Send us a text

Jonathan and Katelyn return with a fresh start in Season 4, sharing life updates and discussing the challenges and blessings of remaining faithful to God during difficult seasons.

• Season 4 begins with personal updates, including the addition of twin boys to their family of seven children

• Biblical perspective on faithfulness from James 1:2-4 - counting trials as joy because they produce steadfastness

• Four practical ways to remain steadfast: relying on relationships, immersing in Scripture, preaching the gospel to yourself, and maintaining proper perspective

• The importance of church community in supporting believers through challenging times

• Shifting focus from self to serving others during difficult seasons as modeled by Christ

• Galatians 6:9-10 encourages us not to grow weary in doing good, knowing we will reap a harvest

• A reminder that trials are temporary, but the character they develop is lasting

Weekly episodes will drop every Tuesday morning, with a new Pleasing God Weekly newsletter available on Wednesdays. Subscribe on Substack through the link in the show notes. If this show blessed you, please share it with someone who might need encouragement.

Support the show

Stock Music provided by wolfgangwoehrle, from Pond5

Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here: Jonathan’s Substack | Jonathan Sole | Substack

Send us a text

What does it truly mean to have a biblical worldview? This question strikes at the heart of authentic Christian living in a world filled with competing perspectives. The framework through which we interpret reality—our worldview—shapes everything from our daily decisions to our deepest beliefs. Yet many believers unknowingly view life through lenses tainted by secular humanism, materialism, or postmodernism rather than Scripture.

A genuine biblical worldview begins with recognizing God as Creator and Sovereign Lord. It acknowledges truth as objective and found in Scripture. It understands that humans, while created in God's image, are fundamentally fallen and in need of redemption that comes exclusively through Jesus Christ. These foundational beliefs shape how we interpret everything around us—from current events to personal relationships.

The culture constantly pressures us to adopt alternative worldviews. Secular humanism places mankind at the center of all things. Materialism reduces life's purpose to acquiring possessions and success. Postmodernism denies absolute truth, while moral relativism suggests right and wrong are merely personal constructs. Christians must recognize these competing perspectives and intentionally choose to see life through Scripture's lens instead.

When properly applied, a biblical worldview transforms every aspect of life. It guides our decision-making, shapes our work ethic, strengthens our relationships, establishes our moral standards, and directs our cultural engagement. We become salt and light in a changing world while remaining anchored to God's timeless truth. This doesn't happen accidentally—it requires regular Bible study, careful evaluation of cultural influences, and the commitment to view all of life through Scripture first. How might your perspective change if you truly saw everything through the lens of God's Word?

Support the show

Stock Music provided by wolfgangwoehrle, from Pond5

Send us a text

The distinction between spiritual formation and legalism might seem subtle, but it fundamentally transforms how we approach our relationship with God. Join host Pastor Jonathan Sole and Pastor Mike Woodward as they unpack this life-changing difference that many Christians struggle to understand.

At the heart of this conversation lies a powerful truth: spiritual formation flows from who we are in Christ, while legalism demands performance to establish worth. Pastor Mike vulnerably shares how his early faith was marked by "achievement-oriented spirituality" that actually built walls around his deepest wounds—wounds God wanted to heal.

We explore how Genesis 3 reveals three toxic mindsets still plaguing believers today: distorted views of God, self, and Scripture. These misperceptions drive us toward rule-following rather than relationship-building. Through passages like Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 3:18, and Galatians 4:19, we discover how true transformation happens by "beholding" Christ rather than simply modifying behavior.

The conversation takes a practical turn as we discuss spiritual disciplines as "habits of the heart" rather than legalistic obligations. Prayer, Scripture reading, community, corporate worship—these practices create space for the Spirit's transforming work. But the motivation matters profoundly. Are you engaging with these disciplines from love or from fear?

This episode offers freedom to those trapped in performance-based spirituality. When you understand that your identity determines your actions—not the reverse—everything changes. God isn't waiting for your perfect performance; He's already perfectly pleased with His Son whose righteousness covers you completely. From this foundation of grace, true Christlikeness can flourish.

Ready to break free from the exhaustion of legalism? Listen now and discover the joy of spiritual formation that flows from being loved rather than striving to be worthy of love.

Support the show

Stock Music provided by wolfgangwoehrle, from Pond5