The Harder Way Podcast

Welcome to The Harder Way Podcast, where we explore what it means to live a godly life in a world that is becoming increasingly hostile. In this episode, hosts Scott and Mattie examine the "idol of being well-liked" and how it can divert us from our true calling as Christians. They discuss the transformative power of shifting our fear from man to God and how the Bible describes the fear of the Lor...

In this episode of The Harder Way Podcast, hosts Scott and Mattie explore the significance of living a Jesus-centered life and how persecuted believers embody unwavering resilience despite life-threatening challenges. Through compelling stories of faith, sacrifice, and perseverance, this episode offers valuable insights for American Christians navigating an increasingly hostile culture. Learn how...

Enjoy this episode as part of our "Best of" series, while we take the summer to recharge and prepare for an exciting Season 2 of the podcast. Welcome to this week's episode of The Harder Way Podcast, where hosts Scott and Mattie explore the deep connection between one's calling and the strength of faith, especially in the face of persecution. Drawing from Scott's doctoral research and personal enc...

In this episode of The Harder Way Podcast, Scott and Mattie explore the theme of independence, reflecting on its profound significance in both American history and the Christian faith. Drawing from their own family heritage and stories of persecuted believers, they challenge listeners to reconsider their national identity through the lens of their faith in Christ. Scott and Mattie discuss how livi...

Enjoy this episode as part of our "Best of" series, while we take the summer to recharge and prepare for an exciting Season 2 of the podcast. Welcome to The Harder Way Podcast, where Scott and Mattie address the harsh reality of religious restrictions affecting 360 million Christians worldwide. In this episode, they explore three common but misguided responses to such challenges: fighting, fleeing...

This episode addressed the Hamas and Israel tensions, but with tonight's combat between Israel and Iran, this podcast's principles are appropriate.  This episode explores how Christians can navigate these tumultuous times guided by faith and Scripture. This episode calls believers to focus on the foundational Christian tenets of prayer, forgiveness, and understanding in the face of persecution and...

After over 100 episodes, Mattie and I are taking the summer off to regroup and find fresh ways to present the critical truths we share on this podcast. Please enjoy our best of series, consisting of our most popular episodes with a few new ones mixed in. This episode of The Harder Way Podcast delves into the often-overlooked biblical command of hospitality, especially in the context of the persecu...

In this episode of The Harder Way Podcast, hosts Scott and Mattie share the remarkable story of Joan, a fearless Cuban missionary woman whose name is inspired by Joan of Arc. Discover how Joan embarked on a daring mission across Cuba, navigating control points with American missionaries under the constant threat of imprisonment. Through her bold faith and unwavering courage, Joan opened new doors...

In this compelling episode of the Harder Way Podcast, host Scott shares the gripping story of Pastor Li, a dedicated leader in China whose unwavering faith led him into the heart of persecution. Despite being arrested and imprisoned for preaching the gospel, Pastor Li's spirit remained unbroken. His time behind bars became a transformative ministry, bringing hope and light to the darkest corners o...

In this episode of The Harder Way Podcast, we discuss the importance of servant leadership, exemplified by a humble Cuban bishop. As we explore the challenges of living out one's faith in an increasingly hostile world, we reflect on the bishop's inspiring approach to leadership, characterized by humility, community, and a deep commitment to navigating legal and cultural challenges with integrity....

In this episode, Scott and Mattie discuss powerful testimonies of transformation and faith in adversity. Hear the incredible stories of individuals who defied the odds, like a former gang member whose life was turned around through his mother's unwavering prayers, and a Cuban pastor who found salvation while battling the harsh realities of prison life. As they navigate through tales of spiritual r...

Welcome to the Harder Way Podcast with Scott and Mattie. This enlightening episode explores the complex world of Bible translations, exploring why so many versions exist and how each can serve different purposes. Discover the reasons behind the various translations, from copyright issues to target reading levels, and learn how to choose the right Bible for your personal journey. We discuss the bal...

Welcome back to The Harder Way Podcast as we dive into our second official Easter episode. This episode revisits the profound events of Good Friday, offering insights into Jesus's seven last sayings from the Cross. We explore the depth of Christ's compassion, his fulfillment of messianic prophecies, and the significance of his final words. Send Bibles to the persecuted. Send Bibles Receive our mon...

This week, join hosts Scott and Mattie as they explore the challenges and triumphs of Believers living the Harder Way. In this episode, they take listeners on a journey to Cuba, introducing us to a remarkable pastor they call "El Indio." Despite limited resources and living conditions, El Indio and his family have dedicated their lives to spreading the Gospel and nurturing faith in their community...

In this The Harder Way Podcast episode, Scott shares firsthand stories from a recent mission to Cuba with Mattie. On this mission, unprecedented openness allowed for the delivery of hundreds of Bibles to pastors, many of whom had never received a visit from a foreign missionary. He highlights answered prayers, God’s provision at border crossings, and the joy and resilience of the Cuban church in t...

Welcome to The Harder Way Podcast. Join Scott as he shares his recent mission to Cuba, highlighting the incredible journey of delivering Bibles to local churches amidst challenging conditions. Your prayers have been a vital part of this mission's success, serving as a shield and a source of strength. As we continue to support the growth of faith in Cuba, stay tuned for more miracles and stories of...

In this episode of The Harder Way Podcast, Scott and Mattie explore the spiritual significance of waiting and how God uses these periods to shape our character and faith. Listeners will gain insights into the dangers of rushing God's timeline, illustrated by biblical examples such as Abraham, Joseph, and Esther. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith, expressing gratitu...

Welcome to The Hardaway Podcast, where hosts Scott and Mattie tackle one of life's most challenging questions: Why does God allow suffering? In this episode, they examine the personal and theological aspects of suffering, drawing wisdom from religious texts and personal experiences. The discussion explores how suffering can refine faith, the difference between punishment and discipline, and how tr...

In this episode of The Hardaway Podcast, Scott and Mattie examine the often-overlooked realm of spiritual warfare, focusing on how subtle distractions and fears can hinder our spiritual growth. They explore common tactics used against Christians, such as busyness and self-doubt, and discuss how to combat these challenges by staying rooted in Scripture and engaging in sound faith communities. Liste...

Join Scott and Mattie in this compelling episode of the Harder Way Podcast, as they share their experiences and challenges faced while embarking on a critical mission to deliver Bibles to persecuted Christians in communist nations. Discover the physical and spiritual hurdles the team encounters, from severe power outages to the constant need for prayer and protection. Here’s how you can specifical...

In this episode of the Harder Way Podcast, Scott and Mattie explore the challenges of living a faith-filled life in a world that often demands certainty and control. Using the powerful phrase "I do not know, but God knows," they explore biblical examples like Job, Abraham, and Joseph, who trusted in God's plan despite not having all the answers. The hosts discuss the significance of surrendering c...

Welcome to the Harder Way Podcast, where hosts Scott and Mattie explore the challenges of living faithfully in a world of uncertainty and change. This week, they share personal experiences of unexpected health scares and discuss the paradox of holding onto life's temporary nature while embracing the eternal promises of faith. Through the lens of Christian perseverance, Scott and Mattie emphasize t...

Welcome to the Harder Way podcast, where hosts Mattie and Scott explore the challenges Believers face when pressured to compromise their faith in today's culture. This episode explores the inspiring stories of Christians who have demonstrated unwavering faith, including acts of courage by actor Neil McDonough and the founder of Voice of the Martyrs, Richard Wurmbrand. Additionally, biblical exampl...

Episode 101 (New 5-ish Minute Format)  In this episode of The Harder Way Podcast, Scott and Mattie explore the transformative power of viewing the Bible as a field manual for everyday life. They challenge listeners to see themselves as missionaries in their own communities, emphasizing the importance of active participation in God's mission. By drawing from the experiences of persecuted Christians...

Join missionary Don Roberts as he shares his profound experiences from over 33 years of serving in restricted countries like China, Cuba, and Vietnam. In this episode, Don explores the importance of living by faith in the face of persecution and the lessons learned from Christians who endure such hardships daily. Discover the seven keys to understanding and preparing for religious restriction and...