The Harder Way Podcast

Best of #5 - Resilient Faith: Discovering God's Calling Amidst Persecution

Enjoy this episode as part of our "Best of" series, while we take the summer to recharge and prepare for an exciting Season 2 of the podcast.
Welcome to this week's episode of The Harder Way Podcast, where hosts Scott and Mattie explore the deep connection between one's calling and the strength of faith, especially in the face of persecution. Drawing from Scott's doctoral research and personal encounters with persecuted pastors, they examine what keeps these individuals steadfast in such difficult circumstances.
Listeners will discover key findings from Scott's research, highlighting five essential characteristics of resilient pastors, with a particular focus on the concept of 'calling.' This episode unpacks the different aspects of Christian calling, ranging from the highest calling of unity with Christ to the common call to evangelize and live godly lives, and finally, the personal callings that direct each individual's journey.
This episode is filled with inspiring insights and biblical wisdom. It is designed to empower believers to walk firmly in their faith, embracing their unique callings with clarity and confidence. Tune in to explore how these timeless truths can reshape your faith and resilience in the midst of life's challenges.

Best of #4 - Redefining American Identity in Christ

In this episode of The Harder Way Podcast, Scott and Mattie explore the theme of independence, reflecting on its profound significance in both American history and the Christian faith. Drawing from their own family heritage and stories of persecuted believers, they challenge listeners to reconsider their national identity through the lens of their faith in Christ.
Scott and Mattie discuss how living a godly life often invites persecution, drawing parallels between the American Revolutionary War and the personal struggles Christians encounter in their journey of faith. With a blend of personal stories and historical insights, they underscore the importance of prioritizing our identity as followers of Christ above all else.
Through compelling narratives, the hosts inspire listeners to embrace full dependence on Jesus Christ, weaving in examples from Scripture and the experiences of persecuted Christians worldwide. They emphasize that true freedom is discovered in trusting God completely and encourage support for persecuted believers across the globe.

Best of #3 - Navigating Religious Restriction: The Three Pitfalls

Enjoy this episode as part of our "Best of" series, while we take the summer to recharge and prepare for an exciting Season 2 of the podcast.Welcome to The Harder Way Podcast, where Scott and Mattie address the harsh reality of religious restrictions affecting 360 million Christians worldwide. In this episode, they explore three common but misguided responses to such challenges: fighting, fleeing, and compromising.
Scott and Mattie lay the groundwork for understanding these reactions, encouraging listeners to consider biblical ways of confronting religious restrictions without relying on worldly solutions. They challenge the responses of resorting to political or physical combat, abandoning responsibilities, or compromising faith.
Through powerful stories and scriptural teachings, they emphasize the importance of developing a resilient faith that remains steadfast in the face of societal pressures and hostile environments. The hosts seek to equip American Christians with practical insights on living a godly life in an increasingly hostile culture.
Join them as they begin a conversation on navigating persecution and religious restriction with unwavering commitment to the gospel.

Best of #2: A Christian Perspective on Middle East Turmoil

This episode addressed the Hamas and Israel tensions, but with tonight's combat between Israel and Iran, this podcast's principles are appropriate. 
This episode explores how Christians can navigate these tumultuous times guided by faith and Scripture. This episode calls believers to focus on the foundational Christian tenets of prayer, forgiveness, and understanding in the face of persecution and war.
The hosts discuss the importance of viewing the conflict through a spiritual lens, urging listeners to align themselves with Christ’s teachings rather than getting entangled in political debates or fear-driven narratives. They highlight the role of American Christians in supporting persecuted believers and emphasize the need for prayer: for the salvation of those involved, for strength and provision for Christian communities in the region, and wisdom among global leaders.
This episode reminds us that, in the midst of chaos, the essence of the Christian faith remains: to exemplify love, demonstrate peace, and trust in God’s sovereignty over all worldly conflicts. Tune in for a thoughtful dialogue on how to live the harder way in an increasingly hostile world and find hope amidst the trials.

Best of #1: Embracing Radical Hospitality in a Hostile World

After over 100 episodes, Mattie and I are taking the summer off to regroup and find fresh ways to present the critical truths we share on this podcast. Please enjoy our best of series, consisting of our most popular episodes with a few new ones mixed in.
This episode of The Harder Way Podcast delves into the often-overlooked biblical command of hospitality, especially in the context of the persecuted church. Hosts Scott and Mattie explore scriptural references to being hospitable, highlighting its importance as a mark of true Christianity. Through personal anecdotes and examples from persecuted believers around the world, they encourage listeners to practice hospitality as a means of sharing God’s love and community.
They share heartwarming stories from countries like Cuba and Ghana, illustrating how those with so little materially offer so much hospitality and faith. Scott and Mattie also discuss the challenges and blessings of opening one's home to others, advocating for a lifestyle of generosity and community that reflects Christ’s teachings. The episode calls for American Christians to learn from their persecuted counterparts and to prepare for a future where hospitality might be more necessary than ever, even in a society that may someday oppose public worship gatherings.

# 116 - Cuban Women's Resilience in Faith: The Story of Joan

In this episode of The Harder Way Podcast, hosts Scott and Mattie share the remarkable story of Joan, a fearless Cuban missionary woman whose name is inspired by Joan of Arc. Discover how Joan embarked on a daring mission across Cuba, navigating control points with American missionaries under the constant threat of imprisonment. Through her bold faith and unwavering courage, Joan opened new doors and forged crucial connections for ministry in an incredibly challenging environment.
Join us as we explore Joan's pivotal role in supporting the house church movement, her innovative approaches to missions in the face of adversity, and her profound inspiration to Believers worldwide. Her story is a testament to the resilience and strength of Christian women confronting persecution. Experience firsthand how God's provision and Joan's indomitable spirit brought hope and light to Cuban Christians amidst daunting trials.

#115 - Faith Behind Bars: Pastor Li's Inspiring Journey"

In this compelling episode of the Harder Way Podcast, host Scott shares the gripping story of Pastor Li, a dedicated leader in China whose unwavering faith led him into the heart of persecution. Despite being arrested and imprisoned for preaching the gospel, Pastor Li's spirit remained unbroken. His time behind bars became a transformative ministry, bringing hope and light to the darkest corners of the prison. Discover how Pastor Li's faith fueled a ripple effect, changing lives both inside and outside the prison walls, and what lessons his story holds for Christians facing challenges today.

#114 - Leading with Humility: Lessons from Cuba

In this episode of The Harder Way Podcast, we discuss the importance of servant leadership, exemplified by a humble Cuban bishop. As we explore the challenges of living out one's faith in an increasingly hostile world, we reflect on the bishop's inspiring approach to leadership, characterized by humility, community, and a deep commitment to navigating legal and cultural challenges with integrity.
Through personal anecdotes and thought-provoking discussions, Scott and Mattie consider the role of character flaws and accountability in leadership, the impact of social media on perceived spiritual authority, and the significance of having strong spiritual mentors. With insights from both the bishop's story and our own experiences, we shed light on how faithful leadership can thrive even amidst opposition.