Strong & Courageous

Strong & Courageous

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Strong & Courageous episodes

  • God in Everyday Life

    In this episode, I discuss the reality of God being present in our everyday lives. I look at Paul David Tripp's four primary ways that people respond to the existence of God, and how those responses shape our outlook on the everyday decisions we make. I unpack what it really means to believe in God by faith, and encourage daily tuning our hearts to the Lord in a very practical way. Give it a listen and share the podcast with others.

    50 min
  • A Story of God's Providence | Interview with Kyle Ashley

    In this episode, Eric sits down with Kyle Ashley to discuss the heart attack that Kyle experienced in 2020. During the conversation Kyle talks about what his life was like growing up, his moments of drifting away from the Lord, how God used the heart attack in his life to prioritize his faith, the reality of how quick life can end, and much more. This is a story of God's grace, providence, and sovereignty. Give this episode a listen and hear first hand from Kyle about the goodness of the Lord. Share this episode with others so that other people can be impacted by this incredible story.

    1 hr 14 min
  • The Doctrine of God: Why Your View of Him Changes Everything

    What if your view of God is too small to shape your life? Eric Croft takes a Scripture-saturated look at the doctrine of God and shows why everything depends on getting this right - from how you worship to how you handle sin, suffering, and daily obedience. Drawing from Paul David Tripp’s framework, Eric grounds the conversation in the Bible’s most essential claims: God is one, eternal, holy, just, merciful, sovereign, and completely unhidden from His creation. He walks through key passages from Exodus, Psalms, Isaiah, John, Romans, and Hebrews to show how God reveals His character, why the Trinity matters, and how the glory of God reshapes the way we understand ourselves. You’ll hear:

    • Why the Christian faith collapses if you remove its core doctrines
    • How Exodus 34 reveals both God’s compassion and His judgment
    • Why “the God of the Old Testament” and “the God of the New Testament” are not two different beings
    • What it means that God does whatever He pleases
    • How the holiness of God exposes our sin and our need for grace
    • Why Jesus is the clearest display of God’s glory and mercy

    Eric also confronts the dangerous temptation to shrink God into a more comfortable image - a “heavenly Santa Claus” who never judges sin - and explains why that distorted view leaves us unprepared for accountability, repentance, and worship. Instead, he points to the hope of the gospel: the God who is holy and just is also gracious enough to provide forgiveness through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Essential listening if you want a bigger, truer view of God and a firmer foundation for faith. This episode will challenge your assumptions, deepen your reverence, and call you back to the kind of truth that changes how you live.

    36 min
  • Scripture In Everyday Life

    In this episode, I talk about the importance of Scripture in our everyday life and how it transforms us. We live in a world that is constantly trying to redefine what God has created and declared to be true, thus we need the assurance of God's unchanging word to anchor us to his truth. Listen to this episode as I discuss Scripture being the final authority in the life of the believer, spiritual food that nourishes our soul, encouragement in times of despair, and much more. Please share the podcast, subscribe, and share your comments.

    48 min
  • Why Doctrine Matters: The Authority of Scripture

    Most Christians struggle to see how doctrine practically shapes their daily life — but what if understanding God’s truth could transform every moment?
    Renowned pastor and author Paul Tripp reveals that the core doctrines of Christianity are more than theological concepts—they are the blueprint for a life fully aligned with God's will. In this episode, we explore how the doctrine of scripture isn’t just about head knowledge; it’s designed to capture your heart, reshape your identity, and influence every decision you make, from your work to your relationships. You’ll discover why defending the purity of God's word has been a recurring theme for early church leaders and why current culture’s redefinition of truth poses a profound danger for believers. We break down how the doctrine of scripture declares God's sovereignty, authority, and the power of His Word to guide us through life's toughest questions—like why evil exists, how creation points us to the Creator, and the sufficiency of Scripture in guiding salvation. Paul Tripp, a trusted biblical counselor and speaker, emphasizes that the truths of Scripture are not only necessary for salvation but are the key to living a meaningful, obedient life today. You’ll hear why understanding that all scripture is inspired by God and authoritative is essential for safeguarding your faith against false teaching. More than just information, these doctrines are life-altering; they’re meant to transform your thoughts, actions, and even your motives at the most mundane moments.If you’ve ever wondered how biblical doctrine can be more than theological jargon—how it can be your practical guide in a confusing, ever-changing world—this episode is perfect for you. Whether you're new to faith or a seasoned believer, you’ll learn how to stand firm on God's Word, trust His promises, and live out your faith with confidence and purpose. Join us to see how the doctrines of Scripture serve as a foundation for every area of life—fuel for your daily walk, and a call to faithfully live out the truth that has the power to reconcile, renew, and restore. Don’t miss this in-depth look at why Scripture is truly life-giving, sufficient, and central to everything you believe and do.

    44 min
  • The Sovereignty of God and Becoming a Firefighter

    The sovereignty of God means that he is in complete control of all things, and that nothing happens by chance, or takes him by surprise. The same God who rules the universe is also actively involved in your everyday life whether you are aware of it or not. This has been true in my own life, and especially true in how I began my journey in the fire service. Give this episode a listen, as I discuss the sovereignty of God over all things and how he brought me into the career that I am in now.

    36 min
  • Jesus Calms a Storm | Mark 4:35-41

    Most believers are familiar with the story of Jesus calming the storm — but what if there’s a deeper message about who Jesus truly is? This episode unpacks a stunning revelation: Jesus’s divine authority over chaos, creation, and even death itself. As we explore Mark 4:35-41, you'll discover how this miracle not only shows Jesus’s mastery over nature but also confirms his identity as the Son of God, wholly human and fully divine. You’ll hear how Jesus’s sleep in the storm reveals his trust in the Father, even amid chaos, offering you a model for faith in life's fiercest storms. We break down how this story points to the broader biblical theme: Jesus’s authority over the natural world reflects his sovereignty over all creation — from demons and disease to death and chaos. His command over the sea foreshadows the complete restoration of the earth, where chaos will give way to peace, and the sea will be no more. This episode dives into powerful insights: why Jesus’s command to the storm is a declaration of divine power, how the disciples' fear reveals their struggle to understand Jesus’s true nature, and why recognizing Jesus as Lord changes everything for us today. We also confront a crucial question — who then is this Jesus? — emphasizing that acknowledging his divinity is the foundation for worship, trust, and eternal hope. Perfect for followers of Jesus, skeptics, or anyone seeking a richer understanding of the Gospel’s authority, this episode invites you to see Jesus in his true nature — sovereign over chaos, master of creation, and worthy of all worship. Whether you're facing storms or seeking reassurance, you’ll find new perspectives on faith, divine authority, and the ultimate hope of a restored world. Are you ready to see Jesus as he truly is? Hit play and experience the wonder and reverence that come with knowing the God who commands the winds and the waves — and who, in doing so, invites us into divine trust and worship.

    1 hr 1 min
  • From Betrayal to Power: What Joseph’s Journey Teaches Us About Redemption and Hope

    Joseph’s story begins in Genesis 37 with jealousy amongst his brothers that ultimately leads them to selling him into slavery, and then lying to their father about his death. Joseph experienced betrayal from his family, was lied about, and was thrown in prison for two years. However, the Lord was with Joseph and caused all that he did to prosper and succeed leading him to eventually serve under Pharaoh in the nation of Egypt. Joseph’s brothers would come and buy food from him in Egypt during a severe famine, but his identity was concealed from them. Finally, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers and they became afraid that Joseph would seek revenge on them for the evil they had done. But Joseph declared to them in Genesis 50:20, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” Joseph is ultimately a picture of Christ and how he provides salvation for those who are in desperate need of redemption.

    54 min
  • Finding Hope In A Broken World

    It is no secret the world we live in is broken and in need of restoration. The Christian worldview tells us how the brokenness entered the word, but more importantly it tells us of the hope we can have while living in a broken world. Give this a listen and share it with others.

    26 min
  • The Impact of the Ministry of Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters

    This week I got the opportunity to spend the week at Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters located in Andrews, North Carolina with my family. This ministry has had a profound impact on my life, and continues to be a huge part of my life and my family. During this episode, I discuss three distinctions that sets this camp apart from any other camp I have experienced. I also discuss the mission statement and core values of Snowbird that continue to be the framework for my everyday life. I hope you are encouraged by this and will share it with other people.

    32 min

About Strong & Courageous

From the publisher's feed

The Strong & Courageous Podcast seeks to equip men and women to engage the culture with the Gospel. Being a man or woman of strength and courage physically, mentally and spiritually are vital…