The Faith That Keeps Us Standing: A Personal Scam Story Artwork

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

The Faith That Keeps Us Standing: A Personal Scam Story

March 24, 2026 • Michael & Anthony Kocienski | Open Minded Faith • Season 2 • Episode 2

0:00 | 43:17

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Summary

In this episode, Mike shares his personal experience of being scammed while trying to buy a dog, exploring themes of truth, faith, and deception. The hosts discuss how faith and truth are essential in navigating life's challenges and recognizing deception in a world full of false appearances.

Key Topics

The importance of truth and faith in everyday life

Recognizing deception and false appearances

Biblical principles on trust and faith in God

takeaways

Faith involves trusting in what is unseen but true.

Deception often appears convincing but can be identified through red flags.

Biblical scriptures remind us that truth and faith set us free.

Hosts

Mike Kocienski

Anthony Kocienski

Chapters