Avizandum with Pastor John Munro

Have you heard the term "red meat preaching"? It refers to when a preacher gives the congregation what they want. Pandering to an audience isn't a new concept but one that is still relevant today.

We hear that young people often leave the church once they go to college or leave home. Why is this? And how should followers of Christ consider and approach this important issue?

Are you content? Being contented does not mean that you don't have ambitions or future plans, but that you are at peace with present circumstances. Why is contentment important? And why can it be so difficult for us?

In our culture of relativism and subjectivism, we are not surprised that the Word of God continues to be attacked. Even followers of Christ sometimes make their experience of God foundational over the truth of God. So why should we receive the Bible as absolute truth?

Therapy is often seen as an answer as people grapple with personal struggles and look for direction and peace. While therapy may have its place, it is essential that followers of Christ keep their eyes on Him, understanding Scripture as the source of truth and the center of gravity in their lives.

The concept of celebrity is not limited to the secular world. There are also preachers and teachers who attract followers and seem to attain a higher level of attention and respect. So why is this problematic?

How would you react to a definitive diagnosis of having only a few months to live? How would you view your life? How would you approach the future? Join John as he reflects on the experience and testimony of his older brother, George.

Statistics reveal that viewing pornography impacts the lives of many who are professing followers of Jesus Christ, including both men and women. Lust is not a new problem. What is the answer? What does Scripture say?

John serves full-time as Senior Pastor at Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Newcomers to Calvary and listeners to The Verdict often have questions about Calvary, so today John discusses Calvary Church, its values, vision, and mission.

"Original Sin" is the title of the recent bestseller by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson. They write in terms of an "original sin" related to politics, but there is a deeper concept of original sin that we either accept or reject based on our view of human nature. What is the evidence? What does the Bible say?

Despite all kinds of advancements, we live in an age of anxiety. There is constant discussion about the causes and the statistics, but what struggles are at the root of anxiety? And why does the Christian viewpoint make such a difference?

Simple acts of hospitality can be life-changing and opportunities for God to work in your life and the lives of others. Join John as he shares personal memories about the nature and impact of hospitality.

Do you attend church regularly? Is it a priority or an occasional option if you feel like it? Join John as he revisits the biblical purpose for the local church and how our views of church and church attendance have changed.

AI as a new technology has many applications, including as a tool in ministry. But what are the considerations for AI in preaching as pastors bring messages from God's Word? Join John as he reflects on the issues and implications.

How do you feel about solitude? We live in a noisy world where it can be difficult to unplug and find a quiet time to reflect, enjoy the sounds of nature, and commune with God. Today take a break from the hectic pace of life and reflect on the beauty and value of being still and alone.

In Scripture, followers of Christ are encouraged to rejoice, even in the midst of suffering and trials. How is this possible? Be encouraged as John explains and shares individual examples to help us understand how to "count it all joy."

Based on the work of 16th-century theologian John Calvin, Calvinism often centers on the identity and implications of "the elect" as noted in Scripture. Some distinctions held by "Neo-Calvinists" can inadvertently confuse or divide--so what are followers of Christ to do?

All of us need good friends. But making or choosing good friends can be difficult. And being a good friend can be even harder! Join John as he reflects on the joys and risks of friendship, and how to be and make godly friends.

All of us want the power of God to be evident in our lives. But how is this accomplished? John discusses A.W. Tozer’s Five Vows for Spiritual Power as a convicting and helpful tool in pursuing spiritual growth.