PODCAST · religion
The MikeCheck Podcast
by Mike Ruel
The mission of the MikeCheck Podcast is to strengthen the church to make a stronger defense of the faith by biblically checking the unbiblical.Hosted by Mike Ruel, Pastor of the Highlands Bible Church, in Vernon, NJ.
Episodes
-
84 - Idolatry and Biblical Counseling (with Brad Bigney)
Idols don’t always look like idols. Sometimes they look like “good” things I can’t let go of. The real question isn’t just “What are you doing?” It’s “Why do you need it so badly?” When something gets shaken and you feel devastated, it may be revealing more than disappointment—it may be showing...
-
Episode 83 - Intimacy in Marriage (with Melanie Ruel)
"Ever wondered why intimacy feels elusive in marriage? 🤔 Let's dive into the truth! Tag someone who needs to hear this! In our latest episode, we unpack the biblical view of sexual intimacy within marriage. It's a covenant, not an option! 💍 Sin complicates things, but God designed intimacy to…
more -
Episode 82 - Glorifying God Through Cancer, with Sue Leuzarder
Is God good? Even when things seem "bad?" How can we reconcile the two? What lessons can we learn? How can we prepare for suffering? Mike is joined in studio by Sue Leuzarder and they reflect on how God is with us in the midst of severe trials, like cancer.
-
Episode 81 - Biblical Counseling
In this episode of the Mike Check podcast, we explore the complexities of biblical counseling in today’s mental health landscape. Despite the convenience of therapy and medication, why is anxiety and depression on the rise? We discuss: - The disconnect between resources and real change. - How to...
-
Episode 80 - Church Planting (Featuring Josh Barlow)
Josh Barlow, a fellow pastor, shares his journey from youth ministry to planting a church. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about fulfilling a genuine spiritual need in the Lake Hopatcong area. The most rewarding part? Seeing people grasp who God is and their place in His story. With so many…
more -
Episode 79 - Don't Get Your Theology from Instagram
The recent controversy with Neeza Powers brings up some really important theological questions - where do we get Biblical instruction from? This episode explores the dangers of obtaining theology from social media, the importance of biblical discernment, and the role of the local church in...
-
Episode 78 - Repentance (with Chris Brauns)
Unlock the secret to genuine forgiveness: why repentance isn't just about saying 'sorry,' but about transformation at the heart of the gospel. If you've ever wondered why some apologies fall flat or how true change happens in your spiritual journey, this episode is your roadmap.When Jesus…
more -
Episode 77 - Healthy vs. Unhealthy Churches
Most churches today are more unbiblical than they realize — but what truly separates a healthy church from an unhealthy one? Pastor Mike and Pastor Matt dive into the radical biblical standards that define a church’s health, revealing why submission to Christ, holiness, and a faithful biblical...
-
Episode 76 - Female Pastors?
In this episode, Mike Ruel deeply explores the biblical perspective on female pastors, addressing common arguments and misinterpretations. He emphasizes the importance of biblical authority and historical consistency in church leadership.
-
BONUS - What is Heaven? [MidWeek Study]
Bonus! Join Pastor Mike as he teaches from the Highlands Bible Church MidWeek study.
-
BONUS: What Happens When Christ Returns? [MidWeek Study]
Join Pastor Mike at the Wednesday night MidWeek study as he walks through questions surrounding the return of Christ!
-
BONUS: What is the Church? [MidWeek Study]
Wednesday night MidWeek study at Highlands Bible Church.
-
Episode 75 - ICE and Hot Takes
Where the Bible is clear - we need to be clear and bold. Where we don't have enough information to make a call - why do we have to? Should we be so dogmatic and take a side when we might just be creating further division?
-
BONUS: What is Death? [MIdWeek Study]
What is death, biblically speaking? What about our soul and body connection? What happens to us when we die? Join Pastor Mike as he answers all these questions and more!
-
BONUS - What Are Sanctification and Perseverance? [MidWeek Study]
Join Pastor Mike as he teaches at the regular Wednesday night MidWeek service at Highlands Bible Church.
-
BONUS: What is Justification and Adoption? [MidWeek]
Bonus! MidWeek is back for 2026! Join Pastor Mike as he teaches on topics from Grudem's "Twenty Christian Beliefs." This week we dig into justification and adoption!
-
Episode 74 - Redeeming Productivity (with Reagan Rose)
In this episode of the Mike Check Podcast, Mike Ruel and Reagan Rose discuss the intersection of productivity and faith from a Christian perspective. They explore the importance of stewardship, the role of spiritual gifts, and the significance of starting from a place of peace. The conversation...
-
Episode 73 - 2025 Reading Wrap Up
In this episode, Mike Ruel discusses the importance of setting reading goals for the new year, particularly focusing on spiritual growth through reading. He shares a list of must-read books for Christians, and reflects on his personal reading goals. Additionally, he recommends various podcasts…
more -
Episode 72 - Maximize 2026 (for the glory of God)
In this episode, Mike Ruel discusses the importance of productivity and time management as we approach the New Year. He emphasizes the significance of establishing effective habits, particularly morning routines, to set the tone for the day. The conversation covers various aspects of life,...
-
Episode 71 - Faith and Doubt (Feat. Wes Ehnert)
In this episode of MikeCheck, host Mike Ruel welcomes back Wes Ehnert to discuss his recent writings on Substack, focusing on themes of Christianity, doubt, and the exploration of faith. Wes shares his background in coaching and his journey into writing, emphasizing the importance of asking...
-
BONUS - What Happens When We Become a Christian? (Midweek Study)
What really happens when we become a Christian? Is it just raising a hand, filling out a card, or walking down an aisle for an "altar call?" Is it just intellectually agreeing with the facts of the gospel? Pastor Mike answers these questions and more!
-
Episode 70 - Associate Pastor Candidate Matt and Olivia Holshuh
Mike is joined in studio by Associate Pastor Candidate Matt Holschuh and his wife, Olivia and they talk through their personal testimonies of faith and call to ministry.
-
BONUS - What is Election? [MidWeek]
What is Election? Biblical or controversial? Pastor Mike digs in during a Wednesday night MidWeek to discuss from Grudem's Twenty Basic Christian Beliefs.
-
Episode 69 - Biblically Checking Courage and Cowardice (Feat. Matthew Everhard)
Mike is joined by fellow pastor, YouTuber, and author Matthew Everhard to talk about his new book - Bold as a Lion: Courage in an Age of Cowardice. Don't miss this ep! Buy Matthew's new book on Amazon Highlands Bible Church The MikeCheck Podcast
-
BONUS: What is the Resurrection?
Bonus! Mike teaches at the Highlands Bible Church MidWeek study answering the question "What is the Resurrection?"
-
Episode 68 - Biblical Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving! But what do we have to be thankful for? Why? What about other worldviews? Are we more thankful FOR stuff than thankful TO God? Mike is joined in studio by Intern Matt and they dig in!
-
BONUS: What is the Atonement? [MidWeek Study]
BONUS! MidWeek study at Highlands Bible Church studying through Grudem's "Twenty Basic Christian Beliefs"
-
Episode 67 - The Lord's Day (Feat. Daniel Wiginton)
Are we supposed to be worshipping on Sunday, AKA "The Lord's Day?" Why? What about the "Sabbath?" Is this important? Mike is joined by Pastor Daniel Wiginton and they discuss!
-
Bonus: Who is Christ? [MidWeek Study]
Wednesday night study discussing Grudem's Twenty Basic Christian Beliefs.
-
Bonus: What is Sin? [MidWeek Study]
Wednesday night MidWeek study discussing Grudem's "Twenty Basic Christian Beliefs" book
-
Episode 66: Christians and Social Media (Feat. Matt Holschuh)
Listener question! How should Christians use social media in a way that glorifiees God? Can we? What do we need to watch out for? What practical guidlelines can we put in place? Mike is joined in studio by Intern Matt and they dig in!
-
Bonus - What are Angels and Demons?
Wednesday MidWeek study from Highlands Bible Church going through Grudem's Twenty Basic Christian Beliefs.
-
Episode 65 - 30 Days to Pray (Feat. Jason Bailey)
Mike is joined by Jason Bailey in studio as they discuss his new book - 30 Days to Pray and Align Your Hearts with God, A Devotional Journal. Buy the book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/exZewHZ
-
BONUS: What is Prayer? (MidWeek Study)
BONUS! Regular Wednesday PM MidWeek study going through Grudem's "Twenty Christian Beliefs."
-
BONUS: What is Creation? (MidWeek Study)
Join Pastor Mike at a Wednesday night MidWeek Study reviewing topics from Wayne Grudem's book "Twenty Basic Christian Beliefs." This week - what is creation?
-
Episode 64 - Biblical Courage with Pastor Mike Meyers
What does it mean for men to have Biblical courage? Mike is joined by Pastor Mike Myers and they dig into this important and challenging topic.
-
BONUS Ep - The Trinity (MidWeek Study)
Join Mike as he leads the Wednesday night MidWeek study on "Twenty Basic Christian Beliefs" by Wayne Gudem. This week - the Trinity!
-
Episode 63 - Infertility and Miscarriage with Brigitte Harlacher
Infertility and miscarriage rates are on the rise. How are we supposed to look at this through a Biblical worldview? Mike is joined in studio by friend Brigitte Harlacher and they dig into these challenging issues.
-
Episode 62 - Charlie Kirk
We all have seen the news about Charlie Kirk, gunned down on a college campus while seeking to have honest dialogue about worldviews and ideas. How are we to process this as Christians?
-
Episode 61 - AI
Just what is Artificial Intelligence/AI? Is it all bad? Can and should Christians use it? Are there good uses? Where is it going in the future? Mike is joined in studio with friend Bryan Beadle and together they biblically check AI.
-
Episode 60 - Conversion
How does a Christian become a Christian? What is the doctrine of conversion? Why does it matter? Is there such a thing as a false conversion? Mike is joined by Intern Matt in studio as they dig in.
-
Episode 59 - Complaining
Philippians 2:13 tells us to "do all things without grumbling or disputing," what does this practically mean? Are we never able to complain? Do we just stuff everything inside? Join Mike and Intern Matt as they dig into this topic. For a link to the recent sermon from Philippians 2:12-18, click...
-
Episode 58 - Israel
Israel is all over the news - Christians are calling for complete support of Israel, some even claiming Biblical commands to do so. Is this true? Is the nation of Israel still the chosen people of God like in the Old Testament? Join Mike as he digs in.
-
Episode 57 - Surviving Cancer
Join Mike as he reflects on the 5 year anniversary of the end of his cancer treatments and discusses 4 key strengths to develop before a major life trial.
-
Episode 56 - Listener Questions: Prophecy and Spiritual Gifts
Join Mike as he answers some listener questions about prophecy and spiritual gifts! Blog Post from John MacArthur
-
Epidsode 55 - How to Disagree on Political Issues
We've all been there...someone...a family member, friend, or even total stranger on Facebook states a political position that is contrary to yours. What do you do? How do we engage? Mike talks with old friend Wes Ehnert. MikeCheck Podcast Website Wes Ehnert - LinkedIn
-
Episode 54 - The Sin of Empathy?
Empathy is a sin now? Is that what Joe Rigney says in his latest book with that same title? Nope. Join Mike as he digs into this controversial question. The Sin of Empathy: Compassion and Its Counterfeits, Joe Rigney on Amazon. Thinking in Public: Dr. Albert Mohler and Dr. Joe Rigney
-
Episode 53 - The Criticality of the Local Church
How important is the local church? Can a Christian NOT be committed to a local church? Join Mike as he digs in.
-
BONUS - MidWeek: Church Essentials - How We Got the Bible, Part 4
Join Pastor Mike at the Highlands Bible Church MidWeek study where he finishes up teaching on "How We Got the Bible." This week we focus on the New Testament Canon.
-
Episode 52 - Nuance and Discernment
Are all Christians just Pro-Trump MAGA Republican Christian Nationalist Extermists? What is nuance and when is it applicable? How is it dangerous? Join Mike as he walks through this topic.
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
The mission of the MikeCheck Podcast is to strengthen the church to make a stronger defense of the faith by biblically checking the unbiblical.Hosted by Mike Ruel, Pastor of the Highlands Bible Church, in Vernon, NJ.
HOSTED BY
Mike Ruel
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The MikeCheck Podcast have?
The MikeCheck Podcast currently has 110 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The MikeCheck Podcast about?
The mission of the MikeCheck Podcast is to strengthen the church to make a stronger defense of the faith by biblically checking the unbiblical.Hosted by Mike Ruel, Pastor of the Highlands Bible Church, in Vernon, NJ.
How often does The MikeCheck Podcast release new episodes?
The MikeCheck Podcast publishes regularly with 110 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The MikeCheck Podcast?
You can listen to The MikeCheck Podcast 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 The MikeCheck Podcast?
The MikeCheck Podcast is created and hosted by Mike Ruel.
URL copied to clipboard!