In Focus

This episode concludes "The Business at Hand" series by returning to Luke 19 for a final look at two big, important Christian ideas: faithfulness and judgment.Share this episode

Luke records our last account of the King's final instructions for the disciples just before his ascension. After recounting many details we've heard previously from Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke makes this distinct and important contribution to the business at hand – the King doesn't intend for us to do this on our own. We must first wait to be filled with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.Share this episode

John brings us our third account of the King's business for the disciples between his ascension and his return. Specifically, our business is to be ambassadors of peace and reconciliation. The business at hand is to see people being made right with God, right with each other, and right in the world around them. Contact info: justlaughwithjody@gmail.comShare this episode

Today's episode brings into focus the business at hand according to the King's commission in Mark - Gospeling. Share this episodejustlaughwithjody@gmail.com

Matthew 28 records the first account of the King's final instructions for his disciples before his ascension. This "Great Commission" is simply this: Make Disciples. Today's episode is simply an exercise in hearing what Jesus had to say:1. Everyone is to BE a disciple. And every disciple is to MAKE disciples of everyone else. Even the doubters.2. Discipleship is a life of OBEYING and ABIDING.3. Disciples must be MADE. Anything and everything new disciples should say and do and be, we must M.A.D.E: Model. Assist. Deploy/Debrief. Entrust.Contact: justlaughwithjody@gmail.comShare this episode

Today's episode is 1 of 5 regarding the business at hand for those of us living between the King's ascension and his return.Episode Linkjustlaughwithjody@gmail.com

Today we look at Mark 4:26–29 and Jesus' vision of life when he is our Savior and King. This vision matches Jesus' own example of ministry, mission, and disciple making. Globally, this passage corresponds with a simple tool known as 4Fields, which brings into focus, clearly and simply, a vision for ministry and mission. This foundational passage and tool provide the framework from which we will build out other disciple-making and church-planting tools in the episodes to come.Training 4FieldsEpisode link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/12905371

This second episode on movements explores 2 pairs of values, 2 pairs of biblical principles important for initiating and sustaining disciple-making and church-planting movements. https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/12895860

I'm back! After a much-longer-than-expected hiatus, it's time for a quick look back on what God was doing back in the days of the New Testament to appreciate what (and how) God is moving in the world today.It's great to be back kicking off the first in what is hopefully an inspiring and life-changing series.https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/11717025-movements-1-who-s-doing-what

Today finds us in Daniel 5 discovering a number of poignant takeaways from the examples of Belshazzar (what NOT to do) and Daniel (what to do) as the historical Babylonian empire comes to an end.Contact email: justlaughwithjody@gmail.comDiscovering Jesus (Amazon link)Today's episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/9566178

This episode continues our look at how to live faithfully in the intersection of culture, politics, and faith in often less-than-ideal circumstances. Learning from the events of Daniel 4, we learn that, regarding life in Babylon, it's hard to predict exactly how things are going to unfold. What we do along the way, as God's faithful people, is to speak the truth boldly and compassionately in order to help those around us more accurately perceive where and how God is at work among us. Contact: justlaughwithjody@gmail.comEpisode link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/9483516

Today's episode is setup by an epic adventure in missing the point. God has spoken. But a short memory and blinding pride get the best of an evil king, setting us up for one of the most famous stories in the Bible. It has a lot to teach us about living in Babylon and it's pretty enjoyable along the way!Contact: justlaughwithjody@gmail.comDirect link to this episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/9429559

Today's episode dives into Daniel 2 to see what we might have to learn from Daniel about living faithfully in the intersection of politics, history, and culture. What emerges are some big ideas: Prudence, Discretion, and Dependence.Here's a direct link to today's episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/9397661And here's the email if you'd like to request an upcoming topic or passage: justlaughwithjody@gmail.com

Today's episode dives into Daniel 1 in search of wisdom and big ideas by which we might better discern how live faithfully in the intersection of history, politics, religion, and culture. It's certainly not easy, but it's doable.  What emerges is a pair of surprising and challenging ideas: concession and distinction. Both define Daniel in chapter one. Both require tremendous discernment in our own times and places. Enjoy!justlaughwithjody@gmail.comEpisode link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/9364538

Today's episode, the second in the series, is an interview with Justin's long-time friend and inspiration behind the series on Daniel, Mark Thomas.Contact: justlaughwithjody@gmail.comEpisode link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/9274994

This episode kicks off a new series on Daniel and Babylon. It takes a look at the expansive role of Babylon in the biblical narrative and imagination from Genesis 10 all the way to Revelation 18. This sets us up to understand and appreciate the value of what we discover in Daniel 1–7. Daniel was faithful even in the midst of the  treacherous political and cultural forces working against him. We must be too. justlaughwithjody@gmail.comEpisode link:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/9229966

The final episode of this series explores the gifting and calling of women into leadership in the Church.justlaughwithjody@gmail.comEpisode link - https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/9187818

The household code passages have been common go-to prooftexts for advocates of "Christian" patriarchy. In today's episode, we revisit Ephesians 5-6, Colossians 3, and 1 Peter 2-3 giving attention to their content in light of both context and consistency.Ephesians 5-6Colossians 31 Peter 2-3Contact: justlaughwithjody@gmail.comEpisode link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/9154224

Today's episode builds into one of a couple passages most commonly used as proof-texts for the subjugation of women in the church (1 Timothy 2). This passage and this episode force a high degree of thoughtfulness in order to reconcile this brief statement with the rest of the teaching and practice of Paul in the New Testament (and God's design as we examined it in episode #1 of this series). This hard work of discernment and interpretation is unavoidable if we are to retain all of Scripture as a unified whole. Contact: justlaughwithjody@gmail.comEpisode link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/8514469

Just under the surface, the conversations about women in the Church, women in Church leadership, and women in ministry are very familiar. The sticky points about women in the church regarding church polity have to do with greatness and titles. Fortunately, the disciples and the religious leaders of Jesus' time were also obsessed with greatness and titles, so Jesus had multiple opportunities to provide teaching for us on these matters. This may not answer all the questions we are asking on this broad topic, but it does provide another layer of context within which the questions are being asked. Contact: justlaughwithjody@gmail.comContact episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/8524436

Today's episode in the first in a series on Women: Women and God's Design, Women in the Church, Women in Ministry, etc. This topic is often conflated with other cultural and ecclesiological matters, especially regarding biblical interpretation and authority. Today's episode offers a nuanced perspective on the connection between the subjugation of women in the Church and another hot topic - homosexuality.  Ultimately, they both boil down to God's design for humanity and our willingness (or lack thereof) to submit to God's design regardless of how it might contradict our preferences and sensibilities. Practically speaking, there are massive limitations on any single podcast episode. Please understand that this episode is NOT meant to be an all-inclusive discussion on either women in the Church or homosexuality. Both are complex topics to work out in the real world with real people with real stories living real lives, many of whom genuinely love Jesus. But the complexity of a matter or the inability to speak of it fully in one setting also cannot dictate silence.  Toward that end, further episodes will follow specifically on the topic of women in the Church.Contact: justlaughwithjody@gmail.comEpisode link:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/8493167

Today we reflect on a famous prophecy from Deuteronomy about the One who will succeed Moses in speaking to the people on behalf of the holy God. Episode link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/8435620justlaughwithjody@gmail.com

Today's episode is a brief reflection on a conversation between God and Moses in Exodus 33. It is all about what makes God's people distinct from all of the people around them. Link to today's episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/8342709Contact email: justlaughwithjody@gmail.comPilot (Justin's new book)

Jesus concluded his most famous sermon with some wisdom for those staring at a stormy horizon with the tide rolling in. We're facing a similar situation today and ready for the wisdom that Jesus has to offer us.justlaughwithjody@gmail.comPilot (Justin's new book on Amazon)Stormy Horizons episode link

Today's show kicks off a series on doing the Sermon on the Mount. Takeaways in thinking and living and being from Matthew 5:3-11:Perspective. We have to think and live and speak in light of what God is up to in the world.Christlikeness. Jesus' way is not the world's way. His is the way of the cross and so is ours as his followers, even as we live in hope and anticipation of resurrection.Email: justlaughwithjody@gmail.comEpisode link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/6313864

This episode is something of a prequel to "Getting Down to Business" at least in terms of the chronology of God's story. After another overview, it focuses in on Jesus and how the whole story comes together in him. Enjoy!Episode link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/5604601justlaughwithjody@gmail.com

Here's an effort to grab ahold of the fire that's burning in my heart. God is at work. It's an exciting time. And the stakes couldn't be higher. It's time to get down to business. Today's episode is a little bit of the why and the what to all this. Here's my email: justlaughwithjody@gmail.comHere's the link to this episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/5350474

Today is the final episode in our look at the early chapters of Joshua and the principles we see there about entering into God's promises. When Joshua encounters God face to face, with sword drawn, his very natural question is this, "Are you for us or our adversaries?" God's reply is a stark reminder to remain humble and to avoid vilifying and demonizing our perceived enemies as enemies of God - "No."Justin's email address: justlaughwithjody@gmail.comToday's episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/5173297

Today's episode looks at how God's means of provision change through the years and how that change can be a bit challenging along the way.Contact email: justlaughwithjody@gmail.comDirect link for this episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/4773119

John 16:12 conveys a short and sweet message from Jesus, "I've got more to say to you, but you're ready for it yet." The two implications of this verse can set us up for continuing growth and a thriving life in Jesus Christ:Jesus won't speak to us anything we're not ready to hear.Jesus has more to speak to us.Enjoy today's episode, please email me with any questions, suggestions, or feedback. I'd love to hear from you! justlaughwithjody@gmail.comHere's the direct link if you'd like to share the episode with others. From the linked page, you can also jump over to most major podcast providers for easier streaming in the background of your phone or computer.https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/4336592

Today's episode takes us to Joshua 5 and a time to renew the covenant between God and the people despite the people's forgetfulness and unfaithfulness along the way. The takeaways from today's episode:Remember.Be set apart.Let go.Today's episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/4167299Contact email: justlaughwithjody@gmail.com

Returning to Joshua for the third episode in the series, we enter the story as God's people are crossing over into God's promises. A number of details jump out in this passage (Joshua 3:14-4:9). Amidst everything, a response emerges for us as God's people entering into his promises in our lives here and now.Have Faith. "Have faith" as in believing and trusting that God can deliver on his promises. Also "have faith" as in acting in good faith and being faithful to take the steps that God has put before you.Take it with you. Let your experiences in God shape you and define you.Repent. Learn to rethink the world around you (and your life within it) based on what God is doing. And then live differently in response to your new God-shaped reality.Thanks again for listening. Here's the link to today's show if you'd like to share it:https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/4122833Please reach out with any feedback, ideas for future episodes, or personal stories about your world coming into better focus as a result of listening. I'd love to hear from you.

This episode returns to the early chapters of Joshua for another look at entering God's promises. It focuses in on Joshua 3 and God's instructions for the people to follow in light of the fact that they haven't been this way before.Takeaways for entering God's promises in our own lives:Keep watching for what God is doing and how God is leading.Keep waiting - don't be a backseat driver!Keep walking it out and following Jesus.If you have any ideas on how to improve the show or for more episodes, you can reach me at justlaughwithjody@gmail.comHere's the link to today's episode. It is also available on most podcast providers for easier access via your smartphone.

This kicks off a series on the opening chapters of Joshua about Entering God's Promises. As the book begins, we immediately find a series of "you and I" statements from God regarding the Israelites entering the land God had promised them. While there are times in life when God works in an "I do, you watch" kind of way, there are also many times when we are called to participate in what He is doing on our behalf. Here's what that type of "you and I" working together situation looked like as the Israelites entered into God's promises:You go…and I'll give you the promise.You walk it out. I have spoken.I will be with you. You be strong and courageous and take what is before you.You submit and obey to my way. I will give you good success.You do not be afraid or dismayed. I am with you.Today's episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/3831695Please reach out to me with any feedback or ideas for future episodes: justlaughwithjody@gmail.com

Creating regular times of open space to be present with God was central to Jesus' way of living. As his followers, that practice cannot be ignored as the example we are to follow. However, we live in a world that shapes us as a closed people. This episode sheds light on prayer in light of Job's story and experience with God. Despite the conventional religious wisdom offered by his friends, Job was raw and seemingly inappropriate as he came before God in all of his pain, doubt, anger, and frustration. But in the end, it was Job's friends who were rebuked by God and Job who was accepted. Job's honesty and acceptance reveal an unexpected way forward from a closed people to an open people before God. This is crucial as we take seriously Jesus' way and practice it as our own - in creating open space to be with God and also as we learn to hear God speak to us through the Scriptures.Thank you to everyone who has rated, reviewed, or subscribed to IN FOCUS. Your participation will help make the show more easily discoverable for new listeners in the future. With any feedback, please email justlaughwithjody@gmail.comHere's the link to today's show if you'd like to share it directly: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/3731453

This episode introduces a practical means of following Jesus' example and creating regular open space in our lives in order to become fully present with God. It includes a brief look at the what, the why, and the how of practicing Jesus' way in this manner. Hopefully, this episode goes beyond hypothetical consideration and genuinely inspires and empowers you in this important step toward a more eternal kind of life. Should you feel prompted to take such a step of faith, God will meet you along the way and do more in you and through you than you could ever imagine. Please take a moment to rate the show with your podcast provider. That will help make it so that others may find the show in the future. If you have any ideas for future episodes or on how to improve the show, I'd love to hear your feedback. You can reach me at justlaughwithjody@gmail.comDirect link to this episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/3693424

Today we dive in and talk about "a more eternal kind of life" that Jesus so often speaks of in John's gospel. In particular, we take Jesus words at face value concerning the timing of this eternal life - that it begins right here and now as soon as we turn to Jesus Christ. Finally, "a more eternal kind of life" is brought in to focus when remembering that Jesus is the Way for us and that we can actually practice his way in tangible and intentional ways as his followers.Key Takeaways:Eternal life is a present reality that never ends.Jesus is the Way and we can practice his way together:Setting ourselves apart to God in stillnessTaking in Scripture and being shaped by itCommitting to regular fellowship & mutual submission to ChristLearning to hear God together - both what he has spoken to us in Scripture and what he is speaking to us as we follow him along the wayPrintable ResourcesPlease take a few seconds to rate or review In Focus on your podcast provider and help others find the show. If you would like to continue the conversation or you have feedback on this or any episode, you can reach me at justlaughwithjody@gmail.comHere is the link for today's episode if you'd like to share it with friends: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/3661168

As the world is unsteadied by the CoVid crisis, the Bible provides us a way of bringing things in to focus that is encouraging and hopeful, especially amidst uncertainty. We need something to change. And that's exactly what the Bible promises. Today's episode reflects on how that change will come about and answers the question, "Who's going where?"If you have a few seconds, please give the show a rating with your podcast provider and help others be able to find it in the future. You can also share this episode directly on social media here.If you have any feedback or suggestions for future episodes, I'd love to hear from you. Please email me at justlaughwithjody@gmail.com

For today's episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kent Sovine regarding his thoughts and perspective on Church. Kent serves the Mid America District of the Christian and Missionary Alliance. God's amazing work in Kent has resulted in a huge heart for the Church as well as a great perspective from which to watch and serve countless local churches and church planting teams. It was so good, I was actually taking notes on a few things Kent said even during the show!Key Content:Non-negotiables of "Church"Church - Looking OutChurch - Looking AheadDirect sharable link to this episode: Looking Out and Looking Ahead (with Kent Sovine)If you haven't yet, please take a few seconds to rate the show on your podcast provider/app. That helps others be able to find the show in the future. If you have ideas for future episodes or thoughts on how to improve the show, please email me at justlaughwithjody@gmail.com

This episode takes a look at Jesus' own life as the example and way for us all, specifically his habitual practice of setting himself apart to God in silence and solitude. From Mark 1:12-13, we also learn a little bit about what we might experience along the way as we embrace Jesus as our Way: the leading of the Holy Spirit, a connection with divine history, resistance from satan, and a head-on collision with the wild beasts that are our own thoughts and emotions. Key Points:Jesus is not only the Truth and the Life, He's the Way (John 14:6)Jesus exemplified a habitual practice of setting himself apart to God in silence and solitude. We should also adopt a life-transforming practice of setting ourselves apart to God in silence and solitude.Direct & sharable link to this episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/3495046If you have a second, please give the show a rating and review. Your rating helps it become more findable for new listeners. If you have thoughts for future episodes or ways that I can improve the show, please reach out to me at justlaughwithjody@gmail.com

This is the third of three episodes reflecting on various tensions and paradoxes addressed by the gospel of John. It takes a look at the ways John 10 addresses the tension between conservative and liberal soteriology (theologies of salvation) and the images of Jesus that each is contingent upon. As always, if you have any ideas for future episodes or feedback on how to improve the show, I would love to hear from you and can be reached at justlaughwithjody@gmail.comIf you haven't yet, please take a few seconds to rate the show and help others find it. I hope you enjoy today's episode.

Today's episode is the final one in a series coming to us from YouTube on Holy Week 2020. The episode covers the biggest celebration of the Christian year - Resurrection Sunday. The video for this episode is viewable here for anyone who is interested:https://youtu.be/78CkpAk_RJwPlease reach out at this email if you have any suggestions or feedback: justlaughwithjody@gmail.com

Today's episode is the second from a video series recorded for Holy Week 2020. It is a reflection on Good Friday, specifically as recounted in the gospel of Mark. The video of today's episode is viewable at https://youtu.be/vG7GFDOYe2QYou can reach me with show ideas or feedback at justlaughwithjody@gmail.com

This episode is a reflection on Maundy Thursday and the significance of the Passover as the primary interpretive lens for Jesus' death and resurrection. It was originally recorded for my YouTube channel and is viewable at https://youtu.be/raMd5WR_RRI

I am joined for this episode by my very good friend, Chris Martinez as we discuss the differences between reflecting and reacting to the world around us as well as a few things that are definitely worth remembering as our lives continue taking shape and coming into focus.If you have idea for future episodes or thoughts on how I can improve the show, please email me at justlaughwithjody@gmail.com

This episode is the audio track from some reflections shared on my YouTube channel on how to live well through both good and challenging times - especially as we're navigating through the CoVid 19 times in our respective homes. The video is viewable at:https://youtu.be/FoSf6VzieuQIf you have any thoughts or ideas for the show, please reach out at justlaughwithjody@gmail.com

In this episode, our look at the tensions and paradoxes of John continues with a look at John's hints that in Jesus Christ, the new creation is already beginning and taking root here and now. Feel free to reach out with any suggestions for episodes or ideas on how to improve the show!justlaughwithjody@gmail.com

The episode begins a series on some tensions and paradoxes that come to us from the Gospel of John. It takes a look at John 11:25-26 and some paradoxical statements by Jesus: first, that we will die and then live. Second, that we will never die.This paradox and tension seems particularly worth considering as we strike balance and perspective as Christians seeking to see clearly and to live well as the world is shaken and unsteady amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

In this episode, Justin and Michael discuss the challenges of trusting God in the practical details of life and in a world in which our experiences make it difficult to do so. 

This episode takes a look at a phrase from Romans 8, "creation was subject to futility" in order to bring it into better focus as Paul talks his way through some very big ideas at the culmination of four life-shaping chapters, Romans 5-8.

This episode examines the inevitability of burdens and service as taught by Jesus in Matthew 11 and Paul in Romans 6.