Dying to Live Podcast

Today we're diving into a subject that lies at the very heart of the Christian life: "Guarding & Growing in Joy."

Joy is one of the great themes of Scripture. Yet for many believers, it can seem elusive. Life brings trials, disappointment, suffering, and uncertainty, and it's easy to wonder: Is lasting joy really possible?

The Bible tells us that joy is far more than a passing emotion or a response to favourable circumstances. It is a deep, enduring confidence rooted in the character of God, the finished work of Christ, and the unchanging hope of the gospel. It's a joy that can exist even in the midst of hardship.

So what does the Bible actually say about joy? How is biblical joy different from happiness? How do we guard our joy when life is difficult? And what practical habits help us grow in joy day by day?

In this episode, we'll explore the Scriptures to discover why joy is described as a fruit of the Spirit, why we're repeatedly commanded to rejoice, and how believers can cultivate a life marked by gratitude, worship, hope, and delight in God—even when circumstances are far from ideal.

We'll also discuss the things that rob us of joy, how to recognise them, and how to keep our eyes fixed on Christ, the true source of lasting joy.

Whether you're walking through a season of blessing or a season of struggle, our prayer is that this conversation will encourage you to experience the joy that God intends for His people—not a superficial happiness, but a deep and abiding joy that sustains us through every season of life.

Today we're tackling a difficult but important subject for the Church: discipline, repentance and restoration.

What happens when a believer falls into serious sin? What does the Bible teach us about church discipline? Is discipline simply about confronting sin and imposing consequences, or is there a greater purpose?

The Bible presents a road that leads from discipline, through repentance, toward restoration.But how do we recognise genuine repentance? And when someone has truly turned from their sin, how should we receive them back into fellowship?

Then there’s another difficult question: what happens when repentance doesn't remove the consequences of sin?

A person can be genuinely repentant and forgiven by God, while trust still needs to be rebuilt, relationships repaired, and certain responsibilities changed.

So how do we hold together truth and grace, holiness and mercy, accountability and forgiveness?

How do we discipline without crushing? Forgive without minimising sin? And restore a repentant sinner in a way that is truly biblical and godly?

Today, we're going to explore what the Bible says about the road from discipline to repentance and ultimately to restoration.

John de Beer, an elder in the life of JoshGen, shares his story of brokenness and restoration after the tragic death of his brother Carl. Together with his wife Christa he chats about some of the trials and deep emotional pain caused by a suicide in the family.

Today we're exploring a subject that is deeply personal, often misunderstood, and profoundly important to the heart of God: "Reflecting God's Heart to Single Moms."

For many single mothers, life is marked by extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and resilience. Yet alongside those realities, many also carry the weight of judgement, stigma, and assumptions—sometimes from the very communities where they should find grace and support. The truth is that women become single mothers through a wide range of circumstances: bereavement, divorce, abandonment, abuse, unplanned pregnancy, or the difficult consequences of living in a broken world. Every story is unique, and every person bears the image of God.

So what should the Church's response be?

How do we move beyond stereotypes and reflect the compassion, truth, and love of Christ? What does Scripture teach about caring for those who are vulnerable? And what does it look like for believers to come alongside single mothers in practical, meaningful, and biblical ways—without compromising truth or withholding grace?

In this episode, we'll consider how the Church can become a place of refuge rather than rejection, support rather than suspicion, and hope rather than hardship. We'll explore God's heart for those who carry heavy burdens and ask what it means for His people to faithfully represent that heart in today's world.

Whether you're a single parent, a church leader, or simply someone who wants to love others more like Christ, we pray this conversation will encourage, challenge, and equip you.

Today we're tackling a topic that affects every single one of us, whether we realise it or not: Conscience.

What exactly is our conscience? Is it simply an inner voice, or has God given every person an inbuilt moral compass? Can we trust our conscience completely, or does it need to be shaped and informed by God's Word?

We'll explore what the Bible teaches about conscience, how it relates to morality, and why our culture seems increasingly divided over questions of right and wrong. We'll also unpack one of the Bible's most sobering phrases: a seared conscience. What does it mean? How does a conscience become hardened? And is there a way back?

Joining us for this conversation are two elders from the Joshua Generation family of churches, Russell Fraser and Michael D'Offay. Together we'll examine Scripture, discuss the challenges Christians face in today's moral landscape, and consider how believers can cultivate a conscience that is sensitive to the voice of God.

Whether you're a Christian seeking biblical clarity or simply curious about where morality comes from, we hope this conversation will challenge your thinking and strengthen your faith.

Every one of us believes things about ourselves, God, or others that simply aren't true. Some of these lies seem small. Others have shaped the course of our entire lives.

Perhaps you've believed you're not good enough. That you're unwanted. That God could never truly love or forgive you. Maybe you've lived under shame, rejection, fear, or condemnation for so long that they've become part of your identity.

The Bible tells us that Satan is a liar and the father of lies. His strategy has always been deception. If he can persuade us to believe a lie, he can keep us living in bondage even when Christ has already paid for our freedom.

The good news of the gospel is that Jesus doesn't simply forgive our sins—He invites us into what we call the great exchange. He exchanges lies for truth, shame for acceptance, fear for peace, bondage for freedom, and our old identity for a new one as sons and daughters of God.

In this episode we'll explore how these lies take root, how they influence our thinking, emotions, and behaviour, and how the Holy Spirit reveals truth that sets people free. We'll talk about repentance—not merely feeling sorry, but changing our minds and agreeing with God. We'll discuss confession, forgiveness, healing of the heart, and where necessary, deliverance from spiritual oppression. Deliverance is an important part of ministry for some people, but it is never the whole story. Lasting freedom comes as God's truth replaces the lies we have believed.

As Jesus said, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

In this episode we have the privilege of sitting down with Russell Fraser, a respected elder in the life of Joshua Generation Church, a true pastor's pastor, and a spiritual father to many.

For decades, Russell has faithfully served God's people, investing in leaders, strengthening churches, and walking alongside pastors through both the joys and challenges of ministry. His life and ministry have left a lasting impact on countless individuals, not through prominence or platform, but through faithful, consistent shepherding.

In this conversation, Russell shares his personal journey as a pastor—the lessons learned, the victories celebrated, the challenges faced, and the faithfulness of God that has sustained him through every season. Whether you're a church leader, a ministry volunteer, or simply someone wanting to grow in your walk with Christ, you'll find wisdom, encouragement, and practical insights from a man who has spent a lifetime serving Jesus and His Church.

Sleep is something we all need, yet it is often one of the first things we neglect. In a world that celebrates busyness and productivity, many people struggle to find the right balance between work, rest, and recreation. Some wear sleep deprivation as a badge of honour, while others find themselves battling fatigue, oversleeping, or poor sleep habits that affect every area of life.

But what does the Bible say about sleep? Is it simply a biological necessity, or does God have something deeper to teach us through the gift of rest? How much sleep is enough? Can we have too little—or even too much? And how do we navigate the tension between diligence and rest in a way that honours God?

In this episode, we're taking a biblical and medical look at the subject of sleep. Joining us are Michael D'Offay and Dan Barnard, both elders in the life of JoshGen, along with Dr. Hanne Moffat, who brings valuable medical insight to the conversation. Together, we'll explore what Scripture teaches about sleep and rest, examine the health implications of our sleeping habits, and discuss how we can develop rhythms that help us flourish physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Whether you're someone who struggles to get enough sleep, wonders if you're getting too much, or simply wants to understand God's design for rest, this conversation will provide practical wisdom, biblical perspective, and helpful guidance for everyday life.

As our parents grow older, many of us find ourselves stepping into a role we never expected—the role of caregiver.

What begins with helping out here and there can gradually become a journey filled with difficult decisions, emotional strain, and complex family dynamics. When age-related illnesses such as dementia enter the picture, the challenges can multiply. Questions arise about safety, independence, finances, medical care, and who should take responsibility. Siblings may disagree on what is best. Parents may resist the very help they need. And those carrying the greatest burden can often feel overwhelmed, isolated, and uncertain.

How do we honour our parents while also protecting our own families and wellbeing? What boundaries are healthy and necessary? How do families make wise decisions together when emotions run high and opinions differ? And as Christians, what does God expect of us when caring for ageing parents?

Today, we're going to explore these important and often deeply personal questions with our guests, Nick and Belinda Sophos, and Kate Jonker. Whether you are currently caring for an elderly parent, preparing for that season of life, or supporting someone who is, this conversation will offer practical wisdom, biblical insight, and encouragement for the road ahead.

There comes a moment in every boy's life when childhood begins to give way to manhood. It doesn't happen overnight, and it rarely follows a straight line. One day they're playing with toys; the next they're wrestling with questions about purpose, strength, leadership, relationships, responsibility, and who they are becoming.

For Christian parents, these years can be both rewarding and daunting. Teenage boys are full of energy, potential, and ambition, but they are also navigating powerful influences, temptations, and pressures that can shape the course of their lives.


How do we help our sons grow into men who love God wholeheartedly? How do we cultivate strength without aggression, confidence without arrogance, and independence without rebellion?
What role does a father play in modelling godly masculinity and preparing a son for adulthood? How can a mother continue to influence, encourage, and speak into her son's life during a season when he may seem increasingly distant or independent?

How do we teach our sons to handle failure, temptation, friendships, technology, sexuality, and the responsibilities that come with increasing freedom? How do we help them develop conviction, resilience, humility, and courage in a culture that often offers conflicting definitions of manhood?
And as parents, how do we know when to hold tightly and when to loosen our grip? How do we create healthy boundaries while giving our sons the opportunity to grow, make decisions, and learn responsibility for themselves?

In this episode, we're joined by Tony & Jo Stroebel, Ivan & Karin van Vuuren, elders in the life of JoshGen, as we discuss the joys, challenges, and biblical principles of raising teenage boys. Together we'll explore how parents can intentionally equip their sons to become godly men who lead with integrity, serve with humility, and stand firm in their faith in an increasingly complex world.