In this episode, we explore the surprising biblical account of Abram as a military chieftain, discussing the battles worth fighting for family and justice. We also examine the crucial lesson of releasing the spoils of victory and acknowledging God's provision.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Abram the Warrior

00:40 A Coalition War and Lot's Capture

03:24 Abram's Private Militia and Night Raid

06:45 Melchizedek and Abram's Tithes

10:09 King of Sodom's Offer and Abram's Refusal

13:54 Fighting Battles and Releasing Victories

In this episode, we explore the biblical story of Abram and Lot, highlighting their contrasting approaches to decision-making. We discuss how Lot chose based on immediate appearances, while Abram demonstrated trust in a larger promise, and draw parallels to how we make choices in our own lives.

Chapters

00:00 Return to Canaan

01:53 The Conflict and Lot's Choice

06:35 Abram's Promise vs. Lot's Appearance

11:58 Applying the Lesson

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In today’s Come Follow Me study of Genesis 12:10–20, Abram goes from altar-building faith to full survival mode.

A famine hits the promised land. Abram flees to Egypt. And on the way, he asks Sarai to lie — telling everyone she’s his sister to save his own life.

She’s taken into Pharaoh’s house. Abram profits. Pharaoh becomes the moral voice. And God intervenes anyway.

This is one of the most uncomfortable stories in the Old Testament — and one of the most hopeful.

In this episode we explore:

• Why Abram’s plan was culturally logical — and morally disastrous
• Ancient Near Eastern marriage customs and hospitality
• Why Pharaoh, not Abram, sounds righteous
• What this teaches about covenant, grace, and God’s faithfulness
• How fear leads us to compromise
• Whether God’s promises depend on our performance

Abram fails. God doesn’t.

If you’re studying Come Follow Me 2026 (Genesis 12–17), this episode wrestles honestly with the text and asks the hard question:

Do you actually believe God’s promise is stronger than your failure?

Tomorrow: Abram and Lot separate — and Lot chooses what looks smart but ends in disaster.

In this episode, we explore the life of St. Anthony, a spiritual pioneer who sought radical seclusion in the Egyptian desert during the 4th century. We uncover how his pursuit of a deeper connection with God led him to confront spiritual and physical challenges, influencing countless others to follow a monastic path.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to St. Anthony

00:47 Early Life & Calling

04:46 Life in the Tomb & Desert

10:17 A New Monastic Movement

13:59 Later Life & Legacy

In this episode, we explore Genesis 12 and Abraham 1 through the lens of Come Follow Me, focusing on Abram’s command to leave Ur and trust God’s covenant promise. We connect his story to themes of repentance, forgiveness, and spiritual transformation, showing how leaving the old life behind is central to covenant discipleship.

In this episode, we explore the life of St. Cyprian, a prominent figure in 3rd-century Carthage who became a bishop after a dramatic conversion and faced the Roman Empire's persecution of Christians. We discuss his influential work, 'On the Unity of the Church,' which argues for the indivisible nature of the church and remains a foundational text in Christian theology.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to St. Cyprian

01:41 Early Life and Conversion

03:02 Persecution and the Lapsed

06:33 On the Unity of the Church

10:25 The Role of Bishops

15:13 Persecution and Martyrdom

In this episode, we explore the extraordinary life of Origen of Alexandria, a child prodigy and prolific ancient Christian author who, driven by intense zeal and literal interpretation of scripture, faced significant challenges and became a controversial figure in church history. We also uncover his groundbreaking contributions to biblical scholarship and theology, alongside the theories that sparked controversy.

Chapters

00:00 Who Was Origen?

01:39 Early Life & Martyrdom Desire

04:46 Asceticism and Personal Decisions

08:10 Literary & Theological Contributions

13:02 Fame, Jealousy, and Persecution

16:18 Legacy and Contradictions

In this episode, we explore the life of Tertullian, a brilliant lawyer from ancient Carthage who became a fierce defender of Christianity. We learn how his intense faith and advocacy were shaped by the martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicity, leading him to coin foundational theological terms while also showcasing his uncompromising and controversial nature.

Chapters

00:00 Carthage and Tertullian's Early Life

01:18 From Pagan to Christian Apologist

03:42 The Martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicity

08:20 The Blood of Martyrs and Theological Innovations

11:32 Tertullian's Fierce Defenses and Controversies

15:07 Strictness and Lasting Legacy

In this episode, we explore the life and significant contributions of Irenaeus of Lyons, a key figure in 2nd-century Christian theology. We examine how he championed the four Gospels, combated Gnosticism, and established foundational Christian beliefs during a turbulent period.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Irenaeus

02:00 Combating Gnosticism

05:36 Bishop of Lyons & Key Ideas

15:12 Irenaeus's Legacy

In this episode, we examine Noah’s family, the Tower of Babel, and humanity’s attempt to bypass God’s way. We explore why shortcuts to security, power, and unity ultimately lead to confusion and collapse.