CIAM Radio

It’s Witness Wednesday!

Todd talks with Michael and Thomas on campus at Kennesaw State University. Simple questions turn into deep conversations about Christianity and true, saving faith. This engaging episode is packed with reflective dialogues that challenge and inspire listeners to think about their spiritual journeys.

SEGMENT 1

• Michael claims he’s a Christian but struggles to explain what salvation really is.

• Todd exposes the gap between simply saying you believe and understanding sin, judgment, and grace.

• The courtroom analogy surfaces a shocking question: Innocent… or guilty?

SEGMENT 2

• Michael insists God would still call him innocent because He is forgiving.

• Todd explains why mercy without justice would make God unjust.

• The gospel is clearly presented: sin debt paid, record cleared, righteousness given.

SEGMENT 3

• Michael defines salvation as things that we can do.

• Todd corrects the confusion: new birth comes from grace, not effort.

• Todd asks: What’s stopping you from surrendering today?

SEGMENT 4

• Thomas trusts baptism and moral effort to secure heaven.

• Todd dismantles “saved by works” with the law and courtroom example.

• Thomas hears the gospel: Jesus pays, we receive by faith.

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Welcome to episode #247! ️ Pure Victory Podcast: Toxic People- The Company You Keep Can Determine Your Path!
In this episode of the Pure Victory Podcast, Braden explores a truth we often overlook when it comes to living in freedom — the company we keep shapes the direction of our lives.

When we’re trying to build healthy patterns and overcome addiction, the voices that influence us have incredible power. Some people lift us higher, while others — often without even realizing it — hold us back like crabs in a bucket, pulling us down the moment we start to climb out.

Braden unpacks what it means to recognize toxic relationships, set healthy boundaries, and choose environments that nurture spiritual growth. Through biblical wisdom, real-life examples, and a story of King Ahab and Jezebel from 1 Kings 21, he reveals how destructive influence can quietly derail freedom — and how choosing godly voices can restore it.

Key Points:

• Freedom grows in the right environment.
  You can want freedom, but it won’t grow if your environment doesn’t support it. Toxic relationships can keep you stuck in cycles of shame and unhealthy behavior.
• Toxic people aren’t always “bad” people.
  Often, they act out of insecurity or fear of being left behind. But their influence can still drag you down if you don’t set boundaries.
• The “crabs in a bucket” principle.
  When one crab tries to climb out, the others pull it back down — and no one escapes. Toxic relationships work the same way: resistance rises when you start to change.
• Boundaries protect your heart.
  You can love people and still limit their access to your heart. Boundaries aren’t rejection — they’re protection.
• Scriptural insight: King Ahab & Jezebel (1 Kings 21).
  Ahab’s toxic relationship with Jezebel clouded his judgment and led him into jealousy, deceit, and even murder. Toxic influence always distorts truth and normalizes compromise.
• Healthy people sharpen you.
  “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).
  Real friends challenge you to grow; they call out the best in you — not the worst.

Practical Takeaways:

• Take inventory of your circle.
  Who are the people speaking into your life? Do they help you grow toward freedom, or do they pull you back into bondage?
• Discern between challenge and toxicity.
  Not everyone who confronts you is negative. True friends speak truth in love — even when it’s hard to hear.
• Set wise boundaries.
  Ask God for discernment in how to love difficult people without letting them influence your spiritual health.
• Choose voices that lift you higher.
  Surround yourself with people who live in victory, who speak faith and freedom, and who believe in your growth.
• Follow Jesus’ example.
  Even Jesus set boundaries with people who tried to undermine His mission. He stayed close to those hungry for truth and transformation.

Scripture Highlight:

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” — Proverbs 4:23

Challenge for the Week:

This week, take stock of the voices in your life.
 Ask yourself:

• Who helps me grow closer to Jesus?
• Who pulls me back into old patterns?
   Pray for wisdom to set healthy boundaries and courage to pursue life-giving community.

 
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What would the world look like under perfect leadership? In this episode, Dr. John Neufeld examines Isaiah's vision of the coming Messiah's reign, contrasting foolish human leadership with the righteous rule of Christ. Through the final woes against Judah and Assyria, Isaiah reveals that the greatest crisis any nation faces is not military threats or economic troubles, but encountering their Creator in judgment. Yet beyond judgment lies hope—a future where the Messiah reigns from Jerusalem, bringing justice, peace, and restoration to a broken world.

The Grand Vision: God's Story Through Isaiah: Isaiah is the second-most quoted book in the New Testament, yet many Christians have never studied it deeply. In this 10-message series, Dr. John guides listeners through this essential prophetic book, exploring Isaiah's 50-year ministry during one of Israel's most turbulent periods. From temple visions to confrontations with kings, from oracles against nations to prophecies of the coming Messiah, Isaiah reveals God's sovereignty over all history and His plan for the world through Jesus Christ.

Listen to today's Laugh Again with Phil Callaway, "Lauren and the Good Old Days." Enjoy!

Do you ever feel guilty because your family isn't "spiritual enough"? On this episode of Practice Makes Parent, Rebecca St. James and Dr. Danny Huerta discuss the pursuit of creating a Christ-centered home with guest Don Everts, a senior pastor and author of 'The Spiritually Vibrant Home.' We'll talk about how Jesus used household images to represent the Kingdom of God and delves into the structure of ancient households compared to modern ones. Evers shares insights from his research with Barna Group, highlighting three key habits of spiritually vibrant homes: messy prayers, loud tables, and open doors.

The Spiritually Vibrant Home

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Tune in to hear Pastor Chuck Swindoll encourage and challenge you in the same way Paul challenged the Roman church.

From the Series: Romans: The Christian’s Constitution

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Erosion is slow, silent, and subtle. That’s why compromise can so quickly lead to erosion—it isn’t always bad, but when we compromise on God’s Word erosion beings to take place. And that leads to destruction.

When you feel overwhelmed by others this holiday season there are things you can do to find hope. Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory talk about how to quiet the chaos and find peace. They share what being overwhelmed by others feels like, how we can “pre-decide” and set boundaries before we interact with family, how to practice self-care, and how to deal with “crisis creators.” They also share how to determine if something is a “big deal” or a “deal breaker.” A final reminder is given that with God’s help you can find peace at the holidays and throughout the year.