Pleasing God Podcast

Jonathan Sole
  • 3.4 (5)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A podcast focused on helping Christians think biblically, engage practically, and live faithfully for the glory of God. 

  1. FEB 23

    How to Have Gospel Conversations Without Feeling Awkward

    Send a text Most Christians believe they should share the gospel — but when the moment comes, anxiety, pressure, and a fear of saying the wrong thing often get in the way. In this episode, we tackle one of the most common struggles in the Christian life: how to talk about Jesus naturally and faithfully without it feeling forced or awkward. We dig into what the Bible actually says about evangelism through key passages in Colossians 4, 1 Peter 3, and 2 Corinthians 5, and discover that gospel conversations are meant to be relational, thoughtful, and Christ-centered — not scripted performances or argument competitions. You'll walk away with five practical ways to make gospel conversations more natural, a biblical definition of what success in evangelism actually looks like, and simple steps to grow in confidence as you share your faith in everyday life. Here's the truth: you don't need a perfect personality or all the answers. You need love, clarity, and dependence on the Holy Spirit — and when the gospel is shaping your heart, speaking about Christ becomes less awkward and more natural. In this episode: Why gospel conversations feel awkward and what to do about itWhat Scripture says about talking to outsiders about ChristFive practical tools for natural, everyday evangelismHow to define success biblically when sharing your faithSimple habits to grow your confidence over timeSupport the show Stock Music provided by wolfgangwoehrle, from Pond5 Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here: Jonathan’s Substack | Jonathan Sole | Substack

    21 min

  2. FEB 10

    Holding Convictions Without Becoming Harsh

    Send a text In today’s polarized cultural moment, many Christians feel caught in a tension:  If we speak clearly, we’re labeled as harsh. If we speak gently, we’re accused of compromise. So how do followers of Jesus hold firm convictions without losing Christlike character? In this episode of The Pleasing God Podcast, we explore what Scripture teaches about truth, gentleness, and courage, and why the Bible never separates conviction from love. Drawing on passages such as John 1:14, Ephesians 4:15, and Colossians 4:6, this episode looks to Jesus as the perfect model of grace and truth and challenges believers to reflect His posture in a reactive, divided world. This conversation is not about culture wars, tone policing, or avoiding hard conversations. Instead, it is about faithful Christian witness—speaking the truth clearly, lovingly, and wisely, while trusting God with the results. You’ll hear: Why conviction itself is not the problem, but how it is expressed often isHow Scripture holds truth and love together rather than pitting them against each otherWhy harshness is so tempting in our current cultural climateWhat it actually means for our speech to be “gracious and seasoned with salt”Practical, everyday wisdom for navigating difficult conversations with faithfulness and humilityThis episode also includes a practical “so what?” section, offering real-life guidance for how Christians can examine their hearts, slow down in a reactive world, discern when to engage or step back, and speak as people accountable to Christ. The goal is to be faithful. In a world marked by outrage and division, the church’s witness is strongest when believers hold convictions firmly, speak truth graciously, and sound more like Christ. Support the show Stock Music provided by wolfgangwoehrle, from Pond5 Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here: Jonathan’s Substack | Jonathan Sole | Substack

    18 min

  3. FEB 3

    Rooted: A Faith Built to Last

    Send a text What kind of faith truly lasts? In a culture shaped by distraction, instability, and constant change, many Christians feel pressure to pursue visible growth, spiritual intensity, or quick transformation. Scripture, however, directs our attention deeper to the unseen roots that sustain a lasting Christian faith. In this episode of The Pleasing God Podcast, we explore what it means to be rooted in Christ and why enduring faith is formed not by hype or personality-driven spirituality, but by ongoing connection to Jesus. Drawing from biblical imagery of trees, foundations, and abiding, this episode clarifies the difference between faith that merely appears strong and faith that is built to endure. We examine why many believers experience spiritual drift not through open rebellion, but through subtle disconnection from Christ and His Word. False supports, shallow spiritual formation, and unexamined assumptions can weaken stability over time. Rather than offering quick fixes or moralistic pressure, this conversation points listeners back to Christ as the source of spiritual growth, nourishment, and perseverance. This episode also invites thoughtful reflection: What currently shapes your spiritual life? Where do you turn when pressure comes? Is your faith resilient or reactive? These questions are not meant to provoke fear, but to encourage renewal, discernment, and faithful endurance. Rooted: A Faith Built to Last offers biblical clarity and pastoral encouragement for Christians who desire consistent, enduring faith. The goal of the Christian life is not impressive faith, but faith that remains connected to Christ over time. Whether you feel strong or weary, this episode calls you to remain rooted in the place where true life is found. Support the show Stock Music provided by wolfgangwoehrle, from Pond5 Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here: Jonathan’s Substack | Jonathan Sole | Substack

    18 min

  4. JAN 27

    Grace-Driven Obedience

    Send a text If Christians are saved by grace alone, why does obedience still matter? In this episode of The Pleasing God Podcast, we explore the biblical relationship between grace and obedience, and why the gospel does not weaken obedience but produces it. Drawing on passages such as Titus 2:11–14, Ephesians 2:8–10, and John 14:15, this episode unpacks the difference between legalistic obedience driven by fear and grace-driven obedience rooted in gratitude, love for Christ, and a transformed identity. Rather than treating obedience as the price of God’s acceptance, Scripture presents it as the fruit of God’s grace at work in our lives. This conversation addresses common misunderstandings about grace, calls believers away from both legalism and passivity, and offers practical encouragement for walking faithfully with Christ in everyday life. Support the show Stock Music provided by wolfgangwoehrle, from Pond5 Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here: Jonathan’s Substack | Jonathan Sole | Substack

    18 min

  5. JAN 20

    Contentment in an Age of Comparison

    Send a text In a world shaped by constant visibility and comparison, contentment has become increasingly elusive. From social media to ministry metrics, we are regularly tempted to measure our lives against others rather than live faithfully before God. In this episode, we explore what Scripture teaches about contentment in an age of comparison. Drawing from Philippians 4, Galatians 6, and 2 Corinthians 10, we consider how comparison distorts our understanding of faithfulness—and how true contentment is learned through trusting Christ in every season. This conversation calls believers to resist the comparison trap, recover a biblical vision of contentment, and cultivate regular rhythms in daily life to live faithfully. Support the show Stock Music provided by wolfgangwoehrle, from Pond5 Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here: Jonathan’s Substack | Jonathan Sole | Substack

    18 min

  6. JAN 13

    Working Before the Face of God: A Biblical Theology of Work & Vocation

    Send a text Work occupies much of our lives, yet many Christians give little theological attention to it. Is work merely a necessity, a burden of the fall, or something to endure until “real ministry” begins? In this episode, we explore a biblical theology of work and vocation, rooted in creation, marked by the fall, and reoriented through redemption in Christ. Beginning in Genesis and moving through the New Testament, we consider how Scripture presents work as a God-given calling to be carried out faithfully before His face. Along the way, we address common misconceptions about calling, fulfillment, and success, and recover a vision of ordinary faithfulness in everyday labor for the glory of God. Support the show Stock Music provided by wolfgangwoehrle, from Pond5 Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here: Jonathan’s Substack | Jonathan Sole | Substack

    20 min

  7. JAN 7

    Walking in a Manner That Pleases the Lord: A Vision for 2026

    Send a text As we begin 2026, it’s helpful to pause and ask not simply what we plan to do, but how we are walking before the Lord. In this episode, we turn to Colossians 1:9-10 to consider what it means to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and fully pleasing to Him. From that biblical foundation, Jonathan shares the heart and direction of Pleasing God Ministries for the year ahead and how the Pleasing God Podcast, Pleasing God Weekly, and Pleasing God Press work together to serve Scripture-shaped lives marked by ordinary faithfulness and steady growth. This episode is a pastoral orientation for the year ahead and an invitation to walk together in lives formed by God’s Word and lived for His glory. Support the show Stock Music provided by wolfgangwoehrle, from Pond5 Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here: Jonathan’s Substack | Jonathan Sole | Substack

    18 min

  8. 12/18/2025

    Behold the Christ: Seeing Jesus Clearly

    Send a text We explore why clarity about Jesus in the Gospel of Mark is the key to steady discipleship and how a sermon-shaped book, Behold the Christ, can help believers behold him rather than blur him. We share the pastoral burden, structure, and practical ways churches and groups can use it well. • Why the question “Who do you say Jesus is?” matters most • Why sequential exposition through Mark sharpens the vision of Christ • how Mark 8’s two-stage healing mirrors discipleship growth • what “behold” means in a distracted age • the portrait of Jesus in Mark as servant, teacher, Son of Man, crucified King • how the book is structured from sermons with reflection prompts • use cases for church members, small groups, and pastors • why clarity about Christ produces stability in life and ministry • ordinary means of grace over novelty and trends • practical steps to read Mark with the book open beside your Bible You can search the books listed on Amazon. The title is Behold the Christ: Seeing Jesus Clearly in the Gospel of Mark. You can go to my website, pleasinggodministries.org, and find a link there to the book. I’ll list it in the show notes here. If you do read it, get your hands on it, and find it helpful, let me encourage you: share it with someone else. Consider leaving a review. It genuinely helps others to discover it as well. Buy the book here. Support the show Stock Music provided by wolfgangwoehrle, from Pond5 Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here: Jonathan’s Substack | Jonathan Sole | Substack

    19 min
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Ratings & Reviews

3.4
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

A podcast focused on helping Christians think biblically, engage practically, and live faithfully for the glory of God. 

Information

  • Creator
    Jonathan Sole
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    87
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Pleasing God Podcast
  • Show Website
    Pleasing God Podcast