We’re taking a quick break from recording new episodes for Witness and Persecution, but didn’t want to leave you hanging! We thought we’d reintroduce you to our MOST LISTENED to episode of ALL TIME – “Somebody’s Coming”.
Nik Ripken talks about what he wished he knew during his first year in Malawi and what God has taught him since. Check out more episodes and learn more about Nik Ripken Ministries at nikripken.com
We’re taking a quick break from recording new episodes for Witness and Persecution, but didn’t want to leave you hanging! We thought we’d reintroduce you to our MOST LISTENED to episode of 2023 – “Lies, Lies, and More Lies”. We know that Satan is a liar. But how many of his lies do we actually believe, whether we realize it or not?
In this epsiode, Nik begins a journey of discovering the Top 10 lies that Satan has told the Church, and many in the Church that have believed them.
Check out more episodes and learn more about Nik Ripken Ministries at nikripken.com
As Christmas and New Year’s approaches, Nik shares a Christmas cultural faux pas from their days in Malawi. Nik uses this illustration to dive into the materialism that infects much of the Western world’s view of Christmas, and how Scripture challenges us to see the birth of Jesus from a totally different perspective.
Ruth sits down for a raw, honest, heart-felt discussion on the personal journey of pain and suffering that she and Nik have been walking over the last few years. Ruth details God’s redemption through suffering, and provides hope and encouragement for those who are experiencing medical trauma, depression, anxiety, and the struggle of ministering to those in the midst of suffering.
Nik takes listeners to the bush of Sudan as he explores the timeless words of Jesus – “a new commandment I give you – love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you”. Nik takes an in-depth dive into the Biblical practices of believers in perescution from a Muslim background as they navigate following Jesus when their persecutors are at their breakfast table.
Inspired by the movie “The Insanity of God”, Nik and Anthony sit down with Erskin to get the behind-the-scenes story of Erskin and Nik’s powerful new song, “Is He Worth It”.
In this episode, Nik looks back at 37 years of overseas work and wonders – “did we go about it the wrong way?” Listen in as he shares that if he were to start over, why he would start with the “HOW” of missions before the “WHERE”.
As Nik Ripken continues this series on rediscovering the Biblical account of the Christmas narrative, he challenges listeners to ask “Imagine you were a parent, or Jesus, in this story”. Understanding the context of Christmas allows us to discover how we apply the birth of Jesus to our lives and theology.
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In this episode of the Witness and Persecution podcast, Nik Ripken and Anthony Ball discuss the biblical story of Christmas and how it should impact our understanding of persecution. They begin by sharing Nik’s recent experience of being bitten by a spider and the subsequent infection and hospitalization he had to endure. They then delve into the topic of redefining Christmas through the eyes of believers in persecution.
Nik Ripken dives into redefining Christmas through the lens of believers in persecution. He emphasizes the need to understand the biblical narrative of Jesus’ birth and how it differs from how we often celebrate and worship during the holiday season. Nik encourages listeners to reflect on the profound impact the Christmas story would have had on the parents in Bethlehem and the surrounding territories. He poses thought-provoking questions, such as how parents would feel towards Jesus in this narrative, considering the loss of their own children due to Herod’s orders.
Nik discusses the role of the wise men in the Christmas story and highlights the importance of seeking God’s wisdom. He draws attention to the fact that the wise men, though knowledgeable, were unwise in their dealings with Herod and the religious leaders of the time. This leads to a discussion on the significance of discerning where God is working and for how long, as persecutors can use this information to target believers. By examining the actions of the wise men, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their pursuit of wisdom and discernment in their faith journey.
Nik encourages listeners to imagine themselves as characters in the Christmas story, particularly as parents in Bethlehem. He emphasizes the unimaginable horror and grief that would have been experienced by these parents, knowing that their children were killed because of Jesus’ birth.
Nik addresses the common practice of combining the narratives of the wise men from Matthew 2 and the shepherds from Luke 2. He highlights the importance of recognizing the distinct timelines and events in each account. By challenging traditional narratives, Nik encourages listeners to engage with the text and ask questions that deepen their understanding of the Christmas story. He emphasizes the need to be aware of the historical and cultural context to grasp the true significance of Jesus’ birth.
The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to reevaluate their understanding of Christmas and its implications for their witness as believers. By learning from the experiences of believers in persecution, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifice Jesus made and the challenges faced by those who follow him. Nik Ripken reminds listeners that the Christmas story is not just a historical event but a powerful reminder of the cost of discipleship and the need to lay our lives on the altar for God’s purposes.
This episode serves as a reminder that Christmas is not just a time of celebration, but an opportunity to deepen our commitment to Christ and share his message with the world.
While the Israeli and Palestinian conflict rages, Nik Ripken records a special episode to address what this conflict is, and what it is not. Nik pushes listeners to maintain, and express, a Christian worldview that forces us to read the Bible, seek God’s face, and step out in faith to fulfill the Great Commission in the hard places.
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The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine has captured the attention of the world, and as believers, it is crucial for us to approach this issue with a biblical perspective. In this podcast, we will delve into a thought-provoking conversation between Nik Ripken and Anthony Ball, where they discuss the conflict and the need for a Christ-centered response. Drawing from their experiences and insights gained from believers in persecution, we will explore the importance of grace, truth, and love in navigating this complex situation.
The conversation begins by acknowledging the severity of the conflict, with Nik Ripken highlighting the horrors committed by both sides. However, he emphasizes that as followers of Christ, our response should not mirror the secular world but should be rooted in the teachings of Jesus. It is essential to differentiate between the role of governments and militaries and the eternal perspective that believers should adopt.
The conversation prompts us to reflect on how we form our worldview. Nik encourages listeners to resist being swayed by political ideologies and instead seek a biblical perspective. He reminds us that our ultimate goal is to emulate Jesus and His teachings, which call for love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. This challenges us to examine our hearts and align our responses with the character of Christ.
Nik Ripken shares a powerful story of a believer who risked his life to protect Jewish children, despite being raised to hate and destroy them. This exemplifies the transformative power of love and the potential for reconciliation between Jews and Palestinians. It serves as a reminder that our mission as believers is to change lives, sow seeds of love, and trust in God’s timing for the harvest.
The conversation cautions against adopting a Western or Old Testament mindset when approaching the conflict. While it is natural to feel anger or frustration, Nik reminds us that the Kingdom of God operates differently. Our response should not be driven by vengeance or violence but should reflect the teachings of Jesus. This challenges us to seek a Christ-centered perspective that transcends cultural and historical biases.
The conversation highlights the staggering number of people worldwide who have little to no access to the Gospel. With 2.8 to 3 billion individuals lacking exposure to Scripture, songs, and missionaries, it is evident that the Great Commission remains unfinished. Nik Ripken emphasizes the importance of praying for the salvation of these souls and actively engaging in sharing the Gospel, rather than solely focusing on our own salvation.
“It’s time to fully accept and embrace the truth that God loves Jews, Arabs, Palestinians, Hindus, Chinese Muslims, Buddhists, Americans, Europeans equally.”
The podcast addresses the misconception that the conflict in the Middle East is a sign of the impending end times. While acknowledging the significance of biblical prophecies, Nik reminds us that our prayers should not solely revolve around our own salvation or the second coming of Christ. Instead, we should pray for the salvation of those who have yet to hear the Gospel, recognizing the urgency of reaching the lost.
By embracing the teachings of Jesus and seeking His heart for all people, we can contribute to a more Christ-centered approach to the conflict and the world at large. Let us be agents of grace, truth, and love as we navigate these complex issues and strive to fulfill the Great Commission.
Did you know that the wise men of the Bible were ultimately unwise men? Their story isn’t a children’s story set in an elaborate Christmas pageant. It’s a story of persecution when Jesus was just a toddler. It’s a story that features drama and the genocidal slaughter of children. Christians living in the West have developed a faith narrative that represents the culture in which we live. Nik begins a multi-part series to learn how believers in persecution get the Christmas story right.
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In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in the glittering lights. There are festive decorations and the excitement of exchanging lavish gifts. However, Nik Ripken urges us to look beyond the commercialized version of Christmas and reflect on the profound message the biblical narrative conveys.
When we think of the Christmas story, we see a manger, wise men bearing gifts, and a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes. But as Ripken points out, the narrative extends far beyond the idyllic scenes depicted in nativity scenes.
Ripken draws attention to the lesser-known and often overlooked part of the Christmas story. Herod was a killer. The story is a tale of persecution and the genocidal slaughter of innocent children. Nik invites believers to revisit the biblical account. He encourages us to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and sacrifices woven into the narrative.
The familiar story of the wise men takes on a new dimension when viewed through the lens of persecution. Instead of being characters in a children’s pageant, these men were courageous individuals navigating a perilous journey to find and honor the newborn King. The gifts they brought were not mere tokens of celebration; they were symbolic offerings recognizing the divine significance of the child.
Nik Ripken encourages Christians in the West to break free from cultural trappings. Consumerism often shapes our perception of the Christmas narrative. In our modern context, Christmas has become synonymous with extravagant gift-giving, feasts, and celebrations. Yet, Ripken reminds us that the heart of the Christmas message lies in selfless giving.
Contrary to the popular notion of receiving expensive gifts, Ripken emphasizes that Jesus is the central figure who received gifts in the biblical account. The wise men, recognizing the divine nature of the child, presented gold, frankincense, and myrrh—a gesture of profound significance.
The challenge for believers, according to Ripken, is to shift our focus from receiving to giving. Christmas, he argues, is not about accumulating material possessions but about offering our gifts and talents to God. Just as the wise men presented their valuable treasures, we can give of ourselves in service, compassion, and love.
Ripken’s message serves as a poignant reminder that the true meaning of Christmas transcends the glittering exterior of the season. It beckons us to reflect on the sacrificial nature of love and to emulate the example set by the wise men—individuals who, despite the challenges they faced, sought to honor and worship the King.
As we navigate the holiday season, Nik Ripken’s perspective challenges us to reevaluate our priorities and embrace the spirit of giving. The real gift of Christmas, he asserts, is not found in the extravagance of presents under the tree but in the selfless offering of our hearts, talents, and resources to God and those in need.
Nik encourages us to embark on this Christmas season with a renewed understanding of the biblical narrative. May we be inspired by the wise men’s example, remembering that the most meaningful gifts are those given with love and humility. Our gifts mirror the ultimate gift of love: the birth of Jesus Christ.