Dying to Live Podcast

In this episode we have the privilege of sitting down with Russell Fraser, a respected elder in the life of Joshua Generation Church, a true pastor's pastor, and a spiritual father to many.

For decades, Russell has faithfully served God's people, investing in leaders, strengthening churches, and walking alongside pastors through both the joys and challenges of ministry. His life and ministry have left a lasting impact on countless individuals, not through prominence or platform, but through faithful, consistent shepherding.

In this conversation, Russell shares his personal journey as a pastor—the lessons learned, the victories celebrated, the challenges faced, and the faithfulness of God that has sustained him through every season. Whether you're a church leader, a ministry volunteer, or simply someone wanting to grow in your walk with Christ, you'll find wisdom, encouragement, and practical insights from a man who has spent a lifetime serving Jesus and His Church.

Sleep is something we all need, yet it is often one of the first things we neglect. In a world that celebrates busyness and productivity, many people struggle to find the right balance between work, rest, and recreation. Some wear sleep deprivation as a badge of honour, while others find themselves battling fatigue, oversleeping, or poor sleep habits that affect every area of life.

But what does the Bible say about sleep? Is it simply a biological necessity, or does God have something deeper to teach us through the gift of rest? How much sleep is enough? Can we have too little—or even too much? And how do we navigate the tension between diligence and rest in a way that honours God?

In this episode, we're taking a biblical and medical look at the subject of sleep. Joining us are Michael D'Offay and Dan Barnard, both elders in the life of JoshGen, along with Dr. Hanne Moffat, who brings valuable medical insight to the conversation. Together, we'll explore what Scripture teaches about sleep and rest, examine the health implications of our sleeping habits, and discuss how we can develop rhythms that help us flourish physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Whether you're someone who struggles to get enough sleep, wonders if you're getting too much, or simply wants to understand God's design for rest, this conversation will provide practical wisdom, biblical perspective, and helpful guidance for everyday life.

As our parents grow older, many of us find ourselves stepping into a role we never expected—the role of caregiver.

What begins with helping out here and there can gradually become a journey filled with difficult decisions, emotional strain, and complex family dynamics. When age-related illnesses such as dementia enter the picture, the challenges can multiply. Questions arise about safety, independence, finances, medical care, and who should take responsibility. Siblings may disagree on what is best. Parents may resist the very help they need. And those carrying the greatest burden can often feel overwhelmed, isolated, and uncertain.

How do we honour our parents while also protecting our own families and wellbeing? What boundaries are healthy and necessary? How do families make wise decisions together when emotions run high and opinions differ? And as Christians, what does God expect of us when caring for ageing parents?

Today, we're going to explore these important and often deeply personal questions with our guests, Nick and Belinda Sophos, and Kate Jonker. Whether you are currently caring for an elderly parent, preparing for that season of life, or supporting someone who is, this conversation will offer practical wisdom, biblical insight, and encouragement for the road ahead.

There comes a moment in every boy's life when childhood begins to give way to manhood. It doesn't happen overnight, and it rarely follows a straight line. One day they're playing with toys; the next they're wrestling with questions about purpose, strength, leadership, relationships, responsibility, and who they are becoming.

For Christian parents, these years can be both rewarding and daunting. Teenage boys are full of energy, potential, and ambition, but they are also navigating powerful influences, temptations, and pressures that can shape the course of their lives.

How do we help our sons grow into men who love God wholeheartedly? How do we cultivate strength without aggression, confidence without arrogance, and independence without rebellion?
What role does a father play in modelling godly masculinity and preparing a son for adulthood? How can a mother continue to influence, encourage, and speak into her son's life during a season when he may seem increasingly distant or independent?

How do we teach our sons to handle failure, temptation, friendships, technology, sexuality, and the responsibilities that come with increasing freedom? How do we help them develop conviction, resilience, humility, and courage in a culture that often offers conflicting definitions of manhood?
And as parents, how do we know when to hold tightly and when to loosen our grip? How do we create healthy boundaries while giving our sons the opportunity to grow, make decisions, and learn responsibility for themselves?

In this episode, we're joined by Tony & Jo Stroebel, Ivan & Karin van Vuuren, elders in the life of JoshGen, as we discuss the joys, challenges, and biblical principles of raising teenage boys. Together we'll explore how parents can intentionally equip their sons to become godly men who lead with integrity, serve with humility, and stand firm in their faith in an increasingly complex world.

Grace is one of the most beautiful truths in the Christian faith. We are saved by grace, sustained by grace, and transformed by grace. Yet throughout church history there has been an ongoing tension between the biblical doctrine of grace and the danger of turning grace into a licence for sin.

In this episode, we are joined by Mike D'Offay and Luke Hulley, both elders within the life of Joshua Generation, to explore what the Bible really teaches about grace, freedom, holiness, and obedience.

What is the difference between biblical grace and what some have called "hyper-grace"? Where does Christian freedom fit into the life of a believer? Does grace mean that obedience no longer matters? Can Christians persist in sin because God's grace abounds? And how do we avoid both legalism on the one hand and licence on the other?

We'll look closely at the teachings of the Apostle Paul, who boldly proclaimed salvation by grace alone, yet repeatedly challenged believers to pursue holiness and resist sin. Paul asks a powerful question in Romans: "Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?" His answer is emphatic: "By no means!

"We'll explore why true grace does not merely forgive sin—it empowers us to overcome it. Grace is not God's permission to remain unchanged; it is God's power at work within us, transforming us into the likeness of Christ.

Whether you've wrestled with questions about grace, freedom, obedience, discipleship, or holiness, this conversation will help you understand how God's grace leads not to licence, but to a life of joyful obedience and genuine freedom.