Resident Strangers

The Resident Strangers crew is back from spring break and excited to jump back into conversations on topics that matter today! Over the next two weeks, Steve, Rich, and Sarah will be talking about missions.

Rich kicks things off with an important question: Why should followers of Christ engage in mission work at all? The answer becomes clear when we look at the Great Commission: Jesus’ final instruction to His followers to go into the world and make disciples.

Steve quickly points out that missions isn’t limited to being “somewhere overseas.” Every follower of Christ is called to live on mission right where they are. When we think of missions only as something that happens “over there,” we can easily miss the calling God has placed right in front of us. Missions isn’t simply a trip we take, it’s a way of life.

Serving others with a genuine heart is one of the most powerful ways to minister to people. In the conversation, Steve also addresses some of the questions and controversies that can surround intentional mission work.

We hope this discussion offers a fresh perspective and encourages you to live on mission today!

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If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world. 

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Questions or comments? Email [email protected] 

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world. 

Steve is back this week as the Resident Strangers crew wraps up their final conversation on Mormonism (for now 😉). They take time to respond to listener questions like: Why not host a debate with a practicing Mormon? And why can’t people just choose whatever they want to believe?

You’ll also hear Steve share his reflections on the series and offer practical ways believers can take what they’ve learned and live it out in everyday life.

We hope this mini-series has been both insightful and encouraging as you think about how to engage with Mormons in your own life. And let us know — what worldview should we explore next?

Resources on Mormonism Robby recommends:

Mormonism Research Ministry

Mormonism 101 by Bill McKeever & Eric Johnson

Sharing the Good News with Mormons by Eric Johnson & Sean McDowell

Tri Grace Ministries

Witness to Mormons in Love by Daniel G. Thompson

Check out all 195 episodes of Christ, Culture & Coffee wherever you listen to podcasts

*Episodes 3, 30, 32, 42, 58 & 139 cover topics related to Mormonism

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

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Questions or comments? Email [email protected] 

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world. 

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Questions or comments? Email [email protected] 

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world. 

You don’t have to travel across the world to encounter worldviews that challenge Christianity. You can find them right in your own community.

Sarah and Rich sit down again with special guest Robby Lashua, and he kicks things off by sharing why he’s so passionate about apologetics today. As a young boy, Robby wrestled deeply with questions about faith, and one truth shaped his journey: if God is real, He’s big enough to be examined and questioned.

This week, Robby helps unpack what Mormons believe about God and Jesus and why those beliefs are fundamentally different from historic Christianity. He explains how Mormonism teaches a polytheistic view, including the idea that Jesus was not always God but became God, and that humans can one day become gods themselves through obedience and effort. He also breaks down the Mormon view of salvation, which includes multiple levels of heaven based on personal merit, as well as their understanding of hell, family relationships in eternity, and why these beliefs can make it especially difficult for someone to leave the Mormon faith.

Robby also briefly touches on the history of polygamy and how Mormon theology is ultimately male centric.

At the heart of it all is a simple reminder: it’s so important to know what you believe and why, so you can engage thoughtfully and lovingly with people who see the world differently. And the good news? You don’t need multiple degrees to do that.

Resources on Mormonism Robby recommends:

Mormonism Research Ministry

Mormonism 101 by Bill McKeever & Eric Johnson

Sharing the Good News with Mormons by Eric Johnson & Sean McDowell

Tri Grace Ministries

Witness to Mormons in Love by Daniel G. Thompson

Check out all 195 episodes of Christ, Culture & Coffee wherever you listen to podcasts

*Episodes 3, 30, 32, 42, 58 & 139 cover topics related to Mormonism

Sign up for the Resident Strangers email list

Email [email protected] 

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world. 

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

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Questions or comments? Email [email protected] 

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world. 

Are Christians and Mormons essentially the same? Robby Lashua joins Sarah and Rich for a focused and insightful conversation on Mormonism. Robby, a longtime friend with a background in apologetics and the Lead Pastor of Palmcroft Church in Phoenix, brings years of knowledge and firsthand experience from living in a region where interactions with Mormons are common.

As Mormonism becomes more visible in culture through media, politics, and social platforms it can seem like Mormons and Christians believe the same things, especially since similar language is often used. But as Robby explains, while there may be moral similarities, the theological differences are extremely significant.

The conversation explores the origins of Mormonism, including Joseph Smith’s claimed vision in the 1800s, the role of the Book of Mormon, and why many followers are unfamiliar with what their own writings teach. This episode is packed with tons of important information, so be sure to listen and come back next week as the deep dive continues!

Check out all 195 episodes of Christ, Culture & Coffee wherever you listen to podcasts — Episodes 3, 30, 32, 42, 58 & 139 cover topics related to Mormonism

Palmcroft Church

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Questions or comments? Email [email protected] 

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world. 

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

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Questions or comments? Email [email protected] 

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world. 

Last week, Steve and Rich clarified which parts of Scripture are considered doctrine. This week, they explore what it looks like when a follower of Christ feels convicted to observe Old Hebrew practices. Steve introduces this as the Hebrew Roots Movement, which teaches that modern Christianity has drifted from Jesus’ original teachings and that the Torah should be restored to prominence. This can include rejecting Christian holidays, observing ceremonial laws, and using original Hebrew names for God.

They note that many drawn to this movement are seeking deeper meaning or “greater knowledge,” especially in response to areas where Christianity can feel superficial. While not everyone involved is part of a cult, Steve and Rich explain that the movement can create a pathway toward legalism, pride, and spiritual elitism. They also clarify that the Hebrew Roots Movement is distinct from Messianic Judaism and Black Hebrew Israelite beliefs.

The discussion highlights 1 John 3 as a key passage often used to support these views, particularly the phrase “lawlessness is sin,” which some interpret as a call to follow Old Testament law. Steve and Rich point out how this and other scriptures can be taken out of context, leading to misunderstandings about salvation in Christ. They close by offering practical wisdom for having loving, thoughtful conversations with someone who may be heading in this direction.

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If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world. 

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Questions or comments? Email [email protected] 

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world. 

Many Christians don’t have a parapet on their roof does that mean they aren’t following God’s leading for daily life? Questions like this highlight a larger conversation about how Scripture should be interpreted. One way this tension shows up is in how some people latch onto specific teachings, particularly from the Old Testament, and apply them directly to modern life. 

In this conversation, Rich and Steve explore how to discern what should be considered binding doctrine within Scripture. Steve begins by affirming that the Bible is fully God’s Word; while also clarifying that not everything recorded in Scripture is intended to be a direct instruction for everyday life. For example, biblical stories and narratives are deeply meaningful and instructive, but they are not always meant to function as rules to be followed.

Rich cautions against cherry-picking certain passages or practices simply because they appear in Scripture. Instead, believers must wrestle with an important question: how do we distinguish what was written for a specific time and place from what is meant for today? Understanding context is absolutely essential.

The Old Testament remains relevant and valuable, but applying it wisely requires careful attention to its historical, cultural, and theological context. Next week, we’ll dig even deeper into these questions as we discuss the Hebrew Roots Movement. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it!

Check out two previous episodes on how to study the Bible — Resident Strangers Episodes 51 + 52 (audio only)

Halley's Bible Handbook

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If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world. 

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Questions or comments? Email [email protected] 

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world. 

This week’s episode continues last week’s conversation by asking how a God who shows wrath can also show such deep grace between the Old and New Testament. Steve challenges the idea that the Old and New Testaments present different versions of God, noting that both wrath and grace are found in each. One key difference is focus. The New Testament centers on individuals and how they are called to live like Christ, while the Old Testament often addresses nations as a whole. Comparing the two isn’t always fair, since God may call nations and individuals to very different things.

Rich points out that God’s people once formed a literal nation, while today the Kingdom of God is made up of believers spread across the world. Steve adds important context to some of the larger Old Testament conquests that can be difficult to understand. As discussed last week, Jesus bridges the gap between the Old and New Testaments, continuing the same story rather than starting a new one. When Jesus says, “If you’ve seen me, you’ve seen the Father,” that includes the God of the Old Testament. Ultimately, the message remains the same: today is the day of salvation, and we still need God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

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Questions or comments? Email [email protected] 

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world. 

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Questions or comments? Email [email protected] 

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world. 

It’s Tuesday again, which means a new episode of Resident Strangers is here! This week is exciting as the crew begins digging into listener-submitted questions and suggestions. Over the next two episodes, we’re diving into a big one: Is the God of the Old Testament different from the God of the New Testament? Some see stark differences between the two, while others believe God has always been the same.

Steve points out that this question isn’t new as it goes back centuries. Rich helps unpack the historical context, showing how these early debates emerged not long after Jesus walked the earth and even influenced how the Bible was formed and which writings were included. Much of the tension centers on the wrath we see throughout the Old Testament. Steve offers a thoughtful counterpoint, highlighting the abundance of grace found there as well and how the New Testament continues to reveal the same God. Jesus’ own teachings affirm this truth. After all, grace and mercy only make sense when justice exists too. This conversation offers a fresh and challenging perspective and it’s only part one! Be sure to come back next week as the discussion continues.

Resident Strangers Episode 88 on Deconstruction

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If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world. 

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Questions or comments? Email [email protected] 

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world. 

Happy New Year and welcome back to Resident Strangers!

A new year naturally invites reflection and a longing for something new. Steve opens the conversation by emphasizing the importance of spiritual self-examination, reminding us how easy it is to let life simply happen to us rather than living with intention. He points to 1 Kings 19, where God asks Elijah, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” This is a question that can still challenge us today.

Rich agrees, sharing how vital it is to be intentional as life unfolds. He even reflects on how, before recording this episode, he asked God to help clear away distractions as he steps into the new year. Together, they talk about the importance of recognizing changing seasons, being mindful of what God has already done and attentive to what He may be preparing to do next. Perhaps the focus shouldn’t be so much on the end goal, but on faithfully taking the steps along the way.

This conversation is full of thoughtful insight as we begin a new year. Be sure to join us next week as we dive into the discussion of the God of the Old and New Testament.

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Questions or comments? Email [email protected] 

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world. 

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Questions or comments? Email [email protected] 

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world. 

Merry Christmas from Resident Strangers! This is our final episode of 2025, but don’t worry, Steve, Rich, and Sarah are already working on and planning great conversations for January and the start of 2026.

The crew kicks things off with Christmas excitement (and, of course, a little friendly teasing of Rich, longtime listeners know why! 🎄). In the middle of the laughter, Steve offers some timely pastoral wisdom: don’t miss the season you’re in. It’s easy to get lost in nostalgia or jump ahead to future holidays and completely overlook what God is doing right now.

Rich reflects on what it must have been like for God’s people waiting for the Messiah. expecting political upheaval yet receiving a baby in a manger. It’s a reminder that God still works in surprising ways, often in places we least expect. It’s an encouraging conversation to close out the year!

Resident Strangers will be on break until January 6, 2026. In the meantime, catch up on any episodes you missed and don’t forget you can watch on YouTube! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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Questions or comments? Email [email protected] 

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again on January 6th as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world. 

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Questions or comments? Email [email protected] 

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.