The Christ Centered Life: Recent Episodes
Derek and Lindsay Allen
Pastor Derek Allen and his wife, Lindsay, discuss what it means to live The Christ Centered Life--a life where Jesus is at the center of everything.
This is the first of a three-part series about transgenderism. In this episode, Derek and Lindsay give five keys to remember when talking about transgender issues.
Recently, Polynesian Indigenous groups signed a treaty granting personhood to whales. In light of that, Derek and Lindsay discuss personhood and the importance of a solid Christian worldview.
This week is Holy Week, and this Sunday is Resurrection Sunday! It's a great time of year to celebrate all God has done for us through Jesus, and we don't want you to miss it. Listen in to hear seven ways to maximize this year's Easter celebration.
A recent decision by Alabama's Supreme Court and subsequent action by the state legislature and governor have brought In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) into the public conversation. In this episode, Derek and Lindsay address the ethics and politics of IVF and offer counsel to Christian couples facing infertility.
Families with special needs can feel out of place at church, but it doesn't have to be that way. For this episode, Lindsay reached out to several families with special needs to ask for their thoughts about the relationship between the church and these precious families.
In this episode, Aaron and Meghan Benefield join Derek and Lindsay to tell the beautiful story of becoming a family of seven. You will be blessed, encouraged, and challenged as you listen in.
This episode was recorded on location at a place where God worked in a powerful way almost 30 years ago in Derek and Lindsay's lives. Listen in as they share an "only God" kind of story.
Many Christians are intimidated by the thought of memorizing Scripture. The truth is, with a little practice and a few tips, we can all memorize God's Word. Join Lindsay and Derek as they talk through practical strategies to memorize Scripture.
An amazing shift has taken place in recent years. The focus of Christmas has been taken off of Jesus and put on, well, everything else. Of course, that's been the case for a long time in American culture, but this time, it's happening in the church. The good news is that we can do something about this alarming trend. Listen in as Lindsay and Derek discuss this problem and the steps we can take to be part of the solution.
Jesus in the front; party in the back. That's the way many people in the Cultural South approach their relationship with God. In response, Derek and Lindsay recently published a new book, Mullet Theology. In this episode, they talk about the Mullet Theology concept and give a brief overview of eight common theological mullets.
Family makes the holiday season wonderful! But family can also make the holiday season challenging. In this episode, Derek and Lindsay share five tips to help navigate the holiday season with family and friends.
Difficult conversations are part of life, and they are part of following Jesus. In this episode, Derek and Lindsay share biblical principles and practical tips about having difficult conversations.
With the recent death of actor Matthew Perry, Derek and Lindsay reflect on his life and the show that made him famous. The show Friends continues to make an impact on our culture, and this episode takes a closer look at that impact from a Christ-Centered perspective.
How can we honor our parents if they are not honorable? What should you do when someone calls you names? How can foster parents apply biblical standards of discipline? What about flat-earthers? In this episode, Lindsay and Derek answer these and other questions submitted by listeners.
On October 7th, 2023, the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur war, Hamas launched a deadly attack on southern Israel. The attack was not a military engagement--it was a terrorist attack on civilian targets. That attack led Israel to declare war on Hamas. In this episode, Derek and Lindsay discuss some of the major aspects of the conflict from a Christ-Centered perspective.
Not all Christian music is created equal. Whether you're listening to your local Christian radio station, a worship playlist, or the songs at a worship service, navigating the world of Christian music can be tricky. In this episode, Derek and Lindsay provide helpful tips to guide you and your family work through a subject with some interesting twists and turns and even a few potholes.
We all get frustrated, but as believers, we must approach our frustrations in a way that honors the Lord. We need a Christ-centered approach to frustration. Join Derek and Lindsay as they discuss dealing with frustration and include some of the frustrations listeners shared.
In episode 52, Derek and Lindsay shared three things lost when someone embraces atheism. In this episode, they share a fourth thing--salvation. In doing so, they share the creation, fall, redemption, and restoration metanarrative as the story foundational to all stories.
Atheism is one of the fastest-growing worldviews in western culture. In this episode, Derek and Lindsay discuss three things people lose when they embrace atheism.
This week, Derek and Lindsay celebrated their 20th anniversary by returning to the same resort where they honeymooned. As part of the celebration, they reflect on 20 things that are better than they were 20 years ago.
As the space between childhood and full-fledged adulthood widens, Derek and Lindsay look closer at the reasons and problems of what some call Adultolescence. Part 1 identifies the dangers of young adults procrastinating responsibilities and parents preventing their children from becoming adults. In this episode, Derek and Lindsay offer some ideas for parents to help change the Adultolesence narrative.
As the space between childhood and full-fledged adulthood widens, Derek and Lindsay look closer at the reasons and problems of what some call Adultolescence. This episode identifies the dangers of young adults procrastinating responsibilities and parents preventing their children from becoming adults. In Part 2 Lindsay and Derek will offer some ideas for parents to help change the Adultolesence narrative.
What do we do with stories of UFO's and space aliens? Is there intelligent life out there beyond our atmosphere? How do we answer some of the mysteries seen in the skies from a Christ-centered perspective.?
Summer is almost here, and there are so many great opportunities to disciple your family! In this episode, Derek and Lindsay discuss how to make the most of your summer as a family.
It seems like the whole world is falling apart around us. Some people are even connecting biblical prophecies and signs of the end times to current events. So, are we living in the end times? Yes. We've been living in the end times, or last days, since Jesus ascended to Heaven. But are we living the end-end times? Should we expect the return of Jesus in our lifetimes? Yes! And no. Well, maybe not. We actually don't know! Listen in to this conversation as Derek and Lindsay provide context and bring clarity to this important and often confusing conversation.
We have a problem--a big problem. Our attention is divided in so many different directions that sometimes it is impossible to focus on what's important. How can followers of Jesus focus in an age of so many distractions? Listen in as Derek and Lindsay discuss the discipline of focus.
In this episode, Derek and Lindsay share a very personal account about a difficult season of life and ministry. It was a season where the goodness of God became especially real to them, and they share advice to those who are walking through similar seasons.
What should we do with/think/feel about the Asbury revival? Should we be excited? Should we be a little skeptical? How should this impact our lives and walk with Jesus? Listen as Derek and Lindsay discuss five ways to respond to the Asbury revival.
What responsibilities should children have around the home? Should they be paid for chores? What about allowances? Should children be allowed/encouraged to earn money through small, age-appropriate jobs? In this episode, Derek and Lindsay discuss chores and home-based family businesses.
Life is filled with decisions. Should you take that job? Should you buy the house or car you've been looking at? What type of major should you pursue in college? Join Derek and Lindsay as they discuss a process for making God-honoring decisions on this episode of The Christ Centered Life.
Every marriage is impacted by brokenness, but every marriage can be redeemed and restored through Jesus. Listen in as Derek and Lindsay offer advice for living out Christ-centered redemption in marriage.
Marriage was created as a beautiful and intimate relationship between one man and one woman, but everything changed when sin entered the world. Marriage has been specifically and significantly impacted by sin, and in this episode, Derek and Lindsay talk through some of the impacts of sin on marriage.
Your marriage is not about you. It's not even about your spouse. It's about God's glory. How does that change the way we live and love in marriage? Listen in as Derek and Lindsay discuss the creation of marriage.
Listen in as we relive WOW moments from a behind-the-scenes, sneak peek tour of the newly renovated Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina.
With so much confusion in our culture about gender and sexuality, it is our responsibility to be aware of the concepts being taught to our children. Listen in as Derek and Lindsay discuss the 2020 national sex education standards from the Department of Education as well as one of the curriculum tools used to teach those standards--the Genderbread Person.
Casinos, lotteries, online sports gambling--the 21st century has so many opportunities to participate in gambling. What is gambling? What does the Bible say about gambling? Is gambling a sin? Listen in and join the conversation on this episode of The C2 Life.
October 31st is one of the most controversial days in all of history. October 31, 1517 that is. Listen in as Derek and Lindsay share a brief history of the Reformation and discuss ways you can teach your children about it.
In this episode, Derek and Lindsay follow up on episode 32 with five more questions every Christian must ask. Listen in, and feel free to join the conversation on social media or through info@thec2life.org.
In this episode, Derek and Lindsay discuss five questions every Christian must ask. Listen in, and feel free to join the conversation on social media or through info@thec2life.org.
Thoughts become words. Words become action. Actions become habits. Habits become character. Listen in as Derek and Lindsay talk about a strategy for developing healthy habits.
In this episode, Derek and Lindsay share four habits that married couples can incorporate into their relationship to increase romance. They discuss creative date nights, developing your own language, disconnecting to be with one another, and, yes, physical intimacy. Listen in and join the conversation at thec2life.org.
Much of our time is spent building, guarding, and maintaining emotional walls that guard us from genuine relationships with others. Sooner or later, our well-meaning construction efforts reveal our vast inability to protect ourselves. Instead, they serve to separate us from those who love us most, including God. We can take steps to break down those faulty walls and use the debris to create altars to the Lord. In this episode, Derek and Lindsay discuss Lindsay's new book, Trading Walls for Altars, which is designed to help us do just that.
Most of us assume the proper method of educating our children is outsourcing their education to public or private institutions. In this episode, Derek and Lindsay challenge that assumption and talk about the benefits of home-based education. No, homeschooling is not for every family, but we want you to consider this--it might be right for your family.
In this episode, Derek and Lindsay respond to a listener who asked, "What are the benefits of being part of the Southern Baptist Convention? And would you ever consider leaving?" Those are great questions! Listen in, and join the discussion.
In this episode, Derek and Lindsay discuss the difficult issue of modesty. Should churches require ladies to wear one-piece bathing suits on youth trips? What about modesty outside of church? Is it empowering for women and men to display their bodies in a sexual manner? Listen in and join the conversation.
Your family can serve others and share the gospel! In this episode, Lindsay and Derek discuss the concept of servant evangelism and offer tips and ideas for projects your family can use this summer.
In this episode, Derek and Linsday continue the conversation about the truth of Scripture and the LGBT+ worldview.
This episode is the first of two parts that explores the LGBTQ worldview in light of the biblical worldview. In part one, Derek and Lindsay share the short story The Emporer's New Clothes and highlight parallels with the 21st-century cultural milieu that supports the LGBTQ worldview.
Earlier this month, we had the opportunity to visit Israel, and in this episode of The C2 Life, we share some of the highlights of the trip plus three reasons you should consider going.
Whether we realize it or not, the music we listen to shapes our worldview and even our theology. In this episode, Derek and Lindsay are joined by Pastor Ralph Rimmer, and the three of them discuss the tenets of Country Music Theology and provide some examples. This is a fun episode you don't want to miss.
Is it possible to affair-proof a marriage? What steps can we take to strengthen our marriages against sexual sins? How do we trust the Lord when we are afraid of future marital unfaithfulness? Listen in to this episode of The Christ Centered Life
When is the last time you've been away on an overnight trip with your spouse and without the kids? In this episode, Derek and Lindsay share some tips to help you make that happen along with four lies that couples believe which keep them from couples getaways.
In the not too distant past, alcohol use was considered a sin by many churches and pastors. Now, drinking seems like a normal part of the lives of many followers of Christ. What does the Bible say about drinking alcohol? Is there any difference between the alcohol of the Bible and modern alcohol? Should Christians drink alcohol?Why did Paul tell Timothy to take a little wine for his stomach? What part does wisdom play in this discussion? Listen in to this vitally important conversation with Lindsay and Derek.
The desire to want to control the world around you and the future that is ahead of you is only human--but it is a sinful part of being human. Only God knows and controls the future. Listen in as Lindsay and Derek discuss three ways we subtly and futilely try to take control away from God.
Yep, we're going there. And it's something we really need to talk about. Did God send Trump to save America? Is Trump a moral leader? Is Donald Trump a better alternative than Joe Biden? How should the church relate to Trump? Listen in, and join the conversation by emailing us at info@thec2life.org.
Giving is one of the greatest opportunities we have to shape our own hearts and the hearts of our children. How do we take advantage of those opportunities, and what can we do to make the most of what we give? Listen in as Lindsay and Derek discuss giving as a family on this episode of The Christ Centered Life.
How can we set and achieve goals that matter for eternity in 2022? What do you want to see the Lord do through your relationship with Him, your family, your health, your time, and your relationship with others? How can you develop a practical plan to accomplish goals in those areas?
Some say Christmas is simply a pagan holiday wrapped in a thin layer of Jesus. Is that true? Why do we celebrate Christmas on December 25th? Are we celebrating pagan deities related to the winter solstice when we think we are celebrating the birth of Jesus? Is your Christmas tree an idol? Plus, what are some practical ways we can make December 25th all about Jesus? Join the conversation on this episode of the Christ Centered Life.
What should Christian parents do about Santa? If we are honest with our children, do we risk robbing them of the "magic" of the season? If we don't tell our children the truth about Santa, are we allowing the culture to eclipse Jesus? How can we steward the hearts of our children regarding toward generosity and worship of Jesus? Listen in, and join the conversation by sending a message to info@thec2life.org.
With the holiday season in full swing, we have so many opportunities to engage in gospel conversations with friends, family members, and even strangers. How can we take advantage of these opportunities? Listen in as Lindsay and Derek share practical tips for turning everyday conversations into gospel conversations.
Are you listening to Christmas music and putting up lights already? We will forgive you--this time--but seriously, don't give in to the cultural and commercial pressure to let Christmas steamroll Thanksgiving. Listen in on the conversation as Derek and Lindsay discuss the importance of giving Thanksgiving its rightful place in our hearts and homes.
What does it look like to use your home and family as the foundation of discipleship for yourself, your spouse, and your children? Derek and Lindsay are joined by Randy Helms, Associate Pastor of Gadsden Christian Fellowship
What should followers of Christ do with October 31st? If we let our kids dress up and trick or treat, are we celebrating evil? Should we simply surrender this one day each year to the culture and stay inside until November 1st comes around? And does anyone even think about Reformation Day? Join Lindsay and Derek for the conversation on this episode of The Christ Centered Life.
Abortion is the most serious moral issue our nation has faced since slavery was abolished. Listen in as Derek and Lindsay discuss the logical and emotional aspects of the abortion debate.
Social Media is an inescapable part of our culture, but is it healthy for us? For our kids? What limits should we set, and how can we help our families use social media in healthy ways? Listen in on the conversation with Derek and Lindsay.
Reading is such an important part of learning to follow Jesus. In this Episode, Lindsay and Derek talk about some practical tips for reading, and they discuss two books that have impacted them recently.
Pain is part of life. Pain that comes from our church family or even church leaders is an unexpected part of life. Many of us have experienced this kind of pain. Why does it hurt so much? Why does it happen? How do we deal with it in the moment, and how can we respond long term? In this episode, Derek and Lindsay discuss church hurt and share some of their personal experiences with this difficult issue.
Has the 21st-century world of hyperconnectivity placed a burden of grief on us that we cannot bear? How are we to handle the pain and grief of others? Is there a way to care for others without getting emotionally and spiritually overwhelmed? In this episode of The Christ-Centered Life, Derek and Lindsay discuss Jesus' strategy for rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep.
In this episode, we encourage parents and families to take advantage of the back-to-school season to make the most of the time God has given us.
Join Derek and Lindsay as they discuss the purpose and format of The Christ-Centered Life podcast.