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Stephen Zempel begins by distinguishing emotions, feelings, and moods and explaining that experiencing emotion is not inherently wrong. Using John the Baptist’s question from prison in Matthew 11, he develops three practical responses: focus faith on who God is and what He is doing, feed faith through Scripture, and exercise faith by acting on God’s Word. The workshop encourages talking with a trusted counselor and taking the next right step, while its closing aviation illustration emphasizes dependence on the Holy Spirit rather than forcing obedience through willpower. Topics DiscussedEmotions as part of human experience and the example of JesusJohn the Baptist’s trial of faith in Matthew 11Focusing, feeding, and exercising faithSpeaking with a trusted counselor about difficult feelingsFollowing Scripture and relying on the Holy SpiritKey TakeawaysHaving difficult feelings does not make you sinful or require you to suppress all emotion.Let God’s Word guide how you interpret feelings and circumstances.Speak honestly with a trusted counselor instead of keeping every struggle to yourself.Doing what is right despite contrary feelings can be an act of faith rather than hypocrisy.Take the next right step in dependence on the Holy Spirit and God’s grace.Related MessagesLive by the AnchorThe Danger of a Double Soul If you’ve been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

Austin Brownlee examines spiritual apathy through Romans 13:11–14, distinguishing an active walk with God from merely checking the boxes of Christian service. He addresses hidden sin, bitterness, worldliness, materialism, and priorities that displace time with the Lord, using personal testimony and ministry examples to illustrate their effects. His answer follows the passage: recognize the time, cast off the works of darkness, and put on the Lord Jesus Christ through an active walk with Him. Topics DiscussedSpiritual sleep and going through the motions of Christian activityHidden sin, bitterness, and the cooling of love for ChristComfort, social media, money, and misplaced prioritiesRecognizing the time and the present opportunity to reach othersCasting off darkness and putting on Christ in Romans 13:11–14Key TakeawaysChristian activity can continue even when a believer’s personal walk with God has grown cold.Good pursuits become a problem when they take the place of Christ.Respond to the sin God identifies instead of protecting a reputation or postponing obedience.God provides the power to turn from sin; freedom is not achieved by your own strength.Meet with God in His Word and prayer, and serve Him in the opportunities available now.Related MessagesThe Antidote for Besetting SinLove Not the World If you’ve been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

Joe Mueller uses the account of Eastern Airlines Flight 401 to introduce the danger of attending to lesser concerns while neglecting the most important responsibility. From Acts 11:23, he develops purposeful decisions and closeness to the Lord as the response to distraction, with supporting examples from Mary and Martha and Paul’s desire to know Christ. Practical applications include evaluating distractions, measurable limits with accountability, temporary or permanent abstinence when appropriate, and planned moments of renewed devotion during ordinary responsibilities. Topics DiscussedAttention, affection, and the danger of neglecting what matters mostPurpose of heart and cleaving to the Lord in Acts 11:23Knowing Jesus and making Him knownEvaluating distractions and setting measurable boundariesAccountability, abstinence, and intentional devotion throughout the dayKey TakeawaysEvaluate a distraction by what it draws you away from, not only by whether the activity is inherently wrong.Make purposeful decisions before familiar distractions return.Ask the Spirit to guide specific limits rather than copying someone else’s personal rule.School, work, and family responsibilities can be carried out while staying close to Christ.Pair boundaries with a positive plan to pursue Jesus throughout the day.Related MessagesBuy Back EternityA Passionate Pursuit If you’ve been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

Ed Loney examines Psalm 51 against the background of David’s sin with Bathsheba and his attempt to conceal it. The workshop develops three responses to the burden of shame: confessing sin honestly and personally, concentrating on the Savior’s mercy and cleansing, and continuing in service after repentance. It distinguishes outward religious activity from a clean heart and stresses that past failure need not prevent restored fellowship and usefulness to God. Topics DiscussedDavid’s sin, concealment, and confession in Psalm 51Naming sin honestly and taking personal responsibilityGod’s mercy, forgiveness, and cleansing through ChristThe difference between religious appearance and a clean heartReturning to service after repentanceKey TakeawaysConfess your own sin to God without minimizing it or shifting blame.Focus on the Savior’s mercy rather than continually rehearsing forgiven sin.Outward ministry activity cannot substitute for a heart made right with God.After repentance, move forward in the service God gives you.Related MessagesWhen You Blow ItYou Can Be Cleansed If you’ve been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

Bob Holmes illustrates James 1:14–15 with volunteers representing the progression from being drawn away through lust and enticement to sin and death. Applying that progression to drugs, alcohol, sexual temptation, pornography, and vaping, he contrasts enticing appearances with destructive outcomes and examines the young man in Proverbs 7. The workshop addresses excuses about personal strength, peer pressure, and past failure, affirms forgiveness through confession, and closes by urging dependence on God and concern for those who need the gospel. Topics DiscussedThe progression of temptation in James 1:14–15The young man and the enticing woman in Proverbs 7Peer pressure and confidence in one’s own strengthThe gap between sin’s attraction and its consequencesForgiveness after failure and urgency in sharing the gospelKey TakeawaysConsider where temptation leads rather than judging it only by its immediate appeal.Do not excuse moving toward sin because you believe you are strong enough to resist later.Past failure does not have to become permission to continue in sin.Confess sin and trust God’s forgiveness and cleansing.Depend on God’s grace for obedience and ask Him to deepen your concern for those who need Christ.Related MessagesNo More ExcusesPassive Purity If you’ve been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

Paul Rains begins with Peter’s question about John in John 21:18–22 and Jesus’ instruction to follow Him. He traces the tendency to compare abilities, possessions, appearance, and opportunities, explaining how incomplete pictures of other people’s lives, including what they share on social media, can foster pride, envy, insecurity, and disobedience. Drawing also from 2 Corinthians 10, he directs listeners toward gratitude, obedience to their own calling, and bringing comparative thoughts into submission to Christ. Topics DiscussedPeter’s comparison with John and Jesus’ response in John 21Comparing abilities, appearance, possessions, and opportunitiesThe incomplete picture presented by social media and outward appearancesPride, envy, discouragement, and excuses rooted in comparisonGratitude and the obedience of our thoughts in 2 Corinthians 10Key TakeawaysAnother person’s calling does not cancel the responsibility to follow Christ in your own.Outward appearances rarely reveal the full story of someone else’s life.Comparison can produce pride as readily as insecurity or discouragement.Thank God for His goodness and bring comparative thoughts into obedience to Christ.Related MessagesMoving Beyond Your Mistakes If you’ve been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

Bobby Bosler examines Hebrews 12:1–3 through the picture of a runner trying to race with an overweight suitcase. He distinguishes besetting sin from spiritual weights—activities that may not be inherently sinful but hinder a believer’s God-given course, illustrating the latter with his own struggle with video games. The message emphasizes lifelong surrender, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and looking to Jesus rather than copying someone else’s personal standards. Topics DiscussedThe race God sets before each believer in Hebrews 12:1–3The difference between besetting sin and spiritual weightsVideo games, lost time, and using entertainment as an escapeLaying aside hindrances through surrender and dependence on the Holy SpiritKey TakeawaysGod’s call requires endurance beyond a single decision or season of life.An activity does not have to be inherently sinful to hold you back from what God has given you to do.Ask the Spirit to identify your own hindrances rather than mechanically adopting someone else’s standards.Keep looking to Jesus as you yield to the Spirit and trust His power to move forward.Related MessagesDon’t Choke!Buy Back Eternity If you’ve been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

Bobby Bosler explains Romans 8:2–4 through an extended comparison between gravity and aerodynamic lift. He distinguishes the law’s righteous commands from its inability to empower fallen flesh, then traces Christ’s work against sin and the Holy Spirit’s fulfillment of righteousness in believers. The message defines walking after the Spirit as an ongoing life of total surrender and total dependence, combining active obedience with reliance on God’s power. Topics DiscussedThe law of the Spirit of life and the law of sin and death in Romans 8:2–4The limits of rules, restrictions, resolutions, and fleshly effortChrist’s work against sin and the Spirit’s power in the believerWalking after the Spirit through surrender, dependence, and active obedienceKey TakeawaysSin’s pull remains real, but it need not control a believer’s life.Wise boundaries can protect you, but they cannot supply the power to obey God.Dependence on the Holy Spirit involves obedience rather than passivity.Keep yielding to His direction and trusting His power beyond a single conference decision.Related MessagesSaved to WinThe Righteousness God Blesses If you’ve been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

Jim Van Gelderen examines Exodus 21:15, 17 and Deuteronomy 21:18–21, drawing applications about intentionally hurting parents, treating them lightly, and persistent disobedience. He connects these passages with the command to honor father and mother, distinguishing ancient Israel’s civil penalties from his present-day call to repentance. Personal accounts of his parents’ deaths close the message with an appeal to resolve wrongs now rather than carry regret later. Topics DiscussedOld Testament judgments concerning striking, cursing, and persistent rebellion against parentsHonoring parents in words, attitudes, and conductCultural acceptance of disrespect and the authority of ScriptureRepentance, accepting correction, and resolving wrongs before it is too lateKey TakeawaysDo not let cultural habits make disrespect toward parents seem harmless.Honor includes the way you respond, even when you disagree.Acknowledge wrongs and welcome correction rather than finding new ways to disobey.Make things right now instead of postponing reconciliation.Related MessagesFaith that Fears If you’ve been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

Daniel Van Gelderen traces Joshua’s response to Israel’s defeat at Ai and God’s directions concerning Achan’s hidden sin in Joshua 7–8. His four applications—get up, clean up, look up, and buckle up—move from listening to God and confessing sin to trusting His promises and expecting His power in renewed service. The sermon addresses dishonesty, disobedience, impurity, anger, and other hidden struggles while emphasizing that believers need God’s grace rather than the ability to repair their lives alone. Topics DiscussedIsrael’s defeat at Ai and Joshua’s discouragement in Joshua 7Achan’s hidden sin and its effect on othersConfession, forsaking sin, and honest conversations with spiritual leadersGod’s promises and Israel’s return to Ai in Joshua 8Renewed joy, surrender, and Spirit-enabled usefulness after failureKey TakeawaysListen to God’s direction instead of making discouragement your identity.Deal honestly and thoroughly with sin rather than protecting what is hidden.God’s grace is sufficient where your own ability to make things right is insufficient.Restoration includes renewed joy and willingness to serve, beyond simply ending a sinful behavior.Trust God’s promises and move forward in the obedience He puts before you.Related MessagesWhen You Blow ItMoving Beyond Your Mistakes If you’ve been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

Jim Van Gelderen explains Romans 13:8–10, showing how love for one’s neighbor stands behind the commands against adultery, murder, theft, false witness, and coveting. After an extended introduction about moral decline, he focuses on purity of heart and conduct, the effects of selfish choices on relationships, and the secrecy that sustains moral bondage. Personal testimony and a rescue illustration support his appeal for honest confession, accountability with mature spiritual leaders, and love produced by the Holy Spirit. Topics DiscussedLove as the fulfilling of the law in Romans 13:8–10Selfishness behind lying, stealing, coveting, and moral impurityPurity of heart and conduct in preparation for marriageSecrecy, honesty, and seeking help from godly leadersSpirit-produced love and responsibility toward other peopleKey TakeawaysEvaluate your choices by whether they love your neighbor or serve only yourself.Moral purity concerns thoughts and affections as well as outward behavior.Bring hidden struggles to a godly parent, pastor, or mature leader who can help.Accountability should involve someone with spiritual strength and sustained victory.Depend on the Holy Spirit for the love you cannot generate by determination alone.Related MessagesThe Antidote for Besetting SinWhat is Your Default? If you’ve been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

Ed Loney studies Jesus’ temptation in Matthew 4:1–11, organizing the message around the reality of temptation, the response to it, resistance, and eventual relief. He examines the temptations involving bread, the temple pinnacle, and the kingdoms of the world, then explains how Jesus answered each with Scripture relevant to the specific attack. Practical applications include guarding known weaknesses, considering sin’s cost, submitting to God, and leaving situations where fleeing is the appropriate response. Topics DiscussedJesus’ wilderness temptation in Matthew 4:1–11Temptation as a common battle that is distinct from committing sinPhysical appetite, pride, and the desire for possessionsApplying Scripture accurately to a specific temptationResisting the devil and fleeing external occasions of sinGod’s faithfulness and the way of escape in 1 Corinthians 10:13Key TakeawaysChrist’s strength, rather than your own confidence, is the basis for victory.Use God’s Word to defeat sin rather than excuse it.Consider what sin will cost before accepting what it promises.When Scripture calls you to flee, leave the situation instead of remaining there to prove your strength.Expect recurring temptation and keep depending on the help God gives in His Word.Related MessagesNo More ExcusesSword Fighting 101 If you’ve been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

Jim Van Gelderen examines Jesus’ command to have faith in God in Mark 11, using the withered fig tree and the picture of a mountain being removed. He applies the passage to three obstacles: self-confidence or self-doubt, difficult circumstances, and uncertainty about the future, illustrating God’s ability to use an unlikely life through his mother’s experience as an orphan. The sermon connects confidence in God’s character and Word with surrendered obedience, distinguishing dependence on God from decisions carried out in one’s own strength. Topics DiscussedJesus’ command to have faith in God in Mark 11:22–24Confidence in God’s character and the truth of His WordSelf-confidence and self-doubt as obstacles to dependenceDifficult family circumstances and the possibility of Christian serviceSurrendering future plans and obeying through God’s enablingKey TakeawaysNeither natural ability nor personal inadequacy removes your need to depend on God.Difficult circumstances do not have to prevent God from using your life.Faith in God leads to obedience that depends on His strength.Surrender to God’s will before you know all the details of the future.Related MessagesThe Righteousness God BlessesSaved to Win If you’ve been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

Bobby Bosler and Dr. Jim Van Gelderen report from the lobby of Falls Baptist Church after the 2026 Thee Generation Youth Summit. Bob Holmes, Austin Brownlee, and Ed Loney share observations from the conference, and college student Jose tells how he led his mother to Christ. The conversation returns to the theme of rising above through surrender and dependence on the Holy Spirit. Topics DiscussedThe atmosphere, team competitions, and preaching at TGYS 2026.Bob Holmes’s messages on temptation, restoration, and Christ’s sacrifice.Austin Brownlee’s breakout session on apathy and the call to own the Great Commission.Ed Loney’s observations about spiritual maturity and supporting the work of God.Victory over sin through the law of the Spirit of life in Christ.Jose’s testimony of obeying the Lord and sharing the gospel with his mother.Listening to the conference messages when they become available.Key TakeawaysSurrender and dependence on God’s power apply beyond the conference itself.Biblical instructions point us toward obedience, but victory depends on the Holy Spirit’s power rather than willpower.Young people can take personal responsibility for the Great Commission and the work of their local church.An opportunity to share the gospel may call for obedience even when you do not feel like doing it.Those who could not attend can still respond to the truths shared through the conference messages. If you’ve been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

Judson and Janna discuss how changing emotions relate to the body, soul, and spirit, drawing on Hebrews 4:12. Using a swing-set illustration, they distinguish the soul’s response to circumstances from the believer’s secure identity in Christ and explain why positive thinking cannot replace the truth of Scripture. They also address disappointment in spiritual leaders and the practice of reading and believing specific Bible passages when fear, doubt, or sorrow arises. Topics DiscussedThe difference between body, soul, and spiritHebrews 4:12 and the Word of God’s power to discern what is trueYour unchanging identity in Christ amid changing emotionsThe swing-set illustration and the limits of positive thinkingAnchoring your faith in Christ when a spiritual leader failsReading and believing Scripture when fear, doubt, or sorrow strikesKey TakeawaysYour feelings do not determine whether God loves you or whether you are forgiven in Christ.God gave you emotions; bring them to the truth of His Word rather than treating them as your authority.Christ remains faithful when people disappoint you. Let Him be your anchor.Open your Bible and study what God says about the specific struggle you are facing.Begin with the facts of God’s Word, respond in faith, and depend on the Lord for His strength.Keep ListeningBelieving is Seeing: Continue exploring how faith rests on what God’s Word declares about your identity in Christ.It’s Just Jesus: Hear how suffering and surrender taught Ty Thebeau to find his identity in Jesus Christ. If you’ve been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.