In this episode of the Witnessing Christ Podcast, Pastor Mark Parsons is joined by Molly, Caleb, Aaron, Noah, and Ethan to discuss Sinner Saint: A Surprising Primer for the Christian Life by Pastor Luke Kjolhaug (or as the interns say—however you pronounce it!). Together, they unpack one of the most honest and freeing truths of the Christian faith: that believers are simultaneously sinners and saints (simul justus et peccator).

Through personal stories, Scripture, and laughter, the group explores:

• Why recognizing our sin and our sainthood at the same time is crucial for understanding grace.
• How Paul’s struggle in Romans 7 captures every Christian’s daily reality.
• Why “progress” in faith isn’t about becoming sinless, but about trusting Christ more deeply.
• The difference between how Latter-day Saints and biblical Christians understand the word saint—and why that difference matters.
• What the lives of Moses, Abraham, David, and Paul teach us about God using deeply flawed people for His glory.
• How a proper view of Law and Gospel helps us rest in what Christ has done, not what we’re trying to prove.

This episode reminds us that being a Christian isn’t about looking perfect—it’s about being honest about our brokenness and clinging to the One who calls us righteous.

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In this episode of the Witnessing Christ Podcast, Pastor Mark Parsons reunites with Molly, Caleb, Noah, Ethan, and Aaron to dive into the Gospel half of Law & Gospel—moving from God’s “alien work” (law) to his “proper work” (good news about a Person). Together they explore how the gospel is not advice or a checklist, but news—objective, finished, and for you. 

They unpack: 

• Gospel as News (not advice): The message comes from outside us and announces what Christ has already done.
• Gospel as Person: Jesus isn’t mainly an example; he’s the Substitute who fulfilled the law, bled, died, and rose.
• Gospel as Gift: Why unconditional grace offends our need for control—and why that’s exactly what sets us free.
• What the Gospel Gives: Forgiveness that’s paid for, justification that’s declared, and comfort that’s objective (not based on feelings).
• Fruits of the Gospel (not the law): Humility, receptivity, gratitude, love, spontaneity, humor, and real freedom—produced by the Spirit, not by white-knuckled effort.
• Witnessing to Latter-day Saints: Clear contrasts between “laws of the gospel” and the Bible’s announcement that “It is finished.”

Come for the theology; stay for the freedom that lets you stop performing and start resting in Christ—and then love your neighbor with joy.

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In this episode of the Witnessing Christ Podcast, host Pastor Mark Parsons is joined by Molly, Caleb, Noah, Ethan, and Aaron to explore one of Christianity’s most important distinctions — the difference between God’s Law and His Gospel — and how properly understanding that difference changes everything, from personal faith to witnessing to Latter-day Saints.

The team explores:

• How the Law exposes our sin and our illusion of control, showing that “we can’t — and that’s the point.”
• The “Big L” Law (God’s commands) vs. the “little l” laws of culture, performance, and perfectionism.
• Why even good things (like Bible reading or moral behavior) can become crushing when turned into metrics of worth.
• How the Law always accuses — even when we think we’re “pulling it off.”
• Why recognizing our deadness is not bad news but the very thing that prepares us for life in Christ.

Using humor, personal stories, and deep biblical insight, the interns discuss how the Law leaves us desperate — not to destroy us, but to drive us to the One who brings life.

Next week, they’ll continue the conversation with the Gospel section — the “good news from across the sea.”

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In this follow-up episode of the Witnessing Christ Podcast, host Pastor Parsons continues the conversation with evangelist interns Noah, Caleb, Aaron, and Ethan as they conclude their discussion on Keep Showing Up: A Utah Pastor’s Journey by Pastor Scott McKinney.

Picking up from Part 1, the group explores the final chapters of McKinney’s ministry story—where theology meets compassion and the call to “keep showing up” becomes both personal and practical. Centered on Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), this episode dives deep into how that story parallels gospel work among Latter-day Saints today.

Together they discuss:

• The cost of leaving Mormonism and the deep relational ties that make it so difficult.
• Why truth and love must always go hand in hand in witnessing—and the danger of falling into either ditch.
• How Jesus’ example in Samaria teaches us to show up, settle in, reach out, and share the good news with humility and courage.
• “Pork chop theology” and why the gospel is the satisfying feast every soul truly craves.
• Practical encouragement for anyone planting gospel seeds in difficult soil: your labor in the Lord is never in vain.

This thoughtful conclusion reminds listeners that mission work is rarely quick or easy—but every conversation, every act of love, and every prayer matters. Through Jesus’ example and Pastor McKinney’s story, we learn that faithful ministry in Mormon culture (and anywhere else) starts with showing up… and never giving up.

📘 Get the book: https://www.amazon.in/Keep-Showing-Up-Pastors-Journey/dp/1737032503

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When Every Mouth Is Silenced

In this week’s podcast episode, Missionary Mark Parsons shares a message inspired by his time at the 1517 Conference, Free Will Is Fiction, commemorating 500 years since Martin Luther’s The Bondage of the Will. Luther’s work reminds us that our will is not free when it comes to salvation—we are bound in sin and unable to reach up to God. Yet the gospel tells a far better story: God, in mercy, reaches down to us.

This sermon is based on Paul’s incredible words in Romans 3:19–28, where every mouth is silenced and the whole world is held accountable before God. In that silence, the righteousness of God is revealed apart from the law—a righteousness given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.

Mark’s sermon, When Every Mouth Is Silenced, explores the futility of self-righteousness and the peace that comes when every excuse is quieted—not by condemnation, but by mercy. It’s a message for anyone weary of trying to prove their worth or earn God’s favor, offering rest in the grace of the One whose will alone brings life.

It’s also a gentle invitation for those from a Latter-day Saint background wrestling with ideas of agency, worthiness, and grace. This message isn’t confrontational—it’s freeing.

Listen now and be reminded that when every mouth is silenced, every heart can finally hear the voice of mercy.

Read the accompanying blog: When Every Mouth Is Silenced.

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In this episode of the Witnessing Christ Podcast, four evangelist interns — Noah, Aaron, Caleb, and Ethan — join the conversation to unpack Keep Showing Up: A Utah Pastor’s Journey by Pastor Scott McKinney, who faithfully served over 30 years at Center Point Church in Orem, Utah.

Together with host Pastor Mark Parsons, the interns explore what it means to serve in the heart of Mormon country and how McKinney’s story reveals the challenges, joys, and gospel-centered perseverance required in ministry. They discuss:

• How McKinney’s personal story and early experiences shaped his heart for outreach in LDS communities.
• The shift from a“fortress mentality” to a mission-driven mindset focused on loving people as God does.
• The struggle between measuring ministry “success” by numbers versus faithfulness to the gospel.
• Why less is more—and how “Jesus is enough” counters the gospel of “more” found in Mormon culture.
• Key lessons for future pastors on building relationships, showing empathy, and keeping the main thing the main thing.

Filled with thoughtful reflections and practical takeaways, this episode encourages all Christians—not just future pastors—to “keep showing up” with the love of Christ, even in challenging ministry environments.

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Witnessing Christ Podcast: Grand Junction Temple Experience

Each time a new Latter-day Saint temple opens, Christians have a unique opportunity to understand Mormon beliefs better and lovingly point people to the true temple—Christ himself.

In this episode, Pastor Mark Parsons and our evangelist interns share their experience touring the Grand Junction Temple during its open house and leading a Build Bridges, Not Barriers witnessing conference. Together, they discuss what they saw, the conversations they had, and how these experiences shaped their hearts for the lost.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• What temple open houses reveal about the LDS view of worthiness, family, and eternal life
• Simple, respectful ways to start gospel conversations in LDS settings
• Why witnessing isn’t about winning arguments—but planting seeds and trusting the Holy Spirit

Whether you’ve never stepped inside an LDS temple or you regularly talk with Mormon friends, this episode will encourage you to approach every interaction with compassion, confidence, and Christ at the center.

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In this episode of Witnessing Christ, host Pastor Mark Parsons welcomes this year’s four evangelist interns—Ethan, Noah, Caleb, and Aaron—for a special discussion on the October General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Each intern brings firsthand insights from watching or attending local sessions, reflecting on the experience through the lens of gospel-centered outreach.

Introducing the Interns

Listeners meet the 2024–25 intern cohort: Ethan, a soon-to-be Lutheran pastor from Minnesota; Caleb, an avid outdoorsman from an Air Force family; Noah, a second-year seminarian newly married to his high school sweetheart; and Aaron, the group’s youngest member and duck boat driver from Wisconsin Dells. Each shares their background and passion for outreach.

Initial Impressions of General Conference

The interns discuss the atmosphere of the LDS General Conference—its polished formality and emotional weight following the recent death of President Russell M. Nelson. Dallin Oaks presided, reaffirming the 1995 Family: A Proclamation to the World, which reemphasized traditional LDS views on marriage, gender, and eternal family structures.
Several interns note the grandeur and emotional tone yet describe a recurring sense of emptiness—a focus on effort and presentation without the assurance of grace.

Highlights from Individual Talks

Each intern unpacks a specific conference message:

• Aaron reviews Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s Do Your Part with All Your Heart, noting the stress-inducing message of wholehearted effort. The team contrasts this with biblical assurance that Jesus did His part completely.
• Caleb examines Gary Stevenson’s Blessed Are the Peacemakers, which focuses on harmony in families. He observes that true peace begins with reconciliation to God through Christ, not merely human effort.
• Ethan explores Chad H. Webb’s That All May Be Edified, which emphasizes learning through obedience. He notes the talk’s subtle shift from gospel promise to personal performance, redefining grace as something accessed through covenant keeping.
• Noah analyzes Michael Cziesla's Simplicity in Christ, which promises peace through continual diligence. He contrasts this with the true simplicity of the gospel—that Christ has done everything necessary for eternal life with God.

Pastor Parsons and the interns reflect that across the talks, Christ was often mentioned but rarely proclaimed as the one who accomplished redemption fully. Instead, obedience and covenant-keeping were emphasized as the means to access grace.

Pastor Parsons also highlights two significant LDS updates:

1. A pause on new temple announcements
2. A reported surge in conversions

Witnessing Reflections

The conversation closes with key takeaways for Christian witnesses:

• Ask Mormons open-ended questions about what Jesus has done for them and what they base their faith on—their testimony or Christ’s finished work.
• Listen with curiosity and compassion, creating a safe space for doubts and reflection.
• Point conversations from human effort toward divine grace, emphasizing reconciliation through Jesus alone.

This week on Jesus Is Enough, we bring you the powerful conclusion to Emilie’s story of leaving Mormonism after 39 years and finding true freedom in Christ.

After a lifetime of striving for perfection, Emilie finally encounters the promises of Scripture—assurances of mercy, peace, and a God far greater than she ever imagined. The weight of works-based faith gives way to the comfort of knowing that she can boldly approach God’s throne, not because of what she’s done, but because of what Jesus has already accomplished.

Mark and Molly Parsons reflect on Emilie’s testimony, highlighting the peace of Philippians 4 and the hope of Hebrews 4, and showing how the gospel transforms anxiety, perfectionism, and fear into confidence, rest, and joy. Emilie’s journey reminds us that the true God is bigger, more merciful, and more loving than we could ever earn—and that in Christ, we are hidden, forgiven, and free.

Tune in and be encouraged: Jesus really is enough.

Watch the video version or support this project at TILM.org/radio, and share with your friends who need to hear this powerful story.

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This week on Jesus Is Enough, we bring you Part 3 of Emilie’s moving story of leaving Mormonism after 39 years and discovering the true hope of Jesus.

As Emilie enters marriage, she clings to the belief that she has finally found stability. But just when hope begins to rise, tragedy strikes—shattering her world and forcing her to confront the painful reality of works-based faith. The devastating loss not only impacts Emilie but also reveals how deeply the message of perfectionism had entangled her family, leaving them burdened by an impossible standard.

Mark and Molly Parsons reflect on this heartbreaking chapter of Emilie’s journey, helping listeners see the crushing weight of Mormonism’s demand for perfection—and the liberating truth of the gospel. They share how Emilie’s story points us back to the cleansing power of Christ’s blood, which offers forgiveness for every sin and a confidence to boldly approach God’s throne, not because of what we’ve done, but because of what Jesus has done for us.

Tune in and be reminded: even in life’s deepest tragedies, Jesus is enough.

Watch the video version or support this project at TILM.org/radio, and share with your friends who need to hear this powerful story.

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