In this episode of True Comfort, Teasi talks with Dr. Clark Bates who discusses his journey into studying textual criticism and then opens his heart to share a very tender and excruciating season in which he and his wife walked their daughter through extreme depression which led to self-harm and suicidal thoughts. There is truly no greater pain than the pain parents feel for their children—especially when we feel powerless to help them. But Clark and his wife clung tightly to their faith in God and His love for their family even when things made no sense and the pain was beyond compare.  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to True Comfort and Guest Introduction

02:51 Understanding Textual Criticism

06:02 The Journey into Textual Criticism

09:05 The Importance of Manuscripts

11:54 The Reliability of the New Testament

15:04 Personal Struggles and Family Challenges

18:01 Navigating Difficult Times as a Family

20:55 Finding Hope and Healing

23:38 The Role of Faith in Crisis

26:34 The Impact of Community and Support

29:09 The Journey of a Daughter's Recovery

31:52 The Importance of Scripture in Difficult Times

34:41 Final Thoughts on Faith and Trust

37:23 Encouragement for Those Struggling

40:21 Conclusion and Resources

To learn more about Clark Bates visit https://facebook.com/clark.bates.9 and to support his family in their missions visit

https://give.missionquest.org/missionary/250

To learn more about Teasi Cannon or to invite her to speak check out www.teasicannon.com

To get started on your own study of apologetics check out these recommended resources: General Apologetics — Teasi Cannon

For an incredible 50% off deal on 200 educational slides from the late Norman Geisler (a tremendous way to get started learning philosophy, theology, and apologetics): go to https://ngim.org/store/ and use promo code NorMTeasi25

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) 

In this conversation, Teasi Cannon and David Geisler talk about his journey into apologetics and evangelism as the son of apologetics trailblazer, Norman Geisler. They discuss David's deep passion for pre-evangelism in understanding people's hearts, and his ministry focus on discipleship. David also shares openly about his sister's tragic suicide, how it shaped his faith and hope in Christ, and the cultural ideologies that often fail to provide true comfort.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to True Comfort and David Geisler

02:31 David's Journey into Apologetics and Evangelism

06:52 The Importance of Pre-Evangelism

10:26 Facing Personal Tragedy: The Impact of Loss

19:05 Understanding Pain and Suffering

30:12 Hope and Transformation Through Christ

40:04 Cultural Ideologies and the Search for Meaning

47:48 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

To learn more about David Geisler and his ministry, visit www.ngim.org and

www.conversationalevangelism.com also check out the movie about his father’s life at www.normgeislerthemovie.com

To learn more about Teasi Cannon or to invite her to speak check out www.teasicannon.com

To get started on your own study of apologetics check out these recommended resources: General Apologetics — Teasi Cannon

For an incredible 50% off deal on 200 educational slides from the late Norman Geisler (a tremendous way to get started learning philosophy, theology, and apologetics): go to https://ngim.org/store/  and use promo code NorMTeasi25

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988)  

In this special episode, Teasi Cannon shares very tender details of her own journey through multiple experiences of abuse and the resultant, often debilitating lies that have affected her life as a result. She emphasizes the life-changing security and healing found only in God's truth and why she trusts in it with her whole heart.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to True Comfort

01:45 The Debilitating Lie

08:57 The Impact of Childhood Trauma

15:37 Finding Truth in God's Word

22:38 Understanding Our Value in Christ

30:12 Transcendent Joy Amidst Suffering

37:25 Hope Worth Fighting For

To learn more about Teasi Cannon or to invite her to speak check out www.teasicannon.com

To get started on your own study of apologetics check out these recommended resources: General Apologetics — Teasi Cannon

For an incredible 50% off deal on 200 educational slides from the late Norman Geisler (a tremendous way to get started learning philosophy, theology, and apologetics): go to https://ngim.org/store/  and use promo code NorMTeasi25

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988)  

Music by Sam Cannon at Home | I'm Sam Cannon

In this episode of True Comfort, Teasi Cannon welcomes Melissa Dougherty, a Christian artist and apologist, who shares vulnerably about something she’s never publicly shared anywhere—an abuse that happened in her childhood. They discuss the confusing ripple effects of childhood wounds, the significance of truth and boundaries in the healing process, and the comfort found in God’s eternal and good promises.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to True Comfort and Guest Introduction

02:59 Melissa's Journey into Apologetics and Theology

05:55 The Role of Apologetics in Personal Faith

08:52 The Importance of Intellectual Engagement in Faith

12:01 Sharing Personal Stories of Pain and Comfort

15:01 Understanding the Impact of Personal Trauma

17:27 Navigating Gender Identity and Personal Struggles

20:24 The Choice to Overcome Adversity

23:23 Empowering the Next Generation Through Understanding

25:10 Navigating Pain and Choice

25:45 The Role of Philosophy in Faith

26:42 Understanding Behaviors and Choices

28:05 The Balance of Moving On and Dealing with Pain

29:06 Sharing Personal Stories of Abuse

29:58 The Impact of Childhood Trauma

31:16 Truth Encounters and Spiritual Warfare

31:39 Identifying Lies and Embracing Truth

32:20 Challenging Gender Norms and Beliefs

35:58 The Journey of People-Pleasing and Boundaries

42:48 Owning Our Emotions and Boundaries

45:30 The Importance of Healthy Boundaries

46:32 Understanding the Christian Worldview

48:55 The Evidence Supporting Faith

52:10 Encouragement to Explore Beliefs

55:24 Finding Comfort in God's Truth

To learn find Melissa Dougherty, visit her on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaDougherty and her website here: www.melissadougherty.co

To learn more about Teasi Cannon or to invite her to speak check out www.teasicannon.com

To get started on your own study of apologetics check out these recommended resources: https://www.teasicannon.com/general-apologetics

For an incredible 50% off deal on 200 educational slides from the late Norman Geisler (a tremendous way to get started learning philosophy, theology, and apologetics): go to https://ngim.org/store/ and use promo code NorMTeasi25

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988)

Music by Sam Cannon at https://www.imsamcannon.com/

Special Note: This episode addresses the topic of suicide. The suicide hotline number will be listed below in the show notes. Also, we experienced some audio issues but did not want to miss the opportunity to share Jennifer’s incredible story and hope.

Have you lost someone to suicide and wondered where God is amid that excruciating, tragic loss? In this episode, Teasi talks with Jennifer DeFrates who shares her personal journey through loss, particularly the suicide of her husband (which she witnessed), and how it has shaped her faith and deep, abiding trust in God’s goodness and faithfulness.

Chapters

00:00Introduction to True Comfort and Apologetics

09:39The Journey of Grief and Loss

16:30Finding Hope in God's Goodness

24:13The Role of Faith in Suffering

28:59Navigating Grief and Loss

30:48Trusting God Amidst Uncertainty

32:37Teaching Faith to the Next Generation

36:10Finding Strength in Community

38:19Experiencing God's Presence in Pain

42:13Sharing the Gospel in Difficult Times

52:15The Power of Scripture in Daily Life

To learn more about Jennifer Defrates, find her socials and blog at https://heavennotharvard.com/ and theMamapologist - Where Apologetics and Discipleship Meet

To learn more about Teasi Cannon or to invite her to speak check out www.teasicannon.com

To get started on your own study of apologetics check out these recommended resources: General Apologetics — Teasi Cannon

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) 

Music by Sam Cannon at Home | I'm Sam Cannon

Losing a loved one is hard, but it’s even more heartbreaking when we’re uncertain about their eternal destination. In this episode of True Comfort, Teasi has a heartfelt conversation with professor and apologist, R. L. Solberg who opens up about his ongoing efforts to share the good news of the Gospel with his once-estranged father, the grief he experienced when his father died unexpectedly having never confessed a belief in Jesus, and his unwavering trust in the goodness of God through it all.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to True Comfort and Apologetics

03:48 How to Read the Bible: Hermeneutics 101

09:53 The Journey to Apologetics: Personal Background

19:57 The Role of Apologetics in Comfort and Suffering

21:44 Engaging with Others: The Heart of Apologetics

29:39 Personal Stories: Conversations with My Father

39:03 The Importance of Kindness and Moral Foundations

40:29 Conversations with My Father: A Personal Journey

41:25 Facing Life and Death: The Stakes of Faith

43:17 The ICU Visit: A Father's Last Words

45:09 Dealing with Loss: The Aftermath of Death

46:07 Searching for Evidence of Faith

48:04 The Pain of Uncertainty: What Happens After Death?

49:31 Trusting God's Justice and Sovereignty

51:51 Finding Comfort in the Psalms

54:43 Understanding God's Love and Justice

58:13 The Role of Evidence in Faith

01:01:17 The Resurrection: A Foundation for Belief

01:05:01 Final Thoughts: Encouragement for the Hurting

To learn more about Professor R. L. Solberg and his latest book, visit:

Amazon: The Law, the Christ, the Promise

Ministry website: TheBiblicalRoots.org

https://www.youtube.com/@TheBiblicalRoots

https://www.instagram.com/r.l.solberg/

To learn more about Teasi Cannon or to invite her to speak check out www.teasicannon.com

To get started on your own study of apologetics check out these recommended resources: General Apologetics — Teasi Cannon

Have you ever felt like life keeps throwing you one devastation after another? In this episode of True Comfort, Teasi Cannon speaks with Hillary Ferrer, Executive Director of Mama Bear Apologetics, who opens up about her life-long, continuing battle with serious disease, excruciating physical pain, deep loss, and more … and also shares why her faith in Jesus doesn’t waiver one bit.  

Chapters

00:00Introduction to True Comfort and Apologetics

05:38Hillary's Journey into Apologetics

11:23Navigating Personal Struggles and Health Issues

21:33The Role of Faith and Apologetics in Suffering

30:02The Power of Prayer and Doubt

32:55Facing Lies and Spiritual Warfare

35:55Navigating Physical and Emotional Struggles

40:30Finding Hope in Eternity

45:46Evidence of Faith: Resurrection and Science

51:19Counterfeit Comforts in Faith

56:22Encouragement in Doubt and Struggles

To learn more about Hillary, her books, and Mama Bear Apologetics, check out  Mama Bear Apologetics | Train Yourself. Equip Your Kids

To learn more about Teasi Cannon or to invite her to speak check out www.teasicannon.com

To get started on your own study of apologetics check out these recommended resources: General Apologetics — Teasi Cannon

Have you or someone you know felt the pain of powerlessness when it comes to helping someone you love? In this episode of True Comfort, Teasi Cannon has a heartfelt conversation with Phoenix Hayes who shares vulnerably what it’s like to have three of her four children diagnosed with autism, something she prayed would never happen to her. Phoenix shares about the fear, deep grief, and … the joy intertwined in her journey and why she still believes in God’s goodness and faithfulness through it all.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to True Comfort and Apologetics

02:49 Phoenix's Journey into Apologetics

05:53 The Impact of Autism in Family Life

08:54 Navigating Grief and Acceptance

11:54 The Role of Faith in Parenting Challenges

14:56 Finding Hope Amidst Pain

17:50 The Complexity of Love and Loss

20:43 Trusting God's Character in Difficult Times

23:50 The Importance of Perspective in Suffering

32:44 The Brokenness of the World

34:25 Grounding in God's Goodness

37:43 Arguments for God's Existence

40:32 Counterfeit Comforts in Parenting

51:47 The Nature of Brokenness

54:30 Theological Misconceptions and Truths

To learn more about Phoenix Hayes and her ministry check out http://serpentsdoves.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/PhoenixHayes or https://www.instagram.com/phoenix_hayes/

To learn more about Teasi Cannon or to invite her to speak check out www.teasicannon.com

To get started on your own study of apologetics check out these recommended resources: General Apologetics — Teasi Cannon

Have you or someone you know ever had to give up on a desperate prayer for someone you love? In this episode of True Comfort, Teasi has a heartfelt conversation with scholar, theologian, philosopher, and apologist Dr. Douglas Groothuis who opens his heart to share about his experience with losing his beloved wife to a rare and cruel form of dementia, how it felt to completely give up hope for her healing, and why he never gave up on his trust in God's truth and goodness through the loss and pain.

00:00 Introduction to True Comfort and Dr. Groothuis

07:53 The Journey of Faith and Apologetics

15:05 Navigating Personal Pain and Grief

23:27 The Role of Lament in Suffering

32:28 The Importance of Hope and Faith

45:55 Counterfeit Comforts in Today's Culture

To learn more about Dr. Douglas Groothuis check out Douglas Groothuis, Ph.D. | Christian Philosopher and Apologist

To order Walking Through Twilight : Amazon

To learn more about Teasi Cannon or to invite her to speak check out www.teasicannon.com

To get started on your own study of apologetics check out these recommended resources: General Apologetics — Teasi Cannon

Music by Sam Cannon at Home | I'm Sam Cannon

Have you or someone you know ever felt as if in one tragic moment everything good and right and meaningful in the world was shattered? In this episode of True Comfort, Teasi has a heartfelt conversation with author, speaker, and apologist Alisa Childers who opens her heart to share about a personal experience just like this, how it affected her relationship with God, and how she held on to biblical faith through the pain.

00:00 Introduction to True Comfort and Apologetics

03:43 The Journey to Apologetics

10:55 The Impact of Personal Loss

24:34 Finding Hope in Suffering

30:37 The Role of Scripture in Grief

32:30 Finding Comfort in Grief

34:59 The Role of Community in Suffering

37:53 Evidence of Faith During Doubt

41:00 Understanding Progressive Christianity

49:58 The Hope in Suffering and God's Sovereignty

To learn more about Alisa’s incredible ministry and books check out www.alisachilders.com

To learn more about Teasi Cannon or to invite her to speak check out www.teasicannon.com

To get started on your own study of apologetics check out these recommended resources: General Apologetics — Teasi Cannon

Music by Sam Cannon