Walk With Me

Walk With Me

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Walk With Me episodes

  • Part 2 – From Persecuted to Powerful: Christianity and Empire – With Church Historian Dr. Gordon Heath & Emmanuel Israel (Ph.D. Candidate)
    Welcome to Walk with Me, a podcast where we discuss issues around the Christian faith and society. I’m your host, Emmanuel.

    Thank you for joining us today. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Gordon Heath, a distinguished church historian.

    I had the privilege of taking a course with Professor Heath during my master's in theological studies. Like many students, I found the experience impactful. I once told my wife, "I wish everybody could understand and know the history of what they believe in."

    In addition to God’s call in my life, academically, I am a trained systematic theologian. It means that, as a systematic theologian, I focus on collecting and carefully interpreting the teachings of all biblical passages on a particular topic. As Dr. Wayne Grudem explains it, “systematic theology is any study that answers the question, ‘What does the whole Bible teach us today?’ about any given topic.” Systematic theologians sometimes use terms and concepts not found in the Bible, but these arise from synthesizing biblical teachings on specific topics. For example, 'Trinity' and 'incarnation' do not appear in Scripture, yet they effectively summarize key biblical theology. So, while I am comfortable talking about church history, which I have and will continually do by God’s grace, throughout this series, Dr. Heath will share his insights with us.

    The purpose of this series with Dr. Heath is to explore the origins of Christianity and the lessons we can from the past. In this second episode, we discussed the following questions:

    1. Why is the phrase “Dark Ages” misleading when applied to early medieval Christianity?
    2. How did monasteries, bishops, and local communities preserve learning and spiritual life during political instability?
    3. How did Christian spirituality continue to develop even when institutions were fragile or fragmented?
    4. Is there a danger in assuming institutional decline equals spiritual decline?
      5.  

       For more information and resources, including original songs, books, articles, and podcast all written and composed by Emmanuel through God’s grace, please be sure to visit our website www.emmanuelisrael.com

      Many of the themes we explore on this podcast — from personal growth, relationships, and meaning, to leadership, culture, ethics, and systems — connect directly to the work we do through two different practices. LivingRenewal focuses on biblical counselling and personal renewal, offering thoughtful and confidential support. To inquire, please visit www.livingrenewal.com

       

      The second is CollectiveDynamicGroup, which provides values-driven consulting and advisory services for organizations and institutions. If today’s conversation resonates with you personally or professionally, we encourage you to explore www.collectivedynamicgroup.com.

      31 min
    5. Part 1 – From Persecuted to Powerful: Christianity and Empire – With Church Historian Dr. Gordon Heath & Emmanuel Israel (Ph.D. Candidate)
      Welcome to Walk with Me, a podcast where we discuss issues around the Christian faith and society. I’m your host, Emmanuel.

      Thank you for joining us today. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Gordon Heath, a distinguished church historian.

      I had the privilege of taking a course with Professor Heath during my master's in theological studies. Like many students, I found the experience impactful. I once told my wife, "I wish everybody could understand and know the history of what they believe in."

      In addition to God’s call in my life, academically, I am a trained systematic theologian. It means that, as a systematic theologian, I focus on collecting and carefully interpreting the teachings of all biblical passages on a particular topic. As Dr. Wayne Grudem explains it, “systematic theology is any study that answers the question, ‘What does the whole Bible teach us today?’ about any given topic.” Systematic theologians sometimes use terms and concepts not found in the Bible, but these arise from synthesizing biblical teachings on specific topics. For example, 'Trinity' and 'incarnation' do not appear in Scripture, yet they effectively summarize key biblical theology. So, while I am comfortable talking about church history, which I have and will continually do by God’s grace, throughout this series, Dr. Heath will share his insights with us.

      The purpose of this series with Dr. Heath is to explore the origins of Christianity and the lessons we can from the past. In this second episode, we discussed the following questions:

      1. How did issues of class, gender, and ethnicity function within early Christian communities?
      2. How did the Gospel spread?
      3. How did Christianity’s relationship to power change after it became legally accepted and eventually favored by the Roman Empire?
      4. What did Christianity gain—and what did it risk losing—through alignment with political authority?

        5.  For more information and resources, including original songs, books, articles, and podcast all written and composed by Emmanuel through God’s grace, please be sure to visit our website www.emmanuelisrael.com

        Many of the themes we explore on this podcast — from personal growth, relationships, and meaning, to leadership, culture, ethics, and systems — connect directly to the work we do through two different practices. LivingRenewal focuses on biblical counselling and personal renewal, offering thoughtful and confidential support. To inquire, please visit www.livingrenewal.com

         

        The second is CollectiveDynamicGroup, which provides values-driven consulting and advisory services for organizations and institutions. If today’s conversation resonates with you personally or professionally, we encourage you to explore www.collectivedynamicgroup.com.

        33 min
      5. Part 2 – Lessons From The Past: How did Christianity survive? With Church Historian Dr. Gordon Heath & Emmanuel Israel (Ph.D. Candidate)
        Welcome to Walk with Me, a podcast where we discuss issues around the Christian faith and society. I’m your host, Emmanuel.

        Thank you for joining us today. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Gordon Heath, a distinguished church historian.

        I had the privilege of taking a course with Professor Heath during my master's in theological studies. Like many students, I found the experience impactful. I once told my wife, "I wish everybody could understand and know the history of what they believe in."

        In addition to God’s call in my life, academically, I am a trained systematic theologian. It means that, as a systematic theologian, I focus on collecting and carefully interpreting the teachings of all biblical passages on a particular topic. As Dr. Wayne Grudem explains it, “systematic theology is any study that answers the question, ‘What does the whole Bible teach us today?’ about any given topic.” Systematic theologians sometimes use terms and concepts not found in the Bible, but these arise from synthesizing biblical teachings on specific topics. For example, 'Trinity' and 'incarnation' do not appear in Scripture, yet they effectively summarize key biblical theology. So, while I am comfortable talking about church history, which I have and will continually do by God’s grace, throughout this series, Dr. Heath will share his insights with us.

        The purpose of this series with Dr. Heath is to explore the origins of Christianity and the lessons we can from the past. In this second episode, we discussed the following questions:

        1. Was early Christian expansion intentional, or did it spread more through everyday social networks?

        2.  Where and how did early Christians gather, and what did their meetings actually look like?

        3. What practices most clearly distinguished Christians from their surrounding cultures?

        4.  How did issues of class, gender, and ethnicity function within early Christian communities?

        5. What do modern attempts to “recreate the early church” often misunderstand?

           

          For more information and resources, including original songs, books, articles, and podcast all written and composed by Emmanuel through God’s grace, please be sure to visit our website www.emmanuelisrael.com

          Many of the themes we explore on this podcast — from personal growth, relationships, and meaning, to leadership, culture, ethics, and systems — connect directly to the work we do through two different practices. LivingRenewal focuses on biblical counselling and personal renewal, offering thoughtful and confidential support. To inquire, please visit www.livingrenewal.com

           

          The second is CollectiveDynamicGroup, which provides values-driven consulting and advisory services for organizations and institutions. If today’s conversation resonates with you personally or professionally, we encourage you to explore www.collectivedynamicgroup.com.

          31 min
        6. Part 1 – Lessons From The Past: How did Christianity survive? With Church Historian Dr. Gordon Heath & Emmanuel Israel (Ph.D. Candidate)
          Welcome to Walk with Me, a podcast where we discuss issues around the Christian faith and society. I’m your host, Emmanuel.

          Thank you for joining us today. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Gordon Heath, a distinguished church historian.

          I had the privilege of taking a course with Professor Heath during my master's in theological studies. Like many students, I found the experience impactful. I once told my wife, "I wish everybody could understand and know the history of what they believe in."

          In addition to God’s call in my life, academically, I am a trained systematic theologian. It means that, as a systematic theologian, I focus on collecting and carefully interpreting the teachings of all biblical passages on a particular topic. As Dr. Wayne Grudem explains it, “systematic theology is any study that answers the question, ‘What does the whole Bible teach us today?’ about any given topic.” Systematic theologians sometimes use terms and concepts not found in the Bible, but these arise from synthesizing biblical teachings on specific topics. For example, 'Trinity' and 'incarnation' do not appear in Scripture, yet they effectively summarize key biblical theology. So, while I am comfortable talking about church history, which I have and will continually do by God’s grace, throughout this series, Dr. Heath will share his insights with us.

          The purpose of this series with Dr. Heath is to explore the origins of Christianity and the lessons we can from the past. In this first episode, we discussed the following questions:

          1. You’ve studied how Christianity moved from a small first-century movement to a global religion. What makes its origins historically unusual?
          2. When people hear “early Christianity,” what do they usually imagine—and where does that picture tend to be misleading?
          3. In the first century, Christianity was marginal and often viewed with suspicion. What conditions made its survival—and growth—so improbable?
          4. How did early Christianity emerge from Judaism while gradually becoming a distinct movement?

            5.  

            For more information and resources, including original songs, books, articles, and podcast all written and composed by Emmanuel through God’s grace, please be sure to visit our website www.emmanuelisrael.com

            Many of the themes we explore on this podcast — from personal growth, relationships, and meaning, to leadership, culture, ethics, and systems — connect directly to the work we do through two different practices. LivingRenewal focuses on biblical counselling and personal renewal, offering thoughtful and confidential support. To inquire, please visit www.livingrenewal.com

             

            The second is CollectiveDynamicGroup, which provides values-driven consulting and advisory services for organizations and institutions. If today’s conversation resonates with you personally or professionally, we encourage you to explore www.collectivedynamicgroup.com.

            27 min
          5. A Near-Death experience: Exploring the Reality of Hell in an Interview with Brother Steve Kang
            Welcome to Walk with Me, a podcast where we discuss issues around the Christian faith and society. I’m your host, Emmanuel. Today, my guest is brother Steve Kang — a man whose life was radically altered after his near-death experience that brought him face to face with the reality of hell. What began as a night of overdose became an encounter that shattered his understanding of life, judgment, suffering, and ultimately, God Himself.

            In this conversation, brother Steve shares his spiritual journey before the experience, what he remembers from crossing into that other realm, and how the aftermath transformed him emotionally, spiritually, and practically. We also explore difficult questions surrounding guilt, morality, Buddhism, suffering, near-death experiences, and whether these encounters can simply be explained away as neurological phenomena.

            This episode is not presented to sensationalize fear, but to invite reflection — reflection on the soul, on truth, on grace, and on what it means to confront eternity.

            Whether you approach this conversation with belief, skepticism, curiosity, or personal searching, I encourage you to listen carefully and thoughtfully.

            We are glad to have you here with us, brother Steve: https://allnationsjc.org/

            For more information and resources, including original songs, books, articles, and podcast all written and composed by Emmanuel through God’s grace, please be sure to visit our website www.emmanuelisrael.com

            Many of the themes we explore on this podcast — from personal growth, relationships, and meaning, to leadership, culture, ethics, and systems — connect directly to the work we do through two different practices. LivingRenewal focuses on biblical counselling and personal renewal, offering thoughtful and confidential support. To inquire, please visit www.Livingrenewal.com

            The second is CollectiveDynamicGroup, which provides values-driven consulting and advisory services for organizations and institutions. If today’s conversation resonates with you personally or professionally, we encourage you to explore www.collectivedynamicgroup.com.

            41 min
          6. Exploring the Intersection Between Christian Doctrines: “Once Saved, Always Saved” and “The Issue of Pain, Suffering, and Evil”
            Welcome to Walk With Me. Today, we are looking at how two Christian teachings connect : the doctrine of pain, suffering, and evil, and the idea of Once Saved, Always Saved. The latter is very controversial yet it is important to understand why it is controversial.We will start by seeing what the Bible says about Once Saved, Always Saved, using passages like Romans 8, John 10, and 1 John 2:19. Then, we will compare assurance of salvation (1 John 5; Colossians 3; 1 Peter 1) with evidence of salvation, using marriage as an example. While nothing can take believers away from God, the Bible also shows that believers can choose to leave, as seen in Hebrews 6, 2 Timothy 2:12, 2 Peter 2, Matthew 24, John 15, Colossians 1, and James 5. We will finish by talking about why it is important to keep going in faith, stay close to Christ, be born of water and Spirit, and honour Jesus as both Lord and Saviour. We will end with a prayer for truth, discipleship, and faithful living.

            For more information and resources, including original songs, books, articles, and podcast all written and composed by Emmanuel through God’s grace, please be sure to visit our website www.emmanuelisrael.com

            Many of the themes we explore on this podcast — from personal growth, relationships, and meaning, to leadership, culture, ethics, and systems — connect directly to the work we do through two different practices. LivingRenewal focuses on biblical counselling and personal renewal, offering thoughtful and confidential support. To inquire, please visit www.Livingrenewal.com

            The second is CollectiveDynamicGroup, which provides values-driven consulting and advisory services for organizations and institutions. If today’s conversation resonates with you personally or professionally, we encourage you to explore www.collectivedynamicgroup.com.

            31 min
          7. Part 3: Reconsidering Our Biblical and Moral Obligations to the Persecuted Church With Floyd Brobbel

            In this comprehensive discussion, Emmanuel sits down with Floyd Brobbel, Chief Executive Officer of Voice of the Martyrs Canada, to examine the reality of Christian persecution today and what it means for believers—both around the world and in the West.

            Floyd shares the inspiring origin story of Voice of the Martyrs Canada, rooted in his mother's faith and obedience and influenced by the testimonies of Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand. From there, the conversation delves into the core of the ministry’s mission: remembering and supporting the persecuted Church, not by rescuing believers from hostile regions, but by strengthening them to stay faithful and effective where they are.

            Together, Emmanuel and Floyd unpack:

              • What is our biblical, theological, and moral duty as the body of Christ to support other persecuted Christians? Which scriptural passages underline this obligation?
              • For those interested, can you tell us about your book, "Trouble on the Way: Persecution in the Christian Life"?
              • What advice would you give to listeners and Christians, in particular, who are afraid to share their faith due to fears of persecution, such as losing their freedom of speech, friends, family, finances, or even their lives?
                • With increasing digital surveillance, extremist nationalism, and new forms of state control, how has persecution evolved over the past decade—and how is VOM adapting?
                  • What’s on the horizon for VOM Canada—any new initiatives, publications, or focus areas you’re excited about? And how can listeners get involved?

                    • What it means to live faithfully when sharing one’s faith may come with a cost. Floyd also shares deeply moving stories of persecuted believers, offers biblical and theological insight into suffering and discipleship, and reflects on how persecution—rather than weakening the Church—often strengthens its witness. Each episode challenges listeners to rethink comfort, faithfulness, and obedience, and to consider what it truly means to stand in solidarity with the global Church.

                    For more information and resources, including original songs, books, articles, and podcast all written and composed by Emmanuel through God’s grace, please be sure to visit our website www.emmanuelisrael.com

                    Many of the themes we explore on this podcast — from personal growth, relationships, and meaning, to leadership, culture, ethics, and systems — connect directly to the work we do through two different practices. LivingRenewal focuses on biblical counselling and personal renewal, offering thoughtful and confidential support. To inquire, please visit www.Livingrenewal.com

                    The second is CollectiveDynamicGroup, which provides values-driven consulting and advisory services for organizations and institutions. If today’s conversation resonates with you personally or professionally, we encourage you to explore www.collectivedynamicgroup.com.

                    26 min
                  • Part 2: Reconsidering Our Biblical and Moral Obligations to the Persecuted Church With Floyd Brobbel

                    In this comprehensive discussion, Emmanuel sits down with Floyd Brobbel, Chief Executive Officer of Voice of the Martyrs Canada, to examine the reality of Christian persecution today and what it means for believers—both around the world and in the West.

                    Floyd shares the inspiring origin story of Voice of the Martyrs Canada, rooted in his mother's faith and obedience and influenced by the testimonies of Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand. From there, the conversation delves into the core of the ministry’s mission: remembering and supporting the persecuted Church, not by rescuing believers from hostile regions, but by strengthening them to stay faithful and effective where they are.

                    Together, Emmanuel and Floyd unpack:

                    • Is there a recent story of a persecuted believer or community that has stayed with you—something that highlights both the challenges and the hope within the persecuted Church?
                    • From your perspective, what are the major global trends in Christian persecution today? Which regions or developments trouble you most?
                    • Some Westerners feel religious freedom is declining here, while others believe persecution is solely a concern abroad. How should Western Christians understand their own context?
                    • How can Western believers support persecuted Christians meaningfully, without fostering dependency or unintentionally imposing Western solutions?
                    • With increasing digital surveillance, extremist nationalism, and new forms of state control, how has persecution evolved over the past decade—and how is VOM adapting?

                      • What it means to live faithfully when sharing one’s faith may come with a cost. Floyd also shares deeply moving stories of persecuted believers, offers biblical and theological insight into suffering and discipleship, and reflects on how persecution—rather than weakening the Church—often strengthens its witness. Each episode challenges listeners to rethink comfort, faithfulness, and obedience, and to consider what it truly means to stand in solidarity with the global Church.

                      For more information and resources, including original songs, books, articles, and podcast all written and composed by Emmanuel through God’s grace, please be sure to visit our website www.emmanuelisrael.com

                      Many of the themes we explore on this podcast — from personal growth, relationships, and meaning, to leadership, culture, ethics, and systems — connect directly to the work we do through two different practices. LivingRenewal focuses on biblical counselling and personal renewal, offering thoughtful and confidential support. To inquire, please visit www.Livingrenewal.com

                      The second is CollectiveDynamicGroup, which provides values-driven consulting and advisory services for organizations and institutions. If today’s conversation resonates with you personally or professionally, we encourage you to explore www.collectivedynamicgroup.com.

                      29 min
                    • Part 1: Reconsidering Our Biblical and Moral Obligations to the Persecuted Church With Floyd Brobbel

                      In this comprehensive discussion, Emmanuel sits down with Floyd Brobbel, Chief Executive Officer of Voice of the Martyrs Canada, to examine the reality of Christian persecution today and what it means for believers—both around the world and in the West.

                      Floyd shares the inspiring origin story of Voice of the Martyrs Canada, rooted in his mother's faith and obedience and influenced by the testimonies of Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand. From there, the conversation delves into the core of the ministry’s mission: remembering and supporting the persecuted Church, not by rescuing believers from hostile regions, but by strengthening them to stay faithful and effective where they are.

                      Together, Emmanuel and Floyd unpack:

                      • What Christian persecution really is—and what it is not
                      • The difference between rescue missions and relief missions
                      • The three stages of persecution: disinformation, discrimination, and destruction
                      • How persecution is already showing up in subtle yet serious ways in Western societies
                      • Why prayer is the Church’s primary and most essential form of advocacy
                      • How believers can support persecuted Christians without creating dependency

                        • What it means to live faithfully when sharing one’s faith may come with a cost. Floyd also shares deeply moving stories of persecuted believers, offers biblical and theological insight into suffering and discipleship, and reflects on how persecution—rather than weakening the Church—often strengthens its witness. Each episode challenges listeners to rethink comfort, faithfulness, and obedience, and to consider what it truly means to stand in solidarity with the global Church.

                        24 min
                      • Part 2: An Attempt on Bridging the Divide: A Conversation on Black-White Relations, History, and Christian Responsibility, with Dr. Carolynne Hitter Brown.

                        Part 2: Join me as we conclude the topic, An Attempt on Bridging the Divide: A Conversation on Black-White Relations, History, and Christian Responsibility, with Dr. Carolynne Hitter Brown. This is a vital topic that reaches beyond our society to how we navigate personal relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

                        35 min

                      About Walk With Me

                      From the publisher's feed

                      Do you have questions about the Bible's reliability, timelessness, and timeliness of God? So, get ready for a new podcast, Walk With Me, which will bring you engaging discussions on Christian living…