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On this episode, Sean and I continue our discussion of God's revealed characteristics, specifically how God is portrayed as a Father.  With our time being limited and increased demands placed upon it, future episodes will have a greater time gap between their releases. We'll do the best we can to have them out in a timely manner. Is there a topic you'd like to suggest we discuss on a future episode? A question you have about any social, spiritual or cultural issue? Comments? Email us at holdfastpodcast@protonmail.com!

In a throwback to our very first episode, we discussed the nature of God, and how different perspectives of God's nature have been perceived in different periods of time, specifically the God of the Old Testament compared to God in the New Testament. When the whole of scripture is examined, what we find is that God isn't a one-dimensional character in mankind's story, rather there are layers to God's personality and different facets to who He is. This is the first in a three part series about God's nature, in which we discuss the presentation in scripture of God as sovereign, supreme King over all. Is there a topic you'd like to suggest we discuss on a future episode? A question you have about any social, spiritual or cultural issue? Comments? Email us at holdfastpodcast@protonmail.com!

Welcome to Season 2 of the podcast! After a break that was longer than either Sean or I really wanted, we're back with new episodes for 2020.  Our first episode of Season 2 is timely as we discuss Christmas. For many people Christmas is their favorite time of the year. For others, it's not any more significant than any other day, and yet for others Christmas is a holiday tradition steeped in paganism and should be completely avoided at all costs. If you're looking for a podcast that declares that we need to "keep the Christ in Christmas", or if you're hoping to hear us decry Christmas as a pagan tradition that shouldn't ever be celebrated, you'll likely be disappointed. If you want to hear a good discussion about the birth of Jesus, its significance, why it matters, and why we shouldn't overlook one of the most significant events ever recorded in history, then you'll enjoy this episode.  Is there a topic you'd like to suggest we discuss on a future episode? A question you have about any social, spiritual or cultural issue? Comments? Email us at holdfastpodcast@protonmail.com!

"You should just trust God more." "The Bible says be anxious for nothing, so being anxious is sin!" "You wouldn't be depressed if you focused on the good things in life." Statements like these abound in the minds and hearts of well-meaning individuals who struggle to help those with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. What are some of the underlying causes of depression and anxiety? Is prayer enough to climb out of the pit of depression?  Jennifer Weiberg is an educator and holds a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This discussion of mental health challenges and strategies addressed the misconceptions surrounding anxiety, depression, counseling, and treatment of various mental health disorders.  Is there a topic you'd like to suggest we discuss on a future episode? A question you have about any social, spiritual or cultural issue? Comments? Email us at holdfastpodcast@protonmail.com!

Where did the bible come from? Was it a volume of work selected by mere men in an effort to establish control and rule over mankind? Was it cobbled together randomly and by chance? Did the Catholic church select what works are considered 'inspired'? What about the Apocrypha, the Gnostic 'Gospels', and the other works written in the era in which the Bible was compiled? And by the way, how DID the Holy Spirit inspire those writers to write what they wrote? Bro. Mike Criswell joins us as we discuss the history of the Bible, the establishment of Biblical canon, and how the books of the bible were selected (recognized) as canonical. We also spend a little bit of time discussing the process of inspiration, and how the Holy Spirit operated in inspiring the writers of the scriptures. If you'd like to read more about this topic, http://www.thereformationbookshelf.com/Home.html is a wealth of information.  Is there a topic you'd like to suggest we discuss on a future episode? A question you have about any social, spiritual or cultural issue? Comments? Email us at holdfastpodcast@protonmail.com!

In episodes 15 & 16, we visited with Steve Bowen about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the perspective that this indwelling is a direct, personal indwelling.  On this episode, Sean and Lee continue the discussion of the Holy Spirit's indwelling, this time from the perspective of His indwelling through the word of God. What does it mean for the Holy Spirit to indwell within the believer? Is there any way that the Spirit can indwell personally that He can't indwell through the word? Join us in this episode that concludes (at least for now) our discussion of the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Is there a topic you'd like to suggest we discuss on a future episode? A question you have about any social, spiritual or cultural issue? Comments? Email us at holdfastpodcast@protonmail.com!

This episode picks up exactly where Part 1 left off, in which Steve and Lee continue the discussion started in part 1, as Steve presents and enumerates the details of the direct, personal indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is strongly suggested that you listen to part 1 before listening to part 2 of this three part series. Part 3 will bring back Sean McCallister, and will discuss the indwelling of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God. Is there a topic you'd like to suggest we discuss on a future episode? A question you have about any social, spiritual or cultural issue? Comments? Email us at holdfastpodcast@protonmail.com!

On this episode of the podcast, we're joined by Steve Bowen in an interesting discussion of the Holy Spirit. One of the teachings of scripture is that the Holy Spirit indwells within the believer. The question; what does the Holy Spirit DO for the believer? How does the Holy Spirit indwell? We invited Steve Bowen on to present the idea of the personal, direct indwelling of the Holy Spirit, in what will hopefully be a 3 part discussion on this topic. Part 2 concludes our discussion of the personal indwelling position, while Part 3 will discuss the position of the Holy Spirit indwelling the Christian through the word. We believe you'll find these discussions informative and valuable. Is there a topic you'd like to suggest we discuss on a future episode? A question you have about any social, spiritual or cultural issue? Comments? Email us at holdfastpodcast@protonmail.com!

It is without a doubt that the precursor to Christianity is/was Judaism, which was founded by Abraham and codified by Moses. Many, if not all of the principles of Judaism carried over into Christianity when the church was established in the first century, but a growing movement claims that that's not quite far enough; to truly be pleasing to God, a Christian must also keep the Torah (law of Moses). This movement seeks to move closer to God by returning to the roots of the church, that is, the "Hebrew Roots." What does the Bible have to say about this idea? Is the law of Moses still in effect today? Do we still need to observe the Sabbath, the Jewish feasts, and the other facets of the Mosaic law? Sean and Lee have a fantastic discussion on this topic on this episode of the podcast. Is there a topic you'd like to suggest we discuss on a future episode? A question you have about any social, spiritual or cultural issue? Comments? Email us at holdfastpodcast@protonmail.com!

In Episode 2, Sean and Lee discussed how one can KNOW that they are saved. While certainty in salvation is highly important, virtually every Christian will find themselves facing doubt of some form or another in their walk with God. Brandon Johnson returns to discuss doubt in a more general sense. We discuss doubting in God, doubting our faith, how doubt can be a GOOD thing, and why skepticism isn't always bad. This was a great conversation (one of the best we've had, in my opinion) and should more than encourage you in your walk with God. Is there a topic you'd like to suggest we discuss on a future episode? A question you have about any social or cultural issue? Comments? Email us at holdfastpodcast@protonmail.com!

Rarely is there a more contentious topic than abortion. With passionate, well-meaning people on both sides of the issue, it's nearly impossible to have any meaningful conversation about this topic. Be that as it may, Sean and Lee do their best to represent the pro-life side of the debate with clarity, conviction, fair-mindedness, and most importantly compassion. Due to the inherent nature of this discussion, listener discretion is advised. While we always do our best to speak plainly, clearly, and without unnecessary embellishment, the graphic nature of this topic warrants exploring facets that can be uncomfortable for some and even triggering for others.  We welcome your feedback. holdfastpodcast@protonmail.com

This episode of the podcast features two guests, Kevin Pendergrass and Brandon Johnson, in a discussion on the topic of legalism. We discuss Kevin and Brandon's pasts, their change in their approach to their faith, what legalism is NOT, what legalism IS, and what it really means to have a relationship with Jesus.  Kevin's book, "A Different Kind of Poison; How Legalism Destroys Grace" can be found on Amazon.com. As mentioned on the podcast, a free pdf copy is also available upon request.  Is there a topic you'd like to suggest we discuss on a future episode? A question you have about any social, spiritual or cultural issue? Comments? Email us at holdfastpodcast@protonmail.com!  

The Nation of Israel has a rich history, recorded in scripture from the time of Moses through the New Testament. Israel was a dominant Near-East power in the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age, during which they would become overthrown by Babylon and the Medo-Persians.  Prophecy foretold of Israel's fall, and their subsequent restoration. But was that prophecy concerning their restoration literal, or did it carry a deeper meaning? What will the state of Israel play in the future? We discuss this, and more, in this edition of the podcast. Is there a topic you'd like to suggest we discuss on a future episode? A question you have about any social, spiritual, or cultural issue? Comments? Email us at holdfastpodcast@protonmail.com!

"The Lord told me..." "I received a word from the Lord." "I've been moved by the Holy Spirit to..." Statements like these permeate the world of Christendom, and there are no shortage of people who hear (or claim to hear) from God and/or the Holy Spirit.  Does God speak to us today? Does the Holy Spirit move on the hearts of people to act in a certain way, or to engage in certain activities? Sean and Lee discuss this idea on this edition of the podcast.  Is there a topic you'd like to suggest we discuss on a future episode? A question you have about any social, spiritual, or cultural issue? Comments? Email us at holdfastpodcast@protonmail.com!

In Acts 2:37, a question was asked of Peter, who was preaching on the day of Pentecost; "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Peter's answer in verse 38 was to repent and be baptized for the remission of their sins.  Even in the face of what seems to be a simple answer to a simple question, many more questions abound. In this episode, Sean and Lee discuss the details surrounding this passage, the purpose and method of baptism, and more. Is there a topic you'd like to suggest we discuss on a future episode? A question you have about any social, spiritual, or cultural issue? Comments? Email us at holdfastpodcast@protonmail.com!

Bradley & Brandi Ballard have devoted their lives in recent years to carrying the gospel to foreign countries, namely Cambodia and South Korea. Our friendship goes way back, and it was truly a pleasure to sit down with them to discuss their experience in this needful field of work for God.  Is there a topic you'd like to suggest we discuss on a future episode? A question you have about any social or cultural issue? Comments? Email us at holdfastpodcast@protonmail.com!

Reading the Bible regularly is an essential part of the Christian lifestyle. In our busy lives, we often neglect this important fundamental aspect of our spiritual lives.  But, how does reading your Bible differ from STUDYING your Bible? What are some good methods and strategies busy Christians can utilize to effectively pursue truth through regular reading AND study of God's word? Evangelist Nathan Battey of the Been There/Read That podcast and director of the Christianresearcher.com webpage joins us for a robust discussion about these and other topics on this episode of the podcast. Is there a topic you'd like to suggest we discuss on a future episode? A question you have about any social, spiritual, or cultural issue? Comments? Email us at holdfastpodcast@protonmail.com!

"The Republicans don't care about poor people!" "President Trump/Obama/Clinton/Bush is the antichrist!" "You can't claim to love God unless you're a Democrat because Democrats want to help people!" There's way too much political division today, and practically everyone claims God is in their corner. Many claim Jesus was a Socialist, others say a Libertarian, while others say a Marxist. What political positions did Jesus take? What role should Christians have in politics today? Sean and Lee discuss this and much more on this episode of the podcast.  Is there a topic you'd like to suggest we discuss on a future episode? A question you have about any social or cultural issue? Comments? Email us at holdfastpodcast@protonmail.com!

With nearly 70 years of experience as a preacher and evangelist, Brother Johnny Elmore has seen and experienced a great deal in his life. On this special edition, we discuss his life, his career as a preacher, the state of the church, and what we can all do to work more effectively for the Lord. Is there a topic you'd like to suggest we discuss on a future episode? A question you have about any social or cultural issue? Comments? Email us at holdfastpodcast@protonmail.com!

Last time we discussed how one can KNOW that they are saved. After obeying God's plan of salvation, what comes next? We discuss the development of an authentic faith, the beatitudes, fruits of the spirit, authenticity vs 'lip service', and more. This one ran long, so be prepared for a long discussion! Is there a topic you'd like to suggest we discuss on a future episode? A question you have about any social, spiritual, or cultural issue? Comments? Email us at holdfastpodcast@protonmail.com!