The Harder Way Podcast

#14 - Peace Finds Us on The Harder Way

Podcast 14
 
This week, our hosts, Scott and Mattie, discuss the incomprehensible peace that was lived by Jesus, that we have observed in persecuted Christians, and that those who choose the Harder Way have discovered.

#13 - Persecution Leads to Simplicity Along the Harder Way

Episode 13
 
Show Notes: 
Persecution Reveals the Simple Gospel: Persecution takes the focus off peripheral doctrines and other matters of preference and opinion. 
Persecution Makes Church/Ministry Simple: Persecution produces a church life that is not about programs, where worship is not a concert,  where Pastors aren’t concerned with being entertaining, and where there is simple fellowship. 
Persecution Makes Christian Life Simpler: Christians under persecution aren’t inundated with resources and books on every topic and from every possible opinion and viewpoint. The Christian Experience Becomes Simply About Prayer, Worship, & the Word…both corporately and individually. Worshipping God in word and deed. Seeking to be transformed by the Word of God and to live out its truths. 

#12 - We Are All Persecuted Along the Harder Way

Episode 12
 
Join our hosts as they discuss the Persecution Spectrum and if American Christians are on this spectrum.

#11 - Choosing the Best Bible for the Harder Way

Episode 11
 
In this episode, our hosts share about Bible translations, conspiracies, and how to choose the best Bible. 

#10 - The Harder Way is Centered Upon the Kingdom of God

Episode 10
 
In this episode, our hosts reveal the glue that completes our understanding of the 6 Characteristics of Resilient, Persecuted Christians. Their discussion reveals the concept of Steward Theology and its overlap with the Harder Way.
R.Scott Rodin, Ph.D., has written numerous books. Find them at Kingdom Life Publishing. If you want to understand Steward Living and see it applied in an individual life, check out Dr. Rodin's The Seventh Key. It is a novelette, so it is easy to read and understand. 
 

#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.