The Living Grounded Podcast

Episode 135 Understanding Christian Nationalism: What It Is and Why It Matters

Christian nationalism has quickly become one of the most talked-about—and misunderstood—topics in America today. In this episode, Ron Moore interviews Joe Melaragno to explore what Christian nationalism is, how it differs from biblical Christianity and healthy patriotism, and why the conversation has become so significant in our cultural moment. Together they examine its historical roots, theological claims, political influence, and the concerns it raises for religious liberty and the mission of the Church. They also discuss why many sincere Christians are confused by the term and how followers of Jesus can faithfully engage both their faith and their citizenship. Whether you've heard the phrase in the news or around your church, this conversation will help you think biblically.

Episode 134 Living from Your Identity in Christ

Knowing who we are in Christ is more than a theological concept—it is the foundation for everyday Christian living. In this episode, we continue our conversation on spiritual identity by exploring what it looks like to live from the truth of our union with Christ instead of being driven by performance, approval, failure, or fear. Together, we examine how our identity in Christ transforms the way we experience acceptance, security, forgiveness, purpose, and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit. As we learn to replace false narratives with biblical truth, we discover the freedom to walk with confidence, humility, and steadfast faith in every season.

Episode 133 Beyond the Mirror: Finding Your Identity in Christ

In this episode, we explore one of the most foundational questions of the Christian life: Who am I? Our culture encourages us to build identity on success, relationships, achievement, and personal story—but Scripture offers a radically different foundation. We unpack what it means to have union with Christ and how that truth reshapes our understanding of significance, security, acceptance, forgiveness, and spiritual power. Through pastoral reflection and biblical insight, we consider how believers drift into false identities—and how the Holy Spirit restores us to truth. This conversation is both theological and deeply practical, speaking directly into the quiet struggles many Christians face with insecurity, shame, and spiritual exhaustion.

Episode 132 Grief: A Matter of Trust

In this deeply personal episode of The Living Grounded Podcast, I sit down with Bob Gilbert to discuss his journey through the loss of two wives, Debbie and CJ. Bob shares candidly about the fear, loneliness, questions, and unexpected challenges that accompany grief.  Together, we explore how suffering impacts faith, prayer, relationships, and one's understanding of God's purposes. Bob offers practical wisdom and biblical encouragement for anyone walking through loss or supporting someone who is grieving. This conversation is an honest reminder that even in our deepest sorrows, God remains always present and always faithful.

Episode 131 Why Doesn't Everyone Believe?

Why do some people embrace Christ while others reject him? If salvation is entirely by grace, what role does human response play? And what do we do with passages that seem to emphasize both God's sovereign initiative and our responsibility to believe? In this episode, Ron Moore and Tom Rojahn join host Jill Kowalski to explore some of the Bible's most thought-provoking passages concerning salvation, faith, and God's sovereign work. Together they discuss how Scripture presents both divine sovereignty and human responsibility, not as competing ideas, but as complementary truths that lead us to humility, worship, and confidence in God's purposes.