Are there stories in the Bible that feel strange, unsettling, or even a little uncomfortable?

This week, Steve, Rich, and Sarah dive into one of the most infamous accounts in the Old Testament: Sodom and Gomorrah. Sarah jokingly notes that this story didn’t quite make it into her son’s storybook Bible and for those familiar with it, that probably comes as no surprise.

Rich walks through the narrative, carefully outlining the events found in Genesis 18–19, while Steve adds helpful historical and cultural context along the way. One key insight Rich highlights is that God was not only addressing the wickedness of these cities, but also using these events to teach Abraham something significant about His character and justice.

Steve also points out that Jesus later references Sodom and Gomorrah during His ministry in the Gospels, showing that this wasn’t just an isolated moment in history but that it carried lasting meaning. Together, they explain how the practices in these cities reflected deeply pagan and destructive patterns of sin that had reached a breaking point.

This episode offers a thoughtful overview of why God responded the way He did and how these events fit into the broader biblical story. Steve closes with a word of encouragement, helping connect this difficult passage to our lives today.

And next week, the conversation continues as the team explores how Christians should understand and respond to events like this in today’s current world.

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If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

What would it take to convince your own siblings that you are God?

Robby Lashua is back in the studio with Sarah and Steve for a special Easter episode. With his background in apologetics, Robby brings a compelling and thoughtful perspective on the resurrection. From the empty tomb and the transformed lives of the disciples to the historical reality of the crucifixion and Paul’s dramatic conversion, the evidence points powerfully to the risen Christ.

But one often-overlooked piece of the story is the conversion of Jesus’ own brothers. During His ministry, they didn’t believe in Him as Savior. They weren’t part of His following, despite witnessing His miracles and hearing His teaching. They weren’t even present at His death. In fact, Scripture suggests there was a strong dislike for their brother.

So, what changed? How did they go from disbelief to devotion after the resurrection? James, Jesus’ brother, would eventually become a leader in the early church and even give his life for his faith.

Robby leads a rich conversation around this remarkable transformation, offering practical apologetics and fresh insight into the resurrection. Steve adds additional context that highlights why the resurrection remains central to the Christian faith. We hope this episode encourages you and prepares your heart as you celebrate Easter this weekend!

Go back to Episodes 90-99 for daily Passion Week devotionals from the Resident Strangers team

Celebrate Easter at Desert Springs in Goodyear

Celebrate Easter at Palmcroft Church in North Phoenix (where Robby pastors)

For links to the books Robby recommends in the episode email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com 📖

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

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Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

This week, the conversation around missions continues as Steve, Rich, and Sarah take a deeper look at what mission work really looks like and what it truly requires. Sarah opens up about a decision she faced early in her college years, wrestling with whether she was called to commit to full-time missions. Steve reflects on how, in the past, becoming a missionary meant a complete surrender of your life, and how remarkable it is that so many made that decision at such a young age. Rich adds that today’s ease of travel has dramatically expanded opportunities for mission work around the world.

Together, they unpack the idea that missions is a both/and calling. It is not just meeting physical needs, but, even more importantly, addressing spiritual ones. While full-time mission work still carries a real weight and sacrifice, it doesn’t mean the everyday follower of Christ isn’t called to share the gospel. No matter the setting, intentionality is key.

Interested in Missions at Desert Springs? Email our Missions Pastor Jamie Engram at james@dscchurch.com

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Sign up for the Resident Strangers email list

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.