Podcasts about Christians

Christian Nationalism is now a hot topic in the United States. It is not a religious movement articulating the love and teachings of Jesus as they relate to public policy. Rather, it is a political movement that bears little resemblance the teachings of the gospels - healing the sick, feeding the hungry, helping the poor, and being good to the stranger seem to have fallen by the wayside - and promotes the message that Christianity should take precedence over all other religions in this country. Its Seven Mountains Mandate is a rather chilling repudiation of religious freedom. My video today is a conversation with public theologian Brandan Robertson, in which he gives answers to many of the questions I've had about this movement. Who are they? What do they stand for? What is their connection to far right wing conservative politics? And what is their plan for America's future? A genuinely progressive Christianity, harkening back to the love of Jesus and its relevance to our individual as well as collective lives, is being powerfully articulated by such speakers as Robertson. Thankfully, progressive Christians are not quiet right now. Their numbers are growing, and they're speaking up. I hope you find the interview interesting. It's critically important that we understand what's going on. Rev. Brandan Robertson is a noted author, activist, and public theologian, dedicated to exploring the intersections of spirituality, sexuality, and social justice. He serves as the Pastor of Sunnyside Reformed Church in New York City and is the founder and Executive Director of The Devout Foundation. Known as the “TikTok Pastor,” Robertson's inclusive theological content has garnered 10 million views. He has authored, contributed to, or edited 23 books, including the INDIES Book of the Year finalist True Inclusion. His work has been featured in TIME Magazine, CNN, and The Washington Post. Robertson is a sought-after speaker who regularly presents at prestigious platforms like The White House and Oxford University, continuing to inspire and challenge audiences around the world. Robertson acquired a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry and Biblical Studies from Moody Bible Institute, an Master of Theological Study from Iliff School of Theology, and an Master of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration from Eastern Illinois University. He's presently pursuing a PhD in Biblical Studies at Drew University. He currently resides in New York City.  Subscribe to Marianne's Substack: MarianneWilliamson.Susbtack.com  

Was Free Press bought “to control US media”? ... Why pay $150M for a Substack? ... Netanyahu on the TikTok deal and "giving direction" to the Jewish people ... Pro-Israel donors giving a $2M ultimatum to Charlie Kirk about his ties to Tucker Carlson ... How much influence does Israel have over US media? ... Why Tucker Carlson's appeal to Christians is a problem for Bibi ... Trump: "I would make TikTok 100% MAGA related if I could" ... Why Hamas would be crazy to trust Trump on his Gaza deal ... Prigozhin conspiracy theory: Why would the Russian government want people to think he's alive? ... Cognitive sovereignty ... Heading to Overtime ...

Segment 1 • Many Christians struggle with assurance, but God wants us to be certain. • Sin doesn't erase salvation—our hope rests in Christ, not in the size of our faith. • True assurance comes from union with Christ, not feelings. Segment 2 • Lack of assurance often pairs with spiritual depression. • Depression doesn't mean someone isn't a believer; many Christians quietly carry this weight. • Common roots vary, but biblical clarity brings hope. Segment 3 • New Fortis series by Dr. Greg Gifford exposes the rise of psychiatric control over many believers. • Clifford Beers' reforms medicalized the mind, blurring distinctions between brain, mind, and soul. • Meds can't reach the soul; only the gospel addresses the heart's deepest needs. Segment 4 • Pastors are called to shepherd their flock, but many turn to psychiatrists. • Symptoms may be treated, but deeper, root issues remain untouched by much secular psychiatry. • Dr. Greg Gifford addresses these issues and many others in new series, “Life Without The Numb”. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!

In this episode of Pray the Word on Acts 4:13, David Platt asks God for His presence to overflow in our lives through everything we do.Listen to our newest podcast, Everyday Radical!Explore more content from Radical.

Yusuf Agoro grew up as a Muslim. But when he was a teenager, he placed his faith in Jesus. His devout Muslim parents, relatives, and mosque ordered him to recant. Could his brand-new faith stand firm? Show notes: https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/yusuf-agoro/ ++++++++++++ Compelled is a seasonal podcast using gripping, immersive storytelling to celebrate the powerful ways God is transforming Christians around the world. These Christian testimonies are raw, true, and powerful. Be encouraged and let your faith be strengthened! Want to help make new episodes? Either make a one-time gift, or become a Monthly Partner at: https://compelledpodcast.com/donate Perks of being a Monthly Partner include: EARLY ACCESS to each new Compelled episode 1 week early! FULL LIBRARY of our unedited, behind-the-scenes interviews with each guest... over 100+ hours of additional stories and takeaways! Become a Monthly Partner by selecting the "Monthly" option during check-out.  Show notes, emails, and more at: https://compelledpodcast.com Buy the Compelled book of testimonies, endorsed by Lee Strobel, Marvin Olasky, and more: ⁠https://compelledpodcast.com/book Compelled is a member of the Proclaim Podcast Network: https://proclaim.fm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kirk Cameron is joined by Holley Gerth for a discussion about how scripture is best used to calm our anxious thoughts. Don't miss this insightful interview on Takeaways with Kirk Cameron on TBN! Missed the last episode? Listen in Brett McCracken shares how Christians can keep their focus on God in a culture of doom scrolling. ⁠WATCH Takeaways with Kirk Cameron episodes for free on TBN+⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Each episode of Takeaways with Kirk Cameron features knowledgeable guests having a respectful and thoughtful conversation surrounding topics that are impacting our society every day. Kirk's hope is that you will walk away from this show with practical steps on how to better your family, your community, and your nation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Romans 8:5-8 — According to the apostle Paul, there is a sharp distinction between a Christian and non-Christian. As Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones elaborates in this message on Romans 8:5–8 titled “Carnal or Christian?”, the non-Christian is “under the flesh.” Some popular interpretations of this passage miss this distinction and instead posit a distinction between Christians. They will say there are two kinds of Christians: the “spiritual” Christian and the “carnal” Christian. In this sermon, Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues against the “carnal” Christian view. What emerges from the biblical text is a devastating picture of the “natural man.” The natural man, according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, is a person of the “flesh.” Their mind is opposed to the things of God. They are an enemy of God and refuse to submit to the law of God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener that ‘good', cultured, and well-spoken people are just as much under God's wrath as regular sinners. Listen to this sobering message on the spiritually dead and be encouraged that God has put life into His people through Christ.

What happens when real people open up about what they're walking through and ask for help with love, sex, and dating?WATCH NEXT ➡︎ https://youtu.be/CFjj-HWbrdkIn this episode, Gen Z Christians call in to talk about the things most people are too afraid to say out loud. From wondering if they should make the first move, to battling shame from their past, to struggling with confidence and porn, to feeling stuck between chemistry and conviction, nothing is off-limits.We'll cover:What healthy pursuit actually looks likeHow to rebuild confidence when you've been stuck in shameWhy isolation feeds temptationHow to move forward when your past still haunts youWhat to do when you feel torn between attraction and valuesIf you've ever felt alone in your questions about love, lust, or loneliness, this episode will remind you that you're not the only one, and that God still meets you right where you are. 

Send us a textOn today's PoM podcast I sat down and spoke with Jon Seidl author of “Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic: A Candid Conversation on Drinking, Addiction, and How to Break Free.”In Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic, Jonathon M. Seidl vividly tells his own story of disordered drinking. Not only does he address the roots of addiction, trauma, and the often-overlooked reality that Christians aren't immune to sin struggles, he also reframes the term alcoholic and shares the practical yet spiritual four-step process he used to break free—a process readers will find helpful for working through many of life's struggles. To learn more visit: https://www.jonseidl.com/confessions-of-a-christian-alcoholic-book Support The Show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/110664/subscribe Register for our next session of Tribe: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/tribe-xvii  Build your own local Tribe with Tribe Builder: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/tribe-builder This podcast is sponsored by Dark Water Woodwork. Dark Water Woodwork is offering a discount code exclusively for the podcast listeners. Use the discount code "PSALM824" to save 15% off of your next beard oil purchase. https://www.darkwaterkc.comSupport the show

Summary: In this episode, Dr. Michael Easley welcomes Dr. E. Calvin Beisner, founder of the Cornwall Alliance, for a conversation on creation care, energy, and biblical stewardship. Together, they challenge the myths of “green energy,” pointing out the hidden costs and environmental damage often overlooked with wind and solar power. Dr. Beisner explains how chemicals and medications enter the water supply and highlights the inconsistency of environmental movements that ignore certain pollutants while amplifying others. He critiques the flawed “linear no threshold” principle in toxicology, showing how it fails both scientifically and logically. The discussion also focuses on practical stewardship—recycling, waste management, and the need for engineering innovation. Dr. Beisner urges young Christians to pursue STEM fields as a way to serve God and address real-world challenges. From energy grid reliability to the promise of small nuclear plants, and even the looming threat of EMP attacks, the conversation underscores the need for wise, forward-thinking solutions. Ultimately, Dr. Easley and Dr. Beisner remind listeners that stewardship is not driven by fear or ideology. Instead, it flows from Scripture: caring for creation with wisdom, truth, and hope in Christ. Takeaways Stewardship requires wisdom rooted in Scripture, not fear-driven environmental ideology. “Green energy” promises often mask hidden costs that harm both creation and human flourishing. Christians must think critically about environmental claims instead of adopting cultural talking points. Innovation and engineering offer God-honoring solutions to waste, energy, and sustainability challenges. Dependence on unreliable energy sources leaves society vulnerable to crises with serious national security risks. True hope for creation care is found not in policy or technology, but in Christ and faithful stewardship. LINKS MENTIONED: The Cornwall Alliance  Climate and Energy: The Case For Realism by Dr. E. Calvin Beisner and David Legates

The story of Paul's radical conversion from a killer of Christians to the apostle who wrote over half the New Testament isn't just ancient history -- God is still in the business of turning enemies into family, and his work in our lives becomes a key way we can tell others about him. Pastor Jeremy Treat continues our series through Acts with a sermon from Acts 9:1-31.

Stephanie welcomes Lynn Rosenberg, an American Bible teacher and non-profit founder living in Jerusalem. Lynn is also married to Joel Rosenberg, a NYT bestselling author who's been featured on Gospel Spice before. Lynn tells us what it's like to live in Jerusalem today – and what it's been like since October 7, 2023. Lynn's story is a testament to faith enduring through turbulence, the importance of spiritual and practical community, and the power of everyday obedience. Her journey challenges us to find courage, unity, and hope in Christ, to love sacrificially, and to embrace the unique callings God has set before us—whatever our context may be. Lynn Rosenberg's journey begins with her upbringing in New Jersey in a church-going but not deeply faith-rooted family. Her personal faith ignited at Syracuse University, where she met both her husband, Joel, and Christ. From early on, Lynn and Joel felt called to cross-cultural missions, particularly with a heart for Israel, inspired by Joel's Jewish background and Lynn's close friendships with Jewish neighbors. After years of preparation and service in Washington, D.C., they moved to Israel 11 years ago with their four sons. They became Israeli citizens, and transitioned to life in Israel to fulfill their call to ministry. The Israeli culture, while appearing Western, is deeply Middle Eastern, characterized by tribal mentalities, bureaucracy, and a need to assert oneself daily. Navigating systems, integrating children into small believing communities, and language barriers all proved significant challenges. Church community, both Israeli and international, became a lifeline for practical and spiritual support, nurturing friendships and communal prayer. Lynn recounts the days surrounding October 7, 2023—a day that marked unprecedented violence and upheaval in Israel. Despite a sense of increasing peace before the attack, the reality of war shattered normalcy. With sirens wailing, families hunkered down in bomb shelters, and friends on the frontlines. The Joshua Fund, the nonprofit organization Lynn and Joel founded, rapidly mobilized, prioritizing humanitarian aid particularly for vulnerable populations near the Gaza border. Believers displayed extraordinary courage, continuing to deliver aid even under rocket fire, standing as beacons of light in darkness. A central focus of the Joshua Fund is supporting both Israel and her neighbors—including Arab Israelis and Palestinians. By investing in local churches, training, and humanitarian aid, they work to build unity and break down suspicion. The war has intensified collaboration among denominations, bringing unprecedented unity, generosity, and boldness among believers. Despite barriers, including limited access to Christians in Gaza, the Joshua Fund continues to support those in need, relying on partnerships and prayer. Personally, Lynn highlights the importance of seeking God's will daily and recognizing that each day holds prepared “good works” for us to walk in. She encourages abiding in prayer and Scripture, trusting God's sovereignty amidst uncertainty, and fostering radical hospitality and simple, loving neighborliness. For the next generation, she underscores the vital need for biblical wisdom and discernment, especially in an era of increasing complexity and deception. Simplifying faith to loving God and loving one's neighbor becomes both a countercultural and effective response. MORE ABOUT THE JOSHUA FUND https://joshuafund.com/ In this famous passage from the book of Genesis, the Lord promised to bless those who bless the children of Abraham and curse those who curse them. In Matthew 19:19, Jesus instructed His followers to “love your neighbor as yourself.” In Matthew 5:44, Jesus told His disciples to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus exhorted His followers to feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, care for strangers, clothe the naked, care for those who are sick, and visit those in prison. Seeking to obey these biblical commands, the Rosenbergs established a non-profit educational and charitable organization that works closely with Jewish and Christian allies in Israel and the Middle East, as well as Christian allies around the world. As an educational organization, The Joshua Fund has sought to engage Christians globally about God's love and plan for Israel and her neighbors. The Joshua Fund has also worked in the Palestinian Territories, as well as in Israel's neighboring countries. DISCOVER THE GOSPEL SPICE MINISTRIES The Gospel Spice Podcast is part of a larger range of tools given to you by Gospel Spice Ministries. In a nutshell, we exist to inspire Christ-followers to delight in God. In more details: we provide resources to empower Christian leaders across generational, social, ethnic and geographical boundaries towards more intimacy with Jesus Christ and discipleship effectiveness through a Biblical Christocentric foundation. The Gospel-Spice Ministries provide a safe environment for spiritual and community growth empowering people to know Christ more intimately, serve one another more powerfully, and reach the world for Jesus. PLAY IT FORWARD by SHARING the link with friends and family. PRAY IT FORWARD by praying for us and those you share it with! PAY IT FORWARD!! Would you consider supporting this show today to help others enjoy it for free? It comes to you completely free, but is labor-intensive to produce, and we want to keep putting it in the ears of people! Gospel Spice Ministries is a non-profit organization registered under the tax-exempt 501c3 status. Your donations are tax-deductible under IRS Section 170. We want to be the best possible stewards of your financial support. All donations above our minimal operating costs go to Christian organizations fighting human trafficking. Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog (*ListenNotes ranking, 2023) Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

In this special "No Fear Fall" series kickoff episode, Heather Creekmore digs deep into the connection between faith and fear—two powerful forces that shape our daily lives. Have you ever wondered why “faith over fear” doesn’t always seem to work in real life? Are you struggling to connect your big beliefs about God to your everyday worries and anxieties? This episode is for you. What This Episode Covers: Faith vs. Fear: Heather challenges the widely held belief that faith and fear are simply opposites in a tug-of-war. She explores why this dichotomy might not be the most helpful way for Christians to approach their struggles. Micro Fears and Mosquito Bites: From perfectionism and the fear of failure to tiny, everyday anxieties (like being the “fattest person in the room” or just being late), Heather shares how these micro-fears sap our joy and confidence. Applying Faith to Real Life: Learn why just telling yourself to "have more faith" doesn't always solve the problem—and what true, biblical faith actually looks like in the face of daily struggles. The Object of Your Faith: Is your faith in God’s character and goodness, or just in Him delivering the results you want? Heather unpacks the difference and warns against letting new age manifesting ideas creep into our beliefs. Practical Biblical Encouragement: Heather references Philippians 4 and the life of Abraham to illustrate that faith can be messy, imperfect, and still deeply meaningful. She offers encouragement to keep trusting, even when God’s answers aren’t what you hoped for. Takeaways: Real, life-changing faith is rooted in the character of God—not in specific outcomes or your own plans. It's okay to bring your desires to God, but hold them with open hands, trusting His greater wisdom and love for you. Even imperfect faith holds value; God honors hearts that keep coming back to Him. Resources & Next Steps: Join the 40-Day Journey: Struggling with body image or insecurity? Sign up for Heather’s 40-Day Journey at improvebodyimage.com for six weeks of biblical encouragement. Free Email Challenges: Grab the “10 Days of Encouragement” or the “5 Day Body Image Challenge” at the same link! Connect: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review—your feedback encourages us and helps others find hope! Listener Questions:What fear are you wrestling with right now? Where have you been disappointed with “faith not working”? Reflect on the true object of your faith and consider how you can trust Jesus with your big and small anxieties this week. Subscribe & Share:Don’t miss the rest of the "No Fear Fall" series! Subscribe and follow Compared to Who? on your favorite podcast player. Share this episode with a friend who could use some real hope. Related Episode:Last Friday’s episode with Erin Kerry on overthinking and spiraling micro-fears. Check it out for even more ways to process daily anxieties. For more Christ-centered encouragement, visit lifeaudio.com. Keywords: faith and fear, biblical faith, anxiety, Christian women, overcoming worry, perfectionism, body image, Heather Creekmore, No Fear Fall, faith over fear, daily encouragement, trust God, manifesting vs. faith Thank you for listening! Heather hopes today’s episode helps you stop comparing and start living. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

//The Wire//2300Z October 7, 2025////ROUTINE////BLUF: ISRAELI GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TARGETING THE GPS POSITION OF AMERICAN CHRISTIANS DURING WORSHIP SERVICES. PRAVDA PUBLISHER DEAD AFTER FALL FROM APARTMENT WINDOW. GERMAN MAYOR WOUNDED IN STABBING ATTACK.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------International Events-Germany: Overnight the Mayor of Herdecke, Iris Stalzer, remains in critical condition after being jumped and stabbed by a group of men.Analyst Comment: As is customary in Germany, very few details have been released on this case. However, locals observed Stalzer's own adopted son being taken from the scene in handcuffs and an evidence-preserving suit. Locals state that she was attacked and mugged by a group of migrants, and that when police arrived they discovered that her own adopted son was part of the gang that attacked her. Right now, this is purely rumor and only a single photo adds credence to the claims that her son was involved in some way. Time will tell what the truth is in this case, and in the absence of information there's not much to go on either way.Russia: Yesterday afternoon the publisher of Pravda died after falling from a window in Moscow. Vyacheslav Leontyev was discovered deceased after falling from his 5th-story apartment window, with local authorities stating that he jumped after experiencing a nervous breakdown.-HomeFront-USA: Controversy has mounted following the publishing of FARA documents pertaining to surveillance operations at Christian churches throughout the western United States. Last week, the official Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs partnered with (or created themselves, the ownership data is sketchy) an LLC in the United States by the name of "Show Faith By Works, LLC". As this company is directly controlled by a foreign government, it was required to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). In the 86 page registration form, the organizers self-describe this company as being formed to carry out the "largest Geofencing and targeted Christian Digital Campaign ever". This would be accomplished by geofencing most churches in the region and displaying targeted ads to Christians specifically with reference to the October 7th attacks while they are actively attending a church service (per the paperwork that was filed).-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: Everyone is strongly encouraged to read the documentation yourself, as linked below on the official US government website.Overall, what this means in the clearest possible terms, is that if you are a Christian who brings your cell phone to church in the western United States, the government of Israel is openly and publicly surveilling your phone and your exact GPS coordinates. If anyone did not surmise such before, this paperwork confirms beyond all doubt that this is occurring. As a reminder, this is not a private company...this is the actual Israeli government purchasing analytics data from American service providers.As such Christians who bring their phones into Church during worship times, will very likely receive targeted advertisements to encourage them to think a certain way about the October 7th attacks while in Church, as the paperwork specifically states that smartphones owned by Christians will be targeted during worship times.The documentation detailing this campaign also is not limited to Churches...the GPS tracking merely starts once a Christian enters into the geofenced area around a Church. If a Christian enters a church perimeter, but later leaves...the surveillance of their GPS position will continue. The geofencing barriers being placed around churches are merely to identify which smartphones belong to Christians. If a person's phone enters the church grounds on a certain time on Sunday morning, this device can be associated with Christianity, and once that association

Church attendance in America peaked in the mid-20th century, but since then, Christianity has steadily declined in influence. What was once viewed positively—and later tolerated as just one option among many—is now often regarded with suspicion or outright hostility. In today's cultural climate, Christian morality is dismissed and even seen as a threat to the new moral order. Aaron M. Renn traces this 70-year shift in cultural attitudes toward Christianity and offers practical strategies for churches, institutions, and believers.  Listen in as Dr. Jeff and Aaron discuss: *How Christians can remain faithful in a society that opposes their values *What opportunities exist for living missionally in the “negative world” *Lessons from the past that can guide us into the future To register for Summit Student Conferences, visit: Summit.org/students/ For additional free resources from Summit, go to: Summit.org/resources

Get Olivier J. Melnick's book Antisemitism in the End Times here Be sure to visit cultureproof.net Please consider supporting the Culture Proof Podcast. We aim to bring engaging content that will challenge and equip Christians to live according to the Straight Edge of Scripture. All gifts are tax deductible. Our Address is: S.E. Ministries PO Box 1269 Saltillo MS, 38866   Episode sponsors: BJUPress Homeschool We Heart Nutrition – Use the code CULTUREPROOF for 20% off Accountable2You – Try free for 10 days Culture Proof Listeners  THANKS!   Culture Proof Podcast Theme song "Believers" courtesy of Path of Revelation    

What does redemptive leadership mean? As Christians, we have a unique calling: not just to lead, but to serve. What does this look like in today's culture, and how can we serve as leaders and foster an environment of abundant grace and joy wherever we are?Christianity Today's Dr. Nicole Massie Martin helps us to understand how we can nail outdated models of leadership to the cross, and what it will take to replace them with Biblical ones:“We need to nail to the cross what is a very secular understanding … of [power, ego, and performance], so that what is resurrected through Christ might be redemptive and bring glory to God and good to the people that we lead.”This conversation is from an Online Conversation recorded in May 2025. We hope this conversation will inspire you to identify the ways you lead, and how you can step further into leading with grace, humility, and joy.Authors and books mentioned in the conversation:Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, Peter ScazzeroKilling Comparison: Reject the Lie You Aren't Good Enough and Live Confident in Who God Made You To Be, Nona JonesGo deeper into the issues discussed in this episode with these Trinity Forum Readings:How Much Land Does a Man Need?; Leo TolstoyA Man Who Changed His Times; William WilberforceLetter from Birmingham Jail; Martin Luther King, Jr.Who Stands Fast?; Dietrich BonhoefferNarrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass; Frederick Douglass

It's Tuesday, October 7, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson Nigerian military opened fire on Christians Christian persecution at the hands of Muslim terrorists in Nigeria was tough enough. Now, Truth Nigeria reports that the Nigerian military has opened fire on Christians in the Benue State — this time killing three young men. Ten others sustained life-threatening gunshot wounds and are receiving medical treatment in Jato-Aka. The local chief said, “We no longer need the military in our land. … They have joined Fulani to kill us and take over our land. They have turned their guns against us. … The betrayal is unbearable. Enough is enough. President Tinubu and Governor Alia should hear this message and take immediate action.” Newsweek urges State Dept to declare Nigeria “Country of Particular Concern” Newsweek.com has joined the voices of comedian Bill Maher and others, pointing to the egregious level of Christian killings in Nigeria. The Nigerian government has “categorically” denied that terrorists are waging a systematic genocide against Christians in the country. Newsweek noted that the Trump State Department has thus far failed at making Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern.” Europe's swirling politics France just lost its third prime minister in about a year. Sébastien Lecornu was the latest, and he just resigned yesterday after only 27 days in office. This marks the most instability for the French government in 70 years. France's nationalist, anti-immigration party increased from obtaining 4% of parliamentarian seats in 2008 to 37% in 2024. Germany lost its government earlier this year.  Germany's anti-immigration party is supported by 24% of the country, up from virtually nothing ten years ago.  And Portugal faces instability, still run by a minority government, having completed its third election in three years in May.  Portugal's nationalist party increased from half percent in 2019 to 23% in the 2025 elections. Also, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, and Italy have experienced wide swings in governance — shifting to a nationalist position over the last 5-10 years. Daniel 2:21 reminds us that it is God who “changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.” Cuba sends 5,000 troops to aid Ukraine despite grinding poverty Reuters reports that Cuba is supporting the Ukrainian War now with up to 5,000 troops. The communist country's economy is lagging badly — suffering a four-year decline in its Gross Domestic Product, with another decline forecasted for this year, reports InDepthNews.com. Inflation is running at 28%. The nation has suffered at least five energy blackouts this year so far.  And 89% of the populace suffers from “extreme poverty” according to a recent survey. Seven out of ten Cubans have stopped eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner due to lack of money or food shortages. Only 15% have been able to eat three meals a day without interruption. That compares with the next poorest countries in Central America. Just 16% of Guatemalans  and 27% of folks in Honduras have to deal with these levels of extreme poverty. Supremes consider Trump's tariffs, Hawaii's gun restrictions, &  trans sports As the US Supreme Court reconvenes, the docket holds a slew of cases. They include the legitimacy of the Trump Tariffs, the president's removal of high level administrative bureaucrats, Colorado's ban on counselors helping minors out of homosexual sin, Hawaii's gun restrictions, and bans issued by red states on boys pretending to be girls playing in girls' sports in public schools.  Trump's FDA approve a new Abortion Kill Pill The Trump Administration's Food and Drug Administration approved another abortion kill pill to accommodate the killing of children in their mother's wombs. Last week, the FDA approved Evita Solutions' generic abortion drug for the US market. This is hardly in line with the administration's pledge to “review all the evidence—including real-world outcomes—on the safety of the drug” issued just last month. Ostensibly, the big concern is the health of the mother. The FDA reports 36 deaths attributed to the abortion kill pill thus far, but 7.5 million murdered babies. 63% of the annual abortions committed in the country today are attributed to the abortion kill pill.  Isaiah 29:15-16 speaks to this. The prophet wrote, “Woe to you who hide deep from the Lord your counsel, whose deeds are in the dark, and who say, “Who sees us? Who knows us?” You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay, that the thing made should say of its maker,  “He did not make me”; or the thing formed say of him who formed it, “He has no understanding”? Mt. Everest hiker died, 200 others stranded in shock blizzard And finally, one hiker has died and 200 others are still stranded in a shock blizzard on Mount Everest over the weekend. The blizzard took about 1,000 hikers by surprise.  Thus far this year, five people have died on Everest. Last year's total was eight, and 18 others died on the treacherous slopes in 2023. About 800 people attempt to summit the tallest mountain in the world each year. Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, October 7th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

What makes a life worth living? Fresh from leading a pilgrimage through Greece, John shares the impact of walking in the footsteps of St. Paul and how true discipleship means boldly proclaiming the Gospel no matter the cost. He and Victor reflect on courage, martyrdom, spiritual warfare, and the everyday call for Christians to live with conviction instead of comfort. If you've ever wondered what it looks like to live with real purpose and faith, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to embrace a life worth living. Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of Pope St. John Paul II with John

Hour 1 for 10/7/25 Ed Morrissey and Father Bernard Poggi discuss the 2 year anniversary of the war in Gaza (2:14), the plight of Christians in the Holy Land, and if Hamas will ever leave (19:45). Then, Msgr. Shea cover the Battle of Lepanto (28:02) and what's happening at the University of Mary (42:39). Link: https://lpj.org/en/the-patriarchate/diocese/priests/bernard-poggi cometomary.life

In this episode of Faith Over Fear, Carol McCracken welcomes Debbie D’Souza to discuss The Dragon’s Prophecy, a timely new film exploring how ancient biblical battles echo in today’s conflicts in the Middle East. Debbie shares what initially struck her about the film’s message, how she has learned to navigate the tension between fear and faith when it comes to prophecy, and what encouragement she offers to those feeling anxious about world events. Together, Carol and Debbie explore what it means to resist evil without becoming evil, the importance of naming sin without demonizing people, and how American Christians can respond to this moment in history in ways that are rooted in prayer, faithfulness, and hope rather than politics. Disclaimer: In this episode, our guest briefly discusses the Gaza/Israeli conflict, particularly from an Israeli perspective. We at Faith Over Fear recognize both sides have experienced cruelty and harm at the hands of the other, as is often the case with long-standing conflicts. We do not condone or endorse violence, nor is this episode an endorsement for such. Rather, it is a guest sharing her perspective related to the conflict and biblical threads she sees woven through it. If today's episode upsets you, please don't hesitate to reach out to Jennifer through her website JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com From the Dragon Prophesy website: Creators "bring history, current events and bible prophecy together in a stunning and original film to illustrate the true meaning of October 7, anti-Semitism, terrorism, and the hidden forces that battle endlessly for the ultimate prize, which is the human soul – your soul. The film ends with an inspiring call to action to Jews and Christians to return to their roots and stand up for good and resist evil." In theaters on October 8th and streamed through Salem on October 9th. Watch the movie trailer HERE. Find out more HERE. Discussion/Reflective Questions: When you hear about prophecy in Scripture, do you respond more with curiosity, fear, or faith—and why? How do you personally discern the difference between healthy vigilance and anxiety when following world events? In your daily life, what does it mean to resist evil without letting bitterness or anger take root in your own heart? How can you practice compassion for people caught in conflict while still standing firm against sin and injustice? What role do you believe prayer plays in how believers engage with unfolding global events? How might you faithfully respond to these times in ways that go beyond political opinions? Find Carol McCracken: On her website On Facebook On Instagram Join the Faith Over Fear podcast private group HERE. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Romans 8:5-8 — According to the apostle Paul, there is a sharp distinction between a Christian and non-Christian. As Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones elaborates in this message on Romans 8:5–8 titled “Carnal or Christian?”, the non-Christian is “under the flesh.” Some popular interpretations of this passage miss this distinction and instead posit a distinction between Christians. They will say there are two kinds of Christians: the “spiritual” Christian and the “carnal” Christian. In this sermon, Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues against the “carnal” Christian view. What emerges from the biblical text is a devastating picture of the “natural man.” The natural man, according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, is a person of the “flesh.” Their mind is opposed to the things of God. They are an enemy of God and refuse to submit to the law of God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener that ‘good', cultured, and well-spoken people are just as much under God's wrath as regular sinners. Listen to this sobering message on the spiritually dead and be encouraged that God has put life into His people through Christ. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29

Christians Are Crazy — or at least that's what it can look like from the outside. In this tongue-in-cheek episode of the Nerd of Godcast, we take an honest look at the things church people do that seem perfectly normal to us but downright strange to anyone outside church culture. From singing about blood to raising hands and praying hedges of protection, we unpack the weird, wonderful, and occasionally cringey parts of Christian life — and how we can better represent our faith to a watching world.We also cast our votes in this week's Best Thing Ever tournament bracket, sit down with Eric Anderson, author of Dead False Gods, to talk faith and Stargate, and assign what might just be our worst Dumpster-Dive homework of the season.If you've ever thought, “Christians are kind of crazy,” or if you're one of us and want to laugh at ourselves while growing a little wiser — this episode is for you.

“Migration is grace,” says UCLA professor Robert Chao Romero, author of Brown Church: Five Centuries of Latina/o Social Justice, Theology, and Identity. In this episode, he joins Mark Labberton to discuss the immigration crisis through stories from Southern California, theology of migration, and the challenge of Christian nationalism for the American response to the immigration crisis we face. Romero narrates heartbreaking accounts of ICE raids, racial profiling, and dehumanization, while also offering hope rooted in scripture and the early church. He points out the “Xenodochias” of the ancient and medieval church that cared for migrants. And he shows how biblical narratives—from Abraham to Jesus—reveal God's mercy in migration. Romero calls Christians to see the image of God in migrants, resist the “Latino threat narrative,” and reclaim the church's historic role in welcoming the stranger. Episode Highlights “Migration is grace. … You wouldn't have a Bible without migration.” “Jesus lived and died as an outsider in solidarity with all outsiders, and he rose to new life among outsiders.” “The gospel is an outward pushing invitation… it is the pushing out actually into the far and remote places of suffering in need.” “This level of targeting of the Latino community has not happened since 1954 and Operation Wetback.” “We think that crossing the US border is like crossing the Jordan into the promised land, and we're baptized into the Yankee Doodle song.” Helpful Links and Resources Brown Church by Robert Chao Romero UCLA César E. Chávez Department of Chicana/o and Central American Studies Fuller Seminary's Centro Latino CLUE: Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice World Relief About Robert Chao Romero Robert Chao Romero is an associate professor in the UCLA César E. Chávez Department of Chicana/o and Central American Studies and in the Asian American Studies Department. With a background in law and history, his research and teaching explore the intersections of race, immigration, faith, and justice. He is the author of Brown Church: Five Centuries of Latina/o Social Justice, Theology, and Identity (IVP Academic), which chronicles the long history of Latino Christian social justice movements. Romero is also an ordained pastor, active in local church ministry and theological reflection on immigration, Christian nationalism, and the global church. Show Notes Immigration Crisis and ICE Raids Student testimonies of fear and trauma at UCLA during immigration crackdowns Stories of ICE targeting bus stops, car washes, and Home Depots in Southern California Latino citizens, veterans, and even high school students detained despite legal status A man fleeing ICE was killed in traffic, sparking vigils and protests Historical Parallels and Christian Nationalism Comparison to Operation Wetback of 1954, when over one million were deported Escalating racial profiling, reinforced by Supreme Court decisions “Latino Threat Narrative” portrays Latinos as criminals and unwilling to assimilate Christian nationalism merges citizenship and faith, echoing “manifest destiny” Theology of Migration and Outsiders Migration as grace: God intervenes with compassion in nearly every biblical migration story “We live alongside the world. We don't belong to the world.” “ Jesus lived and died as an outsider in solidarity with all outsiders, and he rose to new life among outsiders.” (Jorge Lara-Braud) Jesus as an asylum seeker in Egypt; Ruth and Joseph as biblical migrants Early church created “xenodochias”—ancient and medieval social service centers for immigrants and the poor Outsider theology: Christians as strangers and aliens, called to care for outsiders “Jesus lived and died as an outsider in solidarity with all outsiders.” Policy Challenges and Misconceptions Millions of mixed-status households trapped by the “10-year bar” in immigration law Asylum seekers legally present cases at the border under U.S. law Refugees undergo extensive vetting, often over decades Common myths about immigrants as “illegal” are contradicted by law and history Faith, Empathy, and the Church Empathy as central to Christian response, counter to narratives of fear and scarcity Latino pastors passing on both the gospel and nationalism from missionary influence The church historically provided refugee care before the UN Refugee Agency existed Worship with immigrant congregations as a source of hope and resilience Orthodox theology: worship joins heaven and earth, every tribe and nation before the Lamb Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment Magazine and Fuller Seminary.  

Discover why Halloween is not innocent fun but a dangerous open door to curses, witchcraft, and demonic activity. Learn why Christians should say no and choose deliverance instead.   Register for Fierce at kathydegrawministries.org    Purchase Kathy's book Healed at Last – Overcome Sickness to Receive your Physical Healing on Amazon https://a.co/d/6a6mt8w or at: https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/healed-at-last/   Purchase Anointing Oil with a prayer cloth that Kathy has personally mixed and prayed over on Kathy's Website or Amazon. Order anointing oil by Kathy on Amazon look for her brand here https://amzn.to/3PC6l3R or Kathy DeGraw Ministries https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/product-category/oils/   Training, Mentorship and Deliverance! Personal coaching, deliverance, e-courses, training for ministry, and mentorships! https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/training/#   Halloween is often disguised as harmless fun—costumes, candy, trunk-or-treats, and even church harvest festivals. But in the spiritual realm, this day is considered a high holy day for Satanists and witches. They curse candy, release witchcraft assignments, and set time-released curses that can manifest as sickness, disease, or spiritual oppression. Too often, believers dismiss the warnings and unknowingly give the enemy access into their homes and families. In this teaching, Kathy DeGraw exposes the truth about Halloween and why Christians should not participate in any form—whether by giving out candy, hosting alternative events, or opening their doors. She shares her own experiences of battling curses, seeing the effects of witchcraft attacks, and why prayer, intercession, and deliverance should be the focus on October 31. If you've ever questioned whether Halloween is harmless or wondered how to transition your family away from the world's traditions, this message will give you bold truth and practical strategies. It's time to say no to Halloween and yes to holiness, deliverance, and honoring Jesus Christ. #SayNoToHalloween #DeliveranceTeaching #ExposingHalloween #SpiritualWarfare #KathyDeGraw   **Connect with Us** - Website: https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathydegraw/  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathydegraw/    Podcast - Subscribe to our YouTube channel and listen to Kathy's Podcast called Prophetic Spiritual Warfare, or on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/3mYPPkP28xqcTzdeoucJZu  or Apple podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prophetic-spiritual-warfare/id1474710499    **Recommended Resources:** - Receive a free prayer pdf on Why Christians should not celebrate Halloween at https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/nohalloween/ - Kathy's training, mentoring and e-courses on Spiritual Warfare, Deliverance and the Prophetic: https://training.kathydegrawministries.org/  - Healed At Last ~ Overcome Sickness and Receive your Physical Healing: https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/healed-at-last/  - Mind Battles – Root Out Mental Triggers to Release Peace!: https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/product/mind-battles-pre-order-available-january-2023/  -Kathy has several books available on Amazon or kathydegrawministries.org    **Support Kathy DeGraw Ministries:** - Give a one-time love offering or consider partnering with us for $15, $35, $75 or any amount! Every dollar helps us help others!  - Website: https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/donate/   - CashApp $KDMGLORY - Venmo @KD-Ministries - Paypal.me/KDeGrawMinistries or donate to email admin@degrawministries.org - Mail a check to: Kathy DeGraw Ministries ~ PO Box 65 ~ Grandville MI 49468  

As Christians, we are often unclear about God's views on sex and intimacy. It can be a struggle to make sense of our temptations, shame, brokenness, longings, or desires. What is more, Christian churches and families are often divided in the nuances of sexuality, neglecting Jesus' most important call to be unified as His body.Mark and I often talk about the significance of surrender, but how should that impact our sex life?My friend Dr. Juli Slattery is deeply familiar with both topics and is here to help us connect the dots between surrender, sex, and sexuality. She is the President and Co-Founder of Authentic Intimacy, a ministry dedicated to reclaiming God's design for sexuality. She has authored twelve books, including her newest book, Surrendered Sexuality: How Knowing Jesus Changes… Everything.In this episode, you'll hear:Why Christians can't ignore the topic of sex and sexualityPractical steps to surrender in the area of sexualityAn encouraging word for anyone struggling with sexAnd more!It was truly a pleasure to have Juli back on the podcast for this conversation about surrender and sexuality.Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes: jillsavage.org/juli-slattery-268You're invited to our Transform Weekend October 24-26, 2025. Learn more and register here.Check out our other resources: Mark and Jill's Marriage Story Marriage Coaching Marriage 2.0 Intensives Speaking Schedule Book Mark and Jill to Speak Online Courses Books Marriage Resources: Infidelity Recovery For Happy Marriages For Hurting Marriages For Marriages Where You're the Only One Wanting to Get Help Mom Resources: New/Preschool Moms Moms with Gradeschoolers Moms with Teens and Tweens Moms with Kids Who Are Launching Empty Nest...

SEND US A MESSAGE! We'd Love to Chat With you and Hear your thoughts! We'll read them on the next episode. *This episode was recorded on Friday 10/3*Why does it seems that more and more Christians are being persuaded to join in with mockers and scoffers? There are far greater reasons Christians ought to seek the truth. Those reasons don't involve cracking a conspiracy case. It involves being prepared to discern against deceptions far greater. Paul, in Ephesians 6, highlights an aspect of the Christians armor against spiritual warfare - the belt of truth. Being fastened with truth doesn't mean you've picked a particual side in any given argument. It does however mean that you won't be assigned a side by mockers who dare you to continue to seek what is true. In this episode, I (Brandon) address the reason why it seems like I'm defending Candace Owens so fervently. I breakdown the fallacy of dismissing someone merely because you've been told to dismiss them. Also, are people being genuine regarding their critiques of Candace? Tell me your thoughts!Show NotesCandace Owens Episode on Elie WieselSupport the showHosts: Brandon and Daren Smith Learn of Brandon's Church Planting CallPatreon: www.patreon.com/blackandblurredPaypal: https://paypal.me/blackandblurredYouTube: Black and Blurred PodcastIG: @BlackandBlurredPodcastX: @Blurred_Podcast

Today, we analyze conspiracy theories surrounding Charlie Kirk's assassination, addressing claims of Israel's involvement and manufactured evidence with biblical clarity. We urge Christians to seek truth, not paranoia, trusting God's sovereignty. Plus, a stark warning: Taylor Swift's music glorifies immorality and is unfit for Christian girls. Join us to reject cultural chaos and uphold God's truth unapologetically. Share the Arrows 2025 is on October 11 in Dallas, Texas! Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://sharethearrows.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for tickets now! Sponsored by: ⁠Carly Jean Los Angeles⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.carlyjeanlosangeles.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Good Ranchers⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.goodranchers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠EveryLife⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.everylife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Buy Allie's new book, "Toxic Empathy: How Progressives Exploit Christian Compassion": ⁠⁠⁠https://www.toxicempathy.com/⁠⁠⁠ --- Timecodes: (0:00) Introduction (6:50) Claim 1: Israel was Involved in Charlie's Murder (24:20) How Conspiracy Theories Work (28:20) Important Questions to Ask (30:42) Claim 2: The Government Framed the Assassination Suspect (47:23) Deconstructing Conspiracy Theories (55:04) Taylor Swift is Not a Role Model --- Today's Sponsors: Good Ranchers — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GoodRanchers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and subscribe to any of their boxes (but preferably the Allie Beth Stuckey Box) to get free Waygu burgers, hot dogs, bacon, or chicken wings in every box for life. Plus, you'll get $40 off when you use code ALLIE at checkout. We Heart Nutrition — Get 20% off women's vitamins with We Heart Nutrition, and get your first bottle of their new supplement, Wholesome Balance; use code ALLIE at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.WeHeartNutrition.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Pre-Born — Will you help rescue babies' lives? Donate by calling #250 & say keyword 'BABY' or go to Preborn.com/ALLIE. Patriot Mobile — go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PatriotMobile.com/ALLIE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or call 972-PATRIOT and use promo code 'ALLIE' for a free month of service! Carly Jean Los Angeles — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.carlyjeanlosangeles.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code ALLIEB to get 20% off your first CJLA order, site wide (one-time use only) and start filling your closet with timeless staple pieces. And see Allie's CJLA favorites at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠carlyjeanlosangeles.com/pages/allieb⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Episodes you might like: Ep 1241 | The 'Charlie Effect' Spreads Across the Country https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relatable-with-allie-beth-stuckey/id1359249098?i=1000726956449 Ep 1242 | Christians, Rise Up. This Is the Moment https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relatable-with-allie-beth-stuckey/id1359249098?i=1000727243516 Ep 1248 | Politics and Christianity: Was Charlie Kirk Right? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relatable-with-allie-beth-stuckey/id1359249098?i=1000729570047 --- Buy Allie's book, You're Not Enough (& That's Okay): Escaping the Toxic Culture of Self-Love: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://alliebethstuckey.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Relatable merchandise – use promo code 'ALLIE10' for a discount: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shop.blazemedia.com/collections/allie-stuckey⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Together, with Fr. Mike, we continue our examination of the second commandment. Fr. Mike emphasizes that an oath engages the Lord's name, and the Lord is the Lord of truth. We, therefore, have a duty as Christians to respect God's name in matters of truth. He also emphasizes that everything we say is either in conformity to truth or in opposition to truth. Today's readings are paragraphs 2150-2155. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

As Christians, we're defined not by our gifts, but by the fruit of the Spirit we display. Today, Joyce explains the difference and what Scripture says about the essential character traits of every believer.

In this episode of Pray the Word on Acts 1:14, David Platt explains what it means to be devoted to prayer in our lives, families, and churches.Listen to our newest podcast, Everyday Radical!Explore more content from Radical.

Russell answers a listener's question regarding why Christians are not stepping in to help with the humanitarian aid crisis, and what needs to change. Watch the video of this episode on YouTube here. Submit your own question for the show! Email questions@russellmoore.com — and remember: attach a voice memo! Keep up with Russell: Sign up for the weekly newsletter where Russell shares thoughtful takes on big questions, offers a Christian perspective on life, and recommends books and music he's enjoying. Subscribe to the Christianity Today Magazine: Special offer for listeners of The Russell Moore Show: Click here for 25% off a subscription. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two Years Since October 7th: Is Peace Finally Happening?Ministry Sponsors:Gray Toad TallowGray Toad Tallow's handcrafted balms made from grass-fed, grass-finished tallow help heal real skin issues like dryness and psoriasis. Explore their sample pack and save 15% with code RIGHT15 at https://www.graytoadtallow.com/Reece Fund. Christian Capital. Boldly Deployedhttps://www.reecefund.com/Backwards Planning FinancialWant to build a financial legacy for your family with a plan that starts at the end goal? Connect with Joe Garrisi at https://backwardsplanningfinancial.nm.com/ to get help with a legacy-driven strategy for your future.Genesis Gold GroupFaith-Based Gold IRA: Genesis Gold Group helps Christians protect their retirement with physical precious metals aligned with scriptural stewardship principles.https://www.RightResponseBibleGold.com

Patrick helps listeners wrestling with everything from cremation and honoring parents to whether non-Catholic Christians truly follow Jesus. He fields heartfelt calls about struggles with confession, temptation, and even what to make of calling a police dog an officer, all while sharing Catholic teaching and plenty of warmth. The conversations fold humor, practical advice, and surprising depth into each moment. Patty - I had my mother cremated. Can I take my mom's ashes to Church? (00:56) Anthony - A priest told me that lust is not a mortal sin. I am confused. Can you help me? (06:01) Tom - I am embarrassed to go to Confession. How can I get the courage to go? (12:26) Daniel - If I was pro-choice and my parent was pro-life; would it be a sin to try to convince them to be pro-choice? (19:29) Wayne - Martin Luther took people away from the sacraments. Are the people who walked away from the Catholic Church still Christians. (21:41) Jim - I have been in education for 48 years. I think that homework should increase 10 minutes per grade level. (31:42) Meredith - At the mass I go to, they don't give the Blood of Christ. Does that go against teaching to give out only the Body? (35:44) Jim - Do you think that calling K9 dogs, 'officers' is a violation of Catholic teaching? (41:20) Audrey – A person came over to me and told me not to say the St. Michael prayer out loud after mass (44:53) Dylan - I encountered a different Mass where people were standing before Communion instead of kneeling. (48:29)

It's time for the people of God to rise. The hour calls for bold and courageous Christians to unapologetically stand for their faith. This message will inspire you be emboldened by the Holy Spirit. No more hesitation, silence, or being timid. It's time to be unashamed.   The Encounter Podcast Ep.50

Romans 8:3-4 — According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones in this sermon on Romans 8:3–4, the Christian life is about trusting in God. Salvation comes not through works, but as a free gift in Christ Jesus. All attempts to seek God on one's own are doomed to fail for it is God that reveals Himself and gives the gospel. What is the gospel? It is the message that Christ has died for sinners in order that they would not have to suffer for their own sin. For under the law, there is condemnation but Jesus died in order to fulfil the law. Christians are to live now in the power of Christ and seek holiness and righteousness. Yet, the Bible never says that humanity will be completely free from sin in this life. Nevertheless, Christians are still free from the power of the flesh and sin. By trusting in Jesus, they are made right with God and though they sin, their hope remains in Christ and not themselves. Dr. Lloyd-Jones preaches the most important message because it concerns the eternal destiny of everyone: “do you believe in Jesus?”

Mary Danielsen Originally aired 7/10/25: Mary takes on a topic that may be hard to hear, but is necessary, and few in the church are speaking out about it. The passage is 2 Timothy 3:1-5. When the Bible talks about perilous times, we tend to think about those headlines that appear suddenly and stand the world on its head - birth pangs, wars and rumours, Israel. And yet these verses point to a peril no one wants to talk about: the human heart. And not of unbelievers, but in the church. How in the world did we get here, loving self more than God? And yet, churches are battling this ill more and more to the point where believers are staying away. Yes, lack of sound doctrine plays a part - sometimes. But when narcissism begins to work its evil throughout a church, flowing primarily from controlling and unaccountable leadership, who is watching out for the sheep? What is a "form of godliness"? Why does Paul say to avoid such? What are the qualifications for pulpit ministry? Christians tend to be gracious and put up with a lot of mischief from leadership, as long as the doctrine is sound. But what does God think about those who mistreat His people? Let's let the Word do the talking on this one, but talk about it we must. The gentiles lord it over others, but it should "not be so among you". A challenging hour on an elephant-in-the-room topic. PDF transcription - click here. Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A

This conversation was a wild ride through some of the most challenging questions facing progressive Christians today. Malcolm Foley—reverend, scholar, and all-around theology nerd—walked us through his journey from studying Greek church fathers to researching lynching and the Black church's witness to America. We dug into his book's central thesis that greed (not just ignorance or hate) is the root of racism, explored why Christians keep trying to serve both God and Mammon despite Jesus being pretty clear about that either/or situation, and wrestled with what it means to pursue justice with moral clarity, fierce perseverance, and nonviolent love. Malcolm challenged us on everything from our electoral anxieties to our tendency to spiritualize away material commitments, reminding us that the church is supposed to be an alternative political-economic community, not just a gathering of people who think the same things. We talked about David Walker's abolitionist fire, Ida B. Wells' relentless anti-lynching work, and MLK's theological commitment to enemy love—and why progressive Christians especially struggle with that last piece. It's the kind of conversation that makes you simultaneously want to holler "amen" and also maybe go hide because actually following Jesus is way harder than voting for the right candidate. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube Rev. Dr. Malcolm Foley earned a PhD in religion from Baylor University in December 2021. His dissertation investigated Black Protestants responding to lynching from the late 19th to the early 20th century. Before coming to Baylor, Dr. Foley earned a BA in religious studies with a second major in finance and a minor in classics from Washington University in St. Louis. He subsequently completed a Master of Divinity at Yale Divinity School, focusing on the theology of the early and medieval church. Malcolm also serves as a co-pastor at an intentionally multicultural, nondenominational church, Mosaic Waco. He is the author of The Anti-Greed Gospel: Why The Love of Money is the Root of Racism and How the Church Can Create A New Way Forward . ONLINE CLASS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The God of Justice: Where Ancient Wisdom Meets Contemporary Longing⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This transformative online class brings together distinguished scholars from biblical studies, theology, history, and faith leadership to offer exactly what our moment demands: the rich, textured wisdom of multiple academic disciplines speaking into our contemporary quest for justice. Guests this year include John Dominic Crossan, Kelly Brown Douglas, Philip Clayton, Stacey Floyd-Thomas, Jeffery Pugh, Juan Floyd-Thomas, Andy Root, Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Noreen Herzfeld, Reggie Williams, Casper ter Kuile, and more! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get info and tickets here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. _____________________ This podcast is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ production. Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Nerd Throwdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Rise of Bonhoeffer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 75,000 other people by joining our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Substack - Process This!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get instant access to over 50 classes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TheologyClass.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow the podcast, drop a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, send ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback/questions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or become a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠member of the HBC Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many Christians have learned that their entrance into heaven doesn't depend on works. That's true. Pastor Colin talks about why it is a big mistake to assume that therefore the life you live does not matter at all.

En este episodio de How to Spanish Podcast, Ana y David te explican 10 frases mexicanas que no significan lo que parecen.Aprenderás expresiones que los hablantes nativos usan todos los días y descubrirás su verdadero significado cultural y divertido.2026 Immersion trips now open! - https://www.howtospanishpodcast.com/immersion-trip

Kevin Palau, President of the Palau ministry, and Sam Adams, former mayor of Portland, Oregon, talk about their friendship formed in the context of meeting social needs in the city. Sam was the first openly gay mayor of a major U.S. city. These two men describe their surprise at discovering that Evangelical Christians and people in the LGBT community can agree on most social issues and can work together to solve problems without compromising their core beliefs. They offer a practical example of how Christians can dialogue respectfully and share the love of Christ with those who hold different views. Buy your copy of Jim Daly’s book, ReFOCUS! He shares how believers can engage others in the culture with the love of Christ and reveal the heart of God. TRUTH RISING, a powerful new documentary from Focus on the Family and the Colson Center, reveals the cultural crisis and calls the church into action. Stand firm, engage boldly, and be part of the movement to reclaim truth. Watch now! And sign up for Truth Rising: The Study. City Gospel Movements – strengthen faith sharing efforts in your city. SUPPORT REFOCUS! GIVE HERE! Send Jim a voicemail! Click here. Send your feedback or questions to Jim in the Contact Form.

[00:30] The Sabbath (55 minutes) Following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, more and more people are discussing the subject of the Sabbath. What is the Sabbath and does God command that Christians observe it?

Ever felt like deep Bible study is only for pastors, church leaders, Christian influencers, or scholars full of commentaries and Hebrew concordances? I mean, they have degrees in that stuff. They're trained in theology. They just GET the Bible in a way ordinary Christians don't. But... me? I'm just normal. I love Jesus and I believe the Bible is God's very Word that I respect and honor, but I didn't go to seminary, I'm not bilingual, and I wouldn't even know where to start.   Join Kristin Nave and podcast host Heidi Lee Anderson to dismantle the lie that deep Bible study is just for experts. They share honest stories, relatable struggles, and practical ways to approach Scripture--with or without a seminary degree.   You'll hear: Why Bible study is for every believer—not just the “professionals” Deep study doesn't always mean complex methods Highlighting and journaling can enhance Bible study The role community plays in understanding Scripture Simple, doable tips for studying the Bible with confidence How God's mercy meets us right where we are—not where we think we “should” be Kristin reminds us that God's Word was never meant to be locked behind titles, training, or theology degrees. This episode is a gentle but powerful invitation to open your Bible with curiosity, freedom, and expectation. Whether you're brand new to Scripture or returning after feeling disqualified, this conversation will remind you: you are invited to the table.   Connect with Kristin: https://www.shelovesbible.com/ Kristin's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelovesbible   Heidi''s Book, All In, All Yours: https://heidileeandersonministries.com/allinallyours Heidi's Instagram: www.instagram.com/heidileeanderson Further resources: https://heidileeandersonministries.com   Sound bites: "Navigating Bible Study: Tools and Resources" "God desires to meet us in our quiet time." "God's mercy is waiting for us to seek Him."   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Game Setup 02:56 Challenging the Lie of Bible Study 06:00 Personal Experiences with Scripture 09:01 Community and Bible Study 11:54 Approaching Scripture with Simplicity 14:55 Practical Bible Study Methods 17:58 Reading the Bible in Different Ways 21:02 Conclusion and Encouragement 23:59 Exploring Bible Study Tools 27:52 Powerful Conversations Through Scripture 32:51 God's Mercy and Compassion 36:55 Encouragement for the Unqualified 38:03 Rapid Fire Icebreaker Questions   Keywords: Bible study, faith, community, scripture, personal growth, encouragement, spiritual journey, Kristin Nave, Heidi Anderson, She Loves Bible

271. Ways to Engage with Youth, Teens, and Gen Z in Church and at Home with Dr. Kara Powell   *Transcription Below*   1 Thessalonians 2:8 NIV "so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well."   Kara Powell, PhD, is the chief of leadership formation at Fuller Theological Seminary, the executive director of the Fuller Youth Institute, and the founder of the TENx10 Collaboration. Named by Christianity Today as one of "50 Women to Watch," Kara serves as a youth and family strategist for Orange, and she also speaks regularly at national parenting and leadership conferences. Kara has authored or coauthored numerous books, including Faith Beyond Youth Group, 3 Big Questions That Shape Your Future, 3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager, Growing With, Growing Young, The Sticky Faith Guide for Your Family, and the entire Sticky Faith series.   Kara and her husband, Dave, are regularly inspired by the learning and laughter that come from their three young adult children.   Questions and Topics We Cover: What insights do you have to share on Gen-Z? When it comes to navigating intergenerational tensions, how can we practically turn our differences into superpowers and unite together? In your most recent book, entitled, Future-Focused Church, you begin with writing that the brightest days of the church are still ahead. What led you to that realization?   Thank You to Our Sponsor: WinShape Marriage   Other Episodes Mentioned from The Savvy Sauce: 127 Generational Differences with Hayden Shaw 2 God-Honoring Relationship Between a Mother-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law with Author of The Mother-in-Law Dance, Annie Chapman   Stories Sampler from The Savvy Sauce Stories Series: 233 Stories Series: Surprises from God with Tiffany Noel 235 Stories Series: Ever-Present Help in Trouble with Kent Heimer 242 Stories Series: He Gives and Takes Away with Joyce Hodel 245 Stories Series: Miracles Big and Small with Dr. Rob Rienow 246 Stories Series: Experiencing God's Tangible Love with Jen Moore   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcription*   Music: (0:00 – 0:11)   Laura Dugger: (0:12 - 2:13) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.    I'm thrilled to introduce you to our sponsor, Winshape Marriage. Their weekend marriage retreats will strengthen your marriage while you enjoy the gorgeous setting, delicious food, and quality time with your spouse. To find out more, visit them online at winshapemarriage.org.    I am so honored to introduce my guest for today, Dr. Kara Powell. She is the Chief of Leadership Formation at Fuller Theological Seminary and the Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute. She's also founder of the 10x10 Collaboration and named by today as one of 50 women to watch. She is also extremely humble and insightful as she's going to discuss how we can leverage the power of stories and questions in our relationships at church and in our family and in beyond, and this is to model the life of Jesus. Make sure you also stay tuned in through the end because she's going to share a plethora of conversations and questions specifically to ask when we're engaging in conversation with young people, whether that's our own children and teens or our grandchildren or people in the community or our churches. It's some questions that you don't want to miss. Here's our chat.   Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Kara.   Dr. Kara Powell: (2:07 - 2:09) Oh, it's so good to be with you and your audience, Laura.   Laura Dugger: (2:09 - 2:13) Well, I'd love for you just to first give us a snapshot of your current life and share what's led you to the work that you get to do today.   Dr. Kara Powell: (2:14 - 4:06) Yeah, absolutely. So, let's see. I'll start with family. Dave and I have been married for I think 27-ish years, and we have three kids who are 24, 22, and 19.   Our youngest is a college freshman, and so we're technically empty nesters, but I actually like the term open nesters better because our kids come back, which we love. They come back in the summers and sometimes after college. And we actually, since I live in Pasadena, California, which had the fires in January, we actually have another 22-year-old young woman living with us, which we love.   So, we love having my husband, Dave, and I love having young people around, whether it's our own three kids or the young woman who's living with us. And I'm also a faculty member at Fuller Seminary, and while I certainly teach periodically, my main roles at Fuller actually have to do with leadership beyond Fuller. I'm the chief of leadership formation at Fuller, so I oversee all of Fuller's non-degree offerings, and then I'm the executive director of the Fuller Youth Institute, which is a research center that studies the faith of adolescents.   And I love that question, what got me to the work that I do today? Well, God would be the answer to that, but I was a long-term youth pastor here in Southern California at two different churches, loved teenagers, and Fuller was getting ready to start a new research center that was going to listen to the needs of parents and leaders, and then do research to answer those needs. And that really intrigued me, because I love young people, and I love research, and I love real-life ministry and family.   And so, I thought, well, I would love to hear more about that center, and I've been at Fuller now for over 20 years.   Laura Dugger: (4:07 - 4:17) Wow, that's incredible. And quick side note, I'm just so sorry for everything that you all endured in January with all the fires.   Dr. Kara Powell: (4:17 - 4:39) Yeah, it's heartbreaking, and in some ways, in many ways, devastating. And I'm grateful for how God is working through churches and working through God's people. So, there's all sorts of bright spots in the midst of the pain.   But yes, please pray that churches and God's people would be salt and light, because it's going to be a few years of rebuilding.   Laura Dugger: (440 - 4:43) Yes, Lord Jesus, may that be true. Amen.   Dr. Kara Powell: (4:43 - 4:44) Yeah, thank you.   Laura Dugger: (4:45 - 5:17) And I know with your background, you've studied practical theology, and you also have this broad knowledge of psychology. But some churches haven't studied psychology as much, and so I think that typically leads to less of an appreciation for it. But my fear is that they may miss out if they completely ignore it.   So, will you share some of the benefits that you've seen that come from applying God's truth from any of theologies?   Dr. Kara Powell: (5:17 - 8:14) Yeah, yeah. Well, at Fuller Seminary, we have two schools. One is our School of Mission and Theology, which I'm an alum of and a faculty member in.   And the other is our School of Psychology. And so, Laura, you asked a question that's right at the heart of what we love about training leaders and therapists. And in fact, my favorite statue at Fuller, the title of it is Planting the Cross in the Heart of Psychology.   And that's exactly what we believe. So, you know, God's made us as holistic people. And I love thinking both about how is our theology driving us as well as our psychology.   And you know, one way to think about our psychology, a colleague of mine at Fuller talks about people's losses and longings. And that phrase has been so helpful for me. Like, what are people's losses and longings?   And how is that connected with how they're responding? So, so much of our work at the Fuller Youth Institute relates to young people. And I remember coaching a senior pastor who was experiencing a lot of resistance to prioritizing young people from senior adults.   And what the senior pastor realized is, of course, I shouldn't say of course, but in this particular church, when he was saying we need to prioritize young people, those over 60 felt like, wait, that means I'm not going to be a priority. People who are older often already feel that here in US culture. And so, no wonder that was intimidating, that was threatening, that felt like a loss to those senior adults.   And so, I love what the senior pastor ended up doing is he implemented one of our principles of change that we recommend, which is people support what they create. And so, if you want to build ownership, then how can you involve as many people as possible in creating whatever you're trying to develop? And so, the senior pastor went to the senior adults and apologized for sending a message that, you know, made them feel like they were not going to be priority.   And instead, he said, how can we make this church a church that your grandkids would love to be part of? And that connected with those, you know, post 60, most of whom were grandparents, whether their grandkids live locally, or, you know, globally, they wanted their church to be a place where their grandkids and other young people would connect. And so, you know, he turned senior adults feeling like they were peripheral, to really feeling like they were partners in what God was doing in the church.   And so, yes, I would invite us all to think about what are people's losses and longings? And how is that contributing to how they're responding to whatever we're all experiencing?   Laura Dugger: (8:15 - 10:20) Let's take a quick break to hear a message from our sponsor. Friends, I'm excited to share with you today's sponsor, Winshape Marriage. Do you feel like you need a weekend away with your spouse and a chance to grow in your relationship together at the same time?   Winshape Marriage is a fantastic ministry that provides weekend marriage retreats to help couples grow closer together in every season and stage of life. From premarital to parenting to the empty nest phase, there is an opportunity for you. Winshape Marriage is grounded on the belief that the strongest marriages are the ones that are nurtured, even when it seems things are going smoothly, so that they're stronger if they do hit a bump along their marital journey.   These weekend retreats are hosted within the beautiful refuge of Winshape Retreat, perched in the mountains of Rome, Georgia, which is a short drive from Atlanta, Birmingham and Chattanooga. While you're there, you will be well fed, well nurtured and well cared for. During your time away in this beautiful place, you and your spouse will learn from expert speakers and explore topics related to intimacy, overcoming challenges, improving communication and more.   I've stayed on Winshape before and I can attest to their generosity, food and content. You will be so grateful you went. To find an experience that's right for you and your spouse, head to their website, windshapemarriage.org/savvy. That's W-I-N-S-H-A-P-E marriage.org/S-A-V-V-Y. Thanks for your sponsorship.   Well, Kara, you've also done so much research on young people and just in general, I'd love to hear what insights do you have on Gen Z?   Dr. Kara Powell: (10:20 - 14:16) Yeah, yeah. Well, we at the Fuller Youth Institute, we have spent a lot of time studying and doing research on Gen Z, which tends to be those who are 14, 15 and up. Our very youngest teenagers are all actually now Gen Alpha, but we'll talk about Gen Z.   And as we've looked at the research, we've landed on three words which we think well describe Gen Z. First, they are anxious. And if we look at young people today, they do have unprecedented levels of mental health challenges, anxiety, depression, stress, even suicidal thoughts.   And so, we do a lot of training to help parents and leaders understand mental health and how they can be a safe space and get young people the help they need. So, this is an anxious generation. This is an adaptive generation.   This generation is so creative and entrepreneurial and visionary. You know, while there's a lot of downsides to technology, technology also helps young people know more about what's wrong in the world and sometimes take steps to make what is wrong right and restore God's justice to our world. And so, this is an adaptive and creative generation.   And then in addition to being anxious and adaptive, this is a diverse generation. Here in the U.S., we crossed a line in 2020. In the midst of everything else that happened in 2020, we crossed a line where now 50% of those under 18 are young people of color.   So, for your audience to just keep that in mind that 50% of those under 18 are white and 50% are young people of color and that percentage of young people of color is likely going to continue to grow. So, I would say those are three key attributes to this generation. And then, you know, when it comes to what this generation is experiencing spiritually, I really appreciate what my friend and fellow podcaster Carey Nieuwhof has described with young people that they are both in revival and retreat.   And, you know, we see data for both. There's so much that's encouraging about how young people are responding to Jesus. They're open to Jesus.   We're seeing this especially on college campuses. They're responding in mass on college campuses in some really beautiful ways. Both InterVarsity and Crew are seeing that.   But then this generation is also in some ways distancing themselves from the institutional church. Springtide Research Institute did some study of 13- to 25-year-olds and found that 13- to 25-year-olds in the U.S. are almost three times as likely to say they've been hurt by organized religion as trust organized religion. So, our 13- to 25-year-olds are distrustful, a little cynical about institutional religion.   And so, we have our work cut out for us to build trust back. And let me just say, sadly, we have earned young people's lack of trust by the way that by our moral failures, by the way that we have not been as loving as Jesus wants us to be and as young people want us to be. And so, the good news is the way that we re-earn trust with young people is by little acts of kindness and consistency.   So, anybody listening can rebuild trust with a young person. The research on trust shows it's not about heroic acts. It's about sending a text and saying, hey, I'm praying for you.   It's about remembering a young person's name at church. It's about showing up at a young person's soccer game. So, in the midst of this generation and being both revival and retreat, there are practical steps that any adult can take.   Laura Dugger: (14:17 - 14:36) Wow, that's so good. You've got ideas now coming to me for how to pour into even the youth group. This is probably a very random idea, but how great would it be to have a Google calendar of all of their events and then whoever in the church is available to go support? That would just be a practical way.   Dr. Kara Powell: (14:36 - 15:45) Okay, so, Laura, you have just named actually one of my favorite ideas that a church that is here in Los Angeles is doing. They created a Google calendar and volunteers as well as parents can add information. But then what this church did, they started with a Google calendar and then it's a church of about 300 people.   And so, they have now started every Sunday morning. They have a slide with what's happening in young people's lives for the next week. So-and-so is in a play.   So-and-so has a basketball game. So-and-so has a Boy Scout activity. And so, adults in the church, often senior adults who have some extra time, are showing up at kids' events.   Plus, every week they're prioritizing young people. So, when you're a young person in that church and every week there's a slide about you and your friends and what's happening, that says something to the young people sitting there. So, yeah, you're-I actually love that idea.   And especially for smaller churches, I think that's one of the big advantages of smaller churches is we can be more intimate and caring. So, yes, let's please do that.   Laura Dugger: (15:46 - 16:00) Oh, that's so good. I love hearing how that played out. And now I'm also curious because you mentioned it's Gen Alpha behind.   Do you have any insight onto them as well?   Dr. Kara Powell: (16:00 - 16:27) Well, you're going to have to have me back because we are just-we received a grant from the Lilly Endowment, who's funded much of our research to study Gen Alpha. And they're just getting old enough that we really can, quite honestly. And so, like literally this week we are working on survey questions for Gen Alpha.   And we'll have more in the next year about what's similar between Gen Z and Gen Alpha, as well as what's different. So, I'd rather wait and save that for later.   Laura Dugger: (16:28 - 16:34) That sounds great. I'm especially interested in that generation. That is all four of our daughters would fall within that. So, I can't wait to hear your findings.   Dr. Kara Powell: (16:34 - 16:36) Yeah.   Laura Dugger: (16:38 - 17:15) And I think it's also bringing up, I'm going to link to a previous episode, Generational Differences with Hayden Shaw, because I don't know if you feel this same way. I think millennials especially got pegged as the generational bias put on them was actually confused with their life stage. And Hayden's the one who wrote about that and drew that to our attention.   So, that's helpful to sift out as we're thinking of young people too, because sometimes older generations can look down on younger generations and see some of the shortcomings. Do you see that as well?   Dr. Kara Powell: (17:16 - 18:55) Oh, for sure. For sure. I think we compare young people to who we are now instead of remembering our 13 and 19 and 25 year old self.   And so, I mean, that's one of our biggest pieces of advice when it comes to young people is instead of judging them, how do we journey with them? How do we really empathize with what they're experiencing? And when we are tempted to judge young people, let's just start at, well, let's just stop and ask ourselves, would we want to be a young person today?   It's so very challenging to be a young person today. I mean, mental health alone, like if I think about my tendency to, as a teenager myself, to compare myself with others, to be worried that I was left out. I mean, if there was a cell phone that showed me everything my friends were doing without me, and I'm stuck at home, like no wonder that young people feel more anxious.   I think I would really be struggling with anxiety if I was a teenager now. I mean, honestly, even at my age, I don't check social media on Friday night or Saturday night, because I might be, Dave and I might be having leftovers and either working or watching a movie on Netflix. And I go on social media and my friends are out with their husbands and having this phenomenal time.   And at my age, that makes me feel insecure, let alone imagine being a 13 or 18- or 22-year-old and navigating that. So, so yes, I think how can we empathize instead of finger point?   Laura Dugger: (18:56 - 19:12) Oh, and you write about how to navigate intergenerational tensions. How can we practically turn our differences into superpowers and unite together? And I guess, especially in the church?   Dr. Kara Powell: (19:12 - 22:39) Yeah, yeah, great question. So, one of our books is called Three Big Questions That Change Every Teenager. And we studied young people to try to understand the deep questions driving them.   And we landed on three. Identity, who am I? Belonging, where do I fit? And purpose, what difference can I make?   Identity, belonging and purpose. And those are that's such a helpful framework to understand young people and to empathize with them.   First off, I would say all of us are wrestling with identity, belonging and purpose. And when I feel emotional heat about an issue, if I feel insecure about something, it's usually because it's pricking at my identity, belonging or purpose. And so, that helps us realize that we navigate those questions, too.   But then also for the we who are parents, stepparents, grandparents, mentors of young people, you know, if a young person we care about is doing something that feels a little odd, a little askew, a little bit, that's not like them. If we can take a step back and ask, OK, what are they wrestling with? Is it identity?   Is it belonging? Is it purpose? That helps us empathize and know how to either ask a better question or, you know, give a little bit of hope rooted in whether that's rooted in scripture or in our own experience.   And so, yes, with our with our three kids, when I take a step back and ask, OK, they're saying something that feels odd or unlike them or I'm surprised this is provoking this response in them. Is it is it their identity, belonging or purpose that's at play here? It's like the penny drops and I come to understand.   So, I would say, you know, if we can wear those identity, belonging and purpose lenses, that really helps us understand young people. The other thing and, you know, I'm a professor, so I would give myself about a C plus in what I'm going to share next. OK, so if this is something I'm working on, it's this it's never make a statement if you can ask a question instead, never make a statement if you can ask a question instead.   And so, the more that we can ask questions about what young people are experiencing, like why, why, you know, in a very nonjudgmental way, like I'm just curious. And I start a lot of my questions with that. I'm curious.   I'm curious, like what does tick tock mean to you? Then, you know, that that can open up a real conversation instead of them feeling like we're somehow judging them for their technological use. I was proud of myself yesterday.   Like I said, I give myself about a C plus on this. But yesterday I was talking to my daughter about something. And I asked her, like, well, because she had stepped up to lead something.   And so instead of offering my advice, I said to her, well, you know, what do you think you did well as you were leading? And is there anything that you would want to do differently? And we were in the line of a fast-food place.   And I thought, yes, way to go. I ask questions instead of making statements, instead of offering my opinion. So, and sometimes we have to offer our opinion, for sure.   But just as a general rule, we can ask questions, especially the older our kids get. They respond to that better than us always sharing what we think.   Laura Dugger: (22:39 - 22:47) Well, and I also think you're even modeling this in the way you share stories is humility. So, when you partner that together, that seems very powerful.   Dr. Kara Powell: (22:48 - 23:53) Yeah, yeah, absolutely. My one of my kids said something so interesting. At Mother's Day, my husband asked each of them to share something that they appreciated about me and which was wonderful to receive that affirmation.   And one of them and I I'm not going to reveal the gender here because I haven't asked this child permission to share this. But what my child said was that I was asking them for advice in a way that made it feel more like we were becoming friends. And I had asked this child for advice in the last couple of months about a couple situations.   And so, again, my kids are 19, 22 and 24. So, you know, it's different with younger kids. But for those of us with older kids, it was significant to this child of mine that I was asking them for advice.   And so, I want to keep doing that. I want to keep doing that. So, because I truly do want their perspective.   Yeah, I truly do want their perspective. And it means something to them when I do.   Laura Dugger: (23:54 - 25:28) Yes, absolutely. And I'm thinking back, this may have been like episode three back in 2018. But I talk with Annie Chapman.   She had written the book, The Mother-in-Law Dance. And what you're saying, she pointed out that what makes us a great parent and especially a great mother, the first half of our children's life or the first portion of our children's life at home, it's the opposite of the latter years. And so, you're right.   You're not probably going to ask your five-year-old for advice. But at your kids' phases, that is significant. Did you know you could receive a free email with monthly encouragement, practical tips and plenty of questions to ask to take your conversation a level deeper, whether that's in parenting or on date nights?   Make sure you access all of this at TheSavvySauce.com by clicking the button that says Join Our Email List so that you can follow the prompts and begin receiving these emails at the beginning of each month. Enjoy.    This discussion with young people is also tied into your recent and optimistic book.   So, I'll hold it up here. It's in and you did co-author this with Jake Mulder and Raymond Chang. So, it's entitled Future-Focused Church, and you begin with writing that the brightest days of the church are still ahead.   So, what led you to this optimistic realization?   Dr. Kara Powell: (25:28 - 26:23) Yeah. Yeah. Well, first, God, you know, this is where being a practical theologian comes into play.   Like I'm always trying to understand what is God up to in this situation and just the way that God is constantly working, redeeming, recreating. So, you know, that's the heart of my optimism and Jake and Ray's optimism as fellow co-authors. And then also Future-Focused Church is based on research we did with over a thousand churches where we journeyed with them in the change process and just the way that they were able to make changes that made them more loving, made them more hospitable to young people.   So, it's, you know, it's people like your listeners and churches like those that your audience is part of. That's what made us optimistic is to see how God is working through actual churches.   Laura Dugger: (26:25 - 26:40) I love that. And even near the beginning, it was on page 26, you succinctly gave a definition of a future-focused church. So, will you share that definition and also elaborate on each one of the facets?   Dr. Kara Powell: (26:40 - 29:17) Yeah, yeah. So, it starts with a group of Jesus followers. And, you know, if you look at the original Greek for church, ekklesia, it's not a building.   We use that phrase incorrectly when we say, you know, I'll meet you at church and we mean a building. It's actually those who are called out or from. So, it's always people in the New Testament.   And so, we believe a church is a group of Jesus followers who seek God's direction together. And that's really important to us is this isn't about what Kara, Jake and Ray think you should do or what the church down the street is doing or even what your denomination is doing. It's you seeking God's direction together.   So, and we could have stopped there, honestly, a group of Jesus followers who seek God's direction together. But then because of the time we've spent with over a thousand churches, because of our commitment to young people, because of what we see happening these days, we added three what we call checkpoints, three things that we think should be priorities for churches these days. One is relationally discipling young people.   And, you know, we were intentionally using the words relationally discipling. It's not just entertaining. It's not just standing near young people at worship service.   But how are we actually investing in young people? And then secondly, modeling kingdom diversity. Again, if you look at our country ethnically and racially, we are a diverse country.   And so, how can we model that? How can our churches reflect what our neighborhoods are? And then thirdly, tangibly loving our neighbors.   Jesus said that, you know, they will know that we are Christians by our love for another, for each other, as well as our love for neighbors. And so, how can we make sure that we are really a place that is salt and light? As I mentioned, you know, we are trying to be in Pasadena as churches these days as we're recovering from the fires.   So, we encourage churches to look at those three checkpoints in particular. But then again, we want churches to figure out what God is inviting them towards. So, maybe that's more prayer.   Maybe that's being more involved globally in evangelism, you know, whatever it might be. Seek that direction together. But then what we try to do is give a map to get there, because a lot of churches know what they want to change, but don't know how to bring about change.   And so, that's actually what the bulk of our book is about, is helping leaders know how to move their church from here to God's direction for them.   Laura Dugger: (29:18 - 30:27) And that's incredible that you walked with so many churches through that process. But I was especially encouraged by you being partial to sharing stories. And so, we recently did an entire stories series on The Savvy Sauce, and it was so compelling and faith building.   I can link to a sample of those in the show notes. But you write about stories shaping culture. And I just I want to share your quote and then ask you how we can actually implement this.   So, your quote is from page 57, where you write, “Organizational culture is best communicated and illustrated by stories. As well modeled by Jesus, one of the best ways to shift the culture of a church is through the disciplined and consistent telling of clear and compelling stories that invite a different culture and way of being.” So, Kara, how have you seen this done well?   Dr. Kara Powell: (30:27 - 33:10) Yeah, yeah. Well, I think about whatever system we're in, whether it's our families or whether it's our churches or whatever organization we're in. Yeah, our stories become really the key messages of what our culture is.   And so, I want to go back to that church that we were talking about that had a Google calendar and now does a Sunday announcement every week of kids' events. Well, that church is also capturing stories of the 81-year-old who showed up at the 16-year-old soccer game, who didn't even know her all that well, but just had a free Thursday afternoon and knew that she was playing. And the pastor who was also on the sidelines at that soccer game, who ended up talking to both the parents of the 16-year-old and the 81-year-old.   And so, that became a story for that church of how different generations are supporting young people. And so, that pastor has told that story multiple, multiple times. You know, I just think about in our family, our kids love hearing our stories.   And that's part of how they I mean, it's a big, a big theme and how they come to know what it means to be a Powell. So, you know, earlier I said, you know, I said, never make a statement if you can ask a question instead. I think the exception to that, Laura, is if we're going to tell a story because stories communicate so much.   One of our one of our children is struggling with being anxious about something. And I was anxious last night. I never lose sleep.   I so rarely lose sleep. But I did last night. I was up for about an hour and a half in the middle of the night, finally ended up having a prayer time.   And that helped me go back to sleep. But I'm looking forward to telling my child, who's also struggling with anxiety, that story of me experiencing some, you know, 3:00 a.m. anxiety and what eventually helped me is kind of reflecting on a mantra I feel like God's given me. And I want to share that with my child, not to nag them, but just to let them know that, you know, in our family, this is how we want to try to respond to anxiety.   And maybe my story can be helpful for you the next time that you're struggling with it, which might be today. So, so, yes, the more that we can share our present and our past experiences, whether it's as individuals, families, organizations, the more that we communicate the cultural values that we want.   Laura Dugger: (33:11 - 33:45) That's so good. And I love how you're relating that to parents as well, because from the very youngest ages, tell me a story. And if it's like if we remember a story of them when they're a child, they just grasp onto that.   And we when we're tired at the end of the night, if we run out of our stories, we love even just reading aloud true stories of other people, too. OK, and I'm partnering then thinking of stories and one of your facets about I love how you said it. I'd love for you to repeat. Is it strategically discipling, relationally discipling?   Dr. Kara Powell: (33:45 - 33:46) Yeah.   Laura Dugger: (33:46 - 35:03) OK, so my brother and sister's church, I'm just going to highlight theirs because I love something that both of them are doing with our nieces and nephews. They just have them, the youth, write down three names of somebody in a different generation above theirs that they would enjoy getting to know, spending time with. And then they get matched with one of those people and they enter a yearlong mentorship relationship.   And I'm just thinking, one, their mentors all happen to be open nesters. And the male and female who have mentored our nieces and nephews, the female took our nieces, would send them a copy of a recipe, say, get these groceries this week. I'm coming to your house on Tuesday and we're going to cook all of this together and have it ready for your family dinner.   Just so practical and that they just build a love for each other. And then a similar thing with our nephews, where whatever that mentor's skill was, he was great at even making, I think, wood fired pizzas and just showing them practical skills, but relationally investing. And you see the youth's growth and maturity from that discipleship.   Dr. Kara Powell: (35:03 - 36:17) So, yeah, that's awesome. And not only the young people, but the adults, too. Like what's been so great, Laura, is, you know, while much of our research has looked at how adults change young people and how churches change young people, every time we study that, we see how young people change adults and churches, too.   So, you know, for that male and female who are mentoring your nieces and nephews, how they come to understand more about themselves, God, life, scripture, as they're spending time with young people, that's just really, really powerful. So, I also want to highlight, I love how your example, how it starts by asking young people, like who are some adults that you would like to spend more time with that you look up to? And, you know, we would do that with our kids when we needed babysitters.   Like who are some adults that you would like to get to know and how wonderful then that we could ask those adults, especially if they were of babysitting age, to come and be with our kids. And that way we were getting the babysitting we needed and our kids were getting the mentoring that they needed. So, so, yes, I think, you know, giving a young person some agency and who they spend time with, that's really beautiful in that example.   Laura Dugger: (36:18 - 36:21) Oh, that's and that's genius for a family life.   Dr. Kara Powell: (36:21 - 36:22) Yeah, exactly, exactly.   Laura Dugger: (36:23 - 36:39) Well, you also share some other helpful tips for churches, such as considering questions like, would anyone miss our church if it closed down? So, do you have any other practical tips that you want to make sure we don't miss?   Dr. Kara Powell: (36:39 - 40:19) Yeah, yeah. I think, yeah, I'll offer a few questions that we have found really helpful. And I'll start with questions when your kids are in elementary and then I'll give a couple of questions when your kids are older.   So, so one of the questions that we love asking at dinner when our kids were in elementary was, how did you see God at work today? And I will say that when I first raised that question, one of my daughters said, “Well, mommy, I can't answer that question. And I said, why not?”   She said, “Well, I don't have a job. How did you see God at work today? So, then we had to say, well, how did you see God working today?”   And I, you know, and equally important as our kids asking that question is that we were, excuse me, as our kids answering that question is that we were answering that question. And so, so, you know, any way that you can involve meaningful sharing, whether it's a dinner, whether it's a bedtime and that you are sharing, too. So, so that that's been a great one for our family.   And then when your kids get older, a couple come to mind. One is two pairs of questions actually come to mind. One is, you know, the phrase never make a statement.   Maybe you can ask the question said sometimes we do need to offer our advice as parents, our perspective. And I have found when I do that with my kids is now that they're late young adults, if I ask them first, well, what do you disagree with and what I said and give them an opportunity to critique what I said, then and then I ask a second question. OK, well, what might you agree with and what I said?   They're far more open to sharing what they agree with if they first have had a chance to critique me. So, I offer that as in those moments when you do need to offer your opinion or perspective, how can we still make it a dialogue? One way is to invite your kid to critique you.   And they'll probably point out things that you do need to reconsider, or at least it's good to hear those from your young person. Another pair of questions that that I have found so helpful with our kids is as they get older and really come to own their own faith. I love asking our kids, what do you now believe that you think I don't believe?   And what do you no longer believe that you think I still believe? So, what do you now believe that you think I don't believe? And what do you no longer believe that you think I still believe?   What I love about that is that it's making overt that our faith is going to continue to change and grow. And that's true for all of us. And it also makes differences discussable, because I'd far rather know how my kids' faith is changing and how it's different or similar than mine than not know.   And, you know, as we've asked our kids those questions over the years, sometimes their answer is like, not much has changed. Like, you know, but other times they do have different opinions that they want to share with me. And then I try to have that non-defensive, oh, OK, well, I'm curious.   Then again, starting phrase with I'm curious and then asking a question has given us some of the best conversations. So, you can get really tangible. How did you see God at work today?   But then as your kids get older, ask questions that that are more open-ended and can help you really understand where your kids are at.   Laura Dugger: (40:20 - 41:15) I love that.    And I'm just thinking if people are listening like I listen to podcasts, it's when I'm on the go, when I'm doing a walk in the morning or if I'm cleaning around the house. And if you don't get a chance to take notes, we do have transcripts available now for all these episodes, but I would think so many people have written in about dialogue and questions for teenagers and how to handle.   And I love the way you responded to all of that. So, even grab the transcript and write down those questions and try them at dinner or bedtime tonight. But then even thinking of churches for practical tips, what do you have as far as hospitality and the impact that it could make if we're building relationships through hospitality?   But you also call out three ways to build relationships through sharing meals, sharing stories and sharing experiences.   Dr. Kara Powell: (41:15 - 43:08) Yeah, absolutely. You know, I think you've named it, Laura. How do we have a hospitable, open heart and open churches?   And I just want to go back to this question. Like, is our church a place that our kids and our grandkids would want to be part of? And if we keep asking that question, I think it helps us prioritize the next generation and make space for them at our meals, within our stories and within our experiences.   Now, I will say this, you know, I talk so much about intergenerational relationships and bringing the generations together. Like, I do think there's a time and a place for 16-year-olds to be on their own and 46-year-olds to be on their own and 76-year-olds to be on their own. It's just finding that balance of when do we bring all the generations together?   And then when do we want to have those special life development, life stage development conversations ourselves? And most churches are swinging far more toward we keep generations separate and need to swing the pendulum back to how can we have shared meals together? How can we serve together in ways that are shared?   And, you know, I'll just say this last thought when it comes to sharing experiences, especially those that are service. You know, a lot of churches have young people who are serving. They're in children's ministry, they're in sound, they're in tech, etc.   And that's awesome. And I think the question becomes, like, how can that young person be more than just a warm body who passes out graham crackers? And how can I think, OK, I'm teaching third graders and I'm also trying to mentor this 15-year-old who's working with me with the third graders and same with sound.   So, you know, anytime you're interacting with young people, it's an opportunity to influence, especially as you're sharing more about yourself.   Laura Dugger: (43:10 - 43:15) Love that. And you seem like an idea person as well. So, I'm going to bounce another idea.   Dr. Kara Powell: (43:16 - 43:16) Yeah.   Laura Dugger: (43:16 - 43:45) What I'm gathering is obviously we're keeping Jesus at the center and you're not downplaying the need for scripture or Bible study. And those kind of things but also adding there is value in I'm thinking shared experience. Specifically, I'm thinking of pickleball.   It's something that appeals to a wide age range. What if your church had invested in a pickleball sport to do something that could bring people together? So, what are your thoughts on that?     Dr. Kara Powell: (43:45 - 45:22) Yeah. Yeah. Pickleball, you know, senior adults who need tech help from teenagers.   That's another great way to connect people. I mean, any kind of shared interest 1 Thessalonians 2:8 is such an important scripture passage for me when it comes to discipleship. And Paul writes that we were delighted to share with you not just the gospel, but our very lives.   And so, how can we share life, whether it's pickleball, whether it's pizza? I'm running out of alliteration here. I was trying to do something else that started with P.   And for leaders who are listening, how can you take what you're already doing and make it more intergenerational? So, that's the other thing we like to tell churches is whether it's pickleball or whether it's well, we're already serving at the local homeless center to help people who are unhoused. Well, instead of that only being a youth event, maybe make that an all church event and see if adults come who can be mentoring young people.   So, you know, I love what one church did. Many churches have done this, actually, when they're looking for small group for homes where small groups can be for young people instead of going to like the parents of the teenagers. What if we go to our senior adults or our open or slash empty nesters and see if they'll open their homes?   Because then it's bringing more adults into contact with young people. And those adults who open their homes can also open their lives. So, yeah, just continuing to ask, how can we make this more of a connection across generations?   Goodness.   Laura Dugger: (45:22 - 45:39) And you have so many ideas and some of these are mentioned in this book, but you've also written many more helpful resources. So, will you give us an overview of the other books that you've authored and share a bit of what we might find if we read? Dr. Kara Powell: (45:39 - 46:42) Yeah. So, our most recent book, as you've mentioned, is Future Focus Church, and that's especially geared to help leaders know how to move a ministry from where they are now to where God wants it to be. It's been so great to journey with leaders through that.   Probably our best book that offers a ton of questions you can ask young people is Three Big Questions That Change Every Teenager, where we get into identity, belonging and purpose, which I mentioned. And we have over 300 questions that an adult, whether it's a family member or a mentor or a neighbor or congregant can use with young people. And then the last one I'll offer is The Sticky Faith Guide for Your Family comes out of our previous Sticky Faith research.   How do you help young people have faith that lasts? We have a special chapter in that book for grandparents. So, for any grandparents who are listening, that whole book and that chapter is a great resource.   But also we have had a lot of parents, stepparents say that The Sticky Faith Guide for Your Family has been one of their favorite books.   Laura Dugger: (46:43 - 47:02) That's incredible. I'll have to link to those in the show notes for today's episode. But I'm sure you're aware we are called The Savvy Sauce because Savvy is anonymous with practical knowledge.   And so, as my final question for you today, what is your Savvy Sauce?   Dr. Kara Powell: (47:03 - 48:16) That's a really good question, Laura. OK, I'll say I'll share the first thing that came to mind when you asked it. Gosh, probably 10 or 12 years ago, I read a book and from the book I adapted a phrase for my work life and my personal life, which is if it's not a definite yes, it's a no.   As a busy mom, as a busy employee, as a busy leader, I see potential in so many things. And so, I want to say yes to so many things. And then I end up tired.   I end up empty. I end up not being able to say yes to something maybe better that comes a month later because I've already committed to, you know, plan my seventh graders camping trip or give a talk or, you know, whatever it might be. And so, that phrase, we made it a six-month experiment in the Foley Youth Institute as well as in our family.   Like it's not a definite yes, it's a no. And it really helped us say no to things, trim and I think find a much more manageable pace. So, as we pray, as we pray, it's not a definite yes, it's a no.   That's been game changing for me.   Laura Dugger: (48:17 - 48:57) Well, I love how much you've modeled applying these things at your work or in our church, but also in our family life. It's all transferable. And Kara, this has just been a super special conversation because you've been on my list to have a conversation with for over a decade, probably since I got my hands on Sticky Faith.   And I just appreciate we've been talking as we were praying before we were recording. You desire so much, not only for young people, but for all people to experience this abundant life in Christ. And I'm so grateful for you and just want to say thank you for being my guest.   Dr. Kara Powell: (48:57 - 49:03) Oh, my pleasure, Laura. And thanks to you and how you serve your audience as well as our world. It's been an honor.   Laura Dugger: (49:04 - 52:19) One more thing before you go, have you heard the term gospel before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you, but it starts with the bad news.    Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there's absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.    We need a savior, but God loved us so much. He made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him.    That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life. We could never live and died in our place for our sin.    This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished. If we choose to receive what he has done for us, Romans 10:9 says, “that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    So, you pray with me now. Heavenly father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you.    Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life? We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus name we pray.   Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me. So, me for him, you get the opportunity to live your life for him.    And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you're ready to get started.    First, tell someone, say it out loud, get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes and Noble and let me choose my own Bible. I selected the Quest NIV Bible and I love it.    You can start by reading the book of John. Also get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you.    We want to celebrate with you too. So, feel free to leave a comment for us here. If you did make a decision to follow Christ, we also have show notes included where you can read scripture that describes this process.    And finally, be encouraged. Luke 15:10 says, “in the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The heavens are praising with you for your decision today.    And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.

Be sure to visit cultureproof.net Please consider supporting the Culture Proof Podcast. We aim to bring engaging content that will challenge and equip Christians to live according to the Straight Edge of Scripture. All gifts are tax deductible. Our Address is: S.E. Ministries PO Box 1269 Saltillo MS, 38866   Episode sponsors: BJUPress Homeschool We Heart Nutrition – Use the code CULTUREPROOF for 20% off Accountable2You – Try free for 10 days Culture Proof Listeners  THANKS!   Culture Proof Podcast Theme song "Believers" courtesy of Path of Revelation    

It's Monday, October 6, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Muslims decapitated or shot 30 Christians in Mozambique, Africa Over 30 Christians were beheaded in a series of recent attacks in northern Mozambique, Africa by Islamic State-affiliated terrorists who also released graphic photographs showing the executions, shootings, and widespread arson, reports The Christian Post. The group targeted multiple villages across Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces, setting fire to churches and homes in a campaign of violence against civilians. According to The Middle East Media Research Institute, the Islamic State Mozambique group released a 20-image photoset this week, documenting its operatives executing civilians by beheading and close-range gunfire, and burning down homes and churches. The Mozambican insurgency, active since 2017, has led to the deaths of at least 6,200 people. In Deuteronomy 32:35, God says, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time, their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near, and their doom rushes upon them.” The United Nations estimates that more than 1 million people in northern Mozambique have been displaced since the conflict began, due to a combination of militant violence, prolonged drought and extreme weather events. Open Doors ranks Mozambique, Africa as the 37th most dangerous country worldwide for Christians. Nigerian Muslims killed kidnapped pastor after receiving ransom Armed Muslim groups in Kwara State, Nigeria killed a local pastor after abducting him and receiving ransom payments from his community, reports International Christian Concern. Rev. James Issa, a pastor with the Evangelical Church Winning All, was taken from Ekati village on August 28.  His abductors initially demanded $67,000. Weeks of negotiations followed, with family members, church leaders, and villagers contributing funds to secure his release.  The community raised $3,300, a sum far beyond the means of the rural community. The money was delivered to the kidnappers, but instead of releasing the pastor, the armed group demanded an additional $30,000. Before any further talks could take place, they killed Rev. Issa.  Netanyahu demands release of all 48 hostages in order to end war On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that no part of U.S. President Donald Trump's peace plan will be enacted until all 48 hostages, alive and dead, are returned to Israeli territory, reports The Jerusalem Post. Additionally, Netanyahu stated that if the hostages are not released by Trump's deadline, "Israel will resume fighting with full backing from all involved countries." However, speaking to Israeli journalist Barak Ravid, President Trump told Netanyahu, “Bibi, this is your chance for victory.”  Currently, there is no set deadline for the hostage release, although negotiations to finalize the plan are set to begin in Cairo, Egypt today. An anonymous source told the Jerusalem Post that (a) Hamas, the Muslim terrorist group, is committed to reaching an agreement to end the war in the Gaza Strip and (b) the release of the hostages will be carried out gradually over several days through the International Red Cross. Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared on NBC's “Meet the Press” with Kristen Welker. WELKER: “I want to start with these peace negotiations in the Middle East. Is this now the end of the war in Gaza?” RUBIO: “Well, not yet. There's some work remains to be done, and I would view it in two phases, in terms of understanding how to break this out. “The first piece of it, which is very clear from the letter in Hamas' response, is they have agreed to the President's hostage release framework. And what needs to happen now, and they acknowledge in the letter in their response, is there now needs to be meetings which are occurring, even as I speak to you now, and hopefully will be finalized very quickly on the logistics of that. “What that means is, who goes in to get them? Is it the Red Cross? You know, when do they show up? What place are they going to be? And the conditions have to be created for that to happen. You can't have bombs going off and fighting going on in the middle of this exchange. So, that's piece one. And we want to see that happen as soon as possible, all 48 hostages, both living and deceased. “The second part of it, it's even harder, and that is the long term piece. What happens after Israel pulls back to the yellow line, and potentially beyond that, as this thing develops? How do you create this Palestinian technocratic leadership that's not Hamas, that's not terrorists, and with the help of the international community? “How do you disarm any sort of terrorist groups that are going to be building tunnels and conducting attacks against Israel? How do you get them to demobilize? All that work -- that's going to be hard. But that's critical, because without that, you're not going to have lasting peace. You may get the hostages back, you may get a cessation of hostilities, but in the long term, it's going to happen all over again.” Hero Ukrainian soldier kills 27 Russian troops A heroic Ukrainian warrior killed 27 Russian soldiers singlehandedly while defending two bridges surrounded by enemy forces, reports The U.S. Sun. Rus spent over seven weeks crouched in a putrid-smelling basement protecting the crossings -- armed with nothing more than a firearm and pure grit. The valiant soldier has been recommended for the Hero of Ukraine medal, the country's highest military honor, for his brave work. He personally killed 27 Kremlin forces - steadfast in his defense of the crossings in Dopropilia, in Ukraine's Donetsk region. Speaking to The Times, he recalled the grim reality of spending almost two months taking cover in a gloomy basement as Russian drones buzzed overhead.  He could only use the toilet "at dusk or at dawn" over fears of being struck and for seven weeks only washed with baby wipes. First-ever woman becomes Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally has been chosen as the new Anglican archbishop of Canterbury, marking the first time a woman has been named to the highest ecclesiastical position in the Anglican Church, reports LifeSiteNews.com. In 1 Timothy 2:12, the Apostle Paul wrote, "I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.” The seat of the archbishop of Canterbury had been vacant since January 7, 2025, when Archbishop Justin Welby resigned due to allegations of mishandling an abuse case involving John Smyth who beat Winchester Boarding School students until they bled, leaving permanent scars. MarketWatch: 22 states already in recession And finally, according to Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics, the U.S. economy is very close to falling into a damaging contraction. Many states are already experiencing a recession. Zandi estimates that 22 states, plus the District of Columbia, are now experiencing persistent economic weakness and job losses that are likely to continue. Another 13 states are treading water. The overall picture is one of a weak U.S. economy that is vulnerable to being pushed into a ditch by a strong wind. The economist added, “The economy is still not in recession, but the risks are very high. We're on the precipice.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, October 6th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:3-4 — According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones in this sermon on Romans 8:3–4, the Christian life is about trusting in God. Salvation comes not through works, but as a free gift in Christ Jesus. All attempts to seek God on one's own are doomed to fail for it is God that reveals Himself and gives the gospel. What is the gospel? It is the message that Christ has died for sinners in order that they would not have to suffer for their own sin. For under the law, there is condemnation but Jesus died in order to fulfil the law. Christians are to live now in the power of Christ and seek holiness and righteousness. Yet, the Bible never says that humanity will be completely free from sin in this life. Nevertheless, Christians are still free from the power of the flesh and sin. By trusting in Jesus, they are made right with God and though they sin, their hope remains in Christ and not themselves. Dr. Lloyd-Jones preaches the most important message because it concerns the eternal destiny of everyone: “do you believe in Jesus?” To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29

Gender identity, the origin of the universe, the sanctity of life, the cry for justice—the debate seems endless. If there ever was a time for Christians to understand and communicate God's truth about controversial and polarizing issues, it is now. Believers must develop convictions based on research, reason, and biblical truth. In this series, Avoiding Confusion, we will discover what the Bible has to say about the challenges we face and how we can communicate our convictions with love and respect.

For centuries, Christians have wandered through wilderness seasons — walking through valleys of shadow and silence, facing loss, confusion, and what feels like divine absence. You might not be in that place right now, but for those who are, it can feel lonely and disorienting to realize that something which once felt natural or accessible has changed — especially when that “something” feels foundational to your faith. When your old ideas about God, or faith, or the way you've always connected to the divine start to crack or shatter, it can feel like losing your footing entirely. But maybe, that shattering isn't obliteration. Maybe it's more of a breaking open for something truer, more spacious, and more real. In this episode, I share five reflections on what I'm learning in this kind of season: I'm learning to (1) welcome wonder (2) practice presence (3) hold the tension (4) live my questions (5) let uncertainty become my teacher. Thought-provoking quotes: “My idea of God is not a divine idea. It has to be shattered from time to time. I'm still learning that my ideas about God are not divine.” - C.S. Lewis “Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves.” - Rainer Maria Rilke “The unknown can become both a teacher a kind of sanctuary — a place where you're invited to listen differently. You start to notice what's always been true but often hidden beneath the noise: that you are being held, even here.” - Taylor Joy Murray Get Faith & Feeling's weekly resource email Watch this episode on YouTube Grab a copy of my book Stop Saying I'm Fine Connect with me on my website Find me on Instagram @__taylorjoy__

What if the real test of faith isn't what you believe in theory, but how you walk it out with other people—especially the ones who rub you the wrong way? Journeying through Philippians 3, we explore why Paul refuses to let belief stay abstract. He moves us from orthodoxy to orthopraxy, from ideas to daily habits, and he roots the entire shift in one provocative claim: Christians don't live fragmented lives. Our heavenly citizenship informs everything—work, politics, relationships, desires—because Jesus is not a weekend identity; he's the organizing center.Expect some holy discomfort as we challenge fragmented living and gimmick-driven spirituality. Paul's invitation to imitate his life confronts our obsession with polish and ease. He was poor, opposed, often alone—and deeply content. The early church saw glory through a cross-shaped lens, not a pain-free one. That vision steadies us now: we can lean into community when offended, guard doctrine without losing love, and set our minds above without abandoning the world we're called to serve.My hope is that this podcast helps grow your faith and equips you to accomplish your dreams and goals!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookFollow me on TikTok