Fresh Ground Theology

Discover how Saint John of the Cross explains darkness that illuminates, transforms the soul, and prepares us for deeper union with God. The post Darkness That Illuminates: St. John of the Cross on the Dark Night appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

This week on Fresh Ground Theology’s The Weekend Cup, we begin the story of Saint Drogo, a medieval orphan who surrendered his inheritance to become a shepherd and pilgrim. We follow his journey from the fields of Sebourg to the roads of Rome, ending with the painful illness that brought his wandering to an end. […] The post Who Was Saint Drogo? The Patron Saint of the Lonely and Forgotten appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

Episode Summary Nate, David, and Wes continue the Rivals to the Kingdom of Yahweh series by diving into the specific gods that populate the Old Testament landscape — not as sticks and stones, but as real spiritual powers with territorial authority, mythological depth, and a direct rivalry with Yahweh. The guys unpack the Deuteronomy 32 […] The post Who Are the “Gods” of the Old Testament? Divine Council Foundations appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

Martyrdom and Legacy In this week’s episode of The Weekend Cup, we conclude our series on Saint Boniface by reflecting on his final missionary journey and his death at the hands of pagan raiders. We examine the enduring legacy he left behind and consider how his life serves as a reminder that the advance of […] The post How Saint Boniface Died—and Why His Mission Still Matters appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

Nate opens this episode in the dark — literally. A wanderer, a treacherous boy named Liron, a whale carcass on a frozen marsh, and a burning ember pressed into a man’s chest by a king who trades in counterfeit fire. The story sets the stage for what Saint John of the Cross calls the pinnacle […] The post Why Prayer Feels Empty: The Dark Night of the Will appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

Reforming the Church and Building Christendom In this week’s episode of The Weekend Cup, we explore Saint Boniface’s efforts to reform the churches of Frankish Europe and establish a lasting Christian witness among the Germanic peoples. We discuss his work with kings and bishops, the founding of monasteries and dioceses, and the importance of spiritual […] The post How Saint Boniface Reformed the Medieval Church appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

Episode Summary Nate, David, and Wes kick off a new series — Rivals to the Kingdom of Yahweh — exploring the supernatural worldview embedded throughout Scripture. From the serpent in Eden to the fallen Watchers of Genesis 6, from the Divine Council of Psalm 82 to Paul’s “rulers and authorities,” the hosts trace a remarkably […] The post The Serpent, the Watchers, and the Divine Council Explained appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

Donar’s Oak In this week’s episode of The Weekend Cup, we continue our look at Saint Boniface by examining one of the most famous confrontations in church history—the felling of the Donar’s Oak (Oak of Thor). More than a dramatic act of courage, Boniface’s challenge to paganism represented a declaration that Christ reigns above every […] The post Why Saint Boniface Cut Down Thor’s Oak appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

The Distracted Christian, with Nate LabadorfA production of Fresh Ground Theology What if God’s silence is not His absence, but His nearness in a form the soul cannot yet bear? In this episode of The Distracted Christian, Nate explores Book 2, Chapters 5–6 of The Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the […] The post When God’s Light Feels Like Darkness: St. John of the Cross appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

The Missionary to Germania In this week’s episode of The Weekend Cup, we sit down with our coffee and journey into the early eighth century to meet Saint Boniface, the English missionary who would become known as the Apostle to the Germans. We explore the spiritual landscape of pagan Germania, Boniface’s call to missionary work, […] The post Who Was Saint Boniface? The Missionary to Germania appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

In this episode of Fresh Ground Theology, David, Wes, and Nate continue their dive into the explosive world of late nineteenth-century American revivalism by focusing on one of the most intense expressions of the Holiness Movement: the Fire-Baptized Holiness Church. Founded in 1895 by Benjamin Hardin Irwin, the Fire-Baptized Holiness Church burned bright and fast. […] The post Why the Fire-Baptized Holiness Church Collapsed appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

In this episode of The Distracted Christian Podcast, Nate continues a contemplative journey through Saint John of the Cross and the deeper work of God in the soul. The episode opens with a fictional scene: the “quiet one” sits in a cold cottage after years of silence, stripped of the fire and sweetness he once […]

In this episode of The Distracted Christian Podcast, Nate continues a contemplative journey through Saint John of the Cross and the deeper work of God in the soul. The episode opens with a fictional scene: the “quiet one” sits in a cold cottage after years of silence, stripped of the fire and sweetness he once […] The post Why God May Feel Absent During Spiritual Growth appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

In this episode of Fresh Ground Theology, Nate, David, and Wes return for part two of their conversation on the Fire-Baptized Holiness Church of God of the Americas — a short-lived but deeply influential Holiness movement that helped prepare the ground for global Pentecostalism. After a coffee-fueled opening involving John the Baptist, Folgers, cowboy coffee, […]

In this episode of Fresh Ground Theology, Nate, David, and Wes return for part two of their conversation on the Fire-Baptized Holiness Church of God of the Americas — a short-lived but deeply influential Holiness movement that helped prepare the ground for global Pentecostalism. After a coffee-fueled opening involving John the Baptist, Folgers, cowboy coffee, […] The post When “Baptism of Fire” Became Holy War appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

Episode Summary After the first cleansing, the soul breathes easier. Prayer flows. God feels close. But Saint John of the Cross warns: this brightness is not the finish line — it may be the edge of a deeper darkness. We open Book 2 of The Dark Night of the Soul and explore why God leads […]

Episode Summary After the first cleansing, the soul breathes easier. Prayer flows. God feels close. But Saint John of the Cross warns: this brightness is not the finish line — it may be the edge of a deeper darkness. We open Book 2 of The Dark Night of the Soul and explore why God leads […] The post What Is the Dark Night of the Spirit? appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

Episode Summary Three guys, three mugs, and one of the most wild and fascinating corners of American church history. This episode dives into the Fire Baptized Holiness Movement — a late nineteenth century revival that preached not just salvation, not just sanctification, but a third blessing: a baptism of fire. Started by a former Nebraska […]

Episode Summary Three guys, three mugs, and one of the most wild and fascinating corners of American church history. This episode dives into the Fire Baptized Holiness Movement — a late nineteenth century revival that preached not just salvation, not just sanctification, but a third blessing: a baptism of fire. Started by a former Nebraska […] The post What Was the Fire-Baptized Holiness Movement? appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

The Distracted Christian, with Nate Labadorf Episode Summary If your prayer life has gone quiet — no feelings, no fire, no sense of God’s presence — this episode is for you. We wrap up Book 1 of The Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross and explore why God strips away […]

The Distracted Christian, with Nate Labadorf Episode Summary If your prayer life has gone quiet — no feelings, no fire, no sense of God’s presence — this episode is for you. We wrap up Book 1 of The Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross and explore why God strips away […] The post What Is the Dark Night of the Senses? St. John of the Cross Explained appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

In this episode of Fresh Ground Theology, David and Nate continue their discussion of spiritual warfare, this time focusing on the New Testament. They explore how Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection confront the powers of darkness, how the Holy Spirit empowers believers in the ongoing conflict, and what spiritual warfare looks like in the ordinary […]

In this episode of Fresh Ground Theology, David and Nate continue their discussion of spiritual warfare, this time focusing on the New Testament. They explore how Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection confront the powers of darkness, how the Holy Spirit empowers believers in the ongoing conflict, and what spiritual warfare looks like in the ordinary […] The post What Does the Bible Teach About Demons and the Kingdom of God? appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

In this episode of The Distracted Christian Podcast, Wes Scott dives into one of the strangest and most fascinating sections of the book of Job: God’s descriptions of Behemoth and Leviathan in Job 40–41. Wes opens with his love for mysterious creatures like Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and even South Carolina’s infamous Lizard Man, […]

In this episode of The Distracted Christian Podcast, Wes Scott dives into one of the strangest and most fascinating sections of the book of Job: God’s descriptions of Behemoth and Leviathan in Job 40–41. Wes opens with his love for mysterious creatures like Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and even South Carolina’s infamous Lizard Man, […] The post What Are Behemoth and Leviathan in the Book of Job? appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

In this episode of Fresh Ground Theology, David and Nate dig into the Old Testament foundations of spiritual warfare. Instead of treating spiritual warfare as merely personal struggle or sensational conflict, they frame it as a cosmic, covenantal reality centered on Yahweh’s kingship, the divine council, holy war, and the empowering work of the Spirit. […]

In this episode of Fresh Ground Theology, David and Nate dig into the Old Testament foundations of spiritual warfare. Instead of treating spiritual warfare as merely personal struggle or sensational conflict, they frame it as a cosmic, covenantal reality centered on Yahweh’s kingship, the divine council, holy war, and the empowering work of the Spirit. […] The post What Is Spiritual Warfare? The Old Testament View appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

In this episode of The Distracted Christian Podcast, Wes Scott continues the series “Strange Passages: Their Meanings and Applications” by looking at Nehemiah 8 and asking a convicting question: Why does a four-hour public reading of Scripture sound crazy to us? Through a mix of humor, personal stories, and pastoral reflection, this episode explores the […]

In this episode of The Distracted Christian Podcast, Wes Scott continues the series “Strange Passages: Their Meanings and Applications” by looking at Nehemiah 8 and asking a convicting question: Why does a four-hour public reading of Scripture sound crazy to us? Through a mix of humor, personal stories, and pastoral reflection, this episode explores the […] The post Why Did Ezra Preach for Hours? Nehemiah 8 Explained appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

Episode Title: The “Big Four” Spiritual Gifts: Tongues, Prophecy, Healing, and Discernment of Spirits What if the most controversial spiritual gifts are also some of the most misunderstood? In FGT18, Nate and David step directly into the deep end: tongues, prophecy, healing, and discernment of spirits—the “flashy” gifts that spark revivals, arguments, fear, curiosity, and […]

Episode Title: The “Big Four” Spiritual Gifts: Tongues, Prophecy, Healing, and Discernment of Spirits What if the most controversial spiritual gifts are also some of the most misunderstood? In FGT18, Nate and David step directly into the deep end: tongues, prophecy, healing, and discernment of spirits—the “flashy” gifts that spark revivals, arguments, fear, curiosity, and […] The post Tongues, Prophecy, Healing, and Discernment: Four Gifts Explained appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

In this “Strange Passages: Their Meanings and Applications” installment, guest host Wes Scott tackles a surprisingly theological question: what does dirt have to do with worship? Using 2 Kings 5:15–19, Wes explores why Naaman—a Syrian commander healed of leprosy—asks for two mule-loads of Israelite soil to take home. The discussion frames Naaman’s request through cosmic […]

In this “Strange Passages: Their Meanings and Applications” installment, guest host Wes Scott tackles a surprisingly theological question: what does dirt have to do with worship? Using 2 Kings 5:15–19, Wes explores why Naaman—a Syrian commander healed of leprosy—asks for two mule-loads of Israelite soil to take home. The discussion frames Naaman’s request through cosmic […] The post Why Did Naaman Ask for Israel’s Dirt? 2 Kings 5 Explained appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

Episode Title: The Holy Spirit and the Kingdom of God: Already Here, Not Yet Complete What if the Kingdom of God isn’t just a future destination—or a vague spiritual feeling—but a present reality breaking into the world right now? In FGT17, David and Nate continue their series on the Holy Spirit by tackling one of […]

Episode Title: The Holy Spirit and the Kingdom of God: Already Here, Not Yet Complete What if the Kingdom of God isn’t just a future destination—or a vague spiritual feeling—but a present reality breaking into the world right now? In FGT17, David and Nate continue their series on the Holy Spirit by tackling one of […] The post How Does the Holy Spirit Bring the Kingdom of God? appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

Guest host: Wes Scott  Series: Strange Passages — Their Meaning and Applications  Primary text: 1 Samuel 28:1–19  When God is silent, Saul turns to the Medium of Endor. Explore 1 Samuel 28, the spiritual realm, and how Christians should seek God biblically.  In this “Strange Passages” episode, Wes Scott walks through 1 Samuel 28:1–19—the unsettling […]

Guest host: Wes Scott  Series: Strange Passages — Their Meaning and Applications  Primary text: 1 Samuel 28:1–19  When God is silent, Saul turns to the Medium of Endor. Explore 1 Samuel 28, the spiritual realm, and how Christians should seek God biblically.  In this “Strange Passages” episode, Wes Scott walks through 1 Samuel 28:1–19—the unsettling […] The post Did Saul Really Speak to Samuel? The Medium of Endor Explained appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

Episode Title: Is Your View of God Shaped by Your Childhood? Attachment Theory, the Holy Spirit, and Healing the Heart What if your relationship with God isn’t just about doctrine, obedience, or spiritual gifts…What if it’s also shaped by your earliest experiences of love, safety, and abandonment? In FGT16, Nate and David step into one […]

What happens when the Bible gets weird—and why does it matter more than we think? In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of the Distracted Christian Podcast, special guest host Wes Scott dives deep into Ruth 3:1–11, one of the most misunderstood and strangely fascinating passages in the Old Testament. This episode is part of the […]

What happens when the Bible gets weird—and why does it matter more than we think? In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of the Distracted Christian Podcast, special guest host Wes Scott dives deep into Ruth 3:1–11, one of the most misunderstood and strangely fascinating passages in the Old Testament. This episode is part of the […] The post What Happened on the Threshing Floor? Ruth 3 Explained appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

Episode theme: Spiritual gifts aren’t about finding your thing. They’re about building the church—in love, order, and truth. What if discovering your spiritual gifts isn’t a personality test…What if it’s not about power, prestige, or platforms…What if the question isn’t “What’s my gift?” but “Who am I called to serve?” In FGT15, Nate and David […]

Episode theme: Spiritual gifts aren’t about finding your thing. They’re about building the church—in love, order, and truth. What if discovering your spiritual gifts isn’t a personality test…What if it’s not about power, prestige, or platforms…What if the question isn’t “What’s my gift?” but “Who am I called to serve?” In FGT15, Nate and David […] The post What Are Spiritual Gifts For? Building Up the Church appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

What if your small group’s biggest problem isn’t the discussion… but the fact that nobody is actually moving? Most groups don’t fall apart because the theology is wrong. They stall because hearts stay stuck: anxious, distracted, guarded, isolated. And week after week, people leave the same way they arrived. This lesson is a hard reset. […]

What if your small group’s biggest problem isn’t the discussion… but the fact that nobody is actually moving? Most groups don’t fall apart because the theology is wrong. They stall because hearts stay stuck: anxious, distracted, guarded, isolated. And week after week, people leave the same way they arrived. This lesson is a hard reset. […] The post How to Pray for Someone’s Spiritual Growth appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

Episode theme: Spiritual gifts are not party tricks. They are relational bridges—between God and His people, and within the Church. If you have ever wondered why spiritual gifts are so controversial—why some chase them, others fear them, and many quietly ignore them—this episode is aimed directly at that tension. Nate and David move from Pentecost […]

Episode theme: Spiritual gifts are not party tricks. They are relational bridges—between God and His people, and within the Church. If you have ever wondered why spiritual gifts are so controversial—why some chase them, others fear them, and many quietly ignore them—this episode is aimed directly at that tension. Nate and David move from Pentecost […] The post Are Spiritual Gifts for You—or for the Church? appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

What do you do with a Bible story that sounds like it belongs in an action movie—complete with assassination, deception, and a king’s humiliating downfall? In this episode, guest host Wes Scott dives into one of the wildest scenes in Judges: Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite, delivers Israel by taking out Eglon king of Moab in […]

What do you do with a Bible story that sounds like it belongs in an action movie—complete with assassination, deception, and a king’s humiliating downfall? In this episode, guest host Wes Scott dives into one of the wildest scenes in Judges: Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite, delivers Israel by taking out Eglon king of Moab in […] The post Why Did God Use Ehud? Judges 3 and the Left-Handed Assassin appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.

Episode theme: Knowing the Holy Spirit as a Person—and why your brain might be part of the story. Coffee is poured. Tea drinkers are jokingly labeled “monsters.” And then the conversation turns unexpectedly deep: What if the Holy Spirit’s nearness isn’t only something you “think,” but something you experience—in breath, body, attention, and inner stillness? […]

Episode theme: Knowing the Holy Spirit as a Person—and why your brain might be part of the story. Coffee is poured. Tea drinkers are jokingly labeled “monsters.” And then the conversation turns unexpectedly deep: What if the Holy Spirit’s nearness isn’t only something you “think,” but something you experience—in breath, body, attention, and inner stillness? […] The post How Do the Holy Spirit and the Human Brain Work Together? appeared first on Fresh Ground Theology.