Steve, Rich, and Sarah are back from their two-week summer break and ready to jump into the fall!

Today, they’re tackling a topic that can feel a little murky, even for Christians: witchcraft and the occult. While it may seem like something from the fringes of culture, witchcraft and practices like astrology and tarot have become increasingly common, with some people even incorporating them into their personal identity.

The Bible is very clear in its warnings against witchcraft and the occult, describing these practices as something that can slowly draw people in. Steve points out that what starts as something seemingly innocent or harmless can easily lead to something much deeper.

So, what does this actually look like for Christians? Should we read our horoscopes? Play with Ouija boards? Practice yoga? Watch shows featuring characters with supernatural abilities? The crew works through these questions and brings the conversation down to a practical, everyday level.

Rich reminds us that in Jesus, we have access to all the supernatural power we could ever need. The struggle comes when we’re called to surrender every part of ourselves, including the things we may look to for power, guidance, or protection outside of Him. Steve also helps clarify what kind of power Satan and demons actually have and where their limits are.

As we head into the fall and the holidays that often bring these themes to the forefront, we hope this conversation brings some clarity, challenges your thinking, and gives you plenty to consider!

Episode 13 on Halloween (audio only)

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This week on Resident Strangers, Sarah asks Steve and Rich to tackle the topic of modern-day prophecy.

Defining prophecy isn't always as straightforward as it seems, even in Scripture. Before diving in, the crew makes it clear that they are not cessationists; they believe the spiritual gifts did not cease after the New Testament.

Throughout the Bible, prophecy takes different forms. Sometimes it's the foretelling of future events, like the prophecies fulfilled in Christ's birth or the visions of Revelation. Other times, it involves God revealing something that was previously hidden. Today, many people also claim to receive fresh prophetic words from God. Steve and Rich share some of their own experiences, some of them admittedly unusual, while pointing back to what Scripture teaches.

Looking at passages like Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12-14, they discuss the gift of prophecy in the early church, recognizing that believers at that time did not yet have the completed Word of God. So, should prophecy today be considered normative or miraculous?

One thing is certain: any modern claim to prophecy must be tested against Scripture. God will never reveal something that contradicts His Word. It's also important to ask whether a prophecy has actually come to pass. If God has truly spoken, what He says will prove true.

Rich also offers an important reminder: modern prophetic experiences should never be elevated above the ordinary Christian life. As 1 Corinthians 14:3 says, "The one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort." That standard alone helps us evaluate much of what is labeled as prophecy today.

Steve, Rich, and Sarah are taking a two-week summer break and look forward to being back with you on August 4th! In the meantime, catch up on any episodes you may have missed, revisit your favorites, share the podcast with a friend, and leave a review. See you in August!

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If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

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Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

This episode wraps up our summer series, What Does the Bible Say About ___?, as we conclude our discussion on Christians and Israel.

Rich kicks things off with two important questions, one theological and one following up on something Steve mentioned: Is the modern nation-state of Israel the same Israel that God made promises to throughout Scripture? And is dispensationalism something Christians should hold to?

As the conversation unfolds, Sarah touches on our natural desire to belong and be part of something bigger than ourselves. While there's nothing inherently wrong with that, it becomes a problem when our identity is found in a movement rather than in Christ.

The discussion then returns to the original question: How should Christians view and support Israel today? In short, supporting Israel does not mean endorsing everything the nation does. We live in a fallen world, and while we can pray for and desire God's blessing on a nation, we should also recognize that no earthly government is perfect. It's okay to acknowledge injustice, inconsistency, or wrongdoing wherever it exists. That's why praying for peace is so important. Not only for Israel, but for the United States as well.

The episode also explores the difference between political analysis and biblical theology. In today's world, it's tempting to reduce every issue to "good guys" versus "bad guys," but reality is often much more complex. And honestly, hasn't it always been?

We hope you've enjoyed these last eight weeks as we've wrestled through some challenging topics and what the Bible says about them. What would you like us to talk about next?

Check out Episode 86 (audio only) of Resident Strangers where replacement theology is discussed

Steve's sermon on this topic from February 2026

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Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

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Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.