Creating The Future with Brent Simpson

💔 Divorce, and Redemption: A Biblical Perspective with Dr. Robby Waddell 💬

Divorce is a tough topic, but it’s one we need to talk about as followers of Christ. In this episode of Creating the Future with Brent Simpson, we sit down with theologian Dr. Robby Waddell from Southeastern University to explore what the Bible really says about divorce. Whether you’ve faced divorce, are supporting someone who has, or just want a deeper understanding of God’s heart on this topic, this episode will encourage, challenge, and equip you.
🔥 Topics we cover:
What does the Bible say about divorce? (Hint: It’s more nuanced than you think!)
When is divorce okay? (And what does Jesus say about it?)
Is a divorced person still worthy in God’s eyes? (Spoiler: YES!)
Get ready for a discussion that’s real, hopeful, and biblically grounded. Dr. Waddell brings deep wisdom and practical insights that will leave you feeling equipped to face this tough subject with grace and truth. Plus, we tackle common misconceptions with energy and clarity! 🌟
 
Links and Resources:
📸 Follow Dr. Robby Waddell on Instagram: @RobbyWaddell🎓 Learn more about Southeastern University: SEU.edu🔥 Visit the Arise Church YouTube Channel: @MyAriseChurch🌐 Learn more about Arise Church: MyAriseChurch.com💡 Find out more about Dr. Brent Simpson: BrentSimpson.com📱 Follow Dr. Brent Simpson on social media: @DrBrentSimpson🎙️ Creating the Future with Brent Simpson is available on most podcast providers or listen on Podbean here https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/ .
 
🚀 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode with someone who’s navigating faith and relationships in 2025. Together, we’re building stronger lives and brighter futures! 🙌
#Faith #Divorce #BiblicalWisdom #CreatingTheFuture

"Are You a Pothead, Focker?!" — A Pastor Examines The Highs and Lows of Marijuana Use

"Are you a pothead, Focker?!" 🤣 This unforgettable movie quote sets the stage for today’s thought-provoking episode! 🎥 We are starting our Hot Topics series by diving into marijuana use, its risks, and whether it aligns with a Christian lifestyle. 🌱✨
In this episode, Dr. Brent Simpson tackles the buzz (pun intended!) around cannabis with insights inspired by the New York Times article: "As America's Marijuana Use Grows, So Do the Harms.". 🚨 From THC levels to addiction risks, we'll explore the physical, and societal impacts of marijuana use. Is it a natural remedy or a spiritual stumbling block? Let’s talk about it!
💡 What We’ll Cover:
The facts and figures on rising marijuana use in America 📊
What science says about the risks, including addiction and mental health 🧠
Should Christians see cannabis as a natural God-given herb 🌿 or a potential snare? 🕊️
Real-life stories that guide our discussion 📖
Get ready for an honest conversation about one of the most controversial topics today. Whether you’re a curious Christian, a skeptic, or someone just looking for clarity, this episode is for you.
 
Links and Resources
🔥 Visit the Arise Church YouTube Channel: @MyAriseChurch🌐 Learn more about Arise Church: MyAriseChurch.com💡 Find out more about Dr. Brent Simpson: BrentSimpson.com📱 Follow Dr. Brent Simpson on social media: @DrBrentSimpson🎙️ Creating the Future with Brent Simpson is also available on most podcast providers or listen on Podbean: Creating the Future Podcast🚀 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode with someone who wants to grow in their faith in 2025! Let’s make it an amazing year together!
💬 🎧 Let’s spark the conversation (pun absolutely intended)! 🌟 See you in the episode!

Your Life-Changing 2025 Bible Reading Plan | Dr. Braxton Hunter Interview

 Happy New Year! It’s time to make 2025 your most spiritually transformative year yet! In this episode of Creating the Future with Brent Simpson, I sit down with Dr. Braxton Hunter, the president of Trinity College and Seminary and host of Trinity Radio, to talk about how a simple yet consistent discipline—daily Bible reading—can completely transform your life. We’ll tackle big questions like: In your experience, how does daily Bible reading shape a person spiritually over time? How important is daily/consistent Bible reading for a vibrant faith? What are the key elements of an effective Bible reading plan? For beginners or the overwhelmed, what tools or methods can help make Scripture more accessible? Is accountability really that important, or can you do it solo? How do you feel about listening to audio Bibles ? (Spoiler: it might just change your commute!) And finally, what advice do you have for someone ready to go all in with God’s Word in 2025?Dr. Hunter brings decades of wisdom, practical advice, and inspiration for anyone ready to embrace this life-changing discipline. Whether you're new to faith or a seasoned believer, this episode will give you the tools and encouragement to dive into Scripture like never before.  Let’s make 2025 the year you hear God’s voice daily through His Word! Links and Resources: For more on Trinity College and Seminary: TrinitySem.edu Follow Trinity Radio: YouTube.com/BraxtonHunter Visit the Arise Church YouTube Channel: @MyAriseChurch Learn more about Arise Church: MyAriseChurch.com Find out more about Dr. Brent Simpson: BrentSimpson.com Follow Dr. Brent Simpson on social media: @DrBrentSimpson Creating the Future with Brent Simpson is also available on most podcast providers or listen on Podbean: Creating the Future Podcast Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode with someone who wants to grow in their faith in 2025! Let’s make it an amazing year together! 

Letters to God: Reflecting, Visioning, and Prophetic Journeys with Pastor Marilee and Jeff Allen

Writing Letters to God is a beautiful way to reflect on God's faithfulness while also looking forward to the future with The Lord!As we approach the end of the year, many of us look back and think about the ups, downs, and everything in between. But what if there was a way to channel those reflections into something deeply spiritual and transformative?In this episode,  Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with  Pastor Marilee and Jeff Allen to discuss their powerful end-of-year tradition: writing "letters to God." These heartfelt letters serve as a way to: Reflect on God’s faithfulness over the past year Celebrate His victories in their lives Boldly cast vision for the future Bonus Story Alert! Marilee and Jeff share a profound personal and prophetic journey that unfolded from their letters—a story that played a part in their journey to Arise Church. You’ll laugh, be inspired, and find yourself challenged to start your own “letter to God” tradition. If you’re looking for a way to end the year with purpose and step into the next one with renewed faith, this episode is for you! Links and Resources: Visit the Arise Church YouTube Channel for content: @MyAriseChurch For more info on Arise Church, visit: MyAriseChurch.com For more info on Dr. Brent Simpson, visit: BrentSimpson.comFollow Dr. Brent Simpson: Facebook |  Instagram Creating the Future with Brent Simpson is also available on most podcast providers or on Podbean here: Creating the Future on Podbean
 
YouTube
ARISE Church
Experience God with ARISE CHURCH! We are a rapidly growing dynamic church from all cultures and walks of life. Visit our website today to connect with us www.myarisechurch.com or find us on our social channels @myarisechurch.
 
 
Facebook
Log into Facebook
Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.
 
creatingthefuture.podbean.com
Creating The Future with Brent Simpson | Brent Simpson
Go behind the scenes as Brent Simpson interviews interesting people who are creating a better future for our world and seeks to inspire you to do the same.

The history of Christmas with James Cooper of WhyChristmas.com Part 2

⭐ Welcome to part 2 of our Special Christmas Series! ⭐
Merry Christmas, friends! 🎄 This week, we continue our deep dive into the fascinating history of Christmas with none other than James Cooper of WhyChristmas.com – one of the best sources out there for all things Christmas!
If you’ve ever wondered about the roots of your favorite traditions, debated the best Christmas carol, or wrestled with questions about Christmas’s origins, this episode is for YOU! It’s packed with history, humor, and encouragement for keeping Jesus at the center of it all.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
What’s the best Christmas carol, and why? We’re talking melody, theology, and a little nostalgia!
Where did the Christmas tree tradition come from? And what about those concerns related to Jeremiah 10? Is the Christmas tree biblical, pagan, or something else?
Does Christmas really have pagan origins? James unpacks the history and clears up some of the biggest misconceptions about December 25th.
The Real St. Nicholas – fact, myth, or legend? Spoiler: He was a real guy! But did he really slap a heretic?...
When was Jesus really born? If it wasn’t December 25th, then how did we get this date to celebrate His birth? The answer might surprise you!
How can Christians keep Christ at the center of Christmas? Amidst all the noise, lights, and commercialism, how can we refocus our hearts and homes on Jesus, the true reason for the season?
Whether you’re decorating your tree, wrapping gifts, or sipping hot cocoa, you’re going to love this insightful and uplifting conversation.
Links and Resources:
🎄 For more Christmas history and traditions, visit: WhyChristmas.com🌐 Check out our website: MyAriseChurch.com🎥 Visit the Arise Church YouTube Channel for more great content: @MyAriseChurch📏 Learn more about Brent: BrentSimpson.com💎 Follow Brent Simpson:
Facebook: DrBrentSimpson
Instagram: drbrentsimpson
🌟 Prefer to listen on the go? Creating the Future with Brent Simpson is available on audio podcast platforms or directly on Podbean: Creating the Future Podcast
Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to keep up with future episodes!
May your Christmas season be filled with peace, joy, and the love of Christ!

The history of Christmas with James Cooper of WhyChristmas.com Part 1!

⭐ Welcome to our Christmas Special Series! ⭐
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and we’re diving deep into the history, traditions, and stories that make Christmas so special for believers around the world! In this exciting two-part series, we are thrilled to welcome James Cooper, the creator of WhyChristmas.com – one of the most trusted and fun resources for learning about the traditions of Christmas.
This is Part 1 of a 2 part series where we explore some of the BIG questions about how this joyous celebration of Jesus’ birth came to be, along with a look at those familiar traditions that fill our homes with cheer (and maybe even a few surprises!). 🎅✨
What You'll Discover in This Episode
🎄 When did Christians begin celebrating the birth of Jesus? Spoiler: It didn’t start with tinsel and trees!
🎅 The story of Santa Claus – From Saint Nicholas to sleigh rides, how did a real-life bishop become the jolly old man in red?
❄️ Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – Where did this shiny-nosed hero come from? (Hint: It’s a 20th-century story!)
🎒 Stockings and gifts – Why do we hang our socks on the fireplace and stuff them with goodies? And what’s the deeper meaning behind giving gifts at Christmas?
🌱 Cool Christmas traditions from around the world! From spider webs in Ukraine to KFC feasts in Japan – you’ll learn about some surprising, heartwarming traditions that honor the birth of Jesus in creative and joyful ways.
Why This Matters
As Christians, Christmas is more than twinkling lights and festive carols – it’s about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Understanding the roots of our traditions helps us reclaim the joy, wonder, and awe of the season.
James shares these stories with humor, insight, and a deep appreciation for Christmas’ rich heritage. Whether you’re decorating the tree, sipping hot cocoa, or snuggling up with family, this episode will leave you smiling, inspired, and maybe even ready to start a new tradition yourself!
 
⛄ Next Up: Part 2! Get ready for even more festive fun as we explore how we got December 25th as Jesus’ birthday, favorite Christmas songs, and whether Sain Nikolas really slapped a heretic!
 
⭐ About Our Guest James Cooper is the creator of WhyChristmas.com, a beloved website dedicated to explaining the stories, traditions, and history behind Christmas. James has spent years researching and sharing his passion for the season, making him the perfect guest to unwrap the wonders of Christmas with us.
✨ Share the Joy! If you love this episode, give it a thumbs up, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs a little extra Christmas cheer this year! ❤️
🎵 Wishing you a Christ-filled Christmas full of joy, love, and wonder!
 
Links and Resources:
🎄 For more Christmas history and traditions, visit: WhyChristmas.com🌐 Check out our website: MyAriseChurch.com🎥 Visit the Arise Church YouTube Channel for more great content: @MyAriseChurch📏 Learn more about Brent: BrentSimpson.com💎 Follow Brent Simpson:
Facebook: DrBrentSimpson
Instagram: drbrentsimpson
🌟 Prefer to listen on the go? Creating the Future with Brent Simpson is available on audio podcast platforms or directly on Podbean: Creating the Future Podcast
Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to keep up with future episodes!
May your Christmas season be filled with peace, joy, and the love of Christ!

How to live a life of Significance and Legacy

We all want to live a life of significance. We desire to be the type of person that leaves a legacy. Yet, American culture has engrained in us that it’s more interesting to do legendary things than to live a life of legacy.
In today’s podcast, Dr. Brent will explain the difference between becoming a living legend and leaving a legacy. And here’s a hint… Significance and selfishness cannot go together.
 
Visit the Arise Church YouTube Channel for content: https://www.youtube.com/@myarisechurch
 
For more info on Arise Church visit: MyAriseChurch.com
 
For more info on Dr. Brent Simpson visit: BrentSimpson.com
Follow Brent Simpson on:
          Facebook:  / DrBrentSimpson 
          Instagram:  / drbrentsimpson  
Creating the Future with Brent Simpson is also available on audio podcast in most podcasts providers, or on podbean here: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/
 
 

The REAL story of the Pilgrims and the First Thanksgiving

What really happened on that first Thanksgiving? What did they eat? Who were the Pilgrims? What were they thinking? What games did they play?In this recast from 2021, Historian Dr. Robert Tracey McKenzie joins us to share the real story of the first thanksgiving in 1621 and what we can learn from it today.
A few of the things we discuss:
Was the FIRST thanksgiving actually in 1621?
Why did the Pilgrims come to the new world?
What was their relationship with the native Americans?
Who was Squanto and was he a divinely appointed answer to prayer?
What food did they eat and games did they play on the 1st Thanksgiving?
Share this episode with the whole family and all your friends and remember the real story of Thanksgiving this year! To learn more about Dr. McKenzie: https://www.wheaton.edu/academics/faculty/tracy-mckenzie/
Buy his book "The First Thanksgiving: What the Real Story Tells Us About Loving God and Learning from History" or any of his other books:  https://www.amazon.com/First-Thanksgiving-Loving-Learning-History/dp/B0BMN34P13/ref=sr_1_1?crid=12Q90SRDPGSGJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6c_fxjuUE49ixsPWjUKVwBRu6kbTibCfaW5sjUhmkxDwy8wKAJY25JQSwYjrYS3-.rmG0fqbIMLbt4NsVY4zfJvyyEUUE7TuL9gIsuj_8iIY&dib_tag=se&keywords=tracey+mckenzie+first+thanksgiving&qid=1732206494&sprefix=tracey+mckenzie+first+thanksgiving%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-1
 
Dr. McKenzie's blog: https://faithandamericanhistory.wordpress.com/
 
For more information about Arise Church: https://www.myarisechurch.com/
For more information about Brent Simpson: http://brentsimpson.com/
To follow Brent Simpson on:
Facebook: / DrBrentSimpson 
Instagram: / drbrentsimpson  
 

The “most excellent way” to build community

We grew up in an era of radical individualism, where the promise was that true happiness would come from being completely self-reliant and free from needing others. But both Scripture and science have revealed the truth—this idea doesn’t hold up. We need each other. We were Created for Community.
In his letter to the church in Corinth, Paul unveils what he calls "the most excellent way" for communities to thrive together. That "most excellent way" is the focus of today’s podcast.
 
The key Scripture are 1 Corinthians 12-14.
 
1 Corinthians 12:30 I will show you the most excellent way.
1 Corinthians 13:1-8  If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails.
 
To here the message from the Sunday that was a prelude to this podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzoLJex0064&t=1759s
 
For more info on Arise Church visit: MyAriseChurch.com
To follow Arise Church on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@myarisechurch
 
For more info on Dr. Brent Simpson visit: BrentSimpson.com
Follow Brent Simpson on:
          Facebook: / DrBrentSimpson 
          Instagram: / drbrentsimpson  
Creating the Future with Brent Simpson is also available on audio podcast in most podcasts providers, or on podbean here: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

What is the Prayer of Faith? & How do I pray the Prayer of Faith?

James 5:15 states that "The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up."  Many of us know it in the King James, which states: "The prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up"So what is a "prayer of faith"? How is that different from any other prayer? In this episode Dr. Brent with discuss what the prayer of faith is and then give practical steps for how you can pray the prayer of faith.
Visit the Arise Church YouTube Channel for content:  @myarisechurchFor more info on Arise Church visit: MyAriseChurch.comFor more info on Dr. Brent Simpson visit: BrentSimpson.comCreating the Future with Brent Simpson is also available on audio podcast in most podcasts providers, or on Podbean here: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/