Podcasts about John Stott

Reflection and Practice Cultivate concentration this week by first preparing the “soil.” Notice the presence of the hindrances and work with them or through them. Once the hindrances recede, cultivate concentration through relaxation and reception instead of striving and pushing. Focus on the clear seeing that concentration allows, staying the course through the waves of resistance. In a direct, immediate way, see something that reorders you and your life. This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.

Scripture: John 1:1-5; 14-18 + The Incarnation Philippians 2:5-8 "...the supreme mystery with which the gospel confronts us...lies not in the Good Friday message of atonement, nor in the Easter Sunday message of resurrection, but in the Christmas message of Incarnation. The really staggering Christian claim is that Jesus of Nazareth was God made man - that the second person of the Godhead...took humanity without loss of deity, so that Jesus of Nazareth was as truly and fully divine as he was human. Here are two mysteries for the price of one - the plurality of persons within the unity of God, and the union of Godhead and manhood in the person of Jesus." JI Packer, Knowing God. + To Reveal the Father to us Hebrews 1:1 + To Reconcile us to the Father 1 Timothy 2:3–5 + To Rescue us from our greatest enemies Hebrews 2:14–18 + To Relate to us in our weakness and suffering Hebrews 4:14–16 "All other men were lost sheep; he had come as the Good Shepherd to seek and to save them. All other men were sick with the disease of sin; he was the doctor who had come to heal them. All other men were plunged in the darkness of sin and ignorance; he was the light of the world. All other men were sinners; he was born to be their Savior and would shed his blood in death for the forgiveness of their sins. All other men were hungry; he was the bread of life. All other men were dead in trespasses and sins; he could be their life now and their resurrection hereafter." – John Stott, Basic Christianity. 1 John 1:1–4 2 John 7 Colossians 1:19 Colossians 2:9

There are many pitfalls in preaching. One area which many preachers struggle with is application. And yet, in a sense, application is the whole of preaching. David Vaughn's letter to a fellow Christian leader in the December 2025 issue of the magazine addresses this very subject.    Featured resources: – David Vaughn, 'What can we learn from John Knox?', Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 514 (March 2006). Excerpted from A Scottish Christian Heritage.      Resources Mentioned by David Vaughn:  D. A. Carson and J. D. Woodbridge, Letters Along the Way (Wheaton: Crossway, 1993), p. 99-100. Available free as a pdf.  A. T. Pierson, The Divine Art of Preaching, (New York: The Baker and Taylor Company, 1892), pp. 24-27.  Jay Adams, Review of John Stott's Between Two Worlds in The Journal of Pastoral Practice, Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (Vol. VIII, No. 2, 1986), p. 62.  The Works of Jonathan Edwards, (repr. Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1987), vol. 1, p. cxc.  Ron Taylor anecdote from an article in The Journal of Pastoral Practice, Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (Vol. 4, No. 4, 1980), p. 109.  John Broadus, A Treatise on the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons (New York: A. C. Armstrong and Son, 1896), p. 230.      Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

The sermon on the mount is probably one of the best known and most recognisable teachings of Jesus. It has captured the hearts and imagination of believers over many centuries. It has inspired writings and has shaped western culture. Its influence and significance can not be over stated.John Stott writes: “The Sermon on the Mount is probably the best-known part of the teaching of Jesus, though arguably it is the least understood, and certainly it is the least obeyed. It is the nearest thing to a manifesto that he ever uttered, for it is his own description of what he wanted his followers to be and to do” We have already looked at the “door keeper” to this great body of teaching, namely “The Beatitudes”. Sinclair Furgeson says that “The sermon on the mount does not begin with what we are to do as Christians. In a sense it doesn't even begin with telling us what we are to be as Christians. It begins by telling us the blessedness of what we are as Christians.” In the Christian life being is the foundation for doing. Not the other way around. It is therefore important to keep that in mind as we approach the ethical part of the sermon. The ethics of of God's Kingdom flows from the blessed state of our becoming citizens and partakers in the new life of His Kingdom.

This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.

Romans is the Apostle Paul's fullest and clearest treatise on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, this letter has opened eyes, awakened hearts, and set movements in motion. It's both profoundly theological and deeply personal, revealing the truth about God, humanity, and salvation. John Stott rightly called Romans a manifesto of freedom in Christ - a freedom that remakes our lives, forms us into God's people, and sends us as witnesses of Jesus in the world.

Romans is the Apostle Paul's fullest and clearest treatise on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, this letter has opened eyes, awakened hearts, and set movements in motion. It's both profoundly theological and deeply personal, revealing the truth about God, humanity, and salvation. John Stott rightly called Romans a manifesto of freedom in Christ - a freedom that remakes our lives, forms us into God's people, and sends us as witnesses of Jesus in the world.

Listen along as we continue our series through Acts. Notes//Quotes: Acts 19:1-20 Jer 31:31-34 2 Cor 5:17 “As throughout Acts, there is no set pattern. The Spirit came at various times and in various ways. What is consistent is that the Spirit is always a vital part of one's initial commitment to Christ and a mark of every believer.” J.B. Polhill The norm of Christian experience, then, is a cluster of four things: repentance, faith in Jesus, water baptism and the gift of the Spirit. Though the perceived order may vary a little, the four belong together and are universal in Christian initiation. The laying on of apostolic hands, however, together with tongue-speaking and prophesying, were special to Ephesus, as to Samaria, in order to demonstrate visibly and publicly that particular groups were incorporated into Christ by the Spirit; the New Testament does not universalize them. John Stott

I denne episoden møter vi Kristi Mair fra Storbritannia. Hun er teolog, er nylig ferdig med sin doktorgrad og underviser ved Oak Hill Theological College i London. Hun deler raust fra sin reise som fagperson, menneske og kristen – og om hvordan spørsmålene vi bærer på kan forme oss både faglig, menneskelig og åndelig.  Kristi forteller om sin doktorgrad innenfor erkjennelsesteori og metafysikk, om hvordan hun har utforsket forholdet mellom sannhet, skjønnhet og godhet – og hvordan disse dype temaene har vokst fram ut fra hennes egne personlige livsspørsmål: Hvordan kan jeg vite hva som er sant? Hvordan kan jeg stole på at det finnes en virkelig verden utenfor mitt eget sinn? Samtalen berører også spørsmål om utholdenhet, åndelig omsorg og livsbalanse under krevende studier, og om hvordan den kristne troen har vært et bærekraftig anker i alt fra akademisk arbeid til hverdag og vennskap. Kristi deler også inntrykk fra Veritaskonferansen i Norge, der hun talte om sannheten om synd og nåde – og ledet seminarer om fake news, tillit og troverdighet i en tid post-sannhetstid. Til slutt forteller hun om sin tjeneste i All Souls Church ved Langham Place i London, menigheten der John Stott virket, og om sitt engasjement sammen med Andy Bannister i Solas Ministries, med podkasten Pep Talk som inspirerer kristne til å snakke om sin tro i hverdagen. Intervjuer er Lars Dahle som er daglig leder for Damaris Norge og professor ved NLA Høgskolen.

The sermon on the mount is probably one of the best known and most recognisable teachings of Jesus. It has captured the hearts and imagination of believers over many centuries. It has inspired writings and has shaped western culture. Its influence and significance can not be over stated. John Stott writes: “The Sermon on the Mount is probably the best-known part of the teaching of Jesus, though arguably it is the least understood, and certainly it is the least obeyed. It is the nearest thing to a manifesto that he ever uttered, for it is his own description of what he wanted his followers to be and to do” We have already looked at the “door keeper” to this great body of teaching, namely “The Beatitudes”. Sinclair Furgeson says that “The sermon on the mount does not begin with what we are to do as Christians. In a sense it doesn't even begin with telling us what we are to be as Christians. It begins by telling us the blessedness of what we are as Christians.” In the Christian life being is the foundation for doing. Not the other way around. It is therefore important to keep that in mind as we approach the ethical part of the sermon. The ethics of of God's Kingdom flows from the blessed state of our becoming citizens and partakers in the new life of His Kingdom.

The sermon on the mount is probably one of the best known and most recognisable teachings of Jesus. It has captured the hearts and imagination of believers over many centuries. It has inspired writings and has shaped western culture. Its influence and significance can not be over stated. John Stott writes: “The Sermon on the Mount is probably the best-known part of the teaching of Jesus, though arguably it is the least understood, and certainly it is the least obeyed. It is the nearest thing to a manifesto that he ever uttered, for it is his own description of what he wanted his followers to be and to do” We have already looked at the “door keeper” to this great body of teaching, namely “The Beatitudes”. Sinclair Furgeson says that “The sermon on the mount does not begin with what we are to do as Christians. In a sense it doesn't even begin with telling us what we are to be as Christians. It begins by telling us the blessedness of what we are as Christians.” In the Christian life being is the foundation for doing. Not the other way around. It is therefore important to keep that in mind as we approach the ethical part of the sermon. The ethics of of God's Kingdom flows from the blessed state of our becoming citizens and partakers in the new life of His Kingdom.

Romans is the Apostle Paul's fullest and clearest treatise on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, this letter has opened eyes, awakened hearts, and set movements in motion. It's both profoundly theological and deeply personal, revealing the truth about God, humanity, and salvation. John Stott rightly called Romans a manifesto of freedom in Christ - a freedom that remakes our lives, forms us into God's people, and sends us as witnesses of Jesus in the world.

See all series | See all talksTeacher: Sooz Appel Date: 2025-11-02 SundaySeriesThe Four Noble Truths & The Twelve Insights (Sunday mornings, 2025) 2025-01-05 Aravind Moorthy, Candace Robb, Jerry Harter, Judith Avinger, Lauren Wilson, Lyndal Johnson, Nana Gyesie, Nina Laboy, Sooz Appel This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.

This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.

Romans is the Apostle Paul's fullest and clearest treatise on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, this letter has opened eyes, awakened hearts, and set movements in motion. It's both profoundly theological and deeply personal, revealing the truth about God, humanity, and salvation. John Stott rightly called Romans a manifesto of freedom in Christ - a freedom that remakes our lives, forms us into God's people, and sends us as witnesses of Jesus in the world.

OverviewRyan and Brian launch a fresh series on the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), Jesus' iconic teaching on kingdom living. Often quoted but rarely lived out, it calls for radical repentance (metanoia: heart/mind shift to action) and distinctiveness from "hypocrites" and "pagans" (e.g., no showy prayers or fasting in Matt. 6:5–8, 16). They cover intro context, Jesus' authority, and the first four Beatitudes as a Godward progression.Key Discussion HighlightsSermon Essentials: Full red-letter discourse (ch. 5–7); contrasts John's back-and-forth dialogues and Luke's Sermon on the Plain. Likely Matthew's memorable summary—not verbatim—but stresses doing over hearing (Matt. 7:24–29: wise builder on rock vs. fool on sand). Crowds follow post-sermon, amazed by Jesus' authority (7:28–29).Setting & Echoes: Jesus ascends mountainside amid crowds, evoking Moses at Sinai (law mediated) but speaking directly as living Word—no barriers. Ties to OT: distinct people (e.g., no pagan practices like raisin cakes).Kingdom Ethics: Draws from law (from above), prophets (future hope), wisdom (human observation). Frames as loving God/neighbor (Matt. 22:34–40). First four Beatitudes focus on God-relationship; latter four on others. Quotes: John Stott (familiar yet least obeyed); Stanley Hauerwas (new age realized now).Beatitudes Breakdown (Matt. 5:3–6): Paradoxical "blessed" (makarioi: flourishing in God's favor, not mere happiness). Describes kingdom citizens' traits—calling all to repent toward these:Poor in spirit (v. 3): Recognizing spiritual poverty/utter dependence on God (vs. wealth as "blessing" in culture; cf. Luke 6:20's "poor"). Promise: Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Those who mourn (v. 4): Grief over personal sin/failure (e.g., tax collector's humility in Luke 18:9–14 vs. Pharisee's self-righteousness). Promise: They will be comforted.The meek (v. 5): Humility/gentleness (praus: not weakness, but not self-important—like Jesus in Phil. 2 or silent before accusers). Contrasts Roman power. Promise: They will inherit the earth. (Martyn Lloyd-Jones: true self-view expressed humbly.)Hunger/thirst for righteousness (v. 6): Deep craving for justice/rightness (like desert thirst satisfied). Promise: They will be filled.Progression: Spiritual poverty → mourning sin → meek approach → desiring God's righteousness.Resources MentionedBooks: The Message of the Sermon on the Mount by John Stott; Sermon on the Mount (Story of God Commentary) by Scot McKnight (narrative flow, ethical models).Key Verses: Matt. 5:1–2; 6:5–8,16; 7:24–29; 22:34–40; Luke 18:9–14 (Pharisee/tax collector).Next EpisodeBeatitudes 5–8: Mercy, pure in heart, peacemakers, persecuted—shifting to loving others as kingdom ambassadors.

Considering Sparrows What Birds teach us about Who we Are, Where we’re Going, and the Joy of Following Jesus ... GUEST Kevin Burrell ... is a pastor and an orni-theologist — a word penned by the theologian & birder John Stott … Kevin is convinced that every one of us should make an effort to attend toward some aspect of God's creation; and he has chosen birds. No Kings: what’s the best way to stop Executive Overreach? … GUEST Bruce Antkowiak … Senior Counsel to the College & Archabbey, Past Chair of the Criminology Dept and Professor of Law at Saint Vincent College. The Christian Immigration Advocacy Center-Glenn Hannah ACAC and Amber Blair Pres. of CIAC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Romans is the Apostle Paul's fullest and clearest treatise on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, this letter has opened eyes, awakened hearts, and set movements in motion. It's both profoundly theological and deeply personal, revealing the truth about God, humanity, and salvation. John Stott rightly called Romans a manifesto of freedom in Christ - a freedom that remakes our lives, forms us into God's people, and sends us as witnesses of Jesus in the world.

See all series | See all talks Teacher: Tuere Sala Date: 2025-10-13 Monday Series The Four Noble Truths & The Twelve Insights (Monday evenings, 2025) 2025-01-06 Ghisly Garcia, Keri Pederson, Lyndal Johnson, Shawn Holmes, Sooz Appel, Steve Wilhelm, Tim Geil, Tuere Sala This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.

See all series | See all talksTeacher: Tuere Sala Date: 2025-10-13 MondaySeriesThe Four Noble Truths & The Twelve Insights (Monday evenings, 2025) 2025-01-06 Ghisly Garcia, Keri Pederson, Lyndal Johnson, Shawn Holmes, Sooz Appel, Steve Wilhelm, Tim Geil, Tuere Sala This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.

See all series | See all talksTeacher: Tuere Sala Date: 2025-10-13 MondaySeriesThe Four Noble Truths & The Twelve Insights (Monday evenings, 2025) 2025-01-06 Ghisly Garcia, Keri Pederson, Lyndal Johnson, Shawn Holmes, Sooz Appel, Steve Wilhelm, Tim Geil, Tuere Sala This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.

See all series | See all talks Teacher: Tuere SalaDate: 2025-10-13 Monday Series The Four Noble Truths & The Twelve Insights (Monday evenings, 2025) 2025-01-06 Ghisly Garcia, Keri Pederson, Lyndal Johnson, Shawn Holmes, Sooz Appel, Steve Wilhelm, Tim Geil, Tuere Sala This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.

Romans is the Apostle Paul's fullest and clearest treatise on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, this letter has opened eyes, awakened hearts, and set movements in motion. It's both profoundly theological and deeply personal, revealing the truth about God, humanity, and salvation. John Stott rightly called Romans a manifesto of freedom in Christ - a freedom that remakes our lives, forms us into God's people, and sends us as witnesses of Jesus in the world.

Listen along as we continue our series through Acts. Notes/Quotes: Acts 16:1-10 - Josh Individually the disciple and friend of Jesus who has learned to work shoulder to shoulder with his or her Lord stands in this world as a point of contact between heaven and earth, a kind of Jacob's ladder by which the angels of God may ascend from and descend into human life. Thus the disciple stands as an envoy or a receiver by which the kingdom of God is conveyed into every quarter of human affairs. - Willard The world is full of miracles. But none greater than how far a young person can be carried by someone else's belief in them Frederick Backman (My Friends)    “Almost anything in life that truly matters will require you to do small, mostly overlooked things, over a long period of time with him.” Zach Eswine Map “Our failure to hear His voice when we want to is due to the fact that we do not in general want to hear it, that we want it only when we think we need it.” - Dallas Willard, Hearing God “Usually God's guidance is not negative only but also positive (some doors close, others open); not circumstantial only, but also rational (thinking about our situation); not personal only, but also corporate (a sharing of the data with others, so that we can mull over them together and reach a common mind).” - John Stott

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION“We cannot continue to send our children to Caesar for their education and be surprised when they come home as Romans.” “We mustn't live like those with ‘little faith' who compromise for the sake of food and clothing. What we do matters. And not every job is a good job.” “I understand that there are different expressions of Christianity in different cultures. Contextualization is essential for the growth and expansion of the church. But there is a difference between contextualization and compromise. Using goat's milk for communion in a culture that has never heard of wine or grapes is contextualization; sacrificing the goat is compromise. Having a Saturday night service because we have run out of room in all four Sunday services is contextualization; having a Saturday night service to accommodate and/or appease people who are ‘too busy' on Sunday is compromise.”~Voddie Baucham (March 11, 1969 to September 25, 2025), American pastor and author, who left this world too early “If God is Creator of the Universe, then it must follow that He is the Lord of the whole universe. No part of the world is outside of His Lordship. That means no part of my life must be outside of His Lordship.”~R.C Sproul, American theologian (1939-2017) “When Jesus is truly our Lord, He directs our lives, and we gladly obey Him. Indeed we bring every part of our lives under His lordship - our home and family, our sexuality and marriage, our job or unemployment, our money and possessions, our ambitions and recreations.”~John Stott, British theologian (1921-2011)SERMON PASSAGE1 Peter 2:1-12 (NIV) 1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says:     “See, I lay a stone in Zion,       a chosen and precious cornerstone,       and the one who trusts in him       will never be put to shame.”   7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,     “The stone the builders rejected       has become the cornerstone,” 8 and,     “A stone that causes people to stumble       and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for. 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Romans is the Apostle Paul's fullest and clearest treatise on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, this letter has opened eyes, awakened hearts, and set movements in motion. It's both profoundly theological and deeply personal, revealing the truth about God, humanity, and salvation. John Stott rightly called Romans a manifesto of freedom in Christ - a freedom that remakes our lives, forms us into God's people, and sends us as witnesses of Jesus in the world.

This two-part video series provides a deep historical analysis of Moralistic Therapeutic Deism (MTD), tracing its ingredients from 19th-century New England intellectual and social revolutions to its status as America's de facto civic religion. We argue that MTD collapsed when the sexual and moral revolutions forced a devastating fracture between its Christian heritage and its core principles of self-actualization and benevolence, leading to the polarized political landscape of today.Moralist Therapeutic Deism Part 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eHYMzanOvs&t=4679s @triggerpod   @InterestingTimesNYT   @JonathanPageau   @PaulVanderKlay 00:00:00 - Introduction and Recap00:10:07 - MTD, Chicago, and Obama00:13:00 - Cornell as Microcosm00:25:15 - Tim Keller on programatic secularism00:35:55 - Mainline Christianity00:37:45 - Wokeness and MTD00:47:05 - MTD and Partisanship00:49:20 - Arena vs Agent00:51:00 - Donald Trump 00:56:15 - Nationalism vs Globalism01:03:40 - Who killed MTD?01:05:55 - Competing Arenas01:08:25 - The future of Christian NationalismIn this video I mention:Aaron Renn, Abraham Lincoln, Albert Baker, Alfred, Allen C. Guelzo, Amos, Andrew Jackson Davis, Ann Lee, Anagarika Dharmapala, Arthur Conan Doyle, Athanasius, Barack Obama, Benjamin Franklin, Billy Graham, Black Lives Matter, Bud, Buddha, Calvin, Cathleen Falsani, Catherine Fox, Charles B. Rosna, Charles Carroll Bonney, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Charlie Kirk, Christian Smith, Christopher Pearse Cranch, Clement of Alexandria, Conrad Grebel, Constantine, David Bentley Hart, Deepak Chopra, Donahoe, Donald Trump, Eddie Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, Elijah Muhammad, Eliott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Elizabeth Keckley, Ellen Todd, Emilie Todd Helm, Emanuel Swedenborg, Epictetus, Erica Kirk, Ernst Troeltsch, Ezra Klein, Fanny Hayes Platt, Faustus Socinus, Finney, Fox Sisters, Franz Anton Mesmer, Fred Shuttlesworth, Frederick the Wise, Friedrich Nietzsche, Galen, George Barna, George Fox, George W. Bush, Gregory of Nyssa, Henry Clay, Henry David Thoreau, Henry James, H. P. Blavatsky, H. Richard Niebuhr, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Harold Ockenga, Harry Emerson Fosdick, Helen Schucman, Hosea Ballou, J. Gresham Machen, Jacob Blake, James, James Comey, James Lindsay, James Russell Lowell, Jared Sparks, Jean H. Baker, Jenkin Lloyd Jones, Jesus Christ, Jim Lindsay, John, John Adams, John Bunyan, John D. Rockefeller, John Henry Barrows, John Locke, John Milton, John Murray, John Stott, Jonathan Edwards, Jordan Peterson, Joseph Priestly, Joseph Smith, Judith Skutch, Julius Dresser, Kant, Karl Menninger, Karlstadt, Kate Fox, Kenneth Minkema, Koot Hoomi, Kyle Rittenhouse, Lelio Socinus, Leonard Zusne, Lou Malnatis, Luke Thompson (  @WhiteStoneName  ), Lyman Beecher, Madame Blavatsky, Margaretta Fox, Marianne Williamson, Mark Parker (  @MarkDParker  ) , Mark Twain, Mary Baker Eddy, Mary Todd Lincoln, Matt Herman, Meister Eckhart, Melinda Lundquist Denton, Mesmer, Micah, Michael Bronky, Michael Servetus, Monophysite, Morya, Moses, Nancy Pelosi, Napoleon Bonaparte, Nettie Colburn Maynard, Newton, Niccolò Machiavelli, Nicholas of Cusa, Norman Vincent Peale, Oprah, Origen, Paul, Paul Tillich, Paul Vanderlay, Phineas Parkhurst Quimby, Plotinus, Proclus, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Ramakrishna, Rick Warren, Robert Schuller, Robin D'Angelo, Rod Dreher, Ronald Reagan, Ross Douthat, Rowan Williams, Rudolf Steiner, Samuel Johnson, Septimus J. Hanna, Shailer Mathews, Shakers, Shadrach, Socrates, Soyen Shaku, Swami Vivekananda, Tad Lincoln, Tertullian, Thomas Aquinas, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Starr King, Tracy Herman, Virchand Gandhi, Victoria Woodhull, Warren Felt Evans, William Ellery Channing, William James, William Lloyd Garrison, William Newton Clarke, Willie Lincoln, Winthrop, Zwingli.

See all series | See all talks Teacher: Nina LaboyDate: 2025-09-28 Sunday Series The Four Noble Truths & The Twelve Insights (Sunday mornings, 2025) 2025-01-05 Aravind Moorthy, Candace Robb, Jerry Harter, Judith Avinger, Lauren Wilson, Lyndal Johnson, Nana Gyesie, Nina Laboy, Sooz Appel This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.

See all series | See all talksTeacher: Nina Laboy Date: 2025-09-28 SundaySeriesThe Four Noble Truths & The Twelve Insights (Sunday mornings, 2025) 2025-01-05 Aravind Moorthy, Candace Robb, Jerry Harter, Judith Avinger, Lauren Wilson, Lyndal Johnson, Nana Gyesie, Nina Laboy, Sooz Appel This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.

Whiskey Review: Maker's Mark 101 Special Proof Follow us on all your podcast platforms and: Instagram: @manhoodneat X: Manhood Neat (@ManhoodNeat) / X Youtube: Manhood, Neat Podcast - YouTube Reach out: manhood.neat@gmail.com   Show Notes: What if the health of your church isn't measured by its size or popularity, but by how faithfully its leaders shepherd the flock?  In a world of shifting cultural winds, why does the Bible insist on structured leadership? Overview why church leadership matters,  its God-ordained roles in teaching, correcting, sending, and encouraging; the unyielding accountability to Scripture over congregational whims  the necessity of ongoing biblical evaluation; and a snapshot of biblical church  "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-12, ESV).  "The true shepherd is one who leads the flock by going before it, not by driving it from behind." – Charles Spurgeon   Section 1: Why Church Leadership and Its Structure Are So Important Key Statement: Church leadership isn't optional—it's God's blueprint for unity, growth, and protection against chaos. Without it, the church drifts into individualism or cultural compromise. Points: Leadership provides direction in a fallen world, preventing division  1 Corinthians 1:10: "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you". Structure ensures accountability and order, mirroring God's order in creation and the Trinity. Historical context: The early church exploded in growth under apostolic leadership (Acts 2:42-47), but faltered when structure was ignored (Corinth's factions in 1 Corinthians). "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account" (Hebrews 13:17, ESV) leaders as soul-watchmen.  "The church is not a debating society but a body under authority." – John Stott  highlighting the need for structured submission for spiritual flourishing. Share a brief anecdote of a church thriving under strong leadership vs. one fractured by leaderless drift. Section 2: The Roles of Church Leadership – Teaching, Correcting, Sending, and Encouraging. Teaching – Grounding in Truth Leaders proclaim sound doctrine to build mature believers.  "You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:1-2, ESV).  "The pulpit is the Thermopylae of Christendom." – J.C. Ryle  underscoring teaching as the church's frontline defense. Correcting – Restoring the Wayward Gentle yet firm rebuke to prevent sin's spread, fostering holiness.  "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV). "Correction does much, but encouragement does more. Encouragement after censure is as the sun after a shower." – John Wesley  balancing correction with grace. Sending – Equipping for Mission Leaders commission members outward, advancing the gospel. "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them'" (Acts 13:2, ESV) the Antioch church sending Paul and Barnabas.  "The church exists for the salvation of the world." – Lesslie Newbigin,  reminding leaders to propel the church beyond its walls. Encouraging – Building Up the Weary Sustaining hope amid trials, spurring one another on. "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV). "A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success." – Unknown Which role have you seen most in your church? Least? These roles are powerful, but they're only effective when leaders anchor them in something unchanging Leadership's Accountability – To the Gospel and Bible, Not Congregational Feelings  True leaders serve God first, resisting the temptation to pander for approval, which dilutes the gospel. Points: Accountability to Christ ensures fidelity to truth, even if unpopular Galatians 1:10: "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ". Dangers of emotion-driven decisions: Leads to moral relativism and church splits. Paul's farewell charge  Acts 20:24: "But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus". "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching" (2 Timothy 4:2, ESV) unwavering proclamation. "The pastor must be a man of conviction, not convenience." – A.W. Tozer warning against crowd-pleasing. Have you witnessed leaders prioritizing feelings over the Gospel?" Section 4: The Crucial Need for Constant Evaluation of Traditions and Practices  Churches must regularly test their customs against Scripture to avoid idolatry of tradition, ensuring relevance and purity. Points: Traditions can ossify into legalism if unchecked  Mark 7:8: "You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men". Benefits: Renewal, unity, and gospel-centeredness. Model: The Bereans Acts 17:11: "Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so".  "Test everything; hold fast what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21, ESV).  "Tradition is the living faith of the dead; traditionalism is the dead faith of the living." – Jaroslav Pelikan  distinguishing helpful heritage from harmful habit. Encourage listeners to start a "Berean group" in their church for verse-by-verse checks.   Section 5: A Brief Overview of Biblical Church Structure  The New Testament envisions a simple, plural, servant-hearted model: Plurality of elders (overseers/pastors) for spiritual oversight, deacons for practical service, all under Christ's headship. Roles ( we will break these down in upcoming Episodes further): Elders: Plural, qualified men leading by teaching and example  (1 Timothy 5:17: "Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching" Deacons: Servants handling logistics to free elders for prayer and word (1 Timothy 3:8-13). Congregation's Role: Active participation in discipline, giving, and mutual edification (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 14:26). No CEO-style hierarchy; mutual accountability and local autonomy. "Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God" (Acts 20:28, ESV). "The New Testament knows nothing of a one-man ministry." – John Piper  advocating elder plurality. Does your church match this?

In this thought-provoking episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan Rittenhouse and Stuart McAllister dive into a rich theological discussion sparked by a listener's question: What are the foundational books every thinking Christian should engage with to understand today's cultural, philosophical, and sociological landscape? Stuart, a globally respected Christian thinker and apologist, shares a curated list of essential texts—from Modern Times by Paul Johnson to The Cross of Christ by John Stott and The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis. Together, Nathan and Stuart explore how deep Christian theology, classical philosophy, and cultural analysis intersect to equip believers to live faithfully in a complex, postmodern world. This episode is a must-listen for Christians hungry for intellectually rigorous, gospel-centered engagement with the issues shaping our time.1. Modern Times by Paul Johnson.2. The Passion of the Western Mind by Richard Tarnas.3. The Cross of Christ by John Stott.4. No god but God by Os Guinness and John Seel.5. The One, the Three, and the Many by Colin Gunton.6. The Way of the Modern world by Craig Gay.7. The Abolition of man by C.S. Lewis.8. The Universe Next Door by James Sire.9. When God became King by N. T. Wright.10. The Gospel in a Pluralistic Society by Leslie Newbigin.DONATE LINK: https://toltogether.com/donate BOOK A SPEAKER: https://toltogether.com/book-a-speakerJOIN TOL CONNECT: https://toltogether.com/tol-connect TOL Connect is an online forum where TOL listeners can continue the conversation begun on the podcast.

As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.1 Peter 2:4-5God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them.John PiperWhat the Church is NOTWhat the Church isThe Church is NOT:Just a BuildingAnd let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.Hebrews 10:24-2516 But when I thought how to understand this,    it seemed to me a wearisome task,17 until I went into the sanctuary of God;    then I discerned their end.Psalm 73:16-17The Psalmist did not merely go to the building, he went to meet with God.Martyn Lloyd JonesWhat a wonderful place God's house is. Often you will find deliverance by merely coming into it… People who neglect attendance at the house of God are not only being unscriptural—let me put it bluntly—they are fools.Martyn Lloyd JonesA SupplementFor MeA seeker-sensitive church (or seeker-church) is a model of ministry and worship designed to be especially accessible, welcoming, and understandable to unchurched or spiritually curious people (“seekers”). The goal is to remove barriers that might make non-Christians feel out of place and to present the gospel in a culturally relevant way.Stop looking for the perfect church. It does not exist. Even if it did exist, the moment you or I joined it, it would no longer be perfect.Nicky GumbleAn organization of minimal impactPETER'S CRUCIFIXION*DIETRICH BONHOEFFER*The Church is:Christ's BodyFor as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.Romans 12:4-5The Church is not a religious community of worshippers of Christ but is Christ himself who has taken form among people.Dietrich BonhoefferBut Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”Acts 9:1-4InheritedSo then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,Ephesians 2:19-20For Jesus21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by[e] the Spirit.Ephesians 2:21-2225 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.Ephesians 5:25-27The Hope of the WorldIf the Church is central to God's purpose, as seen in both history and the gospel, then it must surely also be central to our lives.John Stott

See all series | See all talksTeacher: Keri Pederson Date: 2025-08-25 MondaySeriesThe Four Noble Truths & The Twelve Insights (Monday evenings, 2025) 2025-01-06 Ghisly Garcia, Keri Pederson, Lyndal Johnson, Shawn Holmes, Sooz Appel, Steve Wilhelm, Tim Geil, Tuere Sala This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.

In our generation, more than accumulated things, many people are craving special, personal experiences - like the all access pass. Well that is exactly what the Father gives us, through Christ, by the Spirit. "The highest and fullest achievement of the peacemaking Christ is the trinitarian access of the people of God, as through him and by one Spirit we come boldly to our Father," (John Stott). Scriptures Referenced:Ephesians 2:16-18 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MandMsPodcast

Listen along as Anthony continues our series through Acts. Notes//Quotes: Acts 12:1-25-  Nathan Title: Murder, Rescue, & Justice “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” 23 He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” (John 20:22&23) “Whatever it will cost you to be with God is nothing compared to what it cost Him to be with you.”  —Timothy Keller “A Christian happens to mean a man who has discovered that Christianity is true, not that it is pretty or even practical. It may be a very strange discovery for a modern man to make; but some of us happen to have made it.” — G. K. Chesterton “That force of earnest, halting prayer was mightier than Herod, and mightier than hell.” —G. Campbell Morgan Long my imprisoned spirit lay
  Fast bound in sin and nature's night;
 Thine eye diffused a quickening ray,
 I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
 My chains fell off, my heart was free, 
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee. - Charles Wesley “Indeed, one cannot fail to admire the artistry with which Luke depicts the complete reversal of the church's situation. At the beginning of the chapter Herod is on the rampage—arresting and persecuting church leaders; at the end he is himself struck down and dies. The chapter opens with James dead, Peter in prison and Herod triumphing; it closes with Herod dead, Peter free, and the word of God triumphing. Such is the power of God to overthrow hostile human plans and to establish His own in their place. Tyrants may be permitted for a time to boast and bluster, oppressing the church and hindering the spread of the Gospel, but they will not last. In the end, their empire will be broken and their pride abased” —John Stott  

In this week's conversation between Dr. James Emery White and co-host Alexis Drye, they discuss the recent controversy surrounding former HGTV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines who rose to fame from their home renovation show called Fixer Upper, which aired back in 2013. In 2019, they announced their departure from HGTV and the launch of a new network called the Magnolia Network, which finally debuted in 2022. But just last month, many of their fans turned on them after they featured a same-sex couple on their show, Back to the Frontier. Same-sex couples on TV shows are hardly uncommon nowadays, so why have the Gaines received so much backlash and from whom? Episode Links Christie D'Zurilla wrote an article in the Los Angeles Times titled, “Chip and Joanna Gaines' new show features a same-sex married couple. Some Christians are ‘disappointed.'” If you're interested in reading the full article you can find it HERE. Some people who question the Christian community's response to their decision are seemingly misunderstanding the difference between acceptance and affirmation, between making a value judgment and being judgmental. Dr. White gave a series at Mecklenburg Community Church that might be helpful to listen to. It's called “Unchristian,” and its installments are a response to people who say that Christians are judgmental, hypocritical and homophobic. You can find that series HERE. There are two additional series that we think would be helpful for a deeper look at what the Bible has to say about judgmentalism, the true meaning of grace, and the significance of Jesus bringing both grace AND truth to bear on people's lives. Those series are “Judged” and “Getting Grace Right,” both available in .mp3 or .pdf formats at Church & Culture. Finally, there were two authors Dr. White mentioned during today's discussion. The first was John Stott and his book Sermon on the Mount, which includes an exploration of what true judgmentalism is like, and how it can lead to setting yourself up as God. And the second was Dr. Henry Cloud and his book Changes That Heal for more of the discussion on grace and truth. For those of you who are new to Church & Culture, we'd love to invite you to subscribe (for free of course) to the twice-weekly Church & Culture blog and check out the Daily Headline News - a collection of headlines from around the globe each weekday. We'd also love to hear from you if there is a topic that you'd like to see discussed on the Church & Culture Podcast in an upcoming episode. You can find the form to submit your questions at the bottom of the podcast page HERE.

See all series | See all talksTeacher: Tim Geil Date: 2025-08-11 MondaySeriesThe Four Noble Truths & The Twelve Insights (Monday evenings, 2025) 2025-01-06 Ghisly Garcia, Keri Pederson, Lyndal Johnson, Shawn Holmes, Sooz Appel, Steve Wilhelm, Tim Geil, Tuere Sala This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.

See all series | See all talksTeacher: Steve Wilhelm Date: 2025-07-28 MondaySeriesThe Four Noble Truths & The Twelve Insights (Monday evenings, 2025) 2025-01-06 Ghisly Garcia, Keri Pederson, Lyndal Johnson, Shawn Holmes, Sooz Appel, Steve Wilhelm, Tim Geil, Tuere Sala This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.

I'm sure you know the running joke about fishermen exaggerating the size of their catch. But in 1959, Alfred Dean didn't need to exaggerate when he caught a 2,664-pound great white shark in Australia, the largest fish ever caught in history. The Bible tells us about an even more unbelievable story, but in reverse—the story of a fish that caught a man. Jonah's encounter with the great fish would make worldwide news today, but here's what might surprise you: The fish story isn't really the point. The book of Jonah is actually the missionary book of the Old Testament, revealing that God has a missionary heart and every Christian is called to be on mission. I like how John Stott said, “We profess to believe in God? He's a missionary God. We're committed to Christ? He's a missionary Christ.” The truth that applies to us today is simple: We all are called. Every Christian has a mission to perform, a message to proclaim, a ministry to promote, and a Master to praise.

Pastor Garrison GreeneTEXT: Psalm 32BIG IDEA: God graciously beckons us to confess our sins, and greatly blesses us through it.OUTLINE:1. We Are Beckoned to Confession2. We Face Barriers to Confession3. We Find Blessings through ConfessionRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; The Psalms: A Christ-Centered Commentary by Christopher Ash; Confess Your Sins: The Way of Reconciliation by John Stott

See all series | See all talksTeacher: Candace Robb Date: 2025-07-13 SundaySeriesThe Four Noble Truths & The Twelve Insights (Sunday mornings, 2025) 2025-01-05 Aravind Moorthy, Candace Robb, Jerry Harter, Judith Avinger, Lauren Wilson, Lyndal Johnson, Nana Gyesie, Nina Laboy, Sooz Appel This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.