BLOOM the Podcast

40 Episodes
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By: Donovan James

A show dedicated to cultivating biblical discernment and thoughtful reflection across every facet of the Christian journey—from Scripture study and relationships to navigating societal and cultural dynamics, and everything in between. With grace, humility, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we invite you to join us in conversations that seek truth and clarity in all the places the Lord leads us. We hope this show encourages and inspires you along the way.

Mini Series: Reformation and Counter-Reformation: Doctrines That Divided and Defined Christianity E1
#12
Yesterday at 10:00 PM

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The new Mini Series has officially begun! In this first episode, we lay out the heart behind the project—why staying anchored in the Reformation matters for Believers today, and how this series will equip you with clear, thoughtful apologetic insight.
We dive straight into the Confession of Cyril Lucaris and the response it provoked in the Confession of Dositheus. Together, we unpack Decree 2 and Chapter 2 from both documents, and explore two of Dositheus’ catechetical questions to see how these texts shaped theological identity in their time—and why they s...


S4 E11: Defending Your Faith with Confidence
#11
12/10/2025

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In this follow-up episode, we respond to viewer comments from our recent critique of the Catholic doctrine on meriting salvation. Join us as we explore key Bible verses that affirm the truth of saving faith and clarify the biblical foundation for justification by grace through faith alone.
Whether you're navigating theological debates or facing spiritual challenges, this episode is designed to equip believers with clarity, conviction, and confidence. We tackle tough questions, unpack Scripture, and offer practical insights to help you stand firm in your faith


S4 E10: From Debate to Discernment: The Nature of Justification
#10
11/26/2025

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There’s no better time than Thanksgiving to pause and reflect on the gospel’s enduring truths. In this episode, we dive into a recent debate on the nature of justification between a Protestant and a Roman Catholic. This conversation opens up rich insights into Scripture, tradition, and the ongoing call to evangelize—not only among Roman Catholics but also the Eastern Orthodox who share similar perspectives in this area of theology.

 Along the way, I’ll also share of what first sparked my passion for creating this content—m...


S4 E9: Dogma and scripture, oh and Mary!
#9
11/12/2025

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A former Protestant apologist has flipped the script: once a defender of sola scriptura, he now argues that the church’s authority supersedes Scripture. In this episode we watch his video, unpack his central objections to sola scriptura, and trace how his new ecclesial framework reshapes his understanding of dogma.
We’ll move from close reaction to careful analysis, testing his claims against historical and theological standards and then putting one of the canons from Nicaea II under the microscope to show where an ecclesial-first approach clashes with a Scri...


Mini Series: The Clarity of Scripture E4 -Church Fathers and the Gift of Scripture
#8
10/29/2025

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We made it! The Finale of the mini series is here! To round out what we have covered so far, it felt fitting to look at aspects of scripture we take for granted as well as the Church patristic witness to the clarity of Scripture! I hope this series has been encouraging to you and pushes you to read and understand the scriptures more than you have in the past!


Mini Series: The Clarity of Scripture E3 - Hermeneutics and Exegesis
#7
10/15/2025

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Now that we know what scripture is and how it functions all we have left to do is read it! On part 3 of our mini series we will be going through some super important hermeneutical principals that will help us draw out the meanings of scriptures in a more clear way while helping us avoid error in the process. If that sounds like something you want, then get a snack and bring your bible and jump on in! 


Mini Series: The Clarity of Scripture E2 - What is Scripture? How does it work?
#6
10/01/2025

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In episode 1 we looked at some objections to the clarity of scripture as well the effectiveness of the spirit in guiding us as well as some other examples of its clarity. Today we double down as we look at what scripture is, how it functions and why its authoritative.

Jesus has a view of scripture we should reflect and my hope is after this episode you are encouraged to imitate that. Comment any questions you have and enjoy the episode!


Mini Series: The Clarity of Scripture E1 - Intro, objections and Guidance from the Spirit
#5
09/17/2025

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Welcome to the first episode of our Mini Series on the Clarity of Scripture! We have so much to get to and in this intro episode we go over why this is important, objections to the idea of scripture being clear as well as ideas like the guidance of the spirit in our understanding and the gift of teachers in the church!

We cover a lot of ground and we are just getting started so if you enjoy, don't forget to leave a like and a comment for...


S4 E4: Social Media Theologians
#4
09/03/2025

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In this episode, we look at the real challenges of creating meaningful content in a digital landscape overflowing with voices, opinions, and algorithms. With so much already out there, how do we stay faithful, original, and grounded?
We will explore the tension between creativity and saturation, and offer a call for discernment, urging listeners to be intentional about who they follow, what they consume, and how they measure truth. 

At the heart of it all is a simple but powerful reminder: Scripture must be our standard. Whether y...


S4 E3: What have we Learned?! (Debate Review Conclusion)
#3
08/20/2025

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We’ve spent two episodes unpacking the Cliff/Stuart vs. Orthodox debate—there was a lot said and a lot to take in. In this episode, I want to shift gears and explore how we apply what we've discussed, and why this issue matters so deeply.
Cultivating discernment in how we listen, ask questions, and examine our own beliefs is essential for spiritual growth and the ongoing work of sanctification.
Whether you’ve been with us for parts 1 and 2 or you’re just here for the SparkNotes, I’ve got you...


S4 E2: Scripture, Sacraments and Authority Claims (Debate Review: Knetchle vs Orthodox) PT.2
#2
08/06/2025

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On the last episode we dove into this debate and looked at some of the claims made by the EO/Oriental Orthodox. We evaluated some responses and defenses against claims like, universal agreement among church fathers and newness of sacramental beliefs,

Today we go one step deeper and take a look at some scripture as well as some documents by the EO church showing their contrasting views of scripture!

If you enjoyed the last one, you're in for a treat! Don't forget to like comment and...


S4 E1: Gospel Lines, Salvific Sacraments and more! (Debate Review: Knetchle vs Orthodox)
#1
07/23/2025

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Welcome back everyone! In the first episode of this brand new season we are going to be interacting with Stuart and Cliff Knetchle as they speak with an Oriental/Eastern Orthodox student. Most people who have watched this video believe that the student totally won this debate... regardless if that is true or false, our goal today is reflect on the questions being asked and really get to the heart of these issues so you can be better equipped to spread the word of the Lord.

We will...


S3 E10: God letting bad things happen?!?!
#10
11/06/2024

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Welcome back to your favorited christian talk show! Today we interact with a commenter from a previous episode who says he cant believe in a god that allows bad things to happen. This is a common question and one we all have to deal with on some level and as Christians we have the ultimate and correct answer based in Gods love and providence found in his holy revelation about himself. Join me as we address this and please jump on in to add more questions or more thoughts and...


S3 E9: Answering YOUR Spicy Questions!
#9
06/26/2024

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Today we more or less wrap up our spicy questions series and no better way to end our fun time then answering your very own questions! You guys really came through with the heat so I hope you enjoy my answers!


S3 E8: Spicy Questions for the Boys PT.2
#8
05/15/2024

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And just like that we are back in the hot seat answering/reacting to spicy questions for the boys. This one is no different then the first, so if you enjoy spicy questions and just as spicy takes you will enjoy this episode!


S3 E7: Spicy Questions for the Boys PT.1
#7
04/10/2024

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We are back with a  banger! Today I answer some questions and react to video all about questions girls are too scared to ask us boys! I point out some things that I see and things that are important between the genders as well some harsh realities that the west gladly overlooks. Let me know in the comments what you think!


S3 E6 - Dont Call It a Comeback
#6
02/21/2024

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I know! Ive been gone for quite some time. My life has turned itself on its head since I uploaded last and in todays episode I plan to give you the cliff notes on what has all gone down and what you can expect from the show moving forward! After this we get straight back into the juicy convos that we are all about over on Bloom The Podcast!


S3 E5: Academia Killing the Leadership
#5
05/24/2023

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Everyone loves to gain knowledge and learn about scripture and other fun topics, but does learning about the bible from the seminary or getting a biblical counseling certificate mean you are more qualified than the next?  What does Scripture say about the qualifications for leadership? And how does the prioritization of this education throw off the body? Well today we discuss just that! Buckle up and enjoy there episode!


S3 E4: The Worlds Infiltration on Marriage
#4
03/29/2023

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Marriage is an institution given to us from God to represent his Glory and his union with us. However, we have let our guard down and the world has walked in with ease creating havoc and ruining our view of marriage for, within. Today we break down an article all about the pitfalls of these worldly ideologies that have crept in the church and uprooted a biblical view of marriage.


S3 E3: cRiSiS mAsCuLiNiTy @vice
#3
03/01/2023

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It only seemed right to follow up on episode one of this season and really drill in on how much masculinity has been ruined by new emotional and egalitarian ideals housed in the feminism movement. The church is not exempt either and we cover all of it today!


S3 E2: The Lies of Self Love W/ Aiden Lee
#2
02/08/2023

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Have you heard the advice of the world to love yourself when you're down and to just be you In all your flaws cause that is what will make you happy? Well, as most of us know from experience, that is a lie and only leads to more sadness. On todays episode Aiden Lee returns to help me uncover the truth about the lies of the self love movement and bring our focus back to what brings us true happiness, Christ!


S3 E1: Donovan is an ANTI FEMINIST!?!?! @Jubileemedia #middleground
#1
01/25/2023

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SEASON 3 is HERE! And we are starting off hot with a breakdown of a very controversial debate I was a part of on jubilee media. The bible has plenty to say about men's and women's roles on earth and Feminism is a direct affront to those roles. Today I will be going through and elaborating on some of the salient points and adding some color to their hit piece against what God ordained


S2 E30: Sex and the Gospel W/ Hannah Carmichael - SEASON FINALE
#30
01/11/2023

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Saying the word SEX in most Christian circles will usually get you a host of uncomfortable faces along with the tension you can cut with a  butter knife.
It is one of Gods great gifts to mankind but the church has such a hard time addressing it and all of its complexities. On todays SEASON FINALE of season 2 I am joined by Hannah Carmichael who writes the blog "Sex and the Gospel" and she will be helping us come to a better understanding of how, and why sex is s...


S2 E29: TABOO Christians! W/ Aiden Lee
#29
12/21/2022

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Christians must walk the line between liberalism and legalism constantly. Often times its is a simple difference in understanding the scripture. But there are often times rules that get made for various activities that we call "good" or "bad". Today we want to talk about some of these rules we make for ourselves and see where they come from as well as if they should stay or go! Join us!


S2 E28: Abortion, Roe V Wade and MORE! W/ Rebekah Smith
#28
11/02/2022

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A serious topic in our circles but one that lacks depth when spoken about by most. We are honored today to have Rebekah Smith on our show today, who is a Ultrasound Technician to provide some amazing information as well as gospel truths regarding this issue. Please be sure to check out all the links below for sources sited and subscribe for more!

source: https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/410/113/

source: https://www.britannica.com/event/Roe-v-Wade

source: https://supreme.justia.com...


S2 E27: Mental Health Crisis
#27
10/05/2022

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Mental Health is not a widely accepted term in most christian communities. But why? What about this term sets us off? Well on todays episode we want to talk about how christians can live in response to mental health culture and how to treat it in our own lives!


S2 E26: Dating Culture Hang Ups W/ Connor Durkin
#26
09/07/2022

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There are a million and one reasons why people cant seem to find meaningful relationships inside of the church and there a multiple factors to the equation. ON todays show, we have a special guest to help us walk through fair few of those factors. Hope you enjoy!

Last weeks Episode - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmDBO...

Website - https://bloomthepodcast.buzzsprout.com/

Donovan - https://www.instagram.com/donovan.jam...

Ashley - https://www.instagram.com/ashleyokada_/


S2 E25: Q & A
#25
08/03/2022

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Who doesnt love a good Q&A?? Today we answer your questions to the best of our abilities. You guys came through so hope you enjoy, and if you didnt hear your question answered, we will be sure to do another!


S2 E24: What Is Men's Modesty??
#24
07/06/2022

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Mens Modesty... Ever heard of it? We often talk about how modesty applies to women and the ways they can help their brothers fight the fight of sexual sin and lust, but who is addressing the men about how they conduct themselves to help their sisters in Christ with this same fight? Today we aim to do that. Please join the conversation as we would love to hear your thoughts!


S2 E23: This movement is TOXIC!
#23
05/11/2022

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When we say we say we are for traditional values, THIS is NOT what we mean. On todays episode we take a dive into the "Trad Community"  a community that is growing quite quickly and doing lots of damage along the way. We want to highlight where this community differs from scripture and would love you to join the convo!



S2 E22: What is Really Delaying Marriage?!
#22
04/27/2022

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Marriage rates are declining and marriage ages are rising. But why? On todays episode we talk about what we believe to be a key player in keeping the youth isolated and without relationships. Join the convo!

Last weeks Episode - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chAUs...

Website - https://bloomthepodcast.buzzsprout.com/

Donovan - https://www.instagram.com/donovan.jam...

Ashley - https://www.instagram.com/ashleyokada_/


S2 E21: What are you looking for in your church?
#21
03/30/2022

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Searching for a church can be very difficult. With the pressures of there being a million churches in your zip code, a host of denominations and a  variety of different church cultures it can become quite the task. On todays episode we are going to talk about some things we have found helpful when it comes to looking for churches as well as things that have caused us to leave other churches. Feel free to join the convo!


S2 E20: Christians in Isolation
#20
03/17/2022

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Isolation is a hard thing to feel especially when youre in your own church. More people than we often think are actually experiencing isolation in one form or another. Some of it is self inflicted and some of it is a real problem with todays society and the church as a whole. Today we want to talk about a few different ways we see isolation affecting christians. Hope you join the convo. 


S2 E19: What's your personality type? And does it matter?
#19
02/23/2022

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Its become very popular to see what your personality type is with a lot of these fun quick quizes. Well today we are going to dive into some of the applications of theses tests that can fundamentally change the way we think , some for good and some for not so good. Dont forget to let us know what you think!


S2 E18: Are Preferences Biblical???
#18
02/17/2022

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Preferences are something each and every one of us has, but does that make them right? Today we talk about preferences in multiple different areas of our lives to really examine, where they come from and if they align with scripture! Hopefully you do the same and join the convo!!


S2 E17: Has Social Media Changed Dating? PT2 (WE READ YOUR COMMENTS!!)
#17
01/26/2022

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Last time on BLOOM the Podcast, we talked all about the massive effects social media has had on the christian dating sphere, and today we double down as you awesome listeners have submitted your own thoughts on this crazy shift and we read them all! Stick around to hear your comment read!



S2 E16: Has Social Media Changed Dating?? PT1
#16
12/22/2021

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Social media seems to be something that we cant escape and has effected our lives in so many ways. Dating is not exempt from these changes and on todays episode we dive into some of the ways dating has been altered by the socials!


S2 E15: Online Dating W/ Aliya Matheisen
#15
12/01/2021

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Its a jungle out there and its a jungle online! Today our sister Aliya joins us to talk about the landscape that is online dating for christians! There is a lot to be said so we hope you join us and help us cover this seemingly endless topic!



S2 E14: Dating VS Courting PT2
#14
11/24/2021

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Part 2?!?!? Say less! Hope you enjoy the wrap up to a good conversation! Join in below!


S2 E13: Dating VS Courting PT1
#13
11/17/2021

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Dating vs Courting. A polarizing debate that can cause division amongst young and older people. Today we want to have an open discussion about what we've seen, experienced and been through when it comes to these two ways of relationships. We hope you join the fun as this is just the half of it!