Into the Harvest

By Into the HarvestSociety & Culture Religion & Spirituality Christianity Philosophy

Into the Harvest episodes

October 08 #271- A Disciple Grows Hunger for the Word with Renee Sproles
Do you struggle to read the Bible consistently or understand what you are reading? Explore our practical guide, How to Read the Bible:
https://www.intotheharvest.org/how-to-read-the-bible/
Our culture constantly feeds us content—but are we developing an appetite for the voice of God?
In this episode, John talks with author, podcaster, and disciple-maker Renée Sproles about how disciples can grow in their desire for God’s Word. Together, they discuss the voices shaping us, the danger of living on “predigested” spiritual food, and why sermons, podcasts, and social media can never replace personally meeting with Jesus in Scripture.
Using Matthew 4 and other passages, they explore how Jesus used Scripture to answer lies with truth. They also share practical ways to establish a Bible-reading rhythm, learn alongside a mature believer, keep returning when Scripture is difficult, and engage the Bible in partnership with the Holy Spirit.
If this conversation helps you, please like this episode and subscribe to the Into the Harvest YouTube channel. It helps more people discover practical resources for following Jesus and making disciples.
In This Episode
00:00 Why disciples need solid spiritual food
00:53 Meet Renée Sproles
01:15 How can we develop an appetite for God’s Word?
05:27 The voices and algorithms shaping our desires
06:25 A practical guide for reading the Bible
07:17 Asking God to speak while ignoring the Bible
08:05 How Jesus responded to temptation with Scripture
12:01 Replacing lies with biblical truth
13:25 How our appetite changes over time
14:17 Inviting someone to read the Bible with you
15:11 Learning Scripture through life-on-life discipleship
16:28 A simple plan for reading through the Bible
18:47 Learning to appreciate difficult passages
22:00 Moving beyond predigested spiritual food
23:10 Why solid food requires constant practice
25:52 Taking Scripture as seriously as other media
26:41 Moving from the Bible to life—and life to the Bible
27:17 Engaging Scripture with the Holy Spirit
30:22 “No Bible, no breakfast; no Bible, no bed”
31:58 Begin building your Bible-reading rhythm
32:07 Continue the conversation in Harvest Life
Resources
How to Read the Bible
Learn a simple, repeatable approach for reading Scripture, connecting with God, and applying his Word to everyday life:
https://www.intotheharvest.org/how-to-read-the-bible/
Harvest Life
Continue with the members-only conversation, where John and Renée unpack a four-step framework for building a life centered on Jesus, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit:
https://www.intotheharvest.org/harvestlife/
Use code CODE50 to receive 50% off your first three months.
Connect with Us
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The post #271- A Disciple Grows Hunger for the Word with Renee Sproles appeared first on Into the Harvest
34 min
September 24 #270 – How Jesus Trained His Disciples—and How We Can Too
Jesus did more than teach his disciples. He shared life with them, involved them in ministry, watched them practice, and eventually sent them out to carry on his mission.
In this episode, John and Andrew explore what it means to be “fully trained” by Jesus and introduce a simple disciple-making process: Model, Assist, Watch, and Launch. This framework helps us move beyond merely giving people information and begin training them through life-on-life relationships and guided experience.
Using Luke 6:40, Mark 3:14, and examples from the ministry of Jesus, they explain how disciples become more like their teacher and grow into faithful disciple-makers. You will also learn why mature leaders must give people real opportunities to practice ministry—and why disciple-making is incomplete if we never release people to lead.
In This Episode
00:00 Faith is the beginning of a new life
01:35 Why disciple-making must be Jesus-centered
02:48 The Master Plan of Evangelism
04:36 The Disciple-Maker’s Journey
05:04 What does it mean to be fully trained?
07:12 Becoming like Jesus—not merely gaining information
07:52 Why discipleship must be life-on-life
09:29 Jesus called the Twelve to be with him
10:11 Training disciples who can faithfully represent Jesus
11:38 Showing someone how to walk with God
13:02 Model, Assist, Watch, and Launch
13:36 Why modeling comes before instruction
15:01 Passing on your aim and way of life
17:43 The cost of modeling a life of devotion
20:12 Assist: involving disciples in real ministry
23:11 Watch: coaching and correcting as they practice
24:55 Launch: preparing disciples to lead without you
28:37 How soon should someone begin assisting?
32:24 Continue the conversation in Harvest Life
Resources
MAWL Tool: https://www.intotheharvest.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/MAWL-Disciple-Making-Guide-1.pdf
Free Master Plan of Evangelism Study Guide
Explore eight disciple-making principles from the life and ministry of Jesus—and learn how to put them into practice:
https://www.intotheharvest.org/master-plan-study-guide/
The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman
Read the classic book that inspired the study guide and helped shape our understanding of Jesus’ method of disciple-making:
https://link.amazon/B0dxFopv7
As an Amazon Associate, Into the Harvest earns from qualifying purchases.
Harvest Life
Continue with the members-only conversation about the three essentials every disciple-maker needs: Principles, Practicals, and People. You will also receive access to our growing library of disciple-making tools and the Disciple-Maker’s Dojo:
https://www.intotheharvest.org/harvestlife/
Use code CODE50 to receive 50% off your first three months.
Connect with Us
Website · Shop · Newsletter · YouTube · Instagram
The post #270 – How Jesus Trained His Disciples—and How We Can Too appeared first on Into the Harvest
34 min
September 10 #269 – Before You Make Disciples, You Must Become One
Ready to discover who Jesus really is and what it means to follow him? Get Discovering Jesus, Book One of the Pathway Series: https://amzn.to/3UDTunH
Discipleship does not begin with making disciples. It begins with recognizing Jesus for who he is and learning to live as his disciple.
In this episode, John and Andrew explore the biblical titles Lord and Christ and explain why both are essential to the gospel. Jesus is the Christ—the Savior sent by God to deal with our sin. But he is also Lord—the one with the authority to lead every part of our lives.
You cannot make Jesus Lord; God has already made him Lord and Christ. Our response is to recognize who he is, receive him, and live under his rule. This conversation will help you understand how following Jesus moves us from a self-directed life to a life centered on him.
In This Episode:
00:00 You cannot make Jesus Lord
01:04 Becoming a disciple before making disciples
01:42 Discovering Jesus and the Pathway Series
03:28 Why discipleship must begin with Jesus
04:29 The Lord Jesus Christ Illustration
05:58 How God reveals himself through Jesus
07:28 God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ
10:05 Recognize, receive, and respond to Jesus
11:20 Receiving Jesus as Christ and Savior
13:32 Why Jesus is God’s promised Messiah
16:16 What it means to receive Jesus as Lord
19:15 You do not make Jesus Lord
20:17 Moving from a self-directed to Christ-centered life
21:05 Are we asking the wrong gospel question?
24:33 Continue the conversation in Harvest Life
Resources
Discovering Jesus
Learn how Jesus fulfills Scripture, understand his message and mission, and discover what it means to begin following him: https://amzn.to/3UDTunH
As an Amazon Associate, Into the Harvest earns from qualifying purchases.
The Lord Jesus Christ Illustration
Use this simple tool to help someone understand what it means to recognize and receive Jesus as both Lord and Christ: The Lord Jesus Christ
Harvest Life
Continue the conversation with the members-only Pie Illustration bonus episode and explore our growing library of disciple-making tools:
https://www.intotheharvest.org/harvestlife/
Use code CODE50 to receive 50% off your first three months.
Connect with Into the Harvest
Connect with Us
Website · Shop · Newsletter · YouTube · Instagram
Want more practical resources to help you follow Jesus and make disciples? Visit https://www.intotheharvest.org/
#christianpodcast #followingJesus #discipleship
The post #269 – Before You Make Disciples, You Must Become One appeared first on Into the Harvest
26 min
August 27#268 – The Disciple-Maker’s Journey
Why does the word discipleship seem to mean everything and nothing at the same time? In Episode 268, John and Andrew return to the teachings of Jesus to bring clarity to discipleship, disciple-making, and the journey Jesus invites every believer to take.
Using three key passages from Matthew, John and Andrew explore the progression from Come, to Care, to Go. Jesus first calls us to center our lives on him, then transforms our hearts to care about people as he does, and finally sends us to make disciples who make disciples.
You’ll also learn the important distinction between discipleship—living a life of devotion to Jesus—and disciple-making—purposefully passing that way of life on to someone else. John and Andrew discuss where people commonly get stuck along this journey and offer practical ways to keep growing, serving, and helping others follow Jesus.
In This Episode
00:00 Why discipleship can feel confusing
02:33 The ACTION Plan: A roadmap for getting started
03:39 Discipleship versus disciple-making
08:47 Come: Centering your life on Jesus
12:41 Care: Developing Jesus’ heart for people
18:24 Go: Making disciples with conviction, clarity, and confidence
22:21 Where disciple-makers get stuck
27:50 Final thoughts and practical next steps
28:57 Continuing the conversation inside Harvest Life
Resources
ACTION Plan ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/action-plan/
Build a simple, personal roadmap to help you follow Jesus, share your faith, and begin your disciple-maker’s journey.
Harvest Life ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/harvest-life/
Join our members-only community for practical disciple-making tools, extended podcast conversations, and the Disciple-Maker’s Dojo. Use code CODE50 to receive 50% off your first six months.
Connect with Us
Website · Shop · Newsletter · YouTube · Instagram
The post #268 – The Disciple-Maker’s Journey appeared first on Into the Harvest
32 min
August 13#267 – Discipling Women Changes The Course Of History
Women's discipleship is essential to the health of the Church, but many women have never experienced intentional, life-on-life discipleship. In this episode, John talks with Jess Snyder and Sarah Beth Kreitzer about how women can help one another follow Jesus through every season of life.
They discuss why women's discipleship involves more than attending a Bible study or staying busy with church activities. Drawing from the example of Jesus, the relationship between Ruth and Naomi, and Paul's instructions in Titus 2, they present a biblical vision for older women investing in younger women.
They also offer practical encouragement for women who want to find someone to disciple them or begin investing in someone else.
In This Episode
00:00 Introduction
05:15 Why there is a gap in discipling women
17:20 How Jesus interacted with women
22:00 Women's discipleship in Scripture
33:50 Everyday tensions women face
41:00 Discipleship through different seasons
52:00 How women can get started
57:40 What "older" and "younger" women means
Resources
Discipleship 101
Grow as a disciple and learn to help others do the same. Eight lessons on discipleship and disciple-making with Bible study, reflection questions, application exercises, and companion teaching videos.
The Pathway Series
Want to make disciples like Jesus? The Pathway Series gives you a simple framework you can use to help someone begin following Jesus and grow to maturity.
Connect with Us
Website · Shop · Newsletter · YouTube · Instagram
The post #267 – Discipling Women Changes The Course Of History appeared first on Into the Harvest
1 hr 1 min
August 12#266 – Living Sent: Making Disciples In Everyday Places with Renée Sproles
Following Jesus is not separate from everyday life. In this episode, John, Andrew, and Renée explore Colossians 3–4 and explain how our homes, workplaces, relationships, and ordinary responsibilities can become places where we live on mission and help others see Jesus.
Paul challenges believers to set their minds on things above, put off the old self, and put on the character of Christ. That transformation changes how we love others, approach our work, respond to difficult circumstances, and use the opportunities God gives us.
The conversation also explores how prayer, gracious speech, and intentional relationships help ordinary believers make disciples. You do not need to travel somewhere special to join Jesus on mission—you are called to follow him right where you are.
In This Episode
00:00 Introduction to the final Colossians Bible study
05:27 Putting off the old self and putting on the new
10:33 Setting your mind on things above
17:37 Practical ways to grow in love for others
23:20 Word, worship, and work
25:32 Following Jesus in everyday relationships
29:04 Finding eternal purpose in ordinary work
36:08 Living as someone sent by God
37:23 Prayer, gracious speech, and gospel opportunities
46:23 Practical habits for taking anxiety to God
48:55 Joining Jesus and others in his mission
Resources
Discipleship 101
Grow as a disciple and learn to help others do the same. Eight lessons on discipleship and disciple-making with Bible study, reflection questions, application exercises, and companion teaching videos.
The Pathway Series
Want to make disciples like Jesus? The Pathway Series gives you a simple framework you can use to help someone begin following Jesus and grow to maturity.
Connect with Us
Website · Shop · Newsletter · YouTube · Instagram
The post #266 – Living Sent: Making Disciples In Everyday Places with Renée Sproles appeared first on Into the Harvest
54 min
July 18 #265 – The Emotional Maturity Jesus Wants From You with Renée Sproles
Understanding spiritual maturity is essential for your walk with God. Learn how ancient biblical truths apply to modern emotional health. Many people struggle to connect their faith with their daily reactions. This episode focuses on the connection between spiritual maturity and emotional maturity, examining why God's word remains the standard for our growth. We look at the biblical directive to be taught and warned, ensuring we are presented mature in Christ regardless of the era we live in. If you have ever felt that your faith life and emotional life are disconnected, this episode provides some clarity. By aligning your inner development with scripture, you can gain a steadier perspective on life's challenges. We breakdown why Christ remains the ultimate goal of all teaching and how you can apply these principles to your own walk today.
54 min
July 02 #264 – The Pressure Points Every Believer Must Face with Renée Sproles
Want to help your church find focus in its disciple-making efforts? We've created an 8-part resource called Discipleship 101 to help. Learn more at https://www.intotheharvest.org/discipleship-101/
Need a simple framework to help you make disciples like Jesus? Check out The Pathway Series to learn more: https://www.intotheharvest.org/pathway
Shop ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/shop/
Instagram ► instagram.com/intotheharvest
Facebook ► facebook.com/intotheharvest
Newsletter ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/newsletter
Our study of Ephesians continues with chapters 4-6! In this episode we cover what it means to actually be the Body of Christ, how we are supposed to function in our spiritual gifts; husbands loving and leading their wives; and spiritual warfare. If you want to learn more about walking with Christ and others, this is a do not miss episode.
Original Release Date 7/2/26
Want more great resources to help you be a disciple and make disciples? Visit us at https://intotheharvest.org
The post #264 – The Pressure Points Every Believer Must Face with Renée Sproles appeared first on Into the Harvest
1 hr 4 min
June 18 #263 – The Identity Crisis Christians Don’t Know They Have with Renée Sproles
Want to help your church find focus in its disciple-making efforts? We've created an 8-part resource called Discipleship 101 to help. Learn more at https://www.intotheharvest.org/discipleship-101/
Need a simple framework to help you make disciples like Jesus? Check out The Pathway Series to learn more: https://www.intotheharvest.org/pathway
Shop ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/shop/
Instagram ► instagram.com/intotheharvest
Facebook ► facebook.com/intotheharvest
Newsletter ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/newsletter

Define your Christian identity through scripture. Learn how to anchor your faith in Jesus and understand your role in God's kingdom.
This conversation explores the core of Christian identity and how the Book of Ephesians provides a foundation for self-understanding. Whether you are seeking clarity on your beliefs or looking to deepen your walk with God, this discussion offers practical biblical insights.
We examine the concept of spiritual neutrality, specifically how faith in Jesus requires a choice between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light. By applying a clear spiritual worldview, you can better navigate your daily walk and align your decisions with your convictions. Join us as we take a deep dive into the books of Ephesians and Colossians over the next few weeks.
Original Release Date 6/18/26
Want more great resources to help you be a disciple and make disciples? Visit us at https://intotheharvest.org
The post #263 – The Identity Crisis Christians Don’t Know They Have with Renée Sproles appeared first on Into the Harvest
54 min
April 24 #262 – Responding to Jesus – Why Humility Matters with Jon Martin
Want to help your church find focus in its disciple-making efforts? We've created an 8-part resource called Discipleship 101 to help. Learn more at https://www.intotheharvest.org/discipleship-101/
Need a simple framework to help you make disciples like Jesus? Check out The Pathway Series to learn more: https://www.intotheharvest.org/pathway
Shop ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/shop/
Instagram ► instagram.com/intotheharvest
Facebook ► facebook.com/intotheharvest
Newsletter ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/newsletter
It is by the grace of the Holy Spirit that any of us are following Jesus. But are there areas of our lives that we have not surrendered to Him? Have we tried to put Him in a box, to fit into our lives? Or have we jumped in with both feet into the abundant life that He has for us? John talks to Jon Martin about what stops us from fully surrendering to Christ, and a lack of humility is at the core.
Original Release Date 4/23/26
Want more great resources to help you be a disciple and make disciples? Visit us at https://intotheharvest.org
The post #262 – Responding to Jesus – Why Humility Matters with Jon Martin appeared first on Into the Harvest
51 min