PODCAST · religion
Against the Grain
by 121CC
We all live for something. At 121, we believe that living for Jesus offers the most meaningful and fulfilling life. In our culture, this is living against the grain. It is easy to be conformed to our culture, but what does it look like to live differently, to live for Jesus, to live counter-culturally? Be encouraged and challenged, as we hear conversations with people in various seasons and circumstances, sharing their journeys of following Jesus daily and how that shapes their everyday experiences.
Episodes
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73. Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Texans on Mission (with Randy Wynn and Jon Schneit)
Living a Christ-centered life means living a life of service, and you don’t have to travel halfway around the world to do it. Right here in our own backyard, neighbors are hurting and need a helping hand. Texans on Mission mobilizes volunteers to help rebuild communities after floods and other...
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72. Seeing People, Not Projects (with Lauren Rose and Amy Hadley)
God is doing incredible things in our city, and there are more ways than ever to be part of it. But with so many areas to serve and so many volunteer opportunities, it’s easy to focus on the tasks and lose sight of the real people on the other side of them. Serving opens the door to relationships...
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71. You Don't Need a Passport to Live on Mission (with Amy Hadley & Kevin Brooks)
"Missions" isn't just what happens in foreign countries across the globe. Missions is a life calling to make disciples and share the hope of Christ with everyone in our path, from your neighbor to your coworker to the stranger in line at the coffee shop. In this episode, Eric, Amy, and Kevin...
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70. The Radical Idea of Rest (with Andrew & Beth Sawyers)
In a culture that glorifies busyness, taking one intentional day of rest each week feels almost countercultural. We fill our "off days" with grocery runs, house chores, and errands, chasing productivity even when we're supposed to be resting. But what if we were never meant to live that way? In...
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69. Worship as a Way of Life (with Cam Hayes & Caleb Cortez)
More Than a Song: Redefining True Worship Worship isn't confined to the opening set before the sermon. It's a lifestyle, a posture, and a practice that stretches far beyond the stage. In this episode, Eric, Cam, and Caleb dig into what worship really means, why it matters more than we often...
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68. Beyond the Corporate Ladder: Leading with Impact (with Jim Greenwood & Payton Mayes)
You have skills and gifts. Are you using them with kingdom purpose? Your position on the corporate ladder doesn't determine your impact. You don't have to be the boss to be a leader, and your influence on the people around you may be far greater than you realize. In this episode, Eric sits down...
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67. Scripture Shouldn't Feel Like Homework (with Vince Rice)
Unlocking the Bible: A Practical Guide to Reading Scripture with ConfidenceThe Word of God is alive and powerful—but let's be honest, opening the Bible can feel overwhelming, whether you're a lifelong believer or just starting your faith journey. The truth is, every time you dive into scripture,...
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66. Pick-Up Soccer, Purposeful Mission (with Jhejuda Ehrbar and Kevin Brooks)
Your Neighborhood Is Bigger Than You Think In this episode, Eric, Jhejuda, and Kevin dig into the incredible ministry happening right in our own backyard — from cross-cultural friendships to pick-up soccer games that are becoming powerful tools for reaching people well. Loving your neighbor…
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65. Is a God that Allows Evil Really Good? (with Rick Townsend & Jason Gardner)
"I Can't Believe in a God Who Allows Evil" — Wrestling With Suffering & Faith "I can't believe in a God who allows evil." Ever thought that? Most of us have! When life gets dark, staying convinced that God is good isn't always easy, and that's okay to admit. No matter what you believe, we can all...
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64. What Are the Odds This Is All an Accident? (with Rick, Brian & Jason)
Is Christian faith a blind leap, or is there evidence pointing to a Creator? In this episode, Eric, Rick, Brian and Jason explore the evidence for design throughout nature, the human body, and the universe. From DNA and biological complexity to the fine-tuning of the cosmos, we consider why the...
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63. Science vs. Christianity: Is There Really a Conflict? (with Rick, Jason & Brian)
Has science really disproved God or the Bible's account of creation? It's a common claim, but is the evidence as clear-cut as many believe? In this episode, Eric, Rick, Jason & Brian explore the relationship between faith and science, tackling questions about evolution, the origin of life, the…
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62. Has God's Word Been Lost in Translation? (with Rick, Brian, & Jason)
Can we really trust the Bible? Has Scripture been changed over time, or is it reliable after thousands of years? Many people compare the Bible to a giant game of telephone, assuming its message has been distorted through centuries of copying and translation. But does the evidence support that...
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61. Stop Arguing. Start Asking Better Questions About Faith (with Rick Townsend & Brian Prascher)
Sharing your faith can feel intimidating. Many Christians want to talk about Jesus but hesitate because they don't feel knowledgeable enough, worry about being asked difficult theological questions, or fear coming across as pushy or judgmental. So how do you faithfully share the gospel while…
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60. Facts or Faith? (with Rick Townsend and Jason Gardner)
Is Christianity supported by evidence, or is faith simply believing without proof? Many people struggle with questions about faith because so much of the Christian life requires trusting what we cannot see. Yet biblical faith is not blind faith. Christians can confidently embrace both faith and...
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59. Bold Faith, Courageous Life (with Rachel Smith)
As culture grows increasingly hostile to the Word of God, how do we stand firm in our convictions without wavering? What is the foundation of a boldness that would walk into the lion's den for the sake of truth? In this episode, Eric and Rachel explore the book of Daniel, unpacking its historical...
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58. Developing Spiritual Hunger (with Tyler Moffett)
What if the spiritual hunger you feel is actually God's invitation to something greater? In this episode, Eric and Tyler unpack how broken young people struggling with isolation and hidden sins are finding real transformation through a "wide call, high call" approach: everyone is welcome, nothing...
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57. You Weren't Meant to Grow Alone (with Brandon Smeltzer & Becky Stamps)
Exhort, Challenge, Grow: How Intentional Relationships Fuel Lasting Personal Growth Growth doesn't happen in isolation. Whether you're pursuing personal development, spiritual growth, or professional transformation, the relationships around you matter more than you might think. In this episode,...
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56. Motherhood Is More Than Mother's Day (with Laura Konopnicki, Haley Kueckelhan, & Holly Cunningham)
Mother's Day gets one day, but motherhood is every day. The flowers fade and the brunch ends, but the calling of a mother never takes a day off. In this episode, Laura, Haley, and Holly pull back the curtain on the real, beautiful, and sometimes messy journey of motherhood — and how a living…
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55. Preparing to Launch (with Caleb Bundy & Jermaine Arphul)
Graduation season is here! Whether you're the proud parent of a high school senior, a mentor, educator, or the graduate yourself, this episode is for YOU. The leap after graduation is real. While it's a season of excitement, it's also wrapped in confusion, unexpected pressure, and a level of...
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54. Planting Churches, Planting Seeds (with Tim Green & Kevin Brooks)
"There are already churches everywhere, why would we need to start more?" If you've ever heard that question (or asked it yourself), this episode is for you. Church planting is one of the most powerful (and most misunderstood) aspects of Christianity. In this episode, Eric, Kevin and Tim break…
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53. Engaging with Hindus (with Kamal Manik)
From Hindu Priest to Christ Follower: A Story of Transformation Across Cultures What separates a religion from a relationship? And why does it matter for how you talk to your neighbors, coworkers, and friends? In this episode, Kevin sits down with Kamal, a former Hindu priest whose remarkable...
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52. AI: The Good, the Bad & the Bible Part 2 (with Justin Gandy)
Welcome back to part 2 of the conversation! AI is an undeniable part of our culture today. But how should Christians think about AI? Is it a tool to embrace, a threat to fear, or something in between? In this episode, Eric and Justin explore how believers can engage with artificial intelligence...
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51. AI: The Good, the Bad & the Bible Part 1 (with Justin Gandy)
AI is an undeniable part of our culture today. But how should Christians think about AI? Is it a tool to embrace, a threat to fear, or something in between? In this episode, Eric and Justin explore how believers can engage with artificial intelligence thoughtfully, without either blindly…
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50. Rerelease: Evidence for the Resurrection (with Rick Townsend & Brian Prascher)
Belief in the resurrection of Jesus is central to our faith. And as we look back at what is recorded in scripture we see solid evidence that the events described that day really happened. The best part is that you don’t have to be a scholar or have a degree to understand it! The resurrection is a...
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49. God Speaks Your Language (with Scottye Perry)
There are billions of people who don’t have the Bible in their language. How can they know God, when they think He doesn’t even speak their language? But God is doing amazing things to get the Bible in their language. In this episode, Eric and Scottye dive deeper into this challenge as they…
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48. See What God Is Doing: Short Term Trips (with Becky Purchase & Glen Smyth)
As followers of Jesus, we are all sent. The only question is where. One of the ways we step into this is through short-term mission trips. In this episode, Eric, Becky and Glen discuss the value of these trips, why we should go, answering objections, and seeing God work in incredible ways. Show...
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47. Your Gifts, His Purpose (with Derek Bennet)
In this episode, Eric and Derek Bennet, Director of Global Projects at Pioneers, talk about finding purpose and using our gifts to live out that God-given purpose, sharing stories of how God has moved in Derek's life to utilize gifts and setbacks to live with greater purpose and to be part of...
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46. Who Is the Holy Spirit? (with Vince Rice & Laura Konopnicki)
Jesus promised to send a Helper who would give His followers power: the Holy Spirit. But who is the Holy Spirit, and what does that power actually look like? In this episode, Eric, Vince, and Laura explore the role of the Holy Spirit, what He does in the life of believers, and how we can learn to...
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45. SENT with the Frinks (with Rory & Pam Frink)
What does it truly mean to say "yes" to God's call? In this episode, Rory and Pam's journey from fostering one child to leading international ministries, proves that small acts of obedience can lead to extraordinary impact. Through adopting children, opening a children's home, and serving in…
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44. Growing in Obedience (with Ross Sawyers & Lorraine Holland)
We often don’t like the word obedience. When we think about growing in our faith, our default is to learn more information. But Jesus commands his followers to obey and to teach people to obey. In this episode, Eric, Ross and Lorraine take a look at what it looks like to grow in obedience and to...
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43. Understanding Baptism (with Jermaine Arphul & Lorraine Holland)
In this episode, Eric, Jermaine and Lorraine discuss baptism, wrestling through: what is baptism? Why do we do it? What are some common misconceptions? Why do some traditions do it differently? And how can I know if my kids are ready? Show notes: 8 Ways to Follow Jesus: Be Baptized Mat 3:16 Mat...
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42. Growing a Heart for the Nations (with Travis & Amanda Muscatell)
Throughout the bible we see that God has a heart for the nations. What does that mean for us? Why should we be concerned for the nations when there are so many needs right here? In this episode, Kevin, Travis, and Amanda wrestle with these questions and help us to see why this is so important and...
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41. Discipleship Debunked (with Darell Jolley & Sonja Allen)
What does it mean to truly make disciples in today's fast-paced world? Discipleship isn't about having all the answers, it's about walking alongside others as we follow Jesus together. Whether through structured Bible study or organic life-on-life relationships, Eric, Darell and Sonja share how...
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40. You Are Sent. Now What? (with Kevin Brooks and Vince Rice)
Against the Gain is back for a new season! In this episode Eric, Kevin and Vince discuss what it means to be sent. "Sent," isn't just about crossing oceans—it's a daily mindset of following God's lead. From tiny steps of neighborhood outreach to life-changing moves abroad, they unpack how…
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39. Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas (with Wendy Caplinger & Travis Muscatell)
During the Christmas season it is so easy to get caught up in the busyness and commercialism and miss Jesus. But as we move toward Christmas, how can we avoid the distractions and keep our eyes focused on Jesus? What are some of the rhythms we can cultivate to prepare our hearts to celebrate that...
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38. The Old Testament Called It (with Brian Prascher)
As we enter this Advent season anticipating the birth of Jesus, this episode reflects on His second coming and His return. When followers of Jesus understand where we are headed, it empowers us with strength and patience to live with purpose. In this episode, Eric and Brian discuss the second...
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16. Re-release: Prayer & God's Will (with Lorraine Holland & Sonja Allen)
Prayer is foundational and vital to Christian living, however it can also be confusing and abstract. In this episode Lorraine, Sonja and Eric discuss growing a vibrant prayer life, the effects of prayer on our hearts and how to grow your faith through prayer.
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37. Return of Jesus (with Brian Prascher)
The end times could be a source of hope as we look forward to the coming of the Lord, or it could be a source of fear in the face of such uncertainty. In this episode, Eric and Brian discuss a few views of how Jesus' return could play out. Take a listen and dive into learning more about...
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36. Engaging Well with Spiritual Warfare (with Thayne Hillrich & Cindy Jolley)
The idea of spiritual warfare can be complex and overwhelming. Often in our culture, we combat this by ignoring it completely. Scripture urges us against this and encourages us to press into truth seek to understand how to armor up against spiritual attacks. In this episode, Eric, Thayne and…
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35. Faith & Finances (with Vince Rice)
Money matters. The Bible mentions finances over 2,300 times, and Jesus devoted 11 of his 39 parables to the subject. But what does a counter-cultural approach to money actually look like? In this episode of Against the Grain, Eric and Vince explore how biblical wisdom challenges our modern...
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34. Raising Kids with a Biblical Worldview (with Andrea Crum & Courtney Chandler)
Being a parent in this cultural moment is tough. The biggest danger for our kids is the ideas that bombard them from every direction. How do we equip our kids to see through the lies of our culture and see things biblically? Andrea Crum joins Eric and Courtney to discuss this question. She is the...
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33. Godly Friendships (with John Sayger & Ross Sawyers)
In a world that tends to value quantity of friendships over quality, one way that we live against the grain is in the close, meaningful friendships we intentionally cultivate. In this episode, Eric, Ross, and John explore what it looks like to both have and actively pursue godly friendships. This...
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32. Resolving Everyday Conflict (with Steve Mills & Jessica Howard)
Conflict is an unavoidable part of being human—you've probably already faced it at least once today. Our culture typically pushes us toward one of two extremes: viewing conflict as a competition where we fight for our way, or avoiding it altogether. Yet neither approach brings us closer to peace…
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31. From Jealousy to Contentment (with Evan Sandmann & Laura Konopnicki)
As we look around, we often find ourselves discontent, focused on what we don’t have or don’t t get to do. It is so easy to get stuck in this trap. How do we turn that around and move toward contentment? How do find freedom and joy in our life?
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30. The Anatomy of Anger (with Van Symons & Carmen Perez)
Being slow to speak and slow to become angry is much easier said than done. Each day we are confronted with situations that spark us to anger in work, parenting, marriages and relationships in general. In this episode, Eric, Can, and Carmen discuss how we can break the anger cycle as we follow...
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29. Evidence for Design (with Jason Gardner & Rick Townsend)
Faith is the assurance of what we cannot see, but that doesn't mean it's a blind faith. There is evidence for our faith all around us, fingerprints left by a designer. In this episode, Eric, Jason and Rick take a close look into the world around us to examine the evidence that leads us to a…
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28. A Life of Serving Others (with Joe Ylda and Randy Wynn)
Living a life of service extends far beyond than the occasional service project. A life of service calls us to live against the grain in how we view our time and resources, at every stage of life. In this episode, Eric, Joe and Randy discuss how to cultivate a lifestyle dedicated to serving others.
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27. Family Rhythms (with Jermaine Arphul & Laura Konopnicki)
We are officially back to school, which for many families means back to hectic morning routines and activity filled evenings. In the midst of family life, how can we as parents create rhythms that build a culture of faith within our families? How do you run your schedule so your schedule doesn't...
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26. Caring for Orphans (with Mike Douris - Orphan Outreach)
One of the most tragic things we see in this world is kids who have lost their parents. This happens across the world, as well as right here in our community. As followers of Jesus, God calls us to take care of the vulnerable - especially orphans. It seems He has a special heart for the…
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25. A Fight Against Temptation (with Lorraine Holland & Jordan Hill)
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." James 1:12-15 As followers of Christ, we will be faced with temptations and desires that are against the heart of the Lord....
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
We all live for something. At 121, we believe that living for Jesus offers the most meaningful and fulfilling life. In our culture, this is living against the grain. It is easy to be conformed to our culture, but what does it look like to live differently, to live for Jesus, to live counter-culturally? Be encouraged and challenged, as we hear conversations with people in various seasons and circumstances, sharing their journeys of following Jesus daily and how that shapes their everyday experiences.
HOSTED BY
121CC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Against the Grain have?
Against the Grain currently has 74 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Against the Grain about?
We all live for something. At 121, we believe that living for Jesus offers the most meaningful and fulfilling life. In our culture, this is living against the grain. It is easy to be conformed to our culture, but what does it look like to live differently, to live for Jesus, to live...
How often does Against the Grain release new episodes?
Against the Grain has 74 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Against the Grain?
You can listen to Against the Grain on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Against the Grain?
Against the Grain is created and hosted by 121CC.
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