The Harder Way Podcast

#9 - A Dynamic Spiritual Life Guides Along the Harder Way

Episode 9
This week, Scott and Mattie discuss the purpose of spiritual life and what makes one's spiritual life dynamic. But, in the end, it's all about Jesus. Check out our show notes below for this week's podcast's Scripture and book references.
Books of Prayers:
Fount of Heaven: Prayers of the Early Church. ISBN: 9781683596288
Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans. ISBN:9781683593348
Working the Angles: The Shape of Pastoral Integrity. by Peterson. ISBN: 9780802802651  
The Fruit of the Spirit:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23 ESV)

#8 - Providence Supplies the Harder Way

Episode 8
In this episode, our hosts discuss the role of God's providence in our lives. Persecuted Christians have to depend upon God to provide their most basic needs. This sad necessity creates an environment wherein Persecuted Christians grow a deep and abiding faith in God. Is it possible for Western Christians to build such faith in their own lives? We propose that it is!

#7 - Suffering Helps Us Along The Harder Way

Episode 7
In this episode, our hosts discuss the perspectives of the American and Persecuted Churches on suffering. Does suffering have value? Do good Christians suffer? Is suffering God's retribution for bad behavior? Can we learn to love suffering? Join us as we tackle these issues and share what we have learned about suffering from persecuted Christians.
Scriptures: Matthew 5:10, John 15:20. Acts 14:2, Romans 5:3-5, 1 Corinthians 15:19, 2 Corinthians 4:9, 2 Thessalonians 5:7, 2 Timothy 3:12, James 1:2-4. (This is a limited list. Many other Scriptures address the topic of Suffering and its role in walking The Harder Way.)
The relationship between Suffering, Persecution, and Martyrdom. 
Suffering is common to all Christians but does not always lead to persecution or martyrdom.
Persecution includes Suffering but does not always lead to martyrdom.
Martyrdom includes persecution which includes Suffering.

#6 - Community Supports Us Along The Harder Way

Episode 6
If you stumbled, would anyone notice? Would anyone be there to help you get up? Without a life-giving community, it is extremely difficult to walk along the Harder Way. In this episode, Scott and Mattie discuss the need for community and how to ascertain if you are part of a real community or simply an observer.

#5 - Calling Helps Us Walk the Harder Way

Episode 5
Did you know that persecuted pastors count a strong sense of calling as essential to personal and ministry resilience? Better yet, did you know that we all have two important callings that we can tap into for our own Christian resilience? In this episode, our hosts discuss the importance of our Christian calling for personal resilience and for keeping our footing as we walk the harder way.

#4 - Testimonies Pave the Harder Way

Episode 4
Our hosts discuss the power of testimonies to support us in our journies along the Harder Way. This episode includes practical examples, brings a deeper understanding of the topic, and reveals a well-kept Christian secret. (The meaning of the word Ebeneezer. LOL) 
 
In the podcast, we referenced Bob Fu's biography. The bibliographical information is below. 
Fu, Bob, and Nancy French. 2013. God’s Double Agent. Baker Books.
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#3 - The 3 Temptations We All Face

Episode 3
The 3 Temptations We Must Overcome as We Live the Harder Way:
In this podcast, Scott and Mattie provide an overview of the three temptations with which all Christians, in every context, must contend. Recognizing and preparing to walk through these three temptations victoriously requires abiding in Christ, following his example, and consistently choosing The Harder Way.
Show Notes:
The 3 Temptations:
Fight, Flee, and Compromise
Daniel Scripture Reference:
Daniel’s non-compromise is found in Daniel chapter 6. It is also known as the story of Daniel and the Lion’s Den.
Peter Reference
The Apostle Peter succumbed to the temptation to fight when he drew his sword and cut off Malchus’ ear during the arrest of Jesus (John 18:10).
The Apostle Peter succumbed to the pressure to flee when he denied Christ (Mark 14:66-71).
He succumbed to the pressure to compromise when he withdrew from the Gentiles because he feared the circumcision party (Galatians 2:11-13).
NOTE: Peter succumbed to the pressure to compromise (Galatians 2:11-13) after he had been restored by Jesus (John 21:15-19), empowered by the Holy Spirit (Acts 2), and had boldly refused to compromise with the directive of the Sanhedrin to cease his gospel activities (Acts 4:1-20). These events and their order show that the three temptations are always present. They also demonstrate that there can be restoration after failure if one accepts the restoration, and there is power to persevere if one embraces that power.
D.U.C.C.
Discover our Fears
Understand our Fears
Confront our Fears
Conquer our Fears through Faith in Jesus

#2 - The Bible is Essential for Living the Harder Way

Episode 2
In this episode, Scott and Mattie discuss the power of Scripture to lead us closer to Jesus and develop a resilient faith. After all, without faith, how are we going to overcome fear? 
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