In this episode, I review the movie Project Hail Mary, a book-to-movie adaptation starring Ryan Gosling in this book-to-movie adaptation. I love movies and often have looked for a resource or guide that can tell me if it is a movie that is "safe" for me to take my family to go see. There are no spoilers, just a review of the movie, plot, soundtrack, and other items to look for that can create awesome discussion points with your friends or family.

If there is a movie or TV show you would like for me to review, email me at ethan@ethanjago.com

On June 27, 2026, we will be hosting the AUXANO conference at 5 Bridges Church our AUXANO conference. The subject of our conference this year is the Church.

Register Here: AUXANO

Why do we need the church?

What is the church?

Do we need to go to the church?

In this podcast, Ethan and James discuss relevant questions arising from many aspects of this subject.

Why do we think of the church as just a building? Let's unpack this misconception together!

The church is so much more than a physical structure. It's a vibrant community of believers coming together to grow, serve, and uplift one another. When we see the church simply as a building, we miss the essence of its purpose: to display God's glory and foster spiritual growth among its members.

We need to gather not only to receive but also to contribute. Each person plays a vital role in the body of Christ, and our spiritual maturity is intertwined with our involvement in a local church community.

It's time to shift our perspective! The church isn't about checking a box; it's about engaging in meaningful relationships and fulfilling our God-given responsibilities.

In this episode of The Battlefield Theologian, we tackle one of the most emotionally charged issues facing the church today: ICE deportations and immigration enforcement. Refusing the false choice between “compassion” and “biblical faithfulness,” this episode restores clear scriptural categories around government authority, law, mercy, justice, human dignity, and the church’s distinct calling. Drawing from Romans 13, Deuteronomy, the Gospels, and the broader witness of Scripture, we examine common objections, expose the moral fog driven by outrage culture, and address why enforcement can feel brutal without assuming it is inherently evil.

We distinguish between legitimate authority and sinful abuse, justice and cruelty, mercy and lawlessness, and speak pastorally to undocumented believers caught in the tension. Above all, this episode calls Christians to think clearly, love faithfully, demand justice where necessary, and refuse to be discipled by slogans rather than Scripture—while resting in the unshakable reign of Christ.

Friendship evolves over time and is influenced by life experiences.

True friendship is characterized by loyalty and honesty.

Reconciliation in friendship requires vulnerability and honesty.

Gossip has no place in Christian friendships and should be addressed directly.

Friendship should be a two-way street, with equal effort from both parties.

It's important to define what you look for in a friend and what kind of friend you want to be.

Friendships can be transactional if expectations are not managed properly.

Communication is key to maintaining healthy friendships.

Not everyone will be your close friend; it's important to manage expectations.

Friendship is a blessing that enhances life, not a necessity.

Summary

In this podcast episode, the staff of Five Bridges discusses the multifaceted nature of friendship, exploring how definitions evolve over time, the importance of loyalty and honesty, and the challenges of gossip and reconciliation. They emphasize the need for communication and mutual effort in friendships, while also acknowledging that not everyone will be a close friend. The conversation highlights the blessings of friendship and encourages listeners to reflect on their own expectations and definitions of what it means to be a good friend.

5 Bridges Church

Titles

The Essence of Friendship

Navigating Evolving Friendships

Sound bites

"Friendship evolves over time."

"Gossip has no place in friendships."

"Define what you want in a friend."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Friendship

00:59 Evolving Definitions of Friendship

10:08 Man-Pleasing vs. Reconciliation in Friendship

15:03 Addressing Gossip in Christian Friendships

19:57 Loyalty vs. Honesty in True Friendship

27:58 The Equality of Friendship

39:04 Closing Thoughts on Friendship

Keywords

friendship, loyalty, honesty, reconciliation, gossip, Christian relationships, evolving definitions, equality in friendship

In this episode, Ethan Jago sits down with Darrell Harrison for a time of questions and answers. Members from 5 Bridges Church submitted questions for Ethan and Darrell to address, and together they take the time to respond thoughtfully to each one. Our prayer is that this conversation serves as a helpful resource for all believers who may be wrestling with similar issues.

Here are the questions discussed in order:

1. What is the difference between biblical counseling and regular counseling?

2. Conviction vs. condemnation—how can we distinguish between the two?

3. How should we respond to church hurt?

4. How do we think biblically about self-deprecating tendencies?

5. How should teenagers approach dating?

6. What are some key parenting challenges, and how do we navigate them biblically?

   If you haven't already, listen and subscribe to Darrells podcast with Virgil Walker 👉 Just Thinking Podcast

In this deeply personal and hope-filled episode, we shine a light on the often-overlooked calling of stay-at-home mothers. Through Scripture, real-life stories, and powerful statistics, Ethan Jago offers biblical encouragement to women who may feel unseen, undervalued, or stuck in the slow grind of everyday parenting.

Whether you're folding laundry, homeschooling, chasing toddlers, or just trying to find five minutes of quiet in your day—this message is for you. You’ll be reminded that your work is sacred, your calling is significant, and your faithfulness in the little things echoes in eternity.

📖 Featuring:

• Scripture-based encouragement from Colossians 3, Galatians 6, Proverbs 31 & more

• Real stats on modern motherhood and cultural pressures

• Practical reminders that your identity is in Christ—not your output

• A call to press on in grace, strength, and eternal purpose

💡 Don’t miss this episode if you’ve ever wondered, “Does this even matter?” The truth is: it absolutely does.

Book referenced in podcast- A Holy Pursuit

Blog article referenced- Faithful in the Hidden Work

In this episode, we break down James 1:22-25 using a simple formula to distinguish between merely hearing God’s Word and truly understanding and applying it. Just as seeing without remembering is pointless, so is hearing without action. We’ll explore how to move from passive listening to active obedience, ensuring that God’s truth transforms our lives. Tune in to deepen your study, sharpen your understanding, and walk in faith as a doer of the Word!

Have you ever heard of the country of Rhodesia? Rhodesia is now what we call Zimbabwe; however, there are critical elements we can learn from the history of Rhodesia as Americans. I have been studying the history of “The Bush War” for the past several months by reading memoirs of first-hand accounts and historical books outlining in vivid detail the unique background and setting of what truly transpired in this little-known conflict.

Sadly, revisionists, like many other historical settings, have made Rhodesia and The Bush War out to be solely based on racism; however, the true nature of this conflict goes much deeper than a clash between ethnicities.

This podcast will give you a crash course in Rhodesia, with excerpts from live news clips and other personal interviews from first-hand accounts. I believe what we learn from Rhodesia can be applied to our American context, as we face many of the same issues.

It is incredible how a small group of men fought for their religious and political freedom for 15 years against seemingly insurmountable odds. I hope you enjoy this particular episode.

Books Cited In Episode:

Bush War Operator

A Handful of Hardmen

Rhodesia: A Complete History

Bush War Rhodesia

The Rhodesian War