Impact Nations Podcast

Mercy Aiken: Genocide in Gaza, The Truth About the West Bank & What the Church Must Do This week on the Impact Nations Podcast, Mercy Aiken joins Tim to unpack her recent travels across Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. A peace advocate and frontline relief coordinator, Mercy shares stories of hope, heartbreak, and what it truly means to follow Jesus into places of deep conflict and injustice. Highlights from the episode: 🎯 Learn more: https://impactnations.com/relief-gaza 📝 Read Mercy’s blog: https://mercysubstack.substack.com New episodes every Thursday. Subscribe now and join the conversation. #ImpactNations #GazaCrisis #MercyAiken #ChristianJustice #BiblicalPeacemaking #GazaRelief #Palestine #WestBank #JesusAndJustice #OldTestamentViolence #LoveYourEnemies #PeaceCatalyst #ChurchAndPolitics #SubstackVoices

Annabelle Nakibiri Ssebakijje: Rescuing Girls, Raising Leaders, and Growing a Farm This week on the Impact Nations Podcast, Tim is joined by his dear friend and longtime partner, Annabelle Nakibiri Ssebakijje, director of The Remnant Generation in Uganda. For over 10 years, Annabelle has led a movement to rescue vulnerable girls from abuse and abandonment, offering them dignity, healing, and a future. Together, Tim and Annabelle explore: Learn more at: https://theremnantgeneration.org Subscribe for new episodes every Thursday. #ImpactNations #AnnabelleNakibiri #TheRemnantGeneration #Leadership #HopeCityFarm #ChristianMissions #WomenInMinistry #FaithInAction #RescueAndRestore #ChristianLeadership

Christian Nationalism, Nonviolence & the Justice of God This week on the Impact Nations Podcast, Tim is joined by author and theologian Dr. Bradley Jersak to explore the Kingdom of God as a nonviolent revolution of love. They discuss violent prophetic imagery in Isaiah, the dangers of Christian Nationalism, and what justice really looks like in the light of Jesus. Bradley reflects on his own journey—from Baptist pastor to Principal of St. Stephen’s University—and shares why SSU is reimagining theological education around peace, justice, and mercy. Topics include: 👉 Learn more about SSU: https://www.ssu.ca 👉 Get Bradley’s books: https://bradleyjersak.com/books 🎧 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations every Thursday. #BradleyJersak #ImpactNations #RestorativeJustice #StStephensUniversity #ChristianNationalism #KingdomOfGod #TheologyPodcast #BiblicalJustice #JesusIsKing #NonviolentGospel

Summer Series 2025 From the Slums to the CEO's Chair: Emmanuel Trinity’s Incredible Journey What happens when one computer, one mentor, and one surrendered heart collide with a God-sized vision? This week on the Impact Nations Podcast, Tim sits down with longtime partner and friend, Emmanuel Trinity, founder of ERA92—a dynamic, faith-driven social enterprise in Uganda that is transforming entire communities through tech training, discipleship, and business innovation. Born into poverty in one of Kampala’s most dangerous slums, Trinity’s story is one of breathtaking redemption. From surviving gang life and losing childhood friends to violence, to landing a job with Coca-Cola—and walking away from it all just six months later to return to the slums and serve—Trinity has dedicated his life to helping others escape the very darkness he once knew. In this powerful conversation, you’ll hear: ERA92 Elevatereal"Choose Africa"This is more than a story of transformation—it’s a masterclass in redemptive leadership, innovation, and Kingdom impact. 🔗 Learn more about Trinity’s work: https://era92.com 📧 Interested in visiting Uganda with Impact Nations? Email Tim at tim@impactnations.com

Steve is busy preparing a few more episodes of our Road To The Cross series. Meanwhile, Tim will spend the next two months interviewing interesting people for your viewing pleasure. Starting August 7th, guests will include: • Dr. Bradley Jersak (Principal of St Stephen’s University) • Mercy Aiken (Expert on the West Bank and Gaza) • Emmanuel Trinity (African Entrepreneur and Impact Nations Partner) • Marc Alan Schelske (Author of “Journaling for Spiritual Growth”) • Murray Dueck and Tricia Warren (Hosts of the Samuel’s Mantle podcast) • Annabelle Nakabiri Ssebakijje (International speaker on protecting women, Impact Nations Partner) • Dr. Cherith Nordling (Theologian, Author of “Knowing God by Name”) • Randeep Matthews (Theologian, Expert in demonology) • and more! We don’t know what order these guests will appear in, so tune in each week for a great surprise! 🎧 Listen to the full series at: https://impactnations.com/podcast 🌍 Learn more about the mission: https://impactnations.com ❤️ Become a Monthly Giving Champion: https://impactnations.com/give-monthly

The resurrection is just about life after death—it's about ultimate transformation. In this episode we discuss the resurrection of Jesus. Highlights include: • Why did Jesus' resurrected body still have wounds? • Why didn't his disciples recognize Him? • How does Christ's resurrection give us hope for our own restoration in the here and now? • What does the resurrection say about the promise of new creation? 🎧 Listen to the full series at: https://impactnations.com/podcast 🌍 Learn more about the mission: https://impactnations.com ❤️ Become a Monthly Giving Champion: https://impactnations.com/give-monthly

What happened between the cross and the resurrection? Why does it matter? In this episode we explore one of the most mysterious—and neglected—moments in the story of salvation: Christ’s descent into Hades. Highlights include: 🎧 Listen to the full series at: https://impactnations.com/podcast 🌍 Learn more about the mission: https://impactnations.com ❤️ Become a Monthly Giving Champion: https://impactnations.com/give-monthly

What if the story of the Cross was never about satisfying a wrathful God, but about defeating the very forces that hold humanity in bondage? In this episode, Tim and Steve unpack the ancient view of the atonement known as Christus Victor—the belief that through Jesus’ death and resurrection, sin, death, and Satan were overthrown once and for all. They explore how this early church understanding offers a cosmic perspective of salvation, rooted not in guilt and punishment but in liberation and restoration. Along the way, they revisit the teachings of Irenaeus and Pelagius, challenging centuries-old assumptions and rediscovering the triumphant love revealed at Calvary. Highlights: Christus Victor🎧 Listen to the full series at: https://impactnations.com/podcast 🌍 Learn more about the mission: https://impactnations.com ❤️ Become a Monthly Giving Champion: https://impactnations.com/give-monthly

For centuries, the dominant explanation for the cross in Western Christianity has been rooted in retribution—Jesus taking the punishment we deserved. Is that really the whole story? Does it reflect the true heart of God? In this episode we trace the historical development of the Penal Substitutionary Atonement theory. How did theology, empire, and culture combine to shape a view of God that is more violent than loving? Is it time for a different lens? If this episode challenges or encourages you, drop a comment and share it with a friend. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation! 🎧 Listen to the full series at: https://impactnations.com/podcast 🌍 Learn more about the mission: https://impactnations.com ❤️ Become a Monthly Giving Champion: https://impactnations.com/give-monthly

This week on The Road to the Cross, Tim and Steve dive into one of the most influential ideas in Western Christianity: original sin. How did a fifth-century theory by Augustine come to dominate our understanding of salvation, the cross, and even our identity? Tracing the theology from Eden to empire, they uncover a progression that reshaped how many Christians understand God's character—introducing fear, shame, and legalism into what was meant to be good news. 📌 Highlights include: This is Part 1 of a two-part exploration of atonement theories—don’t miss next week’s episode as we examine Christus Victor. 💡 If you’ve ever felt like the gospel was more about shame than restoration, this conversation is for you. 🌐 Learn more or support our mission: impactnations.com

This week on The Road to the Cross, Tim travels to Canada to sit down with theologian and author Bradley Jersak for a powerful conversation about cruciform love—the kind of love revealed on the cross that lays down power, enters our suffering, and forgives without limits. Together, they unpack what it means for Jesus to be self-giving, radically forgiving, and co-suffering—and how this shapes the way we pray, lead others, and share the gospel. With compelling stories, theological depth, and practical insights, this episode is a heartfelt invitation to reimagine what love really looks like when it’s shaped by the cross. 📌 Highlights: This is one of our most intimate and revealing conversations yet—don’t miss it. 🔗 Learn more or donate at impactnations.com

Is the cross only about personal forgiveness—or is there something far more expansive at work? In this powerful solo episode, Tim unpacks the breathtaking truth that the cross marked the beginning of God’s cosmic restoration—the healing of all creation, systems, and humanity itself. Drawing from early church fathers and N.T. Wright, he reclaims a gospel that is not about escaping this world, but restoring it. 💡 Discover what it means to live as an image-bearer in a broken world. ❤️‍🔥 Embrace a gospel that transforms everything. 👇 Watch now, and don’t forget to: ✔️ Like ✔️ Comment ✔️ Subscribe ✔️ Share with a friend hungry for deeper truth. 🌍 Learn how you can bring restoration to the poor at https://www.impactnations.com #CosmicRestoration #KingdomOfGod #NTWright #RestorativeJustice #ImpactNations #GospelOfTheKingdom #JesusRestoresAllThings #NewCreation #CruciformLove

In this week’s episode, Tim and Steve dive deep into two of the most powerful biblical images: the scapegoat and the Passover lamb. From ancient rituals in Leviticus to the prophetic imagery of Jesus in the Gospels, they explore how Christ takes on the blame of the world and offers a way of healing and peace instead of violence and accusation. You’ll hear about: 🎧 Whether you’re new to the conversation or a long-time listener, this episode will challenge you to see the cross through fresh eyes—and call you to live out its radical implications. 🙌 Subscribe and share the podcast—help us spread this message of hope, healing, and transformation. 📍 New episodes drop every Thursday. #Scapegoat #Passover #LambOfGod #Atonement #JesusDiedForUs #FaithAndCulture #ImpactNations #PodcastMinistry #ChristianityExplored #KingdomJustice #Buzzsprout

What if the cross is about more than personal forgiveness? In this episode, Tim takes us deep into the heart of Cosmic Restoration—the idea that Jesus’ death and resurrection began the healing of all things: creation, communities, and every broken part of our world. It's a powerful vision of the gospel that calls us to join the work of renewal right now. 🎧 Don’t miss this thought-provoking episode of The Road to the Cross. 📌 Subscribe, share the episode, and visit impactnations.com to learn how you can be part of Kingdom transformation. #CrossAndRestoration #ChristTheRestorer #FaithInAction #ImpactNations #BuzzsproutFaith #GospelTransformation

From Eden to Calvary—one story, two trees, and a promise fulfilled. In Episode 11 of The Road to the Cross, Steve and Tim explore the deep spiritual connection between the two trees in the Garden of Eden and the cross of Christ. Through rich theology, church history, and personal reflection, they unpack how the cross doesn't just echo Eden—it rewrites the story. You’ll discover: deificationThis episode invites you to revisit your origin, rediscover your identity, and reimagine the cross as the gateway back to paradise—and forward into new creation. 📖 Want to go deeper? Pursuing the Mystery of ChristSubscribe and share the podcast—help us spread this message of radical hope.

"Father, forgive them..." From the cross, Jesus spoke seven final phrases—each one rich with meaning, mercy, and mystery. In Episode 10 of The Road to the Cross, Steve and Tim explore the seven sayings of Jesus at the crucifixion. These last words reveal the fullness of His love: words of forgiveness for His enemies, compassion for His mother, welcome to a thief, and a bold proclamation that “It is finished.” Why did Jesus quote Psalm 22? What does it mean that blood and water flowed from His side? What do His final words tell us about His mission—and His victory? This conversation is a journey into the heart of the gospel. ✝️ Discover the cross again—and maybe for the first time. 🔍 Learn more about Impact Nations and our global work of rescue and restoration: https://www.impactnations.com 🌍 Join a Journey of Compassion: https://www.impactnations.com/journeys 🎧 Subscribe and leave a review to help others find the show!

"Father, forgive them..." From the cross, Jesus spoke seven final phrases—each one rich with meaning, mercy, and mystery. In Episode 10 of The Road to the Cross, Steve and Tim explore the seven sayings of Jesus at the crucifixion. These last words reveal the fullness of His love: words of forgiveness for His enemies, compassion for His mother, welcome to a thief, and a bold proclamation that “It is finished.” Why did Jesus quote Psalm 22? What does it mean that blood and water flowed from His side? What do His final words tell us about His mission—and His victory? This conversation is a journey into the heart of the gospel. ✝️ Discover the cross again—and maybe for the first time. 🔍 Learn more about Impact Nations and our global work of rescue and restoration: https://www.impactnations.com 🌍 Join a Journey of Compassion: https://www.impactnations.com/journeys 🎧 Subscribe and leave a review to help others find the show!

This week on The Road to the Cross, Steve and Tim follow Jesus beyond the city gates, where the condemned are cast out to die. As we approach Golgotha, we reflect on the shame of crucifixion, the symbolism of exile, and the prophetic layers hidden in the details of Jesus’ suffering. Why was he crucified outside the camp? What’s the deeper meaning behind the crown of thorns, the robe, and the inscription Pilate wrote? We also discuss mob violence, lament, and how Jesus’ journey still transforms lives today—from ancient Jerusalem to modern Uganda. 💡 Key themes: • The cultural shame of crucifixion • Prophetic imagery in Psalm 22, Isaiah 53 & Genesis 22 • The symbolism of being “outside the walls” • How the cross confronts power, pride, and religious violence • A powerful story of rescue from a young mother in Uganda 👉 Learn more about the mission: impactnations.com 👉 Support the work: impactnations.com/give —

Jesus stands before Pilate and the question rings out: What is truth? In Episode 8 of The Road to the Cross, Steve and Tim explore the trial of Jesus before the Roman authorities. From political manipulation to spiritual blindness, we witness a cosmic clash between kingdoms—and a king who rules from below. Along the way, we unpack: • The historical and spiritual meaning behind “Behold the man” • Why the mockery of Jesus carries a deeper truth • How injustice, fear, and mob mentality still operate today • The irony of religious leaders renouncing their own birthright Don’t miss this sobering and rich episode that uncovers how divine love stood silent in the face of accusation. Learn more about how Impact Nations is bringing hope and healing around the world at: www.impactnations.com

Welcome back to The Road to the Cross. This week, we enter a courtroom drenched in darkness—not of truth, but of manipulation. Jesus is dragged before the high priest, subjected to an illegal trial driven by false witnesses, corrupt leaders, and hidden agendas. Tim and Steve unpack: As spiritual darkness gathers, Jesus’ response is calm, courageous, and clear—a model for every believer facing injustice today. 🔥 This is not just history. This is a challenge to how we respond to injustice, to power, and to the temptation to fight back with force instead of love. New episodes every Thursday. To learn more about our global work or to support rescue and restoration efforts: impactnations.com