Joy & Java

Brian and Kristin discuss this very interesting and minimal (from a descriptive point of view) passage from Genesis and the Jacob story. This encounter with God is unique and we can pull so much from this story that is encouraging and helpful for our lives today.We have God who is patient and meets us right in the middle of our mess to say, "I am still here. I am still working."

Brian and Kristin are back in the Zoom room to talk about what's been happening at Pursuit and continue their study in Genesis!

Brian and Kristin dive into Genesis 20 this week with insights, thoughts, and encouraging words about humanity's sin, how God uses imperfect and deeply flawed people, and God's immense grace and faithfulness. God is the ultimate keeper of promises, and we see that played out (again!) in this portion of the Abraham narrative. To give to the work of Pursuit Friends and to help them keep producing this podcast: ⁠pursuitfriends.org/give⁠

Kristin and Brian dive deep into Genesis 19's Sodom and Gomorrah saga. This troubling and confusing passage of Scripture has been used as ammunition for several theological issues about God and his character. The pastors do their best to share what's going on and help us discover this passage's deeper and wider meaning without the foggy lenses of our Western eyes.

This is an incredible portion of the Abraham narrative in Genesis, and it would be easy to skip through it quickly into chapter 19. However, Pastors Brian and Kristin take some time to study these verses and unpack what is really going on in Abraham's and God's hearts.

Pastors Brian, Kristin, and Erin discuss Genesis 18:1-15 as they continue their discussion through the book of Genesis. Three visitors enter Abraham's camp and he offers them hospitality. He recognizes the Lord as one of the men, and Sarah overhears their conversation. The conversation then shifts towards Sarah and the Lord encourages her and reaffirms the promise that she will, herself, bear a child!

Pastors Brian and Kristin are joined by Pastor Erin Richer to discuss the covenant and circumcision as a sign of the covenant. This passage is also when God declares that he is Abraham's God and that He has chosen Abraham's people to be a part of the promise! Don't miss this important episode of Joy and Java!

Hagar and Ishmael are more important to the Genesis narrative than we often give them credit for. Let alone the historical and continuing impact of their legacy. Kristin and Brian discuss how God sees the outcast and powerless and responds with kindness, love, and even blessing! Don't miss this important part of the story!

God takes Abram under the starry night sky and makes a stunning promise. Abram believes. But there is so much more here for Pastors Brian and Kristin to unpack! Join them as they discuss this important and pivotal moment in the biblical narrative. Give to the ministry of Pursuit Friends Network of House Churches: https://pursuitfriends.org/give/

Part 2 of Kristin and Brian's discussion around learning to listen to the voice of God. This is a powerful conversation that will teach you how to deepen your connection and relationship with God. For more information on this topic: https://www.podbean.com/ew/dir-kkrk3-1684cafc Additional resource: https://youtu.be/pjKHHdui1OU?feature=shared Give to the ministry of Pursuit Friends Church: https://www.pursuitfriends.org/give

Kristin and Brian discuss what it means to truly listen to what God may be trying to show you through the life and teachings of Jesus, the Scriptures, and even your circumstances. Much of our inspiration and material comes from this resource from Practicing the Way: https://youtu.be/pjKHHdui1OU?feature=shared

Pastor Kristin Aull recently gave an encouraging message at our last Family Reunion gathering and we wanted to share that with more people. Listen as she describes what it can be like to hear from God as we are living everyday life as a community. We hope this message will challenge you to re-evaluate how you think God speaks to you and that it opens you up to a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Kristin and Brian unpack Genesis 13 and the parting of Abram and Lot. Sometimes the path seems clear and sometimes we just don't know what to do. The amazing thing is that God always seems to work it out if we keep pursuing His will, even if we get it wrong from time to time.

Brian and Kristin discuss the perplexing passage of Genesis 12:10-20 where Abram asks his wife, Sarai, to lie about being his wife before they enter into Egypt. He and his family have moved into "The Promised Land" and they experience an incredible famine that forces them to head to Egypt where there is food. We're shaking our heads over here and diving deeper into a story that has more meaning for our lives today than you might expect!

The call of Abram by God is about more than simply establishing Israel as God's chosen people. It's actually about continuing His plan to bless the entire Earth, and to give as many people as possible the opportunity to be a part of it. This is an amazing thing! Pastor Kristin and Pastor Brian discuss the significance of this part of God's story in this week's insightful and uplifting episode of Joy & Java! #joyandjava #pursuitfriendschurch #pursuitfriends #pursuitfriendsnetwork #thebible #biblestudy #discussingthebible

The Tower of Babel is a very short story in the grand scheme of things in Genesis, but it's importance should not be overlooked. It also offers way more insight into the heart and plans of God for the earth than a casual reading reveals. Pastor Brian and Pastor Kristin unpack this often misunderstood portion of Scripture in a discussion that will challenge and encourage your faith in surprising ways!

Pastor Kristin and Pastor Brian wrap up the flood story from Genesis this week! There is much more to this story than you might expect, so grab a cup of coffee, your Bible and join them for a fun nd intriguing conversation in this week's episode of Joy & Java!

Brian and Kristin are back in the recording studio to talk about the flood as described in Genesis. They talk briefly about the genealogy listed in chapter 5 and then dive into chapter 6. This is an interesting and encouraging conversation that you do not want to miss!

Brian and Kristin discuss the intriguing chapter four from the book of Genesis. Cain gets jealous of Abel and that jealousy leads to anger, which leads to the first recorded murder in the Bible. Even in this dark chapter we can see the goodness of God played out. We hope you are encouraged by listening to this week's discussion!

This week Brian and Kristin talk about Genesis 3 and the sin event that triggered the entrance of evil into the world. Adam and Eve make a terrible decision that costs them intimacy with God and brings about expulsion from the garden. But the story isn't over because God's goodness is still evident even in this situation.

Kristin and Brian discuss the creation of human life this week and the implications for us as we relate to God as the Creator, the Potter, and the ultimate Gardener. God creates the universe, creates the earth, and then plants a garden. He gives the garden to Adam to live in, to steward, and to enjoy! Then he sees that Adam needs an "Ezer" or "helper." But don't get too excited about the term helper...it means something far more significant that you might think! Brian and Kristin really go deep on this episode of Joy & Java. Don't miss it!

Brian and Kristin unpack the rest of Genesis 1 with their discussion around what it means to bear the image of God and the importance of rest as we seek to live out the goodness of God in our daily lives.

Welcome to a brand new season of Joy and Java! Brian and Kristin are ready to jump into a new season and a new focus of study as Pursuit Friends Network of House Churches is beginning a study in the book of Genesis!

Pastor Brian is joined this week by special guest, Pastor Jack Radcliffe! Kristin is off studying this week extra hard for her studies through Denver Seminary. We re-cap our February Night Of Worship. This is when both house churches come together for a shared time of worship, communion, and table fellowship. Hear how God moved in our midst and more!

Kristin and Brian work their way through Philippians 2:19-3:4 this week on Joy & Java. They discuss the examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus on which Paul commends to the church at Philippi as examples of men who are living selflessly as Christ did.

Brian and Kristin are joined this week by Pastor Jack Radcliffe who recently moved to NE Ohio and has joined Pursuit Friends Network of House Churches. He is an adjunct professor at Malone University and a pastor who is passionate about helping others learn how to live missionally. This week we continue our progression through Philippians. We cover 1:27-2:18.

Philippians 1:12-26 is such an encouraging and challenging portion of Paul's letter to the church at Philippi. Kristin and Brian discuss the role of suffering in advancing the gospel and how, if we keep our eyes on Jesus, he can use us to bring glory unto him even through hard circumstances.

Brian and Kristin start a new study in the book of Philippians! Grab a cup of coffee and your Bible and relax as you listen to this week's insightful and helpful episode of Joy & Java! brian@pursuitfriends.org kristin@pursuitfriends.org Stay up to date on all things Pursuit Friends Network of House Churches by following us on Facebook! Give to the work and ministry of pursuitfriends.org/give Follow us on Instagram! Follow us on Facebook! Music featured on this podcast was written, recorded, and produced by Brian Donahue. Listen to more of his original music here!

Pastor Brian and Pastor Kristin wrap up their study of Galatians this week! This week's episode focuses on chapter 6 and Paul's final argument for following the way of Christ in freedom. This way includes ding good to all around us and seeking the prosperity of those we come in contact with everyday. It also means that we are to die to ourselves and this world in order to embrace the new creation that Jesus has for each of us.

This week Brian and Kristin discuss Galatians 5 and it's ramifications for the modern church. They talk about this passage in the context of community and how living out the fruit of the spirit should impact, not just us as individuals, but our entire community.

We are children of the promise according to Paul as he pleads with the Galatians to choose their freedom in Christ over the futility of the Law. Happy New Year from Pastors Brian and Kristin and the Pursuit Friends Network of House Churches family! This is our first episode of the year! To contact Pastor Kristin regarding the upcoming women's retreat in April, email her at kristin@pursuitfriends.org. To learn more about Pursuit Friends and how you can become a part of our gatherings, email Brian at brian@pursuitfriends.org.

The pastors of Pursuit Friends Network of House Churches discuss Galatians 4:1-20 in this week's episode of Joy & Java! Paul makes a passionate and emotional plea to the Galatians to bring their attention back to Jesus. We often find ourselves distracted or even deceived for seasons in our lives and require the same kind of plea from a friend, a family member, or even a co-worker - to focus our attention on the right thing. Grab a cup of coffee, your Bible, and join Kristin and Brian as they dive into chapter 4 of the book of Galatians.

Brian and Kristin work through Galatians 3:15-29! Grab a cup of coffee and your Bible and join the conversation.

Pastor Kristin and Pastor Brian are back to talk about the faith of Abraham and how Paul brilliantly uses this pillar of faith to show the church in Galatia what they need to get back to focusing on. Galatians 3:1-14 is the passage for this episode.

Brian and Kristin continue their study of Galatians as they wrap up chapter 2. Paul confronts Peter about a major issue concerning salvation and how the Law can't save anyone. It's the graceful and loving act of Jesus that covers our sins and allows us to enter into an eternal relationship with Him. In Christ's act we find true freedom from the burden of the Law (in being perfect to gain salvation).

In this special episode Pastor Kristin gives Pastor Brian an update on how our Wednesday night Zoom Bible study is going. They are studying prayer and Kristin excitedly shares the content in this spirited discussion!

Paul is one fiery guy! In fact, it's probably what helped him accomplish all that he did for the early church and the spread of the gospel, even though he spent significant time in prison! This week Pastor Brian Donahue and Pastor Kristin Aull continue their study in Galatians and discuss Paul's fiery and passionate defense of the simple gospel.

Pastor Kristin and Pastor Brian finish out the first chapter of Galatians and it's emphasis on Paul's authority and call to teach the true gospel. Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! Check out Pursuit Friends Network of House Churches on Facebook! Learn more about Brian as a podcaster, writer, and musician! Buy Brian's new book "The Darkness and the Light" Give to the ministry of Pursuit Friends Network of House Churches!

Pastor Brian and Pastor Kristin start a new study in the book of Galatians! Grab a cup of java and get ready to joyfully spend some time in the Scriptures as they dive in to Paul's very important letter to the churches in Galatia! This is a portion of the Bible that is very much applicable for us today.

Pastors Brian and Kristin wrap up the book of Ephesians with an incredibly uplifting and encouraging discussion on the armor of God.

Brian and Kristin continue their conversation through the book of Ephesians and settle into an important and challenging part of Paul's letter. We are ALL called to submission to God and to each other for the sake of unity and his glory. Don't miss this week's encouraging episode!

Paul encourages us to be thankful, beloved children of light in Ephesians 5:1-20. This can be hard in a world filled with darkness, but Paul insists that we can shine the light of Christ in those darkest of places and see it transformed. Grab your cup of coffee, your Bible, and join Pastor Kristin Aull and Pastor Brian Donahue as they dive in to this remarkable chapter of Ephesians! brian@pursuitfriends.org kristin@pursuitfriends.org Follow Pursuit Friends Church on Facebook for the latest information on weekly gatherings and special events. Follow Joy & Java on Facebook for episode updates and more! Give to Pursuit Friends Church.

We're back and ready to dive into the dynamic and challenging chapter that is Ephesians 4.

We continue our study through the book of Ephesians in this week's episode. We learn about God's wonderful plan to bring all people into His family, and what good news this is for us - let alone how good this was for the original hearers to receive, especially if they were not a part of the Jewish culture.

Brian and Kristin are back to continue their discussion of Ephesians. They've been busy but we hope the wait is worth it as they dive into Ephesians 2:11-22. Stay up-to-date on all things Pursuit Friends Church! Give to the ministry of Pursuit Friends Church! Email Brian: brian@pursuitfriends.org Email Kristin: kristin@pursuitfriends.org Purchase Brian's brand new book "The Darkness and the Light" on Amazon!

Join Brian and Kristin as they discuss this exciting and pivotal portion of Paul's letter to the early church, specifically, to the gentiles. Check our our Facebook page Give to Pursuit Friends Church Email Brian - brian@pursuitfriends.org Email Kristin - kristin@pursuitfriends.org To learn more about weekly gatherings at Pursuit Friends Church - visit our Facebook page Check out Brian's brand new book titled "The Darkness and the Light" which is available on Amazon for Kindle and in paperback!

Brian and Kristin are excited to start a brand new study on the book of Ephesians. Pursuit Friends Network of House Churches started this study this past week. Brian and Kristin continue the conversations that grew out of those gatherings. #pursuitfriendschurch #joyandjava #ephesians #thebible #biblestudy Give to the ministry of Pursuit Friends Network of House Churches! Purchase Brian's brand new book available on Amazon for Kindle! Paperback version will be available soon!

Kristin and Brian wrap up their study of 1st John this week!

Brian and Kristin discuss a wide range of personal topics as well as reviewing how Easter Sunday went at Pursuit Friends Church! You will laugh a lot in this episode and be encouraged to focus on the right things as we move past the celebration of Easter, but seek to live out the spirit of Easter and new life and resurrection everywhere we go with everyone we meet!

This week Brian and Kristin unpack 1st John 3. You don't want to miss this encouraging and in-depth conversation about this passage! Email: brian@pursuitfriends.org kristin@pursuitfriends.org Check out Pursuit Friends Church's Facebook page for regular updates on gatherings! Join out the Joy & Java Facebook page for episode postings, and updates on the podcast! Intro music heard on this podcast was written, recorded, and produced by Brian Donahue. Ending song, Whisper In The Wind, was written and performed by Brian Donahue. It was recorded and produced by Christopher Duncan at New Renaissance Studios.

Kristin asks Brian some tough questions to open this episode and then they dive into this last part of 1st John, chapter 2. This passage has some fantastic things to offer us and the pastors of Pursuit get personal and try to unwrap the meaning of "anointing" as mentioned in this passage. You don't want to miss this fun and deep discussion! Email Kristin: kristin@pursuitfriends.org Email Brian: brian@pursuitfriends.org Follow Joy & Java on Facebook for episode updates and to interact with Brian, and Kristin, and other listeners of the podcast! Follow Pursuit Friends on Facebook for weekly updates and news of gatherings, events, and more! Listen to Brian's other podcast - The Brian Donahue Show! Give/donate to the work of Pursuit Friends Network of House Churches!