Real Friends Podcast

Have you ever considered how love can completely reshape your life? Our final Advent series episode is an emotional exploration of that very idea, guided by the wisdom found in 1 John chapter 4. We unwrap the transformative power of God's love, recognizing that salvation is more than a ticket away from judgment—it's an invitation to love others with a boldness and selflessness that reflects Christ's love for us. With the story of Scrooge serving as a poignant example, we illustrate the boundless change that occurs when God's love is genuinely embraced, changing hearts and perspectives in the most Scrooge-like among us. As we bid farewell to this series and look to the horizon, we ponder the full spectrum of the Advent season—from the awe-inspiring anticipation of Jesus' birth to the hope of His second coming. Support the showFacebook | Website

Embark on a journey into the heart of Advent's most profound theme: love and its atoning power. Today's conversation, enriched by Matthew's daughter, Abby's, insights, shines a spotlight on the often overlooked yet crucial concept of propitiation from 1 John 4:10. Together, we navigate the complexities of this theological term and its implications on divine wrath and Jesus Christ's ultimate sacrifice. We confront the stark reality of sin and the uncompromising nature of God's justice, pondering the immensity of a love so great it bridges the chasm of our estrangement from the divine. The episode comes to life as we draw poignant parallels with the life of baseball legend Ty Cobb, whose story of transformation exemplifies the redemptive power of love.Support the showFacebook | Website

As we extinguish the Advent candles, we linger in the warm glow of our most cherished theme: love. Aided by the profound words from 1 John 4:7-9, we unwrap the Christmas narrative and its portrayal of God's ultimate act of love. This isn't just another holiday conversation; it's an invitation to witness love as the vigorous verb it's meant to be, challenging the conditional love commonly peddled by the world.Support the showFacebook | Website

Ready to unearth the boundless joy and identity rooted in Jesus Christ? Brace yourself as we journey into the heart of Christian joy, revealing the life-transforming blessings we've received through Him. From the liberating gift of salvation to the astounding grace of being recognized as children of God, every nuance is celebrated in this soul-stirring discourse. Feel the power surge through you as we uncover the limitless grace, strength, and access we've been granted to the Father through our advocate, Jesus. Rest assured, dear listeners, your souls will find solace in the comforting depths of this divine revelation.Support the showFacebook | Website

Ever wondered about the role of humility in maintaining joy, especially in the face of divine favor? Drawing from the biblical story of Mary, mother of Jesus, we explore how she preserved her joy by maintaining an accurate view of herself- a humble servant of God. This candid conversation provides a fresh look at Mary's journey of humility and dependence upon God.In this episode we unpack how humility impacts our daily lives and how it can be distorted by success. Through a light-hearted and sometimes humorous conversation, we explore the dichotomy between being a servant and expecting to be served. We also discuss the significance of acknowledging our own need for salvation. To cap it all, we draw a parallel between Mary's story and the distinction between religion and authentic Christianity. So, ready to dissect the power of joy, humility, and an accurate self-view? Tune in to this episode and let's unwrap these truths together.Support the showFacebook | Website

Ever wondered how to cultivate Christian joy amidst challenging times? This episode is a spiritual journey through Mary’s song, where we explore how she found joy in her moment of fear and uncertainty by seeing God as omnipotent and all-powerful. Hear how she inspires us all to trust in the power of our all-powerful God, who can turn the tide in ways we can't even fathom, bringing joy even in the darkest times.Support the showFacebook | Website

What if joy isn't just a fleeting feeling, but a profound emotion deeply rooted in the soul?  In this episode, we explore how Christian joy is not self-generated but is born out of witnessing the beauty of Christ in the Word and the world. What made a young Mary, a simple teenager from the provinces, react with sheer joy when an angel told her she was to bear the son of the Most High God? Let's peel back the layers of this familiar narrative in Luke 1:26-33, and discover how Mary's joy surpassed her circumstances. As we dissect this biblical account, we discuss three compelling characteristics that fueled Mary’s joy and how emulating these traits can ignite joy in our own lives. Our discussion starts with obedience to God, a central theme to Christian joy and an essential factor in understanding Mary's story. So, are you ready to unlock the secrets of lasting joy? Tune in for an episode which is sure to leave you introspecting about your path to experiencing true joy.Support the showFacebook | Website

This episode not only uncovers the joyful identity of Christians but also illuminates the complex nature of Christian joy. It's not about being perpetually upbeat or discarding sorrow; rather, it's about recognizing the profound contentment and joy that the Holy Spirit uniquely offers within our souls. Tread with us on the path to deepening your understanding of Christian joy, a joy that transcends all worldly circumstances and remains rooted in Jesus Christ. Discover how we can experience the beauty of Christ in the Word and in the world, fostering this distinct joy even amidst trials. This journey promises to reshape your perception of joy as a Christian, enabling you to rejoice in the richness of your faith.Support the showFacebook | Website

 As we unpack this episode, we explore the transformative power of obedience in cultivating peace, and turn the spotlight on John 14:27, a beautiful promise from Jesus about gifting His peace to us.  Remember, trusting God may be a high-wire act, but it's a journey that's undoubtedly worth taking.Support the showFacebook | Website

Ever wished for tranquility amidst life's turmoil? We promise an insightful journey that explores achieving enduring peace through obedience to God's commandments in this captivating episode of the Real Friends podcast. Drawing parallels from the dynamics of a child-parent relationship and the popular movie, Scrooge, we demonstrate how disobedience can rob us of peace. As we dissect the importance of confessing and turning away from sin, it becomes evident that the pathway to immediate peace is paved with obedience to God's Word. Whether you’re a seasoned believer or just discovering faith, this episode is your compass to navigate towards true peace.Support the showFacebook | Website

Does the idea of peace seem elusive to you, a concept that is often mentioned but never truly experienced? Brace yourself for an enriching discussion on how to experience a three-fold peace - with God, within oneself, and with others - and the significant role of prayer in achieving this tranquility. We dive into the rich depth of Philippians 4:6-7, shining a spotlight on the antidotal power of consistent prayer against anxiety, and the need to 'appropriate' this divine peace in our daily lives.But what happens when suffering and pain cloud our lives? Can we still attain peace? Drawing inspiration from Jordan Peterson's personal journey and Apostle Paul's teachings, we navigate the path to finding meaning and hope amidst suffering. Learn how prayer and thanksgiving can steer your focus towards the goodness of life, even when challenges seem insurmountable. By the end of this episode, you will comprehend the power of practicing what we've learned and received, as we emphasize the sufficiency of Christ in truly experiencing God's peace. An episode guaranteed to nourish your soul and transform your walk of faith.Support the showFacebook | Website

In this 11th Advent episode, Chris, Matthew, and Tyler point out the progressive nature of Shalom (peace): Peace with God leads to peace with self, and peace with self leads to peace with others. Learn how to make your family gatherings a little more people, even if you have your own version of "cousin Eddie."  Support the showFacebook | Website

Are you longing for a sense of inner peace? Imagine living in a world where fear, shame, and feelings of inadequacy are replaced with an unshakable peace. As my wife Niki and I journey through our Advent series of the Real Friends podcast, we uncover the deep and profound concept of this peace and its direct link to our relationship with God. We'll grapple with the emotions that often cloud our tranquility, and reveal how Christ can bring a refreshing sense of rest and acceptance, a refuge amidst life's storms.Support the showFacebook | Website

Ever wondered what peace really means? Well, we've got you covered! Join us as we, Tyler and Rachel, accompanied by our guests, Chris and Matthew, unveil the profound layers of 'shalom' - the Hebrew word for peace. We also explore the intriguing duality of the kingdom's state - already present but not fully realized, a beacon of hope amidst our chaotic world.Support the showFacebook | Website

Ever felt the weight of the world on your shoulders, with anxiety and fear creeping in? Can you imagine releasing those worries, being enveloped in a peace that surpasses all understanding? Join us this week as we discuss the journey to finding true peace in the midst of life's chaos, using personal experiences and insights drawn from the book of Luke. We delve into the profound message of hope conveyed through the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and how this Gospel story offers a beacon of tranquility in our troubled world. Support the showFacebook | Website

Can you envision a Christmas season where the stress and commercialism take a back seat, replaced by a focus on kindness, service, and proclaiming the true reason for the season? Hold on to that thought as we journey together through an episode that illuminates not just the "why" but also the "how" of making this vision a reality. We explore the profound theme of hope during this Advent season and our duty as Christians to share this hope, anchored by the Great Commission from Matthew 28:16-20. From preaching the gospel to living it out in our everyday lives and using relational evangelism, we shed light on effective strategies to share the hope of Christmas with the world.Support the showFacebook | Website

What if the story of Christmas could provide a beacon of hope for not just today, but also a more promising future? Matthew and Pastor Chris take us on a reflective journey, exploring the dual nature of Advent. They shine a light on the parallels between Christ's first and second advents, and the enduring hope that the Christmas narrative brings. This fascinating conversation dives into the depths of Romans, chapter eight, and resurfaces with a profound understanding of the new creation and our longing for the second coming of Christ.Join us as we dive into this compelling discussion that promises to leave you with a new perspective on hope, Advent, and the promise of a new creation.Support the showFacebook | Website

 Pastor Chris and Deacon Matthew guide us through a deep exploration of the concept of hope, specifically, the hope of purpose. We navigate the complexities of life's biggest questions, all while drawing from the rich teachings of the Bible. Our conversation serves as a reminder that regardless of our gifts or backgrounds, we are all vital cogs in God's divine plan. Join us and discover how the birth of Jesus gives us the hope of purpose. Support the showFacebook | Website

As we light another candle on the Advent wreath, we invite you to join us in a profound exploration of hope in suffering. We ponder on Romans 5:1-5, reflecting on Jesus' suffering and its implications for our relationship with God, and how it births hope in our own sufferings. We tackle the challenging question of why God permits pain and how Jesus, through his own suffering, understands our struggles. Let us reassure you that suffering is not without purpose - it builds character and endurance, like fine wine being preserved in the cellar of affliction, as Charles Spurgeon poignantly expressed. Navigating the stormy seas of suffering, our course then veers towards the shores of healing and endurance. We extend our hearts in prayer, holding up those in the throes of pain, including our pastor friend bravely battling stage four cancer, and the church friend mourning a beloved mother. We delve into the significance of praying for healing and empathizing with others in their grief. Amid the twinkle of Christmas lights, we unwrap the gift of finding joy and hope in Jesus. This episode is a comforting embrace, a light in the darkness, a reminder to all navigating difficult times that we are in this journey together. So, come, let's share this path and find hope amid suffering.Support the showFacebook | Website

What if the arrival of Jesus was more than just a historical event, but something that can shape our lives today? That's what we, Chris and Matthew, are exploring in this episode of the Real Friends podcast. We delve into the Advent season with the theme of hope, closely examining the transformative power of Jesus's birth. The arrival of Jesus brought the world an astonishing gift - the promise of forgiveness for our sins. By reflecting on the biblical account of Jesus's birth, we shed light on how his arrival has instilled hope in a world riddled with darkness.Now imagine a world where the primary problem isn't the life issues we grapple with every day, but sin. In this episode, we take a stroll through the book of Matthew, mulling over Israel's anticipation of a Messiah and their misconceptions. We unravel their expectations of a worldly military savior and introduce a different kind of Messiah - one who came to address the fundamental problem of sin. We also discuss how Christianity, unlike other religions, levels the playing field, offering hope and redemption to all. So, join us as we journey through the Advent season, exploring hope, forgiveness, and the message of Jesus's birth in a fresh, insightful way.Support the showFacebook | Website