Podcasts about practicing the way

A Critique of Practicing the Way, Part 23 - Reality is not a State of Mind, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. We discuss the idea that reality is a state of mind and that we become what we contemplate. Believing deception does not make it reality. We need to renew our minds through God's Word and the means of grace to think in reality rather than deception. (duration 00:18:29) Click here to play

Week 3 of our Practicing the Way series Pastor Jordan has us look at intentional spiritual formation and the reality that everyone is being shaped by something. The question is: who are you becoming, and into whose image?

A Critique of Practicing the Way, Part 22 - Spirituality for the Unconverted, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. We discuss Comer's false version of abiding. Bob calls Comer's contemplative practices for abiding "spirituality for the unconverted." These practices are Catholic mysticism, not the means of grace. Only those who are born again can truly abide in Christ. (duration 00:22:45) Click here to play

All of us are moving in some sort of direction in life. Many of us aren't intentional about the “way” we're heading. At times we can become directionally challenged. We start to go in one direction and then turn left or go right just to end up in a familiar starting place. Spiritually, many people would feel the same way. I'm a “Christian” But what does that mean? Are either of those true? The first followers of Jesus were called followers of “The Way”. If you're looking for meaning, honesty, change, and direction; join us for “Practicing The Way”. This series has the potential to change your life and point you in the direction you were made for.

Sunday morning message from Cochranton Community Church. We pray this message blesses you and brings you closer to a relationship with Jesus. We have services at 8:30 & 11am. Bible classes at 9:45am www.ccubchurch.org

Pastor Steve teaches that you can only live like Jesus and serve like Jesus when you first sit with Jesus.

Trace Church continues our series Practicing the Way with a powerful message on Service from Lead Pastor Aaron Pennington.In John 13, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, showing us that true greatness comes from humility and serving others. This message explores why service is central to the life of every follower of Christ and how stepping into this calling allows us to reflect His love to a hurting world.Whether you are new to faith or looking to grow deeper, this teaching will challenge you to live out your faith in practical ways, embrace humility, and join God's mission to reach others.

Week 2 of our Practicing the Way series Pastor Jordan has us look at spiritual formation; the reality that everyone is being shaped by something. The question is: who are you becoming, and into whose image?

What is the call of Christ to one who wants nothing more than to faithfully follow the scorned Savior who loves the whole world? What does it mean to exchange my will for His...and at what cost?The sermon today is titled "Surrender." This sermon is the twenty-fifth installment in our series "Follow Me." The Scripture reading is from Luke 9:23 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on September 14, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under GROW: Spiritual Formation.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):John Mark Comer, Practicing The Way.Dr. Evertt Huffard quote from "Leader Loop," p.27.I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

"If you want to experience the life of Jesus, you have to adopt the lifestyle of Jesus."John Mark concludes the Vision series with a pastoral word on hurry, unpacking how hurry does violence to the soul, erodes our capacity for transformation, and why following Jesus requires us to slow down and adopt his lifestyle, not just his teachings.Key Scripture Passages: Matthew 11v28–30; Luke 10v38–42This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Julianne from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; Janet from West Lafayette, Indiana; Laura from Newberg, Oregon; Staci from Colleyville, Texas; and Bianca from San Luis Obispo, California. Thank you all so much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.

A Critique of Practicing the Way, Part 21 - The Danger of Spiritual Elitism, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. Comer claims that there are spiritual masters of the Way. We describe the faulty value systems of different groups and show how they are all various versions of spiritual elitism. We discuss Col 3:1-4 to show that it rejects Comer's version of pietism. (duration 00:23:27) Click here to play

All of us are moving in some sort of direction in life. Many of us aren't intentional about the “way” we're heading. At times we can become directionally challenged. We start to go in one direction and then turn left or go right just to end up in a familiar starting place. Spiritually, many people would feel the same way. I'm a “Christian” But what does that mean? Are either of those true? The first followers of Jesus were called followers of “The Way”. If you're looking for meaning, honesty, change, and direction; join us for “Practicing The Way”. This series has the potential to change your life and point you in the direction you were made for.

Sunday morning message from Cochranton Community Church. We pray this message blesses you and brings you closer to a relationship with Jesus. We have services at 8:30 & 11am. Bible classes at 9:45am www.ccubchurch.org

This message kicks off our new sermon series Practicing the Way at Trace Church in Colorado Springs. Pastor Aaron Pennington teaches on the power of God's Word and why it is the foundation for following Jesus.God's Word is not just something to read, it is living, active, and able to transform our lives. In this sermon, we look at how Scripture guides us, convicts us, and calls us to build our lives on truth that cannot be shaken.Too often we settle for distraction or compromise, but the Bible invites us to return to the basics: to open His Word daily, to hear His voice clearly, and to walk in the freedom that only Jesus provides.Key scriptures include Psalm 119, Matthew 7, 2 Timothy 3, and Hebrews 4. This teaching will encourage you to anchor your life in the Bible and take one more step in practicing the way of Jesus.If you're searching for sermons about God's Word, Bible teaching, or Colorado Springs church messages, this is the perfect place to start.

YouVersion Notes: http://bible.com/events/49490105

What good is faith, if it has not works? What are words without deeds to match? What would it look like to live what we say we believe?The sermon today is titled "Live Out The Gospel." This sermon is the twenty-fourth installment in our series "Follow Me." The Scripture reading is from Luke 24:19 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on September 7, 2025 (PM). All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under GROW: Spiritual Formation.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):John Mark Comer, Practicing The Way.Stories from 9/11 and its aftermath gathered from internet sources.I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

Jesus came…preaching (Mark 1:14). Just words? Tell that to creation (Gen 1:3). Just words? Words have conquered kingdoms and forged new worlds. And when it's the word of the cross, the message of God's glorious kingdom, the sword wielded by the Spirit to dispel the darkness and secure the faithful, it's something greater still. Yes, we believe in the foolishness of preaching, for we know what appears so small, weak, and insignificant can rise from obscurity and be used by God to enlighten the nations and save the world.The sermon today is titled "Boldly Preach The Gospel." This sermon is the twenty-second installment in our series "Follow Me." The Scripture reading is from Mark 1:14 (KJV) & 1 Corinthians 1:18-24 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on August 31, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under GROW: Spiritual Formation.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):John Mark Comer, Practicing The Way.Inspired by a Jim McGuiggan sermon from 1978.I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

Pastor Emily launched this new series by focusing us around the idea that following Jesus is so much more than just believing the right things. It's about being with Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and then doing what Jesus did.

Matthew 7v13-14 with Tyler Staton Each fall, we take a few weeks to reorient ourselves around our vision: to see God's Kingdom come in Portland as it is in Heaven. This year, we do so with a renewed desire to deepen our practice of Community, reaffirming our commitment to one another and to the whole church. https://bridgetown.church/teaching

What does it mean to follow Jesus in a culture obsessed with self-fulfillment? John Mark explores Jesus' words in Luke 9, where He calls His disciples to “take up your cross and follow me.” Contrasting the way of self-denial at the heart of apprenticeship to Jesus with the modern pursuit of personal satisfaction, John Mark encourages us to embrace the cruciform life that leads to our deepest satisfaction in God.Key Scripture Passages: Luke 9v18-24; Galatians 5v16-24; Luke 9v57-62; Luke 14v25-33; Luke 18v18-23; Matthew 13v44This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks today goes to Loida from Santander, Spain; Ashley from Greensboro, North Carolina; Kara from Cincinnati, Ohio; Kalani from Fargo, North Dakota; and Katherine from Monument, Colorado. Thank you all very much! If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.

A Critique of Practicing the Way, Part 20 - The Dangers of Inward Orientation, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. Comer claims that the spiritual practice of inward orientation is needed for believers to abide in Christ. We reject the idea that we can journey inward to become conscious of presence. We abide in Christ by believing His promises through the gospel. (duration 00:22:40) Click here to play

Jesus loved tables. The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost. And the Son of Man came…eating and drinking. Perhaps we can learn something about evangelism: who doesn't love a table?The sermon today is titled "Making Room For Jesus." This sermon is the eighteenth installment in our series "Follow Me." The Scripture reading is from Hebrews 13:1-2 (NIV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on August 24, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under GROW: Spiritual Formation.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):John Mark Comer, Practicing The Way.David Lipscomb, “Can We Too Rigidly Follow God's Law,” Gospel Advocate 53 (9 March 1911) 303 Darryl Tippens, Pilgrim Heart.I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

All of us are moving in some sort of direction in life. Many of us aren't intentional about the “way” we're heading. At times we can become directionally challenged. We start to go in one direction and then turn left or go right just to end up in a familiar starting place. Spiritually, many people would feel the same way. I'm a “Christian” But what does that mean? Are either of those true? The first followers of Jesus were called followers of “The Way”. If you're looking for meaning, honesty, change, and direction; join us for “Practicing The Way”. This series has the potential to change your life and point you in the direction you were made for.

Sunday morning message from Cochranton Community Church. We pray this message blesses you and brings you closer to a relationship with Jesus. We have services at 8:30 & 11am. Bible classes at 9:45am www.ccubchurch.org

YouVersion Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49488196

All of us are moving in some sort of direction in life. Many of us aren't intentional about the “way” we're heading. At times we can become directionally challenged. We start to go in one direction and then turn left or go right just to end up in a familiar starting place. Spiritually, many people would feel the same way. I'm a “Christian” But what does that mean? Are either of those true? The first followers of Jesus were called followers of “The Way”. If you're looking for meaning, honesty, change, and direction; join us for “Practicing The Way”. This series has the potential to change your life and point you in the direction you were made for.

What is the goal of an apprentice? We have learned to be with Jesus and to become like Jesus. All of this is so that we can do as Jesus did…and does.The sermon today is titled "Do As He Did." This sermon is the seventeenth installment in our series "Follow Me." The Scripture reading is from 1 John 2:5-6 (NIV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on August 17, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under GROW: Spiritual Formation.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):John Mark Comer, Practicing The Way.David E. Garland, Mark (Zondervan Bible Background Commentary).Mishnah, Tractate Aboth ("The Fathers") 1:1I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

What role does the Holy Spirit play in our transformation? John Mark unpacks how true transformation always requires partnership with God's Spirit, encouraging us to rely on his presence and power to form us into the image of Jesus.Key Scripture Passages: 2 Corinthians 3v17–18; Exodus 34v29–35; John 15v5; Galatians 5v22–25This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Caleb from Portland, Oregon; Carrie from Saint Louis, Missouri; Nick from Houston, Texas; Carolyn from San Luis Obispo, California; and Abbi from Yukon, Oklahoma. Thank you all so much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.

A Critique of Practicing the Way, Part 19 - Dangerous Deluding Practices from Church History, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. We contrast Comer's teaching on abiding in Christ and "practicing the presence of God" with the biblical definition of "abiding" as found in First John 4:12-16. Comers practices are appealing to unbelievers, but they aren't biblical means of grace. (duration 00:24:13) Click here to play

Rest. The Bible commands it. Jesus showed us how to practice it from the right perspective and position. But for most of us, taking one day a week to rest is difficult and illusive. Let's practice together.

YouVersion Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49485506

Practicing The Way part 1

When we live in community, conflict is inevitable. But how do we handle conflict well? Alex Rettman—former Bridgetown pastor and now Lead Pastor of Saints' Hill Church in Newberg, OR—explores how conflict—when done in love—can be one of the primary ways we move from disillusionment to acceptance in our relationships, encouraging us use conflict to point one another back to Jesus.Key Scripture Passages: Philippians 2v1–4; Matthew 18v15–17; Romans 8v1This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Daphne from Utrecht, Netherlands; Whitney from Northport, Alabama; Cade from Plano, Texas; Amy from Quincy, Illinois; and Cooper from Hartselle, Alabama. Thank you all so much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.

A Critique of Practicing the Way, Part 18 - Spirituality Divorced from Rationality, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. John Mark Comer claims that the most important goal of apprenticeship is being with Jesus - being aware of His presence and hearing His voice. We also refute Comer's claim that we can "live in the moment-by-moment flow of love within the Trinity." (duration 00:24:19) Click here to play

Jesus encouraged spiritual practices that ultimately lead to freedom for his followers- including the discipline of trusting God with our money. But how do we really allow God to set us free from the master of money, so we can follow him freely?  Let's practice together.

What does it really mean for a church to be a family? Bethany Allen unpacks a powerful vision of community not as an optional add-on to the Christian life, but as the very environment where transformation takes place. Bethany explores why community is both beautiful and broken, and how Jesus invites us to move through disappointment, unmet expectations, and past pain into a healing family of faith.Key Scripture Passages: Genesis 1v26–27; Genesis 3v6–13; Genesis 12v1–3; Luke 8v19–21; Galatians 3v26–29This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Alan from Suwanee, Georgia; Andrew from Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Matthew and Chyril from Pittsford, New York; Lora from Bristol, Tennessee; and Randy from Port Angeles, Washington. Thank you all very much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.

A Critique of Practicing the Way, Part 17 - Does Jesus Believe in You?, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. In his book Practicing the Way John Mark Comer makes the claim that Jesus believes in us. Bob contrasts that claim with John chapter 2:23-25 and Romans 1, showing that Jesus did not entrust Himself to men because He knew what was in men - sin. (duration 00:22:52) Click here to play

Jesus engaged in the regular practice of weekly worship, and spontaneous worship was often the response of people who encountered his love and power. But how do we know if our worship places and practices are the authentic offering God desires? Let's practice together.

Can we follow Jesus alone? John Mark explores the essential—but often overlooked—role of community in spiritual formation. Drawing from the life of Jesus and the early church, he shows how transformation doesn't happen in isolation but in the messy, beautiful tension between the ideal of community and its imperfect reality. Key Scripture Passages: Matthew 4v18-22; Matthew 9v9-13; Acts 2v42-47; Romans 12v15; 1 John 4v20This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Margreet from Drachten, Netherlands; Will from Lewisburg, Ohio; Bruce from Memphis, Tennessee; Abby from Sandpoint, Indiana; and Rebecca from Friendswood, Texas. Thank you all so much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.

A Critique of Practicing the Way, Part 16 - The True Gospel is Exclusive, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. We discuss Comer's rejection of the exclusive claims of the gospel. Citing key passages such as John 14:6 and Matthew 7:13-14, Comer redefines the terms to support his claim that these passages are about human potential, not salvation or coming judgment. (duration 00:21:23) Click here to play

Jesus practiced prayer as unbroken communion with the Father, and he clearly taught his followers to pray. But we often wrestle with how, what and when to pray. Let's practice together.

What do spiritual disciplines have to do with real transformation? John Mark double clicks on the concept of the practices of Jesus—also called the spiritual disciplines—and explains why they're not optional for those who want to become like Him. He shows us how transformation doesn't come through trying harder but through training wisely.Key Scripture Passages: 1 Corinthians 9v24-27; Acts 20v24; Galatians 5v7; 1 Timothy 6v12; 2 Timothy 4v6-8This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Sid from Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Josh from Oxford, Oxfordshire; Margaret from Woodland Hills, California; Ashley from Dallas, Texas; and Erin from Centralia, Washington. Thank you all so much! If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.

A Critique of Practicing the Way, Part 15 - A False Gospel, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. John Mark Comer asks the question, "But what are we saved to?" Bob explains that we are saved out of sin and alienation from God and into forgiveness and sanctification. Comer's false gospel points people to works rather than repentance and faith. (duration 00:24:06) Click here to play

As Jesus washed the feet of his friends, he directed his followers to live the same way and be the lead servants in every space. But with busy lives, full schedules, and many demands, how do we prioritize the practice of serving? Let's practice together.

How do we actually change? John Mark dives deep into two core elements of our working theory of change: teaching and practice. He shows how true transformation doesn't come from inspiration alone, but through a rewiring of our minds and a reshaping of our habits, inviting us to a more holistic vision of apprenticeship to Jesus. Key Scripture Passages: Mark 1v14-15; Matthew 7v24-27; Romans 12v1-3; 2 Corinthians 2v16; 2 Corinthians 10v5; Colossians 3v3; Philippians 3v5This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Clayton from Olympia, Washington; Lindsay from Woodway, Texas; Christopher from Palm Beach, Florida; Marcie from Cincinnati, Ohio; and Richard from Frisco, Texas. Thank you all so much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.

This week we'll study Luke 9:21-27 under the theme “Take Up Your Cross.” Jesus' call to discipleship is startlingly clear: following Him requires daily self-denial and cross-bearing. We'll explore what this means (and doesn't mean), why the cost of refusing Him is far greater than the cost of obedience, and how this difficult path paradoxically leads to true freedom and joy.SERIES SUMMARY: This series is based on the best-selling Christian book, Practicing the Way, by John Mark Comer. This work guides Christians toward spiritual formation by following the lifestyle of Jesus — through intentional practices like silence, sabbath, simplicity, and community. It emphasizes becoming like Jesus by doing what he did, integrating faith into everyday life through rhythm, discipline, and deep apprenticeship.How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayersFill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcardIf you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

What does it mean to actually live like Jesus? John Mark explores the third goal of apprenticeship: doing what Jesus did, showing us how Jesus invites us to participate in His Kingdom work through everyday acts of love, hospitality, and Spirit-empowered presence—and challenges us to say yes, right where we are, in our real lives.Key Scripture Passages: Matthew 4v18-25; Matthew 8v18-22; Matthew 9v9-13; Matthew 9v35-10v8; Matthew 28v16-20; 1 Peter 2v11-12; Luke 19v10; Luke 7v34-35; Romans 12.This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Sacha from Ellicott City, Maryland; Ethan from Lake Charles, Lousiana; Amanda from Pittsburg, Kansas; Derek from Cave Creek, Arizona; and Catherine from Christiansburg, Virginia. Thank you all so much! If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.

“Who are you becoming?” John Mark discusses the call of Jesus for His students to become like their master, as well as how teaching, practice, community, and the Holy Spirit combine to help us practice and live the way of Jesus.Key Scripture Passages: Luke 6v39-40; 2 Corinthians 3v18, Romans 12v1-2; Matthew 5-7; Galatians 5v13-26.This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Darren from Henderson, Nevada; Savannah from Portland, Oregon; Bill from Waynesboro, Virginia; Matt from Brookings, South Dakota; and Geoff from Columbus, Ohio. Thank you all so much! If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.