Jeremy Griffin begins the podcast by greeting listeners around the world. He then makes the observation that trees don't make grunting sounds when growing, as they grow naturally and unavoidably.

He uses this as an analogy for spiritual growth, noting how many people feel pressure to grow spiritually and make great efforts to do so. However, just like trees, spiritual growth will happen naturally through communion with God, without needing to stress or work hard at it.

Griffin emphasizes the importance of rest for growth, as this is how trees and other things in nature grow - not by struggling or worrying, but at rest. Spiritual growth is about spending time with God through mindfulness and intentionality, not by feeling obligated to set aside large blocks of dedicated time.

When it comes to prayer, Griffin says making a list of requests is not as effective for growth as simply letting God speak. He prefers to sit back and let God talk to him, usually responding with surprise at what God says.

In closing, Griffin encourages listeners to remember that trees don't grunt when growing, and not to feel pressure when trying to grow spiritually. If the message is helpful, he asks listeners to share it with others. He also invites feedback on whether the podcasts are worthwhile.

In this episode of the Redux Church podcast, hosts Wayne Heins and Jeremy dive into Acts 8:26-40, exploring the powerful story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. Throughout the episode, they highlight several key points that can be gleaned from this biblical account.

First and foremost, Philip serves as a remarkable example of knowing and understanding God's calling. When the Spirit instructs him to approach the Ethiopian's chariot, Philip wastes no time in obeying. This act of immediate obedience sets the stage for the profound conversation that unfolds between Philip and the Ethiopian.

As the discussion ensues, it becomes evident that the Ethiopian is reading the book of Isaiah but struggling to fully comprehend its meaning. In an act of humility, he admits that he needs assistance. Philip, rather than assuming the Ethiopian's understanding is incorrect, kindly inquires about his interpretation. This sets the tone for a respectful and open dialogue that ultimately leads to the Ethiopian's conversion.

One of the overarching themes that Wayne and Jeremy emphasize in this episode is that both Philip and the Ethiopian approach the conversation as fellow learners, rather than experts. They demonstrate that it is perfectly acceptable to not have all the answers and that asking questions to deepen understanding is more important than asserting one's knowledge. This perspective challenges the notion that Christians must have all the right answers and encourages listeners to engage in meaningful conversations about faith with others.

Throughout the episode, Wayne and Jeremy also discuss the role of the Holy Spirit in these encounters. They emphasize that the Spirit is already at work in people's hearts before Christians even begin to engage with them. The hosts encourage listeners to let go of the pressure to "witness" and instead focus on humbly joining ongoing spiritual conversations. They challenge modern churches to shift their focus from merely inviting people to events, to cultivating relationships where spiritual discussions can naturally occur.

By hosting this podcast, Wayne and Jeremy hope to model respectful yet open conversations about faith. Their goal is to create an environment where Christians feel comfortable speaking about God with anyone, regardless of their background or beliefs. They close the episode with a prayer, expressing their desire for all listeners to grow deeper in faith and obedience, and to be prepared to respectfully share what God has placed in their hearts with others. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of loving God above all else, rather than trying to earn His love through legalistic means.

In this episode of the podcast, Jeremy Griffin dives deep into the biblical book of 1 Kings, specifically chapter 13. The episode begins with Jeremy's neighbor, Ed, who had been reading through the Bible in a year and had a question about this particular chapter. Jeremy, unsure of the answer, takes this as an opportunity to explore the chapter and provide some context.

Jeremy starts by reading the entire chapter from the New Living Translation, which tells the story of a man of God who is sent by God to Bethel to prophesy against the altar. He delivers a powerful message to King Jeroboam, predicting that a future king named Josiah will sacrifice pagan priests on that very altar. To validate his prophecy, the altar splits apart, solidifying the man of God's authority.

However, the king tries to have the man arrested, but his hand becomes paralyzed. It is only when the man of God prays that the king's hand is healed. The king then extends an invitation for the man to eat with him, but the man refuses, obeying God's command to not eat or drink there and to return home through a different route.

Things take a twist when an old prophet lies to the man of God, claiming that an angel told him to bring the man home to eat and drink. Trusting the respected elder prophet, the man of God eats at his home. Sadly, God then reveals to the man that he will die for disobeying His command. As foretold, on his journey back home, the man is killed by a lion.

Jeremy draws a key lesson from this story, focusing on the concept of having one's "word from God deferred." He highlights how the man of God initially understood and followed God's direction, but ultimately, he allowed the words of an elder prophet to plant seeds of doubt, leading to disobedience. Jeremy discusses how often people who feel called by God encounter conflicting advice from more spiritually respected individuals. He emphasizes the importance of each person hearing from God directly and not letting their word from God be deferred or canceled out by others. Disobeying God's clear commands can have severe consequences.

In conclusion, Jeremy encourages listeners to prioritize listening to God themselves over others, even if the advice seems wise or comes from a respected source. By relying on the counsel of others, we may unintentionally stray from God's direction and face negative outcomes. It is crucial for each individual to take responsibility for hearing from God directly to ensure they are on the right path.

In this episode of the Redux Church podcast, hosts Wayne and Jeremy dive into Acts chapter 8, building on their previous discussion. They emphasize the significance of spending time in worship before studying Scripture, highlighting the importance of being open to hearing from God and discerning the Holy Spirit's guidance. Wayne then reads the entire text of Acts 8:4-25, offering context and commentary along the way.

The passage focuses on Philip's ministry in Samaria, where he preaches, performs signs and wonders, and witnesses many people coming to faith, including Simon the sorcerer. When the apostles in Jerusalem learn of this, they send Peter and John to lay hands on the new believers so they can receive the Holy Spirit. Simon, intrigued by this power, offers to pay for it, but Peter firmly rebukes him, stating that his heart is not right with God and he must repent. Simon humbly asks for Peter's prayers.

Throughout the episode, Wayne and Jeremy engage in a thoughtful analysis of key points in the passage. They explore differing perspectives on whether the Philip mentioned is one of Jesus' original disciples or the deacon appointed in Acts 6. They marvel at Philip's powerful ministry and signs, recognizing the potential for transformation even in individuals like Simon. They also discuss the rapid growth of the early church and the significance of being mentioned in Scripture.

Another point of discussion is Peter's interaction with Simon. While Peter's heart was in the right place, Jeremy suggests that his response lacked grace and could have been handled better, considering Simon's genuine contrition. The hosts also explore the distinction between salvation and receiving the Holy Spirit as separate experiences for believers. They stress the importance of patience, grace, and allowing time for spiritual growth, highlighting how Peter and the early believers were still navigating these experiences themselves.

Overall, this podcast episode offers valuable insights into Scripture and provides guidance on approaching ministry with wisdom, discernment, and Christ-like love and compassion, regardless of people's backgrounds. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of Acts chapter 8 and how it relates to their own spiritual journeys.

In this episode of the Redux Church podcast, host Jeremy Griffin dives into the concept of living in the present moment. He reflects on his own tendency to plan for the future while his wife, Lori, embraces the present. A conversation with Lori sparks a realization for Jeremy, as he comes to understand that he has not fully appreciated the beauty of each moment in the here and now.

Jeremy shares how we often get caught up in dwelling on past regrets, allowing our thoughts to be consumed by memories that no longer hold power over us. He emphasizes that while our past experiences shape us, they do not define us. The future, he says, is a fiction that we create in our minds, but the only reality we have is the present.

Drawing from his own experiences in a youth band, Jeremy reveals his regret of not savoring the time spent with his bandmates, as they were always focused on future plans and goals. He encourages listeners to let go of worrying about what has already happened or what is yet to come and instead fully embrace the present moment.

As someone involved in leading worship, Jeremy shares how he strives to be fully present and engaged in the experience, rather than getting caught up in the details or thinking about what comes next. He invites listeners to connect with him for a coffee chat or to suggest future podcast topics, emphasizing the Redux Church website as a valuable resource for additional content.

In closing, Jeremy sends blessings to the listeners and promises to be back with more engaging conversations in the near future. Tune in to this thought-provoking episode to explore the transformative power of living in the present moment.

In this episode of the podcast, Wayne Heins and Jeremy Griffin dive into Acts chapter 8, exploring the events that unfolded after the stoning of Stephen. They recount how Saul actively persecuted the church in Jerusalem, going as far as entering houses and imprisoning both men and women. However, this persecution actually led to the scattering of believers throughout Judea and Samaria, which they discuss as being advantageous for spreading the gospel.

Drawing a parallel to the scattering at the Tower of Babel, Jeremy highlights the difference in unity between the two events. While the Tower of Babel's unity was based on humanity, the early believers, despite being scattered, maintained spiritual unity through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. They delve into the concept of true worship, emphasizing that it is about authentic engagement with God's character rather than external acts like music.

The conversation then shifts towards the rarity of unity in modern churches, which often divide over superficial issues. Jeremy uses the hypothetical scenario of a zombie apocalypse to illustrate how persecution simplifies priorities, as believers facing death for their faith would not argue about decor choices. They also bring up the explosive church growth in persecuted China and discuss how the discomfort of Western Christians with the idea of God allowing suffering can distort their understanding of His purposes.

Noting the current state of the modern church, Wayne and Jeremy comment on how it often lacks unity and has lost sight of its scattered, persecuted origins. They reflect on the expectations of a great falling away instead of growth and how preconceptions need to be reexamined to see God's work unfolding outside of expectations. As the episode comes to a close, Jeremy prays for continued scripture revelation as conditions continue to change around the world.

In this thought-provoking episode, Jeremy Griffin explores the importance of following blueprints and recipes in various aspects of life. Drawing from his experience as a sound system designer, Jeremy shares how clients often compromise the desired outcome by removing crucial elements to save money. He likens this to making lasagna without noodles - it simply isn't the same.

Taking the analogy a step further, Jeremy discusses how this concept applies to spiritual goals. Many church leaders strive for uniqueness but end up following the same formulas as other churches, resulting in a mismatched blend of ingredients, much like attempting to make fettuccine alfredo with the wrong ingredients.

Moving beyond sound systems and spirituality, Jeremy urges listeners to examine areas of their lives where they feel stuck in repetitive cycles. He suggests that the reason they are not achieving their desired goals may be due to the absence of a clear blueprint or recipe.

Using the example of finances, Jeremy outlines how a simple recipe of tracking spending and adjusting accordingly can lead to long-term change. He emphasizes that it is common to fall into repetitive patterns, but the key to breaking free lies in thoughtfully designing tailored blueprints and recipes to achieve specific life goals.

In this enlightening episode, Jeremy encourages listeners to re-evaluate their approaches and recipes for the results they desire. By formalizing their desires into clear, actionable plans, they can achieve different outcomes in various aspects of life, including finances, spirituality, mindset, and more. Join Jeremy as he shares his insights on following the designed blueprint for success.

In this episode of the Redux Church podcast, Wayne Heins, Jeremy Griffin, and John Youell Sr. engage in a deep and passionate discussion about Acts chapter 7, specifically focusing on Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin. Building upon the previous episode's exploration of Stephen's powerful words, the hosts encourage listeners to approach the word of God with worship in their hearts.

Together, they delve into the verses 44-51 of Stephen's speech, where he recounts the history of Israel and boldly accuses the Jewish leaders of resisting the Holy Spirit, just as their ancestors had done. The conversation becomes intense as Stephen fearlessly confronts the leaders, and Jeremy astutely observes that Stephen was strategically setting them up and clarifying their actions towards Christ.

John contributes to the conversation by highlighting how Jesus brought forth a spiritual kingdom that directly challenged the Jews' established religious structure. The discussion reaches a critical point when Stephen, in a moment of divine revelation, sees Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Tragically, the Jewish leaders respond with violence and stone Stephen to death. In his final moments, Stephen displays incredible forgiveness and calls out to Jesus.

The hosts reflect on Stephen's unwavering faith and the willingness to sacrifice comfort and inheritances for an authentic experience with God. Jeremy emphasizes that this doesn't necessarily mean physical death, but rather standing up for convictions in everyday life. John points out that God develops the character of individuals through conflict, especially when Christ is present.

The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer, hoping that their discussion will bring revelation and a deeper understanding of Jesus to their listeners. Join Wayne, Jeremy, and John as they explore Acts chapter 7 and its profound implications for modern-day believers.

In this captivating podcast episode, Jeremy Griffin delves into the intriguing concept of running a gauntlet as a metaphor for overcoming life's obstacles. With eloquent storytelling and thought-provoking insights, Griffin draws fascinating parallels between navigating an obstacle course and facing challenges such as financial hardships or family issues. He emphasizes the importance of timing in dealing with life's trials, just like in a gauntlet course.

But what if we had someone guiding us through the course? Someone who could see the entire path, unlike us, who can only see what's immediately in front of us? Griffin proposes that it would be beneficial to follow the instructions of such a guide, even if their advice seems counterintuitive from our limited perspective.

Griffin then applies this analogy to our relationship with God. He highlights God's ability to see beyond our present circumstances and guide us through challenges, much like the observer of a gauntlet course. However, he acknowledges that people often hesitate to follow God's guidance because they get consumed by their own problems. Instead, he suggests fixing our gaze on Jesus and listening to the Holy Spirit's direction within us. By adopting this approach, fear and anxiety can be significantly reduced compared to relying solely on our own perception.

To support his argument, Griffin references the biblical story of Peter walking on water. Peter was successful until he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on his circumstances instead. In a compelling conclusion, Griffin encourages listeners to spend time each week focusing on keeping their eyes on Jesus in order to navigate life's challenges with greater peace and to listen to God's guidance. This gripping episode will leave you inspired and ready to face any gauntlet that comes your way.

In this episode, Wayne Heins, Jeremy Griffin, and John Youell Sr. engage in a thought-provoking discussion centered on Stephen's speech in Acts chapter 7. Wayne kicks off the conversation by providing an insightful overview of the chapter, shedding light on Stephen's defense against false accusations. Jeremy then encourages listeners to carve out time for individual worship through music, emphasizing the importance of personal connection with God.

Wayne immerses us in Stephen's speech by reading aloud the 43 verses that recount Israel's history from Abraham to Moses. John steps in to help dissect the passage, elucidating Stephen's goal of defending his faith and the gospel against those resistant to change. It becomes clear that Stephen is not simply acting on a whim, but has carefully considered every aspect, laying a strong foundation for his argument.

The conversation takes an intriguing turn as the hosts delve into the concept of defending faith from a place of passion, rather than solely relying on intellect. They explore how conflict often arises from resistance to change and the tendency to prioritize comfort over personal growth. While change may be uncomfortable, surrendering to God's work is ultimately crucial.

The hosts then focus on Stephen's connection of Moses' life with three distinct 40-year periods, highlighting the importance of unity within Christianity and the recognition that disagreements should not sever relationships. They emphasize the need for humility and the understanding that others may perceive different aspects of truth.

To conclude, John leads a heartfelt prayer for humility, collective growth in faith, and reconciliation in areas where division has occurred. This episode offers listeners a profound exploration of Stephen's speech and its relevance to our own lives, inviting us to reflect on our own defense of faith and the transformative power of surrendering to God's work.