Check out all of the “good news” articles mentioned in this episode athttps://livethebrightside.com/.

In this fifth episode of The Bright Side Roundup podcast, join Editor-in-Chief Jason Brudereck and Managing Editor Cy White as they talk about their favorite pieces and features on the website right now and preview upcoming special projects.In this episode, they discuss a “little church that could” in Birdsboro, Pa., a new study showing gratitude is good for your heart, a 5-year-old boy who donated bone marrow to save his little brother’s life, a mistake that Cy made and is going to try to make right, and more! The Bright Side is an online publication of the nonprofit Faith First organization. The BrightSide shares stories of hope, faith, resilience, and encouragement. Through news, interviews, personal reflections, and community storytelling, we shine a light on the good happening in the world and highlight people whose experiences point toward perseverance, purpose, positive impact, and spiritual growth

Join us at The Bright Side for your daily dose of positive news and inspiration: https://livethebrightside.com/

What if Christians have been thinking about the end times all wrong?

For many of us, conversations about Jesus’ return immediately bring up debates about the rapture, tribulation, millennium, Antichrist, or trying to figure out when it will all happen. But for the earliest Christians—and for generations of believers facing suffering and persecution—the return of Jesus was fundamentally a message of hope.

In this episode of the Live Faith First Podcast, Elliot Sands sits down with pastor and author Benjamin Vrbicek, author of The Restoration of All Things: How the Promise of Christ’s Return Brings Us Comfort Today, to rediscover that hope.

Rather than trying to construct an end-times timeline, Benjamin invites us to consider what Jesus’ return actually promises: bodies restored, injustice answered, suffering ended, relationships made whole, and creation finally freed from the brokenness we experience today.

Elliot and Benjamin explore the difference between heaven and the new heavens and new earth, whether Christians should fear final judgment, what Revelation is actually trying to communicate, and why the promise that God will ultimately make all things right can change how we live today.

For anyone who has found end-times conversations confusing, frightening, or simply exhausting, this is a different kind of conversation about Jesus’ return—one centered on the promise that this broken world will not always be this way.

Benjamin Vrbicek is an author and the lead teaching pastor at Community Evangelical Free Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Before entering pastoral ministry, Benjamin studied mechanical and aerospace engineering at the University of Missouri. He later earned his Master of Divinity from Covenant Theological Seminary.

Benjamin has written extensively about Christian life, ministry, and theology and previously served as managing editor for Gospel-Centered Discipleship. His books include Don't Just Send a Resume, Struggle Against Porn, and the coauthored Blogging for God's Glory in a Clickbait World.

His newest book, The Restoration of All Things: How the Promise of Christ’s Return Brings Us Comfort Today, moves the conversation about the end times away from sensationalism and speculation and back toward the biblical promise of hope—especially for those who are suffering.

Benjamin and his wife, Brooke, have six children and live in Pennsylvania.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation.  As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Benjamin Vrbicek

Website: Benjamin Vrbicek

About Benjamin: About Benjamin Vrbicek

The Restoration of All Things: Book information from Benjamin

Benjamin's writing: Fan and Flame Blog

Christianity Today excerpt: Communion Points Us Forward and Backward at Once

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Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

TikTok: @livefaithfirst

Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst 

YouTube: youtube.com/@livefaithfirst

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Join us at The Bright Side for your daily dose of positive news and inspiration: https://livethebrightside.com/

How do you build businesses without losing your family?

Can you embrace AI without sacrificing your creativity?

And what does sailing across the Pacific Ocean teach you about trusting God?

In this episode of the Live Faith First Podcast, Elliot Sands sits down with brothers Zach and Jason Francis—entrepreneurs, former HGTV stars, founders, husbands, and fathers—to discuss how faith shapes every area of life, from business and technology to parenting and adventure.

You may know Zach and Jason from HGTV's Tiny Luxury, where they helped pioneer the luxury tiny home movement. Today they're building Willo, an AI-powered business platform designed to help entrepreneurs turn ideas into thriving companies.

Together they discuss:

• Sailing across the Pacific as teenagers and how it shaped their faith

• Why God's creation points us toward His greatness

• Navigating entrepreneurship with integrity

• How to use AI without losing your unique voice

• Raising children in an increasingly technological world

• Building businesses that serve your family instead of replacing it

• Why curiosity, adventure, and faith belong together

• The importance of choosing business partners—and spouses—who "fight fair"

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a parent, a technology enthusiast, or simply trying to follow Jesus in a complicated world, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom and encouragement.

Zach and Jason Francis are entrepreneurs, business builders, AI innovators, and former HGTV personalities best known for co-founding Tiny Heirloom and starring in the hit HGTV series Tiny Luxury. Together, the Francis brothers have launched and acquired numerous businesses spanning real estate, branding, AI, Web3, software, and consumer products.

Growing up in Oregon, Zach and Jason developed an entrepreneurial mindset early, building homes as teenagers before embarking on a nine-month sailing expedition across the Pacific Ocean with their father—an experience that profoundly shaped both their faith and approach to business.

Today they are the co-founders of Willo, an AI-powered business operating platform that helps entrepreneurs launch and run businesses more efficiently while maintaining a distinctly human approach to creativity, leadership, and relationships. Both are passionate about helping founders build companies without sacrificing faith, family, or personal integrity.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation.  As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Jason and Zach Francis

Website: https://www.francisbrothers.com/

Willow.ai: https://www.willo.ai/

HGTV: https://www.hgtv.com/shows/tiny-luxury

Connect with Live Faith First

Website: livethebrightside.com

Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

TikTok: @livefaithfirst

Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst 

YouTube: youtube.com/@livefaithfirst

In this third episode of The Bright Side Roundup podcast, join Editor-in-Chief Jason Brudereck and Managing Editor Cy White as they talk about their favorite pieces and features on the website right now and preview upcoming special projects.
The Bright Side is an online publication of the nonprofit Faith First organization. The Bright Side shares stories of hope, faith, resilience, and encouragement. Through news, interviews, personal reflections, and community storytelling, we shine a light on the good happening in the world and highlight people whose experiences point toward perseverance, purpose, positive impact, and spiritual growth.

Join us at The Bright Side for your daily dose of positive news and inspiration: https://livethebrightside.com/

Everyone wants to belong.

We all know what it feels like to be seen, understood, and accepted—but we also know what it feels like to be the outsider.

In this episode of the Live Faith First Podcast, Elliot Sands sits down with Parfait Bassalé, author of The Way of Befriending, to explore how ordinary people can become extraordinary bridge-builders in an increasingly divided world.

Growing up across multiple countries in West Africa before immigrating to the United States, Parfait experienced firsthand what it meant to search for home and belonging. Those experiences eventually shaped both his ministry and his calling: helping people create spaces where others feel seen, heard, and valued.

Together they discuss:

• Why belonging is a fundamental human need

• The difference between being friendly and truly befriending someone

• How curiosity breaks down barriers

• Asking better questions that lead to deeper conversations

• Why forgiveness is essential for building relationships

• The power of becoming "the unexpected friend"

• How churches can create cultures where everyone feels welcome

Whether you're navigating political division, cultural differences, or simply wanting to become a better friend, this conversation offers practical wisdom for building genuine relationships.

Parfait Bassalé is an author, speaker, musician, and consultant. He is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations cultivate cultures of belonging, curiosity, and meaningful connection.

Born in the Republic of Benin, Parfait spent much of his childhood moving throughout West Africa before immigrating to the United States. His own experiences of displacement, identity, and searching for home profoundly shaped his passion for helping others move beyond polarization and into authentic relationships.

Through workshops, consulting, speaking, music, and writing, Parfait equips churches, nonprofits, schools, and organizations to create environments where people feel genuinely seen, heard, supported, and valued.

His book, The Way of Befriending, offers a practical roadmap for overcoming division through courageous curiosity, empathy, forgiveness, and intentional friendship.

He lives in Olympia, Washington, with his wife and three children.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation.  As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Parfait Bassalé

Website: https://www.parfaitbassale.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Parfaitonline

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parfaitonline/

Connect with Live Faith First

Website: livethebrightside.com

Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

TikTok: @livefaithfirst

Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst 

YouTube: youtube.com/@livefaithfirst

Join us at The Bright Side for your daily dose of positive news and inspiration: https://livethebrightside.com/

Do you have a junk drawer?

You know the one—filled with old receipts, random keys, ketchup packets, and things you just can't bring yourself to throw away.

Many of us have an emotional version of that drawer.

In this episode of the Live Faith First Podcast, Elliot Sands sits down with author Laurie Davies to discuss her book, Emotional Hoarding, and why so many of us hold on to shame, regret, fear, anger, bitterness, secrets, and worry long after they stop serving us.

Laurie explains that emotional healing isn't about pretending difficult emotions don't exist—it's about understanding why we've held onto them and allowing God's grace to transform them rather than letting them control us.

Together they discuss:

• What emotional hoarding is—and how to recognize it

• Why shame thrives in isolation

• The surprising connection between regret and God's grace

• How anger often hides deeper wounds

• Why secrets carry such a heavy emotional cost

• Building a healthier emotional foundation through truth and community

• The role of counseling, trusted friends, and God's grace in emotional healing

If you've ever felt weighed down by emotional baggage, this conversation offers practical wisdom and biblical hope for living lighter and freer.

Laurie Davies s an author, Bible teacher, speaker, and podcast host passionate about helping people discover the freedom found in God's grace. Based in the Phoenix, Arizona area, Laurie has spent decades teaching Scripture and encouraging Christians to move beyond fear, shame, and emotional burdens into deeper intimacy with Christ.

Her newest book,Emotional Hoarding: Letting Go of the Stuff That Keeps You Stuck, explores how unresolved emotions—including worry, anger, regret, guilt, shame, bitterness, and secrets—can quietly accumulate over time, preventing us from loving God and others as we were created to do.

Through biblical teaching, practical insights, and personal stories, Laurie equips readers to identify emotional clutter, uncover its roots, and experience lasting freedom through God's grace.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation.  As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Laurie Davies

Website: https://lauriedavies.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurieDaviesAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauriedaviesauthor/

Connect with Live Faith First

Website: livethebrightside.com

Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

TikTok: @livefaithfirst

Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst 

YouTube: youtube.com/@livefaithfirst

Episode 2 of The Bright Side podcast.

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Join us at The Bright Side for your daily dose of positive news and inspiration: https://livethebrightside.com/

Is play a luxury… or is it part of God's design for humanity?

For many of us, hobbies feel like a guilty pleasure—something we squeeze in only after the work is done. But what if recreation, creativity, and delight aren't distractions from the Christian life? What if they're part of it?

In this episode of the Live Faith First Podcast, Elliot Sands sits down with Brianna Lambert, author of Created to Play, to explore a biblical theology of play and why enjoying God's creation can actually deepen our spiritual formation.

Together they discuss:

• Why God created a world of abundance—not merely utility

• How hobbies shape our character and spiritual growth

• The surprising connection between play, humility, and worship

• Why creativity reflects the heart of our Creator

• How gardening, cooking, puzzles, scuba diving, woodworking, and other hobbies can become acts of worship

• The hidden temptations every hobby carries—and how to enjoy God's gifts wisely

If you've ever felt guilty for taking time to enjoy life, this conversation offers a refreshing reminder that God delights in our delight.

Brianna Lambert is an author, speaker, and freelance writer who helps Christians rediscover the goodness of God's creation in everyday life. A longtime homeschool mom and storyteller, Brianna has spent more than a decade writing about faith, family, beauty, and spiritual formation.

Her first book, Created to Play: How Taking Hobbies Seriously Grows Us Spiritually, invites readers to rethink hobbies and recreation through a biblical lens. Rather than viewing play as wasted time, Brianna argues that creativity, delight, and enjoyment are gifts from God that cultivate humility, gratitude, worship, and joy. Living in Indiana with her husband and three children, Brianna enjoys reading, gardening, raising ducks, exploring the outdoors, and discovering new ways God's creation points us back to its Creator.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation.  As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Brianna Lambert

Website: https://briannalambert.com/

Book: https://briannalambert.com/books/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannalambert.author/

Connect with Live Faith First

Website: livethebrightside.com

Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

TikTok: @livefaithfirst

Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst 

YouTube: youtube.com/@livefaithfirst

Join us at The Bright Side for your daily dose of positive news and inspiration: https://livethebrightside.com/

Did the English Bible translators get it wrong?

What if one of the most important words in the New Testament has been shaping our faith differently than Jesus intended?

In this thought-provoking episode of the Live Faith First Podcast, Elliot Sands sits down with Wayne Jacobsen, co-author of The Shack and co-author of Just Love, to discuss a provocative claim: the Greek word often translated as "righteousness" may be better understood as "justice."

Together, they explore how this translation choice may have influenced centuries of Christian thought, discipleship, and spiritual formation. More importantly, they discuss how God's love transforms us from the inside out, leading not to religious performance but to lives marked by justice, compassion, and genuine care for others. Whether you agree with Wayne's conclusions or simply want to wrestle with an important biblical idea, this conversation will challenge you to think more deeply about what it means to follow Jesus.

Wayne Jacobsen is an author, speaker, and teacher known for helping people discover a deeper, more relational walk with God. After spending two decades in pastoral ministry, Wayne experienced a profound shift in his understanding of God's love and grace that changed the trajectory of his life and writing. He is the author of numerous books including He Loves Me!, Finding Church, A Language of Healing for a Polarized Nation, and Just Love. Wayne is also widely known as one of the co-authors of the bestselling novel The Shack, which has impacted millions of readers worldwide. Through his writing, podcasts, and speaking ministry, Wayne encourages people to move beyond religious performance and into a vibrant relationship with God rooted in love, freedom, and transformation.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation.  As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Wayne Jacobsen

Website: https://www.lifestream.org/

Book: Just Love — https://www.lifestream.org/just-love/

Podcast:  https://www.thegodjourney.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wayne.jacobsen.370211

Connect with Live Faith First

Website: livethebrightside.com

Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

TikTok: @livefaithfirst

Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst 

YouTube: youtube.com/@livefaithfirst