In Episode 55, Josh and Cody, sit down to discuss through the “new normal” in churches going forward. They think through what some permanent changes as well as temporary ones. The guys raise the question of how will the church successfully pull off social distancing, and when things wind down, what are certain changes that are going to remain permanent.
Read MoreIn this 54th episode of Raking Coals, the guys discuss their experiences from having Easter at home this year. They discuss their vies on how Easter in a COVID-19 world is different from their previous experiences. From the things they missed and the different family gatherings, the guys try and talk through their experiences from this past year’s Resurrection Sunday
Read MoreGot the opportunity to record my friend's, Caleb Kudlo, message for Easter Sunday at CityView Downtown. Listen as he explains the truth and living hope we have as Christ followers, even in these turbulent times.
Read MoreJosh and Cody have struggled with the way COVID-19 has impacted their own lives just as the rest of the world has. The guys have also found it really easy to just turn everything off, decrease productivity, and coast during this time of social distancing and stay at home orders. They discuss how this temptation is not the best response to our current situation and how we can continue to move forward in life in the midst of the many current obstacles. Continuing to follow the guidelines and mandates, Cody and Josh challenge everyone this week to think of ways in which they can continue to move forward in their personal faith and life goals.
Read MoreThis week, the guys discuss their dream jobs and ideal ministries for the future. During this time of uncertainty, Josh and Cody wanted to take the opportunity to discuss the things in life that they have always wanted to do. In a season where there is a lot of discussion of rough times, the guys decide to have a fun discussion over ideal situations that could be in the future.
Read MoreOver the last 10 days, the people of the world have become highly familiar with the concept of social distancing. Going forward, we believe that the COVID-19 pandemic is going to have a lasting impact on the church, some things good and some things bad. We hope that you enjoy this discussion, and since we are a little more shut-in then normal (at least at the time of this posting) feel free to jump in with any comments or stories. We hope that you are all doing well, and ask you continue to pray as the Church and the world continue to do what’s best during this time.
Read MoreFor our 50th episode, we wanted to do something a little different and special. We talk through what are considered to be the top 50 contemporary worship songs, at least according to the amount of downloads they have received. We give our honest takes on these songs and the memories that we have tied to them. We also discuss the songs that most definitely SHOULD have been on there. Let us know what songs you love that did not make the top 50.
Read MoreThe guys have always enjoyed going to church, even since they were kids. However, that does not mean that every memory in the church is one that is full of high fives and fists bumps. In fact, each have quite a few stories about times where church was a little awkward. It is not uncommon for people to have experiences in church or around Christians that could be described as a little bit, or even, quite a bit awkward, so Josh and Cody open up and share just a couple of awkward church stories on episode 49 of Raking Coals. We hope you enjoy and can laugh along with us as we recall some of our favorite awkward church stories.
Read MoreJosh likes to write down discussion topics and ideas for the podcast in his journal. Until this episode, those ideas had been kept top secret, even from his best friend and co-host, Cody. On this 48th episode of Raking Coals, Josh opens up his notebook and the guys begin to talk through a variety of different topics. The discussion ranges from stories about Christmas, to the people who have pushed us to challenge ourselves in critical ways.
Read MoreCody had a birthday, so he decided to record a podcast reflecting on some things he would like to share, as he begins his last year in his twenties. Even though he doesn’t have everything in life figured out at this point, like he thought he would when he was younger, there are some valuable things that he would like to share with all who are willing to listen.
Read MoreMissing church can be something that is filled with a variety of different feelings. Sometimes it can be a relief, especially for those who have hectic Sunday mornings, getting kids ready and out the door. Other times it can be a cause for disappointment because we miss celebrating God with our church family. While, these are only two examples, a variety of different things can be going on that cause us to miss church. Sometimes we are guilted into church attendance, while other times we feel like, "does anyone care if I am here." The guys discuss all of that and more in this 46th episode of Raking Coals.
Read MoreJosh takes the helm in this 45th episode of Raking Coals. He discusses one of the latest controversial topics: The Halftime Show from the largest sporting event in the United States. There are certain values that a believer in Christ has that will undoubtedly influence what we consider to be appropriate and inappropriate entertainment for ourselves and our families. But on this episode of Raking Coals, Josh explores how we go about having conversations and dealing with controversial topics while maintaining a reasonable and respectful attitude.
Read MoreHoliness is something that we say and hear a lot within the context of the Church, but have we ever really thought how important that terms is to understand? For most of us, we most likely have confidence in being able to define what holiness is but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a longer discussion. The guys look at the history of how this term appears within Scripture and the importance that it holds historically and in contemporary contexts.
Read MoreThis week the guys come back to their series where they take a deep look on the definitions and applications of some of the most common terms surrounding Christianity. This week they look at humility, what the root of humility is for us, and how it is such and important and foundational aspect of following Christ. They look at how it should both look in theory and in practice. We hope you enjoy this one, and please feel free to let us know more terms that you would like us to go through in our series on defining terms.
Read MoreThe guys take a look at Proverbs and the importance of surrounding ourselves with wise people in our lives. They explore what they looks like in a practical manner and share what interactions of seeking wise counsel should look like. It is always easy to try to have our biases confirmed, or have people tell us what we want to hear but that is not always great for us. Having reliable, mature, and wise friends is something of great value in our faith.
Read MoreJosh and Cody are back for a brand new year, and looking forward to what 2020 has to bring. In this first episode of the year, the guys discuss the New Year’s resolutions that we make. In regards to our faith, what are some good ways to stick to some of the resolutions that we make or might have made in our relationship with Christ.
Read MoreCody and Josh discuss the things that truly matter about Christmas. Obviously keeping Christ at the center of Christmas is vital to this holiday season, but how do we do that on a daily basis? What are the things we need to think about in order to avoid the abyss of stress and trying too hard to impress or please others? Also, if there are any people who should fully embrace and share the joy of Christmas, the peace and hope that it brings, it ought to be the ones who celebrate the birth of the king of kings.
Read MoreJosh and Cody sit down to talk about life, and how we handle it when things don't seem to go the way that we planned them to. The guys recognize that we all make plans, as well as have hopes and dreams for ourselves. Unfortunately, we don't always have everything pan out the way that we wished it would. Each discuss their own experience with this obstacle, and explore the scripture and principals that help get them through it.
Read MoreThis week Lydia Fawzy joins in on the conversation to talk about a time in life where she highly cut back on fellowship within the local church. In this episode we talk about the importance and impact that connecting with fellow believers has on us in our life. Often times the church has many options and ways for us to connect with one another, and we have a discussion about some of the most effective ways that this is done.
Read MoreThis week the guys sit down with Bob Hershey to discuss pregnancy center ministry. Bob, is the executive director of the Cleveland Pregnancy Center, and he discusses what day-to-day operations are like as well as the effect of the ministry. In this episode we hear about Bob’s personal testimony and how the Lord has used that to place him where he is at today, as well as how he uses that personal experience to encourage those who interacts with at CPC.
Read More
