It’s the most famous end-times concept in modern culture: a secret, sudden event where believers vanish and leave the world behind. But is the "Rapture" actually found in the pages of Scripture?

In the finale of our End Times series, we tackle the "Rapture" head-on. We dive deep into the three specific Bible passages most people use to support the idea - John 14, Matthew 24, and 1 Thessalonians 4 - and discover that when you read them in context, they tell a completely different story.

We move beyond the fear-based theology of "Left Behind" to uncover a biblical hope that is far more beautiful: not an escape plan from Earth, but the promise of God’s return to Earth to renew all things.

Join us as we wrap up this series by trading the anxiety of an evacuation for the hope of a restoration.

For most of our lives, we’ve been given one picture of the afterlife: we leave Earth and go "up" to a disembodied heaven of clouds, harps, and pearly gates. But what if that popular idea isn't actually what the Bible is pointing toward?

In Part 2 of our series on the end times, we challenge this "escape" narrative. We trace the real biblical story, from the Garden of Eden to the Tabernacle, from Jesus as the walking Temple to the stunning finale in Revelation. What we find is a consistent, powerful theme: God's plan isn't to get us off Earth, it's to bring heaven down to Earth.

Join us as we explore the breathtaking vision of a "garden city" on a renewed creation, and what this means for our mission right here and now. If our goal isn't just to sell "tickets to heaven," what are we supposed to be doing? This conversation will change the way you see your purpose.

(And get ready for Part 3, where we'll finally ask: "So, what about the rapture?")

Every few years, a new date for the "end of the world" goes viral. But what if our entire understanding of the "apocalypse" is wrong? What if the Bible was never trying to give us a secret timetable for the future?

In this episode (Part 1 of a new series), we're tackling the hype around "end times" head-on. We share our own experiences with everything from Left Behind books to failed predictions, and discuss why this kind of sensationalism can be so unhelpful.

Then we dive deep: What does the word "apocalypse" actually mean? (Hint: It's not "catastrophe.") We explore books like Daniel and Revelation in their original context, finding that they weren't written as crystal balls, but as powerful letters of hope to suffering people, meant to inspire faithful endurance in the present.

Join us as we reframe this confusing topic, moving from anxious speculation to a more hopeful and practical understanding of scripture.

What happens when God finally breaks His silence? In the final episode of our series on Job, we explore God's stunning response from the whirlwind - an answer that has nothing to do with Job's suffering and everything to do with God's wisdom and power.

We discuss how God reframes the entire conversation, moving Job from a place of demanding answers to a place of humble trust. This is a deep dive into what it means to find perspective in pain, wrestle honestly with faith, and ultimately find peace not in understanding why, but in knowing Who.

Don't miss the powerful conclusion to our journey through one of the Bible's most challenging and essential books.

In the middle of suffering, do you feel pressure to pretend you're okay? This episode is for you.

Continuing our conversation on the Book of Job, we explore the surprising truth that God doesn't demand our stoic positivity; He invites our honest pain. We look at Job as a model for how to wrestle with God, and his friends as a warning against the "toxic positivity" that so often hurts those who are grieving.

This is a permission-giving conversation for anyone who is tired of easy answers and wants to find a more honest and compassionate way to walk through hardship with God and with others.

Why do our best intentions so often lead to empty platitudes when we try to comfort someone in pain? We’ve all been there: on the receiving end of a well-meaning but hurtful comment, or on the giving end, fumbling for the right words and saying the exact wrong thing.

To wrestle with this universal problem, we turn to one of the oldest and most honest stories about suffering ever written: the Book of Job. Using Job’s story, and some personal experiences we'll share along the way, we explore the anatomy of bad comfort. We tackle the "everything happens for a reason" mindset, the dangers of prosperity gospel thinking, and why Job’s infamous "friends" are a perfect mirror for our own mistakes.

This isn't just a theoretical Bible study; it's a practical guide to becoming a better comforter. We explore what it truly means to offer your presence instead of your opinions and how to love people well in their darkest moments.

This is Part 1 of a deep and vulnerable conversation that we can't wait to share with you. Join us as we try to find a better way forward.

Are video games a simple escape, or can they be a legitimate training ground for real-life character development? In this episode, Nate and Tony explore how their lifelong hobby has shaped them as people.

The conversation goes beyond the usual debate, digging into how the challenges in games can be a low-stakes environment to practice real-world virtues. From the grueling perseverance required to climb a pixilated mountain in Celeste to the collaborative teamwork of a Destiny raid, the hosts share personal stories of how gaming has taught them resilience, problem-solving, and even empathy.

Of course, it's not all positive. They also discuss the importance of wisdom and moderation, tackling the real dangers of addiction, escapism, and toxic gaming communities. Ultimately, they land on a nuanced answer and an invitation for you to reflect on your own experiences.

What has a game taught you? Join the conversation and let us know.

In this episode, hosts Nate and Tony, along with guest Michael, delve into the intricate topic of biblical literalism. The discussion kicks off with a clarification of what biblical literalism entails: the belief that the Bible should be read as entirely true, taken at face value without metaphorical interpretation. They explore historical, scientific, and literary implications of this belief, including potential contradictions within the Bible itself, such as those found between Genesis 1 and 2. Questions are raised about the feasibility and risks of a strictly literal approach, considering the varied genres within the Bible—poetry, history, prophecy, and letters. The hosts emphasize the importance of context and historical setting in understanding scripture. Reflecting on their own journeys, Nate, Tony, and Michael illustrate how their views on biblical literalism have evolved, highlighting the necessity of a nuanced reading to truly grasp the depth and intended messages of the Bible. They provide resources for further study, such as the Bible Project and 'How to Read the Bible for All It's Worth.' The episode concludes with an encouragement to love God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to approach biblical study as both a personal and communal journey.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:36 Defining Biblical Literalism

02:29 Different Perspectives on Biblical Literalism

04:56 Challenges and Nuances of Literal Interpretation

09:22 Literalism vs. Contextual Understanding

17:30 Contradictions and Complexities in the Bible

21:22 The Importance of Context in Interpretation

22:44 Misinterpretation of Scripture

23:51 Context in Biblical Interpretation

25:58 Literalism and Its Pitfalls

30:37 Nuanced Approaches to Scripture

36:04 Personal Journeys in Understanding the Bible

42:26 Encouragement for Bible Study

48:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts