Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, Pastor TJ Freeman explores the significance of kindness as a representation of God's character. He shares stories about the challenges of being consistently kind and emphasizes that Christians, especially in small towns, are called to reflect God's kindness in their daily interactions. TJ discusses biblical principles that advocate for kindness, such as overcoming evil with good and being tenderhearted. He also encourages listeners to seek support from their local Christian communities and consider establishing or strengthening church presence in their area to further display the gospel through kindness.

Connect with Us:

• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman addresses the importance of prioritizing responsibilities, especially when overwhelmed by every day challenges. He shares personal experiences and offers insights on how Christians in rural areas can find peace amidst chaos by trusting in God's sovereignty. Highlighting scripture, including Colossians 3:15 and Philippians 4, TJ explains how the peace of God helps believers reframe their circumstances and remain steadfast. He also encourages engagement with other Christians for mutual support and recommends Thomas Watson's book, 'The Art of Divine Contentment,' for deeper spiritual growth.

Connect with Us:

• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman discusses the societal misconception that happiness can be achieved through external circumstances. He argues that true joy, which transcends fleeting happiness, comes from a relationship with God and the transformation of the heart through Christ. TJ addresses the influence of social media, the degradation of rural social fabrics, and the true meaning of joy as a fruit of the Spirit. Listeners are encouraged to find joy by walking closely with Christ, addressing sins and lies, and focusing on the eternal perspective provided in the Bible.

Connect with Us:

• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman explores the concept of Christian responsibility and how it can often be a source of spiritual guilt. He emphasizes that living out one's faith should be freeing, not crippling. TJ, a rural pastor, particularly addresses Christians in remote areas, discussing how their smaller communities mean they hold greater responsibility to demonstrate God's glory. The focus then shifts to the Fruit of the Spirit, urging listeners to see it as an integral part of their identity rather than a list of tasks. TJ zeroes in on love as a key aspect of the Fruit. He emphasizes that true transformation comes from meditating on Christ's love and aligning one's thoughts with biblical truths.

Connect with Us:

• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, Pastor TJ Freeman addresses glorifying God in daily life, particularly within the context of small-town living. He shares his personal journey of understanding what it means to glorify God in all actions, even the most mundane, such as cooking or paying taxes. Using 1 Corinthians 10:31, TJ emphasizes how every action, when done with a grateful heart, can bring glory to God. He offers practical examples and encourages listeners to actively think about how their daily tasks can serve God's purpose, especially in rural areas where Christian community may be sparse. The episode aims to help Christians understand their unique role in spreading God's glory and provides steps for implementing this mindset in everyday activities.

Connect with Us:

• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, host TJ Freeman, a rural pastor in Pennsylvania, discusses how to turn to faith during difficult times and help others who come to you with their struggles. TJ is joined by fellow rural pastor Anthony Caiola. The conversation covers the responsibilities of being a Christian in a small town, including the importance of authenticity, being in the Word, and participating in community activities. They emphasize the role of Christians as ambassadors for Christ, the need to support one another, and the importance of prayer and Scripture in guiding and helping those in need. The episode encourages rural Christians to embrace their unique positions to make Christ known in their communities.

Connect with Us:

• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman explores leading and following, with a humorous and insightful touch on rural life. Drawing from Ephesians chapter 2 and Psalm 23, he emphasizes that Christians are called to follow Jesus, leaving behind the destructive influences of the world, the devil, and the flesh. He highlights the ongoing role of followers of Jesus in their communities, encouraging listeners to point others to Christ through their actions and words. TJ also shares a personal anecdote about a recent family road trip, explaining a short hiatus from the podcast.

Connect with Us:

• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ, a rural pastor, addresses the challenges of living peacefully with others in small towns. He emphasizes the Christian responsibility to glorify God by maintaining harmonious relationships, even with difficult people. TJ shares personal anecdotes from his teaching days and references various Bible passages that advocate kindness, forgiveness, and love towards both fellow Christians and non-believers. He encourages the audience to reflect on their interactions and actively demonstrate Christ's love in their communities. The episode concludes with practical advice on how to represent Christ to neighbors.

Connect with Us:

• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com