The Archie & Etta Podcast

2d ago

Answering Desires

How do you know when God is leading you—and when you just really want something? In this episode of The Archie & Etta Podcast, we talk about one of the harder parts of following Jesus together in marriage: discerning God’s direction when our own desires, emotions, ambitions, and expectations are involved. What happens when you feel strongly that God is leading you toward something, but your spouse isn’t convinced? Can “God told me” become a way of shutting down disagreement? And how do we know whether peace, circumstances, opportunity, Scripture, or wise counsel are actually confirming God’s direction? We talk about how couples can approach decisions about work, ministry, finances, moving, family, calling, and the future with humility instead of simply asking God to bless what they have already decided they want. Scriptures for Study: Proverbs 3:5–6, Romans 12:2, Jeremiah 17:9, Psalm 139:23–24, Philippians 2:3–4, Proverbs 12:15, Proverbs 15:22, James 1:5, Proverbs 16:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, 1 John 4:1, Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, Isaiah 55:8–9, Luke 22:42, and Proverbs 16:3.

Oct 9

Do You Know Your Spouse?

In this episode of The Archie & Etta Podcast, we talk about the difference between truly knowing your spouse and constantly analyzing them. Marriage gives us incredible access to another person’s habits, moods, patterns, strengths, weaknesses, and emotions. But sometimes that closeness can turn into overthinking. Why did they say it like that? Are they mad at me? Why are they quiet? What does that look mean? Is something wrong? The longer we are married, the easier it can become to assume we already know what our spouse is thinking instead of simply asking. In this conversation, we explore how to be attentive without becoming controlling, curious without interrogating, and discerning without becoming suspicious. We talk about: Listening before making assumptionsGiving your spouse the benefit of the doubtThe difference between awareness and hypervigilanceWhy your spouse's mood is not always about youHow past hurt can influence the way we interpret each otherAllowing your spouse room to processReplacing assumptions with honest questionsKnowing your spouse without trying to predict everything they will think or feelOne of the biggest questions we wrestle with is: Are you listening to your spouse—or listening to the story you've created about your spouse? Healthy intimacy does not mean knowing every thought before it is spoken. Sometimes loving someone well means remaining curious about the person you already know deeply. Scriptures: James 1:19 “Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” Proverbs 18:13 “One who gives an answer before he hears, it is foolishness and shame to him.” Proverbs 20:5 “A plan in the heart of a person is like deep water, but a person of understanding draws it out.” 1 Corinthians 13:5 Love “does not seek its own benefit, is not provoked, does not keep an account of a wrong suffered.” 1 Corinthians 13:7 Love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Philippians 4:8 “Whatever is true... dwell on these things.” This episode is part of our ongoing conversations around Faith-Centered Marriage: Love in Real Life—what it looks like to follow Jesus together in the ordinary, complicated, and beautiful reality of marriage.

Sep 8

Does Your Spouse Know the Real You?

In this episode of The Archie & Etta Podcast, we talk about what happens when the person closest to you sees the version of you no one else does. It is easy to look patient, kind, faithful, and spiritually mature in public. But marriage has a way of revealing what is really happening beneath the surface. Your spouse sees how you respond when you are tired, frustrated, disappointed, stressed, or misunderstood. So what does it mean when our public faith and private character do not match? We talk about why correction from a spouse can feel so difficult, how pride and defensiveness can keep us from growing, and why the people closest to us often have the clearest view of our spiritual fruit. We also wrestle with an important question: Would your spouse recognize the person everyone else thinks you are? Marriage is not meant to become a constant evaluation of one another, but it can become one of the places God uses to reveal our blind spots, deepen our humility, and form the character of Christ in us. The goal is not perfection. It is becoming increasingly honest, consistent, humble, and willing to let our faith show up where it matters most—at home. Scriptures discussed: 1 John 3:18 — “Let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.” Galatians 5:22–23 — The fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Matthew 7:16 — “You will know them by their fruits.” James 1:22 — “Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves.” Philippians 2:3–4 — Consider others as more important than yourselves and look out for the interests of others. 1 Corinthians 13:4–5 — Love is patient, love is kind, and does not seek its own way. If our faith is real, eventually it should become visible to the people who know us best.

Aug 4

What If Successful Marriage Isn't The Goal?

What if we've been chasing the wrong thing? Most couples want a successful marriage, but what if success was never God's primary goal? In this episode, Archie and Etta explore the difference between success and stewardship, and why Scripture seems far more concerned with faithfulness than appearances. Through the lens of Colossians 3:17, they discuss the ordinary moments that truly shape a marriage, not the anniversaries, vacations, or social media posts, but the Tuesday mornings, the difficult conversations, the hurried routines, and the small decisions that reveal who we're becoming. Together they ask: What does it mean to steward your marriage instead of trying to perfect it? Why is there often such a gap between our Sunday faith and our weekday lives? How can we invite Jesus into the ordinary moments that usually feel anything but spiritual? Whether you're newly married or have been together for decades, this conversation is an invitation to stop measuring your marriage by worldly standards and start pursuing something far more lasting: faithful love, lived one ordinary day at a time. "Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus..." — Colossians 3:17 (NASB)

Jul 15

Confession

What does it mean to confess? In this episode of the Archie & Etta Podcast, we talk about the biblical meaning of confession and why it is so much more than simply admitting we've done something wrong. Throughout Scripture, confession is an invitation into repentance, healing, freedom, and deeper relationship with God. We explore the difference between guilt and godly conviction, why we confess our sins to God, what it means to confess to one another, and how bringing things into the light breaks the power of shame and secrecy. We also discuss why confession isn't about earning God's forgiveness, but responding to His grace with humility and honesty. If you've ever struggled with hidden sin, shame, pride, or wondered what genuine repentance looks like, this conversation is for you. In this episode, we discuss: What the Bible teaches about confession The difference between confession and repentance Why God calls us to walk in the light How confession leads to healing and freedom Confessing our sins to God and to trusted disciples of Jesus Why grace gives us the courage to be honest Key Scriptures: 1 John 1:9 James 5:16 Psalm 32:5 Proverbs 28:13 Romans 10:9–10 Acts 3:19 Confession isn't about condemnation—it's about stepping into the freedom that comes from living honestly before God and walking in the grace of Jesus Christ.

Jul 7

Don’t Judge Me? What The Bible Says

In this episode of the Archie & Etta Podcast, we talk about judgment, discernment, correction, and the heart posture Jesus calls us to have. Many people quote, “Do not judge,” but what does the Bible actually mean by that? Scripture does not call us to ignore sin, avoid truth, or pretend everything is right. But it does warn us against hypocrisy, condemnation, pride, and sitting in a seat that only belongs to God. We unpack the difference between biblical discernment and being judgmental, why Jesus tells us to deal with the log in our own eye first, and how believers can address truth with humility, love, and restoration instead of shame or self-righteousness. This conversation is about learning to judge rightly without becoming harsh, to discern wisely without becoming prideful, and to remember that every one of us will give an account before God. In this episode, we discuss what Jesus meant when He said, “Do not judge,” the difference between correction and condemnation, why heart posture matters, how to confront with gentleness, and what it means to leave the final judgment in God’s hands. Key Scriptures: Matthew 7:1–2 “Do not judge, so that you will not be judged.” “For in the way you judge, you will be judged…” Matthew 7:3–5 “First take the log out of your own eye…” John 7:24 “Do not judge by the outward appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” James 4:11–12 “There is only one Lawgiver and Judge…” “But who are you, judging your neighbor?” Romans 14:10–12 “For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.” “So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ…” Hebrews 9:27 “It is destined for people to die once, and after this comes judgment.” Ecclesiastes 12:14 “For God will bring every act to judgment…” Matthew 12:36–37 “Every careless word that people speak, they will give an account of it…” 1 Peter 4:17 “For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God…” 1 Corinthians 5:12–13 “Do you not judge those who are within the church?” “But those who are outside, God judges.” Galatians 6:1 “Restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness…” Luke 6:37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn…” Romans 2:1 “You are without excuse… for you who judge practice the same things.” 1 Samuel 16:7 “God does not see as man sees… the Lord looks at the heart.”

Jun 30

What does it really mean to be a disciple of Jesus? Religious Words Part 3

In this episode of the Archie & Etta Podcast, we talk about discipleship as more than church attendance, Bible knowledge, or Christian language. Biblical discipleship is a lifelong journey of following Jesus, learning His ways, obeying His Word, becoming more like Him, and helping others do the same. Jesus did not simply call people to believe ideas about Him. He said, “Follow Me.” That call touches our habits, relationships, decisions, priorities, family, work, and everyday obedience. We discuss the cost of discipleship, the fruit of a life surrendered to Christ, and the importance of walking with others as we grow. Discipleship is not about perfection, but it is about formation. In this episode, we discuss: What the Bible says discipleship means The difference between believing and following Why obedience matters in spiritual growth How discipleship forms our character and choices The role of relationship, accountability, and multiplication How to follow Jesus in everyday life Key Scriptures: Matthew 28:18–20 Luke 9:23 John 8:31–32 John 13:34–35 John 15:8 2 Timothy 2:2 Discipleship is not just learning about Jesus. It is learning to live like Him.

Jun 21

What does it mean to be righteous? Religious Words - Part 2

What does it really mean to be righteous? In this episode of the Archie & Etta Podcast, we talk about righteousness not as religious perfection, but as right relationship with God that begins to produce real fruit in our everyday lives. Righteousness is not about pretending, performing, or proving we are good enough. It is about being made right with God through Jesus and allowing that relationship to shape how we live. We discuss the difference between being real and being careless, why fruit matters, and how good works are not the root of our righteousness but the evidence of a life being transformed by God. From faith to fruit, from relationship to obedience, this conversation is about learning to live honestly before God while letting His righteousness change our hearts, homes, choices, and relationships. In this episode, we discuss: What righteousness means in the Bible Why righteousness starts with relationship, not performance How to be real without excusing sin The difference between fruit and religious image Why works do not save us, but still matter How a transformed life should produce visible evidence What it means to walk in righteousness every day Key Scriptures: Genesis 15:6 Matthew 5:6 Matthew 6:33 Romans 3:22–24 2 Corinthians 5:21 James 2:17 Galatians 5:22–23 Righteousness is not about looking the part. It is about belonging to Christ and becoming more like Him.

Jun 9

What does it really mean to be consecrated to God? - Religious Words Part 1

What does it really mean to be consecrated to God? In this episode of the Archie & Etta Podcast, we talk about consecration — not as a religious word, but as a real-life call to be set apart for God’s presence, purpose, and glory. Throughout Scripture, consecration shows up before moments of encounter, assignment, worship, and obedience. Before Israel met with God at Mount Sinai, they were told to consecrate themselves. Before crossing into promise, Joshua said, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” But consecration is not just about what we avoid. It is about who we belong to. We unpack what it means to surrender our bodies, motives, habits, homes, gifts, and decisions to the Lord. From the Ark of the Covenant to Romans 12, from priestly preparation to becoming vessels fit for the Master’s use, this conversation is about carrying God’s presence God’s way. In this episode, we discuss: What consecration means biblically Why being set apart is different from being isolated How surrender prepares us for God’s assignment Why God’s presence should never be treated casually What it means to be a living sacrifice How to become a vessel useful to the Master The connection between holiness, obedience, and intimacy with God Key Scriptures: Joshua 3:5 Romans 12:1–2 2 Timothy 2:20–21 Exodus 19:10–11 1 Chronicles 15:12–15 Consecration is not about performing for God. It is about belonging fully to Him.

Jun 4

Are you drained of energy? Try creativity as worship

In this episode of the Archie & Etta Podcast, we talk about unlocking creativity as a Christian and seeing it as more than art, music, or content. From Genesis 1:1, we see God first revealed as Creator. In Exodus 31, we see the Spirit of God filling people with wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and skill for creative work. Creativity is not separate from spirituality; it is one way we bear God’s image, steward our gifts, serve others, and worship Him. Whether it shows up in design, leadership, parenting, business, cooking, problem-solving, music, or everyday excellence, your creativity can glorify God. In this episode, we discuss: How creativity reflects the image of God Why the Holy Spirit empowers wisdom and skill How Jesus modeled creative communication Why creativity is bigger than Christian art How to create with excellence for the glory of God

Jun 1

Stop Praying To Be God's Favorite. Does That Mean Suffering?

What if being close to God does not always look like comfort, ease, or favor the way we imagine it? In this episode of the Archie & Etta Podcast, we talk through the idea of “Stop Praying to Be God’s Favorite” and unpack what Scripture shows us about the people who walked closely with God. Job was tested. Lazarus was left in the grave for four days. Peter was sifted. Paul was beaten, jailed, shipwrecked, and persecuted. Even Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted. Romans 8 reminds us that we are children of God and heirs with Christ, but that inheritance also includes suffering with Him so that we may be glorified with Him. Being close to God is beautiful, but it is also weighty. We also look at the story of Uzzah and the Ark of the Covenant, where proximity to the presence of God required reverence, obedience, and God’s way, not man’s best idea. Sometimes we want the glory without the order, the closeness without the consecration, and the favor without the weight. This conversation is a challenge to stop chasing a shallow version of favor and begin asking God for the grace, humility, and obedience to carry what He has actually called us to carry. In this episode, we discuss: Why God’s favor does not always look like comfort What the lives of Job, Lazarus, Peter, Paul, and Jesus teach us about closeness to God The difference between being loved by God and wanting special treatment from God Why proximity to God requires reverence What Uzzah and the Ark reveal about carrying God’s glory God’s way How suffering, testing, and obedience shape the children of God

The Archie & Etta Podcast

Episodes

Answering Desires

Do You Know Your Spouse?

Does Your Spouse Know the Real You?

What If Successful Marriage Isn't The Goal?

Confession

Don’t Judge Me? What The Bible Says

What does it really mean to be a disciple of Jesus? Religious Words Part 3

What does it mean to be righteous? Religious Words - Part 2

What does it really mean to be consecrated to God? - Religious Words Part 1

Are you drained of energy? Try creativity as worship

Stop Praying To Be God's Favorite. Does That Mean Suffering?

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