Have you ever felt like God has completely abandoned you? In this episode, Lisa Fields sits down with author Kristel Acevedo to discuss the "wilderness" seasons of life—those times when we feel lost, confused, and desperate for an exit. But what if the goal isn't just to get out? What if God has something for you right in the middle of the dry season? The two explore why the cross can sound disturbing to skeptics, how lament is a missing practice in modern Christianity, and why Jesus’ willingness to suffer changes how we think about pain, hope, and healing. This episode also unpacks discipleship in a time of division, the loneliness epidemic, and why faith was never meant to be lived alone. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

Did Jesus actually claim to be God—or is that something later Christians added to the story? In this episode, we tackle one of the most important and misunderstood questions in Christianity. Many skeptics (and even churchgoing Christians) argue that Jesus never explicitly said He was God. So where does this belief come from—and does it actually hold up historically and biblically? Bible scholar Dr. Michael (Mikel) Del Rosario breaks down what Jesus said, what He did, and—just as importantly—how His original Jewish audience understood His claims. We explore the passages critics overlook, the historical context modern readers miss, and why Jesus’ divinity isn’t just a theological detail, but central to the Christian faith itself. If you’ve ever wrestled with doubt, deconstruction, or conversations with skeptics, this discussion will give you clarity, confidence, and language to engage thoughtfully. Topics include: Did Jesus ever explicitly claim to be God? Why Jesus spoke implicitly—and why it mattered What Jesus’ enemies understood that many miss today Why Christianity collapses if Jesus isn’t divine Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

Lisa Fields is joined by author and apologist Abdu Murray for a deep, honest conversation about an ensuing cultural tsunami: artificial intelligence. Abdu explains how AI threatens to collapse our understanding of reality, fueling a technological desire to become "godlike" that mirrors the ancient Tower of Babel. They also dig deep into the theology of the Trinity, exploring why we aren't just "biochemical machines" or "gods," but beings made in the image of God. From the "God-talk" of Silicon Valley to the theology of the Trinity, they unpack what it truly means to be human in a digital age and how to find an anchor in a world where reality seems to be collapsing. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

So many are asking the same quiet question: “Can I trust God to provide… even here?” Moderated by Rasool Berry, this session brings together unapologetically honest voices — Ekemini Uwan, Dr. Danielle Brown, Dr. Michael Walters, and Dr. Bobby Manning — who open up about doubt, disappointment, financial pressure, and the ways God has shown up in the most unexpected places. From miraculous testimonies to hard conversations about systemic injustice, economic scarcity, and stewardship, this dialogue helps us see God’s provision with fresh eyes. It’s real, raw, and deeply needed. In this episode: How to stay grounded when finances feel unstable The difference between seed and bread Contentment vs. comparison Provision that isn’t flashy—but faithful Racism, reparations, and economic barriers to flourishing What it means to fight for “the least of these” How community becomes God’s provision Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

In this extended lecture from Jude 3 Project's Engaging African Spirituality course, Anglican priest Justice Okoronkwo breaks down the history, worldview, cosmology, misconceptions, and modern expressions of African traditional religion—and explains where it both overlaps with and clashes with the Christian faith. This talk explores:• What African spirituality really is (beyond stereotypes)• How African spirituality has been commonly perceived (truth vs misconceptions)• The spiritual worldview that shapes African cosmology• How Christianity addresses the deepest questions African spirituality raises• The tension points between African spirituality & Christianity• How Christians can thoughtfully reach and engage those who practice African spiritual religions If you’ve ever wrestled with questions of culture, tradition, faith, ancestors, or decolonization, this course will give you clarity, depth, and a biblical framework for understanding African spirituality through a truthful lens. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take more online courses that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

In this rich conversation, Lisa Fields sits down with Dr. Natasha Sistrunk Robinson to unpack the urgent crisis facing today’s youth — and the deep work required from mentors, parents, churches, and communities to guide them well. They discuss: Why young people (including Black youth) are leaving the church The role of parents, mentors, and intergenerational discipleship How essential Christian doctrine can be taught with clarity and relevance Why credible, truthful witnesses of the gospel matter now more than ever Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

What does faith look like in an age of outrage, culture wars, and division? How do we pursue justice without losing our soul in the process?  In this timely conversation, Lisa Fields sits down with Justin Giboney — co-founder of the AND Campaign and author of "Don’t Let Nobody Turn You Around" — to unpack the lessons we must recover from the Civil Rights generation. From polarization and conflict entrepreneurs to local action, they discuss how Christians can confront injustice without losing compassion, think beyond party lines, and rebuild hope in a polarized moment. They discuss: Why today’s outrage culture is discipling the church How the Civil Rights generation fought injustice without losing their soul The danger of online “conflict entrepreneurs” shaping our worldview Local action vs. national chaos Why strategy > social media performance How the church should respond to today’s political, economic & immigration crises If you’re exhausted by the culture war — or searching for a faithful way forward — this conversation will challenge and refresh you. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

What do you do when the Bible offends you? What do we do with seemingly problematic scriptures? From stories of slavery and violence to verses about gender and judgment, many people wrestle with the Bible’s hardest passages. In this unabashedly honest and thought-provoking discussion, Lisa Fields sits down with Dr. Jo Vitale and Dr. Esau McCaulley to unpack the context behind the controversy — and explore how understanding history, culture, language, and God’s heart can turn confusion into clarity. They confront: Divine Justice: Reconciling God's goodness with commands for war and annihilation (e.g., 1 Samuel 15:3, Deuteronomy 20:16). Slavery: Why the apostles instructed slaves to obey masters instead of condemning slavery outright. Sexual Ethics: The New Testament's warnings regarding same-sex relations and exclusion from salvation. Gender: Questions about women in leadership (1 Timothy 2) and ritual purity after childbirth (Leviticus 12:5). Eternal Punishment: How Christians should understand hell. Lot and Rahab: Wrestling with the problematic actions of figures called "righteous" or "faithful". Recorded live at the Museum of the Bible, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and deepen your faith. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

Lisa Fields sits down with author and Bible teacher Yana Conner to unpack the real work behind her new book Living Beyond Offense: Doing the Hard Work of Forgiveness God’s Way. Together they explore what biblical forgiveness actually looks like, how to confront conflict with courage, and why “protecting your peace” isn’t the whole story. They discuss: Why forgiveness is not forgetting—and the powerful concept of "faithfully casting" the debt to God. The true meaning of "turn the other cheek" and how it calls for humble confrontation, not passive acceptance. How to counter cultural mantras like "protect your peace" with the biblical call to be a shalom-maker. The difference between biblical forgiveness (releasing the debt) and reconciliation (restoring the relationship). Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

Too many of us want God’s blessings without giving Him full control. In this inspiring conversation, Lisa Fields sits down with Dr. Tony Evans to unpack what it really means to live unleashed — when faith stops being part-time and becomes your whole life. They dive into:- How to live out your faith without compromise- Why giving God “part” of your life leaves you empty- The difference between religion and a kingdom relationship- The real definition of impact and purpose — beyond followers and fame Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

What do you do when your prayers go unanswered? In this raw and honest conversation, Lisa Fields sits down with author and speaker Jennifer Lucy Tyler to discuss her book When Dreams Fall Apart—a powerful story about grief and the beauty of trusting God through disappointment. They open up about infertility, loss, and the tension between faith and control—while uncovering how lament, surrender, and God’s comfort can bring healing and hope. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

When the people and places meant to bring healing become the source of pain, where do you go from there? In this 2023 Courageous Conversations panel, pastors, psychologists, and theologians — including Dr. Christina Edmondson, Dr. Jessica Brown, Pastor Reginald Sharpe, and John Onwuchekwa — to unpack what church hurt really is, how to distinguish disappointment from spiritual abuse, and practical steps toward healing, wholeness, and compassion. They discuss:🔹 The difference between “church hurt” and “spiritual abuse”🔹 How power, intent, and neglect play a role in wounding🔹 Whether taking time away from church can be healing🔹 Why love and humility must remain at the center of leadership If you’ve ever been hurt by people in the church — or struggled to trust again — watch, reflect, and begin your journey from hurt to healing. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

What happens when faith meets hard questions? In this Jude 3 Project 2023 Courageous Conversations panel — “Can God Handle My Questions?” — Dr. Esau McCaulley, Dr. Sarita Lyons, Rev. Janaye Pitts-Murdock, and Dr. Frederick Haynes III join Dr. Bobby Manning for an honest, unfiltered dialogue about doubt, suffering, injustice, and the Black Christian experience. They remind us that God isn’t intimidated by our pain or confusion — He invites our honesty. From biblical examples of lament to real stories of trauma and redemption, this conversation reminds us that faith is not the absence of questions — it’s the courage to bring them to God. Tune in for wisdom on: Why questioning God isn’t necessarily rebellion but relationship How Black Christians have long wrestled with hard questions around faith and oppression When our doubts can lead to deeper belief How the Church can create safe spaces for hard questions Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

The Jude 3 Project podcast is on hiatus for the next two weeks, but we didn’t want to leave you without encouragement this week! Instead, please enjoy this special message from Lisa Fields, preaching at Wheaton College on the "Chosen But Inexperienced". Lisa reminds us that God doesn’t call the equipped—He equips the called. Drawing from the story of Solomon, biblical wisdom, and her own personal stories, Lisa encourages us to embrace our divine calling, even when we feel unprepared or inadequate. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

Lisa Fields sits down with Dr. Dennis Edwards to explore the true meaning of humility from a biblical perspective. Dr. Edwards, Dean of North Park Theological Seminary, shares insights from his book on humility—challenging cultural misconceptions and revealing how authentic humility begins with intimacy and submission to God. Together, they unpack: Why humility is more than being “nice” or self-deprecating How pride is at the root of all sin The tension between humility and speaking up for yourself, especially in marginalized communities Practical ways to embody humility in relationships, leadership, and everyday life If you’ve ever wrestled with pride, offense, or the balance between confidence and humility, this conversation will challenge and inspire you. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

Lisa Fields sits down with Dr. Malcolm Foley to talk about his new book The Anti-Greed Gospel. Together, they unpack how greed fuels racial oppression, why Mammon remains one of the greatest threats to Christian faith, and how the church is called to resist exploitation, violence, and lies by building communities of solidarity, generosity, and truth. From the rich young ruler to today’s grind culture, Dr. Foley challenges us to rethink wealth, dependence, and what it really means to follow Jesus in a world shaped by capitalism. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

In this episode, Lisa Fields sits down with author, poet, and speaker Blair Linne to talk about her new book Made to Tremble: How Anxiety Became the Best Thing That Ever Happened to My Faith. Blair shares her powerful journey through years of anxiety and panic attacks, how God met her in her struggles, and why community, scripture, and surrendering control are essential in the fight against fear. If you’ve ever wrestled with anxiety, faith, or the weight of life’s challenges, this conversation will encourage and equip you to lean on God’s strength in seasons of weakness. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

Join Lisa Fields as she sits down with pastor and author John Thompson to unpack his new book Deliverance: A Journey Toward the Unexpected. They dive into spiritual warfare, misconceptions about the demonic, how to discern between mental health and spiritual issues, and why understanding deliverance matters for the church today. Whether you’ve wrestled with fear, questions about the supernatural, or simply want a deeper biblical perspective, this conversation will challenge and encourage you. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

Lisa Fields welcomes Dr. Carmen Imes back to the podcast for an honest conversation about her new book Becoming God’s Family. Together they dive into why the church still matters, the challenges of community, navigating church hurt, politics, AI and technology, and what it truly means to become the family of God. This is a must-watch for anyone rethinking church, community, and discipleship in our modern culture. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

Lisa Fields welcomes author and Bible teacher Jada Edwards for a deep dive into her book A New Way to Love Your Neighbor. From family dynamics to church relationships, Jada shares practical wisdom on overcoming pride, healing from the past, and embracing the kind of love that transforms both us and those around us. They discuss what real, Christlike love looks like in a world shaped by division, social media soundbites, and personal wounds.  Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/