Waypoints With Daniel Rushing

In this message, preached in the wake of a sudden personal loss, we sit honestly with what it means to not know how to pray, and we listen for what Paul says is happening underneath our silence: the Spirit interceding for us with groanings too deep for words. From Solomon's ancient prayer for wisdom to the modern ache of doomscrolling through a world that feels like it's coming apart, this sermon traces the distance between our confusion and God's confident promises to never leave us nor forsake us, and to work all things out for our good. (Sermon Preached at New Hope Presbyterian Church, Gastonia NC, 07/26/2026).

What if the “voice in your head” isn’t something to silence, but something to understand? What about all the voices in our heads? How can we discern our inner voice from all the other voices we hear? In this conversation, we explore the tension between inner chaos and inner clarity, the difference between overthinking and intuition, and what it might mean to hear God’s voice outside the pressure of religion. Steven returns to the podcast to share his journey of leaving religion, questioning everything, and slowly reconnecting with a quieter, more grounded sense of guidance that didn’t demand certainty or perfection. Along the way, we talk about silence, story, mental health, prayer, and the practice of being still and listening. This isn’t about having the right answers. It’s about learning to stop fighting the voice within and discovering how life changes when you finally do.

Steven Eudy has been my friend for many years. We met each other through a mutual friend, who you will hear about in this episode, who was a Pentecostal pastor, friend, and colleague of mine. He felt Steven and I were kindred spirits. He was right. Steven and I have been through a lot of life changes over the years, including changes in the way we relate to our very Pentecostal childhoods.

Steven is an entrepreneur, musician, and thinker—which makes him a great conversation partner on this podcast. In 2024, he lost his home and more when Hurricane Helene tore through the mountains of North Carolina, leaving mounds of destruction in its wake. Yet, he has continued to grow in his career and maintain his guitar store, The Guitar Trader, in West Asheville.

A couple of weeks ago, he messaged me and said, “I had a moment of what I believe was clarity and I have decided to re-embrace Christianity… on a 90-day free trial basis… I think it would probably make a good podcast episode.” We did not talk again until this recording. Here, Steven tells his story of faith, psychedelics, leaving church, ketamine treatments, and finding God.

I explain why letting go of the secret rapture also led me to rethink the idea of a future seven-year Great Tribulation. Looking at Jesus’ Olivet Discourse and Revelation in their first-century context, I explore how many of the passages often used to predict a future apocalypse may instead be describing the fall of Jerusalem and the ongoing call for Christians to endure suffering faithfully. Rather than a roadmap for escaping the world’s chaos, these texts invite us to follow the cross-shaped way of Jesus as we go through it.

In this episode, I revisit the famous “rapture” passage in 1 Thessalonians 4 and reflect on what Paul was really trying to say to the early church. Instead of just accepting it as a prediction about escaping the world, what else might Saint Paul have been saying? How would his first-century readers understand it?

Here is why I stopped believing in an Antichrist, a rapture, and a seven year tribulation.

I recently recorded a conversation with my dear friend Jimmy Humphrey, host of Jimmy’s Table podcast, in which we discussed the idea of having a practical spirituality. This came out of a personal conversation we had about online Christian influencers and how many of them are so heavenly-minded minded they seem no earthly good. Being spiritual doesn't require some crazy regimen of prayer and fasting. It is the day-to-day things we do for ourselves and our neighbors. These are things you might already be doing but maybe haven't recognized the presence of God in it. In a world that encourages you to dream big and have hairy audacious goals, practical spirituality is the antidote to the expectations we place on ourselves to perform or excel. Instead, you are invited to pull up a seat at the table and share a meal. From feeling the pressures of performance to discovering practices that will help you grit it out when life gets tough, this discussion covers it all. Enjoy.

In this episode, I talk with my good friend Daren Hall who tells his story of redemption and transformation. We discuss the importance of humility, community, and making amends, as well as the challenges of navigating temptation and maintaining sobriety. Daren emphasizes the significance of surrendering to recovery and the power of honesty in healing. The conversation concludes with practical advice for those struggling with substance use, highlighting the importance of seeking help and surrounding yourself with supportive people.

Summary

In this conversation, Daniel Rushing explores the complexities surrounding Halloween, particularly from a Christian perspective. He discusses the historical roots of Halloween, its connection to All Hallows' Eve, and the varying attitudes within Christianity towards the holiday. Rushing reflects on the nature of evil and horror in culture, the emotional responses elicited by art, and the significance of confronting death and tragedy. Ultimately, he advocates for a balanced view of Halloween as a time to celebrate life and remember those who have passed, encouraging listeners to embrace the holiday with joy and reflection.

Takeaways:

Halloween has always been a tricky time for Christians.

The term 'Holy Ween' reflects a misunderstanding of Halloween's roots.

All Hallows' Eve has deep historical and religious significance.

Many Halloween traditions have origins in both Christianity and paganism.

The celebration of Halloween can be a way to remember loved ones.

Not all Christians enjoy horror or macabre themes associated with Halloween.

Art allows us to confront evil from a safe distance.

We often engage with stories of tragedy to process our own experiences.

The complexity of Halloween reflects broader cultural and religious histories.

Embracing Halloween can be a way to celebrate life and mortality.

We are talking shame, addiction, and werewolves in "Torn," a new movie directed by Ryen William Thomas and written by Jordon Alexander & Benjamin Johnston. In this episode, I interview filmmaker Ryen William Thomas about his new thriller film, Torn. The conversation delves into the film's exploration of themes such as shame, guilt, and addiction, and how these elements reflect the human condition. Ryen shares insights into his journey as a director, the collaborative nature of filmmaking, and the personal experiences that shaped his portrayal of shame in the film. The discussion also touches on the interplay between internal and external influences on shame, particularly in the context of faith and community. We explore the themes of addiction, isolation, guilt, shame, and cultural identity as they relate to the film 'Torn'. We talk about the impact of societal values on personal struggles, the importance of connection versus isolation, and the complexities of navigating guilt and shame. The conversation also delves into the role of mythology in shaping cultural identity and the challenges of discerning truth in a world filled with deception.