In this episode of the Honor Series, Jobbin and Jeswin wrestle with a big question — Can you really love Jesus but not the church?
They unpack what biblical honor looks like inside the Church, why distrust in leadership has grown, and how to honor pastors and congregations even when you’ve been hurt.
From South Asian church traditions to real-life stories of restoration, this episode explores how we can rebuild honor where it’s been lost.
🎙️ Featuring passages from 1 Thessalonians 5 and personal stories that challenge how we view the Church today.
#RestoringOurCity #HonorSeries #ChurchHurt #FaithPodcast #ChristianCommunity
In this powerful episode of Restoring Our City, Jeswin and Jobbin unpack a truth that’s often overlooked: honoring your parents isn't just a personal virtue — it's a societal foundation.From biblical roots in Ephesians 6 and Exodus 20, to real-life South Asian family dynamics, we explore:Why honoring our parents goes far beyond obedienceHow the breakdown of family honor mirrors society's growing disrespectThe difference between honor, obedience, and respect — and why it mattersWhat to do when honoring parents feels complicated, strained, or one-sidedWhy God placed honoring parents at the start of how we treat everyone elseThis episode isn’t just for families — it’s for anyone who wants to understand why we’re seeing more division, disrespect, and relational breakdown in our culture, and how to rebuild from the ground up.🧠 Key takeaway: Honor isn’t just taught in church. It’s learned at home.👇 Tell us how you’ve learned (or struggled) to honor your parents in today’s world.📌 Follow us: @restoringourcity on Instagram💬 DM us or comment to continue the conversation🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share!
Has our society lost its sense of honor?
In this powerful kickoff to our new Honor Series, hosts Jobbin and Jeswin explore why disrespect has become so normalized—from weddings to social media to how we treat authority and what it means to restore a biblical culture of honor.
Especially relevant for the South Asian Christian community, we unpack:
Why honor is not the same as obedience
How cultural and generational differences shape our views
What the Bible says about honoring parents, leaders, and God
The role of shame—and how it can actually lead to growth
Whether you're wrestling with dishonoring authority, dealing with church hurt, or just want to understand how to live with more integrity, this episode lays the foundation for an essential and practical series.
📍New episodes will dive into:
Honoring God, Parents, Church Leaders, and even Government
Navigating honor in a polarized, digital world
Practical ways to live with respect and restraint
🎧 Subscribe and join the conversation.
In this special episode of the Restoring Our City podcast, hosts Jobin and Jeswin step into a heavy and emotional moment following the tragic shooting of political commentator Charlie Kirk. Rather than rush to a hot take, they take a breath, pray, and ask the deeper question: why do we, as a culture, respond with rage?We talk about:• The culture of outrage and its spiritual roots• The identity crisis behind our most emotional reactions• What the Bible says about dehumanizing others• The dangers of "whataboutism" and extreme responses• The church's role in discipling a generation shaped by social media• Why love and truth must walk together, even in disagreementWhether you agreed with Charlie Kirk or not, this episode isn't about political sides. It's about how we treat people, how we reflect Christ, and how we respond to pain, disagreement, and death in a divided culture.We invite you into this candid, convicting, and compassionate conversation—not to cancel anyone, but to help connect our community and reflect the heart of Jesus, especially when it’s hardest to do so.👇 Let us know what resonated with you. Submit your anonymous thoughts or questions:🔗 RestoringOurCity.org/askusanything🗣️ Let’s lead with love. Stay grounded in truth. And break the cycle of rage.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction: A Heavier Episode02:30 – Shock and Reactions to Charlie Kirk’s Death06:00 – Why Are We So Emotionally Invested?10:00 – Dehumanization and Outrage Culture15:00 – What Romans 1 Says About Identity and Truth25:00 – Free Speech vs. Spiritual Maturity35:00 – Should Christians Call Out Other Christians Online?45:00 – A Call to Church Leaders and Discipleship50:00 – Final Thoughts: Lead with Love, Not Rage🙏 If this episode challenged you, like, subscribe, and share it with a friend.📲 Follow us @RestoringOurCity on all platforms.#RestoringOurCity #SouthAsianChristian #CharlieKirk #ChristianPodcast #CancelCulture #OutrageCulture #ChurchAndCulture #ChristianCommunity #FaithInAmerica #ROCpodcast
In this candid episode of the Restoring Our City podcast, Jobbin and Jeswin dive into the often unspoken tensions between Christian denominations—especially within the South Asian church context. 🕊️
From personal stories of church hurt to surprising moments of unity across continents, we reflect on how our theological and cultural differences can either divide us—or become opportunities for building something greater. 🤝
We explore:
Why Pentecostal churches are often seen as “the isolated ones” 🧍♂️
How denominational superiority can wound more than we realize 💔
What we’re missing when we don’t collaborate across church lines 🌍
The difference between holding fast to truth and holding others at arm’s length ✝️
Featuring listener comments from around the world, this episode proves that you’re not alone in your story. Whether you’ve been hurt by church culture or found healing through unity, this conversation is for anyone longing for a more connected, gospel-centered community.
🧠 Thoughtful. 🔥 Honest. 🙌 Hopeful. This episode challenges us to reexamine how we see the Body of Christ—because maybe it’s not about being right, but about being one.
👇 Tell us in the comments: What’s your experience with denominational division? Has it helped or hurt your faith?
We grew up in church. We did the Sunday school drills, the worship team, the youth events... but does that mean we were spiritually mature? In this episode, Jeswin and Jobbin wrestle with what true spiritual growth looks like beyond the performances and programs we were raised in.🔥 In this candid conversation, we ask:Are we mistaking church involvement for actual spiritual depth?Why do we equate emotion or giftedness with maturity?How can doubt be part of real growth?What happens when we step outside our denominational bubble?Can conflict in church actually grow us?💡 Spoiler: Spiritual maturity isn’t about speaking in tongues or having all the memory verses memorized. It shows up in how we love others, extend grace, and choose to forgive.Whether you’re a lifelong church kid or someone trying to rebuild your faith from the ground up, this episode will challenge you to ask the hard questions and maybe finally give yourself permission to grow.👇 Drop a comment:What’s one thing you thought was spiritual maturity… but now see differently?🛠️ Subscribe to hear more real talk on faith, doubt, and growth from the South Asian Christian experience.
In a world where everyone has a platform, who should we really be listening to? In this candid conversation, Jobbin and Jeswin dive into the dangers of influence—from social media clout-chasing to the subtle ways we let others shape our faith. We unpack the crowded Christian content space, the responsibility that comes with having a voice, and the biblical call to discernment in a noisy world.
From Billy Graham’s intentionality to the algorithms in your feed, we explore how to tell the difference between voices worth following and ones that lead us astray. Whether it’s TikTok prophets, famous pastors, or your own circle of friends—this episode challenges you to test, discern, and guard your heart while still building up the next generation of godly influencers.
If you’ve ever wondered how to filter out the noise and focus on truth, this one’s for you.
What happens when your sin goes viral?
In this powerful episode of Restoring Our City, hosts Jobbin and Jeswin dive into the now-infamous “Coldplay CEO scandal” — where a man was caught hugging someone who wasn’t his wife on the concert jumbotron — and connect it to the deeper, often unspoken issue of public shame, scandal, and restoration within the South Asian Christian community.🎯 Topics We Cover:Why going viral for the wrong reasons hits different in our cultureThe Church’s historical struggle to restore the fallenScripture’s surprising perspective on being exposed (Luke 12)Should restoration always include returning to leadership?What the South Asian church can learn about grace, truth, and accountability👥 Whether you’ve been publicly “exposed” or silently struggling in shame, this conversation reminds us that true restoration isn’t about reclaiming a title — it’s about reclaiming your identity in Christ.💬 Have you seen grace modeled well in your church? Drop a comment and share your experience.📲 Subscribe and follow for more real talk that helps restore our city — and our people.#RestoringOurCity #ChristianPodcast #SouthAsianChurch #ChurchScandal #GraceAndTruth #Luke12 #ColdplayScandal #GospelRestoration #ChristianCommunity #IndianChristian
Are we really living out true community, or just checking boxes on Sundays?
In this episode of the Restoring Our City podcast, Jobbin and Jeswin wrap up the Connector Series with some real talk about loneliness, disconnection, and the uncomfortable question: Is the world doing a better job at building community than the church?
They unpack:
The surprising ways corporate America intentionally fosters connection — and what churches can learn from that.
Why we shrink our circles in our 30s and 40s — and how to fight back.
The radical power of calling out people’s gifts (yes, even if they leave your church!).
Practical ways you can be the connector your community needs, inside and outside the church walls.
Plus, you’ll hear nostalgic stories, awkward tithe bills, and the timeless truth that building community is woven into our very DNA.
🎧 If you’ve ever wondered why it feels so hard to make deep connections today — and what you can actually do about it — this conversation is for you.
👉 Listen, share, and be that spark for someone else.
In this powerful episode of the Restoring Our City podcast, we sit down with Nathan John, the founder of Houston Magnify—a grassroots, Gen Z-led movement uniting Christians across Houston to magnify Jesus. Nathan shares his journey from resisting God's call to embracing it fully in his hometown, sparking a citywide movement rooted in gospel-centered community, hospitality, and intergenerational unity.We explore how Gen Z is not as disconnected from faith as many think—in fact, they’re spiritually hungry and ready for revival. Nathan breaks down the key barriers to true Christian community (misunderstanding God's character, gossip, and generational gaps) and shares stories of transformation that started with just two or three faithful friends.From curating meaningful in-person gatherings in a digital-first world to fostering unity across denominations and age groups, Nathan offers practical encouragement for anyone who feels called to impact their city—even if they feel unqualified.📍 Topics Covered:Why Gen Z is more spiritually open than ever beforeBuilding intergenerational church community in divided timesThe difference between gospel-centric and gospel-adjacent ministryCreating physical spaces of connection in a digital age📲 Learn more about Houston Magnify and how Gen Z is reshaping faith community through love, presence, and purpose.🎧 Listen now and be inspired to lead, wherever God has placed you.
In this powerful episode of the Restoring Our City podcast, hosts Jobbin and Jeswin sit down with Shibu Zachariah Alexander, founder of Hope Deli Church in Delhi and creator of Courtside Conversations — a grassroots movement using basketball to foster authentic friendships and spark deeper spiritual conversations in a city marked by division and distrust.From his humble beginnings building a DIY basketball hoop for a school project in Chennai to becoming a church planter and coach in Delhi, Shibu shares how God is using his love for basketball to break down barriers, address mental health struggles, and create spaces for healing and hope.💬 Key Topics:Why basketball is more than a game — it’s a tool for connectionHow Delhi's history and brokenness shaped the need for authentic relationshipsThe spiritual hunger uncovered through one-on-one conversationsWhat it means to show up for just one person, even when no one else doesHow intentionality, mentorship, and vulnerability can restore community⚡ Notable Quote:“Relationship is the backbone of discipleship. If you want to disciple someone, you have to first show up.”👥 Whether you're a pastor, a leader, or someone simply longing for connection, this episode will challenge and inspire you to lead with presence, vulnerability, and faithfulness.📲 Connect with Shibu and learn more about Hope Deli & Courtside Conversations:Instagram: @me_versus_the_world_Hope Deli Church | Courtside Conversations🎧 Listen now and be inspired to start something — even if it’s just with one person.#RestoringOurCity #IndianChristianPodcast #CourtsideConversations #HopeDeli #FaithAndBasketball #CommunityBuilders #SouthAsianChristians #GospelInIndia #UrbanMinistry #MentalHealthAndFaith #MentorshipMatters
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with sisters Jessica and Joanna Finny, founders of Chechi’s Chai, as they share the story behind their booming chai business that’s doing more than just serving tea. It's a movement reclaiming cultural identity, deepening spiritual roots, and bridging community through storytelling and hospitality.
The Finny sisters open up about their personal journeys navigating cultural duality as South Asian Christians growing up in Tennessee. From embracing the beauty of their heritage to redefining the meaning of mentorship through the lens of discipleship, this conversation is a masterclass on what it means to lead with authenticity.
👭 How do you reclaim identity in a culture that taught you to hide it?
🍵 What does chai have to do with discipleship and community healing?
🌍 Why does bridging cultures matter now more than ever?
Tune in to hear about pop-up failures, identity crises, and how God used it all to brew something beautiful. This isn’t just about chai. It's about courage, connection, and calling.
🔗 Stay connected:
Website – https://chechischai.co
IG – @chechischai
📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this story with someone rediscovering who they are. #RestoringOurCity #ConnectorSeries #ChechisChai #SouthAsianVoices #FaithAndCulture #ChaiWithPurpose
🎙️ In this powerful episode of Restoring Our City, Jobbin and Jeswin Thomas sit down with Alex Thomas for a deep and inspiring conversation on faith, community, and the rich legacy of Indian Christianity.From bridging cultural gaps to building unity across denominations, Alex opens up about the challenges facing Indian churches—especially among millennials and Gen Z—and how understanding our history can pave the way for revival. 🌱📱 Hear how social media is helping young Indian Christians reconnect with their roots, and why creating space for honest conversations can transform the future of the church.Whether you're wrestling with your faith, curious about Indian church history, or passionate about unity in the Body of Christ—this episode is for you.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon so you never miss a conversation that matters.#RestoringOurCity #IndianChristianity #ChurchUnity #FaithAndCulture #AlexThomas #SouthAsianFaith
What happens when you create space for real, vulnerable conversations in the South Asian community? In this episode, hosts Jobbin & Jeswin Thomas sit down with Priya Johnson, founder of The Brown Table Talks, to explore just that. 🙌From her roots in Denver and Austin to her mission-driven work in Chicago, Priya shares her journey of navigating faith, identity, and ministry as a South Asian woman. They dive deep into topics many shy away from—misconceptions about identity, the lack of safe spaces, and why surface-level relationships are keeping us from true community.🔥 In this episode, you’ll hear about:Why vulnerability is the key to deeper faith and relationshipsThe surprising role of ethnic churches in shaping South Asian identityHow Brown Table Talks is sparking honest dialogue across generations and culturesThe impact of Priya’s experiences in East Africa on her ministry approachHow South Asian Christians can lead the next wave of gospel-centered communityWhether you're South Asian or simply passionate about building meaningful, cross-cultural relationships—this conversation will challenge and inspire you.👇Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe.🔔 New episodes every month on faith, culture, and community.#SouthAsianMinistry #RestoringOurCity #BrownTableTalks #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndCulture #Vulnerability #Authenticity #SouthAsianChristian #CommunityMatters #GospelCentered
In this episode we unpack the real challenges—and the hope—found in navigating community, culture, and faith within South Asian immigrant contexts.From stories of how basketball built unexpected bridges, to honest conversations about broken communities, this episode leans into the tension many face when feeling disconnected from their ethnic or spiritual roots. But there’s hope.Drawing from Jeremiah 29, we explore how we can seek the welfare of our communities without idolizing culture over Christ. They wrestle with generational gaps, the power of prayer, and why empowering the next generation matters more than ever.Whether you've walked away from your cultural community, feel stuck between generations, or are longing for genuine connection—this conversation is for you. It’s about faith that bridges divides and community that heals, not hides.👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this resonates.🔔 New episodes weekly.#RestoringOurCity #ChristianPodcast #SouthAsianFaith #Jeremiah29 #FaithAndCulture #CommunityHealing #ImmigrantVoices #NextGenFaith
Is the supernatural just a fringe topic—or is it central to the Christian life?
In this episode, hosts Jobbin & Jeswin dive deep into a conversation many avoid: the supernatural in Christianity. From spiritual warfare and answered prayers to the resurrection itself, they explore why believers often shy away from these topics—and why we can't afford to anymore.
💭 Do spiritual attacks really happen?
🙏 Is prayer still powerful today?
⚔️ How do we discern between sin and spiritual battles?
Drawing from personal stories, biblical insights, and honest reflection, this conversation challenges us to move beyond just rational belief and embrace the supernatural as a vital part of our daily walk with God.
🔥 Key takeaways:
Why Christians often hesitate to talk about the supernatural
How rational thinking has reshaped spiritual expectation
The resurrection as the foundation of supernatural faith
Spotting manipulation vs. genuine spiritual experiences
Why we must expect God's power to show up in everyday life
This one is for anyone who’s wrestled with doubt, sought deeper spiritual truth, or wondered if there’s more to faith than what we can see.
👇 Watch, comment, and subscribe for more honest convos on faith + culture.
#RestoringOurCity #SupernaturalFaith #ChristianPodcast #SpiritualWarfare #HolySpirit #PrayerPower #FaithAndReality #RationalityVsFaith #ChristianityAndTheSupernatural
How do we know if we’re following God’s will? What if we make the wrong choice and miss out on His plan? 🤔 Many of us struggle with fear and uncertainty when it comes to discovering God’s will—wondering if we’re in the right job, relationship, or season of life. In this episode, we break down the different aspects of God’s will—His Sovereign will, Permissive will, and what that means for our daily decisions.💡 Key Takeaways:The difference between God's will in what He controls and what He allows.Common fears about missing God’s plan and how to overcome them.Practical ways to trust God’s guidance in uncertain seasons.If you’ve ever asked, “What if I make the wrong choice?”—this episode is for you. 🎙️ Like, comment, and subscribe for more deep conversations on faith and life! 🙌✨ #GodsWill #FaithJourney #TrustGod
🔥 Clarifying Our Thoughts on the Holy Spirit 🔥We heard you loud and clear! Many of our listeners had questions (and some strong opinions) about our take on the Holy Spirit—so we’re diving deeper in this episode to clear things up.We’re tackling some of the biggest questions, including:
✅ When do you actually receive the Holy Spirit?
✅ What’s the difference between having the Holy Spirit and baptism in the Spirit?
✅ And of course... the always interesting topic of speaking in tongues.
👀Whether you grew up Pentecostal, have questions about spiritual gifts, or just want to hear a fresh perspective, this episode is for you!🎧 Listen now and let us know your thoughts in the comments! Do you agree? Disagree? Have your own experiences to share? We’d love to hear from you!📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode! Your support helps us keep these conversations going. 🙌
#HolySpirit #ChristianPodcast #RestoringOurCity #SpiritualGifts #SpeakingInTongues #FaithJourney #ChurchCulture #BibleStudy #ChristianCommunity
Did you grow up thinking the Holy Spirit was something to fear? Many of us were raised with misconceptions that made the Spirit seem mysterious, intimidating, or even spooky. In this episode of Sunday Scaries, we unpack the truth about the Holy Spirit, why it’s misunderstood in many South Asian churches, and how believers should actually view Him. Is He a force to fear or a Friend to follow? Let’s break it down together.🔥 Key Topics:Why do some churches overemphasize or avoid the Holy Spirit?How does Scripture describe the Holy Spirit’s real role?How can we embrace His presence without fear?Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into faith, culture, and truth! 🙌🔔 #SundayScaries #HolySpirit #FaithTalk
What does it really mean to be *blessed*? Many churches today have a distorted view—some equate blessing with wealth and success (Prosperity Gospel), while others believe true faith requires poverty and struggle (Poverty Gospel). But what does the Bible actually say? In this episode, we break down these misconceptions and uncover the true, biblical meaning of blessing. Whether you're wrestling with the idea of financial prosperity or wondering if suffering is a sign of holiness, this conversation will challenge and encourage you. 📖 **Key Topics:** ✔️ The Prosperity Gospel vs. The Poverty Gospel ✔️ What Scripture Really Says About Blessing ✔️ How to Align Your Faith with a Biblical View of Blessing 👉 **Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more faith-based discussions!** #Blessing #ProsperityGospel #Christianity #Faith #BiblicalTruth