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The Resetting Generation: Biblical Family & Economics with Matt PlettIn this episode of Gardens in Babylon, host Kevin Minnett sits down with dairy farmer and pastor Matt Plett (host of Down to Earth Theology) to tackle the collapse of generational stewardship and the urgent calling for Christians today to be the "resetting generation." Drawing from his daily rhythm milking cows in southeastern Manitoba and pastoring a growing congregation, Matt explains why the grounded, tactile reality of blue-collar work is an indispensable training ground for shepherding God's people. Together, Kevin and Matt dissect cultural decay, the moral evil of generational deficit spending, and the modern temptation of self-indulgent retirement. Rather than devouring the inheritance of our grandchildren, biblical Christians are called to plant productive roots, establish parallel economic resilience, and catechize the next generation. If you have ever felt displaced by cultural nihilism and wondered how to build durable, faithful households in exile, this conversation provides a realistic, hopeful blueprint for cultivating long-term faithfulness in hard places. Key TakeawaysFarming as a Counterweight to Theoretical Ministry: Working with livestock, markets, and weather forces a pastor to engage reality as it actually is, fostering adaptability and empathy for working-class parishioners.The Moral Failure of Generational Debt: Running state deficits and consuming capital on self-indulgent retirements is not merely poor economics—it is a moral violation that steals the future from our children and grandchildren.The Gift of a "Boring" Testimony: Faithful, covenantal parenting aims for children who never know a single day apart from walking with the Lord, avoiding the trap of chasing crisis conversions.Modeling Plus Catechesis: Living out Christian virtues without explaining why produces cultural momentum that runs out in a generation or two. Faithful fathers and churches must actively explain what they are doing while they do it.Grace for First-Generation Believers: Starting without generational capital simply means a steeper climb; the solution is not self-pity, but diligent obedience in the day of small beginnings.Links & Resources MentionedConnect with Matt Plett: Church: Trinity Fellowship (Niverville, MB)Sermons & Teaching: Trinity Fellowship on SermonAudioMedia & Podcast Network: Eschatology Matters YouTube Channel (Featuring Matt's series Down to Earth Theology)Theological & Historical References: Historical Quote: Cotton Mather on the New England Puritans ("Faithfulness begat prosperity, and the daughter devoured the mother.")Philosophical Concept: Charles Taylor’s concept of the Social ImaginaryCreeds & Confessions: Westminster Shorter Catechism (Question 1) ("What is the chief end of man?")Key Scripture Texts: Proverbs 13:22 (A good man leaves an inheritance), Zechariah 4:10 (Despise not the day of small beginnings), Romans 13 (The biblical role of the civil magistrate).

Can the simple act of growing a tomato or baking a loaf of bread be an exercise in applied theology? In this episode of _Gardens in Babylon_, Kevin Minnett and co-host Eric Anderson sit down with homesteader/theologian Kelsey Beck Fernandez to explore how Christian families can cultivate faithfulness in the midst of "Babylon." Kelsey shares his incredible journey from atheism to the a robust Christian faith, and how his career in the culinary and wine industries opened his eyes to the profound beauty of God's design in agriculture. Discover why homesteading isn't just about survival or "prepping," but about pursuing the good life, taking dominion, and building a resilient, multi-generational faith. Whether you live on ten acres or in a suburban townhouse, you'll walk away with practical steps to start producing, cultivating, and recognizing God's providence right where you are. *In This Episode, We Cover:* * *From Atheist to Homesteader:* Kelsey’s spiritual journey and how learning about multi-generational agriculture through the wine industry reshaped his worldview. * *The "Necessary Good" of Homesteading:* Why learning basic agricultural skills—like gardening, raising animals, and even butchery—can deeply enrich your family's education and understanding of scripture. * *Faithfulness in Deep Blue States:* Why Kelsey (California), Eric (Minnesota), and Kevin (Colorado) have chosen to plant roots and build Christian communities in places that can feel culturally hostile. * *Escaping the "Hunker in a Bunker" Mentality:* Shifting the motivation for preparedness away from dread and fear to a vision of thriving and building a lasting Christian culture. * *Practical Steps to Start Today:* Why learning to sharpen a knife, planting a pot of basil on your balcony, and cooking a whole chicken are the perfect gateway skills for aspiring homesteaders. * *The Birth of Tenfold Tallow:* How a surplus of pork fat led Kelsey to create a clean, nourishing, and farm-fresh skincare product for his wife and family. *Resources & Links Mentioned:* * *Connect with Kelsey Beck Fernandez on Instagram:*https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.instagram.com/kelseybeckfernandez * *Shop Tenfold Tallow (Farm-fresh, handcrafted skincare):*https://tenfoldtallow.com *Listen & Subscribe:* If you were encouraged by this conversation, please rate, review, and subscribe to _Gardens in Babylon_ wherever you listen to podcasts! Share this episode with a friend or family member who is interested in theology, homesteading, or Christian community building.

What if some of the wisdom we need for caring for our bodies has been growing in God’s creation all along? In this episode of Gardens in Babylon, Kevin Minnett talks with Camila Johnson, homeschool mom, former public-school teacher, herbalist, and author of Back to Eden: A Biblical Foundation for Herbal Healing, about herbs, health, and learning to recognize the Creator's wisdom in His creation. Camila's journey into herbalism began with a desire to understand how Christians can care for the bodies God has given us without losing sight of the One who made them. Along the way, she discovered that many approaches to herbalism either leave God out entirely or blur the distinction between the Creator and His creation. Her approach is different. As Camila puts it: “You steward the provision and you worship the Creator.” That simple distinction shapes the entire conversation. We talk about the biblical use of herbs, oils, and other natural substances; what the remarkable design of the human body can teach us about its Designer; and why learning more about how creation works should lead Christians to greater awe of God rather than less. Camila also explains how she has incorporated herbalism into a hands-on homeschool curriculum. Rather than treating herbalism as an isolated subject, her approach brings together science, history, language arts, math, Scripture, and practical skills. Children learn to identify and work with herbs, make simple preparations, and eventually build their own working apothecary—while parents learn alongside them. The conversation also touches on an important distinction that is easy to lose in discussions about natural health: God's creation is a gift to be stewarded, not an object to be worshiped. Whether you have an interest in herbal medicine, natural health, Christian homeschooling, or simply want to think more carefully about the goodness and wisdom displayed in God's creation, this conversation offers plenty to consider. Explore Camila's WorkEden Institute Camila's website includes her herbalism resources, app, quiz, homeschool curriculum, free materials, and information for sourcing herbs. 👉 edeninstitute.health Back to Eden: A Biblical Foundation for Herbal Healing Learn more about Camila's book and her biblical approach to herbalism. 👉 Back to Eden at Eden Institute A Note on Health: This conversation is for educational purposes and should not be taken as individualized medical advice. Herbs can have real effects and can interact with medications or be inappropriate for particular people. Consult a qualified healthcare professional when appropriate. Gardens in Babylon is a podcast about cultivating faithfulness in God's world—from the garden to the city, from family and education to culture, work, health, and everything in between. Because we still live in Babylon. And we still have a garden to tend. #ChristianHerbalism #BiblicalHerbalism #HerbsAndHealth #NaturalHealth #ChristianHomeschool #HerbalMedicine #BiblicalWorldview #GardensInBabylon

The conversation delves into the essence of the gospel, emphasizing the importance of understanding and proclaiming it accurately. It explores the lordship of Christ, the nature of the human heart, and the need for a comprehensive gospel presentation. The discussion also touches on the role of believers in advancing the lordship of Christ and the portrayal of this concept in the New Testament. The conversation delves into the essence of the gospel, emphasizing the lordship of Christ and the comprehensive nature of the gospel message. It explores the atonement, the power of the gospel for salvation, and the need for a full proclamation of the gospel message. Takeaways Gospel AccuracyLordship of Christ Lordship of ChristComprehensive Gospel Message Chapters 00:00 The Essence of the Gospel05:30 Misconceptions in Gospel Presentations08:31 The Offensiveness of the Gospel10:05 Understanding Human Depravity13:43 The Lordship of Christ18:12 The Authority of Christ22:01 The Kingdom of Christ26:00 The Triumph of Christ30:03 The Lordship of Christ in the Gospel38:41 The Comprehensive Nature of the Gospel Message44:19 The Atonement and the Power of the Gospel

The conversation covers topics such as church ministry, personal transformation, and the challenges of past experiences. It delves into the themes of redemption, grace, and the complexities of personal history within the context of faith and family life. The conversation delves into the themes of repentance, honesty, and responsibility in dealing with one's past, as well as the importance of thriftiness and building a home together as a couple. It also emphasizes the value of taking unhurried time to dream, plan, and celebrate as a family. The conversation explores the principles of thrift and its application in various aspects of life, including household management, financial stewardship, and family economics. It emphasizes the value of thrift in shaping a vision for beauty, contentment, and purpose within the home, as well as the generational impact of instilling thrift in children. Takeaways Redemption and graceChallenges of personal historyChurch ministry and family life Repentance, honesty, and responsibility are key in dealing with one's pastThriftiness and building a home together as a couple are important aspects of family life Thrift as a lifestyleGenerational impact of thrift Chapters 00:00 Church Ministry and Community Outreach09:13 Personal Transformation and Redemption17:06 Challenges of Past Experiences26:19 Repentance, Honesty, and Responsibility31:03 Building a Home Together50:37 The Value of Thriftiness55:47 The Principles of Thrift56:22 Investing in Household Essentials57:53 Creating Side Streams of Income01:00:50 Improving the Cosmic Household01:02:10 The Value of Thrift in Family Economics01:16:21 Instilling Thrift in the Next Generation

In this deeply moving episode of the Gardens in Babylon Podcast, host Kevin Minnett sits down with Ciara Dierking to explore her journey of faith, strength, and gratitude after surviving a sudden, life-threatening medical crisis that resulted in the loss of her arms and legs. Episode Overview In late December 2023, what seemed like a routine viral illness quickly escalated into severe pneumonia, flu, and strep A, triggering sepsis and organ failure. Miraculously surviving cardiac arrest through ECMO support, Ciara woke up to a reality as a quadruple amputee. Transitioning from a self-described "Type A" perfectionist to leaning entirely on God's grace, Ciara shares how daily gratitude, scripture memorization, and family support sustained her through recovery and inspired a mission-driven life. Key Takeaways Surrendering Control in Crisis: How Ciara shifted from a perfectionist mindset to resting in God's sovereignty and goodness during extreme physical loss.The Discipline of Gratitude: How writing down three daily blessings—inspired by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth’s Choosing Gratitude—became a spiritual life preserver in the ICU.Family & Marriage Resilience: Re-anchoring family roles, encouraging independence in her two young sons, and highlighting her husband David's selfless caregiving.Osseointegration & PT Goals: Navigating advanced bone-anchored prosthetic surgeries and setting a courageous multi-year goal to walk independently.Creative Renewal: Discovering adaptive watercolor painting and running an inspirational apparel line using specialized mobile technology.Featured Resources & Partners Always Grateful Threads: Ciara’s apparel and gift line featuring scripture designs, watercolor prints, and hoodies made to encourage believers and support her daily care needs (alwaysgratefulthreads.com).Bohnet Music Academy: Proud partner dedicated to fostering music education, artistic expression, and creative growth within the community (https://bohnetma.com/).Keeping the Citadel: Featured partner encouraging and equipping believers to build resilient, faith-filled homes and strong family foundations (keepingthecitadel.com)Recommended Reading: Choosing Gratitude by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth and resources from Joni Eareckson Tada (Joni and Friends) and Catherine Wolf (Hope Heals). #GardensInBabylon #CiaraDierking #GratefulThreads #ChristianTestimony #GodsProvidence #Gratitude #FaithInSuffering #HopeInChrist

In this conversation Kevin Minnett and Sean Bohnet the musical nature of creation and worship, the relationship between music and mathematics, the role of singing in worship, and the heavenly language of singing. They explore the idea that music is a reflection of God, the importance of the voice in worship, and the intercreatural language of singing. The conversation delves into the spiritual significance of music and its role as a battleground for spiritual influence. It also emphasizes the importance of musical excellence in the context of worship and spiritual growth. Takeaways Music as a Reflection of GodThe Importance of the Voice in WorshipThe Intercreatural Language of Singing Music as a Spiritual BattlegroundThe Importance of Musical Excellence Chapters 00:00 The Musical Nature of Creation and Worship12:06 The Relationship Between Music and Mathematics18:09 The Role of Singing in Worship24:03 The Heavenly Language of Singing29:39 The Spiritual Battle of Music

Episode Title: Reclaiming Biblical Femininity & Homemaking with Heather Faria Episode Summary: In this episode of Gardens in Babylon, host Kevin Minnett sits down with Heather Faria, creator and founder of Keeping the Citadel magazine and podcast. Together, they discuss the shift away from modern feminism, the limitations of the "trad wife" trend, and how Christian women can cultivate true beauty and order in the home. Heather shares the story behind the name Keeping the Citadel, the importance of biblical womanhood, and practical advice for navigating difficult family dynamics while pursuing kingdom work within the home. Key Takeaways & Topics CoveredThe Story Behind "Keeping the Citadel": How Eowyn’s character arc in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings inspired the vision to redeem womanhood, moving from fighting cultural battles in the wrong arena to embracing the calling of a life-giver and nurturer. Feminism vs. Biblical Womanhood: Unpacking how cultural ideologies have impacted the church and why women are seeking a return to God's original design for the home. The Trad Wife Movement: Evaluating the cultural trend of "trad wives" through a scriptural lens, contrasting superficial or performative homemaking with gospel-rooted Christian stewardship. Practical Advice for Challenging Circumstances: Encouragement for women dealing with past regrets, passive leadership in the home, or the daily chaos of family life. Homemaking as Kingdom Work: Viewing daily household duties not as mundane chores, but as acts of taking dominion, pushing back the curse, and reflecting God’s beauty and order. Featured Links & ResourcesKeeping the Citadel – Official website for the magazine, subscriptions, and issue updates. Keeping the Citadel Podcast – Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Recommended Publishing Resources: Canon Press and New Christendom Press. Guest InformationHeather Faria is a wife of 15 years, mother of two, and the founder and editor-in-chief of Keeping the Citadel. Through her quarterly publication and podcast, she equips and encourages women in biblical femininity, Titus 2 discipleship, and Christian homemaking. #BiblicalWomanhood, #Homemaking, #ChristianMotherhood, #BiblicalFemininity, #Titus2, #KeepingTheCitadel, #GardensInBabylon, #ChristianHomemaker, #ChristianFamily, #TradWife, #ChristianPodcast, #LordOfTheRings, #KingdomWork, #CultureAndFaith

What does it take to raise boys who become godly, capable, productive men? In this episode of Gardens in Babylon, Kevin Minnett and Riley Toews sit down with entrepreneur, homesteader, writer, and mentor John Moody for a wide-ranging conversation about biblical manhood, Christian education, raising boys, family economy, work, mentorship, and generational legacy. John argues that one of the truest measures of a man's success isn't simply what he builds during his lifetime—but whether he can faithfully reproduce that success through those who come after him. A farm without the next generation prepared to carry it forward can disappear. A business can collapse when its founder retires. A church can stumble when faithful leadership is not passed on. A man's accomplishments mean little if he has not cultivated faithful people who can preserve and build upon what he began. So what does this mean for Christian fathers? This conversation explores why raising godly sons requires more than protecting them from the world. Boys need meaningful work, responsibility, discipline, challenge, mentorship, and the opportunity to see their fathers live out faithful Christian manhood. John shares why fathers should be actively involved in their sons' education and why practical formation matters alongside academics. The conversation addresses the importance of teaching boys how to work, negotiate, solve problems, handle responsibility, and understand the relationship between labor, value, money, and stewardship. In This Episode• Why a man's success should be measured partly by what he reproduces in the next generation • The importance of raising godly men rather than merely successful boys • Why boys need meaningful work, physical challenge, responsibility, and real-world consequences • The role fathers play in their sons' education and development • How work and shared projects become opportunities for discipleship • Building a productive family economy • Teaching children about work, money, entrepreneurship, and responsibility • Why Christian families should think generationally rather than merely surviving the present • The dangers of both the prosperity gospel and what John calls the "poverty gospel" • Why success and wealth are not inherently opposed to Christian faithfulness • Preparing young men to navigate today's difficult economic environment • How fathers can prepare their sons to become husbands, fathers, providers, leaders, and faithful stewards At the heart of the conversation is a simple question: What are you doing with your sons today that will prepare them to become faithful men tomorrow? The goal isn't simply to produce successful men. It is to raise faithful men whose strength, skills, resources, and influence are submitted to Christ and used for the good of their families, churches, communities, and the generations that follow. That requires fathers who are willing to think beyond childhood—and beyond themselves. If you are a father, grandfather, homeschooler, pastor, or Christian man thinking seriously about the future of the next generation, this conversation is for you. Subscribe to Gardens in Babylon for more conversations about cultivating faithfulness, building strong families, recovering productive households, and faithfully living for Christ in hard places. Connect & EngageShare your thoughts in the comments, and send this episode to a father who needs to hear it. #RaisingGodlyMen #BiblicalManhood #ChristianFatherhood #ChristianParenting #RaisingBoys #ChristianEducation #Homeschooling #FamilyEconomy #BiblicalStewardship #GenerationalLegacy #ChristianMen #JohnMoody #GardensInBabylon

Deceived: Exposing Feminism & Restoring Biblical Womanhood with Les Lanphere Filmmaker Les Lanphere joins Kevin Minnett on Gardens in Babylon to discuss his upcoming documentary Deceived: The Ruin of the Modern Woman, examining the theological, cultural, and relational impact of modern feminism on both the church and the family. Support the Deceived Kickstarter The campaign for Deceived needs your support to reach its funding goal before time runs out. Help bring this project to life by backing the campaign today: 👉 Back Deceived: The Ruin of the Modern Woman on Kickstarter Episode Highlights From Calvinist to Deceived: Les Lanfear reflects on a decade of Christian filmmaking (Calvinist, Spirit and Truth, Cessationist) and what compelled him to tackle the topic of feminism. The Root of the Crisis: How modern cultural shifts have eroded distinct God-given roles, leading to widespread dissatisfaction in marriage and society. Theology of Deception: A deep dive into Genesis 3 and 1 Timothy 2, exploring traditional versus contemporary interpretations of Eve’s deception and God's created order. Masculine & Feminine Spheres: Why erasing the distinct complementary strengths of men and women harms both sexes, and why celebrating biblical womanhood is essential for flourishing homes. Male Responsibility: How male passivity helped enable cultural decay and what biblical fatherhood and leadership require today.

What happens when Christian men become so immersed in the stories, fantasies, and metaphors of our culture that they forget the real battle happening around them? In this episode of Gardens in Babylon, Kevin Minnett sits down with Kevin Swanson, author of Strong, for a wide-ranging conversation about biblical manhood, Christian masculinity, the fear of God, family discipleship, generational faith, and the responsibility of Christian men to stand firm in a hostile culture. Swanson argues that one of the great problems facing the modern church is not simply bad strategy or bad politics—it is weakening faith. What the church needs is stronger faith, a stronger grasp of the gospel, stronger Christian men, and a renewed fear of God. But what does that strength actually look like? It means fathers who disciple their children. It means men who are willing to stand alone when truth is at stake. It means Christians who understand that history is real, sin is real, judgment is real, redemption is real, and Jesus Christ is real. And it means getting out of the metaphor. Swanson uses a memorable picture from The Lord of the Rings: imagine a young man sitting in the back of Helm's Deep playing a video game about the battle of Helm's Deep while the real battle is happening around him. That, Swanson argues, is a picture of modern manhood. We can become so absorbed in fictional battles that we fail to recognize the real spiritual, cultural, familial, and generational battles taking place in front of us. This conversation explores what it means for Christian men to stop playing at war and faithfully engage the real war God has actually given them. Swanson argues that fantasy can point us toward reality, but we can also become so immersed in fantasy that we escape from reality altogether. Instead of confronting God, sin, judgment, redemption, history, and responsibility, modern man can retreat into an endless stream of entertainment and fictional conflict. The result is a generation of men who may know everything about fictional heroes while lacking the courage to stand for truth in their own homes, churches, communities, and generation. The answer isn't to abandon stories. Strong Men Build Strong FamiliesSwanson also emphasizes that Christian strength isn't merely about individual toughness. It is fundamentally connected to discipleship and generational faith. He calls fathers to teach their children God's Word "line upon line, precept upon precept," including through daily family worship and relational discipleship. He also describes his own decades of discipling young men in his home. The goal is not simply to produce boys who know Christian ideas. It is to raise men who know God, fear God, love Christ, understand Scripture, recognize reality, and are willing to stand when the pressure comes. As Swanson puts it, our sons need to see their fathers engage the battle—not as perfect men, but as men who repent, confess their sins, oppose evil, trust Christ, and continue standing in faith. About Kevin SwansonKevin Swanson has spent decades working in Christian education, homeschooling, family discipleship, and generational ministry. Raised as a missionary kid in Japan, Swanson comes from a family deeply shaped by the early homeschooling movement and has emphasized the importance of generational faith throughout his ministry. #KevinSwanson #ChristianMen #BiblicalManhood #ChristianManhood #StrongMen #FearOfGod #ChristianFatherhood #FamilyDiscipleship #GenerationalFaith #BiblicalMasculinity #ChristianFamily #ChristianWorldview #ChristianDiscipleship #GardensInBabylon #StrongMenOfGod

We live in an age of unprecedented distraction. Our phones, social media feeds, notifications, emails, entertainment, and endless digital demands compete constantly for our attention. But what happens when Christian men learn to watch—not merely the clock, but their lives? In this episode of Gardens in Babylon, Kevin Minnett sits down with Ty Nelson and Junior Hernandez, founders of Keep Watch, a Christian watch company built around an old but increasingly neglected spiritual discipline: watchfulness. Their mission is rooted in Ephesians 5:15–16: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” What began as a business idea grew out of conversations about the problem of distraction, the need for Christian men to redeem their time, and the desire to create something that would serve as a daily reminder to live faithfully before God. Rather than creating another device competing for our attention, Keep Watch chose the opposite approach: a simple analog watch designed to help men get away from their phones and become more present with their families, churches, work, and communities. But this conversation goes far beyond watches. Ty and Junior explain how Christian men should think about starting businesses, taking risks, stewarding wealth, building families, finding mentors, serving their local churches, and cultivating Christian businesses that can actually bless their communities. They also discuss the importance of recovering a distinctly Christian vision of masculinity and learning from the faithful men who came before us. Keep Watch's watches draw inspiration from figures such as John Knox and Charles Spurgeon, turning church history into a daily reminder to stand boldly for Christ. 🔎 Topics & KeywordsChristian entrepreneurship, Christian business, Christian men, biblical masculinity, Christian masculinity, spiritual discipline of watchfulness, redeeming the time, Ephesians 5:15-16, Christian productivity, smartphone distraction, social media addiction, digital distraction, analog watches, Keep Watch, Ty Nelson, Junior Hernandez, John Knox, Charles Spurgeon, Prince of Preachers, church history, Christian business owners, biblical work, family economics, Christian family, Christian leadership, dominion, stewardship, Christian entrepreneurship, local church, Reformed theology, Protestant history, Gardens in Babylon. About Gardens in BabylonGardens in Babylon is a podcast about cultivating faithfulness in hard places. We talk with pastors, missionaries, families, entrepreneurs, and other Christians who are seeking to build, cultivate, and remain faithful in a culture that increasingly feels like Babylon. Rather than retreating from the world, we want to explore what it means to faithfully build families, churches, businesses, communities, and institutions for the glory of God. Subscribe to Gardens in Babylon and join us as we learn how to plant gardens—even in Babylon. Connect With Keep WatchKeep Watch is a Christian watch company focused on recovering the spiritual discipline of watchfulness and encouraging men to make better use of their God-given time. Website: Keep Watch The founders also invite listeners to follow Keep Watch on social media and participate in the conversation about future watch designs. Hashtags#GardensInBabylon #KeepWatch #ChristianMen #ChristianEntrepreneurship #BiblicalMasculinity #Watchfulness #RedeemTheTime #Ephesians5 #ChristianBusiness #ChristianBusinessOwners #CharlesSpurgeon #JohnKnox #ChurchHistory #ChristianFamily #BiblicalManhood #ChristianLeadership #Entrepreneurship #Reformed #ChristianPodcast

What does it look like to build a Christian family economy in a culture that increasingly rejects the biblical vision of marriage, children, work, and human flourishing? In this episode of Gardens in Babylon, Kevin Minnett sits down with Josh Streblow, a father of nine, cattle and hog farmer, and owner of Carl's Bakery in Granite Falls, Minnesota, to talk about what it means to build a productive household that doesn't retreat from the world—but faithfully engages it. The conversation begins with the wisdom of Puritan pastor Richard Baxter, who understood the household as far more than a place of rest or private refuge. The Christian home is an economy, a place where husbands, wives, children, and even servants participate in meaningful work, stewardship, discipleship, and worship. For Baxter, work wasn't merely about earning money. Diligent labor was an act of worship. Our time, resources, skills, businesses, land, and households belong to God, and therefore our work should be directed toward His glory. Josh Streblow is putting that vision into practice. As a husband and father, farmer, and business owner, Josh has spent years building a multi-generational family economy around productive work, faith, land, and community. But that commitment has also brought him into direct conflict with a culture that increasingly demands that Christians keep their convictions private. When Pride Month arrived, Josh chose not to hide his convictions behind the doors of his bakery. Instead, he publicly celebrated the biblical vision of marriage and family. The result was national attention, boycott attempts, hostility, and threats. But Josh's response wasn't to retreat. His philosophy is simple: You can't just build. You also have to fight. And when you fight, you fight like heaven. In this conversation, we explore what it means to recover a biblical vision of productive households, why Christians should think beyond individual careers and paychecks, how families can build real economic resilience, and why faithful Christian witness sometimes requires courage in the public square. The Productive Christian HouseholdOne of the great failures of modern Christianity has been the reduction of the Christian life to what happens inside the church building. But Scripture gives us a much bigger vision. The household is a place of discipleship. Work is a sphere of worship. Children are a heritage from the Lord. Property is something to steward. Businesses can serve neighbors. And faithful Christians are called to cultivate what God has entrusted to them. The goal isn't simply to survive the culture. It is to build something faithful, beautiful, productive, and enduring—and to do so with the confidence that Christ is Lord over every square inch of creation. About Gardens in BabylonGardens in Babylon explores what it means for Christians to faithfully live, work, build, worship, raise families, and proclaim Christ in a world increasingly shaped by competing visions of truth, beauty, morality, and human flourishing. KeywordsChristian family economy, productive household, Christian household, Christian family, Christian business, Christian entrepreneurship, work as worship, biblical work ethic, Richard Baxter, Puritan work ethic, Christian economics, family economy, multi-generational family, Christian farming, Christian business owners, biblical family, Christian culture, productive families, Christian stewardship, Christian entrepreneurship Hashtags#ChristianFamily #ChristianBusiness #ProductiveHousehold #ChristianEconomy #WorkAsWorship #ChristianEntrepreneurship #BiblicalFamily #ChristianCulture #RichardBaxter #ChristianStewardship #FamilyEconomy #GardensInBabylon

From Iran to Christ: Shohreh Polley's Incredible Journey | Gardens in Babylon Podcast 📖 Episode Description What does it cost to follow Christ when you've spent your entire life devoted to Islam? In this unforgettable episode of Gardens in Babylon, Kevin Minnett sits down with Shohreh Polley, whose remarkable testimony spans continents, revolutions, and the sovereign providence of God. Raised in a deeply devout Shi'a Muslim family in Iran, Shohreh faithfully prayed, fasted during Ramadan, and believed that acceptance before God depended on good works. She witnessed firsthand the aftermath of the Iranian Revolution, the rise of the Islamic Republic, political persecution, and the growing oppression that transformed her homeland. Yet God was quietly orchestrating another story. What began as an educational journey from Iran to Cyprus unexpectedly became a spiritual journey unlike anything she could have imagined. After years of searching, conversations with Christians, and countless "coincidences" that were anything but accidental, Shohreh found herself in one of the most unlikely places on earth—a tiny town in northern Ontario, Canada. There, through the ordinary kindness of faithful Christians, God opened the Scriptures and revealed the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is a story about: * God's providence over nations and individual lives * Life inside revolutionary Iran * Growing up in Shi'a Islam * The search for truth * The beauty of Christian hospitality * Leaving works-based religion for grace * Finding Christ when you least expect it Whether you're curious about Islam, interested in apologetics, or simply need encouragement that God is still drawing people to Himself from every nation, Shohreh's testimony is one you won't forget. --- ⏱️ In This Episode * Growing up in revolutionary Iran after the Islamic Revolution * What everyday life was really like inside a devout Muslim family * Shi'a Islam, prayer, Ramadan, and earning God's favor * Political upheaval, persecution, and the cost of dissent * Why Shohreh left Iran for Cyprus * Encounters with Christians that challenged everything she believed * How an unexpected move to rural Canada changed her life forever * The Christians whose quiet faith pointed her to Christ * Wrestling with the identity of Jesus * From Islam to Christianity: finding salvation by grace through faith * Lessons for Christians about evangelism, hospitality, and trusting God's providence --- Featured Quote "God was leading me long before I knew He was leading me." Who Should Watch? This episode is for anyone interested in: * Testimonies of God's grace * Islam and Christianity * Christian apologetics * Missions and evangelism * The Iranian Revolution and modern Iran * Religious conversion stories * Reformed Christian theology * God's providence in everyday life --- #FromIslamToChrist #ChristianTestimony #Iran #IranianChristian #ExMuslim #JesusChrist #ChristianPodcast #GardensInBabylon #Gospel #Apologetics #Evangelism #Faith #Islam #Christianity #Testimony #ConversionStory #ReligiousFreedom #Bible #ChristianLiving #Grace #Salvation #Mission #JesusSaves #GodsProvidence --- Subscribe to Gardens in Babylon If this conversation encouraged you, please: ✅ Like the video ✅ Subscribe to the channel ✅ Share this episode with a friend ✅ Leave a comment—we'd love to hear your thoughts. Every subscription helps us continue producing conversations that help Christians build faithful households and stand firm in an increasingly hostile culture.

Every Christian father wants to leave a legacy—but what if the greatest legacy isn't simply providing for your family, but building a productive household that bears fruit for generations? In this episode of Gardens in Babylon, Kevin Minnett sits down with Adam Madden, author of The Productive Household, church planter, entrepreneur, and father of nine, to explore why recovering the biblical household may be one of the most important tasks facing Christians today. Adam argues that modern families have become fragmented by culture, separating work, education, discipleship, and family life into disconnected pieces. Scripture presents a radically different vision—a household where fathers lead, mothers disciple, children participate, and the family works together to build an enduring legacy under the lordship of Christ. Rather than offering quick business hacks or productivity tips, this conversation challenges Christians to rethink the purpose of work itself. Productivity is not ultimately about making more money—it's about faithfully stewarding God's gifts, strengthening the family, serving the local church, and extending Christ's Kingdom across generations. Whether you're a father, pastor, church planter, entrepreneur, or simply longing to build a stronger Christian family, this conversation offers practical wisdom and a compelling biblical vision for reclaiming the household as God's primary engine for discipleship. In this episode you'll discover:• Why productive households are central to biblical manhood • The connection between the Dominion Mandate and the Great Commission • How entrepreneurship can strengthen family discipleship • Why many Christian families unknowingly adopt a fragmented lifestyle • The importance of family worship and intentional fatherhood • How businesses can become platforms for gospel ministry • Practical first steps toward building a family economy • Why churches should cultivate productive households—not just productive individuals • The role of multi-generational vision in Christian leadership • How pastors can help families recover biblical patterns of discipleship If this conversation encouraged you, please like this video, subscribe to Gardens in Babylon, and share it with someone seeking to build a faithful household for generations to come. Resources Mentioned • The Productive Household — Adam Madden • New Christendom Press About Gardens in Babylon Gardens in Babylon exists to equip Christians to pursue faithfulness and fruitfulness in a hostile culture. Through conversations on theology, family, church, culture, economics, entrepreneurship, and Christian living, we seek to help believers build households and communities that flourish for the glory of God. #BiblicalManhood #ChristianFamily #FamilyEconomy #ProductiveHousehold #AdamMadden #FamilyWorship #Entrepreneurship #ChurchPlanting #ChristianLeadership #Discipleship #DominionMandate #GreatCommission #Reformed #BiblicalFatherhood #GardensInBabylon