Rooted and Ready invites you into real conversations about how Scripture speaks to everyday life. In this episode, Wayne and Murad revisit Genesis 17 to unpack the covenant of circumcision — a topic that may sound ancient, but one that still resonates deeply today. You’ll hear two friends wrestle with what it means to be marked by God and how that mark points forward to Jesus Christ.

thatRight at the outset, the hosts remind us of the context: God had just given Abraham staggering promises about a son and future nations. Those promises were sealed with a physical sign. Genesis 17 tells us that after delivering “exceedingly great and precious promises,” the Lord commanded Abraham to circumcise every male on the eighth day. The sign itself is even called “My covenant”. Wayne and Murad discuss why God chose something so intimate and physical. They point out how theologians see the sign's location as a reminder that our fallen nature is inherited from our first parents. The cutting away of flesh symbolised the need for spiritual renewal; it also warned that rejecting the sign was tantamount to rejecting God Himself.

As they chat, Wayne reflects on raising sons and the weight of shepherding the next generation. Murad shares how the requirement to circumcise on the eighth day foreshadowed new creation life. Together they explore how circumcision wasn’t an arbitrary ritual — it was a gospel sign pointing ahead to Christ. The act of cutting and the shedding of blood looked forward to Jesus, whose own circumcision and eventual crucifixion fulfilled the covenant in both judgment and mercy. The hosts connect this to Paul’s teaching that true circumcision is a matter of the heart, a work of the Spirit that makes us part of God’s family regardless of ethnicity or background.

The conversation also gets personal. Wayne opens up about the temptations to rely on outward religion rather than a transformed heart. Murad asks probing questions about identity: What does it mean for believers today to be set apart? How do we live as covenant people without slipping into legalism? They consider modern parallels such as baptism and family dedication, and how these practices serve as reminders of God’s promises. There’s laughter, vulnerability, and plenty of scripture as they encourage listeners to lean into God’s faithfulness rather than their own performance.

By the end of the episode, you’ll come away with a richer appreciation for this sometimes uncomfortable topic. Circumcision is shown to be both a sign of belonging and a pointer to Christ. It illustrates that our Creator cuts away sin and invites us into a relationship, and it challenges us to examine whether our hearts have truly been set apart. If you’ve ever wondered how ancient covenants apply to life today, or if you enjoy thoughtful Bible study with friends, this conversation is for you. Tune in, share it with someone who needs encouragement, and join Wayne and Murad as they get rooted in God’s Word and ready for all He has in store.

In the wake of the December 13, 2025 tragedy at Brown University in Providence—where two students were killed and nine others were injured—Wayne and Murad sit down for a raw, thoughtful conversation about what so many of us are feeling: grief, anger, fear… and the desperate question, “How do we stop this from happening again?”

In this episode of Rooted & Ready, we talk through:

• What we know so far about the Brown University shooting and why the details matter

• Gun laws, personal responsibility, and why this topic gets people heated so fast

• Why schools and campuses keep becoming targets—and what that says about our culture

• The role of mental health, isolation, and despair (and how we can respond with wisdom)

• Practical steps for parents, students, and communities to stay alert without living in panic

• A biblical lens on violence, justice, mercy, and peace—staying rooted in the Word when the world feels unsteady

This isn’t a debate episode. It’s a let’s think, pray, and act episode. We aim for curiosity over clout, truth over talking points, and compassion without compromise. If you’ve ever felt numb from the constant headlines, this conversation will help you slow down, process, and move forward with purpose.

Scripture references we touch on include Matthew 5:9, Romans 12:21, James 1:19, Psalm 34:18, and 2 Timothy 1:7.

Content note: This episode discusses gun violence and loss.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 (U.S.) for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In an emergency, call 911.

If this conversation blesses you, share it with someone who needs it—and follow Rooted & Ready for more Christ-centered conversations on the issues that shape our families and our future.

In a world where “Christian” can mean almost anything—from a family label to a social media bio—what does it actually mean to follow Jesus in 2025?

In this episode of Rooted & Ready, Wayne and Murad sit down for a real, unfiltered conversation about what it means to be a true Christian in today’s culture—not just in name, but in lifestyle, conviction, and daily decisions.

They unpack the difference between:

• Saying “I believe in God” vs. surrendering your life to Christ

• Cultural Christianity vs. biblical Christianity

• Performing religion vs. being transformed from the inside out

From there, the conversation goes deep into purity, holiness, and marriage in a society that celebrates compromise:

• What does purity actually look like beyond just “don’t do this, don’t do that”?

• How do you honor God with your body, your phone, your DM’s, and your relationships?

• What does it mean to be a Christian husband or wife when culture treats marriage like a disposable contract?

• How do you walk in holiness without becoming self-righteous or fake?

Wayne and Murad also speak to the reality of failure—because many believers have already crossed lines, fallen into sin, or lived double lives. Instead of pretending, they talk honestly about repentance, grace, and getting back up:

• What do you do when you’ve already messed up?

• Can you really walk in purity after a past of brokenness?

• How does a real Christian respond when conviction hits?

You’ll love this episode if you’ve ever thought:

• “I say I’m a Christian, but am I actually living like one?”

• “How do I follow Jesus when the world is going the opposite direction?”

• “What does holiness even look like in real life—in my marriage, my dating, my private life?”

By the end of this conversation, you’ll walk away with:

• A clearer picture of what a biblical Christian actually is

• Practical ways to live out your faith in a loud, confused culture

• Encouragement if you’ve failed, and a fresh invitation to walk closely with Jesus

Whether you’re single, married, a young adult, a parent, or just hungry for something real, this episode is designed to help you be more than a label—to be rooted, ready, and truly surrendered to Christ in today’s society.

Tune in, lean in, and let the Holy Spirit challenge and encourage you as Wayne and Murad ask the question we all need to face:

What does it really mean to be a Christian… today?