Exhorter Podcast

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Ever put something off and avoid doing it because it was difficult? We all do. Following Jesus faithfully can be the same; sometimes it's hard, and we find the easy way around the difficult things instead of doing the right thing.

Trials are where the strength gets built. There’s no way to skip to the finished product without doing the walking first. That’s the whole idea behind this year’s teen forum: Doing Hard Things. Here are some of the hard things our kids told us they’re actually facing right now: gossip, self-control, comparing themselves to everyone else, and pressure from friends.

This episode is for teens and their parents. We talk about why it’s good for kids to struggle a little, and how parents can help without doing everything for them. Along the way we look at James 1, 1 Corinthians 16:13, Joshua 1:9, and Hebrews 12. The hope is that our teens grow up kind, faithful, content, and genuine, and that they know they don’t have to do it alone.

Our Clovis Youth Forum is November 20-22. Details at clovischurchofchrist.org.

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What does worship really mean? 

Is worship limited to what we do when the church gathers, or should it shape every part of our lives? We explore what Scripture teaches about worship in spirit and truth, the importance of both our actions and our hearts, and what it means to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to God.

Is it possible to go through the motions of worship while our hearts are somewhere else? And if everything we do can be called worship, do we risk losing the reverence and meaning of the word itself? This conversation tackles those questions honestly and challenges us to examine whether our Sunday worship is actually shaping how we live the rest of the week.

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Are words just words? When the Bible doesn’t give us a list of specific “cuss words,” how do we know where the line is? We explore what Scripture actually says about foul, obscene, and unwholesome speech, looking at passages like Ephesians 4:29, Ephesians 5:4, and Colossians 3:8.

We discuss how language changes over time, whether cultural acceptance changes what Christians should consider appropriate, and how conscience, context, reputation, and our influence on others should shape the way we speak. We also challenge the mindset of asking, “What can I get away with?” and instead ask, “What kind of speech makes my light shine brighter?”

Finally, we turn to James 1 and 3, where the tongue is compared to a bit, a rudder, and a small fire. Our words aren't insignificant—they reveal our hearts and can direct the course of our lives. The goal isn't simply to avoid certain words, but to bridle our tongues and become more like Christ in the way we communicate.

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What owns your heart?

When most people think of idolatry, they picture ancient temples, carved statues, and pagan worship. But Scripture paints a much deeper picture. An idol is anything that becomes more important than loving God and doing what is right—even good things that quietly take first place in our lives.

In this episode, we explore how modern idols often hide in plain sight: control, routine, providing for our families, success at work, financial security, family itself, and even our reputation. None of these are inherently wrong. In fact, many are good gifts from God. But when they become more important than obeying Him, serving others, or doing what is right, they've become idols.

Using passages like Colossians 3:5, Matthew 10:37, and 1 Timothy 5:8, along with the stories of Demetrius, Jonah, and the Pharisees, we discuss how our strongest emotional reactions often reveal the desires we've elevated above God. We also wrestle with why men, in particular, can tie their identity to providing, achievement, and control—and how those good desires can quietly become destructive when they define our worth.

Whether you've never considered the idols in your own life or you're actively trying to follow Christ more faithfully, this conversation will challenge you to honestly ask: What owns your heart?

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Most Christians know the warnings about pride in Scripture, but we often use the same word to describe two very different things. Is there a difference between arrogance and healthy satisfaction? Between elevating ourselves above others and taking joy in a job well done?

In this episode, we examine what the Bible says about pride, humility, confidence, purpose, and personal worth. Looking at examples from Nebuchadnezzar, Herod, and the prophets, we explore why God opposes arrogant pride while also encouraging confidence, meaningful work, and satisfaction in our labor. 

We also discuss why many men tie their sense of value to purpose, contribution, and respect—and how misunderstanding those needs can create struggles in marriages, families, and relationships. Ultimately, true confidence is not found in our accomplishments but in our identity in Christ.

Whether you've wrestled with insecurity, arrogance, discouragement, or simply want to better understand the difference between pride and purpose, this conversation will challenge you to examine what is really happening beneath the surface. 

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What does biblical masculinity really look like?

In a culture that often portrays men as either weak and incompetent or aggressive and domineering, it can be difficult to separate stereotypes from Scripture. In this episode, we explore how the Bible defines masculinity and why Jesus—not celebrities, influencers, or cultural trends—is the ultimate example of what a man should be.

Looking at passages like 1 Corinthians 16:13 and the life of Christ, we discuss strength, courage, humility, leadership, emotion, and service. We examine common misconceptions about masculinity, the debate surrounding "toxic masculinity," and how Jesus demonstrated power without pride, leadership without domination, and emotion without losing self-control.

Whether you're a husband, father, young man, or simply trying to better understand God's design for men, this conversation challenges us to pursue a masculinity shaped by Christ rather than culture.

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Can you love someone you don't naturally like?

We've all heard the phrase, "I love them, but I don't have to like them." But is that really the attitude Scripture calls us to have?

In this episode, we explore the tension that can exist between faithful Christians who simply don't connect, have different personalities, or have allowed misunderstandings and assumptions to create distance. Looking at Philippians 4, Colossians 3, and 1 Corinthians 13, we discuss what biblical love actually requires—and why avoiding people may be easier than pursuing unity, but rarely reflects the heart of Christ. 

We also offer practical steps for repairing strained relationships: praying intentionally for one another, speaking well of others, and having humble conversations that seek understanding instead of assumptions.

The church isn't a curated friend group—it's a redeemed family. And how we treat one another says a lot about how seriously we take the gospel. 

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We often say “I’m blessed”—but what do we really mean by that? In this episode, we challenge the common idea that blessing simply means good or positive circumstances, and instead explore a more biblical definition—what is truly profitable for our souls, even when life is difficult. 

Walking through James 1 and Romans 8:28, we unpack how trials, loss, and hardship can still serve a purpose in shaping our faith. From Solomon and David to Israel and the bronze serpent, we examine how blessings can turn into curses—or reveal themselves over time—depending on our attitude, stewardship, and response to God.

At the core, this episode reframes blessing not as what we receive but as how God uses every experience to draw us closer to Him. If you’ve ever wrestled with hardship, comparison, or understanding God’s purpose in your life, this conversation will challenge how you see both trials and blessings.

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Are your words honoring God—even in everyday conversations? In this episode, we’re joined by Kevin Clark from Birmingham, Alabama, to discuss how our speech reflects our hearts and how small, intentional changes can have a significant impact on our homes, relationships, and walk with Christ.

We explore what it looks like to speak with grace, use biblical language naturally, and even step into moments of prayer when the opportunity arises. Along the way, we introduce five simple questions to help filter your words so they are true, loving, timely, and edifying.

Our words aren’t accidental—they reveal who we are and who we serve. This episode challenges us to be more mindful, more intentional, and ultimately more Christ-centered in the way we speak.

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Mormons are often kind, family-oriented, and eager to talk about faith—but conversations can quickly stall once you move beyond the surface. In this episode, we walk through a real relationship that led to ongoing Bible study with an LDS couple and highlight how easy it is to use the same words while meaning very different things.

At the heart of the discussion is authority: Is the Bible the complete word of God, or one of several sources alongside modern revelation and additional writings? We explore key differences in belief, examine how concepts like a personal “witness” function in conversations, and compare these ideas with Scripture.

Along the way, we share practical, respectful ways to engage—how to ask better questions, think through claims, and keep the focus on truth without losing kindness. You don’t have to have every answer, but you do need to know God’s word and speak it with gentleness and clarity.

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