The Steve Marston Show

Does someone who dies by suicide automatically go to hell? It's a difficult question that has weighed heavily on countless families. But what does the Bible actually teach about suicide, salvation, and God's grace?

On today's episode of The Steve Marston Show, Steve shares a powerful message from Pastor Leonce Crump Jr. addressing one of Christianity's most heartbreaking questions. Together, we'll consider what Scripture teaches about eternal security, the finished work of Jesus, and why our final moments don't determine our salvation.

But it's Friday, and that means we're making room for some fun, too!

☕ UNWRITTEN RULES: THE CHURCH COFFEE STATION

Every church has one, and every church has rules nobody bothered to write down! Steve counts down 12 hilarious unwritten rules of church coffee stations. From the sacred coffee mug and mysterious decaf pot to the deacon who insists on one final cup, you'll recognize more than a few of these!

🎬 PLUGGED IN FRIDAY WITH ADAM HOLZ

Adam Holz from Focus on the Family's Plugged In joins Steve to discuss several movies, including:

• Drummer Boy — A Civil War story exploring faith, family, conflict, and forgiveness, with a personal connection to the Smallbone family of for KING + COUNTRY.

• Jimmy — The remarkable story of Hollywood legend Jimmy Stewart and his decision to serve his country during World War II.

• The Cat in the Hat — A new animated adventure with plenty of laughs, but are there elements parents should know about?

• I Play Rocky — The inspiring underdog story behind Sylvester Stallone's fight to bring Rocky to the big screen.

Adam offers practical insights to help families make informed entertainment choices.

PLUS, STORIES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED!

🏈 A Detroit Lions player's powerful testimony of faith following a serious injury.

📱 YouVersion introduces Bible Loop, a new app designed to help teenagers engage with Scripture.

🎵 Gospel music star Kirk Franklin opens up about family, personal struggles, and rediscovering God's grace.

😂 And of course, we have your Dad Joke of the Day!

SCRIPTURE SPOTLIGHT

Romans 8:38–39 — Nothing in all creation can separate those who belong to Christ from the love of God.

John 1:14 — The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.

YOUR NEXT STEP

You never know what someone around you may be going through. A kind word, a smile, or a moment of encouragement could make a greater difference than you realize. Be intentional about showing the love of Jesus to someone today.

RESOURCES

• The Steve Marston Show: https://stevemarstonshow.com

• Plugged In movie and entertainment reviews: https://www.pluggedin.com

• If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 in the United States for free, confidential crisis support.

The Steve Marston Show — A Daily Journey in Learning How to Live More Like Jesus.

He’s just a regular guy with a cool job that God loves for some reason!

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What happens to someone who lives and dies without ever hearing the name of Jesus? Is God fair in holding them accountable? And would people actually be better off if no one ever shared the gospel with them?

It's one of Christianity's most challenging questions, and Steve Marston tackles it head-on in this episode of Christian Explain Yourself, examining what Scripture teaches about sin, salvation, God's justice, and why Jesus is the only way to the Father.

Plus, Steve's son Tyler joins the show to uncover some remarkable details in Joshua chapters 2 and 3, including the extraordinary story of Rahab, the spies in Jericho, and the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River.

In today's episode:

• Christians Have No Right to Be Unkind: A frustrating restaurant experience becomes a reminder that followers of Jesus must demonstrate kindness, even when things go wrong. And why does the Sunday-after-church crowd sometimes have such a terrible reputation with restaurant workers?

• Christian Explain Yourself — What About Those Who Never Hear? Steve explores Romans 1, Romans 3, John 14:6, and Acts 4:12 to explain humanity's need for salvation, the exclusivity of Christ, and the perfect justice of God.

• 1189 Bible with Tyler Marston — Rahab and Joshua: Why did Rahab risk everything to protect Israel's spies? What does the scarlet cord have to do with Passover? And what can the crossing of the Jordan River teach us about trusting God before we know the outcome?

• Forrest Frank Speaks Out: The popular Christian recording artist addresses controversial cultural issues and reminds believers that, regardless of political outcomes, God is ultimately victorious.

• Are Young Americans Becoming More Religious? Steve examines findings from Pew Research Center about religious identification, prayer, church attendance, and changing patterns among younger Americans.

• N.T. Wright on the Hope of Glory: The biblical scholar challenges some familiar assumptions about heaven and explores what it means for humanity to share in God's renewed creation.

• Dad Joke of the Day: Because we take faith seriously, but we also believe in having a little fun!

Scripture Spotlight: John 1:14 — "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us..."

Today's Takeaway: Following Jesus doesn't mean life will always go our way. It means that even when we're frustrated, disappointed, or treated unfairly, we are still called to demonstrate the kindness of Christ.

Go Deeper in God's Word

Check out Tyler Marston's YouTube channel, 1189, where he's creating a free, chapter-by-chapter video commentary covering all 1,189 chapters of the Bible.

And don't forget to subscribe to The Steve Marston Show on YouTube for encouraging conversations, biblical teaching, and remarkable stories of what God is doing in people's lives.

The Steve Marston Show — Helping You Live More Like Jesus.

Listen weekdays at 3 PM on 99.5 The Word in Little Rock, Arkansas, and on AM 630 The Word in San Antonio, Texas.

Visit stevemarstonshow.com for more episodes, conversations, and resources.

We take faith and fun seriously!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when everything you thought your life would be suddenly falls apart? Can God really take the broken pieces and turn them into something beautiful?

On today's episode of The Steve Marston Show, Steve welcomes home renovation personality and author Sara McDaniel, known for her work connected to HGTV, Magnolia Network, and Simply Southern Cottage.

Sara shares her remarkable journey through a devastating divorce, an unexpected job loss, and a life-threatening health crisis. Through it all, she discovered that God wasn't finished writing her story.

In her new book, The Bright Side of the Other Side: Notes from a Soul Restored, Sara shares how faith, perseverance, and God's grace helped transform her deepest struggles into a powerful testimony of restoration and redemption.

Order Sara's book https://a.co/d/00PA7FJA

Also on today's show:

Election Results and God's Sovereignty: Following surprising election results, Steve reminds Christians that political outcomes never catch God off guard. No matter who's in Washington, God remains sovereign, and our ultimate hope must rest in Him rather than political power.

Seek & Find — The Ten Lepers: In Luke 17:11–19, Jesus miraculously heals ten men suffering from leprosy, but only one returns to thank Him. Steve explores this fascinating encounter and challenges listeners to look more closely at the relationship between faith, obedience, and gratitude.

Faith and Culture Headlines:

• The Smallbone brothers of for KING & COUNTRY fame turn their real-life journey of reconciliation into the upcoming film Drummer Boy.

• Comedian Druski partners with Netflix for Collect and Praise, a comedy examining the excesses and controversies of megachurch culture.

• Remembering Sarah Stone, daughter of Pastor Mike Stone, and her extraordinary testimony of faith, contentment, and joy in the face of suffering.

Faith Between Your Ears: This week's memory verse is John 1:14, reminding us that Jesus Christ came to dwell among us, full of grace and truth.

Plus, there's another Dad Joke of the Day!

Whether you're walking through a difficult season, wondering what God is doing in your life, or simply needing encouragement, today's conversations will remind you that your circumstances don't have to define your future.

The Steve Marston Show — Helping You Live More Like Jesus.

Listen weekdays:
99.5 The Word — Little Rock, Arkansas | 3–4 PM
AM 630 The Word — San Antonio, Texas

Watch more inspiring conversations on YouTube and find episodes, resources, and more at:

https://stevemarstonshow.com

 

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When we talk about unexpected pregnancies and the pro-life movement, the conversation usually focuses on mothers and babies. But what about the fathers?

On today's episode of The Steve Marston Show, Steve revisits a powerful conversation with John Vance, who leads the Man to Man fatherhood ministry at New Beginnings Pregnancy Center in Central Arkansas.

John shares how his own encounter with Jesus Christ transformed his life and marriage, eventually leading him into a ministry that reaches men facing unexpected pregnancies. Through honest conversations, biblical encouragement, practical resources, and ongoing support, Man to Man is helping fathers understand their responsibility, discover hope, and connect with local churches.

It's a side of the pro-life movement you may have never considered!

Also on today's show:

🇺🇸 Christians and Voting: Does Your Vote Really Matter?

On Election Day, Steve steps outside the show's usual avoidance of politics to encourage Christians to participate in the democratic process. How should believers approach their responsibility as citizens while remembering that their ultimate allegiance belongs to Jesus Christ?

📖 That's Not in the Bible: "All Sins Are Equal"

You've probably heard someone say that all sins are equal in God's eyes. But is that actually what Scripture teaches?

Steve examines James 2:10, John 19:11, and Luke 12:47–48 to explain an important biblical distinction: all sin makes us guilty before God, but not every sin carries the same degree of seriousness or earthly consequences.

📰 Headlines You May Have Missed

• Jessa and Ben Seewald discuss the blessings, challenges, and surprises of raising a growing family.

• Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton asks Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell a challenging question about homosexuality, salvation, and who goes to heaven. Their conversation highlights the difference between trying to change someone's behavior and pointing them toward Jesus Christ.

📖 Faith Between Your Ears — John 1:14

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us..."

This week's Scripture memory challenge reminds us of the incredible truth of the incarnation: Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, came to dwell among us, full of grace and truth.

🎁 FREE RESOURCE: Five Tips for Bible Study

Want to become more confident studying God's Word for yourself? Download Steve's free guide, Five Tips for Bible Study, and discover practical ways to approach Scripture with greater understanding.

Visit https://stevemarstonshow.com to get your copy!

ABOUT THE STEVE MARSTON SHOW

The Steve Marston Show is a daily journey in learning how to live more like Jesus. Through meaningful conversations, biblical teaching, practical discipleship, and a little fun along the way, Steve helps you take the next step in your walk with Christ.

Listen weekdays:

• 99.5 The Word — Little Rock, Arkansas | 3–4 PM

• AM 630 The Word — San Antonio, Texas

• On your favorite podcast platform

Helping You Live More Like Jesus.

Visit https://stevemarstonshow.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when WNBA star Sophie Cunningham talks openly about Jesus with comedian Theo Von? And how can something as simple as a shoebox remind a struggling child that God hasn't forgotten him?

On today's episode of The Steve Marston Show, we're talking about bold faith, imperfect messengers, and the incredible ways God uses ordinary people to make an extraordinary difference.

SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM, THEO VON & SHARING YOUR FAITH

When Sophie Cunningham appeared on Theo Von's podcast, she did something that caught the internet's attention: she talked about Jesus, explained the importance of her faith, and invited Theo to church.

But Steve noticed something else about their conversation. Sophie wasn't a perfect messenger. And that's an important reminder for every Christian who has ever hesitated to share their faith because they didn't feel qualified.

You don't have to have everything figured out to tell someone what Jesus means to you.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD: ONE SHOEBOX, ONE INCREDIBLE STORY

Growing up in Uganda, Emmanuel Osireh experienced poverty, hunger, and tremendous uncertainty. When he received a shoebox gift through Samaritan's Purse's Operation Christmas Child, it became much more than a collection of toys and supplies.

It reminded him that God knew his name, loved him, and hadn't forgotten his family.

Today, Emmanuel travels the country sharing his testimony and encouraging churches to participate in this remarkable ministry.

National Collection Week is November 16–23, 2026.

Learn more about Operation Christmas Child:
https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/

SUNDAY MORNING TAKEAWAYS

Listeners share what stood out from their Sunday sermons, including:

• Why church fellowship must remain a priority

• The danger of trying to live for both Jesus and the world

• Making prayer an essential part of everyday life

• Recognizing when temporary pleasures become more important than pursuing God

PLUS, ON TODAY'S SHOW:

• How portraying Rahab in Joshua Live deepened an actress's understanding of God's grace

• Why the Evangelical Press Association is changing its name

• Josh Jacobs' explanation of his gospel-inspired NFL touchdown celebration

• Dad Joke of the Day

• Faith Between Your Ears: John 1:14

• Your Next Step: Don't let imperfection keep you from sharing Jesus

ABOUT THE STEVE MARSTON SHOW

The Steve Marston Show is a daily journey in learning how to live more like Jesus. Through meaningful conversations, biblical encouragement, practical discipleship, and a little fun, Steve helps you put your faith into action.

Listen weekdays:
99.5 The Word — Little Rock, Arkansas | 3–4 PM
AM 630 The Word — San Antonio, Texas

Listen to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform and find more at:
https://stevemarstonshow.com

Helping You Live More Like Jesus.

#SophieCunningham #TheoVon #OperationChristmasChild #ChristianFaith #SteveMarstonShow

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What really happens when we die? Is death the end, or is there something more? And how can anyone be so certain about what comes next?

On today's Fun Friday edition of The Steve Marston Show, Steve reflects on a documentary about legendary comedian Norm Macdonald and a conversation with Larry King about death and the afterlife. Their perspectives raise a fascinating question: If someone believes there's nothing after death, what is that belief based on?

Steve explores why Christians place their confidence in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and why, if the resurrection is true, everything changes.

Then, it's time for some laughs with 12 Unwritten Rules for Church Worship Teams! From drummers who only have two volume settings to worship leaders who promise to sing the chorus "one more time," Steve takes a hilarious look at the things every church praise team knows but nobody ever writes down.

Plus, Adam Holz from Plugged In joins the conversation!

Steve and Adam continue the discussion about death, faith, and eternity, including the famous wager proposed by philosopher Blaise Pascal. They also discuss something many Christians struggle with but don't always talk about openly: doubts about their faith and assurance of salvation.

Then Adam shares his thoughts on the new Joshua Live theatrical production from Sight & Sound and discusses concerns about the growing presence of witchcraft themes in entertainment aimed at younger audiences.

Also on today's show:

• Billionaire Peter Thiel's private lectures about the Antichrist and the end times.

• Tony Dungy's biblical response to an Ohio pastor who reportedly took a second wife.

• A Christian mother's legal dispute with Portland Public Schools over parental rights.

• A Dad Joke of the Day that might take a few seconds to sink in!

• Faith Between Our Ears: Memorizing Isaiah 41:10 and remembering God's promises when life gets difficult.

At The Steve Marston Show, we take faith and fun seriously! Our mission is simple: Helping You Live More Like Jesus.

Listen weekdays at 3 PM on 99.5 The Word in Central Arkansas and AM 630 The Word in San Antonio, Texas.

Visit stevemarstonshow.com to explore more conversations, watch our YouTube videos, and download your FREE guide, Five Tips for Bible Study.

Faith. Fun. Real Conversations. A daily journey in learning how to live more like Jesus.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can Christians claim to be free in Christ while also calling themselves slaves to Christ? Isn't that a contradiction?

On today's episode of The Steve Marston Show, Steve tackles that very question in Christian, Explain Yourself! Discover what the Bible actually means when it describes believers as servants or slaves of Jesus Christ—and why true freedom comes through surrendering to Him.

Plus, Steve welcomes his son Tyler back to the program to discuss Joshua chapter 1 and the newest installment of his 1189 Bible commentary series. What does God really mean when He tells Joshua to "be strong and courageous"? Tyler explains why those familiar words are about more than overcoming fear—they're also about trusting God enough to obey Him.

Also on today's show:

• Does God Measure Success Differently? Steve shares an encouraging message from a bivocational youth pastor who was reminded that ministry success isn't always measured by attendance or numbers.

• Ernie Johnson's Faith and Legacy: Reflecting on the beloved sports broadcaster's public testimony of faith, his powerful words about loving others, and his announced retirement.

• Guy Penrod's Health Battle: The Southern Gospel legend opens up about a serious illness, the lessons God is teaching him, and the importance of prayer.

• Angel Studios Makes a Promise: New commitments to family-friendly entertainment and values-driven storytelling.

• Forrest Frank's Jesus Generation: A new album and upcoming concert film celebrating music, faith, and lives changed through the gospel.

• Faith Between Your Ears: Continuing our memorization of Isaiah 41:10 and God's promise to strengthen, help, and uphold His people.

• Your Next Step: Why a simple word of encouragement might make a bigger difference than you realize.

Through biblical teaching, meaningful conversations, inspiring stories, and a little humor, The Steve Marston Show is helping you live more like Jesus every day.

Listen to The Steve Marston Show:

Weekdays, 3–4 PM on 99.5 The Word in Central Arkansas and AM 630 The Word in San Antonio, Texas.

Watch our standalone conversations on YouTube and find more episodes, resources, and information at:

https://stevemarstonshow.com

The Steve Marston Show — Helping You Live More Like Jesus

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does God change? Is the God of the Old Testament different from the God of the New Testament? And how do you measure success when God calls you to something difficult?

On today's episode of The Steve Marston Show, we're tackling some big questions about faith, perseverance, and what it really means to follow Jesus.

Here's what's on today's show:

Does God Grow? Tony Robbins Questions the Bible

Motivational speaker Tony Robbins recently shared his thoughts after reading the Bible from cover to cover. His conclusion? The God of the Old Testament seems very different from the God of the New Testament. He even asks whether God grows or changes.

Steve examines those claims through Scripture and explains why God's character, justice, mercy, and love are consistent throughout the Bible.

Seek & Find: The Tragic Ending of King Uzziah

King Uzziah began his reign at just 16 years old and experienced extraordinary success. But despite decades of faithfulness and blessing, pride eventually became his downfall.

What happened to this once-great king? And what can his story teach us about the importance of finishing well? We're digging into 2 Chronicles 26.

Cody Price: When Ministry Gets Hard

What happens when you're called to pastor a church but still have to work a full-time job to support your family?

Steve revisits an encouraging conversation with bivocational pastor Cody Price about balancing work, ministry, and family while remaining faithful to God's calling.

Cody shares the challenges of planting a church, the discouragement of preaching to nearly empty rooms, and the lessons God taught him along the way.

His reminder to struggling pastors is powerful: In God's Kingdom, success isn't always measured by thousands. Sometimes it's counted one person at a time.

Plus, Headlines You May Have Missed:

• Christian commentator Samuel Sey's detention by immigration authorities and the questions surrounding his legal status.

• Why Jonathan Roumie, who portrays Jesus in The Chosen, wears skull rings.

• Vice President JD Vance leads a crowd in the Lord's Prayer during a medical emergency. Was that the right prayer for the moment?

Faith Between Our Ears: Isaiah 41:10

We're continuing our weekly Scripture memory challenge with a powerful reminder of God's presence, strength, and faithfulness.

And, of course, there's your daily dose of dad jokes!

The Steve Marston Show is a daily journey in learning how to live more like Jesus. We take faith and fun seriously!

Listen weekdays:

• 99.5 The Word — Little Rock, Arkansas | 3–4 PM

• AM 630 The Word — San Antonio, Texas

Visit: https://stevemarstonshow.com

Download your FREE guide, Five Tips for Bible Study, and discover more conversations designed to help you grow in your faith.

Subscribe to The Steve Marston Show podcast and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today.

Helping You Live More Like Jesus.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can God completely transform a life that seems beyond hope? What about someone sentenced to 80 years in prison at just 18 years old?

On today's episode of The Steve Marston Show, Steve welcomes Evelyn Limley, CEO of Kairos Prison Ministry, to discuss the incredible work God is doing behind prison walls.

As Kairos celebrates 50 years of ministry, Evelyn shares how volunteers are bringing the love, forgiveness, and transforming power of Jesus Christ to incarcerated men, women, and young people.

You'll hear the remarkable story of a young man who went from gang involvement and an 80-year prison sentence to discovering Christ, earning advanced degrees, receiving clemency, and eventually teaching about criminal justice at Yale.

It's a powerful reminder that no one is beyond God's reach.

Also on today's show:

• Purity Culture and God's Design for Marriage: Steve responds to comments from Sadie Robertson Huff about sexual purity, boundaries in dating, and why choosing God's plan before temptation arrives makes all the difference.

• That's Not in the Bible: You've heard the saying, "When God closes one door, He opens another." But is that actually a biblical promise? Steve shares a personal family experience and explains why sometimes the closed door itself is God's answer.

• Stories You May Have Missed: The movie Young Washington arrives on streaming, Christian recording artist Colton Dixon releases a Halloween-inspired song rooted in Ezekiel 37, and actress Danica McKellar shares how an invitation to church from Candace Cameron Bure changed her life.

• Faith Between Your Ears: We're memorizing Isaiah 41:10 and remembering God's promise to strengthen, help, and uphold His people.

Plus, there's always room for a dad joke!

Want to get involved with Kairos Prison Ministry?

Learn about volunteer opportunities and ways to support the ministry at https://www.kairosprisonministry.org

Grow deeper in your faith!

Download Steve's FREE guide, Five Tips for Bible Study, at https://stevemarstonshow.com

And don't forget to find The Steve Marston Show on YouTube for standalone conversations, biblical teaching, and encouragement to help you live more like Jesus.

The Steve Marston Show
Helping You Live More Like Jesus

Listen weekdays from 3–4 PM on 99.5 The Word in Little Rock and on AM 630 The Word in San Antonio.

Visit https://stevemarstonshow.com for more episodes, conversations, and resources.

Faith and fun. We take both seriously!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when the life you've carefully planned suddenly takes a completely unexpected turn? And how can God take our mistakes, struggles, and disappointments and turn them into something beautiful?

On today's episode of The Steve Marston Show, Steve welcomes Brindy Richardson, a pastor's daughter who grew up in church, embraced Christian values, and had big dreams for her future. But when she became pregnant as a teenager, everything changed.

Brindy shares her deeply personal story of teenage pregnancy, the difficult conversations with her family, the emotional struggles, and the unexpected blessings that followed. Today, she's married to the young man she fell in love with, they're raising five children, and their story is a powerful reminder that our mistakes don't have to define our future.

Also on today's show:

• Taking Your Faith Beyond Sunday: Oxford mathematician and Christian apologist John Lennox explains why following Jesus should influence every part of our lives, including the workplace, and how Christians can respond to hostility with grace and respect.

• Sunday Morning Takeaways: Steve shares a fresh perspective on the four men who brought a paralyzed man to Jesus, along with encouraging lessons submitted by listeners.

• Christians and Culture: Babylon Bee CEO Seth Dillon warns young Christians about radical conspiracies and those who exploit resentment, while Allie Beth Stuckey discusses how Christians can approach Halloween as an opportunity to share the gospel.

• Faith Between Our Ears: This week's memory verse is Isaiah 41:10, a powerful reminder that God promises to strengthen, help, and uphold His people.

• Dad Joke of the Day: Because discipleship should include a little laughter!

Whether you're facing the consequences of past decisions, wondering how to live out your faith in a challenging culture, or simply looking for encouragement, today's conversations remind us that God is still at work in every season of life.

The Steve Marston Show is a daily journey in learning how to live more like Jesus, featuring real conversations, practical discipleship, encouragement, and a little fun along the way.

Listen, grow, and take your next step in following Jesus.

Connect with the show:

Website: https://SteveMarstonShow.com

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@SteveMarstonShow

Email: [email protected]

Helping You Live More Like Jesus.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.