Better Equipped with Cody Balch

Would you be ok with a hint of rat poison or anthrax in your dinner meal? How much poison is ok? For me, NONE is the only acceptable amount of poison allowed in my food, yet often times that is not how we treat sin in our lives. How much sin is ok to have in our lives? Not how much sin is in our lives, but how much sin is ok to have in our lives? The answer should be NONE, but praise God for His grace through Jesus Christ that we have forgiveness and the Holy Spirit to convict us and teach us how to protect against sin's deceitfulness. 

In today's Verse By Verse, Cody takes us through: 

Ephesians 5:1-20
"1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
    rise from the dead,
    and Christ will shine on you.”

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

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Email Cody at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com  

Find out more about Better Equipped or Support it Financially at: www.BetterEquipped.Net

Better Equipped with Cody Balch

Website: www.BetterEquipped.net

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_tXQCcUgP8aQ9y9vcMgkA\

Email Me at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com

Where did everything come from? Where did you and I (and the rest of humanity come from? Where did planet earth and everything on it come from? Why does planet earth have life, but we can't find life anywhere else? Where did the sun, moon, stars, and galaxies come from? Is there a Creator God (like the Bible says), or did aliens do all of this, and if so, where did the aliens come from?

In this episode, I talk with 3 college guys about this question. By the end of the video, it will be very clear that: 1) People don't think too much about this, & 2) people don't want God to exist so that they can do whatever they "feel" is right in their own eyes. Very dangerous stuff that we should take serious.

People are willing to believe things that they have no evidence for and lack any rational argument so that they can erase God and therefore erase any moral expectation, sin and guilt. You can say you don't believe in gravity, but gravity still exists and there are natural consequences to ignoring gravity. So it is with ignoring God as Creator and Jesus as Savior.

ROMANS 1:18-20
"18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."

If you have any questions or ways that I can encourage you and help you be Better Equipped, you can email me at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com   

To learn more about Better Equipped or to support it financially, please visit:
www.BetterEquipped.Net

Better Equipped with Cody Balch

Website: www.BetterEquipped.net

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_tXQCcUgP8aQ9y9vcMgkA\

Email Me at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com

Does your life look like CHRIST, or are you GRIEVING the Holy Spirit by looking more like the world? In this Verse By Verse, Cody will walk us through some specific characteristics that the people of God should have or guard against. The Apostle Paul gets very practical and clearly lays it out for us.

Ephesians 4:25-32 -
"25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

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Email Cody at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com  

Find out more about Better Equipped or Support it Financially at: www.BetterEquipped.Net

Better Equipped with Cody Balch

Website: www.BetterEquipped.net

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_tXQCcUgP8aQ9y9vcMgkA\

Email Me at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com

I had planned to record more questions with strangers at Ohio Wesleyan University's campus, but it ended up raining the entire time (even though the forecast wasn't calling for that much rain all day). I could have let the rain snuff out my fire and desire to share Jesus with people, but I made the choice to redeem the time by praying for people that I saw walking with their umbrellas and I continued asking the Lord to give me even one conversation with someone about Jesus...and God gave me two! 

I spoke with Heath and Michael about this question (and subsequent follow up questions: "What do you think happens to people after they die?" 
They definitely wanted to plead the 5th and say that they didn't know because no one can know with certainty, but when pressed on what they "hope" happens after they die, they both agreed that they hope that heaven is real for them, and that for people like Hitler, that hell is real too. 

If you have any questions or ways that I can encourage you and help you be Better Equipped, you can email me at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com   

To learn more about Better Equipped or to support it financially, please visit:
www.BetterEquipped.Net

Better Equipped with Cody Balch

Website: www.BetterEquipped.net

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_tXQCcUgP8aQ9y9vcMgkA\

Email Me at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com

My incredible daughter, Ruth, has wanted to record a "Healthy Conversation" for months now, and what God had heavily put on her heart was to share with people her journey and testimony with Jesus on the topic of anger, and how we can deal with anger through the power of the Holy Spirit, and not allow the flesh to control our reactions to the feelings of anger. Ruth shows her humility and vulnerability to honestly share her story on how God has shaped it and helped her in the area of anger. I'm confident that you will be blessed by my conversation with Ruth. 🔥 🤩

Hit the like button, subscribe, and share this video with others too!

Leave Ruth an encouraging comment below, or email me at:
betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com   

Learn more about Better Equipped or support this ministry by visiting:
www.BetterEquipped.Net

Better Equipped with Cody Balch

Website: www.BetterEquipped.net

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_tXQCcUgP8aQ9y9vcMgkA\

Email Me at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com

I recently had the privilege of talking with Ohio State University students at the famous "Oval", and I posed this opinion question: "What do you wish Christians knew or understood better?" The responses from both non-Christians and Christians were remarkably similar and they sounded something like this: "I wish Christians weren't so closed minded and judgmental and that they didn't shove their beliefs down people's throats." A bit harsh, but it is feedback that Christians should take seriously. All of my conversations stayed peaceful, because I stayed peaceful. The non-Christians knew that I disagreed with them, but I didn't have a fighting attitude, which allowed for more dialogue and healthy conversation.

I believe that if we have listening ears and hearts, other people will be more likely to mirror that posture back toward us, which will increase the probability of them being open to hearing more about your faith. Don't believe me, give it a try for yourself and go share your faith!

Email Cody: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com   

Learn more about Better Equipped or Give to support this ministry at:
www.BetterEquipped.Net

Better Equipped with Cody Balch

Website: www.BetterEquipped.net

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_tXQCcUgP8aQ9y9vcMgkA\

Email Me at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com

There has never been more slavery in human history than there is right now! The United States is the #1 consumer of child pornography and is one of the major drivers of sex trafficking around the world. Sadly there is a demand for sex slaves that causes evil people to take kids captive to do their will, and there is an URGENT NEED and OPPORTUNITY to help rescue these kids from this human trafficking epidemic.

In this "Healthy Conversation" episode, Cody will talk with Garrett Murphy, who is on a mission to rescue 100 kids from sex trafficking through the organization, "Destiny Rescue". This effort will require $150,000...are you a part of this rescue effort? You can and should be! Click the link below to GIVE or to learn more:

GIVE TO SAVE LIVES HERE: https://tinyurl.com/m42jt3n7

LEARN MORE ABOUT DESTINY RESCUE HERE: www.DestinyRescue.org

HOW TO WATCH "Sound of Freedom" : https://www.angel.com/pay-it-forward/sound-of-freedom

HOW TO WATCH "Operation Toussaint" : https://ourrescue.org/films

Email Cody Balch: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com   

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterEquippedwithCodyBalch

Learn More About Better Equipped: www.BetterEquipped.Net
 

Better Equipped with Cody Balch

Website: www.BetterEquipped.net

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_tXQCcUgP8aQ9y9vcMgkA\

Email Me at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com

Many people think that street preaching is scary and ineffective, but what about conversations with strangers through asking them questions about their thoughts, opinions, and beliefs? I found that to be very effective!

In this episode, Cody will talk with 8 strangers and ask them about their beliefs on, "Who do they think Jesus is/was?" and "What is their definition of the church?" Cody will also take the opportunity to ask them if they would be willing to hear his belief on who Jesus is, and he gets multiple opportunities to share the Gospel with them! 

I pray that this encourages you to share your faith with those you know, and those you don't know (yet). May you have courage and boldness, paired with loving and kind listening ear.

Please reach out if you have any questions or need encouragement:
betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com.

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You can always watch Better Equipped on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@BetterEquippedwithCodyBalch

Learn more about Better Equipped (such as the Blog or how to support this ministry) at:
https://www.betterequipped.net/

Better Equipped with Cody Balch

Website: www.BetterEquipped.net

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_tXQCcUgP8aQ9y9vcMgkA\

Email Me at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com

Should Followers of Jesus look just like the rest of the world, or should they look increasingly different? In is episode, Cody will walk us through Ephesians 4:17-24 and look at the importance of living a new life in Christ that looks more like the image of God than the image of this world.

Ephesians 4:17-24
17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.
20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Feel free to comment below, like, and subscribe to this channel.

Email Cody at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com  

Fin more about Better Equipped at: www.BetterEquipped.Net

Better Equipped with Cody Balch

Website: www.BetterEquipped.net

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_tXQCcUgP8aQ9y9vcMgkA\

Email Me at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com

What is the ultimate goal that the church (the people of God) should be focused on and should be prioritizing, and WHO did Jesus give to the church as leaders to help accomplish this goal? 

In this episode of Verse By Verse, we will dive into Ephesians 4:7-16. Christ gave 5 sets of spiritual leaders to help equip and mature the people of God to go out and do the work of ministry. More often today, we think that Christ gave those sets of leaders to do all of the work of ministry for the church, which is very backwards and incomplete. I pray that this episode will help you be better equipped to go out and do the work of ministry that God has created in advance for you to do! You can read today's passage below:

Ephesians 4:7-16 (NIV)
"7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says:
“When he ascended on high,
    he took many captives
    and gave gifts to his people.”
9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Feel free to comment below, like, and subscribe to this channel.

Email Cody at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com  

Fin more about Better Equipped at: www.BetterEquipped.Net

Better Equipped with Cody Balch

Website: www.BetterEquipped.net

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_tXQCcUgP8aQ9y9vcMgkA\

Email Me at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com

Why Even Read The Old Testament? 3 BIG REASONS for Christians to read the Old Testament 🤓

Have you ever wondered why the Old Testament is important or something that Christians still read? Isn't "OLD" implied in the title? Isn't it out dated and replaced with the New Testament and Jesus?

Well, in this episode, Cody will give you three easy to remember reasons why Christians should still prioritize reading the Old Testament. These 3 reasons are important for followers of Jesus and their growth in the knowledge of the New Testament.

Please comment below or email me at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com and visit me at: www.BetterEquipped.Net 

Better Equipped with Cody Balch

Website: www.BetterEquipped.net

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_tXQCcUgP8aQ9y9vcMgkA\

Email Me at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com

In this Verse by Verse, we will take a close look at the Apostle Paul's words from Ephesians 4:1-6. Paul urges us to live a life worthy of the calling that all believers have received, and to do that we must have His Spirit of humility, love, and unity. This is what he says:

Ephesians 4:1-6 - "1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

I pray that this episode helps you be Better Equipped with the grace and truth of Jesus! Please reach out if you have any questions: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com
or visit: www.BetterEquipped.Net

Better Equipped with Cody Balch

Website: www.BetterEquipped.net

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_tXQCcUgP8aQ9y9vcMgkA\

Email Me at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com

Should Christians Celebrate LBGTQ+ Pride Month or Anything Else LBGTQ+? 🏳️‍🌈 ✞ 🤷🏼‍♂️ 🤷‍♀️ 

This is one of the big questions at hand within culture and the church. Some Christians are defiantly apposed to LBGTQ+, while others who claim the name of Jesus are celebrating the LBGTQ+ community in parades and festivals. What should we make of this? What does God's word say? What should love look like? 

YES, we are called as followers of Jesus to be people of love without exception, but we are never called to abandon the truth in the process. Is it possible to fully hold to the truth and fully live out love simultaneously? Jesus thought so, as that was His example. We must look to JESUS and His word to learn how to live out both the love and truth of Jesus towards the world around us.

If you have any questions or comments, please comment below or email me at: BetterEquippedWithCody@Gmail.com

You can also learn more through Better Equipped or support this ministry financially at www.BetterEquipped.Net

Better Equipped with Cody Balch

Website: www.BetterEquipped.net

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_tXQCcUgP8aQ9y9vcMgkA\

Email Me at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com

In this 3 part series, we will look at the incredibly important topic of "THE CHURCH". We will start in Part #1 by taking an honest look at the current state of the church in America. Then, in Part #2, we will examine God's design for the church vs. our design for the church. And in Part #3, we will ask the question "What should we do?" and Cody will share about why the house church model is what he is living into. Are you living faithfully to God's design for you as a follower of Jesus and for God's design for the church? What changes need made in order to be more faithful and surrendered to God? Is Jesus truly Head and Lord over your church?

You can always email Cody at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com  

Or visit: www.BetterEquipped.Net

Better Equipped with Cody Balch

Website: www.BetterEquipped.net

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_tXQCcUgP8aQ9y9vcMgkA\

Email Me at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com

In this 3 part series, we will look at the incredibly important topic of "THE CHURCH". We will start in Part #1 by taking an honest look at the current state of the church in America. Then, in Part #2, we will examine God's design for the church vs. our design for the church. And in Part #3, we will ask the question "What should we do?" and Cody will share about why the house church model is what he is living into. Are you living faithfully to God's design for you as a follower of Jesus and for God's design for the church? What changes need made in order to be more faithful and surrendered to God? Is Jesus truly Head and Lord over your church?

You can always email Cody at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com  

Or visit: www.BetterEquipped.Net

Better Equipped with Cody Balch

Website: www.BetterEquipped.net

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_tXQCcUgP8aQ9y9vcMgkA\

Email Me at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com

In this 3 part series, we will look at the incredibly important topic of "THE CHURCH". We will start in Part #1 by taking an honest look at the current state of the church in America. Then, in Part #2, we will examine God's design for the church vs. our design for the church. And in Part #3, we will ask the question "What should we do?" and Cody will share about why the house church model is what he is living into. Are you living faithfully to God's design for you as a follower of Jesus and for God's design for the church? What changes need made in order to be more faithful and surrendered to God? Is Jesus truly Head and Lord over your church?

You can always email Cody at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com  

Or visit: www.BetterEquipped.Net

Better Equipped with Cody Balch

Website: www.BetterEquipped.net

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_tXQCcUgP8aQ9y9vcMgkA\

Email Me at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com

In this "Verse by Verse", we will dive into the Apostle Paul's words to the church in Ephesus through Ephesians 3:14-21. Paul explains that God desires to strengthen our inner being through His Holy Spirit so that we can grasp how HUGE His love is for us, AND Paul wants us to understand that God is able to do immeasurably more than all that we ask or imagine, according to His power (the Holy Spirit) that is at work within us. Lastly, Paul prays that God will receive glory through the church, His holy people, forever and ever Amen!

Reach out to Cody with any questions or suggestions at:
betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com 

Or find more info at:
https://www.betterequipped.net/

Better Equipped with Cody Balch

Website: www.BetterEquipped.net

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_tXQCcUgP8aQ9y9vcMgkA\

Email Me at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com

In this "Verse by Verse", we will dive into the Apostle Paul's words to the church in Ephesus through Ephesians 3:1-13. Paul explains that the mystery has been revealed that the Gentile believers in Jesus are co-heirs with the Jewish believers in Jesus, AND that the manifold wisdom of God is being made know through the CHURCH to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. Paul also teaches us that, for those who are in Christ, we can approach God with freedom and confidence. These are all big deals that we shouldn't take for granted.

Reach out to Cody with any questions or suggestions at:
betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com 

Or find more info at:
https://www.betterequipped.net/ 

Better Equipped with Cody Balch

Website: www.BetterEquipped.net

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_tXQCcUgP8aQ9y9vcMgkA\

Email Me at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com

In this special Father's Day edition of "Healthy Conversations", I dialogue with Darin Smith through the topic of how to be an intentional father to your children, especially with the goal being to raise them to know, love, and follow Jesus anywhere He leads them. As fathers and parents, we ALL have room to grow in our intentionality.

Darin and Cody reference the book, "The Intentional Father" by Jon Tyson. If you'd like to check out this book by Jon Tyson, you can follow this link: https://a.co/d/aYEd1FT

Please feel free to reach out to Cody anytime at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com   

or visit: https://www.betterequipped.net/

Better Equipped with Cody Balch

Website: www.BetterEquipped.net

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_tXQCcUgP8aQ9y9vcMgkA\

Email Me at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com

In this episode of VERSE by VERSE, we will take a look at Ephesians 2:11-22 where it describes how Jesus destroyed the dividing wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles and has become our peace, making us into ONE new humanity! Pretty awesome lessons that we desperately need in our divided and hostile world.

Reach out to me if you have any questions: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com 

Visit me at: www.BetterEquipped.Net

Better Equipped with Cody Balch

Website: www.BetterEquipped.net

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_tXQCcUgP8aQ9y9vcMgkA\

Email Me at: betterequippedwithcody@gmail.com