Real Talk: Recent Episodes
Faith Church
Welcome to Faith Church's #RealTalk podcast where we have real conversations about life, faith, the Bible, and current events! Faith Church is a God-glorifying, Christ-centered, Holy Spirit-empowered community which exists to help people find and follow Jesus. For more information about us, visit www.faithchurchpa.com.
Ever hear that line before? Pastor Brad and Michál talk about the role of prophets and the spiritual gift of prophecy. Do prophets still exist today? How does God communicate with us? And how do we know if He’s really delivering a message through someone else?
Watch the full video here.
It’s the 100th episode! Michál takes Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad back to the beginning as they watch some of their favorite moments from seasons past and talk about the original vision for #RealTalk and how it’s evolved over the last 4 seasons.
Watch the full video here.
Has the legalization of marijuana changed the way in which we should view the use of this substance? Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad dive into the ramifications of legalization. What has the government left unanswered and what should we, ourselves, consider when taking any kind of substance that may or may not control us in ways we haven’t really considered.
Watch the full video here.
What’s the point of church? Is it really necessary as a believer to attend church regularly? Pastor Joe and Michál discuss the value in making church a priority as well as the importance of finding community within the body of Christ.
Watch the full video here.
Give “Christians” a google, and unfortunately, some rather unkind words pop up in the search bar. Where are we going wrong in the way we engage with others? How do we speak and reflect the truths of the Bible while still reflecting the love and grace of Jesus?
Watch the full video here.
Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad discuss life after death. What does life in heaven or hell look like? And why might God have decided not to give us all the answers in the Bible?
Watch the full video here.
As we approach the 2 year anniversary of life with Covid, Pastor Joe addresses the ways we’ve changed and haven’t changed as a result of this virus. What have we begun to worship? What does it actually mean to love your neighbor? How does God intersect in all of this and why is change vitally important?
Watch the full video here.
If God is love, doesn’t He endorse all kinds of love? Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad discuss how to measure the true definition of love as well as the unique ways God expresses His love.
Watch the full video here.
It’s really old. There’s no original copy. It’s full of contradictions. What other reasons have you heard as to why the Bible isn’t trustworthy? Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad tackle these concerns and bring us back to the heart of faith.
Watch the full video here.
Ever wondered where dinosaurs fit into the Bible? And what about the theory of evolution? Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad address the dinosaur in the room regarding some of those science lessons that seem to conflict with Scripture.
Watch the full video here.
Are believers gullible or just unintelligent? Does belief in Jesus fall into the same category as the Tooth Fairy and Santa? Pastor Brad and Michál discuss the logic behind practicing faith.
Watch the full video here.
Ever wondered about the origin of God? If God created the world, then who created God? Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad kick off this next series of episodes trying to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about God, Jesus, and the Bible.
Watch the full video here.
Do Christians have to believe in the virgin birth? Why does it matter? Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad discuss why believing in the virgin birth is a necessary piece of our faith that ties directly to our salvation.
Watch the full video here.
What does it look like to take risks for Jesus in our daily lives? Pastor Joe and Michál discuss how to discern when God is asking you to take a leap of faith and how proximity to Him helps those decisions feel not so risky.
Watch the full video here.
So what’s the deal with “Prosperity Gospel?” What’s Biblical about it and what isn’t? Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad discuss the difference between being financially healthy versus financially wealthy.
Watch the full video here.
What’s the deal with those near-death experience stories? Are they real? Are there Biblical examples of this? Watch as Pastor Brad completely befuddles Pastor Joe as they discuss how the Bible helps give perspective on life, death, and near-death stories.
Watch the full video here.
It’s a question we’ve all asked at one point in our lives. Why does God allow bad things to happen? And am I being punished for something? Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad discuss what is clear based on God’s word versus what’s still very unclear because of our limited knowledge here on earth.
Watch the full video here.
Ever feel like God isn’t answering your prayers or like He’s not even listening at all? Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad discuss what the Bible has to say about prayer and our own approach to prayer. How much of prayer is talking vs. listening? And how do we keep perspective on how prayer is answered?
Watch the full video here.
Most of us have struggled to trust God’s timing at least once, if not countless times. Pastor Brad and Michál share examples from their own journey while also discussing what to do in that difficult waiting period and how to keep perspective through it all.
Watch the full video here.
In this episode, Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad get deep into theology as they wrestle through the concept of being forever saved by the grace of God. Is it humanly possible for us to mess up so big that we lose our salvation or is His grace just too big to allow for human error?
Watch the full video here.
In this episode, Pastor Joe and Michál discuss reasons why it might be time to end a relationship. Whether it’s an engagement, working relationship, or friendship, what are some key signs you shouldn’t ignore when evaluating a healthy vs. unhealthy relationship?
Watch the full video here.
In this episode, Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad discuss the awkward tension that results when we try to force our faith onto our children. What role do we, as parents, actually play in their decisions? What ownership do we have if they choose to go in a different direction?
Watch the video here.
In this episode, Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad discuss what Biblical forgiveness really looks like. Are we really called to forgive and forget? How do boundaries fit into the process of forgiveness and rebuilding trust?
Watch the full video here.
In this episode, Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad discuss the ways COVID has impacted us as individuals and as a society. Was life really better pre-COVID? Have we grown as a result of the pandemic? How can we use this summer wisely?
Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRW7I_hRSlM
Is life stressing you out? Are you taking on too much? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad and Michál talk about how to keep yourself from getting maxed out this summer.
Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkbbA7UY6gU
If Christians are so “like-minded,” why do they fight so much? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad discuss what causes dissension among believers and what we can do to disagree well.
Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZGrpDSBtGg
In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad discuss the value in celebrating our differences. Why is the push to be “color blind” actually a step in the wrong direction and a step away from God’s original design?
Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60Hynk4R-fw
Scottish descent, tattoos, and uni-brows? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad share their lists of similarities. Find out what makes the list as they discuss the value in finding what can unify us instead of divide us.
Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qzTZDP-TBs
In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad introduce the next miniseries focusing on how we’re more alike than we typically realize. In a world where focusing on our differences has become so divisive, how can we be more intentional to see our similarities? And how can we learn to celebrate those differences instead?
Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDtp-7-Qrwg
In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe enjoys some questionable meats. More importantly though, he and Pastor Brad discuss ways to stay engaged during Holy Week.
Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJVzCUZkKU8
What does a reduction sauce have to do with the pandemic, social unrest, and an election? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe shares his reflections on what God can do using the most unusual ingredients.
Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EW42Meiibo
We've all shared that juicy "prayer request" that so easily turns into gossip. In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad and Michál talk about why we gossip and practical ways to avoid it.
Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmb_zQFpJ2E
Is cursing wrong? Is it the words that are sinful or the intent behind those words? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad get to the heart of the matter and look at what the Bible says about our actions.
Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFM5HWzoC7k
Do you ever feel shame for not reading your Bible? It can be daunting to even figure out where to start reading. In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe and Michál discuss what reading the Bible looks like for them and how God can use it.
We can all be a little self-centered sometimes. In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad discuss some practical ways we can value others above ourselves with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad are beginning a miniseries called "Grow Up". In this episode of #RealTalk, they discuss practical ways we can combat complaining and negativity.
How do we make sense of the tension in our country right now? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad discuss how we can continue seeking God in the midst of chaos.
Does God punish people? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad use the story of Zachariah to show how God disciplines those He loves, always for their good.
In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad and Michál take a look at Jesus' family history and find that it was pretty messy. By studying Jesus' lineage we see how God can use imperfect people and circumstances in unexpected and extraordinary ways.
Do you feel like God is too far to reach? Or do you feel like He is so close to you? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad talk about God's closeness to us even when we might not be drawing close to Him.
How should you react if the person you voted for isn't our next president? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad unpack how to handle all the emotions that might come with the end of the election season.
What does the Bible say about...guns? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad bring Jesus into the conversation on gun control.
In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe takes the time to share his heart openly and honestly on the state of our country and the upcoming presidential election.
In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad dive into talking about what it means to be pro-life, and find it might be more multifaceted than what is typically presented.
There are a lot of voices and opinions on the upcoming election...so who do we listen to? In this episode of #RealTalk Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad take a look at what Jesus might have to say about socialism.
In the last episode of the season, Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad reflect on some of the season 2 highlights, and unpack what a "sabbatical" really means.
What does social etiquette look like in such a time as this? Pastor Brad and Michál explain how, often, social etiquette looks like genuinely hearing people before responding, or learning how to respectfully disagree with a person in a loving way. Ultimately, it looks like seeking first God's Kingdom in our lives.
So many of us feel helpless right now, looking at the state of our country. In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad unpack how our helplessness does not have to mean hopelessness.
On this episode of #RealTalk Michál Whitehead joins Pastor Joe to take a look at the courage of those who have gone before us, unpacking how it applies to our situation today. We see through the example of Joshua, that courage doesn't come from this world, but from God alone.
Do you ever find yourself questioning if God is real, or good, or loving? In this episode of #RealTalk Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad challenge each of us to deal with our own doubts and dive into the character of God, deciding for ourselves who He really is.
Are you at the point in quarantine where you’re starting to feel a little (dare we say)…rebellious? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad unpack what it looks like to be angry and frustrated without sinning, the differences between a Biblical value system and an American value system, as well as what it looks like to let the Holy Spirit guide us through this season.
Disappointment is like a sickness - to feel better you can't just dismiss it, it has to be dealt with. In this episode of #RealTalk Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad encourage us to take our heart sickness to Jesus because He can heal and because He cares.
Do you feel like you’re missing something in your life right now? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad talk about something many of us are looking for that none of us can find: peace. We can’t download it. But we can access it through the Prince of Peace. His name is Jesus.
So what if the coronavirus actually IS a sign of the end of the world? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe & Pastor Brad discuss why we shouldn’t be afraid of the end of the world.
Is the coronavirus a sign of the end of the world? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe & Pastor Brad discuss the coronavirus and the end times.
If God has unlimited power and ultimate authority, why doesn't He stop this virus in its tracks? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe & Pastor Brad tackle this difficult question.
Millions of people are self-quarantining and social distancing, borders are closing, and COVID-19 cases are are on the rise. How do we process all of this?! In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad discuss how to lean into this strange season and look at it from a hopeful and encouraging perspective.
COVID-19 is the current leading topic of every major network, newspaper, and social media outlet. It’s causing schools to close, stock markets to plunge, and panic to increase. In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad discuss how we can be educated and informed without panicking.
Can you think of a time when someone’s encouraging words changed the course of your life? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad and Pastor Joe discuss how powerful encouragement is, and has been in their own lives.
Words are POWERFUL. They can either plant gardens or burn down entire forests. So how do we use them the way that God intended for us to use them? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad and Pastor Joe unpack why words are so important and how we can steward them.
Is there anything we can't talk to God about? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad & Pastor Joe unpack a few violent/vengeful psalms and how we can approach them when we're reading and experiencing similar feelings.
The word ‘supernatural’ can be defined as some force beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature. We have a God that does supernatural things — things we can’t comprehend or understand! In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad & Pastor Joe discuss a few of the supernatural stories in the Bible and how to approach them as you’re reading.
Circumcision is mentioned hundreds of times in the Bible, but it’s not really a popular topic of discussion. In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad & Pastor Joe talk about where circumcision originated in the Bible, why it was required, and how it relates to us today.
Death is just a part of life, right? And unfortunately, not everyone dies peacefully in their sleep. In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe & Pastor Brad talk about some gruesome deaths that take place in the Bible and how we can learn something about God even in death.
There are some pretty wack things in the Bible, right? Well, on this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe & Pastor Brad dive into some interesting Old Testament laws...
It’s only a matter of time until the presents are opened, the Christmas tree is in the garbage, and the excitement of the holiday season fades away. Christmas will end…but does your joy have to? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad & Pastor Joe unpack what it means to have LASTING joy and where you can find it.
Nobody's perfect, right? Yes, that includes your family. Chances are they can get on your nerves (especially during the holidays). In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad & Pastor Joe give practical ways to navigate family drama during the Christmas season.
For many of us, the holidays mean family, food, and the stress of spending more than we should on things we don't need. We get bombarded by ads that tell us what we need in order to be happy, but PLOT TWIST: what if we already have everything we need in order to be happy? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe & Pastor Brad give us tips on how to have an attitude of gratitude during the holiday season.
We each have a story, right? There are some parts of our story that bring us joy, but there are other parts that we wish we could erase completely. In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad sits down with Tom as he shares his redemptive story and encourages us to embrace our own in order to help other people.
What if we told you that you’re creative, even if you don’t think you are? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe sits down with Anne, a visionary and creator, who offers insight on creativity, failure, and discovering/using the gifts God has given you to help others.
Immigration: one of the most controversial topics in today’s society. In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe sits down with Ana, an immigrant from Venezuela, to hear her story.
You guys sent in a bunch of questions about anxiety, depression, suicide, and mental illness in general! In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad & Pastor Joe are going to tackle a few of them.
You guys sent in a bunch of questions about anxiety, depression, suicide, and mental illness in general! In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad & Pastor Joe are going to tackle a few of them.
Spiritual or biological? Black & white or greyscale? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad & Pastor Joe tackle the topic of mental illness and its spiritual ties and physical implications.
Darkness is the breeding ground for lies and the only way to combat those lies is with the Truth. In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad & Pastor Joe tackle the topic of suicide.
Have you ever struggled with depression? Maybe you're struggling with it right now. In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad & Pastor Joe get real about darkness, depression, and what it looks like to navigate it with Jesus by your side.
Have you ever struggled with anxiety? Chances are you probably have. In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad & Pastor Joe get real about anxiety and ways to overcome it.
There are consequences when we break the law, right? A slap on the wrist, fines, jail time…we get that. But what happens to our HEARTS when we keep breaking GOD’S law? In this episode, Pastor Joe and Pastor Brad talk about what it means to “sear” your heart.
Are you bored with your faith? Maybe you've got friends who are SO excited about Jesus, but you're not...at all. Is there something wrong with you? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad & Pastor Joe talk about spiritual boredom and how to cure it.
Why do we keep doing the same things over and over again, even when we don’t want to? Will we ever be able to shake our bad habits? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad & Pastor Joe talk about the cycles of sin and self-condemnation, and how to overcome bad habits.
Every kid is afraid of the dark because they're afraid of what they can’t see. But isn't that also the case for you and me? We live in fear about what we can’t see — things that are in the future and things we feel we have no control over. In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad & Pastor Joe talk about their irrational fears and how to have faith in a God we can't see.
Have you ever experienced church hurt? Chances are you have. In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad & Pastor Joe give advice on what to do when you're hurt by the church.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how awkward do you feel when someone is crying? Do you struggle to find the words to say? Maybe you feel like you say too much? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad & Pastor Joe give some of their advice on what to say (and what not to say) when someone is struggling.
Have you ever used a phrase over and over only to find out you were saying it wrong? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad and Pastor Joe talk about different sayings and Bible verses that are commonly misquoted or taken out of context. Can you guess which phrases and verses they're going to mention?
Christians do some pretty weird stuff, right?! In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad and Pastor Joe talk about the weird stuff Christians do during worship. They also unpack what the Bible says about worship, why it's important to keep order in a worship service, and they mention a few of their favorite worship songs. Check it out!
Did you know that there are Christian mints in this world?! 🍬 How about Christian kitchen spoons? 🥄 There are even hourglasses that tell you when to pray! ⏳ In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad & Pastor Joe unpack why Christians have Christian stuff in their lives.
Christians say some pretty weird stuff, right? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad & Pastor Joe unpack why Christians seem to have their own language. They also talk about their least favorite Christian phrases and mention some very interesting Christian bumper stickers they've seen...
Do you feel like a lousy Christ-follower? Has it been difficult to make time for God, read your Bible, or even have self-control? Maybe you've been struggling in your walk with Christ for awhile now. Well, in this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad is going to unpack these feelings of hypocrisy and failure.
People can sometimes feel like an inconvenience to us, right? It's so easy to miss opportunities to care for others when we're focused on OUR schedules and OUR problems. In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad urges us to recognize that the people in our lives are not just there by coincidence, but by divine appointments made by God.
Are you exhausted? Need a nap? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad explains why sleeping just might be one of the greatest defensive weapons in your spiritual life.
We all struggle with self-control, don’t we? We tend to have a little road rage when another driver cuts us off. Our kids might drive us up a wall…by coloring all over the walls with permanent markers. Even at work, we might have a boss that’s extremely difficult to be around and we find ourselves fighting to keep our composure. In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe shares what it looked like for Jesus to have self-control even when he was being beaten, mocked, and spit on. Joe also shares some comments his teacher made on report cards from years past that might surprise you.
Have you ever used the saying, "I'm at the end of my rope"? Maybe someone wrongfully accused you of something that you didn't do and you can't convince them otherwise. Maybe your kids are driving you nuts and you feel out of control. Maybe you're struggling with addiction and you feel alone and worn out. What if we told you that we have a savior that understands what it feels like to be at the end of His rope? Listen to Pastor Brad share more about this in this week's episode of #RealTalk.
Have you ever been betrayed or abandoned by someone you loved? Was it a best friend, sibling, parent, or spouse that hurt you? Jesus understands the pain that betrayal brings. In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad unpacks the betrayal Jesus experienced from one of his very best friends.
When you hear the word 'Lent', do you immediately associate it with giving something up? Well, what if we told you that Lent isn't about deprivation, but PREPARATION? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad Hixon explains the meaning of Lent and dives into John 8.
Who is Jesus? For some, that question is really messy...almost as messy as a food fight. For others, that question is a piece of cake. In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad tackles this age-old question that all of us need to ask and answer for ourselves.
They say that money makes the world go 'round, but does it make YOUR world go 'round? Are you using money to try and solve all of your problems? Do you find yourself wanting more and more? Is it difficult for you to let go of money? In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Joe Henseler gets real about the dangers of loving money.
We tend to throw around the word 'love', right? I love dogs. I love french fries. I love my mom. In English, the word 'love' can be used in a bunch of different ways and have a bunch of different meanings depending on the context. In Greek, however, there are multiple words for love that vary based on the specific kind of love they are referring to. In this episode of #RealTalk, Pastor Brad dives into the different Greek words for love and their meanings.
Submission —> Connection —> Confidence. How do these three words help us to unpack Jesus’ relationship with God? How do they help US grow in OUR relationship with God? Isn’t submission negative?! How could submission ever lead to confidence? Pastor Brad Hixon explains in this episode of #RealTalk!
Pastor Joe Henseler explains the stages of spiritual growth using a baby bottle, baby food, and a sandwich. Do you know what spiritual stage you're at? Are you a baby believer, new to Christianity, that needs to be bottle-fed? Are you a mature believer, diving into the meat of Christianity on your own, cooking for yourself? Is it time for you to stop pointing fingers and relying on other people for your spiritual growth?
Pastor Brad Hixon dives into John 6 and discusses why Jesus leaves the crowd to be alone after he feeds the 5,000. Was he annoyed at all of the people? Was he tired? Wait, he's God...is it even possible for him to be tired? Did he just need some #selfcare? What does all of this mean for us?
Pastor Brad Hixon dives into John 5 and discusses the reasons why we can trust and believe in Jesus. Logic and intellect say that Jesus is the Son of God, just like data and statistics say LeBron James is one of the greatest basketball players of all time. So why do we find it easy to believe in LeBron, but so hard to believe in Jesus?