Against the Grain

What does it truly mean to say "yes" to God's call? In this episode, Rory and Pam's journey from fostering one child to leading international ministries, proves that small acts of obedience can lead to extraordinary impact. Through adopting children, opening a children's home, and serving in Africa despite challenges like recurring malaria, they've learned that God equips those He calls. Be inspired to examine your own response to His leading, whether across the globe or across the street.

00:00 - Intro

04:06 - God's plan for my life in Uganda

09:16 - Adopting a child from the streets

15:42 - Journey into ministry

23:07 - Living in Rwanda

31:48 - Back to the States

40:20 - How to Hear God's Call Clearly

46:54 - Helping Equip, Evangelize and Disciple

We often don’t like the word obedience. When we think about growing in our faith, our default is to learn more information. But Jesus commands his followers to obey and to teach people to obey. In this episode, Eric, Ross and Lorraine take a look at what it looks like to grow in obedience and to teach others to obey what Jesus tells us to do. Listen now to find out how we can grow in our desire to follow him with every part of our life.

Show notes:

8 Ways to Follow Jesus

In this episode, Eric, Jermaine and Lorraine discuss baptism, wrestling through: what is baptism? Why do we do it? What are some common misconceptions? Why do some traditions do it differently? And how can I know if my kids are ready? 

Show notes:

8 Ways to Follow Jesus: Be Baptized

Mat 3:16

Mat 28:18-20

Acts 2:37-39, 41

Acts 8:12

Acts 8:26-38

Acts 10:44-48

Acts 16:30-36

Acts 22:12-16

Throughout the bible we see that God has a heart for the nations. What does that mean for us? Why should we be concerned for the nations when there are so many needs right here? In this episode, Kevin, Travis, and Amanda wrestle with these questions and help us to see why this is so important and what we can do about it. 

Show notes:

Perspectives Course

Joshua Project

Follow Me by David Platt

Learn about 121 Global Mission Partners

121 Mission Trips

What does it mean to truly make disciples in today's fast-paced world? Discipleship isn't about having all the answers, it's about walking alongside others as we follow Jesus together. Whether through structured Bible study or organic life-on-life relationships, Eric, Darell and Sonja share how simple (though not always easy) discipleship can be when we're willing to invest time and stay grounded in Scripture. With practical examples from their own journeys of both discipling and being discipled, they inspire us to take that first step in either asking someone to disciple us or reaching out to disciple others. Listen now to discover how you can join in Jesus' mission of making disciples who make disciples.

Discipleship at 121

Navigators

00:00 - Intro

05:02 - The Great Commission

08:12 - What Does It Mean to Make Disciples?

14:39 - What Does Quiet Time Look Like?

20:38 - Getting a Grip on God's Word

23:39 - How to Find a Mentor

35:19 - The Purpose of Discipleship

38:10 - What's Stopping People From Making Disciples?

48:30 - The joy of making disciples?

50:10 - Who Is Your Discipler?

Against the Gain is back for a new season!

In this episode Eric, Kevin and Vince discuss what it means to be sent. "Sent," isn't just about crossing oceans—it's a daily mindset of following God's lead. From tiny steps of neighborhood outreach to life-changing moves abroad, they unpack how listening to the Holy Spirit and simple obedience can lead to extraordinary impact. Whether you're seeking direction or yearning to make a difference, this message illuminates how every believer is called to be sent. Don't miss this compelling conversation that could reshape your understanding of God's purpose for your life!

00:01 - What Does It Mean to Be Sent?

04:17 - Intro

07:01 - Being Sent: A Mindset

10:43 - Being Sent to the World

15:41 - Living for the Lord

16:12 - Kevin on Being Called to the World

23:01 - God Preparations for Moses

23:31 - How Do You Know Where God's Sending You?

28:12 - How Do You Know Where to Go?

32:16 - What Are Some of the Other Things That Keep People From Being Sent?

36:59 - Being Sent: A Daily Mindset

41:30 - Reclaiming the Gospel of Romans 10

During the Christmas season it is so easy to get caught up in the busyness and commercialism and miss Jesus. But as we move toward Christmas, how can we avoid the distractions and keep our eyes focused on Jesus? What are some of the rhythms we can cultivate to prepare our hearts to celebrate that miraculous event that ushered in the savior of the world?

Show Notes:

Joy Upon Joy by Charles Spurgeon

Come, Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp

Advent for Exiles by Caroline Cobb

Good News for Great Joy by John Piper

121 Family Advent Devotional

Jotham's Journey (family advent book)

God with Us: An Audio Advent Devotional

As we enter this Advent season anticipating the birth of Jesus, this episode reflects on His second coming and His return. When followers of Jesus understand where we are headed, it empowers us with strength and patience to live with purpose. In this episode, Eric and Brian discuss the second coming of Christ, the beauty of His promised return, and how this hope compels us to live countercultural lives.

Show Notes:

121 Advent Family Devotional

James 5

Did the Bible Predict the Future? (Sermon 11.28.18)

Against the Grain Ep. 7 - The Timeless Significance of Passover Week

Prayer is foundational and vital to Christian living, however it can also be confusing and abstract. In this episode Lorraine, Sonja and Eric discuss growing a vibrant prayer life, the effects of prayer on our hearts and how to grow your faith through prayer.

The end times could be a source of hope as we look forward to the coming of the Lord, or it could be a source of fear in the face of such uncertainty. In this episode, Eric and Brian discuss a few views of how Jesus' return could play out. Take a listen and dive into learning more about anticipating the Day of the Lord.

Show Notes:

Revelation Study

Discipleship on the Edge by Darrell Johnson

Four Views on the Millennium

Matthew 13, 22, 24, 25

1 Corinthians 1, 5

2 Corinthians 1

1 Thessalonians 5