In this enlightening episode of the Radiant Mission Podcast, host Rebecca Twomey and her husband, Michael Twomey, engage in a deeply personal and heartfelt discussion about the transformative power of faith. Recorded in the comfort of their dining room, still adorned with decorations from their daughter’s birthday, the episode delves into various challenges they have faced, including spiritual warfare, a mysterious illness that may be a new COVID variant, and details of Mike’s faith journey.
The episode begins with Rebecca introducing Michael, who shares his testimony as part of their series on the goodness of God. Listeners are taken through Mike’s personal faith journey, from his Catholic upbringing to the redemptive power of faith that reshaped their lives. Michael opens up about his past struggles with pornography and how Christ’s teachings helped him overcome these difficulties. The couple also discusses the contrasts between Catholic and non-denominational church experiences, emphasizing that sharing their real, imperfect stories can inspire others to find grace and redemption in their own lives.
Throughout the episode, Rebecca and Michael reflect on pivotal moments that solidified their faith, such as their encounter with “Tony the water guy,” who reminded them of the importance of adhering to the core principles of their beliefs. They discuss spiritual milestones, the significance of prayer, and the dangers of modern-day temptations. The episode concludes with a powerful reading from Matthew, chapter 7, encouraging listeners to choose the narrow gate that leads to life.
The Journey to Finding Faith
Michael reflects on his upbringing in a “legalistic” Catholic environment, where numerous rules and rituals, such as attending confession and not eating meat on Fridays during Lent, were emphasized. The discussion highlights the contrast between outward appearances at church and the deeper, often hidden struggles everyone faces. The podcast underscores the importance of sharing real, imperfect stories to encourage and relate to others on their own faith journeys.
Rebecca and Michael also explore the contrasting experiences of attending Catholic and non-denominational churches. They reflect on the sense of holiness and tradition found in Catholic services, with their Gregorian chants and majestic cathedrals, versus the more flexible, auditorium-like settings of many non-denominational churches. The discussion highlights the strengths and shortcomings of both traditions, such as the personal relationship with Christ emphasized in Protestantism and the rich, structured rituals in Catholicism. Ultimately they determine that the setting is insignificant because a personal relationship with Yahweh is what is most important.
Overcoming Challenges Through Faith
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the influences and lack of boundaries during youth, leading to early exposure to pornography and its normalization. Michael shares his candid experiences, touching on the perceived harmlessness of such behavior and the absence of guidance. The transformative power of faith, particularly the teachings of Christ in Matthew about lust, brings a newfound understanding of sin and personal accountability. The conversation reflects on the profound impact of reading the gospel, the realization of God’s personal call to each individual, and the comforting notion that no one is insignificant in God’s eyes.
The episode continues with a reflection on their journey of faith, starting from the tumultuous early days of their relationship when neither of them were on a clear spiritual path. They discuss how positive influences, particularly from family, and significant life events such as marriage and parenthood, began to steer them towards a stronger faith. Rebecca and Michael recall moving out of Connecticut and the earnest prayers for guidance that marked a pivotal moment in their spiritual lives. Additionally, Mike shares a personal story about overcoming a period of atheism and the role of academic debates in rekindling belief.
A Transformative Encounter
A profound experience that deeply impacted Mike’s faith is recounted towards the end of the episode. While shopping for a water softener system, they encountered a salesman who shared an unsettling story about his spiritual journey. He claimed to have heard a voice instructing him that being good was all that mattered and that Jesus didn’t need to die for our sins. This statement struck Mike to his core, challenging his faith and the gospel. It reaffirmed his belief that the essence of his faith is that Jesus sacrificed His life for our salvation. This encounter was so significant that he immediately canceled the water system order, and the salesman later returned to apologize. This experience reinforced the importance of adhering to the core principles of their faith.
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The Radiant Mission Podcast | Episode 98
Host: Rebecca Twomey @theradiantmission
Guest: Michael Twomey
Thank you for listening to The Radiant Mission podcast! We are on a mission to encourage and inspire you on your walk with Christ and as you journey through life.
In Episode 98 we hear from Mike Twomey who shares his testimony of finding Jesus amidst his struggles and imperfections, including his battle to overcome pornography.
Bible Verses Mentioned:
- The Book of Matthew
- Matthew 7:13-14
Resources:
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