Processing sadness, plus how our bodies glorify our Creator, and should you barter with God? Featured musical artist: Covenant Worship Roundtable: When Sorrow Runs Deep The loss of a loved one; betrayal by a trusted friend; local and international tragedies. We live in a broken world, and heartbreaking things happen. When grief and tragedy strike, how do you process the sadness? Is it possible to continue your work, your commitments, your routines as you seek to make sense of things? Our guests share how they’ve learned to find comfort from God in the midst of deep sorrow. Leave Us a Voicemail Link to Counseling Services Culture: How a Healthy Body and Mind Glorify God The human body is incredibly complex. Science keeps revealing new truths about how God has designed us, leading to insights in how we can best steward how we’re made. Stephen Ko is a medical doctor, public health specialist and pastor. He offers motivation and methods for taking care of our physical and mental health, and why doing so is connected to our spiritual well-being. Faith Embodied: Glorifying God with Our Physical and Spiritual Health Visit Stephen Ko’s Website Inbox: Can I Barter With God? Our listener really wants to be married, but he also wants his dad to get saved. Is it OK to offer up a chance at marriage as a barter to God so his dad can come to Christ? Counselor Jerry Jones weighs in. Link to Counseling Services Donate Now Find us on YouTube
August 15, 2024
When others don’t seem to understand you, plus the pros and cons of artificial intelligence, and God-honoring ways to spend your free time. Featured musical artist: Hollyn Roundtable: That’s Not What I Meant We’ve all felt misunderstood — whether in our personalities, friendships, opinions or even intentions. So how do we respond when that happens? If you feel like people don’t get you, you’ll be encouraged to know you’re not alone. This week’s guests share personal stories and tips for navigating the frustrations of misunderstanding. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: How Should We Engage With A.I.? Artificial intelligence is here to stay. From medicine to transportation to Bible translation, innovators rely on the marvels of A.I. to expedite searches, aggregate information, and push the boundaries of invention. But are there dangers that A.I. could kill creativity and even relationships? What does the Bible say about it? John Greco shares his researched perspective on using A.I. appropriately without letting it run our lives. God, Technology, and the Christian Life Article by John Greco: The Promise of AI Visit John Greco’s Website Inbox: Is My Free Time Honoring God? The time we call our own — away from work and other obligations — can be some of our most treasured moments. But does it matter that your free time is being used for God’s glory? If so, how can you be confident that it is? Lisa Anderson weighs in. Find us on YouTube
August 8, 2024
The goal in dating, plus how to process the 2024 U.S. election, and is there too much intimacy in studying the Bible with your date? Featured musical artist: Phil Wickham Roundtable: The Purpose of Dating Why should you date? Is it to casually have fun or to seek a marriage partner? What are the pitfalls of each, and is there a balance between the two? Our guests share their opinions on what dating should look like, what it means to get serious, and how to not get too worked up in the process. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Confidence and Compassion for Election Season The landscape of the 2024 election season is changing daily. What doesn’t seem to change is the collective mudslinging, hand-wringing and doomsday-predicting among candidates, pundits and voters. How can Christians rise above the fray and trust God in all things? How do we make God-honoring choices from the ones laid before us? And how do we love others in the process? Summit Ministries’ Dr. Jeff Myers helps us frame our perspective and navigate election season with confidence and grace. Truth Changes Everything: How People of Faith Can Transform the World in Times of Crisis Summit Ministries Website Politics Without the Passion Inbox: If you and your boyfriend or girlfriend want to grow spiritually, praying and reading Scripture together can be a great step. But is there a danger in becoming too spiritually intimate before marriage? Counselor Jerry Jones weighs in. Link to Counseling Services Find us on YouTube
August 1, 2024
Being content in every circumstance, plus tips for connecting with your neighbors, and responding when someone confesses a sin struggle. Featured musical artist: Je’kob Roundtable: Finding Contentment Opportunities to buy into the lie, “I’d be happy if I had (fill in the blank),” surround us everywhere we go. But what if there were a way to truly be content regardless of the circumstance or season? Our guests share their struggles with contentment and how they’ve learned to seek trust and gratitude instead. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Neighborhood Watch In a world of increasing isolation, it’s easy to overlook our neighbors. But what if you discovered creative opportunities to connect with and be a light to the people on your street and in your community? Chris and Elizabeth McKinney felt God’s call to do just that. They’re here this week to share their best strategies for becoming a friend to the people (literally) around you. Neighborhoods Reimagined: How the Beatitudes Inspire Our Call to be Good Neighbors Placed for a Purpose Podcast Inbox: When a Friend Confesses Sin What should you do if a friend confesses a sin struggle to you? Counselor George Stahnke weighs in. Link to Counseling Services Find us on YouTube
July 25, 2024
How to really get to know people, plus Kris Swiatocho gives advice to her 20-something self, and why are many Christians OK with gossip? Featured musical artist: Darlene Zschech Roundtable: Study Others to Show You Care When you meet someone, he or she makes an impression on you. But truly getting to know someone takes intention, time and effort. Our guests discuss lessons they’ve learned in forming connections and going deeper in their understanding of others. They also share some of the hallmarks of a good friendship. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Lessons From a Lifelong Single (Part 2) Kris Swiatocho had a rough start as a young adult. She admits she wasn’t walking with the Lord, so after a season of partying and poor relationship choices, Kris saw the chance to join a Christian community — and took it. After witnessing what churches do well and not so well in ministering to the unmarried, she started The Singles Network Ministries. Looking back on all she’s learned, she shares advice she’d give to her young adult self. Intentional Relationships for Singles: Prepare, Plan, Pursue, Propose Visit Kris’s Website Inbox: Why Are Christians OK With Gossip? Does it seem like Christians in your church and friend groups are OK with gossip and white lies? Why is this, and what can we do about it? Counselor Angel Perez weighs in. Guest: Angel Perez Link to Counseling Services Find us on YouTube
July 18, 2024
Don’t be fake while dating, plus Kris Swiatocho’s testimony as a single adult, and should a guy ask a girl out even after he’s been friendzoned? Featured musical artist: Jeremy Rosado Roundtable: Dating as the Real You It’s great to date someone who’s comfortable in their own skin. So why do so many of us try to impress a date by acting like someone else? Whether we fake interest in their hobbies or we exaggerate (lie) about our accomplishments, we think becoming a version of someone they might like is better than being just plain old us. But no one wants to date a poser, so our panel delves into a spirited discussion on the topic and gives encouragement to be real, whatever the cost. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Lessons From a Lifelong Single (Part 1) Kris Swiatocho had a rough start as a young adult. She admits she wasn’t walking with the Lord, so after a season of partying and poor relationship choices, Kris saw the chance to join a Christian community — and took it. After witnessing what churches do well and not so well in ministering to the unmarried, she started The Singles Network Ministries. Today she speaks to singles around the world about friendship, dating, finding community, and following Jesus — whatever your relationship status. Intentional Relationships for Singles: Prepare, Plan, Pursue, Propose Visit Kris’s Website Inbox: After She’s Friendzoned You A girl at church has already friendzoned him. Should he still try to ask her out, or just let it be? Counselor Patrick Hill weighs in. Link to Counseling Services Find us on YouTube
July 11, 2024
A quiz to celebrate America’s birthday, plus Dr. Ken Wilgus on relating to your parents as an adult, and should you be passionate about your job? Featured musical artist: Daniel Bashta Roundtable: How Well Do You Know the U.S.A.? How many Justices of the Supreme Court can you name? What was the last state admitted to the Union? What was the first U.S. capital city? In honor of Independence Day, we’re taking a quiz on these and other fun United States trivia questions. So grab a pen and paper, keep track of your answers, and test your knowledge of United States history and government. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: We’re All Adults Here Getting along with your mom and dad as an adult has its challenges. What do your parents want from you, and what if they’re having a hard time letting go? Conversely, are you taking ownership of your life and responsibilities? Do you care about them and their interests? Dr. Ken Wilgus has counseled families for decades. He joins us this week to provide guidelines for healthy conversations and behaviors between parents and adult children. Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children: Trusting God with the Ones You Love Visit Ken’s Website Inbox: Should I Feel “Called” to My Job? You want fulfilling work, but does that mean you have to be passionate about your job? Lisa Anderson shares from her career experience. Link to Counseling Services Find us on YouTube
July 4, 2024
Women discuss the implications of modesty, plus more with Dr. Jake Porter on singles and sexuality, and can you save money in a spend-centric culture? Guests: Georgia Dunham, Megan Linser, Taylor Loftus, Jake Porter, Glenn Lutjens Featured musical artist: Kerrie Roberts Roundtable: Men and Women Talk Modesty (Part 2) Many of us heard about the importance of modesty growing up: “Dress appropriately.” “Don’t cause your friend to stumble.” “What would Jesus do?” But what is modesty, what’s the biblical instruction on it, and is it just about clothes (or a lack of them)? This week we conclude a two-part discussion on the underlying motivations and practical application of modesty. A panel of women shares how modesty is a matter of the heart, what they appreciate from brothers in Christ, and some of the challenges women face in the world of fashion. Guests: Georgia Dunham, Megan Linser, Taylor Loftus Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Singles and Sexuality (Part 2) What if sexuality is about so much more than having sex and not breaking the rules? What are the unique takeaways for singles in particular? Dr. Jake Porter is a therapist who has researched extensively on sexuality, especially as it manifests apart from marriage and sex. He joins us for a provocative discussion featuring findings from his own background and the state of singleness in the United States today. Guest: Jake Porter Featured resource: Rethinking Sexuality: God's Design and Why It Matters Visit Jake's Website Inbox: Saving Money in a Spending Culture How can you save money when your friends and others are spending at the drop of a hat? Counselor Glenn Lutjens weighs in. Guest: Glenn Lutjens Link to Counseling Services Find us on YouTube
June 27, 2024
Men discuss the implications of modesty, plus Dr. Jake Porter on singles and sexuality, and what about dating couples who act married?
Featured musical artist: Nathan Tasker
Roundtable: Men and Women Talk Modesty (Part 1)
Many of us heard about the importance of modesty growing up: “Dress appropriately.” “Don’t cause your friend to stumble.” “What would Jesus do?” But what is modesty, what’s the biblical instruction on it, and is it just about clothes (or a lack of them)? This week we begin a two-part discussion on the underlying motivations and practical application of modesty. In part one, a panel of guys shares how modesty is a matter of the heart, what they appreciate from sisters in Christ, and their encouragement to girls who feel overlooked. (Next week, the women have their turn.)
Leave Us a Voicemail
Culture: Singles and Sexuality (Part 1)
What if sexuality is about so much more than having sex and not breaking the rules? What are the unique takeaways for singles in particular? Dr. Jake Porter is a therapist who has researched extensively on sexuality, especially as it manifests apart from marriage and sex. He joins us for a provocative discussion featuring findings from his own background and the state of singleness in the United States today.
Rethinking Sexuality: God’s Design and Why It Matters
Visit Jake’s Website
Inbox: Should a Dating Couple Act Married?
Is there a point in a dating relationship where a couple can and should act married? Why or why not? Counselor Jenny Coffey weighs in.
Link to Counseling Services
Find us on YouTube
Link To Hope Restored
June 20, 2024
What will make this a great summer? Plus, a biblical approach to grief and trauma, and does sporadic Bible reading make you a bad Christian?
Featured musical artist: Aaron Shust
Roundtable: Summer Planning Tips
Summer is upon us, and that means long days, warm weather, outdoor activities and vacations (except for you southern hemisphere folks — sorry!). In order to maximize the season, should you plan your every decision or be as spontaneous as possible? Our guests share what they’re excited about doing this summer, how they pace themselves with summer obligations, and they’ll offer ideas for making summer unique, fun and fulfilling.
Leave Us a Voicemail
Culture: Healing What You Can’t Erase
All of us have experienced grief, hardship, and even trauma. When your soul feels exhausted, where do you go for help? Christopher Cook is candid about how the death of his mother followed by an unexpected medical diagnosis sent him into a tailspin. He was faced with giving in or pushing through. Biblical truth plus concrete strategies for addressing toxic thoughts helped him choose the latter. Learn about it all in this week’s conversation.
Healing What You Can’t Erase: Transform Your Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Health from the Inside Out
Inbox: Should I Read the Bible Daily?
If you don’t read the Bible every day, does that make you a terrible Christian? Counselor Rob Jackson weighs in.
Link to Counseling Services
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June 13, 2024