Deeper Dive

In the concluding episode of the 'Spirituality 101' series on the Deeper Dive Podcast by the OC Church of Christ, Dr. Robert Carrillo delves into the topic of lamentations. He explores the concept of lamenting, its significance in the Bible, and its profound impact on personal spirituality. Drawing from his own experiences and biblical examples, such as the Book of Lamentations and the Psalms, Dr. Carrillo emphasizes the importance of being honest and transparent with one's emotions, especially pain and sorrow. He also provides practical advice on how to incorporate lamentations into one's spiritual journey to deepen the connection with God. The episode culminates with a call to action, encouraging listeners to write their own lamentations.

00:00 Introduction to the Deeper Dive Podcast

00:38 Understanding Lamentations

01:49 Personal Experiences with Lamentations

03:46 Biblical Examples of Lamentations

07:25 The Importance of Being Honest with God

09:25 Modern Applications of Lamentations

15:44 Cultural Expressions of Lamentations

17:55 The Need for Lamentations in Today's World

26:39 Conclusion and Homework

27:00 Closing Remarks

Click here to donate to the program

Click here for more Deeper Dive Episodes

OC Church of Christ

In this fourth episode of the Deeper Dive podcast series 'Spirituality 101,' Dr. Robert Carrillo delves into the practice and significance of breathing meditations. Emphasizing the spiritual, theological, and practical aspects of breath, he explores how breathing plays a vital role in connecting us with God's creation and sustaining our spiritual journey. Dr. Carrillo also discusses different breathing techniques, resources for learning, and the transformative benefits of breathing meditation in managing stress, anxiety, and enhancing spiritual consciousness.

00:00 Introduction to the Deeper Dive Podcast

00:41 The Importance of Breathing in Meditation

02:01 The Theology Behind Breathing

05:09 Contrasting Rowing and Sailing in Spirituality

08:34 Practical Uses and Benefits of Meditation

09:51 Guided Breathing Meditation Techniques

13:09 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

Click here to donate to the program

Click here for more Deeper Dive Episodes

OC Church of Christ

In this third episode of the 'Spirituality 101' series for the Deeper Dive Podcast, Dr. Robert Carrillo introduces meditation as a practice for spiritual development within Christianity. He explains its historical roots, its benefits, and practical steps for beginners. Drawing from biblical examples and his personal experiences, Dr. Carrillo discusses how meditation helps improve mental clarity, emotional stability, and spiritual connection with God. The episode also addresses common misconceptions about meditation and provides guidance on starting a meditation practice. Join us as we explore the transformative power of focusing on God's word and principles through meditation.

00:00 Introduction to the Deeper Dive Podcast

00:39 Introduction to Spirituality 101

01:07 Understanding Meditation

02:30 Biblical Foundations of Meditation

05:06 Jesus and the Practice of Meditation

11:09 The Benefits of Meditation

13:39 Practical Tips for Beginners

20:32 Resources and Upcoming Events

21:53 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Click here to donate to the program

Click here for more Deeper Dive Episodes

OC Church of Christ

In this episode of the Deeper Dive Podcast by the OC Church of Christ, Robert Carrillo continues the 'Spirituality 101' series with part two of 'Introduction to Spirituality.' Robert emphasizes the importance of growing spiritually by getting to know God better and understanding ourselves. He provides insights on scriptural wisdom, Paul's prayers for spiritual wisdom and revelation, and discusses various spiritual practices such as Bible reading, prayer, meditation, and more. Join us as we explore how to live a life led by the Spirit and deepen our relationship with God.

00:00 Introduction to the Deeper Dive Podcast

00:41 Continuing the Spirituality 101 Series

01:41 Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom

03:09 Understanding the Eyes of the Heart

03:36 The Hope and Power for Believers

04:28 Personal Reflections on Spiritual Growth

06:55 The Mystery of God's Wisdom

09:51 The Danger of Spiritual Stagnation

14:08 Walking by the Spirit

18:32 Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth

23:30 Spiritual Practices and Disciplines

25:43 Conclusion and Resources

Click here to donate to the program

Click here for more Deeper Dive Episodes

OC Church of Christ

In the first episode of the Deeper Dive Podcast series 'Spirituality 101,' Dr. Robert Carrillo, an evangelist and teacher with extensive experience in ministry, shares insights into spirituality. He discusses the importance of the Holy Spirit, how to grow spiritually, and the foundational teachings of Christianity. This episode explores key scriptural references and emphasizes the need for a deeper spiritual awareness in our daily lives.

00:00 Introduction to the Deeper Dive Podcast

00:25 Meet Dr. Robert Carrillo

00:55 Launching the Spirituality 101 Series

01:11 Understanding Spirituality

03:39 The Role of the Holy Spirit

05:39 Jesus and the Holy Spirit

13:46 Living According to the Spirit

17:51 The Acts of the Holy Spirit

20:53 Being Led by the Spirit

27:46 Conclusion and Next Steps

Click here to donate to the program

Click here for more Deeper Dive Episodes

OC Church of Christ

In this episode of the Deeper Dive podcast by the OC Church of Christ, Brian Craig continues the series 'Understanding the Spiritual Realm.' Brian delves into the biblical worldview of the heavens and earth, explores the role of spiritual beings, and shares personal insights from his near-death experience. He reflects on the life and faith of Daniel, discusses the significance of prayer and worship, and emphasizes the cosmic struggle between good and evil. The episode concludes with a song inspired by the teachings.

00:00 Introduction to the Deeper Dive Podcast

00:38 Understanding the Spiritual Realm: Part Two

02:45 Exploring the Book of Daniel

06:20 Daniel's Visions and the Spiritual Realm

11:40 Personal Testimony and Spiritual Insights

17:07 The Cosmic Struggle and Our Role

24:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

27:57 Closing Remarks and How to Stay Connected

Click here to donate to the program

Click here for more Deeper Dive Episodes

OC Church of Christ

We know of the story outlined in the Bible of the struggle between good and evil, and God’s partnering with humans towards ordering creation. But the Bible has characters we often ignore in our modern secular society - spiritual beings, the divine council, and the unseen realm referenced in Ephesians 6 and Daniel 9. This class explores how opening our eyes to the spiritual realm can add significance to our own spiritual struggles. Brian will share personally about his own journey of understanding as well as health battle and how increased spiritual awareness provides comfort and meaning.

00:00 Introduction to the Deeper Dive Podcast

00:25 Meet Brian Craig: Evangelist and Worship Leader

00:47 Brian's Journey with Brain Cancer

01:02 Understanding the Spiritual Realm: An Overview

01:15 Brian Craig's Personal Introduction

02:08 Exploring the Ancient Near Eastern Worldview

02:50 The Cultural Lens of the Bible

07:02 Reconciling Science and Religion

16:52 The Divine Council and Spiritual Beings

25:46 Heavenly Beings and Earthly Struggles

27:57 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Click here to donate to the program

Click here for more Deeper Dive Episodes

OC Church of Christ

This is the third and final episode from our "Learning the Art of Motivation from Jesus" series by Reese Neyland. In this episode, Reese draws more treasures from Mark 1 when Jesus called His disciples into relationship and showed them what it means to love deeply.

Click here to donate to the program

Click here for more Deeper Dive Episodes

OC Church of Christ

We continue with our series "Learning the Art of Motivation from Jesus" from Reese Neyland. Reese explores more from Mark 1 when Jesus called his first disciples to be fishers of men and gave them an inspiring purpose.

Click here to donate to the program

Click here for more Deeper Dive Episodes

OC Church of Christ

Do you want to be inspired to live out your faith to the fullest? If so, you will need to go to the right source. Not surprisingly, Jesus is the greatest motivational leader in human history, and we would do well to learn from his example. In this three-part series, Learning the Art of Motivation From Jesus, Reese Neyland will help us to find inspiration from the example of Jesus through his initial call of the first disciples as recorded in Mark 1:16-20.

Click here to donate to the program

Click here for more Deeper Dive Episodes

OC Church of Christ

Below are the handouts referenced by Reese in this episode.

Suggestions for Knowing Jesus Better

Reese Neyland  

Your foundation should be reading, studying, and meditating on the Jesus of the Bible:

• Read the gospels and imagine what you would do if you were Jesus and compare
• Read the gospels and ask yourself a question to narrow your focus and learn…

”What do I learn about how Jesus loved?”

“What do I learn about the character of Jesus?”

“What do I learn about the relationships of Jesus?”

• Take notes and save them so you will not forget what you have learned

Favorite authors and preachers:

• Philip Yancey
• Andy Stanley
• Timothy Keller
• Dallas Willard
• Max Lucado
• Scot McKnight

Favorite book about Jesus:

“The Jesus I Never Knew” by Philip Yancey

Book about Jesus I am reading now:

“The Emotional Intelligence of Jesus” by Roy M. Oswald and Arland Jacobson

Favorite television show about Jesus: “The Chosen” – three seasons to date with more to come

I would love to hear suggestions you might have as well:  [email protected]

Why I Am Still Following Jesus

(a personal letter to Jesus)

April 12, 2015

I was barely 23 years old when I decided to follow you, Jesus.  It was just the right time for me.  I felt the emptiness of my life so deeply and I found a large group of people who loved you and were serious about following you.  Their lives inspired me and gave me hope for my own life.  I had never seen that before.   I think you had something to do with that – no, I think you had everything to do with that.  It seemed almost too good to be true and I wondered if it was.  I am sure you remember the hours and hours I spent looking at the evidence to see if I could have a real faith in you.  Thank you for providing all the reasons I needed to believe. (Thank you for providing all the reasons anyone needs to believe!)  You lived and you died on a cross for me.  You were raised from the dead so I could also live a new life.  That’s why I am still following you.

Of course, many years have passed now.  More than anything else, it has been a life of joy and blessing.  But it has also been just as challenging as you warned me it would be.  Perhaps I should say, even harder than I ever thought it might be.  If I am honest, most of the time the difficulty is within me…my own struggle with sin, insecurity, and selfishness.  Even so, you keep loving me even when I have fallen and disappointed you.  Instead of condemnation and retribution, you offer me fatherly discipline, repentance, and forgiveness.  Your grace continually overwhelms me.  Your vision for me sustains me.  You love me even when you get very little back.  That’s why I am still following you.

Since I am being honest, there have been times when your church has seemed to be my biggest problem.  I am not sure why, but I had thought the people in the church would be as perfect as you are.  In the beginning it seemed that way, but that didn’t last.  Sin in the lives of other church members, leaders who were sometimes harsh and misguided, friends in the church who let me down – the list goes on and on!  I guess you helped me with this as much as anything through the years.  I am inspired when I read your story…how you loved and responded to the people in your life who were failing you.  Through the years, you have patiently showed me the hypocrisy of judging other people in your church who are actually so much like me.  About ten years ago, when it seemed like it would be too much to even continue as a part of your church, you empowered me and strengthened me in ways I could have never anticipated.  And now, when I see the imperfection of your church, it just reminds me of how wonderful and powerful you are.  Other people may let me down, but you never do.  That’s why I am still following you.

Now I am coming closer to the end of my days (hopefully not soon though!).  You continue to work powerfully in me and through me.  My life has significance and purpose.  I enjoy more and more freedom – from the power of sin and the fear of death.  You are showing me how to love when I am not loved.  You are teaching me how to not care so much what others may think about me.  You are still showing me how to live.  You still want me even though you don’t need me.  You keep proving that you and your words can be trusted.  You still love me – in ways that I know and perhaps even more ways that I have forgotten or missed along the way.  That’s why I love you.  That’s why I am still following you.

Reese Neyland