Rusty George Podcast

In this episode, Rusty chats with Scott Pederson—owner of "Celebrate Positive," a business dedicated to spreading positivity. A proud graduate of the University of Nebraska (Go Big Red!), Scott has an impressive background in sports, including working with the late Rush Limbaugh at the Kansas City Royals, serving as the Recruiting Director for Oklahoma State University, and collaborating with former Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward to recognize positive athletes. This engaging conversation is a must-listen for sports fans and non-fans alike! Stay tuned for a fascinating story about recruiting Garth Brooks to OSU, along with some insights about Limbaugh.Books:Purchase Rusty's Friend of God book: https://pastorrustygeorge.square.site/product/friend-of-god/155 Did you know that over 6 billion people around the world don't know Jesus? Even more staggering, 3 billion have never even heard His name. Good News Productions International (GNPI) is on a mission to change that by harnessing the power of media to help people di

In this week’s Monday Minute, we reflect on the powerful message from our recent sermon: Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People? While we addressed many tough questions, there’s one verse we didn’t get to dive into — Hebrews 4:15. This verse reminds us that our High Priest, Jesus, understands our weaknesses and has faced the same trials we do. Unlike other religions that teach how to reach God, following Jesus shows us how God came to us, walked with us, and suffered for us.We encourage you to check out the full message if you missed it and take the next step in your faith journey. Don’t forget, next week we’ll be joined by John Burke! If you’re in the DFW area, make sure to attend in person, or watch online. Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll see you next week! Did you know that over 6 billion people around the world don't know Jesus? Even more staggering, 3 billion have never even heard His name. Good News Productions International (GNPI) is on a mission to change that by harnessing the power of media to help

In this message from the series Is God Good?, Rusty George addresses the challenging question many people face: if God is good and great, why do bad things happen? He acknowledges that many of us grow up believing in certain versions of God that don’t hold up when we face real-life struggles, such as suffering or unanswered prayers. Rusty explores the false images of God, like the "Bodyguard God," the "On-Demand God," and the "Guilt God," and encourages us to let go of these misconceptions. Instead, he invites us to seek the true God revealed in Jesus, who walks with us through our doubts and struggles, even when life doesn’t go as we expect. Through humor and heartfelt reflection, Rusty reminds us that while life’s challenges can make us question God’s goodness, faith is about trusting God’s presence in the midst of it all. Did you know that over 6 billion people around the world don't know Jesus? Even more staggering, 3 billion have never even heard His name. Good News Productions International (GNPI) is on

In this episode, Rusty welcomes John Burke, the founding pastor of Gateway Church in Austin, Texas, as well as a speaker and author known for his works on heaven and near-death experiences. John shares a collection of incredible and often harrowing stories from around the world, shedding light on what he has learned through these experiences. This episode is truly one you need to hear—or see—to believe!Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnburkeofficial/X: https://x.com/J0hnBurke Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnburkeofficial?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-burke-21957471/Focus on the Family: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/contributors/john-burke/Gateway Church Austin: https://www.youtube.com/@gatewaychurchaustinBooks:Purchase Imagine The God of Heaven by John Burke: https://imagineheaven.net/Purchase Rusty's Friend of God book: https://pastorrustygeorge.square.site/product/friend-of-god/155 Did you know that over

In this Monday Minute, Rusty George reflects on the recent weekend message at Crossroads, where he discussed the different versions of God that people often believe in but shouldn't. He highlights the story of a man who asked Jesus to heal his daughter, saying, "I believe, but help my unbelief." Rusty encourages listeners to adopt this prayer in their own lives, especially when struggling with doubt or skepticism about a version of God they were taught as a child that may not hold up in adulthood. The call is to seek and know the one true God, revealed in Jesus, and to be honest in our prayers, asking for faith amidst our unbelief. Did you know that over 6 billion people around the world don't know Jesus? Even more staggering, 3 billion have never even heard His name. Good News Productions International (GNPI) is on a mission to change that by harnessing the power of media to help people discover, know, and follow Jesus.For decades, GNPI has been dedicated to spreading the Good News globally, and now they're

Rusty George engages his audience with humor and relatable stories, discussing his football allegiances and his family's experiences with prayer, while addressing the deep questions people often have about God's nature. Through a series of anecdotes, he challenges common misconceptions of God, such as the "on-demand" God, the "boyfriend" God, and the "guilt" God, which can lead to a distorted faith experience. Rusty invites listeners to rethink these false views and explore a new understanding of a God who is compassionate, loving, and ever-present, even in moments when He seems silent. Emphasizing the true God revealed in Jesus, Rusty encourages his audience to embrace a faith that offers grace, freedom, and the assurance of God’s presence through life's struggles. Did you know that over 6 billion people around the world don't know Jesus? Even more staggering, 3 billion have never even heard His name. Good News Productions International (GNPI) is on a mission to change that by harnessing the power of media t

In this episode, Rusty sits down with Lee Coate, the co-founder of "Growmentum," author of the book "Being Peter," and Executive Pastor at The Crossing Church in Las Vegas, Nevada. They discuss the importance of aligning church vision, strategies for encouraging impulsive volunteers, and the unique challenges of working with the often unpredictable personalities in worship ministry, particularly musicians. Join them for an insightful and entertaining conversation on navigating the complexities of church leadership!Social Media:Website: https://leecoate.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lee.coate/X: https://x.com/leecoateInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/leecoate/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-coate-45001b236/Books:Being Peter Permission To Live and Lead... Loud and Large: https://a.co/d/dgOaVVH Purchase Rusty's Friend of God book: https://pastorrustygeorge.square.site/product/friend-of-god/155 Did you know that over 6 billion people around the world don't know Jesus? Even more staggering, 3

Damian Boyd opens with a powerful prayer, calling the congregation to surrender to God and listen for His voice. He intercedes specifically for those who are deeply wounded and wrestling with offense, asking God to bring healing and hope to their hearts. Damian highlights that being "unoffendable" is central to the Beatitudes, the culture of God's Kingdom, and the very essence of the cross.Approaching his message with humility, Damian sets the foundation by focusing first on who God is, then reflecting on his own journey, and finally turning to the congregation. He challenges the idea that we can simply move on from offense without a deep, transformative response rooted in God's character.Damian's sermon is a powerful invitation to understand and embrace the distinct yet interconnected gifts of mercy and grace. He encourages believers to develop an unoffendable spirit, recognizing mercy as God's compassionate withholding of judgment—"You did wrong, but you won’t face the full consequences"—and grace as His un

In this episode, Rusty sits down with Jan, an author, professor, and spiritual director who currently chairs the Dallas Willard Ministries. Together, they explore the concept of "Kingdom Living," discuss the unique weather of Southern California, and delve into the writing process. Jan also shares insights on how to discern when God is speaking to us versus other influences. Join them for a thought-provoking conversation that blends faith and practical wisdom. Social Media:Website: https://janjohnson.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorJanJohnson/Books:When The Soul Listens: https://janjohnson.org/shop/when-the-soul-listens/Purchase Rusty's Friend of God book: https://pastorrustygeorge.square.site/product/friend-of-god/155

Monday Minute is here! We just wrapped up a powerful discussion on church hurt—a topic that hits home for so many. If you missed the message, don't worry—you can catch it on Crossroads or through our podcast.This week’s episode dives deep into what happens when the hurt comes from within the church. Here’s a thought-provoking quote from Stanley Hauerwas: "The most creative social strategy we have to offer is the church. We serve the world by showing it something that is not—namely, a place where God is, forming a family out of strangers."

In today's sermon, we explore the topic of "Church Hurt," addressing the all-too-common experience of feeling offended or let down by the church. Drawing from Philippians 4:2-3, where Paul addresses a conflict between two members of the early church, we examine how unresolved personal issues can escalate into community-wide drama. The key takeaway is that true Christian community is not about avoiding conflict but embracing a spirit of reconciliation.Whether it's unresolved issues from a past church experience or current frustrations, this message encourages us to seek healing and unity. The church is not perfect—it's a community of broken people striving to live in harmony through the grace of God. As Paul advises, we should avoid taking sides in conflicts and instead foster a spirit of reconciliation, ensuring that personal grievances do not hinder the work of God within the church.

Kirk Freeman, a former country music writer, now serves as the preacher at CrossBridge Community Church in San Antonio, Texas. He’s also the author of "Threads," a book that explores how everyone can become a disciple. In this episode, Kirk shares a memorable story about discovering the essence of disciple-making during his daughter’s wedding. The conversation also dives into Kirk and Rusty's shared passion for country music, making for an engaging and heartfelt discussion.Social Media:Crossbridge Community Church Website: https://crossbridgecommunitychurch.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirkfreeman.143/X: https://x.com/KirkFreeman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirkfreeman_/?__d=1%2FLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirk-freeman-76718313/Books:Threads: Weaving Disciple Making Into The Fabric Of Your Life: https://disciplemakingthreads.com/Purchase Rusty's Friend of God book: https://pastorrustygeorge.square.site/product/friend-of-god/155

Did you miss this weekend's sermon? Clay Scroggins, a familiar face at Crossroads, shares his excitement about returning after a few months away and dives into the theme of being "Unoffendable." He humorously recounts a personal story of inadvertently taking a long nap on his kids' first day of school, leading to an amusing but slightly embarrassing encounter with the school principal. Clay explores how easily we get offended, especially when relationships become competitive. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing relationships over winning arguments or competitions, drawing on 1 Corinthians 9 to illustrate how the Apostle Paul made it his mission to win people over through love and service, rather than through conflict or offense.

Hey everyone, thanks for tuning in! This segment is all about diving deeper into what we didn’t have time to cover in our weekend message. And here’s something crucial I didn’t get to mention:Why should we strive to live unoffendable?Well, one of the key reasons is because Jesus absorbed our offenses on the cross.  Let’s reflect on Romans 4:25: “Jesus was delivered up because of our offenses and was raised because of our justification.”In other words, every offense we’ve ever committed or felt toward God—Jesus took it all upon Himself on the cross so that we could be justified. Think of it as being "just as if I hadn’t sinned."This week, I encourage you to live unoffendable. Let go of those offenses because He’s already taken care of them.If this message resonated with you, hit the like button, share with a friend, and don’t forget to subscribe for more insights like this every Monday!#MondayMinute #LiveUnoffendable #JesusAbsorbedOurOffenses #FaithInAction #Romans425 #CrossroadsChurch #SpiritualGrowth

We have all been OFFENDED by someone or something. This message uses common mousetraps and bug zappers as metaphors to illustrate how easy it is to fall into life’s various "traps," such as consumerism, sweets, gossip, and digital distractions. Pastor Rusty recounts personal experiences, leading to a deeper discussion about the ultimate trap laid by the enemy: offense. Rusty urges listeners not to take the bait of offense, which can lead to bitterness and distraction from what truly matters. He emphasizes the importance of letting go of offenses and avoiding being the cause of others' stumbling, while encouraging a balanced approach to expressing and dealing with issues. The message ultimately calls for living in grace, not letting offenses take root, and moving forward with wisdom and patience.Thank you for listening. For more, visit CrossroadsChristian.org and PastorRustyGeorge.com, and check out our podcast, Simple Faith with Rusty George.

Brian Dodd, author of "Timeless: 10 Enduring Practices of Apex Leaders," has spent the past 19 years assisting churches and pastors in funding their visions and missions. In this episode, Rusty and Brian discuss a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, emphasizing its importance through examples from movies, sports, and other books. Stay tuned until the end, where Brian gets Rusty to share his thoughts on soccer.Social Media:Website: https://briandoddonleadership.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.dodd.39X: https://x.com/BrianKDoddInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/briandoddonleadership/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-dodd-ab442523/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoKrJaxcZ_si4wtT8eEiB3g2 minute Leadership Course: https://ministrydeal.clickfunnels.com/sales-page1636657796190Podcast: Pursuit Of Service: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Rrf4VdSgzCnmmepB4ZJmU?si=d81322c45f254d1f Books:Brian Dodd's #1 Best Selling Book: Mighty: 7 Skills You Need to Move from Pandemic to Progres

Today, I'm excited to have Dino Rizzo with us. Dino serves as the Executive Director of ARC (Association of Related Churches) and is an Associate Pastor at Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, Alabama. He's also the author of "Servolution." Dino and I will be discussing church planting, exploring innovative ways and new locations where churches are starting, and how ARC supports these endeavors. If you're interested in planting a church or starting a new one, this episode is for you!Dino Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DLRizzo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dinorizzo/?hl=enX: https://x.com/dinorizzo?lang=enChurch of the Highlands: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/ARC Social Media:Website: https://www.arcchurches.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weplantlifeX: https://x.com/arcchurchesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcchurches/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/arcchurchestvSubscribe to ARC Emails: https://arcchurches.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=5716790f007bf6611cc899

I'm excited to bring you this episode featuring Jon Acuff. Together, we explore the journey of rewriting the soundtracks in your head. Jon shares invaluable insights into transforming our inner narratives and breaking free from self-limiting beliefs. Join us for an inspiring conversation that will empower you to take control of your thoughts and live a more fulfilling life. Don't miss it!Social Media:Website: https://jonacuff.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjonacuffX: https://x.com/jonacuffInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonacuffLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonacuff/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/authorjonacuffPodcast: All it Takes is a goal with Jon Acuff: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-it-takes-is-a-goal/id1547078080Books:What to Do Next: Taking your best step when life is uncertainPurchase Here: https://a.co/d/faT5LU9Purchase Rusty's Friend of God book: https://pastorrustygeorge.square.site/product/friend-of-god/155

I'm thrilled to have Chad Veach on the podcast this week. Chad is an author, speaker, and the lead pastor of ZOE Church in Los Angeles. He shared some incredible stories from his journey as a founding pastor and father. We also discussed his new book, "Worried About Everything Because I Pray About Nothing." Chad's insights on authenticity and overcoming anxiety are truly invaluable. I know you'll gain a lot from our conversation.Social Media:Website: https://chadveach.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chadveach/?hl=enThreads: https://www.threads.net/@chadveach Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZOEChurchLosAngelesPodcast:Leadership Lean in: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leadership-lean-in-with-chad-veach/id1438265251Subscribe to Chad Veach's Leadership Email: https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/subscribe?a=Y7b6KB&g=SEJgBKBooks:I Bet You Think This Book Is About You: How to avoid the pitfalls of pride and gain the rewards of humility.Purchase Here: https://a.co/d/fzDaASNPurchase Rusty

In this episode, I’m joined by faith-driven entrepreneur Jeff Henderson. We dive into his unique blend of ministry and business, uncovering secrets from his time at Chick-fil-A. Jeff shares valuable insights and experiences that bridge faith and entrepreneurship. Don't miss this inspiring conversation!Social Media:Website: https://jeffhenderson.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jefferyehendersonX: https://x.com/JeffHendersonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jefferyhenderson/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-henderson-95989a7b/Books:What to Do Next: Taking your best step when life is uncertainPurchase Here: https://a.co/d/faT5LU9Purchase Rusty's Friend of God book: https://pastorrustygeorge.square.site/product/friend-of-god/155