DARK PAST, BRIGHT FUTURE

Jesus heals a man, and everyone gets upset. Except the man who was healed. In John 9, a man born blind receives his sight, while the religious leaders who could see everything suddenly reveal how blind they really are. It's a remarkable story about grace, vision, and the transforming power of Jesus. Comparison is a dangerous game. We often think the greatest danger is believing we're better than someone else. But what if the more destructive thought is, "I'll never be as good as that person. I've made too many mistakes. I'm too far behind." That kind of thinking can imprison a man in a past that Jesus has already forgiven. Your past may explain where you've been, but it doesn't have to determine where you're going. In this compelling episode, Paul Louis Cole challenges men to stop looking backward, refuse to quit, and believe God for what comes next. No matter how dark your past or difficult your present, Jesus can give you a bright future. His touch changes everything. Brave Men is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, president of Christian Men's Network (CMN). Produced in Texas, CMN is actively discipling men in over 100 nations. Find resources to strengthen men, build families, and disciple the next generation at CMN.men. 00:00 Introduction: Dark Past, Bright Future 01:06 Seven Keys to Building Powerful Men's Ministry 02:10 Identity: What Defines You Determines Your Destiny 02:55 John Chapter 9: The Sixth Sign 05:12 When Prayer Changes Everything: Brian's Story 07:55 Jesus Heals and Everyone Gets Mad 11:33 The Festival of Booths and Jesus as Light 13:35 The Holy Spirit Hovering Over Darkness 15:42 Culture Change Through Changed Hearts 16:32 I Was Blind But Now I See: The Unarguable Testimony 18:59 The Dunning-Kruger Effect and Spiritual Blindness 20:20 Children of the Light: Your New Identity 22:20 Your Past Is Not Your Identity 24:44 Living in Hope: Plans for Your Future 25:46 Prayer and Blessing: The Touch of Jesus Changes Everything

Is Jesus truly the Son of God? That becomes the center point of a powerful convo on the book of St. John. John is so much more than just a letter. It’s the eyewitness account of a man whose life was completely transformed by Jesus. This is Part Two of a series of conversations with Paul Cole and his son, Pastor Brandon Cole.  Our faith ultimately centers on the answer to this question, 'Is Jesus who he says he is?' The answer is packed into the Gospel of John through a deeply personal, eyewitness revelation. John takes us into conversations, encounters, and experience Jesus through the eyes of someone who knew Him, walked with Him, and loved Him. And a man that learned that Jesus spoke of his Kingdom ... and was the King.  Brandon is a gifted communicator and pastor of Gallery Church in Fort Worth, Texas, a vibrant community passionate about building lives full of faith, hope, and love—and presenting Jesus in a fresh and compelling way, on every street and in every heart. Brave Men is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, president of Christian Men’s Network. CMN is based in Texas and serves men and families in more than 100 nations around the world. For resources to disciple men, strengthen families, and build a generation of courageous followers of Christ, visit CMN.men. 00:00 Introduction: Brandon Cole and the Gospel of John Series 04:42 Signs vs Statements: What Got Jesus Crucified 08:55 The Power of Identity: Cliff's Coast Guard Story 12:15 The Seven I Am Statements: Who Jesus Says He Is 23:00 Salvation in Three Tenses: Past, Present, and Future Life 28:19 I Am the Bread of Life: Daily Provision and Proximity 32:53 I Am the Light of the World: Brilliance That Never Fades 34:53 I Am the Door and the Good Shepherd: Against the Gatekeepers 39:37 I Am the Resurrection and the Life: Lazarus and Brotherhood 53:33 Die Now or Die Later: The Pattern of Death and Resurrection

In the first few minutes we find out why Chris Harper gets in trouble. But it's good trouble. My friend Chris Harper is a storyteller. He builds word pictures that we can touch and see ... and leads men into truth. Better known as "Harp" he serves as the CEO of BetterMan. A ministry equipping more than 2500+ churches and 300,000+ men across the U.S. How do we live as a Christian man in a world in chaos ... and a world that is fully aligned against your truth. Because truth isn't a philosophy or system of thought, truth is a person - Jesus Christ.  This is an extraordinary conversation with a man that is passionate about biblical manhood. Chris Harper speaks often on topics such as a man’s identity in Christ and the importance of being a gospel-centered husband and father. Chris received his Masters degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and his Doctorate from the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Brave Men is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, president of Christian Men's Network. Brave Men is a production of CMN, which is based in Texas and operating on the ground in over 100 nations. For tools to disciple men and families go to CMN.men 00:00 Introduction: Chris Harper and Living Christian Out Loud 13:44 The Three Heart Deficits Every Man Has 14:49 Definition and Identity: The Gideon Problem 29:40 From Chick-fil-A to Christ: Harper's Conversion Story 43:59 The Joyful Pursuit of Sacrificial Responsibility 58:19 Why Pastors Are Falling: The Calling Crisis 1:04:22 Knowledge vs Wisdom: The Experience Factor 1:13:17 Better Man Ministry: The On-Ramp Approach 1:18:49 Storms Don't Destroy, They Reveal 1:25:25 Make Money, Save Money, Give It Away

Rawd B. Jones is a specialist in soul care—helping men take care of the dynamic center of their lives. As the founder of RPLNISH, Rawd has dedicated himself to helping pastors, ministry leaders, and men step away from the relentless demands of leadership long enough to reconnect with God, build meaningful relationships, and experience the rest and renewal they so often provide for everyone else. He is an energetic, insightful, and passionate communicator who speaks into both the corporate and church worlds about leadership, health, purpose, and the condition of the soul. Jesus said it this way in Matthew 11:28 MSG: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.” That invitation is at the center of this conversation. Before we can lead others well, we must learn how to live in a state of replenished wellbeing ourselves. In this wide-ranging conversation, Rawd and Paul dig into some of the central issues facing men today. How do we address the confusion surrounding masculinity? What are the effects of fatherlessness? How does a man lead successfully without losing his soul? And how do we build lives that are not only productive, but deeply meaningful? Rawd brings the conversation back to the Word of God and to the inner life of a man—because what happens in you will eventually determine what happens through you. This is an important conversation about becoming healthy, whole, replenished men who have the strength to lead well. Brave Men is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, President of Christian Men’s Network. CMN is a global movement of men committed to building strong men, strong marriages, strong families, and strong churches through the discipleship of men. We are CMN - we rescue men. Brave Men is a production of Christian Men’s Network. 00:00 Introduction: Rod Jones and the Brave Men Podcast 01:19 From Plain White Rappers to Soul Care Ministry 03:27 The Masculinity Crisis: Fatherlessness and Immaturity 06:12 Understanding Soul Care: Mind, Will, and Emotion 09:06 The Tyranny of the Urgent: Why Men Don't Rest 17:47 Rest as a Superpower: Entering God's Rest 20:29 Digital Cocaine: The Phone Addiction Problem 27:03 Prayer Life: Different Kinds of Prayer 37:59 Joe Rogan and the Manosphere: Culture's Vacuum 45:29 Educating Boys: The School System Challenge 51:35 Intentional Fatherhood: Being Present for Your Sons 54:43 The Weight of the World: Digital Anxiety 1:02:34 Proximity and Brotherhood: How to Make Friends 1:04:55 Courage Comes From Community: Fighting Together 1:12:00 Closing: The Spirit of a Father

Before ministry is a method or a message, it is brotherhood. Jesus called His disciples friends. Daniel stood with brothers. Strong men are not formed alone—they are forged in relationship with men who love God, love people, and refuse to leave one another behind. When we rescue men, we rescue families, we save the next generation. This episode is a challenge to get cranked up on our purpose and mission. Jesus said, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you” (John 15:16). In our walk with the Lord, you don’t choose the mission—the mission chooses you. We speak life to dry bones, call men out of passivity, and help faithful men become disciple-makers who will raise up others. Pressure reveals what is inside a man, and when the Holy Spirit fills him, courage rises. At the center of it all is grace. Jesus pictured grace like a farmer throwing seed everywhere—you never know where it will land or what harvest it will produce. We are still on the mission God gave Adam, to tend the garden ... but today we are gardeners of the hearts of men: breaking hard ground, removing stones, pulling thorns, and cultivating hearts where God’s Word can grow. We work the soil. God brings the harvest. BraveMen is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, president of Christian Men’s Network. CMN is a global movement of men discipling men, serving on the ground in more than 100 nations. We believe strong men build strong families, strong churches, and strong communities. We are men on a mission—and that mission is Jesus. For resources to disciple men and strengthen families, visit CMN.men. 00:00 Introduction: Brotherhood and the Mission of Jesus 00:53 The Process of Discipleship: Becoming Like Christ 07:21 Christ the Center: Colossians 1 and the Power of Jesus 09:07 The Danger of Isolation: Elijah Under the Tree 12:07 From Slaves to Friends: Jesus and the Power of Friendship 14:30 Abraham and Lazarus: The Secret of Friendship with God 19:33 Christ Revealed is God Defined 20:47 The Parable of the Sower: Understanding the Seed 26:27 Our Mission: Tilling the Soil of Men's Hearts 28:40 The Gardener's Call: Making Every Man Good Soil

Mark Matlock is one of the most interesting men I’ve ever met. For decades, he has lived at the intersection of faith, culture, research, and the next generation. He doesn’t just study where culture has been—he pays attention to where it is moving. His groundbreaking work, including Faith for Exiles, has become a trusted sounding board for leaders across the spectrum of Christian ministry. Today on BraveMen, Mark brings that depth of insight into a powerful conversation about discipleship, culture, and what it means to build resilient faith in a rapidly changing world. Mark serves as a Senior Fellow at Barna and was Executive Director of Urbana 2025 for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. He is a strategist, researcher, and facilitator who helps leaders turn information into action. Mark understands something every leader must understand: data can tell you where the river is flowing—but wisdom tells you how to cross it. He is also the founder of WisdomWorks, a consultancy helping churches and faith-based organizations uncover the wisdom already present in their people and turn it into innovation, clarity, and impact. His books include Digital Babylon, Faith for Exiles, and Faith for the Curious. This conversation is thoughtful, challenging, practical, and deeply hopeful. BraveMen is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, president of Christian Men’s Network. CMN is a global movement of men discipling men, serving on the ground in more than 100 nations. We believe strong men build strong families, strong churches, and strong communities. We are men on a mission—and that mission is Jesus. For resources to disciple men and strengthen families, visit CMN.men. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction: Mark Matlock on Faith and Culture 00:02:22 Technology Has Outpaced Theology 00:06:38 Digital Babylon: Living as Exiles 00:11:11 The Discipleship Crisis in the Church 00:14:12 The Spirit of a Father: Discipleship Through Relationship 00:17:53 Creating Trust Through Challenge 00:19:53 The Power of Small Groups and Havruta 00:24:23 Urbana and the Global Missions Movement 00:29:12 From Everyone to Everywhere: Modern Missions 00:35:42 Faith for the Curious: The 64 Percent 00:36:55 The Image of God in Broken Pieces 00:38:43 Christians Need to Experience More Too 00:44:02 The Best and Worst Time to Be Alive 00:51:33 Revival-Minded America: 80 Million Strong 00:53:43 Talking to Strangers: Opening Spiritual Conversations 01:06:13 Dunbar's Number and Your Mission Field 01:08:53 The Age of Amplification: Learning to Listen 01:09:50 Closing: Technology Serves the Gospel

The book of St. John is so much more than just a letter. It’s the eyewitness account of a man whose life was completely transformed by Jesus. John was a fisherman working the waters of ancient Israel when Jesus suddenly called him: “Follow Me.” John left his nets, stepped into the adventure, and for the next three years witnessed the extraordinary—miracles, confrontations, intimate conversations, the cross, the empty tomb, and the risen Christ. Years later, John wrote down what he had seen. The Gospel of John is deeply personal, rich with eyewitness detail and filled with moments we don’t find in Matthew, Mark, or Luke. John takes us behind the scenes. He lets us hear conversations, see encounters, and experience Jesus through the eyes of someone who knew Him, walked with Him, and loved Him. On this episode of Brave Men, Pastor Brandon Cole joins his father Paul Louis Cole to unpack the depth, beauty, and power of John’s Gospel—and what it reveals about Jesus for us today. Brandon is a gifted communicator and pastor of Gallery Church in Fort Worth, Texas, a vibrant community passionate about building lives full of faith, hope, and love—and presenting Jesus in a fresh and compelling way, on every street and in every heart. This is not simply a discussion about an ancient book. It is an invitation to encounter the Jesus that John could never forget. Brave Men is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, president of Christian Men’s Network. CMN is based in Texas and serves men and families in more than 100 nations around the world. For resources to disciple men, strengthen families, and build a generation of courageous followers of Christ, visit https://CMN.men.

Tim Ross was an unsaved pastor's kid on the southside of Los Angeles when God arrested him before the streets could. Today he's a professional podcaster, social media influencer, author, preacher and businessman. His podcast, The Basement, has been seen and heard by millions around the world. This is Tim's story. A powerful, honest and transparent walk through one man's journey from southside to the largest platforms in the world. What does God do in a man's life that takes him from level to new level? How do we deal with the real pressures of loss and temptation and pain and the sense that God has something greater for you? Why did Tim leave a mega-church pulpit to risk the struggle of a daily podcast? All that and more on Brave Men today. Brave Men is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, president of Christian Men's Network. Brave Men is a production of CMN, which is based in Texas and operating on the ground in over 100 nations. For tools to disciple men and families go to https://CMN.men(00:00) Tim Ross(12:58) Family Secrets and Healing Journeys(22:37) Journey to Faith and Ministry(30:25) Transition to Podcast Ministry(42:41) Vulnerability and Healing Through Podcasting(54:18) Navigating Marriage Challenges and Work-Life Balance(01:06:11) The Next Generation's Search for Truth(01:11:02) Wisdom and Choices for Men(01:23:37) Empowering Men With Brave Men Podcast

It's amazing how this man met Jesus Christ. You'll hear his remarkable story today. Walt Landers is a man who has has dedicated his life to serving God and leading men. But it wasn't always that way. Growing up in the wilds of West Texas, Walt had known hard work since he was a young man on a ranch and in construction. But after meeting Jesus he found his true calling in ministry and education.Dr. Landers serves as Lead Pastor of The Life Church in San Angelo and is the founder of Texas Leadership Public Schools in five major cities across Texas and growing. With over 4,000 students, hundreds of church members and over 500 staff, along with numerous civic and crisis management commitments, Walt is a recognized leader ... and a father in the faith for hundreds of leaders and pastors across the nations. With a deep commitment to improving lives, Walt's goal is to shape and mold the future leaders of tomorrow through quality education and leadership training. This is a global voice we can learn from, be challenged by and grow our lives as men.Brave Men podcast is sponsored by partners of the global Christian Men's Network. Brave Men Men is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, president of Christian Men's Network. CMN has regional offices in Texas, Peru, Indonesia, Brazil and Uganda and is operating on the ground in over 100 nations. For tools to disciple men and families go to https://CMN.men(00:07) God's Transformation(12:03) Work as Worship(25:19) Faithful Work, Holy Sweat(38:39) The Rhythm of Work and Life(45:25) Finding Significance in Work and Rest

My friend Michael Bolton has a passion for the presence of God in business, in family life and in empowering leaders who make a difference. His real-world pursuit of God has stirred the hearts of thousands as a speaker, so many as a life-coach and his enthusiasm for following Christ lifts hope in the lives of every man he connects with. After having served for 25 years as a pastor and College instructor, Mike transitioned to full time teaching, coaching and training in the business and church setting and travels around the world. As a certified John Maxwell Executive Director and Coach, Mike utilizes the best proven & tested leadership material, to help individuals and businesses overcome challenges and grow in their impact & success. Mike has advanced degrees in both business and ministry and recently completed training as a certified Professional Director (Pro.Dir.). Mike ministers often alongside his wife Debbie (co-founder of Norwex) and they have three grown sons and five amazing grandchildren.These are the conversations on Brave Men that lift our hearts, help us trust in the Lord stronger and motivate us to love others. We are men on a mission and that mission is Jesus. For the tools and resources you need to disciple your family and the men of your community, go to https://CMN.men Brave Men podcast is sponsored by the worldwide friends of Christian Men's Network.(00:03) Holy Spirit Power and Anointing(12:21) Fire of God in Business Events(26:54) Renewing Minds Through Holy Spirit Power