The Harder Way Podcast

#73 - Live Your Best Life Pt. 5

episode 73
Welcome to the final installment of our five-part series on the Beatitudes, aptly titled "Live Your Best Life." In this episode, we explore the last three verses of the Beatitudes, where Jesus speaks about persecution as part of His most important teaching, the Sermon on the Mount.
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Join us as we unpack the true meaning of being blessed amidst persecution and how this profound wisdom from the persecuted church can enrich your spiritual journey. Discover how to find joy and gladness in the promise of a great reward in heaven, just as the prophets before us endured for their faith. Don't miss this insightful conclusion to our series, and learn how to live your best life now.

#72 - Live Your Best Life Pt.4

episode 72
Welcome back to our journey through the Beatitudes in our quest to live our best lives. In this episode, we consider the profound meanings that Jesus has layered into the Beatitudes by exploring the concepts of being 'pure in heart' and being a 'Peacemaker.'
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Come back for next week's episode on the topic- Blessed are the Persecuted. Join us as we conclude this profound exploration of the Beatitudes on The Harder Way Podcast.

#71 - Live Your Best Life Pt.3

episode 71 
In this episode, Scott and Mattie examine the Beatitudes, their two core verses, and their broader meaning. 
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#70 - Live Your Best Life Pt. 2

episode 70
If you aspire to live Jesus' idea of the best version of your life, this nuanced exploration of Matthew 5:5, Blessed are the Meek, is an episode you won't want to miss. Join hosts Scott and Mattie as we explore these rich, multi-layered biblical teachings and their relevance to modern Christian life.
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In our latest episode of the "Harder Way Podcast," we continue focusing on the Beatitudes. We define meekness as a strength under control rather than weakness or mere humility. Drawing from the original Greek text, we compare meekness to the disciplined training of a war horse, symbolizing both strength and gentleness.
The episode also examines the life of the Persecuted Church, highlighting the spiritual rewards emphasized in the Beatitudes and exploring meekness as courage in the face of adversity and trust in divine guidance. We encourage listeners to seek God's direction over fear-based decisions, underscoring the importance of respect and submission to God for a richer life experience with Christ. Join us as we explore these rich, multi-layered biblical teachings and their relevance to modern Christian life.

#69 - Live Your Best Life Pt. 1

episode 69
If you seek Godly wisdom and spiritual growth and aspire to live a life that is reflective of Jesus, this nuanced exploration of the Beatitudes is an episode you won't want to miss.
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In this episode of The Harder Way Podcast, hosts Scott and Mattie, who are deeply inspired by the Beatitudes, embark on a two-week exploration. Drawing from Jesus's teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), the duo sheds light on the historical and cultural contexts that imbue these Scriptures with depth and meaning.
As they dissect old interpretations and examine the nuances of 'blessedness,' the hosts introduce listeners to 'Makarios (μακάριος),' a Greek term representing a desirable state of contentment, fulfillment, and satisfaction. They emphasize a deeper scriptural significance tied to spiritual humility and reliance on God, challenging modern narratives that equate blessedness with power, wealth, or status.
The hosts compare understanding the Scriptures to upgrading from black-and-white to color television viewing, enhancing the richness and clarity of each verse. They embark on an analysis of the Beatitudes, beginning with 'blessed are the poor in spirit,' inviting listeners on a transformative journey into the heart of Biblical teachings.

#68 - Does Prayer Matter?

Welcome to another episode of The Harder Way with Scott and Mattie! In this thought-provoking installment, we dive deep into the heart of prayer and its profound significance in navigating life's trials.
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Drawing from personal anecdotes, biblical wisdom, and insights from the Persecuted Church, we debunk common misconceptions surrounding prayer and illuminate its role as a conduit to align with God's divine plan.
Our exploration centers on the Lord's Prayer, a cornerstone of the Christian faith found in the New Testament, revealing its transformative power to cultivate a heartfelt connection with God rather than mere ritualistic repetition.
Embarking on a poignant journey, we share a captivating tale from a Haitian village, showcasing unwavering faith, forgiveness, and resilience amid adversity. We intertwine this narrative with reflections on forgiveness, sin, and the teachings of Jesus, drawing parallels with the experiences of the first Christians and modern-day examples of Christian forgiveness.
Throughout the episode, we underscore the indispensable role of prayer in the lives of devoted servants of God. We share real-life examples, from missionaries to persecuted believers, highlighting the transformative power of prayer and the urgent need for solidarity and support through it.

#67 - Burning Bibles in the USA?

episode 67
Join Scott and Mattie on The Harder Way Podcast as we discuss the shocking Easter Sunday event in Tennessee: hundreds of Bibles publicly set ablaze outside a prominent church. Can political tensions fuel extreme actions like public Bible burnings and question how individualism can promote discord over constructive dialogue? In this episode, we consider this act's motives, consequences, and implications in the context of faith-related tensions in the United States.
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This week, we delve into intermingling religious beliefs and political views, particularly within the American Evangelical community, and the repercussions on Christian groups associated with perceived political extremities. We call for a collective representation of Christian values, emphasizing the importance of discerning between persecution for political ideologies and actual suffering for Christ.
The Crash Podcast with Dr. Mark Dahlin

#66 - The 'God Bless the USA Bible'

episode 66
In this episode, dive into a riveting discussion on the 'God Bless the USA Bible.' This controversial Bible, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, merges the Holy Scriptures with significant American political documents, all wrapped in a cover emblazoned with the American flag. This fusion prompts a critical examination of the lines between theological authenticity and national identity, especially among conservative evangelical groups.
We explore how this special edition Bible blurs the boundaries between Christian faith and American nationalism. Our conversation seeks to defend the sanctity of the Bible and religious identity, urging a separation from national and political ties.
As we navigate the contentious intersection of Christianity and politics, we delve into the implications of merging religious texts with political ideology. The patriotic Bible raises pressing questions about the integrity of our faith and the potential shift in focus from its essence, underlining the significance of this discussion.
This episode challenges the elevation of worldly identities over our spiritual commitment as followers of Christ, advocating for a return to a pure focus on Jesus and His teachings. We strive to preserve our Christian identity, unadulterated by any additional labels.
We aim to spark thoughtful conversations that redirect us toward our spiritual essence rather than deepen divisions. Join us on this journey to navigate the complex terrain of faith, politics, and nationality, aiming for a righteous balance.