Trusting God’s love when you don’t feel it, plus how skeptics strengthened Justin Brierley’s faith, and balancing reverence and honesty in prayer.

Featured musical artist: Austin Stone Worship

Roundtable: Does God Really Care About Me?

It’s easy to say “Jesus loves me” in church or when things are going well, but how do you have the faith to say it when God feels incredibly distant? What if circumstances in your life challenge your perception of His goodness, and now you’re wondering if He’s even there? Our guests open up about difficult seasons they’ve been through, the lies they’re tempted to believe about God and themselves, and what it looks like to fight for faith. If you’re wondering if God cares — not in general, but about you in particular — you’ll be encouraged by their stories.

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Culture: Why I’m Still a Christian

When was the last time you shared your faith with a non-Christian? Justin Brierley has been conversing with atheists and agnostics (including Richard Dawkins) for years, and he’s passionate about equipping believers to examine secular arguments, test them with Scripture science, and common sense, and then be lights in our culture’s darkness. If you’re intimidated by unbelievers’ unbelief and what they have to say about it, Justin will help you find both courage and kindness for the conversation.

Why I’m Still a Christian: After Two Decades of Conversations with Skeptics and Atheists–The Reason I Believe

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Inbox: Yelling at God

When life is hard and you’re sad, angry, disappointed or scared, how do you pray honestly to God while still showing reverence and respect? Pastor Mark Bates weighs in.

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How dating impacts other relationships, plus navigating changes in your doctrinal beliefs, and a commitment-phobe’s guide to serving at church.

Featured musical artist: Abandon

Roundtable: Maintaining Friendships While Dating

It happens all too often: You have great friendships and a robust social life. You’re involved in church and maybe even have a mentor. But soon after you start dating, things change. You spend more and more time with your bf or gf, and other relationships start to fade. You don’t think you have time for them. You’re so caught up in this new person that other people take a back seat. Some changes are expected, but what does it look like to date and navigate engagement in a way that still preserves the other important relationships in your life? Our panel weighs in.

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Culture: Why Doctrine Matters

A listener recently contacted us, saying some of their Christians beliefs on secondary issues have changed since childhood. Now they’re wondering how to have conversations about these topics (baptism, worship styles, election, etc.) with their friends and family members. Pastor Mark Bates shares how to approach doctrinal topics with grace while keeping your focus on unity in the body of Christ.

True Community: The Biblical Practice of Koinonia

Inbox: I Want to Serve but Am Afraid to Commit

Our listener wants to start serving at church but is afraid to commit to a church home. What’s the core issue here? Pastor Vince Hoppe offers advice.

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A beginner’s guide to camping, plus David Mathis on honoring God with our fitness, and should you date coworkers?

Featured musical artist: Hollyn

Roundtable: Camping for Average People

Camping is a fun outdoor activity to do with friends and family, but if you don’t know what you’re doing it can be pretty intimidating. What should you pack? How do you cook food? Should you go with expert campers or strike out on your own? Our guests have experience pitching tents, sitting by campfires, and seeing the stars at night — but they all consider themselves “average” campers in ability and know-how. They’ll provide attainable tips for your next camping trip, especially if you’re a beginner.

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Culture: A Theology of Exercise

Does God care if you’re hitting the gym? Or getting any exercise at all? According to David Mathis, part of us being equipped for service to God is having bodies that are able to do so. He shares scriptural reasoning for prioritizing movement as not only “taking care of your temple” but as an act of worship. He also tells the story of being convicted on this topic, how he started adding fitness to his life, and how staying active helps your body, brain and spirit.

A Little Theology of Exercise: Enjoying Christ in Body and Soul

Inbox: Should You Date a Coworker?

Is it a good idea to date a work colleague? HR expert Marshonda Dixon weighs in.

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