What happens when the excitement of following Jesus fades and the struggles begin?

In this episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric sits down with author and longtime follower of Christ Brad Church to have an honest conversation about what it really means to persevere in the Christian life. Together they discuss the battle between the flesh and the Spirit, why so many believers wrestle with guilt and shame, and how God calls us to walk in freedom instead of hiding from Him.

Brad shares wisdom from over 60 years of following Jesus, offering biblical encouragement for Christians who feel discouraged, stuck, or weighed down by sin. Rather than promising an easy life, this conversation points to the hope, grace, and strength found in Christ through every valley.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why following Jesus doesn't eliminate life's struggles
• The difference between conviction and condemnation
• Why Christians often hide their failures instead of bringing them to God
• How to overcome guilt, shame, and comparison
• Practical ways to grow closer to Christ every day
• The importance of biblical community and accountability
• What true spiritual victory really looks like

If you've ever felt like you're not measuring up as a Christian, this conversation is a reminder that God's grace is greater than your failures—and that faith isn't about perfection, but perseverance.

If this episode encourages you, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us continue spreading the hope of Jesus Christ.

🙏 If this ministry has impacted your life, consider sharing this episode with someone who needs encouragement today.

---

Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

What happens when a lifetime of abuse, anger, loss, and brokenness is surrendered to Christ?

In this powerful episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Rory Paquette shares his incredible testimony of growing up in an abusive home, protecting his family as a child, wrestling with anger toward God, surviving devastating financial loss, and ultimately encountering the transforming grace of Jesus Christ.

Rory opens up about the hidden scars of childhood trauma, the intentional work required to break generational cycles, and the life-changing moments that led him from self-reliance to complete dependence on God. Through near-death experiences, seasons of despair, and miraculous restoration, Rory reveals how the Lord used every hardship to prepare him to encourage and mentor others.

Whether you've experienced trauma, struggle with forgiving your past, or wonder where God has been in your darkest moments, this conversation is a powerful reminder that God wastes nothing. Your pain does not define you—Christ does.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Growing up with abuse and alcoholism in the home
• Breaking generational cycles through God's grace
• Wrestling with anger toward God after suffering
• How faith became personal after life-changing trials
• Finding purpose through pain and helping others heal
• Living a life of obedience instead of self-reliance
• The hope and freedom found in Jesus Christ

If this conversation encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs the reminder that no matter how broken their story may seem, God is still writing it.

---

Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

In this episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric sits down with filmmaker, photographer, poet, and creative partner Eddie Mace for an honest conversation about faith, creativity, and using every talent for the Kingdom of God.

Eddie shares his testimony of growing up in church, how God deepened his personal relationship with Christ in recent years, and the journey that led him into spoken word poetry. Together, they discuss the power of artistic expression, the challenges of remaining uncompromising in creative spaces, and why Christians are called to create with purpose rather than pursue worldly approval.

This conversation dives into:

• Eddie's testimony and spiritual journey
• Finding identity in Christ instead of creative success
• The role of poetry and spoken word in sharing the Gospel
• Standing firm without compromising biblical truth
• Navigating burnout, church hurt, and personal growth
• Why what we consume spiritually matters
• Building Kingdom-centered creative communities
• Encouragement for Christian artists and creatives

Whether you're an artist, musician, writer, filmmaker, or simply someone seeking to use your gifts for God's glory, this episode will encourage you to pursue excellence while remaining faithful to your calling.

"Ultimately, the Lord gave me these gifts, so why wouldn't I use them for Him?"

If this episode encouraged you, please LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to help us continue spreading the Gospel through these conversations.

Scripture Reminder:
"Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." — 1 Corinthians 10:31

---

Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e