In today’s spring book club episode, Hunter and Autumn discuss chapters 11–13 of Knowing God by J. I. Packer, reflecting on how God’s Word should rightly shape what we think and who and what we love. Packer’s writing deepens familiar truths about God’s love and grace, challenging our sentimental assumptions and showing how these realities only make sense in light of sin, justice, and God’s sovereign character.

In this episode, Hunter and Autumn discuss chapters 7–10 of Knowing God by J. I. Packer, which teach us about God’s immutability, majesty, and wisdom. Packer calls us to resist reshaping God in our image and instead to see Him as He is: utterly reliable, infinitely great, and perfectly wise, even when we don’t understand His ways. As we wrestle with the gap between what we want God to do and what He is doing, we consider how a right vision of God, knowing him as he is, leads not to control but to deeper trust, reverence, and confidence in His purposes.

In this episode, we discuss David French’s New York Times column, “James Talarico Is a Christian X‑Ray,” and why the rise of James Talarico is attracting attention from Christians across the political spectrum. Many people find Talarico’s well-spoken, respectful conduct compelling in today’s rancorous political climate. Yet a theological divide has long existed between evangelical Protestantism and liberal Protestantism, and it is on display in the debates swirling around Talarico. Does political style and conduct or doctrinal faithfulness and policy alignment best reflect a genuinely Christian approach to public life?

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Opinion | James Talarico Is a Christian X-Ray by David French

The Real Difference Between Evangelicals and Liberal Protestants by Daniel K. Williams

Today, on the Vision for Life Podcast, Hunter and Autumn respond to a listener’s question about Christians and gun ownership. They ask together how Christians can think biblically and prudentially about gun ownership in America and examine key biblical texts on self-defense and non-retaliation. What are the wisdom questions Christians should ask about security, love of neighbor, and the teaching of Jesus? They also discuss the important distinction between personal gun ownership and public policy, asking what faithful Christian engagement might look like in both.

In Hunter’s recent Substack article, “Why Spiritual Formation and Gospel-Centered Need Each Other,” he asks why spiritual growth can feel difficult even when we have sound theology and sincere effort. Hunter and Autumn pick up that discussion in today’s podcast. They draw on insights from Dallas Willard and Timothy Keller, considering how habits or practices and grace work together in the life of faith, and why each movement arose to correct real weaknesses in Western Christianity. The podcast concludes with practical encouragement: pursue steady habits of prayer and Scripture, and when you fall short, turn to God to receive the grace that is readily available to us.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard

Shaped by the Gospel by Tim Keller

A Heart Aflame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation by Matthew Bingham

Why Spiritual Formation and Gospel-Centered Need Each Other by Hunter Beaumont

In our second Spring book club episode, Hunter and Autumn discuss chapters 4–6 of Knowing God by J. I. Packer. Packer reminds us that our understanding of God must be shaped by how He has revealed Himself rather than by our own imagination or preferences. Packer introduces theological ideas, from the second commandment to the incarnation and the work of the Spirit, showing that sound theology is meant to lead us to know the triune God himself.

Description: In the first Spring Book Club episode on _Knowing God_ by J. I. Packer, Hunter and Autumn discuss chapters 1–3 and the crucial difference between knowing about God and truly knowing Him. Packer shows how theology, when rightly pursued, fuels devotion rather than pride, inviting us beyond information into relationship. Drawing from Scripture and the example of Daniel, we consider what it actually looks like to know God and how that knowing has the potential to reshape an entire life.

In this episode, we welcome Tyler Hayes to our staff team and to the podcast! Tyler joined our team in December 2025 as the Worship and Arts Pastor at Fellowship Denver North Metro. In today’s podcast, Autumn, Hunter, and Tyler discuss the meaning and purpose of the Lenten season, its roots in the church calendar, and why preparation matters as we journey toward Easter. The conversation reflects on Lent as a season of consecration, confession, and formation—naming the things that lead to death so we can more fully receive the life Jesus offers in the resurrection.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Fellowship Denver Lent Guide

In this episode, we read and summarize a popular post about the “soft life,” sent to us by a podcast listener. The post purports that the promises of wellness and self-care often depend on privilege and discretionary resources. Through a Christian lens, we ask whether an overemphasis on comfort actually forms resilient, virtuous people—or simply offers a means of avoidance. The conversation ultimately re-frames the good life not as something curated through the wellness industry, but as something made available to all through wisdom, sacrifice, and life together in the body of Christ.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Knowing God by J. I. Packer

The Hidden Privilege in 'The Soft Life' No One Wants to Talk About by Israa Nasir (@well.guide on Instagram)

In this episode, Autumn sits down with pastors Rich and Hunter for a beginning-of-the-year Fellowship Denver family meeting. Together, they look ahead to 2026, discussing Fellowship’s priorities and how God may be calling this community to grow in generosity, prayer, and dependence on the Spirit.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

David F Watson response to James Talarico

Justin Giboney response to James Talarico

Navigation Spiritualized; Or a New Compass for Seamen by John Flavel

Renaissance Faith by Hunter Beaumont

Autumn’s sweater