Upstream with Jim and Jon

Happy new year! In the first episode of 2022, we have part two of our conversation on "living as a pilgrim," using 2 Timothy as a guide to dive deeper into what that looks like, and walking through the many situations that might challenge that lifestyle. Got a topic you'd like us to discuss? Let us know!

It's that time again! At the end of last year (Episode 87) we discussed the potential of 2021 and some of our goals for the year. We are back to review the year, share some personal highlights, evaluate how we went about achieving our goals, and set new ones for 2022. We are so thankful for our listeners! Have some of your own goals for the coming year? We'd love to hear them.

Jim's on his soapbox! After a frustrating interaction, he had a moment of clarity and this week brings you a list of six things you can do to be a great Christ-following American. Jon hears this list for the first time on-air, and will either talk him down or rage alongside him. We hope you enjoy this father and son conversation - have a great Christmas!

In another installment in our long-running "grace and works" conversation, this week we explore a new, fresh take on the metaphor Jesus uses in the gospels; that you will know a tree by its fruits. How can we use this image to reconcile the tension between the grace we know we are given, and the lifestyle standards we are called to? And what do we do if we are consistently falling short of those standards? Tune in to find out!

This week Jim helps Jon break down two ideas he had recently inspired by the book of Hebrews; both concerning the nature of what it is to live by faith in a world that is only a shadow of the one that is to come. These metaphors have the potential to reshape some of our thoughts and questions about one of the great mysteries of our faith. Did they help you? Let us know!

Everyone has two lives: one that is observable from the outside, and one that exists primarily in your head; an ongoing conversation you have with yourself for your entire life. For many people, the inner life can be a place of constant frustration, where the ongoing monologue is a cycle of hurt, pride, and shame. But what if this inner life could not only be relieved of its pain, but become the source of all your peace, joy, and endurance. We believe this is absolutely possible, and here is a sneak peak into the episode: it starts with inviting someone else in.

Culture, whether healthy or unhealthy, always seems invisible. This makes any attempts to purposefully alter, or recreate culture frustratingly difficult. But what if you could directly affect the culture around you in very tangible ways? Or even create culture? Well in this episode, we break down a way for you to do just that!

There seems to be a huge gap between the abundant, peaceful, overcoming life that Jesus promised and described in the New Testament and the life that most of us are living. What gives? In this episode Jim discusses the journey he is on to close that gap between the life the New Testament describes and the life he is actually living. Hopefully you can join the journey with him to the abundant life!

In a moment of cohesion between ancient and modern wisdom, this week we discuss the shared theme of Romans 1 and Occam’s Razor: that almost always, the truth is right in front of our faces. As we navigate a world that seems to grow more complicated every day, how can we cut through the noise and seek real, powerful truth? We’ve got some ideas. Thanks for tuning in – let us know what your takeaway from this conversation was!

This week's conversation is about majority and minority cultures. Statistically, the majority of Americans still consider themselves Christians - so why is it that in regards to all other lifestyle statistics (marriage, finances, etc.) true Christ followers seem to be a small minority? And if they are a minority, how does that change their relationship to not only the larger secular public, but also other professing Christians? In a sequel to last week's episode, Jim and Jon discuss these questions and more. Thanks for listening!