Creating The Future with Brent Simpson

Christopher Columbus: Hero, Villain, or Misunderstood? A Conversation with Rafael Ortiz

📖 Episode Description:Few names in history spark as much debate as Christopher Columbus. For some, he’s a bold explorer who changed the course of history. For others, he represents oppression, cruelty, and colonization. But what’s the truth?
In this special Columbus Day conversation, I sit down with Rafael Ortiz—author of Christopher Columbus The Hero and Christopher Columbus The Hero 2—to dig into the history, controversy, and modern revisionism surrounding Columbus.
Together, we explore:
Why Columbus has become one of the most polarizing figures in modern culture.
The strongest accusations against him—and how historical sources actually measure up.
What primary records (like journals and legal documents) reveal about his leadership.
How 15th-century context changes the way we interpret his actions today.
Why Columbus statues, holidays, and education have become cultural battlegrounds.
What lessons we can draw from history about how to handle controversial figures today.
Whether you’ve grown up celebrating Columbus Day or questioning it, this episode will challenge assumptions and invite you to see the story through a fresh lens.
 
👤 Guest Bio – Rafael OrtizRafael Ortiz is a researcher and author committed to re-examining the life and legacy of Christopher Columbus. His books, including Christopher Columbus The Hero and its sequel, tackle the accusations that have fueled modern debates, using primary sources and historical analysis to paint a fuller picture of the explorer’s life.
📚 Find Rafael’s books on Columbus here: https://www.christophercolumbusthehero.com/p/books-written-or-published-by-rafael.html
 
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com🏡 MyAriseChurch.com🎙️ Listen to the Podcast Audio: Podbean

Should You Move In Together? What the Research Really Says

📖 Episode Description:In this episode, I sit down with Steven Widner, University of South Florida Chi Alpha Director, to unpack one of the most pressing questions facing young adults today: Is it a good practice to live together before marriage?
Drawing from a detailed study and years of ministry experience, we tackle:
The cultural rise of cohabitation and why it seems so normal.
What research reveals about the long-term impact of living together before marriage.
Why the Bible points us to a better way—and how this affects our walk with Christ.
How cohabitation often undermines trust, commitment, and God’s design for marriage.
Practical steps for those already living together who want to honor God moving forward.
This honest conversation is designed to challenge assumptions, bring biblical clarity, and encourage young believers to pursue relationships God’s way.
 
👤 Guest – Steven WidnerSteven Widner is the Chi Alpha Campus Director at the University of South Florida, where he disciples students, raises leaders, and addresses tough cultural issues with Biblical truth. His passion is helping young adults experience authentic community and walk in the fullness of God’s calling for their lives.
 
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com🏡 MyAriseChurch.com🎙️ Listen to the Podcast Audio: Podbean

Power, Authority, and Bringing The Kingdom to Earth

📖 Episode Description:In this episode of Creating the Future, we continue the More Than Me series with a powerful look at the mission of the Church.
The Church is not just about attracting crowds or offering self-help. It exists to be a Kingdom outpost—a place where heaven touches earth. In this message we explore:
Why the Kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future inheritance.
How Jesus has given us power and authority to bring freedom, healing, and transformation.
What it looks like to live as representatives of heaven in our homes, workplaces, and communities.
Why operating in both power and authority is key to dethroning the enemy and enthroning Christ.
How to recognize where satan has been given illegitimate authority—and how to take that territory back for God.
This message will challenge you to step into your calling, see your life as Kingdom territory, and live as part of God’s unstoppable mission.
👉 Watch the original message here: https://youtu.be/Uq3FTLj-Pmw?si=8SPGPXaFbgmndOzS
 
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com🏡 MyAriseChurch.com🎙️ Listen to the Podcast Audio: Podbean

The True Character of Charlie Kirk Revealed

📖 Episode Description:This bonus episode of Creating the Future steps aside from our normal rhythm to reflect on the personal character of Charlie Kirk in the wake of his tragic death.
In a world full of soundbites and secondhand opinions, it’s vital to return to original sources if we want to understand truth. That’s why in this episode, we lean on the words of my friend and mentor Dr. Frank Turek, who knew Charlie personally and spoke about his life, faith, and integrity.
Much of this episode is an edited version of Frank’s powerful podcast where he shares who Charlie was behind the scenes—not just the public figure, but the man he knew.
We encourage you to watch the full conversation at your convenience here:👉 Frank Turek on Charlie Kirk (YouTube)
Together, let’s remember Charlie not only for his public voice, but also for the character that shaped his private life.
 
👤 About Dr. Frank TurekDr. Frank Turek is a Christian apologist, speaker, and author of books such as I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist and Correct, Not Politically Correct. Through his ministry, CrossExamined, he has trained thousands to defend the faith with clarity and courage. Frank was also a personal mentor to Charlie Kirk.You can learn more about Dr. Frank Turek here: https://crossexamined.org/
 
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com🏡 MyAriseChurch.com🎙️ Listen to the Podcast Audio: Podbean

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