Living IN Jesus Podcast

In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina explore what it means to overcome evil with good. They unpack Romans 12:19-21—challenging listeners to leave revenge to God and instead respond to hurt with kindness and radical love. The conversation touches on the pitfalls of seeking personal justice, the transformative power of depending on the Holy Spirit, and practical ways to bless those who wrong us, even in our most vulnerable moments. If you've ever wrestled with how to handle hurt, offense, or injustice, this conversation will challenge and encourage you. Discover how choosing to depend on Christ and walking in His love can transform your life—and the lives of those around you. Key Verses: Romans 12:19-21: "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Quotes: “We are the worst person to judge a situation when we’re the ones hurt.” “The people who hurt us can’t heal us—only God can.” “Jesus didn’t just avoid revenge—He actively blessed those who hated Him.” Key Points: Overcoming evil with good begins by entrusting our hurt and anger to God rather than seeking personal vengeance. Radical love calls us to bless our enemies and respond with kindness, even when our emotions run high. Depending on the Holy Spirit empowers us to transform conflict into opportunities for healing and reconciliation. Outline: Introduction (00:04) Scripture Reading (00:50) The Call to Not Avenge Yourself (02:08) God’s Justice vs. Our Emotions (03:32) The Destructive Cycle of Retaliation (06:16) Empowered to Give Radical Love (07:38) Jesus as the Ultimate Example (10:53) Practical Example: Refusing to Take the Bait (12:00) Handling Personal Offense with Grace in Parenting (15:53) Relying on the Holy Spirit to Overcome Evil (19:16) Final Takeaway (19:31) Theme Music: Here Forever by AdigoldEmotion by TonyDrummer(all rights and licensing from Envato elements)   Hosted by: Ross O'HairParticipating Staff: Ben BrezinaScripture Read by: Ben BrezinaEdited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Jamie Pharis Pyles explore Romans 12:14-18, revealing how believers are empowered through the Holy Spirit to bless rather than curse, rejoice and weep with others, and live in harmony. They discuss how old patterns of retaliation stem from the flesh, but under the New Covenant, believers have a new spirit and renewed mind to respond with genuine love—even toward those who cause harm. Through personal stories and scriptural insights, they demonstrate that what was once impossible under the law becomes both freeing and joyful through Christ’s life in us. Key Verses: Romans 12:14-18: "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." Quotes:"In Christ, you can afford to be wrong, and you can afford to be wronged."  "It's not on our love and forgiveness that the world will change, but on His through us."  "God doesn’t promise great circumstances, but He does promise His presence, His love, and a peace that surpasses understanding." Key Points: Living in Christ means breaking free from the old pattern of retaliation and embracing love, even in persecution. The renewal of the mind is not something we achieve by effort but something we allow God to do in us. Unity in the body of Christ comes from recognizing everyone's equal value and responding with humility and grace. Outline: Introduction (00:04) Scripture Reading (01:00) Do’s and Don’ts (02:04) Breaking Free from Old Fleshly Patterns (03:49) Allowing God to Transform Us (05:08) A Story of Responding with Love (09:27) Persecution Reveals Our Faith (08:12) Seeing Every Person’s Value (13:20) Living Peaceably and not Repaying Evil (15:55) Corrie Ten Boom’s Story of Empowerment (16:30) Conclusion and Major Takeaways (19:11) Theme Music: Here Forever by AdigoldCinematic Strings by Cleanmindsounds(all rights and licensing from Envato elements) Hosted by: Ross O'HairScripture Read by: Ben BrezinaParticipating Staff: Jamie Pharis PylesEdited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

What does authentic love look like in a world full of transactional relationships? In this episode, Ross O'Hair and Mark Fields explore Romans 12:9-13, a passage that vividly describes how believers are called to live out genuine, selfless love within the body of Christ. Together, they discuss the characteristics of healthy relationships, including authenticity, humility, perseverance, and serving others with joy and purpose. Through practical examples and personal stories, Ross and Mark unpack key principles like letting love be genuine, abhorring what is evil, and showing preference to one another in humility. They also highlight how living out these truths reflects our identity in Christ and fosters trust, safety, and unity within communities. Tune in to be encouraged and equipped to cultivate meaningful, God-honoring relationships. Key Verses: Romans 12:9-13: “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." Quotes: "Healthy relationships begin with acting for each other's best benefit with authenticity and genuineness." "When we know who we are in Christ, we can genuinely love others without striving—it flows naturally from our identity in Him." "Building relationships requires humility and sacrifice, valuing others above ourselves, and reflecting God's unconditional love." Key Points: Authenticity builds trust and safety, which are essential for genuine relationships. Christ-like humility means prioritizing others' interests above your own, creating space for deeper connections. Healthy relationships require intentionality—encouraging others, praying for them, and serving with enthusiasm. Outline: Introduction (00:03) Scripture Reading (00:50) The Importance of Authenticity in Relationships (01:30) Abhorring Evil and Clinging to Good in Community (05:54) Giving Preference to Others Through Humility (08:29) Enthusiasm in Serving the Lord (11:24) Overcoming Divisiveness and Serving God's Purpose (14:16) Joy, Perseverance, and Prayer in Relationships (16:39) Contributing to Needs and Practicing Hospitality (18:40) Final Takeaways: Living Out Love in Christ (20:22) Theme Music: Here Forever by AdigoldEmotional Piano and Strings by MusicalSmile(all rights and licensing from Envato elements) Hosted by: Ross O'HairParticipating Staff: Mark FieldsScripture Read By: Ben BrezinaEdited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Tom Price explore the richness of Romans 12:3-8, discussing how believers are called to embrace unity in the body of Christ while celebrating diversity in spiritual gifts. They tackle the dangers of comparison, the importance of finding identity in Christ, and how understanding God’s grace leads to a healthier community. Through personal stories and relatable analogies, this conversation unpacks how humility and sound judgment allow us to serve authentically and joyfully as members of God’s family. Key Verses: Romans 12:3-8: "For by the grace given to me, I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think. But to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body, we have many members, and the members do not have all the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them: if prophecy in proportion to our faith; if service in our serving; the one who teaches in his teaching; the one who exhorts in his exhortation; the one who contributes in generosity; the one who leads with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy with cheerfulness." Quotes: "The most humble thing you can do is to believe what God says about you." "True humility isn’t thinking less of ourselves; it’s about embracing who God says we are and living out of the grace gifts he’s placed in us." "When we stop comparing ourselves to others and start celebrating the diversity within the body of Christ, we experience the fullness of God’s design for his church." Key Points: Comparison within the body of Christ creates division, but humility and sound judgment promote unity. Spiritual gifts are not about self-worth but about fulfilling our unique roles in the body of Christ. True joy and fulfillment come from living authentically in the identity God has given us. Outline: Introduction (00:00) Scripture Reading (00:52) Humility in Action (2:11) Breaking Free from the Comparison Trap (3:30) One Body, Many Parts (4:18) Grace as the Ultimate Lens (4:55) A Celebration of Unique Gifts (9:10) Lessons from Personal Battles with Comparison (14:44) The Church as a Unified Reflection of Christ (16:28) Conclusion and Major Takeaways (19:05) Theme Music: Here Forever by AdigoldThe Wedding Trailer by Toshman(all rights and licensing from Envato elements) Hosted by: Ross O'HairParticipating Staff: Beau BrezinaScripture Read by: Ben BrezinaEdited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Beau Brezina explore the profound concepts of transformation and sacrifice as presented in Romans 12:1-2. What does it mean to be a living sacrifice? How can we embrace transformation through the renewal of our minds? Listen in as Ross and Beau unravel how our everyday acts of kindness, forgiveness, and service are not burdens but joyful responses to God’s incredible love and mercy. This conversation will inspire us to renew our minds, embrace Christ’s work in us, and live out the sacrificial love that impacts our relationships with God and others. Key Verses: Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Quotes: “Offering ourselves as a “living sacrifice” is not a heavy burden—it’s a delight birthed out of the love that God has poured into our hearts.” “Transformation begins with renewing your mind; it’s about letting the Holy Spirit reshape your beliefs to align with God’s truth.” “Sacrifice isn’t about losing something; it’s about giving yourself fully to the joy of loving God and others.” Key Points: A living sacrifice reflects the joy of serving God, motivated by His love rather than obligation. Transformation requires the renewal of our minds by allowing the Holy Spirit to reshape our thoughts and beliefs. True worship involves daily submission to God’s will, enabling His love to shine through our actions. Outline: Introduction (00:00) Scripture Reading (01:02) Why We’re Skipping Chapters 9–11 (01:29) The Heart Behind a “Living Sacrifice” (01:58) A Fresh Look at the Word “Sacrifice” (03:14) Transformation Starts in the Mind (07:21) Real-Life Examples of Practicing Sacrifice (09:05) Overcoming Worldly Conditioning (10:29) The Sacrifice of Forgiveness and Love (14:53) Key Takeaway and Conclusion (17:26) Theme Music: Here Forever by AdigoldEmotion by Tonydrumer(all rights and licensing from Envato elements) Hosted by: Ross O'HairParticipating Staff: Beau BrezinaScripture Reading by: Ben BrezinaEdited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Mark Fields unpack the rich truths of Romans 8:31-39. They discuss how God’s love and provision empower us to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and hope. From the assurance that God is for us to the eternal security of His love, this conversation will inspire and encourage you to live boldly, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Listen now to discover how God’s provision and presence are woven into every moment of our lives. Key Verses: Romans 8:31-39: “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Quotes: “God is not just with us—He is for us. That changes everything about how we face life’s challenges.” “What if God doesn’t want to change your circumstances but wants to change you through them?” “No person, no event, no sin can separate a believer from God’s love. That truth transforms how we approach every difficulty.”  Key Points: God’s unconditional love ensures we are never separated from Him, no matter the difficulty. Our feelings may deceive us, but we can rest in the truth that God is present and for us. The Holy Spirit and Christ both intercede on our behalf, giving us the power to overcome trials. Outline: Introduction (00:00) Scripture Reading (00:49) God’s provision: He is for us, freely gives, justifies, and intercedes (02:26) The significance of God being “for us” and the power of His love (04:46) God’s provision explained in the Roman context: assurance amid persecution (06:33) Jesus and the Holy Spirit intercede for us, emphasizing divine involvement (08:20) God’s presence: nothing can separate us from His love, even in trials (09:48) Trusting God’s presence in uncertain outcomes: overcoming fear and anxiety (12:42) Practical encouragement: relying on God’s love amid daily failures and temptations (14:59) Conclusion and Major Takeaways (17:16) Theme Music: Here Forever by AdigoldInspiring by Peacock Music(all rights and licensing from Envato elements) Hosted by: Ross O'HairParticipating Staff: Mark FieldsScripture Reading: Ben Brezina, Corrie O’HairEdited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Mark Fields closely examine Romans 8:28-30, discussing how God’s goodness and sovereignty bring hope even during life’s most challenging circumstances. They unpack the truths of this famous passage, exploring how God works all things for good for those who love Him. Using personal stories, biblical examples, and down-to-earth insights, they show how trials can transform us into the image of Christ, deepening our dependence on Him and renewing our perspective on hardship. If you’ve ever felt stuck in pain or wondered where God is, this conversation will encourage and empower you to trust that He is always working, always present, and always good. Key Verses: Romans 8:28-30 - "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified." Quotes: “Sometimes the good from our circumstances may not be evident until much later, but God is weaving all things together with His wisdom and timing.” “God’s purpose is not just to fix our pain but to conform us to the image of His Son, aligning our thoughts, attitudes, and actions with His life in us.” Key Points: God’s sovereignty assures us that He is in control and works all things for good in the lives of believers. The ultimate good is being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, which is God’s purpose for every believer. Trusting God’s goodness and presence transforms suffering into a pathway for deeper dependence and greater enjoyment of Him. Outline: Introduction (00:00) Scripture Reading (00:57) Hope through God’s Goodness and Sovereignty (1:34) God’s Hand in “All Things” (3:28) When Life Hurts: The Tension of Trust (4:57) The Bigger Picture: God’s Ultimate Good (6:35) Chiseling the Masterpiece: Michelangelo and the Image of David (14:14) God’s Goodness in Aging: Mark’s Personal Journey (15:24) From Pain to Peace – Practical advice on leaning into God’s Goodness. (18:11) Conclusion and Major Takeaways (18:38) Theme Music: Here Forever by Adigold(all rights and licensing from Envato elements) Hosted by: Ross O'HairParticipating Staff: Mark FieldsScripture Reading by: Corrie O'HairEdited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, hosts Ross O’Hair and Mark Fields tackle the tough questions of suffering, hardship, and where God is in the midst of our pain. Romans 8:18-27 highlights how all creation—humanity included—is groaning with hope, longing for God's promised restoration and glory. Mark shares a powerful personal story about facing serious illness, while Ross recounts a traumatic family crisis, both demonstrating that we’re not alone in our struggles. They show how the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when words fail, helping us persevere with genuine hope and assurance. Whether you’re currently in the thick of difficulty, or know someone who is, this episode will encourage you, strengthen your faith, and remind you that real hope makes a tangible difference—even in life’s darkest moments. Key Verses:   Romans 8:18-27: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Quotes:  “Hope is the confidence in the existence of a truth we cannot yet see, casting our endurance forward into the promises of God.” “The Spirit groans with us in our weakness, interceding on our behalf when we cannot find the words, proving we are never alone.” Key Points: Suffering is real and present, but it pales in comparison to the future glory promised by God. Hope, rooted in God’s promises, gives believers perseverance through trials and aligns us with His eternal plan. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us in our weakest moments, providing comfort and assurance of God’s care.  Outline: Introduction (00:00) Scripture Reading (01:05) Three Groanings (03:17) Present Suffering vs. Future (04:09) Cancer, COVID, and hope in God (05:15) Creation Groans (09:22) Believers Groan (10:44) The Role of Hope and Perseverance (13:18) The Holy Spirit Groans (20:56) Final Takeaway (22:03) Theme Music: Here Forever by AdigoldEmotional Piano by GentleJammers(all rights and licensing from Envato elements) Hosted by: Ross O'HairScripture Read by: Corrie O’HairParticipating Staff: Mark FieldsEdited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, join host Ross O'Hair and guest Mark Fields as they delve into Romans 8:15-17, revealing how embracing your true identity shifts your motivation from fear to love. Through engaging stories and biblical insights, you'll discover how to overcome fear, understand your spiritual inheritance, and start walking confidently as a Child of God. This episode offers practical wisdom and encouragement to help you live out your faith with renewed intimacy and purpose. Whether you're seeking to deepen your relationship with God or find peace amidst life's challenges, this conversation will inspire and equip you to fully embrace your place in His family. Key Verses: Romans 8:15-17: “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” Quotes: “Fear might be an immediate motivator, but it is not genuine or from the heart. We respond to God out of love as we trust His heart.” “When we say, ‘Abba, Father,’ we’re calling out to a God who smiles and says, ‘You’re my child, and I love you.’”  “Our identity as children of God isn’t just about heaven; it’s about living in His presence now, with love, joy, and peace.” Key Points: We no longer live in fear because God has given us the Spirit of adoption, not slavery. As God’s adopted children, we have access to His love, wisdom, and inheritance. The Holy Spirit continually assures us of our identity as God’s beloved sons and daughters. Outline: Introduction (00:00) Scripture Reading (01:07) Spirit of Slavery vs. Spirit of Adoption (02:14) From Slave to Son: Living Inside the House (05:25) “Abba!” The Cry of True Belonging (07:43) Downton Abbey, Ben-Hur, and Talking Horses (08:42) Whispers of Truth: The Spirit’s Constant Testimony (10:55) More Than Heaven: Your Inheritance Starts Now (13:15) Clarifying suffering with Christ (16:05) Final Takeaway: Loved, Accepted, and Secure (18:30) Theme Music: Here Forever by Adigold(all rights and licensing from Envato elements) Hosted by: Ross O'HairScripture Read by: Corrie O’HairParticipating Staff: Mark FieldsEdited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Mark Fields unpack the powerful truths of Romans 8:5-14 to show how the Holy Spirit transforms our lives from the inside out. Learn how to walk in the Spirit, resist the pull of the flesh, and cultivate a mindset of life and peace that transcends life’s challenges. With practical insights, personal stories, and uplifting encouragement, this episode will empower you to trust the Spirit’s guidance, experience true inner calm, and live out your faith more fully. If you’ve ever wondered how to align your thoughts and actions with God’s Spirit, this episode is a must-listen! Key Verses:   Romans 8:5-11: “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” Quotes: “Once you receive God's provision of salvation, God's Spirit comes to dwell in you in His fullness and completeness.” “Our outlook on life, our attitude towards circumstances is now one of hope, joy, rest—it's life-giving.” “The Holy Spirit is actively transforming us into believing, thinking, and acting more like Christ in every moment.” Key Points: Believers are permanently indwelt by the Holy Spirit, defining them as God’s children. A Spirit-led mindset replaces anxiety and hostility with life and peace. Trusting the Holy Spirit’s leadership empowers us to resist fleshly impulses and embrace God’s truth. Outline: Introduction (00:00) Scripture Reading (01:02) Paul’s Focus on the Spirit (2:19) Defining Flesh vs. Spirit (3:03) Characteristics of the Spirit: Life and Peace (4:20) The Holy Spirit’s Indwelling (7:10) Putting to Death the Deeds of the Body (10:04) Being Led by the Spirit (14:14) Personal Applications and Illustrations (18:02) Final Takeaway and Closing (22:16) Theme Music: Here Forever by AdigoldPeaceful Documentary by LexMusic(all rights and licensing from Envato elements) Hosted by: Ross O'HairScripture Read by: Corrie O’HairParticipating Staff: Mark FieldsEdited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, host Ross O'Hair and guest Mark Fields delve into Romans 8:1-4 to explore how believers can experience true freedom from feelings of condemnation, isolation, and powerlessness. They discuss the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in overcoming sin and temptation, offering practical insights on how to live moment by moment under the Spirit's guidance. Listen today to gain a deeper understanding of how to apply biblical truths to break free from cycles of guilt and shame, and to live confidently in the assurance of God's unwavering love and presence. Key Verses: Romans 8:1-4: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Quotes: “There is therefore now no condemnation—right now, in this moment, God is not condemning me, and there’s nothing in my life He would condemn me for.” “One of Satan's favorite strategies is to create in our minds a distance between us and God.” “We experience freedom as we trust that God is right there with us, empowering us to trust Him and enjoy His life.” Key Points: God has set us free from condemnation and empowered us to live in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit provides life, freedom, and assurance of God’s presence. Choosing to trust the Spirit over the flesh leads to peace, freedom, and joy. Outline: Introduction (00:00) Reading Romans 8:1-4 (01:08) From Despair to Deliverance: Transitioning from Romans 7 to 8 (02:01) The Spirit Unleashed (03:16) Prison Break Part 1: Escaping Condemnation's Cell (05:09) Prison Break Part 2: Overcoming the Powerlessness Prison (08:12) Defying Spiritual Gravity: The Aerodynamics of Faith (12:20) Soaring Daily: Trusting God in Every Moment (15:18) Example of Fighting Anxiety in the Middle of the Night (17:02) Key Takeaways and Summary (20:05) Theme Music: Here Forever by AdigoldDreaming Calming Relaxation by OlexandrIgnatov(all rights and licensing from Envato elements) Hosted by: Ross O'HairParticipating Staff: Mark FieldsScripture Reading: Corrie O’HairEdited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

Discover how embracing gratitude can transform your life in this special Thanksgiving episode of the Living IN Jesus podcast. Hosts Ross O'Hair and Ben Brezina delve into the profound impact of thankfulness on our relationship with God, our community, and our personal well-being. They share biblical insights, personal experiences, and practical tips on how to cultivate a heart of gratitude—even amidst hardship. By listening, you'll gain a deeper understanding of why giving thanks is essential, how it can lead to inner peace and joy, and how it strengthens the bonds with those around you. This episode is an invitation to experience the transformative power of thankfulness and to make it a daily practice that enriches every aspect of your life. Key Verses: Psalm 28:7 – “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Colossians 3:15 – “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” Quotes: “Thankfulness completes the love loop—God gives, we recognize, and we give thanks, drawing us closer to Him.” “You can’t fully grasp what God has done for us and not feel overwhelmed with gratitude. It’s the natural response to His love.”  “Gratitude isn’t just a choice; it’s the pathway to peace, joy, and contentment, no matter the circumstances.” Key Points: Giving thanks daily draws us closer to God and helps us acknowledge His goodness and provision. Gratitude strengthens community by fostering encouragement, kindness, and unity. Practicing thankfulness shifts our perspective from lack to abundance, bringing inner peace and joy. Outline: Thanksgiving: More Than a Holiday (00:01) Gratitude is in God’s Blueprint (02:07) The Love Loop: Receiving and Returning Thanks (03:26) Psalm 28:7: The Anthem of a Thankful Heart (03:57) Grumbling vs. Gratitude: Lessons from the Wilderness (04:30) Building Bridges with Thankfulness (06:59) The Gratitude Effect: Health, Joy, and Peace (10:44) Finding Thanks in the Trials (14:59) Simple Steps to Embracing Gratitude (16:49) Gratitude in Action: A Challenge to You (18:40) Theme Music: Here Forever by Adigold(all rights and licensing from Envato elements) Hosted by: Ross O'HairParticipating Staff: Ben BrezinaEdited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, we dive deep into Romans 7:14-25 to explore the struggle between self-effort and relying on God's power. If you've ever felt trapped in a cycle of trying harder yet still falling short, this conversation is for you. Host Ross O'Hair and guest Tom Price discuss how even as believers, we will give into fleshly temptations when we rely on our own strength. They share personal insights and practical wisdom on embracing our true identity in Christ, which empowers us to overcome challenges not by our might but through the Holy Spirit. By listening, you'll discover how to shift from self-reliance to God-reliance, unlock the freedom found in trusting God's presence within you, and experience genuine transformation in your walk with God. Key Verses: Romans 7:14-25: "For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Quotes:  “God has shown me that true strength and success come from His Spirit working through me, not from my own self-effort to follow principles.”  “When we understand that our deepest desire is to walk in holiness because of our new identity in Christ, we can stop focusing on sin and start relying on God’s power within us.” Key Points: Believers often struggle with sin when trying to live righteously by self-effort rather than through God’s grace. The law of sin affects our physical bodies, but our inner being delights in God’s law, aligning with our identity in Christ. True freedom comes from trusting God’s power to transform us, rather than depending on self-imposed rules or willpower. Outline: Introduction (00:00) Scripture Reading (01:04) Paul’s Perspective: Is This Pre- or Post-Salvation? (03:14) Unpacking the “Law of Sin” (04:57) Identity Check: Who Are We in Christ? (06:24) Freedom Formula: Spirit-Led vs. Self-Effort (10:18) Life Lesson: Tom Shares a Personal Story on Self-Discipline (11:03) Finding Strength: How God Empowers Us (17:12) Key Takeaway: Growing with Grace, Not Law (18:42) Theme Music: Here Forever by AdigoldDramatic by FlowersMusic(all rights and licensing from Envato elements) Hosted by: Ross O'HairParticipating Staff: Tom PriceEdited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Tom Price dive into Romans 7:7-13 to explore one of the more challenging aspects of faith: the tension between God’s perfect law and our human inability to follow it. Through relatable stories and insightful analogies, Ross and Tom unpack why our best self-efforts inevitably fall short of God’s standard, and why that realization is actually a profound blessing. Listeners will gain a fresh perspective on the purpose of the law—as a mirror that reveals our need for grace—and discover the freedom that comes when we rely on the indwelling Holy Spirit instead of striving on our own. If you've ever felt burdened by trying to be "good enough," this episode will offer you relief, clarity, and a renewed understanding of how God’s grace empowers us to live righteously. Key Verses: Romans 7:7-13: "What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, 'You shall not covet.' But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good." Quotes: “The law is holy and perfect, but self-effort can never fulfill it. Instead, it often brings out our sin nature.” “The law is like a mirror: it reveals where we fall short but has no power to make us righteous.” “Grace always focuses on righteousness, while the law keeps our focus on sin and self-effort.” Key Points: The law reveals sin but cannot empower us to live righteously. Self-effort in following the law often leads to more sin, not less. True righteousness is achieved by relying on the Holy Spirit, not our self-strength. Outline: Introduction (00:00) Scripture Reading (01:02) Context of Romans 5:6-11 (02:00) What Does It Mean to Be Saved by Christ's Life? (03:00) Reconciliation Through Christ's Death (04:00) The Two Sides of the Cross (05:00) Practical Example of Living Out Christ’s Life (10:02) How to Apply Reconciliation Daily (12:00) Conclusion and Major Takeaways (15:16) Theme Music: Here Forever by AdigoldEmotional Piano and Strings by GentleJammers(all rights and licensing from Envato elements) Hosted by: Ross O'HairParticipating Staff: Tom PriceEdited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, Ross O'Hair and Tom Price unpack Romans 7:1-6, offering a powerful and practical understanding of the freedom Christians have in Christ. They explain how striving to meet the law's impossible standards will lead us to frustration and failure while embracing grace allows us to grow in righteousness and live in the freedom God intends. Through a rich analogy comparing marriage to life under the law, they show how Christ's death releases us from the law and enables us to bear fruit for God. Listen today to gain valuable insights into overcoming the pressures of performance-based acceptance and find encouragement to live confidently in God's grace. Key Verses: Romans 7:1-6: “Or do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives? For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress. Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.” Quotes: “Grace is a safe place for us to practice our gift of righteousness that was gifted to us through Christ.” “The law demands absolute perfection but does nothing to help us achieve that perfection.” “We've been released from performance-based acceptance and are now joined to God in intimate relationship.” Key Points: The law cannot produce righteousness; it only exposes our inability to meet its demands. Through Christ’s death, we are released from the law and free to live under grace. Grace provides the freedom to grow in righteousness without fear of condemnation. Outline: Introduction (00:06) Scripture Reading (01:15) Why Paul repeatedly mentions the law (02:36) The Law’s Purpose (03:55) Marriage Analogy (05:39) How grace provides freedom to bear fruit (06:18) Living out freedom in everyday life (09:27) Working in a grace-based work environment (14:46) Major Takeaway (16:58) Conclusion (17:43) Theme Music: Here Forever by AdigoldCinematic Strings by Cleanmindsounds (all rights and licensing from Envato elements) Hosted by: Ross O'HairParticipating Staff: Tom PriceEdited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, Ross O'Hair and Jamie Pharis Pyles guide us through a exploration of Romans 6:14-23, revealing how to break free from the cycle of sin and live under the power of God's grace. The conversation offers practical insights into how believers can shift from living under obligation to living with joyful obedience from the heart. By listening, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how grace transforms your daily life, empowering you to make choices that lead to righteousness, peace, and abundant life in Christ. This episode will encourage you to trust God with your day-to-day struggles, embrace your new identity, and walk in true freedom. Key Verses: Romans 6:14-23: “For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Quotes: "It’s really hard when you have to, but it’s really easy when you want to." "When you truly understand what God’s done to you and how trustworthy He is, then you’ll start to see change in your day-to-day life." Key Points: Living under grace allows for genuine obedience from the heart, not out of obligation but desire. The freedom in Christ leads to life and sanctification, while sin leads only to death. Outline: Introduction (00:00:06) Scripture Reading (00:01:12) Habitual Sin and Occasional Sin (00:03:26) What It Means to Present Ourselves as Slaves to Righteousness(00:04:26) Obedience from the Heart (00:08:43) Contrast of Sin Versus Righteousness (00:05:03) How Sin Affects Relationships (00:05:25) Choosing to Live from Grace (00:09:44) The Practical Walk of Believing (00:15:14) Final Takeaway from Romans 6 (00:17:42) Theme Music: Here Forever by AdigoldNordic Cellos by Orchestralis (all rights and licensing from Envato elements) Hosted by: Ross O'HairParticipating Staff: Jamie Pharis PylesScriptures Read By: Corrie O'Hair Edited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

Have you ever wondered why you still struggle with sin, even though you’ve been made new in Christ? In this powerful episode, Ross O'Hair and Jamie Pyles explore Romans 6:8-14, uncovering life-changing truths about what it means to live as a new creation. They discuss how believers are no longer slaves to sin, but instead, are under "new management" — controlled by the Holy Spirit. Through practical insights, Jamie explains how to break free from old habits and temptations by knowing our true identity, considering ourselves dead to sin, and presenting ourselves to God. Whether you’re struggling with long-standing habits or simply want a fresh understanding of God’s transformative power, this episode provides hope and actionable steps for real change. Tune in and discover how God’s truth can set you free! Key Verses: Romans 5:6-11: “For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation..” Quotes:“When we believe God, we are believing in reality. It’s not just positive mantras, it’s the truth that transforms us.” “Practice doesn’t just make perfect; it makes permanent. So, whatever you are practicing, that’s what you will automatically live out.” Key Points: Believers are no longer slaves to sin because their old nature is dead; the struggle now is with remnants of past habits. Trusting God and presenting ourselves to Him daily is essential for breaking free from sin’s power. Lasting change requires both personal reliance on God's truth and engagement with a supportive community. Outline: Introduction (00:06) Scripture Reading (01:12) Our Death and Resurrection in Christ (02:13) Under New Management (04:22) Knowing Our New Identity (05:19) Considering Ourselves Dead to Sin (08:07) Presenting Ourselves to God (10:33) Overcoming Temptations (12:05) The Role of Community in the Transformation Process (18:29) Conclusion (19:15) Theme Music: Here Forever by AdigoldNordic Cellos by Orchestralis (all rights and licensing from Envato elements) Hosted by: Ross O'HairParticipating Staff: Jamie Pharis PylesScriptures Read By: Corrie O'Hair Edited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this encouraging episode, Ross O'Hair and Jamie Pharis Pyles talk about Romans 6:6-7 and what it means to be truly free from sin. They share how, because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we don’t have to be controlled by our old sinful habits anymore. Through helpful examples and personal stories, this episode shows how we can live in freedom every day. If you’re looking for hope and a fresh perspective on your walk with God, this episode will lift you up and remind you of the freedom Jesus gives! Key Verses: Romans 6:6-7: “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin.”   Quotes: “You're no longer controlled by the power of sin. You are dead to it.” “The more we believe the truth about being freed from sin, the more freedom we experience.”   Key Points: The old nature has been crucified with Christ, so we are no longer slaves to sin. True freedom from sin comes from knowing and believing in the death of the old self. Experiencing freedom from sin is about walking in new patterns and understanding that the old ways no longer satisfy.   Outline: Introduction (00:05) Scripture Reading (01:01) "Knowing" our crucifixion with Christ (02:05) How Belief Impacts Behavior (03:51) Roller Coaster Analogy (05:18) The Old Self and Sin Nature (06:03) Science of Forming New Behavior Patterns (08:15) Personal Example of Finding Freedom (10:10) Practical Advice for Walking in Freedom (12:16) Major takeaway (13:34)   Theme Music: Here Forever by AdigoldEmotional Movie Trailer by AirFamily(all rights and licensing from Envato elements) Hosted by: Ross O'HairParticipating Staff: Jamie Pharis PylesEdited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Jamie Pharis Pyles dive into Romans 6:1-5 to uncover how being united with Christ in His death and resurrection transforms our daily lives. If you are struggling with sin or feeling like your past defines you, this episode will encourage and equip you to understand that, in and through Christ, sin's power no longer binds you—you’ve been made completely new! Learn how to walk in this freedom, rely on God's grace, and experience true victory as you live out your new identity. Key Verses: Romans 6:1-5 : "What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his." Quotes: “Sin brings death, but now we have the power of Christ within us. Why would we want to go back to that?” Key Points: Sin is no longer our master; we have been made new in Christ. Our desires have changed because of our new identity in Christ, leading us to reject sin. Relying on Christ’s power is essential for living out this new identity and reigning in life. Outline: Introduction (00:05) Scripture Reading (01:04) Grace Over Sin: God’s Transforming Power (02:11) Living as Someone Who Is Dead to Sin (03:08) Baptism: A Picture of Our New Life in Christ (04:00) Sin as a Power: Overcoming Its Grip (06:35) United with Christ: Living from His Power, Not Your Own (07:47) Why You No Longer Need to Be Defined by Sin (10:34) Living Out Our New Identity (14:06) Takeaway: Living in Victory (16:25) Theme Music: Here Forever by AdigoldEmotional Cinematic Trailer by AirFamily(all rights and licensing from Envato elements) Hosted by: Ross O'HairParticipating Staff: Jamie Pharis PylesEdited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Beau Brezina dive into the powerful truth that when sin increases because of the law, God's grace becomes even more abundant. They explore how the law exposes our need for grace, and how through Jesus, we are empowered to reign in life—not by striving to meet impossible standards, but by resting in the righteousness God freely gives. If you're feeling weighed down by guilt, shame, or the pressure to "measure up," this conversation will show you how to step off the exhausting treadmill of self-effort and embrace the freedom that comes through God's unearned favor in Christ. Listen in and discover the life-changing power of grace! Key Verses: Romans 5:20-21: “Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Quotes: "As you believe that you are right in Christ, and you say no to the sin, you're expressing the life and light of Christ." Key Points: The law reveals sin but cannot overcome it; only grace abounds over sin. True life and righteousness are gifts received by grace, not earned by human effort. Believers reign in life through Jesus, aligning with God’s truth and trusting His provision. Outline: Introduction (00:06) Scripture reading (01:04) The role of the law (01:49) How grace reigns over sin (03:18) Personal examples of living under grace instead of the law (06:02) Trusting God's provision and reigning in life through grace (10:08) Aligning our thinking with God's truth (11:18) Major takeaway from Romans 6 (14:02) Conclusion (14:46) Theme Music: Here Forever by AdigoldPeaceful Documentary by LEXMUSIC(all rights and licensing from Envato elements) Hosted by: Ross O'HairParticipating Staff: Beau BrezinaEdited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina--- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, Ross O'Hair and Beau Brezina break down Romans 5:12-19 in a way that connects directly to everyday life. They discuss how understanding the contrast between Adam’s sin and Christ’s gift of grace can help us handle daily challenges like disagreements, seeking approval, and trusting God in tough situations. With real-life examples and easy-to-grasp insights, this episode will encourage you to experience more peace and confidence as you navigate life, knowing you can reign in victory through Christ. Quotes: "In order to reign in life, I need to take ownership of the gift of righteousness Christ has given me." "Trusting Jesus is trusting that His grace and righteousness are enough." Key Points: Through Adam’s sin, death reigned, but through Christ’s gift of righteousness, we reign in life. The free gift of righteousness through Christ allows us to reign over sin and live victoriously. Trusting in Christ’s righteousness, rather than seeking approval from others, leads to true victory in daily life. Outline: Introduction (00:06) Scripture Reading (00:59) Reigning in Life Through Christ (02:35) Dead in Adam, Alive in Christ (04:14) Understanding the Free Gift (06:49) Practical Application of Righteousness (11:39) The Battle for Approval (12:11) Jesus’ Example Before Pontius Pilate (15:31) Major Takeaway (15:58) Closing Thoughts and Encouragement (16:38) Theme Music: Here Forever by AdigoldEthereal by SilverHoof(all rights and licensing from Envato elements)   Hosted by: Ross O'HairParticipating Staff: Beau BrezinaEdited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode of the Living in Jesus podcast, Ross O'Hair and Beau Brezina explore the powerful truths found in Romans 5:6-11, emphasizing how we are not only forgiven through Christ's death but also saved and empowered by His life. They dive into the significance of being reconciled to God and how this transforms our daily lives, offering practical insights on how Christ's life within us helps us face everyday struggles, resist temptation, and live in His strength. If you're looking for a deeper understanding of what it means to live out your faith in the powerful life of Christ, this episode will inspire and equip you to walk confidently in His grace. Key Verses: Romans 5:6-11: “For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation..” Quotes: “At the right time, Christ did what we couldn’t—He justified us with His blood and reconciled us to God. But much more than that, we are saved by His life.” “Without His life, the blood is almost meaningless. The blood took care of the sin problem, but it's His life that allows us to truly live in Him.” “It’s not just about being forgiven; it’s about having the life of Christ living in us daily, giving us the power to meet our needs and fulfill our purpose in Him.” Key Points: We are not only forgiven by Christ’s death but also saved by His life, which empowers us to live victoriously every day. Through Christ’s death, we are reconciled to God, moving from being His enemies to becoming His children, which transforms our relationship with Him. Christ’s life in us provides the strength to face daily challenges, resist temptations, and love others in practical ways. Outline: Introduction (00:00) Scripture Reading (01:02) Context of Romans 5:6-11 (02:00) What Does It Mean to Be Saved by Christ's Life? (03:00) Reconciliation Through Christ's Death (04:00) The Two Sides of the Cross (05:00) Practical Example of Living Out Christ’s Life (10:02) How to Apply Reconciliation Daily (12:00) Conclusion and Major Takeaways (15:16) Theme Music: Here Forever by AdigoldEmotions by Tonydrumer(all rights and licensing from Envato elements) Hosted by: Ross O'HairParticipating Staff: Beau BrezinaEdited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, Ross O'Hair and Beau Brezina dive into Romans 5:1-5 to explore the incredible power of God's love in our lives. They discuss how being justified by faith gives us peace with God and how that peace allows us to face life's tribulations with hope, knowing that suffering produces endurance, character, and a hope that never disappoints. Beau shares a deeply personal story of loss and how God’s love anchored him through the darkest times. This episode provides practical encouragement and a deeper understanding of how God's love sustains us, even when circumstances don’t change. If you're looking for hope in hard times, this conversation will inspire and strengthen you. Key Verses: Romans 5:1-5 - "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Quotes: "Hope in the scriptures is a confident expectation that God will do what He says He will do." “God’s love is the bow that ties it all together—it gives us hope, no matter what tribulation we face.” Key Points: We have peace with God through justification, which impacts our daily lives. The glory of God is present in believers today through the Holy Spirit. Biblical hope is a confident expectation in God’s promises, not wishful thinking. Tribulation produces endurance, character, and strengthens our hope. God’s love is our anchor, sustaining us through every trial and hardship. Outline: Introduction (00:06) Scripture Reading (00:52) The Impact of Justification (02:00) Experiencing God's Glory Today (04:06) The Difference Between Worldly and Biblical Hope (04:53) Rejoicing in Tribulation (05:08) Personal Story: Beau’s Experience of Loss (10:29) The Takeaway (16:44) Conclusion (17:05)   Theme Music: Here Forever by AdigoldEmotional Orchestra by Orchestralis(all rights and licensing from Envato elements) Hosted by: Ross O'HairParticipating Staff: Beau BrezinaEdited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, Ross O'Hair and Ben Brezina explore the revolutionary concept of justification by faith. Discover why Paul's powerful argument that all stand condemned before God is actually good news for believers. Learn how an attitude of trust and dependence can transform our daily walk with Christ and free us from the exhausting cycle of trying to earn God's favor. Whether you're a long-time Christian or new to the faith, this episode offers fresh insights into the foundation of our relationship with God. Don't miss this chance to deepen your understanding of God's incredible gift of righteousness and how it applies to your life today. Listen now and experience the liberating truth of Romans 1-4! Key Verse: Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.,” Quotes: "Faith is an attitude or a disposition that we get in that allows God to get into action on our behalf." – Major Ian Thomas Key Points: Overview of Romans chapters 1-4 The concept of justification by faith Paul's argument that all people stand condemned before God The importance of faith in receiving God's righteousness Outline: Introduction (00:06) Why cover all of Romans 1-4 in one episode? (01:36) Paul’s main argument in the first four chapters (02:58) Condemnation of Gentiles (Romans 1:18-32) (04:27) Condemnation of Jews (Romans 2) (05:45) Paul's conclusion: all have sinned and fallen short (Romans 3) (06:48) Explanation of justification (08:33) Definition and importance of faith (10:18) Why is justification by faith important for believers? (12:47) The common struggle of trying to earn God's favor (14:50) Personal experiences and applications (16:42) Summary and major takeaway (18:08) Conclusion (19:06) Theme Music: Here Forever by Adigold(all rights and licensing from Envato elements) Hosted by: Ross O'HairParticipating Staff: Ben BrezinaEdited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In the kickoff episode of Season 3, Ross O'Hair and Ben Brezina introduce the theme for this season: an exploration of chapters 1-8 and 12 in the book of Romans. They reflect on the past seasons, discuss the importance of Romans in the Christian faith, and outline what listeners can expect in the coming weeks. With a mix of theological insight and practical application, this season aims to help listeners deepen their understanding of Romans and apply its timeless truths to their daily lives. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the podcast, this episode offers an inviting entry point into what promises to be a transformative journey through one of the New Testament's most influential books. Key Verse: Romans 1:1 – “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,” Key Points: Overview of previous seasons Introduction to the new season's format and focus on Romans Background on the Apostle Paul and the Book of Romans Importance and relevance of Romans for Christians today Outline : 00:00 - Introduction and welcome to Season 3 00:34 - Recap of Seasons 1 and 2 01:51 - Overview of Season 3 focus on Romans 03:34 - Explanation of episode format for Season 3 05:30 - Background on the Book of Romans 08:08 - When was the Book of Romans written? 08:50 - Why did Paul write Romans? 12:44 - Martin Luther on the importance of Reading and Studying Romans Quotes:"This letter is truly the most important piece in the New Testament. It is the purest gospel. It is well worth a Christian's while not only to memorize it word for word but also to occupy himself with it daily, as though it were the daily bread of the soul. It is impossible to read or meditate on this letter too much or too well. The more one deals with it, the more precious it becomes and the better it tastes." – Martin Luther Theme Music: Here Forever by Adigold (all rights and licensing from Envato elements) Show Credits: Hosted by: Ross O'Hair Participating Staff: Ben Brezina Edited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

Righteousness is the currency needed to access a close relationship with God. However, it is impossible to earn His approval through our own efforts. Fortunately, God offers his righteousness as a gift in Jesus Christ. In this episode, Ross O'Hair and Beau Brezina engage in a transparent discussion, offering valuable insights into the struggles and triumphs of embracing God's divine gift of righteousness in Christ. Their conversation provides a fresh perspective on moving away from a performance-driven mindset, guiding us toward a more authentic and restful walk with God. Through personal anecdotes and thoughtful reflections, this episode inspires a deeper understanding of how righteousness transforms our lives, offering freedom from the pressures of perfectionism. As you listen, you will gain practical wisdom on living authentically and experiencing a genuine connection with God through the lens of His incredible gift of righteousness. --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

Who are you? This is an important question because it relates to your worth, your belonging, and your purpose and actions. People often derive their identity from various sources such as their job, family ties, physical appearance, abilities, race, gender, nationality, or personal preferences. The possibilities are vast. Yet, all these sources of identity are unstable and ultimately incomplete. In this episode, Ross O'Hair and Ben Brezina dive into this critical topic of identity, emphasizing the importance of knowing and believing our identity in Christ. Seeing ourselves the way God sees us leads to a stable sense of worth, belonging, and purpose. Join the discussion as they explore how adopting God's perspective on our identity can transform our reactions, relationships, and overall life. You will gain practical insights on cultivating a lasting, Christ-centered identity. --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode of the Living in Jesus podcast, Ross O'Hair and guest Greg Cleland discuss the high cost of believing lies. Greg transparently shares his personal journey, highlighting how he initially sought acceptance and self-worth through achievements, particularly in athletics. However, upon facing challenges and the loss of his football career, he spiraled into self-destructive behaviors, struggling with self-hatred, addiction, and feelings of inadequacy. The turning point came when Greg reached out to God, leading him to pursue a graduate degree in biblical counseling and eventually finding his freedom by embracing the truth of God's grace and his identity in the life of Jesus Christ. This conversation touches on the profound effect of lies on mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Greg also shares how his current challenge of end-stage kidney failure has further strengthened his reliance on God's sustaining grace, emphasizing the importance of surrendering to God's control and recognizing our vulnerability. The episode encourages us all to embrace the reality that true freedom comes from acknowledging our dependence on the life of Christ rather than striving for self-sufficiency. --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

When we discuss God's will, we often think about decisions like choosing a job or a partner or figuring out how sickness or accidents fit into God's plan. But the Bible purposely connects God's will to specific things related to our relationships—with God, ourselves, and others. In this episode, Ross O'Hair speaks with Mark Fields, CFT’s life coach, about what the Bible states regarding God's will for people on this earth. Mark shares his insights, revealing a significant shift he has had in how he understands God's will. This episode goes beyond typical debates, urging us to explore the joy of an intimate relationship with Jesus. --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

God is way bigger and more amazing than we can fully understand. Nonetheless, He has graciously revealed many aspects of Himself in His Word, providing us with an opportunity to deepen our understanding of who He is. In this final installment of the "Knowing God" mini-series on the "Living in Jesus" podcast, hosts Ross O'Hair and Ben Brezina begin by revisiting previous conversations that delved into God's immediacy, power, kindness, friendship, and protective nature. Building upon these discussions, Ross and Ben expand into a large list of God's character and attributes. They aim to inspire us to actively pursue a deeper knowledge of God, fostering a more intimate connection with Him. Understanding God goes beyond mere information; it serves as a foundation for transformation when applied to developing a meaningful relationship with Him. Don't miss out on this chance to grow your relationship with God in the final episode of the "Knowing God" series! --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. Download Mentioned in the Episode: The Attributes of God Poster In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this insightful episode, host Ross O’Hair and special guest Sabrina Frazier take you on a journey of understanding and confidence as they explore the concept of God as our defender. They delve into the challenges faced by the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, discussing hidden issues, misconceptions, and temptations that arise from being falsely judged and misunderstood. Discover how Sabrina's personal journey led her to find confidence in God and rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance. Through real-life examples and heartfelt conversations, you'll learn how God can inspire you to handle being judged and misunderstood with grace and kindness. Whether you have a disability or not, this episode's final takeaway - "God is Our Defender" - offers a powerful message of trust in God's promises, the importance of submitting to Him, and finding peace in life's battles. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion that offers valuable insights and a fresh perspective on how God can be your ultimate defender, no matter the circumstances. Don't miss this episode of the "Living in Jesus" podcast! --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

Friendship is a close and enduring bond based on trust, compassion, and mutual respect. True friendship is a special blessing in life. It is a gift God designed for all of us to experience. The good news is that God offers us his friendship. He has named us His friends. Proverbs speaks of a friend who sticks even closer than a brother, and thankfully, Jesus both calls us His friend and treats each of his followers as His brother. But what does it truly mean to be a friend of God? Many of us may have overlooked or not even thought about the concept of being friends with God. However, when we understand and accept that God is our close friend, it significantly alters the way we interact with Him in our daily lives. In this week's episode, Ross O'Hair and Tom Price explore the friendship God extends to us through Christ and how God is the wonderful, close friend with whom we are meant to share our lives. --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

Kindness is often an underrated word, but it represents a range of qualities we all desire more of in our lives. It embodies compassion, care, love, concern, and sympathy. When we understand and value the power of kindness, we begin to appreciate God and his incredible nature of kindness. In this week's episode, Ross O'Hair and Beau Brezina discuss how God's kindness is unparalleled and unreserved. When we make it a habit to recognize God’s daily kindnesses, it will transform our perception of Him, and in turn, how we treat ourselves and others. --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

God possesses immense and unmatched power. His power is not just a distant force but a dynamic and ever-present reality in our lives. When we think about God's power, we're drawn to the enormity of His creative abilities. However, God's power isn't limited to creation alone; it's an active force that continues to sustain and interact with His creation. His power is deeply personal, as he desires to be intimately involved in the details of our individual journeys. In this episode, Ross O'Hair and Jamie Pyles discuss the significance of God's power and emphasize the importance of believers relying on God as their power source. As we depend on His power, our lives become a canvas for His glory to shine through, and our actions, no matter how seemingly insignificant, become vessels through which His extraordinary power is revealed to the world. --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

At times, God may seem stern, distant, indifferent, or even uninvolved in our lives. This perception often arises when we compartmentalize our activities into sacred and secular realms. However, the undeniable truth is that God is always intimately close, compassionate, and deeply engaged with us. His heart brims with love for us, and His benevolent gaze never wavers. The Bible abounds with verses that affirm God's constant presence alongside us. Moreover, the gospel of Jesus Christ vividly illustrates God's desire to reside within us and work through us. As believers, we share a profound unity with God. In today's episode, Ross O'Hair and Mark Fields discuss the concept of God's immediacy – His presence in every circumstance and every moment. They explore how embracing this truth can open up daily opportunities for us to foster a deeper relationship with God in our everyday actions. --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

The pursuit of knowing God is an incredible, inspirational, and at times, daunting journey. What will we discover? How will it reshape our current understanding? Is God characterized by anger, boundless love, or some combination of the two? No matter what our current thoughts about God we may hold, the reality is that God is way bigger and better than we could ever imagine.  He is more loving, caring, and perfect than our minds can grasp.  Ultimately, He is inherently good. This truth forms the cornerstone for embarking on a deeper, more personal journey of knowing God. In today’s episode, Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina begin a mini-series on knowing God. In their discussion, they delve into the significance of deepening our understanding of God and offer insights into how we can achieve it. Their answers to the 'why' and 'how' emphasize that truth can indeed set us free and help us grow in our knowledge of God and love for him. --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

Having a disability often involves facing challenges and obstacles that individuals without disabilities might not encounter in their daily lives. These limitations can affect people physically, socially, and emotionally in a profound way. On top of the struggle, Satan sometimes uses these limitations to feed us lies about God, ourselves, and others. Many who struggle with disabilities struggle with believing that God has a plan for them. In this episode, Ross O’Hair talks with Sabrina Frazier about her hearing disability and her journey from believing lies about herself and God to embracing God in the middle of her struggle and glorifying God in and through her hearing impairment. --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

Parenting can be very challenging. Taking care of another human being's physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being comes with significant responsibility. Each child has unique needs, and every stage of life presents fresh challenges and a multitude of decisions to make. Amid the complexities of our world, our own personal struggles, and the difficulties we encounter with our children, we can be easily overwhelmed. Maintaining a sense of confidence in our parenting abilities might appear unattainable. Instead of being confident, we can find ourselves doubting our competence and wondering whether we possess the necessary qualities to effectively parent our children. However, God has some encouraging news for uncertain parents. God has not left us to navigate the parenting challenges alone. As Christians, we have what it takes because Jesus lives in us! In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Connie Brezina share how to parent confidently by depending on God’s indwelling, empowering, and guiding presence. By choosing to rely on Him in our roles as parents, we discover the secret to Godly, confident parenting. --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

The New Testament frequently mentions the concept of Jesus residing within us. However, we also encounter the idea that we live in Jesus. This apparent paradox can prove challenging to grasp and even harder to observe in our daily lives. Nevertheless, Jesus assures us of our unity with Him. So, how can we tangibly experience this connection, comprehend it, and embrace its validity? What difference will this understanding make in our daily lives? In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina delve into what it means to live IN Jesus, shedding light on the profound transformation this understanding brings to our lives and the encouragement it provides in the midst of life’s difficulties and trials. --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

We all encounter hardship and struggle in our lives. It is a fact of life. When we encounter life's pains, heartaches, and doubts, many of us instinctively seek to escape the struggle by any means possible. However, it is precisely these struggles and difficulties that often provide the most valuable and growth-inducing experiences. In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Tom Price talk about how God works in and through our hardships and struggles. As we turn to Him with our struggles, God’s Spirit acts as our unwavering anchor within us, providing strength, guidance, solace, and comfort so that we will endure and overcome. --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

God designed us to thrive in meaningful relationships with others, but nurturing and strengthening these connections requires a genuine understanding of one another. Many may wonder, how can we truly get to know someone else and deepen our bonds with those God brings into our lives? The answer lies in the power of asking questions. In this enlightening episode, Ross O’Hair and Mark Fields explore how the simple act of asking thoughtful questions can unlock doors to deeper, more meaningful relationships.  As we depend on God to lead us in asking good questions, others will experience the love of God, and our relationships will flourish and grow.  --- Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

We all care about our lives and cherish the moments of pleasure.  However, life is often filled with challenges and complexities, characterized by both highs and lows, burdens, and tribulations.  So how do we navigate through life’s difficulties and persevere?  The answer lies in relying on God. It may sound simple, but in reality, the God of the universe cares deeply about you and your life, more than you could ever comprehend. Even more remarkable is His loving desire to be with us and support us through every single moment.  Embracing this truth empowers us to cast our burdens and worries upon Him, trusting in His unfailing love and abundant provision. In today’s episode, Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina talk about how to give our cares and burdens to God, emphasizing the importance of trust and intimacy in this process. Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In Mark 12, Jesus reveals God’s greatest commandment given to humanity – to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Because this is what God most desires from people, this command should permeate every aspect of our lives. Yet it is all too easy to just get busy doing loving things for God and our neighbor without first understanding the how and the why. In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Connie Brezina discuss how the greatest commandment is rooted both in God’s nature and the necessity for us to have a deep and meaningful relationship with our Creator.  When we fully understand God’s loving nature and how we are connected to God in Christ, we are set free…Free to love God and others the way God intended.  Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

Living with fear and anxiety can be incredibly challenging and debilitating. Our fears and chronic anxious thoughts can cast a dark shadow over every aspect of life, constantly weighing us down and restricting our ability to experience joy and fulfillment. Living with chronic anxiety not only erodes our mental well-being but also takes a toll on our physical and relational health. While many of us struggle with fear and anxiety today, these struggles are not new to our time. Since the fall of mankind, fear and anxiety have plagued us all.  But should we just resign ourselves to having to live with them forever? The answer is no!  In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Beau Brezina define fear and anxiety, share their personal experiences with anxious thoughts, and talk about how God empowers us to experience freedom by depending on Him and his truth. Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

How does God see you? Does he like what he sees when he looks at you or is he always upset and frustrated with you? These are good questions, and understanding the correct answers to these questions is crucial for comprehending both ourselves and also the status of our relationship with God. Knowing God's real perspective of us in Christ and embracing it as our own self-perception will significantly impact our thoughts, choices, and behaviors. In other words, we often think and behave out of how we perceive ourselves. In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Tom Price discuss the transformative work of God in our lives through Christ, how God presently views us based on his work in Christ, and how we can begin to see ourselves the way God sees us.   Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study. In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In the Bible, God instructs us to love and prioritize others and their needs. Sadly, we all have acted selfishly and made decisions to hurt and damage others. Apologizing and asking for forgiveness is God’s path toward restoring healthy relationships. By sincerely apologizing and seeking forgiveness, we demonstrate a genuine desire to make things right. We acknowledge our mistakes and ask for the opportunity to work toward healing and reconciliation. In this episode, Ross O'Hair and Ben Brezina explore the significance of making an apology when we have wronged others, the anatomy of a good apology, and how to overcome some of the barriers that keep us from acknowledging our sins and seeking reconciliation.

Understanding the difference between inner needs and desires is vital in marriage. When we mix them up and don't grasp how God provides for us, it will lead to frustration and conflicts. God designed us to rely on Him for our inner needs such as love, respect, significance, and belonging. When we depend on God to meet our needs instead of looking to our spouse to be our provider, we can love them unconditionally in a healthy way by gifting them their desires. In this episode, Ross O'Hair and Beau Brezina discuss needs versus desires in marriage, and how relying on God to meet our needs enables us to love our spouse fully out of God’s life and strength.

Grace is God's unearned favor which he gives freely. God’s grace is a deep and often discussed topic, but it is also frequently misunderstood. Grace was God's plan to save the lost and connect us to God, but its significance extends even further. God’s grace also continues to provide believers with the desire and power to live in accordance with their righteousness. In today's episode, Ross O'Hair and Tom Price delve into the nature of God's grace and discuss how God’s grace also provides the power to overcome addictions and walk in freedom from sin.

At salvation, we experience a remarkable transformation—a new nature and new desires to do what is right. With the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we receive both eternal life and spiritual power. However, the alignment of our behavior with our newfound identity in Christ doesn't happen instantaneously or effortlessly. Instead, the Holy Spirit guides us on a sanctifying journey, progressively reshaping our beliefs and actions by renewing our minds with divine truth. One by one, the Holy Spirit faithfully addresses any false beliefs which have empowered old fleshly habit patterns. In this episode, Ross O'Hair and Jamie Pharis Pyles discuss this process of transformation and explore the intricate workings of the brain, emphasizing its innate capacity for reprogramming. Ultimately, it is God who orchestrates the sanctification process within us, yet we actively participate in our own transformation by deepening our knowledge of truth and nurturing our faith in Him and His Word.

God's forgiveness stands as one of the most profound gifts we have received.  However, in addition to forgiveness of our sins, God has also given us, as believers, a heart and desire to forgive others.  This gift is special because when we extend to others the same grace God has given us, we experience the peace and joy that comes from trusting God with our pain. In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina discuss the importance of forgiving others, how to forgive someone who has hurt you, and the God-given reasons behind participating in this powerful act of grace.

God is an encourager, and he created us to be encouragers when we were made new in Christ. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, the Apostle Paul instructs us to “encourage one another and build up one another.” By uplifting and supporting one another, we display the life of God and foster unity and harmony in the body of Christ. Our encouragement can serve as a catalyst for personal and spiritual growth, helping others recognize and utilize their God-given gifts and potential. In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Beau Brezina speak on the importance of encouragement and share some practical ways to encourage people in our lives.

Season 2 of the Living IN Jesus Podcast begins next week.  It has been a while since Season 1 ended, but the discipleship counseling and training team at Christian Families Today has been working hard on a new Living IN Jesus video study. In this trailer, Ben and Ross discuss this video project and look ahead to what Season 2 of this podcast will offer.

In this week’s episode, we discuss your questions from episodes sixteen through twenty. These questions include “Does suffering come from God?” “Why do I need to surrender my rights to God?” “How can I forgive myself?” and “How can I show my family grace without letting down God’s standard?” Listen in as the team comments on your questions.

In this week’s episode, we discuss your questions from episodes eleven through fifteen. These questions include “How can I tell the difference between my thoughts, the Holy Spirit’s thoughts, and Satan’s thoughts?” “What can I do to better hear from God?” “How can I stop my emotions from taking over when I am in conflict with someone?” and “Is God disappointed with me? Listen in as the team comments on your questions.

God desires the whole earth to be filled with His glory. Through Jesus Christ, God has placed His life inside of us. As we come to know and believe the truth about God, our design and purpose, and our relationship with God in Christ, a burning desire grows for others to experience Christ’s life. In this episode, Ross talks with Connie Brezina, Ben Brezina, and Beau Brezina about their personal stories of making disciples and the challenges and barriers to equipping others in the life of Christ.

One of the amazing and beautiful characteristics of Jesus Christ which we see in the four gospels is how he related unconditionally with all those he met. He graciously loved others— even those who mistreated him. As God’s children, we are called and empowered by Christ’s life in us to love others unconditionally. In this episode, Ross talks with Tom Price, Tess Price, and Beau Brezina about expectations in relationships, the challenges of loving others well and their testimonies of receiving God’s grace and extending it to others.

In the Bible, we see two contrasting systems for living in relationship with God and others. Living under a law system results in death and condemnation. Conversely, surrendering to the grace of Jesus Christ leads to abundant life for those who believe. In this episode, Ross talks with Mark Fields, Ben Brezina, and Tom Price about the differences between Law and grace, and how embracing the grace of Jesus brings inner peace and victory over sin.

Sin damages relationships. It is a sad fact of life on this planet that we all hurt and wound each other with our words and actions. In order to maintain healthy, peaceful relationships, giving and asking forgiveness is essential. Jesus offers both an example of how to forgive and the power and desire to forgive others who have offended us. In this episode, Ross talks with Mark Fields, Connie Brezina, and Tom Price about misconceptions surrounding forgiveness, reasons people do not forgive others, and the abundant life in Christ which frees us to forgive and ask forgiveness.

We all experience pain and burdens in our lives. Life’s difficulties can easily lead people to question God’s goodness or even His existence. But God desires a different response from His children – one of trusting in Him and surrendering to His leading and provision while in the storm. The greatest display of God’s glory came when Jesus bore up under great suffering by submitting to the Heavenly Father and depending on Him. In this episode, Ross talks with Beau Brezina, Connie Brezina, and Jamie Pharis Pyles about the burdens and trials they have faced, and how God uses burdens to break our reliance on the flesh and leads us to experience peace through submission to His love, grace and strength.

Have you ever struggled with the same temptation to sin over and over again? All our temptations flow from what the Bible calls desires of the flesh. When we repeatedly give into the same temptation to try to meet our needs apart from God by indulging fleshly desires, a “flesh” pattern develops in our lives. Behind our “flesh” patterns are lies that we believe. In order to walk in victory, a believer must replace those lies with truth. In Romans 12:2, the Apostle Paul instructs us to “… be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” In this episode, Ross talks with Ben Brezina, Mark Fields, and Tom Price about the process of identifying our flesh patterns and how to work with God to expose the lies we are believing, replace lies with the truth, and walk in victory and freedom.

There is an unseen war being fought every day in your mind. The war is between truth and lies. What we believe to be to be true matters because our beliefs determine our behavior. Ephesians 6:12 informs us our true battle is not against the people in our lives. There are spiritual forces who attack us regularly with lies about God, ourselves and others. In this episode, Ross talks with Greg Brezina, Beau Brezina, and Tom Price about their mental battles and how Christians can experience consistent victory in and through Jesus Christ.

The Bible frequently compares our spiritual journey to a newborn baby who is in the process of growing up into a mature adult. Believers are encouraged in 2 Peter to “grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ” and in Ephesians “to grow up in every way into Him.” On this podcast, Ross talks with Ben Brezina, Beau Brezina and Tom Price about how we grow spiritually and the challenges and impediments to growth we encounter along the way.

We were made to contain and express God’s life. The Bible describes these expressions of God’s life the “fruit of the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-23 describes this “fruit” as “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” In this episode, Ross talks with Beau Brezina, Jamie Pharis Pyles and Mark Fields about the fruit of the Spirit and how we can glorify God by displaying his tasty fruit.

We were designed to enjoy an intimate, personal relationship with God. God intimately knows each one of his creations and invites us to know him. Our spiritual growth as believers flows from our intimate relationship with God. In this episode, Ross talks with Ben Brezina, Beau Brezina and Greg Cleland about the importance of intimacy with God and the challenges they face as they seek to walk intimately with him.

In this week’s episode, we discuss your questions from episodes six through ten. These questions include “How can I tell if I am separated from God?” “Can a Christian lose their salvation?” and “Is guilt from God or Satan?” Listen in as the team comments on your questions.

In this week’s episode, we tackle your questions from the first five episodes like, “How do we know God hears our prayers?” and “How can I be in God’s will if I made a wrong choice?” Listen in to hear the team answer your questions.

How we view ourselves greatly impacts our behavior. Therefore, the health of our relationships with God and others rests on the foundation of a healthy identity. In this episode, Ross talks with Beau Brezina, Jamie Pharis Pyles, and Tom Price about the new identity in Christ which God gives to every believer at salvation. Knowing and believing our identity as beloved children of God is essential to experiencing abundant life in Christ.

At the moment of salvation, a great exchange happens in every believer. Death is exchanged for eternal life. Guilt is exchanged for righteousness. The old nature is exchanged for a new nature. The old covenant is exchanged for a new covenant. In this episode, Ross talks with Greg Brezina, Mark Fields, and Tom Price about all the benefits Christians receive in Jesus and the impact this great exchange has made their lives.

Adam’s choice to sin created two problems which prevent humanity from experiencing abundant life in God. In this episode, Ross talks with Ben Brezina, Beau Brezina, and Mark Fields about the two problems, how they affect humanity, and the amazing solutions God has provided in Jesus Christ.

From the moment we are born, we begin training in how to use physical resources to meet our needs. In Romans 8, Paul calls this living “according to the flesh.” In this episode, Ross talks with Tom Price, Beau Brezina, and Ben Brezina about the futility of depending on the flesh and how they each developed unique patterns of relying on the flesh in their own lives.

As a result of their choice to sin, Adam and Eve brought death to all humanity. In this episode, Ross talks with Connie Brezina, Beau Brezina and Ben Brezina about spiritual death and the devastating consequences brought about by original sin.

Every day we all make choices. In this episode, Ross talks with Ben Brezina, Tom Price and Margalena Lepore about the choice Adam and Eve had in the Garden of Eden and how we face a similar choice every day of our lives.

God designed humanity to contain His life so we could express His glory in every moment of our lives. In this episode, Ross talks with Beau Brezina, Ben Brezina and Jamie Pharis Pyles about God’s glory and what it looks like in the life of believers.

God created human beings in his image after his likeness. In this episode, Ross talks with Beau Brezina, Greg Brezina and Margalena Lepore about how God designed humans as living beings who are each a spirit and soul, dwelling in a physical body.

We all have needs. God created us needy to draw us into an intimate relationship with Him. In this episode Ross talks with Beau Brezina, Tom Price, and Jamie Pharis Pyles about the physical and internal needs we all have and how God can supply all our needs.

A correct concept of God is central to living in an intimate relationship with Him. In this episode, Ross talks with CFT staff members Ben Brezina, Greg Brezina, and Tom Price about how they developed their view of God and His nature and the importance of having an accurate view of God.

Living in Jesus is a podcast designed to explore the depths of what it means to live a grace filled life with Jesus as the focus. Each week, join a rotating panel of counselors and teachers from our ministry for a Spirit-filled conversation on topics that impact our relationships with God, ourselves and others.