Spiritually Fit Today

The Danger of Outsourcing Your Faith - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Brad Davies. In this episode Arnie and Brad discuss how echo chambers, groupthink, and AI influence what Christians hear and believe, and how those forces interact with sound theology. They reflect on Galatians 1:10 and the challenge of seeking God’s approval instead of human praise. Practical discernment—not abandoning digital tools—is the focus.4 R action steps:Read — Read Galatians 1:10 (and the surrounding chapter). Consider the verse: “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”Reflect — Ask: Who am I trying to please? Which voices shape my theology? Do my feeds reinforce curiosity or shut down alternate, well-researched viewpoints?Respond — Short prayer: Lord, forgive us for listening only to what flatters us. Give us discernment to recognize sound teaching, humility to accept correction, and faithfulness to your Word. Amen.Reveal — Find one thoughtful Christian perspective this week you wouldn’t normally read or listen to. Discuss it with a friend with humility and prayer, and share one insight that points others back to Christ, not to a single teacher.Hosts: Arnie Cole (arnie.cole@bttb.org) and Brad Davies. For feedback or resources, contact Arnie at arnie.cole@bttb.org.Keywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Brad Davies, Galatians 1:10, echo chamber, groupthink, theology, discernment, Christian podcast, Christian media, Salem Media, AI and religion, spiritual discernment, Bible study, Christian discipleshipSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Testing the Spirits in a Viral World - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Brad Davies. In this episode we explore how to discern whether viral Christian content and online movements are truly from God or simply digital momentum and groupthink. We discuss testing the spirits, the danger of confusing popularity with revelation, watching for signs like absent worship or missing fruit, and cultivating a personal, first‑person relationship with Jesus.Memory verse: Galatians 1:10 — "For am I now seeking the approval of man or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."4 R Action Steps- Read: Read Galatians 1:10 and the surrounding chapter for context.- Reflect: Ask whether this teaching aligns with Scripture, displays the fruit of the Spirit, encourages worship and humility, and benefits Christ’s body or someone’s brand.- Respond (short prayer): Lord, give me discernment to recognize Your voice above the crowd, humility to test what I hear, and courage to pause before sharing. Amen.- Reveal: Share a Scripture and a short, honest question with a trusted friend or mentor and ask them to help test the spirit before you forward or endorse content.Questions or feedback: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: discernment, Christian discernment, digital echo chamber, test the spirits, Galatians 1:10, viral Christian content, online ministry, spiritual discernment, fruit of the Spirit, Christian podcastSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Courageous Faith in a Conformist Culture - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole, featuring guest Brad Davies (Vice President, Salem Media). In this episode we explore conformity versus transformation in community — how groupthink, online bubbles, algorithms, and the “professional Christian” model can push believers toward silence, outsourced discipleship, and echo chambers. We discuss practical steps to renew your mind, speak truth in love, and resist the pressure to simply conform. Memory verse: Galatians 1:10 — "Am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God?"The 4 Rs — practical next steps- Read: Read Galatians 1:10 and Romans 12:2.- Reflect: Before reacting online or in conversation, pause and ask: Who am I trying to please? Which voices am I not hearing? Does this align with Scripture?- Respond: Prayer — Lord, transform us by renewing our minds with your Word. Give us courage to stand for truth lovingly, even if it sets us apart. Help us to speak truth in love and to make disciples in our daily lives. Amen.- Reveal: Put this into practice by gently pausing when a hot topic arises, praying before you reply, inviting a respectful conversation with someone who thinks differently, or mentoring one person in your neighborhood or church.Contact: Arnie Cole — arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: Christian community, groupthink, conformity vs transformation, online Christian communities, renewing the mind, Galatians 1:10, Romans 12:2, discipleship, Salem Media, Brad Davies, Arnie Cole, spiritual growth, digital discipleship, echo chambers, Christian podcastSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Are You Living for Likes or for Christ? - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole. In this episode Arnie talks with Brad Davies (VP at Salem Media Group) about how online groupthink and digital pressure can shape Christian identity and push us to seek approval from people rather than from God. They reflect on Galatians 1:10—"Am I now seeking the approval of man or of God?"—and offer practical steps to cultivate authentic faith in a social-media world.4 R Action Steps:- Read: Read Galatians 1:10 slowly. Notice words about approval, pleasing man, and serving Christ.- Reflect: Ask yourself: Where am I seeking approval? Do my public posts reflect my whole life or just five curated minutes? Am I motivated by likes or by obedience to Christ?- Respond: Pray briefly: "Heavenly Father, forgive us for chasing the approval of others. Give us courage to be authentic and to find our identity in You, not in likes or followers. Help us live to please You first. In Jesus’ name, Amen."- Reveal: Do one small act solely for God’s eyes today—post a verse that matters to you without commentary, spend private time in prayer, or honestly share with one person how you’re choosing authenticity over applause.Feedback or questions: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: Christian podcast, identity in Christ, Galatians 1:10, authenticity, social media and faith, groupthink, digital ministry, Christian media, Brad Davies, Arnie Cole, spiritual growth, prayer, discipleship, online pressure, pleasing God not peopleSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Divorce Papers Filed… Then THIS Happened - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest marriage counselor Kyle Helmink. In this episode Arnie and Kyle address the quiet, painful question many couples don’t say out loud: “Is it too late?” They talk hope for struggling relationships, when separation may be understandable, and practical paths toward healing—especially after breaches like affairs—drawing on research and recovery steps such as atonement, rebuilding attachment, and creating a new normal.4 R Action StepsRead — 1 Corinthians 13:6–7 (Love rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.). Reflect — Ask: Where have I contributed to this struggle? What one behavior can I own and change this week? Respond — Short prayer: Lord, bring hope to this relationship, help us own our mistakes, forgive, rebuild trust slowly, and guide us toward a new, healthy normal. Amen. Reveal — Demonstrate the truth by doing the hope exercise: sit with your partner this weekend, share hopes and one concrete step toward change, or invite a trusted friend or group to pray and hold you accountable.Contact: arnie.cole@bttb.orgIf this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope. Keywords: hope in marriage, marriage counseling, rebuild trust, affair recovery, Christian counseling, forgiveness, relationship restoration, Arnie Cole, Kyle Helmink, John Gottman, 1 Corinthians 13, spiritual fitness, hope exerciseSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
 
 

The Argument Isn’t the Problem—How You Fight Is - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest marriage counselor Kyle Helmink. In this episode we explore how conflict—when handled well—can actually save and strengthen relationships. We cover common destructive patterns (escalation, invalidation, withdrawal, negative interpretation), practical tools like time-outs, active listening/speaker-listener technique, separating problem discussion from solution, emotional regulation, urgency to resolve, and the central role of forgiveness. Memory verse: “Love rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:6-7)Read- Read 1 Corinthians 13 and Ephesians 4–5, focusing on love, forgiveness, and anger.Reflect- Ask: Where has conflict opened a pathway to growth in my relationship? Which destructive pattern do I contribute to most? Am I trying to fix before I listen?Respond- Short prayer: Father, give us humility to listen, courage to apologize, and grace to forgive. Teach us to handle conflict with love so we grow closer, not apart. Amen.Reveal- Take a practical “peace step”: pick one recent irritation, invite your partner to a brief, calm conversation, practice active listening (one speaks, one reflects), offer a sincere apology, and pray together or pray for each other afterward.Questions or feedback: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: conflict resolution, marriage counseling, Christian marriage, forgiveness, active listening, time out, communication skills, relationship growth, marital conflict, John Gottman, Arnie Cole, Kyle Helmink, Spiritually Fit TodaySubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
 
 

The Slow Drift That Kills Intimacy - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest marriage counselor Kyle Helmink. In this episode they unpack why many couples drift into living like roommates instead of soulmates, and how to reverse that cooling with intentionality: regular dates, couple meetings, listening well, setting new “norms” (especially after seasons like parenting or empty-nesting), and asking for outside help when needed. Practical counsel from a veteran marriage counselor on rebuilding intimacy, resisting temptation, and realigning your relationship around prayer and presence.4 R Action StepsRead — Read 1 Corinthians 13:6–7.Reflect — Where has your relationship lost momentum? What daily or weekly habits could you change to prioritize connection?Respond — Short prayer: Lord, help us slow down, listen without judgment, restore intimacy, and love with patience and truth. Amen.Reveal — Demonstrate this truth: unplug devices tonight, have a heart-to-heart, schedule a regular date and a weekly couple meeting, and invite a trusted mentor, pastor, or counselor to help.Contact: Arnie Cole — arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: marriage counseling, Christian marriage, intimacy, reconnecting couples, relationship advice, 1 Corinthians 13, dating your spouse, marriage tips, Arnie Cole, Kyle HelminkSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

This One Habit Is Making Your Partner Feel Unseen - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Kyle Helmink. In this episode we examine how phones, to‑do lists, and countless small distractions quietly erode relationships. Using 1 Corinthians 13:6–7 ("Love rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."), Arnie and Kyle explore how brief "touch points," wise tech use, and intentional conversation can stop relational drift and restore presence.4 R Action StepsRead — Read 1 Corinthians 13:6–7.Reflect — Ask: What small, repetitive behaviors communicate my priorities to my partner? Where can I create simple daily touch points (a goodbye kiss, a midday text, a 15‑minute check‑in)?Respond — Short prayer: God, life pulls our attention in so many directions. Help us slow down, see the people we love, and give them our best attention. Teach us wisdom to set aside distractions and be present. Amen.Reveal — Practice tonight: eliminate one distraction for 30 minutes and be fully present with your partner. Then share the passage and the change you made; use that conversation to plan regular touch points.Contact: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: relationships, marriage, couples counseling, distractions, smartphones, presence, 1 Corinthians 13, spiritual growth, communication, boundariesSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft

Why Romance isn't the Foundation...Love is - Spiritually Fit Today

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Kyle Helmink. In this episode they talk about how love lasts beyond Valentine’s Day: the need to actively invest time and energy in relationships, lead with the “first response,” distinguish agape (willful, servant love) from eros (passionate love), use conflict as an opportunity for growth, and ground marriage in faith. Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 13:6–7 — "[Love] rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."4 R action plan- Read: Read 1 Corinthians 13 (focus on 13:6–7) tonight. - Reflect: Ask yourself: Where have I been coasting in my primary relationships? What would initiating love look like today? - Respond (prayer): Lord, teach me to love by choice—help me lead with grace, bear with patience, and act for the good of others. Strengthen relationships that feel weak and renew our commitment to grow together. Amen. - Reveal: Put the truth into practice—pray with your spouse or partner tonight, tell one person one thing you appreciate about them, or send a short note with 1 Corinthians 13:6–7 and a personal word of care.Questions or feedback: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: lasting love, Christian marriage, marriage counseling, relationship advice, agape love, conflict resolution, 1 Corinthians 13, faith and marriage, Arnie Cole, Kyle Helmink, Spiritually Fit TodaySubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft
 
 

Your Brain Can Come Back

Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today with Arnie Cole and guest Dr. Dale Michels. In this episode, they address children, grandchildren, and screen time through the lens of Romans 12:2 — “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Drawing from neuroscience, parenting experience, and spiritual formation, the conversation explores how screens shape young minds, why children’s brains are especially vulnerable to digital habits, and how quickly patterns can become ingrained. Practical guidance includes modeling healthy device use, setting and enforcing clear time limits (with timers), knowing what kids are watching, and coordinating boundaries between parents and grandparents. The episode also emphasizes filling the screen-time void with meaningful alternatives—games, Legos, outdoor play, reading, ice cream outings, or kite flying—and closes with a call to intentionally invest in one young person’s life, paired with a prayer for wisdom, protection, and renewal for the next generation.Action steps using the 4 R words:Read: Read Romans 12:2 together. For younger children, use a children’s Bible storybook and read a short passage daily.Reflect: Ask questions such as: What patterns are shaping our minds? How does screen content influence thoughts and behavior? What healthier rhythms can replace excessive screen time?Respond: Pray briefly with or for a child or teen. Example prayer from the program: “Lord, protect the minds and hearts of the next generation. Give wisdom to parents and grandparents. Help us model lives that follow you and renew our minds daily. In Jesus’ name, amen.”Reveal: Put truth into action by investing time—take a child or grandchild for ice cream, fly a kite, play a game, read a Bible story together, or teach a new skill—and share how God is shaping your own life through intentional choices.Need resources or to connect? Email Arnie Cole: arnie.cole@bttb.orgKeywords: screen time, grandchildren, Christian parenting, digital habits, Romans 12:2, renewing the mind, faith formation, children’s Bible, family discipleship, neuroscience and faith, Arnie Cole, Dale MichelsSubscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily at: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft