BE THE 25

Send In Your Question for the Podcast

🎙️ Be The 25 Show Notes – Are Bible Stories Real? Unpacking the Truth Behind Them

🔥 Have you ever wondered if the stories in the Bible are real?
Are they just myths, fables, or legends 📜 – or is there something more? 🤔 Today, we’re diving into that very question! 🎙️

🔍 In this episode:

• We’ll explore different types of stories in the Bible – some are historical 🏛️, while others are fictional (gasp! 😮).
• You'll learn the purpose behind the fictional stories and how they illustrate truth 📖, like the parables Jesus told.
• We’ll also dig into some of the most famous Bible stories—Noah’s Ark 🛳️, Jonah and the Big Fish 🐋, and Jesus walking on water 🌊—and find out if they are legit.

📖 Key Insights:

• Yes, there are fictional stories in the Bible, like Nathan's fictional story to David in 2 Samuel or Jesus’ parables that convey truth ✨.
• But when it comes to miraculous events like Noah's Ark 🌧️, Jonah and the Fish, and Jesus’ miracles—are these real historical accounts? 🤯
• You’ll discover how eyewitnesses accounts of Jesus's miracles are reliable and true and how Jesus referenced Old Testament stories as REAL historical events involving REAL historical figures. If Jesus treated them that way, we should too! 🙌

👉 Listen to the episode, and let's unpack the mystery together 🎧

Bible References 📖:
2 Samuel 12:1-7: Nathan’s parable to King David about the rich man and the poor man’s lamb 🐑

Luke 15:1-7: Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep 🐑

Hebrews 6:18: "It is impossible for God to lie" 🕊️

1 Peter 2:22: "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth" ✝️

John 6:48-51: Jesus referring to the manna in the wilderness 🍞

Luke 17:26-27: Jesus speaks about the days of Noah 🌊

Luke 17:28-32: Jesus mentions the days of Lot, referencing the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah 🔥and Lot's wife 

Matthew 12:39-41: Jesus references Jonah, saying, "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth" 🐋

2 Peter 2:5-7: The apostle Peter treats the stories of Noah and Lot as real historical events involving real historical people 🌧️🔥

Jude 1:7: Jude highlights the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as an example of God's judgment on sexual immorality and perversion 🌋

2 Corinthians 11:3: The apostle Paul warns believers not to be led astray by deception, just as Eve was deceived by the serpent 🐍

💡 Tune in now to uncover the truth behind these powerful stories! ✝️

Thanks for stopping by!
75% of Christian teens and young adults in local church youth groups walk away from the church – and many from Christ – after graduating high school. This is a call to Be the 25 who don't.

We're here to tackle your tough questions, share relatable guest interviews, and offer practical advice and strategies so you can gain the confidence and courage you need to Be the 25.

Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes, bonus episodes and giveaways... and invite your friends.

Need help? For additional resources, go to BeThe25.com.

Experiencing doubt or have questions? Email [email protected] and your doubt or question may be selected for the show.

For speaking engagements contact: [email protected].

Follow Dr. Sharon O'Hara on:

• BeThe25.com
• Instagram @drsharonohara
• Twitter @drsharonohara
• YouTube @BeThe25

Thanks for listening! 
Be The 25!

-Dr. Sharon

Send In Your Question for the Podcast

🙋‍♀️ Have you ever felt like you don’t quite fit in at your church or youth group? 😔 Do you sometimes feel out of place, left out, or disconnected from others in your church community? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Today on Be the 25, we’re talking with a courageous teenager, Nora Kate Duell, who faced these same struggles. 🎙️ Nora Kate shares her story of how she took matters into her own hands and went from feeling out of place to finding her place in a new church community. 🏡 Stick around to hear what she did to overcome these challenges and her advice for anyone who feels left out or struggles to fit in. 👥

What You’ll Learn:

• Nora Kate’s journey of finding the right church fit after relocating with her family 🏞️
• The challenges she faced and how she overcame feelings of isolation 🙏
• Practical tips for anyone struggling to feel connected in their current church ⛪
• The importance of prayer and seeking God’s guidance in finding a church community 🙌

Key Quotes:

• “It’s okay to explore new places and see where you might feel more connected.” - Nora Kate Duell
• “Sometimes, it’s not about what’s wrong with you, but finding a place where you truly fit in and feel accepted.” - Dr. Sharon O'Hara

Resources Mentioned:

• Be The 25 Episode 13: 5 Things to Consider When Looking for the Right Church Community
  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2250319/15625637

Thanks for stopping by!
75% of Christian teens and young adults in local church youth groups walk away from the church – and many from Christ – after graduating high school. This is a call to Be the 25 who don't.

We're here to tackle your tough questions, share relatable guest interviews, and offer practical advice and strategies so you can gain the confidence and courage you need to Be the 25.

Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes, bonus episodes and giveaways... and invite your friends.

Need help? For additional resources, go to BeThe25.com.

Experiencing doubt or have questions? Email [email protected] and your doubt or question may be selected for the show.

For speaking engagements contact: [email protected].

Follow Dr. Sharon O'Hara on:

• BeThe25.com
• Instagram @drsharonohara
• Twitter @drsharonohara
• YouTube @BeThe25

Thanks for listening! 
Be The 25!

-Dr. Sharon

Send In Your Question for the Podcast

🎙️ In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s close to the heart for many of us—finding the RIGHT church community to belong to. 🏠 Whether you’re just starting out in your faith, moving to a new town 🗺️, starting college 🎓, or just feel like it’s time for a change, finding a church home is a big decision. But how do you find the RIGHT community? 🤔 Join us as we break down 5 key things to consider!

MAIN POINTS
1️⃣ Solid Biblical Teaching: The core of any church should be delivering biblical truth 📖, not just inspirational or entertaining messages. Make sure the sermons are firmly rooted in Scripture and help you apply God’s Word to your life.

2️⃣ Doctrinal Alignment: Ensure the church's core beliefs align with the Bible. Look for key beliefs like the Trinity, the deity of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, and the authority of Scripture. 🔍

3️⃣ Worship Style: Identify your worship style preference 🎶—whether it’s traditional hymns, contemporary music, or a mix of both. The worship experience should help you connect with God in a meaningful way.

4️⃣ Sense of Community: Look for a welcoming, friendly church where you can build meaningful relationships. 🫂 Being in the right church community means finding a place where you truly belong and are supported on your faith journey.

5️⃣ Service Opportunities: Find a church that offers a variety of ways to get involved. 🔨 Whether it’s through small groups, mission trips, or other ministries, the right church will help you find where you fit in and how you can contribute.

🎧 Listen Now to discover how you can find the right church community that’s a perfect fit for you! 💒

🔗 Visit us at bethe25.com for more resources to help you on your faith journey.

✨ Stay connected with us on social media for updates and encouragement! 📲

Thanks for stopping by!
75% of Christian teens and young adults in local church youth groups walk away from the church – and many from Christ – after graduating high school. This is a call to Be the 25 who don't.

We're here to tackle your tough questions, share relatable guest interviews, and offer practical advice and strategies so you can gain the confidence and courage you need to Be the 25.

Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes, bonus episodes and giveaways... and invite your friends.

Need help? For additional resources, go to BeThe25.com.

Experiencing doubt or have questions? Email [email protected] and your doubt or question may be selected for the show.

For speaking engagements contact: [email protected].

Follow Dr. Sharon O'Hara on:

• BeThe25.com
• Instagram @drsharonohara
• Twitter @drsharonohara
• YouTube @BeThe25

Thanks for listening! 
Be The 25!

-Dr. Sharon

Send In Your Question for the Podcast

🌟 Episode Overview:
Ever felt unsure about how to find your spiritual footing when entering a new environment? Whether you're heading off to college, moving to a new city, or stepping into a new life phase, maintaining strong faith is crucial for navigating unfamiliar places and faces. In today's episode of Be the 25, we welcome Corbin Schmid, a 20-year-old student at the University of North Florida, who shares his journey of keeping his faith strong amidst the challenges of college life.

🎤 Guest Spotlight:
Corbin Schmid is a talented junior majoring in jazz studies at UNF, known for his incredible skills on both the upright and electric bass. Beyond his musical talents, Corbin is committed to his Christian faith, making him a role model for young Christians everywhere. His story, much like Daniel in the Bible, is one of staying grounded in faith, no matter the environment.

🚶‍♂️ Key Takeaways:

• Finding A Faith Community in New Places: Corbin shares how he found a faith community on campus, even after a challenging and lonely first semester.
• The Power of Community: Discover how being part of a faith group provided Corbin with the support and encouragement he needed to thrive in college.
• Practical Advice: Corbin offers tips for young Christians on staying spiritually grounded when transitioning into new environments.

🙏 Scripture Highlight:
Proverbs 1:5 - "A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel." 📖

Thanks for stopping by!
75% of Christian teens and young adults in local church youth groups walk away from the church – and many from Christ – after graduating high school. This is a call to Be the 25 who don't.

We're here to tackle your tough questions, share relatable guest interviews, and offer practical advice and strategies so you can gain the confidence and courage you need to Be the 25.

Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes, bonus episodes and giveaways... and invite your friends.

Need help? For additional resources, go to BeThe25.com.

Experiencing doubt or have questions? Email [email protected] and your doubt or question may be selected for the show.

For speaking engagements contact: [email protected].

Follow Dr. Sharon O'Hara on:

• BeThe25.com
• Instagram @drsharonohara
• Twitter @drsharonohara
• YouTube @BeThe25

Thanks for listening! 
Be The 25!

-Dr. Sharon

Send In Your Question for the Podcast

Turning 18 and graduating high school is exciting and full of new choices 🎓✨. But where does going to church fit into your future plans? With 75% of teens leaving church after high school, it’s important to ask: why should going to church matter to YOU? 🕊️

In this episode of Be the 25, we'll dive into why going to church really matters and how staying connected to a church community can support you through this pivotal time in your life... and beyond. 🌟 Discover why staying connected to a church can make a huge difference as you step into adulthood 🌟... and beyond!

Thanks for stopping by!
75% of Christian teens and young adults in local church youth groups walk away from the church – and many from Christ – after graduating high school. This is a call to Be the 25 who don't.

We're here to tackle your tough questions, share relatable guest interviews, and offer practical advice and strategies so you can gain the confidence and courage you need to Be the 25.

Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes, bonus episodes and giveaways... and invite your friends.

Need help? For additional resources, go to BeThe25.com.

Experiencing doubt or have questions? Email [email protected] and your doubt or question may be selected for the show.

For speaking engagements contact: [email protected].

Follow Dr. Sharon O'Hara on:

• BeThe25.com
• Instagram @drsharonohara
• Twitter @drsharonohara
• YouTube @BeThe25

Thanks for listening! 
Be The 25!

-Dr. Sharon

Send In Your Question for the Podcast

Welcome to our podcast! Today, we're diving into a fascinating question: Why doesn’t God reveal Himself in the same way He did during biblical times? 🤔📖

Understanding Biblical Miracles

In biblical times, God performed incredible miracles—parting the Red Sea, healing the blind, and feeding thousands with a few loaves and fish. These miracles grabbed attention, evoked awe, and showed us God's power and divine nature. 🌊🌟

Purpose of Miracles

Miracles were attention-grabbers that turned people's focus to God since He would be the Only One explanation as to how it happened ⛈️👀.

Do Miracles Happen Today?

While miracles still happen today, they’re not the most common way God reveals Himself. This was also true during biblical times. God reveals Himself in many ways, not just through miracles. ✨🙏

God Reveals Himself through Nature: Every detail of nature speaks of His Divine Power, Divine Nature, creativity and care. We gain a “general sense of who He is.” 🌿🌄 (Psalm 19:1-2; Romans 1:20).

God Reveals Himself through the Bible 📖. God's Word is a treasure trove of wisdom that reveals His character, His workings in the Word and His plan. We learn more specific things about God. Engaging with Scripture deepens our understanding of Him. 📖💡

God Reveals Himself through Jesus Christ. Jesus is God in the flesh who dwelt among us (John 1:14). By reading about Him in the Gospel accounts, we discover even more specifically who God is and what He is like. ✝️

Taking Initiative to Know God

God has already revealed Himself abundantly through nature, the Bible, and Jesus Christ. Let's take the initiative to know Him better by exploring what He has already shown us. 🌍❤️

Thanks for stopping by!
75% of Christian teens and young adults in local church youth groups walk away from the church – and many from Christ – after graduating high school. This is a call to Be the 25 who don't.

We're here to tackle your tough questions, share relatable guest interviews, and offer practical advice and strategies so you can gain the confidence and courage you need to Be the 25.

Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes, bonus episodes and giveaways... and invite your friends.

Need help? For additional resources, go to BeThe25.com.

Experiencing doubt or have questions? Email [email protected] and your doubt or question may be selected for the show.

For speaking engagements contact: [email protected].

Follow Dr. Sharon O'Hara on:

• BeThe25.com
• Instagram @drsharonohara
• Twitter @drsharonohara
• YouTube @BeThe25

Thanks for listening! 
Be The 25!

-Dr. Sharon

Send In Your Question for the Podcast

Have you ever scrolled through social media and come across conflicting content that makes you double-think your faith? 🤔✝️ How do you deal with those moments when what you see online doesn’t match up with your Christian beliefs? 💬📖 Join us as our tech-savvy guest, Charlie Allocco of Allocco Media, shares how conflicting information can challenge our mental and spiritual well-being 🧠💔 and how you can find clarity despite the conflicting messages. 🌟🙏

🔗 Links  Mentioned:
Charlie Allocco of Allocco Media 🌐:

• https://www.alloccomedia.com/   
• https://www.instagram.com/alloccomedia/
• https://www.instagram.com/occolla/

Dino Ambrosi's Ted Talk on The Battle for Your Time: Exposing the Costs of Social Media 🌐:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TMPXK9tw5U

Thanks for stopping by!
75% of Christian teens and young adults in local church youth groups walk away from the church – and many from Christ – after graduating high school. This is a call to Be the 25 who don't.

We're here to tackle your tough questions, share relatable guest interviews, and offer practical advice and strategies so you can gain the confidence and courage you need to Be the 25.

Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes, bonus episodes and giveaways... and invite your friends.

Need help? For additional resources, go to BeThe25.com.

Experiencing doubt or have questions? Email [email protected] and your doubt or question may be selected for the show.

For speaking engagements contact: [email protected].

Follow Dr. Sharon O'Hara on:

• BeThe25.com
• Instagram @drsharonohara
• Twitter @drsharonohara
• YouTube @BeThe25

Thanks for listening! 
Be The 25!

-Dr. Sharon

Send In Your Question for the Podcast

🎧 Social media is a huge part of our daily lives, influencing how we interact, learn, and express ourselves. Have you considered its impact on your faith? 🤔Join us as we explore how platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and others can impact our faith journeys 📱and discover 3  important things to keep in mind to protect our faith. 🙏

🚀 Episode Highlights:

1. Social Media Algorithms Decide What’s on Your Feed

• Social media platforms use algorithms to filter content based on what you engage with. 🧠
• Algorithms predict what you might find interesting or meaningful based on your interactions.
• Engage with wholesome content to reinforce your Christian faith and support your spiritual growth. 🌱
• Proverbs 4:23: "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." ❤️
• Be mindful of what you click on to avoid unwholesome content that can distort your understanding of what's right and true. 🛡️

2. Social Media is Designed to Keep You Distracted

• Social networks are designed to consume as much of your time and attention as possible. ⏰
• Features like the "like" button and notification pings give users a dopamine hit, encouraging more content sharing. 🔔
• Excessive time on social media can divert attention from essential spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, and worship. 📖
• Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God." 🕊️
• Set healthy boundaries with screen time to prioritize your relationship with God. 🙌

3. Social Media is Filled with Misinformation and Conflicting Information

• Social media contains valuable information but also misinformation and conflicting information. ❓
• It's crucial to sharpen digital skills and think critically about what you see online. 🔍
• The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 14:33 that "God is not a God of confusion but of peace." 🕊️
• Verify information from reliable sources and pray for discernment. 🛐

📌 Takeaways:

• Be aware of how algorithms work and choose wholesome content.
• Limit distractions by setting boundaries with your screen time.
• Verify information and seek discernment to avoid confusion.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• Snopes: www.snopes.com (Largest fact-checking website) 🌐

🎙️ Next Episode Teaser:

• Don't miss our next episode where we'll hear from a young adult about how social media affected his faith journey and what he did to protect his faith. 📢

🙏 Conclusion:

• Keeping these three things in mind can help safeguard your faith as you navigate the digital world with wisdom and discernment. 🌟

Thank you for tuning in! Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes. 🙌✨

Thanks for stopping by!
75% of Christian teens and young adults in local church youth groups walk away from the church – and many from Christ – after graduating high school. This is a call to Be the 25 who don't.

We're here to tackle your tough questions, share relatable guest interviews, and offer practical advice and strategies so you can gain the confidence and courage you need to Be the 25.

Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes, bonus episodes and giveaways... and invite your friends.

Need help? For additional resources, go to BeThe25.com.

Experiencing doubt or have questions? Email [email protected] and your doubt or question may be selected for the show.

For speaking engagements contact: [email protected].

Follow Dr. Sharon O'Hara on:

• BeThe25.com
• Instagram @drsharonohara
• Twitter @drsharonohara
• YouTube @BeThe25

Thanks for listening! 
Be The 25!

-Dr. Sharon

Send In Your Question for the Podcast

Welcome to the podcast! Today we’re diving into a crucial topic that affects each of us –confirming the truth of our beliefs.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

 Hitting the Pause Button⏸️.  Have you ever stopped to consider whether the religious beliefs you hold are actually true? It's essential to take a moment to evaluate what we believe and why.

Formation of Beliefs🌱: How do we form our beliefs, and what responsibility do we have in ensuring they are legitimate? Our beliefs often originate from various influences, and it’s up to you to examine yours critically.

Understanding Truth 🌟: Let’s clarify what truth means. Truth corresponds to reality – it’s what’s real. Believing in something means accepting it as true, but just because you believe in something doesn't guarantee that it’s true or make it true.

INFLUENCES ON BELIEFS:

Geographic Location 🗺️: Where we are born and raised can significantly shape our religious beliefs.

Family Upbringing 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦: Most of us inherit our family’s religious or non-religious beliefs. Hopefully someone up the family tree investigated them before passing them down!

Authority Figures: We often trust what authority figures say, whether parents, teachers, or religious leaders or people with Ph.D’s 🎓.

Education🏫 📖: School and universities play a role influencing our beliefs.

Social life 👥 Our friends and who we hang out with influence our beliefs.

Social media📱💻 🖥️ Platforms like Instragram, YouTube, TikTok, SnapChat and the others influence what we believe.

Need to Satisfy Someone Else:  Some beliefs stem from external pressures rather than from personal conviction and freedom of choice.

Emotions: 😊😢 Feel doesn’t always equal real. Just because something might “feel right” doesn’t mean it is. 

Mystical Experiences. 🔮 👻 💭 Extraordinary experiences can happen but they shouldn't be the sole basis for truth.

TAKING CHARGE OF WHAT YOU BELIEVE: 💪

Critical Thinking🧠: It's essential to critically evaluate our beliefs using logic, evidence, and different ways of knowing truth, including science and reason.

Personal Responsibility🧾: Ultimately, each of us is responsible for ensuring the truthfulness of what we believe.

I hope this episode encourages you to reflect on your beliefs and to pursue truth earnestly.  Remember, the pursuit of truth is part of your faith journey – which requires thoughtful consideration of what you believe and a commitment to discovering what is genuinely true.

Thanks for stopping by!
75% of Christian teens and young adults in local church youth groups walk away from the church – and many from Christ – after graduating high school. This is a call to Be the 25 who don't.

We're here to tackle your tough questions, share relatable guest interviews, and offer practical advice and strategies so you can gain the confidence and courage you need to Be the 25.

Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes, bonus episodes and giveaways... and invite your friends.

Need help? For additional resources, go to BeThe25.com.

Experiencing doubt or have questions? Email [email protected] and your doubt or question may be selected for the show.

For speaking engagements contact: [email protected].

Follow Dr. Sharon O'Hara on:

• BeThe25.com
• Instagram @drsharonohara
• Twitter @drsharonohara
• YouTube @BeThe25

Thanks for listening! 
Be The 25!

-Dr. Sharon

Send In Your Question for the Podcast

Welcome to another exciting episode of Be the 25! 🙌  🙌  🙌 I'm excited to have you join me for our very first Q&A edition. Today, we're diving into a pressing question sent in by a teen from Lakeland, FL:

HOW IS GOD ABLE TO HEAR EVERYONE’S PRAYERS AT THE SAME TIME?

It's a fantastic question, and together, we'll unravel the mystery behind it. But first, let me extend a warm welcome to all our listeners, whether you're tuning in for the
first time or you've been with us since the beginning. 👋 Be the 25 is dedicated
to equipping Christian teens and young adults with the resources and support
they need on their faith journey. 🎯

Now, let's get down to business. Have you ever wondered how God manages to hear the prayers of millions of people simultaneously? 🤷‍♀️ It seems like an impossible feat for us humans, but as we'll discover, God operates outside the constraints of time. Not only that, but He's omnipresent, which means He is everywhere at the same. He' also omniscient, meaning He knows everything, including our prayers even before we utter them. So when you pray, rest assured that God's undivided attention is on you, no matter how many others are praying alongside you.

Isn't it incredible to know that we never have to wait our turn to talk to God? He's always there, ready to listen to each and every one of us. So let's embrace the opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Him through prayer, keeping those lines of communication open and ongoing. 🙏

Thanks for tuning in today and remember to keep those questions coming. You can submit your question at bethe25.com and your question may be selected for an upcoming episode. Be the 25!

Thanks for stopping by!
75% of Christian teens and young adults in local church youth groups walk away from the church – and many from Christ – after graduating high school. This is a call to Be the 25 who don't.

We're here to tackle your tough questions, share relatable guest interviews, and offer practical advice and strategies so you can gain the confidence and courage you need to Be the 25.

Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes, bonus episodes and giveaways... and invite your friends.

Need help? For additional resources, go to BeThe25.com.

Experiencing doubt or have questions? Email [email protected] and your doubt or question may be selected for the show.

For speaking engagements contact: [email protected].

Follow Dr. Sharon O'Hara on:

• BeThe25.com
• Instagram @drsharonohara
• Twitter @drsharonohara
• YouTube @BeThe25

Thanks for listening! 
Be The 25!

-Dr. Sharon