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What does it really mean to be a disciple In episode 437, Richard and Daniel discuss spiritual maturity through obedience and fruitfulness. The new book, Following Jesus, is out now! TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Introduction  2:28 Leadership Trivia 3:30 What is spiritual maturity and why is it important? 13:17 What are some ways to know if someone is maturing? 21:20 What's another measuring stick to know how spiritually mature you are? 34:38 Leadership Trivia Response Questions or comments? Email us at [email protected] DONATE: If you have enjoyed this podcast and want to support our ministry into the next 20 years, click here: https://bit.ly/382Exi3 RESOURCES: Following Jesus Preorder link: https://www.amazon.com/Following-Jesus-Ancient-Spiritual-Maturity/dp/B0GRFSBR3N/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2LZPCT6DXR8HJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.V_XXiejIs15ni-gCPhJTyFMZXqH65wsFiIkWne_eTRlv9NcNNMi8XXDfttYP0CGVuaZD6PMJDVudURZRkOvxnGjs5AjAtyz8nJYLgsyz8druRBnfa1CmOlJ9svjhh3wIbey-TCs951x94dKFtiUYTj2zKK9DNjrTa8drgdRJXN1cZc9Qwvq1WdXZ79cEtew7tNb50ivUmAarNZepEel_dk__Pjx9Ms0rvsxrx-OoJFU.6nxKYdFopeytw40t1MK5vmjHRQ3xSqkeqMhgWhVbZ-I&dib_tag=se&keywords=following+jesus+richard+blackaby&qid=1788919021&sprefix=following+Jesus%2Caps%2C349&sr=8-1  Ways of God Online Class: https://www.blackabyinstitute.com/course/the-ways-of-god CONNECT: X: @richardblackaby Facebook: https://bit.ly/2WvZPzw Read Richard's latest blog posts at www.richardblackaby.com

What does it really mean to be a disciple? In episode 436, Richard and Daniel discuss what it looks like when someone is discipled well. The new book, Following Jesus, is out now! TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Introduction  2:10  Leadership Trivia 3:16 How do you fulfill the calling to follow Jesus and help others follow Jesus? 34:00 Leadership Trivia Response Questions or comments? Email us at [email protected] DONATE: If you have enjoyed this podcast and want to support our ministry into the next 20 years, click here: https://bit.ly/382Exi3 RESOURCES: Following Jesus Preorder link: https://www.amazon.com/Following-Jesus-Ancient-Spiritual-Maturity/dp/B0GRFSBR3N/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2LZPCT6DXR8HJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.V_XXiejIs15ni-gCPhJTyFMZXqH65wsFiIkWne_eTRlv9NcNNMi8XXDfttYP0CGVuaZD6PMJDVudURZRkOvxnGjs5AjAtyz8nJYLgsyz8druRBnfa1CmOlJ9svjhh3wIbey-TCs951x94dKFtiUYTj2zKK9DNjrTa8drgdRJXN1cZc9Qwvq1WdXZ79cEtew7tNb50ivUmAarNZepEel_dk__Pjx9Ms0rvsxrx-OoJFU.6nxKYdFopeytw40t1MK5vmjHRQ3xSqkeqMhgWhVbZ-I&dib_tag=se&keywords=following+jesus+richard+blackaby&qid=1788919021&sprefix=following+Jesus%2Caps%2C349&sr=8-1  Ways of God Online Class: https://www.blackabyinstitute.com/course/the-ways-of-god CONNECT: X: @richardblackaby Facebook: https://bit.ly/2WvZPzw Read Richard's latest blog posts at www.richardblackaby.com

What does it really mean to be a disciple? In episode 435, Richard and Daniel discuss the things Jesus did not ask Peter and Andrew to do. The new book, Following Jesus, is out now! TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Introduction  2:53 Leadership Trivia 4:00 Jesus didn't ask us to believe 13:43 Jesus didn't ask us to join a Bible study 24:43 Jesus didn't ask us to worship him 29:46 Jesus didn't ask us to serve him 34:38 Leadership Trivia Response Questions or comments? Email us at [email protected] DONATE: If you have enjoyed this podcast and want to support our ministry into the next 20 years, click here: https://bit.ly/382Exi3 RESOURCES: Following Jesus Preorder link: https://www.amazon.com/Following-Jesus-Ancient-Spiritual-Maturity/dp/B0GRFSBR3N/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2LZPCT6DXR8HJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.V_XXiejIs15ni-gCPhJTyFMZXqH65wsFiIkWne_eTRlv9NcNNMi8XXDfttYP0CGVuaZD6PMJDVudURZRkOvxnGjs5AjAtyz8nJYLgsyz8druRBnfa1CmOlJ9svjhh3wIbey-TCs951x94dKFtiUYTj2zKK9DNjrTa8drgdRJXN1cZc9Qwvq1WdXZ79cEtew7tNb50ivUmAarNZepEel_dk__Pjx9Ms0rvsxrx-OoJFU.6nxKYdFopeytw40t1MK5vmjHRQ3xSqkeqMhgWhVbZ-I&dib_tag=se&keywords=following+jesus+richard+blackaby&qid=1788919021&sprefix=following+Jesus%2Caps%2C349&sr=8-1  Ways of God Online Class: https://www.blackabyinstitute.com/course/the-ways-of-god CONNECT: X: @richardblackaby Facebook: https://bit.ly/2WvZPzw Read Richard's latest blog posts at www.richardblackaby.com

What does it really mean to be a disciple? In episode 434, Richard and Daniel discuss the difference between doing a Bible study and truly following Jesus. The newest book, Following Jesus, releases on October 13th. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Introduction 1:25 Leadership Trivia 2:25 Introducing Following Jesus 3:00 Why write this book? 12:36 How do we know where God is leading so we can follow? 31:44 Leadership Trivia Response Questions or comments? Email us at [email protected] DONATE: If you have enjoyed this podcast and want to support our ministry into the next 20 years, click here: https://bit.ly/382Exi3 RESOURCES: Following Jesus Preorder link: https://www.amazon.com/Following-Jesus-Ancient-Spiritual-Maturity/dp/B0GRFSBR3N/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2LZPCT6DXR8HJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.V_XXiejIs15ni-gCPhJTyFMZXqH65wsFiIkWne_eTRlv9NcNNMi8XXDfttYP0CGVuaZD6PMJDVudURZRkOvxnGjs5AjAtyz8nJYLgsyz8druRBnfa1CmOlJ9svjhh3wIbey-TCs951x94dKFtiUYTj2zKK9DNjrTa8drgdRJXN1cZc9Qwvq1WdXZ79cEtew7tNb50ivUmAarNZepEel_dk__Pjx9Ms0rvsxrx-OoJFU.6nxKYdFopeytw40t1MK5vmjHRQ3xSqkeqMhgWhVbZ-I&dib_tag=se&keywords=following+jesus+richard+blackaby&qid=1788919021&sprefix=following+Jesus%2Caps%2C349&sr=8-1 Ways of God Online Class: https://www.blackabyinstitute.com/course/the-ways-of-god   CONNECT: X: @richardblackaby Facebook: https://bit.ly/2WvZPzw Read Richard's latest blog posts at www.richardblackaby.com

As we come to the end of our study, Jacob's kids step into the spotlight. In episode 433, Richard and Daniel talk about Joseph's precarious relationship with his brothers and God's plan throughout his very messy life.   TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Introduction 3:30 Leadership Trivia 4:30 Genesis 37: Introducing Joseph 15:00 Genesis 38: Judah and Tamar 18:38 Genesis 39: Joseph in Egypt 24:30 Genesis 42: The Deal for Benjamin 29:50 Genesis 49: Jacob's Blessings 35:30 Leadership Trivia Response   Questions or comments? Email us at [email protected]   DONATE: If you have enjoyed this podcast and want to support our ministry into the next 20 years, click here: https://bit.ly/382Exi3   RESOURCES: Following Jesus Preorder link: https://www.amazon.com/Following-Jesus-Ancient-Spiritual-Maturity/dp/B0GRFSBR3N/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2LZPCT6DXR8HJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.V_XXiejIs15ni-gCPhJTyFMZXqH65wsFiIkWne_eTRlv9NcNNMi8XXDfttYP0CGVuaZD6PMJDVudURZRkOvxnGjs5AjAtyz8nJYLgsyz8druRBnfa1CmOlJ9svjhh3wIbey-TCs951x94dKFtiUYTj2zKK9DNjrTa8drgdRJXN1cZc9Qwvq1WdXZ79cEtew7tNb50ivUmAarNZepEel_dk__Pjx9Ms0rvsxrx-OoJFU.6nxKYdFopeytw40t1MK5vmjHRQ3xSqkeqMhgWhVbZ-I&dib_tag=se&keywords=following+jesus+richard+blackaby&qid=1788919021&sprefix=following+Jesus%2Caps%2C349&sr=8-1   Ways of God Online Class: https://www.blackabyinstitute.com/course/the-ways-of-god   CONNECT: X: @richardblackaby Facebook: https://bit.ly/2WvZPzw Read Richard's latest blog posts at www.richardblackaby.com

A father's ways, both the best and the worst, naturally pass on to his children. In episode 432, Richard and Daniel discuss how Jacob's family suffers from his shortcomings, but in the brokenness God works things out for good.    TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Introduction 3:45 Leadership Trivia 4:46 Genesis 34-35 30:30 Leadership Trivia Response   Questions or comments? Email us at [email protected]   DONATE: If you have enjoyed this podcast and want to support our ministry into the next 20 years, click here: https://bit.ly/382Exi3   RESOURCES: Following Jesus Preorder link: https://www.amazon.com/Following-Jesus-Ancient-Spiritual-Maturity/dp/B0GRFSBR3N/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2LZPCT6DXR8HJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.V_XXiejIs15ni-gCPhJTyFMZXqH65wsFiIkWne_eTRlv9NcNNMi8XXDfttYP0CGVuaZD6PMJDVudURZRkOvxnGjs5AjAtyz8nJYLgsyz8druRBnfa1CmOlJ9svjhh3wIbey-TCs951x94dKFtiUYTj2zKK9DNjrTa8drgdRJXN1cZc9Qwvq1WdXZ79cEtew7tNb50ivUmAarNZepEel_dk__Pjx9Ms0rvsxrx-OoJFU.6nxKYdFopeytw40t1MK5vmjHRQ3xSqkeqMhgWhVbZ-I&dib_tag=se&keywords=following+jesus+richard+blackaby&qid=1788919021&sprefix=following+Jesus%2Caps%2C349&sr=8-1   Ways of God Online Class: https://www.blackabyinstitute.com/course/the-ways-of-god   CONNECT: X: @richardblackaby Facebook: https://bit.ly/2WvZPzw Read Richard's latest blog posts at www.richardblackaby.com

On the eve of the most potentially dangerous day of his life, Jacob wrestles with God instead of getting some sleep. In episode 431, Richard and Daniel discuss Jacob's encounter with God and his reunion with his brother Esau.   TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Introduction 3:35 Leadership Trivia 4:30 Genesis 32-33: The Reunion and Wresting Match 29:20 Leadership Trivia Response   Questions or comments? Email us at [email protected]   DONATE: If you have enjoyed this podcast and want to support our ministry into the next 20 years, click here: https://bit.ly/382Exi3   RESOURCES: Register for October Leadership Coaching: https://www.blackabycoaching.org/workshop   Ways of God Online Class: https://www.blackabyinstitute.com/course/the-ways-of-god   Order Experiencing God in Everyday Life now at: https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/experiencing-god-in-everyday-life-bible-study-book-with-video-access-P005853831   CONNECT: X: @richardblackaby Facebook: https://bit.ly/2WvZPzw Read Richard's latest blog posts at www.richardblackaby.com

Lynne Rienstra is a recovering Pharisee and spiritual orphan. Through her mentoring, writing, and speaking (she's taught thousands of listeners for over three decades), she leads women out of hiding and into a place of discovering how union with Christ transforms their identity from fearful children of wrath into treasured daughters of God. Her first book, Sacred Refuge: Finding Unexpected Shelter in Your Crisis, was a #1 Amazon bestseller and was named "Book of the Year" by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. Lynne has been an English teacher, corporate insurance broker, women's ministry leader, homeschooling mom, and development professional. She served as a regional director for Samaritan's Purse for twelve years, traveling around the globe with that ministry. She holds a BA in English from Smith College (Northampton, MA) and a Certificate in Spiritual Formation from the Transforming Center (Wheaton, IL). Lynne has contributed to numerous books, magazines, and online devotionals. Serving alongside her husband Rob, a senior pastor in the PCA (Presbyterian Church in America), gives Lynne joy, as does being "Gigi" to three granddaughters. You can find out more about Lynne at BraveBeloved.com or https://lynnerienstra.com/   TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Introduction to Lynne Rienstra 0:55 Key moments that made Rienstra who she is 12:30 The Sacred Refuge: What do you do when you've come through your upbringing broken but want to live a wholesome life? 22:50 How do you come out of a childhood of broken marriages and have your own healthy marriage? 25:05 What do women need refuge from? 30:25 What's your advice to women who feel God's call on them to lead? 37:20 Final Thoughts   Questions or comments? Email us at [email protected]   DONATE: If you have enjoyed this podcast and want to support our ministry into the next 20 years, click here: https://bit.ly/382Exi3   RESOURCES: Sign up for the monthly newsletter at the bottom of the BMI homepage: https://blackaby.org/   Sign up for Fall Coaching Workshop here: https://www.blackabycoaching.org/workshop   Order Experiencing God in Everyday Life now at: https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/experiencing-god-in-everyday-life-bible-study-book-with-video-access-P005853831   CONNECT: X: @richardblackaby Facebook: https://bit.ly/2WvZPzw Read Richard's latest blog posts at www.richardblackaby.com

Jacob's family is growing with kids from both his wives and his wives' servants. In episode 429, Richard and Daniel talk about Jacob's deceiving Laban and his escape to another land.   TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Introduction 1:36 Leadership Trivia 2:45 Genesis 30-31: Jacob's Growing Family 32:02 Leadership Trivia Response   Questions or comments? Email us at [email protected]   DONATE: If you have enjoyed this podcast and want to support our ministry into the next 20 years, click here: https://bit.ly/382Exi3   RESOURCES: Sign up for the monthly newsletter at the bottom of the BMI homepage: https://blackaby.org/   Sign up for Fall Coaching Workshop here: https://www.blackabycoaching.org/workshop   Order Experiencing God in Everyday Life now at: https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/experiencing-god-in-everyday-life-bible-study-book-with-video-access-P005853831   CONNECT: X: @richardblackaby Facebook: https://bit.ly/2WvZPzw Read Richard's latest blog posts at www.richardblackaby.com

Jacob's name labeled him as a deceiver from birth, yet he doesn't know every trick in the book. In episode 428, Richard and Daniel reflect on Laban's deception of Jacob and how God loved Leah when no one else did.   TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Introduction 4:10 Leadership Trivia 5:13 Genesis 29: Laban's Deception 37:10 Leadership Trivia Response   Questions or comments? Email us at [email protected]   DONATE: If you have enjoyed this podcast and want to support our ministry into the next 20 years, click here: https://bit.ly/382Exi3   RESOURCES: Sign up for the monthly newsletter at the bottom of the BMI homepage: https://blackaby.org/ Sign up for Fall Coaching Workshop here: https://www.blackabycoaching.org/workshop Order Experiencing God in Everyday Life now at: https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/experiencing-god-in-everyday-life-bible-study-book-with-video-access-P005853831   CONNECT: X: @richardblackaby Facebook: https://bit.ly/2WvZPzw Read Richard's latest blog posts at www.richardblackaby.com

What happened to Jacob after he stole his brother's blessing and Esau found out? In episode 427, Richard and Daniel talk about Jacob's escape and his continuing tendency to try to manipulate and make deals, even with God. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Introduction 1:30 Leadership Trivia 3:13 Genesis 28: The Aftermath 35:30 Leadership Trivia Response   Questions or comments? Email us at [email protected]   DONATE: If you have enjoyed this podcast and want to support our ministry into the next 20 years, click here: https://bit.ly/382Exi3   RESOURCES: Order Experiencing God in Everyday Life now at: https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/experiencing-god-in-everyday-life-bible-study-book-with-video-access-P005853831   CONNECT: X: @richardblackaby Facebook: https://bit.ly/2WvZPzw Read Richard's latest blog posts at www.richardblackaby.com

On January 18th, 2026, protestors marched into a church building in Saint Paul, Minnesota in the middle of the worship service. They began chanting and disrupting the space, forcing the church ushers to evacuate the children's wing and the congregation. The pastor of that church is Jonathan Parnell. Parnell also serves as the Send Network's City Missionary in the Twin Cities, where he works to encourage fellow pastors and train church planters. He is the author of Mercy for Today: A Daily Prayer from Psalm 51 (2020), Never Settle for Normal: The Proven Path to Significance and Happiness (2017) and coauthor of How to Stay Christian in Seminary (2014). A graduate of Bethlehem College and Seminary, he previously worked on the content team at desiringGod.org where he's written hundreds of articles over the years. He and his wife, Melissa, live in the Twin Cities with their eight children. For more information, visit https://www.jonathaneparnell.com/about TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Introduction 1:00 How did you end up doing what you're doing today? 4:42 Tell us a little about church planting 8:08 How receptive is the population of Minneapolis to hearing the gospel? 10:44 Tell us about the ICE protests on January 18th 18:50 As a leader, what was the first thought going through your mind? What did the Spirit do in you in that moment? 24:40 How do you keep upper congregation from being distracted during the service as the protests continue? 29:30 Have you been able to engage with the protestors? 33:05 In hindsight, is there anything you would have done differently? Do you have any advice toward other pastors and leaders today?   Questions or comments? Email us at [email protected]   DONATE: If you have enjoyed this podcast and want to support our ministry into the next 20 years, click here: https://bit.ly/382Exi3   RESOURCES: Desiring God website: https://www.desiringgod.org/   Order Experiencing God in Everyday Life now at: https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/experiencing-god-in-everyday-life-bible-study-book-with-video-access-P005853831   CONNECT: X: @richardblackaby Facebook: https://bit.ly/2WvZPzw Read Richard's latest blog posts at www.richardblackaby.com

Cynthia Scott has led prayer initiatives across Pittsburgh and beyond, including citywide gatherings, prayer for national events, and a daily prayer call for the nation. Passionate about honoring God and praying for revival in America, she has written numerous prayer guides and now offers Celebrating GOD, Our FOUNDER, at America's 250th Birthday. This work reflects her conviction that God's providence shaped the United States and calls believers to honor Him as our true Founder, and help to shape our future through prayer. Cynthia resides near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Purchase Celebrating God Our Founder at America's 250th Birthday here: https://godourfounder.com/   TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Introduction to Cynthia Scott 1:35 What motivated you to write this book? 4:30 Tell us about what you've done with prayer and why is it your passion? 9:25 What advice do you have for someone whose church is not in the habit of praying? 10:50 How do you talk about America as a Christian nation? 15:43 The Founding Father's Faith 23:05 Why is Christianity in education so important? 26:00 Why is it important to pray for our leaders? 33:50 Where does revival come from? 35:50 Final Advice   Questions or comments? Email us at [email protected]   DONATE: If you have enjoyed this podcast and want to support our ministry into the next 20 years, click here: https://bit.ly/382Exi3   RESOURCES: Sign up for the monthly newsletter at the bottom of the BMI homepage: https://blackaby.org/   Sign up for Fall Coaching Workshop here: https://www.blackabycoaching.org/workshop   Order Experiencing God in Everyday Life now at: https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/experiencing-god-in-everyday-life-bible-study-book-with-video-access-P005853831   CONNECT: X: @richardblackaby Facebook: https://bit.ly/2WvZPzw Read Richard's latest blog posts at www.richardblackaby.com

The infamous deception masterminded by Jacob and Esau's own mother is the theme for today's message. In episode 424, Richard and Daniel talk about the heartbreaking act that finally tore this family apart.   TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Introduction 1:37 Leadership Trivia 3:19 Genesis 27: Jacob and Rebekah's Deception 42:49 Leadership Trivia Response   Questions or comments? Email us at [email protected]   DONATE: If you have enjoyed this podcast and want to support our ministry into the next 20 years, click here: https://bit.ly/382Exi3   RESOURCES: Order Experiencing God in Everyday Life now at: https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/experiencing-god-in-everyday-life-bible-study-book-with-video-access-P005853831   CONNECT: X: @richardblackaby Facebook: https://bit.ly/2WvZPzw Read Richard's latest blog posts at www.richardblackaby.com

Esau was born mere minutes before Jacob yet he gets the entire birthright? This didn't seem right to Jacob, so he takes matters into his own hands. In episode 423, Richard and Daniel dive into Jacob's plan to steal Esau's birthright by selling him some stew.   TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Introduction 1:28 Leadership Trivia 2:55 Genesis 27: Jacob's Stew 41:20 Leadership Trivia Response   Questions or comments? Email us at [email protected]   DONATE: If you have enjoyed this podcast and want to support our ministry into the next 20 years, click here: https://bit.ly/382Exi3   RESOURCES: Order Experiencing God in Everyday Life now at: https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/experiencing-god-in-everyday-life-bible-study-book-with-video-access-P005853831   CONNECT: X: @richardblackaby Facebook: https://bit.ly/2WvZPzw Read Richard's latest blog posts at www.richardblackaby.com