Ed Stetzer Live
255 episodes - English - Latest episode: 14 days ago - ★★★★ - 32 ratingsDiscover new ways to show and share the love of Jesus to a broken and a hurting world. Join Ed Stetzer in an engaging discussion of today’s cultural trends.
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Episodes
Allowing God to Fill our Emptiness
September 12, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesIt's amazing how heavy the weight of emptiness can be. How much pain and struggle can be caused by something that isn't even there. Disappointment in relationships, loneliness, a craving for things that don't satisfy, a search for purpose and meaning, unfulfilled dreams. Author Nancy Guthrie talks with Ed Stetzer about how our emptiness can allow God to do his best work in our lives, by filling it with himself.
The Bible and the Black Church
September 05, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesDuring these difficult times in our culture, some within the African American community are questioning the place of the Christian faith in the struggle for justice. But New Testament scholar Esau McCaulley argues that reading Scripture from the perspective of Black church tradition is invaluable for addressing the urgent issues of our times. He talks with Ed Stetzer about how this model can speak to topics sometimes overlooked, such as ethnicity, political protest, policing, and slavery.
Embracing our Kingdom Ethnicity
August 29, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesWhen it comes to the ethnic divisions in our world, we speak often of seeking racial reconciliation. But God’s people are the only people on earth who have experienced true reconciliation. Pastor D. A. Horton talks with Ed Stetzer about how Christians can embrace our Kingdom ethnicity, combating the tensions in our culture with the hope of Jesus Christ.
Embracing the College Years
August 22, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesIt's August and many college students are heading back to school. Some online, some on campus and some a little bit of both. With Covid-19 cases rising, It's both a historic time in the world and a life-shaping time for these students. Ed Stetzer talks with Biola President Barry Corey about how to embrace the college years and make them count.
Strengthening Your Marriage During Challenging Times
August 15, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesThis coronavirus pandemic has been tough on people's health, finances and relationships. The spring's Stay at Home orders kept many people feeling lonely and isolated. But those orders also kept families at home together... which helped deepen relationships for some, and intensified friction for others. Ron and Jody Zappia talk with Ed Stetzer about how to strengthen and enjoy your marriage during these tough times and beyond.
Camping: Meeting God in Nature
August 08, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesSummer's here. It's time to kick back, fire up the barbeque and enjoy the sunshine. What better way to do all these things than to go camping? Enjoying the beautiful world God has created... is also a great way to connect with Him. Ed Stetzer talks with Rob Ribbe, Director of Wheaton College's HoneyRock, on how some time outdoors enjoying God's creation, can transform your life and mission.
Where is God in the Pandemic?
August 01, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesMore than 17 million people have contracted Covid-19 since the pandemic began, with nearly 675,000 people dead. The climbing numbers have many wondering what God's role is in the suffering. Dr. Erwin Lutzer talks with Ed Stetzer about how God uses tragedies throughout the Bible to speak to his people -- and how this trouble can reveal God's ultimate plan for our salvation.
Battling Addiction
July 25, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesMany people struggle with strongholds and addictions. For some, it's alcohol or drugs, for others it may be gambling or pornography. My Pillow CEO, Mike Lindell's addictions led him to a jail cell. He talks with Ed Stetzer about the addictions that drove him to rock bottom and the redemption of a savior that gave him hope and a future.
Examining C.S. Lewis
July 18, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesChristian apologist C.S. Lewis argued for a reason-based Christianity. Today, when so many people are claiming agnosticism and atheism, perhaps a reason-based faith is more important than ever to explore. Wheaton College professors Jerry Root and David Downing have written books on Lewis. Ed Stetzer will talk with them about the impact he can have today in our witness for Christ.
Finding Happiness
July 11, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesEveryone wants to be happy. But what if the satisfaction you're searching for isn't what you were designed for? Former NFL player and Pastor Derwin Gray talks with Ed Stetzer about how we can find our true happiness on mission for Christ in our churches and in our culture.
Demonstrating Patriotism and Faith
July 04, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesWhat does it mean to be patriotic? And where do we stand when our values embedded in our faith differ from the laws of the country? Wheaton College Associate Professor of Politics and Law and former U.S. Attorney for New Mexico David Iglesias talks with Ed Stetzer about patriotism on a special Independence Day edition of Ed Stetzer Live.
Giving Trafficking Victims a Fresh Start
June 27, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesA U.S. Government report reveals that on any given day nearly 5 million people are victims of forced sexual exploitation. Human trafficking is real and it's happening all around us. In our cities, suburbs and to people in our greater communities. Ed Stetzer talks with Executive Director and Co-Founder of Naomi House, Simone Halpin, about what it takes for human trafficking survivors to overcome their past and how to give them a new start.
Evangelizing in our Culture
June 20, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesThe Evangelical movement has been in the headlines and a part of the national discourse over the last few decades. But the public understanding of what Evangelicals believe can differ from the truth of their faith. Religious historian Thomas Kidd talks with Ed Stetzer about this spiritual movement and how it impacts our culture today.
Evangelizing in our Culture
June 13, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesAs scientists look for a vaccine for Covid-19, many people are putting their hope in getting "back to normal" in the success of that research. But as believers, while we may appreciate and cheer on that work, our real hope is in Christ. Ed Stetzer talks with Wheaton College's Rhiannon Blaauw Erskine about the hope we have today and tomorrow.
Science vs. Faith
June 13, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesAs scientists look for a vaccine for Covid-19, many people are putting their hope in getting "back to normal" in the success of that research. But as believers, while we may appreciate and cheer on that work, our real hope is in Christ. Ed Stetzer talks with Wheaton College's Rhiannon Blaauw Erskine about the hope we have today and tomorrow.
Finding Racial Healing
June 06, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesProtesters around the country have taken to the streets for more than a week, demanding racial justice. Ed Stetzer talks with Pastors James Meeks and John Jenkins about how we, as the church, can help bring about healing.
Fighting Racism
May 30, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesProtesters took to the street this week after an unarmed black man, George Floyd was killed by police in Minneapolis. The incident has brought the issue of racism to the forefront of the American dialogue. Ed Stetzer talks with Wheaton College New Testament Assistant Professor Esau McCaulley about what the Bible says about racism.
Honoring Military in a Pandemic
May 23, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesWhile the world focuses on our physical health during this coronavirus pandemic, military chaplains are focused on spiritual health as well. Chaplains are tasked with helping people nurture connectedness, even wehn physical proximity is limited. North American Mission Board Chaplain (Maj. Genl.) Doug Carver talks with Ed Stetzer about how chaplains are geting creative in how they offer spiritual support.
Surviving Covid-19
May 16, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesDarrin Godin was diagnosed with Covid-19 in March and spent nine days on a ventilator. His prognosis was bleak, but through the medical care of so many people and prayers from friends and family around the country, he was cured. Now, he sees his recovery as a second-chance, on mission for Christ.
Soul Care during a Crisis
May 09, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesA crisis, like COVID-19, can easily expose the gaps in our capacities and our relationships. Feelings like anxiety and depression, can suddenly develop. That sense of being overwhelmed can feel threatening. Ed Stetzer talks with Soul Care's Mindy Caliguire about how to care for our souls during such a precarious time.
Reopening after Quarantine
May 02, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesMost people around the country have been home for the last month, during stay-at-home orders as the coronavirus pandemic spread throughout the country. Now, many states are opening their economies. Ed Stetzer talks with Wheaton College's Joshua Laxton about the stressers so many face during this crisis.
Coping during Covid-19
April 25, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesAs we see the numbers of people who've fallen ill to Covid-19 rise, anxieties rise too. Other affects of this pandemic... job losses, social isolation, have also impacted emotions. Some people just feel cooped up at home. For others, it's much worse. Wheaton College Dean of the School of Psychology, Counseling and Family Therapy Terri Watson talks with Ed Stetzer about practical steps we can take to stay mentally healthy and focus our eyes on Jesus, our real hope.
Finding Real Hope during Coronavirus Pandemic
April 18, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesAs the world watches the numbers of people impacted by Covid-19 climb, anxieties rise. Some worry about the loss of a job. Some worry about their health. Many worry about both. As believers, we have a different story to share. Our hope is in Christ. Wheaton College President Dr. Phil Ryken talks with Ed Stetzer about how we as believers can spread hope in this momentous time in history.
Leaning on Christ amidst Coronavirus Pandemic
April 11, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesThe Novel Coronavirus has stopped much of the world in its tracks. Economies, shut down. People, staying at home. Family celebrations, on hold. Hospitals filled with this people suffering from this virus that's captured global attention. So where is God in all of this? John Piper talks with Ed Stetzer about how God is using this moment in history to accomplish his wise and good purposes for those who put their trust in Him.
Church Planting and Unity during Pandemic
April 04, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesAs the Novel Coronavirus spreads throughout the U.S. and the globe, we're operating in a new normal. People are urged to stay home and isolate. Many have friends who've become sick by the virus. Some have died. Ed Stetzer talks with Redeemer City to City's Michael Carrion about how we can draw on God in this time and how that faith can be our hope.
Outreach amidst Coronavirus Pandemic
March 28, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesAs the Novel Coronavirus spreads throughout the U.S. and the globe, we're operating in a new normal. Church services are canceled and pastors and churches must find a new way to reach people. Ed Stetzer talks with Pastors Aaron Campbell and John K. Jenkins about the work they're doing to care for those in their church and reach new people in need.
Finding Hope in Christ Alone
March 21, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesAs the Coronavirus spreads throughout the U.S. and the globe, we're operating in a new normal. Restaurants and stores are closed. Sporting events and concerts are canceled. People are urged to isolate. So how do we keep our spirits lifted in a season that inspires fear? Ed Stetzer talks with Keith Getty about how we can draw on God in this time and how that faith can inspire others.
The Church's Response to Pandemics
March 14, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesThe global spread of the Coronavirus, Covid-19, has reached pandemic proportions. Not only are more than one-hundred thousand people dealing with the virus itself, but even more are grappling with fear. Kent Annan, Director of Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership at the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College talks with Ed Stetzer about the church's role in the midst of a pandemic.
Surviving Sorrow & Grief
March 07, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesDealing with the loss of a loved one is monumentally difficult. But when it's your child... the grief can seem insurmountable. Why did God allow it? When will I stop hurting? And how do I get through today?.... Those are thoughts that can block out any room for hope. Ed Stetzer talks with Kim Erickson about her journey through grief... 10 years after her 3-year-old son died.
Battling Loneliness
February 29, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesA national survey in 2018 revealed that loneliness is now at epidemic levels in the United States and poses a severe health risk to the general population. Pastor Sam Kim talks with Ed Stetzer about how this can be a historic gospel opportunity.
Rebuilding a Blended Family
February 22, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesBlended families face unique challenges, and good intentions aren’t always enough. There are so many issues to navigate... like building a new trust in marriage, developing healthy relationships with step-children, along with forming a new family dynamic. Ron Deal talks with Ed Stetzer about these challenges and how to navigate that delicate balance into a new healthy, thriving family of God's design.
Finding the Meaning of Marriage
February 15, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesMost movies today depict the idea that romance is the most important part of a successful marriage. But when serious differences arise, too often, divorce is considered the best solution. Author Kathy Keller says that's not what God envisioned. She talks with Ed Stetzer about how God's goal for marriage is to point us back to the relationship between God and man.
Finding Our Identity in Christ
February 08, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesWhen you meet someone new, it's not uncommon to be asked what you do for a living. What we do, how we raise our children, who we know... these are all experiences that society says define us. But Pastor Daniel Im says that's not the case. He talks with Ed Stetzer about how we can find our real identities... that free us for a life of purpose, adventure and destiny.
Believing in Christ
February 01, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesMany or us have friends, colleagues or family members who don't believe in God. Some of them consider themselves atheists or agnostics. So how do we help someone believe in the unseen? Former investigative journalist Lee Strobel talks with Ed Stetzer about his journey from Atheism to becoming a believer.
Calling All Men
January 25, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesIt's the start of a new year and a new decade. For men, how do you kick this decade off to be the man God wants and has designed you to be? Ed Stetzer talks with Pastors Ron Zappia and Eric Mason about how men can get in line with God's plan for their lives.
Multiplying Disciples
January 18, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesOur pastors today are overworked - preparing a sermon, counseling the flock, visiting the sick. God calls us to join in service, not just to sit back and wait to be served. Ed Stetzer talks with Micah Fries and Jeremy Maxfield about God's mission of raising disciples in the church.
Finding God's Plan for Your Life
January 11, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesWe as believers are given gifts from God to share in our communities. But many of us have a difficult time deciphering what God's vision is for our lives. Will Mancini works with church leadership to help believers find their calling. I'll talk with him about God's unique design for each of us and its impact on the church.
Finding Relationship in Christ
January 04, 2020 12:03 - 60 BytesAs believers, we try hard to live the Christian life, doing good works, sharing the gospel and maintaining a moral code. But sometimes the list of do's and don'ts can feel exhausting and overwhelming. In examining Jesus' life in the gospels, Las Vegas Pastor Vance Pitman says he's found some spiritual truths that have set him free from some of his burdens... and helped him rediscover the joy of the love relationship that Jesus provides.
Can a Revival be Coming?
December 28, 2019 12:03 - 60 BytesIn the culture, we set our hopes on technology, politics and the hope of peace. But as technology traps and isolates us and politics divide us, people can feel increasingly distressed. Pastor Mark Sayers says throughout history, these periods of decline usually precede powerful spiritual renewal and even revival. Ed Stetzer talks with him about how the bad news in the world may actually be good news for the church.
Feasting at the Table
November 30, 2019 12:03 - 60 BytesThe holidays are here and most of us celebrate them around a table with food. So how do we turn our celebration into an invitation to enjoy all of God's bounty? From the careful design of the food He's made for us to the design He has for our lives? Margaret Feinberg talks with Ed Stetzer about how God is the ultimate "foodie" and how we can use these celebrations bless us with His bounty and help us share Christ's love with others.
Making Your Life Count
November 23, 2019 12:03 - 60 BytesAs believers, we're often confronted by questions like, why does God allow suffering? Is there a heaven and a hell? And why do Christians believe their faith is the one true faith? David Platt took a trip through the Himalayas and came face to face with severe poverty and some of these questions. E Stetzer talks with him about what it means to give your life for the gospel and stop talking about faith and really begin living it.
Studying Messianic Prophecy
November 16, 2019 12:03 - 60 BytesAs Jesus walked the earth, he told his followers how Scripture foretold his coming. Yet so often today we’re not always quite sure how to talk about Jesus in the Old Testament. Moody Professor of Jewish Studies Dr. Michael Rydelnik talks with Ed Stetzer about messianic prophecy and its theological implications.
Navigating Faith
November 09, 2019 12:03 - 60 BytesAs believers, we want to go out and share the gospel with the people we know, who don't know Christ. But how do we encourage other believers and disciple them to be even more effective in this work? Navigators Nations Sphere Field Director Brad Jonswold talks with Ed Stetzer about the mission of helping others live more like Christ by praying with them, spending time in His Word and walking alongside them in everyday life.
Growing in Faith
November 02, 2019 12:03 - 60 BytesJesus called us to be disciples. To share our knowledge and love of the gospel and help others go out and do the same. So how do we walk beside others in sharing the love of Christ? Doug Hardy, Spiritual Formation Professor at Nazarene Theological Seminary will talk with me about this and engaging our friends and neighbors in their faith.
Engaging the Mega Church
October 19, 2019 12:03 - 60 BytesDo you ever feel disconnected at church? Or maybe, you'd just like to find a few believers to share life with? Brett Eastman understands that. As founder of Lifetogether, he's championed small groups within churches. He'll talk with me about why this is important in growing our faith and making disciples among those around us.
Practicing Good Mental Health
October 12, 2019 12:03 - 60 BytesAs believers engaging in the culture, how do we offer the love of God and wise counsel to our friends, neighbors and family members who come to us for help, hope and direction, especially regarding mental health issues. Ed Stetzer talks with Institute for Compassionate Care Executive Director Jennifer Cisney Ellers from the Rise Up World Conference about how to point our friends to the knowledge that Christ came to set us free.
Engaging the Bible
October 05, 2019 12:03 - 60 BytesWhen you talk about the Bible today with skeptics, some call it outdated, out of step with the culture or maybe even oppressive. Aspiring theologians and millennial though leaders, Michael and Lauren McAfee have faced those critiques from friends, colleagues and non-believers. But they say its time to set preconceptions aside and engage the Bible head-on. It's through God's living Word, that we can build our relationship with Him.
Embracing Empathy
September 28, 2019 12:03 - 60 BytesIn the U.S., many of us live pretty comfortable lives. We practice our faith in church and Bible studies, but God calls us to do more. Belinda Bauman's faith caught fire when she met an assault survivor in one of the poorest countries in the world. And that's where she began to learn and practice empathy. She talks with Ed Stetzer about how that's made all the difference in her walk with Christ.
Sustaining Your Faith Amidst a Changing Culture
September 21, 2019 12:03 - 60 BytesMarriage, identity, politics, religious freedom... it seems like we're shouting at each other. The world on one side, believers on the other. How do you hold on to your convictions when it seems that everyone else finds them strange or even irrelevant? Barna Group President David Kinnaman and Asbury Theological Seminary's Tim Tennent and Ellen Marmon talk with Ed Stetzer about our faith gap in the culture and it's consequences for the church in America.
Holding Fast Amidst Persecution
September 14, 2019 12:03 - 60 BytesMillions of people have been martyred for their faith throughout history. And it continues today. But God is faithful, even in persecution. Ed Stetzer talks with missionary Gracia Burnham and Voice of the Martyrs' Todd Nettleton about how believers can rest in the love of Christ during persecution and how we can draw encouragement from their faith and their courage.