Advertise on podcast: The 412 Christian Podcast

🔥 ARE YOU A FAN OF JESUS OR A FOLLOWER OF JESUS? It's easy to say we're Christians. We can go to church, know Bible verses, listen to Christian music, and surround ourselves with other believers. But does that necessarily mean we're truly following Jesus? In this episode of The 412 Christian Podcast, Eli and Keeton dive into the difference between being a fan of Jesus and being a true follower of Him. We discuss what it means to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Christ daily — even when it isn't easy or comfortable. 📖 In this episode, we discuss: The difference between being a fan and a follower of Jesus What Matthew 16:24 teaches us about denying ourselves and taking up our cross Why simply believing in God isn't the same as living out our faith The importance of obedience, discipleship, and following God's Word How our actions and lifestyles can impact the way others view Christianity The temptation to blend in with the world instead of standing firm in our faith What we do when Scripture challenges us or God says no We close with a question we hope challenges you long after the episode ends: If someone watched your life for 30 days but never heard you say you were a Christian, would they know you were following Jesus? Our goal isn't to claim that Christians are perfect, but to encourage all of us to examine our lives and ask whether we're truly striving to follow Christ. 💬 Join the conversation: What do you think is the biggest difference between being a fan of Jesus and being a follower of Jesus? Let us know in the comments! 🙏 If this episode encourages you, please like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who might benefit from the conversation. 🎙️ The 412 Christian PodcastInspired by Ecclesiastes 4:12 — “A threefold cord is not quickly broken.” 📲 Follow us on social media for more biblical discussions, podcast clips, and encouragement in your walk with Christ. 📖 Try Logos Bible Software!We're partnered with Logos Bible Software and offer an exclusive 60-day free trial through our affiliate link. 🔗 logos.com/412christian

YOU’RE NEVER TOO YOUNG TO MINISTER | The 412 Christian Podcast Do you have to be a preacher, a Bible scholar, or have years of experience to make an impact for Christ? In this episode of The 412 Christian Podcast, we sit down and talk about our experiences serving in ministry at a young age and the lessons we've learned along the way. We discuss: What motivated us to get involved in ministryWhy you don't have to know everything to serve GodFinding your unique role in the churchThe challenges and unexpected moments that come with ministryHow God can use you wherever you areWhy serving others starts with growing your own relationship with ChristThe importance of staying adaptable, excited, and flexible in ministryMinistry isn't limited to a title or a paid position. We all have opportunities to serve, encourage, and point others toward Christ. As Paul reminds us in Romans 12:11: “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” If you've ever felt too young, too inexperienced, or simply not qualified enough to serve, this episode is for you. 🎙️ The 412 Christian Podcast📖 Ecclesiastes 4:12Strength in Numbers NEW MINISTRY PARTNER: LOGOS BIBLE SOFTWARE We're excited to partner with Logos! Use our exclusive link to get a 60-day free trial and explore powerful Bible study tools, commentaries, dictionaries, and more. 👉 Logos.com/412Christian

Do You Have SIN? | Strength In Numbers Why did we create a segment called “SIN” on The 412 Christian Podcast? And no, we’re not encouraging sin. 😂 SIN stands for Strength In Numbers, and in this episode, we talk about the heart behind the segment and why we believe Christians were never meant to walk through life alone. From Ecclesiastes 4:12 to starting college, entering the workforce, finding the right people, and dealing with struggles in our faith, we talk about the importance of having people in your corner—and just as importantly, being someone else's strength. You may feel like you're the only one struggling, but you're not alone. Find your people. Build each other up. Encourage one another. And most importantly, keep pointing each other back to Christ. “Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him, and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” — Ecclesiastes 4:12 Thanks for listening to The 412 Christian Podcast! If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who might need the reminder that they don't have to fight alone.

Have we been getting the Holy Spirit wrong? For many Christians, the Holy Spirit can be one of the most difficult parts of our faith to understand. Is the Spirit simply working through the Word? Is He a feeling we experience? How do we know when the Spirit is working in our lives? And what does it actually mean to be led by the Spirit? In this episode of The 412 Christian Podcast, Eli, Keeton, and Garyson sit down with Wes McAdams, preacher, author of Empowered by the Spirit, and host of the Radically Christian podcast, for a deep and honest conversation about who the Holy Spirit is and how He works in the lives of Christians today. Together, they discuss: • Why we should think of the Holy Spirit as a person—not an impersonal force• Whether the Spirit works through the Word alone• How the Holy Spirit works through the church, community, worship, and Scripture• The difference between unity and uniformity• Why spiritual transformation isn't simply about "trying harder"• What the biblical signs and miracles point toward• How we can misuse the idea of being "led by the Spirit"• Why the Holy Spirit isn't simply synonymous with a feeling or emotion• How the Spirit empowers us to use our gifts to serve others• What it means for Christians to be the temple of God's Spirit• How hope in our future inheritance empowers us to live with humility, meekness, and love Ultimately, the Holy Spirit isn't given to us so that we can pursue our own purposes. He works in us so that we can become more like King Jesus and help others become more like Him.

What do you do when you don't know what to do? Life has a way of leaving us feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of what comes next. Whether you're waiting on God, walking through heartbreak, battling distractions, or simply trying to slow down, this conversation is for you. In this episode of The 412 Christian Podcast, we sit down with Hannah Bradford to talk about finding peace in the middle of uncertainty. Hannah shares her powerful testimony of how her brother's journey away from faith, seasons of anxiety, and life's unexpected challenges led her to discover the beauty of being still before God. Together, we discuss:• What it truly means to "be still and know that I am God"• Biblical meditation vs. the world's idea of meditation• Practical spiritual disciplines that help us draw closer to God• Why busyness can become one of our greatest distractions• How to trust God when life doesn't make sense• Finding peace in the waiting No matter what season you're in, we pray this conversation encourages you to slow down, seek God's presence, and trust that He is working—even when you can't see it. "Be still, and know that I am God." — Psalm 46:10 If this episode encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this message today. Connect with Hannah Bradford:🌐 ⁠https://hcbministries.com⁠ Follow The 412 Christian Podcast for more conversations that strengthen your faith and point you closer to Christ.

Life can often feel like wandering through a dry wilderness. We search for fulfillment in success, relationships, money, entertainment, or achievements—only to find ourselves still thirsty. In this episode of The 412 Christian Podcast, Eli and Keeton are joined by youth minister Brooks Jackson to discuss the powerful theme of Oasis and what it teaches us about following Christ. Together, they explore: • Why Jesus' temptation in the wilderness matters• The spiritual significance of an oasis throughout Scripture• How the Israelites, the Samaritan woman, and Jesus all point us toward the same truth• Why worldly fulfillment always comes up empty• How Scripture, prayer, and the Holy Spirit keep us spiritually refreshed• What it means to find true rest in Christ instead of the world If you've ever felt spiritually exhausted, overwhelmed, or like you're searching for something more, this conversation is a reminder that Jesus is the only source of living water that truly satisfies. "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink." — John 7:37 What is your oasis?

Can a Christian struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges and still have strong faith? In this episode of The 412 Christian Podcast, Eli, Keeton, and returning guest Garyson Campbell (psychology graduate and master's student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling) have an honest conversation about mental health through a biblical lens. Together they discuss: ✝️ What the Bible says about anxiety and depression🧠 How our thoughts shape our emotions and actions📖 Taking "every thought captive" (2 Corinthians 10)❤️ Why comparison steals our joy🙏 Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane—was He anxious?👤 Elijah's battle after his greatest spiritual victory🤝 Why Christians should never struggle alone💬 When seeking professional counseling is not only okay—but wise This episode isn't about pretending Christians never struggle. It's about learning how to trust God in the middle of those struggles while using the tools He's given us through Scripture, prayer, Christian community, and when needed, professional help. If this conversation encourages you, we'd love for you to share it with someone who may need it today. 📖 Key Scriptures: Isaiah 9:62 Corinthians 10:3-5Philippians 4:6-7Matthew 61 Kings 19Ecclesiastes 4:9-12Galatians 6:4-5

🌙 MAYWOOD AFTER DARK | FINALE 🌙 That's a wrap on another unforgettable week at Maywood Christian Camp. What started as a late-night conversation turned into one of our favorite series we've ever recorded. In this final episode, we reflect on everything God did this week—from lifelong friendships and late-night laughs to spiritual growth, worship, and the lessons we'll carry home long after camp ends. We talk about:🏕️ Our biggest takeaways from camp❤️ The importance of Christian community🙏 Finding confidence in Christ instead of ourselves🎶 Why Maywood is unlike anywhere else😂 Camp stories, traditions, and plenty of laughs If you've ever been to Maywood, this episode will feel like coming home. If you've never experienced it, we hope this gives you a glimpse into why so many people love this place. Thank you to everyone who made this week so special. Until next summer... ❤️ "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up..." — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

🌙 MAYWOOD AFTER DARK | Episode 2 Some of the best conversations aren't planned—they just happen when you're sitting around with friends after a long day. In Episode 2 of Maywood After Dark, we're joined by Bogdan Rebashavka and Sawyer Blankenship for a late-night conversation from Maywood Christian Camp. From Bogdan's incredible journey from Ukraine to the United States, to what makes Maywood feel like home, to favorite camp traditions, worship, food, and the importance of Christian community, this episode is full of laughter, honest stories, and meaningful moments. We also dive into Sawyer's Thursday night Ball Field Devo and discuss confession, repentance, accountability, and why following Christ is an everyday commitment—not just something we do at camp. No script.No agenda.Just five friends talking about Jesus, community, and the moments that shape our faith. If you've ever been to Maywood, we hope this brings back some great memories. If you've never been, we hope you get a glimpse of why this place means so much to so many people. 🌙 Recorded after hours. Honest conversations. Real stories. Christ at the center.

🌙 Maywood After Dark | Part 1 When the campers are asleep and the lights are out, some of the best conversations begin. Welcome to Maywood After Dark, a surprise three-part series from The 412 Christian Podcast, recorded live at Maywood Christian Camp. In this first episode, we sit down with Stephen Henry and Jordan Bretherick to share stories from years at camp, laugh about unforgettable Maywood moments, and reflect on why this place continues to shape so many lives. From Ball Field Devo and Sounds of the Cross to spiritual mountaintop experiences and what happens after we leave camp, this conversation reminds us that God is still working long after the week is over. Whether you've spent years at Maywood or have never stepped foot on the campground, we hope this conversation encourages you to pursue Christ, treasure Christian community, and remember that the work God begins in us doesn't end when camp does. This is Part 1 of our special three-part "Maywood After Dark" series.

Why do bad things happen to good people? It's one of the hardest questions anyone can ask—and one that every Christian will wrestle with at some point. In this episode, we're joined by Tucker Wallace as we discuss what Scripture says about suffering, free will, God's goodness, and why pain exists in a broken world. Together, we explore stories from Job, Adam and Eve, Jesus in Gethsemane, and more, while offering biblical encouragement for anyone walking through a difficult season. If you've ever asked, "Where is God when life hurts?" or "Why would God allow this to happen?" this conversation is for you. 📖 Scriptures discussed include:• Romans 3:10• Matthew 5:45• James 1:2–4• Psalm 34:18• Philippians 4• Job• Genesis 3• Matthew 26 We pray this episode reminds you that even when life doesn't make sense, God is still faithful, still present, and still working. 🎙️ Subscribe for more biblical conversations every other week.

Singing isn’t just about notes — it’s a powerful, transformative act that shapes our worship, teaches us life lessons, and brings us closer to God. Have you ever wondered why some songs stay with you long after the service ends? Or how music can lift your spirits in moments of deep struggle? Jared Hines, a worship leader and devoted Christian, shares eye-opening insights on how singing shapes our attitude toward worship, the stories behind powerful hymns, and the life-changing impact of music rooted in real-life experiences. In this heartfelt episode, Jared reveals how songs like "It Is Well With My Soul" and "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" carry the weight of tragedy, hope, and faith—stories that have touched generations. You’ll discover how these melodies serve as prayer, encouragement, and evidence that we are never truly alone, even in life’s darkest moments. Keeton and Eli dig into the biblical foundation of singing as a form of worship, discussing how it can be more than obligation—it’s an act of joy and reflection that draws us closer to God and to each other. We break down: The biblical act of singing in Acts 16 and its significance in transforming attitudes during worship.How music has the power to influence moods, rebuild hope, and unite nations—even in the most challenging times.Personal stories behind hymns like "Remind Me, Dear Lord" and "It Is Well With My Soul," illuminating their roots in personal tragedy and divine comfort.Practical ways to engage more meaningfully with songs—by understanding their stories and letting them speak to our hearts.The role of music in comforting those facing cognitive decline or grief, and how it can serve as a spiritual anchor.If you've ever felt disconnected during worship or wondered about the deeper meaning behind the songs you sing, this episode is essential listening. Jared’s stories and insights will inspire you to see singing not just as tradition, but as a vital part of a lived, faith-filled life. Whether you're a seasoned churchgoer, a music lover, or just seeking hope in hard times, this episode will make you rethink the power and purpose of worship through song. Perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of spiritual music or seeking encouragement through the stories behind the hymns. It’s more than just singing; it’s a reflection of faith, resilience, and divine love.

Few topics create more discussion among Christians than baptism. Is it simply an outward sign of faith, or does the Bible teach that it plays a role in salvation? In this episode of The 412 Christian Podcast, Eli, Keeton, and special guest Carson Heupel dive into Scripture to examine what the Bible actually says about baptism, grace, faith, repentance, and salvation. We look at key passages, common arguments from different perspectives, and challenge listeners to let God's Word guide their conclusions. Whether you've wrestled with this question for years or you're hearing the discussion for the first time, our goal is simple: pursue biblical truth and grow closer to Christ. 🔥 In this episode: What baptism means in the New TestamentKey verses often discussed in the baptism debateFaith, grace, repentance, and obedienceCommon misconceptions about baptismHow Christians can approach this topic with humility and truth🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might benefit from the conversation.

On this episode of The 412 Christian Podcast, we sit down with special guest Randy Latner, the college minister for Tide4Christ, to have an honest conversation about one of the biggest questions many Christians wrestle with: Is there really freedom in Christ? Together, we talk about what true freedom actually looks like through Jesus—not freedom to live however we want, but freedom from sin, shame, guilt, and the pressure of trying to earn our salvation. We discuss how Christ changes our identity, why so many believers still struggle to feel “free,” and what it means to fully surrender our lives to Him. This episode is a real and encouraging conversation for anyone who has ever felt trapped by sin, burdened by their past, or confused about what walking with Christ should look like. If you’ve ever questioned whether freedom in Christ is truly possible, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we dive into two powerful moments in Scripture where miracles didn’t just change lives—they opened doors for bold Gospel conversations. ✨ Acts 3: A lame man is healed at the temple gate, and Peter uses the miracle as a platform to proclaim Jesus with courage.✨ John 9: A man born blind receives sight, and his simple testimony—“I was blind, but now I see”—shakes an entire community. These stories remind us that when God moves, we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to speak up with confidence. 💬 Break Room Question:“What’s a moment when you couldn’t keep exciting news to yourself?”We share our own experiences and connect them to how God often calls us to respond when He does something amazing. If you’re looking for encouragement to be bold in your faith and to see everyday moments as opportunities for witness, this episode is for you. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations that strengthen your walk with Christ and challenge you to live boldly.