Hustle culture tells us our worth is measured by productivity, income, and nonstop grind. The gospel tells a very different story.In this episode of Living Free and Truth, we unpack:- What hustle culture actually is and how it formed- The historical roots from the Protestant work ethic to modern digital burnout- How work shifted from calling to identity- Signs and symptoms of hustle culture- The spiritual, emotional, and relational costs of constant striving- What Scripture really says about work, rest, contentment, and trust in God- Key applications God never designed us to live exhausted, anxious, and driven by comparison. He calls us to work faithfully, rest intentionally, and find our identity in Christ.If you’ve felt burned out, guilty for resting, or pressured to monetize every part of your life, this episode is for you.Key Scriptures:Genesis 2–3, Ecclesiastes 1, Matthew 6, Mark 6:31, Hebrews 4, Philippians 4, 1 Timothy 600:00 Hustle Culture vs the Gospel05:00 How Work Became Our Identity10:00 The Digital Age & Constant Grind15:00 What the Bible Says About Work & Toil20:00 God’s Design for Rest & Contentment25:00 When Busyness Replaces Love30:00 Living Faithfully in a Hustle-Driven World33:30 Choosing Rest, Trust, and Obedience

The enemy rarely lies outright. He disguises deception as truth, wisdom, spirituality, and even goodness.In this episode of Living Free in Truth, we expose common lies from the New Age, occult-influenced practices, and subtle deceptions within Christian culture, then contrast them with clear biblical truth.We cover:- Why “it works” doesn’t mean it’s from God- How spiritual deception is disguised as science, energy, or healing- Lies that attack identity, worth, peace, and trust in God- The difference between conviction and condemnation- Practical biblical tools to test, discern, and reject liesThis episode is for anyone who wants discernment without fear, truth without compromise, and freedom rooted in Christ, not based on feelings, signs, or culture.📖 Key Scriptures include:1 Peter 5:8 • Deuteronomy 12 • 2 Thessalonians 2 • Matthew 24 • Romans 1 • John 14 • Romans 8 • Hebrews 12 • 2 Corinthians 10👉 Comment below:Which lie stood out to you — and what truth are you choosing to believe instead?00:00 Introduction: How the Enemy Uses Deception04:30 The Progression of Deception: Harmless → Helpful → Beneficial09:00 “It Works” Doesn’t Mean God Approves14:30 Peace, Energy, and Feeling Close to God19:30 Common Defenses People Use to Justify Deception24:30 Core Lies About Identity and Worth29:30 Fear, Control, and Trusting God34:30 Hopelessness, Relativism, and Shaken Foundations39:30 How to Actively Defend Against Lies43:30 Final Encouragement & Prayer

Money isn’t just a practical issue, Jesus said it’s a spiritual one.In this episode of Living Free in Truth, we walk through what the Bible actually teaches about money, stewardship, generosity, and idolatry. Jesus made it clear: you cannot serve both God and Mammon. That means the love of money is never neutral: it either serves God’s kingdom or competes with it.We explore:- Why money has spiritual power- What “Mammon” really is- Why the love of money leads people away from God- The difference between temporary wealth and eternal reward- How generosity breaks money’s grip on the heart- Why stewardship is about faithfulness, not amounts- How anxiety, fear, and security reveal who we truly trustThis episode is not anti-money.It is anti-idolatry.And it’s a call to freedom, trust, and biblical stewardship.00:00 Introduction: Why Money Is a Spiritual Issue05:00 You Can’t Serve God and Mammon10:30 The Love of Money vs Eternal Wealth16:00 When Money Becomes a False Savior21:30 Stewardship, Not Ownership27:00 Generosity Breaks Mammon’s Grip32:30 Anxiety, Trust, and God’s Provision38:00 God Owns EverythingPersonal Testimonies of Trusting God with Finances40:23 – Personal Testimonies of Trusting God with Finances45:18 – Final Encouragement & ClosingMore Resources:Jesus’ Perspective on Wealth in 6 Minuteshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpqOdHV3dmU&t=24sThe Christian and His Money | Derek Princehttps://youtu.be/sYYq2S2HsYk?si=mjqt51hvibfh8kTphttps://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-mammon.html

Prophetic language is everywhere today,“God told me,” “I have a word for you,” “The Lord showed me.” But Scripture is clear: not every spiritual voice is from God.In this episode of Living Free in Truth, we walk through biblical tests for discerning true prophets from false prophets, using Scripture, not hype, not fear, and not personality.We examine:• Clear biblical marks of false prophets• How gifting is not the same as godliness• Why signs and wonders are not proof of approval• The warning of Balaam• Jesus, Paul, Ezekiel, and Peter’s teachings on deception• How false prophecy brings false peace and spiritual damageThis episode is for believers who want truth, clarity, and discernment rooted in Scripture📖 Key Scriptures: Ezekiel 13 & 34, Matthew 7, 2 Peter 2, 2 Corinthians 11, Colossians 2If you’ve ever felt confused, pressured, or harmed by “prophetic words,” this teaching is for you.00:00 – Why Discernment Matters Today01:05 – Prophetic Language Is Everywhere02:00 – God’s Severe Warning in Ezekiel 1304:55 – “Whitewashed Walls”: False Peace Explained06:10 – Why False Prophecy Often Sounds Encouraging06:55 – Whitewashed Tombs (Jesus’ Warning)07:40 – False Shepherds vs the Heart of God (Ezekiel 34)11:20 – God Seeks the Scattered Sheep12:25 – It’s Not About Predictions — It’s About the Heart12:55 – Gifting vs Fruit: A Critical Distinction14:05 – Jesus: “By Their Fruit You Will Know Them”15:45 – Signs, Wonders, and Lawlessness16:45 – Satan Masquerades as Light (2 Corinthians 11)18:10 – Mysticism, Visions, and False Wisdom (Colossians 2)20:30 – External Spirituality vs Inner Transformation21:05 – 20 Signs of a False Prophet (Biblical List)22:35 – Why Scripture Tells Us to Watch, Not Ignore22:55 – False Prophets According to 2 Peter 227:20 – Character Reveals the Truth28:15 – Balaam: Gifted but False30:10 – Why Balaam Is Condemned in the New Testament31:00 – What Defines a True Prophet31:55 – John the Baptist as a Model of True Prophecy32:45 – Authority Comes From Obedience, Not Hype33:40 – Final Call to Biblical Discernment

In this episode, we walk through what biblical discernment actually is and what it is not. Many believers confuse discernment with intuition, personal opinion, “having peace,” or what feels right in the moment. Scripture gives us something far clearer, far stronger, and far more trustworthy.We look at key passages across the Old and New Testament.You’ll see how the Bible defines discernment, how the Holy Spirit leads believers into truth, how to “test the spirits,” and why simply following feelings can lead you into deception.If you want to grow in spiritual maturity, sharpen your ability to recognize truth from error, and stand firm in a culture filled with counterfeits, this episode will help you build on solid ground.0:00 – Intro0:20 – What Biblical Discernment Actually Means1:15 – Hebrews 5: Why Discernment Requires Maturity3:50 – Testing Everything (1 Thessalonians 5)6:30 – Discernment Through Knowledge & Love (Philippians 1)8:00 – God’s Word as Our Light (Psalm 119)10:00 – Testing the Spirits (1 John 4)13:45 – The Mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2)16:00 – What Discernment Is NOT21:00 – Why “I Feel Peace” Can Be Misleading27:00 – Avoiding Counterfeits & Occult Practices32:00 – Final Encouragement and Prayer

The gospel isn’t motivational talk, tradition, or a religious slogan. It’s the true story of a holy God, a fallen humanity, a saving King, and a coming return.In this episode, we walk through the gospel in plain language: from creation, rebellion, and spiritual death to Christ’s life, death, resurrection, and the promise of His return. We look at what it means to be born again, to receive a new identity, to enter God’s kingdom, and to live in real freedom today, not someday, but now.If you’re hungry for clarity, truth, and a biblical foundation (not hype) this is for you.Key Themes:- Why we need salvation- What Jesus actually accomplished- What it means to be born again- The Kingdom of God “already and not yet”- Freedom, identity, and new life in Christ- The second coming and future hope00:00 Why the Gospel Matters04:00 Creation, Rebellion & Our Spiritual Condition08:00 Jesus: The Savior Foretold12:00 The Kingdom of God Is at Hand16:00 Dead in Sin, Alive in Christ20:00 Freedom on This Side of Eternity24:00 Law, Covenant & the New Heart28:00 Internal Transformation vs Behavior Modification32:00 Truth, Repentance & Real Identity36:00 The Return of Jesus & Final Hope

Martial arts is often seen as discipline, strength, and peace, but beneath the beauty lies a deep spiritual foundation rooted in Eastern religions.

In this episode, Connie Kao unpacks the hidden philosophies behind martial arts, from Taoism to Buddhism, and explores how practices like Tai Chi, Aikido, and Kung Fu intertwine with spiritual beliefs.

We’ll look at:

• How martial arts spread to the West
• The spiritual symbolism behind bowing, meditation, and energy flow (“chi”)
• Why some forms may conflict with the Word of God
• How to discern between physical fitness and spiritual compromise
• Biblical Insight:
• Jesus calls us not to self-mastery or enlightenment, but to surrender and truth.

00:00 – Intro: Discipline or Deception?

04:00 – The Spiritual Roots

08:00 – Biblical Lens on Self-Mastery

12:00 – Energy, Power, and the Supernatural'

16:00 – Research & Testimonies

20:00 – Mainstream Acceptance

25:00 – Biblical Discernment

30:00 – Walking in True Strength

34:00 – Closing Reflections🙏

More Resources:

Christianity And Martial Arts...Are They Compatible?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoOd9WJfaJ4

Relationship between Martial Arts and Religionhttps://www.usadojo.com/the-relationship-between-martial-arts-and-religion/#google_vignette Should a Christian Practice the Martial Arts?https://www.equip.org/articles/should-a-christian-practice-the-martial-arts/

The Secret Dangers of Martial Arts

https://secretdangersofmartialarts.wordpress.com/

Why Christians Should Not Practice Yoga or Martial Arts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZGKxF6DdmU

Navigating Martial Arts and the Occult

https://thecultishshow.com/podcast/martial-arts-and-the-occult

Subscribe for more truth-centered conversations on faith, freedom, and discernment.

#LivingFreeInTruth #ChristianPodcast #MartialArts #FaithAndCulture #SpiritualDiscernment

In this episode of Living Free in Truth, we uncover the unseen spiritual influences behind acupuncture, acupressure, and Traditional Chinese Medicine.These practices are becoming more mainstream: even recommended by doctors, but what if they aren’t spiritually neutral?

We’ll explore where acupuncture really came from, how it connects to Daoism, and why Christians must discern what spiritual systems they engage in.🙏 Whether you’ve tried acupuncture before or are simply seeking healing God’s way, this episode will help you walk in freedom and truth through Jesus Christ- our only true Healer and Redeemer.🕊️ There is no condemnation in Christ. If you’ve participated in these practices, you can renounce them and find complete freedom in Him.

More Resources to dive deeper:

Blessing or Curse: You Can Choose by Derek Princehttps://www.amazon.com/Blessing-Curse-You-Can-Choose/dp/0800794087

Testimony: God Delivered Me From Acupuncturehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0TcvrpP25g

Exploring Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Tapping, Applied Kinesiology & Sound Baths as an Ex-Occultisthttps://youtu.be/KtB1LqI5jMo?si=iXjgQWHXO8znjQgX

#17. The New Age: Is Acupuncture Wrong?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQESqcQdGbY

Acupuncture can open demonic doors to sickness & isn’t compatible with Christianity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVZ_z2X7hys

Acupuncture For Pregnancy?? Christian WARNING

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43dsOY_9d4UIs

Acupuncture Demonic?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBRFvezGpO40

The Truth about Tai Chi, Acupuncture & Star Wars | With Marcia Montenegrohttps://youtu.be/TkTLVz1JVKc?si=THS6aG3sfs03vgUj

0:00 – Introduction: The Hidden Influence Behind Acupuncture

04:00 – Roots in Daoism and the Occult

09:00 – How Acupuncture Became Mainstream

13:00 – Personal Experience & Spiritual Implications

17:00 – Discerning Spirits and Closing Spiritual Doors

21:00 – Freedom and Redemption Through Christ👇 Comment below what stood out to you and how God is leading you to discern truth in your healing journey.