Podcasts about pursuegod

Talk about it: pursueGOD.org/ac

Talk about it: pursueGOD.org/ac

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Talk about it: pursueGOD.org/ac

Talk about it: pursueGOD.org/ac

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In this episode, we look at John Lennox's conversation with Stephen Bartlett to learn how Christians can share the gospel with skeptics, agnostics, and curious seekers. Lennox models a thoughtful but personal approach, moving beyond debate to the deeper questions of truth, grace, forgiveness, and a real relationship with Jesus. --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--

What Can Christians Learn from the Mormon Church?It might seem strange to ask this on a podcast usually dedicated to exposing the doctrinal and historical flaws of Mormonism. But while we remain uncompromising on biblical truth, we have to ask: Are there things the LDS Church simply does better than many Christian churches?Drawing from 27 years of ministry in Utah, pastor and host Bryan breaks down 4 powerful principles that ministry leaders and churchgoers can glean from their Mormon neighbors. From creating a "high bar" culture to relentlessly prioritizing the family, we explore how to elevate our commitment to Christ without falling into the trap of legalism.In this episode, we discuss:The High Bar Culture: Why lowering the bar makes it too easy for people to walk away from the church.Prioritizing the Family: Shifting the spiritual burden from church programs back to the home.Proactive Community Support: Building a structural safety net so no one falls through the cracks.Shared Identity: Overcoming Christian infighting to build a unified front for the gospel.Read the full article and get the group discussion guide at pursueGOD.org: What Can Christians Learn from the Mormon Church?--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--

This episode explores the difference between toxic Christian nationalism, progressive Christianity, and faithful biblical truth. At the center is one key question: are we letting Scripture define Jesus, or are we reshaping Him to fit our politics and culture?--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--

Talk about it: pursueGOD.org/ac

Talk about it: pursueGOD.org/ac

Talk about it: pursueGOD.org/ac

Talk about it: pursueGOD.org/ac

Talk about it: pursueGOD.org/ac

Talk about it: pursueGOD.org/ac

Are Mormons Christians? In a recent viral interview, Christian and cultural commentator Allie Beth Stuckey sat down with Latter-day Saint (LDS) apologist Jacob Hansen to answer that exact question. While the conversation used a lot of shared vocabulary, a deeper dive reveals that historic biblical Christianity and Mormon theology are built on completely different foundations. In this episode, Bryan breaks down the interview, defines the terms, and untangles the crucial, unbridgeable gaps between the LDS worldview and the biblical gospel. Whether you are a Christian wanting to understand your faith better or a Mormon evaluating your own traditions, this episode will help you look past the vocabulary to see the actual theology. --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--ARE MORMONS CHRISTIANS? In a recent viral episode, cultural commentator Allie Beth Stuckey hosted Jacob Hansen, a prominent Latter-day Saint (LDS) apologist, to tackle a question that has long puzzled many believers and observers alike: Are Mormons Christians? While the conversational surface appeared agreeable, a deeper exploration reveals that beneath shared terminology lies a radically different foundation.For listeners on Spotify or viewers over on our YouTube channel, this breakdown is designed to untangle the terminology and clarify the crucial, unbridgeable gaps between biblical, classical Christianity and Mormon theology.1. The Context of Wisdom: Joseph Smith and James 1:5The foundational story of the LDS movement begins in 1820 with a 14-year-old Joseph Smith who, confused by denominational infighting, read James 1:5: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God..." Smith went into a grove of trees to pray, leading to what Mormons call the "First Vision," where he claimed God the Father and Jesus Christ told him all existing churches were corrupt and lacked ecclesiastical authority.However, extracting James 1:5 to validate a brand-new revelation takes the text entirely out of context. James was writing to persecuted Jewish Christians scattered abroad, encouraging them to seek God's wisdom to endure trials—not establishing a formula to discover a new gospel. Furthermore, if we look just two chapters later, James 3:13 tells us that true godly wisdom is proven by "living an honorable life."When examining the life of Joseph Smith, the historical reality is deeply troubling. The LDS church has openly admitted over the last decade that Smith practiced polygamy, marrying multiple women, including a 14-year-old girl. From a biblical perspective, this lifestyle fundamentally contradicts the honorable fruit of divine wisdom described by James.2. The Ontological Gap: Same Species or Creator and Creation?During the interview, Hansen noted that while Mormons consider themselves Christians, they are not "creedal Christians." Creedal Christians adhere to historical, biblical summaries like the Nicene Creed, which outline the biblical nature of God.While the official LDS website uses deeply Christian-sounding language—stating that Jesus is our Savior and God loves us—digging deeper reveals a completely different ontology (the study of being):Biblical Christianity teaches an infinite, unbridgeable gap between God and humanity. God is the eternal, uncreated Creator; we are His finite creation.Mormon Theology teaches that God and men are the same species. They believe God the Father was once a man who progressed to Godhood, and that human beings can undergo "eternal progression" to eventually become gods themselves.To call this a minor difference is to miss the entire point of biblical revelation. This is not a secondary issue; it is a fundamentally different view of who God is.3. The Gospel: Simple Grace vs. Priesthood KeysOn paper, an LDS person might agree with a basic definition of the gospel: that Jesus died for our sins to rescue us. But the deception lies in how terms are defined.In biblical Christianity, salvation is a straight line: we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is a free gift, entirely independent of institutional alignment.In Mormonism, a distinction is made between "general salvation" (resurrection) and exaltation (reaching the highest level of heaven to become a god). To get the "fullness" of relationship with God and achieve exaltation, Hansen explained that an individual must participate in specific ordinances (like temple marriages and secret rituals) that can only be performed by someone holding the "priesthood keys" of the LDS church.When you tell people that Jesus's sacrifice isn't enough on its own, and that they must add a checklist of institutional works and ordinances to be fully reconciled to God, you are no longer preaching the biblical gospel. As Paul strictly warned in Galatians 1:8, anyone preaching a altered, different gospel is under a divine curse.4. Universalism vs. The Reality of JudgmentFinally, the interview exposed a strong current of modern universalism within modern LDS thinking. Hansen argued that the traditional Christian view of a binary Heaven and Hell is too rigid, preferring a "spectrum" of three celestial kingdoms where almost everyone ends up happy. He downplayed the concept of "Outer Darkness" (the LDS version of Hell), claiming it's tough to know who actually goes there.Yet, historical Mormonism is quite clear. Second LDS President Brigham Young explicitly stated in the Journal of Discourses that apostate Mormons—those who leave the LDS faith—are the ones destined for Outer Darkness.More importantly, Jesus Himself repeatedly warned of a definitive, binary reality regarding eternity: those who are in Christ inherit eternal life, and those who reject Him face eternal separation (John 14:6, Acts 4:12). True love doesn't rewrite the blueprint of eternity to sound pleasant; it tells the truth about the cancer of sin and points faithfully to the only True Doctor, Jesus Christ.

Some people look at the New Testament and wonder if Jesus and the Apostle Paul were actually preaching two different religions. But when you look at the raw biblical text, you find perfect harmony. Was Jesus' gospel different than Paul's gospel? No, both taught the exact same message: humanity is trapped in sin, the law shows our need for a Savior, salvation comes only through Jesus, and we must confess our faith openly.--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--

Talk about it: pursueGOD.org/ac

Talk about it: pursueGOD.org/ac

Talk about it: pursueGOD.org/ac

Talk about it: pursueGOD.org/ac

Talk about it: pursueGOD.org/ac

Talk about it: pursueGOD.org/ac

Rinsley grew up with deep roots in Mormonism—even tracing her family line back to Hyrum Smith and Brigham Young's brother. But despite her devotion, she was overwhelmed by anxiety, guilt, and the crushing pressure of trying to be good enough for God. After becoming involved in a Mormon splinter movement that promised greater truth and spiritual experiences, she eventually discovered that no amount of effort, rituals, or religious devotion could bring the peace she was searching for. In this powerful episode, Rinsley shares how she found true freedom, not through works, but through the grace of Jesus Christ. --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--

Sharing your faith with a Muslim friend is a beautiful opportunity, but it can also feel a bit intimidating if you aren't sure where to start. The best way to share your faith isn't through winning an argument or proving someone wrong; it's through building a genuine, loving relationship centered on the person of Jesus. Because Islam and Christianity share some common language but have very different definitions for those words, a patient and clear approach is key.--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--

Talk about it: pursueGOD.org/ac

Talk about it: pursueGOD.org/ac

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In this episode, Marie shares her powerful story of how God transformed her life—from depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and hopelessness to a completely new life in Jesus Christ. She is a new creation. After years of feeling like her prayers went unheard and struggling to find God within the LDS Church, everything changed when God met her in an unexpected moment on a raft in the middle of a lake. Hear how God relentlessly pursued her and her family, revealed His grace, and led her into a life-changing relationship with Jesus.--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--

The main difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims centers on a historical disagreement over who should have led the Muslim community after the prophet Muhammad died in 632 AD. Sunni Muslims believe the leader should be elected from among the most capable members of the community, while Shia Muslims believe leadership belongs exclusively to the direct descendants of Muhammad's family. Today, this distinction shapes everything from their religious practices and leadership structures to the modern political landscape of the Middle East.--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--

In this episode, Bryan and Brandi Bronson take a closer look at the growing divide between “old Mormonism” and “new Mormonism,” exploring how teachings on prophets, scripture, salvation, exaltation, and the Great Apostasy are being reinterpreted today.--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--Brandi's Instagram: _journeytojesus

Talk about it: pursueGOD.org/ac

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Sharia law is the comprehensive legal and moral code that guides every aspect of a Muslim's life, from religious rituals to social justice and personal conduct. The word “Sharia” literally means “the path to the water hole,” symbolizing a clear, life-giving way to live in obedience to God. For Muslims, following Sharia isn't just about following rules; it's about submitting to the will of Allah in hopes of living a righteous life and earning a place in Paradise.--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--

Talk about it: pursueGOD.org/ac

Talk about it: pursueGOD.org/ac

Talk about it: pursueGOD.org/ac

Talk about it: pursueGOD.org/ac

Talk about it: pursueGOD.org/ac

Talk about it: pursueGOD.org/ac

Has Mormonism changed?That's the question at the heart of this conversation. For many former Latter-day Saints, the answer is an emphatic yes. What they were taught growing up seems very different from what many younger Mormons believe and teach today.In this episode, Brandi shares her experience growing up in what she calls “old school Mormonism” and contrasts it with what she sees as a rapidly emerging “new Mormonism.”--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--Brandi's Instagram: _journeytojesus

The core teachings of Islam are built on the concept of total submission to the will of Allah. At the heart of the faith are the “Five Pillars of Islam,” which act as the mandatory framework for a Muslim's life. These teachings emphasize monotheism, daily discipline, and the pursuit of righteousness through a system of religious laws and works. From a Christian perspective, while these pillars show a deep commitment to God, they represent a path to salvation based on human effort rather than the free gift of grace.--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--

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Talk about it: pursueGOD.org/ac

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Have you ever felt spiritually exhausted, constantly wondering if you've done enough for God? In this episode, we unpack Hebrews 12 and explore the difference between trying to earn God's approval and resting in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Instead of running a fear-driven treadmill of religious performance, believers are invited to fix their eyes on Jesus and run the race in the freedom, grace, and security He already secured on the cross.--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--Hebrews 12: Getting Off the Treadmill of ReligionHave you ever felt exhausted trying to be “good enough” for God? For many people coming out of Mormonism or other works-based religions, faith can feel like a treadmill that never stops speeding up. You keep trying harder, hoping you'll finally measure up.But Hebrews 12 gives us a completely different picture.After spending eleven chapters explaining who Jesus is and what He accomplished on the cross, the author says, “Therefore… run the race.” Hebrews 12:1-2. The difference is this: Christians don't run to earn God's love. They run because Jesus has already secured it.Jesus already did the work.Hebrews teaches that Jesus is the perfect sacrifice for sin. He paid the penalty we could never pay and sat down at the right hand of God because the work was finished. Hebrews 10:11-14. Salvation is not about trying harder—it's about trusting Jesus.That's why Hebrews 12 tells believers to “strip off every weight” and run with endurance. Hebrews 12:1. Some weights are obvious sins, but others are things like fear, pressure, perfectionism, or constantly trying to please people. Those burdens can keep us from fully resting in Christ.The chapter also gives practical encouragement for following Jesus:Embrace God's loving discipline. God trains His children because He loves them, not because He wants to punish them. Hebrews 12:7Pursue peace with others. Christianity calls us to honesty, humility, and reconciliation. Hebrews 12:14Pursue holiness. God changes us from the inside out through His Spirit. Hebrews 12:14Encourage one another. Christians are meant to help each other remember God's grace. Hebrews 12:15Uproot bitterness. Hurt and anger can poison our hearts if we hold onto them too long. Hebrews 12:15One of the most important verses in the chapter says that Jesus is “the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” Hebrews 12:2. Jesus doesn't just start salvation and leave us to finish it ourselves. He is both the author and finisher of our faith.That means believers don't live in fear of losing God's love every time they fail. Instead, they live in freedom, knowing Jesus already secured victory through the cross.Hebrews 12 ends with an incredible promise: believers are receiving “a kingdom that is unshakable.” Hebrews 12:28. Our hope is not built on our own performance or worthiness. It is built on Jesus.So stop trying to earn what Christ already paid for. Fix your eyes on Jesus and run the race in freedom.