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What if God is less interested in giving us the one perfect answer and more interested in forming us into people who can choose wisely?
In this episode, Elliot Sands talks with Alan Noble, author of To Live Well: Practical Wisdom for Moving Through Chaotic Times, about decision-making, virtue, contentment, justice, faith, doubt, and what it means to live faithfully in a chaotic world.
Alan helps reframe big life decisions—not as paralyzing “one right answer” moments, but as opportunities to practice prudence, pursue what is good, and walk resolutely with God. The conversation also explores why social media fuels inadequacy, how contentment frees us from regret, why justice requires grace, and how Christians can live with faith even when every question is not fully resolved.
Dr. O. Alan Noble is Associate Professor of English at Oklahoma Baptist University, a fellow at the Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics, and the author of On Getting Out of Bed, You Are Not Your Own, Disruptive Witness, and To Live Well. He holds a PhD from Baylor University and writes on faith, culture, literature, technology, mental health, and Christian cultural engagement. His work has appeared in The Atlantic, First Things, Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, and other outlets.
Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.
Connect with Alan Noble
Book: To Live Well: Practical Wisdom for Moving Through Chaotic Times
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