In this episode, Scott and Mattie recap Genesis 40–50 and Exodus 1–26, tracing Joseph’s rise from slavery to second‑in‑command, his forgiveness of his brothers, and the theme of God turning evil intent into a good outcome. They then cover Exodus: Moses’ calling, the ten plagues and Passover, the parting of the Red Sea, the giving of the Ten Commandments, and the tabernacle instructions.

Throughout the conversation, they highlight Harder Way themes—God’s sovereignty, the refining effect of persecution, the call to holiness, and care for the vulnerable—and invite listeners to join the nine‑month Bible reading plan.

Bible Reading for Week 3: Exodus 27 - Leviticus 18

Monday - Exodus 27–30

Season 2 of the Harder Way Podcast begins with a concise walkthrough of Genesis 1–39 — creation, the fall, Noah’s flood, Babel, and the stories of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph — highlighting the recurring choice of faith over fear and the roots of God’s covenant people.

Hosts Scott and Mattie invite listeners to join a nine-month Bible reading plan, reflect on persecution and living the God-way, and follow along via show notes or their email signup for weekly readings and short reflections.

Bible Reading for Week 2: Genesis 40 - Exodus 26

Monday - Genesis 40–44

Join Scott and Mattie for Season Two of the Harder Way Podcast: a nine‑month read‑through of the entire Bible, exploring Scripture through the lens of the persecuted church and choosing faith over fear.

Each week, the assigned reading (approximately 15–25 minutes a day) is tied to practical application and current events. Start with Genesis 1 and follow the show notes or sign up through the episode links to read along.

Bible Reading for Week 1: Genesis 1-39

Monday - Genesis 1–6

Join Scott and Mattie for an exclusive sneak peek of Season 2 of the Harder Way Podcast as they invite listeners on a nine-month journey to read the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation, viewing Scripture through the lens of faith over fear and the persecuted church.

Each week, they'll summarize passages, offer simple reading tips, and encourage a 20-minute daily habit to experience spiritual transformation, grow compassion for believers under persecution, and deepen your walk with Jesus.

Welcome to The Harder Way Podcast! In this episode, Scott and Mattie explore the profound impact of living as if God is real. They share powerful stories of persecuted Christians around the world, highlighting how their unwavering faith challenges us to reflect on our own commitment to God.

Join the conversation as Scott and Mattie reflect on the importance of believing in God's sovereignty and providential care. They encourage listeners to actively live out their faith, focusing on the intellectual, emotional, and volitional aspects that shape a life devoted to Christ.

They also discuss how the unique challenges of living in the West can cloud our judgment and distract us from fully trusting in God's plan. Scott and Mattie invite you to embrace the reality that God is real and experience the transformative power of faith that follows.

Welcome to The Harder Way Podcast, where Scott and Mattie discuss the importance of a dynamic spiritual life for enduring persecution and living a godly life. In this episode, they explore how a vibrant connection to spirituality not only holds everything together but also empowers us to redefine suffering and strengthens our faith in God's providence.

Scott shares an inspiring testimony of someone overcoming severe agoraphobia by applying faith over fear. The hosts dive into the significance of spiritual disciplines, highlighting prayer, worship, and engaging with God's Word as essential practices for spiritual growth and transformation.

They also discuss different fasting practices across cultures and critique the prevalent "moralistic therapeutic deism" in American churches, urging listeners to pursue a life with God, not just for God. Join us as we explore these profound themes and get ready for more insights on One Kingdom Living in the next episode.

Welcome to The Harder Way Podcast, where we explore what it means to live a godly life in a world that is becoming increasingly hostile. In this episode, hosts Scott and Mattie examine the "idol of being well-liked" and how it can divert us from our true calling as Christians. They discuss the transformative power of shifting our fear from man to God and how the Bible describes the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom.

Scott and Mattie share their thoughts on how this change in perspective impacts our daily lives and faith journeys. They emphasize the importance of the Bible and the Holy Spirit in guiding believers, while also addressing the unique challenges Christians face today in balancing cultural pressures with spiritual convictions.

If you want to deepen your faith and embrace the harder way in a world of shifting values, this episode offers valuable insights and practical encouragement. Tune in, be inspired, and join the conversation on living fearlessly for God.

In this episode of The Harder Way Podcast, hosts Scott and Mattie explore the significance of living a Jesus-centered life and how persecuted believers embody unwavering resilience despite life-threatening challenges. Through compelling stories of faith, sacrifice, and perseverance, this episode offers valuable insights for American Christians navigating an increasingly hostile culture.

Learn how a one-kingdom mindset and steward theology shape the lives of these steadfast believers. They teach essential lessons on focusing life around Jesus, His people, and His priorities. Scott and Mattie emphasize the importance of trusting God's providence and rethinking suffering, encouraging listeners to move beyond a two-kingdom mindset and embrace the deeper spirituality reflected in the persecuted church.

Prepare to be inspired as Scott and Mattie offer heartfelt discussions and thought-provoking insights on centering your life around faith, community, and God's eternal kingdom.

Enjoy this episode as part of our "Best of" series, while we take the summer to recharge and prepare for an exciting Season 2 of the podcast.

Welcome to this week's episode of The Harder Way Podcast, where hosts Scott and Mattie explore the deep connection between one's calling and the strength of faith, especially in the face of persecution. Drawing from Scott's doctoral research and personal encounters with persecuted pastors, they examine what keeps these individuals steadfast in such difficult circumstances.

Listeners will discover key findings from Scott's research, highlighting five essential characteristics of resilient pastors, with a particular focus on the concept of 'calling.' This episode unpacks the different aspects of Christian calling, ranging from the highest calling of unity with Christ to the common call to evangelize and live godly lives, and finally, the personal callings that direct each individual's journey.

This episode is filled with inspiring insights and biblical wisdom. It is designed to empower believers to walk firmly in their faith, embracing their unique callings with clarity and confidence. Tune in to explore how these timeless truths can reshape your faith and resilience in the midst of life's challenges.

In this episode of The Harder Way Podcast, Scott and Mattie explore the theme of independence, reflecting on its profound significance in both American history and the Christian faith. Drawing from their own family heritage and stories of persecuted believers, they challenge listeners to reconsider their national identity through the lens of their faith in Christ.

Scott and Mattie discuss how living a godly life often invites persecution, drawing parallels between the American Revolutionary War and the personal struggles Christians encounter in their journey of faith. With a blend of personal stories and historical insights, they underscore the importance of prioritizing our identity as followers of Christ above all else.

Through compelling narratives, the hosts inspire listeners to embrace full dependence on Jesus Christ, weaving in examples from Scripture and the experiences of persecuted Christians worldwide. They emphasize that true freedom is discovered in trusting God completely and encourage support for persecuted believers across the globe.