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Resident Strangers

Christian thinking in a foreign world. Hosted by Sarah Schalow, Steve Engram and Rich Holland. Episodes released every Tuesday.

Check out Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Copyright: © 2023 Resident Strangers

Latest Episodes:

142 | When convictions collide Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

Some things in Scripture are clear and non-negotiable. Others aren’t directly addressed and can feel more open-ended. Have you ever had a friend feel strongly about an issue that didn’t seem like a big deal to you, especially in your faith?

The Bible gives clear direction on many things, but some areas can be harder to sort through. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, we’re reminded: “whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it for the glory of God.” Tension often comes when a personal conviction, something between someone and the Lord. gets applied to everyone else. As Steve puts it, many of these aren’t sin issues as much as they are wisdom issues, shaped by individual personalities and experiences.

It’s important to remember that we’re each responsible for our own walk with the Lord. Sarah raises a thoughtful question: what about things mentioned in Scripture that may not apply in the same way today? Rich points us back to the heart of it all, following Jesus and being transformed daily, rather than just trying to check boxes. Steve echoes that, encouraging us to keep drawing closer to God.

Ultimately, these conversations should lead us to seek God’s wisdom more deeply. The group touches on topics like alcohol, parenting, homeschooling, and even hair length and ask an important question: as we grow in wisdom, could our perspectives change?

We hope this conversation encouraged you, and we’re looking forward to next week!

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Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Sign up for the Resident Strangers email list

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

141 | Speaking truth in a broken culture Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

This week, we continue the conversation from our previous episode on Sodom and Gomorrah. Rich opens with a powerful reminder from 1 Corinthians: “Bad company corrupts good character.” The truth is, what we surround ourselves with shapes us, often more than we realize. That reality is clearly seen in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah and becomes a key theme in today's discussion.

From there, we explore what it looks like to thoughtfully and faithfully engage with the world, even in its most broken places. Sarah reflects on something her high school teacher used to say: “There’s nothing new under the sun.” It’s a reminder that while sin may look different across generations, the brokenness of the world isn’t new. Scripture shows us that humanity has always wrestled with the same deep issues.

So how should Christians live in a fallen world? That’s the heart behind this podcast, to wrestle with that question together. Steve emphasizes that it starts with our own walk with Christ. Before looking outward, we must first examine our own hearts. But that doesn’t mean withdrawing from the world. Instead, we’re called to engage it intentionally and purposefully. As Jesus says in Matthew 10, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

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Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Sign up for the Resident Strangers email list

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

140 | Sodom & Gomorrah Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

Are there stories in the Bible that feel strange, unsettling, or even a little uncomfortable?

This week, Steve, Rich, and Sarah dive into one of the most infamous accounts in the Old Testament: Sodom and Gomorrah. Sarah jokingly notes that this story didn’t quite make it into her son’s storybook Bible and for those familiar with it, that probably comes as no surprise.

Rich walks through the narrative, carefully outlining the events found in Genesis 18–19, while Steve adds helpful historical and cultural context along the way. One key insight Rich highlights is that God was not only addressing the wickedness of these cities, but also using these events to teach Abraham something significant about His character and justice.

Steve also points out that Jesus later references Sodom and Gomorrah during His ministry in the Gospels, showing that this wasn’t just an isolated moment in history but that it carried lasting meaning. Together, they explain how the practices in these cities reflected deeply pagan and destructive patterns of sin that had reached a breaking point.

This episode offers a thoughtful overview of why God responded the way He did and how these events fit into the broader biblical story. Steve closes with a word of encouragement, helping connect this difficult passage to our lives today.

And next week, the conversation continues as the team explores how Christians should understand and respond to events like this in today’s current world.

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

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Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Sign up for the Resident Strangers email list

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

139 | Jesus' resurrection changed His own family with Robby Lashua Mar 31, 2026

Show notes

What would it take to convince your own siblings that you are God?

Robby Lashua is back in the studio with Sarah and Steve for a special Easter episode. With his background in apologetics, Robby brings a compelling and thoughtful perspective on the resurrection. From the empty tomb and the transformed lives of the disciples to the historical reality of the crucifixion and Paul’s dramatic conversion, the evidence points powerfully to the risen Christ.

But one often-overlooked piece of the story is the conversion of Jesus’ own brothers. During His ministry, they didn’t believe in Him as Savior. They weren’t part of His following, despite witnessing His miracles and hearing His teaching. They weren’t even present at His death. In fact, Scripture suggests there was a strong dislike for their brother.

So, what changed? How did they go from disbelief to devotion after the resurrection? James, Jesus’ brother, would eventually become a leader in the early church and even give his life for his faith.

Robby leads a rich conversation around this remarkable transformation, offering practical apologetics and fresh insight into the resurrection. Steve adds additional context that highlights why the resurrection remains central to the Christian faith. We hope this episode encourages you and prepares your heart as you celebrate Easter this weekend!

Go back to Episodes 90-99 for daily Passion Week devotionals from the Resident Strangers team

Celebrate Easter at Desert Springs in Goodyear

Celebrate Easter at Palmcroft Church in North Phoenix (where Robby pastors)

For links to the books Robby recommends in the episode email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com 📖

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Sign up for the Resident Strangers email list

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Sign up for the Resident Strangers email list

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

138 | The heart of missions, meeting needs and sharing truth Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

This week, the conversation around missions continues as Steve, Rich, and Sarah take a deeper look at what mission work really looks like and what it truly requires. Sarah opens up about a decision she faced early in her college years, wrestling with whether she was called to commit to full-time missions. Steve reflects on how, in the past, becoming a missionary meant a complete surrender of your life, and how remarkable it is that so many made that decision at such a young age. Rich adds that today’s ease of travel has dramatically expanded opportunities for mission work around the world.

Together, they unpack the idea that missions is a both/and calling. It is not just meeting physical needs, but, even more importantly, addressing spiritual ones. While full-time mission work still carries a real weight and sacrifice, it doesn’t mean the everyday follower of Christ isn’t called to share the gospel. No matter the setting, intentionality is key.

Interested in Missions at Desert Springs? Email our Missions Pastor Jamie Engram at james@dscchurch.com

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Sign up for the Resident Strangers email list

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Sign up for the Resident Strangers email list

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

137 | Are you called to be a missionary? Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

The Resident Strangers crew is back from spring break and excited to jump back into conversations on topics that matter today! Over the next two weeks, Steve, Rich, and Sarah will be talking about missions.

Rich kicks things off with an important question: Why should followers of Christ engage in mission work at all? The answer becomes clear when we look at the Great Commission: Jesus’ final instruction to His followers to go into the world and make disciples.

Steve quickly points out that missions isn’t limited to being “somewhere overseas.” Every follower of Christ is called to live on mission right where they are. When we think of missions only as something that happens “over there,” we can easily miss the calling God has placed right in front of us. Missions isn’t simply a trip we take, it’s a way of life.

Serving others with a genuine heart is one of the most powerful ways to minister to people. In the conversation, Steve also addresses some of the questions and controversies that can surround intentional mission work.

We hope this discussion offers a fresh perspective and encourages you to live on mission today!

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Sign up for the Resident Strangers email list

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Sign up for the Resident Strangers email list

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

136 | Practical application for engaging with Mormons Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

Steve is back this week as the Resident Strangers crew wraps up their final conversation on Mormonism (for now 😉). They take time to respond to listener questions like: Why not host a debate with a practicing Mormon? And why can’t people just choose whatever they want to believe?

You’ll also hear Steve share his reflections on the series and offer practical ways believers can take what they’ve learned and live it out in everyday life.

We hope this mini-series has been both insightful and encouraging as you think about how to engage with Mormons in your own life. And let us know — what worldview should we explore next?

Resources on Mormonism Robby recommends:

Mormonism Research Ministry

Mormonism 101 by Bill McKeever & Eric Johnson

Sharing the Good News with Mormons by Eric Johnson & Sean McDowell

Tri Grace Ministries

Witness to Mormons in Love by Daniel G. Thompson

Check out all 195 episodes of Christ, Culture & Coffee wherever you listen to podcasts

*Episodes 3, 30, 32, 42, 58 & 139 cover topics related to Mormonism

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Sign up for the Resident Strangers email list

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Sign up for the Resident Strangers email list

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

135 | More on what Mormons actually believe with Robby Lashua Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

You don’t have to travel across the world to encounter worldviews that challenge Christianity. You can find them right in your own community.

Sarah and Rich sit down again with special guest Robby Lashua, and he kicks things off by sharing why he’s so passionate about apologetics today. As a young boy, Robby wrestled deeply with questions about faith, and one truth shaped his journey: if God is real, He’s big enough to be examined and questioned.

This week, Robby helps unpack what Mormons believe about God and Jesus and why those beliefs are fundamentally different from historic Christianity. He explains how Mormonism teaches a polytheistic view, including the idea that Jesus was not always God but became God, and that humans can one day become gods themselves through obedience and effort. He also breaks down the Mormon view of salvation, which includes multiple levels of heaven based on personal merit, as well as their understanding of hell, family relationships in eternity, and why these beliefs can make it especially difficult for someone to leave the Mormon faith.

Robby also briefly touches on the history of polygamy and how Mormon theology is ultimately male centric.

At the heart of it all is a simple reminder: it’s so important to know what you believe and why, so you can engage thoughtfully and lovingly with people who see the world differently. And the good news? You don’t need multiple degrees to do that.

Resources on Mormonism Robby recommends:

Mormonism Research Ministry

Mormonism 101 by Bill McKeever & Eric Johnson

Sharing the Good News with Mormons by Eric Johnson & Sean McDowell

Tri Grace Ministries

Witness to Mormons in Love by Daniel G. Thompson

Check out all 195 episodes of Christ, Culture & Coffee wherever you listen to podcasts

*Episodes 3, 30, 32, 42, 58 & 139 cover topics related to Mormonism

Sign up for the Resident Strangers email list

Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Sign up for the Resident Strangers email list

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

134 | A deep dive into Mormonism with Robby Lashua Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

Are Christians and Mormons essentially the same? Robby Lashua joins Sarah and Rich for a focused and insightful conversation on Mormonism. Robby, a longtime friend with a background in apologetics and the Lead Pastor of Palmcroft Church in Phoenix, brings years of knowledge and firsthand experience from living in a region where interactions with Mormons are common.

As Mormonism becomes more visible in culture through media, politics, and social platforms it can seem like Mormons and Christians believe the same things, especially since similar language is often used. But as Robby explains, while there may be moral similarities, the theological differences are extremely significant.

The conversation explores the origins of Mormonism, including Joseph Smith’s claimed vision in the 1800s, the role of the Book of Mormon, and why many followers are unfamiliar with what their own writings teach. This episode is packed with tons of important information, so be sure to listen and come back next week as the deep dive continues!

Check out all 195 episodes of Christ, Culture & Coffee wherever you listen to podcasts — Episodes 3, 30, 32, 42, 58 & 139 cover topics related to Mormonism

Palmcroft Church

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Sign up for the Resident Strangers email list

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Sign up for the Resident Strangers email list

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

133 | Hebrew Roots Movement Feb 03, 2026

Show notes

Last week, Steve and Rich clarified which parts of Scripture are considered doctrine. This week, they explore what it looks like when a follower of Christ feels convicted to observe Old Hebrew practices. Steve introduces this as the Hebrew Roots Movement, which teaches that modern Christianity has drifted from Jesus’ original teachings and that the Torah should be restored to prominence. This can include rejecting Christian holidays, observing ceremonial laws, and using original Hebrew names for God.

They note that many drawn to this movement are seeking deeper meaning or “greater knowledge,” especially in response to areas where Christianity can feel superficial. While not everyone involved is part of a cult, Steve and Rich explain that the movement can create a pathway toward legalism, pride, and spiritual elitism. They also clarify that the Hebrew Roots Movement is distinct from Messianic Judaism and Black Hebrew Israelite beliefs.

The discussion highlights 1 John 3 as a key passage often used to support these views, particularly the phrase “lawlessness is sin,” which some interpret as a call to follow Old Testament law. Steve and Rich point out how this and other scriptures can be taken out of context, leading to misunderstandings about salvation in Christ. They close by offering practical wisdom for having loving, thoughtful conversations with someone who may be heading in this direction.

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Sign up for the Resident Strangers email list

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Sign up for the Resident Strangers email list

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

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