Dying to Live Podcast

The paradox of the Christian faith involves losing one's life to find it and dying to oneself to gain it (Mark 8:34-35). As citizens of heaven we work, study, love and live here on the earth. The podcast features real conversations aimed at helping believers live for Christ while being grounded in the truth as they navigate life in this secular world. Hosted by Wayne Turner and Nadene Badenhorst for Joshua Generation Church with Michael d'Offay giving eldership oversight.

  1. 6d ago

    Does God Care Where My Children Go to School?

    Where should my child go to school? For Christian parents in South Africa, this is becoming an increasingly important question. Should our children attend a government school, private school, Christian school, homeschool or online school? And with worldviews and values that increasingly conflict with biblical Christianity finding their way into schools, many parents are asking, “Is this the right environment for my child?” But perhaps we need to start with a bigger question: Does God care which school my child goes to? The Bible makes it clear that parents have the primary responsibility for raising and discipling their children. We cannot simply hand that responsibility over to a school. Ultimately, the decision belongs to the parents. But how do we make that decision? Perhaps the question isn't simply, “Which school is best?” It is: “God, where do You want me to send this unique child You have entrusted to me, so that their potential can be maximised while they grow in their relationship with You and discover Your plans and purposes for their life?” Every child is different. What works for one child may not be right for another. A government school isn't automatically wrong. A private school isn't automatically better. A Christian school isn't necessarily the right choice for every child, and homeschooling isn't automatically the most biblical option.The responsibility is ours as parents to seek God, understand our child, evaluate the options and make a wise decision. So in this episode, we're going to ask what the Bible says about parental responsibility, education, competing worldviews and how Christian parents can make wise schooling decisions in today's South Africa. Because ultimately, the question isn't simply: “Which school should my child attend? ”It's: “Lord, where do You want me to send the child You have entrusted to me?”

  2. Sep 21

    University, a Gap Year or Something Else

    What do you do when your child finishes school and suddenly the big question is staring you in the face: University, a gap year, a discipleship school—or something completely different?For many young people, the pressure is to choose a career as quickly as possible. But is finding a career the same thing as finding your calling? And should we really expect an eighteen-year-old to know what they want to do with the rest of their life? Perhaps a gap year could be an opportunity to grow in faith, discover who you are in Christ, develop practical skills, and learn to hear God for yourself. But a gap year can also bring its own challenges—especially when a young person goes overseas alone, without the spiritual foundations, accountability, or support they need. So what role should parents play? How do we encourage our children without controlling their decisions? When should we encourage university or further study, and when might a year of discipleship be the better choice? And how do we build on everything we've taught our children about God so that faith becomes something they personally own, rather than simply something they inherited from their parents? Ultimately, this isn't just about choosing what to do after school. It's about learning to ask a much bigger question:“God, what do You want me to do with my life?” Before finding a career, perhaps there is something more important to discover—who you are, whose you are, and what God has called you to become.

  3. Aug 31

    Facing ours Fears and Anxiety

    Today we're tackling a subject that touches every one of us at some point in our lives. Throughout the Bible we're repeatedly told, "Do not fear." But what does that mean when fear feels overwhelming? What do we do when anxiety isn't just an occasional emotion, but something that weighs heavily on our minds, affects our relationships, disrupts our sleep, and even impacts our physical health? Anxiety has become one of the defining struggles of our generation. It affects young and old, believers and unbelievers alike. It can quietly erode our peace, weaken our faith, and leave us feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Yet the Bible has a great deal to say about fear, anxiety, and the peace that God offers His people. In this episode, we'll explore what Scripture teaches about fear and anxiety. Are fear and anxiety always sinful? Why does God so often command His people, "Do not be afraid"? How do we obey that command when our emotions tell us otherwise? And what practical, biblical steps can we take to fight anxiety and cultivate a deeper trust in God? We'll also consider how the Church should respond. How do we walk alongside someone who is struggling with fear? How do we encourage without offering empty clichés or simplistic answers? And how do we point people to the hope, comfort, and peace that are found in Christ? This is a conversation about more than managing emotions. It's about learning to trust a sovereign God in an uncertain world, discovering His presence in the midst of our fears, and finding the peace that Jesus promised—a peace that transcends circumstances. Whether you're wrestling with anxiety yourself or seeking to help someone who is, we pray this episode will equip you with biblical wisdom, practical encouragement, and renewed confidence in God's faithful promises.

  4. Aug 24

    Guarding & Growing in Joy

    Today we're diving into a subject that lies at the very heart of the Christian life: "Guarding & Growing in Joy." Joy is one of the great themes of Scripture. Yet for many believers, it can seem elusive. Life brings trials, disappointment, suffering, and uncertainty, and it's easy to wonder: Is lasting joy really possible? The Bible tells us that joy is far more than a passing emotion or a response to favourable circumstances. It is a deep, enduring confidence rooted in the character of God, the finished work of Christ, and the unchanging hope of the gospel. It's a joy that can exist even in the midst of hardship. So what does the Bible actually say about joy? How is biblical joy different from happiness? How do we guard our joy when life is difficult? And what practical habits help us grow in joy day by day? In this episode, we'll explore the Scriptures to discover why joy is described as a fruit of the Spirit, why we're repeatedly commanded to rejoice, and how believers can cultivate a life marked by gratitude, worship, hope, and delight in God—even when circumstances are far from ideal. We'll also discuss the things that rob us of joy, how to recognise them, and how to keep our eyes fixed on Christ, the true source of lasting joy. Whether you're walking through a season of blessing or a season of struggle, our prayer is that this conversation will encourage you to experience the joy that God intends for His people—not a superficial happiness, but a deep and abiding joy that sustains us through every season of life.

About

The paradox of the Christian faith involves losing one's life to find it and dying to oneself to gain it (Mark 8:34-35). As citizens of heaven we work, study, love and live here on the earth. The podcast features real conversations aimed at helping believers live for Christ while being grounded in the truth as they navigate life in this secular world. Hosted by Wayne Turner and Nadene Badenhorst for Joshua Generation Church with Michael d'Offay giving eldership oversight.

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