Radically Christian

<p>What if "friendship with the world" in James 4:4 isn't about your music playlist or your movie choices? In this episode, Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson reexamine one of the most misunderstood phrases in the New Testament. Drawing on the Greco-Roman patronage system—where wealthy benefactors offered "gifts" in exchange for loyalty and allegiance—they argue that James is confronting something far deeper than a moral checklist. He's warning an oppressed church community against selling their allegiance to rich and powerful patrons instead of trusting Jesus as their sole protector and provider. From Old Testament parallels with Israel's political alliances to modern applications in the workplace, online tribalism, and partisan politics, this conversation will challenge you to ask: Can my loyalty be bought? </p><p>Links and Resources</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://amzn.to/4tJBaXd"><em>Beyond the Verse: What I Discovered Reading the Bible One Book at a Time</em></a><a target="_blank" href="https://amzn.to/4tJBaXd"> by Wes McAdams</a>​</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://www.radicallychristian.com/p/how-partisan-politics-are-harming-christians">How Partisan Politics Are Harming Christians</a></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.radicallychristian.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">www.radicallychristian.com</a>

<p>What does it actually mean to “not be conformed to this world”? And what if modern neuroscience confirms what the apostle Paul wrote 2,000 years ago? In this episode of the Radically Christian Podcast, Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson explore the biblical concept of “the world” as a lens, framework, and normalized pattern of rebellion against God. Drawing from Romans 12, the Epistle to Diognetus, and the latest brain science research, they unpack how our thoughts physically reshape our brains—and why that matters for spiritual formation. Discover how the early Christians lived as radical nonconformists, learn to identify the lies that keep you stuck, and find out how speaking the truth of the gospel back to those lies can literally transform your mind. Your playlist matters more than you think.</p><p>Links and Resources</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://amzn.to/4aCxVbv"><em>Live No Lies: Recognize and Resist the Three Enemies That Sabotage Your Peace</em></a><a target="_blank" href="https://amzn.to/4aCxVbv"> by John Mark Comer</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://amzn.to/3ZEAKDR"><em>The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery: Connecting Neuroscience and Faith to Radically Transform Your Life</em></a><a target="_blank" href="https://amzn.to/3ZEAKDR"> by Dr. W. Lee Warren</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://amzn.to/46O6oTd"><em>Talking Back: A Monastic Handbook for Combating Demons</em></a><a target="_blank" href="https://amzn.to/46O6oTd"> by Evagrius of Pontus</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/diognetus-roberts.html">The Epistle to Diognetus (Full Text)</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://theologyintheraw.com/podcast/the-brain-the-body-and-dealing-with-trauma-dr-lee-warren/">Dr. Lee Warren on Theology in the Raw with Preston Sprinkle</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://logos.com/radically-christian">Logos Bible Software – Extended Free Trial</a></p><p><em>Note: Some links are affiliate links. This means if you choose to make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the Radically Christian Podcast!</em></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.radicallychristian.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">www.radicallychristian.com</a>

<p>What if Jesus says “I never knew you” on judgment day—even after a lifetime of ministry? Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson tackle one of Scripture’s most terrifying passages: Matthew 7:21-23, where Jesus warns that some who prophesy and cast out demons in his name will still hear “depart from me.” This honest conversation explores the difference between religious performance and genuine discipleship, why self-righteousness is so dangerous, and what it means to truly know Christ. Discover why spiritual “imposter syndrome” might actually be a healthy sign, how the Sermon on the Mount reveals God’s heart, and why our confidence must rest in “I know a Guy” rather than “look what I did.” If you’ve ever feared you’re not good enough for God—or worried you might be too confident—this episode offers profound clarity and encouragement.</p><p>Links and Resources</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://amzn.to/4rbqU8z"><strong><em>Ephesians for Teens</em></strong></a> by Wes McAdams</p><p><strong>Affiliate Link Disclaimer:</strong> This podcast may contain affiliate links to products and resources mentioned in the episode. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support the production of this podcast and allow us to continue creating content. We only recommend products and resources we genuinely believe will benefit our listeners. Thank you for your support!</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.radicallychristian.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">www.radicallychristian.com</a>

<p>Is debt a sin? Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson explore Proverbs 22:7—”the borrower is slave to the lender”—to unpack the biblical wisdom around debt, lending, and financial stewardship. This episode examines how Proverbs offers general truths rather than absolute promises, distinguishing between wise financial decisions and sinful behavior. They discuss Old Testament laws against charging interest, the Year of Jubilee, and how consumer debt differs from predatory lending. </p><p>Discover why the Bible focuses more on lenders than borrowers, how perpetual debt stifles spiritual fruit, and what sacrificial generosity looks like in Christian community. Whether you’re wrestling with credit cards, student loans, or mortgage decisions, this conversation challenges Western assumptions about debt and calls believers to cruciform living that prioritizes relationships over financial gain. Learn to navigate our economic system with biblical wisdom.</p><p>Links and Resources:</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://amzn.to/4qkX8wT"><em>Mere Christianity</em></a><a target="_blank" href="https://amzn.to/4qkX8wT"> by C.S. Lewis</a></p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://www.radicallychristian.com/p/what-is-ecclesiastes-all-about">Ecclesiastes episode with Michael Whitworth</a></p><p>* Freed-Hardeman University Certificate in Counseling for Church Leaders: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fhu.edu/gradtheology"><strong>fhu.edu/gradtheology</strong></a></p><p><em>Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.</em></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.radicallychristian.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">www.radicallychristian.com</a>

<p>Are we living in the last days? Join Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson in this thought-provoking exploration of 2 Timothy 3:1-9, where Paul warns Timothy about “lovers of self” and the difficult times ahead. Discover why this ancient letter is shockingly relevant to our self-obsessed culture—and why that’s not a reason to despair. Through careful biblical exegesis and cultural analysis, Wes and Marcus unpack what Paul really meant by “the last days,” challenge the modern obsession with self-love, and reveal the paradox of the Christian life: losing ourselves to truly find life. This encouraging conversation will equip you to navigate our cultural moment with hope, wisdom, and confidence in Christ’s ultimate victory.</p><p>Links and Resources</p><p><strong>Books Mentioned:</strong></p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://amzn.to/3NKZFmq"><em>The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self</em></a> by Carl Truman​</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://amzn.to/4k6OG2B"><em>Why Liberalism Failed</em></a> by Patrick Deneen​</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://amzn.to/4t7VvFn"><em>Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World</em></a> by Tom Holland​</p><p><strong>Bible Software:</strong></p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://logos.com/radicallychristian&#8203;">Logos Bible Software</a> - Try free at https://logos.com/radicallychristian​</p><p><strong>Affiliate Link Disclaimer:</strong> This podcast may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products and services we genuinely use and believe will benefit our listeners. Your support through these links helps make this podcast possible.</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.radicallychristian.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">www.radicallychristian.com</a>