• Unlocking the Bible: A Guide to Understanding and Applying Scripture
    Jul 31 2024

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    Unlock the secrets to a more profound understanding of the Bible with author Jonathan Sole in this enriching episode of the Pleasing God podcast. Join us as Jonathan shares his disciplined journey of writing "The Books of Scripture: A Concise Guide for Understanding and Applying the Bible" amidst the chaos of ministry work and raising five children, with two more on the way. Learn how Jonathan's commitment to an hour a day in his study transformed his vision into a vital resource that offers Christians a unified, high-level overview of the Bible. We promise you'll walk away inspired by his dedication and motivated by his insights into balancing life's many responsibilities.

    Discover the key to unlocking the Bible's more challenging books like Nahum and Numbers, and grasp the significance of generational discipleship through the lens of Nineveh's story. Jonathan discusses the innovative structure of his book, following the Hebrew Bible's order, and how it aims to make scripture more accessible and engaging. Stay tuned as we also delve into the creative process behind our podcast's cover art, celebrating the collaborative effort that made it visually captivating. This episode concludes with a heartfelt reminder from 1 Thessalonians 4:3: "This is the will of God, your sanctification." Don't miss this conversation packed with wisdom, creativity, and a passion for God's Word.

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    20 mins
  • Building Unity Through Congregational Singing
    Jun 25 2024

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    What if worship was more than just a personal moment with God? Join us as we uncover the hidden depths of corporate worship singing, drawing from Ephesians 5:19-20. Katelyn and I challenge the notion that worship is merely an audience of one, revealing how our collective voices can foster profound unity and encouragement within the church. Discover how being filled with the Spirit transforms our singing into a powerful tool for mutual edification.

    Have you ever felt hesitant to sing in church because of personal preferences or unfamiliarity with new songs? We tackle these common barriers and encourage full participation in worship, emphasizing that singing is a command akin to the command to love. Through the rich tapestry of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, we explore how different types of music can uplift the congregation and contribute to personal spiritual growth. Plus, we paint a vivid picture of the perfect worship awaiting us in heaven.

    To make the most of your worship experience, preparation is key. We delve into practical tips for familiarizing yourself with worship songs ahead of time, reducing the anxiety of not knowing the lyrics and enhancing your ability to worship freely. With heartfelt anecdotes from our own music ministry journeys, we illustrate the transformative power of a well-prepared heart and voice. Get ready to embrace the joy and encouragement that flow from singing together in worship.

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    36 mins
  • Biblical Insights on the Power of Singing
    Jun 17 2024

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    Can singing truly transform your worship experience and draw you closer to God? Join us as we explore this profound question on today's episode. Jon and Kate delve into the biblical roots and spiritual power of singing in Christian worship, revealing why this practice is far more than just a tradition. Discover how scriptures like Psalm 149:1 and Ephesians 5:18-19 command believers to sing, not only as an act of praise but also as a means to uplift and unite the congregation. We reflect on humanity's inherent inclination to worship through song, emphasizing how this practice spans across generations and cultures, firmly rooted in the Bible.

    We also share compelling biblical stories, such as Jesus singing with His disciples after the Last Supper and Paul and Silas lifting their voices in song during imprisonment. These narratives illustrate the incredible power of worship through song, even in the most challenging times. By thinking about worship from a biblical perspective, we aim to inspire you to cultivate a vibrant culture of singing within your church community, fostering unity and glorification of God. Engage with us by submitting your questions and join our conversation on how these insights can elevate your own worship practices and spiritual growth.

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    25 mins
  • Leading with a Higher Purpose: The Nehemiah Blueprint for Godly Leadership
    May 22 2024

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    Discover the bedrock of godly leadership with Jonathan Sole as we journey through the inspiring narrative of Nehemiah—a leader whose dedication and strategy are nothing short of exemplary. This episode not only promises to unveil the six fundamental principles that Nehemiah harnessed to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, but also offers a blueprint for infusing these same timeless truths into your own leadership approach, whether you're at the helm of a family, guiding a congregation, or steering a corporate team towards success.

    Join us as we navigate the challenges and victories that Nehemiah encountered, each one reinforcing the importance of unwavering faith and the courage to act upon one's convictions. You'll glean wisdom on how to remain steadfast in the face of adversity, and learn the significance of intertwining prayer with leadership—an approach that proved essential in Nehemiah's successful mission. This exploration is not just a historical recount; it's a masterclass in leadership that seeks to empower you to lead with integrity and align your ambitions with a higher, divine purpose.

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    19 mins
  • (Im)perfect Marriage: Staying Connected Amidst the Chaos
    May 7 2024

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    Have you ever found yourself tangled in the endless to-do lists of family and work life, wondering how to keep that spark alive in your marriage? You're not alone. Join Jonathan and Kate on a relatable exploration of the delicate balance between nurturing a strong marital bond and managing a packed schedule. We open up about the tactics that help us stay connected, like our shared podcast recordings and tech-free walks, while still juggling teaching, coaching, and the whirlwind of life's demands. With a nod to Deuteronomy, we delve into the ways we incorporate faith and teaching moments with our kids, even when the clock seems to be working against us.

    But it's not just about keeping the romance alive; it's also about caring for the self within the chaos. We get real about the necessity of drawing boundaries, the art of declining excess commitments, and the understanding of our own limits. Saturday nights in our house are carved out for family before the Sunday rush, and we don't shy away from dedicating a whole month like July to recharge. We share the personal routines that sustain us, offering insights on maintaining readiness for life's significant moments, and gently remind you that self-care isn't selfish—it's vital.

    Then there's the crux of all this: communication and adaptability. We talk candidly about voicing fatigue, the pitfalls of letting dialogue slip, and how a whiteboard can become your best friend in times of chaos. We navigate through setting priorities, knowing when to let go of less critical tasks, and how daily check-ins make a world of difference. As the sun sets on another busy day, we take you on a stroll down memory lane with tales of family walks, the enchantment of Charleston, and the lingering tastes of shrimp and grits, all wrapped up in the importance of keeping connections strong and a biblical foundation at the heart of it all.

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    33 mins
  • Modeling Discipleship: Passing the Torch of Faith Through Generations
    Apr 27 2024

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    Have you ever contemplated the ripple effect of mentorship and its power to forge legacies? This episode is a heartfelt celebration of our Pleasing God podcast's unparalleled global reach, and an invitation to join us in the next chapter of our journey at pleasinggodpodcastorg. We're not only revisiting the remarkable bond between Paul and Timothy in Acts 16:1-5 but also offering key insights into how their mentorship model can profoundly shape our modern discipleship practices. From the nuances of intentional guidance to the art of collaborative ministry, we unwrap the layers of spiritual relationships that can build communities and strengthen the fabric of the church.

    Step into a transformative space where relationships are the cornerstone of faith. As we navigate the intricacies of Paul and Timothy's connection, we extend the dialogue to how these principles play out in our lives today. Whether you're seeking mentorship, discerning your vocational calling, or navigating the blessings and challenges of Christian parenthood, this episode illuminates the path to creating ministries that expand beyond mere addition and venture into multiplication of disciples. Amidst these discussions, we also express our deep gratitude for your companionship on this journey and invite your active participation as we strive towards sanctification together. Join us and experience how the act of passing on wisdom can echo through generations.

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    27 mins
  • Embracing Discipleship: Living and Sharing Faith Authentically
    Apr 21 2024

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    Join me, Jonathan Sole, as we venture into the heart of Christian faith, exploring the enduring call to discipleship. This episode promises to illuminate the dual nature of the Great Commission, not just as a charge to spread the faith but as a comforting assurance that our journey is shared and supported. Unpack the rich tapestry of scriptural guidance, where the term 'disciple' transcends time, inviting us into a deeper, more intentional relationship with Jesus. We tackle the often-misunderstood connection between evangelism and discipleship, revealing the bond that empowers believers to live out the faith with conviction and purpose.

    As we navigate the practical outworking of discipleship within the Christian community, I offer insights gained from personal experiences, stressing the significance of mutual discipleship for spiritual growth and honoring God. Discover the actionable steps we can take to foster robust discipleship communities, drawing inspiration from the lives of Paul, Timothy, and Titus. Your involvement is key; I encourage your questions and reflections as we aim for the ultimate goal of sanctification, as echoed in 1 Thessalonians 4:3. This isn't just another conversation; it's an actionable guide to transforming our faith in fellowship with others.

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    20 mins
  • Godly Grief or Worldly Sorrow?
    Apr 19 2024

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    Have you ever caught yourself apologizing without truly understanding the weight of your words? It's a moment we've all faced, and in this in-depth discussion, we wrestle with the critical differences between godly grief and worldly sorrow. This isn't just about feeling guilty; it's about embarking on a path to genuine repentance, a transformative process that requires more than mere words. As your host Jonathan Sole, I draw from personal experiences and Apostle Paul's profound teachings to unveil how seeking forgiveness and making restitution are pivotal steps in this spiritual journey.

    This episode isn't just an exploration of scripture; it's a call to action for all of us to lean on each other and grow in our spiritual walk, always striving to honor God's will in our sanctification. Join us as we venture into the heart of repentance, and let's support one another in this collective pursuit of spiritual maturity.

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    20 mins