The Living Youth Podcast

On May 4, 2026, the White House published a "National Sabbath" proclamation from U.S. President Donald Trump. Was this an egregious violation of the separation of church and state? A wholehearted embrace of the biblical Sabbath? Or something else? It caught the attention of a lot of Sabbath-keepers (like us), so let's take a closer look.

It struck us recently that we are living in momentous times—in terms of technology, current events, and prophetic fulfillment. So today, we touch on just a few of the many reasons why it is quite a time to be alive!

Faith is often misunderstood and, to be sure, is a concept rich with meaning. It helps to break it down into simpler ideas that, while having their own profound depths, are perhaps easier to grasp—and to understand how to grow in. Join us today as we discuss a simple take on faith and what it means to have it (or not).

Every book, movie, or miniseries we consume presents an opportunity to practice biblical thinking. So do our conversations later with others about it. So, we practice that today, ourselves, by looking at some of Jane Austen's works—favorites of some of our listeners—and discuss biblical principles they might prompt us to consider.

At some point in the lives of young adults, dates begin to narrow from showing someone a nice time or enjoying a social activity with a friend to "OK, which of these folks are husband or wife material?" (Or, equally important, "Am I husband or wife material?") On today's episode, we take a listener question and apply some biblical thinking to the question of "red flags" and "green flags" concerning the sort of people we should be looking for—and striving to be—as the possibilities of marriage open up.

We know it's a weird title, but bear with us for a bit... Lift the hood (or bonnet for some of our non-U.S. friends) on A.I. and you see some strange things. But some of those strange things can teach us a lot about our own battle with human nature and about what God is trying to achieve in our lives. Join us today as we look at just one fascinating (if a little terrifying) example.

In God's Festivals, the spring Holy Days are a time of self-examination. While we might hear the admonition to examine ourselves fairly frequently, how do you go about doing that? Are there any "boots on the ground," practical approaches? Yes, there are. Today, we share seven approaches you can use, not just during this Festival season, but any time.

Passover is a little more than a week away! As the first of God's annual festivals and the one picturing Jesus Christ's sacrifice for us, it has much to teach us. Join us today as we discuss five lessons we learn from this momentous day.

Depending on the news outlet you listen to, the U.S.-Israel war against Iran is either extremely successful or doomed to failure. But while pundits and newscasters throw out analysis and predictions, we need to ask ourselves: How do we think biblically about the situation and see God's perspective? Join us as we talk about that! (Bonus points to listeners who catch our suggestion that Europe would be wise to learn from Batman in this situation.)In this episode, we mention Mr. Mario Hernandez' excellent January-February 2024 Tomorrow's World article, "The True Cause of Trouble in the Middle East!" highlighting the Persia/Edom/Amalek dynamic that so many just don't understand. If you want to immediately understand more than the talking heads on the news, click through and read it. Here's the URL: https://www.tomorrowsworld.org/magazines/2024/january-february/the-true-cause-of-trouble-in-the-middle-east

Are they just letters to seven first-century congregations, containing general advice that applies to all of us, or are they all of that and more? In fact, the letters to the seven churches of Revelation 2 & 3 are indeed more: They represent prophesied, successive eras of the Church of God over two millennia, from the first century to end-times. On today's podcast, we'll look at some of the evidence.

Tattoos and body piercings seem to be on their way to becoming the norm in society. How do we think biblically about such things? What are the right questions to ask ourselves?

Sitting here in a car with Messrs. DeSimone and West, coming back from the Religious Broadcasters Convention, it hit us that some of the things we heard and experienced this week prompted some very particular thoughts concerning the teens and young adults in the Church (and those who love them). So, if you'll put up with a little recorded-on-the-phone-and-in-the-car audio, it's our pleasure to share those thoughts with you!

The Living Church of God's Men's Training Camp weekends are phenomenal opportunities for men to come together and grow as Christians. Seen properly, they benefit not just the men who attend, but all of us. On today's podcast, Mr. Jonathan McNair, the Director of Living Education, stops by to discuss the goals and purposes of these programs and to give us a sense of what they are like.

Received a question from a young listener about what it means to be Philadelphian or Laodicean and how that relates to us individually as a part of the Church of God. So, we crack open your Bibles with us and let's look at the answer!

As the world descends into angry, hateful collections of people, it will be easier than we might think to join in. But blessed are the peacemakers! We are to represent a coming kingdom of peacemakers, which means we need to learn how to make peace in the small, personal worlds we've each been given. Today, we discuss being a peacemaker and offer three pieces of biblical advice for becoming one.

There is an ongoing effort—from big corporations and governments to social movements and influencers—to draft your mind to help with their causes. Many of us sign right up without realizing it. Maybe you have, too. But God desires you to be part of a different cause. Stop signing up for theirs and stay focused on His. On today's podcast, we talk about principles to help keep us focused.

Today, January 16, 2026, marks 40 years since the death of Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong. On this episode of the podcast, we look with gratitude at only a small handful of the precious truths he was used by God to restore to the Body of Christ.

With Mr. Mark Sandor still in the studio, we lean on him for some historical insight into what took place between the Old and New Testaments, which adds a lot of helpful context for what we read concerning the first-century beginnings of the Church. Enjoy!

Today, Mr. Phil Sena joins us again to discuss steps teens and young adults can take to embrace the fact that the Church of God is not just their parents' church, but theirs as well. Join us!

Mr. Mark Sandor is in town for the big family weekend, so we decided to take advantage of his presence and address some questions sent in by our wonderful listeners. On this episode, we have questions about who can keep the Passover, when to counsel for baptism, avoiding worldly attitudes about dating, and being open with God in prayer. We hope you'll join us!

If we're willing to step out in faith and observe the Bible's holy days—the feasts of God listed in its pages and kept by the first-century Church—instead of the counterfeit days proffered to us by counterfeit Christianity, we find there are many blessings that become ours. In this episode we discuss five blessings we hope you won't take for granted. Join us!

It might seem paradoxical, but it's a fact: Christians don't celebrate Christmas. And they don't because Jesus would not want them to. If following Christ means anything to you at all, then listen in this week to learn what everyone needs to understand this time of year.

Many know they should be studying their Bible, but it can feel intimidating. But don't let doubt (or the devil) stop you! You can do it! Join us today as we give you six approaches to getting over the hump and getting started in your Bible study.

Today, Mr. Phil Sena stops by, and we talk about the vital importance of taking personal responsibility—especially in a world that is passionately teaching us to invest more in blaming others or characterizing ourselves as victims. Join us as we open our Bibles and see what God has to say on the topic.

It's easy to think that we can be one way when we're alone and another in public, or to buy into the idea that one's private, personal choices are not in any way anyone else's business, because one has nothing to do with the other. But, in reality, the inside always impacts the outside, and individual choices do have societal ramifications. Let's apply some biblical thinking to the question.

With Thanksgiving coming up here in the U.S.—and thankfulness important any time—we thought it a good time to meditate on the very real dangers of ingratitude. Join us as we examine six biblical examples and the lessons we can learn from them.

A fascinating study on how "brain rot" content devastates the capabilities of A.I. models points us to frightening conclusions about its effects on us and our children—causing potentially permanent damage. Join us on the program today as we talk about what scientists are learning and what God teaches, and let's think biblically about brain rot—while we can still think!

Sometimes the most obvious conclusions are the right ones! Halloween seems obviously heathen-ish, doesn't it? Still, some claim it is actually Christian in origin or otherwise a good thing and that those who claim it is evil in nature are naïve simpletons, unable to appreciate subtlety. Don't be fooled! What does God think about Halloween? When you think biblically, the right answer is, thankfully, very clear and, yes, abundantly obvious. Join us as we talk about it!

We each had an amazing Feast of Tabernacles this year, but the Feast isn't really about what you experience, but what you learn and take away. Today, we each talk about lessons we learned this year that we want to keep in mind as we move forward.

There are so many beautiful passages in God's word describing the coming reign of Jesus Christ and His saints. Today, we review some of our favorites while looking forward to the Feast of Tabernacles, only a few days away! Have a wonderful Feast, everyone!

With the Day of Atonement only a few days away, we have the coming banishment of Satan from the world for a thousand years on our minds today. Join us today as we chat about a few of the devil's favorite snares and traps. Forewarned is forearmed!

With the Feast of Trumpets just around the corner, we have the end-times on our minds. Today, we thought we'd take a different angle and discuss various ways you should NOT prepare for the end of the age—then, wrap things up with a very important way you should.

The public murder of Charlie Kirk in Utah has grabbed the attention of the world. Sadly, it is only the latest example of a growing tendency toward political violence in the United States. What is going on? And how can we avoid getting caught up in worldly, carnal takes and think about these things biblically? Join us as we talk about it.

Today, Mr. Adam West joins us in the studio (a.k.a. Mr. Robinson's office). He was relocated here a few months ago to assist with the work at HQ, and you have already seen him in a few sermons on the Living Church of God YouTube channel. He kindly agreed to sit down with us a bit so you could get to know him a little better. So, sit down with us!

We are asked often why we believe the United States, the United Kingdom, and many other nations are tribes of ancient Israel and why many prophecies about Israel apply to them. And there are very good biblical reasons. Today, we preview an article coming out in the September-October Tomorrow's World magazine and take a look at some of those reasons.

That might seem like terrible advice, but sometimes, it is exactly the advice you need—even when it comes to prayer, Bible study, and other disciplines of life in Christ. Join us today as we explain.

Messrs. Gerald Weston and Jonathan McNair join us to respond to a listener's question about the history of the Church's youth camps, and we take the opportunity to discuss the benefits of Living Education as a new year kicks off!

Peer pressure can be a challenge at any age, but especially so when we're young. Today, we take a look at four different things you can do to push back against peer pressure and do the right thing.

Some listeners had some interesting questions about Jesus Christ and His sacrifice. Today, we answer them!

Jesus has probably been lied about more than any other historical figure. Today, we take a look at just five of those lies, both large and small, and contrast them with the Bible truth.

Today, we take a brief look at a beautiful truth that King David felt was simply too wonderful for him—beyond his reach to fully grasp and appreciate. If we reflect on it, we can begin to see where he was coming from and benefit from the perspective it provides.

The word "antichrist" has come to be genericized to mean "super-evil dude." Even when treating the topic seriously, many are confused about what "antichrist" even means. Yet in the years ahead, recognizing the very real, prophesied individual will become very important! The topic doesn't have to be intimidating. Join us as we talk about seven specific characteristics the Bible says you can look for in identifying the final antichrist.

Well, it's Fourth of July weekend here in the United States, when America celebrates its independence. With that in mind, it seemed fitting to address a question that comes up from time to time: Is patriotism biblical? Are loving one's country and being a Christian compatible? Join us as we talk about it!

We stumbled on two great quotes about marriage that really seemed to get things right and thought they'd be worth sharing. Join us as we apply some biblical thinking to that most foundational of human institutions.

Many are talking about religious revival, and a lot of people are mentioning Jesus. But just who are they talking about? Don't be deceived! Join us this week as we talk about it.

As Israel attacks Iran and the news analysts go into overdrive, the Bible provides key principles that give insight about the current moment and what is prophesied to lie ahead. Don't cram today's news into the Bible—instead, let the Bible reveal the meaning behind today's news. Join us on the podcast as we talk about today's attack by Israel on Iran's leadership and nuclear capacities.

God's word encourages us to watch world events, yet it's easy to do so in an unhealthy way or in a way that fails to make the prophetic connections. Today, we talk about how to keep your head on straight and think biblically while keeping an eye on world affairs.

As helpful as digital Bibles can be, there are real blessings and benefits to spending time with physical, tangible, good ol' paper Bibles. Here's why you should put down the Bible app, close the laptop, and "go analog" more often with your Bible reading and study.

Is humanity at peak self-centeredness? Possibly! But the antidote is to recognize the vital truth that you don't belong to you. Let's talk about it.

The claims were bold: Extinct species—resurrected! Thanks to genetic engineering, huge, white, fluffy dire wolves are again among us. Or are they? In the podcast this week, we look at the claims, look at the facts, and look at the Bible for guidance in how to think of it all. Join us!