The Forty Podcast - Life From a Biblical Perspective: Recent Episodes
Mike Lutz
The Forty Podcast is a weekly podcast where we have talk about real life issues from a biblical perspective.
Everyone has questions about Heaven, like, what will it be like, what will we do there, who will be there, will my pets be waiting for me, and on goes the list. On this episode of the Forty Podcast we talk about the twenty most common questions concerning Heaven.
Riding on clouds and listening to harp music, is that what Heaven is going to be like? Listen to this discussion about the reality of Heaven and what the Bible says Heaven will be like.
Failure is never pleasant but it can be the source of some of our greatest learned lessons. Listen in as we discuss how to face failure head on.
The truth is, there is nothing more powerful than the Word of God! It has the answer to every question you will ever ask, and it contains the power to meet your every need. On todays podcast we discuss the Power of the Bible.
Faith. It’s a word we hear thrown around all the time. Keep the faith. Walking in faith. Having faith. So what is faith? Find out on this episode of The Forty.
Addiction isn't just a subject for the junkie, it is for anyone who has an unbreakable habit or compulsion. On this episode of The Forty we take a candid look at addiction and find out what God has to say about breaking the chains of addiction.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds - easier said than done right? On this episode of The Forty we talk through the difficulties we often have with trials and what God wants from us in those times.
Life after a loss is difficult but with God it can still be good. Listen in as we discuss life on the other side of loss.
Everyone faces their own kinds of temptation. So what do you do when temptation strikes? Listen in as we discuss the difficulties that come with being tempted and how we can respond appropriately.
God is good, all the time, but when we are faced with the difficulties of sickness and illness it can leave us questioning what good can be found in this difficulty. Listen as we discuss how God can work even in times of sickness.
Difficulties are an inevitable part of life, and God allows them for a purpose. So how can we make the most of our difficulties and glorify God in the process. Join the Forty Podcast as we begin a twelve part series on dealing with difficulties!
At some point in your Christian life you have probably asked, what are spiritual gifts? Do I have one? How do I use it?
God is all-powerful, and every gift He gives has the potential to change the world.
Listen to this episode to refresh and renew your commitment to understand spiritual gifts.
Understanding the nature of God's provision will help us be victors over our circumstances and not become victims to our circumstances. In this episode of The Forty we will discuss the nature of Gods provision and how we are to trust in the promises of His provision.
Should you marry the person you’re dating? Should you take that job offer in a different city? Which college should you attend?
At some point in your life, you have probably faced a major decision and wondered how to know which option to choose. Listen as we discuss what to do when you're trying to discover Gods will.
Wars and rumors of wars, we know that these signs of the end times, so is the war in Israel ushering us into the end times? If so what should we do? If not how do we know when the end is near?
Serving isn't about us receiving attention or glory; it is for God to receive glory and His people to be blessed. So what does serving God look like in your everyday life? Tune in as we talk about making serving a lifestyle.
Evangelism isn’t just for the “professionals.” You don't have to have all the answers. God is at work to draw people to himself and he wants to use you and me. Listen as we talk about rethinking evangelism.
On this episode of The Forty Podcast we talk about the current issue of gender identity. Is there a one size fits all way to look at this issue? How should Christians respond? And of course does the Bible address this issue?
The Forty, real discussions, about real life issues. In this episode of The Forty we talk about celebrity pastors. Is this biblical? Is it wrong to pastor a mega church? All this and more in this episode of the Forty.
The Forty Podcast talks about the issue of integrity. If ethics are what we believe about an issue, integrity is how we live out those beliefs. Listen in as we discuss how to live a life of integrity.
This week Jeff and Mike tie a bow on their Revelation discussions with a look at Christ’s return, a new Heaven and earth, and what happens when it’s all said and done in the Bible.
Jeff and Mike also tie on a bow on The Forty podcast, as they hit the pause button for a while. We will be in prayer over whether or not we return with new episodes in the future, but for now we hope you've enjoyed our podcast, and thank you for listening.
Throughout the Bible we see God’s judgment as a natural outworking of His character and nature. But the wrath poured out in the end times seems exceptionally devastating. This week Jeff & Mike take a look at God’s judgment in the end times and how might that force us to take a look at our own sins and motivations today?
This week on The Forty, Jeff & Mike take a look at the good news that is preached by angels in Revelation. How might evangelism look in the end times, and how should we be inspired to live today?
Join Jeff & Mike as they discuss more of Revelation chapter 13, and the topics of one-world government, one-world currency, and the Antichrist. Our world and our culture are rapidly changing, but there are trends and scenarios that could set the stage for these "one-world" events.
This week, Jeff & Mike continue on in Revelation talking about the Anti-Christ and how that figure takes shape to manipulate the world in the end times. What should we be looking for in an Anti-Christ figure? Is there a spirit of Anti-Christ woven throughout history? And how can we prepare ourselves to recognize true Jesus, and reject the spirit of the Anti-Christ? Tune in to this week's episode of The Forty.
Where did Satan come from? Why did he sin and revolt against God? What does Revelation tell us about Satan and his role in the end times? All this and more talk about the influences and schemes of Satan this week on The Forty.
God's wrath is often puzzling to us. When we see God wiping out people or causing strange plagues we can be left asking, "What's the point of that?". This week we talk about why God has to have a side of Him that expresses wrath. In the last days, it may seem like God is just going nuts, but He is working out a plan and a purpose.
Today on The Forty, Jeff & Mike talk about what we see in Revelation 7 and 8, and how God values his people and their prayers. Even when the end of the world is at hand, God is personally caring for His people.
Continuing on in Revelation, Jeff & Mike discuss the seven seals and why Jesus is the only one worthy enough to open them. Each seal ushers in a new era of the end times, and we get a glimpse of the events that must play out before Jesus comes again.
This week on The Forty, Jeff & Mike talk about why our understanding of Heaven matters here on earth. What will heaven be like? What will we do, and what won’t we do there? Listen to Part One of their discussion on heaven.
This week Jeff & Mike take a look at Jesus’s words to the church at Philadelphia. Jesus gives them some praise and a hopeful, but strangely vague, promise to save them from the trials ahead.
This week Jeff & Mike take a look at the words Jesus speaks to the early churches in terms of where they miss the mark, and how compromise and complacency can erode a healthy church as well as a healthy individual faith.
This week Jeff & Mike continue in the book of Revelation and discuss Jesus’s words to the church at Ephesus, and how impactful those words can be for churches and individual Christians today.
Jeff & Mike are starting a new series where they are going to explore the fascinating and often misunderstood book of Revelation. Buckle up! It’s going to be quite a ride! This episode we talk about chapter one and how that sets the scene for what is to come!
Are Mormons Christians? What do they believe, and how does that differ from Biblical Christianity? What should you do when a Mormon approaches you? All that and more on this week's episode of The Forty!
This week Jeff & Mike share some things we all should know when it comes to Jehovah’s Witnesses beliefs.
We're back! Last we spoke, we talked about Catholicism, and this week we talk about the Protestant faith and how the division of denominations plays a role in splitting up God's people. As believers in Christ, unity in Biblical truths is essential, but too often we let non-essential items divide us.
On this week’s episode Jeff & Mike do a brief dive into Catholicism. There are some interesting diversions in the Catholic faith that we don’t see in other faiths … but are those diversions Biblical? Are they beneficial, or detrimental, to faith in Jesus? Tune in to hear our talk, and yes … believe it or not - MORE rice krispy treats!!
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has brought up the social and moral responsibility of Christians regarding the oppressed. Jeff & Mike talk about that as well as a little "end of the world" discussion as the Bible talks about wars and rumors of wars preceding the end times.
Even though we may not “covet our neighbor's donkey", coveting, or the desire to have what someone else has, is an issue as old as time. This week we discuss where covetousness comes from and how to counter its appeal.
We're back with another week in God's Top Ten as we've been spending one episode in each commandment. This week we focus on what it means to "bear false witness" and lying in general. God's desires honesty and truth as we pursue Him, and as we pursue our earthly relationships as well. It's not always easy, but God says it's always worth it.
Today we are taking a closer look at stealing and how there are more ways to take what doesn’t belong to you than you might think. Join us as we continue to talk about how Gods commandments are there to help us live healthier and happier lives.
God forbids adultery to safeguard our relationships. Today we are taking a closer look at sexuality, fidelity in marriage, and adultery. Join us as we talk about how God's commandments are there to help us live healthier and happier lives. Oh, and yes, there is even more talk about Rice Krispies treats!!
Today we are taking a closer look at the Sixth Commandment and how Jesus takes this commandment a step further. Join us as we talk about how Gods commandments show us all how much we need Jesus. Oh, and yes there is even more talk about the Rice Krispies Chewathon!
This week, our 5th installment of God's Top Ten where Jeff & Mike discuss what it means to honor your mother and father, and how to practically live that out. The way we love and honor our parents - even in difficult circumstances - is by applying the New Testament definition of love to our relationships. Also, this week is the first entry in the Rice Krispy Treat Chewathon ... and Mike delivers with a banger of a treat!!
As much as we all need a little “me time”, are we really enjoying rest as God intended? Living in a culture where we fill our schedules and overcommit our time, how can we glorify God with this command? Listen to this week's episode of The Forty as Jeff and Mike discuss honoring the Sabbath in the modern world.
What does it mean to actually take God's name in vain? Sure, most of us know it's wrong to use God's name as a swear word, but could we be taking God's name in vain with our actions? Check out this week's episode as we discuss how we might be taking the Lord's name in vain more often than we think.
What's the big deal about images? Does God hate art? What's the real issue behind idolatry? All this and more on this week's episode, as we continue our series through God's Top Ten, a look at the Ten Commandments.
This week we kick off a new series called God's Top Ten. We will be going through the Ten Commandments and discuss why they're applicable and practical to us, even today. In this episode we discuss the first commandment God gives to Moses, and why the prioritizing of God before any other idols in our life is crucial.
Decisions are a huge part of life. Big or small, there's no escaping our personal responsibility to make decisions. How can we honor God in that? When it comes to big moments in our life, how can we make sure we are including God in our decision-making process? This week, Jeff & Mike tackle how to make Godly decisions, and how our day-to-day relationship with God makes a big impact on how we incorporate God into the crossroads of our lives.
Happy New Year from They Forty! The changing of a year is a common time to take spiritual inventory and plan for the future, but, as Christians, we need to make sure we move forward with a healthy perspective who God is in our life. In the first episode of 2022, Jeff & Mike discuss resolutions and what meaningful ways we can focus on to improve our relationship with God.
This week Jeff & Mike discuss four tips to help make Jesus the center of your holidays, and how to keep peace and joy in your heart all year long!
As we start to roll into the holidays, Jeff & Mike discuss the topic of joy and how to beat back the stress and frustration of the holidays and focus on God to be our source of joy through the holiday season and all year long.
In this episode of The Forty with Jeff & Mike, they discuss the truth about temptation ... such as where it comes from, how to deal with it, and what it actually is and is not. You’re tempted to listen aren’t you?! Then listen now!
In today’s episode, Jeff & Mike celebrate the release of Mike’s new book, Jesus Speaking! In the first half of the episode, Mike shares about the process of writing the book, and how the words and character of Jesus are vital to the Christian faith. In the second half, Jeff & Mike follow that same thread of Jesus and discuss why it’s so important to live a Christ-centered life. To find out more about author Mike Lutz, and how you can buy a copy of his new book, Jesus Speaking, please visit www.mikelutz.org
This week on Jeff & Mike continue to break down the Lord's Prayer as found in Matthew 6. As they focus on verse 12, it demands a discussion on how God has forgiven us, and how we then should forgive others. God's forgiveness is easy to receive, but forgiving others in the same manner can be difficult. Join us this week as we get down to the heart of the matter and talk about forgiveness.
In the first half of this week's episode, Jeff & Mike discuss the problems with materialism, and how it can creep into our lives and shift our focus from God. In the second half we are continuing through Jesus's model prayer in Matthew 6, talking about the phrase "Give us this day our daily bread" and how we should be praying and thinking about our needs.
It's a special Halloween episode of The Forty! Halloween is a wildly popular day, and Jeff & Mike talk about how Christians should approach it, and how to navigate all the festivities. Grab some of that trick or treat candy and check it out!
Halloween is fast approaching, and Jeff & Mike are taking some time to discuss popular Halloween topics. Are ghosts real? How do we explain hauntings? As Christians how do we navigate the unexplainable? Join us as we discuss these issues and more!
This week, join Jeff & Mike as they continue to explore the model prayer Jesus lays out in Matthew 6. What are we praying for when we say "Your Kingdom come" and "Your will be done"? How can approaching this prayer differently reshape our perspective on God? Find out on this episode of The Forty.
As discussed in the show, here's a link to Mike's book Discovering God's Will for Your Life: Your Journey with God. https://www.amazon.com/Discovering-Gods-Will-Your-Life/dp/1981051058/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=mike+lutz&qid=1634488942&sr=8-2
In this episode of the Forty with Jeff and Mike we want to challenge some popular perspectives of God’s word. In the first half of the episode we discuss what’s wrong with the prosperity gospel interpretation of scripture and how that is damaging to our faith. In the second half we look at how Jesus challenges us to rethink our approach to prayer. What is the purpose of prayer? Why do we get it so wrong so often? Then as we begin to dive into Jesus’ model for prayer we begin to find the help and encouragement we need to get the most from our prayers.
This week Jeff & Mike dive into the practice of prayer. Why is it important? What does God want to accomplish in us through the act of prayer? Is prayer to petition God to change our circumstances or to allow God to change our perspective? Or both? Join us as we discuss the practice and power of prayer and why it's vital to the Christian life.
In today's episode, Jeff & Mike discuss the challenges of faith, and why a disciplined life of worship to God is vital to growing our faith. Using the character of Abraham as a launching point, we see his faith is on full display as God begins to prepare him, and as Abraham is obedient and steadfast in his devotion to God.
This week Jeff & Mike spend the episode discussing how to practically talk about faith, and how to open up conversations about God and the Bible. God calls us to be spreading the good news of the gospel, but sometimes we can come across as uncomfortable, unsure, or even abrasive or judgmental. Take a listen for some discussion on how to share our faith as a natural extension of our Christianity.
It seems like everything Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount could be considered revolutionary. But what He said about loving our enemies might be at the top of the list. This week Jeff & Mike talk about what it really takes to love your enemies. Also, in this episode Jeff & Mike discuss living life in the "extra mile" and how actions like turning the other cheek have a specific purpose. Listen to find out more.
In this episode, Jeff & Mike discuss conspiracy theories. There's a lot of them floating around lately, but Christians encountering and dealing with them is nothing new. But why do so many Christians put their trust into conspiracy theories? What is the appeal? What is our responsibility as Christians when it comes to these theories? All that and more on Episode 20 of The Forty.
In the first half of this week's episode, Jeff & Mike talk about why there is evil in the world. Where did it come from and why doesn't God seem to do anything about it? In the second half we are back in Genesis as Jeff & Mike discuss the Tower of Babel and God's response to pride.
This week Jeff & Mike spend the entire episode talking about Matthew 5:21-30 where Jesus lays out a deeper understanding of sin, and how it's not just the outward actions that define sin. Sin isn't just the part of the iceberg we can see, it's also the massive chunk of ice that lurks beneath the surface, waiting to sink the unsinkable. Hmmm... sounds like an opportunity to throw in some movie quotes from a famous movie as well!
In this episode, Jeff & Mike talk about Noah. What would you do if God asked you to do something that sounded crazy, like build an Ark? Noah wasn’t perfect and made his own mistakes, but Jeff & Mike discuss the importance of walking by faith and what we can learn from our friend Noah. Not to mention all the water and boat puns you’ll hear in this episode.
In the first half of today's episode, Jeff & Mike piggy-back off last week's discussion about work and discuss the idea of the American Dream. Is that a Christian Reality? Can we pursue God and our dreams at the same time? In the second half, Jeff & Mike are in Genesis 6 looking at the state of the world before Noah and the great flood.
In the first half of this week's episode, Jeff & Mike discuss a struggle as old as Genesis: a Godly approach to work. As Christians, what should our attitude in the workplace be? What if we don't like our jobs? How do we balance God's provision in our life with pursuing our goals?
In the second half Jeff & Mike are back in Matthew discussing what it means when Jesus commands us to be salt and light.
This week Jeff & Mike look at Israel in the first half of the podcast. Israel is always in the news and seemingly always in conflict, but do we always support Israel no matter what? Does God have a purpose and plan for Israel in today’s world? In the second half they discuss the character of Enoch, and how he walked with God how he was faithful to God, and how God took Him.
This week Jeff & Mike take the entire episode to discuss the beatitudes. Jesus has a lot to say about what should make us happy, and Jeff & Mike break down how these verses apply to our everyday lives.
In the first half, Jeff & Mike wrap up their series on church and discuss when is it OK to leave a church? In the second half, they’re back in Genesis discussing Cain and Able, and how to deal with the Cain in all of us.
In the first half of this week’s episode, Jeff & Mike dive into the issue of women in leadership in the church. Can women be pastors? Should they be able to teach? In the second half, Jeff & Mike are back in Matthew discussing the temptation of Christ after He fasted in the desert for 40 days.
In the first half of this week's episode, Jeff and Mike share views on the roles of church leadership, and how important it is to follow the principals outlined in Scripture for selecting and installing elders, deacons, and pastors. In the second half, Jeff and Mike are back in Genesis discussing the the consequences of Adam and Eve's sin, and how we can see our own sinful nature in the Garden of Eden, and how much greater is God's grace to us through His son, Jesus.
On today’s episode of The Forty, Jeff and Mike discuss the question "Is how we do church today outdated?" How can churches create a community where God’s love is experienced in the ever-evolving technology-driven culture we live in? Also, Jeff and Mike are back in the Gospel of Matthew discussing the strange, wild, and incredibly important John the Baptist and the crucial role he played in history.
In this week's episode Jeff and Mike continue their discussion about church, and focus on the music ministry in church. As a former worship leader for several churches, Jeff offers up some insight on what he considers to be important and healthy for a church's worship ministry. Mike adds some additional insights on the benefits of healthy worship in a church. In the second half of the podcast, Jeff and Mike are back in Genesis talking about the fall of Adam and Eve and the subsequent blame game that ensued.
This week Jeff and Mike continue their series on church. In the first half where Jeff and Mike talk about Life Topics, they discuss the role of the teaching pastor. Mike gives some great insights as he draws from his experiences as a former teaching pastor. In the second half, as they work through the Bible topically, Jeff and Mike are back in the Gospel of Matthew and look at what the significance of Immanuel - God With Us - should have on us today.
This week Jeff and Mike continue in their series on church. In the first half Life Topic section they share thoughts about what makes a healthy church, and what Christians should be looking for in a church. In the Bible Topic portion they are back in Genesis 3 discussing the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
This week, join Jeff and Mike as they begin a series on church. In the coming weeks they will look at different facets of what makes a healthy church, but in the first half of this episode they discuss why church is important, and what our motivations for going to church should be. In the second half they pop back over to the book of Matthew to look at Joseph and how trusted God through a seemingly impossible situation.
This week on The Forty Jeff and Mike break the cultural taboo to discuss religion and politics. In the first half they specifically focus on how to be Christ-like and Biblical in this hotly divided political climate, as well as discuss how much priority did Jesus really put on politics and personal freedoms? In the second half, Jeff and Mike dig into Genesis 1:26 and what it means to be made in the image of God.
In the first half of this week's episode Jeff and Mike discuss social media: why they love it, why they hate it, and how Christians should interact with it. In the second half they take a look at Matthew 1 and the genealogy of Jesus. Boy, there's a lot of names there ... why? Are they all important?
Mike discusses a cancer diagnosis in the family and how to cope with grief ... is God good even when life seems rough? Also, Jeff and Mike dig into the weekly Bible study with Genesis 1 and a discussion about creation.
In the first half of this episode Jeff & Mike discuss who they are, why you need to be listening to this podcast, and they give us their take on the past year of COVID. In the second half they discuss why we can trust the Bible.