The PursueGOD Truth Podcast

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The official faith and life podcast for the discipleship resources at pursueGOD.org. Great for families, small groups, and one-on-one mentoring. New sermonlink topics every Friday.

HÁ 4 DIAS

Billions in Debt: The Truth About God’s Forgiveness

Welcome back to the podcast! Today, we’re wrapping up our “Generous” series—not with a lesson about money, but about something even more valuable: forgiveness. -- The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now -- Forgiveness and the $18 Billion Debt: What Jesus Really Meant in Matthew 18The average American household carries over $100,000 in debt, with over $6,000 in credit card balances alone. Debt is normal in our culture. But imagine this: someone walks up and says, “I just paid off your mortgage, your student loans, your credit cards, your car, and your kids’ college tuition.” You’d be speechless. Now picture yourself turning around and blowing up at someone who still owes you ten bucks from last week’s lunch. That’s the exact contrast Jesus paints in Matthew 18. It’s extreme. It’s uncomfortable. And it’s meant to be. Forgiveness Isn't Optional—It's EssentialMatthew 18:21-22Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”“No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!”Peter thought he was being generous. Jewish tradition taught you only needed to forgive someone three times. So Peter more than doubled that—and Jesus blew it all out of the water. “Seventy times seven” wasn’t a number—it was a mindset. Forgiveness isn’t a ritual; it’s a daily posture. Jesus’ Parable: The $18 Billion Dollar DebtMatthew 18:23-24 (paraphrased)“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a king who called in his debts. One servant owed him 10,000 talents.”In biblical terms, 10,000 talents is about 200,000 years’ worth of wages—roughly $18 billion today. Jesus was making a point: the debt was absurdly unpayable. Why so much? The man was likely a tax farmer—someone who paid the empire upfront and then overcharged the people to make his profit. Corruption was baked into the job. Matthew 18:25-27“Since he couldn’t pay, the master ordered he and his family be sold. The man begged for mercy. The master had compassion and forgave the debt completely.”The Greek word used here for compassion—splagchnistheis—refers to deep, gut-level mercy. This is the same word used for Jesus in Matthew 9:36 when he looked at the lost crowds and felt moved to act. The Twist: The Man Who Couldn’t Forgive $30,000Matthew...

26min
HÁ 5 DIAS · BÔNUS

The Seasons of Marriage - The Family Podcast

In this episode, Tracy explores the four seasons of marriage—spring, summer, fall, and winter—and how couples can thrive in each one by staying intentional, connected, and rooted in God. Learn how to recognize your current season and respond with wisdom, grace, and faith. -- The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now -- The Seasons of Marriage: How to Grow Through Every Stage of Life Together Marriage, like nature, has seasons. Each one brings its own beauty—and its own challenges. Recognizing the season you’re in can help you lean into God's plan for your relationship, making your marriage stronger and more fruitful no matter the circumstances. Let’s walk through the four seasons of marriage and explore how to navigate them with purpose and love. Spring: Say "Yes" to Your MarriageSpring is the season of new growth. It’s often filled with young children, rising careers, and a never-ending to-do list. This can make marriage feel more like a project than a partnership. But in this busy season, couples must learn the power of saying “No” to the good so they can say “Yes” to the best—their relationship. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” That includes making intentional space to invest in your spouse. Summer: Embrace the Joy of TogethernessSummer brings warmth, connection, and space to enjoy each other. Maybe the kids are older, or the pressures of early adulthood have passed. This is a great time to intentionally deepen your relationship. Enjoy vacations, long talks, and shared hobbies. But don't get lazy—use this time to keep building a stronger bond. Song of Solomon 2:10 says, “My beloved spoke and said to me, ‘Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me.’” Summer is about pursuing your spouse with intentionality. Fall: Prepare for ChangeFall often brings transitions—career shifts, an empty nest, or unexpected loss. Change can be stressful and unsettling. That’s why this season requires grace, communication, and adaptability. It’s easy to turn inward during change, but this is when you need each other the most. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” Trusting God together through change can anchor your marriage. Winter: Fight for Your MarriageWinter is the hardest season. It can bring grief, health issues, financial strain, or emotional distance. These trials are real, but so is God's faithfulness. This is when you fight hardest for your marriage—through prayer, counseling, and a commitment to stay connected even when feelings fade. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.” Winter is not the end—it’s a chance to build resilience and rediscover why you said “I do.” Every marriage goes through seasons. The key is to recognize where you are and respond with grace, truth, and intentionality. With God at...

23min
7 DE ABR. · BÔNUS

Did Jesus Progress? Understanding Luke 2:52 - Unveiling Mormonism

Luke 2:52 shows Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, but does that mean He had to progress into godhood? The Bible teaches that Jesus has always been fully God—eternal and unchanging. -- The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now -- One of the most fascinating verses about Jesus’ early life is Luke 2:52: "Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people." (NLT)This verse raises an important theological question—did Jesus “progress” over time, even spiritually? Some people, including members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, see this as evidence that Jesus wasn’t always fully divine. According to LDS teaching, even God the Father was once a man who progressed to godhood, and Jesus followed a similar path. But what does the Bible actually say? Let’s break it down and compare the LDS view with what Scripture really teaches about the eternal nature of Jesus Christ. The LDS View: Jesus Progressed to GodhoodIn LDS teachings, Jesus is seen as the “firstborn spirit child” of Heavenly Father and progressed to become like God. One key scripture cited is Doctrine and Covenants 93:12–14, which says: “And I, John, saw that he received not of the fulness at the first, but received grace for grace;And he received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness;And thus he was called the Son of God, because he received not of the fulness at the first.” (D&C 93:12–14)LDS leaders interpret this to mean that Jesus had to grow spiritually—receiving "grace for grace"—until He became divine. This supports the broader LDS belief that even God the Father was once a mortal man who progressed to godhood. As stated by former LDS President Lorenzo Snow: “As man is, God once was; as God is, man may become.”This couplet summarizes a core tenet of Mormon theology—that God the Father and Jesus Christ both progressed from a mortal state to divine status. But this concept stands in contrast to the Bible's teaching about Jesus' eternal nature. The Biblical View: Jesus Grew in His HumanityLuke 2:52 shows that Jesus experienced real human development. He grew in body (“stature”), in mind (“wisdom”), in relationships (“favor with all the people”), and in His connection with God the Father (“favor with God”). Jesus didn’t just appear out of nowhere as a fully grown man. He was born as a baby, raised in a family, and matured over time. This aligns with the Christian understanding of the incarnation—that Jesus, though fully God, also became fully...

12min
4 DE ABR.

Generosity That Gets Its Hands Dirty

Welcome back to the podcast! This week, we're continuing our series on generosity. Are you willing to get your hands dirty? Figure out what that meamns in this episode! -- The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now -- Big Idea: Generosity isn’t just something you give. It’s something you live. When we serve others, we reflect the heart of Jesus. Opening Question:Who’s the most generous person you’ve ever met—not with money, but with their presence, their time, their service?Examples:Ken - oversees benevolence, goes over the topMike and Emma - in their 80’s, pulling weeds at the churchClean team members - washing toilets for JesusSome leadership philosophies say, ‘Don’t get your hands dirty—delegate the dirty work.’From The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli: Power and control define leadership. Servanthood is seen as weakness.So some have concluded that servants should stay at the lower levelsAnd executives should rise to the top and STOP servingIt doesn’t help the organization for them to get their hands dirtyBut Jesus didn’t climb some ladder and retreat from people. He stepped down from heaven. He picked up a towel. He washed feet. He gave his life.That’s generosity that gets its hands dirty. And that’s the kind of generosity Jesus calls us to. Series Recap:Generosity is giving to others through a selfless act without expecting anything in return. Week 1: The Generosity of GodHe gives love, provision, guidance—overflowing.Our generosity starts as a response to His generosity.Week 2: Generous in GivingFinancial generosity matters—it reflects the heart.But it’s not the whole picture.If we think generosity only happens when we write a check, we miss the life Jesus is calling us to. Today’s focus: Generosity that takes action. That sees needs and serves. This is about serving others with the heart of Jesus. Jesus Modeled Generous ServanthoodMatthew 20:25-28 25 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” The disciples were arguing about status. Jesus reframed it. “Whoever wants to be great must be a servant.” Jesus didn’t just talk about service—he...

33min
31 DE MAR. · BÔNUS

Court and Becca’s Story: Beyond the Optics - Unveiling Mormonism

Court and Becca, both inactive Mormons, discuss their experiences with the church and their journey to Jesus. Becca, raised in a more religious family, held onto her faith despite being inactive, while Court, who became inactive at a young age, had no intention of returning. After having a daughter, Becca felt a sense of urgency to re-engage with the church, leading them to attend services and participate in traditional Mormon practices. They eventually left the church, seeking a more accepting and grace-filled community. Despite initial skepticism, they eventually found a Bible study that rekindled their faith and led them to seek a new church home. Grace, as defined in the Bible, is a gift from God, not something earned through works. Mormons, who believe in salvation through works, miss out on the true meaning of grace and the forgiveness offered by Jesus. -- The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now --

31min
28 DE MAR.

What Christians Get Wrong About the Tithe

Welcome back to the podcast! Tithing is one of the most debated topics in Christian circles. Many believers have been taught that they must give exactly 10% of their income to the church, often based on Old Testament commands. But is this what the Bible truly teaches for New Testament believers? Let's find out! -- The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now -- Let’s explore some common misconceptions about tithing and what God really expects from us when it comes to giving. Misconception #1: Christians are commanded to tithe.Many Christians believe that tithing is a requirement under the New Covenant, but the truth is that tithing was originally part of the Mosaic Law given to Israel. The 10% tithe had three main purposes: Support for the Levites (and Temple) – The tithe funded the priestly tribe of Israel, who had no land inheritance (Numbers 18:21-24). Numbers 18:21 – “I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting.”Festivals and Worship – Part of the tithe was meant to be used for religious feasts and celebrations in worship of God. Deuteronomy 14:23 – “Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine, and olive oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the Lord your God... so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God always.”Provision for the Poor – A portion of the tithe was used to help widows, orphans, and foreigners (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). Deuteronomy 14:29 – “The Levites... and the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.” So: The Old Testament tithe functioned more like a national tax than a purely voluntary religious offering. When combined, these tithes amounted to about 23.3% of a person's agricultural income over a three-year cycle—closer to a national tax supporting both religious and social functions in Israel. Unlike modern church tithing, which is often seen as an act of personal giving, the Old Testament system was more like a structured government tax ensuring the well-being of the nation. The New Testament mentions tithing in a a grand total of four passages: Hebrews 7:1-10 Hebrews 7:5-6 (NLT) Now the law of Moses required that the priests, who are descendants of Levi, must collect a tithe from the rest of the people of Israel, who are also descendants of Abraham. But Melchizedek, who was not a descendant of Levi, collected a tenth from Abraham.Context: This passage discusses Abraham giving a tenth to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20) and connects it to Jesus' superior priesthood. However, it does not command Christians to tithe but rather uses tithing as a historical reference to highlight the greatness of Christ’s...

15min
27 DE MAR. · BÔNUS

Tips for Giving Constructive Criticism to Your Teens - The Family Podcast

How feedback is given makes all the difference! This episode covers practical do’s and don’ts for correcting with grace, encouraging growth, and keeping communication open with teens. Learn how to balance honesty with kindness and build trust while guiding them toward maturity. -- The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now -- Giving Helpful Feedback to Your TeenAs parents, we want to guide our teens toward maturity, but how we give feedback can make all the difference. The Bible encourages us to speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:29), which means balancing honesty with kindness. Here are some do’s and don’ts to help you give feedback that builds your teen up instead of tearing them down. The Do’s:Be Kind but Clear – Your words should encourage growth, not just point out flaws. Make sure your feedback is constructive, not critical. (Ephesians 4:29) Give Time to Process – Your teen might not immediately agree with you. Be patient and trust that your words will sink in over time. Keep Earning Trust – Build a relationship where they feel safe to hear your feedback. Spend time with them, listen to their thoughts, and engage in their world. The Don’ts:Don’t Be Passive-Aggressive – Sarcasm or veiled criticism, even if meant as a joke, can create distance instead of growth. Don’t Be a Nag – Constantly pointing out flaws can make your teen tune you out. Pick your battles wisely. Don’t Lecture – Teens often know what you’re going to say before you say it. Instead of a lecture, invite them into the conversation and let them express their perspective. (Proverbs 22:6) Giving helpful feedback is about more than just correcting behavior—it’s about shaping the heart and character of your teen in a way that honors God.

16min
21 DE MAR.

Generous God

Welcome back to the podcast! We’re launching a four-week series on generosity, and here’s the premise: Christians should be the most generous people in the world. And the evidence backs this up. -- The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now -- Christians Lead in GenerosityResearch from organizations like the Barna Group and Philanthropy Roundtable confirms that Christians donate significantly more to charities—both religious and secular—than non-religious people. Consider these statistics: In 2018, secular households in the U.S. donated an average of $1,225 annually, with a median donation of $450.Religious households gave more—an average of $2,656 per year, with a median of $1,000. The World Giving Index evaluates nations based on helping a stranger, donating money, and volunteering. The 2023 top five are: Indonesia – Score: 68; 82% donated money, 61% volunteered time.Ukraine – Score: 62; 78% donated money, 37% volunteered time.Kenya – Score: 60; 53% donated money, 51% volunteered time.USA – Score: 58; 61% donated money, 38% volunteered time. The U.S. leads in total foreign aid donations, disbursing $71.9 billion in 2023. It also ranks first in individual charitable giving as a percentage of GDP (1.44%). Clearly, generosity is a defining mark of believers. But what exactly is generosity? Defining GenerosityGenerosity is giving to others through a selfless act without expecting anything in return. Let’s break that down: Giving to Others – This could be financial, relational, or otherwise. In this series, we’ll cover: Week 2: GivingWeek 3: ServingWeek 4: Forgiving A Selfless Act – Many people are naturally generous—to themselves! But biblical generosity flips the script: Some are extravagant toward their own material desires but stingy toward others’ needs.True generosity prioritizes others above personal gain. Without Expecting Anything in Return – This is the real test. Do you give in your marriage without expecting something back?Do you parent with an expectation of repayment?Are you friends with people who only take, or do you model generosity regardless? God’s Generosity in the BibleGod is the ultimate example of generosity. From creation to salvation, He gives freely, abundantly, and graciously. God’s Generous ProvisionGenesis 1:28-30 (NLT): “Then God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply... I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food.’” From the very beginning, God provided everything needed for life. Even after humanity’s failure, He continued to provide, not because of our worthiness, but because of His nature. Matthew 5:45b (NLT): “For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good,...

27min

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12 avaliações

Finding this podcast

20/09/2024

Los Anegeles Ca

Wanting to learn about God of the Bible. The book we say we read, and think we understand. PursueGod.org does just that. The team here is doing what God has commanded, (in my opinion ) feeding the sheep. Giving you content, asking you questions, and making you think on your own, about Faith in the God of creation. I have only found a few channels that have met the commission of what the Bible teaches. Accessible and Free. As I grow in my walk in Christ I thank the Most High for this Ecclesia of believers
Excellent Gospel and discipleship teaching

27/05/2024

S_Schweins

My husband and I love all of the Pursue God podcasts!! Pastor Bryan has helped us stay focused on Christ and grow in our understanding of God’s mission for our lives during the week. All of the podcasts do an excellent job decoding the Bible into easy-to-understand, yet challenging teaching. We look forward to each episode drop!
Great information and perspective

04/01/2024

Low key runner

I have really enjoyed listening to Pastor Bryan and others on this podcast. I find it to be very educational, biblically rooted, and encouraging. I feel like my relationship with God has deepened and become more rooted. I also feel more encouraged to share the Word of God and disciple to others. Keep doing what you’re doing! God Bless.

The official faith and life podcast for the discipleship resources at pursueGOD.org. Great for families, small groups, and one-on-one mentoring. New sermonlink topics every Friday.