Mission Upside Down

In a two-part interview, Randal speaks with Darnell, a committed follower of Jesus. He's also a black man in his 30s. Darnell reflects on his past and on current racial issues.

Continuing the conversation, Darnell reflects on the legitimate authority of the government and on the abuses of this authority. He also shares his personal experiences as a black man living in the greater Toronto area.

A recent survey shows that 4 out of 10 pastors are considering quitting. How would you know if one of those is your pastor? And how could you and your church encourage him in his ministry?

There are many good reasons for attending church worship services. One of those reasons is that at church we can encourage other believers, and that they can encourage us.

The parables that Jesus taught are stories intended to teach us. They teach us important things about God and about life within His kingdom. Today we look at one of Jesus' best-known parables.

Continuing with the parable, we look at both sons in that household. Each of them showed their own type of rebellion. The father moved toward both sons in love and mercy. One responded, the other did not.

In the final episode of a three-part series, we focus on the older son in Jesus' parable. We explore his underlying attitudes and motivations which led him to reject the Father's invitation.

People speak about being “blessed” whenever something good comes their way. Jesus teaches that believers are blessed, blessed by God, as they display certain characteristics in their lives.

Continuing with the Beatitudes of Jesus, we consider how the Kingdom of God is so very different from the kingdoms of this earth. Radically different, in fact. Life with Jesus turns everything upside down.

In the fifth and sixth Beatitudes, Jesus shows us more about the kind of people belonging to Him and His kingdom. Literally, we are “blessed” as we live in this kingdom.

As we've learned in this series on the Beatitudes, it's not easy to follow Jesus consistently. But by God's grace we are enabled to do that. And in the doing, we are blessed and rewarded.

We've now completed our third season of “Mission Upside Down.” We're listing the most popular episodes among our listeners. If you've missed any of them, you might want to catch up during the summer.

In his New York Times bestselling book, Dr. Timothy Keller replies to objections to Christianity. In this episode, we're looking at three of the most common objections raised by sceptics today.

Two other objections to believing in the God of the Bible are these: a) the Church has caused injustice and violence in the world, and b) science makes belief in God and miracles impossible. How shall we respond?

God is continually sending out signals to all people on the earth. By “tuning in,” everyone should be able to know something about God. In this episode we explore the idea of “general revelation” and what it means for us today.

Following the previous episode, we're focusing on one signal from God, a signal that indicates His existence and His character. It's the universal sense of right and wrong. Listen to what C.S. Lewis and others have said about this signal.

Having learned about God's general revelation, we now learn about His special revelation. What, exactly, is so “special” about it?

The Bible, as the Word of God, is fully true and without error in its teachings. This doctrine is known as the “infallibility” or “inerrancy” of the Scriptures.

More than 500 years ago, the authority and sufficiency of the Bible was up for debate in a famous public meeting. To this very day, evangelical Protestants come down on one side of that debate.

While the basic teachings of the Bible are clear, some verses require extra care in interpreting them. Here are some rules to help us do just that.

In Acts 8, a church leader named Philip helped a man understand what he was reading from the Old Testament. To help us properly interpret certain verses in the Bible, we need extra help.

In this episode Randal and Pastor Jeff talk about the crucial importance of Jesus' resurrection from the dead. Focusing on 1 Corinthians 15, they discuss how the resurrection gives believers great hope.

Continuing the conversation, Jeff and Randal focus on the future. What would the future be for us, if Jesus has not been raised from the dead?

The gospel writer, Luke, records many of the details surrounding Jesus' birth. Among those details, is the decree of Caesar Augustus. We a closer look at that ruler and some of those who later ruled from ancient Rome.

The gospel-writer Matthew gives us one story about King Herod the Great. It's in connection with Jesus' earliest days on earth. In that story we can see ourselves and can understand why Jesus came to this earth years ago.

You would think that Herod's son and grandson, also regional kings, would respond to Jesus in a better way than Herod. But they didn't. We learn about Herod's descendants from the gospels and the Book of Acts.

Our days on this earth pass by so quickly. How can we find meaning in life, when our lives are so short? Psalm 90 gives us some answers.

Our guest on the program is Dr. Thomas Reilly, professor of Asian Studies at Pepperdine University, a Christian university in Malibu, California. Reilly has spent significant time in China, particularly in Shanghai, and is familiar with both the government-approved churches as well as the so-called ‘underground churches.'

We continue the conversation with Dr. Thomas Reilly. His book, “Saving the Nation: Chinese Protestant Elites and the Quest to Build a New China” was recently published by Oxford University Press. Among other things, we discuss the YMCA in its earlier years

While God's essential nature cannot be known by us, we can know God to the extent that He has revealed Himself to us. God has particularly revealed Himself in His Word, the Bible. We also consider some good things that result when we truly know Him.

The Bible reveals God is only one God. So Christianity is considered a monotheistic religion. Yet, from the very first chapter in the Bible, we learn that there is some kind of plurality within God.

In theological language, the personal characteristics of God are known as His attributes. In this episode we consider several of these attributes, including God's power, knowledge, wisdom, and sovereignty.

When it comes to God's attributes, theologians often distinguish between His communicable attributes and His communicable attributes. We take a look at two of God's communicable attributes, namely, His holiness and righteousness.

All of God's attributes work together in perfect harmony. In this episode we consider God's great love for us in Jesus and how He saves us by His grace. The Bible teaches that God's love and grace work alongside His justice and righteousness.

What's the meaning of Jesus' death on the cross? We consider three aspects of the cross. All of these aspects contribute to a full biblical perspective on why Jesus died for sinners.

Today we're talking to someone who's doing their best, by God's grace, to follow Jesus. Though her story has its sad moments, ultimately, it helps us better understand why the gospel is indeed GOOD news.

We're continuing the conversation from last time. Among other things, we talk about how it's normal for believers to sometimes become depressed. We also discuss how God works many good things from the sad things in our lives.

A while back, we considered some of God's attributes, His personal characteristics. Now we turn to God's main works. Among the greatest of God's works, is His creating of all things at the very beginning of time.

Some scientific theories and some interpretations of Genesis chapter one disagree with one another. However, if scientists and biblical interpreters are careful and humble, they can find some areas of agreement.

Why have certain events occurred in your life? The Bible says that ultimately God is in control of all the events in our lives and in world history. In this episode we learn about this biblical truth and about what difference it should make in our lives.

One of the challenges about the biblical teaching of providence is this: If God is fully in control of everything, why do bad things happen to us? Is God really in control? Or, if he is, perhaps He's not always good. Let's explore this teaching in more detail.

Romans 8:28 says that God is always working for the good of those who are following Jesus. That means He's working also through our times of suffering. Today we learn some of the good results that come from bad things in our lives.

In Acts 17:6, two followers of Jesus were accused of “turning the world upside down” (ESV). The gospel does that–in our lives and in our world. We hope that our podcast, in a small way, is contributing to this upside-down mission.

What does the Bible teach about our beings, ourselves as human beings? Today we consider the biblical teaching of how God created the first humans in his own image. This teaching radically changes how we should view ourselves and other people.

Human beings are created in the image of God. From that central biblical theme, we learn about God's image in a deeper sense and in a more general sense. We also consider how this teaching motivates us to care for the environment and to be productive in our daily work.

Though created in perfection, Adam and Eve ended up rebelling against God. In their guilt and shame they tried to hide from God. Something similar happens today, when we sin against God. Thankfully, God takes the initiative and by His grace to us in Jesus, He calls out to us to save us.

When Adam and Eve rebelled against God in the Garden, they and human civilization would suffer horrible results. In this episode, we look at the worst of these results. In grace, God also made a promise to Adam and Eve to someday send Jesus.

In this conversation, Randal chats with a believer who struggled with a problem with alcohol. She shares how she was delivered from what she calls “a stronghold of sin” in her life in those years. We're reminded that, indeed, God's grace is greater than any sin.

Jesus once asked, “Who do people say that I am?” Indeed, that is an all-important question. Today we're considering the person of Jesus–that he is truly God and truly human. We'll learn why this is essential if Jesus is to be our Savior.

Jesus spoke many words and did many works while he lived on this earth about 2000 years ago. But there is one thing Jesus did which should be considered his most important work. That work is highlighted in the meaning of his name.

Though the work of redemption was Jesus' most important work, the Bible teaches us about other aspects of his work. These aspects are seen in the Old Testament offices of prophet, priest, and king.

The apostle John says that all believers “have an anointing from the Holy One.” Christ was anointed by the Holy Spirit, and we share in his anointing. United with Christ, we serve as prophets, priests, and kings in various ways.

We're beginning a series on how God converts people to faith in Jesus. Today's episode comes from our podcast archives. It gives basic biblical teaching about conversion and gives examples of people who have been converted.

Raised in an atheistic family, Lochlan was recently converted to faith in Jesus. Though God converts us by His sovereign grace, He uses various instruments to do that. Lochlan explains how this happened in his life.

In a recent book about conversion, the authors describe how most non-believers have to cross five “thresholds.” In this episode, we'll explain why we probably can't analyze conversion so neatly. But we must be thinking about where our non-believing friends are on their journey of faith.

According to the book, “I Once Was Lost,” being converted to faith in Jesus is process. Sometimes, a long process. The authors describe five stages, or thresholds, in this process.

C.S. Lewis is one of the most popular authors of the 20th century. His book, Mere Christianity, has sold millions of copies and has been translated into dozens of languages. Listen as Lewis explains the Christ-Life in us.

Here's another powerful excerpt from C.S. Lewis. He echoes the Apostle Paul in referring to believers as “New Creatures” or “New People.” We aren't just improved people; we are transformed people when we are in Christ.

It's common in many churches to hear dramatic conversion stories–how people were delivered from a life of crime or drugs to faith in Jesus. But what about believers whose conversions weren't so dramatic? Today's episode comes from our podcast archives.

Many believers think that God commands us to ‘bless' Israel today. And if we don't, we will come under God's curse. So let's look at the specific promise God makes to Abraham in Genesis 12, and let's learn how those promises are ultimately fulfilled.

Does God have one plan for the Jews to be saved, and a second plan for the Gentiles to be saved? Contrary to what preachers say today, the Bible shows God's plan for Jews and Gentiles to belong to one Body of Christ, one Church, and one Kingdom.

Jesus' main message in the gospels is about the coming of the Kingdom of God. There are two very different ways to interpret the meaning of the kingdom. Each way will impact your understanding of prophecies about the End Times.

Recent statistics show that many people who consider themselves believers are dropping out of church. They've become spiritually homeless, unhoused. Why is this happening?

Today we're beginning a conversation with a pastor of a church in Toronto. With Acts 2:42-47 as a starting point, we talk about how churches and its people can become more like the Church described in the Book of Acts.

What else can help a church become more like an Acts 2 church? Among other things, the pastors discuss sharing meals together, meeting in small groups, praying for one another, and serving others in a spirit of humility.

The word most often used in the New Testament for preachers, or ministers, is the word “pastor.” Literally, a pastor is a shepherd, the leader of a flock of sheep. In this episode we learn about some of the duties and the character of pastors

Two pastors, Randal and Mitchell, talk about certain dangers and temptations for pastors today. Along with the Apostle Paul himself, they conclude that pastors, at times, are weak. They are also prone to pride

Continuing the conversation, Randal and Mitchell suggest ways for pastors to find help in their ministries. Under-shepherds today need to be strengthened and encouraged so that they, in turn, can strengthen and encourage their flocks.

Randal recently visited one of the churches he had served years ago. In this episode he reflects on conversations with various pastors and church members.

Traditionally, pastors get educated in seminaries. They pass their courses and receive their degrees. In today's conversation, two experienced pastors talk about a different model used by some churches for training their pastors.

In the second part of this conversation, the pastors discuss some of the advantages of this unique model of training. They also explore the need for leadership training and the role of mentoring for making disciples in the context of the church.

The Bible speaks of death as our enemy. In Christ, death is a defeated enemy, but it remains our enemy nonetheless. Therefore we rightly grieve and mourn the deaths of those we love.

Whether we're grieving the death of a loved one, or standing alongside those who are grieving, Jesus is with us. Psalm 23 reminds us that our Good Shepherd walks with us through the valley of the shadow of death.

Our limited minds cannot fully comprehend the glories of heaven. Yet God has told us enough about heaven to encourage us on this earth. As we've trusted in Jesus, someday we will enter that heavenly place He's already prepared for us.

From time to time, pastors are asked to lead funeral services for people in their church who have died. In this episode two pastors talk about their experience in leading funerals–both the challenges and the blessings.

In the second part, the pastors discuss other matters connected to funerals. Among other things, they talk about the difference in tone and emotion at the funeral of an older believer compared to someone much younger, about typical words spoken at the gravesite, and so on.

The night before he was crucified, Jesus spoke at length about his love for his eleven faithful disciples. He specifically called them his friends–his deeply-loved friends. In today's episode we begin to examine the biblical concept of friendship.

Several books in the Old Testament refer to God's friendship with the people He has redeemed. We will take a quick survey of several Biblical texts. We also consider some practical steps for building deeper friendships.

Most men aren't good at being open or vulnerable. We look at some reasons for that. In addition to (perhaps) having spouses and extended families, men need friendships with other men.

Scientific studies show that the #1 factor in ordinary human happiness is our social relationships. That includes our friendships. From a book written by Lewis Howes, we will explore what gets in the way of close friendships.

We look at three more masks that men wear, according to Lewis Howes: the aggressive mask, the joker mask, and the know-it-all-mask. For better and deeper friendships, we must start to remove these masks.

No local church is perfect. That's because it is made up of imperfect believers. In a new series on Philippians 4 about Christian joy, we set this topic in its proper context. The Apostle Paul writes honestly about some of the struggles in that congregation.

Continuing our look at Philippians 4, we ask if it's possible to be rejoicing always. It really depends on our definition of biblical joy, and, most importantly, the meaning of our being in the Lord Jesus.

It's easy to over-simplify the commands in these verses. That if only believers could wave a kind of magic wand, all their worries will disappear. In this episode we try to carefully interpret and apply important biblical teachings.

In popular thinking, laws are regarded as bad things. People think that laws get in their way, restricting their freedoms. Indeed, some human laws are bad. God's laws, however, are perfect and are given for our benefit.

For believers, the main use of the Ten Commandments is known as the normative use. That is, God's laws are the norms, the standards, for living thankful lives once we are saved. We also explore the meaning of the first commandment.

The second commandment is about our worship of God. We must not represent God by any images, or other visible means. We also consider two opposing ways to decide what to include in our worship services.

Like the first two commandments, the third one is also a prohibition. We are prohibited from using God's name in unbiblical ways. Not only will we learn some of those wrong ways, but we will consider how to use God's name rightly.

In the fourth commandment, God's people are told to remember the Sabbath day. It's the 7th day of the week, corresponding to our Saturday. Why do most believers no longer worship on the Sabbath? And how can we apply this commandment today?

Children must respect and obey their parents out of love for Jesus. A special promise applies to those who do. Today we explore the fifth commandment.

Jesus interprets the Ten Commandments in a deeper sense than the Jewish rabbis. He applies them not only to our actions but also to our attitudes and motivations. Thus, under the Sixth Commandment we are judged guilty

In the seventh commandment God not only prohibits adultery, but all types of sexual immorality. In this episode we explore how God safeguards our marriages and multiplies our joy as we obey Him.

Why are we tempted to steal, cheat, and defraud people? The words of Jesus and James explain our motives for violating the eighth commandment.

In our heated political climate today, it's easy to speak wrongly to people. And about them. The ninth commandment reminds us how God wants us to guard our words carefully.

God instructs us in the tenth commandment not to covet the wrong things. It's a call to discover our deepest desires. Jesus rightly observes, “Where your treasure is, there is your heart.” Where is your heart?

The New Testament clearly teaches that each church must be supervised by pastors and elders. What isn't so clear is whether local churches should belong to broader church assemblies and yield to decisions made by these assemblies.

These are days of strong political opinions and sharp disagreements. Not only in society, but also in the church. In this episode we'll learn about repairing our relationships and deepening our friendships.

When Jesus was born, a host of angels sang about glory to God and about peace on earth. If there's anything that should characterize believers and our life together in the church, it should be our peaceful relationships.

Having begun our podcast “Mission Upside Down” in July, 2020, we have decided to take a break. The Lord has been bringing us into new phases in our lives and leading us to new projects. One project is the potential planting of a new church in the greater Toronto area. May the Lord Jesus continue to turn us and our world “upside down” by the gospel!