Let's Talk Basic Christianity: Exploring the Bible with Open Minded Faith

Send us Fan Mail

OUTLINE

• Mike explains the podcast delay and his hope to return to regular episodes soon.
• Robin’s colon cancer was caught at stage one. Following surgery, she is recovering and will not need chemo or radiation.
• Tony has started a night-shift job, making it harder to schedule recordings, though Mike says they are working on a solution.
• Mike shares that his recent treatment and radiation did not stop the cancer from growing. Doctors are considering chemotherapy again or a study involving another drug approach.
• He describes a moment of fear and frustration, then reflects on spiritual struggle, prayer, and asking God “Why me?”
• Mike argues that prayer should be consistent, not reserved only for emergencies.
• He asks listeners to pray for him ahead of multiple upcoming Mayo Clinic appointments and says he prays for his audience daily.
• Mike considers why people are here if heaven is the final destination, exploring growth, free will, choice, contrast, and spiritual maturity.
• He recounts meeting a joyful woman at the Mayo Clinic whose kindness and shared prayer encouraged him.
• He shares the news of a friend’s death from a heart attack and reflects on life’s fragility and the importance of checking in on others.
• He addresses suicide and encourages anyone in crisis to reach out for immediate support, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S!
• Mike shares a story about a man at an RV park who stayed positive through family hardship by placing everything in God’s hands.
• He closes with Philippians 4:13 and an encouragement to remember that strength comes through Christ.

TIMESTAMP

(00:00) Opening the update and why the podcast paused
 (00:32) Robin’s stage one colon cancer surgery and recovery
 (01:13) Tony’s new night job and scheduling challenges
 (01:40) Mike’s treatment stops working and next-step options
 (03:09) Emotional reaction to ongoing cancer setbacks
 (04:06) Cultural Christianity and the importance of consistent prayer
 (05:00) Upcoming Mayo Clinic appointments and prayer request
 (05:54) Why Mike chose a solo episode to talk about faith and family
 (06:23) Why are we here if heaven is the final destination?
 (06:52) Population numbers and the scale of human history
 (08:16) Growth, free will, choice, and contrast as spiritual themes
 (09:37) Earth as a place of purpose and stewardship
 (10:06) Free will and why God wants people, not robots
 (10:36) Meeting a bright, faith-filled woman at the Mayo Clinic
 (12:34) Sharing a prayer and the woman’s sudden departure
 (13:03) Learning that a friend had died after a heart attack
 (14:29) Why life is short and why people should stay connected
 (15:26) Suicide support and the importance of reaching out
 (16:24) A story about staying positive through family hardship
 (17:20) Philippians 4:13 and the closing encouragement

Support the show

Visit our website:  www.letstalkbcpc.com  

Our E-Mail:  [email protected] 

Send us Fan Mail

Finding Peace Through the Love of God

Mike Kocienski and Anthony Kocienski return to discuss how God’s love produces real peace, even in the middle of stress, uncertainty, and pain. This conversation blends personal testimony with scripture, especially around surrender, trust, and loving others well.In this episode, Mike and Anthony share personal stories about financial pressure, illness, family strain, and moments where prayer brought immediate calm. They also walk through several Bible passages, including John 14:27, 1 John 4:19, Matthew 22:37 to 39, and Job, to show why God’s peace is different from what the world offers.

Key Topics

• Anthony shares a recent moment of deep anxiety over rent and bills, and how prayer brought him a sense of peace within hours.
• The hosts contrast temporary, circumstance-based peace with the lasting peace Jesus gives in John 14:27.
• They discuss surrendering burdens to God instead of relying on personal strength, pride, or control.
• Mike and Anthony connect peace with love, arguing that God’s love changes how believers treat other people.
• They reflect on Jesus choosing love over hatred, including the story of Barabbas and the idea that Christ died for all people.
• The conversation revisits Job as an example of suffering, endurance, and refusing to curse God even after devastating loss.
• They talk about practical Christian living through forgiveness, patience, kindness, peacemaking, and daily prayer.
• Mike shares a personal story about meeting a woman at the Mayo Clinic who encouraged him and prayed with him, which he saw as a God-ordained encounter.
• The episode closes with encouragement to release one burden each evening and trust God to handle what cannot be controlled.

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome back and episode theme: peace through God’s love
 02:18 - Anthony describes financial pressure and a breaking point in prayer
 04:38 - Peace arriving after surrendering worry to God
 07:03 - Why God’s peace is steadier than the world’s peace
 09:30 - Faith the size of a mustard seed and trusting Jesus over fear
 10:29 - Why love, not hate, is the true Christian response
 13:18 - Barabbas, forgiveness, and being included in Christ’s sacrifice
 16:19 - Job as the model for suffering without losing faith
 20:18 - Peace and love are both rooted in Jesus, not money or success
 21:29 - Jesus restores the connection between God and humanity
 22:21 - Mike’s testimony: realizing God’s love and learning to receive it
 25:20 - Soul-level peace versus temporary material peace
 27:04 - Scripture gives a place to bring anxiety, not shame for having it
 30:25 - Love, prayer, and trusting God’s timing
 31:27 - Abraham’s faith and the cost of trusting God fully
 33:50 - God’s voice, God’s control, and why that brings peace
 36:04 - Mike’s Mayo Clinic encounter and a surprising moment of encouragement
 40:00 - God working through people and angels as messengers
 43:58 - Matthew 22:37 to 39: love God first, then love your neighbor
 44:55 - Why loving people can be difficult, and why persistence matters
 47:03 - Being a peacemaker through forgiveness, truth, and apology
 48:04 - Weekly practices: pray, read scripture, forgive, thank God
 49:03 - Release one burden each night and let God handle the rest
 50:18 - Closing reminder: God’s love becomes peace that overflows into relationships

Notable Quotes

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you.”

“We love because he first loved us.”

“You might pray, God, I’ve done what I can today. I place the rest in your hands.”

Action items

• Pray every morning.
• Read one chapter of the Bible each day.
• Forgive someone you have been holding bitterness against.
• Tell someone you love them.
• Spend five quiet minutes thanking God.
• Before bed, name one burden you cannot control and give it to God.

·         God’s peace

·         Peace through the love of God

·         Christian peace

·         Biblical peace

·         Surrender to God

·         Trusting God in hard times

·         Faith over fear

·         Anxiety and prayer

·         Overcoming anxiety with faith

·         God’s love

·         Christian encouragement

·         Loving your neighbor

·         Forgiveness

·         Peacemaking

·         Prayer for peace

·         John 14:27

Support the show

Visit our website:  www.letstalkbcpc.com  

Our E-Mail:  [email protected] 

Send us Fan Mail

Join us for an empowering and heartfelt discussion with Felicia Madison as she shares her journey through hardship, faith, and healing. Despite life's challenges, Felicia emphasizes the importance of trust in God, obedience, and community support, reminding us all to keep hope alive.

In this episode:

• Felicia describes her inspiring healing journey with autoimmune disease and how prayer and obedience played roles
• Reflection on her educational milestones, including completing her master’s and bachelor’s degrees
• Insights on the significance of spiritual gifts and touching lives through prophecy
• The importance of listening to God's whisper and discerning His voice amidst life's noise
• How obedience and faith can energize and restore strength during difficult seasons
• Tips on recognizing and responding to divine guidance in everyday life
• Celebrating milestones in personal growth, education, and spiritual service
• Encouragement to stay hopeful, trust God, and keep Christ at the center

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and episode overview
 00:30 - Felicia’s spiritual and healing journey after autoimmune diagnosis
 01:56 - Touching lives through prophecy and spiritual gifts
 03:21 - Milestones: Education achievements and personal growth
 04:47 - Recognition of divine guidance and learning to listen for God's whisper
 06:05 - The importance of obedience and faith in healing
 08:32 - Celebrating spiritual milestones and ongoing journey
 09:43 - Handling setbacks and trusting God's timing
 11:36 - The concept of success beyond material possessions
 13:04 - Scriptures and promises of restoration and healing
 15:11 - The power of commitment to God's plan
 16:19 - Educational milestones and ongoing goals
 18:16 - Publishing her book and next steps
 20:13 - Embracing divine timing and trusting God's provision
 22:17 - Recognizing God's voice in everyday life
 24:40 - Personal stories of obedience and divine encounters
 26:34 - The impact of listening and responding in faith
 28:23 - Restoring faith through obedience and reflection
 30:13 - The importance of love, trust, and community in faith journeys
 32:23 - Overcoming shyness with God's guidance
 34:23 - Self-awareness and learning through observation
 36:07 - The significance of mentorship and spiritual guidance
 38:23 - Words of encouragement: Keep hope, trust, and seek God always
 44:44 - Recognizing God's voice in our own words and whispers
 46:12 - Anticipating spiritual battles and trusting God's plan
 47:14 - Closing thoughts and heartfelt gratitude

Resources & Links:

• Philippians 4:13
• Jeremiah 30:17

The Power of Prayer and Obedience 

Note: The personal stories shared emphasize the importance of faith, obedience, and community support — inspiring us to grow spiritually and trust in God's plan 

Support the show

Visit our website:  www.letstalkbcpc.com  

Our E-Mail:  [email protected] 

Send us Fan Mail

Content Type: Spiritual Faith Discussion 

Primary Goal: Informational, Christian Conversation

Summary: This episode explores the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount, their relevance today, and how they guide Christian living amid current global challenges. Guests share personal insights on faith, persecution, and the importance of understanding biblical principles.

Key Topics

• Teachings of the Sermon on the Mount
• Relevance of biblical principles today
• End times prophecy and current events

Host: Michael Kocienski, Anthony Kocienski (Co-Host)

Guest Co-Host: Anthony Mayer

Key Frameworks

• Beatitudes as a guide for Christian living
• End times prophecy alignment with current events

Action Items

• Reflect on Matthew 5 and its application in daily life
• Stay informed about current events in light of biblical prophecy
• Practice forgiveness and love as taught by Jesus

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount

02:16 Understanding the Teachings of Jesus

04:28 The Manifesto of Internal Character

07:09 Persecution and the Christian Experience

09:58 The Relevance of Jesus' Teachings Today

12:45 Christianity's Foundation in Society

16:16 Forgiveness and Personal Struggles

21:34 Understanding Suffering and Forgiveness

24:47 Navigating Personal Struggles and Faith

26:48The Importance of Trust and Relationships

30:09Community Engagement and Service

34:23Exploring Biblical Teachings

37:06Embracing Kindness and Humility

39:01Podcast Ending 2_00.mp4 

Support the show

Visit our website:  www.letstalkbcpc.com  

Our E-Mail:  [email protected] 

Send us Fan Mail

Content Type Discussion

Primary Goal Discussion

Summary In this heartfelt discussion, Mike and Tony explore the biblical and practical perspectives on purpose in life, emphasizing love, faith, and trusting God's plan. They share personal stories, parables, and insights to help listeners find their true purpose and navigate life's seasons with faith and resilience.

Key Topics

·         Biblical purpose in life

·         The importance of love and faith

·         Parables and stories illustrating purpose

·         Navigating life's seasons with faith

·         Personal stories of spiritual growth

Host Name: Mike Kocienski

Co-Host Name: Anthony Kocienski

Key Frameworks

·         Biblical purpose

·         Seasons of life

·         Parables of investment

Action Items

·         Reflect on your purpose in life and seek God's guidance

·         Pray daily and listen for God's voice

·         Invest your talents and resources wisely for God's glory

Chapters

·         00:00 Exploring Purpose in Life

·         03:28 Biblical vs. Worldly Perspectives on Purpose

·         06:20 The Role of Relationships and Community

·         08:36 Personal Reflections on Purpose

·         11:07 Finding Fulfillment Through Faith

·         13:45 The Importance of Listening to God's Voice

·         16:22 Understanding Individual Purpose

·         18:53 Navigating Life's Challenges

·         20:58 Encouragement and Support in Faith

·         23:27 Closing Thoughts on Purpose

·         32:31 Podcast Ending 2_00.mp4

Support the show

Visit our website:  www.letstalkbcpc.com  

Our E-Mail:  [email protected] 

Send us Fan Mail

 Summary

In this episode, Mike shares his personal experience of being scammed while trying to buy a dog, exploring themes of truth, faith, and deception. The hosts discuss how faith and truth are essential in navigating life's challenges and recognizing deception in a world full of false appearances.

Key Topics

The importance of truth and faith in everyday life

Recognizing deception and false appearances

Biblical principles on trust and faith in God

 takeaways

Faith involves trusting in what is unseen but true.

Deception often appears convincing but can be identified through red flags.

Biblical scriptures remind us that truth and faith set us free.

Hosts

Mike Kocienski

Anthony Kocienski

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Episode

01:08 The Experience of Being Scammed

09:44 Reflections on Truth and Faith

20:52 Lessons Learned from the Scam

42:37 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

 Resources

2 Corinthians 5:7

Hebrews 11 

Romans 6:14

Support the show

Visit our website:  www.letstalkbcpc.com  

Our E-Mail:  [email protected] 

Send us Fan Mail

Content Type

Discussion

 Primary Goal

Discussion

 summary

Join Mike and Anthony in this insightful podcast episode as they explore faith, the Bible, and spiritual growth while navigating life's challenges with resilience. Through personal stories and scripture insights, they offer encouragement and guidance for listeners seeking to deepen their understanding of Christianity in an open-minded environment. This episode emphasizes trusting God's plan and growing spiritually through difficult times, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in an authentic and thoughtful journey through faith and scripture.

Key Topics

Faith during challenging times

Scripture insights on anxiety and discipline

Personal updates and spiritual reflections

Takeaways

Trust in God's plan even when life is difficult

Scripture provides comfort and guidance in anxiety

Sharing personal stories strengthens faith and community

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

06:03 Navigating Life's Challenges and Faith

11:47 Scriptural Insights on Discipline and Peace

17:49 Understanding the Christian Faith

29:34 Navigating Life's Challenges with Faith

47:10 Personal Journeys and New Seasons

Resources

Bible App (YouVersion) - https://www.bible.com/app

Duomo Bible Study App - https://duomo.com

Matthew 6:26

Hebrews 12:11 

Philippians 4:6-7

Matthew 19:26

Support the show

Visit our website:  www.letstalkbcpc.com  

Our E-Mail:  [email protected] 

Send us Fan Mail

Summary

In this episode, Tony and Mike delve into spiritual growth and reflections on Jesus through the lens of gratitude. The multifaceted nature of gratitude, how it evolves through different life stages and circumstances. They emphasize the importance of recognizing gratitude not just in good times but also during challenges, and how it can serve as a powerful perspective shift. The conversation delves into the spiritual aspects of gratitude, its role in faith, and the necessity of acknowledging the good in life, even amidst difficulties. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they encourage listeners to cultivate a grateful heart and recognize the blessings in their lives.

Takeaways

Gratitude can look different depending on life stages.

It's important to recognize gratitude in both good and bad times.

Gratitude is a powerful perspective shift that can change how we view our circumstances.

Acknowledging gratitude can lead to a deeper appreciation of life.

Gratitude is not just a surface-level emotion; it runs deeper than that.

Life's challenges can often lead to a greater sense of gratitude.

Faith plays a significant role in how we perceive gratitude.

Practicing gratitude can improve emotional health and well-being.

Gratitude can help anchor hope during difficult times.

It's essential to express gratitude for the small things in life.

Chapters

00:00 The Essence of Gratitude

03:39 Gratitude Across Life Stages

05:47 The Transformative Power of Gratitude

08:16 Gratitude in the Face of Adversity

11:05 The Role of Gratitude in Perspective

13:54 Finding Gratitude in Everyday Moments

16:11 The Spiritual Dimension of Gratitude

18:32 Navigating Hard Times with Gratitude

21:18 The Impact of Gratitude on Life Changes

23:48 Gratitude as a Lifelong Journey

27:27 The Power of Gratitude

28:54 Generational Perspectives on Gratitude

30:38 Transforming Perspectives: From Why to Thank You

32:57 Finding Meaning in Adversity

34:21 Understanding God's Role in Our Lives

36:16 The Importance of Acknowledging the Good

39:41 Season One Reflections and Future Directions

45:08 Podcast Ending 2_00.mp4

Blue Dark Fira Custom Gifts:

www.bluedarkfiracustomgifts.

myshopify.com

Previous Episodes:

1. Introduction 

2. Tony tells about his journey to Jesus Christ

3. Mike tells about his journey to Jesus Christ

4. What is the Bible

5. Free Will (Part 1)

6. Free Will (Part 2)

7. Family – Why it Matters

8. Church in the Cul-De-Sac

9. Faith and Family: The Braswell Legacy

10. Information Ep 9.5 Exploring BC A journey of 

     faith.

11. Hard Times & Strength

12. Bitterness and Peace

13. End Times

14. Faith and Healing: Felisha Madison’s Journey

Support the show

Visit our website:  www.letstalkbcpc.com  

Our E-Mail:  [email protected] 

Send us Fan Mail

Summary

In this heartfelt conversation, Fleshia Madison shares her inspiring journey of faith, motherhood, and resilience. From facing the challenges of infertility to experiencing miraculous healing, Fleshia's story is a testament to the power of belief and community support. She discusses her struggles with personal health issues, the impact of her family on her faith, and the importance of sharing testimonies to inspire others. Fleshia emphasizes the significance of staying connected to God and the role of prayer in overcoming life's adversities. Her aspirations for the future include writing a book to share her experiences and encourage others on their spiritual journeys.

Takeaways

- Fleshia's journey to motherhood was filled with challenges and miracles.

- Faith played a crucial role in Fleshia's healing and resilience.

- Community support is vital in overcoming personal struggles.

- Fleshia emphasizes the importance of sharing testimonies.

- Pride and guilt can hinder spiritual growth and connection with God.

- Fleshia learned to hear God's voice during her struggles.

- Her children are a testament to her faith and perseverance.

- Fleshia's experiences with health issues shaped her spiritual journey.

- She aims to inspire others through her future book.

- Fleshia believes that God is not done with her yet.

Support the show

Visit our website:  www.letstalkbcpc.com  

Our E-Mail:  [email protected] 

Send us Fan Mail

To view the end times video, please go to:  https://youtu.be/KuYo9AWaUVY 

Summary: In this episode, the hosts delve into the topic of end times, emphasizing Jesus and the importance of spiritual readiness over fear. They discuss personal experiences with the concept of the end times, the role of faith in navigating current events, and practical steps for maintaining a strong relationship with God. The conversation highlights the need for families to come together in faith and encourages listeners to embrace love and peace in their daily lives.

takeaways

This conversation is serious and important for believers.

Jesus spoke about the end times to prepare, not scare.

Readiness is more important than predicting the end times.

Fear can turn into peace through understanding God's love.

Current events reflect biblical prophecies about the end times.

Spiritual readiness is essential for believers.

Living with purpose and intention helps in faith.

Encouraging families to integrate faith into daily life is crucial.

Daily prayer and scripture reading strengthen faith.

God's love and peace are central to navigating life's challenges.

Support the show

Visit our website:  www.letstalkbcpc.com  

Our E-Mail:  [email protected]