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“They Told My Friend to 💀 Themselves”
Ministry isn’t just happening in counselling offices and churches anymore—it’s happening live, online, in real time. During one of my livestreams, a viewer came into chat, shaken and angry. They had just witnessed something heartbreaking—a classmate had told their friend to end their life. They had spent 20 minutes trembling in fear and frustration,…
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The Hidden Digital Mission Field: Unseen People and Unmet Needs
I recently gave a talk to a group of pastors at the Alliance Assembly 2024 and wanted to share it with you as I think it will serve as a helpful article to send to pastors and churches who struggle to appreciate or understand content creation and nerd-culture in general. Here is a link…
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Conference Recap: Fellowship, Inspiration, and New Connections
I just got back from the conference and wanted to give a quick report while it was fresh in my mind. This is a brief summary of what happened but if you’re curious about some more details (including pics and videos!) check out my channel on the TACO Discord. Day 1: Arrival and Initial…
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The Biggest Frustration & Hurdle to Leap as a Digital Ministry
Digital ministries are beset with a myriad of challenges. Ever-changing technology, high-level skillsets, creative thinking, long hours, fighting algorithms, making high-quality, competitive content, counselling and community building through text, following up with vulnerable viewers, and more… but when I think about the most difficult thing I’ve had to face in my two years in…
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2022 XN Year in Review: From Foundation to Framework
Introduction Like many others, 2022 was a year of ups and downs for me and my ministry work. It began with the sudden death of my second-born son which led to a series of difficult months, but throughout them all, my local church and online communities were there with support and encouragement for my…
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9 Ways to Build Your Confidence
Everyone who creates has times when they struggle with motivation and confidence – sometimes so debilitating that it causes them to stop creating altogether! Whether you are a Twitch Streamer, YouTuber, Digital Artist, Musician, Cook, or any other type of creative, here are 9 practical ways to boost your confidence so you can get…
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A Very Personal Video – Why Streaming is So Important to Me
In this very personal video, Al (XtianNinja) Descheneau shares his heart, story, and reason for working so hard to bring the gospel to people who can only be reached through online ministry. You will learn why he has such a special concern for the lost, lonely, and disenfranchised on Twitch and what you can…
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The Difference Between Devotions and Bible Study
There is a huge difference in approach between your personal devotional time and doing a personal Bible study, and knowing that difference is going to change everything about how you connect with God. XtianNinja explains the difference and then gives an example of what it looks like. Podcast Version: https://anchor.fm/xtianninja/episodes/The-Difference-Between-Devotions-and-Bible-Study-e1lak0r I Need Your Support…
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Is AWANA a “Christian Nationalist Child Indoctrination Cult”
@Ex-Fundie Diaries released a video outlining how the AWANA Clubs program isn’t just a fun church group, but a nefarious “Christian Nationalist Child Indoctrination Cult”. Is she right? What defines a cult? What’s up with all the weird stuff that goes on at AWANA anyway? XtianNinja, a pastor and former AWANA leader (and clubber)…
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Can Anyone Ever Actually Feel “Peace” in this Troubled World?
Everyone in the world wants “peace” – but when we try to make it ourselves it doesn’t seem to work very well or last very long. How does the peace that Jesus promises us in the Bible differ from the peace we keep trying to make for ourselves? Podcast Version: https://anchor.fm/xtianninja/episodes/Can-Anyone-Ever-Actually-Feel-Peace-in-this-Troubled-World-e1ikg2v I split my…
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“I HATE Easter and I love Christians” Tweet is Ridiculous! Twitch Pastor Reacts
Jo Luehmann tweeted out a pretty intense message declaring her love of Christians, but hatred for the Christian gospel. It just so happened that Logos’ Verse of the Day hit this topic perfectly. So, let’s talk about that through the lens of 1 Corinthians 15:19-20. Podcast Version: https://anchor.fm/xtianninja/episodes/I-HATE-Easter-and-I-love-Christians-Tweet-is-Ridiculous–Twitch-Pastor-Reacts-e1hgbeu I Need Your Support I’m doing…
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Cursing Figs & Flipping Tables: Passion Week Monday
What do a dead fig tree and overturned tables have to do with worship? And what does it mean for us today? Podcast Version: https://anchor.fm/xtianninja/episodes/Cursing-Figs–Flipping-Tables-Passion-Week-Monday-e1h3psl I’m doing this full-time and the only way I can keep it up is through support from folks like you – so please consider supporting me on Patreon. There…
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Twitch Pastor Reacts to JaidenAnimation’s “Being Not Straight” Video *Mature Content*
JaidenAnimation’s “Being Not Straight” video lends itself to a lot of topics for discussion and XtianNinja takes on all of them in this 2-hour video. He talks about his own “asexual/aromantic” experiences, human sexuality, LGBTQ+ and the church, and more. Podcast Version: https://anchor.fm/xtianninja/episodes/Reacting-to-JaidenAnimations-Being-Not-Straight-Video-Mature-Content-e1g3n87 I’m doing this full-time and the only way I can keep…
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I Forgot To Tell You About So Many YouTube Videos!
I’ve been working so hard on making new and better content lately that I’ve been completely forgetting to post all of my videos to my blog! I’m so sorry to all of the subscribers who have been missing out on my latest videos and I will try to do better. Here’s a list of…
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Not the Bee FULL Interview! + Big Changes Coming to XtianNinja OM
In this week’s episode, I’m excited to share some amazing things happening with XtianNinja Online Missions and then something a little different – a talk-show interview I did when I was a guest on the Not the Bee Unofficial Podcast, where I share about – well – a little of everything (including my hatred…
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When to Leave Your Bully Church (“Wounds of the Faithful” Interview Part 2)
A while back I did an interview with DSW’s “Wounds of the Faithful” podcast. Her ministry is dedicated to discussing and helping Christian abuse victims and when she heard my story reached out for a chat. Our discussion went a lot of places so she had to break it into 2 parts! Here’s the…
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Why You Need “Big Brother”, Criticism vs Discernment, P.P 6.6: Community
In this week’s episode, I share an interesting idea about trusting big brother, an interesting article about the difference between discernment and criticism, and continue our interesting study of Pilgrim’s Progress by exploring the end of the sixth chapter where Christian tours the Beautiful Castle. Podcast Link:https://anchor.fm/xtianninja/episodes/Why-You-Need-Big-Brother–Criticism-vs-Discernment–P-P-6-6-Community-e14u6k8/a-a6704h3 Interesting Links:– Subscribe to the Podcast: https://anchor.fm/xtianninja–…
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Christians are All Hypocrites!
Why do people have such a strong reaction to words like “Christian”, “Church”, and “Jesus”? Are they justified? What have believers done to cause such intense feelings and what can we do about it? This message is from my Twitch channel’s Devos & Chill series where, on Thursdays, I give a short message before…
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Discovering the Real You
Want to know your real passion? Your real priorities? Your real source of strength? There’s nothing that reveals the real you like tough times. But, not only do difficulties reveal who you are, so does it reveal who God is – and is often the opportunity to see His amazinlgy creative problem-solving skills at…
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What *Really* Happens When Someone Becomes a Christian
Christians have been talking about what happens when you give your life to Jesus for a long time, but what do they really mean? What does “conversion” really look like? What really changes when you become a “believer”? This message is from my Twitch channel’s Devos & Chill series where, on Thursdays, I give…
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Why Are So Many Christians Such JERKS?!
If Christians are supposed to be loving, kind, and compassionate – why do so many have a reputation for being terrible people? Here are some reasons why, where it comes from, and how to fix it. This message is from my Twitch channel’s Devos & Chill series where, on Thursdays, I give a short…
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How Does Willpower Work, My Time in Cleveland, & PP 3.5
This week, I share some more of my testimony, an interesting article about willpower, and then we’ll be continuing our interesting study of John Bunyan’s classic, Pilgrims Progress by exploring the middle of the third chapter, where Interpreter takes Christian to meet Passion and Patience. Interesting Links: I have a new Rumble Channel: https://rumble.com/c/c-658037 I’m…
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How NOT to Capitalize on the Pandemic, Why Churches Need to Reopen & Pilgrim’s Progress Ch 3.1
This week I share an interesting idea about how not to capitalize on the pandemic , share an interesting article about the vital importance of opening churches back up, and then we’ll be continuing our interesting study of John Bunyan’s classic, Pilgrims Progress by exploring the beginning of the third chapter where Christian freaks…
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Beckwith Baptist Church Service LiveStream
LiveStream Hi everyone, I’ve been working on getting a live-stream church service up and I think I’ve figured it out. I’m very glad for some helpful internet services that make the job easier! Here’s the plan: This Sunday at 10am I will LiveStream a church service (much like we’re used to) to a series…
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It’s Not Your Church (Gospel of John Series)
Please open to John 2:13–17 and let’s read it together. But before we do, a little context. Remember where we are in the Gospel of John. I told you last time that the Wedding in Cana was on the third day, but commentators are actually divided about whether the days in John are…
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When Should a Christian Leave their Church or Denomination? (Post-CLRA Meeting Report with Q&A)
Update on CLRA Meeting I thought it important to start with a quick update on the meeting Jason and I went to this week. I don’t want to take up the whole sermon time with it, but it’s important, and you are all invested in what is happening so I want to make…
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How Do I Experience The Power of God? (HC:LD18c)
Imagine following in the footsteps of Moses – how huge a task that would be. Moses is probably the most important person in the Old Testament. It was through Moses that the nation of Israel was delivered from Egypt. It was Moses that led and judged the people for decades. It was Moses…
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The Gift of the Holy Spirit (HC:LD18b)
Turn with me to Luke 24:50-53 and then we’ll be headed into Acts 1. Luke and Acts are actually two parts of the same work, both written in about 60-70AD by Luke, a gentile, Christian doctor who travelled with the Apostle Paul and was commissioned by someone named Theophilus to write a history of…
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The Nature of Christ (HD:LD6)
Audio: Text: I heard an ad on the radio for the Canadian Legion that started with something like, “Think of all the things you enjoy in life, like summer fun, going out with your family, kissing your kids goodnight. We can take these things for granted because a veteran didn’t. They fought so we…
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Church Relationships Can Get Complicated
Audio: Text: Welcome to the 60th sermon in of our study of the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians! We started this series in April of 2016 and we’ve covered a lot of ground over the past couple years, but after long last, we’ve reached the final section where Paul is wrapping up…
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Stewarding Our Abilities: Understanding Why You Are Here
Audio: Sermon Text: We’ve been working through a series on Stewardship over the past few weeks. Stewardship is the word that Christians usually use to talk about how we see and use all the good things that God has given us in this world. Our jumping off point was 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 where Paul…
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God, Money, and the Church
Audio: Text: “Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I…
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Women Should Keep Silent? (Let’s Talk Context!)
Audio: Text: “As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak but should be in submission, as the Law also says. If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful…
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Resolutions (And How to Stick To Them)
Audio: Text: The start of the year, as I said last week, is a time when a lot of people take time to evaluate where they are in life and make some decisions about making some changes, often called “New Year’s Resolutions”. They feel convicted that some area of their life needs to change,…
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How to Find Hope When Hopelessness Strikes
Audio: Text: Malachi is the last book in the Old Testament and shines like a beacon in a dark place. And those who first heard it really needed a beacon because even though things weren’t at their darkest, it still wasn’t a great time in the life of Israel. Malachi was a prophet that…
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Spiritual Gifts, The Body of Christ, and The Weakest Members
Audio: Text: Christmas is coming and I’m very excited already. I went to the Christmas store at the Carleton Place nursery and officially got myself in the mood. There was free mulled cider, cookies, Christmas music playing in the background… I love the colours and lights and trees and everything. I’m a huge fan…
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100th Episode Celebration! (Carnivore Theology: Ep 100A)
It’s our 100th episode so we’re having some fun and taking a trip down memory lane, but we’re also talking about the impact that fads like fidget spinners and WWJD bracelets have had on Christians. Should Christians participate with these things? Listen for details about how to win our 100th episode giveaway and how…
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Common to Man: The Process of Sanctification
Audio: Text: “For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For…
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Resources for Every Stage of the Christian Life (Carnivore Theology: Ep. 93)
We do a data dump of the best resources for every stage of the Christian life. Whether you are a new believer, have some years in the church, or are a longtime elder, you’ll find something to challenge you! Podcast Audio: The Resources: Pilgrim Theology – Michael Horton ESV Study Bible NIV Life Application Study…
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Why Our Church Has a Membership Covenant
Sermon Audio: Sermon Text: When we become Christians we enter into a new family called the Church of Jesus Christ. When we put our faith in Jesus, God takes us out from under the condemnation we find under His Law grants us forgiveness through Jesus, and then makes us a part of His Kingdom.…
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Pastor Al’s Testimony: God’s Useless Reject Tells His Story (Carnivore Theology: Ep. 76)
Pastor Al shares how God took him from useless reject to passionate preacher. Podcast Audio Behind-the-Scenes Video How Can You Help Carnivore Theology? 1. Pray for us! 2. Subscribe and rate us on iTunes and watch us on YouTube!! (If you don’t have iTunes use FeedBurner) 3. Record a question in your voice on our SpeakPipe page!…
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Divisions Among Us
Paul, in the letter to the Corinthians which we are studying, after talking about the church’s lack of maturity, uses one of their greatest problems as an example of how bad things had gotten – that problem being “division”. The church is divided – in many ways – but the way that the Apostle…
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5 Reminders for Students (Carnivore Theology – Ep. 73)
Whether you’re going into High School, College, University or Post-Grad, Pastor Al gives some important reminders to students returning to school this semester. 1. Guard your reputation. 2. Remember why you’re there. 3. Find a good church. 4. Keep your devos going. 5. Try to find balance. Podcast Audio: How Can You Help Carnivore…
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We Need Both God and The Church (Paul Comes to Corinth)
Quick Review Last week we started a new series on Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians and I talked about the two principle players involved , that being Paul and the city of Corinth. The two things that I hope you walked away with last week was Paul’s passion for spreading the love of…
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Should I Become a Church Member? (Carnivore Theology Ep. 68)
Church membership is a controversial topic for a lot of people. Let’s talk about the historical, biblical, practical and emotional aspects of becoming a church member. Podcast Audio: Behind the Scenes: How Can You Help Carnivore Theology? 1. Pray for us! 2. Subscribe and rate us on iTunes! (If you don’t have iTunes use…
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Women and the Church (Carnivore Theology Ep. 66)
In this week’s SUPER SIZED episode we talk with blogger Christel Humfrey (Foretaste of Heaven) about common women’s issues in the church, relationships between men and women, and feminism. Podcast Audio: Click Here for the Behind the Scenes Video! How Can You Help Carnivore Theology? 1. Pray for us! 2. Record a question in your…
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How to Confront a Sinning Friend (Carnivore Theology: Ep. 59)
Our “live and let live”/”everyone has their own truth” culture isn’t very good at calling out or confronting sin, but scripture is clear that Christians are supposed to be holding one another accountable to God’s Word. So, what should a believer do when we see a friend caught in sin? Podcast Audio: Behind the Scenes Video:…
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The Role and Qualifications of Deacons
(I want to start by thanking 9Marks for some great articles that helped me put this together.) Intro to Deacons This week, however, I want to talk about something that I’ve never covered here before – the role of deacons in the church. This is both important and pertinent as the Nominating Committee…
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What is a “Good Church”? (Part 3 – Inspired Worship)
We’re currently in the middle of a mini-series-within-a-series called “What is a Good Church?” – which is inside the “Burning Questions Series”. Now you know what happens when I give myself a few bumper-weeks in my sermon planning – we get series-within-series. I hope that isn’t confusing, because my intention is neither to confuse…