Rooted In Christ

Hosted by Redwood Christian Ministries

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223

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Nov 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Rooted in Christ Podcast – a Christian podcast sharing powerful testimonies of faith, transformation, and hope through Jesus Christ. Each episode features inspiring stories of how lives have been changed by God's grace. If you're looking for real Christian testimonies, encouragement in your faith journey, or a reminder of God’s power, this podcast is for you. Stay rooted in Christ and be inspired by what He’s doing in the lives of others. Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790

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60 recent

November 9, 2026Episode 22041 min

The Pain of Adoption, the Power of Forgiveness & the Hope of Reconciliation | Anita Keagy on the Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 220

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric sits down with Anita Keagy to hear her deeply personal story of faith, adoption, loss, forgiveness, and redemption.Anita shares her experience of becoming pregnant at just 17 years old, the difficult decision to place her daughter for adoption, and the years of wondering about the child she had never gotten to know. After more than two decades, Anita was eventually reunited with her daughter, Twila, beginning an unexpected journey of healing, restoration, and a deeper understanding of God's heart.Through her experience, Anita discovered a powerful connection between her desire for her daughter to know her and God's desire for each of us to seek Him and develop an intimate relationship with Him. She also shares how this revelation transformed the way she approached Scripture, inspiring her to move beyond simply reading the Bible out of routine and instead seek to truly know Jesus.Together, Eric and Anita discuss the importance of showing grace rather than shame, navigating the complexities of adoption, supporting women facing unplanned pregnancies, and finding healing through faith, honesty, and community.Whether you're navigating a difficult season, have been touched by adoption, or simply want to grow closer to Jesus, this conversation is a reminder that God can bring purpose and redemption even through our most painful experiences.In this episode:- Anita's testimony of becoming pregnant as a teenager and choosing adoption- The emotional journey of placing her daughter and living with that loss- Reuniting with her daughter more than 20 years later- Discovering God's desire for us to seek Him and know Him personally- Moving from routine Bible reading to an intimate relationship with Jesus- The importance of grace, support, and avoiding shame during difficult circumstances- Adoption, healing, forgiveness, and trusting God's timingDon't forget to like, share, and subscribe to the Rooted in Christ Podcast!---Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here:https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUlxb01IWjlqeDlRNzhDaXQ0SVZBOUVLMThEb3xBQnJ0NjlrckxhRUEzd1NBamZpSkFVcVp0aXM5YWkyenQ3UWI1N0FJMEMtR3k4dmVZei1MbUVXbGd2elRZcmJQOXV5RV9ESGJWeDkydmI3NHROcWh1dXFLd3RkYlE5Wk1PaHZF&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.podmatch.com%2Fhostdetailpreview%2F1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e&v=PypJcPzbKsA

November 2, 2026Episode 2191 hr 0 min

Beyond Christian Hip-Hop: King Cyz on Marriage, Faith, & Integrity | The Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 219

On this episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast , Eric sits down with King Cyz for an honest and encouraging conversation about faith, identity, personal growth, and what it truly means to represent Christ in every area of life. King Cyz opens up about his upbringing, the struggles of finding his identity, and how God has used his personal experiences to help him encourage and minister to others. Together, they discuss the importance of vulnerability, genuine Christian brotherhood, and creating spaces where people can be supported rather than judged or used for a viral moment. The conversation also dives into Christian hip-hop, the responsibility that comes with having a platform, and the importance of unity between generations in the CHH community. King Cyz shares advice for aspiring artists and creatives, emphasizing the importance of doing the work, staying rooted in Christ, and focusing on the people God has called you to reach rather than chasing numbers or recognition. From navigating seasons of transition and learning when to say no, to prioritizing marriage, family, and personal holiness, this episode is a powerful reminder that following Jesus is about more than what we say—it's about how we live. In this episode: Finding your identity and purpose in Christ Turning personal struggles into testimonies that help others The importance of genuine Christian brotherhood and accountability Using your platform to represent Jesus, not just talk about Him Christian hip-hop, collaboration, and generational unity Staying faithful to your assignment instead of chasing numbers Learning to embrace change and follow God's direction Prioritizing your marriage, family, and walk with God Join us for a conversation about faith, growth, authenticity, and becoming who God has called you to be. --- Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

October 26, 2026Episode 21824 min

Faith & Healing: Dr. Lily White's Journey to Purpose | The Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 218

In this episode of The Christ Podcast , host Eric Stephens, founder of Redwood Christian Ministries, sits down with Dr. Lily White to discuss her journey through medicine, faith, and discovering God’s purpose in her life. Dr. Lily shares her experience with a serious childhood illness and how an unexpected path toward natural healing shaped her perspective on health and medicine. From nearly stepping away from medical school to navigating financial challenges and caring for her mother, she reflects on the ways God provided strength, guidance, and the right people at the right time. The conversation explores the connection between faith and holistic medicine, the importance of building meaningful relationships with patients, and how Dr. Lily incorporates spiritual well-being into her approach to healthcare. She also discusses the generosity behind her medical practice, including providing more than $100,000 in medical care, and her vision of establishing a free clinic in Cleveland to expand access to healthcare. Whether you're navigating a difficult season, discerning God's calling, or searching for a deeper relationship with Him, this episode offers an encouraging reminder that it's okay to ask God questions, trust His timing, and seek Him through uncertainty. In this episode: Dr. Lily’s childhood health journey and introduction to natural medicine Discovering a calling to medicine and overcoming obstacles along the way Integrating conventional and holistic approaches to healthcare Finding a deeper, more personal relationship with God Practicing medicine with compassion, generosity, and purpose Mentorship, entrepreneurship, and advice for aspiring physicians The vision for a free clinic in Cleveland Finding hope and experiencing God’s goodness in difficult seasons Tune in for an inspiring conversation about faith, healing, service, and trusting God with the journey ahead. If you've been enjoying The Christ Podcast , be sure to like, share, follow, and subscribe so you don't miss future episodes! --- Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

October 19, 2026Episode 21728 min

How to Find Purpose After Pain, Loss & Heartback | Holly Sweat Raper on the Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 217

In this episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast , Eric sits down with bestselling author, speaker, and psychotherapist Holly Sweat Raper to discuss how God can transform our pain into purpose and help us walk in victory, even in the midst of life’s greatest storms. Holly shares her powerful testimony of faith, including the devastating loss of her husband to stage four cancer and the overwhelming challenges she faced during that season. Through grief, uncertainty, and heartbreak, she discovered the importance of trusting God’s promises, choosing truth over feelings, and shifting her focus toward His faithfulness rather than her circumstances. Together, Eric and Holly explore how suffering can shape our faith, why gratitude and spiritual nourishment matter in our daily lives, and how we can take practical steps to overcome fear, renew our minds, and find purpose in difficult seasons. Holly also discusses her book, Living in Victory, Not Defeat , encouraging listeners to recognize that their stories are not over and that God can bring healing, hope, and transformation from even the hardest experiences. In this episode, you’ll discover: How to turn pain into purpose and heartbreak into healing. Why choosing biblical truth over feelings can change your perspective. How gratitude and daily time in God’s Word can strengthen your faith. What it means to trust God through grief, uncertainty, and suffering. How to shift your focus from your problems to God’s promises. Why stepping out in faith can lead to unexpected growth and transformation. No matter what you’re facing, this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone, God is greater than your storm, and your story is still being written. If this episode encourages you, be sure to like, share, and subscribe to the Rooted in Christ Podcast for more conversations about faith, purpose, and living a Christ-centered life. --- Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

October 12, 2026Episode 21640 min

How to Identify and Overcome Idols in Your Life - Jake Doberenz on the Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 216

In this episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast , Eric sits down with Jake Doberenz for an insightful conversation about modern-day idolatry and the things that can quietly take God's place in our lives. From money and financial security to politics, relationships, personal success, and even ministry itself, Jake explains how the desire for control, comfort, and certainty can lead us to place our trust in things other than Christ. Drawing from Scripture and his own faith journey, Jake shares how his passion for “Smashing Idols” developed and why recognizing these hidden distractions is essential to spiritual growth. Together, Eric and Jake discuss the importance of repentance, replacing unhealthy habits with life-giving spiritual disciplines, and surrounding ourselves with a Christian community that is willing to challenge us with love and accountability. They also explore practical ways to identify when something good has become an idol, including our defensiveness when those things are questioned, and how practices like prayer, fasting, Sabbath, and intentional time with God can help us surrender control and deepen our relationship with Him. In this episode, we discuss: What idolatry looks like in the modern Christian life How money, comfort, politics, and even ministry can become idols Jake's journey of faith and the inspiration behind his “Smashing Idols” ministry Why letting go of control and certainty can be so difficult The importance of repentance, accountability, and Christian community How prayer, fasting, Sabbath, and spiritual disciplines can help us refocus on Christ Recognizing the warning signs of misplaced worship Replacing unhealthy habits with practices that strengthen our relationship with God Join us for a powerful reminder that following Christ means more than simply removing the things that distract us; it means making room for a deeper relationship with Him. No matter where you are in your faith journey, there is always an opportunity for repentance, restoration, and a fresh start. Connect with Jake Doberenz: Explore his Smashing Idols newsletter on Substack and listen to his podcast, Christianity Without Compromise , for more conversations about faith, theology, and bringing every area of life back to Jesus. If this episode encouraged or challenged you, be sure to like, share, and subscribe to the Rooted in Christ Podcast for more conversations centered on faith, spiritual growth, and living a life rooted in Christ. --- Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

October 5, 2026Episode 21536 min

"I Pulled the Trigger... God Spared My Life | Matthew Headden on The Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 215

What happens when you reach the point where you realize you can’t do it on your own? In Episode 215 of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, we sit down with Matthew Headden for a powerful conversation about surrender, addiction, mental health, fitness, faith, and what it means to truly make Christ the center of every area of your life. Matthew opens up about his journey through combat, addiction, obesity, and a suicide attempt—and how, despite having what appeared to be a successful life on the outside, he was struggling deeply within. His story is ultimately one of God’s grace, patience, and the transformative power of surrender. Matthew also shares how his background in fitness, nutrition, and behavioral psychology led him to rethink the way Christians approach health. Together, we discuss treating our bodies as God’s temple, moving beyond vanity and ego, fasting, discipline, Sabbath, emotional eating, and learning to view health as stewardship rather than simply a pursuit of appearance or weight loss. One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is simple: surrender is not a one-time event. It is a daily decision to die to ourselves, trust God, and allow Him to lead every area of our lives—including the areas we would rather keep for ourselves. Matthew also gets incredibly honest about the moment he put a gun in his mouth and pulled the trigger—and the gun didn't fire. His testimony is a powerful reminder that recovery and transformation don't always happen overnight, and that God's work in our lives can be a long process of grace, surrender, and growth. This episode is for anyone struggling with addiction, health, discipline, shame, or simply trying to understand what it looks like to surrender more fully to Christ. You are not meant to do this alone. If this conversation speaks to you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to the Rooted in Christ Podcast and join us for more conversations about faith, testimony, and following Jesus in every area of life. --- Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

September 28, 2026Episode 21427 min

Lexly Nirvana: Why She Refuses to Water Down Jesus | The Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 214

In this episode of the In Christ Podcast, Eric Stevens sits down with Christian artist Lexly Nirvana for an honest conversation about faith, identity, music, and following God’s calling. Lexly shares her powerful testimony of growing up around church, struggling with self-worth, shame, and rebellion, and ultimately experiencing a life-changing encounter with Christ. She opens up about how God transformed her life and gradually revealed her purpose through her love for music and writing. As a bilingual artist from South Texas, Lexly blends Christian hip hop, reggaeton, Spanish, English, and Spanglish to reach different audiences with the Gospel. She talks about navigating language barriers, staying authentic to the unique sound God has given her, and resisting the temptation to compare herself to other artists. The conversation also explores the importance of prayer and patience in the creative process, putting God before social media and ministry, receiving constructive criticism, and trusting God’s timing—even when it means waiting for an opportunity or release that you’re excited about. Lexly also shares what she believes God is doing in Christian music right now, her upcoming three-song EP created with women in mind, and her desire to see authentic believers boldly live out their faith and mission. Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to be a copy of someone else. God has uniquely created you and has a purpose for your life. If you’re searching for your purpose, struggling with your identity, or trying to understand how your creativity fits into God’s plan, this conversation is for you. Watch, listen, and share this episode with someone who needs the encouragement to keep walking in their God-given calling. --- All things Lexly Nirvana: https://linktr.ee/lexlynirvana --- Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

September 21, 2026Episode 21332 min

I Can't Made God Into My Own Image - Constance Hastings on the Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 213

What happens when faith is challenged by doubt, difficult questions, suffering, and the unexpected ways God works in our lives?In this episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric sits down with Constance Hastings, author of The Trouble With Jesus, for an honest and thought-provoking conversation about faith, doubt, skepticism, and what it means to wrestle with the questions we don't always feel comfortable asking.Constance shares the story behind her book, which grew out of a retreat she developed for women who were looking for something deeper. Through the perspective of a skeptical, questioning voice, The Trouble With Jesus explores some of the things about Jesus that can challenge our expectations—including the way He chose unlikely people, valued women, confronted cultural norms, and refused to simply become a "divine fixer" who gives us everything we ask for.The conversation also dives into Constance's own faith journey, her experiences in education and counseling, and the struggles she has witnessed in people wrestling with questions like: Why does God allow suffering? Why do bad things happen to good people? Where is God when we're hurting? And can doubt actually have a place in a growing faith?Constance offers an encouraging perspective for anyone who has ever questioned their faith or felt like they were on the verge of walking away. Rather than hiding from difficult questions, she encourages believers to bring those questions to God, go deeper into Scripture, and allow their faith to be challenged and strengthened.The conversation ultimately points back to a powerful reminder: God does not abandon us in our questions, our doubts, or our struggles.Constance also shares how her approach to reading Scripture—considering what it says, what it means, and how it applies—can help believers develop a deeper relationship and ongoing conversation with God.The episode closes with prayer for those wrestling with doubt, searching for God, or seeking to understand their purpose and calling in Christ.In This Episode:- The story behind The Trouble With Jesus- Why Jesus can challenge our expectations- Faith, doubt, and skepticism- Why doubt doesn't necessarily mean the absence of faith- The problem of treating God as a "divine fixer"- Wrestling with suffering and difficult questions- Creating safer spaces for questions within the church- The importance of going deeper into Scripture- Discovering God's will instead of trying to dictate our own- Encouragement for those considering walking away from faith- Serving God wherever He has called you- Constance's journey from education and counseling to writing- Prayer for those seeking ChristLearn more about Constance Hastings and The Trouble With Jesus:constancehastings.comIf this conversation encouraged you, like, share, and subscribe to the Rooted in Christ Podcast and help us continue reaching people with conversations about faith, life, and following Jesus.

September 14, 2026Episode 21258 min

NBA and Christian Hip-Hop: Living for Jesus | The Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 212

What happens when your faith, your career, your relationships, and your purpose all collide? In Episode 212 of the Rooted in Christ Podcast , Eric sits down with DKG Kie and NBA player Isaac Jones for a real conversation about following Christ while navigating two very different worlds: professional basketball and music. The three talk about what it really means to represent Jesus beyond social media and the stage, the pressure that comes with being watched and judged, and the importance of actually living out what you say you believe. They get honest about confidence, rejection, business decisions, contracts, competition, anger, and the moments when it feels like God isn't moving fast enough. Kie and Isaac also open up about their personal journeys with faith, how their relationships and community have shaped them, and why having people around you who will challenge you—not just agree with you—matters. One of the biggest reminders throughout the conversation? You don't want someone else's platform. You want what God has for you. And no matter where you are, what you've done, or how far away you feel: You're never too far away from God. This is a conversation about faith, purpose, humility, friendship, perseverance, and learning to trust God even when you don't understand what He's doing. Watch, listen, and share this one with somebody who needs the reminder. --- Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

September 7, 2026Episode 21132 min

From Hearing Loss & to Relationship with Jesus w/ Desiree Taylor | The Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 211

What happens when faith starts to feel more like rules, expectations, and shame than a real relationship with Jesus? In this episode of Rooted in Christ , Eric sits down with Desiree Taylor for a deeply personal conversation about learning to see God for who He truly is—and discovering freedom beyond legalism. Desiree shares her powerful testimony of growing up in a legalistic church environment, struggling with loneliness, insecurity, depression, and feeling like she could never be “good enough” for God. She opens up about walking away from her faith, becoming a young single mother, and the moment she experienced Jesus meeting her personally and reminding her that He had never left her. The conversation also dives into Desiree’s journey with deafness and cochlear implants, and how something that could have become a source of isolation instead became a unique way for God to deepen her prayer life, reshape her perspective, and teach her more about His love. She shares why she believes disability isn't a mistake—and why the Church needs to become more intentional about seeing, knowing, and including people with disabilities. Eric and Desiree also talk about: • Breaking free from legalism and religious mindsets • The difference between religion and relationship with Jesus • Renewing your mind and confronting the lies you've believed • Finding your identity and worth in Christ • Feeling rejected, invisible, or like you don't belong in church • Creating greater inclusion for people with disabilities • Learning to pray beyond a checklist and “pray without ceasing” • Mentorship, discipleship, and having honest conversations about faith • Desiree’s book, Living Beyond Religion , and her hope that it starts conversations that lead people toward freedom If you've ever felt like you don't belong, wondered where God was in the middle of your struggle, or found yourself trapped under expectations you can never seem to meet, this conversation is for you. You are seen. You are known. You are loved. And Jesus hasn't walked away from you. Watch, listen, and share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that there is freedom in Christ. --- Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

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