• 129. Chip Skowron | MD to Hedge Funder to Prison and Back
    Nov 18 2024

    In this episode of the Embracing Brokenness podcast, host Steve Adams engages in a profound conversation with Chip Skowron, a former Hedge Fund Manager indicted for insider trading, who shares his transformative journey from a life of self-serving behaviors and material success to one of redemption and purpose.

    Chip discusses his early traumas, the impact of his career changes, and his commitment to prison ministry, emphasizing the importance of celebrating stories of redemption and healing. This conversation delves into the themes of brokenness, redemption, and the transformative power of community.

    They reflect on their journey from a life of deceit and materialism to one of authenticity and purpose, emphasizing the importance of confession, community support, and the role of faith in healing.

    The discussion also highlights the significance of prison ministry and the Prison Entrepreneurship Program in fostering connections and providing hope for those affected by incarceration.

    Prison Entrepreneurship Program: https://www.pep.org/

    New Caanan Society: https://newcanaansociety.org/

    Chapters

    00:00 The Journey of Redemption

    05:29 From Medicine to Finance: A Life Transformed

    12:34 The Impact of Early Trauma

    20:18 Struggles with Identity and Expectations

    25:08 Navigating Career Changes and Life Decisions

    32:01 The Quest for Soul Satisfaction

    34:52 The Consequences of Deceit and Brokenness

    38:36 Transformation Through Community and Confession

    41:40 The Power of Community in Adversity

    45:45 Building Bridges: Prison Ministry and Redemption

    48:55 Connecting Inside and Outside: The Prison Entrepreneurship Program

    56:10 The Importance of Authentic Community

    01:00:51 Hope and Healing Beyond Incarceration

    --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/embracing-brokenness/support
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 4 mins
  • 128. The New Tower of Babel
    Nov 4 2024

    In this episode of the Embracing Brokenness podcast, hosts Steve and Colleen Adams explore the themes surrounding the Tower of Babel, the spiritual forces at play, and the implications of a biblical worldview in today's society.

    They discuss the cultural mandate given by God, the nature of evil as represented by the Nephilim, and the modern parallels to the Tower of Babel in the context of globalization and technology.

    The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding spiritual influences, the rise of a one world religion, and the consolidation of power in contemporary society.

    Ultimately, they call on believers to be truth tellers and to remain steadfast in their faith amidst the challenges of the modern world.

    Chapters

    00:00 The Tower of Babel: Lessons in Humility

    03:10 The Spiritual Forces at Play

    05:57 The Cultural Mandate and Its Implications

    08:53 The Nephilim and the Nature of Evil

    11:46 The Scattering of Nations and Languages

    14:47 The New Tower of Babel: Modern Parallels

    18:00 The Role of Technology and Globalization

    20:53 The Influence of Spiritual Forces

    23:45 The Importance of a Biblical Worldview

    27:07 The Rise of One World Religion

    30:05 The Consolidation of Power

    32:58 The Future of Humanity and Faith

    35:46 The Call to Action for Believers

    --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/embracing-brokenness/support
    Show more Show less
    50 mins
  • 127. Worldview | What is It and Why Should You Care?
    Oct 21 2024

    In this episode of the Embracing Brokenness podcast, host Colleen Adams explores the current state of Christianity in America and discusses the alarming statistics surrounding biblical worldviews.

    She delves into the historical context of the Enlightenment and its impact on faith, the importance of understanding the spiritual realm, and the dangers of syncretism in modern Christianity.

    The conversation also touches on the pitfalls of manifesting and positive thought, and the distinctions between theism and deism. Finally, she reflects on the Tower of Babel and its significance in shaping cultural and religious identities.

    Chapters

    00:00 The Quest for a Unified World Order

    01:11 The State of Christianity in America

    03:31 The Impact of Enlightenment on Faith

    07:45 Understanding the Spiritual Realm

    10:58 The Great Commission and Spiritual Integration

    13:46 Evaluating Worldviews and Syncretism

    20:01 The Dangers of Manifesting and Positive Thought

    23:51 Theism vs. Deism: Understanding God

    28:13 The Tower of Babel and Cultural Dispersal

    --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/embracing-brokenness/support
    Show more Show less
    32 mins
  • 126. Is Biblical Christianity Done In America?
    Oct 7 2024

    Defining a Biblical Worldview in a Post-Christian Culture.

    In this episode of the Embracing Brokenness podcast, hosts Steve and Colleen Adams dive deep into the concept of a biblical worldview, exploring its importance and implications in a modern, post-Christian American society.

    They discuss how only a small percentage of self-identified Christians in the U.S. hold a biblical worldview, according to research by George Barna, and address the concerning trends of increasing secularism, syncretism, and the 'Great Falling Away.'

    The conversation also touches on the impacts of spiritual and cultural shifts on society, including rising depression, and anxiety. It emphasizes the need to return to the roots of Jesus's teachings. The episode wraps up with the hopeful promise of a new heaven and earth, as described in Revelation 21.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction to Worldviews

    00:58 Welcome to Embracing Brokenness

    01:24 The Decline of Biblical Worldview

    03:06 Defining a Biblical Worldview

    05:05 Impact of Worldviews on Society

    07:05 Historical Perspectives on Worldviews

    22:05 Modern and Postmodern Worldviews

    24:51 Syncretism and Its Effects

    29:45 Personal Stories

    37:29 Hope and Encouragement

    --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/embracing-brokenness/support
    Show more Show less
    39 mins
  • 125. Riding High with Todd Pierce
    Sep 23 2024

    Todd Pierce, a former bareback rider, shares his story and the impact of his ministry, Riding High, which uses horses to convey the message of the Kingdom of Jesus. The conversation covers Todd's rodeo career, his passion for horses, and the transformative power of encountering God. The video clip from his presentation at Flatirons Community Church is highlighted, showcasing the profound impact it had on the audience.


    On today's podcast, Todd shares his journey of faith and how he found healing and redemption through his relationship with horses. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and honesty in relationships with others and with God. He encourages listeners to embrace their role as leaders in their homes and to seek healing and transformation through the love of God.

    Flatirons Horsebreaking Presentation: https://youtu.be/CzKYytt2I50?si=InpxqPtgIKk1B7MZ

    Riding High Ministries website: https://www.ridinghighministries.org/

    Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/hWVfooHwkHEziP2C/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@toddpierceridinghighministries

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pierce_todd/


    Chapters:

    00:00 The Spiritual Connection Between Horses and Humans

    01:06 The Tragedy of Misrepresenting God

    02:03 Encountering Jesus: Transformation and New Understanding

    03:21 Healing and Redemption: A Journey of Faith

    30:13 God's Work in All Things

    31:07 The Lie of Having to Make It Work

    32:24 Leading in the Way of God's Love

    33:21 Becoming the Word of God Made Flesh

    34:51 Pressing Forward and Forgetting the Past

    36:15 Jesus as the Father We May Not Have Had

    37:02 The Consequences of Seeking the World's Offerings

    38:17 Encountering God's Love and Making a Deal

    39:46 Discipleship by Horses and Conversations with Holy Spirit

    44:09 The Power of Connection and Authenticity with Horses

    48:43 Authenticity and Healing in Front of Others

    49:13 The Central Truth of the Bible: Sin has been Dealt With

    51:31 Embracing Our Identity as Children of God

    55:19 Becoming One with Jesus and with One Another

    --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/embracing-brokenness/support
    Show more Show less
    1 hr
  • 124. FBI Informant | Mark Whitacre
    Sep 9 2024

    Mark Whitacre is the highest-level executive to ever turn whistleblower in U.S. history. His undercover work with the FBI during the ADM scandal inspired the major motion picture, "The Informant," starring Matt Damon as Mark Whitacre. And was the inspiration for the Discovery Channel Documentary, titled "Undercover" which is linked below.

    In this podcast, Mark recounts his early years, education, career, and time with Archer Daniels Midland. He shares how his life was transformed when he found faith in prison and has since dedicated his life to serving others and spreading the message of redemption through Jesus Christ.

    Mark's Authorized Biography - Against All Odds - https://a.co/d/7ddvWr9

    Discovery Channel Documentary - Undercover - https://vimeo.com/416514389

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction: Mark Whitaker's Background

    19:19 Living Large: The Temptations of Wealth

    29:42 A Conscience Awakened: Ginger's Conviction

    32:36 Exposing the Corruption

    35:02 Wearing a Wire and Gathering Evidence

    37:47 The Dangers and Toll of Being an Informant

    46:18 Choosing Trial Over a Plea Agreement

    51:28 Finding Faith and Redemption

    56:20 Living a Life of Significance

    --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/embracing-brokenness/support
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 5 mins
  • 123. Abiding Through Spiritual Warfare
    Aug 26 2024

    In this episode of the Embracing Brokenness podcast, hosts Colleen Adams and Michael Kurtz delve into spiritual warfare, emphasizing that it revolves around standing on God's truth. They highlight the importance of abiding in Christ, understanding scripture, and maintaining one's position in God's truth to fend off deception from the enemy.


    The discussion touches on the misconceptions around spiritual warfare, the influence of cultural shifts, and the critical role of personal spiritual formation and obedience. The hosts conclude that true spiritual warfare is about being rooted in God's power and truth.


    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Warfare

    00:47 Welcome to Embracing Brokenness Podcast

    02:16 Defining Spiritual Warfare

    05:37 The Role of Abiding in Spiritual Warfare

    08:07 The Full Armor of God

    12:17 Cultural Mandate and Spiritual Warfare

    15:14 Challenges in Modern Spiritual Warfare

    22:30 Standing Firm in Truth

    31:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    37:57 Outro and Contact Information

    --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/embracing-brokenness/support
    Show more Show less
    38 mins
  • 122. Abiding in Christ | Why and How
    Aug 12 2024

    What does it mean to abide in Christ? That's not a term we use often, but it is one you'll find in the Bible to describe our life in Christ. Why abide? How should we abide? There's a way things work. We bear the fruit of the Spirit only through abiding in Christ. (John 15:5) On today's podcast, our team takes a deep dive into why and how to abide in Jesus as that plays out in the current context of our days here on earth.


    Barna Study: A Biblical Worldview Has a Radical Effect on a Person’s Life https://www.barna.com/research/a-biblical-worldview-has-a-radical-effect-on-a-persons-life/


    Grey Matter Research & Consulting referenced in this book: Mature-ish: Your Mission from God, Should You Choose to Accept It . . . https://www.amazon.com/dp/1947505327?ref=cm_sw_r_em_ud_dp_9DATPWYQ2HP8HY5ESD7F&ref_=cm_sw_r_em_ud_dp_9DATPWYQ2HP8HY5ESD7F&social_share=cm_sw_r_em_ud_dp_9DATPWYQ2HP8HY5ESD7F&skipTwisterOG=2

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Abiding in Christ

    00:23 Welcome to the Embracing Brokenness Podcast

    01:00 Discussing the Importance of Abiding

    01:17 Statistics on Christian Worldview

    03:06 Colleen's Perspective on Abiding

    04:42 Defining Abiding and Intimacy with God

    06:49 The Greek Meaning of Abiding

    07:28 Analyzing John 15: The Vine and the Branches

    08:56 Pruning and Spiritual Growth

    11:16 Live Demonstration: The Rosebush Analogy

    16:33 The Process of Spiritual Cleaning

    18:12 Cultural Relevance of Abiding

    21:24 The Responsibility of Abiding

    24:07 Defining Abiding in Practical Terms

    26:51 Developing a Lifestyle of Prayer

    27:02 Understanding True Abiding

    27:56 Spiritual Growth and Pruning

    28:34 Challenges of Modern Christian Life

    29:58 Intimacy and Communication with God

    31:28 The Importance of Abiding in Love

    36:20 The Role of Obedience and Commandments

    37:37 The Journey of Spiritual Maturity

    40:17 The Power of Community and Love

    46:05 Final Thoughts on Abiding and Prayer

    --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/embracing-brokenness/support
    Show more Show less
    54 mins