Sermon preached on October 11, 2026 at The Salvation Army Augusta Kroc Center of Augusta by Lt. Jamie Dupree

In this episode of CrossTalk at the Kroc, host Major Jonathan Raymer welcomes returning guest Ken Argot for a thoughtful discussion of Mark 9:14-29, the account of Jesus healing a boy possessed by an evil spirit.

Together, they explore the dramatic contrast between the mountaintop experience of the Transfiguration and the chaos waiting below, highlighting how spiritual highs are often followed by the realities and challenges of everyday life.

Jonathan and Ken examine the disciples' inability to heal the boy, the desperation of a father seeking help for his son, and Jesus' response to a generation struggling with faith. The conversation centers on one of the most honest statements in Scripture: "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief."

They discuss how faith and doubt often coexist, especially in seasons of pain, disappointment, trauma, and unanswered questions. Through personal reflections and ministry experiences, they show how God meets people not in their perfection, but in their sincere dependence upon Him.

The episode concludes with a powerful look at Jesus' authority over evil, the importance of prayer as a relationship with God rather than a ritual, and the danger of relying on our own abilities instead of the Holy Spirit. Listeners are encouraged to move beyond performance, self-reliance, and comparison, and instead embrace a deeper relationship with Christ, trusting His power to work through both their strengths and weaknesses.

Loving Difficult People