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Let's Talk Basic Christianity: Exploring the Bible with Open Minded Faith

Explore Jesus and spiritual growth in this open-minded Christian podcast.

In today’s confusing world, it’s not easy to trust just anyone when you want to understand Jesus and the bible without pressure! This Podcast is for you. I am pretty much a beginner in the bible, but I have been through it twice and have watched many shows to educate myself and have gained an understanding of what is written in it! My son is much more versed in the bible and speaks a little deeper than I. We will interpret from our perspective and get help from experts when needed. This is a podcast for us ALL to learn together.

My name is Michael (Mike), and my son is Anthony (Tony). We started this podcast not because everyone else is doing one. We did it because of our experience getting to this point. As previously stated, we are not experts; in fact, I was a non-practicing catholic who was sitting in my recliner when I was chosen, and my son was going through a crisis when he was chosen.

I will also note that I am a retired Air Force Master Sergeant, and I am here for any vets who need to talk!

We will share our experiences and move onward together, and hopefully grow together. Once we establish our stories, we will reach out for suggestions and your stories to share. We are not looking for you to convert to Jesus; we only want to give you the tools to understand if you choose to. We hope we can help you understand what we know and help you to decide your track. Or you can just listen every week and enjoy the show! The choice is yours, not ours, and we will NEVER pressure you to join any denomination of a church!

OUR PLAYLISTS:

1. New Here? Start With These

- Welcome to Let's Talk Basic Christianity

- What is the Bible? Let's Talk Basic Christianity

- Church in the Cul-De-Sac: Faith Beyond the Building

2. Real Stories: Testimonies & Transformation

- From Broken to Believing: Mike's Journey to Jesus Christ

- Tony's Journey to Jesus Christ: A Personal Story of Faith

- Finding Strength Through Hard Times

- Faith and Family: The Braswell Legacy and a Life of Belief

3. Understanding the Bible & Christian Foundations

- What is the Bible? Let's Talk Basic Christianity

- End Times - Spiritual Growth and Jesus' Teachings

- Church in the Cul-De-Sac: Faith Beyond the Building

- The Power of Gratitude – Spiritual Growth and Jesus Reflections

4. Free Will, Choice & Christian Living

- Free Will, Faith, and Choice (Part 1)

- Free Will, Faith, and Choice (Part 2) (acts of kindness, grace, forgiveness)

- End Times - Spiritual Growth and Jesus' Teachings

5. Faith, Family & Relationships

- Why Family Matters in Christian Faith

- Faith and Family: The Braswell Legacy and a Life of Belief

- Church in the Cul-De-Sac: Faith Beyond the Building

- Finding Strength Through Hard Times

6. Hope, Healing & Strength in Hard Times

- Finding Strength Through Hard Times

- Faith and Healing: Felisha Madison’s Spiritual Journey with Jesus

- The Power of Gratitude - Spiritual Growth and Jesus Reflections

- From Broken to Believing: Mike's Journey to Jesus Christ

All Episodes

Let's Talk Basic Christianity: Exploring the Bible with Open Minded Faith

Finding Strength Through Hard Times

October 06, 2025 • Michael & Anthony Kocienski • Season 1 • Episode 11

0:00 | 54:57

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Summary

In this episode, Mike and Anthony discuss the intertwined themes of hard times and strength, sharing personal experiences and insights on how faith plays a crucial role in navigating life's challenges. They emphasize the importance of recognizing God's presence during difficult moments and the transformative power of resilience. The conversation also touches on the significance of community support, humility, and the need to unplug from societal pressures to reconnect with one's faith. The episode concludes with a reflection on future topics and the ongoing journey of personal growth and spirituality.

Takeaways

- Hard times can lead to personal growth and resilience.

- God is always present, even in our pain.

- Strength is not just physical; it encompasses spiritual and emotional aspects.

- Navigating hard times requires faith and trust in God's timing.

- Community support is vital during challenging periods.

- Humility and kindness are essential virtues in difficult situations.

- Unplugging from social media can help refocus on faith and relationships.

- Every struggle shapes us for future blessings.

- God's love is unconditional and transformative.

- The journey of faith is ongoing and requires openness.

Chapters