In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Mark Fields closely examine Romans 8:28-30, discussing how God’s goodness and sovereignty bring hope even during life’s most challenging circumstances. They unpack the truths of this famous passage, exploring how God works all things for good for those who love Him. Using personal stories, biblical examples, and down-to-earth insights, they show how trials can transform us into the image of Christ, deepening our dependence on Him and renewing our perspective on hardship. If you’ve ever felt stuck in pain or wondered where God is, this conversation will encourage and empower you to trust that He is always working, always present, and always good.

Key Verses:

Romans 8:28-30 - "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified."

Quotes:

“Sometimes the good from our circumstances may not be evident until much later, but God is weaving all things together with His wisdom and timing.”

“God’s purpose is not just to fix our pain but to conform us to the image of His Son, aligning our thoughts, attitudes, and actions with His life in us.”

Key Points:

1. God’s sovereignty assures us that He is in control and works all things for good in the lives of believers.
2. The ultimate good is being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, which is God’s purpose for every believer.
3. Trusting God’s goodness and presence transforms suffering into a pathway for deeper dependence and greater enjoyment of Him.

Outline:

1. Introduction (00:00)
2. Scripture Reading (00:57)
3. Hope through God’s Goodness and Sovereignty (1:34)
4. God’s Hand in “All Things” (3:28)
5. When Life Hurts: The Tension of Trust (4:57)
6. The Bigger Picture: God’s Ultimate Good (6:35)
7. Chiseling the Masterpiece: Michelangelo and the Image of David (14:14)
8. God’s Goodness in Aging: Mark’s Personal Journey (15:24)
9. From Pain to Peace – Practical advice on leaning into God’s Goodness. (18:11)
10. Conclusion and Major Takeaways (18:38)

Theme Music:

Here Forever by Adigold (all rights and licensing from Envato elements)

Hosted by: Ross O'Hair Participating Staff: Mark Fields Scripture Reading by: Corrie O'Hair Edited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina

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In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, hosts Ross O’Hair and Mark Fields tackle the tough questions of suffering, hardship, and where God is in the midst of our pain. Romans 8:18-27 highlights how all creation—humanity included—is groaning with hope, longing for God's promised restoration and glory. Mark shares a powerful personal story about facing serious illness, while Ross recounts a traumatic family crisis, both demonstrating that we’re not alone in our struggles. They show how the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when words fail, helping us persevere with genuine hope and assurance. Whether you’re currently in the thick of difficulty, or know someone who is, this episode will encourage you, strengthen your faith, and remind you that real hope makes a tangible difference—even in life’s darkest moments.

Key Verses:

Romans 8:18-27: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

Quotes:

“Hope is the confidence in the existence of a truth we cannot yet see, casting our endurance forward into the promises of God.”

“The Spirit groans with us in our weakness, interceding on our behalf when we cannot find the words, proving we are never alone.”

Key Points:

1. Suffering is real and present, but it pales in comparison to the future glory promised by God.
2. Hope, rooted in God’s promises, gives believers perseverance through trials and aligns us with His eternal plan.
3. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us in our weakest moments, providing comfort and assurance of God’s care.

Outline:

1. Introduction (00:00)
2. Scripture Reading (01:05)
3. Three Groanings (03:17)
4. Present Suffering vs. Future (04:09)
5. Cancer, COVID, and hope in God (05:15)
6. Creation Groans (09:22)
7. Believers Groan (10:44)
8. The Role of Hope and Perseverance (13:18)
9. The Holy Spirit Groans (20:56)
10. Final Takeaway (22:03)

Theme Music:

Here Forever by Adigold Emotional Piano by GentleJammers (all rights and licensing from Envato elements)

Hosted by: Ross O'Hair Scripture Read by: Corrie O’Hair Participating Staff: Mark Fields Edited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina

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Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org

Interested in more? Get the Living IN Jesus study.

In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, join host Ross O'Hair and guest Mark Fields as they delve into Romans 8:15-17, revealing how embracing your true identity shifts your motivation from fear to love. Through engaging stories and biblical insights, you'll discover how to overcome fear, understand your spiritual inheritance, and start walking confidently as a Child of God. This episode offers practical wisdom and encouragement to help you live out your faith with renewed intimacy and purpose. Whether you're seeking to deepen your relationship with God or find peace amidst life's challenges, this conversation will inspire and equip you to fully embrace your place in His family.

Key Verses:

Romans 8:15-17: “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”

Quotes:

“Fear might be an immediate motivator, but it is not genuine or from the heart. We respond to God out of love as we trust His heart.”

“When we say, ‘Abba, Father,’ we’re calling out to a God who smiles and says, ‘You’re my child, and I love you.’”

“Our identity as children of God isn’t just about heaven; it’s about living in His presence now, with love, joy, and peace.”

Key Points:

1. We no longer live in fear because God has given us the Spirit of adoption, not slavery.
2. As God’s adopted children, we have access to His love, wisdom, and inheritance.
3. The Holy Spirit continually assures us of our identity as God’s beloved sons and daughters.

Outline:

1. Introduction (00:00)
2. Scripture Reading (01:07)
3. Spirit of Slavery vs. Spirit of Adoption (02:14)
4. From Slave to Son: Living Inside the House (05:25)
5. “Abba!” The Cry of True Belonging (07:43)
6. Downton Abbey, Ben-Hur, and Talking Horses (08:42)
7. Whispers of Truth: The Spirit’s Constant Testimony (10:55)
8. More Than Heaven: Your Inheritance Starts Now (13:15)
9. Clarifying suffering with Christ (16:05)
10. Final Takeaway: Loved, Accepted, and Secure (18:30)

Theme Music:

Here Forever by Adigold (all rights and licensing from Envato elements)

Hosted by: Ross O'Hair Scripture Read by: Corrie O’Hair Participating Staff: Mark Fields Edited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina

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Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org

Interested in more? Get the Living IN Jesus study.

In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Mark Fields unpack the powerful truths of Romans 8:5-14 to show how the Holy Spirit transforms our lives from the inside out. Learn how to walk in the Spirit, resist the pull of the flesh, and cultivate a mindset of life and peace that transcends life’s challenges. With practical insights, personal stories, and uplifting encouragement, this episode will empower you to trust the Spirit’s guidance, experience true inner calm, and live out your faith more fully. If you’ve ever wondered how to align your thoughts and actions with God’s Spirit, this episode is a must-listen!

Key Verses:

Romans 8:5-11: “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”

Quotes:

“Once you receive God's provision of salvation, God's Spirit comes to dwell in you in His fullness and completeness.”

“Our outlook on life, our attitude towards circumstances is now one of hope, joy, rest—it's life-giving.”

“The Holy Spirit is actively transforming us into believing, thinking, and acting more like Christ in every moment.”

Key Points:

1. Believers are permanently indwelt by the Holy Spirit, defining them as God’s children.
2. A Spirit-led mindset replaces anxiety and hostility with life and peace.
3. Trusting the Holy Spirit’s leadership empowers us to resist fleshly impulses and embrace God’s truth.

Outline:

1. Introduction (00:00)
2. Scripture Reading (01:02)
3. Paul’s Focus on the Spirit (2:19)
4. Defining Flesh vs. Spirit (3:03)
5. Characteristics of the Spirit: Life and Peace (4:20)
6. The Holy Spirit’s Indwelling (7:10)
7. Putting to Death the Deeds of the Body (10:04)
8. Being Led by the Spirit (14:14)
9. Personal Applications and Illustrations (18:02)
10. Final Takeaway and Closing (22:16)

Theme Music:

Here Forever by Adigold Peaceful Documentary by LexMusic (all rights and licensing from Envato elements)

Hosted by: Ross O'Hair Scripture Read by: Corrie O’Hair Participating Staff: Mark Fields Edited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina

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Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org

Interested in more? Get the Living IN Jesus study.

In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, host Ross O'Hair and guest Mark Fields delve into Romans 8:1-4 to explore how believers can experience true freedom from feelings of condemnation, isolation, and powerlessness. They discuss the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in overcoming sin and temptation, offering practical insights on how to live moment by moment under the Spirit's guidance. Listen today to gain a deeper understanding of how to apply biblical truths to break free from cycles of guilt and shame, and to live confidently in the assurance of God's unwavering love and presence.

Key Verses:

Romans 8:1-4: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”

Quotes:

“There is therefore now no condemnation—right now, in this moment, God is not condemning me, and there’s nothing in my life He would condemn me for.”

“One of Satan's favorite strategies is to create in our minds a distance between us and God.”

“We experience freedom as we trust that God is right there with us, empowering us to trust Him and enjoy His life.”

Key Points:

1. God has set us free from condemnation and empowered us to live in the Spirit.
2. The Holy Spirit provides life, freedom, and assurance of God’s presence.
3. Choosing to trust the Spirit over the flesh leads to peace, freedom, and joy.

Outline:

1. Introduction (00:00)
2. Reading Romans 8:1-4 (01:08)
3. From Despair to Deliverance: Transitioning from Romans 7 to 8 (02:01)
4. The Spirit Unleashed (03:16)
5. Prison Break Part 1: Escaping Condemnation's Cell (05:09)
6. Prison Break Part 2: Overcoming the Powerlessness Prison (08:12)
7. Defying Spiritual Gravity: The Aerodynamics of Faith (12:20)
8. Soaring Daily: Trusting God in Every Moment (15:18)
9. Example of Fighting Anxiety in the Middle of the Night (17:02)
10. Key Takeaways and Summary (20:05)

Theme Music:

Here Forever by Adigold Dreaming Calming Relaxation by OlexandrIgnatov (all rights and licensing from Envato elements)

Hosted by: Ross O'Hair Participating Staff: Mark Fields Scripture Reading: Corrie O’Hair Edited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina

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Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org

Interested in more? Get the Living IN Jesus study.

In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

Discover how embracing gratitude can transform your life in this special Thanksgiving episode of the Living IN Jesus podcast. Hosts Ross O'Hair and Ben Brezina delve into the profound impact of thankfulness on our relationship with God, our community, and our personal well-being. They share biblical insights, personal experiences, and practical tips on how to cultivate a heart of gratitude—even amidst hardship. By listening, you'll gain a deeper understanding of why giving thanks is essential, how it can lead to inner peace and joy, and how it strengthens the bonds with those around you. This episode is an invitation to experience the transformative power of thankfulness and to make it a daily practice that enriches every aspect of your life.

Key Verses:

Psalm 28:7 – “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Colossians 3:15 – “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”

Quotes:

• “Thankfulness completes the love loop—God gives, we recognize, and we give thanks, drawing us closer to Him.”
• “You can’t fully grasp what God has done for us and not feel overwhelmed with gratitude. It’s the natural response to His love.”
• “Gratitude isn’t just a choice; it’s the pathway to peace, joy, and contentment, no matter the circumstances.”

Key Points:

1. Giving thanks daily draws us closer to God and helps us acknowledge His goodness and provision.
2. Gratitude strengthens community by fostering encouragement, kindness, and unity.
3. Practicing thankfulness shifts our perspective from lack to abundance, bringing inner peace and joy.

Outline:

1. Thanksgiving: More Than a Holiday (00:01)
2. Gratitude is in God’s Blueprint (02:07)
3. The Love Loop: Receiving and Returning Thanks (03:26)
4. Psalm 28:7: The Anthem of a Thankful Heart (03:57)
5. Grumbling vs. Gratitude: Lessons from the Wilderness (04:30)
6. Building Bridges with Thankfulness (06:59)
7. The Gratitude Effect: Health, Joy, and Peace (10:44)
8. Finding Thanks in the Trials (14:59)
9. Simple Steps to Embracing Gratitude (16:49)
10. Gratitude in Action: A Challenge to You (18:40)

Theme Music:

Here Forever by Adigold (all rights and licensing from Envato elements)

Hosted by: Ross O'Hair Participating Staff: Ben Brezina Edited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina

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Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org

Interested in more? Get the Living IN Jesus study.

In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, we dive deep into Romans 7:14-25 to explore the struggle between self-effort and relying on God's power. If you've ever felt trapped in a cycle of trying harder yet still falling short, this conversation is for you. Host Ross O'Hair and guest Tom Price discuss how even as believers, we will give into fleshly temptations when we rely on our own strength. They share personal insights and practical wisdom on embracing our true identity in Christ, which empowers us to overcome challenges not by our might but through the Holy Spirit. By listening, you'll discover how to shift from self-reliance to God-reliance, unlock the freedom found in trusting God's presence within you, and experience genuine transformation in your walk with God.

Key Verses:

Romans 7:14-25: "For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

Quotes:

“God has shown me that true strength and success come from His Spirit working through me, not from my own self-effort to follow principles.”

“When we understand that our deepest desire is to walk in holiness because of our new identity in Christ, we can stop focusing on sin and start relying on God’s power within us.”

Key Points:

1. Believers often struggle with sin when trying to live righteously by self-effort rather than through God’s grace.
2. The law of sin affects our physical bodies, but our inner being delights in God’s law, aligning with our identity in Christ.
3. True freedom comes from trusting God’s power to transform us, rather than depending on self-imposed rules or willpower.

Outline:

1. Introduction (00:00)
2. Scripture Reading (01:04)
3. Paul’s Perspective: Is This Pre- or Post-Salvation? (03:14)
4. Unpacking the “Law of Sin” (04:57)
5. Identity Check: Who Are We in Christ? (06:24)
6. Freedom Formula: Spirit-Led vs. Self-Effort (10:18)
7. Life Lesson: Tom Shares a Personal Story on Self-Discipline (11:03)
8. Finding Strength: How God Empowers Us (17:12)
9. Key Takeaway: Growing with Grace, Not Law (18:42)

Theme Music:

Here Forever by Adigold Dramatic by FlowersMusic (all rights and licensing from Envato elements)

Hosted by: Ross O'Hair Participating Staff: Tom Price Edited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina

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Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org

Interested in more? Get the Living IN Jesus study.

In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.

In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Tom Price dive into Romans 7:7-13 to explore one of the more challenging aspects of faith: the tension between God’s perfect law and our human inability to follow it. Through relatable stories and insightful analogies, Ross and Tom unpack why our best self-efforts inevitably fall short of God’s standard, and why that realization is actually a profound blessing. Listeners will gain a fresh perspective on the purpose of the law—as a mirror that reveals our need for grace—and discover the freedom that comes when we rely on the indwelling Holy Spirit instead of striving on our own. If you've ever felt burdened by trying to be "good enough," this episode will offer you relief, clarity, and a renewed understanding of how God’s grace empowers us to live righteously.

Key Verses:

Romans 7:7-13: "What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, 'You shall not covet.' But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good."

Quotes:

“The law is holy and perfect, but self-effort can never fulfill it. Instead, it often brings out our sin nature.”

“The law is like a mirror: it reveals where we fall short but has no power to make us righteous.”

“Grace always focuses on righteousness, while the law keeps our focus on sin and self-effort.”

Key Points:

1. The law reveals sin but cannot empower us to live righteously.
2. Self-effort in following the law often leads to more sin, not less.
3. True righteousness is achieved by relying on the Holy Spirit, not our self-strength.

Outline:

1. Introduction (00:00)
2. Scripture Reading (01:02)
3. Context of Romans 5:6-11 (02:00)
4. What Does It Mean to Be Saved by Christ's Life? (03:00)
5. Reconciliation Through Christ's Death (04:00)
6. The Two Sides of the Cross (05:00)
7. Practical Example of Living Out Christ’s Life (10:02)
8. How to Apply Reconciliation Daily (12:00)
9. Conclusion and Major Takeaways (15:16)

Theme Music:

Here Forever by Adigold Emotional Piano and Strings by GentleJammers (all rights and licensing from Envato elements)

Hosted by: Ross O'Hair Participating Staff: Tom Price Edited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina

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Have a question or comment about this podcast? We want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@cftministry.org

Interested in more? Get the Living IN Jesus study.

In need of individual counseling? Visit our website to schedule an online or in-person appointment.