In this episode of The Hacka Podcast, host Greg Hackathorn is joined once again by Evangelist Simeon Costa, creator of Life Studies. Together, they explore one of the most debated questions in Christianity — When does a believer receive the Holy Spirit?

From Acts 2 to Romans 10, Greg and Simeon trace the biblical, historical, and theological roots of the new birth experience. They unpack how early church history, Catholic tradition, and the Reformation shaped modern interpretations of salvation — and why the Apostolic pattern of repentance, baptism in Jesus’ Name, and infilling of the Holy Spirit remains vital today.

If you’ve ever wondered about faith, grace, and the moment of spiritual transformation, this episode will challenge and deepen your understanding of what it truly means to be born again.

For the full show notes go to - http://hacka.org/2025/10/11/207-simeon-costa-when-does-a-believer-receive-the-holy-spirit/

In this episode of The Hacka Podcast, Greg Hackathorn sits down with Steven Gill, author, theologian, and teacher at Indiana Bible College. Steven shares his journey from a small-town Pentecostal upbringing to becoming one of the rising voices in Apostolic theology. Together, they discuss the oneness of God, the importance of sound doctrine, the reliability of English Bible translations, and the need for strong Pentecostal writers and teachers in today’s world.

If you’ve ever wrestled with questions about the doctrine of the Trinity vs. oneness, why Bible versions differ, or how to pursue a calling to teach and write, this episode will equip you with insight and inspiration.

Topics include:

- Steven’s call to ministry and discovery of Apostolic teaching

- The role of character development in leadership

- How young ministers can grow in study and writing

- Key arguments for the oneness of God

- Why the translation of “begotten” in John 3:16 matters

For the full show notes go to - https://hacka.org/2025/09/25/206-steven-gill-bible-translations-teaching-the-oneness-of-god/

In this episode of The Hacka Podcast, host Greg Hackathorn sits down with Evangelist Caleb Herring (UPCI) to explore the tension between calling and expectation in apostolic ministry.

Caleb shares how God redefined his role—not as a typical evangelist—but as a prophetic voice sent before the harvest. From confronting man-made ministry boxes to breaking free from platform-driven success, Caleb offers deep wisdom on being Spirit-led, trusting God's timing, and embracing uncomfortable obedience.

This episode is packed with valuable insights for young ministers, church leaders, and anyone wrestling with identity and purpose in ministry. You’ll walk away inspired to go far—not fast—and be reminded that true success is measured by obedience, not optics.

For the full show notes go to - https://hacka.org/2025/09/10/205-caleb-herring-delivered-from-expectations/

Join us for a powerful conversation with Pastor David Myers—lead pastor of Eastwind Pentecostal Church, lawyer, pilot, and passionate missions advocate. In this episode of The Hacka Podcast, we explore his unique journey from growing up in a pastor's home to studying law under U.S. Supreme Court justices, pioneering global missions efforts, and leading one of the most influential apostolic conferences, Winds Conference.

We discuss the importance of preparation, patience in ministry, the rise of transformational experiences in church culture, and how apostolics can make an impact in law, education, politics, and beyond. If you're a church leader, aspiring minister, or believer passionate about growth, you don't want to miss this conversation.

For this episode's full show notes go to - https://hacka.org/2025/09/03/204-david-myers-why-apostolics-belong-in-every-sphere/

In this powerful episode, we are joined by Kenneth Stewart, the Promotional Director of UPCI North American Missions.

With a remarkable upbringing spanning Ethiopia, Liberia, and the United States, Kenneth Stewart shares how his multicultural background shaped his worldview and ministry. From planting a church in inner-city Tampa Bay to helping lead record-breaking church growth efforts, he opens up about church planting, leadership, evangelism, and the crucial role of administration and delegation in ministry success.

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For this episode's show notes go to - https://hacka.org/2025/08/20/203-kenneth-stewart-the-gospel-works-everywhere/

For the full show notes go to - https://hacka.org/2025/08/04/202-hyphen-habits-storytelling-and-spirit-led-steps-w-jennifer-malech-evan-zenobia/

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Chapters:

00:00 – Episode Preview

00:39 – Welcome & Introductions

02:48 – Jennifer’s Journey: From LA to Houston

06:25 – Evan’s Journey: From Wisconsin to Church Planting in Texas

09:00 – The Power of Writing: From Ad Agency to Author

20:21 – How Literature Shapes Faith and Thinking

30:08 – Behind the Podcast: Lamppost in the Woods

41:26 – Creating Hyphen Habits: A Book for Young Adults

50:43 – The Power of Team and Spiritual Endurance

57:04 – God in the Midst of the Unknown

1:01:41 – Final Words: Trusting God with Today

-----------Order Hacka Merch - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://the-hacka-podcast.myspreadshop.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠------------Listen to all episodes:Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/3PRSYKUSpotify - https://spoti.fi/3zCUsUoFollow us on social:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thehackapod/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/hackaorgTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thehackapod

This is a special bonus episode. I had the privilege to speak at our annual UPCA Leaders Retreat in Brisbane, QLD on the topic of church growth, which is a passion of mine.

I hope this session is a blessing to you and if you have any questions, please reach out in the comments.

Here are my slides from the session - https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/a5ewyvs6v2neq7mynxjq0/AKV3gA2LdDsJSm8ggDMYxto?rlkey=cbvsd7kug2pgn4ugmeqgdbkey&st=ys6kmjl8&dl=0

In this episode, we are joined by Evangelist Charles Robinette to discuss the global call to apostolic partnership. We talk about his new book, The Partnership of Faith, explore the necessity of collaboration in ministry, the inspiring impact of unity-driven crusades around the world and much more.------------Timestamps00:00 – Intro02:15 – Charles Robinette’s ministry journey and recent travels07:40 – Why The Partnership of Faith was written11:20 – Reflections on Radically Apostolic and its global impact15:05 – Translating books into Mongolian and other languages18:30 – The role of collaboration in global crusades23:10 – Testimonies from the East Coast and the urgency for revival27:55 – Times Square revival event: vision and expectations34:00 – The spirit of unity and working across ministries39:20 – A call to action: embracing apostolic partnership44:00 – Final thoughts and encouragement to the Church------------Buy Radically Apostolic - https://a.co/d/cZXXQwPBuy The Partnership of Faith - https://a.co/d/ePbNpmw------------Order Hacka Merch - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://the-hacka-podcast.myspreadshop.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠------------Listen to all episodes:Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/3PRSYKUSpotify - https://spoti.fi/3zCUsUoFollow us on social:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thehackapod/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/hackaorgTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thehackapod

In this special milestone episode, we celebrate 200 episodes and four years of The Hacka Podcast. We reflect on the podcast’s humble beginnings, share behind-the-scenes stories, talk about fatherhood, and hear from some of the podcast’s most beloved recurring guests.

Whether you’ve been listening from the beginning or just recently joined, we want to thank you for helping us reach this milestone!

Here’s to the next 200 episodes of Spirit-led conversations, encouragement, and growth.

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Guests who contributed to this episode:

• Raymond Woodward

• Ryan Franklin

• Nancy Grandquist

• Mike Hackathorn

• Jena Grech

• Simeon Costa

• Tim Zuniga

• Pastor Stanley Harvey

• Dr. Janice Sjostrand

In this episode, Jena Grech, who has a Masters in Christian Counsellor and has served in pastoral ministry for nearly two decades, joins the podcast to discuss a sensitive but vital subject—how to minister to those bereaved by suicide. Rather than focusing on prevention, this conversation centres on how we, as Christians, can respond with empathy, grace, and theological clarity in the aftermath of a suicide. Drawing from her personal, pastoral, and academic experience, Jena shares practical insights, spiritual reflections, and much more.

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Takeaways

- Ministry of Presence – Just being present with someone grieving makes a profound difference.

- Grief Is Unique – Every person experiences grief differently; avoid assuming or comparing.

- Avoid Judgmental Language – Use compassionate phrases like “passed by suicide” rather than “committed suicide.”

- Theological Sensitivity Is Crucial – Only God knows a person’s eternal fate; lead with love, not fear.

- Grief Is Ongoing – It doesn’t disappear after the funeral; anniversaries and milestones can trigger pain.

- Practical Help Matters – Babysitting, shopping, and even attending the coroner’s office with someone can be healing.

- Faith Can Be a Lifeline – Scripture, prayer, and spiritual support provide hope and meaning in loss.

- Empathy Over Answers – Don’t try to “fix” grief; listen, support, and sit with the hurting.

- Church Must Be a Safe Place – We must reduce stigma so believers can seek help without shame.

- Words Carry Weight – Even well-meaning comments can wound. Be thoughtful and Spirit-led.

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Chapter Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and Welcome

01:15 – Why This Topic Matters

03:00 – Focus on the Bereaved, Not Prevention

05:18 – The Stigma Around Suicide

07:00 – How Suicide Grief Is Unique

09:00 – Shame, Guilt, and Isolation

12:00 – Navigating Theological Struggles

14:30 – What Not to Say to the Bereaved

17:45 – Ministry of Presence and Support

20:20 – How to Help Practically

23:00 – A Christian Perspective on Suicide

25:30 – Scriptures of Comfort and Hope

28:10 – The Ongoing Process of Grief

30:40 – How the Church Can Respond

33:00 – Final Encouragement and Prayer-----------Support Organisations (Australia):

Lifeline Australia

Youturn Youth Support

Referenced Resource: Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Ep. 19 – “Can Someone Who Commits Suicide Be Saved?” with Dr. David K. Bernard: https://youtu.be/qlaPmt4cdRI?si=l6pHDQibr08quNR0------------

Order Hacka Merch - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://the-hacka-podcast.myspreadshop.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠------------Listen to all episodes:Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/3PRSYKUSpotify - https://spoti.fi/3zCUsUoFollow us on social:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thehackapod/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/hackaorgTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thehackapod