What does it look like for us to deny ourselves and devote ourselves to Yeshua’s global mission? As disciples of Yeshua, we are called to live missionally in whatever context God places us in. For some of us, that may involve relocating to a place where deep human need can connect with God’s transforming love.

In this episode we are joined by Joshua and Diana Núñez, who share their story of how God led them and their four children to leave their comfortable life in the United States and serve as missionaries in southern Mexico. This work comes with many challenges, but God’s love and grace are always sufficient.

Feel free to send us feedback about this podcast. You can also subscribe to this podcast here.

The post Missions in Southern Mexico: A Conversation with the Núñez Family appeared first on Segullah.

For much of its history, mainstream Christianity has assumed that the Torah (Law), or at least parts of it, no longer apply to followers of Jesus. Yet today, a growing number of Christians are embracing the Jewish roots of their faith and adopting the observance of Old Testament commandments. In this episode, Ben and Daria share their own experiences and attempt to dispel common misunderstandings about keeping Torah. Torah is not a burden, but a delight, and a wonderful part of our discipleship to the Messiah.

This episode is based on an article we previously posted on Segullah. You can access the original article at the following link: http://www.segullah.net/five-reasons-keep-torah/

The post Why We Keep Torah appeared first on Segullah.

This podcast episode continues our conversation on the topic of conspiracy theories. In the previous episode, Ben and Daria sought to disentangle the subject from its political baggage and discern the psychological factors behind belief in conspiracy theories. This episode moves the conversation forward by first discussing a few legitimate examples of governments attempting to conceal information from their citizens. Next, we examine some of the dangers that an obsession with conspiracy theories can lead to. What should be our stance as believers toward all this?

The point is not that we should naïvely accept everything from “mainstream” media. But neither is it healthy to be gullible about non-mainstream sources. More to the point, it is so easy to become distracted from that which should be our true focus as believers: Yeshua and his mission. Ultimately our identity must be only in him.

Feel free to send us feedback about this podcast. You can also subscribe to this podcast here

The post Conspiracy Theories part 2: Potential Pitfalls to Avoid appeared first on Segullah.

The term “conspiracy theory” has become a buzzword these days. At least in popular conception, it seems that belief in conspiracy theories is on the rise. More and more people are rejecting mainstream narratives and turning to alternative explanations for current events. But at the same time, the term has also become a political weapon. Those who wish to discredit the views of someone else often simply dismiss them as a “conspiracy theory.”

This podcast episode is the first of two parts on this topic. Join Ben and Daria as they discuss some of the following issues: What exactly is a conspiracy theory? Is it true that only right-wing conservatives believe in conspiracy theories? How do we discern truth from falsehood? What motivates people to embrace such theories? As it turns out, belief in conspiracies fills some fundamental psychological needs that we have as humans, but not necessarily in a healthy way. Recognizing this can help us better navigate this polarizing subject.

Click here to send us feedback, Click here to subscribe to this podcast.

The post Conspiracy Theories part 1: The Psychology of a Conspiracy Theory appeared first on Segullah.

Since last March, the world as we know it has drastically changed. COVID-19 has unsettled humanity in profound ways, revealing our insecurities and anxieties. One symptom of our society’s chronic anxiety is the hostile polarization that dominates social media. In a world like this, how can believers make a difference?

In this podcast episode, Ben and Daria discuss the various reactions to the COVID-19 crisis, ranging from fear of the virus to fear of the government. It is helpful to contrast all these responses with the approach taken by the psalmist in Psalm 46. Even in the midst of global chaos, God’s people are called to a categorically different response. As believers, we are called to be a non-anxious presence in trying times, and only this can enable us to avoid the anger and confusion and reach out in love to those around us.

Feel free to send us feedback about this podcast. You can also subscribe to this podcast here.

The post COVID-19: Fear, Polarization, and Psalm 46 appeared first on Segullah.

Since the rise of COVID-19, homeschooling has become increasingly popular. For believers, it raises some important questions. Should all believers homeschool their children? Is homeschooling a biblical commandment? What are the right and wrong reasons for homeschooling?

In this podcast episode, Ben and Daria discuss their reasons for homeschooling. As believers, there are both academic and Spiritual benefits to educating our children at home. There is also a variety of motivations for homeschooling, and it is important that we prioritize the right reasons.

Feel free to send us feedback about this podcast. You can also subscribe to this podcast here.

The post Why We Homeschool appeared first on Segullah.

We are all different, but there is an art to being good at it. In part 1 of this conversation, we looked at what it means to be different in a healthy way, avoiding the two extremes of compromise and cutoff. This episode continues that discussion.

We as humans have a drive for both togetherness and individuality. We want to be connected to others, but we also feel the need to be distinct. The more mature we are, the better we can navigate those two impulses. In the Body of Messiah, our congregations would be much healthier if we all felt free to define ourselves without seeing the need to define everyone else.

Feel free to send us feedback about this podcast. You can also subscribe to this podcast here.

The post The Art of Being Different – part 2 appeared first on Segullah.

Differences are inevitable. Whether in a faith community, a workplace, or even a family, we are constantly having to interact with people who have different opinions and values than we do. The question is, how can we navigate these differences in a healthy way? How can we be good at being different?

This podcast episode builds off of our earlier conversation about relational maturity. There is an art to being different that avoids the two extremes of compromise and cutoff. By managing the tensions that differences create, it is possible to remain connected with others in a healthy way without becoming emotional or reactionary.

This episode is part 1 of the discussion. Stay tuned for part 2!

Feel free to send us feedback about this podcast. You can also subscribe to this podcast here.

The post The Art of Being Different – part 1 appeared first on Segullah.

In part one of this discussion, the guys talked about why finances are an important part of discipleship. God has called us to be good stewards of the resources He entrusts in our care. Yet it seems that we as believers easily fall into one of two extremes regarding money: prosperity gospel or poverty gospel. Being good stewards means avoiding both extremes.

In this episode, the guys discuss five principles related to good financial stewardship:

Ultimately it is vital that our sense of “financial peace” come from God alone. All that we have belongs to Him, and we are just stewards. Recognizing this enables us to live in true contentment.

I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11–13)

Feel free to send us feedback about this podcast. You can also subscribe to this podcast here.

The post Stewarding Kingdom Resources – part 2 appeared first on Segullah.

What do finances have to do with discipleship? A lot, actually. Money is one of the primary resources that God entrusts to our care, alongside time and giftings/abilities. As followers of Yeshua, we are called to be wise stewards of God’s resources.

In this podcast episode, the guys talk about what it means to steward Kingdom resources. There are some pitfalls that we need to avoid when it comes to talking about money in a spiritual context. The topic of finances is surprisingly emotional for us as humans, and it affects our relationship with God and with others.

Feel free to send us feedback about this podcast. You can also subscribe to this podcast here.

The post Stewarding Kingdom Resources – part 1 appeared first on Segullah.