The Radically Christian Podcast, hosted by Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson, invites listeners on a journey of learning to love like Jesus. Whether you are a seasoned Christian or a new Christian, you will enjoy these Bible studies and spiritual conversations. Each week, Wes and Marcus have conversations about life, faith, and Scripture. Though the topics vary from week to week, the goal of every conversation is the same, learn to love God, our neighbors, and even our enemies as Jesus does.…
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If all you saw was the American church, you might assume Christianity is dying. Empty pews, culture-war fatigue, a 24-hour news cycle feeding fear about who’s in charge and what’s coming next. But step outside the American bubble and a different story emerges, one where the gospel is spreading faster than almost any point in history. In this conversation with Dan Bouchelle of Mission Resource…
What actually makes worship "biblical"? Is there a hidden checklist — the right songs, the right order, the right rituals — that separates real worship from the counterfeit? Wes and Marcus dig into Jesus's words in John 4:24 to the Samaritan woman about worshiping "in spirit and in truth," and ask whether we've been misreading that phrase for years. Along the way they explore the idea of "decently…
It’s easy to point out the flaws in your own spiritual family, the blemishes, the baggage, the things you’d change. But when was the last time you stopped to name what you love? After a summer break, Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson return to talk about why, despite its imperfections, the Church of Christ is still the fellowship they call home. Why is a cappella singing spiritually formative? What…
What does the Bible say about the person and work of the Holy Spirit? What if the way you think about the Holy Spirit is quietly shrinking your relationship with God? Most of us have been shaped by a culture that wants to take everything apart; to understand the mechanics, extract maximum value, and move on. But what happens when we bring that mindset to the Holy Spirit? When He becomes a force to…
Can a Christian actually watch a movie to the glory of God? Play a video game in the name of Jesus? It sounds almost absurd until you realize Paul's command in 1 Corinthians 10:31 doesn't stop at the church door, "Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." That means entertainment too. But what does that actually look like in practice? And how do you avoid the two…
"Count it all joy when you face trials," you've probably heard James 1:2 before. However, if we're being honest, it sounds offensive. Maybe even cruel. When life is falling apart, the last thing most of us want is a command to be joyful about it. Our instinct is to escape, to find someone or something that will rescue us from the pain as fast as possible.But what if that instinct — that desperate…
Most of us have been taught to make peace with death: The circle of life. A natural part of things. Even well-meaning Christians sometimes shrug at the grave, "They're in a better place, so I shouldn't be sad." But what if this instinct to soften death actually robs us of something important? Scripture calls death an enemy, one that God himself wept over, one that steals not just a final breath,…
You’ve heard it your whole life, “Do not be anxious about anything.” But what happens when that verse makes your anxiety worse? When the command to stop worrying just adds guilt on top of the worry you already can’t shake? Wes and Marcus get honest about the tension so many Christians feel around anxiety: caught between preachers who call it a sin and a culture that treats it as simply…
What if being human isn’t the problem, but the point? Wes and co-host Marcus Stenson sit down with Marty Solomon, host of the BEMA Discipleship Podcast, campus minister, and author, to explore his newly released book, The Gospel of Being Human (co-authored with Reed Dent). The conversation digs into one of the most transformative questions in theology: What if the gospel story actually begins in…
Anxiety is at an all-time high — but Psalm 46 has been speaking into fearful times for thousands of years. In this episode, Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson dig into one of Scripture's most powerful psalms about finding refuge in God when the world feels like it's shaking apart. They explore the historical context of siege warfare, what it meant for ancient Israel to declare "God is our refuge," and…
What does it truly mean to win? In this episode, Wes and Marcus sit down with Chip Pugh, chaplain and director of team development for the Tennessee Titans, to explore his new book, Made to Win: Six Practices of Jesus for a Life on Mission. Chip brings a unique blend of NFL chaplaincy, college coaching, and decades of disciple-making to challenge our culture's distorted scoreboard of success.…
Has someone told you that the Bible condemns medicine because of the Greek word pharmakeia? Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson dig into this popular claim making the rounds on social media and YouTube — and carefully examine what pharmakeia actually means in its original context. They explain why a word’s etymology doesn’t determine its modern meaning, what sorcery truly looked like in the ancient…
Are you caught in the endless pursuit of more — more money, more status, more stuff — without ever feeling like you’ve arrived? In this episode, Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson tackle one of the most countercultural teachings of the New Testament: biblical contentment. Drawing from Hebrews 13:5, 1 Timothy 6:6–8, Philippians 4:11–13, and Matthew 13:22, they expose how Western consumerism and “hustle…
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." We love quoting Matthew 11:28 -30, but what did Jesus actually mean? In this episode, Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson dig into the explosive context most people skip — Jesus's sharp rebuke of hard-hearted religious cities and the crushing yoke the Pharisees placed on everyday people. They explore how "yoke" referred to the…
Are "thoughts and prayers" just empty words, or are they more powerful than we realize? In this episode, Wes and Marcus dive into Romans 12:12 to explore the crucial difference between patience and passivity when we face the brokenness of the world. They discuss why social media and algorithm-driven news leave us feeling overwhelmed and powerless, and how virtue signaling can become a substitute…
What if "friendship with the world" in James 4:4 isn't about your music playlist or your movie choices? In this episode, Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson reexamine one of the most misunderstood phrases in the New Testament. Drawing on the Greco-Roman patronage system—where wealthy benefactors offered "gifts" in exchange for loyalty and allegiance—they argue that James is confronting something far…
What does it actually mean to “not be conformed to this world”? And what if modern neuroscience confirms what the apostle Paul wrote 2,000 years ago? In this episode of the Radically Christian Podcast, Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson explore the biblical concept of “the world” as a lens, framework, and normalized pattern of rebellion against God. Drawing from Romans 12, the Epistle to Diognetus,…
What if Jesus says “I never knew you” on judgment day—even after a lifetime of ministry? Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson tackle one of Scripture’s most terrifying passages: Matthew 7:21-23, where Jesus warns that some who prophesy and cast out demons in his name will still hear “depart from me.” This honest conversation explores the difference between religious performance and genuine discipleship,…
Is debt a sin? Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson explore Proverbs 22:7—”the borrower is slave to the lender”—to unpack the biblical wisdom around debt, lending, and financial stewardship. This episode examines how Proverbs offers general truths rather than absolute promises, distinguishing between wise financial decisions and sinful behavior. They discuss Old Testament laws against charging interest,…
Are we living in the last days? Join Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson in this thought-provoking exploration of 2 Timothy 3:1-9, where Paul warns Timothy about “lovers of self” and the difficult times ahead. Discover why this ancient letter is shockingly relevant to our self-obsessed culture—and why that’s not a reason to despair. Through careful biblical exegesis and cultural analysis, Wes and…
Ecclesiastes might be more important and relevant to your life than you think. Does life feel like a relentless grind, work, dishes, routines, repeat? Discover how the ancient book of Ecclesiastes speaks directly to modern anxieties about meaning, success, and fulfillment. Join Wes McAdams and author Michael Whitworth as they explore how this misunderstood biblical book offers surprising wisdom on…
In this thought-provoking conversation, Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson explore the promises and perils of artificial intelligence from a Christian perspective. They discuss the biggest dangers of AI, including misinformation, relationship replacement, and outsourcing our God-given ability to think deeply. But they also share practical wisdom for using AI as a "coach, not a crutch." Learn how tools…
On this episode of the Radically Christian Podcast, Wes McAdams introduces the show’s new co-host for 2026. Together, Wes and the new host explore what it means to pursue spiritual convictions over mere New Year’s resolutions, emphasizing that transformation comes from becoming who God created us to be rather than just modifying behavior. They discuss the myth of the fresh start, the importance of…
Should Christians celebrate Christmas? In this candid episode, Wes McAdams challenges the idea that celebrating Jesus’ birth violates biblical principles. Drawing from Romans 14-15 and Colossians 3:17, he unpacks why compartmentalizing life into “religious” and “secular” categories misses the point. Wes encourages believers to see Christmas as an opportunity to welcome those weak in faith—people…
How to write sermons with Logos Bible Software just got easier! In this episode of the Radically Christian Podcast, Wes McAdams walks you step‑by‑step through his personal sermon preparation process using Logos’ new AI Study Assistant to unlock the full potential of your digital Bible library.Whether you’re a preacher, Bible teacher, or small‑group leader, this tutorial will help you:• Organize…
What happens when you walk in the footsteps of Moses or hold an ancient artifact that validates Scripture? Dr. Jonathan Moore and Dr. Rick Brumback, from Freed-Hardeman University, reveal how biblical archaeology helps transform faith and ministry. Discover the unique graduate program that takes students to places like Israel, Egypt, and Greece for hands-on archaeological work—excavating at sites…
In this episode of the Radically Christian Podcast , Wes McAdams interviews Dr. Carl Williamson, a church planter and disciple-maker who teaches at Harding University. The conversation explores how disciple-making can move beyond programs into a reproducible, Spirit-led way of life modeled after Jesus. Williamson explains that a disciple is someone “following Jesus, being changed by Jesus, and…
Baptism according to Scripture is more than a ritual—it is an expression of faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins. In this episode of the Radically Christian Podcast, Wes McAdams talks with Dr. Bobby Harrington, founder of Discipleship.org and Renew.org, about what the Bible truly teaches about baptism and why Christians must understand its connection to the gospel. Dr. Harrington, author of…
In this episode of the Radically Christian Podcast , Wes McAdams joins Austin McCrickard and Nate Miller on their show The Thinking Kingdom Podcast to discuss 1 Corinthians 13 (often called the “love chapter”). They focus particularly on verse 10, where Paul says, “When the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.” The conversation explores what Paul meant by “the perfect,” how the passage fits…
In this episode of the Radically Christian Podcast, Wes McAdams sits down with stand-up comedian Brian Bates, co-host of The Nate Land Podcast. They talk about faith, humor, and the surprising ways clean comedy is making a comeback. Brian shares insights from his career in comedy and reflects on how laughter can bring people together in a divided world. Throughout the conversation, Wes and Brian…
In this episode of The Radically Christian Podcast , Wes McAdams concludes the Fruit of the Spirit series with a conversation about self-control . Guest, Guy Hammond , founder of Strength in Weakness Ministries , shares how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live disciplined, faithful lives in a culture that celebrates self-indulgence. Guy describes his own journey of transformation—from living…
This episode of the Radically Christian Podcast continues the series on the fruit of the Spirit, focusing on gentleness with guest Tim Pyles. Wes and Tim explore how the Spirit produces fruit in believers’ lives—not through mere willpower but through partnership with God, where He provides the strength for transformation. Tim stresses that gentleness isn’t weakness but “strength under control,” a…
This episode of the Radically Christian Podcast continues the series on the fruit of the Spirit, focusing on faithfulness with guest Bobby Wheat. The conversation begins with the reminder that spiritual growth isn’t automatic—God produces fruit through the Spirit, but believers must also intentionally cooperate, making daily choices that reflect the Spirit’s work. Bobby describes the process as an…
This episode of the Radically Christian Podcast continues the series on the fruit of the Spirit, focusing on goodness with guest Jordan Arnold , minister at the Church of Christ in Falls Church, Virginia. Arnold defines biblical “goodness” as more than simply avoiding evil; it is active, courageous, and transformative. It’s goodness “with an edge,” the kind that rolls up its sleeves, risks…
In this episode of the Radically Christian Podcast , Wes McAdams continues his series on the fruit of the Spirit with a conversation about kindness, joined by guest Billy McGuiggan. They begin by reflecting on Galatians 5, emphasizing that the fruit of the Spirit is a single unified work of God, not separate traits we manufacture ourselves. Billy explains that walking in step with the Spirit means…
In this episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast , Wes McAdams continues his series on the Fruit of the Spirit with guest Bill Watkins, focusing on patience. They begin by reflecting on the Spirit’s role in forming believers’ character, emphasizing that while people without the Spirit may show love or joy, the Spirit empowers Christians to embody these qualities to a higher degree.…
This episode of the Radically Christian Podcast features a conversation between Wes McAdams and Bert Ritchie, a minister from Northern Ireland who has spent decades working toward peace and reconciliation. The discussion begins with Bert recounting his upbringing, his ministry journey, and the backdrop of sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland. He describes how religious and political divisions…
In this episode, Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson wrestle with the meaning of the fruit of the Spirit, especially the aspect of joy. They explore the difference between trying to produce fruit by sheer willpower versus recognizing that fruit naturally flows from the Spirit living within. Using vivid metaphors, they contrast the Spirit’s genuine work with the artificial substitutes our culture often…
In this episode, Wes McAdams begins a new series on the fruit of the Spirit, focusing first on love with guest Boo Scott, minister at National Park Church of Christ. They discuss how the fruit of the Spirit is not a checklist of virtues to achieve by sheer willpower but the supernatural result of the Spirit’s presence in a Christian’s life. Using metaphors like a single fruit with many flavors,…
This episode of the Radically Christian Podcast features a conversation Wes McAdams had with Nate Miller and Austin McCrickard on the Thinking Kingdom podcast. Together, they explore a biblical vision of the kingdom of God that goes beyond traditional assumptions. The discussion reflects on how Jesus' mission and message invite believers to live in a way that anticipates God’s full and final…
Many Christians wrestle with feelings of unworthiness and insecurity when it comes to their relationship with God. In this episode, Wes McAdams addresses that struggle. He explores the profound truth of 1 John 1–2, encouraging listeners to ask: How do I know that I know Jesus? Wes challenges listeners to move beyond shame and into confidence—not because of their perfection, but because of their…
In this episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast , Wes McAdams speaks with Jennifer Lewis about how culture has shaped young women—particularly within the church—and how the gospel can bring healing, identity, and purpose. Jennifer shares insights from her experience with E.WE.S. Camp (Equipping Women for Exceptional Service), which mentors and equips young Christian women to serve…
Many Christians are wrestling with how to navigate the digital world in a way that honors Jesus. In this episode, Chris McCurley and Wes McAdams tackle the complex relationship between social media and spiritual formation. They explore questions like: Should Christians even be on social media? How can we be present in digital spaces without being shaped by them? What does faithful presence look…
This episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast tackles the emotionally charged issue of immigration from a Christian perspective. Wes McAdams is joined by Marco Arroyo, who shares deeply personal stories from his family’s immigration background. They discuss how complicated immigration really is, emphasizing that it’s not just a policy issue but a deeply human one involving real…
In this episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast, Wes McAdams talks with Jovan Payes about what it means to be a follower of Jesus in an urban context. The conversation explores how urban and rural Christians often misunderstand one another, and how Christians in cities navigate cultural complexity, injustice, and the call to be peacemakers in a densely populated and diverse…
In this episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast, Wes McAdams engages in a thoughtful conversation with Marcus Stenson about the complex topics of race, ethnicity, and how these factors influence the way we read and interpret Scripture. They explore the historical and societal constructs of race, emphasizing how the idea of race as a biological reality has been debunked, and how…
What would we be like if we really took God seriously? Today's discussion centers around a profound statement Billy Wilson made at a preacher's retreat: "It's a good thing none of us take God seriously. If we did, we would never stop laughing." He explains that understanding God and seeing the world through Jesus' eyes reveals the joke of human striving—how so much of what we chase after is futile…
Many people have asked, “What is the best translation of the Bible?” Some wonder if there are unreliable versions of the Bible that should be avoided. There are also questions swirling around about whether or not modern translations remove verses from the Bible. This episode of The Bible Study Podcast explores how translations work and how to be a better Bible student by understanding translation…
In this episode, Wes McAdams and Jared Saltz explore the significance of authorial intent in biblical interpretation. They discuss whether the meaning of a biblical passage is limited to what the human author originally intended or if the Holy Spirit inspired meanings beyond the author’s understanding. They also consider how modern readers can responsibly interpret Scripture without imposing…
This episode, recorded live at the McDermott Road Men's Retreat, explores the concept of ambition, particularly as it relates to career, life goals, and contentment. The discussion centers on the tension between "selfish ambition" and Christian contentment, drawing insights especially from the book of Ecclesiastes. Today's guest, Bob Tabor, shares personal stories highlighting his own experiences…
