The Steve Marston Show

What are the rules of Sunday School that everybody knows—but nobody actually wrote down?

On this episode of The Steve Marston Show, Steve debuts a brand-new Friday feature: The Unwritten Rules. First up: the 7 Unwritten Rules of Sunday School—from the person who says, “I know we’re out of time, but…” to the unexpected calling of the church’s newest Donut Ministry Director. And, of course, there’s the most sacred rule of all: that’s MY seat.

But there’s plenty of substance along with the fun.

Steve reflects on an observation from Brant Hansen about discipleship and why the good news of Jesus isn’t only about what happens after we die. Following Christ changes the way we live right here and right now—how we forgive, love our enemies, find peace and purpose, and participate in God’s Kingdom today.

Then Adam Holz from Plugged In joins Steve for the weekly look at entertainment and pop culture, including new movies, Marvel, Wolverine, family entertainment, and the questions surrounding the upcoming Chronicles of Narnia adaptation.

Plus, Steve shares updates from the Christian world, including Anne Wilson’s “My Jesus” story heading to the big screen, the latest from Ben Sasse, and a look at Awake Houston and its call for Christians to take the Great Commission seriously.

And because it’s Friday, there’s a dad joke too.

The Steve Marston Show is a daily journey in learning how to live more like Jesus—with biblical truth, conversations, encouragement, culture, and a little fun along the way.

What happens when a pastor becomes more of a celebrity than a shepherd?

On today’s Steve Marston Show, Steve takes a closer look at celebrity pastor culture and the dangers that can emerge when ministry success, influence, speaking opportunities, and public recognition begin separating pastors from the local churches they were called to serve. Using the recent discussion surrounding Steve Lawson as a starting point, Steve considers why isolation can create serious spiritual vulnerabilities—and why accountability matters for every Christian leader.

Then, on Seek & Find, we head into the book of Joel. It may be only three chapters long, but its message is enormous: repentance, judgment, restoration, and the coming Day of the Lord. What can this often-overlooked Minor Prophet teach Christians about being ready for Christ?

Steve also revisits a conversation with Jim Scudder Jr., pastor of Quentin Road Baptist Church and Bible teacher on InGrace, about his book The Spiritual War Against Israel: Defending Biblical Zionism and Understanding Israel’s Place in God’s Prophetic Plan. Scudder explains his biblical case for Zionism, God's covenant promises to Israel, his dispensational understanding of prophecy, and why he believes Christians should love and support Jewish people.

Plus, Steve catches you up on encouraging stories from the Christian world, including hundreds of baptisms at a North Carolina church, a historic Samaritan’s Purse DC-8 finding a new home at Liberty University, and an innovative project bringing the Gospel of Luke to deaf audiences through American Sign Language.

And, of course, there’s a Dad Joke of the Day and another opportunity to put God’s Word between your ears with Isaiah 53:5.

The Steve Marston Show is a daily Christian radio show and podcast helping you live more like Jesus through biblical teaching, Christian discipleship, faith and culture conversations, interviews, encouragement—and a little fun along the way.

Hear the show on 99.5 The Word in Little Rock, AM 630 The Word in San Antonio, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

Visit SteveMarstonShow.com for more episodes, conversations, and resources.

Is that voice in your head God’s conviction—or simply guilt and condemnation?

On this episode of The Steve Marston Show, Steve breaks down an important part of Christian discernment: learning to recognize the difference between the voice that drives you toward shame and the conviction that calls you back into a right relationship with God.

Steve shares a personal example from his years as a young husband and father, when he felt enormous pressure to conduct the “perfect” family devotional. Over time, he discovered that biblical discipleship in the home is bigger than checking off a devotional box—it’s about making conversations about God part of everyday life.

Plus, in That’s Not in the Bible, Steve tackles the claim that “Jesus never said He was God.” What did Jesus mean when He declared, “Before Abraham was, I am”? And what do His own words reveal about His identity and eternal nature?

You’ll also hear part of Steve’s conversation with author Sabrina McDonald, author of The Bible, Politics and Culture: A Biblical Worldview Guide for Christian Women. They discuss why Christians need to know not only what they believe, but why they believe it, the reliability of Scripture, biblical worldview, family, culture, and the importance of allowing Scripture—not culture—to shape our thinking.

Also in this episode:

• Jessica Simpson talks about faith and being “born again”
• Nick Vujicic’s story comes to theaters in No Limbs, No Limits
• New research examines Christians, forgiveness, and self-forgiveness
• The Dad Joke of the Day
• Faith Between Our Ears: Isaiah 53:5
• Your Next Step: practice discernment and learn to separate God’s voice from the noise

The Steve Marston Show is a daily Christian radio show and podcast helping you live more like Jesus through biblical teaching, Christian discipleship, faith and culture conversations, interviews, encouragement—and a little fun along the way.

Hear the show on 99.5 The Word in Little Rock, AM 630 The Word in San Antonio, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

Helping You Live More Like Jesus.

What happens when a Christian blows it—publicly or privately?

On this episode of The Steve Marston Show, Steve looks at a very public mistake by Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and uses it to tackle a question every follower of Jesus eventually faces: What do you do when your actions don’t match the faith you profess? You can’t undo what happened, but repentance, humility, forgiveness, and making things right can determine what happens next.

Steve also shares his Sunday Morning Takeaway from the book of James: Is what you say you believe actually changing your life? Genuine faith isn’t merely something we profess—it should increasingly become visible in the way we live, respond to trials, and follow Jesus.

Then Steve sits down with Galan Hughes, a Missions and Growth Team pastor in Benton, Arkansas. Galan shares his testimony, how he discovered the difference between simply inheriting a family religion and developing a personal faith in Jesus, and how God ultimately called him into vocational ministry. He also explains how churches can move beyond simply trying to get people into the building and instead partner with local ministries to meet people where they already are.

Plus, Steve weighs in on the controversy surrounding the new adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia and the reported casting of Meryl Streep as the voice of Aslan—and asks whether Christians might want to wait and see before assuming the worst.

Also in this episode: news about House of David, a listener from Bangladesh, the Dad Joke of the Day, Isaiah 53:5, and details about the upcoming 250-subscriber YouTube giveaway.

The Steve Marston Show is a daily Christian radio show and podcast Helping You Live More Like Jesus through biblical teaching, Christian discipleship, faith and culture conversations, interviews, encouragement—and a little fun along the way.

Hear the show on 99.5 The Word in Little Rock, AM 630 The Word in San Antonio, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

What has control of your thoughts?

On this episode of The Steve Marston Show, Steve starts with country music star Lainey Wilson and a message she recently shared about faith, our thought lives, gratitude, and the biblical call to renew our minds. It opens up a bigger conversation about what it means to intentionally follow Jesus—not simply on Sunday, but in the everyday battles that happen between our ears.

Plus, it’s Friday, which means there’s plenty of faith and fun.

Steve dives into a hilarious Babylon Bee list of “trap questions” husbands should supposedly know how to answer, and Adam Holtz from Plugged In joins the show to talk about what families need to know about the latest movies and entertainment.

Adam and Steve discuss Daniel and the Fiery Furnace, Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom, the increasing use of witchcraft and occult themes in family entertainment, and several movies headed to theaters this fall. They also talk about why Christian parents can use biblical movies as an opportunity to open the Bible with their kids and compare what appears on screen with what Scripture actually says.

Then Steve shares several faith stories you may have missed, including an American Idol finalist who says an encounter after a concert gave her an opportunity to share the Gospel with an 80-year-old lifelong atheist.

And don’t forget: when The Steve Marston Show reaches 250 YouTube subscribers, Steve is giving away a premium John MacArthur Study Bible!

Also in this episode: the Dad Joke of the Day, a Pastor Appreciation Lunch story involving an unfortunate Emmitt Smith mix-up, and Faith Between Our Ears with Isaiah 53:5.

The Steve Marston Show is a daily Christian radio show and podcast focused on Helping You Live More Like Jesus through biblical teaching, Christian discipleship, faith and culture conversations, interviews, encouragement—and a little fun along the way.

Listen on 99.5 The Word in Little Rock, AM 630 The Word in San Antonio, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

Visit SteveMarstonShow.com for more episodes, conversations and the FREE Five Tips for Bible Study PDF.

What if you knew Jesus was coming back by the end of this week? Would He find you living for His purposes—or mostly pursuing your own?

On this episode of The Steve Marston Show, Steve asks a challenging discipleship question: Are you becoming the follower of Jesus that He has called you to be? Steve shares part of his own story of pursuing a career dream, watching it fall apart, and eventually realizing that surrendering his plans to God opened the door to what God actually wanted him to do.

We also hear your Sunday Morning Takeaways, including lessons about standing firm in faith, making your life count, walking in God’s will, the parable of the sower, and Paul’s emotional farewell to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20.

Then Steve talks with Emmanuel Osire, a national speaker for Operation Christmas Child, who received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox as a boy growing up in Uganda. During a season of poverty, scarcity, and family hardship, that simple gift became a powerful reminder to Emmanuel that God knew him, loved him, and had not abandoned him. Today, he travels the United States sharing how something as simple as a shoebox can make an eternal difference in a child's life.

Plus, Steve shares the remarkable story of a Bible page recovered from the wreckage of Ground Zero, looks at Kirk Cameron's biblical five-part test for evaluating claims of modern-day apostles and spiritual leaders, delivers the Dad Joke of the Day, and introduces this week's Faith Between Our Ears verse: Isaiah 53:5.

The Steve Marston Show is a daily Christian radio show and podcast helping you live more like Jesus through biblical teaching, Christian discipleship, faith and culture conversations, interviews, encouragement, and a little fun along the way.

Hear the show on 99.5 The Word in Little Rock, AM 630 The Word in San Antonio, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

On this episode of The Steve Marston Show, Steve reflects on September 11, 2001—where he was when the attacks happened, the fear and uncertainty Americans experienced that day, and the remarkable unity that followed on September 12. For a generation that didn't live through 9/11, Steve explains why remembering the events—and the people who responded with courage and sacrifice—still matters.

Adam Holtz from Plugged In joins Steve to share his own memories of 9/11 and discuss how parents can help younger generations understand a day they know only as history. They also look at how movies have helped preserve the story of September 11 and discuss the theatrical return of The Passion of the Christ, its powerful depiction of Jesus' sacrifice, and whether its graphic realism is appropriate for younger viewers.

Steve also revisits Billy Graham's powerful message to the nation following the attacks, including Graham's words about evil, suffering, our need for one another, the uncertainty of life, and the hope of eternity through faith in Christ. It's a reminder that even in some of life's darkest moments, our ultimate hope is found in Jesus.

Plus, it's Friday—which means a little fun with a Babylon Bee Review, the Dad Joke of the Day, and Faith Between Our Ears, featuring 1 Peter 5:5 and the call to humble ourselves before God and trust His timing.

The Steve Marston Show is a daily Christian radio show and podcast Helping You Live More Like Jesus through biblical teaching, Christian discipleship, faith and culture conversations, interviews, encouragement—and a little fun along the way.

Hear the show weekdays on 99.5 The Word in Little Rock and AM 630 The Word in San Antonio, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

Why do Christians follow some Old Testament commands while seemingly ignoring others? Can Christians eat pork and shellfish? What about the laws concerning clothing made from different fabrics? And if those Old Testament laws no longer apply, why do Christians still appeal to other commands found in books like Leviticus?

On this episode of The Steve Marston Show, Steve tackles those questions in Christian, Explain Yourself, looking at the difference between moral, ceremonial and civil laws in the Old Testament and how the New Covenant in Jesus helps Christians understand which commands apply today.

Steve also shares why he's encouraged by young adults who aren't looking for watered-down Christianity but instead want to seriously study Scripture, ask difficult questions and understand how God's Word applies to their lives. Could a generation hungry for biblical truth help spark the revival so many Christians have been praying for?

Then Steve's son Tyler joins the show to discuss Acts 25 and his 1189 Bible commentary project. They examine Paul's imprisonment, his appeal to Caesar, the political instability surrounding him, his determination to take the gospel to Rome and the confidence Paul could have because Jesus had already told him where he was going. The conversation also looks ahead to Acts 26, Paul's journey to Rome and Tyler's upcoming study of Joshua.
Plus, Steve covers several stories you may have missed, remembers Charlie Kirk on the anniversary of his death, shares the week's Faith Between Our Ears verse from 1 Peter 5:5, and closes with a practical next step: don't just know what you believe—learn why you believe it so you're prepared to explain and defend your faith.

The Steve Marston Show is a daily Christian radio show and podcast helping you live more like Jesus through biblical teaching, Christian discipleship, faith and culture conversations, interviews, encouragement and a little fun along the way. Hear the show on 99.5 The Word in Little Rock, AM 630 The Word in San Antonio, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

Why do so many Christians avoid the book of Revelation—and is it really as difficult to understand as we sometimes think?

On this episode of The Steve Marston Show, Steve sits down with Pastor Robert Jeffress, longtime pastor of First Baptist Church Dallas and Bible teacher on Pathway to Victory, to talk about his book The Final Conquest, a verse-by-verse study of Revelation. Jeffress explains why Revelation isn’t ultimately a book about fear, confusing symbols or trying to predict dates—it’s about Jesus Christ, His return and the ultimate victory believers have in Him.

They also discuss why Christians shouldn’t be intimidated by biblical prophecy, how to approach the signs and symbols found in Revelation, why understanding the end times helps us better understand the rest of Scripture, and how the return of Christ should affect the way we live right now.

Plus, Steve goes Seek and Find in the often-overlooked book of Zephaniah, exploring God’s judgment, His discipline of His people, the consequences of disobedience and the promise that God never forgets those who remain faithful to Him.

Also on this episode: an encouraging perspective on walking through grief, Christian entrepreneurs using everyday products to point people toward Jesus, Terry Bradshaw reflecting on cancer, death and eternity, another Dad Joke of the Day, and this week’s Faith Between Our Ears verse from 1 Peter 5:5.
The Steve Marston Show is a daily Christian radio show and podcast helping you live more like Jesus through biblical teaching, Christian discipleship, faith and culture conversations, interviews, encouragement and a little fun along the way.

Hear the show weekdays on 99.5 The Word in Little Rock, AM 630 The Word in San Antonio.

What do you do when the people who are supposed to represent Jesus are the ones who hurt you?

On this episode of The Steve Marston Show, Steve tackles the painful reality of church hurt and spiritual abuse, beginning with the story of Skillet's John and Korey Cooper and their experience of being deeply wounded by people they trusted. Their story points to an important distinction: people acting in God's name can hurt us, but God Himself has not abandoned us. Even when faith feels shaken, God's Word remains an anchor.

That leads directly into That's Not in the Bible, where Steve takes on the familiar phrase “forgive and forget.” Scripture commands Christians to forgive—but it never commands us to pretend the hurt didn't happen. Forgiveness can release us from bitterness without eliminating boundaries, accountability, wisdom or the lessons God can bring from what we've experienced.

Steve also talks with Pastor Felix Chavez of New Life Baptist Church in Pearsall, Texas, who shares his remarkable testimony of moving from Mexico to the United States, coming to a genuine relationship with Jesus, being delivered from alcohol and cigarettes, and eventually being called into ministry. Pastor Felix explains why he believes God wastes no season of our lives and why the Church must leave the building and reach the next generation.

Then, Ryan and Andrea Ingold share their family's journey into foster care and adoption. They discuss the joy and brokenness that can exist together in foster care, why reunification with biological parents remains the first goal when it is safe, and why Christians don't have to become foster parents themselves to make a meaningful difference. Supporting foster families with meals, respite care, volunteering and encouragement can also be a powerful way to serve.

Plus, Steve looks at Candace Cameron Bure's refusal to hide her Christian faith, Franni Cash's journey from a cult background toward a healthier understanding of God, new archaeological discoveries connected to the Gospel of John, the Dad Joke of the Day, and this week's Faith Between Your Ears from 1 Peter 5:5.

Should pastors receive extended sabbaticals every year—or can too much time away unintentionally separate a shepherd from the people he was called to serve?

In Episode 479 of The Steve Marston Show, Steve offers a thoughtful challenge to modern church culture. Pastors carry enormous spiritual and emotional burdens, and churches should protect them from burnout. But when does healthy rest become prolonged absence—and how can congregations support their pastors before burnout makes a sabbatical necessary?

Also in this Fun Friday episode:

• The Babylon Bee’s hilarious guide to the church worship team
• Cincinnati Reds rookie Sal Stewart boldly places his identity in Jesus
• Jack Osbourne calls himself “Christ curious” while discussing faith with Bryce Crawford
• Why we must approach God on His terms instead of creating a god who fits us
• New details about Mel Gibson’s ambitious The Resurrection of the Christ
• A classic Dad Joke of the Day
• Memorizing Micah 6:8: doing justice, loving kindness and walking humbly with God

Your next step: Pay attention to your pastor. Look for signs of exhaustion or burnout, and consider how you can help carry some of the burden.

The Steve Marston Show is a daily Christian radio show and podcast helping you live more like Jesus through biblical teaching, Christian discipleship, faith and culture conversations, encouragement—and a little fun along the way.

Listen weekdays on 99.5 The Word in Little Rock, AM 630 The Word in San Antonio, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

Download Steve’s free resource, Five Tips for Bible Study, and find more episodes at SteveMarstonShow.com.

Why should we pray if God already knows everything?

It’s a question Christians sometimes struggle to answer—and in Episode 478 of The Steve Marston Show, Steve looks at why prayer still matters when we serve an all-knowing God. Prayer isn’t about giving God information He doesn’t already have. It builds trust, strengthens our faith, deepens our relationship with Him, and helps keep us anchored when life naturally pulls us away.

Steve also looks at the story of blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10 and an intriguing question Jesus asked him: “What do you want me to do for you?” What does that encounter teach us about the difference between our physical circumstances and our spiritual condition?

Then author Dana House joins Steve to share the powerful true story behind her new children’s book, “I Missed You While You Were Sleeping.” Dana’s son was only 21 days old when doctors discovered life-threatening heart problems. What followed was a 161-day hospital stay, multiple surgeries, fear, uncertainty—and an extraordinary lesson about trusting God and refusing to let fear steal the moments He had given her.

Dana shares how God reminded her that she hadn’t “missed” the experiences other mothers had with their babies—she had simply lived them differently.

PLUS:

• Why prayer strengthens your “trust muscle”
• How prayer keeps us from spiritually drifting
• Dana House’s remarkable journey from a medical crisis to gratitude
• Why getting a second opinion can matter
• Tony Romo taking responsibility after his OWI case
• A bizarre incident involving a sword at a Pennsylvania church
• Controversy surrounding MercyMe and the Christian music industry
• Faith Between Our Ears: Micah 6:8
• And, of course, the Dad Joke of the Day

The Steve Marston Show is a daily Christian radio show and podcast helping you live more like Jesus through biblical teaching, Christian discipleship, faith and culture conversations, interviews, encouragement—and a little fun along the way.

Listen weekdays at 3 PM on 99.5 The Word in Little Rock and AM 630 The Word in San Antonio.

Find full episodes, individual conversations, videos, and more at SteveMarstonShow.com.

Helping You Live More Like Jesus.

Dana's Book "I Missed You While You Were Sleeping"

https://www.amazon.com/Missed-You-While-Were-Sleeping/dp/B0HHG5KZ5X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=13OPILNQ9BMAS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Mj4xSkNoBHZyuwAmU1ZAhcqnMfjA4Lr3e7wY0kUV2Q0Nn6VaxFjjhifLW4m7ecRLrQOSOSNDMxR5caqoZsy1yPwU5qMo5qisC6szv6TBRtqKiu4BT7a-XpCbb3_Mx7nmwiSXM6R5utplVuycDrpofdug0ly0Mz7M3amxDVHWLX_oaE3MYUR2Rip_IQyQCiNAG5A5F1WjcWyTdfYyxLpTB4sXxVfdr4sn-hFqH7NdGrA.WnTsrwjJ_2TCYn5vx5K8UvlHpbh8Iy91W-edrLRfYw0&dib_tag=se&keywords=dana+house+book&qid=1788443155&sprefix=dana+house%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-1

What happens when the faith you’ve been taught runs headfirst into the pain of real life?

On today’s show, Steve tackles the growing conversation around deconstructing Christianity and asks an important question: Are people really abandoning Jesus—or are some struggling with a version of faith that couldn’t withstand suffering, disappointment, unanswered questions, and the failures of other Christians?

Then pastor, author, evangelist and speaker Brady Weldon joins Steve for a powerful conversation about moving from deconstruction to reconstruction. Brady explains why pain has a way of testing our theology, why questioning what you were taught isn’t necessarily the same as questioning Scripture, and why Christians need to create safe places for hurting people to wrestle honestly with difficult questions.

They also discuss church hurt, addiction, divorce, grief, disappointment with God and the difference between being hurt by people who represent Jesus and rejecting Jesus Himself. Sometimes the most helpful thing we can offer someone isn’t a quick theological answer—it’s simply sitting beside them in the wreckage and pointing them back to Christ.

Also on Episode 477:

Seek and Find: Steve takes a look at the often-overlooked book of Obadiah, the judgment of Edom, the danger of pride and what this short Old Testament book teaches us today.

Stories You May Have Missed: Franklin Graham and Samaritan’s Purse turn down participation in a major government grant program; 22-year-old Christian creator Bryce Crawford asks Vice President J.D. Vance about heaven and faith; and a couple gets married at 35,000 feet aboard a Southwest Airlines flight.

Faith Between Our Ears: This week’s memory verse is Micah 6:8—do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.

Plus, Brady talks about The Undoing of Not Doing and why hesitation and procrastination can keep us from stepping into what God has called us to do.

The Steve Marston Show is a daily Christian radio show and podcast Helping You Live More Like Jesus through biblical teaching, Christian discipleship, faith and culture conversations, interviews, encouragement—and a little fun along the way.

Hear the show on 99.5 The Word in Little Rock, AM 630 The Word in San Antonio, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

Visit SteveMarstonShow.com for more episodes, conversations and resources.

How should Christians talk about Jesus with people who don't believe?

On Episode 475 of The Steve Marston Show, Steve looks at a recent conversation between Howie Mandel and 22-year-old Christian evangelist Bryce Crawford and asks an important question: When we're talking with skeptics about Christianity, where should we start?

Instead of beginning with every controversial cultural issue, Steve argues that Christians should start with the foundation: the extraordinary claims of Jesus Christ. Jesus didn't simply offer another philosophy or path to God—He claimed to be “the way, the truth, and the life.” If the resurrection happened and Jesus truly is who He claimed to be, that changes everything.

PLUS: Steve talks with John Vance of the Man to Man ministry at New Beginnings Pregnancy Center in Arkansas. Pregnancy centers understandably focus heavily on mothers and babies—but what about fathers?

John explains how Man2Man reaches men facing unexpected pregnancies, helps them understand the importance of fatherhood, shares the Gospel with them, provides practical support, and ultimately seeks to connect fathers and families with local churches.

Also on today's show:

• Sunday Morning Takeaways from Joshua and the danger of drifting away from God during the good times
• Why fathers matter in the pro-life movement
• The Chosen's Dallas Jenkins and Jonathan Roumie on portraying Jesus
• Concerns surrounding Jen Hatmaker's changing theology
• Stories from the Christian world you may have missed
• The Dad Joke of the Day
• This week's Faith Between Our Ears memory verse: Micah 6:8

The Steve Marston Show is a daily Christian radio show and podcast helping you live more like Jesus through biblical teaching, Christian discipleship, faith and culture conversations, interviews, encouragement—and a little fun along the way.

Listen weekdays on 99.5 The Word in Central Arkansas and AM 630 The Word in San Antonio.

Visit SteveMarstonShow.com for more conversations, resources, and the FREE “5 Tips for Bible Study” digital download.

Subscribe to The Steve Marston Show and join us on this daily journey of learning how to live more like Jesus.

What if one little word could change the way you face uncertainty, stress and anxiety?

On this Fun Friday edition of The Steve Marston Show, Steve explores “the power of yet” — the difference between saying “I don’t know what I’m going to do” and “I don’t know what I’m going to do yet.”

For followers of Jesus, that isn’t simply positive thinking. It’s a reminder that when we can’t see what happens next, we can still trust what we know about God. Circumstances change. Problems come unexpectedly. Life can turn upside down in an instant. But God is still good, His promises haven't changed, and we aren't facing any of it alone.

Plus, it’s Fun Friday!

🎬 Paul Asay from Focus on the Family’s Plugged In joins Steve to talk about what families need to know about the latest movies and entertainment, including Coyote vs. Acme, Beyond Belief and Toy Story 5. They also discuss screen time, technology and resources that can help parents make informed entertainment choices.

😂 The Babylon Bee Review tackles Christian dating with pickup lines for different denominations — from Baptists and Presbyterians to Lutherans, Pentecostals and more.

📰 Stories You May Have Missed include Rebecca St. James sharing what infertility and miscarriage taught her about trusting God, a worldwide effort to equip young people to share their faith, and a new Netflix docuseries examining the death of a pastor’s wife.

🤣 And, of course, we have the Dad Joke of the Day.

📖 We also wrap up this week’s Faith Between Our Ears memory verse from Proverbs 15:4 and challenge you to make your next step: know what God has promised so you can trust Him when life gets difficult.

The Steve Marston Show is a daily Christian radio show and podcast helping you live more like Jesus through biblical teaching, Christian discipleship, faith and culture conversations, interviews, encouragement — and a little fun along the way.

📻 Listen weekdays at 3 PM Central on 99.5 The Word in Little Rock and AM 630 The Word in San Antonio.

▶️ Subscribe on YouTube for full episodes, conversations and daily Shorts.

🌐 Visit SteveMarstonShow.com for more from the show and to download the free 5 Tips for Bible Study guide.

Helping You Live More Like Jesus.

What do you do when you believe God is calling you to something—but taking that first step feels intimidating?

On the August 27, 2026 edition of The Steve Marston Show, Steve talks with his son Tyler, creator of the 1189 YouTube channel, about recognizing God’s calling and having the courage to act on it. Tyler explains how the idea for 1189—a free, chapter-by-chapter video commentary covering all 1,189 chapters of the Bible—grew from seeing a need to deciding, “I’m going to do something about it.”

They also tackle an important question: How can you tell the difference between God’s calling and simply something you want to do? Tyler points to Scripture, the Holy Spirit, prayer, and the counsel of trusted believers as important ways to test what you believe God has placed on your heart.

Steve also shares a powerful encounter from a college outreach event with a young woman who had been deeply hurt by church people. Her experience raises a challenge for every Christian: when someone has been wounded by the church, will we pile on—or will we respond with the compassion and love of Jesus?

Plus, Seek and Find continues through the Minor Prophets with Nahum, looking at Nineveh roughly 150 years after Jonah and the sobering reality of God’s justice, mercy, repentance, and judgment.

Also on the show:

• Tyler previews Acts 24 and reminds us that biblical success isn't always measured by visible results—sometimes success is simply obedience to what God has called you to do.
• Faith Between Our Ears: Proverbs 15:4 — “Gentle words are a tree of life. A deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”
• Your Next Step: Be the kind of follower of Jesus whose kindness, sincerity, and love make other people feel valued.
• And, of course, there’s a dad joke along the way.

The Steve Marston Show is a daily Christian radio show and podcast Helping You Live More Like Jesus through biblical teaching, Christian discipleship, faith and culture conversations, interviews, encouragement, and a little fun along the way.

Listen on 99.5 The Word in Little Rock, AM 630 The Word in San Antonio, wherever you get your podcasts, and find more content at SteveMarstonShow.com

Reading Scripture gives you familiarity. Studying Scripture gives you depth. On today’s Steve Marston Show, Steve explains why Christians shouldn’t choose between the two—and why slowing down to investigate the things that catch your attention can completely change the way you understand God’s Word.

The show also tackles a commonly misunderstood teaching of Jesus: “turn the other cheek.” Does Jesus really expect Christians to remain passive when they’re mistreated? Steve looks at the context of the Sermon on the Mount and explains the important difference between refusing personal retaliation and refusing to confront wrongdoing or establish healthy boundaries.

Then Jason Curry, author of Finish Empty, joins Steve for a conversation about priorities, intentional living, and why “the battle for excellence is fought in your calendar.” Jason explains why the things that matter most—time with God, marriage, family, rest, spiritual growth, and relationships—often aren’t the things demanding our attention. If we want them to remain priorities, we have to intentionally make room for them.

Jason also shares how Finish Empty is opening unexpected doors with schools, educators, leaders, and organizations, and challenges us to consider the distance between “I’m glad I did” and “I wish I had.” The goal isn’t perfection—it’s intentionally redeeming the time God has given us.

Plus, Steve looks at several stories from the Christian world, including Kirk Cameron’s comments about Taylor Swift’s enormous cultural influence, the reality behind the statistics surrounding pastor burnout, and an encouraging story involving Chris Pratt’s son and his desire to share his faith.

And, of course, there’s a Dad Joke of the Day, this week’s Faith Between Our Ears verse from Proverbs 15:4, and a practical Next Step designed to help you move from simply reading God’s Word to digging deeper into it.

Jason Curry's website https://finishempty.com

The Steve Marston Show is a daily journey in learning how to live more like Jesus—where faith and fun are both taken seriously. Listen weekdays at 3 p.m. on AM 630 The Word in San Antonio and 99.5 The Word in Little Rock, or listen anytime online.

What does it really mean when Jesus tells us to go the extra mile?

In Episode 471 of The Steve Marston Show, Steve begins with a challenge inspired by Adrian Rogers and Jesus’ teaching about going the second mile. It’s easy to do what’s required while grumbling about it. The harder—and more Christlike—response is to go beyond what is required with a willing heart, trusting God with the injustice, frustration, or inconvenience.

Steve also shares Sunday Morning Takeaways, including a look at John 6 and the reminder that while meeting physical needs matters, the ultimate mission of the church is the Gospel: helping people know Jesus and become disciples.

Then, a conversation with Mark Evans of The Church at Rock Creek explores relational evangelism. How do Christians earn the right to be heard? Mark explains why kindness, forgiveness, listening, encouragement and genuine relationships can open doors to eventually share the truth about Jesus.

Steve also welcomes Ken Hicks, pastor of Heights Community Church in San Antonio, who shares his journey from growing up in church and playing and coaching college basketball to discovering a personal relationship with Christ and eventually entering ministry. Ken discusses church camp, distraction, co-vocational ministry, strengthening marriages and families, and finding practical ways for the local church to make a Kingdom impact in its community.

Plus, Steve looks at stories you may have missed, delivers the Dad Joke of the Day, and introduces this week’s Faith Between Your Ears verse:

Proverbs 15:4 — “Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”

And your Next Step for Episode 471: Learn to go the second mile—and learn to love it.

The Steve Marston Show is a daily Christian radio show and podcast helping you live more like Jesus through biblical teaching, Christian discipleship, faith and culture conversations, interviews, encouragement and a little fun along the way.

Listen on Faith Talk 99.5 in Little Rock, AM 630 The Word in San Antonio, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

Helping You Live More Like Jesus.

Why does it sometimes seem like people who ignore God are prospering while those trying to follow Him are struggling?

On this Fun Friday edition of The Steve Marston Show, Steve introduces us to one of the most relatable people in the Bible: Asaph, the worship leader who wrote Psalm 73. Asaph loved God, served Him faithfully, and still found himself looking at the lives of the ungodly and wondering, Why am I doing all of this?

Everything changed when Asaph stopped looking at the temporary and began looking at life from the perspective of eternity. His struggle is a powerful reminder that following God isn't about comparing our circumstances with someone else's—it is about trusting where God is ultimately taking us.

Steve also welcomes Paul Asay from Plugged In, a ministry of Focus on the Family, for a look at the latest movies, music, streaming entertainment, technology, and the messages our families are consuming. They discuss The Magic Faraway Tree, Ariana Grande's new album, Camp Rock 3, screen time, entertainment worldviews, and Plugged In's free Parents Guide to Technology.
Plus, it's Fun Friday, so Steve dives into the Babylon Bee, covers some Christian and entertainment stories you may have missed, delivers the Dad Joke of the Day, and wraps up this week's Faith Between Our Ears with 1 Corinthians 2:9:

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Your Next Step: Find someone in the Bible you relate to—positively or negatively—and spend some time studying their life. What can God teach you through their successes, failures, doubts, and faith?

The Steve Marston Show is a daily Christian radio show and podcast helping you live more like Jesus through biblical teaching, Christian discipleship, faith and culture conversations, interviews, encouragement—and a little fun along the way.

Listen on 99.5 The Word in Little Rock, AM 630 The Word in San Antonio, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

Visit SteveMarstonShow.com for more episodes, interviews, biblical resources, and the free Five Tips for Bible Study guide.

What does it actually mean when Christians say they are “washed in the blood”? And how can we know we’re interpreting difficult passages of Scripture correctly?

On this episode of The Steve Marston Show, Steve begins with a practical look at how to rightly handle the Word of God. After a college Bible study discussion about Jesus’ difficult words in Mark 9—where He speaks of cutting off a hand or foot that causes you to sin—Steve explains why we have to look beyond an isolated verse and allow Scripture to interpret Scripture. Bible study isn’t simply about accumulating facts; it’s about knowing God more deeply and then helping others do the same.

Then it’s the debut of a brand-new feature: “Explain Yourself, Christian!” Christians sometimes use words and phrases that make perfect sense inside the church but can sound downright strange to everyone else. First up: “Are you washed in the blood?” Steve traces the phrase from the Old Testament sacrificial system to Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, and explains how Christ’s sacrifice makes sinners right with God—not through our own goodness or righteousness, but through what Jesus accomplished on the cross.

Steve’s son Tyler also joins the show to continue exploring the book of Acts and his 1189 Bible project. This week, they dive into Acts 23, where Paul faces the Sanhedrin, cleverly exposes the division between the Pharisees and Sadducees, survives opposition, and receives encouragement directly from Jesus. At one of Paul’s lowest moments, Christ reminds him that his faithfulness in Jerusalem wasn’t wasted—and that his mission will eventually take him all the way to Rome.

That leads to an important lesson for every Christian: obedience to God is success, even when we don’t immediately see the results. Following Jesus isn’t merely about a one-time conversion experience. It’s a lifelong walk in which Christ continues to lead, transform, sanctify and strengthen His people.

Plus, Steve covers stories you may have missed, delivers the Dad Joke of the Day, and continues this week’s Faith Between Your Ears memory verse, 1 Corinthians 2:9.

And today’s Next Step: begin your journey toward becoming a better student of Scripture—learning to rightly understand God’s Word, apply it to your own life, and help others do the same.

The Steve Marston Show — a daily journey in learning how to live more like Jesus, with biblical teaching, Christian discipleship, conversations, encouragement, and a little fun along the way.