Advertise on podcast: Dial In with Jonny Ardavanis

“Why did God build rest into creation before he ever gave a single command to work? In this episode, Jonny and Hank trace the Sabbath from Genesis through the Ten Commandments to Jesus, and ask what it means for our rhythm of work and rest today. 📖 Pre-order Jonny Ardavanis's new book Get to Work: Seeing Your Daily Grind as God’s Good Gift here: https://a.co/d/0aFMdjNp You’ll learn: • Why God rested on the seventh day — not from exhaustion, but completion • How the Sabbath pointed forward to Christ, and why it’s no longer binding law • The difference between biblical rest and mere relaxation • Why busyness (not just laziness) can be a spiritual danger • How Jesus modeled withdrawing to be alone with the Father • Practical questions to evaluate your own rhythm of restIf you’ve ever felt guilty resting, or like you can’t stop producing or distracting yourself long enough to be still, this conversation will reframe rest as a gift from God, not an obstacle to productivity. This episode is part 5 in an ongoing series tied to Jonny’s book, “Get to Work.” 📱 This episode is also sponsored by Accountable2You. Stay accountable in a digital world: check out Accountable2You at accountable2you.com/dialin — use code DIALIN for 25% off your first year.

Are you accidentally raising a lazy adult? In this episode, Jonny sits down with Joel and Mary Beeke (author of "Teach Them to Work") to talk about why — and how — parents should train their children to work from an early age, not wait until adulthood. 📖 Pre-order Jonny Ardavanis's new book Get to Work: Seeing Your Daily Grind as God’s Good Gift here: https://a.co/d/0aFMdjNp You'll learn: • Why waiting until your kids are grown to teach them to work sets them up to fail • Practical ways to teach work to toddlers, young kids, and teens • The "5 E's" of raising a hard worker: entreaty, example, expectation, equipping, enjoyment • How to respond to the myth that "they have their whole life to work" • Why screens and overindulgence are quietly harming your kids • How moms play a uniquely powerful role in shaping a child's work ethic Whether you have toddlers, elementary-age kids, or teenagers, this conversation offers practical, biblical wisdom for raising children who see work as a gift from God — not a curse. Featuring Mary Beeke, author of "Teach Them to Work": https://a.co/d/00gl2kNs We're excited to announce a new partnership with Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, which equips leaders for the church through programs from undergraduate to master's and doctoral degrees. To celebrate, Midwestern is giving away $10,000 to one pastor this October for Pastor Appreciation Month ($5,000 for a family vacation and $5,000 for a church need), so nominate your pastor today at mbts.edu/dialin This episode is also sponsored by Accountable2You. Stay accountable in a digital world: check out Accountable2You at accountable2you.com/dialin — use code DIALIN for 25% off your first year.

"Is laziness just a bad habit, or is it a sin? In this episode, Jonny Ardavanis and Hank Bowen dig into the Book of Proverbs to unpack what the Bible really says about the sluggard — and why laziness is a character issue, not just a productivity issue. 📖 Pre-order Jonny Ardavanis's new book Get to Work: Seeing Your Daily Grind as God’s Good Gift here: https://a.co/d/0aFMdjNp You'll learn: • The 4 types of laziness: physical, mental, spiritual, and vocational • 5 traits of the "sluggard" from Proverbs 26 • Why laziness and godliness are total opposites • The real cost of laziness: poverty, disgrace, fractured relationships, and lost spiritual usefulness • Practical steps to repent of and fight off laziness Whether you're a student, parent, pastor, or professional, this conversation will challenge you to examine areas of your life where comfort has replaced diligence — and point you back to Christ's power to change.

What does the Bible actually say about your 9-to-5? In this episode, Jonny Ardavanis and Hank Bowen dig into the theology of work—why the curse of Genesis 3 made labor hard, and how believers are called to work with enthusiasm, enjoyment, excellence, integrity, and gratitude, no matter the job. 📖 Pre-order Jonny Ardavanis's new book Get to Work: Seeing Your Daily Grind as God’s Good Gift here: https://a.co/d/0aFMdjNp You'll learn: • Why work was designed to be an act of worship (not just a paycheck) • The three consequences of the Fall on our relationship to work • How to find joy in a job that feels mundane or difficult • Why grumbling and complaining undermines your gospel witness • What it means to "work as unto the Lord" — even for a bad boss Whether you're a stay-at-home mom, a CEO, a mechanic, or a student working part-time, this conversation will reshape how you think about vocation, calling, and Christian work ethic. 🙏 This episode is brought to you by The Master's University — committed to Jesus Christ and the authority and sufficiency of His Word. Learn more at masters.edu Stay accountable in a digital world: check out Accountable2You at accountable2you.com/dialin — use code DIALIN for 25% off your first year. #ChristianWorkEthic #TheologyOfWork #FaithAndWork #ChristianLiving #BiblicalWorldview #WorkAsWorship #DialInMinistries"

Why do you feel drawn to build, make, or create something bigger than yourself? Turns out that instinct isn't random — it's rooted in the opening chapters of Genesis. 📖 Pre-order Jonny Ardavanis's new book Get to Work: Seeing Your Daily Grind as God’s Good Gift here: https://a.co/d/04k0sFpo In this episode, we continue our series exploring the biblical theology of work (pulled from Jonny's forthcoming book, "Get to Work") by digging into Genesis 1 and 2. We unpack what it means that humanity is made in God's image, what the Hebrew words "radah" (rule) and "kabash" (subdue) actually mean, and why God — who could have created a "finished" universe — instead invited us into the ongoing work of cultivating, building, and creating beauty. We also talk about Bezalel, the little-known craftsman in Exodus 31 who was the first person in Scripture described as "filled with the Spirit of God" — not for preaching, but for his artistry. Plus: why beauty isn't just decoration but a reflection of who God is, how "ordinary" work like folding laundry or fixing pipes can be done to the glory of God, and why your job (whatever it is) matters more than you think. 📖 Scripture referenced: Genesis 1:1, 1:26-28, 2:2-9, Exodus 31, Psalm 145:16, Psalm 147:13 ✉️ Sign up for free weekly newsletter devotionals at www.dialinministries.org 🙏 This episode is brought to you by The Master's University — committed to Jesus Christ and the authority and sufficiency of His Word. Learn more at masters.edu

Is work a curse from the Fall — or something far more sacred? In this episode, we kick off a brand-new series on the theology of work, exploring what Scripture actually says about labor, calling, and vocation — starting not with us, but with God Himself. 📖 Pre-order Jonny Ardavanis's new book Get to Work: Seeing Your Daily Grind as God’s Good Gift here: https://a.co/d/04k0sFpo We dig into Genesis 1 to see God revealed as Creator, Artist, Sustainer, and Worker long before Adam and Eve ever showed up. We look at Jesus's own life — including His 20+ years as a tekton (carpenter/builder) — and unpack why the Gospel of Mark uses the word "immediately" 41 times to describe His ministry. If we're made in the image of a working God, what does that mean for how we view our own 9-to-5, our calling, and our sense of purpose? Along the way we talk about: ✅ The Biblical theology of work vs. the "curse" mentality ✅ Genesis 1 and God as Creator, Sustainer, and Artist ✅ Jesus as a carpenter and what His "immediacy" reveals about work ✅ Why Christians talk more about rest & Sabbath than a theology of work ✅ Labor force participation, burnout, and finding balance ✅ Work as worship — from CEOs to stay-at-home parents to busboys This is Part 1 of a multi-part series diving into a comprehensive, Scripture-grounded view of work — setting up themes from the upcoming book "Get to Work."

Jesus doesn't say the world might hate you — He says it will. In this episode, we dig into John 15:18-20 and ask a question every believer needs to wrestle with: why does the world hate Christians? We look at four biblical reasons the world opposes followers of Jesus — because we're non-conformists, because the world hates truth, because people love their sin, and because they don't know God. Along the way we talk about the martyrdom of the apostles, Dietrich Bonhoeffer's "The Cost of Discipleship," the Vanity Fair scene from Pilgrim's Progress, and why smooth sailing in the Christian life isn't always a sign of God's blessing. If persecution and opposition are growing more common for Christians in the West, this episode will help you understand why — and how to respond with truth and love, not bitterness. This episode is brought to you by The Master's University — committed to Jesus Christ and the authority and sufficiency of His Word. Learn more at masters.edu 📖 Scripture referenced: John 15:18-20, John 17:14, Romans 12:2, James 4:4, John 3:18-20, 1 John 3:12, Luke 6:26, 2 Timothy 3:12 📚 Preorder Jonny's new book, "Get to Work: Seeing Your Daily Grind as God's Good Gift" — https://a.co/d/01PnmATA (releases November 3rd) ✉️ Sign up for free weekly newsletter devotionals at www.dialinministries.org

Colby Parkinson, tight end for the Los Angeles Rams, joins Jonny Ardavanis for a raw conversation about faith, football, and what it really means to be "salt and light" (Matthew 5:13-16) in a secular, high-pressure NFL environment. Colby opens up about a difficult season where he feared being cut from the roster, the identity crisis that followed, and how a shift from a works-based mindset to a grace-based one transformed not just his walk with Christ — but his career, leading to a breakout season with the Rams. Stay accountable in a digital world: check out Accountable2You at accountable2you.com/dialin — use code DIALIN for 25% off your first year. In this episode, Colby and Jonny dig into: - What it looks like to honor God through work ethic and integrity in professional sports - How to handle failure, benching, and uncertainty as a believer - The temptations of wealth, fame, and access that come with NFL life - Being a godly husband and father to Melanie, Brooks, and Forest Parkinson - Why character (salt) isn't enough without vocal witness (light) - How to have gospel conversations without fear of "ruffling feathers" Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or working a 9-5, this conversation on purpose, humility, and living for an audience of One will challenge and encourage you. Timestamps / Topics: Matthew 5:13-16 | Salt & Light | NFL Faith | Identity in Christ | Overcoming Setbacks | Christian Fatherhood | Workplace Ministry 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on faith, work, and following Jesus in every field of life.

He sat in the place of honor. He preached the gospel. He cast out demons. And Judas Iscariot still walked straight into the darkest corner of hell — without ever seeing it coming. In this episode, we dig into John 13 and Matthew 26–27 to answer a question every believer should wrestle with: what actually went wrong with Judas? It wasn't a single dramatic moment of rebellion — it was a slow, quiet hardening that looked a lot like normal Christian life right up until it didn't. 🎓 This episode is brought to you by The Master's University — 150+ fields of study built on a biblical worldview. Learn more: masters.edu/dialin (use code DIALIN to waive your application fee) We walk through four warning signs from Judas's life that show up in ours too: Loving money — how a small compromise (pilfering the money box) became a 30-piece-of-silver betrayalA seared conscience — why sin that once kept you up at night can eventually let you sleep like a babyRejecting the Savior's love — Jesus washed his feet and fed him bread, and Judas still walked out into the nightRemorse without repentance — the crucial, often-missed difference between feeling guilty and actually turning to Christ (2 Corinthians 7:9-10) We also contrast Judas's despair with Peter's repentance — two disciples, two failures, two radically different endings — and talk honestly about what it looks like to examine your own heart instead of pointing at someone else's. 📖 Scripture referenced: John 13:21-30, Matthew 26:14-16 & 47-50, Matthew 27:1-5, 2 Corinthians 7:9-11, 1 Timothy 6:10 🔑 Topics covered: Judas Iscariot, betrayal of Jesus, John 13 Bible study, seared conscience, love of money, repentance vs remorse, Last Supper, Garden of Gethsemane, spiritual hardening, self-examination, expository preaching, Christian apologetics

What does the Bible really teach about speaking in tongues? In this episode, Jonny and Hank dig into the gift of tongues from a biblical perspective — walking through Acts 2, Acts 10, Acts 19, and 1 Corinthians 12–14 to examine whether tongues in Scripture refers to known languages or a private prayer language. Hank shares a personal story from his college years visiting a charismatic church, then unpacks: - What tongues meant in Acts 2 (the Day of Pentecost) - How Luke's authorship and timeline shape the interpretation of Acts - 1 Corinthians 13 and the "tongues of angels" — literal or rhetorical? - Whether tongues is a sign of the baptism of the Holy Spirit - Paul's instructions for order in the church (1 Corinthians 14:27, 14:23) - Early church history: Gregory of Nazianzus, Chrysostom, and the origins of the modern private prayer language movement (Charles Fox Parham, Agnes Ozman, 1901) - Romans 8:26 and the Spirit's intercession in prayer This is a respectful, Scripture-first conversation for anyone wondering how to think biblically about tongues, the charismatic movement, spiritual gifts, and the sufficiency of God's Word — without dismissing sincere believers who see it differently. 📖 Key passages covered: Acts 2:4-11, Acts 10:44-46, Acts 19, 1 Corinthians 12-14, Romans 8:26, Genesis 11 This episode is brought to you by The Master's University — committed to Jesus Christ and the authority and sufficiency of His Word. Learn more at masters.edu Stay accountable in a digital world: check out Accountable2You at accountable2you.com/dialin — use code DIALIN for 25% off your first year.

Are there apostles and prophets today? In this episode, we break down the difference between cessationism, continuationism, and charismatic theology — and answer the question so many Christians are asking as self-proclaimed "apostles" and "prophets" (like Katherine Krick and leaders in the New Apostolic Reformation/NAR movement) gain massive followings online. We define the key terms — cessationist, continuationist, and charismatic — then walk through: 🔹 The 3 biblical criteria for a prophet in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 18, Deuteronomy 13, Jeremiah 28) 🔹 The 3 biblical criteria for an apostle in the New Testament (Acts 1, Ephesians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 12:12) 🔹 How to think about Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 14, and 1 Thessalonians 5:20 on prophecy 🔹 The difference between "thus says the Lord" and "I feel like God is putting this on my heart" 🔹 What church history (Chrysostom, Augustine, Calvin, Edwards, Spurgeon) says about the miraculous gifts 🔹 Why the sufficiency of Scripture matters in this conversation 🔹 A fair, respectful look at continuationist scholars like John Piper, Wayne Grudem, and Sam Storms — and how they differ from figures like Kenneth Copeland, Bill Johnson, and Bethel Church This isn't a hit piece — it's a biblical, historically grounded framework for thinking through spiritual gifts, prophecy, apostleship, and the Holy Spirit's work in the church today. 📖 Key Scriptures Referenced: Deuteronomy 13, Deuteronomy 18, Jeremiah 28, Acts 1, Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 14, Ephesians 2:20, Ephesians 4:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:20, 2 Corinthians 12:12, Hebrews 2 🎓 This episode is brought to you by The Master's University — 150+ fields of study built on a biblical worldview. Learn more: masters.edu/dialin (use code DIALIN to waive your application fee) ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Are apostles and prophets still active today? 02:03 Defining Cessationism, Continuationism & Charismatic 09:32 Old Testament criteria for a prophet 21:06 New Testament criteria for an apostle 26:44 Apostles & prophets as the foundation of the church 35:04 Why this generation is asking different questions 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on theology, church history, and living out the Christian faith with clarity and conviction.

In this episode of Dial In, Jonny and Scott Ardavanis walk through Scripture to answer some of the most important questions every Christian asks: - Can a genuine believer lose their salvation? - What's the difference between eternal security and assurance of salvation? - What does Jesus mean in Matthew 7 when He says, "I never knew you"? - How can you avoid false assurance while enjoying biblical confidence in Christ? This episode is brought to you by our ministry partner Accountable2You. Join thousands living in freedom with nothing to hide, and visit https://accountable2you.com/dialin. Use our unique code DIALIN to get 25% off your first year of an Accountable2You Personal or Family Plan Together, they examine key passages including John 10, 1 John, Romans 8, Philippians 1, Ephesians 1, and Matthew 7 to show that our security rests in the finished work of Christ while our assurance grows as we walk with Him. They also unpack four biblical evidences of genuine faith found in 1 John that help believers examine themselves without falling into legalism. If you've ever wrestled with doubts about your salvation, wondered whether you're truly saved, or wanted to understand the doctrine of eternal security, this conversation is for you. Scriptures Discussed • John 10:27–30 • Matthew 7:21–23 • 1 John • Romans 8:29–30 • Philippians 1:6 • Ephesians 1:13–14 • Hebrews 6 • Psalm 51If this conversation encouraged you, subscribe for weekly biblical teaching designed to help you know God deeply and live faithfully.

What is the biblical role of a church elder or pastor — and why should it matter to you, even if you never plan to be one? In this episode, a father-son pastoral duo break down the calling, qualifications, attitude, function, and motivation of a biblical elder, drawing from 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, and 1 Peter 5. You'll learn: ✅ How a man is called to be an elder (subjective desire + objective qualifications) ✅ The biblical qualifications of an elder or pastor (1 Timothy 3 & Titus 1) ✅ Why elder plurality matters — and why no pastor should act like a CEO ✅ The right attitude of a shepherd: serving, not lording over the flock ✅ The core function of an elder: preaching, teaching, and equipping the church ✅ What motivates a faithful elder for the long haulWhether you're a pastor, an aspiring elder, or simply a church member wanting to understand biblical church leadership, this conversation will help you see why "the church cannot rise above its leadership." 📖 Scriptures referenced: 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, 1 Peter 5:1-4, Acts 14:22-23, Acts 20:28, Ephesians 4:11, 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Timothy 4:5 🎓 This episode is sponsored by The Master's University. To learn more about how you can invest in a college education devoted to Christ & Scripture, visit https://www.masters.edu Subscribe for more conversations on church health, biblical leadership, and pastoral ministry.

Blockbuster had 9,000 stores and was worth $9 billion. Today, only one location remains. What happened — and what does it have to do with the church? In this episode, Pastor Scott Ardavanis sits down with his son Jonny for a father-son conversation on what actually makes a church healthy. Is it true that churches need to "change with the times or die," like Blockbuster and Kodak failed to do? Or are there timeless, transcendent principles every healthy church must hold onto regardless of culture? This episode is brought to you by our ministry partner Accountable2You. Join thousands living in freedom with nothing to hide, and visit https://accountable2you.com/dialin. Use our unique code DIALIN to get 25% off your first year of an Accountable2You Personal or Family Plan Together they unpack 8 marks of a healthy church, including: 1. A High View of God 2. A High View of Scripture (expository preaching & sound doctrine) 3. Every Member Ministry (every believer serving, not just watching) 4. A Commitment to Holiness & Discipleship 5. Christ-Centered, Spirit-Filled Worship 6. A Devotion to Prayer 7. A Gospel-Centered Focus (local & global) 8. Qualified Biblical Leadership (elders & deacons) Whether you're a pastor, church leader, or simply trying to find a healthy church home, this conversation will help you understand what to look for — and why the church doesn't need a new strategy so much as faithfulness to God's Word. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on the church, pastoral ministry, and biblical leadership. 📌 Part 2 coming soon: What is a biblical elder, and how do you know if your church has qualified leadership? Timestamps: 00:00 Intro: Blockbuster, Netflix & the Church 04:47 Pillar 1: A High View of God 07:51 Pillar 2: A High View of Scripture & Preaching 13:16 Pillar 3: Every Member Ministry 15:19 Pillar 4: Holiness & Discipleship 18:51 Pillar 5: Christ-Centered Worship 23:24 Pillar 6: A Commitment to Prayer 25:13 Pillar 7: Gospel-Centered Focus (Local & Global) 27:57 Pillar 8: Qualified Biblical Leadership 29:16 Why This Matters for Every Believer

What does the Bible actually say about exercise, fitness, and taking care of your body? In this conversation, a Desiring God pastor and author David Mathis unpacks a biblical theology of exercise — covering the six-layer biblical story of the human body (creation, the fall, the incarnation, the indwelling Holy Spirit, obedience, and future glorification), how to think about 1 Timothy 4:8 ("bodily training is of some value"), and why sedentary modern life and body-idolatry are two ditches to avoid. This episode is brought to you by our ministry partner Accountable2You. Join thousands living in freedom with nothing to hide, and visit https://accountable2you.com/dialin. Use our unique code DIALIN to get 25% off your first year of an Accountable2You Personal or Family Plan Topics covered: • Why exercise matters for the mind, will, joy, and love of others • Bodily discipline and Christian stewardship of the body • The connection between physical exercise and mental clarity (John Ratey's "Spark") • Competition, sports, and a Christian view of winning and losing • Practical advice for sedentary Christians who want to start exercising • How pastors and knowledge workers can build sustainable fitness habits • A theology of the body: from creation to resurrection Great for anyone interested in Christian living, biblical theology, faith and fitness, health and wellness from a Christian worldview, or building sustainable exercise habits for the long term (a "ten-year plan," not a quick fix). 📖 Learn more and find the book at DesiringGod.org