Candid Conversations with Jonathan Youssef

In this new reflection, Jonathan shares the Biblical principles of teamwork and selflessness that should be found within the church community. Continuing from last week's reflection, "Are you walking in truth?", Jonathan recounts the story of Bill Romanowski, an incredibly talented former NFL player known for his less-than-ideal teamwork. His story is a modern parallel to the Biblical account of Diotrephes, who prioritized self-interest over communal harmony. Join us as we uncover what the Bible says about true servanthood and how we can walk as godly team members daily. After you listen to this episode, you may have questions. We would love to hear from you! To ask Jonathan a question or connect with the Candid community, visit https://LTW.org/Candid Also, join the conversation on our social media pages: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candidpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candidpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecandidpod

Join Jonathan Youssef to navigate the complexities of truth and love. In this episode of Candid, Jonathan will examine the challenges of understanding these concepts, including whether absolute truth exists and the multifaceted nature of love. The conversation touches on the Christian perspective of being salt and light to a dying world that lacks an understanding of truth and love. It highlights the importance of living out the truth of our faith with love and patience in the community. Further, we explore the apostle John's transformation from a zealous youth to a wise elder who embodies truth and love. Through his letter to Gaius, we uncover the joys of faithfulness to the Gospel, the significance of hospitality, and how to discern true from false teachings. This episode aims to inspire a deeper understanding and practice of truth and love in listeners' lives. It encourages reflection on personal beliefs and actions in light of these foundational principles. Join us to explore how these ancient virtues remain relevant and transformative today. After you listen to this episode, you may have questions. We would love to hear from you! To ask Jonathan a question or connect with the Candid community, visit https://LTW.org/Candid Also, join the conversation on our social media pages: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candidpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candidpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecandidpod This transcript recounts Candid Conversations with Jonathan Youssef Episode 244, Are You Walking in Truth?: Today I want to talk to you about Truth and love. These are two words with many different definitions. When I say truth and love, you don’t even know what I could say next. I could say anything. Is it my truth? Is it your truth? Is it his truth, her truth, their truth? It’s almost as if it’s just a subjective topic, a subjective term. Is there anything like absolute truth? And love, my goodness, are we talking about romantic love, brotherly love, or agape love? Are we talking about love that is just tolerance and acceptance? Do we love each other only as long as we agree with each other? Or is it just a feeling or an emotion? Is love self-defined? Love is love. The world today is tied up into knots over these two terms. Can a person have truth and not love? Can a person have love but not truth? Here’s the reality: I don’t expect the world to get this right. I don’t have a great hope that things will get a lot better at any point in time because this is not our home. But at the same time, I have not been called to run out into the hills and build a bunker and stock up on ammunition. We have been called to look at a dying world that does not know the truth and does not understand love, and we are called to be salt, and we are called to be light to them. We are called to encourage one another, to gather and praise God's name together, and to go out and witness to the world together because our message is far greater than any message they will ever hear. No matter your age or stage of life, if you put your saving trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, then your calling is to be obedient to the truth and to walk the truth out in love. A. W. Pink was a reformed theologian who wrote several great books and many fantastic sermons. His writing is so helpful; I’ve used several of his writings in research that I’ve done for other sermons. Martin Lloyd-Jones, who was succeeded by our dear friend R. T. Kendall at Westminster Chapel said, “Don’t waste your time reading these other theologians,” like Karl Barth and Bruner. He said, “Go and read Arthur Pink. Read Pink.” Pink would tour around America and Australia preaching and teaching, but he was never well-known until after he died. Pink finished out his days living in isolation in Scotland with his wife. They never really became part of a church body. They never got situated with a good church community. Lloyd-Jones also said of Pink, “As it related to his...

How do you forgive when you feel deeply wronged and wounded? Is it important to ask for forgiveness when we have wronged someone else? On today's episode of Candid, Jonathan Youssef unpacks the parable of the unmerciful servant in Matthew 18 and reveals how giving and receiving forgiveness are intertwined. After you listen to this episode, you may have questions. We would love to hear from you! To ask Jonathan a question or connect with the Candid community, visit https://LTW.org/Candid Also, join the conversation on our social media pages: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candidpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candidpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecandidpod

Good Friday invites us to witness Christ's profound love and sacrifice, urging us to ponder our role in this redemptive narrative. It calls us to seize the hope and transformation found only in Jesus’s death and Resurrection, motivating us to live lives that reflect Christ's calling. Join Jonathan Youssef for a thoughtful reflection on the events of Good Friday. We'll explore the depth of Jesus's suffering and its crucial role in delivering salvation and hope to the world. We’ll also explore the critical moments at Golgotha, including Jesus’s crucifixion, the division of his garments, and the powerful expressions of love and sacrifice from that day. By the end of this episode, you’ll gain insights into the significance of Good Friday in the foundation of Christianity, emphasizing the salvation plan and the transformative impact of Jesus’s ultimate sacrifice. Stand alongside Jonathan at the base of the cross where Christ was crucified and contemplate the magnitude of God’s love for humanity during this Holy Week. After you listen to this episode, you may have questions. We would love to hear from you! To ask Jonathan a question or connect with the Candid community, visit https://LTW.org/Candid Also, join the conversation on our social media pages: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candidpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candidpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecandidpod

Is your prayer life effective? Like many, you may ask, "What is an effective prayer life?" Join Jonathan Youssef to explore the question of what makes prayer effective. With insights from James 5:16 and the prophet Daniel's prayer life, listeners are guided through the foundational aspects of a prayer that resonates with God, including righteousness, praise, confession, mercy, and bold petitions. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of aligning our prayers with God's will, as revealed through Scripture. He demonstrates how a righteous life and heartfelt prayer can lead to significant spiritual growth and transformation. This episode encourages listeners to re-evaluate their approach to prayer, ensuring it's rooted in a deep relationship with Christ and a sincere desire to see God's will done on earth. Whether seeking to invigorate your prayer life or deepen your spiritual walk, this episode offers valuable insights into connecting more meaningfully with God through prayer. Tune in for a journey that promises to uplift and inspire your faith. After you listen to this episode, you may have questions. We would love to hear from you! To ask Jonathan a question or connect with the Candid community, visit https://LTW.org/Candid Also, join the conversation on our social media pages: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candidpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candidpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecandidpod

In this enlightening episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan Youssef welcomes Phylicia Masonheimer, an influential writer, speaker, and the founder of Every Woman a Theologian. With a Bachelor of Science in Religion and author of pivotal books such as Every Woman a Theologian: Know What You Believe, Live It Confidently, Communicate It Graciously, and Stop Calling Me Beautiful: Finding Soul-Deep Strength in a Skin-Deep World, Phylicia shares her compelling journey from growing up in a culture adjacent to legalism to empowering women in their faith and understanding of the Bible. Phylicia delves into the critical issues surrounding purity culture, the importance of theological education for women, and the nuanced challenges of navigating legalism and fluffy, feel-good teachings within the Christian community. Further exploring the balance of family life, ministry, and personal growth, Phylicia and Jonathan discuss practical strategies for managing time, the value of intentional living, and the profound impact of home discipleship on children's spiritual development. Phylicia's insightful perspectives on critical thinking, engaging with Scripture, and the transformative power of the Gospel offers you a refreshing approach to your faith journey. This episode is not just a conversation but a heartfelt invitation to embrace theology with open arms and discover the strength and grace that come from a deeper understanding of God's Word. After you listen to this episode, you may have questions. We would love to hear from you! To ask Jonathan a question or connect with the Candid community, visit https://LTW.org/Candid Also, join the conversation on our social media pages: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candidpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candidpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecandidpod

Join Jonathan to discover the roots and the dangers of the prosperity gospel. In this insightful reflection, Jonathan highlights the danger of the prosperity gospel and its power to distort faith into a tool for material gain, urging listeners to prioritize their devotion to Jesus Christ over wealth. He emphasizes the importance of choosing eternal treasures over worldly ones, using Moses and Jesus Christ as models for forsaking earthly riches for God's glory. The episode of Candid challenges listeners to reflect on their values and the true meaning of living a life of Biblical prosperity, encouraging a life aligned with God's purposes rather than pursuing material wealth. After you listen to this episode, you may have questions. We would love to hear from you! To ask Jonathan a question or connect with the Candid community, visit https://LTW.org/Candid Also, join the conversation on our social media pages: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candidpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candidpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecandidpod

Jordan Taylor was entrenched in the New Age for more than ten years. She practiced witchcraft, performed spells, was a tarot card reader, and enrolled in classes to sharpen her psychic abilities. She was a certified Reiki master and yoga teacher. She used crystals as a means of healing, protecting, and manifesting. She worshiped nature and worked with goddesses. She found her spirit guides and let them lead the course of her life. She believed she created her reality and was her god, controlling her life. But she grappled with darkness, deception, and a yearning for more…until she had an encounter with God. Jordan Taylor first shared her testimony of giving her life to Christ on Facebook, which went viral. She then turned that post into an article for the Gospel Coalition. We wanted to know more, so Jordan joins Jonathan for a Candid Conversation to discuss what led her into the New Age, what prompted her to consider a relationship with Christ, and how that relationship has transformed her life from anxiety and darkness to peace, love, and light in Christ. After you listen to this episode, you may have questions. We would love to hear from you! To ask Jonathan a question or connect with the Candid community, visit https://LTW.org/Candid Also, join the conversation on our social media pages: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candidpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candidpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecandidpod TRANSCRIPT This transcript recounts Candid Conversations Episode 238: New Age to New Life with Jordan Taylor. Jonathan Youssef: Today, my guest is Jordan Taylor. She wrote an article on the Gospel Coalition website, and Jordan, you mentioned that your testimony went viral. Was it that article on Gospel Coalition, or was there another platform on which your testimony went viral? Jordan Taylor: Yes, my testimony on Facebook went viral. Jonathan: Facebook. Okay. Jordan Taylor comes out of New Age, so don’t worry if you’re a Christian. If you’ve heard that term a thousand times and still have no idea what it is, Jordan Taylor will define it for us. And it’s a wonderful testimony of how the Lord has drawn you to Himself. It sounds like He’s using you to help others who are caught up in this worldview, particularly young people who are getting caught up in this—I know I’ve seen it quite prevalently, even in the most recent years, so thank you so much, Jordan Taylor, for joining us on Candid Conversations. Jordan: Thank you so much for having me. Jonathan: Let’s start with a definition of “New Age.” You could use that term, and maybe 10 percent of the people in the room would have an accurate definition; the rest just nod along and assume they know what you’re talking about. Jordan: True. So, it is very difficult to define because there is no systematic doctrine for the New Age, and it borrows from many different religions, belief systems, and esoteric traditions. So you might find it’s sort of an umbrella term for a mixture of these concepts drawn from things like Hinduism, Buddhism, metaphysics, astrology, occultism, and mysticism. So it pulls from all different places, and you can say one thing, and another person in the New Age may not be doing that same thing. Jonathan: Right. Is it sort of the view of they’re at the top of the mountain, and they’re saying, “Hey, all the paths lead to the top, don’t worry” sort of thing? Jordan: Yeah. You will find that. You will find that all roads lead to heaven sort of mentality. Jonathan: Interesting. Will you tell us your story? Let’s start with origins and how you got into this, and then we’ll get to the rest of your testimony and how the Lord saved you from it. Jordan: I was in the New Age for about 13 years. I started by getting involved with yoga, and eventually, that led into meditation, so it was sort of a snowball effect. I started going to therapy—and you’ll see in any modern therapy as well as if you google stress management or how to deal with...

With the average day filled with endless smartphone scrolling and binge-watching, how often do we pause to reflect on the deeper longing behind our screen time? Join Jonathan to explore the complex relationship between modern entertainment and our spiritual well-being. Jonathan shares the balance between enjoying life's pleasures and not letting them overshadow our primary purpose: to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Inspired by insights from the digital age and the wisdom of scripture, this reflection confronts the challenges of navigating a world designed to capture our attention, discussing the impact of entertainment on our spiritual journey. Listen now to receive Biblical insight on how to live intentionally in a distraction-filled world, finding joy and purpose in God's presence above all else. After you listen to this episode, you may have questions. We would love to hear from you! To ask Jonathan a question or connect with the Candid community, visit https://LTW.org/Candid Also, join the conversation on our social media pages: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candidpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candidpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecandidpod

In this NEW episode of Candid Conversations, host Jonathan Youssef welcomes Dave Hubbard back to the program. Dave is a former NFL football player and pastor at The Church of The Apostles. In this encouraging episode, he shares his rich experiences and insights on serving both within the church and in the broader community. With a background that spans professional sports to full-time ministry, Dave offers a unique perspective on the importance of active service and its challenges and rewards. After you listen to this episode, you may have questions. We would love to hear from you! To ask Jonathan a question or connect with the Candid community, visit https://LTW.org/Candid Also, join the conversation on our social media pages: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candidpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candidpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecandidpod

Jonathan sits with internationally renowned author, apologist, evangelist, and former investigative journalist Lee Strobel. Known for his bestselling book, The Case for Christ, Strobel shares insights from his remarkable journey from skepticism to faith. The discussion then turns to his latest book, Is God Real? Exploring the Ultimate Question of Life, where he blends his investigative skills with theological inquiry. The episode offers an enlightening perspective on the recurring question of God's existence, backed by logical arguments, scientific evidence, and profound personal experiences. Listen and then share it with a friend who may benefit from this conversation. After you listen to this episode, you may have questions. We would love to hear from you! To ask Jonathan a question or connect with the Candid community, visit https://LTW.org/Candid Also, join the conversation on our social media pages: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candidpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candidpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecandidpod

The question that weighs heavily on so many hearts and minds is, "How do I pray for and reach my unsaved loved ones for Christ?" On today's episode of Candid, Jonathan Youssef unpacks this question and provides Biblical insight into why we pray, the relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, and the blessing we have in bearing witness to and praying for our unsaved loved ones. After you listen to this episode, you may have questions. We would love to hear from you! To ask Jonathan a question or connect with the Candid community, visit https://LTW.org/Candid Also, join the conversation on our social media pages: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candidpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candidpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecandidpod

Explore the transformative power of God’s Word in this new Candid Conversations episode. Learn how it acts as a guardian, strengthens character, sustains through life's pressures, and heals the spirit. Join Jonathan as he reflects on the cleansing, covering, and correction offered through God's Word as outlined in Psalm 119. Listen now, discover practical ways to integrate God’s Word into your daily life, and experience the enrichment available only in the Truth of Christ. After you listen to this episode, you may have your own questions. We would love to hear from you! To ask Jonathan a question or connect with the Candid community, visit https://LTW.org/Candid Also, join the conversation on our social media pages: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candidpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candidpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecandidpod

As we walk closely with Christ, there will be times when we must choose between the calling God has put on our lives and something else like a relationship, friendship, family, or career choices. Can you imagine being at the top of an illustrious career when God asks you to leave it for vocational ministry? When most people revel in success and stay to move up to their dream position, today's Candid Conversations guest chose to follow the call of God on his life to serve Christ and His church in pastoral ministry. Rocky Seto, former Seattle Seahawks assistant head coach, talks with Jonathan about his journey to football, salvation, and rise in coaching from college to the NFL. Rocky gets candid about his struggles and the deep calling to serve Christ and His church in pastoral ministry. You don't want to miss this episode. It is a beautiful reminder of God's goodness when we delight in Him and are faithful to live out His calling. After you listen to this episode, you may have your own questions. We would love to hear from you! To ask Jonathan a question or connect with the Candid community, visit https://LTW.org/Candid Also, join the conversation on our social media pages: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candidpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candidpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecandidpod

Have you ever wondered what God's call is for your life? Do you think about what He created you to do? Do you wrestle and ask if you are in the center of His will? These are questions we all wrestle with periodically. If you are in that place now or know someone who is, today's podcast is for you. Jonathan welcomes Clay Kirkland back to Candid Conversations. Clay is a life coach who served 18 years as the Director of Staff Development at The Wesley Foundation at The University of Georgia, where he mentored and coached thousands of young adults. He is also a certified Strengths coach and consultant who helps people discover and operate in their God-given strengths. Together, Jonathan and Clay will navigate deep questions of purpose using Scripture as their guide. Join them now. To ask Jonathan a question or connect with the Candid community, visit https://LTW.org/Candid Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candidpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candidpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecandidpod

In this new reflection on renewal, Jonathan Youssef delves into the power of the new year as a time to reflect on our faith with a powerful message from Hebrews 13:5-6. First, he reminds us of God's unchanging promise never to leave us and explains how understanding this truth will allow us to live without fear, embracing contentment and courage in Christ. Join Jonathan and be encouraged to reflect on how God is shaping you to be more like Christ and to serve others in the coming year. He will guide you in writing prayers to seek a renewed mind and spirit and to commit to ministering love and hope. As we review these prayers, we're urged to thank God for His faithfulness and step into the new year with joy and anticipation for His continued work. After you listen to this episode, you may have questions. We would love to hear from you! To ask Jonathan a question or connect with the Candid community, visit https://LTW.org/Candid Also, join the conversation on our social media pages: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candidpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candidpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecandidpod

The Christmas season is ending, but before it's over, we wanted to share some special Christmas Caroling with Mac Powell and Jonathan Youssef. Mac Powell is the worship leader at The Church of The Apostles. He is also a Grammy award-winning recording artist. In this Christmas episode, Mac and Jonathan have a lot of fun talking about their favorite Christmas traditions, songs, and the incredible reality of God’s saving love through His son Jesus. Oh, and yes… Mac will be serenading us with a few of his favorite tunes. It's a special episode you definitely don’t want to miss! After you listen to this episode, you may have questions. We would love to hear from you! To ask Jonathan a question or connect with the Candid community, visit https://LTW.org/Candid Also, join the conversation on our social media pages: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candidpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candidpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecandidpod

The Christmas season often captivates us with its superficial wonders—exchanging presents, festive gatherings, and decorating our spaces. In this new Christmas reflection, Jonathan warns that these things can sometimes overshadow the reason for the Advent season, preventing us from focusing on the profound meaning of Christmas—Emmanuel, God with us. After you listen to this episode, you may have questions. We would love to hear from you! To ask Jonathan a question or connect with the Candid community, visit https://LTW.org/Candid Also, join the conversation on our social media pages: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candidpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candidpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecandidpod To give to Leading The Way's Triple Matching Challenge, please visit us at https://ltw.org

Could you be missing a miracle of God? Are you too busy for God's intrusion into your life? God took on flesh in Bethlehem on a night when the streets were bustling with congestion created by a mandatory census. People were busy, but the Messiah quietly came into the world. Some stopped what they were doing and followed God's prompting, but so many missed it. How will you spend Christmas? Will you join the hustle and bustle and miss the true gift of the season? Or, will you slow down, seek the heart of the Father, and prepare to encounter the living Christ? Join us as Jonathan shares a special Christmas reflection and reminds us that the true beauty of the Christmas story is this- God's power makes regular intrusions even when we make no room. No room in the Inn? God still took on flesh. No room in your holiday traditions? God still calls to your heart. No room in your isolation? The Savior still invites you to intimacy with Him. We pray this episode will encourage you to make room for Christ this Christmas and each day that follows. After you listen to this episode, you may have your own questions. We would love to hear from you! To ask Jonathan a question or connect with the Candid community, visit https://LTW.org/Candid Also, join the conversation on our social media pages: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candidpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candidpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecandidpod To give to Leading The Way's Triple Matching Challenge, please visit us at https://ltw.org

As a Christian parent, you undoubtedly yearn to guide your children in nurturing their love for Christ. But the question remains: How can you enjoyably accomplish this meaningful task? If you want to connect your children with the love of Christ, you won't want to miss this episode. Today, Jonathan is delighted to welcome back Zack Carden to Candid Conversations. Jonathan and Zack share a deep bond, with both serving for many years on staff at The Church of The Apostles. Zack now holds the role of senior pastor at Marietta Community Church. In this enlightening Candid Conversation, Zack introduces us to The Adventures of Greybobby, a lovable cartoon character who doubles as a podcast host on a mission to equip parents with rich yet accessible and entertaining Biblical resources for the spiritual development of their children. Join Jonathan in unraveling the backstory of Greybobby and discover more about this captivating character who plays a pivotal role in devotional content and engaging videos, all designed to effectively convey the message of Christ's love to the little ones in your life. To ask Jonathan a question or connect with the Candid community, visit https://LTW.org/Candid Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candidpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candidpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecandidpod Watch The Adventures of Greybobby