Even the Apostle Paul said he hadn't "obtained it" yet. In this episode of Fuel for the Harvest, Nathan sits down with fellow Forge speaker Nicholas Hindes to walk verse by verse through Philippians 3:12-21, and unpack one of the most misunderstood tensions in the Christian life: grace versus effort.Nicholas and Nathan dig into what Paul actually means when he says he's "straining toward what is ahead," why pursuing spiritual growth isn't a works based gospel, and how the church has sometimes swung so hard toward "salvation is free" that it's quietly rejected the call to maturity, discipline, and striving that Paul describes throughout the New Testament.Along the way, they get practical: how to use goal-setting (yes, even SMART goals) to actually grow in prayer, evangelism, and your relationships, and how to reverse-engineer big spiritual goals, like sharing your faith with a neighbor, into small, doable steps.In this episode you'll discover:-What Paul really means by "I don't consider myself to have taken hold of it"-Why effort and striving aren't the same thing as earning your salvation-The danger of doubling down on "free grace" to the point of rejecting growth-A practical, reverse-engineered framework for sharing your faith with someone specific-Why new spiritual habits feel hardest at the start, and what to do about that-The gardening metaphor that reframes what patience with growth really looks likeWhether you're wrestling with what it means to "try" in your faith without falling into legalism, or you just want practical steps to grow this week, this conversation will meet you there.📖 Scripture: Philippians 3:12-21👇 If this episode encouraged you to keep pressing toward Christ, like, share, and leave a comment. It helps more people find this content.#Philippians3 #GraceAndEffort #SpiritualGrowth #FuelForTheHarvest #ChristianPodcast #Sanctification #Discipleship #ApostlePaul #Evangelism #FaithInAction

Where is the "sinner's prayer" in the Bible? Trick question. It's not there. In this episode of Fuel for the Harvest, Nathan sits down with fellow Forge speaker Joshua McFann to unpack where this prayer came from, why it works, and exactly what to say when someone tells you they want to give their life to Jesus.Joshua and Nathan trace the sinner's prayer back to its roots, from baptism in the book of Acts, through the Second Great Awakening, to Billy Graham's altar calls in the 1900s, and explain why both baptism and the prayer function the same way in a person's life: as the starting line of following Jesus, not the finish line.You'll walk away understanding the three biblical components every salvation prayer needs (surrender, belief, and repentance), grounded in Romans 10:9-10 and 1 John 1:9, along with practical, word-for-word guidance for actually praying with someone in that moment.In this episode you'll discover:-Why the sinner's prayer isn't "magic words," and what actually has to happen in someone's heart-The real difference between baptism and the sinner's prayer (and why neither saves on its own)-The 3 non-negotiable components of a biblical salvation prayer-How to guide someone through their own words instead of just feeding them a script-Why what happens after the prayer matters just as much as the prayer itself-A powerful true story of transformation from Joshua's time in ZimbabweWhether you've never led anyone to Christ before or you do it often and want to sharpen how you disciple new believers, this conversation will give you real, usable tools.📖 Scripture: Romans 10:9-10 | 1 John 1:9 | Acts 8:26-39 | Mark 1:14-15🔥 Free resource mentioned in this episode: find "Multiplying Movements" at theforgeapp.com, a free discipleship tool for walking new believers through their first steps in following Jesus.👇 If this episode helped you understand how to lead someone to Christ, like, share, and leave a comment. It helps more people find this content.

How do you actually disciple your kids in the everyday mess of real family life? In this episode of Fuel for the Harvest, Nathan sits down with Forge speaker and father of five Paul Epperson to talk about one of the most important and most intimidating questions for Christian parents: how do I raise my kids to follow Jesus?Whether your kids are toddlers or teenagers, whether they're walking with the Lord or have walked away — this conversation is full of grace, wisdom, and practical tools you can use starting today.In this episode you'll discover:Why discipleship is a lifestyle to be lived, not a task to be accomplishedThe simple "bring them along" principle Jesus modeled with his disciplesWhat Paul's family devotion times actually looked like (including the naked Bible story 😂)How to pray for your kids — and why you need a whole prayer team doing it with youWhat PKs and MKs consistently say their parents did rightWhat to do when your child departs from the faithWhy parenting out of fear destroys what parenting in faith buildsIf you've ever felt like you're failing as a parent, or you don't even know where to start — this episode is for you. You've got what it takes.📖 Scripture referenced: Luke 15 | Galatians 6:9 | Ephesians 6 | 2 Corinthians 5:17📖 About Paul Epperson: Paul is a Forge speaker, father of five, and spiritual father to many. He is passionate about helping men lead their families well and raise the next generation of Jesus followers. Watch more from Paul on the Forge YouTube channel at @ForgingLives, invite him to your event, or reach out at [email protected].🔥 About Fuel for the Harvest: Nathan hosts conversations that exist to fuel kingdom laborers — everyday believers ready to share the gospel right where they are. Subscribe for new episodes each week.👇 If this episode encouraged you as a parent, please like, share, and leave a comment — it helps more families find this content.#ChristianParenting #DisciplingKids #FuelForTheHarvest #ChristianDads #FaithAndFamily #Forge #ChristianPodcast #RaisingKids #Discipleship #Evangelism

ow do you actually support a missionary well — beyond just writing a check or saying "we're praying for you"? In this episode of Fuel for the Harvest, Nathan sits down with John Vermilya, a former missionary kid in Haiti and Jamaica and a longtime support-raising missionary himself, to walk through seven practical, biblical ways to care for the people we send overseas.Missionaries aren't superheroes. They struggle with anxiety, loneliness, marriage issues, and finances just like the rest of us. This conversation will completely change how you think about prayer, giving, and what it really means to "remember their chains."In this episode you'll discover:Why praying "just be with them" misses the point — and how to pray with purpose insteadThe real cost of support-raising most Christians never think aboutWhy missionary kids remember care packages more than sermonsHow one church decided to fully fund fewer missionaries instead of spreading thinThe story of a Christmas gift that brought a missionary family to tearsWhy "welcoming them home" matters as much as sending them outHow to become a "Barnabas" — the advocate who opens doors for missionariesWhether you support a missionary financially, know one personally, or just want to understand the heart behind global missions, this episode will equip you to care for them the way Scripture calls us to.📖 Scripture referenced: Colossians 4:18 | 1 Thessalonians 5:11 | Philippians 1:3 | Romans 15:7 | Romans 10:15 | 1 Timothy 5:17📖 About John Vermilya: John grew up as a missionary kid in Jamaica and Haiti and later spent 10 years as a support-raising missionary in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is now a Forge speaker and pastor. Watch more from John on the Forge YouTube channel at @ForgingLives and invite him to speak at your next event.🔥 About Fuel for the Harvest: Nathan hosts conversations that exist to fuel kingdom laborers — everyday believers ready to support and share the gospel right where they are. Subscribe for new episodes each week.👇 If this episode encouraged you, please like, share, and leave a comment — it helps more people find this content.#MissionsSupport #FuelForTheHarvest #ChristianPodcast #SupportMissionaries #Missionary #Forge #Evangelism #ChristianFaith #GlobalMissions #KingdomLaborer

What's the actual difference between a spiritual revival and a spiritual awakening? In this episode of Fuel for the Harvest, Nathan sits down with Forge speaker Adrian Despres to break down a question that gets thrown around constantly in Christian circles — and rarely defined clearly.Drawing from church history, from the Reformation to the Great Awakenings to the recent wave of attention around Charlie Kirk's death, Adrian lays out a framework for understanding how personal revival turns into nationwide awakening — and why most revivals fizzle out before they ever get there.In this episode you'll discover:The real difference between revival and awakening (and how one leads to the other)Why repentance — not emotion — is the actual birthplace of revivalThe shocking reason the Second Great Awakening was cut shortHow to move from spiritual addition to spiritual multiplication as a believerWhy complaining is one of the most overlooked enemies of revivalWhat it really means to be a "minister" according to Ephesians 4Whether you're a longtime believer or just trying to understand why everyone's talking about revival right now, this conversation will challenge you to stop waiting on a movement and start being a laborer.📖 Scripture referenced: 2 Timothy 2:25-26 | Ephesians 4:11-13 | 1 Peter 2:9 | Revelation 2:4-5 | Revelation 3:15-16 | John 15:5 | Philippians 1:29📖 About Adrian Despres: Adrian is a Forge speaker who has ministered in 41 countries and all 49 states. He's a published author of seven books, several focused on apologetics. Watch more from Adrian on the Forge YouTube channel at @ForgingLives and invite him to speak at your next event.🔥 About Fuel for the Harvest: Nathan hosts conversations that exist to fuel kingdom laborers — everyday believers ready to share Jesus right where they are. Subscribe for new episodes each week.👇 If this episode challenged you, please like, share, and leave a comment — it helps more people find this content.

How do you share the gospel with young children — and actually make it stick? In this episode of Fuel for the Harvest, host Nathan sits down with Forge speaker and former teacher Hope Radebaugh to answer one of the most important questions for Christian parents, grandparents, and Sunday school teachers: how do we plant the seeds of faith in the hearts of kids?Whether you have a toddler, a classroom full of kids, or grandchildren you're praying for — this conversation is full of practical, biblical wisdom you can use today.📖 About Hope Radebaugh: Hope is a Forge speaker, former classroom teacher, and grandmother based in Charleston, South Carolina. She brings a unique gift for combining biblical teaching with real-life application for kids and families. Watch her full message playlist on the Forge YouTube channel at @ForgingLives and invite her to speak at your next event.

🔥 About Fuel for the Harvest: We exist to fuel kingdom laborers — everyday followers of Jesus who are ready to share the gospel right where they are. Subscribe for new episodes each week.

👇 If this episode encouraged you as a parent, grandparent, or teacher, please like, share, and leave a comment. It helps more families find this content.#ChristianParenting #FuelForTheHarvest #KidsMinistry #GospelForKids #SundaySchool #ChristianPodcast #Forge #FaithAndFamily #RaisingKids #Evangelism

Are we really living in a revival? In this episode of Fuel for the Harvest, host Nathan sits down with evangelist and Forge speaker Joshua McFann to unpack what revival actually is — and share the real stories proving it's happening right now across the globe.

From 11,000 salvations in Ghana to a stranger walking up in a Colorado coffee shop asking for a Bible, the evidence is impossible to ignore. Don't sleep through the revival.⏱️ Chapters:0:00 – Intro1:12 – What is revival? Joshua's last 6 years3:34 – Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus saying yes to Jesus4:58 – The Asbury Outpouring & revival on college campuses6:00 – What missionaries in Egypt are seeing right now8:14 – Revival always starts with ONE person9:10 – Legion of Demons, Lazarus & the power of one life changed10:44 – Moses, Isaiah, Peter, Mary Magdalene — personal revival in Scripture12:15 – Stop chasing revival. Start chasing Jesus.13:22 – Why fasting, prayer & surrender fuel the fire16:38 – A stranger at a coffee shop asks for a Bible19:25 – 11,000 decisions for Jesus in Ghana 🇬🇭20:14 – The Muslim girl who read the entire Gospel of John overnight21:00 – Brighton, Colorado: 40 years of prayer + 50% of churches uniting23:22 – Wesley Huff, Joe Rogan & revival going mainstream25:45 – Not every conversation goes perfectly (almost got run over)27:14 – Your invitation: don't sleep through the revival29:35 – Joshua's final word: draw a circle around yourself📖 About Joshua McFann: Joshua is a Forge evangelist and speaker who has seen the gospel advance in Ghana, Egypt, the Middle East, and across the United States. Invite Joshua to speak at your event or watch his full message playlist at @ForgingLives on YouTube.🔥 About Fuel for the Harvest: We exist to fuel kingdom laborers — people who are ready to share Jesus right where they are. New episodes drop regularly.👇 If this episode encouraged you, like, share, and drop a comment — it helps more people find this content and join what God is doing.#Revival #ChristianPodcast #FuelForTheHarvest #Evangelism #Awakening #GospelMovement #Forge #AsburyRevival #ChristianFaith #HarvestField

Church hurt is real — and it's one of the most common reasons people walk away from the church, and sometimes the faith altogether. In this episode, Nathan sits down with Nicholas Hines for an honest, compassionate, and biblically grounded conversation about what church hurt actually is, why this happens, and what to do when it happens to you.

Nathan and Nicholas break down two distinct types of church hurt — the everyday relational conflict that comes from doing life with imperfect people, and the larger, more public moral failures that can shake entire congregations. They talk honestly about unrealistic expectations, the danger of putting leaders on pedestals, and why running from conflict might be costing you more than you realize.

This episode doesn't dismiss anyone's pain — it takes it seriously. But it also issues a loving challenge: don't let someone else's failure become a reason to turn your back on Jesus.

Topics covered:

• The two types of church hurt and why they require different responses
• Why setting proper expectations changes everything
• How Jesus himself navigated relational conflict and betrayal
• The danger of social media algorithms feeding a distorted view of the church
• Why your faith can't be built on a pastor or leader — only on Jesus
• Practical steps to pursue reconciliation instead of running
• What the Bible (Matthew 18, Proverbs, Hebrews 12) says about conflict and forgiveness
• Why isolation makes church hurt worse, not better

📖 "Fix your eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of your faith." — Hebrews 12:2

🎙️ Subscribe to Fuel for the Harvest for conversations that equip everyday believers to follow Jesus faithfully — even through the hard stuff.

What does it actually mean to obey the Great Commission — and is it really for everyone? In this episode, Nathan sits down with Colin, Forge speaker and youth ministry leader, to do a deep dive into Matthew 28 and unpack one of the most well-known — and most misunderstood — passages in all of Scripture.Colin and Nathan walk through the Great Commission line by line, exploring why Jesus took the disciples all the way back to Galilee, what "all authority" really means, and why making disciples is far more approachable than most Christians think. They also talk honestly about the fear of evangelism, the difference between saving people and pointing them to Jesus, and why discipleship is about intimacy with God — not behavior management.Whether you're a ministry leader, a student, or someone who's never shared your faith before, this conversation will encourage and equip you to step into your unique role in the Great Commission.Topics covered:-Why the setting of Galilee matters in Matthew 28-Breaking down "all authority in heaven and on earth"-Baptism, the Trinity, and what it means to belong to God's family-Why you don't have to be a gifted evangelist to share Jesus-The importance of teaching people to know Jesus — not just manage their behavior-How God's presence is a promise, not just a feeling🎙️ Connect with Colin Villanueva and watch him speak on the Forge YouTube channel — search Forging Lives to find it.📌 Subscribe for new episodes of Fuel for the Harvest — equipping believers to advance the gospel everywhere they go.

Do you want to pray for missionaries but don't know where to start — or wonder if it even makes a difference?

In this episode of Fuel for the Harvest, Nathan sits down with fellow Forge speaker Santiago Fuentes, joining all the way from Mexico City, for one of the most theologically rich and practically helpful conversations the podcast has ever had on the topic of prayer.

From a deep dive into Colossians 4 to a list of real ministries you can follow today, this episode will challenge you to stop treating prayer like a spiritual band-aid — and start treating it like the powerful act of devotion it actually is.

In this episode, Nathan and Santiago Fuentes cover:

• Why God answers prayer — and what we miss when we don't pray
• The difference between God being limited and us limiting our own experience of God
• A powerful breakdown of Colossians 4:2-4 and what it means to truly "devote yourself to prayer"
• What the Apostle Paul asked for from prison — and why it wasn't what you'd expect
• Three specific categories of people to pray for: unreached people groups, persecuted believers, and missionaries themselves
• Trusted ministries to follow for fresh, specific prayer requests: Open Doors, Voice of the Martyrs, and the Joshua Project
• Why Billy Graham's answer to "how can I help your ministry?" was always the same one word

Santiago Fuentes is a bilingual Forge speaker available to speak at your event. Find more from Santiago — in both English and Spanish — on the Forge YouTube channel.

🔔 Subscribe to Fuel for the Harvest and join the movement of kingdom laborers praying for the ends of the earth!