The Daily Grind

The Daily Grind

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The Daily Grind episodes

  • 048 Living in the Reality of Christ - Colossians 2:16-3:5

    Wednesday, 9 August: In this episode of The Daily Grind podcast, join John Spencer as he explores the powerful passage of Colossians 2:16-3:5. After exploring the spiritual realm and Christ's impact on believers in the earlier chapters, the focus now shifts to the present moment. The passage challenges us to recognize our identity intricately woven with Christ's deeds and to disregard empty regulations. We'll breaks down the significance of a few verses, and hopefully uncover the shadows of traditions and reveal the genuine substance found in Christ. Discover how this passage reminds us to embrace the true reality in Christ, navigate the tension between freedom and responsibility, and live a life centered on the Kingdom. Join the conversation as we learn to set our minds on things above and live in the fullness of Christ's sufficiency. 

      

    Email me your questions, comments, and suggestions. I'd love to hear from you!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If y'all wanna talk more 'bout this, I'm all ears. Just give me a holler. You can also help by sending me your favorite trivia or dad joke(s) at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Or respond below with comments, trivia or jokes    

    14 min
  • 047 Walking in Jesus: Faith, Works, and Gratitude

    Tuesday, 8 August: In this episode of The Daily Grind, we're exploring Colossians 2:6-15 with host John Spencer. Paul's letter to the Colossians is full of rich theology, but in this passage, he focuses on practical advice for how believers can grow in their faith. Spencer unpacks Paul's teaching on faith, works, and gratitude, and shows how these three concepts are all interconnected. He also offers some helpful tips for how we can apply these truths to our own lives.

    Here are some of the key takeaways from the episode:

    • Our salvation is a gift from God, but it's not a free pass to live however we want. We are called to live a life of good works, which are a natural outflow of our faith.
    • We should never neglect the importance of gratitude. When we take the time to thank God for all he's done for us, it deepens our faith and strengthens our relationship with him.
    • The best way to grow in our faith is to keep walking in Jesus. This means being rooted in his Word, following his example, and relying on his power.
    • If you're looking for a deeper understanding of how to walk in Jesus, this episode is for you!

      Email me your questions, comments, and suggestions. I'd love to hear from you!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If y'all wanna talk more 'bout this, I'm all ears. Just give me a holler. You can also help by sending me your favorite trivia or dad joke(s) at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Or respond below with comments, trivia or jokes  

      16 min
    • 046 Christ in You, the Hope of Glory

      Monday, 7 August: In this episode, we'll be diving into Colossians 1:24-2:5, where Paul reveals the mystery of Christ. This mystery is that Christ not only dwells within the church, but he also dwells within each individual believer through the Holy Spirit. This means that we have direct access to God through Jesus Christ.

      We'll also explore Paul's heart for the Colossians and his desire to see them mature in their faith. Paul's goal is to present every individual complete in Christ. This means that he wants to see them grow in their understanding of God's mystery, and in their love for one another.

      Join us for this episode as we explore the mystery of Christ and Paul's passion for the Colossians.

      Here are some additional thoughts on the passage:

      • The mystery of Christ is that he is both the King and the one who dwells within us. This means that we have direct access to God through Jesus Christ.
      • Paul's heart for the Colossians is evident in his desire to see them mature in their faith. He wants them to grow in their understanding of God's mystery, and in their love for one another.
      • The mature believer is characterized by two things: hearts tightly woven together in love, and a rock-solid grasp of understanding. This understanding is centered on Christ Jesus, who is the hope of glory.
      • I hope you enjoy this episode!

        Email me your questions, comments, and suggestions. I'd love to hear from you!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If y'all wanna talk more 'bout this, I'm all ears. Just give me a holler. You can also help by sending me your favorite trivia or dad joke(s) at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠  Or respond below with comments, trivia or jokes  

        19 min
      • 045 Matthew 6:1-4 The World IS Not A Stage

        Friday, August 4th: In this episode of The Daily Grind Podcast, Mariza and John continue their journey through the sermon on the mount as they discuss Matthew 6:1-4. When we give or serve, our motivation should not be to get the attention of people. Grad a mug of your favorite brew and sit in as just talk about what Jesus says about giving.

        My good friend, Samantha Taylor, shared this definition of humility:

        Humility is believing what God says about you—no more and no less. If God has given you a gift and you’re using it well, then it’s not arrogance or pride to say it or believe it. Being great at something and downplaying it is as much a cry for attention as exaggerating abilities and being arrogant.

        Thank you you, Sam.

        Email me your questions, comments, and suggestions. I'd love to hear from you!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If y'all wanna talk more 'bout this, I'm all ears. Just give me a holler. You can also help by sending me your favorite trivia or dad joke(s) at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Or respond below with comments, trivia or jokes  


        23 min
      • 044 You Are Here: The Cosmic Map of Reconciliation Colossians 1:21-23

        Thursday, August 3rd: In this episode of The Daily Grind Podcast, John Spencer discusses Colossians 1:21-23, where Paul reminds the Colossians and us that reconciliation with God has profound implications. It grants access to God's presence, allowing believers to embrace the transformative power of the gospel. Through faith and commitment, they can participate in God's ongoing work of renewal for the entire cosmos.

        Paul's message becomes a personal map that reveals where each individual stands in God's grand narrative. His mission is not merely to persuade people to believe a strange story or have a spiritual experience; it is to serve the message of new creation, inviting people to partake in it. The gospel is for every individual – for you, me, and every man, woman, and child – and its significance lies not in spite of its global implications, but because of them.

        Here are some additional details that could be included in the summary:

        • Paul begins by reminding the Colossians that they were once "outside" God's family, but now they have been brought "inside" and can enjoy the ultimate privilege of being in God's presence.
        • He explains that this reconciliation is possible because of the death of Jesus, who made peace between God and humanity.
        • Paul then calls on the Colossians to stand firm in their faith and to continue to grow in their relationship with Jesus.
        • He concludes by reminding them that the gospel is not just for a select few, but for everyone in the world.
        • Email me your questions, comments, and suggestions. I'd love to hear from you!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If y'all wanna talk more 'bout this, I'm all ears. Just give me a holler. You can also help by sending me your favorite trivia or dad joke(s) at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠  Or respond below with comments, trivia or jokes  

          18 min
        • 043 The Christ Hymn: A Poem of Wisdom and Redemption Colossians 1:15-20

          Wednesday, August 2nd: In this episode of The Daily Grind Podcast, John Spencer discusses the Christ Hymn in Colossians 1:15-20, one of the earliest Christian poems ever written. The poem highlights three vital aspects of Jesus Christ and what God has accomplished through Him:

          • Jesus reveals the true nature of God.
          • Jesus bridges the gap between the old world of creation and the new world of redemption.
          • Jesus serves as the model for genuine humanity.
          • Paul wrote (or quoted) this poem to help the Colossians understand the centrality and supremacy of Jesus Christ. He wanted them to know that Christianity is not about a way to be religious or a particular system for how to be saved, but about Jesus Christ Himself.

            I encourage you to listen to this episode and ponder the depths of meaning found in the Christ Hymn. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of Jesus Christ in our lives. It teaches us that true wisdom and understanding can only be found in Him. If we want to experience the fullness of God's plan and purpose, we must seek Him with all our hearts.


            Email me your questions, comments, and suggestions. I'd love to hear from you!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If y'all wanna talk more 'bout this, I'm all ears. Just give me a holler. You can also help by sending me your favorite trivia or dad joke(s) at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠  Or respond below with comments, trivia or jokes  

            14 min
          • 042 Paul's Prayer for the Colossians

            Tuesday, August 1st: Colossians 1:9-14 In this episode of The Daily Grind Podcast, John Spencer discusses Paul's letter to the Colossians, in which he offers guidance and support to a young church that is facing challenges. Paul emphasizes the importance of relying on God's power and wisdom, and cultivating a spirit of thanksgiving.

            Here are some additional details that could be included in the summary:

            • Paul writes to the Colossians from prison, but he is still able to help them through his writing and prayer.
            • Paul's prayer for the Colossians is that they would grow in their understanding of God's will, live a lifestyle that delights God, and cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving.
            • Paul's letter to the Colossians offers valuable insights for Christians of all ages, as it reminds us of the importance of relying on God, growing in our faith, and living a life of gratitude.
            • I hope this helps!

              Email me your questions, comments, and suggestions. I'd love to hear from you!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If y'all wanna talk more 'bout this, I'm all ears. Just give me a holler. You can also help by sending me your favorite trivia or dad joke(s) at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠  Or respond below with comments, trivia or jokes  

              18 min
            • 041 Behold, I Stand at the Door and Knock: A Revelation for Our Lives

              Monday, July 31st: In this episode, we will explore the profound meaning behind Revelation 3:20 and understand its relevance to our lives. We will discuss the true audience of this verse, the significance of Jesus standing outside and knocking, and the three important truths that can be extracted from this passage. We will also consider the question of whether or not the Laodicean church opened the door to Jesus, and what this means for us today.

              Key Takeaways:

              • Jesus' choice to stand outside and knock instead of forcing His way in highlights the sacredness of permission.
              • Revelation 3:20 is an invitation extended by believers to Jesus, not the other way around.
              • Inviting Jesus In Changes Everything: It's allowing Him to transform our lives and submit to His work within us.
              • The belief in self-sufficiency remains a lie that hinders us from realizing our need for Jesus.
              • Permission is sacred, and the choice is ours - let Jesus in, embrace the transformation, and experience the life He has in store for us, or keep Him at arm's length and miss out on His incredible plans.
              • Questions to Consider:

                • Do you believe that Jesus is standing at the door of your heart, knocking?
                • What are some ways that you can invite Jesus into your life more fully?
                • What are some of the benefits of having a close relationship with Jesus?
                • What are some of the challenges of inviting Jesus into your life?
                • Call to Action:

                  If you are not sure whether or not you have a close relationship with Jesus, I encourage you to pray and ask Him to reveal Himself to you. You can also read the Bible, attend church, or talk to a Christian friend or mentor about your journey. Jesus loves you and wants to have a relationship with you.

                  Email me your questions, comments, and suggestions. I'd love to hear from you!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If y'all wanna talk more 'bout this, I'm all ears. Just give me a holler. You can also help by sending me your favorite trivia or dad joke(s) at ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠  Or respond below with comments, trivia or jokes  

                  19 min
                • 040 Sermon on the Mount with Mariza cont.

                  Friday, July 28th: Pull up a chair, grab a cup of joe, and join Mariza and me as we continue our informal walk through the sermon on the mount. Today we'll look at Matthew 5:38-48. We'll talk through living out turning the other cheek, going the extra mile, and more.


                  Email me your questions, comments, and suggestions. I'd love to hear from you!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If y'all wanna talk more 'bout this, I'm all ears. Just give me a holler. You can also help by sending me your favorite trivia or dad joke(s) at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠  Or respond below with comments, trivia or jokes  

                  29 min
                • 039 Anxiety Culture or Relaxed like Jesus

                  Thursday, July 27th: In this episode of The Daily Grind, John explores the prevalent anxiety in our culture. He discusses the profound impact of anxiety, likening it to a never-ending talkative toddler. We also delve into the habit of engaging in activities without much thought, like mindlessly consuming news. However, the key to finding true peace lies in focusing on God and expressing gratitude, as demonstrated in the book of Philippians. Moreover, we discover a unique perspective on Jesus – one that sees Him as relaxed despite immense responsibilities and pressures. By understanding Jesus' easy yoke and finding peace in God's love, we can offer a profound gift of peace and love to those around us.

                  Psalm 103; Phil 4:6; Matt 13:58; Luke 4:28-30; Mark 3:20, 31-34; John 6:66; Mark 8:31-33
                  Email me your questions, comments, and suggestions. I'd love to hear from you!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If y'all wanna talk more 'bout this, I'm all ears. Just give me a holler. You can also help by sending me your favorite trivia or dad joke(s) at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠

                  Or respond below with comments, trivia or jokes

                  18 min

                About The Daily Grind

                From the publisher's feed

                Howdy, y'all! Welcome to The Daily Grind with your host, John Spencer. Grab a mug of your favorite brew and get ready to become the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to water cooler chatter,…