Advertise on podcast: Against the Grain

Who Is Your Neighbor? Serving the Homeless Community with Clean Up USA When we think of our “neighbors,” we usually picture the people who live next door or down the street. But what if our neighbors also include those who don’t have a home at all? In this episode, Eric, Courtney, and Jordan highlight the work of our local partner, Clean Up USA, and share the powerful stories of the people they serve. You’ll hear how this ministry meets the needs of those experiencing homelessness with dignity and compassion. This conversation will challenge you to look for opportunities to love others fiercely and inconveniently, as well as show you the beauty of walking in step with God’s calling on your life. Keywords: loving your neighbor, homeless ministry, serving the homeless, Clean Up USA, local outreach, Christian podcast, faith in action, community service, helping the homeless, love your neighbor, walking in God’s calling, local missions, compassion ministry, church outreach, homelessness and faith, serving others, practical ministry, Christian living

Mistakes don’t have to define you. They can transform you. Men of Nehemiah is a faith-based recovery program for men, dedicated to defeating addiction, transforming families, and restoring communities. In this episode, Eric, Randy, and Rand share what Men of Nehemiah is, the life-changing work happening inside the program, and how you can get involved in the mission, whether you’re seeking recovery, looking to volunteer, or hoping to support the cause. Keywords: Men of Nehemiah, men’s recovery program, addiction recovery, overcoming addiction, faith-based recovery, Christian recovery program, men’s ministry, restoring families, community restoration, transformation stories, second chances, substance abuse recovery, how to get involved, volunteer opportunities, recovery podcast

Living a Christ-centered life means living a life of service, and you don’t have to travel halfway around the world to do it. Right here in our own backyard, neighbors are hurting and need a helping hand. Texans on Mission mobilizes volunteers to help rebuild communities after floods and other natural disasters. In this episode, Eric, Randy, and Ron share stories of how the organization has served families in the aftermath of devastating storms, and explain how you can get involved. You don’t need special training to make a difference. All it takes is a willing heart. Listen now to find out how you can answer the call to serve. Resources: Texans on Mission Connect through 121 Keywords: Texans on Mission, Christian service, Christ-centered life, disaster relief, disaster recovery, flood relief, natural disaster volunteer, Texas disaster relief, volunteer opportunities, community service, serving others, faith in action, Christian volunteer, mission work, local missions, rebuilding communities, Christian podcast, faith-based podcast, how to volunteer, helping those in need

God is doing incredible things in our city, and there are more ways than ever to be part of it. But with so many areas to serve and so many volunteer opportunities, it’s easy to focus on the tasks and lose sight of the real people on the other side of them. Serving opens the door to relationships we may never have otherwise, and gives us the chance to connect with our neighbors on a deeper level. In this episode, Eric, Lauren, and Amy share the impact they’ve seen while serving in Grapevine, Texas, and how these opportunities have helped love our city well. Whether you’re looking for ways to get involved or have served for years, you’ll walk away encouraged to see people, not just projects. Keywords: serving the community, volunteer opportunities, Grapevine Texas, Grapevine volunteering, loving your city, church community outreach, serving others, Christian service, local ministry, community impact, faith in action, neighbors, church podcast, Christian podcast, volunteer ministry, city outreach

"Missions" isn't just what happens in foreign countries across the globe. Missions is a life calling to make disciples and share the hope of Christ with everyone in our path, from your neighbor to your coworker to the stranger in line at the coffee shop. In this episode, Eric, Amy, and Kevin explore what it looks like to live on mission right where you are. They dig into local mission opportunities, the real impact of stepping out of your comfort zone, and how to live intentionally for the Gospel in everyday life. Whether you're a seasoned missionary or simply wondering how to start, you'll walk away encouraged and equipped to see your own community as a mission field. Press play, and discover how ordinary moments can become extraordinary opportunities to love others and point them to Jesus. Keywords: local missions, Christian podcast, living on mission, making disciples, sharing the Gospel, evangelism, mission field, comfort zone, intentional living, hope of Christ, Christian discipleship, everyday missionary, church outreach, faith podcast, Great Commission, community outreach

In a culture that glorifies busyness, taking one intentional day of rest each week feels almost countercultural. We fill our "off days" with grocery runs, house chores, and errands, chasing productivity even when we're supposed to be resting. But what if we were never meant to live that way? In this episode, Eric, Andrew, and Beth unpack the importance and value of the Sabbath like why it matters, what it really means, and how to reclaim it in a world that never stops. They share practical ways to build intentional rest into your week and challenge you to rethink what a true day of rest can look like. Get ready to get serious about the Sabbath and start practicing it in your everyday life. Keywords: Sabbath, Sabbath rest, intentional rest, rest day, biblical rest, Christian podcast, Sabbath practice, spiritual rest, rhythms of rest, faith and rest, work-life balance, Christian rest day

More Than a Song: Redefining True Worship Worship isn't confined to the opening set before the sermon. It's a lifestyle, a posture, and a practice that stretches far beyond the stage. In this episode, Eric, Cam, and Caleb dig into what worship really means, why it matters more than we often realize, and practical ways to grow in how we praise the Lord. Whether you've sung worship songs your whole life or you're just starting to explore your faith, this conversation will challenge the way you think about worship and invite you into a deeper, more meaningful practice of it. Get ready to see worship in a whole new light. Keywords: worship, true worship, what is worship, Christian worship, worship music, praise and worship, worship lifestyle, biblical worship, Christian podcast, faith and worship, growing in faith, worshiping God

You have skills and gifts. Are you using them with kingdom purpose? Your position on the corporate ladder doesn't determine your impact. You don't have to be the boss to be a leader, and your influence on the people around you may be far greater than you realize. In this episode, Eric sits down with Jim Greenwood and Payton Mayes, CEOs and business leaders, to talk about how the book of Nehemiah has shaped the way they lead their companies and their people. Their stories will inspire and equip you to take a fresh look at your own life and spheres of influence, and to steward your God-given gifts and skills for a purpose far bigger than your job description. Keywords: Christian leadership, Nehemiah leadership lessons, book of Nehemiah, faith and work, kingdom purpose, Christian CEO, Christian business leaders, marketplace ministry, leadership podcast, biblical leadership, workplace leadership, servant leadership, God-given gifts and talents, spheres of influence, calling and career, leading with purpose, Payton Mayes, Jim Greenwood

Unlocking the Bible: A Practical Guide to Reading Scripture with ConfidenceThe Word of God is alive and powerful—but let's be honest, opening the Bible can feel overwhelming, whether you're a lifelong believer or just starting your faith journey. The truth is, every time you dive into scripture, there's something new waiting to be discovered.As Christians, engaging deeply with the Bible isn't just a suggestion, it's part of our calling. But how do you actually do that well? Where do you even start?In this episode, Eric and Vince break down practical, actionable ways to read the Bible with purpose and confidence. They cover where to begin if you're feeling lost or intimidated, simple strategies for building a consistent reading habit, and how to move from surface-level reading to real understanding.Whether you've read the Bible cover to cover or you're cracking it open for the first time, this conversation will equip you with tools to engage scripture in a way that's meaningful, sustainable, and transformative.Tune in and rediscover the power of God's Word.Keywords: how to read the Bible, Bible study tips, Christian podcast, scripture reading guide, Bible for beginners, faith and spirituality, understanding the Bible, daily devotional habits, Christian growth, Bible reading plan

Your Neighborhood Is Bigger Than You Think In this episode, Eric, Jhejuda, and Kevin dig into the incredible ministry happening right in our own backyard — from cross-cultural friendships to pick-up soccer games that are becoming powerful tools for reaching people well. Loving your neighbor doesn't stop at the house next door. It reaches the person you sit beside at a soccer tournament, the people at your gym in the morning, and everyone God places in your path. Here in the DFW area, the nations have come to us, and our neighborhoods will never look the same. Keywords: neighborhood ministry, loving your neighbor, DFW ministry, cross-cultural outreach, nations in DFW, community outreach podcast, missions at home, soccer ministry, everyday evangelism, local missions, reaching your community, faith and community, DFW podcast, gospel outreach, urban missions

"I Can't Believe in a God Who Allows Evil" — Wrestling With Suffering & Faith "I can't believe in a God who allows evil." Ever thought that? Most of us have! When life gets dark, staying convinced that God is good isn't always easy, and that's okay to admit. No matter what you believe, we can all agree on one thing: evil is real. So how do we as Christians actually deal with that? Not just in theory, but in real life, real conversations, real doubt. In this episode Eric, Rick, and Jason get honest about the problem of evil, the hard questions, the messy doubts, and how to talk about it with people who are struggling too. No easy answers here, just real talk on one of faith's toughest topics. Resources: The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering by Tim Keller The Reason for God by Tim Keller Keywords: problem of evil, Christian podcast, faith and doubt, does God allow suffering, apologetics, evil in the world, God's goodness, Christianity, theodicy, wrestling with faith, suffering and God

Is Christian faith a blind leap, or is there evidence pointing to a Creator? In this episode, Eric, Rick, Brian and Jason explore the evidence for design throughout nature, the human body, and the universe. From DNA and biological complexity to the fine-tuning of the cosmos, we consider why the order and purpose we see in creation point beyond chance and toward an intelligent Designer. We also discuss how worldview assumptions shape the way we interpret evidence and how Christians can engage skeptics with humility, curiosity, and thoughtful questions. Ultimately, the evidence of creation invites us not only to greater confidence in our faith, but to greater awe of the God who created it all. Topics: Design, science and faith, DNA, irreducible complexity, fine-tuning, materialism, apologetics, engaging skeptics.

Has science really disproved God or the Bible's account of creation? It's a common claim, but is the evidence as clear-cut as many believe? In this episode, Eric, Rick, Jason & Brian explore the relationship between faith and science, tackling questions about evolution, the origin of life, the Big Bang, and the fine-tuning of the universe. They discuss why scientific debates are often more nuanced than headlines suggest and how Christians can confidently engage these conversations by asking thoughtful questions and examining the evidence. This episode also looks at why believers can remain united on secondary issues like the age of the earth while standing firm on the foundational truth that God is Creator. If you've ever wondered whether science and Christianity are truly at odds, this conversation will equip you to think critically, respond graciously, and grow in confidence that faith and science are not enemies. Resources: Return of the God Hypothesis by Stephen Meyer Inventing the Flat Earth by  Jeffrey Burton Russell Privileged Planet (ID the Future) Greg Koukl videos in under 3 minutes & under an hour Keywords: Christian apologetics, faith and science, science and Christianity, biblical creation, creation vs evolution, intelligent design, origin of life, Big Bang, fine-tuning, evidence for God, Genesis, Christian worldview, apologetics podcast, science and the Bible, defending the faith.

Can we really trust the Bible? Has Scripture been changed over time, or is it reliable after thousands of years? Many people compare the Bible to a giant game of telephone, assuming its message has been distorted through centuries of copying and translation. But does the evidence support that claim? In this episode, Eric, Jason, Rick and Brian explore the historical reliability of the Bible, the accuracy of biblical manuscripts, and the archaeological evidence that consistently supports Scripture. You'll discover why Christians can have confidence that the Bible we read today faithfully preserves God's Word and why the claims of Scripture continue to stand up to historical scrutiny. Whether you're wrestling with doubts, answering tough questions from skeptics, or simply wanting to strengthen your faith, this conversation will equip you with practical reasons to trust the Bible and engage confidently in conversations about Scripture. Resources: History & Biblical Archaeology: 4-part series Can We Trust the Bible Workshop Where Did the Bible Come From? Something Out There is Shaping the Way We Live - Sermon Archive Key Topics Can the Bible be trusted?Is the Bible just a game of telephone?Historical reliability of the BibleBiblical manuscript evidenceArchaeological evidence for the BibleHas the Bible changed over time?Bible translations and textual accuracyDefending the authority of ScriptureChristian apologeticsEvidence for ChristianityHow to answer questions about the BibleWhy Christians can trust God's Word

Sharing your faith can feel intimidating. Many Christians want to talk about Jesus but hesitate because they don't feel knowledgeable enough, worry about being asked difficult theological questions, or fear coming across as pushy or judgmental. So how do you faithfully share the gospel while still being gracious, genuine, and inviting? In this episode, Eric, Brian, and Rick explore practical, biblical strategies for having meaningful conversations about faith. They discuss how asking thoughtful questions can open doors, why listening is just as important as speaking, and how to approach evangelism with humility, wisdom, and love. Rather than relying on polished arguments or having every answer, they explain how developing the right perspective can help you confidently point people to Christ in everyday conversations. Whether you've been following Jesus for decades or you're just beginning to grow in your faith, this conversation will encourage you to share the hope of the gospel with confidence, compassion, and authenticity. Resources: Questioning Evangelism (by Randy Newman) Unshakable Truth (by McDowell & McDowell) Questioning Christianity (A Podcast by Tim Keller) Noyes on the Street (YouTube Channel) What Would You Say? (YouTube Videos) Give Me An Answer (Cliffe Knechtle Videos) Topics: Christian evangelism | How to share your faith | Gospel conversations | Talking about Jesus | Overcoming fear in evangelism | Answering difficult questions about Christianity | Christian apologetics | Asking better questions | Winsome evangelism | Biblical communication | Effective discipleship | Sharing the gospel with confidence | Faith conversations | Living out the Great Commission