Rough Roads and Solid Rock

n this episode, Eli looks at the final part of the story—our part. Through three key passages of Scripture, we see how God invites his people to join his mission in the world. As those who have been reconciled, we are also sent. This is the mission God has given us, should we choose to accept it.

In the episode, Eli explores the concept of brokenness and sin, tracing the narrative from the creation of the world to the introduction of sin, its consequences, and the hope found in God's grace. It delves into the universal reality of sin and its impact on humanity, emphasizing the need for honesty, confession, and the promise of God's forgiveness.Takeaways* The Four Movements of God's Story: Created, Broken, Reconciled, and Sent* The Universal Reality of Sin and its ConsequencesChapters* 00:00 Introduction to Brokenness* 07:43 The Role of Satan* 13:58 The Spiritual Death Caused by Sin* 22:02 The Spread of Brokenness* 29:18 The Challenge and Promise🔗 Learn more:Stepwise Ministry – http://stepwiseministry.org

In this episode, Eli explores the big picture of the Bible, focusing on the creation story and the purpose of humanity within God's larger narrative. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the Bible's meta-narrative and the significance of relationships, work, and purpose in the context of creation.Takeaways* Big picture understanding* Purpose in relationships and work🔗 Learn more:Stepwise Ministry – http://stepwiseministry.org

In this episode of Rough Roads and Solid Rock, Eli explores Peter’s encounter with Cornelius in Acts 10—one of the most transformative moments in the early church. God challenges Peter’s assumptions and shows him that the gospel is for all people, not just the ones he expected. As Peter learns to see others through God’s eyes, we’re challenged to ask: Who might we be overlooking? And how is God calling us to bring the good news across the boundaries we’ve created? Listen to the end to learn about LifeWise Academy and how you can support their mission to bring Bible education to public school students.🔗 Learn more:Stepwise Ministry – stepwiseministry.orgLifeWise Academy – lifewise.org

In this episode of Rough Roads and Solid Rock, Eli looks at Peter’s boldness in Acts 3–4. After the healing of the man at the temple gate, Peter stands before crowds and authorities who threaten and pressure him to stay silent. But instead of backing down, Peter speaks the gospel with clarity and courage. His example challenges us to consider how we respond when bold faith comes at a cost. The call is to stand firm and speak the name of Jesus with confidence, even when the pressure is real. Listen to the end to learn about LifeWise Academy and how you can support their mission to bring Bible education to public school students.🔗 Learn more:Stepwise Ministry – https://stepwiseministry.orgLifeWise Academy – https://lifewise.org

In this episode of Rough Roads and Solid Rock, Eli follows Simon Peter’s journey into the book of Acts. In Acts 1–2, Peter and the other disciples are told to wait for the Holy Spirit—and when the fire finally falls, everything changes. God had a purpose in the waiting, preparing their hearts for what was next. The challenge for us is to keep in step with the Holy Spirit—on pace with God’s timing—whether we are waiting or walking. Listen to the end to learn about LifeWise Academy and how you can support their mission to bring Bible education to public school students.🔗 Learn more:Stepwise Ministry – stepwiseministry.orgLifeWise Academy – lifewise.org

In this episode of Rough Roads and Solid Rock, Eli looks at the powerful restoration of Peter in John 21:1–19. After denying Jesus, Peter returns to fishing—only to find that Jesus still meets him on the shore with grace and purpose. In spite of his failure, Peter learns that his calling hasn’t changed: he is still called to follow. This story reminds us that no matter how far we’ve fallen, Jesus is always ready to restore and renew our purpose. Listen to the end to learn about LifeWise Academy and how you can support their mission to bring Bible education to public school students.🔗 Learn more:Stepwise Ministry – stepwiseministry.orgLifeWise Academy – lifewise.org

In this episode of Rough Roads and Solid Rock, Eli looks at one of the lowest moments in Peter’s journey—his denial of Jesus. When pressure mounts and fear takes hold, Peter’s confidence fades, and he realizes how fragile his courage really is. This story challenges us to reflect on our own faith: How bold are we for Jesus when we’re outside our Christian safe zones?📖 Scripture References (Predictions of Peter’s Denial):Matthew 26:31–35Mark 14:27–31Luke 22:31–34John 13:36–38📖 Scripture References (Peter’s Actual Denial):Matthew 26:69–75Mark 14:66–72Luke 22:54–62John 18:15–18, 25–27🔗 Learn more:Stepwise Ministry – stepwiseministry.orgLifeWise Academy – lifewise.org

In this episode of Rough Roads and Solid Rock, Eli explores one of the most powerful moments in Peter’s journey—the Transfiguration of Jesus. Drawing from Luke 9:28–36 and Matthew 17:1–9, we see Peter experience a mountaintop encounter with God’s glory. But this moment wasn’t meant to keep him there—it was meant to fuel his mission once he came down. The takeaway: God gives us mountaintop moments not to escape the world, but to strengthen us for the work He’s called us to do. Listen to the end to learn about LifeWise Academy and how you can support their mission to bring Bible education to public school students.🔗 Learn more:Stepwise Ministry – stepwiseministry.orgLifeWise Academy – lifewise.org

In this episode of Rough Roads and Solid Rock, Eli continues following Simon Peter’s journey to help us navigate the messy, everyday road of faith. Today’s story is from Matthew 16:21–24, where Peter stumbles and misunderstands Jesus’ mission. Jesus gently corrects him, showing that true perspective comes from God, not our own thinking. The takeaway: following Jesus means taking up our cross and living in obedience, even when it’s hard or doesn’t make sense. Listen to the end to learn about Show-Me Youth Home and how you can support their mission.🔗 Learn more:Stepwise Ministry – stepwiseministry.orgShow-Me Youth Home – showmehelpingkids.com

In this episode of Rough Roads and Solid Rock, Eli continues the journey with Simon Peter as we learn what it means to follow Jesus through the messy, everyday road of life. Today’s story comes from Matthew 16:13–18, where Peter boldly declares that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. His confession becomes a turning point—not just in his life, but in the future of the church. The takeaway: we are called to follow Peter’s example and boldly declare Jesus’ true identity in our own lives. Listen to the end to learn about Show-Me Youth Home and how you can support their mission.🔗 Learn more:Stepwise Ministry – stepwiseministry.orgShow-Me Youth Home – showmehelpingkids.com

In this episode of Rough Roads and Solid Rock, Eli continues exploring the life of Simon Peter to help us follow Jesus through the messy, everyday journey of life. Today’s story comes from Matthew 14:22–33, where Peter walks on water toward Jesus but soon begins to sink. This moment teaches us that faith doesn’t just grow when we succeed—it deepens when we struggle. Sometimes we need to sink a little in the storms of life for our faith to become strong. Listen to the end to learn about Show-Me Youth Home and how you can support their mission.🔗 Learn more:Stepwise Ministry – stepwiseministry.orgShow-Me Youth Home – showmehelpingkids.com

In this episode, Eli continues the journey of Rough Roads and Solid Rock, a podcast created to help you follow Jesus through the messy, everyday journey of life. We return to Simon Peter’s story in Luke 5:1–11, where Peter takes his very first step in following Jesus after a miraculous catch of fish. The takeaway is simple but powerful: following Jesus begins with taking a step. Listen to the end to learn about Show-Me Youth Home and how you can support their mission.🔗 Learn more:Stepwise Ministry – stepwiseministry.orgShow-Me Youth Home – showmehelpingkids.com

In this first episode, Eli introduces the vision of Rough Roads and Solid Rock—a podcast created to help you follow Jesus through the messy, everyday journey of life. We’ll walk alongside Simon Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, and learn from his struggles, questions, and growth. Today’s focus is John 1:40–42, where Peter meets Jesus for the very first time and is given a new name that points to his future. Listen to the end to learn about Show-Me Youth Home and how you can support their mission.🔗 Learn more:Stepwise Ministry – stepwiseministry.orgShow-Me Youth Home – showmehelpingkids.com