In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina explore what it means to overcome evil with good. They unpack Romans 12:19-21—challenging listeners to leave revenge to God and instead respond to hurt with kindness and radical love. The conversation touches on the pitfalls of seeking personal justice, the transformative power of depending on the Holy Spirit, and practical ways to bless those who wrong us, even in our most vulnerable moments. If you've ever wrestled with how to handle hurt, offense, or injustice, this conversation will challenge and encourage you. Discover how choosing to depend on Christ and walking in His love can transform your life—and the lives of those around you.

Key Verses:

Romans 12:19-21: "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Quotes:

“We are the worst person to judge a situation when we’re the ones hurt.”

“The people who hurt us can’t heal us—only God can.”

“Jesus didn’t just avoid revenge—He actively blessed those who hated Him.”

Key Points:

1. Overcoming evil with good begins by entrusting our hurt and anger to God rather than seeking personal vengeance.
2. Radical love calls us to bless our enemies and respond with kindness, even when our emotions run high.
3. Depending on the Holy Spirit empowers us to transform conflict into opportunities for healing and reconciliation.

Outline:

1. Introduction (00:04)
2. Scripture Reading (00:50)
3. The Call to Not Avenge Yourself (02:08)
4. God’s Justice vs. Our Emotions (03:32)
5. The Destructive Cycle of Retaliation (06:16)
6. Empowered to Give Radical Love (07:38)
7. Jesus as the Ultimate Example (10:53)
8. Practical Example: Refusing to Take the Bait (12:00)
9. Handling Personal Offense with Grace in Parenting (15:53)
10. Relying on the Holy Spirit to Overcome Evil (19:16)
11. Final Takeaway (19:31)

Theme Music:

Here Forever by Adigold Emotion by TonyDrummer (all rights and licensing from Envato elements)

Hosted by: Ross O'Hair Participating Staff: Ben Brezina Scripture Read by: Ben Brezina Edited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina

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Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org

Interested in more? Get the Living IN Jesus study.

In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Jamie Pharis Pyles explore Romans 12:14-18, revealing how believers are empowered through the Holy Spirit to bless rather than curse, rejoice and weep with others, and live in harmony. They discuss how old patterns of retaliation stem from the flesh, but under the New Covenant, believers have a new spirit and renewed mind to respond with genuine love—even toward those who cause harm. Through personal stories and scriptural insights, they demonstrate that what was once impossible under the law becomes both freeing and joyful through Christ’s life in us.

Key Verses:

Romans 12:14-18: "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."

Quotes: "In Christ, you can afford to be wrong, and you can afford to be wronged."

"It's not on our love and forgiveness that the world will change, but on His through us."

"God doesn’t promise great circumstances, but He does promise His presence, His love, and a peace that surpasses understanding."

Key Points:

1. Living in Christ means breaking free from the old pattern of retaliation and embracing love, even in persecution.
2. The renewal of the mind is not something we achieve by effort but something we allow God to do in us.
3. Unity in the body of Christ comes from recognizing everyone's equal value and responding with humility and grace.

Outline:

1. Introduction (00:04)
2. Scripture Reading (01:00)
3. Do’s and Don’ts (02:04)
4. Breaking Free from Old Fleshly Patterns (03:49)
5. Allowing God to Transform Us (05:08)
6. A Story of Responding with Love (09:27)
7. Persecution Reveals Our Faith (08:12)
8. Seeing Every Person’s Value (13:20)
9. Living Peaceably and not Repaying Evil (15:55)
10. Corrie Ten Boom’s Story of Empowerment (16:30)
11. Conclusion and Major Takeaways (19:11)

Theme Music:

Here Forever by Adigold Cinematic Strings by Cleanmindsounds (all rights and licensing from Envato elements)

Hosted by: Ross O'Hair Scripture Read by: Ben Brezina Participating Staff: Jamie Pharis Pyles Edited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina

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Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org

Interested in more? Get the Living IN Jesus study.

In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

What does authentic love look like in a world full of transactional relationships? In this episode, Ross O'Hair and Mark Fields explore Romans 12:9-13, a passage that vividly describes how believers are called to live out genuine, selfless love within the body of Christ. Together, they discuss the characteristics of healthy relationships, including authenticity, humility, perseverance, and serving others with joy and purpose. Through practical examples and personal stories, Ross and Mark unpack key principles like letting love be genuine, abhorring what is evil, and showing preference to one another in humility. They also highlight how living out these truths reflects our identity in Christ and fosters trust, safety, and unity within communities. Tune in to be encouraged and equipped to cultivate meaningful, God-honoring relationships.

Key Verses:

Romans 12:9-13: “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality."

Quotes:

"Healthy relationships begin with acting for each other's best benefit with authenticity and genuineness."

"When we know who we are in Christ, we can genuinely love others without striving—it flows naturally from our identity in Him."

"Building relationships requires humility and sacrifice, valuing others above ourselves, and reflecting God's unconditional love."

Key Points:

1. Authenticity builds trust and safety, which are essential for genuine relationships.
2. Christ-like humility means prioritizing others' interests above your own, creating space for deeper connections.
3. Healthy relationships require intentionality—encouraging others, praying for them, and serving with enthusiasm.

Outline:

1. Introduction (00:03)
2. Scripture Reading (00:50)
3. The Importance of Authenticity in Relationships (01:30)
4. Abhorring Evil and Clinging to Good in Community (05:54)
5. Giving Preference to Others Through Humility (08:29)
6. Enthusiasm in Serving the Lord (11:24)
7. Overcoming Divisiveness and Serving God's Purpose (14:16)
8. Joy, Perseverance, and Prayer in Relationships (16:39)
9. Contributing to Needs and Practicing Hospitality (18:40)
10. Final Takeaways: Living Out Love in Christ (20:22)

Theme Music:

Here Forever by Adigold Emotional Piano and Strings by MusicalSmile (all rights and licensing from Envato elements)

Hosted by: Ross O'Hair Participating Staff: Mark Fields Scripture Read By: Ben Brezina Edited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina

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Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org

Interested in more? Get the Living IN Jesus study.

In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Tom Price explore the richness of Romans 12:3-8, discussing how believers are called to embrace unity in the body of Christ while celebrating diversity in spiritual gifts. They tackle the dangers of comparison, the importance of finding identity in Christ, and how understanding God’s grace leads to a healthier community. Through personal stories and relatable analogies, this conversation unpacks how humility and sound judgment allow us to serve authentically and joyfully as members of God’s family.

Key Verses:

Romans 12:3-8: "For by the grace given to me, I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think. But to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body, we have many members, and the members do not have all the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them: if prophecy in proportion to our faith; if service in our serving; the one who teaches in his teaching; the one who exhorts in his exhortation; the one who contributes in generosity; the one who leads with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy with cheerfulness."

Quotes:

"The most humble thing you can do is to believe what God says about you."

"True humility isn’t thinking less of ourselves; it’s about embracing who God says we are and living out of the grace gifts he’s placed in us."

"When we stop comparing ourselves to others and start celebrating the diversity within the body of Christ, we experience the fullness of God’s design for his church."

Key Points:

1. Comparison within the body of Christ creates division, but humility and sound judgment promote unity.
2. Spiritual gifts are not about self-worth but about fulfilling our unique roles in the body of Christ.
3. True joy and fulfillment come from living authentically in the identity God has given us.

Outline:

1. Introduction (00:00)
2. Scripture Reading (00:52)
3. Humility in Action (2:11)
4. Breaking Free from the Comparison Trap (3:30)
5. One Body, Many Parts (4:18)
6. Grace as the Ultimate Lens (4:55)
7. A Celebration of Unique Gifts (9:10)
8. Lessons from Personal Battles with Comparison (14:44)
9. The Church as a Unified Reflection of Christ (16:28)
10. Conclusion and Major Takeaways (19:05)

Theme Music:

Here Forever by Adigold The Wedding Trailer by Toshman (all rights and licensing from Envato elements)

Hosted by: Ross O'Hair Participating Staff: Beau Brezina Scripture Read by: Ben Brezina Edited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina

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Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org

Interested in more? Get the Living IN Jesus study.

In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Beau Brezina explore the profound concepts of transformation and sacrifice as presented in Romans 12:1-2. What does it mean to be a living sacrifice? How can we embrace transformation through the renewal of our minds? Listen in as Ross and Beau unravel how our everyday acts of kindness, forgiveness, and service are not burdens but joyful responses to God’s incredible love and mercy. This conversation will inspire us to renew our minds, embrace Christ’s work in us, and live out the sacrificial love that impacts our relationships with God and others.

Key Verses:

Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Quotes:

“Offering ourselves as a “living sacrifice” is not a heavy burden—it’s a delight birthed out of the love that God has poured into our hearts.”

“Transformation begins with renewing your mind; it’s about letting the Holy Spirit reshape your beliefs to align with God’s truth.”

“Sacrifice isn’t about losing something; it’s about giving yourself fully to the joy of loving God and others.”

Key Points:

1. A living sacrifice reflects the joy of serving God, motivated by His love rather than obligation.
2. Transformation requires the renewal of our minds by allowing the Holy Spirit to reshape our thoughts and beliefs.
3. True worship involves daily submission to God’s will, enabling His love to shine through our actions.

Outline:

1. Introduction (00:00)
2. Scripture Reading (01:02)
3. Why We’re Skipping Chapters 9–11 (01:29)
4. The Heart Behind a “Living Sacrifice” (01:58)
5. A Fresh Look at the Word “Sacrifice” (03:14)
6. Transformation Starts in the Mind (07:21)
7. Real-Life Examples of Practicing Sacrifice (09:05)
8. Overcoming Worldly Conditioning (10:29)
9. The Sacrifice of Forgiveness and Love (14:53)
10. Key Takeaway and Conclusion (17:26)

Theme Music:

Here Forever by Adigold Emotion by Tonydrumer (all rights and licensing from Envato elements)

Hosted by: Ross O'Hair Participating Staff: Beau Brezina Scripture Reading by: Ben Brezina Edited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina

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Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org

Interested in more? Get the Living IN Jesus study.

In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Mark Fields unpack the rich truths of Romans 8:31-39. They discuss how God’s love and provision empower us to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and hope. From the assurance that God is for us to the eternal security of His love, this conversation will inspire and encourage you to live boldly, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Listen now to discover how God’s provision and presence are woven into every moment of our lives.

Key Verses:

Romans 8:31-39: “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Quotes:

“God is not just with us—He is for us. That changes everything about how we face life’s challenges.”

“What if God doesn’t want to change your circumstances but wants to change you through them?”

“No person, no event, no sin can separate a believer from God’s love. That truth transforms how we approach every difficulty.”

Key Points:

1. God’s unconditional love ensures we are never separated from Him, no matter the difficulty.
2. Our feelings may deceive us, but we can rest in the truth that God is present and for us.
3. The Holy Spirit and Christ both intercede on our behalf, giving us the power to overcome trials.

Outline:

1. Introduction (00:00)
2. Scripture Reading (00:49)
3. God’s provision: He is for us, freely gives, justifies, and intercedes (02:26)
4. The significance of God being “for us” and the power of His love (04:46)
5. God’s provision explained in the Roman context: assurance amid persecution (06:33)
6. Jesus and the Holy Spirit intercede for us, emphasizing divine involvement (08:20)
7. God’s presence: nothing can separate us from His love, even in trials (09:48)
8. Trusting God’s presence in uncertain outcomes: overcoming fear and anxiety (12:42)
9. Practical encouragement: relying on God’s love amid daily failures and temptations (14:59)
10. Conclusion and Major Takeaways (17:16)

Theme Music:

Here Forever by Adigold Inspiring by Peacock Music (all rights and licensing from Envato elements)

Hosted by: Ross O'Hair Participating Staff: Mark Fields Scripture Reading: Ben Brezina, Corrie O’Hair Edited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina

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Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org

Interested in more? Get the Living IN Jesus study.

In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Mark Fields closely examine Romans 8:28-30, discussing how God’s goodness and sovereignty bring hope even during life’s most challenging circumstances. They unpack the truths of this famous passage, exploring how God works all things for good for those who love Him. Using personal stories, biblical examples, and down-to-earth insights, they show how trials can transform us into the image of Christ, deepening our dependence on Him and renewing our perspective on hardship. If you’ve ever felt stuck in pain or wondered where God is, this conversation will encourage and empower you to trust that He is always working, always present, and always good.

Key Verses:

Romans 8:28-30 - "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified."

Quotes:

“Sometimes the good from our circumstances may not be evident until much later, but God is weaving all things together with His wisdom and timing.”

“God’s purpose is not just to fix our pain but to conform us to the image of His Son, aligning our thoughts, attitudes, and actions with His life in us.”

Key Points:

1. God’s sovereignty assures us that He is in control and works all things for good in the lives of believers.
2. The ultimate good is being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, which is God’s purpose for every believer.
3. Trusting God’s goodness and presence transforms suffering into a pathway for deeper dependence and greater enjoyment of Him.

Outline:

1. Introduction (00:00)
2. Scripture Reading (00:57)
3. Hope through God’s Goodness and Sovereignty (1:34)
4. God’s Hand in “All Things” (3:28)
5. When Life Hurts: The Tension of Trust (4:57)
6. The Bigger Picture: God’s Ultimate Good (6:35)
7. Chiseling the Masterpiece: Michelangelo and the Image of David (14:14)
8. God’s Goodness in Aging: Mark’s Personal Journey (15:24)
9. From Pain to Peace – Practical advice on leaning into God’s Goodness. (18:11)
10. Conclusion and Major Takeaways (18:38)

Theme Music:

Here Forever by Adigold (all rights and licensing from Envato elements)

Hosted by: Ross O'Hair Participating Staff: Mark Fields Scripture Reading by: Corrie O'Hair Edited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina

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Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org

Interested in more? Get the Living IN Jesus study.

In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, hosts Ross O’Hair and Mark Fields tackle the tough questions of suffering, hardship, and where God is in the midst of our pain. Romans 8:18-27 highlights how all creation—humanity included—is groaning with hope, longing for God's promised restoration and glory. Mark shares a powerful personal story about facing serious illness, while Ross recounts a traumatic family crisis, both demonstrating that we’re not alone in our struggles. They show how the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when words fail, helping us persevere with genuine hope and assurance. Whether you’re currently in the thick of difficulty, or know someone who is, this episode will encourage you, strengthen your faith, and remind you that real hope makes a tangible difference—even in life’s darkest moments.

Key Verses:

Romans 8:18-27: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

Quotes:

“Hope is the confidence in the existence of a truth we cannot yet see, casting our endurance forward into the promises of God.”

“The Spirit groans with us in our weakness, interceding on our behalf when we cannot find the words, proving we are never alone.”

Key Points:

1. Suffering is real and present, but it pales in comparison to the future glory promised by God.
2. Hope, rooted in God’s promises, gives believers perseverance through trials and aligns us with His eternal plan.
3. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us in our weakest moments, providing comfort and assurance of God’s care.

Outline:

1. Introduction (00:00)
2. Scripture Reading (01:05)
3. Three Groanings (03:17)
4. Present Suffering vs. Future (04:09)
5. Cancer, COVID, and hope in God (05:15)
6. Creation Groans (09:22)
7. Believers Groan (10:44)
8. The Role of Hope and Perseverance (13:18)
9. The Holy Spirit Groans (20:56)
10. Final Takeaway (22:03)

Theme Music:

Here Forever by Adigold Emotional Piano by GentleJammers (all rights and licensing from Envato elements)

Hosted by: Ross O'Hair Scripture Read by: Corrie O’Hair Participating Staff: Mark Fields Edited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina

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Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org

Interested in more? Get the Living IN Jesus study.

In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.