Podcast appearances and mentions of David Mathis

David Mathis | You get weary. You get weak. You get lonely. In such times, how can you strengthen yourself in your Lord?

David Mathis | There is no greater aspiration than to give glory to God. This is what we were made for. But what exactly does it mean to give God glory?

David Mathis | God is sovereign. Man is responsible. How do these two plain biblical truths fit together in everyday life?

Why would a pastor write a theological book on exercise? Would Jesus exercise if he were here bodily today? What does the Bible say about exercise and physical activity? And are Christians sinning if they don't exercise? These are a few of the questions Sean and Scott explore with pastor David Mathis, author of the new book A Little Theology of Exercise. David is senior teacher and executive editor of desiringGod.org, pastor at Cities Church (Saint Paul), and adjunct professor for Bethlehem College & Seminary (Minneapolis). He is author of ‘Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus through the Spiritual Disciplines.' His articles and messages are available online at desiringGod.org/mathis. He is married to Megan and father of four children. Join us for ANCHORED: A Conference for Pastors, Church Leaders and the Community June 9-11, 2025. Hosted by Talbot School of Theology at Biola University in Southern California. Learn more and register at https://www.biola.edu/anchored ==========Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern California. Find all episodes of Think Biblically at: https://www.biola.edu/think-biblically. Watch video episodes at: https://bit.ly/think-biblically-video. To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.

David Mathis | The life of faith may seem more difficult in a secular age, but Christians have always had a far different vision from the world's — and a far deeper joy.

David Mathis | After the horrors of Good Friday, a glimmer of hope appears for those with eyes to see through the sobs: the stunning provision of a garden tomb.

David Mathis | By riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, Jesus found the perfect way to say, “I am the long-expected King, but not like you expect. I am not just anointed but will be afflicted.”

David Mathis | When God laughs, he reminds us that he never worries, he never fears, and he is never under threat. The holy laughter of God puts his people at ease, and calls us to happily trust in him.

In The Passion Project, Pastor Kelly Kinder explores the reality of feeling physically full yet spiritually empty—and how biblical fasting can reignite our hunger for God. Kelly, known just as Kelly when he dives into Scripture, draws from passages like John 4 and Matthew 6 to demonstrate that giving up physical sustenance positions us to receive the far greater nourishment of God's presence and power.Kelly begins by distinguishing fasting from merely “not eating.” Instead, it's the intentional act of refocusing our attention on the Lord, echoing David Mathis's insight that fasting is a tool designed to channel our “holy discontent” in a fallen world. Throughout history, from the early church's twice-weekly fasts to present-day disciple-making movements abroad, believers have embraced this practice as a catalyst for revival. Kelly notes that such devotion cultivates an environment where we “partner with God to bring the kingdom into our midst.”Digging deeper, Kelly identifies four key benefits of fasting. First, it creates opportunities for kingdom encounters, as seen when Jesus prioritized His Father's will over food in John 4. Second, it carries a special reward. Drawing on Matthew 6, Kelly points out that Jesus promises God's reward for those who fast sincerely. Third, fasting fuels spiritual power over opposition. Kelly highlights Jesus' words about certain challenges that can only be conquered “by prayer and fasting,” illustrating how addictions, shame, and unbelief often loosen their grip when confronted with this discipline. Finally, fasting paves the way for the kingdom to expand beyond us. Kelly asks if our churches might remain stagnant because we haven't tapped into the dynamism that comes from persistent prayer and fasting.By weaving in practical considerations—like examining motives, choosing a specific type of fast, and clinging to God's promises—Kelly paints a clear picture of how to step into this life-changing practice. The heart of the matter isn't legalism but longing: are we hungry enough for God to temporarily forsake lesser appetites? As 1 Corinthians 4:20 reminds us, the kingdom is about power rather than mere talk, and fasting is one avenue God uses to unleash that power. If you're yearning for deeper spiritual breakthroughs—for yourself, your family, or your community—Kelly challenges you to pick up this ancient practice and rediscover a form of worship that can reshape your faith.We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.Subscribe to our Podcast & YouTube channel to find past sermons, classes, interviews, and more!Find us on Facebook & Instagram

David Mathis | God made men and women with both obvious and subtle differences — and these are features, not bugs. God delights in his good design, and invites us to do the same.

David Mathis | What role does your physical body play in the fight for spiritual joy? Sleep, diet, and exercise are friends, not foes, if we use them rightly.

"But the countercultural truth is that preachers are more like opera singers than like athletes." -- David MathisScript:"Preachers are more like opera singers than athletes." This is a quote by David Mathis from his Desiring God article No One's Born to Preach: The Myth and Truth of Pulpit ‘Gifting'. He explains that while athletes peak in their teens and twenties, musicians and singers often peak much later in life. He encourages preachers to continue developing, cultivating, and practicing their gifting. I can relate to this, and I want to share my experience as both a worship leader and a preacher. I've been a worship leader longer than I've been a preacher, and I believe I've gotten better over time. Yes, it takes practice, but I've also had the opportunity to lead in a variety of settings: Sunday mornings, larger events like retreats, and smaller settings like prayer meetings. As a preacher, I'm getting my reps in on Sunday mornings, but also in different areas, such as speaking to children and teaching in Sunday School. To my fellow preachers, I recommend giving this article a read. I pray that God continues to grow me as I steward my gifts of worship leading and preaching for His glory.Shownoteshttps://www.desiringgod.org/articles/no-ones-born-to-preachLinkshttps://www.diveindigdeep.com/https://newsletter.diveindigdeep.com/https://www.instagram.com/diveindigdeephttps://www.youtube.com/@soundwordsfm https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/soundwords

David Mathis | “More blessed to give than to receive.” These simple words from Jesus can transform burdensome requests into happy opportunities to get more from God as we give to others.

David Mathis | God may make believers in a moment, but he makes preachers over a lifetime. If you desire to preach, but doubt your present ability, envision the long arc, and seek to make progress over decades.

David Mathis | Our God is a great King, whom we approach with awe. And he is our Father, whom we run to with confidence. How does Christian prayer balance this paradox?

Friday, January 10, 2025 Due to inclement weather, today's show is the best of Kerby Anderson. In the second hour, Kerby welcomes David Mathis. Dr. Mathis brings us his new book, Workers for Your Joy. Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/pointofviewradio and on Twitter @PointofViewRTS with your opinions or comments. Looking for just the Highlights? Follow us […]

David Mathis | Real peace during the holidays may seem like a far-off dream, but remember, the one who came will come again, and establish himself as King of Peace.

David Mathis | The prophet Micah took a piercing glimpse across the centuries to see a child emerging in Bethlehem, arriving from ancient times, and rising in strength to shepherd God's people.

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION “There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true.”~Soren Kierkegaard “Now this is to be a fool— to act contrary to your own knowledge and better judgment.” “The moth is foolish that flies into the candle, and, having burnt itself, dashes again into the flame. We count the ox foolish that goes willingly to the shambles; but there are multitudes of men and women who take delight in sin; and, though every cup around them be poisoned, yet they drink at it as though it were nectar… We are great fools when we think that we can find pleasure in sin, or profit in rebellion.”~Charles Spurgeon “Only in Jesus can those born into folly, increasingly manifesting foolishness, on a crash course for destruction, be set free to true wisdom and ultimate life.”~David Mathis SERMON PASSAGEProverbs 1:7; 1:20-33; 12:15; 18:2; 26:11; 28:26 (ESV)Proverbs 17 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;  fools despise wisdom and instruction...20 Wisdom cries aloud in the street,   in the markets she raises her voice;21 at the head of the noisy streets she cries out;   at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:22 “How long, O simple ones,  will you love being simple?  How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing   and fools hate knowledge?23 If you turn at my reproof,  behold, I will pour out my spirit to you;   I will make my words known to you.24 Because I have called and you refused to listen,   have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded,25 because you have ignored all my counsel   and would have none of my reproof,26 I also will laugh at your calamity;   I will mock when terror strikes you,27 when terror strikes you like a storm   and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,   when distress and anguish come upon you.28 Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer;   they will seek me diligently but will not find me.29 Because they hated knowledge   and did not choose the fear of the Lord,30 would have none of my counsel   and despised all my reproof,31 therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way,   and have their fill of their own devices.32 For the simple are killed by their turning away,    and the complacency of fools destroys them;33 but whoever listens to me will dwell secure    and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.” Proverbs 1215 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,   but a wise man listens to advice. Proverbs 182 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,   but only in expressing his opinion. Proverbs 2611 Like a dog that returns to his vomit   is a fool who repeats his folly. Proverbs 2826 Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool,   but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

David Mathis | When you think of the church, do you fixate on present blemishes or remember the heart, and promises, of Christ? He knows her spots, and he keeps working to make her breathtaking.

David Mathis | When your eyes first open, what's your first priority? Your burning need each day is to get your soul happy in God.

The Christian Starter Pack, 3 of 6 from October 13th, 2024 “How we speak with Jesus shows our heart towards Him.” by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) SUMMARY This sermon explores the essential role of prayer in the Christian life, emphasizing that prayer is not about following a system but about developing a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Pastor Michael highlights that how we pray reflects our heart towards God and that prayer is a two-way communication where God is always attentive and waiting for us to engage. The sermon encourages believers to pray continually, pray with concentration, and use various postures and practices to focus their attention on God. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

David Mathis | Christian, how often do you marvel that you have the Spirit of God in you? God with us has become God in us — empowering us, interceding for us, and testifying to us.

David Mathis | “You bring some strange things to our ears.” Some in Athens said it to the apostle Paul. Some in America will say it to faithful preachers today.

David Mathis | Your soul is being conditioned every day for what you will delight in five years from now. Are you training yourself for delight in Jesus, or for indifference to him?

Monday, September 2, 2024 In the second hour, Kerby speaks again with David Mathis. Dr. Mathis brings us his book, Workers for Your Joy. Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/pointofviewradio and on Twitter @PointofViewRTS with your opinions or comments. Looking for just the Highlights? Follow us on Spotify at Point of View Highlights and get weekly highlights […]

David Mathis | Have the world's patterns and “cultural moments” dulled the global scope and Great-Commission interests of your faith?

David Mathis | Nine times in rapid succession, Jesus invites us into the very happiness of God. Surprising as that may be, his conditions for entrance may shock us even more.

David Mathis | Lay God's many pleasures side by side, and ask which one is his deepest delight. Across the scope of Scripture, one clear answer emerges.

David Mathis | At the founding, perhaps only as few as 10 percent of Americans were church members. So, what happened in the early 1800s, and what might we learn from it today?

Today we are pleased to share an audio essay written and read by David Mathis entitled "A Superlative Guide to All 15 Elder Qualifications". David serves as a pastor at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, as an adjunct professor at Bethlehem College and Seminary, and as senior teacher and executive editor at DesiringGod.org. He's also the author of 'Workers for Your Joy, The Call of Christ on Christian Leaders from Crossway'. Read the essay here. Complete this survey for a free audiobook by Kevin DeYoung! If you enjoyed this episode be sure to leave us a review, which helps us spread the word about the show!

David Mathis | Magnifying Christ in our bodies depends, in part, on understanding the story of our bodies — how God redeems what sin has seized and fits our flesh for glory.

The Practice of Righteousness Matthew 6:16-18 Seeking to Look Good (v. 16) The deceitful appearance The delightful applause Seek to Be Good (vv. 17-18) The distracting appearance The Divine approval More to Consider Author, editor, and professor Joe Carter has collected ten reasons for biblical fasting1: To strengthen prayer (e.g., see Ezra 8:23) To seek Gods guidance (e.g., see Judges 20:26) To express grief (e.g., see 1 Samuel 31:13) To seek deliverance or protection (e.g., see 2 Chronicles 20:3 4) To express repentance and a return to God (e.g., see 1 Samuel 7:6) To humble oneself before God (e.g., see 1 Kings 21:27 29) To express concern for the work of God (e.g., see Nehemiah 1:3 4) To minister to the needs of others (e.g., see Isaiah 58:3 7) To overcome temptation and dedicate yourself to God (e.g., see Matthew 4:1 11) To express love and worship for God (e.g., see Luke 2:37) Biblical Fasting: Why, When, How, and How Not to Fast. Thenivbible.com He made free use of Christian vocabulary. He talked about the blessing of the Almighty and the Christian confessions which would become the pillars of the new government. He assumed the earnestness of a man weighed down by historic responsibility. He handed out pious stories to the press, especially to the church papers. He showed his tattered Bible and declared that he drew the strength for his great work from it as scores of pious people welcomed him as a man sent from God. Indeed, Adolf Hitler was a master of outward religiosity--with no inward reality! Today in the Word, June 3, 1989. We fast in this life because we believe in the life to come. We dont have to get it all here and now, because we have a promise that we will have it all in the coming age. We fast from what we can see and taste, because we have tasted and seen the goodness of the invisible and infinite God and are desperately hungry for more of him. Fasting for Beginners, David Mathis, desiringgod.org

David Mathis | Are the Ten Commandments binding on Christians today? Pay careful attention to the words of Jesus, how he handles the Ten, and the greater authority he brings.

In this breakout, David Mathis looks at the profound relationship Jesus had with Scripture, exploring how the fully human and fully divine Jesus came to know and embody the words of God with such authority and depth. This talk is not just about learning Scripture, but living it—highlighting the practices of memorization and meditation as vital to a vibrant Christian life. 

David Mathis | For now, the church appears with spots and wrinkles and many blemishes. But the day is coming when Jesus will present her to himself in splendor — as the reflection of his own majesty.

In this episode, David Mathis explores the vital yet often overlooked aspects of pace and pattern in our spiritual lives. Drawing on the life of Jesus, he discusses the transformative power of balancing engagement with retreat, and the significance of taking time to commune with God amidst the busyness of modern life. 

David Mathis | Every husband is a head, and every husband has a head: Jesus. And husbands lead best when they first know themselves weak and in need of his help.

In this episode of the Ordinary Christian Podcast, Craig Thompson interviews David Mathis about the theology of exercise. They discuss the importance of exercise in their personal lives and how it impacts their roles as husbands, fathers, and pastors. They explore the biblical metaphor of running and the idea of embracing difficulty for the sake of reward. They also touch on the different types of exercise and the importance of finding enjoyment in physical activity. Overall, the conversation highlights the connection between physical health and spiritual well-being. In this conversation, Craig Thompson and David Mathis discuss the importance of physical movement and exercise in the Christian life. They explore how our sedentary lifestyles can hinder our ability to glorify God and serve others. They emphasize the need for balance and moderation in caring for our bodies, avoiding both neglect and idolatry. They also discuss the impact of exercise on mental and emotional well-being, as well as its role in parenting and community building. Overall, they highlight the holistic nature of the Christian life and the importance of stewarding our bodies for the glory of God. Takeaways Regular exercise can make us better husbands, fathers, and pastors by increasing our energy levels and improving our overall well-being. Embracing difficulty in exercise can train our will and help us develop discipline in other areas of life. Different types of exercise, such as aerobic training, strength training, and balance training, all have their own benefits and can contribute to our physical and spiritual health. Exercise should be enjoyable and bring a sense of playfulness to our lives. The biblical metaphor of running can remind us of the importance of perseverance and finishing strong in our spiritual journey. Our sedentary lifestyles can hinder our ability to glorify God and serve others. Caring for our bodies through exercise is a spiritual discipline that can enhance our mental and emotional well-being. Physical activity can be a way to bond with our children and set a healthy example for them. Exercise should be approached with balance and moderation, avoiding both neglect and idolatry. Engaging in physical activity can lead to a more joyful and obedient Christian life. Links A Little Theology of Exercise by David Mathis Your Health is a Spiritual Issue We Need to Talk about Gluttony If you find this podcast helpful, leave a review or share it with a friend! Subscribe to The Ordinary Christian Podcast Sound Bites “Exercise should be enjoyable and carry with it some play.” “Running is a biblical metaphor, a promise.” “In the midst of suffering, there is something good that's going to come out as a result.” “When you have easy access to Doritos, we are not concerned with gluttony.” “I want to let my light so shine in such a way that others see my good deeds and give glory to my father in heaven. That's going to take movement.” “I have a responsibility. God's given me this body. It's beautiful. Well, it's beautiful as it can be.” Chapters 00:00Introduction and Personal Background 08:23The Theology of Exercise and its Impact on Daily Life 16:00Training the Will through Exercise 29:24Personal Responsibility and Stewardship 36:24The Importance of Modest Upkeep 44:06Living a Happier, Obedient Christian Life

David Mathis | Christians are people of the truth — lovers of the truth, speakers of the truth, armored in the truth, as we follow Truth himself.

David Mathis | Tonight is not first about our griefs. But as we draw near to the sorrows of Jesus, we do indeed find comfort for every grief — and grace for every sin.

David Mathis | After a preacher has wrestled for days, even weeks, with a sermon text, and wrestled hard with the needs of his particular people, he can ask, Which glories here am I most excited to preach?

David Mathis | Seeming revivals come and go, but genuine, God-wrought awakenings share one vital ingredient: they are centered on the word of God.

David Mathis | Eternal conscious punishment may be the most emotionally difficult doctrine to affirm in our day. How do we handle the existential angst that hell creates?

David Mathis | Getting our hearts happy in God can be hard work, but our Lord loves to meet us and warm us as we put away excuses and train our souls for true delight.

David Mathis | Teaching is the pastors' first and greatest calling, but it's not the only way we put God's word to work. Paul gives us four ways to use Scripture in Christian ministry.

Thursday, January 11, 2024 Today Point of View is hosted by our own Kerby Anderson. He will begin by bringing us an update of our current news. Then he speaks with Michael Johnson from the Slavic Gospel Association. In the second hour, Kerby welcomes David Mathis. Dr. Mathis brings us his new book, Workers for Your Joy. Connect with us […]

David Mathis | Resolved: to put the voice of Jesus first in 2024 — first in preference, first in practice, and first in priority.

David Mathis | Majesty himself came at Christmas — but with no majesty that humans yet could see. But the one who came without splendor would soon come into unsurpassed majesty as the risen and reigning Messiah.

David Mathis | Many miss the opportunity of Advent. Others commit to more than they can sustain. The wise develop a modest, Christ-exalting plan to make the most of the season.