Unmasking Deception: The Battle Against False Prophets

27:43

In this episode, I explore the dangerous trend of shallow, consumer Christianity that prioritizes comfort over conviction. Drawing from my fresh perspective as a new believer, I challenge you to embrace the full depth of Biblical faith rather than creating a customized version of God that fits worldly comfort. What You Can Expect as a Listener * Fresh perspective on faith from my journey as someone new to Christianity who's reading the Bible for the first time * Biblical truth about the cost of authentic discipleship and why it's worth paying * My insights on avoiding the trap of consumer Christianity that picks and chooses from Scripture * Encouragement to develop genuine conviction rooted in the full counsel of God's Word * My challenge to you to represent Christ authentically in a world that needs real examples of faith Time-Stamped Contents * 00:00 - Introduction: The Problem of Watered Down Faith * 01:21 - Fresh Eyes: My New Believer Observations * 03:22 - How We Change God to Fit Our Comfort * 05:04 - The Danger of Legalism vs. Heart Transformation * 07:15 - Fear of God's Intensity and Emotion * 08:30 - Consumer Christianity: The Buffet Approach * 10:14 - My Disappointment in Shallow Church Culture * 11:44 - Scripture's Warnings About Following Humans * 13:25 - The Bible's Life-Changing Power in My Life * 14:31 - How Shallow Christians Harm the Faith * 16:24 - The Importance of the Holy Trinity * 18:36 - The True Cost of Following Jesus * 20:41 - Glorifying God in All Things * 22:37 - Finding Strength and Conviction in Christ * 25:05 - My Closing Prayer and Community Building Your Invitation to Action Stop settling for shallow faith that leaves you empty. This week, I challenge you to commit to reading one chapter of the Bible daily and ask God to reveal His true character to you—not the version you've created for comfort, but the powerful, loving, convicting God who transforms lives. Let Him show you what authentic Christianity looks like in your daily walk. 3 Key Quotes That Will Challenge Your Heart "The biggest challenge to faith in the modern world is shallow Christians." "Following Jesus is gonna cost us things. We have to be ready to pay that price. He paid the ultimate price." "We represent the body of Christ. We are the church. And so it's up to us as followers of him to demonstrate what that means." Connect with Me * Subscribe: Order Within * Email: orderwithin@substack.com * Written Reflection: https://orderwithinpodcast.com/p/watered-down-christianity-wr * Support Kingdom-Centered Living: Check out God-centered merchandise Share This Message Know someone struggling with shallow faith or seeking authentic Christianity? Share this episode with them. Sometimes we need fresh eyes to see what we've been missing. Help me spread genuine faith that transforms lives and draws people closer to our Heavenly Father. Get full access to Order Within at orderwithinpodcast.com/subscribe…

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God Needs Us | Ep. 122 23:39

20 днів тому23:39

23:39

Episode Summary In this episode, I explore the idea that while God is perfect and complete, He still yearns for a relationship with us. I make the case that God needs us—not from any lack within Himself, but from His divine love. I look at scripture that shows how we're called to be God's representatives in the world and why our consent to this relationship matters to our Creator. What You'll Find in This Episode * Why God desires relationship with His creation despite being perfect * Biblical passages showing God's yearning for connection with us * Our role as God's representatives in the world * The importance of our free choice in our relationship with Him * How ancient prophetic messages apply to our modern faith challenges Episode Chapters * [00:00:10] Introduction: The concept of God needing us * [00:01:19] God's perfection and His desire for relationship * [00:02:23] Biblical examples of God's jealousy and desire for relationship * [00:05:39] The importance of not worshipping other gods * [00:07:09] Modern idols: How we prioritize money, success, and careers over God * [00:08:15] God wants genuine relationship, not forced obedience * [00:10:02] The significance of choice and consent in our relationship with God * [00:10:48] How we are God's hands and feet in the world * [00:14:13] Our responsibility to advocate for God in a secular world * [00:15:48] Christianity as a religion of service following Christ's example * [00:17:24] The importance of heart, obedience, and surrender to God * [00:18:26] Prayer as daily guidance: "Make me your instrument" * [00:20:04] Closing prayer and invitation to connect * [00:21:39] Final thoughts on finding purpose in serving God * [00:22:50] Call to connect through Substack and contact information Key Insights "God is perfect, He's complete, He's whole. He is the beginning, the middle, the end. He is everything. He's unchanging, but He loves us so dearly." "Who will represent God if it's not us? Who will speak on His behalf, who will advocate for Him and what He desires?" "The heart is where this lives. The heart is where God lives. The heart is where Jesus is with us. This is where our Holy Spirit is." Ways to Connect * Join our community on Substack * Email your thoughts and questions to orderwithin@substack.com * Read the accompanying Written Reflection for this episode: God Needs Us | Written Reflection * Browse God-centered merchandise at my wife's RedBubble store Share the Message Did this episode speak to you? I invite you to share it with someone who might be questioning their purpose or struggling with their relationship with God. Your share could bring someone closer to understanding God's love and purpose for them. "Father, show me the way. Show me what you desire. How can I be your instrument? How can I serve you? Make me useful to you." Get full access to Order Within at orderwithinpodcast.com/subscribe…

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Prophets and God's Servants: Finding Relatability in Biblical Characters | Ep. 121 28:45

27 днів тому28:45

28:45

This episode is also available as a Written Reflection. If you prefer reading to listening, you can find the written version here: https://orderwithinpodcast.com/p/prophets-and-gods-servants-finding In this episode, I dive deep into the rich tapestry of biblical characters beyond Jesus and what we can learn from God's prophets and servants. I share personal insights from my own faith journey and explain how the stories of imperfect people in Scripture can help us relate to our own struggles in following God. What You'll Hear in This Episode: I explore why the Bible is so much more than just the story of Jesus—it's filled with relatable characters who struggled just like we do. From Jeremiah's difficult mission to Moses' reluctance, these biblical figures show us what it means to serve God, especially when it's challenging. I also open up about my personal transformation through faith, how my perspective on Jesus's sacrifice has evolved from fear to love, and why understanding the full context of Scripture has deepened my relationship with God. Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and welcome 00:51 - The richness of the Bible beyond "Jesus only" 02:48 - How Jesus brought the law to life 04:50 - My daily Bible discussions with my wife 06:04 - Jeremiah's difficult task and rejection 07:27 - Obedience and trust in our self-reliant culture 09:06 - My personal journey back to faith 11:05 - How the Holy Trinity works together in our lives 13:04 - My changing perspective on Jesus's sacrifice 14:56 - Understanding God's anger in the Old Testament 17:17 - The suffering that comes with doing God's work 19:23 - Biblical characters who doubted their calling 21:10 - The Bible's unique journey through history 23:33 - Learning from flawed, relatable biblical characters 25:17 - Today's worship of materialism and secularism 26:31 - Closing prayer for listeners My Invitation to You: I'd love to hear your thoughts, questions, or topics you'd like me to cover in future episodes. What biblical characters do you find most relatable? How has your perspective on Scripture evolved over time? Connect With Me: * Join our growing community on Substack: Order Within * Email me your questions and topic ideas: orderwithin@substack.com * Comment on this episode to share your thoughts and start a conversation * Check out my wife's Christian collection on RedBubble: https://rdbl.co/4gCqi5z Thank you for joining me on this journey of faith. If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with someone who might be blessed by it. Get full access to Order Within at orderwithinpodcast.com/subscribe…

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Reconciling the Divine: Understanding God's Perfect Emotion | Ep. 120 20:12

5 weeks тому20:12

20:12

Welcome to another episode of Order Within. This one is deeply personal to me as I share insights that have been developing through my daily Bible readings and prayer time. What began as a structured podcast has evolved into something much more organic and Spirit-led, and I'm grateful for that transformation. In this episode, I'm diving into something I've been wrestling with: how we reconcile the seemingly different portrayals of God throughout the Bible. Many Christians struggle with the God of the Old Testament versus Jesus in the New Testament, but through conversations with my wife and personal study, I've come to a powerful realization about God's perfect emotional responses and the true nature of Christ's sacrifice. I believe this topic touches on the heart of authentic Christianity—moving beyond a self-serving faith that stops at salvation to truly picking up our cross and following Jesus. My prayer is that this reflection helps you deepen your own relationship with God and see the beautiful complexity of His nature with fresh eyes. Table of Contents [00:00:16] My evolving approach to faith and this podcast [00:01:53] Why many Christians fear engaging deeply with Scripture [00:03:07] The challenge of reconciling the Old Testament with Jesus [00:05:33] Key insight: "God's responses are perfect, but He has emotion" [00:06:54] Reframing the crucifixion as God's mercy, not bloodthirst [00:08:37] How Jesus conquered sin through his perfect act of love [00:11:52] Loving our enemies without watering down truth [00:14:31] Following Jesus means picking up our cross and suffering [00:16:04] Jesus as both lover and warrior - the complete picture [00:18:13] Closing prayer and personal reflection Key Quotes * "God's responses are perfect, but He has emotion. He has anger, love, grief... But His responses are perfect in those moments." * "Jesus was asking on our behalf for our Creator to forgive us. He was asking God to love us anyway, to let his life be that sacrifice." * "The Bible teaches us we will suffer, be ridiculed, be mocked. Look at what happened to Jesus, the greatest to ever live." * "Jesus was a lover who cared deeply for people, but he was also a warrior." * "Don't let anyone stand between you and God, between you and Christ, between you and the Holy Spirit." Related Resources * Previous episode on the Limits of Tolerance * Written Reflection for this episode * Bible references: John 8:1-11 - The story of the woman caught in adultery Connect With Me * Subscribe to our Substack: Order Within * Email: orderwithin@substack.com 50% of all earnings from this Substack are donated to charitable causes. Please consider supporting our ministry and outreach by becoming a paid subscriber. Get full access to Order Within at orderwithinpodcast.com/subscribe…

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God Never Leaves Us | Ep. 119 26:59

7 weeks тому26:59

26:59

This episode is also available as a Written Reflection. If you prefer reading to listening, you can find the written version here : https://orderwithinpodcast.com/p/god-never-leaves-us-wr In this episode of Order Within, we explore the theme of God's unwavering presence in our lives despite the chaos and injustices of the world. Addressing the struggles many face with the existence of evil and suffering, we delve into religious teachings to elucidate why these challenges do not signify God's absence. We discuss a reflection prompted by a video on LinkedIn, highlighting misconceptions about Satan and God's nature. Through the lens of biblical stories, particularly the fall of Eden, Brandon explains the significance of free will and the consequences of human choices. We underscore the concept of redemption through Christ and emphasize the importance of forming a personal relationship with God. The episode concludes with a prayer for understanding, guidance, and spiritual awakening. Table of Contents 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:18 The Chaos and Injustice of the World 01:11 Questioning God's Presence 01:53 A Story from LinkedIn 05:30 The Fall and Separation from God 07:54 God's Ever-Present Love 13:40 Redemption Through Christ 20:43 The Importance of Choice in Faith 24:30 Concluding Thoughts and Prayer 26:03 Final Announcements Join my Substack: https://orderwithinpodcast.com/ Check out my wife's Christian collection on RedBubble: https://rdbl.co/4gCqi5z Get full access to Order Within at orderwithinpodcast.com/subscribe…

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The Irrationality of God | Ep. 118 24:30

8 weeks тому24:30

24:30

Prefer to Read? Here’s the link to the written post based on this episode: https://orderwithinpodcast.com/p/the-irrationality-of-god In this episode of Order Within, I share what's been weighing on my heart - the seeming irrationality of following God in a world obsessed with logic and reason. As I journey through Isaiah in my Bible reading, I'm struck by how God often calls us to actions that don't make rational sense on the surface, yet lead to profound blessings when we obey. I explore how our modern culture idolizes self-reliance and independence, making obedience to God feel countercultural. Drawing from biblical examples like Noah, Abraham, and Moses, I reflect on my personal struggles with surrendering control and trusting God's heart-led guidance rather than my own reasoning. The mind is meant to be a tool supporting the heart, as God communes with us through our hearts. When we allow Him to lead, we discover that obedience to God isn't slavery but true freedom and fulfillment - even when His path seems illogical by worldly standards. Join me in this honest conversation about finding the courage to follow God's prompting, even when reason tells us otherwise, and discovering the joy that comes from faithful obedience. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Welcome and introduction to this unplanned, heart-led episode 00:20 Contrasting our rational world with God's seemingly irrational ways 02:04 Biblical examples where God asked for seemingly illogical obedience 03:22 Why trusting God's wisdom over our limited understanding matters 04:39 How American culture's emphasis on independence challenges surrender to God 06:56 Jesus as our ultimate example of heart-centered obedience 07:56 My personal struggle with rationality versus faithful obedience 09:36 Reflections on Eden and our continued rebellion through self-reliance 12:07 The battlefield of the mind: how we reason ourselves out of God's prompting 14:18 Finding true freedom and purpose through surrender 22:16 Closing prayer for obedience and service 23:15 Announcement about Written Reflections on Substack Check out my wife's Christian collection on RedBubble: https://rdbl.co/4gCqi5z Thanks for reading Order Within! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Order Within at orderwithinpodcast.com/subscribe…

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Discover the Personal Nature of God | Ep. 117 26:17

11 weeks тому26:17

26:17

In this episode of Order Within, I explore the deeply personal nature of our relationship with God. I discuss the importance of genuine connection over performative actions and emphasizes the value of slowing down to find stillness with God. Through scripture, including passages from Matthew, Isaiah, and Corinthians, the episode delves into the concept of loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and loving your neighbor as yourself. I highlight the transformative power of a personal relationship with God, the dangers of relying solely on self, and the fulfillment that comes from surrendering to God's will. The episode concludes with a prayer, seeking to open hearts and minds to God's presence and guidance. Table of Contents: 00:00 Introduction and Updates 00:43 The Personal Nature of God 03:09 Doing vs. Being in Faith 08:11 Scriptural Insights on Love and Commandments 12:40 The Consequences of Separation from God 13:37 Isaiah's Teachings on Genuine Worship 17:23 Corinthians: Our Bodies as God's Temple 19:51 The Transformative Power of Faith 23:27 Closing Thoughts and Prayer 24:59 Final Remarks and Farewell The link to the written post: Join my Substack here: https://orderwithinpodcast.com/ Check out my wife's Christian collection on RedBubble: https://rdbl.co/4gCqi5z Get full access to Order Within at orderwithinpodcast.com/subscribe…

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Defying Doubt: Choosing Faith in a Skeptical World | Ep. 116 24:58

14 weeks тому24:58

24:58

In this episode of Order Within, I reflect on my evolving relationship with God, the challenges and joys it brings, and the intellectual and emotional stimulation it provides. I discuss the importance of prayer, Bible study, and introspection in deepening one's faith, and emphasize the transformative power of embracing God in one's life. I also touch on the misconceptions about God and the struggles of living in a world that often mocks faith. I conclude with a heartfelt prayer and encourage listeners to strengthen their connection with God. Table of Contents: 00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome 00:15 Personal Reflections on God 01:48 Intellectual Stimulation of Faith 02:58 Navigating Life with God 04:17 Made in God's Image 05:58 Challenges and Reflections 16:03 The Role of Prayer 22:37 Final Thoughts and Prayer 23:30 Conclusion and Farewell The link to the written post: Join my Substack here: https://orderwithinpodcast.com/ Check out my wife's Christian collection on RedBubble: https://rdbl.co/4gCqi5z Get full access to Order Within at orderwithinpodcast.com/subscribe…

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A God Sized Hole | Ep. 115 20:41

15 weeks тому20:41

20:41

In this episode of Order Within, I reflect on the concept of a 'God-sized hole' in people's lives, rooted in a lack of spiritual meaning. As a new follower of Christ, I share my personal journey of surrendering to faith and how it has transformed my view of suffering and the world's attempts to fill voids with temporary solutions. I emphasize the importance of finding true fulfillment through God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer for guidance, purpose, and the strength to help others discover God's love and glory. Table of Contents 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:24 A God-Sized Hole: Understanding the Void 01:01 Personal Journey and Transformation 03:03 The World's Deception and False Solutions 06:04 The Importance of Surrender and Humility 07:04 The Role of Sin and Secular Indoctrination 08:48 The Power of the Holy Trinity 15:19 The Call to Serve and Share God's Love 19:48 Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement The link to the written post: https://open.substack.com/pub/orderwithin/p/a-god-sized-hole-ep-115 Join my Substack here: https://orderwithinpodcast.com/ Check out my wife's Christian collection on RedBubble: https://rdbl.co/4gCqi5z Get full access to Order Within at orderwithinpodcast.com/subscribe…

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Called to Change | Ep. 114 21:32

16 weeks тому21:32

21:32

In this episode of Order Within, I discuss my personal journey of change after deciding to follow Christ. I explore the unexpected inner transformations that come from embracing Christianity, the discipline of engaging with the Bible, and the humbling realization of seeing the world through a biblical lens. I share my insights on how God works methodically to renew our minds and hearts, offer key scriptures to illustrate these points and emphasize the gradual yet powerful impact of deepening one's faith and establishing a life aligned with God's will. You don’t want to miss this episode! Table of Contents: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey 00:55 The Nature of Change 02:11 The Power of the Bible 05:31 Scriptural Insights 07:47 Transformation Through Faith 12:37 Living a God-Centered Life 18:16 Closing Thoughts and Prayer 19:22 Final Remarks and Invitation The link to the written post: https://orderwithinpodcast.com/p/called-to-change Join my Substack here: https://orderwithinpodcast.com/ Check out my wife's Christian collection on RedBubble: https://rdbl.co/4gCqi5z Get full access to Order Within at orderwithinpodcast.com/subscribe…

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The Joy of God | Ep. 113 28:09

17 weeks тому28:09

28:09

This episode is also available as a Written Reflection. If you prefer reading to listening, you can find the written version here: https://orderwithinpodcast.com/p/the-joy-of-god-wr In this episode of Order Within, I dive into the profound joy found in a relationship with God. I reflect on my own life journey, marked by an unfulfilled chase of materialism and status, which ultimately led to depression and isolation. I share my transformative experience of discovering God's love, learning self-acceptance, and finding true purpose and joy. I emphasizes the importance of embracing God's love to heal wounds and overcome the relentless pursuit of worldly fulfillment. The episode also reveals my ongoing dedication to God through this podcast and my new commitment to donating a significant portion of his earnings to Christian causes. Join me as I explore the daily joy and peace that comes with living a life centered on God. Table of Contents: 00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome 00:51 The Pursuit of Material Fulfillment 03:01 Realization and Turning Point 05:19 Embracing God's Love 09:11 Personal Transformation and Healing 13:36 Christ's Dedication and Our Inspiration 17:00 The Importance of Self-Love 19:17 God's Ever-Present Love 24:36 Conclusion and Future Plans My conversation with Dr. Paul: https://orderwithinpodcast.com/p/unveiling-the-power-of-self-love-cba?r=5fjp1 Join my Substack here: https://orderwithinpodcast.com/ Check out my wife's Christian collection on RedBubble: https://rdbl.co/4gCqi5z Thank you for listening and God bless! Get full access to Order Within at orderwithinpodcast.com/subscribe…

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The Limits of Tolerance | Ep. 112 28:20

18 weeks тому28:20

28:20

This episode is also available as a Written Reflection. If you prefer reading to listening, you can find the written version here: https://orderwithinpodcast.com/p/the-limits-of-tolerance-wr The Limits of Tolerance: A Call to Biblical Truth In this episode of Order Within, I discuss the importance of returning to Biblical teachings and how my renewed love for writing on Substack has influenced my spiritual journey. I introduce a new podcast format where I read my written pieces, add commentary, and conclude with a prayer. I emphasizes the distinction between genuine love and harmful tolerance, urging listeners to challenge sinful behaviors with patience and teaching. I support this message with scripture, highlighting the duty of Christians to stand against evil and false teachings, and stresses the significance of accepting Christ as the only path to God. 00:00 Introduction and New Format Announcement 02:01 The Limits of Tolerance 03:39 Biblical Teachings on Sin and Tolerance 08:10 The Role of Christians in the Modern World 21:10 The Armor of God 25:17 Conclusion and Prayer Join my Substack for more content and community: https://orderwithinpodcast.com/ Check out my wife's Christian collection on RedBubble: https://rdbl.co/4gCqi5z Get full access to Order Within at orderwithinpodcast.com/subscribe…

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Be Like Children | Ep. 111 23:39

19 weeks тому23:39

23:39

In today's episode of Order Within, I, explore the profound teachings of Jesus on being like children, as discussed in Matthew Chapter 18. Through personal anecdotes and scriptural insights, I delve into the importance of childlike qualities - innocence, curiosity, openness, and trust - in our spiritual journey. This episode highlights the healing and joy that embracing our inner child can bring, and how aligning with these virtues can lead to a fulfilling life rooted in faith. Join me as we unravel the significance of being childlike in our relationship with God and Christ, and how it can transform our lives for the better. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:16 The Importance of Being Childlike 02:02 Scriptural Insights from Matthew 18 11:04 Lessons from Matthew 19 14:43 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 22:06 Closing Prayer and Wrap-Up Join my Substack: https://orderwithinpodcast.com/ Check out my wife's Christian collection on RedBubble: https://rdbl.co/4gCqi5z Get full access to Order Within at orderwithinpodcast.com/subscribe…

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Unmasking Deception: The Battle Against False Prophets | Ep. 110 28:30

20 weeks тому28:30

28:30

In this episode of Order Within, I delve into the crucial topic of false prophets, exploring their characteristics and methods. Through close study of scripture, including passages from Matthew, First Kings, Jeremiah, Timothy, and Ezekiel, I shed light on how to identify and understand false prophets and their misleading messages. I emphasize the importance of aligning one's life with God's teachings and being vigilant to avoid deception. The episode concludes with a prayer for guidance and discernment in recognizing and standing against false prophets. I hope you enjoy it. Please share your thoughts in the comments! Table of Contents: 00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic 00:52 Understanding False Prophets 01:43 Personal Reflections and Mistakes 02:55 Scriptural Insights on False Prophets 04:32 Characteristics of False Prophets 05:47 Examples from Scripture 08:02 False Messages and Ungodly Behavior 15:40 Manipulation and Deception 19:46 True vs. False Prophets 25:08 Encouragement and Final Thoughts 27:10 Closing Prayer and Farewell Join My Substack: https://orderwithinpodcast.com/ Check out my wife's Christian collection on RedBubble: https://rdbl.co/4gCqi5z Get full access to Order Within at orderwithinpodcast.com/subscribe…

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Beyond Condemnation: The Art of Restorative Judgment | Ep. 109 22:08

21 weeks тому22:08