PODCAST · religion
The Truth Response
by Derek Stephenson
About The Truth Response PodcastThe Truth Response is a podcast that explores the complexities of modern life through the lens of Christian faith. Each episode invites listeners on a journey to discover how biblical teachings can provide hope and guidance amid contemporary challenges. We tackle a variety of important topics, from the intricacies of scriptural canon to the struggles of living out one’s faith in the workplace.Join host Derek Stephenson as he engages with difficult questions about temptation, forgiveness, and the reality of death from a believer’s perspective. Expect contemplative discussions on the significance of prayer, the role of the church, and interpretations of prophetic writings like the book of Revelation.From examining the ‘Armor of God’ in the lives of Christian women to unpacking the concept of ‘Praying without Ceasing,’ The Truth Response offers a space for insight and solace. It encourages listeners to find comfort in the truths of the Bible amidst the c
Episodes
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Christian Phrases Explained: Understanding Church Language, Communion, Grace, and Faith
Have you ever heard Christians talk about “a season of pruning,” being “unequally yoked,” or “covering your sins in the blood” and wondered what those phrases actually mean? To someone unfamiliar with the Bible or church culture, Christian language can sound confusing, strange, or even cult-like....
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How to Know if God Is Speaking: Biblical Discernment, Prayer, and Hearing God’s Voice
How do you know if God is actually leading you—or if you're simply hearing what you want to hear? In this episode, Derek and Matt explore what it means to recognize God's voice and discern His leading in everyday life. They discuss why knowing Scripture is essential to recognizing God's…
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When God Says Wait: Trusting God’s Timing, Surrendering Control, and Finding Faith in the Unknown
What do you do when you've prayed, waited, and still don't see God doing anything? In this episode, Derek, Matt, and Dave have an honest conversation about unanswered prayer, God's timing, surrender, and the frustrating reality that we often can't see what God is doing while we're living through...
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Christian Growth Requires Truth and Love: Encouragement, Correction, Wisdom, and Faith
Who has shaped your faith? What does it really mean to love someone without affirming everything they believe or do? And how do we know whether the people around us are helping us grow—or simply telling us what we want to hear? In this spontaneous and honest conversation, Derek, Matt, and Dave...
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Standing for Biblical Truth in a Confusing Culture: Faith, Abortion, Politics, and Loving Those We Disagree With
What should Christians do when Biblical truth collides with a culture that disagrees with them? In this episode, Derek, Matt, and Dave tackle difficult questions about human life, abortion, morality, politics, judgment, accountability, forgiveness, parenting, and what it actually means to love...
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Beyond the Checklist: How Jesus Fulfilled the Ten Commandments Through Love
What does it really mean to follow Jesus? Is Christianity about checking enough boxes, following enough rules, and doing enough good things—or is it about having a genuine relationship with Christ that transforms your heart? In this episode, we look at Jesus' words in Matthew 5 and explore how He...
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The Heart Behind the Commandments: Stealing, Lying, Coveting, and the Need for Jesus
What does it really mean to obey God's commandments? In this episode, the conversation moves beyond outward behavior and into the heart, exploring the eighth, ninth, and tenth commandments: do not steal, do not bear false witness, and do not covet. The discussion reveals how these commands…
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Honor, Life, and Covenant: What the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Commandments Reveal About the Heart
What does it really mean to honor your father and mother? Does honoring parents always mean obeying them? And how do the commandments against murder and adultery reach far beyond the outward actions themselves? In this episode, the conversation explores Exodus 20:12–14 and the fifth, sixth, and...
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Sabbath Rest: Why God Commands Us to Stop, Trust, and Be Still
Why would God command His people to rest? In this episode, we take a deeper look at the Fourth Commandment: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Rather than treating Sabbath as another religious rule to check off a list, the conversation explores why God designed His people to stop, rest,...
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The First Three Commandments Explained: Putting God First in a World Full of Idols
What does it really mean to have no other gods before God? Are idols only carved statues, or can they be found in our careers, relationships, hobbies, ministries, or even ourselves? In this episode of The Truth Response, Derek, Dave, and Matt continue their Ten Commandments series by exploring…
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Why Did God Give the Ten Commandments? Understanding Grace, Law, and Biblical Freedom
Many people think of the Ten Commandments as a list of rules to follow, but what if we've been missing the bigger picture? In this first episode of our new series, we don't begin with "You shall not..."—we begin with who God is and why He gave the Law in the first place. Before God ever commanded...
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What Makes a Good Person? Heaven, Faith, and the Hope Found in Jesus
What is heaven really like? Should Christians be involved in government? What makes someone a good person? In this relaxed and unscripted episode, the hosts pull random discussion questions that lead to meaningful conversations about faith, family, discipleship, and the hope of the gospel. Along...
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Has Comfort Replaced Discipleship? The Biblical Cost of Following Jesus
What does it really cost to follow Jesus? In the final installment of our four-part series examining distraction, exhaustion, comfort, and spiritual depth, we tackle one of the most challenging questions modern Christians face: Have we become too comfortable to fully embrace biblical…
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Christian Burnout: Are You Serving God or Running Yourself Into the Ground?
Can a faithful Christian still experience burnout? In this episode, the team tackles one of the biggest challenges facing believers today: exhaustion. Many Christians are serving in church, caring for their families, working hard, and trying to honor God—yet they find themselves physically,...
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Are Christians Overfed but Spiritually Undernourished? The Difference Between Knowing Scripture and Living It
In a world filled with endless sermons, podcasts, YouTube channels, audiobooks, devotionals, and Christian content, an important question emerges: Are believers growing spiritually—or simply consuming more information? In this episode, the team explores the difference between biblical knowledge…
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Constant Distraction Killing Your Prayer Life: Response to Busyness, Technology, and Spiritual Drift
Are modern Christians too distracted to hear the voice of God? In this episode, the team begins a new series exploring how constant stimulation, endless notifications, social media, entertainment, and the pressure of modern life may be affecting our spiritual health. From smartphones and...
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Heart Posture Over Religion: Authentic Faith, Worship, and Following Jesus
What matters more to God: outward appearance or the true condition of the heart? In this powerful episode, the conversation begins with an emotional clip involving Shia LaBeouf discussing Jesus and quickly unfolds into a deeper discussion about authenticity, worship, judgment, church culture, and...
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Biblical Discipleship: What It Really Means to Make Disciple-Makers
What does real biblical discipleship actually look like? Is it simply teaching truth, encouraging another believer, or does discipleship require something deeper? In this episode, the conversation dives into one of the most important questions for every follower of Christ: what qualifies as true...
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Christian Evangelism Explained: Overcoming Fear and Sharing Your Faith Boldly
Why do Christians evangelize—and why are so many believers afraid to talk about Jesus? In this episode of The Truth Response, the conversation centers on evangelism in a practical and encouraging way. The hosts discuss what it means to be “light in the darkness,” why sharing faith can feel...
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Christian Marriage and Faith: Keeping God at the Center and Using Your Story to Impact Others
What does it really mean to keep God at the center of your marriage—and your life? In this episode, the hosts of The Truth Response dive into the practical and spiritual realities of marriage, communication, and faith. From understanding God’s design for marriage to navigating everyday challenges...
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Asking Hard Questions About Faith: Bible Truth, Spiritual Growth, and Real Christian Conversations
Faith isn’t meant to avoid hard questions—it’s meant to engage them. In this live-style episode, the conversation moves between theology, personal stories, and real-time interaction as the hosts explore what it means to follow Jesus in a complicated world. From questions about heaven, hell, and...
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Identity in Christ: Breaking Free from Your Past and Renewing Your Mind Through Faith
Who are you—really? In this episode, the conversation centers on one of the most important questions in the Christian life: identity. Featuring Jeannie’s powerful testimony, the discussion explores how believers can break free from their past, overcome shame, and embrace who they truly are in...
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The Resurrection of Jesus: Why It Matters and How True Faith Changes Your Life
Episode 248 of The Truth Response. Did Jesus really rise from the dead—and why does it matter for your life today? In this episode, the hosts of The Truth Response dive into one of the most important questions in all of Christianity: what happened after Jesus’ death? From exploring different...
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Faith, Politics, and Truth: How Christians Should Engage Culture Without Losing the Gospel
How should Christians think about politics in a divided culture? And where does faith fit into conversations about laws, morality, and public policy? In this episode, Derek and Dave welcome a guest with decades of experience in politics, education, and civic engagement. Together they explore how...
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Raising Faithful Kids: Christian Parenting, Discipleship, and Living Out Your Faith at Home
Episode 246 of The Truth Response. What will your kids say about your faith when they grow up? In this episode, the hosts of The Truth Response have an honest and practical conversation about Christian parenting, raising kids in ministry, and what it really means to disciple children at home.…
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Faith, Identity, and Biblical Truth: How Christians Can Respond to LGBT Questions with Grace and Conviction
Episode 245 of The Truth Response. How should Christians respond to questions about sexuality, identity, and faith in today’s culture? In this episode, Derek, Matt, and Dave sit down with Pastor Daren Mehl for a thoughtful and honest conversation about how the church can approach LGBT questions...
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When Faith Looks Alive but Isn’t: Bearing Real Spiritual Fruit Beyond Religious Activity
Episode 244 of The Truth Response Podcast What if your faith looks healthy on the outside—but isn’t producing real fruit? In this episode, we explore the powerful moment in Mark 11 where Jesus curses the fig tree and cleanses the temple, revealing God’s concern with authentic transformation…
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Messianic Judaism Explained: Faith in Jesus, Jewish Identity, and the Role of the Law
Episode 243 of The Truth Response. What is Messianic Judaism, and how does faith in Jesus connect with Jewish identity and tradition? In this episode, we sit down with Hadassa to hear her personal journey of discovering her Jewish heritage while remaining rooted in faith in Yeshua (Jesus) as...
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Why God Says No: The Purpose of Prayer, Spiritual Growth, and Trusting His Will
Episode 242 of The Truth Response. Why do most of our prayer requests focus on healing, finances, and protection—rather than wisdom, obedience, and spiritual growth? In this episode, Derek, Matt, and Dave explore the deeper purpose of prayer and what it reveals about our hearts. The conversation...
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Heart Posture Under Pressure: What Faith Reveals When Life Squeezes You
Episode 241 of The Truth Response. What really comes out of us when life applies pressure? Stress, fear, conflict, and hardship have a way of revealing what’s truly stored in our hearts—and this episode takes a thoughtful look at what Scripture says about that reality. From biblical stories like...
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Be Fruitful and Multiply: Procreation, Discipleship, and Faith in a Changing Culture
Episode number is 240 of The Truth Response. What does it truly mean for Christians to “be fruitful and multiply” in today’s world? Is it about population growth, spiritual discipleship, or something deeper that the church has struggled to articulate clearly? In this episode, the conversation...
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Be Fruitful and Multiply: Faith, Family, and the Future of Christian Culture
Episode number is 239 of The Truth Response. What does it really mean when Scripture says, “Be fruitful and multiply”? Is it a timeless command, a cultural mandate, or something deeper that the church has struggled to talk about in a complicated world? In this episode, the conversation explores...
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How Should Christians Engage Other Cultures? Faith, Evangelism, and Loving Your Neighbor
Episode 238 of The Truth Response How should Christians interact with people from different cultures and worldviews? In this episode of The Truth Response, the panel is joined by Brian and Hadassah Saliga for a heartfelt, humorous, and deeply thoughtful conversation about faith, relationships…
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Feeling Unqualified? Imposter Syndrome, Identity in Christ, and God’s Purpose - TTR 237
Have you ever felt like you don’t belong — like everyone else knows more, believes better, or is more qualified than you? In this episode of The Truth Response, we dive into the deeply common struggle of inadequacy and imposter syndrome, especially as it shows up in faith, church life, and...
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Understanding Mourning: Coping with Loss in the Holiday Season - TTR 233
This podcast episode delves into the profound and often challenging experience of mourning, particularly as it intersects with the holiday season. We illuminate the emotional complexities that arise when one navigates the loss of a loved one during a period typically associated with joy and...
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Is It Okay to Be Mad at God? | Faith, Anger, and Trust in the Wilderness | TTR 236
Have you ever been angry, frustrated, or upset with God — and felt guilty for even admitting it? In this Christmas Eve episode of The Truth Response, Derek, Matt, and Dave have an honest, Scripture-grounded conversation about anger toward God, His silence in the wilderness, and learning to trust...
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Rooted, Not Transient: Why Young Adults Struggle with Church Commitment - TTR 235
Why do so many young adults struggle to stay committed to a local church? In this episode of The Truth Response, Derek and Matt sit down with Dave, a young adult pastor, to talk about church hopping, discipleship, and staying rooted in Christ. They discuss how information-driven faith can replace...
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Anxiety to Peace: A Christian Conversation on Fear, Control, and Trusting God - The Truth Response 234
Anxiety is something nearly everyone faces — but few know how to navigate it with clarity, faith, and peace. In this episode of The Truth Response, Derek is joined by Shaleza and Shaelyn for an honest, multi-generational conversation about anxiety, fear, control, and the search for peace in a...
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PSA for Episode 233 from The Truth Response
This podcast episode addresses the decision to postpone the release of an episode pertaining to the theme of mourning during the holiday season. We were advised by a significant individual, who plays a crucial role in promoting our podcast and assisting individuals in navigating their grief, that...
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Teens, Faith, and the Book of Acts: What’s REALLY Going On in the Early Church - The Truth Response 232
If you’ve ever opened the Book of Acts and thought, “What is even happening right now?” — you’re not alone. In this episode, we break down the most confusing parts of Acts with honesty, humor, and real-life stories. From chaotic missionary journeys to Paul’s dramatic conversion to the wild…
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DOT 8 - Breaking the Silence: A Candid Conversation on Mental Health
Mental health is a crucial topic that often goes unaddressed, yet it affects everyone in some way. The hosts dive deep into the importance of discussing mental health openly, emphasizing that just as our bodies can experience illness, so can our minds. They explore the stigma surrounding mental...
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TTR 188 - Advent Reflections: The Journey of Hope and Anticipation
Hope is the central theme of this podcast episode, as the hosts delve into the significance of the Advent season and what it means to prepare for the coming of Christ. They discuss how the true essence of Christmas has been overshadowed by commercialism and a focus on material gifts, urging...
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WOT 7 - The Characteristic of Courage: How Brotherhood Strengthens Our Faith
This podcast episode delves into the crucial characteristic of courage, emphasizing its importance in the lives of men striving to live out their faith. Derek and John discuss personal experiences and biblical examples, illustrating how courage is essential for standing up for truth and making…
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TTR 187 - Advent Adventures: Learning Together About the Season of Expectation
This podcast episode kicks off a new series focused on the significance and traditions of Advent, highlighting its role as a season of preparation for the coming of Christ. The hosts, Matt, Derek, and Sadie, delve into their personal experiences and family traditions surrounding Christmas,...
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TTR 186 - When Fiction Meets Reality: How Movies Reflect Biblical Truths
Today's discussion revolves around the intriguing connections between popular fiction, particularly Star Wars, and biblical truths. The hosts, Derek, Matt, and Lathan, explore how narratives in movies and series often reflect deeper spiritual themes, such as messianic figures and the quest for...
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TTR 185 - More of Him, Less of Me: The Art of Surrender
The podcast explores the profound concept of "more of Him and less of me," emphasizing the importance of surrendering personal desires to embrace a greater purpose aligned with God's will. The hosts engage in a lively discussion about the challenges of enacting this principle in everyday life,...
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DOT 7 - The Truth About Ministry Life: Challenges and Joys of Raising Kids
Raising kids in ministry families presents unique challenges and rewards, as discussed by Lizzie, Sadie, and Casey in this engaging conversation. They explore the balance between maintaining personal well-being and fulfilling the demands of church life, emphasizing the importance of setting…
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TTR 184 - Election Fallout: Bridging Divides and Finding Common Ground
Election day has come and gone, and with it, significant changes in the political landscape, including Donald Trump’s return as the 47th president. Derek and Matt reflect on their differing experiences during election night, highlighting the emotions that accompany such pivotal moments in...
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TTR 183 - Humility vs. Pride: A Deep Dive into Self-Reflection
This podcast episode dives into the theme of humility, exploring its significance in our lives and relationships. The speakers discuss how humility is often misunderstood and can be perceived as weakness, yet it is essential for genuine growth and connection with others. They emphasize the...
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WOT 6 - The Characteristic of Faith: Building Strong Beliefs in a Chaotic World
In this episode, Derek and John dive deep into the characteristic of faith, exploring its beginnings and how it manifests in our daily lives. They emphasize that faith is not merely belief but is rooted in a relationship with God, who is loving and trustworthy. The discussion touches on biblical...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
About The Truth Response PodcastThe Truth Response is a podcast that explores the complexities of modern life through the lens of Christian faith. Each episode invites listeners on a journey to discover how biblical teachings can provide hope and guidance amid contemporary challenges. We tackle a variety of important topics, from the intricacies of scriptural canon to the struggles of living out one’s faith in the workplace.Join host Derek Stephenson as he engages with difficult questions about temptation, forgiveness, and the reality of death from a believer’s perspective. Expect contemplative discussions on the significance of prayer, the role of the church, and interpretations of prophetic writings like the book of Revelation.From examining the ‘Armor of God’ in the lives of Christian women to unpacking the concept of ‘Praying without Ceasing,’ The Truth Response offers a space for insight and solace. It encourages listeners to find comfort in the truths of the Bible amidst the c
HOSTED BY
Derek Stephenson
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Truth Response have?
The Truth Response currently has 288 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Truth Response about?
About The Truth Response PodcastThe Truth Response is a podcast that explores the complexities of modern life through the lens of Christian faith. Each episode invites listeners on a journey to discover how biblical teachings can provide hope and guidance amid contemporary challenges. We tackle a...
How often does The Truth Response release new episodes?
The Truth Response publishes regularly with 288 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Truth Response?
You can listen to The Truth Response on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Truth Response?
The Truth Response is created and hosted by Derek Stephenson.
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