Episodes

  • Prisms of Light

    Prisms of Light
    Nov 22 2024
    In this series finale episode, Prisms of Light, we reflect on God’s purpose for humanity and the sacred calling placed on each of us. With the body, soul, and spirit we’ve been given, we are called to connect with God, respond to His love, submit to His guidance, glorify Him in all we do, and multiply the knowledge of His goodness throughout the world. Like a prism refracts light into a spectrum of colors, each of our lives is a unique expression of God’s light, meant to illuminate different facets of His character and love. We are not called to hide this light; rather, as Jesus taught, we are to let it shine “so the world will know” who God is. At the heart of this mission is the Great Commission, Jesus' command to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. In this episode, we dive into the meaning of the Great Commission, discussing its profound call to share the gospel, baptize believers, and teach them to observe all that Jesus commanded. Living it out means embodying our faith in word and action, reaching others through both intentional relationships and daily encounters. Through practical steps, we explore how to become vessels of God’s light in a dark world, reflecting His truth in every part of life. This episode closes our season series Next Steps with an invitation to embrace our purpose boldly, allowing God’s light to shine through us so that others, too, may be drawn to Him. As we grow in our journey, may we each become a prism of God’s love, illuminating the path for others to come to know Him. Biblical Rooting: Matthew 28:19-20 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Show Resources: Living IN Jesus, Christian Families Today The Walk, Stephen Smallman What is Christian Discipleship?, Gabriel N.E. Fluhrer https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/what-is-christian-discipleship What Is Baptism? Its Meaning and Importance in Christianity, Dr. Ray Pritchard https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-terms/what-does-baptism-mean.html Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples, Francis Chan Beautiful Resistance, Jon Tyson Real-life Discipleship, Jim Putman, Avery Willis, Brandon Guindon, Bill Krauss A. Boyd Luter Jr., “Great Commission, The,” ed. David Noel Freedman, The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary (New York: Doubleday, 1992), 1091. George W. Peters, “Commission, Great,” ed. Charles F. Pfeiffer, Howard F. Vos, and John Rea, The Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia (Moody Press, 1975). Benjamin Espinoza, “Baptism,” ed. John D. Barry et al., The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016). The Pursuit of God, Tozer Disciple Others, Tony Shepherd - https://www.9marks.org/article/disciple-others/ The Four Loves, C.S. Lewis To Be Made Well, Amy Julia Becker Check out this Documentary on Prime: Jesus The Game Changer Your Support Matters This podcast is a branch of Stepping Forward Ministries, a Houston based 501 c3 nonprofit. Our mission is to use the unwavering truths in the Word of God to teach, equip, and empower people to StepFWD in their relationship with Christ. One of the ways we do that is through this podcast! If you'd like to know more about us please visit www.steppingfwd.org We'd love for you to provide feedback on how we can continue to bring you compelling content that matters to you. Your stories and thoughts are important to us. We believe that faith in action extends beyond our podcast, and together, we can make a difference. Reach out via Social Media (Steppingfwdministries) or at www.steppingfwd.org today! Also, don't forget to visit our donation page now, and let's keep this incredible journey going together. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, pays an epiosde forward for someone to hear about the love of Christ. Don't wait, your action today fuels the excitement for tomorrow's episode. You can go to our webpage to donate! Intrested in sponsoring our podcast season or episodes? Email us @ www.steppingfwd.org Have questions on how you can ask Jesus into your life, email us @ steppingfwd@steppingfwd.org or drop us a message at www.steppingfwd.org
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    1 hr and 36 mins
  • A New Light

    A New Light
    Nov 15 2024
    In this episode of Southern Soul Chats, A New Light, Dr. Ferguson and Leah Dyer dive into the foundational themes of law, grace, and relationships from both secular and spiritual perspectives. First, we’ll explore the concept of law, contrasting its secular role in maintaining social order with its Biblical purpose of revealing God’s holy standard. From there, we’ll unpack the transformative power of grace—a system that goes beyond rule-keeping and invites us into a relationship grounded in God’s mercy and love. Then, we’ll examine our personal standards for relationships versus God’s standard, reflecting on what it truly means to love, forgive, and extend grace as He does. Finally, we’ll discuss practical ways to shift from our own expectations to God’s, learning how to live out His principles in our everyday interactions. Tune in for insights on embracing God’s grace-filled approach to relationships and making His ways our own. Biblical Rooting: Romans 6:14-23 "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace." Show Resources: Living IN Jesus, Christian Families Today “In the Bible we read about “the law”. What does this mean?” https://www.biblica.com/resources/bible-faqs/in-the-bible-we-read-about-the-law-what-does-this-mean/ The Good and Beautiful God, James Bryan Smith God’s Grace from from Lexham Survey of Theology “What is the Definition of Grace? (According to the Bible): Unpacking the Multifaceted Meaning of Grace”, The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com/articles/biblical-grace-and-a-generous-god/ Until Unity, Francis Chan “Light Your Torch” (Season 4, Episode 3) - Southern Soul Chats “Digging Deeper” (Season 3, Episode 3) - Southern Soul Chats “The Big G-O-D" (Season 3, Episode 1) - Southern Soul Chats Life Together in Christ: Experiencing Transformation in Community, Ruth Haley Barton Simply Christian, N.T. Wright https://millingtonbaptist.org/pastors-table-blog/what-masks-reveal-about-our-spiritual-lives/ Bob Erbig Beautiful Resistance, Jon Tyson Reminder, beginning in Febuary 2025 we will only bew streamimng on Apple, Spotify, and You Tube. More info comimg soon! Your Support Matters This podcast is a branch of Stepping Forward Ministries, a Houston based 501 c3 nonprofit. Our mission is to use the unwavering truths in the Word of God to teach, equip, and empower people to StepFWD in their relationship with Christ. One of the ways we do that is through this podcast! If you'd like to know more about us please visit www.steppingfwd.org We'd love for you to provide feedback on how we can continue to bring you compelling content that matters to you. Your stories and thoughts are important to us. We believe that faith in action extends beyond our podcast, and together, we can make a difference. Reach out via Social Media (Steppingfwdministries) or at www.steppingfwd.org today! Also, don't forget to visit our donation page now, and let's keep this incredible journey going together. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, pays an epiosde forward for someone to hear about the love of Christ. Don't wait, your action today fuels the excitement for tomorrow's episode. You can go to our webpage to donate! Intrested in sponsoring our podcast season or episodes? Email us @ www.steppingfwd.org Have questions on how you can ask Jesus into your life, email us @ steppingfwd@steppingfwd.org or drop us a message at www.steppingfwd.org
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    1 hr and 37 mins
  • Illuminating Forgivness

    Illuminating Forgivness
    Nov 9 2024
    In this episode of Southern Soul Chats, Dr. Ferguson and Jeremy Ferguson chat about the challenging, transformative journey of forgiveness. Forgiveness is often misunderstood as a feeling or something we do only when we’re ready. But in truth, forgiveness is an act of obedience, rooted in God’s example of mercy and grace. We explore the difference between righteous and destructive anger, the impact of holding onto unforgiveness, and how choosing to forgive protects our hearts from the enemy’s schemes. Drawing from Scripture, we discuss practical ways to cultivate a forgiving spirit, even when it feels difficult or undeserved. Through stories, insights, and biblical principles, we’re reminded that forgiveness is a reflection of God's heart—and a powerful way to guard our relationships and our own peace. Tune in as we discover how God equips us to forgive, not based on feelings, but on the foundation of His love within us. This episode encourages us to let go of bitterness, embrace freedom, and offer others the same grace we've received through Christ. **Trigger warning, there is minimal content around sexual abuse** Biblical Rooting: Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV “In your anger do not sin”a]">[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." Show Resources: Southern Soul Chats, Examining the Roots, Season 3 Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table Documnetary: Jesus the Game Changer, TUBI Lexham Theological Wordbook Good and Beautiful God World Bibllical Commentary Ephesians Living IN Jesus, Christian Families Today Your Support Matters This podcast is a branch of Stepping Forward Ministries, a Houston based 501 c3 nonprofit. Our mission is to use the unwavering truths in the Word of God to teach, equip, and empower people to StepFWD in their relationship with Christ. One of the ways we do that is through this podcast! If you'd like to know more about us please visit www.steppingfwd.org We'd love for you to provide feedback on how we can continue to bring you compelling content that matters to you. Your stories and thoughts are important to us. We believe that faith in action extends beyond our podcast, and together, we can make a difference. Reach out via Social Media (Steppingfwdministries) or at www.steppingfwd.org today! Also, don't forget to visit our donation page now, and let's keep this incredible journey going together. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, pays an epiosde forward for someone to hear about the love of Christ. Don't wait, your action today fuels the excitement for tomorrow's episode. You can go to our webpage to donate! Intrested in sponsoring our podcast season or episodes? Email us @ www.steppingfwd.org Have questions on how you can ask Jesus into your life, email us @ steppingfwd@steppingfwd.org or drop us a message at www.steppingfwd.org
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    1 hr and 35 mins
  • Light Through Stained Glass

    Light Through Stained Glass
    Nov 1 2024
    In this episode, Light Through Stained Glass, Dr. Ferguson and Leah Dyer will chat about brokenness not as defeat, but as a journey toward spiritual victory. Together, we explore how God’s light shines even through our most shattered places, transforming pain and surrender into pathways to growth. By examining how “losing” in worldly terms can be a win in the spiritual realm, we unpack the paradoxes of faith: where yielding in our battles, laying down our burdens, and surrendering fully to God can bring us closer to His strength and purpose. Drawing onlast weeks battle metaphor, we discuss how spiritual victories often emerge through our moments of deepest surrender. We’ll touch on the value of embracing our struggles—viewing them not as hindrances but as steps toward something greater. This episode will encourage you to see your burdens and challenges as a means of refining your faith, helping to gain a new perspective on brokenness, healing, and the victories we find on this side of heaven. Join us as we journey through the beauty of God’s transformative grace, where every crack and flaw becomes a place for His light to shine. Biblical Rooting: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Show Resources: Living IN Jesus, Christian Families Today Gentle and Lowly, Dane Ortlund The Problem of Pain, C.S. Lewis Hurting yet Whole, Liuan Huska To Be Made Well, Amy Julia Becker Desiring God Article https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/god-brings-us-suffering-for-others-sake#:~:text=God%20stands%20whole%2Dheartedly%20with,in%20the%20body%20of%20Christ. www.chronic-joy.org/suffering-joy Southern Soul Chats: Trusting in the Wilderness, Parts 1 and 2; Shine Bright; Digging Deeper Your Support Matters This podcast is a branch of Stepping Forward Ministries, a Houston based 501 c3 nonprofit. Our mission is to use the unwavering truths in the Word of God to teach, equip, and empower people to StepFWD in their relationship with Christ. One of the ways we do that is through this podcast! If you'd like to know more about us please visit www.steppingfwd.org We'd love for you to provide feedback on how we can continue to bring you compelling content that matters to you. Your stories and thoughts are important to us. We believe that faith in action extends beyond our podcast, and together, we can make a difference. Reach out via Social Media (Steppingfwdministries) or at www.steppingfwd.org today! Also, don't forget to visit our donation page now, and let's keep this incredible journey going together. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, pays an epiosde forward for someone to hear about the love of Christ. Don't wait, your action today fuels the excitement for tomorrow's episode. You can go to our webpage to donate! Intrested in sponsoring our podcast season or episodes? Email us @ www.steppingfwd.org Have questions on how you can ask Jesus into your life, email us @ steppingfwd@steppingfwd.org or drop us a message at www.steppingfwd.org
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    1 hr and 36 mins
  • Light Your Torch

    Light Your Torch
    Oct 25 2024
    In this weeks episode titled "Light Your Torch," we dive deep into the metaphor of battle and why it serves as an effective framework for understanding and confronting the internal struggles we face as Christians. We explore how the spiritual life often resembles warfare, with both seen and unseen forces at play, and why it’s essential to be spiritually prepared for the challenges ahead. We begin by discussing the importance of recognizing that we are in a spiritual battle, not just against external circumstances but also within ourselves. Through this lens, we unpack the critical need for readiness and how we can equip ourselves to face these spiritual battles with courage and confidence. Next, we identify the essential tools that we can use for for battle. Practical examples are provided on how to incorporate these practices into your daily life, so you're not only prepared for the fight but also constantly tending to your spiritual health. We then shift to defining what victory looks like in the midst of a battle. Is it the absence of struggle, or is it something deeper? We reflect on how victory might look different depending on the situation, but at its core, victory is found in trusting God and walking in His strength, even when the battle is fierce. Finally, we touch on a topic often overlooked: the process of healing from spiritual wounds. We discuss how to tend to the wounds left by these battles and why spiritual healing is necessary for long-term growth. Practical insights are shared on how to seek restoration and recovery, reminding listeners that true victory includes not just the fight but also the healing that follows. This episode is a call to light your torch and be equipped for the battles you face, knowing that with God's guidance and the right tools, you can stand strong and experience both victory and healing. Biblical Rooting: 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Show Resources: Living IN Jesus, Christian Families Today Don’t Give the Enemy A Seat at Your Table, Louie Giglio Battlefield of the Mind, Joyce Meyer Winning the War, Craig Groeschel Armor of God, Pricilla Shirer Invitation to a Journey, Mullholand https://www.christianitytoday.com/2022/06/peabody-armor-of-god-armor-of-me-therese-lisieux/ https://emdrtherapyvolusia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Beliefs_Negative_Positive.pdf https://www.ndapandas.org/wp-content/uploads/archive/Documents/News/FeelingsWordList.pdf https://positivepsychology.com/coping-skills-worksheets/#6-coping-skills-worksheets-for-adults. Your Support Matters This podcast is a branch of Stepping Forward Ministries, a Houston based 501 c3 nonprofit. Our mission is to use the unwavering truths in the Word of God to teach, equip, and empower people to StepFWD in their relationship with Christ. One of the ways we do that is through this podcast! If you'd like to know more about us please visit www.steppingfwd.org We'd love for you to provide feedback on how we can continue to bring you compelling content that matters to you. Your stories and thoughts are important to us. We believe that faith in action extends beyond our podcast, and together, we can make a difference. Reach out via Social Media (Steppingfwdministries) or at www.steppingfwd.org today! Also, don't forget to visit our donation page now, and let's keep this incredible journey going together. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, pays an epiosde forward for someone to hear about the love of Christ. Don't wait, your action today fuels the excitement for tomorrow's episode. You can go to our webpage to donate! Intrested in sponsoring our podcast season or episodes? Email us @ www.steppingfwd.org Have questions on how you can ask Jesus into your life, email us @ steppingfwd@steppingfwd.org or drop us a message at www.steppingfwd.org...
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    1 hr and 29 mins
  • Ignite the Flame

    Ignite the Flame
    Oct 18 2024

    In this episode of Ignite the Flame, we explore what it truly means to grow spiritually and why it’s an essential part of every believer’s journey. Discover why God expects us to mature in our faith and how we can cultivate intimacy with Him through spiritual disciplines like prayer, studying Scripture, and worship.

    Join Dr. Ferguson and Leah Dyer as they break down the importance of intentional spiritual practices and how they ignite a deeper connection with God, fueling our everyday walk with Him. If you’ve ever wondered how to strengthen your relationship with Christ, this episode is for you!

    Biblical Rooting:

    5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8 NIV

    Show Resources:

    Living in Jesus

    Invitation to a Journey

    The Good and Beautiful God

    The Pursuit of God

    Your Support Matters

    This podcast is a branch of Stepping Forward Ministries, a Houston based 501 c3 nonprofit. Our mission is to use the unwavering truths in the Word of God to teach, equip, and empower people to StepFWD in their relationship with Christ. One of the ways we do that is through this podcast! If you'd like to know more about us please visit www.steppingfwd.org

    We'd love for you to provide feedback on how we can continue to bring you compelling content that matters to you. Your stories and thoughts are important to us. We believe that faith in action extends beyond our podcast, and together, we can make a difference. Reach out via Social Media (Steppingfwdministries) or at www.steppingfwd.org today!

    Also, don't forget to visit our donation page now, and let's keep this incredible journey going together. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, pays an epiosde forward for someone to hear about the love of Christ. Don't wait, your action today fuels the excitement for tomorrow's episode. You can go to our webpage to donate! Intrested in sponsoring our podcast season or episodes? Email us @ www.steppingfwd.org Have questions on how you can ask Jesus into your life, email us @ steppingfwd@steppingfwd.org or drop us a message at www.steppingfwd.org
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Shine Bright

    Shine Bright
    Oct 10 2024

    Join us for the kickoff of Season 4, where Leah Dyer co-hosts as we chat about the concept of "Light" and what it means to reflect and shine Jesus’ light in the world. In this episode, we’ll discuss the obstacles we face as believers when striving to be the "Light of the World" and how we can overcome them. We’ll also explore the importance of bearing fruit as followers of Christ, focusing on the Fruit of the Spirit as a supernatural gift that benefits both us and those around us. You won’t want to miss this conversation about living out our faith in a world that desperately needs hope and light!

    Biblical Rooting:

    You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

    Show Resources:

    Living in Jesus

    Invitation to a Journey

    The Good and Beautiful God

    The Pursuit of God

    Your Support Matters

    This podcast is a branch of Stepping Forward Ministries, a Houston based 501 c3 nonprofit. Our mission is to use the unwavering truths in the Word of God to teach, equip, and empower people to StepFWD in their relationship with Christ. One of the ways we do that is through this podcast! If you'd like to know more about us please visit www.steppingfwd.org

    We'd love for you to provide feedback on how we can continue to bring you compelling content that matters to you. Your stories and thoughts are important to us. We believe that faith in action extends beyond our podcast, and together, we can make a difference. Reach out via Social Media (Steppingfwdministries) or at www.steppingfwd.org today!

    Also, don't forget to visit our donation page now, and let's keep this incredible journey going together. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, pays an epiosde forward for someone to hear about the love of Christ. Don't wait, your action today fuels the excitement for tomorrow's episode. You can go to our webpage to donate! Intrested in sponsoring our podcast season or episodes? Email us @ www.steppingfwd.org Have questions on how you can ask Jesus into your life, email us @ steppingfwd@steppingfwd.org or drop us a message at www.steppingfwd.org
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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • Testimonies of Faith with Catherine Martinez

    Testimonies of Faith with Catherine Martinez
    Oct 4 2024

    Join us for the powerful season finale of our podcast as we sit down with the remarkable Catherine Martinez. In this deeply personal episode, Catherine courageously shares her journey—a story that will resonates with most of us.

    From teenage pregnancy and facing hardships head-on to grappling with the profound question of who God is, Catherine's story is one of prayer, faith, and redemption. She invites us into her world, sharing the struggles and triumphs that have shaped her into the woman she is today.

    But perhaps the most poignant aspect of Catherine's story is her willingness to release the thing she loves most to God. Through tears and surrender, she teaches us the profound lesson of letting go and trusting in God's plan, even when it seems impossible.

    Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and deeply moved as Catherine's story touches your heart and soul. Join us for this unforgettable season finale as we celebrate Catherine's journey of being "Reseeded" in the fertile soil of God's grace and love.

    Biblical Rooting:

    Ephesians 1:7-8 NLT "He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding."

    Help Support Our Podcast

    Your story matters. If this story resonates with you or you have a story of your own to share, we want to hear from you. Reach out and be part of the conversation. Let's inspire and support one another on this incredible journey of faith. We'd also love for you to provide feedback on how we can continue to bring you compelling content that matters to you. Your stories and thoughts are important to us. We believe that faith in action extends beyond our podcast, and together, we can make a difference. Reach out via Social Media or at www.steppingfwd.org today!

    Also, don't forget to visit our donation page now, and let's keep this incredible journey going together. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, pays an epiosde forward for someone to hear about the love of Christ. Don't wait, your action today fuels the excitement for tomorrow's episode. You can go to our webpage to donate or you can email us about episode sponsorships @ www.steppingfwd.org Have questions on how you can ask Jesus into your life, email us @ steppingfwd@steppingfwd.org
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    2 hrs