Upstream with Jim and Jon

Jesus speaks with severity on a number of topics, yet few as severely as the topic of forgiveness. Throughout the gospels we see him laying out multiple parables on both the power of forgiveness, and the dire consequences for us if we refuse to forgive. Why is forgiveness such an important topic to Jesus? What if I feel like I can't forgive someone who has wronged me? We talk about these questions and more in this episode. Disclaimer: Jon had some difficulties with his mic this week and the audio suffered as a result, but we think there's stuff here that can be edifying to you and we are so grateful for all of our listeners!

While Jon is on vacation, Jim discusses the three questions we must answer correctly to have all the power, influence and fruitfulness God has in mind for us during this crazy year. The opportunity before us is incredible, but the pathway will be different than we are used to. Thanks for listening as always, we will see you next week.

We read through two lists of passages of scripture this week that emphasize both the eternal forgiving power of the blood of Jesus, and the importance of faith-inspired works. Are passages that warn believers not to return to sin a sign that we can lose our Christ-given salvation? We wrestle with that question and more in this episode of Upstream. Thanks for listening!

Jesus makes very clear in the gospels that it is not free to follow him. This week we analyze the language Jesus used to describe what it is like to be a disciple, why many in the western church have not really wrestled with what following him could, and might still, cost them, and how in the end it is still very worth it. See you all next week!

We had the opportunity to host some guests in the studio again for a panel on the challenges and opportunities facing millennial men, specifically during the COVID pandemic. Both Michael and Jordan work in production at Evergreen and we're so grateful they were able to join us. Thanks for listening, see you next time!

We're back in the studio this week for a talk about faith and doubt, diving deep into Hebrews 11 for the definition of faith, and for the idea that faith is what made the great men and women of God great. Is faith the absence of doubt? Or are Christ followers meant to overcome their doubts with faith? We're especially proud of this episode and are very grateful for our listeners. See you next week!

How do I stay sane and focused in a crazy world? This week, Jim flies solo as Jon is on a short vacation. Jim will unpack how he is learning to stay positive, focused, and optimistic in a world of chaos. If you battle anxiety, frustration, or trials, this episode is for you! Tune in next week for some good, old fashioned Upstream and thanks for listening!

Public discourse has gone from a sense that you can't please everybody, to a sense that you can't please anybody at all. If you have any differences in belief from those on either end of a spectrum of extremes, you are seen as an absolute enemy to all they believe. How can we navigate a society like this while maintaining our gospel and showing love to those around us? Do we just shut down and mind our own business or do we pick a hill to die on? We have this conversation up, down, and sideways this week, thanks as always for listening!

This is Jon Thoughts! With Jim out of town for a few weeks, Jon took to the mic for a very impromptu rambling sesh on what's been occupying his thoughts for the last little while, namely on meaning, and on looking at the history of man and God in a narrative sense. Its a shorter episode with some chill vibes, but if that's not for you we will be back next week with some regularly scheduled Upstream! Thank you as always for listening, and, this week in particular, please give us feedback. We may have another Jon, or Jim, Thoughts down the line if we need to, but otherwise the show will go on as per usual (Note: the word Jon is looking for at one point in the episode is "Theophany." Also he once says "Nova Scotia" instead of "Newfoundland," which is what he meant).

The Bible describes the Gospel as having the power to change people to the extent that the only appropriate way to phrase it is that they were entirely born again; the old has gone and the new has come. But when we look at ourselves and at others, do we really see change on this level? And is this change meant to be all at once in a miracle moment, or gradually over time? How much of our personal identity is meant to survive this change? We both had questions swirling around this topic and figured we'd hit record and share with you all. Thanks so much for checking it out!