The Great Contest: Why God Uses Trials to Transform Us | Dr. Michael Manahan

CheckoutThe God Centered Concept Academy Training Community to learn what growth in Christ isTUVU CommunitiesCheck out this link to view Kingdom Cross Roads on TV.https://jesussaid.tv/?affiliate=tswright_gccTo get a copy of our new book "Embracing the Truth" or to have TS Wright speak at your event or conference or if you simply want spiritual or life coaching or just a consultation visit:www.tswrightspeaks.comVisit our website to learn more about The God Centered Concept. The God Centered Concept is designed to bring real discipleship and spreading the Gospel to help spark the Great Harvest, a revival in this generation.www.godcenteredconcept.comKingdom Cross Roads Podcast is a part of The God Centered Concept.n this special CPE Summer 2026 episode of Kingdom Cross Roads Podcast, T.S. Wright sits down with Dr. Michael “Mike” Manahan, author of The Great Contest, for a conversation about faith, trials, biblical truth, and the transforming work of God.Dr. Manahan brings an unusual combination of theological and scientific training to the discussion. His academic background includes mathematics and physics, nuclear engineering and physics, and advanced study at MIT, alongside a master’s degree in theology. He also shares from decades of ministry experience, including 36 years serving as a volunteer prison chaplain. At the heart of the conversation is a challenging biblical question: Why does God test His people?Drawing from James’ teaching to “count it all joy” when believers face trials, Dr. Manahan explains his view that the tests and “contests” found throughout Scripture are part of God’s work of developing character, producing sanctification, and preparing His people for His Kingdom. The conversation traces this theme from the Garden of Eden through figures in the Old and New Testaments. Dr. Manahan also discusses several major theological themes addressed in The Great Contest, including:Why the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil was present in EdenThe biblical purpose of testing, trials, and sufferingHow adversity can become an instrument of spiritual transformationThe reality of hell and the importance of proclaiming the full GospelWhy Genesis 1–3 is foundational to understanding the biblical storyCreation versus evolution and the Big BangThe first and second laws of thermodynamicsThe relationship between scientific inquiry and Christian faithHumanity’s ultimate purpose of glorifying GodWhy believers should be able to look back and see evidence of spiritual growthT.S. and Dr. Manahan also emphasize that Jesus Christ can reach anyone, regardless of a person’s past, and that the believer’s life must remain rooted in the truth of God’s Word. Dr. Manahan leaves listeners with a powerful perspective: trials should not merely be viewed as obstacles to escape. They can become evidence of God actively shaping character and preparing His people for what lies ahead.Key Scripture Themes MentionedJames 1 — Counting trials as joy and understanding their role in spiritual development.Genesis 1–3 — God as Creator, God’s original intention for humanity, the Fall, and the beginning of humanity’s need for redemption.Isaiah 43 — Humanity created for the glory of God.Psalm 115:1 — Glory belonging not to us, but to the name of the Lord.Matthew 10:28 — Jesus’ warning concerning judgment and the reality of hell.Keywords / TagsDr Michael Manahan, Michael Manahan, The Great Contest, Kingdom Cross Roads Podcast, Kingdom Crossroads Podcast, TS Wright, CPE Summer 2026, Christian podcast, Christian author, biblical trials, why God allows trials, God tests believers, trials and tribulations, count it all joy, James 1, Christian suffering, sanctification, spiritual growth, Christian theology, biblical theology, creation versus evolution, creationism, Big Bang theory, thermodynamics and creation, science and faith, Genesis 1, Genesis 2, Genesis 3, Garden of Eden, Fall of Man, biblical creation, reality of hell, Christian apologetics, prison ministry, Christian discipleship, glory of God, Kingdom of God, Jesus Christ, biblical truthCall to ActionIf this conversation challenged you to see your trials differently, share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today. Subscribe to Kingdom Cross Roads Podcast so you don’t miss more conversations with Christian authors, ministers, teachers, and Kingdom leaders.And be sure to look for Dr. Michael Manahan’s book, The Great Contest, available on Amazon, and discover how the tests, trials, and contests found throughout Scripture can help us better understand God’s work in our own lives.Like, follow, subscribe, and share Kingdom Cross Roads Podcast—and help us take biblical truth to the crossroads of the world.