In this milestone 100th episode of the It Stands Written podcast, hosts Elijah and Justin Erickson sit down for a deeply personal and gospel-rich conversation centered on the power of personal testimony. Before Elijah shares his own story, Justin unpacks the profound purposes of a testimony — from rekindling your first love for Christ, to serving as a vehicle for the gospel message itself. Drawing from Revelation 2, Romans 6, 1 Peter 3, and the book of Acts, the guys explore how every conversion — dramatic or quiet — is an equal miracle of God's grace. Elijah then opens up about his upbringing in Southern California, his years of wandering from the faith despite being raised in a strong Christian home, and the sovereign grace of God that pursued him through it all. His story is anchored in the parable of the prodigal son and Jesus' words that those forgiven much, love much. Justin reflects on the remarkable transformation he witnessed in Elijah's life firsthand, and both men celebrate the faithfulness of God and the power of persistent, decades-long prayer. Whether you're a long-time listener or just finding the show, this episode is a moving reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God's mercy. Tune in, be encouraged, and may Elijah's testimony stir fresh gratitude for the grace that has rescued each of us.

Resource Mentioned:

• The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan
• The Pursuit of God by A. W. Tozer

Verses Mentioned:

• Romans 1:18
• Romans 6
• Revelation 2:4
• 1 Peter 3:14-15
• Acts 4:20
• 1 Corinthians 14
• 1 Timothy 2:13
• Luke 15:11-32
• Luke 7:47
• John 6:68
• Matthew 10:18
• Mark 13:9

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In this episode of It Stands Written, Justin, Braden, and Ernest tackle one of the most important — and potentially dangerous — questions for new believers: what does real life change actually look like after salvation? Rather than handing new Christians a checklist of dos and don'ts, the guys walk through 1 John to uncover the foundational truths every young believer needs to internalize first. They explore how your standing before God is based entirely on what Christ has done — not on your performance — and why assurance of salvation is not just comforting, but essential for growth in holiness. Drawing on Paul's progression from "least of the apostles" to "foremost of sinners," they show how genuine maturity in the faith means seeing your sin more clearly, not less. The conversation also tackles the gullibility of new believers, what to do when spiritual leaders fall away, and the historical Donatist controversy as a surprising lens on faith that doesn't depend on the messenger. The episode wraps with a closer look at the one specific sin John calls out for "little children" in the faith — idolatry — and why guarding your heart from misplaced worship is the bedrock beneath every other area of obedience. If you're a new believer, or discipling one, this episode will give you a gospel-centered, grace-rooted framework for the road ahead.

If you were encouraged by this episode or have any questions you would like to have answered, please email us at justin@itstandswritten.org or send us a text at the link in the description.

Resources Mentioned:

• Discovering the Power of the Cross of Christ by Charles Spurgeon

Verses Mentioned:

• 1 John 2:1-2, 12-13, 18, 28
• 1 John 3:7-9, 18
• 1 John 4:1-4
• 1 John 5:13, 21
• 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 8; 15:9
• 1 Timothy 1:15
• 2 Peter 1:10
• Ephesians 3:8
• Hebrews 6:11-12
• Romans 6

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Where do you belong after you come to faith in Christ? In Episode 98 of the It Stands Written podcast, Justin, Braden, Ernest, and Elijah tackle one of the most practical and urgent questions for new believers: how to find, join, and stay committed to a local church. The guys unpack what the word "church" actually means — a called-out assembly of redeemed people — and why the New Testament offers no vision of a believer who is not vitally tied to a local body. They walk through the three classic marks of a true church — the Word, the sacraments, and church discipline — and give honest, practical guidance on what to look for (and what to run from) when visiting a church for the first time. The conversation gets real about the seeker-sensitive movement, consumer Christianity, and why treating church like a gym membership is not just unbiblical — it's spiritually dangerous. The guys also address the hard question of when it's ever right to leave a church, arguing that the bar is far higher than most people think, and that preferences are never a good enough reason to walk away. Finally, they make the sobering case that forsaking the church isn't just a missed opportunity — it's a willful act of sin that leaves a believer exposed and vulnerable. If you've ever wondered where you belong as a Christian, this episode will give you both the theology and the practical tools to find your church home.

If you were encouraged by this episode or have any questions you would like to have answered, please email us at justin@itstandswritten.org or send us a text at the link in the description.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Master's Seminary - Find a Church

Verses Mentioned:

• 1 Corinthians 12, 3, 8–9, 14
• 2 Timothy 4:3
• Acts 2:43–44
• Matthew 18
• James 2
• Hebrews 3:12–13, 10:25, 13
• 1 Corinthians 4–5
• Ephesians 1, 3, 5
• Matthew 13 (Parable of the Wheat & Tares)
• John 10
• 1 John 2:19
• Revelation 2–3
• Romans 14–15
• Titus 2:15
• Acts 5 (Ananias & Sapphira)
• 2 Corinthians
• Matthew 22 (Great Commandment)
• Matthew 28 (Great Commission)

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