Religion & SpiritualityChristianityReligion

The Harder Way Podcast

nations4jc

Join our hosts as they discuss religious restriction, the power of Scripture, living a life of faith over fear, and what the American Church can learn from the Persecuted Church about living victoriously in an increasingly hostile culture.

Play

Open in

25 episodes
Avg 24 min
English

Episodes 25

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

#196
October 16 · 30 min
#195 - The Bible Under Her Table: A Shenzhen Conversion Story
Scott and Mattie recount a powerful courier story from Shenzhen where a woman found a Bible used to level her table, read it, and became a Christian, highlighting the life-changing impact of one Bible amid widespread persecution. They also unpack two major interpretive frameworks—dispensationalism and covenantalism—explain how these views affect theology and end-times expectations, and encourage listeners to read the Bible, live out Christ, and pursue unity. Remember to help us share these podcasts: Like, Share, and Comment! Send Bibles to persecuted churches ($20 provides a needed Bible from the store to a persecuted saint). Receive the Courier Update Support this podcast!
- Transcript
- Chapters
#195
October 9 · 14 min
#194 - Mattie Returns 3 of 3
When Faith Meets Politics: Choosing the Harder Way In this episode, Scott and Mattie explain the podcast’s unscripted format, their pause rule, and why they avoid taking a political stance while encouraging Christians to vote and pray for leaders. They introduce new "minisodes": short, history-focused episodes on persecution, biographies like Esther Ahn Kim, and special holiday deep dives. They also outline future plans—fewer one-offs and more series that go deeper into Scripture and the restricted church experience—invite listeners to share, like, and review the show, and remind Christians to live faithfully and courageously in an increasingly hostile culture. Remember to help us share these podcasts: Like, Share, and Comment! Send Bibles to persecuted churches ($20 provides a needed Bible from the store to a persecuted saint). Receive the Courier Update Support this podcast!
- Transcript
- Chapters
#194
October 2 · 28 min
#193 - Mattie Returns 2 of 3
Living the Harder Way: Faith Beyond Rules This episode explores living the Christian life amid legalism, neurodiversity, and personal struggle. Hosts Scott and Mattie discuss autism, the pitfalls of rule-based faith, the restoration of joy, and trusting the Holy Spirit to lead. They share personal stories of support, growth, and how to encourage those who feel different without losing faith. Remember to help us share these podcasts: Like, Share, and Comment! Send Bibles to persecuted churches ($20 provides a needed Bible from the store to a persecuted saint). Receive the Courier Update Support this podcast!
- Transcript
- Chapters
#193
September 25 · 25 min
#192 - Mattie Returns 1 of 3
When Theology Gets in the Way: Rediscovering the Bible In this episode, Scott AND Mattie explore the Harder Way Podcast's commitment to centering the Bible and sharing the lives of persecuted Christians, discussing a decade of Bible school, shifting from lofty theology to practical devotion, and the transformative power of Scripture. Hosts reflect on personal journeys—including one host's experience on the autism spectrum—practical spiritual disciplines such as the Book of Common Prayer and repeated reading of the Gospel of John, and encourage consistent, simple practices to grow faith in difficult times. Remember to help us share these podcasts: Like, Share, and Comment! Send Bibles to persecuted churches ($20 provides a needed Bible from the store to a persecuted saint). Receive the Courier Update Support this podcast!
- Transcript
- Chapters
#192
September 11 · 21 min
#191 - ep.9 I Do Not Know — But God Knows
I Do Not Know — But God Knows: Lessons from Cuban Pastors In this final episode of this 9-part series, Scott gathers lessons from Cuban pastors about providence, remembered faithfulness, and what it means to trust God first when resources and certainty run out. He contrasts American security systems with the necessity-driven dependence of pastors in hardship and explores how humility, community, wise planning, and obedience form a resilient faith. The episode centers on the seven-word confession, "I do not know, but God knows," urging listeners to remember God’s past faithfulness, place dependence before convenience, and take faithful steps even when the outcome is uncertain. Remember to help us share these podcasts: Like, Share, and Comment! Send Bibles to persecuted churches ($20 provides a needed Bible from the store to a persecuted saint). Receive the Courier Update Support this podcast!
- Transcript
- Chapters
#191
September 5 · 20 min
#190 - ep.8 What Suffering Actually Does
Accept, Like, Love, Embrace: Samuel Lamb’s Answer to Suffering This episode explores how suffering tests and shapes Christian faith, focusing on Pastor Samuel Lamb and resilient Cuban pastors who endured persecution. It explains Lamb’s four-step response—accept, like, love, embrace—and how suffering can clarify values and deepen dependence on Christ. The host connects biblical examples (Jesus, Paul, Hebrews 11) to practical guidance, offering five reflective questions to help listeners interpret and respond to their own pain. Ultimately, the episode frames suffering within the larger story of God’s presence: pain is real but does not have the final word, and faithfulness may be shown through endurance as well as deliverance. Remember to help us share these podcasts: Like, Share, and Comment! Send Bibles to persecuted churches ($20 provides a needed Bible from the store to a persecuted saint). Receive the Courier Update Support this podcast!
- Transcript
- Chapters
#190
August 21 · 28 min
#189 - ep.7 Life with God NOT For God
A Life with God, Not for God In Episode 7 of The Harder Way's series "Before the Pressure Comes," Scott explores how Cuban pastors maintain spiritual resilience by living with God first, rather than merely working for God. Drawing on interviews and doctoral research, he contrasts a disciplined, transformative relationship with God—marked by prayer, Scripture, and communal fasting—with the hollow busyness that leaves faith drained. Listeners are challenged to examine their practices, motives, and visible fruit to cultivate a life rooted in communion with Christ. Remember to help us share these podcasts: Like, Share, and Comment! Send Bibles to persecuted churches ($20 provides a needed Bible from the store to a persecuted saint). Receive the Courier Update Support this podcast!
- Transcript
- Chapters
#189
August 14 · 30 min
#188 - ep6 The Church that Cannot Die
The Church That Cannot Be Eliminated — How Community Survives Persecution This episode explores how the Cuban church's deep community, mutual care, and stewardship enable faith to endure under pressure. It urges the American church to build relationships now—so members and leaders are known, supported, and able to carry one another before crisis arrives. Remember to help us share these podcasts: Like, Share, and Comment! Send Bibles to persecuted churches ($20 provides a needed Bible from the store to a persecuted saint). Receive the Courier Update Support this podcast!
- Transcript
- Chapters
#188
August 7 · 36 min
#187 - ep5 The Unnamed Call
Called, Not Promoted: When God Sends You Where You'd Rather Not Go This episode examines what it means to be called by God rather than defined by a title or position. Using stories from Cuban pastors who left comfortable livelihoods to serve their communities, the host contrasts preference with calling, explains how calling is tested and confirmed, and highlights the costs and commitments involved. Listeners receive practical questions to name and assess their assignment, encouragement to obey faithfully, and a reminder that obedience often means doing the next good thing until the Caller releases you. Remember to help us share these podcasts: Like, Share, and Comment! Send Bibles to persecuted churches ($20 provides a needed Bible from the store to a persecuted saint). Receive the Courier Update Support this podcast!
- Transcript
- Chapters
#187
July 24 · 18 min
#186 - ep4 Lose the Word, Lose the Way
When Scripture Rules: Rediscovering the Bible's Authority Scott explores the centrality of the Bible, telling stories from persecuted believers and urging Christians to stop treating Scripture as a decoration or tool and to let it govern their lives. He emphasizes memorizing Scripture, submitting to its authority, and keeping the Word as the foundation when suffering or culture pressures us. Listeners are invited to examine how Scripture has changed them, identify passages they avoid, and consider how much of the Bible would remain in their hearts if physical access were lost. Remember to help us share these podcasts: Like, Share, and Comment! Send Bibles to persecuted churches ($20 provides a needed Bible from the store to a persecuted saint). Receive the Courier Update Support this podcast!
- Transcript
- Chapters
#186
July 17 · 22 min
#185 - ep3 What Fear is Doing to the American Church
When Fear Leads the Church: Fight, Flee, Compromise Episode 3 examines how fear—rather than faith—shapes many responses in the American church, driving fight, flee, and compromise. Drawing on lessons from Cuban pastors and biblical examples, Scott urges listeners to identify what their fear is teaching them and to reorder their hearts under the fear of God. Practical questions and vivid stories (including Peter’s failures and restoration) challenge believers to choose God’s approval over man’s and prepare for costly faithfulness. Remember to help us share these podcasts: Like, Share, and Comment! Send Bibles to persecuted churches ($20 provides a needed Bible from the store to a persecuted saint). Receive the Courier Update Support this podcast!
- Transcript
- Chapters
#185
July 10 · 19 min
#184 - ep2 Fighting the Idol of Prosperity
Before the Pressure: How Prosperity Steals Courage This episode examines how comfort and prosperity can quietly dull a Christian's obedience and offers a practical response drawn from resilient pastors who faced sustained pressure. Scott outlines three practices—name the fear, exercise the faith, and return ownership to God—and urges listeners to practice faithfulness now so they are prepared when real pressure comes. Remember to help us share these podcasts: Like, Share, and Comment! Send Bibles to persecuted churches ($20 provides a needed Bible from the store to a persecuted saint). Receive the Courier Update Support this podcast!
- Transcript
- Chapters
#184
July 3 · 24 min
#183 - ep1 Before the Pressure Comes
When Comfort Becomes the Master Scott explores how prosperity can quietly own believers, using stories from the Cuban and Eastern European churches to show how scarcity built resilience and dependence on God. He warns that comfort can erode genuine faith by making obedience optional and offers three reflective questions to test what would separate you from Christ. Remember to help us share these podcasts: Like, Share, and Comment! Send Bibles to persecuted churches ($20 provides a needed Bible from the store to a persecuted saint). Receive the Courier Update Support this podcast!
- Transcript
- Chapters
#183
June 26 · 13 min
#182 - Before the Pressure Comes - Series Introduction
Before the Pressure Comes: Lessons from the Cuban Church This episode introduces a nine-part series drawing on the experiences of Cuban and other persecuted pastors to show how faith matures under pressure. It explains the series structure and previews themes—prosperity, fear, Scripture, calling, community, spiritual life, suffering, and providence—that shaped resilient Christian leaders. Listeners are invited to examine whether comfort or control governs their faith and to prepare now so their Christianity will remain faithful when conditions change. Remember to help us share these podcasts: Like, Share, and Comment! Send Bibles to persecuted churches ($20 provides a needed Bible from the store to a persecuted saint). Receive the Courier Update Support this podcast!
- Transcript
- Chapters
#182
June 19 · 17 min
#181 - Standing Firm on the Word of God
When Faith Meets Fear: Stories from Nigeria, Cuba, and Canada Scott explores real stories of Christians in Nigeria, Cuba, and Canada to show how Scripture shapes courage, endurance, and faithful witness under pressure. The episode contrasts violent persecution, severe hardship, and growing cultural hostility, and argues that the Bible prepares Believers to stand firm when obedience becomes costly. Listen for a call to build lives on the Word of God, pray for persecuted brothers and sisters, and embrace the Harder Way of faith over comfort. Remember to help us share these podcasts: Like, Share, and Comment! Send Bibles to persecuted churches ($20 provides a needed Bible from the store to a persecuted saint). Receive the Courier Update Support this podcast!
- Transcript
- Chapters
#181
June 12 · 24 min
#180 - Where Are Your Two Copper Coins? A Call to All‑In Faith
Where Are Your Two Copper Coins? A Call to All‑In Faith Scott invites listeners to reflect on what it means to be fully committed to Jesus. Using the devotion to the Sacred Heart, Mark 12’s widow, and James 2, the episode contrasts pride and public religion with humble, costly obedience. The hosts emphasize the example of persecuted believers who live out their faith at great cost, and they challenge listeners to examine where they may be holding back from surrendering everything to Christ. Also included: a July Bible Courier update about early missions in Cuba and instructions to sign up at atlasbible.org/bci. Remember to help us share these podcasts: Like, Share, and Comment! Send Bibles to persecuted churches ($20 provides a needed Bible from the store to a persecuted saint). Receive the Courier Update Support this podcast!
- Transcript
- Chapters
#180
June 5 · 36 min
#179 - Life On the Harder Way
The Harder Way: Pain, Prayer, and a Growing Miracle Scott shares a personal testimony that connects the persecuted church's struggles with their own season of pain, surprise blessings, and answered prayer. They reflect on Bible courier work, global persecution, and how the Harder Way shapes faithful living. Through medical diagnosis, a hit-and-run, and a worrying prenatal report turned healthy, the host models practical faith: prayer, trust in God’s goodness, and solidarity with believers under pressure. The episode closes with specific prayer requests for persecuted and restricted churches and for the hosts’ family. Remember to help us share these podcasts: Like, Share, and Comment! Send Bibles to persecuted churches ($20 provides a needed Bible from the store to a persecuted saint). Receive the Courier Update Support this podcast!
- Transcript
- Chapters
#179
May 29 · 20 min
#178 - Tribulation Views - On the Harder Way
Tribulation Explained: Faith, Fear, and the End Times Scott continues his walk through Revelation, unpacking different views of tribulation — pre‑trib, mid‑trib, pre‑wrath, and post‑trib — and the larger dispensational and covenantal frameworks that shape them. They emphasize the essentials every Christian must hold while explaining how sincere believers can disagree about timing and sequence. The episode stresses humility, endurance, and hope, drawing lessons from the persecuted church: keep Christ at the center, hold to the core truths of resurrection and final judgment, and practice charity toward fellow Christians who read end‑times texts differently. Remember to help us share these podcasts: Like, Share, and Comment! Send Bibles to persecuted churches ($20 provides a needed Bible from the store to a persecuted saint). Receive the Courier Update Support this podcast!
- Transcript
- Chapters
#178
May 22 · 24 min
#177 - The 4 Millennial Views - On the Harder Way
End Times Without the Fight: Guardrails, Grace, and the Four Views Scott continues the Harder Way Podcast series with a careful tour through end-times interpretation. This episode outlines the key frameworks—covenant and dispensational theology—and explains four main views of the millennium (historic premillennialism, dispensational premillennialism, amillennialism, and postmillennialism). Scott emphasizes the importance of staying within the essentials of the faith, showing grace toward differing secondary views, and offers a personal, motivating lens for living out Christian hope. Remember to help us share these podcasts: Like, Share, and Comment! Send Bibles to persecuted churches ($20 provides a needed Bible from the store to a persecuted saint). Receive the Courier Update Support this podcast!
- Transcript
- Chapters
#177
May 15 · 22 min
#176 - End Times Essentials - On the Harder Way
Hope & Judgment: The Essentials of the End Times Scott lays out the core Christian hopes about the end times: Christ's visible return, the resurrection of the dead, final judgment, the defeat of evil, and the renewal of creation—truths that unite believers across traditions. He encourages watchful faith, humility on disputed details, and faithful endurance, especially for persecuted Christians, emphasizing hope over speculation. Remember to help us share these podcasts: Like, Share, and Comment! Send Bibles to persecuted churches ($20 provides a needed Bible from the store to a persecuted saint). Receive the Courier Update Support this podcast!
- Transcript
- Chapters

Showing 1–20 of 25 episodes