Podcasts about Woodlands Church

Where Dave, Whitney, and Pastor Jon explore the significance of Advent, particularly the theme of hope, as it relates to our lives and the Woodlands Church community. They discuss how Advent invites us to reflect on Christ's first coming, anticipate His second coming, and recognize His presence in our lives today. Listen in as they share personal experiences and practical ways to create space for reflection, extend hospitality, and engage in missional living during this busy season. How can we live expectantly? What does it look like to show up and show the Love of Christ in your everyday life? Join us as we explore these questions together.

Where Dave, Whitney, and Colton unpack the complexities of forgiveness from Sunday's service at Woodlands Church. Inspired by the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18), they discuss the weight of our sin, the cost of true forgiveness, and how to extend grace even when wounded repeatedly. Join them as they explore the difference between forgiveness, amends, and reconciliation, and how community and prayer can guide us on this journey. Is social media interfering with your daily life? The team shares their experiences with taking breaks from apps and being more present with family. What's your go-to comfort movie? Let us know! Books mentioned:     *   The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Where Dave, Whitney, and Keelea dig into the latest sermon series, "Known and Unashamed," from Woodlands Church. Join them as they explore the highs and lows of relationships and discuss how to cultivate authentic connection by confronting shame and embracing vulnerability. What does it truly mean to be known and loved, both by God and by those around us? The team discusses how our families of origin shape us and how to extend compassion to one another. They also explore practical tools like the "sharing withholdings" exercise for healthier communication and the importance of actively seeking the good in others. Finally, they consider the power of forgiveness and remember that our enemy is not each other, but spiritual forces of darkness.

In this back-to-school season, Pastor Dave Bondeson invites us to reflect on our spiritual health by unpacking Ephesians 4:1–16. He outlines three marks of a healthy church community: unity in Christ, dependence on one another, and a commitment to growth in Christlikeness. Dave also unpacks six core church priorities—gathering, growing, grounded, grace-filled, going, and giving—and challenges us to identify one area to focus on this fall. This sermon is a timely call to intentional discipleship and deeper connection at Woodlands Church.

Lee Strobel is a former investigative journalist and bestselling author known for his compelling exploration of faith through a legal and evidential lens. Once an atheist, he became a Christian after an in-depth investigation into the claims of Christianity, which he documented in, The Case for Christ. Strobel served as a teaching pastor at Willow during the 80s and 90s, and has since written numerous books defending the faith and sharing stories of transformation. Today, he serves as a teaching pastor at Woodlands Church in The Woodlands, Texas and continues to equip believers to share their faith with confidence and clarity.

In this message from Acts 20:17–32, Brian Berg highlights three “necessary things” for spiritual endurance: be faithful to your calling, be watchful over your life and heart, and be biblical—rooted in God's Word. Drawing from Paul's emotional farewell to the Ephesian elders, this sermon challenges listeners to live with purpose and finish strong. Part of the “The Next Right Thing” series at Woodlands Church, this message provides practical guidance for choosing what truly matters in the Christian life.

Pastor Dave Bondeson continues the "Chosen Exiles" sermon series by examining the crucial role of elders in the church, based on 1 Peter 5:1-5. He explains that elders are called to lead the congregation towards purity, always grounded in grace and modeling the life of Jesus. The sermon explores how this leadership functions practically at Woodlands Church, emphasizing the importance of humility, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and unity among the elders. Through prayer, study, and discussion the elders seek to discern God's leading and direction for the church, with the congregation affirming God's direction. The staff then organize and lead ministry, which is carried out by the congregation. This message provides valuable insights into church leadership and its impact on the spiritual growth of the entire church body.

Where Dave, Whitney, and Gabby explore the true meaning of hospitality based on the recent sermon from Woodlands Church, stemming from 1 Peter. They discuss how it goes beyond simply opening your home and extends to a posture of genuine love, unhurried presence, and a willingness to share your life with others. Has the culture of hospitality changed? Listen in as they discuss the difference between "known" and "stranger" hospitality, and the intimacy of sharing meals. Do you extend the same welcoming spirit to everyone? How can we cultivate this type of environment within our church community? They challenge us to consider hospitality as a reflection of Christ's love and witness, rather than just a task on our to-do list. They also discuss the benefit of memorizing scripture. Join them for a thought-provoking conversation that might just leave you feeling convicted and inspired. Books Mentioned: Gospel Comes with a House Key by Rosario Butterfield

Join Pastor Jon Ewton this Easter at Woodlands Church as he dives into the vital importance of authenticity in our faith. Through the stories of the thief on the cross, doubting Thomas, and Mary Magdalene, Pastor Jon demonstrates how Jesus welcomed real, flawed individuals into relationship with Him. This message challenges us to discard the "fake" personas we often present and instead embrace honesty about our struggles: our sin, our doubts, and our pain. True freedom and healing are found not in pretending, but in coming to Jesus exactly as we are. Learn how to cultivate genuine connection with Christ and experience the transformative power of the resurrection in your own life.

Where Dave, Whitney, and Jed dig deep into "The Garden" sermon from Woodlands Church! Join them as they explore the themes of failure, betrayal, and God's enduring faithfulness, connecting the dots from Genesis to the Gospels. They share how the message resonated with them personally and offer practical tips for applying its truths to your own life. This week they ask themselves how they can take the message of “One Day” and apply it to their lives today. Join them as they consider, "What junk do I have right now in between me and Jesus?" and how we can embrace God's grace as we prepare for Easter. Join us as we consider how we must remember that we are the monster, but we are forgiven.

Where Dave, Whitney, and Elizabeth delve into the powerful message of "The Table," exploring themes of betrayal, love, and unity presented in last Sunday's sermon at Woodlands Church. They examine the significance of the Last Supper, the act of foot washing, and the communal experience of communion. They discuss preparing their hearts for worship and reinforcing the tangible reminders that can go unnoticed. Join them as they share their personal reflections and challenge us to consider how we approach the table together as a church family.

In this special sermon on Compassion Sunday, Pastor Jon Ewton highlights Woodlands Church's mission to release children from poverty through Compassion International. Drawing from personal experiences, he emphasizes that sponsorship is a meaningful expression of our Christian identity. Guest speakers Don and Elizabeth Smith share their transformative experiences as sponsors, and Owen Gathinga, a Compassion alumnus from Kenya, shares his incredible journey from poverty to becoming an accountant, thanks to sponsorship's support and the love of Christ. This week, we aim to sponsor 250 children—each sponsorship is a step toward changing lives.

Welcome to Woodlands Church!  In this message from our Chosen Exiles series, Pastor Jon Ewton dives into 1 Peter 2:11-25, exploring how we, as Christians, should navigate unjust suffering.  We discover that our identity in Christ informs our actions, teaching us to avoid sin, speak truthfully, refuse retaliation, and trust in God's justice.  Using Christ's example on the cross, Pastor Jon encourages us to find strength and purpose in our trials, mirroring his unwavering faith even in the face of adversity. Join us as we learn to respond to hardship with grace and unwavering faith in our Shepherd.

Welcome to Woodlands Church!  Join us as Pastor Jon Ewton continues our "Chosen Exiles" series with a powerful message on living out our identity in Christ. Based on 1 Peter 2:9-17, this sermon explores the crucial link between our understanding of who we are in Christ (a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation – 1 Peter 2:9) and how we live our daily lives.  Pastor Jon challenges us to examine our conduct and ensure it reflects the grace and love of God, even amidst societal pressures to conform. We'll explore the challenging concept of submission to governing authorities while maintaining unwavering obedience to God's law.  This message is a call to live authentically as chosen exiles in a world that isn't our home.  We hope you're encouraged and challenged to live out your faith in meaningful ways.

Where Dave, Whitney, and Jed reflect on a this week's sermon from Woodlands Church!  Join us as we unpack the message of being "Chosen Exiles," exploring how our identity in Christ shapes our lives and relationships.  We discuss the transformative power of seeing Scripture as a love letter from God, not just a textbook, and the importance of fostering genuine community amidst life's challenges.  Jed shares his incredible experience of a high-energy Sunday service filled with powerful testimonies.  We delve into the four C's – Community, Chosen, Cleansed, and Called – and how they intertwine with our spiritual journey.  They explore the "stumbling stones" we face and how to navigate them with grace and honesty.  

Welcome to Woodlands Church! Join us as Pastor Dave Bondeson continues our "Chosen Exiles" series with a powerful message on 1 Peter 2:4-10.  This week, we delve into verses 9-10, exploring the profound truth of our identity in Christ. Pastor Dave unpacks four key aspects:  our communal identity as God's chosen people; our individual selection by God; the cleansing power of Jesus' sacrifice, and our specific call to proclaim God's glory.  He contrasts this with the conditional covenant of the Old Testament, emphasizing that our identity is a gift, secured by Jesus' work, not our own efforts. Discover the liberating truth of who you are in Christ and how this transforms our lives.  Listen and be challenged to live out your God-given purpose.

From 23/2/25 This week, we welcomed guest speaker Rob Scott-Cook, founding pastor at Woodlands Church, who shared with us about what God had put on his heart recently! There was great encouragement and challenge for us in what he shared

Join us at Woodlands Church as we continue in our Chosen Exiles series. Today's sermon is preached by Pastor Jon Ewton and  We explore 1 Peter 2:1-3, using the powerful imagery of clothing and newborn infants to illustrate spiritual growth.  Pastor Jon encourages us to identify and shed negative behaviors that hinder our ability to love one another—malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.  He then guides us toward embracing kindness, truthfulness, authenticity, gratitude, and encouragement.  Finally, he emphasizes the vital importance of craving God's Word—pure spiritual milk—as the nourishment we need to mature in our faith and grow into salvation.  Join us as we reflect on how to cultivate a more mature and loving relationship with God and one another.

Where Dave, Whitney, and Colton delve into the message of 1 Peter from Woodlands Church's recent sermon.  They explore the sermon's core ideas:  preparing your mind for action through intentional habits;  understanding the biblical concept of "fearing God," balancing awe with intimacy; and applying these principles to daily life. They share personal stories and relatable examples that make these powerful concepts easy to grasp and apply. Listen now for inspiration and encouragement in your spiritual journey!

Where Dave, Whitney, and Doug delve into the powerful message from last Sunday's sermon at Woodlands Church. They explore 2 Peter 3:9, unpacking the meaning of loving and believing in an unseen God. They discuss the present-tense nature of our relationship with Jesus and the significance of daily trust in Him.  They also highlight the crucial role of community in our faith journey. Listen now for inspiration and encouragement as they share personal reflections and insights!     Books mentioned:  A Praying Life and A Loving Life by Paul Miller

This week in the Chosen Exiles series at Woodlands Church, Pastor Jon Ewton challenges us to deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ. Moving beyond religious routines, Pastor Jon encourages us to focus on a daily, active connection with our Savior.  Using the example of a growing marriage, he illustrates how consistent love and trust nurture a profound bond with God.  He unpacks 1 Peter 1:8-12, emphasizing the present tense verbs that describe a living, ongoing relationship with Jesus.  The sermon highlights that the ultimate reward is not material blessings but the inexpressible joy of intimately knowing Christ.  Pastor Jon also connects this personal relationship with the prophetic foreshadowing of Jesus' suffering and glory in the Old Testament, reinforcing the truth and fulfillment of God's word.

Welcome to Woodlands Church! Join us as Pastor Jon Ewton continues our Chosen Exiles series with a powerful message based on 1 Peter 1:3-8.  We explore the transformative experience of being born again, discovering what it means to be a new creation in Christ.  Pastor Jon highlights the profound and enduring nature of our inheritance in Jesus, contrasting it with the temporary things of this world.  He reminds us that trials, while challenging, refine our faith and draw us closer to God.  We learn that our salvation is secure, a reason for profound and lasting joy.  This message offers hope and encouragement for all, especially those facing difficult times.  Let's chew on the richness of God's word together!

Christmas Eve at the Woodlands Church December 21st & 24th, 2024  - Pastor Kerry Shook Scriptures:Luke 2:8, Isaiah 53:6, Luke 15:20-24, Luke 2:15-18, John 6:35, Ephesians 2:8-9, Ephesians 1:7, John 8:12, Hebrews 13:14, Ephesians 3:17, Topics: Faith, Love, Hope

Join us for the second sermon in our "Abide" series at Woodlands Church, where Pastor Jon dives deep into the powerful message of John 15. Discover what it truly means to abide in Christ and how this connection empowers us to bear fruit in our lives. As we navigate the distractions of the holiday season, we focus on remaining in Jesus' love and reflecting that love to others. Through engaging illustrations and heartfelt prayers, this message encourages us to stay rooted in the vine, especially during uncertain times. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your faith and learn how to glorify God through love and connection!

Join us at Woodlands Church as we kick off our heartwarming Christmas sermon series, "Adore Him." In this series, we will take a deep dive into the true meaning of Christmas, focusing on the incredible gift of Jesus and the joy of adoring Him. Pastor Jon leads us in a celebration of worship, reminding us to center our hearts on Christ amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.  In this first message, we explore the essence of adoration—what it means to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Through engaging stories, heartfelt worship, and biblical insights, we'll discover how to keep our focus on Jesus, the reason for the season. Let's come together to adore Him, reflect on His goodness, and embrace the joy of His presence this December. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more uplifting messages!

In this final sermon of the "Planting" series at Woodlands Church, Pastor Jon reflects on the importance of investing in the next generation and the power of mentorship in ministry. He shares personal stories of influential figures in his life, emphasizing how recognizing potential in others can lead to growth and transformation within the church community. The message also addresses the significance of financial stewardship and the need for sound doctrine as the church continues to expand. Join us for an inspiring discussion on how we can all play a role in nurturing faith and fostering a vibrant church environment. Don't miss this uplifting conclusion to the series!

Welcome back to Woodlands Church! In this sixth sermon of our "Planting" series, Pastor Dave dives into the heart of the Gospel as we explore Acts 15. He reflects on the early church's journey, the simplicity of salvation through grace, and how unexpected growth can arise from both simplicity and tenacity.  Join us as we unpack the powerful message that even in moments of disagreement and failure, God can work wonders! Plus, hear an inspiring story about the growth of Crossview Church and how faithfulness can lead to incredible transformations. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or seeking encouragement, this message is for you!  Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments below. Let's grow together!

Join us for an enlightening sermon from Pastor Jon Ewton at Woodlands Church as we continue our series "Planting," exploring the pivotal moments in the early church as depicted in the book of Acts. In this episode, we dive deep into Acts 15, a watershed moment that addresses the core question: What is the gospel? Pastor Jon unpacks the challenges faced by the early believers as they grappled with the implications of adding to or subtracting from the pure message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Through engaging illustrations and thought-provoking insights, he emphasizes the importance of recognizing the weeds that can infiltrate our understanding of the gospel. Discover how the simplicity of the good news is often clouded by legalism and the human tendency to complicate what God has made clear. This message is a powerful reminder that our salvation is a gift of grace, not a result of our works, and that true faith transforms our lives. Tune in for a message that will encourage and challenge you to embrace the gospel in its purest form!

Where Dave, Whitney, and Gabby dive deep into the heart of faith, family, and the joy that comes from following God. In this episode of Cabin Conversations, we explore Gabby's journey from intern to staff member at Woodlands Church, her home renovation adventures, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. Join us as we discuss the beauty of partnering with God in our lives, the transformative power of the gospel, and how joy can flourish even in the midst of suffering. We also share insights on how to engage in meaningful conversations about faith and joy with those around us, and the importance of being faithful in our spiritual journeys. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that encourages you to embrace the journey of faith and the joy that comes from it! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments below!

Join us for an inspiring message from Pastor Jon at Woodlands Church as we dive into the book of Acts! In this week's sermon, we explore Paul's bold missionary journey, the significance of sowing seeds of faith, and the powerful responses to the Gospel. Discover how history, the prophets, and eyewitness accounts all point to Jesus, and learn how the condition of our hearts can affect our relationship with Him. Whether you're curious about faith or looking to deepen your understanding, this message is for you! Don't forget to check out our website for more resources and sermon notes. Let's grow together in faith!

Join us for an inspiring new series at Woodlands Church as Pastor Dave dives back into the Book of Acts! Over the next seven weeks, we'll explore the early church's journey of faith and growth, starting with Acts 13. Discover how God plants His church through faithful individuals and the local church community. With special insights from Tim Gremmer's garden, we'll draw parallels between gardening and spiritual growth. Witness the boldness of Paul and Barnabas as they embark on their missionary journey, face challenges, and see lives transformed by the gospel. This message is a powerful reminder of the importance of faithfulness in our own lives and how God uses us to accomplish His purposes. Don't miss the chance to be encouraged and challenged in your faith! 

In this video, Pastor Jon wraps up the "Step In" sermon series at Woodlands Church, focusing on the importance of community in our lives. He discusses how we are designed for relationships, drawing from biblical examples and emphasizing the need for accountable, supportive, and encouraging relationships within the church. Whitney, the group's life director, joins him to discuss barriers to community involvement and the transformative power of authentic relationships. Join us for this insightful message on building a healthy community rooted in faith!

Where Dave, Whitney, and Jon dive into the heart of Woodlands Church's mission, exploring the balance between local and global outreach. In this episode, they reflect on the importance of community engagement, the role of individual believers in sharing the gospel, and the impact of various local ministries. They also discuss the significance of being a Christ-centered community and how good works can lead to goodwill and opportunities to share the good news. Books mentioned: - "Knowing God" by J.I. Packer Join them for a lively conversation filled with insights, humor, and a passion for serving others. Don't forget to send in your questions or feedback to podcast@woodlandschurch.org or text 888-225-7675!

Join us for an inspiring sermon by Pastor Jon at Woodlands Church as he delves into the importance of understanding and embracing our mission as followers of Christ. Building on the series theme, Jon emphasizes the significance of being a Christ-centered community dedicated to helping people faithfully follow Jesus both locally and globally. Through powerful illustrations and biblical references, including Matthew 28:18-20 and Hebrews 12:2, Jon challenges us to actively participate in making disciples and living out our faith in our homes, communities, and around the world. Don't miss this impactful message that encourages us to step into our mission with purpose and passion.

Join us for this week's sermon, where Pastor Dave continues the "Step In" series, inviting listeners to take intentional steps into the life of the church. He explores the importance of growth within the church community, emphasizing that numerical growth without depth can lead to spiritual stagnation. Drawing from Ephesians 4, Pastor Dave discusses how serving, learning, and gathering in community are essential for spiritual maturity. He highlights various opportunities for involvement at Woodlands Church, encouraging everyone to engage deeply in their faith journey. Tune in for insights on how to grow in your relationship with God and connect with others in the church.

In this sermon from Woodlands Church, Pastor Jon introduces a new series titled "Step In," aimed at helping us understand the church's beliefs, values, and practices. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the church as a community built on the foundation of Jesus Christ, rather than a mere building or organization. He outlines several key points about the nature of the church: 1. **Not a Democracy, but a Monarchy**: The church is led by Christ, not by popular opinion or human authority. 2. **Not a Place, but a People**: The church is defined by its members and their relationships, not just the physical space. 3. **Not a Command Strip, but Super Glue**: The church should foster deep, committed relationships rather than superficial connections. 4. **Not a Fort, but a Flashlight**: The church's mission is to reach out to the world, rather than isolating itself from it. 5. **Not a Study Group, but a Team**: The church is called to actively apply biblical teachings in their lives, working together towards a common purpose. 6. **Not a Courthouse, but a Hospital**: The church should be a place of healing and support, rather than judgment. Pastor Jon encourages attendees to engage more deeply with the church community, emphasizing the importance of commitment and connection. The sermon aims to inspire congregants to step into various aspects of church life, fostering growth and community.

Join us for a powerful message from Pastor Dave at Woodlands Church as we dive into Ruth chapter 2. This week, we explore themes of righteousness and faithfulness through the story of Ruth and Boaz. Discover how God's provision often comes through His people and how our actions can reflect His faithfulness. Pastor Dave shares personal anecdotes and insights that challenge us to live righteously and serve others in our community. Don't miss this uplifting sermon that reminds us of the hope found in God's unwavering faithfulness!

We were happy to host a final Citywide Noise Celebration Evening at Woodlands Church with guest speaker, Krish Kandiah, looking back at what has happened over the last 24 years of The Noise and taking a look forward to the new season ahead.Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.

Dr. Jim Garlow spoke to the congregation at Grace Woodlands Church in Houston, TX on February 18, 2024. In his message, he discusses 11 amazing revelations in the nation of Israel that point to the Coming of the Messiah.    Their website: https://gracewoodlands.com/     Follow us on social media:  facebook.com/wellversedworld twitter: @wellversedworld instagram: @wellversedworld www.wellversedworld.org

CHRISTMAS EVE AT WOODLANDS CHURCH December 22-24, 2023 Pastors Kerry and Chris Shook I'LL NEVER BE ALONE IN THE NIGHT I DON'T HAVE TO HIDE MY STRUGGLES I HAVE HEAVEN IN MY FUTURE Scriptures: Matthew 4:16, Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:20, Colossians 2:13-14, Acts 10:34-38, Romans 5:2 Topics: Love, Salvation, Hope

Pastor Kerry Shook of The Woodlands Church in The Woodlands, Texas, is shilling for Big Pharma...unwittingly, of course, but that doesn't mitigate his responsibility.ParentGuru: Better Parenting Starts Here Thousands of stressed parents are finding their way to better parenting with the help of ParentGuru.Parenting With Love and Leadership Weekly Substack newsletter by Parenting Expert John Rosemond.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showThanks for listening! Subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

On June 10th, the Faith at Work Summit at Saddleback Church is hosting Fortune 500, Christian executives from Target, Disney, Cisco Systems, Metronic and Capital Group. Each of these speakers are passionate about the integration of faith and work. They are seeing God move in their companies, specifically through Christian fellowships and Small groups in the workplace that they are leading.Are you interested in workplace small groups or fellowship with business-minded Christians? Do you or any of your small group leaders lead a group at their workplace? Then join participants from across the US for this Faith at Work Summit, on Saturday, June 10th.If you're in Southern California you can join this event in-person. It's also simulcasted via zoom and you can watch it live online. You can register for this event at https://Saddleback.com/FaithAtWorkSteve Gladen, Global Small Groups Pastor at Saddleback Church, pulls from his 20+ years of small group ministry experience to encourage and equip listeners to lead healthier, growing and more effective small group ministries. In this episode, Steve is joined by co-host Derek and special guest Christina Dawson (Life Groups Director at the Woodlands Church in Texas to talk about 7 ways data can help you and your small group ministry. In this episode we discuss: How accurate data is critical How the number one rule with data is use it yourself  How do diligence with data isn't enough Sales commission structure & how it works How setting achievable exceptions is a must How group health & corporate training are essential What to do before you meet your people Christina Dawson Bio:Christina loves to serve people and has been doing so professionally for 19 years. Aftergraduating from high school she took on numerous sales roles in both restaurant andretail settings. It was here that she learned the necessities of user experience andcustomer engagement.In 2012, while working in a furniture store, one of her customers, who happened to bethe CEO of a Canadian manufacturing company, was so impressed with her service, hehired her as as his Executive Assistant. While taking on numerous roles within thecompany, Christina discovered a strong passion for workforce development.In the spring of 2014, she was selected to manage and develop a two-year pilotworkforce program by the Bowling Green Kentucky Area Chamber of Commerce.After completing her contract, she continued her mission for economic development bystarting her own workforce communications and marketing firm, Southern Kentucky Jobs.Worldly success in entrepreneurship left her exhausted and disappointed.In early 2020, the Lord miraculously gave Christina the opportunity to serve overseas.She sold everything she had and traveled across the globe where she would contributeto the growth and development of a children's hospital. After living, working, and sharingJesus with orphans in rural Africa, Christina has new eyes and a grateful heart.A Kentucky native, Christina currently resides in Houston, Texas, where she is serving theLife Groups Team at Woodlands Church. She continues to work as a company cultureconsultant in the manufacturing industry.CRM & UX Outline ★ Support this podcast ★

It's been a while since we've released a new episode of Cabin Conversations. It's not because we've forgotten about you, there's just been a lot happening around Woodlands Church. We've still got more episodes coming in the near future, but for now, check out this short update for what's going at church! 

Is "tolerance" a Christian virtue? What is the Church's role in turning America around? Why do so many people get angrier at the people who publicize evil than that the evil exists (and is taught in schools) in the first place? Charlie weighed in on all that and more during his appearance at Grace Woodlands Church in Houston, Texas. Listen to his entire interview in this special ad-free episode.Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave, Barry, and Whitney process upcoming changes to the facility - both the Woodlands Church building at this old earth of ours! They talk through fostering and parenting, faithfulness and eternity, and the metaphorical - or real?! - dimensions of a future city.

Doug and Rachel Allord have been a part of Woodlands Church for many years and now serve as missionaries in London, England. They talk about the value of the local church, the importance of the church in the role of parenting, listening to the voice and leading of God, the tensions of trusting God in major life changes, and the process of walking faithfully with Him.

Arguably, Scripture's greatest sticking point for the secular mind—and even for an ever-increasing contingent of Christians—has been the veracity of miracles. Many scientists fail to include miracles as even a possibility for things they can't explain. But when one's presuppositions about reality refuse to allow for the possibility of miracles, well, what becomes of one's take on the veracity of Scripture as a whole? The Bible, of course, is chock full of miraculous accounts. If these accounts are merely figurative or, worse yet, mere fabrications of imaginative or deluded minds, how does that affect what Bible-believing parents have always believed about raising kids? Lee Strobel is the former award-winning legal editor of the Chicago Tribune and the best-selling author of over 20 books. His book, The Case for Christ, and its film adaptation are favorites that detail his conversion from atheism to Christianity. His book, The Case for Grace, won the 2016 nonfiction book of the year from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, and earlier this year, he released his latest book, The Case for Miracles. For the last 25 years, his life's work has been to share evidence that supports the truth and claims of Christianity and to equip believers to share their faith with people they know and love. He is currently a teaching pastor at Woodlands Church in Texas where he speaks multiple times each year. He also recently joined the faculty at Houston Baptist University as the professor of Christian thought. Lee and his wife Leslie have been married for over 40 years; they have two grown children and live in Texas. How Doubts About the Veracity of Miracles Are Growing Today When I was growing up, my family never went to church. But I still knew—by virtue of the predominantly Christian culture I grew up in—that God certainly did miracles and that He created the earth in six days. In my public school, of course, I was taught the earth was billions of years old. Miracles were viewed as something reserved for bible-times and fairy tales. Back then, this biblical-vs-secular contradiction was never discussed by anyone. We just seemed blind to any apparent contradiction. These days, I actually think some of these contradictions are being discussed more openly than they were when I was a kid, but I'm not sure how effectively they are being discussed by the average Christian family. We live in the information age and in the day of the “New Atheists” who now use the internet as an effective platform to indoctrinate our kids with their sacrilege. I'm talking about guys like Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Matt Dillahunty, and the like. My point is that while difficult objections to the Christian faith were largely reserved for seasoned theologians in the past, these difficult challenges are now being presented on the internet to anyone and everyone, by anyone and everyone. Our kids are seeing some strong arguments against the veracity of miracles and Scripture while not seeing or caring to see the strong cases for the veracity of miracles and Scripture. If they can be persuaded that miracles don't exist, then what does that say for the credibility of the Bible as a whole? Consequently, parents and their kids now have to field questions that most of us are grossly ill-equipped to answer. When I was going toe to toe with a prominent atheist named David Silverman, he told me that if I could name just one genuine miracle, maybe he would consider Christianity. Of course, he wanted to set his own parameters for what a miracle actually was, and he wanted to re-define terms and revise history. On and on it went. It was comical actually. But there's an old saying that goes something like, “The mind can't receive what the heart has already accepted.” I challenged Mr. Silverman that, unless he had a viable third answer for how life and matter came into being, he would probably have to concede his position on miracles by virtue of ...

Arguably, Scripture's greatest sticking point for the secular mind—and even for an ever-increasing contingent of Christians—has been the veracity of miracles. Many scientists fail to include miracles as even a possibility for things they can't explain. But when one's presuppositions about reality refuse to allow for the possibility of miracles, well, what becomes of one's take on the veracity of Scripture as a whole? The Bible, of course, is chock full of miraculous accounts. If these accounts are merely figurative or, worse yet, mere fabrications of imaginative or deluded minds, how does that affect what Bible-believing parents have always believed about raising kids? Lee Strobel is the former award-winning legal editor of the Chicago Tribune and the best-selling author of over 20 books. His book, The Case for Christ, and its film adaptation are favorites that detail his conversion from atheism to Christianity. His book, The Case for Grace, won the 2016 nonfiction book of the year from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, and earlier this year, he released his latest book, The Case for Miracles. For the last 25 years, his life's work has been to share evidence that supports the truth and claims of Christianity and to equip believers to share their faith with people they know and love. He is currently a teaching pastor at Woodlands Church in Texas where he speaks multiple times each year. He also recently joined the faculty at Houston Baptist University as the professor of Christian thought. Lee and his wife Leslie have been married for over 40 years; they have two grown children and live in Texas. How Doubts About the Veracity of Miracles Are Growing Today When I was growing up, my family never went to church. But I still knew—by virtue of the predominantly Christian culture I grew up in—that God certainly did miracles and that He created the earth in six days. In my public school, of course, I was taught the earth was billions of years old. Miracles were viewed as something reserved for bible-times and fairy tales. Back then, this biblical-vs-secular contradiction was never discussed by anyone. We just seemed blind to any apparent contradiction. These days, I actually think some of these contradictions are being discussed more openly than they were when I was a kid, but I'm not sure how effectively they are being discussed by the average Christian family. We live in the information age and in the day of the “New Atheists” who now use the internet as an effective platform to indoctrinate our kids with their sacrilege. I'm talking about guys like Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Matt Dillahunty, and the like. My point is that while difficult objections to the Christian faith were largely reserved for seasoned theologians in the past, these difficult challenges are now being presented on the internet to anyone and everyone, by anyone and everyone. Our kids are seeing some strong arguments against the veracity of miracles and Scripture while not seeing or caring to see the strong cases for the veracity of miracles and Scripture. If they can be persuaded that miracles don't exist, then what does that say for the credibility of the Bible as a whole? Consequently, parents and their kids now have to field questions that most of us are grossly ill-equipped to answer. When I was going toe to toe with a prominent atheist named David Silverman, he told me that if I could name just one genuine miracle, maybe he would consider Christianity. Of course, he wanted to set his own parameters for what a miracle actually was, and he wanted to re-define terms and revise history. On and on it went. It was comical actually. But there's an old saying that goes something like, “The mind can't receive what the heart has already accepted.” I challenged Mr. Silverman that, unless he had a viable third answer for how life and matter came into being, he would probably have to concede his position on miracles by virtue of ...

Support this podcast and Tim's ministry here! Tim takes on the "gay celibacy" movement. Jake and Nathan (with a little help from Lon Chaney Jr.'s The Wolfman) ponder what the church should do with those whose temptations don't seem to be going anywhere. Here's the article by Ed Shaw, 'Godliness is Not Heterosexuality.' Here's the complete interview with Ed Shaw from Woodlands Church. Credits: "Humming", David Szesztay, Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License "I Want To Destroy Something Beautiful", Josh Woodward, licensed under an Attribution 3.0 United States License. ,"The Time To Run (Finale)" by Dexter Britain,Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 International License, "My Dark Passenger" by Darren Curtis, Creative Commons Attribution license (reuse allowed)