The Union Podcast
The Union Podcast brings gospel-centred conversations that will help you find wholeness in the areas of sexuality, identity, and relationships. Join hosts, Bryan and Bonnie, for conversations of compassion and conviction with authors, experts, and leaders.
New episodes bi-weekly. Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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In today’s episode, we uncover the complex and often misunderstood realities of human trafficking in Canada and beyond. Unlike the kidnapping or smuggling scenarios frequently highlighted in the media, trafficking often unfolds as a deeply relational crime. Perpetrators build trust and meet unmet needs in unhealthy ways, preying on vulnerable individuals to establish control. In Canada, this issue significantly impacts, disproportionately affecting Indigenous communities, along with women and girls.
Joining us today is Sofia Friesen from Ally Global, a Vancouver-based charity dedicated to combating sex trafficking, especially the exploitation of minors. Together with local partners in Nepal and Cambodia, Ally provides safe housing, education, and aftercare for over 200 children who have been rescued from human trafficking and abuse. Additionally, our local leaders conduct anti-trafficking presentations in high-risk areas, educating students, teachers, and the wider community about the dangers of human trafficking. In Canada, their mission is to prevent the sexual exploitation of minors through engaging and educational resources. These resources aim to equip children and youth with the skills they need to navigate online interactions and relationships safely and healthily.
This episode provides a heartfelt and enlightening discussion about the larger issue of human trafficking and the important efforts being made to combat it.
For more information about Ally Global, visit their website or follow them on social media - @allyglobal
The shame from past sexual experiences can be a heavy burden, affecting our current and future relationships. In today's world, influenced by hook-up culture, hyper-sexualization, and widespread use of pornography, many people struggle with feelings of regret and guilt that impact their self-worth. This shame can lead to fear and insecurity, making it challenging to trust, be vulnerable, and fully experience the love and intimacy necessary for healthy relationships. It's important to recognize that this doesn't just affect the person with the sexual past, but also their partner.
In this deeply personal and insightful interview, Richard De La Mora, a respected pastor, devoted husband, and co-founder of LoveAlwaysMinistries.com, sheds light on his latest book, "Body Count." The book addresses a sensitive and vital issue in today’s hyper-sexualized world: navigating a relationship when one partner has a significant sexual history. Richard candidly shares his own journey of marrying a former adult film actress and how they successfully navigated through challenges such as jealousy, shame, and societal judgment. The interview delves into the book's core themes, exploring how to cultivate a thriving relationship despite a partner's past and how to overcome mental obstacles like recurring negative thoughts or "mental movies." Richard emphasizes the transformative power of grace, both in receiving it from God and extending it to a partner who may have a challenging sexual past.
Richard De La Mora is a husband, father, pastor, evangelist, and author. His deep love for Jesus and passion for people led him to San Diego, CA, in 2012, where he began working in full-time ministry. He married his wife, former porn star Brittni, in 2016. Shortly after, they began preaching the gospel and sharing their unique story worldwide, which depicts a modern-day version of Hosea and Gomer. In 2020, Richard and Brittni founded Love Always Ministries. A ministry that helps people walk in their calling by discovering God’s love and leading a victorious life through purity.
Get your copy of Body Count
Learn more about Love Always Ministries
Follow on socials:
Richard- @richardelamora
Brittni- @brittnidelamora
Love Always- @lovealwaysministries
In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, we delve into Kyla's remarkable journey as she navigated a myriad of complex challenges across various stages of her life. Growing up in a church environment deeply rooted in tradition, she encountered the unique struggles associated with being a female hockey player, grappling with her same-sex attraction, and facing the additional weight of a growing alcohol dependency. After feeling like she had no other option, Kyla decided to pursue hormone therapy and surgery to transition to living as a man. This journey brought its own distinct set of challenges and heartache.
After years spent navigating life as a man, she discovered a loving and God-fearing church community that offered her a safe and supportive environment, one that encouraged her to rediscover God’s design for her and to embrace the restoration available through Jesus. She shares how this welcoming community provided her with grace, patience, and profound understanding, creating a nurturing space for healing where she could reconnect with her faith and explore her true self without fear of judgment.
Kyla is the founder of an incredible ministry called Renewed & Transformed, which is dedicated to sharing Christian teachings on faith, sexuality, and gender. Through speaking engagements, training sessions, insightful writing, podcasts, and teaching opportunities, R&T seeks to address these deeply personal topics while holding steadfast to Biblical teachings on sexuality and identity. Kyla desires to bring about deeper understanding and a powerful transformation in individuals’ lives through the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
To learn more about Kyla and the work of Restored & Transformed, visit her website here
When faced with continuous challenges and unexpected obstacles in life, how can we create a fulfilling and close marriage? How can we transition from feeling stressed and overwhelmed to feeling energized and motivated, and find the strength to improve our marriage relationship? In this episode, hosted by Bryan Pue, we will hear from Robert Paul, and return guest Tara Lalonde, as they unpack principles from their new book entitled “Empowered To Love”. Robert and Tara provide practical, biblically based tools for husbands and wives to enhance their personal lives and empower their marriage. Instead of simply hoping and praying for something better, couples are encouraged to actively take steps to care for themselves and prioritize their most important relationship.
Through insightful guidance, Robert and Tara will address questions like:
Why is Empowered to Love so important in today’s cultural moment, and how can it offer hope for struggling marriages?
How can couples focus on personal development without falling into self-centeredness?
What are the greatest threats to creating a marriage that feels safe emotionally, spiritually, physically, and mentally?
Why is personal responsibility so crucial in maintaining a healthy relationship?
How can we avoid codependency and recognize when we are taking on too much responsibility for our spouse’s emotional and spiritual health?
What does it mean to “guard your heart” in an unhealthy marriage while still showing up as the best version of yourself?
How has the modern view of love and commitment in marriage gone off track, and how can we reclaim the true meaning of covenant love?
Is love a feeling or a choice, and how do both perspectives shape a lasting marriage?
What words of hope can we offer to couples who feel stuck in negative patterns and don’t know how to move forward?
Whether you’re a newlywed or a couple facing years of unresolved tension, Empowered to Love offers real hope, practical strategies, and transformative insights that can help your marriage flourish in today’s fast-paced world. Tune in and take the next step toward a healthier, more empowered relationship.
Robert S. Paul, M.S., is the vice president of the Focus on the Family Marriage Institute and the primary architect of the Hope Restored marriage intensive programs. He is a licensed professional counsellor with over 30 years of experience and is an international speaker. He has coauthored six books, including The DNA of Relationships with Gary and Greg Smalley and, more recently, 9 Lies That Will Destroy Your Marriage. Robert and his wife, Jenni, have been married for 43 years and have four children and seven grandchildren.
Tara Lalonde, PhD, is a registered psychotherapist in Ontario and has been counselling adults and couples for over 20 years. She is a lead marriage therapist with the Hope Restored marriage intensive counselling program in Ontario, Canada. She is also the author of An Unexpected Freedom: Discover Peace and Joy in the Reality of Life. She and her husband, Vince, have been married for 19 years.
Get your copy of “Empowered To Love”
Podcast Episode Description:
In this episode of the Union Movement Podcast, Bryan and Bonnie Pue welcome you to their exciting journey, diving into a gospel-centered approach to sexuality, identity, and relationships. After sharing some personal family updates and giving a sneak peek into the 2nd annual Union Conference happening this November, they reveal a brand-new video course for youth leaders designed to make a real impact!
Bryan and Bonnie discuss the growing courage they see among Christians and the challenging work of reformation in today’s culture. Rather than offering quick fixes, they emphasize the need for the church to address deep wounds and brokenness. Bryan shares a powerful prophetic dream about a revival of worship, which ties beautifully into the conference’s theme of resurrection power amidst a culture that feels spiritually dead.
They also explore how purity is not just an end goal but a pathway to a deeper, more meaningful connection with God. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the church’s call to stand out, even in the face of persecution, as a beacon of hope, redemption, and truth in Jesus.
Tune in for a thoughtful and encouraging conversation that will leave you feeling inspired and ready to embrace the gospel’s transformative power!
What comes to mind when you hear the word courtship? Do you immediately get blasted back into history and feel like you’re living in an episode of Downton Abbey? As much as courtship has a strong sense of tradition to it, some principles are life-giving, trans-generational and healthy to use to pursue developing a relationship.
We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Jim Anderson at his home in Spokane, Washington to talk about the framework for healthy relationship development. Additionally, we addressed common misconceptions about courtship in developing romantic relationships, shedding light on how intentional and thoughtful courtship can lead to deeper, more meaningful connections without shame and regret.
Jim is a passionate advocate for the next generation and the body of Christ. Through the work of his ministry, Sexuality Unmasked Jim shares profound insights on how the church can walk in truth and righteousness, particularly regarding sexuality. His vision of the church as a place of restoration and healing shines through in every word. With eight children, Jim and his wife Lisa have a wealth of personal stories and practical advice to offer.
Key Principles Discussed:
Purity
Protection
Honour
Communication
Witness
Healthy and thriving marriages filled with love are cultivated over longer periods. Just like with grapes grown to make wine, it can take years of purposeful attention to the proverbial soil quality of this covenantal relationship. Sometimes there can be little rocks under the surface that end up choking the life and love out of marriages. Little things left unchecked can become big problems.
So, how do we identify these rocks and get them out of the soil of our marriages so that the fruit of this relationship can be intoxicatingly healthy?
This is exactly what we are going to discuss in today's episode with Neil & Sharol Josephson from FamilyLife.
Before stepping into the call to work with FamilyLife, Neil worked as a Bible school president and Sharol as a TV broadcaster. Together they also worked as marriage pastors at a large church in Southern California. In addition, they have served as the directors of FamilyLife Canada and have recently stepped into a role as the directors of FamilyLife International. Neil and Sharol have been married for over 40 years and have a great depth of understanding and wisdom in what it takes to have a thriving marriage. This was a great conversation and we know it will impact your life.
We often talk about how God is the "Author and Finisher of our faith" and how He "orders our steps". However, when it comes to the reality of singleness, we have a hard time believing that it could be under His authorship. This is compounded by the overemphasis that can be placed on marriage within the church at times, which leaves us wondering, "Do I write my story, or is God writing my story?" In this conversation, we will be discussing these very issues with our guest, Meisha Watson.
Meisha has worked in the Canadian entertainment industry for over 12 years. She has hosted on YTV's The Zone and the ZoneWeekend, presented at the Canadian Screen Awards, and interviewed top chefs from across Canada. Meisha is the executive producer of the hilarious, musically led, biblical teaching variety show for kids called 'HEY MEISHA!', which airs on Saturday mornings on YES TV and streams on YouTube, Yippee TV, and the Castle TV App. In addition, Meisha also produces and hosts the podcast "My Single Story", where she gets real about the dynamics of being a single Christian. Meisha's guests join her to discuss not only the good, the bad, and the cringeworthy, but also to make space for community as we are equipped, heard, and cherished by God. You can find "My Single Story" podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. Check the show notes to stay up to speed and follow along with Meisha.
In This Episode we cover:
-How to breakthrough in trusting God in your singleness
-Recommendations for people in the “dating world”
-How to stay hopeful
-How to hold to convictions
-How to involve your community
-Navigating the challenges of the online dating world
And more…
Follow Meisha on:
@iammeisha
@mysinglestory
@heymeisha
Have you ever wondered how we ended up in a world where masculinity gets a bad rap? You might have seen headlines like "Why Can't We Hate Men?" or come across hashtags like #KillAllMen. It's a trend that's hard to ignore, with articles titled "I Hate Men," "No Good Men," and "Are Men Necessary?" You might have also heard claims that evangelical Christian men are prime examples of toxic behaviour. However, the research tells a different story. Studies show that men who are committed to their families and attend church regularly are often the most loving husbands and dedicated fathers out there. And get this—they also have the lowest rates of divorce and domestic violence in the country.
In her book, The Toxic War On Masculinity, Pearcey takes us on a journey through history to uncover how the idea of masculinity became tangled up with negativity. But it's not all doom and gloom. She's also armed with solutions for how we can turn things around. These sociological insights challenge the stereotypes we often hear about men and show us that embracing traditional Christian values can help bridge the gap between the sexes. So, next time you come across a #KillAllMen tweet or a book bashing masculinity, remember that there's more to the story—and that there are steps we can take to create a flourishing world for everyone.
Nancy Pearcey's latest book is The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes. Her earlier books include Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality, The Soul of Science, Saving Leonardo, Finding Truth, and two ECPA Gold Medallion Award Winners: How Now Shall We Live (coauthored with Harold Fickett and Chuck Colson) and Total Truth. Her books have been translated into 19 languages. She is a professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University. As a former agnostic, Pearcey has spoken at universities such as Princeton, Stanford, USC, and Dartmouth. She has been quoted in The New Yorker and Newsweek highlighted as one of the five top women apologists by Christianity Today, and hailed in The Economist as "America's pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual."
Get Your Copy of Nancy’s Books Today
Follow Prof. Pearcey On X (Formerly Twitter)
In the journey of building meaningful relationships, it's essential to recognize the impact societal influences, like pornography, can have on our expectations. While it's often unspoken, the truth is that pornography can subtly chip away at the trust and sense of security vital for any relationship to thrive. Yet, in acknowledging this reality, we're presented with an opportunity to foster deeper connections.
Let's envision a future where trust and safety are the cornerstones of our relationships, where love flourishes and freedom reigns. It's about creating spaces where authenticity and intimacy can truly blossom. So, how do we keep porn out of our lives and relationships in a way that leads to flourishing and freedom?
This is why Layton and Chelsea Boeve, from the Liberator Podcast, join us here on episode 86. Layton and Chelsea are a married couple from Northern Michigan and are the hosts of the Liberator Podcast. The Liberator Podcast is a discussion of pornography’s hard truths through the lens of stories, science, and Scripture. They bring the perspective of both a man and a woman to remove the barriers of shame and embarrassment that stifle conversations and community around the effects of pornography.
In this episode, we discuss:
- How does porn addiction affect relationships, and how can young adults navigate open conversations with their partners about this issue?
- Breaking the stigma surrounding porn addiction can be tough. How do you think we can work together to break the stigma while still acknowledging the severity of its effects on our lives?
- Societal perceptions influenced by pornographic content can create unrealistic expectations within relationships. What do you think distinguishes positive sexuality from porn's portrayal of sex?
- When trust is compromised due to issues related to porn consumption, what steps can couples take to rebuild trust and strengthen their emotional intimacy?
- Are there any specific trust-building exercises or communication techniques that can aid in the healing process?
You can find the Liberator Podcast on Apple or Spotify Podcasts as well as through their website below.
In the past few months, we had the privilege to speak at various Young Adult ministries and engage in Q&A sessions. Our discussions revolved around sexuality, identity, and relationships. In this particular episode, we will be addressing the top 5 questions about healthy relationships and marriage.
In this episode we cover:
1. How to handle insecurity while being single but desiring a romantic partner.
2. How to navigate conversations about gender identity and previous sexual experiences in a romantic relationship.
3. How to prioritize God and keep Him at the centre of your life.
4. How to move forward and pursue healthy connections without being defined by past experiences.
5. How to ensure that physical intimacy aligns with holy sexuality in marriage, preventing issues like lust and maintaining healthy boundaries.
Join us in this riveting episode as we delve deep into the complexities of unresolved trauma, exploring its impact on friendships and marriages. Our expert guest, Tara Lalonde PhD, a seasoned psychotherapist and marriage counsellor, shares profound insights and practical advice for supporting individuals amid their trauma journeys. Tara recently worked with Focus On The Family Canada in producing a resource centred around helping people find Healing From Un-resolved Trauma. If you find this podcast episode helpful and want to go deeper we would highly recommend signing up for this free resource.
Episode #84 Highlights:
-Demystifying Trauma: In a world increasingly aware of trauma, our guest breaks down the concept for listeners, providing a clear understanding of what is meant when we speak of trauma and its various forms.
-Big T vs. Little T Trauma: Explore the distinctions between Big T and Little T trauma, gaining valuable insights into why these nuances matter in mental and emotional well-being.
-Procedural Maps and Life Filters: Unpack the fascinating concept of procedural maps and how they become the lenses through which we navigate life, shaping our perceptions and responses to the world around us.
-Childhood Trauma Unveiled: Understand why experiences from our formative years persist into adulthood, affecting relationships and emotional well-being…and more!
Tara Lalonde, a registered psychotherapist in Ontario, has been counselling adults and couples for over 20 years and is a lead marriage therapist with the Hope Restored marriage intensive counselling program in Ontario, Canada. She also has a private practice focusing on trauma recovery. Tara holds a doctorate in professional counselling from Liberty University and has theological training through her Master’s of Divinity in professional counselling, minoring in pastoral studies, from Tyndale Seminary. Tara has appeared on 100 Huntley Street and 700 Club along with radio programs and podcasts in Canada. She is also the author of An Unexpected Freedom: Discover Peace and Joy in the Reality of Life. She is also publishing a new book she co-authored that will be out in July 2024. Tara and her husband Vince have been married for 19 years.
For more info on the Hope Restored Marriage Intensive, click here
Welcome to the first episode of season 4 of The Union Podcast.
We frequently receive numerous inquiries about singleness, how to begin healthy relationships and the key ingredients for a successful marriage. Therefore, we have dedicated this entire fourth season to exploring these subjects. We have some outstanding guests lined up that we are confident you will enjoy.
In this episode Bonnie and Bryan cover:
-Unpacking the profound truth, "It's not good for man to be alone"
-Exploring current trends of marriage and singleness, and their impact.
-The remedy for loneliness in the church.
-Addressing the challenge of connection and fostering meaningful bonds to combat isolation.
…and more.
I’ve heard it said that “ the only key for better sex in marriage, from a man’s perspective, is for the wife to bring food and show up naked.”
All joking aside, being an authentic man is a challenging topic for many guys. As men, we hear a wide variety of voices calling for everything from the crushing of the patriarchy and the ever-growing definition of toxic masculinity to the other extreme of “red-pill” masculinity that sees manhood as being defined by money, power and sex. How we see these topics will affect the type of man we become and the health of sexual intimacy we have in marriage. That’s exactly what Bryan and Pastor Matthew Schlesinger talk about in this episode.
Matthew, and his wife, Sabrina were married in 2000 and served as pastors alongside Matthew’s parents for ten years in Oregon. The dream God placed in their hearts years earlier unfolded and in December of 2012 they joined the Grace team as Lead Pastors in their favorite city, San Diego. Matthew is fun and authentic. He loves God’s Word, places priority on His Presence, and believes that the local church is the hope of the world. Matthew & Sabrina are the proud parents of three beautiful daughters and one amazing son. Their family mission is to populate heaven and plunder hell. Matthew and Sabrina host both the Marriage on the Go and Parenting on the Go podcasts.
@matthewschlesinger
The statement that “sex before marriage is bad” can quickly become “sex is bad” if we don’t see sex as the beautiful gift from God that it is.
In this episode, Bonnie chats with Sabrina Schlesinger about how women can have a healthy perspective toward their sexuality and experience a better sex life within their marriages.
Sabrina is a wife to Matthew, mother, pastor, speaker and podcast host. Sabrina and Matthew host two podcasts, Parenting on the Go and Marriage on the Go. Both podcasts offer Biblical and practical advice on parenting and marriage. Every episode is brief so you can listen to them in the carpool lane, at the gym, grocery shopping, and anywhere you are "on the go!" You can subscribe and listen to them every week on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify. Sabrina also wrote a book for moms called, What Other Moms Never Told Me. It is available on Amazon as paperback or Kindle.
Register For The Union Conference
@Sabrinaschlesinger
In a world that has become so preoccupied with progress, have we lost what it means to be human?
We are so pumped to have Dr Andy Steiger join us to talk about how we can find what it truly means to be human within God’s restorative plan in Jesus.
Andy Steiger is the founder and president of Apologetics Canada Ministries (AC). He passionately engages in pressing issues related to our humanity from a Christian perspective. He has presented at various venues such as Cambridge University on philosophical issues related to Artificial Intelligence, provided ethical guidelines on robotics for the United Nations, and addressed legal concerns over rights of conscience at the World Congress in Philosophy of Law.
Andy has published widely from children’s books to the Supreme Court Law Review. His most recent book, Reclaimed: How Jesus Restores Our Humanity in a Dehumanized World was awarded runner-up to evangelistic resource of the year. Andy is known for making complex theological and philosophical ideas understandable through the art of storytelling as seen in AC’s video resources. The Human Project video series debuted at film festivals around the world and won a number of awards including Best Short Film and People's Choice. Recently released is BRANDED: A Series on Identity which is now available on RightNow Media. Between his 20 years of pastoral experience and a PhD from the University of Aberdeen, Andy brings both experience and research to his work.
Andy currently lives in Abbotsford, British Columbia, with his wife, Nancy, and their two sons. Most weekends you’ll find the Steigers in the mountains or lakes of BC.
You may not know what Babel is but trust me, it’s all over the place. Babel is a way of thinking, speaking and living apart from God. We see its influence nowhere stronger than in the realm of sexuality. It shows itself in everything from the culture’s addiction to pornography, to even the views of marriage that some people hold, even in the church. We are so pumped to have had the opportunity to sit down with Nikki Dent and talk about her new book, BREAKING UP WITH BABEL- The Gospel Of Sex, Dating and Relating In A Culture Of Confusion.
This hope-filled and captivating teaching provides a Scripture-based perspective on sex, dating, and romance that compels Christians to walk in purity and passion. By exploring a positive and powerful theology on sex and dating, Breaking Up with Babel presents a sexual gospel that outshines the humanistic messages of broken sexuality, pornography, sex outside of marriage, and digital dating in a Babel-weary world. God's people are called to live their most fruitful lives by answering questions such as:
How does sex affect our body, soul, and spirit?
Why should we wait until marriage to have sex?
Why is pornography terrible for our sex life?
How do we date biblically in a digital world?
Why do we need boundaries to have healthy relationships?
How can we be restored from heartache and brokenness?
Nikki is a passionate Bible preacher who lives with her husband, Paul, and three daughters on the east coast of Australia. Paul and Nikki also serve as Pastors at Eastgate Church in Byron Bay. She has passionately taught on sex, dating, and relationships from a Christian worldview for ten years in Christian leadership academies, discipleship training schools (YWAM), churches and young adult ministries.
Register For THE UNION YA CONFERENCE
Get Your Copy Of BREAKING UP WITH BABEL
IG- @nikkident_
There is no question that our current generation is saturated with pornography and the ideas that it presents about human worth and life's meaning. In this episode, Bryan sits down with Daniel Principe and discusses what is at stake if we don't see a massive shift from this epidemic.
Daniel is a youth advocate and educator with Collective Shout. He partners with schools and communities to challenge porn culture and the sexualization of women and girls. He works with boys and men across Australia to reimagine masculinity and embody a vision of manhood defined by virtue.
A former health professional, he has a background in public relations, marketing, and media, and has worked as an advisor in politics and the non-profit health sector. He recognizes the urgent need to help equip young people to recognize the impacts of harmful messaging from social media, advertising, pop culture and the global porn industry. He helps young people see how these cultural forces fuel distorted ideas and attitudes about bodies, relationships and sex. Daniel encourages young people to resist these harmful messages and to be courageous as they aspire to something far better for their lives and relationships.
Daniel has presented to hundreds of schools and organizations to help parents and communities raise healthy, resilient and empathetic young people. Daniel hosts Collective Shout’s podcast ‘Reimagining Masculinity’ and is a regular on TV and radio programs.
What is the self? What does it mean to be human? These are some of the major questions being asked in our cultural moment. The good news is that we can find creditable answers for them in the words of Jesus.
In this episode, Bryan & Bonnie Pue discuss what Jesus is talking about in Luke 9 where He says, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?”
We cover the topics of:
The biblical view of the self compared to the secular psychological view.
The human identity in creation, redemption and glorification
Humanity being made in the image of God.
The integration of body, soul and spirit.
Gnosticism and modern gender theory
The hope of redemption we have in Jesus
The topic of same-sex attraction and homosexuality can be difficult for some of us to discuss. With so many voices on the topic, terms like side A or B, mixed with changing definitions of words, make you wonder, have we lost touch with holiness?
In this episode, Dr. Christopher Yuan joins us as we seek to understand what it really means to live in holy sexuality from a Biblical perspective. He shares his powerful testimony of how he came to Christ and experienced a radical transformation.
We talk about:
The Gospel’s effect on our sexuality
The proper process for Biblical interpretation
Biblical anthropology and homosexuality
Jesus never mentioned homosexuality…right?
…and more!
Dr. Christopher Yuan is a highly sought-after expert whose book, Holy Sexuality and the Gospel, was named 2020 book of the year for social issues by Outreach Magazine. Dr. Yuan casts a compelling vision of not identifying with our sexuality, but embracing Christ and living out Holy Sexuality, which shatters the secular paradigms of gay and straight.
Dr. Yuan graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 2005 and received a master’s degree in biblical exegesis in 2007 and a doctorate of ministry in 2014. He taught the Bible at Moody Bible Institute for 12 years and his speaking ministry on faith and sexuality has reached five continents.
Christopher has also produced The Holy Sexuality Project video series for parents and their teens. It is a first-of-its-kind resource to help parents and grandparents to empower their teens to understand, embrace, and celebrate biblical sexuality.
For more from Dr. Yuan:
Jessica Harris has first-hand experience of what it is like as a woman to face the shame of porn addiction when it was assumed to be a man’s issue. Statistics show that there is a rising number of women who have sought out sexual content to view; this isn’t a fringe topic and ignoring it won’t make it go away.
That’s why Jessica Harris is committed to breaking the silence, and we are glad to be able to share this conversation with you.
If you were not aware, Canada is one of the few countries in the world with no laws around abortion. That means that a baby's life can be taken at any stage up until complete birth, even at 38 weeks. This is exactly what happened at a Montreal hospital in early February of 2023.
In this podcast, Bonnie and Bryan discuss the heartbreaking realities of abortion and its effects on the nations of the earth.
We cover topics of:
Human beings are created in the image of God
Objective vs subjective moral reasoning & a two-tiered worldview
Abortions connection to sexual immorality
The Biblical history of human sacrifice in false god worship practices
Innocent bloodshed & demonic empowerment
A gospel response to the injustice of abortion.
There are few more tragic realities of our generation than abortion, not only for the innocent life that is taken but also the dynamics that leave women feeling like they have no other option.
Often the pro-life community is unjustly criticized for only being against abortion and not for supporting women and children out of the womb. Of course, this is not the majority of those who stand for human life, but the question remains: How do we live with an everyday pro-life ethic that goes beyond holding a sign at a peaceful protest? We sit down with Joanna Hyatt in search of the answer.
Joanna is wife to Andrew, a professional film director and screenwriter, and mom to four beautiful children. She is a self-professed nerd who loves to talk about controversial issues like sex, Jesus and in this episode abortion. Joanna has been the director of a national STD and Teen Pregnancy prevention program based in Los Angeles and also spent several years working with Live Action as a content director, fundraiser and spokesperson. She also has travelled all over the United States, helping thousands of teens and parents tackle these very same *thorny* issues that are essential to raising our kids to be rebels in a culture going off the rails. Several of Joanna’s teaching series can also be found on Right Now Media.
You can stay up to speed with all of Joanna’s amazing content on her website- www.joannahyatt.com and follow her on IG & FB- @joannahyatt
There are lots of things that can keep leaders from talking about sexuality. Whether it’s intimidation from the masses or shame from their past, wading into these waters can seem daunting.
Here is Episode 72, Bryan finishes our two-part series on the 7 ways leaders can start talking about sexuality, by looking at some of the reasons why leaders don’t.
Covered in this episode:
4) Fear Of The Mob
5) Not Wanting To Cause Damage
6)Living A Double Life
7) Not Sure Where To Start
There are lots of things that can keep leaders from talking about sexuality. Whether it’s intimidation from the masses or shame from their past, wading into these waters can seem daunting.
Here is Episode 71, Bryan kicks off our two-part series on the 7 ways leaders can start talking about sexuality, by looking at some of the reasons why leaders don’t.
Covered in this Episode:
1) Dodging The Need
2)Feeling Under-equipped
3)Shadows from the past.
How do you navigate sexual desires that are contrary to your faith? That is what we seek to discover here in Episode 70.
We were honoured to have Jonathan Bryden join us to share his story of same-sex attraction and how Jesus showed Him that trusting His design for sexuality was going to make all the difference.
Jonathan Bryden works in Vancouver Canada as a documentary filmmaker in the independent film industry. A Christian from a young age, Jonathan also has struggled with reconciling his same-sex attraction with his faith and is currently living a celibate life in pursuit of Jesus. Passionate to share the Gospel through film, Jonathan is producing a documentary series that aims to ask the question, “How does the church, in light of the Gospel, face homosexuality?”
Watch the first episode of his documentary and consider partnering with him through prayer and financial support to see this project come to light and minister to those in the church who are personally facing this struggle.
Happy New Year from The Union!
It seems the word “obedience” has become a swear word today in Christian culture. We know that we are saved by grace and not works, so we assume that obedience is optional. This couldn’t be further from the truth. It is not optional but, it is also not a burden. It’s a joy to obey God’s instruction and His leadership in our everyday life.
In Episode 69, Bryan sits down with Rachelle Starr and discusses her new book, “Outrageous Obedience” and how we can grow in radical obedience that shows the amazing love of God in some dark and challenging areas of humanity.
Rachelle Starr (www.scarlethope.org) founded Scarlet Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to sharing the hope of Jesus with women in the adult entertainment industry. In 2015, Rachelle launched a social enterprise called Scarlet's Bakery, where women can receive employment and valuable job skills while producing and selling delicious baked goods. Rachelle and her husband, Josh, have two boys through adoption and reside in Louisville, Kentucky. Learn more at scarlethope.org and by following @rachellestarr.co on Instagram.
It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the hyper-sexualization of our society. Often, we see what is happening as new when in actuality it is just re-packaged. Modern-day transgenderism and gender theory are actually ancient Gnosticism just wearing a new shirt.
The hope we have is that Jesus used His church of the first century to rescue lost people out of the folly of these ideas. If we are willing to do what they did we can see what they saw.
In this episode, we are highlighting a message Bryan preached at a recent MFI Canada Conference.
He covers:
-The template of Satan’s strategy found in the garden of Eden
-The re-occurring cycle of God’s judgment towards idolatry.
-The hope of the Gospel to bring people out of brokenness into wholeness.
Government and media have become two of the greatest influencers over culture, and they seem to be pushing a strong message of moral relativism. As followers of Christ, will we let our lives be formed by Scripture and pass our values on to our children? Or will we throw up our hands and give in to ideologies that seek to blur all lines of gender design?
In this podcast episode we talk about:
⁃ How we must always remember that these struggles are not actually against fellow humans, but against spiritual enemies and strategies
⁃ How the church can become a place that celebrates the unique nature of being male and female, understanding not just biological differences, but also physiological differences
⁃ How parents can teach their children a biblical view on gender, while also encouraging compassionate interactions with kids who identify as non-binary
⁃ Practical ways that parents can support their children’s God-given gender design
Download The “Five Ways To Support Your Childs God-Given Gender Identity” Infographic
If you are a Christ-follower, wondering how to raise gender-confident kids - this conversation will be a good place to start. You can find and follow The Union Podcast over on Apple, Spotify, and Google Play.
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What defines being a man? Is it lifting heavy weights or driving a big truck? Is it the amount of money you make or how fast you can chug a beer? What if it’s none of those things?
We are living in a time of cultural confusion when it comes to genuine manhood. History would show that when men lack true identity and purpose, everyone suffers. That’s why Brant Hansen’s new book, “The Men We Need” is so important. In it, he outlines the everyday choices that men can make to cultivate healthy atmospheres around them and not toxic ones.
In this episode, Bryan and Brant discuss some of the cultural lies we are having to navigate as men and how we can find a perfect example of authentic manhood in the character of Jesus.
Brant Hansen is an author, radio host, and advocate for healing children with correctible disabilities through CURE International. He's won multiple awards for "Personality of the Year" for his radio show, which airs on more than 200 stations nationwide. His podcast with his friend and radio producer, The Brant and Sherri Oddcast, has been downloaded more than 10 million times. The author of The Truth About Us, Unoffendable, and Blessed Are the Misfits, Hansen has written for CNN.com, the Washington Post, U.S. News and World Report, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Relevant, and numerous other outlets on matters as varied as public policy, culture, sports, Asperger's syndrome, and faith. He and his wife, Carolyn, live in South Florida.
Get Your Copy Of “The Men We Need”.
Learn More About Cure International
Follow Brant on Social Media- @branthansen
In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, we delve into Kyla's remarkable journey as she navigated a myriad of complex challenges across various stages of her life. Growing up in a church environment deeply rooted in tradition, she encountered the unique struggles associated with being a female hockey player, grappling with her same-sex attraction, and facing the additional weight of a growing alcohol dependency. After feeling like she had no other option, Kyla decided to pursue hormone therapy and surgery to transition to living as a man. This journey brought its own distinct set of challenges and heartache.
After years spent navigating life as a man, she discovered a loving and God-fearing church community that offered her a safe and supportive environment, one that encouraged her to rediscover God’s design for her and to embrace the restoration available through Jesus. She shares how this welcoming community provided her with grace, patience, and profound understanding, creating a nurturing space for healing where she could reconnect with her faith and explore her true self without fear of judgment.
Kyla is the founder of an incredible ministry called Renewed & Transformed, which is dedicated to sharing Christian teachings on faith, sexuality, and gender. Through speaking engagements, training sessions, insightful writing, podcasts, and teaching opportunities, R&T seeks to address these deeply personal topics while holding steadfast to Biblical teachings on sexuality and identity. Kyla desires to bring about deeper understanding and a powerful transformation in individuals’ lives through the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
To learn more about Kyla and the work of Restored & Transformed, visit her website here
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