In this episode of Make It Simple, Rachel and Matt dive into what truly makes for a "good life," drawing insights from a decades-long Harvard study. Forget the idea of an easy, problem-free existence – they explore how meaningful relationships and the ability to bounce back from tough times are key. They also touch on the unexpected role of faith in building resilience and finding deeper meaning in life's journey.

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This week, Rachel and Matt discuss the challenges and importance of parenting teenagers. They reflect on their own teenage years and then delve into the significant developmental stage of adolescence, particularly regarding identity formation and faith. The conversation highlights the need for parents to adapt their role from governor to guardian to guide, eventually hoping to become a guru figure in their adult children's lives, while also acknowledging the unique difficulties of navigating the teenage years, especially in the age of social media.

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This week, Matt and Rachel discuss the often-misunderstood concept of discipleship, arguing it's fundamentally about a daily relationship "with God" rather than actions "for God." Drawing from Skye Jethani's book "With," they emphasize that discipleship is about walking with Jesus, resting in His promises, and letting His presence shape our identity and actions. This perspective contrasts with the common view of discipleship as merely learning doctrine or following religious rules, highlighting the importance of a constant, internal dialogue with Jesus in everyday life.

Things Referenced in This Episode:

Book: "With: Reimagining the Way You Relate to God" by Skye Jethani

Quote: Os Guinness, "First and foremost, we are called to someone, God, not to something such as a vocation, motherhood, politics, teaching, or to somewhere such as a missionary to outer Mongolia or to some particular city."

Book: "Junk Drawer Jesus" by Matt Popovits

Biblical References: The Great Commission, (Matthew 28:18-20) / John 1 / Ephesians 2 / Genesis 1 & 2

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For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/

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In this episode, Rachel and Matt talk about shows we've grown up with and their child stars, and examine how we feel about children in media, given how our culture treats celebrities. Given recent discussions around children's roles in social media, it's a timely conversation.

Things referenced in this episode:

Book: Disney High: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel's Tween Empire by Ashley Spencer
Book: I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jeanette McCurdy
Documentary: Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV on Max
Book: Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, and Profits Are Hurting the Church by Katelyn Beaty
Previous Episode: Celebrities for Jesus with Katelyn Beaty

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In this episode, Rachel and Matt discuss the person of Jesus- not the idea of Jesus, the work of Jesus, or even the deity of Jesus. Who is he as a person?

Things referenced in this episode:

Book: Gentle and Lowly by Dane C. Ortlund
Book: He Loved Them by Jessica Thompson
Previous Episode: How Jesus Loves with Jessica Thompson
Statistic: Barna Research

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For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/

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Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, we invite Chad Lakies back to help us finish our Junk Drawer Jesus series and talk about how to move forward as believers in today’s culture.

Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies is the regional director for North America at Lutheran Hour Ministries, and is a scholar on the intersection of church and culture. Check out his new book, How the Light Shines Through, anywhere books are sold.

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For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/

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Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, Chad Bird returns to discuss Idolatry, its large role in our lives, and what we can do about it.

Chad is an author and a Scholar in Residence at 1517. He has served as a pastor, professor, and guest lecturer in Old Testament and Hebrew. He also has a new book out, Hitchhiking with Prophets, available at 1517.org.

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For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/

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Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

Frank Hart is back on the podcast this week to talk with Matt and Rachel about happiness and its role in our lives.

Frank Hart is the Pastor of NewChurch in Katy, Texas. He is an author, recording artist, frontman for Atomic Opera, public speaker, and record producer. He is also a happy husband and father. His book, “Joyride: A Beginning in Every End” and various albums of his music are available at FrankHart.com.

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For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/

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Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, we welcome Bob Hiller to discuss Chapter 6, “On Pietists and Party Animals,” and our tendency as believers to swing between legalism and throwing it all out the window.

Bob Hiller is the senior pastor of Community Lutheran Church in Escondido, CA. He is the content editor for The Craft of Preaching, a preacher on You Are Forgiven Radio, and a contributor to 1517. He is also a co-host on White Horse Inn.

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For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/

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Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, we welcome back our good friend Tanner Olson to talk about How God Speaks to us in today’s world.

Tanner Olson is an author, speaker, poet and the founder of Written to Speak which aims to spread hope and announce love through spoken word and poetry. He's written three books of poetry: Walk A Little Slower, As You Go: Words for the Unknown, and I’m All Over the Place.

Support the show

For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/

To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the show

Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.