Living IN Jesus is a podcast designed to explore the depths of what it means to live a grace-filled life with Jesus as the focus. Be encouraged by listening to Spirit-filled conversations with a rotating panel of counselors and teachers from the counseling and training ministry of Christian Families Today.
In this season finale episode, Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina explore how one letter from the Apostle Paul has changed countless lives, sparked historic reformations, and continues to shape our personal faith journeys today. They discuss the power of understanding our co-crucifixion with Christ, the freedom in knowing there is no condemnation for believers, and the ripple effect of Romans throughout history—from Augustine’s dramatic turning point to Martin Luther’s Reformation insights. Whether you’re well-versed in Romans or just dipping your toes into its deep truths, join Ross and Ben as they highlight the timeless influence of this remarkable epistle—and encourage you to live transformed in the light of God’s love.
Key Verses:
Romans 8:1 – "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
Romans 12:2 – "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Quotes:
"The truths in Romans are not just information; they are transformation. When we truly believe them, they change our entire outlook on life."
“We never know how God is going to take what we do or what we say and use it to encourage somebody who will encourage somebody, who will encourage somebody.”
“We can’t ever hear the truth enough. Even if we know it and we’ve heard it a million times, that millionth and first time is just as impactful.”
Key Points:
The Book of Romans lays out the foundation of the Christian faith, emphasizing justification by faith and life in the Spirit.
Understanding our co-crucifixion and resurrection with Christ transforms our identity and daily walk with God.
Romans has profoundly impacted church history, shaping movements like the Protestant Reformation and inspiring figures like Augustine, Martin Luther, and Charles Wesley.
Outline:
Introduction (00:04)
The Ongoing Riches in the Book of Romans (01:05)
Reviewing Key Themes of Salvation and Transformation (01:27)
Justification by Faith Versus Works (02:36)
Embracing Our New Identity in Christ (03:04)
Historical Impact of Romans on Believers (05:03)
Personal Testimonies and Transformation (12:18)
Gateway Passages: Romans 8:1 and Romans 12:2 (14:32)
Truth as Spiritual Nourishment (16:06)
The Ripple Effect of Living Out the Gospel (18:52)
Final Encouragement and Season Wrap-Up (21:51)
Theme Music:
Here Forever by Adigold(all rights and licensing from Envato elements)
Hosted by: Ross O'HairParticipating Staff: Ben BrezinaEdited 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.
13 Feb 2025
Overcoming Evil with Good
In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina explore what it means to overcome evil with good. They unpack Romans 12:19-21—challenging listeners to leave revenge to God and instead respond to hurt with kindness and radical love. The conversation touches on the pitfalls of seeking personal justice, the transformative power of depending on the Holy Spirit, and practical ways to bless those who wrong us, even in our most vulnerable moments. If you've ever wrestled with how to handle hurt, offense, or injustice, this conversation will challenge and encourage you. Discover how choosing to depend on Christ and walking in His love can transform your life—and the lives of those around you.
Key Verses:
Romans 12:19-21: "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Quotes:
“We are the worst person to judge a situation when we’re the ones hurt.”
“The people who hurt us can’t heal us—only God can.”
“Jesus didn’t just avoid revenge—He actively blessed those who hated Him.”
Key Points:
Overcoming evil with good begins by entrusting our hurt and anger to God rather than seeking personal vengeance.
Radical love calls us to bless our enemies and respond with kindness, even when our emotions run high.
Depending on the Holy Spirit empowers us to transform conflict into opportunities for healing and reconciliation.
Outline:
Introduction (00:04)
Scripture Reading (00:50)
The Call to Not Avenge Yourself (02:08)
God’s Justice vs. Our Emotions (03:32)
The Destructive Cycle of Retaliation (06:16)
Empowered to Give Radical Love (07:38)
Jesus as the Ultimate Example (10:53)
Practical Example: Refusing to Take the Bait (12:00)
Handling Personal Offense with Grace in Parenting (15:53)
Relying on the Holy Spirit to Overcome Evil (19:16)
Final Takeaway (19:31)
Theme Music:
Here Forever by AdigoldEmotion by TonyDrummer(all rights and licensing from Envato elements)
Hosted by: Ross O'HairParticipating Staff: Ben BrezinaScripture Read by: Ben BrezinaEdited 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.
6 Feb 2025
Expressing God’s Grace in Every Encounter
In this episode, Ross O’Hair and Jamie Pharis Pyles explore Romans 12:14-18, revealing how believers are empowered through the Holy Spirit to bless rather than curse, rejoice and weep with others, and live in harmony. They discuss how old patterns of retaliation stem from the flesh, but under the New Covenant, believers have a new spirit and renewed mind to respond with genuine love—even toward those who cause harm. Through personal stories and scriptural insights, they demonstrate that what was once impossible under the law becomes both freeing and joyful through Christ’s life in us.
Key Verses:
Romans 12:14-18: "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."
Quotes:"In Christ, you can afford to be wrong, and you can afford to be wronged."
"It's not on our love and forgiveness that the world will change, but on His through us."
"God doesn’t promise great circumstances, but He does promise His presence, His love, and a peace that surpasses understanding."
Key Points:
Living in Christ means breaking free from the old pattern of retaliation and embracing love, even in persecution.
The renewal of the mind is not something we achieve by effort but something we allow God to do in us.
Unity in the body of Christ comes from recognizing everyone's equal value and responding with humility and grace.
Outline:
Introduction (00:04)
Scripture Reading (01:00)
Do’s and Don’ts (02:04)
Breaking Free from Old Fleshly Patterns (03:49)
Allowing God to Transform Us (05:08)
A Story of Responding with Love (09:27)
Persecution Reveals Our Faith (08:12)
Seeing Every Person’s Value (13:20)
Living Peaceably and not Repaying Evil (15:55)
Corrie Ten Boom’s Story of Empowerment (16:30)
Conclusion and Major Takeaways (19:11)
Theme Music:
Here Forever by AdigoldCinematic Strings by Cleanmindsounds(all rights and licensing from Envato elements)
Hosted by: Ross O'HairScripture Read by: Ben BrezinaParticipating Staff: Jamie Pharis PylesEdited 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.
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