Real Friends Podcast

Click Here to Ask Us a Question or Leave Feedback

Does the idea of peace seem elusive to you, a concept that is often mentioned but never truly experienced? Brace yourself for an enriching discussion on how to experience a three-fold peace - with God, within oneself, and with others - and the significant role of prayer in achieving this tranquility. We dive into the rich depth of Philippians 4:6-7, shining a spotlight on the antidotal power of consistent prayer against anxiety, and the need to 'appropriate' this divine peace in our daily lives.

But what happens when suffering and pain cloud our lives? Can we still attain peace? Drawing inspiration from Jordan Peterson's personal journey and Apostle Paul's teachings, we navigate the path to finding meaning and hope amidst suffering. Learn how prayer and thanksgiving can steer your focus towards the goodness of life, even when challenges seem insurmountable. By the end of this episode, you will comprehend the power of practicing what we've learned and received, as we emphasize the sufficiency of Christ in truly experiencing God's peace. An episode guaranteed to nourish your soul and transform your walk of faith.

Support the show

Facebook  | Website

Click Here to Ask Us a Question or Leave Feedback

In this 11th Advent episode, Chris, Matthew, and Tyler point out the progressive nature of Shalom (peace): Peace with God leads to peace with self, and peace with self leads to peace with others. Learn how to make your family gatherings a little more people, even if you have your own version of "cousin Eddie."  

Support the show

Facebook  | Website

Click Here to Ask Us a Question or Leave Feedback

Are you longing for a sense of inner peace? Imagine living in a world where fear, shame, and feelings of inadequacy are replaced with an unshakable peace. As my wife Niki and I journey through our Advent series of the Real Friends podcast, we uncover the deep and profound concept of this peace and its direct link to our relationship with God. We'll grapple with the emotions that often cloud our tranquility, and reveal how Christ can bring a refreshing sense of rest and acceptance, a refuge amidst life's storms.

Support the show

Facebook  | Website

Click Here to Ask Us a Question or Leave Feedback

Ever wondered what peace really means? Well, we've got you covered! Join us as we, Tyler and Rachel, accompanied by our guests, Chris and Matthew, unveil the profound layers of 'shalom' - the Hebrew word for peace. We also explore the intriguing duality of the kingdom's state - already present but not fully realized, a beacon of hope amidst our chaotic world.

Support the show

Facebook  | Website

Click Here to Ask Us a Question or Leave Feedback

Ever felt the weight of the world on your shoulders, with anxiety and fear creeping in? Can you imagine releasing those worries, being enveloped in a peace that surpasses all understanding? Join us this week as we discuss the journey to finding true peace in the midst of life's chaos, using personal experiences and insights drawn from the book of Luke. We delve into the profound message of hope conveyed through the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and how this Gospel story offers a beacon of tranquility in our troubled world. 

Support the show

Facebook  | Website

Click Here to Ask Us a Question or Leave Feedback

Can you envision a Christmas season where the stress and commercialism take a back seat, replaced by a focus on kindness, service, and proclaiming the true reason for the season? Hold on to that thought as we journey together through an episode that illuminates not just the "why" but also the "how" of making this vision a reality. We explore the profound theme of hope during this Advent season and our duty as Christians to share this hope, anchored by the Great Commission from Matthew 28:16-20. From preaching the gospel to living it out in our everyday lives and using relational evangelism, we shed light on effective strategies to share the hope of Christmas with the world.

Support the show

Facebook  | Website

Click Here to Ask Us a Question or Leave Feedback

What if the story of Christmas could provide a beacon of hope for not just today, but also a more promising future? Matthew and Pastor Chris take us on a reflective journey, exploring the dual nature of Advent. They shine a light on the parallels between Christ's first and second advents, and the enduring hope that the Christmas narrative brings. This fascinating conversation dives into the depths of Romans, chapter eight, and resurfaces with a profound understanding of the new creation and our longing for the second coming of Christ.

Join us as we dive into this compelling discussion that promises to leave you with a new perspective on hope, Advent, and the promise of a new creation.

Support the show

Facebook  | Website

Click Here to Ask Us a Question or Leave Feedback

 Pastor Chris and Deacon Matthew guide us through a deep exploration of the concept of hope, specifically, the hope of purpose. We navigate the complexities of life's biggest questions, all while drawing from the rich teachings of the Bible.

 Our conversation serves as a reminder that regardless of our gifts or backgrounds, we are all vital cogs in God's divine plan. Join us and discover how the birth of Jesus gives us the hope of purpose. 

Support the show

Facebook  | Website

Click Here to Ask Us a Question or Leave Feedback

As we light another candle on the Advent wreath, we invite you to join us in a profound exploration of hope in suffering. We ponder on Romans 5:1-5, reflecting on Jesus' suffering and its implications for our relationship with God, and how it births hope in our own sufferings. We tackle the challenging question of why God permits pain and how Jesus, through his own suffering, understands our struggles. Let us reassure you that suffering is not without purpose - it builds character and endurance, like fine wine being preserved in the cellar of affliction, as Charles Spurgeon poignantly expressed. 

Navigating the stormy seas of suffering, our course then veers towards the shores of healing and endurance. We extend our hearts in prayer, holding up those in the throes of pain, including our pastor friend bravely battling stage four cancer, and the church friend mourning a beloved mother. We delve into the significance of praying for healing and empathizing with others in their grief. Amid the twinkle of Christmas lights, we unwrap the gift of finding joy and hope in Jesus. This episode is a comforting embrace, a light in the darkness, a reminder to all navigating difficult times that we are in this journey together. So, come, let's share this path and find hope amid suffering.

Support the show

Facebook  | Website

Click Here to Ask Us a Question or Leave Feedback

What if the arrival of Jesus was more than just a historical event, but something that can shape our lives today? That's what we, Chris and Matthew, are exploring in this episode of the Real Friends podcast. We delve into the Advent season with the theme of hope, closely examining the transformative power of Jesus's birth. The arrival of Jesus brought the world an astonishing gift - the promise of forgiveness for our sins. By reflecting on the biblical account of Jesus's birth, we shed light on how his arrival has instilled hope in a world riddled with darkness.

Now imagine a world where the primary problem isn't the life issues we grapple with every day, but sin. In this episode, we take a stroll through the book of Matthew, mulling over Israel's anticipation of a Messiah and their misconceptions. We unravel their expectations of a worldly military savior and introduce a different kind of Messiah - one who came to address the fundamental problem of sin. We also discuss how Christianity, unlike other religions, levels the playing field, offering hope and redemption to all. So, join us as we journey through the Advent season, exploring hope, forgiveness, and the message of Jesus's birth in a fresh, insightful way.

Support the show

Facebook  | Website