Teleios Talk's Podcast

The church has always faced opposition from the outside. But what happens when the greatest danger comes from within?

Throughout biblical history, God's people have repeatedly struggled with corruption arising inside the covenant community. False worship, compromised holiness, distorted doctrine, moral rebellion, and religious hypocrisy have weakened God's people from within.

Throughout Biblical history, God's people have repeatedly struggled with corruption arising inside the covenant community. False worship, compromised holiness, distorted doctrine, moral rebellion, and religious hypocrisy have weakened God's people from within.

In this episode of Teleios Talk, Wendell Martens explores the troubling reality of the Parasite in the Pew — those who claim the Christian name while actively undermining Biblical doctrine, reshaping theology, distorting apologetics, and accommodating the faith to contemporary cultural expectations.

We examine both historical and modern examples of spiritual corruption, including: HISTORICAL PARASITES and MODERN PARASITES.

Drawing from Scripture and the writings of Irenaeus, Augustine, Athanasius, Tertullian, John Calvin, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Søren Kierkegaard, and others, we consider why doctrinal fidelity and Biblical accountability are essential to the health of Christ's church.

But identifying corruption is only half the discussion. What should the church actually do about it?

We explore three essential responses:

Church Discipline: Protecting the flock and confronting persistent, unrepentant sin.

Faithful Biblical Teaching: Defending sound doctrine through preaching, instruction, and theological clarity.

Restoration Without Compromise: Pursuing repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation, and renewed obedience without affirming sin.

The church must recover courageous preaching, holiness without hypocrisy, discipline without abuse, restoration without compromise, and love that refuses to separate grace from truth.

One important distinction: the weak are not parasites. The wounded are not parasites. The repentant sinner is not a parasite. The danger lies with those who persistently distort truth, normalize rebellion, divide the church, or exploit the flock while refusing correction and repentance.

The church rarely collapses all at once. More often, it decays slowly through tolerated compromise.

The question is not merely whether parasites exist within the church, but whether the church will remain faithful when faithfulness once again becomes costly.

Thanks for listening!

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Twitter, @TeleiosT

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Or, email us at [email protected]

Our Podcast is on YouTube and Rumble too!

Check out our books and small group studies: "Eating with God", https://a.co/d/exc23Hz “Perfect God, Impossible Me”, https://a.co/d/14mVNRC and "Six Good Questions" https://a.co/d/ez96HkL

Here is our Children’s book “West Coulee Banks”: https://a.co/d/6eG3fVJ

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What can four short chapters tell us about God's faithfulness, the importance of obedience, and the unfolding story of redemption?

In this special episode of Teleios Talk, Wendell is joined by his son Edward for a father-and-son discussion through the entire Book of Ruth. What begins as a simple request to study an often-overlooked Old Testament book becomes a fascinating exploration of its historical setting, cultural traditions, biblical laws, and deeper spiritual significance.

We begin with Naomi and her family's departure from Bethlehem during a famine. After losing her husband and both sons in Moab, Naomi returns to Bethlehem accompanied by Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law. Ruth's extraordinary declaration of loyalty — "Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God" — becomes one of the most memorable expressions of faithfulness in Scripture.

As we continue, we encounter Boaz, a man who understands and faithfully follows God's law. Through his treatment of Ruth, we examine the biblical responsibility to care for the poor, the stranger, and those within our own families. We also explore the significance of the harvest, the threshing floor, and the ancient practice of gleaning.

The conversation then turns to one of the most important themes in the book: the kinsman-redeemer. What did it mean to redeem a family member? Why was the preservation of family land and inheritance so important? And why was Boaz's willingness to fulfil this responsibility so significant?

Finally, we follow the genealogy from Ruth and Boaz through the generations to King David and, ultimately, to Jesus Christ. What might have appeared to be a small family matter in Bethlehem becomes part of God's much greater plan of redemption.

Along the way, we also discuss:

The historical setting of Ruth during the time of the Judges.

The meaning and significance of biblical names.

Naomi's transformation from pleasant to bitter.

Ruth's loyalty and faithfulness to Naomi.

God's commandments concerning the poor and the foreigner.

Boaz as an example of righteousness and obedience.

The meaning of the guardian or kinsman-redeemer.

The importance of inheritance and preserving the family line.

How the story of Ruth connects to the genealogy of Jesus.

Perhaps one of the most beautiful lessons in Ruth is that God's providence is not always immediately apparent. Chapter one begins with famine, death, loss, and bitterness. By chapter four, we see restoration, a new family, and a future that reaches far beyond the lives of the people in the story.

Sometimes the pendulum takes a long time to swing. Yet God remains at work.

Join us as we discover why this little book has such an important place in the unfolding story of Scripture.

Thanks for listening!

Support the show 

https://www.buzzsprout.com/817693/support

Join the conversation on

Our website, https://teleiostalkpodcast.buzzsprout.com

Twitter, @TeleiosT

Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/share/GF5fdop8prDoKfx5/

Or, email us at [email protected]

Our Podcast is on YouTube and Rumble too!

Check out our books and small group studies: 

"Eating with God", https://a.co/d/exc23Hz

“Perfect God, Impossible Me”, https://a.co/d/14mVNRC

and "Six Good Questions" https://a.co/d/ez96HkL

Here is our Children’s book “West Coulee Banks”

https://a.co/d/6eG3fVJ

Please consider supporting our ministry.

Donate using PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=N54GRDE34VUDY&no_recurring=0&item_name=Donations+help+us+expand+and+maintain+the+ministry+of+Teleios+Talk.¤cy_code=CAD

Text us now. Let us know if you have questions about what this show is about.

Support the show

About Teleios Talk

Support the show, https://www.buzzsprout.com/817693/support

Join the conversation on:

Our websites, teleiostalk.ca and teleiostalkpodcast.buzzsprout.com

Twitter, @TeleiosT

Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/share/GF5fdop8prDoKfx5/

Or, email us at [email protected]

Our Podcast is on YouTube and Rumble too!

Check out our books and small group studies: "Eating with God", https://a.co/d/exc23Hz “Perfect God, Impossible Me”, https://a.co/d/14mVNRC and "Six Good Questions" https://a.co/d/ez96HkL

Here is our Children’s book “West Coulee Banks”: https://a.co/d/6eG3fVJ

Please consider supporting our ministry.

Donate using PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=N54GRDE34VUDY&no_recurring=0&item_name=Donations+help+us+expand+and+maintain+the+ministry+of+Teleios+Talk.¤cy_code=CAD

The Christmas Story in Chronological Order

Have you ever stopped to consider just how beautiful the Christmas story really is?

We often think we know the story of Jesus' birth, but when we bring together the accounts recorded in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew, we discover a remarkable story of faith, obedience, hope, and God's amazing plan of salvation.

In this special episode of Teleios Talk, we take a journey through the Christmas story in chronological order, beginning with the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary and Joseph, and continuing through the miraculous birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.

We witness Mary's humble acceptance of God's calling, her joyful encounter with Elizabeth, and the remarkable promises surrounding the child she would bear. We then travel with Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, where Jesus, the promised Saviour, is born.

We also share in the wonder of the shepherds as they receive the angelic announcement of Christ's birth, hear the heavenly host praising God, and hurry to see the newborn King. Finally, we visit the temple with Mary and Joseph, where Simeon and Anna recognize Jesus as the promised salvation of God.

Through these events, we are reminded that Christmas is far more than a familiar story or a yearly celebration. It is the story of God's faithfulness, His promises fulfilled, and His incredible love for humanity through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Join us as we rediscover A Beautiful Story—the story of Immanuel, God with us!

Scripture References

Luke 1:26–56 – Gabriel's announcement and Mary's visit to Elizabeth

Matthew 1:18–25 – Joseph's dream and the announcement of Jesus' birth

Luke 2:1–7 – The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem

Luke 2:8–20 – The shepherds and the angelic announcement

Luke 2:21–38 – Jesus presented at the temple, and the testimonies of Simeon and Anna

Luke 2:39–40 – Jesus grows in wisdom and strength

Text us now. Let us know if you have questions about what this show is about.

Support the show

About Teleios Talk

Support the show, https://www.buzzsprout.com/817693/support

Join the conversation on:

Our websites, teleiostalk.ca and teleiostalkpodcast.buzzsprout.com

Twitter, @TeleiosT

Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/share/GF5fdop8prDoKfx5/

Or, email us at [email protected]

Our Podcast is on YouTube and Rumble too!

Check out our books and small group studies: "Eating with God", https://a.co/d/exc23Hz “Perfect God, Impossible Me”, https://a.co/d/14mVNRC and "Six Good Questions" https://a.co/d/ez96HkL

Here is our Children’s book “West Coulee Banks”: https://a.co/d/6eG3fVJ

Please consider supporting our ministry.

Donate using PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=N54GRDE34VUDY&no_recurring=0&item_name=Donations+help+us+expand+and+maintain+the+ministry+of+Teleios+Talk.¤cy_code=CAD

In response to numerous Reddit inquiries, This is the first of a series of responses to questions and concerns people have about their faith.

Text us now. Let us know if you have questions about what this show is about.

Support the show

About Teleios Talk

Support the show, https://www.buzzsprout.com/817693/support

Join the conversation on:

Our websites, teleiostalk.ca and teleiostalkpodcast.buzzsprout.com

Twitter, @TeleiosT

Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/share/GF5fdop8prDoKfx5/

Or, email us at [email protected]

Our Podcast is on YouTube and Rumble too!

Check out our books and small group studies: "Eating with God", https://a.co/d/exc23Hz “Perfect God, Impossible Me”, https://a.co/d/14mVNRC and "Six Good Questions" https://a.co/d/ez96HkL

Here is our Children’s book “West Coulee Banks”: https://a.co/d/6eG3fVJ

Please consider supporting our ministry.

Donate using PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=N54GRDE34VUDY&no_recurring=0&item_name=Donations+help+us+expand+and+maintain+the+ministry+of+Teleios+Talk.¤cy_code=CAD

This sermon is about the Ascension as we read it in Acts 1:1-14. This includes the great Commission, Commands Jesus gives the disciples, the Ascension, and details we often miss in the verses.

Text us now. Let us know if you have questions about what this show is about.

Support the show

About Teleios Talk

Support the show, https://www.buzzsprout.com/817693/support

Join the conversation on:

Our websites, teleiostalk.ca and teleiostalkpodcast.buzzsprout.com

Twitter, @TeleiosT

Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/share/GF5fdop8prDoKfx5/

Or, email us at [email protected]

Our Podcast is on YouTube and Rumble too!

Check out our books and small group studies: "Eating with God", https://a.co/d/exc23Hz “Perfect God, Impossible Me”, https://a.co/d/14mVNRC and "Six Good Questions" https://a.co/d/ez96HkL

Here is our Children’s book “West Coulee Banks”: https://a.co/d/6eG3fVJ

Please consider supporting our ministry.

Donate using PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=N54GRDE34VUDY&no_recurring=0&item_name=Donations+help+us+expand+and+maintain+the+ministry+of+Teleios+Talk.¤cy_code=CAD

Text us now. Let us know if you have questions about what this show is about.

Support the show

About Teleios Talk

Support the show, https://www.buzzsprout.com/817693/support

Join the conversation on:

Our websites, teleiostalk.ca and teleiostalkpodcast.buzzsprout.com

Twitter, @TeleiosT

Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/share/GF5fdop8prDoKfx5/

Or, email us at [email protected]

Our Podcast is on YouTube and Rumble too!

Check out our books and small group studies: "Eating with God", https://a.co/d/exc23Hz “Perfect God, Impossible Me”, https://a.co/d/14mVNRC and "Six Good Questions" https://a.co/d/ez96HkL

Here is our Children’s book “West Coulee Banks”: https://a.co/d/6eG3fVJ

Please consider supporting our ministry.

Donate using PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=N54GRDE34VUDY&no_recurring=0&item_name=Donations+help+us+expand+and+maintain+the+ministry+of+Teleios+Talk.¤cy_code=CAD

What kind of God do you believe in—and is it the same God the Bible reveals?

In this episode of Teleios Talk, we confront some of the most common accusations leveled against Christianity: that God is cruel, unjust, controlling, or even evil. From cultural voices to academic critics like Steven Weinberg and Richard Dawkins, many reject a version of God that, upon closer inspection, doesn’t reflect the truth of Scripture at all.

So the real question becomes: What kind of God are they rejecting?

Grounded in Proverbs 3:7—“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil”—this message challenges listeners to examine both the caricatures of God and the condition of the human heart. Are these accusations rooted in truth… or in our own rebellion?

We explore:

•  Why so many people see God as unjust or oppressive 
•  How cultural narratives distort the character of God 
•  The reality of sin and humanity’s tendency to redefine truth 
•  Why moral outrage actually points to the existence of a moral Lawgiver 
•  The difference between a god we invent and the God who is

This episode doesn’t shy away from hard questions. It wrestles with suffering, free will, judgment, and grace—ultimately pointing to the cross as the clearest revelation of who God truly is.

Because an evil god does not lay down his life for his creation.

Jesus Christ declared in John 14:6 that He is “the way, the truth, and the life.” If that is true, then knowing what kind of God we serve is not optional—it is everything.

Text us now. Let us know if you have questions about what this show is about.

Support the show

About Teleios Talk

Support the show, https://www.buzzsprout.com/817693/support

Join the conversation on:

Our websites, teleiostalk.ca and teleiostalkpodcast.buzzsprout.com

Twitter, @TeleiosT

Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/share/GF5fdop8prDoKfx5/

Or, email us at [email protected]

Our Podcast is on YouTube and Rumble too!

Check out our books and small group studies: "Eating with God", https://a.co/d/exc23Hz “Perfect God, Impossible Me”, https://a.co/d/14mVNRC and "Six Good Questions" https://a.co/d/ez96HkL

Here is our Children’s book “West Coulee Banks”: https://a.co/d/6eG3fVJ

Please consider supporting our ministry.

Donate using PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=N54GRDE34VUDY&no_recurring=0&item_name=Donations+help+us+expand+and+maintain+the+ministry+of+Teleios+Talk.¤cy_code=CAD

In a world increasingly divided by ideology, identity politics, and cultural fragmentation, Christians are facing a profound question: what does biblical love actually look like?

In this episode of Teleios Talk, we step away from pure doctrinal discussion to examine a troubling pattern of violence, social breakdown, and ideological extremism emerging in modern culture. Why do people commit acts of shocking violence? Why do societies fracture when trauma strikes? And how should Christians respond when biblical convictions are labeled as intolerance?

Drawing from psychology, sociology, and Scripture, we explore:

• Why humans search for reasons and warning signs after tragedy
• How cultural trauma reshapes societies
• The influence of ideology and identity crises
• Why people inevitably “serve” something — self, power, ideology, or God
• What the Bible teaches about worship, justice, and truth
• What real Christian love looks like in a hostile culture

Most importantly, we examine how the Gospel calls believers to something radically different from the world’s response:

Forgiveness instead of revenge.
Prayer instead of hatred.
Truth spoken with love.
Willingness to suffer rather than destroy.

The message of Christ does not ignore evil or soften truth. Instead, it reveals a love powerful enough to confront sin, call people to repentance, and overcome violence without becoming it.

If you are seeking a deeper, biblically grounded understanding of culture, discipleship, and Christian witness in difficult times, this episode is for you.

Subscribe to Teleios Talk for conversations that pursue spiritual maturity so that we may be complete in Christ.

🌐 Visit our website:
https://TeleiosTalk.ca

📚 Small Group Resources:
Eating with God
Perfect God, Impossible Me

Text us now. Let us know if you have questions about what this show is about.

Support the show

About Teleios Talk

Support the show, https://www.buzzsprout.com/817693/support

Join the conversation on:

Our websites, teleiostalk.ca and teleiostalkpodcast.buzzsprout.com

Twitter, @TeleiosT

Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/share/GF5fdop8prDoKfx5/

Or, email us at [email protected]

Our Podcast is on YouTube and Rumble too!

Check out our books and small group studies: "Eating with God", https://a.co/d/exc23Hz “Perfect God, Impossible Me”, https://a.co/d/14mVNRC and "Six Good Questions" https://a.co/d/ez96HkL

Here is our Children’s book “West Coulee Banks”: https://a.co/d/6eG3fVJ

Please consider supporting our ministry.

Donate using PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=N54GRDE34VUDY&no_recurring=0&item_name=Donations+help+us+expand+and+maintain+the+ministry+of+Teleios+Talk.¤cy_code=CAD

Do Not Be Deceived examines recent crises and controversies in the Western Church through a deeply biblical lens, asking how deception grows, why warning signs are often ignored, and what faithful Christians must do moving forward. Grounded in Scripture, church history, and Anabaptist convictions about holiness and accountability, this episode explores false teaching, compromised leadership, spiritual discernment, and the urgent need for purification within God’s people. Through sobering biblical case studies and practical reflection, listeners are challenged to return to Scripture as the highest authority, value character over charisma, and pursue a Church culture shaped by truth, repentance, and faithful obedience to Christ.

Our Website:
Teleiostalk.ca

Text us now. Let us know if you have questions about what this show is about.

Support the show

About Teleios Talk

Support the show, https://www.buzzsprout.com/817693/support

Join the conversation on:

Our websites, teleiostalk.ca and teleiostalkpodcast.buzzsprout.com

Twitter, @TeleiosT

Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/share/GF5fdop8prDoKfx5/

Or, email us at [email protected]

Our Podcast is on YouTube and Rumble too!

Check out our books and small group studies: "Eating with God", https://a.co/d/exc23Hz “Perfect God, Impossible Me”, https://a.co/d/14mVNRC and "Six Good Questions" https://a.co/d/ez96HkL

Here is our Children’s book “West Coulee Banks”: https://a.co/d/6eG3fVJ

Please consider supporting our ministry.

Donate using PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=N54GRDE34VUDY&no_recurring=0&item_name=Donations+help+us+expand+and+maintain+the+ministry+of+Teleios+Talk.¤cy_code=CAD

The Witness of Bethlehem

[Verse 1 - Luke 2:11]
I saw the sky 
that holy night,
The heavens blazed 
with living light.
The shepherds ran, 
their voices cried,
“The Savior’s born! 
The Lord Most High!”
I followed close — 
to stable fair,
And bowed before 
my Maker there.

[Chorus]
Down from glory, 
light of grace,
Down to earth, 
my hiding place.
Heaven’s mercy, 
child of man,
God with us — 
Emmanuel.

[Verse 2 - Zechariah 9:9]
Years went by,
I saw Him come,
Riding to 
Jerusalem.
Crowds were shouting, 
“Blessed be!”
I wept for them — 
they could not see.
The same who healed 
with gentle breath
They hung up high 
and cursed in death.

[Chorus]
Down from glory, 
light of grace,
Down to earth, 
my hiding place.
Heaven’s mercy, 
child of man,
God with us — 
Emmanuel.

[Bridge - Matthew 28:6]
Then morning broke — 
I heard them say,
“The tomb is bare, 
He’s gone away!”
I ran to see — 
the grave was still,
The prophets true —
The Law fulfilled.
He stood alive — 
my Lord, my friend,
The One who came 
did rise again.

[PreChorus]
Up from darkness, 
up from pain,
Up to glory, 
Christ now reigns.
Born to die 
Born to save,
Hallelujah 
to the Lamb!

[Chorus]
Down from glory, 
light of grace,
Down to earth, 
my hiding place.
Heaven’s mercy, 
child of man,
God with us — 
Emmanuel.

[Tag]
I saw the child, 
I saw Him die,
I saw Him risen, 
glorified.
From Bethlehem 
to Heaven’s throne —
He came down… 
and rose again.

I heard him cry, 
I watched him die, 
I saw him rise
I saw him rise.
I heard him cry, 
I watched him die, 
I saw him rise
I saw him rise.
I saw Him rise
I saw Him rise!

Text us now. Let us know if you have questions about what this show is about.

Support the show

About Teleios Talk

Support the show, https://www.buzzsprout.com/817693/support

Join the conversation on:

Our websites, teleiostalk.ca and teleiostalkpodcast.buzzsprout.com

Twitter, @TeleiosT

Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/share/GF5fdop8prDoKfx5/

Or, email us at [email protected]

Our Podcast is on YouTube and Rumble too!

Check out our books and small group studies: "Eating with God", https://a.co/d/exc23Hz “Perfect God, Impossible Me”, https://a.co/d/14mVNRC and "Six Good Questions" https://a.co/d/ez96HkL

Here is our Children’s book “West Coulee Banks”: https://a.co/d/6eG3fVJ

Please consider supporting our ministry.

Donate using PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=N54GRDE34VUDY&no_recurring=0&item_name=Donations+help+us+expand+and+maintain+the+ministry+of+Teleios+Talk.¤cy_code=CAD