Podcast
Inverted Orthodoxy
Hosted by Inverted Orthodoxy · EN
We are three pastors of Living Springs, and our podcast is a journey through the diverse landscapes of faith. Taking your questions each week we explore, question, and celebrate the beautiful complexities of our beliefs, knowing that it's okay not to always land in the same place.
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Episodes
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Inverted Orthodoxy 443- Walking Away, Wrestling with God, and Wondering Why
5d ago00:40:28Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Inverted Orthodoxy Podcast! We're Blake, Kyle, and Doug the pastors from Living Springs, here to take you on a weekly adventure through the twists and turns of faith. Got questions? We've got answers, and sometimes more questions! Join us as we explore, celebrate, and embrace the beautiful complexities of belief. This week tackles the following questions: (1:34 into episode) June 10- AER- thank you all for answering my question on Hebrews. Follow up question for Blake (but all can chime in) - you encouraged us to keep praying for those in our life who have walked away from faith. Any other practical tips. I honestly find it much Easier talking to those who don’t know Jesus at all than trying to encourage my family who knew god and were hurt by the church and decided to leave it all Behind. Would love any tips or insights you might have(10:26 into episode) Mar 4- The story in the Old Testament of Jacob wrestling with God doesn’t make any sense to me. I don’t know why he was physically wrestling with God and I don’t know why God would hurt him by dislocating his hip socket or whatever. And why did Jacob prevail instead of God in the first place? I feel like we can justify it as we justify anything, but it is a bizarre incident by any measurement.(22:47 into episode)Mar 7- Why do you think it says that God created the heavens and the Earth? Did God not already have heaven? And why did God need the Earth? Maybe to escape to? Maybe to have some darkness? But then he thought it was too much darkness and made half of the time light but he left some darkness? Why did he leave darkness if he is light? Even if this is metaphorical, which I don’t believe it was,what does it mean?Do you have a question you've been wanting answered? Head on over to our website www.invertedorthodoxy.com to submit a question. You can find us on Wednesdays on Youtube, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. To learn more about our church, you can visit www.livingspringsairdrie.com
Transcribe →Inverted Orthodoxy 442-More Than Hunger: Appetite, Soul, and Shepherding Our Kids
2w ago00:47:43Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Inverted Orthodoxy Podcast! We're Blake, Kyle, and Doug the pastors from Living Springs, here to take you on a weekly adventure through the twists and turns of faith. Got questions? We've got answers, and sometimes more questions! Join us as we explore, celebrate, and embrace the beautiful complexities of belief. This week tackles the following questions: (2:32 into episode) Feb 23- In church, and since the start of lent, we have been talking about hunger - both literally and figuratively. Is there anything in the Bible that discusses the issue of excess (specifically in terms of weight) and having a relationship with god? (I.e. is it a sin to be fat / indulge in excess)?(12:09 into episode) Feb 25- I understand what it means to love the Lord, my God with all my heart and all my mind, but what does it mean to love with all my soul?(28:54 into episode) Feb 27- I don’t know if this has been asked before, as I am a newer listener: What is your personal and biblical opinion on spanking your children?As a newer parent, spankings have never felt right to me. I grew up with Christians quoting Proverbs 13 as a reason why we should spank our children. I have recently heard the argument that sparing the rod is more in the context of a shepherds rod and not spanking. That we are to shepherd our children. (Teaching and modelling behaviours, correcting, protecting and disciplining). What are your thoughts?Do you have a question you've been wanting answered? Head on over to our website www.invertedorthodoxy.com to submit a question. You can find us on Wednesdays on Youtube, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. To learn more about our church, you can visit www.livingspringsairdrie.com
Transcribe →Inverted Orthodoxy 441- No Easy Answers: Wrestling with Faith, Church, and Belonging.
3w ago00:45:52Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Inverted Orthodoxy Podcast! We're Blake, Kyle, and Doug the pastors from Living Springs, here to take you on a weekly adventure through the twists and turns of faith. Got questions? We've got answers, and sometimes more questions! Join us as we explore, celebrate, and embrace the beautiful complexities of belief. This week's episode tackles the following questions: (1:15 into episode) AER- Regarding capitalism of God. Sorry I guess I did not realize questions were not edited as far as correcting the grammar. ,I wasn't thinking about that.(4:28 into episode)Feb 20- In Hebrews 6:4 it says “ It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age 6 and who have fallen[c] away, to be brought back to repentance.” Does this mean that there is no hope for those of faith who have chosen to walk away? How do we reconcile this verse with Jesus’ statement that nothing is impossible for God? Would love to hear your thoughts as I have several friends and family members who in the last few years have walked away from faith(20:59 into episode)Feb 22- Do you think we could benefit from changing the words in most of our worship songs from ‘I’ to ‘WE’ as we’re called to corporately worship together and so many of the songs we sing are about my response to God.Feb 22 - How are you coping with, what feels like a continuous failure of church leaders or ministry leaders - when the recent bethel revelations. How are you engaging in transparency and authenticity and how would you encourage those of us following Jesus to ensure we are putting ourselves to the healthiest position.Do you have a question you've been wanting answered? Head on over to our website www.invertedorthodoxy.com to submit a question. You can find us on Wednesdays on Youtube, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. To learn more about our church, you can visit www.livingspringsairdrie.com
Transcribe →Inverted Orthodoxy 440- D&D, Hockey, and the Anti-Christ Walk Into a Podcast...
4w ago00:53:18Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Inverted Orthodoxy Podcast! We're Blake, Kyle, and Doug the pastors from Living Springs, here to take you on a weekly adventure through the twists and turns of faith. Got questions? We've got answers, and sometimes more questions! Join us as we explore, celebrate, and embrace the beautiful complexities of belief. This weeks episode covers the following questions: (1:15 into episode)AER-Please capitalize the G in God. Thank you.(25:41 into episode)Aer - life - the fullest possible life today without sacrificing life tomorrowFor pastor Blake - I know he doesn’t get AER much! On the last episode (439) he encouraged us to really think about what we were going to do next and think about if it is good for us. Would you go as far as thinking about whether or not I should get another snack, or whether I should buy another tech gadget, or whether I should get my nails done or another hair cut… because for many people we have a excess of food and maybe are not stewarding our money well, and to what extent do we think that those actions could lead us to sin, if we are living in excess and therefore not being as generous as we could be? Or is it just with things that we don’t know as much about? Like fictional worlds which encourage imagination, reading, and interacting with others? Surely you could argue that being a hockey fan is bad for your soul because you spend money on watching the game, playing the game, spend time thinking and talking to others about how well the team is doing, but actually we should be fixing our eyes on Jesus and seeking his kingdom first. When does it become too much? And when is ok because we all need time to rest and enjoy something besides work? (25:41 into episode)On episode 439 Kyle says that he wouldn’t go around bragging about playing D&D if 90% of his congregation thought it was evil, but what if a good number of your young people that you are reaching out to and discipline enjoy playing it, writing the adventures and leading their friends through the story they created. How would you meet the diverse needs of people who may not know what it is and are just scared, with those who enjoy playing it as a fun group game. Especially with young people today who spend too long on screens, shouldn’t we be encouraging them to do things with people irl? It is a game that requires creativity and collaboration, both important skills for our young people. Would we want to tell them it is evil And condemn them?(32:30 into episode) AER: last episode Kyle said he was reading "dungeon crawler carl", I'm curious how kyle would adapt these books into a sermon. (35:40 into episode)Feb 20- Do you believe in the prophecy of the anti-Christ in revelations? If so do you believe he would arise in opposition to the church representing secular culture? Or would he arise to within the church and represent a more fundamentalist/nationalist culture?Resources: Reverse Thunder by Eugene Peterson Revelation For The Rest Of Us by Scott McKnight with Cody Matchett Reading Revelation Responsibly by Michael J Gorman Discipleship On The Edge by Daryll Johnson Bible Project: Revelation Do you have a question you've been wanting answered? Head on over to our website www.invertedorthodoxy.com to submit a question. You can find us on Wednesdays on Youtube, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. To learn more about our church, you can visit www.livingspringsairdrie.com
Transcribe →Inverted Orthodoxy 439-Dungeons, Dragons & Doctrine
May 2701:00:42Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Inverted Orthodoxy Podcast! We're Blake, Kyle, and Doug the pastors from Living Springs, here to take you on a weekly adventure through the twists and turns of faith. Got questions? We've got answers, and sometimes more questions! Join us as we explore, celebrate, and embrace the beautiful complexities of belief. Let's dive in! (1:48 into episode)(AER from episode 438) wait, Why did Adam have to be saved before he fell!? Wasn't he just in perfect communion with god? Why would this be necessary then? Explain this to me please. I’ve never thought of this before.(11:11 into episode)Feb 15- I always thought that as I got older, my life would get better as God is changing me for good, but I feel like I am becoming more aware of my shortcomings and need for Jesus. How do we balance the tension of becoming more like Jesus and becoming more aware of needing the grace and mercy from Jesus?(20:45 into episode)Feb 15- Have you ever played dungeons and dragons? What are your thoughts on its stigmitization in Christian culture?(36:40 into episode)Feb 20-When Paul said in 2 Timothy 3:16 that all scripture was the word of God, was he also referring to his own writings?(46:26 into episode)Feb 20- What was the last fiction book you read or listened to?Do you have a question you've been wanting answered? Head on over to our website www.invertedorthodoxy.com to submit a question. You can find us on Wednesdays on Youtube, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. To learn more about our church, you can visit www.livingspringsairdrie.com
Transcribe →Inverted Orthodoxy 438- Making Pastors Squirm: Nephilim & Retrofitted Prophecy
May 2000:50:43Tap to summarizeForgive me, I always enjoy making pastors squirm with awkward questions, it brings me great joy ;)Genesis 6 and extra-biblical texts like the book of Enoch suggest the Son’s of God were likely fallen angels who were heavenly beings (ie not human by origin/species). The Bible states these beings were attracted to the daughters of men and slept with these women and produced offspring (which we widely assume to be the Nephilim). See Heiser, Boyd, Collins, N.T WRIGHT, etc.This poses some interesting questions for me and frankly questions I’ve NEVER seen addressed in any theology books I’ve read regarding angel/demonology. First, this implies that Angels have all the necessary working parts to procreate. To be blunt, Angels would have to have penises and capable of producing semen. This sperm would have to be compatible with humans. This seems odd to say the least. If we can’t impregnate across species ie chimpanzees than how can an angel reproduce with us? Moreover, why would God design it in such a way?Second, without being too graphic, the idea of a giant being having sexual intercourse with a human seems impractical. Frankly, the pieces shouldn’t fit. Although some authors suggest giants might only be 10ft tall but likely larger.Third, this would suggests that at least some heavenly beings, (specifically the fallen ones like Lucifer) would have been designed to reproduce in the same coitical manner as us humans are designed to. Based on these texts we must deduce that if they had all the working parts and able to produce life-giving sperm than at least some angels are designed to reproduce. (I’m sure God’s intention was with each other). Aaaaand, if it were not a “physical”reproduction in this way but a spiritual impregnation than what does that say of Christ’s unique and spiritual immaculate conception?Finally, we can also deduce that there would have to be both male and female type archetypal beings. Is this contrary to Jesus words about male and female in heaven and Gal 3:28-29?I won’t even mention the spiritual/physical implications this holds about the heavenly realm.Feb 14- Today in my devotions I was reading John 19 and once again I noticed a recurring hermeneutical challenge for me that I seems to happen a lot within Scripture. There seems to be an apparent phenomenon of retrospective or “retro-fitted” prophecy that often occurs in scripture especially surrounding Jesus life. For instance, in John 19:19–24, John presents the division? of Christ’s garments as a fulfillment of Scripture, referencing to Psalm 22. Yet, within its original context, Psalm 22 appears to be a firsthand lament of David, not an explicitly forward-looking prophecy. This raises some critical issues for me: to what extent are these Old Testament texts inherently prophetic, and to what extent are they later recontextualized by New Testament authors in light of Christological events? To put it plainly they seem forced! This same pattern appears frequently across scripture. I am personally ok with a layered / dual horizon of meaning. However, this creates a methodological problem and on a personal level - a challenge to my faith. I am less convinced of the amount of prophetic fulfilments that I was brought up believing there to be when so many of them are retrospective and reaching:/How can we truly distinguish between texts that were intentionally prophetic in their origin and those that are later interpreted as prophetic by reflection? At what point does perceived fulfillment move from divinely intended to interpretive mere coincidence?Furthermore, I have noticed that the heretical duo -Doug and Kyle (Not so much Saint Blake) look at the apocalyptic literature in the book of Revelation more as writings for it’s time -Primarily addressed to its immediate historical audience who would be able to decipher it’s symbols. (Hays, Gorman, NT Wright)Could it not be a more coherent reading of the apocalyptic scripture to understand these texts as operating simultaneously on multiple “temporal planes” —speaking both to their contemporary audience and to future realities? The now and the not yet? Should biblical prophecy only be understood as a fixed or one off intention in the original text, or more as a dynamic, unfolding and even reoccurring framework?Feb 18- my question about retro fitted prophesies , I forgot to add the other two that appear at the end of John 19Vs36 not one of his bones will be broken (exodus , numbers , psalms) - none of which are intentionally propheticThat he was pierced (Zech)Just kidding about the heretics comment, but Doug doesn’t get called one enough;) keep up the good work pastors!
Transcribe →Inverted Orthodoxy 437 - How Christians bend the bible and why special underwear for priests?
May 1300:51:17Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Inverted Orthodoxy Podcast! We're Blake, Kyle, and Doug the pastors from Living Springs, here to take you on a weekly adventure through the twists and turns of faith. Got questions? We've got answers, and sometimes more questions! Join us as we explore, celebrate, and embrace the beautiful complexities of belief. Let's dive in!1. I recently posted something on social media genuinely questioning how so many “Christians” support what is currently happening in the Us (especially with ice). I received a response from a friend that is no longer a Christian, and it surprised me as I had never thought of that perspective. This was his comment “God himself is a genocidal psychopath who regularly uses collective punishment against his own creations for existing the way he made them. The new testament is about 25% of the Bible. The other 75% aligns 100% with the evil that upsets you. I agree with you in spirit of course, but the facts are, white evangelical ‘Christian’s’ align with Trump and ICE. You’re a good person, in spite of your faith, not because of it.”I myself have questioned some passages from the Old Testament regarding God’s wrath against mankind. I guess my question is, is this an accurate representation of how some Christian’s justify what’s going on? How can so many “Christ followers” ignore Jesus’ clear message of love 2. In Exodus 28 why such extreme detail about the garments for Aaron and his sons as priests? The specifications are precise right down to their underwear. Is there a meaning behind all of this?Do you have a question you've been wanting answered? Head on over to our website www.invertedorthodoxy.com to submit a question. You can find us on Wednesdays on Youtube, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. To learn more about our church, you can visit www.livingspringsairdrie.com
Transcribe →Inverted Orthodoxy 436 -AER missed prophecies, how prayer works and letting people get beat up
May 600:56:42Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Inverted Orthodoxy Podcast! We're Blake, Kyle, and Doug the pastors from Living Springs, here to take you on a weekly adventure through the twists and turns of faith. Got questions? We've got answers, and sometimes more questions! Join us as we explore, celebrate, and embrace the beautiful complexities of belief. Let's dive in! 1. question for episode 434 - at one point in this episode Doug points out that often god is choosing to work in specific areas of our lives and "ignoring" others for the time being and that it's between each of us and god. why would this concept not apply to lgbtq+ believers? even if you believe that homosexuality is a sin, what if god is addressing other things in their lives and we're trying to prioritize what we think is their biggest issue when maybe its just not the priority for god right now. shouldn't that also be between them and god? and if so, then why would that impact their ability to serve anymore than the sins the rest of us are carrying?2. AER- Thankful for your thoughtful answer to my question. It truly helped my wrestling. One part I would like a little more clarification on is how do we use critical thinking skills appropriately in our relationship with YHWH so we don’t get swept up in thoughts and feelings that may not actually be from YHWH. I ask because part of my suffering has come from thinking I heard YHWH say something and it didn’t work out the way I thought he spoke to me. Kinda similar to our church family thinking Jayden would be healed. Again, I’m not trying to be insensitive in my question, Thank you for Your grace in my wrestling.3. AER: Kyle mentioned discussing how our faith and prayers interact with the will of God. Could you all please expand on that statement?4. AER! Please.....First off, I want to say that I love each and everyone of you and what you are doing with this podcast. It means a great deal me and I'm glad I can tune in each week and listen and open my mind to other possibilities whether I agree with it or not.That being said, this AER is specially for kyle, though anyone can jump in and give there thoughts. It goes back to the last two episodes where kyle is speaking about "Christian Non-Violence." Kyle can you explain a little more depth about what this means? I agree that we should be coming from a place a love and imaging christ in all things that we do, but in a reality where the world can present itself in an evil way, i cant wrap my head around this concept. I mean, if i was walking down the street, sitting in church or playing with my children at the park and someone came up to them or anyone for that matter and started punching, kicking, stabbing, etc. them I would not be able to just stand by and watch in a "Pacifist or Non-Violence" kind of way. Kyle is this what your saying? would you just stand back and let it happen? or would you act? Or am I completely out to lunch and missing the whole point. Thanks in advance.Do you have a question you've been wanting answered? Head on over to our website www.invertedorthodoxy.com to submit a question. You can find us on Wednesdays on Youtube, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. To learn more about our church, you can visit www.livingspringsairdrie.com
Transcribe →Inverted Orthodoxy 435-AER Cults vs Church, Policing as a Christian and being disappointed
Apr 2900:56:10Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Inverted Orthodoxy Podcast! We're Blake, Kyle, and Doug the pastors from Living Springs, here to take you on a weekly adventure through the twists and turns of faith. Got questions? We've got answers, and sometimes more questions! Join us as we explore, celebrate, and embrace the beautiful complexities of belief. Let's dive in! 1. AER-Thank you for addressing this and to whomever asked the question. In regards to cults vs churches it also doesn't have to be one singular leader. As an ex-cult member and having escaped I would say the biggest thing to look at is how exclusive the environment is. Is there a real separation in "Us vs Them" mentality. And how welcoming is the environment to being open to questions. There are endless people in cults that don't even realize they are.Hey, as a follow up to my comment on the cult question, this can be added if you'd like :)I just wanted expand further on my previous comment about the dangers of the "Us vs Them" mindset. When the narrative is set that you must not mingle with "those outside" that is a MAJOR red flag. When the control takes over and you are encouraged to only spend time with those that are part of the same church it creates this isolation. They are isolating you (or you as a group) on purpose. Because the deeper it goes the more control there is. They create a narrative that everything out there will destroy you, send you to hell etc. This quickly evolves in to a threat that if you leave, you won't have any family or friends. No connections and no support. This is entirely abusive behaviour that is meant to keep you locked in. It's meant to keep you afraid of leaving. And the thing is, we often think of cults as the weird and wacky documentaries we see with extreme leaders but the reality is they are far more common and subtle than we realize. These high demand religions with such a sense of exexclusivity and endless unwritten rules, that's what is so important to keep a keen eye on and be aware of.2. . AER AER AER! for Episode 434, Specifically for question, Can an individual be a follower of Christ and still be a ICe? Etc. First off, ICE is a U.S. federal law‑enforcement agency, specializing in immigration, specifically Illegal Immigration. So, if we ask this question about ICE, then we should be asking this question about all Law Enforcement. Can you be a follower of Christ and work in Law Enforcement. I can tell you that I have been in Law Enforcement for over 20 years and the reason I went into Law Enforcement is because of my love for Christ. I joined Law Enforcement to SERVE and PROTECT, those to citizen, residence, and visitors of our country who abide by the law and enter the country LEGALLY (Entering Illegally is AGAINST the law, whether people like it or not). This doesn’t mean I and every Law Enforcement Officer uses violence in ever aspect of our career for those who break the law, actually it’s quite the opposite. We talk and use every other means we can to come to a peacefully resolution until either there’s no other option or the other person acts first, then we have to make spit second decisions on what needs to be done. I have never gone to work looking to fight, taze, pepper spray or shoot anyone. I pray before every shift that WE (Myself and all I interact with, even the “Bad Guys”) go home safely after every shift.Now, I’m not saying all Law Enforcement is like that either, there are a FEW bad apples in the profession, just like any profession, Doctors, Mechanics and even Pastors or those within the Church. But don’t Clump Everyone Who works in the profession together based on a few bad apples or by what the Media blows out of proportion. Being a follower of Christ in any type of work depends on how YOUR work is carried out (INDIVIDUALLY not collectively as a group) and whether it aligns with Christlike ethics and values. Christians can serve ethically within an imperfect system, working to ensure humane treatment and resisting abuses from the inside. From this view, a Christian can work for ICE or Law Enforcement if they carry out their duties with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to protecting the vulnerable. I want to apologize for this rant, I usually don’t comment but feel that Law Enforcement is getting a real bad wrap because of a FEW isolated incidents and I as a Christian I urge believers to avoid taking a simplistic “for or against ICE/Law Enforcement” stance, Instead, I encourage seek biblical values first, not political alignment and get all the actual facts (NOT social media) before making an informed decision.3. This question comes from a place of deep pain and confusion, so I ask for grace, my intension is not to ridicule anyone, I am asking for help processing. I have been on a deconstruction journey for ten years. After enduring years of some of the deepest pain known to humankind many of my schemas for church life are very muddled. I am confused by what I’ve witnessed at church gatherings in the last month. I know that the leadership of our church loves YHWH deeply, I am not questioning that. At the AGM two of the church leadership stated that they were certain God was blessing us in selling our property and used mystical examples of why they put stock in their feelings/thoughts being from YHWH. Today in service the children were brought up to celebrate prayers that YHWH had answered. Now I too believe in YHWH speaking to us in a variety of ways. I noted that what the children were attributing to YHWH as answers to their prayers could have happened if they had prayed or not. If you bang your leg and pray for it to get better or if you bang your leg and don’t pray, most likely the pain will go away either way. I’m very afraid that my question will be misunderstood, I am not trying to minimize the beauty of faith or the experience the children had. I’ve desired to faithfully follow YHWH my entire life. My question is how do we know what to attribute to YHWH and when do we as Christians need to exercise more critical thinking skills? Kyle prayed today that we would be open to being disappointed again, I assumed he was referring to how many of us have struggled with prayers of hope or faith since Jayden passed, maybe my assumption is wrong. I know I have personally seen the faithfulness of YHWH this year, I am also in the midst of extreme suffering. How do we reconcile, process, trust and love others purposefully when YHWH is blessing us in some ways and in others he seems incredibly silent. Why did Jesus raise some people from the dead and not others. It was crushing to sit in church today hearing how YHWH is answering some peoples prayers and my suffering increases. I know I will continue to seek refuge in YHWH’s love and patience with me. Thank you for holding space in this platform for the pain and confusion.Do you have a question you've been wanting answered? Head on over to our website www.invertedorthodoxy.com to submit a question. You can find us on Wednesdays on Youtube, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. To learn more about our church, you can visit www.livingspringsairdrie.com
Transcribe →Inverted Orthodoxy 434- Faith Under Fire: Cults, Calling, Evolution & Crusades
Apr 2200:58:35Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Inverted Orthodoxy Podcast! We're Blake, Kyle, and Doug the pastors from Living Springs, here to take you on a weekly adventure through the twists and turns of faith. Got questions? We've got answers, and sometimes more questions! Join us as we explore, celebrate, and embrace the beautiful complexities of belief. Let's dive in! Jan 30- What is the difference between a church and a cult? How can new believers identify dangerous or predatory cults while looking for a congregation to join?Jan 30- Can an individual be a follower of Christ and a member of ice? At what point does a person's job or duty conflict with a life devoted to Christ?Jan 30- Do you believe in human evolution? If not how do you reconcile with the amount of evidence being presented in recent years?Jan 30-What are your thoughts on Christians adopting themes and iconography from the crusades into the culture (Jerusalem crosses, "deus vult" slogans .etc)Do you have a question you've been wanting answered? Head on over to our website www.invertedorthodoxy.com to submit a question. You can find us on Wednesdays on Youtube, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. To learn more about our church, you can visit www.livingspringsairdrie.com
Transcribe →