Claim OwnershipAgainst the Grain
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We all live for something. At 121, we believe that living for Jesus offers the most meaningful and fulfilling life. In our culture, this is living against the grain. It is easy to be conformed to our culture, but what does it look like to live differently, to live for Jesus, to live counter-culturally? Be encouraged and challenged, as we hear conversations with people in various seasons and circumstances, sharing their journeys of following Jesus daily and how that shapes their everyday experiences.
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Jesus promised to send a Helper who would give His followers power: the Holy Spirit. But who is the Holy Spirit, and what does that power actually look like?In this episode, Eric, Vince, and Laura explore the role of the Holy Spirit, what He does in the life of believers, and how we can learn to recognize and engage with His presence. Discover why pressing into the Holy Spirit is essential to living a life that truly goes against the grain.
What does it truly mean to say "yes" to God's call? In this episode, Rory and Pam's journey from fostering one child to leading international ministries, proves that small acts of obedience can lead to extraordinary impact. Through adopting children, opening a children's home, and serving in Africa despite challenges like recurring malaria, they've learned that God equips those He calls. Be inspired to examine your own response to His leading, whether across the globe or across the street.00:00 - Intro04:06 - God's plan for my life in Uganda09:16 - Adopting a child from the streets15:42 - Journey into ministry23:07 - Living in Rwanda31:48 - Back to the States40:20 - How to Hear God's Call Clearly46:54 - Helping Equip, Evangelize and Disciple
We often don’t like the word obedience. When we think about growing in our faith, our default is to learn more information. But Jesus commands his followers to obey and to teach people to obey. In this episode, Eric, Ross and Lorraine take a look at what it looks like to grow in obedience and to teach others to obey what Jesus tells us to do. Listen now to find out how we can grow in our desire to follow him with every part of our life.Show notes:8 Ways to Follow Jesus
In this episode, Eric, Jermaine and Lorraine discuss baptism, wrestling through: what is baptism? Why do we do it? What are some common misconceptions? Why do some traditions do it differently? And how can I know if my kids are ready? Show notes:8 Ways to Follow Jesus: Be BaptizedMat 3:16Mat 28:18-20Acts 2:37-39, 41Acts 8:12Acts 8:26-38Acts 10:44-48Acts 16:30-36Acts 22:12-16
Throughout the bible we see that God has a heart for the nations. What does that mean for us? Why should we be concerned for the nations when there are so many needs right here? In this episode, Kevin, Travis, and Amanda wrestle with these questions and help us to see why this is so important and what we can do about it. Show notes:Perspectives CourseJoshua ProjectFollow Me by David PlattLearn about 121 Global Mission Partners121 Mission Trips
What does it mean to truly make disciples in today's fast-paced world? Discipleship isn't about having all the answers, it's about walking alongside others as we follow Jesus together. Whether through structured Bible study or organic life-on-life relationships, Eric, Darell and Sonja share how simple (though not always easy) discipleship can be when we're willing to invest time and stay grounded in Scripture. With practical examples from their own journeys of both discipling and being discipled, they inspire us to take that first step in either asking someone to disciple us or reaching out to disciple others. Listen now to discover how you can join in Jesus' mission of making disciples who make disciples.Discipleship at 121Navigators00:00 - Intro05:02 - The Great Commission08:12 - What Does It Mean to Make Disciples?14:39 - What Does Quiet Time Look Like?20:38 - Getting a Grip on God's Word23:39 - How to Find a Mentor35:19 - The Purpose of Discipleship38:10 - What's Stopping People From Making Disciples?48:30 - The joy of making disciples?50:10 - Who Is Your Discipler?
Against the Gain is back for a new season!In this episode Eric, Kevin and Vince discuss what it means to be sent. "Sent," isn't just about crossing oceans—it's a daily mindset of following God's lead. From tiny steps of neighborhood outreach to life-changing moves abroad, they unpack how listening to the Holy Spirit and simple obedience can lead to extraordinary impact. Whether you're seeking direction or yearning to make a difference, this message illuminates how every believer is called to be sent. Don't miss this compelling conversation that could reshape your understanding of God's purpose for your life!00:01 - What Does It Mean to Be Sent?04:17 - Intro07:01 - Being Sent: A Mindset10:43 - Being Sent to the World15:41 - Living for the Lord16:12 - Kevin on Being Called to the World23:01 - God Preparations for Moses23:31 - How Do You Know Where God's Sending You?28:12 - How Do You Know Where to Go?32:16 - What Are Some of the Other Things That Keep People From Being Sent?36:59 - Being Sent: A Daily Mindset41:30 - Reclaiming the Gospel of Romans 10
During the Christmas season it is so easy to get caught up in the busyness and commercialism and miss Jesus. But as we move toward Christmas, how can we avoid the distractions and keep our eyes focused on Jesus? What are some of the rhythms we can cultivate to prepare our hearts to celebrate that miraculous event that ushered in the savior of the world?Show Notes:Joy Upon Joy by Charles SpurgeonCome, Let Us Adore Him by Paul David TrippAdvent for Exiles by Caroline CobbGood News for Great Joy by John Piper121 Family Advent DevotionalJotham's Journey (family advent book)God with Us: An Audio Advent Devotional
As we enter this Advent season anticipating the birth of Jesus, this episode reflects on His second coming and His return. When followers of Jesus understand where we are headed, it empowers us with strength and patience to live with purpose. In this episode, Eric and Brian discuss the second coming of Christ, the beauty of His promised return, and how this hope compels us to live countercultural lives.Show Notes:121 Advent Family DevotionalJames 5 Did the Bible Predict the Future? (Sermon 11.28.18)Against the Grain Ep. 7 - The Timeless Significance of Passover Week
Prayer is foundational and vital to Christian living, however it can also be confusing and abstract. In this episode Lorraine, Sonja and Eric discuss growing a vibrant prayer life, the effects of prayer on our hearts and how to grow your faith through prayer.
The end times could be a source of hope as we look forward to the coming of the Lord, or it could be a source of fear in the face of such uncertainty. In this episode, Eric and Brian discuss a few views of how Jesus' return could play out. Take a listen and dive into learning more about anticipating the Day of the Lord.Show Notes:Revelation StudyDiscipleship on the Edge by Darrell JohnsonFour Views on the MillenniumMatthew 13, 22, 24, 251 Corinthians 1, 52 Corinthians 11 Thessalonians 5
The idea of spiritual warfare can be complex and overwhelming. Often in our culture, we combat this by ignoring it completely. Scripture urges us against this and encourages us to press into truth seek to understand how to armor up against spiritual attacks. In this episode, Eric, Thayne and Cindy discuss how we can recognize the presence of evil in the world and live against the grain in how we deal with it.Show notes:Praying the Armor of God pdfThe Adversary by Mark BubeckSpiritual Warfare by Karl Payne
Money matters. The Bible mentions finances over 2,300 times, and Jesus devoted 11 of his 39 parables to the subject. But what does a counter-cultural approach to money actually look like? In this episode of Against the Grain, Eric and Vince explore how biblical wisdom challenges our modern relationship with finances and invites us to live differently.
Being a parent in this cultural moment is tough. The biggest danger for our kids is the ideas that bombard them from every direction. How do we equip our kids to see through the lies of our culture and see things biblically? Andrea Crum joins Eric and Courtney to discuss this question. She is the Author of "Christ over Culture” and organizer of the Raising Biblical Kids Conference. Show Notes:Raising Biblical Kids Conference Alisa Childers Website & PodcastTheology MomCenter for Biblical UnityColson Center Summit Ministries
In a world that tends to value quantity of friendships over quality, one way that we live against the grain is in the close, meaningful friendships we intentionally cultivate. In this episode, Eric, Ross, and John explore what it looks like to both have and actively pursue godly friendships.This episode explores deep, Christ-centered relationships, the importance of vulnerability and accountability, and practical ways to invest in the friendships that matter.
Conflict is an unavoidable part of being human—you've probably already faced it at least once today. Our culture typically pushes us toward one of two extremes: viewing conflict as a competition where we fight for our way, or avoiding it altogether. Yet neither approach brings us closer to peace or genuine unity.In this episode, Eric, Steve & Jessica examine Scripture and the life and teachings of Jesus to discover a countercultural path to resolving conflict—one that challenges our cultural instincts and leads toward reconciliation.Resource:Resolving Everyday Conflict by Ken Sande
As we look around, we often find ourselves discontent, focused on what we don’t have or don’t t get to do. It is so easy to get stuck in this trap. How do we turn that around and move toward contentment? How do find freedom and joy in our life?
Being slow to speak and slow to become angry is much easier said than done. Each day we are confronted with situations that spark us to anger in work, parenting, marriages and relationships in general. In this episode, Eric, Can, and Carmen discuss how we can break the anger cycle as we follow Jesus' example to move forward in love.
Faith is the assurance of what we cannot see, but that doesn't mean it's a blind faith. There is evidence for our faith all around us, fingerprints left by a designer. In this episode, Eric, Jason and Rick take a close look into the world around us to examine the evidence that leads us to a common understanding of a creative designer.
Living a life of service extends far beyond than the occasional service project. A life of service calls us to live against the grain in how we view our time and resources, at every stage of life.In this episode, Eric, Joe and Randy discuss how to cultivate a lifestyle dedicated to serving others.
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