The Exhorter Podcast

The Exhorter Podcast A bible podcast where we aim to stir up love and good works, through bite-sized biblical discussion.

09/06/2026

97 - What Does Biblical Worship Really Mean?

Is worship limited to what we do when the church gathers, or should it shape every part of our lives? We explore what Scripture teaches about worship in spirit and truth, the importance of both our actions and our hearts, and what it means to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to God.

Is it possible to go through the motions of worship while our hearts are somewhere else? And if everything we do can be called worship, do we risk losing the reverence and meaning of the word itself? This conversation tackles those questions honestly and challenges us to examine whether our Sunday worship is actually shaping how we live the rest of the week.

08/23/2026

96 - Cussing: What Does the Bible Say?

Are words just words? When the Bible doesn’t give us a list of specific “cuss words,” how do we know where the line is? We explore what Scripture actually says about foul, obscene, and unwholesome speech, looking at passages like Ephesians 4:29, Ephesians 5:4, and Colossians 3:8.

We discuss how language changes over time, whether cultural acceptance changes what Christians should consider appropriate, and how conscience, context, reputation, and our influence on others should shape the way we speak. We also challenge the mindset of asking, “What can I get away with?” and instead ask, “What kind of speech makes my light shine brighter?”

Finally, we turn to James 1 and 3, where the tongue is compared to a bit, a rudder, and a small fire. Our words aren't insignificant—they reveal our hearts and can direct the course of our lives. The goal isn't simply to avoid certain words, but to bridle our tongues and become more like Christ in the way we communicate.

07/29/2026

95 - Modern Idols: What Owns Your Heart?

When most people think of idolatry, they picture ancient temples, carved statues, and pagan worship. But Scripture paints a much deeper picture. An idol is anything that becomes more important than loving God and doing what is right—even good things that quietly take first place in our lives.

In this episode, we explore how modern idols often hide in plain sight: control, routine, providing for our families, success at work, financial security, family itself, and even our reputation. None of these are inherently wrong. In fact, many are good gifts from God. But when they become more important than obeying Him, serving others, or doing what is right, they've become idols.

Using passages like Colossians 3:5, Matthew 10:37, and 1 Timothy 5:8, along with the stories of Demetrius, Jonah, and the Pharisees, we discuss how our strongest emotional reactions often reveal the desires we've elevated above God. We also wrestle with why men, in particular, can tie their identity to providing, achievement, and control—and how those good desires can quietly become destructive when they define our worth.

Whether you've never considered the idols in your own life or you're actively trying to follow Christ more faithfully, this conversation will challenge you to honestly ask: What owns your heart?

07/21/2026

94 - Is All Pride Sinful?

Most Christians know the warnings about pride in Scripture, but we often use the same word to describe two very different things. Is there a difference between arrogance and healthy satisfaction? Between elevating ourselves above others and taking joy in a job well done?

In this episode, we examine what the Bible says about pride, humility, confidence, purpose, and personal worth. Looking at examples from Nebuchadnezzar, Herod, and the prophets, we explore why God opposes arrogant pride while also encouraging confidence, meaningful work, and satisfaction in our labor.

We also discuss why many men tie their sense of value to purpose, contribution, and respect—and how misunderstanding those needs can create struggles in marriages, families, and relationships. Ultimately, true confidence is not found in our accomplishments but in our identity in Christ.

Whether you've wrestled with insecurity, arrogance, discouragement, or simply want to better understand the difference between pride and purpose, this conversation will challenge you to examine what is really happening beneath the surface.

06/09/2026

93 - What does biblical masculinity really look like?

In a culture that often portrays men as either weak and incompetent or aggressive and domineering, it can be difficult to separate stereotypes from Scripture. In this episode, we explore how the Bible defines masculinity and why Jesus—not celebrities, influencers, or cultural trends—is the ultimate example of what a man should be.

Looking at passages like 1 Corinthians 16:13 and the life of Christ, we discuss strength, courage, humility, leadership, emotion, and service. We examine common misconceptions about masculinity, the debate surrounding "toxic masculinity," and how Jesus demonstrated power without pride, leadership without domination, and emotion without losing self-control.

Whether you're a husband, father, young man, or simply trying to better understand God's design for men, this conversation challenges us to pursue a masculinity shaped by Christ rather than culture.

05/31/2026

92 - Is 'I Love Them, But I Don't Have to Like Them' Biblical?

Can you love someone you don't naturally like?

We've all heard the phrase, "I love them, but I don't have to like them." But is that really the attitude Scripture calls us to have?

In this episode, we explore the tension that can exist between faithful Christians who simply don't connect, have different personalities, or have allowed misunderstandings and assumptions to create distance. Looking at Philippians 4, Colossians 3, and 1 Corinthians 13, we discuss what biblical love actually requires—and why avoiding people may be easier than pursuing unity, but rarely reflects the heart of Christ.

We also offer practical steps for repairing strained relationships: praying intentionally for one another, speaking well of others, and having humble conversations that seek understanding instead of assumptions.

The church isn't a curated friend group—it's a redeemed family. And how we treat one another says a lot about how seriously we take the gospel.

04/29/2026

Kicking off season 4 with...

91 - What Does It Really Mean to Be Blessed?

We often say “I’m blessed”—but what do we really mean by that? In this episode, we challenge the common idea that blessing simply means good or positive circumstances, and instead explore a more biblical definition—what is truly profitable for our souls, even when life is difficult.

Walking through James 1 and Romans 8:28, we unpack how trials, loss, and hardship can still serve a purpose in shaping our faith. From Solomon and David to Israel and the bronze serpent, we examine how blessings can turn into curses—or reveal themselves over time—depending on our attitude, stewardship, and response to God.

At the core, this episode reframes blessing not as what we receive but as how God uses every experience to draw us closer to Him. If you’ve ever wrestled with hardship, comparison, or understanding God’s purpose in your life, this conversation will challenge how you see both trials and blessings.

04/20/2026

90 - Are Your Words Honoring God? with guest Kevin Clark

Are your words honoring God—even in everyday conversations? In this episode, we’re joined by Kevin Clark from Birmingham, Alabama, to discuss how our speech reflects our hearts and how small, intentional changes can have a significant impact on our homes, relationships, and walk with Christ.

We explore what it looks like to speak with grace, use biblical language naturally, and even step into moments of prayer when the opportunity arises. Along the way, we introduce five simple questions to help filter your words so they are true, loving, timely, and edifying.

Our words aren’t accidental—they reveal who we are and who we serve. This episode challenges us to be more mindful, more intentional, and ultimately more Christ-centered in the way we speak.

04/13/2026

89 - How to Talk to Mormons: A Biblical Approach

Mormons are often kind, family-oriented, and eager to talk about faith—but conversations can quickly stall once you move beyond the surface. In this episode, we walk through a real relationship that led to ongoing Bible study with an LDS couple and highlight how easy it is to use the same words while meaning very different things.

At the heart of the discussion is authority: Is the Bible the complete word of God, or one of several sources alongside modern revelation and additional writings? We explore key differences in belief, examine how concepts like a personal “witness” function in conversations, and compare these ideas with Scripture.

Along the way, we share practical, respectful ways to engage—how to ask better questions, think through claims, and keep the focus on truth without losing kindness. You don’t have to have every answer, but you do need to know God’s word and speak it with gentleness and clarity.

04/13/2026

88 - Making Promises to God

We often talk about keeping promises to one another — but what about promises to God? Is a vow the same as promising, or is that bargaining with God? We dig into the difference between making a sincere commitment to God and putting God to the test, and why “let your yes be yes” matters just as much in prayer as it does in everyday life.

We walk through key Bible passages on vows and promises, including Gideon’s fleece (Judges 6), Jesus rejecting the temptation to force a sign (Matthew 4), and the sobering warning of Ecclesiastes 5: when you vow, you must pay what you vowed. Along the way we talk about why rash “blank check” promises go sideways fast, what Jephthah and Herod teach us about thoughtless words, and how to build wise guardrails like capacity, intention, and alignment with God’s will.

Then the conversation turns personal: the vows we may already be making without realizing it. The Psalms are full of “I will” statements, and the songs we sing in worship can become real commitments if we mean what we say. We also explore baptism as a public covenant marker and how to think about spiritual goals, including New Year’s resolutions for Christians, without sliding into transactional faith.

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