Rooted In Christ

Latest Episodes:

How to Find Purpose After Pain, Loss & Heartback | Holly Sweat Raper on the Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 217 Oct 19, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric sits down with bestselling author, speaker, and psychotherapist Holly Sweat Raper to discuss how God can transform our pain into purpose and help us walk in victory, even in the midst of life’s greatest storms.

Holly shares her powerful testimony of faith, including the devastating loss of her husband to stage four cancer and the overwhelming challenges she faced during that season. Through grief, uncertainty, and heartbreak, she discovered the importance of trusting God’s promises, choosing truth over feelings, and shifting her focus toward His faithfulness rather than her circumstances.

Together, Eric and Holly explore how suffering can shape our faith, why gratitude and spiritual nourishment matter in our daily lives, and how we can take practical steps to overcome fear, renew our minds, and find purpose in difficult seasons. Holly also discusses her book, Living in Victory, Not Defeat, encouraging listeners to recognize that their stories are not over and that God can bring healing, hope, and transformation from even the hardest experiences.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How to turn pain into purpose and heartbreak into healing.
Why choosing biblical truth over feelings can change your perspective.
How gratitude and daily time in God’s Word can strengthen your faith.
What it means to trust God through grief, uncertainty, and suffering.
How to shift your focus from your problems to God’s promises.
Why stepping out in faith can lead to unexpected growth and transformation.

No matter what you’re facing, this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone, God is greater than your storm, and your story is still being written.

If this episode encourages you, be sure to like, share, and subscribe to the Rooted in Christ Podcast for more conversations about faith, purpose, and living a Christ-centered life.

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Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

How to Identify and Overcome Idols in Your Life - Jake Doberenz on the Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 216 Oct 12, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric sits down with Jake Doberenz for an insightful conversation about modern-day idolatry and the things that can quietly take God's place in our lives. From money and financial security to politics, relationships, personal success, and even ministry itself, Jake explains how the desire for control, comfort, and certainty can lead us to place our trust in things other than Christ.

Drawing from Scripture and his own faith journey, Jake shares how his passion for “Smashing Idols” developed and why recognizing these hidden distractions is essential to spiritual growth. Together, Eric and Jake discuss the importance of repentance, replacing unhealthy habits with life-giving spiritual disciplines, and surrounding ourselves with a Christian community that is willing to challenge us with love and accountability.

They also explore practical ways to identify when something good has become an idol, including our defensiveness when those things are questioned, and how practices like prayer, fasting, Sabbath, and intentional time with God can help us surrender control and deepen our relationship with Him.

In this episode, we discuss:

What idolatry looks like in the modern Christian life
How money, comfort, politics, and even ministry can become idols
Jake's journey of faith and the inspiration behind his “Smashing Idols” ministry
Why letting go of control and certainty can be so difficult
The importance of repentance, accountability, and Christian community
How prayer, fasting, Sabbath, and spiritual disciplines can help us refocus on Christ
Recognizing the warning signs of misplaced worship
Replacing unhealthy habits with practices that strengthen our relationship with God

Join us for a powerful reminder that following Christ means more than simply removing the things that distract us; it means making room for a deeper relationship with Him. No matter where you are in your faith journey, there is always an opportunity for repentance, restoration, and a fresh start.

Connect with Jake Doberenz:
Explore his Smashing Idols newsletter on Substack and listen to his podcast, Christianity Without Compromise, for more conversations about faith, theology, and bringing every area of life back to Jesus.

If this episode encouraged or challenged you, be sure to like, share, and subscribe to the Rooted in Christ Podcast for more conversations centered on faith, spiritual growth, and living a life rooted in Christ.

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Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

"I Pulled the Trigger... God Spared My Life | Matthew Headden on The Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 215 Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

What happens when you reach the point where you realize you can’t do it on your own?

In Episode 215 of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, we sit down with Matthew Headden for a powerful conversation about surrender, addiction, mental health, fitness, faith, and what it means to truly make Christ the center of every area of your life.

Matthew opens up about his journey through combat, addiction, obesity, and a suicide attempt—and how, despite having what appeared to be a successful life on the outside, he was struggling deeply within. His story is ultimately one of God’s grace, patience, and the transformative power of surrender.

Matthew also shares how his background in fitness, nutrition, and behavioral psychology led him to rethink the way Christians approach health. Together, we discuss treating our bodies as God’s temple, moving beyond vanity and ego, fasting, discipline, Sabbath, emotional eating, and learning to view health as stewardship rather than simply a pursuit of appearance or weight loss.

One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is simple: surrender is not a one-time event. It is a daily decision to die to ourselves, trust God, and allow Him to lead every area of our lives—including the areas we would rather keep for ourselves.

Matthew also gets incredibly honest about the moment he put a gun in his mouth and pulled the trigger—and the gun didn't fire. His testimony is a powerful reminder that recovery and transformation don't always happen overnight, and that God's work in our lives can be a long process of grace, surrender, and growth.

This episode is for anyone struggling with addiction, health, discipline, shame, or simply trying to understand what it looks like to surrender more fully to Christ.

You are not meant to do this alone. If this conversation speaks to you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Subscribe to the Rooted in Christ Podcast and join us for more conversations about faith, testimony, and following Jesus in every area of life.

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Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here:

https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

Lexly Nirvana: Why She Refuses to Water Down Jesus | The Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 214 Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the In Christ Podcast, Eric Stevens sits down with Christian artist Lexly Nirvana for an honest conversation about faith, identity, music, and following God’s calling.

Lexly shares her powerful testimony of growing up around church, struggling with self-worth, shame, and rebellion, and ultimately experiencing a life-changing encounter with Christ. She opens up about how God transformed her life and gradually revealed her purpose through her love for music and writing.

As a bilingual artist from South Texas, Lexly blends Christian hip hop, reggaeton, Spanish, English, and Spanglish to reach different audiences with the Gospel. She talks about navigating language barriers, staying authentic to the unique sound God has given her, and resisting the temptation to compare herself to other artists.

The conversation also explores the importance of prayer and patience in the creative process, putting God before social media and ministry, receiving constructive criticism, and trusting God’s timing—even when it means waiting for an opportunity or release that you’re excited about.

Lexly also shares what she believes God is doing in Christian music right now, her upcoming three-song EP created with women in mind, and her desire to see authentic believers boldly live out their faith and mission.

Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to be a copy of someone else. God has uniquely created you and has a purpose for your life.

If you’re searching for your purpose, struggling with your identity, or trying to understand how your creativity fits into God’s plan, this conversation is for you.

Watch, listen, and share this episode with someone who needs the encouragement to keep walking in their God-given calling.

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All things Lexly Nirvana: https://linktr.ee/lexlynirvana

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Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

I Can't Made God Into My Own Image - Constance Hastings on the Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 213 Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

What happens when faith is challenged by doubt, difficult questions, suffering, and the unexpected ways God works in our lives?In this episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric sits down with Constance Hastings, author of The Trouble With Jesus, for an honest and thought-provoking conversation about faith, doubt, skepticism, and what it means to wrestle with the questions we don't always feel comfortable asking.Constance shares the story behind her book, which grew out of a retreat she developed for women who were looking for something deeper. Through the perspective of a skeptical, questioning voice, The Trouble With Jesus explores some of the things about Jesus that can challenge our expectations—including the way He chose unlikely people, valued women, confronted cultural norms, and refused to simply become a "divine fixer" who gives us everything we ask for.The conversation also dives into Constance's own faith journey, her experiences in education and counseling, and the struggles she has witnessed in people wrestling with questions like: Why does God allow suffering? Why do bad things happen to good people? Where is God when we're hurting? And can doubt actually have a place in a growing faith?Constance offers an encouraging perspective for anyone who has ever questioned their faith or felt like they were on the verge of walking away. Rather than hiding from difficult questions, she encourages believers to bring those questions to God, go deeper into Scripture, and allow their faith to be challenged and strengthened.The conversation ultimately points back to a powerful reminder: God does not abandon us in our questions, our doubts, or our struggles.Constance also shares how her approach to reading Scripture—considering what it says, what it means, and how it applies—can help believers develop a deeper relationship and ongoing conversation with God.The episode closes with prayer for those wrestling with doubt, searching for God, or seeking to understand their purpose and calling in Christ.In This Episode:- The story behind The Trouble With Jesus- Why Jesus can challenge our expectations- Faith, doubt, and skepticism- Why doubt doesn't necessarily mean the absence of faith- The problem of treating God as a "divine fixer"- Wrestling with suffering and difficult questions- Creating safer spaces for questions within the church- The importance of going deeper into Scripture- Discovering God's will instead of trying to dictate our own- Encouragement for those considering walking away from faith- Serving God wherever He has called you- Constance's journey from education and counseling to writing- Prayer for those seeking ChristLearn more about Constance Hastings and The Trouble With Jesus:constancehastings.comIf this conversation encouraged you, like, share, and subscribe to the Rooted in Christ Podcast and help us continue reaching people with conversations about faith, life, and following Jesus.

NBA and Christian Hip-Hop: Living for Jesus | The Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 212 Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

What happens when your faith, your career, your relationships, and your purpose all collide?

In Episode 212 of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric sits down with DKG Kie and NBA player Isaac Jones for a real conversation about following Christ while navigating two very different worlds: professional basketball and music.

The three talk about what it really means to represent Jesus beyond social media and the stage, the pressure that comes with being watched and judged, and the importance of actually living out what you say you believe. They get honest about confidence, rejection, business decisions, contracts, competition, anger, and the moments when it feels like God isn't moving fast enough.

Kie and Isaac also open up about their personal journeys with faith, how their relationships and community have shaped them, and why having people around you who will challenge you—not just agree with you—matters.

One of the biggest reminders throughout the conversation? You don't want someone else's platform. You want what God has for you.

And no matter where you are, what you've done, or how far away you feel:

You're never too far away from God.

This is a conversation about faith, purpose, humility, friendship, perseverance, and learning to trust God even when you don't understand what He's doing.

Watch, listen, and share this one with somebody who needs the reminder.

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Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

From Hearing Loss & to Relationship with Jesus w/ Desiree Taylor | The Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 211 Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

What happens when faith starts to feel more like rules, expectations, and shame than a real relationship with Jesus?

In this episode of Rooted in Christ, Eric sits down with Desiree Taylor for a deeply personal conversation about learning to see God for who He truly is—and discovering freedom beyond legalism.

Desiree shares her powerful testimony of growing up in a legalistic church environment, struggling with loneliness, insecurity, depression, and feeling like she could never be “good enough” for God. She opens up about walking away from her faith, becoming a young single mother, and the moment she experienced Jesus meeting her personally and reminding her that He had never left her.

The conversation also dives into Desiree’s journey with deafness and cochlear implants, and how something that could have become a source of isolation instead became a unique way for God to deepen her prayer life, reshape her perspective, and teach her more about His love. She shares why she believes disability isn't a mistake—and why the Church needs to become more intentional about seeing, knowing, and including people with disabilities.

Eric and Desiree also talk about:

• Breaking free from legalism and religious mindsets
• The difference between religion and relationship with Jesus
• Renewing your mind and confronting the lies you've believed
• Finding your identity and worth in Christ
• Feeling rejected, invisible, or like you don't belong in church
• Creating greater inclusion for people with disabilities
• Learning to pray beyond a checklist and “pray without ceasing”
• Mentorship, discipleship, and having honest conversations about faith
• Desiree’s book, Living Beyond Religion, and her hope that it starts conversations that lead people toward freedom

If you've ever felt like you don't belong, wondered where God was in the middle of your struggle, or found yourself trapped under expectations you can never seem to meet, this conversation is for you.

You are seen. You are known. You are loved. And Jesus hasn't walked away from you.

Watch, listen, and share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that there is freedom in Christ.

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Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

The Prodigal Joe: Following Jesus With Authenticity, Christian Hip Hop and Faith | The Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 210 Aug 31, 2026

Show notes

What does it look like to pursue your calling without allowing success, numbers, or recognition to become your identity?

In this episode of Rooted in Christ, Eric sits down with Christian artist and producer The Prodigal Joe for an honest conversation about faith, identity, purpose, music, and what it means to genuinely follow Jesus.

Jose shares his journey growing up as a pastor’s kid, moving from a faith that felt largely rooted in religion and routine to discovering a deeply personal relationship with Christ. He opens up about the struggles, questions, and experiences that shaped his faith—and how God ultimately used music as a way for him to express emotions and experiences he once struggled to communicate.

The conversation also dives into the meaning behind The Prodigal Joe, his approach to creating Christian music, and why he wants people to see themselves in his story rather than simply look up to him.

Eric and Joe discuss:

• Finding your identity in Christ rather than your accomplishments
• The difference between religious routine and a genuine relationship with Jesus
• How God can use the gifts He's already placed inside of you
• Music as a tool for communication, healing, and reaching people
• Staying faithful when the culture rewards compromise
• The pressure of social media, streams, views, and numbers
• Why authenticity frees us from the pressure to perform
• Pursuing excellence without making success the goal
• Learning to be present and intentional with the people God has placed around you
• Trusting God with the results after you've been obedient to His calling
• Leaving behind a legacy that points people back to Christ

At the heart of this conversation is a powerful reminder: our job is obedience; the results belong to God. Jose shares why he's content to give God his absolute best, regardless of how big or small the platform becomes.

If you're struggling to figure out what you're supposed to be doing with your life, feeling pressure to measure your worth by numbers, or wondering whether your gifts can really be used by God, this episode is for you.

Don't waste your time. Seek Him, be faithful, and let God make something beautiful out of your life.

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Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

Anike: Following Jesus, Marriage, Identity & Christian Hip Hip | The Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 209 Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, we sit down with Christian hip hop artist Anike for an honest and inspiring conversation about faith, purpose, creativity, identity, and walking boldly in what God has called you to do.

Anike takes us all the way back to the beginning of her faith journey — from giving her life to Jesus as a young teenager to discovering that God could use her creativity and music as a way to reach others. She shares how what seemed like disappointments and detours were actually moments God used to position her for her calling.

We also talk about her journey as the first female artist signed to Reach Records, what that opportunity taught her, and the responsibility she feels to use what she's learned to encourage and mentor other women in Christian music.

Throughout the conversation, Anike opens up about:

• Finding your identity in Christ instead of numbers, attention, titles, or platforms
• The importance of fasting, prayer, and intentionally seeking God's direction
• Staying faithful to your message instead of watering it down to appeal to culture
• Navigating criticism and negativity as a Christian artist
• The unique challenges women face in Christian hip hop, including touring and creating opportunities
• Her passion for mentoring and pouring into other artists
• Balancing music, ministry, business, marriage, family, and social media
• Building a Christ-centered marriage and learning to serve one another
• Embracing the unique voice, creativity, and story God has given you
• The current state and future of Christian hip hop and R&B
One of the biggest themes throughout this conversation is simple: success isn't ultimately about the numbers — it's about obedience.

If God has called you to do something, are you willing to do it even when the applause, views, streams, or recognition don't come?

Anike brings a powerful perspective on what it means to remain rooted in Christ while navigating the pressures of creativity, culture, ministry, and the music industry.

The episode closes with prayer for artists, believers, and anyone seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus.

FOLLOW ANIKE:

https://www.fvr.fan/anike?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAaewReJcN6VnZS76Xo1Kg2YbxLK0zvP7tRE6Jl7WeE4FxlBPHFcNbj1B1bJkKw_aem_xMy50J_RedfmZf-sZu8CiQ

Check out Anike's music, educational resources, merch, and upcoming events through her online platforms.

If this conversation encouraged you, LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE to the Rooted in Christ Podcast and help us continue spreading the message.

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Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

New Orleans Mission Trip: Stories of Faith, Ministry and Transformation | The Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 208 Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

In this special episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric sits down with members of the New Life Church team to reflect on their recent mission trip to New Orleans — a journey that pushed them far outside their comfort zones and challenged them to live out the Great Commission in a very real way.

From ministering on Bourbon Street, Canal Street, and Jackson Square to prayer walks, serving the homeless, visiting a senior center, and participating in the local Adopt-a-Block program, the team experienced moments of boldness, vulnerability, spiritual warfare, unexpected conversations, and powerful encounters with people who simply needed to know they were seen and loved.

Throughout the conversation, the team shares what led them to say yes to the trip, what they expected God to do, and the moments that impacted them most. They talk openly about encountering people who asked for prayer, witnessing the stark contrast between light and darkness on Bourbon Street, and learning that evangelism isn't limited to a mission trip — it's a lifestyle we're called to live every day.

They also reflect on how the trip changed their understanding of boldness, prayer, spiritual gifts, evangelism, community, and dependence on the Holy Spirit. For many of them, the biggest takeaway was simple: you don't have to feel qualified — you just have to be willing.

This episode is an honest, encouraging, and sometimes emotional look at what happens when ordinary people are willing to step out in faith and let God use them.

Are you willing to go outside your comfort zone and live life on mission?

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Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

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