Summary: this episode of the Revenant Living Podcast, Ben Sims engages in a profound conversation with his father, Dave Sims, and Gary Franklin, the lead pastor at Grace Church. They explore the complexities of navigating faith in a rapidly changing political landscape, emphasizing the importance of keeping faith above politics. The discussion delves into personal testimonies, the emotional responses of congregants to political events, and the necessity of unlearning ingrained beliefs to foster a deeper understanding of discipleship. The conversation culminates in the call for Christians to act as ambassadors for Christ, building relationships across political divides and embodying the values of the Kingdom of God.

takeaways

• Navigating faith in a changing culture is essential for Christians.
• The Kingdom of God transcends political ideologies.
• Emotional responses to politics can challenge faith.
• Unlearning ingrained beliefs is crucial for spiritual growth.
• Being an ambassador for Christ means prioritizing faith over politics.
• Building relationships across political divides fosters understanding.
• Compassion for the marginalized is a biblical mandate.
• Church leaders must model a calm and peaceful presence.
• Discipleship involves listening to people's hopes and fears.
• The church must adapt to the changing landscape of media and information.

Chapters

00:00Navigating Faith and Politics

01:49Personal Testimonies and Backgrounds

02:42The Evolution of Political Perspectives

04:55The Role of the Church in Political Discourse

07:06Emotional Responses to Politics

09:13Kingdom Values vs. Political Ideologies

11:15Challenges in Shepherding a Diverse Congregation

13:31Unlearning and Relearning in Faith

15:59The Impact of Social Media on Beliefs

29:32The Impact of Social Media on Church Dynamics

34:46Navigating the Role of the Church in a Media-Saturated World

37:10Understanding Our Role as Ambassadors of Christ

44:07Building Relationships Across Political Divides

47:09Resources for Unlearning and Growing in Faith

54:37Politics outro

55:22New Chapter

takeaways

• Michael's journey illustrates the power of resilience and transformation.
• Early childhood trauma can have lasting effects on mental health.
• Military service can lead to profound spiritual awakenings.
• Addiction often masks deeper emotional and psychological issues.
• Seeking help is a crucial step in the healing process.
• Faith can be a transformative force in overcoming struggles.
• Building a supportive community is essential for recovery.
• The Freedom Fighter Foundation provides vital support for veterans.
• Grief is a natural response to loss and should be processed healthily.
• Resources and mentorship can guide individuals toward healing.

summary In this episode of the Revenant Living Podcast, Michael shares his powerful story of resilience and transformation, detailing his journey from a troubled childhood and military service to overcoming addiction and finding faith. He discusses the impact of his experiences on his mental health, the importance of seeking help, and how he has rebuilt his life and family. Michael also highlights the mission of the Freedom Fighter Foundation, which supports veterans and their families in overcoming unseen wounds. Through his testimony, he emphasizes the significance of community, faith, and the healing process in achieving lasting change.

Book Recommendations:

• From Combat to Christ: A Journey of Transformation
• Healing Through Faith: Michael's Story

Sound Bites

• "No one is too far from grace."
• "I was a man of my word."
• "I was a sobbing mess."

Chapters

00:00From Struggles to Strength: Michael's Journey

10:52The Turning Point: Finding God in Darkness

21:18Transformation Through Faith: A New Beginning

28:35Living for a Purpose: Helping Others Heal

34:58Navigating Grief and Loss

43:52Transformation and Redemption

53:08Mission of the Freedom Fighter Foundation

01:04:12The Power of Testimony and Grace

01:04:48New Chapter

01:04:53The Call to Share Your Story

01:05:21Building a Movement of Faith

In this episode of the Revenant Living Podcast, Ben Sims engages in a deep conversation with Robert Tippett about the journey of faith, the role of men in the community, and the mission of Marked Men for Christ. They explore personal testimonies, the importance of accountability, and the transformative power of faith. The discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding one's calling and the impact of relationships, particularly in marriage. Through shared experiences, they encourage listeners to embrace their faith and support one another in their spiritual journeys.

Takeaways

• Your story could inspire others to take their next step in faith.
• Faith is a continuous journey, not a one-time event.
• Jesus meets us in our struggles and low points.
• Understanding our purpose and calling is essential for growth.
• The mission of Marked Men for Christ is to strengthen men for Jesus.
• Identifying our God-given gifts is crucial for fulfilling our calling.
• Transformation is a key aspect of our spiritual journey.
• Community and accountability are vital for spiritual growth.
• Marriage plays a significant role in our calling and faith journey.
• We must redeem our roles as men in today's culture.

Sound Bites

• "Faith is not a one-time event."
• "Stronger men for Jesus is our mission."
• "We need to redeem our roles as men."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Robert Tippett and His Journey

01:46Faith and Early Life Experiences

05:31Influences and Mentorship in Faith

10:09The Importance of Community and Theology

15:38Understanding Calling and Commitment

18:27Navigating Time and God's Timing

30:14Journey of Faith and Purpose

37:38The Mission of Marked Men for Christ

42:40The Role of Marriage in Spiritual Growth

48:48Cultural Expectations and Masculinity

55:52Books and Resources for Spiritual Transformation

01:00:21The Journey of Marked Men for Christ

Marked Men For Christ: https://www.markedmenforchrist.org/

Email Rob at [email protected]

Book Recommendation:

Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard https://dwillard.org/resources/books/renovation-of-the-heart

Be Strong, by Steven Spicer: https://www.markedmenforchrist.org/product/be-strong-the-making-of-a-marked-man-by-steve-spicer/

Seven Daily Choices by Dow Tippett: https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Choices-Sustain-Thriving-Together/dp/164085438X

In this conversation, Chris Plekenpol shares his journey of faith, military experience, and transition into ministry. He discusses the importance of hardship in personal growth, the role of family and marriage, and the transformative power of prayer. Chris emphasizes the significance of submission and accountability in spiritual life, highlighting how these elements contribute to a deeper relationship with God and effective leadership.

In this episode of the Revenant Living Podcast, host Ben Sims welcomes Matthew McQuinn, who shares his faith journey, military background, and involvement in the Officer Christian Fellowship (OCF). Matthew discusses the importance of lifestyle evangelism, mentorship, and the challenges of navigating cultural norms within the church. He emphasizes the significance of discipleship in the military and the need for a strong Christian community to support service members in their faith journey. In this conversation, Ben Sims discusses the importance of waiting until marriage for a fulfilling relationship, the challenges of cultural influences on faith, and the significance of discipleship in parenting. He emphasizes the need for a biblical worldview when engaging with culture and shares insights on raising children in faith. Additionally, he provides resources for spiritual growth and the importance of community in a believer's life.

Summary

In this conversation, Ben Sims interviews Rick McGinnis, the lead pastor at Hope Church, who shares his journey from a secular career to church leadership. He discusses the importance of community engagement, the seeker-sensitive church movement, and the challenges of church planting and merging congregations. The conversation delves into the theme of anger as addressed in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing personal responsibility and the need for maturity in handling emotions. Rick reflects on his experiences and the lessons learned throughout his ministry, highlighting the significance of understanding one's identity in Christ beyond worldly affiliations. In this conversation, Ben Sims explores the complexities of anger, sadness, and the process of healing through lament and forgiveness. He discusses the cultural expectations surrounding masculinity and emotional expression, the challenges of navigating anger towards God, and the importance of stillness and reflection in spiritual growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for tools and practices that facilitate emotional health and deeper understanding of oneself and one's relationship with God.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rick McGinnis and His Journey

09:54 Transitioning to Church Planting and Merging Churches

10:40 The Seeker Sensitive Church Movement

14:48 Exploring Anger in the Sermon on the Mount

24:09 Responsibility in Handling Anger

30:45 Understanding Anger and Sadness

34:09 Navigating Anger Towards God

37:56 The Process of Lament and Healing

40:49 The Importance of Stillness and Reflection

52:52 Tools for Forgiveness and Understanding

In this episode, Ryan Walla shares his journey from committing his life to Christ, marriage, Parenting, and pursuit of God led him to start Next Level Man.

We cover a mirade of topics in this episode from the importance of mentorship to the transformation that comes from pursuing God.

Ryan and I dive into the importance of internalizing scripture, combatting sin, and living in freedom rather than fear.

We also explore God’s unconditional love and acceptance through all seasons of our life.

Finally, Ryan shares how listeners can get involved with Next Level Man.

The Next Level Man website https://thenextlevelman.com/movement

Takeaways

• Mentorship and leadership are crucial for personal growth and development.
• Self-value and permission to live the desired life are essential for achieving goals.
• The power of words can shape our thoughts and actions.
• Transitioning from a victim mentality to a creator mentality empowers individuals to take control of their lives. Internalizing scripture allows us to overcome sin and live in freedom.
• God's love is unconditional and accepting, even when we hide or feel ashamed.
• Awareness is the first step towards transformation and a deeper understanding of ourselves.
• The power of vocabulary can shape our self-perception and help us align with God's perspective.
• Next Level Man offers resources and support for men seeking personal growth and connection.

In this episode, I dive into a challenging topic with Alex Berner. Alex opens up about his journey with Christ, and how God started moving in his life in high school.

We explore a few mountains God has walked with him over - primarily around sexual addiction.

Alex’s struggle with sexual addiction crippled his old way of living, and he elaborates on the conflict he experienced with the church's teachings on sexuality. We dive into his experience in rehab and the importance community played in his recovery. Lastly, we discuss how coming out of rehab, Alex continues to see new areas God is refining in his life.

Takeaways

• Honesty and vulnerability are crucial in the journey of recovery from addiction.
• Breaking denial structures and seeking community support are essential for healing.
• Marriage is not a solution to sexual addiction, but open communication and trust are vital in a healthy relationship.
• Recovery is an ongoing process, and new challenges may arise, but with God's help, it is possible to find healing and freedom. Be honest in your marriage but do not burden your spouse with your struggles. Seek support from a group of safe individuals who can understand and guide you.
• Pure Desire offers resources and programs for those struggling with sexual addiction. They provide online groups and in-person groups led by trained leaders.
• Develop a spiritual practice of getting to know God as a loving father. Spend time with Him to understand His character and His love for you.

In this episode, Ben Sims interviews his parents, Dave and Traci Sims, who are counselors with Image Bearers Ministry. They discuss the role of medication in Christian counseling and the increase in medicated patients. They also explore different types of Christian ministry and the importance of understanding one's emotions and desires in the Christian life. The conversation highlights the need for deconstruction and rebuilding of faith, as well as the significance of spiritual habits and practices. The episode concludes with a prayer for guidance and growth in living a faithful life.

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Background

03:01Discipleship Counseling and Spiritual Direction

06:02Medication and Christian Counseling

09:08Increase in Medication and the Role of the Church

15:49Different Types of Christian Ministry

16:46Seeking Christian Counseling

17:04Different Approaches to Counseling

24:50Deconstruction and Rebuilding Faith

26:17Habits and Spiritual Practices

34:20Breaking Habits and Dependence on God

41:54Peace, Joy, Hope, and Meaning in the Christian Life

45:27Image Bearers Ministries and Contact Information

47:26Recommended Books and Spiritual Habits

53:58Closing Prayer

In this episode, I want to provide you with an outline of who we are at Revenant Living, what you can expect with the podcast, and elaborate on my testimony leading or inspiring me to establish Revenant Living.

For questions or reaching out to be a guest please email me at [email protected]