Episodes
Do you find it difficult to change? Do certain habits, behavioral patterns, and sins tempt you daily, leaving you longing to resist but feeling powerless? What does it mean to be sanctified truly? Can people change? In this new reflection, Jonathan Youssef reveals the hope that is found in sanctification and rejoices in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ - which is not only a historical event but also our hope that change is possible.
Published 04/30/24
Sit down with Jonathan Youssef for a compelling conversation with Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett, authors of The Deconstruction of Christianity: What It Is. Why It's Destructive. How to Respond. This discussion examines the pervasive and unsettling movement of faith deconstruction sweeping churches today. Whether it's affecting your loved ones, straining relationships, or stirring doubts within you, this episode provides crucial understanding and guidance. Together, we will try to understand...
Published 04/23/24
In this new reflection, Jonathan shares the Biblical principles of teamwork and selflessness that should be found within the church community. Continuing from last week's reflection, "Are you walking in truth?", Jonathan recounts the story of Bill Romanowski, an incredibly talented former NFL player known for his less-than-ideal teamwork. His story is a modern parallel to the Biblical account of Diotrephes, who prioritized self-interest over communal harmony. Join us as we uncover what...
Published 04/16/24
Join Jonathan Youssef to navigate the complexities of truth and love. In this episode of Candid, Jonathan will examine the challenges of understanding these concepts, including whether absolute truth exists and the multifaceted nature of love. The conversation touches on the Christian perspective of being salt and light to a dying world that lacks an understanding of truth and love. It highlights the importance of living out the truth of our faith with love and patience in the...
Published 04/09/24
How do you forgive when you feel deeply wronged and wounded? Is it important to ask for forgiveness when we have wronged someone else? On today's episode of Candid, Jonathan Youssef unpacks the parable of the unmerciful servant in Matthew 18 and reveals how giving and receiving forgiveness are intertwined.
Published 04/02/24
Good Friday invites us to witness Christ's profound love and sacrifice, urging us to ponder our role in this redemptive narrative. It calls us to seize the hope and transformation found only in Jesus’s death and Resurrection, motivating us to live lives that reflect Christ's calling. Join Jonathan Youssef for a thoughtful reflection on the events of Good Friday. We'll explore the depth of Jesus's suffering and its crucial role in delivering salvation and hope to the world. We’ll also explore...
Published 03/26/24
Is your prayer life effective? Like many, you may ask, "What is an effective prayer life?" Join Jonathan Youssef to explore the question of what makes prayer effective. With insights from James 5:16 and the prophet Daniel's prayer life, listeners are guided through the foundational aspects of a prayer that resonates with God, including righteousness, praise, confession, mercy, and bold petitions. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of aligning our prayers with God's will, as revealed through...
Published 03/19/24
In this enlightening episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan Youssef welcomes Phylicia Masonheimer, an influential writer, speaker, and the founder of Every Woman a Theologian. With a Bachelor of Science in Religion and author of pivotal books such as Every Woman a Theologian: Know What You Believe, Live It Confidently, Communicate It Graciously, and Stop Calling Me Beautiful: Finding Soul-Deep Strength in a Skin-Deep World, Phylicia shares her compelling journey from growing up in a...
Published 03/12/24
Join Jonathan to discover the roots and the dangers of the prosperity gospel. In this insightful reflection, Jonathan highlights the danger of the prosperity gospel and its power to distort faith into a tool for material gain, urging listeners to prioritize their devotion to Jesus Christ over wealth. He emphasizes the importance of choosing eternal treasures over worldly ones, using Moses and Jesus Christ as models for forsaking earthly riches for God's glory. The episode of Candid...
Published 03/05/24
Jordan Taylor was entrenched in the New Age for more than ten years. She practiced witchcraft, performed spells, was a tarot card reader, and enrolled in classes to sharpen her psychic abilities. She was a certified Reiki master and yoga teacher. She used crystals as a means of healing, protecting, and manifesting. She worshiped nature and worked with goddesses. She found her spirit guides and let them lead the course of her life. She believed she created her reality and was her god,...
Published 02/27/24
With the average day filled with endless smartphone scrolling and binge-watching, how often do we pause to reflect on the deeper longing behind our screen time? Join Jonathan to explore the complex relationship between modern entertainment and our spiritual well-being. Jonathan shares the balance between enjoying life's pleasures and not letting them overshadow our primary purpose: to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Inspired by insights from the digital age and the wisdom of scripture,...
Published 02/20/24
In this NEW episode of Candid Conversations, host Jonathan Youssef welcomes Dave Hubbard back to the program. Dave is a former NFL football player and pastor at The Church of The Apostles. In this encouraging episode, he shares his rich experiences and insights on serving both within the church and in the broader community. With a background that spans professional sports to full-time ministry, Dave offers a unique perspective on the importance of active service and its challenges and rewards.
Published 02/13/24
Jonathan sits with internationally renowned author, apologist, evangelist, and former investigative journalist Lee Strobel. Known for his bestselling book, The Case for Christ, Strobel shares insights from his remarkable journey from skepticism to faith. The discussion then turns to his latest book, Is God Real? Exploring the Ultimate Question of Life, where he blends his investigative skills with theological inquiry. The episode offers an enlightening perspective on the recurring question...
Published 02/06/24
The question that weighs heavily on so many hearts and minds is, "How do I pray for and reach my unsaved loved ones for Christ?" On today's episode of Candid, Jonathan Youssef unpacks this question and provides Biblical insight into why we pray, the relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, and the blessing we have in bearing witness to and praying for our unsaved loved ones.
Published 01/30/24
Explore the transformative power of God’s Word in this new Candid Conversations episode. Learn how it acts as a guardian, strengthens character, sustains through life's pressures, and heals the spirit. Join Jonathan as he reflects on the cleansing, covering, and correction offered through God's Word as outlined in Psalm 119. Listen now, discover practical ways to integrate God’s Word into your daily life, and experience the enrichment available only in the Truth of Christ.
Published 01/23/24
As we walk closely with Christ, there will be times when we must choose between the calling God has put on our lives and something else like a relationship, friendship, family, or career choices. Can you imagine being at the top of an illustrious career when God asks you to leave it for vocational ministry? When most people revel in success and stay to move up to their dream position, today's Candid Conversations guest chose to follow the call of God on his life to serve Christ and His...
Published 01/16/24
Have you ever wondered what God's call is for your life? Do you think about what He created you to do? Do you wrestle and ask if you are in the center of His will? These are questions we all wrestle with periodically. If you are in that place now or know someone who is, today's podcast is for you. Jonathan welcomes Clay Kirkland back to Candid Conversations. Clay is a life coach who served 18 years as the Director of Staff Development at The Wesley Foundation at The University of Georgia,...
Published 01/09/24
In this new reflection on renewal, Jonathan Youssef delves into the power of the new year as a time to reflect on our faith with a powerful message from Hebrews 13:5-6. First, he reminds us of God's unchanging promise never to leave us and explains how understanding this truth will allow us to live without fear, embracing contentment and courage in Christ. Join Jonathan and be encouraged to reflect on how God is shaping you to be more like Christ and to serve others in the coming year. He...
Published 01/02/24
The Christmas season is here, and we are excited to share some special Christmas Caroling with Mac Powell and Jonathan Youssef. Mac Powell is the worship leader at The Church of The Apostles. He is also a Grammy award-winning recording artist. In this Christmas episode, Mac and Jonathan have a lot of fun talking about their favorite Christmas traditions, songs, and the incredible reality of God’s saving love through His son Jesus. Oh, and yes… Mac will be serenading us with a few of his...
Published 12/26/23
The Christmas season often captivates us with its superficial wonders—exchanging presents, festive gatherings, and decorating our spaces. In this new Christmas reflection, Jonathan warns that these things can sometimes overshadow the reason for the Advent season, preventing us from focusing on the profound meaning of Christmas—Emmanuel, God with us.
Published 12/19/23
Could you be missing a miracle of God? Are you too busy for God's intrusion into your life? God took on flesh in Bethlehem on a night when the streets were bustling with congestion created by a mandatory census. People were busy, but the Messiah quietly came into the world. Some stopped what they were doing and followed God's prompting, but so many missed it. How will you spend Christmas? Will you join the hustle and bustle and miss the true gift of the season? Or, will you slow down,...
Published 12/12/23
As a Christian parent, you undoubtedly yearn to guide your children in nurturing their love for Christ. But the question remains: How can you enjoyably accomplish this meaningful task? If you want to connect your children with the love of Christ, you won't want to miss this episode. Today, Jonathan is delighted to welcome back Zack Carden to Candid Conversations. Jonathan and Zack share a deep bond, with both serving for many years on staff at The Church of The Apostles. Zack now holds the...
Published 12/05/23
Should Christians allow their children to trick-or-treat? Is Santa Claus ok? Are we free to send our children to public school? The list of debatable issues is endless - places where Biblical principles should be applied, but will every Christian apply them the same way? Join Jonathan Youssef and Dr. Bruce Lowe to explore the delicate balance between conviction and grace, navigate the complexities of disagreements within the Christian faith, and understand when to hold Christian beliefs...
Published 11/28/23
November rolls around and we all think about giving thanks. Jonathan welcomes Mary Mohler to Candid Conversations to discuss what Biblical gratitude really is – a gratitude that is more than thanking God for all the good things in our lives. Mary Mohler serves in ministry alongside her husband, Dr. Al Mohler, at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. She is also the founder and director of Seminary Wives Institute, an academic program for students' wives that...
Published 11/21/23