The Obedience of Faith

We Need the Folk Who Rock the Boat

In this episode of Let’s Talk: Truth in Love, Doug and Jess explore a surprising spiritual lesson inspired by a scene from Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End. In the movie, Captain Jack Sparrow and his crew find themselves trapped in the “land of the dead” until they realize the only way back to the land of the living is to rock the boat until it flips. That image becomes a powerful picture of what sometimes has to happen in our own lives, churches, and ministries. Many Christians and congregations can become stuck—spiritually stagnant, no longer growing, no longer moving, and sometimes even shrinking. We may want calm waters, but transformation often requires movement, tension, and discomfort. The truth is, no church and no Christian is called to stay the same. God calls His people to grow—to be transformed, built up, equipped, matured, and shaped more and more into the likeness of Jesus. Drawing from Romans 12 and Ephesians 4, this conversation reminds us that the Body of Christ is meant to grow in unity, knowledge of the Son of God, maturity, and agape love. When we get stuck, God often sends “boat rockers”—people who challenge what is comfortable so we can move toward what is faithful. Scripture is full of boat rockers. God rocked Abraham’s life by calling him to leave everything familiar. Moses rocked the boat in Egypt and at Mount Sinai. David challenged giants, moved the Ark, and reshaped worship. The prophets confronted injustice, idolatry, and spiritual complacency. John the Baptist prepared the way by calling people to repentance. And Jesus Himself was the greatest boat rocker of all—challenging religious leaders, redefining Sabbath, elevating women, establishing the New Covenant, and building His Church. But most people do not like boat rockers. Change is uncomfortable, especially when it touches our religion, traditions, doctrines, or assumptions. Yet Jesus did not call us to stand still on the rock of our own comfort or belief systems. He called us to stand on Him—the living Rock—and follow Him wherever He leads. This episode challenges us to ask: Are we standing on Jesus, or merely on what we already know and prefer? Are we willing to let God shake what needs to be shaken so that His Kingdom, which cannot be shaken, remains? We need the folk who rock the boat. And we need to stand firmly on the Rock who is Jesus Christ. Looking for more? Dive deeper into the truth in love with these three insightful books: • Moon in the Darkness • Be with Jesus, Be like Jesus, Be for Jesus • Christ in Us is the Hope of Glory These books are available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. To learn more, visit: 👉 www.friendsofthekingministries.org [http://www.friendsofthekingministries.org] While you're there, be sure to explore the many columns written for the Kingsport Times-News over the past eighteen years. God bless, and we look forward to having you join us for the next episode!

WATCH WHAT YOU SAY

In this episode of Let’s Talk: Truth in Love, we tackle a subject that affects every relationship we have: the power of our words. Many of us grew up hearing the childhood rhyme, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” While well-intended, that saying simply isn't true. Words can wound deeply, sometimes leaving scars that last far longer than physical injuries. Drawing from James 3 and Ephesians 4, we examine what Scripture teaches about the tongue and the extraordinary influence our words have on our lives and the lives of others. James compares the tongue to a horse's bit and a ship's rudder—small things capable of steering something much larger. In the same way, our words can shape relationships, influence identities, and even alter the course of our lives. Doug and Jess discuss real-life examples from marriage counseling, family relationships, schools, workplaces, and friendships. Many people can still remember hurtful words spoken to them decades ago. Negative words from parents, teachers, peers, or loved ones often become deeply rooted beliefs about identity and self-worth. At the same time, Scripture reminds us that our words also affect us. Jesus taught that we will give an account for every careless word we speak. The Bible sets a remarkably high standard for our speech. We are called to speak the truth in love, avoiding corrupting talk of every kind—lies, slander, condemnation, mockery, belittling comments, divisive speech, threats, envy, hatred, and words that stir fear, anger, or distrust. Instead, we are to speak words that build others up and give grace to those who hear. This conversation also addresses the broader culture we live in today, where harsh rhetoric, social media attacks, and political division often reward the loudest and most damaging voices. Yet Jesus points us to a different way. He teaches that our words reveal the true condition of our hearts. A good tree bears good fruit, and a healthy heart produces life-giving speech. The good news is that while no one can perfectly tame the tongue on their own, God can help us. Through His Spirit, His Word, and intentional self-discipline, we can learn to pause, reflect, and allow His love to shape what comes out of our mouths. As the psalmist prayed, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Our words matter. They can wound or heal, divide or unite, discourage or strengthen. As followers of Christ, we are called to use them to bless, encourage, and reflect the love of God. Looking for more? Dive deeper into the truth in love with these three insightful books: • Moon in the Darkness • Be with Jesus, Be like Jesus, Be for Jesus • Christ in Us is the Hope of Glory These books are available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. To learn more, visit: 👉 www.friendsofthekingministries.org [http://www.friendsofthekingministries.org] While you're there, be sure to explore the many columns written for the Kingsport Times-News over the past eighteen years. God bless, and we look forward to having you join us for the next episode!

Science Reveals Our Creator

In this episode of Let’s Talk: Truth in Love, we explore one of the most important conversations of our time: the relationship between science and faith. Are they enemies competing against one another—or could science actually reveal the glory, power, and wisdom of our Creator? Beginning with Genesis 1:1, Psalm 19:1, and Romans 1:19–20, we examine how Scripture itself declares that creation points directly to God. For many people today, science and Christianity seem locked in conflict. Questions about the age of the universe, evolution, physics, biology, and cosmology have led millions toward atheism, agnosticism, or spiritual apathy. At the same time, some believers have reacted by becoming suspicious of science altogether, while others try to compartmentalize faith and reason into separate worlds. But the Bible speaks to both spiritual truth and the natural world—and true science, rightly understood, reveals the fingerprints of God. In this conversation, we discuss how modern scientific discoveries increasingly point toward design, purpose, and a Creator. From the astonishing complexity of DNA and the human body to the “fine-tuning” of the universe, from the Big Bang to the laws of physics and quantum mechanics, evidence continues to emerge that creation did not “just happen.” We also discuss several influential books that challenge materialistic worldviews and present scientific evidence for God: • More Than Meets The Eye by Richard Swenson https://a.co/d/09ec95cB [https://a.co/d/09ec95cB] • Darwin’s Black Box by Michael Behe https://a.co/d/09hDF7ym [https://a.co/d/09hDF7ym] • God, The Science, The Evidence https://a.co/d/0dkvloKK [https://a.co/d/0dkvloKK] We also reflect on how science can become an invitation—not away from God, but toward wonder, humility, and deeper exploration of truth. The same curiosity that drives scientific discovery can open hearts to the mystery and majesty of Jesus Christ. As Colossians 1 reminds us, all things were created through Him and for Him, and “in Him all things hold together.” This episode is not about rejecting science—it is about recognizing that both Scripture and creation reveal the same Author. As we continue to learn more about the universe, we believe we will see more and more confirmation that Jesus truly is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” Looking for more? Dive deeper into the truth in love with these three insightful books: • Moon in the Darkness • Be with Jesus, Be like Jesus, Be for Jesus • Christ in Us is the Hope of Glory These books are available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. To learn more, visit: 👉 www.friendsofthekingministries.org [http://www.friendsofthekingministries.org] While you’re there, be sure to explore the many columns written for the Kingsport Times-News over the past eighteen years. God bless, and we look forward to having you join us for the next episode!

The End Does NOT Justify the Means

In this episode of Let’s Talk: Truth in Love, we confront one of the most common—and dangerous—philosophies in our culture: “The end justifies the means.” From politics to business, relationships to everyday decisions, many people believe that if the goal is good enough, then the methods used to achieve it are acceptable—even if they are dishonest, manipulative, or morally wrong. But Scripture teaches something very different. Drawing from Proverbs, the teachings of Jesus, and the writings of Paul, we explore why God cares not only about our goals, but also about the way we pursue them. Proverbs warns that “bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel,” reminding us that shortcuts, lies, and manipulation may seem beneficial in the short term, but eventually lead to destruction. Jesus calls us instead to seek first the Kingdom of God and trust Him with both the process and the outcome. We examine real-life examples that reveal how easily this mindset can creep into our lives: misinformation used to win elections, cutting corners for profit, cheating for success, dishonesty in finances, or even lying to loved ones to avoid conflict. In every case, wrong means produce harmful consequences—destroying trust, damaging relationships, and opening the door for more evil. As Scripture reminds us, Jesus is the Truth, while Satan is “the father of lies.” At the heart of this conversation is a deeper challenge: learning to trust God enough to follow His ways, even when obedience is costly or difficult. Jesus Himself modeled this perfectly. The cross was the ultimate example of trusting God’s way to accomplish God’s purpose. Through suffering, sacrifice, and obedience, Christ brought salvation, resurrection, and life to the world. This episode reminds us that Christians are called to pursue godly goals by godly means. We are not overcome evil with evil, but overcome evil with good. When we walk in truth, integrity, humility, and love, our lives become a witness to the wisdom and goodness of God. Looking for more? Dive deeper into the truth in love with these three insightful books: • Moon in the Darkness • Be with Jesus, Be like Jesus, Be for Jesus • Christ in Us is the Hope of Glory These books are available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. To learn more, visit: 👉 www.friendsofthekingministries.org [http://www.friendsofthekingministries.org] While you’re there, be sure to explore the many columns written for the Kingsport Times-News over the past eighteen years. God bless, and we look forward to having you join us for the next episode!

WE NEED WISDOM

In this episode of Let’s Talk: Truth in Love, we explore something every person—and especially every leader—desperately needs: wisdom. In a world filled with information, opinions, and competing voices, the real challenge is not knowing more—it’s making good, godly decisions. Wisdom is the ability to exercise sound judgment—the power to choose well. And the stakes are high. The decisions made by leaders—whether presidents, pastors, parents, or everyday individuals—don’t just affect their own lives, but the lives of many others. Good decisions bring blessing and life. Poor decisions can bring confusion, division, and destruction. The Bible makes it clear where true wisdom comes from. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all” (James 1:5). From Joseph to Solomon, from Daniel to Jesus Himself, Scripture shows us that real wisdom comes from above—not from human cleverness or worldly strategy. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10), because it places our trust in God as the ultimate source of truth. In this conversation, we take a close look at James 3:13–18, where the Bible contrasts true wisdom with its counterfeit. Worldly “wisdom” is often driven by jealousy and selfish ambition—leading to disorder, division, and every kind of evil. But godly wisdom looks very different. It is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy, and produces good fruit. It reflects the very character of Christ. The question for each of us is simple but profound: What kind of wisdom is guiding our decisions? In a culture shaped by manipulation, pride, and self-interest, we are called to seek and live out the wisdom that comes from God—wisdom that brings peace, unity, and life. This episode is both a challenge and a prayer—that we, and the leaders who influence our world, would seek God’s wisdom above all else. Looking for more? Dive deeper into the truth in love with these three insightful books: • Moon in the Darkness • Be with Jesus, Be like Jesus, Be for Jesus • Christ in Us is the Hope of Glory These books are available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. To learn more, visit: 👉 www.friendsofthekingministries.org [http://www.friendsofthekingministries.org] God bless, and we look forward to having you join us for the next episode!