Creating The Future with Brent Simpson

The Story of the Trinity: Controversy, Crisis, and the Creation of the Nicene Creed. AN Interview with Dr. Bryan Litfin

📖 Episode Description:In this special 1700-year anniversary conversation on the Nicene Creed, I sit down with author and scholar Dr. Bryan Litfin to discuss his groundbreaking new book The Story of the Trinity: Controversy, Crisis, and the Creation of the Nicene Creed.
Together we explore:
Why the early church used baptism creeds to shape faith and discipleship.
The question: Was Jesus really God, or just a demi-god?
How the Nicene Creed gave clarity to the divinity of Christ.
What role race and ethnicity played in the early church—were some church fathers Black?
The shock persecuted Christians must have felt when Christianity went from outlawed to endorsed at the Council of Nicaea.
This episode will help you see the Nicene Creed not as a dusty artifact, but as a living confession of faith that still grounds the Church today.
 
👤 Guest Bio – Dr. Bryan LitfinDr. Bryan Litfin is a professor, historian, and author dedicated to helping Christians understand the story of the early church. He holds a Ph.D. in Ancient Church History and has written multiple books, including both fiction and scholarly works. His latest release, The Story of the Trinity, unpacks the intense debates, courageous leadership, and powerful faith that gave birth to the Nicene Creed.Learn more about Bryan and his work at BryanLitfin.com.
📚 Get The Story of the Trinity here: Amazon Link
 
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com🏡 MyAriseChurch.com🎙️ Listen to the Podcast Audio: Podbean

Truth, Persecution, and Biblical Reflections on the Murder of Charlie Kirk

📖 Episode Description:In this special episode, I respond to the tragic murder of Charlie Kirk. While I didn’t follow him closely, I saw in him a man unafraid to speak truth in a culture that often rejects it—a man who claimed Christ and lived with what seemed to be a prophetic call to confront wrongs in society.
Together we reflect on:
Why truth-tellers often become targets of hate and violence.
Jesus’ warnings that the world will hate and persecute His followers (John 15:18, Matthew 5:10–12).
How history echoes in moments like this—John the Baptist beheaded for speaking truth, Stephen stoned for proclaiming the gospel.
Why persecution, as tragic as it is, often emboldens the Church to stand even stronger for truth.
How we can grieve with compassion while choosing courage, mercy, and hope.
This is a pastoral reflection meant to comfort, challenge, and remind us: light still shines in the darkness, and truth still matters.
 
👤 About Charlie KirkCharlie Kirk was the founder of Turning Point USA and a national voice in the political and cultural conversation. At just 31, he leaves behind a wife and two young children. While his death is tragic, his life reminds us of the cost—and the necessity—of standing for truth.
 
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com🏡 MyAriseChurch.com🎙️ Listen to the Podcast Audio: Podbean

How to Choose a Bible That You’ll Love To Read

Welcome to Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson — where we dive into stories, truths, and deep questions that help shape our faith, our families, and our future.
In this episode, Dr. Brent unpacks one of the most common questions Christians ask: “Which Bible should I read?” With so many translations and formats available, it can feel overwhelming. Should you go digital or physical? NIV or ESV? Is the King James still relevant? And what about paraphrase Bibles like The Message?
Dr. Brent will walk you through:
📱 Digital vs. physical Bibles (YouVersion app, Life Application Study Bible)
🔤 The three main translation styles: word-for-word, thought-for-thought, and paraphrase
❌ Why paraphrase or overly liberal translations should not be your primary study Bible
✅ Why NIV and ESV are excellent recommendations
❤️ Why love matters more than fighting over which version is “the best”
🙏 How the Holy Spirit makes scripture come alive in your life
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to pick a Bible that fits you—and more importantly, how to let God’s Word shape your everyday walk with Him.
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com🏡 MyAriseChurch.com🎙️ Listen to the audio podcast: Podbean or anywhere podcasts are found

Why Christians Started Most of the World’s Universities

👋 In This Episode Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with Pastor Pete Kramer to unpack the rich history and ongoing importance of education in Christianity. From medieval monasteries to Ivy League campuses, Christians have historically led in creating institutions that shaped civilization. So what happened? And why must we reclaim this calling today?
 
Together they explore:
🕰️ The Origins – How monasteries and the Reformation built the foundation of modern literacy
🏫 Harvard & Beyond – Why 83% of early American colleges were Christian
📚 Cultural Impact – How Christian education shaped society, virtue, and scientific leadership
🔥 Modern Relevance – Why believers need biblical worldview training more than ever
🎓 Arise School of Ministry – How you can grow deeper and lead stronger
 
📌 Reflection Questions
Did you know most early American colleges were Christian-founded?
What role should Christians play in shaping the future of education?
How has Christian education shaped your worldview?
 
🎓 Learn More: Arise School of Ministry
Want to go deeper in theology, leadership, and practical ministry training?
📍 MyAriseChurch.com
📍 AriseSOM.com
✅ In-person courses
✅ Spiritual formation + leadership development
✅ Real-world ministry labs
Connect with Dr. Brent & Pastor Pete
📲 @thePeteKramer
🌐 BrentSimpson.com
📱 @DrBrentSimpson on all social platforms
🎙️ Podcast on Podbean: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/
📍 Learn more about Arise Church at MyAriseChurch.com
👍 Like, Comment, & Share
If this episode sparked something in you, hit the like button, share with a friend, and leave a review. Help us restore the church’s voice in shaping culture!

Faith Alone Won’t Save You? What Most Christians Get Wrong About Faith, Works, and Salvation.

📺 Are We Saved by Faith or Works? Here's the Truth Most Christians Miss
🎙️ Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson👉 Subscribe for weekly content that helps shape your faith, your family, and your future.
 
🔥 In This Episode:
One of the most misunderstood questions in Christianity:Are we saved by faith… or by works?
In this episode, Dr. Brent Simpson brings clarity to the debate by breaking down what salvation really means—not just as a moment, but as a process of transformation. You’ll discover how Paul and James are not in conflict, but in agreement—and how your faith isn’t just meant to get you to heaven, but to bring heaven to earth.
If you've ever wrestled with legalism, grace, or what it means to truly follow Jesus, this is the teaching you need.
 
📖 Key Scriptures:
Ephesians 2:8–10 — Saved by grace through faith… for good works
James 2:17 — Faith without works is dead
Romans 3:28 — Justified by faith apart from the works of the law
Matthew 6:10 — “On earth as it is in heaven”
Romans 6:22 & 8:19 — Holiness, transformation, and Kingdom responsibility
 
🧠 Topics Covered:
The 3 stages of salvation: Justification, Sanctification, Glorification
Why justification is by faith alone—but sanctification requires your obedience
How Paul and James actually complement each other
The danger of reducing salvation to a one-time prayer
Why our calling isn’t to “go to heaven” but to bring heaven to earth
 
✨ Big Ideas:
We are saved from sin by faith…But we are saved into wholeness through works empowered by the Spirit.
Heaven is your destination, but participation in the Kingdom is your calling.
Jesus didn’t die just to get you into heaven.He died to get heaven into you—now.
 
💬 Join the Conversation:
🗣️ What do you think—is the modern church overemphasizing justification and underemphasizing transformation?👇 Comment below!
 
🎧 Listen on All Platforms:
🎙️ Podbean: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/📱 Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts — search “Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson”
📺 Watch the messages Dr. Brent mentions from Arise Church here: https://www.youtube.com/@myarisechurch
 
🌐 Connect with Dr. Brent:
🔗 BrentSimpson.com🏠 MyAriseChurch.com📲 Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson

Were the Disciples Teenagers? What May Surprise You About the Age of the Disciples Jesus Chose.

📺 Were the Disciples Just Teenagers? What We’ve Missed About Who Jesus Chose
🎙️ Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson👉 Subscribe for weekly truth that shapes our faith, families, and future.
 
🔥 In This Episode:
What if Jesus didn’t choose religious experts to be His first followers… but teenagers?
In this episode, Dr. Brent unpacks the compelling biblical and historical evidence that most of the disciples were likely in their teens when Jesus called them. From temple tax laws and Jewish education to their behavior, fear, and boldness, everything points to one surprising truth:
👉 Jesus started a world-changing movement with a youth group.
Discover:
Why this changes how we view discipleship
How this redefines leadership potential in the next generation
The powerful implications for youth pastors, parents, and churches today
 
📖 Key Scriptures:
Matthew 17:24–27 (Temple tax clue)
Mark 14:51–52 (John running away)
Luke 9:54 (James and John want fire from heaven)
1 Timothy 4:12 (Paul’s mentorship of Timothy)
John 19:26–27 (Jesus entrusting Mary and John)
 
🧠 Topics Covered:
Jewish rabbinic training age expectations
Why Peter paid the tax but the others didn’t
Signs of teenage behavior in the Gospels
Why Jesus’ model of discipleship still works today
The call to disciple young people like Jesus did
 
📣 Let’s Talk:
💬 Who’s your favorite disciple—and why? Peter’s boldness? John’s love? Thomas’ questions?✍️ Drop it in the comments!
And share this episode with a youth leader, a parent, or anyone who’s been told they're too young or unqualified to be used by God.
 
🎧 Listen on All Platforms:
🎙️ Podbean: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/📱 Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts — just search  “Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson”
📺 Watch the messages Dr. Brent mentions from Arise Church here: https://www.youtube.com/@myarisechurch
 
💬 Connect with Dr. Brent:
🌐 BrentSimpson.com🏡 MyAriseChurch.com📱 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson

Discover Your Working Genius (with Career Coach Tina Blount)

🧠 In This Episode:🎧 Creating the Future with Dr. Brent SimpsonEpisode: Discover Your Working Genius (with Tina Blount)🔧 Based on The Six Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni
⚙️ In This Episode:What if the frustration you feel at work isn’t a lack of talent… but a mismatch of genius?
In this powerful conclusion to our 4-part series, Dr. Brent Simpson talks with Tina Blount, a certified Working Genius facilitator, about the revolutionary framework created by Patrick Lencioni: The Six Types of Working Genius.
Whether you feel drained at work or are simply searching for more joy and clarity, this conversation will help you understand why you’re energized by some tasks—and exhausted by others.
🔍 We explore questions like:• What is Working Genius—and why is it such a game-changer?• What are the six types, and how do they play out in real life?• How can knowing your Genius help you love your work again?• What’s the difference between Genius, Competency, and Frustration?• How can churches, teams, and businesses use this tool to thrive?• Can Working Genius help people who already love their job—or is it just for those feeling stuck?• What’s the first step to discovering your own Genius?
Tina shares practical stories, spiritual insights, and transformative results she’s seen using this tool with churches, businesses, and individuals. If you’re ready to lead, hire, and live with more intentionality and joy—this episode is a must-watch.
 
👩 Guest: Tina Blount🌐 TinaBlount.com🧠 Certified Working Genius Facilitator💼 Career Coach | Clarity Mentor | Team Builder
 
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com🏡 MyAriseChurch.com🎧 Listen to the Audio Podcast: Creating the Future on Podbean

How to Find Your Dream Job (with Career Coach Tina Blount)

🌳 In This Episode:What if your next job—or your next calling—isn’t a straight line, but a living tree full of divine branches and possibilities?
In this inspiring third installment of our 4-part series, Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with coach, author, and career strategist Tina Blount to talk about how to discover your next step when you feel stuck, unsure, or simply ready for something new. Drawing from her powerful book Your Life is a Tree of Possibilities, Tina blends wisdom, faith, and practical tools to help you find clarity and courage for the road ahead.
🌱 We explore questions like:• What’s the story behind the “Tree of Possibilities” metaphor?• How do I start moving forward when I feel stuck or unsure about my future?• What role do personality, passion, and productivity play in finding direction?• Is this a dream I’m chasing—or a divine assignment I’m stepping into?• What if I feel like I’ve missed my window?• How can faith sharpen the way I search for my next opportunity?• Can you give us a practical exercise to help us identify next steps?
Whether you’re at a career crossroads, stepping into a new season, or simply curious about what’s possible, this episode will awaken fresh hope, perspective, and direction.
 
👩 Guest: Tina Blount🌐 TinaBlount.com
📖Get Tina’s newest book here: https://tinyurl.com/4jzdambz📘 Author of Your Life is a Tree of Possibilities💼 Career Coach | Resume Expert | Calling Clarity Mentor
 
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com🏡 MyAriseChurch.com🎧 Listen to the Audio Podcast: Creating the Future on Podbean

How to Crush Your Next Job Interview (with Career Coach Tina Blount)

🧠 In This Episode:Nervous about interviews? You're not alone. In this practical and empowering episode, Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with career coach and recruiting expert Tina Blount to uncover what really makes someone stand out in a job interview—without sounding rehearsed, robotic, or arrogant.
With over 20 years of experience in hiring and coaching, Tina shares wisdom that will change the way you think about interviews, confidence, and how to own the room—even if you're nervous.
🗝️ We explore questions like:• What are the most common interview mistakes—and how can you avoid them?• What does it mean that “confidence is clarity, not arrogance”?• How do you answer tricky questions like “Tell me about yourself” or “What’s your greatest weakness?”• What can you do when you’re asked something you didn’t prepare for?• How do you show your value without sounding like you’re bragging?• What questions should YOU ask the interviewer to stand out?• What’s one thing you can do the night before to set yourself up for success?
Whether you're prepping for your first job interview or chasing a major promotion, this episode is filled with real talk and tangible tools to help you walk in prepared, confident, and authentically you.
👩 Guest: Tina Blount🔗 TinaBlount.com💼 Creator of Next Level Resumes and author of Your Life is a Tree of Possibilities.
Get Tina’s newest book here: https://tinyurl.com/4jzdambz 
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com🏡 MyAriseChurch.com🎧 Audio Version: Creating the Future on Podbean

How to Write a Resume That Gets You Noticed (with Career Coach Tina Blount)

🧠 In This Episode:
If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to write a resume that opens doors, this episode is for you! Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with resume strategist and career coach Tina Blount—a seasoned expert with over 20 years of experience in hiring, interviewing, and coaching job seekers—to talk all things resumes, mindset, and finding your next opportunity.
Whether you’re just starting out or trying to level up, Tina shares the keys to creating a resume that doesn't just get scanned—but gets noticed. 💼✨
 
🔑 We explore questions like:• “Your resume is the key” — what does that actually mean?• Why most resumes only get 20 seconds of attention—and what yours MUST include• How writing your resume can help you discover your identity and calling• The difference between your “Who” and your “Do”• Why storytelling matters more than task lists• How fresh eyes can lead to fresh confidence• What’s changed (and what hasn’t) in 20 years of resume writing• How to walk into an interview with confidence—even if you're nervous
 
👩 Guest: Tina BlountVisit her at TinaBlount.comDownload her eBook Next Level Resumes for more expert advice!
 
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com🏡 MyAriseChurch.com🎧 Listen to the Audio Podcast: Creating the Future on Podbean