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In this episode, Mark and John discuss addiction and the 4 mistaken approaches people use to try to overcome addiction through self-willpower. There is man's answer, and then there is God's answer. Mark and John also discuss 8 freedom principles that help give "traction" for change. These include making a definite decision, pursuing accountability, receiving unconditional love, and holding a balanced view of self. Others include facing the painful consequences, claiming God's promises, practicing wise replacement, and memorizing Scripture. LINKS: Freedom From Addiction, Part 1: https://gracenotebook.com/freedom-from-addiction-part-1/ Part 2: https://gracenotebook.com/freedom-from-addiction-part-2/ Part 3: https://gracenotebook.com/freedom-from-addiction-part-3/ Part 4: https://gracenotebook.com/freedom-from-addiction-part-4/ Cherri Freeman (episode 35) website: https://lovethemtolife.com Mikle Quarles website: https://freedfrom.wordpress.com

In this episode, Mark and John finish their 3-part podcast series on suffering. The guys walk through passages in 1st and 2nd Corinthians, answering questions such as: "Will God put more on you than you can handle?" "Why doesn't God remove the thorn in the flesh?" If you want to discuss more, please email GFI at [email protected] Links Josef Tson on suffering: https://www.epm.org/resources/2022/Jun/24/josef-tson/

We may not know why we suffer, but we know that Jesus knows our pain and never forsakes us in our suffering. In this episode, Mark and John continue their discussion on suffering and look at the life of Jesus. Jesus suffered, and He suffered for us as our substitute. Where is Jesus when I suffer? This is a question we ask. He is not watching suffering from a distance. In Christ, God stepped into it! Jesus was a man of sorrows (Isaiah 53). Like us, Jesus experienced rejection, betrayal, and abandonment. However, some of Jesus' suffering was unique to Him. Mark and John discuss that knowing that God will ultimately make things right doesn't mean grief is inappropriate today. Suffering may attack your circumstances without changing your identity. Suffering changes many things, but it does not change who you are in Christ. Links Notes on Suffering: https://gracenotebook.com/the-faithful-god/

In episode 94, mark and John discuss suffering, specifically from the pages of the Old Testament. To understand suffering, you must first understand the fall in Genesis 3. Suffering is a consequence of the fall. Sometimes we suffer because of choices we make, sometimes it comes from others' choices, and sometimes we suffer simply because we live in a fallen world. Dr. John speaks of the Book of Job as a Case Study on Suffering. The book destroys the false assumption that good people never suffer. John mentions there may be dimensions to our suffering that we cannot see. Mark discusses how faith doesn't mean pretending something doesn't hurt. We discuss Job's friends: what they did well and what they did poorly. John gives the great point that we must be careful about trying to explain someone else's suffering. What they need is our presence. When you cannot understand the "why," keep trusting the "Who." God does not waste our suffering. He is capable of redeeming every painful event! Links Case Study of Job, Pt. 1- https://gracenotebook.com/job-a-case-study-on-suffering-part-1/ Case Study of Job, Pt. 2- https://gracenotebook.com/job-a-case-study-on-suffering-part-2/ C. S. Lewis Book, The Problem of Pain- https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/resources/c-s-lewis-on-the-problem-of-pain/ Joni Eareckson Tada- https://joniandfriends.org

Why should we journal, and how do you do it? In this episode, Mark and John discuss how to journal, the importance of journaling, and how each of them incorporates it into their daily routine. They also discuss the difference between a journal and a diary. The podcast ends with 10 blessings of journaling. Links SOAP Journaling: https://elcmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/soap_instructions.pdf Art and Soul of Journaling by PJ Clark: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Soul-Journaling-Greater-Intimacy/dp/B08B3338V4/ref=sr_1_2?crid=IB7KVOQ3XPZC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1yy2xLsfk1pioeI5RFqnn43ZF10QOc-Wafu3l9afTyOL1JAkPYEiSZqLum7ioW5TgRXJ_G3ZFFr5ZGEVxT8XimMY_GPNl552VL_CMDVPu1n8Wz7YvjekJ4Y_hBHhJIGG8vie0_TQCIFoGqEZ6X-TQ9MuogmDbBFbLVRna2tKXhn7naAytoaay_NeAmY6OcRPPA-Juky69VrDjSHdRhIYOKEazUBnYT8K3AX9mizGGWk.x5dpdcoGAbhb9g78q7wtCaZTqM2z7DO9KMnJ-a1QWL0&dib_tag=se&keywords=pj+clark&qid=1787239337&sprefix=pj+clark%2Caps%2C734&sr=8-2

In this podcast, Mark and John discuss how to pray. Prayer is not about getting God to do what we want. It is about enjoying a relationship with the One who already lives in us. Prayer is communicating with God, and Hebrews 4:16 speaks to the fact that we can come "boldly unto the throne of grace." We discuss why prayer is important and how the "Lord's Prayer" is a model for us to use, not just something to repeat. Finally, we discuss different types of prayer as well as obstacles to prayer. Links Show Notes: ⁠https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/praying%20life/⁠ My Prayer Helps: ⁠www.MyPrayerHelps.com⁠ Jennifer Kennedy Dean Book: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/159669291X?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback⁠ Strategic Renewal: ⁠https://www.strategicrenewal.com⁠

In this podcast, Mark and John discuss how to study Scripture. We share our regular morning quiet time routines. John shares how Scripture is spiritual food and a light for our path. We also discuss meditation and the four steps of study, which include: ObservationInterpretationIlluminationApplicationIf you don't know where to start, we discuss options and different things you can study in Scripture. We also discuss different Bible tools that will assist you in studying Scripture. Links YouVersion Bible: https://www.youversion.com/bible-app John's Bible Reading Plan: https://gracenotebook.com/the-balanced-diet-reading-plan/ Hand Illustration: https://www.navigators.org/resource/the-word-hand/ Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/ Blue Letter Bible: https://www.blueletterbible.org/ Logos: https://www.logos.com

In this episode, Mark is joined by GFI's office manager, Liz, and our newest colleague, Dr. Scott Jenkins. Together, they discuss a recent camp, the increase of mental health issues amongst teenagers, and how phones/social media have added to this increase. Dr. Scott describes how the teenage brain works with all the emotions being developed, but logic (the pre-frontal cortex) is not. He states that responding to emotion with emotion only causes more confusion for teenagers. Scott, Mark, and Liz also discuss a new upcoming GFI resource for teenagers. Links: Certification to become a Guide for Students: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ELC_certification_children_2025.pdf Victorious: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/event/victorious-a-four-week-summer-series-for-students/ Giving: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/about-gfi/donate/ GFI Life Coaching: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/coaching/

In this podcast, Mark and John discuss how, in Christ, we have a personal identity, but also a corporate identity. In Scripture, we see believers being called the family of God and the body of Christ. In this episode, we discuss the meaning of the word church and why having a corporate identity is important in our daily faith life. Mark and John break down "living stones" in 1 Peter 2 and why being "Lone Ranger" Christians is not the way God designed community. Links: Corporate Identity Notes: https://gracenotebook.com/corporate-identity/ GFI App for Apple- https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id6446342103 Android- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.subsplashconsulting.s_S8HP79 Victorious Student Summer Series: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/event/victorious-a-four-week-summer-series-for-students/ GFI Monday Night Bible Study Info: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/event/deeper-life-discipleship-study-online-meeting/ July Seminar: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/event/finding-joy-7/ July GFI Workshop: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/event/exchanged-life-counseling-workshop-12/ Certification Info: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/counseling-certification/

We give thanks to the Institute in Basic Life Principles for allowing us to use the Pineapple Story. In this podcast, we hear from Otto Koning, a missionary in the area of Papua New Guinea. Otto's story is both humorous and convicting as he helps us see the importance of conquering anger and surrendering our rights. If you would like to watch Otto's testimony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKYl6OM_eN0 LINKS: Institute in Basic Life Principles: https://iblp.org The Pineapple Story Audio Series: https://store.iblp.org/the-pineapple-story-audio-series.html The Pineapple Story: https://store.iblp.org/the-pineapple-story-session-1-the-pineapple-story.html

In this podcast, Mark and John interview Linda King, the founder of www.Christianvideos.net. Linda has created 3 parable videos, a project with Major Ian Thomas, and a children's program called "Color Me a Rainbow." Linda shares her journey to Christ, as well as her understanding of Christ as life. LINKS: Linda's Website: https://christianvideos.net Video's: https://christianvideos.net/?page_id=22 Linda's YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@shepherdassociateschristia8031 Torch Bearer's Major Ian Thomas Project: https://torchbearers.org/media/shop/rediscovering-christ-dvd-set/

Have you wondered why so many Christians struggle? In this episode, Mark and Dr. John discuss a seminar topic called, "Egypt, Wilderness, Canaan." If you would like a copy of this diagram, you can find it on the GFI App, or you can email [email protected]. Egypt speaks to life in bondage. The wilderness speaks to a life of struggle and self-effort. However, Canaan speaks to the Exchanged Life and a life of victory. If you think like a slave (Egypt), you will live like one. If you strive like an orphan (Wilderness), you will struggle. If you believe you are in Christ (Canaan), you will live in victory. The crowded to Christ can be heard on episode 29. LINKS GFI Student Summer Series: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/event/victorious-a-four-week-summer-series-for-students/ Alan Redpath Book: Victorious Living https://www.amazon.com/victorious-christian-living-Alan-Redpath/dp/1482613794/ref=sr_1_1?crid=39DXUIPYJ20L7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6VrGVg7PZpESyrnKHDg6xlj2mCAuw1BUdg58tHfKLqNRidGz7QJsDTxT0vN7k5YmjQUkvzfE-GhbQeuM91IoTa7QCU4cec5pAE1uYnSFvYSc9XV9Hf3TA3BTB3wuYc34OGBm6CYAucJpJJYu7ggkKRjpfFC57LIjAioaxx3XL4c2gVcY_gHw6YtqWmJAMK8A2XtzVhhuxD4dgCEAAR7NjLcD53Yw7QEYuWafR0U8yf4.U7mcpDBIb3-eSnb9zcIeXiKpTZA5LQm14mn8__5Ync0&dib_tag=se&keywords=alan+redpath+victorious+christian+living&qid=1778597792&sprefix=alan+red%2Caps%2C173&sr=8-1 Michael Wells- https://abidinglife.com

This is a special episode including the teaching of Dr. Solomon, the founder of GFI, on rejection. Dr. Solomon defines rejection and dives include how rejection causes us to life and feel defeated. He explains not only how rejection can affect us, but also how it impacts our relationships with others and with God. If you would like to hear Mark and Dr. John discuss rejection, please see episode 28. This talk was part of a conference given in 1990. We apologize for the quality of the audio, but the information is priceless. If you are interested in the entire conference: Audio: https://grace-fellowship-international.myshopify.com/products/exchanged-life-conference-1990-audio-download Video: https://grace-fellowship-international.myshopify.com/products/exchanged-life-conference-1990-online

In this episode. Mark and John discuss why GFI is cross-focused and Christ-centered. Christ is not just our example; He is our life! Dr. John briefly explains the meaning of our crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and ascension in Christ. Mark and John also discuss how the Christian life is lived out by faith. The Cross and Christ are not just for salvation but also for sanctification. Links GFI Certifications:https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/counseling-certification/ Rob Semco YT Page: https://www.youtube.com/@RootedinChristYT/shorts Aaron Kim YT Page: https://www.youtube.com/@aaronkim1074 GFI YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GraceFellowshipIntl Grace Study Hall: https://www.gracestudyhall.org Grace Notebook: https://gracenotebook.com www.gracefellowshipinternational.com

In this podcast, Mark and John discuss the role that social media plays in mental health. Social media has become a mirror for the flesh, and flesh problems are exposed by social media. Social media amplifies the fear of rejection. You and I are accepted in Christ, not by scrolling social media for identity. For most, social media is a highlight reel. When we compare our lives to others, this comparison produces insecurity, anxiety, discontentment, and false identity. Mark and John also discuss how social media can impact our identity in a negative way. To end the podcast, the guys discuss healthy alternatives, including setting boundaries, posting from overflow, and taking a weekly digital sabbath. Links Selfie Dad Movie: https://selfiedadmovie.com Father's Love Letter: https://www.fathersloveletter.com Journey Home to Love: https://youtu.be/pspgBuddAo4?si=RHAO5RQPXlYr3ixC Andy Crouch Book, "Tech-Wise Family" https://www.amazon.com/Tech-Wise-Family-Everyday-Putting-Technology-ebook/dp/B01M1SDHYT/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1NYA3BAHO868V&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9L7_aR7hLVysABn84eiisuJ-DXZWE-iDcYIJXsRfkzKbOUPY5K54Pq-n8RSrIrFRFMEK2wi8J8uGhkY4t2Qm5nHTlxycLsA3K1nxfsHIP3z-WlmJrO-MbGLH9ljBY1Ci.IOwL7Ix4Tgmz-XgYqbgsuW51CQljflPo3rlr8187S2w&dib_tag=se&keywords=andy+crouch+tech+wise+family&qid=1774541090&sprefix=andy+crouch%2Caps%2C188&sr=8-1 "The Perils of Social Media" by Alexandra Dieckmann: https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/resources/the-perils-of-social-media/