S2 E143: When We Turn Preference Into Doctrine

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]

S2 E140: When God's Answers Bring Responsibility

WHEN GOD'S ANSWERS BRING RESPONSIBILITY We often pray for answers. We ask God for clarity, direction, and wisdom. But what happens when He answers... and that answer asks something of us? In this episode, I share a personal realization from this week about stewardship, obedience, and why God's answers don't always bring the relief we expect. Sometimes they invite us into a new season of responsibility, growth, and faith. In this episode: • Why we celebrate answers until they change our lives • The difference between hearing God's Word and living it • What Jonah, Esther, and Jesus teach us about obedience • Why peace and an easy life are not the same thing • How God often answers our prayers by inviting us to grow Scripture References: • James 1:22 • Esther 4:14 • Luke 9:23 • John 14:27 🔗 Website: kathrinshaffer.com [http://kathrinshaffer.com] 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/unpolishedbutcalled [https://linktr.ee/unpolishedbutcalled]

S2 E139: Why Doesn’t God Stop Everything Bad From Happening?

Why Doesn’t God Stop Everything Bad From Happening? After watching an old episode of Highway to Heaven, I found myself sitting with a question many of us wrestle with: if God loves us, why doesn’t He stop every bad thing from happening? In this episode, I talk about suffering, illness, unanswered questions, and what it means to trust God in a broken world. I also share personal reflections from my own TIA recovery and how God’s presence became more real in the middle of something I never expected. In this episode: * Why creation itself is broken * Why Jesus never promised a life without suffering * When God sustains us instead of removing the trial * What Job teaches us about unanswered questions * My own reflections on recovery, peace, anxiety, and faith * Why suffering does not get the final word Scripture References: * Romans 8:22 * John 16:33 * 2 Corinthians 12:9 🔗 Website: kathrinshaffer.com [http://kathrinshaffer.com] 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/unpolishedbutcalled [https://linktr.ee/unpolishedbutcalled]