Baptism is the focus of today’s Resident Strangers conversation! Sarah, Steve, and Rich share their own baptism stories, including Rich’s unique journey of being baptized as an infant and then later as a teenager after placing his faith in Christ.

What does infant baptism mean? Can it be considered believer’s baptism? Steve unpacks why this topic can create confusion, especially when it comes to salvation, and the team takes a close look at what Scripture actually teaches about baptism.

Throughout the Bible, we see a clear pattern: belief comes first, then baptism. Rich walks through key passages that support this truth and raises an important question. If baptism is meant to follow faith, how does that apply to infants?

The conversation also tackles a common misconception: does baptism wash away sin? Steve and Rich explain that forgiveness and salvation come through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Baptism is a beautiful act of obedience and a public declaration of faith, but it is not what saves us. Salvation is not Jesus plus baptism—it is Jesus alone.

If you're following Christ but haven't taken the step of baptism, this episode may challenge you to consider what's holding you back.

And be sure to listen all the way to the end for a special announcement about Passion Week and Easter!

May 2024 (Mother's Day Weekend) Baptisms at DSCC - https://dscchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2190355

Randy Donithan's Stories Collective episode - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Abj4By5Sapk4lKLxwfthT?si=48db39d06c374cb9

*Episode 104, available wherever you listen to podcasts

Desert Springs' Doctrinal Statement -https://www.dscchurch.com/values-beliefs

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Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We’d love it if you’d share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world. 

Rich and Steve jump right back into the conversation of eternal security. If you did not listen to last week's episode you should catch up before joining in on this one. Rich brings some clarity to some passages that some might use to argue the idea of losing salvation. Steve brings clarity as well getting into some specific contexts certain passages were written in (you may want to take notes on the specific passages mentioned). A part of this conversation includes how God might bring someone to rock bottom in the moments when they've strayed and need to come back. It is also important to recognize that no one is immune to sin. Sarah hosts another podcast at Desert Springs called The Stories Collective and she points out that many of the testimonies shared do involve a period of walking away from the Lord or being caught up in sin. But it is amazing to hear how the Lord has worked in these people's lives and how they are able to articulate the grace they have received. Sarah also shares a personal story about a close friend who was killed and unfortunately had unresolved sin. What does that mean as far as maintaining salvation? Steve drives home what it means to know the Lord. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. If someone comes to the point of trusting in Jesus alone for salvation, then that means eternal life was given. Furthermore, Steve talks about what it looks like when a Christian walks in sin and how the Lord handles that. Salvation is not based or rooted in the things we do or don't do; it is rooted in the grace of Christ that is experienced by faith. The episode ends with Steve, Rich and Sarah encouraging all to guard their hearts and lean into community. This is an episode we would encourage you to share!

The Stories Collective podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/1yqQ7YDxumDwtSbq4ZtOtN?si=3e6ff65f9be74d0e

*available wherever you listen to podcasts

Desert Springs' Doctrinal Statement -https://www.dscchurch.com/values-beliefs

Questions or comments?
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Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We’d love it if you’d share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world. 

In this week's episode Steve and Rich cover something that is crucial for believers to understand. It has a lot to do with our identity and our security in Christ. It is also something that is heavily debated amongst Christians even to this day. Eternal security is what is being discussed and if you haven't listened to the last two episodes on salvation, we would highly encourage you to do that. Rich asks the question, if God is the one who saves what is it that could possibly be done to become unsaved? Steve cautions that the enemy can really use mind games when a believer does not take the time to understand that their salvation is secure. If eternal life can be lost, is it actually eternal? Lots of scripture is referenced to support these questions and answers. Rich points out that Romans 8 states that once someone is in God's love through faith in Jesus they are there. No exceptions. Steve brings up the idea that if salvation can be lost then the question becomes what sin is the final straw? What exactly is the sin that would cause the salvation to be lost? The discussion then turns to what happens when someone "walks away" from the faith? There is a lot packed into these 23 minutes and will definitely continue in next week's episode. Make sure you come back next week!

Desert Springs' Doctrinal Statement -https://www.dscchurch.com/values-beliefs

Questions or comments?
Email [email protected] 

Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We’d love it if you’d share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world. 

On Resident Strangers this week Steve and Rich pick up discussing the question Sarah threw in last week; what happens to babies when they die? Since we're born alienated from God how do we process things like infant death and those who die with severe mental handicaps? We think this part of the conversation will fill you with hope and a better understanding of God's grace. They then shift into talking about how works fit into the idea of grace when it comes to salvation. What should motivate our works? What exactly does it mean for someone to be born again? Steve reminds us that we can learn a lot about this simply by looking at how Jesus lived His life here on earth. Good works should be a part of a believer desiring to be more like Jesus. Rich answers the question, how does someone accept this grace that is offered? Faith takes place in the heart and mind, going beyond the spoken word. Steve ends by walking through how to determine if the receiving of salvation and expression of faith is understood. All in all, it is important to remember that salvation in Jesus is available to all. 

For further context, check out the Resident Strangers episodes on The Atonement from October 2023:
The Atonement - https://open.spotify.com/episode/71IUZo2Lrocb5mxDg8Utlx?si=2dd973b9945049c9

Further Discussion on The Atonement - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2zoA3Rh2UpO1tqupphGleg?si=33c616f4a72d4568

*episodes available wherever you listen to podcasts

Desert Springs' Doctrinal Statement -https://www.dscchurch.com/values-beliefs

Questions or comments?
Email [email protected] 

Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We’d love it if you’d share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world. 

This week on Resident Strangers Steve and Rich begin covering a very weighty and important topic. This week's episode is all about salvation. Everything that has been discussed on this podcast so far has almost been leading to this very point. Man apart from God, left to himself, is without hope. There is no denying that there is a need for salvation. The Bible tells us that every single one of us is born alienated from God. We know that God wants to provide reconciliation and bring us to Himself. How is someone saved? Salvation is not by what we do but is through faith in Jesus, by grace. Salvation by grace is the distinctive character of true Christianity. It is truly the crux of what Christianity is about, especially considering Jesus' death on the cross. Steve and Rich do a great job emphasizing the idea that we are born apart from God but that there is so much grace in the salvation Jesus offers. Sarah throws a little bit of a curve ball by asking a question about what happens when a baby dies? Or when someone who has severe mental challenges dies? Are there extra measures of God's grace that cover these types of situations? A pin is put in those questions, but they will be addressed next week. Rich brings the conversation back around and explains that God is searching after us to bring that grace and reconciliation. We see that in the way that Jesus was sent. Steve really drives home that grace is something that no matter what we've done covers us as we come to know Jesus as our Savior. What is it that has to happen for someone to be saved? If salvation is not by good works, is it all dependent on receiving Jesus? How does eternal life factor into this? It is hard to cover just how much was discussed in this episode here in the show notes, you need to listen! This episode's discussion will be continued next week. 

Desert Springs' Doctrinal Statement -https://www.dscchurch.com/values-beliefs

Questions or comments?
Email [email protected] 

Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We’d love it if you’d share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world. 

Steve and Rich continue their discussion on humanity starting off with the topic of sin nature. Rich immediately goes into why he thinks the phrase "sin nature" should be renamed and thought through differently. His reasoning has to do with translation of the original words and understanding of scripture. Don't worry, Rich and Steve break it all down for us. Another question that comes up is what changes between here and heaven? The value of human life is central to this conversation. Last week's episode talked a lot about being made in God's image which would be a good reference for this episode. Another important element of this topic is the issue of abortion in the United States. How should Christians process this with the value of human life and being made in God's image in mind? What does it really mean to be pro-life? How should the Church act in culture when thinking of the value of human life? Furthermore, how should a Christian process end of life issues? Steve, Rich and Sarah ran out of time at the end so be sure to let them know if you want further discussion on some of the topics brought up. 

Surrendering the Secret: Abortion recovery support group - https://dscchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1117386

Steve Engram's Stories Collective episode - https://open.spotify.com/episode/446WRLtZyjtY7hKf2IfR2N?si=e3b96249692448e4

*Episode 100, available wherever you listen to podcasts

Desert Springs' Doctrinal Statement -https://www.dscchurch.com/values-beliefs

Questions or comments?
Email [email protected] 

Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We’d love it if you’d share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world. 

On today's episode Rich and Steve are diving into the crown jewel of creation - humanity. It seems as though all creation points to being a place for humanity to flourish in. How incredible to think that we as humans are made in God's image. But does being made in God's image specifically point to physical bodies? What does it mean to have a soul? Steve and Rich break down what being made in the image of God means. We were designed to be in relationship with God and in perfect community with each other but as we know the first humans fell into sin. What does this mean as far as human will? What have been the long-term effects of the fall? When thinking of these things how would we define death? Rich brings up the idea of being "born outside of the garden" as a result of the fall. Whether it is a result of personal intentional sin or not we are living daily in the effects of the first rebellion. We do know that each one of us is created in God's image and that means we are meant to be in relationship with Him. There is still hope even in spite of the fall of man. The solution is in the Gospel. Make sure you're back next week as this discussion is continued!

Desert Springs' Doctrinal Statement -https://www.dscchurch.com/values-beliefs

Questions or comments?
Email [email protected] 

Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We’d love it if you’d share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world. 

Happy Birthday to our co-host Rich! 🎉🎉 This week, Steve and Rich continue the discussion on angels and demons, mainly focusing on the characteristics of Satan. One of the major ways that Satan attacks is through lies and that can appear in a lot of different ways. We see this first in the Garden of Eden when the serpent asked, "did God really say that?" Steve points out that in Ephesians 6 when the Armor of God is discussed the first thing believers are told to put on is the belt of truth. That is crucial when it comes to avoiding the attacks of Satan. Freedom in Christ is found in the truth of God's Word and Steve encourages the memorization of the verse below. Satan is not omniscient like God, and he does not know all things like God does. Sarah points out that Satan can work in gradual ways, slowly but surely working to convince people to make decisions against God. Being grounded in the Word and Christ-centered community is key. The reality is that there is an enemy who wants us to walk in the bondage of sin. We should take our thoughts captive and healthily question if things are true. Steve reminds us that the Lord has not given us a spirit of fear and gives practical tips on how to combat thoughts that are not based in truth. Rich and Sarah both encourage the listener to be in the Word daily, to hold onto truth and fully integrate it into our daily lives. There is a lot packed into these 25 minutes! 

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NASB1995)

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis - https://www.amazon.com/Screwtape-Letters-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060652934/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2A7TJYJGJOALL&keywords=the+screwtape+letters+by+c.s.+lewis&qid=1706136855&sprefix=the+scr%2Caps%2C197&sr=8-1

The Battle for the Mind: A Subtle Warfare - https://www.amazon.com/Battle-Mind-Subtle-Warfare/dp/0800750438/ref=sr_1_7?crid=39AG3LZ4JZYGI&keywords=the+battle+for+the+mind&qid=1706137754&sprefix=the+battle+for+the+mind%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-7

The Bondage Breaker by Neil T. Anderson - https://www.amazon.com/Bondage-Breaker®-Overcoming-Negative-Irrational/dp/0736975918/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CDN6YBCQU417&keywords=the+bondage+breaker+by+neil+t+anderson&qid=1706461855&sprefix=the+bondage+breaker+by+neil+t+anderson%2Caps%2C117&sr=8-1

Desert Springs' Doctrinal Statement -https://www.dscchurch.com/values-beliefs

Questions or comments?
Email [email protected] 

Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We’d love it if you’d share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

This week on Resident Strangers Steve and Rich open a discussion about angelology - angels and demons. Unfortunately, most Christians get their understanding of these topics from culture. However, Rich does point out that when it comes to studying angels and demons in the Bible, we don't have many passages that are super clear. Though there can be important things to learn from studying angelology it really isn't our central focus - knowing and living like Jesus is. When were angels created? When people die do they become angels? What is the life and purpose of an angel? Are angels and demons still being created? How does Satan's rebellion fit into all of this? What exactly is a demon? These questions are addressed and answered in less than 25 minutes! Make sure you come back next week as this discussion continues!

Angels Elect & Evil by C. Fred Dickason - https://www.amazon.com/Angels-Elect-Evil-Fred-Dickason/dp/080240734X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=QGDTOLS4MYRE&keywords=angels+elect+and+evil+c.+fred+dickason+revised&qid=1705611010&sprefix=angels+ele%2Caps%2C130&sr=8-1

Desert Springs' Doctrinal Statement -https://www.dscchurch.com/values-beliefs

Questions or comments?
Email [email protected] 

Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We’d love it if you’d share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

Steve and Rich continue last week's discussion on eschatology, the rapture, the Millennial Kingdom and Jesus' return. If you didn't listen to last week's episode, we would highly recommend that you do that before diving into this week's conversation as there is a lot of context you'll need. Today's episode starts with Sarah sharing a cringey story from 8th grade, but we promise it leads into what is discussed. Rich points us to the end of 1 Thessalonians 4 as to where to get an understanding of the rapture. The rapture is the God caused removal of the Church from the world. Rich and Steve both believe that this will occur before the tribulation and before the millennial reign of Christ. Steve points us to John 14 where Jesus says He is preparing a place for those who believe and will receive them. The truth is that there is not one singular passage that would give definitive answers as to when this all takes place - though there are scriptures that support the views presented. Steve and Rich explain why they hold to the premillennial view, highlighting that the tribulation is not about purifying the church. There are multiple places in the New Testament where the church is promised that it will not see the wrath of God. A lot of scripture is presented to support the premillennial/pre-tribulation rapture view! Steve points out that Paul calls the rapture the "blessed hope" and what that means for the views discussed. Rich brings up the idea of the picture of a wedding and marriage and how that applies to the occurence of the rapture. This and a whole lot more is brought up in this conversation!      

Spark notes for three different views on the rapture discussed: 

Pre-tribulation rapture - Jesus returns for the church prior to the tribulation 

Mid-tribulation rapture - believers go through about 3.5 years of the tribulation with the calling of the Two Witnesses being considered the midpoint (can also be called pre-wrath)

Post-tribulation rapture - believers go through the entire time of the tribulation and the resurrection and rapture are combined as Jesus returns

Desert Springs' Doctrinal Statement -https://www.dscchurch.com/values-beliefs

DSCC Fall 2023 sermons on Revelation - https://dscchurch.churchcenter.com/channels/17606/episodes

Questions or comments?
Email [email protected] 

Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We’d love it if you’d share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.