The Templates of Truth Podcast https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com Pastor, author & speaker, Rick M. Smith, offers an audio version of his website blogs, "Templates of Truth."  Narrated by Rick himself, these episodes offer Biblical insights on a variety of subjects and issues that help listeners develop a Biblical worldview in today's progressive landscape.

]]> Fri, 26 Jun 2026 09:40:32 -0500 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en Copyright 2026 All rights reserved. Religion & Spirituality:Christianity 1440 episodic templatesoftruth templatesoftruth No false https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/22433584/TOT-Graphic.png The Templates of Truth Podcast https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com 144 144 Christians Not Voting: A Dereliction of Duty Christians Not Voting: A Dereliction of Duty https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/christians-not-voting-a-dereliction-of-duty/ https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/christians-not-voting-a-dereliction-of-duty/#comments Fri, 26 Jun 2026 09:40:32 -0500 templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e6ef43e4-202f-3835-b97b-8d79c4f0f6b9 Statistics show that millions of evangelical Christian voters in America do not vote, especially during Presidential elections.  Is this a proper exercise of the God-given freedom of citizenship in a democratic republic?  Does Scripture provide principles to guide followers of Christ in choosing effective leaders of our country through the electoral process?  Rick M. Smith offers some insightful perspectives on this serious deficit in our nation.

This episode is an author-narrated audio version of his blog:  https://www.rickmsmith.com/post/christians-not-voting-a-dereliction-of-biblical-duty

 

]]> Statistics show that millions of evangelical Christian voters in America do not vote, especially during Presidential elections.  Is this a proper exercise of the God-given freedom of citizenship in a democratic republic?  Does Scripture provide principles to guide followers of Christ in choosing effective leaders of our country through the electoral process?  Rick M. Smith offers some insightful perspectives on this serious deficit in our nation.

This episode is an author-narrated audio version of his blog:  https://www.rickmsmith.com/post/christians-not-voting-a-dereliction-of-biblical-duty

 

]]> templatesoftruth false No 1175 16 full Arkansas Ten Commandments: SB433 Arkansas Ten Commandments: SB433 https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/arkansas-ten-commandments-sb433/ https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/arkansas-ten-commandments-sb433/#comments Fri, 26 Jun 2026 09:30:41 -0500 templatesoftruth.podbean.com/c8784696-4f61-3b48-b1ba-986e1b1a7a54 Arkansas has become one of several states that have enacted laws allowing the display of the Biblical Ten Commandments in public forums, including public schools and government buildings.  Is this a violation of the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution?  In the episode of "Templates of Truth," Rick M. Smith offers some Biblical and historical insights into the question.

This episode is an author-narrated audio version of his blog:  https://www.rickmsmith.com/post/arkansas-sb433-ten-commandments

 

]]> Arkansas has become one of several states that have enacted laws allowing the display of the Biblical Ten Commandments in public forums, including public schools and government buildings.  Is this a violation of the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution?  In the episode of "Templates of Truth," Rick M. Smith offers some Biblical and historical insights into the question.

This episode is an author-narrated audio version of his blog:  https://www.rickmsmith.com/post/arkansas-sb433-ten-commandments

 

]]> templatesoftruth false No 905 15 full What Name & Body Will Transgenders Have in the Afterlife? What Name & Body Will Transgenders Have in the Afterlife? https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/what-name-body-will-transgenders-have-in-the-afterlife/ https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/what-name-body-will-transgenders-have-in-the-afterlife/#comments Fri, 26 Jun 2026 09:21:00 -0500 templatesoftruth.podbean.com/3148ebc9-1ad8-3970-bc25-af963a36c3cd The "trans" revolution has surged in the past decade in America, causing tidal waves of conflict and upheaval in the political, medical, educational, psychological, and religious worlds.  What fundamental factors undergird a proper Biblical worldview of this tumultuous moral issue in our culture?  In this episode of "Templates of Truth," Rick M. Smith offers a perspective few have considered:  what name and body will trans persons have when they stand before God in judgment?

This episode is an author-narrated audio version of his blog:  https://www.rickmsmith.com/post/what-name-body-will-transgenders-have-in-the-afterlife

 

]]> The "trans" revolution has surged in the past decade in America, causing tidal waves of conflict and upheaval in the political, medical, educational, psychological, and religious worlds.  What fundamental factors undergird a proper Biblical worldview of this tumultuous moral issue in our culture?  In this episode of "Templates of Truth," Rick M. Smith offers a perspective few have considered:  what name and body will trans persons have when they stand before God in judgment?

This episode is an author-narrated audio version of his blog:  https://www.rickmsmith.com/post/what-name-body-will-transgenders-have-in-the-afterlife

 

]]> templatesoftruth false No 1538 14 full Judge Not...Or Not? Judge Not...Or Not? https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/judge-notor-not/ https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/judge-notor-not/#comments Fri, 26 Jun 2026 07:14:48 -0500 templatesoftruth.podbean.com/557f7257-4e45-3fd7-85e4-0b33d8c72ddb The mantra of modern progressivism is, "You have no right to judge!"  Is that what the Bible really teaches?  Is there no place in genuine love for our fellow man to hold one another accountable for Scripturally appropriate attitudes and behaviors?  In the episode of "Templates of Truth," Rick M. Smith shares insightful perspectives to these pertinent questions about judgment and condemnation.

This episode is an author-narrated audio version of his blog:  https://www.rickmsmith.com/post/judge-not-or-not

 

]]> The mantra of modern progressivism is, "You have no right to judge!"  Is that what the Bible really teaches?  Is there no place in genuine love for our fellow man to hold one another accountable for Scripturally appropriate attitudes and behaviors?  In the episode of "Templates of Truth," Rick M. Smith shares insightful perspectives to these pertinent questions about judgment and condemnation.

This episode is an author-narrated audio version of his blog:  https://www.rickmsmith.com/post/judge-not-or-not

 

]]> templatesoftruth false No 994 13 full Why A Book About Demons? Why A Book About Demons? https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/why-a-book-about-demons/ https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/why-a-book-about-demons/#comments Fri, 26 Jun 2026 06:39:01 -0500 templatesoftruth.podbean.com/02d3ca81-630e-3d72-b9d0-8136ec3bb580 In this episode of "Templates of Truth," Rick M. Smith shares some of his perspectives behind the writing of his three-volume series, "Dismantling Doctrines of Demons."  Not at all characteristic of Hollywood horror-flick entertainment, Rick captures insightful meaning behind the foundational Scripture on which the series is based, and how our modern culture and geopolitical environment is permeated by a sinister presence we should all be aware of.

This episode is an author-narrated audio version of his blog:  https://www.rickmsmith.com/post/a-book-about-demons-not-what-you-think

 

]]> In this episode of "Templates of Truth," Rick M. Smith shares some of his perspectives behind the writing of his three-volume series, "Dismantling Doctrines of Demons."  Not at all characteristic of Hollywood horror-flick entertainment, Rick captures insightful meaning behind the foundational Scripture on which the series is based, and how our modern culture and geopolitical environment is permeated by a sinister presence we should all be aware of.

This episode is an author-narrated audio version of his blog:  https://www.rickmsmith.com/post/a-book-about-demons-not-what-you-think

 

]]> templatesoftruth false No 440 12 full Let's Work A Puzzle Let's Work A Puzzle https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/lets-work-a-puzzle/ https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/lets-work-a-puzzle/#comments Fri, 26 Jun 2026 06:08:12 -0500 templatesoftruth.podbean.com/276333df-7c2e-37dd-bb8e-8e84aa78749d To help you better understand the many details, predictions, events, and symbols of Biblical prophecy, Rick M. Smith compares the process to working a picture puzzle and explains how each step serves as an insightful analogy.

This episode is an author-narrated audio version of his blog:  https://www.rickmsmith.com/post/let-s-work-a-puzzle

 

]]> To help you better understand the many details, predictions, events, and symbols of Biblical prophecy, Rick M. Smith compares the process to working a picture puzzle and explains how each step serves as an insightful analogy.

This episode is an author-narrated audio version of his blog:  https://www.rickmsmith.com/post/let-s-work-a-puzzle

 

]]> templatesoftruth false No 605 11 full PLaying the Grace Card PLaying the Grace Card https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/playing-the-grace-card/ https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/playing-the-grace-card/#comments Mon, 22 Jun 2026 06:14:29 -0500 templatesoftruth.podbean.com/2263b11d-d1d8-3bbc-a160-8566b157e136 In modern progressivism, words that have traditionally been defined within clear Biblical applications have undergone radical change to accommodate the objectives of diversity, inclusion & equality (DEI) in our church & religious culture.  "Grace" is one example.  In this episode of Templates of Truth, Rick M. Smith draws us back to an understanding of the difference between cultural grace and spiritual grace as it is defined in Biblical truth.

This podcast is an author-narrated version of the following blog: Playing the Grace Card

]]> In modern progressivism, words that have traditionally been defined within clear Biblical applications have undergone radical change to accommodate the objectives of diversity, inclusion & equality (DEI) in our church & religious culture.  "Grace" is one example.  In this episode of Templates of Truth, Rick M. Smith draws us back to an understanding of the difference between cultural grace and spiritual grace as it is defined in Biblical truth.

This podcast is an author-narrated version of the following blog: Playing the Grace Card

]]> templatesoftruth false No 1178 10 full Irreconcilable Differences: Doctrine of Division & the Fall of America Irreconcilable Differences: Doctrine of Division & the Fall of America https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/irreconcilable-differences-doctrine-of-division-the-fall-of-america/ https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/irreconcilable-differences-doctrine-of-division-the-fall-of-america/#comments Sat, 20 Jun 2026 07:58:27 -0500 templatesoftruth.podbean.com/5a8d6cc4-555a-3e2b-b838-39dedb2c43bc Bible students commonly observe that the United States of America, the world's current "superpower" nation, is missing from the pages of prophetic Scripture.  What has happened to our country during these end times that has led to her influential absence from the international stage?  In this episode of Templates of Truth, Rick M. Smith offers the possibility that cultural, political, and religious division will actually facilitate America's fall from power.

This podcast is an author-narrated version of the following blog: Irreconcilable Differences

]]> Bible students commonly observe that the United States of America, the world's current "superpower" nation, is missing from the pages of prophetic Scripture.  What has happened to our country during these end times that has led to her influential absence from the international stage?  In this episode of Templates of Truth, Rick M. Smith offers the possibility that cultural, political, and religious division will actually facilitate America's fall from power.

This podcast is an author-narrated version of the following blog: Irreconcilable Differences

]]> templatesoftruth false No 1959 9 full The Noah-Lotic Relapse The Noah-Lotic Relapse https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/the-noah-lotic-relapse/ https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/the-noah-lotic-relapse/#comments Sat, 20 Jun 2026 07:48:55 -0500 templatesoftruth.podbean.com/00767187-009f-30a0-bb57-d10778a5dae6 If you want to know what the end times will be like in our modern era, Jesus gave a specific indicator: it will be just like the days of Lot and Noah.  What characteristics mark those similarities?  How close are we to the return of Christ?  In this episode of Templates of Truth, Rick M. Smith gives us a glimpse of this Biblical history repeating itself in remarkable ways.

This podcast is an author-narrated version of the following blog:  The Noah-Lotic Relapse

]]> If you want to know what the end times will be like in our modern era, Jesus gave a specific indicator: it will be just like the days of Lot and Noah.  What characteristics mark those similarities?  How close are we to the return of Christ?  In this episode of Templates of Truth, Rick M. Smith gives us a glimpse of this Biblical history repeating itself in remarkable ways.

This podcast is an author-narrated version of the following blog:  The Noah-Lotic Relapse

]]> templatesoftruth false No 1223 8 full Four Traits of A Genuine Follower of Christ Four Traits of A Genuine Follower of Christ https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/four-traits-of-a-genuine-follower-of-christ/ https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/four-traits-of-a-genuine-follower-of-christ/#comments Sat, 20 Jun 2026 07:35:36 -0500 templatesoftruth.podbean.com/081c5632-f922-34d2-b437-d2c1a1f53259 Many people claim to be a Christian, but do their lives really demonstrate that reality?  In this episode of Templates of Truth, Rick M. Smith shares four revealing traits that manifest a genuine follower of Christ.

This podcast is an author-narrated version of the following blog: Trait Marks of A Genuine Believer

]]> Many people claim to be a Christian, but do their lives really demonstrate that reality?  In this episode of Templates of Truth, Rick M. Smith shares four revealing traits that manifest a genuine follower of Christ.

This podcast is an author-narrated version of the following blog: Trait Marks of A Genuine Believer

]]> templatesoftruth false No 1836 7 full Believing Is Not Necessarily Belonging Believing Is Not Necessarily Belonging https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/believing-is-not-necessarily-belonging/ https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/believing-is-not-necessarily-belonging/#comments Sat, 20 Jun 2026 07:21:46 -0500 templatesoftruth.podbean.com/cfc70c07-dae0-358e-b6fd-709be811f490 Many people will say they believe in Jesus Christ, but is belief alone sufficient for having a personal relationship with Christ?  In this episode of Templates of Truth, Rick M. Smith explores the deeper meaning of having faith in Christ and the three spiritual dynamics essential in that commitment.

This podcast is an author-narrated version of the following blog: Believing Is Not Necessarily Belonging

]]> Many people will say they believe in Jesus Christ, but is belief alone sufficient for having a personal relationship with Christ?  In this episode of Templates of Truth, Rick M. Smith explores the deeper meaning of having faith in Christ and the three spiritual dynamics essential in that commitment.

This podcast is an author-narrated version of the following blog: Believing Is Not Necessarily Belonging

]]> templatesoftruth false No 1072 6 full DIVINE JUDGMENT: Imposed on Unforgiveness DIVINE JUDGMENT: Imposed on Unforgiveness https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/divine-judgment-imposed-on-unforgiveness/ https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/divine-judgment-imposed-on-unforgiveness/#comments Sat, 20 Jun 2026 07:02:47 -0500 templatesoftruth.podbean.com/1d4ab038-ddc7-32ee-b515-365339c5d94e One of the most destructive and defeating obstacles a person can place upon themselves is harboring an unforgiving spirit toward another over past offenses.  This is especially true for genuine followers of Christ.  The spiritual consequences of unforgiveness are severe and far-reaching.  In this episode of Templates of Truth, Rick M. Smith reveals four divine judgments the Bible teaches about unforgiveness.

This podcast is an author-narrated version of the following blog: Unforgiveness: Divine Judgment Imposed

]]> One of the most destructive and defeating obstacles a person can place upon themselves is harboring an unforgiving spirit toward another over past offenses.  This is especially true for genuine followers of Christ.  The spiritual consequences of unforgiveness are severe and far-reaching.  In this episode of Templates of Truth, Rick M. Smith reveals four divine judgments the Bible teaches about unforgiveness.

This podcast is an author-narrated version of the following blog: Unforgiveness: Divine Judgment Imposed

]]> templatesoftruth false No 1804 5 full The Gospel According to TikTok The Gospel According to TikTok https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/the-gospel-according-to-tiktok/ https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/the-gospel-according-to-tiktok/#comments Sat, 20 Jun 2026 06:51:06 -0500 templatesoftruth.podbean.com/24151174-9966-3e6a-b50b-3471311ffa85 Many voices on social media insist that the faith values, Biblical perspectives, and spiritual principles you have always held sacred and lived by may not be as accurate or real as you have been led to believe.  In this episode of Templates of Truth, Rick M. Smith challenges this opposition and emphasizes that only a diligent student of God's Word will equip the believer to discern truth from false teaching in this radically changing world of shifting values.

This podcast is an author-narrated version of the following blog: Gospel According to TikTok

]]> Many voices on social media insist that the faith values, Biblical perspectives, and spiritual principles you have always held sacred and lived by may not be as accurate or real as you have been led to believe.  In this episode of Templates of Truth, Rick M. Smith challenges this opposition and emphasizes that only a diligent student of God's Word will equip the believer to discern truth from false teaching in this radically changing world of shifting values.

This podcast is an author-narrated version of the following blog: Gospel According to TikTok

]]> templatesoftruth false No 981 4 full ARTICIAL INTELLIGENCE: And the God Complex ARTICIAL INTELLIGENCE: And the God Complex https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/articial-intelligence-and-the-god-complex/ https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/articial-intelligence-and-the-god-complex/#comments Sat, 20 Jun 2026 06:29:45 -0500 templatesoftruth.podbean.com/4cbdb08b-097a-32d0-9396-73b6c52779ca Developers of Artificial Intelligence (AI) commonly agree that AI is both extraordinary and terrifying, all at the same time.  Any powerful resource can bring tremendous benefits in responsible hands, but great destruction in the wrong hands.  Anything that God can use for good, the forces of darkness can use for evil.

In this episode of Templates of Truth, Rick M. Smith explores the "God complex" that AI could easily accommodate and how that exploitation could play out in during the end times.

This podcast is an author-narrated version of the following blog: Artificial Intelligence: the God Complex

]]> Developers of Artificial Intelligence (AI) commonly agree that AI is both extraordinary and terrifying, all at the same time.  Any powerful resource can bring tremendous benefits in responsible hands, but great destruction in the wrong hands.  Anything that God can use for good, the forces of darkness can use for evil.

In this episode of Templates of Truth, Rick M. Smith explores the "God complex" that AI could easily accommodate and how that exploitation could play out in during the end times.

This podcast is an author-narrated version of the following blog: Artificial Intelligence: the God Complex

]]> templatesoftruth false No 1280 3 full Do You Not See All These Things? Do You Not See All These Things? https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/do-you-not-see-all-these-things/ https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/do-you-not-see-all-these-things/#comments Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:54:08 -0500 templatesoftruth.podbean.com/8bb8ac71-fbea-3a88-ab3f-b377f8cc9d61 We often look without seeing.  We see only surface things without discerning words between the lines, unspoken meanings, hidden agendas, and realities staring us right in the face because we don't see "the forest for the trees."  A Biblical worldview requires observation with not only physical eyes but also spiritual eyes.  In this blogcast episode of Templates of Truth, Rick M. Smith opens our eyes to insights we may have missed at first glance.

This podcast is an author-narrated version of the following blog: Do You Not See All These Things?

]]> We often look without seeing.  We see only surface things without discerning words between the lines, unspoken meanings, hidden agendas, and realities staring us right in the face because we don't see "the forest for the trees."  A Biblical worldview requires observation with not only physical eyes but also spiritual eyes.  In this blogcast episode of Templates of Truth, Rick M. Smith opens our eyes to insights we may have missed at first glance.

This podcast is an author-narrated version of the following blog: Do You Not See All These Things?

]]> templatesoftruth false No 1536 2 full MIDDLE EAST CRISIS: Is It Gog-Magog? MIDDLE EAST CRISIS: Is It Gog-Magog? https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/middle-east-crisis-is-it-gog-magog/ https://templatesoftruth.podbean.com/e/middle-east-crisis-is-it-gog-magog/#comments Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:23:27 -0500 templatesoftruth.podbean.com/dc74e3a3-5272-3ad8-b496-d80659ac54d4 While the conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Islamic terrorist organizations surrounding her holds many elements of Biblical prophecy, does the current military activity constitute Ezekiel's Gog-Magog battle of the end times?  Rick explores this important question in this blogcast episode of "Templates of Truth."

This podcast is an author-narrated version of the following blog: Middle East Crisis: Gog/Magog

]]> While the conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Islamic terrorist organizations surrounding her holds many elements of Biblical prophecy, does the current military activity constitute Ezekiel's Gog-Magog battle of the end times?  Rick explores this important question in this blogcast episode of "Templates of Truth."

This podcast is an author-narrated version of the following blog: Middle East Crisis: Gog/Magog

]]> templatesoftruth false No 1820 1 full