How do you know God is speaking to you? Is it really God's voice, or are you confusing your own thoughts, feelings, and desires with His guidance?

When you're facing a major decision about your job, marriage, relationships, or future, discerning God's will can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Truth Behind the Mike, Mike Stone walks through **5 biblical tests for recognizing God's guidance**, seeking wisdom, and making decisions with greater confidence.

The Bible gives us practical principles for discerning God's will. Rather than chasing signs, relying entirely on emotions, or assuming every open door comes from God, we'll examine what Scripture teaches about hearing from God, prayer, wise counsel, and surrendering our own desires.

**In this episode, you'll discover:**
- How to test what you believe God is telling you against Scripture.
- Why asking God for wisdom is different from asking for a supernatural sign.
- How trusted Christian mentors can help you recognize your blind spots.
- Why an open door doesn't always mean God's approval.
- Why surrendering your own desires is essential to spiritual discernment.

I'll also share a personal experience when two trusted mentors helped me recognize that what I thought was God's leading was actually my own ambition.

**CHAPTERS**
00:00 Is God Speaking to You or Is It Your Own Desire?
01:42 Test 1: Does It Agree With Scripture?
04:37 Test 2: Are You Praying for Wisdom or a Sign?
06:50 Test 3: What Do Wise Christian Mentors Say?
09:31 Test 4: Are Open Doors Always God's Will?
12:00 Test 5: Are You Willing to Hear No?
14:36 How to Discern God's Guidance: The Five Tests
15:40 Making Decisions Without Absolute Certainty
16:08 Final Encouragement and Closing

**BIBLE VERSES REFERENCED**
Hebrews 1:1–2 — God has spoken through His Son.
2 Timothy 3:16–17 — Scripture equips believers for godly living.
James 1:5 — Ask God for wisdom.
Proverbs 3:5–6 — Trust in the Lord.
Proverbs 15:22 — The importance of wise counsel.
Proverbs 12:15 — The wise listen to advice.
Acts 16:6–10 — Paul's guidance toward Macedonia.
Luke 22:42 — Jesus' submission to the Father's will.

**THE BIG QUESTION:** How can you know whether God is guiding you?

Start with Scripture. Pray for wisdom. Seek mature Christian counsel. Evaluate your circumstances carefully. And be willing to surrender your preferred outcome.

These aren't five guaranteed ways to receive a private revelation from God. They're biblical principles for making wise, faithful decisions.

**JOIN THE CONVERSATION**
Which of these five tests is the hardest for you? Have you ever been convinced God was leading you somewhere, only to discover that your own desires were influencing the decision?

Share your experience in the comments.

Subscribe to Truth Behind the Mike with Mike Stone for biblical truth, Christian apologetics, and honest conversations about faith, Scripture, and everyday life.
https://truthbehindthemike.com

#HearingGodsVoice #GodsWill #ChristianLiving

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Did Abraham almost sacrifice Isaac on the very same mountain where Jesus was crucified? It's a fascinating claim, and the biblical connections between Abraham, Isaac, and Jesus are remarkable. But what does Scripture actually say?

In Genesis 22, God commands Abraham to take his beloved son Isaac to the land of Moriah and offer him as a sacrifice. Isaac carries the wood, Abraham prepares the altar, and at the last moment, God provides a ram to take Isaac's place.

Nearly 2,000 years later, Jesus Christ carries His cross toward Golgotha.
Coincidence? Prophecy? Biblical foreshadowing?

In this episode of Truth Behind the Mike, we investigate the historical, geographical, and theological connections between Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Was Mount Moriah the same place as Golgotha?

Genesis 22 identifies the land of Moriah as the destination of Abraham's journey. Second Chronicles 3:1 later identifies Mount Moriah as the location of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem.

However, the traditional location of Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified, is distinct from the Temple Mount. Neither Scripture nor archaeology establishes that Abraham's altar stood on the exact spot where Jesus died.

The geographical connection is fascinating, but the biblical connections may be even more significant.

In this video, we explore:
✝️ Why God tested Abraham by commanding him to sacrifice Isaac.
✝️ Why Isaac was the son of God's covenant promise.
✝️ The significance of Isaac carrying the wood for his own sacrifice.
✝️ What Abraham meant when he said, “God will provide for himself the lamb.”
✝️ Why God provided a ram instead of allowing Isaac to die.
✝️ The biblical connection between Mount Moriah, Jerusalem, and Golgotha.
✝️ What archaeology reveals about the traditional crucifixion site.
✝️ How Hebrews 11 connects Abraham's faith with resurrection.
✝️ Why Christians see Genesis 22 as foreshadowing Jesus Christ.
✝️ How Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.

The most powerful connection may be the greatest difference between these two stories.

Abraham's son was spared.

God's Son willingly gave His life.

And when John the Baptist saw Jesus approaching, he declared:
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” — John 1:29

The story of Abraham and Isaac isn't simply about an ancient test of faith. From a Christian perspective, it also reveals a pattern that finds its fullest meaning in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Genesis 12:1–3 | Genesis 21:12 | Genesis 22:1–19 | 2 Chronicles 3:1 | John 1:29 | John 10:18 | John 19:17 | Romans 8:32 | Hebrews 10:12 | Hebrews 11:17–19

JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Have you ever heard the claim that Abraham nearly sacrificed Isaac on the same mountain where Jesus was crucified?

And which connection between Genesis 22 and the Gospel stood out to you most?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

Subscribe to Truth Behind the Mike for biblical truth, Christian apologetics, and thoughtful conversations about faith, Scripture, and the evidence for Christianity.

#AbrahamAndIsaac #Genesis22 #JesusChrist

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Did Abraham and Jesus Share the Same Mountain?
00:55 Isaac: The Son God Promised
02:25 Why Did God Test Abraham?
03:45 The Three-Day Journey to Moriah
05:05 Isaac Asks: Where Is the Lamb?
06:10 God Provides a Substitute
07:45 Is Mount Moriah the Same as Golgotha?
09:15 What Archaeology Reveals About Jerusalem
10:45 Hebrews 11 and the Resurrection Connection
11:45 Abraham's Sacrifice vs. Jesus' Sacrifice
13:00 Why Jesus Is the Lamb of God
14:00 The Connection That Changes Everything

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Islam vs Christianity: Who is Jesus, and can both religions be true? In this series finale, Mike Stone examines the central differences over Jesus, the Bible, the Qur’an, salvation, and the cross—and explains why he remains convinced of Christianity.

Muslims honor Jesus as the Messiah and a prophet. Christians worship Him as the divine Son of God, crucified for our sins and bodily raised from the dead. These differences reach beyond religious practices to the heart of the Gospel: Who is Jesus, and how can sinners be reconciled to God?

On Truth Behind the Mike, we examine competing beliefs while treating people with respect. Understanding Islam does not require accepting its claims, and disagreeing with Muslims does not give Christians permission to hate them.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN THIS EPISODE

What do Muslims believe about Jesus?
Islam honors Jesus as the Messiah, born of the virgin Mary, and a messenger of God. It rejects His divine sonship and the Christian understanding of His atoning death and resurrection.

Do Muslims believe the Bible is God’s Word?
Islam affirms earlier revelation associated with Moses, David, and Jesus. Muslims generally distinguish those revelations from the Bible Christians possess today. Views differ over textual alteration and distortion of meaning.

What does Galatians 1:8 say about another gospel?
Paul warns Christians against accepting a contrary gospel, even from an angel. This episode applies that principle to later claims of revelation; it does not claim Paul specifically predicted Muhammad or Islam.

Can Islam and Christianity both be true?
Their central claims about Jesus, the Trinity, and the cross contradict one another. This episode explains why Mike accepts the apostolic Gospel while affirming that Christians and Muslims can be neighbors, friends, and colleagues.

How do Christianity and Islam understand forgiveness?
Islam emphasizes God’s mercy, repentance, and accountability. Christianity locates reconciliation with God in Jesus Christ’s saving death and resurrection. Mike explores why atonement matters personally: “I don’t need a ladder. I need a rescue.”

CHAPTERS
00:00 Why I studied Islam—and where I stand
02:24 What Muslims believe about Jesus
05:03 Muslims, terrorism, and assumptions
07:16 Pew research: Rejecting violence against civilians
08:46 Do Muslims respect the Bible?
09:54 Was the Bible corrupted? Asking for evidence
10:29 The apostolic Gospel: 1 Corinthians 15
11:31 Even an angel? Galatians 1:8 explained
14:14 The canon and the finality of Christ
16:00 Sin, forgiveness, and why the cross matters
19:50 Can Islam and Christianity both be true?
25:27 An invitation to investigate Jesus

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
1 Corinthians 15:1–8, 17
Galatians 1:8–9
Hebrews 1:1–2
Jude 3
Romans 3:23–26
Romans 5:8
Mark 10:45
Matthew 16:15–16

QUR’AN REFERENCES
Surah 4:157–171
Surah 5:44–48

RESEARCH SOURCE
Pew Research Center, July 26, 2017:
https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2017/07/26/terrorism-and-concerns-about-extremism/

Subscribe to Truth Behind the Mike with Mike Stone for biblical truth, Christian apologetics, and thoughtful conversations about faith.

What question about Jesus or the differences between Islam and Christianity would you like explored next? Share it respectfully in the comments.

https://truthbehindthemike.com

#IslamVsChristianity #WhoIsJesus #ChristianApologetics

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What are the 5 Pillars of Islam and how do they compare to Christian teachings? This overview clarifies the core practices.

This series continues our study of Christian vs Islam, looking at the practical requirements that shape daily life for Muslims. We examine the specific duties that constitute the foundation of their religious practice, including the declaration of faith in one God and Muhammad as His messenger.

Understanding these foundational beliefs helps us engage with our neighbors more effectively. By analyzing the 5 Pillars of Islam, we can better identify the distinct theological differences between these two worldviews. This study of Islamic theology aims to provide clarity and context for those looking to understand the core tenets of the faith.

In this episode, we'll walk through all five:
1. Shahada — The Declaration of Faith
The foundational profession that there is no god but God and that Muhammad is His messenger.
2. Salat — Daily Prayer
Muslims are called to pray five times each day—at dawn, midday, afternoon, sunset, and night—while facing the Kaaba in Mecca.
3. Zakat — Obligatory Charity
Muslims who meet certain wealth requirements give approximately 2.5% of qualifying wealth annually to those in need.
4. Sawm — Fasting During Ramadan
During Ramadan, healthy adult Muslims fast from dawn until sunset as an act of discipline, reflection, and devotion.
5. Hajj — Pilgrimage to Mecca
Muslims who are physically and financially able are expected to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once during their lifetime.

My goal with this series isn't to caricature Islam or tell you what Muslims believe from a Christian stereotype. I want us to first understand Islam as accurately and fairly as possible.

Because before Christians can thoughtfully compare Islam and Christianity, we need to understand what each faith actually teaches.

And that's especially important as we move into the next episode.

The Shahada doesn't simply affirm belief in one God—it also identifies Muhammad as God's messenger.

So in Part 4, we're going to ask:
Who was Muhammad?
Why is he so central to Islam?
And why does understanding Muhammad matter when comparing Islam and Christianity?

Subscribe to Truth Behind the Mike for more biblical truth and apologetics, and let me know in the comments: what other topics should we cover in this series?

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Who is Allah in Islam? Is Allah the same as the God of the Bible? And what do Muslims actually believe about God?

In Part 2 of this Islam vs Christianity series, we explore one of the most important questions in understanding Islam: What is Allah like? Many English speakers assume “Allah” refers to a different god, but the word Allah is simply the Arabic word for God. Even Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews have used the word for centuries. But while the name may not be the main issue, the nature of God is where the real difference begins.

In this episode, we unpack the central Islamic doctrine of tawhid — the absolute oneness of God. In Islam, God is one in a way that is utterly unique, indivisible, and without partners. This belief shapes everything else in Islamic theology.

We also discuss:
• What tawhid means in Islam
• Why shirk is considered the greatest sin
• Why Muslims reject the idea that God has a Son
• How Islam views the Trinity
• The major theological difference between Islam and Christianity
• The attributes of God in Islam, including the Most Merciful, the King, and the All-Knowing
• Why this understanding of God explains Islam’s rejection of Jesus as divine

If you’ve ever wondered:
• Who is Allah?
• Is Allah the same as God?
• What do Muslims believe about God?
• What is tawhid?
•. What is shirk?
• Why do Muslims reject the Trinity?

…this episode is for you.

My goal in this series is to help Christians understand what Muslims actually believe — respectfully, clearly, and truthfully — while also showing where Islam and Christianity deeply differ.

If this video helps you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share. And don’t miss Part 3, where we’ll explore the Five Pillars of Islam and how belief shapes daily Muslim life.

#IslamVsChristianity #WhoIsAllah #WhatMuslimsBelieve #ChristianApologetics #TruthBehindTheMike

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction: Who is God in Islam?
00:23 What does “Allah” mean?
00:48 Is Allah the same word used by Arabic Christians and Jews?
01:17 The real difference: the nature of God
01:43 What is Tawhid?
02:13 What is Shirk?
02:42 Islam vs Christianity on the nature of God
03:17 Why Islam rejects the Trinity
03:45 The theological difference explained
04:30 The attributes of God in Islam
05:09 Why this matters for understanding Jesus
05:35 Coming next: The Five Pillars of Islam

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Did you know Jesus is mentioned in the Quran more often by name than Muhammad? In this episode of Truth Behind the Mike, we explore one of the most fascinating questions in interfaith understanding: What do Muslims believe about Jesus?

Many Christians are surprised to learn that Islam deeply honors Jesus—known in Arabic as Isa. The Quran affirms His virgin birth, His miracles, and even calls Him the Messiah. Mary—Maryam—is also highly honored in Islam and is the only woman named in the Quran.

But while there is meaningful common ground, the differences between Islam and Christianity are profound.

In this video, we explore:

What the Quran says about Jesus
Why Muslims honor Jesus but do not worship Him
The meaning of Tawhid and why it is central to Islam
Why Islam rejects the idea that Jesus is the Son of God
What Muslims believe about the crucifixion of Jesus
The major difference between Christian salvation and Islamic belief
Why these differences matter for understanding God, salvation, and truth

If you’ve ever wondered:
• Is Jesus in the Quran?
• Do Muslims believe Jesus was crucified?
• Do Muslims believe Jesus is God?
• What is the difference between Jesus in Islam and Jesus in Christianity?

…this episode is for you.

My goal in this series is to help Christians better understand what our Muslim neighbors believe, while also clearly showing where Islam and Christianity agree—and where they fundamentally part ways.

If this video helps you, be sure to like, comment, and subscribe to Truth Behind the Mike for more biblical truth, apologetics, and clear conversations about faith and culture.

Question for you:
What surprised you most about what Islam teaches about Jesus?

#JesusInTheQuran #IslamAndChristianity #WhatMuslimsBelieve #JesusInIslam #ChristianApologetics

Chapters…
00:00 Who is mentioned most in the Quran?
00:24 Shared ground between Christianity and Islam
00:56 The virgin birth of Jesus in Islam
01:22 Miracles Jesus performed in the Quran
01:55 Why Jesus is called the Messiah
02:22 Tawhid: the oneness of God in Islam
02:52 Why Islam rejects the divinity of Jesus
03:21 Prophet vs. Son of God
03:51 What Muslims believe about the crucifixion
04:29 Salvation in Islam vs. Christianity
04:58 So what do Muslims believe about Jesus?
05:53 The next big question: Who is Allah?

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Confession is a doorway, not a destination. Many men take the brave step of telling someone what they’re fighting, feel relief for a week or two, and then quietly slip right back into the same pattern of watching pornography.

Why? Because confession without structure just becomes an honest relapse cycle.

In this video, Mike Stone breaks down the 3-part mechanical system to move past willpower and build long-term freedom:

0:00 - Why Confession Alone Isn't Enough
0:57 - Pillar 1: Visibility (Staying Seen)
1:28 - Pillar 2: Friction (Removing the One-Tap Temptation)
2:15 - Pillar 3: Replacement (Filling the Empty Space)
3:13 - The Blueprint & What’s Next

Key Takeaways:
1. Visibility: Move from a one-time confession to a consistent weekly check-in.
2. Friction: Put physical or digital barriers between you and the failure. Willpower isn't enough.
3. Replacement: Decide what you will do *before* the temptation hits—redirect, don't just resist.

Mechanics work on your worst day, which is exactly when motivation won't show up.

🔔 Subscribe to "Truth Behind the Mike with Mike Stone" for more grounded conversations on growth, accountability, and real freedom.

#TruthBehindTheMike #MikeStone #Accountability #PersonalGrowth #MentalToughness #OvercomingAddiction #MensHealth #Freedom System

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