Witnessing Christ in the Old Testament: Elisha and Naaman

Witnessing Christ in the Old Testament: Elisha and Naaman

In this episode of the Witnessing Christ Podcast, Caleb continues the Christ in the Old Testament series by exploring 2 Kings 2–7. As Latter-day Saints study these chapters in their Come, Follow Me readings, this episode equips Christians to engage those same passages while clearly pointing to the biblical gospel. These chapters record the transition from Elijah’s ministry to Elisha’s, highlighting God's continued faithfulness through miraculous works. Elisha parts the Jordan River, purifies poisoned water, raises the dead, heals Naaman of leprosy, and repeatedly demonstrates that the Lord alone is the source of life, healing, and salvation. The episode focuses on the account of Naaman, Elisha, and Gehazi, asking an important question: Why did Elisha refuse Naaman’s payment? While LDS teaching materials often emphasize humility and obedience through Naaman’s healing, this conversation points to a deeper truth—that God’s greatest gifts cannot be earned or purchased but are freely given by His grace. In this episode, you’ll hear: *  Why Naaman’s healing was ultimately an act of God's grace rather than a reward for obedience.  *  The difference between biblical grace and the idea that salvation must be earned or progressed toward.  *  How Gehazi’s response reveals the natural tendency to believe God's gifts should be paid for.  *  Why salvation is received through faith in Christ rather than through human worthiness.  *  How Naaman’s cleansing points forward to the complete forgiveness found in Jesus Christ.  *  What Romans 3 teaches about justification by grace through faith.  *  A practical witnessing question to help guide gospel conversations with LDS friends and family.  The episode also highlights the beautiful picture of the gospel found in Naaman’s story. Just as Naaman could not purchase his cleansing from leprosy, sinners cannot purchase forgiveness or righteousness before God. Christ has already paid the full price through His life, death, and resurrection, offering complete forgiveness as a free gift to all who trust in Him. This episode reminds listeners that the Christian life is not about earning God's favor but receiving His undeserved mercy. Through Jesus Christ, we are washed clean—not because we deserved it or paid for it, but because our Savior accomplished everything necessary for our salvation and freely gives His righteousness to all who believe. Share this podcast with your Christian friends and subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform! Follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TILM.org] and Instagram. [https://www.instagram.com/truthinloveministry/] Subscribe to our YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCldf81pSIk5LPMDvIP4BZWg] channels!

Witnessing Christ in the Old Testament: Elijah

In this episode of the Witnessing Christ Podcast, Caleb continues the Christ in the Old Testament series by exploring 1 Kings 12–13 and 17–22. As Latter-day Saints study these chapters in their Come, Follow Me readings, this episode equips Christians to engage those same passages while clearly pointing to the biblical gospel. These chapters reveal the tragic consequences of Israel’s divided kingdom. Following Solomon’s reign, the nation fractures under Rehoboam and Jeroboam. Idolatry spreads, wicked rulers rise to power, and figures like Ahab and Jezebel lead God’s people further from the truth. Yet in the midst of rebellion and spiritual darkness, God faithfully sends His prophet Elijah to proclaim His Word and call people back to Himself. The episode focuses on a theme often highlighted in LDS teaching materials: “The Lord often speaks in quiet, simple ways.” While Christians agree that God speaks through humble means, the conversation explores an important question: Where has God promised to speak to us today? In this episode, you’ll hear: *  Why the divided kingdom reveals humanity’s ongoing rebellion against God.  *  How Elijah’s ministry demonstrates God’s faithfulness in times of widespread unbelief.  *  The difference between biblical confidence in God’s Word and seeking personal revelation through feelings and impressions.  *  Why Scripture presents the Bible as God’s primary means of speaking to His people today.  *  How the prophets of Baal illustrate the futility of trying to earn divine attention.  *  What Elijah’s experience teaches about trusting God’s promises rather than subjective experiences.  *  How Jesus pointed His followers to Moses and the Prophets as the foundation for faith.  *  Practical questions to help guide gospel conversations with LDS friends and family.  The episode also highlights Jesus’ encounter with the disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24. Rather than immediately revealing Himself, Jesus opened the Scriptures and showed how the entire Old Testament pointed to Him. In the same way, Christians find confidence not in changing emotions or private impressions, but in the unchanging Word of God that proclaims Christ. This episode reminds listeners that God has not left His people guessing. Through the simple and powerful words of Scripture, God reveals His character, exposes our sin, strengthens our faith, and points us to Jesus Christ—the Savior promised throughout the Old Testament and proclaimed throughout the Bible. Share this podcast with your Christian friends and subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform! Follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TILM.org] and Instagram. [https://www.instagram.com/truthinloveministry/] Subscribe to our YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCldf81pSIk5LPMDvIP4BZWg] channels!

Witnessing Christ in The Old Testament: The Failure of David

In this episode of the Witnessing Christ Podcast, Caleb continues the Christ in the Old Testament series by exploring 2 Samuel 11–12 and selections from 1 Kings 3, 6–9, and 11. As Latter-day Saints study these chapters in their Come, Follow Me readings, this episode equips Christians to engage those same passages while clearly pointing to the biblical gospel.  These chapters contain some of the most sobering accounts in the Old Testament. David, the king described as a man after God’s own heart, falls into adultery, deception, and murder. Solomon begins his reign with wisdom, humility, and devotion to the Lord, but later turns away through idolatry and divided loyalties. Together, these stories reveal both the greatness of God’s gifts and the devastating reality of human sin.  The episode focuses especially on David’s confrontation with the prophet Nathan and the powerful words, “You are the man.” Through God’s law, David is exposed as guilty before the Lord. Yet in the midst of judgment comes an astonishing declaration of grace: “The Lord has taken away your sin.”  In this episode, you’ll hear:  *  Why the account of David and Bathsheba is ultimately a story about sin, guilt, and grace.  *  How Nathan’s confrontation reveals the purpose of God’s law.  *  Why all people stand guilty before God’s perfect standard.  *  What Psalm 51 teaches about true repentance and dependence on God’s mercy.  *  How Solomon’s rise and fall reveal the danger of divided devotion.  *  The difference between biblical faith and LDS understandings of faith and worthiness.  *  How Romans 3 explains justification, redemption, and forgiveness through Christ.  *  A practical witnessing question to help guide gospel conversations with LDS friends and family.  The episode also highlights a crucial question: How could a just God take away David’s sins? David deserved judgment. He could not undo what he had done, nor could he offer a sacrifice sufficient to remove his guilt. His only hope was God’s mercy—and that mercy ultimately points forward to Jesus Christ, who would bear the punishment for sinners and provide the righteousness they could never earn.   This episode reminds listeners that the Bible is not a collection of moral success stories. Even David and Solomon failed. The good news is not that God saves worthy people, but that He justifies sinners through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because Christ paid the price for sin, God can declare guilty people forgiven, righteous, and free. Share this podcast with your Christian friends and subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform! Follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TILM.org] and Instagram. [https://www.instagram.com/truthinloveministry/] Subscribe to our YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCldf81pSIk5LPMDvIP4BZWg] channels!

Witnessing Christ in the Old Testament: Christ, The True King

In this episode of the Witnessing Christ Podcast, Caleb continues the Christ in the Old Testament series by exploring 1 Samuel 8–16. As Latter-day Saints study these chapters in their Come, Follow Me readings, this episode equips Christians to engage those same passages while clearly pointing to the biblical gospel.  These chapters mark a major turning point in Israel’s history. Tired of being ruled through judges and prophets, the people demand a king like the nations around them. God grants their request and gives them Saul—a king who looked impressive by worldly standards. Yet Saul’s reign quickly reveals that outward appearances and human strength cannot accomplish what God desires. By chapter 16, the Lord rejects Saul and raises up David, the king after His own heart.  The episode focuses on a key theme highlighted in LDS teaching materials: “Jesus Christ is my King.” While Christians wholeheartedly confess Christ as King, the conversation explores a deeper question: What does it mean to live under the rule of a perfectly holy and righteous King?  In this episode, you’ll hear:  *  Why Israel’s demand for a king ultimately revealed a rejection of God’s rule.  *  The difference between earthly kings and Jesus Christ, the perfect King.  *  How LDS teachings often approach Christ’s kingship through the lens of personal obedience and agency.  *  Why God’s law exposes our rebellion rather than proving our faithfulness.  *  How sin is ultimately treason against our rightful King.  *  Why none of us have perfectly obeyed Christ’s rule.  *  How Jesus fulfilled the law and bore the penalty for our rebellion.  *  A practical witnessing question to help guide gospel conversations with LDS friends and family.  The episode also highlights the beautiful contrast at the heart of the gospel. The King we rebelled against is the very King who came to rescue us. Jesus did not simply show us how to live; He took our guilt upon Himself, suffered the punishment we deserved, and clothed us in His righteousness through His death and resurrection.   This episode reminds listeners that the good news of Christianity is not that we have successfully made Christ King through our obedience. Rather, Christ is already King—and in His mercy, He has rescued rebels like us. Through faith in Him, sinners receive forgiveness, righteousness, and an eternal place in His kingdom, not because they earned it, but because the King Himself paid the price.   Share this podcast with your Christian friends and subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform! Follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TILM.org] and Instagram. [https://www.instagram.com/truthinloveministry/] Subscribe to our YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCldf81pSIk5LPMDvIP4BZWg] channels!

Witnessing Christ in the Old Testament: Ruth, Hannah and Samuel

In this episode of the Witnessing Christ Podcast, the Truth in Love Ministry team continues the Christ in the Old Testament series by exploring the book of Ruth alongside 1 Samuel 1–7. As Latter-day Saints study these passages in their Come, Follow Me readings, this episode equips Christians to engage those same stories while clearly pointing to the biblical gospel. These chapters contain deeply personal stories of grief, weakness, prayer, redemption, and God’s providence. Ruth and Naomi return to Bethlehem empty and vulnerable after devastating loss. Hannah pours out her sorrow before the Lord in prayer. Samuel is called by God during a spiritually dark time in Israel’s history. In every account, the focus ultimately turns away from human strength and toward God’s mercy and provision. The episode highlights how LDS teaching materials often emphasize moral examples such as kindness, loyalty, prayer, obedience, and listening for God’s voice. While affirming those good themes, the conversation goes deeper by showing how these stories ultimately reveal humanity’s need for a Redeemer and God’s gracious action toward helpless sinners. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why Ruth’s story is ultimately about redemption rather than merely kindness and loyalty. How Boaz serves as a picture of Christ, the true Redeemer who pays the cost for sinners. The difference between biblical grace and the idea that we must “do all we can do” first. How Hannah’s prayer demonstrates dependence on God rather than spiritual self-sufficiency. Why prayer is not bargaining with God, but crying out to Him in weakness and need. What Samuel’s calling teaches about God speaking clearly through His Word. Why faith rests on Christ and His promises—not confidence in our own covenant faithfulness. How Israel’s misuse of the Ark warns against trusting religious activity instead of the Lord Himself. Practical questions to help guide gospel conversations with LDS friends and family. The episode also emphasizes that Ruth, Hannah, and Israel all share something in common: they could not save themselves. Ruth needed a redeemer. Hannah needed mercy. Israel needed deliverance. In each case, God provided what they could not provide on their own. This episode reminds listeners that Jesus Christ is the greater Boaz—the true Redeemer who does not merely make salvation possible, but fully accomplishes it. We do not come to Him with worthiness or payment in hand. Like Ruth, we come empty-handed, trusting entirely in what our Redeemer has already done for us through His life, death, and resurrection. Share this podcast with your Christian friends and subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform! Follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TILM.org] and Instagram. [https://www.instagram.com/truthinloveministry/] Subscribe to our YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCldf81pSIk5LPMDvIP4BZWg] channels!