Joyful Journey

Our culture often treats singleness as a problem to be solved—but what does Scripture actually say?

Janet Aucoin and co-host Noelle Haynie explore what it looks like to cultivate meaningful relationships both as a single person and with the singles in your life. Drawing from the examples of Jesus, Paul, and Mary and Martha, they discuss the unique opportunities that singleness provides, how married friends can care for singles well, and why community is not defined by relationship status.

Masturbation is a topic many women feel too ashamed to discuss—yet far too many struggle with it alone. What does the Bible say, and is there real hope for change?

Janet Aucoin sits down with author and biblical counselor Molly Bertles to discuss her book You Are Not Alone: Biblical Counsel for Women Struggling with Masturbation. They explore the unique ways women are tempted, why naming this as sin is actually the first step toward gospel hope, and why sanctification is not a solo sport.

When God’s people face impossible odds, where can we find lasting hope?

Janet and Alexandra conclude their series on Judges 4-5, exploring Jael’s defeat of Sisera and the stark contrast between Canaanite and Yahweh’s treatment of women. They connect this story to Genesis 3:15 and reveal how Deborah and Jael point us to Christ—the ultimate deliverer who will defeat our enemy permanently.

The story of Deborah is often used as evidence for women in leadership. But what if that’s missing the point? 

In this two-part series, Janet and a returning cohost Alexandra explore the deeper theological truths behind the story of Deborah, Barak, and Jael from the Book of Judges. Join them as they uncover what God was really doing in the lives of these remarkable women and discover how understanding the context transforms everything.

Episode Transcript

Resources

Podcasts

With the new year comes a new season of brand new episodes, and new cohosts through the season! 

Forgiveness is one of the most difficult responsibilities of the Christian. When we’ve been hurt deeply, how can we show forgiveness to those who’ve wronged us?

Janet Aucoin and one of our new cohosts, Noelle Haynie, explore Christ’s example of forgiveness from the cross. They examine His intercessory work and His bearing of both the sin and pain of the world. This discussion reveals the hope we have in Christ’s work for us, and how we can extend that same hope to others who have wronged us.

Many Christians struggle with an anxious heart that can lead to panic attacks. How can we as Christians consider this often overlooked symptom of an anxious heart? In this episode, Jocelyn & Janet discuss how to handle anxiety and panic attacks with a biblical perspective.

Joyful Journey is taking a hiatus on recording new episodes for the next several months. This is a season of regrouping and refocusing for us and we appreciate your patience as we do this. That means we will not be airing our quarterly recaps on each of the gospels as we anticipated, but don’t let that stop you from digging into the gospels! We’re taking this opportunity to share some previously released episodes with you. If you are a newer listener, we’re excited for you to hear some of these earlier episodes and for our long-term listeners, we are hoping that these episodes will be an encouragement to you once again! We look forward to returning in the future so stay tuned!

Marriage is one of God’s most intimate gifts — a covenant where two imperfect people are invited to reflect the love of Christ. Yet, because we’re all sinners, marriage often becomes the place where our weaknesses and failures are seen most clearly.  

In this episode, Brent and Janet have an honest and hope-filled conversation about what it looks like to build a Christ-centered marriage — one that’s not a place for sin to hide, but a safe space where grace, compassion, and truth can grow. Together, they explore how couples can walk side by side, helping each other fight sin and reflect the beautiful love of Jesus along the way.  

Joyful Journey is taking a hiatus on recording new episodes for the next several months. This is a season of regrouping and refocusing for us and we appreciate your patience as we do this. That means we will not be airing our quarterly recaps on each of the gospels as we anticipated, but don’t let that stop you from digging into the gospels! We’re taking this opportunity to share some previously released episodes with you. If you are a newer listener, we’re excited for you to hear some of these earlier episodes and for our long-term listeners, we are hoping that these episodes will be an encouragement to you once again! We look forward to returning in the future so stay tuned!

The word worship stirs a wide range of thoughts and emotions across different Christian communities. In this re-aired episode, we’re joined by Josh Aucoin for a thoughtful conversation about what worship truly is. Together, we explore the heart behind worship—why we do it, and what corporate worship means to God and to the people in our churches.

Joyful Journey is taking a hiatus on recording new episodes for the next several months. This is a season of regrouping and refocusing for us and we appreciate your patience as we do this. That means we will not be airing our quarterly recaps on each of the gospels as we anticipated, but don’t let that stop you from digging into the gospels! We’re taking this opportunity to share some previously released episodes with you. If you are a newer listener, we’re excited for you to hear some of these earlier episodes and for our long-term listeners, we are hoping that these episodes will be an encouragement to you once again! We look forward to returning in the future so stay tuned!

You know you want to dig into God’s Word. But… where to begin? Our special guest, Sandy Esgar, joins Jocelyn and Janet this week to share some basic Bible study principles that will encourage you to grow deeper in your understanding of Scripture.

Joyful Journey is taking a hiatus on recording new episodes for the next several months. This is a season of regrouping and refocusing for us and we appreciate your patience as we do this. That means we will not be airing our quarterly recaps on each of the gospels as we anticipated, but don’t let that stop you from digging into the gospels! We’re taking this opportunity to share some previously released episodes with you. If you are a newer listener, we’re excited for you to hear some of these earlier episodes and for our long-term listeners, we are hoping that these episodes will be an encouragement to you once again! We look forward to returning in the future so stay tuned!

A special guest joins us today to wrap up our mini series on parenting, with a look into how to care for our children with special needs. Rita Jamison will share her wisdom on how the Lord has equipped us through His Word and a relationship with Him to love those who are often isolated and hurting.

Joyful Journey is taking a hiatus on recording new episodes for the next several months. This is a season of regrouping and refocusing for us and we appreciate your patience as we do this. That means we will not be airing our quarterly recaps on each of the gospels as we anticipated, but don’t let that stop you from digging into the gospels! We’re taking this opportunity to share some previously released episodes with you. If you are a newer listener, we’re excited for you to hear some of these earlier episodes and for our long-term listeners, we are hoping that these episodes will be an encouragement to you once again! We look forward to returning in the future so stay tuned!

In part two of our parenting mini-series, Janet and Jocelyn are back to explore what it truly means to raise our children up in the Lord—helping families weave the Gospel into ordinary moments that will bring glory to our God.

Joyful Journey is taking a hiatus on recording new episodes for the next several months. This is a season of regrouping and refocusing for us and we appreciate your patience as we do this. That means we will not be airing our quarterly recaps on each of the gospels as we anticipated, but don’t let that stop you from digging into the gospels! We’re taking this opportunity to share some previously released episodes with you. If you are a newer listener, we’re excited for you to hear some of these earlier episodes and for our long-term listeners, we are hoping that these episodes will be an encouragement to you once again! We look forward to returning in the future so stay tuned!

Join us this week as we learn how to create a home where children naturally choose righteousness by experiencing the beauty of God’s ways. This episode shares practical tips for Christian parents to foster faith without pressure, making God’s path inviting and real for kids.

Joyful Journey is taking a hiatus on recording new episodes for the next several months. This is a season of regrouping and refocusing for us and we appreciate your patience as we do this. That means we will not be airing our quarterly recaps on each of the gospels as we anticipated, but don’t let that stop you from digging into the gospels! We’re taking this opportunity to share some previously released episodes with you. If you are a newer listener, we’re excited for you to hear some of these earlier episodes and for our long-term listeners, we are hoping that these episodes will be an encouragement to you once again! We look forward to returning in the future so stay tuned!

Today’s culture often pushes back on the value of meekness, yet Jesus Himself presents meekness as a mark of true strength. Discover how understanding the gentle, yet powerful nature of biblical meekness can fill life with hope. In this uplifting conversation, Janet and Alexandra explore the beauty of a quiet spirit modeled after Christ, and the profound freedom found in accepting what God allows—unresisting and at peace. Listen in and find encouragement to cultivate strength under control and embrace the liberty of trusting God’s good purposes.

Joyful Journey is taking a hiatus on recording new episodes for the next several months. This is a season of regrouping and refocusing for us and we appreciate your patience as we do this. That means we will not be airing our quarterly recaps on each of the gospels as we anticipated, but don’t let that stop you from digging into the gospels! We’re taking this opportunity to share some previously released episodes with you. If you are a newer listener, we’re excited for you to hear some of these earlier episodes and for our long-term listeners, we are hoping that these episodes will be an encouragement to you once again! We look forward to returning in the future so stay tuned!

Join Janet Aucoin and Alexandra Nitzschke for an inspiring conversation about the deep longings within every heart—and how a biblical lens reveals glimpses of God’s goodness all around us. Discover hope in the waiting as you recognize the blessings hidden in everyday moments. Don’t miss this heartfelt episode that invites listeners to find purpose and peace, even in times of uncertainty or trials. 

Joyful Journey is taking a hiatus on recording new episodes for the next several months. This is a season of regrouping and refocusing for us and we appreciate your patience as we do this. That means we will not be airing our quarterly recaps on each of the gospels as we anticipated, but don’t let that stop you from digging into the gospels! We’re taking this opportunity to share some previously released episodes with you. If you are a newer listener, we’re excited for you to hear some of these earlier episodes and for our long-term listeners, we are hoping that these episodes will be an encouragement to you once again! We look forward to returning in the future so stay tuned!

We’re revisiting one of our very impactful episodes, where Janet Aucoin and Alexandra Nitzschke walk through the complex topic of anxiety and its various underlying heart issues by studying the Sermon on the Mount. Through thoughtful discussion and biblical insights, they explore how anxiety often reveals deeper struggles and how, in our relationship with Christ, we can discover true freedom amid these feelings.

Whether you’re listening for the first time or returning for a fresh perspective, this re-aired episode offers clarity, encouragement, and practical hope for navigating anxiety from a biblical viewpoint. Join us for this encore as we reflect on timeless truths and equip ourselves to pursue peace in Christ.

Joyful Journey is taking a hiatus on recording new episodes for the next several months. This is a season of regrouping and refocusing for us and we appreciate your patience as we do this. That means we will not be airing our quarterly recaps on each of the gospels as we anticipated, but don’t let that stop you from digging into the gospels! We’re taking this opportunity to share some previously released episodes with you. If you are a newer listener, we’re excited for you to hear some of these earlier episodes and for our long-term listeners, we are hoping that these episodes will be an encouragement to you once again! We look forward to returning in the future so stay tuned!

Joyful Journey welcomes co-host Alexandra Nitzschke back to the podcast! Janet Aucoin and Alexandra will discuss the story of Gethsemane from Matthew 26 and the stark difference between Jesus and His disciples as they respond to temptation. Their story helps guide our thoughts about how we react when temptation comes our way: Desperate prayer is a powerful tool the Lord uses to help us overcome the powerful pull of sin on our hearts.

Joyful Journey is taking a hiatus on recording new episodes for the next several months. This is a season of regrouping and refocusing for us and we appreciate your patience as we do this. That means we will not be airing our quarterly recaps on each of the gospels as we anticipated, but don’t let that stop you from digging into the gospels! We’re taking this opportunity to share some previously released episodes with you. If you are a newer listener, we’re excited for you to hear some of these earlier episodes and for our long-term listeners, we are hoping that these episodes will be an encouragement to you once again! We look forward to returning in the future so stay tuned!

Join us for a special re-airing of this heartfelt episode where Joyful Journey welcomes Janet's husband, Pastor Brent Aucoin. Together, they delve into the deep desires of our hearts—exploring why we want what we want and the roots of those desires. Drawing insights from Genesis 3, Brent and Janet unpack how our choices are shaped and offer guidance on aligning the treasures of our hearts with God’s eternal goodness. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that encourages us to reflect God's character and find true joy in what we value most.

Joyful Journey is taking a hiatus on recording new episodes for the next several months. This is a season of regrouping and refocusing for us and we appreciate your patience as we do this. That means we will not be airing our quarterly recaps on each of the gospels as we anticipated, but don’t let that stop you from digging into the gospels! We’re taking this opportunity to share some previously released episodes with you. If you are a newer listener, we’re excited for you to hear some of these earlier episodes and for our long-term listeners, we are hoping that these episodes will be an encouragement to you once again! We look forward to returning in the future so stay tuned!

Join Janet and Jocelyn as they revisit the powerful truths found in James 1, uncovering how we can pursue genuine joy—even in the midst of life’s toughest challenges. Whether you’re struggling to make sense of your own trials or supporting someone else through theirs, this conversation offers hope, encouragement, and practical wisdom for finding purpose when God’s plan feels unclear.

Joyful Journey is taking a hiatus on recording new episodes for the next several months. This is a season of regrouping and refocusing for us and we appreciate your patience as we do this. That means we will not be airing our quarterly recaps on each of the gospels as we anticipated, but don’t let that stop you from digging into the gospels! We’re taking this opportunity to share some previously released episodes with you. If you are a newer listener, we’re excited for you to hear some of these earlier episodes and for our long-term listeners, we are hoping that these episodes will be an encouragement to you once again! We look forward to returning in the future so stay tuned!

Join Janet and Jocelyn as they explore the transformative power of God’s hesed love—His steadfast, covenant-keeping kindness—in life’s hardest moments. When suffering comes, whether from the consequences of another’s sin, unexpected accidents, global crises, or the ache of living in a fallen world, it often feels profoundly unfair. Yet, in the midst of struggle, looking to Christ’s example and His compassionate heart offers a fresh perspective and anchors our hope. This heartfelt conversation is a timely reminder that, no matter the circumstance, God’s faithful love reorients our hearts, guides our response, and leads us toward lasting hope.

Joyful Journey is taking a hiatus on recording new episodes for the next several months. This is a season of regrouping and refocusing for us and we appreciate your patience as we do this. That means we will not be airing our quarterly recaps on each of the gospels as we anticipated, but don’t let that stop you from digging into the gospels! We’re taking this opportunity to share some previously released episodes with you. If you are a newer listener, we’re excited for you to hear some of these earlier episodes and for our long-term listeners, we are hoping that these episodes will be an encouragement to you once again! We look forward to returning in the future so stay tuned!

Last episode, we explored the hesed love of God - a sacrificial love that faithfully pursues even to its own hurt. Today, Janet and Jocelyn will take a look at what hesed love can look like, as we as Christ's followers attempt to live it out in everyday life.

Joyful Journey is taking a hiatus on recording new episodes for the next several months. This is a season of regrouping and refocusing for us and we appreciate your patience as we do this. That means we will not be airing our quarterly recaps on each of the gospels as we anticipated, but don’t let that stop you from digging into the gospels! We’re taking this opportunity to share some previously released episodes with you. If you are a newer listener, we’re excited for you to hear some of these earlier episodes and for our long-term listeners, we are hoping that these episodes will be an encouragement to you once again! We look forward to returning in the future so stay tuned!

Our re-aired episode for this week is entitled, “Hesed.”

When you picture the love of God, what comes to mind? In this episode, Janet and Jocelyn invite you to discover the depths of God’s faithful Hesed love—a love that is unwavering, sacrificial, and relentless in its pursuit, even to those who turn away. This is a love that gives first, gives most, and gives even when it costs everything. Join us as we explore how understanding the steadfast love of God transforms our worship and draws us into a richer, more authentic relationship with Him.

Joyful Journey is taking a hiatus on recording new episodes for the next several months. This is a season of regrouping and refocusing for us and we appreciate your patience as we do this. That means we will not be airing our quarterly recaps on each of the gospels as we anticipated, but don’t let that stop you from digging into the gospels! We’re taking this opportunity to share some previously released episodes with you. If you are a newer listener, we’re excited for you to hear some of these earlier episodes and for our long-term listeners, we are hoping that these episodes will be an encouragement to you once again! We look forward to returning in the future so stay tuned!

Joyful Journey is taking a hiatus on recording new episodes for the next several months. This is a season of regrouping and refocusing for us and we appreciate your patience as we do this. That means we will not be airing our quarterly recaps on each of the gospels as we anticipated, but don’t let that stop you from digging into the gospels! We’re taking this opportunity to share some previously released episodes with you. If you are a newer listener, we’re excited for you to hear some of these earlier episodes and for our long-term listeners, we are hoping that these episodes will be an encouragement to you once again! We look forward to returning in the future so stay tuned! 

Our re-aired episode for this week is entitled, Purpose and Rescue. 

In this episode, Janet and Jocelyn explore our God-given purpose in life as revealed in Scripture, highlighting the profound joy that comes from embracing that purpose. They discuss the central themes of the gospel - rebellion, redemption, and rescue - emphasizing how Jesus Christ came to save us from our sin and reconcile us to God, restoring us to the purpose for which we were created. Through their conversation, Janet and Jocelyn help us reflect on the salvation story and consider how our lives can be radically transformed by Jesus’s deep, abiding love.

One of the seemingly confusing concepts in Scripture is the fear of the Lord. If God loves and cares for us, how could we fear Him, and why would we need to?

This week, Janet and Jocelyn explore what it means to fear the Lord by examining the Scriptures. They discuss how we often fear many things in life, and how these fears can be misplaced. The ladies guide us to understand why fearing the Lord actually leads us to find hope in Him.

One of the many blessings of accepting Christ is our union with Him—but what does it truly mean to be one with Christ?

This week, Janet and Jocelyn take a closer look at what it means for a Christian to be united with Christ. Union with Christ is often overlooked or misunderstood because it can feel abstract or hard to grasp, yet it’s key to understanding the rich blessings we receive through salvation.

We as humans are naturally limited in our strength, and there’s much we cannot accomplish through our own power. What wisdom does the Bible offer about our inherent human weakness?

In this week’s episode, Janet and Jocelyn explore the concept of weakness and what Scripture reveals about the limitations we were created with. The ladies discuss how embracing our weaknesses can actually point us toward our perfectly strong Savior, Jesus Christ, who deserves all honor and glory.

Anger can sometimes feel overwhelming, leaving us wondering about its true origins. What does the Bible say about anger, and is it possible to experience it in a righteous way?

This week, Janet and Jocelyn sit down with Dr. Robert Jones, professor and department chair of Biblical Counseling at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. As an accomplished author and adjunct professor at Faith Bible Seminary, Dr. Jones shares his insights on the root of anger, helping us understand where it stems from and where our sinful anger is actually directed.

Our lives are filled with choices, some easy and some difficult. What does the Bible say about how God views our decisions and their impact on our journey?

Janet and Jocelyn dive into the powerful consequences of following God's ways this week. Through heartfelt conversation, they explore Scripture and reveal how God consistently expresses His desire to bless those who walk the path of righteousness.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Our hosts, Janet & Jocelyn, had the opportunity again this year to record a special live episode at our church’s Biblical Counseling Training Conference in Lafayette, Indiana. Janet and Jocelyn answer audience questions submitted online. We enjoyed meeting many of our listeners and we hope this can be a blessing to those who weren’t able to attend live. For more information about the Biblical Counseling Training Conference, follow this link: faithlafayette.org/BCTC.

The topic of conceiving and bearing children can often feel difficult to discuss - but it doesn't have to be. What does scripture say about our desire to build families?

This week Janet and Jocelyn welcome Dr. Dan Wickert, an OB-GYN and chairman of the hospital board for the Western region of the Sisters of St. Francis. He shares insights on our desire to have children, and how to approach medical challenges to conception through the lens of God's word.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Navigating life with a child who has special needs can be an overwhelming journey, filled with unique challenges and emotional complexities. How does faith provide guidance when confronting the realities of suffering and disability?

Janet and Jocelyn welcome back Tirzah Birk, a mother of four who brings profound insights from her personal experiences. In this continuation of their special needs parenting series, Tirzah offers a deeply compassionate exploration of disability and suffering, viewed through the lens of God's sovereign love and ultimate purpose. She helps listeners understand how scripture can transform our perspective, providing hope and comfort even in life's most challenging moments.

Every family touched by special needs walks a unique path, filled with its own distinct challenges, moments, and daily realities. But in the midst of these circumstances, is there room for joy? 

Janet and Jocelyn welcome Tirzah Birk, a mom of 4 whose husband is a pastor at Faith Church in Lafayette, IN. Tirzah shares her heart about the everyday challenges faced by parents of children with special needs, showing just how many families walk this path together. With gentle wisdom, she turns to scripture's comforting words, finding hope and guidance for parents processing the unique struggles, stress, and grief that come with caring for children with special needs and disabilities. We pray this two-part series brings comfort and encouragement to all families walking the special needs journey.

Exciting new scripture challenge for 2025! Join us as we read through gospels throughout the year looking for Jesus.

This week brings our yearly "Ask Us Anything" episode, where Janet and Jocelyn dive into your questions and point us back to Scripture along the way. Thank you for all your great questions – we hope this episode lifts your spirit as we gear up for an exciting lineup of topics in 2025.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

In this week's special episode, Janet and Jocelyn discuss the hope of Christmas. They remind listeners of God's redemptive plan, which He fulfilled through the Christmas story.

The light of the Christmas story is not merely an addition to an already-illuminated world, but rather the sole hope and radiant light that illuminates the path to a relationship with the Holy One, the Prince of Peace, the true Light of the World.

Caring for family members with dementia can be exhausting, difficult, and can even feel hopeless. What guidance can we find in the scriptures to support those caring for individuals with dementia?

In this episode, Janet and Jocelyn interview Keri Allen, a former special education teacher who served as the primary caregiver for her father from his early-onset frontotemporal dementia (FTD) diagnosis until his passing in 2024. Keri offers a biblical perspective on dementia and directs listeners to the ultimate source of hope for Christians—Jesus Christ.

In today’s episode, Janet and Jocelyn explore the importance of giving thanks in all circumstances. Whether in easy or difficult times, the Lord's steadfast love never fails. Together, they share Biblical wisdom on maintaining a thankful heart through every season.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Idolatry might seem like something relegated to ancient cultures worshiping statues of stone, bronze, or gold, but how does it manifest in modern-day culture?

This week, Janet and Jocelyn dive deep into idols of the heart. While they've touched on this topic in previous episodes, it deserves its own dedicated discussion. Heart-idolatry can stem from virtually any desire—even those that appear "good." The ladies explore how idols subtly enter our lives and offer guidance on identifying which ones may have taken root in your heart.

In our hyper-connected era, many children grapple with worry and anxiety. How can parents nurture faith and peace in their kids amidst these challenging times?

Janet and Jocelyn discuss parenting anxious children with Dr. Amy Baker, Ph.D., Resource Director at Faith Church, board member of the Bible Counseling Coalition, and ACBC certified counselor. They explore using God's Word, particularly the Psalms, to counter anxiety.

What are "boundaries" in relationships, and are they biblical? Many counselees use this term, but its meaning isn't always clear.

Janet and Jocelyn examine the origins of "boundaries" and explore biblical teachings on relationships, particularly how loving our enemies intersects with setting personal limits. Can Christians set biblical boundaries in relationships?

"Judge not that you be not judged" is often invoked by Christians feeling scrutinized. But what does Scripture actually say about discerning right from wrong versus being judgmental?

This week, Janet and Jocelyn welcome Dr. Rob Green - author, pastor, and counselor. As MABC Department chair at Faith Bible Seminary and an ACBC fellow specializing in marriage and reconciliation, Pastor Rob explores how prioritizing personal standards over biblical ones can turn righteous discernment into unwarranted judgment of others.

What do you do when all hope seems to be lost? How can Christians support one another through times of discontent and despair?

In this episode, Janet and Jocelyn explore the challenging topics of discontent, self-pity, and despair. They discuss the root causes of these struggles and suggest that discontent with God often lies at the heart of the matter. The hosts examine the concept of biblical contentment and highlight the hope we can find in trusting God's sovereignty. Janet and Jocelyn remind listeners that God's plans, though sometimes difficult to understand, are ultimately better than we could imagine for ourselves.

Adoption offers a picture of the spiritual adoption Christians experience in Christ. However, for many adopted children, this journey can also involve deep sorrow and grief over the separation from their birth families.

This week, Janet and Jocelyn have the honor of hosting Pam Bauer, a graduate of Faith Seminary’s MABC program. Pam and her husband have adopted 12 children from Russia. Pam dedicates herself to counseling children in her community. Together, they discuss how adoptive parents can nurture a biblical understanding of God’s foreknowledge and sovereignty in their children. By grounding them in these truths, adopted children can better comprehend and embrace their place within their adoptive family, viewing it through the lens of our spiritual adoption into God’s family.

Despite being more connected than ever through social media, many people today are struggling with what some have termed “the loneliness epidemic.” But what guidance does the Bible offer on the topic of loneliness?

This week, Janet and Jocelyn explore loneliness from a Christian perspective, reflecting on how Christ’s example can shed light on our feelings of isolation. They delve into the roots of loneliness, emphasizing that we are inherently designed to be relational beings.

Pride can easily take root in the hearts of Christians, often unnoticed. Humility is frequently seen as the remedy for pride, but how can Christians genuinely cultivate this virtue?

This week, Janet and Jocelyn interview Dr. Stuart Scott, a seasoned educator who has taught at Southern Seminary and Masters Seminary, and is now collaborating with Bob Jones University to establish a counseling center. Dr. Scott delves into the distinction between pride and humility, explaining that pride centers on oneself, while humility focuses on others. He emphasizes the subtlety of pride and offers practical advice on how to identify and overcome it, helping Christians to shift their focus towards God and others.

Often in the Christian life, we are called to encourage others spiritually by affirming their right choices. However, it can be challenging to avoid the pitfalls of flattery. What does Scripture say about affirming others in spiritual matters?

This week, Janet and Jocelyn discuss how to genuinely affirm others on their spiritual walk. They explore the importance of motivation, emphasizing that affirmation should aim to glorify God and build others up, not seek personal gain. By grounding our affirmations in Scripture, we can encourage other believers in a way that honors God and promotes spiritual growth.

Meditation is frequently recommended in popular culture as a way to alleviate stress and anxiety while fostering a sense of calm. The Bible, however, provides specific guidance on what authentic, biblical meditation and contemplation should entail.

This week, Janet and Jocelyn explore the tenets of biblical meditation and contemplation, highlighting how they differ from worldly perspectives. They delve into the key aspects we should focus on when meditating on scripture and discuss how contemplation of God should inspire us to love and honor Him more deeply

Parents often feel overwhelmed, unsure, and nervous about speaking with their kids about sex, but what principles about “the talk” can we find in scripture?

This week, Janet and Jocelyn explore how Christians can approach conversations about sex with their children. They share personal examples of discussing the beauty of biblical sex, highlighting how their approaches varied based on each child's unique needs. Additionally, they address common obstacles to having these important conversations and offer strategies for overcoming them by emphasizing a biblical perspective of sex within marriage.

We welcome special guest, Aaron Birk, to the podcast to talk about the sovereignty and providence of God. In this episode, we talk about this beautiful, theological topic that can be difficult to grasp. We answer some of the big questions about God’s sovereignty.

Aaron is the pastor of global missions for Faith Church and Pastor of Faith West Ministries. Aaron oversees Faith Church West, international student and family ministries, missionaries, and short-term missions. Aaron is married to Tirzah and has four children.