Gary Wilkerson Podcast

Going Straight into the Light | 282

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Failure so often comes to us by the mercy of God as his open invitation for us to enter into his healing process. In this episode, Nate Larkin rejoins Gary Wilkerson to discuss how God uses our vulnerability to not only heal us from our addictive sins but also help others heal and grow spiritually as well. When we become quick to recognize our failings within loving relationships, we will awaken to new spiritual life.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp282c

Healing in Grief and Confession | 281

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Healing is what every believer is seeking for the addictions that seem to constantly pull them back into embarrassing old habits. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson is joined by Nate Larkin to discuss how his own journey into emotional and sexual healing has happened through close community and inspired the creation of the Samson Society.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp281c

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl | 280

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0700

The Life-Altering Parables of Jesus - Part 12 | Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price. These parables emphasize the surpassing value of Jesus Christ and the necessity of prioritizing him above all else in life. Gary and Joshua draw parallels with biblical figures like the rich young ruler, Zacchaeus, and the Apostle Paul, highlighting the transformative power of encountering Christ and the importance of surrendering everything to follow Him. The discussion also touches on the urgency of the gospel message, the balance between God's kindness and severity, and the call to be salt and light in the world, sharing the treasure of Christ with others.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp280c

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector | 279

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0700

The Life-Altering Parables of Jesus - Part 11 | In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss the parable of the pharisee and the tax collector. They emphasize the need for humility and repentance before God, rather than self-righteousness. The tax collector, who humbled himself, went home justified before God. However, they caution against remaining in a state of defeat as a Christian. Rather, we should walk in the joy, peace and victory that comes from finding our identity in Christ's righteousness alone. This requires both a renewing of our mind with God's truth and allowing God's love to transform our hearts.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp279c

The Parable of the Good Samaritan | 278

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 30 May 2024 00:00:00 -0700

The Life-Altering Parables of Jesus - Part 10 | Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West dive into the Parable of the Good Samaritan, exploring its profound implications for Christian living. They highlight how the parable challenges religious self-righteousness and reveals the true nature of loving one's neighbor. The discussion emphasizes the importance of internal transformation by God's love, which enables believers to extend genuine compassion to others, rather than merely adhering to external religious practices. Gary and Joshua stress that true neighborly love flows from a heart filled with gratitude for God's mercy and love.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp278c

Cows, Collaboration, and Compassion | 277

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 23 May 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Navigating the Path to the Unreached - Part 6 | Gary Wilkerson and Mark Renfroe dive into World Challenge's approach to missions, which intertwines compassion ministry and collaboration with indigenous believers. They discuss the effectiveness of this strategy in raising the credibility of the gospel and empowering local Christians to reach their communities. Mark shares a compelling story from South Asia, where providing cows to poor families and partnering with a local pastor led to many Muslims committing their lives to Christ. This episode highlights the transformative power of combining practical compassion with strategic collaboration in missions to the unreached.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp277c

Cultivating a Heart for the Nations | 276

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 16 May 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Navigating the Path to the Unreached - Part 5 | Gary Wilkerson and Mark Renfroe address the common question, "I'm just one person, what can I do when it comes to missions?” They outline practical steps for Christians to cultivate a heart for the nations and get involved in reaching the unreached. These steps include praying intentionally for the nations, growing in knowledge about global missions, engaging with people from different cultures in our own communities, going on short-term missions trips, and partnering with indigenous missions organizations. Gary and Mark also discuss the importance of a kingdom-centered approach to missions, rooted in Christ's lordship and the goal of God's glory among the nations. They challenge listeners to overcome the mentality of individual insignificance and to take steps, both big and small, toward participating in God's global mission.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp276c

Opening Our Eyes to the Unreached | 275

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 09 May 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Navigating the Path to the Unreached - Part 4 | In this thought-provoking episode, Gary Wilkerson and Mark Renfroe dive deeper into the stark reality of the unreached world. They examine the uneven distribution of missions resources, with only 3% allocated to reach the 3 billion individuals in unreached people groups. Mark shares a powerful parable contrasting the spiritual risk of lostness with and without gospel access. The discussion also highlights the surprising growth of Iran's underground church, from spiritual apathy to openness, despite intense persecution. Gary and Mark challenge listeners to evaluate their missions priorities and consider how they can play a part in reaching the unreached.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp275c

The Staggering Reality of the Unreached | 274

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 02 May 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Navigating the Path to the Unreached - Part 3 | In this eye-opening episode, Gary Wilkerson and Mark Renfroe discuss the sobering reality that over 7,000 people groups, comprising more than 3 billion individuals, remain unreached with the gospel message. They highlight the various challenges and obstacles that make these groups difficult to reach, such as geographic, linguistic, cultural, and religious barriers, as well as the scarcity of missionaries and resources dedicated to this cause. Gary and Mark emphasize the need for Christians to have a global faith, marked by a willingness to sacrifice, take risks, and die to self, in order to see the gospel proclaimed and embraced among these unreached peoples.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp274c

Are the Lost Really Lost? | 273

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Navigating the Path to the Unreached - Part 2 | Delve deep into the complexities of faith, doubt, and the responsibility of Christians to reach out to those who are spiritually lost. Gary Wilkerson and Mark Renfroe emphasize the importance of understanding and compassion in evangelism, challenging listeners to consider their own beliefs and biases. They explore the notion that many people who seem lost are actually on a journey towards faith, and that Christians have a crucial role in guiding them through love, patience, and understanding. This episode encourages a reevaluation of how Christians perceive and interact with non-believers, advocating for an approach that combines truth with grace

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp273c

Reaching the Truly Lost | 272

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Navigating the Path to the Unreached - Part 1 | Gary Wilkerson and Mark Renfroe delve into the profound challenges and urgent necessity of global missions, focusing on the regions most remote from the gospel's reach. They discuss the staggering reality of unreached people groups, emphasizing the difference between being simply lost and being utterly without access to the message of Christ. Through personal anecdotes, statistical insights, and a passionate appeal for increased missionary efforts, this episode shines a light on the critical work of spreading the gospel to every corner of the earth, inspiring listeners to consider their role in God's global mission.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp272c

The Parable of The Marriage Feast | 271

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0700

The Life-Altering Parables of Jesus - Part 9 | In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West dive deep into the "Parable of the Marriage Feast" from Matthew 22:1-14, unpacking its themes of invitation, rejection, and divine generosity. They discuss the significance of being called to God's Kingdom and the importance of extending this invitation to others, highlighting the balance between God's love and judgment. Through personal reflections and theological insights, they offer a compelling view on evangelism, obedience, and the transformative power of God's love in Christian life.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp271c

The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard | 270

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0700

The Life-Altering Parables of Jesus - Part 8 | In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West delve into the profound lessons of this timeless teaching, exploring themes of comparison, gratitude, and divine generosity. Listeners are invited to reflect on their spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and the dangers of comparison. Through insightful discussion, Gary and Joshua seek to illuminate the path to a deeper understanding of God's grace and how it shapes our daily lives. Join us as we uncover the hidden treasures within Jesus’s parable and apply its wisdom to our contemporary struggles and joys.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp270c

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant | 269

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0700

The Life-Altering Parables of Jesus - Part 7 | In this episode of the Gary Wilkerson Podcast, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West dive into the heart of forgiveness with an insightful discussion on the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant from Matthew 18. They tackle the complexity of forgiving others and oneself, emphasizing forgiveness as not only a vital aspect of spiritual growth but also a reflection of understanding God's limitless mercy towards us. Through a blend of biblical exploration and practical advice, the conversation illuminates the challenging yet transformative power of forgiveness in healing wounds, mending relationships, and fostering a loving community. This episode serves as a compelling guide for anyone seeking to navigate the intricacies of forgiveness in their faith and life, reminding listeners of the profound impact forgiveness has on both the giver and the receiver.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp269c

The Parable of the Tenants | 268

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0700

The Life-Altering Parables of Jesus - Part 6 | In this episode of the Gary Wilkerson Podcast, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West explore the Parable of the Tenants from Matthew 21, unpacking its messages about lordship, judgment, and the Kingdom of God. They discuss the metaphor of Jesus as the cornerstone, emphasizing its relevance to personal faith and the call to produce spiritual fruit. This discussion invites listeners to reflect deeply on their spiritual journey and the transformative power of accepting Christ's lordship.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp268c

The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus | 267

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0700

The Life-Altering Parables of Jesus - Part 5 | The Bible discusses wealth far more often than many people realize, especially when it comes to the unique struggles that people can be vulnerable to with riches. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss the scriptures’ complex understanding of not being attached to money without espousing the ascetic’s life either. This parable explores greed and generosity as well as maturity with our material possessions as one particular evidence of our spiritual state with God.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp267c

The Parable of the Ten Virgins | 266

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0700

The Life-Altering Parables of Jesus - Part 4

Several times, the gospels portray people arriving at the gates of heaven and crying out for God only to be told that he doesn’t know them. No fate could be more shocking and grim for someone who calls themselves a Christian. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss these sobering passages of the Bible and how they should inform believers’ lives. If we earnestly desire to be in God’s presence, we will be prepared like the wise virgins of this parable for Christ’s return.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp266c

The Parable of the Talents | 265

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0700

The Life-Altering Parables of Jesus - Part 3

The parable of the talents is another very popular teaching story from Jesus, but it’s meaning often becomes skewed as church leaders try to encourage believers to volunteer or as Christians try to evaluate the success of their spiritual lives. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West explore the misinterpretations of this parable. Together, they delve into Christ’s intended meaning for this story that is so intricately linked to other parts of the gospel.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp265c

The Parable of the Prodigal Son | 264

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0700

The Life-Altering Parables of Jesus - Part 2 | The parables that Jesus told people in the gospels can sometimes sound strange or feel difficult to understand. Those parables, however, hold eternal truths and great instruction for believers in all times and cultures. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West walk through one of the best entry points for understanding Christ’s parables: Matthew 13 and the Parable of the Sower. This story is one of the greatest places to examine our own hearts and ability to receive God’s instructions and promises.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp264c

The Parable of the Sower | 263

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0700

The Life-Altering Parables of Jesus - Part 1 | The parables that Jesus told people in the gospels can sometimes sound strange or feel difficult to understand. Those parables, however, hold eternal truths and great instruction for believers in all times and cultures. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West walk through one of the best entry points for understanding Christ’s parables: Matthew 13 and the Parable of the Sower. This story is one of the greatest places to examine our own hearts and ability to receive God’s instructions and promises.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp263c

BEST OF: Revival Starts in the Heart - 262

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0700

How can we determine if revival is genuine? How may we be discerning without becoming cynical? This week, Joshua West joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast to discuss how believers can tune our spirits to God's voice. Joshua and Gary explore what being wise and yet also 'poor in spirit' practically looks like for each one of us.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp262c

BEST OF: Going Deeper with Christ - 261

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0700

How does our attitude during prayer affect how God responds? This week, Joshua West joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast to explore how the gospels describe Jesus' healings and the way people approached him as either a miracle-maker or the Son of God. When we come to the Lord with our felt needs but without a clear picture of who he is, he may still heal and provide, but we miss a critical aspect of how God wants us to engage with him. Do we desire to see who Christ is more than an answer to our prayers?

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp261c

Finding Hope When Your Loved One Is Addicted - 260

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Having family or loved ones struggling with addiction can be very difficult emotionally and spiritually. In this session, Gary and Kelly Wilkerson speak at Teen Challenge about their testimony for how God has given their marriage strength and how he carried them through the times when their children were in the grip of addiction.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp260c

The Good News in Modern Culture - 259

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0700

The American church caught a glimpse of what revival might look like at Asbury in 2023. What would we be willing to do in order to see revival spread across our country? In this episode, Gary Wilkerson is joined again by Matt Brown to talk about a vision for revival in the United States. Even more importantly, what would the modern church need to do or see changed in order to really see an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on this generation.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp259c

Truth Plus Love - 258

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0700

How do we tell the truth and yet also be loving to those around us who will feel criticized or judged by the truth? In this episode, Gary Wilkerson is joined by Matt Brown who is an evangelist to the next generation and an important voice in our times about how to balance love and truth to an unbelieving world. Gracefully holding both of these aspects of God and spiritual life in our hearts is a life-long work that we must wrestle with in order to mature.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp258c

BEST OF: Avoiding the Ditches of Cheap Grace and Legalism - 257

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0700

In this "Best of" episode, we join Joshua West and Gary Wilkerson to discuss identifying legalism or extreme grace in our personal worldview as well as finding the correct, biblical balance.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp257c

BEST OF: Drawn Away to a Distorted Gospel - 256

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0700

In this "Best Of" episode, we join Joshua West and Gary Wilkerson as they talk about why we have to watch out for any distortion of the gospel. They explain that an understanding of truth has to begin with a biblical understanding of Christ and salvation.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp256c

Conviction in an Age of Compromise - 255

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0700

A Move of God in Our Generation - Part 12 | So many organizations and people seem two-faced. They say they believe in one thing, but their actions say otherwise. It can be incredibly discouraging to witness and make people feel as if they can’t trust others. Christians, more than anyone else, should be people of conviction who boldly stand for the truth and don’t waver. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss what a life of conviction looks like and how we become someone firmly rooted in our beliefs.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp255c

Gratitude Over Grumbling - 254

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0700

A Move of God in Our Generation - Part 11 | How do we cultivate of a mentality of gratitude throughout life? Why is it important that we do so? Certainly, it makes us more pleasant for other people to be around, but that’s not the real reason why God cares about our gratitude. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West delve into the reasons why the Bible calls God’s people to be thankful. They discuss how Christ-followers can be honest about their pain and struggles without grumbling against God.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp254c

Goodness Overcoming Evil - 253

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0700

A Move of God in Our Generation - Part 10 | Spiritual attack and demonic forces are contentious topics in the church. Some maintain that such things are very distant from the mundane considerations of modern believers, while others see spiritual evil in everyday hardships. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss spiritual evil and the goodness of God as well as how those two aspects of the supernatural intersect with believers’ ordinary lives. Scripture is frank about the existence of spiritual forces, but how should we interact with them?

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp253c

Communal and Covenantal Not Programmatic and Polished - 252

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0700

A Move of God in Our Generation - Part 9 | The Christian church is described in the Bible as the body of Christ or branches on a vine, but often we don’t have that kind of close relationship with one another. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West talk about how authenticity in relationships can be messy and frustrating but also leads to genuinely close friendships as well as spiritual growth in a community. They explore the questions of what stands in the way of close relationships and how to we address those barriers.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp252c

Real and Genuine in a Superficial and Posing Generation - 251

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0700

A Move of God in Our Generation - Part 8 | Jesus proclaimed himself to be the way, the truth and the life. He offered his followers the most authentic life, one which grappled with reality while being empowered to overcome. This makes it all the more tragic when Christians are accused, sometimes rightfully, of being frauds or hypocrites. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss how believers’ authenticity is needed to reach a world desperately longing for something genuine.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp251c

Simple in an Overwhelmingly Complex Generation - 250

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0700

A Move of God in Our Generation - Part 7 | Surveys in America show that around 80 percent of people are reporting exhaustion and burnout. Discussions rage back and forth about what the solution is, and Christianity has answers, but rates of stress and fatigue are often just as high or even higher in churches. This is wildly at odds with Christ’s invitation for the weary to find rest in him, so what are we missing? In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss how biblical rest leads to godly peace and how both are necessary for the church to see revival.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp250c

Peaceful in an Anxious Generation - 249

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0700

A Move of God in Our Generation - Part 6 | What would it look like for believers to live with true shalom and offer that to an anxious world? Our modern culture is deeply troubled by strife and stress, so how do believers remain afloat in what often feels like stormy seas? In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss what biblical peace looks like, where it comes from and how Christians can spread it around themselves wherever they go. Such an otherworldly peace will almost certainly be what draws distraught people to God and brings revival to our nation.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp249c

Forgiving in a Grievant Culture -248

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0700

A Move of God in Our Generation - Part 5 | Forgiveness is a key element of Christianity because of Jesus’s work on the cross, but forgiving our fellow sinners can feel much more complicated. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West talk about how popular culture understands forgiveness, how the church has historically misunderstood forgiveness and how the Bible talks about forgiveness in a nuanced way.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp248c

Generous in a Materialistic Culture - 247

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0700

A Move of God in Our Generation - Part 4 | True biblical generosity is a transformative experience for both the giver and the recipient. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West explore the ways that generosity has been warped and misunderstood by both popular culture and sometimes even the church. They also dive into how the Bible actually defines being generous and how much bigger God’s picture of giving is than our narrow definition. Our Lord’s commands for generosity are freeing and a blessing to those who obey.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp247c

Nameless and Faceless in a Celebrity Culture - 246

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0700

A Move of God in Our Generation - Part 3 | Modern culture is consumed by self-branding and self-promotion. It feels like a necessary evil of life in the current age, but what if the exact opposite may be essential for God to move? In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss when it’s appropriate to be known for our godly work and when our insidious desire for glorifying ourselves gets in the way. Gary and Joshua explore how we can discern what is in our own hearts when we’re recognized for the good we do in the world.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp246c

Radical Love in a Self-Centered Generation - 245

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0700

A Move of God in Our Generation - Part 2 | What is love? It’s such a simple seeming question, and yet the answer is more complex than we might guess. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss how believers should define love and how that understanding redefines our entire lives. Love that has its source in God will radically transform our hearts and minds and will inevitably spill out into all of our choices and interactions with other people. The love and loving truth of Christ is the example that God wants his children to reflect in a dark world.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp245c

Humility in a Self-Promoting Culture - 244

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0700

A Move of God in Our Generation - Part 1 | Having the same mind as Christ means to adopt true humility, but what exactly does that look like? In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss what exactly it means to be a humble believer. They also explore why the virtue of humility is absolutely essential for the modern church to see a major move of God. The Father will not bless any church movement that glorifies itself or exalts believers over the Lord. It’s only when we truly focus on God’s glorification and submit ourselves to his ways that he will bring revival.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp244c

The Instruments in Our Toolchest - 243

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0700

For almost as long as the Bible has circulated, church leaders and Bible scholars have written books to give people access to their knowledge about the scriptures. In this week’s episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss all of the resources available to modern believers who want to grow in their knowledge of hermeneutics, systematic theology and church history. With these tools, we can come to a fuller and more thorough understanding of what God is telling us about himself in his book.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp243c

The Bible’s Paradoxes and Seeming Contradictions - 242

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0700

The Bible is not a simple book. It describes God who is, in many ways, a being far beyond our ability to understand. It contains dense eyewitness narratives about earth-shaking events during Jesus’ lifetime. All of this can lead some people to believe that there are contradictions in scripture. In this week’s episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss how to make sense of some of these seeming contradictions in the Bible. They also explore what paradoxes exist in scripture that Christians must make peace with through their faith. To mature as a believe, we must learn how to wrestle with these portions of the Bible.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp242c

Dedicated Students of the Gospel - 241

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Simply being sincere in our belief in God is not enough if we don’t actually know what the Bible says and who God is. This week, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss how important it is for believers to know the whole counsel of scripture. If we know who the God of the Bible really is, our faith and spiritual discernment will be strengthened. It’s hard work to grow in our knowledge of scripture and God, but there is nothing more worthwhile in our lives.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp241c

Nine Literary Styles in Scripture - 240

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0700

The Bible was created in several literary types of writing. So even while taking scripture literally, believers should understand the modes through which God is communicated his will and commands. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss which literary types are included in scripture and how readers should approach them in order to best understand what God is saying.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp240c

The End Times and Israel in the Gospels - 239

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0700

What would a biblical stance on the end times look like? Where does Israel fit into our ideas of God’s people? In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West explore answers to these questions and how believers should approach apocalyptic portions of scripture. Dispensationalism is a popular American view of the Bible, and it offers a very particular interpretation of Israel’s place among God’s people and how to interpret verses about Christ’s second coming. Some dispensationalist viewpoints are less biblical than others, however, and Gary and Joshua are here to define and explore this particular lens on the Bible.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp239c

The Lens We Look through at God - 238

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Who do we say that Jesus is? What do we believe about God’s character and commands? Our most honest answers will reveal a great deal about us and our view of the Lord. This week, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss how our experiences and willingness to study scripture will create a particular lens through which we understand God’s law and nature. As sinful people, we will have incorrect ideas about the Bible and the Lord, but part of our calling to spiritually mature is to identify the assumptions we make when we think about God and challenge them against scripture.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp238c

Four Ways to Study the Bible - 237

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Believers can choose several different methods to use while they study scripture. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss four different ways to learn more about God’s person and commands in his great letter to humanity. Each of these methods have benefits for understanding the Bible better but also potential pitfalls if they are misused or misunderstood, which Gary and Joshua explore in this discussion.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp237c

Letting the Bible Change Our Thoughts - 236

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0700

We’ve probably all heard a person claim that the Bible says something that it clearly doesn’t. How does this happen? In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss the difference between exegesis and eisegesis. Exegesis is searching for the Bible’s meaning, regardless of what we wish it would say instead. Eisegesis is imposing our thoughts and desires onto our interpretation of the Bible. Reading scripture correctly requires great humility because we must allow God to correct our thoughts about him and his commands.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp236c

The Significance of Good Doctrine - 235

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0700

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp235c

What Exactly Is Hermeneutics? - 234

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0700

When we hear the word ‘hermeneutics,’ we may be tempted to dismiss it as a term for Bible professors or pastors, but it’s important for all believers. In this week’s episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss what exactly hermeneutics are and how every Christian should know how to use this biblical discipline. As we continue to study scripture and see how it reveals God’s nature, we will find the Bible an increasingly deep and beautiful text.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp234c

How to Read Scripture Deeply - 233

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Studying the Bible is a key part of believers’ walk with God. How do we read scripture with the most clarity, though, and tune into what God wants as we do so? This week, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss how Christians should approach God’s Word and the tools or methods available to help illuminate scripture. The Bible is the main way that Christians can know God and understand his nature, so it is critical that we develop reliable study habits.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp233c

God's Letter to You - 232

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0700

The Fascinating, Life-Altering Word of God - Part 1

The Bible is the most important book in all of human history. It is God’s letter to humanity, and yet we so often struggle to read it or fail to place much importance on it. This week, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss the nature of scripture. The Bible is perfectly reliable, entirely unified and the most important portrait that we will ever receive of God. It is the means through which an unapproachable, unknowable God chose to approach humanity and made himself known.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp232c

BEST OF: Caring for Yourself Will Help You Love Others Better - 231

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0700

On Instagram, the hashtag “loveyourself” has been used around 42 million times. In modern culture, however, this idea is usually attached to a ‘me’ mentality. But is there such a thing as biblical self-love? Can Christians unselfishly practice self-care? Yes! Learning to love ourselves in a biblical, God-centered way is the best thing we can do for our relationships. Once we care for ourselves physically, emotionally and spiritually, then we are better able to love others in a godly way.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp231c

BEST OF: Called to Be Perfect but Not Perfectionists - 230

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0700

A lot of people say that they’re a perfectionist. Being hyper-critical of our situation, our friends, our work and ourselves is encouraged by our culture. Many would say this is what drives us to do better. But what if it mostly just drives people to exhaustion, anxiety and depression? Perfectionism, never feeling like anything is good enough, always feeling like you need to do better and accomplish more, is like running on an endless treadmill. Worst of all, it’s motivated by fear. What if we were motivated by love rather than the fear of being less than perfect?

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp230c

BEST OF: Jesus Is Hungry for Supernatural Fruit - 229

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0700

It is clear in scripture that Jesus does not value the mere appearance of righteousness. He is looking for people with evidence of real spiritual fruit. Claude Houde joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast to discuss ways Christians can continually focus their lives on God and bear supernatural fruit

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp229c

BEST OF: You Don’t Need a Building to Be the Church - 228

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0700

While modern churches tend to be very dependent on physical buildings,

it hasn't always been that way. Much like early Christians, the modern

church needs to find new ways to reach people exactly where they are.

This week, Times Square Church Pastor Tim Dilena joins Gary Wilkerson to

discuss the way that God is bringing the church full circle.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp228c

The Necessary Truth about Sin - 227

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Do we truly grasp what it means that we are all completely sinful, no

matter how good our life looks on the surface? In this episode, Joshua

West is joined again by Evan Wilkerson and A. J. Nicandro to discuss how

to discuss sin in sermons or evangelism. Most people want a little

credit for their good deeds or morally upstanding life. However, the

Bible bluntly states that we are all fallen and utterly without virtue

apart from God. That’s an offensive truth to nominal believers and

unbelievers alike, and yet it’s pivotal to understanding the gospel

correctly.

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp227c

Evangelizing the Next Generation - 226

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0700

How do we reach the younger generation with the gospel? In this

episode, Evan Wilkerson and A. J. Nicandro join Joshua West to discuss

their own testimonies and the obstacles that this next generation faces

with coming to know God then growing in their faith. No generation is

harder to reach spiritually than any other, but the young people of

today face unique challenges in the arena of Christian faith.

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp226c

Exalting and Enjoying Christ Together - 225

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 25 May 2023 00:00:00 -0700

The gospels tell us that the kingdom of heaven is a hidden treasure which is worth everything we have. Many people think of this on an individual level, but it's actually more of a communal concept. While Christianity is deeply personal, it is not a private faith. This week, Jordan Thomas joins the Gary Wilkerson podcast again to discuss how community is a key component in encouraging believers to continue seeking God. We are invited into a kingdom of people where we worship and pursue Christ together.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp225c

Treasuring Christ Together - 224

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 18 May 2023 00:00:00 -0700

What does it mean to 'fix your eyes on Jesus' for individual believers and the church as a whole? This week, Jordan Thomas joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast to discuss how individual Christians can only experience the full blessings of this command to fix our attention on our Savior when we are within a community. Cultural norms make this an unpopular idea, but we will not mature and grow more like Christ unless we are living with like-minded believers.

View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp224c

Overcoming Fear with Wholehearted Faith - 223

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 11 May 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Why can evangelism seem so overwhelming and difficult, especially if we're not a particularly extroverted person? In this episode, Barry Meguiar joins Gary Wilkerson to talk about how evangelism will always be a little intimidating, and yet there are very practical ways that we can make it easier.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp223c

Move Everybody Closer to Jesus - 222

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 04 May 2023 00:00:00 -0700

According to recent statistics, an unbeliever only has a 10 percent chance of hearing the gospel in church. In this episode, Barry Meguiar joins Gary Wilkerson to talk about the personal responsibility that every Christian has to share the good news about Christ with others.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp222c

A Student of God's Word - A Conversation with Joshua West - 221

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0700

How does God catch our attention and bring us to our knees in his presence? This week, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss the catalysts God uses to show us our desperate need for a Savior. In his own testimony, Joshua explores how he went through the music world and addiction on the path God used to bring him to redemption.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp221c

Called to Preach the Gospel – A Conversation with Gary Wilkerson - 220

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0700

How do you know what God's calling on your life is? In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss how believers can discern what God wants us to do with the abilities he's given each one of us. Gary shares the journey God has taken him on as a ministry leader as well as his concerns for the modern church.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp220c

Discerning Between Law and Gospel - 219

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Why is the Old Testament law still included in our Bible if we live under the New Covenant? This week, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss the beauty and importance of God's law on this side of the cross. We should not dismiss the Old Testament or law as unimportant to our faith. In fact, they have a great deal to teach us about our Heavenly Father.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp219c

BEST OF: The Power and Simplicity of Prayer - 218

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Prayer is a central piece of the Christian life, but actually doing it challenges many believers. We often don’t pray when we have chances to do so. Not praying has been a common human issue for a very long time, but why does reaching out to God seem so hard sometimes? This week, Pastor Carter Conlon of Times Square Church talks about the incredible power of prayer, misconceptions about prayer, the strange difficulty and the true simplicity of prayer.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp218c

BEST OF: Start Small, Trust God, and Watch What Happens - 217

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0700

It’s easy to despair at the problems in the world, feel overwhelmed and ask, “Why doesn’t God save those poor people? Why doesn’t he do something?” Long-time ministry leader, John Bueno felt this way when faced with a seemingly overwhelming issue in El Salvador. The problem was so huge, devastating and pervasive that solving it appeared impossible. However, God led John to tackle this country-wide problem with small, simple steps and a faithful heart. This week, John joins us to share how God broke his heart and then opened an incredible opportunity for healing and redemption in this country he loves.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp217c

BEST OF: Church, It's Time to Get in the Game - 216

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Evangelism taps into some Christians’ fears of not being knowledgeable enough or being shamed, but it also isn’t a priority for many others. The Bible, however, calls us to tell others the good news of Christ’s sacrifice. Every blessing God gives us and every trial he brings us through is a testament of his goodness not only to us but also to others. Once we begin to live in a rhythm of evangelism, we will see incredible blessings.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp216c

Going Deeper with Christ - 215

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0700

How does our attitude during prayer affect how God responds? This week, Joshua West joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast to explore how the gospels describe Jesus' healings and the way people approached him as either a miracle-maker or the Son of God. When we come to the Lord with our felt-needs but without a clear picture of who he is, he may still heal and provide, but we miss a critical aspect of how God wants us to engage with him. Do we desire to see who Christ is more than an answer to our prayers?

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp215c

The Word, the Spirit and Power - 214

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Believers require the power of the Holy Spirit for everything we do, from the smallest action to the largest achievement. This week, Joshua West joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast to discuss our great need for God's Spirit.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp214c

Revival Starts in the Heart - 213

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0700

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp213c

BEST OF: The Joy of Sharing Your Christian Faith With Others - 212

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Deep down, every one of us wants to live a meaningful life, and we will feel truly alive when we are living out God’s Great Commission. Whether we bring God’s good news to our workplace or a distant mission field, this is our truest calling. This week Barry Meguiar joins Gary Wilkerson to talk about the joy of sharing our Christian faith with others.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp212c

Contend for the Faith - 211

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Paul warned the church in Philippians 2, "Watch out for false teachers", but how do we do this? Joshua West joins the Gary Wilkerson podcast to discuss how believers should recognize reliable writers, scholars and preachers of the Word of God.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp211c

Christ Is Our True Treasure - 210

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Many people have heard of the prosperity gospel, but this week Joshua West joins the Gary Wilkerson podcast to talk about how this mentality can creep into most Christians' mentality without them realizing it. How do we recognize this tendency in ourselves and reorient toward a better understanding of God's plan for our lives?

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp210c

The Surety of Salvation Through Christ - 209

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0700

So many verses about God's grace and judgment seem to contradict one another. This week, Joshua West joins the Gary Wilkerson podcast to discuss how we should approach these verses as we understand how God's love and justice both apply to our salvation.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp209c

How Secure Is Your Salvation? - 208

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0700

The possibility of losing our salvation has been a hotly debated topic for centuries. In this episode, Joshua West joins the Gary Wilkerson podcast to explore several theological approaches to this debate and test each one against the scriptures.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp208c

Avoiding the Ditches of Cheap Grace and Legalism - 207

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Legalism or hyper-grace are usually an over-correction in response to the other. Joshua West joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast to discuss identifying legalism or extreme grace in our personal worldview as well as finding the correct, biblical balance.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp207c

Drawn Away to a Distorted Gospel - 206

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Joshua West joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast to talk about why we have to watch out for any distortion of the gospel. He explains that an understanding of truth has to begin with a biblical understanding of Christ and salvation.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp206c

Diminishing the Power of Christ’s Blood - 205

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Joshua West joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast for part two of a conversation on the power of salvation. He offers a reminder that sin comes at a real cost, which is why hope can only be find in Christ.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp205c

What Jesus Did for Us on the Cross - 204

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Joshua West joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast to remind us of the power of salvation. He explains how the message of the gospel is even more incredible when we come to terms with the fact that every person is broken and flawed.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp204c

What Is Faith? - 203

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0700

For faith to be meaningful, it has to be rooted in who God is. After all, faith can only be as strong as what it is placed in. This week, Joshua West joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast to talk about the connection between faith and the character of God.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp203c

What Is the Gospel? - 202

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0700

What is the gospel? The answer to that question is profoundly simple, but it is the basis of everything that a Christian believes. This week, Joshua West joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast to talk about what the gospel means in the context of scripture and our daily lives.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp202c

The Mystery of the Trinity - 201

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Dr. Vern Poythress, a professor, philosopher and theologian, joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast for part two of a conversation on the difference between biblical and secular worldviews. This week, he explains how having the right understanding of God’s attributes can help us to understand who he is.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp201c

Grounded in God’s Word - 200

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Dr. Vern Poythress, a professor, philosopher and theologian, joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast for part one of a conversation on the difference between biblical and secular worldview. He explains that, across cultures, times and circumstances, the gospel is the only lasting solution to the problems we face.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp200c

BEST OF: How to Navigate Doubt in Your Christian Life - 199

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Doubt can feel like a dangerous fault line in the bedrock of our faith. This week, Gary Wilkerson takes a more measured look at doubt and its place in the Bible and our lives. How do we take care of our hearts so that when doubt springs up, it doesn’t hurt us? Is it possible to have healthy doubts and questions about our faith? Gary talks about how believers can use doubt as a tool to help our relationship with God grow.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp199c

Confidence to Counter Culture - 198

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Dr. K. Scott Oliphint joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast for part two of their conversation on practical apologetics. This week, they talk about what it means to reflect Christ in the real world and why we need to show love to everyone in our lives, even those who oppose us.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp198c

Ready to Defend the Gospel - 197

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Dr. K. Scott Oliphint joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast for a conversation on covenantal apologetics. He explains what apologetics can look like in light of God’s eternal perspective and talks about every believer's responsibility to be prepared to defend what they believe.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp197c

Jesus Is Greater Than - Fire in Our Bones - Part 9 | 196

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Jordan Thomas returns to the Gary Wilkerson Podcast for part two of a conversation on whole-hearted Christianity. He talks about how Moses and other Old Testament archetypes pointed forward to Christ.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp196c

Enjoying the Fullness of Christ - Fire in Our Bones - Part 8 | 195

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Jordan Thomas joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast for a conversation on the relationship that pastors have with God and with the congregations they serve. He talks about why we should never trade the fullness of God’s presence for a half-hearted version of Christianity.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp195c

A Passion for Preaching - Fire in Our Bones - Part 7 | 194

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Claude Houde joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast to share his four fundamental principles for preaching. He asks pastors to always remember the gravity of their role in other people’s lives

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp194c

Words From God - Fire in Our Bones - Part 6 | 193

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Carter Conlon joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast for a conversation about how pastors can preach in God’s strength rather than their own. He explains that there is a major difference between preaching a word from God and preaching about God.

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp193c

Power in Preaching - Fire in Our Bones - Part 4 | 191

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0700

This week, author and speak R.T. Kendall joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast to discuss what it means to serve as a pastor. He shares stories and the lessons that he has learned from his years of preaching and ministry.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp191c

Confrontation without Compromise or Condemnation - Fire in Our Bones - Part 3 | 190

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Claude Houde joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast for a conversation on the work that God is doing in the church today. He explains how the church can value older generations while ministering to younger generations at the same time.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp190c

Repentance Reaps Revival - Fire in Our Bones - Part 2 | 189

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Tim Dilena returns to the Gary Wilkerson Podcast to talk about how God can bring revival to the church. He explains how revival that is sudden, transformative and all-encompassing can only come from God.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp189c

Optimistic but Concerned - Fire in Our Bones - Part 1 | 188

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Tim Dilena joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast to discuss the reasons for concern and the reasons for hope in today’s church. He explains how God works through pastors and spiritual leaders to revive the church and bring it back to its moral foundation.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp188c

Seeing Christ in the Old Testament - 187

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Iain Duguid joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast to talk about how we can see Jesus throughout the Old Testament. He explains that when we take the Bible as one complete story, we can see how it was pointing toward the coming of Christ and God’s plan for redemption from the very beginning.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp187c

Dream Killers and Dream Feeders - God’s Dream for You – Part 3 - 186

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Claude Houde joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast for the final installment of their conversation on living out God’s dream for your life. He encourages believers that, even though life rarely goes as expected, the outcome that God intends is better than anything we could plan.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp186c

Stripped of Your Coat but Not Your Character - God’s Dream for You – Part 2 - 185

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Claude Houde once again joins Gary Wilkerson to talk about how disappointment can lead us toward God’s purpose for our lives. It is painful to see the things we value taken away. This week, the Gary Wilkerson Podcast explores how moments of loss can clear the way for God’s dream for our lives to be fulfilled.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp185c

Weeping as We Walk - God’s Dream for You - Part 1 - 184

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Claude Houde joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast to take a close look at what we can learn from the life of Joseph. He explains that one of the most challenging and rewarding things you can do is to let go of your own dream for your life and hold on to the dream God has for you.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp184c

Truth and Grace - Live, Love and Lead in a Broken World - 183

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0700

We’re getting ready for the launch of World Challenge’s new podcast, “Truth and Grace with John and Mark.” This week, podcast hosts John Bailey and Mark Renfroe join the Gary Wilkerson Podcast to share a sneak peak of their upcoming episodes and to encourage you to join them as they explore what it means to live with equal measures of truth and grace.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp183c

BEST OF: Can Doubt Be Good for Your Faith? - 182

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Doubt can be hard for us to wrestle with, especially if we’re afraid that it means we’re losing our faith. If we open up to God about our fears, though, he won’t leave us to struggle alone. God promises to walk alongside us through every dark valley and give us a spirit of discernment as we examine our doubts. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson talks about how doubt can hurt Christians but also how it can be one of our most useful tools for understanding God better.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp182c

BEST OF: The People-Shaped Hole in Your Heart - 181

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Wellness is a huge part of how we evaluate ourselves. How happy are we? How healthy do we feel? How are the relationships in our lives? Many professionals and friends want to tell us what wellness should look like, but what does the Bible say? This week, Gary Wilkerson discusses how God designed us to need certain things in order to be healthy mentally, physically and spiritually.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp181c

BEST OF: Hiding Your Hurts Under a False Sense of Worth - 180

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Validation is an enormous part of our lives. It is an external recognition that the feelings we have or the actions we take are worthwhile. Community, as God intended it, often encourages people toward right living through validation. However, the desire for external validation can quickly become all-consuming and unhealthy. This week, Gary Wilkerson discusses how easily we slip into searching for worth in things other than God. Only God can validate our existence. Only he can give our lives real purpose and direction.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp180c

BEST OF: What Did Jesus Mean When He Promised Abundant Life? - 179

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0700

The Bible promises us abundant life, so how does this translate into everyday life? Does this promise mean that God will shower us with whatever we pray for and desire? Clearly, that’s not the case for quite a few, if not all, of us. In this episode of the Gary Wilkerson podcast, Gary talks about how our culture’s definition of abundance is crooked and sets us up for unhealthy expectations. God plans for much more in our lives with his definition of abundance. There may be struggles and hard times, but we are promised strength and the divine might of our heavenly Father going before us.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp179c

BEST OF: Having Fun Might Be One of the Most Holy Things You Do - 178

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0700

We sometimes believe that we have to avoid having too much fun because it might be sinful. Or we might feel that there are more “holy” things we could be doing than spending time with friends and having fun. In this episode of the Gary Wilkerson Podcast, Gary points out that this “morbid holiness” is not really biblical. The abundant life God promises us allows us to celebrate the goodness of his blessings.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp178c

A Theology of Suffering and Care - Renovating the Heart of Kingdom Leaders - Part 17 - 177

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Dr. Mark Mayfield joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast for a conversation on suffering, a topic that scholars have discussed and debated for centuries. They talk through some of the common perspectives on why suffering happens and encourage listeners that God is faithful through the darkest times in life.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp177c

Learning to Surf Your Emotions - Renovating the Heart of Kingdom Leaders - Part 16 - 176

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Dr. Mark Mayfield joins Gary Wilkerson for a conversation on mental health and self-awareness. Dr. Mayfield explains the important distinction between emotions and feelings and talks about what can happen when someone takes the time to know their own emotional state.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp176c

Cleaning the Inside of the Cup - Renovating the Heart of Kingdom Leaders - Part 15 - 175

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Dr. Eddie Capparucci and Gary Wilkerson continue their conversation on the process of recovery from sex and pornography addiction. They talk about the importance of personal history and discuss some ways that men can learn to connect with others on a personal level.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp175c

Distracting Ourselves From Discomfort - Renovating the Heart of Kingdom Leaders - Part 14 - 174

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Dr. Eddie Capparucci, a Licensed Professional Counselor certified in treating sex and pornography addiction, joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast for a conversation on the process of addiction recovery. He explains how finding the root cause of pornography and sexual addiction is the first step to recovery.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp174c

An Invitation to Risk - Renovating the Heart of Kingdom Leaders - Part 13 - 173

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 26 May 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Sam Jolman returns to the Gary Wilkerson Podcast for a conversation on trauma and the process of healing. He offers practical advice on how to navigate the complicated relationship between vulnerability, healing and community.

View podcast notes: https://wcm.link/gwp173c

Renovating the Heart of Kingdom Leaders - Part 12 - The Gift of Curiosity - 172

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 19 May 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Sam Jolman joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast to talk about the transformational power of curiosity. Whether we are asking about our own intentions or the details of another person's story, true curiosity allows us to better understand ourselves and others.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp172c

Renovating the Heart of Kingdom Leaders - Part 11 - Facing Unforeseen Family Struggles - 171

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 12 May 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Deanne Ward and Kelly Wilkerson join Dr. Mark Mayfield to share their testimonies of loving and caring for a loved one struggling with addiction. With the insight of their own experiences, they offer practical advice to anyone who is supporting and caring for someone in their church, family or community.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp171c

Renovating the Heart of Kingdom Leaders - Part 10 - The Church and Mental Health - 170

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 05 May 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Kelly Wilkerson and Deanne Ward join Dr. Mark Mayfield on the Gary Wilkerson Podcast to talk about supporting loved ones who are struggling with addiction. Looking to their own stories and personal experiences, they discuss how the church sometimes isn’t prepared to help with mental health issues and how Christians can be well informed, supportive friends.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp170c

Renovating the Heart of Kingdom Leaders - Part 9 - Humility and Healing for Leaders - 169

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Matthew Ward and Dr. Mark Mayfield once again join Gary Wilkerson for a conversation on how leaders can find healing. Very often, people look to pastors and kingdom leaders for help and support. This conversation offers some insight on how leaders can practice humility and prioritize their own healing.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp169c

Renovating the Heart of Kingdom Leaders - Part 8 - A Theology of Suffering and Compassion - 168

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Dr. Mark Mayfield and Matthew Ward return to the Gary Wilkerson Podcast for a conversation on the role of suffering in the Christian life. They discuss the power of actively working through suffering and explore some ways that pastors and kingdom leaders can support and empathize with those who are working through difficult seasons.

View podcast show notes:

Renovating the Heart of Kingdom Leaders - Part 7 - Don’t Forfeit Your Soul - 167

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0700

There has been a long history of separation between conventional psychology and the church’s approach to pastoral care. This week, Gary Wilkerson, Dr. Mark Mayfield and Matthew Ward sit down to discuss how psychology can become part of the way pastors support the people in their congregations.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp167c

Parenthood, Preaching, Persecution and Peace - 166

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0700

This week, special guest Voddie Baucham joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast. This insightful conversation covers topics ranging from parenthood to the state of the American church and what a battle mentality can look like for Christians.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp166c

Renovating the Heart of Kingdom Leaders - Part 6 - Stewarding Your Freedom - 165

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Freedom always comes with a choice. It allows us to choose to truly love God, but it also gives us the capacity to make wrong and harmful choices. This week, Gary Wilkerson, Dr. Mark Mayfield and Dr. Dan Allender discuss the role that freedom plays in our lives and how suffering can be more beneficial than we may realize.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp165c

Renovating the Heart of Kingdom Leaders - Part 5 - Get in the Dirt - 164

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Simply by the lives we live, Christians reveal something about God to the people around us. Dr. Dan Allender shares his perspective on how understanding our own stories can help us engage with other people in a meaningful way.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp164c

Renovating the Heart of Kingdom Leaders - Part 4 - Agreeing with the Devil - 163

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0700

In the fourth episode of the “Renovating the Heart of Kingdom Leaders” series, trauma therapist Adam Young returns to the Gary Wilkerson Podcast to discuss the impact of a person’s unique story and life experiences. This week, they look at how Satan uses accusations and how Christians can respond to them.

DISCLAIMER: The advice discussed in this podcast episode is not a replacement for professional counseling.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp163c

Renovating the Heart of Kingdom Leaders - Part 3 - Engaging Your Story - 162

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0700

A person’s life experiences can have a profound effect on the way they interact with others. In part three of the “Renovating the Heart of Kingdom Leaders” series, trauma therapist Adam Young explains the impact of trauma, attunement, and attachment on our relationships.

DISCLAIMER: The advice discussed in this podcast episode is not a replacement for professional counseling.

View podcast notes: https://wcm.link/gwp162c

Renovating the Heart of Kingdom Leaders - Part 2 - Binding the Strong Man - 161

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0700

It can be surprisingly difficult to manage our own emotions. So many people respond by either giving in to their emotions or ignoring them entirely. Gary Wilkerson and Dr. Mark Mayfield look to one of Jesus’ parables to show that there is a better way.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp161c

Renovating the Heart of Kingdom Leaders - Part 1 - Assault on the Heart - 160

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0700

ASSAULT ON THE HEART | There’s a deceptive idea, even among believers, that life is supposed to be easy. As this belief becomes more common, it is leaving Christians unprepared for the inevitable challenges in life. This week, Dr. Mark Mayfield joins Gary Wilkerson to talk about the subtle ways Christians need to fight back against the evil that assaults our hearts.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp160c

DISCLAIMER: The advice discussed in this podcast episode is not a replacement for professional counseling.

The Rise of Addiction During the COVID Pandemic - 159

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0700

One of the least talked-about effects of the pandemic was a sudden rise in addiction and substance abuse. Ron Brown, the Executive Director of Teen Challenge Southern California, joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast to explain how isolation and feelings of hopelessness contribute to addiction. In this honest conversation, Gary Wilkerson and Ron Brown talk about how people are finding freedom through Christ.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp159c

Conquering the Fear of Sharing Your Faith - 158

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0700

In this special Q & A, Gary Wilkerson and Ron Brown answer questions that Christians have about sharing their faith. They offer practical advice on how we can overcome fear and share our own stories with the people around us.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp158c

Testimony of an Ex-gay Missionary - 157

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0700

This week, Matthew Karchner joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast to talk about how God’s relentless love and the work of the Holy Spirit changed his life. He shares honestly about his testimony, his transition out of the homosexual lifestyle, and his current ministry to the people of Cambodia.

View podcast sow notes: https://wcm.link/gwp157c

The Gifts of the Spirit: Power, Miracles, Signs and Wonders - 156

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0700

For many Christians, fear gets in the way of praying for miracles and seeking the Holy Spirit. Because they are concerned that they answer will be no, many people hesitate to ask at all. In the second episode of this two-part series, Dr. Sam Storms joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss why Christians should seek the Holy Spirit.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp156c

The Gifts of the Spirit: Cessationism, Prophecy, and Apostles - 155

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0700

The New Testament writers spoke extensively about the gifts of the Spirit. How should the instructions about these gifts be applied today? What do the gifts of the Spirit mean for churches today? This week, Dr. Sam Storms joins Gary Wilkerson to talk about his transition from cessationism to understanding and embracing the gifts of the Spirit.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp155c

Psalms - Bringing Your Fears, Hurts and Struggles to God - 154

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0700

The Psalms are uniquely timeless. The struggles and fears and sorrows that the psalmists were working through all those years ago resonate just as much with modern readers. This week, Gary Wilkerson talks about what we can learn from the Psalms and why he chose this book as the subject of his new sermon series, A Heart After God.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp154c

Understanding Our Deep Longing for Connection - 153

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0700

One of the church's critical roles is to build legitimate community. Doing that well takes some real intentionality. This week, Dr. Mark Mayfield joins Gary Wilkerson for an honest discussion on loneliness, connection and healing.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp153c

BEST OF: How to Have Wholeness in Your Christian Life - 152

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Could the way in which we care for our bodies be affecting our spiritual lives as well? Could having healthier life practices, from the food we eat to the relationships we have, be a biblical concept? Gary Wilkerson discusses this topic and offers insights from the Bible and his personal experience to those looking for answers.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp152c

BEST OF: Love Is Powerful, Confronting Every Form of Darkness - 151

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0700

In this BEST OF episode of the Gary Wilkerson podcast, Nicky Cruz joins us to explore the topic of love when it comes to the people who can seem the farthest from that term: prisoners, gang members and drug addicts. Nicky recalls how Gary’s father helped bring him to Christ along with his own experiences ministering inside prisons and cities’ darkest alleys where only God can bring light.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp151c

BEST OF: Loving Your Children in a Culture of Entitlement - 150

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0700

In this BEST OF episode of the Gary Wilkerson podcast, Nicky Cruz joins us to discuss the great importance of a father’s love. The impact of a parent’s love plus God’s love can create incredible healing and purpose in a child’s life.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp150c

BEST OF: Spinning Out of Control - 149

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0700

In this "Best of" episode of The Gary Wilkerson Podcast, we revisit Gary and guest Matt Tanner as they discuss a plane crash and an extraordinary miracle. If we look back at what God has done, opening our hearts to how he is meeting us in each moment, we may see how our Lord seeks to draw us into a unique and completely trusting relationship with him.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp149c

BEST OF: Living a Life Free From Fear - 148

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Victor Marx joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast to discuss his experiences not only facing ISIS members who were hunting for him but also some of the darkest memories from his troubled childhood. He shares how God has overcome great fears in his own life and given him the strength to walk into places few would willingly go.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp148c

BEST OF: Combating the Dark Nights of the Soul - 147

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Gary Wilkerson discusses biblical ways that believers can seek healing and restoration from depression. Most importantly, he offers encouragement to those who may feel as if they are fighting alone. God is walking right alongside us, even in our darkest hours.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp147c

You Don’t Need a Building to Be the Church - 146

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0700

While modern churches tend to be very dependent on physical buildings, it hasn't always been that way. Much like early Christians, the modern church needs to find new ways to reach people exactly where they are. This week, Times Square Church Pastor Tim Dilena joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss the way that God is bringing the church full circle.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp146c

The Most Important Question You Can Ask Someone - 145

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0700

At the end of the day, there is one question that matters most: Have you been born again? This week, Times Square Church Pastor Tim Dilena joins Gary Wilkerson to look at the way we discuss salvation in church and how Christians can be well-equipped to share their faith.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp145c

Guardrails Against Grieving and Quenching the Holy Spirit - 144

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Misunderstanding of the Holy Spirit has run rampant, even in the church. All too many Christians fall into two extremes, either grieving or quenching the Holy Spirit. This week, Gary Wilkerson and Bob Ditmer discuss the modern church's charismatic chaos and charismatic quenching of the Holy Spirit.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp144c

Jesus Is Hungry for Supernatural Fruit - 143

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0700

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp143c

How to Navigate These Perilous Times - 142

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Your five closest friends, the people who know you best, can have an incredible impact on your life. How can you surround yourself with people who will help you to draw closer to God day by day? On this week’s episode of the Gary Wilkerson Podcast, Tim Dilena discusses friendships, family, and the future of the church.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp142c

How to Maintain Your Joy, Peace and Confidence in Difficult Times - 141

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0700

In 2020, Tim Dilena became the senior pastor at Times Square Church in New York City. This week, Pastor Dilena joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast to talk about God’s faithfulness as Times Square Church ministered to a city on edge in a time of global crisis.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp141c

Go and Make Disciples of All Nations - 140

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0700

World Challenge’s missions work goes beyond meeting immediate physical needs. The goal is to empower people, to offer tangible skills and to teach people to trust in God. This week on the Gary Wilkerson Podcast we talk about the ways that God is at work as World Challenge seeks to make disciples in nations around the world.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp140c

Empowering the Impoverished to Reach Their God-Given Potential - 139

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0700

This week on the Gary Wilkerson Podcast we discuss the power of development ministry to instill the impoverished with faith, hope and confidence.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp139c

The New Covenant - Part 2 - 138

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0700

By Grace Through Faith | Most people have no difficulty understanding that humans are inherently sinful. That is obvious enough. What we tend to struggle with is the human desire to to try overcome sin through our own efforts. John Bailey joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss how Christians should think about God’s New Covenant promises.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp138c

The New Covenant - Part 1 - 137

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0700

The Old Does Not Mix With the New | Those who believe that they must earn God’s love will always feel insecure in their faith. Thankfully, scripture makes it clear that salvation comes, not through our actions, but through the overwhelming goodness of Christ. John Bailey joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss how the Old and New Covenants help us understand God’s plan for humanity.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp137c

Everyone Is Invited to Hunger and Thirst for God - 136

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0700

A powerful, life-giving church is one where God is the focus and scripture is the center of teaching. Unfortunately, many churches today are more focused on offering entertainment. Ron Brown joins Gary Wilkerson to talk about how churches can focus on God and truly become a light to the world around them.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp136c

The Christian’s Battle Against a Culture of Addiction - 135

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Very often, people are unwilling to change until it becomes more painful to stay as they are. Beginning to feel trapped in an addiction can be painful, but it can also serve as powerful motivation to find deep healing. Nate Larkin and Gary Wilkerson look at the role of honesty, family and culture in addiction recovery.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp135c

Created for Intimacy but Cratered in Immorality - 134

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0700

God created every individual with a need for intimacy, but it can become distorted in the modern world. Broken families, abuse, neglect and even an unwillingness to rely on other people can get in the way of healthy intimacy. Nate Larkin and Gary Wilkerson continue their conversation about recovery from sexual addiction.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp134c

Experiencing God’s Grace Through His Judgment - 133

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0700

It is easy to think of God’s judgment as the opposite of his mercy, but the reality is not so simple. God can give people a wake-up call to turn them back to himself. In those cases, God’s mercy comes through his judgment. Nate Larkin joins Gary Wilkerson to share his story of redemption, recovery and healing.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp133c

Grow the People and God Will Grow the Church - 132

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0700

As churches all over the world were forced to shut down during the COVID-19 global pandemic, pastors and church leaders had to scramble to find ways to keep their congregations engaged. Among them was Pastor Seth Drewry and his wife Katie of Believers Fellowship in Bellville, Arkansas. Pastor Seth joins Gary Wilkerson to share the lessons he has learned during this unprecedented time of global pandemic.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp132c

How a Baptist Boy Scout Ended up at Teen Challenge - 131

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0700

A church can have a truly transformative effect on the people within its community. God is there for his people, and God’s people should be there for each other. Pastor Seth Drewry joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss God’s calling and the modern church.

00:00 - Introduction

00:38 - Seth's Upbringing and Calling to Ministry

02:42 - The Love of the Church in the Midst of Tragedy

08:24 - The Nontraditional Route to Ministry

11:45 - The Gifts and Baptism of the Holy Spirit

18:32 - Impacted by David Wilkerson

21:39 - Working at Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch

24:25 - Closing

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp131c

The American Reinvention of Jesus and the Gospel – Part 2 - 130

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0700

The Way Ahead is Back - Shifts in the society around us may feel unsettling, but cultures have come and gone throughout history. These changes are never a threat to God, and they cannot shake the church that is grounded in Christ. Pastor Joshua West joins Gary Wilkerson to talk about the role of the church in American culture.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp130c

The American Reinvention of Jesus and the Gospel – Part 1 - 129

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Deep Concern for the State of the American Church

There is a brand of Christianity in the US today that is creating a version of Christ that conforms to our image rather than us coming to Christ and being conformed into his image. Our culture has shifted from the glory and worship of God to the glory and worship of self. Pastor Joshua West joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss his deep concern for the state of the American church.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp129c

Clouds Will Never Go Behind the Moon - 128

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0700

As a child, Fred Sanders recalls looking up at the clouds passing in front of the moon and wondering if any of them would ever go behind the moon. Through a series of questions about things Fred already knew about clouds and the moon, a relative helped him realize that he already knew that clouds couldn’t go behind the moon. The same can be true of us and our knowledge of God. Fred Sanders joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss the roles and relationships of Father, Son and Holy Spirit in the Trinity.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp128c

The Spiritual Temperature of Today's Youth - 127

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0700

This generation is being inundated with sexual immorality and indoctrinated with a secular worldview. Sean McDowell joins Gary Wilkerson and Evan Wilkerson to discuss the issues facing today’s youth and how parents can help their children counter false ideas with the truth of the Bible.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp127c

BEST OF: Encouragement to Stay in the Fight - 126

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Gary Wilkerson discusses depression and suicide even among believers who should live in the light of hope. He explores ways that believers can handle issues like mental illness and how to differentiate between spiritual despair and general life discouragement. Most importantly, he offers encouragement to those who may feel as if they are fighting alone. God is walking right alongside us, even in our darkest hours.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp126c

Let the Mysteries of God Move You to Praise - 125

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Let’s face it. There are things about God that we won’t fully understand in this lifetime, and that’s okay. For some this will move you to praise God, while others may get upset and complain. Fred Sanders joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss the Trinity and the incomprehensibility of God.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp125c

Do We Have a Correct Understanding of the Holiness of God? - 124

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0700

When we think about holiness, our thoughts might tend toward moral behavior and right conduct, but Gary Wilkerson shows us from scripture that holiness is so much more. We don’t become holy by garnering our own will power and trying to follow a list of dos and don’ts. True holiness comes when we know God, realize he already calls us holy through faith in Jesus Christ, and receive his power to walk in holiness.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp124c

Greek Teaches You How to Cook the Word of God - 123

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Gary Wilkerson continues his conversation with Chris Palmer about the benefits of learning New Testament Greek. They discuss Bible translations, the fluidity of language, and the nuances one can discover when studying the original Greek words.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp123c

Learning New Testament Greek Is Even Cooler Than Bass Fishing - 122

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0700

The idea of learning New Testament Greek may seem daunting or like something reserved for seminary students and theologians, but Chris Palmer joins Gary Wilkerson to dispel this misconception and encourage Christians at all levels of faith and stages of life to learn biblical Greek.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp122c

We Do Not Live on Bread Alone - 121

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 27 May 2021 00:00:00 -0700

The Bible tells us that we were not created to live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. God’s design is to communicate with us through his word. If we want to get to know God and grow spiritually, then we need to develop a daily discipline of spending time with God in his word. That’s going to take time, effort and intentionality.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp121c

Fitness Can Be a Bridge to Deeper Matters of Faith - 120

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 20 May 2021 00:00:00 -0700

The Bible tells us that physical training is of some value, but training in godliness holds promise in this life and the life to come. Simon Lennox joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss the parallels between physical and spiritual training, how fitness has been a natural bridge to discussing deeper spiritual matters, and the impact this life has on our eternity.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp120c

Notes on the Goodness of God in Answering Prayer - 119

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 13 May 2021 00:00:00 -0700

It can be challenging when our prayers seem ungranted, unanswered or unheard. The enemy often comes with accusations that cause us to doubt God’s goodness, faithfulness, and love for us. Gary Wilkerson shares some biblical insight into what we can do while we are waiting for God to answer our prayers.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp119c

What Does the Bible Say About the Holy Spirit? - 118

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 06 May 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Some Christian denominations and movements have completely neglected the Holy Spirit while others have credited the Holy Spirit with manifestations that were not of God. Dallas Holm joins Gary Wilkerson to examine what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit. When do we receive the Holy Spirit? How do we know if we’ve received the Holy Spirit?

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp118c

Dallas Holm Shares Lessons for Life, Faith and Ministry - 117

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Dallas Holm joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss the lessons he has learned over fifty plus years of Christian ministry—from his early days with David Wilkerson Youth Crusades, his years of music ministry, and now his transition into the last mile of this race called life.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp117c

Our God Is So Much Greater Than We Even Realize - 116

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Our tendency can be to describe God in ways that are more like ourselves, as if he is just a bigger, better version of us. The God of the Bible is altogether different than us. He is eternal, infinite, timeless, perfect, unchanging and self-existent. Matthew Barrett joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss how the incomprehensibility of God helps maintain the distinction between Creator and creature.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp116c

Does God Act as One or Three? - 115

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0700

God is one yet also three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. How does that work? Do they all just cooperate really well together? Or is it something completely different? Matthew Barrett joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss the importance of understanding the unity and inseparability of the Trinity.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp115c

The Incomprehensibility of God - 114

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0700

In our modern understanding, to call someone, especially God, incomprehensible seems offensive, but the incomprehensibility of God does not mean that he is unintelligible or doesn’t communicate well. It means that he is so far beyond what our finite minds can fully comprehend. Gary Wilkerson challenges listeners to learn more about the incomprehensibility of God. If you do, you will be brought to a place of greater reverence and worship of God.

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp114c

An Invitation to Discover the Roots of Our Christian Faith - 113

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0700

There probably aren’t too many in the church today who have taken the time or made the effort to study church history, read the writings of the early church fathers, or understand the creeds and the heresies they were meant to counter. Chris Palmer joins Gary Wilkerson in encouraging Christians to discover the roots of their faith and grow in their knowledge of God.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp113c

Playing Favorites With the Three Persons of the Trinity - 112

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Trying to wrap our minds around the simultaneous oneness and distinctness of Father, Son and Spirit can be challenging. Some camps within Christianity will even highlight or focus on just one of the persons to the neglect of the other two. Chris Palmer joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss the importance of not playing favorites with the persons of the Trinity. Chris challenges listeners to really wrestle with scripture and come to a biblical understanding of the Trinity that will transform your worship and your prayer life.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp112c

There Is Something Wrong and We Don’t Even Know It - 111

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Anyone familiar with boating knows the dangers of drifting. It can seem slight, but if not corrected, over time it will take you far off course. Matthew Barrett joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss the dangerous drifts taking place within the church’s understanding of the Trinity. Developing a proper doctrine of the Trinity will take work but it will be worth the effort.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp111c

Is Anything Too Hard For God? Is There Anywhere God Can't Go? - 110

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Gary Wilkerson answers questions about the power, presence and wrath of God.

Does God’s omnipotence have any limits that are not of his own making?
If God holds all things together, how can hell and the lake of fire exist void of God’s presence?
What is a healthy theological view of God’s wrath for the believer?
Are any of God’s attributes greater than the others?

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp110c

The Wonderful Work of the Holy Spirit - 109

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0700

The Holy Spirit can be the one person of the Trinity that is difficult to wrap our mind around. In some churches he is ignored, while in others the Spirit is overemphasized. Fred Sanders joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss the role of the Holy Spirit in the Trinity and in the believer’s life.

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp109c

Father, Son and Holy Spirit Are All Distinct Yet One - 108

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0700

All of us experience and have a basic understanding of gravity but we might start to get lost if the conversation heads toward more complicated concepts and theories. The same can be said of the doctrine of the Trinity. If you’re a Christian, you’ve experienced the saving work of the Trinity, but you might not fully understand how God can be both three distinct persons and one God or what role each of them plays. Fred Sanders joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss the doctrine of the Trinity and encourages Christians to dig deeper into understanding the distinctness and oneness of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp108c

Faith & Fitness - Called to Coach Others How to Be Healthy - 107

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0700

God wants his people to be wholly holy—spirit, soul and body. He cares for the whole person. Eric Barber—former CrossFit athlete, trainer and gym owner—joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss how God has called him to help others with fitness, health and nutrition.

View podcast show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp107c

How to Establish Strong Christian Community in Your Life - 106

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0700

God created us for fellowship. He said that it is not good for man to be alone but finding authentic community can be challenging. We live in a social media culture where everyone puts their best on display, when what we really need is a place to safely share our hurts and struggles with others. Pastor Rusty George joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss ways to develop strong Christian community.

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp106c

BONUS EPISODE: Believing God for Your Family - B02

World Challenge, Inc. — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0700

In this bonus episode of the Gary Wilkerson Podcast, Mike Conway from Teen Challenge of Southern California sat down with Gary and Kelly Wilkerson for a captivating, engaging and hope-filled conversation about Believing God for Your Family.

Contending for the Faith of This Generation - 105

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0700

A cultural tide contrary to the truth of God continues to rise. Christian teens are confronted with difficult topics like evolution, same-sex marriage and transgenderism. They are eager to share and defend their faith but feel they lack the proper training. Evan Wilkerson joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss how God has called him to train up a generation ready to take a stand for God.

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp105c

Have Mercy on Those Who Doubt - 104

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Kids in high school and even younger are now facing issues that were once matters for college students and young adults. Evan Wilkerson joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss the questions and doubts confronting today’s youth.

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp104c

The Roles of the Father, Son and Spirit in the Gospel - 103

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0700

The Trinity can be difficult to discuss and understand but Fred Sanders joins Gary Wilkerson to help bring some clarity to the importance of the Trinity and the role that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit each play in salvation.

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp103c

An Invitation to the Deeper Things of God - 102

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0700

We all come to Christ through many different avenues, but at the core of each path is realizing that we need something only God can provide — salvation. Unfortunately, we can get stuck in this mindset of God existing to meet our needs. Fred Sanders joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss how God invites us to know him for who he is rather than only for what he does for us.

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp102c

BEST OF: Sex is Not Your Problem, It's Your Solution - 101

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Previously, Nate Larkin shared his personal testimony about struggling with a pornography addiction and how he eventually found freedom. This week, he and Gary discuss the types of sexual addiction and where they can spring from in our pasts. God wants to heal these deep heart wounds. As we heal from internal injuries and shed addictions, we will find it easier to forge deep and meaningful relationships with others. Gathering healthy community around us will make staying on the road to recovery easier. While the path may not be any smoother or less steep, faithful friends can walk beside us and remind us of our heavenly Father’s promises.

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp101c

BEST OF: Coronavirus - Tribulation is an Opportunity to Be a Testimony - 100

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0700

The spread of coronavirus has struck a deep chord of anxiety in our country. The quarantine and unstable stock market have only added to people’s fears. Many believers, though, may find their family and friends are open to the gospel for the first time. In this week’s special episode of the Gary Wilkerson podcast, Keith Holloway joins us again to discuss how believers can steady their hearts. And with that peace comes opportunities to share the reason for our hope.

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp100c

BEST OF: How to Turn Your Anxiety Into Healing - 099

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 24 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0700

Many of us have struggles that we aren’t comfortable sharing with others. These secret sins seem so taboo that if we told anyone, they might stop speaking to us. Often these deep soul wounds manifest as anxiety or anger or other sins that affect our relationships with friends, family, and community. So how do we get to the root of these issues? How do we find healing from these sins that constantly seem to trip us up?

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp99c

BEST OF: Fighting Hopelessness in Our Walk with God - 098

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0700

Pastor and president of World Challenge, Gary Wilkerson, paints a brighter and more biblical picture of God’s favor in this opening podcast.

The following are a couple points he touches upon:

Comfort and self-interest as our drug of choice
What it means to be one of the “Holy Ghost miserables”
Finding contentment in who God has made us to be

This warm and personal conversation explores the issues God has laid on Gary’s heart for those who are struggling with the idea of God’s favor in their lives. Only an active pursuit of God’s presence and guidance will grant each of his children the peace to stand unmoved in the midst of life’s storms.

View full show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp98c

BEST OF: Coronavirus - Unshakable Faith in a World That is Being Shaken - 097

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0700

We are living in shaky times. As a global pandemic of coronavirus makes its way around the globe, taking lives, crashing stock markets and threatening the livelihood of millions, people are afraid. How are you doing handling the fear. Or maybe put another way, how’s your faith holding up? In this special edition of the Gary Wilkerson podcast, Gary is joined by Keith Holloway, the Senior Director of Missions Development at World Challenge to talk about faith in a time of fear. We hope this podcast gives you hope and encouragement that even in desperate times like these, God is in control.

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp97c

BEST OF: A Wilkerson Family Testimony - Prodigal Children Overcoming Addiction - 096

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0700

Parents in the church can feel ashamed of having a prodigal child. They may have actually been condemned for their child’s suffering or wandering path. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson is joined by his wife, Kelly, and son, Evan, as they discuss how their family was ultimately able to draw closer to God as a result of Evan’s prodigal journey. While this time can be immensely painful for parents and families, God is always faithful. Gary, Kelly, and Evan talk about how God redeemed and healed their own relationships and lives through what seemed like a very dark period.

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp96c

BEST OF: A Pastor's Struggle with Pornography and Prostitutes - 095

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0700

A pornography addiction can feel like a hopeless trap. When we pray and pray for it to go away, we can get stuck in a cycle of despair when the addiction remains. This week, visiting speaker Nate Larkin talks about his own sexual addictions and how he eventually found freedom.

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp95c

The Importance of Health and Wellness in the Work of God - 094

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0700

Your physical health is critical to the calling God has for your life. Sadly, many in the church have neglected their wellness to the detriment of God’s purposes for them. David Bush joins Gary Wilkerson on the podcast today to discuss the importance of stewarding our bodies well so that we can love God and others with all of our strength.

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp94c

Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen to Good People? - 093

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0700

There is no question that there is pain and suffering in this life. The question then becomes: why would a good God allow such things? Gary Wilkerson encourages us to trust God’s goodness and sovereignty through all life’s difficulties. God is able to make all things work together for the good of those who love him.

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp93c

Suffering Through the Loss of a Loved One - 092

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0700

Losing a loved one unexpectedly to addiction or health issues can be a difficult trial to walk through. Matthew and Deanne Ward join Gary Wilkerson to share about losing their daughter to alcoholism and mental illness. They encourage us to hold onto the peace and hope that we have in Christ.

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp92c

Have Spiritual Gifts Ceased? - 091

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0700

Many in the church today believe that the spiritual gifts have ceased to operate. Others refuse to pursue the gifts of the Spirit because of the extreme excess and abuse they have observed. Sam Storms joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss whether or not spiritual gifts have ceased to operate in the church today.

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp91c

Developing Your Spiritual Gifts - 090

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0700

The Bible tells us that the Spirit apportions to each believer gifts according to God’s will, but can we influence which gifts and how much of each gift we receive? Sam Storms joins Gary Wilkerson today to discuss how we can develop, mature and increase the spiritual gifts that we have been given. They conclude their discussion defining and giving examples of the gift of prophecy.

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp90c

Understanding Spiritual Gifts - 089

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0700

Spiritual gifts can be a controversial topic in some Christian circles. Sam Storms joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss spiritual gifts. What are they? How do we get them? How are they to be used?

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp89c

If You Are Alive There Is Hope - 088

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0700

When a spouse or child is struggling with addiction, those around them often find themselves struggling with guilt, shame, and hopelessness. Jerry Nance, Director of Global Teen Challenge, joins Gary Wilkerson to encourage families of addicts not to lose hope.

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp88c

The Struggle With Doubt in the Christian Faith - 087

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0700

John Calvin wrote, “A perfect faith is nowhere to be found, so it follows that all of us are partly unbelievers.” Many of us wrestle with doubt or uncertainty in our walk with God. Doubt can take many different forms in our lives. No matter what shape our doubt takes, we are not alone in our struggle. God knows what doubts haunt us. He isn’t shocked or surprised. Instead, he invites us to trust his goodness and direction in our lives.

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp87c

Set Your Mind on the Goodness of God - 086

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0700

ABOUT GOD - PART 20 | In a world that seems to be growing darker and more difficult by the day, Gary Wilkerson exhorts Christians to take time to focus on God’s goodness. As we do, we will see his goodness start flowing through our lives to those around us.

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp86c

The Powerful Goodness of God - 085

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0700

When we speak of God’s goodness, some may perceive it as a softer attribute of God, especially when compared to his justice, wrath or judgment. Today, Gary Wilkerson explains that through a correct understanding of God’s goodness we will see its transformative power.

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp85c

Betrayal Did Not Stop Jesus From Loving Others - 084

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0700

According to Pew Research, only 60 percent of Christians are involved in a community. Our culture of self-sufficiency as well as people’s poor past experiences has badly impacted the church. Today, Rusty George, pastor of Real Life Church, joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss how people desperately need one another to have healthy lives and how we can overcome past pains and truly join into Christian community.

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp84c

Trusting God's Goodness in the Midst of Suffering - 083

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0700

When suffering, sickness and hardships come our way, we may start to question God and his goodness. How could a good God let something like this happen? Russell Berger joins Gary Wilkerson to share how he has learned to trust God and his goodness in the face of immense personal suffering.

View full show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp83c

The Battle for a Healthier Life Starts in the Mind - 082

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0700

The shocking reality of fitness industry is that it has a 92 percent failure rate. Today, Gary Wilkerson and guest speaker David Bush discuss why so many fitness and weight-loss goals fall through. Could this problem be related to a much deeper issue in our lives? God desires for our spiritual lives to have an impact on our physical wellbeing. If we are willing to let him address our hearts, we will often find answers to our problems with fitness and health.

View full show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp82c

God Is Holy in All of His Attributes - 081

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0700

ABOUT GOD - PART 18 | The beginning, middle and end of the Bible record a song of Moses praising God for his holiness. Why his holiness over all his other attributes? Gary Wilkerson suggests it is because God’s holiness marries itself to all of his other attributes.

View full show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp81c

Key Points From The Podcast

The first and last song recorded in the Bible is the song of Moses which praises God for his holiness.
The Christian life is to be theocentric, God-centered, not focused on ourselves.
Your theology, or understanding of God, will greatly affect your doxology, or worship of God.
We were built for wonder and there is no greater wonder than discovering the splendor, majesty, awesomeness, and holiness of God.
God is holy in all of his attributes.
What we may see as good and what God sees as good are not always the same thing.

The Holiness of God Will Transform Your Life - 080

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0700

ABOUT GOD - PART 17 | Why talk about the holiness of God? How will that help us with finances, marriage struggles, or other issues we may face in life? Gary Wilkerson exhorts Christians to study and understand the holiness of God because it will transform your heart and greatly impact every area of your life.

Our theology, or our understanding of God and his holiness, will greatly impact all areas of our life.
Holiness is not something God tries to do or him behaving in a certain way. Holiness is who God is. It goes far beyond moral purity.
God’s holiness reveals all of his other attributes in their greatest glory.
At the cross, the justification of Christ on the cross imparted God’s holiness to those who believe.
God doesn’t grow or shrink back in his holiness. He is fully, infinitely and perfectly holy at all times.
Understanding and receiving the imparted holiness of God goes beyond behavior modification to transforming your heart’s motivations.

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp80c

Undone by the Holiness of God - 079

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0700

ABOUT GOD - PART 16 | What is the holiness of God? Some might say it is his sinlessness. Others might say it is the standard by which we live our lives. Sam Storms joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss how the holiness of God is much more than we typically attribute to it.

Key Points from the Podcast

• God is altogether unique, greater than, different and other than us.

• Many view holiness as sinlessness or right living, but it goes far beyond that.

• A revelation of God’s holiness will show us our own sinfulness, frailty, ignorance, and dependency upon God.

• People fall down on their faces in awe just being in the presence of angels who have been in the presence of God.

• Understanding the holiness of God will give us a greater revelation of just how great God’s mercy is toward us, his unholy and undeserving creations.

• Just like all of God’s other attributes, his holiness is infinite and immeasurable.

View full show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp79c

Understanding God's Wrath and End Times Judgment - 078

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0700

The doctrine of God’s wrath is not a popular topic in the church today. It is often seen in opposition to his love, but Gary Wilkerson and Keith Holloway explain how the wrath of God is actually married to his love and can be redemptive in its purpose.

Key Points from the Podcast

God’s wrath is righteous, to be feared, consistent through both the Old and New Testaments, his love in action against sin, and satisfied in Christ.
The wrath of God is very different than the human emotion of anger.
God instructs us to be slow to be anger because he himself is longsuffering in executing his wrath.
All have sinned and deserve the wrath of God, but God poured out his wrath on his Son so that we would be saved from eternal judgment through faith in Christ Jesus.
There is a final day of judgment when God’s wrath will be poured out on all who are not followers of Christ.

View full show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp78c

The Difficult Doctrine of God’s Wrath - 077

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0700

ABOUT GOD - PART 14 | The wrath of God is not a popular topic in the church today. Gary Wilkerson and Keith Holloway discuss the difficult doctrine of God’s wrath and its importance in living out our Christian faith.

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp77c

Is God Still Judging Today? - 076

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0700

ABOUT GOD - PART 13 | We know that God judged in the Old Testament and according to the book of Revelation he will judge again in the future, but is God still judging today? Are events like natural disasters and viral pandemics acts of God’s judgment? Keith Holloway joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss the judgment of God. - View show notes

Praise and Thank God for His Judgments Are Just - 075

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0700

ABOUT GOD - PART 12 | The Bible declares that God is a righteous judge, but there is a movement in the church today to do away with this truth. Gary Wilkerson and guest Keith Holloway challenge us not to diminish any of God’s attributes—even the ones we may not like. If we truly understand who God is, then we can actually praise and thank God for his judgments.

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A Wonderful Portrait of the Greatness of God - 074

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0700

ABOUT GOD - PART 11 | Sadly, much of the teaching in Christian churches today is about coping mechanisms, sin management, and how to feel better about yourself with a little bit of Jesus sprinkled in. Sam Storms joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss the lasting transformative impact that studying and knowing God’s attributes and greatness will have on your life.

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The Preeminent Passion in the Heart of God - 073

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0700

ABOUT GOD - PART 10 | What is the deepest desire of God’s heart? Guest Sam Storms joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss this question and more.

• The greatest gift that God could ever give us is himself.

• God glory is most clearly seen when we are deeply and fully satisfied in Him.

• The greatest glory of the gospel is not that our sins are forgiven, but that we get see, enjoy and delight in God himself.

• God is massively superior and greater than any problem that you may be facing in your life today.

• God is infinite with no limit to the features and facets of his personality and character.

• There is nothing more appealing, adorable, glorious, majestic, or splendid than God in all of His glory

View full show notes

Do You Have a Correct Understanding of God's Justice? - 072

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0700

ABOUT GOD - PART 9 | Many today have an incorrect view of God’s justice or want to dismiss it completely in favor of his mercy. Gary Wilkerson and Keith Holloway encourage Christians to study and understand God’s justice in order to have a greater understanding of the love and mercy that he shows us through Jesus Christ.

View full show notes

God and All His Ways Are Just - 071

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0700

ABOUT GOD - PART 8 | Gary Wilkerson and Keith Holloway continue their conversation about the attributes of God and focus this week on the justice of God.

• God’s acts of justice are an outflow of who he is—his justness. The foundation of God’s throne is justice and righteousness.

• Whatever God wills to do is just, perfect and right.

• Our perception and understanding of God’s justice will have a profound effect on our worship of and relationship with him.

• Why is our tendency to accuse God of injustice when bad things happen in this world?

• If we have an incorrect view of God’s justice, then we will have an incorrect view of sin and God’s mercy.

• In the Greek and Hebrew, the word often translated as righteous can also mean justice.

• We cannot diminish God’s wrath, anger and judgment in favor of his love, mercy and forgiveness. They are all equally important to our full understanding of God.

View show notes

BONUS EPISODE: It's Not Racist to Talk About Racism - B01

World Challenge, Inc. — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0700

Ron Brown, Executive Director of Teen Challenge Southern California joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss racism in America. - View show notes

Know God Fully, Not Just Your Favorite Facets - 070

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0700

ABOUT GOD - PART 7 | For many believers, the wrath of God may sound cruel or unfair. But the Bible offers a very different understanding of God’s wrath and justice. God brings sin and evil to justice with his wrath. He does not ignore crimes or pain. This means that one day he will correct all the wrongs in our world. Yes, even God’s wrath gives us a reason to praise him. Today Keith Holloway joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss what the wrath of God is and isn’t.

View show notes

The Many Attributes of God Are One - 069

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 28 May 2020 00:00:00 -0700

ABOUT GOD - PART 6 | How do we most often view God? Everyone struggles with having a slightly one-sided view of God. We tend to assume that God most often shows a certain trait. That trait tends to be based on how we were taught to view God overall. But can an infinite God reflect all of his traits fully at all times? This week, Keith Holloway rejoins Gary Wilkerson to continue their discussion about the attributes of God and how they are completely expressed in him.

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The All-Knowing, All-Powerful, Ever-Present God - 068

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 21 May 2020 00:00:00 -0700

ABOUT GOD - PART 5 | Many people have heard someone in church say that God is omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient. But what do these three attributes actually mean? And how do they impact us? This week, Keith Holloway, Senior Director of Missions Development at World Challenge, rejoins Gary Wilkerson to define and explore these three characteristics of God.

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High and Lifted Up - 067

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 14 May 2020 00:00:00 -0700

ABOUT GOD - PART 4 | What do we mean when we say, “God is holy”? Do we understand the significance of God’s holiness? This is what occasionally descended upon the tabernacle and kept everyone out. This is what was so powerful that it killed anyone who touched the ark in the Old Testament. Today, Keith Holloway rejoins Gary Wilkerson to talk about what happens when we truly consider how high and great God is.

Living in true knowledge of God’s holiness will change everything. Many of our questions about how and why things happen are answered in the presence of such a powerful and great God. When we acknowledge his holiness, God often reveals himself to us in unique ways.

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The Glory of God in His Attributes - 066

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 07 May 2020 00:00:00 -0700

ABOUT GOD - PART 3 | Who is God? What is he like? When we look at the Bible, God’s personality seems like it has some serious contradictions. How can the Old Testament God thundering on Mount Sinai be the same as the one healing beggars and children in the New Testament? Today Keith Holloway joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss the complexity of God’s character and how we can get to know our maker better.

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Suffering and the Sovereignty of God - 065

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700

ABOUT GOD - PART 2 | The question of our heavenly Father’s sovereignty is actually the question of whether he’s God or not. When we wonder whether God is in control or knows about our situation, we are wondering about his nature and power. How do we answer these questions? How do we set our minds and hearts at peace? This week, Keith Holloway, Senior Director of Missions Development at World Challenge, joins Gary Wilkerson again to discuss this very matter and explore what the Bible says about God’s sovereignty.

View show notes

Suffering and the Sovereignty of God - 064

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700

ABOUT GOD - PART 1 | Many people are wrestling with the impact this coronavirus pandemic has had on their lives. Others are speculating about how our lives will change for better or worse afterward. Everyone has questions, and believers may be wondering, “Why did God let this happen?” This week, Gary talks with Keith Holloway, Senior Director of Missions Development at World Challenge, about why God allows suffering in our lives.

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You Can Be the Love That Changes a Child's Life - 063

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700

World Challenge’s partners in Texas are reaching out to at-risk youth to help them find their heavenly Father. Father’s Love ministers to children from low-income, often single parent households and offers them schoolwork support and a safe environment where they can play sports and have fun. Today, they share their heart for the work and how God is redeeming the next generation.

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What Is the Difference Between Healing and a Miracle? - 062

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700

Have you ever prayed for healing? Have you ever prayed for a miracle, and it seemed like God didn’t answer? Today, guest speaker Laura Harris Smith joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss how she came to believe in miracles and divine healing and discovered the difference between them.

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Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous - 061

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700

When we suffer or disaster strikes, our first question might be, “Why is God letting this happen to me?” Today, Matthew and Deanne Ward join us to discuss Matthew’s battle with cancer, the journey of faith and grief they went through, and how their family grew together in this difficult time.

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Coronavirus: Tribulation is an Opportunity to Be a Testimony - 060

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0700

View show notes

Coronavirus: Unshakable Faith in a World That is Being Shaken - 059

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0700

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The Best Thing You Can Do for a Drug Addict - 058

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0700

According to government studies, nearly 22 million Americans are addicted to alcohol or drugs. These addictions destroy families, wreck lives and break loved ones’ hearts. Jerry Nance, director of Global Teen Challenge, points out that the world is in an epidemic of addiction. No matter where he goes—India, the Netherlands, Vietnam, America—he has found that drugs are the modern method of drowning out pain and hopelessness. God offers a different solution, though, and Teen Challenge works to help addicts find hope in Jesus Christ.

View show notes

Curiosity is the Cure for Cynicism - 057

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0700

When church or a Bible study or a friendship implodes, it’s easy to become cynical in our pain. Pastor and guest speaker Rusty George joins us today to discuss how people can heal and live successfully in community. God promises to do some of his most important work in our lives through other people. In a time when church attendances are sinking, we must pay close attention to God’s heart for the body of Christ. We must ask ourselves, “How do my abilities and gifts fit into community and help others?”

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Why is There Generational Division in the Church? - 056

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0700

Baby boomers, Gen X, Gen Y, Millennials, Gen Z, iGen—there are a lot of issues separating America right now and one of the most divisive is age. People are leaving the church feeling they aren’t understood by younger or older believers. How can we reverse this destructive trend? One way is through understanding. Today, on the Gary Wilkerson podcast, Gary talks with the younger members of the World Challenge team to get their views on the generational divide that’s tearing apart our churches.

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Loving God With All Your Strength - 055

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0700

When we talk about loving God with all of our heart, soul and strength, we usually think of strength as the depth of our emotions for God. But what if that verse was talking about our physical bodies too? What if our bodies are much more important to our spiritual health than we ever realized? Today, Gary Wilkerson is joined by guest speaker and ministry founder David Bush to talk about how we can balance spiritual disciplines with physical fitness.

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When You Love a Prodigal – Part 2 - 054

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0700

Few people discuss the deep pain, anxiety and anger that can accompany loving a prodigal. When the biblical prodigal returned home, God acknowledges the father’s anguish in his overwhelming relief to see his wandering son return. Caring for a wayward person is a wilderness journey for the soul. In the middle of it, how do we make sure to also care for our own hearts? Today, we rejoin Gary Wilkerson and Judy Douglass as they continue their discussion from last week and explore how the parents of a prodigal can find strength and hope.

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When You Love a Prodigal – Part 1 - 053

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0700

Perhaps nothing is harder than watching someone you love choose a life that will hurt them. Today, we’re joined by Judy Douglass who shares about her life with a prodigal son. More than anything, she emphasizes how the journey alongside a beloved prodigal is never easy but always worth it.

View show notes: wcm.link/gwp53c

Showing the Father's Love to At-Risk Children - 052

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0700

Recent studies have found that nearly 19 million children in the US are growing up with only one parent, and that over one fourth of these single parents are wrestling with poverty. Today, we’re joined by guests from Father’s Love, a ministry who work primarily with children from low-income, single-parent homes. They are following a great calling to help families connect with each other and God.

View show notes: wcm.link/gwp52c

The Demonic Deception of Superficial Significance - 051

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0700

Seeing major church leaders walk away from the faith has almost become a common feature in the news. Many believers are left asking, “Why? What happened?” In today’s episode, Doug Welbourn joins us to share his insights after years of counseling pastors and church leaders. God offers us freedom from the pressures and hollow promises of culture, but finding our way out of that mindset can feel challenging. Community and good friends will remind us that God’s word satisfies and will never fail. Our Father calls us to be free from earthly standards, to be foolish in the eyes of the world and find heavenly wisdom.

View full show notes: wcm.link/gwp51c

Trust God's Process in the Healing of Your Wounded Heart - 050

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0700

Often our worst shame comes from what grows out of the wounds in our past. We try to cut down every bad habit or embarrassing addiction that sprouts, but until we dig up the root, the damage will never completely heal. Today’s guest, Brittany Rust, talks about how God helped her uproot and heal from a history of abuse, sexual sin and depression.

View show notes: wcm.link/gwp50c

Putting Hope in Reach of Every Addict - 049

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0700

Today, guest speaker and director of Global Teen Challenge Jerry Nance joins us to talk about a hope we can take hold of that frees us from our worst addictions. Our God can overcome the strongest addiction and redeem the darkest past. For those in the grip of addiction, he offers them a way to heal and live fully again. He can fill the emptiness inside each one of our hearts, and his mercy is new every day.

View show notes: wcm.link/gwp49c

BEST OF: A Wilkerson Family Testimony: Prodigal Children Overcoming Addiction - 048

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0700

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BEST OF: How to Turn Your Anxiety Into Healing - 047

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 00:00:00 -0700

Many of us have struggles that we aren’t comfortable sharing with others. These secret sins seem so taboo that if we told anyone, they might stop speaking to us. Often these deep soul wounds manifest as anxiety or anger or other sins that affect our relationships with friends, family and community. So how do we get to the root of these issues? How do we find healing from these sins that constantly seem to trip us up?

View show notes: wcm.link/gwp47c

Left to Die, Nora Has Found New Life - 046

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 00:00:00 -0700

We’re told in Matthew 19:26 that with God all things are possible. How many of us actually trust in that promise, though? We serve a God who can do incredible things, and the most spectacular is when he saves one of his children. This week, we’re joined by Holly Dziedzickie and "Nora" from Cambodia who share a striking testimony about how God’s power and goodness saved one girl from certain death and brought her into new life.

View show notes: wcm.link/gwp46c

Sin is the Smoke Pointing to the Fire of Woundedness - 045

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 00:00:00 -0700

Many believers discuss their sins and problems in very specific terms like anger, worry, doubt. They think these sins are at the core of their struggles, but that usually isn’t true. Our sins are more often symptoms of deeper heart issues. When we wrestle with a sin over and over without victory, it’s almost always because we aren’t getting to the root of the problem.

View show notes: wcm.link/gwp45c

Epic Failures Can Be Redeemed - 044

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 00:00:00 -0700

None of us can live without failure. What defines us is how we recover from our low points. At our rock bottom, do we turn toward God and delve deeper into community, or do we isolate ourselves? Today, Nate Larkin joins Gary Wilkerson to talk about how we can choose a better path in the middle of our failure.

View show notes: wcm.link/gwp44c

BEST OF: Fighting Hopelessness in Our Walk with God - 043

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0700

In this 'best of' episode, we revisit the inaugural episode of the Gary Wilkerson Podcast as Gary talks about how hope in Jesus Christ can transform the most destitute and everyone who feels as if they have lost meaning in life. If you’re going through a season of hopelessness remember God is there. He cares about you and he loves you intensely.

View show notes: wcm.link/gwpod43c

A Prodigal's Journey from the Pew to Prison to Phnom Penh - 042

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0700

God’s commands can sometimes seem so impossible to fulfill, so distant from what we want. In these moments, it can be so easy to become angry at God. Our visitor this week, Holly Dziedzickie, shares how her frustration with God’s commands led her down a rebellious path until he called her back in the most extraordinary way.

View show notes: wcm.link/gwpod42c

Faith & Food – Feeding Your Calling - 041

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0700

Unhealthy habits in life usually begin in small steps. They start when we say, “Oh, I can stay up late for this event and still wake up early for work tomorrow. I can splurge with my diet this week and work it off later.” Sooner or later we may find that these small choices have begun to build into serious health problems. This week, Gary Wilkerson talks with a Christian nutritional counselor, Laura Harris Smith, who shares her descent into a deadly medical condition, the way God healed her body and her journey into good health.

View show notes: wcm.link/gwpod41c

You Can Have Victory Over Lust and Pornography - 040

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0700

Shame and feeling incomplete or insignificant often leads us to seek out worldly solutions. As we spiral into isolation and harmful patterns of living, we can quickly find ourselves with addictions that we’d never imagined having. No one sets out to become a pornography addict, but many have found themselves caught. Unable to pull away from explicit material, they feel forced to watch as it consumes their thoughts and lives. This week, Gary Wilkerson and Bob Ditmer discuss the deeper injuries to our hearts and souls that can lead to addictions like pornography. They want believers to know that we can find healing that leads to freedom.

View show notes: worldchallenge.in/gwpod40c

Exposing Shame's Darkness to the Light and Love of God - 039

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0700

Shame is a feeling everyone knows. It is born out of something deep in our hearts, and we need God if we want to find freedom from it. As we are on this journey of healing and freedom from shame, we need people who point us toward God and pray for us. God calls us to live as a body in active connection with one another and constantly aware of one another’s needs.

View show notes: worldchallenge.in/gwpod39c

Loss, Pain and the Healing Power of Music - 038

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0700

When we go through heartache and crisis, God has many different ways to reach us. He may use loving relationships, the beauty of nature or even our work. Whatever that unique space is, he can use it to show us his goodness and glory in the darkest places of our lives. Music is how he reached our guest this week, long-time Christian musician Matthew Ward, after he tragically lost two of the closest people in his life. Life can be incredibly painful at times, but God is always near to his children, and he wants to show us how he will heal and transform our grief into something glorious. As we grapple with pain, we must always know that we can go to God and he will never turn us away.

View show notes: worldchallenge.in/gwpod38c

Starting in the Spirit but Finishing in the Flesh - 037

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0700

We need God our entire lives the same way a very small child needs a loving caregiver. Trying to live as if we can take care of ourselves will only hurt us in the end. God wants us to rely on him for his transformative power in our lives. This week, Pastor and Counselor Doug Welbourn joins Gary Wilkerson to share how dependency on God has enormous benefits for our spiritual and emotional health.

View show notes: worldchallenge.in/gwpod37c

Sex is Not Your Problem, It's Your Solution - 036

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0700

Last week, Nate Larkin shared his personal testimony about struggling with a pornography addiction and how he eventually found freedom. This week, he and Gary discuss the types of sexual addiction and where they can spring from in our pasts. God wants to heal these deep heart wounds. As we heal from internal injuries and shed addictions, we will find it easier to forge deep and meaningful relationships with others. Gathering healthy community around us will make staying on the road to recovery easier. While the path may not be any smoother or less steep, faithful friends can walk beside us and remind us of our heavenly Father’s promises.

View show notes: worldchallenge.in/gwpod36c

A Pastor's Struggle with Pornography and Prostitutes - 035

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0700

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Faith & Finances - Practical Advice Is Not Enough - 034

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0700

The United States is often called the richest country in the world. Often, as believers, we feel guilty about the money or nice things we own. Should we, though? Money is a resource that God chooses to give to us, as well as a blessing. If that’s the case, should we feel guilty about owning a nice house or car? Today Jim Palumbo and Gary Wilkerson discuss the answers and how we can have wisdom with our money.

View show notes: worldchallenge.in/gwpod34c

Pastor, You Don't Have to Hide Your Hurts - 033

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0700

In the wake of Jarrid Wilson’s death, it is more important than ever to be aware of mental illness and spiritual attack, particularly for pastors. In response, Gary Wilkerson discusses the unique nature of depression for church leaders. He also opens up about how people in the church can help their pastors.

View show notes: worldchallenge.in/gwpod33c

Is a Lack of Self-Worth at the Root of Your Anxiety? - 032

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0700

Those in the church seem to suffer from anxiety every bit as much as those outside it. God’s work of salvation would seem to free us from fear and stress, but instead it often seems to do the exact opposite. This week, Gary explores the deeper reasons many believers struggle with anxiety, despite our faith.

View show notes: worldchallenge.in/gwpod29c

Shame: a Blessing and a Curse - 031

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 07:00:00 -0700

What is shame? Is it that one thing we deliberately push away every time we think about it? If others knew about that one thing, are we absolutely certain they’d look at us differently? Why do we feel this way? How do we find freedom? This week, Gary Wilkerson talks about the answers to these questions and more.

View show notes: https://worldchallenge.in/gwpod28pb

Taking an Axe to the Root of Pornography Addiction - 030

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 07:00:00 -0700

Many of us deal with bad habits. Some are easy to talk about. We joke about how we need to cut out those “comfort foods” or watch less television. Other obsessions feel deeply private and difficult to discuss, especially in church. Every addiction is planted in a deeper heart problem. Too often, the church has addressed sexual addictions by simply telling us to “stop” without digging deeper to the root of the issue. Today, Gary explores some of the fears and heart wounds that can lead to pornography addiction. | View show notes: https://worldchallenge.in/gwpod27pb

Faith and Fitness: Don't Do Either Alone - 029

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 07:00:00 -0700

Our physical fitness and spiritual life affect one another in surprising ways. Unfortunately, this relationship has often been ignored or misrepresented in the church. This week Eric Cartier, Senior Pastor of Rocky Mountain Calvary, joins Gary Wilkerson to look at the gracious and good connection God has made between our bodies and our souls.

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Cornerstones for Success in Life and Finances - 028

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 07:00:00 -0700

Money is sometimes seen as a taboo or touchy subject, but it affects nearly every aspect of our lives. It can open new opportunities or allow us to pass on blessings to our children and others. It can also bring out struggles faster than almost anything else. Investment Advisor and ministry worker Jim Palumbo joins us this week to discuss money and the spiritual impact it can have.

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How to Turn Your Anxiety Into Healing - 027

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 07:00:00 -0700

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Caring For Yourself Will Help You Love Others Better - 026

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 07:00:00 -0700

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Called to Be Perfect but Not Perfectionists - 025

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 07:00:00 -0700

A lot of people say that they’re a perfectionist. Being hyper-critical of our situation, our friends, our work and ourselves is encouraged by our culture. Many would say this is what drives us to do better. But what if it mostly just drives people to exhaustion, anxiety, and depression? Perfectionism, never feeling like anything is good enough, always feeling like you need to do better and accomplish more, is like running on an endless treadmill. Worst of all, it’s motivated by fear. What if we were motivated by love rather than the fear of being less than perfect?

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Why Are Pastors Struggling with Suicide? - 024

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 07:00:00 -0700

After the outpouring of responses to our pastors and suicide episode a few months ago, Gary Wilkerson answers some of the questions that viewers sent in about the nature of depression. He also addresses some misconceptions surrounding suicide, particularly in the church. As Gary responds to viewer comments and questions, he also encourages believers with specific ways they can find healing for this kind of deep hopelessness.

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The Power and Simplicity of Prayer - 023

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 07:00:00 -0700

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Start Small, Trust God, and Watch What Happens - 022

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 12:00:00 -0700

Church, It's Time to Get in the Game - 021

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 07:00:00 -0700

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The Joy of Sharing Your Christian Faith with Others - 020

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 07:00:00 -0700

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A Wilkerson Family Testimony: Prodigal Children Overcoming Addiction - 019

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 07:00:00 -0700

View show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp19c

How to Navigate Doubt in Your Christian Life - 018

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 07:00:00 -0700

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Can Doubt Be Good For Your Faith? - 017

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 30 May 2019 07:00:00 -0700

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The People-Shaped Hole in Your Heart - 016

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 23 May 2019 07:00:00 -0700

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Hiding Your Hurts Under a False Sense of Worth - 015

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 16 May 2019 07:00:00 -0700

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What Did Jesus Mean When He Promised Abundant Life? - 014

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 09 May 2019 07:00:00 -0700

View show notes: https://worldchallenge.in/gwpod14pb

Having Fun Might Be One of the Most Holy Things You Do - 013

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 02 May 2019 07:00:00 -0700

View Show Notes - https://worldchallenge.in/gwpod13pb

How to Have Wholeness in Your Christian Life - 012

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 07:00:00 -0700

View show notes: https://worldchallenge.in/gwpod12pb

Love Is Powerful, Confronting Every Form of Darkness - 011

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 18 Apr 2019 07:00:00 -0700

In this episode of the Gary Wilkerson podcast, Nicky Cruz joins us to explore the topic of love when it comes to the people who can seem the farthest from that term: prisoners, gang members and drug addicts. Nicky recalls how Gary’s father helped bring him to Christ along with his own experiences ministering inside prisons and cities’ darkest alleys where only God can bring light.

Loving Your Children in a Culture of Entitlement - 010

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 11 Apr 2019 07:00:00 -0700

In this episode of the Gary Wilkerson podcast, Nicky Cruz joins us to discuss the great importance of a father’s love. The impact of a parent’s love plus God’s love can create incredible healing and purpose in a child’s life.

Spinning Out of Control - 009

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 07:00:00 -0700

This week on the Gary Wilkerson Podcast, Gary and guest Matt Tanner discuss a plane crash and an extraordinary miracle. If we look back at what God has done, opening our hearts to how he is meeting us in each moment, we may see how our Lord seeks to draw us into a unique and completely trusting relationship with him.

Living a Life Free From Fear - 008

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 28 Mar 2019 06:45:00 -0700

Combating the Dark Nights of the Soul - 007

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 21 Mar 2019 07:15:00 -0700

A study on depression published in The American Journal of Psychiatry made a remarkable discovery. People who had a relationship with God showed a 76 percent decrease in major depression when compared to their parents who had also struggled with mental illness.

Certainly, this doesn’t mean that believers never struggle with clinical depression or dark nights of the soul, but it shows that Christ’s ongoing, redeeming work in our lives has a very tangible impact.

For many Christians who do wrestle with mental illness, frustration and despair can easily overwhelm our sense of God’s presence in our lives.

In this episode, Gary Wilkerson discusses Biblical ways that believers can seek healing and restoration from depression. Most importantly, he offers encouragement to those who may feel as if they are fighting alone. God is walking right alongside us, even in our darkest hours.

Encouragement to Stay in the Fight - 006

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 07:18:00 -0700

Your Painful Past Can Be God’s Most Powerful Tool - 005

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 07 Mar 2019 21:53:00 -0700

Victor Marx of All Things Possible Ministries joins us to share how God has used his painful past of abuse and rejection to prepare him for rescuing women and children traumatized by ISIS. Our brokenness doesn’t mean we are useless; rather it allows God to use us in his way, for his purposes. We can’t allow fear to hold us back from fulfilling God’s calling for our lives.

How to Walk in God's Ultimate Favor - 004

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 28 Feb 2019 22:41:00 -0700

In the Western world, material wealth and influence can often distort our view of God’s blessings. While neither are bad things to have, Gary Wilkerson explores how mistaking these as God’s favor may lead to disillusion and frustration. Not asking God for certain things because they’re not “holy” enough is occasionally the reaction to this issue, but Gary talks about how this isn’t the answer when we want to experience God’s goodness in our lives.

Feeling like You’re Falling Behind - 003

World Challenge, Inc. — Wed, 20 Feb 2019 15:30:00 -0700

Pastor and president of World Challenge, Gary Wilkerson, paints a brighter and more biblical picture of God’s favor. In this week’s podcast, he digs down to the root of our expectations for ourselves and our Christian walk that often cause us to despair as we compare ourselves to other believers. He highlights the following three areas where comparison stems from:

- Our parents’ relationship with God and definitions of success
- Understanding the difference between God’s discipline and punishment
- Learning to pursue God’s plan for our lives rather than someone else’s

Woven throughout, Gary builds a case for the confidence that we should have in who God has made us to be and how Christ will grant us greater favor than we could ever manufacture on our own as we pursue his purposes.

Avoiding ‘Spiritual’ Comparison - 002

World Challenge, Inc. — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 23:14:00 -0700

Pastor and president of World Challenge, Gary Wilkerson, paints a brighter and more biblical picture of God’s favor. In this week’s podcast, he dives into how we combat that sense of despair when our lives seem to be spinning out of control. He specifically highlights the following three areas:

Basic physical health can affect spiritual and emotional wellness
How building Christian relationships keeps our spirits balanced
The damaging habit of comparing ourselves to others

God designed us for spiritual, mental and physical health within our relationship with him. While our choices can have negative effects on all three of these areas, our God is a healer. He can always correct and restore the damaged areas of our lives that cause us to feel hopeless.

Fighting Hopelessness in Our Walk with God - 001

World Challenge, Inc. — Sat, 02 Feb 2019 21:10:00 -0700

Pastor and president of World Challenge, Gary Wilkerson, paints a brighter and more biblical picture of God’s favor in this opening podcast.

The following are a couple points he touches upon:

Comfort and self-interest as our drug of choice
What it means to be one of the “Holy Ghost miserables”
Finding contentment in who God has made us to be

View full show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp1c