In and For

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Settling for Spirituality with Matthew Tingblad

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:00:00 -0500

Spiritual hunger is resurging, but is it leading us closer to Christ or further into confusion? In this eye-opening episode, we unpack the surprising rise of "spiritual but not religious" beliefs and what they really mean for believers today.

While headlines shout about a spiritual revival or the decline of faith, the truth is more nuanced: a global shift toward superficial spirituality, swallowing many into a dangerous blend of contradictory beliefs. Matthew Tingblad shares compelling data tracing the explosive growth of the "nones" and the subtle but profound difference between atheism, agnosticism, and genuine spiritual longing. You'll discover how most people aren't rejecting faith outright but searching for authenticity in a culture that offers a confusing smorgasbord of beliefs.

Learn about the critical differences between true Christianity and the myriad of spiritual paths competing for attention. We break down why Christianity uniquely offers a relationship—not just rules—addressing the deep hunger that no other worldview satisfies. The episode explores powerful frameworks like the "one-one-one" gospel and the importance of asking thoughtful questions to navigate this spiritual landscape effectively.

Don’t miss why embracing biblical discernment, clarity, and authentic relationships is more crucial than ever. Ignoring this spiritual awakening risks missing the fertile ground where God is working, while on the flip side, properly guiding the hungry toward Christ’s truth can transform lives in this confusing age. Perfect for pastors, evangelists, and believers eager to respond wisely and compassionately, this episode equips you to stand firm and speak clearly in a pluralistic world.

Join us to understand what’s really happening behind the headlines and how to turn spiritual curiosity into authentic discipleship. The harvest is plentiful—are you ready to lead with love and truth?

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The Unfiltered Christmas Story

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0500

While we often imagine the Nativity Story as a silent night with angels sweetly singing, the actual event bears little resemblance to these themes. It was a chaotic, messy, difficult scene that our Lord entered into. It’s important to get this story right, because when we do, we see how He still enters into our chaos today to redeem a world in desperate need of a Savior. Listen in as we discuss the real story.

In this episode, we explore the true nature of the Nativity, contrasting the peaceful imagery often associated with Christmas with the chaotic reality described in scripture. We discuss the significance of Jesus' birth in a broken world, the role of shepherds and angels, and how understanding this unfiltered version of Christmas can impact our lives. The conversation emphasizes the hope found in Jesus amidst chaos and the importance of recognizing the already and not yet of our faith.

Key Takeaways from this Episode

The Nativity is often portrayed as peaceful, but scripture reveals chaos.
Mary was a young girl, alone and terrified during childbirth.
The shepherds were under pressure, watching over sacrificial lambs.
Angels appeared as battle-armored warriors, not gentle beings.
Jesus' birth signifies hope in a broken world.
We often polish the Nativity to avoid confronting chaos.
True peace comes from Jesus, not from perfect circumstances.
Understanding the Nativity helps us navigate our struggles.
We live in the tension of the already and not yet.
The perfect Christmas was the arrival of Christ, not our celebrations.

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Four Things we Forget about Faith

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0500

In this thought-provoking episode of the In and For Podcast, we delve into the true meaning of faith. We explore common misconceptions and clarify what faith is (( and isn't) according to the Bible. Through engaging discussions and relatable analogies, we reveal how faith is not blind or opposed to reason, but rather a deep trust in God's promises. Join us as we unpack four key aspects of faith that are often overlooked, offering listeners a clearer understanding of how to live a faith-filled life in today's complex world.

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The Truth We're Missing about Right and Wrong

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 15:00:00 -0500

We’re more confused than ever about right and wrong. In a culture where feelings set the rules and standards keep shifting, Shelley Komoszewski and Brock Anderson expose the deeper truth we’re missing. Using Josh McDowell’s classic Precept → Principle → Person framework, they show why God Himself—not culture—is the anchor we’ve lost. If you want clarity, you can live and pass on. This episode is a must-listen.

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Anchors in the Chaos: A Biblical Roadmap for Tragic Times

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400

The headlines seem relentless. The news cycle is a constant stream of tragic events that can leave us feeling overwhelmed, disoriented, and anxious. As the world reels from chaos and confusion, it’s easy for our hearts to grow numb or sink into despair.

As Christians, how are we supposed to respond? Do we just turn it all off? Are there easy answers or simple platitudes?

In this episode, we cut through the noise to offer a durable, compassionate, and deeply biblical framework for navigating tragic times. We move beyond reactions and opinions to explore a four-part roadmap for processing tragedy in a way that anchors us in the character of God: Mourning, Meeting with God, Meditating on His character, and Moving Forward.

Join us for a conversation that will equip you to grieve with hope, pray with purpose, and become a non-anxious presence of light in a world desperate for clarity and peace.

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A Better Approach to Evangelism (with Doug Pollock)

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 21:00:00 -0400

God Space by Doug Pollock

The distorted view of justice in our culture has greatly impacted how we share the gospel with others - and not in a good way. Culture's view of justice is really about "just us." It is me-focused and has retribution at its center, which translates to a power play evangelistic method that is far from winsome. However, biblical justice is interwoven with themes of mercy, reconciliation and a desire for those justly separated from God to be justified by Him. It leads to the kind of evangelism that is slow to speak, quick to listen and results in conversations that are a joy for everyone involved.

Veteran evangelist Doug Pollock joins us for a must-listen episode on how to have better evangelistic discussions through a correct view of justice that sees people as God sees them. Doug is author of God Space, a phenomenal resource on evangelism and is an evangelism trainer for Athletes in Action, a Cru ministry.

Resources:

The Jesus Test (free download)

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Finding Beauty in the Fire (w/ Scott Hitzel)

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Shelley Komoszewski and Brock Anderson discuss the concept of beauty in relation to faith, suffering, and community. They are joined by Scott Hitzel, who shares his personal journey through the devastating California fires, highlighting how beauty can emerge from unexpected places, even in the midst of loss. The conversation explores the importance of community support, spiritual insights, and practical steps to recognize beauty in struggles, ultimately emphasizing the resilience of faith and the presence of God in difficult times.

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What We're Getting Wrong about Gen Z (with Dr. Tanita Maddox of Young Life)

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 21:00:00 -0400

Pre-order Dr. Maddox's upcoming book: What Gen Z Really Wants to Know about God: 7 Questions about Life and Faith

In this episode of the In & For podcast, we talk with Dr. Tanita Maddox - National Director for Generational Impact for Young Life - to explore the complexities of Gen Z. We discuss common misconceptions about this generation, emphasizing their empathy and resilience. Dr. Maddox highlights the importance of cross-cultural communication and understanding the unique challenges Gen Z faces, including mental health and safety concerns. She also shares incredibly helpful insights on how older generations can better connect with Gen Z by addressing their specific questions and experiences, ultimately fostering a more meaningful dialogue about faith and spirituality. Join us for a conversation that will help you have more meaningful and winsome spiritual conversation with Gen Z (and Gen Alpha)!

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Disarming the Distorted Truth about Doubt (with Austin Fruits)

Wed, 28 May 2025 19:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we discuss the complex relationship between doubt and faith, exploring how doubt is often misconstrued as sin. Special guest and international speaker Austin Fruits joins us as we share personal stories of doubt, define what doubt truly means, and address cultural challenges that both younger and older generations face in their faith journeys. Listen in as we talk about the importance of encouraging open discussions about doubt, especially among parents and guardians, and highlight practical ways to navigate these challenges through "mirrors, maps, and mystery".

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Resurrection: Three Questions Every Christian Should Ask (with Matthew Tingblad)

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 23:00:00 -0400

On the Resurrection: Evidences, Gary Habermas

Three questions are critical to ask when it comes to the topic of resurrection. First, how does resurrection fulfill a natural longing that we all recognize? Second, do we have good reason to believe Jesus was raised from the dead? And third, does the promise of resurrection mean more than just life after death for Christians or does it have every-day impact? Join us as we talk with Matthew Tingblad, an apologist, international speaker, and author of "Why Did God Do That? Discovering God's Goodness in the Hard Passages of Scripture"

Other Resources mentioned:

Timeline:

00:00
Introduction to the Resurrection Discussion

03:14
Exploring the Natural Longing for Resurrection

06:08
Historical Evidence for Jesus' Resurrection

09:15
Alternative Theories and Their Shortcomings

12:09
The Impact of Resurrection on Daily Life

15:12
Personal Stories and the Assurance of Hope

18:09
Conclusion and Future Topics

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Understanding the Spiritual Questions of Different Generations

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 17:00:00 -0400

Listen in as we discuss the spiritual questions and concerns of different generations, from Baby Boomers all the way to Generation Alpha. We explore how each generation's unique experiences shape their worldview and spiritual inquiries and provide insights on how to engage in meaningful conversations about faith and truth.

Resources and research:

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Generations by Jean Twenge

Custom research by James Choung from Inner Varsity

Chapters:

00:00
Introduction to Generational Perspectives

01:15
Understanding Baby Boomers: The Search for Truth

04:35
Exploring Generation X: Authenticity and Trust

10:49
Millennials: The Quest for Goodness

18:24
Gen Z: Beauty and Justice in a Post-Truth World

28:22
Looking Ahead: Generation Alpha and the Future of Truth

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How to Address the Cultural Crisis of Hopelessness

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the In and For podcast, Brock Anderson and Shelley Komoszewski explore the cultural crisis of hopelessness and how hope has been misdefined in society. They contrast this with the biblical understanding of hope as a confident expectation based on God's promises. The conversation delves into practical takeaways for individuals to examine their own sources of hope and how to engage with others in a meaningful way, ultimately challenging listeners to be a source of hope in their communities.

takeaways

Hopelessness is a cultural crisis affecting many individuals.
Cultural definitions of hope often equate to wishful thinking.
Biblical hope is a confident expectation based on God's promises.
Misplaced hope can lead to disappointment and anxiety.
Hope should be anchored in God's character and rooted in Jesus.
True hope is a living hope that transcends circumstances.
We must examine where we functionally place our hope.
Engaging with others about hope requires honesty and vulnerability.
The gospel invites others to share in the hope we have in Christ.
Being a source of hope means being prepared to share our faith with gentleness and respect.

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How to Influence Culture in 2025

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 21:00:00 -0500

In the inaugural episode of the In and For podcast, hosts Brock Anderson and Shelley Komoszewski of the Josh McDowell Ministry discuss the intersection of faith and culture, emphasizing how to be 'in and for' culture for its ultimate good. They explore the definition of culture, the biblical mandate to engage with it, and the three approaches Christians can take toward culture (and which one is most effective). This episode highlights the need for understanding cultural issues, finding personal influence, and being authentically present in conversations about faith. The episode concludes with practical steps for listeners to engage their communities and share the message of Jesus effectively.

Resources mentioned:
Josh McDowell Ministry
Evidence that Demands a Verdict
More than a Carpenter
Sharing Jesus without Freaking Out

Key moments
00:00
Introduction to the In and For Podcast

03:05
Understanding the Mission of the Podcast

05:52
Defining Culture and Its Importance

09:09
Navigating the In but Not Of Concept

11:59
The Men of Issachar: Understanding the Times

14:46
Approaches to Culture: "Against" and "Of"

18:56
The "In and For" Approach to Culture

24:03
Practical Steps to Engage Culture

29:54
Understanding Cultural Issues

33:10
Finding Your Influence

37:06
Knowing Your Limits in Cultural Engagement

40:55
Recap and Next Steps

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