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Today's episode picks up the second half of Acts 1 for a look at how the disciples stepped out in faithfulness in very less-than-ideal circumstances. Four primary observations in this passage serve as four take aways, four bits of actionable wisdom for all of us who will face similar times in our own lives when we have encountered Jesus, everything has changed, yet the path before us is not nearly as clear as we might desire.

Acts 1A sets the stage for the extraordinary events that are about to unfold. Luke is clear from the very beginning that what we are about to read is a continuation of some very important story lines that have been unfolding since all of the way back into the Old Testament. 

This episode concludes "The Business at Hand" series by returning to Luke 19 for a final look at two big, important Christian ideas: faithfulness and judgment.Share this episode

Luke records our last account of the King's final instructions for the disciples just before his ascension. After recounting many details we've heard previously from Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke makes this distinct and important contribution to the business at hand – the King doesn't intend for us to do this on our own. We must first wait to be filled with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.Share this episode

John brings us our third account of the King's business for the disciples between his ascension and his return. Specifically, our business is to be ambassadors of peace and reconciliation. The business at hand is to see people being made right with God, right with each other, and right in the world around them. Contact info: [email protected] this episode

Today's episode brings into focus the business at hand according to the King's commission in Mark - Gospeling. Share this [email protected]

Matthew 28 records the first account of the King's final instructions for his disciples before his ascension. This "Great Commission" is simply this: Make Disciples. Today's episode is simply an exercise in hearing what Jesus had to say:1. Everyone is to BE a disciple. And every disciple is to MAKE disciples of everyone else. Even the doubters.2. Discipleship is a life of OBEYING and ABIDING.3. Disciples must be MADE. Anything and everything new disciples should say and do and be, we must M.A.D.E: Model. Assist. Deploy/Debrief. Entrust.Contact: [email protected] this episode

Today's episode is 1 of 5 regarding the business at hand for those of us living between the King's ascension and his return.Episode [email protected]

Today we look at Mark 4:26–29 and Jesus' vision of life when he is our Savior and King. This vision matches Jesus' own example of ministry, mission, and disciple making. Globally, this passage corresponds with a simple tool known as 4Fields, which brings into focus, clearly and simply, a vision for ministry and mission. This foundational passage and tool provide the framework from which we will build out other disciple-making and church-planting tools in the episodes to come.Training 4FieldsEpisode link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/12905371

This second episode on movements explores 2 pairs of values, 2 pairs of biblical principles important for initiating and sustaining disciple-making and church-planting movements. https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/12895860

I'm back! After a much-longer-than-expected hiatus, it's time for a quick look back on what God was doing back in the days of the New Testament to appreciate what (and how) God is moving in the world today. (You can also check out this movement overview video.)It's great to be back kicking off the first in what is hopefully an inspiring and life-changing series.https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/11717025-movements-1-who-s-doing-whatjustlaughwithjody@gmail.comhttp://dme.tools

Today finds us in Daniel 5 discovering a number of poignant takeaways from the examples of Belshazzar (what NOT to do) and Daniel (what to do) as the historical Babylonian empire comes to an end.Contact email: [email protected] Jesus (Amazon link)Today's episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/9566178

This episode continues our look at how to live faithfully in the intersection of culture, politics, and faith in often less-than-ideal circumstances. Learning from the events of Daniel 4, we learn that, regarding life in Babylon, it's hard to predict exactly how things are going to unfold. What we do along the way, as God's faithful people, is to speak the truth boldly and compassionately in order to help those around us more accurately perceive where and how God is at work among us. Contact: [email protected] link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/9483516

Today's episode is setup by an epic adventure in missing the point. God has spoken. But a short memory and blinding pride get the best of an evil king, setting us up for one of the most famous stories in the Bible. It has a lot to teach us about living in Babylon and it's pretty enjoyable along the way!Contact: [email protected] link to this episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/9429559

Today's episode dives into Daniel 2 to see what we might have to learn from Daniel about living faithfully in the intersection of politics, history, and culture. What emerges are some big ideas: Prudence, Discretion, and Dependence.Here's a direct link to today's episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/9397661And here's the email if you'd like to request an upcoming topic or passage: [email protected]