Provoke & Inspire Podcast
Religion & Spirituality
About
Provoke & Inspire is a weekly podcast featuring four artists, ministry leaders, and passionate followers of Jesus (Ben, David, Luke, and Chad) with decades of front-line experience and the stories to back it up! Every week they discuss how Jesus might respond to current events and issues facing the church today.
Episodes
- 655: If Jesus Is the Love of Your Life, Why Doesn't Anyone Know? | The Path to an Integrated Faith
Ben and David on the Provoke & Inspire Podcast discuss the common phenomenon of believers not sharing their faith with those around them. They question why something considered important is often omitted from conversations.
- 654: What People See Right Before They Die W/ Near-Death Experience Expert John Burke (Imagine Heaven)
Host Ben talks with author John Burke about research and findings on near-death experiences, exploring accounts of heaven and hell and their biblical context on the Provoke & Inspire Podcast.
- 653: The Approach To LGBT That’s Pushing People Away From Jesus
This episode discusses how Christians can navigate LGBTQ+ issues with measured, grace-filled answers. It references apologist Cliff Knechtle's appearance on the
- 652: From Crystal Meth Addict to Leading Millions in Worship w/ Stephen McWhirter
In episode 652, Ben interviews Stephen McWhirter, discussing his powerful transformation from crystal meth addiction to becoming a prominent worship leader. They delve into reclaiming authentic worship and his book, 'Radically Restored: Ho…
- 651: What it Will Take to Rescue a World Drowning in Superficiality
Episode 651 discusses overcoming superficiality and reclaiming depth in life. It also promotes Ben Pierce's revised book, 'Jesus in the Secular World', offering insights for reaching secular audiences.
- 650: Alisa Childers Exposes What Progressive Christianity Actually Teaches
Alisa Childers discusses progressive Christianity with Ben on the Provoke & Inspire Podcast. They talk about defending traditional Christian belief in today's world.
- 649: How Did Jesus Handle Broken People - And Why Don't We Do That?
This episode of the Provoke & Inspire Podcast explores how Jesus handled broken people. The hosts react to a viral moment of Shia LaBeouf leading someone in prayer on a secular podcast, and discuss how Jesus would approach such individuals.
- 648: Jon McCray: My Wife Almost Died. This Is What God Taught Me
Jon McCray discusses navigating hardship and faith with Ben. The conversation covers suffering, meaning, and purpose.
- 647: Your Phone Is Rewiring Your Soul (And You Don’t Even Notice)
This episode of Provoke & Inspire Podcast features Ben, Luke, and Chad discussing the impact of screen time and internet "connectedness" on individuals and society. They explore its spiritual ramifications and strategies to reclaim attenti…
- 646: Christianity Expert: The Secular World Is Living Off Christian Ideas And The Clock Is Running Out! | Glen Scrivener
In this episode, Glen Scrivener argues that secular values such as human rights and equality originated from Christian ideas. Ben Pierce's book, "Jesus in the Secular World: Reaching a Culture in Crisis," has been revised and updated.
- 645: An Atheist Went to Church and Loved It - Should That Worry Us?
The Provoke & Inspire Podcast explores a viral clip about an atheist's emotional church experience. The discussion centers on whether encountering love and support in church is enough, or if a clear confrontation with the truth of Jesus is…
- 644: Christian Sex Expert: The Church has Misunderstood Desire | Jay Stringer
Jay Stringer, author and speaker, discusses his new book, "Desire: The Longings Inside Us." The conversation explores how the church may have misunderstood desire and its implications.
- 643: Have Christians Become Too Nice?
This episode of the Provoke & Inspire Podcast features Ben, David, and Luke discussing if Christians have become too nice. They also react to an interview clip of artist and thinker Nick Cave.
- 642: Top Christian TikToker, Read Choi: I Almost Got Canceled For Doing the Right Thing!
This episode features content creator Read Choi, who discusses navigating faith while achieving significant success on TikTok and living in Hollywood. He shares his strategies for engaging with people through humility and listening.
- 641: Is “Seeker Sensitive” Just Dumbing Down the Gospel?
The episode discusses the "seeker sensitive" movement, whether it dumbs down the gospel, and the appropriate mission for church services. It includes reactions to a video by Dr. Frank Turek.
- 640: A Protestant Asks: What Is Orthodox Christianity? (And Why Is It Growing?) W/ Jonathan Pageau
This episode of Provoke & Inspire Podcast features a discussion with Jonathan Pageau about Orthodox Christianity. The conversation explores the beliefs and practices of the Orthodox church and its increasing appeal to Christians.
- 639: How Do I Resist Porn in an AI World?
This episode of the Provoke & Inspire Podcast discusses the challenges of resisting pornography in a world with pervasive internet access and the rise of artificial intelligence. It also explores how to prepare children to guard against ex…
- 638: The Lasting Impact of Charlie Kirk’s Murder W/ Dr. Frank Turek
This episode features Dr. Frank Turek reflecting on the murder of Charlie Kirk, examining its implications for understanding evil, eternity, and the importance of the gospel. The discussion also touches on faith, politics, and apologetics.
- 637: The End of Loneliness Starts With You
The episode explores loneliness, isolation, and the practice of truly seeing people, sparked by a street comedian who offers thoughtful compliments. It also promotes a book titled "Jesus in the Secular World: Reaching a Culture in Crisis."
- 636: What Does the Bible Really Say About Women in Leadership? W/ Preston Sprinkle
Preston Sprinkle joins the Provoke & Inspire Podcast to discuss women in leadership within the church. He shares insights from his three-and-a-half-year theological journey, which led to his new book, From Genesis to Junia, examining scrip…
- 635: Are Arguments for God's Existence a Waste of Time?
This episode explores the value and limits of rational arguments for faith, reflecting on figures like Francis Schaeffer and C.S. Lewis. The discussion considers whether apologetics is sufficient for making disciples and its role in a post…
- 634: Is the Modern Family Making Us Lonely? (And Is It Even Biblical?)
This episode of Provoke & Inspire Podcast discusses whether the modern family contributes to loneliness and examines the concept of independence versus community. It references a clip from comedian Trevor Noah.
- 633: Jesus Promised Rest, So Why Are You Still Exhausted? | Tim Ross
This episode of Provoke & Inspire features Tim Ross, who explores why many Christians experience anxiety and exhaustion. The discussion centers on the nature of the peace Jesus promised and the distinction between being a peacekeeper and a…
- 632: How to Avoid Rock Bottom, and Recover If You Hit It
This episode discusses avoiding and recovering from rock bottom. It explores themes of burnout, failure, identity, and accountability through a personal story.
- P&I Moments: Why Does Victory Feel Hollow? | Coach RAC
On this episode of the Provoke & Inspire Podcast, RobertAnthony Cruz explores the paradox of achieving success while feeling empty. He reflects on the importance of honesty and community in finding healing and joy.
- 631: Why Do Churches Hide Sin? Bethel, Shawn Bolz, and Cover-Up Culture
This episode of the Provoke & Inspire Podcast explores why churches might hide sin, focusing on the Shawn Bolz controversy and Bethel Church’s response. The discussion covers accountability, public leadership, and institutional self-preser…
- P&I Moments: Why Do So Many Leaders Break the People They Lead? | J.R. Briggs
In this episode, J.R. Briggs discusses leadership, focusing on leaders breaking the people they lead. He reframes leadership as responsibility rather than status.
- 630: ICE in Minneapolis — Why People Say Christians Don’t Care
This episode of the Provoke & Inspire Podcast discusses the situation in Minneapolis involving ICE agents and protestors, exploring the complexities of immigration law enforcement and how to maintain a Christian perspective amidst such eve…
- P&I Moments: Has the Church Misunderstood Justice All Along? | Skye Jethani
Skye Jethani explores the historical division within the American church regarding the understanding of justice. He discusses how this divide led to the separation of the gospel and justice, and how faith became politically tribal.
- 629: Dr. Peter Kreeft - 10 Lies Our Culture Tells Us
Dr. Peter Kreeft speaks about his commencement address at Franciscan University of Steubenville, which exposes the "ten lies" of modern culture. He reflects on identity, freedom, creativity, and the consequences of a world that has tried t…
- 628: How Would Jesus Respond to ICE in Minnesota?
This episode explores how Jesus would respond to the current crisis in Minneapolis, involving ICE agents, protesters, and the tragic death of Renee Good. The discussion focuses on remaining rational and avoiding polarization during politic…
- P&I Moments: Do You Actually Believe God Likes You? | Jackie Hill Perry
Jackie Hill Perry discusses striving, identity, and Christian ambition. She reflects on stepping away from platforms, embracing ordinary faithfulness, and confronting the belief that being a wife, mother, or hidden servant is "not enough."
- 627: Should I Quit TV? (The Hidden Impact of What You Watch)
This episode of Provoke & Inspire Podcast explores how Christian faith influences viewing habits. The hosts discuss assessing what Christians watch and how to realign those choices with their faith.
- P&I Moments: Why Are Christians Addicted to Performance? | Mark DeJesus
Mark DeJesus reflects on his journey from a performance-driven approach to Christianity to a faith rooted in receiving God's love. He explains why experiences like grief and anxiety can foster a deeper connection with God.
- 626: The Lie We Believe Every January
This episode discusses the deeper issues behind new year planning and goal-setting. It explores the concept of "arrogant self-sufficiency" as a potential underlying sin in confident plans.
- P&I Moments: Is Death the Key to True Life? | Josh Porter
Josh Porter discusses self-denial and prioritizing others. The episode explores the idea of accepting "death" as a path to true life.
- 625: New Years' Goals That Actually Honor Jesus
The episode discusses setting New Year's goals that honor Jesus and offers guidance on persevering in these decisions. It also highlights Ben's revised book, 'Jesus in the Secular World: Reaching a Culture in Crisis.'
- P&I Moments: Why Do We Write Songs for Charts, Instead of God? | Rita Springer
In this episode, Rita Springer discusses Christian music and the motivations behind songwriting, questioning whether the focus is on chart performance or ministering to God. She explores what it means to be near the brokenhearted within th…
- 624: Have We Let Christmas Lose It's Meaning?
This episode of the Provoke & Inspire Podcast explores Christmas traditions. It considers whether traditions lead to stagnation or serve as a grounding force.
- P&I Moments: Can You Love Someone You’re Certain Is Wrong? | AJ Swoboda
AJ Swoboda explores the challenge of maintaining love for individuals with whom one strongly disagrees, as discussed in his book "Rooting for Rivals." He references scriptural examples and the concept of "gentle dogmatism."
- 623: Lukas Ruegger (Deflate) on Surviving the Awkward Truth of YouTube
Lukas Ruegger, founder of Deflate and Steiger missionary, discusses the start of his YouTube channel and strategies for reaching people in the Middle East for the gospel through social media. He also talks about his time with Alex O'Connor.
- 622: The Masculinity Crisis No One Wants To Face
This episode of the Provoke & Inspire Podcast examines the masculinity crisis, considering it from both cultural and discipleship perspectives. The hosts discuss the challenges faced by young men and the significance of a Jesus-centered vi…
- P&I Moment: Has the Seeker-Sensitive Church Made Us Biblically Illiterate? | Landon MacDonald
Ben and Landon MacDonald explore the decline in biblical engagement and the influence of the seeker-sensitive era on Christians' understanding of the Bible. They also discuss how to re-establish a Spirit-led relationship with the Bible.
- 621: Josh Nadeau (Sword and Pencil) on the Lie That Is Ruining Your Faith
In this episode, Josh Nadeau from Sword and Pencil discusses his book, "Room for Good Things to Run Wild." He explores how to find joy and splendor in the everyday lives of Christians. Nadeau is an artist with over 100,000 followers on Ins…
- 620: David Shares a Serious Health Scare, and What He’s Learning As He Goes Through It
David shares his recent health issues and discusses navigating difficult circumstances. The episode explores the themes of hope and prayer during challenging times.
- P&I Moments: Is Anxiety a Brain Problem, Or a Spiritual One? | Dr. Caroline Leaf
In this episode, Dr. Caroline Leaf discusses insights on overcoming stress and worry, drawing from her book "Help In A Hurry." The conversation explores the nature of anxiety, questioning if it stems from the brain or is spiritual.
- 619: Brandon McGuire (Daily Dose of Wisdom) on Why We Avoid God
Ben talks with Brandon McGuire of Daily Dose Of Wisdom about overcoming doubts and encountering God. They discuss how understanding who Jesus is can be a doorway to faith, even through personal doubts.
- P&I Moments: Are We Saving Strangers and Losing Our Own Kids? | Sonny Sandoval (P.O.D.)
This episode features a conversation with Sonny Sandoval of P.O.D. about faith and family. The discussion includes choosing family over platform and the importance of honest love.
- 618: This Gratitude Fact Will Change Your Life
This episode explores the nature of gratitude, its connection to faith, and methods for its cultivation. It also mentions a book titled "Jesus in the Secular World: Reaching a Culture in Crisis."
- 617: Do Christians Have "Good Old Days"?
Ben and David discuss Christian perspectives on the past, present, and future, referencing a clip featuring Ed Helms and Rainn Wilson from "The Office." They explore themes of gratitude and hope.