Afleveringen
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Episode 11 told of how God used deep questions, a booth at the fair, and Four Spiritual Laws to save Jeff Iorg's s life and soul. In this bonus episode Jeff talks about how planting a church in Oregon changed the trajectory of his life. He also talks about the reasons he's occasionally felt far from God. Most of this episode though is Jeff telling the story of the closest he's ever felt to God—a story centered on his second cancer surgery.
At the end of this episode you'll hear the story of Max Sternberg. Max comes from a Reformed Jewish background, but today is a "blood bought son of God and believer in Jesus!" The story of how that happened is awesome and you don't want to miss it.
Jeff on Twitter
"Living Through Chaos" - a sermon by Jeff
The Four Spiritual Laws
TestimonyPodcast.com
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Chad Harms on Instagram
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Jeff Iorg is the president of Gateway Seminary in Los Angeles. For much of his tenure in this position he was the chaplain for the San Francisco Giants. Before this he was the executive director of the Northwest Baptist Convention. He is also the founding of Pathway Church in Gresham, Oregon. He is also the author of 10 books on church and Christian leadership.
Jeff's life has been devoted to Christian ministry and leadership, but if you were to look at his early childhood you would not have expected it. His first memory is of fleeing Georgia with his mom to get away from his dad. For protection he lived under a false name, something that created an identity crisis for him. His family never attended church. Then one summer day, everything changed. This is the story of how God used Jeff's deep questions, a booth at the fair, and Four Spiritual Laws to save Jeff's life and soul.
Jeff on Twitter
"Living Through Chaos"
The Four Spiritual Laws
TestimonyPodcast.com
Testimony Podcast on Instagram
Chad Harms on Instagram
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Episode 10 told the story of how God used a casual lunch and two simple questions from a friend to change Frank Rich's life. In this bonus episode Frank talks about the ways that his changed life has lead to positive improvements in his relationships and how his faith helped him break a 20 year pornography addiction. He also gives language to a common theme in this podcast—"rock tops moments."
At the end of this episode you'll hear the testimony of Mark Sowersby. Mark found about this podcast and sent us a video to play. His story is one of being abandoned and abused as a child, but it is also a story of incredible healing and forgiveness through Jesus. "That decision of receiving that mercy of God...has been the benchmark of my life forever."
Rebuilt Recovery
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Chad Harms on Instagram
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Frank Rich was an award winning bodybuilder. He is a successful entrepreneur and the creator of The Super Human Life podcast. To say it in a word, Frank is a builder.
These days Frank runs a company called Rebuilt Recovery. This company helps men break free from pornography addictions. For most of his life though, Frank focused on building Frank. He constructed a life with a chiseled body, money, women and admiration. It seemed like he had it all, but it all left him lonely, drinking too much, and addicted to pornography.
What changed Frank? What moved him to focus on building others instead of self? He gave his life to Jesus, and in turn, Jesus gave him forgiveness, hope, purpose, freedom, peace and joy. This is the story of how God used a casual lunch and two simple questions from a friend to change Frank's life.
Rebuilt Recovery
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Chad Harms on Instagram
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Episode 9 told the story of how God used a move into a new house, an invitation to church by an eight year old boy, and good preaching to compel Francine Rivers to recognize Jesus as Lord and experience his redeeming love. In this bonus episode Francine talks about beginning her writing career while raising young kids, making the movie based on her book (Redeeming Love), the importance of history, her favorite Christian novel and writers, and what advice she'd give women who have had an abortion or are considering one.
FrancineRivers.com
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Francine Rivers is one of her generations most influential Christian authors. Her writing has impacted millions of Christians. Her most famous book, Redeeming Love, has sold over 3,000,000 copies and has been translated into 30 languages; it is considered by many to be a classic work of Christian fiction.
Before she was a famous Christian author Francine wrote "steamy romance" novels that helped her escape the struggles of life—struggles that included anguish over having had an abortion and a marriage that was on the verge of divorce. This is the story of how God used a move into a new house, an invitation to church by an eight year old boy, and good preaching to compel Francine to recognize Jesus as Lord and experience his redeeming love.
FrancineRivers.com
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Chad Harms on Instagram
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Episode 8 told the story of how God used a minefield, two prayers made thousands of miles apart, and sermon to convince Jerry Dugan to follow Jesus and how that decision made him the man he wanted someone else to be. In this bonus episode Jerry shares what he'd say to a family in Iraq that he threatened and humiliated when he was a soldier in the Iraq War. He also answer the question of when he felt closest to God by telling a crazy story and talks about why he's a Christian.
At the end of this episode you'll hear the testimony of Daisy. It is a story of God proving himself faithful and gracious in the midst of childhood trauma. "I believe I went through the things in my life to make me strong enough to face the things ahead of me."
Beyond the Rut Podcast
Chad Harms on Instagram
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To those that know him, it seems like Jerry Dugan has been a Christian forever. Today he's a godly dad and husband, serves his church in a variety of ways, aims to glorify God in the way he does his day job, and produces a successful Christian podcast. His podcast is called Beyond the Rut and it shares "encouraging stories and practical tools to pull you out of your rut and into a life worth living."
Back in 2003 though, Jerry was in a rut. This was true figuratively, and in some ways, literally (if you count a bulldozed lanes in an Iraqi minefield). He was a cocky agnostic soldier that wanted to be more successful than other people in his cousins. What changed that was a relationship with Jesus. This is the story of how God used a minefield, two prayers made thousands of miles apart, and sermon to convince Jerry to follow Jesus and how that decision made him the man he wanted someone else to be.
Beyond the Rut Podcast
Chad Harms on Instagram
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Episode 6 told the story of how God used a broken truck window, a sharp turn in the road near a cliff, and a tract to help Dave Ebert find his value and how that discovery changed the why behind the things he does. In this bonus episode Dave talks about his theology of comedy, the power of comedy to unite, and what improv can teach us about leadership. Dave also shares his three favorite Christian comedians.
At the end of this episode you'll hear the testimony of Tracy Crump. In it she talks about the dangers of feeling good enough for eternity and how realizing that everyone needing a savior meant she needed a savior. "The Bible says 'all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,' and oh, yeah, 'all' means me."
Gifts for Glory Podcast
Well Versed Comedy
Chad Harms on Instagram
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Dave Ebert has spent his life entertaining others. He is a former professional wrestler and radio host. He currently produces two podcasts and is part of an improv team called Well Versed Comedy that does shows all around Chicago.
The reason Dave entertains is vastly different today than it used to be. In the past he entertained to hide himself, mitigate depression, and feel his own value. Today he entertains for the glory of God and the good of others. What changed? He decided to truly follow Jesus. This is the story of how God used a broken truck window, a sharp turn in the road near a cliff, and a tract to help Dave find his value and how that discovery changed the why behind the things he does.
Gifts for Glory Podcast
Well Versed Comedy
Chad Harms on Instagram
TestimonyPodcast.com
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Episode 5 told the story of how God used his dad's conversion, a college young life event, and a good mentor to change Jeramy William's heart for good. In this bonus episode Jeramy talks about the furthest he's ever felt from God (which sounds a lot like burnout), the importance of silence and solitude, and what Christian adults can do to help young people.
At the end of this episode you'll hear the testimony of David Lutes. It is a story about how God can use unlikely people and the most likely people to change a life forever. David says, "And it ignited in me a love and a desire to know more...an immediate hunger that I sensed could never be fully satisfied."
Jeramy's Website
"I love You Stinky Face" Sermon
Chad Harms on Instagram
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If every decision leads to a story we will tell later, the decisions of Jeramy Williams's life have lead to a story about investing deeply and lovingly in other people's relationships with God (especially young people). Jeramy is the president of Outreach Inc. and Director of Training and Discipleship at Love Squared. Before that Jeramy was a college pastor and an area director for Young Life for over 10 years.
Before Jeramy devoted his life to investing in others, he was just a kid focused on friends, family, and football. During his junior and senior years of high school he learned, in very hard ways, that these three foundations could not support him. Rather quickly Jesus become the new foundation of Jeramy's life. This is the story of how God used his dad's conversion, a college young life event, and a good mentor to change Jeramy's heart for good.
Jeramy's Website
"I love You Stinky Face" Sermon
Chad Harms on Instagram
TestimonyPodcast.com
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Mars Hill was a megachurch in Seattle, Washington. It was founded in 1995 and folded in 2014. What happened in between was recently detailed on a podcast called The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill. As part of that, the show described a group of leaders at the church that took a stand against some of the sins of the pastor at the church. This group is often referred to as "The Noble Nine." One of those nine was Ryan Welsh.
Episode 5 told the story of how God used depression, the prayers of a mom, and a Young Life camp to show Ryan that Jesus is what makes life matter. In this bonus episode Ryan talks about the work he did at Mars Hill, how the end of his time at the church made him feel, the plan he tried to make to leave the church earlier, and why the turmoil he experienced at there never made him consider leaving Christianity. He also shares his thoughts on "The Noble Nine" label.
At the end of this episode you'll hear the testimony of a women named Jo. It starts with the tragic death of her son, but ends as a story of faithfulness—God's to her and her's to God.
"The Noble Nine" Letter / Ryan's Facebook Post
Ryan on Twitter
Ryan's Sermons
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In June of 2021 Christianity Today released a podcast called The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill. The show details the story of Mars Hill, a now defunct mega church in Seattle. The show talked about a group of leaders at the church that took a stand despite enormous cost. This group is often referred to as "The Noble Nine." One of those nine was Ryan Welsh.
Ryan is currently the pastor of Restoration Church in Southlake, Texas. He has a PhD in Ethics and Philosophy and a Doctorate of Ministry in Preaching. He's an author, professor, and lecturer.
In Ryan's senior year of high school though, none of that would have seemed possible. He suffered with depression, anxiety, and a sense that nothing mattered. This is the story of how God used depression, the prayers of a mom, and a Young Life camp to show Ryan that Jesus is what makes life matter. It is also the story of how that realization turned him into a noble servant of God.
Ryan on Twitter
Ryan's Sermons
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Episode 4 told the story of how God used a Ouija board, a joint, and piano lessons to set Dr. Charles Conniry (aka "Chuck") free from the power of Satan. In this bonus episode Chuck talks about returning to old habits after becoming a Christian and how it took church friends to bring him back. He also discusses what makes him feel close to God (it isn't what you'd expect) and how God answered his prayer for a godly wife.
At the end of the episode you'll hear the testimony of Robyn Cunningham. It is a story of despair, but also a story of God's power and timing. Robyn says, "God answered my prayers 40 minutes before I even prayed. He answered my prayers as I was crying, bitter, broken...he answered my prayers while I was still his enemy." Make sure you listen to the end to hear the story.
Chuck on WesternSeminary.edu
Chuck's Curriculum Vitae
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Dr. Charles Conniry (aka "Chuck") is the president of Western Seminary. He has spent decades in Christian higher education. He's pastored, authored, and preached. His Curriculum Vitae (think big resume) is the size of a college essay. He's also connected to almost every well known Christian scholar in America.
Before all that, Chuck was a young adult playing in a garage band and smoking a lot of weed. His Catholic school upbringing taught him a lot about God, but Chuck had never yielded to his power or grace. This is the story of how God used a Ouija board, a joint, and piano lessons to set Chuck free from the power of Satan.
Chuck on WesternSeminary.edu
Chuck's Curriculum Vitae
Chad Harms on Instagram
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Episode 3 told the story of how God has helped Hannah Peetz serve him despite her not feeling his presence. In this bonus episode Hannah talks about responding to hypocrisy in private schools, how God has guided her, and the way her husband inspires her to grow.
At the end of the episode you'll hear the testimony of Shea Wallace. It is a story filled with tragedies, but also redemption. Shea says, "Even in my defiant posture He opened His arms and pulled me in close. I called, He answered." Make sure you listen to the end to hear the story.
Hannah on Instagram and Youtube
Blissfully Brunette (Hannah's blog)
Chad Harms on Instagram
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Hannah Peetz is a fashion influencer. She studied fashion in college. Thousands of people see her blog, social posts, and Youtube videos every week. Her work in fashion even inspired a move to New York.
Hannah's life story isn't centered on fashion though, but rather on Christianity. She's been a Christian as long as she can remember. She grew up in a Christian home. She's always went to a Christian church. She attended a Christian school. She married a Christian man. Despite all that, she never experienced God's presence in ways that she could feel. This never caused her to question God, but it did cause her to question herself - the reality and quality of her faith. In the end though, the lack of feeling actually strengthened that faith. This is the story of how God has helped Hannah serve him despite her not feeling his presence.
Hannah on Instagram and Youtube
Blissfully Brunette (Hannah's blog)
Chad Harms on Instagram
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Episode 2 told the story of how God used sobriety and a bachelor party to to answer Jacob's questions about the reality of God and Christianity.
In this bonus episode Jacob talks about the role his faith plays in how he does leadership development, how Christians can better use social media, and about how he's tried to help others get sober even while the pandemic caused him to struggle with his own sobriety.
At the end of this episode you'll hear a powerful testimony that was submitted to us by a listener named Jerry Dugan. His story begins with him about to cross a minefield into Iraq and ends with God answering his prayer in an unexpected way. You should definitely stay until the end to hear it.
Jacob Espinoza on Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.
Salem Emerging Leaders Podcast
"From 'The Kid' To the Man"
Chad Harms on Instagram
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Jacob Espinoza used to be a vital part of the Northwest hip hop scene. He had success as a rapper (you'll hear parts of his songs in this episode) and ran a successful online magazine promoting hip hop culture in Oregon and Washington. Today he is a leadership consultant that helps thousands of people lead better.
Jacob grew up Catholic, but in high school he told his priest that he had too many questions to go through with Confirmation; he walked away from Christianity altogether. After this he ended up on a "hamster wheel," living for the next weekend...the next party. This is the story of how God used sobriety and a bachelor party to answer Jacob's question and how those answers brought a clarity to his life that has turned him into one of Salem, Oregon's most influential leaders.
Jacob Espinoza on Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.
Salem Emerging Leaders Podcast
"From 'The Kid' To the Man"
Chad Harms on Instagram
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