The Winning Response

The Winning Response Podcast is celebrating one year of weekly episodes! Join Jen and Crystal on this episode as they give thanks, share stats, and reflect on the good things the Lord has done over the past year on the podcast. They share exciting news that the podcast is now available in video form on YouTube!

In this episode, we see that when we are in Christ we receive the promise of the Holy Spirit. Using key scriptures, Jen and Crystal look at the Spirit’s role as our Helper, Counselor, and Advocate who guides, empowers, and intercedes on our behalf. The Holy Spirit is the promised gift and divine presence within every believer.

Ephesians 1:13-14 (AMP)

13 In Him you also who have heard the Word of Truth, the glad tidings (Gospel) of your salvation, and have believed in and adhered to and relied on Him, were stamped with the seal of the long-promised Holy Spirit.

14 That [Spirit] is the guarantee of our inheritance [the firstfruits, the pledge and foretaste, the down payment on our heritage], in anticipation of its full redemption and our acquiring [complete] possession of it—to the praise of His glory.

Romans 8:14-16 ; 26-30 (NIV)

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

John 14:16-17 (AMPC)

16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever—

17 The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you.

John 14:26-27 (AMP)

But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.

Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]

John 16:13-15 (AMP)

Acts 1:4-11 (NIV)

Acts 2:1-4 (NIV)

James 1: 22-25 (NIV)

Ephesians 1:15-23 (NIV)

In this episode, Jen and Crystal look at the amazing spiritual inheritance that comes with being a believer in Christ. It’s not just something we’re waiting for in the future — it’s something we can live in right now! In this conversation, Jen and Crystal discuss the victory and authority we have through Jesus, and the eternal inheritance God has in store for those who follow His calling.

Ephesians 1: 11-12 (NKJV)

In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.

1 Peter 1: 3-4 (ESV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,

Acts 20:32 (NLT)

And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.

Titus 3:3-7(NLT)

Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. 4 But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.

Colossians 3:23-24 (NLT)

23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 24 Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.

Ephesians 2:6 (NIRV)

God raised us up with Christ. He has seated us with him in his heavenly kingdom. That’s because we belong to Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 2:9 (ESV)

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.

Revelation 21 (NIV)

1 Peter 1:4-9 (NLT)

Ephesians 1:18 (NLT)

I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.

In this episode, Jen and Crystal dive into the powerful themes of acceptance, forgiveness, and redemption as revealed in Ephesians. They discuss how our identity in Christ should shape the way we see ourselves—as fully accepted by God—not because of our actions, but because of Christ’s sacrifice. Through heartfelt conversation, they highlight the role of faith in embracing our worth and the life-changing freedom that comes from living in God’s redemption and forgiveness.

Ephesians 1: 6 (NKJV)

to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

Romans 5: 1-2 (NIV)

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.

Romans 15: 7 (NIV)

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

John 13: 34-35 (NIV)

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Ephesians 1: 7 (NKJV)

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.

2 Corinthians 5: 21 (NKJV)

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Romans 8: 1-2 (NKJV)

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

Galatians 3: 13 (AMP)

Christ purchased our freedom and redeemed us from the curse of the Law and the condemnation by becoming a curse for us– for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs [crucified] in a tree (cross)”

Romans 3:22-24 (TLB)

But now God has shown us a different way to heaven—not by “being good enough” and trying to keep his laws, but by a new way (though not new, really, for the Scriptures told about it long ago). Now God says he will accept and acquit us—declare us “not guilty”—if we trust Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, by coming to Christ, no matter who we are or what we have been like. Yes, all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious ideal; yet now God declares us “not guilty” of offending him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in his kindness freely takes away our sins.

Colossians 1: 13-14 (NKJV)

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

John 8:36 (NIV)

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by slavery.

John 8:32 (NIV)

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free

2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV)

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Join Jen and Crystal as they explore the powerful theme of adoption in Christ and what it truly means to be a child of God. This conversation includes looking at the scriptural truths of being brought into God’s family, the deep intimacy believers can experience with God as their Father, and the vital role of the Holy Spirit in leading and empowering us. Jen and Crystal also discuss the freedom and assurance that comes from knowing we belong and the spiritual blessings that flow from being His adopted sons and daughters.

Ephesians 1:5 (NIV)

He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—

John 1:12-13 (NIV)

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

2 Corinthians 6:18 (ERV)

I will be your father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord All-Powerful.

Psalm 68:5-6 (ERV)

God, who lives in his holy palace, is a father to orphans, and he takes care of widows.

God provides homes for those who are lonely. He frees people from prison and makes them happy. But those who turn against him will live in the desert.

Galatians 4:4-5 (ERV)

But when the right time came, God sent his Son, who was born from a woman and lived under the law. 5 God did this so that he could buy the freedom of those who were under the law. God’s purpose was to make us his children.

Psalm 27:10 (AMPC)

Although my father and my mother have forsaken me, yet the Lord will take me up [adopt me as His child].

Psalm 139:13-16 (MSG)

Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made. I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.

1 John 3:1 (NIV)

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God!

Romans 8: 12-14 (ESV)

So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

Romans 8:15 (ESV)

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

In this episode of The Winning Response Podcast, Jen and Crystal look at Ephesians chapter 1 to discover our identity in Christ. There are spiritual blessings available to believers, and this conversation explores what it means to be chosen by God and how that truth shapes our identity as new creations in Christ.

Ephesians 1:3

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Christ, God has given us every spiritual blessing in heaven.

Philippians 3: 3-14 (ERV)

Ephesians 1:4

For he chose us in him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight in love.

John 15:16

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give it to you.

Psalm 139: 1-13 (TLB)

Romans 8: 28-33 (ERV)

We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him. These are the people God chose, because that was his plan. 29 God knew them before he made the world. And he decided that they would be like his Son. Then Jesus would be the firstborn of many brothers and sisters. 30 God planned for them to be like his Son. He chose them and made them right with him. And after he made them right, he gave them his glory.

31 So what should we say about this? If God is for us, no one can stand against us. And God is with us. 32 He even let his own Son suffer for us. God gave his Son for all of us. So now with Jesus, God will surely give us all things. 33 Who can accuse the people God has chosen? No one! God is the one who makes them right.

1 Peter 2:9-10 (TLB)

But you are not like that, for you have been chosen by God himself—you are priests of the King, you are holy and pure, you are God’s very own—all this so that you may show to others how God called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were less than nothing; now you are God’s own. Once you knew very little of God’s kindness; now your very lives have been changed by it.

Colossians 3: 12-15 (ERV)

God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So your new life should be like this: Show mercy to others. Be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. 13 Don’t be angry with each other, but forgive each other. If you feel someone has wronged you, forgive them. Forgive others because the Lord forgave you. 14 Together with these things, the most important part of your new life is to love each other. Love is what holds everything together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body.[c] And always be thankful.

In this foundational episode, Jen and Crystal explore what it truly means to be a new creation in Christ. Building on the truth that Jesus made us winners through His sacrifice, they look at the transformation that happens when we accept Jesus as Lord—how the old is gone, the new has come, and our identity is forever changed.

Drawing from passages like 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 12, and Colossians 1, Jen and Crystal lay a solid biblical foundation for living as a victorious believer. Through the powerful example of Paul’s radical transformation, they discuss how God's love, grace, and truth shape us into who He created us to be.

This episode also highlights how renewing our minds, rejecting condemnation, and standing firm in God’s promises are key to walking out this new identity. If you've never made Jesus your Lord, you'll have the opportunity to pray a salvation prayer and begin your journey as a new creation.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

1 Corinthians 6:11 (NKJV)

And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

Colossians 1:21-23 (ERV)

At one time you were separated from God. You were his enemies in your minds, because the evil you did was against him. But now he has made you his friends again. He did this by the death Christ suffered while he was in his body. He did it so that he could present you to himself as people who are holy, blameless, and without anything that would make you guilty before him. And that is what will happen if you continue to believe in the Good News you heard. You must remain strong and sure in your faith. You must not let anything cause you to give up the hope that became yours when you heard the Good News. That same Good News has been told to everyone on earth, and that’s the work that I, Paul, was given to do.

Romans 12:1-2 NIV

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

2 Corinthians 2: 4-5 (NKJV)

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalt itself against the knowledge of God.

Acts 9:15 (NIV)

But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.

Ephesians 1:1-23 (ERV)

In this episode of The Winning Response, Josh and Amanda Goodman share heartfelt insights from their 28-year journey of marriage and their work in marriage ministry. Drawing from personal experience and years of mentoring couples, they discuss the keys to a lasting and fulfilling relationship—spiritual connection, forgiveness, communication, and the intentional pursuit of one another.

They emphasize the power of prayer, the importance of rediscovering shared identity and purpose, and the foundational scriptures that have guided their walk together. Whether you’re preparing for marriage, facing challenges, or simply looking to grow in your relationship, this episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and practical tools from a couple deeply committed to helping others build strong, faith-filled marriages.

In this episode of The Winning Response Podcast, Jen and Crystal sit down with Cathy Marzen for a deeply moving conversation about her 54-year marriage to her husband, Jerome. Cathy opens up about the power of having relationship role models, the ups and downs faced together, and the wisdom gained through the years. She highlights the essential roles of faith, open communication, and mutual respect in building a lasting bond. The discussion also explores the foundational scriptures that anchored their journey, offering inspiration and practical insights for couples at every stage of their relationship.

In this inspiring episode of The Winning Response, Amber Harmon shares her heartfelt testimony of restoration, redemption, and the power of unwavering faith. From the early struggles of marriage to the pain of divorce—and ultimately, to a miraculous reconciliation with her husband, Matt—Amber opens up about the deep healing that came through prayer, surrender, and trusting God's timing.

Her story is a powerful reminder that no relationship is beyond God's reach and that forgiveness and grace can lead to a renewed love. This episode offers hope for anyone navigating challenges in their relationships and points to the transformative power of God’s love.