Scripture References:

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12)

The need is great, and the call is critical for the Body of Christ to be who God has called us to be in this hour. We have been called to be holy, set apart for God’s use in a world that needs Him without recognizing they need the Almighty God.

One of the dangers of these times is not only inaccurate information parading as truth, but deception, and misinformation. This means for believers in Christ, empowering and equipping ourselves with the truth of God’s Word is not an option or a suggestion. It is a call to come up to God’s standards of being as Christ’s ambassadors. God is not lowering His standards because we are in 2025 or any other year.

In this insightful episode of Oasis of Hope podcast, Drs. Johnson and Feyi Obamehinti discuss the transforming power of God’s Word. They discuss how living out the kingdom life requires daily bread in God’s Word. This practice combined with daily prayer transforms lives for eternity. They invite believers in Christ to join in the 30 days Bible Reading challenge to observe the Global Bible Month. Believers in Christ can store up the treasures of God’s Word in their hearts and see a God kingdom change for eternal impact. Join them to hide God’s Word in our hearts.

Lastly, they discuss the new book The Fear of God: Growing the Inner Life and invite friends and listeners to get a copy whether you are a believer in Christ or not. Readers will find that God’s Word transforms from the inside out. To live in the reverence or fear of God, means there are characteristics that flows out of such a life anchored in God’s truth of reverence.

This type of life points to an understanding of who God is and of a life that has been changed by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. The same is true for a life void of the reverence or fear of God. That life also points to a lack of understanding of who God is and His loving embrace to a relationship that transforms for eternity. Time for God’s people to rise up and be the Body of Christ.

Take a listen to episode 96 and share with your family and friends. These times call for believers to be Bereans who study the Word of God for themselves, be in community with fellow believers who are pursuing the heart of God and be in daily prayer asking the Holy Spirit to illuminate every area of our lives for the indwelling Presence of God. Stay Alert!

Scripture Reference: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9) .

We are living in unprecedented times globally, since the pandemic of 2020. For the church aka body of Christ, we are seeing a sharp rise in Bible sales and hunger among young people. In an October 2025 article by Pew Research, there has been a sharp rise in the things of God from February 2024 to February 2025. The data is showing a positive influence of faith on the American life.

With this spiritual awakening and growth comes great responsibility for the body of Christ, especially spiritual leaders. One aspect of responsibility that all believers in Christ are called to is being an ambassador for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). Added responsibility and higher standards is mandated for spiritual leaders as the scripture states in 1 Timothy 3:1-10.

One of such added responsibilities for Christ leaders is staying up to date on the most pressing cultural issues are and how to shepherd God’s people well. On this latest episode 95 of Oasis of Hope Podcast, we are blessed by the legal expertise of one of the nation’s leading voices- Ms. Regan Van Steenis, as she dives into how churches, the body of Christ and its leaders can be better prepared to meet the challenge of our culture in the area of child safety.

Van Steenis brings a powerful blend of conviction and compassion as chief legal counsel at Lakewood Church and Joel Osteen Ministries for over twenty years. She has personally overseen more than $1 billion in transactions and helped hundreds of new churches get started. God is currently using her expertise to equip ministries to flourish without distraction, offering everything from compliance support to strategies for safeguarding leadership and foster spiritual health.

It is also great to note that Van Steenis brings a unique perspective as both a pastor’s daughter and a legal expert because she understands the pressures facing ministry leaders and how to help them build strong foundations, so spiritual leaders can focus on growing deeper in Christ, free from fear or compromise that can mar the name of Christ.

This is one episode you want to share with friends, colleagues, neighbors, and especially your spiritual leaders. God’s ways and standards for His kingdom has never changed, even though the culture around us changes. It is time for the church to rise up and be Christ’s empowered and equipped ambassadors.

Resources For Episode 95:
1. Visit Van Steenis Consulting to connect and ensure your church or ministry is protected.

2. Check out what the laws are in your state for clergy as mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect.

3. We love your feedback- so send us your questions or comments: info@oasisfocus.org

In Christ's Love,

Drs. Johnson & Feyi Obamehinti