Church and Family Life Podcast

There’s only one kind of parents any child will ever have—imperfect ones. Yet God’s command to “Honor your father and mother” is to be followed, regardless. The good news is: Though it’s hard to obey, at times, this command comes with a blessed “promise: ‘that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth’” (Eph. 6:2-3).  In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm explain that honoring one’s parents is in every child’s best interest. Dishonor toward one’s parents, on the other hand, is one of the most dangerous, debilitating things you can ever do. Their charge: Make it your occupation to honor your parents. Let others focus on their imperfections—like Shem and Japheth did when Noah got drunk—even as you rest in God’s sovereignty. 

Most children training books are bad—but a few are fantastic. In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm discuss their top three: (1) Training Tips by Reb Bradley; (2) Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp; and (3) Purposeful and Persistent Parenting by John and Cindy Raquet.    How can parents proactively raise their kids, rather than have a “child-run” home where they simply react to bad behavior? How can children be trained to obey when spoken to the first time? How can they be shepherded to love God and others from the heart? Learn the answers to these and many other parenting questions from these three practical resources. 

It’s easy to complain that the culture’s crumbling all around us. But as homes go, so goes the nation. When fathers and mothers neglect reading the Bible daily to their family and directing their children in God’s ways, nations fall into decay. The remedy comes not in changing Washington, London, or Paris, but in transforming our homes by practicing regular family worship and putting God at the center of everything. In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Jeff Pollard, urge dads to open their Bibles daily and fill their homes with the knowledge of God. They shouldn’t wait for “experts” to fill the void, but simply read what His Word says to their children, pray and sing with them, and point their family to Christ. While God’s grace is essential for salvation and godliness, to rebuild our crumbling culture, families must resolve to humbly worship God six days a week in their homes, and then come together for gathered worship on the Lord’s Day. This is the path to rebuild a nation in decay. 

Jon English Lee’s new book, There Remains a Sabbath Rest for the People of God answers the question: Are Christians are bound to keep the sabbath? Or is it simply a relic of Israel’s law system that was fulfilled in Christ? The answer comes in the Fourth Commandment. We’re to “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exod. 20:8) because God established it as a creation ordinance, “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it” (Exod. 20:11).  In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Jon English Lee, give an overview of the Scripture’s teaching on the Sabbath, explaining that, following creation, God Himself—who needs no rest—modeled rest for man for his refreshment and benefit (Gen. 2:1-3). And Jesus, during His earthly ministry, upheld this pattern, with His apostles moving its observance to the first day of the week, following Christ’s resurrection (Mark 16:2; Acts 20:7). Honoring the Sabbath acknowledges we are not ultimately dependent on the fruitfulness of our own labor, so we should put down the plow each Lord’s Day, worship God, and rest.  

Every year should be a year of consecration. So as we enter 2025, we should set our yearly goals apart to God for His glory. This requires looking to Him for wisdom and ordering our way rightly, as the Psalmist cries: “Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me” (Ps. 119:133).  In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Carlton McLeod, discuss the need to sanctify ourselves as we make New Year’s Resolutions, desiring to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18). This starts by humbly acknowledging God has given us another year to experience His goodness and to rejoice in His sovereign hand. Once we have this in proper view, we should dedicate ourselves to His service by pursuing goals that honor Christ. 

Leading one’s family in God’s ways requires focus and resolve. With the world arrayed against us, we must proclaim with Joshua, “as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Josh. 24:15). As parents, we must not only love God with all our heart, soul, and strength, and keep His commands (Deut. 6:4-5), but we must “teach them diligently to [our] children, and shall talk of them when [we] sit in [our] house, when [we] walk by the way, when [we] lie down, and when [we rise up” (Deut. 6:6-7).  In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Carlton McLeod, discuss five ways to double down on your family: (1) Identify a consistent spot in your schedule for family worship; (2) Pick a strategy for reading the Bible; (3) Squeeze more life out of your local church; (4) Have a discipleship goal for each of your children; and (5) Take one high-impact trip as a family. They then add key reasons to do so, including the fact that the Bible has put family discipleship squarely in your laps, and your role as parents is one of the greatest privileges of a lifetime. 

Delayed obedience. Partial obedience. Rolling of the eyes. “Selective” listening. A dishonorable tone. Such gestures are tell-tale signs of a child who doesn’t honor their parents from the heart. And whenever parents see such signs, they have a duty to promptly get on top of these problems and secure first-time obedience from their children—for it will not go well with them if they fail to honor their father and mother (Exod. 20:12).  In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm discuss the need for parents to insist on first-time obedience with their children. Slow obedience is disobedience, they explain, for it reflects a heart of dishonor. Proverbs gives this helpful corrective, “The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother” (Prov. 29:15). The message is clear: Passivity in child training will lead to disaster. Proper training of our children, on the other hand, requires verbal instruction, with physical discipline to back it up. 

One of the pivotal duties of a father is to lead his family daily in prayer. Whenever dads fail to do this, more often than not, the rest of their family’s prayer life will languish. A father’s prayers should be marked by praise to God for His many mercies. Dads should lead the way in acknowledging their own inability and weakness, even as they appeal to the Giver of all good things for their family’s every need.   In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Paul White, discuss the importance of a father’s prayer life, outlining seven reasons dads should pray daily with their families: One, because we receive family mercies every day from God’s hand; two, because of the sins committed in our families; three, because we have wants that none can supply but God; four, because of our family’s daily employments and labors; five, because we’re liable, every day, to temptations; six, because all in our family are liable to daily hazards, casualties, and afflictions; and seven, if we fail to pray, the very heathen will rise up and condemn us.  

Corporate singing as a church is vital to the health and well-being of the body. Through it, we teach and admonish one another, even as we stir up good affections toward God and praise His glorious name. The songs we sing tell us what kind of God we worship and what kind of gospel we're proclaiming. Singing together brings joy to God’s people and is one of the most spiritually unifying things that the church ever does. In this podcast, Scott Brown and Trent Moody, joined by special guest Chris Law, discuss how to build vigorous and happy cultures of singing in the local church. Rather than treat corporate singing as a secondary matter, they encourage church shepherds to make it a high priority. This involves carefully shaping the music chosen—which should include “psalms . . .  hymns, and spiritual songs” (Col. 3:16)—and calling the whole church body to embrace singing together as a gift to be cultivated for God’s glory.  

How should Christians plan and celebrate their wedding and reception? What should the wedding say and emphasize? And how should we conduct ourselves? Here’s good news! God has not left us to flounder. His all-sufficient Word provides what we need to make wise choices in planning this special day.  In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Carlton McLeod, share insights from their new book, A Christian Wedding, on how a bride and groom can reflect Christ every step of the way. After overviewing the biblical record of weddings, they then give practical counsel on how to steward your relationships and resources wisely and make God-honoring decisions related to music, wedding attire, and more. Their advice: Showcase the biblical vision for marriage. Put on a wedding you can afford. Reject worldliness—and give your family and friends wonderful pictures of the beauties of Jesus Christ as you come together as one. 

God calls us to be a thankful people (1 Thess. 5:18), and such thanks was powerfully modeled to us by the Pilgrims in Plymouth in 1621. Following a harsh start where half their number died due to sickness and starvation, they gathered the next Fall to celebrate God’s goodness. Joined by local Indians such as Chief Massasoit and Squanto, they feasted, played games, and gave thanks to their Maker for blessing them with an abundant harvest.   In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Al Burke, give practical tips on how to celebrate Thanksgiving Day as a family. Along with fitting songs to sing, they suggest fun games to play rooted in Pilgrim history, special Psalms to rehearse, and Thanksgiving Proclamations and other period accounts to read aloud—all designed for families to enjoy a rich and memorable day of thanks together.     Check Out These Resources as you Plan Your Thanksgiving Day Celebration:  Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford Resource on the Pilgrims history and early Thanksgiving celebrationsRead Online / Purchase Online    Magnalia Christi Americana by Cotton Mather Explores the blessings of God on early America    First Thanksgiving Account by Edward Winslow An eyewitness account of the first Thanksgiving    Continental Congress “Thanksgiving Proclamation” (November 1, 1777) A one-page proclamation for Thanksgiving    George Washington’s “Thanksgiving Proclamation” (October 3, 1789) A historical thanksgiving proclamation    Abraham Lincoln’s “Thanksgiving Address” (October 3, 1863) A thanksgiving and repentance address during the Civil War    The Ainsworth Psalter Used by Pilgrims for singing Psalms, historically tied to early Thanksgiving. Download PDF / Purchase Online     

What drives churches into irrelevancy? What harms the coming generation that’s grown up in the church? What nullifies preaching and doctrine? What compromises the family’s integrity at its core? What damages our witness in the world? It’s syncretism—mixing the things of God with the things of the world. Besides rejecting the true Gospel, syncretism is the greatest threat to the church and family in every age.  In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm warn against the dangers of syncretism and give practical counsel on how to avoid it: First, cry out to God that he would resensitize you to the fact that you’re a blood-bought believer who’s to live set apart from the world. Second, double down on God’s Word—meet with the Lord every morning and let him shape your thinking and priorities. Third, double down on your family—don’t let the enemy kick down your home’s door anymore. Fourth, devote yourselves fully to your local church. In all this, resist the mixing the things of God with the things of the world.  

Manhood today is in crisis, as men across the globe have become increasingly passive, effeminate, depressed, medicated, and, in some cases, suicidal. Yet there is hope! God calls men to be men, and His Word shows us what manhood looks like. Rather than kowtow to feminism’s lies or gave way to their sinful flesh, men are to be strong and courageous dominion-takers whose chief desire is to glorify God.  In this podcast, Scott Brown, along with guests Trent Moody and Paul Carrington explain that the foundation of biblical manhood rests on men loving God with all their soul, mind, and bodies (Deut. 6:5; 1 Cor. 6:19-20). Men must have souls that long for God, “as the deer pants for the water brooks” (Ps. 42:1). They must order their thoughts after God’s Word (Ps. 119:133). And they must “present [their] bodies [as] a living sacrifice” for His service (Rom. 12:1). By doing these things they’ll be the men God’s called them to be. 

There’s a baby on the way! When a dad and mom learn they’re expecting, joy fills the air as they discuss baby names, redecorating the nursery, and what life will be like in welcoming a new child into their home. Then the mother begins to bleed. And worry. And, before long, she has a confirmed miscarriage. As she and her husband begin to grieve, how should we comfort them?  In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by guest Trent Moody, discuss this tender topic. When we learn of those who’ve miscarried, we must first “weep with those who weep” (Rom. 12:15) and show compassion in real and tangible ways. We must next herald God’s perfect attributes: He is faithful, holy, and loving, and—no matter the circumstances—He does all things well (Mark 7:37). Finally, we must encourage grieving couples that God will hold them up in their painful loss: Though they walk through the valley of the shadow of death, He will be there to comfort them (Ps. 23:4). 

Sermons should play a heightened role in our child training, for God has ordained the preaching of His Word as an integral part of the disciple-making process. They’re not only a key instrument He uses to convert the lost, but they’re a vehicle through which families are strengthened and children are trained up “in the way [they] should go” (Prov. 22:6). With this in mind, parents should thoughtfully guide their children to get the most out of sermons each week.  In this podcast, Scott Brown and Robert Bosley, joined by special guest Joel Beeke, give parents practical tips on how to teach their children to view sermons, prepare to hear sermons, listen to sermons, and weave them into daily life. Their counsel: stir up in your children a hearty appetite to receive the word. If you know the passage to be preached on, read and review it ahead of time with your family. Communicate to your kids that every sermon is a meeting with God, and that when a sermon is preached, they’re not mere spectators, but participants. They should therefore listen well, take careful notes, and be prepared to share what they’ve learned. 

Apart from how you walk with God, marriage is the most important life decision you’ll ever make. While “falling in love” may come easy, marrying well in the Lord requires careful prayer and counsel, as well as the resolve to keep personal passions and hormones in their rightful place. It should be pursued for the right reasons with a clear mind and calm judgment—and ultimately be driven by the desire to honor and please the Lord. In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Trent Moody, outline eight things one needs to consider and do before marrying. First, recognize the importance of the decision. Second, get good counsel from others about your potential spouse, and don’t ignore it if it’s sound. Third, don’t marry for the wrong reasons—including for beauty (which fades), or wealth (which is fleeting), or out of a sense of panic. Fourth, seek the input and approval of your parents. Fifth, make sure there is genuine, mutual love between both parties. Sixth, have a visible means of financial support. Seventh, determine that there is equal yoking on spiritual things. And, eighth, make it a matter of earnest prayer. 

When civil rulers spurn God’s law, Christians have a duty to speak. That’s the clear testimony of Scripture. Throughout history, faithful heralds of righteousness have called out civil magistrates for committing evil deeds and enacting laws repugnant to God’s moral order. Think of Elijah before King Ahab and John the Baptist before Herod.  The need is no less great today. In this podcast, Scott Brown, joined by Trent Moody and Robert Bosley, discuss the church’s duty to speak to morality in the civil sphere. And the topics before us are many: whether it’s local city councils promoting Gay Pride Festivals and transgenderism, or state agencies paying for the removal of sex organs or permanently sterilizing children, Christians need to call our civil leaders to forsake evil and follow God’s ways. 

Who should be baptized—the children of believers or only those who repent and believe on Christ? The debate between paedo- and credo-baptists has waged for centuries, and the answer hinges on how we interpret Covenant Theology. What is without question is that all of God’s dealings with man are covenantal. And Scripture further makes plain that those who enter covenant with God should receive the covenant sign. The question of baptism comes down to this: What is the nature of the New Covenant, and how does one rightly enter it?  In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Robert Bosley, tackle the thorny debate between paedo- and credobaptists. Taking a robust view of Covenant Theology, they maintain that members of New Covenant are those who truly know God and have their sins forgiven: “they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more” (Jer. 31:34). The question of who should be baptized does not rest on who one’s parents are, but on those whom the “Lord our God . . . call[s]” (Acts 2:39). 

What is the role of a grandparent? While the world says it’s time to retire and relax, Scripture paints a much different picture. Grandparents have an opportunity to help disciple their grandchildren in God’s ways and leave a lasting heritage for their families that will bless generations to come.   In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Josh Mulvihill, counsel listeners to reject the world’s wrong messages to grandparents, which is to maintain disengaged independence from their grandchildren on the one hand, and to indulgently spoil them, on the other. Passages such as Deuteronomy 4:9 and Psalm 78:1-7 call grandparents to teach their grandchildren God’s laws and His mighty works in history. Their story is not the point; it is the pointer to make much of God—proclaiming that the same great God who sustained them will guide their grandchildren’s steps, if they set their hope in Him (Ps. 78:7). 

Before they reach 18, 37% of the children in America will receive a visit from Child Protective Services. While some visits are warranted, 83% of the cases CPS investigates are unfounded. Sadly, doctors and nurses, driven by “mandatory reporting” laws, along with unwise neighbors, regularly tip CPS off to concerns that open up innocent families to needless scrutiny that can result in children being wrongly taken from their parents. In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm discuss these challenges with Bradley Pierce of Heritage Defense. Heritage Defense is a membership-based, Christian legal advocacy group that guides parents on how to prudently respond to CPS and defends them against unlawful intrusion. While strongly opposing the criminal abuse of children, their goal is to champion the cause of those persecuted by the state for obeying God’s commands in raising their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 

It’s the world turned upside down! The July 13th assassination attempt of Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania showcased an image Americans had never seen before—a female Secret Service agent coming to the defense of a man. While woman warriors populate the Marvel universe, they don’t play this role in God’s world whenever Christian culture prevails. Sadly, we’ve lost our bearings, and women have been the losers! In the podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Michael Foster, explain the scriptural mandate—men lay down their lives to protect women and children, even as Christ gave His life for the church. The theme is echoed throughout God’s Word: Men, not women, joined Abraham to rescue Lot and his family from foreign invaders. Men marched around Jericho in Joshua’s time, and men fought with Gideon. And the list goes on. The creation order matters—women should be protected as nurturers, while men go out to war. 

The gospel of Jesus Christ is not an aside to our faith. It “is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16). Without its wonder-working power, there is no hope for family, church, or cultural reformation. We must therefore keep the Gospel at the center, for from it flows salvation and hope for the nations. In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm discuss the Gospel as the centerpiece of Scripture—from God’s promise to crush the seed of the serpent in Genesis 3:15 to its ultimate fulfilment in Jesus Christ. Their charge: Don’t let anything unseat the gospel as the center of things, yet also beware of a gospel that doesn’t transform, for “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). 

Faithful church deacons provide a ministry of mercy that the state can never match—reaching those in need not just with physical and financial aid, but with spiritual help to the heart and soul. Their care for the sick, the disabled, along with widows and orphans, is Christianity in action. But what makes a young man qualified to fill this role? What attributes should he exemplify before assuming this key church office?  In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Chad Roach, discuss how a deacon must fear God, rather than be a man-pleaser, and have a proven track record of persevering through trials and overcoming sin. It’s also vital that he not be greedy for money, since he’ll be handling the funds of the church. In addition, a deacon must have a wife who can come alongside and minister with him with sisterly care and discretion. 

While the world trumpets an anti-child bias, God proclaims large families to be a blessing, “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward” (Ps. 127:3). Yet a large family is a big responsibility. It requires a lot of discipline and resources. If you’re going to have a productive womb, you need to have a well-managed household.   In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Michael Foster, discuss the perils of a large family and how to overcome them. Their counsel: maintain clear boundaries between boys and girls as it relates to modesty. Also enforce proper boundaries between parents and children—even as you teach your older kids to help care for their younger siblings, they shouldn’t become a second dad or mom. Encourage your wife through the physical and mental strain that she bears as a mother. And, as a husband and dad, be forward-thinking about your time management, as well as future needs to scale up your cars, appliances, and home space. 

How does God desire to be worshipped? The right answer doesn’t come from the latest whiz-bang idea from today’s creative coolness technicians, but from God’s Word itself. Sadly, many in the church believe that anything that’s not forbidden in Scripture is fair game to use in the worship of God—from entertaining skits to musical light shows. But such notions reject the Bible’s teaching on how God wants us to worship Him.  In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Tom Ascol, defend the regulative principle of worship which affirms that the only “acceptable way of worshiping the true God” (LBC 22:1) is that which He has commanded in Scripture (Deut. 12:32), and “that He may not be worshiped according to the imagination and devices of man” (LBC 22:1). While incidentals—such as whether we use chairs or pews, and what time we meet—are left to our discretion, the essentials of worship—such as the preaching of the Word, prayer, and the remembrance of the Lord’s Supper—must be followed as He’s prescribed. 

The Proverbs declare that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge (Prov. 9:10; 1:7). Yet, for more than 50 years, America’s public schools have abandoned this truth, resulting in the death of Christian faith among the majority of our youth. But the problem doesn’t stop there. Even some creators of Christian curriculum have too freely elevated “classic” pagan literature to young students, failing to heed this sober warning: “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Col. 2:8).  Kevin Swanson of Generations explains why it is so critical in this present age that we have a thoroughly Christian curriculum that makes God’s Word front and center in every subject. In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm interview Kevin about his vision to teach students how to use the eyeglasses of Scripture to view history, science, literature, math, and every other academic discipline. The goal is to raise up a new generation who fears God, glorifies God, and walks with God all their days.  Links: Generations Homeschool Curriculum Epoch Apostate Keep the Faith God Made Me Taking the World for Jesus Taking Africa for Jesus My First History My First Letters and Sounds

What’s a young man to do with his time and talents? Being self-focused is not the answer, for wise men build margin in their life so that can serve others in need. Young men who cultivate such character are often primed to serve as deacons, filling a vital role in the local church in meeting the practical needs of the body.   In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Chad Roach, call on young men to look beyond their personal interests and be willing to serve as deacons, as God leads. This includes a man, with a wife and kids, whose house is in order. Ministering to the church as a deacon, they explain, provides a great opportunity to not only meet the needs of others, but to teach and disciple your children in the process.   Also Check Out: A Call for Young Deacons, Part 1 

What is “Christian Nationalism,” and should believers support it or not? These questions have caused a firestorm in recent years, erupting in Twitter wars and bombs being lobbed on podcasts from competing camps. To add fuel to the fire, the mainstream media has advanced skewed definitions of what the term means, demonizing anyone who dares to suggest that Christians ought to advocate for biblical principles in the public square. So what are we to make of all this?  In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Tom Ascol, tackle the controversy. On the one hand, they reject the notion that America has a specific place in God’s redemptive history on par with Old Covenant Israel, while also maintaining that the general equity of God’s judicial laws has relevant application in our nation’s law system—and that of every other country—today. While an Old Testament theocracy is not the goal, Christian cultural norms should be pursued as God grants us opportunity. 

Cultural trends are insufficient, but God’s Word’s is sufficient to build His church. No other foundation will do. Yet for the last century, “do-what-works” pragmatism has been a driving force in how many churches have pursued evangelism, worship, and church life. Rather than believing God’s Word is enough,  results-oriented ministry has dominated, leading to entertainment-centered youth programs, seeker-sensitive worship, among many other ills.  In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Josh Buice, discuss how pragmatism has undermined faithful Gospel preaching, encouraged congregations to not practice church discipline, and decreased standards of church membership—all stemming from a diminished trust in God’s sufficient Word. Their call to the church is this: Instead of every man doing “what [is] right in his own eyes” (Judg. 17:6), we must believe that the Scripture is all we need for “the man of God [to] be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).  

To flourish, a church not only needs a strong elder team, but a strong deacon team as well. That’s the message of Acts 6 when the apostles chose seven deacons to minister to widows who had been neglected. This division of labor is vital to the health of the local church. Even as elders are to focus on preaching and shepherding, the deacons are to meet the practical needs of the saints.  In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Chad Roach, discuss the high calling of deacons, and urge younger men to aspire to this church office, as the Lord leads. Drawing from his personal experience, Chad shares how serving as a deacon has been one of the most fulfilling roles he’s ever played. When done well, the labor of deacons becomes a force multiplier of the elders’ work, something Chad has seen in action. His conclusion affirms that of Scripture—for the good of Christ’s church, more godly men should seek this noble post. 

In today’s world, we’ve been flooded by a sea of lies on what manhood and womanhood really is. These weapons of mass confusion have led to tragic outcomes for boys, girls, marriage, as well as the local church. This distortion of gender roles has come about because we’ve rejected the plain teaching of Scripture—that “God created man in His own image,” and that He created every person either “male and female” (Gen. 1:27), with each having distinct roles they are called to fulfill.  In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm outline four key pillars of manhood and womanhood: (1) Gender is not fluid, as God created men and women as distinctly different; (2) Men are to lead and women follow; (3) Women are not allowed to teach and exercise authority over men in the church; and (4) Women are not allowed to speak in the formal meeting of the church. Though the world finds these distinctives to be stifling, the full and glorious life of a godly woman is found when she embraces her complementary role, even as a godly man embraces his. 

In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Joel Beeke, discuss how God’s law is not only a tool of conviction to bring us to Christ, but it is a positive rule of life for the believer. The Ten Commandments, they explain, gives a map for how to live the Christian life by earnestly loving God and loving our neighbor as ourselves. While freely acknowledging that we’re saved by grace alone, our desire should be that of David’s, “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day” (Ps. 119:97).   No one can be justified by keeping the law. Yet, as Christians, we should strive to obey God’s law out of sheer gratitude to Him for saving us. Once freed from the bondage of sin, our desire should be to do his will, viewing His law as a reflection of His personal holiness. Sadly, many professing Christians have adopted the antinomian falsehood that since we’re saved by grace, we don’t need to keep the law anymore—a point which Scripture soundly condemns: “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not!” (Rom. 6:1-2). 

In modern times, the church has dismissed the importance of keeping the Sabbath, viewing it as an abrogated part of the Mosaic Law. Yet this flies in the face of the entire witness of Scripture. From Genesis to Revelation, we find an unbroken theme for man to set aside one day in seven to rest from his labors and worship God. This began following Creation Week with God Himself, who rested on the seventh day and sanctified the day for this purpose (Gen. 2:2-3), and it is reaffirmed in the Bible’s final book by the Apostle John who recognized the “Lord’s Day” as special (Rev. 1:10).  In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Tim Stephens, walk through the Bible, identifying (11) eleven scriptural reasons to keep the Sabbath, which was moved from the last to the first day of the week to honor Christ’s resurrection. Among the reasons they give: not only was it established at Creation (Gen. 2:2-3), but it was honored by God’s people prior to the Ten Commandments (Ex. 16:22-23); championed by the prophets (Isa. 58); celebrated by Jesus (Mark 2:27); and affirmed by the Apostles (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2). Their charge to Christians—rather than focusing on negative prohibitions, make the Sabbath a day of delight by basking in the pleasures of the Lord. 

Preparing one’s children’s heart for weekly worship starts with the parents preparing their own. Dad and mom must set the tone, first, to please God, but second, because kids normally have an accurate radar that can detect if their parents are focused, or not, in worshipping Him. Going through the motions at church is a real danger we must guard against—preparing for worship must begin in the heart.    In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guests Danny and Megan Craig, discuss this priority. With four children eight and under, the Craigs explain that the goal for their kids on Sundays is not simply to sit still in church, but to love God as they worship. To get in the right frame of mind, their practice is to devote time on Saturday night to tune their hearts as a family for the next day’s service. Other advice they give: communicate clear expectations to your children ahead of time and then lovingly hold them to those expectations during the worship service. 

The Bible’s witness is clear: When the people of God gather for corporate worship, their children are to be with them in the service. That’s the unmistakable record found throughout Scripture. Yet in the 20th century, many congregations abandoned this established biblical norm, starting Children’s Churches and other youth-centered ministries that separated families during weekly worship.    In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Sam Waldron, discuss the resurgence of family-integrated worship that has come as Christians have set aside pragmatic and worldly practices for the simple truths of Scripture. This move to follow God’s prescriptions for worship and church life, rather than man’s inventions, has transformed churches and families for the better. While there’s still room for growth, those committed to the Word will find blessing as they obey God from the heart.    Additional Resources    A Weed in the Church: How a Culture of Age Segregation is Harming the Next Generation, Fragmenting the Family, and Dividing the Church    A Declaration of the Complementary Roles of Church and Family    The Family at Church: How Parents Are Tour Guides of Joy 

As the cost of living skyrockets, what are young men desiring to establish themselves financially to do? Rather than shrink in fear, they should make the most of whatever tools God has put in their hands—in hopeful pursuit of the Dominion Mandate, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth” (Gen. 1:28).    In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Isaac Botkin, discuss exciting opportunities that exist in practical fields such as hand-on trades and manufacturing. Drawing from his personal experience with T.Rex Arms, Isaac notes that Christians who know how to bring order out of disorder and create an increase from the assets they have will be in demand—whether they own their own company or work for others. His message: Don’t lose heart as a young man trying to make it. Trust God and take dominion with hope! 

Contrary to what some allege, Scripture’s clear witness is that children are to be present when God’s people gather for worship. Yet how do you train your kids to sit quietly at church as God’s Word is preached and to actively sing songs of praise during the service? What practical steps can you take during the week to prepare them for Sunday? And how do you manage the service itself as wise parents?    In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guests Isaac and Heidi Botkin, tackle these questions head on. With four children, eight and under, the Botkins are still learning how to direct their young ones in worship, yet they offer practical counsel: Teach them obedience and self-government at home through regular family worship. Get your kids familiar with the songs your church sings by singing them together ahead of time. And, during the weekly service, work together as parents to manage your children’s oversight and discipline.    Read these two articles as a supplement to today’s podcast:    “Does Nehemiah 8:1-3 Teach Age Segregation?” by Scott Brown    “Nehemiah's Nursery” by Voddie Baucham   

Does the younger generation know why you do what you do? In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm discuss (8) distinctives that have got Christians “in trouble” as they’ve embraced God’s Word rather than worldly trends: (1) the sufficiency of Scripture, not the sufficiency of culture; (2) the regulative principle as opposed to the normative principle of worship; (3) Sabbath-keeping vs. sabbath-breaking; (4) the continued applicability of God’s moral law, rather than antinomianism; (5) age-integrated, not age-segregated worship; (6) theologically-sound, rather than theologically unsound music; (7) biblical manhood and womanhood, instead of egalitarianism; (8) and a culture of modesty vs. immodesty in the church.  Here’s the backdrop. For the last several decades, a growing number of families and churches have gone back to the Bible and reshaped how they live and worship. Throwing off compromises that dominated the 20th century, they’ve sought to conform their practices to age-old biblical standards. But if the foundational reasons for these changes aren’t reinforced through careful discipleship, the next generation can easily fall prey to error again. To learn more about these (8) distinctives, check out the resources below or search our resource library here.   1. The Sufficiency of Scripture, not the Sufficiency of Culture  Do Not Learn the Way of the Gentiles  2. The Regulative Principle, as opposed to the Normative Principle of Worship  Only God Can Regulate Worship   3. Sabbath-keeping vs. Sabbath-breaking  Confronting the Thieves of Sabbath Delight  4. The Continued Applicability of God’s Moral Law, rather than Antinomianism The Harmony of Law and Gospel  5. Age-integrated, not Age-segregated Worship A Biblical Case for Age-Integrated Discipleship   A Declaration of the Complementary Roles of Church and Family   6. Theologically Sound rather than Theologically Unsound Music   Can I Use Any Form of Music to Worship God?  7. Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, instead of Egalitarianism  The Sufficiency of Scripture for Manhood and Womanhood   8. A Culture of Modesty vs. Immodesty in the Church Beyond Modesty: The Supremacy of Christ in Clothing 

Why do we wear what we wear? The truth is, the clothes we put on communicate who we are and where our heart is. So here’s the question we must answer: Do we seek to flaunt ourselves, or do we portray humble modesty before God and our fellow man? Putting the matter simply—do we love God and our neighbor as ourselves in how we dress, or are we consumed with love of self instead? In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Gavin Beers, explain how that our need for clothing points to our need for Christ. Fallen man seeks to cover the shame of his sin—as our first parents did in the Garden. Yet Adam and Eve’s paltry fig leaves were not enough. Only the perfect Lamb of God can truly cover our transgression with His robes of righteousness. Our physical clothing points to this spiritual reality and should inform how we dress as Christians today.

In preparing one’s children to be married, the most important inheritance parents can give them is not money, but the example of a faithful marriage, based on God’s Word, lived out before them. While didactic training is necessary, the age-old adage is true—there’s more “caught than taught.” In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm discuss seven good marriage habits that couples should embrace that not only honor God, but that will prepare their children for strong marriages, one day, as the Lord blesses.    First, learn how to talk. Second, get reconciled quick. Third, don’t always have to do things your own way. Fourth, think the best of one another. Fifth, accept shortcomings. Sixth, deal with disappointments in a healthy way. And, seventh, create a happy home life. To boil it all down— make sure your marriage is a happy marriage, rooted in Christ, that creates a happy home. 

God commands His people to be “given to hospitality” (Rom. 12:13). This is one way we show Christian love, as we fellowship and break bread with one another. We must view our homes, then, not just as a place for personal retreat, but as a hub for evangelism, discipleship, and personal ministry. In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by Gil Arterburn and his daughter Summer, discuss the joys of hospitality as well as common barriers that often hinder families from opening up their homes. Many fail to practice hospitality because they think their resources are not “good enough.” Yet you don’t need a big home or a fancy steak dinner to be hospitable. Giving of what you have, in a spirit of love, is all you need to encourage others in the Lord. 

Membership in a local church involves more than just signing a card and occasionally showing up for a Sunday service. God’s Word gives particular duties that church members are to uphold toward their church leadership, fellow members, as well to their own respective families. But just what are these responsibilities?  In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Trent Moody, answer the question, outlining the top ten duties of church members.  One, work and pray for the unity of the spirit. Two, seek the salvation of the different groups of people you relate to—those in our families, communities, and workplaces. Three, submit to your church leaders as they are faithful to Christ. Four, contribute cheerfully and regularly to the church. Five, faithfully assemble with your local church. Six, maintain family and private devotions. Seven, watch over each other in brotherly love. Eight, don’t practice things which jeopardize your own faith or another’s faith. Nine, be slow to take offense. And, ten, submit to biblically-defined church discipline. 

Robert grew up as an only child in the small town of Beckley, West Virginia. Though his father never had much money, he had a tremendous work ethic and taught Robert the value of hard work. This said, his dad had no interest in the things of God, while his mom possessed a simple faith in Christ and took her son to a local country church. Entering his teens, Robert professed faith and was baptized at age 14. Yet, deep down, he had no change of heart.  Joining the Air Force at 18, Robert served four years as an intelligence analyst. During this stint, he and a good friend began discussing various religions, and Robert shared what he knew of the Bible with him. In God’s providence, his friend became a true believer, and God used his friend’s testimony to later bring Robert to true faith, as he was confronted with what sin is and his need for real repentance. Impassioned to share the gospel, Robert met his wife through street preaching. Married to Andrea since 2012, he is currently pursuing a MA in Theological Studies at Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary.

When it comes to having tough conversations with a spouse, friend, fellow believer, or co-worker, some are willing to sail right into the storm and throw everything on the table. Others, by contrast, are terrified in approaching any discussion that’s remotely uncomfortable. Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, God’s Word gives clear principles to guide our hearts and words as we prepare for difficult talks.    In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason, joined by guest Taylor Tsantles, discuss these principles. The first is to love sincerely from the heart. We should strive to have this relationship equity with others, even before challenges arise. This will help smooth the way when tough conversations are necessary, because they know we care about them as a person. The second is to avoid harmful communication patterns such as using harsh words or tones, refusing to listen, and trying to force outcomes. We should instead be filled with the Spirit and be on a mission to bless—even when sharing hard truths.  

In the last half of the 20th century, the singing of the Psalms hardly existed in the evangelical church. But Psalm-singing has made a resurgence. Why is this? It’s happened as increasingly more Christians and local churches have embraced the sufficiency of Scripture, recognizing that God has given His people an inspired hymnal of 150 psalms.    In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Scott Aniol, discuss this encouraging trend. There’s great value, they explain, in learning and singing the entire book of Psalms. As with expository preaching, this practice forces us to sing about themes we may not need in the moment, but we do need for shoring up our souls for the entire Christian life. Learning the full breadth of the Psalms will form our hearts to repentance, trust, thanks, and praise—giving us the posture that’s needed for every experience we face as Christians. 

As Christians, we’re not free to dress as we please. Because we’ve been “bought at a price” we’re to “glorify God in [our bodies]” (1 Cor. 6:20). We learn this lesson from our first parents. Adam and Eve dressed their own way by covering their loins with fig leaves. Yet God viewed their effort as inadequate and designed more substantial clothing, using skins from a dead animal. The doctrine of clothing thus points to the substitutionary atonement of Christ:  He removes our filthy garments and replaces them with robes of righteousness.    In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Jeff Pollard, break down the doctrine of clothing, explaining that it’s about far more than modesty.  If Christ has purchased us with His blood, how we dress matters. To paraphrase Abraham Kuyper, “There is not one square inch [of our clothing] over which Christ . . . does not cry, ‘Mine!’” Ultimately, our clothing isn’t about us and what we like. It’s about giving ourselves to the Lord to bring glory to Him in how dress. 

God ordained music not merely to convey particular moods, but to form our affections after His Word. As Christians, we’re to teach and admonish “one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Col. 3:16). This is a non-optional mandate. But how does a dad, with no musical background, cultivate music in his home? How can the local church foster robust singing in the congregation?    In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Scott Aniol, discuss how to create a culture of music in the home and church. For dads who lack experience, they encourage investing in a good set of hymnals and using the SingYourPart app and relevant online videos to bolster the process. For churches, they explain that the human voice, not musical accompaniment, should be the prominent feature in corporate worship. Be it at home or church, the voice of God’s people should joyfully sing forth His praises. 

For 35 years, Alexander Strauch’s book, Biblical Eldership: An Urgent Call to Restore Biblical Church Leadership, has been the premier book explaining the biblical teaching on church eldership, which is shared pastoral leadership by a council of scripturally-qualified elders. Theologically sound and eminently practical, Alex’s book helped ignite a worldwide awakening to this long-neglected and misunderstood subject.    In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm welcome Alex to discuss his completely revised edition of his classic work. The new version, titled Biblical Eldership: Restoring the Eldership to Its Rightful Place in the Local Church, features a word-for-word exposition of all the key biblical texts on eldership—as the original—yet offers a new chapter, “Making Pastoral Eldership Work,” as well as a more developed discussion on the full parity—yet functional diversity—of elders within a local church.  

In a recent MacArthur Center for Expository Preaching podcast titled “John MacArthur Is My Youth Pastor,” Austin Duncan raised objections to the family-integrated church movement. Duncan, who serves as College Pastor for Grace Community Church as well as Director of the MacArthur Center, cited a “friendly argument” with Voddie Baucham on the matter while lodging numerous criticisms of the family-integrated model.   But is Duncan’s critique correct? In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm address his objections, point by point. They express high regard for the teaching ministry of John MacArthur and agree with some of Duncan’s concerns while also refuting numerous mischaracterizations. Resting their case on the sufficiency of Scripture, they maintain that the structure of the church and family should reflect the structure revealed in the Bible alone.    Podcast Related Links: Is The Church A Family of Families? By Scott Brown Some Answers For Critics by Scott Brown The Forgotten Mission Field Of The Family by Voddie Baucham Other Resources by Voddie Baucham

How should a young man prepare for marriage? In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm address this question with special guest Hayden Ford who was married a year ago. Hayden credits his parents’ commitment to teach God’s Word daily and to model a godly husband-wife relationship in the home as giving him a great foundation in preparing him for marriage—but young men need more than this to be ready.    Key lessons from Hayden: Be disciplined students of the Scriptures yourselves, learning God’s attributes and knowing what His Word says about the important issues of life. Purpose to have a consistent income and ample savings. Honor the authorities God has placed in your life, humbly getting their opinion on your readiness for matrimony. And stop seeking marriage as your driving aim, but strive to be more like Christ each day.