This week we reflect on the challenges of staying faithful to God’s calling amidst life’s difficulties. Using 2nd Timothy 2 as a guide, this message explores how perseverance, trust in God’s grace, and a focus on Jesus empower us to endure hardships. We are reminded that tough times are a part of life’s journey, shaping us into the people God has called us to be.

This message challenges us to stay strong in grace, live with purpose, and share the hope of Jesus with those around us. Join us as we reflect on how God uses our endurance to make an eternal impact

We’re taking a short break for the holidays! There won’t be new episodes on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day as we spend time with family and celebrate the season. We encourage you to do the same—stay connected to your faith and enjoy this time with loved ones. We’ll be back after the holidays, ready to dive back into our series on systematic theology. Have a joyful and meaningful holiday season, and we’ll see you in the new year!

This week, we reflect on the extraordinary story of Jesus’ birth through the eyes of the shepherds in Luke 2. In the midst of their humble and ordinary lives, the shepherds are visited by angels proclaiming the arrival of the Savior, inviting them to witness God’s incredible work firsthand. Their response of faith, worship, and proclamation challenges us to do the same.

We are reminded that God doesn’t call the most powerful or prestigious to reveal His plans—He calls ordinary people, just like us, to experience and share His hope and life. Join us as we celebrate the humility of the Christmas story and the life-changing truth that Jesus’ birth offers access to God for all.

Questions for further discussion:

Why would the shepherds be terrified seeing the glory of God?

What is the contrast between that scene and the manger? What is the theological significance of this contrast? Of the shepherds being chosen?

What are the shepherds asked to do? How do they respond? How will you respond?

Charlie and Abigail conclude their exploration of angelology and spiritual warfare, diving into the biblical realities of angels, demons, and Satan’s influence in the world. They address common misconceptions, such as the meaning behind the name “Lucifer,” and emphasize the need to avoid two extremes: dismissing spiritual evil entirely or being overwhelmed by it.

Through passages like Ephesians 6, they unpack the “armor of God,” focusing on tools like truth, righteousness, and faith that equip us to stand firm against spiritual attacks. This episode highlights the balance between awareness of spiritual forces and confidence in Christ’s victory, reminding us that greater is He who is in us than the one in the world.

Join us for an engaging discussion about spiritual preparedness, faith, and living a balanced, biblically-informed life. This conversation offers practical insights to help navigate the unseen battles we face daily.

Mark reflects on the extraordinary faith and obedience of Joseph as he faces a life-altering dilemma. Legally committed to Mary and faithfully waiting to consummate their marriage, Joseph discovers she is expecting. Presented with two seemingly impossible options—publicly shaming her or divorcing her quietly—an angel of the Lord offers a third, far riskier path. Trusting God and Mary, Joseph chooses to obey, stepping into God’s plan despite the challenges it brings.

Through Joseph’s example, Mark highlights how God’s purpose and plan often lead us down roads that require faith over comfort and trust over ease. He encourages us to consider where God might be calling us to take bold steps of obedience, reminding us that following God often means walking a road not shown on the map. Join us for an inspiring message about the power of trust and faith in experiencing God’s miraculous plans.

Questions for further discussion:

1. If you were Joseph, how would you be feeling before the angel visited?

2. It is stated that Joseph was a good guy, does it bother you that he finds himself in this dilemma?

3. Does the dream change the way his community will respond to the pregnancy and marriage?

4. What do you think would be the most difficult part of obeying the angles command?

5. Would you feel any different about Jesus if he didn't have this miraculous birth story? Why is it significant to you personally?

Charlie and Abigail take a deep dive into the unseen realities of angels, demons, and spiritual warfare. They explore the biblical origins of Satan and his rebellion, the roles and hierarchy of angels and demons, and how these spiritual forces influence the world today. With passages from scripture, they clarify distinctions between possession and oppression, highlighting how believers are protected by the Holy Spirit from possession but still face external spiritual challenges.

We are invited to reflect on the ongoing spiritual battle and how faith, salvation, and righteousness equip us to stand firm. Drawing on key texts like Ephesians 6, Charlie emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparedness and trusting God’s strength in the face of these unseen forces. Join us for a thoughtful exploration of these theological concepts and their practical implications for our daily lives.

Here’s the episode description based on the provided overview and transcript, crafted in line with the rules we’ve set:

This week, guest speaker Brad Alexander explores how God uses ordinary moments for extraordinary purposes. Reflecting on the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary in Luke 1, Brad unpacks Mary’s faithful response to an unimaginable calling and emphasizes how belief, not understanding, is at the heart of a life of faith. He challenges us to embrace the wonder of the Christmas story and rediscover the miraculous in what might seem mundane.

We are reminded that God works through our everyday lives, using small acts of faithfulness to create lasting impact. With personal stories and scriptural examples, Brad illustrates how God invites us to participate in His extraordinary plans through simple, ordinary obedience. Join us for a powerful reflection on faith, hope, and the extraordinary ways God moves in the world.

Charlie and Abigail explore the fascinating study of angels, diving into what the Bible teaches about their nature, roles, and purpose. They unpack key truths, like the distinction between angels and the Holy Spirit, and debunk common misconceptions, such as the belief that humans become angels after death. From their role as God’s messengers to protectors and worshipers, the conversation highlights how angels operate within God’s creation and plan.

We reflect on the awe-inspiring and sometimes terrifying descriptions of angels in scripture, their spiritual nature, and their unique relationship with humanity. This episode encourages us to think deeply about the spiritual world and how angels point us back to God’s glory. Tune in to gain fresh insights into this intriguing aspect of theology and prepare for next week’s discussion on Satan and demons.