When Pastors Become Celebrities + The Spiritual War Against Israel | Jim Scudder Jr.

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.

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