Restoration Conversations

Restoration Church

Welcome to Restoration Conversations, a podcast from Restoration Church where we have real conversations about faith, family, life, and the things that matter. We talk about marriage, parenting, theology, mental health, recovery, relationships, and difficult questions. Our goal is to help you learn, grow, strengthen your faith, and become who God has called you to be. God can take a mess and make a message out of it. Subscribe and join the conversation! #RestorationConversations #RestorationChurch #ChristianPodcast #Faith #Family

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Pastor Responds to KJV ONLY, Legalism & False Teaching

    Is all preaching actually biblical? Or have we confused loud preaching, personal preferences, and religious traditions with the Word of God?In this episode of Restoration Conversations, Pastor Josh reacts to controversial preaching clips and tackles some difficult questions facing the church today.From King James Only teaching and religious legalism to the difference between conviction and condemnation, Pastor Josh challenges believers to examine what they're being taught and compare it with Scripture.Just because a preacher is loud doesn't mean they're preaching truth. And just because something has been taught in church for generations doesn't automatically make it biblical.In this conversation, we discuss:    •    Why shouting and emotional preaching aren't substitutes for sound biblical teaching    •    The difference between biblical holiness and religious legalism    •    Why churches sometimes turn personal preferences into essential doctrines    •    The controversy surrounding King James Only teaching    •    Why understanding the original Greek and Hebrew matters    •    How Bible translations differ and why certain verses are handled differently    •    The importance of studying Scripture for yourself    •    Why biblical preaching should bring conviction and transformation, not condemnationPastor Josh also shares his personal experience growing up in the Pentecostal Holiness Church and explains why the church must return to teaching Scripture with clarity, context, and truth.The goal isn't to attack preachers or denominations. It's to encourage believers to know the Word of God for themselves.📖 SCRIPTURES DISCUSSED2 Timothy 3:16–17 — All Scripture is inspired by GodJames 1:5 — Asking God for wisdomActs 8:26–40 — Philip and the Ethiopian eunuchProverbs 9:10 — The fear of the Lord and wisdomRomans 2:4 — God's kindness leads to repentance💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATIONHave you ever experienced legalism in church? Do you believe the King James Version is the only Bible Christians should use?We want to hear your thoughts in the comments. Let's have a respectful, Scripture-centered conversation.👍 LIKE this episode if it challenged or encouraged you.💬 COMMENT your thoughts or questions.🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Restoration Conversations for more honest conversations about faith, Scripture, church culture, and following Jesus.📲 SHARE this episode with someone who loves studying the Word of God.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction01:16 Why Pastor Josh Is Responding to These Videos03:46 Conviction vs. Condemnation in Preaching06:19 Reacting to a Controversial Sermon10:00 When Preaching Becomes Entertainment12:23 Independent Fundamental Baptists & Church Culture14:19 Legalism Is Not Holiness14:50 Essential Doctrines vs. Personal Preferences17:17 The King James Only Controversy18:07 Reacting to a KJV Only Preacher19:07 When Churches Turn Preferences Into Rules23:34 Which Bible Translation Should You Read?25:00 The King James Bible & Selective Preaching27:10 What Does 2 Timothy 3:16 Actually Teach?28:43 Why Greek and Hebrew Matter30:29 What Does It Mean to Fear the Lord?32:07 A Preacher Claims the KJV Can Correct the Greek33:15 Why Original Biblical Languages Matter36:32 Breaking Down James 1:539:54 Why Is Acts 8:37 Missing From Some Bibles?44:59 Bible Study Tools & Understanding Scripture46:25 Choosing a Bible Translation You Understand48:39 Why Shouting Isn't the Same as Preaching50:00 Final Thoughts & EncouragementABOUT RESTORATION CONVERSATIONSRestoration Conversations is a podcast from Restoration Church where we have honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversations about faith, biblical truth, church culture, and real-life issues. Our desire is to point people back to Jesus, encourage biblical understanding, and create space for meaningful conversations.#RestorationConversations #BiblicalTruth #ChristianPodcast #KingJamesOnly #ChurchLegalism

  2. Nov 5

    Why Do We Keep Repeating Unhealthy Patterns? | Faith, Trauma & Mental Health

    Why do we keep repeating the same unhealthy patterns in our relationships, even when we genuinely want to change? How do childhood experiences, fear, and unresolved emotional pain affect our faith, marriage, parenting, and relationship with God? On this episode of Restoration Conversations, Pastor Josh Brown sits down with Paul Highfill, a licensed marriage and family therapist and Christian who has spent more than two decades working in foster care, human services, and faith-integrated care. Together, they explore the connection between Christian faith and mental health, why our past can shape our present in ways we don't recognize, and how survival habits developed in childhood can affect the people we love years later. Paul shares why understanding our experiences can help us recognize where we need healing, why fear can lead us to build walls instead of healthy boundaries, and how emotional, mental, and spiritual growth work together. In the second part of the episode, Pastor Josh continues the conversation with practical teaching on managing stress, taking thoughts captive, understanding differences in how people process emotions, and taking responsibility for how we respond to conflict. He also discusses how unresolved frustration can affect marriage and parenting, and why learning to communicate honestly matters. In this episode, we discuss: Christian counseling and the role of faith in emotional healing How childhood trauma and family experiences shape adult behavior Why we repeat unhealthy patterns in marriage and relationships The difference between healthy boundaries and emotional walls How fear influences our decisions and relationships Why mental, emotional, and spiritual health are connected How unresolved pain can affect parenting and the next generation Taking responsibility for our emotions and reactions Managing stress, conflict, bitterness, and resentment How prayer, Scripture, self-awareness, and professional counseling can work together Practical ways to pursue healing and become who God created you to be Your past does not have to determine your future. God wants more for you than simply surviving. Through honest reflection, spiritual growth, healthy relationships, and appropriate support, we can begin breaking destructive cycles and learning to thrive. If you recognize these patterns in your own life, you don't have to navigate them alone. ABOUT RESTORATION CONVERSATIONS Restoration Conversations is a podcast from Restoration Church featuring honest conversations about faith, family, mental health, relationships, and following Jesus in everyday life. We believe God can bring hope out of brokenness and restoration out of difficult seasons. Subscribe for more conversations that help you grow in your faith and apply biblical truth to real life. 👍 Like this episode, share it with someone who needs encouragement, and subscribe to Restoration Conversations. 💬 Join the conversation: What is one lesson you've learned about how your past affects the way you respond today? #ChristianCounseling #ChristianMentalHealth #EmotionalHealing #ChildhoodTrauma #RestorationConversations

  3. Oct 29

    What does the Bible say about Pastors with Multiple Wives | Women in Ministry

    What does the Bible actually say about modesty, clothing, jewelry, and what Christians should wear to church? Are some church dress codes biblical standards, or are they traditions that have been treated like commandments?In this episode of Restoration Conversations, Pastor Josh Brown responds to a video featuring strict rules about Christian clothing and appearance. Using Scripture, he examines the difference between biblical holiness and religious legalism, and asks an important question: Are we measuring someone's faith by outward appearance, or by the condition of their heart?We explore what the Bible says about modest apparel, jewelry, hairstyles, suits and ties, and the expectations some churches place on men and women. The conversation looks at James 2 and the warning against showing favoritism based on appearance or wealth, along with 1 Timothy 2 and 1 Peter 3 and their teaching about modesty and inner character.This episode also addresses the responsibility Christians have to practice self-control, the danger of condemning people over cultural traditions, and why the church should be a place where people can come as they are and grow in Christ.The conversation goes beyond clothing. Pastor Josh discusses how the church can equip people to follow Jesus in everyday life, including marriage, parenting, work, relationships, and serving others. Church should help us live out our faith, not consume so much of our lives that we have little time left to practice it.IN THIS EPISODE:- What should you wear when you come to church?- What does the Bible actually teach about modesty?- The difference between biblical holiness and legalism- Christian dress codes, jewelry, hairstyles, and cultural traditions- James 2 and the danger of judging people by their appearance- What 1 Timothy 2 and 1 Peter 3 teach about outward appearance and inner character- Why Christians must take responsibility for their own thoughts and actions- Why the church should welcome people and help them grow in Christ- What it means to follow Jesus in your home, family, and workplaceSCRIPTURES DISCUSSED:- James 2:1–4: Showing favoritism based on appearance- 1 Timothy 2:8–10: Modesty, good works, and godliness- 1 Peter 3:3–4: Inner character and outward appearance- Matthew 5:28: Taking responsibility for lustful thoughts- Ephesians 4: Equipping believers for ministryIf you have ever felt that you had to look or act a certain way before you could come to church, we hope this conversation encourages you to look at what Scripture says and consider the heart of the Gospel.You don't have to get yourself cleaned up before coming to Jesus. Come, let Christ love you, teach you, and change you.Subscribe to Restoration Conversations for honest conversations about faith, Scripture, church culture, and what it means to follow Jesus in everyday life.Connect with Restoration Church:Website: https://restoration-nc.org/Like, share, and subscribe, and leave a comment: What do you think is the difference between biblical holiness and religious legalism?

  4. Oct 22

    Worship Is More Than Singing | Faith, Adoption & Hearing God

    What does it mean to truly worship God? Is worship something we do when we sing on Sunday, or is it a way of life that changes who we become?On this episode of Restoration Conversations, we sit down with Christian songwriter, worship leader, and minister Jason Upton for an honest conversation about authentic worship, prophetic worship, hearing God's voice, spiritual formation, and what it means to follow Jesus beyond the church service.Jason shares the powerful story of his adoption and the remarkable way he discovered his biological mother's prayers for his life had intersected with his own journey as a worship leader. His testimony is a reminder of God's faithfulness, the power of prayer, and how He can bring purpose and restoration out of circumstances we don't fully understand.We also explore why worship must be more than singing songs. Jason challenges the idea that worship is primarily a musical expression and explains why following Jesus means putting what we sing into practice. Together, we discuss the importance of making room for the Holy Spirit, learning to be still in God's presence, moving beyond performance-driven church services, and raising a generation that values authentic encounters with Jesus over religious routines.Whether you're a worship leader, pastor, musician, or someone longing for a deeper relationship with God, this conversation will challenge you to consider what it means to become a true follower of Jesus.In this episode, we discuss:- Jason Upton's adoption story and the power of a praying mother- How God can bring restoration and purpose out of your story- The difference between singing about Jesus and following Jesus- What authentic worship looks like beyond Sunday morning- Prophetic worship, spontaneity, and responding to the Holy Spirit- Hearing God's voice and making room for His presence- Why worship should transform how we live and treat others- Breaking free from performance-driven church culture- Tradition, revival, and the next generation of worshipers- How churches can create space for genuine encounters with God- Why we should seek the Savior, not just healing, breakthrough, or an experienceIf you've ever felt that worship has become routine, wondered how to hear God more clearly, or wanted your faith to shape your everyday life, this conversation is for you.ABOUT JASON UPTONJason Upton is a songwriter, worship leader, and minister who has spent more than 25 years recording worship music and ministering around the world. Alongside his wife, Rachel, he is involved in Key of David Ministries. His music and ministry emphasize authentic worship, spiritual formation, and a life surrendered to Jesus.JOIN THE CONVERSATIONWhat does authentic worship mean to you? How do you make room for God in your everyday life? Share your thoughts in the comments.Subscribe to Restoration Conversations for more honest conversations about faith, life, and what it means to follow Jesus.Like this episode, share it with someone who needs to hear this message, and leave a comment to help more people discover the conversation.#JasonUpton #ChristianWorship #PropheticWorship #RestorationConversations #WorshipLeader #ChristianPodcast #FollowingJesus #HolySpirit #ChristianTestimony #SpiritualGrowth

  5. Oct 15

    From Muslim to Christian: How One Woman Discovered Jesus

    What happens when you spend more than 40 years believing one thing, begin asking difficult questions, and find yourself on a journey that changes everything?In this episode, Pastor Josh sits down with a guest we call “Doc” to protect her identity. She shares her personal testimony of growing up Muslim, questioning what she believed about Jesus, and discovering Christianity through prayer, Scripture, historical questions, and a search for truth.Her journey began with a simple prayer: “God, show me the truth and remove the scales from my eyes.”What followed was an unexpected journey into the Bible, the identity of Jesus, the crucifixion, Old Testament prophecies, and the differences between Islam and Christianity. She also shares a powerful experience that helped change how she understood Jesus and His divinity. This conversation explores questions many people wrestle with: Who is Jesus, and what does Christianity teach about His identity? What are the differences between Islam and Christianity? What happens when you begin questioning beliefs you have held your entire life? How do the Old Testament, the cross, and the resurrection connect? Can prayer lead you to reconsider everything you thought you knew? What does it mean to encounter Jesus personally? How can faith in Jesus bring hope when life feels complicated? Pastor Josh and Doc also discuss grace, the teachings of Jesus, the importance of loving others, the relationship between faith and culture, communion, and the hope of restoration.This is an honest conversation about faith, doubt, humility, and the search for truth. Whether you grew up in church, come from a different religious background, are questioning what you believe, or simply want to understand another person's journey to Jesus, we invite you to listen with an open heart. You don't have to have everything figured out to start asking questions. At Restoration Church, we believe God can meet people in the middle of their questions, their struggles, and their stories. Restoration is possible, and Jesus is our hope. JOIN THE CONVERSATION If this episode challenged you, encouraged you, or gave you something to think about Subscribe to Restoration Conversations, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who is asking questions about faith or searching for Jesus.Have a question you'd like us to discuss? Know someone with a story worth sharing? We want to hear from you. Send Restoration Church your questions, topic suggestions, and guest recommendations so we can keep having the conversations that don't always happen from the pulpit. About this ConversationThis episode includes discussion of religion, religious differences, politics, violence, and other sensitive subjects. Doc shares her personal experiences and perspectives. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Restoration Church.

  6. Oct 8

    Welcome to Restoration Conversations

    Welcome to Restoration Conversations, a podcast from Restoration Church where we talk about faith, family, marriage, parenting, theology, mental health, relationships, recovery, and the real issues people are facing every day.In this first episode, Pastor Josh introduces the vision behind Restoration Conversations and explains why Restoration Church is starting a podcast.There is more to talk about than can fit into a Sunday morning or Wednesday night service. This podcast creates space to go deeper into the Bible, theology, faith, family, marriage, parenting, and the questions that people are asking in everyday life.We'll also have conversations about practical issues like raising a family, homesteading, mental health, work and ministry, recovery, relationships, and what it looks like to lead your family well.But at the heart of Restoration Conversations is restoration.Restoration means being made better than before. We believe God can take a mess and make a message out of it. He can take broken pieces, put them back together, and give people the opportunity to begin again.You don't have to have everything figured out. You don't have to have it all together.There is hope, and Jesus is our hope.Throughout this podcast, we'll hear stories of people whose faith, marriages, families, careers, and lives have been restored. Our hope is that those stories will encourage you, strengthen your faith, help you grow in your relationship with God, and remind you that if someone else can start again, so can you.If you never stop learning, you never stop growing.Every episode is designed to give you something you can take with you and apply to your life.In This Episode00:00 - Introduction01:23 - Welcome to Restoration Conversations02:14 - Why Restoration is starting a podcast03:05 - Going deeper into theology and the Bible04:05 - Marriage, family, parenting and homesteading04:53 - Bible history, archaeology, Israel and faith05:49 - Hard issues, politics and conversations that make you think06:22 - Mental health, marriage and balancing work and family07:12 - Recovery, parenting and leading your family08:03 - Why healthy families matter08:37 - You don't have to have it all together09:04 - What does restoration mean?09:08 - God can take a mess and make a message09:46 - Finding hope through restoration10:10 - If they can start again, so can I10:33 - What you can expect from each episode10:53 - If you never stop learning, you never stop growing11:25 - Finding your purpose and destiny11:46 - Biblical perspective, personal opinions and growing in faith12:03 - Subscribe, share and join the conversation12:47 - Send us your questions, topics and guest suggestionsJoin the ConversationIf this episode encouraged you, subscribe to Restoration Conversations and leave us a five-star review.If you have a story you'd like to share, a question you'd like us to answer, a subject you'd like us to cover, or someone you'd like to see as a guest, send us an email. Your idea could become a future episode.Share this episode with a friend, spouse, family member, coworker, or someone who could use some encouragement.Restoration Conversations is about helping you grow in your relationship with God and become who God has called you to be.📍 Restoration ChurchNorth Carolina#RestorationConversations #RestorationChurch #ChristianPodcast #Christianity #Faith #Family #Marriage #Parenting #Bible #ChristianFamily #FaithAndFamily #SpiritualGrowth

About

Welcome to Restoration Conversations, a podcast from Restoration Church where we have real conversations about faith, family, life, and the things that matter. We talk about marriage, parenting, theology, mental health, recovery, relationships, and difficult questions. Our goal is to help you learn, grow, strengthen your faith, and become who God has called you to be. God can take a mess and make a message out of it. Subscribe and join the conversation! #RestorationConversations #RestorationChurch #ChristianPodcast #Faith #Family