Captivate & Conform

Dating is a relatively new concept in the history of mankind. On top of this, Scripture doesn’t mention anything about it. However, given its normalization in modern culture, what biblical principles should Christians apply to dating? --- 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...

Dr. Mark Farnham, Professor of Apologetics at Lancaster Bible College, joins the show to answer questions from you, our listeners. Purchase Dr. Farnham’s Every Believer Confident: Apologetics for the Ordinary Christian .  He will be the main speaker at our FREE apologetics conference on Saturday, February 24. Mark your calendars! --- If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a positive review a...

Baptism is one of the most universally recognized traditions in the church. But although well-known and widely practiced, baptism varies by denomination, with many debating the proper mode. However, arguing the method shouldn’t be the starting point of debate. Instead, a more effective approach is to first ask ourselves, “Who gets to be baptized?” We tackle this question and more on this episode....

Enjoy this episode on Christmas carols, the deity of Christ, and our first-ever “lightning round” of questions. EXCITING NEWS! Dr. Mark Farnham is returning to Captivate & Conform to answer your questions, which will be discussed on the show, December 20th. Submit your question here . Check out our previous episode with Dr. Farnham, “Apologetics: Every Believer Confident.” --- If you enjoyed t...

James tells us that “faith without works is dead.” In other words, it is not enough to simply pray the sinner’s prayer or assent to the gospel but go on living a life unchanged by its transformational but difficult truths. Yet this is precisely what easy believism says is possible. All the supposed “benefits” with no cost. But, of course, there is a dear cost to following Christ. Dietrich Bonhoeff...

Last week, we established from Scripture that there is a hierarchy to sin—there are lesser and greater acts of disobedience to God’s law. Christians must be careful not to let this distinction make Pharisees out of us, looking down on others who commit greater sins. For all sin is worthy of eternal damnation, yet no sin is beyond the cleansing blood of Christ. Special guest Pastor Jess Miller from...

Over the years, it seems that broader evangelicalism has flattened the doctrine of sin. Meaning, all sin is the same and without distinction. On one hand, every sin “big” or “small” is indeed a violation of God’s law and is therefore damnable in the eyes of holy God. However, Scripture communicates that some sins are more severe in their effects and consequences than others, and they are deserving...

The world views justice and mercy as polar opposites. Mercy, it claims, is trampled upon if any form of justice is served. But the Christian knows better. At least, the Christian should. On the cross, our Lord demonstrated that justice and mercy are inextricably linked in his blood payment for the forgiveness of sins. On this episode, we explore how Christians can champion justice and mercy in a c...

The struggle and pain of infertility often goes on behind the scenes and is far more prevalent than most expect (1 in 5 women aged 15-49 in the US  with no prior births are unable to get pregnant after one year of trying). The curse of sin has tainted everything—even conception—which is why the church must strive to know how to best care for those in the thick of infertility. Pastor Jules Hull and...

Are Christians able in good conscience to take part in Halloween, a holiday whose historical origins are demonic? Shouldn’t those in Christ reject a day that seems to glorify death and fear? Can a believer participate in redeeming ways without celebrating it? We tackle these thoughtful questions and more in this episode on All Hallows’ Eve. --- If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a positi...

On this special episode, listen to the story and ministry of John and Judy Nicely, longtime missionaries from Cedar Crest and current outreach workers for TEAM’s (The Evangelical Alliance Mission) home office. Sign up for Global Outreach Conference   --- 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 po...

Outreach Pastor John LoRusso joins the show to explain the meaning behind this year’s theme for GO (Global Outreach) Conference— Missions Drift: Know the Course, Stay the Course . Sign up for Global Outreach Conference | October 15th - 22nd Resource Recommendations | Let the Nations Be Glad by John Piper, Loving the Church...Blessing the Nations by George Miley, Honor and Shame by Roland Muller --...

In light of some feedback we received from last week’s episode on capital punishment, we take time to respond and also to clarify the mission and purpose of the show. --- 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...

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...