The Normal Christian Life

Frs. Michael and Christopher Trummer, Mary Bielski
  • 5.0 (30)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED DAILY

What does ”ordinary Christianity” look like exactly? Using Scripture, Church history and personal testimony, two Catholic priests, Frs. Michael and Chris Trummer, and Mary Bielski offer a renewed vision of what our lives can be like as Christians. Far from being ”ordinary”, the normal Christian life is an entirely new life empowered by the Holy Spirit -- drawing upon a divine inheritance, manifesting supernatural power, and bearing a staggering promise of glory.

  1. FEB 16

    Reduced to Sonship: How God Reveals Your True Identity w/Mike Nolan | S3 E3

    The hosts welcome back Mike Nolan for a conversation on Christian identity—why it matters today, how it appears in Scripture, and why it often doesn’t move from head knowledge to lived experience. They discuss identity as something primarily imparted through prayer, encounter, and relationships with people living as beloved sons and daughters, rather than merely taught. They explore common obstacles like the orphan mindset, performance and success-based self-worth, shame, and problem-centered spirituality. Then they explain how God dismantles false identities through pruning, suffering, and seasons of desolation.  Finally, they reflect on the role of emotions in forming identity, clarify the difference between humility and low self-esteem, and emphasize that mission flows from relationship with God.

    1h 12m

  2. JAN 26

    Beyond Being Nice: The Christian Difference in Love w/ Mike Nolan | S3 E2

    What does it actually mean to love—not just in theory, but in real life? In this episode, Fr. Michael Trummer is joined by Fr. Christopher Trummer and Mike Nolan for a deep, honest conversation on love (charity) as the greatest theological virtue. Moving beyond clichés and sentimentality, they explore why love is both a gift of grace and something we must actively cooperate with—and why knowing about love is very different from actually living it. The conversation touches on: Why love is the only virtue that endures into heaven How love is fulfilled not by doing more, but by delighting in the other The difference between Christian love and merely “being nice” Why loving difficult people is essential for spiritual growth How unhealed wounds and failure to receive love make loving others so hard The relationship between agape (self-giving love) and eros (delight and desire) Why heaven is not a glorified vacation—but perfect communion This episode challenges listeners to examine whether their love is rooted in busyness, duty, and performance—or in real communion, hope, and grace. It’s a practical, demanding, and deeply hopeful vision of love as preparation for heaven and participation in God’s own life.    "Support Our Mission through Patreon patreon.com/TheNCLPodcast"   00:00 Introduction to Theological Virtues 00:58 The Paradox of Love and Grace 02:07 Love in the Context of Faith and Hope 03:38 The Uniqueness of Christian Love 08:21 Love as Preparation for Heaven 12:09 The Role of Emotions in Love 22:43 The Challenge of Loving Difficult People 25:55 Integrating Agape and Eros 41:35 Understanding Self-Agreement and Interior Brokenness 42:26 The Difficulty of Receiving Love 42:48 The Trinity and the Nature of Love 44:05 The Impact of Being Loved 44:43 The Heart Magnifies What It Receives 47:36 The Role of Security in Love 48:41 Experiencing True Friendship and Love 54:48 The Importance of Hope in Love 59:19 Patience and the Unveiling of Love 01:06:36 The Impossible Vocation of Love 01:11:55 The Necessity of Gentleness in Love 01:17:04 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

    1h 21m

  3. JAN 17

    Faith That Endures: Trusting God Through Doubt, Suffering, and Silence w/ Katie O'Donnell | S3 E1

    What is faith—really? In this episode of The Normal Christian Life, we continue our series on the theological virtues by exploring faith: what it is, what it isn’t, and why it cannot be reduced to intellectual agreement or apologetics alone. This conversation unpacks: Why biblical faith is relational and lived, not merely believed How faith engages the whole person—mind, heart, will, and action The proper role of reason in the life of faith Why dryness, doubt, and desolation do not mean faith is failing How God’s hiddenness can actually deepen trust The importance of community, testimony, and perseverance Drawing from Scripture (especially Hebrews 11), the saints, and lived experience, we show that faith is not emotional hype or blind guessing—but a conviction that endures even when God feels absent. If you’ve ever wondered: “Why doesn’t God feel close anymore?” “Is my faith weak if I don’t feel anything?” “How do I keep believing through suffering or silence?” This episode offers clarity, realism, and hope. Faith is a gift—and a response—that matures through trust, surrender, and perseverance.    "Support Our Mission through Patreon patreon.com/TheNCLPodcast"   00:00 Introduction to Theological Virtues 02:17 Understanding Faith: Beyond Intellectual Assent 06:25 Personal Faith Journeys 09:48 Faith and Reason: A Harmonious Relationship 13:12 Experiencing God: Faith and Feelings 23:11 Faith in Action: Living Out Beliefs 30:07 Struggles with Faith and Desolation 31:44 Understanding God's Hiddenness 34:58 The Role of Suffering in Faith 50:35 The Importance of Community in Faith 53:24 Evangelization and Personal Testimonies 58:55 Concluding Thoughts and Prayer

    1h 1m

  4. 12/19/2025

    Hope Does Not Disappoint | S2 E30

    As the Church concludes the Jubilee Year of Hope, the hosts discuss the profound significance of hope in the Christian life. They explain that hope is more than just a feel-good sentiment, highlighting its roots as a theological virtue that is central to overcoming adversity and recognizing God's hand in the midst of trials. They offer practical ways to cultivate this virtue day by day, face unavoidable suffering with faith, and keep hope alive in the dark times. This conversation emphasizes that true hope is anchored in the character and promises of God, surpassing mere human optimism. 00:00 Introduction to Hope 00:13 The Theological Virtues 01:12 A Poem on Hope 03:01 Hope in Practice 4:34 Hope Amidst Anxiety 07:43 Hope as a Choice 17:44 Hope and Suffering 24:54 Hope Beyond This Life 35:46 Acknowledging Discouragement and Hopelessness 36:30 Signs of Lacking Hope 37:25 The Importance of Dreaming with God 38:58 Living with Hope and Avoiding Cynicism 41:26 Balancing Grief and Hope 59:51 Daily Habits to Cultivate Hope 01:05:27 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

    1h 12m

  5. 12/05/2025

    A Life Set Apart: The Beauty and Adventure of Holiness | S2 E29

    Join hosts Fr. Michael Trummer, Fr. Christopher Trummer, and Mary Bielski as they discuss what it truly means to be holy. This episode tackles the common misconception that holiness is boring and instead presents it as an adventurous pursuit of God. They explore how genuine holiness involves our humanity, unique personalities, and the transformation by God's grace. Be inspired by the call to live a life set apart and discover what makes sainthood appealing in today's world. Whether you're curious about holiness or seeking to deepen your spiritual journey, this conversation will embolden you to embrace the adventure of becoming a saint.    "Support Our Mission through Patreon patreon.com/TheNCLPodcast"   00:00 Introduction to Holiness 01:36 The Call to Adventure 03:17 Understanding True Holiness 04:54 Inspiration from the Saints 08:26 The Battle for Holiness 23:15 Embracing Trials and Suffering 34:35 The Radical Commitment to Holiness 35:34 Inoculated Against Authentic Christianity 36:02 The Joy of Following Christ Fully 36:30 Living a Life in the Spirit 37:47 The Process of Acquiring a Taste for God

    1h 10m

  6. 10/28/2025

    Being "Religious" Is a Good Thing | S2 E28

    In this episode, Father Michael Trummer and Father Christopher Trummer take on the often-misunderstood topic of religion—a word that many Christians today regard with suspicion. They acknowledge that much of the criticism directed at “being religious” arises from real problems: hypocrisy, self-reliance, transactional love, and an overemphasis on outward appearances. Yet, rather than dismissing religion altogether, the hosts argue that it is a divine reality—instituted by God in the Old Testament, fulfilled and transformed by Christ, and sustained in the life of the Church. They invite listeners to recover a renewed understanding of religion as a virtue: a purified way of relating to God through ordered worship, teaching, and community. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:35 Words and Semantics 01:55 Religion vs. Relationship 04:52 Criticisms of Religious Practices 12:36 Self-Reliance and Striving in Faith 28:30 The Virtue of Religion 33:19 Forgotten Passages and Jesus' Jewish Roots 34:15 Old Testament Laws and Christian Practices 37:05 The Early Christian Worship and Eucharist 39:17 Development of Christian Liturgy 45:25 Authority and Hierarchy in the Church 52:58 The Role of Rituals and Symbols in Worship 01:01:42 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

    1h 4m

  7. 10/15/2025

    Not Ashamed of the Gospel | S2 E27

    Join Fr. Christopher Trummer and Fr. Michael Trummer in a heartfelt discussion on the challenges and importance of boldly preaching the gospel in today's society. In light of recent political violence, including the assassination of conservative speaker Charlie Kirk, the hosts explore what it means to speak the truth, even when it leads to opposition. Drawing from the life of Jesus and various scriptures, they address the balance between being loving and proclaiming the truth. They also share personal experiences and practical advice on overcoming the fear of conflict and rejection. This episode encourages believers to be courageous in their faith and to rely on the Holy Spirit for boldness in standing up for what is right. Support Our Mission through Patreon – patreon.com/TheNCLPodcast 00:00 Introduction: The Challenge of Speaking the Truth 00:52 The Complexity of Love and Conflict 01:46 Temptations and Challenges for Priests 02:42 Reflecting on Charlie Kirk's Assassination 06:38 Jesus' Teachings on Persecution 08:30 Balancing Love and Boldness 13:01 The Role of Priests and Parents 14:42 The Importance of Moral Teachings 18:59 Living Boldly in Faith 44:12 Practical Advice for Overcoming Fear 51:47 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

    54 min

  8. 09/24/2025

    Prophecy: The Missing Piece in Evangelization w/ Sean Smith | S2 E26

    In this episode of Normal Christian Life, Fr. Michael Trummer and Fr. Christopher Trummer, joined by Mary Bielski, have an inspiring conversation with Sean Smith. Sean shares his journey of discovering the gift of prophecy and how it has profoundly impacted his evangelism efforts. From personal testimonies to practical tips on how to hear God's voice, the discussion covers the importance of the prophetic in today's ministry. They also delve into the current move of God to bring about revival and unity in the church. Listen in to be encouraged and equipped to recognize and act on God's voice in your own life.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:55 Sean Smith's Testimony: Early Life and Challenges 06:41 A Life-Changing Encounter with Jesus 10:33 The Power of Prophetic Evangelism 14:49 Practical Examples of Prophetic Evangelism 18:29 Real-Life Stories and Impact 24:11 Discerning God's Voice in Everyday Situations 32:40 The Door to the Spirit Realm 32:59 Evangelism and God's Power Tools 33:35 A Personal Encounter with Prophecy 36:14 The Role of the Holy Spirit 38:09 Prophetic Evangelism in Action 40:47 The Simplicity of Evangelization 46:36 Hearing God's Voice 55:24 A Time of Revival and Harvest 01:01:34 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

    1h 6m
See All (72)

5
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

What does ”ordinary Christianity” look like exactly? Using Scripture, Church history and personal testimony, two Catholic priests, Frs. Michael and Chris Trummer, and Mary Bielski offer a renewed vision of what our lives can be like as Christians. Far from being ”ordinary”, the normal Christian life is an entirely new life empowered by the Holy Spirit -- drawing upon a divine inheritance, manifesting supernatural power, and bearing a staggering promise of glory.

Information

  • Creator
    Frs. Michael and Christopher Trummer, Mary Bielski
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    72
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Normal Christian Life

You Might Also Like