Impact Nations Podcast

Biblical teaching from Steve Stewart and stories of God's grace transforming lives around the world.

10-20 Same Body, But Different

The resurrection is just about life after death—it's about ultimate transformation. In this episode we discuss the resurrection of Jesus. Highlights include: • Why did Jesus' resurrected body still have wounds? • Why didn't his disciples recognize Him? • How does Christ's resurrection give us hope for our own restoration in the here and now? • What does the resurrection say about the promise of new creation? 🎧 Listen to the full series at: https://impactnations.com/podcast 🌍 Learn more abo...

07-24
01:02:20

10-19 A Hole In The Gospel (Christ's Descent)

What happened between the cross and the resurrection? Why does it matter? In this episode we explore one of the most mysterious—and neglected—moments in the story of salvation: Christ’s descent into Hades. Highlights include: What the early church believed about Christ’s descentWhat scripture has to say about itHow this informs our understanding of the gospel as a source of hope, rescue, and restoration for all of creation🎧 Listen to the full series at: https://impactnations.com/podcast...

07-17
01:01:34

10-18 Christus Victor

What if the story of the Cross was never about satisfying a wrathful God, but about defeating the very forces that hold humanity in bondage? In this episode, Tim and Steve unpack the ancient view of the atonement known as Christus Victor—the belief that through Jesus’ death and resurrection, sin, death, and Satan were overthrown once and for all. They explore how this early church understanding offers a cosmic perspective of salvation, rooted not in guilt and punishment but in liberation and ...

07-10
01:11:55

10-17 A Violent God? (Penal Substitutionary Atonement Theory)

For centuries, the dominant explanation for the cross in Western Christianity has been rooted in retribution—Jesus taking the punishment we deserved. Is that really the whole story? Does it reflect the true heart of God? In this episode we trace the historical development of the Penal Substitutionary Atonement theory. How did theology, empire, and culture combine to shape a view of God that is more violent than loving? Is it time for a different lens? If this episode challenges or encourage...

07-03
51:29

10-16 A Precarious Progression (from Original Sin)

This week on The Road to the Cross, Tim and Steve dive into one of the most influential ideas in Western Christianity: original sin. How did a fifth-century theory by Augustine come to dominate our understanding of salvation, the cross, and even our identity? Tracing the theology from Eden to empire, they uncover a progression that reshaped how many Christians understand God's character—introducing fear, shame, and legalism into what was meant to be good news. 📌 Highlights include: The histor...

06-26
57:05

10-15 Cruciform Love (with Dr. Bradley Jersak)

This week on The Road to the Cross, Tim travels to Canada to sit down with theologian and author Bradley Jersak for a powerful conversation about cruciform love—the kind of love revealed on the cross that lays down power, enters our suffering, and forgives without limits. Together, they unpack what it means for Jesus to be self-giving, radically forgiving, and co-suffering—and how this shapes the way we pray, lead others, and share the gospel. With compelling stories, theological depth, and p...

06-19
01:04:10

10-14 Cosmic Restoration

Is the cross only about personal forgiveness—or is there something far more expansive at work? In this powerful solo episode, Tim unpacks the breathtaking truth that the cross marked the beginning of God’s cosmic restoration—the healing of all creation, systems, and humanity itself. Drawing from early church fathers and N.T. Wright, he reclaims a gospel that is not about escaping this world, but restoring it. 💡 Discover what it means to live as an image-bearer in a broken world. ❤️‍🔥 Embrace ...

06-12
43:14

10-13 The Goat and the Lamb

In this week’s episode, Tim and Steve dive deep into two of the most powerful biblical images: the scapegoat and the Passover lamb. From ancient rituals in Leviticus to the prophetic imagery of Jesus in the Gospels, they explore how Christ takes on the blame of the world and offers a way of healing and peace instead of violence and accusation. You’ll hear about: The Day of Atonement and the two goatsMimetic theory and why societies always seek a scapegoatHow Jesus’ death subverts the cycle of...

06-05
50:00

10-12 If I Be Lifted Up

What if the cross is about more than personal forgiveness? In this episode, Tim takes us deep into the heart of Cosmic Restoration—the idea that Jesus’ death and resurrection began the healing of all things: creation, communities, and every broken part of our world. It's a powerful vision of the gospel that calls us to join the work of renewal right now. 🎧 Don’t miss this thought-provoking episode of The Road to the Cross. 📌 Subscribe, share the episode, and visit impactnations.com to learn h...

05-29
55:39

10-11 One Cross, Two Trees (From the Garden to the Cross)

From Eden to Calvary—one story, two trees, and a promise fulfilled. In Episode 11 of The Road to the Cross, Steve and Tim explore the deep spiritual connection between the two trees in the Garden of Eden and the cross of Christ. Through rich theology, church history, and personal reflection, they unpack how the cross doesn't just echo Eden—it rewrites the story. You’ll discover: Why the cross is the true tree of lifeHow the knowledge of good and evil led to a fear of deathWhat the early churc...

05-22
47:20

10-10 The Seven Sayings

"Father, forgive them..." From the cross, Jesus spoke seven final phrases—each one rich with meaning, mercy, and mystery. In Episode 10 of The Road to the Cross, Steve and Tim explore the seven sayings of Jesus at the crucifixion. These last words reveal the fullness of His love: words of forgiveness for His enemies, compassion for His mother, welcome to a thief, and a bold proclamation that “It is finished.” Why did Jesus quote Psalm 22? What does it mean that blood and water flowed from His...

05-15
47:06

10-9 Outside the Walls (The Final Road to the Cross)

This week on The Road to the Cross, Steve and Tim follow Jesus beyond the city gates, where the condemned are cast out to die. As we approach Golgotha, we reflect on the shame of crucifixion, the symbolism of exile, and the prophetic layers hidden in the details of Jesus’ suffering. Why was he crucified outside the camp? What’s the deeper meaning behind the crown of thorns, the robe, and the inscription Pilate wrote? We also discuss mob violence, lament, and how Jesus’ journey still transform...

05-08
51:12

10-8 What Is Truth (The Roman Trial)

Jesus stands before Pilate and the question rings out: What is truth? In Episode 8 of The Road to the Cross, Steve and Tim explore the trial of Jesus before the Roman authorities. From political manipulation to spiritual blindness, we witness a cosmic clash between kingdoms—and a king who rules from below. Along the way, we unpack: • The historical and spiritual meaning behind “Behold the man” • Why the mockery of Jesus carries a deeper truth • How injustice, fear, and mob mentality still ope...

05-01
58:39

10-7 Kangaroo Court (Jesus Before the High Priest)

Welcome back to The Road to the Cross. This week, we enter a courtroom drenched in darkness—not of truth, but of manipulation. Jesus is dragged before the high priest, subjected to an illegal trial driven by false witnesses, corrupt leaders, and hidden agendas. Tim and Steve unpack: Why Annas still held power behind the scenesThe deep corruption of the religious eliteThe contrast between Peter’s regret and Judas’ despairWhat Jesus’ silence says about power, justice, and the Kingdom of GodAs s...

04-24
55:22

10-6 The Kiss of Death (Judas's Betrayal and Peter's Denial)

💔 In Episode 6 of The Road to the Cross, Steve and Tim reflect on two painful moments that shaped the Passion story: Judas’s betrayal and Peter’s denial. What does it mean to be betrayed by a friend with a kiss? How does Christ respond in the face of denial, violence, and abandonment? With tenderness and deep insight, Steve explores the mystery of divine compassion, even as the darkness thickens. In this episode: Judas’s kiss: a betrayal... or a desperate act of love?Peter’s failure: what it ...

04-17
01:06:47

10-5 A Man of Sorrows (Gethsemane Part 2)

🌟 In this episode of the Impact Nations podcast, Tim and Steve return to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus fully embraced the sorrow and suffering of humanity. Through theological reflection and heartfelt discussion, they explore how the Garden became a place of profound loneliness and pain, yet also a place of ultimate love and sacrifice. ❤️ Discover the mystery of Jesus as the "Man of Sorrows" and how His willing obedience paved the way for our redemption. Plus, gain fresh insights into...

04-10
54:53

10-4 Revealing His Humanity (Gethsemane Part 1)

In this episode, we journey to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus faced his most vulnerable moment – wrestling with sorrow, pleading with the Father, and embracing the weight of what was to come. Join Steve and Tim as they delve into the depth of Christ's humanity and what it means for us today. Discover the profound significance of the Garden as a place of battle, sorrow, and ultimately, redemption. Explore the cosmic struggle and the unparalleled obedience displayed by Jesus as he fully...

04-03
46:48

10-3 Cast into the Winepress (Communion Part 2)

In this episode of The Road to the Cross, we continue exploring Jesus' final meal with His disciples. As He offers the cup, we uncover the deep connection between communion, sacrifice, and the prophetic imagery of the wine press. Tim and Steve unpack how this moment foreshadows Christ’s suffering and the love poured out for the world. Join us as we dive deeper into the mystery of the Eucharist and what it means for us today. 👉 Subscribe to The Impact Nations Podcast to stay up to date with ne...

03-27
59:13

10-1 The Emptying Begins (The Upper Room)

In Episode 1: The Emptying Begins, we enter the Upper Room, where Jesus humbles Himself by washing the feet of His disciples. What does this moment reveal about His mission, the nature of true authority, and the road to the cross? Join us as we unpack the profound significance of Christ’s self-emptying love and how it calls us to a life of humility and service. 📖 Topics Covered: ✅ Jesus washing the disciples' feet—more than an act of service ✅ How this moment foreshadows the ultimate sacrifi...

03-13
01:09:28

9-13 Sin Is The Agent (The Rich Man and Lazarus - with Dr. Bradley Jersak)

Dive into a thought-provoking exploration of Jesus’ parable of the rich man and Lazarus. In this episode, Brad Jersak and Tim unpack the deeper layers of the parable—its implications for wealth, justice, and faith. Together, they discuss the meaning of Hades, the cross as the punchline of the story, and the resurrection's pivotal role in our faith. You'll hear fascinating insights into how this parable challenges us today to live with compassion and purpose. Plus, learn about the powerful wo...

11-26
56:19

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