Podcasts about pursuegod

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Welcome back to the podcast! Today, we are in week two of our Christmas series!--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--WE THREE KINGS: A ROYAL MESS AND A FAITHFUL GODMost of us skim past the first seventeen verses of the New Testament. The long list of names in Matthew's genealogy feels distant and hard to pronounce, so we move on quickly. But Matthew didn't include those names by accident. He placed them there to ground the Christmas story in real history. Jesus didn't drop out of the sky. He entered the world through a real family—full of faith, failure, courage, compromise, and grace.Matthew organizes Jesus' family tree into three groups of fourteen generations. First come the patriarchs, from Abraham to David—the rise of a family. Then come the kings, from David to the exile—the ruin of a kingdom. Finally comes the remnant, from the exile to Jesus—the long road toward restoration. Last week we looked at the outsiders in Jesus' lineage: Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth. This week we turn to the kings.You might expect the kings to be the highlight reel—strong leaders, noble faith, spiritual consistency. Instead, what we find is a royal mess. To understand it, we'll look at three kings from the southern kingdom of Judah: a father, a son, and a grandson. Their stories show how faith can be passed down, rejected, reclaimed, and lost again.King Ahaz: The Shadow of a Bad LegacyBy the time Ahaz became king, Israel was divided. The northern kingdom had fully embraced wickedness. Judah, the southern kingdom—where Jesus' line continued—was struggling to stay faithful. Ahaz did not help.2 Kings 16:2–3 (NLT) tells us that Ahaz “did not do what was pleasing in the sight of the Lord… Instead, he followed the example of the kings of Israel, even sacrificing his own son in the fire.”In the ancient world, people believed that if you wanted the gods to act, you had to give them something valuable. Ahaz was losing a war and terrified of losing his throne. In desperation, he went to the Valley of Ben Hinnom and sacrificed his own son to Molech. That valley later became known as Gehenna—the word Jesus used for hell.Ahaz's legacy is devastating. He sacrificed his son on the altar of selfishness. Before we judge him too quickly, we should ask an uncomfortable question: What do we sacrifice our children to today? Career success, personal freedom, reputation, comfort, or misplaced ambition can quietly become modern altars.King Hezekiah: The Cycle BreakerAfter Ahaz died, his son Hezekiah took the throne. He grew up surrounded by idolatry. He had watched his father's choices destroy lives. Everything about his upbringing suggested he would repeat the cycle.But 2 Kings 18:5–7 (NLT) says something remarkable: “Hezekiah trusted in the Lord… There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah.”Hezekiah broke the cycle. He tore down idols—even destroying the bronze serpent Moses had made because people were worshiping it...

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In this episode, Bryan wraps up 2025 and gives us a clear snapshot of what God has been doing through PursueGOD—and what's coming next in 2026.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Check out our YouVersion reading plansWant to donate? Click here

Welcome back to the podcast! Join us today as we start a new Christmas series!--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --The Christmas Family Tree: The Part We Usually SkipMost people love Luke 2 at Christmas—the angels, the shepherds, the manger scene. But few of us slow down for Matthew 1, the chapter that looks like the “skip intro” button of the New Testament. Genealogies feel like the part you breeze through on your Bible-in-a-year plan. Yet Matthew opens the story of Jesus with a family tree on purpose—not to bore us, but to prepare us for what Christmas is really about.Matthew organizes Jesus' genealogy into three sets of fourteen generations (Matthew 1:1–17). It's not intended to be exhaustive; it's designed to make a theological point. Jesus is the promised Son of David, the fulfillment of God's long-awaited plan. But Matthew also includes something shocking for ancient readers: five women—and three of them appear in the very first section of the genealogy.In the first century, writers didn't include women in genealogies, and certainly not women with complicated, painful, or morally messy backstories. But Matthew breaks the rules to highlight a truth at the heart of Christmas: God invites outsiders, sinners, strugglers, and the unexpected into His family. These women tell us what kind of Savior Jesus really is—and what kind of grace He brings.TAMAR — The God Who Sees the Hidden StoryMatthew 1:3 (NLT): “Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah (whose mother was Tamar).”Tamar's story in Genesis 38 is one of the most uncomfortable chapters in the Bible. She marries into Judah's family, but tragedy and injustice quickly follow. Her first husband dies. The second refuses to fulfill his duty to give her a child. Judah promises his youngest son to her “later,” but he never intends to keep his word.Tamar is left childless, powerless, and trapped in a culture where bearing children was the only path to honor, security, and a future. Judah fails her completely, and out of desperation she takes matters into her own hands—posing as a prostitute to confront Judah's neglect. When Judah discovers what happened, he responds with a shocking confession:Genesis 38:26 (NLT): “She is more righteous than I am.”This isn't a story celebrating deception—it's a story exposing Judah's injustice. Tamar is the wronged one, and yet God sees her, steps into her story, and brings redemption through the birth of Perez—a direct ancestor of Jesus.The lesson of Tamar:God steps into the stories we try to hide.He doesn't turn away from the messy parts of our past—He redeems them. Tamar reminds us that God moves toward the abandoned and overlooked with purpose and...

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In this episode, Bryan talks with Noemi about her journey leaving Mormonism and discovering a relationship with the God of the Bible.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --

In this episode, Bryan talks with Noemi about her journey leaving Mormonism and discovering a relationship with the God of the Bible.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --

Welcome back to the podcast, we are in our last week of the David series!--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Failure is one of life's great interrupters. Sometimes it comes after a long season of struggle. Other times—like David—it crashes into our story right after success. David spent decades waiting on God's promise, surviving betrayal, wilderness years, and impossible odds. Then at last, the shepherd-warrior became king. He won battles. He grew influence. He stacked victories. But success often tests us in ways adversity cannot. When comfort sets in, cracks in our character begin to widen. That's exactly what happened to David.Second Samuel 11 tells the story: David stayed home when kings went to war, saw Bathsheba, pursued her, abused his authority, and arranged Uriah's death. It's a tragic chain of compromise. Then God sent Nathan the prophet, who confronted him with a parable—and with the piercing words: “You are the man!” (2 Samuel 12:7 NLT). Psalm 51 is David's prayer after being exposed. It's a window into godly sorrow, honest repentance, and the surprising hope that failure doesn't have to be final.1. Failure Can Become a Doorway, Not a Dead EndMany people live as if their worst moment now defines them forever. David felt the weight of his sin deeply:Psalm 51:3–4 (NLT) — “For I recognize my rebellion… Against you, and you alone, have I sinned.”David makes no excuses. He names his sin before God. This is the difference between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow.2 Corinthians 7:10 (NLT) says godly sorrow “leads us away from sin and results in salvation,” while worldly sorrow only regrets getting caught. Godly sorrow grieves how sin breaks God's heart, not just His rules. And when we repent for breaking God's heart, He changes our heart—not just our behavior.If you've been letting failure define your future, Psalm 51 offers hope: repentance is a doorway God invites you to walk through, not a wall meant to stop you.2. Humility Is the Hinge That Swings the Door OpenDavid doesn't shift blame to Bathsheba, stress, or schedule. He looks inward:Psalm 51:5–6 (NLT) — “You desire honesty… teaching me wisdom.”Humility is what makes repentance possible. As F.B. Meyer once wrote, the gifts on God's “lower shelves” go to the lowly. Humility is the willingness to be taught, corrected, and changed. Exposure is painful, but it is also grace—because God reveals what He intends to heal.David's prayer echoes another powerful invitation:Psalm 139:23–24 (NLT) — “Search me, O God…”That is the prayer of a teachable heart.3. Repentance Is More Than Stopping Bad BehaviorToo many people think repentance begins with outward change. But Psalm 51 shows that repentance is first an inside work—something...

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In this episode, we compare the church in the book of Acts with the church Joseph Smith built—showing how the LDS ‘restoration' actually rebuilds the hierarchy, temples, and priesthoods Jesus fulfilled and the Reformers fought to remove. It's not a return to the New Testament but a reversal of the freedom Christ brought.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --SUMMARYLatter-day Saints teach that after the apostles died, the church fell into total apostasy—losing authority, truth, and the gospel—and that Joseph Smith “restored” the original church in 1830.But when we compare the Bible, early church history, and the medieval church, a clear pattern emerges: the LDS system doesn't look like the church in the book of Acts. It looks like the institutional system that developed centuries later.This episode walks through that history and shows why Mormonism isn't a restoration of the New Testament—it's a rebuilding of the very system Jesus fulfilled and the Reformers worked to correct.1. What the Early Church Actually Looked Like (Book of Acts)No templesNo priestly hierarchyNo prophet-presidentNo exclusive priesthood lineageBelievers met in homes, prayed, broke bread, and studied ScriptureLeadership was shared among elders/pastorsEvery believer was a priest (1 Peter 2)Access to God came directly through Jesus, not through mediatorsBottom line: The early church was simple, Spirit-led, and centered entirely on Jesus.2. How the Church Drifted in the Middle AgesBy the 4th century, especially after Constantine:The church became tied to political powerBishops became rulersPriests acted as mediatorsSalvation was tied to rituals and sacramentsA single head (the Pope) claimed God-given authorityThis system dominated medieval Christianity and buried the gospel under layers of tradition and hierarchy.3. The Reformation: Returning to ScriptureLuther, Calvin, Zwingli, and the Anabaptists didn't invent a new church.They removed the medieval layers and returned to:Scripture aloneGrace aloneChrist aloneFaith aloneReal renewal happens when ordinary believers open the Bible again.4. Joseph Smith Recreates the Medieval SystemDespite claiming to “restore” the church, Joseph Smith introduced:A layered priesthood (Aaronic & Melchizedek)A prophet-president with final authorityTemple rituals and restricted accessOrdinances required for salvationCentralized headquarters claiming exclusive truthThis mirrors the medieval Catholic model, not the church in Acts.5. The LDS Temple: The Most Striking IronyJesus

In this episode, we compare the church in the book of Acts with the church Joseph Smith built—showing how the LDS ‘restoration' actually rebuilds the hierarchy, temples, and priesthoods Jesus fulfilled and the Reformers fought to remove. It's not a return to the New Testament but a reversal of the freedom Christ brought.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --SUMMARYLatter-day Saints teach that after the apostles died, the church fell into total apostasy—losing authority, truth, and the gospel—and that Joseph Smith “restored” the original church in 1830.But when we compare the Bible, early church history, and the medieval church, a clear pattern emerges: the LDS system doesn't look like the church in the book of Acts. It looks like the institutional system that developed centuries later.This episode walks through that history and shows why Mormonism isn't a restoration of the New Testament—it's a rebuilding of the very system Jesus fulfilled and the Reformers worked to correct.1. What the Early Church Actually Looked Like (Book of Acts)No templesNo priestly hierarchyNo prophet-presidentNo exclusive priesthood lineageBelievers met in homes, prayed, broke bread, and studied ScriptureLeadership was shared among elders/pastorsEvery believer was a priest (1 Peter 2)Access to God came directly through Jesus, not through mediatorsBottom line: The early church was simple, Spirit-led, and centered entirely on Jesus.2. How the Church Drifted in the Middle AgesBy the 4th century, especially after Constantine:The church became tied to political powerBishops became rulersPriests acted as mediatorsSalvation was tied to rituals and sacramentsA single head (the Pope) claimed God-given authorityThis system dominated medieval Christianity and buried the gospel under layers of tradition and hierarchy.3. The Reformation: Returning to ScriptureLuther, Calvin, Zwingli, and the Anabaptists didn't invent a new church.They removed the medieval layers and returned to:Scripture aloneGrace aloneChrist aloneFaith aloneReal renewal happens when ordinary believers open the Bible again.4. Joseph Smith Recreates the Medieval SystemDespite claiming to “restore” the church, Joseph Smith introduced:A layered priesthood (Aaronic & Melchizedek)A prophet-president with final authorityTemple rituals and restricted accessOrdinances required for salvationCentralized headquarters claiming exclusive truthThis mirrors the medieval Catholic model, not the church in Acts.5. The LDS Temple: The Most Striking IronyJesus

Welcome back to the podcast! We're in week number five of our series on David!--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Big Idea:God's route to His promises is rarely efficient—it's fruitful. When Ziklag burns and hope falters, don't quit. Strengthen yourself in the Lord, inquire of the Lord, and obey the Lord—and you'll find the promise is closer than you think.ARTICLE When life feels slow, confusing, or painfully inefficient, many of us wish God acted more like a navigation app. Apps like Waze or Google Maps always chase the fastest route from Point A to Point B. But God doesn't choose the fastest route; He chooses the forming route. That truth sits at the center of David's story in 1 Samuel 27–30. After twenty years of running from Saul, David was exhausted. Scripture says “David kept thinking to himself…” (1 Samuel 27:1 NLT). His inner narrative was slipping, and discouragement was shaping his choices.We've all been there—moments where shortcuts look tempting, where God's promise looks distant, and where the path feels like a zigzag instead of a straight line. But David's journey shows us how to stay faithful when you're one step away from giving up.Settling for ZiklagDiscouragement often begins with unsubmitted self-talk. David “thought to himself” that Saul was going to kill him and concluded that escaping to the Philistines was his best option (1 Samuel 27:1–2 NLT). Without God's voice grounding his heart, David drifted into enemy territory.That's how he ended up in Ziklag.Ziklag—likely meaning “zigzagging”—was a Philistine town that became David's base for about sixteen months (1 Samuel 27:6–7 NLT). For a man who had been running for years, Ziklag felt like success. He finally had stability, safety, and a loyal army. It looked like arrival.But Ziklag wasn't the promise. It was provision—but not inheritance. God had spoken something bigger over David's life: a kingdom, a throne, and divine leadership over Israel. Ziklag was comfortable, but comfort can quietly become compromise. Sometimes the most dangerous place isn't the valley—it's the almost.Don't confuse the interim with the inheritance. Don't let a tired heart write your theology. God's promises may take time, but delay is not denial.When Ziklag BurnsThen came the breaking point. While David and his men were away, the Amalekites raided and burned Ziklag to the ground, kidnapping every woman and child (

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In this episode, we trace how small movements, bold revivals, and ordinary believers shaped the explosive growth of Protestant Christianity from Europe to America—and created the denominational family tree we're part of today.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Episode SummaryIn today's final episode of our Church History series, we trace how Protestantism crossed the Atlantic, sparked massive revival movements, and gave rise to the denominational landscape we see today. From the Moravians and the First Great Awakening to Pentecostalism and the modern church, this episode connects the dots and shows how the global church family took shape.1. The Moravians: The Spark Behind Modern MissionsWhere we left off last time.• Descendants of John Hus (the Hussites / Unity of the Brethren)• Refugees who fled to Count Zinzendorf's estate in Saxony (3–600 people total)Why they mattered:• Experienced a powerful renewal on Aug 13, 1727• Launched a 24/7 prayer chain that lasted 100 years• Sent more missionaries than all Protestants combined by 1760• Known for radical sacrifice—including missionaries willing to sell themselves into slavery• Mission field spread across the West Indies, Africa, Asia, and North AmericaThe John Wesley connection:• Wesley encountered Moravians during a terrifying storm at sea in 1736• Their fearless faith pushed him toward his own conversion• This eventually shaped the Methodist movement—the largest U.S. denomination by the 1850s2. The First Great Awakening (1730s–1740s)A transatlantic revival that birthed the modern evangelical identity—people committed not only to studying Scripture but sharing the gospel.The Big ThreeJohn Wesley – The Organizer• Anglican priest, Oxford “Holy Club” leader• Had his conversion at Aldersgate (“heart strangely warmed”)• Formed Methodist societies and class meetings• Emphasized holiness, discipline, and new birth• By his death: 72k British & 57k American MethodistsGeorge Whitefield – The Preacher• Electrifying communicator; could preach to 20k–30k without amplification• Crossed the Atlantic seven times, preaching across all 13 colonies• Popularized the phrase “born again”• First international Christian “celebrity”• Outdoor, mass evangelism pioneerJonathan Edwards – The Thinker• Pastor, theologian, philosophical genius• Sparked revival in Northampton (1734–35)• Wrote Religious Affections, the defining book of revival theology• Fired for restricting communion to true believers• Later became president of what is now Princeton• Legacy...

In this episode, we trace how small movements, bold revivals, and ordinary believers shaped the explosive growth of Protestant Christianity from Europe to America—and created the denominational family tree we're part of today.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Episode SummaryIn today's final episode of our Church History series, we trace how Protestantism crossed the Atlantic, sparked massive revival movements, and gave rise to the denominational landscape we see today. From the Moravians and the First Great Awakening to Pentecostalism and the modern church, this episode connects the dots and shows how the global church family took shape.1. The Moravians: The Spark Behind Modern MissionsWhere we left off last time.• Descendants of John Hus (the Hussites / Unity of the Brethren)• Refugees who fled to Count Zinzendorf's estate in Saxony (3–600 people total)Why they mattered:• Experienced a powerful renewal on Aug 13, 1727• Launched a 24/7 prayer chain that lasted 100 years• Sent more missionaries than all Protestants combined by 1760• Known for radical sacrifice—including missionaries willing to sell themselves into slavery• Mission field spread across the West Indies, Africa, Asia, and North AmericaThe John Wesley connection:• Wesley encountered Moravians during a terrifying storm at sea in 1736• Their fearless faith pushed him toward his own conversion• This eventually shaped the Methodist movement—the largest U.S. denomination by the 1850s2. The First Great Awakening (1730s–1740s)A transatlantic revival that birthed the modern evangelical identity—people committed not only to studying Scripture but sharing the gospel.The Big ThreeJohn Wesley – The Organizer• Anglican priest, Oxford “Holy Club” leader• Had his conversion at Aldersgate (“heart strangely warmed”)• Formed Methodist societies and class meetings• Emphasized holiness, discipline, and new birth• By his death: 72k British & 57k American MethodistsGeorge Whitefield – The Preacher• Electrifying communicator; could preach to 20k–30k without amplification• Crossed the Atlantic seven times, preaching across all 13 colonies• Popularized the phrase “born again”• First international Christian “celebrity”• Outdoor, mass evangelism pioneerJonathan Edwards – The Thinker• Pastor, theologian, philosophical genius• Sparked revival in Northampton (1734–35)• Wrote Religious Affections, the defining book of revival theology• Fired for restricting communion to true believers• Later became president of what is now Princeton• Legacy...

Welcome back to the podcast! We're in week four of our David series!--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --DAVID: How to Keep Your Heart Clean (Even When You've Been Done Dirty)Everyone will go through hurt—but not everyone will grow through hurt. David knew betrayal, fear, and injustice more than most. One day he was the nation's hero with songs written about him (1 Samuel 18:6–7 NLT). The next, Saul was hurling spears at him (1 Samuel 18:10–11 NLT). Soon David found himself hunted, hungry, and hiding in the wilderness (1 Samuel 21–22 NLT).Psalm 52 is David's response to one of the darkest betrayals of his life—the moment Doeg the Edomite informed Saul about David's visit to the priest Ahimelech (1 Samuel 21:7 NLT). That single moment set off a horrific chain reaction. Saul, spiraling in jealousy and paranoia, ordered Doeg to slaughter the priests of the Lord (1 Samuel 22:9–10, 17–18 NLT). David was devastated. His choices weren't perfect, but the injustice was real and brutal.But instead of letting bitterness rot his soul, David wrote Psalm 52—nine verses that show how to keep a clean heart even when you've been done dirty. If you've ever been betrayed, slandered, ghosted, passed over, lied about, or wounded by someone close, Psalm 52 speaks directly to you.This short psalm gives us five steps for guarding your heart when life cuts deep.1) Take Your Pain to GodDavid begins by naming the wrong and naming the offender. “Your tongue cuts like a sharp razor… you love evil more than good” (Psalm 52:1–4 NLT). This isn't gossip—it's biblical lament. It's honesty aimed heavenward. Before David tells people what happened, he tells God.Psalm 62:8 (NLT) says, “Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.”If we don't take our pain to God, our pain will take us. Lament turns our emotional chaos into prayer instead of bitterness. Trade passive-aggressive posts for honest conversation with your Father.2) Make Room for God's JusticeDoeg's betrayal and Saul's massacre were horrific. Yet David doesn't seek revenge. He entrusts justice to God: “But God will strike you down…” (Psalm 52:5–7 NLT).Scripture is clear:“Never take revenge… ‘I will pay them back,' says the Lord.” Romans 12:19 NLT.Vengeance chains you to the very thing God wants to free you from. Instead, Scripture calls us to bless when insulted (1 Peter 3:9 NLT) and overcome evil with good (Romans 12:20–21 NLT).Letting God judge doesn't mean ignoring boundaries. Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) calls us to guard our hearts with wisdom—but without bitterness.3) Own Your PartDavid wasn't blameless in the Nob incident. He lied to the priest (1 Samuel 21:2 NLT). That didn't excuse Saul or Doeg, but it meant David had to face his own heart: “But as for me...” (Psalm 52:8 NLT).Being wronged doesn't automatically make us right. Jesus teaches us to go...

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This episode shows how the church moved from state-controlled religion to voluntary, Scripture-governed communities—and how the Baptists, Congregationalists, Evangelical Free, and eventually Methodists emerged.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --How England's Reformation Took a Very Different PathWhile Luther and Calvin led theological reform on the continent, England's story began with politics.Henry VIII wanted a male heir, the Pope refused to annul his marriage, and the king broke from Rome.The Act of Supremacy (1534) created the Church of England—but it simply replaced the pope with a king. It wasn't a movement of revival; it was a power play.After Henry, England spun between Protestant and Catholic identities depending on the monarch. Edward VI pushed Protestant reforms, Mary I violently restored Catholicism, and Elizabeth I settled for a middle-way Anglicanism. The constant whiplash raised a crucial question:If kings can change doctrine overnight, where does true faith come from—crown or conscience?Puritans, Separatists, and the Search for a Church Governed by ScriptureTwo groups rose in response:Puritans — Anglicans who wanted deeper biblical reform.Separatists (Pilgrims) — Puritans who believed the system was beyond repair.King James I shut down most Puritan reforms (except authorizing the King James Bible). He made Anglican worship mandatory by law, and that pressure pushed both groups out of England.The Separatists, who fled first, would shape the future of the church in profound ways.The Birth of the Baptists and CongregationalistsThe Gainsborough Group escaped to Amsterdam and encountered the Anabaptists—believers who rejected state-run religion and emphasized personal faith. John Smyth and Thomas Helwys embraced these ideas and in 1609 founded the first Baptist church. They insisted:Faith must be personalBaptism belongs to believersLocal churches should govern themselvesGovernment must never control conscienceHelwys returned to England in 1612 and founded the first Baptist church on English soil, writing boldly to the king, “You have no power over the souls of your subjects.”Another group—the Scrooby Separatists—fled to Holland, then boarded the Mayflower and founded Plymouth Colony in 1620. Their self-governing church became the root of Congregationalism, shaping early American values of freedom, conscience, and community.Europe's Crisis and the Rise of PietismMeanwhile, Europe erupted into the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648) over forced religion. Millions died. When the war finally ended, the dream of a unified Christendom...

This episode shows how the church moved from state-controlled religion to voluntary, Scripture-governed communities—and how the Baptists, Congregationalists, Evangelical Free, and eventually Methodists emerged.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --How England's Reformation Took a Very Different PathWhile Luther and Calvin led theological reform on the continent, England's story began with politics.Henry VIII wanted a male heir, the Pope refused to annul his marriage, and the king broke from Rome.The Act of Supremacy (1534) created the Church of England—but it simply replaced the pope with a king. It wasn't a movement of revival; it was a power play.After Henry, England spun between Protestant and Catholic identities depending on the monarch. Edward VI pushed Protestant reforms, Mary I violently restored Catholicism, and Elizabeth I settled for a middle-way Anglicanism. The constant whiplash raised a crucial question:If kings can change doctrine overnight, where does true faith come from—crown or conscience?Puritans, Separatists, and the Search for a Church Governed by ScriptureTwo groups rose in response:Puritans — Anglicans who wanted deeper biblical reform.Separatists (Pilgrims) — Puritans who believed the system was beyond repair.King James I shut down most Puritan reforms (except authorizing the King James Bible). He made Anglican worship mandatory by law, and that pressure pushed both groups out of England.The Separatists, who fled first, would shape the future of the church in profound ways.The Birth of the Baptists and CongregationalistsThe Gainsborough Group escaped to Amsterdam and encountered the Anabaptists—believers who rejected state-run religion and emphasized personal faith. John Smyth and Thomas Helwys embraced these ideas and in 1609 founded the first Baptist church. They insisted:Faith must be personalBaptism belongs to believersLocal churches should govern themselvesGovernment must never control conscienceHelwys returned to England in 1612 and founded the first Baptist church on English soil, writing boldly to the king, “You have no power over the souls of your subjects.”Another group—the Scrooby Separatists—fled to Holland, then boarded the Mayflower and founded Plymouth Colony in 1620. Their self-governing church became the root of Congregationalism, shaping early American values of freedom, conscience, and community.Europe's Crisis and the Rise of PietismMeanwhile, Europe erupted into the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648) over forced religion. Millions died. When the war finally ended, the dream of a unified Christendom...

Welcome back! We're in week three of our David series, and today we'll be talking about the trap of comparison that plagues humanity, and we'll be using David's troubled relationship with King Saul as an example!--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --DAVID: THE COMPARISON TRAPComparison is the silent killer of joy. It slowly steals your confidence, shifts your focus, and leaves you spiritually drained. In 1 Samuel 18, we see this clearly in the lives of Saul and David. David's moment of victory should have united Israel—but instead, it exposed the dangerous power of comparison in Saul's heart. His story warns us that comparison doesn't just affect how we feel; it affects who we become.The Celebration That Turned Into JealousyWhen David returned from defeating Goliath, the nation erupted with music, dancing, and praise. The women sang:“Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands!” (1 Samuel 18:7, NLT)This wasn't a protest song or a political statement—it was a celebration of God's deliverance. But Saul heard something different. Instead of hearing gratitude, he heard threat. Instead of celebrating God's victory, he fixated on David's recognition.“So from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.” (1 Samuel 18:9, NLT)Comparison took a moment of unity and turned it into a moment of insecurity.1. Comparison Strangles Your JoySaul had every reason to be joyful—his nation was safe, his army victorious, and his reputation still strong. But when he looked sideways at David, his joy collapsed.The same thing happens to us. Social media has made comparison effortless. Studies show people—especially Gen Z—often feel worse after scrolling, not better. We see what others have and suddenly forget what God has given us.Scripture reminds us:“Those who seek the Lord will lack no good thing.” (Psalm 34:10, NLT)If God hasn't given it, we don't need it—not yet, and maybe not ever. Joy isn't rooted in what others have; it's rooted in who God is.Joy grows in gratitude, not in comparison.2. Comparison Stunts Your GrowthSaul's jealousy didn't just affect his emotions—it affected his leadership. The day after the celebration, he tried to kill David (1 Samuel 18:10–11). Instead of mentoring the young man God had raised up, Saul made him an enemy.Proverbs warns us:“A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.”(Proverbs 14:30, NLT)Jealousy slowly eats away at your capacity to grow. Jesus had to correct Peter on this very issue. When Peter asked about John's future, Jesus answered:“What is that to you? As for you, follow me.” (John 21:22, NLT)You can't follow Jesus while watching someone else's calling.You can't grow while...

In this episode, we learn how understanding attachment theory can help couples grow closer to one another as they reflect the steadfast love and reliability of God.--The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Attachment theory is one of the most studied and trusted frameworks in relational psychology. It was developed by John Bowlby and expanded by Mary Ainsworth. At its core, it explains how the earliest bonds we form with our caregivers shape the way we understand love and connection later in life. As children, the consistency—or inconsistency—of a caregiver's attention and responsiveness teaches us how to view ourselves and others. Those early impressions don't disappear; they resurface in adulthood, often getting triggered in the context of our romantic relationships.Attachment TypesSecure: A secure attachment means you can trust that the people you love will be there for you. It forms when, as a child, your caregiver consistently responded to your needs with care and reliability. That steady presence builds confidence that you are worthy of love and that others can be trusted. As an adult, secure attachment shows up as the ability to build healthy, balanced relationships—where closeness feels safe, independence isn't threatening, and conflict doesn't shake the foundation of trust.Anxious Attachment: Anxious attachment develops when love feels uncertain or inconsistent. As children, those with anxious attachment often had caregivers who were sometimes responsive and other times distracted or unavailable. This unpredictability creates confusion and insecurity about whether their needs will be met. As adults, people with an anxious attachment style tend to crave closeness but fear abandonment, which can lead to clinginess, overanalyzing, or difficulty trusting their partner's commitment. Avoidant Attachment: Avoidant attachment develops when closeness feels unsafe or unnecessary. As children, those with this style often had caregivers who were emotionally distant, neglectful, or dismissive of their needs. To cope, they learned to rely on themselves and minimize their need for comfort or support. As adults, people with avoidant attachment tend to value independence so highly that intimacy can feel uncomfortable or even threatening. They may pull away when relationships get too close, struggle to express emotions, or downplay the importance of love altogether. The Attachment Alarm When your partner feels distant or inconsistent, your “attachment system” goes off. This is the brain's way of monitoring whether you are safe and secure in the relationship. Anxious attachments are particularly sensitive to this. Once activated, the anxious will engage in protest behaviors which means doing whatever it takes to feel safe again (calling, what's wrong, imagination runs wild). If an avoidant, you will likely push away and might think your spouse is overreacting and can be...

Talk about it: pursueGOD.org/ac

In this episode, we trace how the Reformation rediscovered the gospel—from Luther's 95 Theses to the rise of Protestant movements—and how God used ordinary people, Scripture, and the printing press to bring His Word back to the world.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Episode SummaryBy the early 1500s, the Catholic Church had become powerful, wealthy, and deeply political. Salvation was treated like a transaction through rituals and indulgences, and the gospel was buried under centuries of human authority. The Bible was locked away in Latin, unreadable to most people. But God was preparing a movement of rediscovery—the Protestant Reformation.In this episode, we'll see how men like Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, John Knox, and the lesser-known Anabaptists helped bring Christianity back to the simple gospel of faith in Jesus Christ.The Reformation wasn't rebellion—it was rediscovery. It was a return to the gospel buried under layers of religion.The Reformation BeginsMartin Luther, a German monk, struggled with guilt and never felt good enough for God. While reading Romans 1:17, he discovered that righteousness is a gift from God—received by faith, not earned by works. Around that time, the Church was selling indulgences to raise money for St. Peter's Basilica, claiming that people could buy forgiveness. Outraged, Luther wrote his 95 Theses and nailed them to a church door in Wittenberg on October 31, 1517.The document spread quickly thanks to the newly invented printing press, and a movement was born. Luther stood before church authorities and declared, “My conscience is captive to the Word of God. Here I stand. I can do no other.” While hiding from persecution, he translated the Bible into German so ordinary people could read it for themselves.Other Reformers Across EuropeWhile Luther led in Germany, others joined the cause across Europe:Ulrich Zwingli in Switzerland preached directly from Scripture, opposed indulgences, and emphasized simple, Bible-centered worship.John Calvin in France and later Geneva wrote The Institutes of the Christian Religion, organizing Christian theology and emphasizing God's sovereignty, grace, and the authority of Scripture.John Knox in Scotland, a student of Calvin, boldly preached the gospel to kings and queens and helped establish the Presbyterian Church, governed by elders with Christ as its head.William Tyndale in England translated the Bible into English so people could read it in their own language.The Reformation spread rapidly, dividing Europe between those who followed the old system and those who embraced this rediscovered gospel of...

In this episode, we trace how the Reformation rediscovered the gospel—from Luther's 95 Theses to the rise of Protestant movements—and how God used ordinary people, Scripture, and the printing press to bring His Word back to the world.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Episode SummaryBy the early 1500s, the Catholic Church had become powerful, wealthy, and deeply political. Salvation was treated like a transaction through rituals and indulgences, and the gospel was buried under centuries of human authority. The Bible was locked away in Latin, unreadable to most people. But God was preparing a movement of rediscovery—the Protestant Reformation.In this episode, we'll see how men like Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, John Knox, and the lesser-known Anabaptists helped bring Christianity back to the simple gospel of faith in Jesus Christ.The Reformation wasn't rebellion—it was rediscovery. It was a return to the gospel buried under layers of religion.The Reformation BeginsMartin Luther, a German monk, struggled with guilt and never felt good enough for God. While reading Romans 1:17, he discovered that righteousness is a gift from God—received by faith, not earned by works. Around that time, the Church was selling indulgences to raise money for St. Peter's Basilica, claiming that people could buy forgiveness. Outraged, Luther wrote his 95 Theses and nailed them to a church door in Wittenberg on October 31, 1517.The document spread quickly thanks to the newly invented printing press, and a movement was born. Luther stood before church authorities and declared, “My conscience is captive to the Word of God. Here I stand. I can do no other.” While hiding from persecution, he translated the Bible into German so ordinary people could read it for themselves.Other Reformers Across EuropeWhile Luther led in Germany, others joined the cause across Europe:Ulrich Zwingli in Switzerland preached directly from Scripture, opposed indulgences, and emphasized simple, Bible-centered worship.John Calvin in France and later Geneva wrote The Institutes of the Christian Religion, organizing Christian theology and emphasizing God's sovereignty, grace, and the authority of Scripture.John Knox in Scotland, a student of Calvin, boldly preached the gospel to kings and queens and helped establish the Presbyterian Church, governed by elders with Christ as its head.William Tyndale in England translated the Bible into English so people could read it in their own language.The Reformation spread rapidly, dividing Europe between those who followed the old system and those who embraced this rediscovered gospel of...