Can a Christian Be Depressed?

How do you forgive someone who has deeply wronged you, especially when the pain hits close to home? In this episode of Sound Words Podcast, Rob Jensen joins us to unpack the biblical concept of forgiveness.Looking at powerful examples from the life of David—including his restraint with Saul and Shimei, and his grace toward Absalom—we explore what true, radical biblical forgiveness looks like. We also tackle tough personal application questions: Do you have to wait for repentance before you forgive? Is "forgive and forget" a biblical command? What is the difference between forgiveness and consequence? And how do we forgive family members who have caused deep hurt in the past?Discover how a "Big God" theology transforms our ability to extend grace, and learn what it means for the church to be a community defined by radical forgiveness.00:00 Welcome to the Sound Words Podcast00:41 The Botham Jean Case02:21 Biblical Basis for Forgiveness13:14 Biblical Examples of Forgiveness18:19 Forgiveness in the Church25:24 Repentance and Forgiveness31:57 Forgive and Forget35:03 Forgiveness and Consequences38:34 Family Dynamics and ForgivenessSound Words is a ministry of Indian Hills Community Church, a Bible teaching church in Lincoln, NE. Sound Words is also a partner of Foundations Media, a collective of Christian creators passionate about promoting biblical theology and applying it to everyday life. Learn more at https://foundationsmedia.org.Follow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow on YouTubeFollow on TwitterFollow on ThreadsVisit https://ihcc.org

In this episode of the Sound Words Podcast, Jesse Randolph tackles a heavy and often misunderstood topic: Can a genuine believer experience depression?Join us as we explore what the Bible says about deep sorrow, the reality of living in a fallen world, practical help from the local church, and where to find ultimate hope in Christ.Sound Words is a ministry of Indian Hills Community Church, a Bible teaching church in Lincoln, NE. Sound Words is also a partner of Foundations Media, a collective of Christian creators passionate about promoting biblical theology and applying it to everyday life. Learn more at https://foundationsmedia.org.Follow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow on YouTubeFollow on TwitterFollow on ThreadsVisit https://ihcc.org

When God feels silent, it's easy to grow weary in prayer. Should we keep praying for things like a family member's salvation, a difficult job situation, or a chronic sickness?In this episode of the Sound Words Podcast, Pastor Austin Rugh tackles the hard questions about prayer, silence, and persistence. Drawing from passages like Luke 11 and Romans 8, Austin explores what it means to keep asking, seeking, and knocking even when answers seem delayed.00:00 Welcome to the Sound Words Podcast05:02 How Prayer Works13:02 Handling Distractions19:50 Spirit's Intercession 21:46 Hindered Prayers27:42 Barriers To Prayer31:26 Reverence And Honesty33:57 When To Ask Others39:17 Improving Prayer LifeSound Words is a ministry of Indian Hills Community Church, a Bible teaching church in Lincoln, NE. Sound Words is also a partner of Foundations Media, a collective of Christian creators passionate about promoting biblical theology and applying it to everyday life. Learn more at https://foundationsmedia.org.Follow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow on YouTubeFollow on TwitterFollow on ThreadsVisit https://ihcc.org

When someone we love faces tragedy, grief, or a devastating diagnosis, our instinct is to rush in with comfort. But how do we actually live out Romans 12:15 ("weep with those who weep") without making things worse?Pastor Dave Hintz (Flint Hills Bible Church, Emporia, KS) joins us to unpack the biblical art of walking alongside sufferers. We cover:What to do in the critical first few days of a crisisWell-meaning Christian "platitudes" to avoidHow to support people through long-term, ongoing griefWhat to do when you simply have no wordsSound Words is a ministry of Indian Hills Community Church, a Bible teaching church in Lincoln, NE. Sound Words is also a partner of Foundations Media, a collective of Christian creators passionate about promoting biblical theology and applying it to everyday life. Learn more at https://foundationsmedia.org.Follow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow on YouTubeFollow on TwitterFollow on ThreadsVisit https://ihcc.org

When life shatters our expectations, what is our immediate reaction? Do we default to cultural myths about pain, or do we anchor ourselves in the sovereignty of God?In this insightful session, Pastor Rick Holland of Immanuel Bible Church breaks down how seasons of deep difficulty act as an X-ray of the soul—exposing our hidden idols, testing our theology, and producing an unshakable, character-building hope (Romans 5:3-4).Whether you are walking through a heavy trial right now or walking alongside someone who is, this episode offers profound pastoral comfort anchored firmly in Scripture.00:00 Welcome to the Sound Words Podcast01:31 Unbiblical Interpretations of Suffering02:57 Comfort in Sovereignty07:32 Boasting in Afflictions10:58 Sanctification Through Suffering13:00 Moving from Knowing to Resting15:28 Pressure Reveals Faith17:12 Truths for the SufferingSound Words is a ministry of Indian Hills Community Church, a Bible teaching church in Lincoln, NE. Sound Words is also a partner of Foundations Media, a collective of Christian creators passionate about promoting biblical theology and applying it to everyday life. Learn more at https://foundationsmedia.org.Follow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow on YouTubeFollow on TwitterFollow on ThreadsVisit https://ihcc.org

The book of Job is one of the most raw and profound explorations of human suffering in all of Scripture. But when pain strikes, why are we left without the answers we so desperately want?In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jerry Wragg (Pastor-Teacher at Grace Immanuel Bible Church) to unpack the hard lessons of Job. We dive deep into what the book teaches us about the unseen spiritual realms, where well-meaning counselors go wrong, and how to build a faith that can genuinely say, "Though He slay me, I will hope in Him."Whether you are walking through a trial right now or preparing for the storms ahead, this conversation offers rich biblical perspective and deep encouragement.00:00 Welcome to the Sound Words Podcast01:14 The Book of Job and Why people Suffer06:14 What can we learn from the dialogue between God and Satan?11:42 Where did Job’s counselors go wrong?14:38 What kind of faith enables us to trust God in suffering?18:39 How can we prepare ourselves spiritually for future trials?23:36 How should a pastor comfort someone in the thick of affliction?29:28 Why didn't God give Job a detailed explanation?Sound Words is a ministry of Indian Hills Community Church, a Bible teaching church in Lincoln, NE. Sound Words is also a partner of Foundations Media, a collective of Christian creators passionate about promoting biblical theology and applying it to everyday life. Learn more at https://foundationsmedia.org.Follow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow on YouTubeFollow on TwitterFollow on ThreadsVisit https://ihcc.org

It’s possible to attend church, serve faithfully, and say all the right things while your heart is far from God. And even genuine believers can fall into the routine of simply going through the motions.In this episode of the Sound Words Podcast, Jesse Randolph and Aaron Nicholson sit down with Greg Thomas to discuss what it means to truly be part of the church, how both unbelievers and believers can “play church,” and the questions we should ask to examine our own hearts.They also discuss how to respond when you realize you’ve been going through the motions—and how parents and spouses can faithfully encourage loved ones whose hearts may not be in it.Sound Words is a ministry of Indian Hills Community Church, a Bible teaching church in Lincoln, NE. Sound Words is also a partner of Foundations Media, a collective of Christian creators passionate about promoting biblical theology and applying it to everyday life. Learn more at https://foundationsmedia.org.Follow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow on YouTubeFollow on TwitterFollow on ThreadsVisit https://ihcc.org

The world constantly tells us to define ourselves by our careers, achievements, appearance, relationships, or the approval of others. But what happens when those things change?In this episode, Andy Frahm joins us to explore what the Bible teaches about our true identity. We discuss the emptiness of building our lives on worldly standards, the dangers of seeking purpose apart from Christ, and the freedom that comes from knowing who we are in Him.Join us as we examine what it looks like to live in light of our new identity in Christ and why that changes everything—from our daily walk to our eternal perspective.Sound Words is a ministry of Indian Hills Community Church, a Bible teaching church in Lincoln, NE. Sound Words is also a partner of Foundations Media, a collective of Christian creators passionate about promoting biblical theology and applying it to everyday life. Learn more at https://foundationsmedia.org.Follow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow on YouTubeFollow on TwitterFollow on ThreadsVisit https://ihcc.org

Marriage is harder than you thought—now what? In this episode of the Sound Words Podcast, Scott, Pastor Jesse Randolph, and Pastor Aaron Nicholson unpack biblical wisdom on finances, leadership, fighting sin, and cultivating a thriving marriage that honors God. Listen now!Sound Words is a ministry of Indian Hills Community Church, a Bible teaching church in Lincoln, NE. Sound Words is also a partner of Foundations Media, a collective of Christian creators passionate about promoting biblical theology and applying it to everyday life. Learn more at https://foundationsmedia.org.Follow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow on YouTubeFollow on TwitterFollow on ThreadsVisit https://ihcc.org

Why do so many of us keep falling into the same sin?Whether it's lust behind a screen, anger that erupts without warning, gossip in everyday conversations, or dishonesty with those closest to us, habitual sin can leave us feeling defeated and wondering if real change is possible.In this episode of the Sound Words Podcast, Duane Leach, Jesse Randolph, and Aaron Nicholson discuss what the Bible teaches about the nature of sin, why certain temptations seem to follow us, how Satan seeks to exploit our weaknesses, and—most importantly—how believers can experience victory through their new identity in Christ.Join us as we explore practical, biblical strategies for fighting habitual sin, the importance of the local church and Christian accountability, examples from Scripture of both victory and failure, and the hope God gives every believer in the battle against sin.Sound Words is a ministry of Indian Hills Community Church, a Bible teaching church in Lincoln, NE. Sound Words is also a partner of Foundations Media, a collective of Christian creators passionate about promoting biblical theology and applying it to everyday life. Learn more at https://foundationsmedia.org.Follow on InstagramFollow on FacebookFollow on YouTubeFollow on TwitterFollow on ThreadsVisit https://ihcc.org