Life Over Coffee With Rick Thomas

Shows Main Idea – What do truth, contentment, relationships, and submission have in common? Recently, Rick shared these ideas with a few of his Mastermind Students. Then he put those thoughts in four short videos. This podcast is the audio version of those vitally relevant talks on living well with God and others in His world. Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-308-four-talks-on-truth-contentment-relationships-and-submission/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

I received this email from someone. "My husband is abusive. He followed you and sent so many articles from you to me, showing how I needed to change. I know you don't like the word abuse, so let's call him a narcissist." (Edited) I have several things to say in response. Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-307-stop-using-my-resources-to-make-a-person-conform-2/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Shows Main Idea – The history of the church in America has not had anything like what is happening from the culture and politics. The Equality Act, for example, is one of those direct hits. It is not about equality but about censoring and criminalizing the church. I have been asking the Lord to help our pastors think well about responding to these things as they lead their folks. Pastors are the first line of attack on the church. Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-306-the-pain-points-of-pastoring-in-a-hostile-chaotic-culture/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Shows Main Idea – If we don't change from the inside out, whatever transformation happens will not endure. Life-change occurs when our hearts go under the transforming influence of Jesus Christ. But what if you don't know how to do that as a new believer. Most fresh converts to Christ do not know how to change from the inside out, so they do the next best thing—exterior modifications to their lives. Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-305-it-makes-perfect-sense-why-a-person-practices-behavioral-modification/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Shows Main Idea – Rick Thomas talks to Dr. Jenn Chen about her experience as a secular psychologist, why she became a certified biblical counselor, and the superiority of biblical counseling. Jenn's journey is a beautiful encouragement for anyone who struggles with the sufficiency of Scripture. She has been on both sides of the soul-care fence and is a strong advocate for the Bible's sufficiency. Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-303-a-clinical-psychologist-becomes-a-biblical-counselor/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Shows Main Idea – The last couple of years for the church have been the equivalent of a shaken snowglobe—continuously. The tumbling has been unabated, and many in the Christian community are worn, despairing, and frustrated. One of the hot button issues at the epicenter of our complaint is an inability to assemble in our weekly church contexts. In this episode, I respond to the question, are we forsaking the assembly according to Hebrews 10:25? Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-304-do-zoom-church-meetings-mean-youre-forsaking-the-assembly/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Will you give me a biblical perspective on when our freedoms described in our Constitution (which I believe are God-inspired) are under attack? Should we or should we not defend them? Granted, men wrote the Constitution, but I think under the influence of God's direction. It has proven to be very beneficial for the world in many ways. We have established laws. Are we to just let the government tear them up? It's a real struggle for me to give a perfect and correct answer. Thanks. – Mark Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-302-should-we-passively-watch-our-constitution-erode/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Shows Main Idea – We have changed our Mastermind Program to three phases of training so any student will have a better training experience that adapts to who God has made them to be, how to best use their unique gifts, and to discover how the Lord can the student most effectively in His world. This episode is a question and answer session with Rick and some of his current Mastermind students in the program. Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-301-explanation-of-our-three-phase-mastermind-training/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Shows Main Idea – In this episode, Rick walks you through the four-point leadership assessment process that he implements to help his students identify their strengths and weaknesses while giving them an idea of how they can best serve God in their communities. These four concepts apply to all Christians, including your children, as it gives you a leadership template for understanding and helping them mature in Christ. Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-300-a-four-point-leadership-analysis-to-evaluate-yourself/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

You're on a church staff or part of a church's leadership team. You become aware of a fellow leader in known sin. How are you to help him? What are some things you should consider with a brother or sister who is in a trap? How can you emulate Paul's teaching in Galatians 6:1-2 practically to restore such a person? In this episode, Rick shares some helpful to a struggling leader. Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-299-how-to-interact-with-a-pastor-with-known-sin/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Shows Main Idea – We started our Mastermind Program in 2010. It has gone through many changes because, like our individual sanctification, we're always learning, growing, and maturing. In this episode, I explain our most recent changes, the reasons we are making them, and why it might be the right time for you to jump into this world-class, discipleship, counselor training. The start date for these new changes is set for Spring 2021. Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-298-rethinking-reworking-relaunching-our-mastermind-program Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Shows Main Idea – Forgiveness is a multifaceted opportunity for two people to reconcile after there is a transgression. Because of the complexity of sin and the complications of some relationships, it’s not always straightforward. Each person must work hard to understand biblical forgiveness and do all they can to reconcile when sin divides two people. In this episode, I respond to a questioner that is asking for clarity about forgiveness. Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-297-knowing-how-to-live-out-practical-forgiveness-is-essential Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Shows Main Idea – A friend asked me for advice on helping someone who has gone through some deep hurts in her life. The horrific events were patterns, not an isolated episode. When assisting a hurting person, you must marshall many biblical helpers because of the long-term care needed. Our cyber-ministry cannot be the primary care, but it is superb supplemental help. This episode provides a practical way that our ministry can serve you as you serve the walking wounded. Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-296-some-practical-advice-for-those-struggling-with-deep-hurts/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Shows Main Idea – I have a new Christian friend who is interested in Bible reading plans. He has so many questions about God, life, and the Bible. It’s refreshing! What do you think would be an excellent Bible, reading plans, apps, and other things you would recommend for a young believer? – Ministry Donor Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-295-thoughts-on-bible-plans-studies-memorization-and-more/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Shows Main Idea – A friend asked Rick for the best way to start a ministry like his. She was inspired to share the practical gospel with a hurting world. The current cultural and political climate is what's motivating her. She's been following our ministry for a while and asked how to take advantage of technology's redemptive use to affect lives. Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-294-what-is-the-best-way-to-start-a-ministry-similar-to-yours/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Rick met with a young couple for pre-marriage counseling recently, and the man asked him for the top things they needed to know to have a great marriage. He shared three things with this couple. After the counseling session, he turned on his mic and shared them because they are vital for any couple who wants a lasting marriage. As you listen, please take advantage of the supplemental resources in these Show Notes, which further explain and teach how to apply these ideas to your marriage. Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-293-three-things-a-couple-should-know-for-a-lasting-marriage Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Shows Main Idea – At the end of The Hope Conference in Sarasota, Florida, Rick Thomas and Daniel Berger answered several of the attendees’ questions. During the conference, folks placed their questions in boxes, which they collected at the end. They could not answer all of them, but this episode provides many of their biblically-based, well-thought-out responses to everyday, practical issues that are vital to all of us. Rick and Daniel plan to answer the other questions in future Life Over Coffee with Rick Thomas and Daniel Berger video episodes. Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-292-rick-and-daniel-doing-q-a-from-the-hope-conference/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Shows Main Idea – We went to Sarasota, Florida, January 13-17, 2021, to co-teach with Dr. Daniel Berger. This episode gives you a behind the scenes look at our itinerary and other tidbits about our trip. This conference was the first one since we were in Idaho in August 2021. Due to COVID restrictions, churches canceled and rescheduled our meetings. Please enjoy the brief synopsis of this excellent conference. Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-291-a-behind-the-scenes-oral-narrative-of-the-hope-conference/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

This moment in American history is one of the best opportunities for Christians to make a difference. In the past, we operated in an 18% gray world that was neither hot nor cold. Today, it's darker than at any time in our lives. The darker the night, the brighter the light. This moment is our time, but the disappointment is too deep for too many of our brothers and sisters, and their frustration is too intense. Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-290-learning-how-to-respond-to-a-world-you-dont-like-anymore Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Shows Main Idea – What are you to do with unconfessed past sins against your spouse? What are the questions you want to ask if you were helping someone who wants to come clean? In this episode, Biff sinned against Mable years ago, and after keeping it a secret, he wants to confess. Why should he? Why should he not? How will you lead Biff through this common marital dilemma? Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-289-what-is-the-best-way-to-handle-secret-marriage-sins/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/