Reflections On Now

By City Church Tulsa, Matt Nelson, Cody Jensen, Rachel SandersSociety & Culture Religion & Spirituality Christianity Philosophy

Reflections On Now episodes

April 22 Lent, Sabbatical, and the Antichrist Spirit in American Politics
In this episode of Reflections on Now, we reflect on the Lent season — what we gave up, what we didn't, and what God did anyway. From there, we talk about Matt's upcoming sabbatical and what it means to let the ground rest. We close with a candid conversation about power, control, and the spirit of Antichrist showing up in the church and in American politics.
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1 hr
February 19 Pastor Matt's Spiritual Director, Kevin Navarro
In this episode we sit down for a conversation with Kevin Navarro, Pastor Matt's Spiritual Director, to discuss his work with ReWire, what it means to be a spiritual director, working with women in incarceration, and mystical union.

https://www.rewireteam.org
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
55 min
January 27 ICE, Moral Responsibility, and Church Leadership
In this episode of Reflections on Now, we begin with immigration, ICE, and what it means to be a “villager” who refuses to look away from harm in their community. From there, we turn to leadership, moral failure, and the culture of pedestal-building in the church, asking how truth, repentance, and redemption might look more like the way of Jesus.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hr
November 12, 2025 Near-Death Experiences, Gilmore Girls, and the Way of Power
From Gilmore Girls to near-death experiences, the conversation turns toward consciousness and Christian witness. What if faith looks less like winning and more like embodying Jesus in the everyday?
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1 hr 8 min
September 12, 2025 Charlie Kirk, Operation SAFE, and Self-awareneess
In this episode of Reflections on Now, we take on three big conversations shaping both our personal and public lives. We begin with the Enneagram and the difference between healthy self-awareness and unhealthy self-consciousness. We then turn to Oklahoma’s new Operation SAFE and what it means to criminalize homelessness. Finally, we wrestle with the tragic murder of Charlie Kirk, exploring tribalism, empathy, and whether violence can ever be justified—or celebrated. Through it all, we ask what it means to follow Jesus faithfully in a fractured cultural moment.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
54 min
April 02, 2025 Hooters, Church Reform, and Cutting the Ends Off the Ham
In this episode of Reflections on Now, Cody, Matt, and Rachel sit down without a script to process what’s stirring in their hearts, from the collapse of Hooters to the complexity of disillusioned faith. Together, they explore generational anxiety, the shifting spiritual landscape, and the longing for a more rooted, embodied expression of following Jesus. Matt shares reflections from his doctoral research on spiritual formation and reconstruction, while Rachel and Cody bring honest stories of wrestling with church, culture, and politics.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hr 14 min
January 29, 2025 Immigration
In this episode of Reflections on Now, we dive into the complexities of immigration through the lens of faith, justice, and compassion. Special guest Raquel Kyle from Women of Welcome joins Cody Jensen, Matt Nelson, and Rachel Sanders to unpack the current shifts in immigration policy, the rhetoric shaping public perception, and the biblical call to welcome and advocate for the vulnerable.

https://womenofwelcome.com/
https://worldrelief.org/
https://www.instagram.com/worldrelief/
https://evangelicalimmigrationtable.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
50 min
October 11, 2024 Politics and the Church
In this episode, Cody Jensen, Matt Nelson, Rachel Sanders, and special guest Jonathan Gates dive into the complex intersection of politics and faith. They discuss how Christians can navigate political seasons while maintaining their identity in Christ, the tension between legislating and embodying the Kingdom, and how to engage with others—especially in divided times. Tune in for a candid, thought-provoking conversation about unity, grace, and the role of the church in a polarized world.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hr 15 min
September 06, 2024 The spiritual realm
In this episode, we dive deep into the realities of the unseen spiritual realm. Cody Jensen is joined by Pastor Matt Nelson, Pastor Rachel Sanders, and special guest Stephen Kuert. Together, they share personal stories and experiences that provide evidence of the spiritual world at work. From miraculous encounters to moments of divine intercession, the conversation touches on the power of prayer, the presence of God, and the importance of discernment in everyday life.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hr 33 min
May 14, 2024 Narcissism in the church
In this episode of Reflections on Now, hosts Cody Jensen, Matt Nelson, and Rachel Sanders delve into the complex issue of narcissism in the church. They discuss the impact of narcissistic leaders, church hurt, and the systems that allow such behavior to thrive. The conversation includes defining narcissism, the cultural and organizational factors that perpetuate it, and personal reflections on healing and reforming church culture. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on recognizing and addressing narcissism within faith communities.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hr 2 min

About Reflections On Now

From the publisher's feed

A podcast from City Church Tulsa with the purpose of looking at cultural events and everyday life through the gospel lens of love. We will discuss how we as Christians should respond to cultural…