Upstream with Jim and Jon

The 12 Steps are famous as the curriculum for Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and aim to help those in the grip of substance abuse to find their way out via submitting to Christ. But what if the truths found in the 12 Steps could actually be useful for every Christ-follower in their individual, personal battles with their sin nature? We explore that idea in this, our one-hundredth episode! We are so grateful for your time, see you next week.

Even before the COVID pandemic, the church's role in modern America has been in flux. This episode we break down the four ways that the church can interact with the greater national culture, what motivates each of those expressions of the church, the pro's and con's of each method, and the one we believe is the way Jesus intends for us and the people we are meant to reach. We are so grateful for our listeners, tune in next week for episode 100!

This week, we talk to guest Jon Corcoran about his faith walk, and discuss the winding roads and persistent questions that lead us to God. How do we continue to pursue God through dark times and nagging unknowns, some of which can last for years? Listen in for Jon's experience facing these problems, and the lessons he learned along the way.

This week, Jim and Jon both share ways they have used a powerful phrase to help them sort through confusion and contradictions in their worldviews: two things can be true at once. Called 'the power of and,' this phrase has helped to assess an often gray world while still holding to scripture that is very much black and white. We hope this concept can be as helpful for you as it has been for us. Join us next week for Episode 98!

If there's been a theme for the podcast over the last few months, it has been the importance of mindfulness; of taking some time out of your day to really think through what you are doing and who you are. This week we have a list of questions to help you walk through the latter. These questions will not only help you discern who are currently, but also who you'd like to be. Thanks a ton for listening, have a great week!

We have some differing opinions this week on the topic of cancel culture, which Jim has grown increasingly frustrated with, and wary of. It seems every day someone new is getting publicly disowned for something they have said or done, but is this really such a big deal? And is it anything new, or especially dangerous? Tune in for our conversation this week as we reconcile our differing opinions!

It is a common notion among American Christians that our country was once intended to be one that shares our faith, in legislation and in culture, and that only in the last century has that begun to fade. But is this historically true? And is it an idea that is supported by scripture? We try to cut through our own culture and revisionist history to answer these questions as best we can, and we invite you to share your opinions with us!

Since Jim is away visiting his newest beautiful granddaughter, Jon sat down for another cozy episode of Jon Thoughts! This week he talks about what it is Christ-followers are expected to do during their time on earth, how much freedom that does or does not entail, and how easy it can be to feel pressure, or to pressure others, on how you should live your life. Thanks for listening, and be sure to join us next week for another father-and-son conversation!

Recently, Jon made a slight change in his daily routine that had a huge affect on his life. This taught him a lesson that he thinks can be applied to other areas of his life, and for other people. We've talked before about how difficult it can be to implement change in our lives, and this has been somewhat of a breakthrough! Thank you for listening, have a great week.

During His ministry on earth, Jesus talked about money more than almost any other topic. While he also addressed myriad ethical questions, why would God in the flesh speak on possessions and wealth so much? And what does that say about the very nature of money itself? Especially in a culture as stuff-focused as ours, this is an incredibly important conversation to have and we had a fun time having it. See you in episode 92!