The Faith Compass Podcast
Welcome to "The The Faith Compass Podcast with Javier," where every episode takes you on a captivating journey through the heart of Scripture. Whether you have five minutes or thirty, our host Javier offers insightful and spiritually enriching discussions that bring the sacred texts to life.
Our podcast is dedicated to helping you critically examine the complex beauties of the Bible. We aim to illuminate the Word, making it a powerful tool for your faith journey.
Join us for each inspiring episode as we explore the depths of the scriptures, making them accessible and relevant to everyday life through biblical critical thinking.
The Faith Compass Podcast
The Faith Compass: A Look Back at 2024 and Forward to 2025
In this final episode of 2024, The Faith Compass Podcast reflects on a year of challenges, growth, and hope while setting our sights on 2025. Host Javier revisits the major events that shaped our faith—discussions on technology, mental health, religious freedom, and the Church’s role in culture—grounding each reflection in biblical truth and wisdom.
From navigating AI in church life to addressing mental health with Scripture and clinical care, this episode highlights how faith intersects with everyday life. Javier explores the call for unity in the Church, the power of discipleship, and the importance of staying rooted in Scripture amid cultural shifts.
With heartfelt gratitude to listeners, Javier shares the podcast’s vision for 2025: deeper conversations, special guests, and more tools to help you navigate life with a Christ-centered compass. This reflective, encouraging episode is a call to enter the new year with humility, courage, and faith in Jesus’ unchanging presence.
If you’re seeking hope, clarity, or a renewed connection to Christ, this episode is for you. Step into 2025 with confidence: God’s mercies are new each day, and He’s ready to guide us forward.
Listen now and join us on the journey!
I would love to hear from you!
For listeners looking to deepen their engagement with the topics discussed, visit our website or check out our devotionals and poetry on Amazon, with all proceeds supporting The New York School of The Bible at Calvary Baptist Church. Stay connected and enriched on your spiritual path with us!
Welcome back to the Faith Compass Podcast and welcome to this final episode of 2024. I'm Javier, your host. My friends, we've journeyed through another fascinating, demanding and sometimes surprising year together. In today's episode, let's take a heartfelt look back at the key events that shaped our faith in 2024 and share our hopes and plans for 2025. Our mission, as always, is to guide our hearts toward Jesus, creating a space where everyone whether you've been a Christian all your life or you're just beginning to explore your faith you are always welcomed into this conversation. But first let's open with a brief prayer. Heavenly Father, thank you for sustaining us through the ups and downs of this year. Grant us clarity, wisdom and humility as we reflect on 2024's lessons and guide us into the new year with hope and courage. May our words and thoughts today honor you and encourage our listeners In Jesus' name, amen.
Speaker 0:As 2024 draws to a close, it's striking to think about how much can happen in just 12 months, from technological leaps forward to cultural conversations about faith and morality, and observing how local churches have navigated shifting social landscapes. It's been quite a journey. This year especially reminded us how faith isn't confined to a church building. It intersects with our workplaces, families and neighborhoods in dynamic ways. One of the biggest threads of 2024 was the ongoing rise of artificial intelligence. We all witness how AI isn't just about chatbots or quirky phone apps anymore. It's penetrating healthcare, finance, education and even aspects of local church life. Some congregations have dabbled with AI-driven sermon outlines or music production tools. While these digital tools can help streamline tasks, they also prompt important discussions about ethics, authenticity and biblical discernment. How do we distinguish what's human about the preaching of the word and the creation of worship music from what's produced by algorithms? In Genesis, chapter 1, verse 27, we read that humanity is made in the image of God. Because of that, each of us has unique creative qualities and moral responsibilities that a piece of software cannot replicate. Tim Keller, in his book the Reason for God, writes about how critical thinking and faith go hand in hand. His works remind us that technology can be helpful, but it should never replace genuine relationships, spirit-led worship or heartfelt discipleship.
Speaker 0:Throughout 2024, the topic of religious freedom also came under scrutiny in courts and legislative assemblies worldwide. Certain court rulings, particularly around conscientious objection in the workplace, led Christians to grapple with how to respect others' beliefs while also standing for their own. Meanwhile, in some countries, the parameters of missionary work have shifted. Some found new freedoms to share their faith, while others experienced more pushback. The church adapted to shifting laws and cultural norms by relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit In Counterfeit Christianity by David Platt. The author highlights the importance of remaining rooted in scripture rather than conforming to societal trends. This approach reminds us to focus on loving others authentically, even when our faith conflicts with popular opinion. At the same time, we're called to honor local laws as much as our conviction permits, recalling Romans chapter 13's teaching to be subject to governing authorities. Striking the balance between faithful Christian witness and respectful citizenship is an ongoing challenge that won't end with 2024.
Speaker 0:Another area that saw remarkable conversation among believers was mental health. Churches, large and small, are emphasizing the need to address anxiety, depression and emotional struggles from both spiritual and clinical perspectives. Gone are the days when mental health was narrowly seen as a purely spiritual issue or, conversely, exclusively a medical one. This year saw conferences, workshops and ministry training programs that integrated practical care with biblical hope. By referencing passages like Psalm 34, verse 18, the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit, we anchor our approach in Scripture. Counselors trained in Christian counseling bring biblical wisdom and evidence-based therapies together, demonstrating how the church can be both a spiritual and emotional refuge. At the same time, leaders like Timothy Keller, author of Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering, highlight that while God can instantly heal certain mental and emotional wounds, many struggles require long-term care. This includes persistent prayer, professional therapy and the support of a loving community. With the growing challenges and pressures of modern life, this balanced perspective on mental health is becoming increasingly essential. Churches have also realized that openly addressing mental health can provide hope and connection to those who once felt isolated or overlooked.
Speaker 0:Meanwhile, social media's presence is as strong as ever. If 2024 taught us anything about our digital platforms, it's that they are either tools for building each other up or pitfalls that lead us into echo chambers and unfruitful debates. We've seen Christian influencers attract large followings on TikTok and Instagram, producing short teachings or worship sessions and sharing personal devotion times. Some of this content has truly encouraged believers, especially younger generations. However, it also raises questions. Is our faith turning into a brand? Are we reducing the gospel to bite-sized, attention-grabbing clips?
Speaker 0:John Piper warns, in Desiring God, that chasing quick platforms for the gospel can lead to an anemic form of discipleship if we're not deeply rooted in the Word. The core message is this we should use these platforms wisely, without letting them become idols. A post might inspire you for a moment, but real transformation comes through consistent fellowship, scriptural study and prayer. It's not that social media is inherently bad. Rather, we need to be wary of seeking validation solely through likes and shares instead of God's approval, as Jesus asks in Luke, chapter 9, verse 25,. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? That's a powerful caution. In a digital age full of influencers, the real influence we need is the transformative presence of the Holy Spirit.
Speaker 0:Let's also talk about the intersection of pop culture and faith, which saw some unique moments in 2024. This year, certain mainstream artists reached out to Christian creators, aiming to fuse faith-based messages with secular platforms. Christian worship leaders joined major concerts and some faith-inspired songs made it into top music charts. These partnerships can generate excitement, as they might spark conversations about Jesus in unexpected places. However, we also saw a debate around authenticity, where critics questioned if the gospel message was diluted for the sake of commercial success. At times, believers have been split on whether these collaborations represent healthy outreach or a slide toward compromise. The question behind this, tension remains how can we stay faithful to the gospel while engaging with culture? John Stott, in his timeless work the Cross of Christ, reminds us to stay grounded in the word of God. When our lives are firmly rooted in scripture, we can confidently interact with the broader culture without compromising our identity as followers of Christ, stepping outside the realm of pop culture.
Speaker 0:2024 was marked by significant humanitarian crises and global challenges. Extreme weather events devastated vulnerable regions, spurring Christian relief organizations into action. Churches and individuals joined forces, raising funds, collecting supplies and dispatching mission teams to support disaster-affected communities. Even if we're physically distant from these tragedies, the news coverage and social media updates can make them feel close to home. Through it all, one constant remains the church in many places responded with sacrificial love, as the Apostle John reminds us in 1 John 3, verse 18, let us not love in word or talk, but in deed and in truth. That's the spirit behind so many Christian non-profits that set out to feed the hungry, care for the sick and offer shelter to those who lost everything. Often, these hardships serve as a wake-up call, reminding us of our call to compassion. People are desperate not only for material help, but also for the hope of Christ. Local churches from Europe to Asia, to the Americas, have partnered with organizations like Compassion International and Samaritan's Purse to address both physical and spiritual needs. These tangible acts of love often speak more loudly than words alone could. It's powerful to see communities realize that the global church is one family standing together to reflect God's heart of mercy and justice.
Speaker 0:One theme that's come up frequently in 2024 is unity within the body of Christ. We've all seen tensions arising over secondary theological issues, cultural differences or differing views on social and political matters. While unity has never meant absolute agreement on every single issue, the dividing lines this year sometimes became alarmingly sharp. Yet amidst those disagreements, there have been hopeful signs of believers striving for reconciliation under the banner of Jesus' prayer in John, chapter 17, verse 21, where he prays that they may all be one, just as you, father, are in me and I in you.
Speaker 0:Christian leaders across denominations have urged believers to focus on the core truths of the gospel God's holiness, humanity's sinfulness, christ's atonement and the necessity of faith. This laser focus on essentials can hold us together even when secondary issues threaten to tear us apart. We must remember that unity does not require uniformity. In all things, it's possible to respect and learn from one another's backgrounds without losing sight of Jesus as our central figure. Protestant tradition, shaped by Martin Luther, john Calvin, john Knox and so many others, shows us how vibrant the church can be when it remains anchored in scripture. The Reformation was grounded in the authority of the Bible, something that should unite us even when we hold differing perspectives on matters like worship style or church governance. In Ephesians, chapter 4, verse 3, the Apostle Paul compels us to be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There's a challenge and an encouragement there Strive for unity, not as a superficial veneer, but as a family bound by grace.
Speaker 0:Another important element of 2024 was our shared concern for how the church trains and disciples new believers. We've seen a hunger for more serious Bible study among Christians who want to go deeper than the usual Sunday sermon. Churches are forming life groups to read classic works like the Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan and the Mortification of Sin by John Owen. They're offering midweek classes on hermeneutics, which is how we interpret scripture, and theology question and answer sessions for seekers who want to know why Christianity teaches what it does about subjects like salvation, suffering and the person of Jesus. These initiatives help address the reality that theology matters deeply in day-to-day life. When we understand who God is and what the Bible teaches, we're better equipped to face struggles, care for others and share the gospel confidently.
Speaker 0:We've also watched an interesting rise in online interactive discipleship. Virtual small groups and Bible studies became more accepted this year, especially for believers living in remote areas or among communities without local church support. Digital tools can't replace the warmth of face-to-face fellowship, but they can supplement it. In these virtual gatherings, we've seen seasoned believers guiding younger adults, exploring insights from authors like John Stott or Martin Lloyd-Jones or delving into the nuances of Reformed theology together. The key takeaway is that technology, when used thoughtfully, can become a powerful tool for deepening discipleship. The outcome Individuals from diverse locations, spanning bustling urban centers to remote rural areas, remaining connected in biblical study and fellowship, bridging gaps of distance and culture along the way.
Speaker 0:If you're listening and thinking I'm on a fence about Christianity or I'm new to following Jesus, please know you're not alone. Here at the Faith Compass Podcast, we believe the message of Jesus is for everyone. The church is not a closed off club. Rather, it's meant to be a haven of rest, hope and truth for all who seek God. The earliest believers practiced radical hospitality and generosity. Thank you.
Speaker 0:While staying relevant to everyday life, we're lining up guests who are biblical scholars, missionaries and even professionals from the worlds of tech, mental health and business, all of whom share a commitment to the authority of Scripture. We also hope to produce more interactive episodes where we answer listener questions in real-time discussions. We want these conversations to reflect your genuine needs and curiosities, whether those questions are about interpreting the book of Psalms or finding peace during seasons of loneliness in your career. We know from Colossians 3, verse 23, whatever you do, work heartily as for the Lord and not for men. This means our faith is not just for Sunday worship. It informs how we approach tasks, treat coworkers and conduct ourselves ethically. Next year, we'll spotlight believers who live out their calling in varied vocations, showcasing how the gospel shapes everything from teacher-student relationships to balancing corporate responsibilities. Our plan is to continue meeting people right where they are.
Speaker 0:If you find yourself exhausted at the close of 2024, or if you're weighed down by personal concerns like a job loss, a family struggle or a search for identity, keep pressing on Lamentations. Chapter 3, verses 22 through 23, remind us that God's mercies are new each morning. For us, that means there's hope. Each day, in each new season, even though the global environment can feel chaotic, the eternal truths of scripture remain our anchor. The prophet Isaiah in chapter 40, verse 8, says this promise of permanence in an unstable world can anchor our souls.
Speaker 0:Some of this year's biggest heartbreaks involve Christian leaders who face scandals or moral failures. These stories disappoint not only believers but those outside the church who might be exploring faith. It's discouraging to see people we respect fall short, but it also underscores a key spiritual truth we need accountability, biblical humility and the power of the Holy Spirit to keep us from stumbling. Our hope is never in human figures but in Jesus himself, as Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 10, verse 12,. Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. Pastoral accountability groups, elder boards and consistent prayer coverage are just a few of the ways to guard churches and leadership from moral pitfalls. It's crucial to remember that the failings of any individual do not invalidate the truth of Christ or the authenticity of countless faithful believers. A single pastor's failure can draw headlines, but so many others remain faithfully serving behind the scenes in children's ministry, homeless outreach, marriage counseling or missionary fields, without recognition. Their unseen diligence is a powerful testament to God's sustaining grace.
Speaker 0:Meanwhile, 2024 saw a continued wave of Christian conferences, whether in person or virtual, that aimed to deepen believers' theology. We had gatherings focusing on expository preaching, biblical inerrancy, the doctrines of grace and more. These events frequently highlight prominent voices in Reformed theology, directing believers back to the foundational doctrines reclaimed during the Protestant Reformation. While these gatherings can be deeply enriching, there's Thank you. On the global missions front, 2024 was a year of both progress and new challenges. In certain countries, new house churches formed, while in others, open evangelism grew more difficult.
Speaker 0:But remember the Great Commission in Matthew, chapter 28, verses 19 through 20, is not optional. Jesus commands us to make disciples of all nations. The beauty is that he promises to be with us always. That promise is a lifeline for missionaries serving in remote or dangerous areas. The stories we hear about entire families encountering Christ for the first time or once hostile communities embracing Christian fellowship testified to the unstoppable power of the gospel.
Speaker 0:Even when obstacles seem huge, god is at work, often in quiet but miraculous ways. As we reflect on these things, maybe the question arises how can we, as ordinary believers, be part of God's great plan for the new year? Sometimes we see global news or conferences and feel disconnected or inadequate. But the truth is, each of us has a role to play. Sometimes that role is to be faithful in the mundane, loving to our families, helpful to our co-workers or supportive of local church ministries. The entire biblical narrative affirms that God uses ordinary people to accomplish his will. Moses was hesitant and unsure. David started out as a shepherd boy. The disciples were fishermen and tax collectors. In 1 Corinthians 1, verse 27, paul writes God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. He chooses the humble and willing to reveal his power. So even if your calling feels small or hidden, it matters deeply.
Speaker 0:We here at the Faith Compass Podcast want to continue equipping you with biblical truth for everyday life. Next year we plan to interview pastors and authors about everything from personal spiritual disciplines to how to practice hospitality in a digital world. We want to share resource lists with recommended readings from John Calvin to John Stott, bridging the gap between centuries of Christian thought and modern day living. Discipleship isn't just for Sunday mornings. It's a lifelong journey shaped by the word, community prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We also have some fun changes coming. One of our passions is building an online forum where listeners can discuss the episodes, ask questions, share prayer requests and exchange perspectives.
Speaker 0:We want to foster not just a one-way broadcast, but a real community. If we've learned anything from the early church, it's the power of doing life together. Acts, chapter 2, verses 42 through 47, highlights how believers had all things in common broke bread in their homes and were praised by the people. While our modern context is different, the heart remains the same being together, caring for one another and welcoming newcomers with open arms. For those listening who feel worn out, please refresh them. For those who feel hopeful, keep them humble.
Speaker 0:May 2025 be a year of spiritual growth, unity and deeper commitment to Christ in all that we do. In Jesus' name, we pray amen. I also want to express my heartfelt thanks to each listener. Whether you've been a part of the Faith Compass podcast from the very beginning or joined midway through this year, your support means everything. Every time you share an episode, write a review or email us feedback, you help shape what we're doing here. We stand amazed at what God has done through this platform and we're eager to see where he leads us in the year to come.
Speaker 0:One of the biggest lessons we keep circling back to is that the Christian journey is an ongoing process. Salvation is a free gift, but sanctification is a lifelong refinement. There will be ups, downs, detours and course corrections, but the anchor remains Jesus Christ. The purpose of our podcast is to continually point you back to the foundation of our faith. The Christian life is a journey of daily reliance on God's grace. We draw strength from scripture, find peace through prayer, gain encouragement from community and hold fast to the promises and wisdom found throughout the Bible.
Speaker 0:Some of you might be stepping into 2025 with fresh resolve, maybe a new Bible reading plan or a commitment to serve in your local church. Others might be feeling cautious, unsure of what the future holds. Regardless of where you find yourself, let's keep a posture of humility and gratitude. Our journey next year, both individually and collectively, will likely bring its share of surprises and challenges. Yet we stand firm in the knowledge that Jesus remains the same yesterday, today and forever.
Speaker 0:As we close out 2024, let's recap the major themes we've reflected on. From every angle, we see evidence that God is still at work, regardless of the headlines or cultural shifts, the Holy Spirit continues to move in local churches, families and individual hearts. So, as we say goodbye to 2024, let's determine not to lose sight of God's hand in our everyday lives. He's not just a distant observer, but an active presence ready to guide us. Next year, we'll dive deeper into the Word, explore new facets of Christian living and address more of your questions. We'll examine how to stay anchored in a rapidly shifting world, referencing biblical truths to ensure our moral and spiritual compasses remain pointed toward Christ. We're excited to welcome some fantastic guests trusted pastors, counselors and Christian thinkers who will help us navigate topics like biblical literacy, spiritual warfare, forgiveness and the practicalities of living out faith at home, work and the public square.
Speaker 0:As we sign off, I want you to know how grateful I am for you. Hosting this podcast isn't just about me talking into a microphone. It's about connecting hearts, minds and spirits around the message of Jesus. Thank you for your prayers, your feedback and your willingness to share the episodes with friends, co-workers and family. With each passing season, we become more convinced that the Word of God is alive, relevant and life-changing. Finally, let's step forward into 2025 with hopeful expectations. If you want to stay connected beyond the podcast, keep an eye out for new ways to get involved and if you have questions, prayer requests or even testimonies of how the episodes have impacted you. Please reach out. We truly see this as a collaborative journey where we support each other.
Speaker 0:Let's take another moment for prayer. This time, I want us to thank God for his faithfulness and seek his hand over our upcoming transitions. Heavenly Father, we come before you again, humbled by your goodness and your grace. We're grateful for every blessing, every challenge and every opportunity to grow in 2024. As we stand on the cusp of a new year, we ask you to lead us by your spirit, filling us with courage, love and discernment. Help us be the church that honors you in every sphere of life.
Speaker 0:As we step into a new year, I invite you to take a moment to consider your relationship with Jesus Christ. If you haven't yet accepted him as your Lord and Savior, now is the time. Jesus offers forgiveness, peace and the promise of eternal life to all who call upon his name. He is ready to walk with you, guide you and strengthen you for whatever lies ahead. Let's end the 2025 with courage, humility and the abiding knowledge that Jesus is with us always.
Speaker 0:Stay steadfast in prayer, confident in His word and eager to proclaim Christ wherever he places us. If you feel the stirring in your heart to accept Him. Simply pray and invite Him into your life. He will meet you right where you are. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for joining me here on the Faith Compass Podcast. I am deeply grateful that you've walked through 2024 with me, reflecting on the challenges and victories, while daring to hope for all that God will do in 2025. I'm Javier, your host, signing off on this final episode of the year. God bless you, and may this new year be filled with His grace and love.
