Many people are waking up to the reality of evil in the world and returning to church for the first time in years—or even for the very first time. But what happens when they encounter a mix of truth and bad teaching?

In this episode of Naughty vs Nice, Todd and Laura explore the story of Cain and Abel—not just as the “first murder,” but as a warning about how humans approach God on their own terms. From Cain’s self-sufficient offering to modern-day religion, we discuss the danger of giving God what He never asked for, mistaking ritual for relationship, and hiding behind comfort instead of surrender.

We also connect Cain to Jude’s warning about Cain, Balaam, and Korah, showing how these threads run through Scripture as examples of rebellion, greed, pride, and false worship. The heart of the issue is always the same: Will we trust in God’s sufficiency, or insist on our own?

📲 Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

References:

Genesis 4 – Cain and Abel

Matthew 7:24–27 – Building on the rock vs. sand

Matthew 15:1–10 – Traditions vs God’s commands

Hebrews 11:4 – Abel’s offering by faith

1 John 3:12 – Cain was “of the evil one”

Jude 1:5–13 – The way of Cain, Balaam, and Korah

Romans 7 – Dead to sin, alive in Christ

In this episode of Naughty Versus Nice, Todd, Laura, and Kelly dive deep into one of Revelation’s most mysterious figures: the Whore of Babylon. What does this symbol mean in light of the Old Testament? How do Daniel and Revelation connect? And why is it crucial to understand the difference between the true Bride of Christ and Babylon’s counterfeit religious system?

Together we unpack:

Why Revelation must be read through Daniel and the Old Testament.

How Scripture defines Babylon as pride, idolatry, exile, and rebellion.

The biblical imagery of God’s people as a faithful bride versus an unfaithful prostitute.

The Whore of Babylon as a false church: outwardly godly, inwardly occult.

How apostasy, luxury, and compromise with political power expose her.

Why discernment matters now more than ever—especially when Christianity gets mixed with politics, wealth, or New Age ideas.

By letting the Bible define its own symbols, we move past fear-driven speculation and into clarity, so believers can recognize deception and hold fast to Christ.

References:

Isaiah 47:1–3, 7–9

Jeremiah 3; Jeremiah 30:20; Jeremiah 51:7

Ezekiel 16

Daniel 2

2 Corinthians 11:2

Ephesians 5:25–27

Revelation 17–18

Revelation 19:7–8

2 Thessalonians 2:3

In this episode of Naughty vs Nice, Todd, Laura, and Kelly unpack how youth-movement hype, emotional manipulation, and culture-war messaging primed a generation for Christian nationalism and cultural Christianity. From rally-style events and “battle cry” branding to love-bombing, in-group/out-group dynamics, and pay-to-play internships, we trace recognizable cult tactics—and why they leave people with shallow faith, spiritual confusion, and disillusionment.

We also talk practical red flags for parents and churches:

Leaders speaking “with God’s authority” to coerce behavior

Manufactured spiritual highs and forced emotional responses

Morality checklists and faction-building (homeschool vs public school, etc.)

Money pressure and “if you really love God, you’ll pay” appeals

Signs of abuse patterns: push–pull, humiliation, and “you can never do it right”

This isn’t about dunking on worship nights or youth camps. It’s about resisting counterfeit discipleship that swaps biblical depth for hype—and learning to spot the seams where the world seeps in. If you’ve ever wondered why so many walked away in their 20s, this conversation might connect the dots.

Call to action: If you see these patterns in your youth space, ask questions. Sometimes it’s an honest miss. Sometimes it’s baked-in philosophy. Either way—discernment protects people.

Scripture cited: (None explicitly cited in this segment.)

Bill Gothard / IBLP (context to youth/legalism movements)

Ron Luce, Teen Mania Ministries, Acquire the Fire

Shiny Happy People (docuseries; Seasons 1 & 2 are discussed)

“Battle Cry” branding (Teen Mania)

General reference to documentaries on the “troubled teen”/military-style school industry

In this episode of Naughty Versus Nice, Todd, Laura, and Kelly unpack the rise of Christian nationalism and cultural Christianity—and why both offer a counterfeit gospel. From Bill Gothard and Teen Mania to modern movements and political activism, we trace how religion fused with empire has always led to abuse, fear, and misplaced loyalty.

We discuss:

Why Christian nationalism mirrors the Beast of Revelation.

How cultural Christianity offers belonging without repentance.

The dangerous appeal of “utopia” and comfort over the gospel.

Why the true kingdom of Christ is now—he is Prophet, Priest, and King in heaven today.

The story of Polycarp’s martyrdom and what it teaches about courage, loyalty, and faith under pressure.

This isn’t about rejecting politics or loving your nation. It’s about discerning the difference between the true Bride of Christ and Babylon’s counterfeit, between the gospel of Jesus and a gospel of morality, power, and belonging.

References:

Deuteronomy 7:6

Daniel 2

John 17

Romans 13

2 Corinthians 11:2

Ephesians 5:25–27

Revelation 13, 17–18

Revelation 19:7–8

2 Thessalonians 2:3

The Mark of the Beast Explained: Scripture, Symbolism, and the Choice of Allegiance

Description:

They explore the connection between ancient trade guilds, Caesar worship, and modern “cancel culture,” highlighting how allegiance, conformity, and worship—not technology—are at the core of this prophecy. With parallels to recent global events, occult timelines, and Alice Bailey’s predictions about 2025–2026, the conversation reveals how the Beast’s system is a counterfeit of God’s kingdom.

If you’ve been wondering whether the Mark of the Beast is already here—or if it’s still to come—this episode will ground you in Scripture and help you discern truth from hype.

References:

Revelation 13:16–17; 7:2–3; 14:1; 9:4

Daniel 7; Daniel 3

Deuteronomy 6:6–8; 11:18

Exodus 13:9

2 Thessalonians 2:10–12

2 Peter 1:10

Matthew 6:24; 7; 13; 22; 25

John 17

2 Corinthians 11:13–15

Genesis 47

Hebrews 10:34

Mentioned:

Alice Bailey & Theosophy

Age of Aquarius (occult belief)

Lady Gaga & pop culture symbolism

Q-movement “dark to light” mantra

Does Scripture teach a secret rapture—or have we read that into the text?

What you’ll learn

Why “tribulation” ≠ “God’s wrath” and how the Day of the Lord is a sudden, consummating event

How Revelation’s 7th seal, 7th trumpet, and 7th bowl describe the same moment

Paul’s order of events: resurrection, transformation, gathering, judgment (no extra gaps)

Why “the one who conquers” (Rev 2–3) means faithful perseverance, not escape

A simple, coherent timeline that fits Jesus, Paul, and John—without math tricks or newspaper prophecy

Key takeaways

Christ’s return is visible, final, and comprehensive—“bam, bam, bam”—not staged.

Tribulation is normal Christian experience; wrath is God’s righteous judgment.

The Bible’s own cross-references make the timeline clearer and simpler than pop prophecy.

Questions or pushback?

Psalm 90:4

Daniel 3; Daniel 8:14; Daniel 9:24–27; Daniel 12:7, 11–12

Ezra 7 (Artaxerxes’ decree)

Matthew 24:27–31 (cf. 24:2)

Luke 17:26–30

John 5:28–29

Acts 7:54–60; Acts 14:22

Romans 2:5; Romans 5:9

1 Corinthians 15:23–26, 51–56

1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; 1 Thessalonians 5:2–3

2 Thessalonians 1:7–10; 2 Thessalonians 2:1–3

2 Peter 3:8, 10

Revelation 4:1–5; Revelation 6:16–17; Revelation 7:14; Revelation 8:1–5; Revelation 11:15–19; Revelation 15:1; Revelation 16:17–21; Revelation 20:11–15

John Nelson Darby; C. I. Scofield; Schofield Reference Bible

Dallas Theological Seminary 

Luis de Alcasar 

Tara Shalane

Most prophecy debates start with assumptions. This one starts with the text. In this episode, we unpack Daniel 9:24–27 and show why the “day–year principle” (used throughout the OT) matters for understanding the Seventy Weeks, the timing of Messiah, and who actually puts an end to sacrifices. We also challenge popular end-times myths (futurist gap week, a singular political Antichrist, date-setting, numerology) and connect Daniel, Jesus’ ministry, Acts 7, and the AD 70 destruction of the Temple.

In this episode you’ll learn:

Why “days” often represent years in prophetic timing (Ezek 4:6; Num 14:34)

How Daniel’s 70 Weeks precisely point to Messiah’s ministry and crucifixion

Why “Antichrist” in Scripture is a spirit, not a single world ruler

How Stephen’s vision (Acts 7) confirms the Son of Man enthroned

Why reading prophecy by context, theme, and history beats verse-cherry-picking

What “thief in the night,” “rapture,” and the Revelation 12 sign do—and don’t—mean

Subscribe, share with a friend, and send questions → Daniel 9:24–27 (Seventy Weeks; covenant; end of sacrifice)

Daniel 7:13–14, 7:3–7, 7:25 (Son of Man; beasts as kingdoms; time statements)

Daniel 8:14; 12:7, 12:11–12 (prophetic day counts)

Ezekiel 4:6; Numbers 14:34 (day–year principle)

2 Timothy 2:15 (rightly handling the word)

Genesis 1:14 (lights for signs/seasons)

Revelation 12:1–2 (woman, sun, moon, stars)

Matthew 24:1–2; Mark 13:1–2; Luke 21:5–6 (Temple’s destruction foretold)

2 Peter 3:8; Psalm 90:4 (“a day is as a thousand years”—patience, not math trick)

Acts 7:54–60 (Stephen’s vision of Jesus at the right hand)

Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:45 (veil torn; access through Christ)

Revelation 13:1–2 (beast from the sea imagery)

1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; 5:2 (caught up; “thief in the night”)

Genesis 4:3–5 (Cain’s worship “his way” vs. God’s way)

People / Books / Other Mentions

Tim Keller 

Left Behind series — Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins

Titus & Vespasian (AD 70 Temple destruction)

Stellarium Web (sky model used to illustrate historical alignments)

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In this episode of Naughty vs Nice, Todd, Laura, and Kelly dive into the growing influence of technology—smartphones, social media, and AI—on faith, family, and the church. Drawing from insights shared by Dr. Rosalie de Rosset, a longtime professor at Moody Bible Institute, the hosts explore how technology invades sacred spaces, numbs us to reality, and even fuels addictions like pornography. They discuss why many believers struggle to fast from their devices, what it means to guard intimacy and silence in daily life, and how parents and pastors can better disciple the next generation.

The conversation turns to the dangers of AI, deepfakes, and digital deception, asking: if you can’t tell what’s real anymore, how will you stand firm in your faith? The hosts emphasize the need for Christians to be grounded in Scripture, prepared for coming deception, and intentional about cultivating real presence with God and others.

Tech runs our lives—but is it running us into the ground? In this episode, we dig into how phones, screens, and “digital everything” have hijacked the classroom, rewired our relationships, and even crept into sacred spaces. Dr. Rosalie de Rosset joins us to call it like it is: we’re celebrating mediocrity, mistaking convenience for connection, and slowly being digested by entertainment.

But it’s not all doom and gloom—we talk about how to push back. From family dinners without phones to media fasts that reset your soul, we explore what it looks like to actually live instead of scroll. Faith, freedom, and real connection are on the line. The future is now…so what are we doing with it?

Dr. Rosalie de Rosset —a professor, writer, and literary voice who spent over 50 years teaching students how to think deeply in a world that increasingly refuses to. With a fierce love for language and a sharp eye for cultural drift, she’s long warned that technology isn’t just changing how we communicate—it’s dulling how we reason, create, and imagine. Today, we’re asking her: what have we traded away in our rush to stay connected?

Why did Jesus have to suffer as a human? We dig into the incarnation, exploring how Christ’s suffering shapes our faith and offers real hope in our own struggles.

In this episode of Naughty vs. Nice, Todd, Laura, and Kelly reflect on aging, memory lapses, and what it means to live as “indoor cats”—before diving deep into the heart of Christian faith: the incarnation of Christ. Together they explore how the humanity of Jesus transforms our understanding of suffering, reconciliation, and spiritual growth.

The conversation highlights why the incarnation matters far beyond Christmas theology—showing that reconciliation with God begins at Christ’s conception and continues through His life, death, and resurrection. They challenge listeners to ground themselves in Scripture, to see suffering as a means of transformation, and to pursue a deeper relationship with God beyond the basics of salvation.

From modern temptations to the lifelong tension of living as citizens of a new kingdom, this episode encourages believers to anchor themselves in Christ’s example and walk faithfully in a world that often resists truth.