Exhorter Podcast

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Are emotions misleading distractions or God-given guides? This question sits at the heart of many spiritual struggles as believers try to navigate between what they feel and what they know to be true.

Drawing from biblical examples and personal experiences, our conversation explores the often-misunderstood relationship between emotions and principles in the Christian life. Rather than positioning these as opposing forces, we uncover how God designed them to work in harmony, with emotions providing motivation and principles offering direction.

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While headlines and studies point to a steady decline in church attendance across the country, what does that mean for us, especially in the Churches of Christ? In this episode, we take a thoughtful look at the data, listen to what some are saying about the future of the church, and consider how we should respond—not with panic, but with purpose. We’ll talk about what it means to live out the mission of Christ, how congregations can stay vibrant and faithful, and why the health of the church depends less on trends and more on our daily walk, our prayers, and our willingness to share the gospel.

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What boundaries protect and sanctify your marriage? In this episode, we talk about the so-called “Pence Rule,” opposite-sex friendships, and why 1 Thessalonians 4 calls us to intentional holiness. It's not about fear—it’s about wisdom, trust, and honoring your spouse before God.

Should married people have close friendships with the opposite sex? We unpack the thinking behind avoiding one-on-one time with the opposite sex: Is it fear-based, or a wise way to protect trust? Then we turn to 1 Thessalonians 4 to explore how pursuing holiness and transparency can strengthen emotional intimacy with your spouse.

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Nobody likes feeling left out—but it’s part of life. Feeling left out strikes at our core need to belong, affecting us deeply, whether it's an event we weren't invited to or a subtle sense that others are more connected than we are. This week, we’ll share why it hits so hard, what the Bible says about it, and how to create a culture of belonging wherever you are. If you've ever felt excluded (or accidentally excluded someone else), this one's for you.

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How do we navigate disagreement with church leadership while maintaining respect and unity? This thought-provoking episode tackles the delicate balance of honoring elders while addressing legitimate concerns.

We begin by examining our fundamental relationship with elders. Rather than waiting for them to reach out, we explore how members can take initiative in building meaningful connections through prayer, gratitude, and genuine interest in their lives as fellow Christians. These established relationships create the foundation for healthier communication when differences arise.

Whether you're currently navigating a challenging situation with church leadership or simply want to develop healthier patterns of interaction, this episode offers practical wisdom for approaching differences in ways that strengthen rather than divide the body of Christ. How might your congregation grow stronger if disagreements became opportunities for understanding rather than division?

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We all carry secrets—ours and other people’s. But should we? Is it ever right to share them? This episode dives into what Scripture says about managing secrets with integrity.

In this episode, we unpack biblical stories like Samuel keeping his mission quiet, Esther hiding her identity, and Samson… oversharing. You'll also hear why making blanket promises of confidentiality isn’t always wise and how to handle sensitive info with love, wisdom, and care.

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A casual game night conversation led us down an unexpected theological rabbit hole, wrestling with one of faith's most profound questions: Why would a loving God create us, knowing we would sin? This question touches the very core of how we understand God's character and our purpose in His divine plan. Whether you're wrestling with tough questions or seeking deeper understanding, this episode offers a perspective that honors both our honest doubts and God's loving character. Some things we covered:

• God values relationships, as shown in Genesis when He created humans in His image
• Being made in God's image includes having free will, which makes our choices meaningful
• The parent-child relationship provides insight—parents have children knowing they will disappoint
• Free will creates the possibility of heartbreak but gives value to our choice to follow God
• Like Job, our lives may demonstrate God's character to "rulers and authorities in heavenly places"
• God's desire to "bring many sons to glory" shows His ultimate purpose is relationship

Join us weekly for more bite-sized biblical discussions that challenge your thinking and deepen your faith. Share with friends who might be asking similar questions.

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How do you choose a church when every congregation claims to follow Christ yet teaches different things? Joshua Creel from the University Church of Christ in Tampa joins us to tackle this crucial question through the lens of Galatians.

The conversation revolves around three essential criteria for selecting a church: determining whether they genuinely seek to please Christ rather than people, verifying their teachings originate from Jesus and his apostles (not modern teachers), and observing if they truly live out biblical principles. 

We explore the tension many families face when selecting a church—balancing the desire for youth programs and peer relationships against the need for sound doctrine. While having a strong community of believers is valuable, Joshua reminds us that these benefits should flow naturally from a congregation's commitment to biblical truth.

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When someone mocks Christianity—but not your specific beliefs—should you be offended? In this listener-submitted episode, we explore the 2024 Olympic opening ceremony’s depiction of The Last Supper, the line between irreverence and blasphemy, and examples from music, movies, and everyday speech. We also discuss when and why Christians should take offense, how to respond with grace and wisdom, and how to ensure our own words honor God.

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In this episode, we analyze a viral video questioning Jesus's name and explore the question of how we got “Jesus” from His Hebrew name “Yeshuah”. Is it wrong to call our Lord and Savior, Jesus? We'll dive into the significance of the names we call Jesus and God.

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