The Truth Response

What is heaven really like? Should Christians be involved in government? What makes someone a good person? In this relaxed and unscripted episode, the hosts pull random discussion questions that lead to meaningful conversations about faith, family, discipleship, and the hope of the gospel. Along the way, Derek, Matt, and Dave share stories about the people who shaped their faith, reflect on the in...

What does it really cost to follow Jesus? In the final installment of our four-part series examining distraction, exhaustion, comfort, and spiritual depth, we tackle one of the most challenging questions modern Christians face: Have we become too comfortable to fully embrace biblical discipleship? In a culture built around convenience, self-preservation, and instant gratification, the call of Jesu...

Can a faithful Christian still experience burnout? In this episode, the team tackles one of the biggest challenges facing believers today: exhaustion. Many Christians are serving in church, caring for their families, working hard, and trying to honor God—yet they find themselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually drained. The question isn't whether you're busy. The question is whether you're...

In a world filled with endless sermons, podcasts, YouTube channels, audiobooks, devotionals, and Christian content, an important question emerges: Are believers growing spiritually—or simply consuming more information? In this episode, the team explores the difference between biblical knowledge and genuine transformation. They discuss how Christians today have unprecedented access to teaching from...

Are modern Christians too distracted to hear the voice of God? In this episode, the team begins a new series exploring how constant stimulation, endless notifications, social media, entertainment, and the pressure of modern life may be affecting our spiritual health. From smartphones and dopamine-driven habits to packed schedules and mental exhaustion, we examine whether busyness has quietly becom...

What matters more to God: outward appearance or the true condition of the heart? In this powerful episode, the conversation begins with an emotional clip involving Shia LaBeouf discussing Jesus and quickly unfolds into a deeper discussion about authenticity, worship, judgment, church culture, and what genuine faith actually looks like. The hosts challenge believers to look beyond appearances and e...

What does real biblical discipleship actually look like? Is it simply teaching truth, encouraging another believer, or does discipleship require something deeper? In this episode, the conversation dives into one of the most important questions for every follower of Christ: what qualifies as true discipleship? Through honest discussion, respectful disagreement, and practical biblical insight, the h...

Why do Christians evangelize—and why are so many believers afraid to talk about Jesus? In this episode of The Truth Response , the conversation centers on evangelism in a practical and encouraging way. The hosts discuss what it means to be “light in the darkness,” why sharing faith can feel intimidating, and how evangelism is often less about preaching and more about faithfully planting seeds. Thr...

What does it really mean to keep God at the center of your marriage—and your life? In this episode, the hosts of The Truth Response dive into the practical and spiritual realities of marriage, communication, and faith. From understanding God’s design for marriage to navigating everyday challenges like miscommunication and expectations, the conversation offers honest insight into what it looks like...

Faith isn’t meant to avoid hard questions—it’s meant to engage them. In this live-style episode, the conversation moves between theology, personal stories, and real-time interaction as the hosts explore what it means to follow Jesus in a complicated world. From questions about heaven, hell, and God’s character to discussions on free will, culture, and truth, this episode creates space for honest c...

Who are you—really? In this episode, the conversation centers on one of the most important questions in the Christian life: identity. Featuring Jeannie’s powerful testimony, the discussion explores how believers can break free from their past, overcome shame, and embrace who they truly are in Christ. From addiction and brokenness to healing and transformation, this episode highlights the reality t...

Episode 248 of The Truth Response. Did Jesus really rise from the dead—and why does it matter for your life today? In this episode, the hosts of The Truth Response dive into one of the most important questions in all of Christianity: what happened after Jesus’ death? From exploring different theological views about the time between the crucifixion and resurrection to affirming the reality of the e...

How should Christians think about politics in a divided culture? And where does faith fit into conversations about laws, morality, and public policy? In this episode, Derek and Dave welcome a guest with decades of experience in politics, education, and civic engagement. Together they explore how Christian faith intersects with government, culture, and public life. From the influence of the foundin...

Episode 246 of The Truth Response. What will your kids say about your faith when they grow up? In this episode, the hosts of The Truth Response have an honest and practical conversation about Christian parenting, raising kids in ministry, and what it really means to disciple children at home. From the unique challenges pastor’s kids face to the importance of balancing church service with family li...

Episode 245 of The Truth Response. How should Christians respond to questions about sexuality, identity, and faith in today’s culture? In this episode, Derek, Matt, and Dave sit down with Pastor Daren Mehl for a thoughtful and honest conversation about how the church can approach LGBT questions with both truth and compassion. The discussion explores the deeper issue behind many cultural debates: a...

Episode 244 of The Truth Response Podcast What if your faith looks healthy on the outside—but isn’t producing real fruit? In this episode, we explore the powerful moment in Mark 11 where Jesus curses the fig tree and cleanses the temple, revealing God’s concern with authentic transformation rather than empty religious activity. The conversation challenges listeners to examine the difference betwee...

Episode 243 of The Truth Response. What is Messianic Judaism, and how does faith in Jesus connect with Jewish identity and tradition? In this episode, we sit down with Hadassa to hear her personal journey of discovering her Jewish heritage while remaining rooted in faith in Yeshua (Jesus) as Messiah. Together, we explore the role of the Torah in a believer’s life, the difference between identity a...

Episode 242 of The Truth Response. Why do most of our prayer requests focus on healing, finances, and protection—rather than wisdom, obedience, and spiritual growth? In this episode, Derek, Matt, and Dave explore the deeper purpose of prayer and what it reveals about our hearts. The conversation moves beyond “Is it wrong to pray for personal needs?” and into something more transformative: what we...

Episode 241 of The Truth Response. What really comes out of us when life applies pressure? Stress, fear, conflict, and hardship have a way of revealing what’s truly stored in our hearts—and this episode takes a thoughtful look at what Scripture says about that reality. From biblical stories like Jonah, Peter walking on water, and Jesus’ warning about the fruitless fig tree, this conversation explo...

Episode number is 240 of The Truth Response. What does it truly mean for Christians to “be fruitful and multiply” in today’s world? Is it about population growth, spiritual discipleship, or something deeper that the church has struggled to articulate clearly? In this episode, the conversation explores both the physical and spiritual dimensions of fruitfulness. The discussion addresses cultural fea...

Episode number is 239 of The Truth Response. What does it really mean when Scripture says, “Be fruitful and multiply”? Is it a timeless command, a cultural mandate, or something deeper that the church has struggled to talk about in a complicated world? In this episode, the conversation explores faith, family, culture, and the challenges facing the modern church. From the decline of the nuclear fam...

Episode 238 of The Truth Response How should Christians interact with people from different cultures and worldviews? In this episode of The Truth Response , the panel is joined by Brian and Hadassah Saliga for a heartfelt, humorous, and deeply thoughtful conversation about faith, relationships, and cultural sensitivity. From personal love stories to honest discussions about evangelism, street mini...

Have you ever felt like you don’t belong — like everyone else knows more, believes better, or is more qualified than you? In this episode of The Truth Response , we dive into the deeply common struggle of inadequacy and imposter syndrome , especially as it shows up in faith, church life, and community involvement . Many believers quietly wrestle with the fear that they aren’t “enough” — spirituall...

This podcast episode delves into the profound and often challenging experience of mourning, particularly as it intersects with the holiday season. We illuminate the emotional complexities that arise when one navigates the loss of a loved one during a period typically associated with joy and celebration. Both Derek and Matt share personal anecdotes that highlight their struggles with grief, demonst...

Have you ever been angry, frustrated, or upset with God — and felt guilty for even admitting it? In this Christmas Eve episode of The Truth Response , Derek, Matt, and Dave have an honest, Scripture-grounded conversation about anger toward God, His silence in the wilderness, and learning to trust Him when life doesn’t follow your timeline . Through personal stories of divorce, ministry transitions...