Pastor Plek's Podcast

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380: What does it take to move toward the world’s darkest places and bring people back alive? Covert missionary Bruno DeCanto is back to continue sharing a wild, human story that runs from South Sudan’s conflict zones to Ethiopia’s Tigray region and into the heart of Ukraine’s war. The mission is simple and brutal: extract the vulnerable, outmaneuver traffickers, and keep preaching hope even when the air is thick with dust and gunpowder.

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379: A nameless voice, a battered past, and a purpose that won’t quit. Bruno sits with us to unpack how a jailhouse encounter with Jesus turned a prize fighter into a quiet force against trafficking from Oaxaca and Panama City to the airstrips of South Sudan. This isn’t a highlight reel built on bravado; it’s a ground-level look at the systems of exploitation, the cost to families who fight them, and the small faithful steps that move people from danger...

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378: Matt Badgley's life began with unimaginable trauma - conceived through rape to a drug-addicted mother. His childhood was marked by poverty, abuse, and abandonment, leading to a suicide attempt at 14. However, God intervened through Young Life ministry, where Matt encountered the unconditional love of his Heavenly Father. Today, he's breaking generational cycles by raising godly children with his wife Brittany. His story demonstrates that no situation is too broken for God's redemption, and our worst experiences can become the foundation for...

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377: Discover how one man found hope after losing his wife, daughter, and son in just six years. This powerful testimony explores finding God in the midst of unimaginable grief and trauma. Kenneth Monroe's story addresses childhood abuse, military PTSD, sudden death, losing a child, grief counseling, and spiritual healing. Learn practical steps for processing pain, dealing with anger toward God, and finding purpose after loss. This message offers hope for anyone struggling with depression, family tragedy, or questioning God's goodness during...

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376: A woman's powerful journey from religious extremism to authentic faith reveals the stark difference between controlling religion and true Christianity. Growing up in the Fraternal Society of St. Peter meant living under strict rules, complete isolation, and predetermined life paths. At 12 years old, she was told her only options were marriage or becoming a nun. The breaking point came when her parents blamed her for a sexual assault and prioritized their image over her safety. After carefully planning her escape, she...

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375: What happens when a stay-at-home dad with a decade of youth outreach experience decides to run for the Texas House? We sit down with District 50 candidate John Hash to map the road from everyday life to the state Capitol, translating committee-speak, ballot rules, and campaign realities into plain English. If you’ve ever wondered how bills are crafted, why fundraising expands staff power, or what a representative can actually change for local schools, this conversation gives you a clear window into th...

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374: A 15-minute walk into a Venezuelan church changed everything. Manny grew up in Iran with loving, educated parents, a strict culture, and a head full of questions no one would answer. Kickboxing and Muay Thai gave him structure; wrestling shaped his base; but joy in worship—clapping, singing, smiling—gave him a first taste of freedom. That brief encounter set him on a path through Damascus, deep into Costa Rica, and eventually into a life built around language, resilience, and the mats...

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373: What if your most generous years aren’t behind you, but right in front of you? We sit down with Jake Ridley, a faith-driven wealth advisor and church board treasurer, to unpack how a clear plan and a grounded theology of money can turn fear into purposeful action. From estate strategies that nudge giving upward today to the surprising reality that most retirees underspend, this conversation bridges spiritual conviction with practical tools.

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372: Pride shows up in strange outfits, and ours wore a white dress. We share how engagement exposed pride, how confession and forgiveness changed the room, and why gratitude lowers anxiety. Then we answer a listener’s question on the parable of the ten virgins and explain why oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit and readiness. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs calm in the chaos, and leave a review to help others find these conversations.

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371: A throwaway line about “mutual submission” sparked a storm—and a much-needed deep dive. We open the Bible, sit with the tension, and then walk into the real-life mess of engagement, decision-making, and what loving leadership actually looks like when two strong people share a future. No formulas, no clichés, just a honest look at Ephesians 5 and how it plays out when feelings are high and stakes are higher.

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A Supreme Court fight, a crisis of conscience, and a hard look at justice—this conversation moves fast and cuts deep. We open with Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors and why the 10th Circuit’s framing of “harmful professional conduct” raises alarms for counselors who practice faith-informed talk therapy. Where does protected speech end and regulated treatment begin? We unpack why the distinction matters for pastors, parents, and practitioners who want to teach biblical sexual ethics without tripping legal wire...

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369: A simple question about “priests before the Law” opens a door into one of Scripture’s most fascinating arcs. We trace the roles of prophet, priest, and king before Sinai, explore Jethro’s surprising faithfulness, and sit with the mystery of Melchizedek—king of Salem, priest of God Most High—who foreshadows Jesus as our eternal priest‑king. Along the way, we show why tithing, sacrifice, prayer, and Sabbath rhythms didn’t start with Moses; they were clarified by the Law and fulfilled in...

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368: A stadium filled with worship, national leaders in the room, and the gospel preached without flinching—some moments refuse to stay “cultural.” We unpack why Charlie Kirk's memorial became a spiritual inflection point and how it’s stirring unexpected courage, repentance, and renewed interest in church across the country. From claims of martyrdom to the evidence behind motive, we grapple with the costs of public truth-telling and the conviction that it’s better to face danger than to live afraid of speaking w...

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Pastor Plek and guest co-host Ruben Campos from Lifeway navigate the challenging intersection of faith and politics in an increasingly polarized world. They explore how Christian leaders should respond to political violence, cultural controversies, and personal questions of faith in everyday life.

• Discussion of the Charlie Kirk assassination attempt and whether pastors should address political events from the pulpit
• Examination of how Christian leaders can maintain biblical truth while acknowledging political tensions
• Reflection on accusations of racism agains...

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When is deception morally justified? It's a question that challenges our understanding of biblical ethics. In this thought-provoking episode, Holland and Chris tackle the fascinating case of Samuel in 1 Samuel 16, where God himself instructs his prophet to conceal his true mission of anointing David as king.

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What if everything you thought you knew about angels, demons, and the spiritual realm was just scratching the surface? This episode dives deep into Michael Heiser's groundbreaking book "The Unseen Realm" and explores how it transforms our understanding of the Bible's supernatural worldview.

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What happens when ritual replaces relationship? When a nation embraces death as a solution? When God is removed from governance? These profound questions drive our latest conversation about faith, culture, and the sanctity of life.

We begin by examining how easily Christians can fall into the trap of treating Scripture as a good-luck charm rather than a life-changing relationship. From soldiers reciting Psalm 91 before combat missions to nostalgic traditions that actually hinder authentic faith, we explore what it means...

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In today's episode we explore the dangers of neglecting our salvation and how to navigate cultural tensions as Christians in today's complex world.

• How spiritual and material worlds converge in our daily lives
• When we neglect our salvation, we miss seeing God at work around us
• The challenge of navigating the Ten Commandments in society
• The difference between accepting Jesus and truly following Him
• Addressing false converts in the church
• Understanding the biblical promise of a new hea...

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362: Dive into a fascinating biblical mystery as Pastor Plek and Pastor Holland unravel a perplexing passage from Hosea that seems to contradict God's earlier commands. Why would God punish Jehu for bloodshed in Jezreel when He had specifically ordered him to eliminate Ahab's descendants? The answer reveals a profound spiritual principle about following God's commands while missing His heart.

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361: When "Machine Gun Nick" Drummond drops his militant moniker, it signals a profound shift in his approach to life. Once quick to embrace violence as a first response, Nick now considers it "the very last option, and only if extremely applicable." What caused this transformation? This raw, honest conversation between Pastor Plek and former soldier Nick Drummond explores the mysterious alchemy that occurs when genuine faith replaces white-knuckled willpower.

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360: What happens when a devout Catholic begins exploring Protestant Christianity? In this illuminating conversation, guest Robbie Cruz—raised Catholic and a graduate of a Catholic university—shares his journey of attending Wells Branch Community Church while wrestling with questions about different Christian traditions. Pastor Plek and Holland navigate theological differences with grace, explaining Protestant distinctives like the five "solas" of the Reformation, justification by faith alone, and biblical authority, while acknowledging the beauty in many Catholic traditions. Their discussion of praying to s...

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359: What does it truly mean to be saved? Is it through our good deeds, or is there something deeper at work? This question launches Pastors Chris and Holland into a profound theological exploration that spans from personal salvation to global politics. When listener Roman asks whether "good behavior is enough to save a man," the Chris & Holland dive into Ephesians 2:8-10, unpacking the beautiful paradox at Christianity's core: we are saved by grace through faith alone, yet faith that saves is...

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358: What does it mean when worship songs ask the Spirit to "rest on us" if He already indwells believers? How should we respond when someone claims "my truth" in a church setting? These profound questions launch our conversation with Pastor Holland Greig.

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357: What if your greatest struggle isn't with God, but with trusting the Holy Spirit working in others? In this revealing conversation, Pastor Plec and Nicole explore the often-misunderstood role of the Holy Spirit in transforming believers and healing church relationships. At the heart of the episode is a powerful insight: many church conflicts stem from our tendency to trust our own judgment rather than recognizing the Holy Spirit at work in other believers. "You don't have to trust me or the...

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356: How does God redeem our pain? When affliction strikes, it often feels senseless and crushing. Yet within the Christian faith, suffering takes on profound meaning as we discover its redemptive purpose. In this vulnerable conversation, Pastors Plek and Pastor Holland share their personal journeys through grief, loss, and ministry challenges while exploring the powerful message of 2 Corinthians on comfort amid affliction.

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355: What happens when God's Word confronts our deepest desires and identity? For 16-year-old Chase Vu, it meant a profound transformation that upended everything he thought he knew about himself. Chase's journey begins at a gay-affirming church where he embraced both Christianity and homosexuality, believing the two could comfortably coexist. But when his mother and sister pointed him to 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Chase faced a spiritual crossroads that would demand his full surrender. "I had to realize that if you always substitute your...

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354: Many church leaders know all too well about the "Elijah complex" – that peculiar spiritual attack that often follows mountaintop ministry experiences like Easter. Surprisingly, several pastors report being spared this post-Easter slump this year, perhaps due to intentional preparation and prayer. One touching story involved podcast listeners who created encouragement cards specifically to combat this phenomenon, demonstrating the power of community awareness and spiritual warfare preparation.

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353: Ever wondered what it's really like growing up in a pastor's home? Joined by Pastor Plek and her dad, Holland, almost-nine-year-old Lizzie Greig pulls back the curtain on her family's spiritual life with surprising wisdom and disarming honesty.

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352: "How could Jesus flip tables without sinning?" This question launches us into an eye-opening exploration of righteous anger versus sinful rage. As we journey through Holy Week, Pastors PleK and Holland examine the provocative moment when Jesus not only drove merchants from the temple but took time to craft his own whip of cords.

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351: The Romans Road offers a profound journey through Scripture, guiding us from the recognition of our sinful nature to the embrace of God's redemptive grace. This episode unpacks this powerful evangelistic tool, examining how verses from Paul's letter to the Romans illuminate our universal need for salvation and Christ's perfect provision.

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350: The foundation of a thriving marriage rests on four essential pillars: patience, permanence, purity, and pleasure. While our culture often pushes us to rush straight to pleasure, Pastors Plek and Pastor Holland unpack why the journey through the first three elements creates something far more beautiful and lasting.

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349: Pastor Plek and Pastor Holland unpack Song of Solomon chapter 7 to reveal how affirmation and intentional communication help marriages thrive like well-maintained gardens. If you want your marriage to flourish, be intentional about speaking words of affirmation to your spouse and nurturing even the smallest signs of connection between you.

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348: When you miss your spouse's cues, how do you find your way back to connection? Our deep dive into Song of Solomon chapter 5 reveals a profound portrait of marriage after the honeymoon phase, when miscommunication and hurt feelings create distance between lovers.

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347: The neuroscience of desire meets biblical wisdom in this candid exploration of marital intimacy through the lens of Solomon's ancient love poetry. Our pastoral team uncovers how this 3,000-year-old text reveals surprising truths about what makes marriages thrive physically and emotionally today.

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345: Pastor Plek, Pastor Holland, and Bri and Pablo Mota explore the dynamics of showing physical affection in Christian communities on this episode. Physical affection within the Christian community raises complex questions about cultural norms, boundaries, and the biblical call to love. We explore the nuances of hugging versus kissing and aim to normalize healthy, platonic gestures of affection.

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344: Why didn't God create all humans with the same sinless nature as Jesus? Join Pastor Plek, Pastor Holland, and Jordan Smith for an insightful discussion as they tackle this profound theological question. They explore the intricacies of sin and moral perfection, considering themes of free will and the implications of divine love that allows for rejection. Echoing cinematic narratives like "Ex Machina," they ponder God's emotional capacity and the profound nature of love that encompasses both joy and pain, leading to...

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346: Pastor Plek and Pastor Holland tackle the importance of being prepared for marriage through insightful analogies and personal experiences. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their readiness for commitment and the role of parents in guiding their children's relationship education.

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343: Join Pastor Plek, Pastor Holland, and Bri Mota for a compelling discussion on the controversy surrounding JD Vance's remarks about the hierarchy of love, or "ordo amoris." What does it truly mean to prioritize love, starting from family and extending outward? Together, they scrutinize the reactions from religious and secular circles, including critiques from evangelical leaders like Thabiti Anyabwile, and assess how Vance's views align or conflict with historical Christian teachings from luminaries such as Augustine and Aquinas.

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342: Pastor Plek is joined by Pastor Holland, Adrienne, and Pablo and Bri Mota today as they explore the complexities of loving a married man and the moral questions that arise when affection intersects with commitment. Throughout this heartfelt episode, they discuss the nature of love, lust, accountability within relationships, and the importance of boundaries, encouraging listeners to focus on upholding God's design for relationships.

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341: Ever wondered how ancient texts like the Song of Solomon can shed light on modern relationships? Join Pastor Plek, Pastor Mo, and Pastor Holland as they explore the intersection of spirituality and intimacy. Together, they unpack sermons from Eastside Community Church focusing on Haggai and Wells Branch Community Church, where the Song of Solomon is examined from multiple perspectives. These insights can help you understand how prioritizing faith and godly principles can transform our personal pursuits and relationships.

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