Small Steps with God

102 – Matthew Matters

In today’s episode, we take a closer look at Matthew, one of the twelve apostles and the author of the first Gospel in the New Testament. We explore his surprising background, his unique calling by Jesus, and the lasting impact of his life and writings. Whether you’re familiar with Matthew or just learning about him, this episode offers a fresh and accessible way to understand his story and why it still matte...

101 - The Apostles Holy Week

This episode is a heartfelt reflection on the events of Holy Week—from the cheering crowds on Palm Sunday to the quiet shock of Holy Saturday and the joy of Easter morning. I walk through each day, imagining what it must have felt like for the apostles and others around Jesus during that final week. It’s a story full of hope, confusion, love, and transformation, and I explore what each moment means for...

100 - Can a Christian Be Stoic?

In this episode, I explore a question that has shaped much of my spiritual journey: can a Christian embrace Stoicism? I share how I discovered Stoicism at a young age and how its principles helped me build resilience during difficult times. Later, when I became a Christian, I had to ask whether those Stoic values still had a place in my life—and what I found was both challenging and enlightening.

V...

99 - RC Sproul On Christmas

In this episode, Jill from the Northwoods explores Advent of Glory: 24 Devotions for Christmas by R.C. Sproul. Through the lens of Sproul’s insights, we examine the deep spiritual significance of Christ’s birth, its historical context, and the enduring message of hope and redemption it brings. Jill connects personal reflections with biblical truths, urging listeners to rediscover the transformative powe...

98 - Unexpected Heroes of Christmas

In this heartfelt episode, we dive into the profound lessons from The Characters of Christmas by Daniel Darling. The story of Jesus' birth is filled with ordinary people thrust into extraordinary roles, from Joseph and Mary to lowly shepherds and devout elders like Simeon and Anna. We explore how their lives and choices can inspire us to live with faith, humility, and hope.

Joseph’s Trust in Go...

97 - Man-Made Religion vs. Christianity

What makes Christianity unique compared to religions humans might invent? In a podcast exploring this thought-provoking question, the stark differences between a faith designed for human gratification and the teachings of Christianity emerge. Far from catering to human desires, Christianity challenges its followers to embrace humility, self-sacrifice, and love for all—values that go against ...

96 - Growth and Challenges of the Early Christian Church

Jesus’ ascension to its establishment across continents. Faced with persecution, the early followers exhibited unwavering faith, and over time, Christianity spread far beyond the Roman Empire, shaping cultures and societies. Key figures like Justin Martyr and Tertullian, significant councils, and the strategic use of Roman infrastructure all played crucial roles in establish...

95 - How We Got Our Liturgies

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating history of Christian liturgy, exploring how it evolved from the earliest apostles to the structured services we recognize today. Liturgy, which means "work of the people" in Greek, plays a significant role in worship across many Christian denominations.

Origins of Liturgy: We explore how early Christian liturgies were influenced by Jewish worship practice...

94 - How to Live Boldly for Christ

In this episode, we dive into Ken Harrison's book, Daring Faith in a Cowardly World, exploring how Christians can live with courage and boldness in their everyday lives. Too many believers are content with waiting for heaven, but Harrison encourages us to focus on how God can work through us now. His book challenges the idea of living a polite Christian life and calls for daring faith that transf...

93 - Moving Beyond Simplistic Views of the God

In this episode, we explore how many people hold onto limited or distorted views of God. Drawing inspiration from J.B. Phillips’ book Your God is Too Small, we discuss how these views hinder spiritual growth and how we can embrace a fuller understanding of God's immense nature. We touch on how God’s vastness coexists with His intimate care for each individual, offering hope and a chal...

92 - Reassessing Our Image of God

In this episode, we dive into the thought-provoking ideas from Your God is Too Small by J.B. Phillips. The book offers a powerful reflection on the limiting ways people tend to think about God. From portraying God as an authoritarian rule-enforcer to viewing Him through the lens of our earthly parents, Phillips challenges us to reconsider these misconceptions.

Resident Policeman: Many people view...

91 - Imagine God and Heaven

In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of near-death experiences (NDEs) through the lens of John Burke's extensive research. Initially a skeptic, Burke's journey into studying over a thousand NDEs has led to some compelling insights about what might lie beyond death. This episode discusses the common themes found in NDEs, their profound impact on those who experience them, and the ongo...

90 - You're Heart Will Lead You Astray

In today's episode, we explore the dangers of self-worship, a prevalent theme in modern culture that encourages us to prioritize our own desires and emotions above all else. Drawing inspiration from Thaddeus J. Williams' book, Don't Follow Your Heart: Boldly Breaking the Ten Commandments of Self-Worship, we discuss how this mindset can lead to emptiness and how a God-centered life offers true...

89 - Digging In Deeper With Hard Questions

In this enlightening episode, we explore Gregory Koukl's book "Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions." Koukl offers a practical guide for engaging in faith conversations, focusing on asking strategic questions to promote deeper thinking. The episode covers his renowned Columbo Method, techniques for handling common objections, and the importance of humility and pa...

88 - Conversations and Questions With Doubters

Greg Koukl’s book, “Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions.” is a guide for anyone looking to engage in meaningful conversations about faith, particularly with challenging individuals. Koukl’s approach combines knowledge, wisdom, and character, emphasizing respectful dialogue and thoughtful questioning.

The Essence of Tactical Wisdom: Koukl explains the import...

87 - Jesus, Aslan, and Destiny

The Christian themes and allegories embedded in C.S. Lewis’s beloved series give us a way to look at Jesus and life in The Chronicles of Narnia. We explore how these stories reflect deep messages of faith, redemption, and morality and discuss their significance for both children and adults. Join us as we uncover the profound spiritual lessons that can be gleaned from these timeless tales.

Faith and ...

86 - Moses Leads in the Exodus

In this episode, we explore Moses’s leadership journey as he led the Israelites out of Egypt and towards the Promised Land. Drawing insights from Charles Swindoll’s book Moses, a Man of Selfless Dedication, we delve into the qualities that made Moses a remarkable leader and how these lessons apply to modern leadership.

Obedience to God’s Call: Moses’ initial reluctance transformed into unwavering ob...

85 - Moses Meets Pharaoh

In today’s episode, we explore Moses’ incredible journey as he transitions from a reluctant shepherd in Midian to a resolute leader confronting the Pharaoh in Egypt. Based on Charles Swindoll’s “Moses, a Man of Selfless Dedication,” we see the key moments of Moses’ transformation, his struggles with self-doubt, and the unwavering faith that propelled him forward.

Moses’ Reluctance: Initially hesitant and ...

84 - Moses The First 80 Years

In this episode, we delve into the remarkable story of Moses, exploring his transformation from an Egyptian prince to the leader of the Israelites. We discuss key events in his life, including his flight to Midian, his encounter with God at the burning bush, and his role in leading the Israelites out of Egypt.

1 Moses’ Early Life in Egypt: Raised as an Egyptian prince, Moses enjoyed privilege and pow...