The Harder Way Podcast

#64 Tempted to Fight

episode 64
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In episode 64, "Tempted to Fight," of "The Harder Way," hosts Scott and Mattie delve into the complex world of religious restriction and persecution, focusing on one of the three major temptations believers face in such environments. This episode explores the intricate dance between standing firm in one's beliefs and the instinct to fight against opposition. Scott and Mattie guide listeners through the concept of developing greater faith by confronting our fears, emphasizing that the true path to spiritual strength often requires us to choose faith over fear, even when it's the more challenging option. "The Harder Way" continues to inspire and challenge its audience to embrace faith's trials as opportunities for growth, making the harder choice for the sake of greater spiritual resilience and depth.

#63 -Tempted to Compromise

Episode 63
     In this insightful episode, we delve headfirst into maintaining a Christian's faith amidst testing circumstances. We are looking at how effortless it becomes for believers to unknowingly COMPROMISE, whether in day-to-day life or when facing societal setbacks.
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     Through compelling stories and personal experiences, we delve into the adverse effects of such compromises on our spiritual strength, drawing parallels with how avoiding physical training can hinder one's ability to run a marathon. Highlighting how fear of loss can sometimes trigger these compromises, we argue for the importance of faithfulness to Christian principles over fear of losing relationships, financial stability, or societal acceptance.     We then focus on specific challenges Christians face, particularly in show business, where tempting career-boosting opportunities or the promise of alleviating suffering often confront faith. We reveal stories of actors who've faced adversity due to their steadfast faithfulness and the dilemmas Christian institutions encounter when accepting government aid.     The harrowing personal accounts of Christians like Wang Mingdao showcase the torment that adhering to one's faith can bring about, particularly when faced with physical affliction because of it. However, the episode also highlights the miraculous and liberating moments that emerge when choosing God over fear, shedding light on the profound strength of our faith.     The episode climaxes with an engaging discussion on choosing faith over fear, mainly when religious restrictions and persecution are rising worldwide. As a takeaway, we emphasize the crucial role that living out one's faith plays for Christians.Next week, we'll delve into the concept of a righteous fight in our following episode, exploring its pivotal decisions. Till then, remember the biblical wisdom: Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

#62 Freedom at What Cost

episode 62
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Welcome to Episode 62 of "The Harder Way" podcast, where we embark on a compelling journey into the lives of Christians immigrating from regions marked by severe religious persecution. Join us as we uncover their stories of resilience, cultural adaptation, and unwavering faith in pursuit of religious freedom and a better life. From Persian taxi drivers fined for Christian decals in Germany to Russian-speaking immigrants grappling with American church customs, we explore the highs and lows of their journey. Discover the challenges faced by immigrant families navigating American public schools while striving to uphold strong Christian values. Through their narratives, we confront the reality checks and cultural shocks that shape their faith journey. Despite the disappointments of transitioning from the Eastern Bloc to a society where materialism often overshadows faith, these individuals demonstrate remarkable strength and dedication to their beliefs. Join us as we reflect on their shared experiences, faith, and the transformative power of adversity.
Tune in for this thought-provoking episode of The Harder Way Podcast, and don't forget to subscribe and share your thoughts with us.

Standing Firm: Preparing for MORE Religious Restriction in America

Standing Firm: Preparing for MORE Religious Restriction in America
In this Bonus Message, challenge your current level of faith, confront your fears, and grasp the profound spiritual principles at hand. Be inspired to surrender every part of your life in obedience to God and galvanize your faith in divine providence. Take a deep dive into this enlightening analysis of faith over fear and the undeniable power of scriptures to inspire and transform lives amidst adversity.
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Join career Missionary Don Roberts in this riveting episode as he shares timeless insights from his 30-year journey, delivering Scriptures to the Restricted and Persecuted Churches. Discover the power of standing firm in faith amidst escalating religious pressures and the essential lessons learned from the lived experiences of Restricted and Persecuted Christians.
As restrictions on Christianity increase, particularly in the West, Roberts jolts listeners with a stirring call to action – to view these challenges as opportunities to stand firm for their faith. He further encapsulates the vital principles to prepare believers for impending persecution.
Throughout this episode, Roberts shares poignant tales of Christians he has met, who, despite paying a significant price for their faith, remain steadfastly loyal to Jesus. Listen as he elaborates on the path of genuine devotion, surrendering worldly fears and securities to put complete faith in Jesus Christ.
In this episode, challenge your current level of faith, confront your fears, and grasp the profound spiritual principles at hand. Be inspired to surrender every part of your life in obedience to God and galvanize your faith in divine providence. Take a deep dive into this enlightening analysis of faith over fear and the undeniable power of scriptures to inspire and transform lives amidst adversity.

#61 Unlawful Christian Advertising

episode 61
Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration into the complex topic of religious persecution. Amid a growing global culture of intolerance, we shed light on a disturbing case in Germany, where a Christian man faced legal retribution for expressing his faith through a car decal. We examine his journey which echoes the struggles of all those who endure for their faith in a hostile world.
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Using the biblical heritage of resilience in the face of persecution as our guiding light, we emphasize the importance of maintaining faith and integrity under duress. Extending the conversation from persecuted believers, we delve into the heart of discipleship through the gospel account of Peter, a close disciple of Jesus who thrice denied him, only to be divinely restored. We extract invaluable lessons from Peter’s story that resonate with today’s struggles of faith, touching on humanity’s vulnerability without divine support, and the role of self-awareness in galvanizing our faith in adversity.
Join us as we traverse the Harder Way, illuminating the essence of discipleship and steadfast conviction to uphold our faith amidst trials.

#60 - Embracing Hardship and Fostering Unshakeable Faith

episode 60
Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Harder Way Podcast, hosted by Scott and Mattie. This episode unravels the significance of enduring hardship as a pathway to a deeper understanding of Christianity and steering clear of transactional faith. Drawing from their personal insights, the hosts illuminate the discipline and the transformative power of challenges, justifying hardship as a fertile ground for spiritual growth.
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Through heart-opening conversations on their faith journeys and insightful reflections on the American Christian perspective, this episode triggers a re-evaluation of faith beyond comfort and ease. It stresses the importance of an intimate relationship with God and the need to avoid spiritual imposture and offers tactics to stay steadfast in adversity.
This episode also explores stirring narratives of persecuted believers around the world, relating their unwavering faith to the disciplined determination seen in sports. It expands on the concept of being ‘double-minded,’ with compelling examples of Christians demonstrating an uncompromising commitment to their faith amid acute opposition.
As we close this episode, Scott and Mattie extend an invitation to get the Courier Update Newsletter to gain invaluable insights from the testimonies of persecuted believers and those who serve them. The enduring message of the episode is to give thanks and praise to God, despite any circumstance, encouraging spiritual resilience and unwavering faith.

#59 - Countering Lies & Deceptions in Our Lives

episode 59
Episode 59 of the 'Harder Way Podcast' features hosts Scott and Mattie discussing lies and deception in modern society. The conversation delves into the impact of fear, self-deception, and disregard for objective truths on personal spiritual growth. The hosts also discuss faulty political tactics and the distorted perception of love in contemporary society.
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Summary: In this episode, listeners are encouraged to support the mission of delivering Bibles to the persecuted church and to subscribe to the Courier Update. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding how the love of God, informed by His word, can shape the Christian reaction to lies and deception. They provide insights into ways to face fears and misconceptions, fostering a healthier faith built on love and truth.
The episode highlights the common self-deception among Christians who believe that leaving people to their devices is the most loving approach. The hosts urge listeners to base their lives on personal convictions and discernment, guided by the Holy Spirit, rather than rigid rules or laws. They stress the value of ensuring actions, words, and motives are influenced by the truth and performed with kindness, respect, and compassion.
To counter the culture of deliberate manipulation and redefinition of words, Scott and Mattie suggest fortifying oneself through prayer, worship, studying God's Word, and active participation in Christian fellowship. They also warn listeners about the dangers of questioning the Bible's inerrancy, urging them to stay grounded in the truth that encompasses not just 'what' but also 'who,' emphasizing that the 'who' embodies God.
Scott and Mattie emphasize the importance of understanding how the love of God, informed by His word, can shape the Christian reaction to lies and deception. As the conversation progresses, listeners get to understand ways to face their fears and misconceptions, fostering a healthier faith built on love and truth.
The episode highlights the common self-deception among Christians—believing that leaving people to their devices is the most loving approach. However, this belief results in complacency and deviates from the Christian doctrine. The hosts urge listeners to base their lives on personal convictions and discernment, guided by the Holy Spirit, rather than rigid rules or laws. They also stress the value of ensuring actions, words, and motives are influenced by the truth and performed with kindness, respect, and compassion.
Delving deeper into countering the culture of deliberate manipulation and redefinition of words, Scott and Mattie reiterate the need to fortify oneself through prayer, worship, studying God's Word, and active participation in Christian fellowship. They warn listeners about the dangers of questioning the Bible's inerrancy, urging them to stay grounded in the truth that encompasses not just 'what' but also 'who,' emphasizing that the 'who' embodies God.

#58 - Overcoming Theological Differences for the Sake of the Gospel

episode 59
Description:  By exploring the experience of persecuted Christians across the globe, we bring to light the enduring struggle against common adversaries. This episode emphasizes how focusing on unity for the gospel's sake is pivotal to overcoming the increasingly prevalent tendency of Western Christians to foment divisions and factions. Join us this week as we journey through these complex issues and carve a path toward more unity, improved service to our mission, and spiritual growth in Christ's eternal Kingdom.
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Episode Summary:  In this episode, we delve into the growing chasm within modern Christianity, where public disagreements over theology are causing divisions among believers. From debating contentious issues such as end-times theology, baptism, variations in understanding 'false teachers', and more, we highlight how this path leads to destructive divisions and strife.
As we unfurl the complexities of this conversation, we emphasize the importance of unity in the body of Christ. Leaping into examples from Scripture and the Persecuted Church, we assert that focusing on shared truths and core doctrines is essential to maintaining harmony within the Christian community. We dissect the destructive effects of factions and divisions and call upon believers to foster unity and understanding.
We juxtapose theological divisions within Christianity with unhelpful societal behaviors, illuminating how these divisive tendencies harm both the church and society. To counter this, we encourage a foundation built on primary doctrines and the elemental truths of the Christian faith, thereby fostering unity, understanding, and respect among believers.
In the latter part of the discussion, the lens zooms onto the Persecuted Christian communities – a testament to unity amidst adversity. We explore the potential harm in prioritizing secondary doctrines over primary ones and link this to the spirit of unity reflected among persecuted believers. We underscore how dissensions within the church mar the gospel's message and thwart the fulfillment of our mission.