The Harder Way Podcast

#83 - first Principle of First Principles: God is Real

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.

#82 Unmasking Truth in a World of Confusion

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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Ministry on the Harder Way

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.  

#81 - The Final Armor - Prayer

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.

#80 - Wielding the Sword of the Spirit: The Power of God's Word

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.

#79 - The Helmet of Salvation

episode 79
As we near the end of our series on the Armor of God, we explore the significance of the Helmet of Salvation. Join us as we explore Ephesians 6 and understand how this crucial piece of armor protects our minds and solidifies our identity in Christ.
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Discover the importance of living with the assurance of salvation and how it influences our mindset and worldview. We also discuss practical steps to abide in Christ, including prayer, worship, and immersing ourselves in the Word. Learn how to stand united as a community of believers and live out our faith boldly.
 

#78 - The Shield of Faith: Strength in Community

episode 78
Join us as we uncover practical ways to strengthen our faith and support fellow believers in their spiritual journey.
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In this episode, we continue our exploration of the armor of God, focusing on the shield of faith. We delve into the historical context of Roman armor and its spiritual symbolism, highlighting how Paul used familiar imagery to convey profound truths to first-century Christians.
We discuss the importance of understanding Scripture in its original context and how the shield of faith serves not just as personal protection but also as a communal defense mechanism. Drawing parallels to Roman military formations, we explore how Christians can support one another in spiritual battles, emphasizing the significance of community and collective faith.
We also address the fiery darts of the enemy, identifying them as attacks of doubt, fear, and deception. Through personal anecdotes and historical references, we illustrate how faith in Jesus Christ fortifies us individually and corporately. 

Independence and Dependence: A Christian Perspective

THW Special
In this episode, inspired by the Fourth of July holiday, we explore the themes of independence and dependence. We discuss our personal and national heritage and how our identity shifts as we grow in our relationship with Christ.
Join us as we explore the concept of renouncing worldly ties to embrace our new identity in Christ. We will draw parallels between the American Declaration of Independence and the spiritual declaration of a Christian's faith. We will also highlight the challenges faced by persecuted Christians who live out their faith with unwavering commitment.
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This is a re-edited version of episode 27.