The Thriving Family

Esther plays a pivotal role in the Bible. But who is the woman behind the story?Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast. For today’s episode, we will look at Esther, one of the better known names from the Bible. While the story of Esther is compelling, it brings confusion with it. Since God isn’t explicitly mentioned, many are left to wonder what to do with this book of the Bible. As you listen, you’ll understand how it plays a crucial role in our understanding of God’s sovereign nature. Focus on Faith and Culture e-newsletter Free, one-time phone consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada. Give our team a call at 1.800.661.9800 to book a consult. Support the podcast © 2018 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved.

Unexpected pregnancies can leave women and their partners with questions, fears, and feelings of isolation. Today’s guest saw this, which is why she’s so passionate about her role in which she walks alongside those who need this support. Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast. Today’s episode features Dr. Laura Lewis. Dr. Lewis served as the Executive Director of Pregnancy Care Canada from 2016 to 2026, a national, faith-based network of over 80 pregnancy care centres and online support. A former family physician with 22 years of experience, she observed first-hand the need for compassionate care, clear information, and practical support for those facing unexpected pregnancies. She remains passionate about equipping individuals and communities to respond with both truth and grace.This episode addresses the sensitive subject of abortion. Viewer discretion is advised.Pregnancy Care Canada Free, one-time phone consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada. Give our team a call at 1.800.661.9800 to book a consult. Support the podcast © 2026 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved. 

As followers of Christ, it can sometimes feel like we are a minority in a secular world, and struggle to engage culture. But we can learn a great deal from someone who walked this road: the apostle Paul.Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast. For today’s episode, we are taking a look at an example of evangelism in a highly secularized culture – the apostle Paul’s address in Athens. We can learn a lot from him to understand how best to engage people with the Gospel in a culture that’s much like our own.Focus on Faith and Culture e-newsletterFree The Good News of the Gospel bookletFree, one-time phone consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada. Give our team a call at 1.800.661.9800 to book a consult.Support the podcastSources from today's episode:Darrell L. Bock, Acts, (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Baker Academic, 2007.F.F. Bruce, The Book of the Acts, (New International Commentary on the New Testament), Eerdmans, 1988.R. Kent Hughes, Acts: The Church Afire, (Preaching the Word), Crossway, 2014.I. Howard Marshall, Acts, (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries), IVP Academic, 1980.Ben Witherington III, The Acts of the Apostles, (Socio-Rhetorical Commentary), Eerdmans, 1997.© 2025 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved. 

Focus on the Family has offices in countries all across the globe. When we get together, it’s truly like a family reunion.Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast. For today’s episode, host Jean-Paul Beran got to sit down with friend and colleague Graeme Schnell, CEO of Focus on the Family Africa. Our respective ministry offices may be on opposite sides of the globe, but we share a heart for families. Focus on the Family Africa Free, one-time phone consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada. Give our team a call at 1.800.661.9800 to book a consult. Support the podcast © 2026 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved

Navigating today’s political landscape can feel overwhelming, but we don’t need to lose hope in our pursuit of a better country.Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast. In our highly polarized and divided world, we feel immense pressure to encamp ourselves on one side and with one tribe. This is leading many to claim political homelessness. While that may cause despair for some, as Christians, we can actually find encouragement in this position. In today’s faith-filled episode, you’ll understand why being politically homeless reminds us to seek the good of the city we’re living in while keeping our eyes and hearts on God’s Kingdom.Article: Political homelessness: Charting a path to a better countryFocus on Faith and Culture e-newsletterFree, one-time phone consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada. Give our team a call at 1.800.661.9800 to book a consult.Support the podcastSources from today's episode:Amy Julia Becker, “For those of us who feel politically homeless,” author’s blog, February 15, 2022.Chelsea Langston Bombino and Katie Thompson, “Hope for the politically homeless,” The Banner, September 14, 2020.Olivia Elder, “Sincerely, a politically homeless Christian,” Gordon Review, May 10, 2022.Matt Forde, Politically Homeless, Quercus Publishing, 2022.David French, “The spiritual blessing of political homelessness,” The Dispatch, October 18, 2020.John Ivison, “Do we need a new party for the politically ‘homeless’?” National Post, February 11, 2022.Leah MarieAnn Klett, “Scott Sauls on embodying Christ’s gentleness in culture; why Christians should feel politically ‘homeless’,” Christian Post, September 17, 2020.Aaron Schafer, The Politically Homeless Christian: How to Conquer Political Idolatry, Reject Polarization, and Recommit to God’s Greatest Two Commandments, Foundation Publishing House, 2020.Sarah Styf, “The politically homeless Christian,” Red Letter Christians, February 4, 2020.Tish Harrison Warren, “Black, Christian and transcending the political binary,” New York Times, October 28, 2022.© 2023 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved.