Live Deeply with James Forsyth: Recent Episodes
Cedar Springs Presbyterian
Our world races, and we're all just jumping from one thing to the next. It’s hard to take time to truly live deeply. How does something you hear on Sunday morning impact your day-to-day life? How do you engage with the people around you? Live Deeply, hosted by James Forsyth, Senior Pastor at Cedar Springs Presbyterian, Knoxville, Tennessee, takes a deep dive into answering your questions about sermons, scripture, culture, and living as a believer. Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net.
In this special episode, James wraps up Season 2 by unpacking how the podcast began in the first place and reflecting on what it's meant for his relationship with his daughter (and co-host) Mia. Even though Mia isn't in the studio with him for this one, her presence is all over the episode! CSPC Ministry Resident Matt Kerr guest hosts.
James & Mia will return in August with fresh episodes for Season 3! In the meantime, spread the word by sharing, rating, reviewing, and subscribing to the podcast.
What is the place of exercise in the life of a Christian believer? James and Mia say the key is to approach it from a stewardship perspective. Find this podcast helpful? Spread the word! Share, rate, review, and subscribe.
We all deal with anxious feelings, but what distinguishes "Little A" anxiety from "Big A" anxiety? In this episode, James and Mia explore a question a listener brought up in response to one of James' recent sermons. If you find this podcast helpful, let others know about it: share, rate, review, and subscribe.
Notes: Summers McMurray - What Do We Do With Anxiety?
Is it necessary to have a daily quiet time of Bible reading and prayer with the Lord? James and Mia's answer to a listener's question goes well beyond 'yes' or 'no.' In this episode, they speak to how all of us can come alive to God, whether we enjoy solitude or not. Find this podcast helpful? Spread the word- share, rate, review, and subscribe!
Is lust a precondition for love? In this episode, James and Mia explore one of the more intriguing questions a listener has ever asked. WARNING: If you have young children around, you may want to wait to listen to this episode. Some of the material may not be suitable for little ears. Don't forget to share, rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.
If the fruit of the Spirit all grows together, what's the point of focusing on how each individual fruit is being cultivated in our lives? In this episode, James and Mia tackle that question, which grew out of a discussion in Mia's small group about CSPC's current sermon series on the fruit of the Spirit. Find this podcast helpful? Spread the word- share, rate, review, and subscribe!
What does good conversation at the family dinner table look like? James and Mia return this week to answer a listener's question, and James unpacks how different approaches for generating quality time at the dinner table are probably necessary as our children get older. If you find this podcast helpful, spread the word- share, rate, review, and subscribe!
Your vehicle won't run well if routine maintenance is neglected, and neither will your marriage. In this final message from CSPC's Marriage Saturday, Director of Counseling Ministry Summers McMurray talks about the important role regular tune-ups play in keeping our marriages healthy. She also points out some warning signs that actual repair work may be needed. If you find this podcast helpful, spread the word- share, rate, review, and subscribe!
Ever wondered why, sometimes, "date night" isn't that great? In this episode from CSPC's Marriage Saturday, licensed marriage and family therapist Marla Delong says it's probably a result of neglecting "little things" in the rest of your marriage. She has all kinds of helpful tips to help couples turn toward -rather than away from or against- one another. If you find this podcast helpful, spread the word- share, rate, review, and subscribe!
Partnering in parenting is key to the health of our marriages and families. But our own backgrounds may be holding us back in ways we've never even noticed. In this talk from CSPC's Marriage Saturday, Licensed Counselor Brett Gleason highlights the importance of understanding the brokenness we bring into our parenting.
Show notes: To download the booklet for Marriage Saturday or to view our Marriage Saturday event, go to https://cspc.net/ministries/adults/ and click Marriage.
How would you describe your connection to God? What about your spouse's connection to Him? In another talk from CSPC's recent Marriage Saturday, Laura Strunk unpacks what we can do if our or our spouse's spiritual circuits feel broken.
Show notes: To download the booklet for Marriage Saturday or to view our Marriage Saturday event, go to https://cspc.net/ministries/adults/ and click Marriage.
It's not wrong or unusual to feel strong emotions in the heat of conflict. The question is: What are they telling us? In this episode, CSPC Associate Director of Counseling Ministry Stewart Scott walks us through the crucial importance of emotional awareness in marriage. It's part of a series featuring talks from CSPC's recent Marriage Saturday event.
Show notes: To download the booklet for Marriage Saturday or to view our Marriage Saturday event, go to https://cspc.net/ministries/adults/ and click Marriage.
As part of Global Mission Conference week, James and Mia are digging into CSPC's goal to help plant 500 new churches by 2030. They unpack why church planting is God's most effective evangelism tool- not just in brand new congregations, but in their parent churches as well! Find this podcast helpful? Spread the word- share, rate, review, and subscribe!
You're invited to an awesome celebration of all God's doing in our world, and to renew your own commitment to be a part of it! James and Mia are previewing CSPC's yearly Global Mission Conference, which is just about to get started. If you find this podcast helpful, spread the word! Share, rate, review, and subscribe.
It's important for every Christ-follower to spend at least some time alone in silence with God. But what if that's not really how you're wired? In this episode, James and Mia say that's okay! They unpack a balanced approach, advising you to direct your primary focus to whatever brings your heart most alive to God. If you find this podcast helpful, spread the word! Share, rate, review, and subscribe.
It's a question James & Mia get often: What are you reading? They're not only giving their answers, but unpacking how a diverse reading diet -from poetry to fantasy- can bring us closer to Jesus and help us better understand our place in God's story.Find this podcast helpful? Spread the word! Share, rate, review, and subscribe.
Admit it: From time to time, we all experience road rage. But what's really driving this all too common sin? And what if, when we feel our blood beginning to boil at another driver, we instead use it as a chance to turn to God's grace? James and Mia explore all that and more in this episode. If you find this podcast helpful, spread the word! Share, rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.
No one enjoys disagreement or conflict with friends and family. But James says there actually is a way to have a "good fight" that ultimately leads to a more connected relationship for both sides. He and Mia explore three key steps to getting there in this episode. If you find this podcast helpful, spread the word: Share, rate, review, and subscribe!
It's almost a crisis in her world: Mia made no New Year's resolutions in 2024! While that may bother a "planner" like her, it's actually not so bad. James and Mia use her lack of planning as a springboard to discuss the importance of living intentionally and being present. Both are key in the Christian life! If you find this podcast helpful, spread the word: share, rate, review, and subscribe!
Today's question takes us to Mark 10, where Jesus tells a wealthy young man he needs to give all he has to the poor. Is that literally what Jesus means, and what does this passage mean for us? James and Mia unpack why this passage speaks to all of us, even if money isn't standing between us and Jesus. If you find this podcast helpful, spread the word! Share, rate, review, and subscribe.
When the path ahead seems clear, it can be pretty easy to convince ourselves we're walking the steps of our life in faith. But what about when we have little to no idea what's ahead? That's been the journey of ministry resident Matt Kerr. Matt joins James for this episode to talk about how God's shaping him through a midlife career change; one with a destination still unknown to Matt and his family. If you find this podcast helpful, spread the word: rate, review, and subscribe!
It's so hard to let go of wanting to be in control of our lives. But doing so frees us to live deeper, better lives with God. James and Mia talk about that, plus bring out some practical points on the crucial spiritual discipline of practicing gratitude, in this episode. Enjoy the second part of their discussion on CSPC's recent sermon series exploring Ecclesiastes. And if you're helped by this podcast, please rate, review, and subscribe.
How can thinking about the apparent meaninglessness of life somehow lead to hope? James and Mia unpack that and more in this episode, the first of a two-part discussion on takeaways from CSPC's recent surprisingly happy sermon series on Ecclesiastes. If you find this podcast helpful, don't forget to spread the word: rate, review, and subscribe!
God is at work globally in all kinds of amazing ways. James and Mia are giving you a glimpse into that in this episode, where James describes his recent trip to visit mission partners in the Asia Pacific region. Find out how his experiences overseas can also stir up wonder for all the ways God is at work in your own life. If you find this podcast helpful, please help spread the word: rate, review, and subscribe!
James and Mia are wrapping up their four-part series "All Things New" with a quick, practical look at how God invites us into His work of redemption and restoration. If you find this podcast helpful, please spread the word: rate, review, and subscribe!
We tend to envision eternity with God as a strange land of harps and puffy clouds. In part three of their four-part series "All Things New", James and Mia unpack how when God finally makes all things new, life will be so much better and more amazing than what we commonly imagine. Get ready to have your mind blown by some of what they're looking forward to! And don't forget to spread the word about the podcast- rate, review, and subscribe!
If we've been made new in Jesus, why do we still struggle with the same old sins? In part two of their four-part series "All Things New", James and Mia tackle that question with a deep dive into how our growth in Christ-likeness actually happens. If you find this podcast helpful, spread the word by rating, reviewing, and subscribing!
James and Mia are starting a four-part series, "All Things New", based on a recent series of talks James gave to Cedar Springs middle schoolers. In this episode, they unpack how God not only makes believers new, but delights in loving us, even when we feel like we're not worthy of being loved. Be encouraged, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe!
James is flying solo today, responding to a listener's question about this past Sunday's sermon from Ecclesiastes 7. Be encouraged as James unpacks the deep truth that God doesn't just forgive us in the Gospel, but actually counts Jesus's righteousness as our own! Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe.
James and Mia answer a question from a listener who may be sensing God's call to home school, but finds the idea overwhelming. James turns the question into a larger discussion of how we can work to discern God's leading in significant life decisions. Also, don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe!
James and Mia are back together for this week's Live Deeply podcast, and they're tackling a tough question: How can we maintain family and marital unity when everyone has a separate phone and separate email accounts? They have some very practical wisdom to apply. After you listen, don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe!
Ministry Resident Scottie Hill is back on the podcast, joining James for this episode. Find out how Scottie's learned that God's plans are always better than his own, and how that truth has helped him learn to hold his future with open hands. Also, don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe!
You all want to hear more from Mia, so we're giving you more. Scottie Hill, our Ministry Resident, co-hosts with Mia this week and asks her all the questions you've been asking about her life and living deeply with us here at Cedar Springs.
Don't forget to rate, review, subscribe, and send in your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net.
Your questions are coming in so quickly so in this week's podcast episode, James and Mia rapid fire answer five questions that begin with "is it ok for Christians to...". While they usually give a thoughtful answer to one question, this week you get thoughtless answers to five questions.
Don't forget to rate, review, subscribe, and send in your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net.
In this week's podcast episode, James and Mia answer your question "what happens when you die?". It's not something we want to think about, but we all know we can't avoid it. The good news is that for those that believe in Jesus, the answer is beautiful.
Don't forget to rate, review, subscribe, and send in your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net.
In this week's podcast episode, James and Mia get back to answering your questions. This week's question - How do you talk about Jesus to people without it being weird? We've all been in relationships where it's hard to talk about Jesus, so what do you do?
Don't forget to rate, review, subscribe, and send in your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net.
In this week's podcast episode, James and Mia discuss what living for others really looks like. It's a follow-up to this past Sunday's sermon, which you should try to listen to first. Then listen to this episode as they unpack how we can push through the busyness of life to truly live for others.
Don't forget to rate, review, subscribe, and send in your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net.
In this week's podcast episode, James and Mia unpack the church's mission statement. It's a follow-up to this past Sunday's sermon, which you should try to listen to first. Then listen to this episode as they unpack God's beautiful plan of using the Church to change the world.
Don't forget to rate, review, subscribe, and send in your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net.
James and Mia are back! We are kicking off season 2 talking about Live Deeply. What does it mean and how do we do it? If you haven't listened to James' sermon from 8/13, go back and listen to that first, then jump on this episode. 💙
Don't forget to rate, review, subscribe, and send in your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net.
In Episode 40, James and Mia discuss James' planning, preparation, and process of preaching God's word each week. James and Mia will take a break for the summer and return for season 2 in the fall so continue to send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net.
College is a season when it can be easy to let your walk with God slip. So what can students do to stay strong spiritually? As Mia prepares to graduate from college (and James celebrates her return to Knoxville!), she has three pieces of advice for high school seniors looking ahead to life on campus. Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net. And don't forget to rate, review, and share the podcast!
Aren't we all just running from one thing to the next? Where are we finding rest? Are we listening to the call of the gospel to find rest in Jesus? James and Mia discuss the discipline of rest. Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net. Don't forget to rate, review and share the podcast!
Following Sunday's sermon, James had several people reach out with follow-up questions. James and Mia continue our conversation about how a good God allows suffering from Sunday's sermon. Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net. Don't forget to rate, review and share the podcast!
To dig deeper, James recommends Tim Keller's The Reason for God.
Couldn't we all use an extra two hours each day? There just doesn't ever seem to be enough time to get it all done. James and Mia talk about how to get that extra time by not wasting time. Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net.
Nobody wants to think about the end of life, but it's something we should consider. James and Mia jump right in and discuss if there is a right way to have your body laid to rest. Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net.
James and Mia discuss the tragic mass shooting in Nashville last week. So many of us are out of words. This world is not as it's meant to be. How can we process and struggle through news like this? James shares the three questions he asks himself when tragedies like this happen. Don't forget to send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net.
James and Mia have a discussion about James' recent mission trip to Dubai and India, where everything is different, yet God is moving so feels strangely familiar. Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net. Don't forget to share the podcast with friends!
We have lots of questions about anxiety and mental health issues. This week we have a special guest on the podcast and we talk specifically to those who are supporting those who are struggling with anxiety and other mental health issues. Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net.
We get so many questions about marriage, divorce, and remarriage, and these topics impact everyone. We decided to do a three-part series so we could cover each topic. Over the series, James and Mia will discuss ten biblical principles on marriage, divorce, and remarriage. This episode is the third in the series and we will talk about remarriage. Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net. Also, don't forget to share our podcast and rate/review us!
We get so many questions about marriage, divorce, and remarriage, and these topics impact everyone. We decided to do a three-part series so we could cover each topic. Over the series, James and Mia will discuss ten biblical principles on marriage, divorce, and remarriage. This episode is the second in the series and we will talk about divorce. Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net. Also, don't forget to share our podcast and rate/review us!
We get so many questions about marriage, divorce, and remarriage, and these topics impact everyone. We decided to do a three-part series so we could cover each topic. Over the series, James and Mia will discuss ten biblical principles on marriage, divorce, and remarriage. In this episode, we will talk about marriage. Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net. Also, don't forget to share our podcast and rate/review us!
James and Mia discuss recent events at Asbury University and other schools by first talking about what revival is. If you're intrigued by recent news and wondering what's going on, sit back, and enjoy! Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net
This week's question comes from some of our students in our High School Ministry. We all have doubts from time to time. In a sermon, James mentioned that when he doubts it can be BIG. What is the best way to deal with BIG doubt?
Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net. Don't forget to rate and review our podcast so that more people will see it!
The dating world has changed. Should we change with it? What should we think about online dating? James and Mia talk about this new world of dating and how we should approach it as Christians. Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net. Don't forget to rate and review the podcast!
Often in the church, we only hear about the negatives of sex, but what does the bible say about it? James and Mia discuss why God gave us sex and why the church should be the place where we can talk about the true purpose and beauty of sex. Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net.
How often are we sitting in a room full of people looking down at their phones? How do we teach the purpose of a cell phone and parent well as we give them their first phones? James and Mia tackle this question and give their own example of the Parent/Child Awesomeness Agreement. Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net. Don't forget to review and rate the podcast!
Finally, a question for Mia! What is it like growing up as a pastor's kid? James and Mia discuss not only this, but what we can be doing as parents to raise kids that love the church. Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net. And don't forget to rate and review our podcast so more people find out about it.
It seems you either love them or hate them. Are new year's resolutions a good thing or not? James and Mia may disagree a bit. Listen, and see what you think! Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net.
We all have them. Christmas traditions. Some we started and some we got stuck with. James and Mia discuss some of their favorite family Christmas traditions. Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net. Please remember to rate and review the podcast!
What is false teaching? As believers, how should we stay on guard against false teaching and even help others to do so as well? James and Mia jump right in! Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net. Don't forget to rate and review us and spread the word!
What should we think about cussing? Are some words ok? James and Mia share with us that it's more about the words you should say than the words you shouldn't say. Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net. Please remember to rate and review the podcast!
James and Mia take a break from our regular format to discuss the recent shootings on campus at The University of Virginia, where Mia is a student.
We hear phrases like active shooter and lockdown in the news, but what does it look like to be on campus? What are you, your roommates, or other students saying, thinking, and processing? Are they wondering how there is a God who allows such things to happen or longing for our God to come and make all things new? Of course, the answer is both, and there is grace for all of us.
Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net.
Happy Thanksgiving! What should today be all about if you're a believer? Certainly spending time with those you love and likely a delicious feast, of course. But shouldn't we also spend time connecting our blessings (big and small) back to the hand of God? Do you have a question for James and Mia? Send it to livedeeply@cspc.net.
Bible trivia time! In the Bible, why do you see Lord and LORD? What's the difference? Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net.
How do you rebuild trust after letting someone down? James and Mia talk about how Jesus can bring hope and healing in difficult situations along with some practical ways for you to start the process. Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net.
James and Mia answer the question "should I call my transgender friend by the pronoun they request?". Their discussion goes much deeper than just simply answering the question. James talks about the Bible being both narrower and broader than our culture. Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net.
James also references this sermon he preached in May 2022: https://cspc.net/sermon/the-image-of-god-and-the-transgender-community/
What does it mean to wait on the Lord? James and Mia discuss this question as Mia herself is in the middle of making big life decisions. Why do we become filled with worry, fear, and anxiety instead of trusting the Lord and waiting on his timing?
Have a question for us? Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net.
What does it mean to honor your parents through all the ages and stages? James and Mia jump right in on this subject. Send us your questions at livedeeply@ cspc.net.
So much of our news cycle has been about the monarchy lately. James and Mia talk about their thoughts on the passing of the queen. Being from that side of the Atlantic, they have an interesting take on the subject. Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net.
Is it biblical to get a tattoo? Can pastors have tattoos? James is asked about his tattoos, so Mia dives in deep with James about his tattoos and what the bible says. Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net.
How do you invite people to church when you know they have been deeply hurt by the Church? James and Mia discuss this painful but real place many folks find themselves in. Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net.
Is it possible to live a quiet life in today's world? What does that mean? What could it look like? We live in a time like no other. With electricity and technology, the lights and screens are never turned off. How can we live unhurried lives, not rushing around from one thing to the next? James and Mia discuss this question and what they do to try and live this kind of life. Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net.
James and Mia have a sweet conversation about dating. As a believer, why do we date? What's the purpose? Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net, and James and Mia may answer your question next!
James and Mia answer the question, "What's your favorite and least favorite part of scripture?". Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net and James and Mia may just answer them next time.
Mia has a question for James in this episode about the church staff and the "culture" project James led the staff through in the last ministry year. We all have mantras or lines that we live our lives by (even if you think you don't, you probably do!). Mia turns the table on James and asks him what are the lines that he lives by.
James and Mia answer the question, "does God ever give us more than we can handle?". Is that even in the Bible? We've all heard it before, so where does it come from? Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net.
James and Mia discuss one of the most frequent questions sent in. What advice would you give to parents to encourage their children to grow deeper in their faith? Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net.
So many of you sent in questions about unanswered prayer. What are we to think when God isn't answering our prayers as we hoped? Or what should we think when he doesn't seem to answer them at all? How do we explain unanswered prayer to our friends who do not know the Lord? James and Mia dig in on your questions about unanswered prayer. Send your questions to livedeeply@cspc.net.
James and his daughter Mia discuss James' recent article The Gospel Coalition: After Roe, Choose Compassion Over Culture War. James and Mia discuss their beautiful story, the recent decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade, and how the church needs to respond.