Candid Conversations with Dr. Jonathan Youssef

Tragedy occurs, followed by sadness and despair. We seek to understand the reasons, assign blame, and uncover every detail of the incident. But is this the appropriate reaction? How did Jesus approach tragic events, and what lessons can we draw from Him? Tune in with Jonathan Youssef as he offers insights from Luke 13 on the Christian response to tragedy. In this passage, Jesus guides His disciple...

Join Jonathan as he reflects on the parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15.  In this third part of a three-part reflection, Jonathan looks at the older brother who remained in his Father's house. Listen and  reflect on the lavish grace and forgiveness of God the Father and the gentle reminder of God's continuing grace, forgiveness, and provision for those who remain in His care. To ask Jonat...

Join Jonathan as he reflects on the parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15.  In this second part of a three-part reflection, Jonathan looks at the prodigal son who left home.   Listen and learnhow this parable provides unique insight into our relationship with God and those around us.  Don't miss this opportunity to understand our depravity and the incredible redemption offered by the loving...

In this episode of Candid, Jonathan  reflects on the parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15.  In this first part of a three -part reflection, he describes the father's joy when his son repents and turns back to him.   Join him as he unpacks God's heart towards His children and receive a reminder of God's unrelenting love for you.  To ask Jonathan a question or connect with the Candid communi...

Restoration. Have you taken the time to meditate on how the Lord is restoring you? It's easy to focus on the negative around us. However, it's far more edifying to seek out the ways the Lord is working good out of even the worst circumstances. Join Jonathan Youssef as he welcomes Ashley Poptodorova to Candid Conversations. Ashley has an incredible testimony of restoration from a childhood of abuse...

Imagine raising 46 children from traumatic circumstances in South Asia, relying fully on the Lord for every provision. It's a modern-day George Mueller story. For Tammyma, it’s an incredible undertaking that flowed out of an unwavering trust in the faithfulness of God. Today, Jonathan welcomes Tammyma to Candid Conversations. Tammyma was born and raised mostly in Georgia in her own traumatic circu...

You may be familiar with the acoustic duo Shane & Shane and their songs I Will Wait for You: Psalm 130,  or worship renditions of Hymns,  Come Thou Fount ,  Holy Holy Holy, or How Great Thou Art . Their prolific work has been a staple in the musical worship of many churches.   Today, Jonathan welcomes Shane & Shane. They met in college and twenty years later are still praising the Lord through mus...

You might remember TLC’s most popular hit TV show, ‘ 19 Kids and Counting’. Averaging 2.3 million viewers each week, the show highlights the Duggars, a family of devout Christians. Each episode shows the daily routine of raising 19 children and the joy and challenges they face as their family continues to grow up— featuring everything from toddlers to teens and courting to marriage. Today we have...

God is in the details. Discoveries in neuroscience, physics, astronomy, and mathematics point to one Creator. Still, most modern scientists would disagree. Why? Is it possible for our worldview to be consistent with both God AND modern science? Today’s guest is Dr. Michael Guillen. He is an esteemed teacher, best-selling author, Emmy award-winning journalist, public speaker, scientist, former ABC...

We cannot have a healthy, vibrant relationship with the Lord if we are neglecting the church. It is through the local church that we experience Christ, meet with our heavenly family, and grow in love and faith as we are stretched by one another. That is why, throughout the New Testament, early Christians were exhorted to gather together and that exhortation remains true for today. In this episode...

Ash grew up in a loving Islamic family. He was chosen to be the future leader of his tribe of over 800 family members. He was mentored by his grandfather for years. But everything changed when Ash began to question his faith and his future. Join Jonathan Youssef on a dramatic journey from Islam to Christianity as he welcomes Ash, a former Muslim and one of Leading The Way's follow up coordinators,...

Ash grew up in a loving Islamic family. He was chosen to be the future leader of his tribe of over 800 family members. He was mentored by his grandfather for years. But everything changed when Ash began to question his faith and his future. Join Jonathan Youssef on a dramatic journey from Islam to Christianity as he welcomes Ash, a former Muslim and one of Leading The Way's follow up coordinators,...

Are you struggling to find direction? Do you have a vision for your life? Do you know how to align your vision with God's plan? Join Jonathan Youssef and his father, Dr. Michael Youssef, as they discuss the importance of having a God-focused vision for life and provide insight to help you align your vision with God's plan. To ask Jonathan a question or connect with the Candid community, visit http...

Are you looking for a way to study God’s Word consistently? Do you need a new Bible reading plan? Join Jonathan as he shares his favorite plan, as well as the potential pitfalls and rewards of a Bible reading plan by  Robert Murray M'Cheyne: Daily Bread. We pray that this episode encourages you in the general reading of God's Word and that choosing a reading plan will help you grow in your relatio...

What comes to mind when someone mentions church? For some, it's a positive thought full of love, warmth, and community. For others, it immediately sparks feelings of judgment and rejection. Through the local church, we should experience Christ, meet our heavenly family, and grow in faith and love as we are stretched by one another, but is this happening?   In this episode, Jonathan Youssef unpacks...

Let's celebrate the real reason for Christmas and hear how Christ's saving work continues around the world today.  Join Jonathan for this episode of Candid Conversations as he shares incredible testimonies of lives that have been transformed by the Gospel. A great episode to lift your spirits and remind you of the real joy of the season.  Listen and then share it with a friend!  To ask Jonathan a...

Christ's birth is worthy of our time and attention, but it can be difficult to stay centered on Christ with all of the activities designed to celebrate the season.   Join Jonathan this week as he shares seven simple ways to center our hearts and minds on Jesus this season.  Choose one or a few that resonate with you and focus on Christ in this season of celebration of the incarnation of Christ. We...

How do we truly count our suffering as joy and draw near to God in our trials? Today's guest, Julie Chapman offers insight into the incredible power of worshiping God in the midst of difficult times.    Julie is a three-time cancer and brain tumor survivor. She's also the friend you would call if you got bad news or needed your spirits lifted. Her optimism, determination to point others to the lig...

When it comes to ensuring the spiritual well-being of our children, how do we go beyond just “raising them in church”? As the next generation navigates unprecedented issues surrounding gender identity, doubt, and resistance to the Christian faith—it won’t be enough for them to simply have the faith of their parents. How do we equip them to become disciples of Jesus Christ in a hostile world? Accor...

November rolls around and we all think about giving thanks. Jonathan welcomes Mary Mohler to Candid Conversations to  discuss what Biblical gratitude really is – a gratitude that is more than thanking God for all the good things in our lives.   Mary Mohler serves in ministry alongside her husband, Dr. Al Mohler, at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. She is also the...

The holiday season is here – a  time of year filled with joy, tradition, faith, and nostalgia–but also a season of sorrow for so many.  Where is God in seasons of sorrow? Whether you are grieving the death of a loved one, a lost relationship, an unsaved family member, or an unfulfilled dream, today’s Candid Conversation guest will minister powerfully to you.  Author, blogger, pastor, and theologia...

You cast your vote. Your civic duty is done. Now what do you do?   Join Jonathan as he discusses the role of fear and faith in our lives post-election. In this episode of Candid Conversations, he reflects on the reminder we have in Scripture to cast off anxiety while prayerfully trusting in the Lord for our future.   Take a few minutes to listen and then share this episode with a friend who is str...

As you scroll through social media, it's no longer uncommon to come across a video shared or created by a friend that challenges elements of the Christian faith. You don't agree with their logic, but you aren't quite sure how to highlight the error you see. You honestly want to offer insight, but you don't want to come across angry or defensive.  How can we lovingly help someone who is experiencin...

Progressive Christianity. Deconstruction. We are hearing these terms more regularly as some Christian leaders walk away from Biblical orthodoxy. What is the impact of redefining the Christian faith? In today’s episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan Youssef welcomes Alisa Childers whose book, Another Gospel , is a helpful guide to unpacking and understanding Progressive Christianity.   Alisa is...

This week's Candid Conversation is with a man who is known as a quiet voice on behalf of faith, freedom, truth, reason, and civility.  Jonathan welcomes Os Guinness to the program. Os is an author, social critic, and great-great-great grandson of Arthur Guinness, the Dublin brewer. He has written or edited more than 30 books that offer valuable insight into the cultural, political, and social cont...