Thankfulness is a focus in many American homes in the month of November. But have you ever considered that thankfulness is not a universally valued characteristic? Not to mention that the amount of gratitude we see on a daily basis actually seems to be decreasing today. 

How does one’s sense of privilege or status result in a lack of gratitude toward others? How does belief in the significance of each person’s life cultivate gratitude within a person? Does belief in the goodness and sovereignty of God inspire thankfulness in the midst of trying times?

Our office team gathered together to reflect on these questions and share our favorite biblical passages about the priority and results of thankfulness in the Christian life. We discussed why the biblical worldview places such an emphasis on gratitude, and contrasted this with different worldviews. In conclusion, we considered how essential thankfulness is for building thriving, flourishing cultures in families, communities, and nations. Join us for this thoughtful and encouraging discussion!

• View the transcript, leave comments, and check out recommended resources on the Episode Landing Page!
• Disciple Nations Alliance Website

Postcolonialism is a hot topic these days as many groups are eager to divide us up into oppressors and the oppressed–but do these categories help? Young and influential Zambian writer and speaker Lennox Kalifungwa says that there is much more to be considered than ethnicity, culture, and nationality. If we want true freedom and flourishing as individuals and societies, we need to promote truth, beauty, and goodness, looking beyond worldly categories that perpetuate brokenness and victimhood. There is no short-changing the effort it takes to move beyond the syncretism that is found in churches around the world. Join us as we discuss these important topics together.

• View the transcript, leave comments, and check out recommended resources on the Episode Landing Page!
• Disciple Nations Alliance Website

Do you want to see lives and nations thrive and flourish? If so, changing the way we think about education and changing the way we educate is essential. Education forms and transforms our thinking, character, and decision-making. This influences us individually, within our families, and even in our societies. It’s not enough to put a veneer of Christianity over our secular approaches to education, we must help students discover truth in their learning. Don’t miss this eye-opening episode with lifelong educator Dr. Elizabeth Youmans, the developer of The AMO Program and the Founder and President of Chrysalis International.

View the transcript, leave comments, and check out recommended resources on the Episode Landing Page!

• Disciple Nations Alliance Website

Today, Christ is not only ignored and rejected, but now He is becoming the target of malice. How do Christians respond to the times we live in? In this episode, Scott, Darrow, Luke, and Dwight explore where Christianity is today in the West and explore the need for a forgotten symbol of Christ to engage with the growing evil in the world. We all know Jesus as the gentle lamb, but when was the last time we envisioned Christ as the Lion of Judah? We live in an increasingly post-Christian world–a world that actively celebrates evil and is antagonistic to the Christian faith. So again, how do we respond? Certainly not fearful, hopeless, or in denial of the times. Explore with us a biblical paradigm that calls us to courage, wisdom, and loving defiance.

View the transcript, leave comments, and check out recommended resources on the Episode Landing Page!

• Disciple Nations Alliance Website

How should a biblical worldview inform our cultural engagement in this time of social crisis? Today's honored guest, Dr. Wayne Grudem, is Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary and author of more than 20 books, including Systematic Theology. Join us as we hear Dr. Wayne Grudem's heart for today's world. Our discussion covers everything from the recent attack on Israel, the 2024 election, a theology of work, politics in the pulpit, and the question of whether Christians should move from one state to another due to political alignment. How can and should Christians practically engage in the areas God has placed us at this time in history? There are obvious pitfalls to avoid when engaging in our cultures, but we often overcompensate in avoidance and neglect our call to influence culture. We hope you enjoy this practical, raw, honest episode as much as we did. 

Go deeper with the transcript and recommended resources on the Episode Landing Page!

• Disciple Nations Alliance Website

What happens when we ignore God's design for gender and family? Today, we're positioning ourselves at the crux of this question, grappling with the implications of a society straying from the divine image of male and female. Darrow Miller joins us as we take a hard look at the consequences of rejecting this design, which includes the disruption of family units, distorted perceptions of marriage, and the ripple effects of the feminist movements on societal norms. As Darrow releases his newest book, The Grand Design: Rediscovering Male and Female as the Image of God, we get an idea of why he wrote it and what you can expect as a reader. This book provides a helpful exploration into feminism’s history and takes a proactive approach to offer a vision of God's design for each of us–a vision that promotes unity and beauty among the sexes, in families, and even on an individual level. Let's challenge the status quo, become revolutionaries, and strive towards a harmonious society that aligns with the biblical worldview.

Go deeper with the transcript and recommended resources on the Episode Landing Page!

• Disciple Nations Alliance Website

As we reflect on our discussion with Dr. Jeff Myers, we touch on two main highlights. The idea of understanding worldview as a pattern of thought and how to align this pattern with God and His Word. This is what Scripture refers to as "renewing our minds." This is a discipline that Christians need to practice intentionally. If we neglect to, our patterns of thought will almost certainly align with the increasingly unbiblical culture around us. We also cover the idea of the power of words in more depth. We hope our discussion with Dr. Jeff Myers and this bonus talk help you continue to renew your mind in God's Truth.  

Have you ever pondered the essence of your worldview, its framework, and how it influences your reality? Do you have a biblical worldview? If not, what worldview are you viewing the world through? Our guest, Dr. Jeff Myers, President of Summit Ministries and author of Truth Changes Everything, embodies the journey of discovering and embracing the transformative Biblical worldview. This episode peels back the layers of postmodern thinking, its impact on faith, self-perception, and the role of Summit Ministries in shaping young minds to champion Biblical truth. During the conversation, we challenge misconceptions surrounding worldview, biblical justice, truth, and societal transformation. Join us and Dr. Myers on this enlightening journey to understand and embrace a Biblical worldview.

Go deeper with the transcript and recommended resources on the Episode Landing Page!

• Disciple Nations Alliance Website

In his forthcoming book, The Grand Design, Darrow Miller explains how as image bearers of God, both male and female are equal in value and dignity, while also beautifully designed with unique roles and functions. Today we are joined by our good friends Lisa and Nelson Monteiro, who have both played integral roles in The Grand Design course and book creation. Because the Monteiros have lived in both Brazil and Canada, they have a unique perspective on the way cultural views of men and women can be helpful or damaging. You'll hear about the tears, conversations, and behind-the-scenes stories that lead to the creation of The Grand Design book and course. Join us as we explore the transformative power of truth and the unique challenges and opportunities of ministry in cultures rooted in sexism or feminism.

Go deeper with the transcript and recommended resources on the Episode Landing Page!

• Disciple Nations Alliance Website

Darrow Miller’s newest book, “The Grand Design: Rediscovering Male and Female in the Image of God,” will be out in two weeks. Explore with us what it means to be transcendently and biologically human, male and female, made in the image of God. The Grand Design captures and restores a vision for what God has imagined for the human family, in all of its beauty. This biblical standard has potential to produce freedom and flourishing on one hand, or immense evil and harm when it is ignored. The impact is felt not only on individual levels, but even nationally and we are seeing the results all around us today.

Go deeper with the transcript and find details about the book and other recommended resources on the Episode Landing Page!

• Disciple Nations Alliance Website