EP. 244 — 5 Signs Your Church Needs Revival Right Now
The Blacksmith Chronicles Podcast
Revival: What It Really Means for the Church, Your Walk With God, and Society 🔥 What is revival? Is it just a church event, an emotional service, or something far deeper? In this episode of The Blacksmith Chronicles Podcast, Ryan Johnson and co-host Michael Riley dive deep into the biblical meaning of revival, its purpose, and why it’s desperately needed today. From Psalm 85:6 to 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Acts 3:19, you’ll discover: ✅ The true definition of revival according to Scripture ✅ Why revival is for believers first—and how it awakens entire regions ✅ The...
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EP. 243 — The Shocking Thing God Told Me About Faith!
The Blacksmith Chronicles Podcast
Welcome to another powerful episode of The Blacksmith Chronicles Podcast, hosted by Ryan Johnson and co-host Michael Riley. In this revelatory episode, Ryan shares a message at Open Door Church in Burleson, Texas. Ryan delivers a prophetic and faith-filled teaching straight from Hebrews 11 and Genesis 22, exploring what it means to walk in Third-Day Faith—the kind of faith that sees the end of the story before it unfolds. You’ll laugh, you’ll reflect, and you’ll be challenged to walk in obedient faith, even when logic and circumstance say otherwise. From Abraham’s radical...
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EP. 242 — The Dangerous Lie of ‘Just Be a Good Person’
The Blacksmith Chronicles Podcast
Is being a “good person” enough? In this explosive episode of The Blacksmith Chronicles Podcast, Ryan Johnson and Michael Riley expose the dangerous deception behind one of culture’s most accepted lies: “Just be a good person.” Jesus didn’t call us to be good—He called us to be holy, humble, and fully surrendered to the Kingdom of God. This episode explores the distinction between worldly goodness and Kingdom righteousness, the weakening of our spiritual authority through compromise, and why the Kingdom mindset must govern every area of your life. This is a...
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EP. 241 — Living Sacrifice: The Truth We Don't Want to Hear
The Blacksmith Chronicles Podcast
Welcome to The Blacksmith Chronicles Podcast, where faith meets purpose and the fire of revival challenges us to live set apart. In this bold, Spirit-led episode, Ryan and co-host Michael Riley confront the uncomfortable, often-avoided topic of consecration. 🔥 Living as a sacrifice isn’t optional, it’s the truth we don’t want to hear. 💥 What You’ll Discover: Why is consecration essential for true spiritual maturity The dangerous trade-off between comfort and holiness How modern Christianity subtly promotes compromise Why consecration is not legalism, but a call to...
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EP. 240 — Escaping the Slavery of the Soul
The Blacksmith Chronicles Podcast
Are you truly free—or just forgiven? In this powerful message, Ryan Johnson exposes the hidden chains of the slavery of the soul—shame, fear, regret, and religious bondage—and boldly proclaims the liberty that Jesus purchased at the Cross. Learn how to walk in your identity as a son or daughter of God, embrace true spiritual freedom, and break free from the orphan spirit. 🔥 If you're ready to move beyond religious performance and step into your God-given freedom and authority, this message is for you. LISTEN NOW AT: Apple: Spotify: Amazon Music: ...
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EP. 239 — Are You Just Checking Boxes? The Hidden Danger in Modern Christianity
The Blacksmith Chronicles Podcast
Are you living your Christian faith out of genuine love for God, or are you just checking boxes to feel religiously acceptable? In this eye-opening episode of The Blacksmith Chronicles Podcast, Ryan Johnson and Michael Riley uncover the hidden dangers of checkbox Christianity. Discover: ✅ Why the rich young ruler couldn’t let go of obligation to embrace true relationship ✅ How religious duty can steal your joy and fuel frustration ✅ The difference between contractual obedience and covenant love ✅ Why Jesus asked Peter “Do you love me?” instead of “Do you obey me?” ✅...
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EP. 238 — This Is Why Most Christians Miss True Intimacy with God!
The Blacksmith Chronicles Podcast
In this passionate episode of The Blacksmith Chronicles Podcast, Ryan Johnson and co-host Michael Riley unpack what it truly means to have intimacy with God. Is your walk with God built on covenant love or just a contractual mindset? Discover the difference between knowing about God and knowing Him, how to crave God's presence, and why intimacy demands vulnerability, humility, and pursuit. They break down powerful scriptures like Genesis 3:8, Hosea 2, John 17, and Hebrews 11:6, offering both biblical insight and practical examples. Learn the true meaning of “diligently seek Him” and...
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EEP. 237 — Breaking the Stigma: Counseling and Christianity Can Coexist
The Blacksmith Chronicles Podcast
What does real mental health look like in the Body of Christ? In this powerful episode of The Blacksmith Chronicles, Ryan Johnson and Michael Riley sit down with Daryl Franklin, a seasoned Christian counselor and minister, to break the stigma surrounding Christian counseling, explore the difference between spiritual warfare and biological depression, and confront the misuse of terms like “mental health” and “anxiety.” You'll gain fresh insight on how the spirit, soul, and body all work together—and how faith and science can co-labor under God's design. If you’ve ever...
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EP. 236 — Contract Christianity: The Real Reason You Want to Quit
The Blacksmith Chronicles Podcast
Are you living under a contract with God—or in covenant? In this powerful episode of The Blacksmith Chronicles Podcast, Ryan Johnson exposes the dangerous mindset of “Contract Christianity”—a faith based on conditions, performance, and expectations—versus the eternal, blood-sealed covenant God has extended through Jesus Christ. Discover the difference between performance and position, transaction and transformation, and learn how to break free from striving, earning, and spiritual negotiations. If you've ever felt distant from God during seasons of unanswered prayer, disappointment,...
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EP. 235 — You’ll Never Grow Spiritually Until You Do This One Thing
The Blacksmith Chronicles Podcast
In this powerful episode of The Blacksmith Chronicles Podcast, Ryan Johnson and Michael Riley expose a subtle but deadly tactic of the enemy that keeps believers spiritually immature: blame. From the Garden of Eden to the Pool of Bethesda, Scripture reveals a clear pattern—avoiding responsibility blocks your spiritual growth. Adam blamed Eve (and God), Eve blamed the serpent, and we still do the same today. But what if your next level of freedom, healing, and maturity is on the other side of owning your actions? 🔥 Learn why taking personal responsibility is the one thing you...
info_outlineWelcome to The Blacksmith Chronicles Podcast, where faith meets purpose. This is the official podcast of Ryan Johnson Ministries, where we are here to forge stronger disciples and equip the Body of Christ for God’s glory.
In this episode, we are excited to welcome our guest, Bryan Schwartz, to share his insights and experiences with us. Bryan is a leadership mentor and coach, NFL veteran, former church planter, pastor, motivational speaker, author, and founder of “4th & Short.” With a successful five-year NFL career, he understands the demands of high-performance leadership and the challenges that come with it. As a coach and speaker, Bryan empowers leaders to shift their perspectives and create success maps for lasting impact. His passion lies in helping others break through from identity to influence. Bryan’s journey is one of determination, resilience, and a deep commitment to making a difference. Married to Diane and a father of seven, he embodies family, service, and a legacy of positive transformation. We look forward to an inspiring conversation with him!
Visit Bryan’s Website: https://www.bryanlschwartz.com/
Check out Bryan’s New Book, Worthy Opponents: How God Uses Opposition, Enemies, and Adversity for Your Growth and Good
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Ryan Johnson — www.ryanjohnson.us
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