Are you caught in the endless pursuit of more — more money, more status, more stuff — without ever feeling like you’ve arrived? In this episode, Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson tackle one of the most countercultural teachings of the New Testament: biblical contentment. Drawing from Hebrews 13:5, 1 Timothy 6:6–8, Philippians 4:11–13, and Matthew 13:22, they expose how Western consumerism and “hustle culture” quietly shape our identity and fuel anxiety, comparison, and spiritual emptiness. Marcus shares a powerful personal story from his trips to Kenya that radically reframed his understanding of work, worth, and worship. Wes and Marcus also unpack the critical difference between contentment and complacency — and offer practical steps, including praying the Lord’s Prayer as a daily reset, to help you stop chasing the world and start resting in what God has already given you.

Links and Resources

* Logos Bible Study Software (Free Trial)

* VidAngel (Free Trial) — Filter your streaming movies and television shows.

* “Are Thoughts and Prayers Sufficient?” (Radically Christian Podcast) — Referenced in this episode for the discussion on patience vs. passivity.

* “What is Ecclesiastes All About?” (Radically Christian Podcast) — Closely related episode on contentment, meaning, and the “chasing after the wind” theme.

* Chariots of Fire (1981 Film) — Mentioned for the contrast between Harold Abrahams’ identity-driven running and Eric Liddell’s worship-fueled running: “I believe God made me for a purpose. God made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure.”

* The Pursuit of Happyness (2006 Film) — Referenced as a cultural example of the “success at all costs” narrative and the true cost of the American Dream.​​

Note: Some links in our show notes may be affiliate links. This means if you choose to make a purchase through those links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend resources we genuinely find helpful. Thank you for supporting the Radically Christian Podcast!

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." We love quoting Matthew 11:28-30, but what did Jesus actually mean? In this episode, Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson dig into the explosive context most people skip — Jesus's sharp rebuke of hard-hearted religious cities and the crushing yoke the Pharisees placed on everyday people. They explore how "yoke" referred to the Torah and how Jesus's invitation was a radical claim to deity, echoing Exodus 33, Numbers 12, and Jeremiah 6. They also unpack why Jesus's yoke is "easy" even though the way is hard, how burnout stems from serving the wrong masters, and why the gospel transforms duty into choice. If you're exhausted from carrying the wrong yoke, this episode is for you!

Links and Resources:

* The BEMA Podcast by Marty Solomon — https://bemadiscipleship.com

* Virtual Jewish Library (Referenced for rabbinic theology on the yoke metaphor) — https://jewishvirtuallibrary.org

* Pirkei Avot 3:5 (Mishnah) — "Whoever takes upon himself the yoke of the Torah, they remove from him the yoke of government and the yoke of worldly concerns.”

* "Love Constraining to Obedience" — Hymn by William Cowper (Olney Hymns, No. 55) — "Changes a slave into a child, and duty into choice"

* Camp Blue Haven — https://campbluehaven.com

Are "thoughts and prayers" just empty words, or are they more powerful than we realize? In this episode, Wes and Marcus dive into Romans 12:12 to explore the crucial difference between patience and passivity when we face the brokenness of the world. They discuss why social media and algorithm-driven news leave us feeling overwhelmed and powerless, and how virtue signaling can become a substitute for genuine prayer and action.

You'll discover why biblical patience requires agency—not abdication—and how earnest, faithful prayer actually changes things on the ground. Marcus also shares a powerful four-question framework for grounding yourself when life feels out of control. If you've ever wondered whether your prayers really matter, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.

Links and Resources:

* Freed Hardeman University — Doctor of Education (EdD): fhu.edu/edd

What if "friendship with the world" in James 4:4 isn't about your music playlist or your movie choices? In this episode, Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson reexamine one of the most misunderstood phrases in the New Testament. Drawing on the Greco-Roman patronage system—where wealthy benefactors offered "gifts" in exchange for loyalty and allegiance—they argue that James is confronting something far deeper than a moral checklist. He's warning an oppressed church community against selling their allegiance to rich and powerful patrons instead of trusting Jesus as their sole protector and provider. From Old Testament parallels with Israel's political alliances to modern applications in the workplace, online tribalism, and partisan politics, this conversation will challenge you to ask: Can my loyalty be bought?

Links and Resources

* Beyond the Verse: What I Discovered Reading the Bible One Book at a Time by Wes McAdams​

* How Partisan Politics Are Harming Christians

What does it actually mean to “not be conformed to this world”? And what if modern neuroscience confirms what the apostle Paul wrote 2,000 years ago? In this episode of the Radically Christian Podcast, Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson explore the biblical concept of “the world” as a lens, framework, and normalized pattern of rebellion against God. Drawing from Romans 12, the Epistle to Diognetus, and the latest brain science research, they unpack how our thoughts physically reshape our brains—and why that matters for spiritual formation. Discover how the early Christians lived as radical nonconformists, learn to identify the lies that keep you stuck, and find out how speaking the truth of the gospel back to those lies can literally transform your mind. Your playlist matters more than you think.

Links and Resources

Live No Lies: Recognize and Resist the Three Enemies That Sabotage Your Peace by John Mark Comer

The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery: Connecting Neuroscience and Faith to Radically Transform Your Life by Dr. W. Lee Warren

Talking Back: A Monastic Handbook for Combating Demons by Evagrius of Pontus

The Epistle to Diognetus (Full Text)

Dr. Lee Warren on Theology in the Raw with Preston Sprinkle

Logos Bible Software – Extended Free Trial

Note: Some links are affiliate links. This means if you choose to make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the Radically Christian Podcast!

What if Jesus says “I never knew you” on judgment day—even after a lifetime of ministry? Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson tackle one of Scripture’s most terrifying passages: Matthew 7:21-23, where Jesus warns that some who prophesy and cast out demons in his name will still hear “depart from me.” This honest conversation explores the difference between religious performance and genuine discipleship, why self-righteousness is so dangerous, and what it means to truly know Christ. Discover why spiritual “imposter syndrome” might actually be a healthy sign, how the Sermon on the Mount reveals God’s heart, and why our confidence must rest in “I know a Guy” rather than “look what I did.” If you’ve ever feared you’re not good enough for God—or worried you might be too confident—this episode offers profound clarity and encouragement.

Links and Resources

* Ephesians for Teens by Wes McAdams

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Is debt a sin? Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson explore Proverbs 22:7—”the borrower is slave to the lender”—to unpack the biblical wisdom around debt, lending, and financial stewardship. This episode examines how Proverbs offers general truths rather than absolute promises, distinguishing between wise financial decisions and sinful behavior. They discuss Old Testament laws against charging interest, the Year of Jubilee, and how consumer debt differs from predatory lending.

Discover why the Bible focuses more on lenders than borrowers, how perpetual debt stifles spiritual fruit, and what sacrificial generosity looks like in Christian community. Whether you’re wrestling with credit cards, student loans, or mortgage decisions, this conversation challenges Western assumptions about debt and calls believers to cruciform living that prioritizes relationships over financial gain. Learn to navigate our economic system with biblical wisdom.

Links and Resources:

* Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

* Ecclesiastes episode with Michael Whitworth

* Freed-Hardeman University Certificate in Counseling for Church Leaders: fhu.edu/gradtheology

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Are we living in the last days? Join Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson in this thought-provoking exploration of 2 Timothy 3:1-9, where Paul warns Timothy about “lovers of self” and the difficult times ahead. Discover why this ancient letter is shockingly relevant to our self-obsessed culture—and why that’s not a reason to despair. Through careful biblical exegesis and cultural analysis, Wes and Marcus unpack what Paul really meant by “the last days,” challenge the modern obsession with self-love, and reveal the paradox of the Christian life: losing ourselves to truly find life. This encouraging conversation will equip you to navigate our cultural moment with hope, wisdom, and confidence in Christ’s ultimate victory.

Links and Resources

Books Mentioned:

* The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Truman​

* Why Liberalism Failed by Patrick Deneen​

* Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World by Tom Holland​

Bible Software:

* Logos Bible Software - Try free at https://logos.com/radicallychristian​

Affiliate Link Disclaimer: This podcast may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products and services we genuinely use and believe will benefit our listeners. Your support through these links helps make this podcast possible.

Ecclesiastes might be more important and relevant to your life than you think. Does life feel like a relentless grind, work, dishes, routines, repeat? Discover how the ancient book of Ecclesiastes speaks directly to modern anxieties about meaning, success, and fulfillment. Join Wes McAdams and author Michael Whitworth as they explore how this misunderstood biblical book offers surprising wisdom on joy, contentment, and gratitude in everyday life.

Learn why it’s better to go to a funeral than a party, how Ecclesiastes corrects prosperity-gospel thinking, and why this honest, sometimes uncomfortable, book ultimately points us to Jesus. Whether you’re battling existential angst or chasing the next achievement, this conversation will help you stop expecting life to bear more weight than it was meant to carry.

Links and Resources

* The Weight of Breath: A Guide to Ecclesiastes by Michael Whitworth

* What is Ecclesiastes? by Michael Whitworth (ages 10-14)

* Start2Finish.org - More Books by Michael Whitworth

* VidAngel - Free Trial Offer

Note: This episode may contain affiliate links or promotional codes. If you purchase products or services using the links or codes provided, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products and services that we genuinely believe will benefit our listeners. Thank you for supporting the Radically Christian Podcast.

In this thought-provoking conversation, Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson explore the promises and perils of artificial intelligence from a Christian perspective. They discuss the biggest dangers of AI, including misinformation, relationship replacement, and outsourcing our God-given ability to think deeply. But they also share practical wisdom for using AI as a "coach, not a crutch." Learn how tools like ChatGPT can either help us flourish or participate in our own "self-erasure." Discover why authentic human relationships become a precious commodity in a world filled with artificial intelligence, and get specific guardrails for using AI wisely in your faith, family, and work. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or skeptic, this episode will help you think critically about how AI fits into a life devoted to loving like Jesus.

Links and Resources:

Logos Bible Study SoftwareTechnopoly by Neil PostmanAffiliate Link Disclaimer:Some links in these show notes may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. We only recommend products and services we genuinely use and believe will benefit our listeners.