Resident Strangers

Latest Episodes:

102 | Predestination Part 2 May 06, 2025

Show notes

This week, the long-anticipated series on predestination continues as Steve and Rich take a deep dive into some of the most debated passages surrounding this complex topic. If you missed last week’s episode, we highly recommend going back to listen or watch as it lays essential groundwork for what’s to come. Rich emphasizes how deeply our presuppositions can shape the way we interpret scripture, and predestination is a prime example. Unfortunately, many people approach this topic with definitions formed by sources outside of scripture, often before even opening the Bible. That’s why it’s crucial to recognize and set aside those preconceived ideas as we study. In this episode, Steve references passages like Acts 4:27-28 and 1 Corinthians 2:6-7 though these verses are not typically highlighted in discussions on predestination. Meanwhile, Rich explores in detail the more frequently cited texts such as Romans 8:29-30 and Ephesians 1:5 & 11. He thoughtfully breaks down each verse, encouraging listeners to ask a vital question: Who is being predestined, and to what? Rich also addresses the meaning of “adoption as sons” and how it relates to salvation. Both he and Steve make the case that Paul’s use of the phrase does not refer to salvation itself, and they spend time unpacking the context to support this view. This episode may feel more detailed than usual, but it’s worth the close attention. We encourage you to set aside any presuppositions, engage with the scripture honestly, and follow the discussion with an open heart. And don’t forget to tune in next week for part three of this compelling series!

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Interested in studying Greek with Rich? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com.

Questions or comments?

Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We’d love it if you’d share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

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.

101 | Predestination Part 1 Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back listeners! Join Sarah, Steve, and Rich in this long-awaited series covering the topic of predestination! Predestination is the idea that God preordained for people to be saved. Although predestination is a secondary issue in Christianity that our salvation doesn’t hinge on, it is a very controversial topic amongst many Christians. While Christians do not all agree on this issue, that doesn’t mean there should be division. Whether you believe in predestination or not, you are not any less of a Christian.

In this episode, they unpack what predestination means, why it matters, and how believers can approach it without compromising unity. Whether you're convinced God predestines individuals for salvation—or you're still wrestling with the concept—this conversation is for you.

Like with any theological topic, it is so important to go back to scripture. Not reading into scripture using our own preconceived thoughts or theology, but letting God’s Word speak for itself to shape our theology. How we think theologically affects the way we live as a Christian. As Steve says, our thoughts on the process of salvation and the human’s response to it affects our outlooks toward the gospel. So, we want to make sure that whatever we’re thinking and believing lines up with God’s Word. Come along for the ride as we begin exploring this topic in the coming weeks!

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Interested in studying Greek with Rich? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com.

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

100 | IVF and The Image of God Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

Steve, Rich, and Sarah are back this week to tackle a deeply personal and often controversial topic: IVF. What is IVF? IVF, short for in vitro fertilization, is a process of fertilization where eggs and sperm are combined in a lab to create an embryo, which is then placed in the uterus in hopes of beginning a pregnancy. Technology and science has become so advanced that people can now “artificially” make babies. On the surface, IVF can seem like a beautiful gift—especially for those walking through the pain and heartbreak of infertility. That struggle is very real, and for anyone who has gone through this process, or was born through it, know this: your life is deeply valuable because you are made in the image of God. But IVF also raises serious ethical and spiritual questions. Steve and Rich explore some of these, especially the concern that many embryos are often created, but not all are used—leaving some to be frozen indefinitely or even destroyed. IVF itself isn’t inherently wrong, but what happens to the unused embryos is a heavy decision and important issue. How should Christians think about IVF? How do we navigate these topics and modern technology in a way that’s consistent with God’s Word? Join us for this important conversation as we wrestle with the complexity of IVF with both compassion and conviction.

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Steve's January 2025 sermon on IVF

Additional resources on IVF:

The Case for Life by Scott Klusendorf

How IVF Is Changing Our View of Human Beings

The Tragic Consequences of the IVF Industry

Moral Factors to Take into Account if You're Considering IVF

The Black Box of IVF

Interested in studying Greek with Rich? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com.

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

99 | Passion Week Devo 9, Promise Fulfilled - Hope in the Resurrection Apr 20, 2025

Show notes

HAPPY RESURRECTION SUNDAY! Resurrection Sunday is the most important day of the year! In fact, when you really think about it, every day since the original resurrection has been a kind of resurrection day—because those who follow Jesus live in the light of that defining moment.

Today’s final Passion Week Devotional on the Resident Strangers podcast centers on John 20:1–9 (NASB). Verse 8 stands out as a powerful culmination of everything Jesus had been teaching before the crucifixion. In this moment, we see the fulfillment of promises spoken across centuries—promises that affirm Jesus is exactly who He claimed to be. His victory over death offers us unshakable hope and the assurance that He truly saves.

Rich also draws from 1 Corinthians 15 and the book of 1 John to explore the lasting significance of the resurrection in the life of every Christ follower today.

This Easter at Desert Springs, come celebrate the victorious hope of Jesus! We’d love to see you at one of our services happening today.

Easter Weekend

April 20th | 6:00 AM (Sunrise Service in the Pavilion), 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM + 11:00 AM

14440 W. Indian School Rd. Goodyear, AZ 85395

Visit dscchurch.com for more information

If today’s devotional encourages you, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with others.

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

98 | Passion Week Devo 8, Faith In The Silence of God Apr 19, 2025

Show notes

Today’s episode of the Resident Strangers podcast reflects on Silent Saturday—the day between Good Friday and Easter. It’s a day that often goes unnoticed, but it’s one filled with deep significance.

Have you ever paused to consider what that day must have felt like for Jesus’ followers? We have the privilege of knowing how the story ends—but they didn’t. They were left in the silence, wrestling with grief, doubt, and uncertainty.

Scripture paints a picture of Jesus’ followers gathered together, processing their despair and clinging to fragile hope. Would the resurrection really come? Was everything Jesus said true?

Silent Saturday reminds us of the power of community—especially in seasons of waiting, sorrow, or confusion. Many of us have walked through our own “silent Saturdays”—a devastating diagnosis, a loss, financial hardship, or heartbreak. And in those moments, community in Christ becomes a lifeline.

But the beauty of Silent Saturday is that it points us forward. God is always faithful to His promises. The silence wasn’t the end. Resurrection was coming.

We hope you’ll join us tomorrow for Devotional 9 as we continue our journey through Passion Week.

_________________

This Easter at Desert Springs, come celebrate the victorious hope of Jesus! We’d love to see you at one (or more!) of our special services happening throughout the weekend.

Easter Weekend

• April 19th | 3:30 PM + 5:00 PM

• April 20th | 6:00 AM (Sunrise Service in the Pavilion), 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM + 11:00 AM

Visit dscchurch.com for more information

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

97 | Passion Week Devo 7, The Walk To Our Redemption Apr 18, 2025

Show notes

Today’s episode of the Resident Strangers podcast focuses on the profound events of Good Friday. Steve takes us through a timeline of that day, beginning in the early hours of the morning and leading us through the weight of each moment.

The episode closes with a powerful reading of John 20:30–31, a reminder that John recorded these events so that we might believe that Jesus truly is the Messiah. Our prayer is that this reflection deepens your faith and helps you grasp the magnitude of the cross.

If you’re local to Goodyear, we warmly invite you to attend our Good Friday service tonight, April 18th from 5:00–8:00 PM at Desert Springs Community Church. This is an open-house style service where you’re welcome to come anytime during those hours to take communion, reflect, and pray. We encourage you to make space for stillness with the Lord today.

If this episode resonates with you, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing the podcast with others.

We hope you’ll join us tomorrow for Devotional 8 as we continue our journey through Passion Week.

_________________

This Easter at Desert Springs, come celebrate the victorious hope of Jesus! We’d love to see you at one (or more!) of our special services happening throughout the weekend.

Good Friday

April 18th | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

An open-house style service where you can take communion, spend time in prayer, and reflect. Come as you are, anytime during the evening.

Easter Weekend

• April 19th | 3:30 PM + 5:00 PM

• April 20th | 6:00 AM (Sunrise Service in the Pavilion), 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM + 11:00 AM

Visit dscchurch.com for more information

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

96 | Passion Week Devo 6, Jesus Cares For His Disciples Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

Today’s episode of the Resident Strangers podcast reflects on John 13:1–14 (NIV), as Rich offers some context around what many know as Maundy Thursday—the night Jesus shared a final meal with His disciples before the cross.

One of the most powerful moments from this evening is when Jesus, fully aware of what was to come, took the posture of a servant and washed His disciples’ feet. His love for them was unwavering—He loved them “to the very end.”

And perhaps most striking of all: Jesus even washed Judas’ feet, knowing betrayal was just hours away.

This would be His final moment with them before the resurrection. And what He chose to show them—humility, compassion, and selfless service—continues to speak volumes to us today as His followers.

If this episode speaks to you, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with others.

Join us tomorrow for Devotional 7 as we approach the cross with hearts full of gratitude.

_________________

This Easter at Desert Springs, come celebrate the victorious hope of Jesus! We’d love to see you at one (or more!) of our special services happening throughout the weekend.

Good Friday

April 18th | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

An open-house style service where you can take communion, spend time in prayer, and reflect. Come as you are, anytime during the evening.

Easter Weekend

• April 19th | 3:30 PM + 5:00 PM

• April 20th | 6:00 AM (Sunrise Service in the Pavilion), 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM + 11:00 AM

Visit dscchurch.com for more information

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

95 | Passion Week Devo 5, Jesus Looks Ahead To His Second Return Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

Today’s episode of the Resident Strangers podcast centers on Luke 21:1–13 (NIV).

It’s Wednesday of Passion Week. In just over 24 hours, Jesus will be betrayed. In less than 48, He will be on the cross. Yet even in these final moments, we see His deep compassion as He highlights the quiet faith of a poor widow.

In God’s eyes, nothing done in faith is ever small.

As Jesus also speaks of His second coming, He reminds both His followers then—and us now—that a greater plan is unfolding. And in the meantime, we’re called to bear witness to Him. That calling carries eternal weight.

If today’s devotional encourages you, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with others.

Join us tomorrow for Devotional 6 as we continue to walk through this holy week together.

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

94 | Resurrection Sunday Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

Here’s the big picture: Resurrection Sunday is the most important day of the year! In fact, when you really think about it, every day since the original resurrection has been a kind of resurrection day—because those who follow Jesus live in the light of that defining moment. With Easter Sunday coming up, Steve and Rich wanted to take a few minutes to highlight the significance of the resurrection. Rich addresses a concern some may have about the Easter holiday having pagan roots. He explains where that idea originated and offers clarity on why Christians don’t need to be overly concerned about it. Steve passionately reminds us that the resurrection is the very foundation of Christianity—without it, our faith would have no meaning. But with it, we have every reason to celebrate! Together, Rich and Steve also take time to walk through some of the most common theories that attempt to explain away the resurrection. Ultimately, they emphasize that Jesus’ resurrection validated every claim He made. They explore key evidences supporting the resurrection: Jesus’ death, the empty tomb, postmortem appearances, the radical transformation of the disciples, the conversion of skeptics—and more. 2,000 years later, the truth of the resurrection is still changing lives around the world. It remains the foundation of our hope. So let’s celebrate Easter—Resurrection Day—like never before!

This Easter at Desert Springs, come celebrate the victorious hope of Jesus! We’d love to see you at one (or more!) of our special services happening throughout the weekend.

Good Friday

April 18th | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

An open-house style service where you can take communion, spend time in prayer, and reflect. Come as you are, anytime during the evening.

Easter Weekend

April 19th | 3:30 PM + 5:00 PM

April 20th | 6:00 AM (Sunrise Service in the Pavilion), 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM + 11:00 AM

14440 W. Indian School Rd. Goodyear, AZ 85395

dscchurch.com

Books on the resurrection Steve recommends:

Who Moved the Stone? By Dr. Frank Morison

The Resurrection Factor By Josh McDowell

The Case for Christ By Lee Strobel

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

93 | Passion Week Devo 4, Answering Questions Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

Today’s episode of the Resident Strangers podcast explores Matthew 22:15–40 (NIV).

In this passage, religious leaders attempt to trap Jesus with tricky questions—but He responds with unmatched wisdom and grace. His answers not only silenced His critics then, but continue to speak truth and challenge us today.

This section of Scripture has come up often on Resident Strangers, and for good reason—Jesus reveals that what matters most is the condition of our hearts. His responses teach us not just truth, but also how to engage others with clarity, compassion, and conviction.

If this episode encourages or challenges you, we’d love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with your community.

Join us tomorrow for Devotional 5 as we journey through Passion Week together.

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

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