The Yellow Balloons Podcast takes a deep dive into what the Bible says, with particular attention toward how Scripture shapes perspective. The Biblical narrative is a guidepost for daily living. It invites us to adopt a true perspective, to be transformed by the choices we make and the God we serve. Full transcripts of each episode can be found on our website at yellowballoons.net
Modern politics are full of many traps, landmines, historical abuses, and confusion. It sometimes seems best to avoid politics altogether. The Bible does not advocate for apathy in the world's political process. It encourages us to discern, influence, and learn from the imperfect institutions that make mankind what it is. Discerning how to engage with politics is not about choosing sides in a war of political parties; it is about discerning how to operate within society in a way that honors God.
People often say the two topics we should avoid at the dinner table are religion and politics. In this episode, we talk about both. How should a new Christian, or an established one, think about politics? What does the Bible say about politics, human institutions, and governance? Although religion and politics are often taboo at the dinner table, both mean a great deal to all of us. Sifting through the jargon and the modern propaganda in order to discern how the believing person should best consider politics is an important part of living well.
Most Christians struggle with how to answer the questions and skepticism from their non-believing friends. Sharing life with non-Christians is a delicate balance. In this episode, we talk about how to be a witness without using words. We will also discuss how to adjust to a new life in Christ, without degrading or alienating your relationships. A commitment to Christ changes everything. There will be challenges while navigating non-Christian relationships. But within that challenge, there is also opportunity.
The Bible reveals that every person created in the image of God has certain spiritual gifts or talents. These can be used to help further The Kingdom of God and build up The Body of Christ. In this episode, we talk through the spiritual gifts listed in Scripture. How do we apply these gifts to our lives? How do we grow in them? Does not having a specific gift get us off the hook for doing related ministry? And, perhaps most importantly, how do we work to ensure we are using our gifts to honor God and others, not to make a celebrity of ourselves?
Too often, church leaders are either held on a pedestal or unfairly judged. Church should be a place where good leaders serve the people around them, shepherding others toward the gospel of Jesus. God has put wisdom in each of us. You have the power to discern if church leaders and church structures are stewarding well. But be warned, you are not immune to poor leadership, no matter what role you have in The Body of Christ. We are all called to steward well and work together in unity.
Meeting with a community of believers is an important aspect to Christian life. We often talk about these meeting spaces as “churches”. In this episode, we talk about the purpose of church and how to go about finding the right community. Daily Christian community happens in our local groups. But all believers are also united as one big church, what Scripture calls The Body of Christ. It is a great challenge and immense joy for Christians to discover how to serve and be served by a community of believers.
New Christians are often surprised and confused to discover there are several different Biblical translations. The Bible was originally written in Hebrew and Greek. For centuries, it has needed to be translated in order for the global community to understand its message. Even experienced Christians have a difficult time sorting through the differences. So, which translation is best? In this episode, we talk through the different types of translations and strategies for discerning which is most helpful.
Why was The Bible written? Is there a main point to it? What is The Bible about? In this episode, we discuss these questions by addressing both the metaphysical and rudimentary value of Scripture. The Bible helps us discover who God is, who we are, and how we ought to interact with God, ourselves, and others. This book helps us discover how to live in alignment with reality, thus discovering a life of fulfillment.
The Bible often talks about two different paths. One is the path God suggests and it leads to goodness. The other is the path of destruction. One framework Scripture uses to describe these two paths is flesh versus spirit. People sometimes think that being a Chrsitian means the voice of the flesh goes away. But this isn't the case. Every day, Christians have to decide what path to walk on. The way of the flesh leads to disappointment and destruction but the way of the spirit leads to life. Ultimately the choice is ours to make.
Whether you are a new Christian, an experienced one, or not a believer at all, you likely have some questions about the authenticity of The Bible. How can something written so long ago be applicable today? Has it changed throughout the thousands of years it has existed? Can Scripture really help with what I am going through? In this episode, we talk through the essential task of The Bible: describing reality as it is. One of the reasons for its supernatural staying power is that it speaks to the very heart of the human experience.
What about “the rules”? Every Christian knows there are rules: things you are not supposed to do and things you have to do. In this episode, we talk about the nature of those rules. They are not arbitrary requirements to prove obedience; the rules are essentially God's description of how the world works and what is best for you. The consequence for doing them is that you will miss out on some of the abundant life God offers. He loves us. Nothing can change that. There are no rules for earning his love. The guidance of The Bible is about truth and consequence, showing us the way to make the most of this one precious life.
What does it mean to be “born again”, cause that's a confusing thing to consider?. What is baptism and why does it matter? In this episode, we address questions about what it means to enter and participate in The Kingdom of God. We will help you unravel some of the confusions and distractions, freeing you to participate in what The Bible calls “the life that is truly life”. According to The Bible, true life is one lived in obedience to the spirit rather than bondage to the flesh.
If you're new to Christianity, you may notice the Bible is full of a lot of different kinds of books and that the Christian religion has some really unique and sometimes confusing terms. In this episode, we talk through different sections of the Bible, including the Law (or Torah), the Gospels, the Prophets, and the New Testament letters. We discuss what is different about each of these and why is the Bible full of such diverse literary expressions. We also dissect some of the unique Christian terms and discover both their value and hindrances. By addressing these questions, both new and established Christians can help unravel some of the obstacles to effectively reading the Bible and engaging with their faith.
If you are new to Christianity, you might find it overwhelming to open up your bible. There are so many books in the Bible, so many questions, and so many ideas. Where is the best place to begin? The key is just to start. There is no definitive right place to begin, just about anywhere will do. In this episode, we discuss some ideas of where to begin, as well as some processes and perspectives to keep in mind as you learn. At the end of the day, the key is to start. Don't overthink it. Don't stress about whether you are doing it right. Just try. There is value everywhere you turn.
In this episode, we dive into the question: what is evangelism? The best way to express the gospel to others is to live it out in one's own life. This is the message of Scripture, from the Shema in Deuteronomy 6 to 1 Peter 3 and The Book of Hebrews. This kind of witness speaks volumes and is much more effective than being preached at or argued with. Stewarding life well is especially difficult in times of pain, sadness, and uncertainty. As difficult as these times can be, they are also fertile ground for making known the truth of the gospel.
In this episode, we explore the origins of Christianity and its relationship to Judaism. We talk with Mark Meckler about his faith journey, including the search that got him to Jesus, the questions he had in the beginning, and some of the practices he developed to help him along the way. Christians are meant to ask questions. Following Jesus is not about figuring it all out, but about being in relationship with the Divine. Faith is not about having all of the answers, it is about believing, having courage, and giving life your best effort.
In this episode, we explore the origins of Christianity and its relationship to Judaism. We talk with Mark Meckler about his faith journey, including the search that got him to Jesus, the questions he had in the beginning, and some of the practices he developed to help him along the way. Christians are meant to ask questions. Following Jesus is not about figuring it all out, but about being in relationship with the Divine. Faith is not about having all of the answers, it is about believing, having courage, and giving life your best effort.
In this episode, we conclude our series on The Book of Philippians with a discussion on the power of perspective. The way we choose to see things fuels how we act and what we think. Christians are all fighting the same battles. Similar to Paul's companions, we are called to be of the same mind for the Lord. We are called to be fair-minded, open-hearted, trustworthy and good to others. The Book of Philippians invites us to continually adopt the mindset of Christ and follow as it leads to a life of action and meaning.
In this episode, we talk about the right perspective of worldly temptations. Every day, we struggle to give up worldly pride and desires. The appetite for these things is as strong as it is dangerous. The paradox is that seeing these things truly invites us to lay them aside, which actually leads to our best life. Jesus had a strong place at the right hand of God and gave it up to be a man. He did not seek profit and worldly treasures/status, he humbly accepted God's plan for him. We are meant to mimic this mindset.
In this episode, we begin our brief series on The Book of Philippians. The beginning of Philippians is all about developing the right mindset. In order to live well, we must have a true perspective and consistent faith. Paul calls the Philippians to task for being too lazy, too apathetic. It is an incredible opportunity to live in the Kingdom of God, even in the midst of its challenges. Philippians invites us to listen to God, love others, and set aside unhealthy appetites. The key to it all is the mindset we choose.
The story of Ruth is one of the most beautiful and inspiring narratives of Scripture. Ruth is an example of character, courage, and faith. She takes big risks and embodies what it means to be faithful. This little story packs a punch, showing us all manner of mercy, kindness, and adventure. As a descendant of Jesus, this woman and this story are part of the greater narrative of God working in the world. In this episode, we explore the life, lessons, and central message of The Book of Ruth.
In this episode, we try to answer the question: “what is contentment?” Putting our trust in people, circumstances, and things will never satisfy us. To be satisfied, we must put our trust in the things that man cannot touch. Peace, joy, and purpose come through eternal things. They are not achievable through superficial ways. We will look at the secrets of contentment and the vital role striving plays in experiencing what it means to be content.
In this episode, we continue our series on success in the Kingdom of God. We are not talking about how to get rich, but how to be rich. The wealth of God's Kingdom is not an external marker of achievement but an internal consistency of character. To help us see this, we will unpack 1 Timothy 6:6 and discuss what kind of gains this verse is talking about. We also discuss the means by which these will come.
In this episode, we discuss a fourth way to listen to God: through godly people. Like the three from the previous episode, this is also rooted in Proverbs. Solomon's teaching on the wise and the foolish serves as a sort of blueprint to show us the way to meaningful success in our lives. What would life be like if we lived according to Proverbs, aligning with the path of wisdom? It would be characterized by controlled, not controlling appetites, personal relationships founded in wisdom, and a deeper understanding of God.
In this episode, we continue to explore the key to being rich: listening to God. There is nothing more important than a willingness to listen to God. It is the only thing that leads to a prosperous life and the true riches of The Kingdom of Heaven. Diving deeper into three ways to listen presented in previous episodes, we discover more about this fundamental practice. Proverbs is a major source for this reality, an Old Testament foundation for each of the ways to listen to God and participate in the riches of his kingdom.
In this episode, we continue discussing how to listen to God as a method to experience the riches of the Kingdom of God. There are myriad ways to listen to God. Today we focus on hearing God in nature, listening to godly people as image-bearers of Christ, and listening to the Holy Spirit in ourselves. A book by Brother Lawrence, “Practicing the Presence of God,” is a rich example of listening to the Spirit and a reminder of the incredible divinity of God in the smallest of things.
In this episode, our series on how to be rich continues with a discussion about the opportunity we have to listen to God. Scripture promises we can buy all the gold we want by listening to God. Not physical gold, but spiritual riches. Reading scripture invites us to hear the voice of God, bear witness to the historical and eternal working of the divine, and discern what that means for our daily life.
In this episode, we continue to discuss ways to hear from God. We focus on two powerful ways to observe who God is and what He is doing. The first is by noticing Him in nature and throughout all of our circumstances. The second is by listening to the Holy Spirit within. Listening to the spirit is not always easy, even though He's always speaking. In both internal and external whisperings, our discernment plays an important role. To heed God's voice has great upside.
In this episode, we continue our series on how to be rich. Our society is preoccupied with control and taking charge. The great sin of humanity is when we think we are god rather than vessels to serve God. To become truly rich requires listening to the Lord. There are two ways to improve our experience in hearing what God has to say: read the bible and listen to godly people. Doing this builds a foundation of truth, humility, and spiritual wealth.
In this episode, we explore two more New Testament parables about money: the unjust steward and the rich man and Lazarus. Much of these parables deal with the issue of time, immediate gratification versus delayed gratification. Giving without expectation does not pay now, but it will pay later. There are four ways to bless others using money: creating jobs, experiences, partnerships, and hospitality. The Bible implores us to serve God, not money. When we serve God, money is downgraded to a resource that can be used toward greater ends.
In this episode, we take a look at the way Scripture talks about money. We start by discussing the spiritual truth that money cannot buy happiness. Three parables about money help us see the way God thinks about money is distinct from the world's view. The parables of the lost sheep, the lost money, and the prodigal son invite us into Jesus' view of what it means to be rich in the Kingdom of God.
In this episode, we continue our discussion on American history and how it affects Western psychology and modern institutions. Then we turn to the origins and value of self-governance, in particular, how Israel qualified as a self-governing nation. That is, until they found it too challenging and asked for a King. We close with an exhortation to embrace self-stewardship, to focus on the few things you can control and make the best of the resources and opportunities available. This is the foundation of true success.
In this episode, we begin our series on what it means to be rich. Our starting point is a distinction between getting rich and being rich. As a case study, we look at the wealth of America - how did this British outpost become the richest country in the world? At the founding of America as we know it, the Declaration of Independence was a necessary communication to Europe. It let them know we were going to try to do things differently. These early American communications help set the stage for the way we view wealth and riches in our modern world.
In this episode, we discuss the imminent return of Christ, the antichrist, the final battle, the millennial kingdom, the beast and his number, and the events that surround the end of the old earth. The history of prophecy is meant to help us see where we are and where we are going. Ultimately it all boils down to this: God is in control and our response is to trust and endure, that we might share with Him in the Kingdom of Heaven.
In this episode, we explore one of the most talked about prophecies in Scripture: the “seventy weeks” described in the ninth chapter of Daniel. Examining this important prophecy, we seek to answer three questions: When will the seventy weeks begin and end? What are the signs this prophecy is coming true? And what will be the end of the age when this prophecy is fulfilled? Using Matthew 24 as a help, we conclude that the abomination of desolation is coming and will take mankind by surprise.
We continue exploring human history through the Biblical depiction of Nebuchadnezzar's dream in the book of Daniel 2. Prophecy, in its many forms, has impacted human history at every turn. We start with the Holy Roman empire and explore how it grew and changed through the centuries. Then we turn to the 7 weeks prophecy in Daniel 9 and unpack how it relates to the tribulation and the end times.
In this episode, we begin to journey through the course of human history, from the Old Testament origins of our faith to our modern world. Using the story of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream as a backdrop and a sort of metaphor, we explore how our perception shapes not just individual human behavior but collective belief and understanding. Nebuchadnezzar's statue, as presented in Daniel, reaches into the future, from Rome all the way to the modern day.
In this episode, we continue to discuss the new heavens and the new earth. What does prophecy suggest they will look like? What does this mean for us now? We begin with the bride of Christ as she is presented in the book of Revelation. Then we turn to the glory of the city which comes from the kings of the nations and discuss who is and who is not allowed in this city. We close by exploring the immense scale and beauty of our imaginings of the new heavens and earth.
In this episode, we begin to explore what The Bible says about the coming of the New Jerusalem. What does it mean for heaven and earth to pass away and what will come in its place? As we answer this question, we will unpack how the New Jerusalem relates to the bride of Christ. We will examine, to the best of our ability, the physical realities of the new heaven and the new earth. Finally, we wrap up by looking at the role of the temple in the newness to come and what all of this means for our present age.
In this episode, we continue to explore future events as revealed through the pages of Scripture, focusing on what we can be sure about. We discuss the rejuvenation of Jerusalem, the keeping of God's promises to the Jewish people, and the millennial kingdom. If we read, hear, and do we shall overcome whatever trials, temptations, and uncertainties might otherwise plague us. Prophecy is a great gift for clarifying what is ours to steward.
In this episode, we turn to the book of Revelation to uncover some surety in the midst of a lot of mystery. As we continue our look into the history of prophecy, we explore what it looks like to discern and steward what we can and trust God with what we cannot. Unpacking the scriptures in Revelation, we find that we can be sure about what it means to overcome. Beyond that, we can trust that God is in control and his justice will prevail. The aim of prophecy is not to tell us what we cannot know but to help us steward what we can.
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