Why Do Christians...?

What does God’s voice actually sound like in your life? In this episode of the Why Do Christians podcast, Mark, Pastor Burt, and Pastor Josh wrap up their “hearing God’s voice” trilogy by unpacking specifically the “characteristics” of God’s voice..

They talk about how God often meets you right where you are—frequently in everyday moments, not just big, dramatic calls to “sell everything and move overseas.” Using stories from Scripture (Abraham, Moses, David, Elijah, Samuel, and more), they show how God often leads us gently and incrementally, building trust over time.

You’ll a...

In this episode of the Why Do Christians podcast, Mark sits down with Pastor Burt and Pastor Josh to talk about a topic many believers wrestle with but don’t always admit out loud: What if I’m hearing God wrong?

They unpack two big misunderstandings:

“If it’s really God, it will always be crystal clear.”

Using stories from Scripture, they show that God can speak, yet people still miss it—or mix it with their own desires, fears, and biases.

“If I get...

Have you ever wondered, “Is God actually speaking to me?” In this episode of the Why Do Christians podcast, Mark Dickey sits down with Pastor Burt and Pastor Josh to unpack how God speaks to people today—and how to tell if it’s really His voice.

They start with what nearly all Christians agree on: God’s primary way of speaking is through the Bible—His timeless, “God‑breathed” word that still reads our hearts, even though it was written thousands of years ago. From there, they explore other ways God may speak, like impressions, dream...

Ever walked through a hard season and secretly wondered, “Does God just hate me?” In this conversation, Mark, Pastor Burt, and Pastor Josh tackle that fear head-on. They talk about why bad things happen, how we often confuse God’s discipline with punishment, and why karma isn’t a biblical idea at all.

Drawing from passages like Hebrews 12, Romans 8, James 4, and Luke 15, they unpack how God can hate sin yet deeply love sinners—delighting to forgive, not reluctantly putting up with us. They also speak to listeners who feel stuck, ashamed, or overlooked by God, and explai...

What really happens after we die—and how sure can we be about it? In this episode of the Why Do Christians… podcast, Mark sits down with Pastors Burt and Josh to talk about about Heaven, Hell, and what the Bible actually emphasizes about life after death. They unpack why Scripture focuses more on God’s big story of redemption and resurrection than on the “in‑between,” what it means to be absent from the body and present with the Lord, and why Hell is pictured as a place we really don’t want to be. They also tackle questions abou...

In this episode of the Why Do Christians? podcast, Mark, Pastor Burt, and Pastor Josh wrestle with a big question: Was the earth really created in six days?

They dig into Genesis 1, talk about what it means for God to create in six days and rest on the seventh, and unpack why Christians—even heavyweights like C.S. Lewis and St. Augustine—haven’t always agreed on whether the creation story is literal or symbolic.

The guys look at how verses like Exodus 20:11 support a six-day view, and why this debate should...

In this episode of “Why Do Christians…?”, Mark, Pastor Burt, and Pastor Josh dig into the popular phrase, “It’s not a religion, it’s a relationship.” Where did it come from, what did it originally mean, and has it actually hurt how we think about faith?

They trace the idea through revival movements, Campus Crusade For Christ, and the push against “dead formalism.” They ask: did we swing too far in reacting against “organized religion”? The guys talk Pharisees, church hurt, deconstruction, and why the New Testament actually assumes we’ll be part of an organized, structured...

In this episode of the Why Do Christians? podcast, Mark sits down with Pastors Burt and Josh to tackle a big question: are all sins really the same? You’ve probably heard that line before—but is it actually biblical?

Together they walk through Scripture to show how all sin separates us from a Holy God, yet the Bible clearly speaks of different degrees and consequences of sin. They unpack verses from James, Romans, John, and more, talk about why genocide is not the same as stealing a lollipop, and why our tendency to compare ours...

Why do Christians believe babies go to heaven—especially when the Bible doesn’t give a direct, clear answer? In this episode, Mark, Pastor Burt, and Pastor Josh tackle one of the heaviest and most tender questions people ask after loss.

They walk through what Scripture does and doesn’t say, looking at passages like David’s grief over his child and Jesus’ heart for little children. The guys trace how ideas like the “age of accountability” developed in church history, push back on unbiblical notions of limbo and “mild condemnation,” and point instead to God’s character—Hi...

What if the main thing you’re getting wrong about prayer isn’t how you pray, but why you pray? In this episode of the Why Do Christians Podcast, Mark and Pastor Josh unpack some of the biggest misunderstandings we bring to prayer—like blaming “lack of time” or “lack of discipline” when the real issue is what we believe about God and ourselves.

They walk through Jesus’ teaching on prayer in Luke 18, Matthew 7, and John 14 to show why prayer is for the weak, dependent, and honest, not the spiritual “rock stars.” Along the way, Mark shares how God...

Are we actually living in the “end times,” or are we just doomscrolling too much? In this episode of the Why Do Christians podcast, Mark, Pastor Josh, and Pastor Burt tackle big questions about wars, moral decline, technology, Israel and the Middle East, and what the Bible really says about the “last days.”

They walk through passages like Matthew 24, 2 Peter 3, 2 Timothy 3, and Acts 2, push back on fear-driven headlines, and explain why every generation has thought, “This has to be it.” More importantly, they show how Scripture shifts our focus from prediction to readiness, hope, and everyday fai...

Ever heard someone say, “I’m friends with Jesus,” and wondered what that actually means? In this episode of the Why Do Christians podcast, Mark Dickey sits down with Pastor Burt and Pastor Josh to unpack what the Bible really says about being a friend of God. They dive into John 15, where Jesus calls His followers “friends,” and connect it with passages like Romans 5 and Ephesians 2 to show that this isn’t just for the original 12 disciples—it’s for every believer who trusts in Him. The guys tackle misconceptions like “tiered” Christianity, the “buddy Christ” idea, and the danger of getting so cas...

Why do Christians still struggle with temptation if God doesn’t tempt anyone? In this episode, Mark sits down with Pastors Josh Dupiche and Burt Miller to unpack what the Bible really says about temptation—where it comes from, why it’s not a sin to be tempted, and how to stand firm when it hits hard. They dig into James 1, the Lord’s Prayer (“lead us not into temptation”), Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, and Ephesians 2’s picture of the world, the flesh, and the devil as “agents of temptation.” Then they get practical with Ephesians 6 and the armor of God—truth...

In this final episode of our Holy Spirit series, Mark, Pastor Burt, and Pastor Josh wrap up seven weeks of conversation by asking: Where do Christians get the Holy Spirit right—and where do we miss it?

They talk about how the Spirit rightly works through Scripture to change our thinking, helps us fight sin, and is truly God Himself—the third person of the Trinity, present with believers every day, not just on Sundays.

Then they dig into some common misunderstandings: chasing emotional highs, saying “God told me” to justify unwise d...

In part six of our Holy Spirit series, Mark Dickey, Pastor Burt Miller, and Pastor Josh Dupiche unpack some of the most misunderstood (and most encouraging) things the Holy Spirit does in the life of a believer—while having a lot of fun along the way.

They talk about how the Spirit convicts us of sin without shaming us, always leading us back to Jesus rather than leaving us stuck in guilt. They dig into how He speaks to us, especially by illuminating Scripture so it actually lands on our hearts—whether you’re a Bible...

Blasphemy… light topic, right? In this episode of the Why Do Christians Podcast, host Mark Dickey is back with pastors Josh Dupiche and Burt Miller to tackle one of the most misunderstood ideas in Christianity: blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, often called “the unforgivable sin.” As part of their ongoing series on the Holy Spirit, they unpack what Jesus actually meant, why this warning is so intense, and how many believers live with unnecessary fear that they’ve somehow crossed a line God won’t forgive. Together they dig into Scripture, theology, and real-life questions Christians wrestle with, aiming to replace...

In this week’s episode of The Why to Christians Podcast, Mark, Pastor Burt, and Pastor Josh continue their series on the Holy Spirit by asking a big question: What does the Holy Spirit actually do? They look at Scripture to talk about when the Holy Spirit comes into a believer’s life, why He doesn’t wait for baptism, and what it means to be “sealed” and given the Spirit as a guarantee of our future with God. They also unpack how the Spirit changes our hearts, draws us to faith, and shapes our desires. Plus, the guys discuss em...

In this week’s episode of the Why Do Christians podcast, Mark Dickey, Pastor Burt, and Pastor Josh dive into a big question: what is the Holy Spirit actually like? After some lighthearted banter (yes, including mics, aging hashtags, and “Mark Fiberoptic Dickey”), the guys tackle common misconceptions—like the idea that the Holy Spirit is extra “sensitive” or somehow different in personality from the Father and the Son.

They unpack why Christians believe the Spirit is a person, not an “it”—with a will, emotions, and character—and how His personality is perfectly aligned with Jesus. They wal...

In this episode of the Why Do Christians podcast, Mark Dickey and Pastor Burt Miller tackle a huge question: Who is the Holy Spirit? Is He just a vibe, a force, or something more? They walk through Scripture from Genesis to the New Testament to show that the Holy Spirit is fully God—the third person of the Trinity—present at creation and active throughout history.

You’ll hear how the Spirit worked in the Old Testament by coming upon people for specific moments, and how, under the New Covenant, He now lives in believers and st...

In this episode of the Why Do Christians…? podcast, Mark and Burt kick off a new multi-week series all about the Holy Spirit. With Josh out sick, it’s “old school”—just the two of them in the studio, joking about creaky chairs, weird camera angles, and mysterious footprints on the footstool.

From there, they dive into a huge question: why did Jesus say it’s actually better for Him to go away so the Holy Spirit could come (John 16)? Burt unpacks what that means, why the Spirit isn’t an “it” but a “He,” and why Christians mis...

Why do Christians believe Jesus is coming back—and why don’t we know when? In this episode of Why Do Christians…?, Mark Dickey sits down with Pastor Josh Dupiche to unpack what the Bible says about Jesus’ return.

They talk about why Jesus’ resurrection points to a future return, how salvation is more than just “getting saved,” and why our ultimate hope includes being made completely new—body and soul. Mark and Josh also dig into failed end‑times predictions, why God doesn’t give us a date (and how that actually protects our faith), and what it...

Ever wondered if Christians believe in aliens? In this episode, Mark Dickey is joined by Pastor Josh and Pastor Burt for a spirited, witty roundtable about UFOs, the Bible, and the possibilities of life beyond Earth. They dig into Scripture, debate whether God’s creativity might go beyond our planet, and try to figure out if aliens—if they exist—are anything more than cosmic animals. From Genesis to outer space, this conversation explores faith, science, and the mysteries of the universe. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, you’ll leave with plenty to think and laugh about!

Ever wondered if your pets will join you in heaven? On this weeks episode, Mark and his co-hosts dig into what the Bible really says (or doesn’t say) about our furry friends and the afterlife. Listeners share questions about their beloved pets, while the hosts mix humor (dragons in heaven, anyone?) with heartfelt honesty. Is there a clear-cut answer to this question? Find out as we explore what the Bible says about animals and Heaven.

The Bridge Podcast Network is made possible by generous support from The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel and Victoria’s Restaurant on t...

In this podcast episode, Mark, Burt, and Josh discuss reasons Christians leave their churches, weighing valid causes (theological misalignment, leadership failings, abuse, relocation) against those rooted in personal preference or immaturity (music style, hurt feelings, difficulty serving). They urge careful reflection, recommending open dialogue with leadership, forgiveness, and personal responsibility for growth. Leaving is supported when beliefs or safety are compromised, but we should still value unity, address underlying issues honestly, and remain connected to the church community whenever possible.

The Bridge Podcast Network is made possible by generous support from The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel...

In this episode; Mark, Josh, and Burt chat about why Christians see Jesus as way more than just a prophet. Comparing what Christians believe to what you’d hear in Judaism, Islam, and Mormonism. They use examples from the Bible and talk about Jesus doing things only God could do. They also discuss the possibility of Bible stories getting changed over time.

The Bridge Podcast Network is made possible by generous support from The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel and Victoria’s Restaurant on the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware - Open 7 days a week, year-round - Lear...

In this episode, the hosts discuss the struggles Christians face in keeping up with quiet times—regular times for prayer, Bible reading, and reflection. They share stories from their lives about forming spiritual habits, highlighting common barriers (busy schedules, distraction from tech, self-sufficiency), and unintentionally treating quiet time as a “ritual” rather than a genuine encounter with God. The conversation encourages moving from obligation to heartfelt motivation, centering life on God, and finding creative ways to integrate spiritual disciplines, emphasizing dependence on God\'s grace for growth.

The Bridge Podcast Network is made possible by genero...

Mark, Burt, and Josh have a lot of fun discussing on how much of the Christmas tradition is biblically accurate versus the world’s adopted culture. They debunk nativity myths, clarify the roles of the Magi, and question whether customs like trees, gifts, and carols reflect the true message of Jesus’ birth. They also discuss Matthew 6 and the risk of idolatry, noting how good intentions can shift focus from worshipping Christ to celebrating the festivities themselves. The conversation highlights the humility and inclusivity found in the real Christmas story, emphasizing the importance of balancing fun traditions with remembering the core...

Mark Dickey, Pastor Burt, and Pastor Josh banter about Christmas traditions, why Christians celebrate Christmas, and the historical context of Christmas in Christianity. “Early Christians didn\'t celebrate Christmas... it\'s funny to me that, early Christianity didn\'t have Christmas.” They reflect on how Christmas became central to modern faith practice, even if it wasn’t an original celebration.

The Bridge Podcast Network is made possible by generous support from The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel and Victoria’s Restaurant on the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware - Open 7 days a week, year-round - Learn more at https...

Scripture tells us that Jesus was born of the virgin Mary. At face value, this is a very strange detail. Why does the virgin birth matter? What would change if Joseph was actually Jesus\' father? What if Jesus just appeared on Earth, and wasn\'t born at all? Simply put, it would change everything. Join us as we explore the importance of the virgin birth in the Bible.

The Bridge Podcast Network is made possible by generous support from The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel and Victoria’s Restaurant on the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware...

There are plenty of Jewish celebrations in The Bible, so why don\'t Christians celebrate them? In this episode we look at whether or not its okay for Christians to celebrate Jewish holidays, and why Christians generally do not celebrate them.

The Bridge Podcast Network is made possible by generous support from The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel and Victoria’s Restaurant on the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware - Open 7 days a week, year-round - Learn more at https://boardwalkplaza.com

Feedback, or Show Ideas? Send an email to podcast@wearethebridge.org

Would it bother you if you went into a church that had a \"gift shop?\" Okay, maybe not a gift shop, but a bookstore? When we look at scripture, is there anything that makes stores in churches a red flag? You can bet we\'re going to talk about Jesus flipping tables in the temple, but you might be surprised what that text actually shows us. We also look at the heart (or lack thereof?) behind selling goods in churches.

The Bridge Podcast Network is made possible by generous support from The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel...

The Chosen is a cultural phenomenon, and Christians love it! Well... Most of them. In this episode, Burt stakes his case as to why he loves watching The Chosen, while Mark and Josh discuss their hesitation towards watching the show.

The Bridge Podcast Network is made possible by generous support from The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel and Victoria’s Restaurant on the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware - Open 7 days a week, year-round - Learn more at https://boardwalkplaza.com

Feedback, or Show Ideas? Send an email to podcast@wearethebridge.org

...

What is predestination, and why do people have such a hard time with it? In this episode, Mark opens with his observation that it\'s a hard topic to discuss with others. Mostly because the conversation usually descends into condescending talk between believers. To which Pastor Burt would say, \"you can\'t believe in it, AND be a jerk about it.\" What on Earth does that mean? Find out in this weeks episode.

The Bridge Podcast Network is made possible by generous support from The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel and Victoria’s Restaurant on the boardwalk in...

Mark Surprised Josh and Burt with this episode. They had no idea what we were going to talk about, and they DEFINITELY didnt expect Mark to create a Christian trivia game show. The best part is, only about half of the questions have proper answers. So sit back, relax, and enjoy 30 minutes of Mark trolling two pastors.

The Bridge Podcast Network is made possible by generous support from The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel and Victoria’s Restaurant on the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware - Open 7 days a week, year-round - Learn more at https://boardwalkplaza.co...

What is persecution, and how is it different from a disagreement? How should Christians act when they are persecuted? When should you give up after being persecuted?

The Bridge Podcast Network is made possible by generous support from The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel and Victoria’s Restaurant on the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware - Open 7 days a week, year-round - Learn more at https://boardwalkplaza.com

Feedback, or Show Ideas? Send an email to podcast@wearethebridge.org

Download The Bridge Mobile App to get the latest podcast ep...

The Bible was written by God, right? Or... Well... Humans wrote it, but God inspired them... That\'s a credible explanation, right? In this episode we talk about why Christians can TRUST that God\'s Word is truly God\'s word. We also discuss the historical accuracy of the Bible, compared to other ancient texts.

The Bridge Podcast Network is made possible by generous support from The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel and Victoria’s Restaurant on the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware - Open 7 days a week, year-round - Learn more at https://boardwalkplaza.com

...

There are lots of things we confuse with the Christian faith. Naturally, since Christianity involves eternal life after you \"die,\" questions are raised about ghosts. Are ghosts found in the Bible? Can a Christian believe in ghosts? Are ghosts actually demons? Most importantly, why did Burt shave? The answers, found here!

The Bridge Podcast Network is made possible by generous support from The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel and Victoria’s Restaurant on the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware - Open 7 days a week, year-round - Learn more at https://boardwalkplaza.com

Feedback, or...

What exactly is a church membership? Am I supposed to be a \"member\" of my church? Does it cost anything?... because I\'ve already got enough subscriptions I pay for. This week Mark Dickey and Pastor Josh discuss what it means to be a member of a church, and how some churches view membership differently.

The Bridge Podcast Network is made possible by generous support from The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel and Victoria’s Restaurant on the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware - Open 7 days a week, year-round - Learn more at https://boardwalkplaza.com

...

You may have heard someone praying at some point reference a \"hedge of protection.\" What exactly is a hedge of protection? A leafy wall doesn\'t exactly sound like something that could protect me, why not pray for titanium wall of protection? Or a spiritual forcefield? Well as often is the case, the \"hedge of protection\" comes from the Bible. In this episode, Mark, Pastor Burt, and Pastor Josh explore the hedge of protection, and other ways that God protects (and sometimes doesn\'t!)

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com...

What does it mean to Dance like David? Did he have moves like Jagger? All kidding aside, in this episode we discuss what it means to worship God with everything you\'ve got. Also when and where it\'s appropriate to do so.

We’d love to answer your questions about Christians, Christian faith, or culture on a future episode! Send your questions to podcast@wearethebridge.org with the subject “Why Do Christians” We can’t wait to hear from you!

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/chan...