The Better Beautiful // The Answer to Every Question

You can, and must, do difficult things in order to die without regret. But He gives grace.Listen to "Die / Endure / Don't Deny (Hard Things)," the final episode of THE BETTER SONG with Jeff & Steph now.

At the heart of the "song of all songs", and in the center of the Gospel of the Kingdom, is the city of Jerusalem. Your destiny is woven in with her destiny—but everything hinges on the day she sings again "as in the days of her youth," the very day when God Himself will rejoice with singing over her. In the meantime, this "song" protects your heart from the accusations shot like flaming arrows against her—and your—eternal security. Best to begin singing it now.Listen to "& There They Both Will Sing," Episode 6 of THE BETTER SONG, with Jeff & Steph now.

Perhaps the crux of the story, and certainly a critical feature of the Song of Solomon, is learning to believe what God says about you—to quit arguing with Him about it. If we can receive the better word that washes us, we'll live more like we're meant to. Listen to "God & the Better Wine," Episode 5 of THE BETTER SONG with Jeff & Steph now.

The impetus and inspiration for BALLADS OF THE SONG OF SOLOMON songs like "The Door," "Wild Wind," "Foxes, Weeds, and Jealousy," and more. What is the process He leads us through to bring us to "Death Without Regret"? Listen to "When Jesus Kills Your Pet Sin," Episode 4 of THE BETTER SONG with Jeff and Steph now.

Sometimes His pursuit feels like you're in a little bit of a prison. But that's in the script.Listen to Episode 3 of THE BETTER SONG, "Hedged In Behind & Before," with Jeff & Steph now.

Perhaps the most audacious lyric in BALLADS OF THE SONG OF SOLOMON, "Jesus, we are gonna dance or fight tonight" raised more than a few eyebrows. Find out why we included it in "Wild Wind," and why it's such a valuable part of our own processes of formation and maturity in God. Listen to Episode 2 of THE BETTER SONG with Jeff and Steph now.

THE BETTER BEAUTIFUL returns with a miniseason swimming through the Gospel of the Kingdom in light of the Song of Solomon, and vice verse. Join Jeff & Steph for the first of seven episodes of THE BETTER SONG. Listen to "The Gospel in Solomon's Song" now, and browse the BALLADS OF THE SONG OF SOLOMON resource library for more.

Jeff and Steph conclude THE BETTER DEATH miniseason looking "Beyond the Cross." Listen now.

Jeff and Steph discuss the paradox of the Cross in this episode of THE BETTER DEATH, our Lenten Meditation approaching Resurrection Sunday.

Jeff & Steph discuss the triumph of the Cross as seen in Colossians 2:15:"And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in the cross."Join us for this week's episode of THE BETTER DEATH, a Lenten meditation approaching Resurrection Sunday.

Join Jeff Henderson for this week's meditation on the judgment of the Cross, beginning with John 12:31:"Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out."

"And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to Myself."Meditate on these words of Jesus and the magnetism of His Cross with us this week for our second of seven conversations through Lent.

We begin THE BETTER DEATH, a meditative lingering through this Lent season. Jeff and Steph discuss 1 Corinthians 1:23-24. Listen to "The Scandal of the Cross" now.

We reach the end of the Galatian road in our final episode of THE BETTER FREEDOM. Listen to the season finale, "Courage, Cowardice, and the Cross (Gal. 6:11-18)" now here in the FAI App.

We finish riding Paul's train of thought in this passage and reflect upon the fatigue of doing good works, and bearing good fruit—why it is tiresome, and why we should keep going anyway. Join Jeff and Steph for this week's conversation in Galatians, for one of the final episodes of THE BETTER FREEDOM.Listen to "The Abject Fatigue of Good Fruit (Gal. 6:6-10)" now here in the FAI App.

As we near the end of Paul's letter to the churches of Galatia, this week's text includes 6:6-10. Jeff and Steph discuss the individual and corporate imperative to live with generosity, and the broader principle of reaping what you sow—and the inability to reap what you haven't sown then demonstrating God's invincibility. "He cannot be mocked." But He also won't leave you hanging if you trust Him, even with something simple like a tank of gas.Join Jeff and Steph for this week's episode of THE BETTER FREEDOM: "You Cannot Reap What You Do Not Sow (Gal. 6:6-10)." Listen now in the FAI App.

If bearing the fruit of the Spirit looks like bearing the burden of someone "caught" or buckling, and doing so in a spirit of gentleness, the counter-attack of the flesh looks like your pride swelling with the ego of your good deeds. Paul effectively warns us to check ourselves before we wreck ourselves, and "stand alone together."Listen to this week's episode of THE BETTER FREEDOM with Jeff & Steph now.

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." This mighty admonition on the heels of last week's conversation on the "gentle hand of restoration" is not for the faint of heart, but is a beautiful privilege and burden of its own merit for everyone in the Body of Jesus.Jeff and Steph discuss Galatians 6:2 in this week's episode of THE BETTER FREEDOM, our ongoing season of THE BETTER BEAUTIFUL devoted to the book of Galatians. Listen now in the FAI App.

Perhaps the most offensive and beautiful passage in all of Galatians is the subject of this week's episode: what to do with a member of our faith family when they get "caught" in a transgression. "WWJD?" may well lead us all to scratch our heads in wonder, but "blessed is he who is not offended because of [Jesus]," and there is gold to mine in these hills.Join Jeff & Steph for the latest episode of THE BETTER FREEDOM. Listen to "The Gentle Hand of Restoration (Gal. 6:1-3)" now in the FAI App.

The narrow way that leads to life is the path of the Spirit that bears the fruit of the Spirit in our interior lives. This week, Jeff and Steph push past the Sunday School familiarity with this passage and Stephanie shares how this always reminds her of the time she discovered she has a crippling fear of heights.Listen to the latest episode of THE BETTER FREEDOM now.

No one wants to spend an entire episode discussing things that are not holy, but that's just what we do this week. We have to. Let us see a life without the Spirit for what it is, where it leads us, and how easy this path is to find and walk down. Next week, we'll see the "more excellent way."Listen to "The Wide Road Way of the Flesh (Gal. 5:19-21)" with Jeff & Steph now in this week's episode of THE BETTER FREEDOM.

Jeff & Steph sit in Galatians 5:16-18 for a second week, discussing the broader theological and practical implications of "walking in the Spirit." Listen to "To Live Truly Free," our latest edition of our THE BETTER FREEDOM season in Galatians, now in the FAI App.

To "walk by the Spirit" and "not gratify the desires of the flesh" is less a list of "dos & don'ts" and more....a dance.Listen to "Dancing with the Spirit (Gal. 5:16-18)" with Jeff and Steph now, in the latest episode of THE BETTER FREEDOM, here in the FAI App.

Living as "the freest Man alive" lived (and lives) has immediate implications on our relationships. In life, you have brothers (& sisters) and neighbors. How does your freedom in Jesus bear upon how to best relate to the people around you?Jeff Henderson returns for a second solo episode on Galatians 5:13-15. Listen to "Brothers and Neighbors," our latest episode in THE BETTER FREEDOM, now.

"For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!"We are not meant to live as cannibals.Join Jeff this week for a meditation on Galatians 5:13-15 in the latest episode of THE BETTER FREEDOM: "Lest We Bite & Devour," now in the FAI App

We "have need of endurance" to "run the race set before us" "looking to Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our faith." No big deal. Life is hard. And finding the narrow road is difficult to do. It's even harder to stay on it. So imagine how devastating it would be to "run well" and yet allow a "hindrance" to keep you from "obeying the truth." It's one thing to trip; it's another thing to allow a "persuasion" to pull you off the only path that leads to life and bring you into disobedience—which leads to death. We might call that a "crash and burn." Paul once referred to it as a "shipwreck." Is there a way back on the narrow road? What persuasions might be pulling on you today, and how do you silence them? Jeff & Steph discuss Galatians 5:7-12 in this week's episode of THE BETTER FREEDOM, "Crash & Burns Off the Narrow Road." Listen now in the FAI App.

This week's passage is a collision and contrast between the path of self-righteous severing, its real-time implications on your relationship with Jesus, true fellowship with Him, and the faith-wrought work of the Spirit to save you from your own conniving ego. Jeff and Steph discuss Galatians 5:4-6 in this week's edition of THE BETTER FREEDOM. Listen to "To Not Go the Way of Cain" now in the FAI App.

"You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace." What does it mean to "fall from grace," or be estranged from Jesus? It is no accident these issues bookend justification within this one verse. Join Jeff & Steph as we mine out the issue of justification, how Jesus approaches it, and what it means for us (even on our best behavior). Listen to "Justification & Jesus (Gal. 5:4)" now in the FAI App.

THE BETTER BEAUTIFUL returns from our little hiatus with a Jeff & Jeff episode sitting in Galatians 5:3, which reads: "And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law." The whole law. Some might even say, "the whole enchilada." Jeff unpacks the implications and consequences of this in this week's episode of THE BETTER FREEDOM. Listen to "The Entire Enchilada" now in the FAI App.

Last week, we asked, "What is freedom?" This week, as we park in Galatians 5:2, it distills down to this simplicity: The freedom Jesus set you free for is the confidence of a kid who can feel their Dad smiling upon them. Meditate on this with Jeff and Steph in this week's episode of THE BETTER FREEDOM, available now here in the FAI App.

THE BETTER BEAUTIFUL // If the book of Galatians could be summarized in one verse, it is chapter five verse one: "It is for freedom's sake Christ has set you free—therefore do not be entangled again in a yoke of bondage." In this week's episode of THE BETTER FREEDOM, Jeff and Steph discuss the implications of this explosive verse which we hold so dear. Listen to "For Sake of Free Freedom (Gal. 5:1)" now in the FAI App or wherever you listen to podcasts. #TheBetterBeautiful #becauseJesus

In Episode 32 of THE BETTER FREEDOM, we come to the end of chapter four in Paul's letter to the churches of Galatia: "Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? 'Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.' So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free." Listen to "Castaways & Brotherhood (Gal. 4:28-31)" now with Jeff and Steph here in the FAI App.

Somehow, God deals with our unrighteousness in a way that makes Him "both just and the Justifier" of all who have faith in Him; of all who "trust" in Him. Paul had exceptional clarity to communicate the nuts and bolts of this profound message, and it is apparent throughout his letters in addition to the points he makes at the end of this Galatian chapter. Listen to Episode 31 of THE BETTER FREEDOM, "Law, Legality, & Liberty (Gal. 4:24-27)" now and buckle up—we're about to get into the grit and glory of Galatians.

"For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise...." These are two simple verses, in theory. But we got lost in them—good and deep. Join Jeff & Steph for the latest conversation in THE BETTER FREEDOM: "Isaacs, Ishmaels, & Rabbit Trails (Gal. 4:22-23)," live now in the FAI App.

The One Wherein Jeff & Steph Park in a Singular Seventeen-Word Verse For a Whole Episode "Tell me, you who desire the law, do you not listen to the law?" Galatians puts the collision between our desires, identities, and owners (yes, what/who owns you) under a microscope, and even this short little verse sifts the human heart and exposes intentions and aspirations undergirding how we approach a life in God. Perhaps this conversation will help illuminate some of your own. Or maybe we just got the Backstreet Boys stuck in your head. Either way, listen to the latest THE BETTER FREEDOM episode, "So, Tell Me... (Gal. 4:21)," now in the FAI App.

As a father in the faith, Paul was concerned for the Galatians. He was jealous for the Galatians. He was burdened for the Galatians. Yet he was, in his own words, "perplexed" by the Galatians. What can we learn and glean from this man who developed out of his own immaturity to give his life to shepherding others out of theirs? Listen to "Fatherhood & Full Formation (Gal. 4:17-20)" with Jeff & Steph now here in the FAI App.

Paul's tone begins to pivot in Galatians 4:10-16, and we hear him in humility, in his humanity, as he makes a heartfelt plea to the believers in Galatia. Jeff & Steph discuss these verses in this week's episode of THE BETTER FREEDOM, our (long) season exclusively devoted to Paul's letter to the churches of Galatia. Listen now in the FAI App.

An abiding law of the universe is this: You are a slave to that which you obey, and you obey that which you desire. This is why loving Jesus is synonymous with obedience (John 15), and why Paul so often refers to himself as a bondservant. But say you break beyond the fence line of obedience; you are not then "free" from the constraints of His commands—you're enslaved within the territory of disobedience. In this week's passage, Paul addresses one way we jump the fence: by giving our minds back to "weak and worthless elementary principles of the world." Abiding within the fences of Jesus' commands is THE BETTER FREEDOM. Join Jeff & Steph for a meditative conversation on Galatians 4:8-9 in this week's episode of our long walk through the book of Galatians.

When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son "to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons—and because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!' Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." Here we encounter the generosity of God. Meditate with us on Galatians 4:5-7 this week in the latest episode of our journey through Galatians: THE BETTER FREEDOM.

Now firmly in the second half of the year, we are also finally getting into the second half of Galatians: sonship, slavery, and the sovereignty of God displayed in the revelation of the Son in the "fullness of time"—in your life, Paul's life, and in the nations. For Stephanie, a marked moment of "fullness" in her life involved Cutco knives and the guy who would later co-host this podcast with her. Hear the story in this episode of THE BETTER FREEDOM, our season of THE BETTER BEAUTIFUL in the book of Galatians—and why getting salvaged from the "elementary principles of the world" make us viscerally aware of a particularly beautiful truth: Karma is a load of crock. Listen now here in the FAI App.

THE BETTER BEAUTIFUL // We close out chapter 3 of Galatians exploring the implications of equality in Jesus, and the possible pitfalls of the "one new man" formed in His offering. Listen to "Unity, Diversity, and Distinction (Gal. 3:28-29)" of THE BETTER FREEDOM with Jeff & Steph now, right here in the FAI App.

Or, "The One Where Jeff Became a Grandpa." In Episode 22 of THE BETTER FREEDOM, we meditate on Galatians 3:27: "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." In this regard, there is no other way but to be fully immersed—but what happens if we, like the Crusaders of old, withhold something above the water line? What in your life do you try to protect and preserve? But Jesus "washes us with the water of His word," and "dresses" us with Him. Ponder these things with us today in this week's episode of THE BETTER BEAUTIFUL, "All-In Under the Waters of Baptism (Gal. 3:27)" with Jeff and Steph now.

We're in the meat of Galatians 3, with substantial themes to chew on: law, faith, grace, promise, slavery, sonship, and the means of reckoning against the righteousness of God. It's not for the faint of heart—but it'll lead you to the One who is "meek and lowly" inviting you to abide in Him all your days. Grab a coffee and your Bible, and maybe bookmark Romans so you can move back and forth between the two. We love meditating on the Word with you, and staring at the beauty of Jesus every week. He is the answer to every question. Listen to Ep. 21 of THE BETTER FREEDOM, "Abiding on the Path of Promise (Gal. 3:19-26)" with Jeff and Steph now. Our theme song is by Jess Ray, who has some new material coming soon. Check out her new single, and her band MISSION HOUSE's latest "Live in Raleigh" album.

"What is covenant?" For as heady and meaty as the issues in this passage can be, ultimately the faith comes down to a very simple issue: children believing the promise of their trustworthy Father. Join Jeff & Steph for episode 20 of THE BETTER FREEDOM, which also happens to be the 100th episode of THE BETTER BEAUTIFUL. Thank you for spending the last two years staring at the beauty of Jesus with us. He is the answer to every question. We're looking forward to the next 100!

The most offensive elements of the Good News are the best ones. The most precious truths are the ones we most resist, most despise. Galatians 3:14 is among these; join Jeff and Steph for a meditation on the Cross as we wade into the doctrinal depths of Paul's letter to the Galatian churches.

Our second of two conversations with Dana Candler (IHOPKC) gets real about what to do when you don't love Jesus like you used to. If you cross the finish line without love, did you really run the race to begin with? What do you do when you test the worth of Jesus, and the worth of Jesus turns around and tests you back? Listen to "Finishing with First Love," our final conversation with Dana Candler celebrating her latest book, 'First Love: Keeping Passion for Jesus in a World Growing Cold,' now. Get Dana's new book (and her many more writings) at danacandler.com

In this special two-part edition of THE BETTER BEAUTIFUL, Jeff and Steph sit down with Dana Candler (IHOPKC) to discuss her latest book, 'First Love: Keeping Passion for Jesus in a World Growing Cold.' If ever there was a manifesto for our heart behind "The Better Beautiful," it's Dana's new book. These conversations provoked us, challenged us, encouraged us, and brought us into worshipful wonder at the sustaining and sufficient beauty of Jesus. Listen to Part One now here in the FAI App, and stay tuned for Part Two next week.

We spend this week in the five verses between Galatians 3:10-14, and it's important to hear Paul's tone in this segment. What of the curses? Why is the cross a theological checkmate? Jeff & Steph discuss these questions and more in this week's episode of THE BETTER FREEDOM, our journey through the letter to the churches of Galatia. Find yourself in these eternal truths, relevant to disciples in the first century and relevant to us now as we await the return of the slaughtered King. Maranatha.

In episode 17 of THE BETTER FREEDOM, Jeff & Steph discuss Galatians 3:8-9 and the international intention woven into God's covenant with Abraham (and by extension, Isaac and Jacob) from the very beginning. If this "Good News" was truly meant to reach the nations from its earliest expressions, what do we do with it on, say, a Tuesday afternoon? Listen to "Jesus' International Inheritance (Gal. 3:8-9)" now here in the FAI App

Paul cites "works" to describe marks of Jewish identity. James cites "works" as actions evident for faith. Paul says you're saved by grace through faith and "not by works," lest any man should boast. James says you must have works to back up your faith, or you're the walking dead. Both men build their positions on the same text: "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." How do these stand together such that we can "know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham,"—and what is Paul's 'hold my beer' moment in Galatians 3? Listen to Episode 16 of THE BETTER FREEDOM, "All in the Family (Gal. 3:6-7)" now here in the FAI App

In this episode, Jeff & Steph pull the car over somewhere around Galatians 3:5 to stretch our legs, check the map, and look at the road ahead. Paul develops a robust theology of justification, adoption, sonship, inheritance, freedom—as well as the less attractive alternatives—in just a couple of chapters in Galatians, and we're about to take a deep dive to wade through them all. And we're feeling a bit of fear and trepidation as we do. Grab some coffee, your Bible, and survey our surroundings with us. We're going to be in this book for a while.