Send us a text Most of us think of peace as the absence of war or the absence of conflict. But there’s a war raging. There has been since the dawn of time. In a universe at war, what kind of peace does God offer? Podcast resource: 52 Weeks of Strength for Men ( ebook , paperback , study guide ) Other resources: Chris Bolinger’s other devotional: Daily Strength for Men Mike Hatch’s book: Manhood: Empowered by the Light of the Gospel Relational men’s discipleship programs: CLC...
Feb 19, 2024•12 min•Ep. 147
Send us a text Sadly, much of the church has adopted the same mentality as our corrupt, monetary system. This perverts incentives around fundraising, ministry, and building projects, as well as diluting the gospel in order to maintain financial support. Jimmy Song , Author of the book, " Fiat Ruins Everything: How Our Financial System Is Rigged and How Bitcoin Fixes This ," discusses the implications of a fiat currency mindset infiltrating the church. Jimmy Song is a Bitcoin developer, educator,...
Feb 14, 2024•57 min•Season 3Ep. 146
Send us a text In addition to the Resurrection, the Gospels record 37 miracles that Jesus performed. One of them was walking on water. Why did Jesus do that? Was it to prove that he was greater than Moses? To demonstrate that he possessed the power of God? To fulfill a prophecy? To strengthen the faith of his followers? Or was there another reason? This week’s Bible passage: Romans 8:31-39 Podcast resource: 52 Weeks of Strength for Men ( ebook , paperback , study guide ) Other resources: Chris B...
Feb 12, 2024•13 min•Ep. 145
Send us a text God reserves some his harshest words of criticism for monetary debasement. The Old Testament describes this practice as "detestable," "violent," and "grinding the faces of the poor." Jimmy Song , Author of the book, " Fiat Ruins Everything: How Our Financial System Is Rigged and How Bitcoin Fixes This ," discusses the implications of this economic fraud and how we should be thinking about it from a Christian worldview. Jimmy Song is a Bitcoin developer, educator, and entrepreneur....
Feb 07, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 3Ep. 144
Send us a text When we seek to glorify God in our actions, our light can burn so brightly that others can’t help but notice. I, and 190 others, discovered this 30 years ago on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow. This week’s Bible passage: John 1:1-14 Podcast resource: 52 Weeks of Strength for Men ( ebook , paperback , study guide ) Other resources: Chris Bolinger’s other devotional: Daily Strength for Men Mike Hatch’s book: Manhood: Empowered by the Light of the Gospel Relational men’s d...
Feb 05, 2024•12 min•Ep. 143
Send us a text Mark Hollis's band had only one big hit, in 1984. Their 1988 album did so poorly that their record label dropped them. The band disbanded in 1992. Hollis left the music industry six years later and died in 2019. So why is this entire episode devoted to the music of Mark Hollis? Because it gave life to people. And it still does. This week’s Bible passage: John 10:1-10 Podcast resource: 52 Weeks of Strength for Men ( ebook , paperback , study guide ) Other resources: Chris Bolinger’...
Jan 29, 2024•12 min•Ep. 142
Send us a text A lot of pastors think online preaching doesn’t matter that much. They’re focused on getting real people into their real churches — not some cyber-campus in the Metaverse. But here’s what many pastors don’t realize: online sermons are their church’s welcome center. Here’s how people “visit” churches today: They find you online They watch a sermon or two If they like your sermons, they visit in person If they don’t, they seek out another church. Or worse – they give up on church al...
Jan 26, 2024•53 min•Season 3Ep. 141
Send us a text In today’s Christianity, we like to recognize and celebrate the goodness of God. God truly is good. But God also is great. The greatness of God is awesome, but it can be intimidating and even frightening. In fact, God's greatness is so overpowering that it makes Him unapproachable. Thankfully, God provided a solution. This week’s Bible passage: Psalm 145 Podcast resource: 52 Weeks of Strength for Men ( ebook , paperback , study guide ) Other resources: Chris Bolinger’s other devot...
Jan 22, 2024•10 min•Ep. 140
Send us a text Trauma is shockingly common among men. However, most of us don't recognize it in our own lives and this can create tremendous drag on our efforts to lead well. Dr. Tim Murphy has extensive experience working with men and women struggling with PTSD, especially military veterans. Dr. Murphy recently wrote the book, " The Christ Cure: 10 Biblical Ways to Heal from Trauma, Tragedy, and PTSD ," where he provides a valuable guide for family members of victims, clergy, and counselors who...
Jan 18, 2024•51 min•Season 3Ep. 139
Send us a text When Jesus explained the parable of the sower, he didn’t explain why the sower in the parable throws the seed everywhere rather than just on the good soil. John Newton understood why. This week’s Bible passages: Hosea 10:9-12 and Matthew 13:1-9 Podcast resource: 52 Weeks of Strength for Men ( ebook , paperback , study guide ) Other resources: Chris Bolinger’s other devotional: Daily Strength for Men Mike Hatch’s book: Manhood: Empowered by the Light of the Gospel Relational men’s ...
Jan 15, 2024•9 min•Ep. 138
Send us a text Leadership is hard. There are days when we don’t feel like motivating or inspiring anyone. Heck, we sometimes wake up feeling tired and discouraged ourselves, so how can we motivate anybody else? We all have our own doubts and insecurities about our lives and the directions we’re headed. We may wonder, too, if we’re even doing the right things to develop those we lead and help them reach their full potential. Cory Carlson's book, Rise and Go provides business leaders, entrepreneur...
Jan 11, 2024•50 min•Season 3Ep. 137
Send us a text You've heard the parable of the prodigal son before. Probably lots of times. Everyone loves the story. Right? Jesus's audience didn't. They hated it. It made them angry. Find out why. This week’s Bible passage: Luke 15:11-32 Chris Rice's song "Home Tonight": video on YouTube album Smell the Color 9 on Amazon Music Podcast resource: 52 Weeks of Strength for Men ( ebook , paperback , study guide ) Other resources: Chris Bolinger’s other devotional: Daily Strength for Men Mike Hatch’...
Jan 08, 2024•14 min•Ep. 136
Send us a text Jesus's parable about foolish and wise builders highlights the fact that water can be a destructive force. In September 2022, Hurricane Ian demonstrated that across southwest Florida. But Jesus wasn't giving advice on home construction. He was talking about life . . . and about God. This week’s Bible passage: Matthew 7:24-27 Podcast resource: 52 Weeks of Strength for Men ( ebook , paperback , study guide ) Other resources: Chris Bolinger’s other devotional: Daily Strength for Men ...
Jan 01, 2024•12 min•Ep. 135
Send us a text In a world full of male provocateurs and bravado how are men supposed to exemplify true courage and strength? Our guest today, Aaron Renn , helps us understand the significance of self-mastery in the life of a man. As men who are grounded in Christ there's no need for fear and vitriol. We have an opportunity to be a stabilizing influence in our culture through self-control and integrity. Aaron Renn , is a writer and consultant in Indianapolis who is a co-founder and Senior Fellow ...
Dec 28, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 134
Send us a text In Matthew 20, Jesus tells a parable that compares the kingdom of heaven to workers in a vineyard. This is a parable that may make you frustrated and even angry. If the kingdom of God is like this, then how is the kingdom of God fair? It's not . . . unless there is joy in work. This week’s Bible passage: Ephesians 2:8-10 Podcast resource: 52 Weeks of Strength for Men ( ebook , paperback , study guide ) Other resources: Chris Bolinger’s other devotional: Daily Strength for Men Mike...
Dec 25, 2023•12 min•Ep. 133
Send us a text God wants to use your passion to spread the gospel! Brock Gill , Founder of MotoMission , author, and former illusionist, stumbled upon a unique way to spread the gospel that happens to coincide with his passion - adventure motorcycle riding. Brock Gill has been passionate about riding motorcycles his whole life. His first bike was a 1980 Kawasaki KD80. A year later, he saved money by pulling weeds from an elderly ladies garden and bought an 82 Yamaha YZ80. When he was 22 years ol...
Dec 21, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 132
Send us a text As Jesus demonstrated, when we’re tempted, we need to rely on God and God's Word. But we also can turn to something that Jesus didn’t have when he was all alone in the wilderness: the support and help of a Christian brother. For an example of that, host Chris Bolinger turns to the Lord of the Rings trilogy. This week’s Bible passage: Hebrews 2:14-18 Podcast resource: 52 Weeks of Strength for Men ( ebook , paperback ) Other resources: Chris Bolinger’s other devotional: Daily Streng...
Dec 18, 2023•15 min•Ep. 131
Send us a text Business networking can be a scary thing for most people. In his new book, Great People Know Great People: Create a Powerful Business Referral Network of Great People , Alex Giannetti equips readers to improve their networking skills. However, the principles we unpack in this discussion transcend business. Every Christian will benefit from the perspective we glean about relationships, our identity in Christ, and the way God uses other people in our lives. Alex Giannetti is the Pre...
Dec 15, 2023•50 min•Season 3Ep. 130
Send us a text We’re supposed to rejoice in our sufferings? Seriously? That’s absurd. When we experience suffering or see someone else suffering, we want the suffering to end. Now. And, during suffering, we sometimes ask, where is God? A famous author asked that question when he lost his beloved wife. For an answer, host Chris Bolinger turns to an unlikely place. This week’s Bible passage: Romans 5:1-5 Podcast resource: 52 Weeks of Strength for Men ( ebook , paperback ) Other resources: Chris Bo...
Dec 11, 2023•12 min•Ep. 129
Send us a text Most entrepreneurs are taught to start with a business plan. While that might be what conventional wisdom says, often God has his own plan. Rick Avon , Owner/Principal of Avon Design Group in Pittsburgh, PA, didn't start with a business plan. Instead, Rick shares how he was led by the Holy Spirit as he built his company. He never could have foreseen the way God would take him from a professional detour as a Superintendent to eventually starting his own firm. It has become clear to...
Dec 07, 2023•51 min•Season 3Ep. 128
Send us a text God has blessed you with certain gifts. When you make the most of those gifts, and you use them to serve others, you honor God. And God honors you in return. That's the theme of host Chris Bolinger's all-time favorite film. And the gist of the note that one sprinter handed to another one hundred years ago. This week’s Bible passage: 1 Peter 4:8-11 Podcast resource: 52 Weeks of Strength for Men ( ebook , paperback ) Other resources: Chris Bolinger’s other devotional: Daily Strength...
Dec 04, 2023•13 min
Send us a text In a world of shallow relationships how do you foster a disciple-making culture? Our guest today, Ronnie Cordrey , the Men's Pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY, discusses some key principles for creating a culture of discipleship among men in any ministry context. Whether you're a pastor, a men's ministry leader, or simply a guy who wants to start discipling other men, this interview is for you! RESOURCES: SoutheastChristianChurch.org Contact Ronnie: rcordrey@s...
Dec 01, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Season 3Ep. 126
Send us a text Why do you pray? There are obvious, Sunday School answers to that question: God wants you to pray. Most people in the Bible prayed (e.g. David's 150 psalms are prayers). Jesus prayed and modeled that behavior to his disciples, even teaching them how to pray. But why do you pray? Really? It may be for the same reasons that Rocky prays in host Chris Bolinger's favorite Rocky film. This week’s Bible passage: Luke 18:1-8 Podcast resource: 52 Weeks of Strength for Men ( ebook , paperba...
Nov 27, 2023•15 min•Ep. 125
Send us a text What if you had to lead a team after being dropped in behind enemy lines? As a former Navy Seal, Charles Crouch learned to do just that. Through many times when Charles should have died, God was on his side. However, he didn't realize at the time that God was preparing him to be a leader in a more profound battle for His kingdom's sake. After leaving the Navy Seals because he felt God was calling him to something even more significant, Charles took his family on a trip across the ...
Nov 22, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 124
Send us a text We love stories where someone's patience pays off. Like the story of Kurt Warner. He stocked shelves, played in the Arena Football League and in Europe, and sat the bench in the NFL before getting his chance to start. Then, of course, he made the most of it. But for every Kurt Warner, there are thousands of guys who are just as talented, train just as hard, and never make it to the big leagues. And then there’s you and me. We’re not working for a chance to operate on a big stage. ...
Nov 20, 2023•10 min•Ep. 124
Send us a text The world teaches us, as men, that success looks like being in charge, independent, or self-sufficient. Our guest today, prolific business leader and public servant, Ron Simmons , argues that success has more to do with living a meaningful life according to God's purposes. In his new book, Life Lessons from the Little Red Wagon: 15 Ways to Take Charge and Create a Path to Success , Simmons invites us to leave ordinary behind and glide into the richly meaningful life you were inten...
Nov 17, 2023•52 min•Season 3Ep. 122
Send us a text Obedience is not a sexy topic. For a lot of guys, obedience is about as exciting as singing in church. You do it, or at least attempt to do it, because it’s what’s expected of you. But you’re not motivated to excel at it. One the greatest hymns ever written tells us why we need to make consistent obedience a priority. And Jesus's words to his disciples at the Last Supper reveal how we can be obedient, every day. This week’s Bible passage: Romans 6:15-23 Podcast resource: 52 Weeks ...
Nov 13, 2023•11 min•Ep. 121
Send us a text If you are going to have a successful marriage, then you need to master conflict resolution. But there are two big obstacles to resolving conflicts in your marriage: Nearly 70 percent of the conflicts in relationships center on unresolvable, perpetual problems. Men and women approach and handle conflict very differently. As a result, a lot of marital conflicts end up at an impasse. What's the answer? Dr. Emerson Eggerichs says that the answer lies in Ephesians 5. This week’s Bible...
Nov 06, 2023•10 min•Ep. 120
Send us a text The 2023 Men's Weekend is in the books and it was a powerful, life-changing experience! This is the first of Mike Hatch's three messages from the weekend that focused on the three main points of his book, Manhood: Empowered by the Light of the Gospel . Mike spoke about the significance of walking in the light where a man is... Known by God Grown by God Owned by God ABOUT THE BOOK: Most men today are disempowered. Lost and groping in the dark, they are driven by fear and insecurity...
Nov 02, 2023•34 min•Season 3Ep. 119
Send us a text Some Christians posit that fear and anxiety are sinful, evidence of a lack of trust in God. Other Christians consider that viewpoint an oversimplification that can lead to destructive denial, guilt, and shame. The Bible, they say, offers compassion and answers, not condemnation. Join host Chris Bolinger as he explores healthy ways to overcome fear and anxiety. This week’s Bible passage: Matthew 6:25-34 Podcast resource: 52 Weeks of Strength for Men ( ebook , paperback ) Other reso...
Oct 30, 2023•12 min•Ep. 118
