How do you know if a pastor, theologian, or online teacher can actually be trusted? In this episode of the It Stands Written podcast, the guys dig into one of the most pressing questions for Christians today: how to identify trustworthy teachers — and how to spot the dangerous ones. The guys walk through key passages from 1 John, 1 Timothy, 2 Peter, and Deuteronomy, unpacking the biblical "acid tests" for discerning true teachers from false ones. From examining doctrinal statements to watching how a leader handles money, sex, and accountability, the conversation gets practical fast. The episode also tackles a hard question many believers face: what do you do when a teacher whose ministry genuinely impacted your faith — like a Ravi Zacharias or Steve Lawson — is later exposed for serious moral failure? Can you separate the truth from the teacher? Finally, the guys remind listeners that discernment isn't just a skill — according to Deuteronomy 13, it's an act of love toward God. If you've ever wondered whether the pastor on your screen or in your pulpit is the real deal, this episode gives you the scriptural tools to find out

If you were encouraged by this episode or have any questions you would like to have answered, please email us at justin@itstandswritten.org or send us a text at the link in the description.

Verses Mentioned:

• 1 John 4:1
• 1 Timothy 4
• Deuteronomy 13
• Deuteronomy 18
• Romans 12
• 1 Corinthians 9:27
• 2 Peter 2:1-3, 12-19
• Proverbs 6:12-15
• 1 Timothy 3
• Titus 1
• John 10:10-14

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Why do Christians disagree — and when does disagreement cross the line into division? In this episode of the It Stands Written podcast, Justin, Braden, Ernest, and Ty continue their series So You're Saved, Now What? by diving into the world of secondary doctrines. Building on last week's discussion of primary doctrines like the atonement, resurrection, and the virgin birth, the guys explore the theological territory where genuine believers can and do differ — things like modes of baptism, spiritual gifts, church governance, divorce and remarriage, the age of the Earth, and more. Justin grounds the conversation in 1 John, showing that the basis of Christian unity is the gospel itself and the transformed life it produces — not uniformity on every theological question. The team wrestles honestly with why secondary doctrines still matter even if they're not salvation issues, and how holding them wrongly can impair your walk with God. Whether you're navigating disagreements in your own church or just trying to understand where the lines are, this episode will give you a biblical framework for unity without compromise. Don't miss it — and Lord willing, we'll see you on the next one.

If you were encouraged by this episode or have any questions you would like to have answered, please email us at justin@itstandswritten.org or send us a text at the link in the description.

Verses Mentioned:

• 1 John 1
• Psalm 19
• 1 Corinthians 8
• 1 Corinthians 9
• Colossians 4:10
• 2 Timothy 4
• Acts 14
• Acts 15
• John 17:17
• 2 Timothy 3:16

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In Episode 101 of the It Stands Written podcast, Justin, Braden and Ernest are joined by first-time guest Ty Erickson for a conversation that's both grounding and thought-provoking. The team tackles a question that trips up new and longtime believers alike: Why do Christians disagree about things? From church splits and denominational differences to competing interpretations of baptism, eschatology, and the role of Scripture, they unpack why disagreement exists — and why not all disagreements are created equal. Central to the discussion is the critical distinction between primary doctrines (those essential to salvation, like the resurrection, the Trinity, the virgin birth, and justification by faith alone) and secondary doctrines where sincere Christians can differ without dividing over the gospel. Drawing on the Nicene Creed, Jesus's high priestly prayer in John 17, and passages from Romans, 1 Corinthians, and Luke 16, the guys make a compelling case that a divided church undermines the gospel witness — but that unity must never come at the expense of truth. Whether you're navigating church hurt, confused by denominational labels, or just trying to figure out what you're actually supposed to believe, this episode gives you a clear framework for holding convictions with both confidence and humility.

If you were encouraged by this episode or have any questions you would like to have answered, please email us at justin@itstandswritten.org or send us a text at the link in the description.

Verses Mentioned:

• John 3:16
• John 6:66-68
• John 8
• John 11:35
• John 17
• John 21
• Luke 16
• Matthew 28
• Acts 2:38, 41
• Romans 10
• 1 Corinthians 15:3
• 2 Corinthians 5:21
• Ephesians 2:8-9
• James
• 1 John 4
• 2 Peter 3:16
• Daniel
• Revelation
• Deuteronomy

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In this milestone 100th episode of the It Stands Written podcast, hosts Elijah and Justin Erickson sit down for a deeply personal and gospel-rich conversation centered on the power of personal testimony. Before Elijah shares his own story, Justin unpacks the profound purposes of a testimony — from rekindling your first love for Christ, to serving as a vehicle for the gospel message itself. Drawing from Revelation 2, Romans 6, 1 Peter 3, and the book of Acts, the guys explore how every conversion — dramatic or quiet — is an equal miracle of God's grace. Elijah then opens up about his upbringing in Southern California, his years of wandering from the faith despite being raised in a strong Christian home, and the sovereign grace of God that pursued him through it all. His story is anchored in the parable of the prodigal son and Jesus' words that those forgiven much, love much. Justin reflects on the remarkable transformation he witnessed in Elijah's life firsthand, and both men celebrate the faithfulness of God and the power of persistent, decades-long prayer. Whether you're a long-time listener or just finding the show, this episode is a moving reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God's mercy. Tune in, be encouraged, and may Elijah's testimony stir fresh gratitude for the grace that has rescued each of us.

If you were encouraged by this episode or have any questions you would like to have answered, please email us at justin@itstandswritten.org or send us a text at the link in the description.

Resource Mentioned:

• The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan
• The Pursuit of God by A. W. Tozer

Verses Mentioned:

• Romans 1:18
• Romans 6
• Revelation 2:4
• 1 Peter 3:14-15
• Acts 4:20
• 1 Corinthians 14
• 1 Timothy 2:13
• Luke 15:11-32
• Luke 7:47
• John 6:68
• Matthew 10:18
• Mark 13:9

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In this episode of It Stands Written, Justin, Braden, and Ernest tackle one of the most important — and potentially dangerous — questions for new believers: what does real life change actually look like after salvation? Rather than handing new Christians a checklist of dos and don'ts, the guys walk through 1 John to uncover the foundational truths every young believer needs to internalize first. They explore how your standing before God is based entirely on what Christ has done — not on your performance — and why assurance of salvation is not just comforting, but essential for growth in holiness. Drawing on Paul's progression from "least of the apostles" to "foremost of sinners," they show how genuine maturity in the faith means seeing your sin more clearly, not less. The conversation also tackles the gullibility of new believers, what to do when spiritual leaders fall away, and the historical Donatist controversy as a surprising lens on faith that doesn't depend on the messenger. The episode wraps with a closer look at the one specific sin John calls out for "little children" in the faith — idolatry — and why guarding your heart from misplaced worship is the bedrock beneath every other area of obedience. If you're a new believer, or discipling one, this episode will give you a gospel-centered, grace-rooted framework for the road ahead.

If you were encouraged by this episode or have any questions you would like to have answered, please email us at justin@itstandswritten.org or send us a text at the link in the description.

Resources Mentioned:

• Discovering the Power of the Cross of Christ by Charles Spurgeon

Verses Mentioned:

• 1 John 2:1-2, 12-13, 18, 28
• 1 John 3:7-9, 18
• 1 John 4:1-4
• 1 John 5:13, 21
• 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 8; 15:9
• 1 Timothy 1:15
• 2 Peter 1:10
• Ephesians 3:8
• Hebrews 6:11-12
• Romans 6

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Where do you belong after you come to faith in Christ? In Episode 98 of the It Stands Written podcast, Justin, Braden, Ernest, and Elijah tackle one of the most practical and urgent questions for new believers: how to find, join, and stay committed to a local church. The guys unpack what the word "church" actually means — a called-out assembly of redeemed people — and why the New Testament offers no vision of a believer who is not vitally tied to a local body. They walk through the three classic marks of a true church — the Word, the sacraments, and church discipline — and give honest, practical guidance on what to look for (and what to run from) when visiting a church for the first time. The conversation gets real about the seeker-sensitive movement, consumer Christianity, and why treating church like a gym membership is not just unbiblical — it's spiritually dangerous. The guys also address the hard question of when it's ever right to leave a church, arguing that the bar is far higher than most people think, and that preferences are never a good enough reason to walk away. Finally, they make the sobering case that forsaking the church isn't just a missed opportunity — it's a willful act of sin that leaves a believer exposed and vulnerable. If you've ever wondered where you belong as a Christian, this episode will give you both the theology and the practical tools to find your church home.

If you were encouraged by this episode or have any questions you would like to have answered, please email us at justin@itstandswritten.org or send us a text at the link in the description.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Master's Seminary - Find a Church

Verses Mentioned:

• 1 Corinthians 12, 3, 8–9, 14
• 2 Timothy 4:3
• Acts 2:43–44
• Matthew 18
• James 2
• Hebrews 3:12–13, 10:25, 13
• 1 Corinthians 4–5
• Ephesians 1, 3, 5
• Matthew 13 (Parable of the Wheat & Tares)
• John 10
• 1 John 2:19
• Revelation 2–3
• Romans 14–15
• Titus 2:15
• Acts 5 (Ananias & Sapphira)
• 2 Corinthians
• Matthew 22 (Great Commandment)
• Matthew 28 (Great Commission)

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In this episode of the It Stands Written podcast, Elijah sits down with co-host Braden as the guest to hear his full testimony — a raw and honest look at what God does when He opens blind eyes. Braden shares about growing up with divorced parents, a nominal Christian background, and no real foundation in Scripture, spending his youth chasing acceptance through music, expensive clothing, and the desperate longing for a relationship. From early addiction to pornography and vaping to writing explicit rap music and idolizing the idea of a future wife, Braden paints a clear picture of a young man searching for fulfillment in all the wrong places. The turning point came unexpectedly — not through a dramatic altar call or a church service, but in a quiet moment at his desk, when God sovereignly opened his eyes and made the gospel undeniably clear. Braden describes the "domino effect" of sanctification that followed: freedom from pornography, selling off idolized clothing, deleting his music, and surrendering even his beloved video games — all as the Holy Spirit worked to clean up his life one sin at a time. The guys also dig into the difference between conscience-driven sorrow and true godly repentance, drawing from Romans 1-2 and the contrast between Peter and Judas. Now married to his wife Tessa, with their first child on the way, Braden reflects on how God didn't just remove the idol of a wife from his heart — He fulfilled that desire beyond anything Braden could have imagined. If you've ever tried to fill a God-shaped hole with people, status, or pleasure, this episode is for you.

If you were encouraged by this episode or have any questions you would like to have answered, please email us at justin@itstandswritten.org or send us a text at the link in the description.

Verses Mentioned:

• 1 Peter 3:14-15
• Romans 2:14-15

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In this episode of the It Stands Written podcast, hosts Elijah and Braden welcome Rick, a friend from Desert Bible Church, to share his testimony as part of their ongoing series inspired by 1 Peter 3:14-15 — a call to always be ready to give an account for the hope within us. Rick opens up about being saved at a young age after his father came home from a military stint with a newfound faith that transformed their entire family, landing Rick in a Christ-centered Christian school where the gospel took root in his heart. He reflects honestly on the double life he lived as a young boy — including the weight of early sexual abuse — and how God was quietly convicting and cleaning him up even before he ever knew Christ personally. The conversation moves through Rick's whirlwind early adulthood: marrying at 18, adopting a child, and navigating the chaos of parenthood with no roadmap, all while leaning on God through the messiest chapters. One of the most moving moments comes as Rick shares a pivotal turning point with his rebellious teenage daughter and the unexpected peace God gave him on the drive to pick her up — a moment where God made clear that she was now accountable to Him. Rick also opens up about one of his greatest trials: losing his daughter-in-law to cancer in her early 30s, and how that grief reshaped his understanding of God's sovereignty, and prayer. Throughout the episode, Rick's central message rings clear — knowing God intimately, trusting His sovereignty over the "why," and resting in the truth that His presence alone is worth any suffering this life brings.

If you were encouraged by this episode or have any questions you would like to have answered, please email us at justin@itstandswritten.org or send us a text at the link in the description.

Verses Mentioned:

• 1 Peter 3:14-15
• Romans 9:20
• Philippians 1:21
• Romans 8:28

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