Becoming Something with Jonathan Pokluda

<p>Since we live in a broken world, suffering is inevitable. What is not inevitable is suffering without hope. Because of the gospel we have directions on how to suffer and how to help others when they are suffering.</p>

<p>This week we have an honest and insightful conversation with musical artist and author KB. KB has written songs with deep meaning and here we get to know the man behind the songs!</p>

<p>What’s the problem with having too much of something? In this episode we talk about gluttony and how it has a sneaky impact on our life. Our culture typically celebrates having more when it may actually be a sin.</p>

<p>We will spend a large percentage of our life at work. If that’s the case, we better learn how to work well! In this episode we talk about how you can stand out at work and why the Lord is honored by it!</p>

<p>There are wars, rumors of wars, famines, and many other hardships. It certainly feels like the times Scripture describes about Jesus’ return! In this episode we talk about if Jesus is returning soon and how we can prepare for it.</p>

<p>How can Scripture say that God is love and that we should approach Him with fear? In this episode we talk to author and pastor, John Bevere about how we can approach God and hear from God. He’s written a book called “The Awe of God” you can buy here: https://a.co/d/1Q6fvW6</p>

<p>Can you desire to have great sex as a Christian? In this episode we talk about how you can have great sex and how it’s different from how the world views it. Sex is created by God and it should be enjoyed!</p>

<p>If you desire to be married, you’ve maybe been told to pray for your future spouse. Author and pastor Scott Kedersha has put together an amazing resource that will help you know what to pray for! If you are dating or engaged, these are great prayers for your relationship!</p>

<p>Many of us think if we just had a little bit more money we’d be happier. This week we talk to John Rinehart about why that isn’t the case! A rich life isn’t necessarily a wealthy life! Pick up his book “Gospel Patrons” here: https://<a href="http://www.gospelpatrons.org/books/gospel-patrons" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.gospelpatrons.org/books/gospel-patrons</a></p>

<p>In the middle of all of your worries and pain and loneliness, you’re not alone! Lisa Whittle has written a book called “God Knows” about how God is with you through it all. You don’t need to fix your life on your own because God is with you and for you! You can find Lisa’s book here:</p><p>https://<a href="http://www.lisawhittle.com/godknows" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.lisawhittle.com/godknows</a></p>

<p>If you’ve been in church, you’ve probably seen baptisms and you maybe even have been baptized. But what does baptism mean? Do we need it to be saved? If not, why would we even be baptized? We answer those questions and more on this week’s episode!</p>

<p>Most people are looking for love, they just don’t really know where to find it. In this episode we talk with author Madison Prewett Troutt about her experience with finding love. You can read more in her brand new book “The Love Everybody Wants”! Find it here: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Love-Everybody-Wants-Looking-Already/dp/0593445244?dplnkId=87a6c492-6c6a-46e6-99d7-21b8fdd57776&nodl=1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Love-Everybody-Wants-Looking-Already/dp/0593445244?nodl=1&dplnkId=87a6c492-6c6a-46e6-99d7-21b8fdd57776</a></p>

<p>Are angels and demons actually involved in our life? This week we talk through spiritual warfare and how to make sure you’re not losing the battle. We need not fear because the battle has been won!</p>

<p>Does conflict mean that your relationships are healthy or unhealthy? Conflict is always an opportunity for restoration. In this episode we talk how to conflict well!</p>

<p>We’re not getting better at disagreeing. While we’re called to be ministers of reconciliation, sometimes the Church is better known for our division. In this episode we talk to Mike Donehey about disagreement, forgiveness, and God’s grace. </p><p><br></p><p>You can check out his book “Grace in the Gray” here: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Gray-More-Loving-Disagree/dp/0593194187?dplnkId=31651a00-4c0a-4180-b3c2-ff2dd1eec060&nodl=1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Gray-More-Loving-Disagree/dp/0593194187?nodl=1&dplnkId=31651a00-4c0a-4180-b3c2-ff2dd1eec060</a></p>

<p>Many of us struggle to have an active and thriving prayer life. This week we talk with Addison Bevere about why we should love to pray! You can check out his book “Words with God” here: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0800737016/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0800737016/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr=</a></p>

<p>Many people see singleness as a waiting period for the next stage of life. We talk to Tara-Leigh Cobble about why you don’t have to wait to get out of singleness. You can want a spouse, and also have a blast for the glory of God in singleness!</p>

<p>Tara-Leigh Cobble has helped millions of people love the Bible, and we get to talk to her about her own journey with Scripture. While she hasn’t always loved the Bible, her struggles with Scripture actually made her love it more. </p>

<p>There’s a lot of changing opinions on kids today. Should you have them? How many do you need to have? How long should you wait? We try to answer all of those on this weeks episode!</p>

<p>Many of us have learned a type of Christianity that isn’t true Christianity. We’ve been taught to go to church on Sunday, live like the world Monday-Saturday, and then do it all over again. It doesn’t have to be that way! In this episode we talk about how you can follow Jesus with ALL of your life!</p>

<p>The Bible says hundreds of times that we should not fear. But it also tells us that we are to fear God. So how are both of those things true? And does fearing God mean being afraid of Him? Find out that and more in this episode!</p>

<p>What if my friends claim to be Christian, but aren’t living like it? The Bible actually gives us guidelines on how to handle these relationships. Do we confront them or let them be? Find out in this episode!</p>

<p>God doesn’t always do what we ask Him to do. In those moments, it’s easy to run away from Him rather than towards Him. We talk to pastor Albert Tate about how to wrestle well with God!</p>

<p>Is there a line between being nice and being flirty? In this episode we talk about how to be clear with your intentions and kind with your actions! You can show the fruits of the spirit without showing mixed messages!</p>

<p>We get to talk to author and professional counselor, Dr. Debra Fileta about how we can develop healthier mental habits. All of us have experienced some sort of trauma, and Dr. Fileta helps us find tools to work through these hang ups. This is an episode for anyone and everyone!</p>

<p>In this episode we talk about the assurance of salvation. You can know whether or not you are saved! We talk about how you are saved, and how to help others know they are too!</p>

<p>All of us have the opportunity for leadership, and the Bible gives us a great outline to grow in our leadership. This week we talk about when we can lead, how we should lead, and how to grow in the way we lead.</p>

<p>This week we get to talk to a legend in the music industry. Scott Brickell has likely been behind the scenes of some of your favorite music. We talk about what makes a musician successful and what he’s learned in his time in the industry!</p>

<p>Your young adult years are supposed to be filled with friends and parties and community. But what if that’s not what it feels like? What if instead it’s filled with a deep or dull loneliness? In this episode we give you the steps to take to walk out of your loneliness!</p>

<p>Engagement can be a really scary and really exciting thought at the same time. In this episode we make sure you know what you need to know before you get engaged! Stick around for a bonus conversation on how we handle our phones!</p>

<p>We all love JP’s Friday Q&A on Instagram, now you get to see it happen in real time! JP answers questions on the spot on a wide range of topics. These questions were randomly selected and not given to JP in advance.</p>

<p>How can we be people who speak both courageously and thoughtfully? When our beliefs don’t line up with our co-worker’s, family member’s, or friend’s, what can we do to address those differences? If you’re looking for some help with the way you communicate don’t miss this episode!</p>

<p>This week we get to talk to Josh Howerton who is the pastor of Lakepointe Church. We discuss what role the Church has played and should play in society. If you want to know what role you should play in the church, don’t miss this episode!</p>

<p>We talked to Jennifer Hart to hear about her journey in the music industry and how music has impacted her mental health. Music can be a powerful force for both good and bad in the way you think. Listen to this and think about what you listen to!</p>

<p>Bob Goff is well known for his books of his wildly whimsical life. Bob has inspired many people to live better stories. We got to have a fun conversation about what he’s up to today!</p>

<p>The phrase "spiritual boundaries" is common in the dating process, but what does that mean? When you are dating are you allowed to pray together or not? In this episode we talk about how to make sure you honor God in the way that you date and pray!</p>

<p>In the process of dating, you’ll eventually be introduced to your potential in-laws. In-laws are a source of conflict for many marriages, and we want to help you start off on the right note! How can you manage honoring your in-laws when either they don’t seem to like you, or you don’t seem to like them?</p>

<p>We’ve all heard of Christian leaders who have used their power and influence to bring harm on people within their church. In this conversation, we talk with Katelyn Beaty about how we can avoid that from continuing to happen in the church. How can we maintain we’re all about Jesus instead of all about ourselves?</p><p><br></p><p>Check out her book here: <a href="https://amzn.to/3ZKV7x8" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3ZKV7x8</a></p>

<p>If you are sick of being stuck in sin, we have a new resource for you! JP has written a book helping you identify your vices so that you can replace them with life giving virtues. You don’t have to be bogged down by sin, you can find freedom.</p><p><br></p><p>Buy the book here: https://<a href="http://www.jonathanpokluda.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.jonathanpokluda.com</a></p>

<p>In this episode, we talk about how Joshua Broome broke free from the p*rn industry and how God rewrote his story. If you are stuck in an addiction to p*rn, God can change your desires! If you're looking for a story of hope, you're going to love this episode.</p>

<p>In this episode, we sit down with Joshua Broome and hear about his experience in the p*rn industry. Joshua shares details of just how broken the industry is, and what it did to him. Before you consume p*rn, you need to know what industry you're keeping alive!</p>

<p>Everything you do flows from what's in your heart. If we want to live differently, we need to change what we are feeding our hearts. We aren't meant to follow our hearts but to inform them!</p>

<p>February can be a really hard month if you're single and don't want to be. In this episode, we talk about how to prepare for marriage, but also to get the most out of your singleness. You aren't just in a season of waiting, you can experience God's best now!</p>

<p>Whether you realize it or not, all of us have influence. In this episode we talk about how to use our influence well so that we make Jesus more famous, not ourselves!</p>

<p>In this week's episode we talk to author (and one of the most encouraging people we know), Carlos Whittaker. He gives us insight into what he's learned about how we're made to live. If you're looking for joy, don't miss this episode!</p>

<p>Christians have a wide variety of beliefs about alcohol. Is it something that should be totally avoided? Or should we embrace it? In this episode, we talk about how to view alcohol in a way that honors God and is best for you. </p>

<p>Our goal each year should be to look more like Jesus at the end of it. To help with that process, each year our staff gives up one thing and decides a word they want to live out. This helps give direction to a year of following Jesus!</p>

<p>Sometimes it’s hard to know if someone is truly following Jesus or if they just claim to be a Christian. In this episode we talk about the qualities you want to see in someone if you are to date them. Don’t get caught in a relationship that will pull you from Jesus!</p>

<p>Holiness can be seen as a burden that we can’t live up to. In this episode we talk about how holiness actually benefits your life. You can look more like Jesus in 2023!</p>

<p>For many of us, confession to anyone other than God feels like a scary idea. In this episode we talk about how confession to others is actually beneficial to you. If you want to take a new step on your faith, check out this episode!</p>