Exhorter Podcast

Send us Fan Mail What does worship really mean?   Is worship limited to what we do when the church gathers, or should it shape every part of our lives? We explore what Scripture teaches about worship in spirit and truth, the importance of both our actions and our hearts, and what it means to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to God. Is it possible to go through the motions of worship while our...

Send us Fan Mail Are words just words?  When the Bible doesn’t give us a list of specific “cuss words,” how do we know where the line is? We explore what Scripture actually says about foul, obscene, and unwholesome speech, looking at passages like Ephesians 4:29, Ephesians 5:4, and Colossians 3:8. We discuss how language changes over time, whether cultural acceptance changes what Christians should...

Send us Fan Mail What owns your heart? When most people think of idolatry, they picture ancient temples, carved statues, and pagan worship. But Scripture paints a much deeper picture. An idol is anything that becomes more important than loving God and doing what is right—even good things that quietly take first place in our lives. In this episode, we explore how modern idols often hide in plain si...

Send us Fan Mail Most Christians know the warnings about pride in Scripture, but we often use the same word to describe two very different things. Is there a difference between arrogance and healthy satisfaction? Between elevating ourselves above others and taking joy in a job well done? In this episode, we examine what the Bible says about pride, humility, confidence, purpose, and personal worth....

Send us Fan Mail What does biblical masculinity really look like? In a culture that often portrays men as either weak and incompetent or aggressive and domineering, it can be difficult to separate stereotypes from Scripture. In this episode, we explore how the Bible defines masculinity and why Jesus—not celebrities, influencers, or cultural trends—is the ultimate example of what a man should be. L...

Send us Fan Mail Can you love someone you don't naturally like? We've all heard the phrase, "I love them, but I don't have to like them." But is that really the attitude Scripture calls us to have? In this episode, we explore the tension that can exist between faithful Christians who simply don't connect, have different personalities, or have allowed misunderstandings...

Send us Fan Mail We often say “I’m blessed”—but what do we really mean by that? In this episode, we challenge the common idea that blessing simply means good or positive circumstances, and instead explore a more biblical definition—what is truly profitable for our souls, even when life is difficult.  Walking through James 1 and Romans 8:28, we unpack how trials, loss, and hardship can still serve...

Send us Fan Mail Are your words honoring God—even in everyday conversations? In this episode, we’re joined by Kevin Clark from Birmingham, Alabama, to discuss how our speech reflects our hearts and how small, intentional changes can have a significant impact on our homes, relationships, and walk with Christ. We explore what it looks like to speak with grace, use biblical language naturally, and ev...

Send us Fan Mail Mormons are often kind, family-oriented, and eager to talk about faith—but conversations can quickly stall once you move beyond the surface. In this episode, we walk through a real relationship that led to ongoing Bible study with an LDS couple and highlight how easy it is to use the same words while meaning very different things. At the heart of the discussion is authority: Is th...

Send us Fan Mail We often talk about keeping promises to one another — but what about promises to God? Is a vow the same as promising, or is that bargaining with God? We dig into the difference between making a sincere commitment to God and putting God to the test, and why “let your yes be yes” matters just as much in prayer as it does in everyday life. We walk through key Bible passages on vows a...

Send us Fan Mail When faith feels routine, what brings it back to life? In this episode, we return to Jesus’ greatest command—loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:29–30) —not as a slogan, but as a daily pattern you can actually practice. Using Daniel’s story as our guide, we explore what whole-person devotion looks like when faith is tested, truth is challenged, and obe...

Send us Fan Mail What should everyday Christian conversation sound like—without feeling fake or performative? In this episode, we discuss Colossians 4:5–6: speech that is gracious, wise, and “seasoned with salt.” Along the way, we wrestle with the tension between being genuine and being intentional: is saying “I’ll pray for you” (or even “Can we pray right now?”) bold faith… or does it feel contri...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Kris Emerson, preacher and host of Excel Still More Podcast, for an honest look at podcasting as ministry: the wins, the pivots, the discouragements, and the moments that prove it matters. Kris shares how a simple idea recorded on the closet floor grew into a weekly tool for spiritual growth, and why his message has shifted from self-improvement t...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Kris Emerson to discuss how Christians can stay focused on Christ over extremes of Christian leanings. We explore why chasing spiritual “rightness” outside of Jesus can lead to fear, division, and extremes — whether on the left, the right, traditional, or progressive. If you've wrestled with church culture, legalism, credibility, or fear-base...

Send us Fan Mail What if the path to stronger churches begins long before anyone is asked to serve? We dig into the surprising power of aspiration—how aiming toward the biblical qualities of an elder can shape every believer’s character, whether the title ever comes or not. Is aspiring to be an elder only for a few? We argue it’s a vision for everyone. "If anyone aspires to the office of over...

Send us Fan Mail Are we planting thorns in our homes? What if the biggest threats to your child’s faith look like good opportunities on the calendar? In this episode, we sit down with Phil Robertson to explore how Jesus’ warning about the “thorns” (Matthew 13:7) still applies today—sports, school, screens, and busy schedules that quietly choke out spiritual growth. Together, we unpack how parents...

Send us Fan Mail Whether you're battling Monday blues, feeling stuck in a job you dislike, or struggling to find balance between work and home, this episode offers biblical wisdom to renew your perspective. Work isn't just about earning a paycheck – it's about glorifying God in everything we do, finding contentment in our current season, and remembering that providing for our famili...

Send us Fan Mail What happens after our final breath? In this episode, we dive into what Scripture teaches about death and the judgment that follows. The Bible makes it clear that our consciousness continues after death—but is this the final judgment, a temporary waiting place, or does that distinction even matter? Through the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, we explore what Jesus reveals abou...

Send us Fan Mail When a tech CEO was caught on a stadium Kiss Cam with someone who wasn’t his wife, the internet turned it into a meme fest. Behind the laughs is a sobering reminder: in a hyperconnected world, double lives don’t stay hidden. This episode explores integrity, hidden sin, and the toll of compartmentalized living. We reflect on Numbers 32:23—“be sure your sin will find you out”—and ho...

Send us Fan Mail Are emotions misleading distractions or God-given guides? This question sits at the heart of many spiritual struggles as believers try to navigate between what they feel and what they know to be true. Drawing from biblical examples and personal experiences, our conversation explores the often-misunderstood relationship between emotions and principles in the Christian life. Rather...

Send us Fan Mail While headlines and studies point to a steady decline in church attendance across the country, what does that mean for us, especially in the Churches of Christ? In this episode, we take a thoughtful look at the data, listen to what some are saying about the future of the church, and consider how we should respond—not with panic, but with purpose. We’ll talk about what it means to...

Send us Fan Mail What boundaries protect and sanctify your marriage? In this episode, we talk about the so-called “Pence Rule,” opposite-sex friendships, and why 1 Thessalonians 4 calls us to intentional holiness. It's not about fear—it’s about wisdom, trust, and honoring your spouse before God. Should married people have close friendships with the opposite sex? We unpack the thinking behind...

Send us Fan Mail Nobody likes feeling left out—but it’s part of life. Feeling left out strikes at our core need to belong, affecting us deeply, whether it's an event we weren't invited to or a subtle sense that others are more connected than we are. This week, we’ll share why it hits so hard, what the Bible says about it, and how to create a culture of belonging wherever you are. If you&...

Send us Fan Mail How do we navigate disagreement with church leadership while maintaining respect and unity? This thought-provoking episode tackles the delicate balance of honoring elders while addressing legitimate concerns. We begin by examining our fundamental relationship with elders. Rather than waiting for them to reach out, we explore how members can take initiative in building meaningful c...

Send us Fan Mail We all carry secrets—ours and other people’s. But should we? Is it ever right to share them? This episode dives into what Scripture says about managing secrets with integrity. In this episode, we unpack biblical stories like Samuel keeping his mission quiet, Esther hiding her identity, and Samson… oversharing. You'll also hear why making blanket promises of confidentiality is...