We are so excited to announce our 10 Days of Giving with Sufficiency of Scriptures! During the next 10 days, you can enjoy 20% off all our resources, and we will match that with a 20% donation to S.O.S. Ministries. This is an amazing opportunity to resource yourself with gospel-centered, heart-focused content while supporting S.O.S. Ministries and their vision to raise faithful believers in Uganda. Running from now to December 15!

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In this episode, author Carol Trahan shares her personal journey through deep sorrow, marked by personal loss, unanswered prayers, and overwhelming despair. The discussion navigates the pain of depression from a biblical perspective and how God can use sorrow to create a ministry of comfort. Carol recounts her experience of loss, her husband's death, and the challenges of raising her children as a single mother. She emphasizes the importance of embracing God's sovereignty, finding hope through scripture, and understanding sorrow as a tool that God uses for His glory. This episode is filled with hope and encouragement for anyone navigating the depths of depression and seeking God's comfort and purpose through it.

Recommended Resources:

Help! I'm Depressed by Carol Trahan

Help! I'm a Single Mom by Carol Trahan

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In this hope-filled conversation, our host Shannon welcomes author and biblical counselor Molly Bertles to address a topic rarely talked about: biblical counsel for women struggling with masturbation. Molly shares her story, explains why this matters deeply in the church, and offers gospel-centered help and encouragement to women who feel isolated by shame—along with specific verses and action steps to fight against this sin.

Listeners will hear about:

• What masturbation is and why women battle it too
• The dangers of secrecy and shame in sexual sin
• Molly’s testimony of struggling with masturbation
• How the gospel brings freedom, forgiveness, and ongoing transformation
• Practical steps for women feeling stuck in this life-dominating sin

Recommended Resources:

You Are Not Alone by Molly Bertles

Harvest USA Transforming Love Free Course

Dig Deeper: Discussion Questions

1. How does defining masturbation as “solo sex” help us understand why it falls outside God’s design?
2. What lies or false beliefs tend to fuel ongoing patterns of sexual sin in women?
3. How would knowing your relationship with God is not based on performance comfort and strengthen you to fight against this sexual sin?
4. How does knowing “You are not alone” change the way you fight masturbation?
5. What specific comforts can you find in Jesus’ death to pursue holiness and purity?
6. What does compassionate, wise accountability look like in situations like these?
7. Why is simply trying to “stop the behavior” ineffective without addressing the heart?
8. Discuss the idea of “broken cisterns” (Jeremiah 2:13) — what promises does sin make that it can’t deliver on?

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In this episode of the Shepherd Press Podcast, host Anthony Russo chats with author Matt Collier about his mini-book, 'Help! I Want My Life to Count.' Matt encourages teens to live for eternity, and use their skills and vocation to serve the Lord. He highlights the importance of community in making big life decisions, and the value of being faithful over fruitful. They discuss the difference between worldly success and true purpose, and practical steps for living for God's glory. Collier also shares insights from Psalm 90 and talks about his work with The Wilds and Camps Abroad.

00:52 Introducing to Matt Collier

01:25 Teen Perspectives on Life and Success

05:49 Living for God's Glory: Practical Insights

15:32 Faithfulness vs. Fruitfulness

25:20 The Wilds and Camps Abroad: Impacting Youth Globally

27:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources

Help! I Want My Life to Count by Matt Collier

Check Out Our LifeLine for Teens Mini-book Series

Check Out Our Lifeline Mini-book Series

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Production Note: Due to technical difficulties, audio quality is lower than usual. Thank you for listening despite the imperfections!

In this episode of the Shepherd Press Podcast, host Anthony Russo discusses the topic of teens and authority with guest Chris Anastos, author of 'Help! How Do I Respond To Authority?'. The discussion emphasizes the significant impact a good response to authority can have on others, including pointing them to Christ. Chris shares insights on the inherent blessing of authority as part of God's good plan, and how even bad authorities can serve God's purpose in His sovereign plan. The conversation highlights how Christians, especially teens, can respond to authority in ways that enhance their testimony and influence others for Christ. He also shares the importance of following Christ's example, as seen in his perfect submission to authority.

00:23 Discussing Teens and Authority with Chris Anastos

02:48 Biblical Perspective on Authority

03:51 Practical Ways Teens Can Influence Others

09:31 Challenges in Communicating Authority to Teens

11:33 Understanding Hierarchies and Responding to Bad Authority

14:20 The Importance of a Heart Attitude and the Local Church

20:24 Chris Anastos' Personal Testimony and Final Thoughts

Resources

Help! How Do I Respond to Authority?

Check Out Our LifeLine for Teens Mini-book Series

Check Out Our Lifeline Mini-book Series

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In this episode of the Shepherd Press Podcast, host Anthony Russo welcomes Tim Endean to discuss Tim's mini-book, 'Help, I'm Stressed Out'. The conversation delves into the various stressors teens face globally, the distinction between stress and anxiety, and the biblical approach to dealing with these issues. Tim shares insights from his extensive experience working with teens in various capacities, including his current ministry with Camps Abroad. The discussion covers practical steps to manage stress, the importance of recognizing God's control and care. He encourages listeners, specially teens, to lean on the truths of God's character for peace and comfort.

00:26 Introducing Tim Endean

02:41 Distinguishing Stress from Anxiety

04:53 Biblical Solutions to Stress and Anxiety

07:21 Physical and Lifestyle Improvements

11:56 God's Sovereignty and Care

22:30 Camps Abroad: Reaching Teens Worldwide

24:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Further Resources

Help! I'm Stressed Out by Tim Endean

Check Out the LifeLine for Teens Mini-book Series

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In this episode of the Shepherd Press Podcast, host Anthony Russo welcomes guest Justin Daugherty to discuss his mini book, 'Help! I’m in Darkness'. Justin, a certified counselor, offers insights into the struggles faced by teenagers today, particularly focusing on depression. He explores the pressures of social media, school, and home life that contribute to this darkness. They discuss "coping mechanisms" and emphasize the importance of heart transformation through the gospel. The conversation also explains the difference between normal and unexplained sadness and provides practical steps for parents to support their teens. The episode underscores the sufficiency of scripture in addressing depression and aims to give hope and guidance to those dealing with such challenges.

00:26 Introducing Justin Daugherty

01:23 Understanding Teen Depression

02:35 Pressures and Coping Mechanisms for Teens

06:50 Signs of Depression in Teens

07:59 Distinguishing Normal Sadness from Unexplained Sadness

14:20 Four Categories of Sadness

17:27 Hope for Depression Through Christ

22:47 Conclusion

Further Resources

Help! I'm in Darkness by Justin Daugherty

Good Mood, Bad Mood by Charles Hodges

Check Out the LifeLine for Teens Mini-book Series

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In this episode of the Shepherd Press Podcast, author Zach Sparkman discusses the prevalent struggle with pornography, particularly among teens. Drawing from his Lifeline for Teens mini-book, 'Help! I Want to Stay Pure', Sparkman provides both statistical insights and practical advice on combating sexual immorality through a biblical lens. The discussion covers the physiological impact of pornography, helpful principles drawn from King David’s fall into sin, and the acronym ARISE, which offers a structured approach to resisting temptation. The episode concludes with guidance for parents on how to address their teen’s struggle with pornography.

00:23 Pornography and Its Impact on Teens

01:43 The Prevalence and Dangers of Pornography

02:34 Understanding the Temptation and Its Effects

09:26 Differentiating Temptation from Sin

14:21 David and Bathsheba: Lessons on Temptation

16:39 The ARISE Acronym for Fighting Temptation

22:03 Practical Steps and Hope for Teens

24:33 Advice for Parents

26:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Grab a copy of our mini-book: 'Help! I Want to Stay Pure'

Check Out our LifeLine for Teens Mini-book Series

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