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Kingdom Cross Roads Podcast is a part of The God Centered Concept.

n this special CPE Summer 2026 episode of Kingdom Cross Roads Podcast, T.S. Wright sits down with Dr. Michael “Mike” Manahan, author of The Great Contest, for a conversation about faith, trials, biblical truth, and the transforming work of God.

Dr. Manahan brings an unusual combination of theological and scientific training to the discussion. His academic background includes mathematics and physics, nuclear engineering and physics, and advanced study at MIT, alongside a master’s degree in theology. He also shares from decades of ministry experience, including 36 years serving as a volunteer prison chaplain.

At the heart of the conversation is a challenging biblical question: Why does God test His people?

Drawing from James’ teaching to “count it all joy” when believers face trials, Dr. Manahan explains his view that the tests and “contests” found throughout Scripture are part of God’s work of developing character, producing sanctification, and preparing His people for His Kingdom. The conversation traces this theme from the Garden of Eden through figures in the Old and New Testaments.

Dr. Manahan also discusses several major theological themes addressed in The Great Contest, including:

• Why the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil was present in Eden
• The biblical purpose of testing, trials, and suffering
• How adversity can become an instrument of spiritual transformation
• The reality of hell and the importance of proclaiming the full Gospel
• Why Genesis 1–3 is foundational to understanding the biblical story
• Creation versus evolution and the Big Bang
• The first and second laws of thermodynamics
• The relationship between scientific inquiry and Christian faith
• Humanity’s ultimate purpose of glorifying God
• Why believers should be able to look back and see evidence of spiritual growth

T.S. and Dr. Manahan also emphasize that Jesus Christ can reach anyone, regardless of a person’s past, and that the believer’s life must remain rooted in the truth of God’s Word.

Dr. Manahan leaves listeners with a powerful perspective: trials should not merely be viewed as obstacles to escape. They can become evidence of God actively shaping character and preparing His people for what lies ahead.

Key Scripture Themes Mentioned

James 1 — Counting trials as joy and understanding their role in spiritual development.

Genesis 1–3 — God as Creator, God’s original intention for humanity, the Fall, and the beginning of humanity’s need for redemption.

Isaiah 43 — Humanity created for the glory of God.

Psalm 115:1 — Glory belonging not to us, but to the name of the Lord.

Matthew 10:28 — Jesus’ warning concerning judgment and the reality of hell.

Keywords / Tags

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Call to Action

If this conversation challenged you to see your trials differently, share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today. Subscribe to Kingdom Cross Roads Podcast so you don’t miss more conversations with Christian authors, ministers, teachers, and Kingdom leaders.

And be sure to look for Dr. Michael Manahan’s book, The Great Contest, available on Amazon, and discover how the tests, trials, and contests found throughout Scripture can help us better understand God’s work in our own lives.

Like, follow, subscribe, and share Kingdom Cross Roads Podcast—and help us take biblical truth to the crossroads of the world.