Go Hard for Christ Podcast: Recent Episodes
Go Hard for Christ
Messages of inspiration, truth, and revelation about culture, life, and a God who loves us - teaching the Kingdom of God! Our mission is to go out into all the world and raise up an army of young people through Jesus Christ that will fight against the immorality that is trying to plague the young people of this generation. Who are we?...We are the advocates of change! The Go Hard for Christ Youth Ministry, led by Pastor David and Niki Winston, is a part of Living Word Christian Center in Forest Park, IL - Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Winston. www.GoHardforChrist.com | Instagram.com/gohardforchrist | Facebook.com/GoHardforChrist | Twitter.com/GoHard4Christ
In this special 4-part masterclass Pastor David shares insights from his new book on how to live with authenticity!
AUTHENTIC: The Confidence to be Yourself, the Courage to Release Your Greatness is available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Audible, and other retailers.
Order your copy today at davidswinston.com/authentic
In this special 4-part masterclass Pastor David shares insights from his new book on how to live with authenticity!
AUTHENTIC: The Confidence to be Yourself, the Courage to Release Your Greatness is available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Audible, and other retailers.
Order your copy today at davidswinston.com/authentic
Have you ever wanted to move forward in life but it feels like things that you've experienced disqualify you? Whether it was your fault or not, God's plan for you is so much bigger than your past and He has wiped the slate clean so that you can step into His best. But you can't get there until you choose to shift your attention from what's behind you to what's ahead.
Taught by Kaneesha Thomas
All great stories have a beginning and an ending, but it is what's in between that gives the story substance. We all aspire to reach our God-given destinies, but sometimes we discount the necessity the of the process that prepares us for what's next. Even though it might not be glamorous, what happens between is getting you ready for your next season.
Taught by Justin Jones
In our new series, A Fresh Start,we're talking about topics surrounding God moving you into new seasons of life! New seasons often bring about uncertainty which can be difficult, sometimes even painful. But with God, there's purpose to be discovered in these situations and that purpose is always bigger than discomfort you might feel.
Taught by Pastor David Winston
To be successful at anything, it requires some planning. In creating the plan, you'll need to decide what's going to help you, what to avoid, and what's most important for getting you to your goal. All true success begins with putting God at the top of your list because He knows exactly how to tailor the plan to get desired results!
Taught by Walter Norman
Priorities are not just about deciding what's important, but they're also about the actions that we take which show that they're important. Have you ever thought about what God's top priority is? What's the thing that so significant to Him that His every action communicates its importance? Listen and find out!
Taught by Rachel Carrion
The physical body is one of the most extraordinary things to exist in all of creation! Like anything else, our bodies require certain things that assist it in functioning in the way that God intended it. Good health is a gift from God, but maintaining that health is part of our responsibility. Learning to make healthy choices will lead to a healthy body and a more enjoyable life!
Taught by Pastor David Winston
In our series on priorities, we're learning about the giving our attention to the things God believes are important for our lives.
In today's world, it's difficult to escape the daily need for money. As a result, many attached great importance to it due to its ability to affect the quality of our lives. But if you're not mindful, the confidence that should placed in God can end up being in something that ultimately turns out to be unreliable.
Taught by Justin Jones
It doesn't matter where you are in life, there's always a lesson that can be learned and what you learn can be applied in order to help you in the future. Everyday you're faced with a series of decisions, each of them building upon one another to create the framework of your life. In essence, the outcome of your tomorrow is based by how you choose to live today. Your future is now.
Taught by Kaneesha Thomas
We live in a culture of immediate results. You can get the things you want, when you want them, and at price that's often a bargain. Unfortunately, carrying that mentality over into the realm of your dreams and goals doesn't work so well. Your life's vision also comes at a cost, and the currency needed to have it can be described in one word: Discipline.
Taught by Justin Jones
You're probably used regularly talking to or spending time with the people that you have relationships with. When you need help in life, you might look to these very same individuals for help but would probably be less inclined to ask someone that you don't know very well, right? God has given you access to Holy Spirit who is the there to be your helper and so much more! However, access to His divine help comes through developing a relationship with him.
Taught by Pastor David Winston
Santa Claus... Christmas trees... Three wise men... Jesus' Birthday...
These are just a few things that come to mind and show up on Christmas decorations every holiday season, but have you ever stopped to think about where they came from or their significance? In this teaching, you'll be surprised to learn about the origin of Christmas and some of the things that you thought were true, just aren't so!
Taught by Pastor David Winston
Are you consistently frustrated by problems in a certain area of your life? Does it feel like no matter how hard you try, you can never really seem to get ahead? It's not because you're not smart enough and it's definitely not because you don't have what it takes.
There's a little secret that is sure to bring you to your place of success, and it's in the soul.
Taught by Raphael and Rachel Carrión
As the saying goes, "What you focus on grows", so it's your best interest to set your sights on things that are good. Everyone experiences challenges and it's often our natural reflex to concentrate on the problem that's in front of us. In these moments, it's important to remember that your power to choose your focus is what makes the difference between being you controlled by things that happen to you as opposed to you being the reason that things change for the better.
Taught by Justin Jones
It's easy to be thankful when something good happens to you, but what if you decided to be thankful for everything? In life, things won't always be the way you want, yet God's desire is for you to be being grateful in spite of the circumstances. Gratitude is a means to adjusting your attitude so that you can remain mindful of the good that's ahead.
Taught by Pastor David Winston
You can't control the cards that life deals, but how you respond is within your power. Circumstances may try set boundaries or write the headlines for your life, but God is the Author of your story and has already written it for your good! Your response to life's challenges is to agree with the truth of what He's already written.
Taught By Valonda Richardson-Gill
Have you thought about how many things you need a valid form of ID to do - open a bank account, catch a flight, etc.? With it, you get the benefit of enjoying certain privileges but without it... Well, you don't. Access to your destiny requires proper clearance that can only come by knowledge of your God-given identity. Your identity is your passport to destiny.
Taught by Justin Jones
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you were forced take a stand for what you believed was right? If you have, it often seems like the heat gets turned up in order to get you to change, or else suffer unwanted consequences. But when you walk in obedience to God, the same things used to intimidate you end up turning your test into a testimony!
Taught by Jamen Wallace
Life is full of opportunities to make decisions, both good and not so good. Your ability to make good decisions often hinges on the presence of wisdom. Wisdom was created by God to facilitate His will being done on earth and you have access to this exact same wisdom! In this episode, you will learn the foundation of godly wisdom and how to access it in your life!
Taught by Pastor David Winston
Just as certain tools are needed to compete a task, there are things that are necessary for you to accomplish God's plan and purpose for your life. Listen to these time-tested principles that are designed to take you to the next level in your walk with Christ!
Taught by Walter Norman
In this teaching, Pastor David has the opportunity to share encouraging words with students at his alma mater, Oral Roberts University.
Life can seem like a puzzle and often the struggle is to find the right placement for your piece. Listen to these lessons on finding God's unique fit for your life and discovering your potential!
Recorded at Oral Roberts University on September 10, 2021
To be influential is the desire for many in today's culture, but what most don't realize is that they are influencing others without even knowing it. Opportunities of influence are presented to each us constantly, especially when it comes to sharing Jesus. What if your opportunity doesn't appear the way you imagined?
Taught by Pastor David Winston
The only thing standing between you and the life that God has for you is the thoughts that you choose to think. Sometimes thinking the right thought can be difficult because you're convinced that it isn't true, but God's word can be used to demolish any limiting belief! In part two of Reboot, Pastor David shares strategies on renewing the mind and how to you can change any behavior through transforming your thinking.
There's no overstating the importance of your thinking! The way you experience life is a direct result of how you think. In this teaching, Pastor David talks about the effect that your thoughts have on your brain and how they eventually lead to your decisions and shape the course of your life.
Can you find something you aren't looking for or recognize someone that you haven’t met? Well, this is the approach that many people take in trying to identify God. The best way to know, recognize, and understand God is by seeking Him. Listen as Samantha Okikiade shares how to meet and connect with God!
Popular logic is that God is good because He keeps us from battles. The reality is that God is good because He will leads you INTO battles that He intends to fight FOR you. Your opposition will try to produce fear but if step up, backup will always show up! (Taught by Pastor David)
Some say the that experience is the best teacher, but in reality the Holy Spirit is the best teacher! To be an elite decision maker you must allow the Holy Spirit to influence your thoughts with God’s wisdom. In this episode, Pastor David shares how to access the wisdom of God whenever you don’t know what to do!
Trust is an essential element to faith, so follows that faith in God requires that you trust Him. In this episode, Pastor David and Walter Norman unpack the topic of faith and the role that it plays in God’s purpose and His participation in your life.
Everyday we exercise some level of faith without even knowing it. Faith is believing that God is who He says He is, He’s going to do what He said he would do, and He’s going to do it for you! Listen as Pastor David teaches on where to get faith and how to make it work for you!
All sandcastles have one thing in common: They are all temporary. The quality of your life depends on what you decide to build it on. In this episode, Pastor David teaches the importance of building your life on the truth of God's Word and not opinions, which can be washed away.
In conclusion to Women's History Month, Shombri (@thepittsquad) takes some time to chat with a few women are making history of their own! Listen to their testimonies and encouraging stories of how challenges gave birth to blazing trails to a better tomorrow!
In this episode, Shombri Pittman of The Pitt Squad (@thepittsquad) talks on what God's Word has to say about women. She identifies several stereotypes that society place on women and explains how God has called women to excel and play a significant role in culture!
Listen in on this insightful conversation between Niki Winston and sisters, Janah and Kaytlin Richardson! They discuss ideas around godly leadership and necessary qualities of great leaders.
March is Women's History Month and this month we celebrate and honor some amazing women and young ladies on the podcast! In this episode, Niki Winston and Rachel Johnson talk about what it means to be a Godly Girl! Today's culture tries to paint a picture of what a woman should be like, but the Word of God is the true blueprint that will stand the test of time.
In this final installment of the Armor of God series, Pastor David teaches on the power of your spoken words when they originate from God's word! THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT is your ultimate weapon against every negative circumstance in life!
A new year usually means new goals and a chance for some positive change! Setting goals is one thing, but the process of seeing them through can be a bit more challenging. Check out this episode for some simple tips that can help you on your journey to success!
The mind is a battlefield and the devil is looking for any opportunity to present his deception. Unchecked thoughts are often the gateway used to create the mental prisons that keep us captive. This week, Pastor David talks about THE HELMET OF SALVATION and how to keep our thoughts in line with God’s word!
God’s plan for your life can often seem overwhelming because it's so big, but He has already given you the perfect amount of faith to accomplish it! Listen as Pastor David teaches on how to use THE SHEILD OF FAITH and keep it prepared for the attacks of the enemy!
It can be hard to number all of the things that are after your peace. However, you can't wait for your problems to end to have peace. In this episode Pastor David talks about how to put on THE SHOES OF PEACE!
In this episode, Kaneesha and Justin discuss the concept of spiritual warfare. What does it really mean? What does it look like? Listen in to find out more!
Condemnation is a tactic that the enemy uses to leave you open to his attack. The key to stopping his assault and walking confidently is to know that you have God's nature. In this episode, Pastor David shows us how to put on THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS!
Fighting spiritual battles requires the use of spiritual weapons to obtain victory. In part 1 of this series, Pastor David talks about the piece of spiritual armor that is essential to holding the rest of the armor together: THE BELT OF TRUTH.
In this episode, our special guest (KB) unpacks the topic of friendships in candid and insightful conversation. Learn not only what it means to be a good or trash friend, but also how to define your friendships, deal with jealousy, and so much more!
To do anything correctly, you have to start with the fundamentals. The same is true when it comes to our worship. In this message, Niki Winston teaches on the foundation of worship and the different ways that it can be expressed towards God.
Worship isn't just something that you do while you're at a church service, it's an activity that actually finds its greatest expression when you're not there. Listen as Pastor David explains importance of our worship and the consequences of where it's placed.
Our values are the foundation of our lives and most of the problems we see today are the absence of good and solid values. In this episode, Justin discusses the importance of identifying the source of our values and the effect that it has on us.
To fear the Lord doesn't mean to be scared of God or think that He's ready to punish you. It's about having a reverential respect for Him that guides everything you do. This week, Pastor David explains how we must refuse to let ourselves treat God as common and let our respect for Him set the standard for our lives!
In this episode, Pastor David speaks on how the enemy uses deception to manipulate people into hate, fear, greed, and selfishness. But the truth of the Word of God helps us to stay woke!
Welcome to Take It From The Top, a brand new segment of the Go Hard for Christ Podcast! In this first episode, Justin Jones talks about how gifts and talents and the necessity of God's ability behind them produce the extraordinary results that only He can.
There is no shortage of opinions, suggestions, and methods for how we should go about living our lives. Some of these seem like good ideas, but who wants to do all of that guesswork? In this teaching, Pastor David explains how the Kingdom of God is God's way of doing things and is the operating system for mankind to rule and manage the earth!
We all know that obedience is important but isn't always easy... We're faced with tough decisions where the temptation is to make a choice that causes some kind of trouble or harm. But what if that same temptation was something that God used to make you stronger? Listen as Pastor David talks about how God uses your obedience to bring you to the place of His ultimate good for you life!
This episode, Pastor David and Kaneesha Thomas dialogue on the importance of our words and thoughts. It's easy to believe that what we think or say doesn't make much of a difference in what happens in our lives, but it is the ultimate difference maker! Listen in on how to win in this area of life!
In this conversation between Pastor David and Pastor Alex McElory, a leading voice in apologetics, we're encouraged in how to effectively defend the faith and express why we believe what we believe! If you've ever been challenged because of your belief in the Gospel, you'll want to take a listen!
Everywhere we look, it seems as if we're being bombarded with news reports that make the outlook on life appear bleak... Listen as Pastor David Winston speaks on the necessity of managing the source of your information so that function in faith and not fear.
Did you know that you aren't authorized to exist in the earth without a purpose? Listen as Pastor David speaks about God's commitment to your success and His desire for you to fulfill your life's greatest potential!
Have you recognized your purpose yet? If not, Ashley Winston, a breakthrough strategist, teaches how God reveals his “pre-deposited” purpose to his people. This teaching is profound but applicable and a blueprint to success. Hope you enjoy!
In this teaching our very own Go Hard leaders Jamen Wallace & LaToya Towns each share a quick lesson.
In this teaching our very own Go Hard leaders Adreiona Jennings, Tony Aguirre & Darryl Dye each share a quick lesson.
In the conclusion of our wisdom series, Justin talks about applying the wisdom of God to your finances. He answers the question, "I'm saved but why am I not rich?" Intrigued? Want to know more? Give this teaching a listen!
In this teaching, we talk about why it's important to tap into the wisdom of God in our everyday lives! Want to know more? Give this teaching a listen! (Taught by: Walter Norman)
In part 2 of Wisdom: The Path to the Good Life, we dive deeper! Did you know that the Holy Spirit is a snitch? Or that wisdom will exalt you? Or even that wisdom makes things that are complex, simple? Want to know more? Give this teaching a listen!
What makes a good decision good?
What does The Bible say about wisdom?
How can wisdom keep you safe?
In part 1 of this teaching Pastor David walks us through the Word in order to answer these questions! This teaching is one you won't want to miss!
How much does the call cost?
In this special teaching, Minister Xavier dives into the call that God has for our lives as he explores the life and story of Joseph. Want to know more? Gives this teaching a listen!
We wrap up the fruit of the spirit series by having a conversation about Love, Gentleness & Kindness!
For us, we like to think of these as fruits for others! Want to know more? Give this conversation a listen!
In this teaching Justin Jones teaches the virtue of patience. He teaches that waiting is far important than we understand and in fact it is of good that every believer waits on the promises of God.
In this teaching Kaneesha Thomas continues the series of fruit of the spirit focusing on self control. She teaches that Self Control is necessary to have as a Christian, but more than that self discipline is just as important. Where self control will get you out of a sticky situation, self discipline will cause you to never get in one.
In this teaching Pastor David continues the fruit of the Spirit series and focuses on goodness. He teaches the importance of possessing the goodness of God and describes it as "the supernatural urge in a person to reach beyond himself/herself to meet the needs of others." Wanna know more, give this one a listen!
In this teaching Min Linda Howard teaches on the fruit of joy. Joy is an anointing given to all God's children. Nothing has the ability to take joy away from us!...want to know more? Give this teaching a listen!
In this teaching Minister Osazee Thompson shares another teaching on the fruit of the spirit emphasizing “faithfulness”. Teaching that it is our own responsibility to develop spiritual maturity and that it comes through faithfulness. “Consistency [faithfulness] is the birthplace of excellent performance, and consistency is developed through repetition”
In this teaching Pastor David teaches the importance of being led by the Holy Spirit and not walking in the flesh. The fruit of the spirit is the nature of Christ. In order to get the fruit of the spirit you have to be completely dependent on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. With that guidance comes the blessing! Want to know more? Give this teaching a listen!
In this continuation of “Walk It Out” a panel of leaders discuss the importance of having a plan for the future . Ashley Winston, Itua Ijagbone, Jess Katta, Pastor David & Niki Winston and Kaneesha Thomas (host) shared their unique experiences. The panelists encourage youth to pursue higher education and discuss the role education played throughout their personal journeys toward success.
This powerful teaching breaks down the true meaning of hope. Hope empowers people to step out into the destiny that God has given them, and not succumb to their current realities. She also teaches the power of picking up fallen mantles in your family line so you can have access to the never ending generational blessings God has given you. (Taught by Kaneesha Thomas)
In this special teaching we talk about breaking destructive financial cycles & we tap into the importance of the subconscious. You'll want to give this one a listen! (Taught by Rachel Johnson & Linda Howard)
Breaking destructive cycles is just the start, healing is then the next step. In this continuation of her teaching Niki Winston talks about the process of healing and habit changes!
This special message from Kaneesha Thomas is from our February archives and is about love... Part of loving yourself is forgiving yourself, give this one a listen!
In this teaching we were so excited to have Tiffany Everage come and share from a clinical perspective on breaking destructive cycles in life!
This prayer was recorded at the Passion for Christ night on April 12, 2019. Let it encourage you in your faith!
Pastor David's wife, Niki, picks up right where he left off in part 2 of our series of breaking destructive cycles. We unpack the first step to overcoming destructive cycles...give this a listen to find out what it is! (Taught by Niki Winston)
This month we kicked off a new conversation about breaking destructive cycles and patterns in life. Give this a listen! (Taught by Pastor David Winston)
In the second part of this teaching Pastor David explains more about the Kingdom of God, how we can function in it and what it means for our daily lives. Give this a listen!
In week two of our Kingdom of God teaching, Pastor David dives deeper into what the Kingdom of God is and what it means for us as Christians! Give it a listen!
"The Kingdom of God is not where you function, but how you function." In this teaching we unpack what the Kingdom of God is, our need for kingdom and what our role in the kingdom is! (Taught by Justin Jones)
The Bible talks about how God is love and if you make love a priority in your relationships, you make God a priority in them. Give this a listen! (Taught by Pastor David Winston)
Love Covers. In this teaching Niki Winston unpacks what real practical love looks like and challenges us to take our love walk to another level! Love is our ID... Give this teaching a listen!
"You were planned before the earth was created." Let that quote sink in for a sec and then give this teaching a listen! (Taught by Justin Jones)
Your potential can be defined as your accomplishments that have yet to be seen! This teaching is POWERFUL! Give it a listen! (Taught by Osazee Thompson)
"For purpose to be exposed a relationship with the Creator must be cultivated." This message unpacks the power of purpose & potential! Give it a listen (Taught by Pastor David Winston)
"Sometimes we learn things broken..." This teaching is practical, it's real it discusses emotional health from a clinical perspective. Give it a listen! (Taught by Adreiona Jennings & Dejanae Byrd)
The devil knows that if he can prevent you from realizing who you really are and what you carry in Christ, he can prevent you from stopping his plans. Don't let him win! Give this teaching a listen to learn how you can come out of the darkness. (Taught by Pastor David Winston)
"God has an unlimited amount of ways to get wisdom to you!" This teaching explores practical steps you can take to hear from God! (Taught by Walter Norman)
Spoiler Alert: YOU WIN! We wrap up the last installment of this teaching series on insecurity by talking about practical strategies for overcoming! Ashley Winston challenges us to confront insecurity so that we can be free from it!
"The mental picture you have of yourself is what determines the course of your life." In this teaching we explore how your self image can work both for and against you! (Taught by Justin Jones)
In this teaching we explore what God says about you, how the devil tries to distort God's words and how YOU get to CHOOSE what you believe about yourself!...You've been perfectly packaged to accomplish God's plan for your life! (Taught by Rachel Johnson)
"Satan uses your perception to create your prison..." This message explores the trap of insecurity and encourages you to be all that God has called you to be! (Taught by Pastor David Winston)
This message asks the important question, how do you view the Bible? Pastor David suggests that the way that you view the Bible impacts how you interact with it. Sound interesting? Give this message a listen to learn more!
“God started at the end and wrote backwards with your life.” In this message we explore why God called you to lead, how He's called you to lead and where He's called you to lead!
"Leaders aren't afraid to plant seeds..even if they don't get credit for them...Your personality doesn't determine whether or not you are a leader...Whether you know it or not there is someone behind you following you." In this message Kaneesha Thomas unpacks these and other ideas on leadership!
In this message, Niki Winston shares some of her favorite thoughts on leadership....we like to call them "leadership nuggs"
Most people want to be more influential but have difficulty seeing themselves as leaders. God’s Word says that we are here to be light and He desires for all of us to lead and be an influence in life. This teaching discusses what leadership is and the transformation that it’s meant to produce! (Taught by Justin Jones)
Because of Jesus, you've been welcomed back to the royal family of God! Being a member of God's family comes with great privileges and responsibilities. This teaching is all about the royal rules we should follow to live out our true identities in Christ. (Taught by Kelly Symone)
In this message Pastor David talks about your identity in Christ. Do you know that the same way God sees Jesus, He sees you?! Give this a listen to learn more!
Have you ever thought of your relationships being like a garden?! In this teaching about relationships Niki Winston unpacks this idea!
Did you know that you can sow a relationship?! Give this teaching a listen to learn more! (Taught by Pastor David)
In this special message our First Lady, Dr. Veronica Winston, shares about your most important relationship!
In May, at GHFC we talked about relationships! In this message, we talk about some of your most important relationships... (Taught by Tiffany Everage)
In this teaching we explore the dangers of falling into the trap of satisfying our need for God with other sources... (Taught by Justin Jones)
Worship is such a big topic, that we kicked off the month of April by getting to different perspectives about it from our Go Hard for Christ leaders! (Taught by Kaneesha Thomas & Walter Norman)