The parables of Jesus are some of the most memorable and often-quoted passages of His teachings. It was very common for Jesus to express some of the most critical concepts using simple stories and examples. But do we always get the point? This week’s episode kicks off Season Three, in which we dive a little deeper into some of Jesus’ most memorable, and sometimes confusing, parables. The one thing all these stories have in common is the phrase, “The kingdom of God is like…” The implication is cl...
May 03, 2021•50 min•Season 3Ep. 1
In this episode we’re joined by Murray and Ash Smith, lead pastors at Catch The Fire in Raleigh-Durham North Carolina. The Smiths joined The Uncommon Truth as part of their visit to Oroville where they were guest teaching at the School of Transformation. Murray and Ash have a passion for the Holy Spirit and love to help lead people into the freedom of who Jesus created them to be. Freedom is one of the big selling points of a life spent following Jesus. In Galatians, Paul writes, “It is for free...
Apr 26, 2021•56 min•Ep. 82
In our final episode of our series on the foundations of The Father’s House Church––which definitely embody some uncommon truths––we’re finishing off by answering some of your listener questions. We started out doing just that a couple weeks ago, but we got so many good questions, we couldn’t resist having one more discussion about them. How we’re supposed to take care of our families while giving our lives away following Jesus? Does Jesus really expects us to be perfect like our Heavenly Father...
Apr 19, 2021•53 min•Season 2Ep. 15
Pastor Tony Kim joined the Uncommon Truth after spending time guest speaking at the School of Transformation. Tony and his wife Jessica are the leaders at Renaissance church in Bakersfield, California. Tony is the US National Director at Harvest International Ministry (HIM) and the founder and leader of Roar Collective and Roar Academy. The Kim’s journey to Bakersfield mirrors Steve and Vicki’s in many ways. Bakersfield, like Oroville, has a notorious reputation for poverty, crime and hopelessne...
Apr 12, 2021•52 min•Season 2Ep. 14
In the finale of our series on the main teaching points of The Father’s House Church, we’re wrapping up by answering some listener questions. One of the reasons Steve & Vicki’s podcast is called the Uncommon Truth is because it’s really hard to find any other ministry with this combination of teachings and values. It’s just as uncommon to find ministries with such a long record of success in personal and community transformation. Naturally, people have questions, so today we’re answering que...
Apr 05, 2021•50 min•Season 2Ep. 13
In Christianity, we focus a lot on the moment we first met Jesus. We also look forward to eternal life after we die. But when it comes to our lives on earth, here and now, what’s the purpose? If we take Jesus’ life as an example, it would seem pretty radical. Jesus came to lay His life down as a ransom for many. Have we missed that in Western Christianity? Are we believing in a comfortable, American-dream Jesus instead of Jesus on the cross? Connect with the show: Email uncommontruthpodcast@gmai...
Mar 29, 2021•45 min•Season 2Ep. 12
We’re continuing our series on the main teaching points of Steve and Vicki’s ministry with a discussion about living in the likeness of Jesus. It might seam straightforward for Christians to want to imitate Jesus, but is that really the goal of Christianity? Are we really supposed to look, sound and act just like Him? Or is that just the spiritual equivalent of extra credit? Listen in this week to find out. Connect with the show: Email [email protected] with topics you would like to...
Mar 22, 2021•52 min•Season 2Ep. 11
When it comes down to how we live as Christians, our view of God is really important. So where do we go to find out who God is? The easy answer would be reading the Bible. But which part? Is He the “scary” God of the Old Testament, or the “nice guy” from the New Testament? Is God external and far off, near at hand or living within us? Connect with the show: Email [email protected] with topics you would like to see covered, episode feedback and any questions you would like to ask Ste...
Mar 15, 2021•45 min•Ep. 81
When Steve and Vicki Orsillo founded The Father’s House Church 22 years ago, they laid out 10 main teaching points as pillars of their church. We’re unpacking them, and the latest is called, “follow me as I follow Christ.” The concept of following is all over the New Testament. Jesus called His disciples to follow HIm, and the early Christians were quite familiar with following men like Peter and Paul. But how does that apply to us today? Do we have to follow others? If so, who? And should other...
Mar 08, 2021•51 min•Season 2Ep. 9
When you think about the word “authority,” what comes to mind? Odds are, it’s not positive. Why is that? As Christians, we all want to be part of a church or a movement that is accomplishing God’s will, but we’re less excited when it comes to following someone else’s vision to fulfill it. It seems like we might have a disconnect when it comes to authority in Christianity. Either leaders are not leading boldly or the rest of the church body is not willing to follow. Why is that, and what can we d...
Mar 01, 2021•48 min•Season 2Ep. 8
We’re halfway through our series unpacking the teaching points of the Father’s House Church. These are the unique core messages that Steve and Vicki founded their church on, and they form the basis of what makes their ministry so “uncommon.” At the halfway point we’re stopping to answer some listener questions that have popped up along the way. As always, make sure to get in touch with the show with any questions or feedback and we’ll do our best to feature your comments in future shows. Our ema...
Feb 22, 2021•37 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Being able to have an intimate relationship with the God of the universe is a unique aspect of Christianity not shared by other world religions. It is a key tenet of the faith, and one Jesus came to guarantee. But do all Christians recognize and receive this reality? When people seek to “encounter God,” what do they mean? How can we tell when we are actually interacting with God’s presence? Most importantly, is this type of intimacy for everyone, and how do we experience His presence for ourselv...
Feb 15, 2021•46 min•Season 2Ep. 6
This week we continue our series looking at Steve & Vicki’s unique teaching points. Today we’re covering the place of “works” our Christian lives. James’ letter in the New Testament has a pretty bold statement: “Faith without works is dead.” What did he mean by that? What works are we supposed to do, how do we do them, and what happens if we don’t? If you like what you hear on the Uncommon Truth and want to dig deeper, the Father's House School of Transformation has a new term starting in Ma...
Feb 08, 2021•50 min•Season 2Ep. 5
When it comes to the idea of salvation, the New Testament is pretty clear. Unfortunately, within the Church itself, there seems to be a fair bit of confusion. When we talk about salvation, and what it takes to be saved, what do we even mean? Is simply being a good person enough to guarantee your ticket to Heaven when you die? Or is it all about finding financial security and worldly success in this life? If the Bible is true, we’re going to need to know what it takes to be saved. If you like wha...
Feb 01, 2021•47 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Forgiveness is simultaneously a beautiful and terrifying word in Christianity. Most of us recognize and embrace our own forgiveness; but when it comes to forgiving those who hurt or offend us, most of us are not so eager. So what does Jesus say we should do? Is forgiveness a requirement, or just a suggestion? How do we practically go about forgiving as Jesus forgave, and what are the consequences if we refuse? If you like what you hear on the Uncommon Truth and want to dig deeper, the Father's H...
Jan 25, 2021•48 min•Season 2Ep. 3
How important are Jesus’ words when it comes to what we believe as Christians? Are they of first importance? Or should we move past them as we dive into other, more complex areas of scripture? More importantly, what’s the effect on our lives and our world if we don’t find the correct balance? “Shouldn’t we just listen to Jesus?” It sounds pretty straightforward, but a statement like this one is actually quite controversial in Christianity today. What does Jesus mean when He says, “My words will ...
Jan 18, 2021•38 min•Season 2Ep. 2
For the start of our second “season,” we’re discussing what makes The Uncommon Truth so uncommon and taking a look ahead to see what’s on the horizon for 2021. If you’re new to the show, you’ll hear a message that has become almost unheard of in the modern Christian Church: listen to Jesus and do what He says. It’s refreshing, it’s challenging and it’s Christianity the way Jesus meant it to be. Connect with the show: Email [email protected] with topics you would like to see covered,...
Jan 11, 2021•49 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Here on The Uncommon Truth we’ve spent a lot of time discussing the question of how we follow Jesus. However, for most of the world, the question that matters most has more to do with why we follow Jesus. As we draw closer to Christmas––a time when the world around pays lip service to Jesus’ birth––it’s a great time to get back to basics. Why do we follow Jesus anyway? Why is Jesus’ birth that first Christmas still important today? And what does it mean for those of us who claim to follow Him? C...
Dec 14, 2020•50 min•Ep. 80
As we enter the Christmas season––a season defined by gift giving––we wanted to revisit a popular, and controversial former episode. Back in May of this year (2020), we talked about Jesus’ uncomfortable teachings on sacrifice. What happens when we decide not to skip over these tough teachings and embrace self-sacrifice? What would our world look life if Christians were more concerned for the welfare of our neighbors than our own comfort and safety? Connect with the show: Email uncommontruthpodca...
Dec 07, 2020•48 min•Ep. 79
This week Steve & Vicki answer listener questions. How can we become more unified in the Church? How do you forgive yourself when the consequences of your actions are always staring you in the face? If Jesus came today, would He have an iPhone? Connect with the show: Email [email protected] with topics you would like to see covered, episode feedback and any questions you would like to ask Steve and Vicki. For the School of Transformation: www.transformationschool.org - www.insta...
Nov 30, 2020•51 min•Ep. 78
Talking about thankfulness around this time of year may feel a little cliché, but in 2020 of all years, it is important to practice gratitude. It certainly has been a difficult year so far, but the practice of thanksgiving can actually unlock a multitude of blessing. Our enemy the devil certainly does not want followers of Jesus to experience the abundant life that Jesus promised, and that is why giving thanks can sometimes feel like a battle. The act of remembering all that we’ve been blessed w...
Nov 23, 2020•43 min•Ep. 77
It shouldn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out the meaning of the word, “love.” At least that is what we think. But odds are the word has probably lost its meaning to us. We use the term to refer to vastly different things; how can they all have the same meaning? The truth is there’s actually a difference between the love for coffee and sunsets and the love that we show our children or parents. So what does it mean when we say we love God? For that matter, what does He mean when He says that...
Nov 16, 2020•48 min•Ep. 76
A quick reading through the New Testament reveals dozens of warnings against false teachers and their “new gospels.” In many places where Jesus’ disciples shared His good news, false teachers were quick to try to get these new believers to trust in something else. Today is not so different. In present day Christianity, there are a lot of things competing for our trust. We are quick to put our trust in money, education, or the government, and we often save the real good news of Jesus for last. Wh...
Nov 09, 2020•50 min•Ep. 75
As Christians, how should we approach life’s inevitable troubles and disappointments? From everyday struggles to catastrophic loss, life can definitely be disappointing at times. Do we hope these troubles won’t happen to us, or pretend everything is fine? Or do we let them derail our faith and cast doubt on what we believe? When it comes to dealing with disappointment, we can learn a lot from the life of Jesus. He Himself faced the rejection of His own people, betrayal by close friends, and an e...
Nov 02, 2020•54 min•Ep. 74
“Whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do.” These are Jesus’ words to His disciples before His death and resurrection. Do we believe them? What do they mean for us today? We often think these words pertain only to Jesus’ miracles; but what about the hard work of serving our neighbors or sharing the good news? Are we able today to surpass what He has achieved? What does it take? Connect with the show: Email [email protected] with ...
Oct 26, 2020•52 min•Ep. 73
Jesus spent a lot of time in the Gospels warning about the pitfalls of money and teaching about the proper way to see it. So why is it that most Christians today seem so preoccupied with making, spending and saving money, even at the expense of Jesus’ teachings? The truth is, how we approach our finances says a lot about how much we trust God, how well we love those around us, and how eternally minded we are. What are the consequences of getting our perspective wrong? And what can we do to make ...
Oct 19, 2020•50 min•Ep. 72
Following Jesus definitely comes with its share of blessings. Are these blessings what we should be seeking out, or merely byproducts of a life lived serving Jesus? The truth is, most of us Christians in the Western world live as if Christianity is simply an elaborate “bless me,” club. We love to talk about what we receive from our relationship with Jesus, but we sometimes fail to tell new believers about the requirements. Chief among these would be serving. What happens if we try to claim the b...
Oct 12, 2020•50 min•Ep. 71
The topic of holiness is something Jesus spent a lot of time talking about during His time teaching here on earth. So why is it that this issue is so uncommon in modern Christianity? What is Jesus’ standard for those of us trying to follow Him? What does a holy, set apart life look like today? Where should our motivation come from, and what are the stakes? Connect with Max: Email [email protected] with topics you would like to see covered, episode feedback and any questions you would ...
Oct 05, 2020•54 min•Ep. 70
Christianity is all about relationships. It’s not about what you know, but who you know. When it comes to relating to God as our Heavenly Father, however, a lot of us have a hard time. We all have different experiences with fathering––some are good, some are not so good. Yet Jesus made it clear that we are to act as if we have a real Father in Heaven. We are expected to look to Him for protection and provision, and as we grow, join in his family business as sons and daughters. How can we make Go...
Sep 28, 2020•52 min•Ep. 69
For most Christians, the topic of evangelism is a difficult one to discuss. A lot of us feel insecure about sharing our faith, and we feel guilty, unmotivated and ill equipped. Why do we need to tell others? Isn’t there someone better qualified? Where do I start? Steve and Vicki Orsillo make the stakes of evangelism clear and give you a few practical starting points for sharing your faith. Connect with Max: Email [email protected] with topics you would like to see covered, episode fee...
Sep 21, 2020•49 min•Ep. 68
