What if you could read the New Testament as a single, unfolding story—seeing the books in their real-life context and discovering the heartbeat of the early church? Brian Del Turco talks with Frank Viola, bestselling author of The Untold Story of the New Testament Church. You’ll see how the New Testament connects to your own storyline in Christ, as His Kingdom continues to advance today. This fresh perspective will help you unlock Scripture and your place in God’s epic narrative. Part 1 of 2.

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See the full episode transcript below.

👉 Enhanced show notes: JesusSmart.com/353

👉 Explore more episodes: JesusSmart.com/podcast

If this episode gave you a fresh perspective on Kingdom Living, share it with someone who needs encouragement.

Be sure to follow the podcast—each episode is designed to help you think more clearly and pursue the kind of life only Jesus makes possible.

Stay current via The Smart Edit newsletter—Elevate your faith. Live smart. Make an impact. Free. Weekly. 5 minutes to grow. Unsubscribe anytime. Sign up at JesusSmart.com.

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EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

Brian: Welcome to the podcast! Today, I’m thrilled to have Frank Viola with us to discuss his new project—a book every follower of Jesus will want to explore. Frank, how are you today?

Frank Viola: I’m doing well, Brian. I always enjoy being on your show, and I’m excited to talk about the book.

The Untold Story of the New Testament Church

Brian: I have my copy right here, and I’ve been using it… literally curling it for reps! Listeners, this is a hefty book—over 600 pages—but it’s surprisingly accessible.

Frank Viola: That’s right. Despite its size, many readers find it easy to read. The goal was never just a history lesson—it’s to unlock the New Testament, especially the epistles, in a fresh way.

Brian: So, what inspired you to take on this massive project?

Frank Viola: It goes back to when I became a believer at 16. I stumbled upon a small book that linked the Book of Acts with Paul’s letters. That exposure shaped everything. Over time, I studied New Testament chronology, influenced heavily by F.F. Bruce, and by 1998, I began constructing a full chronological account of the New Testament, filling in historical and cultural details.

Solving a Common Problem for Christians

Frank Viola: The problem many Christians face is not fully understanding the New Testament. The books aren’t arranged chronologically, and Luke’s account in Acts is highly condensed.

Add the 16th-century chapter and verse divisions, and it’s easy to misinterpret. My book reconstructs the story from Pentecost to Patmos, blending Acts with the epistles to provide context that has been missing for centuries.

Brian: That’s incredible. It’s vital for Christians to see the full storyline of the kingdom, from the early church to today.

Frank Viola: Exactly. And this approach has been endorsed by 20 preeminent New Testament scholars. It’s the first book to combine the entire narrative chronologically with full citations, based on up-to-date scholarship.

Challenges and Approach

Brian: Scholars will disagree on some chronological details. Can you give an example?

Frank Viola: Sure. The dating of James’ epistle is debated. Some scholars place it before Galatians, others after. Either way, it doesn’t affect the overall narrative, which is what matters.

Brian: So, it’s about scoping and sequencing—seeing the narrative as a whole.

Frank Viola: Yes. The book organizes the 27 New Testament books, focusing on Acts to Revelation, and even includes Jesus’ story and eternity past, giving readers the full picture of God’s kingdom from beginning to end.

Making Study of the New Testament Accessible

Brian: Were there points where writing the book became particularly challenging?

Frank Viola: Definitely. Balancing scholarly accuracy with reader accessibility was tough. I wanted complex historical and cultural information to be understandable for every Christian reader.

Sourcing was also a major effort—over 2,400 footnotes, distilling insights from over 1,000 books. The goal was to create a compelling narrative that brings the New Testament to life.

Brian: It sounds like it transforms the reading experience.

Frank Viola: It does. Understanding the full story of the New Testament changed my life. When readers see the letters in context, they experience the New Testament in a way most have never imagined.

Understanding the Full Narrative

Brian: I love your analogy with LEGO.

Frank Viola: Yes! Reading the New Testament in its current order is like trying to build a dinosaur with only 400 of 600 LEGO pieces. Acts gives you the main body, but the epistles complete the picture. Only by combining them chronologically can you truly see the full story.

Brian: That really illustrates why understanding chronology and context is essential for faithful interpretation.

Frank Viola: Exactly. This book gives Christians the key to reading the New Testament as a connected, coherent narrative. It’s transformative for personal study, ministry, and understanding God’s kingdom story.

A township board said a couple might have to leave their home over a permit dispute. Instead of giving in to fear, the husband turned to a small Micro Ecclesia prayer gathering. The board voted 4–1 in their favor. We look at how Micro Ecclesia—small, Spirit-led communities—carry real Kingdom authority. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 6, we’ll see why even the smallest gatherings of believers can judge matters and shift outcomes.

----------

See the full episode transcript below.

👉 Enhanced show notes: JesusSmart.com/352

👉 Explore more episodes: JesusSmart.com/podcast

If this episode gave you a fresh perspective on Kingdom Living, share it with someone who needs encouragement.

Be sure to follow the podcast—each episode is designed to help you think more clearly and pursue the kind of life only Jesus makes possible.

Stay current via The Smart Edit newsletter—Elevate your faith. Live smart. Make an impact. Free. Weekly. 5 minutes to grow. Unsubscribe anytime. Sign up at JesusSmart.com.

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EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

A Testimony of God’s Intervention

Imagine this: you and your spouse have just moved into your new home. Renovations are finished, everything is in place—and then you receive troubling news. Your township informs you that the permit for your home may be invalid, and you might have to leave. Suddenly, your plans feel like they’re hanging by a thread.

What do you do? Do you panic? Do you put all your trust in attorneys, boards, and bureaucrats? Or do you turn to something far more powerful—the ekklesia, the body of Christ?

That’s exactly what one of the members of our prayer group faced this past week. His story illustrates the often-underestimated power of a small, Spirit-led community of believers.

What Is a Micro Ecclesia?

A Micro Ecclesia is a small, highly functional group of growing believers. These are people on a quest, gathering intentionally—either in person or online—for the exchange of inspired ideas and prayer.

In our group, we often focus on national and even international issues. But we also make space for personal concerns. One of our brothers, a pastor who also serves in law enforcement and education in his town, shared a pressing need: his newly purchased home was being threatened by a challenge to its building permit.

To make matters worse, someone on the township board told him, “I’ve never lost a case like this.” That’s a bold (and inflated) statement—but God was about to show His authority.

Choosing Prayer Over Panic

Instead of rushing to the public board meeting that evening, our brother prioritized joining our Micro Ecclesia prayer gathering. He and his wife had already prayed, but this time he brought the concern before the group.

We prayed with authority. We treated our gathering not as a simple prayer circle, but as a *laboratory of Kingdom authority.* We asked God to intervene.

Later that evening, while we were still praying, he received a phone call: the board had voted 4 to 1 in his favor. Against the odds. Against the boastful words of a man who claimed he never lost.

We believe this wasn’t coincidence. It was God’s intervention, honoring the decision to prioritize His house of prayer.

The Scriptural Basis of Ecclesia

The word "ecclesia" originally came from the Greeks, later adopted by the Romans. It referred to a gathering of citizens, often at the city gates, to make decisions and determine policy.

Jesus took this secular word and infused it with Kingdom meaning: *“I will build my ekklesia.”* He promised His presence and authority whenever two or more gather in His name. That’s Kingdom quorum.

The ekklesia is more than a religious service. It’s a gathering of Kingdom citizens exercising Christ’s authority on earth. Local boards, national governments, corporations, and agencies are all subject to the name above every name.

Small Gatherings with Big Impact

The Micro Ecclesia is not meant to replace the local church. Instead, it’s another layer of Kingdom affiliation. In our group of just six people, six different churches are represented.

What happens in these small circles? We leave space for the Holy Spirit. We improvise in prayer, following His lead, sometimes into areas we never anticipated. Over time, as a group grows together, it learns to discern the Spirit’s leading with greater precision.

And as we saw in this testimony, these gatherings are not powerless. They carry weight in the Spirit that can affect real-world outcomes.

A Kingdom Call-to-Action

The apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6, challenging believers not to rely solely on secular courts for judgment, but to trust the wisdom and authority of the Ecclesia. He reminded us that one day believers will even judge angels.

That authority begins now. Micro Ecclesia gatherings are a rehearsal for the Kingdom authority we will fully exercise with Christ in the age to come.

This testimony shows that even small, earthly matters are not too small for God. When we prioritize His Kingdom, He takes care of our house.

Takeaway

Don’t underestimate the power of a small gathering of believers. Ask the Holy Spirit to connect you with one or two others and begin shaping a Micro Ecclesia. Bring your concerns to God, exchange them for His wisdom, and watch how He moves.

It doesn’t need to be formal. It doesn’t need to be large. But it can be powerful. When Kingdom citizens gather, things happen.

And to the man who boasted that he had “never lost a case like this”? He lost. Because the true authority rests with Jesus Christ and his Ecclesia.

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I’d love to hear your thoughts. Send me a message at [email protected].

And if you know someone who would benefit from the theme in this episode, share it with them.

Faith unlocks understanding. In this episode, we explore how to access Jesus’ intelligence in daily life — from navigating challenges to making smart decisions. Discover why trusting in wisdom from above surpasses human reasoning. Real knowledge of the Holy One is the ultimate source of insight and understanding for life.

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See the full episode transcript below.

👉 Enhanced show notes: jesussmartx.captivate.fm/episode/by-faith-we-understand-accessing-jesus-intelligence-in-daily-life-ep-351

👉 Explore more episodes: JesusSmart.com/podcast

If this episode gave you a fresh perspective on Kingdom Living, share it with someone who needs encouragement.

Be sure to follow the podcast—each episode is designed to help you think more clearly and pursue the kind of life only Jesus makes possible.

Stay current via The Smart Edit newsletter—Elevate your faith. Live smart. Make an impact. Free. Weekly. 5 minutes to grow. Unsubscribe anytime. Sign up at JesusSmart.com.

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EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

The Backdrop of a Turbulent World

As I record this episode on September 18, 2025, it has been a tumultuous stretch in America and around the globe. Our world is broken and in desperate need of the regeneration Jesus promised — the new heavens and the new earth.

Recent events highlight this brokenness. America was shaken by the political assassination of Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah. In Charlotte, North Carolina, a young Ukrainian woman was brutally murdered on a subway. London saw unprecedented crowds protesting the government, demanding change. In Nepal, younger generations rose up, burned the parliament building, and forced out corrupt leadership. All of this unfolds against the backdrop of war between Russia and Ukraine.

These are just a few flashpoints, but they raise the question: how do we process what’s happening? How do we interpret the swirl of events, both globally and in our own lives?

Faith as the Highest Understanding

Hebrews 11:3 tells us that “by faith we understand.”

Faith is not blind — it is the highest form of understanding. There are realities that human reasoning alone cannot fully grasp. Proverbs 3:5–6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

The Hebrew word for “understanding” carries the sense of discernment or insight — perceiving what is really happening. We are warned not to rely on our own insight but to acknowledge God intimately, and He promises to smooth out our path.

We Go Beyond Human Reason

Modern culture often exalts the human mind. Think of the Enlightenment and the famous phrase cogito ergo sum — “I think, therefore I am.”

Reason has value, but our supreme allegiance is not to our ability to think. It is to God Himself. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One brings true understanding.

Dallas Willard, in The Divine Conspiracy, reminds us that Jesus is the smartest person who ever lived.

He transformed water into wine, fed thousands with a few loaves and fish, calmed storms, and even raised the dead. He is the cognitive and practical master of all reality — physical, moral, and spiritual. To say “Jesus is Lord” must also mean acknowledging that Jesus is brilliant. He continues to oversee human history.

Wisdom That Penetrates Every Circumstance

A.W. Tozer wrote that Jesus is the "ultimate strategist, the perfect thinker, the one whose wisdom orders all things." John Piper has said that "Jesus’ intelligence is not abstract but always practical — it penetrates every circumstance."

This means He understands international conflicts, cultural upheavals, and national policies. But He also understands your personal challenges: family struggles, work frustrations, opportunities, and decisions.

From the macro of world events to the micro of our individual lives, his wisdom applies.

Faith Opens Our Perception

The Greek New Testament word for understanding, sýnesis, literally means “putting things together.”

Faith enables the Holy Spirit to help us see how the pieces of life fit together. Pattern recognition is one of the highest forms of intelligence, and through faith, God opens our eyes to see patterns, contours, and outlines of what He is doing — even if not yet in full clarity.

All of God’s people are prophetic in this sense, because the "testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (Revelation 19:10). The Holy Spirit within us helps us perceive and sense our way forward into the future.

Wisdom from Above

James 1 encourages us to ask God for wisdom in trials, and James 3 distinguishes between earthly wisdom and wisdom from above. Earthly wisdom is natural and even demonic. Wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, humble, and willing to yield.

We are not left groping in the dark. We have access to the One who knows the end from the beginning. Instead of saying, “I think, therefore I am,” our allegiance can be, “I belong to God, therefore I am.” "In Him we live, move, and have our being" (Acts 17).

By Faith, We Understand

Ultimately, understanding is more than data — it is spiritual discernment. The highest form of knowledge is the knowledge of the Holy One. There are puzzles and conundrums we cannot solve on our own, but by faith we understand.

So what are the top three challenges you’re facing right now? Instead of leaning on your own understanding, bring them to Jesus, the smartest man who ever lived. He will get into the mix. He will sway your thinking, shape your judgment, and smooth your path.

A Closing Prayer

Holy Spirit, illuminate our minds. Father, grant us Your wisdom. By faith, we understand. Teach us to acknowledge you in all things so that our paths are made straight.

My friend, in Jesus, you are a solver. Don’t be intimidated by the so-called elites or power brokers of this world. They have made a mess of things.

But you have the Holy Spirit, you carry God’s voice within you, and you can grow in the Word, in resonance with Him, and in being led by His Spirit.

Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement. And don’t forget to sign up for my weekly newsletter, the Smart Edit, at JesusSmart.com.

Jericho was more than a military victory—it was a prophetic gateway into the Promised Land. Today, the same God who caused the walls to fall is calling you to silence doubt, lift a faith-filled shout, and step into new territory. The blueprint at Jericho can guide you in overcoming obstacles, align with covenant promises, and step boldly into the story He’s writing through your life.

----------

See the full episode transcript below.

👉 Enhanced show notes: Go here

👉 Explore more episodes: JesusSmart.com/podcast

If this episode gave you a fresh perspective on Kingdom Living, share it with someone who needs encouragement.

Be sure to follow the podcast—each episode is designed to help you think more clearly and pursue the kind of life only Jesus makes possible.

Stay current via The Smart Edit newsletter—Elevate your faith. Live smart. Make an impact. Free. Weekly. 5 minutes to grow. Unsubscribe anytime. Sign up at JesusSmart.com.

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EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

Hey friend, welcome to the podcast! Brian Del Turco here with Jesus Smart X. Today I want to talk about something I’m calling the Jericho Test—or what I also think of as the explosive Jericho strategy.

It’s a biblical pattern that opens the way to promise. The truth is, each of us will face these kinds of tests as we pursue the promises of God in our personal world, our assignment, and our sphere of influence. Passing them not only glorifies God but also contributes to the greater Jesus story—the unfurling of His kingdom.

Success, God’s way

This is episode 350. Can you believe it? In the last episode—episode 349, Success, God’s Way—I talked about the importance of principles, push, and tact. We need sound kingdom principles, but we also need energy (push) and wisdom (tact) so things don’t derail. If you haven’t caught that one yet, I encourage you to go back and listen.

Facing the Jericho Test

In the Old Testament, God’s people stood at the edge of promise after 40 years in the wilderness. To transition into the land flowing with milk and honey, they had to face Jericho—the first major city in their conquest of Canaan (Joshua 6).

Jericho wasn’t ordinary. It was built on a hill, with two massive walls—an outer wall six feet thick and an inner wall twelve feet thick. Houses were even built into the structure. With no tanks or explosives, cities like this usually took months to conquer. But God gave Joshua and Israel a genius strategy that overturned human expectations.

The Jericho Test reminds us that before we move into God’s promises, there are obstacles we must face in faith.

Patterns and Precedents

Paul wrote in Romans 15:4, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” The Old Testament is full of patterns and precedents that point to Christ and teach us how to walk in the New Covenant.

The glory of the New Covenant far surpasses the Old. What Israel experienced at Jericho was remarkable, but what we have in Christ is even greater. As Paul declared in 2 Corinthians 1:20, “For as many as are the promises of God, in Christ they are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”

Encounter with the Commander

Before the battle, Joshua encountered a man with a drawn sword—what scholars call a Christophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ (Joshua 5). Joshua fell on his face before the Commander of the Lord’s armies. Just as Moses had to remove his sandals before the burning bush, Joshua was told he was standing on holy ground.

This encounter shows us something essential: before we face our Jericho, we must position ourselves before the Commander to receive His directives.

Silence, Then the Shout

God’s strategy was unusual: Israel was to march around Jericho in silence for six days, with only the priests blowing ram’s horns. On the seventh day, they were to shout—and the walls collapsed. Archaeological evidence suggests the walls may have been pushed straight down into the ground, opening the way for Israel to ascend into the city.

Why silence first? Because Israel’s downfall in the wilderness was their grumbling and complaining. God shut their mouths for six days to discipline their words. Then, at the appointed time, their shout of faith released angelic activity and brought the walls down.

Psalm 118:15 says, “The sound of joyful shouting and salvation is in the tents of the righteous; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly.” When our tents—our lives—are filled with joyful shouting, God’s right hand moves in power.

Four Takeaways from Jericho

Here are four takeaways we can apply today:

1. Seek fresh encounters with the Commander. Make His directives your priority. Position yourself to hear from Him.
2. Audit your signal-to-noise ratio. Filter out external noise from people and circumstances, as well as internal noise from fear and doubt. Amplify God’s true signal in your life.
3. Release your shout of praise. Don’t underestimate the power of declaring God’s promises with faith. Your shout is greater than the noise.
4. Expect God to ascend over your affairs. Psalm 68:1 says, “Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered.” As your life-shout increases, anticipate God rising over your specific challenges and opportunities.

Stepping Into Promise

As you engage this kingdom dynamic, you’ll progressively possess the land of promise God has destined for you. This isn’t about personal aggrandizement—it’s about His glory and the unfolding of His story through your life.

Paul writes in Ephesians 1:3 that we’ve already been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ. The key is committing to the Commander’s directives and releasing a higher sound that God inhabits and angels respond to.

Closing Thoughts

This has been episode 350 of Jesus Smart: The Podcast. Do you know someone who would be encouraged by this? Share it with them—it could be the spark they need.

And I’d love to invite you to the Smart Edit, my weekly email. It’s a five-minute read designed to elevate your faith and help you make an impact. You can sign up free at JesusSmart.com.

Thanks for listening—I’ll catch you next time.

What does it really take to succeed God’s way? In this episode of JesusSmartX, we highlight biblical success principles that move you beyond theory into real results. True success isn’t about hustle alone — it’s about aligning with a Kingdom mindset and living Spirit-led.

We’ll break down the pattern of Principles → Push → Tact:

• Principles: unshakable, Biblical first truths that set the foundation for success.
• Push: Spirit-empowered drive to overcome inertia, resistance, and fear.
• Tact: God’s wisdom in timing, tone, and method that transforms raw effort into fruitful outcomes.

When these three elements align, you unlock faith and success in your life, relationships, and calling. If you’re ready to break through resistance and live with purpose, this will equip you with biblical keys to good success.

----------

See the full episode transcript below.

👉 Enhanced show notes: Go here

👉 Explore more episodes: JesusSmart.com/podcast

If this episode gave you a fresh perspective on Kingdom Living, share it with someone who needs encouragement.

Be sure to follow the podcast—each episode is designed to help you think more clearly and pursue the kind of life only Jesus makes possible.

Stay current via The Smart Edit newsletter—Elevate your faith. Live smart. Make an impact. Free. Weekly. 5 minutes to grow. Unsubscribe anytime. Sign up at JesusSmart.com.

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EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

Welcome to the podcast, my friend. Brian Del Turco here with the Jesus Smart X podcast.

Have you ever had the right idea about something but just couldn’t seem to move it forward? Or maybe you pushed hard toward something only to realize the timing or tone was off, and it just didn’t work.

It’s a familiar struggle. We can have the right principles, but without the right kind of push, those principles don’t carry us forward. On the other hand, if we push without tact, we risk damaging relationships, squandering opportunities, and blowing everything up.

When these three elements—principles, push, and tact—come together, that’s when we step into what the Bible calls good success. And that’s our focus for today.

Good Success

The world measures success by numbers, influence, possessions, or comparisons. But true kingdom success looks different. It bears the mark of Christ. It’s rooted in Him, it produces fruit that remains, and it becomes a testimony to others—pointing them to the hope of Jesus and His everlasting kingdom.

This kind of success is both eternal and practical. It shows up in the now, in your life and work, and it points people to Christ.

Principle #1: Live from First Principles

The starting point is principles—God’s truth.

Jesus taught that the wise person builds their house on the rock. That rock is Christ Himself, along with obedience to His sayings. Kingdom principles are those foundation stones—values, realities, and truths—that cannot be compromised.

If we don’t start with God’s principles, everything else is misaligned. It’s like leaning your ladder against the wrong building. You might climb high, but eventually you realize it’s not where you wanted to go.

Principle #2: Push with Faith and Holy Drive

Principles alone don’t move the needle. At some point, we need to push forward in faith.

James says that faith without works is dead. Real faith involves movement. It requires effort and holy drive, energized by the Spirit.

Paul described it this way: “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (Philippians 3:12).

This isn’t about performing to earn God’s favor. It’s about stewarding the calling He’s given us, pressing forward with His energy and strength.

But if we push without wisdom or sensitivity, we can squander opportunity. Which brings us to the third principle.

Principle #3: Tact—Timing, Tone, and Method

Tact is Spirit-led timing, tone, and method. It’s knowing how to apply principles and energy in the right way, at the right moment.

Think of Jesus. Though He carried divine authority, He never bulldozed people.

Instead, He always had the right word, the right touch, at the right time. He moved with both power and tact, in perfect sync with His Father.

Scripture tells us:

• “He makes all things beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
• “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:6).

Without tact, we risk hurting others, damaging our witness, and wasting time. But with tact, the Spirit transforms raw drive into fruitful outcomes.

Weaving It All Together

So here’s the framework: principles + push + tact. Miss one, and success falters.

Some of us lean heavy on principles, but we struggle to act.

Others push hard, but without tact, we bruise relationships and squander opportunities.

The Spirit invites us into balance—living from Christ-centered principles, moving forward with Spirit-empowered push, and applying Spirit-led tact.

Here’s a Prayer You Might Make Your Own

Holy Spirit, illuminate kingdom principles from Jesus for my life and calling. Empower me to push forward with Your strength. And give me Spirit-led tact—the timing, tone, and strategy—to walk fruitfully in Your story.

When these three elements are woven together, we step into good success under God’s hand.

Closing Thoughts

Friend, I believe this framework can change how you approach your work, relationships, and spiritual growth. It’s about building on Christ, pressing forward with His energy, and moving with Spirit-led tact.

If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who might need it. And if you’d like to go deeper, join me through the Smart Edit e-letter, my free weekly email. Just visit JesusSmart.com.

Drop in your email, and you’ll start receiving fresh insights and encouragement to live at a higher level in Christ.

Thanks for listening—I appreciate you, and I look forward to next time.

We explore the staggering potential you have in prayer—accessing the Father with Christ’s perfection, legal standing, and firstborn rights as a co-heir.

Plus, in our Smart Wellness segment, discover why a simple ½ cup of cottage cheese before bed can protect muscle, fuel metabolism, and support fat loss. All while you sleep. A Kingdom key for your spirit … and a small habit that strengthens your body.

----------

See the full episode transcript below.

👉 Enhanced show notes: JesusSmart.com/348

👉 Explore more episodes: JesusSmart.com/podcast

If this episode gave you a fresh perspective on Kingdom Living, share it with someone who needs encouragement.

Be sure to follow the podcast—each episode is designed to help you think more clearly and pursue the kind of life only Jesus makes possible.

Stay current via The Smart Edit newsletter—Elevate your faith. Live smart. Make an impact. Free. Weekly. 5 minutes to grow. Unsubscribe anytime. Sign up at JesusSmart.com.

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EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

Welcome to Jesus Smart X the Podcast! I’m Brian Del Turco, and I’m glad you’re here.

Today we’re talking about living with a sense of omnipotency in prayer. Of course, we’re not God—but because prayer connects us to the limitless, all-powerful God, it has no limits. When we pray, we’re partnering with His power and presence.

This theme is drawn from the Smart Edit Newsletter. If you’re not yet on the list, you can sign up at JesusSmart.com

Upcoming Podcast Guests

We have some excellent guests on the horizon ...

Gary Ingram from the Love and Truth Network will join us to discuss gender confusion, restoration, and biblical truth. He brings both expertise and personal life experience to this critical topic.

Frank Viola—a tremendous author and thinker who has deeply influenced me through his writing and mentoring—will also be back on the show.

If you missed recent episodes, check out:

Kingdom Forward: Living on the Leading Edge of the King’s Story

Faith Gains: Why Resistance Strengthens Your Spirit

Prayer = Living Without Limits

A Puritan once said: “In prayer, I have a sense of omnipotency.”

He wasn’t claiming to be God, but he recognized that when we partner with God in prayer, His limitless power is directed toward us.

Paul writes in Ephesians 1 that as we grow in the spirit of wisdom and revelation, we can know “the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe.” Prayer taps into that reality.

Here are three key truths about why prayer has no limits:

1. Prayer Gives Us Access to God's Throne

Through Christ, we have legal standing before the Father. His righteousness clothes us, quenching every accusation and giving us confidence to approach God’s throne. Prayer isn’t about twisting God’s arm—it’s about stepping into the access Jesus secured for us.

2. Prayer Carries Legal Authority

When we pray in Jesus’ name, it’s not just a tag at the end of our request. Jesus gave us His name as legal authority—as if holding His power of attorney before heaven’s court. This means we can act in His stead, backed by His rights and inheritance.

3. Prayer Joins Us to Christ's Firstborn Rights

Scripture says we are co-heirs with Christ. When we pray, we do so in partnership with Jesus’ firstborn privileges over all creation. That authority extends over people, systems, organizations, and even nations.

Don’t shrink your prayers down to your own resources—pray bold, big prayers that align with God’s will.

Prayer is limitless because it connects us to the limitless God. As James wrote (4:2), “You do not have because you do not ask.”

Let’s not leave blessings, breakthroughs, and opportunities on the table simply because we failed to pray.

A Wellness Bonus: The Cottage Cheese Bedtime Boost

Now for a surprising health tip I’ve been practicing—straight from my wellness journey after dealing with shingles earlier this year.

Since then, with God’s help and some lifestyle changes, I’ve lost 30 pounds and gained muscle. One of the small but powerful practices I’ve discovered: eating a half cup of low-fat cottage cheese before bed.

Here’s why it works:

Cottage cheese contains casein protein, which digests slowly and provides a steady release of amino acids overnight.

One key amino acid, leucine, signals the body to preserve and rebuild muscle tissue while you rest.

When paired with proper sleep rhythms and by shutting down the kitchen after 7 p.m. (to avoid insulin spikes), cottage cheese helps your body release human growth hormone (HGH) naturally.

The result: better recovery, stronger muscles, fat burning during sleep, and improved overall metabolic health.

This is about stewarding the body God gave us. Jesus cares about every domain of life—our bodies, minds, relationships, finances, and more.

Wellness is part of God’s design for human flourishing.

Final Encouragement

God invites us to pray bold prayers because His power is without limits. At the same time, He calls us to steward our lives wisely—including our health. Prayer and practical wisdom go hand in hand.

As Jeremiah 31:25-26 says: “I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul… and my sleep was sweet to me.”

May your prayers grow bold and your sleep be sweet.

If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs to be reminded that prayer is limitless. And maybe they could use a cottage cheese tip too!

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Smart Edit Newsletter for weekly insights at JesusSmart.com.

What does it mean to live Kingdom Forward? In this short, high-impact episode of JesusSmartX, discover how to align every decision, relationship, and prayer with the King’s agenda. Drawing from John 3 and Matthew 6:33, we explore how to seek first God’s Kingdom, live ahead, and advance His reign in real life — flourishing, now and forever.

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See the full episode transcript below.

👉 Enhanced show notes: Go here

👉 Explore more episodes: JesusSmart.com/podcast

If this episode gave you a fresh perspective on Kingdom Living, share it with someone who needs encouragement.

Be sure to follow the podcast—each episode is designed to help you think more clearly and pursue the kind of life only Jesus makes possible.

Stay current via The Smart Edit newsletter -- Elevate your faith. Live smart. Make an impact. Free. Weekly. 5 minutes to grow. Unsubscribe anytime. Sign up at JesusSmart.com.

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EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

Life on the Leading Edge of God’s Kingdom

Welcome to the Jesus Smart X Podcast. I’m Brian Del Turco, and here we quest to explore life on the leading edge of God’s kingdom. This isn’t just a belief system—it’s a dynamic reality we step into through the born-again experience (John 3, Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus). From there, it’s a process of growth, discipleship, and development.

A professor once explained it to me as punctiliar versus process: a point in time versus a continuing line. Entering the kingdom begins at a moment—conversion—but then becomes a lifelong process of growth in Christ.

From Tech Forward to Kingdom Forward

Recently, while on a fitness walk, I was listening to a podcast where a guest described people and companies as "tech forward"—early adopters leaning into technology. That phrase struck me. What if we thought of our lives as kingdom forward?

A kingdom forward person leans into God’s reign. They seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Their mindset, values, and decisions align with the King’s agenda, not with cultural trends or even religious habits.

Why the Kingdom Matters Now

In North America and Europe, many Christians tend to approach faith as “churchianity” or simply “getting to heaven.” But Jesus said we must be born again to see and enter the Kingdom (John 3).

This kingdom is not a side hustle. It’s the organizing principle for all of life.

The Greeks searched for the organizing principle of reality and called it the Logos. John takes that concept and applies it to Christ: Jesus is the Logos. Everything is created by Him, sustained by Him, and moving toward Him.

What It Means to Live "Kingdom Forward"

Being kingdom forward means syncing our story with the Jesus story.

• Allowing our values, decisions, and relationships to be shaped by the King’s agenda.
• Asking in every challenge or opportunity: "What action right now most advances God’s reign?"
• Leveraging opportunities not for ego or competition but for the advancement of Christ’s story.

Living this way positions us for blessing and alignment with God’s purposes.

God Loves All—But He Likes Kingdom Forward People

Here’s a challenging thought: God loves all His children, but I believe He especially delights in those who are Kingdom forward. Those who seek His reign first are playing on a different field. They live ahead—carrying the King’s priorities into every space of life.

A Kingdom Forward Prayer

King Jesus, I choose to seek first Your kingdom and the Father’s righteousness. Holy Spirit, align my steps, words, and thoughts. Advance Your reign in me, through me, and around me. I trust You to add everything designed for me as I prioritize Your kingdom. Amen.

Live Ahead: The Kingdom Is Coming

Friends, history is moving toward Christ. He is returning with the fullness of His kingdom—the millennium, a new heavens and a new earth. The life we live now is a seed of what’s to come. Live ahead. Wake up each day with the kingdom first, always.

If this episode resonates with you, please share it with a friend.

Just like muscles need resistance to grow, your faith needs tests to develop. In this short episode, discover how challenges are God’s signals to develop your spirit and advance you to the next level in Christ.

Don’t just survive the pressure—train through it. God is preparing you for greater things.

----------

See the full episode transcript below.

👉 Enhanced show notes: Go here

👉 Explore more episodes: JesusSmart.com/podcast

If this episode gave you a fresh perspective on Kingdom Living, share it with someone who needs encouragement.

Be sure to follow the podcast—each episode is designed to help you think more clearly and pursue the kind of life only Jesus makes possible.

Stay current via The Smart Edit newsletter—Elevate your faith. Live smart. Make an impact. Free. Weekly. 5 minutes to grow. Unsubscribe anytime. Sign up at JesusSmart.com.

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EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

Welcome to the Jesus Smart x Podcast, Episode 346. I’m Brian Del Turco, and today we’re talking about faith gains—why your spirit needs resistance to grow. Think of this episode as a short, punchy kingdom protein shake for your spiritual life.

Just like the body needs weights and resistance to develop, your spirit grows when it encounters challenges. Let’s explore how trials, tests, and even spiritual warfare can actually serve as catalysts designed to strengthen our spirit.

The Body Thrives on Resistance

In fitness, you don’t get stronger by lifting air. Runners don’t improve by jogging in place. Muscles need weight, lungs need exertion, and the body adapts when faced with stress.

Lift heavier weights, walk faster, or surprise your body with something new—rucking with a weighted vest, or mixing intervals into your walk. These fresh, novel signals push the body to adapt and grow. Without them, the body atrophies.

It's the Same with Our Spirit

Here’s the connection: your new life in Christ is designed to grow under a load. Under resistance. Your spirit is like a muscle. It only develops when it’s tested. Trials, obstacles, and pressures aren’t meant to crush you ... they’re opportunities to be trained by God.

Colossians 3:10 says we “put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.” Your new nature is dynamic, not static. Just as the body responds to weight training, your new man is renovated and renewed when tested.

Trials Are Growth Signals

James 1:2–4 reminds us to “count it all joy” when facing trials, because the testing of our faith produces endurance. And endurance leads to maturity, becoming complete, lacking nothing.

God is not trying to break you. He’s training you. Every challenge (and even an opportunity that requires faith) is a faith workout. When you see trials as invitations rather than interruptions, you shift into growth mode.

Takeaways for Faith Training

• Shift your view — See tests as opportunities to grow, not as obstacles to avoid.
• Lean into resistance — Pray, declare God’s Word, and obey His leading through the challenge.
• Track your progress — Notice how your faith, peace, and endurance increase through past trials.
• Don’t just survive resistance. Train through it. Let it shape you into a strong, mature follower of Christ.

The Joy Beyond the Test

Hebrews says Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before Him.” Likewise, your trials are not the end. They’re the path to joy and fruitfulness.

So lean into the resistance. Train through the trial. Let God turn your test into a testimony and your faith into strength.

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You that no trial is beyond us and no resistance is wasted. Train us through every challenge. Give us joy, steadfast faith, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Make us more complete in Christ, fruitful in every good work. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Is the future of the Church small and powerful? In this episode, we unpack the rise of the Micro Ecclesia and why it may be Heaven’s disruptive blueprint for cultural transformation. Could the Holy Spirit be breathing on a grassroots model of spiritual governance—relational, agile, and infused with Kingdom power?

Jesus co-opted a secular term, “ecclesia,” and filled it with Heaven’s DNA and authority. Now, that ancient design may be reemerging as a city-on-a-hill movement built to shape culture.

----------

See the full episode transcript below.

👉 Enhanced show notes: Go here

👉 Explore more episodes: JesusSmart.com/podcast

If this episode gave you a fresh perspective on Kingdom Living, share it with someone who needs encouragement.

Be sure to follow the podcast. Each episode is designed to help you think more clearly and pursue the kind of life only Jesus makes possible.

Stay current via The Smart Edit newsletter—Elevate your faith. Live smart. Make an impact. Free. Weekly. 5 minutes to grow. Unsubscribe anytime. Sign up at JesusSmart.com.

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EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

Welcome to the Jesus Smart Podcast. I’m Brian Del Turco, and today I want to explore a big question: Is the "Micro Ecclesia" the real mega as far as Jesus is concerned?

Could something original, radical, and deeply powerful be recaptured by Jesus today—something that truly moves the needle in culture, justice, and society? Something that embodies what Jesus meant when He spoke of salt, light, and a city on a hill?

This idea might stretch you. For some, it will ignite fresh excitement. For others, it may raise big question marks. And that’s okay. This is a discovery journey, and I invite you to walk it with me.

Jesus Redefines "Ecclesia"

In Matthew 16, Jesus takes His disciples into Caesarea Philippi, a region steeped in paganism and idol worship. Standing before a massive rock facade, He asks them: “Who do you say that I am?”

Peter answers: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus responds: “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not overpower it.”

But here’s the key: the word Jesus used wasn’t “church” as we think of it—steeples, services, and Sunday mornings. The word was Ecclesia, a term from the Greco-Roman world that described an assembly of citizens empowered to make decisions and extend the culture of the empire.

Jesus took this secular institution, infused it with kingdom DNA, and declared that His Ecclesia would overcome the very portals of hell.

What Is "Micro Ecclesia"?

The Ecclesia isn’t about buildings or religious services—it’s about people with kingdom authority. Jesus validated this when He said in Matthew 18:20: “Where two or three gather in my name, I am there in their midst.”

That’s the kingdom quorum: just two or three authentically gathered in His name carries His headship and authority. This is what we mean by a Micro Ecclesia ... a small Kingdom gathering with massive spiritual potential.

It’s salt and light. It’s leaven in the culture. It’s not confined to four walls or one weekly service.

Salt, Light, and Culture

Early believers wouldn’t have thought of “church” as a building or liturgy. They would have understood Ecclesia as an assembly carrying the presence and authority of King Jesus—just as Roman citizens carried the authority of their emperor wherever they met (a concept called coventus in the Latin).

Imagine how this translates today. Small, Spirit-led gatherings in homes, workplaces, schools, or even coffee shops becoming outposts of kingdom influence.

Education, business, government, arts, media, family. These are all domains where Micro Ecclesia can permeate culture with the life of Christ.

Recovering Jesus' Original Design

Throughout history, Jesus has restored fresh dimensions of His design for His people. Could Micro Ecclesia be one of those rediscoveries today? Yes, fringe expressions may pop up, but that shouldn’t cause us to dismiss the heart of what Jesus is building.

This is not about churchianity or tradition. It’s about aligning with Jesus’ architecture for His people. Like Abraham, we’re seeking the city whose architect and builder is God (Hebrews 11).

Apostles and Kingdom Builders

Jesus also co-opted the term apostle—not a religious word in His day. An apostolos (Greek) was an admiral leading a fleet, carrying materials and people to build a new colony that looked like Rome.

Likewise, apostolic people in the kingdom are builders, pioneers, and makers. They are those who extend heaven’s culture into new territories. Philippi and Thessalonica were Roman colonies.

The church in those cities were a kingdom colony of heaven.

What About Today?

So what does this mean for us?

• If you’re in education, find two or three who will pray and ideate together for kingdom influence in that space.
• If you’re in business, government, media, or the arts, begin to gather in His name with other Christ-followers who share that sphere.
• Think of your influence as a kingdom career. A parallel calling that extends far beyond your profession.

Like Paul’s handkerchiefs in Acts 19, even ordinary things we touch can become vehicles of transformation when saturated with the presence of God. What could you touch that drives away darkness and brings healing into your sphere?

Closing Thought

The Micro Ecclesia may just be the real mega. Not because of size, but because of alignment with Jesus’ original vision. Accurate alignment is conducive to his authority.

I invite you to explore this with me. Share this episode with friends. Whether they love the idea, feel curious, or even think it’s heresy! Let’s stir the conversation.

Jesus is brilliant, and whatever He builds is truly awesome. Walk with Him, and you’ll catch His brilliance in your own unique way.

Your brain is a masterpiece — the most complex organ in the universe, using up to 25% of your body’s energy. But by day’s end, it’s cluttered with waste. Sleep isn’t just rest. It’s divine design for deep renewal.

In this episode, discover why sleep is your secret weapon for brain health and spiritual clarity. We’ll explore the power of the glymphatic system (your brain’s “night crew”) and why consistent sleep is more vital than even diet and exercise.

Focus points include:

• The brain’s need to detox daily
• How sleep deprivation hijacks your health
• What the glymphatic system does while you rest
• God's smart design for body, mind, and spirit

----------

See the full episode transcript below.

👉 Enhanced show notes: JesusSmart/344

👉 Explore more episodes: JesusSmart.com/podcast

If this episode woke something up in you (pun intended 😄), share it with someone who’s ready to live clearer, healthier, and more aligned with God’s best.

Be sure to follow the podcast. Each episode is designed to help you think more clearly and pursue the kind of life only Jesus makes possible.

Stay current via The Smart Edit newsletter—Elevate your faith. Live smart. Make an impact. Free. Weekly. 5 minutes to grow. Unsubscribe anytime. Sign up at JesusSmart.com.

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EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

Hey there, my friend. Welcome back to the podcast. This is Brian Del Turco with the Jesus Smart X Podcast, episode 344.

First, an apology—it’s been about three weeks since the last episode. Life has been a little crazy, but we’re back on track. This weekly podcast is meant to release consistently, and we’re tightening that up moving forward.

Today’s episode is a little different. I’m sharing a little research I did and a short article I wrote on JesusSmart.com: Sleeping Our Way to a Better Brain.

I truly believe God gives us wisdom for every dimension of life.

When Solomon asked for wisdom in the Old Testament, it wasn’t abstract philosophy. It was practical, skillful wisdom for living—how to make judgments, how to govern, even insights into nature and the created order. That same kind of wisdom is available to us today.

The Most Complex Matter in the Universe

Your brain is the most complex matter in the universe. At just 2–3 pounds, it consumes 20–25% of your total energy—oxygen, nutrients, and fuel. But with such high energy use comes waste.

By the end of a busy day filled with thousands of thoughts, conversations, and decisions, your brain literally accumulates waste products. If that waste isn’t cleared, your brain underperforms. Over time, it can even open the door to serious issues like dementia or Alzheimer’s.

This is why protecting and cleansing your brain is critical—not only for long-term health, but so you can think sharply and finish strong in your calling.

Three Keys to a Cleaner, Stronger Brain

Researchers highlight three lifestyle habits that help your brain clear waste and stay healthy:

Regular exercise. Walking, running, aerobic movement, resistance training—all of these support brain health.

Maintaining healthy blood pressure. High blood pressure harms the brain. Medication may be necessary at times, but lifestyle shifts like diet and exercise can also make a difference.

A brain-friendly diet. Vegetables, healthy fats, and antioxidants are key. Think olive oil, coconut oil, avocados, nuts. Avoid seed oils like canola or soybean oil, which damage the body and brain.

But the biggest factor may surprise you ...

Quality Sleep: Your Brain's Secret Weapon

Sleep is your brain’s hidden advantage. Yet in the U.S., 30% of adults and two-thirds of adolescents are chronically sleep-deprived. This impacts memory, learning, mood, and overall health.

Adults need 7–8 hours of sleep a night. Adolescents may need up to 10. Anything less risks not only cognitive decline but also inflammation, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.

Why is sleep so essential? Because that’s when your body’s glymphatic system kicks in.

Think of it as the overnight cleaning crew God designed for your brain. This system flushes out toxins, metabolic waste, and damaged proteins, replacing dirty fluid with clean.

When you shortchange your sleep, you shortchange your brain’s cleansing cycle. Over time, toxicity builds, performance drops, and disease risk increases.

Spiritual Warfare and Rest

This isn’t just biology—it’s spiritual too.

Sleep deprivation can be a form of spiritual warfare. Psalm 127 reminds us that unless the Lord builds the house, we labor in vain. It also promises that God gives his beloved sleep. Or even gives to his beloved in their sleep.

Good sleep is a gift, but we must steward it with practical habits:

• Consistent sleep and wake times
• Minimizing screen time before bed
• A cool, dark room (or white noise, if needed)
• Prayer and meditation before sleep

Do these things, and ask the Lord to bless your rest.

Shalom and Holistic Well-Being

Experts say sleep is the single most important factor in total well-being. On top of that foundation, you can build exercise, nutrition, and stress management.

The Old Testament word shalom goes beyond “peace.” It means wholeness, flourishing, nothing missing, nothing broken.

That’s what God desires for you ... full well-being, including your brain health.

A Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for fearfully and wonderfully making us. You’ve designed our bodies with recovery systems and cleansing capacities. We ask for the discipline to live wisely—eating well, moving our bodies, managing stress, and protecting our sleep. Grant us strong, clear minds to serve You for the long haul. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Share This Episode

This is episode 344 of the Jesus Smart X Podcast. You can read the companion article on the site here: Sleeping Our Way to a Better Brain.

Do you know someone who struggles with sleep or is passionate about wellness? Share this episode with them. Sleep is one of the most overlooked yet essential keys to brain health, spiritual vitality, and overall well-being.

Remember, Jesus knows how human flourishing works. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to the right resources, people, and practices for your next steps. He will guide you into greater wisdom.

Until next time, stay Jesus smart.