The PursueGOD Truth Podcast

Welcome back, men! We’ve all heard the phrase, “Familiarity breeds contempt.” The more often we see something, the easier it is to take it for granted. The same can happen with Scripture.
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The PursueGOD Men's podcast helps guys apply God's Word to their lives to become full circle followers of Jesus. Join us for a new men's episode every other Thursday.
Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/men.
Learn more about "full circle" Christianity through our 12-week Pursuit series.
Click here to learn more about how to use these resources with men and boys at church.
Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].
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The Good Shepherd: Rediscovering Psalm 23
If you grew up in church, you’ve probably heard Psalm 23 so many times that it almost feels automatic. You may even have it memorized. But God’s Word is alive and active. These aren’t sentimental words for funerals—they are life-giving truth for everyday valleys.
Psalm 23 invites us to see something stunning: the Almighty God of the universe is not distant or impersonal. He is our Shepherd.
The Lord Is My Shepherd
Psalm 23 opens with a deeply personal declaration: “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” Psalm 23:1 (NLT)
Notice “Lord” is in all capital letters. This is Yahweh—the covenant name of God. David isn’t talking about a vague higher power. He’s talking about the personal, promise-keeping God of Israel.
David knew what a shepherd was because he had been one. When the prophet Samuel came to anoint Israel’s future king, David wasn’t even invited to the ceremony. He was out in the fields tending sheep. He had risked his life to protect them.
1 Samuel 17:34–35 (NLT)
“But David persisted. ‘I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats,’ he said. ‘When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth… I catch it by the jaw and club it to death.’”
David understood the fierce love of a shepherd. So when he called God his Shepherd, he meant protector, provider, and guide.
Centuries later, Jesus used the same imagery:
John 10:11 (NLT)
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.”
John 10:14–15 (NLT)
“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me… So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.”
David risked his life for sheep. Jesus gave His life for us. That’s the difference between a good shepherd and the Good Shepherd.
Entering His Rest
“I have all that I need.” Psalm 23:1 (NLT)
We may not have all that we want, but in Christ we have everything we need. From an eternal perspective, what do we truly need? Forgiveness of sins. Righteousness before a holy God. Access to His kingdom. Jesus provides all of it.
“He lets me rest in green meadows.” Psalm 23:2 (NLT)
The image is nourishment and peace. Sheep only lie down when they feel safe. The Shepherd provides security so they can rest.
Hebrews 4:9–11 (NLT)
“So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God… For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors… So let us do our best to enter that rest.”
We rest in the finished work of Jesus. The Christian life is not passive—we work hard, we endure trials—but we no longer strive to earn God’s approval. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. The pressure to prove ourselves is replaced by peace.
“He leads me beside peaceful streams.” Psalm 23:2 (NLT)
Water is life in the desert. Jesus satisfies the deepest thirst of our souls.
Through the Darkest Valley
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.” Psalm 23:4 (NLT)
Notice David says “when,” not “if.” Suffering is part of the journey.
Jesus was honest about that.
John 16:33 (NLT)
“Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
If David was walking through the valley, it’s because the Shepherd led him there. A good shepherd doesn’t lose track of his sheep. Sometimes the route to green pastures goes through dark ravines. The Shepherd knows what lies on the other side.
Romans 8:18 (NLT)
“What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.”
If you’re in a valley, it’s not an accident. God is not unaware. He is leading, even there.
Protective, Not Restrictive
“Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 (NLT)
The rod was used to defend against predators. The staff was used to guide wandering sheep. Both represent care.
God’s boundaries are not restrictive; they are protective. David understood this well:
Psalm 19:7–8 (NLT)
“The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul… The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart.”
God’s Word revives, warns, and rewards. His commands are sweeter than honey and more valuable than gold. The Shepherd’s discipline and direction are evidence of His love.
A Feast in the Valley
“You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.” Psalm 23:5 (NLT)
The enemies haven’t disappeared. The valley hasn’t vanished. Yet there is a banquet.
God doesn’t always remove the threat; sometimes He sustains us right in front of it. One day we will join the ultimate feast, when sin and death are gone forever. But even now, He provides abundantly.
“Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life.” Psalm 23:6 (NLT)
Like a shepherd chasing after wandering sheep, God pursues us with goodness and mercy. And the psalm ends with hope that stretches beyond this life:
“And I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6 (NLT)
Jesus said He is preparing a place for us in His Father’s house. Our Shepherd not only walks with us now—He secures our forever.
Psalm 23 is not sentimental poetry. It is a declaration of reality. The Lord is our Shepherd. In green pastures and dark valleys alike, He is enough.

In this episode Pastor Bryan challenges the popular but dangerous habit of "narcissistic" Bible reading—treating the Scriptures like a mirror to validate our own feelings rather than a window into the mind of God. By exploring the critical distinction between Eisegesis (reading our own meaning into the text) and Exegesis (drawing God’s meaning out of it), we uncover how misusing "inspiring" verses like Jeremiah 29:11 or Philippians 4:13 can actually silence the Holy Spirit's true intent. Listeners will walk away with a practical four-pillar framework for Hermeneutics, shifting from seeking "nuggets of personal approval" to encountering the transformative, Christ-centered reality of the Word.
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The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.
Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.
Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.
Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.
Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].
Donate Now
Keyword: Bible Study
What’s the Difference between Eisegesis and Exegesis?
What Is Biblical Hermeneutics?

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In this episode, Tracy explains why forgiveness isn’t passive, instant, or pretending the hurt didn’t happen—it’s an active, ongoing choice that makes healing and growth possible in your marriage. She unpacks what forgiveness is (and isn’t), shows what it can look like in real-life scenarios, and challenges both spouses to not only give forgiveness but ask for it with humility.
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The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two.
Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.
Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.
Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.
Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].
Donate Now
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Gary Chapman's book: The Five Languages of Apology
Video from the Marriage Channel: The F Word that Can Save Your Marriage
Forgiveness in Marriage: The Choice That Changes Everything
Every marriage will face hurt. Expectations will be missed. Words will be spoken in frustration. Sometimes there will even be deep betrayal. The question isn’t if you’ll need forgiveness in your marriage — it’s whether you’ll choose it.
Forgiveness is not passive. It’s not pretending the hurt didn’t happen. And it’s not a “magic eraser” that wipes away pain overnight. Biblical forgiveness is an active, ongoing choice. It’s the decision to release the offense so that healing and growth can begin.
When Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive someone, Jesus answered, “seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21-22. That wasn’t a literal number — it was a posture. Forgiveness is meant to characterize the heart of a follower of Christ.
What Forgiveness Is
1. Forgiveness Is a Choice
Forgiveness doesn’t always feel natural. It’s a deliberate decision not to replay the offense over and over or use it as ammunition in the next argument. It’s choosing not to hold your spouse hostage to their failure.
2. Forgiveness Is a Gift
You’re giving your spouse space to grow. You’re saying, “You hurt me, but I’m willing to move forward instead of weaponizing this against you.” It creates room for rebuilding.
3. Forgiveness Is Active and Ongoing
Some wounds are deep. If there has been infidelity, addiction, or repeated betrayal, forgiveness may not be a one-time event. It may be something you choose daily — even moment by moment — as painful memories resurface.
4. Forgiveness Means Giving Up Vengeance
Holding onto bitterness may feel justified, but it poisons your heart. Hebrews 12:15 warns about the “poisonous root of bitterness.” Revenge does not create healing soil for reconciliation.
What Forgiveness Is Not
Forgiveness does not mean forgetting. It does not minimize the offense. And it does not automatically restore trust.
Trust and forgiveness are not the same thing. Forgiveness is a proactive gift. Trust is rebuilt over time through consistent behavior. If your spouse betrayed you, forgiveness opens the door for healing — but trust must be earned.
God’s Model for Marriage
As followers of Jesus, our ultimate model is God Himself.
Ephesians 4:32 tells us to be “kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Psalm 103:10-12 reminds us that God does not treat us as our sins deserve. He removes our sins “as far from us as the east is from the west.”
Romans 5:8 declares that Christ died for us while we were still sinners.
When we remember how much we’ve been forgiven, it softens our hearts toward our spouse. We’ve offended a holy God far more than our spouse has offended us — yet He forgives with compassion.
What Forgiveness Looks Like in Real Life
Scenario 1: Missed Expectations
Maybe your spouse is chronically late. They forget anniversaries. They don’t plan date nights. Forgiveness here might look like clearly communicating your expectations instead of silently building resentment. It might mean maintaining a posture that wants your spouse to succeed — not secretly hoping they fail so you can feel justified.
It also means refusing to live in “negative sentiment override,” constantly focusing on their flaws. Instead, choose to remember the qualities you love about them and invite trusted mentors or counselors to help you grow.
Scenario 2: Betrayal (Pornography Relapse or Infidelity)
This is heavier. Forgiveness in this case does not mean ignoring the betrayal. It means honest confrontation, outside help, accountability structures, and clear expectations.
Forgiveness says, “I’m willing to give you space to rebuild trust.” It does not eliminate consequences, but it removes vengeance from the equation so healing can begin.
Many couples have rebuilt after devastating betrayal — but it only happened because the offended spouse was willing to extend forgiveness, and the offending spouse was willing to earn trust.
When You Need to Ask for Forgiveness
Forgiveness isn’t only about giving it. Sometimes you need to ask for it.
That requires humility. It means taking responsibility without shifting blame. It means saying clearly what you did wrong and asking for forgiveness.
Healthy marriages are built when both spouses know how to forgive and how to repent.
The Better Way Forward
Bitterness is like gasoline on a fire. Forgiveness is the extinguisher. One destroys; the other creates space for rebuilding.
If you want a healthy marriage, forgiveness cannot be optional. Pray for a softened heart. Meditate on how God has forgiven you. Choose forgiveness — again and again.
It’s not easy. But it is freeing. And it is God-honoring.

In this episode, former Mormon apologist Michael Flournoy shares how debating Christians and studying Scripture to defend Mormonism unexpectedly led him to the doctrine of grace—until he realized Jesus’ righteousness is a gift, not something you earn. His journey exposes the “impossible gospel” of performance and points to the sufficiency of Christ alone.
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The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.
Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.
Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.
Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.
Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].
Donate Now
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Link to "From Mormon Apologist to Christian: The Story of Michael Flournoy" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi5XP1Qh6Os
The Story of Michael Flournoy
What does it mean to be a “Mormon apologist”? Michael Flournoy explains it with a smile: it’s not someone who’s good at apologizing. It comes from the Greek word apologia—a defense. In other words, an apologist is someone who argues their case and tries to prove they’re right.
And for years, that was Michael.
He wasn’t employed by the LDS Church, but he took the job personally. As a Mormon missionary, Michael ran into evangelical Christians who used the Bible to challenge Mormon beliefs. Instead of backing down, he doubled down. He became a student of Scripture—not to surrender to it, but to “undermine” Christian arguments. He debated Christians online and in person, wrote a book titled A Biblical Defense of Mormonism, and tried to persuade Christians that Mormons were truly Christians… just with “more truth.”
But the story doesn’t stay there.
When the Bible Didn’t Cooperate
Michael describes an early turning point on his mission. A Christian man confronted him with questions about God’s nature, authority, and salvation. The conversation became combative and intense, lasting hours. Meanwhile, Michael’s missionary companion tried (and failed) to locate a key proof-text Michael assumed was in the Bible—something to support the Mormon idea that humans can become gods.
As the Christian man quoted passage after passage from memory, Michael felt stunned. His assumption was simple: “The Bible is supposed to be on our side.” But suddenly, it felt like Scripture was testifying against him.
That moment didn’t immediately make Michael a Christian—but it did awaken something: a hunger for certainty. Mormonism often leaves people with shifting ground—“maybe the prophet was speaking as a man,” or “maybe that revelation was partly human.” Michael didn’t want “maybe” anymore. He wanted truth that wouldn’t move. So he committed to reading the Bible and believing what it said.
Ironically, he came out of that study more convinced Mormonism was true—at least for a while. He was using the Bible, but he admits he didn’t yet understand how to interpret it faithfully. He collected scattered verses, stretched meanings, and attempted what he later calls “mental gymnastics.” If Christians had to accept the Bible, he figured, he could use it as “checkmate” to prove Mormonism.
So he finished his mission, got married, and even dropped out of college to write his book....

Have you ever wondered if you’re a two-part or a three-part being? While many Christians use the terms "soul" and "spirit" interchangeably, others argue they represent distinct layers of our spiritual anatomy. In this episode, we dive deep into the classic theological debate between Dichotomy (body and soul/spirit) and Trichotomy (body, soul, and spirit). By exploring the Hebrew concept of nephesh, the "parallelism" of Mary’s song, and the "piercing" metaphor in Hebrews 4:12, we uncover why this isn't just a technical word study—it’s a vital look at how God redeems the whole person. Whether you feel like your emotions are at war with your faith or you're trying to map out your "inner self," this conversation clarifies how we are a unified "unity of dust and breath."
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The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.
Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.
Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.
Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.
Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].
Donate Now
What Is The “Trichotomist” View Of Human Beings? - The trichotomist view is the theological perspective that human beings are composed of three distinct parts: body, soul, and spirit. While the “dichotomist” view—the idea that man is a unified being of material (body) and immaterial (soul/spirit)—has been the more dominant position throughout church history, trichotomy seeks to make a sharper distinction between our psychological life and our spiritual life. According to this framework, the soul and spirit are not just different words for the same thing, but separate components with unique functions.
What Is the “Dichotomist” View of Human Beings? - The dichotomist view is the biblical and theological belief that human beings consist of two distinct parts: the material (the physical body) and the immaterial (the soul or spirit). Unlike the trichotomist view, which argues for a three-part breakdown of body, soul, and spirit, dichotomy suggests that “soul” and “spirit” are simply two different names for the same non-physical essence that lives on after the body dies.
Is There a Difference Between Soul and Spirit? - The Bible uses the terms “soul” and “spirit” to describe the immaterial part of a human being, but most biblical scholars believe they refer to the same essence seen from different perspectives. While some argue for a three-part (trichotomist) view, the “dichotomist” view—that humans consist of two parts, a physical body and a unified spiritual soul—is the most consistent way to understand how Scripture describes our inner life.

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Key Discussion Points
The Vocabulary of Humanity: An introduction to "Theological Anthropology" and why science alone cannot explain the immaterial part of a human being.
The Creation Account (Genesis 2:7): Analyzing the "math" of creation—dust (material) plus breath (immaterial) equals a living nephesh (soul).
The Trichotomist View: The belief in three parts:
Body: Physical relation to the environment.
Soul: The seat of personality (mind, will, emotions).
Spirit: The capacity for God-consciousness.
The Dichotomist View: The belief that "soul" and "spirit" are two names for the same immaterial essence, often used as synonyms or poetic parallelism in Scripture.
The "Hebrews 4:12" Dilemma: A closer look at the verse often used to prove a split between soul and spirit, and why it might actually be a metaphor for deep penetration rather than anatomical separation.
Holistic Redemption: Why compartmentalizing our "good spirit" from our "messy soul" is a dangerous lie, and how God seeks to redeem our entire being—thoughts, feelings, and bodies.