Podcast appearances and mentions of eugene peterson

In this episode of Tell Me More, hosts Katy Reed Hodges and Luke Stehr speak with guest Curt Grice about Sunday's sermon by Dennis R. Wiles at First Baptist Arlington. The discussion centers on the sermon "Flourishing Formation: Seek God's Kingdom!" based on Matthew 6:25-34.The conversation examines Pastor Wiles' use of metamorphosis as a conceptual framework for spiritual formation. The hosts and guest analyze the sermon's main points regarding transformation in Christian life, addressing the questions of identity and purpose in spiritual development.Topics covered include the prohibition against worry, the practice of seeking God's kingdom as a priority, and the promise of divine provision. The discussion references theological perspectives from Dallas Willard, Eugene Peterson, and John Mark Comer on spiritual formation and discipleship.The episode provides factual information about the contrast between cultural approaches to life and the alternative path of following Jesus. Listeners will hear an analysis of what it means to be "formed, conformed, and transformed" as disciples according to the sermon text.

Description: Today, we're revisiting a pivotal conversation that changed the course of Jen's life and career. In 2016, during what was expected to be a routine interview with journalist Jonathan Merritt, Jen found herself speaking publicly for the first time about her views on abortion, politics, and LGBTQ+ issues—beliefs she had been wrestling with privately for over a year. While she was confident in her answers, she was unprepared for the backlash that followed. In this encore episode, Jen and Jonathan reflect on that moment and its ripple effects. Jonathan shares his own parallel journey—growing up as the son of a megachurch pastor, internalizing the “love the sinner, hate the sin” message, and later confronting his own identity as a gay man. His story, like Jen's, became public in ways he never expected, leading him on a path of deeper truth, faith, and purpose. Thought-provoking Quotes: “You told the truth. You were ready for this interview. You had actually been doing the work for a decade to be ready to answer those questions honestly. But, your PR wasn't ready.” – Amy Hardin “The best way to live is true. No matter what you think it will cost or what it does cost you, the cost is worth the reward.” – Jen Hatmaker Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Religion News Service - https://religionnews.com/about-rns/ Jen Hatmaker: Trump, Black Lives Matter, gay marriage and more by Jonathan Merritt - https://www.jonathanmerritt.com/article/jen-hatmaker-trump-black-lives-matter-gay-marriage Growing Up Evangelical and Gay with Jonathan Merritt - https://jenhatmaker.com/podcasts/series-63/growing-up-evangelical-and-gay-with-jonathan-merritt/ My Saddest Good Friday in Memory: When Treasured Things are Dead - https://jenhatmaker.com/my-saddest-good-friday-in-memory-when-treasured-things-are-dead/ Love is the Game Changer of Our Faith: Bishop Michael Curry - https://jenhatmaker.com/podcast/series-24/love-is-the-game-changer-of-our-faith-bishop-michael-curry/ How to Create a Politics of Love: Lisa Sharon Harper - https://jenhatmaker.com/podcast/series-24/how-to-create-a-politics-of-love-lisa-sharon-harper/ Christian Rock Star Comes Out as Gay in Letter to the World - Jonathan Merritt - https://www.jonathanmerritt.com/article/christian-rock-star-admits-hes-gay-writes-letter-to-fans?rq=trey%20pearson Eugene Peterson on Changing His Mind About Same-Sex Issues and Marriage – Jonathan Merritt - https://www.jonathanmerritt.com/article/eugene-peterson-changing-mind-sex-issues-marriage?rq=eugene Leading Evangelical Ethicist is now Pro-LGBT (David Gushee) – Jonathan Merritt - https://www.jonathanmerritt.com/article/leading-evangelical-ethicist-now-pro-lgbt?rq=david A Faith of Our Own: Following Jesus Beyond the Culture Wars – Jonathan Merritt -  Dr. Michael Lindsay,  Sociologist & Author - https://www.taylor.edu/about/president-profile James Martin, Jesuit Priest - https://www.instagram.com/jamesmartinsj/ Guest's Links: Website - https://www.jonathanmerritt.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jonathan_merritt Twitter - https://x.com/JonathanMerritt Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JonathanMerrittWriter Substack - https://jonathanmerritt.substack.com/ Connect with Jen!Jen's Website - https://jenhatmaker.com/ Jen's Instagram - https://instagram.com/jenhatmakerJen's Twitter - https://twitter.com/jenHatmaker/ Jen's Facebook - https://facebook.com/jenhatmakerJen's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JenHatmaker The For the Love Podcast is presented by Audacy. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I begin by doing a poor job reporting what I've read this week of Reversed Thunder by Eugene Peterson and then move on to some christological thoughts on the Love of Jesus which leads to transformation and salvation.

Christian Science Bible Lesson read from The Message, copyright by Eugene Peterson and from 21st Century Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures: A modern version of Mary Baker Eddy's Science and Health, copyright by Cheryl Petersenhttps://healingsciencetoday.wordpress.com/

Pentecost Sunday 2025 6-8-25 "The work of the Spirit is to impart life, to implant hope, to give liberty, to testify of Christ, to guide us to all truth, to teach us all things, to comfort the believer, and to convict the world of sin.” D.L. Moody Acts 1:4-8 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized withwater, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Acts 2:1-4 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Creation Exodus Jesus Pentecost When the Holy Spirit Comes: 1. You Will Receive Power "The Christian life is not meant to be lived dryly or wearily, but to be a life of overflowing water and rushing wind, filled with the presence of God." - Jon Tyson & Suzy Silk "God's Spirit continues to hover over the chaos of the world's evil and our sin and shapes a new creation and new creatures. Pentecost means that God is not a spectator, in turn amused and alarmed at world history; rather, he is a participant. Pentecost means that the invisible is more important the the visible, at any single moment and at any single event we choose to examine. Pentecost means that everything, especially everything that looks to us like wreckage, is material God is using to make a praising life." - Eugene Peterson When the Holy Spirit Comes: 1. You Will Receive Power 2. You Will Be My Witnesses "Many Jews longed for a new event in which the divine glory would fill Israels's Temple once more... The wind and fire of Pentecost answers to this expectation, indicating that now the Temple is a community, not a building. The church, as the spirit filled Temple of God, goes into the world with the fresh wind and fire, living out its vocation to be a light to the nations, burning ever more brightly. " - NT Wright "If I were to define what for me makes up the core Pentecostal identity it is the lived conviction that everything, absolutely everything, in the scriptures is livable. Not just true, but livable. Not just an idea or a cause, but livable in real life. Everything that is revealed in Jesus and the scriptures, the gospel, is there to be lived by ordinary Christians in ordinary times." - Eugene Peterson

Teacher: Dave Brown Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.—1 Samuel 18:7; 21:11 Saul was very angry; “they have credited David with tens of thousand,” he though, ‘but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?” And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David.— 1 Samuel 18:8-9 David went to Nob, to Ahimelek the priest. Ahimelek trembled when he met him, and asked, “Why are you alone? Why is no one with you?” David answered Ahimelek the priest, “The king sent me on a mission and said to me, ‘No one is to know anything about the mission I am sending you on.' As for my men, I have told them to meet me at a certain place.”— 1 Samuel 21:1-2 The king ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests.” So Does the Edomite turned and killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. He also put to the sword Nob, the town of the priests, with its men and women, its children and infants, and its cattle, donkeys and sheep.— 1 Samuel 22:18-19 But one son of Ahimelek…named Abiathar, escaped and fled to join David. He told David that Saul had killed the priests of the Lord, Then David said to Abiathar, “That day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, I knew he would be sure to tell Saul. I am responsible for the death of your whole family.— 1 Samuel 22:20-22 If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.— John 15:18-20 The story of David isn't set before us as a moral model to copy. David isn't a person whose actions we're inspired to imitate. In the company of David we don't feel inadequate because we know we could never do it that well. Just the opposite; in the company of David we find someone who does it as badly as, or worse than, we do, but who in the process doesn't quit, doesn't withdraw from God.— Eugene Peterson God's will for our lives can be divided into two parts: 1 - General will — Loving God and loving others 2 - Specific will — “The place were your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.” David isn't an ideal life bit an actual life. We imaginatively enter the company of David not to improve our morals but to deepen our sense of human reality: this is what happens in the grand enterprise of being human. Reentering through my believing imagination the world of David, I'm more myself—free to be myself and able find God in the middle of what's going on right now.— Eugene Peterson

A contemporary Christian Science Bible Lesson read from The Message, copyright by Eugene Peterson and 21st Century Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures: A modern version of Mary Baker Eddy's Science and Health, copyright by Cheryl Petersenhttps://healingsciencetoday.wordpress.com/

"Our unimpressive, very ordinary lives make us feel like outsiders to such a star studded cast. We disqualify ourselves. Guilt or willfulness or accident makes a loophole and we assume that what is true for everyone else is not true for us. We conclude that we are, somehow, just not religious and thus unfit to participate in the big story.And then we turn a page and come on this small story of two widows and a farmer in their out-of-the-way village." Eugene Peterson, Introduction to Ruth

Revelation 14 breaks in like a cosmic alarm, interrupting the chaos of empire with heaven's final word. In this message, Pastor Darren Rouanzoin unpacks how God's mercy confronts idolatry, political deception, and religious compromise with truth and justice.We'll explore:• What the mark of the beast really means and how it's shaping people today• Why Revelation 14 isn't about fear, but about urgent mercy• What the three angels reveal about allegiance, worship, and judgment• The two end-time harvests and how your daily life is forming your eternal futureWith wisdom from Michael Gorman, Eugene Peterson, Richard Bauckham, Darrell Johnson, and G.K. Beale, this teaching invites us to ask:Are you becoming like the Lamb or like the beast?

Eugene Peterson's shock on going from academia to the pulpit, and his solution to encouraging more Bible reading.

This week on the No Regrets Leadership Podcast, Nate is joined by Troy Thomas from Crossway Church teaching team for a meaningful conversation on discipleship and connecting with the next generation. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities of reaching young men in today's church and how spiritual formation is about more than just teaching—it's about doing. Troy shares how his journey has been centered around making disciples who make disciples, influenced by the writings of Greg Ogden, Dallas Willard, Eugene Peterson, and John Mark Comer. He unpacks the deeper dynamics of how men relate, addressing the widespread loneliness among men and the longing for authentic connection.  Troy offers tactical insight into how older men can build meaningful relationships with younger generations. Resources Mentioned: Discipleship Essentials: A Guide to Building Your Life in Christ by Greg Ogden Crossways Church - https://www.crosswayc.org Listen in to be encouraged and equipped to reach and disciple the next generation of men.

Tänk på mig! Så säger pastor Britta Hermansson i Långfredagens andakt. Lyssna på alla avsnitt i Sveriges Radio Play. Ur andakten:Det är långfredag och Jesus lider korsdöden tillsammans med en förbrytare på varsin sida.Tänk på mig när du kommer med ditt rike stönar en av dem fram mitt i smärtan. Det borde bli den sämsta responsen av alla. I dödsögonblicket, torterad och på väg ge upp andan. Vem skulle då komma på att tänka på något annat än sitt eget lidande? Men här är det så annorlunda. Mitt i världens smärta som Jesus bär upp på korset så sträcker hans omsorg sig också till den som är allra närmast honom. Den som lider det brutala straffet för sitt eget handlande. En vidrig tortyr.Jesus, tänk på mig när du kommer med ditt rike… Allt är snart över och den fysiska smärtan på väg ta slut. Tänk på mig. Jesus gör mer än lovar att komma ihåg förbrytaren i dödskampen. Han svarar: Idag ska du vara med mig i paradiset.Det som ser ut att vara det största nederlaget bär hoppet om ett annat rike.Text:Psaltaren 22 ur Bibeln: The Message av Eugene Peterson i svensk översättning och bearbetning av Felix Larsson och Maria StoreMusik:Elegi för violoncell & piano Op 24 c-moll av Gabriel Fauré med Sheku Kanneh-Mason i en version för violoncell & celloensemble av Simon ParkinProducent: Susanna Némethliv@sverigesradio.se

Idag på Skärtorsdagen möter vi Britta Hermansson, pastor i Equmeniakyrkan, som talar om den skälvande närvaron av Jesus. Lyssna på alla avsnitt i Sveriges Radio Play. Ur andakten:En liten glittrande fisk slog med stjärten i min mage. Så beskrev en kvinna sitt möte med Jesus när hon böjde knä vid en altarrund och tog emot en tunn, skör liten oblat som hon doppade i bägaren med vin och lade på tungan medan hon hörde orden: Kristi kropp för dig utgiven. Kristi blod för dig utgjutet. Svåra och mystiska ord, men så hände det. Sakta smälte oblaten och ville fastna ett ögonblick i gommen, smaken av vinet klingade av, men något var annorlunda.En beröring som blev så avgörande för resten av vandringen genom livet. Någonting vibrerar, darrar till i mellangärdet. Det är en beröring i ögonblicket och en visshet att återvända till när livet gör ont eller det mörknar i världen.Text:Psaltaren 119 och Kor 1 ur Bibeln: The Message av Eugene Peterson i svensk översättning och bearbetning av Felix Larsson och Maria StoreMusik:Elegi för violoncell & piano Op 24 c-moll av Gabriel Fauré med Sheku Kanneh-Mason i en version för violoncell & celloensemble av Simon ParkinProducent: Susanna Némethliv@sverigesradio.se

Vi är mitt inne i Stilla veckan och idag möter vi Britta Hermansson, pastor i Equmeniakyrkan, som tar sin utgångspunkt i Jesu bönbok. Lyssna på alla avsnitt i Sveriges Radio Play. Ur andakten:Jag längtar alltid efter ett språk som är begripligt. Särskilt för en så stor kristen högtid som påsken. Det är en allvarstyngd vecka och inte minst lever vi med en stor oro i världen. När oron slår till eller kryper inpå i ens eget liv, så är det svårt att tänka på annat. Jag läser ur Psaltaren, den bok Jesus ofta återvände till som sin bönbok. I Jesus egen bönebok finns ett språk som hjälper mig i Stilla veckans dramatik. Språket överraskar lite i den här översättningen av Eugene Peterson. Gud, nu är det dags! Svara, Gud, med kärlek! Svara och lova mig frälsning! Rädda mig ur träsket; låt mig inte gå under för gott…Vad finns nu i ditt liv som oroar? Kanske en utflugen mening som du nu tror eller vet har sårat någon. En behandling som kanske inte botar, en konflikt i din närhet, relationer som inte hittar fram eller världens hårda ordväxlingar och ett klimat som inte går att känna igen.Nu finns tid att följa Jesus och att be om hjälp med det som behöver få ett språk. Vad är det i ditt eget liv och i vår värld som du just nu vill ta med in i påskens stora drama?Text:Psaltaren 69 ur Bibeln: The Message av Eugene Peterson i svensk översättning och bearbetning av Felix Larsson och Maria StoreMusik:Elegi för violoncell & piano Op 24 c-moll av Gabriel Fauré med Sheku Kanneh-Mason i en version för violoncell & celloensemble av Simon ParkinProducent: Susanna Némethliv@sverigesradio.se

Navigating Change with God - Genesis 46 In this week's message, Andy shares a relatable anecdote about a mix-up at an airport, using it as a springboard to explore the theme of unexpected change and God's guidance. Drawing from Genesis 46, he unpacks Jacob's journey as a metaphor for the church's own transitions, specifically the shift to multiple Sunday services and the broader mission within the local community. Andy begins by highlighting the human element of the Genesis narrative. Jacob, settled in Canaan, the land promised by God, is suddenly faced with uprooting his entire family to move to Egypt to reunite with Joseph. This move represents a significant upheaval, a departure from familiar territory and perceived divine promises. Andy draws parallels to the experiences of those who have been displaced, acknowledging the pain and trauma associated with such transitions. The core message revolves around the idea that God often leads us through unexpected changes, challenging our preconceived notions of His plans. Just as Jacob had to let go of his understanding of God's promises in Canaan, we too must be open to God's redirection. Andy emphasizes that these shifts, while unsettling, are part of God's larger, unfolding plan. He identifies four key actions within the Genesis passage that provide guidance for navigating change: two human responses and two divine actions. Beersheba: Returning to the Cross (Genesis 46:1) Jacob's act of offering sacrifices at Beersheba, a place of significant spiritual history for his family, symbolizes the importance of returning to a place of worship and surrender. For us, this means consistently returning to the cross of Jesus Christ, especially during times of uncertainty. Andy emphasizes the importance of worship, sacrifice, surrender, prayer, and calling on God during times of change. He links this to the Easter season, highlighting the cross as a place of reconciliation and transformation. Responding to God's Voice (Genesis 46:2) God calls Jacob by name, prompting an immediate and attentive response. Andy stresses the importance of listening to God, of giving Him our undivided attention, and of being personally responsive to His call. In a world filled with distractions, we must actively seek God's voice and be ready to obey. God's Contextual Revelation (Genesis 46:3) God reminds Jacob that He is the God of his fathers, Abraham and Isaac, providing context for the current situation. This highlights that God's plans are far greater than individual circumstances. Andy connects this to God's overarching plan of redemption, emphasizing that our lives are part of a larger narrative. He references Genesis 15, where God foretells the sojourn in Egypt, illustrating that God's promises are being fulfilled. Andy encourages the audience to see their roles within God's grand design. God's Assurances (Genesis 46:3-4) God offers three "I will" statements: "I will make you into a great nation," "I will go down to Egypt with you," and "I will surely bring you back again." These promises provide comfort and assurance in the face of uncertainty. God's plans are not disrupted by geographical changes; He remains faithful to His promises. Andy highlights that God's presence and promises provide stability amidst turmoil. He also speaks about the idea of building for a future that we might not see, echoing the faith of the patriarchs in Hebrews 11. Andy applies these principles to the church's current situation, acknowledging the anxieties and questions surrounding the shift to multiple services and the community outreach projects. He emphasizes that these changes are part of God's plan to reach the local community and expand His kingdom. He encourages the church to embrace these changes with faith, trusting in God's promises and guidance. He closes by emphasising that God is building his church, and we are part of that process, even if we do not see the full outcome of our work. Andy reminds the congregation that their role is to participate in God's long-term plan, to be faithful, and to trust that God will ultimately fulfill His purposes. Bible References: Genesis 15:12-16 Genesis 46:1-4 Hebrews 11 Hebrews 12 Transcript do that great thing you sometimes need to do in airports and sit around and while away the time well while they saw to do a lot and then I noticed from where I was sat that it started boarding at a gate I could see so I went over to it and I queued up and I got to the gate and I showed my passport and boarding ticket and they waved me on and I went on down down the planes one of those planes with three seats either side of one of those really awful narrow aisles you know so you're walking down like this with your bags trying to get and because my seat was right at the back of the plane so I got to the back of the plane no somebody sat in my seat how dare you I've had a long week of work I'm trying to get home what are you doing in my seat and and the lady who sat there gets out her ticket and we compare tickets and it says the same seat number on both tickets yeah and then it slowly dawns I'm on the wrong plane yeah because cuz so my flight had been delayed and I was now standing on what was the next flight to Manchester whereas my original flight was even later alas so so so of course I'm right at the end of the plane with my bags and everybody else is coming down that very narrow aisle so I've now got it excuse me excuse me excuse me go and I get back to work to the gate I come back through the gate and the lady there says oh I'm so glad you've come back I shouldn't have let you on airport security brilliant anyway I tell that story because sometimes we end up in a place where we think we're in the right place and we're not we're actually need to be somewhere else somewhere different and as we get to Genesis 46 this morning I'm very I'm kind of intrigued by the way we've reached this chapter over the day we've announced moving to multiple services because I think and I hope you'll see this with me but there are some things here to help us navigate what's going to happen to us as a church as we move forward from here because we're now into the ending of Joseph the Joseph story all right and we've all enjoyed it for what seems like months I'm sure it was just weeks but we've all enjoyed it and we're now focus is shifting back slightly to Jacob so remember Genesis is about these three main guys Iberha Abraham Abraham his son Isaac and his son Jacob and focus in the Joseph story is now shifting back to Jacob and in one sense as we look as we've seen before we'll look at the human level to the story okay there's what's going on and the characters that are mentioned so so this is the culmination of Joseph's story we've seen how God's worked in him we've seen how he went through the whole thing of being thrown into the system by his brothers being sold into slavery ending up as a slave in Egypt being put in prison falsely being there for a number of years Pharaoh bringing him out so he's coming interpret his dreams and now whoosh he's number two in the land and he's in charge of all the food is in charge of deciding what tariffs to put on it and he's got that much power and he's dishing it out to the people in Egypt and the people from the nation's roundabout he is the guy with the power and we've seen all of that and now the story is coming he's reunited with his brothers and so he sends from Egypt lots of carts and stuff to go and gather his dad Jacob the rest of his brothers the whole family and all their livestock and have them come and move and live with him in Egypt where they can find all the food they're gonna need and they can be reunited as a family and so it's about Joseph sending to Canaan to gather the whole family and bring them back and you just think for a moment you know for Jacob he lived the latter part of his life in Canaan that was that was where he settled that's where his home was and that that was the land he knew that God had promised he would give to his people you know the promises that started off when God spoke to Abraham then Isaac and Jacob himself had heard about his descendants being as numerous as the sand on the seashore and God will give him a promised land to live in the land of Canaan so Jacob thinks I'm here I'm in the promised land of Canaan and now it looks like he's going to be uprooted and moved to Egypt you know and there are a number of you in this room that know what it means to be uprooted from your homeland and move somewhere else and go somewhere else and there's a lot of pain and trauma with that whole thing and it's a massive deal okay for it to happen and so you know for Jacob this is the land where his dad's buried where his granddad's buried where his wives are buried this is the land that he's lived out for the latter part of his life and now he's to leave all of that of course he wants to see Joseph absolutely and that's why he's going but nevertheless he's got to leave the land of promise in order to achieve that in order to get there you know and the story like so many of the chapters we've had today are like those movies with subplots you know all the time there's the big story that's going on but then there's a subplot happening and and what's happening with Joseph and Jacob is like a subplot to the big thing that's going on you know so one of my favorite films I'm sorry Saving Private Ryan is about Saving Private Ryan but it's in the context of a big issue of a war going on right that's the big thing so here there's a big story going on which is God's plan and purposes and God's promises to fulfill those plans and purposes and underneath that as we look at the story it's about Jacob and Joseph but there's this bigger thing going on this is a story so for Jacob this becomes a story about letting go of what you thought God was going to do this is a story about letting go of where you thought God had brought you to I'm in the promised land this is what God had promised yes but hang on a minute now he seems to be saying we need to move but how can we move when this is the place he brought us to and this we know is the promised land and if Jacob maybe for you and definitely for me sometimes we we build up a picture I thought God was like this I thought God was going to do this you know and we build up what we think God is like and what we think he will do and how we think the Holy Spirit will move based on our experience based on our reading a scripture and then every so often God comes along and and all his cards fall down and suddenly we're thinking oh wait a minute have I got that right I got that wrong what's going you know because we settle a bit like Jacob and we think this is it now this is what it's like following God and then just when we think we've got it God throws it all up in the air our assumptions our expectations our security and the and it all starts to land a little bit different you know for Jacob it's time to leave Canaan the land that was promised to him by God and go to Egypt does that mean God has given up on his plans does that mean God has forgotten his promises you know for Jacob does that would do will he start to think well hang on a minute if I haven't got that right maybe I've not got anything about God right ever been there thought like that and you know answer all these questions would come up because like it or not we are creatures of habit we don't like change and yet change is here to stay right but we don't like it and we develop our ideas of what God is like and what he will do and how he will move and then one day whoosh he's like he whips the rug out from under our feet oh you don't do it like that after all I thought you did God yeah I remember when our kids were going up there was sometimes lay the table for us for the meal you know and they read it really neatly and very kind of bizarrely structured you know with the the knife fork spoon salt pepper napkin drinks glass bottle all very neatly and every day it was exactly the same and sometimes I used to lose the love to go to the table and they weren't looking and do all that and it would freak them out you know don't do that don't do that I've laid it all out nice and neatly and you know it is sometimes it's like that we get our senses of this is what God is about we are in the Promised Land now and he loves to come along and just do all this it's like some of those Tommy Cooper jokes if you feel that age and it's hard isn't it it's difficult because you we just we think we've got it and then we realize we haven't and then we have a big challenge as we see Jacob does here and Rob what actually God is doing when that happens is he is leading us into the next part of his plan and our place like that you know it's like you made Jesus at the end of his life he's telling the disciples I'm gonna die I'm gonna go away and it's better for you that I do that and they're like no Peter's like no it's really good Lord that you we're having a great time we can how well we're hanging out together and we're loving it don't don't leave I'd be really bad and Jesus has to explain to them that actually it's better for you that I go because then I will send the Holy Spirit with you and they don't get it until after the resurrection right of course but but it's like that we build an expectation as we walk with Jesus well this is good this is comfortable I get it and then suddenly it changes because he is leading us into the next part of his plan because God does lead us into big changes right you know for Jacob his whole family is relocating the removal trucks have arrived from Egypt and he's piling them full with all his furniture all his livestock not only his but everything to do with the whole 66 people of his family that he's got living there and all they off go and you can imagine is the the removal trucks set off and he looks out the window and he thinks that's Canaan that's the promised land and we're leaving we're driving away what God what what you do what's going on and I just stirred because God is leading us into something new and exciting and big and different for us as a church we will not function like we do today and like we have done for the last 20 years on a Sunday morning anymore from six weeks time as you've heard it right it's gonna be different and if like me that's a bit scary it's a bit unnerving you know what is what do you mean there's no drinks after the first service this is a disaster but how are we gonna do that all possible station how am I gonna stay in touch with my friends across the church if they go to the other service how what's the life group gonna look like if half go to one service and a half go to the other etc etc and we've all got those sort of questions of how is this gonna work we've got a building project a half a million pound building project is gonna kick off later this year in a building over there that God is taking us into the community to develop hollow more stuff but at this point in time we don't see but it's a massive venture it's a huge thing and something we would never have imagined you know looking back down through the years we've been developing new acts of service in the community the hub church is going from strength to strength men and women are encountering Jesus for the first time in their lives and finding their lives being transformed Wow God God is going to take us deeper into the local community far more than anything we have ever seen before and we will find ourselves getting involved with things like gang culture drug culture addiction challenges but at the moment we haven't even scratched the surface because the gospel is there to transform the communities around us and God is going to do that but I tell you it's flipping scary all right and you know and also because we are creatures of comfort and habit we like it here I like my ten o'clock service I can crawl out a bed at half-past nine and roll down the hill and get there that kind of you know I like it I know what's going to happen unless they do that funny thing where you read the Bible in different languages but which is brilliant by the way but but I like it I've got used to it and that is part of the challenge isn't it of getting used to it and so what is happening in this story is that God is leading Jacob into the next part of his plan of God's plan and purpose and and the same I feel for us as a church God is leading us into his plan and the next part of his plan and purpose for us as a church in this community here but the question is what do we do when that happens because we do get scared and we do panic and whatever but in this passage I've just splashed water at me nose that's gonna look good on camera in it right thank you very much in this passage in this passage there's four things that happen two things that Jacob does and two things that God does that help us navigate these big changes when they come along and the challenges that they present to us okay the point number one is Beersheba right okay so in verse 1 we read in chapter 4 apologies I haven't read the whole chapter because we're out of time but there's a big chunk of list of names in the middle which you can read at home but I'm really speaking from the first opening verses verse 1 so Israel set out with all that was his and when he reached Beersheba he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac the first thing we need to do is go to Beersheba and sacrifice what I mean by that and what is happening is Jacob returned to a familiar but significant place in his life and worshiped God and surrendered to God and prayed to his God and called on his name it was it was a physical place for him he went to Beersheba because that was significant in his family it was here that Abraham had made a treaty with the Philistines when they argued over who owned a well that was an important issue for nomadic people looking after animals it was here that Isaac his dad had had come when they dug three wells he'd taken three wells to dig to find water that's another story but that was very relevant to 146 when we were looking at that and God had appeared to Isaac at that place and spoke to him so Isaac had built an altar at Beersheba and called on God and it was from here from Beersheba that Jacob had fled when he stole Esau's birthright and all the family thing exploded so it was a significant place in the life of him and his ancestors and so he worshipped and called on God there but while it was geographical for him as an actual place for you and I we need to come back to the cross in these times and worship and sacrifice and surrender and pray and call on God because you know when we're saying God I don't know what you're doing come back to the cross God I don't understand why is this happening come back to the cross God how is this working out your plan God come back to the cross it's interesting it's Easter week isn't it and that's exactly what we're going to be doing and concentrating through the week culminating in next weekend what an opportunity for us to do that as we grapple with everything that is happening in the world in the church and maybe in your own life let's be men and women this week who take seriously the opportunity to come back to the cross and worship and surrender and sacrifice and call on God together because the cross is the place where God did not spare his own son but gave him up for us all the cross is the place where Jesus lay down his life as a substitute so that God can look on you and I without displeasure and you and I can look on God without fear the cross is the place where Jesus rescued us from the hole that wickedness has on our lives the cross is the place where the sacrifice of Christ changes our standing before this holy God and the cross is the place where God was reconciled to us through the death of his son and we are reconciled to him through our surrender to that son it's the place where we move from lip service to heart service in saying Jesus is Lord and it's the place where God sifts our motives and our desires and see what is gold and what isn't so as we face these challenges together as a church and these new ventures and these big plans that God is moving us into let's learn what it is to be men and women who come back to the cross time and again and worship and call on him and allow him to deal with us and deal with our hearts that's the first thing second thing Jacob responds to God's voice verse 2 and God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said Jacob Jacob here I am he replied and you know God doesn't say Jacob Jacob because he doesn't know where he is you know it's not like Jacob Jacob it's not like he's calling for his cat at night at the back door but he knows where Jacob is right but the point is that Jacob knows he's got to give his attention to God that's why he's calling him right and and Jacob's response it isn't casual it isn't flippant it isn't ignoring God and just saying yeah this is I don't know if this happens in your house but you know and can be talking to me and I go yep yep yep and then after a while she'll say are you listening to me and I'll say yeah yeah okay what did I just say I've got anybody that identifies with that can we get in the corner together afterwards so that isn't what is happening here God is saying Jacob Jacob and Jacob says here I am because Jacob is stopping he's turning his head to God he's focusing on him and giving him his full attention he is listening he is responding personally to God's call to him the beautiful thing is God knows you by name he knows your name Wow he knows your name and he eyeballs you and he calls your name and when he does that we need to give him our attention we need to say I'm here Lord I want to listen I want to hear what it is you've got to say because God is gonna say we're gonna talk about a few things here son and they're very important yeah and so the second point is really allowing God to get our attention we come to the cross number one number two we allow God to get our attention and we listen and we push aside the distractions and the stuff that would normally get in the way that's to that that's number two number three and these last two are what God does so what we do we come to the cross and we give God our attention number three verse three I am God the God of your father he said I am God the God of your father you see this what I believe God is saying it's Jacob what we need to take courage from is that God is speaking context into what is happening in Jacob's life right now as he leaves Canaan and goes off to Egypt and he is pointing out he's reminding him he is that God is the God of his father Isaac and therefore the God of his father Abraham the God of creation the God who has a plan and a purpose that he has promised to Abraham and to Isaac and to Jacob and that plan that promise is being worked out if that's why when we pray like today for a team going to Zambia it's not just about a two-week trip to Zambia because there's nothing else to do God is working out his plans and his purposes and the guys in the team are figuring out what are their role in God's plans and purposes and it's a it's a context statement I'm the God of your father this isn't just about you Jacob and what is happening to you and to your family you see when God saved you when God rescued you when God plucked you out and pulled you up it wasn't just about you but about drawing you and I into something much bigger than our own lives that he is doing you know and though it may feel like a massive thing to Jacob to uproot his whole family because actually moving house is one of the top three most stressful things that we ever do isn't it I think that's right and he's moving 66 people and all the animals and everything in all his possessions and although that may feel like a massive thing there is something much bigger going on here Jacob than just that the plans and purposes of God are unfolding you see way back in Genesis 15 God spoke to his granddad to Jacob's granddad Abraham and chapter 15 verse 12 was the summer setting Abraham fell into a deep sleep and a thick dreadful darkness came over him then the Lord said to him know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own and they will be enslaved and mistreated 400 years but I will punish the nation they serve as slaves and afterwards they will come out with great possessions and what is happening in Jacob and his life at that point in time is the very beginnings of God fulfilling that word that he promised to his grandfather so there is something much bigger happening than just simply Jacob and his family moving and so this is stretching our eyes of faith to see that yes I've called you by name yes I know you personally but I've called you personally to be involved in my plans and purposes that God is working out in his kingdom that's why we often talk about you know if we think about the creation of the world when God spoke and created everything at this end of a line and then at the other end of the line Jesus is going to return for a bride that's made itself ready for the church that is ready for him when he returns and God is going to wrap up history and our life is this bit here that's a context thing that God is in charge that's why we sing we will meet him in the air we will be like him because we will see him as he is you know the suffering that you go through now is a context thing we will see Jesus as he is and we will be like him that's where we're heading towards and Jesus will return when his bride has made itself ready and you and I are part of his bride the church is the bride of Christ and Jesus is making his church ready and he's caught you and I up in his plan for that to happen and so as we look at something like oh but I don't like going to two services I've got lots of questions about it absolutely we need to see that in the context of what Jesus is doing he's preparing his bride ready to come back one day you see this is a reminder to what God has said and done in and through Abraham and Isaac and what Jacob is doing is standing on the shoulders of his ancestors and what you and I are doing are standing on the shoulders of our church ancestors for the last 2,000 years plus in the nations you represent and in this nation today and the state of the church of where it's at the baton is with us the baton is with you and me every single one of us in this room God has given us the baton to lead the charge for his church today and we will hand that on at some point in a minute but but but we have been given that mantle today and we stand on the shoulders of the people that have gone before us and press on I think Eugene Peterson said this really is about a long obedience in the same direction and the trouble for us today is so much of life it is about changing things all the time about sound bites about being instantaneous about being superficial about a fad and the Church of Christ cannot function like that at all because we are called to a long obedience in the same direction and pursue Jesus through these things God is working out his plans and his purposes and they trump the circumstances of our lives they do for Jacob and they do for you and for me and finally the fourth point God speaks it says do not be afraid and he gives three I will statements which we just need to take note of that was a note thank you three I will statements very quickly I will make you into a great nation he reminds Jacob that his promises remain true that what he spoke to Abraham what he spoke to Isaac and what he said to Jacob himself still remains true yes you are leaving Canaan which is the promised land but guess what my promise remains true I will make you into a great nation their promises of God are not affected by a change in geography what I have originally said I would do I will do it is still gonna happen and my plans are not upset by something like this and we need to hear my plans for God's plans for our lives are not affected by these types of things more than that this is how I'm actually going to bring them about Jacob you move into Egypt just doesn't disrupt my plans in fact the very opposite is true you leaving Canaan and going to Egypt is actually me bringing about my plan and purpose there is no plan B but it's not like God takes his plans and puts them on the back burner for 400 years while they go off down to Egypt and all that stuff happens and then when Moses and Joshua bring them back to the promised land he picks it up again and gets going no doesn't happen like that what is happening in your life and my life right now is absolutely wrapped up with God's plans and purposes and we need to begin to see it from that perspective and start to figure that out and work through it as we cope with a sea of change with uncertainty with so many questions yes in the world today yes in the church yes even in our own lives the promises of God remain true they are yes and amen in Christ Jesus he is the anchor second thing God says I will go down to Egypt with you wow that's amazing God is gonna go with you Jacob this same God who has these promises that he's holding on to he's going with you she this is the difference between giving somebody directions and taking them there yourself yeah that has a massive impact on the person you're talking to if you just try and explain particularly if there's a language challenge or or they don't know the area it's a huge difference but God says I'm gonna go with you Jacob that's amazing there's all this upset all this trauma all this effort but God is going with you and as we face uncertain futures and the challenges that that brings the Word of God is that he is going with us and he will bring stability in the midst of the turmoil that is spinning around he is going with us nothing has changed he is still working out his plans and his purposes and thirdly he says I will surely bring you back again I smiled because I thought in the context of two services I don't think that necessarily means God will bring us back but you never know if numbers drop we will come back to one service right but but but I think for Jacob what he's saying is my word will complete what it set out to do you will come back to the Promised Land and again there's up two levels of the story for Jacob he dies and Joseph arranged for his body to be brought back to Canaan to be buried with his dad and his granddad where they were but on the bigger scheme of things God is at work and 400 years later Moses leads the people out of Egypt and Joshua brings them across the River Jordan back in to Canaan and back to the Promised Land God's people will return and the fulfillment of God's plans might not happen in our generation Jacob didn't see any of this in fact the whole nation of Israel that grew up in Egypt and then left Egypt didn't see it they all died in the wilderness and a new generation of the Promised Land and this is a massive thing because this says to us what we're doing here in the church is we're building for a future that we will not see how does that sit with you because it's the complete opposite of where you normally do life right we're very preoccupied with what we can see and rightly so a lot of the time but God is is you is working in our hearts and in our lives and he is building a church and we're working with it and to build something that you and I will not see in our lifetime but maybe our kids will maybe our grandkids will maybe our great-grandkids will who knows and what a challenge that is but when we get that and I think believe Jacob understood that and we'll see why in a minute is that's when the shift happens and the perspective begins to really change in your heart and in my heart because we want to see his name glorified we want to see his plans come to pass and not ours and not mine see in Hebrews 12 no Hebrews 11 a great passage of faith we read about Abraham and Isaac and Jacob all these people were still living by faith when they died they did not receive the things promised they only saw them unwelcome them from a distance and they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth people who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own if they have been thinking of the country they'd left they would have had opportunity to return instead they were longing for a better country a heavenly one therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God hallelujah for he has prepared a city for them so the shift happens and we begin to see God this is about you and I want to shift the priorities in my life and make it more about you Lord because God will surely fulfill his word amen amen you

“Love cannot exist in isolation: away from others, love bloats into pride.  Grace cannot be received privately: cut off from others it is perverted into greed.  Hope cannot develop in solitude:  separated from the community, it goes to seed in the form of fantasies.  No gift, no virtue can develop and remain healthy apart from the community of faith.” Eugene Peterson, “Reversed Thunder”

There are many ways God speaks to us, but our bodies, which He created and called "good" is one of those ways. And yet, we often ignore the signals our bodies give us. Our body is where the Spirit resides (I Corinthians 6:19). As Barbara Brown Taylor says, "....trust the body to enlighten the soul." What if we stop to ask what God is trying to tell us through our body's signals and functions? Quotes from: Eugene Peterson, Barbara Brown Taylor, Celeste Snowber Schroeder (Embodied Prayer), Tara Owens, and Jan Richardson (The Sanctuary of Women).For more information on integrative spiritual practices, go to breatheandbe.net.

"Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it." — Proverbs 13:11This verse offers a powerful lesson on financial stewardship—true and lasting wealth isn't built through shortcuts or speculation but through steady diligence and faithful management. In today's fast-paced world, financial success is often measured by how quickly one can accumulate wealth. Social media is filled with stories of overnight millionaires, high-risk investments, and shortcuts to riches. But is this the right approach? Let's explore how this biblical principle plays out in real life.The Temptation of Instant WealthTo illustrate this principle, let's look at the real-life story of an executive at a major Western bank—we'll call him Brian to protect his anonymity.Brian began his finance career in the 1990s, confident in his ability to manage money. However, he now admits that he was living beyond his means and accumulating debt. This financial instability made him especially susceptible to the allure of quick wealth, particularly during the height of the dot-com boom in the early 2000s.When a coworker offered him a chance to get in on the ground floor of a "can't lose" tech startup, Brian didn't hesitate. He scraped together $10,000, convinced he was on the fast track to wealth. In his mind, success was inevitable—he was already preparing to celebrate.But before he could, Brian heard the sound of the dot-com bubble bursting. His investment vanished, lost in a company he knew little about. He had chased quick wealth only to face the painful consequences.His story echoes the warning of Proverbs 28:20:"A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished."The Consequences of Chasing Quick WealthIt's important to understand that God doesn't sit around waiting to punish people for making bad financial choices. Instead, He may allow those poor decisions to lead to their natural consequences. Proverbs 13:11 teaches that when money is gained too quickly—whether through reckless speculation, gambling, or unethical shortcuts—it often lacks a foundation of wisdom and discipline, making it easy to lose.1 Timothy 6:9-10 warns:"Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."Many people experience financial hardship because they prioritize speed over stewardship. But God has a better way.The Power of Slow, Faithful GrowthIf Proverbs 13:11 warns against hasty wealth, it also points us to a better way:"Whoever gathers little by little will increase it."This principle isn't flashy, but it's powerful. True financial growth happens gradually through wisdom, patience, and discipline.Rather than seeking quick riches, God calls us to:Work diligently and earn honestly (Colossians 3:23).Save and invest wisely over time (Proverbs 21:20).Be generous and steward money for His purposes (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).Financial success isn't about speed—it's about faithfulness over time. Or, as the late Eugene Peterson put it so well, it's about “long obedience in the same direction.”Brian's Financial RedemptionBrian's story didn't end with financial ruin. Instead of giving up, he decided to take a biblical money management class through his church. That's when things started to turn around.He learned to be more disciplined with his finances—budgeting, saving, and living within his means. Eventually, he began investing again, but this time, he avoided speculation and focused on something he understood: real estate. He started small, took his time, and remained patient.Because he wisely managed his investments, his real estate holdings survived the housing crash and the Great Recession. Over time, he even started a fitness-related business with his son—something he had always dreamed of. That business survived the challenges of COVID-19 and is still thriving today.Brian's financial recovery wasn't instant. It was the result of steady, faithful growth over many years. His story is a testament to the wisdom of Proverbs 13:11—building wealth little by little often leads to long-term success.If you've experienced financial setbacks, don't lose heart. The key is to keep moving forward. The world promotes shortcuts, but God calls us to faithfulness. If we embrace patience, diligence, and godly stewardship, we'll not only experience financial security but also the joy of honoring Him with our resources.So, instead of chasing instant success, let's follow God's way—one wise step at a time.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I received a notice from my bank about an arbitration provision and class action waiver for dispute resolution by individual arbitration. What does this even mean?I'm doing a remodel because my husband has Parkinson's, and I need to modify the bathroom to accommodate him. The bathroom renovation will cost about $25,000 to $30,000. Should I take the money from my 401(k), or would it be better to use funds from my home, which has been paid off for about seven years?My wife had open heart surgery at the end of 2023, and due to her portable bypass, she's unable to work continuously. I want to build retirement savings for her through a Roth IRA. I know I can open a spousal IRA for her since I'm working, but I'm concerned about whether this might affect her current disability benefits.I'm 65 and considering retirement in a couple of years. My friends suggest I take Social Security now, but I'm wondering about the best strategy. I'm currently 67 and don't need the money right now. Should I take Social Security now, wait until my full retirement age, or wait until I'm 70 to get a higher benefit? What are the investment implications of each option?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly MagazineMovement MortgageSSA.gov (Social Security Administration)Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Contemporary Christian Science Bible inspiration read from The Message, copyright by Eugene Peterson and from 21st Century Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures: A modern version of Mary Baker Eddy's Science and Health, copyright by Cheryl Petersen

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.— Matthew 11:28-30Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple].— Matthew 11:29For at least several decades the churches of the Western world have not made discipleship a condition of being a Christian. One is not required to be, or to intend to be, a disciple in order to become a Christian, one may remain a Christian without any signs of progress toward or in discipleship…Churches are filled with “undisciplined disciples”…Of course there is in reality no such thing. Most problems in contemporary churches can be explained by the fact that members have never decided to follow Christ.—Dallas Willard, The Great OmissionDisciple says we are people who spend our lives apprenticed to our master, Jesus Christ. We are in a growing-learning relationship, always. A disciple is a learner, but not in the academic setting of a schoolroom, rather at the work site of a craftsman. We do not acquire information about God but skills in faith.— Eugene Peterson, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction1 - Be with Jesus2 - Become Like Jesus3 - Do as Jesus Did1 - Be with Jesus3 Places to Experience God's Presence1 - Scripture2 - Creation3 - People2 - Become Like JesusSanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.— John 17:17-18In our kind of culture anything, even news about God, can be sold if it is packaged freshly; but when it loses its novelty, it goes on the garbage heap. There is a great market for religious experience in our world; there is little enthusiasm for the patient acquisition of virtue, little inclination to sign up for a long apprenticeship in what earlier generations of Christians called holiness.— Eugene Peterson, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction3 - Do as Jesus DidThe Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.—Luke 4:18-19Our tendency today is to define “the poor” economically, on a scale of annual household income or with reference to an established, national or international poverty line. But this is only another reflection of our tendency to read our own world back into Luke's…Luke is concerned above all with a category of people ordinarily defined above all by their dishonorable status, their exclusion.— Joel Green, The Theology of the Book of Luke

First It Giveth. In this episode, we discuss Jonah's vocation, gospel imagination, dogmatic materialism, spell casting, the contemporary effects of the Industrial Revolution, and God's preference for wasted places while reading Eugene Peterson's Under the Unpredictable Plant: An Exploration in Vocational Holiness. SHOW NOTES:  Eugene H. Peterson (1932–2018) was a longtime pastor and professor of spiritual theology at Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia. His many acclaimed books include Tell It Slant, The Jesus Way, Eat This Book, and the contemporary translation of the Bible titled The Message.   Under the Unpredictable Plant: An Exploration in Vocational Holiness https://amzn.to/4iOyIbR  Conservations with Rev. Eugene H. Peterson (2015) https://www.doxology.us/return-to-conversations-with-rev-eugene-h-peterson/   More from 1517: Support 1517 Podcast Network: https://www.1517.org/donate-podcasts 1517 Podcasts: http://www.1517.org/podcasts 1517 on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChDdMiZJv8oYMJQQx2vHSzg 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/1517-podcast-network/id6442751370 1517 Events Schedule: https://www.1517.org/events 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education: https://academy.1517.org/   What's New from 1517: The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley: https://shop.1517.org/products/9781962654708-the-impossible-prize Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes: https://shop.1517.org/products/9781962654791-ditching-the-checklist Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1962654753?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_FCNEEK60MVNVPCEGKBD8_5&starsLeft=1   More from the hosts: Donovan Riley https://www.1517.org/contributors/donavon-riley  Christopher Gillespie https://www.1517.org/contributors/christopher-gillespie   MORE LINKS: Tin Foil Haloes https://t.me/bannedpastors Warrior Priest Gym & Podcast https://thewarriorpriestpodcast.wordpress.com   St John's Lutheran Church (Webster, MN) - FB Live Bible Study Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/356667039608511  Donavon's Substack https://donavonlriley.substack.com Gillespie's Substack https://substack.com/@christophergillespie  Gillespie's Sermons and Catechesis http://youtube.com/stjohnrandomlake  Gillespie Coffee https://gillespie.coffee   Gillespie Media https://gillespie.media     CONTACT and FOLLOW: Email mailto:BannedBooks@1517.org  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BannedBooksPod/  Twitter https://twitter.com/bannedbooks1517   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@BannedBooks Rumble https://rumble.com/c/c-1223313  Odysee https://odysee.com/@bannedbooks:5 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/banned-books/id1370993639  Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2ahA20sZMpBxg9vgiRVQba  Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1370993639/banned-books 

In today's conversation, we received wisdom and insight from Dr. Steve Porter about all things spiritual formation and transformation – in personal, pastoral and church contexts. Steve's work at the intersection of philosophy, theology and psychology means that he brings multilayered insight into the conversation around growth and transformation. Shaped and informed by the spirituality of Paul and the insight of folks like Dallas Willard and Eugene Peterson, Steve reminds us of the spiritual realities available to us as persons in Christ. He encourages us to be aware of God's presence, engaging in spiritual practices as windows that open ourselves to God. He also shares how we can internalize the love of God and how we as the church can support one another in making the invisible love of God visible and tangible, especially if we have struggled to experience that love in human relationships. We're excited that Steve will be joining us at Regent in the summer to teach a class on Cultivating Formation-Minded Pastors and Churches (July 21-25). We'd love for you to join us!BioDr. Steven L. Porter is the Senior Research Fellow and Executive Director of the Martin Institute for Christianity and Culture at Westmont College. He is also an affiliate professor of theology and spiritual formation at Biola University's Institute for Spiritual Formation and Rosemead School of Psychology. Dr. Porter earned his Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Southern California under the mentorship of Dallas Willard and holds an M.Phil. in philosophical theology from the University of Oxford. His academic work focuses on Christian spiritual formation, the doctrine of sanctification, and the integration of psychology and theology. Additionally, he serves as the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care.Publications ReferencedSteven L. Porter. “Internalizing the Love of God: A Theological Psychology of Receiving and Resisting Love.” Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care 17, no. 1 (2024): 25-35.Steven L. Porter. "The Future of Spiritual Formation." Journal for Spiritual Formation and Soul Care 16, no. 1 (2023): 3-13.Steven L. Porter. "Biblical Spirituality and Contemplative Spirituality." In Embracing Contemplation: Reclaiming a Christian Spiritual Practice, edited by John H. Coe and Kyle Strobel, 139-165. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2019.Regent College Podcast Thanks for listening. Please like, rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice and share this episode with a friend. Follow Us on Social Media Facebook Instagram Youtube Keep in Touch Regent College Summer Programs Regent College Newsletter

A partir da jornada de Davi levando a arca da aliança + Eugene Peterson, vamos refletir sobre nossas ideias, processos e traumas.

255. Redeeming Our Time with Jordan Raynor   “But as for you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.” 2 Chronicles 15:7 AMP   **Transcription Below**   Jordan Raynor is a leading voice of the faith and work movement. Through his bestselling books (The Sacredness of Secular Work, Redeeming Your Time, The Creator in You, and The Royal in You.), keynote speeches, podcasts, and devotionals, Jordan has helped millions of Christians in every country on earth connect the gospel to their work.    In addition to his writing and speaking, Jordan serves as the Executive Chairman of Threshold 360, a venture-backed tech startup which Jordan previously ran as CEO following a string of successful ventures of his own.    Questions and Topics We Cover: 1. What does it look like, practically, to live on earth as it is in Heaven? 2. From your time studying of the Bible, do you find a difference in how our call to work applies to both men and women?  3. What are some ways we can pass along this wisdom to our children?   Other Episode Mentioned from The Savvy Sauce: Stewarding Technology for More Intentional Relationships  with Joey Odom Related Episodes on The Savvy Sauce: Being Intentional with Marriage, Parenting, Rest, Personal development, and Leadership with Pastor, Podcaster, and Author, Jeff Henderson Practical Life Tips with Blogger, Rach Kincaid Implementing Bite-Size Habits That Will Change Your Life with Author, Blogger, Podcaster, and Speaker, Kat Lee Fruitful with Laura Dugger Ordering Your Priorities with Kat Lee Living Intentionally with Shunta Grant Cultivate What Matters in 2021 with Emily Thomas Rhythms of Renewal with Gabe and Rebekah Lyons Divine Productivity with Matt Perman Why Limits Are Good For Us with Kelly Kapic   Thank You to Our Sponsor:  Sam Leman Eureka   Connect with The Savvy Sauce Our Website, Instagram or Facebook    Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV)   Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   **Transcription**   [00:00:00]   Laura Dugger: Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.    [00:00:18]   Laura Dugger: The principles of honesty and integrity that Sam Leman founded his business on continue today over 55 years later at Sam Leman Chevrolet Eureka. Owned and operated by the Bertschi family, Sam Leman in Eureka appreciates the support they've received from their customers all over central Illinois and beyond. Visit them today at Lemangm.com.    I am pleased to get to introduce you to my guest, author, speaker, entrepreneur, Jesus lover, and family man, Jordan Raynor. We're going to discuss what God's word has to say about topics such as the afterlife and then what that means now for how we spend our time and what work we get to do both as men and women.   Jordan is a content producer and much of our conversation today is a follow-up to one of his books entitled, Redeeming Your Time: 7 Biblical Principles for Being Purposeful, Present, and Wildly Productive. [00:01:31]    Here's our chat.    Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Jordan.   Jordan Raynor: Laura, it's great to be here. Thanks for having me.   Laura Dugger: Well, it is truly my pleasure. I'd love just to begin here. How did you find your way into the work that you get to do today?   Jordan Raynor: I spent the majority of my career as a tech entrepreneur. I still have a foot in that world as executive chairman of the last company that I ran, but I spent 10 years full-time as a tech startup CEO.    I was in the process of exiting my second company when this kind of all started for me. So, you know, when you sell two companies, the natural thing to do is go start a third. So that was kind of the plan.    But for a hot minute there, my wife and I were really seriously thinking about planting a church. Why? Because I went to church often feeling this guilt that I think a lot of believers have felt of, Man, how dare I want to go to work and build a business tomorrow when there's a need for people to serve as pastors and move to mud huts 5,000 miles away from home to make disciples. [00:02:39]    So we're praying about these two paths: start another business, plan a church. One week after church, this mentor of mine pulled me aside. He's like, "Hey, I heard you're thinking about planting a church."    And I'm thinking this guy's going to pat me on the back, maybe write me my first check. He just looks me dead in the eyes, is like, "Yeah, I got to be honest, it sounds really dumb for you." Like, personally, I was like, "Oh, okay. Tell me more." He's like, "Listen, Jordan, you're a talented entrepreneur. You've served your customers and your team members and your investors with excellence. Why do you think you have to plant a church to do ministry? Don't you get that your work as an entrepreneur is ministry?"   I was like, "Yeah, no, I get it. I build these companies so I can write big checks to the missionaries, picture on my refrigerator, or share the gospel with my team members." He's like, "Yeah, but like so much more than that." I was like, "I have no idea what you're talking about."    So he's like, "Here's what I want you to do with this conversation, the background of your mind, I want you to read Genesis one and two." [00:03:39] And I'm thinking, "I've read Genesis one, two, five hundred times. What am I going to say? It's new."   But Laura, what I saw changed my life forever. I saw that before God tells us that He is loving or holy or omnipotent, He tells us that He is a God who works and creates. It's literally the first verb in the Bible. It's the only thing we know about God's character until Genesis 1:26, well, God says, let us make humankind in our image. Why? So that they may rule and work like God did long before the great commission to make disciples.    In Genesis 1, we see this first commission that God never once retracts for you and I to make culture. And that just stopped me dead in my tracks. So long story short, I did not go plant a church. I went and ran somebody else's company. But it set me on this search to really understand how the church's theology of work has gotten so, so lost. [00:04:38]    And it's led to the work I do today, which is creating a whole lot of content through books and podcasts and whatever, helping Christians understand the biblical story of work and God's plan for work from Genesis 1 all the way to Revelation 22 and respond to that truth in practical ways in how they do their work outside and inside of the home today.   Laura Dugger: Wow. Okay. So definitely want to talk about work, but then even zooming out bigger picture of our time, that some of the content that you've written about, and I'm specifically thinking about redeeming your time. So what would you say, Jordan, is one of your biggest cautions for us to consider, especially as it relates to ways that are culturally acceptable to spend our time, but they're not eternally wise ways to spend our time?   Jordan Raynor: Yeah, it's a really good question. [00:05:36] I think maybe the most significant one though is not where we spend it but how we spend it. I think culture outside of the church largely views time as a means of glorifying self, of pleasing self, of accumulating experiences and leisure.   It's the whole bucket list mentality, right? The purpose of your time now is to do it all because this is your only chance to do everything you want to do. And that's a deeply unbiblical lie that I think is one of Satan's favorites to peddle to believers and non-believers alike.   And so I think as believers, the gospel ought to compel us to not just manage our time for profit and for pleasure, but to redeem the time, as Paul says in Ephesians 5:15-16, to eternal ends, to things that are eternal.    And yes, that means souls, but it means way more than souls. I think a lot of times when we think about eternal uses of our time, we think exclusively in that bucket of evangelism. And Jesus didn't. [00:06:36] In fact, He spent 80% of His adult life swinging a hammer and making excellent tables and chairs. He spent time turning water into good wine and pursuing justice in the world and beauty in the world.    And I think all of that matters to God. I think all of that can be an eternally significant use of our time if, if, and this is the big IF, we're doing all those things with Christ-like love and compassion and excellence and in accordance with God's good and perfect word.   Laura Dugger: I guess you're starting to answer this, but I'm thinking then of the flip side of that question. What would you say are ways that God's will can be done on earth as it is in heaven?   Jordan Raynor: Yeah, yeah. I mean, I think that we could spend hours and hours and hours answering that question. I think we got to be clear though on what we mean by that term "heaven". [00:07:35] Because for the first time in church history, for the last 200 or 300 years or so, Christians, when they hear that word heaven, think almost exclusively about the present heaven, this amorphous, disembodied souls floating on clouds, which was not the hope of Jesus, it was not the ultimate hope of the writers of the New Testament.    God did not promise to fit us for heaven to dwell with Him there, as we sing every Christmas. He promised heaven on earth and to dwell with us here. See Revelation 21 and 22. And that's the "on earth" part.   So when we expand our thinking beyond heaven is only this place that disembodied souls go to in the future and we understand heaven as a state of affairs that is breaking into the present — Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is at hand — I think it greatly expands our vision of what it means to work in ways and manage our time in ways where God's will can be done on earth as it is in heaven. [00:08:32]    Yes, that means making disciples as we go about the work that God has given us to do. Yes, it means discipling our kids within our homes. But it also means cultivating beauty in the world. Because Revelation 21 says that when we do, we are scratching off a glimpse of the day when beauty will reign supreme over the face of the earth.   It means doing work with excellence, because Isaiah 60 tells us there are works of cultural excellence present on the new earth, which boggles the minds of many people, right?    So I think the definition is really, really broad of what that means to do our work on earth as it is in heaven. But the key is love. The key is, out of looking at the cross and understanding the love that God has shown us in Christ, letting that love overflow out of our hearts and spill into everything we do, whether we eat or drink or whatever it is that we spend our time doing, to riff off of Paul in 1 Corinthians 10. "Do it all for the glory of God."  [00:09:36]    What's his glory? The perfect love of His Son. When we're modeling that, that's what I think it means to bring heaven to earth, as Jesus calls us to do.   Laura Dugger: Okay, so expand our understanding, though, because I know you've been on a journey learning about heaven here on earth. What are some findings and realizations that you've made as you've studied scripture?   Jordan Raynor: Number one, nobody, including Jesus Christ, is going to spend eternity in heaven. If what we mean by heaven is the present heaven, where, God forbid, if I die in the plane that I'm about to go on tonight, I will be with Jesus in the present heaven. Nobody's going to spend eternity in that heaven. Read Revelation 21, read Isaiah 60 through 65, it makes that abundantly clear.    Number two, contrary to our American caricature of heaven as a glorified retirement home, Isaiah 65 says, starting in verse 17, God says, "See, I'll create new heavens and a new earth. My chosen people will build houses and dwell in them, and they will long enjoy the work of their hands." [00:10:39]    So, number one, nobody's going to spend eternity in heaven. Number two, on the new earth, we will worship by singing yes, but also by working with our hands alongside the risen Christ. And then I would say, you know, number three, I think what I'm learning more and more is we tend to think of heaven exclusively as a place that we go to in the future. And that is true in a sense, right?    But it's also, as I said before, this state of affairs that's relevant and breaking into the present, breaking into our homes, breaking into our communities. The good news of the gospel is not that I sit around and wait to go to heaven when I die. The good news of the gospel is that I get to partner with Jesus in cultivating heaven on earth until I die, and He returns with heaven in hand to finish the work, right? [00:11:36]    So I think as we expand our vision beyond these half-truths about heaven that secular and, frankly, church culture have been peddling for years, with the whole truths that we see in Scripture, it vastly expands our purpose in the present as we seek to redeem our time. And I also think it expands our hope for the future, because a future with Christ where He has truly made all things new and I get to long enjoy the work of my hands with Him is way more exciting to me, and way more importantly, way more biblical than endless harps and hammocks in the clouds. Way more exciting.   Laura Dugger: Absolutely. And then if you'd have to say what that means for us now, like on a regular Thursday afternoon, can you make it really practical?    Jordan Raynor: Yeah. I think it means, number one, you can have a whole lot more purpose in your work and feel much more alive doing the work, whether that's changing diapers or making widgets on your computer. [00:12:37] Because, listen, if earth is our temporary home, as Carrie Underwood likes to say — I love you, Carrie Underwood. I do — then matter doesn't matter, right? Like matter doesn't matter. And my work with matter doesn't matter.   And if that's true, less than 1% of my time matters for eternity. Because I'm willing to bet that our listeners spend less than 1% of their time on spiritual work like evangelism and prayer. But if earth will one day be our perfect and permanent home, then matter has to matter greatly to God. And my spiritual and super material and earthly work has to matter. And if that's true, then 100% of my time matters for eternity. And so what's the response?   I love that you brought up redeeming your time. Redeeming your time is the response. If 100% of my time matters for eternity, I have greater hope for the future, I have greater purpose in the present, and I'm much more motivated to redeem all of my time, to look at every single one of my minutes that I have living in this age as opportunities to glorify God and make things matter in the grand scheme of eternity because I understand that it does matter, and it's not all going to burn up in the end. [00:13:46]    So that's one of the practical responses. We can get uber, uber practical, talking about redeeming your time and how exactly to do that. But at a theological level, if you hold to this idea that earth is our temporary home, you're really saying that 99.9% of your time doesn't matter in the grand scheme of eternity. That's deeply depressing. And praise God, it's also deeply unbiblical.   Laura Dugger: Okay. So a few follow-up questions with that then as well. So all of this matters and is eternally valuable and valuable in this moment. What about our choices then where you could be numbing out on Netflix all night or Instagram or whatever social media, or pouring excellence into the work that you're doing or your family or something more significant. What's the difference between those two options if everything matters?   Jordan Raynor: Everything has the opportunity to matter. Everything matters in the sense that God's going to judge every minute that we spend. [00:14:48] But listen, you could have two people with the exact same job, exact same stage of life, and one of them is wasting it in the grand scheme of eternity.   It matters in the sense that God's going to count it. But we can certainly make our lives matter more for eternity based on how we steward those minutes. Christians have lost this doctrine that Paul makes very clear that every single minute we spend in this life will be judged. Our soul will not be judged. Our soul has been judged (past tense) based on what Christ did on the cross. Praise God, there's no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.   But every believer will stand before the beam of seed of judgment to give an account for how we live this life. And those of us who wasted this life binging Netflix infinitely, you're still going to enter the kingdom of heaven if you were trusting in Christ alone for the forgiveness of your sins. But don't expect a whole lot of rewards when you show up there, right?   The ones who are going to be awarded with treasures in heaven that Jesus talked about, with crowns, with increased job responsibilities on the new earth, see the parable of the minas, are those of us who, like Paul, expended ourselves, spent with all the energy we have to make Christ known in what we make and how we do it and how we live our lives and how we do our work. [00:16:01] That's a response, is to get off of the couch and to get in the game of scratching off glimpses of heaven on earth in the present.   Laura Dugger: I love that. Yes and amen. Somebody previously on The Savvy Sauce called me spicy for asking questions like this. I don't intend it in a controversial way.   Jordan Raynor: Listen, if we're not going to talk about these things, why talk about anything at all? I love spicy questions. Come on.   Laura Dugger: Okay. So I would just love to hear your perspective, Jordan, especially because you have immersed yourself in the word of God and obviously you have the Spirit of God living inside you as well. So when you've wrestled with these ideas, do you find a difference in how this applies to men and women? And I'm specifically thinking about Genesis and work. And I can ask some more follow-up questions, but what would you say to that?   Jordan Raynor: Oh man, I love this question. [00:17:00] I don't get asked this question very much. Listen, is there a distinction? Sure. But not much of one. Adam and Eve were both called to work the garden and to take care of it as partners together in Genesis 1 and 2.    There are tons of women throughout scripture who are celebrated for their engagement in the first commission to fill the earth, so do it and rule. I think maybe the most poignant of them is Luke chapter 8. Luke chapter 8 says, name specific women who were, quote, "helping to support them —it's referring to Jesus and His disciples — out of their own means," end quote.    And based on what we know about Mary Magdalene and some of these other characters. I don't think they had means before they followed Jesus. So the implication is these women went to work, creating value in the marketplace to support Jesus and His followers. [00:18:00]    So all throughout scripture... I'll give you one more. Gosh. You want a case study that celebrates working women? Just go read the book of Exodus, right? Exodus 1 starts with Pharaoh who's looking around and fearful of these Hebrew boys. Why? Because he wasn't afraid of Hebrew girls because they represented no threat to him, right? He's like, Ah, no, it's the boys who are going to rise up and fight against me.    But who does Yahweh use to thwart Pharaoh's plans? Two midwives, working professionals, and a whole bunch of other women all throughout the book of Exodus. If you can't tell, I'm a raging Jesus feminist with three daughters under my roof right now. And so I love that you asked this question.   There are certainly distinctions. And listen, we got to be careful here. There are differences in genders. God-appointed gender. God appointed differences in leadership within the home and within the church, right, which is not popular outside of the church. [00:19:01] But I can't get around God's word here. But both men and women are called all throughout scripture to roll up them sleeves and work hard at the work of the Lord of cultivating creation for His glory and the good of others.   Laura Dugger: And now a brief message from our sponsor.    [00:19:21]   Sponsor: Sam Leman Chevrolet in Eureka has been owned and operated by the Bertschi family for over 25 years. A lot has changed in the car business since Sam and Stephen's grandfather, Sam Leman, opened his first Chevrolet dealership over 55 years ago. If you visit their dealership today, though, you'll find that not everything has changed. They still operate their dealership like their grandfather did, with honesty and integrity.    Sam and Stephen understand that you have many different choices in where you buy or service your vehicle. This is why they do everything they can to make the car-buying process as easy and hassle-free as possible. They are thankful for the many lasting friendships that began with a simple "Welcome to Sam Lemans". Their customers keep coming back because they experience something different.   I've known Sam and Stephen and their wives my entire life, and I can vouch for their character and integrity, which makes it easy to highly recommend you check them out today. Your car-buying process doesn't have to be something you dread. So come see for yourself at Sam Leman in Chevrolet in Eureka. Sam and Stephen would love to see you, and they appreciate your business.    Learn more at their website, LemanEureka.com, or visit them on Facebook by searching for Sam Leman Eureka. You can also call them at (309) 467-2351. Thanks for your sponsorship.    [00:20:42]   Laura Dugger: I think something I've been wrestling with lately is I wonder what lies Satan is whispering that we're not even aware of. And I think one piece is that it's sinful or unbiblical for women to work, especially to work outside the home. And I know God has a different call on everyone's life. But yeah, could you speak to that? We have four daughters. You have three daughters. This is-   Jordan Raynor: Oh my gosh, if I'm Satan, if I'm Satan, I would love nothing more than to convince 50% of the image of God not to bear God's image outside of the four walls of my home. That sounds like a pretty good strategy. That sounds like a killer strategy, right?   And listen, don't take my opinion for it. Don't take Laura's opinion for it. Go read the Word. I think when you open up God's Word, you're going to see that a lot of these... it's going to expose the lies. [00:21:43] By the way, Satan doesn't just peddle lies through nonbelievers. Just as frequently, I think we could say, Satan is peddling lies through well-intentioned believers. Lies about heaven and the new earth that we just talked about. Lies about work that I grew up believing as we talked about in the beginning of this. And I think lies about the role that women can joyfully and enthusiastically play working inside and outside the home for God's glory and the good of others.   Laura Dugger: So well said. I just completely agree that it's a both-and. They think some people are called inside the home and that is a worthy work, and some are not.   Jordan Raynor: 100%. By the way, my wife works full-time in the home. That is a noble calling that she's chosen for this season. And I'm so appreciative of that. But there have been other seasons where she hasn't chosen that. Blessed be the name of the Lord.   We're so obsessed with black... we're all Pharisees. [00:22:45] We love adding extra regulations and rules on top of God's Word, this extra-biblical junk to make ourselves feel superior to one another. And I think when we get back to the Word, we find a lot more freedom than we find in our churches and our pharisaical structures.   Laura Dugger: Okay, so then you and your wife, I'd love to hear the ages of your daughters and how you two are engaging with them and teaching or discipling them on topics like this.   Jordan Raynor: I've been married to Kara for 15 years now. She's the love of my life. I love her dearly. And we got three little girls. So Ellison is 10, Kate is 8, and Emery, we adopted at birth almost five years ago. It'll be five years, one month from today.   And yeah, discipling them is a challenge and a joy. I think the hardest part is just redeeming the time and making space for intentional time with them. [00:23:50] And we can talk about how we do that if you're interested.   But, you know, practically what discipleship looks like in our home is every morning around the breakfast table, I'm there with the girls memorizing God's word. And not just memorize it, but really talking about it. So take it a week, right? It's like, okay, we love because He first loved us. Who's He? What does that mean? How did Christ show that love to us? And what does it look like practically for us to show that love to others?   So scripture memorization and discussion of the scriptures is a big part of it. Don't hear me saying we do family devotionals. We don't. We're not that put together. We're not that formal. It's really just taking a passage of scripture and hiding it in their hearts and trying to make it as practical and actionable for the day as possible.   Then, two, we talk with our kids a lot. As much as we can, we are pointing them to God and His goodness in regular conversations. It may be specific studies. I'm writing books for kids. So I wrote a book called The Creator in You about the call to create that we see in Genesis 1. [00:24:51] I'm about to publish a second one called The Royal in You about ruling and working with Jesus on the new earth. So we're constantly talking about those themes.    And then also looking for really tactical physical things within the house to point them to Jesus. I'll give one example, then I'll shut up, and or you can follow up on anything you want. I was really convicted by a friend and again, this is at the risk of sounding pharisaical. I'm not saying this is a rule you got to do. This is just working for my family.   I said the word "awesome" like three times in a conversation. He's like, "Hey, only God is awesome." It really stopped me and maybe take stock of my words. I'm like, "Man, there should be a word awesome, amazing, whatever you want, right, whatever works for you works, but there should be a word that we reserve for God alone, right? Even holy. We talk about us being holy as God is holy, right?    And so we just decided we're going to reserve "awesome" for God. [00:25:50] And we put a jar, kind of like a swear jar in people's houses. We put a “not awesome” jar in the middle of our living room. And every time somebody says something's awesome, other than God, we have to put a buck in it. And then we donate that money to an orphanage that we love supporting.   But Laura, that sounds silly and really trivial, but guess what? In the last week, it's given me, I don't know, 15 opportunities to talk about how Jesus is better than any creative thing. Man, I'll do that all day long. I'm constantly looking for little things like that to latch on to, to talk about God's goodness, to talk about His awesomeness, and talk about the role that He's called us to play in bringing heaven to earth.   Laura Dugger: Wow. No, that doesn't sound silly at all. Actually, it just is in line with these themes, intentional in our work, intentional in our time, intentional in our words, and that matters.   Jordan Raynor: I love John Tyson and his book, The Intentional Father. [00:26:54] I'm the overly intentional father. I am too intentional. And that will show up in this conversation, I promise.   Laura Dugger: No, we celebrate that around here for sure. That was kind of my follow-up question you just alluded to, being intentional. Was it with getting time with your daughters? Do you and Kara have a system for that?   Jordan Raynor: Yeah. Yeah, we do. Listen, this isn't going to come as a surprise to anybody listening. Our phones are enemy number one in our fight for deep work that we do in front of the laptop, but also the deep work of discipleship with our kids. And maybe the biggest game changer of my life and discipling my kids is that my kids never, almost never see me on my phone inside of my house. Outside my house for direction, sure.    I track this. I log every day that they see me. The last 90 days, my kids have seen me on my phone one time, inside of my house. [00:27:52] You better believe they know that dad loves them, but more importantly, it gives me more intentional space to be with them without being distracted.    And I know that sounds impossible to listeners. So let me give you five steps for cultivating this. If you want to do this, you're like, man, yeah, I would love to put my phone down for an hour and not think about it. Five steps. It's really simple to do, but it's going to take a lot of courage.    Number one, choose ahead of time when you want to check your texts and emails and asynchronous messages, right? It could be every hour. It could be on a, maybe say it's 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. That's it. Whatever.    Step two, build a list of VIPs who will have access to it all times and not just those predetermined times. So my VIPs are my wife, my kids' school, my assistant. It's pretty much it. Step three, pull out your phone and add all of your VIPs to your Favorites list if you're an iOS user or "Your people" list, if you're an Android user, that way, when you use just the basic out-of-the-box, do not disturb settings on your phone, only calls from those people come through. [00:28:57] Not their texts, not their emails, not every Instagram notification of people liking yet another picture of your dog, just phone calls from your VIPs.   Step four, you got to set clear expectations with your VIPs about your new response time. You send them a very simple message like this. I actually give you the template in the Redeeming Your Time book, but this is the gist. "Hey, I'm trying to be more focused with my kids at home." I know by the way, also at work, especially if you're sending this to your boss. "Here's how you can help me from now on. I'm only checking emails, texts, etc., at X, Y, and Z times. However, you're a VIP in my life. And so if you need me more urgently than that, do not text me, I won't see it. Don't email me. I won't see it. But if you call me on my cell, I'll answer every single time that I can."   Last step, step five, put your phone away for an hour and a half at a time. When you're with your kids, keep your phone out of sight, out of mind. For mine, I keep it in my master bathroom. It's on "do not disturb". I turn the ringer on. [00:29:58]    And here's what happens. I actually spent two and a half hours apart from my phone at nighttime from 5 to seven 30 p.m. every single night. And functionally what I've done is I've turned my cell phone into a landline, right? If the phone rings, I can go in there and see what VIP is calling and decide whether or not I want to answer it. But in all that other time, I am fully focused on my kids and the conversations I'm having with them about their day.    Laura, it's been a total, total game changer for me and for thousands and thousands of readers of Redeeming Your Time. This is one of 32 practices in the book, and I'm willing to bet it's probably in the top five of reader favorites.   Laura Dugger: Well, and I can see why that's incredible. And I'm curious, Jordan, do you know Joey Odom with Aro?   Jordan Raynor: I know Joey. I talked to Joey yesterday. I love Joey Odom.   Laura Dugger: Okay. He's wonderful. So we will link to an episode that he did on The Savvy Sauce. [00:31:00] If you're looking for more practical ways as well, like you said, putting your phone away, he just can contribute. I think that partners nicely.   Jordan Raynor: Yeah. And if you don't know Aro, go check out the episode. But basically it's an app on your phone. It's also a physical box that you can put the phone in. And it basically gamifies what I just explained.    So instead of me being accountable to care of my kids, I could theoretically share with my friends, "Hey, I spent two and a half hours today apart from my phone. Here's a screenshot of the evidence. I love what Joey and their team are doing. It's incredible.   Laura Dugger: And like you said, this is just one of the helpful suggestions in Redeeming Your Time. My husband and I have both benefited so much from that book.   Jordan Raynor: I love it. Thank you.   Laura Dugger: Well, yes. And thank you. But I'd love for you to walk us through the topics and the questions that we ask ourselves as we metaphorically go floor by floor through the building of intentional living.   Jordan Raynor: Yeah. Yeah. It's a great question. [00:32:00] You're asking about chapter four of the book, where I'm talking about prioritizing our yeses. And we hear about all these different terms when it comes to setting priorities. We talk about mission statements and callings and long-term goal, whatever. I just found it necessary for myself to bake the cake and put it all together. Be like, okay, give me one simple framework for thinking about all these things and how they connect to each other.    And so the metaphor I use in the book is this five-story building where on the fifth floor, the very top of this hotel, whatever you envision this building being is your mission in life that is over everything else. Listen, there are people selling books left and right, helping you discern the mission for your life. I'll let you off the hook for having to buy those. Listen, you didn't make yourself and so you don't get to choose the mission of your life. God does. Here's the mission of your life: to glorify God, period, full stop, right?   Now God in this goodness has given us a lot of freedom to choose the callings on the fourth floor of how we will live out that mission. But that's your mission, right? [00:33:05] So mission, fifth floor; fourth floor, next level down is callings. So I am called right now to be a husband, to be a father, and to be the CEO of Jordan Raynor company and create this content. That's it. I've chosen three callings, right?    The next level down are long-term goals. This is level three of the building, okay? Long-term goals. I am the biggest believer in the world in setting the biggest possible long-term goals, because in my experience, that's what helps me say no. If I have really small goals, I am getting sucked into the thick of thin things every single time.    So I would argue Christ's power should be setting the biggest long-term goals on the planet. By long-term, I'm talking at least a year, more likely three to five years, setting those long-term goals for each of your callings.    Then the next level down are short-term goals, which whatever works for you works. Maybe you want to set goals on a weekly basis, monthly basis. I love the quarterly cadence. [00:34:05] Every three months, looking at my long-term goals and setting quarterly goals that are attached to that.    And then the bottom floor, the first floor of this metaphorical building are what I call projects and actions. This is the tactical stuff. This is your to-do list born out of mission calling, long-term goals, short-term goals.    Okay. What are the specific projects and actions that I need to execute against over the next seven days, over the next quarter to make progress towards those goals? And then, as you know, Laura, there's a secret sixth floor to this building, which it doesn't deserve to be called a floor. It's the basement.    And this is what I call posteriorities. And this might be the most important. This is everything else that falls outside of what's already on my plate professionally and what falls under those short-term goals. Everything else goes into the basement of my mind in this metaphorical building. [00:35:05]    And so in my to-do list app, what I call my commitment tracking system, all of those projects and actions literally go in a separate folder called "Someday" that I only look at every 90 days. Once every 90 days, I look at that, decide if there's anything I want to pull out and work on over the next 90 days. But for the other, what is that, 89 days and a quarter, all of those things are out of sight, out of mind, so that I can fully focus on the work that I believe that God has called me to execute against over the next three months.   Laura Dugger: So good. Again, and these 90 days, let's zoom in on that. We also share a passion for the quarterly time, even the brain science behind it, that your brain can only be reminded and to hang on to a goal for 90 days. What does yours actually look like in these 90 days? Can you give us some examples in your own life of a goal for your calling and then ground floor what that looks like? [00:36:08]    Jordan Raynor: Yeah, I would be happy to. I'll show you some quarterly goals for the family. I got personal and professional short-term goals, quarterly goals. Here's a personal one. I really love the OKR framework, which if you're not familiar with it, Google made this famous, stands for objectives and key results.   So objectives are aspirational. They're the what you want to accomplish. And the key results are measurable and they tell you whether or not you reached the what. So, for example, this quarter, personally, objective. Strengthen my point of view on youth sports and whether or not it is in line with our family's goal to love like Jesus.    This one's going to hit for our audience. I have a feeling. Key result number one: read three credible articles from youth sports advocates and three articles from Detractors. [00:37:10]    Key result number two, post questions on this topic to at least two godly friends who have had their kids in serious youth sports and two who have intentionally chosen not to.    And then key result number three, draft a summary of my point of view on this topic and deliver it to Kara by December 31st.   All right. Let me give you a professional example. In this quarter, yeah, I'll share this, whatever. This is a little inside baseball, but it's fun. I can't say the name of it, but the objective is to sell my first TV show to Netflix or Amazon.    We're currently shopping a project right now. I actually only have one key result for this and it's to get one yes or three nos from A-list actors to agree to play the starring role in this show. So that's how I'll know. That's the progress I'm going to make towards that goal.    So that's just a couple of examples from my life. I obsess over this quote from Bill Gates though. I think this would be helpful for our listeners. [00:38:10] Gates once said that we human beings have the tendency to vastly overestimate what we can accomplish in a short period of time, i.e. a quarter, and vastly underestimate what we can do in a decade with what Eugene Peterson called long obedience in the same direction, right?   So if you take one thing from this conversation on goals, take that from Bill Gates. What you can get done in three months is virtually nothing, right? So set your goals accordingly. But what you can get done in a decade with long obedience in the same direction, you're not doing it, God's doing it through you is incredible.   Laura Dugger: I just wanted to let you know, there are now multiple ways to give when you visit TheSavvySauce.com. We now have a donation button on our website and you can find it under the donate page, which is under the tab entitled Support. Our mailing address is also provided if you would prefer to save us the processing fee and send a check that is tax deductible. [00:39:14]    Either way, you'll be supporting the work of Savvy Sauce charities and helping us continue to reach the nations with the good news of Jesus Christ. Make sure you visit TheSavvySauce.com today. Thanks for your support.   These examples are so helpful. I love practical examples because it helps me envision how to begin applying what I want to put into practice after a conversation like this one. My husband, Mark, and I will oftentimes reflect and look back on times that have been transformational in our lives. Typically, it's from practical application, you have to apply it, that leads to transformation. So, Jordan, will you give us maybe three to five habits or time savers or general best ways to steward our time?   Jordan Raynor: Oh, man, I'd love to. Honestly, the biggest one for me I've already shared, which is just taking control of when you check your messages. I cannot stress that enough. [00:40:19]    Let me give you a couple others. One, you want to do your most exceptional work, you've got to be getting a seven to eight-hour nightly sleep opportunity. The easiest way to practically do it is to just set a consistent bedtime. Most people have a fixed time at which they wake up, so it's simple math, right? Subtract from that, go back eight hours, that's your bedtime.   Gosh, you might not like the science. Trust me, I don't like the science, but the science is settled on this one. Most, 99% of human beings need seven to eight hours of sleep at night. That's a game-changer for me.    Honestly, weekly Sabbath has been a game-changing habit for me and my family that I think has made us much more productive in our goals.    I'll give you another one. Do one new thing at a time. In your work, in your life, you probably have a lot of recurring responsibilities based on work that you've created over the years. [00:41:19] With whatever time you have left over, the worst mistake, in my experience, that you can make is to try to do five new initiatives at once. You do one new thing at a time until it's done, and then when it's done, you move on to the next thing.    I'm trying to think of some other ones from the book. Yeah, I'll say this one. This is one of my favorite practices. It takes two seconds to start, but again, it takes a lot of courage. Quit the news cold turkey and let your friends curate the news for you. Why? How is this connected to time management, people ask me?    It could not be more relevant because all of this external noise is creating a lot of internal noise that blocks your ability to be loving, to think, to be creative, and listen to the voice of God. I know because I was the ultimate news junkie until eight years ago when I quit cold turkey. You know what happened when I quit cold turkey? Nothing. Nothing negative happened. [00:42:21]    What did happen is my friends started telling me about everything that I cared about, voluntarily. They have no idea they're doing this, but they're bringing me this. I spot-check from time to time. I'll go to CNN.com and say, did I really miss anything? Nope. 99% of the news is still totally irrelevant to my life and work. Great. Man, that's been a game-changer for me, Laura.   Laura Dugger: I did love that one about let your friends curate the news for you. Just one other follow-up. I want to circle back to the quarterly. Just as we're talking about practical application, how can someone start doing, if that's their first goal is to maybe plan something quarterly? How do you have a system in place to revisit these things every 90 days and what does that look like?   Jordan Raynor: That's a great question. I take a quarterly retreat. Ideally, this is for at least one night. Sometimes when things are really crazy, I just have to take a day to go do it. In that quarterly retreat, I'm doing a few things. [00:43:20]    First, I am just journaling the game that God has already produced in my work, the good things He's already done over the last three months.   Two, I'm just taking time to worship Him and praise Him for that. Remember that not only did I not deserve anything for the last three months, I certainly don't deserve anything over the next three months. It's putting me in this humble position of recognizing that the only thing I deserve is death due my sin. God has given me Christ and way more, and that puts me in a much healthier heart position to dream about what's next.    Then third step, I just journal off the top of my head without looking at any prompts what I think is most important over the next three months. I don't look at my to-do list because what's most important should be readily apparent to me. I shouldn't have to look at anything, right?    Number four, I review journal entries from the last 90 days as well as my to-do list to refine that journal entry about what I thought was most important. Maybe I forgot, oh yeah, Jordan, you're releasing a book in the next quarter. [00:44:25] We got to get ready for that or six months from now, whatever it is.    Then five, I am taking a first stab at drafting those objectives and key results. My rule is no more than five objectives in a given quarter and no more than five key results for each objective, which could mean 25 key results.    Most of the time for me, I wind up at one to three objectives total and one to, oh man, like 10 max key results in a quarter. Most recently, I've had between one and three key results, that's it, that I'm focused on the next 90 days.   Oh, by the way, I've been crushing it. The fewer key results that I'm setting, the quicker I'm getting my goals done. The last two quarters, I've hit my goals early for the quarter and I've had to go into that someday folder and pull new things out because I've gotten everything done. That feels great. [00:45:28]    Laura Dugger: That's incredible. That does feel great to get to check that off and go to the next thing. I want to see how people can apply this, but first also, maybe Sabbath is more so something that grabbed them. So can you share just a little glimpse of what that looks like? Because you said that's one of your most impactful habits.   Jordan Raynor: Oh yeah, absolutely. Sabbath starts with work, right? You got to work hard and work well if you want to be able to rest well. Maybe helpful to think about this, I'm doing all the work for two days in one. So we have chosen to enjoy the gift of Sabbath. Notice I didn't say observe Sabbath because that connotes life-sucking legalism.    We enjoy the gift of Sabbath from Saturday dinner time until Sunday dinner time. So Saturday afternoon, we are going through our Sabbath prep checklist. That includes cleaning up the house, picking everything up so we're not distracted, packing bags and waters for church the next day, making a plan for Sabbath. [00:46:33] So who do we want to hang out with? Texting and coordinating those plans ahead of time so we're not attached to our phones on Sabbath itself, doing laundry, running the dishwasher.   And then when we get to the end, I'm sending my phone on a 24-hour vacation. So I mentioned spending two and a half hours apart from my phone each night. On Sabbath, it is on airplane mode for 24 hours.   Then we kick off Sabbath by just feasting. So Sabbath to us is... I love how Kevin DeYoung put it. It's an island of get-to and a sea of have-to. We try to do nothing on that I have to-do list and only things on that get to-do list.   So that starts a feasting on some of our favorite foods. We get takeout. So cleanup's really easy. So we're Chewy's Mexican or good Chinese food, whatever. We light a candle to kick off Sabbath so that it always smells like Sabbath in my house, which is usually pumpkin pecan waffles, even when it's like July in Florida, which makes no sense. [00:47:33]    Then Saturday night's pretty chill, watching a little bit of TV with the kids, whatever. They're going to bed. On Sunday, this is my one day a week where I sleep in. My wife sleeps in the other six days of the week. I sleep in, Kara gets up with the kids. It's the one day a week of the week where they get to watch a full-length movie, which they're super pumped about, and don't judge me, drink coffee. So they get to drink coffee on Sabbath.    My kids wake up super early, so they can finish the movie before church. On the way to church is one of my favorite traditions where we stop and get donuts on the way and the whole drive we're talking about what we're thankful for from the past week. So just looking back, what are we grateful for? And then what do we want to adore God for about His character based on what He's done and what we've seen Him do and what we're thankful for the past week?   We then go feast on the word with our church family and then come back, have lunch at the house. We don't do the lunch after church thing to us. That's a little exhausting. [00:48:31] So we come home, have lunch here.    And then Sunday afternoons are pretty chill. A lot of times we're just playing games or swimming in the pool. This past Sunday, we went for a walk and let the kids climb some trees. But just a day to slow down and catch up to our souls and just be and remind ourselves that we are loved and valued, even when we're not being productive, that our heavenly Father does not need us. He wants us to quote my friend, [Scott Jotani? 00:49:05] And man, it's been a total game-changer.    I'll end with this. I saw a mentor who I hadn't seen in years. I think this was last summer. And we were on vacation in Rhode Island. I talked to my mentor for about an hour and he texted me after I left his house and he's like, "Hey, you seem way more rested than I saw you the last five years ago." And it's not vacation rest. He called that out. He's like, "This is not vacation rest. What is this?" I was like, "It's Sabbath." He's like, "That's what I thought. That's what I thought."   People can feel it. People know when they're in the presence of somebody who is living and working out of a Sabbath rest. So I would encourage you to try it. Treat it as an experiment. Don't say, "We're going to do this for the rest of our lives. Try it for four weeks. Try it for six weeks. Give it a shot. And I think you'll be blown away at how healthy it is, both for your soul and for the goals that you're chasing after the rest of the week. [00:50:10]    Laura Dugger: Okay. Challenge accepted. So great. So then bringing this home for someone, if they need to get quiet, get with the Lord, and just see what's bubbling up for them, do you have any other recommended Scripture, places to start, or questions for reflection or anything just to point us in the right direction?   Jordan Raynor: Yeah. I would just point you to the Gospels and the way of Jesus. We read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John almost exclusively for their theology and the ethic of Jesus and they certainly have a lot to say about that. But as my friend John Mark Comer has pointed out, the Gospels are also biographies of Jesus' life. And I don't know about you, but I want to redeem my time in the model of my Redeemer. He is the key to the whole thing.    By the way, even non-Christians can get on board with this. I'll tell non-Christians all the time, like, hey, Christian or not... pretty hard to dispute that Jesus was the most productive person to ever walk the earth. [00:51:09] And we know how He managed His time. And no, the Gospels don't show Him with a to-do list or a smartphone, but they show Him dealing with distractions at work. One time a guy literally dropped through the roof over Jesus' head while He was working and preaching. Unless that's happening to you, you're not more distracted than Jesus was, right?    They show Him seeking to be busy without being hurried. They show Him having to dissent from the kingdom of noise to think. And so, man, you want to redeem your time toward eternal ends? Look to the author of time, Jesus of Nazareth in the Gospel biographies.    Laura Dugger: This has been incredible to lay the foundation for our own lives, which is great to put into practice first. But as we're tying it all up to, how can we pass along this wisdom to our children?   Jordan Raynor: Yeah. Number one, just talk about the biblical narrative of work and productivity that your kids are probably not hearing in Sunday school. [00:52:11] I know because I see the Sunday school curriculum. I'm an elder in our church. They're not seeing it.    Point them to Genesis 1 and 2. Point them to the fact that we worship a God who works and created us to work and be productive and redeem our time in His image. And you can do that through Genesis 1 and 2. You can fast forward to Revelation 21 and 22 and Isaiah 65 that talks about work and productivity for eternity on the new earth.   Then I do have a couple of picture books that I wrote for kids as a tool, as a resource for you to communicate the why of redeeming your time, the why of work to your kids. They're called The Creator in You, which is this artistic interpretation of Genesis 1 and 2, and The Royal in You, which is the opposite book into scripture in Revelation 21 and 22.    And my prayer for this book is that it will... your kids may not admit this to you, but if they're anything like I was as a kid, if they're anything like my kids used to be, your kids view heaven with confusion, boredom, and maybe even fear. [00:53:18] And that's tragic because God's word replaces all of that with biblical clarity, excitement, and hope.    And that's my prayer for this book, that based on God's word, it would expand the vision of kids and, frankly, grownups to view heaven in the new earth with that clarity, excitement, and hope, all to God's greater glory and our greater joy.   Laura Dugger: A worthy vision indeed. We will certainly link to those resources in the show notes. Jordan, this time has been so enjoyable, but I still have one question for you because we are called The Savvy Sauce because "savvy" is synonymous with practical knowledge or discernment. And so as my final question for you today, what is your Savvy Sauce?   Jordan Raynor: Yeah, honestly, I've shared a lot of the practical answers to that. We started the conversation theological, went practical, let's end theological. My savvy sauce lately is that I spend a lot of time thinking about where I see myself professionally in five million years, not five years like you were asked in a job interview. [00:54:30]   Because again, God's word promises that we will work free from the curse of sin. And here's why, and here's how this connects to redeeming the time. The more that I've meditated on that promise of long enjoying the work of my hands, I am far less hurried in the present.   Because I spent years, Laura, worrying about finishing my life's work, of getting it all done. I got to get past this business because I still want to do X, Y, and Z in my life, right? But knowing that I'm going to have eternity to work for God's glory, I am free from all of those burdens and just so much less hurried because here's what's going to happen.   When I die with unfinished symphonies, and all of us will die with unfinished symphonies and to-do lists, either God is number one, going to tap somebody else on the shoulder and have them pick up that work and finish it, praise God. [00:55:29] Number two, He's going to finish that work by himself with no human involvement, praise God. Or number three, when I arise from the nap that is death, God in his goodness and generosity will put that unfinished symphony back in my hands and give me the joy of finishing it free from the curse of sin, praise God.   Either way, I don't lose. If the things on my to-do list are on God's to-do list, He will finish them. And as I've thought about that and work on the new earth, it has just been radical in slowing me down and recognizing that eternity is now in session and I don't have to finish it all before I die. It's been a tremendous gift that the Lord has given me. So I would encourage our listeners to do the same.   Laura Dugger: Yes. Well, Jordan, clearly God has gifted you with being a vision caster, a visionary, a leader, and I just appreciate this conversation is oozed with your love of Kara and your daughters and our Lord and has been, like you said, theological and practical. [00:56:41] I just have learned so much. So thank you for being intentional about redeeming your time. It really is a way that you are loving others and loving God well, and I just appreciate you. So thank you for being my guest.   Jordan Raynor: Thank you, Laura.   Laura Dugger: One more thing before you go. Have you heard the term "gospel" before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you. But it starts with the bad news. Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves.   This means there is absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved. We need a Savior.   But God loved us so much, He made a way for His only Son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. [00:57:43] This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with Him. That is good news.   Jesus lived the perfect life we could never live and died in our place for our sin. This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished if we choose to receive what He has done for us.   Romans 10:9 says that if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.    So would you pray with me now? Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to You. Will You clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare You as Lord of their life? We trust You to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.    If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring Him for me, so me for Him. You get the opportunity to live your life for Him. And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So you ready to get started?    First, tell someone. Say it out loud. Get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes & Noble and let me choose my own Bible. I selected the Quest NIV Bible, and I love it. You can start by reading the Book of John.    Also, get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps, such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you.    We want to celebrate with you too, so feel free to leave a comment for us here if you did make a decision to follow Christ. We also have show notes included where you can read Scripture that describes this process.    Finally, be encouraged. Luke 15:10 says, "In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." The heavens are praising with you for your decision today.    If you've already received this good news, I pray that you have someone else to share it with today. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.

A contemporary Christian Science Bible Study read from The Message, copyrighted by Eugene Peterson and 21st Century Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures: A modern version of Mary Baker Eddy's Science and Health, copyrighted by Cheryl Petersenhttps://healingsciencetoday.wordpress.com/https://21stcenturyscience.wordpress.com/

One starting point in the process of leading our teenagers to faith and spiritual maturity is to face the truth about who teenagers are and the uniqueness of their life stage. We must constantly seek answers to these questions: What is their world like? What makes them tick? What changes are they experiencing? What questions are they asking? Why do they think and act the way they do? And while we ask those questions, we must never forget, as Eugene Peterson says, that “there are no well-adjusted adolescents. Adolescence is, by definition, maladjustment. And getting adjusted is a strenuous and often noisy process.” In addition, we must approach our task as parents of teens not as punishment, a problem, or a cross to bear, but as a wonderful opportunity to depend on our Heavenly Father, while teaching our impressionable teens to do the same. Parents, never forget that you have been stewarded by God with the gift of your children, and that you are an instrument in His hands!

How does the way we use our bodies shape our faith? In this episode, Loren Richmond Jr. talks with W. David O. Taylor, Associate Professor of Theology and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary and author of A Body of Praise: Understanding the Role of Our Physical Bodies in Worship. David shares insights into the importance of physicality in worship, the role of space and posture, and how these practices can deeply shape spiritual formation. David discusses the impact of the pandemic on worship practices, the theological implications of our physical expressions, and the ways worship spaces and rituals influence how we encounter God. Loren and David also explore cultural attitudes toward the body, masculinity, and how we are called to use our bodies as instruments of care, connection, and worship. David O. Taylor is Associate Professor of Theology and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary and the author of several books, including Prayers for the Pilgrimage (IVP, 2024), A Body of Praise (Baker Academic, 2023), Open and Unafraid (Thomas Nelson/HarperCollins, 2020), Glimpses of the New Creation (Eerdmans, 2019), and The Theater of God's Glory(Eerdmans, 2017). In addition to a range of scholarly and popular essays, he has also edited several books, including The Art of New Creation(IVP Academic, 2022), Contemporary Art and the Church (IVP Academic, 2017), and For the Beauty of the Church: Casting a Vision for the Arts (Baker Books, 2010).  He serves on the advisory board for Duke Initiatives in Theology and the Arts as well as IVP Academic's series, “Studies in Theology and the Arts.” An ordained priest, he has lectured widely on the arts, from Thailand to South Africa. In 2016 he produced a short film on the psalms with Bono and Eugene Peterson. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his children and artist wife, Phaedra, with whom he has produced three sets of illustrated prayer cards (here, here, and here). He can be found online on Twitter: @wdavidotaylor; IG: @davidtaylor_theologian; and his personal website, www.wdavidotaylor.com.   Episodes Referenced: J. Michael Jordan: https://futurechristian.podbean.com/e/worship-in-an-age-of-anxiety-with-j-michael-jordan/ Andrew Root: https://futurechristian.podbean.com/e/rooted/   Presenting Sponsor: Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world.  Supporting Sponsors: Restore Clergy If you are clergy in need of tailored, professional support to help you manage the demands of ministry, Restore Clergy is for you! Kokoro  Join in for heartfelt journeys that challenges the way we see ourselves, each other, and the world we share.   Future Christian Team: Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host Paul Romig–Leavitt – Associate Producer Dennis Sanders – Producer Alexander Lang - Production Assistant

In this episode, Dr. Lee Warren, a brain surgeon and advocate for integrating faith and science, delves into 'Theology Monday.' He discusses the importance of combining faith and science to address life's challenges and seek the truth. Dr. Warren emphasizes that when facing seemingly insurmountable problems, faith can offer the support science cannot. He explores how God routinely accomplishes the impossible and shares insights from Psalm 121 and Eugene Peterson's 'A Long Obedience in the Same Direction.' The episode encourages listeners to choose forward progress through footprints rather than creating monuments of defeat and reassures them that God can make a way through any hardship. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Self Brain Surgery 00:19 Theology and Faith in Science 01:15 Theology Monday: Addressing Struggles 02:40 Sponsor Message and Brain Health 03:40 Science and Faith: Complementary Paths 07:39 Monuments and Footprints 10:06 Community and Healing 17:20 The Power of Prayer and Reflection 19:47 Facing Life's Challenges 26:05 Overcoming Adversity 28:09 Facing Desperation and Fear 28:37 Engaging Your Frontal Lobe 29:26 Changing Trains of Thought 31:30 Monuments and Footprints 33:30 A Family Vacation and Healing 42:57 God's Impossible Feats 48:17 Leaving Footprints, Not Monuments 52:11 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Click here for the transcript! Resources and Links: The sponsor for this episode is TImeline: Visit timeline.com, and use the discount code leewarren33 for 33% off your first order of MitoPure! I've created a free BRAIN Goals™ Guide for you! Click here to download the guide. It will help you align your mindset to your mission and set goals to make 2025 your best year yet! Be sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose! Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! ABIDE Prayer method Lectio365 app Kari Jobe song mentioned Eugene Peterson book mentioned (affiliate link) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A special episode for the inauguration of Donald Trump's second term, as the forty-seventh president of the United States. Whether you're filled with hope and joy, or anxiety and fearfulness, how can we pursue a common citizenship that is grounded in faith and moral sensitivity, focused on justice and love, and rightfully patriotic? Today, Mark welcomes friends Pete Wehner (columnist, The Atlantic, and Fellow, Trinity Forum), Anne Snyder (editor-in-chief, Comment magazine), and David Goatley (president, Fuller Seminary). Together they discuss: The inauguration of Donald Trump for his second term in office; The meaning of patriotism in an unfolding, rambunctious democratic experiment; Repentance, repair, and understanding; How to keep a moral-ethical grounding in political life; Balancing open curiosity and genuine concern; What rejuvenates and renews us during anxious political times (exploring beauty in nature and art); Learning disagreement in a post-civility era; Peacemaking instead of polarization; Developing civic antibodies and the need for regeneration and renewal; And how to pray for Donald Trump as he enters his next term in office. About Peter Wehner Peter Wehner, an American essayist, is a contributing opinion writer for the New York Times, a contributing writer for The Atlantic, and senior fellow at the Trinity Forum. He writes on politics and political ideas, on faith and culture, on foreign policy, sports, and friendships. Wehner served in three presidential administrations, including as deputy director of presidential speechwriting for President George W. Bush. Later, he served as the director of the Office of Strategic Initiatives. Wehner, a graduate of the University of Washington, is editor or author of six books, including The Death of Politics: How to Heal Our Frayed Republic After Trump, which the New York Times called “a model of conscientious political engagements.” Married and the father of three, he lives in McLean, Virginia. About Anne Snyder Anne Snyder is the editor-in-chief of Comment magazine, **which is a core publication of Cardus, a think tank devoted to renewing North American social architecture, rooted in two thousand years of Christian social thought. Visit comment.org for more information. For years, Anne has been engaged in concerns for the social architecture of the world. That is, the way that our practices of social engagement, life, conversation, discussion, debate, and difference can all be held in the right kind of ways for the sake of the thriving of people, individuals, communities, and our nation at large. Anne also oversees Comment's partner project, Breaking Ground, and is the host of The Whole Person Revolution podcast and co-editor of Breaking Ground: Charting Our Future in a Pandemic Year (2022). About David Goatley David Emmanuel Goatley is president of Fuller Seminary. Prior to his appointment in January 2023, he served as the associate dean for academic and vocational formation, Ruth W. and A. Morris Williams Jr. Research Professor of Theology and Christian Ministry, and director of the Office of Black Church Studies at Duke Divinity School. Ordained in the National Baptist Convention, USA, he served as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Campbellsville, Kentucky, for nine years (1986–1995). In addition to his articles, essays, and book chapters, Goatley is the author of Were You There? Godforsakenness in Slave Religion and A Divine Assignment: The Missiology of Wendell Clay Somerville, as well as the editor of Black Religion, Black Theology: Collected Essays of J. Deotis Roberts. His current research focuses on flourishing in ministry and thriving congregations, most recently working on projects funded by the Lilly Endowment and the Duke Endowment. Show Notes What each guest values and honours about America, expressing commitment and affection as citizens “Any presidential inauguration is weight bearing.” Pete Wehner: a first-generation American From ideals to reality about the history of America “ I'm the kind of patriot who is committed to the country being the best that it can be.” “Rambunctious unfolding-still … democratic experiment.” The scene for Inauguration Day 2021 Strength and vitality of American life What are your commitments and hopes for the next four years? “Some of my siblings for whom their angst is new, and I'm happy to say, welcome to my world.” The posture of believers and people of good will to “keep a moral ethical grounding” “Justice, especially for the dispossessed, the aliens, the powerless” Pulled in different directions Eugene Peterson formulation: “There's the Jesus truth, and the Jesus way.” Called to be different things at different moments Name reality as best we can “Is it possible to be both prophetic and the force of unity at the same time?” Will there be a World War III in the next decade? Creative ways to develop resilience “A great chastening” “I feel both curious and really concerned.” When patience runs out “ I'm socially and humanly curious—and strangely a little hopeful for new frames of how we are with one another—but I am steeling myself for turbulence and violence at a time when it feels like we can't afford those things.” The shifting global stage The need for deep compassion and energy that doesn't stop listening or caring What rejuvenates and renews you in this moment? Being outside, natural beauty, artistic beauty, and staying actively in community with people who will stay reflective. Turning off the news National Gallery of Art's Impressionist exhibit (link) “For most of us, our day-to-day lives, even in the political realm, are not really driven primarily by what's happening with the presidency.” Jon Batiste “Healthy, substantive arguments that are not ad hominem” Are we living in the post-civility era? Peacemaking instead of polarization Developing civic antibodies and the need for regeneration and renewal “Something has gone deeply wrong in the white evangelical world” “ I'm completely fine with deconstruction as long as there's reconstruction.” “There's a great line that the ancient Greeks used, Bobby Kennedy used that in a speech of his in the late ‘60s, where he said that the task was to tame the savageness of man and to make gentle the life of this world.” Prayers for Donald Trump That the Spirit of God would overshadow Donald Trump and political leaders That “Not our will but Thy will be done.” For moral sensitivity ”I'll just be candid here. I have a sense that he's a, he is a person with a lot of brokenness in his life.” “We're part of a story, and there's an author. … But those chapters aren't the whole story.” A notorious chapter in American history   Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment magazine and Fuller Seminary.

What is a spiritual director? Are they directing your spiritual life? Are they telling you to do something? Are they fulfilling a pastoral role? Rev. Alan Johnson talks about this, as he has been studying it for his disseration. He distinguishes the difference between a spiritual director and a pastor, and would explain that spiritual direction is listening to someone and helping them pay attention to God's work in their life. Spiritual directors seek to ask good questions, rather than give answers.  A spiritual director is more of a mentor who can, as Eugene Peterson said "show up and shut up" and let people talk and work through problems, and help people gain some clairty through that process. This was a fascinating conversation, on working through when you feel "stuck" and various aspects of the church body who can continually point us to Christ. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Bible in One Year with Chad Bird Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi Junk Drawer Jesus By Matt Popovits More from the hosts: Gretchen Ronnevik Katie Koplin  

Leitura Bíblica Do Dia: Salmos 120:1–121:2 Plano De Leitura Anual: Gênesis 33–35; Mateus 10:1-20 Já fez seu devocional hoje? Aproveite e marque um amigo para fazer junto com você! Confira: Refletindo sobre o Salmo 120, Eugene Peterson afirmou algo poderoso: “A consciência cristã começa com a dolorosa constatação de que aquilo que pensávamos ser verdadeiro é, na realidade, uma mentira”. Os salmos de 120 a 134 são chamados de “Salmos de Romagem”, e eram cantados pelos peregrinos que subiam a Jerusalém. Peterson apresenta, no livro Uma longa obediência na mesma direção (Ed. Cultura Cristã 2019), como esses salmos nos ajudam a compreender nossa jornada espiritual em direção a Deus. Ele afirma que esta jornada só se inicia após percebermos que precisamos de algo novo: “uma pessoa precisa estar plenamente enojada com a forma como as coisas são para encontrar a motivação necessária para buscar o caminho cristão […], farta da maneira do mundo antes de ter apetite para o mundo da graça”. É fácil desanimar com o sofrimento que vemos ao nosso redor. Muitas vezes, a nossa cultura dissemina a insensibilidade pelo mal que é feito aos outros. O salmo 120 traz um lamento sincero: “Procuro a paz, mas, quando falo de paz, eles querem guerra!” (v.7). A dor pode nos despertar para um recomeço, com cura e liberdade. Somente o Salvador pode nos tirar de caminhos destrutivos de mentiras, levando-nos por rotas de paz e plenitude (121:2). Ao iniciarmos este novo ano, busquemos os caminhos de Deus Por: Monica La Rose

A contemporary Christian Science Bible Study read from The Message, copyright by Eugene Peterson, and 21st Century Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures: A modern version of Mary Baker Eddy's Science and Health, sixth edition, copyright by Cheryl Petersen https://healingsciencetoday.wordpress.com/

“A kind of intimacy develops when men and women walk and talk together, with no immediate agenda or assigned task except eventually getting to their destination and taking their time doing it.” – Eugene Peterson

Gathering as the church is essential to what Eugene Peterson calls "a long obedience in the same direction"—a steadfast journey of faith in Jesus Christ. Preaching. Communion. Worship. Together. This week in our series, The Church, we're diving into Hebrews 10 and other New Testament passages to rediscover the power and purpose of gathering as God's people. Together, we'll uncover why we gather, grow, and go—for His glory and our transformation. Let God's Word refresh your heart and reignite your commitment to His church. Don't miss this moment of encouragement—listen now and experience His truth anew! This podcast is a production of Harvest Bible Chapel in Chicago. Executive Producer: Flavius Herlo Speaker: Pastor Jeff Thompson Sound design, mixing, and editing: Nathaniel Dulski Graphic Design: Wesley Cassford Social Media: Bryan Spahr Producer: Nathaniel Dulski WE INVITE YOU TO CONNECT WITH US: • Website: www.harvestbible.org/ WE INVITE YOU TO FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: • Instagram: @harvestbiblechapel • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harvestbiblechapel/

Training for Transformation | Pastor Tyler Sollie | Life Center Tacoma Matthew 6:33 (CSB) HOPES FULFILLED are often connected to HABITS ENGAGED. We don't "TRY" our way to a stronger life with Jesus, we "TRAIN". 1 Timothy 4:7-8 (CSB) “…the life of someone who engages Scripture four or more times a week looks radically different from the life of someone who does not. In fact, the lives of Christians who do not engage with the Bible most days of the week look no different from the lives of non-believers.” -Center For Bible Engagement Luke 11:1 (CSB) Romans 12:1-2 (CSB) Set a TIME, a PLACE, and a PLAN Start SIMPLE and HONEST "Lay before Him what is in us, not what ought to be in us." -C.S. Lewis Be fully PRESENT and AVAILABLE Focus on the RELATIONSHIP, not the CHECKLIST "Prayer is talking with God about what we are doing together." -Dallas Willard “How do you take the life of salvation into your ordinary, daily lives? You pray. In salvation God makes himself personally present to us; in prayer we respond by making ourselves personally present to God…prayer cultivates the daily intimacy of salvation.” -Eugene Peterson

Jesus came to us as a baby at Christmas time. And Jesus still comes intimately close to us now. Sometimes He comes into the darkness reminding us that He is the Light of the World. Steve Norman of Winning at Home & host of The New Norm Podcast has written a devotional to help us ready our hearts to celebrate Jesus’ coming. It’s called Countdown to Christmas. At a time when he was sitting in physical darkness and feeling ashamed, Jesus came to Steve through the words of his 4-year-old son singing, “This Little Light of Mine.” As Steve was hitting the wall in the 17th mile of a marathon he was ill-prepared to run, Jesus ran next to him through words of encouragement from fellow runners. Jesus comes and meets us where we are. Eugene Peterson says in The Message “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.” Jesus is Immanuel, God with us!Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshow/wgnbSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I know, I know….you're thinking: “Rob! It's almost Christmas, not Easter!” I realize that. But I would also argue that the themes of Easter should be something that resonates with followers of Jesus no matter what time of year it is. As we're going to be reading in our text this Sunday, the resurrection of Jesus is the very heart of our faith and hope. We'll be continuing our study in 1 Corinthians this Sunday, reading chapter 15, verses 1-34.I'll warn you right off, this is a fairly complex and dense bit of theology that Paul delves into as he comes to the close of his letter. It might behoove you to read the passage in a few different translations – but especially take a look at Eugene Peterson's “The Message” version – because while it may overly simplify some of the concepts Paul is advocating, it most certainly provides a readable overview of this thoughts.As you read it over, how important does the resurrection of God's people seem to be for Paul? Does it match your own passion for that subject? If not, why might that be? How much space does the resurrection of the saints take up in your spiritual worldview? Clearly, for Paul, everything hinged on that idea.Paul indelibly tethers Christ's experiences to the future plans for His followers. In Paul's thinking, our beliefs about what happened in the past have a profound effect on our present and our future when it comes to the resurrection. I'll be honest, the string of Paul's logic feels so foreign to me as someone who has grown up in the Evangelical church. Our matrix has always been: “Believe on Jesus and you will go to heaven when you die and avoid eternal punishment in hell.” It just feels like that reasoning couldn't be further from Paul's thinking about mortality and eschatology. In fact, how many times does Paul reference “going to heaven or hell” in his presentation of the central core of the Gospel?That's really something to ponder for a bit. The more I ponder it, the more I start to ask, “What have we been thinking?”If you're really interesting in tackling a big topic, I hope you'll join us this Sunday at 10 am as we dig deeply into Scripture.Click here for a pdf of the teaching slideshow.

Is the Book of Revelation a prediction of the events surrounding the end of the world? Is it a code or blueprint for determining the key players and signs? Or is St. John giving us something more like a playbook for the whole of the Christian life? Welcome to "Revelation for the Rest of Us"! Over the next several weeks, we will be reading and engaging with the major themes of the book by Scot McKnight and Cody Matchett. Our goal is to gain a better understanding of the Revelation, and to discover how the images and stories intersect with our daily lives, then & now! In this Episode: We take a brief pause to hear the reflections of Eugene Peterson, from his beautiful book "Reversed Thunder" - which you can find from the publisher or through your preferred bookseller. Additionally, if you would like a copy of the poster outlining John's Revelation, you can download a copy for free from The Bible Project We highly encourage you to pick up a copy of McKnight and Matchett's ⁠⁠⁠⁠book from their publisher,⁠⁠⁠⁠ or wherever you purchase books. You can download an image of our whiteboard⁠ ⁠⁠⁠at THIS LINK⁠

Joy is a central theme in the Christian life, rooted in fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, rather than in circumstances. It has existed since creation and accompanies us through both joyful and difficult times, sustained by the Holy Spirit. Scripture teaches that joy is a fruit of the Spirit now and a future hope, found not by striving but by walking closely with God and dwelling in His presence. Eugene Peterson writes, “Joy is not a requirement of Christian discipleship; it is a consequence.” It is a natural outcome of dwelling in God's grace.

Teacher: Dave BrownIsaiah 9:6-7Wonderful CounselorMighty GodEverlasting FatherPrince of PeaceJesus has cognitive and practical mastery of every phase of reality: physical, moral, and spiritual. He is master only because he is Maestro. “Jesus is Lord” can mean little in practice for anyone who has to hesitate before saying, “Jesus is smart.” He is not just nice, he is brilliant. He is the smartest man who ever lived. He is now supervising the entire course of world history (Rev. 1:5) while simultaneously preparing the rest of the universe for our future role in it (John 14:2). He always has the best information on everything and certainly also on the things that matter most in human life.—Dallas WillardColossians 2:2-3The soul is the perceiver and revealer of truth… We know truth when we see it, from opinion, as we know when we are awake that we are awake.—Ralph Waldo Emerson The only way we can ever know what is right for us is that it feels better subjectively than any alternative…what tastes good is also, in the growth sense, better for us.— Abraham MaslowThe counsel is that we can arrive at our full humanness by gratifying our desires. It has been a recipe for misery for millions.—Eugene PetersonMatthew 7:24We don't become whole persons by merely wanting to become whole, by consulting the right prophets, by reading the right book. Intentions must mature into commitment if we are to become persons with definition, with character, with substance.— Eugene PetersonMatthew 23:36-40Relationship with God is not something added on after we complete our basic growth, it is the essential core of that growth. Take that core out, and there is no humanity at all but only a husk, the appearance, but not the substance of the human.—Eugene Peterson

In our conversation today we talk about some of the deepest challenges facing the church today. Our guest is Mike Cosper, author of the new book 'The Church in Dark Times,' and he's bringing this incredible framework from the philosopher Hannah Arendt to help us understand the dynamics at play. What Cosper lays out is how the church, much like broader society, has become susceptible to the lure of ideology - these seductive stories that promise meaning and purpose, but ultimately lead us astray. He traces this back to the unbundling of identity that's happened in modernity, where we've lost those deep roots and sense of transcendence that used to anchor us. And the way Cosper unpacks Arendt's insights on the 'banality of evil' is extremely helpful. The idea that the greatest horrors can emerge not from some monstrous, radical evil, but from this hollow, empty shell of a person - that's a profoundly unsettling concept with huge implications. But Cosper doesn't just diagnose the problem. He also points us towards practices of solitude, thinking, and storytelling that can help us resist these ideological forces and recover a more rooted, transcendent vision of what it means to be the church. It's a conversation that I think will really challenge and inspire anyone who cares about the future of Christianity in our time. Mike Cosper has been creating music, radio shows, and podcasts for more than 20 years. He produced and hosted The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast and is director of podcasts at Christianity Today. He now cohosts a weekly podcast called The Bulletin. Cosper also leads cohorts for church leaders and is the author of four books, including Recapturing the Wonder. He and his family live in Louisville, Kentucky.Mike's Book:The Church in Dark TimesJoin Our Patreon for Early Access and More: PatreonConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.usGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@shiftingculturepodcastConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link belowSupport the show

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Andrew Witt of Tyndale University. Andy is currently writing a Psalms commentary and helps walk us through some of the challenges of doing so by looking at the Hebrew text of Psalms 42-43. 
For more on the Psalms, see our playlist here in the Dojo: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4bbdsVUgfc6Z_lp1cLDdhsXE_k0hoEP_ Other resources mentioned: John Goldingay, 3 volume Psalms Commentary - https://www.amazon.com/Psalms-Baker-Commentary-Testament-Wisdom-ebook/dp/B00B76T3TA/ James L. Mays, Interpretation: Psalms - https://a.co/d/8tb0KGf James L. Mays, The Lord Reigns https://a.co/d/ezMwnUg The New Catholic Version (NCV) Psalms, for a short one-volume devotional - https://a.co/d/6Th6b62 James Hamilton, Psalms, 2 vols (EBTC) - https://www.amazon.com/Psalms-Evangelical-Biblical-Theology-Commentary/dp/1683595696/ Athanasius's Letter to Marcellinus - https://www.livefatima.io/letter-of-st-athanasius-archbishop-of-alexandria-to-marcellinus-concerning-the-psalms/ Eugene Peterson's Answering God - https://a.co/d/dGuMV4c Andy's published works: Andrew C. Witt, Voice Without End: The Role of David in Psalms 3-14 (JTI Supplement, 2021) https://a.co/d/5boqS8R Further publications: https://tyndale.academia.edu/AndrewWitt ***Disciple Dojo shirts and other gifts are available over in our online store! - https://tinyurl.com/24ncuas2 

 ***Become a monthly Dojo Donor and help keep us going! - https://www.discipledojo.org/donate ***Dojo Donor Patches: If you are a monthly donor and would like an iron-on DiscipleDojo patch, supplies are limited so message JM directly via the contact page at https://www.discipledojo.org/contact ***If you are an unmarried Christian looking for community, check out our Facebook group “The Grownup's Table” over at www.facebook.com/groups/grownupstable ------ Go deeper at www.discipledojo.org  

Glenn Packiam on X: "The center of God's activity in the world is the Church. If you want to get in on the action, on what God is doing in the world, commit to what God is doing in and through the church. The world is peripheral to the church— that's Eugene Peterson's (Karl Barth-inspired) https://t.co/ilcFyEhgTi" / X Randy Alcorn on X: "“It is Satan's custom by small sins to draw us to greater [sins], as the little sticks do set the great ones on fire. He that would have a tender regard to God's law, no sin should seem little to him that is an offense to the great God.” – Thomas Manton" / X challies on X: "Flashback: Her weakness had proven to be her strength and now the strongest of all was soothing and tending the weakest of all. https://t.co/S91B0D3qRl" / X Paul Says to 'Renew Your Minds.' Here's How to Actually Do It  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an era of celebrity and platform, it's easy to forget that God uses the “least and the lost” to advance His Kingdom. The men and women I discuss in today's podcast are not media celebrities. They don't have “platforms” or book deals. But they have been quietly going about the business of the Kingdom of God. At MinistryWatch we often report on Christian leaders behaving badly. Sometimes it's right and proper to pause and recognize those men and women who have quietly been engaged in what Eugene Peterson calls “long obedience in the same direction.” May we all be encouraged by their lives and – more importantly – may be all go and do likewise. To read this story, click here.

On this episode of Voices of Renewal, we speak with Rev. Dr. Winn Collier, Associate Professor and Director of the Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination at Western Theological Seminary, on the life and renewal legacy of Eugene Peterson. Rev. Eugene Peterson (1932-2018) was an American presbyterian minister who published widely on spiritual formation and pastoral ministry. Rev. Peterson is most famous for his translation of the bible, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language. To learn more about Euguene Peterson, please read Dr. Collier's book, A Burning in My Bones: The Authorized Biography of Eugene H. Peterson.

The Grown-Up Catholicism series wraps up with an episode on continuing education. As in each episode in the series, this one is descriptive not prescriptive in that I'll model my own discernment on these issues with scripture, contemplation and prayer but I'll never direct your grown-up Catholic choice as that's between you and the Lord! I hope this episode is a blessing to you, thanks for giving it a listen. If you'd like to connect with me, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠find me on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠at my website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you'd like to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠help support this podcast financially⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, there's a way to do just that ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on my page at buymeacoffee.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Thanks for sharing, subscribing, rating, and reviewing, as this helps our community to grow. Thanks as always to my friend, Peter Vaughan-Vail, for providing the beautiful harp music you hear in this and every episode. Here are some resources I hope will help you to engage with this week's topic in a deeper way for yourself: 1. The Bible Project - helpful videos and other content 2. Article: Lectio Divina beginner guide from Busted Halo 3. My website, kerrycampbell.org - find podcasts, transcripts, additional writings and more. Check out the show notes of each Raised Catholic episode for lots more resources. 4. A few authors/speakers/podcasters I recommend: C.S. Lewis, Thomas Merton, Kate Bowler, Rachel Held Evans, Fr. Richard Rohr, Shannan Martin, Henri Nouwen, Emily P. Freeman, Parker Palmer, Anne Lamott, Fr. Greg Boyle, Sarah Bessey, Eugene Peterson, Beth Moore, Timothy Keller, Annie F. Downs, Carlos Whitaker

Chris Maxwell's 12th book comes out October 1st. Each of the twelve chapters in the book, “Things We've Handed Down: Twelve Letters I Leave for You,” is written as a letter to a reader. The chapter titles are all book titles from books which have impacted Chris' life. He hopes to hand down to the next generation key life principles that he learned from the books. “Disappointment with God” by former Next Step guest Philip Yancey, “Wounds Are Where Light Enters” by Walter Wangerin Jr., “The Wounded Healer” by Henri J.M. Nouwen, “Life is Mostly Edges” by Calvin Miller, “Surprised by Joy” by C. S. Lewis, and “A Long Obedience in the Same Direction” by Eugene Peterson are just some of the chapters in this book.As a leader and a learner, what books have impacted your life? What lessons have you learned that you can “hand down” to others? How have disappointments and wounds brought you closer to God instead of farther from Him? How can we lead better by displaying love, acceptance, and forgiveness? Listen to the conversation. Pick up a copy of “Things We've Handed Down” and read it. Get copies for those you lead. Be sure you receive what's handed down to you and that you hand down God's love to others.Amazon: http://bit.ly/cmaxmanWebsite:chrismaxwell.me  Facebook: facebook.com/PauseWithChrisMaxwellTwitter:@CMaxManInstagram: CMaxMan

Today, we're talking to someone I met while helping another friend with her doctoral work. One of her professors on that journey was Winn Collier, who is the Director of The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination, and Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Christian Imagination at Western Theological Seminary. He is also the authorized biographer for Eugene Peterson's story. His biography of Peterson, called A Burning in My Bones, was released in 2021. He has other books to his credit, as well, and it is actually one of those other books we'll talk about today. His book, Holy Curiosity, looks a nine questions Jesus asked people he met on the journey. Collier's study of those questions unleashes in me a curiosity about questions in general and how we might use them in the work of becoming holy. In this conversation, we'll talk about questions and imagination and Eugene Peterson and curiosity and holiness. Enjoy. 

Paraphrasing John 1:14, Eugene Peterson said, “The Word became flesh and moved into our neighborhood.” Like Christ, God is calling his church to be a missionary presence in their cities, at their jobs, among their family, friends, co-workers and neighbors. This only happens when believers are committed to going, staying, and being present in the world like Jesus.

Our experience of LOVE, as amazing as it is, is incomplete. But soon, we will experience perfect love fully. Eugene Peterson writes it this way, “We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines brightly.” Until that day, Paul implores this collective to pursue love.