Podcast
Seeking Approval Podcast
Hosted by Dr. R.C. Smelcer - Gilead Baptist Church · EN
Seeking Approval is a Bible-based podcast that deals honestly with one of the quiet struggles many believers face: the desire to be accepted, affirmed, and approved by people rather than resting in the approval of God. In a world driven by opinions, applause, comparison, and constant noise, this podcast turns the listener back to Scripture for clarity, conviction, and peace.
Each episode opens the Word of God and addresses real-life pressures through sound biblical teaching, thoughtful reflection, and practical application. The focus is not on self-esteem, popularity, or performance, but on learning what it truly means to stand approved unto God. Topics include people-pleasing, identity in Christ, spiritual confidence, handling criticism, and living faithfully without chasing affirmation.
This podcast is designed for believers who want to grow deeper in their walk with the Lord, strengthen their spiritual foundation, and learn how to live with conviction in a culture that constantly demands compromise. The goal is simple: less striving for approval from man, and a greater confidence in the approval that comes from God alone.
43episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
SA Ep87 - Articles of Faith #10 Repentance and Faith
Apr 2700:14:24Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailSA Ep87 - Articles of Faith #10 Repentance and FaithIn this episode, we look at repentance and faith, the God ordained response to the Gospel. The Bible teaches that salvation is received when a sinner turns from sin and turns to Christ in faith. We will define repentance, explain what true faith is, and show how the two are inseparably connected. This episode also addresses common misunderstandings, including shallow belief and emotional decisions without true conversion. Repentance and faith are not works that earn salvation, but the response of a heart awakened by grace.
Transcribe →SA Ep86 - Articles of Faith #9 Grace
Apr 2400:14:20Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailSA Ep86 - Articles of Faith #9 GraceIn this episode, we examine the doctrine of salvation by grace. The Bible teaches that salvation is the free gift of God, not something that can be earned by works or deserved by merit. We will look at what grace means, why man cannot save himself, and how the finished work of Christ makes salvation possible. This episode also highlights the difference between religion and redemption, and why grace humbles man while exalting God. Salvation is not about what we do for God. It is about what God has done for us.
Transcribe →SA Ep85 - Articles of Faith #8 Sin
Apr 2300:13:04Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailSA Ep85 - Articles of Faith #8 SinIn this episode, we examine the doctrine of sin. The Bible teaches that sin is not just outward behavior, but inward rebellion against God, and that all men are sinners by nature and by choice. We will look at what sin is, where it comes from, its consequences, and why it separates man from God. This episode also shows why a right understanding of sin is necessary to truly understand the Gospel. Sin is not a small issue. It is the central problem of the human condition.
Transcribe →SA Ep84 - Articles of Faith #7 Fall of Man
Apr 2200:21:23Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailSA Ep84 - Articles of Faith #7 Fall of ManIn this episode, we examine the fall of man. The Bible teaches that man was created upright, but through Adam’s sin fell into a state of corruption and separation from God. We will look at what happened in the garden, the immediate consequences of sin, and how that one act affects all humanity. This episode also shows why man cannot fix his condition and why the promise of redemption is necessary. The fall is not just a past event. It explains the present condition of every human heart.
Transcribe →SA Ep83 - Articles of Faith #6 Creation
Apr 2100:22:58Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailSA Ep83 - Articles of Faith #6 CreationIn this episode, we examine the doctrine of creation. The Bible teaches that God created all things by His power and for His glory. We will look at what Scripture says about the origin of the universe, the special creation of man, and the purpose behind it all. This episode will also address why creation matters to morality, accountability, and the Gospel itself. Creation is not just about how things began. It is about who is in charge, who we belong to, and why life has meaning.
Transcribe →SA Ep82 - Special Edition The Christian Conscience in the Time of War
Apr 2000:19:14Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailSA Ep82 - Special Edition The Christian Conscience in the Time of WarIn this special edition of Seeking Approval, we step away from the Articles of Faith to inquire what the Word of God says about how a Christian should view political conflict that leads to war. With so much being said by popular, so-called Christian voices demanding that we need to stand against war, what should a real Christian think? Which side should we fall on this chasm created, being "for" or "against" war? We will discuss this from a biblical point of view.
Transcribe →SA Ep81 - Articles of Faith #5 THe Holy Spirit
Apr 1700:18:44Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailSA Ep81 - Articles of Faith #5 THe Holy SpiritIn this episode, we focus on the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is not an influence or force, but God Himself, the third Person of the Trinity. We will look at His role in conviction, regeneration, indwelling, sealing, sanctification, and service. This episode will also address common misunderstandings and show why the Spirit’s work is essential in both salvation and daily Christian living. The Holy Spirit is not an optional subject. He is central to the life of every believer.
Transcribe →SA Ep80 - Articles of Faith #4 Jesus Christ
Apr 1600:23:28Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailSA Ep80 - Articles of Faith #4 Jesus ChristIn this episode, we focus on the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible presents Him as the eternal Son of God, fully God and fully man, virgin born, sinless, crucified for our sins, risen again, and now exalted at the right hand of the Father. We will look at who He is, why He came, what He accomplished, and why a right understanding of Christ is essential to salvation. This is not simply a study about a historical figure. This is a look at the only Savior of sinners.
Transcribe →SA Ep79 - The Articles of Faith #3 The Trinity
Apr 1500:21:50Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailSA Ep79 - The Articles of Faith #3 The Trinity In this episode, we look at the doctrine of the Trinity, the Bible truth that there is one God who eternally exists in three distinct Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. We will examine what the Trinity is, what it is not, and why this doctrine matters so deeply to the Christian faith. This episode shows that the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God, yet there are not three gods, but one God. We will also see how the Trinity is woven into salvation itself, from the Father’s plan, to the Son’s redemption, to the Spirit’s application of grace. This is not an abstract doctrine for scholars alone. It is the glorious truth of who God is.
Transcribe →SA Ep78 - The Articles of Faith #2 The One True God
Apr 1400:23:30Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailSA Ep78 - The Articles of Faith #2 The One True GodIn Episode 2, we focus on the doctrine of the one true God. The Bible teaches that there is only one living and true God, not many gods, not rival deities, and not a god shaped by human imagination. He is eternal, holy, sovereign, wise, merciful, and worthy of all worship. This episode shows that everything in life begins with God, and that to misunderstand Him is to misunderstand everything else.We also look at the danger of false gods and modern idolatry, reminding the listener that idols are not limited to carved images, but include anything that takes God’s place in the heart. The episode makes the difference clear between merely knowing about God and truly knowing Him through Jesus Christ. In the end, this is not just a lesson about God’s existence, but a call to bow before the God who is there, trust Him, and know Him as He has revealed Himself in His Word.
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