PODCAST · religion
The Caffeinated Christian
by The Caffeinated Christian
The Caffeinated Christian is about providing honest, thoughtful and charitable conversations around dominant worldviews, cultural issues and real stories, all explored through the lens of a Christian worldview. The guys at The Caffeinated Christian regularly bring in guests that encourage listeners to think hard, help them understand opposing perspectives and change theirs. Like and subscribe to the Caffeinated Christian podcast wherever you download your podcasts today! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Hidden System Shaping Our Kids w/ special guests Jo Bartosch & Robert Jessel
Rarely does a conversation cut this deeply into one of modern society's most ignored crises. Joe Bartosch and Robert Jessel join Dr. Ryan Willert and Pastor Mike Wrigglesworth to discuss their book Pornocracy, a term they use to describe a system quietly reshaping beliefs about self-image, gender, and relationships in ways most people never stop to examine.The numbers and patterns they describe are genuinely unsettling. Increased cosmetic surgery among young women, declining birth rates, and children exposed to extreme content by their early teens point to something larger than individual choices. The authors introduce the concept of "limbic capitalism," explaining how platforms deliberately exploit the brain's reward system, serving progressively extreme content as people become desensitized. Proteins like Delta-FosB physically harden neural pathways (which means these patterns become genuinely difficult to reverse over time).What does it mean when society stops stigmatizing things that cause real harm? That question sits at the heart of everything Bartosch and Jessel are arguing. They also address the manosphere, school sex education, the consent debate, and OnlyFans, connecting these threads into a broader cultural picture.Honestly, this conversation covers ground that most people avoid covering entirely. Tune in to hear the full discussion.CHAPTERS:00:00:02 - Introducing Pornocracy: A Critical Conversation00:01:54 - Pornography's Impact on Society and Relationships00:08:39 - Porn Platforms Use Addiction Tactics Like Social Media00:12:24 - Pornography's Neurochemical Effects on the Brain00:16:42 - Social Media Insecurity and Self-Commodification in Youth00:19:21 - Pornography's Impact on Children and Parental Strategies00:22:37 - Protecting Children from Digital Devices00:26:50 - Patriarchy, Pornography, and Male Objectification00:30:28 - Humanity, Vulnerability, and Education System Concerns00:33:51 - The Problem With Sex Education in Schools00:36:33 - Consent Culture and Porn Industry Exploitation00:40:30 - Consent Alone Isn't Sufficient00:44:13 - Pornography's Power: Institutional Blindness and Complicity00:47:25 - Trading Joy for Pleasure: Porn's Impact00:51:02 - Money vs Power: The Dark Truth Behind Online Exploitation00:53:11 - Rebuilding Community Through Honest Conversations00:57:09 - Reconceptualizing Pornography as Public Health Crisis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Flood & Fury w/ special guest Dr. Matthew Lynch
Dr. Matthew Lynch, author of "Flood and Fury," joins Ryan and Mike to discuss one of the most contested topics in scripture--the flood and war texts in the Old Testament.Lynch explains how violent biblical narratives—from the flood to Joshua's conquest of Jericho—are often stripped of their fuller context.The discussion delves into how both conservative and critical readers tend to oversimplify these texts. Through careful literary and historical analysis, Lynch demonstrates how the Old Testament reveals God's mercy while acknowledging persistent mysteries we must sit with rather than resolve neatly.Tune in for this honest conversation about reconciling biblical violence with faith.Learn more about Dr. Matthew Lynch here: https://www.regent-college.edu/faculty/lynch-matthew/CHAPTERS: 00:00:00 - Cold Open: Understanding Violence in Biblical Stories00:04:32 - Coffee Talk and Canadian Gas Prices00:06:55 - Coffee Chat and Faith Journey Begins00:09:03 - Faith, Bible, and Critical Questions00:13:05 - From Academic Study to Lay Audience00:15:36 - Understanding Violence and Complexity in Biblical Texts00:20:11 - Understanding Biblical Context Through Hebrew Worldview00:22:12 - Chronological Snobbery and Biblical Violence00:26:34 - The Hidden Costs of Solving Problems00:30:40 - Wrestling with Violence in Biblical Texts00:33:30 - Understanding God's Justice and Mercy in Scripture00:38:09 - God's Mercy Outweighs His Justice00:41:41 - Judicial Equivalence and Proportional Justice00:43:14 - Teaching Faith Through Unresolved Questions00:46:22 - Understanding Old Testament Violence Through Historical Context Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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We’re Getting Jesus Wrong…
What happens when culture misrepresents Christ—and we don’t even notice?In this episode of The Caffeinated Christian, we dive into two viral cultural moments that reveal a deeper spiritual confusion. From Donald Trump being portrayed as Jesus in a recent post to Tucker Carlson’s comments about Christ that sparked widespread conversation, we ask a critical question: Do we actually understand who Jesus is?But we don’t stop there.These cultural moments open the door to a deeper and often overlooked conversation: the meaning of the cross—and how it radically differs between Christianity and Islam.What does the Quran teach about Jesus and the crucifixion?Did Jesus actually die on the cross according to Islam?And why does this difference matter more than most people realize?This episode moves beyond surface-level reactions and into a thoughtful, biblical, and historically grounded exploration of truth, worldview, and the person of Jesus Christ.If you’ve ever wrestled with cultural confusion, interfaith questions, or the centrality of the cross, this conversation will challenge you to think deeply and respond faithfully.Quran & The Cross PacketCHAPTERS: 00:00:02 - Welcome to the Caffeinated Christian Podcast00:03:25 - AI Jesus Image Sparks Religious Controversy00:04:55 - The Problem With Making Jesus Political00:12:52 - Controversial Religious Imagery and Public Backlash00:15:20 - Jesus in Islam vs Christianity: The Crucifixion Debate00:20:25 - Understanding Jesus's Crucifixion in the Quran00:22:30 - Quranic Denial and Affirmative Verses on Jesus00:27:13 - Ambiguity in the Quranic Crucifixion Narrative00:35:06 - Earliest Islamic Commentary on Jesus's Denial00:37:35 - Contradictory Islamic Interpretations of Jesus's Crucifixion00:45:36 - Islamic Eschatology and Jesus's Physical Return00:49:20 - Historical Evidence for Jesus's Crucifixion00:53:51 - The Quran's Claims About Jesus Examined00:56:04 - Jesus in Islam vs Christianity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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CAFFEINATED CLASSIC I How Should Christians Engage in Politics w/ Special Guest Dan Trippie
Send us Fan MailToday we pull out another message from the archives with an episode that remains all the more relevant now. It seems impossible to avoid politics these days, and that's all the more reason we, as Christians, should know how to navigate and engage in those types of conversations. We have a great guest to help us with that. Dan Trippie currently resides in Florida, but is a native of Buffalo, NY. He holds a Ph.D. in ethics from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and an M.Div. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dan’s focus of study is in public theology with a special emphasis on religious freedom. Dan seeks to integrate theology into the public square dialogue. Dan recently founded the Center for Christian Thought & Ethics. You can find more from Dan at dantrippie.com or thinkchristian.com/Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Faith & Finances w/ special guest Peter Grandich
Send us Fan MailWhat does it look like to follow Jesus with your finances… in a world that feels economically unstable?In this episode of The Caffeinated Christian, we sit down with Christian economist and former Wall Street strategist Peter Grandich for a wide-ranging conversation on faith, money, and the future of the economy.With over 40 years of experience in finance, Peter brings a unique perspective—one shaped not just by markets and data, but by a deep commitment to Christ. From his time on Wall Street to walking away from major income streams for the sake of his convictions, his story alone is worth the listen.We dive into some big (and at times technical) topics, including: The reality of U.S. national debt and why it matters Global economic shifts and the future of the dollar Inflation, gold, and financial instability The hidden dangers of debt in our personal lives But this episode isn’t just about economics.It’s about stewardship.It’s about trust.And ultimately—it’s about how followers of Jesus can live wisely, generously, and faithfully in uncertain times. Peter offers incredibly practical, biblical wisdom on budgeting, giving, debt, and how to anchor your hope in Christ, no matter what happens in the economy. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by money, confused about the future, or unsure how your faith connects to your finances—this conversation is for you.Follow Peter's work hereCHAPTERS:0:00 – Cold Open: The Real Financial Threat No One Talks About 1:30 – Intro & Why This Conversation Matters 3:00 – Meet Peter Grandich (Wall Street to Faith Journey) 6:30 – Walking Away from Money for Conviction 9:00 – What Is the U.S. National Debt (And Why It Matters) 13:30 – Why Most Americans Don’t Understand the Debt Crisis 17:00 – The Coming Consequences: Taxes, Services, and the Middle Class 21:00 – The Retirement Crisis No One Is Talking About 25:00 – Global Shifts: Is the U.S. Losing Economic Power? 28:30 – De-Dollarization, BRICS, and the Future of Currency 32:00 – Gold vs. Crypto: Where Is Smart Money Going? 36:00 – Hidden Risks: Corporate Bonds & Private Credit 40:30 – Why Most People Are Financially Unprepared 43:30 – Biblical Stewardship: Less Is More 46:00 – The Power of Budgeting & Living Within Your Means 48:30 – Tithing as a Spiritual Discipline 51:00 – Debt Culture: “Can We Afford It?” vs. “Can We Make the Payment?” 53:00 – Final Thoughts: Truth, Trust, and Hope in Uncertain Times Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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CAFFEINATED CLASSIC I Pastoral Authority w/ Special Guest Scott Lackey
Send us Fan MailToday, we are pulling out a special episode from the classic vault where we sat down with Pastor Scott Lackey. Scott is the lead pastor of New Story Church, which he planted in 2020. New Story exists so that people can discover the New Story that Christ has for them. In January 2021 Scott released his first book, “Journey into a Greater Concern.” Scott and his wife Kim, have two boys, Clark and Bruce, and they love having the opportunity to be a part of what God is doing here in Western New York. Today, the guys and Scott are talking about Pastoral Authority and what do pastor have authority to speak on and what they do not have the authority to speak on.Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Denomination Supports Gender-Affirming Care…for KIDS?
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Caffeinated Christian, we tackle two conversations that are exposing deeper cracks in the modern Church.First, we break down the recent interaction between Mike Winger and Sean Feucht—including the now-viral accusation involving a message Feucht allegedly sent to himself and used to implicate Winger and journalist Julie Roys. But this isn’t just about online drama. It raises serious questions about accountability, truthfulness, and how Christian leaders respond to critique in the age of platforms.Then, we zoom out to examine a Mainline Christian Denomination's recent statement supporting access to gender-affirming care for minors. What does this reveal about the shifting theological landscape? Where is the line between compassion and compromise? And who ultimately has the authority to define human identity—culture or Scripture?These two stories may seem unrelated, but they’re deeply connected.This episode explores the tension between truth and tone, conviction and compassion, boldness and humility—and why the future credibility of the Church depends on getting this right.If you care about biblical faithfulness, cultural clarity, and the integrity of Christian witness, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.Read "What Is It Like to Be a Bat?" by Thomas Nagel: https://www.sas.upenn.edu/~cavitch/pdf-library/Nagel_Bat.pdfTopics Covered:Accountability in Christian leadershipThe rise of platform-driven ministryDiscernment in the charismatic movementGender identity and theological anthropologyThe authority of Scripture in a shifting cultureCHAPTERS: 00:00:02 - Welcome to the Caffeinated Christian Podcast00:04:29 - Testing Spiritual Claims and Accountability00:08:09 - Sean's Self-Sent Message and Reputation Damage00:11:29 - AI-Generated Prayers in Church Services00:13:45 - Written vs. Spontaneous Prayer in Services00:15:16 - Leadership Accountability and Scriptural Authority in Churches00:18:51 - Methodist Bishop on Transgender Rights and Creation00:21:21 - Nuance in Gender Healthcare Policy Debate00:23:34 - Body Integrity and Medical Interventions for Minors00:26:01 - Biblical Perspective on Gender and Identity00:31:03 - Truth and Compassion on Gender Identity00:34:42 - Gender Identity and Physical Transformation Logic00:37:37 - Parenting Faith in a Changing World Read "What is it Like to be a Bat?" by Thomas NagelSupport the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Portals & Politics - Bad Bible Takes
Send us Fan MailAre Christians being led astray by extreme teachings—and not even realizing it?In this episode of The Caffeinated Christian, we break down two very different—but equally dangerous—misuses of Scripture:Claims of “heavenly portals” and supernatural access on demandA rising political voice using Jesus and Scripture out of contextAt first glance, they seem unrelated. But they share the same root issue:👉 Taking the Bible out of context to support a pre-existing agenda.We tackle questions like:Does the Bible teach we can access the supernatural realm at will?What does Scripture actually say about visions and angels?Did Mary give “consent” in the birth of Jesus—or is that a modern reinterpretation?How do we spot when someone is using Jesus instead of following Him?⚠️ The danger isn’t just bad theology—it’s being shaped by it without realizing it.Don’t reshape Jesus to fit your ideology. Let Him reshape you.TIME STAMPS00:00:00Detecting Theological Extremes in Bible Reading00:02:19Examining Viral Trends in Christian Culture00:03:51Patricia King and Charismatic Christianity00:05:53Opening Heavenly Portals: Seminary Skepticism00:08:03Supernatural Encounters Aren't the Christian Focus00:09:07Belief in the Unseen Realm Without Always Seeing It00:10:55Testing True Prophets Through Scripture00:12:19Spiritual Deception and Redefining Apostolic Authority00:14:14Patricia King's Moral Failures and Accountability00:17:23Texas Politician's Christian Facade Examined00:18:53Selective Scripture Use in Political Rhetoric00:21:20Gabriel Never Asked Mary's Permission00:23:11The Immaculate Conception Misconception Explained00:25:31Mary's Submission vs. Modern Political Interpretation00:27:10Reshaping Jesus to Fit Our IdeologySupport the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Truth Decay: Why Evidence Matters More Than Ever
Send us Fan MailIn today's episode, Mike and Ryan explore how religious leaders—from Muhammad in 7th-century Medina to modern figures like Ravi Zacharias—have sometimes received "convenient" divine revelations that suspiciously align with their personal desires. They examine Islamic abrogation, hadith sources, and the troubling pattern of extraordinary claims made without supporting evidence.But here's where it gets uncomfortably relevant: How easily do we accept claims in our AI-saturated world without demanding rigorous proof?The conversation takes a sharp turn toward epistemology, examining how deepfakes and social media have fundamentally undermined our ability to verify truth. The hosts reference Brett McCracken's "The Wisdom Pyramid," noting that we've inverted wisdom sources—placing smartphones at the foundation rather than God's word. They emphasize limiting trusted information sources, demanding multiple independent verifications, and prioritizing analog relationships over digital ones.With Christianity fragmenting and technology accelerating divisiveness, this episode challenges listeners to rebuild their evidentiary standards from the ground up.Listen to discover why your screen might be lying to you—and what ancient theological debates reveal about modern misinformation.Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Truth in an Age of Internet Theology
Send us Fan Mail In an age where information moves at lightning speed, we often believe what sounds true rather than what's actually verified. In this episode, Mike walks through the podcast's comment section, many of which contain unverified claims without pausing to fact-check. Throughout the episode, Mike challenges common misconceptions and emphasizes that followers of Jesus must test ideas carefully with humility, speaking with both conviction and compassion.00:00:05 - How False Stories Spread Online00:02:45 - Discerning Truth in the Age of Internet Theology00:06:32 - God Entered History Through Jesus Christ00:09:35 - Bible Canon Was Recognized, Not Invented00:11:29 - Jesus Never Taught Reincarnation00:13:20 - Creator and Created Are Fundamentally Different00:15:18 - Islam's Spread: Military Conquest and Peaceful Methods00:18:00 - God's Commands for War in the Bible00:20:45 - Evaluating Todd White's Apology with Discernment00:24:14 - Discerning Truth in a Noisy World00:26:02 - Jesus Christ Changes Everything Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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CAFFEINATED CLASSIC: How Should We Then Live in a Digital Age? w/ Special Guest Jay Kim
Send us Fan MailToday we are pulling out a classic episode from our "What is Truth" series, in which Mike and Ryan sat down with Jay Kim to discuss his book, Analog Christian: Cultivating Contentment, Resilience, and Wisdom in the Digital Age. If you would like to see more of Jay Kim, you can go to his website jaykimthinks.comSupport the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Christians, Iran, and the End Times? What’s Actually Happening
Send us Fan MailAre Christians being manipulated with end-times politics?In this episode, the hosts dismantle three major myths about the Iran–Israel crisis—including hidden geopolitical motives, the clash between Western politics and Middle Eastern theology, and the spiritual forces often ignored in global conflict.Reports recently surfaced around military leaders claiming the war is tied to biblical prophecy—and that President Trump was anointed to help trigger Christ’s return.Is this real Christian theology… or spiritual abuse?00:00:12 - Parenting Sleep Regressions and Coffee Talk00:01:30 - Budget Coffee Choices and Upcoming Economy Episode00:03:31 - Christians Interpreting Iran-Israel War00:05:43 - Church Conversation on Iran and End Times00:07:44 - Iran's Islamic Revolution and Middle East Tensions00:10:29 - Spiritual Realm Behind Geopolitical Conflicts00:15:02 - Christians Should Approach War with Caution00:16:49 - God's Justice and Mercy in Violent Texts00:20:00 - Military Leaders Linking Iran War to Armageddon00:23:25 - Spiritual Abuse and Misusing Scripture00:25:53 - Focus on Jesus' Words, Not End Times Speculation00:28:03 - The Abomination of Desolation Sign00:30:53 - Spiritual Abuse and Misused Christian Authority00:33:12 - Christ the Warrior King Returns00:35:52 - Jesus Returns as Judge and King00:39:05 - Christian Hope Rests in Jesus, Not Geopolitics• **Military commanders are explicitly linking military operations to God's divine plan**, which Ryan characterizes as spiritual abuse rather than legitimate theological interpretation.• **Biblical eschatology requires multiple unfulfilled events before Armageddon** (including the Antichrist's appearance and a seven-year tribulation), making current geopolitical conflicts insufficient to trigger end times prophecy despite popular claims.• **The Bible never glorifies war despite acknowledging its necessity**, yet Christians often weaponize end times speculation to justify or celebrate military conflict, contradicting core scriptural principles.Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Word Made Flesh I Pastor Mike Wrigglesworth
Send us Fan Mail Jesus claimed to be God Himself - not just a good teacher or spiritual guide. But if that's not true, then He was either lying or delusional. There's no comfortable middle ground. So who do you say Jesus really is? The answer changes everything about how you see yourself, your purpose, and your place in this world. This message was originally preached on January 11th, 2026 at Centerpointe Community Church in Depew, NY. Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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CAFFEINATED CLASSIC I Can we Trust the Bible? w/ special guest Jim Walton
Send us Fan MailToday, we pull out a classic episode from the archives where the guys sit down with Jim Walton to talk about the Bible. Jim walks us through the Bible's trustworthiness, why certain books are or aren't in the Bible, and more!Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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What is Jihad?
Send us Fan MailToday, Mike and Ryan discuss the latest developments concerning Turning Point USA, a Christian influencer under fire, and the origins of the Islamic idea of Jihad. Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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CAFFEINATED CLASSIC | The Kalam Cosmological Argument
Send us Fan MailIn this classic episode, Ryan takes us through a classic argument for the existence of God: the Kalam Cosmological Argument. Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Unpacking the Islamic Dilemma
Send us Fan Mail Islam is one of the three major world religions. And it is growing rapidly, but there are major logical inconsistencies with this worldview. We unpack this today and more in the latest episode of the Caffeinated Christian. Islamic Dilemma Notes*If you’re watching on YouTube a surprise cameo shows up at 59:50! Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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CAFFEINATED CLASSIC I The Coming Tsunami w/ Dr. Jim Dennison
Send us Fan MailToday, we're pulling out a classic episode from April of 2022 where we had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Jim Denison on his new book The Coming Tsunami. Denison is an author, speaker and the CEO of Dallas Dallas-based Denison Ministries, which is transforming 6.8 million lives throughmeaningful digital content from DenisonForum.org, First15.org, ChristianParenting.org, and FoundationsWithJanet.org.If you would like to see more from Dr. Denison, you can find him on his website - DenisonForum.orgLink to The Coming Tsunami - https://www.amazon.com/Coming-TsunamiSupport the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Responding to the fall of another leader...
Send us Fan MailThis month, another influential voice in the Christian world publicly confessed to a moral failure. The public revelation of a fall among Christian leaders is all but too common these days. And too often, we compare the perfect character of Christ against the imperfect character of Christians. Today, Mike and Ryan explore better ways for us to respond to unsettling and distressing news like this. Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Does This Christmas Tradition Harm Children?
Send us Fan MailWe've ended our holiday season, but it's not far removed from our imagination. Some of us still have our Christmas trees up! It's always wise, especially when we're on the heels of a big holiday like Christmas, to reflect on why we do what we do. Today, Ryan and Mike tackle a long-celebrated tradition among families and ask whether or not it's wise for Christian parents to celebrate it with their kids. Oh, and along the way, we'll talk about another goofy thing a Christian celebrity did. Watch/listen to find out more! Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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CAFFEINATED CLASSIC I Christ & the Occult w/ special guest Jac Marino
Send us Fan MailToday, we pull out a classic episode where we listen to Jac Marino's testimony on her life in the Occult, the New Age, and addiction, and how God delivered her through it. We also talk about what the church can do to reach people in the Occult and the New Age. After being saved out of a past of addiction, the New Age, and the Occult, Jac Marino now shares her journey from despair to freedom through faith in Christ.Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Pastor Mike Debunks This Christmas Lie
Send us Fan MailJesus warned that life doesn't consist in the abundance of possessions - yet we're bombarded with 4,000-10,000 ads daily telling us otherwise. This Christmas, what if we chose simplicity over accumulation and discovered that our deepest desires are satisfied not by what we can buy, but by the One we can receive? What if the secret to a truly joyful Christmas isn't found in getting more, but in wanting less? This week's episode comes from a sermon Pastor Mike preached at Centerpointe on December 7th, 2025. It is part of a larger series called "The White Lies of Christmas." You can check that series out hereSupport the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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CAFFEINATED CLASSIC: We Will Not Be Silenced w/ Dr. Erwin Lutzer
Send us Fan MailHey Caffeinated Listeners! We had some unforeseen events take place that delayed releasing a new episode. But not to worry. We are drawing from our classic archive again. Enjoy this conversation from four years ago, where the guys sat down with the author of We Will Not Be Silenced, Dr. Erwin Lutzer. The book does a great job of examining the origins of the cultural rot that has infected the country and how we can live faithful lives as followers of Jesus in the midst of it. We asked Dr. Lutzer about why he wrote his book, his thoughts on Critical Race Theory, and the rise of Social Marxism. Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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CAFFEINATED CLASSIC: Reorienting Our Self-Concern w/ special guest Scott Lackey
Send us Fan MailToday we’re revisiting a classic episode where the guys sit down with Pastor Scott Lackey. He is the Pastor and founder of New Story Church in Buffalo NY. Scott is also the author of the book Journey into Greater Concern. Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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How to be Thankful When Life is Terrible
Send us Fan MailThanksgiving is right around the corner, and tis the season where we're told to be thankful. Gratitude is a spiritual discipline for all Christians that we ought to always practice, and for many, we can find something in our past and present to anchor our gratitude in. But others of us have really difficult lives, or live in parts of the world where all we know is mistreatment, hardship, and pain. Others still may be mentally unable to find anything from their past to be grateful for. So, how can we be thankful even when life is terrible? We don't claim to have all the answers, but I hope this next hour gives you some encouragement and hope! Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Global Emergency No One Is Talking About
Send us Fan MailSocial media gives us the news we want, but it doesn’t always give us the news we need. Today, we’re looking at a story that you may not have heard about. If you have heard about it, chances are, you’re not getting accurate information. Brothers and sisters in Christ are being killed by the thousands, but the country’s government and mainstream media outlets are framing it as something very different. Watch to find out more!Resources: Raymond IbrahimMike Winger Interview w/ ETP________Letter to Congress & Senate (Originally from Mike Winger):Subject: Please Support H. Res. 220 and S. 2747 to Defend Persecuted Christians in NigeriaDear [Congressman/Senator] [Last Name],I am writing to urge you to take immediate action on behalf of persecuted Christians in Nigeria, who are enduring one of the worst humanitarian and religious freedom crises in the world today.Thousands of Christians have been slaughtered, kidnapped, raped, and displaced by radical Islamist terrorists. Entire villages are being wiped out while the Nigerian government turns a blind eye—or, in some cases, is complicit in these atrocities. The United States must not remain silent in the face of such evil.I strongly urge you to:Support and co-sponsor H. Res. 220, introduced by Congressman Chris Smith, which calls on the U.S. Department of State to re-designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for its severe violations of religious freedom.Support and co-sponsor S. 2747, Senator Ted Cruz’s Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, which would impose targeted sanctions on Nigerian government officials who enable or ignore persecution and human rights abuses.Designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and enforcing targeted sanctions are critical first steps in holding the Nigerian government accountable and protecting vulnerable Christian communities. These measures will help ensure that U.S. foreign policy truly reflects our nation’s commitment to religious liberty, justice, and human dignity.Please stand with the persecuted, and let your voice be one of moral leadership and courage in defense of the innocent.Thank you for your time, compassion, and commitment to defending freedom and human rights.Sincerely,[Your Full Name][City, State][Email Address or Phone Number (optional)] Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Taming the Mind
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, Mike and Ryan discuss the idea of the renewal of the mind. If you're a Christian, you've heard or read verses that call believers to be transformed by the renewing of their mind or to think on things that are good, noble, and worthy of praise. That's all well and good. But how do we do that practically? Listen and find out! Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Church in the News
Send us Fan MailThings have been shaking in the church world recently, from the restoration of pastors to false resignations of college presidents. Mike and Ryan are discussing some of the month’s biggest breaking stories in the Christian world and asking, “What is God showing us through all of this?” Grab your mug and join the conversation.Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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CAFFEINATED CLASSIC: Can We Trust The Bible? w/ special guest Jim Walton
Send us Fan MailToday we're revisiting a classic episode where the guys sit down with Jim Walton from The 3rd Choice to talk about the Bible. Jim walks us through the Bible's trustworthiness, why certain books are or aren't in the Bible and more!Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Lie That Seduced The Church
Send us Fan MailIt looks like faith. It sounds like hope. But what if this common theology celebrated in the church is something else entirely? It promises health, wealth, and happiness—but offers a counterfeit gospel that dethrones Christ. Join us as we trace the history of this movement, expose its modern preachers, and open Scripture to see why this ideology is more antichrist than Christian.Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Is there hope for struggling churches?
Send us Fan MailStudies estimate between 4,000-7000 churches are closing in America annually. This startling trend should encourage church leaders to get an honest assessment of how well their church is positioned to reach their neighborhood. This has been on Pastor Mike's heart, and today, Dr Ryan sits down and interviews Mike about a step churches can take towards future health and vitality. Find out more about the work Pastor Mike is doing at mikewrigglesworth.net/Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Martyrdom & Misfires
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we dive into two topics making their rounds on the internet: the continued conversation around Charlie Kirk and the failed rapture prophecy proclaimed by Brother Joshua for September 23–24, 2025. We explore Kirk’s lasting impact, the ripple effects of his death on churches across the nation, and how fear, faith, and false hope collide when apocalyptic predictions don’t come true. This conversation is raw, thoughtful, and pressing for anyone wrestling with truth in turbulent times.#CharlieKirk #Rapture2025 #BrotherJoshua #FalseProphecy #Martyrdom #ChurchLife #FaithInCrisis #PodcastSupport the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Should Christians Tithe?
Send us Fan MailIn today's episode, we get into some of the heated comments that came from a previous episode. We also take some time to address the videos and blogs of a Youtube Bible teacher.Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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CAFFEINATED CLASSIC: Sharing the Gospel in a Post-Christian Culture w/ Special Guest Greg Koukl
Send us Fan MailOn this classic episode the guys are talking apologetics with Greg Koukl. Koukl is the founder and president of Stand to Reason. He has his Master in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics and a Masters in Christian Apologetics. Mr. Koukl has also spoken at more than 88 colleges in the U.S. and abroad and has hosted his own radio call in show for over 30 years. Please go to str.org to learn more about the amazing work he has done! Episode originally aired on March 13th 2021Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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CAFFEINATED CLASSIC: Christians & Social Media w/ Special Guest Doug Bursch
Send us Fan MailToday we revisit a classic episode where Mike and Ryan sit down with Pastor Doug Bursch. Bursch is the author of ‘Posting Peace: Why social media divides us and what we can do about it.’ It the digital landscape we inhabit, we thought this was a beneficial episode to bring out of the archives for you to enjoy and be challenged by. This episode originally published on June 6th, 2021. Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Our Reaction to the Death of Charlie Kirk
Send us Fan MailThe nation is reeling from the tragic and brutal assasination of conservative author and political activist Charlie Kirk. It's no surprise that he was a very outspoken and polarizing figure. Kirk spent much of his time on college campuses debating the ideologies and worldviews that have captured today's youth. But this moment is much bigger than Kirk's death. It actually pulls back the curtain on something deeper and sinister that social media influencers and news media aren't talking about.Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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234
What Islam is and why it matters for the Church
Send us Fan MailIslam is the fastest-growing religion in the world, with deep historical, cultural, and spiritual influence. But what does Islam actually teach? How does it differ from Christianity? And why should Christians pay attention to its rapid global rise?In this episode, we walk through the basic beliefs of Islam—its view of God, prophets, Scripture, and salvation—while also discussing the key theological differences that set it apart from Christianity. We’ll also share concerns about its growing popularity and how followers of Jesus can respond with both truth and love.Whether you’re curious, cautious, or just want to be better equipped, this episode will help you understand Islam and think biblically about engaging with Muslims in today’s world. Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Transubstantiation vs Consubstantiation
Send us Fan MailToday we tackle a long-standing theological debate. During communion, what happens to the elements? Do they change their substance, becoming the literal body and blood of Jesus? Or are these symbols in which we call to remembrance the sacrificial death of Jesus?Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Most Spiritually Abusive & Deranged Sermon We’ve Heard
Send us Fan MailThe sister of a prominent leader in the evangelical church spoke out about verified SA allegations against him during a sermon preached earlier this month. It’s one of the most spiritually abusive and unhinged sermons you’ll ever hear. This is emblematic of cover up culture in the charismatic church. It’s something that needs to end, so we’re calling it out in today’s episode.Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Life & Legacy of James Dobson
Send us Fan MailJames Dobson died on August 21st 2025. Like anyone who carried a great notoriety in the Christian world, Dobson had his fans as well as his critics. Truth is, if you grew up in the evangelical world, even if you didn’t know him by name, you were likely influenced by Dobson’s teachings. Today on this emergency episode of TCC we look back on his life, his legacy and how we should remember James Dobson.Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Why Christians Must Resist Sensationalized Media
Send us Fan MailFrom overblown headlines to fear-driven narratives, Christians are inundated with half truths and outright lies from all directions. Social media has become an incubator for anger, suspicion and fear. We explore why believers must be people of discernment, integrity, and hope in the way we consume and share information in the age of outrage and offense. We also discuss practical ways believers can resist the pull of sensationalism so that our faith shines brighter than the noise.Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Good News for Dysfunctional Families | Pastor Mike Wrigglesworth
Send us Fan MailFamily relationships can be both our greatest joy and deepest pain, as illustrated in the story of Jacob and Esau. Their family was marked by parental favoritism, with Isaac loving Esau for his hunting skills and Rebekah favoring Jacob. This favoritism led to destructive patterns: Jacob's manipulation in trading stew for Esau's birthright and later deceiving his father for the blessing, and Esau's impulsivity and rage. These cycles of dysfunction mirror our own family struggles today. Yet God's grace can and does work through broken families.This message was preached at Centerpointe Community Church by Pastor Mike Wrigglesworth on Sunday, August 3rd, 2025Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Complex Legacy of John MacArthur
Send us Fan MailJohn MacArthur stepped into eternity in July of 2025. Few leaders have left a mark on the American church quite like him.In this episode of The Caffeinated Christian, we take an honest look at his legacy—his decades of faithful teaching, his commitment to Scripture, and the impact of his global ministry.We also wrestle with the more difficult parts of MacArthur's ministry: allegations of mishandled abuse cases, his often combative tone toward theological disagreement, and how his church navigates its first pastoral transition in 50+ years.This isn't a hit piece or a tribute—but it's a conversation that holds both truth and grace, honoring the complexity of his legacy. Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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CAFFEINATED CLASSIC: Are Miracles for Today? (Part 2) | Dr. Ryan Willert
Send us Fan MailWe just wrapped up looking at false teachers that use the scriptures, evangelism and miracle-working for their own benefit. It’s easy to see misuses and abuses like this and look at Christians and the Bible with skepticism. One of the questions that comes up is “Are miracles for today?” Lies and staged miracles may be a reality in our world, but they’re merely counterfeits of the real thing. So today we go back into the archives to a talk given by Ryan in the summer of 2022 on the defense of the supernatural. Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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CAFFEINATED CLASSIC: Are Miracles for Today? (Part 1) | Dr. Ryan Willert
Send us Fan MailWe just wrapped up looking at false teachers that use the scriptures, evangelism and miracle-working for their own benefit. It’s easy to see misuses and abuses like this and look at Christians and the Bible with skepticism. One of the questions that comes up is “Are miracles for today?” Lies and staged miracles may be a reality in our world, but they’re merely counterfeits of the real thing. So today we go back into the archives to a talk given by Ryan in the summer of 2022 on the defense of the supernatural. Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Can Todd White Be Trusted? | False Teachers in America (Part 3)
Send us Fan MailTodd White, the founder of Lifestyle Christianity, has a dramatic testimony, charisma, and a unique ability to capture the attention of an audience. But are there issues with his teachings? And does his character match the lifestyle that he preaches? Read the Open Letter to Todd White End Video Credit: The Messed Up Church Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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BONUS: Soil Can Spoil the Toil | Dr. Ryan Willert
Send us Fan MailIn our last episode, Ryan referenced a teaching from the Parable of the Sower. Kenneth Copeland twisted this story to make it about financial prosperity. But the words of Jesus have to do with fundamental truths of the gospel. This message was originally preached at Centerpointe Community Church on May 28th, 2023z Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Dangerous Theology of Kenneth Copeland | False Teachers in America (Part 2)
Send us Fan MailKenneth Copeland Ministries has garnered the attention of worldwide audiences for decades. The ministries namesake is the pioneer of the Word of Faith Movement--a modern Christian theological movement that emphasizes the power of positive confession and faith as a means to achieve health, wealth, and success. But we hold a firm conviction that Copeland's teachings are actually harming the cause of the gospel in a multitude of ways. Tune in and find out.Video Credit I @pastordanielsministry I https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8xIGtqujBkYSupport the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Is Joel Osteen A False Teacher? | False Teachers in America (Part 1)
Send us Fan Mail Is Joel Osteen simply a positive preacher—or is there more beneath the surface? In this episode, we dive into America's most popular pastor's life, message, and massive platform. We examine the Prosperity Gospel, its roots, and why Osteen’s version of Christianity may be more harmful than it appears. Is it biblical encouragement or merely self-help wrapped in a Christian veneer? Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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BONUS: Who Made You & What Were You Made For? | Pastor Mike Wrigglesworth
Send us Fan MailEver wondered who made you and what you were made for? In a world full of options and freedoms, we often chase answers that lead to anxiety and confusion. But what if the key lies in reconnecting with our Creator? Join us as we delve into Genesis 1 to explore how understanding our divine origin can bring clarity, purpose, and restoration in a world desperately in need of both. Discover why knowing who created you and your purpose matters more than you think.Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Caffeinated Christian is about providing honest, thoughtful and charitable conversations around dominant worldviews, cultural issues and real stories, all explored through the lens of a Christian worldview. The guys at The Caffeinated Christian regularly bring in guests that encourage listeners to think hard, help them understand opposing perspectives and change theirs. Like and subscribe to the Caffeinated Christian podcast wherever you download your podcasts today! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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