3: From New Age Spirituality to Jesus: Why I Stopped New Moon Rituals & Spirit Science

7: The Conversation We Can't Avoid: Slavery, The Bible & The Slave Bible (Part 1 w/ Pastor Marcus Anderson)

For many people—especially Black Americans—one question continues to create a barrier to faith: If slavery is in the Bible, why would I ever follow Jesus? In Part 1 of this conversation with Pastor Marcus Anderson from Divine Unity Community Church in VA + North Carolina,  we tackle one of the hardest questions Christians and skeptics alike wrestle with.  Together, we discuss the history of the Slave Bible, how Christianity was misused during American slavery, the difference between biblical slavery and chattel slavery, and what Scripture actually says about freedom, justice, and human dignity. Pastor Marcus also shares his personal experience of wrestling with faith as a Black Christian and what helped him find himself within the story of Scripture. Whether you're a committed follower of Jesus, someone exploring Christianity, or someone carrying questions about the Church's history, this episode creates space for an honest conversation about faith, race, history, and truth. My prayer is that this discussion helps you move beyond assumptions and discover who the Lord is for yourself.  In this episode:  • What the Slave Bible was and how it was used  • The difference between biblical slavery and American chattel slavery  • Why slavery happened and the role sin played in it  • Why many Black Americans struggle with Christianity  • How to have difficult conversations about faith and history Listen with an open mind, an open Bible, and a willingness to wrestle with these hard questions. GET TO KNOW PASTOR MARCUS! Pastor Marcus is the Lead Pastor of a Church Plant:  (DUCC) Divine Unity Community Church in Greensboro, North Carolina. If you would like to get to know him more or support him, please email pastormarcus@ducchurch.org SUPPORTING THIS PODCAST  If this podcast has encouraged your faith, challenged your thinking, or reminded you that you're not walking through life alone, I'd love to invite you to become part of what we're building here. VENMO: @builtbythefather @gabbythorne20 CASH APP: @gabbythorne20 Every episode is made possible by listeners who believe these conversations matter. Your support helps cover production costs, equipment, and creating free biblical resources that point women back to Jesus. If you'd like to partner with Built by the Father, our info is listed above.  Whether it's a one-time gift or a monthly partnership, every contribution helps this ministry continue reaching women who are searching for a purpose, truth, and a place to belong. Thank you for listening, for sharing these episodes, and for helping build a home where people can encounter Christ

6: When I Want to Leave My Job, Want Kids, and Feel Behind — But God Still Has Me Here

Do you feel stuck at a job you’ve outgrown? Are you longing for kids, a new season, or a life that looks different than the one you’re living right now? If you’re in a waiting season and wondering why God still has you here, this episode is for you. In this episode, Gabby shares 5 truths that help believers stay grounded when they want to leave a job, feel behind in life, or don’t understand the purpose of their current season. You’ll learn how to find joy at work, trust God’s timing, and see purpose in the place you’re ready to leave. If you’re navigating a college transition, career frustration, wanting motherhood, feeling behind, or questioning your purpose, tune in. This episode will help you stop despising the season you’re in and start seeing what God may be doing through it. 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23- 24 SUPPORT THIS PODCAST If you want to support this work and help it grow, here’s a way to help! Venmo: @builtbythefather https://www.venmo.com/u/builtbythefather [https://www.venmo.com/u/builtbythefather] Whether it’s a one-time gift or monthly subscription, your support helps keep these conversations going.

5: The Idolatry of Success: Why You Feel Behind in Your Career, Why We Keep Chasing Money, & What God Is Actually Asking of You & Your Career

Why do you feel behind… even when you’re doing everything “right”? “Who told us that this is what success is supposed to look like?” “Am I in the career that the Lord wants me to be in?” In this episode, I bring on a few special guests- Trent Pace, Kathryn Tucker, Ebenezer, & Paige Condrey. We’re breaking down the quiet pressure so many of us live in at our current age—the pressure to always be doing more, building faster, and becoming “successful.”  But what if the issue isn’t our discipline.. what if it’s our definition of success? This conversation challenges the way we look at productivity, waiting seasons, and what it actually means to trust the Lord with our life- including our careers.  Because it’s possible to say we trust Him—and still live like everything depends on us. If you’ve been: * Feeling behind in life * Questioning what’s next for your career  * Not trusting the Lord’s will with your career and college timeline at your age this episode will meet you there. You’ll walk away rethinking what you’re chasing, why you’re chasing it, and whether it’s actually aligned with what the Lord is asking of you. 🎙️ Press play if you're ready to stop striving and start seeing your season differently. 👉 Follow/Subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation. GIVING YOUR SUPPORT  If you want to support this work and help it grow, here’s a way to help. Venmo: @builtbythefather https://www.venmo.com/u/builtbythefather [https://www.venmo.com/u/builtbythefather] Whether it’s a one-time gift or monthly subscription, your support helps keep these conversations going.

5: The Waiting Season | Unanswered Prayers, Doubting God & Worrying about What's Next

The waiting season is rough. Over these last 5 years, I have had homes, dreams, and places and spaces that have not happened yet. In my current waiting season, I have been struggling with trusting God but most importantly- trusting God’s timing.  The thing about it is, I’m not alone. If you have been: Waiting year after year and it hasn’t happened yet Praying and God still hasn’t answered the prayer Doubting that God sees and has a plan for your life.  Listen to the FULL episode! If this podcast encouraged you in any way, I would love to hear from you! IG: @theveggab If you would like to support this podcast, your gift is deeply appreciated. I pray the Lord returns it to you in joy! GIVE A GIFT  @builtbythefather @gabbythorne20

4: Trusting God When the Next 3 Months Feels Uncertain | “Lord, What is Going On?”

You have no idea what the next three months of your life will look like? You are not alone.  This episode is for trusting God when you don’t know the future. For the moments when you know God is faithful — but trusting Him still feels really hard. If you’re in a place where you’re struggling to surrender your plans, release control, or trust God with your future, this conversation is for you. If you are in a season of waiting, navigating unknowns, or learning how to trust God in uncertain seasons, I pray this episode brings you peace and encouragement. If this podcast encouraged you in any way, I would love to hear from you! IG: @theveggab If you would like to support this podcast, your gift is deeply appreciated. I pray the Lord returns it back to you in joy! GIVE A GIFT  @builtbythefather @gabbythorne20