Cedar & Cypress Podcast

Episode 22 | Nominal Christianity: The Plague of Insincerity

Nominal Christianity is a plague that has infected religious circles since the first century. Nominal Christians maintain the Christ-follower label without any heart transformation and radical lifestyle changes accompanying the title. During his earthly ministry, Jesus criticized those who led religious lives outwardly while harboring evil patterns in their souls. Tune in to hear all about it!
Thank you for joining us! Below, you can find the information we studied for this episode.
Scriptures
1 Samuel 16:7
Matthew 7:21-23, 22:36-40, 23:27
Luke 18:9-14, 14:25-35
Romans 10:9
1 Corinthians 13:2
2 Corinthians 3:6
Revelations 2:2-5
Resources
ESV Study Bible
Got Questions, “What is nominal Christianity?”
Got Questions, “What is the spirit of the law?”
Kevin DeYoung, “Why Did They Hate Jesus?”
Pew Research Center, “In U.S., Decline of Christianity Continues at Rapid Pace” (October 2019)
R.C. Sproul, “Why did the Pharisees Hate Jesus so Much?” (Ligonier Ministries)
To be alerted of new episodes, please follow us on Instagram @cedarandcypresspod! If you have questions, want to suggest an episode topic, or connect with us, you can reach us at cedarandcypresspod@gmail.com.

Episode 21 | Gnosticism: An Age-Old Heresy

Gnosticism is hard to define, but its principles have been deceiving people since the first century. Heresy may not be something you’ve studied in your life, but the truth is that Gnosticism and its principles still permeate our culture today – just in ways you don’t see. This episode will explain Gnosticism and how it threatens Christians today. Tune in to hear how false doctrine could be permeating your worldview and how to combat it!
Thank you for joining us! Below, you can find the information we studied for this episode.
Scriptures
Genesis 1:1
Psalm 119:11
John 14:6
1 Corinthians 3:2
Philippians 1:6
1 Peter 2:2
2 Peter 2:1-3
Hebrews 5:12-13
Resources
ESV Study Bible
Bruce Shelley, Church History in Plain Language (Fifth Edition)
Got Questions, “What is Christian Gnosticism?”
Got Questions, “What is dualism?”
Nancy Pearcy, Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality
To be alerted of new episodes, please follow us on Instagram @cedarandcypresspod! If you have questions, want to suggest an episode topic, or connect with us, you can reach us at cedarandcypresspod@gmail.com.

Episode 20 | Biblical Principles & Practical Tips for Financial Stewardship

Money management is a touchy subject for many of us and something that feels personal and private to each person. In this episode, Allison explores some foundational biblical principles for financial stewardship and shares practical tips to help you apply those principles in your life. Tune in to find out how Christians should view and handle money as faithful stewards of God’s gifted resources!
Timestamps
(00:00) Hello – let’s talk money!
(03:48) Part 1 – Biblical principles for financial stewardship
(20:23) Part 2 – Practical money management tips
(35:27) Final encouragement and closing
Thank you for joining us! Below, you can find the information we studied for this episode.
Scriptures
Proverbs 13:11
Ecclesiastes 5:10
Matthew 6:19-24; 25:14-30
Mark 12:41-44
Luke 14:28-30
Romans 8:28
2 Corinthians 9:7
1 Timothy 6:10
Helpful financial resources I (Allison) have personally used in the past:
(Please note that the inclusion of a resource is not necessarily an endorsement of every idea or message purported by said individual or website. However, these are helpful resources to be used with discretion.)
Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey – This book taught me the importance of an emergency fund and avoiding/overcoming debt.
Nerd Wallet – I enjoy their articles/resources on student loan debt and credit cards.
Ramsey Solutions – Resources, downloads, and budgeting help.
Budgeting App/Program: Mint (by Intuit)
Investing App/Program: Acorns
The Rachel Cruz Show Podcast
To be alerted of new episodes, please follow us on Instagram @cedarandcypresspod! If you have questions, want to suggest an episode topic, or connect with us, you can reach us at cedarandcypresspod@gmail.com.

Episode 19 | Theology of Work: When Vocation Feels Like Misfortune

We live in a culture that heavily emphasizes our career accomplishments and vocational status. For some of us, this obsession with “what you do” sows disappointment when our expectations remain unmet, despite our efforts to improve – or escape – our circumstances. When our identities and sense of self-worth are connected to our jobs, we can easily find ourselves in a trap of ungratefulness. How do we combat the myths that culture propagates regarding our work and careers? Tune in to find out!
Timestamps
(00:00) Welcome back!
(02:05) Books we’ve been reading
(07:58) Theology of work introduction
(14:00) Myth #1: We work just to survive
(25:40) Myth #2: You are what you do
(33:40) Myth #3: If you’re not enjoying your job, you’re in the wrong job
(39:30) Myth #4: You must be perfectly equipped for your God-given role
(46:48) Closing and final words
Thank you for joining us! Below, you can find the information we studied for this episode.
Scriptures
Genesis 3:17-19
Exodus 3
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
John 1:12
1 Corinthians 10:31
1 John 3:2
Resources
ESV Study Bible
Scott Colvin, “How God Uses Ordinary People To Do The Unexpected”
To be alerted of new episodes, please follow us on Instagram @cedarandcypresspod! If you have questions, want to suggest an episode topic, or connect with us, you can reach us at cedarandcypresspod@gmail.com.

Episode 18 | Friendships: For Refreshment or Ruination

Creating and maintaining healthy friendships is a challenge much easier said than done. The Bible warns us that friendships can build us up or tear us down. While a strong, Christian friendship can bolster us and sharpen us like iron, Proverbs warns us that “companion of fools will suffer harm” (Proverbs 13:20). In this episode, we talk about all things friendship – stages of friendship, codependency, encouragement, boundaries, and more. Will your friendships be for refreshment or ruination?
Thank you for joining us! Below, you can find the information we studied for this episode.
Scriptures
Genesis 2:18
1 Samuel 18:1-5
Psalm 133:1
Proverbs 13:20
Ecclesiastes 4:9
Romans 12:10
1 Corinthians 15:33
1 Peter 4:8-10, 5:7
Resources
ESV Study Bible
Books mentioned:
Liv’s reads – The Silent Patient Alex Michaelides & The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager
Allison’s reads – Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo & Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
To be alerted of new episodes, please follow us on Instagram @cedarandcypresspod! If you have questions, want to suggest an episode topic, or connect with us, you can reach us at cedarandcypresspod@gmail.com.

Episode 17 | Spiritual Life Updates & Catch-Up

This episode is very casual, so grab a cup of coffee, snack, and settle in! After a brief hiatus from the podcast, Allison and Liv catch you up to speed on some life updates and spiritual lessons they’ve been learning within the last few weeks. Join for all things on book recommendations, career/education updates, spiritual life lessons, learning to trust God, and much more!
Timestamps
(00:00) Welcome back!
(06:30) Why God doesn’t always afford us every opportunity we want in life
(15:26) Leaning on God amidst chaos and the joy of the Lord
(23:22) Codependency in friendships and emotional resilience
(30:58) We wouldn’t need God if things worked out when we tried things our own way
(37:34) Prayer is powerful and Jesus wins in the end
(48:49) Closing encouragement – in Christ we find peace!
Thank you for joining us! Below, you can find the Scriptures we mentioned in this episode.
Abraham and Sarah mistreat Hagar and Ishmael (Genesis 16, 21)
Rebekah deceives and manipulates her husband Isaac (Genesis 27)
Jesus overcomes (John 16:33)
We fight spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12)
Being refined by fire (1 Peter 1:3-12)
Jesus is worthy (Revelation 5)
Previous episodes mentioned – Ep. 13 | “Let Us Not Grow Weary”: Encouragement for Daily Life
Books mentioned – Lock Every Door by Riley Sager & Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Song mentioned – “Is He Worthy?” – song based on Revelation 5
To be alerted of new episodes, please follow us on Instagram @cedarandcypresspod! If you have questions, want to suggest an episode topic, or connect with us, you can reach us at cedarandcypresspod@gmail.com.

Episode 16 | Dating & Relationships: The Good, the Bad, and the “Meh”

Dating and relationships make us scratch our heads sometimes. We may feel adrift on cultural whims or others’ opinions when it comes to approaching our dating life. In this episode, we provide foundational advice for approaching dating and relationships based on our life experiences, covering everything from the good to the bad and the “meh.”
Timestamps
(00:00) Welcome back!
(09:05) Part 1 – Advice for seeking and entering a relationship
(31:54) Part 2 – How to maintain a healthy dating relationship
(53:11) Part 3 – Tips for transitioning a relationship to marriage
(1:01:48) Part 4 – Ending a relationship and breaking up well
(1:12:48) Closing and encouragement
Thank you for joining us! Below, you can find the information we studied for this episode.
Scriptures
Proverbs 4:23; 13:20, 18:22
Romans 12:9-10
1 Corinthians 13:4-7; 15:33
2 Corinthians 6:14
Ephesians 4:2-3; 5
Additional Resources
Need help now?Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network | 800.656.HOPE (4673)
National Domestic Violence Hotline | 800-799-7233
Find a church9 Marks Church Finder
Founders Ministries Church Finder
Masters Seminary Church Finder
Sexual traumaRecovering from Rape and Sexual Trauma
National Sexual Violence Resource CenterFind Help and Support
Websites and Resources Offering Support and Help
To be alerted of new episodes, please follow us on Instagram @cedarandcypresspod! If you have questions, want to suggest an episode topic, or connect with us, you can reach us at cedarandcypresspod@gmail.com.

Episode 15 | Adoption & Foster Care: Biblical Perspective + Our Personal Experiences

Adoption and foster care can be challenging topics to discuss because we either don’t know where to start or have a deeply personal connection to them. However, the conversation surrounding adoption and foster care can be beneficial rather than discouraging and scary. In this episode, we provide a biblical perspective on the gift of adoption and share our personal experiences.
Thank you for joining us! Below, you can find the information we studied for this episode.
Scriptures
Genesis 4
Psalm 10:18, 27:10, 68:5-6, 82:3
John 14:18
Romans 8:15, 8:23
2 Corinthians 1:3-11
Galatians 4:5
Ephesians 1:3-14
James 1:26-27
Resources
ESV Study Bible
“Data & Research.” U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Children’s Bureau. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/data-research.
“The AFCARS Report.” U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Children’s Bureau. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/cb/afcarsreport28.pdf.
Font, S. A., Sattler, K. M. P., & Gershoff, E. (2018). When home is still unsafe: From family reunification to foster care reentry. Journal of Marriage and Family, 80(5), 1333-1343. https://doi.org/10.1111/jomf.12499.
Leathers, S. J., Spielfogel, J. E., Geiger, J., Barnett, J., & Vande Voort, B. L. (2019). Placement disruption in foster care: Children’s behavior, foster parent support, and parenting experiences. Child Abuse & Neglect, 91, 147-159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.03.012.
To be alerted of new episodes, please follow us on Instagram @cedarandcypresspod! If you have questions, want to suggest an episode topic, or connect with us, you can reach us at cedarandcypresspod@gmail.com.

Episode 14 | Get Your Priorities Straight: A Study of Haggai

Haggai, with its brief 38 verses, is very easy to miss as it usually only takes up two pages in our Bibles. However, this prophecy book is packed with wisdom applicable to our daily lives. This book convicts us, asking us where our priorities lie and if we are using our lives to build something eternal. Don’t miss out on the wisdom of Haggai!
Timestamps
(00:00) Welcome back!
(06:09) Setting up the scene (ch. 1, v. 1-6)
(13:45) Excuses for not rebuilding the temple (ch. 1, v. 7-11)
(22:03) The people are convicted and begin rebuilding (ch. 1, v. 12-15)
(27:55) The people get discouraged (ch. 2, v. 1-9)
(37:03) Works mean nothing without heart alignment (ch. 2, v. 10-19)
(43:20) God’s promises to Zerubbabel (ch. 2, v. 20-23)
(48:57) Reflection and challenge – today is the day to realign your priorities with God!
Thank you for joining us! Below, you can find the information we studied for this episode.
Scriptures
Exodus 20:3, 28:1–29:46
Leviticus 8, 21:1–24
1 Kings 6-7
Proverbs 4:23
Ecclesiastes 
Haggai 1-2
Matthew 6:21
Romans 13:11
Ephesians 5:14
1 Thessalonians 5:5-6
Resources
ESV Study Bible
ESV Study Bible, “Introduction to Haggai”
Bible Project, “Overview: Haggai”
David Guzik, “Enduring Word: Haggai Commentary”
Got Questions, “What does it mean that Zerubbabel was the LORD’s signet ring (Haggai 2:23)?”
Got Questions, “What was the Babylonian captivity/exile?”
John Barton & John Muddiman, The Oxford Bible Commentary
To be alerted of new episodes, please follow us on Instagram @cedarandcypresspod! To share questions, suggest an episode topic, or connect with us, you can reach us at cedarandcypresspod@gmail.com.

Episode 13 | “Let Us Not Grow Weary”: Encouragement for Daily Life

Many of us have heard from Galatians, “let us not grow weary of doing good,” but this is often easier said than done. Life can sometimes feel like a meaningless pattern of tasks, or we can be thrown through a rollercoaster of emotions, never able to catch our breath. In this episode, we chat about finding meaning in daily life, pursuing intentional contentedness, and encouragement for the Christian walk.
Thank you for joining us! Below, you can find the information we studied for this episode.
Scriptures
Ecclesiastes 2:24-26
1 Corinthians 10:23-32
Galatians 6:1-10
Philippians 4:11-13
Resources
ESV Study Bible
Tim Keller, Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Work
To be alerted of new episodes, please follow us on Instagram @cedarandcypresspod! If you have questions, want to suggest an episode topic, or connect with us, you can reach us at cedarandcypresspod@gmail.com.