Captivate & Conform

On this episode we discuss unconditional election. Many Christians—even longtime believers—have understandably struggled with this doctrine. However, we fervently believe the more we submit ourselves to it, the more we will come to see God’s glory and lavish grace in choosing us before we could ever love him. Sign up for this year’s Global Outreach Conference | October 15th - 22nd --- If you enjoy...

We are an anxious generation. From skyrocketing rates of mental illness, depression, and suicide, to the day-to-day worries over family, career, and future, the pervasive effects of anxiety have never been clearer.  On this episode, biblical counselor Scott Allen joins the show to help us return to the promises and truths Jesus says concerning anxiety, and how by his grace we can overcome it. Reso...

Spiritual gifts—every believer, indwelled by the Spirit, has them. Some know instantaneously what theirs are as soon as they become saved. For others, discovering their spiritual gift takes more time and effort. In this episode, we discuss their purpose along with the best ways to “find” them. Resource Recommendation | Forgotten God    by Francis Chan Resource Recommendation | Ascertaining Your Sp...

The Chosen is a popular Christian TV series following The Twelve disciples and Jesus during the years of his earthly ministry. It has captured the praise and esteem of audiences inside and outside the church. But some things that have taken place on and off the screen have raised red flags concerning the show’s lack of commitment to and disregard for biblical orthodoxy. The goal of this episode is...

Enjoy a lively conversation with two of our very own missionaries from Cedar Crest, Alex Hartranft and Fernando DeSouza. They are a part of a church-planting team in Chad, ministering to an unreached people group. On this episode, Alex and Fernando share their journeys to the mission field and describe what they’ve been doing since we sent them out as a church in 2022. Learn more about the Chad Pr...

The word “apologetics” has become associated with packed auditoriums and heated debates between eloquent orators. But in 1 Peter 3:15, the apostle makes it clear that every Christian is to be prepared to defend the faith—regular churchgoer and itinerant apologist alike. With the right theology and starting framework, apologetics can be done effectively not just by bookish scholars or articulate de...

Recently, a team from Cedar Crest partnered with LCMI on a missions trip to Nepal. On this episode, we interview team members about what they did and experienced—from training Bible-hungry pastors to fighting off blood-sucking leeches. Support partnership ministries taking the gospel to hard-to-reach countries: Life Change Ministries International | Live Global --- If you enjoyed this episode, ple...

For many Christians, going out and sharing the gospel with a complete stranger is a daunting prospect. Yet, we are called to evangelize the lost (Matthew 28:18-20), and we know the Holy Spirit is the ultimate power behind our witness, not our our own eloquence or persuasiveness. On this episode members of the Outreach Team, Troy and Paul, join the show to share their journeys from timid believers...

In the United States, as couples delay marriage and the birth rate continues to plummet, one thing has remained steadily on the rise—our love for pets. We will discuss why this is at heart only a symptom of the deeper issue of our culture’s growing aversion to having children. DISCLAIMER: This episode is not a sweeping critique of all pet-owning couples, or of couples who earnestly desire to have...

Is the public school system as godless as we hear and read? Should Christians keep sending their children to the secular state? On this episode two guests and members of our church, Dave and Jess, share clear-headed wisdom and experience on how parents can raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord as they navigate the public school waters. As teachers, they also possess a uniq...

On this episode we pick up where we left our conversation last week on total depravity. We’ll dive deeper into what the Bible says about the condition of man’s heart and how such a seemingly gloomy doctrine can be a blessing in the life of a believer. Part 2 of a 2-episode series. --- If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a positive review and share it with a friend! If you have any questio...

Apart from God, is man capable of doing any good? Or are all actions done without faith like filthy rags before our creator? Despite what culture and other false doctrines teach—that the human heart is only moderately corrupt or basically righteous—Scripture paints a far graver picture of the human condition: totally depraved. Part 1 of a 2-episode series. --- If you enjoyed this episode, please l...

A few weeks ago, the East Coast experienced an unprecedented event as smoke from Canadian wildfires swept across the region, forcing millions of people to stay indoors. We discuss our takeaways and reflections on the orange smog, namely man’s frailty and God’s sovereignty. --- If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a positive review and share it with a friend! If you have any questions for t...

Before jumping into our first full-length episode, we go over the mission and purpose of Captivate & Conform and give our listeners a taste of what’s to come. --- If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a positive review and share it with a friend! If you have any questions for the show, email us at podcast@cedarcrest.church . Visit Captivate & Conform | cedarcrest.church/podcast Lear...

We finally weren’t too busy so that we could record an episode on busyness...see the problem? In a culture of packed schedules, increasing activity, and overstimulation, can busyness become an idol? On this episode we discuss the dangers of prioritizing anything before God, including work, family, and hobbies, and our need to reorder our lives around God’s will. Resource Recommendation | Crazy Bus...

In a time when voices of the world risk overwhelming us, we must turn to the local church. Introducing Captivate & Conform, coming June 28, 2023. --- If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a positive review and share it with a friend! If you have any questions for the show, email us at podcast@cedarcrest.church . Visit Captivate & Conform | cedarcrest.church/podcast Learn more about...