In this episode of the Elect Exiles podcast, host Brett Welte welcomes special guest Benjamin Allen. They discuss the complexities of the Christian faith, particularly focusing on the concept of 'holy violence' in the Christian life. They explore the importance of sanctification, the struggles believers face, and the balance between mortifying sin and showing charity.

Benjamin shares insights from the Puritans and presents the need for a vigorous approach to faith while also addressing the challenges of legalism and the importance of teaching the next generation through catechism.

In this conversation, Brett and Benjamin explore the significance of understanding the Trinity, the role of catechism in teaching doctrine to children, and the importance of creeds and confessions in maintaining orthodox Christianity.

Resources from the episode:

Baptist Catechism:

https://www.reftoons.com/products/the-illustrated-baptist-catechism-founders-edition

Baptist Catechism Songs:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4RQHMcOQYLabKBw0-jNDE9HtmglfSZFf&si=xkpbV_a6u-xFcC7R

Heaven Taken By Storm:

https://www.heritagebooks.org/products/heaven-taken-by-storm-paperback-sdg-watson.html

**Not mentioned, but valuable addition:

Creeds, Confessions, & Catechisms: A Reader's Edition: https://amzn.to/4jRvrtp

In this episode of the Elect Exiles podcast, host Brett Welte emphasizes the importance of experiencing God in a tangible way and the role of sanctification in the Christian faith. He also explores the struggles and joys of the Christian journey and highlights how trials can lead to deeper experiences of God's goodness. The conversation encourages listeners to delight in the Lord and trust in His transformative power, even amidst difficulties, ultimately leading to a greater desire for God.

Support Elect Exiles: patreon.com/ElectExilesPodcast

In this episode of the Elect Exiles podcast, hosts Brett Welte and Michael Kamm, along with Brandon Woodall, reflect on their 2024 experiences. They discuss maintaining spiritual growth through life's challenges, the importance of dependence on God, and the value of honesty in sharing struggles.

The conversation highlights the importance of finding contentment in trials, hope through faith, and embracing personal spiritual journeys centered on God's grace.

They also explore themes of prayer, the balance between works and grace, establishing family values, and the urgency of redeeming time to effectively serve God in 2025

In this episode of the Elect Exiles podcast, host Brett Welte reflects on the new year and the importance of setting goals and commitments. He emphasizes the significance of showing up consistently in various aspects of life, including work, relationships, and ministry. Drawing from scripture, particularly Psalm 15, he discusses the character traits of a committed person and how faithfulness reflects God's character. The conversation explores the balance between using one's gifts and the necessity of commitment, encouraging listeners to embrace their responsibilities even when challenging.

In this episode of the Elect Exiles podcast, host Brett Welte discusses the challenges of engaging in conversations about faith during the holiday season, particularly with family members who may hold differing beliefs. He introduces the Colombo tactic, a questioning method developed by Greg Koukl, which aims to diffuse tension and encourage productive dialogue. He emphasizes the importance of asking questions to understand others' perspectives and to gently challenge their assumptions. He encourages listeners to set modest goals for their conversations, focusing on planting seeds of thought rather than expecting immediate conversions. The episode concludes with a call to improve communication skills and to approach discussions with love and curiosity.

In this solo episode of the Elect Exiles podcast, host Brett Welte reflects on the holiday season and the significance of grace as presented in the book of Titus. He emphasizes the dual role of grace in salvation and sanctification, encouraging listeners to embrace the hope and strength that comes from Christ during this busy time of year. The conversation highlights the importance of waiting for Jesus's return and living a life empowered by grace, regardless of the challenges faced during the holidays.

In this episode of the Elect Exiles Podcast, host Brett Welte discusses the challenges of maintaining a consistent Bible reading practice, especially during the busy holiday season. He emphasizes the importance of prayer and support from the community, and introduces Psalm 119 as a powerful tool for engaging with God's Word. He explores the connection between God's Word and the Holy Spirit, encouraging listeners to seek spiritual sustenance through scripture. Brett also shares personal anecdotes about his own experiences with Bible reading and prayer, reminding listeners that not every reading will be a profound experience, but each one contributes to spiritual growth.

In this episode of the Elect Exiles Podcast, host Brett Welte explores the theme of weakness in the Christian life, drawing from 2 Corinthians 12. He discusses how God's grace is sufficient and how His power is made perfect in our weaknesses. He emphasizes the importance of understanding our struggles and finding contentment in them, as they are part of God's plan for our growth and reliance on Him. The conversation encourages listeners to embrace their weaknesses and recognize the strength that comes from Christ.