The PursueGOD Truth Podcast

Replacement theology, also known as supersessionism, is the theological view that the Christian church has replaced the nation of Israel in God’s plan. According to this perspective, the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ makes the Old Covenant with the Jewish people obsolete. Essentially, it teaches that the promises, blessings, and spiritual identity once reserved for Israel have been transferred to the church because of Israel’s rejection of Jesus as the Messiah.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--Notes

Covenant theology is a framework for understanding the Bible that sees God’s relationship with humanity as a series of formal agreements, or “covenants.” Rather than seeing the Bible as a collection of disconnected stories, this perspective views the entire biblical narrative—from Adam in the Garden to the return of Christ—as a single, unified plan of redemption. At its heart, covenant theology emphasizes that God is a promise-keeper who has always intended to save a people for himself through the work of Jesus Christ.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--

Christian Zionism is a belief system and movement among some Christians, primarily Evangelicals, who support the right of the Jewish people to return to their ancestral homeland and the modern State of Israel. This support is rooted in a literal interpretation of the Bible, specifically the belief that God’s covenant with Abraham regarding the land is eternal and unconditional. For many Christian Zionists, the establishment of Israel in 1948 is seen as a direct fulfillment of biblical prophecy and a key prerequisite for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--

Dispensationalism is the theological system that stands as the primary alternative to covenant theology. It teaches that God has worked through different “dispensations”—or distinct periods of time—throughout history, each with its own specific rules and responsibilities for humanity. While covenant theology emphasizes a single, unified plan for one people of God, dispensationalism emphasizes that God has two distinct plans: one for the nation of Israel and one for the church.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--

The way you interpret the Bible—specifically whether you lean toward Covenant Theology or Dispensationalism—acts like a pair of glasses. It colors everything you see when you look at a map of the Middle East or read the evening news. Your theology determines whether you view the modern State of Israel as a miraculous fulfillment of biblical prophecy or as a secular nation-state unrelated to the “True Israel” of the church.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--

The Bible teaches that Jesus had to die because God is both perfectly holy and perfectly loving. Since every human has sinned, we owe a debt to God’s justice that we cannot pay ourselves. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, died as our substitute, taking the punishment we deserved. His sacrifice satisfies God’s justice while offering us complete forgiveness and eternal life as a free gift.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--

In this episode, Pastor Bryan challenges the myth of instant spiritual transformation and explains how real change happens through the slow, often messy process of progressive sanctification—where God works in us over time to shape us into who we already are in Christ. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the same struggles, this conversation offers hope by showing that the struggle itself is actually evidence that God is still at work in you.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--

Welcome back! When you become a Christian, your old nature—the person you were apart from God—is legally and spiritually dead, but it is not yet physically destroyed. The Bible teaches that you are a “new creation” in Christ, yet you still live in a fallen body with old habits. While the power of sin is broken, the presence of sin remains, leading to an ongoing internal struggle between your new spiritual identity and your old sinful patterns.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--

Welcome back to the Truth Podcast!In this episode, we explore the structural backbone of the entire Bible: The Covenants. From the rainbow over Noah to the cross of Christ, God has used formal, binding agreements to reveal his character and his unfolding plan for salvation. We’ll discuss the difference between a cold legal contract and a relational biblical covenant, and how each major agreement—Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, and Davidic—ultimately finds its fulfillment in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ. Whether you are new to the faith or a long-time believer, understanding these divine promises will help you see the "big picture" of God’s unwavering commitment to humanity.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--

In part two of this story, Kevin and Jennifer continue their journey as they wrestle with what faithfulness to God looks like after discovering they still had frozen embryos from IVF 20 years earlier. They share how the Lord led them through difficult decisions, unexpected pregnancy in their fifties, and offer thoughtful advice to believers navigating infertility, IVF, and the sanctity of life.--The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--Links mentioned in epiosde: Kevin and Jennifer's youtube channel. "And the test results are..."Allie Beth Stuckey - Why I’m Glad Alabama Has Banned IVF In part two of this remarkable story, Kevin and Jennifer Gordon share how God led them through an unexpected next chapter decades after their infertility journey first began. After adopting their daughter, welcoming two sons through IVF and natural pregnancy, and leaving frozen embryos untouched for 20 years, they found themselves wrestling with what obedience to God would look like now. What followed was a faith-filled journey of prayer, wise counsel, medical hurdles, and ultimately a pregnancy in Jennifer’s fifties that neither of them would have chosen on their own.This episode is a powerful conversation about life, conviction, and surrender. Kevin and Jennifer reflect honestly on the emotional, spiritual, and practical realities of IVF, frozen embryos, adoption, and trusting God when the path makes no human sense. Their story challenges listeners to think carefully about the sanctity of life, the cost of obedience, and the goodness of God in every season.

In this episode we peel back the layers of the Genesis narrative to reveal a startling truth: Eden wasn't a retirement villa; it was a high-stakes job site. By examining the original Hebrew context, we discover that Adam and Eve were the world’s first priests, stationed in a "Garden-Temple" where the borders of heaven and earth met. We explore how their original mandate to "work and keep" the land was actually a sacred liturgical commission—the same one later given to the Levites in the Tabernacle. From the failure of the "first security guard" to the restoration found in the "Last Adam," this episode reframes your daily 9-to-5 not as a secular grind, but as a holy vocation. You aren't just earning a paycheck; you are an image-bearer called to bring God’s presence into every cubicle, classroom, and corner of the world.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] NowHow Did Adam and Eve Function Like Priests in Eden?

In this part one episode, Kevin and Jennifer Gordon share their remarkable journey through years of infertility, miscarriage, IVF, and adoption—and how, after decades of trusting God through disappointment and unexpected blessings, they now find themselves stepping into an unbelievable new chapter: a pregnancy at 52.--The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--Kevin and Jennifer Gordon join Tracy and Bryan on the Family Podcast to share the shocking news that Jennifer is pregnant at 52 years old—and how that moment is the latest chapter in a decades-long journey of infertility, grief, faith, and surrender. They rewind to their early marriage dreams of having 2–3 kids, a heartbreaking miscarriage, and years of “nothing, nothing, nothing,” followed by difficult decisions about fertility treatments they didn’t fully understand and even feared might be “playing God.” Through prayer, unexpected open doors, and wise counsel from a godly mentor, they eventually pursued IVF—while God was also softening their hearts toward adoption.Their story takes a dramatic turn as God redirects them to adopt their daughter from China, then later leads them back to their frozen embryos—resulting in the birth of their son Eli through IVF and another surprise: a natural pregnancy that brought their third child, Ethan. With three kids and years passing, they left remaining embryos frozen, assuming they’d “deal with it later,” even as a quiet conviction lingered. In recent years, new cultural conversations about embryos reignited the issue, and Jennifer sensed God stirring again. The episode ends at a powerful Good Friday service where she realizes she’s been holding a hidden “no” toward God—and she fully surrenders, open to whatever God asks next, even if it means something unimaginable in their 50s.

FAILURE TO LAUNCHBig Idea: Spiritual maturity isn’t about age; it’s about the “launch.” It’s the moment you stop being a consumer of the church and start being a contributor to the mission.In 2018, a bizarre story made national headlines. A 30-year-old man named Michael Rotondo was sued by his own parents because he refused to move out of their house. He didn’t pay rent. He didn’t help with chores. He ignored written eviction notices. Eventually, his parents had to take him to court just to get him to leave. The judge ruled that being a family member doesn’t entitle someone to stay indefinitely without contributing. He was ordered to launch.We laugh at stories like that because they feel extreme. But the author of Hebrews delivers a similar rebuke—not to a lazy adult son, but to churchgoers who refused to grow up spiritually.Hebrews 5:11–14 (NLT) says:“There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen.You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right.Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.”The message is clear: spiritual maturity isn’t automatic. It doesn’t come with time served in church. It comes with intentional growth.Today we see three marks of spiritual “grown-ups” straight from this text.1. Spiritual grown-ups don’t just read — they study.The author rebukes them for still needing “milk.” Milk isn’t bad. It’s essential for babies. But it’s tragic for adults. Milk is predigested. It requires no effort.Spiritually speaking, “milk” is relying only on what others say about God. It’s surviving on a weekly sermon and never digging deeper. If your only spiritual intake is 30 minutes on Sunday, you’re on a liquid diet.Reading the Bible is good. It’s like taking a scenic drive through beautiful country. Studying the Bible is getting out of the car and reading the historical markers. It means slowing down and asking questions.That’s where inductive Bible study comes in:Observation: What does the text say?Interpretation: What did it mean to the original audience?Application: How does it apply today?The Bible was written to people in a specific time and culture, but it was written for us. Studying moves us from surface-level familiarity to life-shaping understanding.And this leads naturally to the second mark of maturity.2. Spiritual grown-ups don’t just study — they apply.Hebrews 5:13 says an infant “doesn’t know how to do what is right.” Knowledge without obedience produces immaturity.You can know Greek word studies. You can debate theology. You can listen to endless podcasts. But if you don’t obey, you’re spiritually stalled.Verse 14 says mature believers are those who “through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.” The word “training” comes from the Greek word gymnazō — where we get “gymnasium.” Growth requires exercise.Application is spiritual training. It’s forgiveness when it’s hard. It’s generosity when it’s costly. It’s integrity when no one is watching.Information alone doesn’t transform. Obedience does.If we only “taste” truth without walking in it, our hearts grow dull. Discernment comes from practiced obedience.3. Spiritual grown-ups don’t just apply — they teach.Hebrews 5:12 says, “You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others.”This is the launch.The goal of maturity isn’t self-improvement. It’s multiplication.Ephesians 4:14 (NLT) says:“Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching.”Teaching others stabilizes your own faith. When you pour out, you grow up.There is a shift every believer must make—from consumer to contributor. From audience to ambassador. From “What am I getting?” to “Who am I helping?”The cure for spiritual dullness isn’t more consumption. It’s contribution.When Michael Rotondo was evicted, he didn’t thank his parents. He said he was outraged. He wanted to stay a child forever.God loves us too much to let us stay spiritually rotund—full but unproductive. He calls us out of comfort and into mission.Don’t fight the launch. Don’t settle for the bottle when God has a feast—and a purpose—waiting for you.Spiritual maturity isn’t about how long you’ve believed. It’s about whether you’ve launched.

In this episode Pastor Bryan challenges the popular but dangerous habit of "narcissistic" Bible reading—treating the Scriptures like a mirror to validate our own feelings rather than a window into the mind of God. By exploring the critical distinction between Eisegesis (reading our own meaning into the text) and Exegesis (drawing God’s meaning out of it), we uncover how misusing "inspiring" verses like Jeremiah 29:11 or Philippians 4:13 can actually silence the Holy Spirit's true intent. Listeners will walk away with a practical four-pillar framework for Hermeneutics, shifting from seeking "nuggets of personal approval" to encountering the transformative, Christ-centered reality of the Word.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] NowKeyword: Bible StudyWhat’s the Difference between Eisegesis and Exegesis?What Is Biblical Hermeneutics?--

In this episode, Tracy explains why forgiveness isn’t passive, instant, or pretending the hurt didn’t happen—it’s an active, ongoing choice that makes healing and growth possible in your marriage. She unpacks what forgiveness is (and isn’t), shows what it can look like in real-life scenarios, and challenges both spouses to not only give forgiveness but ask for it with humility.--The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--Gary Chapman's book: The Five Languages of Apology Video from the Marriage Channel: The F Word that Can Save Your Marriage Forgiveness in Marriage: The Choice That Changes EverythingEvery marriage will face hurt. Expectations will be missed. Words will be spoken in frustration. Sometimes there will even be deep betrayal. The question isn’t if you’ll need forgiveness in your marriage — it’s whether you’ll choose it.Forgiveness is not passive. It’s not pretending the hurt didn’t happen. And it’s not a “magic eraser” that wipes away pain overnight. Biblical forgiveness is an active, ongoing choice. It’s the decision to release the offense so that healing and growth can begin.When Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive someone, Jesus answered, “seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21-22. That wasn’t a literal number — it was a posture. Forgiveness is meant to characterize the heart of a follower of Christ.What Forgiveness Is1. Forgiveness Is a ChoiceForgiveness doesn’t always feel natural. It’s a deliberate decision not to replay the offense over and over or use it as ammunition in the next argument. It’s choosing not to hold your spouse hostage to their failure.2. Forgiveness Is a GiftYou’re giving your spouse space to grow. You’re saying, “You hurt me, but I’m willing to move forward instead of weaponizing this against you.” It creates room for rebuilding.3. Forgiveness Is Active and OngoingSome wounds are deep. If there has been infidelity, addiction, or repeated betrayal, forgiveness may not be a one-time event. It may be something you choose daily — even moment by moment — as painful memories resurface.4. Forgiveness Means Giving Up VengeanceHolding onto bitterness may feel justified, but it poisons your heart. Hebrews 12:15 warns about the “poisonous root of bitterness.” Revenge does not create healing soil for reconciliation.What Forgiveness Is NotForgiveness does not mean forgetting. It does not minimize the offense. And it does not automatically restore trust.Trust and forgiveness are not the same thing. Forgiveness is a proactive gift. Trust is rebuilt over time through consistent behavior. If your spouse betrayed you, forgiveness opens the door for healing — but trust must be earned.God’s Model for MarriageAs followers of Jesus, our ultimate model is God Himself.Ephesians 4:32 tells us to be “kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”Psalm 103:10-12 reminds us that God does not treat us as our sins deserve. He removes our sins “as far from us as the east is from the west.”Romans 5:8 declares that Christ died for us while we were still sinners.When we remember how much we’ve been forgiven, it softens our hearts toward our spouse. We’ve offended a holy God far more than our spouse has offended us — yet He forgives with compassion.What Forgiveness Looks Like in Real LifeScenario 1: Missed ExpectationsMaybe your spouse is chronically late. They forget anniversaries. They don’t plan date nights. Forgiveness here might look like clearly communicating your expectations instead of silently building resentment. It might mean maintaining a posture that wants your spouse to succeed — not secretly hoping they fail so you can feel justified.It also means refusing to live in “negative sentiment override,” constantly focusing on their flaws. Instead, choose to remember the qualities you love about them and invite trusted mentors or counselors to help you grow.Scenario 2: Betrayal (Pornography Relapse or Infidelity)This is heavier. Forgiveness in this case does not mean ignoring the betrayal. It means honest confrontation, outside help, accountability structures, and clear expectations.Forgiveness says, “I’m willing to give you space to rebuild trust.” It does not eliminate consequences, but it removes vengeance from the equation so healing can begin.Many couples have rebuilt after devastating betrayal — but it only happened because the offended spouse was willing to extend forgiveness, and the offending spouse was willing to earn trust.When You Need to Ask for ForgivenessForgiveness isn’t only about giving it. Sometimes you need to ask for it.That requires humility. It means taking responsibility without shifting blame. It means saying clearly what you did wrong and asking for forgiveness.Healthy marriages are built when both spouses know how to forgive and how to repent.The Better Way ForwardBitterness is like gasoline on a fire. Forgiveness is the extinguisher. One destroys; the other creates space for rebuilding.If you want a healthy marriage, forgiveness cannot be optional. Pray for a softened heart. Meditate on how God has forgiven you. Choose forgiveness — again and again.It’s not easy. But it is freeing. And it is God-honoring.

Have you ever wondered if you’re a two-part or a three-part being? While many Christians use the terms "soul" and "spirit" interchangeably, others argue they represent distinct layers of our spiritual anatomy. In this episode, we dive deep into the classic theological debate between Dichotomy (body and soul/spirit) and Trichotomy (body, soul, and spirit). By exploring the Hebrew concept of nephesh, the "parallelism" of Mary’s song, and the "piercing" metaphor in Hebrews 4:12, we uncover why this isn't just a technical word study—it’s a vital look at how God redeems the whole person. Whether you feel like your emotions are at war with your faith or you're trying to map out your "inner self," this conversation clarifies how we are a unified "unity of dust and breath."--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] NowWhat Is The “Trichotomist” View Of Human Beings? - The trichotomist view is the theological perspective that human beings are composed of three distinct parts: body, soul, and spirit. While the “dichotomist” view—the idea that man is a unified being of material (body) and immaterial (soul/spirit)—has been the more dominant position throughout church history, trichotomy seeks to make a sharper distinction between our psychological life and our spiritual life. According to this framework, the soul and spirit are not just different words for the same thing, but separate components with unique functions.What Is the “Dichotomist” View of Human Beings? - The dichotomist view is the biblical and theological belief that human beings consist of two distinct parts: the material (the physical body) and the immaterial (the soul or spirit). Unlike the trichotomist view, which argues for a three-part breakdown of body, soul, and spirit, dichotomy suggests that “soul” and “spirit” are simply two different names for the same non-physical essence that lives on after the body dies.Is There a Difference Between Soul and Spirit? - The Bible uses the terms “soul” and “spirit” to describe the immaterial part of a human being, but most biblical scholars believe they refer to the same essence seen from different perspectives. While some argue for a three-part (trichotomist) view, the “dichotomist” view—that humans consist of two parts, a physical body and a unified spiritual soul—is the most consistent way to understand how Scripture describes our inner life.--Key Discussion PointsThe Vocabulary of Humanity: An introduction to "Theological Anthropology" and why science alone cannot explain the immaterial part of a human being.The Creation Account (Genesis 2:7): Analyzing the "math" of creation—dust (material) plus breath (immaterial) equals a living nephesh (soul).The Trichotomist View: The belief in three parts:Body: Physical relation to the environment.Soul: The seat of personality (mind, will, emotions).Spirit: The capacity for God-consciousness.The Dichotomist View: The belief that "soul" and "spirit" are two names for the same immaterial essence, often used as synonyms or poetic parallelism in Scripture.The "Hebrews 4:12" Dilemma: A closer look at the verse often used to prove a split between soul and spirit, and why it might actually be a metaphor for deep penetration rather than anatomical separation.Holistic Redemption: Why compartmentalizing our "good spirit" from our "messy soul" is a dangerous lie, and how God seeks to redeem our entire being—thoughts, feelings, and bodies.

In this episode, Tracy unpacks the pressure-filled world of youth sports and challenges parents to trade performance-driven parenting for Christ-centered encouragement that builds character instead of insecurity.--The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--Parenting Your Kids in Sports: Encouragement That Builds CharacterSports can be one of the best training grounds for kids—or one of the most stressful parts of family life. If the thought of your child’s next game already makes you anxious, you’re not alone. Many parents feel pressure (from coaches, culture, other parents, and even themselves) to treat childhood sports like a career path. And if you’ve ever found yourself internalizing your kid’s performance as a reflection of your value as a parent, this topic is for you.Here’s the big reality check: the sports world has changed fast. Not that long ago, kids played multiple sports at their local school and it was mostly about fun, learning skills, and being with friends. But today, it often feels like you have to “choose one sport,” join a competitive club, train year-round, travel constantly, and chase a scholarship—starting in elementary school. That pressure can turn sports from something healthy into something consuming.But before we even talk strategy, we have to talk about heart posture. Many of us are parenting out of baggage we’ve never named. Maybe you had a coach who humiliated you. Maybe your parents were overly intense—or totally checked out. Maybe you were the star athlete and it fed pride. Or maybe you always felt like you were on the outside trying to prove yourself. Whatever your story is, it shapes how you respond to your kid’s wins, losses, effort, attitude, and mistakes.So here’s the question that changes everything: Why do I care so much about my kid’s performance?What does it “say about me” if they play well—or if they don’t? If you can’t answer that honestly, you’ll struggle to parent this area in a healthy way. Because we can’t lead our kids somewhere we haven’t gone ourselves.Next, let’s talk expectations. A lot of sports culture sells a dream: “We’re going to get your kid a D1 scholarship.” But the odds are small. For many sports, only around 1–3% of high school athletes will reach that level. Most kids won’t—and that’s okay. The point of sports isn’t to build a résumé. It’s to build a person.So what should our emphasis be?Instead of obsessing over points, minutes, wins, and rankings, use sports to teach what matters in real life:How to be a good teammateHow to celebrate others’ successHow to handle disappointmentHow to respect authority (even when it’s imperfect)How to show up, work hard, and not quitHow to build resilience after failureThese are character lessons your child will carry into friendships, future jobs, marriage, parenting, and faith.And that leads to the biggest “moment” you need to get right: the post-game conversation.Here’s a simple equation that can change your parenting:Positive feedback + criticism = discouragementParents often think, “I’ll start with something positive, then mention what they need to improve.” But most kids don’t hear it that way. They hear the “but.” They leave the car ride feeling like they failed you—especially if they already feel pressure from coaches, teammates, or themselves.Your job isn’t to be the assistant coach. Your job is to be the safe place.That doesn’t mean you never talk about growth. It means you choose the right time and tone—and you stop piling on when your kid is already carrying weight. In the moment when emotions are high, your words should be steady, supportive, and encouraging.And above everything, let your parenting mirror God’s heart toward you. God doesn’t love you based on performance. He doesn’t withhold affection when you fail. He’s compassionate, patient, and faithful.Psalm 103 reminds us that the Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry, filled with unfailing love—He doesn’t constantly accuse, and He doesn’t deal harshly with us as we deserve. That’s the kind of spirit we want in our parenting, especially in the car ride home.Sports can be fertile soil for discipleship—if we stop buying the lie that our kid has to be in the “1%” to matter. Your child’s identity isn’t “athlete.” That can be part of their story, but it doesn’t need to be the story.The ultimate win isn’t a scholarship. It’s a kid who grows in character, stays grounded in Jesus, and learns how to live faithfully in the real world.

Welcome back to the podcast! Join us this week for a special episode, highlighting the updates to our website in 2026!--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--

In this episode Bryan connects the dots between modern prophetic scandals and early Mormonism, exposing how unchecked authority and “new revelation” can lead to deception, cover-up culture, and spiritual harm. This episode warns all believers to test everything against the Word of God, even in the Christian church. --The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--Cover-Up Culture and the Modern Prophetic MovementImagine believing a leader hears directly from God—only to discover manipulation, deception, and hidden sin behind the scenes. Recent scandals in parts of the modern prophetic movement have exposed troubling patterns of spiritual abuse, cover-ups, and unchecked authority.In this episode, we connect the dots between today’s prophetic controversies and similar patterns from church history—particularly early Mormonism. This isn’t about attacking charismatic Christians. It’s about recognizing red flags that can emerge whenever leaders claim special revelation and avoid accountability.The goal? Spiritual discernment. Protecting your faith. Keeping your eyes on Jesus.What We Cover in This Episode1. What Is the Modern “Prophetic Movement”?In some charismatic and Pentecostal circles, certain leaders claim to receive fresh, specific revelations from God. With social media and online platforms, these voices now have massive reach and influence.Recent investigations have exposed:Data mining disguised as prophecyManipulation through spiritual languageAllegations of moral failure and abuseInstitutional efforts to protect reputations over victimsThese patterns aren’t new.2. The Historical Parallel: Early MormonismIn the 1800s, Joseph Smith claimed prophetic authority and new revelation. Over time, a culture developed that:Shielded leadership from accountabilitySuppressed inconvenient truthsProtected institutional reputationMinimized or denied moral failuresThe release of the Gospel Topics Essays in 2013 revealed how long some historical realities had been obscured.The lesson? Cover-up culture thrives wherever leaders claim unquestionable authority.The Core Issue: Authority and “New Revelation”The connective tissue between past and present movements is this idea:When someone claims direct revelation from God that overrides Scripture or bypasses accountability, danger follows.Scripture never elevates any modern leader above the Word of God. The Bereans in Acts 17 were commended for testing even the Apostle Paul against Scripture.No one is above God’s Word.Five Red Flag QuestionsUse these to evaluate any church, ministry, influencer—or even this podcast.1. Is the “anointing” used as a shield against accountability?If questioning a leader is labeled rebellion or “touching God’s anointed,” that’s a warning sign.Biblical leaders welcome testing. False leaders silence it.2. Is brand management prioritized over victim care?When:NDAs silence victimsImage protection overrides transparencyWhistleblowers are shamedYou may be witnessing institutional self-protection rather than shepherding.3. Is there a true plurality of leadership?Healthy churches have:Multiple eldersShared authorityReal oversightClear accountability structuresUnchecked, concentrated power almost always leads to corruption.4. How are failed prophecies handled?Biblically, if someone claims to speak for God and the prophecy fails, they were wrong.Deleting videos. Reframing predictions. Moving goalposts. These are not biblical responses.5. Does “new revelation” contradict Scripture?This is the ultimate test.If a “fresh word”:Overrides ScriptureAdds to ScriptureReinterprets clear biblical teachingElevates a leader’s voice above the BibleIt is not from God.The canon is closed. Jesus is the final and complete revelation of God.The Real DangerThe enemy’s primary weapon is deception.Cover-up culture doesn’t just damage institutions—it damages faith. When leaders fall and secrets surface, people often walk away from Jesus entirely.But Jesus is not the problem.Human pride and unchecked authority are.The Bottom LineDon’t let:Spiritual hypeCelebrity influenceEmotional experiencesClaims of secret knowledgeDistract you from the simple, sufficient Word of God.The Bible doesn’t point to modern prophets.It points to Jesus.He has nothing to hide.He needs no cover-up.He is enough.Related ResourcesWhat Is Cover-Up Culture in Prophetic Circles Today? (Article at PursueGOD.org)Episodes on Mormon Gospel Topics Essays (Unveiling Mormonism Podcast)Link to Mike Winger's Youtube: Mike Winger

Greater Than the G.O.A.T.Hebrews 3:1–6Who’s the Greatest of All Time?In football, fans argue over quarterbacks. In basketball, it’s Jordan or LeBron. In soccer, Messi or Ronaldo. Every generation debates its heroes. Today we’re asking that same question—but for the Bible.If you had asked a first-century Jewish believer, the answer would have been simple: Moses. He wasn’t just a leader. He was the prophet, the lawgiver, the deliverer, the mediator. If you had Moses, you had everything.But Hebrews chapter 3 makes a bold claim: Jesus is greater.The Pressure to Go BackThe book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians under intense pressure. They were facing persecution and social rejection. Following Jesus wasn’t easy. Going back to Judaism—to Moses—looked safer.Can you relate? Sometimes faith costs something. Maybe it’s awkward conversations at work. Maybe it’s tension in your family. In those moments, the “old life” can look comfortable.That’s why the author writes:Hebrews 3:1–6 (NLT)“And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God… think carefully about this Jesus whom we declare to be God’s messenger and High Priest… Moses was certainly faithful in God’s house as a servant… But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house. And we are God’s house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ.”Moses was faithful. But Jesus is greater.Why Moses? Because to understand how great Jesus is, you have to understand how great Moses was.1. The Prophet: The Mouthpiece vs. The MessageMoses was the great prophet of Israel—Moshe Rabbenu, “Moses our Teacher.” When God spoke, Moses delivered the mail.At the burning bush, God said:Exodus 3:10 (NLT)“Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.”Moses went up the mountain and came down with God’s words. He was the mediator. The messenger.But Hebrews tells us something bigger.Hebrews 1:1–2 (NLT)“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son.”Moses delivered a message. Jesus is the message.Moses told us what God said. Jesus showed us who God is. The difference isn’t subtle—it’s seismic.2. The Architect: The Snapshot vs. The Whole PictureMoses didn’t just speak for God. He shaped a nation.At Sinai, he brought down the Ten Commandments. In a world ruled by tyrants, this was revolutionary. Authority answered to a higher authority. Justice wasn’t based on mood; it was rooted in God’s character.Even the Sabbath command was radical:“Six days you shall labor… but the seventh day is a sabbath.”In a world of slavery and subsistence farming, rest was unheard of. God declared that human worth wasn’t measured by productivity.But even this was just a snapshot.Fifteen hundred years later, Jesus revealed the whole picture:Matthew 22:37–40 (NLT)“‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’… ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”Moses gave structure. Jesus gave fulfillment.The law was never the final word—it was the frame around a greater portrait. Jesus didn’t abolish the law; He completed it.3. The Servant: The Old House vs. The New HouseHebrews 3:5 says:“Moses was certainly faithful in God’s house as a servant. His work was an illustration of the truths God would reveal later.”An illustration. A preview. A shadow.For centuries, God worked primarily through Israel. Kings like David. Prophets like Elijah and Isaiah. All servants in the house.But the house wasn’t the destination—it was the conduit.Even the Law hinted at something bigger:Numbers 15:15 (NLT)“Native-born Israelites and foreigners are equal before the LORD and are subject to the same decrees.”Foreigners? Equal?It was there all along.Then comes the mic drop:“But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house. And we are God’s house…”Not just Israel. Jews and Gentiles. Insiders and outsiders. The offer of salvation goes out to all.Moses served in the house. Jesus rules over it. And through Christ, we become it.The Testimony of MosesIf you asked Moses, “Are you the one we should follow?” he would point beyond himself.Jesus said:John 5:46 (NLT)“If you really believed Moses, you would believe me, because he wrote about me.”That’s the point of Hebrews 3.Moses was great. Faithful. Foundational. But his entire ministry was an illustration of what God would reveal later.Jesus is greater than the prophet because He is the Word made flesh.Greater than the architect because He fulfills the law.Greater than the servant because He is the Son.And if you belong to Him, you are part of His house.So when the pressure comes—when faith feels costly—remember this:Don’t retreat to the shadow when you have the substance.Don’t go back to the servant when you have the Son.Don’t settle for the snapshot when you’ve seen the whole picture.Jesus is greater than the G.O.A.T.

In this Valentine’s Day special, Bryan and Tracy reflect on nearly 30 years of marriage by choosing one word to define each decade, encouraging you to do the same. From the chaos of young parenting to the tension of busy schedules and the transition into the empty nest years, they share honest lessons from every season. Wherever you are in your marriage journey, this episode will encourage you to embrace the season you’re in and trust how God is using it to shape you both. We hope it inspires conversation for your Valentine's Day date night out!--The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--

WHY DID JESUS HAVE TO BECOME HUMAN? (CHRISTOLOGY 2)Last week, we began our journey through Hebrews by focusing on Christ’s divine nature. In just four verses, we saw that Jesus is the agent, purpose, sustainer, and ruler of creation. He is fully God—uncreated, eternal, and the exact expression of God’s nature. That was a lot of theology packed into a small space.Today we slow down and move to Christology part two: Jesus’ human nature. This raises a crucial question for Christians then and now: Why did Jesus have to become human?The theological term for this is the incarnation—the central Christian belief that the eternal Son of God took on human nature in the person of Jesus Christ. Importantly, Jesus did not stop being God when He came to earth. He retained His divine nature and added a fully human nature. This means Jesus is one person with two distinct natures: fully God and fully man. No other being in the universe exists like this.While on earth, Jesus didn’t “turn off” His divine power. Instead, He chose not to exercise His divine attributes independently. He lived in complete dependence on the Holy Spirit. The early church called this mystery the hypostatic union. It’s deep theology, but the book of Hebrews doesn’t present it as abstract theory. It presents it as good news.Let’s slow down and read our passage for the day:Hebrews 2:14–18 (NLT)Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying…From this passage, Hebrews gives us seven reasons Jesus had to become human.First, Jesus became human because we are human. Since God’s children are flesh and blood, the Son also became flesh and blood. Only a human could represent the human race before God. To save humanity, the Savior had to belong to humanity. In God’s courtroom of justice, Jesus stands as our representative—one who truly understands our condition.Second, Jesus became human so He could die. Death is the penalty for sin, established by God from the beginning. This is the great paradox of the gospel: the Author of life became mortal. If Jesus had remained only divine, He could not have died—and if He could not die, we could not overcome death. Hebrews later reminds us that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.Third, Jesus became human so He could break the power of the devil. Hebrews says that through death, Jesus destroyed the one who had the power of death. Satan once held the authority to accuse humanity and hold eternal separation over our heads. Notice the tense—had the power of death. Through the cross, that authority was broken.Fourth, Jesus became human to set us free from the fear of death. Death is still inevitable, but it no longer has the final word. In the ancient world, death was a constant companion, and fear of it shaped daily life. The Christian hope of resurrection transformed everything. As Paul later declared, “O death, where is your victory?” Christians don’t have to live as slaves to fear anymore.Fifth, Jesus became human so He could be our high priest. A priest bridges the gap between a holy God and broken people. Jesus had to be made like us in every respect to fulfill this role. He is merciful toward our weakness and faithful toward God’s holiness. Hebrews will return to this theme again and again.Sixth, Jesus became human so He could be our sacrifice. In the Old Testament, priests offered animals. In the New Covenant, the Priest is the sacrifice. This is the ultimate power move of grace: Jesus offered Himself to take away the sins of the people.Seventh, Jesus became human so He could help us in our testing. Hebrews was written to believers facing persecution and temptation to give up. Jesus understands. He was abandoned, tempted, grieving, and suffering. Because He endured testing Himself, He is able to help us when we are tested.The author later sums it up beautifully: because Jesus is our great High Priest, we can come boldly to God’s throne. If Jesus had remained distant in heaven, God’s throne would be a place of terrifying judgment—a “Keep Out” sign for sinners. But because Jesus added a human nature to His divine nature, God is now approachable.You don’t have to clean yourself up. You don’t need fancy words. You come boldly—not because you are worthy, but because Jesus is. At the throne of grace, we receive mercy, not judgment.

In this episode, Tracy unpacks the idea of a time budget and challenges us to take an honest look at how we spend our time and what it reveals about our true priorities. By examining our daily routines, she invites us to align our schedules with what we say matters most—especially our relationship with God.--The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--What Your Time Says About What You Truly Care AboutOverviewWe all have the same 24 hours in a day. How we spend those hours tells a powerful story—one that reveals our true priorities, passions, and commitments. It’s easy to say we value certain things—faith, family, health—but when we step back and take an honest look at how we actually spend our time, the truth becomes clear. Are we really living according to the values we claim to hold dear?Time Is the Ultimate Indicator of PriorityThink about it: if someone tracked your daily routine for a week, what would they discover? Maybe they’d find that your evenings are filled with sports practices, Netflix binges, or endless scrolling on your phone. Church attendance or involvement might fall down the list with sports tourneys for the kids, camping on the weekends or other vacations. Maybe work consumes your days and fatigue takes your nights. None of these are inherently bad—but when they take up the bulk of our time, we have to ask: What’s being left out?From Habits of the Household — Justin Whitmel Earley“Moments aggregate, and they become memories and tradition. Our routines become who we are, become the story and culture of our families.“Think of it like this: when it comes to spiritual formation, our households are not simply products of what we teach and say. They are much more products of what we practice and do.” These habits of the household are giving our children windows into what we mean when we talk about faith.“The liturgical lens allows us to see all of our normal moments for what they really are: moments of worship to someone or something.”The Time Budget ExerciseOne of the most eye-opening exercises you can do is create a "time budget". Just like a financial budget shows you where your money goes, a time budget breaks down how you spend the 168 hours in your week. Include everything: sleep, work, meals, commutes, entertainment, family time, exercise, screen time—and yes, time with God.Take time to do a time breakdown of a month. Think of all that you do in a day and in a week.What Does Your Time Budget Reveal?Once you've created your time budget, take a step back and look at it. Ask yourself:What gets the most hours?What gets squeezed in?What gets neglected entirely?And most importantly: Where does God fit in your week?The expectation isn’t to say you should spend hours in prayer and Bible reading a day, but a good question to ask is, “How much time does God get?” It’s about recognizing whether your relationship with God is being treated as a priority or an afterthought.A Call to ChooseIn Joshua 24:14–15, Joshua challenges the people of Israel to make a decision:“Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness… But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”Joshua's words are a reminder that faithfulness requires intention. You don’t accidentally serve God with your life—you choose to. And that choice is reflected in how you spend your time.Adjusting the BudgetIf your time budget reveals that God is getting your leftovers, don’t be discouraged—make a change. Just like with a financial budget, adjustments are possible. Maybe it means starting your morning with prayer instead of scrolling. Maybe it’s carving out time in your week for church, Bible study, or serving others.Reallocating your time is about aligning your daily rhythms with what (and Who) matters most.Final ThoughtThe truth is simple: how you spend your time is how you spend your life. And your life is shaped by your priorities.If God is truly important to you, let it show up in your schedule. Not just in theory—but in practice, day by day, hour by hour.ScriptureDeuteronomy 6:5–9“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

While the Bible depicts the devil as a formidable and active force in our world, his authority is far from absolute. Often misunderstood as an equal opposite to God, the devil is actually a created being whose influence is strictly bound by divine permission. His "power" is less about brute force and more about the strategic use of deception, accusation, and the exploitation of human fear. This episode explores the specific nature of his influence—often described as the "god of this world"—while highlighting the ultimate victory that renders him a defeated foe for those who stand in the truth of Christ.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--The Ruler of a Fallen WorldThe devil is frequently referred to as the "ruler of this world" or the "god of this age." This doesn't imply legal ownership of the earth, but rather a pervasive influence over its current systems and spiritual darkness.Atmospheric Influence: He works through human culture and philosophies to nudge people toward rebellion.Spiritual Hierarchy: While not omnipresent (like God), he leads a structure of spiritual forces aimed at clouding human judgment.Temporary Authority: His "rule" is a result of humanity's original fall and remains only as long as God allows it for His greater purposes.The Strategy of DeceptionThe devil’s most potent weapon isn't physical; it is misinformation. By masquerading as an "angel of light," he twists truth to create mental strongholds.The Father of Lies: Deception is his native language. He seeks to make good look evil and evil look good.The Accuser: He uses our failures to convince us we are beyond God’s grace, effectively sidelining our faith through guilt.Mental Strongholds: By planting seeds of doubt regarding God's goodness, he leads individuals into spiritual bondage."He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies." — John 8:44Breaking the Power of DeathHistorically, the devil used the fear of death as a chain to keep humanity in slavery. Because sin leads to death, he used human guilt as a legal claim.The Great Disarming: Through the incarnation and resurrection, Jesus broke this power.A Change in Perspective: For the believer, death is no longer a tool of the enemy or a source of dread, but a transition into the presence of God.Boundaries and Divine PermissionA crucial theological point is that the devil and God are not equal. The devil is on a "leash" and must operate within boundaries set by the Creator.The Job Example: In the Book of Job, Satan had to request permission before acting, and God set strict limits on what he could touch.Finite Capabilities: The devil is not all-knowing, not all-powerful, and cannot be in multiple places at once.How to Resist the InfluenceVictory over the devil’s influence is not achieved through human willpower, but through submission to God.Resist and Flee: The promise is that when we resist him, he will flee.The Armor of God: This "armor" is comprised of spiritual truths (The Gospel, Righteousness, and the Word of God).No Forced Sin: While he can tempt and suggest, he cannot control a person's will unless they give him ground.The Takeaway: The devil is a defeated enemy. While we must remain "sober and alert," we do not need to live in paranoia. The "One who is in you" is infinitely greater than the one in the world.

In this episode, Brandi and AJ share how unanswered questions, painful discovery, and an honest search for truth led them from “grinding for godhood” in Mormonism to encountering the real Jesus of the Bible.Check out Brandi's Book: The Journey to Jesus: Finding Christ after Leaving MormonismBrandi's Instagram--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--Brandi and AJ’s Story: Mormon to Atheist to ChristianBrandi and AJ were doing everything “right.” They were BYU grads, married, building a life, raising kids, and fully committed to the LDS vision of a faithful future. AJ describes it like “grinding for godhood”—a life built on steps, worthiness, temple goals, and constant striving. But then the foundation started to crack.For AJ, some of the doctrinal history raised unsettling questions (including ideas like “blood atonement,” which they mention they’ll unpack later). For Brandi, the tipping point was watching changes in the LDS church after COVID and feeling like the church was shifting in a more progressive direction. She tried to address it the way a devoted member would: she wrote letters to Salt Lake City headquarters about what she saw as inconsistency—especially related to abortion and human life. She wasn’t trying to tear anything down. She genuinely believed the LDS church was true, and she wanted it to be consistent.But the response felt dismissive—more like a polite pat on the head than a meaningful engagement. That frustration pushed them into a place they never thought they’d go: researching.Looking for answers… without wanting to “deconstruct”Brandi makes an important clarification: they weren’t hunting for “gotcha” moments. They didn’t go searching because they assumed the church was false. In fact, they needed it to be true. That’s why reading outside sources felt dangerous. AJ describes that fear as avoiding the “cognitive dissonance fire”—because their hearts were convinced, and they didn’t want their minds persuaded that everything was a lie.But once they started reading, the “genie” didn’t go back in the bottle.They looked at sources like MormonThink because it included multiple perspectives—both critical claims and apologetic responses. That felt more balanced. Still, it wasn’t official, and Brandi felt guilty even being there. Eventually, as more historical issues piled up (like multiple First Vision accounts, questions surrounding the Book of Abraham, and other details they had never been taught), Brandi felt desperate for the church itself to clarify things. So they turned to the Gospel Topics Essays—official LDS content hosted on the LDS website.That’s where everything shifted.Instead of restoring confidence, the essays confirmed key issues and, in Brandi’s view, exposed more “spin” than clarity. For the first time, she seriously wrestled with the question: What if the church isn’t true?The crossroads: nuance or truthAJ explains how people often survive early doubts by “nuancing” their faith—making room for uncomfortable data while keeping the system intact. But eventually, they reached a crossroads: Would they live in a growing pile of nuance just to keep the community and structure—or would they follow truth wherever it led, even if it cost them everything?For them, it took about six months of intense study—re-reading, checking footnotes, cross-referencing sources, and trying to disprove what they were learning. And then came a painful realization: staying “for the good parts” wasn’t enough. They feared raising their kids inside something they no longer believed—only to have their kids later say, “You knew, and you still taught us.”So they left.Why ex-Mormons often leave faith altogetherThey explain why this often leads to losing all faith. Mormonism doesn’t just shape beliefs—it shapes identity, habits, relationships, and your entire framework for “the good life.” If you were taught you had the pinnacle of truth—and it collapses—then everything else can feel like lesser options or chaos.AJ’s next step was simple: keep morality, keep family values, and “worship God in the mountains.” Brandi’s journey was darker at first. For a moment, atheism felt peaceful—like relief from endless striving and spiritual pressure. But that peace didn’t last. Holding her baby, she started asking deeper questions: Why is there something rather than nothing? Where does consciousness come from? Can I really trust my feelings to define truth?She realized she needed sturdier ground than emotion and authority.A new search: truth, the Bible, and the resurrectionBrandi began exploring arguments for God, morality, and the reliability of the Old Testament. That season pulled her into what she calls her “Jewish era”—not literally converting, but deeply studying the Hebrew Scriptures and seeing how unique the Bible’s ethical monotheism really is.But she also noticed something: the story didn’t feel finished.Eventually, the Old Testament pushed her toward the question she didn’t want to touch: Jesus. After years of associating His name with LDS pain and betrayal, she approached Jesus through a historical lens: Who was this man who changed the world’s calendar? Why does every major worldview have to deal with Him?Then she went straight to the hinge point: the resurrection.Because if Jesus rose from the dead, He is not just a teacher—He is Lord. And if He is Lord, then Christianity isn’t another “system.” It’s a surrender. Brandi describes the moment she felt the implications land: If this is true, it’s the most important event in human history.AJ’s journey took a different route. He had to be confronted with sin—not just mistakes, but real guilt before a holy God. The Bible dismantled his “good person” confidence. He began to see that the gospel isn’t self-improvement. It’s rescue.That’s the contrast they highlight:In Mormonism, the “problem” is untapped potential.In Christianity, the problem is sin and separation from God.In Mormonism, the “solution” is a system of ordinances and obedience.In Christianity, the solution is Jesus—His finished work, received by faith.And that’s where their story is headed: not toward a better version of themselves, but toward a Savior who actually saves.Scripture References (NLT): Jeremiah 29:13; Mark 4:9; Isaiah 53:5-6; Romans 3:10-12; Isaiah 64:6; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8.

The Seven Attributes of Jesus (Christology 1)Big Idea: Jesus Christ is not just a chapter in the story of God; He is the Author, the Hero, and the Ending. When we see Jesus for who He truly is, every other priority in our lives finds its proper place.Today we begin a nine-week journey through the Book of Hebrews, a letter written to magnify the greatness of Jesus Christ. Hebrews isn’t primarily about religious rules, moral improvement, or spiritual techniques. It’s about Jesus—who He is and what He has done. Everything else flows from that foundation.The original audience was likely Jewish Christians living under Roman rule, facing intense persecution. As pressure mounted, many were tempted to abandon their faith in Jesus and return to the familiarity and safety of traditional Judaism. Hebrews speaks directly into that tension with one clear message: Jesus is greater than anyone or anything that came before Him. To walk away from Him would be to walk away from the fulfillment of all God’s promises.The author of Hebrews remains anonymous, one of the great mysteries of the New Testament. While Paul may have influenced it, the writing style is far more polished and rhetorically sophisticated than Paul’s letters. Hebrews chapter 1 proves this immediately. Verses 1–4 form a single, majestic sentence in the original Greek—an exordium, designed to grab attention with both beauty and weight.Hebrews 1:1–4 (NLT) sets the stage:“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son…”In the Old Testament, God spoke in fragments—a dream here, a burning bush there, a prophet’s warning along the way. But in Jesus, God didn’t just send messages; He sent the Message. This is Christology—the study of the person and work of Jesus Christ—and Hebrews wastes no time getting to the point.In verses 2–3, the author unleashes a rapid-fire description of Jesus using seven distinct attributes. In Scripture, the number seven represents completeness and perfection. Together, these form a full portrait of the Son.Jesus is the Heir—the goal of history. God has promised everything to Him as an inheritance. History is not random; it is moving toward the coronation of King Jesus. He is the “why” behind all creation.Jesus is the Creator—the architect of reality. Through Him, God made the universe. Jesus is not a created being; He is the source of all things. Nothing exists apart from His will.Jesus is the Radiance—the shining glory of God. He doesn’t merely reflect God’s glory like the moon reflects sunlight; He radiates it. The Son is the visible manifestation of the invisible God—“Light from Light.”Jesus is the Expression—the exact imprint of God’s nature. The Greek word charaktēr refers to a stamp or seal. Jesus doesn’t resemble God; He perfectly represents Him. To see Jesus is to see God.Jesus is the Sustainer—the glue of the cosmos. He holds everything together by the power of His word. The universe doesn’t persist on autopilot; it endures because Jesus commands it to.Jesus is the Savior—the cleanser of sin. When He purified us from our sins, the work was finished. Unlike Old Testament priests who never sat down, Jesus completed the work once for all.Finally, Jesus is the Ruler—the seated King. He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven, a position of total authority. The victory is won.Hebrews 1:4 reminds us that Jesus is far greater than angels, traditions, or anything else we might be tempted to trust. For believers facing hardship, this truth re-centers everything.The message of Hebrews is clear: It’s all about Jesus. When we see Him rightly, everything else falls into place.

In this episode, Tracy and her son AJ (almost 23) share a field guide for parenting in the digital age. Drawing from AJ’s experience growing up with smartphones and social media, the conversation isn’t meant to scare parents—but to wake them up and help them guide their kids with biblical wisdom.--The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--Field Guide for Parents: The Digital World and Your KidsIf you’re a parent today, you’re raising kids in a world you didn’t grow up in. Smartphones. Social media. Gaming communities. Private messaging. Endless scrolling. And the truth is, most of us are trying to parent through technology we don’t fully understand—while our kids often understand it better than we do.In this episode, Tracy teams up with her son AJ (almost 23) to offer a “field guide” for navigating the digital world with your kids. AJ grew up in the smartphone/social media era and shares what he’s learned—both from experience and from research. They call it a cautionary tale, not because parents should panic, but because parents should wake up.Here’s the big idea: a smartphone isn’t just a phone. It’s a powerful tool with access to an entire universe—and a lot of that universe is unfiltered, unsafe, and deeply shaping.The Pressure Is Real—But So Is the DangerParents feel the pressure early. Today, many kids are getting smartphones in elementary school. And when “everyone has one,” kids start to feel like they’ll be left out socially if they don’t.AJ shares that this pressure isn’t just about having a device—it’s about access to the communication apps everyone uses. If your kid isn’t on the group chat or the app the team uses, they can feel isolated.But here’s the problem: social pressure is not a good reason to hand your child a tool they aren’t ready to handle.Start With the Right Question: Is My Kid Ready for the Responsibility?A better question than “When should my kid get a phone?” is: Is my child ready for this responsibility?There are phone options that allow for basic communication without opening the floodgates of social media, porn, and endless content. Parents can start with a “dumb phone” and treat it like training wheels.AJ compares it to driving a car: you don’t hand your kid the keys and hope for the best. You teach them. You supervise. You build habits. You set boundaries. You require trust and responsibility over time.Boundaries Aren’t About Control—They’re About ProtectionIf you decide to give your child a phone, boundaries matter.Some practical boundaries include:Screen time limits (and learning delayed gratification)No phone in the bedroom at nightCharging phones in a public placeNo phone use until homework/chores are doneParents know passwords and have full accessRegular conversations about what your child is doing onlineThe goal isn’t to micromanage forever. The goal is to train your child to be wise and self-controlled before they’re fully on their own.The Hidden Dangers Most Parents MissThis episode also highlights the “hidden dangers” that many parents don’t realize until it’s too late:1) Algorithms Social media apps are designed to learn what your child likes and then feed them more of it—often in addictive cycles. What starts as “normal” can quickly become a constant stream of harmful content.2) Comparison Culture Social media trains kids to compare their life to everyone else’s highlight reel. This fuels insecurity, anxiety, depression, and identity confusion—especially for young women.3) Private Messaging & Predators Many apps (including gaming communities) allow private conversations. Kids can be groomed, manipulated, bullied, catfished, or blackmailed by people pretending to be someone they’re not.4) Sexual Content One of the most urgent warnings is exposure to sexual content and pornography, which can happen shockingly early. AJ emphasizes that kids are not neurologically equipped to handle this—and it can shape their brains, desires, and relationships for years.A Simple Framework for Different AgesTo help parents think strategically, the episode ends with a framework:Elementary School: focus on obedience and trust (if any phone, start basic)Middle School: focus on wisdom and self-control (strong boundaries, high caution)High School: focus on ownership and integrity (preparing for adulthood)And above all: don’t assume “everyone else is doing it” means you should too.A Biblical Lens for Digital ParentingThe episode closes with a reminder that Christian parenting is countercultural. God’s people don’t follow the world’s patterns just because they’re common. We protect our kids, shepherd their hearts, and help them grow in wisdom.Romans 12:2 (NLT) says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”Parents, this conversation is not about fear. It’s about discernment. Your child’s heart, mind, and future are too valuable to leave to the wild west of the internet.

In this episode, Bryan sits down with Brandi and AJ to hear how a lifetime of devotion to Mormon exaltation turned into what they call “grinding for godhood”—a relentless pursuit of worthiness, temple marriage, and eternal approval. Their story reveals the hidden pressure of a works-based faith and sets the stage for how God began to unravel everything they thought was true.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--Check out Brandi's Book: The Journey to Jesus: Finding Christ after Leaving MormonismGrinding for Godhood: Life Inside Mormon ExaltationIn this episode, Bryan talks with Brandi and AJ, two former Mormons who were fully committed to their faith from childhood. Brandi introduces a phrase that captures their experience perfectly: “grinding for godhood.” It describes a life shaped by striving—keeping covenants, qualifying for temple blessings, and doing everything necessary to reach exaltation.What does “grinding for godhood” mean?Brandi explains that from a young age she believed her purpose was to tap into her divine nature and eventually become like God. This wasn’t driven by ego or a desire to be worshiped. It felt like obligation—this is what I was created for, and I have to take it seriously.AJ felt the same pressure. The temple represented the ultimate goal: exaltation, eternal family, and eternal progression. Getting to the temple—and staying worthy—was everything.Women, godhood, and the templeFor Brandi, godhood wasn’t just a “male” idea. She fully expected to become like a “Heavenly Mother,” even though Heavenly Mother was rarely discussed in Mormonism. Eternity was tied to temple marriage, which meant finding the right husband wasn’t optional—it was essential.That belief raised the stakes on dating, college decisions, and life itself.Utah vs. California MormonismAJ grew up in Utah, where Mormonism was normal and rarely questioned. Brandi grew up in California, constantly interacting with non-Mormons and Christians who challenged her beliefs. Instead of weakening her faith, that pressure made her more confident and outspoken.Brandi actively debated theology, defended the Restoration, and gave Book of Mormons to friends and teachers—believing she was sharing something life-changing.BYU and the pressure to marryAt BYU Provo, the urgency intensified. Brandi describes the dating culture as competitive and stressful. Being single as a junior or senior felt like failure. Marriage wasn’t just about love—it was about eternity.When Brandi and AJ began dating, the pressure followed them into engagement. Brandi admits she feared something tragic might happen before they were sealed in the temple. Eternity felt fragile, dependent on timing, worthiness, and obedience.Garments, worthiness, and spiritual pressureBrandi explains receiving her endowment and garments—milestones she had looked forward to for years. They symbolized progress toward exaltation. Yet at the same time, she felt uncomfortable with the legalism and image-driven culture she saw in Utah Mormonism.She loved Mormon theology and the idea of living the “higher law,” but she also felt suffocated by expectations to look perfect and hide weakness.The first cracksNeither Brandi nor AJ were looking to leave Mormonism. They loved it. Their families were all in. But cracks began to form.AJ’s started when he learned about blood atonement in a BYU religion class—something he had never heard despite years in the church. It forced him to reconsider the claim that prophets would never teach error.Brandi’s concerns began with leadership decisions and perceived contradictions. Those questions eventually led them to consider researching issues more deeply—something they had been taught to avoid.They describe that moment as frightening and disorienting. Looking outside approved sources felt wrong, even sinful. But once they started asking honest questions, everything changed.The episode ends on a cliffhanger as Brandi and AJ stand at the edge of a journey they never planned to take.

A Brutally Honest Take on the UncontrollablesWe live in a culture obsessed with control. Hustle harder. Plan smarter. Pray longer. If you do all the right things, life should cooperate. That’s the promise of hustle culture—and it’s incredibly seductive.But Ecclesiastes offers a brutally honest response.As we close our Ecclesiastes series, Qoheleth—the Teacher—pulls back the curtain on the illusion of control. Life “under the sun” is not a machine we operate; it’s a mystery we inhabit. And the more we try to control it, the more frustrated and disillusioned we become.Earlier in the book, Qoheleth introduced us to two key ideas that shape everything else. First, his name—Qoheleth—means “Teacher,” the one who gathers people to tell the truth. Second, the word hevel—often translated “meaningless”—literally means vapor. Life is fleeting, unstable, and impossible to grasp.Pleasure is hevel.Wealth is hevel.They’re not sins. They’re not gods. They’re gifts—but terrible masters.In this final message, Ecclesiastes confronts three unavoidable realities of life: the uncontrollables.1. You Can’t Control the CreatorWe live under the illusion that we are in charge—especially in American culture. Ecclesiastes says otherwise.Ecclesiastes 7:13–14 (NLT) says, “Accept the way God does things, for who can straighten what he has made crooked?”The hardest truth for control-oriented people is this: God is God, and we are not.Scripture teaches that God is sovereign—not just aware of events, but actively holding the universe together and directing history toward His purposes. Sometimes God acts directly. Sometimes He allows human choices. But even when He permits something, He never loses control.God is the primary cause—the one with the plan and the power.Humans are secondary causes—we make real choices with real responsibility.The bottom line is humbling: you are not the scriptwriter of your life.2. You Can’t Control the ConsequencesWe assume life is a meritocracy—that the fastest, smartest, and hardest-working people always win. Ecclesiastes dismantles that assumption.Ecclesiastes 9:11 (NLT) says, “The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race… It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time.”Timing matters. Circumstances matter. Opportunity matters.This doesn’t mean effort is pointless. In fact, Ecclesiastes affirms wisdom and preparation.Ecclesiastes 10:10 (NLT) says, “Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade.”Sharpen the blade. Work hard. Be wise.But even then, outcomes are never guaranteed.Ecclesiastes doesn’t call us to quit trying—it calls us to stop pretending we’re in control.3. You Can’t Control the ClockSome people are better at predicting the future than others. Many of them are rich. But it’s still a guess.Ecclesiastes is clear: the future is unknowable, and death is unavoidable.Ecclesiastes 8:7–8 (NLT) says, “No one really knows what is going to happen… None of us can hold back our spirit from departing.”No amount of money, innovation, or optimism can stop time—or death. The human mortality rate remains a steady 100%.That reality sounds dark until we realize what Ecclesiastes is doing: stripping away false hope so we can find real hope.The Only Thing You Can ControlIf we can’t control the Creator, the consequences, or the clock—what can we control?Ecclesiastes ends with clarity.Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 (NLT) says, “Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.”You can control your response to God.Not your parents’ faith.Not your spouse’s obedience.Not your pastor’s integrity.Yours.To fear God means more than being afraid. It means awe, reverence, humility, and trust. And obedience naturally flows from that posture—not because outcomes are guaranteed, but because God is worthy.The Gospel Answer to the UncontrollablesQoheleth lived “under the sun”—under the law, under the cycle, under the shadow of death. He didn’t see the full picture.But we do.Jesus stepped directly into the uncontrollables. He entered a world of chance, suffering, and death. He took the judgment Ecclesiastes warns about. He broke the cycle we couldn’t escape.Life under the sun finds its answer in the Son.The brutal honesty of Ecclesiastes doesn’t lead to despair—it leads to trust.Your duty isn’t to be in control.It’s to live in submission to the One who already is.

Welcome back to the podcast!--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--Today we're discussing part 7 in our 12-week Discipleship series with hosts Bryan Dwyer and Ross Anderson. Getting to your defining moment of faith is more than the end of your old life; it’s the beginning of a new one! Baptism is a symbol of that new life.In this lesson we’ll learn 5 reasons why Christians should get baptized.

In this episode, Bryan and Layne show why the Holy Spirit isn’t a reward you earn or a feeling you chase—but God’s personal presence given to everyone who trusts in the real Jesus. --The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--How the Holy Spirit Works Personally (and Why Mormonism Leaves People Unsure)In the last episode, we talked about how a biblical church doesn’t need one “capital P” Prophet to speak for God. Jesus didn’t set up His church to be led by a single man with exclusive access to heaven’s messages. Instead, the book of Acts shows something radically different: God gives His Holy Spirit to every believer, revealing truth through Scripture and confirming it through the people of God.But here’s the question that hits closer to home: How does the Holy Spirit work on a personal level?That’s where this conversation gets especially helpful—because Layne lived for 40 years inside Mormonism, where the Holy Spirit is often treated like something you earn, maintain, or even lose. And if you grew up LDS, you know the anxiety: Do I have the Holy Ghost? Did I lose it? Am I worthy enough today?The “Holy Ghost” in Mormonism: A Gift You’re Never Quite Sure You HaveIn Mormon teaching, people are told about the “gift of the Holy Ghost,” along with ideas like “confirmations,” “warm feelings,” and the famous “burning in the bosom.” It’s often described as something that comes after baptism, through priesthood hands, and after ongoing obedience and ordinances.But here’s the problem: many Latter-day Saints live with what Layne calls Holy Spirit insecurity.You might feel something during prayer or a testimony meeting—then you mess up later and wonder if God is gone. The whole cycle can become spiritually exhausting, emotionally draining, and mentally confusing. Instead of a steady relationship with God, you’re chasing a spiritual signal that feels like it comes and goes.The Holy Spirit Is a “He,” Not an “It”One of the practical moments in this episode is when the guys stop and talk about pronouns—because it reveals something deeper.In biblical Christianity, the Holy Spirit isn’t an impersonal force. He is a person. Not a “thing” or “energy” or “vibe.” He has personhood. That’s why Christians speak of Him as “He,” not because the Spirit has a gender, but because He’s personal—God Himself dwelling in believers.Mormonism may technically describe the Holy Ghost as a person, but it’s within a very different framework: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost as separate beings (and functionally separate gods). That changes everything. Instead of God’s direct presence, the Holy Ghost becomes more like a messenger—someone sent—while leaving people unsure what God the Father is doing, and unsure whether they can really trust what they’re experiencing.Feelings vs. Fruit: What Are You Actually Chasing?A big “aha” in this conversation is how Mormon “spiritual feelings” often function differently than Christian worship and discipleship.In many Christian settings, feelings can be part of worship—people may feel deeply connected to God. But in Mormonism, the emotional goal often shifts toward something else:Feeling affirmed that the church is trueFeeling confirmed that Joseph Smith was a prophetFeeling validated that “we can’t all be wrong”Feeling like you made the right choice by staying loyalLayne describes how testimony meetings can become an emotional loop where everyone repeats the same ideas in a “vanilla” way, and the shared group emotion becomes “evidence.” It turns subjective, and over time, it trains people not only how to think—but how to feel.And if you’re not feeling it? You hide it. You fake it. You wonder what’s wrong with you.That’s not the freedom Jesus offers.The Bible’s Answer: You Receive the Holy Spirit When You BelieveHere’s the clearest contrast of the entire episode:In the Bible, the Holy Spirit is not earned. He is received.Jesus promises that those who believe will receive the Spirit:John 7:38–39 explains that the “living water” Jesus offers is the Holy Spirit, given to everyone who believes.Galatians 3:2 says believers receive the Spirit by faith, not by works.Ephesians 1:13 says when you believed in Christ, you were marked as God’s own by the promised Holy Spirit.That means you don’t have to wonder every day whether you “still have Him.” You don’t have to earn His presence with performance. When you trust Jesus—the Jesus of the Bible—God seals you as His own.And that leads to an important (and challenging) statement: Mormonism offers counterfeits—of Jesus, the gospel, and the Holy Spirit. The goal of this episode isn’t to help people “fake it better.” It’s to call people to the real Christ and the real Spirit.The Spirit’s Main Job: Glorify JesusJohn 16:13–14 makes it clear: the Holy Spirit guides believers into truth, and that truth centers on one thing—glorifying Jesus.That becomes a diagnostic question:Is “the Spirit” you’re following pointing you to a prophet—or pointing you to Christ?If your spiritual experiences consistently push you toward trusting a man, a system, or an institution as the ultimate authority, that should raise red flags. The Holy Spirit’s mission is to make Christ clearer, not to make a prophet central.Transformation Is the EvidenceLayne ends with five “fruit checks”—not to prove you have the Spirit (faith in Jesus settles that), but to show what the Spirit produces over time:Love for God’s Word and truthConviction of sin and repentance without shameJoy and peace not dependent on circumstancesChristlike character (the fruit of the Spirit)Dependence on Christ instead of earning God’s favorThe real evidence isn’t a momentary feeling—it’s long-term transformation.And that’s good news: because even when you don’t “feel” spiritual, you can still trust God’s promises. Faith isn’t following emotions. Faith is trusting the Word of God—and the Spirit uses that truth to change you from the inside out.

A Brutally Honest Take on Work and WealthWe spend an enormous amount of our lives thinking about work and worrying about money. How much should we save? How hard should we hustle? Will we ever have enough?The book of Ecclesiastes meets those questions head-on—with refreshing honesty.Written by “the Teacher” (Qoheleth), Ecclesiastes doesn’t offer clichés or easy answers. Instead, it introduces us to a key idea that shapes everything else: hevel—a Hebrew word meaning vapor, smoke, or breath. Something real, but fleeting. Visible, but impossible to grasp.Think of smoke. You can see it. It looks solid. But the moment you try to grab it, it slips right through your fingers. That, the Teacher says, is what money is like. It’s real and useful—but if you try to build your life on it, you’ll eventually discover you’re standing on nothing.The Big Idea: Money is a helpful tool, but a horrible god.Below are five timeless insights from Ecclesiastes that help us hold work and wealth with wisdom and humility.1. Work and Wealth Are Good Gifts from GodEcclesiastes is clear: work itself is not the problem. In fact, the Teacher calls it a gift.Ecclesiastes 5:19 (NLT)“And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it… this is indeed a gift from God.”Notice where wealth comes from—from God. That means we are not the source of our wealth; we are stewards of it. The Bible never commands us to be poor, unemployed, or lazy. Instead, it consistently warns against idleness.Work is good. Earning is good. Enjoying the fruit of your labor is good—when it’s received as a gift, not treated as a god.2. Don’t Sacrifice Your Peace for a PaycheckWhile work is good, toil is not.Ecclesiastes 4:6 (NLT)“Better to have one handful with quietness than two handfuls with hard work and chasing the wind.”There’s hevel again. Hustle culture promises fulfillment but often delivers exhaustion. When success steals your sleep, your joy, and your sanity, something is off.The Teacher observes that those who work hard tend to sleep well—but the wealthy often lie awake at night, anxious and restless. More money doesn’t always mean more peace.3. Money Can’t Buy True HappinessIf money could satisfy the human heart, then having more would finally be enough. But Ecclesiastes says otherwise.Ecclesiastes 5:10 (NLT)“Those who love money will never have enough.”The problem isn’t having money—it’s loving it. Wealth constantly promises happiness just one step ahead: a little more, a little better, a little bigger. But that finish line never arrives.The New Testament echoes this wisdom, warning that the love of money leads to sorrow, spiritual drift, and deep regret. Money makes a terrible savior.4. Enjoy What You Have Right NowHere’s one of the most practical lessons in Ecclesiastes:Ecclesiastes 6:9 (NLT)“Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have.”Wealth can’t buy happiness—but what you already have can be enjoyed. Contentment isn’t getting everything you want; it’s learning to appreciate what God has already given.Gratitude replaces coveting. Presence replaces comparison. Jesus reinforced this truth when he warned that life is not measured by how much we own.5. You Can’t Take Any of It With YouEcclesiastes repeatedly reminds us of a simple reality: we arrive with nothing, and we leave with nothing.Ecclesiastes 5:15 (NLT)“We can’t take our riches with us.”This truth isn’t meant to depress us—it’s meant to free us. There are no hearses pulling U-Hauls. One second after you die, your net worth is zero.That’s why Jesus ends his parable in Luke 12 with a warning: a person is foolish to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.The Solid Ground Beneath It AllMoney is hevel. Real, but fleeting. Useful, but unreliable.God, on the other hand, is solid ground.The gospel invites us to stop worshiping the gift and start trusting the Giver. True wealth isn’t found in what we accumulate—but in a relationship with God that can never be taken away.Luke 12:21 (NLT)“A person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”That kind of wealth lasts forever.

In this episode, Tracy confronts the reality that culture is already discipling our teens about identity and sexuality and challenges parents and mentors to step in with honest, ongoing conversations rooted in biblical truth and grace.--The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--Talking with Teens About Sexuality: Discipling Kids in a Confusing WorldTeens today are growing up in a world flooded with messages about identity, intimacy, and sexuality. From social media feeds and streaming shows to school hallways and group chats, culture is constantly catechizing them—often long before parents or mentors realize it. That leaves adults with a choice: avoid the conversation out of fear or discomfort, or step into it with honesty, compassion, and biblical truth.In Talking with Teens about Sexuality, counselor Beth Robinson and Latayne C. Scott offer a much-needed roadmap for navigating one of the most intimidating areas of discipleship. Rather than promoting fear-based rules or one-time lectures, the authors equip parents and mentors to engage in thoughtful, ongoing conversations about sex, identity, relationships, boundaries, pornography, dating, gender, and online influences.A key insight of the book is this: teens aren’t just battling hormones—they’re battling an entire culture that is shaping their beliefs every single day. Algorithms are discipling them. Influencers are normalizing behaviors. Entertainment is redefining identity and intimacy. If Christian adults remain silent or reactive, they shouldn’t be surprised when culture becomes the loudest voice in a teen’s life.Robinson and Scott insist that intentionality is essential. Parents don’t need to have all the answers, but they do need to be present, informed, and emotionally available. Teens are far more likely to listen when they feel understood rather than lectured. That’s why the book repeatedly emphasizes listening before teaching, empathy before correction, and relationship before instruction.Another strength of the book is how it reframes God’s design for sexuality. Instead of presenting biblical boundaries as arbitrary rules meant to limit freedom, Robinson and Scott show how Scripture presents them as gifts meant to protect dignity, foster trust, and lead to wholeness. Teens are desperate for a vision of sexuality that offers hope rather than shame—and the Bible provides exactly that.The authors are also realistic. They acknowledge that parents cannot control everything their teens encounter. Pornography, sexualized content, and identity-driven messaging are nearly unavoidable in today’s digital world. But while parents can’t control the culture, they can guide their teens through it. They can create homes where hard questions are welcomed, mistakes are met with grace, and truth is spoken clearly and lovingly.Ultimately, Talking with Teens about Sexuality is not just a parenting manual—it’s a discipleship guide. It reminds us that shaping a teen’s view of sexuality is inseparable from shaping their understanding of God, identity, and purpose. When parents and mentors stay engaged, humble, and gospel-centered, their influence remains far more powerful than they might realize.We may not get to choose the world our teens grow up in—but by God’s grace, we do get to walk with them through it.

In this episode, Bryan and Layne show from Acts and the Old Testament that Jesus didn’t set up His church to be led by “one guy,” but by the Holy Spirit—giving every believer direct access to God with Jesus as the Head.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--How Does God Lead His Church Today?Many people assume that if God is real, and if the church matters, then God must lead His people through one central human authority—one prophet, one president, one pope, one voice you can always trust. That’s a natural assumption, especially if you grew up in a system where spiritual certainty came from the top down.In Mormonism, that “one guy” model is baked into the culture. You’re taught to trust the prophet’s voice. You stand when he enters. You sing songs about him. You learn, subtly, to confuse the voice of the Spirit with the voice of a leader. And over time, it can become so normal that you don’t even notice what’s happening: you start substituting God’s voice for the voice of man.But here’s the key question: Is that how Jesus set up His church to work?When we open the Bible, the answer is clear—no. Jesus did not design His church to depend on one human “main character” who can’t be questioned. Instead, Jesus promised something far more personal, more powerful, and more stable: He would lead His church by the Holy Spirit, with Jesus as the Head.Jesus’ Blueprint Starts in ActsIf you want to understand how God leads the church, you have to start in Acts 1:8. Right before Jesus ascends to heaven, He gives His disciples their mission: they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes, and they will be His witnesses—starting in Jerusalem and spreading outward to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8Notice what’s missing: Jesus doesn’t single out Peter and say, “I’ll speak through him now.” He doesn’t announce an ongoing chain of centralized authority. Instead, He points them to the Spirit’s power and the global mission ahead.Then comes Acts 2, and it’s one of the most important moments in church history. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit comes—not on one leader—but on all believers gathered together. That’s the point. The Spirit is not reserved for one office or one “elite” class. God’s presence is now available to every follower of Jesus. Acts 2:1-4That alone challenges the entire “one guy” model.The Apostles Were a Foundation, Not a Forever OfficeMormons and Catholics both appeal to the idea of apostolic succession. But the New Testament treats the original apostles as something unique: a foundation.Paul says the church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets.” Ephesians 2:20A foundation is laid once. You don’t rebuild it every generation.Acts itself supports this. After Judas dies (after betraying Jesus), the apostles replace him to restore the Twelve. Acts 1:15-26 But later, when James is martyred, the church doesn’t replace him. Acts 12:1-2 Why? Because Judas was a special case tied to betrayal and the completion of the Twelve. The apostles were the original witnesses of Christ and the beginning foundation of the church—not an endlessly refilled office.The Old Testament Predicted This “New Way”This wasn’t a last-minute change. God promised long before Jesus came that He would make a new covenant—one where His law wouldn’t merely be written on stone tablets, but written on hearts.Jeremiah prophesied that a day was coming when people wouldn’t need someone to constantly say, “Know the Lord,” because they would know Him personally. Jeremiah 31:31-34That’s exactly what happens through the Holy Spirit. God doesn’t just hand you more rules. He comes to live in you—transforming you from the inside out.The Holy Spirit Is Received by Faith, Not by a SystemPaul confronts religious legalism head-on in Galatians. He asks believers how they received the Holy Spirit: by obeying rules, or by believing the message about Christ?His answer is unmistakable: you received the Spirit because you believed. Galatians 3:2And he warns them not to start in the Spirit and then attempt to “become perfect by your own human effort.” Galatians 3:3That “Jesus plus” mindset is exactly what traps people in religious systems. It keeps you dependent—always needing the next instruction, the next worthiness check, the next leader to tell you what God “really” wants.But Christianity is different: Jesus is the final revelation of God, and the Spirit is God’s presence given to every believer. John 14:26God Leads Through a TrifectaSo how does God lead His church today? Not through a single unchallengeable authority. He leads through a beautiful, stabilizing “trifecta”:God’s Spirit living in every believer. Acts 2:1-4God’s Word as the final, trustworthy authority. 2 Timothy 3:16-17God’s People—a Spirit-filled community that restores, corrects, and encourages with humility. Galatians 6:1That’s why Christianity doesn’t collapse into chaos without a prophet-president. The Holy Spirit produces fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—in real people living real lives. Galatians 5:22-23And when believers stumble, the solution isn’t spiritual exile. The solution is restoration—helping each other back onto the right path.That’s the new way Jesus promised. That’s what the Bible teaches. And that’s why a personal relationship with God is not a “bonus feature” of Christianity—it’s the whole point.Jesus is the Head of the church. The Spirit is the guide. And every believer is invited into direct, personal access to God—no middleman required.

A Brutally Honest Take on PleasureEcclesiastes has a way of cutting through our assumptions and exposing reality. Where Proverbs often presents life in clean cause-and-effect terms—do this and you’ll get that—Ecclesiastes responds with a sobering reminder: life isn’t that simple. This book gives us a clear-eyed look at life “under the sun,” meaning life as it exists in a fallen, broken world.Last week, we were introduced to two key ideas that shape the entire book. The first is Qoheleth, the “Teacher,” whose reflections form Ecclesiastes. The second is hevel, a word translated “meaningless,” but more accurately understood as vapor or smoke—something fleeting, elusive, and impossible to grasp. The Teacher’s message is not that life has no value, but that life under the sun cannot bear the weight of our ultimate expectations. We were made for more than this world alone.This week, the Teacher turns his attention to pleasure.The Promise of PleasureIn the ancient world, pleasure was often elevated as the highest good. Today, we use words like hedonic to describe short-term, sensory enjoyment, and hedonism to describe the belief that pleasure should be the primary goal of life. The logic is simple: if it feels good, do it; if it hurts, avoid it.That mindset feels especially familiar in modern culture. We chase experiences, comfort, entertainment, success, and romance with the hope that the next thing will finally satisfy us. Yet experience tells us something isn’t working. The more we pursue pleasure directly, the more restless we become.Thousands of years before neuroscientists studied dopamine or psychologists described the “hedonic treadmill,” King Solomon ran a real-world experiment to see if pleasure could satisfy the human soul.Solomon’s Great ExperimentIn Ecclesiastes 2:1–11 (NLT), Solomon describes his pursuit of pleasure in sweeping, exhaustive terms. He explored laughter and entertainment, concluding that constant amusement ultimately rang hollow. He turned to alcohol, attempting to numb the weight of life while still clinging to wisdom. He invested in massive building projects, vineyards, gardens, and infrastructure—accomplishments that would rival any modern empire.He accumulated wealth, assets, and power beyond any king before him. He surrounded himself with music, beauty, and sexual pleasure, withholding nothing his heart desired. By every standard—ancient or modern—Solomon lived the dream. “Anything I wanted, I would take,” he writes. Ecclesiastes 2:10.And yet, after surveying it all, his conclusion is devastating: “But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.” Ecclesiastes 2:11.Once again, the word hevel appears. Vapor. Smoke. Nothing solid enough to build a life on.Why Pleasure Can’t DeliverSolomon’s conclusion mirrors what many experience today. Pleasure produces a genuine emotional spike, but it doesn’t last. Over time, what once felt exciting becomes ordinary. To feel the same rush again, we need more—more success, more stimulation, more affirmation. This cycle leaves us constantly chasing, but never arriving.The problem isn’t pleasure itself. The problem is asking pleasure to do what it was never designed to do. Pleasure can enhance life, but it cannot anchor it. When we treat pleasure as ultimate, disappointment is inevitable.The Other ExtremeWhen pleasure fails, some people swing in the opposite direction. Instead of indulgence, they choose denial. This mindset—often called asceticism—assumes that avoiding pleasure makes us more spiritual or more righteous. But Scripture rejects that extreme as well.From the very beginning, God placed humanity in a garden filled with beauty and abundance. Genesis 2 describes trees that were not only good for food, but also pleasing to the eye. Pleasure was part of God’s original design. He is not anti-enjoyment; He is anti-idolatry.A Better Way ForwardSolomon eventually arrives at a wiser conclusion. “So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can,” he writes, “and people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.” Ecclesiastes 3:12–13.This is the balance Ecclesiastes calls us to embrace. Hedonism says, pleasure is my god. Asceticism says, pleasure is my enemy. The gospel says, pleasure is a gift. Gifts are meant to be received with gratitude, not clutched with desperation.Solomon had everything and still felt empty. Jesus, on the other hand, lived with almost nothing—and was perfectly full. Jesus offers what pleasure never can: “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10.True satisfaction isn’t found in chasing pleasure, but in trusting the One who gives it.

In this episode, Tracy talks about expectations in marriage—why they matter, where they come from, and how to navigate them in a way that strengthens your relationship.--The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--Topic SummaryEvery couple comes into marriage with expectations. Some are spoken, but many are unspoken—and that’s where conflict often begins. Our expectations are shaped by childhood, culture, and our inner dialogue. If we’re not intentional, these expectations can weigh down our relationship instead of building it up.Think back to your family of origin. What roles did your parents play—or fail to play? How might those experiences shape your current expectations of your spouse? In the book, Marriage Forecasting by Tim Muehlhoff says, when frustrations come, ask yourself: “Who is in the room with me?” In other words, what past examples are influencing how I see my marriage today.Ground Rules for Sharing ExpectationsPractice gentle honesty.Avoid judgment. Your spouse isn’t a mindreaderBe curious listeners, not defensive.Scripture InsightThe Bible gives us a better way. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Paul describes love as patient, kind, and not easily irritated. Love doesn’t assume or demand—it chooses to give. That means healthy marriages require us to talk about expectations instead of hoping our spouse will just figure them out.We also need grace. None of us are perfect spouses. God models patience and forgiveness toward us (Colossians 3:12), and He calls us to extend the same grace to each other.TakeawayMarriage is a lifelong journey of discovery. As you share expectations and show grace, you’ll keep learning about each other and eventually know one another well enough to anticipate needs and support each other. Muehlhoff refers to this process as growing into soulmates, so enjoy the journey!

In this episode, Bryan and Layne explore how the Bible teaches direct access to God through Jesus, not through prophets or religious institutions, using the torn temple veil as the key turning point. Drawing from Layne’s journey out of Mormonism, they explain why trusting the Holy Spirit over human authority leads to true freedom.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--Torn Veil, Open Access Layne (a former Mormon of 40 years) and Bryan talk about what access to God looks like in Mormonism compared to biblical Christianity. The big contrast: Mormonism tends to route access through an institution and its leaders, while the Bible teaches direct access to God through Jesus, guided by the Holy Spirit.They anchor the whole conversation in a key moment from the crucifixion: when Jesus died, the temple veil was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). That wasn’t just a detail in the story—it was God’s way of saying, “The separation is gone. The way is open.”What This Episode CoversAccess to God: simple vs. structuredLayne describes growing up Mormon with a built-in ladder of authority—bishop, stake president, prophet—where “hearing from God” felt filtered through leadership. Bryan points out that the idea of having a personal relationship with Jesus often feels like “Christian language,” not the normal relational emphasis inside Mormon culture.Why the torn veil changes everythingIn the Old Testament temple system, the veil represented a barrier between people and God’s presence. Only the high priest could pass through, and only once a year, with a sacrifice.But when Jesus died, God tore the veil Himself—from top to bottom—showing that man didn’t open the way; God did. The cross didn’t just pay for sin. It also removed the whole structure of “you need someone else to get you to God.”Prophets then vs. the Holy Spirit nowThey walk through the New Testament idea that God used prophets “in times past,” but something changes after Jesus (Hebrews 1:1–2). Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would guide believers into truth (John 16:13). Layne puts it plainly: dependence on a prophet is replaced by direct access through Jesus and the indwelling Spirit.Why people prefer a prophet anywayEven if it’s not biblical, a prophet can feel comforting because he’s visible, official, and “safe.” Bryan compares it to legalism: rules feel helpful because they’re clear and controllable—but clarity isn’t the same thing as truth. Layne agrees: when a system is built on control, it can’t survive if people learn they can truly hear and trust God directly.“What about chaos?” Pastors vs. prophetsThey address a common objection: If you don’t have a prophet, won’t everything fall apart? Their answer: biblical Christianity still values church, leadership, and community—but a pastor isn’t a prophet, and no leader gets to trump Scripture. The moment any person claims “God speaks through me in a way that overrides the Bible,” you’re right back to mediation and control.Layne’s turning pointLayne shares how reading the Bible—initially to defend Mormonism—created “cracks in the foundation.” Over time, he realized he was constantly checking Scripture through the lens of church leaders instead of trusting God’s Word and the Spirit’s guidance. He describes leaving as hard, costly, and slow—but ultimately freeing.Scriptures Mentioned (Quick List)Matthew 27:51; Hebrews 1:1–2; Acts 2; John 16:13; John 10; John 14:6; Ephesians 1:13; Ephesians 2:18; Hebrews 10:19–22; Deuteronomy 13 & 18; Amos 3:7; Psalm 118.Where This Is HeadedThey end by teeing up the next conversation: If God doesn’t lead His church through prophets, how does He lead it—without it becoming chaos?

Welcome back to the podcas, as we close out this year with a special New Year's episode!--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--Every new year brings a familiar pressure: do more, be better, try harder. But on the night before His crucifixion, Jesus offered His disciples something radically different. In a moment filled with uncertainty, anxiety, and transition, He revealed the true secrets to a fruitful life—not through striving, but through connection.A Moment of TransitionJohn 15 isn’t a traditional “New Year’s passage,” but it may be the most important chapter for stepping into a new season. Jesus and His disciples are in the Upper Room. He has washed their feet. They’ve shared the Last Supper. Judas has already left. The weight of what’s coming hangs heavy in the air.This moment feels like a final speech—Jesus preparing His closest followers for life without His physical presence. Twice in John 14, He tells them not to let their hearts be troubled or afraid. And yet, they clearly are.We can relate. None of us knows what awaits us in the coming year. We don’t know what challenges, changes, or losses might be ahead. So how can we live without fear? Jesus answers that question in John 15.Secret #1: Think Like a Producer, Not a ConsumerJesus begins with a metaphor:John 15:1–2 (NLT) – “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.”The disciples were likely confused. They were focused on themselves—Why are you leaving us? Why can’t we go with you? But Jesus flips the perspective. He shifts the focus outward.Fruitfulness isn’t about self-improvement; it’s about impact.A consumer mindset asks, What do I get out of this?A producer mindset asks, What can God do through me?This changes everything—our marriages, our parenting, our work, our church involvement. Instead of seeing ourselves as victims of circumstances, we begin asking how we can bring peace, serve others, and make disciples. Jesus had just modeled this by washing His disciples’ feet.A fruitful life starts when we stop making it all about us.Secret #2: Stay Connected to the VineJesus continues:John 15:4–5 (NLT) – “Remain in me, and I will remain in you… For apart from me you can do nothing.”The image is organic, not mechanical. Branches don’t strive to produce fruit; they simply stay connected. This runs counter to how we’re wired. We’re taught to maximize effort, build better habits, and dig deeper into ourselves.But Jesus says fruit comes from abiding—learning the art of being with Him.That’s harder than it sounds. Many of us are good at doing things for God, but not being with God. Remaining requires intentional practices that slow us down and create space for relationship: solitude, slowing, and Sabbath rest.Jesus doesn’t need us to produce results for Him. He wants to do something in us before He works through us.Secret #3: Let Obedience Flow from RelationshipJesus then explains what abiding really looks like:John 15:9–10 (NLT) – “Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love.”Remaining isn’t mystical or complicated. It’s relational. Jesus calls it love.The relationship between the Father, Son, and Spirit existed before time began. Throughout His earthly life, Jesus lived in loving obedience to the Father—and now He invites His disciples into that same relationship.Obedience doesn’t earn love; it expresses it. Real relationship with Jesus always produces obedience over time. Not perfection—but transformation.The Motivation: Overflowing JoyJesus concludes with His heart behind it all:John 15:11 (NLT) – “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!”This is the goal—not pressure, guilt, or fear—but joy. As we head into a new season, Jesus invites us into a fruitful life marked by impact, connection, obedience, and overflowing joy.These are the secrets. And they still work.

Welcome back to the podcast! Today, we are in week two of our Christmas series!--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--WE THREE KINGS: A ROYAL MESS AND A FAITHFUL GODMost of us skim past the first seventeen verses of the New Testament. The long list of names in Matthew’s genealogy feels distant and hard to pronounce, so we move on quickly. But Matthew didn’t include those names by accident. He placed them there to ground the Christmas story in real history. Jesus didn’t drop out of the sky. He entered the world through a real family—full of faith, failure, courage, compromise, and grace.Matthew organizes Jesus’ family tree into three groups of fourteen generations. First come the patriarchs, from Abraham to David—the rise of a family. Then come the kings, from David to the exile—the ruin of a kingdom. Finally comes the remnant, from the exile to Jesus—the long road toward restoration. Last week we looked at the outsiders in Jesus’ lineage: Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth. This week we turn to the kings.You might expect the kings to be the highlight reel—strong leaders, noble faith, spiritual consistency. Instead, what we find is a royal mess. To understand it, we’ll look at three kings from the southern kingdom of Judah: a father, a son, and a grandson. Their stories show how faith can be passed down, rejected, reclaimed, and lost again.King Ahaz: The Shadow of a Bad LegacyBy the time Ahaz became king, Israel was divided. The northern kingdom had fully embraced wickedness. Judah, the southern kingdom—where Jesus’ line continued—was struggling to stay faithful. Ahaz did not help.2 Kings 16:2–3 (NLT) tells us that Ahaz “did not do what was pleasing in the sight of the Lord… Instead, he followed the example of the kings of Israel, even sacrificing his own son in the fire.”In the ancient world, people believed that if you wanted the gods to act, you had to give them something valuable. Ahaz was losing a war and terrified of losing his throne. In desperation, he went to the Valley of Ben Hinnom and sacrificed his own son to Molech. That valley later became known as Gehenna—the word Jesus used for hell.Ahaz’s legacy is devastating. He sacrificed his son on the altar of selfishness. Before we judge him too quickly, we should ask an uncomfortable question: What do we sacrifice our children to today? Career success, personal freedom, reputation, comfort, or misplaced ambition can quietly become modern altars.King Hezekiah: The Cycle BreakerAfter Ahaz died, his son Hezekiah took the throne. He grew up surrounded by idolatry. He had watched his father’s choices destroy lives. Everything about his upbringing suggested he would repeat the cycle.But 2 Kings 18:5–7 (NLT) says something remarkable: “Hezekiah trusted in the Lord… There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah.”Hezekiah broke the cycle. He tore down idols—even destroying the bronze serpent Moses had made because people were worshiping it instead of God. He trusted God in crisis. When the Assyrian army surrounded Jerusalem, Hezekiah prayed instead of panicking. God responded by delivering the city overnight.Hezekiah’s life proves an essential truth: your biology is not your destiny. Grace is stronger than genetics. You can be the one who says, “The trauma stops with me.” Christmas is a powerful time to ask: What patterns am I passing down, and which ones need to end?King Manasseh: Broken AgainAfter Hezekiah, his son Manasseh became king. Surely the revival would continue—right? Instead, Manasseh reversed everything.2 Kings 21:2–3, 6 (NLT) says he rebuilt pagan shrines and “sacrificed his own son in the fire.” He returned to the very sins his grandfather Ahaz had committed.Manasseh’s story teaches a hard lesson: you cannot inherit a relationship with God. God has no grandchildren. Each generation must choose for itself whom it will serve. Parents can shape environments, but only God can change hearts.The Choice Is YoursAhaz was a wicked father. Hezekiah was a faithful son. Manasseh was a rebellious grandson. It’s messy and inconsistent—and yet Jesus came from this family line.The Christmas story isn’t about perfect families. It’s about a faithful God who enters our mess and offers every generation a choice. As Joshua declared, “Choose today whom you will serve… But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15 NLT)Why choose God this Christmas? Because He is better than Molech. He doesn’t demand your son—He offers His own. Jesus died so we could be free, and that freedom can echo through generations.

In this episode, Bryan wraps up 2025 and gives us a clear snapshot of what God has been doing through PursueGOD—and what’s coming next in 2026.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now --Check out our YouVersion reading plansWant to donate? Click here

Welcome back to the podcast! Join us today as we start a new Christmas series!--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now --The Christmas Family Tree: The Part We Usually SkipMost people love Luke 2 at Christmas—the angels, the shepherds, the manger scene. But few of us slow down for Matthew 1, the chapter that looks like the “skip intro” button of the New Testament. Genealogies feel like the part you breeze through on your Bible-in-a-year plan. Yet Matthew opens the story of Jesus with a family tree on purpose—not to bore us, but to prepare us for what Christmas is really about.Matthew organizes Jesus’ genealogy into three sets of fourteen generations (Matthew 1:1–17). It’s not intended to be exhaustive; it’s designed to make a theological point. Jesus is the promised Son of David, the fulfillment of God’s long-awaited plan. But Matthew also includes something shocking for ancient readers: five women—and three of them appear in the very first section of the genealogy.In the first century, writers didn’t include women in genealogies, and certainly not women with complicated, painful, or morally messy backstories. But Matthew breaks the rules to highlight a truth at the heart of Christmas: God invites outsiders, sinners, strugglers, and the unexpected into His family. These women tell us what kind of Savior Jesus really is—and what kind of grace He brings.TAMAR — The God Who Sees the Hidden StoryMatthew 1:3 (NLT): “Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah (whose mother was Tamar).”Tamar’s story in Genesis 38 is one of the most uncomfortable chapters in the Bible. She marries into Judah’s family, but tragedy and injustice quickly follow. Her first husband dies. The second refuses to fulfill his duty to give her a child. Judah promises his youngest son to her “later,” but he never intends to keep his word.Tamar is left childless, powerless, and trapped in a culture where bearing children was the only path to honor, security, and a future. Judah fails her completely, and out of desperation she takes matters into her own hands—posing as a prostitute to confront Judah’s neglect. When Judah discovers what happened, he responds with a shocking confession:Genesis 38:26 (NLT): “She is more righteous than I am.”This isn’t a story celebrating deception—it’s a story exposing Judah’s injustice. Tamar is the wronged one, and yet God sees her, steps into her story, and brings redemption through the birth of Perez—a direct ancestor of Jesus.The lesson of Tamar:God steps into the stories we try to hide.He doesn’t turn away from the messy parts of our past—He redeems them. Tamar reminds us that God moves toward the abandoned and overlooked with purpose and compassion.RAHAB — The Faith That Comes Before the CleanupMatthew 1:5 (NLT): “Salmon was the father of Boaz (whose mother was Rahab).”Rahab enters Scripture suddenly in Joshua 2, described openly as a prostitute living in Jericho. She checks all the “wrong” boxes: a Canaanite, an outcast, a woman shaped by a godless culture. Yet when the Israelite spies arrive, something unexpected happens. She hides them, protects them, and then speaks one of the strongest confessions of faith in the entire Old Testament:Joshua 2:9,11 (NLT):“I know the LORD has given you this land… For the LORD your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below.”Rahab chooses faith before she has a chance to “fix” her life. She trusts God long before she understands His law or His covenant. And God responds by rescuing her—and grafting her into the very family line of the Messiah.The lesson of Rahab:Faith comes before we clean up our lives.God meets us where we are, not where we think we must be. Rahab’s story declares that grace reaches into unlikely places and transforms unlikely people.RUTH — The Call to Leave Moab BehindMatthew 1:5 (NLT): “Boaz was the father of Obed (whose mother was Ruth).”Ruth’s story begins with heartbreak. She loses her husband in Moab and follows her mother-in-law Naomi back to Israel, choosing loyalty to Naomi and devotion to God:Ruth 1:16 (NLT):“Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.”Ruth is a widow, poor, and a foreigner from Moab—a nation born through incest (Genesis 19) and excluded from Israel’s assembly for ten generations (Deuteronomy 23:3). Every cultural barrier is stacked against her.Yet Ruth steps forward in humble, persistent faith. God brings Boaz into her life, provides for her future, and places her in the royal line—she becomes the great-grandmother of King David.The lesson of Ruth:To follow God, you have to leave Moab.We all have a “Moab”—a place of old identity or broken patterns that God calls us to walk away from. Ruth shows that God honors courageous steps of faith, even when the journey feels costly.Why These Women Matter for ChristmasIn Jesus’ day, your genealogy was your resume. You highlighted kings, heroes, and honorable ancestors. But Matthew includes:A woman wronged and abandonedA prostitute from a pagan cityA foreign widow from a forbidden nationWhy?Because the Christmas story is not about polished people—it's about a faithful God inviting outsiders into His family.This is the gospel: no matter your past, your failures, or your background, there is a place for you in the family tree of God. Jesus didn’t come for the impressive—He came for the willing. He came for Tamar, Rahab, Ruth… and He came for you.

In this episode, Bryan talks with Noemi about her journey leaving Mormonism and discovering a relationship with the God of the Bible.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now --

Welcome back to the podcast, we are in our last week of the David series!--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now --Failure is one of life’s great interrupters. Sometimes it comes after a long season of struggle. Other times—like David—it crashes into our story right after success. David spent decades waiting on God’s promise, surviving betrayal, wilderness years, and impossible odds. Then at last, the shepherd-warrior became king. He won battles. He grew influence. He stacked victories. But success often tests us in ways adversity cannot. When comfort sets in, cracks in our character begin to widen. That’s exactly what happened to David.Second Samuel 11 tells the story: David stayed home when kings went to war, saw Bathsheba, pursued her, abused his authority, and arranged Uriah’s death. It’s a tragic chain of compromise. Then God sent Nathan the prophet, who confronted him with a parable—and with the piercing words: “You are the man!” (2 Samuel 12:7 NLT). Psalm 51 is David’s prayer after being exposed. It’s a window into godly sorrow, honest repentance, and the surprising hope that failure doesn’t have to be final.1. Failure Can Become a Doorway, Not a Dead EndMany people live as if their worst moment now defines them forever. David felt the weight of his sin deeply:Psalm 51:3–4 (NLT) — “For I recognize my rebellion… Against you, and you alone, have I sinned.”David makes no excuses. He names his sin before God. This is the difference between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow.2 Corinthians 7:10 (NLT) says godly sorrow “leads us away from sin and results in salvation,” while worldly sorrow only regrets getting caught. Godly sorrow grieves how sin breaks God’s heart, not just His rules. And when we repent for breaking God’s heart, He changes our heart—not just our behavior.If you’ve been letting failure define your future, Psalm 51 offers hope: repentance is a doorway God invites you to walk through, not a wall meant to stop you.2. Humility Is the Hinge That Swings the Door OpenDavid doesn’t shift blame to Bathsheba, stress, or schedule. He looks inward:Psalm 51:5–6 (NLT) — “You desire honesty… teaching me wisdom.”Humility is what makes repentance possible. As F.B. Meyer once wrote, the gifts on God’s “lower shelves” go to the lowly. Humility is the willingness to be taught, corrected, and changed. Exposure is painful, but it is also grace—because God reveals what He intends to heal.David’s prayer echoes another powerful invitation:Psalm 139:23–24 (NLT) — “Search me, O God…”That is the prayer of a teachable heart.3. Repentance Is More Than Stopping Bad BehaviorToo many people think repentance begins with outward change. But Psalm 51 shows that repentance is first an inside work—something only God can do.Psalm 51:7–10 (NLT) describes this inner transformation:“Purify me… wash me… give me back my joy… create in me a clean heart… renew a loyal spirit.”The word create in verse 10 is the same Hebrew verb used in Genesis 1:1. David isn’t asking God to improve him—he’s asking God to re-create him. Real repentance is a gut punch that leads to joy, because God restores what sin has stolen.A joyless Christian often needs repentance more than relief. When joy disappears, it’s a dashboard light alerting us that something deeper needs God’s renewing touch.4. When God Restores, He RedeploysMany people assume God forgives but then places us on the “spiritual bench.” David thought his story might be over too—but listen to his prayer:Psalm 51:12–13 (NLT) — “Restore… then I will teach your ways… and they will return to you.”Forgiven people become messengers of grace. God doesn’t waste repentance; He multiplies it. Your story—your failure redeemed by God’s mercy—can help someone else find their way home.The One Thing God Will Never RejectDavid’s predecessor, Saul, also sinned. But Saul made excuses and tried to save face. Samuel told him:1 Samuel 15:22–23 (NLT) — “Obedience is better than sacrifice… rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft.”Saul lost his throne not simply because he sinned, but because he refused repentance. David, who sinned grievously, became a man after God’s heart because he responded with humility. Psalm 51 ends with this assurance:Psalm 51:16–17 (NLT) — “The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit… You will not reject a broken and repentant heart.”Failure is not final for the person who returns to God.Gospel CloseWe don’t go to heaven because we’re good—we go because we’re forgiven.Ephesians 2:8–9 (NLT) reminds us salvation is God’s gift.And 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT) says Jesus took our worst so we could receive His best.If you’re ready for a fresh start, God is ready to recreate your heart.

In this episode, we compare the church in the book of Acts with the church Joseph Smith built—showing how the LDS ‘restoration’ actually rebuilds the hierarchy, temples, and priesthoods Jesus fulfilled and the Reformers fought to remove. It’s not a return to the New Testament but a reversal of the freedom Christ brought.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now --SUMMARYLatter-day Saints teach that after the apostles died, the church fell into total apostasy—losing authority, truth, and the gospel—and that Joseph Smith “restored” the original church in 1830.But when we compare the Bible, early church history, and the medieval church, a clear pattern emerges: the LDS system doesn’t look like the church in the book of Acts. It looks like the institutional system that developed centuries later.This episode walks through that history and shows why Mormonism isn’t a restoration of the New Testament—it’s a rebuilding of the very system Jesus fulfilled and the Reformers worked to correct.1. What the Early Church Actually Looked Like (Book of Acts)No templesNo priestly hierarchyNo prophet-presidentNo exclusive priesthood lineageBelievers met in homes, prayed, broke bread, and studied ScriptureLeadership was shared among elders/pastorsEvery believer was a priest (1 Peter 2)Access to God came directly through Jesus, not through mediatorsBottom line: The early church was simple, Spirit-led, and centered entirely on Jesus.2. How the Church Drifted in the Middle AgesBy the 4th century, especially after Constantine:The church became tied to political powerBishops became rulersPriests acted as mediatorsSalvation was tied to rituals and sacramentsA single head (the Pope) claimed God-given authorityThis system dominated medieval Christianity and buried the gospel under layers of tradition and hierarchy.3. The Reformation: Returning to ScriptureLuther, Calvin, Zwingli, and the Anabaptists didn’t invent a new church.They removed the medieval layers and returned to:Scripture aloneGrace aloneChrist aloneFaith aloneReal renewal happens when ordinary believers open the Bible again.4. Joseph Smith Recreates the Medieval SystemDespite claiming to “restore” the church, Joseph Smith introduced:A layered priesthood (Aaronic & Melchizedek)A prophet-president with final authorityTemple rituals and restricted accessOrdinances required for salvationCentralized headquarters claiming exclusive truthThis mirrors the medieval Catholic model, not the church in Acts.5. The LDS Temple: The Most Striking IronyJesus ended the temple system:The veil toreJesus became the final High PriestThe church became the temple (Ephesians 2)The Spirit lives in every believerThe early church never rebuilt temples or practiced proxy work for the dead.The LDS Church brings back the very system the New Testament declares obsolete.6. The Pattern in Real Church HistoryAcross movements—the Hussites, Reformers, Moravians, Anabaptists, Puritans—renewal always happens the same way:By returning to the BibleBy preaching the gospelBy centering everything on JesusNo new prophets.No restored priesthood.No rebuilt temple.No extra books or hierarchy.Just Scripture, Christ, and the Spirit.THE MAIN POINTJesus didn’t leave His church.The gospel was never lost.The Holy Spirit never disappeared.The early church didn’t need to be restored—because Christ kept His promise to build it.The LDS restoration story isn’t a recovery of the New Testament church.It’s a reversal—a return to the very structures Jesus fulfilled and the Reformers removed.

Welcome back to the podcast! We're in week number five of our series on David!--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now --Big Idea:God’s route to His promises is rarely efficient—it’s fruitful. When Ziklag burns and hope falters, don’t quit. Strengthen yourself in the Lord, inquire of the Lord, and obey the Lord—and you’ll find the promise is closer than you think.ARTICLE When life feels slow, confusing, or painfully inefficient, many of us wish God acted more like a navigation app. Apps like Waze or Google Maps always chase the fastest route from Point A to Point B. But God doesn’t choose the fastest route; He chooses the forming route. That truth sits at the center of David’s story in 1 Samuel 27–30. After twenty years of running from Saul, David was exhausted. Scripture says “David kept thinking to himself…” (1 Samuel 27:1 NLT). His inner narrative was slipping, and discouragement was shaping his choices.We’ve all been there—moments where shortcuts look tempting, where God’s promise looks distant, and where the path feels like a zigzag instead of a straight line. But David’s journey shows us how to stay faithful when you’re one step away from giving up.Settling for ZiklagDiscouragement often begins with unsubmitted self-talk. David “thought to himself” that Saul was going to kill him and concluded that escaping to the Philistines was his best option (1 Samuel 27:1–2 NLT). Without God’s voice grounding his heart, David drifted into enemy territory.That’s how he ended up in Ziklag.Ziklag—likely meaning “zigzagging”—was a Philistine town that became David’s base for about sixteen months (1 Samuel 27:6–7 NLT). For a man who had been running for years, Ziklag felt like success. He finally had stability, safety, and a loyal army. It looked like arrival.But Ziklag wasn’t the promise. It was provision—but not inheritance. God had spoken something bigger over David’s life: a kingdom, a throne, and divine leadership over Israel. Ziklag was comfortable, but comfort can quietly become compromise. Sometimes the most dangerous place isn’t the valley—it’s the almost.Don’t confuse the interim with the inheritance. Don’t let a tired heart write your theology. God’s promises may take time, but delay is not denial.When Ziklag BurnsThen came the breaking point. While David and his men were away, the Amalekites raided and burned Ziklag to the ground, kidnapping every woman and child (1 Samuel 30:1–2 NLT). In minutes, everything David had built was gone. Even his own men talked of stoning him.What do you do when your life looks like ashes?David models four responses:Weep honestlyThey “wept until they could weep no more” (1 Samuel 30:3–4 NLT).God never asks us to fake strength.Find strength in the LordWhen everyone turned on him, “David found strength in the Lord his God” (1 Samuel 30:6 NLT).Strength doesn’t rise from circumstances—it rises from communion.Inquire of the LordDavid asked, “Should I chase… Will I catch them?” (1 Samuel 30:8 NLT).Faith doesn’t assume—it asks.Obey promptlyGod answered: “Yes… You will surely recover everything” (1 Samuel 30:8 NLT).David moved immediately (1 Samuel 30:9).And God delivered. David recovered everything (1 Samuel 30:18 NLT). Yet even then, David still didn’t have the throne. He must have wondered if the promise had passed him by.But while David was fighting at Ziklag, God was working in Israel. At nearly the same moment David was rescuing his family, Saul was dying in battle (1 Samuel 31:1 NLT). Three days later the news reached Ziklag (2 Samuel 1:1–4 NLT). The promise was not only alive—it was nearer than David realized.You’re often closest to the promise right after the fiercest pressure.Don’t Quit in ZiklagThe enemy doesn’t win when you’re discouraged. He only wins when you quit. Many believers lose heart not because God failed, but because they stopped one move too soon. God’s Word always produces what He promises (Jeremiah 1:12; Isaiah 55:11 NLT). Just because you can’t see movement doesn’t mean God isn’t working.Paul says this is why we never give up: our troubles are temporary, and God is using them to form eternal glory in us (2 Corinthians 4:16–18 NLT). The path may feel winding, but the fruit is worth it.The Ultimate ZiklagEven Jesus had a Ziklag moment. On the cross, the promise looked farthest—yet resurrection was just days away (Hebrews 12:2–3 NLT). Because He rose, your future is not in doubt (Philippians 1:6 NLT).When Ziklag burns, don’t quit. Strengthen yourself in the Lord, inquire of Him, and obey Him. The promise is closer than you think.

In this episode, we trace how small movements, bold revivals, and ordinary believers shaped the explosive growth of Protestant Christianity from Europe to America—and created the denominational family tree we’re part of today.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now --Episode SummaryIn today’s final episode of our Church History series, we trace how Protestantism crossed the Atlantic, sparked massive revival movements, and gave rise to the denominational landscape we see today. From the Moravians and the First Great Awakening to Pentecostalism and the modern church, this episode connects the dots and shows how the global church family took shape.1. The Moravians: The Spark Behind Modern MissionsWhere we left off last time.• Descendants of John Hus (the Hussites / Unity of the Brethren)• Refugees who fled to Count Zinzendorf’s estate in Saxony (3–600 people total)Why they mattered:• Experienced a powerful renewal on Aug 13, 1727• Launched a 24/7 prayer chain that lasted 100 years• Sent more missionaries than all Protestants combined by 1760• Known for radical sacrifice—including missionaries willing to sell themselves into slavery• Mission field spread across the West Indies, Africa, Asia, and North AmericaThe John Wesley connection:• Wesley encountered Moravians during a terrifying storm at sea in 1736• Their fearless faith pushed him toward his own conversion• This eventually shaped the Methodist movement—the largest U.S. denomination by the 1850s2. The First Great Awakening (1730s–1740s)A transatlantic revival that birthed the modern evangelical identity—people committed not only to studying Scripture but sharing the gospel.The Big ThreeJohn Wesley – The Organizer• Anglican priest, Oxford “Holy Club” leader• Had his conversion at Aldersgate (“heart strangely warmed”)• Formed Methodist societies and class meetings• Emphasized holiness, discipline, and new birth• By his death: 72k British & 57k American MethodistsGeorge Whitefield – The Preacher• Electrifying communicator; could preach to 20k–30k without amplification• Crossed the Atlantic seven times, preaching across all 13 colonies• Popularized the phrase “born again”• First international Christian “celebrity”• Outdoor, mass evangelism pioneerJonathan Edwards – The Thinker• Pastor, theologian, philosophical genius• Sparked revival in Northampton (1734–35)• Wrote Religious Affections, the defining book of revival theology• Fired for restricting communion to true believers• Later became president of what is now Princeton• Legacy includes U.S. Senators, college presidents, and even Vice President Aaron Burr3. Awakening & the American RevolutionThe First Great Awakening shaped the convictions behind independence:• Human equality before God• Freedom of conscience• Resistance to tyranny• Authority from God, not kingsMany revival-shaped pastors—known as the Black Robe Regiment—preached these themes and influenced the Revolutionary generation.4. The Second Great Awakening (1790s–1840s)As post-Revolution America drifted spiritually, God brought a fresh wave of revival.Cane Ridge Revival (1801)• Frontier Kentucky: violent, isolated, spiritually empty• Revival broke out at a simple communion meeting• 20–25k people attended—10% of Kentucky’s population• Pastors from multiple denominations preached together• Marked a shift from elite clergy to lay involvement and frontier evangelismBirth of the Restoration MovementKey leaders: Barton W. Stone and Alexander Campbell• Sought to recover New Testament Christianity• Produced Churches of Christ, Christian Churches, and Disciples of Christ• Influenced future independent & non-denominational churches5. The Holiness Movement (Mid-1800s)Rooted in Wesley’s teaching on sanctification.Emphasized:• Heart purity• Holy living• Spirit-empowered transformationThis movement produced:• Salvation Army (1865)• Church of the Nazarene (1908)• The Wesleyan Church• Free Methodist ChurchMost importantly: it laid the groundwork for Pentecostalism.6. The Rise of Pentecostalism (1901–1914)Charles Parham (Topeka, 1901):• Interpreted speaking in tongues as evidence of Spirit baptism• Laid the foundation for classical Pentecostal doctrineAzusa Street Revival (1906) – William J. Seymour• Multiracial worship• Tongues, healing, prophecy• Thousands came from around the world• Sparked global Pentecostal missionsToday:• Over 600 million Pentecostals worldwide• Includes Assemblies of God, COGIC, Foursquare, Pentecostal Holiness, Vineyard, Calvary Chapel, and more7. The Protestant Family Tree — Four RootsHere are the four major roots from which almost all denominations grow.Root 1: The Free (Radical) Reformation• Waldensians, Wycliffe, Huss• Direct descendants: Mennonites, Amish, Moravians• Influenced later groups: Baptists, Restoration Movement, modern non-denominational churchesRoot 2: The Lutheran Tradition• German & Scandinavian Lutherans• Pietism• Later movements: Evangelical Free Church, charismatic LutheransRoot 3: The Reformed Tradition• Calvin, Zwingli• Reformed churches & Presbyterians• Later movements: Reformed Baptists, modern Reformed resurgenceRoot 4: The Anglican / English ReformationThe most influential root.Direct and indirect descendants include:• Episcopalians• Puritans• Congregationalists• Baptists• Methodists• Pentecostal & charismatic churches• Many modern denominations• Much of evangelicalism today8. Final ChallengeJesus promised:“I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.”Across 2,000 years—revivals, failures, institutions, reforms—Jesus has been faithful to build His people.This series wasn’t just about studying history.It was about rediscovering what a biblical church looks like:• Rooted in the gospel• Led by the Spirit• Faithful to God’s Word• Devoted to making disciplesPick up your Bible. Plug into a local church. Stay awake spiritually. And keep building the kind of church Jesus envisioned.

Welcome back to the podcast! We're in week four of our David series!--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now --DAVID: How to Keep Your Heart Clean (Even When You’ve Been Done Dirty)Everyone will go through hurt—but not everyone will grow through hurt. David knew betrayal, fear, and injustice more than most. One day he was the nation’s hero with songs written about him (1 Samuel 18:6–7 NLT). The next, Saul was hurling spears at him (1 Samuel 18:10–11 NLT). Soon David found himself hunted, hungry, and hiding in the wilderness (1 Samuel 21–22 NLT).Psalm 52 is David’s response to one of the darkest betrayals of his life—the moment Doeg the Edomite informed Saul about David’s visit to the priest Ahimelech (1 Samuel 21:7 NLT). That single moment set off a horrific chain reaction. Saul, spiraling in jealousy and paranoia, ordered Doeg to slaughter the priests of the Lord (1 Samuel 22:9–10, 17–18 NLT). David was devastated. His choices weren’t perfect, but the injustice was real and brutal.But instead of letting bitterness rot his soul, David wrote Psalm 52—nine verses that show how to keep a clean heart even when you’ve been done dirty. If you’ve ever been betrayed, slandered, ghosted, passed over, lied about, or wounded by someone close, Psalm 52 speaks directly to you.This short psalm gives us five steps for guarding your heart when life cuts deep.1) Take Your Pain to GodDavid begins by naming the wrong and naming the offender. “Your tongue cuts like a sharp razor… you love evil more than good” (Psalm 52:1–4 NLT). This isn’t gossip—it’s biblical lament. It’s honesty aimed heavenward. Before David tells people what happened, he tells God.Psalm 62:8 (NLT) says, “Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.”If we don’t take our pain to God, our pain will take us. Lament turns our emotional chaos into prayer instead of bitterness. Trade passive-aggressive posts for honest conversation with your Father.2) Make Room for God’s JusticeDoeg’s betrayal and Saul’s massacre were horrific. Yet David doesn’t seek revenge. He entrusts justice to God: “But God will strike you down…” (Psalm 52:5–7 NLT).Scripture is clear:“Never take revenge… ‘I will pay them back,’ says the Lord.” Romans 12:19 NLT.Vengeance chains you to the very thing God wants to free you from. Instead, Scripture calls us to bless when insulted (1 Peter 3:9 NLT) and overcome evil with good (Romans 12:20–21 NLT).Letting God judge doesn’t mean ignoring boundaries. Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) calls us to guard our hearts with wisdom—but without bitterness.3) Own Your PartDavid wasn’t blameless in the Nob incident. He lied to the priest (1 Samuel 21:2 NLT). That didn’t excuse Saul or Doeg, but it meant David had to face his own heart: “But as for me...” (Psalm 52:8 NLT).Being wronged doesn’t automatically make us right. Jesus teaches us to go to our brother, not about our brother (Matthew 18:15 NLT). The Spirit invites us to pray, “Search me… and point out anything in me that offends you” (Psalm 139:23–24 NLT).This step stings—but it heals.4) Stay Planted While You WaitDavid says, “I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God” (Psalm 52:8 NLT). Olive trees grow slowly, live for centuries, and become fruitful after pruning.Healing doesn’t happen fast. James 1:2–4 NLT reminds us that trials produce endurance. Galatians 6:9 NLT urges us not to grow weary. When you stay rooted—in worship, Scripture, community, wise mentors—you don’t just survive hardships; you grow through them.5) Praise in the Midst of PainDavid ends the psalm with praise before anything in his life has fully resolved: “I will praise you… for what you have done” (Psalm 52:9 NLT).Like Joseph said after years of betrayal and injustice, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good” (Genesis 50:20 NLT). Your story doesn’t end at “they meant it for evil.” In God’s hands, there is always a “but God.”Every time the hurt resurfaces, speak a small doxology: “But God, You are faithful.”A Picture of Forgiveness: Corrie Ten BoomAfter surviving the Ravensbrück concentration camp, Corrie met one of the former guards who had abused her sister. He asked her for forgiveness. Corrie whispered, “Jesus, help me,” extended her hand, and felt God’s love surge through her. “I forgive you, brother! With all my heart.”Forgiveness set both of them free. That’s Romans 12 lived in real time.Everyone will go through hurt, but not everyone will grow through hurt. When we respond like David—even in failure—it ultimately points us back to Jesus, who absorbed our sin and shame (2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT) and pours His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5 NLT).

This episode shows how the church moved from state-controlled religion to voluntary, Scripture-governed communities—and how the Baptists, Congregationalists, Evangelical Free, and eventually Methodists emerged.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now --How England’s Reformation Took a Very Different PathWhile Luther and Calvin led theological reform on the continent, England’s story began with politics.Henry VIII wanted a male heir, the Pope refused to annul his marriage, and the king broke from Rome.The Act of Supremacy (1534) created the Church of England—but it simply replaced the pope with a king. It wasn’t a movement of revival; it was a power play.After Henry, England spun between Protestant and Catholic identities depending on the monarch. Edward VI pushed Protestant reforms, Mary I violently restored Catholicism, and Elizabeth I settled for a middle-way Anglicanism. The constant whiplash raised a crucial question:If kings can change doctrine overnight, where does true faith come from—crown or conscience?Puritans, Separatists, and the Search for a Church Governed by ScriptureTwo groups rose in response:Puritans — Anglicans who wanted deeper biblical reform.Separatists (Pilgrims) — Puritans who believed the system was beyond repair.King James I shut down most Puritan reforms (except authorizing the King James Bible). He made Anglican worship mandatory by law, and that pressure pushed both groups out of England.The Separatists, who fled first, would shape the future of the church in profound ways.The Birth of the Baptists and CongregationalistsThe Gainsborough Group escaped to Amsterdam and encountered the Anabaptists—believers who rejected state-run religion and emphasized personal faith. John Smyth and Thomas Helwys embraced these ideas and in 1609 founded the first Baptist church. They insisted:Faith must be personalBaptism belongs to believersLocal churches should govern themselvesGovernment must never control conscienceHelwys returned to England in 1612 and founded the first Baptist church on English soil, writing boldly to the king, “You have no power over the souls of your subjects.”Another group—the Scrooby Separatists—fled to Holland, then boarded the Mayflower and founded Plymouth Colony in 1620. Their self-governing church became the root of Congregationalism, shaping early American values of freedom, conscience, and community.Europe’s Crisis and the Rise of PietismMeanwhile, Europe erupted into the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648) over forced religion. Millions died. When the war finally ended, the dream of a unified Christendom was gone—but so was spiritual vitality. Churches were full of rituals but empty of life.Into that dryness stepped Pietism, led by Philip Jacob Spener, a Lutheran who called people back to:Bible readingPersonal conversionLay ministryHoliness of lifePastors who shepherd, not just lecturePietism energized Lutheranism and spread into Scandinavia, inspiring the Free Church movement—churches of the reborn, not the state-registered. Scandinavian immigrants later brought this DNA to America, forming what became the Evangelical Free Church.Why Denominations Actually FormedLooking across this whole story, one truth rises to the surface:The gospel had been recovered—but true religious freedom had not.Baptists, Congregationalists, Separatists, Puritans, and Pietists all rejected the idea that kings or councils could decide the faith of the people. They believed:The church should be voluntaryMembership should be based on faith, not geographyAuthority should come from Scripture, not the stateUnity should be in Christ, not enforced by lawThat’s what a denomination originally meant—not a brand, but a free church, governed by the Bible and formed by conviction.And through all these twists and turns, Jesus’ promise remained true:“I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.”

Welcome back! We're in week three of our David series, and today we'll be talking about the trap of comparison that plagues humanity, and we'll be using David's troubled relationship with King Saul as an example!--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now --DAVID: THE COMPARISON TRAPComparison is the silent killer of joy. It slowly steals your confidence, shifts your focus, and leaves you spiritually drained. In 1 Samuel 18, we see this clearly in the lives of Saul and David. David’s moment of victory should have united Israel—but instead, it exposed the dangerous power of comparison in Saul’s heart. His story warns us that comparison doesn’t just affect how we feel; it affects who we become.The Celebration That Turned Into JealousyWhen David returned from defeating Goliath, the nation erupted with music, dancing, and praise. The women sang:“Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands!” (1 Samuel 18:7, NLT)This wasn’t a protest song or a political statement—it was a celebration of God’s deliverance. But Saul heard something different. Instead of hearing gratitude, he heard threat. Instead of celebrating God’s victory, he fixated on David’s recognition.“So from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.” (1 Samuel 18:9, NLT)Comparison took a moment of unity and turned it into a moment of insecurity.1. Comparison Strangles Your JoySaul had every reason to be joyful—his nation was safe, his army victorious, and his reputation still strong. But when he looked sideways at David, his joy collapsed.The same thing happens to us. Social media has made comparison effortless. Studies show people—especially Gen Z—often feel worse after scrolling, not better. We see what others have and suddenly forget what God has given us.Scripture reminds us:“Those who seek the Lord will lack no good thing.” (Psalm 34:10, NLT)If God hasn’t given it, we don’t need it—not yet, and maybe not ever. Joy isn’t rooted in what others have; it’s rooted in who God is.Joy grows in gratitude, not in comparison.2. Comparison Stunts Your GrowthSaul’s jealousy didn’t just affect his emotions—it affected his leadership. The day after the celebration, he tried to kill David (1 Samuel 18:10–11). Instead of mentoring the young man God had raised up, Saul made him an enemy.Proverbs warns us:“A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.”(Proverbs 14:30, NLT)Jealousy slowly eats away at your capacity to grow. Jesus had to correct Peter on this very issue. When Peter asked about John’s future, Jesus answered:“What is that to you? As for you, follow me.” (John 21:22, NLT)You can’t follow Jesus while watching someone else’s calling.You can’t grow while looking sideways.3. Comparison Steals Your FocusAs Saul’s jealousy deepened, his focus narrowed. Instead of ruling his kingdom, he watched David. Instead of building Israel’s future, he spiraled into fear.“Saul was then afraid of David, for the Lord was with David…”(1 Samuel 18:12, NLT)Comparison pulls your attention away from what God is doing in you and puts it on what He’s doing in someone else. It creates what some call “sideways energy”—lots of movement, no progress.What you stare at is what you steer toward.If you stare at someone else’s success, you’ll steer your life toward envy and insecurity. But if you stare at Jesus, you’ll steer toward peace and purpose.From Competition to ConfidenceEven Jesus’ disciples struggled with comparison. James and John wanted positions of honor (Mark 10:37). They chased status until Jesus corrected them.But years later, John wrote these words:“See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children.”(1 John 3:1, NLT)Somewhere along the way, he stopped competing and started resting in God’s love.That’s what the gospel does.It replaces insecurity with identity.It moves us from striving to belonging.From competition to confidence.You don’t have to chase approval.You don’t have to earn your value.You already belong to God—and that is enough.

In this episode, we learn how understanding attachment theory can help couples grow closer to one another as they reflect the steadfast love and reliability of God.--The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now --Attachment theory is one of the most studied and trusted frameworks in relational psychology. It was developed by John Bowlby and expanded by Mary Ainsworth. At its core, it explains how the earliest bonds we form with our caregivers shape the way we understand love and connection later in life. As children, the consistency—or inconsistency—of a caregiver’s attention and responsiveness teaches us how to view ourselves and others. Those early impressions don’t disappear; they resurface in adulthood, often getting triggered in the context of our romantic relationships.Attachment TypesSecure: A secure attachment means you can trust that the people you love will be there for you. It forms when, as a child, your caregiver consistently responded to your needs with care and reliability. That steady presence builds confidence that you are worthy of love and that others can be trusted. As an adult, secure attachment shows up as the ability to build healthy, balanced relationships—where closeness feels safe, independence isn’t threatening, and conflict doesn’t shake the foundation of trust.Anxious Attachment: Anxious attachment develops when love feels uncertain or inconsistent. As children, those with anxious attachment often had caregivers who were sometimes responsive and other times distracted or unavailable. This unpredictability creates confusion and insecurity about whether their needs will be met. As adults, people with an anxious attachment style tend to crave closeness but fear abandonment, which can lead to clinginess, overanalyzing, or difficulty trusting their partner’s commitment. Avoidant Attachment: Avoidant attachment develops when closeness feels unsafe or unnecessary. As children, those with this style often had caregivers who were emotionally distant, neglectful, or dismissive of their needs. To cope, they learned to rely on themselves and minimize their need for comfort or support. As adults, people with avoidant attachment tend to value independence so highly that intimacy can feel uncomfortable or even threatening. They may pull away when relationships get too close, struggle to express emotions, or downplay the importance of love altogether. The Attachment Alarm When your partner feels distant or inconsistent, your “attachment system” goes off. This is the brain’s way of monitoring whether you are safe and secure in the relationship. Anxious attachments are particularly sensitive to this. Once activated, the anxious will engage in protest behaviors which means doing whatever it takes to feel safe again (calling, what’s wrong, imagination runs wild). If an avoidant, you will likely push away and might think your spouse is overreacting and can be uncompromisingCan You Change Your Attachment Style? Yes. Attachment styles aren’t set in stone. Research shows that when your need for intimacy is consistently met and reciprocated by your partner, your satisfaction rises, and you can move toward security. A secure relationship provides the stability that allows both partners to grow in trust and intimacy. It requires selflessness, introspection and teachability. Ephesians 5:25-26 “For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word.”‭1 Corinthians 13:4-5 ““Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.”