In this episode of Teleios Talk, Wendell Martens opens with a provocative question rooted in personal experience: what does true Christian peacemaking look like when violence threatens those we love? From high-school memories of non-resistance to reflections on nationalism, Remembrance Day, and loyalty to the state, we dig into the deep tension between cultural expectations and the way of Jesus. Can a disciple of Christ both honour soldiers and still reject the sword? Or must we choose between defending ourselves and embracing sacrificial love?

We explore how nationalism shapes Christian identity, and how Remembrance Day, war history, and modern politics complicate the believer’s allegiance. Looking at Scripture, the early church, and Anabaptist heritage, we reflect on how followers of Jesus have historically responded to war, violence, and national duty. From Roman soldiers to WW2 conscientious objectors, from Calvin to Charlemagne — the question stands: does our loyalty belong to the nation, or to Christ and His Kingdom?

Together we wrestle with a difficult but necessary question — Should I stay or should I go? Should Christians defend their nation with force, or lay down the sword and walk the road of peace? We’ll examine “swords into plowshares,” Biblical shalom, pacifism across denominations, and the calling to be ambassadors of reconciliation. Join us as we challenge idols of power and rediscover the cross-shaped pattern of Christlike peace in a world of militarism and nationalism.

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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🎙 Sweet Dreams: Paganism, Cults, and the Return of Mysticism

In this episode of Teleios Talk, host Wendell Martens confronts a sobering truth: paganism, cults, and mysticism aren’t just outside the church anymore — they’re being welcomed in. From New Age crystals and “Christian” tarot readings to self-styled prophets and inclusive spirituality, the modern church is blurring the lines between truth and tolerance.

Drawing from Scripture, history, and cultural analysis, Wendell exposes how ancient deceptions are reappearing in modern forms — and how believers are being subtly drawn into syncretism disguised as “self-care” and “spiritual awakening.” Through a deep dive into paganism, cults and mysticism, and the crisis of tolerance within today’s church, this episode calls Christians to return to holiness, discernment, and uncompromising devotion to God’s Word.

Featuring insights from thinkers like Tom Holland, Rodney Stark, and Nancy Pearcey, along with timeless warnings from Scripture, Sweet Dreams challenges listeners to wake up to the spiritual war within the church.

Because not everything labeled “spiritual” is sacred — and not every silence is grace.

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In this episode of Teleios Talk, we are looking at Psalm 65 through the lens of grief, loss, and worship. We begin with the heartbreaking story of King David mourning the death of his son Absalom, crying out in anguish, “My son, my son! If only I had died instead of you!” Yet remarkably, from this season of sorrow came a psalm not of lament, but of praise.

How do we praise God in the midst of grief? Psalm 65 offers a powerful answer. Together, we explore three movements in David’s prayer: praise for God’s forgiveness, praise for His power and provision, and praise for His abundant blessing. Along the way, we consider what it means to grieve honestly, to recognize God’s goodness, and to live out praise in action.

From David’s broken heart to Horatio Spafford’s hymn “It Is Well with My Soul,” this episode reminds us that sorrow and faith can meet, and that the goodness of God is deeper than our deepest grief.

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In this episode of Teleios Talk, host Wendell Martens sits down with a very special guest—his daughter, Olivia—for an honest and heartfelt conversation about sin, salvation, and God’s plan for humanity. What begins with Olivia’s curious questions—“How did sin begin?” and “Why do we do things God told us not to do?”—unfolds into a deep yet accessible discussion of Genesis, the fall of Adam and Eve, and the meaning of sacrifice. Together, father and daughter wrestle with big truths: the reality of sin, the hope found in Jesus’ perfect sacrifice, and the importance of prayer in everyday life. With childlike honesty and biblical clarity, Olivia and Wendell explore how faith shapes our choices, why we fall short, and how God provides a way back to Him through Christ. This unique episode blends teaching, storytelling, and family dialogue to remind us that the gospel is for every generation.

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One of the most debated questions in Christian theology is this: Can a believer lose their salvation?

In this episode of Teleios Talk, host Wendell Martens explores three historic perspectives on salvation — eternal security, conditional security, and the Anabaptist view of discipleship and perseverance.

Drawing from Hebrews 6, Philippians 1, Colossians 1, and other key passages, we’ll examine how these positions shape the Christian life, ministry, and assurance of faith. Along the way, we’ll look at what Reformed, Arminian, and Anabaptist traditions each bring to the conversation, and why Mennonite communities have wrestled so deeply with assurance of salvation.

Whether you lean Reformed, Arminian, Anabaptist, or are still searching, this conversation invites you to wrestle honestly with Scripture, ask what it means to be “secure in Christ,” and consider how salvation transforms not just our future but our present discipleship.

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In this hard-hitting episode of Teleios Talk, We tackle a cultural firestorm and three of the most dangerous lies told about Christianity today. From the shocking unraveling of the Kamloops graves narrative to the subtle distortions of the Gospel itself, we explore what happens when truth is twisted into something tame.

Is Christianity just about being a “good person”? Does hypocrisy among Christians disprove the faith? Are all religions basically the same? These lies aren’t just wrong — they’re deadly. Wendell dives deep into Scripture, history, and culture to expose the truth with clarity, compassion, and conviction.

If you're tired of feel-good fakes and want to rediscover the radical beauty of grace, this episode is for you.

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Is how we talk about love really an expression of hate? Our desire for everyone to feel loved has changed how love is expressed. Initiatives such as DEI are far more destructive and hateful than we are asked to believe.

What is the churches response and does the Bible actually address the cultural initiatives like these? 

Our Books:

Eating with God - https://a.co/d/9i25LsW

Six Good Questions - https://a.co/d/5BTQ2Tf

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The church seems to want to be seen as cooperating and supportive of social initiatives championed by many different faith communities. But is this a good thing or does it erode our witness and taint the love we are trying to show?

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Who are you to judge me? Only God can judge me!

When Jesus told His followers "Do not judge." in Matthew 7:1 was he telling us that any moral statements on our part would be a sin? As a cultural shorthand to self-ingratiation is the command not to judge an open door to every moral failing in the name of love?

I'm pretty sure we've lost the plot on this one. Even as far back as Tertullian and the early church fathers, this command by Jesus has created controversies. But the command is clear. So why all the fuss?

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Our final part of the series on General and Special Revelation, this podcast talks about how we view dreams, prophetic words, and mysticism as revelation of God in todays church.

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Our Podcast is on YouTube and Rumble too!

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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=