Eddiefied

Eddie Lyashenko

Real stories. Real faith. Real encouragement. This podcast stirs up believers to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24) through authentic conversations with Christian leaders, professionals, and overcomers who are shining the light of Christ in every area of life.

Episodes

  1. Jun 9

    What Does It Mean to Be a Churchman? | Pastor Vincent Wong

    What does it mean to be called by God? For many Christians, the idea of "calling" is often connected to a career, ministry position, or life direction. But what if our understanding of calling starts in the wrong place? In this episode of the Eddiefied Podcast, I sit down with Pastor Vincent Wong of City Bible Church to discuss one of the most important truths every believer needs to understand: our identity in Christ comes before our vocation, career, ministry, or title. Together, we explore what Scripture teaches about the calling of every believer, why our identity must be rooted in Christ, and what it means to faithfully serve God regardless of our season of life. We also discuss the importance of the local church, biblical church membership, and what Pastor Vincent refers to as being a faithful "Churchman." Pastor Vincent shares insights from his own journey through ministry, seasons outside vocational ministry, and how God used those experiences to deepen his understanding of faithful Christian living. Whether you're a pastor, business owner, stay-at-home parent, student, or someone simply trying to discern God's will for your life, this conversation offers practical biblical wisdom and encouragement. Topics Covered: • What is the calling of every believer?• Identity in Christ vs. career identity• The difference between calling and vocation• Why church membership matters• What it means to be a faithful Churchman• Serving God in every season of life• Biblical perspectives on leadership and church life• Finding purpose beyond a job title• Living faithfully in the local church• Equipping the saints for ministry Our hope is that this conversation encourages you to stop asking only, "What does God want me to do?" and begin asking, "Who has God called me to be?" If this episode encouraged you, please consider liking, subscribing, sharing, and leaving a review. Your support helps us continue creating conversations that encourage believers to love God, love people, and live out their faith. Connect with Eddiefied: Instagram: @Eddiefied_Podcast Hebrews 10:24"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works."

    1h 11m
  2. From Resisting Authority to Embracing It | Christian Okeze #27

    Jun 2

    From Resisting Authority to Embracing It | Christian Okeze #27

    In this follow-up conversation with Christian Okeze, we movebeyond his powerful testimony of redemption and dive into a topic that impacts every believer: biblical authority, submission, discipleship, and the importance of the local church.   In Part 1, Christian shared how God rescued him fromaddiction, prison, homelessness, and a life of brokenness through the transforming power of the gospel. But after salvation came another important journey—learning what it means to live under God's authority and become rootedin a local church.   What does biblical submission actually look like?   Why do so many believers struggle with authority?   How does God use accountability, correction, discipleship,and church leadership for our good?   And what happens when we try to follow Christ apart from the local church?   Drawing from his own experiences at Union Gospel Mission and his growth as a follower of Jesus Christ, Christian shares how the Lord used godly authority, Christian community, and faithful discipleship to reshape his 0understanding of obedience, humility, and spiritual maturity.   Whether you're a new believer, someone wrestling with church hurt, or simply trying to understand God's design for the Christian life, this conversation offers biblical encouragement and practical wisdom.   In this episode we discuss: - Biblical authority and submission - Why believers struggle with authority - The importance of accountability - Why the local church matters - Trusting God's design for leadership - Walking in obedience to Christ - Encouragement for believers who have been hurt byauthority   Christian's story reminds us that God's authority is notmeant to crush us—it is meant to guide us, protect us, and conform us into the image of Christ.   📖 "Obey your leadersand submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls..." — Hebrews 13:17   📖 "And let usconsider how to stir up one another to love and good works..." — Hebrews 10:24   If this episode encouraged you, please consider liking,subscribing, sharing, and leaving a review. It helps us continue reaching more people with stories of God's grace and faithfulness.

    56 min
  3. Why Christianity Is Not a Solo Act | Justin Schroeder #26

    May 25

    Why Christianity Is Not a Solo Act | Justin Schroeder #26

    In this episode of the Eddiefied Podcast, Eddie sits downwith Pastor Justin Schroeder from Redeemer Bible Church for a deep conversationon biblical discipleship, Christian community, and God’s design for spiritualgrowth through life-on-life relationships within the local church.   What does true discipleship actually look like according toScripture? Has modern Christianity replaced biblical discipleship with sermons,podcasts, social media content, and church attendance? Why do so many believersfeel spiritually isolated despite being surrounded by churches and Christianresources?   Throughout this conversation, Justin shares his testimony,pastoral insights, and biblical perspective on why God never intended the Christian life to be lived alone. Together, we discuss the importance of real Christian community, the role of the local church in discipleship, how Jesus modeled relational discipleship with His followers, and why spiritual growth often happens through the inconvenience of walking closely with other believers.   This episode also explores: What biblical discipleship truly meansThe dangers of consumer ChristianityWhy discipleship requires vulnerability and intentionalityHow believers can pursue deeper Christian communityThe difference between knowing truth intellectually and having a transformed heartHow churches can cultivate a healthy culture of discipleshipWhy older believers should invest into younger ChristiansSpiritual growth during suffering and difficult seasonsThe role of pastors and church leadership in discipleshipWhy many Christians struggle with accountability and opennessGod’s design for growth through the local church Pastor Justin also shares practical encouragement forbelievers who feel disconnected in church, as well as wisdom for pastors whodesire to lead their churches toward healthier, more intentional discipleship.   The Eddiefied Podcast is built around Hebrews 10:24: “Consider how to stir up one another toward love and good works.”   The goal of this podcast is to encourage believers throughreal testimonies, honest conversations, and Christ-centered discussions thatpoint people back to the goodness and faithfulness of God.   If this episode encouraged you, consider sharing it withsomebody else who may benefit from it.   Subscribe for more faith-based conversations,testimonies, and biblical discussions.

    1h 41m
  4. From Prison, Violence, & the Aryan Brotherhood, to Freedom in Christ | Fred Mendrin #25

    May 18

    From Prison, Violence, & the Aryan Brotherhood, to Freedom in Christ | Fred Mendrin #25

    In Episode #25 of the Eddiefied Podcast, Eddie sits down with Fred Mendrin for one of the most raw, honest, and Gospel-centered conversations we’ve had on the podcast. After spending 15 years in prison and becoming deeply involved in the Aryan Brotherhood prison gang, Fred shares how a life driven by violence, reputation, anger, and broken identity ultimately left him empty — until everything changed through an encounter with Jesus Christ inside a prison cell. This episode is not just about prison or gang life. It’s about something every single person wrestles with: identity and self-worth. Together, Eddie and Fred dive deep into: finding identity in Christovercoming shame and self-hatredrenewing the mind through God’s Wordbattling condemnation and past failuresspiritual transformationhealing from broken identitythe danger of finding worth in reputation, performance, or approvaland the freedom that only Jesus can give.Fred also shares how Ephesians 2 became deeply personal in his walk with God — especially the words “But God…” — and how understanding forgiveness, adoption, grace, and redemption completely transformed the way he viewed himself. This conversation is filled with wisdom, vulnerability, biblical truth, and encouragement for anyone struggling with shame, insecurity, comparison, hopelessness, or questions surrounding their identity and purpose. Whether you’re a believer trying to renew your mind daily through God’s Word, or someone who feels too far gone for God to redeem, this episode is a reminder that no one is beyond the grace of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:24 says: “Consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” That is the heartbeat behind every Eddiefied episode — encouraging believers through real stories of God’s transforming power. If this episode encouraged you, please consider: liking the videosubscribing to the channelsharing this episode with someone who needs hopeand leaving a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.Thank you for being part of the Eddiefied family. Connect with us: YouTube: @Eddiefied Instagram: @Eddiefied Spotify & Apple Podcasts: Eddiefied Podcast

    2h 7m
  5. The Danger of Moralism in the Church | Pastor Robert Briggs #15

    Mar 9

    The Danger of Moralism in the Church | Pastor Robert Briggs #15

    What is Christian moralism — and why is it dangerous for the church? In this episode, Pastor Robert Briggs explains why the church must recover confidence in the gospel of Jesus Christ, not moral behavior alone. In this episode of the Eddiefied Podcast, Eddie sits down with Pastor Robert Briggs, pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church and Executive Director of the Union Gospel Mission Sacramento, for a powerful conversation about the gospel, Christian moralism, and the mission of the church. Pastor Briggs has faithfully served in pastoral ministry for over 34 years. A native of Scotland, he has pastored Immanuel Baptist Church in Sacramento for 22 years and recently stepped into the role of Executive Director of Union Gospel Mission, where he now leads a ministry serving the poor, the homeless, and those in need throughout Sacramento. He also serves as the chaplain for Sacramento Republic FC. Pastor Briggs holds a Bachelor of Divinity from Queen's University in Belfast and a Master of Theology in Historical Theology from Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In this conversation, we explore: • The history and mission of Union Gospel Mission Sacramento • How the gospel transforms lives among the poor and broken • Powerful stories of redemption and restoration • Why the church must recover confidence in the power of the gospel • What Christian moralism is and why it is dangerous • The difference between behavior modification and true heart transformation • The proper relationship between God's law and the gospel • How believers can avoid performance-based Christianity • Why the gospel—not moralism—is the power of God unto salvation Pastor Briggs shares pastoral wisdom from decades of ministry and firsthand experience working among the poor, reminding us that true change does not come through moral effort alone, but through the transforming grace of Jesus Christ. This episode will encourage pastors, church leaders, and everyday believers to keep the gospel central in their lives, churches, and ministries. As Hebrews 10:24 reminds us: "Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works." If this conversation encouraged you, consider sharing this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Union Gospel Mission Sacramento https://ugmsac.com/ 📍 Learn More

    1h 43m
  6. From Prison, Addiction, & Relapse, To Purpose in Christ | Omari Lee #14

    Mar 2

    From Prison, Addiction, & Relapse, To Purpose in Christ | Omari Lee #14

    In this powerful episode of the Eddiefied Podcast, Eddie sits down with his friend Omari Lee to walk through a raw and honest testimony of redemption. Omari shares about his upbringing, the decisions that led him into prison, life on the streets, addiction, relapse, and the moment when religion stopped being enough — and true surrender to Jesus Christ became real. What began as a drug deal gone wrong turned into prison time. But prison was not the end of his story. Through conviction, brokenness, a life-altering accident, and the mercy of God, Omari experienced real transformation. Today, Omari is married to his wife Maria, a father to his three-year-old daughter Priya, and is currently pursuing certification as a substance abuse counselor — helping others walk out of the same darkness he once lived in. This episode explores: • Prison and consequences• Addiction and relapse• Religion vs true surrender• The transforming power of the gospel• Marriage, fatherhood, and sanctification• Ministry to the homeless and addicted• How the church should biblically respond to people with a past No one is too far gone for grace. Whether you are battling addiction, coming out of prison, struggling with sin, or wondering if God can use your story — this conversation is for you. Hebrews 10:24 calls us to spur one another toward love and good works. This episode is a reminder that God redeems broken stories and uses surrendered lives for His glory. If this episode encourages you, share it with someone who needs hope. Subscribe for more powerful testimonies and gospel-centered conversations.

    2h 54m
  7. Lust, Shame, & The Path to Freedom | Denis Gerasimov #11

    Feb 9

    Lust, Shame, & The Path to Freedom | Denis Gerasimov #11

    In this episode of the Eddiefied Podcast, Eddie sits down with pastor, teacher, and coach Denis Gerasimov for one of the most honest and necessary conversations the church needs right now.Together, they address a struggle that affects millions of believers—but is rarely talked about openly: sexual lust, shame, and hidden sin, and how these battles quietly impact marriages, leadership, mental health, and spiritual life.Denis shares his personal story of wrestling with lust over many years—even while serving in ministry—and how secrecy, shame, and isolation kept him stuck. Rather than focusing on surface-level behavior management, this conversation goes deeper into the heart, exploring how unmet emotional needs, distorted beliefs, and lack of healthy community often fuel destructive patterns.This episode covers:• Why lust is often a coping mechanism for deeper emotional pain• The difference between temptation and sin—and why clarity matters• How shame isolates believers and keeps them from healing• The devastating impact hidden sin can have on marriage and trust• Why accountability alone is not enough for lasting freedom• How renewing the mind, understanding identity in Christ, and building healthy rhythms lead to real change• What Hebrews 10:24 looks like in real life—not theory• Why freedom is possible, even if you’ve struggled for yearsThis is not a conversation about condemnation or “trying harder.”It’s about bringing things into the light, rediscovering hope, and learning how God’s grace transforms us from the inside out.If you’re a man who feels stuck, disqualified, or exhausted from fighting alone—or if you’re a leader, husband, or believer who wants to walk in integrity—this episode is for you.👉 Connect with Denis Gerasimov for coaching and support:https://www.instagram.com/denisgerasimovvv/🎧 Listen, reflect, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement and hope.

    1h 39m
  8. Christ Over Culture: Navigating Calling, Obedience, & Church Tradition with Peter Kondrashov #9

    Jan 26

    Christ Over Culture: Navigating Calling, Obedience, & Church Tradition with Peter Kondrashov #9

    In this episode of the Eddiefied Podcast, Eddie sits down with Peter Kondrashov, pastor over the English service at Bryte Church, for a powerful and honest conversation about faith, calling, obedience, and the mission of the Church. Before stepping into pastoral ministry, Peter served in the corporate world as a Vice President over the Enterprise Project Management Office at One Inc. — a role that offered stability, success, and security by worldly standards. Yet God was quietly shaping his heart through years of faithfulness, generosity, and obedience, preparing him to step into ministry when the time came. In this episode, Peter shares: His upbringing and testimony to faith in Jesus How God used his time in the corporate world to prepare him for ministry What it looked like to wrestle with obedience and let go of worldly definitions of success The cost — and joy — of following God’s calling Bryte Church’s journey from a Slavic-speaking church to a multicultural, bilingual congregation How Scripture speaks to church culture, language, tradition, and mission Biblical wisdom for believers navigating generational and cultural tensions within the Church We also anchor the conversation in Hebrews 10:24, discussing how believers are called to stir one another up to love and good works — pursuing a Christ-centered culture rather than a tradition-centered one. Whether you’re discerning your calling, wrestling with obedience, serving in ministry, or navigating church life in a multicultural context, this episode offers biblical clarity, pastoral wisdom, and real encouragement. 👉 If this episode encourages you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs it. Thanks again for tuning in, and as always — stay faithful, stay encouraged, and stay Eddiefied.

    1h 40m
  9. From Trauma to Redemption: Dellena Hoyer’s Testimony of God’s Faithfulness #8

    Jan 19

    From Trauma to Redemption: Dellena Hoyer’s Testimony of God’s Faithfulness #8

    In this powerful and deeply moving episode of the Eddiefied Podcast, Eddie sits down with Dellena Hoyer to share a story of profound brokenness—and even greater redemption through Jesus Christ. Dellena’s journey spans an extremely difficult upbringing, years marked by trauma, addiction, exploitation, and loss, and a long road of survival before encountering the transforming power of the gospel. This conversation is raw and honest, yet handled with care. While we do not shy away from the realities of her past, this episode ultimately points us to the faithfulness of God and the redeeming work of Christ. Through every season— her life before Christ, searching for hope, to finally surrendering her life to Jesus—Dellena’s story testifies to a powerful truth: no one is beyond God’s reach, and no season is beyond His redemption. Today, Dellena serves as a certified biblical counselor and is the incoming Ministry Director of the Women’s Damascus House in Woodinville, Washington. As she steps into this next chapter—she will be leading a gospel-centered residential ministry that helps women find healing, freedom, and new life in Christ. This episode will encourage anyone who: Is carrying wounds from their past Is walking through addiction, shame, or brokenness Wonders if real change is possible Needs to be reminded of God’s mercy and grace ⚠️ Listener Discretion: This episode includes discussion of trauma and addiction. Listener discretion is advised. For women seeking a Christ-centered residential program focused on healing, discipleship, and restoration, Dellena invites you to learn more about The Damascus House: 🌐 Website: https://thedamascushouse.com/ 📞 Contact: Dellena (916) 213-4640 This podcast is rooted in Hebrews 10:24—“Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” Our prayer is that Dellena’s story would stir your faith, strengthen your walk, and point you to Christ. If this episode encouraged you, please consider liking, subscribing, and sharing it with someone who needs hope today. 💌 Resources & Support📖 Scripture Focus

    2h 49m
  10. From Broken Beginnings to Redeemed Lives Useful to the Lord | Ralph & Ana Mendez #5

    12/29/2025

    From Broken Beginnings to Redeemed Lives Useful to the Lord | Ralph & Ana Mendez #5

    In this episode, Eddie sits down with Ralph and Ana Mendez for a raw, honest, and deeply encouraging conversation about redemption, obedience, and walking faithfully with Jesus through every season of life.Ralph shares about growing up in a broken home, the environments that shaped his early worldview, and how God met him in a place he never expected. Together, Ralph and Ana open up about their journey of faith, marriage, trusting God through disappointment and waiting, and learning to remain available to the Lord wherever He leads.This conversation also addresses important topics for believers today, including:- Overcoming a victim mindset through a biblical worldview- Understanding identity, responsibility, and purpose in Christ- Learning to serve God faithfully regardless of past mistakes- What it means to be “useful” in God’s Kingdom How Hebrews 10:24 shapes everyday Christian livingWhether you are new to faith, wrestling with your past, or seeking encouragement to keep serving where God has placed you, this episode is a reminder that no story is beyond God’s redemption and no life surrendered to Christ is wasted.📖 “Let us consider how to stir one another on to love and good works.” — Hebrews 10:24👉 If this episode encourages you, please Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who needs hope today.Thank you for watching—and as always, stay encouraged, stay faithful, and stay Eddiefied.

    1h 43m
  11. Behind the Curtain: Faith Inside Politics with Sam Chung #3

    12/15/2025

    Behind the Curtain: Faith Inside Politics with Sam Chung #3

    What is a Christian’s role in politics? Is disengagement faithfulness — or surrender? In Episode 3 of Eddiefied, Eddie Lyashenko sits down with Sam Chung, a senior leader in California government and public policy, to wrestle with one of the most divisive questions facing believers today: How should Christians engage politics without compromising the gospel? Sam shares his personal journey — from growing up in a Korean-American household, to coming to faith in Christ, to serving at the highest levels of state government as a Chief of Staff and senior advocate. Drawing from nearly two decades inside the political arena, Sam offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how policy is shaped, how power really works, and why Christian presence still matters — even when outcomes don’t go our way. This episode tackles hard but necessary questions: Should Christians withdraw from politics because the system is broken? How do believers remain salt and light in morally gray environments? What is Christian nationalism, and how does it differ from faithful public witness? How should Christians respond when measures they oppose still pass? What does Hebrews 10:24 look like lived out in public life? Rather than offering partisan talking points, this conversation calls believers to faithful presence, humility, courage, and obedience — trusting God’s sovereignty while refusing to disengage from loving our neighbors through public life. 📖 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” — Hebrews 10:24 (ESV) Whether you’re discouraged, disengaged, or discerning your calling, this episode is an invitation to rethink how faith, love, and good works show up beyond the church walls.

    1h 22m
5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Real stories. Real faith. Real encouragement. This podcast stirs up believers to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24) through authentic conversations with Christian leaders, professionals, and overcomers who are shining the light of Christ in every area of life.

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