Episodes
The social consequences of being a Christian have never been easy. We often face exclusion, mockery and rejection for our beliefs and countercultural worldview. So how can we spread the good news in a society that is largely disinterested in hearing it? In this week’s episode, Elliot Clark joins us to talk about his book Evangelism as Exiles. Elliot addresses the many cultural and social challenges of evangelism in societies today, and inspires us to draw from our reverent fear of the Lord and love of our neighbours to help us persevere when evangelism seems daunting.
The thought of having children is, without a doubt, both terrifying and thrilling at the same time. How can we be sure we are well-equipped to have children? This week we are joined by Bonnie Pue, co-founder of The Union Movement, to walk us through how we can respond to the challenges of parenting. Bonnie offers us encouragement in the journey of parenthood by reminding us that children are to be considered a blessing, and that we are to have faith in God’s provision when times seem impossibly difficult.
Being on the outside looking in is uncomfortable, and it’s a place where no one really wants to be. You’ll do whatever it takes to fit in and be noticed. You’ll join in on what’s popular, even if it goes against your own beliefs. Or, you’ll stand still, unmoving, paralyzed with the fear that you’re not important or loveable. But what if there’s another way? This week’s guest on indoubt, Kristen Strong, joins us to discuss a third way to belonging – the back road way. By remaining in Christ and relaxing into the unique role that God has for you, we truly find the belonging that we were creat...
Where is God in the midst of suffering? When you come face to face with difficulty, what do you believe, and who do you believe in? On this week’s episode of indoubt, we’re excited to have pastor and best-selling author, David Platt as our guest! David discusses his new book, Something Needs to Change, and his first trip to the Himalayas that rocked his worldview. David has had the opportunity to witness extreme poverty, forcing him to face deep, fundamental questions about faith and life. You’ll hear Isaac and David talk through the spiritual and physical needs of the people he encountered...
Sometimes, the thought of watching an action-packed movie seems more thrilling than sitting down and reading a book. What can we gain by reading? What can literature offer us? This week we are joined by Jessica Hooten Wilson, Visiting Scholar of Liberal Arts at Pepperdine University, to discuss her book The Scandal of Holiness. In this episode, Jessica unpacks the importance of reading books, particularly those that challenge us, to help us develop a grounded and discerning spirit. She also emphasizes how reading is a necessary spiritual discipline that Christians should practice in order t...
Have you ever wondered why having strong theology matters, or if it matters at all? This week are joined by Matthew Crocker, author and Director of Youth at Christ City Church, to discuss his new book Foundations: 100 Days of Devotions through Catechism. In this episode, Matthew walks us through just how useful catechism can be in building a strong theological base of understanding. He also emphasizes how solidifying our Christian worldview can ensure we are well equipped at remaining firm in our faith amid the loud secular worldviews that are constantly thrown our way.
As Christians, we have all struggled to maintain a purity that is reflective of Christ. We may have repeating sins that we are battling to break free of. How can we deal with the shame, anxiety and negative emotions that accompany the struggle to shed sin? This week we are joined by Brian Walker, Christian counsellor at Anchored Hope, to discuss his article Purity Means Seeing More, Not Less. Brian offers us hope amid our battle with sin in that by turning our eyes to Jesus, we are reminded of our forgiving and restoring Saviour who is near to us during our struggles.
There is at least one commonality that is shared by all humans, and that is the desire to be happy. But we often search for it in the wrong places, leaving us with nothing more than emptiness, or fleeting happiness that fades as quickly as it comes. How can we find sustained happiness? Where should we search for it? Our guest this week, David Shuman, joins us to discuss his article The Secret to Happiness. David shares inspiring wisdom on how the real source of our joy lies in our creator, and how we can flourish by centering our happiness on Him. He also reveals how we can sustain this joy...
The internet and social media have allowed for a seemingly endless stream of distractions. With everything vying for our attention at once, it can be difficult to fully devote our minds to one thing for an extended period of time. But is this struggle to pay attention really a new problem? Is the internet distancing us from God? This week we are joined by Katie Westenberg to discuss her article Why Our Attention Needs Stewardship. Katie discusses both the good and the bad of what the internet can offer, and also provides insight on how we can slow things down to spend time with the Lord ami...
Have you ever the heard the saying, “Time is money”? In today’s culture, that has never been truer. There are so many things competing for our attention, each demanding something from us – our money, our time, our mindfulness, even our sleep. So, how do we know what to focus on? On this week’s episode of indoubt, Tony Reinke joins us again and this time we’re discussing his new book, Competing Spectacles. By talking through the things that compete for our attention, Isaac and Tony take the time to discuss the ultimate spectacle – Jesus, and how we should be responding to Him daily amidst th...
Every type of technology has pros and cons, which leads to the question: if technology like smartphones, are so bad, why do we even use them? But rather than going to the extreme and giving up on technology completely, Tony Reinke joins us on this episode of indoubt to examine these pros and cons, and ultimately acknowledge that technology isn’t all bad. Tony and Isaac urge us to recognize where we’re misusing our smartphones and how it can actually be a tool to help us flourish. In this episode, you’ll hear them elaborate on ways that our phones are changing us, but also how we, as Christi...
What exactly is Mormonism? This week we are joined again by Bryan Hurlbutt for a deep dive into the topic of Mormonism. In this episode, Bryan walks us through the history of this religion, the key ways in which it differs from Christianity, and closes with how we can evangelize to Mormons and share the true gospel of Jesus Christ that has been revealed to us in the Bible.
What does it really mean to be a disciple? What should discipleship look like? This week we are joined by Bryan Hurlbutt, lead pastor at Lifeline Community church, to walk us through a discipleship structure that, through his experience, honours the true purpose of being a disciple of Jesus. Bryan emphasizes how discipleship is not a one and done accomplishment, but an ongoing journey in our walk with the Lord that we should be continuously growing in at all stages of our lives.
Do you ever find yourself struggling to escape the grasp of social media on your life? Then you are certainly not alone in that. This week Sarah Zylstra, senior editor of the Gospel Coalition, joins us to discuss the impact of social media on young adults, particularly young adult women. She reminds us of the various detrimental effects social media can have on our relationships, time management, body image and overall mental capacity. Sarah then gives insight on how we can take back the power from social media and ensure we are using it in a Christ-centered manner.
From Mario Brothers to Fortnite, we’ve seen video games shift from generation to generation, ultimately propelling a $40 billion a year industry. With new trends on the rise every year, video games aren’t going anywhere, and should we want them to? On this week’s episode of indoubt, Kevin Schut joins us to give a Christian perspective on video games. We breakdown the stigmas surrounding them, including violence and antisocial tendencies, asking whether or not Christians should be playing video games at all. At the same time, Kevin and Isaac discuss the positive ways that gaming has grown an...
This episode is more than simply asking: who are you listening to? We really dive into the subject of life-long learning. To join us in this task is Executive Editor at DesiringGod, David Mathis. In addition to being a husband, father, pastor, and editor at DesiringGod, David spends a lot of time writing articles on various subjects of life and faith. In our conversation, he helps set us up so we can engage the news and subjects of this world in a way that ultimately glorifies God. In short, David sets us on the trajectory to become life-long learners.
Like all things in this world, it’s crucial to think biblically, critically, and prayerfully about them. This includes alcohol. Popular blogger and author Tim Challies joins us for a conversation on Christians and alcohol.
Assisted suicide is becoming increasingly accessible. Secular society views this as a humane act to put an end to individuals’ suffering. But what are we, as Christians, to make of it? This week our guest Ewan Goligher, physician and scientist at the University of Toronto, joins us to discuss just that. Ewan shares how intrinsically valuable human life is, as we are all beings created in the image of God. He also reminds us how there is always meaning and purpose in our pain, just as there was when Jesus suffered for our sins on the cross.
The second in our two-week series on Christian Dating, pastor Grant Fishbook answers some tough question on the subject. Questions like “Can we kiss?” “How long can we be alone?” “When should I bring up marriage?”
Christian Dating: The first in our two-week series on Christian dating, pastor Grant Fishbook gives us biblical principles in regards to pursuing healthy relationships.
We have all experienced pain, trauma, and difficulties at some point in our lives. It is not always easy to leave these struggles behind in the past. How can we escape the bitter grip of a painful past? This week we are joined by Chris Brown, author, pastor, and speaker, to discuss his latest book Restored, where he walks readers through his own journey of moving through the trauma of a rocky childhood. Chris also reveals an important lesson on being stewards of our past, and how we can take the reins on our pain and use it to bring glory to God.
We’ve all had those moments when our Bible reading feels more like a chore rather than an opportunity to deepen our relationship with the Lord. This week Matt Smethurst, former lead editor of TGC and now lead pastor at River City Baptist Church in Virginia, joins us to discuss his book “Before You Open Your Bible: 9 heart postures for approaching God’s Word”. In this discussion of these 9 heart postures, we are reminded of just how privileged we are to have access to His word, and Matt gives us insight that helps us approach our Bible humbly and graciously.
Many of us have that one, go-to Bible verse we reflect on during hard times. But what about having a number of go-to verses for the different seasons we endure in life? This week Lee Brubacher, worship director at WestHighland Church and author of the article “Entering my Multiverse” joins us to talk about the multiple verses he has relied on for the different periods of difficulty in his life. In this discussion, we are reminded of the comfort and encouragement we receive when we seek counsel in God’s word.
In an increasingly secular society, it is not uncommon for the topic of faith as it pertains to Jesus to raise eyebrows. Why would anyone follow Jesus? This week we are joined by guest Ray Comfort to discuss just that as he walks us through his latest book entitled “Why Would Anyone Follow Jesus?”. Ray is the founder and CEO of Living Waters, and author of many books. He enlightens us to the core reasons why individuals doubt Jesus and His Word. He also equips us with powerful tools for evangelism and closes with insight on how to stay grounded in our faith when facing the inevitable challe...
The last two years amid the covid-19 pandemic have certainly left a huge impact on us all. But what does this impact look like for young adults? Vinh Doan, young adult pastor at Northview Church, joins us this week to discuss the long-term difficulties young adults are facing as we begin to move out of a two-year long pandemic. Issues of depression, anxiety, insecurity, and uncertainty are all discussed, and Vinh closes with a message of hope to inspire and encourage those who may be navigating these struggles.
The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ is undoubtedly the most significant event in history for Christians. It is through faith that we believe in Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins and accept him as our Saviour. But did you know there also exists compelling objective evidence for the resurrection? This week, with Daniel Markin as our host, we are joined by George Sinclair, Rector of Church of the Messiah in Ottawa and Principal of Ryle Seminary, to discuss his article “10 Concise Pieces of Evidence for the Resurrection”. In their conversation they touch on the significance of the four...
We are all deeply troubled by the crisis currently taking place in Ukraine. As young adults, it can be difficult to know how to help, especially if we are unable to provide significant financial support. This week, our guest Jason Krul, international director of Hungry for Life, describes the humanitarian efforts made by this organization to provide both spiritual and physical relief for nations in need. In this discussion, Jason zeros in on what they are doing to help Ukraine specifically, how they establish a position in a foreign country to provide help, and also lists a number of ways y...
Isn’t it a little weird to think that the oldest Millennials are now approaching their forties? It’s true. The youngest generation is no longer the Millennials, but Gen-Z. Gen-Zers are born roughly between 1999 and 2015. Are they like Millennials? In some ways, yes. But in other ways, no. With us this week to help us know more about Gen-Zers, how they differ from Millennials, and how Millennials can best engage Gen-Zers with the gospel, is author and speaker Jonathan Morrow.
“Stories are the language God wired our hearts to speak.” Singer-songwriter and author Andrew Peterson joins us this week to talk about art and why Christians who don’t consider themselves artists, need artists. Whether or not you think of yourself as someone who is creative (which you are), you’ll benefit from this important conversation.
How’s faith in Canada? Some studies have come out in the past few years that look into some specifics when it comes to the general attitudes and beliefs in Canada. It’s a privilege to have Executive Director of The Gospel Coalition Canada, Wyatt Graham, with us this week to discuss some of those findings and how the church can best respond. For example, why are we seeing young people more interested in Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy today? Why are liberal/progressive churches shrinking? Join us for this week’s conversation.