Podcasts about nik ripken

Nik Ripken and his wife, Ruth, spent decades sitting down with hundreds of persecuted Christians in restricted nations and hostile areas around the world. They didn't go to instruct these bold believers. They went to learn from them. The lessons they learned were published in The Insanity of God, Nik's book, and now he and Ruth have created a video series called Insanity Unleashed. In this series, they share lessons from believers in persecution to help Christians everywhere know how to live as sheep among wolves (Matthew 10:16). The lessons come from more than 650 interviews with persecuted Christians in more than 70 countries. Listen this week to hear stories from Nik and Ruth about their travels and what they've learned from persecuted Christians. They'll share how meeting believers in other countries gave them a better understanding of the Biblical truth that we are all part of one global Body of Christ. Nik and Ruth have been humbled by the fervent prayers of brothers and sisters around the world as they pray for Christians in free nations. Nik will explain how this video series has the aim of raising up evangelists and church planters who will go to the unreached, rather than only pastors and teachers who are trained to minister to those who've already heard the gospel. “[Many American seminaries and Bible colleges] train you up to be sheep among sheep,” Nik says. “We are teaching [Christians] how to be sheep among wolves.” Ruth and Nik also share advice on succeeding in the marathon of ministry, including the importance of daily time in God's Word and memorizing scripture—just as our persecuted family does as they prepare for persecution.

Nik Ripken and his wife, Ruth, spent decades sitting down with hundreds of persecuted Christians in restricted nations and hostile areas around the world. They didn't go to instruct these bold believers. They went to learn from them. The lessons they learned were published in The Insanity of God, Nik's book, and now he and Ruth have created a video series called Insanity Unleashed. In this series, they share lessons from believers in persecution to help Christians everywhere know how to live as sheep among wolves (Matthew 10:16). The lessons come from more than 650 interviews with persecuted Christians in more than 70 countries. Listen this week to hear stories from Nik and Ruth about their travels and what they've learned from persecuted Christians. They'll share how meeting believers in other countries gave them a better understanding of the Biblical truth that we are all part of one global Body of Christ. Nik and Ruth have been humbled by the fervent prayers of brothers and sisters around the world as they pray for Christians in free nations. Nik will explain how this video series has the aim of raising up evangelists and church planters who will go to the unreached, rather than only pastors and teachers who are trained to minister to those who've already heard the gospel. “[Many American seminaries and Bible colleges] train you up to be sheep among sheep,” Nik says. “We are teaching [Christians] how to be sheep among wolves.” Ruth and Nik also share advice on succeeding in the marathon of ministry, including the importance of daily time in God's Word and memorizing scripture—just as our persecuted family does as they prepare for persecution. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as providing free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

Nik and Ruth Ripken went to Africa as missionaries. They experienced great works of God, but also great hardship and loss. Malaria almost killed them. Four Christian friends in Somalia were killed in one day. Their 16-year-old son died suddenly.  Out of their wrestling with grief and loss God gave them a new mission: meet with persecuted Christians all over the world and learn from them. For Nik, it was a very personal quest. “I don't know if Jesus is trustworthy anymore. Somali believers are dead. Our son is dead. Our dreams are dead. And we want to know, Is Jesus for the tough places?” Out of their quest Nik Ripken Ministries was born. Nik shared the lessons persecuted Christians had taught him in a book, The Insanity of God. The book eventually became a film, released shortly after this interview was recorded. Today, Nik and Ruth host their own podcast, Witness & Persecution, and have recently launched a video-based group study, Insanity Unleashed. Listen as Nik and Ruth share their stories of God calling them to missions from very different backgrounds, and the hardship and loss they experienced on the field in Africa as missionaries. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians in Syria, North Korea, Iran, China and other nations throughout the year, as well as giving free access to e-books, audio books, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the idea that faith isn't just about what God did in the past—it's about what He is still doing today. Featuring an insightful discussion with Nik Ripken, we challenge the mindset that sees the Bible as a historical record rather than an active, living testimony of God's ongoing work. Ripken emphasizes that we do not serve a “past-tense” God. The miracles, movements, and messages of the Bible are still unfolding in the present, and the same power that shaped the New Testament Church is available today. However, this truth also means that the trials and challenges of the Old Testament remain part of the faith journey. Are we truly embracing an active, present-tense faith? Or are we stuck believing in a God of the past rather than walking in His power today?

This is a REWIND episode of Witness & Persecution of past episode titled "Redefining Christmas". In light of the Christmas season, we thought this episode would be a good reminder for some and challenge for others on their perspective of Christmas. This is part one of two! We know we've been MIA the last couple months, but it's not without reason! There's a lot of new and exciting things coming up for Nik Ripken that we're excited to share. Stay tuned! ----------------------- Did you know that the wise men of the Bible were ultimately unwise men? Their story isn't a children's story set in an elaborate Christmas pageant. It's a story of persecution when Jesus was just a toddler. It's a story filled with drama and the genocidal slaughter of children. Christians living in the west are stuck with a faith narrative in our heads that is dominated by the culture in which we live. Nik begins a multi-part series to learn how believers in persecution get the Christmas story right. Learn more about Nik Ripken Ministries at: https://www.nikripken.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nikripken/support

Nik and his wife Ruth have spent decades in the toughest places around the world with those who are seriously suffering for their faith, with the logic that we need to learn from such people how to do discipleship. His perspective and stories are so challenging. It was such a good podcast, we had to stop and offer a bonus episode following on from this one, which you won't want to miss! Wild stuff, listen here: https://youtu.be/SiA4-UiVa-UCheck out ‘The Insanity of God' and ‘The Insanity of Obedience' by Nik RipkenLook out for Insanity Unleashed - their training lessons for Westerners from the persecuted church. nikripken.com---Get daily or weekly Choose Life emails: chooselife.org.uk Join us for Inspired Live with Gladiator Warren Furman: greatlakesoutreach.org/inspired-live Support our work in Burundi: greatlakesoutreach.org/inspired ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠---Weekly episode WhatsApp link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greatlakesoutreach.org/whatsappWeekly email notification: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greatlakesoutreach.org/inspiredemail⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For more from Simon, visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simonguillebaud.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠---Produced by Great Lakes Outreach - Transforming Burundi & Beyond: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greatlakesoutreach.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Christians in much of the world today face pressures. Few, however, face anything as intense as those Christians who lived under the first few decades of authoritarian rule in either the Soviet Union or Communist China. At least not yet. While freedom and opportunity still remains, Christians today would be wise to consider the experiences of Christians under the Soviets and Chinese Communists. Though both situations shared many similarities, they developed in starkly different manners. Why did they differ so much? What lessons can we glean and apply in our own situations? And what cautionary flags can we recognize and avoid? On this encore episode of the Christian Emergency Podcast, Andy examines a helpful case study of the Christian experience under the Soviets and Chinese. This comparison, produced originally by Nik Ripken in his book The Insanity of Obedience, provides many helpful insights for Christians today. If you find this material helpful, please share it with your friends and leave us a five-star rating wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, don't forget to subscribe to the show, so you'll never miss out when new episodes drop. To learn more about resources mentioned in this episode, see the following. The Insanity of Obedience: Walking with Jesus in Tough Places, by Nik Ripken (book): https://www.christianbook.com/insanity-obedience-walking-jesus-tough-places/nik-ripken/9781433673092/pd/673090 Christian Emergency Alliance: https://www.christianemergency.com/ Follow the Christian Emergency Alliance on Twitter: @ChristianEmerg1 Follow the Christian Emergency Alliance on Facebook: @ChristianEmergency The Christian Emergency Podcast is a production of the Christian Emergency Alliance. Soli Deo Gloria

One of the most critical aspects of cross-cultural work is how to practically care for those we send. In this episode, Nik takes a deep dive into the most important elements that individuals and churches need to consider to most adequately take care of our "sent ones".

Everything that God has ever done, He is still doing. Listen as Nik recounts a story out of Apartheid that demonstrates what it truly means to "give all" for Jesus and how the Biblical narrative continues to come alive all over the world.

Last week, East-West's The Even You Podcast came out with an episode featuring Nik Ripken. Join hosts, Mariah and Scott, as they interview Nik on what bold faith and radical obedience looks like.

If you follow Jesus, do you see your life as expendable or defendable? Are you defending your freedom to avoid persecution or willingly laying it all on the line for those who have never heard of Jesus? In this conversation, author and former missionary Nik Ripken explains what bold faith looks like. Serving in some of the most dangerous countries in the world as well as losing one of his sons on the mission field, Nik has seen unimaginable tragedy. However, he has also seen how insane faith can radically transform people's lives, even in the darkest places of the world. Our God doesn't call us to play it safe; He commands us to make disciples of all nations. Yet, no matter where we go, He is always with us. With that in mind, what would radical obedience to Jesus look like in your life?

In this episode with Nik Ripken and Pastor Wade Stevens of Longview Point Baptist Church in Hernando, MS we discuss the scarcity of men accepting the call to serve in overseas missions. We hope the men who listen to this episode are challenged and spurred on to go, to lead their families, and to develop their boys into godly men who are willing to go.Other Resources:www.nikripken.com

How do you teach your children while serving on the mission field? For many families considering missions, this is one of the most significant concerns. In this episode, Ruth Ripken shares their family's 36-year journey across various mission fields, offering invaluable insights into how they navigated the challenges of educating their children overseas. From homeschooling to relying on God's provision, Ruth discusses how their kids not only survived but thrived, thanks to God's guidance in every season. Join us as we explore how God equips parents on the mission field, the unique challenges of raising children abroad, and practical advice for families called to serve. Whether you're interested in missionary life, homeschooling, or parenting in unique contexts, this conversation with Ruth Ripken is filled with wisdom and encouragement for families around the world.

In this second part of the interview with Nik Ripken, author of The Insanity of God and The Insanity of Obedience, Cynthia and Nik talk about how we define persecution, the challenge of sharing our faith in the West, and the role fear plays in our lives. He gives an exhortation and encouragement to those in persecuted situations and shares about new resources coming available soon. 

In this two-part interview with Nik Ripken, author of The Insanity of God and The Insanity of Obedience, Cynthia dives deep into the topic of persecution.  Is persecution normal? Is the Western Christian response to persecution appropriate? We discuss this and more in part one.

Nik Ripken tackles one of the most pressing issues facing the modern church: Christian nationalism. Join Nik as he explores what it means to faithfully follow Jesus in a world where politics has been weaponized to divide, define, and instigate hatred. As Christians, we're confronted by a society that challenges our political views side-by-side with our faith. We're left asking, “How should Christians think about Christian nationalism?” With thoughtful biblical reflection and stories from his global experience, Nik offers wisdom about how Christians can navigate the tension between national identity and spiritual allegiance to the Almighty God. Whether you're seeking clarity or a deeper understanding, this episode will challenge and encourage you to think critically about how faith shapes your worldview. Learn more about Nik Ripken ministries at NikRipken.com Follow us on our socials @nikripken on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nikripken/support

In this episode, Nik Ripken tackles one of the most pressing questions many Christians have: "How should I think about Muslims?"

Almost 2 million people from over 40,000 churches embark on short-term international mission trips each year, driven by a desire to serve, make a difference, and spread hope. But how many of these trips actually leave a lasting impact? In this episode, join Nik and Anthony as they dig deep into the complexities of short-term missions and what it really takes to be a helpful volunteer abroad and answer the question "How do you know if a volunteer will be helpful overseas?". Nik shares a candid, eye-opening story about a volunteer he encountered that goes by the name, "Bum", and reflects on the challenges of evaluating a volunteer's true effectiveness. From the initial excitement of joining a mission to the often-overlooked realities on the ground, this episode offers an honest look at the heart of service. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or considering your first mission trip, you won't want to miss Nik's insights and practical tips on how to ensure that your service truly matters. Learn more about Nik Ripken ministries at NikRipken.com Follow us on our socials @nikripken on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nikripken/support

Nik and Ruth Ripken welcome Tim and Aileen Challies in this moving episode, where they share their journey through the grief of losing a child and how they've found hope and redemption through their faith in Christ. Through raw and honest conversation, they discuss the challenges of navigating such deep sorrow and how their faith has sustained them through the darkest moments. Join us as we dive deep into topics that resonate with the heart of ministry—grief, hope, redemption—and discover how these themes are lived out on the mission field and within the church. This episode serves as a reminder that our deepest wounds can become the source of our most powerful ministry. Learn more about the work of Tim Challies at Challies.com Learn more about Nik Ripken ministries at NikRipken.com Follow us on our socials @nikripken on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nikripken/support

Join us for a powerful episode of Ripken Reports where Nik Ripken tackles the question: "How does knowing the context of the Bible help us in missions?" In this candid and insightful session, Nik shares his deep understanding and firsthand experiences from the mission field, explaining why understanding the Bible's context is crucial for effective mission work. Learn more about Nik Ripken ministries at NikRipken.com Follow us on our socials @nikripken on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nikripken/support

Have you ever thought how powerful it is when you as a believer have the ability to lift up prayer requests directly to God? Nik discusses both the power and practice of prayer as it relates to the first step of evangelism. Learn more about Nik Ripken ministries at NikRipken.com Follow us on our socials @nikripken on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nikripken/support

Join us in this episode of Ripken Reports, for an insightful chat with Nik Ripken as he shares a fascinating story about the pitfalls of cultural misunderstandings on the mission field - all starting with a cold Coca-Cola. Ever wondered why getting culture right is so crucial? Join Nik and Anthony in an episode full of wisdom, humor, and great stories. Perfect for anyone curious about missions and cross-cultural experiences! Learn more about Nik Ripken ministries at NikRipken.com Follow us on our socials @nikripken on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nikripken/support

Nik reminds us that obeying the Great Commission is not brain surgery - all of us are equipped and capable of sharing Jesus and gathering people in our homes, neighborhoods, and places of work. Listen in as Nik unpacks the simple, everyday obedience that changes the world. Learn more about Nik Ripken ministries at NikRipken.com Follow us on our socials @nikripken on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nikripken/support

When is the right time to take significant risks for Jesus? On May 2024, it was announced that a missionary couple in Haiti, Natalie and Davy Lloyd, were murdered by a local gang. Their remains were sent home to Natalie's parents in Missouri. This news shocked the world and brought in a lot of questions when it came to the topic of missions and risks. Join us on this latest episode of Ripken Reports as Nik answers the question that this terrible event has brought back to the surface - "When is the right time to take significant risks for Jesus?" Learn more about Nik Ripken ministries at NikRipken.com Follow us on our socials @nikripken on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nikripken/support

Tithing is a common practice in the West to which we rarely give much thought. But what do you do when you are on the edge of lostness with no storehouse in which to give your tithes? Nik sits down to address this issue, and how it relates to our obedience to the "more important matters of the law". Learn more about Nik Ripken ministries at NikRipken.com Follow us on our socials @nikripken on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nikripken/support

After 7 years, our video-based, game-changing missions resource for the global Body of Christ is finally ready to be unveiled this Fall! Nik and Anthony sit down for a surprise conversation sharing the story of how this resource came to be, and what Nik and Ruth hope to see happen through learning from Believers in Persecution in this material. Learn more about Nik Ripken ministries at NikRipken.com Follow us on our socials @nikripken on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nikripken/support

In this episode we hear the story of Nik Ripken.Nik and Ruth spent over 30 years obeying Christ's command to share Jesus across the globe. After 7 years in Malawi & South Africa, they moved to Nairobi, Kenya to begin work among the Somali people, in the context of war and famine. Many Somali believers there suffered for their faith. Most were martyred. Near the end of the Ripken's tenure among the Somalis, their 16-year-old son died. One year later, the Holy Spirit led the Ripkens to begin a global pilgrimage to learn from believers in persecution how to recapture a biblical missiology of witness and house-church planting in the midst of persecution and martyrdom. Currently the Ripkens have interviewed over 600 believers in persecution, exceeding 72 countries. Sitting at their feet, the Ripkens learned from the suffering church how to thrive amidst suffering, not merely survive. To learn more of their incredible story, or to purchase their books: The Insanity of God, The Insanity of Obedience & The Insanity of Sacrifice, visithttps://www.nikripken.com/To watch the documentary about the persecuted church that they made, visit https://www.insanityofgodmovie.com/Send us a Text Message._________________________________________________________________________________Do get in touch if you have any questions for Matt or for any of his guests.matt@frontiers.org.ukYou can find out more about us by visiting www.frontiers.org.ukOr, if you're outside the UK, visit www.frontiers.org (then select from one of our national offices). For social media in the UK:Instagram: frontiers_ukFacebook: @frontiersukfriendsAnd do check out the free and outstanding 6 week video course for churches and small groups, called MomentumYes:www.momentumyes.com (USA)www.momentumyes.org.uk (UK) _________________________________________________________________________________

This is a previously recorded speech from Liberty University's Convocation Ceremony titled, "Sheep Among Wolves". We thought it was a powerful message for anyone graduating, entering a new season of life, or needing some encouragement as we continue to walk this life as Jesus' followers, carrying the Good News across the streets and across the oceans. Listen in as Nik challenges students on what it truly means to share the Gospel in the hardest places on the planet. If you'd like to learn more about our ministry, you can learn more at www.NikRipken.com _______________________________________ On September 15, 2014, at Convocation, North America's largest weekly gathering of Christian students, Nik Ripken addressed the student body at Liberty University. Nik kicked off Global Focus Week with recounts of his life as a believer and work overseas in Somalia. He talked about heavy lessons he learned about sharing the word of the Lord and the persecution of faith in Somalia. He challenged the students to share the word about the kingdom of God and to love their enemies. Nik and his wife Ruth are veteran overseas workers for over 30 years. Nik is also a bestselling author about faith in persecution. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nikripken/support

Pastor Randy Solomon preaches from Daniel 1 and Daniel 2. He mentions The Insanity of God: A True Story of Faith Resurrected by Nik Ripken and Gregg Lewis. Click the arrow below, or if you're reading this in an email you can click this link, to play the service: This service is available for download free on iTunes, where you can also subscribe to our podcast. Search for "Westchester Chapel" on the iTunes Store. If you want to know more about starting a relationship with Jesus Christ visit www.WestchesterChapel.org/salvation.

We're taking a short break from recording new podcast episodes, so we thought we'd share this nugget of blessing with you all. Nik Ripken gave a talk at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary recently! Join Nik and the SEBTS community as he preaches from Matthew 27 on the hardships faced internationally by unbelievers and how it is our mission to go and tell them about our King, Jesus Christ. Thank you for Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary for the opportunity and video!Learn more about the ministry at NikRipken.com

Nik and Ruth love college students! Not only have they been the recipient of years of encouragement and love at the hands of college and university students, but they have been able to pour back into them in recent years. In this epsiode, Nik shares a story of interacting with a Muslim-background college student, and the difficult truth that we can sometimes trade the truth of the real Gospel for an artifically flavored cultural Christianity. Learn more about Nik Ripken's Ministries at NikRipken.com

Nik Ripken, Founder of Nik Ripken Ministries and Author preaches from Matthew 27 on the hardships faced internationally by unbelievers and how it is our mission to go and tell them about our King, Jesus Christ.

We're taking a quick break from recording new episodes for Witness and Persecution, but didn't want to leave you hanging! We thought we'd reintroduce you to our MOST LISTENED to episode of ALL TIME - "Somebody's Coming". Nik Ripken talks about what he wished he knew during his first year in Malawi and what God has taught him since. Check out more episodes and learn more about Nik Ripken Ministries at nikripken.com

Kyle teaches from 1 Thessalonians and what the Holy Spirit does to you, and what the Holy Spirit does through you.

Is Christianity in America on the decline? What does Christianity look like around the world in places like Mongolia, Italy, Oceania and the like? What are the biggest challenges facing the global Church today?Today we welcome Dr. Gina Zurlo for the second part of our conversation about Global Christianity. Dr. Zurlo holds a PhD in History and Hermeneutics from Boston University School of Theology (2017). She is the Co-Director of the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (South Hamilton, MA) and Visiting Research Fellow at Boston University's Institute on Culture, Religion and World Affairs. She is an interdisciplinary scholar, crossing between history, sociology, and World Christianity with a particular interest in women's experiences of Christianity and church life worldwide. Dr. Zurlo is the co-editor of the World Christian Database (Brill) and associate editor of the World Religion Database (Brill). She is one of the authors of the third edition of the World Christian Encyclopedia (Edinburgh University Press, 2019), which covers the history and current status of Christianity in every country of the world down to the denominational level. Travis and Dr. Zurlo discuss her newest book, Christianity Around the World, which is a popular reference work to introduce readers to the state of Christianity in every nation of the world, complete with colorful maps and graphs. They discuss the state of Christianity in America, how it is shifting, and what it means for us today. If you want to hear the first part of this conversation: #197 | What Does the Future of Christianity Look Like? Pt. 1 | Gina ZurloSome other episodes related to this episode or referred to in this episode:#30 | What God Is Doing In The World, Pt. 1 | Todd M. Johnson #32 | What God Is Doing In The World, Pt. 2 | Todd M. Johnson#69 | The Insanity of God, Pt. 1 | Nik Ripken#70 | The Insanity of God, Pt. 2 | Nik Ripken

For those of us in the "open" countries, it's easy for us to dress up the suffering of believers in persecution. In this episode, Nik challenges listeners to identify with the real blood, sweat, and tears of the stories of persecution, truly grasping the human reality of suffering, and the real lives of people involved. Check out the show notes and blog post related to this episode at https://www.nikripken.com/blog Learn more about Nik Ripken's ministry at https://www.nikripken.com

ABOUT NIK RIPKENNik Ripken, alongside his wife and three children, served as missionaries for over 32 years primarily in North Africa and the Middle East. Nik is one of the world's foremost experts on the persecuted church and is the author of a number of books, including The Insanity of God and The Insanity of Obedience.ABOUT TALKBACKSOur Talkbacks are great opportunities to see how our faith engages with the world around us. This summer, we're excited to have four evenings that discuss how the gospel changes how we think about race, politics, the world, and our stories.Each Talkback, we get a chance to hear from a speaker for about 45 minutes before spending about 45 minutes in a Q&A. We encourage you to come with questions! 2023 SUMMER SERIES June 7 • The Gospel & Race with Isaac Adams June 28 • Faithfulness in a Polarized Society with Justin Giboney July 19 • The Big Three: Non-Negotiables from Believers in Persecution with Nik Ripken July 26 • The Gospel as a Better Story with Elizabeth Woodson MORE INFOFor more info, visit rccbirmingham.com/talkbacks

As we reflect on the persisting challenge of unreached countries, Nik Ripken invites us to reconsider our approach. By embracing the hard places and equipping local believers, we unlock the untapped potential to reach the darkest corners of the world. By choosing to go to the hard places, we foster sustainable movements, bridge cultural divides, and empower communities to become biblical advocates. Check out the show notes and blog post related to this episode at https://www.nikripken.com/blog Learn more about Nik Ripken's ministry at https://www.nikripken.com

In this episode, Nik Ripken explains the challenging task of reaching the unreached nations. He candidly addresses the notion that the efforts required to reach just one believer in hard and unresponsive places might not seem cost-effective. It often demands substantial resources and even the lives of dedicated believers. However, Nik's unwavering conviction is that the mission to reach the unreached is not about cost-efficiency: it's about obedience to the Great Commission. Check out the show notes and blog post related to this episode at https://www.nikripken.com/blog Learn more about Nik Ripken's ministry at https://www.nikripken.com

Best friends Nik and Pastor Tim sit down for an authentic conversation about how pastors and churches can effectively connect church members to every part of the Great Commission. Check out the show notes and blog post related to this episode at https://www.nikripken.com/blog/ Learn more about Nik Ripken's ministry at https://www.nikripken.com

In this episode, Nik unveils a heartfelt tale that transcends borders and celebrates the profound beauty of cultural exchange. He teaches us about the Xhosa naming ceremony for newborns. What does the naming culture in Xhosa teach us about authentic community? Check out the show notes and blog post related to this episode at https://www.nikripken.com/authentic-community/ Learn more about Nik Ripken's ministry at https://www.nikripken.com

Jesus gives us a direct command on how we are to treat our "neighbor". To fulfill that command, what should it look like, and to whom is it directed? In this episode, Ruth takes a deep dive into the world of Biblical hospitality, offering wisdom and tips gathered from decades overseas amongst various cultures. Check out the show notes and blog post related to this episode at https://www.nikripken.com/who-is-my-n... Learn more about Nik Ripken's ministry at https://www.nikripken.com

In this episode, Nik Ripken delves into the profound distinction between merely going through the motions of church life and truly embodying the essence of what it means to be a follower of Christ. Drawing from his extensive global experiences and encounters with persecuted Christians, Nik sheds light on the challenges, misconceptions, and transformative power that comes with living out an authentic faith.

In this episode of the Witness & Persecution Podcast, Nik Ripken reflects on how missionaries are able to learn languages so quickly. He has extensive experience as a missionary in some of the most challenging and remote regions of the world. Nik emphasizes the importance of immersion in the local culture and language, as well as the value of building relationships with native speakers. He also stresses the need for patience, perseverance, and a willingness to make mistakes and learn from them.

Nik Ripken has seen the price paid by faithful believers in some of Christianity’s hardest places.  Today on Equipped, Nik challenges us with the cost of following Jesus and the powerful role persecution plays in the life of a believer. Listen and learn to face your own suffering in the resurrection life of Christ! EQUIPPERS - Our next ZOOM MEETING is Thursday, April 20!  REGISTRATION DETAILS ARE IN YOUR E-MAIL INBOX.  Not an Equipper and want to attend?   Become an Equipper Today!

[Encore episode from May 2022] Christians in much of the world today face pressures. Few, however, face anything as intense as those Christians who lived under the first few decades of authoritarian rule in either the Soviet Union or Communist China. At least not yet. While freedom and opportunity still remains, Christians today would be wise to consider the experiences of Christians under the Soviets and Chinese Communists. Though both situations shared many similarities, they developed in starkly different manners. Why did they differ so much? What lessons can we glean and apply in our own situations? And what cautionary flags can we recognize and avoid? On this episode of the Christian Emergency Podcast, Andy examines a helpful case study of the Christian experience under the Soviets and Chinese. This comparison, produced originally by Nik Ripken in his book The Insanity of Obedience, provides many helpful insights for Christians today. If you find this material helpful, please share it with your friends and leave us a five-star rating wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, don't forget to subscribe to the show, so you'll never miss out when new episodes drop. To learn more about resources mentioned in this episode, see the following. The Insanity of Obedience: Walking with Jesus in Tough Places, by Nik Ripken (book): https://www.christianbook.com/insanity-obedience-walking-jesus-tough-places/nik-ripken/9781433673092/pd/673090 Christian Emergency Alliance: https://www.christianemergency.com/ Follow the Christian Emergency Alliance on Twitter: @ChristianEmerg1 Follow the Christian Emergency Alliance on Facebook: @ChristianEmergency The Christian Emergency Podcast is a production of the Christian Emergency Alliance. Soli Deo Gloria

Continuing "10 Lies Satan Has Told the Church", Nik explores the topic of the miraculous. Is it true that God is working in different ways overseas than He is here in the West? What lie have we believed about God's power that we think doesn't apply to how He is working in our lives today? Sign up for a Night of Worship on Sunday, February 26, 2023, featuring Shane & Shane, Nik Ripken, and Erskin: https://www.nikripken.com/worship/

In the West, we often equate our ability to share Jesus with the rights and privileges afforded us by governments. But is that really true? In this episode, Nik Ripken shares from believers in persecution how our witness is not tied to any government, military, or constitution.

"Like the sun rising in the East". That's how one believer categorized persecution for followers of Jesus. In this episode, Nik Ripken walks us through the first foundational principle of persecution, where we learn the Biblical relationship between our faith and suffering.

In this episode, Nik Ripken addresses the foundational understanding of persecution. What IS persecution, and why does it happen? Walking through another component of the "DNA of the Resurrection", Nik shares what believers in persecution know to be true about the cause of their suffering.