eXchanging Eternal Truths

eXchanging Eternal Truths 145 - The Belton Church

What does it mean to be the Church beyond denominational labels? In this encouraging episode of eXchanging Eternal Truths, Heather Lancaster sits down with Pastor Randy Goff of The Belton Church to discuss building authentic community, reaching people with the love of Jesus, and creating churches where people feel welcomed, valued, and spiritually supported. Pastor Randy shares the history of The Belton Church, which has served the community since 1904, and explains why the church recently returned to its original name as part of a renewed focus on people over labels. Together, Heather and Pastor Randy discuss outreach ministry, unity in the body of Christ, the importance of relatable leadership, and the message of grace available through Jesus Christ. From after-school programs and community events to the nationwide March for Jesus movement, this conversation is a reminder that the Church is called to love people, share truth, and point others toward a relationship with God. Topics discussed in this episode include: • The 120-year history of the Belton Church • Being community-focused instead of denomination-focused • Using community events and outreach to share Jesus • The importance of approachable, relatable church leadership • Unity in the body of Christ across denominations • Why salvation is based on faith, not works • The upcoming March for Jesus event in Belton, South Carolina No matter your background, past mistakes, or current struggles, God is not asking you to clean yourself up before coming to Him. Through Jesus Christ, salvation, grace, and restoration are freely available to anyone willing to receive them. This episode encourages believers to focus less on labels and divisions and more on loving people, building genuine relationships, and sharing the hope of the Gospel with their communities. Key Scriptures: John 3:16 Romans 8:1 James 4:8 Luke 15 John 14:6 If this episode encouraged you, be sure to like, share, and subscribe so you never miss an episode of eXchanging Eternal Truths. Leave a comment with your thoughts or questions for Pastor Randy, and help us continue sharing positive, encouraging, Bible-based content with listeners around the world. You can find out more about The Belton Church on their website: TheBeltonChurch.com [https://thebeltonchurch.com/]

eXchanging Eternal Truths 144 - Joy of the Lord

Joy isn’t the same thing as happiness. In this episode of eXchanging Eternal Truths, author Heather Lancaster and her friend, Julie Ard, talk about what it means to experience true joy — the kind that comes from the Lord and remains steady even in difficult seasons. They discuss: * Why joy is a choice * How the enemy tries to steal our joy * The difference between emotional happiness and spiritual joy * Why God’s presence is the source of lasting strength * How prayer, worship, and Scripture help refill our hearts One of the biggest reminders in this conversation is simple: when our own strength runs low, God’s joy never does. If you’ve been discouraged, spiritually drained, or struggling to hold onto peace, this episode will encourage you to return to the presence of God and draw from the joy only He can provide. Key Scriptures: Galatians 5 • Nehemiah 8:10 • Psalm 16:11 • James 1:2-4 • John 15:11 • Romans 12:2 If this episode encouraged you, be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more biblical conversations that expand your faith. You can find out more about Heather and Expanding Your Faith Ministries at ⁠⁠www.expandingyourfaith.org⁠⁠ [https://www.expandingyourfaith.org/]. Julie's church - Faith Outreach Okolona can be found on Facebook at: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/faithoutreachokolona [https://www.facebook.com/faithoutreachokolona]

eXchanging Eternal Truths 143 - Mockers & Scoffers

Mockers and scoffers aren’t just something we see in the world — they can also show up within the body of Christ. In this episode of eXchanging Eternal Truths, author Heather Lancaster and her husband, Greg, continue their series on “signs of the times” as they discuss how believers are called to respond when criticism, division, and spiritual pride begin to rise among Christians. They discuss: * What Scripture says about mockers and scoffers in the last days * How mockery and division can show up within the church * The danger of judging other believers without discernment or context * Why humility and self-examination are essential for every Christian * How to use Scripture and the Holy Spirit for true discernment in what we consume * The call to build up the body of Christ instead of tearing it down A key reminder in this conversation is that the enemy often works through division — and believers are called to something higher than criticism: unity, love, and truth grounded in the Word of God. This episode encourages believers to slow down, test everything against Scripture, and avoid participating in content or conversations that tear down the body of Christ without wisdom or context. Key Scripture: 2 Peter 3:3 • Matthew 27:20–25 • Ephesians 4:11–16 • James 4:11–12 • Galatians 6:10 If this episode encouraged you, consider liking, sharing, and subscribing for more biblical conversations that help you grow in faith and discernment. You can find out more about Greg and Heather and partner with Expanding Your Faith Ministries by checking out the website: ⁠⁠expandingyourfaith.org⁠⁠. [https://www.expandingyourfaith.org/]

eXchanging Eternal Truths 142 - Intimacy with God

Intimacy with God is not a moment — it’s a journey of relationship, growth, and surrender. In this episode of eXchanging Eternal Truths, author Heather Lancaster is joined by Pastor Larry Romero of Foundations of Faith Ministries as they explore what it truly means to know God beyond information and into a real, lived relationship. They discuss: * Why intimacy with God is a process, not an instant experience * The difference between knowing about God and truly knowing Him * How believers grow through stages of spiritual maturity * Why your relationship with God is deeper than religious activity * The role of the Holy Spirit in leading believers into deeper connection * Moving from seeking God’s blessings to seeking God Himself Pastor Larry shares his personal journey of realizing that God’s desire has always been relationship, not performance — and how that shifted everything in his walk of faith. A key reminder from this conversation is that God is not looking for perfection, but for pursuit. Intimacy grows as we learn to abide, trust, and respond to His leading. Key Scripture: Philippians 3:7–14 • John 15:15 • John 17:21 • Ephesians 4:11–16 If this episode encouraged you, consider liking, sharing, and subscribing for more biblical conversations that help you grow deeper in your walk with God. Pastor Larry can be found at fofminsc.org [https://www.fofminsc.org/], and his podcast, Fanning the Winds of Fire, can be found on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@FanningtheWindsOfFirePodcast].

eXchanging Eternal Truths 141 - Placed, Not Planted

Being placed in a church is not the same as being planted in God — one can be routine and external, the other is rooted, growing, and transformative. In this episode of eXchanging Eternal Truths, author Heather Lancaster is joined by Pastor Denese Ramos of Build a Foundation Church in Farmersville, TX, as they explore the difference between simply attending church and being truly rooted in a living relationship with God. They discuss: • Why some believers are “placed” in church but not truly planted in God’s Word • The difference between routine religious attendance and genuine spiritual growth • How discipleship moves beyond salvation into daily obedience and transformation • Why knowing Scripture requires both study and personal application • The importance of a relationship with God over religious obligation or habit • How the Holy Spirit leads believers from surface-level faith into deeper maturity • Why spiritual fruit is the evidence of being truly planted in God Pastor Denese shares how God impressed on her heart to focus not only on reaching the lost outside the church, but also those inside the church who are present in body but not growing in spirit. She emphasizes that being “placed” can look active on the outside, but only being “planted” produces lasting spiritual fruit. A key reminder from this conversation is that proximity to church does not equal intimacy with God. True growth comes from being rooted in His Word, allowing it to shape belief, behavior, and daily life. Key Scripture: Matthew 7:13–14 • Proverbs 25:2 • Colossians 2:3 If this episode encouraged you, consider liking, sharing, and subscribing for more biblical conversations that help you grow deeper in your walk with God. You can find info about Build A Foundation Church and Pastor Denese's upcoming conference on her website:  buildafoundation.org [https://www.buildafoundation.org/]