In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author/writer Megan Hill to talk about her devotional, Contentment: Seeing God's Goodness. During the conversation, Megan explains what biblical contentment looks like, the differences between "righteous" and "unrighteous" discontent, and how the gospel of Jesus Christ invites believers to put off bitterness and grumbling when they aren't getting what they want out of life. She also illumines the detrimental effects pride has on our ability to find contentment in Christ, and gives practical helps for stepping away from self-sufficiency mindsets.
Biblical thanksgiving is not false cheer slapped on the surface of otherwise bad circumstances. Biblical thanksgiving is our acknowledgment that God is accomplishing his eternal purposes, even when we cannot clearly see what he is doing.– Megan Hill
About the Podcast
The Hope + Help Project podcast offers compassionate biblical conversations about life's challenging problems. The purpose of the podcast is to share Christ-centered comfort and clarity for those seeking biblical solutions for the struggles they face. The podcast accomplishes this by offering a mix of interviews with seasoned biblical counseling professionals and ministry leaders on a variety of topics. Listeners can expect to receive biblical wisdom as well as practical steps for facing suffering, struggling and sin with courage and grace. Hosted by author/writer Christine M. Chappell.
About the Guest
Megan Hill is a pastor’s wife living in Massachusetts and an editor for The Gospel Coalition. She is the author of Contentment: Seeing God’s Goodness (P&R, 2018) and Praying Together: The Priority and Privilege of Prayer: In Our Homes, Communities, and Churches (Crossway/TGC, 2016). Her writing has appeared in various publications including Christianity Today, The Washington Post, Today in the Word, Reformation 21, Focus on the Family, Desiring God, and Tabletalk. She belongs to West Springfield Covenant Community Church. You can follow her on Twitter.
About the Book
Contentment: Seeing God's Goodness • Discontent easily arises when our desires aren't met and our plans don't come truebut this is a dangerous path that drives us away from God. While the world insists that satisfying our desires is the path to fulfillment, this daily devotional teaches us the value of seeking contentment instead, providing practical approaches to cultivating thankfulness in specific life circumstances that make discontent easy.
In the 31-Day Devotionals for Life series, biblical counselors and Bible teachers guide you through Scripture passages that speak to specific situations or struggles, helping you to apply God's Word to your life in practical ways day after day.
In the 31-Day Devotionals for Life series, biblical counselors and Bible teachers guide you through Scripture passages that speak to specific situations or struggles, helping you to apply God's Word to your life in practical ways day after day.
Helpful Resources from Megan
3 (Evangelistic) Reasons to Quit Complaining
When everyone complains, the one person who doesn’t stands out. In a world where grumbling over the weather and the state of the roads is just ordinary conversation, a contented Christian shines with gospel radiance.
How to Be Content in a Covetous World
That comparison game—who got a promotion, a dozen roses, a new baby—is played out all over the Christian community each day. Whether it’s our churches or our clothing, we’re prone to look over our shoulders at other women and demand from the Lord, “I’ll have what she’s having.”
*Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a small commission. Keep in mind that I link to these resources because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. This does not affect the cost of the resource, and the decision is yours whether you choose to purchase them from my link or not. Thanks for your support!
About Your Host
Christine M. Chappell
Writer & Podcast Host
Christine Chappell is the author of Clean Home, Messy Heart and is the host of The Hope + Help Project podcast. She writes frequently about depression, sorrow, grief, and motherhood at her blog, has completed biblical counseling certificates with the Institute for Biblical Counseling & Discipleship, and is currently pursuing certification with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. Christine's writing has been featured at Desiring God, The Gospel Coalition, Risen Motherhood, Servants of Grace, Thrive Moms, Devotable, and For Every Mom.
Recently on The Hope + Help Project Podcast
Hope + Help for Depression with Ed Welch
In what way does Jesus welcome those who are experiencing depression? Why is it true that "faith can feel good, and faith can feel horrible"? And how does the gospel offer hope to those who fear that they'll stay stuck in the darkness? Ed Welch addresses these questions and more in this new episode of IBCD's Hope + Help Podcast!
Hope + Help for Unanswered Prayer with Ste Casey
What makes unanswered prayer a "strange double sorrow" for believers? Why is it important to "fight for sight" in seasons where God seems unresponsive to our prayers? And how does Paul's testimony in 2 Corinthians 12 help us to process the fact that God is still good even when "he gives pain to those he loves"? Author, pastor, and biblical counselor Ste Casey addresses these questions and more as we discuss his book, I Prayed and Nothing Changed: What God is Up to in the Silence.
Hope + Help for Children and Identity with Jonathan Holmes
How has the concept of personal identity evolved over the years? What are five different yet common areas where kids tend to struggle with their identity? And what positive role can parents or caregivers play in the formation of a child’s identity? Jonathan Holmes addresses these questions and more as we discuss his new book, Grounded in Grace: Helping Kids to Build Their Identity in Christ.
Hope + Help for Perfectionism with Jeremy Pierre
What is meant by the term "perfectionism?" How might it manifest in a person's life? What are some of the physical, relational, emotional, and spiritual impacts of perfectionism in our lives? And how does the gospel of Jesus Christ minister to those whose perfectionistic ideals have driven them to total exhaustion? Jeremy Pierre answers these questions and more in this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast!
Hope + Help for Waiting on God with Mark Vroegop
What are biblical four principals we can apply when we find ourselves in a situation that requires us to wait? How does the gospel offer encouragement to someone who feels like their waiting is a waste of time? In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Mark Vroegop on his latest book, Waiting Isn't a Waste: The Surprising Comfort of Trusting God in the Uncertainties of Life.
Hope + Help for Redeeming Sex in Marriage with Scott Mehl
In this episode, I chat with my friend and IBCD colleague, Scott Mehl, about his new book, Redeeming Sex in Marriage: How the Gospel Rescues Sex, Transforms Marriage, and Reveals the Glory of God. I love Scott's respectful and reverent approach in this book, particularly since the topic is often fraught with confusion and hurt.
Hope + Help for Church Hurt with Megan Hill
What are some reasons that church may feel like a sad or difficult place to be? What are some of the unhelpful ways to respond to a person’s story of hurt in the church? In what ways might our trust in God be shaken as a result of our church-related pain? And how do the Scriptures help us to interpret and process our church-related hurts? In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Megan Hill about her newest book, Sighing on Sunday: 40 Meditations for When Church Hurts.
5th Anniversary Episode of the Hope + Help Podcast
In this episode, host Christine Chappell reflects on five years of Hope + Help Podcast conversations and shares clips from past interviews with guests who are also speaking at this year’s Summer Institute & Pre-Conference in La Mesa, CA on June 20th-22nd.
Hope + Help for Pornography and Marriage with Curtis & Jenny Solomon
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Curtis and Jenny Solomon about their respective books, Redeem Your Marriage: Hope for Husbands Who Have Hurt through Pornography and Reclaim Your Marriage: Grace for Wives Who Have Been Hurt by Pornography.
Hope + Help for Deeper Friendships with Brad Hambrick
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Brad Hambrick about his book, Transformative Friendships: 7 Questions to Deepen Any Relationship.
Hope + Help for Christian Dads with Tom Sugimura
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Tom Sugimura about his book, Hope for New Dads: 40 Days in the Book of Proverbs.
Hope + Help for Healing After Abortion with Camille Cates
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Camille Cates about her book, Moving Forward After Abortion: Finding Comfort in God.
Hope + Help for Christian Identity with Paul Tautges
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Paul Tautges about his book, Remade: Embracing Your Complete Identity in Christ.
Hope + Help for Engaging Grief with Ed Welch
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Ed Welch about his book, Someone I Know is Grieving: Caring with Humility and Compassion.
Hope + Help for Autoimmune Disorders with Dr. Venessa Ellen
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Dr. Venessa Ellen about the topic of autoimmune disorders.
Hope + Help for Hard Stories with Robert Cheong
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Robert Cheong about the topic of hard stories and his book, Restoration Story: Why Jesus Matters in a Broken World.
Hope + Help for Loneliness with Shannon McCoy
What is a biblical understanding of loneliness? Why does it seem to be such a prevalent experience for people? What are some harmful ways we might be tempted to cope with this kind of feeling? And what are some helpful steps someone take if they feel lonely today? Shannon McCoy addresses these questions and more in this new episode.
Hope + Help for Teens and Suicide with Julie Lowe
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Julie Lowe about her minibook, Teens and Suicide: Recognizing the Signs and Sharing the Hope.
Hope + Help for Overcoming Anger with Jim Newheiser
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Jim Newheiser about his minibook, Help! My Anger is Out of Control.
Hope + Help for Angry Grief with Brad Hambrick
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Brad Hambrick about his book, Angry with God: An Honest Journey through Suffering and Betrayal.
Hope + Help for Overcoming Bitterness with Steve Viars
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Steve Viars about his book, Overcoming Bitterness: Moving from Life's Greatest Hurts to a Life Filled with Joy.
Hope + Help for Fearing Others with Zach Schlegel
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Zach Schlegel about his book, Fearing Others: Putting God First.
Hope + Help for Layered Losses with Vaneetha Risner
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Vaneetha Risner about her book, Walking Through Fire: A Memoir of Loss and Redemption.
Hope + Help for Counseling Medical Issues with Dr. Charles Hodges
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Dr. Charles Hodges about his book, The Christian Counselor's Medical Desk Reference.
Hope + Help for Decision Anxiety with Michael Gembola
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Michael Gembola about his book, Anxious About Decisions: Finding Freedom in the Peace of God.
Hope + Help for Sorrowing Moms with Katie Faris
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Katie Faris about her book, God is Still Good: Gospel Hope and Comfort for the Unexpected Sorrows of Motherhood.
Hope + Help for Feeling Overwhelmed with Rush Witt
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Rush Witt about his book, I Want to Escape: Reaching for Hope When Life is Too Much.
Hope + Help for Mom Guilt with Lauren Whitman
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Lauren Whitman about her mini-book, Mom Guilt: Escaping Its Strong Hold.
Hope + Help for Military Veterans with Don Roy
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Don Roy about his work with military veterans through the Fallen Soldiers March organization.
Hope + Help for Men Grieving Miscarriage with Eric Schumacher
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Eric Schumacher about his book, Ours: Biblical Comfort for Men Grieving Miscarriage.
Hope + Help for Processing Grief with Tim Challies
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Tim Challies about his book, Seasons of Sorrow: The Pain of Loss and the Comfort of God.
Hope + Help for Practicing Lament with Mark Vroegop
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Mark Vroegop about his Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy Devotional Journal.
Hope + Help for a Psychiatric Diagnosis with Ed Welch
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Ed Welch about his book, I Have a Psychiatric Diagnosis: What Does the Bible Say?
Hope + Help for Unwanted Thoughts with Esther Smith
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Esther Smith about her book, A Still and Quiet Mind: Twelve Strategies for Changing Unwanted Thoughts.
Hope + Help for Responding to Abuse with Jeremy Pierre & Greg Wilson
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Jeremy Pierre and Greg Wilson about their book, When Home Hurts: A Guide to Responding Wisely to Domestic Abuse in Your Church.
Hope + Help for Impatience with Megan Hill
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Megan Hill about her book, Patience: Waiting with Hope.
Hope + Help for Restoring Porn Strugglers with Deepak Reju & Jonathan Holmes
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Deepak Reju & Jonathan Holmes about their books, Rescue Plan: Charting a Course to Restore Prisoners of Pornography and Rescue Skills: Essential Skills for Restoring the Sexually Broken.
Hope + Help for Shame & Regret with Ed Welch
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Ed Welch about his book, A Small Book about Why We Hide: How Jesus Rescues Us from Insecurity, Regret, Failure, and Shame.
Hope + Help for Forgiveness with Brad Hambrick
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Brad Hambrick about his book, Making Sense of Forgiveness: Moving from Hurt Toward Hope.
Hope + Help for Singleness with Jenilyn Swett
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Jenilyn Swett about her book Singleness: Living Faithfully.
Hope + Help for Hard Times with John Crotts
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews author and Pastor John Crotts about his book Hope: Living Confidently in God.
Hope + Help for Speaking Truth with Grace with Caroline Newheiser & Cheryl Marshall
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Caroline Newheiser and Cheryl Marshall about their book, When Words Matter Most: Speaking Truth with Grace to Those You Love.
Hope + Help for Aging Women with Sharon Betters & Susan Hunt
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Sharon Betters and Susan Hunt about their book, Aging with Grace: Flourishing in an Anti-Aging Culture.
Hope + Help for Marriage & Family Counselors with Robert Kellemen
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Robert Kellemen about his books, Gospel-Centered Marriage Counseling & Gospel-Centered Family Counseling.
Hope + Help for Fearful Hearts with Christina Fox
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews author Christina Fox about her book, A Holy Fear: Trading Lesser Fears for the Fear of the Lord.
Hope + Help for Painful Pasts with Lauren Whitman
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews counselor and author Lauren Whitman about her book, A Painful Past: Healing and Moving Forward.
Hope + Help for Respectful Communication with Tim Shorey
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Tim Shorey about his book, Respect the Image: Reflecting Human Worth in How we Talk and Listen.
Hope + Help for Depressed Christians with Zack Eswine
In this rebroadcast of the Hope + Help Podcast’s very first episode (originally aired April 2019), host Christine Chappell interviews author/Pastor Zack Eswine on the topic of depression.
Hope + Help for Loving Others Well with Mike Emlet
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Mike Emlet about his book, Saints, Sufferers, and Sinners: Loving Others as God Loves Us.
Hope + Help for Toxic Relationships with Ellen Mary Dykas
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Ellen Mary Dykas about her 31-day devotional, Toxic Relationships: Taking Refuge in Christ.
Hope + Help for Money, Debt, & Finances with Jim Newheiser
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Jim Newheiser about his book, Money, Debt, and Finances: Critical Questions and Answers.
Hope + Help for Panic Attacks with Lucy Ann Moll
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Lucy Ann Moll about her mini-book, Help! I Get Panic Attacks.
Hope + Help for Prayerlessness with John Onwuchekwa
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews John Onwuchekwa about the topic of prayerlessness.
Hope + Help for Marriage Growth with Dave Harvey
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Dave Harvey about his book I Still Do: Growing Closer and Stronger through Life's Defining Moments.
Hope + Help for Post-Traumatic Stress with Curtis Solomon
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Dr. Curtis Solomon on the topic of post-traumatic stress.
Hope + Help for Intimacy & Past Abuse with Nate Brooks & Anna Mondal
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Nate Brooks and Anna Mondal about their mini-book, Help! Our Sex Life is Troubled by Past Abuse.
Hope + Help for Chronic Illness with Esther Smith
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Esther Smith about her book, Chronic Illness: Walking by Faith.
Hope + Help for Overeating with Shannon McCoy
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Shannon McCoy about her mini-book, Help! I'm a Slave to Food.
Hope + Help for Counseling Children with Julie Lowe
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Julie Lowe about her book, Building Bridges: Biblical Counseling Activities for Children and Teens. During the conversation, Julie helps listeners to understand why counseling children is different than counseling adults, explains the importance of "wooing" children to Jesus, and discusses some of the benefits and challenges of collaborating with parents during the counseling journey. She also offers a biblical rationale for using "expressive activities" to enter into a child's world, unpacks how using Scripture as a story can better connect a child's life experience back to the Lord, and shares some of the top tools/props/resources she uses in her counseling room during sessions with youth counselees.
Hope + Help for Identifying Abuse with Darby Strickland
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Darby Strickland about her book, Is It Abuse?: A Biblical Guide to Identifying Domestic Abuse and Helping Victims. During the conversation, Darby explains why domestic abuse is easy to miss and easier to minimize and shares why abuse merits the biblical label of "oppression." Darby also addresses question such as:
• What damage does it do to label a situation as "abusive" when it isn't?
• How can people helpers become more sensitive to identifying physical abuse, especially when victims are typically hesitant to ask for help?
• How can we tell if what is taking place in the marriage bed qualifies as sexual abuse?
• What do people helpers need to keep in mind when helping a victim bring their story to the attention of the local church?
• What are some questions people helpers can use to better get to know the victim and to assess the emotional, spiritual, and physical damage they have sustained?
Hope + Help for Practicing Affirmation with Sam Crabtree
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Sam Crabtree about his book, Practicing Affirmation. IBCD Executive Director Jim Newheiser also joins the conversation as Sam explains why bringing God into compliments is the best way to give them. He also discusses why people are more prone to complaining than commending, offers four characteristics of good affirmations, and how practicing affirmation on a daily basis serves to nourish personal relationships while glorifying God at the same time. Additionally, Sam suggests reasons to keep affirmation separate from correction, encourages listeners to utilize affirmation as a means of evangelism, and answers the tough question, How do we commend someone whose behavior is anything but commendable?
Hope + Help for One-Another Care with Scott Mehl & Josh Stephens
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Pastors and biblical counselors Scott Mehl and Josh Stephens on the topic of one-another care. Topics covered in the conversation include: counseling adjustments in the wake of COVID-19, what makes biblical counseling unique, how the church is positioned to minister to people in the midst of global pandemic, how lay people can get themselves equipped to provide soul care for others, and suggestions for pastors interested in exploring what's needed to start a biblical counseling ministry at their church.
Hope + Help for Discouraged Parents with Marty Machowski
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Marty Machowski about his book, Parenting First Aid: Hope for the Discouraged. During the conversation, Marty explains why parents sometimes feel isolated when walking through challenges involving their children, and offers practical insights on how to handle heated exchanges in the home. He also discusses the importance of keeping an eternal perspective when parenting trials come, comforts listeners with the reminder that God understands what they are going through, and exhorts discouraged parents to reflect on key gospel truths that can persevere them through seasons of heartbreak or disappointment.
Hope + Help for Storms in Marriage with Jeff & Sarah Walton
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews authors Jeff & Sarah Walton about their book, Together Through the Storms: Biblical Encouragements for Your Marriage When Life Hurts. During the conversation, Jeff shares biblical truths that sustained him during sudden job loss, as well as practical wisdom for men striving to be leaders of their home in the midst of future uncertainties. Sarah reflects on the walking through periods of hopelessness, living with chronic illness, and the grief that comes when life doesn't look like we expected. Together, Jeff and Sarah offer gospel hope for marriages strained by circumstantial difficulties, showing couples how to cling to Jesus—and to each other—through the storms.
Hope + Help LIVE for Heart Change with Brad Bigney
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Pastor Brad Bigney via Facebook LIVE about his book, Gospel Treason: Betraying the Gospel with Hidden Idols. During the conversation, Brad defines idolatry, explains what it means to uncover "the sin beneath the sin," and cautions about the impact heart idolatry has on our relationships with God and other people. He also examines why it's so challenging to uproot idolatry once the Holy Spirit has revealed it to us, offers insights as to how a global pandemic has served to expose idolatry in our lives, and gives hope from the Scriptures for those seeking to experience true, meaningful heart change through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Hope + Help for Pregnancy with Gloria Furman
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Gloria Furman about her book, Labor with Hope: Gospel Meditations on Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood. During the conversation, Gloria helps women see topics such as pregnancy, infertility, miscarriage, birth pain, and new life in the framework of the larger biblical narrative, infusing cosmic meaning into their personal experience by exploring how they point to eternal realities. She also reflects upon the forgiveness and mercy Christ offers post-abortive women, shares biblical comforts to pregnant women who are fearful about their impending labor, and highlights the importance of spiritual mothering as a high calling for those who do not have flesh-and-blood children of their own.
Hope + Help for Bipolar Disorder with Dr. Charles Hodges
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Dr. Charles Hodges about his book, Good Mood, Bad Mood: Help and Hope for Depression and Bipolar Disorder. During the conversation, Dr. Hodges summarizes the current diagnostic criteria for depression and bipolar disorder, and describes the differences between "normal" and "disordered" sadness. He also explains why recent scientific findings pertaining to brain plasticity offer hope to those labeled with mood disorders and suggests why over-identifying with a psychological diagnosis can stunt spiritual growth. Lastly, Dr. Hodges highlights the importance of setting God-oriented goals with counselees labeled with bipolar disorder, and offers words of encouragement for sufferers feeling hopeless for meaningful life change.
Hope + Help for Domestic Abuse with Chris Moles, Joy Forrest, & Ann Maree Goudzwaard
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews authors and biblical counselors Chris Moles, Joy Forrest, and Ann Maree Goudzwaard via Facebook LIVE about domestic abuse care in today's COVID-19 context. Together, the panel discusses cautions for victim/counselor communications, the danger of handling domestic abuse situations as marriage counseling cases, various ways to get equipped for one-another care when face-to-face contact with high-risk women and children is restricted, the basics and importance of developing a safety plan, and much more.
Hope + Help for Parenting Methods with Jim Newheiser
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews author and IBCD Executive Director Dr. Jim Newheiser about his book, Parenting is More Than a Formula. During the conversation, Jim summarizes common Christian parenting methods and examines the dangers of adopting unbiblical or extra-biblical approaches to child-rearing. Jim also demonstrates how belief in "parental determinism" is contrary to the Scriptures, defines a biblical view of parenting "success," offers practical helps for pursuing gospel-centered parenting, and shares how he counsels married couples who find themselves in conflict over differing opinions pertaining to parenting methodology.
Hope + Help for Evangelism with Becky Pippert
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Becky Pippert about her book, Stay Salt: The World Has Changed, Our Message Must Not. During the conversation, Becky recounts her personal journey from agnosticism to faith in Jesus Christ, and unpacks common reasons why Christians hesitate to share their faith with others.
Hope + Help LIVE for Valuing Women with Elyse Fizpatrick & Eric Schumacher
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews authors Elyse Fitzpatrick & Eric Schumacher via Facebook LIVE about their book, Worthy: Celebrating the Value of Women.
Hope + Help for Finding Identity with Quina Aragon
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Quina Aragon about finding identity in Christ.
Hope + Help for Valuing Friendship with Drew Hunter
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Drew Hunter about his book, "Made for Friendship: The Relationship That Halves Our Sorrows and Doubles Our Joys."
Hope + Help LIVE for Parents of Depressed & Anxious Teens
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, we’re premiering Hope + Help LIVE, a periodic segment of the podcast that features unscripted, live recorded interviews previously broadcasted on Facebook. This conversation features authors Jessica Thompson and Joel Fitzpatrick. During the live chat, we talk about the various ways our respective households are navigating the coronavirus pandemic, and offer encouragements to parents of depressed and anxious teens who may be struggling to care for their child in today’s quarantine contexts.
Hope + Help for Spiritual Warfare with Iain Duguid
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Iain Duguid about his book, "The Whole Armor of God: How Christ's Victory Strengthens Us for Spiritual Warfare." During the conversation, Iain unpacks various pieces of the spiritual armor Paul describes in Ephesians 6, inviting us to take up the armor each day, all the while resting in the finished victory of Christ and the assurance that our strength for the battle comes from him. Iain also offers relatable illustrations that demonstrate how the armor of God intersects with everyday challenges, and shares words of encouragement for those who find themselves weary and discouraged in their Christian walk.
Hope + Help for the Age of Self with Jen Oshman
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Jen Oshman about her book, "Enough About Me: Finding Lasting Joy in the Age of Self," exploring how the gospel of Jesus Christ calls us to look away from ourselves in order to find the abundant life God offers us.
Hope + Help for Loss and Grief with Paul Tautges
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Paul Tautges about his book, "A Small Book for the Hurting Heart: Meditations on Loss, Grief, and Healing," exploring how the gospel of Jesus Christ offers comfort and strength for those walking through seasons of mourning.
An Interview with IBCD Podcast Host Christine Chappell
As the podcast completes its transition from The Hope + Help Project to IBCD's Hope + Help Podcast, this episode features a discussion between IBCD Director of Communications Ann Maree Goudzwaard and podcast founder Christine Chappell, exploring the various ways biblical counseling has personally impacted Christine's life and ministry.
Hope + Help for Loving Messy People with Scott Mehl
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Scott Mehl about his new book, "Loving Messy People: The Messy Art of Helping One Another Become More Like Jesus."
Hope + Help Podcast Moves to IBCD
IBCD is pleased to announce the launch of the Hope + Help Podcast on Monday, February 24th. The show, hosted by author and writer Christine Chappell, is intended to provide listeners with rich, biblical conversations about life’s challenging problems. The podcast, formerly known as The Hope + Help Project, has been in production since May 2019, and has featured conversations with a wide variety of guests from the biblical counseling movement on a number of topics.
Hope + Help for Self-Righteousness with Kendra Fletcher
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews Kendra Fletcher. They discuss Kendra's book, "Lost and Found: Losing Religion, Finding Grace," to discover how the gospel of Jesus Christ frees us from the bondage of self-righteousness and legalism. Kendra shares how the Lord used her children’s illnesses and accidents to open her eyes to the spiritual pride she had been living in, and recounts the challenges that arose when her family began to pull away from the rigid religious behaviors and beliefs of their long-time church and homeschool community. She also addresses some of ways self-righteousness slowly bleeds into in our lives, and encourages listeners to "lose their religion" by finding acceptance, grace, and identity in Christ alone.
Other questions considered:
• How can love of religion manifest itself in our thoughts, behaviors, and attitudes?
• How does the gospel free us from self-righteous living?
• Why doesn't a "Jesus + something" belief system hold up in times of suffering?
• How can we address self-righteousness when we recognize it in our lives?
Hope + Help for Death-Awareness with Matthew McCullough
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author and pastor Matthew McCullough. They discuss Matt's book, "Remember Death: The Surprising Path to Living Hope" to learn how cultivating "death-awareness" clarifies the relevance of Jesus's promises in the midst of our everyday problems. During the conversation, Matt offers listeners an overview of the Christian tradition of "memento mori" (latin: remember death) and explains some of the reasons why death-awareness was such a prominent part of daily life in earlier centuries. He also considers why 21st century Western Christians have increasingly shoved the realities of death from their consciousness—and examines the various negative impacts such death-avoidance has had as a result. Finally, Matt carefully unpacks the hope and help of the gospel of Jesus to the problem of death-avoidance, encouraging listeners to remember their identity in Christ as they seek to better understand the enemy of death and its implications for fruitful Christian living.
Hope + Help for Family Worship with Don Whitney
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews Don Whitney about his book, "Family Worship," exploring why it's important, how to deal with common stumbling blocks that arise, and practical wisdom for busy families who want to develop a regular (yet doable) routine in the home. During the conversation, Don shares scriptural support for the practice of family worship and explores reasons why today's families may struggle to make it a priority in their daily lives. He debunks the notion that large amount of prep time is involved and offers three areas of focus for leaders who desire to become intentional in cultivating a routine. Don also encourages listeners not to have unrealistic expectations about the time spent together, but to embrace the reality that chaotic families will have chaotic family worship—and that's okay!
Hope + Help for Wilderness Seasons with Stacy Reaoch
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author and writer Stacy Reaoch. They discuss her book, Wilderness Wanderings: Finding Contentment in the Desert Times of Life to examine God’s big-picture plan of the Israelites’ trek through the wilderness, and how their journey helps us find hope and wisdom for the desert times we face in life.
2019 Year-End Review with Christine Chappell
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project podcast, host Christine Chappell shares some year-end statistics and reflects on the Lord's work through the podcast since its launch in May 2019. Stay tuned for new episodes of The Hope + Help Project podcast to air starting Monday, January 6th, 2020.
Hope + Help for Grandparenting with Larry McCall
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews pastor and author Larry McCall. They discuss Larry's book, Grandparenting with Grace: Living the Gospel with the Next Generation to help us better understand what it means to build a legacy worth following through intentional, gospel-centered relationships with our grandchildren. During the conversation, Larry explains harmful trending mindsets regarding our "golden years," and rich, biblical wisdom for cultivating fruitful family relationships through intentional grandparenting. He also cautions that Christian family heritage does not guarantee our grandchildren's salvation, helps listeners discern how to avoid overstepping boundaries when it comes to our adult children's parenting choices, and provides practical suggestions for navigating various familial challenges such as broken families and long-distance relationships. Larry also offers listeners six ways grandparents can be praying for themselves as they strive toward leaving behind a gospel-saturated legacy.
Hope + Help for Grief Care with Nancy Guthrie
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author and bible teacher Nancy Guthrie. They discuss Nancy's book, "What Grieving People Wish You Knew about What Really Helps (and What Really Hurts)" to better understand the raw emotions people face as they experience grief, and to learn how to compassionately and confidently interact with those who are mourning the loss of a loved one. Nancy shares about walking through the deaths of her two infant babies, and how grief can become a hurdle in everyday relationships. She offers some cautions about what not to say to someone who is grieving, and also suggests possible conversation starters that demonstrate a proper esteem of the loss. Additionally, Nancy observes the misguided assumptions supporters can sometimes make about grieving people, and shines a light on the pain that is felt when friends and family keep their distance. Lastly, Nancy steers listeners back to the hope of heaven through Jesus Christ, and examines why spiritual sentimentality is too flimsy to offer real hope in the midst of unbearable pain.
Hope + Help for Pursuing Discipleship with Jonathan Hayashi
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews pastor and author Jonathan Hayashi. They discuss his book, Ordinary Radicals: A Return to Christ-Centered Discipleship to learn how the gospel of Jesus Christ informs the way we foster genuine, mission-minded Christian community within the context of the local church. Jonathan shares how God used intentional discipleship relationships to radically alter the gang-related trajectory he was on as a teenager. He explains some of the reasons why the church-at-large is failing to faithfully commit to making Christ-centered disciples, while also highlighting some of the unbiblical beliefs church members have about what it means to belong to the body of Christ. Jonathan encourages believers to remember that there are no special qualifications for making disciples, and offers practical suggestions for pursuing a discipleship relationship within the respective "mission fields" everyday Christians find themselves in.
Hope + Help for Pornography Addiction with Deepak Reju
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author and biblical counselor Deepak Reju to discuss his book, Pornography: Fighting for Purity. During the conversation, Deepak explains what makes porn addiction a form of "voluntary slavery," unpacking the various heart struggles that can tempt men and women to become habitual viewers. Deepak also helps listeners discern what it looks like to "coddle" porn addiction, highlights the importance of radical corrective action, outlines what to look for in an accountability partner, and encourages strugglers to remember their identity in Christ when facing discouragement in the battle for heart change.
Hope + Help for Dads and Sons with Joel Fitzpatrick
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author Joel Fitzpatrick about his book "Between Us Guys: Life-Changing Conversations for Dads & Sons" to discuss how both parent and child can lean in to important conversations with the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. During the interview, Joel talks about what biblical manhood is meant to look like and the importance of teaching our sons to embrace a gospel-centered view of women. He also addresses biblical wisdom for helping dads and sons navigate friendship problems, performance pressures, identity traps, as well as some helpful ways to practice generosity and financial stewardship.
Hope + Help for Enduring Faith with Trillia Newbell
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author Trillia Newbell to discuss her new book, Sacred Endurance: Finding Grace and Strength for a Lasting Faith. During the interview, Trillia shares her story of coming to Christ as an adult. She also takes on the "fake it 'till you make it" mentality, warns against the toxic effects of the prosperity gospel, and explains how the Scriptures invite us to engage God in the midst of our suffering. Encouraging listeners with gospel-centered reminders, Trillia also helps us to understand how to keep our hearts from growing cynical in the midst of tumultuous political/cultural climates.
Hope + Help for Self-Focus with Lydia Brownback
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author Lydia Brownback. They discuss Lydia's book, "Flourish: How the Love of Christ Frees Us from Self-Focus" to help us discern the worldly influences that threaten to warp our understanding of what it really means to be a Christian. We’ll explore topics such as self-consciousness, self-care, self-improvement, and self-condemnation, and discover how the gospel of Jesus Christ equips us to enjoy true freedom in these areas.
Hope + Help for Raising Young Children with Sam Crabtree
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author Sam Crabtree. They discuss his newest book, "Parenting with Loving Correction: Practical Help for Raising Young Children" to discover how the gospel of Jesus Christ helps parents pursue consistent, faithful discipline that mirrors the grace-giving, truth-speaking God of the Bible. Sam explains what corrective discipline looks like from a biblical perspective, outlines why establishing an atmosphere of affirmation and correction is important in a Christian home, and highlights the difference between destructive fear and healthy regard for parental authority. He also addresses the issue of corporal punishment, lays out three core imperatives for wise correction, and speaks powerful words of encouragement to parents who are struggling to implement consistent disciplinary standards for the children in their care.
Hope + Help for Abuse Victims with Joy Forrest
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews counselor, speaker, and author Joy Forrest. They discuss Joy's book, Called to Peace: A Survivor's Guide to Finding Healing and Peace After Domestic Abuse to discover how the gospel of Jesus Christ offers the resources necessary to turn victims into victors. During the conversation, Joy shares her own testimony of overcoming abuse, shedding light on the twisted thinking process that kept her in harm's way for more than two decades. She also explains why victims cannot change the behaviors of their abuser, how she overcame the guilt that resulted from watching her marriage fail, and the importance of rooting our identity in Christ when walking through domestic violence recovery.
Hope + Help for Young Women with Chelsea Hurst
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author and social media influencer Chelsea Hurst. They discuss Chelsea's brand new book, Above All Else to explore the common challenges facing young Christian women today. Chelsea highlights the various performance pressures that "20-somethings" grapple with, and explains how the temptation to conform to worldly standards leads followers of Christ into self-inflicted pain and disappointment. She also recounts a monumental story of forgiveness after murder, warns listeners about the danger of using God's grace as a cop-out for intentionally sinful lifestyle choices, and encourages young women to pursue spiritual growth and maturity in the context of authentic Christian community.
Hope + Help for Anxious Hearts with Paul Tautges
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews Pastor and author Paul Tautges. They discuss Paul's brand new book, Anxiety: Knowing God’s Peace to explore how the gospel of Jesus Christ offers meaningful resources for the fight against crippling worries and fears. Paul addresses the spiritual and physical components of our anxiety, explains how it can help us reorient our hearts toward God, and offers listeners biblically-based comforts and wisdom for fighting anxiety on the spiritual battlefield. He also suggest passages of Scripture which help us to engage our anxiety, gently inviting listeners into a deeper understanding of and reliance upon God's peace.
Hope + Help for Hurting Marriages with Dr. Jim Newheiser
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews Dr. Jim Newheiser to talk about his book, "Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage: Critical Questions and Answers." The conversation focuses specifically on discovering gospel hope and help for the hurting marriage, using wisdom from the Scriptures to address some of the common challenges that couples face. Jim lays a foundation for God's good design for marriage and explains why divorce is such a hotly debated issue in the church. He also helps us think biblically about working through marital issues such as bitterness, communication breakdowns, indifference, and offers listeners considerations for deciding when to seek marriage counseling.
Hope + Help for Mysterious Depression with Erick Cobb
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews Pastor Erick Cobb about the Christian's experience of seemingly causeless depression. Erick shares about his personal encounters with despondency, describing some of its mysterious components, and how the Scriptures normalize our seasons of dread and darkness. He also talks about the redemptive benefits that can result from walking through depression, highlights the importance of biblical metaphor in comforting the despondent Christian, and suggests practical physical and spiritual sustaining graces for enduring the dark.
Hope + Help for Valuing Singleness with Sam Allberry
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author/speaker Sam Allberry. They’re talking about his book, "7 Myths About Singleness," in order to help Christians—married and unmarried alike—value singleness as a gift from God. Sam explains frequently misunderstood aspects of singleness, why celibacy and intimacy are not mutually exclusive, and how the gospel of Jesus Christ helps singles take hold of the unique opportunities their singleness affords. He also encourages singles in the various ways they can contribute to the creation mandate without having kids themselves, highlights ways marrieds and singles can strive to better support one another in friendship, and exposes some of the tender feelings singles experience when they feel like they're missing out in life and love.
Hope + Help for Critical Care with Kathryn Butler
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author/writer Kathryn Butler. They discuss Kathryn's book, Between Life and Death: A Gospel-Centered Guide to End-of-Life Medical Care to help Christians become better equipped to handle medical decisions for incapacitated loved ones. They take an honest look at how common critical care procedures affect the body, discuss what it feels like to wake up as a patient in the ICU, unpack common misconceptions about what it means to protect the sanctity of life, and share how the gospel of Jesus Christ gives family members wisdom in the midst of overwhelming medical situations. Kathryn also talks about biblical perspectives on physical health, comforts to cling to when death is imminent, and offers words of support and encouragement for those presently tasked with making medical decisions for a loved one.
Hope + Help for Overwhelming Emotions with Alasdair Groves
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author/biblical counselor Alasdair Groves. They talk about his book, "Untangling Emotions," to learn more about a biblical approach to addressing our overwhelming feelings, to discover how negative emotions can actually serve redemptive purposes, and finally, to understand how the gospel of Jesus Christ frees believers to engage our emotions in fruitful ways. Alasdair also offers insights into unhelpful views on the importance of our emotions, helps listeners to understand a biblical view of the mind-body connection, and gives words of encouragement to those who feel frequently overcome by their emotional state.
Hope + Help for Sudden Tragedy with Cameron Cole
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author Cameron Cole about living through your worst nightmare and his book, "Therefore I Have Hope: 12 Truths that Comfort, Sustain, and Redeem in Tragedy." Cameron shares about the sudden death of his 3-year-old son, some of the raw emotions and thoughts that arise when facing unexpected bereavement, and how the gospel of Jesus Christ comforts and sustains in times of excruciating grief. He also addresses the harmful mentalities Christians can mistakenly adopt during the grieving process and encourages mourners to cling to God's provisional grace to make it through impossible days.
Hope + Help for Anxious Teens with Jessica Thompson
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author/speaker Jessica Thompson on the topic of her new book, How to Help Your Anxious Teen. During the conversation, Jessica unpacks some of the commonly overlooked factors that can contribute to our teen's anxiety, the harmful ways parents sometimes approach helping their child, and how the gospel of Jesus Christ offers teens and parents alike the assurance and hope needed to walk through anxiety recovery. She also explains the dangerous effects of "helicopter parenting," why today's culture has a disdain for normalcy, and the importance of fostering an environment of grace and age-appropriate transparency in our homes.
Hope + Help for Anxious Moms with Sara Wallace
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author/writer Sara Wallace on the topic anxiety in motherhood and her new book, Created to Care: God's Truth for Anxious Moms. Sara discusses God’s good design for our “mother bear” instincts, the heart struggles that take place when fear dominates our parenting, how to approach concerns over our children’s salvation, and how the gospel of Jesus Christ offers anxious moms the necessary resources to learn how to trust God with their children’s lives. She also highlights some of the ways moms can fall into guilt-ridden performance traps and control idolatry, offering anxious mothers words of encouragement and comfort for the weary—but priceless—privilege of raising children.
Hope + Help for Facing Infertility with Glenna Marshall
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author/writer Glenna Marshall on the topic of infertility, suffering, and her new book, The Promise is His Presence: Why God is Always Enough. During the conversation, Glenna shares about her personal experiences with infertility, church hurt, and chronic illness, unpacking the devastating heartbreak of deferred hope and the dangers of basing our beliefs about God's goodness on whether or not he will give us "good" things. Glenna shares how her struggle with infertility negatively impacted church fellowship and personal friendships, gives suggestions on how to respond to seasons of spiritual dryness, and soothes sufferers with words of comfort for when the grief of barrenness feels all-consuming.
Hope + Help for Living with Cancer with Marissa Henley
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author/speaker/writer Marissa Henley on the topic of living with cancer, exposing some of the raw emotions that go along with facing a life-threatening illness, the honest fears about death that believers with cancer wrestle with, and how the gospel of Jesus Christ strengthens sufferers to face an unknown future with courage and hope. Marissa shares about her own battle with a rare form of cancer, describes what it's like to sit in the "chemo chair," and gives concerned friends and family members practical tips on how to best support their suffering loved one during a season of uncertainty and medical overwhelm.
Hope + Help for Post-Abortion Trauma with Camille Cates
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author/speaker/biblical counselor Camille Cates on the topic of post-abortion trauma, unpacking some of the difficult emotional and spiritual battles that manifest in abortion’s wake, and sharing how the gospel of Jesus Christ offers real hope and help for those who seek to heal. During our conversation, Camille shares her personal testimony of horrifying tragedy and loss, recounting the path that lead her to choose to abort her unborn baby. We talk about the lie of "self-forgiveness," why coping mechanisms ultimately fall short in alleviating the grief and guilt of post-abortion trauma, and the various impacts friends, family, and church community members can have in the healing process. Camille also addresses the frequently asked question, "Will I see my aborted baby in Heaven?" and suggests practical ways to lean into God's Word for meaningful healing and spiritual peace through forgiveness in Christ.
Hope + Help for the Broken-Hearted with Mark Vroegop
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author/pastor Mark Vroegop on the topic of his new book, "Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy", learning how the God-given language of lament offers the broken-hearted hope and help for life’s sorrowful seasons. During the conversation, Pastor Mark shares his family's personal story of tragic loss, and how lament provided them—and ultimately, his church community—an outlet for their pains to be voiced while placing their trust in God. We talk about the key components of lament, heart-attitude cautions (what lament isn't), and why today's culture has such a hard time walking alongside broken-hearted people. Pastor Mark also offers practical steps for traveling by faith through grief and sorrow, as well as encouragements on how to cling to biblical hope, even when we've lost all sense of it.
Hope + Help for Teen Girls with Lindsey Carlson
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author/writer Lindsey Carlson on the topic of growing in godliness as a teenage girl. Lindsey shares why she was compelled to write her new book, Growing in Godliness: A Teen Girl's Guide to Maturing in Christ and unpacks what the path of spiritual maturity looks like for a young Christian. She talks about the struggles today's teens have with finding purpose and identity, as well as the challenges that arise when it comes to managing moodiness, struggling with sin, and finding motivation for attending worship services. Lindsey also helps listeners understand why learning to trust God's plan for their lives is a difficult, but necessary part of growing up in Christ. This conversation is geared toward the teen girl, so if you know a Christian young woman in your life, invite her to take a listen!
Hope + Help for the Depressed Ministry Leader with Terry Powell
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author/teacher Terry Powell on the subject of handling depression in ministry. Terry shares pieces of his life-long battle against depression with vulnerable humility, giving us a picture of God's sustaining grace for those involved in leadership positions. He offers thoughts about combatting negative self-talk, and answers the question, "Is depression a hinderance or a help to fruitful ministry?" The episode also explores the issue of suicide in pastoral ministry, and whether or not the concept of victorious Christian living can be reconciled with the believer's experience of depression.
Hope + Help for Anxiety Recovery with Laura Fleetwood
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author/speaker Laura Fleetwood on the topic of panic and anxiety recovery. Laura shares details about her personal struggle with anxiety, what recovery has looked like for her, as well as the various ways God has ministered to her as she has battled on-and-off seasons of disruptive anxiety in her life. She also explains how panic and anxiety manifests itself in her physical body, and gives listeners a practical acronym designed to help us turn more quickly to Christ and his body when panic strikes.
Hope + Help Bonus Episode: Heart Change in Motherhood with Christine Chappell
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine shares a bonus episode on the topic of heart change in motherhood based on stories from her book, Clean Home, Messy Heart: Promises of Renewal, Hope, and Change for Overwhelmed Moms. The episode is an edited version of a talk recorded in front of a live audience and unpacks the challenges of sacrificial love, comfort idolatry, repetitive sin habits, and self-reliance in motherhood, explaining how the gospel of Jesus Christ offers women hope and help for progressive, meaningful change.
Hope + Help for Weary Moms with Christina Fox
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author Christina Fox on the topic of weariness in motherhood and her new book with P&R Publishing, Sufficient Hope: Gospel Meditations and Prayers for Moms. Christina shares about her reluctant struggle with postpartum depression, the importance of having proper expectations in motherhood, and how to turn from helplessness to hope in Christ. She also addresses common heart issues that moms of all ages wrestle with, such as control idolatry, discontentment, and general discouragement with the motherhood experience.
Hope + Help for Self-Harm with Dave Dunham
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews Pastor/author Dave Dunham on the topic of self-harm. Dave shares how he got started working in addiction ministry, why helping an injurer requires attention to both the body and soul, reasons it's important to uncover the struggler's motivations for injuring, the necessity of having a robust theology of sin in order to treat strugglers with compassion and grace, the helpfulness of practicing repentance, and words of encouragement for the person who feels enslaved to their addictive habit.
Hope + Help for Abusive Men with Chris Moles
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell and Reverend Chris Moles unpack the heart of domestic abuse. Chris shares why he believes there has been some push-back from the Christian community about pursuing violent men with the hope of the gospel, the problem with treating domestic abuse as an anger issue, reasons why focusing on abuse as spiritual rebellion is so important, realistic ways of measuring intervention "success," and words of admonishment (as well as hope) for the man who senses he is abusing his power and wonders what true change will require. He also shares a variety of reliable resources that the audience can explore to further educate themselves on the issue of domestic violence, or find guidance for next steps if they are in a abusive relationship.
Hope + Help for the Grieving Widow with Lisa Appelo
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author/writer Lisa Appelo on the topic of learning to live with grief as a widow. Lisa talks about the day her husband suddenly passed away, how she addressed the grieving process with her seven children, some of the unexpected emotional struggles she faced, and how the body of Christ rallied around her and her family as they learned how to live without the husband and father they loved. She also shares some practical spiritual and physical care suggestions for those walking through seasons of grief.
Hope + Help for Fighting Destructive Habits with Rush Witt
In this episode, Christine Chappell guides a powerful conversation with Pastor/author Rush Witt on the topic of fighting against diehard sins and destructive daily habits. Rush shares about his personal experience with biblical counseling, helps listeners unpack the undercurrents of our heart struggles, gives practical steps for attacking "acceptable" sins while avoiding the pitfall of destructive introspection, and ultimately offers courage and clarity for the Christian who is desperate for change but feels stuck in the struggle.
Hope + Help for Eating Disorders with Emma Scrivener
In this episode, Christine Chappell interviews author Emma Scrivener about the spiritual and physical struggles associated with eating disorders. Emma shares pieces of her personal battle against anorexia, detailing how the gospel of Jesus Christ enabled her to turn a new page in her recovery and the way she viewed her relationship with food. The episode also discusses some of the heart issues associated with disordered eating, practical spiritual and physical steps for seeking help, and words of encouragement for the sufferer who feels hopeless or helpless to find progressive life change.
Hope + Help for the Depressed Christian with Guest Zack Eswine
In the premiere episode, Christine interviews author/Pastor Zack Eswine on the topic of depression. During the conversation, Zack shares some of his personal experience with despondency, wise & unwise ways to approach loved ones who are suffering, the blessing of biblical metaphor in providing a language for our sorrows, as well as comfort and clarity from the Scriptures for those walking through the seasons of darkness.
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