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Order Within Podcast

Order Within Podcast

By: Brandon Ward
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 Welcome to Order Within, a show about restoring our connection to God and living with the power He intended for us. In a world facing depression, corruption, and narcissism, this podcast offers strategies and tales of resilience, faith, and purpose. I believe in the power of reconnecting with our authentic selves and our sacred heritage as created beings. Each episode is crafted to inspire and guide you toward a life of honor, faith, and service. We blend biblical study, philosophy, and critical thinking to bring more fulfillment. Join me in rediscovering the essence of true selfhood and the treasures within the way our Creator intended. Order Within is more than a podcast; it's a commitment to support each other in pursuing a virtuous, meaningful life centered around God. Join me, visit www.orderwithinpodcast.com.

orderwithinpodcast.comBrandon Ward Christianity Philosophy Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • Christmas Truths and Myths with Julie West

    Christmas Truths and Myths with Julie West
    Dec 13 2025
    What if everything you’ve been told about Christmas being “pagan” is actually backwards?I sat down with Julie West Worth Remembering - Bible teacher, media personality, and genuine treasure trove of biblical and historical knowledge - for one of the most intellectually satisfying conversations I’ve had about faith, Christmas traditions, and the beautiful complexity of Scripture.This isn’t another surface-level holiday discussion. Julie and I dive deep into the actual historical origins of Christmas traditions, unpacking myths that get repeated year after year, and discovering how God invites us to use our minds - not shut them off - when approaching His Word.What You’ll Discover in This ConversationThe Real Story Behind Christmas TreesForget what you’ve heard about pagan origins. Julie shares the incredible account of Saint Boniface and how the Christmas tree actually represents a powerful Christian testimony of God’s triumph over false worship. The truth is far more beautiful than the myths.Saint Nicholas and the Gospel PictureThe real story of Saint Nicholas isn’t about a jolly elf - it’s a stunning picture of Christ’s redemptive work. When you hear how Nicholas actually saved three sisters from slavery, you’ll never see Santa the same way again.Why December 25th Matters (Even If It’s Not Exact)Was Jesus actually born on December 25th? Probably not. Does that make Christmas meaningless? Absolutely not. Julie breaks down why the celebration matters even when we can’t pin down exact dates, and what this teaches us about worship versus legalism.The Intellectual Depth of ChristianityOne of the most powerful themes in this conversation is how God doesn’t ask for blind faith - He invites us to wrestle, reason, and dig deep. If you’ve ever felt like Christianity requires you to “check your brain at the door,” this conversation will revolutionize your perspective.Wrestling with Scripture Is Part of the JourneyFrom Job’s arguments with God to Jesus using the Socratic method with religious leaders, the Bible itself demonstrates that questioning, wrestling, and seeking understanding are fundamental to genuine faith - not obstacles to it.Key Moments & Timestamps[00:03:42] The danger of “shorthand” Christianity and urban legends[00:05:58] Brandon’s journey: from intellectual skepticism to discovering the Bible’s depth[00:07:25] The Christmas tree myth debunked: Saint Boniface and the Thunder Oak[00:18:03] The beautiful backstory of Saint Nicholas and redemption[00:31:45] Was Jesus really born on December 25th?[00:45:12] The importance of source materials and honest inquiry[00:58:30] Why Christianity doesn’t require blind faith[01:13:46] God gave us brains for a reason - let’s use them[01:15:30] The archaeological evidence supporting biblical history[01:18:03] Julie’s upcoming projects and recommended resourcesWhy This Matters for Your Faith JourneyIf you’ve ever felt torn between intellectual honesty and faith, this conversation offers genuine hope. Julie demonstrates what it looks like to be both a rigorous scholar and a devoted follower of Christ - proving these aren’t contradictory positions but complementary ones.Whether you’re:* New to faith and wrestling with questions about Christian traditions* A longtime believer who wants to go deeper than surface-level understanding* Someone who loves the intellectual depth of Scripture* A parent wanting to pass on faith with integrity and honesty* Curious about the real history behind Christmas celebrationsThis conversation will challenge myths, deepen your understanding, and remind you that God designed us to seek, question, and discover truth - not to settle for comfortable half-truths.Resources MentionedJulie’s Book: Exiting Egypt (Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart)Julie’s Upcoming Podcast: “Oh Wow, That Really Happened” - A true crimes approach to obscure Bible storiesRecommended Resources:* Wave Nunnally - Dead Sea Scrolls scholar and conservative Christian teacher* Craig Keener - Biblical scholarship* Biblical Archaeology* Expedition Bible - YouTube channel going through various Biblical sites and discoveriesConnect with Julie WestJulie is a Bible teacher, author, and on-air personality at Z 88.3 in Orlando. She’s been featured on Fox News, various media outlets, and brings decades of theological study combined with practical teaching that makes Scripture accessible without dumbing it down.My ReflectionOne of the things that continues to blow my mind about Christianity is discovering how intellectually robust it actually is. I came to faith thinking I’d have to set aside my love of learning and reason - only to discover that God actually invites us into the deepest intellectual pursuit imaginable: knowing Him.Julie embodies this beautifully. Her love for accuracy, source materials, and historical truth doesn’t diminish her faith - it deepens it. And her reminder that we’re ...
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • Simple Churches and Clear Pathways with Kevin Beasley | Ep. 132

    Simple Churches and Clear Pathways with Kevin Beasley | Ep. 132
    Nov 11 2025
    What if the church you’re looking for doesn’t meet in a building on Sunday mornings?In this conversation, I sit down with Kevin E Beasley —a disciple-making multiplier, coach, and recovering traditional pastor—to explore an ancient-yet-radical approach to Christian community. Kevin helps everyday believers love like Jesus and live like missionaries right where they already are: at work, in their neighborhoods, with their families.After years in church and business leadership, Kevin devoted his life to equipping people to multiply disciples through simple, reproducible, Spirit-led communities. As Southeast Regional Director for the Missionary Church Connect region and co-leader of the National Network of Disciple Makers, Kevin is seeing the church rediscover its original design—transformational communities multiplying in the power of the Spirit.This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt spiritually hungry despite regular church attendance, anyone wrestling with what authentic Christian community really looks like, and anyone sensing God might be calling them to something beyond the Sunday morning experience.What You’ll DiscoverOn Spiritual Poverty and God’s PursuitKevin shares his upbringing in rural North Alabama marked by what he calls “spiritual poverty”—a family with no knowledge of Jesus, growing up in a cycle that felt inescapable. Yet even in that environment, God pursued him through small moments and faithful neighbors. His story reminds us that God’s reach extends far beyond church buildings and religious programs.The Crisis in Traditional Church LeadershipSitting in his third hour of a staff meeting trying to keep big givers from leaving, Kevin experienced a Holy Spirit confrontation: “If I’m lying on my deathbed 40-50 years from now and this is how I spent my life, I would be miserable.” That moment launched him toward radical obedience—walking away from salary, status, and the American church model he’d invested years building.When Sundays Hit DifferentlyWithout a building and weekly services, Kevin admits Sundays can feel painful. Traditional ministry offers “fleshly satisfaction”—seeing everyone in one room, hearing people call you “pastor,” having visible productivity. In organic disciple-making, your flesh gets “ripped apart” as you trade recognition for faithful obedience in small, often invisible ways.The Partnership ModelThis isn’t about tearing down traditional churches. Kevin sees a beautiful partnership: attractional churches reaching people who might never encounter Jesus otherwise, while organic movements meet people where they are and multiply disciples through everyday relationships. The kingdom needs both.Apostolic Gifting and Creating PathwaysMany Christians sense God’s call but don’t know what to do next. Kevin explains how apostolic gifting focuses on creating clear, reproducible pathways—seeing the forest while evangelists see the trees. About 80% of believers aren’t designed to create these pathways themselves; they need someone to show them the way.The Cost of MultiplicationKevin shares the story of a missionary in a restricted nation where the average lifespan after coming to Christ is 36 days. That’s the kind of costly discipleship the early church knew. While we might not face the same persecution, authentic disciple-making still requires dying to self, comfort, and the approval of others.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Kevin’s opening reflection on hopelessness and transformation[00:03:01] Growing up in spiritual poverty in rural North Alabama[00:07:24] First encounters with Jesus through VBS and faithful neighbors[00:12:42] The 15-day fast that changed everything[00:16:30] Journey through traditional church planting and leadership[00:22:15] The staff meeting that became a Holy Spirit confrontation[00:28:45] Walking away from salary and status for radical obedience[00:35:20] What a simple/organic church actually looks like[00:41:10] When Sundays hit differently without a building[00:47:30] The partnership between attractional and organic churches[00:53:45] Understanding apostolic gifting and creating pathways[00:58:20] Why most believers struggle to know their next step[01:01:02] The forest and the trees—apostles vs. evangelists[01:04:07] Resources and next steps for the curiousQuotes Worth RememberingOn God’s Pursuit:“I can remember being completely hopeless and helpless and thinking that the rest of my life was gonna be like what I’d seen from all the rest of my family. Literally the birds were singing for the first time in my life. Everything looked different.”On Radical Obedience:“I was sitting in a staff meeting on a Monday morning, our third hour trying to figure out how to keep the biggest givers from leaving. The Holy Spirit confronted me—if I’m lying on my deathbed 40-50 years from now and this is how I spent my life, I would be miserable.”On Flesh vs. Spirit:“When you don’t have a ...
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Idolizing Conspiracy Theories with Pavel Ivanchuk | Ep. 131

    Idolizing Conspiracy Theories with Pavel Ivanchuk | Ep. 131
    Oct 25 2025
    In this conversation, I welcome Pavel Ivanchuk, a Substack writer and church deacon, for an in-depth exploration of conspiracy theories through a biblical lens. Together, we examine how the search for truth can become spiritual idolatry, the ancient roots of narrative-seeking, and the profound difference between healthy discernment and unhealthy obsession.This episode challenges listeners to recognize when the pursuit of hidden knowledge replaces trust in God and offers practical guidance for navigating conspiracy culture while remaining grounded in faith, community, and Scripture.What You’ll Gain From This EpisodeAs a listener, you will:* Understand the spiritual dimensions of conspiracy theory engagement and how it can become idolatrous* Learn to distinguish between healthy skepticism and obsessive pattern-seeking that undermines faith* Discover how ancient civilizations used narrative and myth to shape spiritual reality—and how that parallels today* Gain practical tools for evaluating information sources and claims with biblical discernment* Recognize the theological distinction between soul and spirit, and how stories shape both* Find freedom from the anxiety and control-seeking that conspiracy theories often generate* Learn how to address conspiracy thinking within church communities with grace and truthThis conversation will help you:* Ground your worldview in Scripture rather than speculative narratives* Approach current events with wisdom, humility, and faith rather than fear* Build community accountability around truth-seeking and discernment* Focus your energy on what God has called you to control: your daily faithfulness and discipleshipEpisode Chapters[00:00:00] Introduction and Guest Welcome [00:02:23] Conspiracy Theories as Narrative: The Search for Control and Meaning [00:03:40] Body, Soul, and Spirit: Defining the Human Condition [00:05:02] Symbol vs. Meaning: How Stories Shape Our Spirit [00:07:00] Ancient Babylon: The Enuma Elish Creation Myth [00:08:04] King Ashurbanipal’s Annals: When Stories Become Spiritual Reality [00:10:45] Modern Application: How Consent to Narratives Connects Us Spiritually [00:12:41] Evil Forces, Narratives, and Shaping Human Action [00:13:26] High Church vs. Low Church: The Spectrum of Christian Practice [00:14:16] Aristotle’s Influence and the Danger of Rigid Rationalization [00:16:34] Idolatry in Ancient Times: Exodus 20 and Carved Images [00:17:04] Idols as Literary Devices: Reading Symbols in the Ancient World [00:18:21] Modern Deception: Ideas and Ideologies in the Spiritual Realm [00:18:47] The Charlie Kirk Tragedy: Conspiracy Theories Denying Reality [00:20:10] Defensive Mechanisms and the Illusion of Safety Through Control [00:22:30] Testing the Spirits: 1 John 4 and Discernment [00:27:15] Gnosticism: The Danger of Secret Knowledge [00:31:00] Democracy and the False Equality of All Ideas [00:35:45] Focusing on What We Control: Daily Faithfulness Over Global Conspiracies [00:42:20] Church Community: Creating Space for Hard Questions [00:47:15] Conviction vs. Pride: Holding Beliefs with Humility [00:52:30] The Spiritual Battlefield and Competing Narratives [00:57:26] Challenging Narratives Without Accepting Counter-Theories as Truth [00:58:31] Not All Ideas Are Equal: God’s Call to Discernment [00:59:34] The Book of Job: Accepting We Don’t Know Everything [01:00:16] Justice Belongs to God: Avoiding Vigilantism [01:01:17] Final Thoughts and Closing PrayerKey Quotes and InsightsOn the Nature of Conspiracy Theories:“The thing about conspiracy theories is they are a narrative. They are a story. And people who are pursuing conspiracy theories are looking for a sense of control, and that’s a way of idolatry.” - PavelOn Human Nature and Meaning:“We as humans—that’s basically what it means to be human—is to look for purpose, try to understand reality, trying to find meaning and purpose in your life and the world around you. And this pursuit is really innate to every human being.” - PavelOn Spiritual Participation:“The stories that people absorb in their culture, the way they’re brought up, ultimately shapes their soul. But then also through their consent to it, it changes their spirit. This is how we also connect to the spiritual world through these stories.” - PavelOn Ancient Myth and Modern Reality:“They weren’t just believing these stories—they were participating in a spiritual reality through their consent to these narratives. That’s exactly what’s happening today with conspiracy theories.” - BrandonOn Gnosticism and Secret Knowledge:“The danger of Gnosticism is this idea that there’s secret knowledge that only the enlightened few can access. That runs completely counter to the Gospel, which is openly proclaimed for all.” - PavelOn Control and Anxiety:“When we’re obsessively consuming conspiracy content, we’re trying to manufacture a sense of control in a world that feels chaotic. But God calls us ...
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    1 hr and 5 mins
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