The Breakdown: Truth Matters

The Vulnerability Episode

On this episode we're doing something a little bit different. The Bible tells us that we are to "boast" gladly in our weaknesses and that we are to "bear one another's burdens." Are we living up to this calling as the Church of Jesus Christ? What does it mean to be vulnerable? Are we any better at it than "the world?" How can we, as men and women of the Word, better exercise our gifts for the edification of the brethren and the unbelieving world around us? 

My Friend’s New Relationship & The Parable of the Mustard Seed

On this episode of The Breakdown Austin, Michelle, Ryan and John are back in the studio to answer more of your questions. This week, we discuss a common phenomenon: Your friend gets a new boyfriend or girlfriend. Suddenly, you begin to see less and less of them. You feel abandoned. Now what? We've all been in this situation. How can we cope with the perceived abandonment and potentially confront our friend. Also--The Parable of the Mustard Seed. Many questions can be gleaned from this parable, including: Can faith be measured? Is God's will influenced in proportion to our faith? What does this parable teach us about prayer? And, does it contain a hidden omen about the future of the Church?

Laying on of Hands, Mercy, Not Sacrifice, and Bearing False Witness

One might describe this episode as, “how to lean in” regarding heart issues of the Faith. In the studio today are Ryan and John as well as special guests Michelle and Corey to answer more of your questions: What is they laying on of hands in Scripture? How does it apply to the modern Christian experience? What does Jesus mean when he twice quotes Hosea 6:6 in Matthew by saying he desires “mercy, not sacrifice?” And what does it mean to “bear false witness?” If I “slip up” in sin, am I bearing false witness when I share my testimony? 

Insecurity, Qualifications to Serve, and Why Should We Pray?

We're back in the studio this morning to address three more questions: How should Christians deal with feeling insecure? What is the context of Paul's comments in 1 Timothy 3:2 regarding having one wife? Is this prerequisite, or a rebuke against polygamy? And, why should we pray to God? Does it actually change God's mind? What is its purpose? 

Difficult Prophecies, Keeping it ”Real,” and Is ”Karma” Biblical?

It's 2022! We hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Years. The guys are back today to answer more of your questions! What do we do with difficult or unexplained prophecies? The example today is Matthew 10:23. Also, how should we handle our emotions--both with ourself, and others? Should we "follow our hearts?" Can we "keep it real," "keep it 100," and still be faithful to the Lord? Lastly, how should the blood-bought believer relate to the discipline of the Lord, and the consequences of our actions? Is "Karma" something believers should believe in? 

How Not to Get ”Puffed Up,” Boundaries in Families, and the Gospel in Remote Places

On this week's episode the guys tackle more of your difficult questions! How do we not get "puffed up" with pride and arrogance as we learn more about God's Word? How do we handle ourselves and keep our witness when we interact with dramatic and chaotic family members? How to we navigate Godly boundaries? And, what happens to peoples in remote places who are never exposed to the Gospel? 

Pragmatic Repentance, Near Death Experiences, and the Occult

On this episode of The Breakdown the guys are back in the studio to answer some interesting questions! How can we differentiate between "leaning on" God spiritually for help in repenting from sin versus the "physical steps" taken under my own will? Are these concepts at odds? What about people who say they've seen glimpses of heaven after a Near Death Experience (NDE)? Is that legit? And what about New Age practices--astrology, healing crystals, etc.? Is there any place for that in the life of a Christian? 

From Mormonism, to Meth, to The Messiah - Maddie

This week on The Breakdown at CCOP we're back with another testimony. This time Maddie shares her story. Growing up LDS in Utah, she never truly knew her Savior. After her family broke apart, she found herself adrift--"New Age" spirituality, drug use, and homelessness characterized much of her adult life until God opened her eyes and brought her to faith in Christ in August of 2020. 

God‘s Purpose for Us, Trustworthiness of Scripture, and the Reality of Hell

On this week's episode we introduce our new host: Austin. You've heard him on the show before and you're about to hear him a lot more! This week we tackle more of your questions: What is God's purpose in our individual lives, and how do we know what that purpose is? How do we know the Bible can be trusted? And, a doozy: Does the Bible really say that people who don't believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ go to Hell? 

What is Truth? How do we wield it?

This week, recent podcast guest Austin hosts a discussion about the Truth. "What is Truth?" as Pontius Pilate asks in John 18:38 in response to Jesus' claim that he bears witness to the Truth. How do we handle the truth with ourselves and others without becoming overly critical? Lastly, what is a whitewashed tomb in the context with which Jesus speaks in Matthew 23?