On today’s podcast, we’re exploring a topic that is often overlooked in Christian circles yet deeply woven into the human experience—the pursuit of happiness. For some, the very idea raises red flags. The pursuit of happiness? Isn’t that something to avoid—perhaps even condemn? Many view it as a slippery slope toward moral compromise, a distraction from holiness that leads away from the cross and toward fleeting, worldly pleasures.

After all, isn’t the Christian life about duty, sacrifice, and obedience? Doesn’t Scripture call us to self-denial, suffering, and surrender rather than personal fulfillment? But is that the full picture? Have we misunderstood what true happiness is? Does Christianity really demand that we renounce happiness, or is there a deeper, more biblical vision—one that doesn’t pit holiness against joy, but rather sees them as inseparably linked?

In today’s episode, we’ll challenge common assumptions, explore what Scripture actually says, and ask whether the pursuit of happiness has a rightful place in the Christian life. Join us as we take a fresh and thoughtful look at “The Pursuit of Happiness: A Christian Perspective.”

This is a sermon that Sam Raju gave during Priority One weekend at First Baptist Salem on contending for the Faith. In Jude, the apostle calls believers to contend for the Faith. Let’s dig into these words and join Sam as he speaks from Jude 1-4.

On his recent visit to Estonia, Sam was interviewed by Estonian National primetime TV host and actor Hannes Hermaküla on the relationship between faith and science, the problem of evil and more.

In this episode of Faith Informed, we will delve into prayer. What is prayer? Why should we pray? Does prayer alter God’s plans and purposes? Is prayer really efficacious or is it pointless? Dr. Craig Hazen (former director of the Apologetics Program at Biola University) joins Sam Raju to answer these questions and more. We will examine passages like John 15:7, “ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” What does Jesus mean here?

(Part 2) On his recent visit to Estonia, Sam was interviewed by Estonian National primetime TV host and actor Hannes Hermaküla on the relationship between faith and science, the problem of evil and more.

On his recent visit to Estonia, Sam was interviewed by Estonian National primetime TV host and actor Hannes Hermaküla on the relationship between faith and science, the problem of evil and more.

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into some crucial questions about the church. What is the church? Why should believers be a part of it? What are the challenges it faces today, especially in the West? And how can we navigate disputes and show love to those we disagree with?

In this episode, we will continue our conversation with Doug Geivett and Holly Pivec on the NAR movement. The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) began in the 1980s and has since gained a global following. Rooted in churches such as Bethel Church in Redding, CA, and the International House of Prayer (IHOP) in Kansas City, Kansas, the NAR has experienced rapid growth. However, many of the NAR's teachings diverge significantly from historic Christianity, with some even being labeled as "heresy."