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Join Ray Slavens in this special 8-week series, The Story Behind The Song, as he shares the inspiration, Scripture, and life lessons behind some of the original songs he has been blessed to write.

Each episode takes listeners beyond the lyrics and into the stories that shaped them, from family legacies and personal faith journeys to seasons of struggle, redemption, hope, and God's unfailing grace.

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Life can be hard.

The pressures of work, family, finances, health, relationships, and simply trying to keep up can leave us exhausted and wondering if we’re doing something wrong.

In this episode of “Jesus Never Said…”, we explore one of the biggest misconceptions in modern Christianity: the belief that following Jesus should make life easier.

The reality is that Jesus never promised an easy life. In fact, He told His followers they would face trouble. But He also promised something far greater—His presence, His peace, and the hope of eternity.

This world is not our final home.

And while the journey may not always be easy, it is filled with purpose.

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“God helps those who help themselves.”

It’s another common phrases people associate with the Bible, but Jesus never actually said it.

In this episode of “Jesus Never Said…”, we discuss the difference between self-sufficiency and dependence on God.

We also explore how modern culture pushes people toward self-reliance while Scripture continually points us toward grace, humility, and trust in God.

The reality is:
 👉 Jesus never taught people to depend on themselves.
 👉 He taught people to follow Him.

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“Money is the root of all evil.”

It’s one of the most repeated phrases connected to Christianity but it’s not actually what Scripture says.

In this episode of “Jesus Never Said…”, we unpack what the Bible really teaches about money, greed, contentment, and the condition of the human heart.

Because the issue was never money itself.  The issue is what we love… trust… and worship.

And in a culture constantly pushing us toward “more,” this episode challenges us to honestly ask: What is really controlling my heart?

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“Just follow your heart.”

It’s one of the most common pieces of advice in culture today but Jesus never actually said it.  In this first episode of our new series, “Jesus Never Said…”, we unpack the decision between following our feelings and following Christ.

Culture tells us: trust yourself, live your truth, do what feels right.

But Jesus taught something very different:
 👉 “Follow Me.”
 👉 “Deny yourself.”
 👉 “Trust in the Lord.”

The reality is: Feelings are real… but they were never meant to lead your life.  Because sometimes what feels right, still leads in the wrong direction.

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What does it actually mean to be ready for Jesus’ return?

In the final episode of our series “The Kingdom of Heaven is like…”, we unpack one of Jesus’ most sobering parables—the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1–13.

All ten looked prepared.  All ten were waiting.  All ten had lamps.

But only some were truly ready.

In this conversation, we discuss:

•  The context of Matthew 25 and why Jesus told this parable 
•  Why the bridegroom’s delay reflects the waiting for Christ’s return 
•  The significance of the oil and the difference between appearance and preparation 
•  What Jesus meant when He said, “I don’t know you” 
•  Why readiness cannot be borrowed from someone else 
•  And why Jesus warned us not to obsess over predicting dates, but to live prepared 

The question is not “When?” but “Am I ready?”

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In week three of our series “The Kingdom of Heaven is like…”, we dive into the wheat and the weeds (Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43).

At first glance, it raises a difficult question: If good seed was planted… where did the weeds come from?

Jesus doesn’t avoid the tension, he explains it.

In this episode, we break down:

•  Why this parable is about the world 
•  The reality of both good and evil growing side by side 
•  The role of the enemy and why that matters 
•  Why God doesn’t remove evil immediately 
•  And what our role actually is in the middle of it 

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What would you give up… if you truly understood what you’ve found?

In week two of our series “The Kingdom of Heaven is like…”, we look at two of Jesus’ shortest—but most challenging—parables: the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44–46).

In both stories, the response is the same: everything is given up… for one thing.

Why?

Because when the value becomes clear, the decision becomes obvious.

In this episode, we unpack:

•  What Jesus means by “the kingdom of heaven” 
•  Why the treasure is hidden—and why so many miss it 
•  How Christ Himself is the true treasure 
•  And how our lives reveal what we actually value 

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What if the most powerful work God is doing in your life… looks small?

In this first episode of our new series, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like…”, we unpack two of Jesus’ simplest—but most overlooked—parables: the mustard seed and the yeast.

Jesus doesn’t describe the kingdom with something big, loud, or impressive.
 He points to something tiny.
 Something hidden.
 Something easy to miss.

And that’s the point.

The kingdom of heaven isn’t just a future destination—it’s God’s rule and reign at work right now. And more often than not, it shows up in ways we don’t expect.

If you’ve ever felt like your faith is small, your progress is slow, or nothing is really changing… this episode is for you.

Because the kingdom of heaven is like… something small that changes everything.

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Over the past few weeks, we’ve sat in awe listening to real stories from Joe, Cierra, and Cody, each one a powerful reminder that God is still working, still restoring, and still transforming lives today.

But this week, we take a step back and ask a deeper question:

Why does our testimony matter so much?

In this episode, Ray and Isaac walk through Mark 5:1–20....the story of the man delivered from a legion of demons and the moment Jesus gives him one simple command:

“Go home… and tell them how much the Lord has done for you.”

Together, we unpack:

•  Why your testimony is evidence of God’s power 
•  Why Jesus often sends us back to the very places we came from 
•  Why your story isn’t about perfection—but about His mercy 

If you’ve ever felt like your story isn’t enough… or you’ve hesitated to share it… this conversation is for you.

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