
Back to Rurality
TJ Freeman
Why did God pick you to glorify Him in the middle of nowhere -- and how are you supposed to do it?
Join rural pastor, TJ Freeman, each week as he explores why your life in a town no one ever heard of matters. He'll tackle tough questions like how to get through suffering, what to do if you don't like reading the Bible, and how to fight a life-dominating sin.
Back to Rurality is meant to help you take the next step toward becoming a healthy Christian -- in the middle of nowhere!
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Top 10 Back to Rurality Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Back to Rurality episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Back to Rurality for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Back to Rurality episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
![Back to Rurality - Is This Verse of the Day Enough? [29]](https://storage.buzzsprout.com/5a85hm4abxse9pscsl08wyz60fvz?.avif)
Is This Verse of the Day Enough? [29]
Back to Rurality
11/27/24 • 26 min
Host: TJ Freeman
Summary: In this episode of the podcast, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, addresses the challenge many Christians face of not regularly engaging with the Bible. He shares personal stories of his own struggles and how finding a different translation helped him understand Scripture better. TJ emphasizes the importance of prioritizing time for Bible reading, offers practical tips for integrating it into a busy schedule, and explains the benefits of deep engagement with God's Word.
Key Points:
- Reading the Bible as a Chore: Many Christians go through seasons where reading the Bible is easier and others where it feels like a while since we’ve spent time with the Lord. Even though it’s a hard truth to stomach, many times this is because we are not rightly prioritizing time in the Word. We need to remember that spending time in the Word is more important than lots of things we do in a day.
- Why it’s Worth it: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says that the Word is profitable for us. We can know that reading the Bible will only benefit us! It teaches reproofs, corrects, and trains us in righteousness. Since God created us, we can only be whole if we are spending time with Him in His Word. The more we read, the more we are equipped to live like Christ.
- How to Read the Bible: Commit to more than just reading one verse or chapter a day and just being done with it. Read it, draw some observations from it, try to interpret it, find some applications to your own life, and then pray through that text. Start with a smaller portion of Scripture and spend some time really reflecting on it.
Listener Takeaways:
- Pick up a translation of the Bible that you understand. If you can’t understand what you’re reading well, you will have a hard time meditating on it. Sometimes we need to read a different translation to help us get into the Word more. Study notes can also be an aid in our understanding of the Bible.
- When you sit down to read God’s Word, take a second to pray and ask the Lord to help you understand it. Ask also that it would transform your heart and mind.
- Go back to episode four of this podcast to hear more about how to read the Bible!
Connect with Us:
- Website: backtorurality.com
- Social Media: Facebook
- Email: [email protected]
![Back to Rurality - Should You Listen to Christian Radio? [28]](https://storage.buzzsprout.com/5a85hm4abxse9pscsl08wyz60fvz?.avif)
Should You Listen to Christian Radio? [28]
Back to Rurality
11/20/24 • 28 min
Host: TJ Freeman
Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, delves into whether Christians should listen to Christian radio. He shares that we should listen to songs, radio hosts, and radio preaching with discernment. TJ also shares some helpful examples through his own experience with radio. If you feel like this might be a silly question to ask, this episode is for you!
Key Points:
- Avoiding Emotionalism: When TJ started listening to Christian radio, he really enjoyed it and it became a source of encouragement to him. Things started to take a turn when TJ started to rely more on the radio than his time in God’s Word and prayer with the Lord.
- The Purpose of Songs: We see in Colossians 3:16 that God means to use songs to form us and shape us to be more like his son. It is a good thing when the songs we’re hearing are helping us meditate on things that are true to the Word of God. It is bad when we are listening to songs that are singing untrue things about God.
- Benefits of Christian Radio: Rural people who may not have access to a grand theological library or a counseling center, can have access to fantastic sermons and other resources from their cars or own living rooms! You can have these resources right when you may need them, especially when you’re having a tough day. Listening to Christian radio also helps us connect us to the broader church. It is good to hear from Christians outside of our little bubbles whether that be missionaries or pastors from different parts of the world.
- Shallow Theology: Christians should be careful when they listen to Christian Radio because often times the songs or artists can have wrong or just shallow theology. We need to remember that the songs we listen to shape our thoughts and our worship, so be careful and use discernment.
Listener Takeaways:
- When you are listening to the radio, ask yourself if this is helping you understand what the Bible says? Use discernment when listening to songs or sermons on the radio. Don’t just trust the artists because they’re on the radio!
- Don’t let Christian radio be your only source of encouragement. It should not be a replacement for your relationship with the Lord. Prioritize time in the Word and time in prayer.
- Consider listening to some older hymns every one and awhile for some deep and profound songs. These hymns are often also written by people who we can know were trustworthy Christians. Let some older saints come alongside you in worship!
Connect with Us:
- Website: backtorurality.com
- Social Media: Facebook
- Email: [email protected]
![Back to Rurality - When God Feels Distant [35]](https://storage.buzzsprout.com/5a85hm4abxse9pscsl08wyz60fvz?.avif)
When God Feels Distant [35]
Back to Rurality
02/26/25 • 17 min
Host: TJ Freeman
Summary: In this episode of 'Back to Rurality,' host TJ Freeman discusses the sense of isolation that can come from living in rural areas and how it can make you feel distant from God. TJ is joined by guest CJ Dematitis, who shares his journey from an urban upbringing in D.C. and Baltimore to finding God glorifying ministry in rural Pennsylvania. They explore the challenges and blessings of rural life, emphasizing the importance of Scripture, community, and sitting under good preaching in deepening one's faith. CJ recounts how God's creation and supportive friends helped him feel less isolated and helped him grow more spiritually. They explain the need for expositional preaching and reliance on God's Word, encouraging listeners to seek out a healthy church.
Connect with Us:
- Website: backtorurality.com
- Social Media: Facebook
- Email: [email protected]
![Back to Rurality - What’s the Deal with Spiritual Gifts? – Rural Reset 6/21 [8]](https://storage.buzzsprout.com/5a85hm4abxse9pscsl08wyz60fvz?.avif)
What’s the Deal with Spiritual Gifts? – Rural Reset 6/21 [8]
Back to Rurality
07/01/24 • 23 min
Host: TJ Freeman
Summary: In this episode of 'Back to Rurality,' TJ Freeman discusses spiritual gifts, their importance, and how to identify and use them effectively. He emphasizes that every Christian has unique spiritual gifts meant to glorify God and build up the church.
Key Points:
- One Body, Many Parts: In Romans 12 we read that the church is one unified body made up by many different parts. Each part has their own vital gifting to serve the church. The church is dependent on one another.
- The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts: God has granted each Christian spiritual giftings not so they can show them off, or take pride in them, but so that they can build up the body of Christ. Spiritual gifts are meant to be used to aid one's fellow church members.
- The Joy of Spiritual Gifts: Spiritual gifts are not a burden or an unwanted responsibility. They are gifts meant to pass on to others. God made the church to find their joy in Him and one of the best ways to experience this joy is to serve others.
Listener Takeaways:
- Don't rely on spiritual gift tests, instead consider one's abilities, desires and one's church's needs, and use those to actively serve and engage within the local church community.
- Try not to fall into the temptation to be a "Lone Ranger" Christian. Christians are meant to be interdependent on one another.
Connect with Us:
- Website: backtorurality.com
- Social Media: Facebook
![Back to Rurality - How to Know if a Church is a Good One – Rural Reset 13/21 [15]](https://storage.buzzsprout.com/5a85hm4abxse9pscsl08wyz60fvz?.avif)
How to Know if a Church is a Good One – Rural Reset 13/21 [15]
Back to Rurality
08/19/24 • 16 min
Host: TJ Freeman
Summary: This episode of the Back to Rurality podcast, hosted by TJ Freeman, focuses on how to wisely invest in a local church, especially in rural areas where options may be limited. Freeman acknowledges the challenges of finding a healthy church and discusses the pitfalls of approaching church selection with a consumerist mindset.
Key Points:
- The Problem of a Consumerist Mindset: Freeman addresses that choosing a church based on their friendliness, look, music selection, or any other nonessential reason is not how to pick a good church home.
- Understanding and Teaching the Gospel: If a church does not proclaim the truth of the Gospel it is not a church. If the truths of the gospel are not taught regularly and believed by the members then it is not a church worth investing in.
- Faithfully Preaching the Word: The pastor does not have to be the next Charles Spurgeon, but he does need to open his Bible and teach the congregation the best he can the emphasis of the text.
- Administering Sacraments Regularly: The church needs to take part in regular baptism and the Lord's Supper. The regularity can vary, but the church is required to have them.
Listener Takeaways:
- Just go visit a church. If it meets the three qualifications talk about here, then go to membership class and try to get to know the members.
- Listen as carefully to the preaching as you expect the pastor to be preaching.
- Pray and ask the Lord to grow your church in other healthy ways.
Connect with Us:
- Website: backtorurality.com
- Social Media: Facebook
![Back to Rurality - Why Am I So Overwhelmed? [32]](https://storage.buzzsprout.com/5a85hm4abxse9pscsl08wyz60fvz?.avif)
Why Am I So Overwhelmed? [32]
Back to Rurality
01/29/25 • 18 min
Host: TJ Freeman
Summary: In this episode, rural pastor TJ Freeman addresses the exhaustion and struggles many face in their daily lives. He brings encouragement through Revelation chapter 7, emphasizing that faithfulness amidst challenges is not in vain. He likens life to assembling a puzzling and reveals that scripture provides a clear vision of the ultimate picture. TJ reassures Christians of the future victory in Christ and the importance of prioritizing our relationship with Christ over other things in our life.
Connect with Us:
- Website: backtorurality.com
- Social Media: Facebook
- Email: [email protected]
![Back to Rurality - The Danger of Fake Worship [37]](https://storage.buzzsprout.com/5a85hm4abxse9pscsl08wyz60fvz?.avif)
The Danger of Fake Worship [37]
Back to Rurality
03/12/25 • 10 min
Host: TJ Freeman
Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman addresses the struggles of being open and authentic in a small-town church. He shares the story of Ananias and Sapphira from Acts to illustrate the dangers of faking external appearances while hiding inner struggles. TJ emphasizes the importance of authenticity, transparency, and building genuine relationships within the church. This episode encourages rural Christians to be real, support each other, and work towards establishing healthy, vibrant churches.
Connect with Us:
- Website: backtorurality.com
- Social Media: Facebook
- Email: [email protected]
![Back to Rurality - Do You Know How to Love God? - Rural Reset 1/21 [3]](https://storage.buzzsprout.com/5a85hm4abxse9pscsl08wyz60fvz?.avif)
Do You Know How to Love God? - Rural Reset 1/21 [3]
Back to Rurality
05/23/24 • 31 min
Episode Description:
In this episode, Pastor TJ Freeman addresses common struggles Christians face in their relationship with God, such as finding Bible reading unengaging, experiencing a stagnant prayer life, and feeling disconnected during church services. He offers practical advice on rekindling a love for God, drawing from personal experiences and scriptural insights. Join us as we simplify and refocus our spiritual walk to foster a deeper, more meaningful connection with the Lord.
Key Discussion Points:
- Admitting Struggles in Faith:
- Common frustrations in a Christian's walk with the Lord.
- Feeling disconnected from the Bible and prayer.
- Challenges in Bible Reading:
- The Bible feeling outdated or irrelevant.
- Overwhelmed by complex passages and long lists.
- Time constraints and lack of excitement.
- Difficulties in Prayer Life:
- Feeling like prayers are unheard or ineffective.
- Comparing oneself to others' seemingly eloquent prayers.
- Forgetting to pray or lacking meaningful prayer time.
- Engagement in Church:
- Struggling to stay focused during sermons.
- Not feeling emotionally connected to worship music.
- Kids' reluctance to attend church.
- Simplifying and Refocusing:
- Clearing the clutter to start fresh in your spiritual walk.
- Emphasizing the basics of Christian faith in rural settings.
- Loving God:
- Jesus' greatest commandment: Loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:34-38).
- Understanding love as a choice and an active effort.
- Learning to love God despite struggles, trials, and past experiences.
- Transformation through Renewal:
- The role of renewing your mind in spiritual transformation (Romans 12:1-2).
- Loving what God loves and hating what He hates.
- Actively engaging in transforming thoughts and behaviors to align with God's will.
- Practical Steps:
- Addressing negative thoughts and cultivating positive ones.
- Embracing difficult circumstances and people with Christ-like love.
- Memorizing and meditating on key scriptures to renew your mind.
Conclusion:
- Encouragement to embrace the basics of loving God and renewing your mind.
- Emphasizing that transformation is a collaborative process between God's power and our active participation.
Scripture References:
- Matthew 22:34-38: Jesus' teaching on the greatest commandment.
- Romans 12:1-2: The call to be transformed by the renewal of your mind.
Call to Action:
- Reflect on your current relationship with God.
- Take practical steps to renew your mind and rekindle your love for God.
- Engage actively in your spiritual growth for the benefit of your soul, community, and the glory of God.
Subscribe and Follow:
- Stay updated with new episodes by subscribing to our podcast.
- Follow us on social media for more encouragement and resources.
![Back to Rurality - Should I be Afraid to Take Communion? – Rural Reset 18/21 [20]](https://storage.buzzsprout.com/5a85hm4abxse9pscsl08wyz60fvz?.avif)
Should I be Afraid to Take Communion? – Rural Reset 18/21 [20]
Back to Rurality
09/23/24 • 17 min
Host: TJ Freeman
Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, delves into the concerns and misunderstandings surrounding the Lord's Supper. He explores who should partake in it, the meaning behind the practice, and how it should be a joyous, communal act for believers.
Key Points:
- Who is Communion For? Communion is for believers. We are taking the Lord's Supper together, placing our hope in work of Christ, instead of our own works. It is also for believers gathered together in local churches, not 'lone-ranger' Christians.
- What is Communion For? Communion is like an ongoing Baptism. It is a symbolic reminder of our need for Christ. Just as God made us have a need for food, we have a need to go to him again and again.
Listener Takeaways:
- Run to communion table with Joy. Praise the God who saved you.
- If you feel burdened by your sin, so much so that you feel as if you cannot take the Lord's Supper, talk with your pastor. Remember that communion is a reminder of all of our need for God's grace.
- When you take the Lord's Supper, look to three things. Look back to the sacrifice that Christ made. Look around you to the people taking the supper with you. Lastly, look forward, in hope, to the supper feast of the lamb!
Connect with Us:
- Website: backtorurality.com
- Social Media: Facebook
![Back to Rurality - Why God Wants YOU in the Middle of Nowhere [1]](https://storage.buzzsprout.com/5a85hm4abxse9pscsl08wyz60fvz?.avif)
Why God Wants YOU in the Middle of Nowhere [1]
Back to Rurality
05/22/24 • 21 min
In this introductory episode, rural pastor TJ Freeman explores the significance of living and glorifying God in remote areas. TJ shares personal anecdotes and biblical insights, discussing the challenges and spiritual opportunities unique to small-town life. He emphasizes the importance of healthy churches and strong Christian communities in rural settings. Join TJ as he delves into the purpose and impact of living for God's glory, no matter where you are.
Key Points:
- Living and glorifying God in rural areas
- Personal journey from city life to rural pastoring
- The biblical foundation for spreading God's glory
- Challenges of maintaining a healthy church in small towns
Tune in for an inspiring discussion on embracing God's plan, even in the middle of nowhere.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Back to Rurality have?
Back to Rurality currently has 39 episodes available.
What topics does Back to Rurality cover?
The podcast is about Counseling, Sin, Religion & Spirituality, God, Podcasts, Marriage, Jesus, Church, Bible and Christian.
What is the most popular episode on Back to Rurality?
The episode title 'Does a Verse a Day Keep the Devil Away? – Rural Reset 4/21 [6]' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Back to Rurality?
The average episode length on Back to Rurality is 21 minutes.
How often are episodes of Back to Rurality released?
Episodes of Back to Rurality are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Back to Rurality?
The first episode of Back to Rurality was released on May 22, 2024.
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