Living IN Jesus Podcast

Romans 1-4 - Made Right by Trusting Not by Doing

In this episode, Ross O'Hair and Ben Brezina explore the revolutionary concept of justification by faith. Discover why Paul's powerful argument that all stand condemned before God is actually good news for believers. Learn how an attitude of trust and dependence can transform our daily walk with Christ and free us from the exhausting cycle of trying to earn God's favor. Whether you're a long-time Christian or new to the faith, this episode offers fresh insights into the foundation of our relationship with God. Don't miss this chance to deepen your understanding of God's incredible gift of righteousness and how it applies to your life today. Listen now and experience the liberating truth of Romans 1-4!
Key Verse:
Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.,”
Quotes:
"Faith is an attitude or a disposition that we get in that allows God to get into action on our behalf." – Major Ian Thomas
Key Points:
Overview of Romans chapters 1-4
The concept of justification by faith
Paul's argument that all people stand condemned before God
The importance of faith in receiving God's righteousness
Outline:
Introduction (00:06)
Why cover all of Romans 1-4 in one episode? (01:36)
Paul’s main argument in the first four chapters (02:58)
Condemnation of Gentiles (Romans 1:18-32) (04:27)
Condemnation of Jews (Romans 2) (05:45)
Paul's conclusion: all have sinned and fallen short (Romans 3) (06:48)
Explanation of justification (08:33)
Definition and importance of faith (10:18)
Why is justification by faith important for believers? (12:47)
The common struggle of trying to earn God's favor (14:50)
Personal experiences and applications (16:42)
Summary and major takeaway (18:08)
Conclusion (19:06)
Theme Music:
Here Forever by Adigold(all rights and licensing from Envato elements)
Hosted by: Ross O'HairParticipating Staff: Ben BrezinaEdited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina
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Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org
Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study.
In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

Introducing Romans - A Journey of Grace and Transformation

In the kickoff episode of Season 3, Ross O'Hair and Ben Brezina introduce the theme for this season: an exploration of chapters 1-8 and 12 in the book of Romans. They reflect on the past seasons, discuss the importance of Romans in the Christian faith, and outline what listeners can expect in the coming weeks. With a mix of theological insight and practical application, this season aims to help listeners deepen their understanding of Romans and apply its timeless truths to their daily lives. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the podcast, this episode offers an inviting entry point into what promises to be a transformative journey through one of the New Testament's most influential books.
Key Verse:
Romans 1:1 – “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,”
Key Points:
Overview of previous seasons
Introduction to the new season's format and focus on Romans
Background on the Apostle Paul and the Book of Romans
Importance and relevance of Romans for Christians today
Outline :
00:00 - Introduction and welcome to Season 3
00:34 - Recap of Seasons 1 and 2
01:51 - Overview of Season 3 focus on Romans
03:34 - Explanation of episode format for Season 3
05:30 - Background on the Book of Romans
08:08 - When was the Book of Romans written?
08:50 - Why did Paul write Romans?
12:44 - Martin Luther on the importance of Reading and Studying Romans
Quotes:"This letter is truly the most important piece in the New Testament. It is the purest gospel. It is well worth a Christian's while not only to memorize it word for word but also to occupy himself with it daily, as though it were the daily bread of the soul. It is impossible to read or meditate on this letter too much or too well. The more one deals with it, the more precious it becomes and the better it tastes." – Martin Luther
Theme Music:
Here Forever by Adigold
(all rights and licensing from Envato elements)
Show Credits:
Hosted by: Ross O'Hair
Participating Staff: Ben Brezina
Edited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina
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Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org
Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study.
In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

Receiving the Gift of Righteousness

Righteousness is the currency needed to access a close relationship with God. However, it is impossible to earn His approval through our own efforts. Fortunately, God offers his righteousness as a gift in Jesus Christ.
In this episode, Ross O'Hair and Beau Brezina engage in a transparent discussion, offering valuable insights into the struggles and triumphs of embracing God's divine gift of righteousness in Christ. Their conversation provides a fresh perspective on moving away from a performance-driven mindset, guiding us toward a more authentic and restful walk with God.
Through personal anecdotes and thoughtful reflections, this episode inspires a deeper understanding of how righteousness transforms our lives, offering freedom from the pressures of perfectionism. As you listen, you will gain practical wisdom on living authentically and experiencing a genuine connection with God through the lens of His incredible gift of righteousness.
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Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org
Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study.
In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

Who Are You? The Importance of Knowing Your Identity in Christ

Who are you? This is an important question because it relates to your worth, your belonging, and your purpose and actions. People often derive their identity from various sources such as their job, family ties, physical appearance, abilities, race, gender, nationality, or personal preferences. The possibilities are vast. Yet, all these sources of identity are unstable and ultimately incomplete.
In this episode, Ross O'Hair and Ben Brezina dive into this critical topic of identity, emphasizing the importance of knowing and believing our identity in Christ. Seeing ourselves the way God sees us leads to a stable sense of worth, belonging, and purpose. Join the discussion as they explore how adopting God's perspective on our identity can transform our reactions, relationships, and overall life. You will gain practical insights on cultivating a lasting, Christ-centered identity.
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Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org
Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study.
In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

The Cost of Believing Lies

In this episode of the Living in Jesus podcast, Ross O'Hair and guest Greg Cleland discuss the high cost of believing lies. Greg transparently shares his personal journey, highlighting how he initially sought acceptance and self-worth through achievements, particularly in athletics. However, upon facing challenges and the loss of his football career, he spiraled into self-destructive behaviors, struggling with self-hatred, addiction, and feelings of inadequacy.
The turning point came when Greg reached out to God, leading him to pursue a graduate degree in biblical counseling and eventually finding his freedom by embracing the truth of God's grace and his identity in the life of Jesus Christ. This conversation touches on the profound effect of lies on mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Greg also shares how his current challenge of end-stage kidney failure has further strengthened his reliance on God's sustaining grace, emphasizing the importance of surrendering to God's control and recognizing our vulnerability. The episode encourages us all to embrace the reality that true freedom comes from acknowledging our dependence on the life of Christ rather than striving for self-sufficiency.
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Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org
Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study.
In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

God’s Will For You

When we discuss God's will, we often think about decisions like choosing a job or a partner or figuring out how sickness or accidents fit into God's plan. But the Bible purposely connects God's will to specific things related to our relationships—with God, ourselves, and others.
In this episode, Ross O'Hair speaks with Mark Fields, CFT’s life coach, about what the Bible states regarding God's will for people on this earth. Mark shares his insights, revealing a significant shift he has had in how he understands God's will. This episode goes beyond typical debates, urging us to explore the joy of an intimate relationship with Jesus.
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Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org
Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study.
In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

Knowing God: God is Much More

God is way bigger and more amazing than we can fully understand. Nonetheless, He has graciously revealed many aspects of Himself in His Word, providing us with an opportunity to deepen our understanding of who He is.
In this final installment of the "Knowing God" mini-series on the "Living in Jesus" podcast, hosts Ross O'Hair and Ben Brezina begin by revisiting previous conversations that delved into God's immediacy, power, kindness, friendship, and protective nature.
Building upon these discussions, Ross and Ben expand into a large list of God's character and attributes. They aim to inspire us to actively pursue a deeper knowledge of God, fostering a more intimate connection with Him. Understanding God goes beyond mere information; it serves as a foundation for transformation when applied to developing a meaningful relationship with Him.
Don't miss out on this chance to grow your relationship with God in the final episode of the "Knowing God" series!
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Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org
Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study.
Download Mentioned in the Episode: The Attributes of God Poster
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Knowing God: God is Our Defender

In this insightful episode, host Ross O’Hair and special guest Sabrina Frazier take you on a journey of understanding and confidence as they explore the concept of God as our defender. They delve into the challenges faced by the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, discussing hidden issues, misconceptions, and temptations that arise from being falsely judged and misunderstood.
Discover how Sabrina's personal journey led her to find confidence in God and rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance. Through real-life examples and heartfelt conversations, you'll learn how God can inspire you to handle being judged and misunderstood with grace and kindness.
Whether you have a disability or not, this episode's final takeaway - "God is Our Defender" - offers a powerful message of trust in God's promises, the importance of submitting to Him, and finding peace in life's battles. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion that offers valuable insights and a fresh perspective on how God can be your ultimate defender, no matter the circumstances. Don't miss this episode of the "Living in Jesus" podcast!
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Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org
Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study.
In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

Knowing God: God is a Friend

Friendship is a close and enduring bond based on trust, compassion, and mutual respect. True friendship is a special blessing in life. It is a gift God designed for all of us to experience. The good news is that God offers us his friendship. He has named us His friends. Proverbs speaks of a friend who sticks even closer than a brother, and thankfully, Jesus both calls us His friend and treats each of his followers as His brother.
But what does it truly mean to be a friend of God? Many of us may have overlooked or not even thought about the concept of being friends with God. However, when we understand and accept that God is our close friend, it significantly alters the way we interact with Him in our daily lives. In this week's episode, Ross O'Hair and Tom Price explore the friendship God extends to us through Christ and how God is the wonderful, close friend with whom we are meant to share our lives.
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Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org
Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study.
In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

Knowing God: God is Kind

Kindness is often an underrated word, but it represents a range of qualities we all desire more of in our lives. It embodies compassion, care, love, concern, and sympathy. When we understand and value the power of kindness, we begin to appreciate God and his incredible nature of kindness.
In this week's episode, Ross O'Hair and Beau Brezina discuss how God's kindness is unparalleled and unreserved. When we make it a habit to recognize God’s daily kindnesses, it will transform our perception of Him, and in turn, how we treat ourselves and others.
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Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org
Interested in more?  Get the Living IN Jesus study.
In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.