Dying to Live Podcast

What is it really like to be a single guy in the church? Beyond the Sunday smiles, the unanswered questions, and the well-meaning comments, what are the joys, the struggles, and the things we often overlook?

In this episode, we sit down with a few single Christian guys to have an honest conversation about singleness, loneliness, friendships, dating, marriage, and finding purpose in the season you're in. We explore the importance of discernment, what it means to run hard after God, and the incredible capacity single men have to pursue God's kingdom, serve His church, and invest in others in ways that can be uniquely challenging for married men.

How do you hold together a genuine desire for marriage with contentment in your singleness? How do you pursue relationships wisely without putting life on hold? And how can the church move beyond simply including single guys to genuinely helping them flourish?

Whether you're single, married, a church leader, or someone who cares about the single guys in your church, this conversation is for you. Because singleness isn't a waiting room for life to begin — it's a season to be lived fully, faithfully, and with purpose.

What comes to mind when you hear the words mental health? Is it a genuine health issue that deserves the same attention as physical illness, or has mental health become an excuse people use to justify their behaviour?

It’s a subject that affects millions of people, yet it remains surrounded by confusion, misconceptions and stigma. Some people suffer in silence because they’re afraid of being judged. Others wonder whether society has become too quick to label ordinary struggles as mental health conditions. And with the growing influence of social media, we have to ask: are we experiencing a genuine increase in mental health problems, or are we simply becoming more aware of them?

In this episode, we’re tackling these difficult questions head-on. What exactly is mental health? How is it different from physical health, and how are the two connected? What role have social media and online influencers played in shaping the way we understand mental health today?

And, perhaps most importantly, how should Christians approach this subject? How do we distinguish between spiritual struggles, emotional difficulties and conditions that require professional treatment? When should we speak to a pastor, a counsellor, a psychologist or a psychiatrist? And how do we hold on to our faith while recognising that sometimes we need help beyond what our church community can provide?

We want to move beyond the stereotypes, challenge some assumptions and explore what it means to respond with both biblical wisdom and compassion.

Because mental health is not a subject we can afford to ignore, dismiss or misunderstand.

So, is mental health an excuse, a reality, or something far more complex than either of those labels suggests?

Let’s talk about it.

What if generosity wasn’t just something you did once a month, but a way of life that transforms how you live every day?

In this episode we’re talking about living a generous life.

The New Testament calls us to something far greater than a month-end transaction. Generosity is about more than money; it’s about the posture of our hearts and how we respond to what God has entrusted to us.

Generosity isn’t just financial. It includes our time, our gifts, our love, our service, and our willingness to respond when the Holy Spirit prompts us to bless someone.

True generosity is Spirit-led. We receive from God, respond to His leading, bless others, and keep the cycle of generosity going.

So, how do we move from giving out of obligation to living with open hands and open hearts? What changes when we see everything we have as entrusted to us by God for His purposes and to steward it faithfully?

Join us as we explore what it means to live generously, reflecting the heart of God in the way we live, give, and love.

Because generosity isn’t just an action — it’s a lifestyle.

Christianity and African culture — must we choose between the two, or can they complement one another?

Africa is rich in cultural heritage, with traditions, customs, music, family structures and community values that have shaped generations. Yet, as Christians, we are called to examine every aspect of our lives through the lens of Scripture.

So, where do Christianity and African culture complement one another? What can we celebrate, preserve and embrace from our cultural heritage? And where do certain customs, beliefs and traditional practices come into conflict with biblical Christianity?

How do we distinguish between cultural practices that enrich our faith and those that compromise it? And how do we remain authentically African while being fully committed followers of Jesus Christ?

But these questions become especially challenging when our faith conflicts with the expectations of our non-believing family members. How do we honour our parents, respect our elders and maintain family relationships when we are asked to participate in practices that go against our biblical convictions? How do we stand firm in our faith without becoming disrespectful, judgemental or disconnected from those we love?

Today, we explore these questions and consider how the Bible helps us discern what to embrace, what to adapt and what we must leave behind — while remaining faithful to Christ and loving towards our families and communities.

Where should my child go to school?

For Christian parents in South Africa, this is becoming an increasingly important question. Should our children attend a government school, private school, Christian school, homeschool or online school?

And with worldviews and values that increasingly conflict with biblical Christianity finding their way into schools, many parents are asking, “Is this the right environment for my child?”

But perhaps we need to start with a bigger question:

Does God care which school my child goes to?

The Bible makes it clear that parents have the primary responsibility for raising and discipling their children. We cannot simply hand that responsibility over to a school. Ultimately, the decision belongs to the parents.

But how do we make that decision?

Perhaps the question isn't simply, “Which school is best?” It is: “God, where do You want me to send this unique child You have entrusted to me, so that their potential can be maximised while they grow in their relationship with You and discover Your plans and purposes for their life?”

Every child is different. What works for one child may not be right for another.

A government school isn't automatically wrong. A private school isn't automatically better. A Christian school isn't necessarily the right choice for every child, and homeschooling isn't automatically the most biblical option.The responsibility is ours as parents to seek God, understand our child, evaluate the options and make a wise decision.

So in this episode, we're going to ask what the Bible says about parental responsibility, education, competing worldviews and how Christian parents can make wise schooling decisions in today's South Africa.

Because ultimately, the question isn't simply:

“Which school should my child attend?

”It's:

“Lord, where do You want me to send the child You have entrusted to me?”

What if the thing you’re doing to make yourself healthier is actually making you less healthy?

What if eating clean, counting calories, weighing yourself, tracking your sleep, exercising every day and constantly thinking about your health has stopped being good stewardship—and has started controlling you?

We live in a culture that tells us to optimise everything: our food, our fitness, our sleep, our weight, our bodies and even our longevity. And wanting to be healthy is certainly not a bad thing.

But when does healthy become unhealthy?

When does discipline become obsession?
When does commitment become control?
When does looking after your body become being controlled by your body?

And perhaps most importantly, where does God fit into all of this?

The Bible doesn’t give us a particular diet, exercise programme or sleep schedule. But it does give us principles about self-control, discipline, stewardship, freedom, priorities and the condition of our hearts.

So how do we pursue good health without making health our god?

How do we recognise when something good has quietly become something that has too much control over our lives?

In this episode we’re going to explore that tension—and look at what God’s Word can teach us about caring for the bodies God has given us while making sure that our pursuit of health doesn’t become an obsession.

Because being healthy matters—but what controls your heart matters even more.

What do you do when your child finishes school and suddenly the big question is staring you in the face: University, a gap year, a discipleship school—or something completely different?For many young people, the pressure is to choose a career as quickly as possible. But is finding a career the same thing as finding your calling? And should we really expect an eighteen-year-old to know what they want to do with the rest of their life?

Perhaps a gap year could be an opportunity to grow in faith, discover who you are in Christ, develop practical skills, and learn to hear God for yourself. But a gap year can also bring its own challenges—especially when a young person goes overseas alone, without the spiritual foundations, accountability, or support they need.

So what role should parents play? How do we encourage our children without controlling their decisions? When should we encourage university or further study, and when might a year of discipleship be the better choice? And how do we build on everything we've taught our children about God so that faith becomes something they personally own, rather than simply something they inherited from their parents?

Ultimately, this isn't just about choosing what to do after school. It's about learning to ask a much bigger question:“God, what do You want me to do with my life?”

Before finding a career, perhaps there is something more important to discover—who you are, whose you are, and what God has called you to become.

“What do you do when the people you love most don't share the values that have become central to your life?

Following Jesus doesn't just change our Sunday mornings—it can change our priorities, commitments and the way we make decisions.

And sometimes, that creates tension.

There’s a family birthday, a weekly dinner or a special gathering, but there’s also a church commitment or Kingdom responsibility that you believe is important.

So what do we do when faith and family collide?

How do we honour and love our families without compromising our devotion to Christ? When should family take priority, and when should our Kingdom commitments?

And how do we navigate these situations without becoming judgmental, legalistic or insensitive to the people we love?

The answer isn't simply, ‘Church comes first,’ or ‘Family always comes first.’ We are called to love, honour, serve and remain faithful to Christ—and sometimes those commitments can pull us in different directions.

So today, we're having an honest conversation about When Faith & Family Collide—and how we can navigate those difficult moments with wisdom, grace and a heart that remains faithful to Christ.”

There are few things more difficult for a church than saying goodbye to a leader we have come to love, trust and respect. Whether it is a pastor, elder or another spiritual leader, their departure can feel deeply personal—even when we believe that God is the one calling them into a new season.

So how do we navigate that transition well?

In this podcast, we’re going to look at the experience from all sides: the members who are grieving a relationship, the leader who has to leave people they love, and the new leader who steps into a congregation with a history and expectations already in place.

How do we honour what God has done through the previous leader without living in the past? How do we welcome someone new without constantly comparing them to the person who left? And perhaps most importantly, how do we learn to trust God when He moves people and seasons in ways we wouldn't necessarily choose ourselves?

This is a conversation about change, loss, calling, letting go—and learning to trust God with what comes next.

Today we're tackling a subject that touches every one of us at some point in our lives.

Throughout the Bible we're repeatedly told, "Do not fear." But what does that mean when fear feels overwhelming? What do we do when anxiety isn't just an occasional emotion, but something that weighs heavily on our minds, affects our relationships, disrupts our sleep, and even impacts our physical health?

Anxiety has become one of the defining struggles of our generation. It affects young and old, believers and unbelievers alike. It can quietly erode our peace, weaken our faith, and leave us feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Yet the Bible has a great deal to say about fear, anxiety, and the peace that God offers His people.

In this episode, we'll explore what Scripture teaches about fear and anxiety. Are fear and anxiety always sinful? Why does God so often command His people, "Do not be afraid"? How do we obey that command when our emotions tell us otherwise? And what practical, biblical steps can we take to fight anxiety and cultivate a deeper trust in God?

We'll also consider how the Church should respond. How do we walk alongside someone who is struggling with fear? How do we encourage without offering empty clichés or simplistic answers? And how do we point people to the hope, comfort, and peace that are found in Christ?

This is a conversation about more than managing emotions. It's about learning to trust a sovereign God in an uncertain world, discovering His presence in the midst of our fears, and finding the peace that Jesus promised—a peace that transcends circumstances.

Whether you're wrestling with anxiety yourself or seeking to help someone who is, we pray this episode will equip you with biblical wisdom, practical encouragement, and renewed confidence in God's faithful promises.

Today we're diving into a subject that lies at the very heart of the Christian life: "Guarding & Growing in Joy."

Joy is one of the great themes of Scripture. Yet for many believers, it can seem elusive. Life brings trials, disappointment, suffering, and uncertainty, and it's easy to wonder: Is lasting joy really possible?

The Bible tells us that joy is far more than a passing emotion or a response to favourable circumstances. It is a deep, enduring confidence rooted in the character of God, the finished work of Christ, and the unchanging hope of the gospel. It's a joy that can exist even in the midst of hardship.

So what does the Bible actually say about joy? How is biblical joy different from happiness? How do we guard our joy when life is difficult? And what practical habits help us grow in joy day by day?

In this episode, we'll explore the Scriptures to discover why joy is described as a fruit of the Spirit, why we're repeatedly commanded to rejoice, and how believers can cultivate a life marked by gratitude, worship, hope, and delight in God—even when circumstances are far from ideal.

We'll also discuss the things that rob us of joy, how to recognise them, and how to keep our eyes fixed on Christ, the true source of lasting joy.

Whether you're walking through a season of blessing or a season of struggle, our prayer is that this conversation will encourage you to experience the joy that God intends for His people—not a superficial happiness, but a deep and abiding joy that sustains us through every season of life.

Today we're tackling a difficult but important subject for the Church: discipline, repentance and restoration.

What happens when a believer falls into serious sin? What does the Bible teach us about church discipline? Is discipline simply about confronting sin and imposing consequences, or is there a greater purpose?

The Bible presents a road that leads from discipline, through repentance, toward restoration.But how do we recognise genuine repentance? And when someone has truly turned from their sin, how should we receive them back into fellowship?

Then there’s another difficult question: what happens when repentance doesn't remove the consequences of sin?

A person can be genuinely repentant and forgiven by God, while trust still needs to be rebuilt, relationships repaired, and certain responsibilities changed.

So how do we hold together truth and grace, holiness and mercy, accountability and forgiveness?

How do we discipline without crushing? Forgive without minimising sin? And restore a repentant sinner in a way that is truly biblical and godly?

Today, we're going to explore what the Bible says about the road from discipline to repentance and ultimately to restoration.

John de Beer, an elder in the life of JoshGen, shares his story of brokenness and restoration after the tragic death of his brother Carl. Together with his wife Christa he chats about some of the trials and deep emotional pain caused by a suicide in the family.

Today we're exploring a subject that is deeply personal, often misunderstood, and profoundly important to the heart of God: "Reflecting God's Heart to Single Moms."

For many single mothers, life is marked by extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and resilience. Yet alongside those realities, many also carry the weight of judgement, stigma, and assumptions—sometimes from the very communities where they should find grace and support. The truth is that women become single mothers through a wide range of circumstances: bereavement, divorce, abandonment, abuse, unplanned pregnancy, or the difficult consequences of living in a broken world. Every story is unique, and every person bears the image of God.

So what should the Church's response be?

How do we move beyond stereotypes and reflect the compassion, truth, and love of Christ? What does Scripture teach about caring for those who are vulnerable? And what does it look like for believers to come alongside single mothers in practical, meaningful, and biblical ways—without compromising truth or withholding grace?

In this episode, we'll consider how the Church can become a place of refuge rather than rejection, support rather than suspicion, and hope rather than hardship. We'll explore God's heart for those who carry heavy burdens and ask what it means for His people to faithfully represent that heart in today's world.

Whether you're a single parent, a church leader, or simply someone who wants to love others more like Christ, we pray this conversation will encourage, challenge, and equip you.

Today we're tackling a topic that affects every single one of us, whether we realise it or not: Conscience.

What exactly is our conscience? Is it simply an inner voice, or has God given every person an inbuilt moral compass? Can we trust our conscience completely, or does it need to be shaped and informed by God's Word?

We'll explore what the Bible teaches about conscience, how it relates to morality, and why our culture seems increasingly divided over questions of right and wrong. We'll also unpack one of the Bible's most sobering phrases: a seared conscience. What does it mean? How does a conscience become hardened? And is there a way back?

Joining us for this conversation are two elders from the Joshua Generation family of churches, Russell Fraser and Michael D'Offay. Together we'll examine Scripture, discuss the challenges Christians face in today's moral landscape, and consider how believers can cultivate a conscience that is sensitive to the voice of God.

Whether you're a Christian seeking biblical clarity or simply curious about where morality comes from, we hope this conversation will challenge your thinking and strengthen your faith.

Every one of us believes things about ourselves, God, or others that simply aren't true. Some of these lies seem small. Others have shaped the course of our entire lives.

Perhaps you've believed you're not good enough. That you're unwanted. That God could never truly love or forgive you. Maybe you've lived under shame, rejection, fear, or condemnation for so long that they've become part of your identity.

The Bible tells us that Satan is a liar and the father of lies. His strategy has always been deception. If he can persuade us to believe a lie, he can keep us living in bondage even when Christ has already paid for our freedom.

The good news of the gospel is that Jesus doesn't simply forgive our sins—He invites us into what we call the great exchange. He exchanges lies for truth, shame for acceptance, fear for peace, bondage for freedom, and our old identity for a new one as sons and daughters of God.

In this episode we'll explore how these lies take root, how they influence our thinking, emotions, and behaviour, and how the Holy Spirit reveals truth that sets people free. We'll talk about repentance—not merely feeling sorry, but changing our minds and agreeing with God. We'll discuss confession, forgiveness, healing of the heart, and where necessary, deliverance from spiritual oppression. Deliverance is an important part of ministry for some people, but it is never the whole story. Lasting freedom comes as God's truth replaces the lies we have believed.

As Jesus said, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

In this episode we have the privilege of sitting down with Russell Fraser, a respected elder in the life of Joshua Generation Church, a true pastor's pastor, and a spiritual father to many.

For decades, Russell has faithfully served God's people, investing in leaders, strengthening churches, and walking alongside pastors through both the joys and challenges of ministry. His life and ministry have left a lasting impact on countless individuals, not through prominence or platform, but through faithful, consistent shepherding.

In this conversation, Russell shares his personal journey as a pastor—the lessons learned, the victories celebrated, the challenges faced, and the faithfulness of God that has sustained him through every season. Whether you're a church leader, a ministry volunteer, or simply someone wanting to grow in your walk with Christ, you'll find wisdom, encouragement, and practical insights from a man who has spent a lifetime serving Jesus and His Church.

Sleep is something we all need, yet it is often one of the first things we neglect. In a world that celebrates busyness and productivity, many people struggle to find the right balance between work, rest, and recreation. Some wear sleep deprivation as a badge of honour, while others find themselves battling fatigue, oversleeping, or poor sleep habits that affect every area of life.

But what does the Bible say about sleep? Is it simply a biological necessity, or does God have something deeper to teach us through the gift of rest? How much sleep is enough? Can we have too little—or even too much? And how do we navigate the tension between diligence and rest in a way that honours God?

In this episode, we're taking a biblical and medical look at the subject of sleep. Joining us are Michael D'Offay and Dan Barnard, both elders in the life of JoshGen, along with Dr. Hanne Moffat, who brings valuable medical insight to the conversation. Together, we'll explore what Scripture teaches about sleep and rest, examine the health implications of our sleeping habits, and discuss how we can develop rhythms that help us flourish physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Whether you're someone who struggles to get enough sleep, wonders if you're getting too much, or simply wants to understand God's design for rest, this conversation will provide practical wisdom, biblical perspective, and helpful guidance for everyday life.

As our parents grow older, many of us find ourselves stepping into a role we never expected—the role of caregiver.

What begins with helping out here and there can gradually become a journey filled with difficult decisions, emotional strain, and complex family dynamics. When age-related illnesses such as dementia enter the picture, the challenges can multiply. Questions arise about safety, independence, finances, medical care, and who should take responsibility. Siblings may disagree on what is best. Parents may resist the very help they need. And those carrying the greatest burden can often feel overwhelmed, isolated, and uncertain.

How do we honour our parents while also protecting our own families and wellbeing? What boundaries are healthy and necessary? How do families make wise decisions together when emotions run high and opinions differ? And as Christians, what does God expect of us when caring for ageing parents?

Today, we're going to explore these important and often deeply personal questions with our guests, Nick and Belinda Sophos, and Kate Jonker. Whether you are currently caring for an elderly parent, preparing for that season of life, or supporting someone who is, this conversation will offer practical wisdom, biblical insight, and encouragement for the road ahead.

There comes a moment in every boy's life when childhood begins to give way to manhood. It doesn't happen overnight, and it rarely follows a straight line. One day they're playing with toys; the next they're wrestling with questions about purpose, strength, leadership, relationships, responsibility, and who they are becoming.

For Christian parents, these years can be both rewarding and daunting. Teenage boys are full of energy, potential, and ambition, but they are also navigating powerful influences, temptations, and pressures that can shape the course of their lives.

How do we help our sons grow into men who love God wholeheartedly? How do we cultivate strength without aggression, confidence without arrogance, and independence without rebellion?
What role does a father play in modelling godly masculinity and preparing a son for adulthood? How can a mother continue to influence, encourage, and speak into her son's life during a season when he may seem increasingly distant or independent?

How do we teach our sons to handle failure, temptation, friendships, technology, sexuality, and the responsibilities that come with increasing freedom? How do we help them develop conviction, resilience, humility, and courage in a culture that often offers conflicting definitions of manhood?
And as parents, how do we know when to hold tightly and when to loosen our grip? How do we create healthy boundaries while giving our sons the opportunity to grow, make decisions, and learn responsibility for themselves?

In this episode, we're joined by Tony & Jo Stroebel, Ivan & Karin van Vuuren, elders in the life of JoshGen, as we discuss the joys, challenges, and biblical principles of raising teenage boys. Together we'll explore how parents can intentionally equip their sons to become godly men who lead with integrity, serve with humility, and stand firm in their faith in an increasingly complex world.