CIAM Radio

A family who’d lost touch with their son and brother Tyler received an urn that was said to contain his cremation ashes. Just twenty-two years old, he’d apparently died of a drug overdose. For years, Tyler had dealt with the effects of drug addiction and poor choices. But prior to the reported overdose, he’d been sober after spending time in a transitional housing facility and completing an addiction recovery program. Then authorities made a shocking discovery—Tyler was actually alive! They’d mistaken him for another young man who’d died of an overdose. Later, after being reunited with family and reflecting on the death of the other young man, Tyler said, “That could have been me.”

The Israelites once learned of their death—though they were very much alive. In a song of mourning, the prophet Amos sang these words to God’s rebellious people: “Fallen is Virgin Israel, never to rise again” (Amos 5:2). These words must have gotten their attention—they were dead?! But the prophet also spoke these comforting words from God Himself: “Seek me and live” and “Seek good . . . . Then the Lord God almighty will be with you” (vv. 4, 14). Though Israel was dead in their sins against God, He invited them to turn to Him and find life.

As we deal with our sin, let’s confess it and bring it to the one who loves us and forgives us. God lovingly leads us from death to life (John 5:24).

Segment 1:

• The Methodist church (and now PCUSA) shows what happens when you abandon Sola Scriptura.

• Liberation Theology and LGBT compromise start with bad hermeneutics.

• “Herman Who?” (soon free) will help you see why hermeneutics matters for staying faithful.

Segment 2:

• Not all modern worship is shallow—some songs (like Matt Papa/Boswell) get it right.

• Most contemporary worship, though, remains me-centered and theologically thin.

• Discernment in music shapes your view of God and worship.

Segment 3:

• Young people are leaving church for reasons deeper than they realize: they think faith is shallow, anti-science, and overprotective.

• PLAY THE MAN cards equip young men for real spiritual battle.

• Culture says “follow your desires,” but God’s design offers something far better.

Segment 4:

• God’s laws aren’t restrictive; they’re good for you and guard your joy.

• Many reject Jesus without knowing the real Jesus they’re rejecting.

• Joe Rogan’s conversations hint at the hunger for truth that only Christ satisfies.

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Thanks for listening!

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The health of any nation depends on its leadership and how laws are created and maintained. Dr. John examines Deuteronomy 17:8-13 and God's design for justice in ancient Israel, tracing how Moses established a multi-tiered court system following advice from Jethro, and connecting these principles to New Testament teaching about authority, submission, and the church's role in handling disputes among believers.

Living the Moral Life: A Practical Application for Every Generation: Morality cannot be reduced to a bumper sticker. Neither is it the sum total of our debates, campaigns or banners. Morality is presented by how we live. The book of Deuteronomy is a second presentation of God’s Law. It contains three sermons by Moses, as Israel stands on the border of the Promised Land. In this series, Dr. John highlights chapters 12- 17 in which Moses emphasizes living out God’s commands for a moral life. Why should we listen? Because living a moral life speaks louder than any bumper sticker.

Listen to today's Laugh Again with Phil Callaway, "Let Go of the Branch." Enjoy!

Forgiveness according to Jesus, plus more tips on how to read a room, and if your boyfriend doesn’t budget, is that a red flag?    

Featured musical artist:  Aaron Shust

Roundtable: What Forgiveness Is and Isn’t

July 7th is National Forgiveness Day, so we’re having a hopeful and practical conversation on how to walk in forgiveness as a Christian. Usually it’s a process, not just a one-time decision, but is there a “right” way to view the act of forgiving? What does the Bible say about it? We talk about how we’ve forgiven those who’ve hurt us, the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, and why forgiveness matters in the first place.     

Forgive for Real: Six Steps to Forgiving    

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Link to Counseling Services 

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Culture: How to Read a Room (Part 2) 

Have you ever gotten an incorrect read on what’s going on in a meeting, friend group or social situation? Most of us have. Whether you’re an extrovert or introvert, emotional intelligence and discernment are relational muscles to develop. Our friend Dr. Mike Bechtle is an expert in career and professional development. His tips for how to read a room, assess a situation and win in social and business environments will save you years of trial and error. In part two of our interview, Mike outlines practical steps for how to communicate appropriately both verbally and in emails, texts, on social media and more.  

How to Read a Room: Navigate Any Situation, Lead with Confidence, and Create an Impact at Work   

Inbox: My Boyfriend Doesn’t Budget

Her boyfriend doesn’t have a budget, but is this a valid reason to end the relationship? A counselor weighs in. 

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Link to Counseling Services 

Are your kids struggling with who they are in a world telling them to follow their feelings? In this powerful episode, Dave and Ann Wilson sit down with Jonathan Holmes, author of Grounded in Grace: Helping Kids Build Their Identity in Christ, to tackle the pressing issue of identity formation in children and teens. Jonathan, executive director of Fieldstone Counseling, brilliantly uses the “dinglehopper” analogy from The Little Mermaid to expose how society misuses identity, leading to instability and mental health crises in our kids. We dive deep into the cultural pressures — from academics and sports to social media and the rising rates of gender dysphoria — that are shaping our children’s sense of self.

Show Notes and Resources

• Purchase "Grounded in Grace" online. 

• Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
• See resources from our past podcasts.
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We are surrounded by insurmountable opportunities. The problem is, they're often disguised as impossible situations.

No matter the season in which you find yourself, whether you feel distant from God or close, listen in to the first message of Chuck's nine-part series on Jonah and get a fresh insight into God's Word.

From the Series: Jonah: The Reluctant Prophet

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