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Aaron Crider Adam Boyd Anan Twijjukye Andrew Kurtz Arnold Eby Arthur Nisly Austin Lapp Bernice Troyer Bill Shiley Brackin Kirkland Brent Brian Martin Bruce Jantzi Bryant Martin Charlene Stoltzfus Charlton Sweazy Christina Baer Chuck Pike Clark Wray Clyde Zimmerman Conrad Eby Crystal Miller Daniel Willis Dan Ziegler Darla Weaver Darvin Martin Daryl Witmer David Adams David Anderson David Bercot Dean Taylor Deborah Bercot Dru Lattin Dwight Nisly Edith Burkholder Edsel Burdge Ernest Eby Finny Kuruvilla Gary Miller Glenn Martin Greg Weaver Harold Troyer Hector Troyer James Yoder Jamila Kurtz Jaran Miller Jason Jerriel Martin Jimmy Nsanze Joe Kurtz Joel Nisly John D. Martin John Gooch Jonathan Heisey Joseph Josué Moreno Ken Miller Kristi Mast Kyle Stoltzfus Lamar Showalter Laura Kuruvilla Lavern Hershberger Lavern Yoder Leo Eby Leonard Hege Leon Smith Linda Miller Lisa Peters Lynn Martin Marcia Zimmerman Mariel Frost Mark Dziuba Marlin Sommers Marvin Matthew Milioni Merle Burkholder Micah Hozen Micaiah Mike Fisher Natasha Sweazy Nathan Miller Pablo Yoder Patrick Matthews Philip Hess Ryan J. A. Hoover Sam Baer Sam Stoltzfus Shawn Miller Shihua Zhu Siraji Adomati Stephen Russell Steve Susan Schlabach Tania Taylor Tim Kuepfer Tony Zook Verlynn Yoder Wendell Martin Zack Johnson ZB
Past Talks
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2023
Behind the Scenes
History, Vision/Mission, Exciting Update in Interview with S2SJoin us for our first-ever roundtable discussion of the Strength to Strength admin team. The Strength to Strength podcast is available through many outlets. Listen online, download episodes, or subscribe through your preferred provider. Recording coming soon………… Use our Dial-A-Message service to listen by phone, code 9144#. Click here for more information.
Walk the Talk: Spotlight on Kingdom Work – part 2
Strength to Strength will typically host two Talks a year to spotlight Kingdom initiatives that can be an inspiration to others in the greater community of Jesus’ followers. If you know of a project that you would like to see spotlighted please contact us here. See part 1. Strength to Strength welcomed three brothers to discuss…
The First Great Commission
Strength to Strength welcomed Jon* to discuss reaching the unreached. Many Christians are familiar with Jesus’ Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20. However, there’s another great commission in the gospels, and it occurs before the well-known “Go Ye Therefore.” When Jesus saw the unreached multitudes, he gave a commission to all his disciples for all time: “Pray…
Perspectives on the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict
Strength to Strength welcomed Steven* and Elijah* to discuss the impact of the present Palestinian-Israeli conflict. UPDATE: Sadly, Elijah* was unable to join due to the tragic news that several of his close relatives were killed by an Israeli bombing in Gaza that occurred next to a church where they and hundreds of other Christians were…
God Wins at Midnight
Strength to Strength welcomed Glenn Martin to explore a little-known Messianic prophesy. What does the final plague of Egypt have in common with the Incarnation? What does the Wisdom of Solomon offer to bring together these two accounts? And what classic Christmas hymn do we sing that foretells the birth of the Messiah by invoking the…
Our World and Our Wealth
Strength to Strength welcomed John D. Martin to discuss what sacrificialism in finances looks like. Join us for a heart-searching message on possessions. This message is intended to encourage Christians everywhere to spend more on helping the needy. The kingdom calls for it. In this Talk, John D. Martin will challenge this generation to be the…
Building Healthy Church Culture
Strength to Strength welcomed Bill Shiley to discuss what church life should and can be, and how to get there. Often, when we think about culture, our discussions center around dress, vehicles, technology, etc. The problem is that Jesus and the apostles don’t really spell out a lot of details on many of the specifics we…
Overcoming Evil God’s Way
Strength to Strength welcomed Stephen Russell to discuss radical peacemaking. The early church and the first Anabaptists heard not only that God loves us and wants to save us, but they also heard, more clearly than many other Christians, that turning to Jesus has definite and clear implications, namely, that God’s people are to cooperate…
A Testimony of Learning to Walk as He Walked
Strength to Strength welcomed Anan Twijjukye to share his testimony of coming to Jesus. Anan lived a very chaotic life as young teenager, trapped in addictions, particularly pornography, which is a habit he caught when he was still a dancer and entertainer in clubs. Having grown up in nominal Christian family, he considered himself a…
The Kingdom That Turned the World Upside Down
This was the second part of a two-part S2S Event called “Would Jesus Be a Christian Nationalist?” held on July 1, 2023. Also, see part 1: “Early Christian Understanding of the Empire” by Zack Johnson. Strength to Strength welcomed David Bercot to discuss his book on the 20th anniversary of the first edition. Join us for an interview/discussion of…
Early Christian Understanding of the Empire
This was the first part of a two-part S2S Event called “Would Jesus Be a Christian Nationalist?” held on July 1, 2023. Also, see part 2: “The Kingdom That Turned the World Upside Down” by David Bercot. Strength to Strength welcomed Zack Johnson to discuss how the early Christians viewed the governments of men. In August of 2019 a…
Tips for Reading the Bible
Strength to Strength welcomed Darvin Martin to explore how we can shed light on obscure Biblical passages. In this Talk, Darvin first establishes a basic framework for sound interpretation. Then through examples of commonly misunderstood passages, he examines how context and author’s intent uncovers a more faithful interpretation. If you think Biblical hermeneutics is an…
Speech and Patterns of Life
Strength to Strength welcomed Delbert Weaver to discuss how our words precede our destiny. No one disputes that our words are a window to our heart. Yet few recognize how our words steer our lives and ultimately our destiny. With amazing accuracy, the measure we use will be measured back to us (Matthew 7:1-2). In…
Sacred Writings: A Meal That Makes You Hungrier
Strength to Strength welcomed Chuck Pike to explore the joy of finding and sharing Jesus through the Scriptures. Do you have the Scriptures, but feel too weary to dig in? Has Bible study become a drudgery instead of a joy? If that’s your experience, the good news is that there’s a goldmine awaiting your discovery.…
How to Answer Catholic and Orthodox Claims – part 2
This is the second part of a two-part series called “How to Answer Catholic and Orthodox Claims” held on May 6, 2023. Also, see part 1: “How to Answer Catholic and Orthodox Claims – part 1” by Lynn Martin. Strength to Strength welcomed Lynn Martin to examine the claims of the oldest Christian denominations. Today, many Christians are drawn…
Sacred Writings: Living the Message
Strength to Strength welcomed Stephen Russell to explore a defense of Biblical authority against its critics. Stephen begins by giving a summary of what the Scriptures consist of and how they were formed. Following this, he speaks of all people’s quest to understand their own lives and the world around them. In our desire to…
Sacred Writings: Biblical Languages Can Live Again!
Strength to Strength welcomed Finny Kuruvilla to explore the value of grasping the Biblical languages. Are you reliant on commentators and online translation tools to inform you of the meaning behind the strange characters that consititute the original writings? If you’re linguistically inclined, “It sounds like Greek to me” does not need to be your…
How to Answer Catholic and Orthodox Claims – part 1
This was the first part of a two-part series called “How to Answer Catholic and Orthodox Claims” held on March 25, 2023. Also, see part 2: “How to Answer Catholic and Orthodox Claims – part 2” by Lynn Martin. Strength to Strength welcomed Lynn Martin to examine the claims of the oldest Christian denominations. Today, many Christians are drawn…
Reading Paul Through First Century Eyes
Strength to Strength welcomed Paul Garber to help us refocus our vision to better read Paul’s epistles in their historical context. When we open our Bibles and read Romans, Ephesians, Colossians or Galatians, (or any book of the Bible for that matter) we must realize that these letters or books are part of a larger…
Biblical Counseling and Christian Psychology Meet the Sermon on the Mount
Strength to Strength welcomed Seth Mattson to discuss the intersection of Jesus’ constitution with Biblical counseling and Christian psychology. The world of Christian counseling, ranging from integrated Christian psychology to direct biblical counseling, has a vibrant and ongoing history, although not without controversy. What do Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount as well…
A Proper Theology of the Body – part 2
This was the second part of a two-part series called “A Proper Theology of the Body” held on February 11, 2023. Also, see part 1: “A Proper Theology of the Body – part 1” by Kyle Stoltzfus. Strength to Strength welcomed Kyle Stoltzfus to discuss God’s perspective of our bodies He has given us. What does your body…
Sacred Writings: The Deuterocanonicals: Your Friend or Foe?
Strength to Strength welcomed David Bercot to explore the books of the Old Testament apocrypha. These books from the so-called intertestamental period, largely written in Greek, have had a strong influence throughout the history of the church. This extended to Anabaptism in Europe, and significantly was a part of the King James Version of 1611.…
Spiritual Disciplines Versus Spiritual Disaster
Strength to Strength welcomed Micaiah to discuss the benefits of fidelity in prayer, fasting, solitude, and community. In this Talk, we discuss the benefits of a disciplined life in the throws of our present cultural anarchy and spirtual numbness that has deadened our walk and service to the King. The fidelity to daily rythyms of…
Bonus Talk: Walk the Talk: Spotlight on Kingdom Work – part 1
Strength to Strength will typically host two Talks a year to spotlight Kingdom initiatives that can be an inspiration to others in the greater community of Jesus’ followers. If you know of a project that you would like to see spotlighted please contact us here. See part 2. Strength to Strength welcomed three brothers on an…
The New Humanity
Strength to Strength welcomed John D. Martin to discuss Jesus’ ultimate purpose of coming to this world. God created a perfect humanity. All of us still carry the ideals of that humanity in our hearts. But attempts to fulfill those ideals in a fallen world usually end in disillusionment. Have these ideals been left to…
2022
From Bondage and Darkness to Liberty and Light
Strength to Strength welcomed Micah Hozen to share his testimony of faith with us. From the suburbs and beaches of Southern California, to the forests and rivers of Oregon, I was restless, always looking for something, for somewhere to belong, for what truly pleased God. But my sin was always there confounding my search. This…
A Proper Theology of the Body – part 1
This was the first part of a two-part series called “A Proper Theology of the Body” held on December 17, 2022. Also, see part 2: “A Proper Theology of the Body – part 2” by Kyle Stoltzfus. Strength to Strength welcomed Kyle Stoltzfus to discuss God’s perspective of our bodies He has given us. What does your body have…
Sacred Writings: Preserved or Reconstructed? The Nature of the Greek New Testament
Strength to Strength welcomed Adam Boyd to explore the different manuscript families of the Greek New Testament and to present the case for why the text preserved in the vast majorities of manuscripts is to be preferred. It is apparent that something is amiss. In Matthew 6:13 the King James Version concludes the Lord’s prayer…
Sexual Addiction? Get Help for Yourself!
This was the second part of a two-part S2S Event called “Overcoming Sexual Addiction” held on November 19, 2022. Also, see part 1: “Sexual Addiction? Help Others!” by Arthur Nisly. Strength to Strength welcomed Arthur Nisly to speak on the problem of sexual addiction among conservative Anabaptists. In Part 2, he speaks about the tools and concepts that he…
Sexual Addiction? Help Others!
This was the first part of a two-part S2S Event called “Overcoming Sexual Addiction” held on November 19, 2022. Also, see part 2: “Sexual Addiction? Get Help for Yourself!” by Arthur Nisly. Strength to Strength welcomed Arthur Nisly to speak on the problem of sexual addiction among conservative Anabaptists. In Part 1, he speaks to church leaders and those…
Sacred Writings: The Bible Jesus Read
Strength to Strength welcomed Chuck Pike to explore Jesus’ Bible with us. Have you ever wondered why Jesus and the apostles misquote Old Testament texts? Are these sloppy quotations, sketchy transmission over the millennia, or shoddy translation in modern times? Or perhaps New Testament authors were trying to revise the Old Testament text to better…
Bonus Talk: Would Jesus Vote? Thoughts From a Conscientious Abstainer
Strength to Strength welcomed Dan Ziegler on an off-Saturday to discuss the politics of Jesus’ nation. According to recent research from Barna Group, more practicing Christians believe the government is responsible to create meaningful change, rather than the church. Dan’s essay, “A Question of Power,” provides an outline of Jesus’ relation to the world as…
The Weak and the Strong Being Church Together
Strength to Strength welcomed Lamar Showalter to discuss God’s desire for relationships within the church. What does it mean to bear with the weak? Am I weak or am I strong? The differences between the weak and the strong can cause some tension in church life. But as we read in John 13:35, it is…
Sacred Writings: The Revelation of Jesus Christ
Strength to Strength welcomed Greg Weaver to introduce this series about God’s written revelation known as the Bible. Note how the apostle Paul brilliantly illustrates the path to faith: So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Join us as we explore foundational concepts in our approach to Scripture. Consider…
Bonus Talk: A Life Sold Out to Jesus
Pablo Yoder has dedicated his life to the furtherance of the kingdom of God. For the past twenty-seven years, he has worked among the Nicaraguan people to bring a message of Jesus’ love. On August 15, 2022, he was diagnosed with stage-four kidney cancer. Now, in the sunset of his life, he shares life lessons…
Three Trees and a Computer Bug: Lessons in Crisis Leadership
Strength to Strength welcomed Ryan J. A. Hoover to share stories, observations, and lessons learned from leadership in crisis. In August 2003, 55,000,000 people in eight states and Ontario lost power – some for several hours, some for multiple days – because of three trees and a computer glitch. The ensuing cascade jammed traffic, released…
Peacemaking Through Conflict
Strength to Strength welcomed Hector Troyer to survey causes of and solutions to interpersonal conflict. Hector will look at healthy and unhealthy responses to conflict-triggering situations. Even more importantly, he will be exploring simple techniques that can reduce the negative power of conflicts in our lives. An interactive question-and-answer period follows. Recommended book: “Radical Collaboration”…
Four Kingdom Cautions
Strength to Strength welcomed John D. Martin to share some words of Jesus as a reminder to those who diligently seek Him. The Sermon on the Mount presents Jesus’ ideal, a colony of Heaven on earth as visualized in the Lord’s prayer, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” In Matthew…
Bonus Talk: Kingdom Opportunities 2022 – part 2
Strength to Strength will occasionally host a Talk to offer kingdom ministries an opportunity to share how the greater community of Jesus’ followers can contribute. If you lead a ministry that you’d like to have represented, please contact us to discuss. Strength to Strength welcomed five brothers on an off-Saturday to introduce and discuss ministry opportunities…
Why Don’t We Love God?
Strength to Strength welcomed Darvin Martin to discuss what Peter meant when he said: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts…” The primary command that God has given us is to love Him with all of our being. But how can we love a God whom we mistrust? From the garden of Eden to…
Thinking Well – How Our Communities Have Failed and How They Can Succeed
Strength to Strength welcomed Lynn Martin to discuss how we can encourage intellectual sustainability in our thought processes. Are thinkers necessary to Anabaptist culture? Should we care that the most talented young people often leave the Anabaptist community? This talk will address these questions. Lynn suggests ways that our communities can support better thinking without…
Bonus Talk: Understanding Trauma, OCD, and Scrupulosity – part 2
On June 18, we hosted a talk on this subject (see part 1). Due to the high interest in this Talk, and insufficient time for all the response, we hosted this second part July 9. This Part 2 focuses on finding resolution to those suffering with these challenges. Strength to Strength welcomed Conrad Eby to…
The Power of the Kingdom Realized Through Weakness
Strength to Strength welcomed Marvin* to discuss the story of the Bible as the story of God’s love towards his people, in which God condescends—takes on weakness—to form a special people set apart to him. This paradigm of God’s purposes being accomplished through seeming weakness, is also the paradigm adopted by Jesus, Paul, and the…
Understanding Trauma, OCD, and Scrupulosity – part 1
This was the first part of a two-part S2S Talk. Due to high interest, we’ve followed up with a Part 2 which focuses on finding resolution to those suffering with these challenges (see part 2). Strength to Strength welcomed Conrad Eby to discuss his experience in understanding and dealing with behaviors resulting from trauma. Trauma,…
From a Life of Sin to a Family Music Ministry
Strength to Strength welcomed Brackin Kirkland to share his life testimony. In Brackin’s own words: I grew up in a Christian home, but I made many bad decisions in my teenage years, which led me into a life of sin and rebellion. But the Lord was with me all along the way, and His grace…
Critique of Classic Dispensationalism
This was the second part of a two-part S2S Event called “The Dangers of Dispensationalism” held on May 21, 2022. Also, see part 1: “Overview of Classic Dispensationalism” by Adam Boyd. Strength to Strength welcomed Adam Boyd to discuss the dangers of dispensationalism, and how a Biblical perspective can inform our understanding of where we are in God’s…
Overview of Classic Dispensationalism
This was the first part of a two-part S2S Event called “The Dangers of Dispensationalism” held on May 21, 2022. Also, see part 2: “Critique of Classic Dispensationalism” by Adam Boyd. Strength to Strength welcomed Adam Boyd to discuss the dangers of dispensationalism, and how a Biblical perspective can inform our understanding of where we are in God’s…
Patriotic Ambassadors: Hospitality Worthy of a Jesus Embassy
Strength to Strength welcomed Bryant Martin to discuss how we can be ambassadors of radical welcome. What on earth is hospitality anyhow? Is it a hallmark of our King and his kingdom? If so, how are we going to remove the bottlenecks to be obedient citizens? My goal is to convince you that at the…
The Economics of the Kingdom of God
Strength to Strength welcomed Edsel Burdge to discuss God’s vision of how economics should work within His nation. Where is your treasure? This survey of the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus and the apostles will demonstrate a consistent attitude toward economics and the accumulation and distribution of riches. His talk highlights some of the…
Singlehood: a Calling to Be Stewarded
Strength to Strength welcomed Bill Shiley to share about Christian singlehood. Is singlehood a season to be endured? Does God, in fact, place a premium on marriage? Is the common perception that singles need to “find their fulfillment in God” an adequate response? In this presentation, Bill shares about where the New Testament teaches fulfillment is…
Serving the King in Mexico
Strength to Strength welcomed Josué Moreno to share his testimony of faith as a disciple of Jesus in Mexico. Josué tells his life story of growing up in a happy evangelical home. Growing up, he experienced doubts and fears, and departed from the Lord for a season of his life. He came across the Anabaptists at…
Patriotic Ambassadors: The Kingdom Message, Visually Presented
Strength to Strength welcomed Shawn Miller to share an overview presentation of the kingdom of God. To be a “kingdom person” means to be under the reign of God. Like earthly nations, Jesus’ kingdom has four components including a leader, constitution, domain, and citizens. However, in contrast to the nations of the world, Jesus’ kingdom is…
Bonus Talk: Ukraine Crisis
Strength to Strength welcomed four brothers from four different countries on an off-Saturday to join us to discuss the current Ukrainian crisis. Each of the four brothers are directly involved in providing assistance through various channels. Jesus’ words in the Judgment scene are a reminder that while we serve others, we are serving Jesus: “Assuredly, I…
Patriotic Ambassadors: Reclaiming Responsibility
Strength to Strength welcomed Zack Johnson to discuss how those politically uninvolved are to remain active in effecting change in the world. Given voting is an abdication of responsibility, then how should Christ followers be reclaiming responsibility? This talk explores Christianity’s burden in global poverty and world change. Together with David Anderson, the two introduce…
“Creation to New Creation” Curriculum
Strength to Strength welcomed Charlton Sweazy to introduce and discuss a new Bible study course. Many people don’t have a comprehensive understanding of the storyline of the Bible. As a result they blindly follow false teachers who strip them of their money, life and dignity while fanning a false hope of a better future. We…
Kingdom Reductionism: an Atonement Talk & Discussion
Strength to Strength welcomed Dean Taylor to discuss the atonement. When it comes to the doctrine of the Atonement, most theologically minded Anabaptists (including myself) would consider ourselves a “Christus-Victor-guy.” What I mean by this is that we believe that the story of what Jesus accomplished on the cross includes the bigger picture of Christ’s…
Bonus Talk: Kingdom Opportunities 2022 – part 1
Strength to Strength will occasionally host a Talk to offer kingdom ministries an opportunity to share how the greater community of Jesus’ followers can contribute. If you lead a ministry that you’d like to have represented, please contact us to discuss. Strength to Strength welcomed four brothers on an off-Saturday to introduce and discuss ministry opportunities in…
Sing the New Song
Strength to Strength welcomed John D. Martin to share about music and what it means to “Sing the New Song.” In the first part of the discussion, John D. spoke about the importance of music and what it accomplishes in the life of the Christian. In the second part of the discussion, he covered more practical…
Rise Up, O Man of God
Strength to Strength welcomed Lamar Showalter to encourage us to rise up in this new year. Hunger and starvation are not new tragedies. But did you know people are dying of starvation right in your own town? This is a challenge for 2022 to rise up and feed the “starving” people around you with the fruit…
2021
Bonus Talk: Experiences as a Hostage in Haiti
Strength to Strength welcomed Sam Stoltzfus on an off-Saturday to share about his experiences during the highly-publicized Haiti hostage crisis. On October 16, 2021, the 400 Mawozo gang kidnapped seventeen volunteer missionaries serving in Haiti under Christian Aid Ministries. Most remained captive until their miraculous escape on December 16, 2021. An interactive question-and-answer period follows. Resource:…
Patriotic Ambassadors: Crossing Cultures
Strength to Strength welcomed Leonard Hege to discuss bringing the written word of God to unreached people groups. Being an effective ambassador requires a familiarity with the society in which we represent our King. What about our host culture is hostile to the message we bring? What provides an open door for ministry? This talk provides…
Patriotic Ambassadors: Turning Obstacles into Opportunities
Strength to Strength welcomed Gary Miller to discuss his recent book, Reaching America. Few of our unbelieving American neighbors are coming to faith and joining our conservative Anabaptist fellowships. Does our culture lack spiritual interest, are we doing something wrong, or should this be considered normal? An interactive question-and-answer period follows. Gary Miller was raised in…
Hope in Depression, a Mental Health Challenge
Strength to Strength welcomed Verlynn Yoder to provide hope to those struggling with depression, and answer. Some of us may ask ourselves, why am I feeling down so often lately? Circumstances and pressures can feel large and looming. Stress levels rise without us identifying how they affect us. We should be asking ourselves honestly, am…
Patriotic Ambassadors: Plundering the Strong Man’s House – part 2
This was the second part of a two-part S2S Event held on November 6, 2021. Also, see “Patriotic Ambassadors: Plundering the Strong Man’s House – part 1” by Chuck Pike. Strength to Strength welcomed Chuck Pike to discuss expanding the borders of the kingdom of God. Join Chuck as he shares practical insights on evangelism based on…
Patriotic Ambassadors: Plundering the Strong Man’s House – part 1
This was the first part of a two-part S2S Event held on November 6, 2021. Also, see “Patriotic Ambassadors: Plundering the Strong Man’s House – part 2” by Chuck Pike. Strength to Strength welcomed Chuck Pike to discuss expanding the borders of the kingdom of God. Join Chuck as he explores how we can use the Old…
Patriotic Ambassadors: Advancing Jesus’ Kingdom
Strength to Strength welcomed John D. Martin to discuss his favorite topic, the Kingdom of God. God’s kingdom here on earth is to be a colony of heaven that demonstrates how God intends the whole world to be. God’s righteous rule is just, and kind, and good, and right. The problem is that the gospel is…
Patriotic Ambassadors: Politics, Culture, and Kingdom Church Planting
Strength to Strength welcomed Dwight Nisly to discuss his experiences with expanding the kingdom of God. Have you ever wrestled with the role of politics and culture in advancing God’s Kingdom? The Apostle Paul answers these questions with a call to “the ministry of reconciliation” and a profound political analogy! What is the message Christians should…
Managers in God’s Household – The Second Side of Stewardship
Strength to Strength welcomed Marlin Sommers for a discussion about stewardship. Christians talk a lot about stewardship. Being stewards is indeed a biblical idea (though “servant managers,” or “household managers” may be better terms). We know that what we are entrusted with is ultimately God’s resources. What we may miss is that stewardship also describes our…
The Joys, Challenges, Tears and Laughs of a Dad with Special Children
Strength to Strength welcomed Tony Zook to discuss his experiences with parenting children with special needs. Have you struggled with your children’s disabilities? Do you wonder “Why me?” Tony will share things that encouraged him and his wife Martha when their daughter was born with down syndrome. He will also share tips from their family’s…
Afghan Refugee Crisis: How Can We Help?
Strength to Strength welcomed four brothers to discuss the refugee flow from Afghanistan. There are urgent and long-term opportunities to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support to needy people-groups arriving at our doorsteps. Join us as we explore ways to help immigrants in our communities arriving from Afghanistan. How can we offer assistance to the most…
In My Father’s House Are Many Mansions
Strength to Strength welcomed Darvin Martin for a Bible study of John 14. Are you looking forward to a mansion in heaven? Waiting for Christ to come again and take us to the place which He has prepared? Scores of Gospel songs feed this anticipation. But what specifically did Jesus promise in John 14? 2…
The Name We Trust
Strength to Strength welcomed Aaron Crider for a Bible study of God’s name. The name of the LORD is a strong tower;The righteous run to it and are safe. Join us for a worshipful meditation on “The Name We Trust.” Does the name of our God matter? Why is it hidden in most of our…
Revival or Heresy? the So-called New Apostolic Reformation
Strength to Strength welcomed Joel Nisly and Dru Lattin to discuss the so-called New Apostolic Reformation. The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), also known as Independent Network Charismatic Christianity is a rapidly-growing and influential global movement led by so-called apostles and prophets who claim an authority like that of the Twelve. While many groups have traditionally used…
Overcoming the Overwhelm
Strength to Strength welcomed Austin Lapp to discuss practical steps for how knowledge workers can better manage their digital world. Digital tools and toys continue to permeate every corner of our world introducing new issues that require new, creative solutions. Knowledge workers, which include educators, students, pastors, authors, analysts, consultants, administrators, and others, depend on…
Witnessing Jesus
Strength to Strength welcomed ZB* to discuss reaching unbelievers through apologetics. Here’s ZB’s burden for this talk: After years of street/open-air/campus evangelism, I surveyed all of Jesus’ Gospel conversations — and compared them to methods of evangelism that I’d been taught. The results surprised me and provided me with a few principles that I hope can…
King and Country: the King’s Final Victory
Strength to Strength welcomed Sam Baer to discuss the seventh and final segment of this “King and Country” series. What is the final victory of our King? Has His victory been won, or is it coming? What does the victory of Jesus mean for us, His followers? These questions are addressed in this final installment of…
Reflections on My Use of Apologetics
Strength to Strength welcomed Bill Shiley to discuss reaching unbelievers through apologetics. Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you. In this talk Bill relayed lessons he has been learning from his personal reliance on and use of apologetics, as well as its…
King and Country: the King’s Constituents
Strength to Strength welcomed Leo Eby to discuss the sixth segment of this “King and Country” series. A King and a country without humanity wouldn’t be a kingdom at all! The bride of the King is His “purchased possession,” His “inheritance,” human beings whose transformation transcended race, language, gender, culture, bondman or freeman, Jew or Gentile.…
King and Country: the King Inaugurated
Strength to Strength welcomed Ken Miller to discuss the fifth segment of this “King and Country” series. How does the Resurrection of Jesus Christ “inaugurate” Jesus as King of kings and why is the resurrection central to our faith? Can the resurrection be documented historically, and if so, how? What difference should the resurrection make in…
From Atheist to Follower of Jesus
Strength to Strength welcomed Shihua Zhu to describe his spiritual journey into the kingdom of God. Shihua is a former atheist whose life has been completely transformed by God. His story of salvation is full of God’s love and work in his heart, and a worthy example to all. In his testimony, he discusses his life…
In God We Don’t Trust
Strength to Strength welcomed Matthew Milioni to discuss the relationship that God wants his people to have with the kingdoms of the world. How is a Christian to relate to a national holiday such as Independence Day and the celebration of the American Revolution? What is our role as Christians who belong to the Kingdom of…
King and Country: the King’s Stories
Strength to Strength welcomed David Adams to discuss the fourth segment of this “King and Country” series. When the promised King became flesh to dwell with man, He brought with Him a new constitution with new laws. He also came telling stories, wonderful stories. These stories, He told His followers, contain the mysteries of the Kingdom…
Discovering the Kingdom
Strength to Strength welcomed Daniel Willis to discuss his spiritual journey from nominal Christianity into Jesus’ kingdom. His testimony is that “although the Kingdom of God was right in front of me, I was so nearsighted, believing the lies of the worldly church, that I could not see the narrow gate. I kept seeking, wanting to…
King and Country: the King’s Constitution
Strength to Strength welcomed John D. Martin to discuss the third segment of this “King and Country” series. The Sermon on the Mount is often referred to as the constitution of the Kingdom of God. Is that just an oft-repeated phrase, or is there reason to understand this sermon as foundational? When Jesus concluded this sermon,…
My Word Shall Not Return Void
Strength to Strength welcomed Joseph* for an interview of his church planting work. Bryant Martin, representing All-Nations Bible Translation, interviews Joseph* on his work of Bible translation, community development, and church planting among a large unreached Muslim people group in Asia. An interactive question-and-answer period follows. * alias used for security purposes. Resource: see Joseph’s…
King and Country: the King Arrives
Strength to Strength welcomed Wendell Martin to discuss the second segment of this “King and Country” series. From Alexander the Great to Julius Caesar to King James, rulers have grabbed power and controlled empires. But Jesus of Nazareth was made in a different mold. As Pilate asked: “Are you really a King then?” Let’s look…
Does My Understanding of the Atonement Matter?
Strength to Strength welcomed Philip Hess to discuss the implications of Jesus’ atonement. Does it matter how we understand Christ’s death? How do our views about this topic affect our view of God and the Christian life? In this talk we discuss biblical teaching about the atonement, and historical developments in the doctrine. In particular, we…
When Jesus Says “Follow Me”
Strength to Strength welcomed Siraji Adomati to share his testimony. Born and raised as a Muslim, Siraji shares his journey from Islam to a follower of Jesus Christ. He is now an active church-builder in a kingdom church in Uganda. An interactive question-and-answer period follows. Siraji Adomati and his family live in Kampala, Uganda and are…
King and Country: the King Foreshadowed
Strength to Strength welcomed Chuck Pike to discuss the first segment of this “King and Country” series. For centuries, the Holy Spirit pointed to an eternal kingdom that would come, and the great King who would reign over it. In this session, we explore many prophecies that reveal clues about this kingdom: beginning in Genesis,…
Contending Earnestly for the Faith
Strength to Strength welcomed Zack Johnson and Clark Wray to discuss the ministries of The Historic Faith, and Sattler College. Clark Wray joined to discuss The Historic Faith, a project by Sattler College in collaboration with Scroll Publishing to deliver online courses that combine intellectual honesty, spiritual integrity, and sound scholarship. Zack Johnson discussed Sattler…
Leveraging Business for Kingdom Advance – part 2
This was the second part of a two-part S2S Event held on April 24, 2021. Also, see “Leveraging Business for Kingdom Advance – part 1” by Finny Kuruvilla. Join Finny Kuruvilla as he outlines how business can be leveraged for advancing Jesus’ kingdom. In the last ten to twenty years, business has come to the foreground for…
Leveraging Business for Kingdom Advance – part 1
This was the first part of a two-part S2S Event held on April 24, 2021. Also, see “Leveraging Business for Kingdom Advance – part 2” by Finny Kuruvilla. Join Finny Kuruvilla as he outlines how business can be leveraged for advancing Jesus’ kingdom. In the last ten to twenty years, business has come to the foreground for…
Reaching Prisoners: Literature, Covid-19, and Criminal Justice Trends
Strength to Strength welcomed Mike Fisher to discuss effective ways to reach prisoners. There are more than two million people locked up in prisons and jails of the USA. Many of these people are hurting and looking for answers. Mike introduces the Loaves and Fishes Magazine, which is a free Christian discipleship magazine for prisoners. Also,…
Rooted and Built Up in Him
Strength to Strength welcomed Jimmy Nsanze to share his testimony. Here he shares his life story, and particularly how God in recent years has brought him from the Pentecostal tradition into a kingdom church. Among other factors, he notes the impact that The Historic Faith online courses have had on his faith journey. He also speaks…
The Unreached People Group Next Door
Strength to Strength welcomed Clyde Zimmerman to discuss practical evangelism. What would the the impact if our churches became intentional about being missionaries as part of our daily lives? Are our neighbors in North America a new “unreached people group”? Has the Anabaptist community simply accepted the lost around us as normal, and believe we need…
Stories of Enemy Love
This was the second part of a two-part S2S Event held on March 27, 2021. Also, see “The Power of Enemy Love” by Pablo Yoder. Join Pablo Yoder as he outlines what it means to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). This two-part event highlights proactive peace-making and loving your enemies, illustrated through…
The Power of Enemy Love
This was the first part of a two-part S2S Event held on March 27, 2021. Also, see “Stories of Enemy Love” by Pablo Yoder. Join Pablo Yoder as he outlines what it means to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). This two-part event highlights proactive peace-making and loving your enemies, illustrated through first…
Tools for Developing Sexual Integrity
Strength to Strength welcomed Tim Kuepfer to open conversation around sexual sin in the church. We know pornography and other sexual sins are a big problem in the church because we’ve heard scary statistics thrown around. How can families and churches safely navigate the age of the internet in a sexualized world? What tools are effective…
The Power of a Story
Strength to Strength welcomed Merle Burkholder to discuss how stories connect with people in a wholistic way. They communicate a truth, connect with our emotions, and bring understanding that leads to change. Merle also shares his personal experiences through his YouTube channel with 180+ stories (and counting), many from his time in Haiti, and all…
Economics Jesus’ Way
Strength to Strength welcomed John D. Martin to discuss what Jesus intended for his followers in relation to finances. Using the Sermon on the Mount as his text, he explores the difficult words of Jesus. Can we make sense of these passages without dodging its plainest meaning? An interactive question-and-answer period follows. John D. Martin is…
Life Lessons from a Zillion Canoe Trips
Strength to Strength welcomed Brian Martin to discuss his experiences as “Chief Brian” at the Bald Eagle Boys Camp and the Allegany Boys Camp. Using stories, he shares Scriptural discipleship lessons drawn from many years of experience discipling boys. An interactive question-and-answer period follows. The Strength to Strength podcast is available through many outlets. Listen online, download episodes,…
Vaccines: Efficacy and Ethics
Strength to Strength welcomed Philip Hess to discuss the history of vaccines, as well as the health and moral implications. Of particular relevance in the Covid-19 era, Philip helps to carefully sort through the known data, while identifying popular myths circulating online. An interactive question-and-answer period follows. Philip Hess comes from a family line of medical…
Christians & Politics: A Challenge From History – part 2
This was the second part of a two-part S2S Event held on February 13, 2021. Also, see “Christians & Politics: A Challenge From History – part 1” by Dean Taylor. “The same theology, given similar circumstances, will very likely, once again create the same result.” Dean Taylor Join Dean Taylor as he surveys the landscape of Christian…
Christians & Politics: A Challenge From History – part 1
This was the first part of a two-part S2S Event held on February 13, 2021. Also, see “Christians & Politics: A Challenge From History – part 2” by Dean Taylor. “The same theology, given similar circumstances, will very likely, once again create the same result.” Dean Taylor Join Dean Taylor as he surveys the landscape of Christian…
Give Me This Mountain!
Strength to Strength welcomed Glenn Martin to discuss the story of the twelve spies who were sent into Canaan. When they returned, Joshua and Caleb were ready to face the giants and conquer: “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” The other ten said: “There we…
My Journey into Kingdom Christianity
Strength to Strength welcomed Adam Boyd to share about his journey into kingdom Christianity. Join us to hear the story of Adam’s journey over the past 20+ years. From an early life growing up in the church, to a season of hostility towards Christians, and ultimately to a radical surrender to Christ, his story shows the…
Being the Somebody
Strength to Strength welcomed Brent to share about being the hands and feet of Jesus. He was sharing about his ministry in a restricted-access country. Isaiah’s willingness to volunteer for the Lord’s service should be instructive to us: Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, And who will go for…
Story of God’s Hand in Bangladesh
Strength to Strength welcomed Arnold Eby to share about his experiences in Bangladesh. We believe God orchestrates the events of life but many times it is hard for us to tie the story line together. Other times, the narrative seems to jump at you in very obvious ways. Join us as we retrace this story…
Direction in Chaos Q&A
This was the second part of a two-part S2S Event held on January 9, 2021. Also, see part 1: “Don’t Let This Crisis Go to Waste,” a series of three short presentations. 2020 has been a year like none other. Who could have imagined the Covid-19 pandemic, rioting in the streets, a contested election, and…
Don’t Let This Crisis Go to Waste!
This was the first part of a two-part S2S Event held on January 9, 2021. Also, see part 2: “Direction in Chaos” by David Bercot. 2020 has been a year like none other. Who could have imagined the Covid-19 pandemic, rioting in the streets, a contested election, and restrictions of freedoms we’ve always taken for…
The Lord’s Prayer
Strength to Strength welcomed John D. Martin to share about the Lord’s Prayer, as recorded by Matthew: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we…
2020
The Moravian Option
Strength to Strength welcomed Ken Miller to share about “The Moravian Option.” The Moravian Option is one response to Rod Dreher’s “The Benedict Option.” Despite their doctrinal problems, what can the 18th century Moravians teach us about “Strong Group” community life, and worldwide mission enterprise? An interactive question-and-answer period follows. Ken Miller with his wife Linda…
The Glorious Majesty of His Kingdom
Strength to Strength welcomed Leo Eby to share about the Kingdom of God as described by David: They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power; To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom. Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,…
All-Nations Bible Translation
Strength to Strength welcomed Aaron Crider from All-Nations Bible Translation. He shared about how this organization partners with Anabaptist churches for the unreached, pursuing the All-Nations’ vision: Communities of believers in every language group living out the Word of God. An interactive question-and-answer period follows. Though this presentation used a PowerPoint presentation, you will still be…
The Fuel That Drives
Strength to Strength welcomed Harold Troyer to speak on the topic of prayer life, which he referred to as the fuel that drives. What is driving your life and how do you get from point A to point B? Is your life filled and driven by fervent prayer in the Holy Ghost? In this topic, Harold…
Cultivating Kingdom Communities – part 2
This was the second part of a two-part S2S Talk. Also, see “Cultivating Kingdom Communities – part 1” by Bryant Martin. Strength to Strength welcomed Bryant Martin to share a message on the hope of the world, “Cultivating Kingdom Communities of Faithful Practice – part 2.” What is the answer for our world? How does God’s Kingdom…
Cultivating Kingdom Communities – part 1
This was the first part of a two-part S2S Talk. Also, see “Cultivating Kingdom Communities – part 2” by Bryant Martin. Strength to Strength welcomed Bryant Martin to share a message on the hope of the world, “Cultivating Kingdom Communities of Faithful Practice – part 1.” What is the answer for our world? How does God’s Kingdom…
Families Perpetuating the Faith
Strength to Strength welcomed Philip Hess to share about the importance of family in perpetuating the faith. Closely tied in is the change from the historic church’s teaching about family planning and birth control, and how that change has opened Pandora’s box toward the destruction of society and the family. Not advised for children. Philip Hess…
He Drew Me Back
Strength to Strength welcomed Sam Baer to share about his faith journey. He grew up in Alberta as a conservative Mennonite, but left that about twelve years ago. He shared the story of his journey, and how in the past two years God has brought him and his wife into the Kingdom and is leading…
No Blood but Our Own
Strength to Strength welcomed Zack Johnson to share about peacemaking. He has previously served in the US Air Force, but was granted an honorable discharge after coming to an understanding of Jesus’ teaching of peacemaking. An interactive question-and-answer period follows. Zack Johnson worked for the Air Force as a congressional analyst before receiving an honorable…
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