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Informing Your Faith

Informing Your Faithinformingyourfaith.org
Informing Your Faith Podcast exists to offer biblical resources to help guide and strengthen your faith. We aim to discuss the profound truths of God's word and its implications for our daily lives. Pastor Paul Shirley is the featured Bible teacher on the podcast which is hosted by Jared Cooper, a longtime friend and fellow elder at Grace Community Church Delaware.
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Episodes

Parenting Q&A: From Family Worship to Phones

In the final episode of the Informing Your Faith parenting series, Pastor Paul responds to listener-submitted questions on a wide range of parenting topics. From parenting as a team and setting household rules, to implementing family worship, understanding your child’s salvation, navigating peer pressure, technology use, and planning for the future—this episode is packed with practical wisdom and gospel-centered encouragement. Pastor Paul also shares a few trusted resources to help parents conti...

May 06, 202540 minSeason 11Ep. 35

Episode 34: Parenting Teens From Discipline to Discipleship

In this episode of Informing Your Faith , Pastor Paul and Jared continue the parenting series with a focus on the teenage years. They discuss the shift from discipline to discipleship, the unique challenges and opportunities that come with parenting teens, and the importance of communication and relationship-building. They also reflect on reaping the fruit of early parenting foundations, while offering encouragement for those who feel they’re catching up—reminding parents that it's never too lat...

Apr 29, 202528 minSeason 1Ep. 34

Episode 33: Parenting in the Early Years

In this episode of Informing Your Faith , Pastor Paul and Jared continue the parenting series with a focus on the early years. They discuss the foundational principles of parenting young children, emphasizing the importance of teaching obedience with a goal of genuine heart change. They also explore practical ways to navigate church life with little ones and offer wisdom on integrating children meaningfully into the life of the church community. Whether you're a new parent or walking alongside y...

Apr 22, 202523 minSeason 1Ep. 33

Episode 32: Parenting Pitfalls

In this episode, Pastor Paul and Jared continue the parenting series by diving into common challenges that can hinder faithful parenting. They address the subtle danger of man-pleasing parenting, the harm of manipulation, and the effects of distracted or hypocritical parenting. With biblical insight, they also unpack the importance of presence, clear communication, and maintaining joy in the journey. From overly critical parenting to other subtle pitfalls, this conversation offers a thoughtful a...

Apr 15, 202526 minSeason 1Ep. 32

Episode 31: Parenting Without Provoking

In this follow-up episode on Christian parenting, Pastor Paul and Jared tackle a crucial topic: how not to provoke your children. They explore the biblical boundaries of parental authority, the dangers of parenting from pride or anger, and the long-term effects of inconsistency or control. With insight into common pitfalls like perfectionism, overreaction, and competition, they offer practical wisdom for parents striving to lead with humility, clarity, and grace. If you’ve ever wrestled with you...

Apr 08, 202525 minSeason 1Ep. 31

Episode 30: General Principles for Parenting

Episode 30: Parenting – General Principles In the first episode of a six-part series on parenting, Pastor Paul and Jared lay the foundation for biblical parenting. They discuss essential principles for raising children in a Christian home, emphasizing the role of community in parenting, the dangers of pride and insecurity, and the importance of shaping a child's conscience with truth. They also explore how to teach obedience and submission in a way that honors God. Join us for this insightful co...

Apr 01, 202526 minSeason 1Ep. 30

Episode 29: Endurance in Ministry

Ministry is a marathon, not a sprint. In this episode of Informing Your Faith , Pastor Paul explores the vital role of endurance in the Christian life, particularly in ministry. He discusses how endurance is tied to contentment, the motivations that sustain long-term faithfulness— Christ’s glory or personal gain—and how service itself becomes a means of grace and accountability. If you have questions about endurance, this episode offers biblical encouragement to press on.

Mar 11, 202533 minSeason 1Ep. 29

Episode 28: Resources for the New Year

Although this episode was originally scheduled for earlier in the year, its content remains just as relevant. In this episode of Informing Your Faith , Pastor Paul shares a collection of spiritual resources to help you grow in wisdom and faith. He discusses books he’s read on a range of topics, including financial guidance, understanding predestination, the problem of evil, protecting children and youth, and the importance of living life with eternity in view. Whether you're looking for practica...

Feb 27, 202539 minSeason 1Ep. 28

Episode 27: Body Life: Shaped by Truth, Rooted in Christ

In this final installment of the Body Life series, Jared and Pastor Paul discuss the process of developing theological and life convictions and the essential role of the local church in shaping them. They explore how to balance truth and life within the church community and emphasize the importance of conforming to Christ rather than being swayed by internet influences. Don’t miss this powerful conclusion on living out Body Life with conviction and grace.

Dec 17, 202422 minSeason 1Ep. 27

Episode 26: Body Life and Theology

Join Jared and Pastor Paul for another thought-provoking discussion on Body Life in the church. In this episode, they explore what it means to grow in theology, why it matters, and the potential dangers of external influences. They also delve into the vital role of church leadership in nurturing the theological development of its members. Don't miss this insightful conversation!

Dec 10, 202419 minSeason 1Ep. 26

Episode 25: Body Life and Two Services

Join Jared and Pastor Paul as they continue their conversation on "Body Life" and explore the dynamics of the recent shift to a two-service model on Sunday mornings. Discover how this change affects unity within the congregation, shapes pastoral ministry, and influences discipleship. It’s an insightful discussion you won’t want to miss!

Dec 03, 202419 minSeason 1Ep. 25

Episode 24: Body Life and Walking Together

In this concluding episode on 'Body Life,' Jared and Pastor Paul explore the heart of discipleship, focusing on how to cultivate a balanced, biblically grounded approach. They discuss the importance of avoiding monolithic discipleship, respecting individual preferences, and developing strong biblical convictions. Together, they tackle the challenge of navigating non-essential issues with wisdom and grace. Don’t miss this insightful wrap-up on what it means to walk together in discipleship....

Nov 13, 202420 min

Episode 23: Body Life - Attendance, Relationships, and Authenticity

In episode 23 of the Body Life series, Jared and Pastor Paul dive deeper into the concept of “Body Life” within the context of Grace Community Church. They discuss the essential aspects of community life, beginning with The Importance of Attendance, emphasizing how regular participation strengthens both individual and collective faith. They address Navigating Online Worship, considering both its benefits and limitations, and highlight the value of building genuine connections through Building Re...

Oct 29, 202417 min

Episode 22: The 2024 Presidential Election

In this episode of Informing Your Faith, Pastor Paul and Jared dive into the critical topic of the 2024 presidential election. Together, they explore the Christian's role in politics, touching on key issues like voting, evaluating Republican candidates, and how moral values align with political platforms. Through a thoughtful discussion on worldviews and the importance of political engagement, they offer guidance on navigating this election season with a biblical perspective. Don’t miss this ins...

Oct 22, 202423 min

Episode 21: Body Life Essentials

In this episode Jared and Pastor Paul delve deeper into the topic of church body life. Pastor Paul gives us some insight into his early ministry days as a 28-year-old pastor. He discusses what he believes are three crucial elements which contributed to the healthy body life that GCC DE enjoys today.

Oct 01, 202417 min

Episode 20: Body Life - Living and Growing Together in Christ

In this episode, Jared and Pastor Paul kick off the first of several discussions on 'Body Life,' a term used by Pastor Paul and the elders at Grace Community Church DE. Together, they explore how 'Body Life' shapes the way Christians ought to live, engage in discipleship, and build relationships within the congregation. By examining the biblical foundations of how a church should function, they unpack what it means to truly live as a body of believers.

Sep 17, 202416 minSeason 1Ep. 20

Episode 19: What is the husband's role?

In this episode, Jared and Pastor Paul explore the role of husbands as described in Ephesians 5. They discuss the influence husbands have or should have at home.

Jun 13, 202429 minSeason 1Ep. 19

Episode 18: What is the wife’s role?

In this episode, Jared and Pastor Paul delve into the role of wives as described in Ephesians 5. They explore the influence wives have within the home and address the topic of submission biblically.

May 30, 202428 minSeason 1Ep. 18

Episode 17: The Tired Family

In this episode, Jared and Pastor Paul continue their discussion of The Christian Home, focusing on managing tiredness, discouragement, and feelings of exhaustion. Be sure to tune in!

May 21, 202425 minSeason 1Ep. 17

Episode 16: How Can Christian Families Combat Worldly Influences?

In this episode, Pastor Paul and Jared delve deeper into the dynamics of the Christian home, focusing on strategies for navigating and counteracting the negative influences prevalent in today's world. Tune in as they explore practical ways Christian families can stand firm against sinful influences while fostering a God-centered environment within their homes.

May 02, 202429 minSeason 1Ep. 16

Episode 14: Why should Christians seek to be useful?

Jared and Pastor Paul delve deeper into the concept of usefulness and its relevance for Christians in today's world, emphasizing the importance of being productive regardless of past experiences of faithfulness or lack thereof.

Feb 19, 202422 minSeason 1Ep. 14

Episode 13: What are some barriers to our usefulness?

In this episode, Jared and Pastor Paul explore the obstacles hindering our usefulness and strategies for overcoming them. How can we effectively safeguard against these barriers? Tune in to find out.

Feb 15, 202421 minSeason 1Ep. 13

Episode 12: What does usefulness look like?

In this episode, Jared and Pastor Paul delve into the essence of usefulness in ministry and offer insights on how to cultivate it. Join them as they explore practical steps to transition from a state of inactivity to meaningful contribution in ministry.

Feb 07, 202423 minSeason 1Ep. 12

Episode 11: How do I get Spiritually Stable?

Wrapping up their conversation on spiritual stability, Jared and Pastor Paul address the question: How does a believer attain spiritual stability? Join them as they explore practical steps and insights on cultivating a steadfast spiritual life.

Jan 18, 202421 minSeason 1Ep. 11

Episode 10: What does spiritual stability look like?

Continuing their discussion of spiritual stability, Jared and Pastor Paul delve into the manifestations of spiritual stability in believers. Join them in this episode as they unpack what it looks like when a believer maintains a solid spiritual foundation.

Jan 10, 202424 minSeason 1Ep. 10

Episode 9: Why is spiritual stability important?

Jared and Pastor Paul dive into the crucial theme of spiritual stability, emphasizing its significance for believers. They explore the characteristics of spiritual instability and its implications for individuals. Tune in as they shed light on the importance of maintaining a steady spiritual foundation.

Jan 03, 202422 minSeason 1Ep. 9

Episode 8: Pastor Carey Hardy

In this special bonus episode of Informing Your Faith, Pastor Paul engages in a meaningful conversation with special guest Pastor Carey Hardy. Together, they delve into the insights of 1 Corinthians 10:13 and explore the themes of mourning and grief. Pastor Carey also recommends a valuable resource titled "Hope in the Mourning" by Emily Curtis, offering guidance through the journey of grief. For further details, visit hopeinthemourning.com.

Sep 22, 202327 minSeason 1Ep. 9

Episode 6: What is sanctification, biblically?

Tune in as Jared and Pastor Paul carry on their conversation about the Biblical perspective on sanctification, with a special emphasis on the means of grace.

Aug 15, 202325 minSeason 1Ep. 7
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