June 23, 2025 • 19 mins
What does it truly mean to be a man of faith in a world that increasingly questions traditional values? This powerful episode dives deep into the biblical foundations of masculine strength and spiritual leadership, revealing that true power comes not from our own abilities but from being deeply rooted in Christ.
Drawing from scripture like Ephesians 6:10 and Romans 12:2, we explore why many men struggle to stand firm in their convictions today. Between cultural pressures pushing toward secularism and the decline of intergenerational mentorship, Christian men often find themselves uncertain about how to live out their faith boldly. Yet the biblical call remains clear: we are not meant to blend in but to stand out as beacons of truth and grace.
The heart of spiritual leadership begins at home. Children don't need perfect fathers—they need authentic men who pray openly, engage with scripture regularly, love their wives sacrificially, and navigate life's challenges with unwavering faith. We unpack practical disciplines like daily Bible reading, consistent prayer, meaningful service, and intentional community that form the foundation of biblical manhood.
Perhaps most encouraging is the reminder that this journey doesn't demand perfection. Like Peter walking on water, we may falter when our eyes drift from Jesus to the storms around us. Yet Christ always extends His hand when we begin to sink. The path to becoming a powerful spiritual leader isn't about having all the answers—it's about knowing the One who does and allowing His strength to work through our weakness.
Ready to step into your calling as a man of faith? Join us for this transformative conversation that will equip and inspire you to lead with both courage and compassion in your home, church, and community.
I would love to hear from you!
For listeners looking to deepen their engagement with the topics discussed, visit our website or check out our devotionals and poetry on Amazon, with all proceeds supporting The New York School of The Bible at Calvary Baptist Church. Stay connected and enriched on your spiritual path with us!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 0 (00:00):
Welcome to the Compass Chronicles podcast.
I'm your host, javier, and I'mtruly honored you've chosen to
spend some time with me today.
Whether you're commuting towork or school, taking a break
at home or simply looking forsomething thoughtful to listen
to, I'm glad you're here.
At the Compass Chronicles, weexplore where faith meets fandom
and everyday life.
In each episode, we'll shareheartfelt stories, dig into
powerful scripture passages andunpack the pop culture moments
(00:21):
from movies and comics to musicand more that point us back to
God's truth.
So grab your favorite beverageor snack and settle in for a
conversation that'll stir yourheart and spark your soul.
Let's explore how to live withbold faith and deep compassion,
weaving together inspiring Biblestories, epic fandom moments
and real-life experiences todiscover how to step out with
courage while staying groundedin grace.
Whether you're feeling stuck orcraving a fresh perspective,
(00:42):
we'll uncover practical ways tolive fearlessly, love like Jesus
and let your face shine inevery part of your life.
Before we dive into thiscrucial conversation, let's take
a moment to invite God'spresence into this time together
.
Let's pray.
Dear Heavenly God, we comebefore you with hearts open and
minds ready to receive your word.
Today, we ask for your wisdomand guidance as we explore what
(01:04):
it means to be strong,faith-filled men who stand up
for your truth.
Let this discussion be filledwith grace, understanding and
courage.
May your word illuminate ourpath and may we be inspired to
live out the calling you haveplaced upon our lives as men of
faith.
In Jesus' name, we pray amen.
Now let's get into this.
Let's start with the scriptures, because that's where we find
the foundation of all truth.
In the book of Ephesians,chapter 6, verse 10, it states
Finally be strong in the Lordand in the strength of his might
.
Notice that the apostle Paul isnot instructing us to be strong
(01:27):
in our own abilities, ideas orcourage.
He specifically instructs us tobe strong in the Lord and in
his might.
This means that our strength asmen doesn't originate from our
physical capabilities,intellectual knowledge or
self-confidence.
Instead, it comes from beingrooted in Christ, completely
dependent on him.
When we look at biblicalfigures like Moses, joshua,
david or Paul, we see men whoweren't perfect but were deeply
(01:47):
committed to following God'scalling with all their hearts.
They stood firm in the face ofopposition and never wavered,
even when it cost them dearly.
So why are fewer men standing upfor their faith today?
I believe.
Part of the answer lies incultural shifts.
There's been an increasing pushtowards a more secular and less
faith-driven society, wheretraditional values are often
mocked or dismissed.
As a result, many men feelpressured to blend in, to stay
silent or to avoid standing upfor what they believe.
(02:09):
In the book of Romans, chapter12, verse 2, it says Do not be
conformed to this world, but betransformed by the renewal of
your mind that by testing youmay discern what is the will of
God, what is good and acceptableand perfect.
Brothers, this verse is callingus to stand out, not to fit in.
It's telling us that we must bedifferent, set apart and
unafraid to let our face shinebrightly in a world that often
prefers darkness.
Another reason could be thelack of mentorship.
(02:30):
In past generations, youngermen had older godly men who
poured into their lives, guidingthem on how to live out their
faith boldly.
But somewhere along the waythis mentoring process faded and
we now have a generation of mentrying to figure out their role
in the faith all on their own.
John Eldridge, in his book Wildat Heart, emphasizes that every
man needs a battle to fight, anadventure to live and a beauty
to rescue.
Yet if we aren't taught how toengage in this battle of faith,
(02:52):
many of us will step back,feeling ill-equipped or
overwhelmed.
Standing up for your faithrequires courage, conviction and
a deep understanding of who youare in Christ.
Let's revisit one of thegreatest examples of a man of
faith in the Bible David.
When facing Goliath, daviddidn't have the physical stature
or weaponry that most wouldhave expected of a warrior, but
what he did have was anunshakable confidence in God.
In the first book of Samuel,chapter 17, verse 45, david says
(03:14):
to the Philistine you come tome with a sword and with a spear
and with a javelin, but I cometo you in the name of the Lord
of hosts, the God of the armiesof Israel, whom you have defied.
This is what we need today menwho aren't afraid to stand up
and say I come in the name ofthe Lord.
But how do we cultivate thiskind of faith?
It starts with spending time inthe word of God.
There's no substitute for this.
In the book of Psalms, chapter119, verse 105, it says your
(03:37):
word is a lamp to my feet and alight to my path.
If we're not grounded inscripture, we'll be easily
swayed by every wind of doctrineor societal trend.
We need to immerse ourselves inthe Bible, allowing it to shape
our thoughts, actions andbeliefs.
Prayer must become a priority.
As Charles Spurgeon once said,a prayerless soul is a
Christless soul.
Gentlemen, we cannot expect tolead our families, defend our
faith or stand firm againstopposition if we aren't
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connected to the source of ourstrength.
Make prayer a daily habit, notjust something you turn to when
things get tough.
We need to surround ourselveswith other men of faith.
In the book of Proverbs,chapter 27, verse 17, it says
Iron sharpens iron and one mansharpens another.
Find men who will challenge you, encourage you and hold you
accountable.
We weren't meant to walk thisjourney alone.
(04:19):
What it means to be afaith-filled man within your
family, being a strong,faith-filled man isn't just
about showing up on Sundays orknowing Bible verses by heart.
It's about modeling Christ-likebehavior every single day.
Your children should see in youa man who isn't perfect but who
is wholeheartedly pursuing God.
They need to see you praying,reading your Bible, loving their
mother and treating others withrespect and kindness.
In the book of Ephesians,chapter 5, verse 25, the apostle
Paul instructs Husbands loveyour wives, as Christ loved the
(04:41):
church and gave himself up forher.
This kind of love is not aboutdominance or authority.
It's about self-sacrifice,patience and an unwavering
commitment to love and serveyour family, just as Christ
loves us.
This is the example that setsyou apart as a strong,
faith-filled man.
Many men feel inadequate in thisrole, thinking they don't have
what it takes to leadspiritually.
But let me remind you of thepowerful words in the book of
Philippians, chapter 4, verse 13.
(05:03):
I can do all things through himwho strengthens me.
It's not about our ability,it's about God's ability working
through us.
When we rely on him, we findthat we're more than capable of
being the men he's called us tobe.
Our culture is constantlyshifting and as Christian men it
can feel like we're swimmingagainst the tide.
But God's word encourages us tostand firm.
In the first book ofCorinthians, chapter 16, verse
13, it says Be watchful, standfirm in the faith, act like men,
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be strong.
This verse calls us to be alert, to stand our ground, to embody
true strength and to act likemen who are unashamed of their
faith.
There's a tendency in today'sworld to equate gentleness with
weakness or kindness withpassivity, but these are the
very qualities that Christhimself exhibited, and they
require great strength.
Being a faith-filled man meansknowing when to be gentle and
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when to be firm, when to speakup and when to listen, when to
extend grace and when to standyour ground.
One of my favorite quotes is byJohn Calvin, a great Protestant
reformer, who said a dog barkswhen his master is attacked.
I would be a coward if I sawthat God's truth is attacked and
yet would remain silent.
This speaks volumes about whatit means to be a defender of the
faith.
We don't need to be aggressive,but we do need to be courageous
.
We need to speak up when God'struth is being challenged, even
if it means standing alone.
Fathers, I want to take a momentto speak directly to you.
(06:09):
If we're going to raise up anew generation of strong,
faith-filled men, it starts withus.
Your sons are watching you andthey're learning from how you
handle life's challenges, howyou treat others and how you
prioritize your relationshipwith God.
In the book of Deuteronomy,chapter 6, verses 6 through 7,
it says and these words that Icommand you today shall be on
your heart.
You shall teach them diligentlyto your children and shall talk
of them when you sit in yourhouse and when you walk by the
(06:31):
way, and when you lie down andwhen you rise.
This verse emphasizes theimportance of being intentional
about teaching your childrenGod's word.
It's not enough to just takethem to church or tell them to
read the Bible.
They need to see you living itout daily.
Take time to pray with yourchildren, to read the Bible with
them and to answer theirquestions about faith.
Create an environment wherethey feel comfortable coming to
you with their struggles, doubtsand fears.
(06:51):
Let them know that it's okay toask questions and that you're
there to guide them on thisjourney.
The church has a vital role inbuilding up strong, faith-filled
men.
It's not just about sermons andSunday school.
It's about creating a communitywhere we need more churches
that encourage men to step intotheir God-given roles as leaders
, protectors and providers.
In the book of Hebrews, chapter10, verses 24 and 25, it says
(07:15):
and let us consider how to stirup one another to love and good
works, not neglecting to meettogether, as is the habit of
some, but encouraging oneanother, and all the more as you
see the day drawing near.
This means that we should beintentional about gathering with
other believers, challengingone another and spurring each
other on to live out our faith.
If you're not part of a men'sgroup or accountability group, I
encourage you to find one.
Surround yourself with men whoare also striving to be strong,
(07:36):
faith-filled leaders.
If you can't find one, considerstarting one.
The journey to becoming a strongman of faith isn't meant to be
walked alone.
Let's get practical.
How do we begin this journey tobecoming strong, faith-filled
men who stand up for ourfamilies in faith, in a loving
Christian but stern way?
Commit to daily Bible reading.
Start each day by reading theWord of God.
Allow it to shape your thoughts, actions and decisions.
The book of Joshua, chapter 1,verse 8, reminds us this book of
(08:00):
the law shall not depart fromyour mouth, but you shall
meditate on it day and night sothat you may be careful to do
according to all that is writtenin it.
For then you will make your wayprosperous and then you will
have good success.
Engage in regular prayer.
Develop a habit of talking toGod, share your heart with Him,
seek His guidance and listen forHis voice.
Remember the words in the bookof Philippians, chapter 4, verse
6, do not be anxious aboutanything, but in everything, by
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prayer and supplication, withthanksgiving, let your requests
be made known to God.
Serve others.
True strength is demonstratedthrough service.
Look for opportunities to serveyour family, church and
community.
In the book of Mark, chapter 10, verse 45, it says For even the
Son of man came not to beserved but to serve and to give
his life as a ransom for many.
Stand firm in your faith.
Don't be swayed by the opinionsof others or the changing tides
(08:43):
of culture.
Stand firm in what you know tobe true, as the book of 1
Corinthians, chapter 15, verse58, says.
Therefore, my beloved brothers,be steadfast and movable,
always abounding in the work ofthe Lord, knowing that in the
Lord your labor is not in vain.
Surround yourself with godlymentors.
We can't emphasize enough theimportance of having godly men
around you.
These mentors can be a sourceof wisdom, encouragement and
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accountability.
The book of Proverbs, 11, verse14, says when there is no
guidance, a people falls, but inan abundance of counselors
there is safety.
Says where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an
abundance of counselors there issafety.
Look for men in your church orcommunity who are living out
their faith and seek to learnfrom them.
Lead with love.
Being a strong, faith-filledman doesn't mean being harsh or
unapproachable.
True strength is shown in howwe love others.
In the book of 1 Corinthians,chapter 13, verse 4, it says
(09:25):
love is patient and kind.
Love does not envy or boast.
It is not arrogant.
If we're to lead our families,churches and communities well,
we must lead with love, alwaysreflecting the love that God has
shown us.
There's a delicate balancebetween standing firm in your
faith and showing grace toothers.
The goal isn't to win argumentsor prove others wrong.
It's to point them to Christ.
In the book of 1 Peter, 3,verse 15, it says but in your
(09:48):
hearts, honor Christ, the Lordas holy, always being prepared
to make a defense to anyone whoasks you for a reason, for the
hope that is in you.
Yet do it with gentleness andrespect you.
This verse is a powerfulreminder that we should always
be ready to defend our faith,but we must do so with
gentleness and respect.
It's not about being theloudest voice in the room or
having the most knowledge.
It's about showing others thelove of Christ, even when we
disagree.
There will be times whenstanding up for your faith might
(10:08):
make you unpopular or even costyou something.
But remember the words of Jesusin the book of Matthew, chapter
5, verses 10 through 12.
Blessed are those who arepersecuted for righteousness'
sake, for theirs is the kingdomof heaven.
Blessed are you when othersrevile you and persecute you and
utter all kinds of evil againstyou, falsely on my account.
Rejoice and be glad, for yourreward is great in heaven, for
(10:30):
so they persecuted the prophetswho were before you.
These words are a reminder thatfollowing Christ isn't always
easy, but it's always worth it.
We stand firm, not because it'scomfortable, but because it's
our calling as men of faith.
What kind of legacy do you wantto leave behind?
One of my favorite examples inthe Bible is found in the book
of 2 Timothy, chapter 4, verses7 and 8, where the Apostle Paul,
nearing the end of his life,says his life says I have fought
the good fight, I have finishedthe race, I have kept the faith
(10:50):
.
Henceforth, there is laid upfor me the crown of
righteousness which the Lord,the righteous judge, will award
to me on that day, and not onlyto me, but also to all who have
loved his appearing.
These words capture what itmeans to leave behind the legacy
of faith.
It's about fighting the goodfight, finishing the race and
keeping the faith, regardless ofthe challenges we face.
When you live out your faithboldly, you leave a mark on the
hearts of your family, friendsand community that will last
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long after you're gone.
Billy Graham once said thegreatest legacy one can pass on
to one's children andgrandchildren is not money or
other material thingsaccumulated in one's life, but
rather a legacy of character andfaith.
This is so true.
As men, we have an incredibleopportunity to pass on a legacy
of faith that will impactgenerations to come.
So how do we move forward fromhere?
How do we become the strong,faith-filled man that God has
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called us to be?
It starts with a decision, adecision to put God first in
every area of your life, to seekHim daily and to stand up for
what you believe in, even whenit's difficult.
The book of Joshua, chapter 24,verse 15, states and if it is
evil in your eyes to serve theLord, choose this day whom you
will serve, whether the godsyour fathers served in the
region beyond the river or thegods of the Amorites in whose
land you dwell.
But as for me and my house, wewill serve the Lord.
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This declaration is a powerfulreminder that we have a choice.
We can either blend in with theworld or we can choose to stand
firm in our faith and serve theLord with all our hearts.
Brothers, I want to challengeyou today what areas of your
life have you allowed to beinfluenced by the world?
Where have you compromised ortaken a backseat in your faith?
It's time to reclaim thoseareas and declare, just as
Joshua did as for me and myhouse, we will serve the Lord.
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Let's also be intentional aboutraising the next generation of
faith-filled men.
If you have sons, nephews oryoung men in your church, invest
in them.
Show them what it means to be aman who loves God, who stands
firm in his convictions and whoisn't afraid to speak the truth
in love.
Teach them that true strengthisn't about physical power or
material success, but aboutwalking humbly with God, seeking
His will and serving others.
It's not just about what we say.
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It's about how we live.
Your actions speak louder thanyour words.
When young men see you treatingothers with respect, honoring
your commitments andprioritizing your relationship
with God, they'll learn thatbeing a man of faith isn't just
something you talk about.
It's something you live outevery single day.
Men, it's time to rise up.
The world needs more men whoare willing to stand up for
what's right, who are unashamedof their faith and who are
committed to living out thetruth of God's word.
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The church needs more men whoare willing to lead, serve and
mentor others.
Our families need more fathers,husbands, brothers and uncles
who are willing to be thespiritual leaders they've been
called to be.
The book of Ezekiel, chapter 22,verse 30, says and I sought for
a man among them who shouldbuild up the wall and stand in
the breach before me for theland, that I should not destroy
it, but I found none.
This verse is a soberingreminder of how few men are
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willing to stand in the gap.
But it doesn't have to be thisway.
We can be the men who stand inthe gap, who build up the wall
and who lead with courage,conviction and unwavering faith.
As we bring this episode to aclose, I want to remind you that
you don't have to do this alone.
God is with you every step ofthe way and he has promised to
equip you with everything youneed to fulfill your calling.
In the book of 2 Peter, chapter1, verse 3, it says His divine
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power has granted to us allthings that pertain to life and
godliness, through the knowledgeof him who called us to his own
glory and excellence.
You have been called to be aman of faith, strength and
integrity.
You have been called to and,with God's help, you can fulfill
that calling.
You know.
Before we wrap up today, I wantto leave you with one last
thought.
It's easy to feel overwhelmedwhen you think about everything
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we've discussed.
You might be wondering how canI possibly live up to all of
this?
How can I really become thatstrong, faith-filled man?
And let me tell you, you're notalone in feeling that way.
We all have moments when wefeel like we're falling short,
like we're not good enough orthat will never measure up.
But the beautiful thing aboutour faith journey is that God
isn't asking us to be perfect.
He's not expecting us to haveit all together all the time.
What he's asking for is for usto step out in faith, to trust
(14:24):
him and to take things one stepat a time.
Remember Peter this was a manwho walked on water when he kept
his eyes on Jesus but startedto sink the moment he looked at
the wind and waves around him.
And yet, even in his doubt andfear.
Jesus reached out and caughthim.
That's the God we serve, a Godwho's always there to catch us,
even when we stumble.
In the book of Philippians,chapter 1, verse 6, it says and
I am sure of this that he whobegan a good working you will
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bring it to completion at theday of Jesus Christ.
This is God's promise to you.
He's not done with you yet.
The journey might be tough andthere will be challenges along
the way, but he's going to seeyou through it.
So as we step forward together,let's do it with confidence,
knowing that we're not walkingthis path alone.
And if you ever feel likeyou're struggling or that you're
not living up to the man youwant to be, just remember this
God's grace is sufficient foryou.
His strength is made perfect inyour weakness, and that's
(15:08):
really what being a strong,faith-filled man is all about.
It's not about having all theanswers or never making mistakes
.
It's about trusting in the onewho does have all the answers,
the one who never makes mistakes.
It's about being willing to sayGod, I can't do this on my own,
but I know that with you I can.
You know, as I was preparingfor this episode, I couldn't
help but think about the smallsteps we take every day.
(15:32):
Sometimes we get so focused onthe big picture that we forget
it's the little, everydaymoments that really shape us
into the men we're called to be.
It's in those quiet, oftenunnoticed choices where our
faith really grows.
Maybe it's the decision to getup a little earlier to spend
time in prayer, even when you'drather sleep in.
Or maybe it's choosing to biteyour tongue when you're
frustrated with your spouse orkids and instead responding with
kindness.
Perhaps it's taking that momentto encourage a friend who's
struggling, or being willing toadmit when you've made a mistake
and ask for forgiveness.
These are the moments where ourfaith is put into action.
(15:54):
And here's the thing God seesevery single one of those
moments.
Nothing is too small orinsignificant for Him.
He's not just looking at thebig, dramatic acts of faith.
He's also looking at thosesimple, everyday acts of
obedience.
In fact, it's often in thosesmall, consistent choices that
our faith becomes the strongest.
I'm reminded of the parable ofthe mustard seed that Jesus
shared in the book of Matthew,chapter 13, verses 31 and 32.
(16:26):
He said that tiny seedrepresents the small steps of
faith we take each day.
It may not seem like much atfirst, but over time, as we
continue to trust God, thosesmall steps grow into something
beautiful, something that canimpact the lives of those around
us in ways we might never haveimagined.
So I want to encourage youdon't underestimate the power of
those small, faithful steps.
Don't feel discouraged ifyou're not where you want to be
yet.
Just keep showing up, keeptrusting God and keep taking
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those steps forward.
He's doing something amazing inyou, even if you can't see it
right now.
Before we wrap up today'sconversation, I want to take a
moment to speak directly toanyone who feels caught in
between the person you used tobe and the person you're longing
to become.
Maybe the weight of life hasbeen pressing down hard.
Maybe your faith feels likeit's drifted out of reach.
Maybe you're craving somethingreal, something steady,
something true.
If that's you, here's what Iwant you to hear loud and clear.
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You are not alone and you'renot too far gone.
Jesus meets you right where youare.
He doesn't wait for you to haveit all together.
He walks with you from there,step by step.
So, whether this is your firsttime ever thinking about
following him or you've wanderedand want to come home, this
moment is yours.
You don't need perfect words.
You don't need to clean upfirst.
All you need is a heart that'sopen.
Let's pray this together Jesus,I believe you are the son of
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God.
I believe you died on the crossfor my sins and rose again so I
could have new life.
I turn away from my old waysand ask you to be the Lord of my
life.
Forgive me, heal me, lead me.
I give you my heart and Ichoose to follow you from this
day forward In your name Jesus.
Amen.
If you just prayed that prayer,welcome to the family of faith.
Heaven is rejoicing right now,and your new beginning has just
started, for free tools andresources to help you grow
(17:55):
stronger in your walk withChrist, visit us at
graceandgrindministriescom and,if you ever want to connect,
share your story or ask aquestion, reach out anytime.
You can email us atgraceandgrindnick at gmailcom.
Until next time, keep yourroots deep in scripture, keep
your heart open and humble andkeep your faith and your fandom
vibrant, bold and full of life.
This is Javier signing offuntil the next episode of the
compass chronicles faith, fandomand life podcast.
(18:17):
May grace and peace go with youalways.
Welcome to the Compass Chronicles podcast.
I'm your host, javier, and I'mtruly honored you've chosen to
spend some time with me today.
Whether you're commuting towork or school, taking a break
at home or simply looking forsomething thoughtful to listen
to, I'm glad you're here.
At the Compass Chronicles, weexplore where faith meets fandom
and everyday life.
In each episode, we'll shareheartfelt stories, dig into
powerful scripture passages andunpack the pop culture moments
(00:21):
from movies and comics to musicand more that point us back to
God's truth.
So grab your favorite beverageor snack and settle in for a
conversation that'll stir yourheart and spark your soul.
Let's explore how to live withbold faith and deep compassion,
weaving together inspiring Biblestories, epic fandom moments
and real-life experiences todiscover how to step out with
courage while staying groundedin grace.
Whether you're feeling stuck orcraving a fresh perspective,
(00:42):
we'll uncover practical ways tolive fearlessly, love like Jesus
and let your face shine inevery part of your life.
Before we dive into thiscrucial conversation, let's take
a moment to invite God'spresence into this time together
.
Let's pray.
Dear Heavenly God, we comebefore you with hearts open and
minds ready to receive your word.
Today, we ask for your wisdomand guidance as we explore what
(01:04):
it means to be strong,faith-filled men who stand up
for your truth.
Let this discussion be filledwith grace, understanding and
courage.
May your word illuminate ourpath and may we be inspired to
live out the calling you haveplaced upon our lives as men of
faith.
In Jesus' name, we pray amen.
Now let's get into this.
Let's start with the scriptures, because that's where we find
the foundation of all truth.
In the book of Ephesians,chapter 6, verse 10, it states
Finally be strong in the Lordand in the strength of his might
.
Notice that the apostle Paul isnot instructing us to be strong
(01:27):
in our own abilities, ideas orcourage.
He specifically instructs us tobe strong in the Lord and in
his might.
This means that our strength asmen doesn't originate from our
physical capabilities,intellectual knowledge or
self-confidence.
Instead, it comes from beingrooted in Christ, completely
dependent on him.
When we look at biblicalfigures like Moses, joshua,
david or Paul, we see men whoweren't perfect but were deeply
(01:47):
committed to following God'scalling with all their hearts.
They stood firm in the face ofopposition and never wavered,
even when it cost them dearly.
So why are fewer men standing upfor their faith today?
I believe.
Part of the answer lies incultural shifts.
There's been an increasing pushtowards a more secular and less
faith-driven society, wheretraditional values are often
mocked or dismissed.
As a result, many men feelpressured to blend in, to stay
silent or to avoid standing upfor what they believe.
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In the book of Romans, chapter12, verse 2, it says Do not be
conformed to this world, but betransformed by the renewal of
your mind that by testing youmay discern what is the will of
God, what is good and acceptableand perfect.
Brothers, this verse is callingus to stand out, not to fit in.
It's telling us that we must bedifferent, set apart and
unafraid to let our face shinebrightly in a world that often
prefers darkness.
Another reason could be thelack of mentorship.
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In past generations, youngermen had older godly men who
poured into their lives, guidingthem on how to live out their
faith boldly.
But somewhere along the waythis mentoring process faded and
we now have a generation of mentrying to figure out their role
in the faith all on their own.
John Eldridge, in his book Wildat Heart, emphasizes that every
man needs a battle to fight, anadventure to live and a beauty
to rescue.
Yet if we aren't taught how toengage in this battle of faith,
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many of us will step back,feeling ill-equipped or
overwhelmed.
Standing up for your faithrequires courage, conviction and
a deep understanding of who youare in Christ.
Let's revisit one of thegreatest examples of a man of
faith in the Bible David.
When facing Goliath, daviddidn't have the physical stature
or weaponry that most wouldhave expected of a warrior, but
what he did have was anunshakable confidence in God.
In the first book of Samuel,chapter 17, verse 45, david says
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to the Philistine you come tome with a sword and with a spear
and with a javelin, but I cometo you in the name of the Lord
of hosts, the God of the armiesof Israel, whom you have defied.
This is what we need today menwho aren't afraid to stand up
and say I come in the name ofthe Lord.
But how do we cultivate thiskind of faith?
It starts with spending time inthe word of God.
There's no substitute for this.
In the book of Psalms, chapter119, verse 105, it says your
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word is a lamp to my feet and alight to my path.
If we're not grounded inscripture, we'll be easily
swayed by every wind of doctrineor societal trend.
We need to immerse ourselves inthe Bible, allowing it to shape
our thoughts, actions andbeliefs.
Prayer must become a priority.
As Charles Spurgeon once said,a prayerless soul is a
Christless soul.
Gentlemen, we cannot expect tolead our families, defend our
faith or stand firm againstopposition if we aren't
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connected to the source of ourstrength.
Make prayer a daily habit, notjust something you turn to when
things get tough.
We need to surround ourselveswith other men of faith.
In the book of Proverbs,chapter 27, verse 17, it says
Iron sharpens iron and one mansharpens another.
Find men who will challenge you, encourage you and hold you
accountable.
We weren't meant to walk thisjourney alone.
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What it means to be afaith-filled man within your
family, being a strong,faith-filled man isn't just
about showing up on Sundays orknowing Bible verses by heart.
It's about modeling Christ-likebehavior every single day.
Your children should see in youa man who isn't perfect but who
is wholeheartedly pursuing God.
They need to see you praying,reading your Bible, loving their
mother and treating others withrespect and kindness.
In the book of Ephesians,chapter 5, verse 25, the apostle
Paul instructs Husbands loveyour wives, as Christ loved the
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church and gave himself up forher.
This kind of love is not aboutdominance or authority.
It's about self-sacrifice,patience and an unwavering
commitment to love and serveyour family, just as Christ
loves us.
This is the example that setsyou apart as a strong,
faith-filled man.
Many men feel inadequate in thisrole, thinking they don't have
what it takes to leadspiritually.
But let me remind you of thepowerful words in the book of
Philippians, chapter 4, verse 13.
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I can do all things through himwho strengthens me.
It's not about our ability,it's about God's ability working
through us.
When we rely on him, we findthat we're more than capable of
being the men he's called us tobe.
Our culture is constantlyshifting and as Christian men it
can feel like we're swimmingagainst the tide.
But God's word encourages us tostand firm.
In the first book ofCorinthians, chapter 16, verse
13, it says Be watchful, standfirm in the faith, act like men,
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be strong.
This verse calls us to be alert, to stand our ground, to embody
true strength and to act likemen who are unashamed of their
faith.
There's a tendency in today'sworld to equate gentleness with
weakness or kindness withpassivity, but these are the
very qualities that Christhimself exhibited, and they
require great strength.
Being a faith-filled man meansknowing when to be gentle and
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when to be firm, when to speakup and when to listen, when to
extend grace and when to standyour ground.
One of my favorite quotes is byJohn Calvin, a great Protestant
reformer, who said a dog barkswhen his master is attacked.
I would be a coward if I sawthat God's truth is attacked and
yet would remain silent.
This speaks volumes about whatit means to be a defender of the
faith.
We don't need to be aggressive,but we do need to be courageous
.
We need to speak up when God'struth is being challenged, even
if it means standing alone.
Fathers, I want to take a momentto speak directly to you.
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If we're going to raise up anew generation of strong,
faith-filled men, it starts withus.
Your sons are watching you andthey're learning from how you
handle life's challenges, howyou treat others and how you
prioritize your relationshipwith God.
In the book of Deuteronomy,chapter 6, verses 6 through 7,
it says and these words that Icommand you today shall be on
your heart.
You shall teach them diligentlyto your children and shall talk
of them when you sit in yourhouse and when you walk by the
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way, and when you lie down andwhen you rise.
This verse emphasizes theimportance of being intentional
about teaching your childrenGod's word.
It's not enough to just takethem to church or tell them to
read the Bible.
They need to see you living itout daily.
Take time to pray with yourchildren, to read the Bible with
them and to answer theirquestions about faith.
Create an environment wherethey feel comfortable coming to
you with their struggles, doubtsand fears.
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Let them know that it's okay toask questions and that you're
there to guide them on thisjourney.
The church has a vital role inbuilding up strong, faith-filled
men.
It's not just about sermons andSunday school.
It's about creating a communitywhere we need more churches
that encourage men to step intotheir God-given roles as leaders
, protectors and providers.
In the book of Hebrews, chapter10, verses 24 and 25, it says
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and let us consider how to stirup one another to love and good
works, not neglecting to meettogether, as is the habit of
some, but encouraging oneanother, and all the more as you
see the day drawing near.
This means that we should beintentional about gathering with
other believers, challengingone another and spurring each
other on to live out our faith.
If you're not part of a men'sgroup or accountability group, I
encourage you to find one.
Surround yourself with men whoare also striving to be strong,
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faith-filled leaders.
If you can't find one, considerstarting one.
The journey to becoming a strongman of faith isn't meant to be
walked alone.
Let's get practical.
How do we begin this journey tobecoming strong, faith-filled
men who stand up for ourfamilies in faith, in a loving
Christian but stern way?
Commit to daily Bible reading.
Start each day by reading theWord of God.
Allow it to shape your thoughts, actions and decisions.
The book of Joshua, chapter 1,verse 8, reminds us this book of
(08:00):
the law shall not depart fromyour mouth, but you shall
meditate on it day and night sothat you may be careful to do
according to all that is writtenin it.
For then you will make your wayprosperous and then you will
have good success.
Engage in regular prayer.
Develop a habit of talking toGod, share your heart with Him,
seek His guidance and listen forHis voice.
Remember the words in the bookof Philippians, chapter 4, verse
6, do not be anxious aboutanything, but in everything, by
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prayer and supplication, withthanksgiving, let your requests
be made known to God.
Serve others.
True strength is demonstratedthrough service.
Look for opportunities to serveyour family, church and
community.
In the book of Mark, chapter 10, verse 45, it says For even the
Son of man came not to beserved but to serve and to give
his life as a ransom for many.
Stand firm in your faith.
Don't be swayed by the opinionsof others or the changing tides
(08:43):
of culture.
Stand firm in what you know tobe true, as the book of 1
Corinthians, chapter 15, verse58, says.
Therefore, my beloved brothers,be steadfast and movable,
always abounding in the work ofthe Lord, knowing that in the
Lord your labor is not in vain.
Surround yourself with godlymentors.
We can't emphasize enough theimportance of having godly men
around you.
These mentors can be a sourceof wisdom, encouragement and
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accountability.
The book of Proverbs, 11, verse14, says when there is no
guidance, a people falls, but inan abundance of counselors
there is safety.
Says where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an
abundance of counselors there issafety.
Look for men in your church orcommunity who are living out
their faith and seek to learnfrom them.
Lead with love.
Being a strong, faith-filledman doesn't mean being harsh or
unapproachable.
True strength is shown in howwe love others.
In the book of 1 Corinthians,chapter 13, verse 4, it says
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love is patient and kind.
Love does not envy or boast.
It is not arrogant.
If we're to lead our families,churches and communities well,
we must lead with love, alwaysreflecting the love that God has
shown us.
There's a delicate balancebetween standing firm in your
faith and showing grace toothers.
The goal isn't to win argumentsor prove others wrong.
It's to point them to Christ.
In the book of 1 Peter, 3,verse 15, it says but in your
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hearts, honor Christ, the Lordas holy, always being prepared
to make a defense to anyone whoasks you for a reason, for the
hope that is in you.
Yet do it with gentleness andrespect you.
This verse is a powerfulreminder that we should always
be ready to defend our faith,but we must do so with
gentleness and respect.
It's not about being theloudest voice in the room or
having the most knowledge.
It's about showing others thelove of Christ, even when we
disagree.
There will be times whenstanding up for your faith might
(10:08):
make you unpopular or even costyou something.
But remember the words of Jesusin the book of Matthew, chapter
5, verses 10 through 12.
Blessed are those who arepersecuted for righteousness'
sake, for theirs is the kingdomof heaven.
Blessed are you when othersrevile you and persecute you and
utter all kinds of evil againstyou, falsely on my account.
Rejoice and be glad, for yourreward is great in heaven, for
(10:30):
so they persecuted the prophetswho were before you.
These words are a reminder thatfollowing Christ isn't always
easy, but it's always worth it.
We stand firm, not because it'scomfortable, but because it's
our calling as men of faith.
What kind of legacy do you wantto leave behind?
One of my favorite examples inthe Bible is found in the book
of 2 Timothy, chapter 4, verses7 and 8, where the Apostle Paul,
nearing the end of his life,says his life says I have fought
the good fight, I have finishedthe race, I have kept the faith
(10:50):
.
Henceforth, there is laid upfor me the crown of
righteousness which the Lord,the righteous judge, will award
to me on that day, and not onlyto me, but also to all who have
loved his appearing.
These words capture what itmeans to leave behind the legacy
of faith.
It's about fighting the goodfight, finishing the race and
keeping the faith, regardless ofthe challenges we face.
When you live out your faithboldly, you leave a mark on the
hearts of your family, friendsand community that will last
(11:11):
long after you're gone.
Billy Graham once said thegreatest legacy one can pass on
to one's children andgrandchildren is not money or
other material thingsaccumulated in one's life, but
rather a legacy of character andfaith.
This is so true.
As men, we have an incredibleopportunity to pass on a legacy
of faith that will impactgenerations to come.
So how do we move forward fromhere?
How do we become the strong,faith-filled man that God has
(11:32):
called us to be?
It starts with a decision, adecision to put God first in
every area of your life, to seekHim daily and to stand up for
what you believe in, even whenit's difficult.
The book of Joshua, chapter 24,verse 15, states and if it is
evil in your eyes to serve theLord, choose this day whom you
will serve, whether the godsyour fathers served in the
region beyond the river or thegods of the Amorites in whose
land you dwell.
But as for me and my house, wewill serve the Lord.
(11:54):
This declaration is a powerfulreminder that we have a choice.
We can either blend in with theworld or we can choose to stand
firm in our faith and serve theLord with all our hearts.
Brothers, I want to challengeyou today what areas of your
life have you allowed to beinfluenced by the world?
Where have you compromised ortaken a backseat in your faith?
It's time to reclaim thoseareas and declare, just as
Joshua did as for me and myhouse, we will serve the Lord.
(12:16):
Let's also be intentional aboutraising the next generation of
faith-filled men.
If you have sons, nephews oryoung men in your church, invest
in them.
Show them what it means to be aman who loves God, who stands
firm in his convictions and whoisn't afraid to speak the truth
in love.
Teach them that true strengthisn't about physical power or
material success, but aboutwalking humbly with God, seeking
His will and serving others.
It's not just about what we say.
(12:37):
It's about how we live.
Your actions speak louder thanyour words.
When young men see you treatingothers with respect, honoring
your commitments andprioritizing your relationship
with God, they'll learn thatbeing a man of faith isn't just
something you talk about.
It's something you live outevery single day.
Men, it's time to rise up.
The world needs more men whoare willing to stand up for
what's right, who are unashamedof their faith and who are
committed to living out thetruth of God's word.
(12:57):
The church needs more men whoare willing to lead, serve and
mentor others.
Our families need more fathers,husbands, brothers and uncles
who are willing to be thespiritual leaders they've been
called to be.
The book of Ezekiel, chapter 22,verse 30, says and I sought for
a man among them who shouldbuild up the wall and stand in
the breach before me for theland, that I should not destroy
it, but I found none.
This verse is a soberingreminder of how few men are
(13:18):
willing to stand in the gap.
But it doesn't have to be thisway.
We can be the men who stand inthe gap, who build up the wall
and who lead with courage,conviction and unwavering faith.
As we bring this episode to aclose, I want to remind you that
you don't have to do this alone.
God is with you every step ofthe way and he has promised to
equip you with everything youneed to fulfill your calling.
In the book of 2 Peter, chapter1, verse 3, it says His divine
(13:39):
power has granted to us allthings that pertain to life and
godliness, through the knowledgeof him who called us to his own
glory and excellence.
You have been called to be aman of faith, strength and
integrity.
You have been called to and,with God's help, you can fulfill
that calling.
You know.
Before we wrap up today, I wantto leave you with one last
thought.
It's easy to feel overwhelmedwhen you think about everything
(14:01):
we've discussed.
You might be wondering how canI possibly live up to all of
this?
How can I really become thatstrong, faith-filled man?
And let me tell you, you're notalone in feeling that way.
We all have moments when wefeel like we're falling short,
like we're not good enough orthat will never measure up.
But the beautiful thing aboutour faith journey is that God
isn't asking us to be perfect.
He's not expecting us to haveit all together all the time.
What he's asking for is for usto step out in faith, to trust
(14:24):
him and to take things one stepat a time.
Remember Peter this was a manwho walked on water when he kept
his eyes on Jesus but startedto sink the moment he looked at
the wind and waves around him.
And yet, even in his doubt andfear.
Jesus reached out and caughthim.
That's the God we serve, a Godwho's always there to catch us,
even when we stumble.
In the book of Philippians,chapter 1, verse 6, it says and
I am sure of this that he whobegan a good working you will
(14:45):
bring it to completion at theday of Jesus Christ.
This is God's promise to you.
He's not done with you yet.
The journey might be tough andthere will be challenges along
the way, but he's going to seeyou through it.
So as we step forward together,let's do it with confidence,
knowing that we're not walkingthis path alone.
And if you ever feel likeyou're struggling or that you're
not living up to the man youwant to be, just remember this
God's grace is sufficient foryou.
His strength is made perfect inyour weakness, and that's
(15:08):
really what being a strong,faith-filled man is all about.
It's not about having all theanswers or never making mistakes
.
It's about trusting in the onewho does have all the answers,
the one who never makes mistakes.
It's about being willing to sayGod, I can't do this on my own,
but I know that with you I can.
You know, as I was preparingfor this episode, I couldn't
help but think about the smallsteps we take every day.
(15:32):
Sometimes we get so focused onthe big picture that we forget
it's the little, everydaymoments that really shape us
into the men we're called to be.
It's in those quiet, oftenunnoticed choices where our
faith really grows.
Maybe it's the decision to getup a little earlier to spend
time in prayer, even when you'drather sleep in.
Or maybe it's choosing to biteyour tongue when you're
frustrated with your spouse orkids and instead responding with
kindness.
Perhaps it's taking that momentto encourage a friend who's
struggling, or being willing toadmit when you've made a mistake
and ask for forgiveness.
These are the moments where ourfaith is put into action.
(15:54):
And here's the thing God seesevery single one of those
moments.
Nothing is too small orinsignificant for Him.
He's not just looking at thebig, dramatic acts of faith.
He's also looking at thosesimple, everyday acts of
obedience.
In fact, it's often in thosesmall, consistent choices that
our faith becomes the strongest.
I'm reminded of the parable ofthe mustard seed that Jesus
shared in the book of Matthew,chapter 13, verses 31 and 32.
(16:26):
He said that tiny seedrepresents the small steps of
faith we take each day.
It may not seem like much atfirst, but over time, as we
continue to trust God, thosesmall steps grow into something
beautiful, something that canimpact the lives of those around
us in ways we might never haveimagined.
So I want to encourage youdon't underestimate the power of
those small, faithful steps.
Don't feel discouraged ifyou're not where you want to be
yet.
Just keep showing up, keeptrusting God and keep taking
(16:49):
those steps forward.
He's doing something amazing inyou, even if you can't see it
right now.
Before we wrap up today'sconversation, I want to take a
moment to speak directly toanyone who feels caught in
between the person you used tobe and the person you're longing
to become.
Maybe the weight of life hasbeen pressing down hard.
Maybe your faith feels likeit's drifted out of reach.
Maybe you're craving somethingreal, something steady,
something true.
If that's you, here's what Iwant you to hear loud and clear.
(17:11):
You are not alone and you'renot too far gone.
Jesus meets you right where youare.
He doesn't wait for you to haveit all together.
He walks with you from there,step by step.
So, whether this is your firsttime ever thinking about
following him or you've wanderedand want to come home, this
moment is yours.
You don't need perfect words.
You don't need to clean upfirst.
All you need is a heart that'sopen.
Let's pray this together Jesus,I believe you are the son of
(17:33):
God.
I believe you died on the crossfor my sins and rose again so I
could have new life.
I turn away from my old waysand ask you to be the Lord of my
life.
Forgive me, heal me, lead me.
I give you my heart and Ichoose to follow you from this
day forward In your name Jesus.
Amen.
If you just prayed that prayer,welcome to the family of faith.
Heaven is rejoicing right now,and your new beginning has just
started, for free tools andresources to help you grow
(17:55):
stronger in your walk withChrist, visit us at
graceandgrindministriescom and,if you ever want to connect,
share your story or ask aquestion, reach out anytime.
You can email us atgraceandgrindnick at gmailcom.
Until next time, keep yourroots deep in scripture, keep
your heart open and humble andkeep your faith and your fandom
vibrant, bold and full of life.
This is Javier signing offuntil the next episode of the
compass chronicles faith, fandomand life podcast.
(18:17):
May grace and peace go with youalways.
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