Veritas Equipping Podcast

If fasting feels intimidating, outdated, or optional, you’re not alone and Scripture has more to say than you might think. In this episode of the Veritas Equipping Podcast, Sam, Michael, Richard, and Jake talk through what fasting is, why it matters, and how Christians can practice it with clarity and purpose. We explore the biblical foundations of fasting, address common misconceptions, and share honest reflections on why this discipline has often been neglected in the church. Whether you’re brand new to fasting, unsure where to start, or longing for deeper dependence on God, this conversation invites you to see fasting not as a legalistic burden but as a gracious means of pursuing Christ together.

If your Bible reading feels dry, inconsistent, or guilt-ridden, you’re not alone—and you’re not beyond hope. In this episode of the Veritas Equipping Podcast Ian, Jake, Matthew, and Sam talk about why regular Bible reading matters and how to pursue it well. They share their own stories of when Scripture came alive to them, discuss common obstacles, and offer practical encouragement for anyone from first-time readers to longtime believers. Whether you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or simply want to go deeper, this episode helps you see God’s Word not as a checkbox but as the place we truly meet and abide with Him.

As Christmas approaches, we want to take a step back and think about Advent—what it is, why it matters, and how Christians can keep the season centered on Christ. In this episode Jake, Ian, Danny, and Sam unpack the attributes of God revealed in Jesus’ coming, share practical ways their families pursue generosity, and offer helpful Advent resources to make this season intentionally Christ-focused.

What happens when believers stop treating doctrine like theory and start letting it transform their lives? In this episode of the Veritas Equipping Podcast, Sam Anderson, Ian Crosby, Matthew Morken, and Jake Each talk about why theology matters for every believer—not just scholars or pastors. They discuss how what we believe about God shapes how we live, worship, and follow Jesus, and why clarity in our doctrine leads to confidence in our faith.

What happens when a church measures the state of its beliefs—not by opinion, but by truth? In this episode of the Veritas Equipping Podcast, pastors Jake Each, Matt Hoffert, Michael Rhodes, and Sam Anderson unpack the recent State of Theology survey from Ligonier Ministries that reveals both encouragements and serious concerns within American evangelicalism. From confusion about the Trinity and the Holy Spirit to alarming misunderstandings about sin, salvation, and the authority of Scripture, this episode explores what these results say about the church—and why theological clarity matters for everyday disciples. Because if we drift from sound doctrine, we drift from the gospel itself.The 2025 State of Theology survey reveals a troubling lack of biblical understanding within the American church, showing the urgent need to return to sound doctrine and faithful discipleship. Churches must prioritize biblically qualified leadership and the regular teaching of God’s Word to prevent drifting toward superficial faith. We hope that discussing these findings will help our church recommit to truth, maturity, and a strong gospel witness in our culture and buy into our current focus on theological understanding and biblical literacy. This conversation will challenge you to think biblically, love truth, and grow in deeper conviction rooted in God’s Word.

What happens when a church focuses on being devoted to the things the first church was devoted to in Acts 2? In this episode of the Veritas Equipping Podcast, pastors Matt Hoffert and Michael Rhodes join Jake Each to talk about recent ministry shifts at Veritas—more Bible teaching, more prayer, deeper communion, and meaningful membership. Why these changes? Because the church needs more than slick programs—it needs people rooted in God’s Word, dependent on Him in prayer, and committed to one another. This episode will challenge and encourage you to step deeper into life with Christ and his church.

The assassination of Charlie Kirk has dominated the 24-hour news cycle, sparking shock, grief, and heated responses across the political spectrum. But how should Christians think biblically about such a moment? In this episode of the Veritas Equipping Podcast, Jake is joined by pastors Michael Rhodes and Matt Hoffert for a thoughtful, pastoral conversation about faith, politics, grief, and the sovereignty of God. Together, they wrestle with questions like: What does it reveal about our culture when people either celebrate or capitalize on a man’s death? How should Christians respond—with anger, fear, or trust in God’s sovereignty? Is it possible to lament deeply without losing hope? Why is consistency in valuing human dignity so crucial? And how can believers resist the pull of political agendas while holding fast to the gospel? This episode won’t give you sound bites or quick fixes, but it will ground you in biblical wisdom, invite you to examine your own heart, and equip you to respond with both truth and grace in a polarized world.

In this episode of the Veritas Equipping Podcast, we dive into the topic of missions. Jake Each sits down with Michael Rhodes and Jordan Wright to explore God’s global purpose and our role in it, both locally and to the ends of the earth. Topics include: • What is the difference between “mission” and “missions”? • How does the Great Commission shape our lives today? • Why is the local church central to God’s plan? • What does it mean to be an “everyday missionary”? This conversation is both practical and inspiring. You’ll come away with a deeper vision for God’s glory among the nations, a renewed sense of your own calling as an ambassador for Christ, and a greater love for the mission of God that stretches from Genesis to Revelation. Resources/References: Global Prayer - 3rd Sunday of the Month @ 9:30AM in room 203 Books: Let the Nations Be Glad! - John Piper Across the Street and Around the World - Jeannie Marie Something Needs to Change - David Platt Podcasts: Pray the Word Mission Hits The Salt Company National Podcast (specifically “Salt Company Conference 2024: Global Missions” and “Biblical Basis of Missions, Season 2, Episode 17”) Websites Veritas Church | Global Sending Roadmap Veritas Church | Five Habits of a Global Christian The Joshua Project | Unreached of the Day

Immigration is a hot-button issue in our culture—one that often gets reduced to polarized headlines and political stances. But what does it look like to view immigration through a gospel lens? In this episode of the Veritas Equipping Podcast, Jake is joined by elders Matt Thede and Matt Hoffert for a thoughtful, honest conversation about one of the most complex issues in our country. Together, they wrestle with questions like: What does the Bible really say about immigration, borders, and love for the foreigner? How do we hold together compassion and conviction using texts like Romans 13 and Deuteronomy 10? Is it unloving for a country to enforce its laws? Does proximity to others affect our responsibility to love? What’s the difference between a nation’s role and a Christian’s role? Are we more concerned with someone becoming a citizen of heaven or a citizen of America? There’s no one-sentence answer, but there is biblical wisdom, nuance, and a call for Christians to lead with truth and grace. This episode will challenge and equip you to think biblically about immigration so you can do just that.

In this episode of the Veritas Equipping Podcast, we continue our Gospel Issues series by asking: How should Christians think about abortion, not merely as a political debate, but as a gospel issue? Sam Anderson, Matt Hoffert, and Jake Each explore what Scripture says about the value of life, why the church’s response must be rooted in God’s design, and how to navigate difficult situations with both truth and compassion. They discuss historical context, current realities, biblical arguments for life, and pastoral counsel for those wrestling with past or present abortion decisions, all through the lens of God’s Word and the hope of the gospel.

In this episode of the Veritas Equipping Podcast, we continue our Gospel Issues series by asking: How should Christians think about liberty, government, and political engagement? Jake Each sits down with elders Caleb Mason and Jeff Meyer for a timely, honest conversation on everything from Christian nationalism and civic freedom to voting, civil disobedience, and what Scripture actually says about government. Topics include:Is liberty a Christian virtue? Should Christians fight for certain types of government? Is America a Christian nation? What does Romans 13 really mean? When is civil disobedience biblical? Should churches be more political—or less? This conversation doesn’t aim to tell you what to think, but how to think: biblically, humbly, and missionally. You’ll walk away challenged to live as a faithful citizen of heaven while influencing the nation God has placed you in. Referenced Resources: The Patient Ferment of the Early Church Life in the Negative World You are a Theologian The Abolition of Man Desiring God and Voddie Baucham on Christian Nationalism Additional Resources: Live Not by Lies The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self

We’re diving headfirst into hot topics that are rocking our culture today—because avoiding tough conversations doesn't help anyone. This episode tackles the sensitive yet crucial issues surrounding gender and sexuality, exploring how the gospel informs our understanding and response. Join elders Jake Each, Scott Triggs, and Matthew Morken as they unpack biblical truths around identity, gender roles, and sexuality, and answer the tough questions many Christians are wrestling with: What does the Bible really say about gender and sexuality? Why does our culture label the Christian view as hateful, while Christians see it as genuinely loving? How should believers handle real-life scenarios, like using preferred pronouns, attending same-sex weddings, or navigating a child's gender questions?Expect an honest, biblically rooted, and perhaps even a little uncomfortable discussion. Referenced Resources: The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Trueman God and the Transgender Debate by Andrew T. Walker Is God Anti-Gay? by Sam Allberry God’s Design for Sex Series (Various authors) Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age by Rosaria Butterfield Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood by John Piper and Wayne Grudem 50 Crucial Questions: An Overview of Central Concerns about Manhood and Womanhood by John Piper and Wayne Grudem What's the Difference?: Manhood and Womanhood Defined According to the Bible by John Piper Gay Girl, Good God by Jackie Hill Perry Sermons and teachings by John Piper and Voddie Baucham Additional Resources The Accidental Feminist: Restoring Our Delight in God's Good Design God’s Good Design Dive deeper and continue the conversation. We’re here to equip you.

Why should Christians care about adoption? Tune in as Ian and Michael share their family stories, unpack the gospel roots of adoption, and explore what it looks like for the Church to care for the fatherless in tangible, everyday ways.

In a culture full of noise, confusion, and division, how can we think biblically about the issues that matter most? In this episode of the Veritas Equipping Podcast, Jake Each, Michael Rhodes, and Garrett Hufford tackle the issue of racism—not from a political or sociological lens, but from a biblical one. Together, they explore: What racism really is—and why it's a sin against our Creator How the gospel tears down walls of hostility and unites us in Christ Why worldly solutions often fall short of true reconciliation How to pursue gospel-driven unity in a divided world Practical ways the Church can reflect the beauty of God's diverse family Whether you’ve wrestled with these questions yourself or you’re unsure how to respond as a follower of Jesus, this conversation will point you back to the authority of Scripture, the power of the cross, and the hope of the Kingdom to come. This is more than a conversation—it’s a call to think deeply, love boldly, and live faithfully in a complex world. Additional Resources Confronting Injustice without Compromising TruthA Biblical Answer for Racial UnityBloodlinesOneness EmbracedFaultlines Racial Reconciliation - Ephesians 2:10-11 | Dr. Voddie BauchamOne Race One BloodWhat is the Mission of the Church?

In a culture of confusion, what does the Bible say about marriage? Join Jake and Veritas elders Doug Grunder and Jim Coates as they unpack marriage through a gospel lens—exploring covenant vs. contract, biblical roles, and why strong marriages matter for society and the Church. Additional Resources Marriage The Meaning of MarriageGenesis 2Ephesians 5:22-33

What should be the Christian perspective on gambling, and how should we navigate its growing presence in our culture? In this episode, Jake, Matthew, and Sam delve into the complexities surrounding gambling, discussing its potential dangers and the biblical principles that guide our understanding. They emphasize the importance of wise stewardship, contentment in Christ, and the deceitfulness of sin. As Christians, we are called to live lives marked by holiness and satisfaction in God, avoiding the allure of quick riches. By anchoring our hearts in God's truth and seeking accountability within our community, we can resist the temptations that come with gambling and live for his glory! Additional Resources Redeeming MoneyA Short Guide to Gospel GenerosityPlastic DonutsThe Treasure PrincipleMoney: Seeking God’s Wisdom

Jake sits down with Matthew Morken and Jordan Howell for a down-to-earth, biblically-rooted conversation about spiritual warfare.They unpack what it really means to "take every thought captive," why most of the battle happens in the mind, and how everyday faithfulness—reading Scripture, praying, and showing up in community—is spiritual combat. It’s not about fear or flash. It’s about fighting with the right weapons.Whether you've misunderstood spiritual warfare or never thought much about it, this episode will equip you with truth, clarity, and hope.Topics include:What the Bible actually says about spiritual warfareCommon misconceptions (and how to avoid both ditches)How Satan’s lies subtly impact everyday lifeWhat it means to fight well—with prayer, Scripture, and communityEncouragement for real people in real battlesThis isn’t spooky. It’s spiritual. And you’re already in it.Listen in and be equipped to fight the good fight.

What is the biblical significance of family life for the Christian, and what role does it play in both church and culture? In this episode Jake, Matthew, and Garrett highlight how strong families are crucial for a thriving church and society, urging parents to prioritize intentional discipleship at home. They address modern threats to family dynamics, such as busyness and cultural pressures, and encourage parents—especially fathers—to lead their families in serving the Lord. By aligning family life with God's design, we can cultivate joy, unity, and spiritual growth.

As Christian parents called to live differently from the world, what does it look like to rightly prioritize raising our kids to know, love, and obey Jesus? This episode is a recording of a session led by Jake from a Parenting Conference at Veritas Church Iowa City in November 2024. In this session Jake expands on the call to practical holiness for parents, warning against the various ways the Christian family can slip into cultural norms and stray from God and his Word. When we place our children at the center of the family rather than God, we can quickly elevate them to god-status, avoid biblical discipline, allow others outside the local church to influence our kids, and neglect our God-given responsibility to be stewards of our kids. But when we let the Lord lead us—and we orient our time and our choices as parents around him—we can rest in his power, his instruction, his wisdom. Parents, remember that God alone can give your kids spiritual sight. We pray your children may see you treasuring Christ and want him as their treasure, too.

As Christians, how do we parent our children in a way that reflects the holiness—the set-apartness—God has called us to? This episode is a recording of a session led by Jake from a Parenting Conference at Veritas Church Iowa City in November 2024. In this session Jake explains how we as Christians are called to embrace “different,” and in the same way, we as Christian parents must also embrace different, countercultural parenting. God deeply cares about the family, and applying his truth to the family is what’s best for children. As parents understand that the family is a big deal, depend on God in their parenting, and practice parenting with the lights on, they show the world—and their children—that loving and honoring God is more important than anything else.