• Divorce and Church Leadership: Balancing Grace, Accountability, and Healing
    Jun 30 2024

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    Should divorced individuals hold leadership positions within the church? Join us on this profound episode of the Jordan and Kristen Rickards show, where we tackle this pressing question head-on. Kristen opens with a heartfelt prayer for wisdom and peace, setting a reflective atmosphere for our discussion. We delve into the complex realities of divorce, drawing a crucial distinction between those who initiate it and those thrust into it by circumstances like abuse or abandonment. Kristen emphasizes the need for a period of restoration and healing before assuming leadership roles, while Jordan offers his perspective as a divorce attorney, highlighting that victims of abusive marriages shouldn’t be barred from leadership after suitable healing. Both agree that elective divorces for non-emergency reasons, such as midlife crises, require a different consideration for leadership roles.

    Moreover, we explore the delicate balance of grace, accountability, and leadership within Christian communities. By delving into Jesus’ teachings on marriage and divorce, we stress the importance of accountability in church leadership, but also the necessity of grace and forgiveness. Through real-life examples of influential Christian leaders who have experienced divorce, we assert that repentance and personal growth are essential for anyone aspiring to leadership. We also touch on the challenges of setting church policies and the critical importance of leading by example to uphold moral standards. Tune in for a thoughtful and engaging discussion that promises to offer wisdom and clarity on this nuanced topic.

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    13 mins
  • "Why Has God Forsaken Me?" Kristen's Journey Through Suffering and Healing
    Jun 18 2024

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    What happens when relentless suffering makes you feel forsaken by God? In this deeply moving episode, we explore Kristen's poignant journey through severe health issues. Despite enduring constant pain, Kristen's unwavering commitment to praise God amidst her trials offers a compelling testament to the power of faith. She opens up about her battles with doubt and despair, reminding us that even in the depths of suffering, there's room for gratitude and hope for eventual healing.

    Drawing inspiration from the biblical story of Job, we delve into how hardships can lead to a profound intimacy with God. This episode emphasizes shifting our perspective to recognize and be grateful for even the smallest blessings, and to understand that challenges do not negate God's promise or presence. We also discuss the enemy's tactics and encourage listeners to stay steadfast in their faith, surrendering their struggles to God for both physical and emotional healing. Concluding with a heartfelt prayer, this episode aims to renew your strength and belief that through God's power, any obstacle can be overcome. Tune in and share this message of hope with those who need it most.

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    21 mins
  • The Chosen's Ramah Controversy
    Jun 18 2024

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    Can creative liberties in faith-based storytelling go too far? Join us for a special edition of the Jordan and Kristen Rickards show as we tackle a controversial plot twist from The Chosen's latest season. We start with a heartfelt prayer for guidance and then dive deep into the shocking moment where Thomas's fiancée, Ramah, is murdered by a Roman soldier, with Jesus seemingly allowing it to happen. Is this creative choice consistent with Biblical teachings, or does it blur the lines between scripture and fiction too much?

    We share our profound admiration for The Chosen's impact on spreading the gospel but express serious concerns about the theological implications of introducing such dramatic, non-Biblical events. Does this scene risk confusing viewers about what is truly Biblical? Throughout our discussion, we highlight the balance that must be struck between creative storytelling and Biblical fidelity, touching on the risks and rewards involved. Despite our criticisms, we remain hopeful for the show's continued success and positive influence, and we conclude with a prayer for its enduring mission to bring people to Christ. Don't miss this engaging and thought-provoking episode!

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    12 mins
  • Finding Divine Strength to Overcome Life's Adversities
    Feb 4 2024

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    When Kristen faced a daunting health diagnosis, her world seemed to topple, but through faith, she found an unexpected source of resilience. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and a cornerstone of our heartfelt discussion on navigating life's tumultuous seas. In this episode, we lay bare the often-unspoken truth: life's trials spare no one, righteous or otherwise. Yet, it's not about seeking a life devoid of problems but finding solace in the promise of divine support. Drawn from the wisdom of Psalms and Isaiah, our conversation turns personal as we share narratives of struggle and the discovery that prayer and unwavering faith can be the instruments of profound personal growth and fortitude.

    Reflecting on the extraordinary faith of Horatio Spafford, we unravel the myth that we are only given what we can bear. Instead, we shed light on the idea that it's through God's strength we find the ability to endure and emerge stronger. Challenging the 'It Gets Better' sentiment, we emphasize the significance of welcoming life's challenges as mechanisms for building a more resilient self. We discuss how children who gradually face adversity often grow into well-adjusted adults, illustrating the importance of not shying away from life's tests. Our episode culminates with an open invitation to listeners to seek companionship and strength in their spiritual walk, reinforcing that the journey of faith is marked not by the absence of storms but by the courage to sail through them.

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    13 mins
  • Healing After Infidelity: Rebuilding Trust and Finding Forgiveness in Marriage
    Jan 26 2024

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    If your heart has been shattered by the storm of adultery, you might wonder if the pieces can ever be put back together. We're here to walk with you through the valley of healing and share the hopeful possibility of a renewed marriage. In the sanctuary of our latest episode, we open up about the painstaking journey from betrayal to forgiveness, underpinned by both spiritual wisdom and practical guidance. We delve into the prerequisites for reconciliation—genuine repentance and a steadfast commitment to change. It's not just about weathering the storm; it's about learning to dance in the rain, discovering self-trust, and allowing God to be the cornerstone of a new beginning for your relationship.

    Let's embark on a quest for solace and strength, exploring how to rebuild the fortress of trust that infidelity has breached. Real repentance isn't just about ceasing wrongful acts, but actively cultivating positive ones that foster healing and prevent future missteps. We also extend an olive branch to those yearning for spiritual renewal, guiding listeners through a heartfelt prayer of salvation. Whether you're navigating the aftermath of an affair or seeking to fortify your faith, this discussion is a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards an enduring commitment, both to your partner and to the divine. Join us, and let the transformation begin.

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    13 mins
  • Can a Christian Marriage Survive Adultery? And Should it?
    Jan 19 2024

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    Can a marriage emerge stronger after the storm of infidelity? That's the heart-rending question Jordan and Kristen tackle through the lens of biblical stories like that of Hosea, examining the raw realities of betrayal and the healing potential of forgiveness within the context of a sacred covenant. With Jordan's background as a divorce attorney and their shared Christian faith, Jordan and Kristen navigate the complexities of adultery—a frequent catalyst for divorce—and discuss the arduous journey towards possible reconciliation. From the tangible acts of unfaithfulness to the less visible, yet equally damaging, emotional betrayals in the digital age, we confront the profound impacts on relationships. Yet, in the midst of the pain, we underscore the transformative might of repentance and the boundless grace offered by the Gospel, holding onto the belief that with genuine remorse and open hearts, marriages can find a path to restoration.

    Moving to the frontlines of marital defense, this episode also lays out strategies to preemptively shield your union from the perils of infidelity. Jordan and Kristen dissect the dangerous cocktail of pride and the misconception of self-imperviousness, emphasizing that simply professing immunity to temptation is far from sufficient. They share the critical importance of establishing clear boundaries in all facets of life to avert the smallest lapse that could lead to significant transgressions, and reveal how spiritual fortitude, daily prayer, and cultivating a deep connection with your spouse act as bulwarks against external enticements. As we offer these insights, we hold firm to the belief that prevention is key, and while God can mend a marriage fractured by betrayal, the path is often smoother when fortified by proactive measures and a shared commitment to fidelity.

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    14 mins
  • An Important Conversation About Living Together Before Marriage
    Jan 12 2024

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    Cohabitation before marriage: society seems to tout it as a compatibility litmus test, but what if that's not the whole story? Join Jordan and Kristen as they pull back the curtain on this modern-day relationship rite, sharing personal experiences and societal insights that challenge the perceived wisdom of living together pre-nuptials. We navigate through the complex layers of commitment, contrasting the deep-rooted vows of marriage with the impermanent nature of an unmarried couple's shared domicile. With the aid of intriguing stats and thought-provoking discussion, we aim to present why skipping the home trial might just pave the way for a stronger, more lasting partnership.

    As we wrap up this candid episode, we extend a heartfelt thank you to you—our faithful listeners—for journeying with us through these often-taboo topics. Looking ahead, we're preparing to bare our own marital tales of joy and tribulation, an intimate conversation you won't want to miss. Until our paths cross again, remember to seek us out on JordanAndKristen.com, our YouTube channel, and our Spotify offerings for more heartfelt discussions. Keep sending those prayer requests, and as you step into your week, may it brim with grace and the excitement of deepening connections with Jordan and Kristen Ministries.

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    13 mins
  • Hearing God's Voice: Embracing God's Guidance Amidst Life's Storms
    Jan 5 2024

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    When your steps seemed shrouded in uncertainty, it is the unexpected calm amidst chaos that whispers of a higher plan. This episode is a journey into the heart of such divine guidance, where we explore the transformative power of tuning into God's gentle nudges. We dissect the echoes of peace that often signal His direction, sharing candid moments when that still, small voice has led us through life's tumultuous seas. Far from being an exclusive dialogue for the spiritually elite, we reveal that God's communication lines are open to each one of us, patiently waiting for us to listen.

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    13 mins