The Harder Way Podcast

Welcome back to the Harder Way Podcast with Scott and Mattie! In this episode, we conclude our series on first principles, focusing on the belief that God has a plan. We discuss how foundational truths like God's reality, His personal nature, and His love for us can help us navigate life's challenges.
Through Joseph's compelling story, we explore how faith in God's plan sustained him through betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment, ultimately leading to the fulfillment of a greater purpose. Join us as we delve into how these principles can guide us in our own lives, especially during tough times.
We also touch on the pressures faced by modern pastors and the importance of trusting God's plan over succumbing to worldly expectations. Whether you're experiencing personal struggles or seeking deeper understanding, this episode offers valuable insights into maintaining faith in God's perfect plan.

episode 85
Join us in this episode as we explore the third fundamental principle in our series on First Principles: God Loves Me. We explore the profound truth that God's love is a steadfast commitment that underpins our faith and life decisions.
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We discuss how understanding God's love can provide immense comfort during trials and tribulations, countering the lies of loneliness and abandonment that often plague us. Drawing from Scripture and personal anecdotes, we illustrate the depth and impact of God's love, even in the face of suffering and persecution.
 

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This week, our conversation revisits the First Principle discussed in a previous episode—acknowledging God's reality—and explores its profound implications for our lives. We highlight God's transcendence and sovereignty and how these truths should profoundly impact our daily walk with Him.
This episode also introduces the Second Principle: God's imminence. We explain how God is both transcendent and immanent (intimately involved in our lives). We share personal stories and biblical insights that illustrate God's active presence through the Holy Spirit and the incarnation of Jesus Christ.
By understanding and applying these first principles, listeners can navigate life's challenges with a stronger faith and a deeper connection to God. Please tune in to gain a fresh perspective on how these foundational truths shape our worldview and daily living.

Welcome back to the Harder Way Podcast with Scott and Mattie! In this episode, we address our brief absence and the unexpected challenges we've faced, from physical injuries to spiritual battles. Despite the hurdles, we're here to remind you of a foundational truth: God is real.
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Dive into a discussion about the implications of this truth on our daily lives, relationships, and spiritual existence. We'll explore how understanding God's sovereignty can transform our perspective on everything from personal struggles to global events. Additionally, we'll touch on the importance of discipleship, obedience, and living a holy life.

episode 82
In this episode, we discuss the challenges of living in a society where truth is often seen as subjective and shaped by cultural and personal contexts. With references to first-century Greek thinking and contemporary political debates, we highlight the importance of having a clear starting point or "first principles" rooted in the Holy Bible.
We explore historical examples of how truth has been manipulated, especially under Marxist regimes, emphasizing the necessity of grounding oneself in prayer, worship, and the Word of God. This episode is a clarion call for Christians to anchor their lives in the unchanging truth of Jesus amidst a world full of conflicting narratives and deceptive appearances.
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Special episode.
As Scott and Mattie transition from our Armor of God Series into our next series, we thought our wonderful listeners would benefit from Scott's commencement speech for EPIC bible college and Graduate School in Sacramento, CA.
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In this message, Scott discusses how to apply some of the truths we have learned over the last couple of decades working with the Persecuted Church in pastoral ministry.  

Welcome back to the Harder Way podcast with Scott and Mattie for part two of our final episode in the Armor of God series. This week, we explore the last, often overlooked, piece of spiritual armor: prayer.
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Join us as we explore Ephesians 6:10-20, where Paul, writing from prison, emphasizes the importance of prayer in our spiritual battles. We discuss the continuous, personal, and communal aspects of prayer and how it serves as a powerful priestly weapon in our daily lives.

Welcome to part 1 of the final installment of the Armor of God series on The Harder Way podcast! In this episode, we delve into the "Sword of the Spirit," the one piece of armor that stands out vividly in Paul's military metaphor from Ephesians 6:10-20.
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Join us as we explore the significance of the Roman gladius and its spiritual counterpart, the Word of God. Discover the deep connection between the spoken Word (rhema) and its immense power in spiritual warfare. Learn how to effectively wield this weapon through the truths of scripture and the name of Jesus.