What would it take to convince your own siblings that you are God?

Robby Lashua is back in the studio with Sarah and Steve for a special Easter episode. With his background in apologetics, Robby brings a compelling and thoughtful perspective on the resurrection. From the empty tomb and the transformed lives of the disciples to the historical reality of the crucifixion and Paul’s dramatic conversion, the evidence points powerfully to the risen Christ.

But one often-overlooked piece of the story is the conversion of Jesus’ own brothers. During His ministry, they didn’t believe in Him as Savior. They weren’t part of His following, despite witnessing His miracles and hearing His teaching. They weren’t even present at His death. In fact, Scripture suggests there was a strong dislike for their brother.

So, what changed? How did they go from disbelief to devotion after the resurrection? James, Jesus’ brother, would eventually become a leader in the early church and even give his life for his faith.

Robby leads a rich conversation around this remarkable transformation, offering practical apologetics and fresh insight into the resurrection. Steve adds additional context that highlights why the resurrection remains central to the Christian faith. We hope this episode encourages you and prepares your heart as you celebrate Easter this weekend!

Go back to Episodes 90-99 for daily Passion Week devotionals from the Resident Strangers team

Celebrate Easter at Desert Springs in Goodyear

Celebrate Easter at Palmcroft Church in North Phoenix (where Robby pastors)

For links to the books Robby recommends in the episode email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com 📖

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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.

This week, the conversation around missions continues as Steve, Rich, and Sarah take a deeper look at what mission work really looks like and what it truly requires. Sarah opens up about a decision she faced early in her college years, wrestling with whether she was called to commit to full-time missions. Steve reflects on how, in the past, becoming a missionary meant a complete surrender of your life, and how remarkable it is that so many made that decision at such a young age. Rich adds that today’s ease of travel has dramatically expanded opportunities for mission work around the world.

Together, they unpack the idea that missions is a both/and calling. It is not just meeting physical needs, but, even more importantly, addressing spiritual ones. While full-time mission work still carries a real weight and sacrifice, it doesn’t mean the everyday follower of Christ isn’t called to share the gospel. No matter the setting, intentionality is key.

Interested in Missions at Desert Springs? Email our Missions Pastor Jamie Engram at james@dscchurch.com

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Sign up for the Resident Strangers email list

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.

The Resident Strangers crew is back from spring break and excited to jump back into conversations on topics that matter today! Over the next two weeks, Steve, Rich, and Sarah will be talking about missions.

Rich kicks things off with an important question: Why should followers of Christ engage in mission work at all? The answer becomes clear when we look at the Great Commission: Jesus’ final instruction to His followers to go into the world and make disciples.

Steve quickly points out that missions isn’t limited to being “somewhere overseas.” Every follower of Christ is called to live on mission right where they are. When we think of missions only as something that happens “over there,” we can easily miss the calling God has placed right in front of us. Missions isn’t simply a trip we take, it’s a way of life.

Serving others with a genuine heart is one of the most powerful ways to minister to people. In the conversation, Steve also addresses some of the questions and controversies that can surround intentional mission work.

We hope this discussion offers a fresh perspective and encourages you to live on mission today!

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Sign up for the Resident Strangers email list

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.