What if the most familiar verse in the Bible is only the beginning of the story we need right now? We sit down with Lauren to read John 3:16–21 and linger on the parts we often rush past—how love moves first, how light reveals without shaming, and how belief is less a pop quiz and more a doorway into rescue. Across a short but heartfelt conversation, we unpack what it means to slow down for Advent, breathe, and let hope reset our scattered minds.
We explore the shift from fear of judgment to the promise of salvation, and why the text says people prefer darkness—not because they are beyond help, but because hiding feels safer than healing. That honesty leads to practice: simple rhythms that keep us watchful and grounded. From reflective breathing and daily Scripture to small, brave conversations, we name how to live in the light without pretense. The theme is practical and pastoral—choose light, and let others see what God is doing, not to perform but to bless.
As this Advent journey nears its close, we talk about the mix of gratitude and sadness that comes with endings, and why the next step matters just as much as the first. Staying expectant, keeping our hearts ready, and sharing hope with a friend turns belief into movement. If love sent the Son, love now sends us—into our families, workplaces, and neighborhoods—with courage and kindness. Listen in for a grounded reading of John 3:16–21, reflections on light and renewal, and a clear call to keep watch in a hurried world. If this spoke to you, share it with someone who needs hope today, subscribe for more, and leave a review to help others find the show.
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The Intro/Outro music is Are You Ready? by Floodgate. From the Album, Are You Ready? copyright 2002 OffBeat Ministries, Inc.
Floodgate is available on Apple Music and iTunes.
Music used with permission.
Thank You. I Love You!
SEE YA!
Rick
Episode Transcript
Hey, welcome to Renewed Mindsets.
I'm Rick, and I'm so glad you'rehere.
Now, this is something special.
For the next 25 days, we'regonna slow down, we're gonna
quiet our hearts, and we'regonna turn our eyes towards
Jesus as we walk through Adventtogether.
Now, every day we'll take a fewminutes to breathe and reflect
(00:53):
and remember the hope that cameinto the world and the hope
that's coming again.
Hey, welcome back to RenewedMindsets.
We're about to wrap up theAdvent Bible reading in the next
couple days.
I've got Lauren back with ustoday.
SPEAKER_01 (01:12):
Hey guys, good to be back.
SPEAKER_00 (01:14):
Isn't it awesome?
We get to close all this outwith Lauren.
Um, we're in John 316, becauseeverybody knows that one through
verse 21.
Go ahead.
SPEAKER_01 (01:28):
For this is how God loved the world.
He gave his one and only son, sothat everyone who believes in
him will not perish but haveeternal life.
God sent his son into the worldnot to judge the world, but to
save the world through him.
There is no judgment againstanyone who believes in him, but
anyone who does not believe inhim has already been judged for
(01:49):
not believing in God's one andonly Son.
And the judgment is based onthis fact.
God's light came into the world,but people love the darkness
more than the light, for theiractions were evil.
All who do evil hate the lightand refuse to go near it for
fear their sins will be exposed.
But those who do what is rightcome to the light, so others can
(02:11):
see that they are doing what Godwants.
SPEAKER_00 (02:14):
Amen.
That is the whole reason forthis Advent season is that verse
right there.
Of course, that's just myopinion, but you must agree with
it earlier.
SPEAKER_01 (02:27):
I do agree.
SPEAKER_00 (02:28):
You don't have to agree with it.
But I do love it.
It's great.
Uh we have one more day.
That would be tomorrow.
And uh come back, listen to us.
I appreciate you being with usall this time.
I love you.
SPEAKER_01 (02:44):
I'm sad it's coming to an end.
I love you guys, though.
SPEAKER_00 (02:48):
Yeah, well, it's okay.
We can do something else.
Like wisdom for the day.
SPEAKER_01 (02:54):
Yeah.
Weekends will learn.
SPEAKER_00 (02:57):
We already do that.
All right.
See y'all tomorrow.
SPEAKER_01 (03:00):
Bye.
SPEAKER_00 (03:05):
All right.
Thanks for joining me today onRenewed Mindsets.
As we walk through Advent, let'sstay expectant.
Let's stay watching, praying,and keeping our hearts ready for
the one who came and the onewho's coming again soon.
I love you.
Let's keep our minds renewed andour eyes on Jesus.
(03:28):
The executive producer ofRenewed Mindsets is Christy
McCurry.
That's all for today, but I'llbe back with more unfiltered
biblical truth and undeniableprophecy.
The time to wake up is now.
If today's episode challengedyou, don't keep it to yourself.
Tell someone, please.
(03:50):
Text them a link.
Share the truth while there'sstill time.
Visit renewedmindsets.com tostay connected and to listen to
past episodes.
And check out our merch atrenewedmindsets.store.
Jesus is coming soon.
Stay watchful.
Stay holy.
(04:10):
Stay renewed.
Until next week, I'm Rick.
Be an encourager, not adiscourager.
I love you.
(04:31):
See ya.
The intro and outro music forthe Renewed Mindsets podcast is
Are You Ready by Floodgate.
From the album Are You Ready?
Copyright 2002 OffbeatMinistries Incorporated.
Floodgate can be found on AppleMusic and iTunes.
(04:51):
Music used with permission.
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