Against the Grain

Passover week often gets lost in all the other preparations for Easter. We are so focused on Easter Day and the celebration of Christ's resurrection, that we miss the opportunity of anticipation. The passover provides a mirror of what's to come with God's rescue story. Join us as Eric, Josh and Shelby discuss the significance of the season of passover.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." Part of living for Jesus is living with Jesus. Learning to abide is crucial to the Christian life because it is what sustains us and it's how we learn to hear his voice. In this episode, Lorraine, Chuck and Eric discuss what it means to abide, the challenges that threaten our abiding, and cultivating a life set on dwelling with Him.

Scripture and Recommendations:

John 15:5

Prayer - Tim Keller

Soul Keeping - John Ortberg

Ruthless Elimination of Hurry - John Mark Comer

121 Outdoors

Bible Recap - Read on the Bible App

Bible Recap - YouTube Videos

Story of God

Women of the Word - Jen Wilkin

Grasping God's Word - Scott Duvall

End times and end of the world? And what does that mean for us today? How can we exchange fear for hope in the face of the end of the world? In this episode, Eric and Jordan take a deeper dive into Mark 13 and the questions this passage raises. They look at three Biblical interpretive principles to explore this challenging passage and seek to understand how the truths revealed in Mark 13 point to an ultimate hope.

Scripture & Recommendations

Living Ready for Jesus' Return - A Sermon

⁠Revelation Bible Study Recordings⁠

Discipleship on the Edge: An Expository Journey Through the Book of Revelation by Darrell Johnson

Mark 13

Daniel 9:27

Mark 10 & 11

What is at the heart of worship? Why do we do it? In this episode, Eric and Travis discuss worship as a way of life. Join us to as we dive into how authentic worship extends beyond Sunday gatherings into daily life and as we see begin to see worship as a lifestyle of awe.

Scripture & Recommendations:

John 4:24

How to Worship a King by Zach Neese

The concept of heaven often feels distant and theoretical, floating far above our daily experiences. Yet this promise of eternity serves as more than just an abstract ideal—it's a powerful source of hope that inspires us to live with purpose, seeking to create lasting impact beyond our earthly days. In this episode, Eric and Vince explore the nature of heaven, unpack the biblical promise of a new heaven and earth, and discover how this eternal perspective can transform the way we live today.

SHOW NOTES

Recommendations:

Journey of Desire by John Eldredge

Heaven by Randy Alcorn

Scriptures referenced:

Revelation 5

Revelation 21

Mark 12:18-27

Ephesians 5:31-32

Genesis 1:1

Psalm 90

2 Corinthians 4:17-18

One of the more abstract practices in a Christian's walk is cultivating a genuine relationship with God's presence. What does it truly mean to seek the the Lord in our daily lives? How do you even start?

In this conversation, Eric, Thayne, and Cindy share their personal disciplines for pursuing His presence. They explore how they've developed countercultural rhythms that deepen their spiritual lives and nurture their relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Through stories of personal transformation, practical wisdom, and scriptural insights, they discuss how intentional habits have impacted their encounters with God's presence.

Join us in this episode as we dive into both the challenges and joys of pursuing God's presence in a distracted world, as we seek to live with greater purpose against the grain.

Show notes:

- The Attributes of God (pdf)

-Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer

-Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools by Tyler Stanton

Psalm 31:7, 19, Isiah 51, & Psalm 42

Is true joy actually attainable? What even is joy? In this episode, Eric, Mike & Courtney dive into Biblical joy, the mindset of a life rooted in joy, and the heart that's set on the deep contentment that comes from trusting in God.

Key Scripture: James 1:2

Romans 12:2, Psalm 90:17, Proverbs 16:9

Recommendations & Resources

Prayer by Timothy Keller

Mike's Podcast -Not Quite There

Mike's Blog -Before The Cross

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