Podcasts about practicing the way

Spiritual Formation, Therapeutic Christianity, and the Gospel - A Critique of Practicing the Way, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. Bob DeWaay critiques John Mark Comer's spiritual formation teaching, contrasting a process of becoming like Jesus with biblical conversion, justification, and Christ's finished work. He also shares a 1995 warning about therapeutic Christianity. (duration 00:24:19) Click here to play

The "Zap from Heaven" - Losing Strategy or Biblical Salvation? - A Critique of Practicing the Way, presented by Barb Gretch and Bob DeWaay. John Mark Comer mocks the "zap from heaven" as a losing strategy. Bob DeWaay examines Ephesians 2:4-7 and Jeremiah 17:5-10, showing that salvation is God's monergistic work of grace--not human effort--and those who receive it are blessed. (duration 00:24:02) Click here to play

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-276316.html Continuing the Conversation Are there people you avoid because of their reputation, beliefs, lifestyle, or personality? What might loving hospitality look like without compromising your convictions? What makes hospitality difficult for youtime, mess, money, introversion, fear, inconvenience, or something else? Think about someone who made you feel genuinely welcome. What did they do that made such an impact?

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-275633.html Continuing the Conversation How do these verses challenge common ideas about evangelism? Where has God already placed you to shine His contrasting light? What basket most often hides your witnessfear, busyness, comfort, or something else? What evidence of Jesus transforming work have you seen in your own life over the past year?

Jacinta Read concludes our 4-part series on Sabbath with the final movement: Worship. This sermon series is based on resources provided by Practicing The Way. Sunday July 19th, 2026.

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-275184.html

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-275184.html

Andy Barefootcontinues our 4-part series on Sabbath with the second movement: Delight. This sermon series is based on resources provided by Practicing The Way. Sunday July 19th, 2026.

Jeremy Pleasant continues our 4-part series on Sabbath with the second movement: Rest. This sermon series is based on resources provided by Practicing The Way. Sunday July 19th, 2026.

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-274055.html Continuing the Conversation Who has quietly served you in a way you'll never forget? Why do you think we naturally prefer being noticed over quietly serving? What keeps you from noticing the needs around you? How does remembering the Gospel change our motivation for serving? Where has God placed you right now to serve this week?

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-274055.html Continuing the Conversation Who has quietly served you in a way you'll never forget? Why do you think we naturally prefer being noticed over quietly serving? What keeps you from noticing the needs around you? How does remembering the Gospel change our motivation for serving? Where has God placed you right now to serve this week?

Lesson by Billy Huynh

Lesson by Billy Huynh

Makenzi Koyen starts our 4-part series on Sabbath with the first movement: Stop. This sermon series is based on resources provided by Practicing The Way. Sunday July 12th, 2026.

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-273414.html Continuing the Conversation Be honest...(this is universal, not shameful) where in your life right now do you find yourself wanting to be served recognized, accommodated, deferred to? When you think of someone who has served you without needing credit, what did that do for your relationship with them and what does it reveal about why Jesus served us this way? What's one small, unnoticed act of service you could do this week for someone in this group, your family, or a neighbor?

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-273414.html Continuing the Conversation Be honest...(this is universal, not shameful) where in your life right now do you find yourself wanting to be served recognized, accommodated, deferred to? When you think of someone who has served you without needing credit, what did that do for your relationship with them and what does it reveal about why Jesus served us this way? What's one small, unnoticed act of service you could do this week for someone in this group, your family, or a neighbor?

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-272800.html Continuing the Conversation 1. When you read 1 Corinthians 13:17, which parts do you find yourself meeting the most resistance to embody? 2. Specifically with the Always statements: Where has it been difficult to always a. Protect by forgiving regardless of how offensive the person is? b. Trust by continuous engagement, making yourself vulnerable? c. Hope by loving someone just for the sake of itself, not what it can bring you? d. Persevere by never giving up on the person? 3. Where have you seen fruit in embodying the 4 Always elements of True Christian love?

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-272271.html Continuing the Conversation 1. If you're honest, what might your financial behavior over the last few months reveal about where your trust is actually rooted not where you'd say it's rooted, but where it actually is? 2. 1 Timothy 6:19 (NLT) says generosity leads to people "experiencing true life." Where have you maybe mistaken security (hoarding, self-protection) for true life, when Scripture says the opposite is true? 3. Can you think of a time financial or otherwise when giving freely led to you being "refreshed" in a way you didn't expect? What happened? 4. Of the three everyday avenues discussed (tithing, Kingdom Builder giving, helping a church family in need), is there one that currently feels more natural to you or feels more uncomfortable? Why might that be?

John Mark Comer: Is More Bible Study a Losing Strategy? - A Critique of Practicing the Way, presented by Barb Grecth and Bob DeWaay. John Mark Comer claims that "more Bible study" is a losing strategy for spiritual growth. Bob DeWaay contrasts spiritual formation with biblical sanctification, showing how God transforms believers through His powerful Word, the means of grace, and faith in His promises. (duration 00:22:31) Click here to play

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-271747.html Continuing the Conversation Where are you most tempted to live with a scarcity mindset instead of trusting God's provision? What "seed" has God entrusted to you right now (time, abilities, finances, relationships, influence)? How has someone else's generosity impacted your trust in Jesus? Are there any practical ways that remembering God's gift of Jesus motivate you toward greater generosity?

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-271747.html Continuing the Conversation Where are you most tempted to live with a scarcity mindset instead of trusting God's provision? What "seed" has God entrusted to you right now (time, abilities, finances, relationships, influence)? How has someone else's generosity impacted your trust in Jesus? Are there any practical ways that remembering God's gift of Jesus motivate you toward greater generosity?

Grace Through Faith vs. Self-Effort Spiritual Formation - A Critique of Practicing the Way, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. Bob DeWaay examines John Mark Comer's view of self-effort in spiritual formation and contrasts it with Colossians 1:36. Learn why Paul taught that believers bear fruit through God's grace received by faith, not through human striving. (duration 00:21:25) Click here to play

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-270079.html Continuing the Conversation Why do you think joyful generosity is often difficult in modern American culture? When you think about Gods generosity toward you personally, what stands out most strongly right now? In what areas of life are you most tempted to live with a scarcity mindset instead of trusting Gods abundance? Is there one practical way you can reflect the generosity of Jesus this week with your time, resources, or attention?

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-270079.html Continuing the Conversation Why do you think joyful generosity is often difficult in modern American culture? When you think about Gods generosity toward you personally, what stands out most strongly right now? In what areas of life are you most tempted to live with a scarcity mindset instead of trusting Gods abundance? Is there one practical way you can reflect the generosity of Jesus this week with your time, resources, or attention?

Reject the "Renaissance" of Spiritual Formation - A Critique of Practicing the Way, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. John Mark Comer credits Richard Foster with launching a "renaissance" of spiritual formation in Protestantism. Bob DeWaay warns this movement replaces confidence in Scripture with mystical practices and calls believers to approach God through Christ alone. (duration 00:22:23) Click here to play

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-269455.html Continuing The Conversation What are some things our prevailing culture values more than Jesus? Read Philippians 3:7-11. What stands out to you most about Pauls change in perspective regarding his accomplishments and status? For you personally, what are the most valuable riches in knowing Jesus?

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-269455.html Continuing The Conversation What are some things our prevailing culture values more than Jesus? Read Philippians 3:7-11. What stands out to you most about Pauls change in perspective regarding his accomplishments and status? For you personally, what are the most valuable riches in knowing Jesus?

The Apostasy of Spiritual Formation - A Critique of Practicing the Way, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. Spiritual formation is designed for those who don't know Christ. This is Christianity in name only. Using verses from Hebrews, Bob warns that turning from the promises of God given to all believers and going to spiritual formation leads to apostasy. (duration 00:22:40) Click here to play

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-268772.html Continuing the Conversation Which type of powerless change do you most relate to right now: guilt, fear, image, or rules? What competing affection most distracts your heart from Jesus? Which habits or voices are shaping who you are becoming? What is one area where you can already see evidence of God transforming you?

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-268772.html Continuing the Conversation Which type of powerless change do you most relate to right now: guilt, fear, image, or rules? What competing affection most distracts your heart from Jesus? Which habits or voices are shaping who you are becoming? What is one area where you can already see evidence of God transforming you?

A Spiritual Journey for the Unconverted - A Critique of Practicing the Way, presented by Barb Gretch and Bob DeWaay. We show that spiritual formation is not a biblical category. We address the spiritual process prescribed by Fuller Seminary and cited in Comer's book. It is appealing to religious consumers but fails to give them what they most need the gospel. (duration 00:22:15) Click here to play

John Mark Comer and the Mystical Union Error - A Critique of Practicing the Way, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. Is being "in Christ" the same as panentheism? Bob DeWaay explains that union with God is legal, not ontological. Believers are declared righteous through faith, not merged with God's essence. We also critique Comer's view of union with the Trinity. (duration 00:23:20) Click here to play

The way of Jesus leads us to a deeper, fuller life. This was true in the ancient world where Jesus first lived and taught, and it's still true today. But what does it mean to actually practice the way of Jesus in today's complex, secular world? In this podcast, join John Mark Comer and other guides as they explore this important question through practical teachings and conversations. At Practicing the Way, we are here to help you journey to a deeper life with God.Discover more of our resources and take your next step at practicingtheway.org

The Panentheistic Gospel of Contemporary Theological - A Critique of Practicing the Way, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. We reveal and reject the panentheistic gospel of John Mark Comer, which is typical of progressive, liberal theologians today. Panentheism is the belief that God is in everything. We defend the true gospel, including the substitutionary atonement. (duration 00:23:23) Click here to play

An Inward Journey to Utter Deception - A Critique of Practicing the Way, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. Comer claims there is an inward journey that is key to Christian spirituality and finding our "true self." This is contrary to the biblical doctrine of the means of grace and the finished work of Christ. We don't look inward - we look to Christ. (duration 00:23:56) Click here to play

Saints and Surrender: What the Bible Really Says - A Critique of Practicing the Way, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. A common error among mystics and the Roman Catholic Church is an unbiblical definition of "saint." Using Hebrews 10:10-14, we show that a saint is any born-again believer. We also challenge "total surrender," noting that 2 Peter 1:1-4 corrects this idea. (duration 00:23:27) Click here to play

Conversion, Not Spiritual Formation: A Critique of Practicing the Way, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. In this episode we examine John Mark Comers' claim that, "Formation into the image of Jesus is a long, slow process, not a one-time event." Bob DeWaay rejects this and clearly defends the biblical position that we are a new creation and secure in Christ the moment we are born again, which is a one-time event. We walk in newness of life as we await the promised resurrection. We must not give up the biblical doctrine of sanctification in favor of the man-made process of spiritual formation. (duration 00:22:02) Click here to play

An Invasion of Eastern Religion: True Self or True Conversion - A Critique of Practicing the Way, Part 41, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. Comer's version of spiritual formation is an invasion of eastern religion sweeping through churches today. Comer claims that spiritual formation leads us to our truest self. Bob rejects this and shows that our greatest need is to be born again. (duration 00:23:29) Click here to play

A Critique of Practicing the Way, Part 40 - The Hopelessness of Spiritual Formation, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. We compare spiritual formation with the biblical doctrine of sanctification. The beginning point of Comer's version of spiritual formation is the mother's womb (in Adam); the beginning point of true sanctification is supernatural regeneration (in Christ). (duration 00:23:31) Click here to play

In this episode of Unshaken Faith, we take a careful, biblical look at Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer, a book that has quickly gained popularity in Christian discipleship and spiritual formation circles. Many listeners have asked whether we recommend it and after a thorough review, the answer is no. We walk through the book's core framework, its view of spiritual formation, and how it defines discipleship and transformation. While some of the practices it encourages may sound helpful on the surface, we found deeper theological concerns underneath including influences that overlap with contemplative spirituality, charismatic/NAR-style formation models, progressive-leaning theology, and sacramental or mystical streams more commonly associated with Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic spirituality.Most importantly, we evaluate the book's message against the biblical gospel. Does it clearly present salvation by grace through faith? Does it ground transformation in the finished work of Christ or shift the center toward practices and processes? We explain where we believe the message drifts and why that matters for everyday Christians.Our goal is not to attack people, but to equip believers with discernment. We encourage you to think biblically, test everything against Scripture, and stay rooted in the true gospel.If this book has been recommended to you, or if you're already reading it, this episode will help you evaluate it through a clear theological lens.Consider the Lillies, by Johnny ArdavanisHappy Lies, by Melissa DoughertyAlisa's video on generational curses