In this podcast, Mark and John discuss how to pray. Prayer is not about getting God to do what we want. It is about enjoying a relationship with the One who already lives in us. Prayer is communicating with God, and Hebrews 4:16 speaks to the fact that we can come "boldly unto the throne of grace." We discuss why prayer is important and how the "Lord's Prayer" is a model for us to use, not just something to repeat. Finally, we discuss different types of prayer as well as obstacles to prayer.

Links

Show Notes: ⁠https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/praying%20life/⁠

My Prayer Helps: ⁠www.MyPrayerHelps.com⁠

Jennifer Kennedy Dean Book: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/159669291X?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback⁠

Strategic Renewal: ⁠https://www.strategicrenewal.com⁠

In this podcast, Mark and John discuss how to study Scripture. We share our regular morning quiet time routines. John shares how Scripture is spiritual food and a light for our path. We also discuss meditation and the four steps of study, which include:

• Observation
• Interpretation
• Illumination
• Application

If you don't know where to start, we discuss options and different things you can study in Scripture. We also discuss different Bible tools that will assist you in studying Scripture.

Links

YouVersion Bible: https://www.youversion.com/bible-app

John's Bible Reading Plan: https://gracenotebook.com/the-balanced-diet-reading-plan/

Hand Illustration: https://www.navigators.org/resource/the-word-hand/

Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/

Blue Letter Bible: https://www.blueletterbible.org/

Logos: https://www.logos.com

In this episode, Mark is joined by GFI's office manager, Liz, and our newest colleague, Dr. Scott Jenkins. Together, they discuss a recent camp, the increase of mental health issues amongst teenagers, and how phones/social media have added to this increase. Dr. Scott describes how the teenage brain works with all the emotions being developed, but logic (the pre-frontal cortex) is not. He states that responding to emotion with emotion only causes more confusion for teenagers. Scott, Mark, and Liz also discuss a new upcoming GFI resource for teenagers.

Links:

Certification to become a Guide for Students: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ELC_certification_children_2025.pdf

Victorious: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/event/victorious-a-four-week-summer-series-for-students/

Giving: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/about-gfi/donate/

GFI Life Coaching: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/coaching/

In this podcast, Mark and John discuss how, in Christ, we have a personal identity, but also a corporate identity. In Scripture, we see believers being called the family of God and the body of Christ. In this episode, we discuss the meaning of the word church and why having a corporate identity is important in our daily faith life. Mark and John break down "living stones" in 1 Peter 2 and why being "Lone Ranger" Christians is not the way God designed community.

Links:

Corporate Identity Notes: https://gracenotebook.com/corporate-identity/

GFI App for Apple- https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id6446342103

Android- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.subsplashconsulting.s_S8HP79

Victorious Student Summer Series: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/event/victorious-a-four-week-summer-series-for-students/

GFI Monday Night Bible Study Info: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/event/deeper-life-discipleship-study-online-meeting/

July Seminar: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/event/finding-joy-7/

July GFI Workshop: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/event/exchanged-life-counseling-workshop-12/

Certification Info: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/counseling-certification/

We give thanks to the Institute in Basic Life Principles for allowing us to use the Pineapple Story. In this podcast, we hear from Otto Koning, a missionary in the area of Papua New Guinea. Otto's story is both humorous and convicting as he helps us see the importance of conquering anger and surrendering our rights. If you would like to watch Otto's testimony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKYl6OM_eN0

LINKS:

Institute in Basic Life Principles: https://iblp.org

The Pineapple Story Audio Series: https://store.iblp.org/the-pineapple-story-audio-series.html

The Pineapple Story: https://store.iblp.org/the-pineapple-story-session-1-the-pineapple-story.html

In this podcast, Mark and John interview Linda King, the founder of www.Christianvideos.net. Linda has created 3 parable videos, a project with Major Ian Thomas, and a children's program called "Color Me a Rainbow." Linda shares her journey to Christ, as well as her understanding of Christ as life.

LINKS:

Linda's Website: https://christianvideos.net

Video's: https://christianvideos.net/?page_id=22

Linda's YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@shepherdassociateschristia8031

Torch Bearer's Major Ian Thomas Project: https://torchbearers.org/media/shop/rediscovering-christ-dvd-set/

Have you wondered why so many Christians struggle? In this episode, Mark and Dr. John discuss a seminar topic called, "Egypt, Wilderness, Canaan." If you would like a copy of this diagram, you can find it on the GFI App, or you can email [email protected]. Egypt speaks to life in bondage. The wilderness speaks to a life of struggle and self-effort. However, Canaan speaks to the Exchanged Life and a life of victory. If you think like a slave (Egypt), you will live like one. If you strive like an orphan (Wilderness), you will struggle. If you believe you are in Christ (Canaan), you will live in victory. The crowded to Christ can be heard on episode 29.

LINKS

GFI Student Summer Series: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/event/victorious-a-four-week-summer-series-for-students/

Alan Redpath Book: Victorious Living https://www.amazon.com/victorious-christian-living-Alan-Redpath/dp/1482613794/ref=sr_1_1?crid=39DXUIPYJ20L7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6VrGVg7PZpESyrnKHDg6xlj2mCAuw1BUdg58tHfKLqNRidGz7QJsDTxT0vN7k5YmjQUkvzfE-GhbQeuM91IoTa7QCU4cec5pAE1uYnSFvYSc9XV9Hf3TA3BTB3wuYc34OGBm6CYAucJpJJYu7ggkKRjpfFC57LIjAioaxx3XL4c2gVcY_gHw6YtqWmJAMK8A2XtzVhhuxD4dgCEAAR7NjLcD53Yw7QEYuWafR0U8yf4.U7mcpDBIb3-eSnb9zcIeXiKpTZA5LQm14mn8__5Ync0&dib_tag=se&keywords=alan+redpath+victorious+christian+living&qid=1778597792&sprefix=alan+red%2Caps%2C173&sr=8-1

Michael Wells- https://abidinglife.com

This is a special episode including the teaching of Dr. Solomon, the founder of GFI, on rejection. Dr. Solomon defines rejection and dives include how rejection causes us to life and feel defeated. He explains not only how rejection can affect us, but also how it impacts our relationships with others and with God.

If you would like to hear Mark and Dr. John discuss rejection, please see episode 28. This talk was part of a conference given in 1990. We apologize for the quality of the audio, but the information is priceless. If you are interested in the entire conference:

Audio: https://grace-fellowship-international.myshopify.com/products/exchanged-life-conference-1990-audio-download

Video: https://grace-fellowship-international.myshopify.com/products/exchanged-life-conference-1990-online

In this episode. Mark and John discuss why GFI is cross-focused and Christ-centered. Christ is not just our example; He is our life! Dr. John briefly explains the meaning of our crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and ascension in Christ. Mark and John also discuss how the Christian life is lived out by faith. The Cross and Christ are not just for salvation but also for sanctification.

Links

GFI Certifications:https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/counseling-certification/

Rob Semco YT Page: https://www.youtube.com/@RootedinChristYT/shorts

Aaron Kim YT Page: https://www.youtube.com/@aaronkim1074

GFI YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GraceFellowshipIntl

Grace Study Hall: https://www.gracestudyhall.org

Grace Notebook: https://gracenotebook.com

www.gracefellowshipinternational.com

In this podcast, Mark and John discuss the role that social media plays in mental health. Social media has become a mirror for the flesh, and flesh problems are exposed by social media. Social media amplifies the fear of rejection. You and I are accepted in Christ, not by scrolling social media for identity. For most, social media is a highlight reel. When we compare our lives to others, this comparison produces insecurity, anxiety, discontentment, and false identity. Mark and John also discuss how social media can impact our identity in a negative way. To end the podcast, the guys discuss healthy alternatives, including setting boundaries, posting from overflow, and taking a weekly digital sabbath.

Links

Selfie Dad Movie: https://selfiedadmovie.com

Father's Love Letter: https://www.fathersloveletter.com

Journey Home to Love: https://youtu.be/pspgBuddAo4?si=RHAO5RQPXlYr3ixC

Andy Crouch Book, "Tech-Wise Family" https://www.amazon.com/Tech-Wise-Family-Everyday-Putting-Technology-ebook/dp/B01M1SDHYT/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1NYA3BAHO868V&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9L7_aR7hLVysABn84eiisuJ-DXZWE-iDcYIJXsRfkzKbOUPY5K54Pq-n8RSrIrFRFMEK2wi8J8uGhkY4t2Qm5nHTlxycLsA3K1nxfsHIP3z-WlmJrO-MbGLH9ljBY1Ci.IOwL7Ix4Tgmz-XgYqbgsuW51CQljflPo3rlr8187S2w&dib_tag=se&keywords=andy+crouch+tech+wise+family&qid=1774541090&sprefix=andy+crouch%2Caps%2C188&sr=8-1

"The Perils of Social Media" by Alexandra Dieckmann: https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/resources/the-perils-of-social-media/