England is considering a ban on social media for children under 16, joining a growing list of countries taking action to address the impact of social media on young people. But before debating whether these laws are right or wrong, Pastor Trent Stewart asks a deeper question: What happened that caused entire governments to consider doing what many parents still aren't willing to do?

In this episode, Trent examines the rise of social media, the growing mental health crisis among children and teenagers, and the biblical responsibility parents have to shape and disciple the next generation. Drawing from research, Scripture, and practical experience, he challenges families to think carefully about who is really influencing their children, and what they can do about it.

In This Episode

• Why England, Australia, and other nations are restricting social media access for minors
• The connection between smartphones, social media, and rising mental health challenges
• How childhood shifted from play-based to phone-based
• Why social media is ultimately a discipleship issue
• The role algorithms play in shaping beliefs, values, and identity
• Practical steps parents can take to protect and disciple their children
• Why Christians must prioritize intentional relationships and spiritual formation

Key Takeaway

The most important question isn't whether social media is harmful. The most important question is: Who is discipling your children?

What Should We Do?

1. Don't wait for the government to solve the problem.
2. Seriously evaluate smartphone and social media access.
3. Prioritize real-world relationships.
4. Evaluate your own habits.
5. Commit to intentional discipleship.

Resources Mentioned

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

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“Understand the times and know what to do.”

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, conversations about our nation often swing between pride and cynicism. But what if we're asking the wrong question? Instead of debating whether America is good or bad, Pastor Trent Stewart explores a deeper question: Why has America flourished?

Drawing from Scripture, America's founding principles, and the words of leaders like John Adams, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln, Trent argues that nations flourish when truth, virtue, responsibility, and faithfulness flourish.

This episode isn't merely about America's past—it's about America's future. If we want to understand what's threatening our nation today, we must first understand the values that built it.

In This Episode

• Why America's success cannot be explained by military power, wealth, or geography alone

• The revolutionary idea behind the Declaration of Independence
• Why the Founders believed freedom requires moral character
• What John Adams, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln warned future generations about

• The biblical principle that sustains every nation
• Five practical responses Christians should embrace this July 4th
• Why our ultimate hope is not found in government, politics, or national prosperity

Key Takeaway: Nations flourish when truth, virtue, responsibility, and faithfulness flourish.

Five Things Christians Should Do

1. Practice gratitude for God's blessings and freedoms.
2. Pursue truth in a culture increasingly shaped by personal preference.
3. Pursue virtue and godly character.
4. Take responsibility in our homes, churches, communities, and nation.
5. Pursue faith in Christ and place ultimate hope in Him.

Resources Mentioned

• The Declaration of Independence
• John Adams' writings on liberty and self-government
• George Washington's Farewell Address
• Abraham Lincoln's Proclamation of National Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer

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If this episode helped you better understand the times and know what to do, be sure to subscribe, share it with a friend, and follow The Trent Stewart Podcast for future episodes.

"Understand the times and know what to do."

Have you ever walked away from a conversation and thought, “That wasn’t random. That was God.” Maybe it started with small talk about work or the weather but somehow, it turned toward hope, healing, or even Jesus. What if those moments weren’t interruptions but invitations from God? Today, we’re diving into how to live on mission in your everyday life, and how to see every conversation as a divine appointment.

What is a Divine Appointment?

• Any God -ordained moment when he brings two people together to encourage, bless, or share the Gospel.
• We usually miss these opportunities because we’re busy and distracted.
• God is always at work, before us, around us, through us, and He often speaks through those ordinary moments with extraordinary intention.

Phillip the Evangelist (Acts 8):

• Philip obeys because he’s not just busy for God, he’s sensitive to God.
• You can be doing ministry and still miss the mission if you aren’t listening to His Spirit.
• Develop a holy attentiveness to the what the Spirit is doing around you; be on the lookout.

“When you’re looking, you’ll start seeing.”

Engaging in Spiritual Conversations:

• Philip doesn’t lead with a sermon or a theological argument; he simply asks a good question.
• You don’t need a seminary degree to engage in spiritual conversation.
• You need a heart of compassion, a spirit of curiosity, and a willingness to speak when the Holy Spirit prompts you.
• When God prompts you to speak, trust that He is already working in that person's life.

“Don’t discount the value of your obedience just because you don’t see immediate results.”

The Legacy of Charlie Kirk:

• Charlie was committed to engaging the culture with the truth of Scripture, even amidst hostility.
• You’re either shaping culture, or being shaped by it.
• The Gospel isn’t just something we preach in church; it’s the lens through which we see everything.

"Truth sounds like hate to those who hate truth."

Having a Sense of Urgency

• Philip didn’t delay; he acted immediately.
• A simple question can lead to a divine encounter that transforms someone’s life.
• There are over two billion people in the world who have never heard the gospel.
• 82% of people say they would attend church if someone invited them.

“We aren’t lacking opportunity. We’re lacking urgency.”

How Do I Start Living on Mission?

1. Pray for one divine appointment every day.
2. Be mindful and willing to follow the prompting of the Spirit.
3. Ask questions.
4. Share your story.
5. Lead someone through Christ Killers book.
6. Leave the results to God.

Bottom Line: When you live on mission, there's no such thing as random. When you obey the Spirit, even small conversations can carry eternal weight.

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