In Focus

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.

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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. Disciple...

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-mak...

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/117...

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 m...

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: justlaughwithjody@gmail.com

Direct link to this episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episode...

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/9397661

And here's the email if you'd like to request an upcoming topic or passage: justlaughwi...

Today's episode dives into Daniel 1 in search of wisdom and big ideas by which we might better discern how live faithfully in the intersection of history, politics, religion, and culture. It's certainly not easy, but it's doable.  What emerges is a pair of surprising and challenging ideas: concession and distinction. Both define Daniel in chapter one. Both require tremendous discernment in our own times and places. Enjoy!<...

This episode kicks off a new series on Daniel and Babylon. It takes a look at the expansive role of Babylon in the biblical narrative and imagination from Genesis 10 all the way to Revelation 18. This sets us up to understand and appreciate the value of what we discover in Daniel 1–7. Daniel was faithful even in the midst of the  treacherous political and cultural forces working against him. We must be too. 

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