Have you ever wondered, “Why do I still struggle with this?” Many Christians expect that with maturity, temptation will decrease and sin will lose its appeal. But Scripture offers a more realistic view. In this episode, we talk about the saint-sinner reality. How believers remain both righteous in Christ and yet still battle the flesh. Jon is joined by special guest pastor and author, Luke Kjolhaug, to explore what the Bible actually says about spiritual growth, expectation, and daily struggle.
The Re-Purposed Driven Life
In this life, we’re offered all kinds of reasons and purposes to live. But when you try them, you often realize that, in the end, you’re still weak, still unsatisfied, and still not measuring up. Then comes the question: “What is the purpose of my life? Why am I even here?” That’s a really tough place to be. This episode connects closely to last week’s: “Jesus Knows You’re Tired.” So what now? Do we just give up? Is that the message of Christ? No. He gives us new hope, a new identity, and a new purpose. And it’s in our weakness that we find our greatest significance. That’s what today’s episode is all about. We hope it encourages you.
Jesus Knows You're Tired
Maybe you’ve heard the term arrival fallacy; the idea that once we reach a certain point in life, things will finally get easier. We can fall into the same mindset in the Christian life, believing that one day suffering will lessen, trials will be lighter, or the battle with sin won’t be as intense. Some even think that if we just get church and doctrine right, the problems will go away. But that’s not biblical. In this episode, Jon and Justin talk about the ongoing reality of weakness, struggle, and suffering in the Christian life. You’re not alone, you’re not crazy, and Christ is for you and with you.
What Robs Us of Rest?
Have you ever found yourself resting in Christ, only to suddenly lose that peace? What can rob you of your rest in Christ? Today's podcast addresses this very issue. We will explore the pitfalls that either trap us, preventing us from finding rest, or trip us up once we are at rest, causing anxiety, pain, and suffering. These pitfalls can undermine the very hope we have in the sufficiency of Christ. Join Justin and Jon as they walk through three different areas of life that cause us to lose our rest in Christ. We pray this is encouraging to you.
"Where Are You, God?"
Exhausted? Beat up? Suffering? Where are you, God? Why is this happening? Why can't I hear you? Why can't I feel your presence? For those who have these feelings and are exhausted, just needing a glimmer of hope, Justin and Jon have something for you today. We want to point you to Christ and His gospel.
Hope in the Midst of Hell
Life under the sun is often brutally hard. We live in a world where we bury our children. Only an insane person would look around and say that everything is as it should be. So, what hope do we have? The hope is not for anything in this life or in this world. The hope is in the life--and the world--to come. Jon and Justin have a very personal and pastoral conversation about hope in the midst of heartbreak and pain. Jesus has promised us that he has gone to prepare a place for us and that he will bring us to be with him where he is. We take him at his word.
Feeling Cold and Discouraged?
Christians struggle. We are often weak. We often feel cold and apathetic--even toward the things of God. We battle discouragement. Many believers are afraid to admit these things are true, but most of us live here. Jon and Justin talk openly about all of this on today’s episode. Take heart, there is hope for the weak!
Gospel Power for the Weary
In today's episode, Jon and Justin aim to have a pastoral conversation with two groups of people in view. First, those who are beat down and weary, who are seeking to find rest. And second, those who have found rest in Christ but still wrestle with what that rest means for their Christian lives. Where does the power for sanctification come from? What do we do now that we know Christ has done everything for our salvation?