Availability vs. Initiative | S6E19

Throughout season six we have featured or discussed testimonies, and we would like to share with you the testimony of Jerry and Levi. Sit down for this long one as they dive into how God has cultivated them into the missionaries they are today.This Episode was also recorded live in our discord.Join our community and online discussion: https://christianinfluence.nethttps://discord.gg/christianinfluencehttps://facebook.com/influenceofjesushttps://twitter.com/cigamesxyzhttps://www.instagram.com/officialchristianinfluence/Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/ChristianInfluenceIntro/Outro Music: Jazzy Abstract Beat - ChopsComa-Media00:00 Intro 00:25 Topic starts 02:07 Who are Jerry and Levi?08:59 Jerry and Levi’s friendship24:51 Levi’s Early life34:07 Dealing with Chronic pain40:33 What stopped you from going to church 45:33 Levi losing his mom57:01 Levi’s insights serving God01:13:00 Jerry’s early life 01:24:18 When did it become personal for you01:32:22 Jerry’s parents divorce01:42:50 Why did Jerry drift from the church?01:51:17 Why did you come back?02:17:09 Influence the way you teach your students 02:20:20 Jerry’s ministry journey02:29:22 How to maintain strong Christian Relationships02:33:00 Wrap-up

The Christian Influence summer intern, Braden, is on today to share with us his testimony. Come join in and see how God has been at work in Braden's life to bring him into the position he is in and where God will be taking him.Join our community and online discussion:https://christianinfluence.nethttps://discord.gg/christianinfluencehttps://facebook.com/influenceofjesushttps://twitter.com/cigamesxyzhttps://www.instagram.com/officialchristianinfluence/Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/ChristianInfluenceIntro/Outro Music: Jazzy Abstract Beat - ChopsComa-Media00:00 Intro00:41 Who is Braden09:40 Braden’s biggest fear 12:46 Some of Braden’s interests/skills17:00 Braden’s Testimony34:36 Braden’s Idea of CI/work for CI 53:56 Missionary Interest/Missionary work01:10:58 How can we pray for Braden 01:14:03 Wrap up/outro

Our Producer, Chris “Shibbs” Shibley shares his story of walking away from church, wrestling with questions about Christianity, and eventually finding his way back.Jerry & Levi talk with him about his early experiences with faith, what pushed him away, the questions, the arguments, the evidence, and research that challenged what he believed. Shibbs also shares how God used the local church, and Christian brotherhood to draw him into a deeper faith.If you’ve walked away from church, wrestled with doubt, or wondered whether Christianity can stand up to serious questions, this conversation is for you.Join our community and online discussion: https://christianinfluence.nethttps://discord.gg/christianinfluencehttps://facebook.com/influenceofjesushttps://twitter.com/cigamesxyzhttps://www.instagram.com/officialchristianinfluence/Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/ChristianInfluenceIntro/Outro Music: Jazzy Abstract Beat - ChopsComa-Media00:00 Intro03:34 Who is Shibbs? 06:00 Shibb’s Role in Christian Influence09:32 Christianity Growing Up18:09 Who Was God Then?35:26 Shibbs Walks Away?48:48 Searching For God 55:28 Reconsidering Christian Evidence01:26:30 Shibbs Goes To Church! 01:30:24 Doubting Thomas?01:39:25 Shibb’s Good Friend01:45:53 Wrap-up/Outro 

Dan "Gaga" Wray is back to finish his discussion on the enemies of the believer and to hone in on the flesh. He gives great insight into what makes the flesh our enemy and how we can combat it. Stick around and hear the wisdom he has to share with us.Join our community and online discussion:https://christianinfluence.nethttps://discord.gg/christianinfluencehttps://facebook.com/influenceofjesushttps://twitter.com/cigamesxyzhttps://www.instagram.com/officialchristianinfluence/Support the show on Patreon and get some bonus content:https://patreon.com/ChristianInfluenceTimestamps:00:00 Intro02:07 Recap on the Three Enemies (Ephesians 2:1-3)07:21 Offence vs Transgression32:44 The Sin Nature (The Flesh)39:57 Two Types of Tests/Trials44:28 Opposing The Flesh54:57 Works of the Flesh (Galatians 5:18-24) 01:07:24 Be Heavenly Minded01:12:20 Wrapping up the three enemies

In this episode of Under The Influence, Jerry & Levi are joined by Pastor Cyrus Rettmann. God used Cyrus profoundly in Jerry’s life as both youth pastor and mentor, intentionally investing in him and encouraging him to pursue Christ as a student. This episode highlights the biblical importance of lasting spiritual leadership and discipleship over the course of time through Cyrus’ testimony and the lasting influence of his investment in Jerry. A special thank you to Cyrus for his years of faithful service to the Lord and for joining us for an amazing episode and discussion. Read the book of Ephesians: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%201&version=NIVJoin our community and online discussion: https://christianinfluence.nethttps://discord.gg/christianinfluencehttps://facebook.com/influenceofjesushttps://twitter.com/cigamesxyzhttps://www.instagram.com/officialchristianinfluence/Support the show on Patreon and get some bonus content: https://patreon.com/ChristianInfluenceIntro/Outro Music: Jazzy Abstract Beat - ChopsComa-MediaTimestamps:00:00 Intro03:22 Biblical Mentorship (Titus 2:1-12)24:01 The Importance of Time54:15 Cyrus’ Experience with Mentorship01:31:20 Cyrus’ perspective on mentoring Jerry01:43:11 Cyrus’ advice for new Mentors and Mentees 01:50:15 Wrap-up

We discuss the difference between supporting your brother by being available vs taking the real initiative. We dive into the temptation of showing fake availability or the paralysation that comes from being its recipient.Join our community and online discussion: https://christianinfluence.nethttps://discord.gg/christianinfluencehttps://facebook.com/influenceofjesushttps://twitter.com/cigamesxyzhttps://www.instagram.com/officialchristianinfluence/Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/ChristianInfluence Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:24 “Let me know” is incomplete11:30 Availability vs Initiative31:32 Be Manly take the Initiative45:31 Closing Thoughts/Outro

Levi and Jerry react to a recent video from the Book-Tuber  @DanielGreeneReviews   and discuss the importance of God's word and the impact that it has not only on individuals but also the culture. Daniel Greene is an agnostic Book-Tuber and recently he drove across America and listened to the entire New Testament, then released a series of videos containing his thoughts on it. There is so much to be gained as Christians from watching through his honest and humble engagement with scripture and we are so blessed to see the way Daniel is thinking through scripture rather than shrugging it off as many do. The guys wrap up with a clip of John Lennox from  @TheDiaryOfACEO  podcast Enjoy!Daniel's First Video: https://youtu.be/mVNzvSaO4j0?si=mo6TJWk8D3voSpHcDaniel's Second Video: https://youtu.be/XoQCX3y_NMg?si=SDbM1Z_4flSCBYgGDiary Of A CEO w/ John Lennox Clip: https://youtu.be/dLrvJeSugkM?si=xfHydo77Qq-MO76P&t=1557Join our community and online discussion: https://christianinfluence.nethttps://discord.gg/christianinfluencehttps://facebook.com/influenceofjesushttps://twitter.com/cigamesxyzhttps://www.instagram.com/officialchristianinfluence/Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/ChristianInfluence 00:01:17 Intro 01:18 Topic Starts06:40 The Bible is too important to ignore 21:41 Humility, Struggle, and A Desire to “know” 39:00 Jesus is compelling 01:09:00 Christianity Is A Relationship w/ Jesus! 01:15:46 Look Closer, Start There01:23:16 Wrap up/outro

Jerry and Levi discuss what Dungeons and Dragons (and ttrpg's in general) is and if Christians should play it. We also discuss why it can be so impactful to the believer.Join our community and online discussion: https://christianinfluence.nethttps://discord.gg/christianinfluencehttps://facebook.com/influenceofjesushttps://twitter.com/cigamesxyzhttps://www.instagram.com/officialchristianinfluence/Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/ChristianInfluenceTimestamps:00:00 Intro03:47 What is D&D? 07:18 Can Christians play D&D? 19:40 Our experience with D&D28:03 Effective tool for ministry42:26 Storytelling is key01:00:02 More relevant in this culture01:14:32 wrap up

Jaret and Levi discuss how christians should respond to failure, hardship, and doubt. This topic is near and dear to our hearts at Christian Influence, and if you are struggling with things or want to share with us you can join our Discord (discord.gg/christianinfluence).#christian #christianpodcast #podcast #prayer Join our community and online discussion: https://christianinfluence.nethttps://discord.gg/christianinfluencehttps://facebook.com/influenceofjesushttps://twitter.com/cigamesxyzhttps://www.instagram.com/officialchristianinfluence/Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/ChristianInfluenceTimestamps:00:00 Intro00:25 Failure, Hardship, and Doubt02:56 Returning from Failure29:52 Continuing through Hardship52:07 Answering Doubt1:15:28 Wrappup/Outro

Join us for a great discussion/interview with the creators of the Dungeons & Disciples Podcast, Josh & Tony! We get to hear their testimonies of faith, friendship and impact through playing and talking about Dungeons & Dragons as Christians. Enjoy!Check out their show: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Zs0qHvZquMiXIuEqp9Fqj?si=721466dbca7547d4Check out their YouTube channel:  @DungeonsDisciplesPod  Join their Discord: https://discord.com/invite/2hqWkdhYZfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dungeonsanddisciples/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DungeonsAndDisciplesJoin our community and online discussion: https://christianinfluence.nethttps://discord.gg/christianinfluencehttps://facebook.com/influenceofjesushttps://twitter.com/cigamesxyzhttps://www.instagram.com/officialchristianinfluence/Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/ChristianInfluenceTimestamps:00:00 Intro00:40 Meeting Josh and Tony20:41 Why does D&D matter?38:06 Does gaming culture clash with Faith?49:54 The call to make Dungeons & Disciples1:12:02 The connection between Faith and D&D1:26:00 Ministry at the table1:35:14 Wrap-up/Outro#dungeonsanddragons #dnd #dndpodcast #dungeonsanddisciples #christianity #christianpodcast #podcast #ruslan #georgejanko