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Perspectives on Perseverance

Perspectives on Perseverance

By Mark Ballard

Northeastern Baptist College seeks to develop the perseverance of a soldier in our students. A friend says, 'Life is the hardest thing you will ever do.' Even followers of Jesus face difficult times. Sometimes we are tempted to quit, so perseverance is needed. In this weekly podcast, Dr. Mark Ballard seeks to encourage believers to persevere in life and in serving the Lord. Whether in church planting, pastoral ministry, or serving as the founding president of a 4-year college, Ballard has had to persevere through many difficulties. Today, he delights in encouraging others to persevere as well.
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Our Responsibilities to the Government - S2EP9

Perspectives on PerseveranceNov 01, 2020

00:00
32:54
Season 2 Finale - S2EP31

Season 2 Finale - S2EP31

In the finale of season 2, we take time to look back at our favorite moments from the season, look forward to the SBC Annual Meeting and the launch of Northeastern Baptist Press, and continue to persevere through until season 3, coming this September.

May 30, 202119:21
Persevering through the Great Commission - S2EP30

Persevering through the Great Commission - S2EP30

For the Southern Baptist Convention to persevere, its churches and its members need to have a unified focus: reaching souls for Christ. Through evangelism, the SBC and its churches fulfill their commission as given by Christ, bringing people into the kingdom day by day. In today's episode, Dr. Ballard explores exactly how crucial evangelism is to the state and future of the SBC, as it carries the gospel message to the ends of the earth.

May 09, 202122:25
A Session with Mike Stone - S2EP29

A Session with Mike Stone - S2EP29

In today's special episode, Dr. Ballard hosts a Q&A session with SBC Presidential Candidate Pastor Mike Stone, where Pastor Stone fields questions about his vision for the future of the SBC. This is a rare chance to hear the heart of a potential President of the SBC, and learn more about the convention and its direction today.

May 02, 202101:20:46
Participating in the Southern Baptist Convention - S2EP28

Participating in the Southern Baptist Convention - S2EP28

As the 2021 Southern Baptist Convention in Nashville approaches, you may be wondering: "How do I participate?" In today's episode, Dr. Ballard explores what it means to participate in the SBC as a Messenger, representing your local church and making your voice heard.

Apr 18, 202124:00
Don't Be Weary in Well-doing - S2EP27

Don't Be Weary in Well-doing - S2EP27

Perseverance requires a lot of us, and it can be easy to doubt whether the fight is worthwhile. However, we have a great reward promised to us--if not in this world, then in the next. Today, Dr. Ballard looks to Galatians for this timeless truth, as well as discussing NEBC's 40 Days of Focused Prayer for the Future and the future of the SBC.

Apr 11, 202128:01
Happy Easter from Perspectives on Perseverance

Happy Easter from Perspectives on Perseverance

Our regular Perspectives on Perseverance is taking a break this week for Easter, but in the meantime we want to wish you a happy and blessed Resurrection Day!

Apr 04, 202100:29
Lion's Den #12 - S2EP26

Lion's Den #12 - S2EP26

In this special Lion's Den episode, Dr. Ballard responds to two hot-button issues facing the church today: how to minister to transgender individuals and what women's roles are according to the Scriptures.

Mar 28, 202142:19
Persevering Until the Rapture - S2EP25

Persevering Until the Rapture - S2EP25

Of all the parts of Christian belief where you can find hope, the rapture may not come to mind first. However, just as with Christ's return and the resurrection, the promises in Scripture surrounding the events of the rapture are truly glorious. With these promises in mind we can persevere through life, as Dr. Ballard illustrates today from 1 Thessalonians.

Mar 14, 202136:59
Persevering Because of the Resurrection - S2EP24

Persevering Because of the Resurrection - S2EP24

In the midst of the strife and pain of life, where can we find our hope? For one, we have Christ and His return; for another, we have the promise of our own resurrection. One day we will have incorruptible bodies, facing none of the trials of this earth as we spend eternity with the Lord. In today's episode, Dr. Ballard explores this wonderful truth, in how it gives us strength to persevere to the end.

Mar 07, 202131:48
Persevering Because Jesus Is Returning - S2EP23

Persevering Because Jesus Is Returning - S2EP23

Even when the world goes crazy and hope is hard to find, Christians can always trust in one glorious truth: Jesus will return. In this episode, Dr. Ballard explores the meaning and significance of Christ's promised return, with an eye towards how it gives us the strength to persevere to the end.

Feb 28, 202135:05
Praying and Obeying When Discouragement Comes - S2EP22

Praying and Obeying When Discouragement Comes - S2EP22

Even the great prophet Elijah faced discouragement when the world seemed against him, even with God on his side. Likewise, Christians today often face discouragement in the midst of a chaotic world. However, like Elijah we can overcome by praying and obeying God, as Dr. Ballard discusses in this episode.

Feb 21, 202135:28
Obeying God and Praying in Faith - S2EP21

Obeying God and Praying in Faith - S2EP21

Elijah was a man of great obedience to God, even while facing great adversity, but also a man who prayed in faith for the seemingly impossible. In today's episode, Dr. Ballard shows the lessons we can learn from Elijah's faithful obedience and prayer, as we face an uncertain world.

Feb 14, 202130:07
Lion's Den #11: Student Edition - S2EP20

Lion's Den #11: Student Edition - S2EP20

Today's Lion's Den is a special one: all the questions come from Northeastern Baptist College students! Some are serious, some are fun, but Dr. Ballard answers them all just the same.

Feb 07, 202130:00
Obeying God and Proclaiming His Name - S2EP19

Obeying God and Proclaiming His Name - S2EP19

Following God's commands can be hard, but telling others about Him can be even harder--especially when you have a hostile audience. The Prophet Elijah faced the extreme of this situation in 1 Kings, as Dr. Ballard discusses in today's podcast.

Jan 31, 202129:59
Our Obedience and God's Provision - S2EP18

Our Obedience and God's Provision - S2EP18

When times are uncertain, trusting God can be a difficult task. However, when we give God our obedience He will always provide, as Dr. Ballard explains in our new series out of 1 Kings.

Jan 24, 202126:48
Persevering in Days of Transition - S2EP17

Persevering in Days of Transition - S2EP17

In days of change and uncertainty, it's easy to forget where we find our security and lose ourselves in stress and worry. In today's episode, Dr. Ballard discusses how we should still find our safety and security in God no matter what happens in the world, trusting that He is still in control.

Jan 17, 202127:31
A Christmas Special - S2EP16

A Christmas Special - S2EP16

In this special Christmas episode, Dr. Ballard turns the tables on our Host, Joe, and our Producer, Tripper, asking them questions about their favorite Christmas traditions and memories, and lessons they've learned from Christmases past.

Dec 21, 202036:14
Christmas: The Season of Giving - S2EP15

Christmas: The Season of Giving - S2EP15

Christmas is not only a time of celebration of Jesus's birth, but a time to think of giving. In this episode, Dr. Ballard discusses how giving goes hand-in-hand with Christmastime, in expressing our generosity in light of God's gift of His Son.

Dec 13, 202025:07
When the 3 Institutions Conflict - S2EP14

When the 3 Institutions Conflict - S2EP14

We've learned about the 3 God-given institutions, now it's time to find out what to do when they come into conflict. In this episode, Dr. Ballard takes us through how we as Christians should respond when our obligations to the family, the government, and the church conflict, in keeping with God and His Word.

Dec 06, 202035:59
Our Responsibilities to the Church - S2EP13

Our Responsibilities to the Church - S2EP13

As Christians, we are part of the body of Christ; this means we all have a role to play. In today's podcast, Dr. Ballard discusses exactly what that means for each of us, in the responsibilities we have to be members of the church.

Nov 29, 202029:50
Lion's Den # 10 - S2EP12

Lion's Den # 10 - S2EP12

In our tenth special Lion's Den episode, Dr. Ballard fields listener-submitted questions, with an emphasis on Thanksgiving.

Nov 22, 202033:53
Our Responsibilities to the Family - S2EP11

Our Responsibilities to the Family - S2EP11

No matter our place in life, we all have a duty to the family. In this episode, Dr. Ballard explores our God-given responsibilities as spouses, parents, and children, working to glorify God through our example.

Nov 15, 202029:12
How Should Christians Respond to the Election? - S2EP10

How Should Christians Respond to the Election? - S2EP10

Election Day may have come and gone, but we're far from having all the answers. In the midst of this ongoing political uncertainty, President Ballard addresses how Christians should respond in faith.

Nov 08, 202029:59
Our Responsibilities to the Government - S2EP9

Our Responsibilities to the Government - S2EP9

As the election looms, we have to ask ourselves: what are our responsibilities to our countries as Christian citizens? In this episode, Dr. Ballard explores our duties to our government and our country according to God's Word, giving respect to both earthly and divine authority.

Nov 01, 202032:54
Lion's Den #9 - S2EP8

Lion's Den #9 - S2EP8

In our ninth edition of Lion's Den, Dr. Ballard responds to viewer questions on why churches should remain in the SBC, and how a Christian should vote according to his or her biblical values.

Oct 25, 202031:31
The Third Institution: The Church - S2EP7

The Third Institution: The Church - S2EP7

After the family and government, the next institution given by God is the church itself. Today, Dr. Ballard explores church's foundation by God, its function on earth, and its future in the Kingdom.

Oct 18, 202034:48
The Second Institution: Government - S2EP6

The Second Institution: Government - S2EP6

After creating the family, God established the second institution: government. In this episode, Dr. Ballard explores how government was established by God, its functions on earth, and how we live as citizens under it.

Oct 11, 202024:34
The First Institution: The Home - S2EP5

The First Institution: The Home - S2EP5

When God created mankind, He created with it the first institution: the family. In this episode, Dr. Ballard looks to Genesis for answers on what the family is, its roles in the world, and why it is the underpinning of all of society.

Oct 04, 202026:45
Lion's Den #8 - S2EP4

Lion's Den #8 - S2EP4

For our eighth special Lion's Den episode, Dr. Ballard answers questions about when it's appropriate to leave a church, how to have more consistent quiet times, and more details about his latest book, Words Matter.

Sep 27, 202036:19
What Does it Mean to Be a Citizen? - S2EP3

What Does it Mean to Be a Citizen? - S2EP3

God's people have always faced tension between their responsibilities as citizens on earth and as citizens of God's kingdom. To help us understand this balance, Dr. Ballard looks in depth at Jesus's own statement on the subject, of rendering to God what is God's and Caesar's what is Caesar's.

Sep 19, 202025:17
How Are We Victorious in Christ? - S2EP2

How Are We Victorious in Christ? - S2EP2

Oftentimes, life feels like one defeat after another. However, in Christ we have ultimate victory, no matter what life throws at us.

Sep 13, 202026:34
Words Matter: What Is the Gospel? - S2EP1

Words Matter: What Is the Gospel? - S2EP1

In our Season 2 premier, Dr. Ballard introduces us to his latest book, Words Matter: What Is the Gospel? In this book he seeks to explain what the gospel truly is, but equally important, what it is not. 

Sep 06, 202017:48
Season 1 Finale - Week 30

Season 1 Finale - Week 30

In our final episode of season 1, Dr. Ballard looks back at subjects we've covered and looks forward to season 2, beginning September 6th, 2020.

May 17, 202014:16
Does Text-Driven Preaching Matter? - Week 29

Does Text-Driven Preaching Matter? - Week 29

This week, Dr. Ballard explores various preaching styles, concluding that text-driven and expositional preaching stands above the rest.

May 10, 202024:03
Lion's Den #7 - Week 28

Lion's Den #7 - Week 28

In our next edition of Lion's Den, Dr. Ballard answers questions on how to evangelize during the quarantine, resist sin, and love others as God does.

May 03, 202028:08
Does Interpretation Still Matter? - Week 27

Does Interpretation Still Matter? - Week 27

This week, Dr. Ballard explores why our method of interpreting Scripture still matters, for how we understand the meaning of the Bible and our faith.

Apr 26, 202030:33
Does the Church Still Matter? - Week 26

Does the Church Still Matter? - Week 26

This week, Dr. Ballard addresses why the church is still important today, both theologically and for believers.

Apr 19, 202021:06
Persevering in Suffering - Week 25

Persevering in Suffering - Week 25

In today's Easter episode, Dr. Ballard looks to the resurrected Christ as our hope in the midst of suffering, even through the COVID-19 crisis.

Apr 12, 202016:38
Lion's Den 6 - Week 24

Lion's Den 6 - Week 24

In this edition of Lion's Den, Dr. Ballard answers questions about how to pastor in the midst of a pandemic, how to mentor someone whose spiritual growth has stalled, and what it means to be called to ministry.

Apr 05, 202027:36
Persevering Financially in the Midst of Crisis - Week 23

Persevering Financially in the Midst of Crisis - Week 23

In another special episode covering the ongoing COVID-19 virus, Dr. Ballard explores how we should keep our faith in times of financial struggle, trusting the God who provides for all our needs.

Mar 29, 202020:08
Responding to Fear in Unprecedented Times - Week 22

Responding to Fear in Unprecedented Times - Week 22

As we face the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 virus, Dr. Ballard explains the biblical approach to handling fear, being lights in the world in uncertain times.

Mar 22, 202027:45
Does Being a "Baptist" Still Matter? - Week 21

Does Being a "Baptist" Still Matter? - Week 21

This week, Dr. Ballard explores why the title of "Baptist" still matters in the 21st century church.

Mar 15, 202020:56
Lion's Den 5 - Week 20

Lion's Den 5 - Week 20

In our fifth special Lion's Den episode, Dr. Ballard fields questions on how to disagree with fellow believers, the struggles of time management, and what spiritual revival truly looks like.

Mar 08, 202023:37
Does Baptism Still Matter? - Week 19

Does Baptism Still Matter? - Week 19

This week, Dr. Ballard discusses why baptism is a crucial subject in the church, in identifying with Christ and the church body.

Mar 02, 202027:32
What Dictionary Do You Use? - Week 18

What Dictionary Do You Use? - Week 18

This week, Dr. Ballard discusses the importance of making sure that we're using the same dictionary as others when discussing the gospel and Christianity, understanding and expressing our terms and what we believe.

Feb 24, 202019:29
Introducing the Conservative Baptist Network! - Week 17

Introducing the Conservative Baptist Network! - Week 17

This week, Dr. Ballard answers the question: What IS the Conservative Baptist Network, why does it exist, and what does it believe?

Feb 19, 202017:17
Lion's Den 4 - Week 16

Lion's Den 4 - Week 16

In this week's Perspectives on Perseverance podcast, Dr. Ballard fields questions from our listeners covering the practical, the biblical, and the theological.

Feb 09, 202019:50
The Fight for Biblical Inerrancy - Week 15

The Fight for Biblical Inerrancy - Week 15

This week, Dr. Ballard discusses the importance of holding to complete biblical inerrancy, persevering for truth against all opposition.

Feb 03, 202021:15
The State of the Church - Week 14

The State of the Church - Week 14

This week, Dr. Ballard discusses his latest upcoming book, about the state of the evangelical church and where it stands and is going in the 21st century.

Jan 26, 202018:18
You Are Never Alone! - Week 13

You Are Never Alone! - Week 13

This week, Dr. Ballard explores how God will always be with His faithful followers as they persevere through their trials, such as He was with the prophet Jeremiah in Israel's darkest days. 

Jan 19, 202024:50