In this episode, Mark and Dr. John discuss the difficult topic of suicide. Those speaking of suicide should be taken seriously. They need hope and support. Part 1of this podcast speaks directly to the person struggling with suicidal ideology. Suicide is a liar saying that life is better without you. Life is not better without you, and those left are devastated, not better off. You are loved by God and others, so please do not believe the lies. The answer is not trying harder but surrendering your life to Jesus.
Part 2 of the podcast helps listeners know how to help. We discuss how to talk about suicide and the importance of active listening. Mark and John discuss suicide intervention, biblical anchors of hope, and key important truths to know and communicate.
To conclude, Mark discusses the difference between identity, purpose, and assignment. These are all different and should never be combined. Our identity is given to us by God. Our purpose is what we do, and is also given to us by God. Our assignment is what we do in this world. Our assignments change, but our identity and purpose remain!
Links
55k Year-End Giving: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/about-gfi/donate/55-giving-campaign/
U-Turn Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgxtbeW4DaY
John Stevens' book on Suicide: https://grace-fellowship-international.myshopify.com/collections/other-authors?page=2
In this episode, Dr. John interviews Rob and Dorie Blake. They share about how they met at GFI and their ministry in North Carolina.
Links
Rob's Testimony: https://gfiworld.wordpress.com/2025/10/29/a-testimony-of-robert-blake/
7 Steps to Freedom: https://www.ficm.org/
In this marriage podcast, part two, Mark and John distinguish ultimate needs, met vertically through our personal relationship with God, from relational needs, met horizontally through the marriage relationship. The Exchanged Life profoundly transforms marriage because it redefines the source, purpose, and power of love within the relationship. Instead of two people trying to meet each other's needs in their own strength, it becomes Christ in you and Christ in your spouse-two lives united under His life. When Christ as Life is the foundation of marriage, this means you no longer depend on your spouse for identity, validation, or security. You already have that in Christ. This removes pressure and fear, allowing both partners to love from fullness rather than emptiness.
Dr. John identifies ultimate needs as love, acceptance, significance, security, belonging, and worth. The relational needs of the wife are affection, conversation, honesty, openness, financial support, and family commitment. For men, relational needs include sexual fulfillment, recreational companionship, an attractive spouse, domestic support, and admiration. A husband will be happier if his wife shows her love in these ways. And the wife would be happier if the husband loves her in these ways.
Links
Show Notes: https://gfischool.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/needs-in-marriage-jbw.pdf
GFI Donations: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/about-gfi/donate/
GFI 1/2 Day Seminar INFO: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/event/introduction-to-exchanged-life-counseling-2/
GFI Exchanged Life Workshop Info: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/event/exchanged-life-counseling-workshop-10/
Books and Curriculum
Men are like Waffles and Women are like Spaghetti by Bill and Pam Farrel: https://www.amazon.com/Men-Like-Waffles-Women-Spaghetti-Understanding/dp/0736968881/ref=sr_1_1?crid=B8KQON0YO57T&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.cgibAoVg2eyeupSebyewix8QNTR1aZ-bn-C5zY46X9bJfJXL0jpC7UwVgk4gce6uCTZuq0jPVTxp7xxxfoTuCIYfIiSFYzwvZG3EOcbzsed1wArLUTLSYAQB8QVtL8Tx5rOtzah_IuVlKPne3zDPkpwP0TCGC3y0BynlFonMSL6uDFaZaDo7AUljKa7kXTGTKBepK6sl0a2MuYWCy0Bcp5BAXd7R8_COBhoSHAVDfd4.cz3oO_2s-mFBkK4hcLMc9mneF7vPhGVcuy43XgCqKeI&dib_tag=se&keywords=men+are+like+waffles+women+are+like+spaghetti&qid=1760559241&sprefix=men+are+%2Caps%2C200&sr=8-1
Build Your House on the Rock by Dave Simmons: https://www.gracestudyhall.org/courses/build-your-house-on-the-rock
The Life Seminar by Bill and Anabell Gillham: www.lifetime.org/video
In this episode, Mark and John discuss how the Exchanged Life can help in marriage. The guys take Ephesians 5 and work backwards. Mark discusses submission and how men and women are equal with different roles within the marriage covenant. We accomplish Ephesians 5 only through the power of the Holy Spirit. John teaches how marriage, which is God's plan, is the expression of God's love for us. The roles of the husband and wife are discussed. The are no "if" clauses within marriage, and Eph. 5 is not a list of rules to attempt to change your spouse. Obstacles include unforgiveness and focusing on others' faults instead of our own. Finally, this podcast discusses the importance of leaving and cleaving and how GFI goes about doing marriage counseling.
LINKS:
GFI Scholarship Donation: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/about-gfi/donate/
Mark and Carrie's Cultivating a New Marriage: https://grace-fellowship-international.myshopify.com/products/cultivating-a-new-marriage
Worthy Walk by Dr. John Woodward: https://grace-fellowship-international.myshopify.com/products/the-worthy-walk
Resource: Bury Your Marriage: https://abidinglife.com/products/bury-your-marriage-mp3?_pos=1&_sid=5e359aa26&_ss=r
In the midst of assassinations, school shootings, and individual turmoil, how do we respond and live by faith? In this episode, Mark and John discuss the fact that we have not been left alone to face the storms of life in our own strength. John shares that by faith God reveals truth, you and I choose to agree with Him, we confess with our mouth what we believe, and then we walk according to the truth. Daily, we need to run to God! Jesus is the victor, and we are victorious in Him. Individually, we need to process trauma with God. John declares, "Jesus can turn our question marks into exclamation points!" Mark dives into Carrie's comment on how God hasn't forgotten the recipe for manna. He is faithful! Mark and John share some practical principles, which include abiding in Christ, affirming identity, choosing gratitude, encouraging others, and how to rest in victory. Finally, John quotes John Hunter, "For this _____, we have Jesus!"
Links:
GFI Scholarship Fund: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/about-gfi/donate/
In this podcast, Mark and John interview Mark's wife, Carrie McKeehan. Carrie shares about her family and testimony. She also discusses her role as a Life Coach at GFI and her time as a pastor's wife. We also dive into her new book, "Battle Cry!" John and Carrie discuss the difference between entertaining and hospitality. You do not want to miss the end of this episode!
Links:
Carrie's Book: https://grace-fellowship-international.myshopify.com/products/battle-cry-losing-everything-lacking-nothing-copy
Information on GFI's Life Coaching Certification: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/coach-certification/
In this episode, Mark and John interview John's wife, Linda. Linda shares her testimony, as well as about their family. Linda speaks of being a pastor's wife in Canada and their transition to Pigeon Forge, TN. Linda shares her love of music and her experiences as a chaplain at Dollywood, where she is currently working. This episode was a treat!
Links
Linda's song, "Blessings:" https://gracenotebook.com/johns-testimony/
GFI Chaplain Certification: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/chaplaincy-certification/
GFI Donations: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/about-gfi/donate/
FB Meyer said, "Flesh spelled backwards without the 'h' is self!" In this episode, Mark and John define what is meant by living in the flesh. They discuss fleshly patterns and how we can live with well-adjusted flesh. Living in the flesh is not just doing bad things, but also doing good things in order to placate God. As believers, we are not called to pretend, but to reckon.
Links
Our Enemy, The Flesh: https://gracenotebook.com/our-enemy-the-flesh-part-2/
Malajusted Flesh: https://gracenotebook.com/maladjusted-flesh/
Well-Adjusted Flesh: https://gracenotebook.com/well-adjusted-flesh/
Online Workshop: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/event/online-exchanged-life-counseling-workshop/
Donate to GFI: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/about-gfi/donate/
In this episode, Mark and John discuss the Exchanged Life with the founder of Grace Enrichment Ministries. You can learn about this ministry:
Jeff discusses why learning should be sequential. We discuss why the lack of leadership in churches is the result of a lack of discipleship. Jeff states that he graduated from seminary but wasn't taught the fact that Christ is in the believer. We discuss how taking away comfort and control will change the culture, but also start conflict. Finally, Jeff helps pastors learn how to start teaching grace in the church. This is a great and fruitful conversation.
Links
Strategic Disciplemaking at GFI: https://vimeo.com/668048377
For Me To Live is Christ Leaders Guide PDF: https://grace-fellowship-international.myshopify.com/products/for-me-to-live-is-christ-copy
Show Notes: https://gfischool.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/taking_ground.pdf
In this podcast, Mark and John define what it means to take back ground from the enemy. Because of strongholds in our lives, ground related to non-surrender and unbelief must be "taken" back. Areas of non-surrendered discussed include anger, hatred, pride, rebellion, and unforgiveness. Areas of unbelief discussed include idolatry, guilt, self-pity, fear, and worry. This episode is part 2 of episode 59, which speaks to freedom from strongholds.
Links
Pineapple Story: https://youtu.be/qfxBl-qaItg?si=aoH2q8UOJhe0TKBL
Book: Reclaiming Surrendered Ground by Jim Logan: https://www.amazon.com/Reclaiming-Surrendered-Ground-Protecting-Spiritual/dp/0802413129/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1M8HU1K82H1L1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tHlWYunT45G6jKtbpf4xcmvXA8ONZW8fCL6hiQ1Iv07GjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.yCeIMenB5s_ysJI3Hvu47ONm7XMn7ti4G3xHO77My10&dib_tag=se&keywords=reclaiming+surrendered+ground+by+jim+logan&qid=1752169504&sprefix=jim+logan%2Caps%2C182&sr=8-1
Freedom in Christ: https://www.ficm.org/ministry-materials/free-resources/
InFusion Ministry: https://www.infusionnow.org
July GFI Workshop Details: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/event/exchanged-life-counseling-workshop-9/
Notes for Podcast: https://gracenotebook.com/paradigm-shift/
In this episode, Mark and Dr. John discuss the need for a paradigm shift. The guys define and discuss different paradigm shifts that have changed the way we think and live. People need a grace-awakening! Shifts discussed include:
Other points of discussion include holiness, ministry, and the fact that Christ is Savior, Lord, and Life. Dr. Woodward discusses how biblical knowledge is not the same as biblical insight.
"We try harder is fatal in the Christian life. We do not live the Christ-life by trying, but rather by trusting." Stephen Olford
In this podcast, Mark and John interview GFI's newest Life Coach, Lynn Hill. Lynn is a retired pastor who lives in Middle Tennessee. In this episode, Lynn shares his story, which is loaded with success, failures, and his journey in grief through the loss of his wife.
To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/e1x6tpgDfWU
In part 2 of this conversation on grief, Dr. John uses a clock illustration to speak of grief and potential hindrances to stop the healing process. Mark and John discuss practical ways to deal with grief. This includes cultivating a strong, sensitive support system, having the freedom to cry, creating a plan for socializing regularly, cultivating a trustworthy, honest confidant, and releasing resentment. The guys discuss physical guidelines to deal with grief, which include rest, getting plenty of fluids, eating healthy, moving, and getting sunlight. The guys also discuss spiritual ways to deal with grief, and these include prayer, developing a positive, practical perspective based on spiritual truth, memorizing scripture, and developing a yearning for eternity.
In this episode, both Mark and John share personal grief stories. The guys also finish with practical ways to help others through their grief process.
Links:
June Hunt's Book on Counseling: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/store/product/counseling-through-your-bible-handbook
Music for the Soul: https://www.musicforthesoul.org
Created 4 More: https://created4more.net/author/janegoins/
To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/U4_eJwQrUyo
To watch our 55th Celebration: https://www.youtube.com/live/bzctzo3l_ts?si=PumXiDpaFURcCkLE
In this episode, Mark and Dr. John define grief and discuss the stages of grief. Within each stage, Mark and John speak of hope and give practical ways to resolve the grief in your life. Dr. John uses the illustration of a wound to illustrate grief and how we deal with it. God understands grief, and as Isaiah 53 states, He is a "Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief." If you are struggling with grief, please email us: hello@gracefellowshipinternational.com
Notes:
https://gracenotebook.com/dealing-with-loss/
To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/z33ElFKMJrc?si=uo4gnF_1mbjftMZg
In this episode, Mark and John discuss the journey to the cross and suffering. During Passion Week, Jesus suffered, and the guys discuss how God uses suffering and brokenness in our lives. Mark and John walk through Philippians, chapters 2-3, and we see that our life as bondservants of Jesus is better. If we have confidence in the flesh, we will not see a need for the cross. However, the old you was canceled at the cross. There is a resurrection quality of life for us. Tony Evans said, "Brokenness is God stripping away everything from us that prohibits the beauty of Jesus being seen in us."
Links/Notes: https://gfischool.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/freedom-process.pdf
To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hIyexAoUm7w?si=vBIP4WtEHA2vjsl_
In this episode, Mark and John discuss spiritual warfare and how to gain freedom from strongholds. During this conversation, the guys discuss different strongholds, explain the freedom topic, and give scripture references for further study. Some of the topics include a distorted view of God, cults and the occult, unforgiveness and bitterness, rebellion, pride, legalism, and habitual sins. Finally, Mark and John give practical ways on how to "resist the Devil" (James 4:6-7).
Links:
Intro to 7 Steps: https://restored.kotobee.com/#/reader
Daily Affirmation of Faith: https://gracenotebook.com/the-daily-affirmation-of-faith/
Tearing Down Strongholds: https://gracenotebook.com/the-daily-affirmation-of-faith/
Christ is Life Conference: https://grace-fellowship-international.myshopify.com/collections/video-download?page=2
YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/KKUyIu0ECi4?si=qh3vTvRHV7e5dvqS
Show PDF: https://gfischool.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/daily-cross-jbw.pdf
Diagram: https://gfischool.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/daily_cross.png
Can I live in daily victory? In this episode, John and Mark discuss how to appropriate the fullness of Christ's redemptive work for abundant life today. The abundant life is not just Heaven, but available for all in Christ today! The cross, which was used as an instrument of torture and death, is now a symbol of victory for every Believer. However, each of us must choose Christ-centered living over selfish living. We must decide whether to live out of the abundance of our resources in Christ or just do it "my way!"
The Daily Cross: If Christ is my life, then here is what is true of me.
Your Mind: "Not my perspective, but God's perspective will determine my thoughts." It is not me, but God, in spite of the cost.
Your Will: "Not my will, but God's will be done." We should all want to cooperate with Christ!
Your Emotions: "Not my resources, but God's resources will be my source of living." The truth is, my resources cannot meet the demands of life. Therefore, we must ask ourselves, "Who is my source of living?" If it is me, there will always be a double disappointment. But if it is Christ, then that is enough!
Your Affections: "Not my values, but God's values will be my motivation."
Links:
Castle by Ron Solomon: https://www.gracestudyhall.org/courses/counseling-children
To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/n5nt4boiFbs?si=KueR7RsaSMs2IoOb
PDF for episode: https://gfischool.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/meaningful-life.pdf
In this episode, John and Mark discuss the components of a meaningful life. In life, everyone has a need to belong, to feel worthy, and to know they are competent. The problem is when we are living in self, we are trying to get from others what we already have in Christ. We act and perform to get positive feedback, to be validated, and to get our needs met. It is good for all of us to ask, "Am I working hard to get from others what can only be fulfilled by God?" In Christ, no "hooks" are necessary.
If you need counseling or coaching, please email us at hello@gracefellowshipinternational.com
To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/y5W-7T4PlMs?si=f7E7miSdWRFAEJ6k
In this episode, Mark and John discuss Christ's role as Lamb, Life, Liberator, and Leader. The guys show the Romans Road for Discipleship Counseling outlined in the Old Testament, Romans, and the Book of Ephesians. This podcast helps to see how Grace Fellowship International plays a part in the church and counseling. Dr. Solomon would say that when a lost person comes to the church, we take them to the cross. However, when a Christian comes to the church with issues, we give them a referral. Christ and the Cross is the answer for everyone! The truth sets us free from the deceptions that have bound us. Do not let the world press you into its mold. Everyone needs grace discipleship. Toward the end of the podcast, Dr. John tells the parable of the sailboat. Rowing a boat with the anchor set is defeat, and we must hoist the sail, which is our identification in Christ. We are set free when the anchor is pulled. Christ is our power and freedom.
For a PDF of this document, email hello@gracefellowshipinternational.com
Cultivating a NEW Marriage Episode 19.
Links:
Phil Jones audio download of Joshua: https://grace-fellowship-international.myshopify.com/products/joshua-victorious-christian-living-audio-download
GFI Apple App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id6446342103
GFI Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.subsplashconsulting.s_S8HP79
To watch this episode on YouTube, click here: https://youtu.be/BkZXcNeDKYs?si=b_lOdhhgknLwWuRH
In this podcast, Mark and Dr. John have a conversation with evangelist/revivalist John Van Gelderen. In this conversation, we discuss revival, the church, and the importance of the Spirit-filled life. John is the president of Revival Focus Ministries. https://www.revivalfocus.org
His book, "The Gospel to Saints," can be purchased here: https://www.revivalfocus.org/product/the-gospel-to-saints/
John has other books available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/John-Van-Gelderen/author/B08WQ18965?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1738861120&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true