Shepherd Press Podcast

In this episode of the Shepherd Press Podcast, host Anthony Russo welcomes John Temple to discuss his book 'Help. I'm Drowning in Debt.' John Temple shares his background, having grown up in South Africa and built a successful business career, and his commitment to applying biblical principles to everyday life, including finances. Temple provides practical advice on managing debt, the pitfalls of borrowing, and the importance of financial prudence and biblical stewardship. The conversation emphasizes the need for Christians to prioritize their relationship with God over material possessions and to make financial decisions that reflect eternal values rather than conforming to a consumerist lifestyle.

00:23 Introducing John Temple

01:08 Debt Crisis in America

03:54 Government Debt vs. Personal Debt

05:36 Causes of Debt

06:45 The Influence of Consumerism

09:01 Biblical Perspective on Debt

14:53 Practical Advice on Managing Debt

19:29 The True Cost of Financing

24:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Grab a copy of our mini-book 'Help! I'm Drowning in Debt' here:

https://www.shepherdpress.com/products/help-im-drowning-in-debt/

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In this second part of our conversation about her mini-book 'Help! My Teen is Depressed,' Christine Chappell highlights the importance of open communication and establishing a healthy, Christ-centered parent-child relationship. She discusses the need for parents to listen intently to their children's struggles and compassionately address them with biblical truth. They explore the importance of shepherding your children through identity issues, grief, and fear. Anthony and Christine discuss treatment options from a biblical perspective, including the role of reliable physicians. Throughout the episode, Christine shares personal experiences from her family's journey, emphasizing the critical role of God's guidance and the value of community and church support through these challenging periods.

00:20 Challenges of Teen Depression

01:56 Building a Safe Communication Environment

06:50 Shepherding Through Fear and Anger

10:22 Addressing Identity and Grief in Teens

13:53 Exploring Treatment Options

17:18 Trusting God Through Challenging Times

20:52 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

23:58 Resources and Closing Remarks

Grab a copy of our mini-book 'Help: My Teen is Depressed' here:

https://www.shepherdpress.com/products/help-my-teen-is-depressed/

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In this episode, guest Christine Chappell, certified biblical counselor and author, talks about her mini-book, 'Help: My Teen is Depressed.' Christine shares her testimony of navigating through a child's depression, providing counsel on how to navigate the feelings of helplessness parents often face. They discuss the importance of empathy, community support, and leaning on God during these difficult times. Christine also offers practical advice on how parents can respond compassionately and faithfully to their child's struggles. The conversation highlights the significance of seeking God’s wisdom and the support of the church community while navigating the complexities of teen depression.

00:18 Meet Christine Chappell: Author and Counselor

01:51 Navigating Teen Depression as a Parent

05:09 Relying on the Lord for Wisdom

07:41 The Role of Community and Family Support

13:08 Parental Guidance and Empathy

21:57 Conclusion

Grab a copy of our mini-book 'Help: My Teen is Depressed' here:

https://www.shepherdpress.com/products/help-my-teen-is-depressed/

Follow Shepherd Press on social media for more insights:

Facebook: @shepherdpress

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In this episode host Anthony Russo welcomes author Deborah Howard for a second part of their discussion on her mini-book, 'Help! Someone I Love Has Cancer.' The conversation explores key themes from the book such as trusting God in suffering, the sovereignty of God over life and death, and finding comfort in the Gospel to face challenging times. Deborah highlights how God is soverign over sickness and health, and how He uses all suffering for His glory and our good. She also shares the cancer journey of her brother, and how his faith proves a testament to God's goodness. Deborah teases her upcoming book, 'A Quiet Confidence,' set for release in Spring 2025.

00:36 Trusting God Through Cancer

06:53 Understanding Treatment Options

10:08 The Importance of Asking the Right Questions

15:30 Respecting the Patient's Wishes

21:03 Faith in Action: Testimony of faithfulness through cancer

28:58 Final Thoughts and Resources

Grab a copy of our mini-book 'Help: Someone I Love Has Cancer' here: https://www.shepherdpress.com/products/help-someone-i-love-has-cancer/

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In this episode of the Shepherd Press Podcast, host Anthony Russo converses with Deborah Howard, a retired RN and CHPN, and author of 'Help: Someone I Love Has Cancer.' They explore cancer's nature, causes, and the journey of caregiving. Deborah shares her experience in hospice care and emphasizes the importance of educating oneself about cancer and grounding oneself in the Gospel. They also highlighted how suffering can lead to Christlikeness and bring glory to God when surrendered to Him. The conversation provides insights into how both caregivers and patients can navigate this path in a Christ-centered manner.

00:31 Meet Deborah Howard

03:47 Understanding Cancer: Causes and Misconceptions

06:00 Confronting Cancer with Knowledge and Faith

12:35 Cancer and the Christian Perspective

18:15 The Role of Faith in Facing Death

23:58 Conclusion and Next Steps

Grab a copy of our mini-book 'Help: Someone I Love Has Cancer' here: https://www.shepherdpress.com/products/help-someone-i-love-has-cancer/

Follow Shepherd Press on social media for more insights:

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In this episode of the Shepherd Press Podcast, host Anthony Russo interviews Grace Utomo, author of 'Walking with Grace: Embracing God's Goodness in Trauma.' Grace shares her journey of recovery after a severe accident and discusses how she has experienced God's goodness despite deep suffering. The conversation highlights the importance of trusting God's timing, seeking His presence daily, and relying on His strength through difficult seasons. Grace offers practical advice for others facing suffering, including praying with childlike faith, relying on God's provision day by day, and intentionally serving him through every season. She also provides important insights on how the church can help those recovering from trauma.

00:24 Meet Grace Utomo

01:29 Grace's Suffering Journey and God's Grace

04:32 Waiting on God through Unanswered Prayers

07:34 Biblical Response to Anger and Bitterness

15:13 Reflections on God's Faithfulness

21:04 Walking alongside those Experiencing Trauma

28:25 Conclusion and Resources

Grab a copy of our book "Walking with Grace: Embracing God's Goodness in Trauma": https://www.shepherdpress.com/products/walking-with-grace/

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In this episode of the Shepherd Press Podcast, Anthony Russo continues his conversation with Dr. Jim Berg, about his book 'Overcoming Your Addictions God's Way.' Dr. Berg highlights the importance of discipleship mentors in helping those struggling with addiction, and the role of the local church in the sanctification process. The episode also delves into Freedom That Lasts, a ministry founded by Dr. Berg that offers structured accountability and equips churches to help those struggling with addictions. Lastly, Dr. Berg provides various resources for both mentors and disciples.

00:15 Discussing True Recovery and Addiction

01:22 The Role of the Local Church in Recovery

06:08 Understanding Life-Dominating Sins

10:03 Freedom That Lasts Ministry

13:34 Personal Reflections and God's Calling

16:56 Conclusion and Resources

Grab a copy of our mini-book 'Overcoming Your Addiction God's Way' here: https://www.shepherdpress.com/products/overcoming-your-addiction-gods-way/

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In this episode of the Shepherd Press Podcast, host Anthony Russo welcomes Jim Berg, author of the book 'Overcoming Your Addiction God's Way: A Struggler's Guide to Freedom That Lasts.' They emphasize the nature of addiction as a heart issue, and how a relationship with God is the only path to true freedom. Jim explains the difference between physical dependence and heart dependence on substances, drawing from real-life examples and scripture passages. He also touches on how desires and lies influence addiction, and what practical, biblically-based steps individuals can take to freedom that lasts.

00:29 Meet Jim Berg: Author and Counselor

01:07 Discussing 'Overcoming Your Addiction'

03:40 Understanding Addiction

06:25 The Nature of Addiction: Physical vs. Heart Dependency

09:13 Desires and Deceptions in Addiction

15:50 Practical Applications for Everyone

19:30 Conclusion and Resources

Grab a copy of our mini-book 'Overcoming Your Addiction God's Way' here: https://www.shepherdpress.com/products/overcoming-your-addiction-gods-way/

Follow Shepherd Press on social media for more insights:

Facebook: @shepherdpress

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In this episode of the Shepherd Press Podcast, host Anthony Russo discusses the subject of trials and suffering with Joel James. They explore how Christians can be better prepared to handle hardships by developing a strong theological understanding of God's attributes—His sovereignty, wisdom, and goodness and how they shape our daily lives. Through personal anecdotes and biblical references, they address the importance of aligning one's theology with real-life challenges and offer guidance on avoiding common pitfalls like anger and denial. The episode concludes with practical advice and resources for listeners seeking to deepen their faith amid trials.

00:54 The Importance of Theology in Handling Trials

02:24 Trusting God's Attributes During Trials

08:26 Personal Application

13:02 Common Mistakes in Handling Trials

20:35 Resources and Final Thoughts

Grab a copy of our mini-book 'Help! I Can't Handle All These Trials' here: https://www.shepherdpress.com/products/help-i-cant-handle-all-these-trials/

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This episode of the Shepherd Press Podcast, hosted by Anthony Russo, features a conversation with Joel James, pastor and author. Russo and James expand on how to deal with life's trials from a biblical standpoint, centered on lessons from the book of Job. They explore the importance of understanding God's control over our difficulties, building a theology of suffering, and practical advice for enduring extended hardships. The discussion emphasizes trusting God's wisdom and sovereignty despite not always having answers to life's challenges.

00:47 Introducing Joel James

01:58 Inspiration behind the book

04:01 Theology of Suffering: Who is in Control?

08:04 Enduring Long Trials with Faith

11:37 Reasons for Suffering in the Christian Life

17:01 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Grab a copy of our mini-book 'Help! I Can't Handle All These Trials' here: https://www.shepherdpress.com/products/help-i-cant-handle-all-these-trials/

Follow Shepherd Press on social media for more insights:

Facebook: @shepherdpress

Instagram: @shepherdpressinc