The Deep Dish

Melissa and Courtney discuss how to cultivate discernment when seeking advice. They talk about how sometimes we think we need information when what we really need is relationship. They discuss what kind of advice they like to get from the internet or Chat GPT, why they don’t recommend it for wisdom issues such as marriage and parenting, and why we should not let advice from AI or influencers replace wise counsel from the body of Christ.

Resource Mentioned:

Kitchen Table Counseling Within Your Local Church

Related Resources:

• Let’s Talk: Finding a Mentor and Being a Mentor
• Want to Grow in Wisdom? You Need Gospel Friends.
• Why AI Parenting Advice Falls Short
• Don’t Treat AI as Your Pastor

Discussion Questions:

1. When you face a difficult decision or struggle, where do you typically turn for advice?

2. How do you discern whether online advice is helpful or unwise?

3. What makes advice offered within a personal relationship different from advice taken from an online blog or influencer or generated by AI?

4. How might repeated exposure to ideas about marriage, parenting, or relationships on social media influence our thinking without us being aware of it?

5. What do we lose when we turn to online sources for counsel instead of investing in relationships with people who know and love us?

6. Who in your life knows you well enough to speak honestly into your decisions and loves you enough to do so? How can you cultivate those kinds of relationships?

7. How would you like to grow in your ability to offer wise counsel to others?

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Melissa and Courtney talk with Randy Alcorn about what we can and can’t know about the life to come. They talk about the importance of understanding the new earth and its continuity with this world and they discuss what we know about the state of those who die in Christ before they receive resurrected bodies. Randy explains why he wrote a whole book about animals in heaven, and why questions about animals bring into focus key aspects of the new creation.

Resources Mentioned:

• Heaven by Randy Alcorn
• All God’s Creatures by Randy Alcorn

Related Resources: 

• Will You Be Bored in Heaven?
• Heaven and the New Earth
• Where Is God When Your Dog Dies?

Discussion Questions:

1. Prior to listening to this episode, what did you tend to picture when you thought about heaven? What has influenced your understanding of what heaven will be like?

2. What surprised you in this conversation? Is there anything about heaven that you find difficult to understand or believe?

3. What are some things in this life that you deeply enjoy? How does your enjoyment of those things make you long for a renewed creation?

4. How does the promise of a renewed creation give you hope when confronted with aspects of this world that feel broken?

5. How does spending time thinking about the life to come help us live more faithfully today?

6. What aspect of the new heavens and earth are you most looking forward to, and why?

Pick up a copy of Stand In Awe wherever books are sold or visit crossway.org/standinawe to learn how to get 30 percent off with a free Crossway plus account.

Get 20% off a course of your choice when you use code DEEPDISH20 at checkout. Learn more and register now at lifeway.com/academy. That’s lifeway.com/academy

Check out The Pour Over Podcast — politically neutral news for people who want the facts without the spin, and with a brief biblical perspective

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Click here to sign up for notification of on-demand access to keynotes and breakout sessions from our recent conference, TGCW26!

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In this live recording from TGCW26, Courtney and Melissa talk with Nancy Guthrie and Jen Wilkin about how to persevere in faith for the rest of your life.They make the point that we shouldn’t give up on something just because it is hard, and they discuss how to cling to faith through suffering, prosperity, and even when our Christian heroes fail. Listen to and be encouraged by the Bible promises that keep these four women anchored in the faith.

Resources Mentioned:

• Revelation (Bible Study) by Jen Wilkin
• Nancy Guthrie and the Reformation of Women’s Ministry
• 12 Faithful Women

Verses to Anchor Endurance:

• 2 Corinthians 12:9
• Isaiah 58:11
• Romans 8:32
• 1 Corinthians 10:13

Discussion Questions:

1. Share a time when you had to persevere through something difficult. What helped you keep going?

2. When you think about following Christ for the long haul, what encourages you? What intimidates you?

3. How is enduring in seasons of comfort or prosperity different from enduring through suffering or hardship?

4. Who are the people God has placed in your life to help you endure? Or who might be encouraged by your faithfulness?

5. Have you ever started to become cynical because of disappointment, suffering, or watching other Christians fail? What helped you resist that temptation?

6. What do you think it means to move from simply praying for something to praying into a situation—bringing every part of it before the Lord while learning to trust his will?

7. What promises from Scripture have anchored your faith during difficult seasons?

Pick up a copy of Stand In Awe wherever books are sold or visit crossway.org/standinawe to learn how to get 30 percent off with a free Crossway plus account.

Get 20% off a course of your choice when you use code DEEPDISH20 at checkout. Learn more and register now at lifeway.com/academy. That’s lifeway.com/academy

Check out The Pour Over Podcast — politically neutral news for people who want the facts without the spin, and with a brief biblical perspective

Click here for more information about Women's Initiatives at The Gospel Coalition!

Click here to sign up for notification of on-demand access to keynotes and breakout sessions from our recent conference, TGCW26!

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Melissa and Courtney talk with Jen Wilkin about their mutual love of children’s books and why reading to children can be a key part of discipleship (as well as a delight!). They talk about what books they loved as children as well as the ones they read to their own kids. They consider the benefits and limitations of children’s Bibles, and discuss why they’ve written books for kids.

Books Mentioned:

• The Book of Virtues
• The Chronicles of Narnia
• Are You My Mother? 
• Go, Dog, Go!
• The Little Rabbit Who Wanted Red Wings
• Arlo Takes Off
• Caddie Woodlawn
• B is for Betsy
• Betsy-Tacy Books
• Chronicles of Pydain (Includes Black Cauldron)
• The Dark is Rising Sequence
• Hannah Coulter
• The Jesus Storybook Bible
• Andy and His Big Question: A Story About How God’s Love Always Comes First
• Made Like Me: A True Story from the Beginning of Everything
• His Grace Is Enough
• Count It All Joy

Related Resources: 

• How Storytime Shapes Your Children
• Parents: Use Children’s Literature to Point Toward Christ
• Classic Christian Picture Books Every Family Should Read
• A Complete Classical Christian School Reading List: Grades 1-8

Discussion Questions:

1. What was a favorite book you remember reading as a child? Why did you enjoy it, and how did it influence you?

2. We often think of books as a source of entertainment or education. How can they also be a form of discipleship?

3. What are some books you've enjoyed reading with the children in your life? What virtues have you seen those stories promote or cultivate?

4. How can we prioritize reading with the children in our lives, even after they become independent readers? Why is reading together so important relationally?

5. When choosing books for your children (or yourself), what do you tend to prioritize (educational value, enjoyment, literary quality, or something else)?

6. With so many books available, how do you find quality options for your family (and yourself) and discern what’s worth spending your time reading?

Pick up a copy of Stand In Awe wherever books are sold or visit crossway.org/standinawe to learn how to get 30 percent off with a free Crossway plus account.

Get 20% off a course of your choice when you use code DEEPDISH20 at checkout. Learn more and register now at lifeway.com/academy. That’s lifeway.com/academy

Check out The Pour Over Podcast — politically neutral news for people who want the facts without the spin, and with a brief biblical perspective

Click here for more information about Women's Initiatives at The Gospel Coalition!

Click here to sign up for notification of on-demand access to keynotes and breakout sessions from our recent conference, TGCW26!

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Courtney and Melissa talk to Blair Linne about her struggle with anxiety and panic attacks and the tools that have helped her to fight anxiety. They discuss the mind/body/spirit complexities of anxiety, when anxiety becomes sinful, and how to listen with compassion and wisdom to others who are struggling. Blaire’s story and wisdom provide great encouragement and hope for any Christian walking through anxiety.

Resources Mentioned:

Related Resources: 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. What situations and subjects trigger feelings of anxiety for you? Are there patterns you've noticed?

2. When you're anxious, where are you most tempted to look for control or reassurance?

3. What are ways God has used past seasons of uncertainty or anxiety to deepen your faith or dependence on him?

4. Are there particular Scriptures you return to when you’re afraid or overwhelmed? What do those passages remind you about God?

5. What are ways we might unintentionally make someone's anxiety worse when we're trying to help?

6. How might experiencing our own weakness change the way we respond to others who are struggling?

Pick up a copy of Stand In Awe wherever books are sold or visit crossway.org/standinawe to learn how to get 30 percent off with a free Crossway plus account.

Get 20% off a course of your choice when you use code DEEPDISH20 at checkout. Learn more and register now at lifeway.com/academy. That’s lifeway.com/academy

Check out The Pour Over Podcast — politically neutral news for people who want the facts without the spin, and with a brief biblical perspective

Click here for more information about Women's Initiatives at The Gospel Coalition!

Click here to sign up for notification of on-demand access to keynotes and breakout sessions from our recent conference, TGCW26!

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Courtney and Melissa talk to Tara-Leigh Cobble about how she got over her lack of desire to read the Bible, and how, over time, reading the Bible made her fall in love with its author. They talk about the transformative impact that can come from giving just 20 minutes to Bible reading each day, and they recommend free tools to help readers understand difficult parts of the Bible.

Resources Mentioned:

Related Resources: 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. What has your relationship with Bible reading looked like over the years? Has it changed in different seasons of life?

2. What would it look like to pursue consistency in Bible reading without making perfection the goal?

3. What habits, practices, or resources have helped you stay engaged in God's Word?

4. What benefits of reading and studying God's Word with other believers have you experienced?

5. Can you remember a time when God's Word met you in a particular need? What did you learn about him?

6. How does remembering that the Bible reveals God's character (not just information) change the way you approach difficult passages?

7. What is one practical step you want to take toward spending more meaningful time in God's Word this week?

Pick up a copy of Stand In Awe wherever books are sold or visit crossway.org/standinawe to learn how to get 30 percent off with a free Crossway plus account.

Get 20% off a course of your choice when you use code DEEPDISH20 at checkout. Learn more and register now at lifeway.com/academy. That’s lifeway.com/academy

Check out The Pour Over Podcast — politically neutral news for people who want the facts without the spin, and with a brief biblical perspective

Click here for more information about Women's Initiatives at The Gospel Coalition!

Click here to sign up for notification of on-demand access to keynotes and breakout sessions from our recent conference, TGCW26!

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Courtney and Melissa discuss why Christians should not be quick to take offense and how we should live in a world of people who are. They talk about how to resist a victim mentality by getting your eyes off yourself. They commend overlooking and absorbing offenses when possible. They discuss why we must boldly hold to Christian doctrines that the world finds offensive, but that it’s possible to hold and even articulate offensive views in a way that communicates love and grace.

Related Resources: 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. When you're offended, what’s your first instinct—to overlook it, confront it, replay it in your mind, or tell someone else? Why do you think that is?

2. What kinds of comments or situations are most likely to offend you? What might that reveal about what you value?

3. The Bible describes people in the last days as "lovers of self" (2 Tim. 3:2). How might a self-focused culture make us more easily offended?

4. Can you think of a time when someone graciously overlooked an offense from you? How did that affect your relationship?

5. Before addressing an offense, what questions might be helpful to ask yourself?

6. How does knowing that God is our Defender free us from needing to defend ourselves all the time?

7. Who in your life demonstrates the kind of patience, humility, and long-suffering described in Scripture? What have you learned from his or her example?

Pick up a copy of Stand In Awe wherever books are sold or visit crossway.org/standinawe to learn how to get 30 percent off with a free Crossway plus account.

Get 20% off a course of your choice when you use code DEEPDISH20 at checkout. Learn more and register now at lifeway.com/academy. That’s lifeway.com/academy

Check out The Pour Over Podcast — politically neutral news for people who want the facts without the spin, and with a brief biblical perspective

Click here for more information about Women's Initiatives at The Gospel Coalition!

Click here to sign up for notification of on-demand access to keynotes and breakout sessions from our recent conference, TGCW26!

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Courtney Doctor talks with Rory Shiner and Kyle Worley about the difference the doctrine of union with Christ makes in how we understand our relationship to God and how we live our lives day to day. They provide analogies to help us understand this seemingly abstract concept as well as examples of the practical difference this truth makes in their own lives.

If you’ve struggled to understand why union with Christ is a big deal, or struggled with doubts about your relationship with God, this conversation is for you.

Resources Mentioned:

Related Resources: 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Before listening to this episode, how would you have explained what it means to be "in Christ"? Has your understanding changed?

2. What are you most tempted to find your identity in besides Christ (accomplishments, relationships, struggles, failures, etc.)?

3. Why do you think Scripture so often describes believers as being "in Christ"? What does that communicate about salvation?

4. How does knowing that your union with Christ is secure change the way you approach communion with God through prayer, worship, or confession?

5. How might the truth of union with Christ encourage someone struggling with shame, anxiety, or depression?

6. Union with Christ means we’re united not only to Christ but also to his people. How should that shape the way we view the church and other believers?

7. In what area of your life or current struggle do you most need to be reminded of your union with Christ? How can your discussion partners pray for you?

Pick up a copy of Stand In Awe wherever books are sold or visit crossway.org/standinawe to learn how to get 30 percent off with a free Crossway plus account.

Get 20% off a course of your choice when you use code DEEPDISH20 at checkout. Learn more and register now at lifeway.com/academy. That’s lifeway.com/academy

Check out The Pour Over Podcast — politically neutral news for people who want the facts without the spin, and with a brief biblical perspective

Click here for more information about Women's Initiatives at The Gospel Coalition!

Click here to sign up for notification of on-demand access to keynotes and breakout sessions from our recent conference, TGCW26!

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Courtney and Melissa discuss how to apply biblical discernment to the question of when to prioritize wise self-care and when to put aside your needs for the sake of others. They emphasize the need to know yourself and whether you naturally tend to protect yourself or to allow your own needs to go unmet. They discuss how to set wise boundaries while showing Christlike love, and they emphasize that our goal should be to move beyond thinking so much about ourselves to turning our eyes to Jesus.

Resources Mentioned:

Related Resources: 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. When you hear the phrase “self-care,” what ideas come to mind? What forms of self-care are most attractive to you?

2. Which extreme do you tend to drift toward more naturally: prioritizing your own comfort or neglecting your own needs? Why do you think that is?

3. What are some ordinary, everyday ways Christians are called to deny themselves?

4. How can self-sacrifice become unhealthy if disconnected from abiding in Christ?

5. When you’re tired or discouraged, where do you instinctively turn for comfort? What might that reveal about your heart?

6. How can Sabbath rest help reshape our understanding of both work and self-care?

7. How does the gospel free us from both self-indulgence and self-reliance?

Pick up a copy of Stand In Awe wherever books are sold or visit crossway.org/standinawe to learn how to get 30 percent off with a free Crossway plus account.

Get 20% off a course of your choice when you use code DEEPDISH20 at checkout. Learn more and register now at lifeway.com/academy. That’s lifeway.com/academy

Check out The Pour Over Podcast — politically neutral news for people who want the facts without the spin, and with a brief biblical perspective

Click here for more information about Women's Initiatives at The Gospel Coalition!

Click here to sign up for notification of on-demand access to keynotes and breakout sessions from our recent conference, TGCW26!

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Melissa talks with Amy Gannett and Laura Wifler about how to parent in a way that passes on the Christian faith. They talk about the atmosphere in their own homes growing up and the importance of passing on—in addition to knowledge—a delight in the things of God. They encourage moms who might feel awkward talking to their kids about their own faith, and they share some favorite resources they’ve used with their own children.

Resources Mentioned:

Related Resources:

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. When you think back on your own childhood or spiritual upbringing, what particular people God used to shape your faith?

2. In busy seasons of life, what tends to crowd out intentional spiritual conversations in the home?

3. What are some realistic ways families can pursue spiritual rhythms without feeling pressured to do everything perfectly?

4. How has parenting, or investing in the next generation, revealed your own need for dependence on the Lord?

5. How can admitting our failures actually strengthen our witness to those we shepherd?

6. Whether or not you have children of your own, how might God be calling you to invest in the next generation spiritually?

Pick up a copy of Stand In Awe wherever books are sold or visit crossway.org/standinawe to learn how to get 30 percent off with a free Crossway plus account.

Get 20% off a course of your choice when you use code DEEPDISH20 at checkout. Learn more and register now at lifeway.com/academy. That’s lifeway.com/academy

Check out The Pour Over Podcast — politically neutral news for people who want the facts without the spin, and with a brief biblical perspective

Click here for more information about Women's Initiatives at The Gospel Coalition!

Click here to sign up for notification of on-demand access to keynotes and breakout sessions from our recent conference, TGCW26!

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