Rooted By Faith

In this final episode of the Still Alive series, we explore what it truly means to live as “resurrection people.” The early followers of Jesus didn’t just believe in the resurrection—they built their lives and communities around it. This episode looks at how that same reality should shape the way we love, serve, forgive, and live together today as people who believe Jesus is truly alive.

In this episode, we look at the story of Thomas and the honest struggle he had to believe the resurrection. Rather than pushing him away, Jesus met Thomas right in the middle of his doubt. We explore how questioning and wrestling with faith doesn’t mean it’s weak—it often means it’s real. This conversation encourages listeners to bring their doubts to God and discover how He can use them to deepen...

In this episode, we explore the powerful truth behind the angel’s words at the empty tomb: “He is not here.” The resurrection means Jesus isn’t just a figure from history or a story we remember—He is alive and present with us today. We talk about what it means to live with that reality and how recognizing the risen Jesus in our everyday lives can transform the way we think, trust, and walk in fait...

In this episode of Rooted by Faith, we talk about the things many of us are still carrying even though Jesus has already set us free. Just like Lazarus walked out of the tomb still wrapped in grave clothes, many believers live in freedom but continue wearing old habits, guilt, fear, and shame. This conversation explores what it means to truly leave those things behind and start walking in the new...

Easter Sunday is powerful, but what happens after the celebration fades and life returns to normal? In this episode, we explore what the disciples actually did after the resurrection and what it means for us today. If Jesus is truly alive, the resurrection isn’t just a moment we celebrate—it’s a reality that should shape how we live every single day.

In this Easter Sunday episode, we explore the powerful moment of Jesus’ resurrection and what it truly means for our lives today. Walking through Scripture, we see how the empty tomb changed everything—defeating death, restoring hope, and proving that God’s power is greater than any darkness we face. This is the story of victory, new life, and a hope that is still alive today.

On Good Friday, we reflect on the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. In this episode of Rooted by Faith, we walk through the suffering, the significance, and the love displayed in this moment—revealing how the cross changed everything and why it still matters for our lives today.

In this episode of Rooted by Faith, we step into the Garden of Gethsemane and witness the intense moment where Jesus faced the full weight of what was to come. Through Scripture, we explore His anguish, His prayer, and His ultimate surrender to the Father’s will. This powerful moment reminds us that even in our deepest struggles, we are not alone—and that true strength is found in trusting God.

In this episode of Rooted by Faith, we walk through the powerful moments that led Jesus to the cross, from His triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the Last Supper with His disciples. Through Scripture and historical context, we explore the tension, meaning, and purpose behind these final days, revealing how every step Jesus took was intentional and rooted in love.

Why did Jesus have to die? In this episode of Rooted by Faith, we explore the deeper meaning behind the cross and why Jesus’ sacrifice was necessary. Looking at Scripture and historical context, we discuss the problem of sin, the Old Testament sacrificial system, and how Jesus became the perfect sacrifice for humanity. As we begin our journey toward Easter, this episode helps us better understand...

In this episode of Rooted by Faith, Jon talks about how to find peace even when life feels like a storm. Difficult seasons, uncertainty, and worry are things we all face, but God never intended for us to carry those burdens alone. Through scripture and reflection, we’ll explore how trusting God can bring a sense of calm and confidence to our hearts, even when the situation around us hasn’t changed...

In this episode of Rooted by Faith, titled “Chatting About Worry: How to Hand It Over to God,” Jon sits down for an intimate, conversational chat about the all-too-common struggle with worry and anxiety. Drawing directly from Scripture in the New Living Translation, the episode explores Jesus’ practical teaching in Matthew 6 about not worrying over daily needs, Paul’s transformative advice in Phil...

In this episode of Rooted by Faith, Jon explores the painful reality that many Christians face: feeling deeply lonely even when surrounded by friends, family, church community, or a flood of notifications—or conversely, when social circles are small and quiet. Drawing exclusively from the New Living Translation, the episode weaves together powerful Scriptures such as Ecclesiastes 4, Psalm 25 and 2...

Episode 13 walks you into a dusty border village where a desperate Gentile mother shouts through Jesus’ silence, kneels through His apparent rejection, and turns His hardest words into humble, brilliant hope. With slow, tender storytelling, we linger in the four moments that lead to the breathtaking second Jesus stops everything and declares, “O woman, great is your faith!” A heart-melting reminde...

In Episode 12 we stand barefoot on a quiet Galilean beach at sunrise, where the risen Jesus is cooking fish over a deliberate charcoal fire (the same smell that once haunted Peter’s worst night). With slow, tender storytelling, we walk through the smoke of remembered failure, the miracle that calls Peter by name while he’s still far off, the three heart-piercing questions that turn denial into des...

Episode 11 kneels in the upper room where the King of kings strips to a towel and scrubs twelve pairs of filthy, manure-caked feet—Judas included. With humor, tears, and a mop bucket, we unpack three shocks: the King became the servant, the clean became the cleaner (daily confession for daily dirt), and the served became the servers (you owe this love). A soul-stirring call to let Jesus wash your...

In episode 10 we follow Jesus down the dusty road to a leafy fig tree promising fruit but delivering none. With humor and holy fire, we uncover three truths: appearance isn’t fruit (leaves don’t feed anyone), timing isn’t excuse (out-of-season leaves are still a lie), and judgment isn’t the end (the curse points to the cross where Jesus became the curse for us). A wake-up call for every Christian...

Episode 9 lingers in the dusty village of Bethsaida where Jesus heals a blind man in two messy stages: first spit, mud, and blurry trees, then a second touch for crystal clarity. With humor and tenderness, we explore why Jesus sometimes heals in phases—building trust, exposing partial sight, and inviting deeper surrender—turning a weird miracle into a mirror for every listener stuck in “I see, but...

In Episode 8, we walk with the disciples and Jesus down the dusty road to Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus drops the mic: “Who do you say I am?” We unpack three layers—the crowd’s safe guesses (prophet, teacher), Peter’s Spirit-breathed confession (“You are the Messiah”), and the heart-check for every listener today. With diagnostic questions, and a call to answer out loud, this episode turns head-k...

Episode 7 steps into the prodigal story’s shadow, spotlighting the dutiful son who never left the farm yet missed the party. Through three aching truths—he missed the music (slaving in the field while joy played inside), the mercy (score-keeping goats instead of celebrating brothers), and the Master (calling him “you” instead of “Dad”)—we’re invited out of religious resentment into the Father’s fe...

Episode 6 freezes the prodigal son story on the moment the father spots his filthy, rehearsed-apology son still a long way off—and sprints. With humor, tears, and dirt-road imagery, we unpack three scenes: grace starting to move (the dad on the hill every dawn), grace refusing to stay proper (robes hiked, legs flashing, scandalous love), and grace refusing to stay partial (arms thrown, kisses rain...

In episode 5, we dive into the overlooked miracle of 2 Kings 5—where a proud general, a nameless slave girl, and seven humble dips in a muddy river reveal God’s hidden power in ordinary faithfulness. Forget the viral moments and conference highs; discover why your quiet, repetitive obedience is the exact place heaven breaks through. With sharp modern applications and a punchy daily challenge, this...

“Unshakeable Joy” – the one where I finally drag my wife Kirsten onto the mic for the first time in podcast history! After 12 years of marriage, two wild kids, and more Chick-fil-A drive-thru meltdowns than we can count, we’re sitting down to unpack the joy that refuses to quit—no matter how loud the storm gets. Paul in prison, Habakkuk staring at famine, Jesus handing us His own joy the night bef...

In this episode of Rooted by Faith, we unpack Ephesians 6:10–18 (NLT), where Paul equips believers with the full armor of God to stand firm against spiritual battles. Explore three key principles—relying on divine strength, intentionally wearing each piece of armor from truth to the Word, and sustaining it all through persistent prayer—to resist unseen forces and emerge victorious. Wrap up with a...

In this episode of Rooted by Faith, we dive into John 15:1–8 (NLT) where Jesus declares Himself the true vine and invites us to remain in Him. Discover three practical ways to stay connected—soaking in His words, praying from the place of abiding, and embracing the Gardener’s pruning—so your life bears abundant, lasting fruit that glorifies God. End with a 10-second challenge and a prayer to keep...