this and I give Biblical reasoning for why we should be having kids.   Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: Isaiah 39:7-8 Genesis 1:28 Psalm 127:3-5 Family Driven Faith - Voddie Baucham Jr. https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/USA/united-states/birth-rate

In this episode, I talk about God's law and how it should be above all other laws in our life. I also talk about masks and how Romans 13 has been abused throughout covid and beyond.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: Matthew 28:18 Revelation 19:16 Romans 13:1-7 James White on Romans 13:  https://www.aomin.org/aoblog/uncategorized/a-biblical-case-for-civil-disobedience-the-right-use-of-romans-13/

If there's one thing that's been revealed in the past year, it's that our culture (including the church) has a huge fear of man problem. In this episode, I address the issue head on and talk about the Bible's solution to the problem.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: Proverbs 29:25 Matthew 10:28 Luke 12:5 Galatians 1:10 Isaiah 2:22 John 12:42-43 Romans 14:10-12 Galatians 4:19-21 Hebrews 10:24-25 1 John 1:9 Live Not By Lies - Rod Dreher

In recent years The Enneagram has exploded as one of the most popular "personal growth" tools. Even among Christians. In this episode I talk about what it is, where it came from, and why I no longer think it is a tool Christians should use.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: Galatians 5:19-21 Deuteronomy 18:10-12 Ephesians 4:22-24 Colossians 1:9-10 http://christiananswersforthenewage.org/Articles_FictionFactsEnneagram.aspx Everyone's A Theologian - RC Sproul

We live in a world that is obsessed with love. We want to "find love", be "in love", be "loving", we say "love is love". But what does God have to say about this topic? What does it look like to love others the way He subscribes?  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: John 13:34-35 1 Corinthians 13:6 Matthew 10:22 John 15:18-19 John 13:3-15 Philippians 2:3-8 John 15:12-13    

Over the past year, I've heard a lot of people say things like, "I just don't know what to believe..." And if I'm being honest, I have felt that way too quite a bit. But I don't think this state of not knowing what is true is a state we have to stay in. We can discern what is true. That's what this episode is about.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: Matthew 24:10-11 Mark 13:22-23 2 Corinthians 11:12-15 2 Timothy 4:3-4 James 4:17 Isaiah 5:20 Romans 12:9 Hebrews 5:12-14 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 1 John 4:1-6 Revelation 22:18-19 1 John 2:15-17 Romans 12:2 The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Fool's Gold, Discerning Truth in an Age of Error - John MacArthur https://thestateoftheology.com/

For some reason, even the word "politics" has a way of evoking strong emotions in people. Because of this, many people just avoid the topic all together. But is this really what is best? I believe there is a better way. I think we should engage in "politics" and I explain why in this episode.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: Matthew 28:18 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Mark 12:31 Book of Esther Luke 3:19-20 Hebrews 4:12 Recommendations: The Sword and The Trowel Podcast - Founders Ministries The Dividing Line - Alpha & Omega Ministries     

You've probably heard the term "born again" before. But what does it actually mean? In today's episode, I explain what it really means to be born again and I outline the three main things that happen to you when you are born again.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: John 3:1-8 Colossians 1:13 2 Corinthians 5:17 Galatians 5:22-23 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 John 15:4-5, 10 Luke 18:9-14 2 Peter 3:9 Gospel of John Bible Study - Core Christianity 

Is impact something we should be concerned with? In this episode, I make the case that it is not. Instead we should be focused on the only thing we can control... planting seeds.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: Ezekiel 36:26-27 John 6:44 Matthew 7:13-14

We live in a culture where most people have no idea where their true identity or worth lies. So they pour themselves into their work, and that is where they find their "self-worth". In this Episode, I talk about why having your identity in Christ is the only viable option and I give the 3 main elements of that.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References:  Image of God: Genesis 1:26-27, Psalm 139:14-16 Sinner under wrath of God: Genesis 6:5-6, Psalm 53:3, Isaiah 64:6, Romans 3:10-12, Ephesians 2:1-3 Child of God: Romans 3:23-25, Romans 8:15-17, John 3:3 Boasting in Christ: Jeremiah 9:23-24, Galatians 6:14, 1 Corinthians 1:30-31, 2 Corinthians 10:17-18, James 1:17

This episode is about what The Bible has to say about goal setting. I also talk a little bit about my personal goals and share two goals that every human being should have.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References:  Ecclesiastes 2:11 Proverbs 6:6-11 Proverbs 21:5 James 4:13-15 Proverbs 16:9 Matthew 6:25-34 Deuteronomy 11:18-21 Psalm 1:1-3 Colossians 3:23-24 1 Corinthians 10:31 Philippians 3:13-14 Goal study myth: https://www.attollousa.com/the-myth-of-the-harvard-goal-setting-study/   Law of Attraction: https://www.thelawofattraction.com/what-is-the-law-of-attraction/ Goal Setting in The Bible: https://www.gotquestions.org/setting-goals.html

There are WAY too many leaders out there who lack the proverbial backbone to do the right things when the pressure is on. In this episode I break down what courage is, where it comes from and what we can do about it. Because a leader without courage is not a leader at all.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References:  Hebrews 10:25 Ephesians 6:13-17 Mark 14:50 Matthew 10:28 Matthew 13:45-46 1 Corinthians 15:19 Luke 14:26-33 1 Corinthians 10:13 Isaiah 41:10 Mere Christianity - CS Lewis More than A Carpenter - Josh McDowell

In this episode I talk about Standpoint Epistemology. If you don't already, hopefully by the end of the episode you will understand what it is and why it is a load of garbage.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References:  History: https://newdiscourses.com/tftw-standpoint-epistemology/ Luke 8:17 Romans 1:18-20 John 16:13 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 1 Timothy 4:12 Ephesians 6:13-17 Voddie Baucham - Ethnic Gnosticism: https://youtu.be/Ip3nV6S_fYU Standpoint Hermeneutics: https://founders.org/2020/07/17/standpoint-hermeneutics/

In this episode I talk about the fact that you can't fix your life. Don't worry it's not as depressing as it sounds... Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References:  Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 Jeremiah 17:5 Proverbs 3:5-6 James 1:17 John 15:4-5 Psalm 63:1-8 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 https://wrestlingwithleadership.com/the-self-help-rabbit-hole/  http://www.thebiblerecap.com/ amerianhumanist.org

Few things will sink a leader faster than bad decision making... or worse, no decision making at all. In this episode, I talk about why good decision making is rooted in strong moral convictions and how you can develop that.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/raesthetics?ref=search_shop_redirect  Book: Just Do Something - Kevin DeYoung References: Daniel 6 James 4:17 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Romans 12:12 James 1:5 Proverbs 11:14, 12:15, 15:22 1 Corinthians 10:31 Galatians 1:10  

In this episode I explain the importance of understanding that you are not a good person and you never will be. Only when we understand this truth, can we truly appreciate the gift of God's grace.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: Matthew 18:21-35 Ephesians 2:1-10

This is my first episode with a guest! CJ is a former wrestler of mine who is working to become a college head wrestling coach, but he still has a long way to go. If you are a young guy who is frustrated with setbacks and a lack of visible progress, I think this episode will be an encouragement.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: James 1:2-4 https://goumary.com/sports/wrestling

If you are a recent college grad trying to figure out your money situation or you just don't want to be broke, this episode is for you. We live in a culture where debt is normal and consequently, most people are broke. In this episode, I lay out some practical ways get your money under control, so you are not broke too.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: Luke 14:28 Proverbs 3:9-10 Proverbs 22:7 Romans 13:8

In this episode, I talk about one of the most challenging ways to love you team - tell them the truth. I also give my opinion on where I think the American Church is dropping the ball when it comes to speaking the truth.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Proverbs 27:6 Matthew 5:10-12 Matthew 12:33-37 Matthew 7:6 James 1:19  

Our culture has way too many men who are passive, lazy, and soft. In today's episode, I talk about God's unique design for men, which is quite the opposite.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: Genesis 2:15, 18 Romans 8:26 John 14:26 Ephesians 5:25 1 Peter 3:7 1 Thessalonians 2:7, 11-12

If you are a "personal growth junkie", this episode is for you! In this episode, I expose some of the problems with "self-help" content and I give some practical tips on how to navigate that world without becoming a depressed narcissist.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: Matthew 16:24-25 2 Corinthians 5:15 Philippians 4:11-13

Cancel culture has become a serious problem in our society, but it's nothing new. In this episode I talk about why we have "cancel culture" and more importantly, how you as a leader should deal with it.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: Proverbs 29:25 John 8 Titus 3:3-7

Thanks to the internet, smart phones, TV shows like Friends, and many other things, pornography use has become so prevalent in our culture that it is considered "normal" and even "healthy in many circles! In this episode, I talk about the destructive nature of porn and how it is wrecking your leadership.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/process-addiction/porn-addiction/related/pornography-statistics/ https://conquerseries.com/15-mind-blowing-statistics-about-pornography-and-the-church/ covenanteyes.com Matthew 5:28-29 1 Corinthians 10:13 John 8:31-32 Genesis 6:5 Romans 5:8

If you have ever worked for a bad leader, you know how miserable it can be. But how do these people get into their positions of leadership if they are not good at their job?  In this episode, I go through 4 ways bad leaders get put in charge and why you should care.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/

Trying to "find your calling" can often make you feel stuck or even paralyzed. Like your life will be on hold until you figure that out. If that's ever been you, this episode should be an encouragement, because I believe God has made His "calling" for your life very clear. In this episode I go through 7 things we are all called to according to God's word.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: Romans 8:28-29 Matthew 28:19 Ephesians 5:25 1 Timothy 5:8 Romans 12:6-8 Ecclesiastes 5:18-20

If you are trying to get somewhere in life, but you feel like your effort isn't doing any good, this episode is for you. There are few things in life more frustrating than working your tail off without seeing any results.  In this episode, I break down why people give up when they are striving for a goal and how you can be different so that you don't get tired of doing what's right.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: James 1:19-20 Genesis 6:5 Genesis 39:9

If you spend more than five minutes around the leadership and personal growth space, you will hear a never ending amount of jargon saying that "You are enough." and "You have what it takes".  In this episode I take a different angle on this. I make the case for why you are not enough. And that is most likely a good thing.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: Exodus 3, 4  1 Peter 5:7 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

We live in a world where fame has almost become a drug... I mean, the term "tik tok famous" is a real thing... In this episode, I am going to make a case for why I believe becoming famous is the most meaningless thing you could ever do. I will also tell you what I think you should do instead. Hint: It's not that exciting.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: The Answer - Randy Pope Romans 3:23 2 Corinthians 3:10, 4:17 Matthew 25:14-30 1 Corinthians 10:31 Ecclesiastes 2:1-11

Leadership isn't that hard when everything is going right. But it can be a completely different story in times of crisis! Hard times have a way of bringing out the worst in leaders, but they can also bring out the best in you if you have a good foundation and character.  In this episode I talk about how crisis reveals who you already are as a leader and I give 4 practical ways to be a better leader through a crisis. Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/

Everyone knows that challenges and setbacks are a fact of life. Yet, most people still struggle to respond to adversity in a constructive way. In this episode, I talk about why adversity is a good thing and how you can leverage it to grow, rather than letting it bring you down. Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: Quiet Strength - Tony Dungy James 1:2, 4:13-15 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Romans 8:28 John 16:33

Why do some leaders work their whole lives to build something great only to crash and burn and destroy everything they built in the process? One word: Pride.  In this episode I explain why pride is so dangerous and how you can fight against it.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: 2 Samuel Galatians 6:3 1 Corinthians 10:12 Colossians 3:23 Deuteronomy 8:10-20

As you may have presumed by the title of the episode, we had a baby! Be back in 2 weeks.

In a world where accomplishments are glorified no matter how you achieve them, it is more important than ever to stay true to your morals. In this episode I talk about how you can stay motivated to do that, even when you aren't getting the results you want.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References: Galatians 6:9 Daniel 3

Leadership is hard, but there are only a few essential things to being a great leader. One of those things is you must be a good example. Especially if you are a young leader! In this episode, I talk about why this is so important and give some practical ways we can do it.  Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey https://passingpines.bandcamp.com/ References:  https://www.covenanteyes.com/ James 1:2-4 1 Timothy 4:12

As a chronic "over-thinker", I have seen first hand how fear and procrastination can hold us back from doing the things we need to do. In this episode, I talk about what it is that keeps us from taking action, how we can recognize it, and the mindset shift we need to overcome it.  Contact: email: matt@wrestlingwithleadership.com Call/text: 443-987-8704 Music: Ty Joseph Godfrey References:  The Enemy Within - by Kris Lundgaard Galatians 5:16-17

In the age of social media, comparison seems to be a bigger problem in our society than it has ever been. In this episode, I talk about the 4 stages of the comparison cycle and how we can keep ourselves from falling into it, so we can stop wasting our time worrying about what everyone else is doing and focus on what really matters, which is what is right in front of us.  References:  Galatians 6:3-5 Ephesians 2:1, 8-9 Romans 12:3

Figuring out what you want to do as a career can be daunting and it can sometimes feel like you will never figure it out. In this episode I go through 4 simple steps that have helped me get closer to figuring out what I want to do professionally.