We are so excited to be back with you today on Resident Strangers! Steve, Sarah, and Rich are continuing the conversation about the Calvinist view of predestination, specifically the order of salvation. Have you ever thought about the process of how people are saved? Does God call us to respond to the gospel message and be made alive by the Holy Spirit first, because we cannot do it on our own? This idea is known as total depravity and regeneration, which the Calvinistic view says are crucial steps in the order of events in salvation. Our hosts go over what the Bible means to be dead in sins and being born again, along with the biblical order of salvation. At what point does faith occur in the order of salvation, and who initiates it—God or us? As you listen to this episode, we encourage you to think—which order of salvation best reflects the character of God as both just and merciful? Which one is best supported by the Bible?

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Welcome back to part 4 in our predestination series! Today, the team breaks down the meaning of the sovereignty of God and compares it to the determinist belief. As Christians, we often hear phrases like “God is sovereign” or “God is in control,” but how should we understand those statements in light of what Scripture teaches? Is God's sovereignty the same as determinism? Determinism is the idea that every single detail of our lives is already pre-planned by God, including our choices. From what we eat for breakfast to where we are right now, was it meticulously planned by God in advance?

Steve, Rich, and Sarah notice that this belief can have much larger-scale implications, like all our sins would be determined by God, and the mass destruction of people throughout history was caused by God. But that doesn’t sound like the loving God in the Bible. If determinism is true, it is impossible for us to choose between two things because God has already planned the choice that we would make. Even throughout the Bible, it shows us that we can choose between two alternatives and are free to do so. The biggest choice is to sin or to obey God. How can we make sense of these things? How can we grapple with the idea that a perfect and loving God can cause sin? Listen to this episode to find out!

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Links Mentioned:

64 | Does God Cause Suffering?

57 | The Sovereignty of God

58 | Further Discussion on Sovereignty

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Welcome to Part 3 of the Predestination series! Before you listen, make sure you are caught up with the rest of the episodes! Last week, Steve and Rich dove into the context of verses commonly used in the discussion of predestination. Today, they discuss what election is, analyzing Romans 9 to provide us with context. The traditional Calvinist view holds that God elects Jacob, not Esau, for salvation. But Steve and Rich bring up another perspective: the context of the passage does not imply election for salvation. ‘Election’ simply means to be chosen to do something. Whenever the Bible uses election, we must ask, “who is being chosen/elected for what?” When people are chosen or elected, it is not for salvation, but for service — to do a specific task that God calls them to. If you like this series, let us know! We’d love to hear your feedback! Email us at residentstrangers@dscchurch.com! Stay tuned for next week as we continue with this topic!

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Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We’d love it if you’d share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

This week, the long-anticipated series on predestination continues as Steve and Rich take a deep dive into some of the most debated passages surrounding this complex topic. If you missed last week’s episode, we highly recommend going back to listen or watch as it lays essential groundwork for what’s to come. Rich emphasizes how deeply our presuppositions can shape the way we interpret scripture, and predestination is a prime example. Unfortunately, many people approach this topic with definitions formed by sources outside of scripture, often before even opening the Bible. That’s why it’s crucial to recognize and set aside those preconceived ideas as we study. In this episode, Steve references passages like Acts 4:27-28 and 1 Corinthians 2:6-7 though these verses are not typically highlighted in discussions on predestination. Meanwhile, Rich explores in detail the more frequently cited texts such as Romans 8:29-30 and Ephesians 1:5 & 11. He thoughtfully breaks down each verse, encouraging listeners to ask a vital question: Who is being predestined, and to what? Rich also addresses the meaning of “adoption as sons” and how it relates to salvation. Both he and Steve make the case that Paul’s use of the phrase does not refer to salvation itself, and they spend time unpacking the context to support this view. This episode may feel more detailed than usual, but it’s worth the close attention. We encourage you to set aside any presuppositions, engage with the scripture honestly, and follow the discussion with an open heart. And don’t forget to tune in next week for part three of this compelling series!

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Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We’d love it if you’d share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

Welcome back listeners! Join Sarah, Steve, and Rich in this long-awaited series covering the topic of predestination! Predestination is the idea that God preordained for people to be saved. Although predestination is a secondary issue in Christianity that our salvation doesn’t hinge on, it is a very controversial topic amongst many Christians. While Christians do not all agree on this issue, that doesn’t mean there should be division. Whether you believe in predestination or not, you are not any less of a Christian.

In this episode, they unpack what predestination means, why it matters, and how believers can approach it without compromising unity. Whether you're convinced God predestines individuals for salvation—or you're still wrestling with the concept—this conversation is for you.

Like with any theological topic, it is so important to go back to scripture. Not reading into scripture using our own preconceived thoughts or theology, but letting God’s Word speak for itself to shape our theology. How we think theologically affects the way we live as a Christian. As Steve says, our thoughts on the process of salvation and the human’s response to it affects our outlooks toward the gospel. So, we want to make sure that whatever we’re thinking and believing lines up with God’s Word. Come along for the ride as we begin exploring this topic in the coming weeks!

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Interested in studying Greek with Rich? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com.

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Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We’d love it if you’d share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

Steve, Rich, and Sarah are back this week to tackle a deeply personal and often controversial topic: IVF. What is IVF? IVF, short for in vitro fertilization, is a process of fertilization where eggs and sperm are combined in a lab to create an embryo, which is then placed in the uterus in hopes of beginning a pregnancy. Technology and science has become so advanced that people can now “artificially” make babies. On the surface, IVF can seem like a beautiful gift—especially for those walking through the pain and heartbreak of infertility. That struggle is very real, and for anyone who has gone through this process, or was born through it, know this: your life is deeply valuable because you are made in the image of God. But IVF also raises serious ethical and spiritual questions. Steve and Rich explore some of these, especially the concern that many embryos are often created, but not all are used—leaving some to be frozen indefinitely or even destroyed. IVF itself isn’t inherently wrong, but what happens to the unused embryos is a heavy decision and important issue. How should Christians think about IVF? How do we navigate these topics and modern technology in a way that’s consistent with God’s Word? Join us for this important conversation as we wrestle with the complexity of IVF with both compassion and conviction.

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Steve's January 2025 sermon on IVF

Additional resources on IVF:

The Case for Life by Scott Klusendorf

How IVF Is Changing Our View of Human Beings

The Tragic Consequences of the IVF Industry

Moral Factors to Take into Account if You're Considering IVF

The Black Box of IVF

Interested in studying Greek with Rich? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com.

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Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We’d love it if you’d share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

HAPPY RESURRECTION SUNDAY! Resurrection Sunday is the most important day of the year! In fact, when you really think about it, every day since the original resurrection has been a kind of resurrection day—because those who follow Jesus live in the light of that defining moment.

Today’s final Passion Week Devotional on the Resident Strangers podcast centers on John 20:1–9 (NASB). Verse 8 stands out as a powerful culmination of everything Jesus had been teaching before the crucifixion. In this moment, we see the fulfillment of promises spoken across centuries—promises that affirm Jesus is exactly who He claimed to be. His victory over death offers us unshakable hope and the assurance that He truly saves.

Rich also draws from 1 Corinthians 15 and the book of 1 John to explore the lasting significance of the resurrection in the life of every Christ follower today.

This Easter at Desert Springs, come celebrate the victorious hope of Jesus! We’d love to see you at one of our services happening today.

Easter Weekend

April 20th | 6:00 AM (Sunrise Service in the Pavilion), 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM + 11:00 AM

14440 W. Indian School Rd. Goodyear, AZ 85395

Visit dscchurch.com for more information

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Today’s episode of the Resident Strangers podcast reflects on Silent Saturday—the day between Good Friday and Easter. It’s a day that often goes unnoticed, but it’s one filled with deep significance.

Have you ever paused to consider what that day must have felt like for Jesus’ followers? We have the privilege of knowing how the story ends—but they didn’t. They were left in the silence, wrestling with grief, doubt, and uncertainty.

Scripture paints a picture of Jesus’ followers gathered together, processing their despair and clinging to fragile hope. Would the resurrection really come? Was everything Jesus said true?

Silent Saturday reminds us of the power of community—especially in seasons of waiting, sorrow, or confusion. Many of us have walked through our own “silent Saturdays”—a devastating diagnosis, a loss, financial hardship, or heartbreak. And in those moments, community in Christ becomes a lifeline.

But the beauty of Silent Saturday is that it points us forward. God is always faithful to His promises. The silence wasn’t the end. Resurrection was coming.

We hope you’ll join us tomorrow for Devotional 9 as we continue our journey through Passion Week.

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This Easter at Desert Springs, come celebrate the victorious hope of Jesus! We’d love to see you at one (or more!) of our special services happening throughout the weekend.

Easter Weekend

• April 19th | 3:30 PM + 5:00 PM

• April 20th | 6:00 AM (Sunrise Service in the Pavilion), 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM + 11:00 AM

Visit dscchurch.com for more information