S2 E145: Can a Sermon Really Convict You?

S2 E145: Can a Sermon Really Convict You?

CAN A SERMON REALLY CONVICT YOU? | UNPOLISHED BUT CALLED | EP. 145 Have you ever said, “That sermon really convicted me”? We say it all the time, but who is really doing the convicting? In this episode of Unpolished but Called, we talk about the difference between the messenger and the Holy Spirit, why people can speak truth but only God can change the heart, and how that takes pressure off us as believers. We also talk about the difference between conviction and condemnation, why conviction draws us closer to Christ, and why our job is obedience while the Holy Spirit does what only He can do. Scripture Referenced: • John 16:8 • Romans 8:1 • Zechariah 4:6 📖 Website & FREE Devotional https://kathrinshaffer.com [https://kathrinshaffer.com] 🔗 Linktree https://linktr.ee/kathrinshaffer [https://linktr.ee/kathrinshaffer]

S2 E144: The Side of the Tapestry We Never See

THE SIDE OF THE TAPESTRY WE NEVER SEE Have you ever looked at your life and wondered why nothing seems to make sense? In this episode of Unpolished but Called, I share a powerful illustration that reminded me how often we only see the tangled threads of our lives while God sees the finished design. We talk about unanswered prayers, seasons of waiting, suffering, faith, and why trusting the One weaving the tapestry is sometimes the hardest—and most important—part of the Christian walk. If you're walking through a difficult season, I pray this conversation encourages you to keep trusting God even when all you can see are loose threads. Scripture Referenced: • Romans 8:28 • Isaiah 55:8-9 • Philippians 1:6 ---------------------------------------- 🌐 Website & Free Devotional: https://kathrinshaffer.com [https://kathrinshaffer.com] 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kathrinshaffer [https://linktr.ee/kathrinshaffer]

S2 E143: When We Turn Preference Into Doctrine

Have you ever stopped to ask whether something is truly taught in Scripture—or whether it's simply a tradition, preference, or opinion we've grown accustomed to? In this episode of Unpolished But Called, we explore the difference between biblical doctrine and personal conviction. Christians often hold strong opinions about worship styles, Bible translations, church traditions, and countless other topics. While many of those preferences can be meaningful, they shouldn't carry the same authority as God's Word. We'll look at what Scripture says about testing what we believe, holding our convictions with humility, and making sure we're pointing people to Christ rather than our own preferences. The goal isn't to win arguments—it's to love truth enough to keep asking good questions. Scripture referenced: * Acts 17:11 * Romans 14:1–5 * Colossians 2:20–23 * Mark 7:6–9 * 2 Timothy 2:15 If you're looking for more than podcast episodes, I also send a free weekly newsletter called Walking It Out with Kathrin. 🔗 Website & Free Devotional: https://kathrinshaffer.com [https://kathrinshaffer.com] 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/unpolishedbutcalled [https://linktr.ee/unpolishedbutcalled]

S2 E142: When God's Answers Bring Responsibility

Have you ever looked back and realized there were prayers you're actually thankful God didn't answer? In this episode of Unpolished But Called, I share how one unanswered prayer completely changed my perspective on God's timing. Sometimes we pray for open doors, immediate answers, or easier circumstances, only to discover much later that God's "no" wasn't rejection—it was mercy. We'll look at Jonah, Esther, and the words of Jesus to explore how God's answers often require obedience, trust, and surrender rather than immediate comfort. We'll also talk about stewardship, carrying our cross daily, and finding peace even when life doesn't get easier. Sometimes the greatest evidence of God's faithfulness isn't the prayer He answered—it's the one He lovingly refused. Scripture referenced: * James 1:22 * Esther 4:14 * Luke 9:23 * John 14:27 If you're looking for more than podcast episodes, I also send a free weekly email called Walking It Out with Kathrin. 🌐 Website & Free Devotional: https://kathrinshaffer.com [https://kathrinshaffer.com] 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/unpolishedbutcalled [https://linktr.ee/unpolishedbutcalled]

S2 E141: Why Is It Easier to Assume Than to Ask?

Have you ever noticed how quickly we assume what someone believes before we've actually asked them? In this episode of Unpolished But Called, I reflect on a recent conversation from my YouTube comments that reminded me how easy it is to jump to conclusions. Instead of assuming someone's heart, motives, or beliefs, what if we chose curiosity first? We'll explore the difference between biblical doctrine and personal preference, why not every disagreement is a doctrinal issue, and how humility creates space for real conversations. Using Romans 14, Mark 7, and Ephesians 4, we'll look at what Scripture says about unity, tradition, and keeping Christ at the center of our discussions. The goal isn't to win arguments. It's to point people toward Jesus with both truth and grace. Scripture referenced: * Romans 14:1 * Mark 7:8 * Ephesians 4:2–3 If you're looking for more than podcast episodes, I also send a free weekly email called Walking It Out with Kathrin. You can subscribe through my website: 🌐Website & Free Devotional: https://kathrinshaffer.com [https://kathrinshaffer.com] 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/unpolishedbutcalled [https://linktr.ee/unpolishedbutcalled]