The Harder Way Podcast

Best of #8 - "Dynamic Spiritual Life: The Key to Faith Over Fear"

Welcome to The Harder Way Podcast, where Scott and Mattie discuss the importance of a dynamic spiritual life for enduring persecution and living a godly life. In this episode, they explore how a vibrant connection to spirituality not only holds everything together but also empowers us to redefine suffering and strengthens our faith in God's providence.
Scott shares an inspiring testimony of someone overcoming severe agoraphobia by applying faith over fear. The hosts dive into the significance of spiritual disciplines, highlighting prayer, worship, and engaging with God's Word as essential practices for spiritual growth and transformation.
They also discuss different fasting practices across cultures and critique the prevalent "moralistic therapeutic deism" in American churches, urging listeners to pursue a life with God, not just for God. Join us as we explore these profound themes and get ready for more insights on One Kingdom Living in the next episode.

Best of #7 - The Perils of People-Pleasing: Choosing God's Approval Over Man's

Welcome to The Harder Way Podcast, where we explore what it means to live a godly life in a world that is becoming increasingly hostile. In this episode, hosts Scott and Mattie examine the "idol of being well-liked" and how it can divert us from our true calling as Christians. They discuss the transformative power of shifting our fear from man to God and how the Bible describes the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom.
Scott and Mattie share their thoughts on how this change in perspective impacts our daily lives and faith journeys. They emphasize the importance of the Bible and the Holy Spirit in guiding believers, while also addressing the unique challenges Christians face today in balancing cultural pressures with spiritual convictions.
If you want to deepen your faith and embrace the harder way in a world of shifting values, this episode offers valuable insights and practical encouragement. Tune in, be inspired, and join the conversation on living fearlessly for God.

Best of #6 - Living a Jesus-Centered Life: Lessons from Persecuted Christians

In this episode of The Harder Way Podcast, hosts Scott and Mattie explore the significance of living a Jesus-centered life and how persecuted believers embody unwavering resilience despite life-threatening challenges. Through compelling stories of faith, sacrifice, and perseverance, this episode offers valuable insights for American Christians navigating an increasingly hostile culture.
Learn how a one-kingdom mindset and steward theology shape the lives of these steadfast believers. They teach essential lessons on focusing life around Jesus, His people, and His priorities. Scott and Mattie emphasize the importance of trusting God's providence and rethinking suffering, encouraging listeners to move beyond a two-kingdom mindset and embrace the deeper spirituality reflected in the persecuted church.
Prepare to be inspired as Scott and Mattie offer heartfelt discussions and thought-provoking insights on centering your life around faith, community, and God's eternal kingdom.

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.