The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast: "Demons at the Country Club" with Jonathan Pokluda
Release Date: May 13, 2025
Introduction to the Episode
In this compelling episode of The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast, host Candace Cameron Bure welcomes Jonathan Pokluda, often referred to as J.P., the lead pastor of the historic 145-year-old Harris Creek Baptist Church in Waco, Texas. Season 10, titled "Your Story Has a Villain," delves deep into the theme of spiritual warfare, exploring the presence and impact of demons in our lives.
Guest Background and Ministry (01:55 - 07:08)
Jonathan Pokluda shares his extensive background in ministry, highlighting his transition from leading the largest weekly young adult gathering in the country to his current role in Waco. His dedication to inspiring the next generation to follow Jesus is evident through his leadership and authorship of several bestselling books, including "Your Story Has a Villain."
Notable Quote:
Candace (03:41): "I want you guys to clip that and I want it to go in before me, everywhere I go, because that was the best intro I've ever had."
Building Connections and Personal Stories (07:08 - 17:13)
Candace and Jonathan reminisce about their first meeting at Gabrielle and Cooper's wedding, emphasizing the influence of Lev, Candace's son, in fostering their relationship. Levi Pokluda recounts the profound impact of mission trips, particularly to Napa Valley, where he and his family engaged in outreach activities that led to the baptism of over 20,000 college students across various states.
Notable Quote:
Levi (07:06): "It's been... amazing to see what God's done in the last, I would even say two, three years."
Understanding Spiritual Warfare (13:01 - 25:05)
The conversation shifts to the concept of spiritual warfare, with Jonathan explaining the biblical foundations from Revelation 12 and Ephesians 6. They discuss the reality of an invisible army comprising angels and demons, emphasizing God's ultimate sovereignty over evil forces.
Notable Quote:
Jonathan (13:01): "There is a spiritual war happening where the angels and demons are fighting, but one day Christ is going to return on that white horse as a ruler, as a military leader, and he's going to finish the job."
Candace shares a personal encounter at a prestigious Utah country club, where she witnessed what she believes to be a demonic possession. This profound experience solidified her understanding of spiritual realities and the presence of evil in seemingly benign settings.
Notable Quote:
Candace (22:26): "So there's an invisible army around us of both angels and demons."
Navigating Possession and Oppression (28:26 - 44:58)
Candace and Jonathan delve into the distinctions between demonic possession and oppression. They explore how unrepentant sin can create footholds for demonic influence, referencing Ephesians 4: "Do not give the devil a foothold." The discussion emphasizes the importance of repentance, community prayer, and reliance on God's authority to combat spiritual oppression.
Notable Quote:
Candace (41:56): "When you sin, you let them in. And I don't mean like one, oh, I had this fleeting thought, or I, I'm, I messed up this one time. But I'm talking about when you continue to engage in unrepentant sin over and over and over and over."
Jonathan highlights the biblical account from Acts 19, where seven sons of a Jewish priest attempt to exorcise demons without a genuine relationship with Jesus, resulting in severe consequences. This story underscores the necessity of a true connection with Christ in spiritual confrontations.
Notable Quote:
Jonathan (47:02): "They left without clothes on, like you got whipped because you don't have clothes on and you're bleeding like you got whipped."
Discernment: Recognizing God's Voice vs. the Enemy (47:27 - 51:06)
Addressing a listener question from Natalie, Candace provides a practical framework for discerning whether it's God speaking or the enemy. She introduces the "GPS" method:
- Gather a group of believers for counsel.
- Persist in prayer, seeking clarity and protection.
- Search the scriptures to validate the message.
Candace emphasizes the importance of community, persistence in seeking God, and grounding decisions in biblical truth to effectively discern divine guidance.
Notable Quote:
Candace (48:44): "When I am looking to hear from God, I gather my group... I persist in prayer... I search the scriptures. That's how I know if it's from God."
Final Thoughts and Encouragement (51:07 - 51:15)
Candace and Jonathan wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to actively engage in their spiritual journeys, assuring them that God's authority surpasses all evil forces. They invite listeners to download the "No Fear Guide," a free resource for those seeking to overcome fear through faith.
Notable Quote:
Candace (51:14): "Until next time. Be grateful all day, every day."
Conclusion
"Demons at the Country Club" offers a profound exploration of spiritual warfare, blending personal testimonies with biblical insights. Candace Cameron Bure and Jonathan Pokluda guide listeners through understanding the unseen battles that influence our daily lives, providing practical steps for discernment and victory through Christ. Whether you're new to the topic or seeking deeper understanding, this episode serves as an enlightening resource on navigating the complexities of faith and spiritual conflict.
Notable Quotes Overview:
- Candace (03:41): "I want you guys to clip that and I want it to go in before me, everywhere I go, because that was the best intro I've ever had."
- Levi (07:06): "It's been... amazing to see what God's done in the last, I would even say two, three years."
- Jonathan (13:01): "There is a spiritual war happening where the angels and demons are fighting, but one day Christ is going to return on that white horse as a ruler, as a military leader, and he's going to finish the job."
- Candace (22:26): "So there's an invisible army around us of both angels and demons."
- Candace (41:56): "When you sin, you let them in. And I don't mean like one, oh, I had this fleeting thought, or I, I'm, I messed up this one time. But I'm talking about when you continue to engage in unrepentant sin over and over and over and over."
- Jonathan (47:02): "They left without clothes on, like you got whipped because you don't have clothes on and you're bleeding like you got whipped."
- Candace (48:44): "When I am looking to hear from God, I gather my group... I persist in prayer... I search the scriptures. That's how I know if it's from God."
- Candace (51:14): "Until next time. Be grateful all day, every day."
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of spiritual warfare and seeking practical advice on strengthening their faith amidst unseen battles.