Ajit Christopher: Why Faith Thrives Under PressureāAnd Wilts in Comfort
Ajit Christopher, a pastor and leader in missions, brings a rich perspective on the differences between Christianity in India and the United States.
In this episode, Ajit shares how faith is lived out in a collectivist culture, where church family is not just a metaphor but a necessity. He explores the deep legacy of missionaries in India, the challenges of evangelism in a country where Christianity is often seen as a Western import, and the impact of persecution on the growth of the church.
Ajit also reflects on his personal journeyāfrom growing up as a pastorās kid to surviving a life-threatening illness that deepened his commitment to ministry. He shares how his love for storytelling shapes his preaching, why community is essential for a vibrant faith, and how his cross-cultural marriage has influenced his understanding of hospitality and discipleship.
This conversation will challenge you to rethink what it means to be part of a church family, the importance of abiding in Christ, and how the gospel transcends cultural barriers. Whether you're a church leader, a missionary, or someone wrestling with faith in a globalized world, Ajitās insights will inspire you to live with greater intentionality.
ā Jesu Juva
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1:23:03
Dr. Ron Sauer & Sweet Sue: The Joy of Pouring Out for Others
Dr. Ron Sauer was a professor at Moody Bible Institute for over three decades, bringing his unique perspective as a former Marine, scholar, and a mentor to many generations alongside his wife, Sweet Sue.
In this episode, Dr. Sauer reflects on his journey from military service in Vietnam to studying under renowned scholars like F.F. Bruce at the University of Manchester. Through stories of God's faithful provision - from empty bank accounts to fully-funded doctoral studies - he demonstrates how generosity and trust in God's care have shaped his life and ministry. Alongside his wife Sue, who dedicated years to mentoring young women at Moody, Dr. Sauer shares insights about the vital importance of cross-generational relationships in Christian growth.
At the heart of our conversation is his passion for helping Christians understand the paradoxical nature of spiritual growth - that true joy comes through self-denial, and real living requires dying to self. Through personal anecdotes spanning from pre-dawn prayer sessions to life-changing encounters with students, Dr. Sauer demonstrates how consistent spiritual disciplines and genuine investment in others can transform both mentor and mentee. His commitment to authenticity and accessibility as a professor offers a compelling model for Christian leadership in an age of increasing disconnection.
- Jesu Juva
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1:12:08
Dr. Rosalie de Rosset: Beauty, Dignity, and the Lost Art of Christian Storytelling
Dr. Rosalie de Rosset has been a professor at Moody Bible Institute for 56 years, bringing her unique perspective on literature, faith, and human dignity to generations of students.
In this episode, Dr. de Rosset reflects on growing up as a missionary kid in Peru, where her mother's love for classic literature shaped her early understanding of how great stories and Christian faith naturally intertwine. From David Copperfield to Dracula, she shares how these works helped form her view of truth and beauty in Christianity.
At the heart of our conversation is her passion for helping Christians recover what she calls "dignity" - seeing ourselves as Christ sees us and living accordingly. Through personal anecdotes spanning six decades of teaching and ministry, Dr. de Rosset demonstrates how literature can shape character, deepen faith, and help us resist the superficial tendencies of our age.
- Jesu Jeva
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51:32
Dr. Hugh Ross: Always Be Ready
Dr. Hugh Ross, a distinguished astrophysicist and founder of Reasons to Believe, brings a unique perspective on the intersection of scientific discovery and Christian faith.
In this episode, Dr. Ross shares his remarkable journey from a young astronomy enthusiast to finding Christ through scientific and philosophical inquiry. He unpacks how modern scientific discoveries continue to strengthen the evidence for God's existence, demonstrating how the laws of physics themselves point to a benevolent Creator who designed the universe with both our existence and redemption in mind.
Listen as Dr. Ross addresses complex topics from UFO phenomena to spiritual warfare, while sharing his experiences debating prominent atheist scholars. He offers powerful insights about the exponential growth of scientific evidence for fine-tuned design, the importance of prayer and fasting in ministry, and how preparing sound reasons for faith leads to supernatural encounters with those seeking truth.
Whether you're a scientist grappling with faith, a believer seeking to better understand how science supports Scripture, or someone curious about the relationship between scientific discovery and Christianity, Dr. Ross's thoughtful analysis and pastoral heart provide a compelling framework for seeing how the Book of Nature and the Book of Scripture work together to reveal God's truth.
- Jesu Juva
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1:24:00
Heather Hitzeroth: The Faults In Our Fundamentalism
Heather Hitzeroth, a seminary graduate with an MTS from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, brings valuable insights from both her academic study and personal journey through conservative evangelicalism.
In this episode, Heather explores how certain church cultures can subtly conflate their interpretations of scripture with absolute truth, creating unintended barriers to authentic faith. She unpacks how this mindset affects everything from personal devotion to community relationships, often leading to fear-based rather than grace-based spirituality. Through our conversation, she demonstrates how theological precision, while important, should never override the unity Christ desires for His church.
Listen as Heather addresses the challenging dynamics of moving beyond tribal Christianity while maintaining biblical faithfulness. She shares powerful insights about the difference between essential doctrine and secondary issues, the role of the Holy Spirit in Christian life, and the freedom found in embracing the diversity of God's church. Her perspective on biblical interpretation and church culture offers fresh understanding of how we can hold firm convictions while extending grace to those who differ on non-essential matters.
Whether you're wrestling with questions about your church background, seeking to understand different Christian traditions, or wanting to engage more authentically with fellow believers, Heather's thoughtful analysis and pastoral heart provide a compelling framework for navigating faith with both conviction and grace.
- Jesu Juva
New Zealand