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How do you know God is speaking to you? Is it really God's voice, or are you confusing your own thoughts, feelings, and desires with His guidance? When you're facing a major decision about your job, marriage, relationships, or future, discerning God's will can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Truth Behind the Mike, Mike Stone walks through **5 biblical tests for recognizing God's guidance**, seeking wisdom, and making decisions with greater confidence. The Bible gives us practical principles for discerning God's will. Rather than chasing signs, relying entirely on emotions, or assuming every open door comes from God, we'll examine what Scripture teaches about hearing from God, prayer, wise counsel, and surrendering our own desires. **In this episode, you'll discover:** - How to test what you believe God is telling you against Scripture. - Why asking God for wisdom is different from asking for a supernatural sign. - How trusted Christian mentors can help you recognize your blind spots. - Why an open door doesn't always mean God's approval. - Why surrendering your own desires is essential to spiritual discernment. I'll also share a personal experience when two trusted mentors helped me recognize that what I thought was God's leading was actually my own ambition. **CHAPTERS** 00:00 Is God Speaking to You or Is It Your Own Desire? 01:42 Test 1: Does It Agree With Scripture? 04:37 Test 2: Are You Praying for Wisdom or a Sign? 06:50 Test 3: What Do Wise Christian Mentors Say? 09:31 Test 4: Are Open Doors Always God's Will? 12:00 Test 5: Are You Willing to Hear No? 14:36 How to Discern God's Guidance: The Five Tests 15:40 Making Decisions Without Absolute Certainty 16:08 Final Encouragement and Closing **BIBLE VERSES REFERENCED** Hebrews 1:1–2 — God has spoken through His Son. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 — Scripture equips believers for godly living. James 1:5 — Ask God for wisdom. Proverbs 3:5–6 — Trust in the Lord. Proverbs 15:22 — The importance of wise counsel. Proverbs 12:15 — The wise listen to advice. Acts 16:6–10 — Paul's guidance toward Macedonia. Luke 22:42 — Jesus' submission to the Father's will. **THE BIG QUESTION:** How can you know whether God is guiding you? Start with Scripture. Pray for wisdom. Seek mature Christian counsel. Evaluate your circumstances carefully. And be willing to surrender your preferred outcome. These aren't five guaranteed ways to receive a private revelation from God. They're biblical principles for making wise, faithful decisions. **JOIN THE CONVERSATION** Which of these five tests is the hardest for you? Have you ever been convinced God was leading you somewhere, only to discover that your own desires were influencing the decision? Share your experience in the comments. Subscribe to Truth Behind the Mike with Mike Stone for biblical truth, Christian apologetics, and honest conversations about faith, Scripture, and everyday life. https://truthbehindthemike.com #HearingGodsVoice #GodsWill #ChristianLiving Send us Fan Mail Support the show Watch these podcasts on YouTube! Follow Us! YouTube: @behindthemikepodcast Instagram: @behindthemikepodcast TikTok:  @behind_the_mike_podcast Facebook:  @behindthemikepodcast

Did Abraham almost sacrifice Isaac on the very same mountain where Jesus was crucified? It's a fascinating claim, and the biblical connections between Abraham, Isaac, and Jesus are remarkable. But what does Scripture actually say? In Genesis 22, God commands Abraham to take his beloved son Isaac to the land of Moriah and offer him as a sacrifice. Isaac carries the wood, Abraham prepares the altar, and at the last moment, God provides a ram to take Isaac's place. Nearly 2,000 years later, Jesus Christ carries His cross toward Golgotha. Coincidence? Prophecy? Biblical foreshadowing? In this episode of Truth Behind the Mike, we investigate the historical, geographical, and theological connections between Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Was Mount Moriah the same place as Golgotha? Genesis 22 identifies the land of Moriah as the destination of Abraham's journey. Second Chronicles 3:1 later identifies Mount Moriah as the location of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. However, the traditional location of Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified, is distinct from the Temple Mount. Neither Scripture nor archaeology establishes that Abraham's altar stood on the exact spot where Jesus died. The geographical connection is fascinating, but the biblical connections may be even more significant. In this video, we explore: ✝️ Why God tested Abraham by commanding him to sacrifice Isaac. ✝️ Why Isaac was the son of God's covenant promise. ✝️ The significance of Isaac carrying the wood for his own sacrifice. ✝️ What Abraham meant when he said, “God will provide for himself the lamb.” ✝️ Why God provided a ram instead of allowing Isaac to die. ✝️ The biblical connection between Mount Moriah, Jerusalem, and Golgotha. ✝️ What archaeology reveals about the traditional crucifixion site. ✝️ How Hebrews 11 connects Abraham's faith with resurrection. ✝️ Why Christians see Genesis 22 as foreshadowing Jesus Christ. ✝️ How Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. The most powerful connection may be the greatest difference between these two stories. Abraham's son was spared. God's Son willingly gave His life. And when John the Baptist saw Jesus approaching, he declared: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” — John 1:29 The story of Abraham and Isaac isn't simply about an ancient test of faith. From a Christian perspective, it also reveals a pattern that finds its fullest meaning in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES Genesis 12:1–3 | Genesis 21:12 | Genesis 22:1–19 | 2 Chronicles 3:1 | John 1:29 | John 10:18 | John 19:17 | Romans 8:32 | Hebrews 10:12 | Hebrews 11:17–19 JOIN THE CONVERSATION Have you ever heard the claim that Abraham nearly sacrificed Isaac on the same mountain where Jesus was crucified? And which connection between Genesis 22 and the Gospel stood out to you most? Share your thoughts in the comments. Subscribe to Truth Behind the Mike for biblical truth, Christian apologetics, and thoughtful conversations about faith, Scripture, and the evidence for Christianity. #AbrahamAndIsaac #Genesis22 #JesusChrist CHAPTERS: 00:00 Did Abraham and Jesus Share the Same Mountain? 00:55 Isaac: The Son God Promised 02:25 Why Did God Test Abraham? 03:45 The Three-Day Journey to Moriah 05:05 Isaac Asks: Where Is the Lamb? 06:10 God Provides a Substitute 07:45 Is Mount Moriah the Same as Golgotha? 09:15 What Archaeology Reveals About Jerusalem 10:45 Hebrews 11 and the Resurrection Connection 11:45 Abraham's Sacrifice vs. Jesus' Sacrifice 13:00 Why Jesus Is the Lamb of God 14:00 The Connection That Changes Everything Send us Fan Mail Support the show Watch these podcasts on YouTube! Follow Us! YouTube: @behindthemikepodcast Instagram: @behindthemikepodcast TikTok:  @behind_the_mike_podcast Facebook:  @behindthemikepodcast

Islam vs Christianity: Who is Jesus, and can both religions be true? In this series finale, Mike Stone examines the central differences over Jesus, the Bible, the Qur’an, salvation, and the cross—and explains why he remains convinced of Christianity. Muslims honor Jesus as the Messiah and a prophet. Christians worship Him as the divine Son of God, crucified for our sins and bodily raised from the dead. These differences reach beyond religious practices to the heart of the Gospel: Who is Jesus, and how can sinners be reconciled to God? On Truth Behind the Mike, we examine competing beliefs while treating people with respect. Understanding Islam does not require accepting its claims, and disagreeing with Muslims does not give Christians permission to hate them. QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN THIS EPISODE What do Muslims believe about Jesus? Islam honors Jesus as the Messiah, born of the virgin Mary, and a messenger of God. It rejects His divine sonship and the Christian understanding of His atoning death and resurrection. Do Muslims believe the Bible is God’s Word? Islam affirms earlier revelation associated with Moses, David, and Jesus. Muslims generally distinguish those revelations from the Bible Christians possess today. Views differ over textual alteration and distortion of meaning. What does Galatians 1:8 say about another gospel? Paul warns Christians against accepting a contrary gospel, even from an angel. This episode applies that principle to later claims of revelation; it does not claim Paul specifically predicted Muhammad or Islam. Can Islam and Christianity both be true? Their central claims about Jesus, the Trinity, and the cross contradict one another. This episode explains why Mike accepts the apostolic Gospel while affirming that Christians and Muslims can be neighbors, friends, and colleagues. How do Christianity and Islam understand forgiveness? Islam emphasizes God’s mercy, repentance, and accountability. Christianity locates reconciliation with God in Jesus Christ’s saving death and resurrection. Mike explores why atonement matters personally: “I don’t need a ladder. I need a rescue.” CHAPTERS 00:00 Why I studied Islam—and where I stand 02:24 What Muslims believe about Jesus 05:03 Muslims, terrorism, and assumptions 07:16 Pew research: Rejecting violence against civilians 08:46 Do Muslims respect the Bible? 09:54 Was the Bible corrupted? Asking for evidence 10:29 The apostolic Gospel: 1 Corinthians 15 11:31 Even an angel? Galatians 1:8 explained 14:14 The canon and the finality of Christ 16:00 Sin, forgiveness, and why the cross matters 19:50 Can Islam and Christianity both be true? 25:27 An invitation to investigate Jesus SCRIPTURE REFERENCES 1 Corinthians 15:1–8, 17 Galatians 1:8–9 Hebrews 1:1–2 Jude 3 Romans 3:23–26 Romans 5:8 Mark 10:45 Matthew 16:15–16 QUR’AN REFERENCES Surah 4:157–171 Surah 5:44–48 RESEARCH SOURCE Pew Research Center, July 26, 2017: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2017/07/26/terrorism-and-concerns-about-extremism/ Subscribe to Truth Behind the Mike with Mike Stone for biblical truth, Christian apologetics, and thoughtful conversations about faith. What question about Jesus or the differences between Islam and Christianity would you like explored next? Share it respectfully in the comments. https://truthbehindthemike.com #IslamVsChristianity #WhoIsJesus #ChristianApologetics Send us Fan Mail Support the show Watch these podcasts on YouTube! Follow Us! YouTube: @behindthemikepodcast Instagram: @behindthemikepodcast TikTok:  @behind_the_mike_podcast Facebook:  @behindthemikepodcast

What are the 5 Pillars of Islam and how do they compare to Christian teachings? This overview clarifies the core practices. This series continues our study of Christian vs Islam, looking at the practical requirements that shape daily life for Muslims. We examine the specific duties that constitute the foundation of their religious practice, including the declaration of faith in one God and Muhammad as His messenger. Understanding these foundational beliefs helps us engage with our neighbors more effectively. By analyzing the 5 Pillars of Islam, we can better identify the distinct theological differences between these two worldviews. This study of Islamic theology aims to provide clarity and context for those looking to understand the core tenets of the faith. In this episode, we'll walk through all five: 1. Shahada — The Declaration of Faith The foundational profession that there is no god but God and that Muhammad is His messenger. 2. Salat — Daily Prayer Muslims are called to pray five times each day—at dawn, midday, afternoon, sunset, and night—while facing the Kaaba in Mecca.  3. Zakat — Obligatory Charity Muslims who meet certain wealth requirements give approximately 2.5% of qualifying wealth annually to those in need. 4. Sawm — Fasting During Ramadan During Ramadan, healthy adult Muslims fast from dawn until sunset as an act of discipline, reflection, and devotion. 5. Hajj — Pilgrimage to Mecca Muslims who are physically and financially able are expected to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once during their lifetime. My goal with this series isn't to caricature Islam or tell you what Muslims believe from a Christian stereotype. I want us to first understand Islam as accurately and fairly as possible. Because before Christians can thoughtfully compare Islam and Christianity, we need to understand what each faith actually teaches. And that's especially important as we move into the next episode. The Shahada doesn't simply affirm belief in one God—it also identifies Muhammad as God's messenger. So in Part 4, we're going to ask: Who was Muhammad? Why is he so central to Islam? And why does understanding Muhammad matter when comparing Islam and Christianity? Subscribe to Truth Behind the Mike for more biblical truth and apologetics, and let me know in the comments: what other topics should we cover in this series? Send us Fan Mail Support the show Watch these podcasts on YouTube! Follow Us! YouTube: @behindthemikepodcast Instagram: @behindthemikepodcast TikTok:  @behind_the_mike_podcast Facebook:  @behindthemikepodcast

Who is Allah in Islam? Is Allah the same as the God of the Bible? And what do Muslims actually believe about God? In Part 2 of this Islam vs Christianity series, we explore one of the most important questions in understanding Islam: What is Allah like? Many English speakers assume “Allah” refers to a different god, but the word Allah is simply the Arabic word for God. Even Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews have used the word for centuries. But while the name may not be the main issue, the nature of God is where the real difference begins. In this episode, we unpack the central Islamic doctrine of tawhid — the absolute oneness of God. In Islam, God is one in a way that is utterly unique, indivisible, and without partners. This belief shapes everything else in Islamic theology. We also discuss: •  What tawhid means in Islam •  Why shirk is considered the greatest sin •  Why Muslims reject the idea that God has a Son •  How Islam views the Trinity •  The major theological difference between Islam and Christianity •  The attributes of God in Islam, including the Most Merciful, the King, and the All-Knowing •  Why this understanding of God explains Islam’s rejection of Jesus as divine If you’ve ever wondered: •  Who is Allah? •  Is Allah the same as God? •  What do Muslims believe about God? •  What is tawhid? •. What is shirk? •  Why do Muslims reject the Trinity? …this episode is for you. My goal in this series is to help Christians understand what Muslims actually believe — respectfully, clearly, and truthfully — while also showing where Islam and Christianity deeply differ. If this video helps you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share. And don’t miss Part 3, where we’ll explore the Five Pillars of Islam and how belief shapes daily Muslim life. #IslamVsChristianity #WhoIsAllah #WhatMuslimsBelieve #ChristianApologetics #TruthBehindTheMike Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Who is God in Islam? 00:23 What does “Allah” mean? 00:48 Is Allah the same word used by Arabic Christians and Jews? 01:17 The real difference: the nature of God 01:43 What is Tawhid? 02:13 What is Shirk? 02:42 Islam vs Christianity on the nature of God 03:17 Why Islam rejects the Trinity 03:45 The theological difference explained 04:30 The attributes of God in Islam 05:09 Why this matters for understanding Jesus 05:35 Coming next: The Five Pillars of Islam Send us Fan Mail Support the show Watch these podcasts on YouTube! Follow Us! YouTube: @behindthemikepodcast Instagram: @behindthemikepodcast TikTok:  @behind_the_mike_podcast Facebook:  @behindthemikepodcast

Did you know Jesus is mentioned in the Quran more often by name than Muhammad? In this episode of Truth Behind the Mike, we explore one of the most fascinating questions in interfaith understanding: What do Muslims believe about Jesus? Many Christians are surprised to learn that Islam deeply honors Jesus—known in Arabic as Isa. The Quran affirms His virgin birth, His miracles, and even calls Him the Messiah. Mary—Maryam—is also highly honored in Islam and is the only woman named in the Quran. But while there is meaningful common ground, the differences between Islam and Christianity are profound. In this video, we explore: What the Quran says about Jesus Why Muslims honor Jesus but do not worship Him The meaning of Tawhid and why it is central to Islam Why Islam rejects the idea that Jesus is the Son of God What Muslims believe about the crucifixion of Jesus The major difference between Christian salvation and Islamic belief Why these differences matter for understanding God, salvation, and truth If you’ve ever wondered: •  Is Jesus in the Quran? •  Do Muslims believe Jesus was crucified? •  Do Muslims believe Jesus is God? •  What is the difference between Jesus in Islam and Jesus in Christianity? …this episode is for you. My goal in this series is to help Christians better understand what our Muslim neighbors believe, while also clearly showing where Islam and Christianity agree—and where they fundamentally part ways. If this video helps you, be sure to like, comment, and subscribe to Truth Behind the Mike for more biblical truth, apologetics, and clear conversations about faith and culture. Question for you: What surprised you most about what Islam teaches about Jesus? #JesusInTheQuran #IslamAndChristianity #WhatMuslimsBelieve #JesusInIslam #ChristianApologetics Chapters… 00:00 Who is mentioned most in the Quran? 00:24 Shared ground between Christianity and Islam 00:56 The virgin birth of Jesus in Islam 01:22 Miracles Jesus performed in the Quran 01:55 Why Jesus is called the Messiah 02:22 Tawhid: the oneness of God in Islam 02:52 Why Islam rejects the divinity of Jesus 03:21 Prophet vs. Son of God 03:51 What Muslims believe about the crucifixion 04:29 Salvation in Islam vs. Christianity 04:58 So what do Muslims believe about Jesus? 05:53 The next big question: Who is Allah? Send us Fan Mail Support the show Watch these podcasts on YouTube! Follow Us! YouTube: @behindthemikepodcast Instagram: @behindthemikepodcast TikTok:  @behind_the_mike_podcast Facebook:  @behindthemikepodcast

Porn promises freedom. So why does it leave so many people hiding browser histories, keeping secrets, making promises they can't keep, and wondering whether they'll ever truly be free? In this episode of Truth Behind the Mike, Mike Stone takes an honest Christian look at pornography, lust, shame, secrecy, marriage, accountability, and what genuine freedom in Christ actually looks like. This isn't an episode designed to pile more shame onto someone who's already struggling. It's about bringing what has been hidden into the light. Pornography doesn't simply affect what we look at. Over time, it can shape the way we see other people, sexuality, intimacy, marriage—and even ourselves. Scripture presents a radically different vision: human beings created in the image of God, sexuality designed for covenant and intimacy, and freedom that doesn't require secrecy. We'll talk about: • Why pornography promises freedom but often produces hiding • What Jesus actually taught about lust • Why Joseph RUNNING from temptation matters • How pornography can turn people into something we consume • Why secrecy strengthens the cycle • Pornography's impact on marriage and intimacy • The difference between conviction and condemnation • Why Romans 8:1 matters when you've failed again • Finding the deeper wound beneath the behavior • Practical boundaries that can help you resist temptation • Confession, accountability, counseling and Christian community • How spouses can respond after discovering pornography use • What real freedom in Christ looks like Maybe you've promised God, “Never again.” Maybe you've deleted the history. Maybe nobody knows. Maybe you've made it 30 days, six months or even a year—and then found yourself right back where you started. You don't need to become better at hiding. You need freedom. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🔒 30 DAYS FREE — VICTORY BY COVENANT EYES I'm partnering with Covenant Eyes to help people take a practical first step toward freedom. Visit CovenantEyes.com and check out the Victory app by Covenant Eyes. Use promo code: BEHINDTHEMIKE to receive 30 DAYS FREE. Accountability tools aren't a substitute for repentance, relationships, pastoral care or professional counseling—but they can help you create meaningful distance between yourself and temptation and bring secrecy into the light. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1 Conviction says: “This is killing you. Come home.” Condemnation says: “You are disgusting. Stay away.” Those are not the same voice. Jesus did not go to the cross so we could become better at hiding our sin. He went to the cross so sinners could be forgiven, cleansed, restored and made new. Pornography promises freedom in the dark. Jesus offers freedom in the light. Choose the light. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ SUBSCRIBE to Truth Behind the Mike for biblical truth, Christian apologetics, faith and culture, and honest conversations about following Jesus in the real world. 🌐 TruthBehindTheMike.com #PornAddiction #Pornography #Christianity #FreedomFromPorn #CovenantEyes Time-Stamped Chapters: 00:00 The Secret Nobody Knows 01:14 What Pornography Teaches Us About People 03:17 Why Porn Is Different Today 04:58 Sex Isn't Dirty—It's Sacred 06:19 Biblical Sexuality vs. Pornography 08:20 What Jesus Really Says About Lust 09:20 Joseph Ran From Temptation 10:58 Victory by Covenant Eyes — 30 Days Free 12:29 Why You Keep Going Back 16:02 Pornography, Secrecy and Marriage 17:53 Shame, Grace and Romans 8:1 21:24 Practical Steps Toward Freedom 23:50 When Your Spouse Is the One Struggling 27:21 If Porn Makes You Free, Why Are You Hiding? Send us Fan Mail Support the show Watch these podcasts on YouTube! Follow Us! YouTube: @behindthemikepodcast Instagram: @behindthemikepodcast TikTok:  @behind_the_mike_podcast Facebook:  @behindthemikepodcast

Confession is a doorway, not a destination. Many men take the brave step of telling someone what they’re fighting, feel relief for a week or two, and then quietly slip right back into the same pattern of watching pornography. Why? Because confession without structure just becomes an honest relapse cycle. In this video, Mike Stone breaks down the 3-part mechanical system to move past willpower and build long-term freedom: 0:00 - Why Confession Alone Isn't Enough 0:57 - Pillar 1: Visibility (Staying Seen) 1:28 - Pillar 2: Friction (Removing the One-Tap Temptation) 2:15 - Pillar 3: Replacement (Filling the Empty Space) 3:13 - The Blueprint & What’s Next Key Takeaways: 1. Visibility: Move from a one-time confession to a consistent weekly check-in. 2. Friction: Put physical or digital barriers between you and the failure. Willpower isn't enough. 3. Replacement: Decide what you will do *before* the temptation hits—redirect, don't just resist. Mechanics work on your worst day, which is exactly when motivation won't show up. 🔔 Subscribe to "Truth Behind the Mike with Mike Stone" for more grounded conversations on growth, accountability, and real freedom. #TruthBehindTheMike #MikeStone #Accountability #PersonalGrowth #MentalToughness #OvercomingAddiction #MensHealth #Freedom System Send us Fan Mail Support the show Watch these podcasts on YouTube! Follow Us! YouTube: @behindthemikepodcast Instagram: @behindthemikepodcast TikTok:  @behind_the_mike_podcast Facebook:  @behindthemikepodcast

Statistically, if you're a Christian man, you've struggled with pornography — and statistically, you've never told a single person. Today I want to talk about why that silence, not the struggle itself, is what's actually destroying you. We've been told the answer is more willpower. Try harder. Pray harder. Feel guilty next time. But if that worked, you wouldn't still be stuck. A Barna study found nearly 7 out of 10 men sitting in church pews every Sunday are struggling with pornography — and many pastors are too. You are not alone, and willpower alone fails against secrecy every time. In this video I break down: ✅ Why secrecy — not weakness — is why you keep losing this fight ✅ What 1 John 1:7 actually means for men stuck in this cycle ✅ The one move that changes the trajectory (it's not another promise to yourself) ✅ Why Romans 8:1 says there's no condemnation for you TODAY, not "once you're fixed" I work at a company that exists to help men win this fight, and I've sat with more of these stories than almost anyone you know. Here's the pattern: the men who get free aren't the ones who feel the worst about it — they're the ones who stop hiding it the moment one person really knows. This is part of an ongoing series on porn addiction, shame, and freedom for Christian men. Subscribe so you don't miss what's next. ⏱ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 The lie nobody says out loud in church 00:33 Why willpower alone always loses to secrecy 01:41 What 1 John 1:7 actually teaches about fellowship 02:34 The pattern I keep seeing in men who get free 03:11 The one text that changes everything 03:35 You are not your addiction (Romans 8:1) 04:31 The assignment for today 04:57 What's coming next in this series 📖 Scripture referenced: 1 John 1:7, Romans 8:1 If this hit you differently than you expected, you're not alone — and you don't have to carry this in silence anymore. #PornAddiction #ChristianMen #Accountability Send us Fan Mail Support the show Watch these podcasts on YouTube! Follow Us! YouTube: @behindthemikepodcast Instagram: @behindthemikepodcast TikTok:  @behind_the_mike_podcast Facebook:  @behindthemikepodcast

Who is really paying the price for your unforgiveness? In this video, I share 5 biblical truths about forgiveness that completely changed how I understand it — including a personal story about a conflict I've walked through with my own family that I've never shared publicly before. Forgiveness in the Bible isn't just a feeling — it's a command, a cost, and ultimately a decision to hand the gavel back to God. Whether you're wrestling with how to forgive someone who hurt you, or you've been told forgiveness means pretending nothing happened, this video will challenge what you thought you knew. 🕊️ WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: ✅ Why forgiveness is a choice before it's a feeling (Colossians 3:13) ✅ Why forgiveness is always costly — and who pays for it ✅ The critical difference between forgiveness and trust (the Joseph story) ✅ Why remembering your own forgiveness is your greatest motivation to forgive ✅ Why forgiveness means handing the gavel back to God (Romans 12:19) ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – The real cost of unforgiveness 1:04 – 5 biblical truths that changed how I see forgiveness 1:58 – Truth #1: Forgiveness is a choice before it's a feeling 3:35 – Truth #2: Forgiveness is expensive 4:36 – Truth #3: Forgiveness is not the same as trust 5:04 – My personal story: years of conflict with a neighbor 7:22 – What Joseph teaches us about forgiveness and trust 8:16 – Truth #4: Remembering how much you've been forgiven 10:00 – Truth #5: Forgiveness hands the gavel back to God 11:26 – How to actually release what's been holding you If today's video encouraged or challenged you, I'd love to hear from you in the comments. Has forgiveness been something you've wrestled with? What biblical truth helped you the most? I'm Mike Stone, and this is Truth Behind the Mike — every week we dig beneath the surface of faith and culture to discover what God's Word actually says. New here? Hit subscribe, I'd be honored to have you along. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos:  https://youtube.com/@truthbehindthemike 📌 Watch next:  https://youtu.be/MrvYzKfdld0?si=tKotKA0mSp27Tzj4 #Forgiveness #BiblicalForgiveness #ChristianLiving #TruthBehindTheMike #FaithOverFeelings #ForgivenessInTheBible #ChristianYouTube #BibleTeaching #HowToForgive #GodsWord Send us Fan Mail Support the show Watch these podcasts on YouTube! Follow Us! YouTube: @behindthemikepodcast Instagram: @behindthemikepodcast TikTok:  @behind_the_mike_podcast Facebook:  @behindthemikepodcast

Most men have been handed two lies: that you're the problem — toxic, broken, too much — or that you're fine just for showing up. Neither is true.  In this episode, Mike Stone breaks down what God actually calls men to: not dominance, not passivity, but presence.  Using Proverbs 24:16, the lives of King David and Peter, we unpack why God doesn't disqualify men for falling — only for staying down. If you've ever told yourself it's too late for your marriage, your kids, or your faith, this is your wake-up call. What you'll learn in this episode: • Why Proverbs 24:16 redefines what a "righteous man" actually is • How David and Peter prove failure was never disqualifying • The real difference between a man who's checked out and a man who's present • A practical charge: pray, lead through sacrifice, own your failures out loud, and show up Chapters: 0:00 – This Message Is for the Real You 0:26 – The Lie Men Were Sold 0:56 – God's Actual Design for Men 1:23 – Why We Checked Out (and Who Pays for It) 1:54 – Proverbs 24:16: Falling Isn't Failing 2:30 – David & Peter: Disqualified for Staying Down, Not Falling 2:58 – It's Not Too Late 3:23 – The Charge: Pray, Lead, Own It, Show Up 4:22 – Rise. Lead. Love. Repeat. Common questions this video answers: - What does Proverbs 24:16 mean? It means a righteous man isn't someone who never falls — he's someone who keeps rising. The verse measures faithfulness by perseverance, not a perfect record. - What makes someone "a man after God's own heart"? Scripture's clearest example is King David — an adulterer and murderer God still called by that name, not because his sin didn't matter, but because he kept returning to God after he fell. - Did Peter's denial of Jesus disqualify him? No — Jesus called Peter "the rock" after Peter denied him three times. God's calling on a man isn't revoked by his failure; it's revoked by refusing to get back up. - What does it practically look like to lead as a Christian man? Praying like it matters, leading through sacrifice instead of demands, owning failures out loud to your family, and simply showing up — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. If this hit you right where you are, subscribe to Truth Behind the Mike for more straight-talk, Scripture-rooted teaching for men who are done with the performance and ready for the real thing. #ManAfterGodsHeart #ChristianMen #GodlyMan #BiblicalManhood #KingDavid #ChristianMotivation #MensMinistry #TruthBehindTheMike Send us Fan Mail Support the show Watch these podcasts on YouTube! Follow Us! YouTube: @behindthemikepodcast Instagram: @behindthemikepodcast TikTok:  @behind_the_mike_podcast Facebook:  @behindthemikepodcast

Most people who grew up in church have never actually met the real Jesus — not the real one. They've met Therapist Jesus. Political Jesus. Mascot Jesus. In this episode, we set those substitutes aside and go back to the Gospels to meet the real Jesus — the one who emptied rooms with his words, claimed to be God to his own people's faces, and ate dinner with everyone the religious establishment had written off. This is the final episode in our 3-part series: Pride Month → Hell & Judgment → The Real Jesus. In this video: 🔹 The 3 substitute versions of Jesus most churches preach (and what they're missing) 🔹 3 moments in the Gospels where Jesus' words made people walk away — John 6:66, Luke 14, John 8 🔹 Why Jesus ate with tax collectors, touched lepers, and spoke to women alone in public 🔹 His claim to be God in John 14:6 — and why C.S. Lewis said "good moral teacher" was never actually on the table 🔹 The one question Jesus is still asking 2,000 years later ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 The Jesus Most People Have Never Met 2:08 The 3 Substitute Jesuses Churches Preach 7:19 Moment 1: "I Am the Bread of Life" (John 6:66) 9:48 Moment 2: "Hate Your Family"? (Luke 14) 12:00 Moment 3: "Before Abraham Was, I AM" (John 8) 13:49 Who Jesus Actually Spent Time With 16:30 His Claim: "I Am the Way, the Truth, the Life" (John 14:6) 18:35 Liar, Lunatic, or Lord? (C.S. Lewis) 21:06 Series Wrap-Up: What Do You Do With Him? 23:31 The Only Question That Matters 25:04 Subscribe for More 📖 SCRIPTURE REFERENCED John 6:35–66 | Luke 14:26–33 | John 8:58–59 | Exodus 3:14 | John 14:6 🎬 WATCH THE FULL SERIES Part 1 — What Does Jesus Say About Pride Month?: https://youtu.be/6gcckV3nzjE?is=QqrV0oqEW-39LQ2J Part 2 — Why Would a Loving God Send Anyone to Hell?: https://youtu.be/MoocPETnVb0?is=6fuKgHdDHB70uu8N Part 3 — The Real Jesus vs. What They Preach (this video) 💬 If this struck a chord, share it — not to argue with anyone, but because someone in your life is probably sitting with the same questions and doesn't know where to look. If you want more biblical truth without the religious games, the hard questions asked honestly — hit subscribe. There's a lot more coming. #RealJesus #Christianity #FaithDeconstruction Send us Fan Mail Support the show Watch these podcasts on YouTube! Follow Us! YouTube: @behindthemikepodcast Instagram: @behindthemikepodcast TikTok:  @behind_the_mike_podcast Facebook:  @behindthemikepodcast

How can a loving God send people to hell? Explore the tension between divine love and the concept of hell to find clarity. This video addresses the difficult question of how a loving God relates to the reality of hell. It is designed for anyone wrestling with theological doubts or seeking a deeper understanding of divine judgment. We examine common perspectives on this topic to help you reconcile these seemingly contradictory ideas. By engaging with the theology of hell, you will gain a clearer framework for processing this challenging subject. Whether you are questioning your faith or simply curious about Christian teaching, this discussion provides a thoughtful way to approach the nature of God and hell. Subscribe for weekly theology breakdowns and comment below with your own questions on faith. We'll cover: • Why love and judgment are NOT opposites • What Gehenna actually means — and why Jesus used it 12 times • The C.S. Lewis framework from The Great Divorce that changes everything • What hell actually IS according to Jesus (it's not what hellfire preachers say) • How to hold this doctrine with urgency AND humility • What to do if this question is personal for you—because of someone you've lost This isn't a comfortable episode. But it's an honest one. And by the end, you'll have a framework for hell and judgment that doesn't fit neatly into either the conservative or progressive box. ------------------------------------------------------ 🔔 Subscribe for hard questions, opened honestly, with the actual text of Scripture. https://youtube.com/@truthbehindthemike IGNITE MEN'S CONFERENCES (Fall Conference Listed Soon): https://ignitemen.net/ -------------------------------------------------- Next episode: The Jesus the church rarely preaches — the one who said things that would get him escorted out of most Sunday services today. 📌 SCRIPTURES REFERENCED: 1 John 4:8 | Matthew 10:28 | Matthew 25:41, 46 | Luke 16:19-31 | John 3:17-19 | 2 Peter 3:9 | Matthew 5 📖 BOOKS MENTIONED: The Great Divorce – C.S. Lewis #Hell #Heaven #Jesus #BibleTruth #ChristianYouTube #Apologetics #FaithQuestions #Deconstruction Time-Stamped Chapters: 0:00 The question everyone's afraid to ask 1:44 Who's really asking — and why it matters 3:27 God is love AND God is just — can both be true? 3:59 What Jesus actually said about hell (12 times in the Gospels) 7:39 Does love and judgment contradict each other? 9:18 The C.S. Lewis reframe that changes everything 11:29 What IS hell, really? (It's not what you think) 13:47 Hell as chosen separation — the key that unlocks this 15:19 What this means for how we actually live 16:08 Three things this doctrine should produce in us 19:07 The gospel reoriented 20:11 If this question is personal for you 22:18 Where do you stand? Send us Fan Mail Support the show Watch these podcasts on YouTube! Follow Us! YouTube: @behindthemikepodcast Instagram: @behindthemikepodcast TikTok:  @behind_the_mike_podcast Facebook:  @behindthemikepodcast

Every June, Christians seem to fall into one of two camps. Some charge into the culture war with anger and condemnation. Others stay silent and avoid the conversation altogether. But what did Jesus actually do? In this video, we examine Scripture—not social media—and look directly at how Jesus engaged people who were living in sin. From the woman at the well, to the woman caught in adultery, to Zacchaeus, a clear pattern emerges: Jesus moved toward people.Jesus treated them with dignity.Jesus spoke truth.Jesus offered hope.We'll examine Romans 1, 1 Corinthians 6, Genesis, Luke 15, John 4, John 8, Luke 19, and other key passages to answer one question: What should a Christ-centered response to Pride Month actually look like? Whether you're a Christian, skeptical of Christianity, or someone who has been hurt by the church, this conversation is for you. Subscribe for more biblical truth, apologetics, culture, and faith discussions. #PrideMonth #Jesus #Christianity #LGBTQ #BibleStudy #TruthBehindTheMike Chapter List: 00:00 What Does Jesus Say About Pride Month? 01:36 The Two Mistakes Christians Make 05:52 What the Bible Says About Homosexuality 06:21 Romans 1 Explained 08:33 1 Corinthians 6 Explained 09:55 God's Design for Marriage 10:45 How Jesus Treated People in Sexual Sin 11:10 The Woman at the Well 13:01 The Woman Caught in Adultery 15:01 Zacchaeus and Radical Grace 16:21 A Biblical Response to Pride Month 17:34 Why Many People Don't Trust the Church 18:40 The Mission of the Church 19:04 If You've Been Hurt by Christians 20:14 Jesus Chose Neither Side 20:48 Truth Behind the Mike Send us Fan Mail Support the show Watch these podcasts on YouTube! Follow Us! YouTube: @behindthemikepodcast Instagram: @behindthemikepodcast TikTok:  @behind_the_mike_podcast Facebook:  @behindthemikepodcast

What if the greatest battle you’re facing right now isn’t happening around you… but inside you? In this powerful Christian message, Mike Stone breaks down the real war for your mind — how the enemy twists truth through fear, accusation, distraction, anxiety, shame, and spiritual deception. From Genesis to the words of Jesus, Scripture reveals that spiritual warfare often begins with a thought:  “Did God really say?” If you’ve been struggling with: overthinkingfearspiritual exhaustionanxietycondemnationmental battlesdistractionintrusive thoughtsfeeling distant from God…this video is for you. In this episode of Truth Behind the Mike, we explore: ✔ How Satan distorts truth ✔ The difference between conviction and accusation ✔ Why so many Christians feel spiritually drained ✔ How strongholds form in the mind ✔ What the Bible says about spiritual warfare ✔ Practical biblical ways to fight back The enemy wants agreement with lies. But Jesus offers freedom through truth. “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:32 If this video encouraged you, share it with someone fighting silent battles right now. Subscribe for more biblical truth, Christian encouragement, spiritual warfare teaching, apologetics, faith-based commentary, and hope-filled conversations. #Christian #SpiritualWarfare #BibleTeaching #Faith #Jesus #TruthBehindTheMike Send us Fan Mail Support the show Watch these podcasts on YouTube! Follow Us! YouTube: @behindthemikepodcast Instagram: @behindthemikepodcast TikTok:  @behind_the_mike_podcast Facebook:  @behindthemikepodcast