Sage Spirituality

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Reaching back, leaning in and seeking out a deeper experience with God. Go deeper with your host Joil Marbut

Joil A Marbut


    • Mar 12, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 30m AVG DURATION
    • 80 EPISODES

    5 from 116 ratings Listeners of Sage Spirituality that love the show mention: grow deeper, ecuador, every word, lord, spiritual, challenge, impact, faith, christian, church, god, good stuff, soul, heart, raw, truth, wisdom, sharing, words, journey.


    Ivy Insights

    The Sage Spirituality podcast is a truly refreshing and insightful listen. Hosted by Joil Marbut, this podcast provides deep and practical wisdom that will challenge listeners to grow in their faith. The episodes are filled with meaningful conversations, biblical teachings, and references to influential theologians throughout history. As someone who has been in pastoral ministry for almost 50 years, I can confidently say that Joil's perspective stretches the mind and encourages personal growth.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the depth of knowledge and research that Joil brings to each episode. He references revered theologians like Arthur Pink, Thomas a Kempis, A.W. Tozer, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, providing listeners with a rich understanding of church history and its relevance to their faith today. The topics discussed are both deep and practical, allowing listeners to glean valuable insights for their own spiritual journeys.

    While it is difficult to find any major flaws in this podcast, one possible downside is that some listeners may find it challenging to keep up with the intellectual nature of the discussions. The episodes can be dense at times, requiring active listening and engagement from the audience. However, for those seeking intellectual stimulation and a deeper understanding of their faith, this podcast is a perfect fit.

    In conclusion, The Sage Spirituality podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in growing deeper in their faith and exploring the wisdom found in church history. Joil Marbut's thoughtful approach and profound insights make each episode an enlightening experience. Whether you are new to Christianity or have been on your spiritual journey for years, this podcast will leave you challenged, encouraged, and eager for more.



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    Latest episodes from Sage Spirituality

    The Gospel According to Paul #5 - Romans 2:1-16

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 25:53


    In this episode, we will continue to consider how Paul's message to the Romans applies to those of us who are believers today.  See why this book is both “the most pessimistic page of literature upon which your eyes have rest” as well as “the most beautiful poem to which your ears have ever listened.”  Come to the table as we reach back into church history and lean into this amazing story.Thank you for joining us at the table. Visit us at sagespirituality.com for more.

    The Gospel According to Paul #4 - Romans 1:18-32

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024 21:54


    The Gospel According to Paul #3 - Romans 1:18-32The Apostle Paul is possibly the greatest theologian in the history of the church.  Writing numerous letters explaining the Good News of Jesus Christ.  In this series, we will be taking a deep dive into his understanding of the Gospel.  Come to the table as we reach back in church history and lean into the letter the Apostle wrote to the church in Rome.Thank you for joining us at the table. Visit us at sagespirituality.com for more.

    The Gospel According to Paul #3 - Romans 1:16-17

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2024 23:46


    The Gospel According to Paul #3 - Romans 1:16-17The Apostle Paul is possibly the greatest theologian in the history of the church.  Writing numerous letters explaining the Good News of Jesus Christ.  In this series, we will be taking a deep dive into his understanding of the Gospel.  Come to the table as we reach back in church history and lean into the letter the Apostle wrote to the church in Rome.  Thank you for joining us at the table. Visit us at sagespirituality.com for more.Thank you for joining us at the table. Visit us at sagespirituality.com for more.

    The Gospel According to Paul #2 - Romans 1:8-16

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2024 18:57


    The Gospel According to Paul #2 - Romans 1:8-16The Apostle Paul is possibly the greatest theologian in the history of the church.  Writing numerous letters explaining the Good News of Jesus Christ.  In this series, we will be taking a deep dive into his understanding of the Gospel.  Come to the table as we reach back in church history and lean into the letter the Apostle wrote to the church in Rome.  Thank you for joining us at the table. Visit us at sagespirituality.com for more.Thank you for joining us at the table. Visit us at sagespirituality.com for more.

    The Gospel According to Paul #1-Romans 1:1-7

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 28:40


    The Apostle Paul is possibly the greatest theologian in the history of the church.  Writing numerous letters explaining the Good News of Jesus Christ.  In this series, we will be taking a deep dive into his understanding of the Gospel.  Come to the table as we reach back in church history and lean into the letter the Apostle wrote to the church in Rome.  Thank you for joining us at the table. Visit us at sagespirituality.com for more.

    Jouney through the Gospels #33. Mark 9:14-29 Don't Be So Frustrating!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2024 36:24


    What frustrated Jesus the most?  Was it the sinfulness that surrounded him on all sides?  Or maybe the occupying Romans in the Promised Land?  The Gospels actually continue to point towards faithlessness among those who claim to believe as the one thing that frustrated him the most.  Are you faithless? If so, how do you overcome it?  In this episode, we reach back and lean in to find the answer.  You can listen to the full song "collide" by Joil on Spotify.Thank you for joining us at the table. Visit us at sagespirituality.com for more.

    Journey through the Gospels #32. The Transfiguration. A Glimpse at What God is Really Doing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2024 31:52


    In this episode, we climb the mountain with Peter, James, and John to watch as Jesus is transformed before our eyes.  What was going on, and why did it happen?  Believe it or not, it has everything to do with you and your life in the 21st century.  Reaching back and leaning into a deeper relationship with God.  Thank you for joining us at the table. Visit us at sagespirituality.com for more.

    Journey through the Gospels #30. Overcoming Hubris in a Pride Filled World.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2024 31:02


    Pride is the root of sin. I caused an angel to fall and it causes us to think we cannot fail or possibly be wrong about something.  Jesus taught a life lesson with one short sentence in response to an epic failure from Peter.  Reach back and lean in to this episode and allow the Holy Spirit to give you the remedy to your greatest stumbling block. Thank you for joining us at the table. Visit us at sagespirituality.com for more.

    The Exponential Life: Special Edition!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2024 7:40


    In this episode, we will look inside the host of Sage Spirituality's new book, "The Exponential Life."  It was recently named "Hottest New Publication" on Amazon, and testimonies of transformed lives are rolling in.  Take a few minutes with Joil and see why reading this book will enrich your life. FSCPublishing:  https://www.fscpublishing.com/Purchase the book here: https://a.co/d/iT0rIHTThank you for joining us at the table. Visit us at sagespirituality.com for more.

    Journey through the Gospels #30. Who do you say I am?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2024 28:58


    In this episode, we consider the most important question ever asked in history.  One that can change the course of our lives.  Take a moment to consider what Jesus was really asking his disciples, and also allow yourself to see the power of a question.  Thank you for joining us at the table. Visit us at sagespirituality.com for more.

    Advent Special #4. LOVE

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2023 48:57


    Love has been so twisted and diluted in our world that it is nearly unrecognizable to many of us.  In this episode, we will look back at the meaning of real love and lean into the Advent text as we conclude this season of expectation.  Thank you for joining us in this Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love season.Thank you for joining us at the table. Visit us at sagespirituality.com for more.

    Advent Special #2. JOY

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2023 39:39


    In this episode, we will pause during this Advent season and consider the difference between happiness and joy, one is fleeting, and one is secure.  One can be pursued, and the other can only come as a result of God's gracious work in our lives.  Thank you for joining us at the table. Visit us at sagespirituality.com for more.

    Advent Special #2. PEACE

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2023 41:19


    In this special Advent episode of Sage Spirituality, we will pause to consider the prophecy and the proclamation of “Peace on earth” that surrounded the birth of Jesus.  Did Jesus come to bring peace? Or maybe we have misunderstood his definition of what peace truly is to us?    Thank you for joining us at the table. Visit us at sagespirituality.com for more.

    Advent Special #1. HOPE

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2023 33:50


    In this episode, we take time to slow down and consider the real meaning of Christmas.  We take a look at the Incarnation, God made flesh.  We find that there are no hopeless situations, only situations without Jesus. Thank you for joining us at the table. Visit us at sagespirituality.com for more.

    Journey through the Gospels #29. Who's leading who?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2023 29:46


    Whether we realize it or not, we are all being led; everyone is following someone. In this episode, we look at the influence those closest to us possess.Thank you for joining us at the table. Visit us at sagespirituality.com for more.

    Journey Through the Gospels #28 Mark 8:11-21 “Don't think it won't get you.”

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2023 30:23


    In this episode, we look at Jesus' warning against the leaven of Herod and the Pharisees.  Many think this is about bread, but it has more to do with your modern life than you may think.

    Journey Through the Gospels #27 Mark 8:1-10 "Top Ten Reasons Jesus is Attractive"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2023 30:19


    In this episode, we will consider the second miracle feeding of the masses, but we will look beyond the obvious miracle to see why the masses followed him during his time on earth.  With a bit of late-night talk show inspiration we compiled a "top-ten list" of the reasons that made and still make Jesus attractive, as well as a few things that would never be said about him.  

    Journey Through The Gospels #26. Be Open.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2023 26:31


    In this episode we will pause and consider what Jesus's prayer for a man who was deaf and mute says about his prayer for us.  He wants you to hear and speak of his goodness.  Reaching back and leaning in as we go deeper in our journey with God.  

    Journey Through the Gospels #25 Mark 7:24-30 “What the what?”

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2023 25:43


    What do you do with a response from Jesus that just seems out of place?  When it doesn't really reflect what you expected to hear?  Maybe even a response that is so strong it makes him look unsightly in the eyes of his listeners?  You look back at church history and lean into the text to see what was really being said.  In this episode, we examine one of the most misunderstood sayings of Jesus.  

    Journey Through the Gospels #24 Mark 7:17-23. Your thoughts and your actions are connected. Where is it all coming from?

    Play Episode Play 26 sec Highlight Listen Later Mar 7, 2023 37:26


    Your thoughts are controlling your life.  Where are they coming from?  It may shock you to find out in this episode of Sage Spirituality as we continue our journey through the Gospels.

    Journey Through the Gospels #22 Mark 7:1-13. Test your Inner Pharisee.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2023 32:11


    In this episode, we explore the issues at the heart of the Pharisees who persecuted Jesus and constantly attempted to entrap him with man-made legalism.  We will give you a personal litmus test to check your inner Pharisee.  The result may surprise you.  Lean into this well-known dialogue between Jesus and the religious leaders of his day.  

    Journey Through the Gospels #22 Mark 6:45-56. Obedience even when it doesn't make sense.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2023 26:42


    In this episode, we will dive into an unconventional and difficult command given to Jesus' disciples.  Their obedience serves as a lesson for us when we face headwinds and doubts in our own journey.  When we obey, it opens us up to a deeper work of grace, it is a work that may not be apparent to us.  

    Journey Through the Gospels #21 Mark 6:30-44. Jesus' Recipe for a blessed life. Slow down - Be kind - Be generous!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2022 29:30


    In this episode of Sage Spirituality, we will be leaning into a very well-known text, it is a miraculous story that is retold in all four Gospels.  During this time we will look deeper than the 5000 who were fed as we listen to Jesus' message to us today.  Slow down even when you are doing God's work, be kind and compassionate even when you don't feel like it, and be radically generous even when you don't think you have anything to give. 

    Journey Through the Gospels #20 Mark 6:14-29. Gossip, grudges, and gyrating hips!

    Play Episode Play 36 sec Highlight Listen Later Oct 11, 2022 28:08


    What do gossip, grudges, and gyrating hips have in common?  They are all found in the story of John the Baptist.  From one of the most overlooked and unlikely places in this Gospel's account, there is a deep and personal lesson for each of us to take away. You are invited to reach back, lean in, and go deeper in your relationship with God.  

    Journey through the Gospels #19 Mark 6:7-13. Shaking off failures without quitting

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2022 34:29


    What exactly did Jesus mean when he told his disciples to “shake off the dust of their feet” when they had been rejected?  Are you currently hanging onto something that Jesus is asking you to let go of so you can move on to your next assignment?  In this episode, we will dig deep into the first commission of the disciples as we lean in and reach back. 

    Journey through the Gospels #18 Mark 6:1-6. Three simple steps

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2022 34:29


    Unbelief is more than a simple lack of faith, it was the one thing that limited Jesus' power to do miracles in his hometown of Nazareth.  In this episode, we will look deeper into the cause and effect of unbelief and three simple steps to remedy it in our lives today.  

    Journey through the Gospels #17 Mark 5:35-43 Overcoming Disappointments

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2022 32:14


    Have you ever felt like you were disappointed with God?  Most likely, we have all had our moments.  This episode will take a few moments to learn from some of the most notable figures in church history.  From their experience, we will plot a course to overcome disappointment.  

    Journey through the Gospels #16 Mark 5:21-34. The Power of Faith

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2022 34:32


    In this episode, we consider the power of faith.  Matthew Henry noted that “Jesus honored faith because faith honored him”.  We will dive deep into a biblical explanation of faith and what it means to truly believe.  Hold on to your seat, your faith is about to be challenged.  Thank you for coming to our table. 

    Journey through the Gospels #15 Mark 5:1-20

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2022 35:50


    What do a crazy demon-possessed man and a pig farm have to teach us in our current day?  More than meets the eye!  We will dig into this often overlooked text to find practical application in our everyday lives.  In this episode, we will identify our common enemy and some of his surest tactics and put in place a proven strategy to overcome him.  

    Journey through the Gospels #14 Mark 4:35-41

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2022 41:00


    the Bible is a multilayered living work that holds deep meaning in each verse.  In this episode of Sage Spirituality, we will turn the text “around and around” to see its many facets, we will reach back into church history and lean into what Jesus was teaching to his disciples as they crossed the Sea of Galilee. 

    Journey through the Gospels #13 Mark 4:26-34 Amazing Grace

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2022 41:24


    In this episode, we consider a word widely used but rarely understood in the church and in the world.  A word that can change even the worst sinner into a person of faith.  Just like the old hymn reminds us, it truly is amazing.  Its grace.  Come to the table for our 50th episode and lean in as we discuss the one word that can truly change the world.  

    Journey through the Gospels #12 Mark 4: 21-25

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2022 33:48


    If you are a disciple of Christ there is a candle burning in your life.  It was lit by your Savior and it has a purpose.  You were not meant to be a closet Christian, but to glorify your Father in heaven.  In this episode of Sage Spirituality we consider what this means in our journey, how we can actually burn even brighter and the danger involved for those who hide the work God has done in their life.  

    Journey through the Gospels #11 Mark 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2022 37:00


    Are you allowing distractions to steal the seeds that God is attempting to sow in your life?  Are you hard-hearted to the point of not allowing eternal work to spring up in your life?  Maybe you just look back with regret over your past or your feel anxious about your future.  Either way, there is hope for you to become fertile soil.  In this episode, we will look back and listen to the voices of John Chrysostom, Augustine, Cyril of Jerusalem, Martin Luther, Martyn Lloyd Jones, and more as we dive into this life-changing parable.  

    Journey through the Gospels #10 Mark 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2021 20:24


    As a follower of Christ is it ever wrong to do what's right? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the Pharisees' hypocrisy as we continue to journey through the Gospel of Mark.  We will reach back to the voices of church history and see that it is always the right time to do the right things.

    Journey through the Gospels #9 Mark 2: 23-28

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2021 40:16


    Are you sedating your pain with leisure instead of healing yourself with a true Sabbath rest?  In this episode, we explore the importance of entering into true obedience that leads to the recharging of the soul and physical rest.  From the beginning of creation until our current chaotic reality few things have remained the same, but one is constant, the Sabbath was created for us.  Lean in and be challenged as we continue to journey through the Gospels.  

    Journey through the Gospels #8 Mark 2:18-22

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2021 35:15


    Have you become dry or hardened in your spiritual life or as Jesus warned, are you an "old Wineskin"? In this episode, we will look at the ways that can become a reality in each of our lives and we search for the remedy for those who want to stay alive and renewed in their spiritual experience.  Come to the table as we reach back and lean in as we go deeper with God.

    Journey through the Gospels #7 Mark 2:13-17

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2021 35:32


    "Jesus Friend of Sinners" may mean more than you think.  In this episode we will lean into our text in the Gospel of Mark and see that Jesus was much more than a friend to the sinners he met, he was truly their savior. All while performing his greatest miracle of creation, turning sinners into saints.  

    Journey through the Gospels #6 Mark 2:1-12

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2021 35:49


    In this episode of Sage Spirituality, found out if you are a great pretender.  We will lean into our Gospel text and see how we can make our faith visible and apparent not only to others but to God.

    Journey through the Gospels #5 Mark 1:35-45

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2021 30:49


    Have you ever felt trapped by "Yes"?  Many Christians feel like "Yes" is the only answer they can give but in this episode, we learn from Jesus' example that both "Yes" and "No" can be valid answers that bring glory to God.

    Journey through the Gospels #4. Mark 1:16-34

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2021 27:43


    Why is our hearing not in sync with our doing?  We know what we are supposed to do, what God wants us to do, yet we pause.  Some pause for a moment and others for a lifetime.  How do we shorten the response between hearing and doing?  How do we become immediate in our obedience to the Lord?  We will turn to the teachings of Jesus to find a formula that will do just that, let's reach back and lean during this life-changing episode of Sage Spirituality. 

    Journey through the Gospels #3. Mark 1:14-15

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2021 28:54


    "Repent and believe" formed a two-part equation that was at the heart of Jesus' preaching.  Yet somehow over time, in some circles of the church, it has been reduced to simply "believe.  If you have never truly reached the point of repentance you are missing half of the equation.  What is repentance?  Why does it matter to you?  What should you do about it?  In this episode, we lean into the text and reach back into church history for insight and inspiration.  

    Journey through the Gospels #2. Mark 1:12-13

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2021 39:31


    Are you running away from what you should be running towards? In this episode of Sage Spirituality, we will walk away from the noise and into the solitude of the Wilderness with Jesus. It is there that we find truth; Our True God, Our True Enemy, and Our True Self.

    Journey through the Gospels #1. Mark 1:1-11

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2021 22:40


    Join Sage Spirituality as we journey through the Gospels with an in-depth focus on the life of Jesus. In this episode, we dive into the book of Mark 1: 1-11 where John the Baptist announces Jesus's ministry and we are formally introduced to the Trinity. This amazing day in history will serve as our stepping off point in our journey towards our Savior.

    Storms are coming!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2021 28:24


    We are either in a storm, coming out of a storm, or about to drive into a storm. These storms are the trials of life, we can go or grow through them. The decision is ours.

    The Two" If's"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2021 24:32


    In this episode of Sage Spirituality, we learn to discern the "If" of the enemy and the "If" of our Savior. Our lives depend on which one we respond to.

    Even in your pain there is a plan

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2020 24:33


    2020 has been a year filled with pain, anxiety, and at least some form of suffering for almost everyone. We would do good to consider the current reality with the trials of Jesus' disciples. Even when they were filled with doubt and left scratching their heads and questioning the situation, they learned that God was in control and actually had a plan. Join us at Sage Spirituality as we reach back into the final days of our Savior's life and realize that things haven't changed as much as we may think.

    Hope or Hate? It depends on what you are looking for...

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2020 31:57


    This time of the year we turn our eyes toward the advent of what God has promised to do. No matter how dark or challenging, we can choose to lean in and hear the music that is playing around us. Take time during this season to see the beauty of what God is doing in our midst and to renew your hope.

    Breaking up the fallow ground.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2020 39:56


    In this episode, we reach back in church history to a time where revival seemed unlikely. A time filled with social and cultural divide. When towns and cities all had churches, but those churches were dead. Yet something happened when a young preacher began to "break ou the fallow ground" of his own personal life, a revival started that shook the entire nation. It could start with you if you are willing to take a long look at your life.

    You say you want a revival? Start with yourself!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2020 38:09


    In this episode we tackle the first steps that Charles Finney laid out for revival. It can’t reach “them” until it reaches you.

    Corona-Quarantine Live Cast #9. "Shaken to Renewal"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2020 24:46


    In this episode of Sage Spirituality we will be looking at what God is doing through the Corona Virus outbreak. It is more life giving than you can imagine.

    Corona-Quarantine Live Cast #8. "Is God Simply Your Accomplice?"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2020 27:15


    This week Sage Spirituality focuses on the message hidden in a rather obscure novel by a missionary hero that leads us to ask, "Is God truly God or is He simply an accomplice to your plan?" Let's reach back and lean in as we continue to grow together in our spiritual life.

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