Living the Gospel: Recent Episodes
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It’s New Year 2021 and after the year we’ve just experienced, the future is as uncertain as it could be. But if we believe in God and His plans and His future for us, then we have every reason to be at rest and have faith that He’s holding all of our days in His hands. It’s written that He is very compassionate and merciful. He knows and plans all things for our very best, so we can rest secure in His love for us. Join Milenko and Kathy in the last podcast episode of 2020 as we look forward to 2021 with a spirit of faith!
Why did Jesus come to earth? We all know the answer, on some level, but here’s a challenge to all of us to spend some time this Christmas thinking about what Jesus did for us. Not only for mankind on a large scale, but for each of us, on a personal and individual level. Join Kathy and Julia with our good friend Harald Kronstad, as we talk about the reasons behind Jesus coming and His love and compassion for us all.
Jesus started many of His parables with, “The kingdom of heaven is like …,” and while researching this series on the parables it really stood out to us just how many times Jesus spoke about the kingdom of heaven. Join Kathy and Julia in this episode as we discuss why the kingdom of heaven was such a main issue for Jesus and how we can experience that kingdom already while we are on this earth!
Have you ever read the parable of the ten virgins and wondered what it takes to be among the “wise virgins?” What did Jesus mean with the different pictures He used? How can we “gather oil in our vessels” in daily life? Join Milenko and Eunice in this episode where they explore the importance of having a hidden life with Christ.
Jesus taught many lessons using parables and the first one that He told was what we know as “the parable of the sower.” Kathy and Milenko kick off our series on parables with a discussion about this lesson and how it boils down to one simple thing – to be a doer of the word. There are many ways to receive the word that we hear, but it is up to us if we receive it on good ground or not!
It was written so very long ago, so how is the Bible still relevant in the 21st century? We asked Sam Petkau what he thought about the question and he gave us a very interesting answer and we want to share that answer with you!
As Christians, we are disciples of Jesus. But what is a disciple? What distinguishes a true disciple of Jesus? Join Kathy and Julia and their guest Sam Petkau as they take a “personal discovery journey” into the Bible to see what the Scriptures tell us about living a disciple life.
What convinced Vern that victory over sin was possible for him personally, despite how weak he felt? What does it mean in practical daily life to overcome sin? Join Milenko and Eunice in Part 2 of this interview with guest Vern for more! Don’t miss Part 1 of this interview: “Don’t let anyone tell you victory over sin is impossible – What does the Bible say?”
On this episode, Milenko and Eunice chat with guest Vern about his personal experience as a youth, reading in the Bible and noticing for the first time that the Bible speaks about victory over sin – everywhere. Stay tuned on the next episode for Part 2 of this interview!
If you think about the world today, humility is actually a very “unfashionable” way of living. It doesn’t look like you can really win anything by being humble. But humility is actually the answer to all problems. Bold statement, but it’s true. It goes right from the simplest situations in daily life, right to the top of society. If God’s will were always done, there would be harmony and peace. True humility, if practiced by each individual, would change the world. Do you agree? Join Milenko and Eunice in this week’s episode of our podcast for more!
We all know that the power of words is very great. And there is so much written in the Bible about how our words can be used for the evil. But when we take a look at what Jesus told us, we find the key to making sure our words are used only to bless. Read through some of these verses with Milenko and Kathy and get excited about learning how our words can become a fountain of goodness.
It can be a bit embarrassing to admit that we’re envious of someone. Why is envy so dangerous if it isn’t nipped in the bud? Let’s look to the Bible for the answer. In this episode, Milenko and Eunice look at why envy is so destructive, and how we can overcome this sneaky sin.
The Bible has a lot to say about compassion and mercy. But actually, what is mercy? And what is compassion? It goes both ways – we’ve received a lot and we should give a lot. But in order for it to be genuine, something really has to happen inside of us. Join Julia and Kathy this week as we read through some of these scriptures and really dig into what the Bible says about mercy and compassion.
Read more about what the Bible says about mercy and compassion here: https://activechristianity.org/38-verses-mercy-compassion
Send us your questions and comments at livingthegospel@bcc.no
Do you believe that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it? In this episode of our Philippians series, Milenko and Kathy invite their friend Rolf to talk about this incredible conviction that Paul wrote to the Philippians about. What God has started, He always finishes, and our vision is that we will lay hold of what Christ has in store for us! Join us for this incredibly encouraging and hopeful conversation.
Send us your questions and comments at livingthegospel@bcc.no
What Paul wrote in Philippians 2:12-13 is a crucial part of our salvation. “Work out your own salvation …” What did he mean by this? Isn’t salvation by grace alone? Are we meant to “help” God with our salvation? Join Milenko and Kathy this week as we tackle these questions and more.
Send us your questions and comments at livingthegospel@bcc.no
You can become blameless and harmless in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. Are you up for the challenge? It actually boils down to faithfulness in the little situations of life. We can all do this! In this episode from our Philippians series, Julia and Kathy talk about how we can shine as lights in the world right where we are. Philippians 2:14.
Send us your questions and comments at livingthegospel@bcc.no
On the way to Damascus, Paul met Jesus. It turned his life around. The knowledge of Christ had laid hold of him so powerfully that he counted all things as loss. Maybe we don’t feel like we own so much in this world that we have to give up, like Paul had. Maybe we have given up all that we know of already. How then can we be in the same spirit as Paul was in? This is what Milenko and Eunice talk about in this episode, where they look at the verses Paul writes in Philippians 3:7-11.
In the beginning of Philippians chapter 2, Paul gives the Philippians some advice on how they can really love one another. The instruction he gives there is still extremely relevant today. In this first episode in our series on Paul’s letter to the Philippians, Kathy and Julia discuss how “lowliness of mind” and “esteeming others better” are keys in being able to love.
Why is God’s word called the sword of the Spirit? Why is prayer mentioned after all the pieces of God’s armor in Ephesians 6? Join Milenko and Eunice in the last episode of this armor of God series as they talk about these points and more!
The helmet of salvation is a piece of the armor that Paul actually talks about on more than one occasion and he says that we put on the helmet of salvation as a hope! Join Kathy and Julia as we discuss what this means, why it’s so hopeful, and dig into what salvation really is.
The shoes of the gospel of peace and the shield of faith are powerful defense tools to help keep us focused on our goal – to fight against sin in our flesh. In this episode, Milenko and Eunice continue the armor of God series with an encouragement on how we can use these weapons in daily life!
Over the next 4 episodes, “Living the Gospel” is going to tackle the topic “the armor of God.” We all likely know about things like “the belt of truth” and “the sword of the Spirit,” but what do they mean for us in our everyday disciple lives? What is the significance of each? How do we actually use them? In the first episode of this series, Kathy and Julia discuss the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness and the difference they make to our lives.
Read more about the armor of God:
https://activechristianity.org/the-whole-armor-of-god-a-bible-study-ephesians-6
https://activechristianity.org/whole-armor-of-god
In our final episode of the first season of our “Living the Gospel” podcast, Milenko, Eunice, Kathy, and Julia all meet up to answer some of your questions. Amongst other things we talk about faith, the accuser, how we prepare for each episode, and some of our favorite moments from the last nine months of putting out this podcast.
Have you ever thought about what you would say if someone asked you the question “What is the gospel?” Would you have a ready answer? This is the question that Kathy and Milenko take up in this episode. How can we really say that we are “Living the gospel?” And what does it look like to live the gospel? What is the result of living this life? Paul talks about the gospel of God in Romans 1, so that’s where we start as we explore this question.
Link to listener feedback survey here: https://forms.gle/RVhb7TThHKpRTdwo7
Download the e-book “The gospel of God” here: https://bit.ly/3d4HDn3
Read more about the message of the cross here: https://bit.ly/3e7DPmx
It is absolutely possible to be an overcomer. An overcomer of sin. And this episode explains why. If you have been struggling for a while in the battle of your mind and are just exhausted from all the demands from your flesh that don’t seem to go away, you need to listen to this! In this episode, Milenko and Eunice take a closer look at Paul’s words in Romans 7 and 8, and how we can be overcomers by understanding and using this battle tactic!
Link to listener feedback survey here: https://forms.gle/RVhb7TThHKpRTdwo7
Read the article “The truth about Romans 7 – doing what I do not want to do” here: https://bit.ly/2YpkztS
We know that God is a God of miracles. In Isaiah it is written that His name is “Wonderful!” But what does a miracle look like? What is the miracle that God can do for you? Have you experienced personal miracles in your life? Kathy and Julia discuss these questions in this episode of “Living the Gospel.
Link to survey here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScqSSPAC1ouU1qeqswAXRbUS44UIWK_z7JM2-S5J8YHqyBQ-Q/viewform?usp=sf_link
Read about Elias Aslaksen here: https://bit.ly/3coaeDH
Download the e-book “I am crucified with Christ” here: https://bit.ly/3dvqswa
Peter the disciple might be the apostle that we know the most about from the accounts written in the Bible. And what we find when we read these stories about him is that he is a very relatable man. In this episode Kathy and Julia have an animated discussion about Peter – Julia’s self-proclaimed “favorite apostle” – and how what we read about him as a man and a disciple, can fill us with hope for our own lives.
Read the article “The Apostle Peter: A completely new man” here: https://bit.ly/2X1ogq9
On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was sent to the earth with power. What is this power for? Listen to this episode where Milenko and Eunice talk about the significance of the Holy Spirit coming to earth, and the powerful work He can accomplish in us when we not only live, but walk in the Spirit!
Read the article “Do you understand how significant Pentecost is?” here: https://bit.ly/36kqyE4
Check out our Holy Spirit topic page: https://activechristianity.org/tag/the-holy-spirit
Watch the Bible Words Explained animation video “The Holy Spirit: Our Helper” here: https://bit.ly/BWE-Holy-Spirit
In Philippians 2:3-4 Paul gives us some instructions that, if we follow them, are an excellent solution to the problems we face in life. We may not realize it, but many of our problems arise from exactly what he mentions here. Listen in to Kathy and Julia’s conversation about selfishness and how not being selfish links to this life-changing solution.
You can read more quotes from Esther Smith here: https://activechristianity.org/10-daily-life-quotes-from-esther-smith
Is finding happiness in life something that we should be concerned with? Or does that inevitably follow when other things in our life are in place? This week Eunice and Kathy weigh in on this topic and come to the conclusion that it depends on what your definition of happiness is. It’s not necessary to have finding happiness in life as a goal in itself, but when your goal is complete confidence and trust in God, then you will see a very good outcome. You can read the article “Are Christians always supposed to be happy” here: https://activechristianity.org/what-does-the-bible-say-about-happiness-should-christians-be-happy or watch the video “Is it possible to always be happy?” here: https://activechristianity.org/media/be-happy-always-is-this-possible
“I’m convinced that our Christian life should have nothing to do with the accuser. He has no place in the heart or the mind of a believer!” In this episode, Harald Kronstad is back as a guest and joins Milenko and Eunice in a conversation about how we can get the accuser under our feet from early in our Christian life! Watch the VIDEO version of this podcast: https://youtu.be/7Q3y73L4t1w
“Set your mind on things above.” “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” “In the world, but not of the world.” These encouragements from the Scriptures inspire us to lift our eyes above the things of the earth and focus on what will have value for us for all of eternity! In this episode, Milenko and Kathy get excited about living with our hearts and minds set on the eternal! You can read “The spiritual center of gravity” here: https://activechristianity.org/the-spiritual-center-of-gravity and download the “Letters of Johan Oscar Smith” here: https://activechristianity.org/media/e-book/letters-of-johan-oscar-smith
The reality is that many of us are #stuckathome right now. Are you busier than ever before, or just really bored? Times like this can bring out the worst in people, or the best. In this episode, Milenko and Eunice share some thoughts about how we can love our neighbor right where we are, keeping our eyes and hearts open to find God’s will in this unique time. Read “Prayer room ministry: Triggering the power of God’s grace” here: https://activechristianity.org/prayer-room-ministry-triggering-the-power-of-god-s-grace-matthew-6-6
Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Living faith is absolutely necessary if we want to be overcomers. What is the spirit of faith and how can we fill ourselves with it? This week, Milenko and Eunice invite a guest Sverre L. Riksfjord to share a song he had written and why living faith is a spirit you cannot do without.
Listen to the song “Living faith” here: https://activechristianity.org/media/living-faith-song-full-future-hope
Easter this year might look very different for most of us, but the message doesn’t change. What a great time like no other to reflect on the reason why we can have hope for eternal life and a chance to follow Jesus so that His life can also become our life! Share the excitement with Milenko and Eunice in this Easter episode.Read the article “‘He is risen!’ 35 life-changing Easter Bible verses” here: https://activechristianity.org/he-is-risen-35-life-changing-easter-bible-verses-matthew-28
There is only one thing we know for sure about “the end times.” Whenever that time comes, those who are Christ’s will be taken to be with Him for eternity! Join us as we discuss how we can best prepare ourselves for that day!
Worry. Stress. Anxious thoughts about day-to-day matters of life. These are things that most of us are familiar with. In this episode, Milenko and Kathy are joined by a guest Helen Simons, and they discuss a powerful tool for dealing with those thoughts! Watch the VIDEO version of this podcast: https://youtu.be/MdHoMz28E24
In uncertain times we need to believe more than ever that everything is in God’s hands. There is no comparison for the comfort and peace this brings us. Kathy and Julia talk about what has helped them the most when it comes to learning to trust in God.
Atonement. Propitiation. Big words. Immeasurable impact on our lives. Join Milenko and Eunice as they talk about just how monumental Jesus’ sacrifice is, and what that means for us on a personal level.
We know that if the Son has made us free, we are free indeed. Jesus told us that Himself. But what does it really mean to be free? What are we free from? What are we free for? In today’s podcast Julia and Kathy discuss these questions, and more.
Take a moment to think about what kind of relationship you have with Jesus. Is it possible that this relationship can deepen? Join Milenko and Eunice this week as they explore what it means to have an intimate, ever-deepening personal relationship with Jesus.
Have you ever felt bad simply for being tempted? You really shouldn’t! In today’s podcast episode Kathy and Julia talk about why you don’t need to feel guilty when you are tempted. It’s all about learning to see our temptations as “golden opportunities.”
Have you ever wondered how it's possible to love everybody, even the people you don't naturally get along with or feel love towards? This week, Eunice shares her experience with Milenko on how an article on ActiveChristianity helped her with this exact struggle.
Read the article “Godly love – is it a feeling?” here: https://activechristianity.org/godly-love-is-it-a-feeling
Have you ever looked around you and been tempted to make comparisons between your life and the lives of the people around you? Whether rating your life positively or negatively in comparison, this is actually a very dangerous thing to do. Join Kathy and Julia as they discuss why comparing yourself to others can cause so much damage.
All through time, scientists have dedicated their lives to discovering the laws of nature, and we can’t imagine living without the knowledge of these today. Even more important are God’s laws of life that govern the intangible – yet all the more eternal – part of life, the spiritual part. This week, Milenko and Eunice chat about some of these laws, and why it’s so important that we find them.
What do you think the factors for happiness are? The truth is that there is really only one factor that can decide your level of happiness in life, which is how you react to the things that happen to you. Do you believe this? Join Julia and Kathy today as Julia tells a personal story that proves the truth of this statement. By the grace of God, it’s possible not to let any situation or circumstance rob us of our joy.
This week, Milenko and Eunice talk about a vital aspect of prayer. As Christians, we have a responsibility to pray for the others. Through prayer, we can work together with God to carry out His plan with His church. What a task!
Happy first day of 2020! Time flies, and the time we have now won’t come back. In this episode of our podcast, we look at how the time we have can count, not only now, but in all eternity! A real encouragement for living a meaningful life!
In our last episode before Christmas, Kathy and Milenko talk to our good friend Richard Savage about a Christmas song he wrote years ago based on the prophecy in Isaiah 9:2-7 about Jesus’ coming and the incredible meaning and hope that had for mankind.
Who is Jesus for you? It’s one week to Christmas, and this week Milenko and Eunice together with a guest, Harald Kronstad, chat about the importance of having a personal conviction of Christ’s love to us and what it means to love Him back.
OK, so it didn’t exactly start with Mary… But if she hadn’t had such an extraordinary faith and attitude, things could have gone very differently. She was young, and she was given an incredible – and frankly, almost unbelievable – role to play.
This week, Eunice asks Milenko about a quote he has hanging above his desk: “We are living here to be formed for eternity.” Why is this his favorite quote? What does it mean that our life on earth is forming our eternity?
Julia and Kathy have a chat about a song written by a woman who learned true thankfulness during her lifetime. In this song all about being thankful, she writes about thankfulness for “days full of sunshine, and trials of deepest night.”
The book of Esther tells the fascinating story of Queen Esther and how she saved her people. This story is a shining example for our lives of how God can give us the boldness to step outside of our comfort zone when it is required of us. Join Julia and Kathy in this episode as they delve deeper into this topic!
The term “a born-again Christian” has many different ideas and connotations attached to it. But being born again is something that Jesus told us is absolutely necessary if we want to see the kingdom of God. So, what does it actually mean?
As Christians we have possibilities in life that are almost unbelievable. In today’s episode Eunice and Kathy chat about 11 phenomenal reasons why being a Christian is the best life that is possible to live here on earth.
You are young. You may think, what is righteousness? Why should I care about pursuing it? What’s in it for me? In this episode, Kathy and Eunice interviewed Sam Petkau who has an enlightening take on righteousness that certainly inspired us. We hope it’ll inspire you too!
(02:07) Introduction to guest – Sam Petkau
(03:02) What does righteousness actually mean for a young adult?
(08:48) How can I learn righteousness?
(12:26) Examples of righteous choices in daily life.
(17:41) Why it pays to pursue righteousness!
Watch the extended VIDEO version of this interview on Youtube: https://youtu.be/XwDoWEdyHFc
When God promises us something, we can be sure that He will carry it out! Sarah believed in “the impossible” because she judged Him faithful who promised. Listen for more on how her faith can inspire us today!
Taking up your cross happens on the inside. It may sound heavy and difficult, but it’s actually the best thing you can do for yourself and those around you! What does this mean in practical, daily life? Listen for more!
We almost always think of being talented in terms of being particularly good at things like sports, or art, or singing, or things like that. But join Milenko and Kathy in today’s episode of our podcast for a unique take on what it means to be talented.
In His Sermon on the Mount Jesus said: “You are the light of the world. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16. Howdo we become those lights? How is our Father glorified by our lives?
You won’t find many people who willingly admit that they’re bitter. Bitterness is often justified. “It wasn’t fair!” But look down that road and you’ll see broken relationships and a loss of peace and rest. In this episode, Milenko and Eunice talk about how we can overcome the evil root of bitterness.
Low self-esteem is something that many people struggle with. In today’s podcast episode Kathy and Julia discuss their experience with it, and how belief in God and in His Word can completely overcome low self-esteem. It’s all about believing in His love for us!
There’s no question that we live in a world where impurity is pretty normal, and sometimes it even seems like it is celebrated. Join Milenko and Julia as they discuss how Christians who want to keep themselves pure from that spirit can do exactly that.
Peer pressure. Worldly influences. Are these some things you dread facing, now that you’re getting back into the rhythm of daily life at school? Need some encouragement to be bold and to make the right choices? This week, Milenko and Eunice interview a mother of school-aged children, Amberly, on her inspiration behind writing a heartfelt letter to her kids for the first day of school. This episode is for all of you going back to school, and an inspiration for the rest of us too!
Have you experienced God asking you to do something you’re terrified to do? This week, Milenko and Eunice talk about Gideon, how he went from being a coward to a hero, how we can follow that faith, and what it means in daily life to go in God’s strength and not our own.
In this episode, Milenko and Eunice talk about the inspiring story of Joshua and Caleb, what “different spirit” was in them and how that spirit changes our daily lives.
Welcome to ActiveChristianity's brand new podcast – Living the Gospel! Hear from the hosts of this show, find out what ActiveChristianity is all about, and what to expect from this podcast.