Know Grow Go

In this episode of the Know Grow Go podcast, we wrap up our apologetics series by bringing everything together in a simple, practical way.What does it actually look like to live out apologetics in everyday life? How do we engage hard conversations without feeling like we need every answer? And what does it mean to be faithful in how we speak truth?We revisit key ideas from the series and talk through how apologetics isn’t just about arguments. It’s about clarity, courage, and consistency over time.This episode covers topics like:The two main approaches to apologetics and when they matterWhy every Christian is already a theologian and an apologistHow progressive Christianity reshapes truth and why it mattersWhy the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus are central to everythingThe difference between winning arguments and planting seedsHow to engage people without becoming combativeWhy asking good questions is often more effective than giving answersHow apologetics strengthens your own faith, not just your defense of itThe role of wisdom, community, and Scripture in decision makingWe also answer a listener question about how to discern God’s will in real time and whether Christians should expect clear yes or no answers like we see in the Old Testament.Key takeaway: You don’t need every answer. You need to know what’s true, say it simply, and be willing to speak when the moment comes.Submit a question: https://bit.ly/Ask-KnowGrowGo Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theknowgrowgo_pod?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

In this episode of the Know Grow Go podcast, we sit down with Rachel Morales, Executive Director of Right to Life, to talk about the pro-life position through the lens of apologetics. How do you actually have conversations about abortion in a way that is clear, thoughtful, and grounded in truth? What do you say when someone argues “my body, my choice” or “it’s not a person yet”? And how should Christians think about engaging this issue in a culture that often avoids it? This episode is both practical and weighty. We walk through real arguments, real responses, and the deeper moral and theological foundations behind the pro-life conviction. This episode covers topics like: How to defend the pro-life position with clarity and logic Common pro-choice arguments and how to respond to them The difference between “human” and “person” and why it matters Why “my body, my choice” breaks down logically How to engage conversations without trying to “win” them The role of the Holy Spirit vs our role in planting truth Why men should speak up in the pro-life conversation The emotional and spiritual impact of abortion that often goes unspoken Adoption as a real and overlooked alternative How Christians should think about grace, truth, and restoration We also talk about the importance of approaching this topic with both conviction and compassion, especially when engaging people who have been personally affected by abortion. Key takeaway: The pro-life position is not just emotional or political. It is rooted in the consistent belief that every human life has value and deserves protection. Submit a question: https://bit.ly/Ask-KnowGrowGo Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theknowgrowgo_pod?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

In this episode of the Know Grow Go podcast, we explore the intersection of apologetics and parenting and why raising children in today’s culture requires more than behavior management. How do we help our kids understand why Christianity is true, not just what to believe? We discuss how parenting itself serves as an apologetic, what it reveals about truth, morality, and authority, and how families are being challenged in today’s cultural moment. This conversation is both practical and deeply theological, aimed at helping parents lead with conviction, grace, and intentionality. This episode covers topics like: How apologetics shapes the way we parent Why parenting is not an interruption, but a means of grace Helping your kids move from “because my parents believe it” to personal faith Creating a safe space for hard questions about Christianity The difference between behavior modification and heart transformation Why the family is foundational to a healthy society The role of discipline, authority, and grace in the home Homeschool vs private school vs public school and how each shapes worldview How everyday moments become opportunities for discipleship We also answer a listener question about how to introduce apologetics into family discipleship and what that looks like across different educational environments. Key takeaway: Parenting is not neutral. You are shaping your child’s understanding of truth, reality, and God every day. The goal is not just obedience, but a faith that becomes their own. If you’re a parent, future parent, or someone invested in the next generation, this episode will help you think more clearly and lead more faithfully. Submit a question: https://bit.ly/Ask-KnowGrowGo Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theknowgrowgo_pod?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

What is apologetics, and how do we actually know what’s true? In this episode of Know Grow Go, we kick off a brand new series on Christian apologetics by laying the foundation for how faith is formed. Before we can defend what we believe, we need to understand why we believe it. We explore five key influences that shape every person’s faith: Personal experiences Family and history Community and friendships Ultimate authority Reason and intellect How do these factors affect your worldview? Can experience lead us to false conclusions? Is reason enough to determine truth, or do we need something greater? We also unpack 1 Peter 3:15 and what it really means to “give a defense” for your faith with gentleness and respect. Using examples from the Apostle Paul, we talk about how to engage people thoughtfully, not combatively, especially in today’s cultural climate. This episode sets the stage for deeper conversations on topics like: The problem of suffering Faith and science Human sexuality The case for God If you have ever wrestled with doubts, questions, or how to explain your faith to others, this series is for you.

Links: https://bit.ly/Ask-KnowGrowGo https://www.instagram.com/theknowgrowgo_pod?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr In this episode of Know Grow Go, we wrap up our series on Calvinism vs Arminianism. The intent of this final episode is to share where we stand and give direction to the church in the area of application. Rather than turning this theological discussion into a debate, we aim to model a more biblical approach that is marked by humility, charity, and a commitment to truth. We talk through our personal convictions, where we agree, where we differ, and why this conversation should never divide the body of Christ. We also respond to a harsh YouTube comment as a real-world example of how not to engage in theological disagreement, and we explore what it looks like to pursue truth without sacrificing love. This episode covers key topics like: Calvinism vs Arminianism explained simply How to disagree theologically without division The dangers of misplaced zeal and reactionary faith God’s sovereignty and human responsibility The problem of evil and suffering (Romans 8:28) Why Christians must avoid demonizing one another What it means to hold doctrine with conviction and humility We also share how these theological frameworks impact everyday Christian life, including evangelism, prayer, suffering, and spiritual growth. If you have ever wrestled with questions about predestination, free will, or how God works in salvation, this conversation will help you think more clearly and more graciously. Key takeaway: Not every doctrine is a divide-over issue. Faithful Christians can disagree on secondary theological matters while remaining unified in the gospel.

Links: https://bit.ly/Ask-KnowGrowGo https://www.instagram.com/theknowgrowgo_pod?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Part 2 of our 4-part series on Calvinism vs. Arminianism. In this episode, we compare the first major points of each system: total depravity and election. We explore where they align, where they diverge, and why both are ultimately trying to wrestle with the same biblical tension: God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. We’re not here to “win” a side, but to think clearly, stay rooted in Scripture, and pursue unity in Christ. Topics include: • What total depravity actually means (and what it doesn’t) • Unconditional vs. conditional election • The role of grace in salvation • Why this conversation matters for assurance, humility, and faith If this is helpful to you, please like and subscribe!

Links: https://bit.ly/Ask-KnowGrowGo https://www.instagram.com/theknowgrowgo_pod?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Part 2 of our 4-part series on Calvinism vs. Arminianism. In this episode, we compare the first major points of each system: total depravity and election. We explore where they align, where they diverge, and why both are ultimately trying to wrestle with the same biblical tension: God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. We’re not here to “win” a side, but to think clearly, stay rooted in Scripture, and pursue unity in Christ. Topics include: • What total depravity actually means (and what it doesn’t) • Unconditional vs. conditional election • The role of grace in salvation • Why this conversation matters for assurance, humility, and faith If this is helpful to you, please like and subscribe!

Links: https://bit.ly/Ask-KnowGrowGo https://www.instagram.com/theknowgrowgo_pod?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr In this episode of Know, Grow, Go, we continue our discussion on Calvinism vs Arminianism and the deeper question that sits beneath the debate: How do divine sovereignty and human responsibility fit together in Scripture? Before diving into the theological systems themselves, we take time to establish an important posture for the conversation. Sound doctrine should ultimately produce doxology... worship, awe, and gratitude toward God. Whether someone emphasizes God’s sovereign grace or humanity’s responsibility to respond, both truths should lead believers to marvel at the kindness of God in the gospel. We also explore the surprising amount of common ground between historical figures like John Calvin, Jacob Arminius, John Wesley, and George Whitefield. While their theological frameworks differed, they shared deep agreement on core Christian orthodoxy and a commitment to the authority of Scripture. Along the way we discuss: • Why theology should lead to worship, not tribalism • The importance of steel-manning opposing views instead of straw-manning them • Why real conversations with real people matter more than internet debates • How Charles Spurgeon navigated the tension between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility • The limits of theological systems when compared to the authority of Scripture Spurgeon famously described these two truths as parallel lines that seem separate to us now but will meet somewhere in eternity near the throne of God. That image helps frame the central tension Christians have wrestled with for centuries: God is sovereign over all things, and yet humans are genuinely responsible for their choices. We also briefly discuss the dangers of theological extremes, including hyper-Calvinism and open theism, and why the goal of this series is to carefully examine the biblical data rather than defend a system. In the second half of the episode, we answer listener questions on politics, Christian unity, leadership, and personal formation—including how childhood experiences shape the way we lead in church and family today. If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about Christian theology, biblical doctrine, church leadership, and cultural issues through a biblical lens, this episode is for you. Have a question you’d like us to tackle in a future episode? Use the link in the description to submit it. If this episode helped you think more clearly about Scripture, it’s a big help when you like, subscribe, comment, and share. It helps more people find the show and join the conversation. New episodes of Know, Grow, Go release every Monday.

Links: https://bit.ly/Ask-KnowGrowGo https://www.instagram.com/theknowgrowgo_pod?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Are Leviathan and Behemoth real creatures described in the Bible? Or are they symbolic representations of chaos and power used in biblical poetry? In Part Two of our “Giants & Dragons” series, we explore the mysterious creatures Leviathan and Behemoth found in the Old Testament. These massive beasts appear in passages like Job 40–41, Psalm 74, Psalm 104, and Isaiah 27, raising fascinating questions about biblical interpretation, ancient worldviews, and how we understand poetic imagery in Scripture. We examine the biblical descriptions of Leviathan as a serpent-like sea creature and Behemoth as a massive land beast whose strength and size are emphasized in the book of Job. Are these creatures meant to be understood as literal animals, ancient creatures now extinct, or symbolic portrayals of chaos that demonstrate God’s unmatched power over creation? Along the way, we discuss several possibilities often proposed by Bible scholars and theologians. Some interpret Behemoth as a hippopotamus or elephant, while others suggest it may describe an ancient creature far larger than animals we see today. Leviathan is often associated with sea monsters, serpents, or dragon-like creatures in biblical literature, and its imagery appears in multiple passages across the Old Testament. We also explore how the structure and purpose of the book of Job shape how we read these passages. As wisdom literature written largely in poetic form, Job presents profound theological questions about suffering, righteousness, and the sovereignty of God. When God finally responds to Job, He points to the wonders of creation—including Behemoth and Leviathan—to emphasize His infinite wisdom and power. Ultimately, these creatures serve a powerful theological purpose. Whether understood as real animals, poetic imagery, or both, Leviathan and Behemoth highlight the greatness of God over every force of chaos in creation. If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about biblical theology, Scripture interpretation, and the strange and fascinating passages of the Bible, this episode is for you. Submit your questions through the link in the description.

Links: https://bit.ly/Ask-KnowGrowGo https://www.instagram.com/theknowgrowgo_pod?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr What were the Nephilim? Were they fallen angels, tyrannical rulers, or simply ancient giants? And how do they connect to the larger storyline of Scripture? In Part One of our two-part series “Giants & Dragons,” we tackle one of the more mysterious passages in the Bible. We examine Genesis 6:1–4, the “sons of God” and “daughters of men,” and the appearance of the Nephilim before and after the flood. We also explore Numbers 13, Goliath in 1 Samuel 17, Og of Bashan in Deuteronomy 3, and how these texts shape a biblical view of Nephilim (aka giants). Along the way, we discuss the two major evangelical views: • The fallen angel view, where spiritual beings rebel and produce hybrid offspring • The Sethite view, where the godly line of Seth intermingles with the ungodly line of Cain We also address key New Testament passages in 2 Peter 2 and Jude that reference angels in chains, the role of the flood in redemptive history, and how Genesis 1–11 establishes the foundation for the entire biblical narrative. This episode balances careful hermeneutics with thoughtful speculation. We engage questions about ancient worldviews, apocalyptic literature like 1 Enoch, giant clans in the Old Testament, and how Christians should think about controversial or mysterious biblical texts without drifting into unhealthy obsession. If you have questions about the Nephilim, fallen angels, biblical giants, or the supernatural elements of Scripture, this episode is designed to equip you to think clearly and biblically. Part Two will focus on Behemoth and Leviathan and what they reveal about chaos, evil, and God’s sovereignty. Submit your questions through the link in the description. We love hearing from you.

Links: https://bit.ly/Ask-KnowGrowGo https://www.instagram.com/theknowgrowgo_pod?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr This episode is part of our ongoing Q&A series where we take listener-submitted questions and work through them carefully, biblically, and without shortcuts. Many of these questions come from real conversations happening in the church right now. Today’s topic is one of the biggest. What does the Bible actually teach about Israel? In this episode, we step into one of the most debated and emotionally charged theological questions in modern Christianity: What is the role of Israel in God’s redemptive plan? Is ethnic Israel still central to God’s promises? Has the Church replaced Israel? How should believers think about the modern state of Israel? Rather than reacting to headlines or political pressure, we open Scripture (especially Romans chapters 9 –11) and examine election, covenant, promise, fulfillment, and the mystery Paul describes concerning Israel. We discuss the tension between ethnic Israel and the people of God by faith, the strengths and weaknesses of dispensational and covenant frameworks, and why simplistic answers often fail to account for the whole counsel of God. In this conversation, we address: • The distinction between ethnic Israel and spiritual Israel • Whether God’s promises to Israel are irrevocable • The future of Israel in light of the New Covenant • The relationship between the modern state of Israel and biblical prophecy • Why Christian hope must remain centered on Christ, not geopolitics Our aim is not speculation, but clarity. Not partisanship, but theological precision rooted in Scripture. If you’ve wrestled with questions about Israel, prophecy, or God’s covenant faithfulness, this episode will help you think carefully and biblically. Submit your questions for future Q&A episodes using the links above. Like, subscribe, and share to help others think biblically about the issues shaping our world.

Links: https://bit.ly/Ask-KnowGrowGo https://www.instagram.com/theknowgrowgo_pod?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr What is Christian nationalism, and how should Christians think about power, authority, government, and influence? In this episode of Know, Grow, Go, we explore dominionism, immigration, ICE, and the role of governing authorities through a biblical lens, asking: Does Jesus call us to seize power — or to serve? Silas and Matt discuss how Scripture frames authority as a gift from God, spanning the home, church, and government. They unpack why power without character corrupts, how Christian nationalism can be misunderstood or misused, and why the gospel advances more through humble service than political dominance. This conversation also tackles: Biblical perspectives on immigration and justice How Christians should think about ICE and law enforcement Why nations can make moral decisions — but salvation cannot be legislated How to respond wisely to social media outrage and partial narratives The tension between law, compassion, dignity, and human flourishing Rather than offering political solutions, this episode provides a biblical framework for Christian discernment, encouraging believers to trust God’s sovereignty, pursue justice, and live faithfully in a complex world. 👉 Like, subscribe, and share to help equip the saints for the work of ministry.

Links: https://bit.ly/Ask-KnowGrowGo https://www.instagram.com/theknowgrow... When spiritual leaders misuse their influence, the consequences can be devastating. In this episode of Know, Grow, Go, we examine the Bethel Church controversies and the allegations surrounding Shawn Bolz, asking the deeper question: How should Christians respond when trusted leaders fall? Welcome to Know, Grow, Go, a weekly podcast on discipleship, theology, and culture to equip the saints for the work of ministry. Silas and Matt explore spiritual manipulation, prophetic ministry, the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), and why biblical discernment, repentance, and humility are essential in the church. We discuss: How influence and accountability scale together The theological backdrop of signs and wonders Why true repentance doesn’t cling to power How believers can rebuild faith on Scripture and the gospel Whether God can still work through flawed leaders This is not a hit piece — it’s a pastoral, biblical conversation meant to bring clarity, healing, and renewed trust in Christ. 👉 Like, subscribe, and share to help equip others for faithful ministry.

Submit a question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdiHWZ19WQoU_5YBEaoAg_ilX3DuMxyj-z2CApUfRys0fP3mw/viewform?usp=dialog Spiritual Gifts Inventory: https://gifts.churchgrowth.org/spiritual-gifts-survey/ In the final episode of our introductory series, we explore what it truly means to go for Christ. Not just with good intentions, but with gospel clarity, spiritual growth, and intentional discipleship. Jesus didn’t call us to be consumers; He called us to make disciples. In this episode of the Know Grow Go podcast, we unpack what Christian discipleship looks like in everyday life and how believers are called to live out the Great Commission through both evangelism and disciple making. You’ll learn: • What it means to be sent with Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit • How to share your faith using both words and deeds • Why every Christian is called to be a disciple maker, not just a disciple • How to live missionally in your local community and across the nations • How to craft and share a powerful one-minute testimony • Why life-on-life discipleship is more effective than programs alone This conversation builds on the foundation of knowing Christ and growing in Christ, showing how spiritual maturity naturally leads to gospel-centered living and mission. Whether you’re new to faith, a growing believer, or a ministry leader, this episode will equip you to live sent, share the gospel boldly, and multiply disciples faithfully.

Welcome to Know Grow Go! A weekly discussion on discipleship, theology, and culture for the purpose of equipping the saints for the work of ministry. In this week's episode we discuss 2 categories of what it means to grow in Christ: Connect & Mature We also spend some time answering questions from you! Questions this week cover sports betting, prayer, and seeing how the Holy Spirit is working in our lives. Like, share, comment, and subscribe! ✅ Link to sign up for RiverLakes membership: https://www.riverlakeschurch.org/membership-form Submit a question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdiHWZ19WQoU_5YBEaoAg_ilX3DuMxyj-z2CApUfRys0fP3mw/viewform?usp=dialog --- The Know Grow Go Podcast is the official podcast of RiverLakes Community Church in Bakersfield, CA

Welcome to Know Grow Go! A weekly discussion on discipleship, theology, and culture for the purpose of equipping the saints for the work of ministry. In this first introductory episode we discuss the intent of the Know Grow Go podcast. Like, share, comment, and subscribe! ✅Submit a question

Welcome to Know Grow Go! A weekly discussion on discipleship, theology, and culture for the purpose of equipping the saints for the work of ministry. In this first introductory episode we discuss the intent of the Know Grow Go podcast. Like, share, comment, and subscribe! ✅Submit a question