The Normal Christian Life

Reduced to Sonship: How God Reveals Your True Identity w/Mike Nolan | S3 E3

The hosts welcome back Mike Nolan for a conversation on Christian identity—why it matters today, how it appears in Scripture, and why it often doesn’t move from head knowledge to lived experience. They discuss identity as something primarily imparted through prayer, encounter, and relationships with people living as beloved sons and daughters, rather than merely taught. They explore common obstacles like the orphan mindset, performance and success-based self-worth, shame, and problem-centered spirituality. Then they explain how God dismantles false identities through pruning, suffering, and seasons of desolation.  Finally, they reflect on the role of emotions in forming identity, clarify the difference between humility and low self-esteem, and emphasize that mission flows from relationship with God.

Beyond Being Nice: The Christian Difference in Love w/ Mike Nolan | S3 E2

What does it actually mean to love—not just in theory, but in real life?
In this episode, Fr. Michael Trummer is joined by Fr. Christopher Trummer and Mike Nolan for a deep, honest conversation on love (charity) as the greatest theological virtue. Moving beyond clichés and sentimentality, they explore why love is both a gift of grace and something we must actively cooperate with—and why knowing about love is very different from actually living it.
The conversation touches on:
Why love is the only virtue that endures into heaven
How love is fulfilled not by doing more, but by delighting in the other
The difference between Christian love and merely “being nice”
Why loving difficult people is essential for spiritual growth
How unhealed wounds and failure to receive love make loving others so hard
The relationship between agape (self-giving love) and eros (delight and desire)
Why heaven is not a glorified vacation—but perfect communion
This episode challenges listeners to examine whether their love is rooted in busyness, duty, and performance—or in real communion, hope, and grace. It’s a practical, demanding, and deeply hopeful vision of love as preparation for heaven and participation in God’s own life.
 
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00:00 Introduction to Theological Virtues
00:58 The Paradox of Love and Grace
02:07 Love in the Context of Faith and Hope
03:38 The Uniqueness of Christian Love
08:21 Love as Preparation for Heaven
12:09 The Role of Emotions in Love
22:43 The Challenge of Loving Difficult People
25:55 Integrating Agape and Eros
41:35 Understanding Self-Agreement and Interior Brokenness
42:26 The Difficulty of Receiving Love
42:48 The Trinity and the Nature of Love
44:05 The Impact of Being Loved
44:43 The Heart Magnifies What It Receives
47:36 The Role of Security in Love
48:41 Experiencing True Friendship and Love
54:48 The Importance of Hope in Love
59:19 Patience and the Unveiling of Love
01:06:36 The Impossible Vocation of Love
01:11:55 The Necessity of Gentleness in Love
01:17:04 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

Faith That Endures: Trusting God Through Doubt, Suffering, and Silence w/ Katie O'Donnell | S3 E1

What is faith—really?
In this episode of The Normal Christian Life, we continue our series on the theological virtues by exploring faith: what it is, what it isn’t, and why it cannot be reduced to intellectual agreement or apologetics alone.
This conversation unpacks:
Why biblical faith is relational and lived, not merely believed
How faith engages the whole person—mind, heart, will, and action
The proper role of reason in the life of faith
Why dryness, doubt, and desolation do not mean faith is failing
How God’s hiddenness can actually deepen trust
The importance of community, testimony, and perseverance
Drawing from Scripture (especially Hebrews 11), the saints, and lived experience, we show that faith is not emotional hype or blind guessing—but a conviction that endures even when God feels absent.
If you’ve ever wondered:
“Why doesn’t God feel close anymore?”
“Is my faith weak if I don’t feel anything?”
“How do I keep believing through suffering or silence?”
This episode offers clarity, realism, and hope.
Faith is a gift—and a response—that matures through trust, surrender, and perseverance.
 
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00:00 Introduction to Theological Virtues
02:17 Understanding Faith: Beyond Intellectual Assent
06:25 Personal Faith Journeys
09:48 Faith and Reason: A Harmonious Relationship
13:12 Experiencing God: Faith and Feelings
23:11 Faith in Action: Living Out Beliefs
30:07 Struggles with Faith and Desolation
31:44 Understanding God's Hiddenness
34:58 The Role of Suffering in Faith
50:35 The Importance of Community in Faith
53:24 Evangelization and Personal Testimonies
58:55 Concluding Thoughts and Prayer

Hope Does Not Disappoint | S2 E30

As the Church concludes the Jubilee Year of Hope, the hosts discuss the profound significance of hope in the Christian life. They explain that hope is more than just a feel-good sentiment, highlighting its roots as a theological virtue that is central to overcoming adversity and recognizing God's hand in the midst of trials. They offer practical ways to cultivate this virtue day by day, face unavoidable suffering with faith, and keep hope alive in the dark times. This conversation emphasizes that true hope is anchored in the character and promises of God, surpassing mere human optimism.
00:00 Introduction to Hope
00:13 The Theological Virtues
01:12 A Poem on Hope
03:01 Hope in Practice
4:34 Hope Amidst Anxiety
07:43 Hope as a Choice
17:44 Hope and Suffering
24:54 Hope Beyond This Life
35:46 Acknowledging Discouragement and Hopelessness
36:30 Signs of Lacking Hope
37:25 The Importance of Dreaming with God
38:58 Living with Hope and Avoiding Cynicism
41:26 Balancing Grief and Hope
59:51 Daily Habits to Cultivate Hope
01:05:27 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

A Life Set Apart: The Beauty and Adventure of Holiness | S2 E29

Join hosts Fr. Michael Trummer, Fr. Christopher Trummer, and Mary Bielski as they discuss what it truly means to be holy. This episode tackles the common misconception that holiness is boring and instead presents it as an adventurous pursuit of God. They explore how genuine holiness involves our humanity, unique personalities, and the transformation by God's grace. Be inspired by the call to live a life set apart and discover what makes sainthood appealing in today's world. Whether you're curious about holiness or seeking to deepen your spiritual journey, this conversation will embolden you to embrace the adventure of becoming a saint.
 
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00:00 Introduction to Holiness
01:36 The Call to Adventure
03:17 Understanding True Holiness
04:54 Inspiration from the Saints
08:26 The Battle for Holiness
23:15 Embracing Trials and Suffering
34:35 The Radical Commitment to Holiness
35:34 Inoculated Against Authentic Christianity
36:02 The Joy of Following Christ Fully
36:30 Living a Life in the Spirit
37:47 The Process of Acquiring a Taste for God

Being "Religious" Is a Good Thing | S2 E28

In this episode, Father Michael Trummer and Father Christopher Trummer take on the often-misunderstood topic of religion—a word that many Christians today regard with suspicion. They acknowledge that much of the criticism directed at “being religious” arises from real problems: hypocrisy, self-reliance, transactional love, and an overemphasis on outward appearances. Yet, rather than dismissing religion altogether, the hosts argue that it is a divine reality—instituted by God in the Old Testament, fulfilled and transformed by Christ, and sustained in the life of the Church. They invite listeners to recover a renewed understanding of religion as a virtue: a purified way of relating to God through ordered worship, teaching, and community.
00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:35 Words and Semantics
01:55 Religion vs. Relationship
04:52 Criticisms of Religious Practices
12:36 Self-Reliance and Striving in Faith
28:30 The Virtue of Religion
33:19 Forgotten Passages and Jesus' Jewish Roots
34:15 Old Testament Laws and Christian Practices
37:05 The Early Christian Worship and Eucharist
39:17 Development of Christian Liturgy
45:25 Authority and Hierarchy in the Church
52:58 The Role of Rituals and Symbols in Worship
01:01:42 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

Not Ashamed of the Gospel | S2 E27

Join Fr. Christopher Trummer and Fr. Michael Trummer in a heartfelt discussion on the challenges and importance of boldly preaching the gospel in today's society. In light of recent political violence, including the assassination of conservative speaker Charlie Kirk, the hosts explore what it means to speak the truth, even when it leads to opposition. Drawing from the life of Jesus and various scriptures, they address the balance between being loving and proclaiming the truth. They also share personal experiences and practical advice on overcoming the fear of conflict and rejection. This episode encourages believers to be courageous in their faith and to rely on the Holy Spirit for boldness in standing up for what is right.Support Our Mission through Patreon – patreon.com/TheNCLPodcast00:00 Introduction: The Challenge of Speaking the Truth00:52 The Complexity of Love and Conflict01:46 Temptations and Challenges for Priests02:42 Reflecting on Charlie Kirk's Assassination06:38 Jesus' Teachings on Persecution08:30 Balancing Love and Boldness13:01 The Role of Priests and Parents14:42 The Importance of Moral Teachings18:59 Living Boldly in Faith44:12 Practical Advice for Overcoming Fear51:47 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

Prophecy: The Missing Piece in Evangelization w/ Sean Smith | S2 E26

In this episode of Normal Christian Life, Fr. Michael Trummer and Fr. Christopher Trummer, joined by Mary Bielski, have an inspiring conversation with Sean Smith. Sean shares his journey of discovering the gift of prophecy and how it has profoundly impacted his evangelism efforts. From personal testimonies to practical tips on how to hear God's voice, the discussion covers the importance of the prophetic in today's ministry. They also delve into the current move of God to bring about revival and unity in the church. Listen in to be encouraged and equipped to recognize and act on God's voice in your own life.
 
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:55 Sean Smith's Testimony: Early Life and Challenges
06:41 A Life-Changing Encounter with Jesus
10:33 The Power of Prophetic Evangelism
14:49 Practical Examples of Prophetic Evangelism
18:29 Real-Life Stories and Impact
24:11 Discerning God's Voice in Everyday Situations
32:40 The Door to the Spirit Realm
32:59 Evangelism and God's Power Tools
33:35 A Personal Encounter with Prophecy
36:14 The Role of the Holy Spirit
38:09 Prophetic Evangelism in Action
40:47 The Simplicity of Evangelization
46:36 Hearing God's Voice
55:24 A Time of Revival and Harvest
01:01:34 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

Simplicity and True Prosperity w/Catherine Porter | S2 E25

In this episode, hosts Fr. Michael, Fr. Christopher, and Mary Bielski are joined by guest Catherine Porter to discuss the often overlooked yet pivotal topic of simplicity and detachment from material possessions in the Christian life. The episode explores how Jesus emphasized simplicity throughout the Gospel and how this principle is intricately tied to our relationship with God. Through personal testimonies, scriptural insights, and theological reflections, the conversation reveals that aligning our hearts with God's will in terms of wealth and possessions is essential for true joy, freedom, and holistic discipleship. Join us as we delve into how living simply not only deepens our intimacy with God but also opens avenues for greater generosity, and ultimately, a more fulfilled and spiritually rich life.

The Body Heals Itself: Wounding and Healing within the Church | S2 E24

In this especially vulnerable episode, Fr. Michael Trummer, Fr. Christopher Trummer, and Mary Bielski delve into the complex issue of woundedness within the Church. They explore how many people struggle with their faith because of inconsistency and hypocrisy on the part of Christians, whether fellow believers in the pew or priests and other leaders. Acknowledging the hurt and the legitimate anger and indignation, they discuss the need for forgiveness, accountability, and effective communication in healing these wounds. The conversation aims to provide hope and practical steps for those who have been hurt within the Church, so that all of us can cling to Christ through intercession, compassion, and by staying engaged in the community.Support Our Mission through Patreon: patreon.com/TheNCLPodcast