The Harder Way Podcast

#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.

#57 - Prioritizing God's Plan Over Personal Agenda

episode 57 (AI-optimized sound)
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Episode Summary:
In this thought-provoking episode, Scott and Mattie address the often-overlooked truth about the over-glorification of busyness, especially in the realm of ministry. They propose the need for a paradigm shift - moving from a work-centric approach toward our relationship with God to understanding and embracing God's work within us.
They draw attention to the fine line between true service in God's name and the subtle yet destructive pursuit of self-validation. Taking encouragement from the model of John the Baptist, they underscore the essential principle of humility in our spiritual journey.
Further, they discuss our common misunderstanding of divine intervention versus human effort in spiritual growth. They express the danger of relying solely on our abilities and the importance of surrendering to God’s will. Their enlightening discourse delves into the pitfalls of forced growth and highlights the beauty and importance of God-timed progress.
The episode concludes by emphasizing the importance of identifying when we are idly 'treading water' rather than making deliberate progress, reminding the listeners that true success lies in our connection with God rather than our own personal achievements.
The podcast episode offers a refreshing take on redefining personal success through the lens of spiritual growth, focusing on God's plan over personal ambitions and the transformative impact this can bring to our lives.

#56 -Thankful Always

episode 56
Join Mattie and Scott for a discussion about how to be thankful in every circumstance. 
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#55 - Zaccheus Climbed the Harder Way

episode 55
This week, Mattie and Scott take a look at the account of Zaccheus' encounter with Jesus and subsequent transformation. Is there more going on than meets the eye?
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#54 - Noah Floated the Harder Way

episode 54
Did Noah walk the Harder Way? Is Noah's story even plausible? Is Scott a heretic? Get the answers to these questions and more on this week's episode of The Harder Way Podcast.
 
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#53 - Stephen Walked the Harder Way

episode 53
Our year-end episode wanders through a few topics, such as politics and the new year, then settles on a discussion of Stephen, the first martyr of the Church and a giant of faith on the Harder Way.
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