Podcast appearances and mentions of John Ortberg

Today, John Ortberg uses Les Misérables by Victor Hugo to explore two ways of living:• the condemning life (Javert)• the blessing life (the Bishop)• and the transformed life (Jean Valjean)Drawing on Romans 8, 2 Corinthians 3, and insights from Dallas Willard, John explains:- why condemnation feels powerful- what the “ministry of condemnation” really does- how grace humiliates before it heals- why pride resists light- how blessing rewires the soulThrough the unforgettable moment of the candlesticks, we see how self-giving love defeats condemnation. One man bends the knee and is transformed. One refuses grace and collapses under its weight.“To love another person is to see the face of God.”That is the blessing life.That is the transformed life.And there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Why does condemnation feel so automatic?In this episode, John Ortberg invites us to slow down, breathe, and notice something surprising: judgment doesn't just live in our thoughts — it lives in our bodies.Returning to the story of Cain and Abel, John shows how God interrupts Cain with two gentle questions:- Why are you angry?- Why is your face downcast?Those questions open a doorway to freedom.Drawing on neuroscience from Jill Bolte Taylor and Antonio Damasio, John explains how condemnation becomes embodied through stress hormones, muscle tension, and emotional rehearsal. He introduces the difference between decisional non-condemnation (“I choose not to judge”) and emotional non-condemnation (asking God to transform what happens inside your body).You'll learn:• why condemnation feels physical• how the 90-second pause works• what it means to “feed the monster”• how blessing rewires your reactions• why you can disagree without condemningJohn also shares painfully honest examples of everyday judgment (hair gel, Tesla drivers, passive people — we've all been there

How do you tell someone they're wrong… without condemning them?John Ortberg explores one of the most important distinctions in communication: the difference between tone and heart. Tone can be soothing or jarring. But the heart must always be love.Looking at Matthew 23, where Jesus confronts religious leaders with blistering language, John asks: Was Jesus condemning them? Or was something deeper happening?You'll discover:- Why condemnation is not the same as moral clarity- The difference between contempt and courage- What “malice + disgust” really means- Why Jesus compares himself to a mother hen- How to speak the truth in love without losing your soulDrawing from Romans 8, Matthew 23, Luke 19, and a reflection by Barbara Brown Taylor, this episode offers a powerful prayer for Lent:“God, give me the right heart. Then show me the right tone.”If you're navigating conflict, leadership, parenting, or hard conversations — this one matters.Download the free NO CONDEMNATION COMMITMENT: https://bit.ly/NC-commitment

John Ortberg tackles a tension many of us feel but rarely name:If there is no condemnation, what do we do with real evil, injustice, and wrongdoing?John walks us through Scripture, the prophets, and Jesus' own words to show why “no condemnation” does not mean indifference to sin—and why accountability still matters deeply to God. Drawing on insights from Abraham Joshua Heschel, John explores how the prophets saw injustice as a spiritual emergency, and why our culture's casual attitude toward evil would have stunned them.Along the way, he reminds us:- God hates injustice precisely because God loves people- Jesus was gentle with those everyone expected him to condemn- But fierce with the religious who used righteousness to exclude others- And that before we can hear no condemnation, we must first take condemnation seriously- This is a thoughtful, challenging reflection on judgment, responsibility, and grace—and why condemnation may be a word, but it is never the last word.Download the free NO CONDEMNATION COMMITMENT: https://bit.ly/NC-commitment

Today, John Ortberg tackles one of our most stubborn spiritual habits: blame.Tracing its origins back to Genesis, John shows how blame enters the human story the moment shame appears—and how quickly we learn to deflect responsibility onto others. From Adam and Eve to modern relationships, blame becomes our go-to strategy for avoiding pain.Along the way, John draws from Scripture, Paradise Lost, and insights from thinkers like Charles Tilly and Paul Tournier to explore why we instinctively hog credit and dodge fault—and why spiritual maturity looks like learning to own our part with humility and courage.John reminds us that while removing blame can reduce shame, only love actually heals the soul. Real freedom comes not from avoiding responsibility, but from stepping into God's presence honestly, without hiding or deflecting.This is a thoughtful, practical invitation to live one day at a time without blaming others—and to discover again the grace that makes change possible.Download the free NO CONDEMNATION COMMITMENT: https://bit.ly/NC-commitment

Download the free NO CONDEMNATION COMMITMENT: https://bit.ly/NC-commitmentOn the first day of Lent, John Ortberg invites us into a brave and deeply personal journey: giving up condemnation...and learning how shame actually works.This episode goes straight to the source. John traces condemnation back to its root system in shame, beginning in Genesis and moving through psychology, philosophy, trauma-informed theology, and lived experience. Along the way, he explores why our urge to judge others is often fueled by hidden pain in ourselves—and why healing starts when we stop hiding.You'll hear insights from:John Walton on Genesis and chaos imageryWarren Kinghorn on trauma and the first humansEleanor Stump on guilt vs. shameKurt Thompson on the “shame concierge” that narrates our inner livesJohn makes a crucial distinction:Guilt fears punishment and is healed by forgiveness.Shame fears rejection and is healed only by acceptance, love, and belonging.He introduces two invisible companions we all carry:a shame concierge that quietly judges every momentand a grace concierge—the Spirit—who reminds us we are God's beloved children.

Download the free NO CONDEMNATION COMMITMENT: https://bit.ly/NC-commitmentWhat if the most spiritual thing you could do today… is not have the last word?In this episode, John Ortberg tells a powerful story about his friend Dallas Willard and introduces a simple but life-changing practice: letting go of condemnation by releasing our need to be right.As Lent approaches, John invites us into something deeper than giving up chocolate or social media. He challenges us to give up condemning others (and ourselves), drawing from Jesus' silence under accusation, insights from Arthur Brooks, research by Robert Putnam, and wisdom from Dorothy Day.You'll explore:• Why condemnation is quietly damaging our relationships and culture• How Jesus modeled a radically different way of living• What it means to practice “not having the last word”• How love, not blame, becomes the path to healing• A 40-day Lenten invitation to live without condemnationJohn also shares a simple commitment you can practice one day at a time:With God's help, I abandon condemnation and blaming. Instead, I will live in the love of God, the love of life, and the love of others.If you're tired of outrage, polarization, and carrying judgment in your body and soul, this episode offers a gentle, courageous way forward.

Enjoy this free download: https://bit.ly/Shine-StudyGuideA 12-week study guide on Genesis 1-3 with John Ortberg. We've made it simple: curated episodes, journal questions, memory verses, and practical next steps. Everything you need to get started with a friend or group! Just download, print and go!John opens this study on Philippians with a deceptively simple question: How are you going to greet people today? We tend to think greetings don't matter much, but John says they're actually sacred moments — tiny doorways into connection. He tells a story about a boss who always stopped, made eye contact, smiled, and made people feel seen. Then he notices something remarkable about Jesus: people interrupted him constantly… and nobody ever said, “Sorry to bother you.” Somehow, people weren't a bother to Jesus. John reminds us that even small changes in how we address one another reflect something much deeper about who we are becoming.ACCESS THE YOUTUBE PLAYLIST FOR SHINE HERE:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3Egad-Un8UE38nc_diriBs3EqIq7GcpFBecome New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.TEXT US at 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team

Enjoy this free download: https://bit.ly/GetOutMore-StudyGuideA 12-week study guide on Genesis 1-3 with John Ortberg. We've made it simple: curated episodes, journal questions, memory verses, and practical next steps. Everything you need to get started with a friend or group! Just download, print and go!In this episode, John opens a new series with a refreshingly honest question: is technology a life-giving gift… or a soul-draining mess? (Spoiler: it's both.) He talks about how grateful he is for the way tech lets this little “Fellowship of the Withered Hand” learn and pray together, and at the same time, he names the rising tide of loneliness, anxiety, and screen addiction shaping modern life. Drawing from The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, John points out how especially hard this has become for young people. That's why this series is called We Should Get Out More: not as a guilt trip, but as an invitation — back into the real world God made, and beyond the echo chambers that quietly shrink our souls.ACCESS THE YOUTUBE PLAYLIST FOR WE SHOULD GET OUT MORE HERE:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3Egad-Un8UEqjtJZ1k9CDNBR7WoAdBvbBecome New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.TEXT US at 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team

Enjoy this free download: https://bit.ly/Untroubled-StudyGuideA 12-week study guide on Genesis 1-3 with John Ortberg. We've made it simple: curated episodes, journal questions, memory verses, and practical next steps. Everything you need to get started with a friend or group! Just download, print and go!Jesus says something almost unbelievable: “Do not let your heart be troubled.” And he says it on the night before his death. In this episode, John Ortberg opens a journey into what it actually means to live with an untroubled heart in a deeply troubled world. He shares a moment with his friend Dallas Willard, who once asked him, “What are you doing under the circumstances?” That question reframes everything. We're not meant to live under our circumstances. We're meant to live inside God's care. John reminds us that the “heart” in Scripture isn't just emotions. It's the control center of your life. And while the world will stay troubled, your heart doesn't have to.ACCESS THE YOUTUBE PLAYLIST FOR UNTROUBLED HEART HERE:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3Egad-Un8UGEuSydT4Y_gT754T89w535Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.TEXT US at 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team

Enjoy this free download: https://bit.ly/Insurmountable-StudyGuideA 12-week study guide on Genesis 1-3 with John Ortberg. We've made it simple: curated episodes, journal questions, memory verses, and practical next steps. Everything you need to get started with a friend or group! Just download, print and go!John Ortberg walks us into Matthew 5, where Jesus announces that the blessed life (life in God's kingdom) is available right here, right now, no matter your circumstances. The Sermon on the Mount is not abstract theory or impossible idealism; it is a practical, transformative vision for human life. Tolstoy once wrote that if Jesus' words were truly lived, they would create an entirely new social order. John brings it home with Jesus' simple summary of the whole teaching: treat others the way you would want to be treated.ACCESS THE YOUTUBE PLAYLIST FOR INSURMOUNTABLE HERE:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3Egad-Un8UHXbT60EfcXVJF33i5mA-5fBecome New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.TEXT US at 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team

Enjoy this free download: https://bit.ly/Genesis-Study-GuideA 12-week study guide on Genesis 1-3 with John Ortberg. We've made it simple: curated episodes, journal questions, memory verses, and practical next steps. Everything you need to get started with a friend or group! Just download, print and go!In this episode, John invites us to slow down and breathe in a simple truth: God is the God of new beginnings. From the opening words of Scripture, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth”... John shows how creation itself points to fresh starts, clean slates, and new possibilities. God didn't just create once and walk away; He is continually creating, sustaining every leaf, every breath, every moment. And that same creative presence is available to you right now. The God who says “do it again” to the sun each morning is the God who offers you a do-over.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.TEXT US at 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team

What do you think is the most important thing in life? Would it be what you do--- Your job? Maybe your accomplishments? Your Hard Work? Your reputation? All of that is what people see from the outside. Or would it be what happens on the inside---- That deep rooted growth that happens where no one really sees it-- it is invisible? I think it has to do with what happens in the inner part of our life. I love this quote, "The most important thing in your life is not what you do, but about who you become." Today, I am so excited to highlight this book, *Soul Keeping by John Ortberg. The subtitle says Caring for the Most Important Part of You. Our Soul! I know you are going to learn so much from John's book -- it is full of wisdom. I share about John Mark Comer's Book, *The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry. My dad and I were both reading this book at the same time back in December 2024, so he was my podcast guest as we talked about this book. Check out Depth Podcast Episode 224 *Note: If you are interested in purchasing this book or the books recommended, I would love for you to use the Amazon Affiliate link above to help support the podcast. Thank you!  

John Ortberg is a pastor, author, and spiritual formation teacher known for helping people experience life with God in their everyday lives. In today's conversation, John shares his journey into pastoral ministry, the unexpected role that decision-making played in discovering his calling, and how God uses the work of pastoring to shape the soul of the pastor. John shares the heart of the gospel as life with God in the present, not just the future, and he discusses how to form people into that reality through clear pathways of discipleship, honest self-examination, and practices that lead to transformation.John and Jason also talk about the hidden pressures of ministry, the slow drift toward cynicism, and why joy is not optional for long-term faithfulness. John offers hard-won wisdom on sustaining integrity, building a real “program” of discipleship, and arranging one's life around deep contentment, joy, and confidence in everyday life with God. Together, John and Jason explore:Why God's will for us often comes down to our freedom to choose, and how decision-making forms our character,The pastorate as a crucible for character formation,The Bible's central invitation as life with God, here and now, not just “getting into heaven,”Why discipleship needs both a fellowship and a program (and what we can learn from 12-step communities)How pastors can arrange their days for deep contentment, joy, and confidence with God.John's wisdom is both tender and bracing as he reminds us that joy isn't a luxury for pastors but that it often serves as the strength that keeps a life faithful, sustainable, and rightly oriented towards God.Show NotesBecome NewSteps: A Guide to Transforming Your Life When Willpower Isn't EnoughA Guide to Flourishing StudyThe Emerging Leaders LabPastors Retreat ScholarshipsPastors Retreat DetailsPartnersSpecial thanks to the Canadian Bible Society for making this episode possible. We invite you to explore their ⁠Bible Course⁠ to help your church grow in Scripture engagement.The work of strengthening pastors across Canada is only possible because of generous partners like you. As we look to the future, would you consider joining us in prayer, sharing this episode, or ⁠making a gift to invest in a vibrant, Jesus-centered church in every community⁠?

Good news: You don't have to live for your critics anymore.John Ortberg looks ahead to Lent and invites us into a bold, freeing experiment: giving up condemnation altogether; the kind we receive, the kind we rehearse in our own heads, and the kind we quietly pass along to others. Drawing from the apostle Paul, John explores the reality that we all live with three critics:- Other people- Ourselves- And GodThe surprising twist? Freedom doesn't come from silencing the first two, it comes from a category shift in how we understand the third.Today's Resources:Lewis B. Smedes, How Can It Be All Right When Everything Is All Wrong?

There is now no condemnation. Which is especially good news for our closest relationships.In this conversation, John Ortberg is joined by longtime friend and clinical psychologist Rick Blackmon to explore how condemnation quietly shows up in marriages, families, and friendships—and what actually helps break its grip.Drawing from relationship research, clinical practice, and lived experience, they talk about why “constructive criticism” often backfires, how negativity ratios shape relational health, and the Four Horsemen that predict breakdown (with stonewalling doing more damage than we realize). Along the way, they offer practical wisdom for telling the truth without being harsh, starting hard conversations gently, and learning to calm the soul when emotions run hot.This is an honest, hope-filled conversation about becoming people who can face conflict without crushing one another—and learning to live, even in our relationships, from a place where grace has the final word.Today's Resources:John Gottman, Why Marriages Succeed or Fail

John Ortberg asks a surprisingly practical question:What should I be looking for in people (especially the ones I disagree with) if I want to stop the cycle of condemnation?Along the way, John draws from:- Arthur Brooks on how contempt corrodes our culture (and inboxes)- Social psychology's painfully accurate idea of motivational attribution asymmetry- A dramatic moment in the Gospels where religious leaders look right at suffering… and somehow miss it- The difference between a hermeneutic of suspicion and a far rarer hermeneutic of charityYou'll hear why:- We assume good motives for ourselves and bad motives for “those people”Social media makes us feel morally informed while quietly shrinking our souls- Jesus keeps asking a question we'd rather not answer: What are you actually looking for?- The invitation here is deceptively simple and genuinely difficult:Look for the image of God.Not agreement. Not ammunition. Not confirmation that you're right.- When we see people the way Jesus does, contempt loses its grip—and condemnation doesn't get the last word.Also included: academic shade, Gospel-level tension, and a timer reminding John when it's time to stop talking.Today's Resources:Arthur C. Brooks, Love Your Enemies

Good news: There is now no condemnation.Awkward news: Christians still manage to find ways to do it anyway.In this episode, John Ortberg sits down with his wife (and favorite guest) Nancy Ortberg. Along the way, they explore: - Why condemnation doesn't just live in our words… but in our eyebrows, tone, and jawline. - How Jesus consistently gathered the people everyone else had already dismissed. Why the parable of the sower would have sounded wildly irresponsible to first-century farmers- How anonymity (hello, freeway driving

Why are Christians so mean to each other? Jesus said, “Do not judge.”So why does judgment feel so common, especially inside the church?In this episode of No Condemnation, John Ortberg explores one of the most uncomfortable and honest questions facing followers of Jesus today. Drawing from the life of William Tyndale, the insights of Dallas Willard, and the words of Jesus himself, John uncovers how condemnation quietly takes root among people of faith and why being “right” can slowly replace being Christlike.Today's Resources:Dallas Willard, Renovation of the HeartWilliam Tyndale, Preface to the New Testament

We all have a them.The people we quietly feel superior to.The ones we distance ourselves from.The ones we're pretty sure God should work on… preferably far away from us.In this episode, John Ortberg takes an honest look at how a condemning mind works and why Jesus' story of the Pharisee and the tax collector still exposes us today. Drawing on insights from Dallas Willard and Kenneth E. Bailey, we explore how contempt sneaks into our prayers, how “us vs. them” thinking feels spiritual, and why Jesus refuses to stand aloof from anyone.The twist?For Jesus, there is no them.If you've ever caught yourself thinking, “At least I'm not like that person,” this episode might rearrange how you see others, and how you pray. Today's Resources:Kenneth E. Bailey, Poet & Peasant and Through Peasant Eyes Lauren F. Winner, The Dangers of Christian Practice: On Wayward Gifts, Characteristic Damage, and Sin 

We're surprisingly confident judges for people who barely know the math.In this episode, John Ortberg explores why condemnation feels so natural, why it's usually way off, and how Jesus exposes the absurdity of our moral scorekeeping. Using a strange but unforgettable math exercise (and an even stranger plumbing illustration), we discover why we're uniquely qualified to judge exactly one person… ourselves.Drawing from Jesus' parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, we learn what “non-condemning math” really looks like—and why grace, like a stubborn plunger, works even when we think nothing else will.If you've ever felt morally superior, quietly judgmental, or secretly exhausted by your own mind, this episode is for you. And when you get it wrong (you will), there's still good news: there is now no condemnation.Today's Resources:Mihaly Csikszentnihalyi, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience 

We interview acclaimed minister and author John Ortberg in a wonderful conversation about the 12 Steps, the nature of faith, and how spirituality plays such a vital part in so many people's recovery. Special Guest: John Ortberg.

Condemnation doesn't just come from what others say about us — it also comes from the stories we tell ourselves. In this episode of Become New, John Ortberg explores how easily we slip into self-condemnation, why shame has so much power over our thoughts, and how Jesus offers a radically different way of seeing ourselves. Drawing from Scripture, neuroscience, and everyday experience, John shows how our minds can become trapped in false beliefs that distort reality and quietly shape how we live.This teaching invites us to slow down, notice the inner narratives driving our reactions, and learn how to bring those stories into the light of truth. If you struggle with negative self-talk, guilt, anxiety, or feeling like you're never enough, this episode offers a practical and hopeful path forward. Discover how Christian faith, spiritual formation, and the message of no condemnation can lead to greater freedom, clarity, and peace — not by denying reality, but by learning to see it truthfully.Today's Resources:Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together

We live in a culture of condemnation.Online. In politics. In families. And, if we're honest, in our own hearts.In this episode, John Ortberg explores why judgment comes so easily, what actually fuels it, and the one question condemning people almost never ask. Through a powerful story made famous by Stephen Covey, we see how quickly our perceptions can shift and how grace begins not with changing behavior, but with changing how we see.Jesus invites us into a way of life marked not by assumptions, but by curiosity. Not by condemnation, but by compassion. Because the truth is simple and humbling: we never know the whole story.If you've ever judged too quickly, been misunderstood yourself, or felt trapped in cycles of irritation and self-condemnation, this episode offers a wiser, freer way forward and reminds us why the good news really is good news.Today's Resources:Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People 

We live in a culture of condemnation: cancel culture, self-judgment, outrage, and quiet shame. Most of us are swimming in it without even realizing it.But the good news of Jesus points to a radically different reality: “There is now no condemnation.”In this episode, John Ortberg explores why condemnation feels so normal, how it shapes both our inner lives and our public conversations, and what it looks like to become a person of blessing instead of judgment. Along the way, we reflect on the remarkable true story of a six-year-old girl who responded to hatred not with fear or anger, but with prayer—and changed history in the process.Today's Resources:Robert Coles, The Story of Ruby BridgesDallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy 

Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Jill explains why John Ortberg's book Steps: A Guide to Transforming Your Life When Willpower Isn’t Enough is a helpful reminder that the 12 Steps originated from the Bible and within a church community. I see how my mom was, and I don't want to be like her. What do you recommend I do to reconnect with my husband if he thinks I'm a vacillator? I'm in my 60s, engaged, and want to do thorough premarital counseling, but my fiancé wants to move through it quickly.” My 7-year-old grandson has been touching his cousin inappropriately. My daughter is very defensive and lets him do what he wants—what should I do? What is wrong with me that I can't stand up for myself with my boss and my boyfriend? My twin sister says she would never put up with what I put up with. The foster son I raised has moved to Texas, and it's been an adjustment for me.

What if one of the most important spiritual practices is learning to laugh at yourself?This teaching centers on Rule #62, a simple but liberating wisdom that emerged from the early days of Alcoholics Anonymous: Don't take yourself too seriously. Drawing on Christian thinkers, church history, Scripture, and everyday life, John Ortberg invites us to be freed from the exhausting burden of self-importance.Joy is not frivolous. Humor is not shallow. And humility is not self-hatred. They are deeply connected, rooted in the very character of God. From Abraham and Sarah's laughter to the resurrection itself, Scripture reveals a God who brings joy, who relieves gravity, and who delights in human lightness.Today's invitation is simple but powerful: stop playing God. Let yourself be human. And let joy ripple outward to everyone around you.

There is a virtue that doesn't get much love anymore.It sounds cautious. Boring. Overly careful. But the ancient world believed that PRUDENCE was the hinge on which a good life turns. In this episode, John Ortberg reclaims prudence as a courageous commitment to reality. Not wishful thinking. Not emotional reaction. But clear-eyed wisdom that asks: What is really going on, and what is the most loving, skillful way forward?Drawing from Scripture, the story of Abraham Lincoln, and the biblical image of “the stars fighting in their courses,” this teaching invites us to trust that God is already at work in reality itself.The most prudent thing you can do today may simply be to face what's real and take one wise step forward.

Forgiveness is never simple. And it's rarely quick.In this episode, John Ortberg explores a powerful, research-backed practice that helps move forgiveness from an idea into the heart. Drawing from the story of Joseph and his brothers, and the work of psychologist Everett Worthington, we're invited into a deceptively simple exercise involving two chairs.Forgiveness does not excuse harm. It does not erase boundaries. And it does not guarantee reconciliation. But it does free us from being trapped by resentment and bitterness. This teaching offers a compassionate, practical way to begin that journey, even when wounds are deep and time has passed.What if forgiveness isn't something you feel first, but something you practice?

Every human being longs for significance.Not just to be busy. Not just to be successful. But to know that their presence has made a difference in someone else's life. In this teaching, John Ortberg explores five relational needs identified by psychologist David Richo that help people flourish: attention, acceptance, affection, appreciation, and allowance.These are not abstract ideas. They show up in marriages, friendships, families, workplaces, and churches. They reveal the heart of God and the way Jesus treated people, especially those who were often overlooked.What if today you chose to help one person feel seen, valued, and free? That might be the most significant thing you do all day.

Your face is never neutral. It communicates hope or fear, welcome or distance, trust or anxiety. In this reflection, John Ortberg explores the profound idea that our faces are not just physical features but outward expressions of our inner life and our sense of God's presence.Drawing from the Gospel of John, the teachings of Jesus, and wisdom from Dallas Willard, this episode invites us to consider what it means that God made himself known in a face. Not an abstraction. Not an idea. But in Jesus. The Word made flesh.What if the invitation today is not to manage your face, but to let God reshape your inner life so that joy, trust, and love naturally shine through?You are not alone. And it shows.

Every January, millions of people make bold resolutions.And by mid-January… they're negotiating with a Twinkie.In this teaching, John Ortberg draws on wisdom from Dallas Willard to explain why willpower alone always fails—and why that's not because you're weak, lazy, or spiritually defective.The real issue isn't effort. It's vision.We don't fail because we want the Twinkie too much. We fail because we don't yet have a compelling vision of life without it. This episode invites you to stop trying harder and start living inside a bigger, truer vision of life with God—one where God is here, God is able, and God is good.Also, yes. Everyone has a Twinkie.

Why do so many goals fail, even when our intentions are good?John Ortberg explores why lasting change doesn't begin with outcomes or even habits, but with identity. Drawing on wisdom from James Clear, the apostle Paul, and everyday experience, we're invited to ask a deeper question: Who am I becoming?Transformation isn't about achieving “it.” It's about becoming a certain kind of person and allowing small, faithful habits to shape us over time. This is a vision of change that is patient, grace-filled, and rooted in God's work within us.What if today isn't about fixing everything, but about taking one small step toward the person God is forming?

We tend to believe contentment is always just around the corner. One change away. One upgrade away. One new season away. But what if that belief is the very thing stealing joy from our lives?John Ortberg reflects on wisdom from C. S. Lewis and The Screwtape Letters, inviting us to rediscover God's gift of rhythm: change and permanence held together. Seasons that repeat. Days that feel familiar. Moments we rush past without seeing the miracle inside them.Contentment, it turns out, isn't about getting a new life. It's about seeing the same life with new eyes. Eyes of gratitude. Eyes of love.What if today, right now, is more than enough?

What if worry isn't just a bad habit but a misunderstanding of reality?John Ortberg invites us to reconsider how we see God, how we see the world, and how we carry today's concerns. What if trust is not passive resignation, but active attentiveness to a God who is already here?Jesus taught that with a good and competent God present all around us, the universe is a perfectly safe place to be. Not easy. Not painless. But safe. In this episode, we sit with some of Jesus' most unsettling words about anxiety, provision, and trust, alongside wisdom from Dallas Willard and an unforgettable illustration involving a dog, a wagging tail, and deep focus.Take a breath. Look around. And consider living today as if Jesus was right.

Becomenew.com/Give Thank you for being on the journey with us. We are so grateful and plan to keep at it.We will return with FRESH teaching from John on January 1st and then again January 19th for our new series: NO CONDEMNATION.

Regardless of what anyone believes about Jesus, it's impossible to deny his impact. In this special Christmas teaching, John Ortberg asks a simple but profound question: Who is this man? Without religious hype or argument, this episode explores how one uneducated carpenter from Nazareth reshaped history, compassion, human dignity, education, art, forgiveness, and hope itself. If you've ever wondered why Jesus still matters, this is an invitation to look honestly and decide for yourself.

Last weekend was filled with terrible news, including a mass shooting in Australia, another at Brown University, and the murder of Rob Reiner and his wife. Mike Erre joins Phil and Skye to discuss these events and why rediscovering the biblical practice of lament is better than just "thoughts and prayers." The Catholic Church has taken a nuanced and principled position on the deportation of immigrants. Why do evangelicals find that so difficult? Then John Ortberg talks with Skye about his latest book, which applies the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous to Christian spiritual formation. It's called "Steps: A guide to transforming your life when willpower isn't enough." Also this week, the U.K. is building a giant Möbius strip for God. Holy Post Plus: Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/146012515/   Bonus Interview with John Ortberg: https://www.patreon.com/posts/145907370/   0:00 - Show Starts   2:00 - Theme Song   2:23 - Sponsor - AG1 - Heavily researched, thoroughly purity-tested, and filled with stuff you need. Get the AG1 welcome pack when you order from https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST   3:50  - Sponsor - Rocket Money - Find and cancel your old subscriptions with Rocket Money at https://www.rocketmoney.com/HOLYPOST   4:56 - Mass Shooting in Australia   14:08 - The Murder of Rob Reiner   17:55 - Lament   24:37 - The Catholic Church and Immigration   28:37 - Murkiness of the US Immigration Crisis   37:10 - UK Prayer Mobius Strip   45:15 - Sponsor - Our Place - Go to https://www.fromourplace.com/holypost and use code HOLYPOST to get 10% off site wide on beautiful cookware!   46:25 - Sponsor - Aura Frames - Need a Great Christmas Gift? Use code HOLYPOST at checkout to save $45-off the Carver Mat Aura Frame at https://www.AuraFrames.com   52:45 - A Wimpy Step One   1:00:14 - Showing Up   1:12:10 - Giving Up Control vs Giving Up Agency   1:24:06 - End Credits   Links Mentioned in News Segment: Deportation and the Catholic Church: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/268183/cna-explains-when-is-a-deportation-policy-intrinsically-evil   Mobius Strip of Prayer in the UK: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/11/uk-answered-prayer-monument-landmark-richard-gamble/   Other Resources: Steps: A Guide to Transforming Your Life When Willpower Isn't Enough by John Ortberg: https://amzn.to/4q9YSJN   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.  

Got a question? Let us know!Episode 276 | December 8The Christmas Playlist Begins: “All I Want for Christmas Is You”This week on Made for Mondays, Joe is joined by Heather, Adrienne, and Jamey as we kick off our December message series—The Christmas Playlist. Each week, a familiar Christmas song will launch us into deeper truth about why the birth of Jesus is good news for everyone, for all time.After some weekend catch-up and reflections from Revelation, Psalms, and Proverbs, the crew opens the conversation with a festive question:

The "Digging Deeper" series is category of episodes on CC Podcast: Conversations where CC Broadcast Radio Preacher, Tim Boettger, further discusses topics and ideas raised during his radio sermons, but in a conversational interview format. As you'll notice, the title of each episode mirrors the title of the radio sermon on the CC Broadcast that it corresponds with. It is our hope that these supplemental conversations will help listeners grow even deeper in their Christian faith and their understanding of God's Word than is possible by only listening to a sermon.Here are links to the two CC Broadcasts (audio) featuring the two parts of the message referenced in this conversation:Part 1: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/91f28ae4-616b-4e49-8211-b3286f4377b9/Part 2: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/be0b6a34-b3fa-4f93-b5b7-07d2286150da/Here is a link to the video of the same message, from Nazareth Church's website: https://vimeo.com/1129171125?fl=pl&fe=shHere's a link to the John Ortberg sermon, "It All Goes Back in the Box," which was referenced multiple times in this conversation: https://youtu.be/G9Y_gbrcz8w?si=ukFzBi5d05iF0yl7Here's a link to the CC Podcast: Conversations episode featuring Ron Gruber, which was referenced multiple times in this conversation: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/025ee88b-1897-48b6-a560-9d99e075e4c6/For more information about Christian Crusaders, the ministry under which CC Podcasts are produced: Conversations is produced, visit https://christiancrusaders.org.Also, check out our other podcasts:To listen to The CC Podcast: Daily Dose Devotions, where we're currently going through an overview of the Bible, click here: https://christiancrusaders.org/ccpod-daily-doseTo listen to our weekly radio broadcast, The CC Broadcast, which has aired since 1936, and which features a 30 minute worship service, including music and preaching, click here: https://christiancrusaders.org/the-cc-broadcastTo listen to Homer Larsen Live, an archive of Pastor Homer Larsen's sermons preached live at Nazareth Church, click here: https://christiancrusaders.org/homer-larsen-live (Pastor Larsen was radio preacher for CC for over 50 years, and also served as Senior Pastor at Nazareth -- many of his radio broadcasts, dating back to the early 2000s, are archived on The CC Broadcast, but this set of sermons are the ones he preached live from the pulpit.)Thanks to Terri, our intro/outro announcer!Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

Anxiety doesn't just make you stressed — it makes you reactive. And reactivity spreads. In this powerful conversation, John Ortberg and Steve Cuss break down why family dynamics, stress, conflict, and unmet expectations trigger us… and how Jesus models a different way.Learn practical tools from systems theory, explore the false gospel of “the kingdom of me,” and discover how to become a non-anxious presence this Advent season.

This powerful true story from Burundi will change the way you think about courage, faith, and hope. John Ortberg shares the moving account of “Little Bird,” a Hutu teacher whose final act was to pray for his executioners and sing a hymn of surrender to Jesus.Discover what real Christian hope looks like — not in comfort, but in costly, radiant trust.If you need strength today, this story will meet you.

Honesty is one of the most valued qualities in relationships — yet one of the hardest to practice consistently. In this insightful conversation, John Ortberg and Dr. Rick Blackmon explore why honesty matters so deeply, why deception wounds us, and how truth-telling can rebuild intimacy and trust.Together they look at research from Christian Miller, the Honesty Project, and real stories from counseling — revealing practical ways we can grow in honesty starting today.

In this episode of Thank God You're Here, John Ortberg invites us to walk through a cemetery—not to be morbid, but to rediscover what matters most. Drawing from Gratitude by Cornelius Plantinga and the Christian tradition of memento mori, we explore how contemplating death doesn't crush us—it clarifies us. When we face the brevity of life, we're freed to truly live it. You'll walk away from this episode with renewed perspective, a soul-level appreciation for life's daily gifts, and the gentle nudge to live with more gratitude, starting now.

Do you ever feel like you're supposed to be grateful… but you're just not feeling it? You're not alone. In this episode, John Ortberg tackles what to do when gratitude doesn't come naturally and offers a surprisingly powerful spiritual strategy: “Let's pretend.”But don't worry — this isn't fake it till you make it.It's: “Fake it till He remakes you.”Rooted in the wisdom of C.S. Lewis, the Apostle Paul, and the ancient Hebrew practice of the thanksgiving sacrifice, this episode walks us through why aspiring to be grateful, even when we don't feel it, is not inauthentic, but actually a deeply faithful act.

We all want to be more grateful, but how do we actually become that kind of person?In this episode of Thank God You're Here, John Ortberg explores the profound truth that gratitude begins when we remember: we are not owed anything and yet we've been given everything. Drawing from Scripture, deep spiritual wisdom, and personal stories about mentors like Dallas Willard, John shows how practicing gratitude is more than a habit. It's a whole way of being.

What does a sunflower know about your spiritual life? In this episode, John Ortberg reflects on how turning toward the light, just like sunflowers do, is the key to real spiritual growth. Drawing on Paul Tournier's insights and powerful scripture like 1 John 1:5 (“God is light…”), we explore how to shift our inner posture toward God's presence even in darkness. Whether you're stuck in shame, busy with distractions, or just feeling dry this is an invitation to start again. The Kingdom of God is near. Turn. Grow. Flourish.

In this episode, John Ortberg explores the story of Raskolnikov from Crime and Punishment. A man whose pride and guilt nearly destroy him and how his journey mirrors our own. Through the lens of Scripture and soul-searching questions, we discover the dangerous trap of self-justification and the radical gift of grace. If you've ever felt crushed by your mistakes or isolated by your ego, this one's for you.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.TEXT US at 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team

In today's episode, John Ortberg explores one of the most surprising spiritual invitations Jesus offers: not try harder, but try softer. When your efforts lead to exhaustion, and faith feels forced, there's another way. Learn what it means to walk with Jesus under the easy yoke, to trust the Spirit's gentle power, and to release the illusion of control. You'll hear stories, practical wisdom, and biblical truth from Matthew 11 and beyond. Take a breath, lean in, and discover how trying softer might change your life.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.TEXT US at 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team

Your character is being shaped right now. In this episode, John Ortberg invites you to consider the quiet truth we all feel: we're always becoming someone. Whether it's intentional or accidental, today you will change. Drawing from Matthew 6:33 and insights from C.S. Lewis, this teaching explores how to seek first the Kingdom of God in a world of noise, distraction, and drift. If you've ever felt stuck, aimless, or overwhelmed by your own habits—this one's for you. You'll walk away inspired, challenged, and reminded that change is not only possible—it's inevitable. The question is, what kind of person are you becoming?Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.TEXT US at 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team