Great in God’s Sight

Martin Luther's wife Katie wasn't the only nun who ran away from a convent during the 1520's. After embracing the truth of justification by faith, an intrepid noblewoman named Ursula and two fellow sisters staged their own dramatic escape and joined the dozens of other nuns slipping out of convents during this time. Learn why Ursula's story is special, however, in this tenth and final episode of Season 3 of Great in God's Sight. It's a story of faith and courage you won't want to miss! Check out the great artwork that goes along with today's story on our website, thegreatpodcast.org!

Most of us who have heard of Melanchthon at all tend to think of him as Luther's shy, soft-spoken sidekick. This is somewhat true, but it's a mere fragment of the big picture. If Martin Luther was the beating heart of the Reformation, then Philipp Melanchthon was its brains. You won't want to miss this episode of Great in God's Sight as we explore the life and contributions of one of the Protestant Reformation's most intelligent, systematic thinkers.  Enjoy the amazing artwork that was custom-created for today's story on our website, thegreatpodcast.org!

Divorced, beheaded, died; divorced, beheaded, survived! Some use this macabre jingle to remember the wives of infamous King Henry VIII, but the queen who survived had a much more rich and interesting story than most history books give her credit for. In this episode of Great in God's Sight, meet Katherine Parr, a fearless woman of the Reformation and the sixth wife of Henry VIII, who outlasted him by nearly two years. Your understanding of the English Reformation will never be the same! Enjoy the terrific artwork that goes along with today's story on our website, thegreatpodcast.org!

Join us for part 2 of Albrecht Dürer's story! This talented German artist was privileged to live in a particularly exciting era and felt the quickening heartbeat of the Protestant Reformation. As we trace the trajectory of his life, we see God's hand clearly drawing Dürer to Himself. In this episode, we will explore not only the artist's personal faith journey, but also the way it was expressed in one of his most monumental and revealing works of art. Don't miss the fantastic artwork that goes along with today's story on our website, thegreatpodcast.org

Albrecht Dürer is best known for his emblematic Christian artwork, “Praying Hands.” But beyond being one of the most brilliant artists of the German Renaissance, Dürer was also a staunch friend of the Reformation. Join us for part one of Albrecht Dürer's journey in this episode of Great in God's Sight! As always, don't miss the amazing artwork on our website, thegreatpodcast.org

Imagine a Christian leader afraid of reading the Bible. In the early 16th century this was relatively common. Superstition and fear led many believers to mistrust the Scriptures, for fear they would beguile them into heresy. In this episode of Season 3, learn how Menno Simons, a Catholic priest, began to trust the Word of God in an age when it was well-nigh considered taboo. Check out the awesome artwork that goes along with today's story on our website, thegreatpodcast.org!

In 1611, the King James Version of the Bible was produced— the combined masterwork of 47 scholars. However, by the time of his martyrdom in 1536, William Tyndale had translated the entire New Testament from Greek to English, along with portions of the Old Testament— alone. Only his untimely death prevented him from finishing the entire Bible. You won't want to miss the tale of Tyndale's life of tenacious service, with the intrigue and betrayal that eventually brought him to a fiery execution. Even in the 21st century, we still owe a great deal to this godly and extraordinary English scholar. Check out the fantastic artwork that goes along with this episode on our website, thegreatpodcast.org!

Princess, poet, playwright, politician. . . . These are only several of the words that would aptly describe Marguerite of Navarre. Perhaps the most important would be “lover of God and His truth.” She welcomed and sheltered Reformers in her tiny realm, and interceded for them with her brother, the haughty and mighty king of France. Meet this remarkable Renaissance woman who gave the Lord her best— even when it cost her dear. Don't miss the awesome artwork, specially crafted for today's episode! You can find it on our website, thegreatpodcast.org

Zwingli is to Switzerland as Luther is to Germany. Although eclipsed in our consciousness by its German counterpart, the Swiss Reformation sprung up simultaneously and was no less transformative. Meet the godly man who spearheaded this movement, Ulrich Zwingli. Born seven weeks after Luther, Zwingli was a dedicated pastor, preacher, and patriot who deserves to be remembered. This episode of Great in God's Sight is one you won't want to miss! Check out the fantastic artwork that goes along with today's story at thegreatpodcast.org!

SEASON 3 IS HERE!!!! And so, we begin with the man without whom any mention of the Reformation would be incomplete. In the early 1500's, Martin Luther took God's Word as his compass and navigated through some of the most threatening circumstances one could imagine: excommunication, death sentences, and life as a fugitive. Today, 505 years after the first cannon shots of the Protestant Reformation, we still remember his contributions with warm gratitude. As always, check out the amazing ARTWORK for today's story on our website, thegreatpodcast.org!

EXCITING NEWS FLASH! Finale to our second season. 20th episode of Great in God's Sight. Season 3 launching in FEBRUARY 2022! A huge thank you to all our faithful listeners— please stay tuned and share this podcast with everyone you know. We have many more exhilarating stories lined up for Season 3! Today, however, meet the unsung hero behind the book, Pilgrim's Progress. You've read, watched, or listened to some version of the epic tale, but do you really know its author? Find out in this exciting episode! And, as always, don't miss the extraordinary artwork custom-created for today's story on our website, thegreatpodcast.org.

“If one were asked to name one musician who came closest to composing without human flaw, I suppose general consensus would choose Johann Sebastian Bach.” So said American composer Aaron Copland, and very few connoisseurs of classical music would disagree. But what was Bach's secret? Join us for our latest episode of Great in God's Sight as we meet the composer who signed most of his works, “Soli Deo Gloria,” preferred to play in church rather than noblemen's courts, and wrote heavenly melodies because he was inspired by the Heavenly Father Himself. Don't miss the beautiful artwork that goes along with today's story! Visit thegreatpodcast.org today!

After many twists and turns and jolts and thrills, the celestial train cars are ready to embark on the last leg of their journey! Our pilgrim friend and Mr. Smooth-it-away are eager to resume the historic route made famous by John Bunyan's Christian. The portals of the Celestial City next await them. Or do they? Check out the fantastic artwork that goes along with today's story on our website, thegreatpodcast.org!

We are en route for the Celestial City, and the heavenly locomotive rumbles on! Join our pilgrim friend and Mr. Smooth-it-away as they explore the sites, frights, and delights of Vanity Fair. Is their final destination almost in sight? You won't want to miss the fantastic artwork that goes along with today's story! Check it out at thegreatpodcast.org. We'll be back soon with the fourth (and final installment) of Nathaniel Hawthorne's underrated tale!

We hope you hear the train whistle loud and clear, as Great in God's Sight brings you Part 2 of N. Hawthorne's short story, the “Celestial Railroad”! If you missed the first leg of our journey with Mr. Smooth-it-away, be sure to catch a ride through Part 1 first. Before you know it, we'll be back with Part 3, but in the meantime, check out the terrific artwork that goes along with today's story on our website, thegreatpodcast.org.

John Bunyan's timeless classic, Pilgrims's Progress, has delighted and challenged its readers since 1678. However, almost two hundred years later, in 1843, American author Nathaniel Hawthorne published a short story, a modernized sequel to Christian's journey, that for whatever reason, has remained largely unknown and underrated. Hop on for today's episode, as Great in God's Sight brings you Part 1 of "The Celestial Railroad"! We will be back in a couple weeks with Part 2, but be sure to check out the fantastic artwork for today's story on our website, thegreatpodcast.org!

Q: What eminent scientist spent more time with his Bible than in the book of nature, penned more than 1.3 million words on theological subjects, and wrote a major work on the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation? A: Sir Isaac Newton. Although his name is unfailingly associated with gravitating apples, rainbow prisms, and advanced calculus, there's a side to him that many people are not aware of. Join us for our next episode of Great in God's Sight as we discover the real faith behind the real Isaac Newton. We'll be back soon with another inspiring story, but in the meantime, check out the fantastic artwork, custom-created for today's episode on Newton, at thegreatpodcast.org!

For those who have heard of Sir Robert Boyle, his name may invoke the image of a bewigged gentleman with curly locks falling far past his shoulders, or perhaps his contribution to the PV=nRT ideal gas equation that is a staple of chemistry courses. However, many do not know that this early Father of Modern Chemistry was a supremely devoted follower of Jesus who essentially blazed a scientific trail to defend his faith. Episode 3 of Season 2 is one you won't want to miss, as we delve into the incredible, but virtually unknown, story of Sir Robert Boyle. We'll be back soon with another inspiring story, but in the meantime, check out the incredible artwork, custom-created for today's episode on Boyle, at thegreatpodcast.org!

We are privileged to live in an age of great scientific and technological advancement. Mind-blowing discoveries in the natural and physical realms have enhanced our lives today. In our newest episode, we will explore the intriguing life journey of Blaise Pascal, one of the great scientific minds in the 17th century. He made a name for himself through groundbreaking scientific discoveries, but still wrestled with a longing in his heart that knowledge, fame, and prestige could not fill. Then one night, everything changed. Find out what happened in this week's story! We'll be back soon with another inspiring story, but in the meantime, check out the incredible artwork, custom-created for today's episode on Pascal, at thegreatpodcast.org!

In today's world, science and faith are often perceived as in irreconcilable tension. But it is interesting to note that some of the greatest scientists in modern history were also people of tremendous faith. This week, as we begin Season 2 of Great in God's Sight, we will explore the life of renowned astronomer Johannes Kepler. Although his heart was set on becoming a minister, God had other plans for this scientific and mathematical genius. Join us as we journey through Kepler's life story in our newest podcast episode! Season 2 is here! Visit thegreatpodcast.org to enjoy special artwork, custom-created for today's story on Kepler.

Final episode of Season 1! Imagine a world in which you must purchase numerous Scripture editions in order to possess a complete version. Each copy provides only a partial picture of the whole. Or perhaps, worse yet, the Bible isn't even available in your language. In this eighth and final episode of Season 1, we meet characters who were confronted with just such a situation. We hope their God-inspired solutions will impress and inspire you! Visit thegreatpodcast.org to enjoy special artwork, custom-created for today's story on Jerome, Cyril, and Methodius. You can also access the script for today's episode at thegreatpodcast.org/s1/ep8

A century after Patrick evangelized Ireland, the Gospel desperately needed a new field of operation. Where would it be and who would be Patrick's successor? It has been said, “The hour produces the man.” In the sixth century, this came true when Columba, an Irish missionary, founded a church on the small island of Iona. Soon, his student missionaries began evangelizing the countryside in northwestern Scotland. God's guiding hand quickly took them throughout Britain and even to the European continent. Join us for Episode 7 of Season 1 as we delve into an exciting story of early missionary adventures! We'll be back next Sunday with another inspiring episode, but in the meantime, visit thegreatpodcast.org to enjoy special artwork, custom-created for today's story on Columba! You can also access the script for today's episode at thegreatpodcast.org/s1/ep7

To what cause would you be willing to devote your energy, sweat, blood, and tears for twenty whole years, with no guarantee of success? Although the journey was excruciating, often with no light at the end of the tunnel, William Wilberforce was confident in God's calling to help abolish the British slave trade. Join us for another bonus episode, and Part 2 of this exciting story, as we witness the “abiding eloquence of a Christian life,” and are reminded that there is no limit to the good such a life may accomplish. Bonus episode! We'll be back early next week with another inspiring story! In the meantime, visit thegreatpodcast.org to enjoy special, custom-created artwork for today's episode on Wilberforce. You can also find the episode script with additional resources at thegreatpodcast.org/s1/bonus2.

Bonus episode! What would you do if you were heir to an extraordinary fortune, held an important seat in government, called the Prime Minister your best friend, and was widely-known as one of the most popular people in elite circles? All this (and more) was true of William Wilberforce at a very young age. Most of us would have written him off as hopeless; yet, he was never beyond God's reach. Don't miss this bonus episode of Great in God's Sight as we witness the greatest miracle of all— a changed heart. We'll be back early next week with Part 2 of William Wilberforce's unforgettable story! In the meantime, visit thegreatpodcast.org to enjoy special, custom-created artwork for today's episode. You can also find the episode script with additional resources at thegreatpodcast.org/s1/bonus.

Questions. . . They form an unavoidable element of our religious experience, yet when beginning a relationship with God, it can be challenging to navigate the path between doubt and faith. The disciple Thomas, also known as Didymus ("twin"), fully experienced this dilemma. Join us in this sixth episode of Season 1 to gather insights from the "doubting" disciple. There may be no wrong question as long as Jesus is the recipient. He will answer in ways that are beyond human wisdom. Visit thegreatpodcast.org to enjoy special artwork, custom-created for today's story on Thomas. We'll be back early next week with a new, inspiring episode! You can also access the script for today's episode at thegreatpodcast.org/s1/ep6

Take your memory back to life at age 15. Hopefully you encounter mostly positive memories. Now, imagine being stolen away from your family and friends to become a slave in a foreign land. Does this sound like a character in the Bible? It isn't. Think we're full of blarney? Listen on. Episode 5 of Season 1 is one you definitely won't want to miss! Visit thegreatpodcast.org to enjoy special artwork, custom-created for today's story on Patrick. You can also access the script for today's episode at thegreatpodcast.org/s1/ep5

Many believers are born into Christian homes; others find Jesus in their quest for truth. The figure in this fourth episode of Season 1 comes from the second group. Justin Martyr sought enlightenment through the writings of Greek philosophers, until a life changing encounter left him searching the Scriptures. Join us for an adventure as we delve into Justin's inquisitive life! Visit thegreatpodcast.org to enjoy special artwork, custom-created for today's story on Justin. You can also access the script for today's episode at thegreatpodcast.org/s1/ep4

Persecution of the early church came in waves; toleration of Christians varied based on location and timeline. In this third episode of Season 1, we will examine the life and death of one of Christianity's first martyrs. Perhaps you've heard of Polycarp before, but we hope his important testimony will help ignite your spiritual life! Visit thegreatpodcast.org to enjoy special artwork, custom-created for today's story on Polycarp. You can also access the script for today's episode at thegreatpodcast.org/s1/ep3

Life is filled with ups and downs, triumphs and mistakes. While being a follower of Jesus certainly doesn't eliminate challenges, we can learn priceless lessons through those selfsame challenges. Join us for this second episode of Season 1, as we explore Mark's life and how he overcame failure. As we will see, it is not about who you are, but Who you know. Visit thegreatpodcast.org to enjoy special artwork, custom-created for today's story on Mark. You can also access the script for today's episode at thegreatpodcast.org/s1/ep2

Self-worth—we often hunt for it in all the wrong places. Social popularity, achievement, and personal appearance are just few examples, but where should we expect to find genuine fulfillment? In the first episode of Season 1, we explore the life of the "disciple Jesus loved." Sure, you've heard of John before, but get ready for new lessons and fresh perspectives as we dive into his story together! Visit thegreatpodcast.org to view special artwork, custom-created for today's story on John. You can also access the script for today's episode at thegreatpodcast.org/s1/ep1