Podcasts + Discipleship: Click to learn how pursueGOD works.
PursueGOD is a podcast-based discipleship library. Here's how to use our resources with your family, small group, or one-on-one mentoring relationship:
- Pick a series from our homepage. There's plenty to choose from!
- Each series contains multiple lessons. Click on the numbered tabs to open each lesson.
- Each lesson includes an audio podcast. Start by listening to the podcast on your own, before you meet as a group. Take notes as needed, and listen again if it helps. Consider starting a discipleship journal to track what you're learning.
- Meet with your family, group, or mentor to talk through what you learned from the podcast. Each lesson includes shownotes, talking points, and discussion questions. Click on the # tab to explore additional topics when you're done.
- Need more helpful tips on using our tools? Listen to the podcast below or check out one of our many training series.
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Talking Points:
- Government is God’s idea, and all authority flows from God’s authority. The purpose of government is to protect rights and enforce moral law.
- Christians are citizens of heaven first, where Christ is already king. Believers are called to obey earthly governments and laws, but they must prioritize obedience to God when conflicts arise. Philippians 1:27, 3:20, Romans 13:1-7
- The Bible teaches believers to work for the good of the places where they live, even if those places do not follow God (Jeremiah 29:7).
- The Bible outlines ways to be good citizens, including praying for leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2), paying taxes (Mark 12:17), and working for justice and peace (Micah 6:8).
Discussion:
- Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
- When you hear the word “governance,” what comes to mind? How does this align or differ from the Bible’s view of governance?
- Read Proverbs 16:32. How can practicing self-governance impact your personal relationships and spiritual growth? What steps can you take to strengthen self-discipline in your life?
- How does family governance prepare individuals for life in society? Name some ways a poorly built family structure can hurt an individual?
- Read Romans 13:1-7. Why is it important for believers to respect and support civil authorities, even when they might disagree? How should Christians respond when civil authorities act in ways that contradict God’s commands?
- Hebrews 13:17 talks about trusting and submitting to church leaders. How do you balance this with personal discernment and accountability?
- Which of the four forms of government (self, family, civil, church) do you feel most called to grow in, and what specific steps can you take to align with God’s design?
Talking Points:
- Abortion is an emotionally charged issue; many people feel personal pain or conflict around this topic. Understanding both pro-choice and pro-life perspectives helps us engage thoughtfully and biblically.
- Pro-choice perspectives advocate for bodily autonomy and gender equality. They believe that personhood develops gradually and that early-stage embryos lack the characteristics of full moral status.
- On the other hand, those who are pro-life believe in the intrinsic value of human life, the humanity of the unborn, and uphold a moral responsibility to the vulnerable. Genesis 1:27, Exodus 21:22-25
- Historical context highlights troubling links between abortion, eugenics, and systemic injustice. Those who advocate for pro-life must go beyond opposing abortion and encourage practical steps to make a change, such as adoption or pregnancy support.
- Abortion is not just a social or political issue; it’s a gospel issue. The Bible reminds us to “choose life” in every sense—physically, morally, and spiritually. Deuteronomy 30:19
Discussion:
- Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
- Why do you think the topic of abortion is so emotionally charged for many people?
- What do you think about the pro-choice argument of bodily autonomy? How does this align or conflict with a biblical worldview?
- How does the history of eugenics and forced sterilization challenge the pro-choice narrative of empowerment and equality?
- Pro-life advocates that unborn babies are not “potential human beings” but “human beings with potential.” How does this perspective shape your view of the abortion debate?
- Read Proverbs 31:8-9. How can we apply this verse to the abortion debate?
- The podcast emphasizes being “pro-life, not just pro-birth.” How can Christians advocate for both unborn children and mothers in practical ways?
- Of the three action steps (adopt, support, and disciple), which of these resonates most with you, and how can you take a step in that direction?
- How can families disciple their children to develop a biblical worldview on life and abortion in a culture with opposing narratives?
Talking Points:
- In the beginning, God created them male and female. This was before the fall and God said it was very good. The differences between male and female should be celebrated, not diminished. Genesis 1:27-28, Genesis 1:31,
- Our gender is determined at conception. God has a plan and purpose for our life before we take our first breath. When we trust our feelings over what God has declared to be true, we are essentially declaring that we know better than the perfect, holy God who created us. Psalm 139:13-16, Jeremiah 17:9, Deuteronomy 22:5
- Love rejoices in the truth. Truth matters, and this is a topic that calls us to speak truth. We need to speak it gracefully and with compassion, but we also need to speak it unashamedly. God calls us to protect the weak and vulnerable. 1 Corinthians 13:6, James 1:27
Discussion:
- Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
- Did your parents have conversations with you about gender when you were younger? Why do you think questions revolving around gender identity seem to have grown so rapidly in today’s culture?
- What are some of the ways God has blessed us by creating two genders?
- How does knowing God has a purpose and plan for your life help you deal with life’s uncertainties?
- Do you agree with the statement that it is arrogant to think we know better than the God who created us if we desire to switch our gender? Why or why not?
- What are some conversations you’ve had to have with someone you love that were hard, but you knew you had to engage in them?
- Kingdom Politics (Series)
- Praying For The Government At Church
- The Pledge of Allegiance, Family, and God
- Where’s the Beef in Your Christian Life?
- Does God Really Appoint Evil Leaders?
- What Facebook Did to American Democracy
- Should an Athlete Stand or Kneel?
- Are You an American or Christian First?
- Should Christians Ever Break the Law?
- God and Politics
- A Biblical Response to the Syrian Refugee Crisis
- The Book of Titus: How to Talk About Politics and Religion
- Is It Ok For A Christian To Have A Concealed Handgun License?
- How Should A Christian View The Religious Freedom Restoration Act?
- Pray for the Next President