Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 88

Halloween is my least favorite "holiday." Every year as it approaches I cringe as I watch our culture celebrate darkness and death. 

As Christians, how are we to think about a day that is so polluted by that which stands in opposition to Christ?

In this episode, I want to give an encouragement and hope amidst the darkness that swirls about on a day like today—a biblical reminder that light has come into the world and wherever light invades, darkness cannot reside.

In looking at Romans 8, Ephesians 1, and Acts 19, I remind us all that despite culture's celebration of darkness, our God is light and is triumphant over every principality, power, might, and dominion.

Download the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/88/

Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 87

Jesus makes it clear in John 17:3 that eternal life is to know Him—but what does it mean to know God? Is it merely facts, data, and information, or is it more than that?

In this episode, we discuss whether we actually have relationship and intimacy with Jesus or merely have information and knowledge about Him. 

Taken from one of Nathan's most popular messages called Ginosko, this message is not only humorous in parts, but is deeply stirring and pressing as we seek to discover what it means to "know Christ and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death" (Philippians 3:10).

Download the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/87/

Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 86

Most people get worn out and tired at some point in their lives, but burnout is an entirely different issue—one that often is prolonged, a feeling you can't go on, not sure you're going to make it, or that you're at the end of your rope. 

So what do you do if you are facing burnout? Or better yet, what is the secret to avoiding burnout altogether?

In this episode, I want to share the simple secret that will keep you from burnout (and no doubt save you thousands of dollars in counseling fees and/or help for stress).

Download the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/86/

 Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 85

Many of us have things in our past which affect our present realities—events, hurts, circumstances, habits, failures, or any other "kicks of the cow" that we can't seem to forget no matter how much we try.

So what do we do with these past events? 

In one of my favorite sermons by Stephen Manley from his series in Matthew, Stephen addresses our past and how we are deal with it biblically.

Taken from Matthew 27:52-53 (a scene right after the crucifixion of Jesus), this powerful sermon will bring encouragement and conviction about the things we are holding onto from our past.

 Download the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/85/

 Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 84

I'm a big fan of Christian biographies, especially stories of missionaries.

Somehow, I get lost in their stories, am edified by their lives, and challenged by their givenness to Jesus Christ. 

I recently read Bruchko by Bruce Olson and was not only captivated by his story, but deeply convicted as well. So in this episode, I wanted to discuss seven things I learned while reading the book.

Download the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/84/

 Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 83

Jesus declares in John 12:24, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain."

In order for a seed to produce life, it must be willing to lay down its life. As we go back into the classic sermon archives, Major Ian Thomas—a British preacher who knew what it meant to be completely focused upon and obsessed with Jesus—preaches a powerful sermon entitled "A Grain of Wheat."

Ian Thomas reminds us that "the life that [Jesus] lived qualified Him for the death that He died; the dead that He died qualifies you to receive the life that He lived." Truly a profound statement.

Would you be willing, as Ian Thomas exhorts, to lay down your life before Jesus Christ and allow Him to produce His life in and through you? For this truly is the essence of Christianity.

Download the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/83/

Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 82

In this classic Bravehearted Thot, my friend Eric Ludy uses several concepts from missionary CT Studd to ask us a few tough questions—such as:

• What are you attracted to?
• What moves you?
• What gets you up off the couch? Is it gold or is it God?
• Which one gets you up in the morning and cause you to risk life and limb?

Originally taken from the graduation message of the first Ellerslie Discipleship Semester in December 2010, Eric reminds us that we must give up our lives and surrender our will to the call of God. We must not have a limit to our obedience but rather be willing to give up the short season of our lives to serve our King no matter the cost.

Download the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/82/

 Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 81

American Ninja Warrior, one of my favorite shows, ended this week. While watching the final competition, I was struck by how the challenges and obstacles these athletes face is similar to our spiritual lives.

In this episode, I talk about how American Ninja Warrior can challenge our spiritual lives as we seek to be trained daily and allow God to prepare us for any challenge and obstacle that may lie ahead in our lives.

I also give seven ways God often trains us spiritually so we can purposefully choose transformation and growth in our spiritual lives.

Download the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/81/

Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 80

As Christians, the way we approach the Bible is important. Do we read or study God's Word flippantly, casually, or merely because we have to? No, of course not. 

The way we approach Scripture will affect what we get from Scripture. 

In this episode, I offer nine ways we as believers need to approach the Word of God—whether we read or study it.

Learn why you should become a journalist, detective, student, child, fertile soil, cow, teacher, servant, and a Christian in the reading and study of God's Word.

Download the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/80/

Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 79

Most Christians recognize that we (both personally and as the global Church) need revival. But what IS revival? 

In this episode, we listen to a classic sermon by Leonard Ravenhill entitled: "True Revival: The Presence of God."

Leonard Ravenhill (1907-1994) preaches from Isaiah 4:1-4 and explains that revival isn't something we manufacture, rather revival is all about the presence of God.

Yes, our world, our country, and the Church desperately need revival, but let revival and transformation first start with each of us personally.

Download the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/79/