Are you living your Christian faith out of genuine love for God, or are you just checking boxes to feel religiously acceptable? In this eye-opening episode of The Blacksmith Chronicles Podcast, Ryan Johnson and Michael Riley uncover the hidden dangers of checkbox Christianity.

Discover:
✅ Why the rich young ruler couldn’t let go of obligation to embrace true relationship
✅ How religious duty can steal your joy and fuel frustration
✅ The difference between contractual obedience and covenant love
✅ Why Jesus asked Peter “Do you love me?” instead of “Do you obey me?”
✅ How to break free from the spirit of religion and walk in authentic intimacy with God

If you’re tired of feeling burned out, bitter, or burdened by performance-driven faith, this episode will challenge, inspire, and equip you to step into the freedom of a genuine relationship with Jesus.

🔔 Subscribe for more Spirit-led conversations that sharpen your faith and forge your purpose.

LISTEN NOW AT:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-blacksmith-chronicles-podcast/id1485445641

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4OmhF96FBZ7wz6umnfiMnT

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/84241b46-96c3-4aed-a483-a003fd5ea74c/the-blacksmith-chronicles-podcast

RJM YouTube Channel — https://www.youtube.com/c/RyanJohnsonMinistries

🔗 Stay Connected:

🌐 Website: https://www.ryanjohnson.us
📬 Sign up for weekly prophetic & leadership emails
🎙️ Podcast: Available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music & Destiny Image Podcast Network
📥 Book Ryan to Speak: Visit the “Booking” section on the site

🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode that will challenge, equip, and empower you to walk fully in God’s purpose!

📬 For questions, prayer, or booking inquiries: info@ryanjohnson.us

EMAIL — info@ryanjohnson.us

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In this passionate episode of The Blacksmith Chronicles Podcast, Ryan Johnson and co-host Michael Riley unpack what it truly means to have intimacy with God. Is your walk with God built on covenant love or just a contractual mindset? Discover the difference between knowing about God and knowing Him, how to crave God's presence, and why intimacy demands vulnerability, humility, and pursuit.

They break down powerful scriptures like Genesis 3:8, Hosea 2, John 17, and Hebrews 11:6, offering both biblical insight and practical examples. Learn the true meaning of “diligently seek Him” and how your spiritual hunger transforms into a deep craving once you’ve experienced His presence.

Whether you're a new believer or a seasoned disciple, this episode will reignite your desire to pursue a deeper relationship with the Father.

LISTEN NOW AT:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-blacksmith-chronicles-podcast/id1485445641

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4OmhF96FBZ7wz6umnfiMnT

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/84241b46-96c3-4aed-a483-a003fd5ea74c/the-blacksmith-chronicles-podcast

RJM YouTube Channel — https://www.youtube.com/c/RyanJohnsonMinistries

🔗 Stay Connected:

🌐 Website: https://www.ryanjohnson.us
📬 Sign up for weekly prophetic & leadership emails
🎙️ Podcast: Available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music & Destiny Image Podcast Network
📥 Book Ryan to Speak: Visit the “Booking” section on the site

🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode that will challenge, equip, and empower you to walk fully in God’s purpose!

📬 For questions, prayer, or booking inquiries: info@ryanjohnson.us

EMAIL — info@ryanjohnson.us

Ryan Johnson Ministries Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/officialryanjohnsonministries

The Blacksmith Chronicles Podcast Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/RJMinistries

Instagram — ryanjohnsonministries

Twitter — https://twitter.com/RJM_Blacksmith

What does real mental health look like in the Body of Christ? In this powerful episode of The Blacksmith Chronicles, Ryan Johnson and Michael Riley sit down with Daryl Franklin, a seasoned Christian counselor and minister, to break the stigma surrounding Christian counseling, explore the difference between spiritual warfare and biological depression, and confront the misuse of terms like “mental health” and “anxiety.”

You'll gain fresh insight on how the spirit, soul, and body all work together—and how faith and science can co-labor under God's design. If you’ve ever wondered whether your struggle is spiritual or psychological, this conversation will give you tools, truth, and hope.

Topics covered:

• Depression: Is it spiritual or biological?
• The rise of mental health language in the church
• Anxiety: What it is—and what it’s not
• Why Christian counseling is biblical
• How to discern when to seek help

Whether you're a pastor, leader, or someone silently battling, this episode offers biblically rooted wisdom and practical encouragement for breakthrough.

👉 Learn more or get help: https://restorationpf.com

LISTEN NOW AT:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-blacksmith-chronicles-podcast/id1485445641

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4OmhF96FBZ7wz6umnfiMnT

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/84241b46-96c3-4aed-a483-a003fd5ea74c/the-blacksmith-chronicles-podcast

RJM YouTube Channel — https://www.youtube.com/c/RyanJohnsonMinistries

🔗 Stay Connected:

🌐 Website: https://www.ryanjohnson.us
📬 Sign up for weekly prophetic & leadership emails
🎙️ Podcast: Available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music & Destiny Image Podcast Network
📥 Book Ryan to Speak: Visit the “Booking” section on the site
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EMAIL — info@ryanjohnson.us

Ryan Johnson Ministries Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/officialryanjohnsonministries

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Instagram — ryanjohnsonministries

Twitter — https://twitter.com/RJM_Blacksmith

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