Episodes

Send us Fan Mail Most of us met the Pharisees in Sunday school as the bad guys. Jesus said hard things to them, and he meant every word. They were hypocrites. They treated their own rules as if God had spoken them. And they let fear keep them from looking at what God was doing right in front of them. But they weren't cartoon villains. They came from people who died rather than abandon God's law. They were scared, and they had good reasons to be: of God's judgment, of losing who they were, of R...

Send us Fan Mail When you were five, Noah came on a flannel board, with two giraffes, a big boat, and a rainbow. That version wasn't wrong. It was early. The trouble is that most of us never go back. In this second episode of the Holy Idols series, Dr. Kenny Embry looks at how careful, devoted Christians drift. It doesn't happen through rebellion. It happens through reasonable steps that harden good conclusions, until the picture of God in our heads quietly stands in for God himself. Drift ...

Send us Fan Mail A weekly date night that never got skipped, and slowly stopped meaning anything. That's where this episode starts, and it leads to one of the most familiar stories Jesus ever told. This is the first episode of Holy Idols, a longer series within Balancing the Christian Life. The series looks at excellent things, like knowing the Bible, praying, extending grace, and serving, that turn dangerous when we use them as a proxy for God instead of a pathway to him. It doesn't happen bec...

Kenny and Candyce delve into the profound impact of gratitude, discussing how it can shape one's daily life, spur personal development, and enrich spiritual practices. They explore how gratitude can turn ordinary moments into extraordinary ones, manage life's unpredictability, and enhance relationships by fostering a deeper sense of appreciation and empathy. Themes: Gratitude and Presence: The significance of being fully engaged in the now, appreciating what is currently available. Control an...

How often do we as Christians ponder the essence of our relationship with God? Is it merely inherited from our upbringing, or do we seek to carve our unique path in understanding and connecting with the divine? In today's episode, I, Kenny Embry, delve into these questions with none other than my son, Jake. Together, we explore the complexities of faith, the journey from inherited beliefs to personal conviction, and the challenges of living out Christian principles in today's world. Join us as w...

Have you ever struggled with the weight of unforgiveness, feeling trapped by past hurts or wondering if it's possible to truly let go? In this episode, Kenny Embry and Jacob Hudgins explore the essence of forgiveness from both a personal and spiritual perspective. They delve into how this act can not only free us from the chains of bitterness but also align us closer to the divine model of love and reconciliation exemplified by Jesus. Join us to uncover how forgiveness can transform our lives, o...

Have you ever stopped to consider why sin, despite our best intentions, continues to be a persistent struggle in our lives? In this episode of Balancing the Christian Life, Kenny Embry and Keith Stonehart invite us to confront this challenging question. Rather than focusing solely on forgiveness and redemption, they delve into the often-overlooked aspects of sin – its origins, its cost, and our perception of it. Join them as they explore the gravity of sin and its impact on our relationship with...

Ever been through a hurricane? In this episode, Dr. Kenny Embry gets real about riding out Hurricane Milton and what it taught him about faith, priorities, and the true meaning of being blessed. Hint: it's not just about dodging the damage! Join us as we explore how to find strength in the storm, step up for others, and remember what really matters when life throws a curveball. You might be surprised by what God shows you in the aftermath. Key Takeaways: True Blessing is Found in Serving Others...

What happens when good things take God's place in our lives? In this conversation with Kris Emerson, we pull back the curtain on idolatry, revealing its subtle forms in the 21st century. We discuss how finances, family, and even our own righteousness can become idols if we're not careful, and how easily we can replace God's plan with our own. Ultimately, we explore the challenge and freedom of surrendering to His will. Seven Key Takeaways: Idolatry is anything that replaces God: It's not just ...

Kenny Embry and Scott Beyer delve into the fundamental question of Christianity: "Who is Jesus?". They explore the historical evidence for Jesus' existence, discuss the implications of His claims to be the Son of God, and address the significance of His miracles. They also grapple with the complexities of understanding Jesus' dual nature as fully God and fully man, and emphasize the importance of a personal relationship with Him. 8 Key Quotes: "Who is Jesus is fundamental... We call ourselves C...

In this thought-provoking episode of Balancing the Christian Life, Dr. Kenny Embry engages in a conversation with Tommy Humphries, a college professor at Saint Leo University, about the existence and character of God. They delve into the complexities of belief, drawing parallels between faith and marriage, and explore the transformative power of love in the Christian journey. Join them as they navigate through questions of doubt, the limitations of human understanding, and the pursuit of a deepe...

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Get ready to unlock the profound wisdom of Psalm 119 with local evangelist David Brickey. Have you ever wondered what the longest chapter in the Bible reveals about our relationship with God's law? In this episode, David brings fresh insights and personal reflections, guiding us through the psalmist's deep-seated desire and remarkable confidence in God's statutes. We'll explore the unique acrostic structure of the psalm and the multifaceted perspectives it offers, including the tension between h...

Ever wondered how your life might change if you could sit down and give your younger self some sage advice? In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Kenny Embry and Mark Dunagan explore just that, sharing the life lessons and wisdom they've gathered over the years. Discover the divine patterns in mathematics, the pivotal role of reading, and the essential value of following instructions. Mark opens up about youthful mistakes driven by haste and arrogance, stressing the importance of resolving issues ...

Another experiment, this time talking about the idol of busyness. Support the Show.

This is another experiment, and I talk about the idol of self. Support the Show.

This is an experiment. I wanted to try a short devotion and see if I could do it, and if it was any good. For this week, I want to talk about idols. The first is, in my opinion, the most obvious...greed. Support the Show.

In this episode, Hal Hammons and I discuss some of my past few months' stresses. This is a very personal episode for me. I'm grateful for Hal and I'm grateful for you. Support the Show.

In this episode, I read the book of Ecclesiastes. The translation I use is the World English Version available here. Support the Show.

Yeah, it's been a minute. This time we talk about the "rules of engagement" and how we fight in a loving way. Support the show

What does it mean God is running to you...or running after you. Keith Stonehart is a good friend, and he helped me see how God reaches out to us, even when we are not easy to reach. Support the show

Yes, this is a very short episode and a conversation about having empty spaces in your life. Hopefully this is helpful to you. Support the show

What does it mean to raise boys and how is that different than raising girls. In this conversation, I talk to two fathers of sons and what they've learned about raising sons which help their children grow, and themselves. Support the show

What is gratitude and why should we be a grateful people? In this conversation with Don Truex and Scott Beyer, we talk about what gratitude is, how to become more grateful, and if we are even good judges of our own graciousness. Support the show