Dying to Live Podcast

“What do you do when the people you love most don't share the values that have become central to your life? Following Jesus doesn't just change our Sunday mornings—it can change our priorities, commitments and the way we make decisions. And sometimes, that creates tension. There’s a family birthday, a weekly dinner or a special gathering, but there’s also a church commitment or Kingdom responsibility that you believe is important. So what do we do when faith and family collide? How do we honour and love our families without compromising our devotion to Christ? When should family take priority, and when should our Kingdom commitments? And how do we navigate these situations without becoming judgmental, legalistic or insensitive to the people we love? The answer isn't simply, ‘Church comes first,’ or ‘Family always comes first.’ We are called to love, honour, serve and remain faithful to Christ—and sometimes those commitments can pull us in different directions. So today, we're having an honest conversation about When Faith & Family Collide—and how we can navigate those difficult moments with wisdom, grace and a heart that remains faithful to Christ.”

There are few things more difficult for a church than saying goodbye to a leader we have come to love, trust and respect. Whether it is a pastor, elder or another spiritual leader, their departure can feel deeply personal—even when we believe that God is the one calling them into a new season. So how do we navigate that transition well? In this podcast, we’re going to look at the experience from all sides: the members who are grieving a relationship, the leader who has to leave people they love, and the new leader who steps into a congregation with a history and expectations already in place. How do we honour what God has done through the previous leader without living in the past? How do we welcome someone new without constantly comparing them to the person who left? And perhaps most importantly, how do we learn to trust God when He moves people and seasons in ways we wouldn't necessarily choose ourselves? This is a conversation about change, loss, calling, letting go—and learning to trust God with what comes next.

Today we're tackling a subject that touches every one of us at some point in our lives. Throughout the Bible we're repeatedly told, "Do not fear." But what does that mean when fear feels overwhelming? What do we do when anxiety isn't just an occasional emotion, but something that weighs heavily on our minds, affects our relationships, disrupts our sleep, and even impacts our physical health? Anxiety has become one of the defining struggles of our generation. It affects young and old, believers and unbelievers alike. It can quietly erode our peace, weaken our faith, and leave us feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Yet the Bible has a great deal to say about fear, anxiety, and the peace that God offers His people. In this episode, we'll explore what Scripture teaches about fear and anxiety. Are fear and anxiety always sinful? Why does God so often command His people, "Do not be afraid"? How do we obey that command when our emotions tell us otherwise? And what practical, biblical steps can we take to fight anxiety and cultivate a deeper trust in God? We'll also consider how the Church should respond. How do we walk alongside someone who is struggling with fear? How do we encourage without offering empty clichés or simplistic answers? And how do we point people to the hope, comfort, and peace that are found in Christ? This is a conversation about more than managing emotions. It's about learning to trust a sovereign God in an uncertain world, discovering His presence in the midst of our fears, and finding the peace that Jesus promised—a peace that transcends circumstances. Whether you're wrestling with anxiety yourself or seeking to help someone who is, we pray this episode will equip you with biblical wisdom, practical encouragement, and renewed confidence in God's faithful promises.

Today we're diving into a subject that lies at the very heart of the Christian life: "Guarding & Growing in Joy." Joy is one of the great themes of Scripture. Yet for many believers, it can seem elusive. Life brings trials, disappointment, suffering, and uncertainty, and it's easy to wonder: Is lasting joy really possible? The Bible tells us that joy is far more than a passing emotion or a response to favourable circumstances. It is a deep, enduring confidence rooted in the character of God, the finished work of Christ, and the unchanging hope of the gospel. It's a joy that can exist even in the midst of hardship. So what does the Bible actually say about joy? How is biblical joy different from happiness? How do we guard our joy when life is difficult? And what practical habits help us grow in joy day by day? In this episode, we'll explore the Scriptures to discover why joy is described as a fruit of the Spirit, why we're repeatedly commanded to rejoice, and how believers can cultivate a life marked by gratitude, worship, hope, and delight in God—even when circumstances are far from ideal. We'll also discuss the things that rob us of joy, how to recognise them, and how to keep our eyes fixed on Christ, the true source of lasting joy. Whether you're walking through a season of blessing or a season of struggle, our prayer is that this conversation will encourage you to experience the joy that God intends for His people—not a superficial happiness, but a deep and abiding joy that sustains us through every season of life.

Today we're tackling a difficult but important subject for the Church: discipline, repentance and restoration. What happens when a believer falls into serious sin? What does the Bible teach us about church discipline? Is discipline simply about confronting sin and imposing consequences, or is there a greater purpose? The Bible presents a road that leads from discipline, through repentance, toward restoration.But how do we recognise genuine repentance? And when someone has truly turned from their sin, how should we receive them back into fellowship? Then there’s another difficult question: what happens when repentance doesn't remove the consequences of sin? A person can be genuinely repentant and forgiven by God, while trust still needs to be rebuilt, relationships repaired, and certain responsibilities changed. So how do we hold together truth and grace, holiness and mercy, accountability and forgiveness? How do we discipline without crushing? Forgive without minimising sin? And restore a repentant sinner in a way that is truly biblical and godly? Today, we're going to explore what the Bible says about the road from discipline to repentance and ultimately to restoration.

John de Beer, an elder in the life of JoshGen, shares his story of brokenness and restoration after the tragic death of his brother Carl. Together with his wife Christa he chats about some of the trials and deep emotional pain caused by a suicide in the family.

Today we're exploring a subject that is deeply personal, often misunderstood, and profoundly important to the heart of God: "Reflecting God's Heart to Single Moms." For many single mothers, life is marked by extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and resilience. Yet alongside those realities, many also carry the weight of judgement, stigma, and assumptions—sometimes from the very communities where they should find grace and support. The truth is that women become single mothers through a wide range of circumstances: bereavement, divorce, abandonment, abuse, unplanned pregnancy, or the difficult consequences of living in a broken world. Every story is unique, and every person bears the image of God. So what should the Church's response be? How do we move beyond stereotypes and reflect the compassion, truth, and love of Christ? What does Scripture teach about caring for those who are vulnerable? And what does it look like for believers to come alongside single mothers in practical, meaningful, and biblical ways—without compromising truth or withholding grace? In this episode, we'll consider how the Church can become a place of refuge rather than rejection, support rather than suspicion, and hope rather than hardship. We'll explore God's heart for those who carry heavy burdens and ask what it means for His people to faithfully represent that heart in today's world. Whether you're a single parent, a church leader, or simply someone who wants to love others more like Christ, we pray this conversation will encourage, challenge, and equip you.

Today we're tackling a topic that affects every single one of us, whether we realise it or not: Conscience. What exactly is our conscience? Is it simply an inner voice, or has God given every person an inbuilt moral compass? Can we trust our conscience completely, or does it need to be shaped and informed by God's Word? We'll explore what the Bible teaches about conscience, how it relates to morality, and why our culture seems increasingly divided over questions of right and wrong. We'll also unpack one of the Bible's most sobering phrases: a seared conscience. What does it mean? How does a conscience become hardened? And is there a way back? Joining us for this conversation are two elders from the Joshua Generation family of churches, Russell Fraser and Michael D'Offay. Together we'll examine Scripture, discuss the challenges Christians face in today's moral landscape, and consider how believers can cultivate a conscience that is sensitive to the voice of God. Whether you're a Christian seeking biblical clarity or simply curious about where morality comes from, we hope this conversation will challenge your thinking and strengthen your faith.

Every one of us believes things about ourselves, God, or others that simply aren't true. Some of these lies seem small. Others have shaped the course of our entire lives. Perhaps you've believed you're not good enough. That you're unwanted. That God could never truly love or forgive you. Maybe you've lived under shame, rejection, fear, or condemnation for so long that they've become part of your identity. The Bible tells us that Satan is a liar and the father of lies. His strategy has always been deception. If he can persuade us to believe a lie, he can keep us living in bondage even when Christ has already paid for our freedom. The good news of the gospel is that Jesus doesn't simply forgive our sins—He invites us into what we call the great exchange. He exchanges lies for truth, shame for acceptance, fear for peace, bondage for freedom, and our old identity for a new one as sons and daughters of God. In this episode we'll explore how these lies take root, how they influence our thinking, emotions, and behaviour, and how the Holy Spirit reveals truth that sets people free. We'll talk about repentance—not merely feeling sorry, but changing our minds and agreeing with God. We'll discuss confession, forgiveness, healing of the heart, and where necessary, deliverance from spiritual oppression. Deliverance is an important part of ministry for some people, but it is never the whole story. Lasting freedom comes as God's truth replaces the lies we have believed. As Jesus said, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

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.

Money is one of the most talked-about subjects in the Bible. From stewardship and generosity to debt, contentment, wealth, and wise planning, Scripture gives us practical wisdom for handling finances in a way that honors God. In this episode, we are joined by our special guests, Dave James and Hayley Friend, who will help us unpack what God's Word teaches about money and how we can apply these principles in our everyday lives. Together, we'll explore questions such as: How should Christians manage their money? What does the Bible teach about wealth and possessions? What does the Bible say about debt? Where does faith fit into our financial decisions? Is budgeting a practical tool of good stewardship? How do we develop a Kingdom perspective on finances in a world driven by materialism? And what should our relationship with money actually look like? We'll discuss the balance between trusting God and taking responsibility. Does faith mean simply waiting for God to provide, or does it include careful planning, budgeting, saving, and wise decision-making? How can we trust God as our Provider while faithfully stewarding the resources He has entrusted to us? We'll discover that money is not merely a financial issue—it's a heart issue. God is not only interested in what we do with our money, but what our money reveals about our priorities, our trust, our faith, and our devotion. Whether you're struggling financially, planning for the future, trying to get out of debt, seeking to become a better steward, or simply wanting to align your finances with biblical principles, this conversation is for you. So grab a notebook, open your Bible, and join us as we learn how to manage our money God's way.

Raising teenage girls has never been easy, but many parents would argue that it has never been more challenging than it is today. We live in a world that is constantly competing for the hearts, minds, and identity of our daughters. Through social media, entertainment, peer pressure, and shifting cultural values, young women are being bombarded with messages about who they should be, what they should believe, and where they should find their worth. So how do Christian parents navigate these waters? How do we raise godly women in a culture that often pulls in the opposite direction?What is the unique role of a mother in shaping her daughter's character, confidence, and understanding of biblical womanhood? What is the unique role of a father in providing protection, affirmation, guidance, and a model of godly masculinity? As our daughters move from childhood into adolescence and eventually adulthood, how do we remain intentional about spending time with them? How do we build relationships strong enough to withstand the pressures they face? And perhaps one of the greatest parenting challenges of all: how do we establish boundaries that protect without provoking? When should we be firm? When should we be flexible? How do we distinguish between hard boundaries that should never be crossed and soft boundaries that allow our daughters to grow, learn, and mature responsibly? In this episode, we're going to explore these questions and more as Phil and Mareli, Demetri and Karen (eldership couples in the life of JoshGen) discuss the privilege, responsibility, and challenges of raising teenage girls who love God, know who they are in Christ, and are equipped to stand firm in an increasingly confusing world.

What do we really mean when we say, "God is in control"? It's a phrase Christians often use, especially in times of uncertainty, suffering, or disappointment. But what exactly is the sovereignty of God? Does it mean that God determines every detail of life? How does His sovereignty relate to our choices, our prayers, our obedience, and our relationship with Him? And if God is truly sovereign, should we simply sit back and accept whatever happens, believing there's nothing for us to do? In this episode, we explore one of the most profound and comforting truths of the Christian faith—the sovereignty of God. Together we'll consider what the Bible teaches about God's rule and authority over all things, where this doctrine fits into our understanding of who God is, and how it shapes the way we live, trust, pray, and follow Christ every day. Joining us are Mike D'Offay and Stephan van Zyl, elders within the life of Joshua Generation Church, who share their insights and understanding of God's sovereignty and its practical implications for our lives as believers.

Because the strongest leaders are not driven by titles, ambition, or recognition. They are sons first — secure enough to serve, humble enough to learn, and faithful enough to follow before they ever lead others. Great leadership begins with good followership. The best leaders are teachable, accountable, and willing to walk under authority before they are entrusted with authority. They understand that before God calls someone to lead publicly, He often teaches them to follow faithfully in private. In this episode, Hannes van den Heever and Greg Fenn, elders in JoshGen Mossel Bay, share their personal journeys of leadership, discipleship, growth, and learning what it means to lead from a place of sonship and surrender within the community. Join us as we explore the qualities that shape healthy leaders: character, humility, obedience, courage, servanthood, integrity, and spiritual maturity. Real leadership doesn’t begin on a platform. It begins with surrender, faithfulness, and the willingness to follow well.

We often sit down with guests who have walked through the joys, struggles, victories and disappointments of life, ministry, marriage and calling… and ask a simple but powerful question: What would you say to your younger self? What would you do differently? What lessons were learned the hard way? How has time, experience and faith changed the way you see life today? In this episode, Steve and Cathy Corkill, who serve as an eldership couple with JoshGen Mossel Bay, look back over many years of marriage and ministry, reflecting honestly on the journey behind them — the challenges, the grace of God, the things they would change, and the advice they would pass on to the next generation. Whether you’re young and searching for direction, or older and reflecting on your own journey, we hope these conversations encourage you, strengthen your faith, and remind you that wisdom is often written through the ordinary moments of life.

In this episode we’re looking at something that quietly slips into our churches and our hearts — legalism. What is it, really? Because the Bible is clear. In books like Galatians and Colossians, Paul warned not to add human rules to what God has already said. Legalism is more than strictness — it’s adding to Scripture, creating extra ‘do’s and don’ts,’ and then measuring spirituality by them. And if we’re honest, we’ve all seen it… and sometimes we’ve done it. So how do we recognise it? What does the Bible actually say? And how do we lead people out of it and back into the freedom of the gospel? Because legalism doesn’t produce life — it produces pressure, pride, or discouragement. But the gospel produces freedom.