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Former Jehovah's Witnesses Rob and Sharon tell the story of growing up in the JW organization, and what led them out and into Biblical Christianity. From secret doubts about theology, to the unbelievable thing the organization did when their child passed way; they share the vulnerable parts of how God, in their words, "woke them up".

Rob and Sharon were JWs for nearly 50 years. They have shared insights into what the organization teaches about the end of the world, birthdays and more. Now we are getting to the most important thing: who is Jesus? They'll share what they were taught and what they know to be true now after leaving. They'll also talk about how the church retracted former teachings about Jesus, and how Christians can love and engage the JW community.

What goes on inside the head of Jehovah's Witnesses? After the reveal that our JW guests Rob and Sharon are NO LONGER JWs, but Christians: they give commentary on our original conversation. How did they REALLY feel about their birthdays, and how was the organization wrong about the end of the world so many times? We dive in.

The biggest difference between Christians and Jehovah's Witnesses is the belief about Jesus. Is He God? In this conversation, I bring up many passages that seem to say Jesus IS God. My guests brought up many reasons JWs don't believe Jesus is God in spite of those verses. And, there's a BIG reveal about these guests at the very end that leads into the next episode in this series.

I talked with a JW couple about many differences between Christians and Jehovah's Witnesses. Where did their church start? Do they think they're the only valid Christian church? And if they follow Jesus' example: why don't they celebrate Christmas and Easter? We discuss all of that in the first of 2 episodes.

Scholar NT Wright sat down with me to discuss who the Bible reveals God to be. It's a very different understanding than what the common thought on God is. If the Bible is not purely about souls getting to heaven, what is the gospel? Why did God create this world in the first place if He is already perfect? Plus, what are "the dark powers/Satan" and what do they want from us? Tom answers all of it, and also gives great insight to how people can flourish when they embrace the gifts that God gave them, to participate in His new creation.  And get more of NT Wright! Take the course "Simply Good News", thanks to Admirato and NT Wright Online. Get that free course here: https://www.admirato.org/enroll/3240824?price_id=4133065&coupon=beliefs

This is a bonus excerpt from the conversation with ex-Mormon, Brandi Bronson. In the original conversation, she shared her journey about growing up a Latter-Day Saint, and then realizing the church wasn't true. This episode is a segment of the conversation that wasn't included. We had a moment where we explored deep doctrines within Mormonism, like how many gods there are (infinite regression) and how it's viewed today, along with the doctrine of "Heavenly Mother".

In the final study guide episode for Islam, James Rayment from the Al-Ma'idah Initiative gives fresh ways to interact with Muslim neighbors. Including how one small greeting might have changed someone's life.

If you want to know the biggest difference between Christianity and Islam: this is the episode to listen to. We breakdown the Islamic view of the atonement, and how the belief is in spite of the evidence. We review Muslim claims about who Jesus is, and the fact that they deny it was Jesus on the cross in the first place. When it comes to truth, this is a very important conversation to have.

This week we talk about whether Muslims can have certainty about salvation, plus an interesting fact: Muslims have some say about other Muslims' salvation. And James addresses that elephant in the room: dying as a martyr to attain heaven. But it's not necessarily what you've heard in the news.

Christianity and Islam are 2 of the 3 "Abrahamic Religions". If they start from the same place, why are they so different? And most importantly: are we following the same God in different ways?

In this first study guide, we review my conversation with a Muslim. James Rayment, from The Al-Ma’idah Initiative, weighs in from a Christian viewpoint after years of talking to Muslims. Christians and Muslims believe some of the same prophets: but does that mean we agree on what they said? Plus, who was Muhammad and how did Islam start? We go to the very beginning.

"Who is Jesus" is a VERY important question, and we dive right into that during this conversation. Is Jesus God? Did he die and resurrect? Plus, is the Bible reliable? A Christian and a Muslim weigh in on their viewpoints. (NOTE: We mention the "Mineret Foundation, which since the time this podcast was recorded, has changed its name to "Bridges".)

Why is it offensive to show a picture of Muhammad? Do Muslims know with certainty if they will make it to heaven? What was it like to be a Muslim in America after 9/11? Shariq was an open book to discuss all of this and more, in part one of this conversation. This kicks off the Islam series, as we explore this viewpoint all while using the Bible as our guide to truth.

I got to talk to Brandi Bronson, who is the author of "The Journey to Jesus: Finding Christ After Leaving Mormonism". She shares her story about growing up in the LDS church, and explains the moment she realized that the church wasn't true. She eventually found the Jesus of the Bible. Brandi also answers my "outsider" questions about coffee/caffeine and whether the LDS church really taught that you could be a god of your own planet. (NOTE: We used some terms you might not be familiar with if you didn't grow up in the church. I've got a list of some terms and definitions below in case you need it).  Seminary: A religious education program for high school students in the LDS church. General Conference: Worldwide gathering of LDS members twice a year to hear from leaders. Restoration: The LDS belief of the modern-day return to the original gospel. They believe the gospel became corrupted and Joseph Smith restored it. Standard Work: The 4 LDS scriptures, which include the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price, and Doctrine and Covenants. The Prophet: The LDS church leader. He is the one that speaks on behalf of God to the LDS church. Bishop: local/congregation level leader in LDS church. The position is unpaid. Priesthood: The LDS belief of a received “power and authority” of God. African American members weren’t allowed to receive it until 1978. Celestial Kingdom: The top level of heaven. The only place where God the Father dwells in LDS theology. Brigham Young: the 2nd president/prophet of the LDS church, after Joseph Smith. Young led the church on the trek from Illinois to Utah in 1847. Kinderhook Plates: In 1843, men engraved symbols on plates and buried them. They then tricked Jospeh Smith to have him translate, as they said they had found ancient records. Priesthood Keys: The rights of presidency, or the power God gives to the prophet to govern and direct the LDS church. CES Letter: A document that lists problematic challenges to foundational truth claims of the church. Sons of Perdition: Those not worthy enough to dwell in any of the 3 kingdoms of LDS theology. Telestial Kingdom: The lowest level of heaven, or “kingdom of glory”. This is where the Spirit will visit, but none in this kingdom will see Jesus or Heavenly Father. Pre-Existence/First Estate: The LDS belief that all people lived in God’s presence before this life as His literal spirit children.