The Grace Raised Podcast

48: What is a Disciple with Pastor Kirk Winters

In this episode, we have the privilege of hearing from Pastor Kirk Winters as he shares his personal testimony and passion for building discipleship in the local churches. In this conversation, we discuss the biblical foundations of discipleship and practical ways to intentionally walk out your faith both as a disciple and in making disciples. Whether you're new to faith or a seasoned believer, you'll discover how to embrace the cost of discipleship and grow in your walk with Christ. Highlights:  * Pastor Kirk’s personal story of calling and ministry journey * The importance of making disciples, not just converts * Jesus’ model of discipleship: intercession, invitation, instruction, and authority * The 5 I's method for disciple-making: Intercede, Invite, Invest, Instruct, Inspire * The role of the Rock School of Ministry in equipping leaders and disciples * The cost and sacrifices involved in true discipleship * Biblical perspectives on the love and commitment required to follow Jesus * Practical steps for making disciples in everyday life * Navigating discipleship through seasons of hardship and grief * The importance of community, accountability, and consistency in faith Resources Knowing God by J. I. Packer * Ephesians 4 - The Role of the Church [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4&version=NIV] * Mark 3:13 - Jesus Calls the Twelve Apostles [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+3%3A13&version=NIV] * Rock School of Ministry Website [https://rockmaine.com/rsm] If you are interested in taking the next steps in discipleship, consider enrolling in RSM. See more information at the link here: https://rockmaine.com/rsm [https://rockmaine.com/rsm] And remember: Discipleship is a lifelong journey of obedience, sacrifice, and love. The greatest growth happens through perseverance in valleys and obedience in obedience. Start living intentionally today! About Join Riah Jaffrey for a podcast series where we draw on our personal stories, examine the truth of God’s word, and identify the lies, false identities, and unbiblical beliefs that keep us from walking wholeheartedly in the power of our new life through the gift of Grace in Jesus. Join us as we share what it is to walk in relationship with Jesus, where we discover new life in death and step into the supernatural power of God’s Grace and Glory.  Message Me! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2216496/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2216496/support] If you would like to share your story you can submit a request on our website at thegraceraisedpodcast.com [http://thegraceraisedpodcast.com/], or send us an email at thegraceraisedpodcast@gmail.com [thegraceraisedpodcast@gmail.com]. If you would like to donate to help support the ministry you can click the donate link in the show notes or go to thegraceraisedpodcast.com/donate [http://thegraceraisedpodcast.com/donate].

47: The Reliability of the Bible with Pastor Bruce Steven

In this episode of the Grace Raised Podcast, we take time with Pastor Bruce Stevens to understand why the Bible can be trusted as the Word of God. This is a fundamental belief for Christians upon which the entire Gospel is built. Bruce Stevens shares his personal journey of faith, explores archaeological and historical evidence supporting Scripture, and discusses how fulfilled prophecy and manuscript integrity affirm its divine origin. This episode is for believers and seekers alike!  Topics * Pastor Bruce shares his testimony of coming to faith at age 13 in Canada * The importance of trusting the Bible as more than a historical document * How archaeology confirms biblical events and figures like King David and Cyrus * The unique fulfilled prophecies pointing to divine foreknowledge * The internal consistency of the Bible across 40 authors over 1500 years * How scientific references in Scripture align with modern understanding * Addressing objections related to morality, violence, and contradictions in Scripture * The significance of Christ’s death and resurrection as historical and theological anchors * The process of biblical canonisation and manuscript preservation * Personal testimonies of God's voice and calling, affirming Scripture’s power Resources & Links: * The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KX4XL6Q] * Dead Sea Scrolls Online Resources [https://www.deadseascrolls.org.il/] * Josephus' Historical Writings [https://amazon.com/s?k=Josephus+antiquities] * Biblical Archaeology Society [https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/] * The Reliability of the Bible by Norman Geisler [https://amazon.com/dp/B00L9B2E7Y] Connect with Pastor Bruce Stevens: * LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/in/brucestevens] * Rock Church Bangor [https://rockbangor.com/] Remember: "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). God’s word is active today—powerful to convict, correct, and transform lives. Pastor Bruce Stevens I have been on staff at The Rock Church since 2020, serving primarily at the Old Town campus.  Prior to 2020, I pastored two churches covering a span of 37 years.  I am married to Debbie and have 3 children and 7 grandchildren.  Playing hockey and pickleball are hobbies I enjoy.   About Join Riah Jaffrey for a podcast series where we draw on our personal stories, examine the truth of God’s word, and identify the lies, false identities, and unbiblical beliefs that keep us from walking wholeheartedly in the power of our new life through the gift of Grace in Jesus. Join us as we share what it is to walk in relationship with Jesus, where we discover new life in death and step into the supernatural power of God’s Grace and Glory.  Message Me! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2216496/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2216496/support] If you would like to share your story you can submit a request on our website at thegraceraisedpodcast.com [http://thegraceraisedpodcast.com/], or send us an email at thegraceraisedpodcast@gmail.com [thegraceraisedpodcast@gmail.com]. If you would like to donate to help support the ministry you can click the donate link in the show notes or go to thegraceraisedpodcast.com/donate [http://thegraceraisedpodcast.com/donate].

46: Remaining Anchored Through Ever Changing Seasons

In this episode, Riah Jaffrey shares life updates on their small homestead and the current season of health complications and unknowns their family is currently walking in. Throughout this conversation, Riah shares personal stories and how the Lord is challenging her identity in Him and her faith in His provisions for her family and loved ones. She discusses the importance of remaining anchored in truth in the midst of ever-changing seasons and how truth can carry and sustain believers even when life is uncertain, unstable, and difficult.  About Join Riah Jaffrey for a podcast series where we draw on our personal stories, examine the truth of God’s word, and identify the lies, false identities, and unbiblical beliefs that keep us from walking wholeheartedly in the power of our new life through the gift of Grace in Jesus. Join us as we share what it is to walk in relationship with Jesus, where we discover new life in death and step into the supernatural power of God’s Grace and Glory.  Message Me! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2216496/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2216496/support] If you would like to share your story you can submit a request on our website at thegraceraisedpodcast.com [http://thegraceraisedpodcast.com/], or send us an email at thegraceraisedpodcast@gmail.com [thegraceraisedpodcast@gmail.com]. If you would like to donate to help support the ministry you can click the donate link in the show notes or go to thegraceraisedpodcast.com/donate [http://thegraceraisedpodcast.com/donate].

45: Grief and Gratitude with Randi Wright

In this episode of the Grace Raised Podcast, host Riah Jaffrey speaks with Randi Wright about her journey of faith, the challenges of balancing life and responsibilities, and the importance of understanding God's purpose in our lives. Randi shares her personal testimony, including her experiences with loss and grief, and how these events have shaped her faith. The conversation emphasizes the significance of trusting God, the role of humility in our lives, and the importance of surrendering control to God, especially in parenting and life's challenges. Randi Wright is a Jesus follower, wife, and homeschooling mom,baker, who also loves to serve the people of her church. Her joy is often found while encouraging other women by sharing her story of loss, how she found hope, and trusted that God is still good even in the trial. About Join Riah Jaffrey for a podcast series where we draw on our personal stories, examine the truth of God’s word, and identify the lies, false identities, and unbiblical beliefs that keep us from walking whole heartedly in the power of our new life through the gift of Grace in Jesus. Join us as we share what it is to walk in relationship with Jesus; where we discover new life in death and step into the supernatural power of God’s Grace and Glory.  Message Me! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2216496/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2216496/support] If you would like to share your story you can submit a request on our website at thegraceraisedpodcast.com [http://thegraceraisedpodcast.com/], or send us an email at thegraceraisedpodcast@gmail.com [thegraceraisedpodcast@gmail.com]. If you would like to donate to help support the ministry you can click the donate link in the show notes or go to thegraceraisedpodcast.com/donate [http://thegraceraisedpodcast.com/donate].

44: Olive Hope- An Adoption Story

Summary In this heartfelt episode of the Grace Raised podcast, host Riah Jaffrey shares the transformative journey of fostering and adopting Olive Hope. She reflects on the challenges and blessings that come with opening their home to a child in need, emphasizing the growth and lessons learned by her family throughout the process. Riah discusses the importance of faith, discipline, and the impact of hard experiences on personal and familial growth, ultimately celebrating Olive's adoption and the joy she has brought to their lives. About Join Riah Jaffrey for a podcast series where we draw on our personal stories, examine the truth of God’s word, and identify the lies, false identities, and unbiblical beliefs that keep us from walking whole heartedly in the power of our new life through the gift of Grace in Jesus. Join us as we share what it is to walk in relationship with Jesus; where we discover new life in death and step into the supernatural power of God’s Grace and Glory.  Message Me! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2216496/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2216496/support] If you would like to share your story you can submit a request on our website at thegraceraisedpodcast.com [http://thegraceraisedpodcast.com/], or send us an email at thegraceraisedpodcast@gmail.com [thegraceraisedpodcast@gmail.com]. If you would like to donate to help support the ministry you can click the donate link in the show notes or go to thegraceraisedpodcast.com/donate [http://thegraceraisedpodcast.com/donate].