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How do the members of a church nourish each other? Ephesians4:11-16 and Colossians 2:19 call all believers to serve one another, but whatexactly does that look like? In this episode, I share the vision the NewTestament casts for this kind of ministry. While this is an “ideal” picture, itis a goal the Lord calls us to pursue as we rest in the finished work ofChrist.  

The term "unbiblical" can get tossed around in discussions about convictions or various practices. The problem, however, is that the phrase can be misleading. I delve into the two senses of "unbiblical" and provide examples of how we need to think carefully about the words we say and how we use Scripture. We must come to the Bible in humble submission rather than trying to make God's Word support our own ideas.

Going forward, the podcast is shifting away from seasonsinto stand alone episodes. The unifying feature is the goal of showing how thegospel impacts every aspect of our lives. I give a few examples of upcomingepisodes, and I also share about some novels I’m working on.   If you want to receive updates about my books, includingbonus materials, sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.hisministries.com/?page_id=398  

I share a list of my favorite books I’ve read this year. These could make great gift ideas, or they could be ones you want to add to your own reading list. I close out the episode with updates about my two upcoming novels: “Enough” and “Change of Plans.” “Authority: How Godly Rule Protects the Vulnerable, Strengthens Communities, and Promotes Human Flourishing,” by Jonathan Leeman   “Love the Ones Who Drive You Crazy: Eight Truths for Pursuing Unity in Your Church,” by Jamie Dunlop   “The Gospel: How the Church Portrays the Beauty of Christ,” by Ray Ortlund   “Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I?” by Tim Keller   “Rejoice and Tremble: The Surprising Good News of the Fear of the Lord,” by Michael Reeves   “One With My Lord: the Life-Changing Reality of Being in Christ,” by Sam Allberry    

This is a special interview with Chris Staron, the host of Truce Podcast. His high-quality show has helped me understand the complexities of several issues regarding culture wars. Chris has much to offer, and I highly encourage you to check out the interview and subscribe to his show.

The call to discipleship is essentially a call to fellowship with Jesus. As we are with him, he transforms us and sends us out to share the message with others. This call to be in relationship with the Triune God is a theme that runs throughout the Bible. From beginning to end, God is calling people into a deep, personal fellowship with himself. What a glorious thought, and one that impacts the way we pursue discipleship.   “Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith,” by Michael Reeves. “One With My Lord: the Life Changing Reality of Being in Christ,” by Sam Allberry    

In the midst of the emotions of the election, we need an anchor of hope. That hope is Jesus and the coming kingdom. The Bible calls us to recognize we are simply exiles here on earth as we await our true home. We seek the welfare of the land we live in, but we don’t get too comfortable here. This offers hope and perspective in an emotionalay-charged election season.   “Reconstructing faith” podcast by Trevin Wax.   “The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why are They Going, and What Will it Take to Bring them Back,” by Michael Grahm and Jim Davis. Zondervan, 2023.

The story of the prodigal son is actually the story of two rebellious children. We don’t often think about that because the older brother cloaked his inner state with outward decency. Even so, he still stood in need of forgiveness, just as much as his younger brother. This episode explores both types of rebellion and points to the grace of the Father for all who repent. I also share how I bring these themes out in my upcoming book, “Enough: The Story of a Modern Prodigal.”

When it comes to art, how do we “approve what is excellent?” (Phil. 1:9). Excellence involves both content and craft/skill. This flows from the fact that the Lord creates for beauty and for function, as well as from the fact that God Himself is beautiful. In our art, we should seek to reflect the fullness of God’s nature, both by creating Christ-honoring content, and doing so with Christ-exalting skill.     Jefferson Bethke. “Jesus > Religion.” (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2013). 162, 163.  

“One With My Lord” by Sam Allberry is an excellent book delving into our union with Christ. The author clearly and compellingly explains a different aspect of this truth in each of the eight chapters. I give a brief review of the book and its highlights in this episode. The book is one I highly recommend.   “One With My Lord,” by Sam Allberry. (Crossway, 2024). “One With My Lord” by Sam Allberry is an excellent book delving into our union with Christ. The author clearly and compellingly explains a different aspect of this truth in each of the eight chapters. I give a brief review of the book and its highlights in this episode. The book is one I highly recommend.   “One With My Lord,” by Sam Allberry. (Crossway, 2024). https://www.amazon.com/One-My-Lord-Life-Changing-Reality/dp/143358915X    

This is the first look at my upcoming novel, “Enough: The Story of a Modern Prodigal.” It’s based on the parable Jesus told in Luke 15:11-32, but with a few changes. This episode introduces some of those changes and shares about some of the characters. One of the biggest themes in the book is that sin is rooted in our hearts. Regardless of whether we have everything together on the outside, regardless of our environment, we are each accountable for our sin. And no matter what we have done, the open arms of the Father are always waiting for us.

Jesus’ words, “Out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks,” has several applications. One that has struck me recently is a cause and effect. If I want to praise God and encourage others authentically, I need to be treasuring Christ in my heart. How can I encourage others if I have nothing to draw from? I explore this reality and offer some guidelines as to how this relates to music, movies, and books.

The Code of Silence Collection is a fast-paced, Christian middle-grade series by Tim Shoemaker. I loved the first book and its message about the truth setting people free. I did have some concerns about the other two books in the series, though. I give my thoughts about the three books in this short episode.   “The Code of Silence Collection,” by Tim Shoemaker: https://www.amazon.com/Code-Silence-Collection-Complete-ebook/dp/B00UR8UAIM  

“City of Ember” is a very well-written series for middle grade readers. It has several good messages about living moral lives. But that’s the rub—it approaches life from a humanistic, anti-religion standpoint. As I work through this series, I try to provide an example of how to look for the author’s message.   “City of Ember” by Jeanne DuPrau. (Yearling;, 2004). “The People of Sparks.” Yearling Books, 2005). “Diamond of Darkhold.” (Yearling, 2010). “The Prophet of Yonwood.” (Yearling, 2007).  

In the temptation in Luke 4, we see two striking responses of Jesus. First, He doesn’t point out every wrong element of the devil’s claim. Instead, He chose to focus on the root of the problem. And second, He drew attention to the intended meaning of the text rather than the mere words that were “written.” Both of these examples can set a pattern for our own lives.   “Lexicon :: Strong's G3004 – lego.” Blue Letter Bible, 2024. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3004/nasb95/mgnt/0-1/.