Things Above

In episode 10 of the Things Above podcast, James Bryan Smith interviews pastor and author John Ortberg about his latest book, “Eternity is Now in Session.” In addition to recalling a humorous story of their first speaking engagement together in 1988, Jim and John discuss the impact that Dallas Willard’s writings and personal friendship had on each of their lives. In particular, they agree on Dallas’s teaching that authentic transformation is possible if we’re willing to arrange our lives around the practices and activities that Jesus engaged in, to be constantly at home with, and receiving life from his Father. John says, at its heart, “Eternity is Now in Session” explores how we can experience a deep, joyful and interactive relationship with God here and now - debunking the idea that eternal life is something we participate in after we die. The book also helps us discover what the Bible truly says about salvation and the Gospel of Jesus. Key verses in this episode include John 17:3, Hebrews 1, and Galatians 2:20.

God is real. And God’s love for us is also real. But how do we really know God loves us? In Episode 09 of the Things Above podcast, James Bryan Smith tells us the only thing that is credible is love. Our faith is not built on an argument or logic, but by what God, in Jesus Christ, has done for us – namely the incarnation (in which he came to be with us) and the cross (in which he reconciled humanity to God). Not only does God love us, but He likes us and delights in us. Smith ends the episode with a glorious thought that could be sketched on a 3x5 card or in your journal: “God loves us first and loves us always and in every moment - with a passionate love because God is for us, God longs to be with us, and God wants what is best for us. And in every moment of every day, He finds us delightful.” Key verses in this episode include 1 John 4:10, 19 and Deuteronomy 7:7.

The incarnation of God is both a mysterious and wondrous event to ponder. In Episode 08 of the Things Above podcast, James Bryan Smith gives thought to Jesus Christ, who was fully divine and fully human. Have you ever noticed how little was written about Jesus’s childhood in Scripture? What was normal life like for Jesus growing up? What do you think Jesus was like as a kid? Christian music artist Rich Mullins sang a song about these very questions. The mystery of the incarnation is at the heart our faith because, in becoming human in every way, Jesus can offer a full and perfect human life back to the Father. God desires to re-create humanity at the deepest levels, addressing our needs from within our being. Jesus became fully human, took on our humanity and declared it righteous, made it right with God and healed it. Key verses in this episode include Luke 2:41-49 and Colossians 1:15. Note: Permission was given by the Rich Mullins estate to use the music in this podcast.

By setting our minds on things above, we can live a Godward life and, as the Apostle Paul says, walk in the Spirit. This is a powerful way of living. If someone were to ask you about a passage in Scripture that offers the best depiction of life in the kingdom, what would you say? In Episode 07 of the Things Above podcast, James Bryan Smith slowly walks us through the 23rd Psalm, reveals what he believes is the most important verse in the Bible and shares a story of his childhood pet duck, JB. Key verses from this episode include the entirety of Psalm 23 and Matthew 6:33.

Every one of us has experienced “hope” of some kind. We hope to marry the right person. We hope our kids live long and healthy lives. We hope our favorite baseball team wins the World Series. Yet there is a big difference between worldly hope and Christian hope. Hope is not wishful thinking about the future. Hope is certainty in a good future. In Episode 06 of the Things Above podcast, James Bryan Smith shares what the Apostle Paul considers a “glorious thought” on the topic of hope and how we best experience it.

In our very first Things Above Conversation, James Bryan Smith interviews Emily P. Freeman about finding God in our everyday lives and the nearness of the kingdom.

In our fourth episode, James Bryan Smith explains how eternal life does not begin after you die. It begins in this life and it includes an interactive relationship with God.

The finality of the cross is only half the story. In this episode, James Bryan Smith shares the rest of the story, which includes the secret to overcoming sin. That is, the power of the resurrected Christ in us and through us.