Should Christians Pray for a Specific Outcome in Elections?

Michael and Rick explore the role of prayer in elections, the concept of revival, and the importance of self-examination in the Christian faith. They discuss historical lessons from the rise and fall of kings in the Bible, emphasizing the need for personal morality over mere regulation. The conversation culminates in the power of personal testimony and the significance of allowing Christ to be the king of one's heart.

Listen to audio: https://enduretc.org/audio

Would Jesus Engage in the Cultural Wars?

Michael and Rick explore the concept of culture wars through the lens of Jesus's teachings. They discuss the relevance of the parable of the Good Samaritan and the story of the Woman at the Well, emphasizing the importance of compassion, understanding, and loving one's neighbor, regardless of cultural or social differences.

The dialogue highlights the need for deeper engagement with others and the significance of meeting people where they are in today's divided society. In this conversation, Rick Parsons and Michael discuss the profound encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well, exploring themes of self-worth, grace, and the importance of community. They emphasize how Jesus broke cultural barriers, revealed his identity, and offered living water, symbolizing eternal life.

The discussion highlights the need for compassion and understanding in engaging with others, regardless of their background or past. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the importance of maintaining focus on Christ amidst cultural distractions and the call to be a light in the world.

Listen to audio at https://enduretc.org/audio

Did You Watch the Paris Olympic Opening Ceremonies?

There's likely a chance that you've heard some of the buzz surrounding the Olympic opening ceremonies in Paris in July 2024.

Rick and Michael share some candid thoughts on what the world saw, and more importantly, they discuss one question that every Christian should ask themselves.

Listen to audio in any Podcast app or go to https://enduretc.org/audio

Is Diet an Indicator of Your Spiritual Maturity?

The Apostles Peter and Paul both wrote letters comparing our spiritual maturity as Christians to food (milk and meat). As believers, what we consume and how we respond to situations is an indicator of our overall spiritual maturity. This episode builds off the previous discussion on understanding the condition (soil) of our heart.

Rick and Michael talk at length in candid discussion about their personal struggles in the spiritual maturation process. They dive into 5 areas men often battle as believers (LAPPP) and emphasize some subtle ways the enemy attacks our identity. This was a long but powerful conversation centered around the grace, victory and power we have through personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Note: I (Michael) made two Bible references which I was in-correct: it is Ephesians 6 (not 2 Peter) that references the wiles of the enemy; Romans 7:24 (not Romans 8) that Paul talks about being a "wretched man".

Do You Truly Understand the Condition of Your Heart?

Much like tending a garden or farming crops, living a life of enduring faith takes a much intentional work. Rick and Michael explore nuanced truths that Jesus lays out in the Parable of the Sower (Luke 8). It can be tempting to quickly read this passage and put yourself into a certain category; however, taking time to assess the true condition of the soil of your heart is extremely important.

We must also be on guard from the subtitles of the enemy who is always working to steal, kill, and destroy in our lives. One of the areas under attack is our ability to receive the word of God and bring it to mature fruit. Join us as we discuss a few of the ways we can recognize these attacks and practical ways to apply God's truths to our daily lives.

Listen to the audio version: https://enduretc.org/audio

Mentioned during the Podcast:
Develop Sound Fundamentals with Rich Tuttle (Nudge Ministries) here: https://youtu.be/1X9p6TuatG4?si=r3gkw9CGOcoGc0Jb

Learn more about Nudge: https://nudgeministries.org

Word Hand illustration:
https://www.navigators.org/resource/the-word-hand/

Is it Wrong to Have Low Standards?

We live in a world full of high standards, high expectations, and high demands. While well intentioned, this mentality can drive an unhealthy pace in life.

It's human nature to highlight our strengths, but when is the last time you boasted in having low expectations and low standards? Consider Jesus, who, in Matthew 11, told his disciples “…I am gentle and lowly in heart…"

Rick and Michael talk about the power of slowing down, resting, and learning to enjoy the process, not the results. In this approach, we can find joy, peace, and satisfaction in life and in our relationship with Jesus Christ.

How Do I Develop Sound Fundamentals?

Fundamentals are the building block for any endeavor in life. Whether it’s sports, academics, or work — if we want to excel, we must master the fundamentals. But what about your faith? Are you Stagnate? Bored? Do you know the 5 fundamentals for growing in relationship with Jesus Christ?

We are joined once again by Rich Tuttle — founder of Nudge Ministries. He talks us through some practical yet vitally important ways to develop sound fundaments in our faith. When put into action, these will change your life!

Check out the “Faith Hand” by Navigators:
https://www.navigators.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/navigators-the-word-hand.pdf

Learn more about Nudge Ministries:
https://nudgeministries.org/

Listen to Audio:
Https://enduretc.org/audio

Why is Kingdom Living Upside Down?

Building off their last conversation "Are You Looking for a King?", Michael and Rick discuss the importance of choosing which kingdom to operate in. There are temptations of the world to live and abide by earthly principles—which typically means putting self first. However, we all have the choice to live by a different standard. In this episode, you’ll gain a better understanding of the significance of the inverted pyramid, and how this concept applies to every component of our lives.

Listen here: https://enduretc.org/audio

Mentioned in the Podcast:
*Kyle Snyder FCA Wrestling Interview https://youtu.be/1MW6swplqMo?si=D2iFkqCSE-56UwwF

*Gene Davis "What it Takes to Endure" https://youtu.be/5MFgo-ZihSE?si=MyubdVrHTXqNSH2o

*Are You Looking for a King? https://youtu.be/PqMgU4qjOMw

Are You Looking for a King?

Whether we realize it or not, we all crown elements of our lives king. These kings can represent things like safety, stability, popularity, gratification—and while they may not be inherently bad or wrong, these cannot sit higher in our lives than the King. We discuss the importance of keeping relationship with Jesus Christ, our eternal King, first and foremost. We also dive into the idea of living a balanced life versus giving things and people preeminence in our lives. Michael and Rick engage in thought provoking conversation, encouraging each other and listeners to keep pursuing purpose and calling in Christ our Lord.

Audio: https://enduretc.org/audio