Living IN Jesus Podcast

Grace over Law

In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Beau Brezina dive into the powerful truth that when sin increases because of the law, God's grace becomes even more abundant. They explore how the law exposes our need for grace, and how through Jesus, we are empowered to reign in life—not by striving to meet impossible standards, but by resting in the righteousness God freely gives. If you're feeling weighed down by guilt, shame, or the pressure to "measure up," this conversation will show you how to step off the exhausting treadmill of self-effort and embrace the freedom that comes through God's unearned favor in Christ. Listen in and discover the life-changing power of grace!
Key Verses:
Romans 5:20-21: “Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Quotes:
"As you believe that you are right in Christ, and you say no to the sin, you're expressing the life and light of Christ."
Key Points:
The law reveals sin but cannot overcome it; only grace abounds over sin.
True life and righteousness are gifts received by grace, not earned by human effort.
Believers reign in life through Jesus, aligning with God’s truth and trusting His provision.
Outline:
Introduction (00:06)
Scripture reading (01:04)
The role of the law (01:49)
How grace reigns over sin (03:18)
Personal examples of living under grace instead of the law (06:02)
Trusting God's provision and reigning in life through grace (10:08)
Aligning our thinking with God's truth (11:18)
Major takeaway from Romans 6 (14:02)
Conclusion (14:46)
Theme Music:
Here Forever by AdigoldPeaceful Documentary by LEXMUSIC(all rights and licensing from Envato elements)
Hosted by: Ross O'HairParticipating Staff: Beau BrezinaEdited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina---
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.

Reigning in Life

In this episode, Ross O'Hair and Beau Brezina break down Romans 5:12-19 in a way that connects directly to everyday life. They discuss how understanding the contrast between Adam’s sin and Christ’s gift of grace can help us handle daily challenges like disagreements, seeking approval, and trusting God in tough situations. With real-life examples and easy-to-grasp insights, this episode will encourage you to experience more peace and confidence as you navigate life, knowing you can reign in victory through Christ.
Quotes:
"In order to reign in life, I need to take ownership of the gift of righteousness Christ has given me."
"Trusting Jesus is trusting that His grace and righteousness are enough."
Key Points:
Through Adam’s sin, death reigned, but through Christ’s gift of righteousness, we reign in life.
The free gift of righteousness through Christ allows us to reign over sin and live victoriously.
Trusting in Christ’s righteousness, rather than seeking approval from others, leads to true victory in daily life.
Outline:
Introduction (00:06)
Scripture Reading (00:59)
Reigning in Life Through Christ (02:35)
Dead in Adam, Alive in Christ (04:14)
Understanding the Free Gift (06:49)
Practical Application of Righteousness (11:39)
The Battle for Approval (12:11)
Jesus’ Example Before Pontius Pilate (15:31)
Major Takeaway (15:58)
Closing Thoughts and Encouragement (16:38)
Theme Music:
Here Forever by AdigoldEthereal by SilverHoof(all rights and licensing from Envato elements)
 
Hosted by: Ross O'HairParticipating Staff: Beau 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.

The Life that Saves Us

In this episode of the Living in Jesus podcast, Ross O'Hair and Beau Brezina explore the powerful truths found in Romans 5:6-11, emphasizing how we are not only forgiven through Christ's death but also saved and empowered by His life. They dive into the significance of being reconciled to God and how this transforms our daily lives, offering practical insights on how Christ's life within us helps us face everyday struggles, resist temptation, and live in His strength. If you're looking for a deeper understanding of what it means to live out your faith in the powerful life of Christ, this episode will inspire and equip you to walk confidently in His grace.
Key Verses:
Romans 5:6-11: “For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation..”
Quotes:
“At the right time, Christ did what we couldn’t—He justified us with His blood and reconciled us to God. But much more than that, we are saved by His life.”
“Without His life, the blood is almost meaningless. The blood took care of the sin problem, but it's His life that allows us to truly live in Him.”
“It’s not just about being forgiven; it’s about having the life of Christ living in us daily, giving us the power to meet our needs and fulfill our purpose in Him.”
Key Points:
We are not only forgiven by Christ’s death but also saved by His life, which empowers us to live victoriously every day.
Through Christ’s death, we are reconciled to God, moving from being His enemies to becoming His children, which transforms our relationship with Him.
Christ’s life in us provides the strength to face daily challenges, resist temptations, and love others in practical ways.
Outline:
Introduction (00:00)
Scripture Reading (01:02)
Context of Romans 5:6-11 (02:00)
What Does It Mean to Be Saved by Christ's Life? (03:00)
Reconciliation Through Christ's Death (04:00)
The Two Sides of the Cross (05:00)
Practical Example of Living Out Christ’s Life (10:02)
How to Apply Reconciliation Daily (12:00)
Conclusion and Major Takeaways (15:16)
Theme Music:
Here Forever by AdigoldEmotions by Tonydrumer(all rights and licensing from Envato elements)
Hosted by: Ross O'HairParticipating Staff: Beau 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.

Finding Hope in Hardship

In this episode, Ross O'Hair and Beau Brezina dive into Romans 5:1-5 to explore the incredible power of God's love in our lives. They discuss how being justified by faith gives us peace with God and how that peace allows us to face life's tribulations with hope, knowing that suffering produces endurance, character, and a hope that never disappoints. Beau shares a deeply personal story of loss and how God’s love anchored him through the darkest times. This episode provides practical encouragement and a deeper understanding of how God's love sustains us, even when circumstances don’t change. If you're looking for hope in hard times, this conversation will inspire and strengthen you.
Key Verses:
Romans 5:1-5 - "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."
Quotes:
"Hope in the scriptures is a confident expectation that God will do what He says He will do."
“God’s love is the bow that ties it all together—it gives us hope, no matter what tribulation we face.”
Key Points:
We have peace with God through justification, which impacts our daily lives.
The glory of God is present in believers today through the Holy Spirit.
Biblical hope is a confident expectation in God’s promises, not wishful thinking.
Tribulation produces endurance, character, and strengthens our hope.
God’s love is our anchor, sustaining us through every trial and hardship.
Outline:
Introduction (00:06)
Scripture Reading (00:52)
The Impact of Justification (02:00)
Experiencing God's Glory Today (04:06)
The Difference Between Worldly and Biblical Hope (04:53)
Rejoicing in Tribulation (05:08)
Personal Story: Beau’s Experience of Loss (10:29)
The Takeaway (16:44)
Conclusion (17:05)
 
Theme Music:
Here Forever by AdigoldEmotional Orchestra by Orchestralis(all rights and licensing from Envato elements)
Hosted by: Ross O'HairParticipating Staff: Beau 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.

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.