Sound in Faith

In this week’s episode we talk about what it really means to have heroes in the Christian life—and how complicated that can be. We share some of the people who’ve inspired us, both past and present, and what first drew us to them—their courage, theology, or maybe the way they lived out their faith. But we also get honest about their shortcomings and how easy it is to overlook those when we admire someone. The goal isn’t to tear the...

Today on the podcast we welcome special guest Andrew Siemonsma, a member of Faith Baptist, to talk about the subject of grief. Andrew shares about the tragic loss he and his family experienced in 2023 and how God's goodness and grace sustained them. Together we look at what the Bible has to say about grief, how believers can both morn and be joyful at the same time, and how other believers can comfort and encourage those who are so...

In this episode, we respond to the tragic passing of Charlie Kirk and the conversation it has stirred about the role of pastors in addressing current events. How should shepherds decide when to speak to cultural moments from the pulpit—and when to remain silent? We walk through biblical and pastoral criteria for engaging with timely issues, the tension between proclaiming the timeless gospel and speaking to contemporary concerns, a...

In this episode, we explore what it truly means to “live a life worthy of the gospel,” drawing from passages like Ephesians 4:1-3. Together, we unpack the biblical meaning of Paul’s words, why this calling matters for every believer, and how grace fuels the effort of daily discipleship. We discuss the practical marks of a gospel-shaped life—unity, humility, generosity, perseverance—and how these virtues transform life in the local ...

In the final episode of our four-part series on suffering, we explore the often-overlooked reality that Christians can still face painful earthly consequences for their sinful choices. While our sins are forgiven in Christ, there can still be long-lasting results to our sin. Yet even in these consequences, God’s mercy and discipline are at work, shaping us into the image of Christ (Heb. 12:6, 11). Rather than wallowing in regret, w...

In this episode, we focus on the unique experience of suffering for the name of Christ—a kind of suffering distinct from living in a fallen world, being sinned against, or facing the consequences of our own sin. Around the world, believers endure severe persecution: imprisonment, beatings, even death, while others are ostracized, impoverished, or mocked. Even in places like the U.S., subtle forms of opposition still exist. Scriptur...

In this episode, we continue our series on suffering by looking at what it means to be sinned against and how to respond as a Christian. Because of human sinfulness, people commit grievous acts that cause deep pain, from physical and emotional abuse to betrayal and injustice. Scripture provides many examples of such suffering—Joseph’s betrayal, Israel’s enslavement, David’s sin against Bathsheba and Uriah, and ultimately, Christ’s ...

Suffering is a reality for every believer, and Scripture speaks extensively about it. In this episode, we explore suffering that arises simply from living in a fallen world—things like natural disasters, chronic illness, and unexpected hardships that are not tied to personal sin or poor choices. The Bible teaches that suffering exists because of the fall, as creation itself groans under the weight of sin (Rom. 8:22). Some mistakenl...

In this episode, we recap our Five Loves and focus on the Gospel as the foundation of our lives. We explore how the Gospel not only saves us but also sustains us daily—helping us in temptation, discouragement, relationships, and forgiveness. We discuss the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), Jesus' authority, and our call to make disciples. How do we start? By sharing the Gospel locally, supporting the church, and engaging in miss...

On this episode we talk about what it means to truly love our neighbors. Just like we need God's grace to change our hearts to enable us to love him, we need is grace to enable us to love our neighbors as we should. We spend time looking a the parable of the "Good Samaritan" in Luke 10:25-37 and examine what Jesus is saying through this parable. We then talk about some practical ways we can show love to our neighbors motivated by t...

Introduction:

Questions

1. Briefly recap our Five Loves and our Gospel Culture. What two loves have we covered so far?

2. Let’s look at John 13:34-35. What is Jesus emphasizing here? Isn’t my relationship with Jesus personal? Why is it so important that I love others?

3. Pastor and author Michael Lawrence states, “Churches have a chance to show the world what Heaven will be like.” What does he mean ...

Questions

1. Briefly recap our Five Loves and our Gospel Culture.

2. Why are God’s Word & Prayer connected in our second love?

3. What do we believe about the Bible at Faith? (Inspiration, Inerrancy, Authority, Sufficiency)

4. Many people think the Bible is outdated and irrelevant. How can we respond to that thinking?

5. What are some ways we can really grow in ...

Episode Questions

1. Why are we doing this series on our Five Loves?

2. What do we mean by “Gospel Culture?” How do our Five Loves fit into that?

3. Why do we begin with “Love God,” and what does the Bible have to say about loving God?

4. What’s the problem we have in our natural, sinful state when we’re faced with the command to “Love God?” Why can’t we love him as we ought?

Questions:

1. What is Christian Nationalism (CN)? What is it NOT?
2. What is its present appeal? Are there cultural or political trends that contribute to its rising popularity?
3. If I am a Christian who loves his country, does that make me a CN?
4. Shouldn't we desire for our nation to be a "Christian nation"?
5. Is cultural Christianity a bad thing?
6. What other cautions or dangers that you would suggest regarding the CN movement?
7. Should the A...