Dying to Live Podcast

DISCLAIMER: This podcast should be listened to with discretion as it includes discussion of a sexual nature and may not be appropriate for younger listeners.In this episode, we sit down with Mike Davies, an elder in the life of JoshGen, and Christian counselor Pierre van der Westhuizen to talk about ministering to those who are sexually broken. The conversation is for ordinary saints, community leaders, and elders who want to walk faithfully with people in sexual brokenness. Sexual brokenness often flows from both the sins we commit and the sins committed against us. Our journey with them must hold together the warmth of Christ’s love and the clarity of His truth. Together we explore how the local church can offer wise, compassionate counsel—discerning when to shepherd someone ourselves and when to involve trained Christian counselors or other trusted experts—so that love, empathy, and a Christ-centered confrontation of sin remain in proper balance.

In this episode, Dylan Jones and Mike Davies—elders in the life of JoshGen—join Alain Joffe, a digital specialist with a focus on AI, to tackle one of today’s most urgent topics: artificial intelligence. AI is transforming communication, decision-making, ethics, and even how we live out our faith in Christ. Together they ask: How can Christians discern truth in an era of deepfakes and data manipulation? What theological questions arise from machine learning, automation, and the rise of general AI? And how should church elders, leaders and believers respond to these ethical and pastoral challenges? This conversation offers a biblically grounded guide to help the Church think clearly, respond wisely, and stay faithful in a rapidly changing digital world.[DISCLAIMER: This intro was not written by AI :-)]

Many of us practice prayer, worship, Bible reading, fasting, and meditation—but often they can feel like boxes to tick rather than pathways to knowing God more deeply. In this episode, we’ll explore where these disciplines truly fit within our daily devotions. Are they duties we must perform, or are they invitations to intimacy? Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy that physical training has some value, but godliness is valuable in every way—holding promise for this life and the life to come. Join us as we discover how these spiritual practices can move beyond routine into relationship, shaping our hearts to love Christ more." Demetri, Karen and Ruan share some of their experiences together with principles from God's Word.

Today, we share a powerful testimony of God’s redemptive love and perfect timing. Join us as we hear the incredible journey of Pierre and Juliet van der Westhuizen — a story of how God brought together two hearts from very different paths. Pierre, who walked a road marked by sexual brokenness, and Juliet, who faithfully waited for the man of God she believed God had promised, found their lives intertwined by divine design. Against the doubts of friends, family, and even church leadership, their marriage journey became a walk of faith—trusting that what God had joined together, no one could tear apart. This is a story of grace, courage, and the relentless goodness of God in the making of a marriage.

What is gluttony? Is gluttony really a sin? What does the Bible say about it, and where’s the line between enjoyment and excess? Who decides when enough is enough—our culture, our cravings, or God’s Word? In doing life together as a body of believers and sharing meals is so crucial, where do we draw the line in how much we eat? In this episode, we’ll look at what Scripture teaches about gluttony, why it matters for our hearts and our witness, and how to enjoy God’s gifts without being mastered by them. Mike D’Offay and Dan Barnard, elders in the life of JoshGen, together with Dr. Lolly van Deventer share their insights from God’s Word on the subject.

The word “judge” is often misunderstood and misused—both inside and outside the church. Our liberal world insists, “Do not judge,” as though tolerance were the highest virtue. Yet the Bible speaks with great clarity: we are indeed called to discern between truth and error, holiness and sin. The question is not whether we judge, but whether our judgments are righteous, humble, and according to God’s Word. In this episode, we turn to the Bible to ask: Are we ever to judge the unbelieving world, or is judgment reserved for the household of faith? What does it mean to test all things, to correct a brother, and yet to do so in the spirit of Christ’s love? Following the teaching of the apostles, we will see that true judgment is never harsh criticism nor prideful condemnation, but a necessary work of the Spirit that exalts the authority of Scripture and calls us back to the holiness of God.

In this episode, we explore the spiritual gift of the word of knowledge—what it is, how it operates, and how believers can grow in sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Whether you’re new to the gifts or desiring to walk in greater clarity and love, this conversation will stir your faith and equip you to hear God's heart for others. We’ll share real-life examples, practical insights, and biblical foundations to help you step out with confidence and humility as you minister to those around you. Brett Bevan, Shaun Searle and Nadene Badenhorst share their practical insights into this amazing gift to the church.

In this episode, Healing in Community, Wayne and Nadene share their personal trauma stories and the different paths they’ve walked toward healing from trauma. Joined by Christian counselor, Christene Pienaar and Brett Bevan an elder in JoshGen, they explore how therapy, pastoral care, and authentic community each play a role in the healing journey. Together, they reflect on how the Church can support those who are experiencing trauma—not by rushing in with advice, but by showing up with grace, presence, and compassion.

Today we’re tackling a question more and more Christians are asking: Is there a biblical perspective on using medicinal cannabis or CBD oil? As these options become more widely used for pain, anxiety, or chronic illness, many believers are left wondering—Is this wise? Is it biblical? Is it beneficial? While the Bible doesn’t mention cannabis or CBD by name, it does give us principles, as with alcohol use, for discernment, self-control, sober mindedness and honoring God with our bodies. And of course, we need to ask—how do we distinguish between responsible medicinal use and the recreational cannabis use that may dull the mind or lead us away from God’s best? In this episode, we’ll explore how Scripture helps us navigate this complex topic with clarity and care. Mike Davies and Morne van der Walt, elders in the life JoshGen give some perspective on the subject, Morne from his background as a pharmacist and Mike from a biblical perspective.

In today's episode we’re tackling something real, raw, and relatable: emotions. We’ve all felt them — joy, anger, sadness, anxiety — but have you ever stopped to ask what are emotions actually for? In this episode, we’ll unpack the idea that emotions are like warning lights on a dashboard. They’re indicators — not problems in themselves. Emotions are neutral. They aren’t sinful. In fact, they’re a gift from God to alert us to what’s going on inside. But here’s the thing: how we respond to those emotions is what matters most. That’s where the trouble begins — or where healing starts. Scripture doesn’t condemn emotion, but it does speak clearly about our response. Anger isn’t the sin. Losing control and lashing out in anger — that’s where sin enters. Sadness isn’t wrong. But allowing it to spiral into despair or bitterness — that’s where we need to be careful. God calls us to respond in a godly way — to take every thought and feeling captive and submit it to Christ. So today, we’ll talk about what that looks like practically. How do we honour God in our emotional life? What tools has He given us? And how can we respond in a way that leads to growth, maturity, and wholeness? Clarence Rule, an elder in the life of JoshGen Sunningdale and Christine Pienaar, a Christian counselor who serves with her husband as a deacon in the City Bowl congregation, share their wisdom and experience around the subject.

We continue the discussion from part one of this 2 part podcast and take questions from our live audience. Clarence Rule and Donovan Sheppard, elders in the life of JoshGen and Pam Marais answer audience questions in the light of their personal experiences of trials, grief and trauma and how God has used it for His good in their lives.

Why does a good and loving God allow suffering? Is it part of the believer’s walk with Him—or a sign that something is wrong? These are deep questions that many of us wrestle with, especially in seasons of hardship. In this episode, we take an honest look at what the Bible teaches about trials, tribulations, and suffering. We’ll explore whether suffering is tied to sin, and why Scripture tells us to “count it all joy” when we face various trials, as James 1 reminds us. Is God distant in our pain, or is He doing something deeper through it? Let’s open the Word together and discover how suffering fits into the life of faith—and how it can shape us, refine us, and even draw us closer to God. Clarence Rule and Donovan Sheppard, elders in the life of JoshGen and Pam Marais share their experiences of trials, grief and trauma and how God has used it for His good in their lives.

Today, we’re diving into a deep yet often misunderstood topic—the experience of sensing God’s presence in our lives and corporate worship. For some, it's deeply physical or even overwhelming. For others, it’s quiet, still, yet undeniably real. But in a world where emotions can sometimes cloud discernment, how do we recognize what’s truly from God? We’re not here to judge or dismiss anyone’s encounter, but to bring wisdom, God's Word, and spiritual maturity to the conversation. Because while God’s presence is transformative, worship must also remain rooted in order, truth, and without quenching the Spirit—or losing the awe." Mike Davies, an elder in the life of JoshGen, together with Morne and Erina van Der Walt who lead JoshGen South Africa, share some of their experiences.

Are faith and feminism compatible? Today, we’re stepping into a big conversation — one that can feel like a collision of worlds. Is feminism compatible with biblical faith? Can we embrace our calling as women and men of God while navigating a culture that’s so often shaped by ideology and cancel culture? Whether you’ve wrestled with these ideas yourself or simply want to understand better, we’re going to explore how a biblical worldview can speak into modern society — boldly, compassionately, and without compromise. Our guests today are Dr Lolly van Deventer, Advocate Nadene Badenhorst and Mike Davies an elder in the life of JoshGen. They share insights into this huge subject.

Disclaimer: This podcast contains testimony and discussions about pornography and sexual brokenness. While we speak with grace and truth, some content may be sensitive for younger listeners. Parental guidance is advised.Pornography destroys from the inside out—but there is hope. This podcast is for both men and women on the journey toward restoration and freedom. Through vulnerable testomony and truth-filled insight, we’ll explore how the power of Jesus breaks the chains of pornography and defeats the lies of Satan. In Him, we find forgiveness, deep healing, inner renewal, and lasting transformation—freedom that restores hearts, minds, and identities. We’ll also uncover how to walk in purity, guard our hearts, and live in the light through the power of the Holy Spirit, godly community, and renewing our minds with truth. Andrew and Liz, a JoshGen eldership couple, together with Adam Cox on the Milnerton eldership team, share testimonies and insights around freedom from the destructive power of porn.

Assurance of salvation is one of the most vital truths every believer must grasp. God hasn’t called us merely to know about Him, but to walk confidently as His sons and daughters. Yet for many, a quiet question lingers: Am I truly saved? What does it really mean to have assurance of my salvation?When can I know for certain? These aren’t just theological ideas — they touch the very core of how we do life together, how we worship, and how we endure through life’s trials. In this episode, we’ll explore what the Word teaches about assurance. We’ll look at the role of faith and fruit, and how our confidence isn’t based on our performance, but on the finished, unshakeable work of Jesus Christ.Luke Hulley and Michael d'Offay, elders in the life of JoshGen, share some of their insights with us.

In a world driven by logic, science, and proof, the idea of the supernatural can seem outdated or even irrelevant. But for us as believers, the supernatural isn’t a fringe element of faith — it’s central to the life and ministry of Jesus and the New Testament Church. So what does it mean to live naturally supernatural in today’s skeptical age? How do we walk in the power of the Holy Spirit while remaining grounded, authentic, and approachable? And how do we minister to people who don’t believe in miracles, signs, or wonders? In this episode of Dying to Live, we’re unpacking what it looks like to live a life where the supernatural becomes natural — not weird, not forced, but an everyday reality that flows from intimacy with God.

In today’s episode, we’re addressing a subject that has deeply influenced many lives in different contexts and continents — the prosperity gospel. While it often comes wrapped in the language of faith, confession and blessing, it distorts the very heart of Christ’s Gospel message and leads many into confusion, disappointment, and crisis of faith. The truth is, following Jesus doesn’t mean we’re spared from suffering — believers still go through trials, hardship, and even persecution. But in the midst of it all, we are promised His presence, His grace, and eternal life. Our aim today isn’t to attack people, but to lovingly bring clarity, expose error, and point us back to the true Gospel — a Gospel of grace, not greed; of Christ and not consumerism. Johane Musviba, Michael D'Offay and Dylan Jones, elders in the life of JoshGen, share their thoughts and bring correction around this controversial subject.

In our secular world from sport to business to entertainment we are judged how well we perform. But, can this be transferred to the Kingdom? Is performance a value we can subscribe to? How do we measure success in the Kingdom? How does Jesus view performance? Does it fit in or is it opposed to Biblical principles? Our team of elders, Dan Barnard, Luke Hulley and Neil Greig bring a perspective of where performance fits in our lives both secular and ministry.

WARNING - This podcast has content that is not appropriate for younger listeners.Contraception, methods of contraception and even sterilisation are minefields which Christian marriages have to negotiate in our church and society today. Which methods don't violate biblical principles and which do? Where does life begin and what contraception can end life? How do we process grey areas and with whom? Mike Davies and Michael D'Offay, elders in the life of JoshGen and Dr Melissa Janse van Vuuren look at these issues and give answers from theological and medical perspectives.