The Independence Podcast

Bryan Dunham

The Independence Podcast helps everyday people discover that true freedom isn’t found in self-reliance but in total dependence on Jesus Christ. Each episode blends honest conversation, biblical truth, and practical application to help listeners move beyond emotional devotion toward consistent, daily surrender. Whether you’re new in your faith or longing to grow deeper, you’ll find encouragement to trust God fully, live from His grace, and follow Christ with courage in a world that celebrates independence but neglects dependence on the One who truly sets us free.

  1. 1D AGO

    Cut Off What?? | Bound For Freedom

    Sin doesn’t start when you act. It starts much earlier. In this powerful episode of the Independence Podcast (Episode 26), Bryan Dunham walks through Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:27–30 from the Sermon on the Mount and exposes a truth most people miss: sin is not merely behavioral—it is deeply rooted in desire. Jesus says, “You have heard it said… but I say to you,” shifting the focus from external actions to internal formation. What begins as “looking” becomes “longing,” and what begins as desire becomes direction. Through careful attention to the Greek words blepōn (ongoing, intentional looking) and epithymeō (focused, cultivated desire), this episode shows that Jesus is not addressing momentary temptation but sustained, nurtured desire of the heart. You’ll hear a challenging but clarifying truth: Lust is not just a glance... it is a gaze that lingersSin is not only what you do... it is what you feed internallyExternal restraint cannot fix internal desireThe real issue is not behavior, but the heart One of the most confronting insights in this teaching: “You don’t become an adulterer when the opportunity comes—you reveal that you already were one.” Jesus raises the standard not to crush us, but to expose our inability to save ourselves through behavior modification alone. The law reveals what is already broken inside and points us toward our deeper need for a new heart. This episode connects Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5 with the promise of Ezekiel 36:26 and the transforming work of the Spirit described in Romans 8, showing that true freedom is not found in better self-control, but in heart transformation through Christ. If you’ve ever struggled with thoughts, desire, or the gap between external obedience and internal tension, this conversation will bring clarity, conviction, and hope. 🔔 Subscribe for more teaching on living in daily dependence on God📖 Share this episode with someone who needs a biblical understanding of sin, desire, and freedom Independence Podcast – Episode 26: Bound for FreedomGrace and peace.

    13 min
  2. APR 6

    The Lie We're Living: Following Jesus Without Scripture

    Biblical illiteracy is one of the most overlooked crises in the church today—and it’s quietly weakening Christian discipleship, spiritual growth, and the power of everyday faith. In this episode of the Independence Podcast, Brian Dunham confronts a hard truth: many Christians claim to follow Jesus, yet do not consistently engage with the Word of God. We’ve normalized a version of Christianity where people attend church, serve occasionally, and feel spiritually engaged—but remain largely untransformed by Scripture. But according to Jesus, abiding in Christ is inseparable from abiding in His Word (John 15). If we are not daily engaging with the Bible, we are not growing spiritually the way God designed. This episode explores: Why daily Bible reading is essential for spiritual growthWhat it truly means to abide in Christ and His WordHow biblical illiteracy leads to spiritual stagnation and deceptionWhy many Christians feel stuck in their faithHow the Word of God produces real transformation and freedomJesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples… and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31–32). This is not a suggestion—it’s a defining mark of a true follower of Christ. If you’ve ever felt spiritually dry, stuck, or distant from God, this episode is a call back to the foundation: daily engagement with Scripture. A closed Bible leads to an unchanged life—but an open Bible, met with a surrendered heart, is where real transformation begins. Listen now and rediscover how to grow spiritually, hear God through His Word, and walk in true freedom through Jesus.

    17 min
  3. MAR 23

    Customized Christianity... Bound for Freedom

    Summary This episode explores the profound teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the importance of understanding and obeying God's law, the authority of Scripture, and the true meaning of righteousness. It challenges believers to deepen their submission to God's Word and live with integrity and influence in the kingdom of heaven.  keywords Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teachings, biblical obedience, Scripture authority, righteousness, salt and light, binding and loosing, Pharisees, spiritual growth, Christian living  key  topics Jesus' teaching on the law and the prophetsThe meaning of abolish and fulfill in Matthew 5Binding and loosing authority of rabbis and disciplesThe significance of not an iota or a dot in ScriptureThe importance of submission to God's WordThe danger of loosening or relaxing God's commandsThe contrast between Pharisaic righteousness and true righteousnessThe impact of obedience and fidelity to Scripture Titles Bound for Freedom: Unlocking the True Meaning of Jesus' TeachingsHow to Live as Salt and Light in the Kingdom of Heaven  sound bites "Our identity as disciples is salt and light.""God's word is exalted above all things.""Losing saltiness dims your influence." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Independence Podcast00:30 Exploring the Sermon on the Mount01:50 Understanding the Beatitudes03:16 Jesus on the Law and the Prophets04:44 Abolishing vs. Fulfilling the Law08:06 Binding and Loosing in Rabbinic Thought12:07 Authority in Teaching and Interpretation14:04 The Importance of Scripture's Authority18:21 Losing Saltiness and Dim Light19:19 Three Ways to Honor God's Word22:02 Cultural Challenges to Biblical Authority25:17 Biblical Illiteracy in the Church28:09 The Need for Daily Engagement with Scripture29:53 Righteousness Exceeding the Pharisees33:44 Conclusion and Call to Action Questions God Asks (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/Questions-God-Asks-Bryan-Dunham/dp/XXXXXXThe Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5-7&version=NIV

    31 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

The Independence Podcast helps everyday people discover that true freedom isn’t found in self-reliance but in total dependence on Jesus Christ. Each episode blends honest conversation, biblical truth, and practical application to help listeners move beyond emotional devotion toward consistent, daily surrender. Whether you’re new in your faith or longing to grow deeper, you’ll find encouragement to trust God fully, live from His grace, and follow Christ with courage in a world that celebrates independence but neglects dependence on the One who truly sets us free.