Confronting Christianity with Rebecca McLaughlin

Portia Collins is a Bible teacher, author, and speaker from the Mississippi Delta. She’s the author of Finding Freedom in Christ: An 8-Week Study in Galatians, founder of She Shall Be Called, and serves on staff with Revive Our Hearts. Portia is passionate about helping women grow in Bible literacy and embrace the true freedom found in Jesus.Get the Book:Finding Freedom in Christ: An 8-Week Study of GalatiansFollow Portia:Instagram | SubstackSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Us on Instagram and XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Rebecca and theologian Dani Treweek explore why the Bible calls both marriage and singleness meaningful gifts — and how rediscovering the purpose of singleness can strengthen the whole church.Get the book:Single Ever AfterA Biblical Vision for the Significance of SinglenessFollow Dani:Instagram | WebsiteSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Us on Instagram and XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Can Christians enjoy stories with “magic”? Marian Jacobs and Rebecca unpack how fantasy can train us to love Jesus and discern the occult—using a simple rubric rooted in Scripture and the self-giving love at the heart of the gospel.Get the book:On Magic & Miracles: A Theological Guide to Discerning Fictional MagicFollow Marian:Instagram | WebsiteSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Us on Instagram and XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Harvard-backed research says weekly churchgoing lowers depression, boosts health, and lengthens life — and Rebecca explains why those benefits point beyond “religion” to Jesus, the church as true family, and the hope Gen Z is rediscovering.Get the book:“How Church Could Literally Save Your Life” (Crossway)Check out Collin's Podcast:GospelboundSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Us on Instagram and XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

J.D. Greear, a prominent megachurch pastor and author from North Carolina, delves into how Christians can rise above culture wars by emphasizing grace and truth. He discusses the importance of loving even those who view Christians as adversaries and advocates for community engagement over political battles. J.D. shares inspiring stories of transforming critics into believers through hospitality and highlights the power of the gospel in uniting diverse groups. He emphasizes rejoicing amidst suffering, urging a gentle approach in sharing hope.

How can anxiety become a doorway to deeper faith? Blair Linne joins Rebecca to discuss her new book Made to Tremble: How Anxiety Became the Best Thing That Ever Happened to My Faith. She recounts the accident that led to panic attacks, unpacks natural / sinful / religious fear, and shows how Scripture’s “do not fear” is an invitation to rest in God’s presence.Resources Mentioned:Made to Tremble – Blair LinneFinding My Father – Blair LinneSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Us on Instagram and XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Rebecca welcomes back Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley for part two of their conversation about Theology Together. They unpack the Deep Discipleship Program—a tested, church-based framework for theological formation that is both sacrificial and accessible. They discuss lowering vs. raising the bar in ministry, how to call believers into deeper study and practice, and why the church must reclaim the life of the mind as part of following Jesus.Resources mentioned:Deep DiscipleshipYou Are a TheologianFormed for FellowshipRemember & RehearseTraining The ChurchKnowing Faith PodcastSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Us on Instagram and XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Rebecca welcomes Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley (Knowing Faith) to explore why every believer is a theologian, how women and men learn together in the church, and how practices of grace form us for fellowship with God and one another. They discuss You Are a Theologian, Deep Discipleship, Formed for Fellowship, and Remember & Rehearse—along with church-as-family, Priscilla & Aquila (Acts 18), and helping new Christians live inside God’s big story.Resources mentioned:You Are a TheologianDeep DiscipleshipFormed for FellowshipRemember & RehearseTraining The ChurchKnowing Faith PodcastSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Us on Instagram and XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Rebecca welcomes Vaneetha Risner for a candid conversation about suffering, unanswered prayer, and the presence of Christ in our deepest pain. Vaneetha recounts her story (childhood polio, the death of her infant son, an unwanted divorce), how John 9 reframed her “why,” and why Christian hope rests in the character of God—not in guaranteed outcomes. They also explore lament, community, and practical ways to walk with those who hurt.Resources mentioned:Watching for the Morning (90-day devotional): vaneetha.com/watching-for-the-morningDesperate for Hope (7-session Bible study): vaneetha.com/desperate-for-hopeVaneetha’s website: vaneetha.comJoni Eareckson Tada & Steven Estes, When God Weeps: AmazonJohn 9 (Jesus and the man born blind): ReadJohn 11 (Jesus with Mary & Martha): Read0:00 Exploring Faith and Suffering Through Personal Trials3:12 Finding Faith Amidst Life's Trials and Unanswered Prayers14:05 Finding Faith and Comfort Amidst Suffering and Loss19:53 Unexpected Suffering and the Journey of Writing Through Pain23:11 Finding Hope and Purpose in Suffering Through Faith32:19 Exploring Faith, Suffering, and Devotionals with Vaneetha RisnerSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Us on Instagram and XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Karen Swallow Prior, an award-winning author and scholar, delves into the concept of vocation beyond glamorous achievements. She discusses how true callings often come from outside ourselves, informed by biblical figures like Paul, Moses, and Jonah. Karen emphasizes the importance of community and service in discerning one's vocation. She challenges the notion of status in favor of finding beauty in everyday tasks. Through integrity and selflessness, she illustrates how ordinary work can be a divine calling, enriching our lives and those around us.